bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled trial of megestrol acetate or dexamethasone in treating symptomatic anorexia in people with advanced cancer
Authors: Currow David C. , Glare Paul , Louw Sandra , Martin Peter , Clark Katherine , Fazekas Belinda , Agar Meera R.
Published: January 2021

This multi-site, double blind, parallel arm, fixed dose, randomised placebo controlled phase III study compared megestrol acetate 480 mg/day with dexamethasone 4 mg/day for their net effects on appetite in people with cancer anorexia. Patients with advanced cancer and anorexia for ≥ 2 weeks with a score ≤ 4 (0–10 numeric rating scale (NRS) 0 = no appetite, 10 = best possible appetite) were recruited. Participants received megestrol 480 mg or dexamethasone 4 mg or placebo daily for up to 4 weeks. Primary outcomes were at day 7. Responders were defined as having a ≥ 25% improvement in NRS over baseline. There were 190 people randomised (megestrol acetate n = 61; dexamethasone n = 67, placebo n = 62). At week 1 (primary endpoint), 79·3% in the megestrol group, 65·5% in the dexamethasone group and 58·5% in the placebo group (p = 0.067) were responders. No differences in performance status or quality of life were reported. Treatment emergent adverse events were frequent (90·4% of participants), and included altered mood and insomnia. Hyperglycemia and deep vein thromboses were more frequent when on dexamethasone than the other two arms. There was no difference in groups between the three arms, with no benefit seen over placebo with anorexia improving in all arms.

Trail registration: The trial was registered on 19/08/2008 with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12608000405314).
Synthetic photoplethysmography (PPG) of the radial artery through parallelized Monte Carlo and its correlation to body mass index (BMI)
Authors: Boonya-ananta Tananant , Rodriguez Andres J. , Ajmal Ajmal , Du Le Vinh Nguyen , Hansen Anders K. , Hutcheson Joshua D. , Ramella-Roman Jessica C.
Published: January 2021

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and obesity significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The measurement of blood pressure (BP) is critical in monitoring and managing cardiovascular disease hence new wearable devices are being developed to make BP more accessible to physicians and patients. Several wearables utilize photoplethysmography from the wrist vasculature to derive BP assessment although many of these devices are still at the experimental stage. With the ultimate goal of supporting instrument development, we have developed a model of the photoplethysmographic waveform derived from the radial artery at the volar surface of the wrist. To do so we have utilized the relation between vessel biomechanics through Finite Element Method and Monte Carlo light transport model. The model shows similar features to that seen in PPG waveform captured using an off the shelf device. We observe the influence of body mass index on the PPG signal. A degradation the PPG signal of up to 40% in AC to DC signal ratio was thus observed.
Effects of type I Diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase (DGAT1) genes on soybean (Glycine max L.) seed composition
Authors: Torabi Sepideh , Sukumaran Arjun , Dhaubhadel Sangeeta , Johnson Sarah E. , LaFayette Peter , Parrott Wayne A. , Rajcan Istvan , Eskandari Milad
Published: January 2021

Type I Diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT1) catalyzes the final step of the biosynthesis process of triacylglycerol (TAG), the major storage lipids in plant seeds, through the esterification of diacylglycerol (DAG). To characterize the function of DGAT1 genes on the accumulation of oil and other seed composition traits in soybean, transgenic lines were generated via trans-acting siRNA technology, in which three DGAT1 genes (Glyma.13G106100, Glyma.09G065300, and Glyma.17G053300) were downregulated. The simultaneous downregulation of the three isoforms in transgenic lines was found to be associated with the reduction of seed oil concentrations by up to 18 mg/g (8.3%), which was correlated with increases in seed protein concentration up to 42 mg/g (11%). Additionally, the downregulations also influenced the fatty acid compositions in the seeds of transgenic lines through increasing the level of oleic acid, up to 121 mg/g (47.3%). The results of this study illustrate the importance of DGAT1 genes in determining the seed compositions in soybean through the development of new potential technology for manipulating seed quality in soybean to meet the demands for its various food and industrial applications.
Quantitative evaluation of the human vocal fold extracellular matrix using multiphoton microscopy and optical coherence tomography
Authors: Benboujja Fouzi , Hartnick Christopher
Published: January 2021

Identifying distinct normal extracellular matrix (ECM) features from pathology is of the upmost clinical importance for laryngeal diagnostics and therapy. Despite remarkable histological contributions, our understanding of the vocal fold (VF) physiology remains murky. The emerging field of non-invasive 3D optical imaging may be well-suited to unravel the complexity of the VF microanatomy. This study focused on characterizing the entire VF ECM in length and depth with optical imaging. A quantitative morphometric evaluation of the human vocal fold lamina propria using two-photon excitation fluorescence (TPEF), second harmonic generation (SHG), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) was investigated. Fibrillar morphological features, such as fiber diameter, orientation, anisotropy, waviness and second-order statistics features were evaluated and compared according to their spatial distribution. The evidence acquired in this study suggests that the VF ECM is not a strict discrete three-layer structure as traditionally described but instead a continuous assembly of different fibrillar arrangement anchored by predominant collagen transitions zones. We demonstrated that the ECM composition is distinct and markedly thinned in the anterior one-third of itself, which may play a role in the development of some laryngeal diseases. We further examined and extracted the relationship between OCT and multiphoton imaging, promoting correspondences that could lead to accurate 3D mapping of the VF architecture in real-time during phonosurgeries. As miniaturization of optical probes is consistently improving, a clinical translation of OCT imaging and multiphoton imaging, with valuable qualitative and quantitative features, may have significant implications for treating voice disorders.
Measuring inter-individual differences in stress sensitivity during MR-guided prostate biopsy
Authors: Kohn Nils , Heidkamp Jan , Fernández Guillén , Fütterer Jurgen , Tendolkar Indira
Published: January 2021

People often experience high level of distress during invasive interventions, which may exceed their coping abilities. This may be in particular evident when confronted with the suspicion of cancer. Taking the example of prostate biopsy sampling, we aimed at investigating the impact of an MRI guided prostate biopsy on the acute stress response and its mechanistic basis. We recruited 20 men with a clinical suspicion of prostate cancer. Immediately before an MRI guided biopsy procedure, we conducted fMRI in the same scanner to assess resting-state brain connectivity. Physiological and hormonal stress measures were taken during the procedure and associated with questionnaires, hair cortisol levels and brain measures to elucidate mechanistic factors for elevated stress. As expected, patients reported a stress-related change in affect. Decreased positive affect was associated with higher hair but not saliva cortisol concentration. Stronger use of maladaptive emotion regulation techniques, elevated depression scores and higher within-salience-network connectivity was associated with stronger increase in negative affect and/or decrease of positive affect during the procedure. While being limited in its generalization due to age, sample size and gender, our proof of concept study demonstrates the utility of real-life stressors and large-scale brain network measures in stress regulation research with potential impact in clinical practice.
Surfactant protein A reduces TLR4 and inflammatory cytokine mRNA levels in neonatal mouse ileum
Authors: Liu Lidan , Aron Chaim Z. , Grable Cullen M. , Robles Adrian , Liu Xiangli , Liu Yuying , Fatheree Nicole Y. , Rhoads J. Marc , Alcorn Joseph L.
Published: January 2021

Levels of intestinal toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) impact inflammation in the neonatal gastrointestinal tract. While surfactant protein A (SP-A) is known to regulate TLR4 in the lung, it also reduces intestinal damage, TLR4 and inflammation in an experimental model of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in neonatal rats. We hypothesized that SP-A-deficient (SP-A−/−) mice have increased ileal TLR4 and inflammatory cytokine levels compared to wild type mice, impacting intestinal physiology. We found that ileal TLR4 and proinflammatory cytokine levels were significantly higher in infant SP-A−/− mice compared to wild type mice. Gavage of neonatal SP-A−/− mice with purified SP-A reduced ileal TLR4 protein levels. SP-A reduced expression of TLR4 and proinflammatory cytokines in normal human intestinal epithelial cells (FHs74int), suggesting a direct effect. However, incubation of gastrointestinal cell lines with proteasome inhibitors did not abrogate the effect of SP-A on TLR4 protein levels, suggesting that proteasomal degradation is not involved. In a mouse model of experimental NEC, SP-A−/− mice were more susceptible to intestinal stress resembling NEC, while gavage with SP-A significantly decreased ileal damage, TLR4 and proinflammatory cytokine mRNA levels. Our data suggests that SP-A has an extrapulmonary role in the intestinal health of neonatal mice by modulating TLR4 and proinflammatory cytokines mRNA expression in intestinal epithelium.
In vitro anticancer activity of hydrogen sulfide and nitric oxide alongside nickel nanoparticle and novel mutations in their genes in CRC patients
Authors: Housein Zjwan , Kareem Tayeb Sabir , Salihi Abbas
Published: January 2021

This study was carried out to assess the impact of nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) as well as scorpion venom on colorectal cancer (CRC) cells in the presence and/or absence of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and nitric oxide (NO) donors and to determine alterations in endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) enzyme-producing genes in CRC patients. The IC50 of both H2S and NO donors, along with NiNPs, were determined. The CRC cells were treated for 24hrs, and the cytotoxic activities were assessed using the MTT test. Moreover, the apoptosis was determined after 24hrs and 48hrs using TUNEL assay. Furthermore, the mutations in the eNOS gene (intron 4, -786T>C and 894 G>T) and CSE gene (1364GT) were determined using direct sequencing. The IC50 values for sodium disulfide (Na2S) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) at 24hrs treatment were found to be 5 mM and 10−6 M, respectively, while the IC50 value for 5-FU was reached after 5-days of treatment in CRC cell line. Both black and yellow scorpion venoms showed no inhibition of cell proliferation after 24hrs treatment. Furthermore, Na2S showed a significant decrease in cell proliferation and an increase in apoptosis. Moreover, a co-treatment of SNP and 5-FU resulted in inhibition of the cytotoxic effect of 5-FU, while a combination treatment of NiNPs with Na2S, SNP, and 5-FU caused highly significant cytotoxicity. Direct sequencing reveals new mutations, mainly intronic variation in eNOS gene that has not previously been described in the database. These findings indicate that H2S promotes the anticancer efficiency of 5-FU in the presence of NiNPs while NO has antiapoptotic activity in CRC cell lines.
Diagnostic performance of cone-beam computed tomography for scaphoid fractures: a systematic review and diagnostic meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Ta-Wei , Lin Yen-Yue , Hsu Shih-Chang , Chu Karen Chia-Wen , Hsiao Chih-Wei , Hsu Chin-Wang , Bai Chyi-Huey , Chang Cheng-Kuang , Hsu Yuan-Pin
Published: January 2021

Scaphoid fractures are the most common carpal fractures. Diagnosing scaphoid fractures is challenging. Recently, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been shown to be a promising strategy for diagnosing scaphoid fractures. The diagnostic performance of CBCT remains inconclusive in the literature. Through a systematic review and meta-analysis, our study aims to determine the diagnostic performance of CBCT for diagnosing scaphoid fractures. Five databases were searched up to March 25, 2020. We included prospective and retrospective studies describing the diagnostic accuracy of CBCT for scaphoid fractures in adult patients. QUADAS-2 tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Four studies (n = 350) were included in the meta-analysis. Three of the four studies had high bias risk. The result showed that CBCT had a pooled sensitivity of 0.88 and a pooled specificity of 0.99 for scaphoid fracture diagnosis. The heterogeneities of sensitivity and specificity were substantial. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.98. No significant publication bias was observed. The result suggested that the diagnostic performance of CBCT for scaphoid fracture was excellent. The certainty of current evidence is low. Further well-designed studies with large sample sizes are warranted to confirm this finding.
Supramolecular salts assembled by melamine and two organic hydroxyl acids: synthesis, structure, hydrogen bonds, and luminescent property
Authors: Li Fengcai , Xu Hao , Xu Xinwei , Cang Hui , Xu Jiaying , Chen Song
Published: January 2021

Two novel supramolecular salts are synthesized by melamine and organic hydroxyl carboxylic acids. The structure prediction, purity, luminescent property, and thermal stability are investigated by theoretical and experimental analysis.
First-principles calculation of 11B solid-state NMR parameters of boron-rich compounds II: the orthorhombic phases MgB7 and MgB12C2 and the boron modification γ-B28
Authors: Ludwig Martin , Hillebrecht Harald
Published: January 2021

After referencing 11B NMR spectra for molecular icosahedral boranes and the subsequent transfer to boron-rich borides of the α-rB12 type, we show that NMR spectra of borides with four or five symmetry-independent boron atoms can also be calculated.
Mechanical hydrolysis imparts self-destruction of water molecules under steric confinement
Authors: Hosseini Ehsan , Zakertabrizi Mohammad , Habibnejad Korayem Asghar , Carbone Paola , Esfandiar Ali , Shahsavari Rouzbeh
Published: January 2021

A new hydrolysis mechanism of water molecules in extremely confined conditions of the graphene nanosheet interlayer.
A novel biocompatible formate bridged 1D-Cu(ii) coordination polymer induces apoptosis selectively in human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cells
Authors: Usman Mohammad , Khan Rais Ahmad , Khan Mohammad Rashid , Abul Farah Mohammad , BinSharfan Ibtisam I. , Alharbi Walaa , Shaik Jilani. P. , Parine Narasimha Reddy , Alsalme Ali , Tabassum Sartaj
Published: January 2021

Copper compounds are promising candidates for next-generation metal anticancer drugs.
An advanced color tunable persistent luminescent NaCa2GeO4F:Tb3+phosphor for multicolor anti-counterfeiting
Authors: Pei Pengxiang , DuanMu Pengbo , Wang Binbin , Miao Xuan , Zhang Cheng , Liu Weisheng
Published: January 2021

A multicolor long persistent luminescence (PersL) NaCa2GeO4F:Tb3+phosphor.
FertDish: microfluidic sperm selection-in-a-dish for intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Authors: Xiao Sa , Riordon Jason , Simchi Mohammad , Lagunov Alexander , Hannam Thomas , Jarvi Keith , Nosrati Reza , Sinton David
Published: January 2021

The FertDish features a clinically applicable sperm processing format, and enables high recovery of motile sperm with high DNA quality.
Multi-curvature micropatterns unveil distinct calcium and mitochondrial dynamics in neuronal networks
Authors: Khan Hammad , Beck Connor , Kunze Anja
Published: January 2021

Soft-embossed highly-parallelized multi-curvature micropatterns model the impact of different curvatures (k = 0.003–0.2 μm−1) inspired by the human cerebral tissue folds on changes in spontaneous neuronal calcium signals and mitochondrial transport.
Removal of a cationic dye from aqueous solution by a porous adsorbent templated from eco-friendly Pickering MIPEs using chitosan-modified semi-coke particles
Authors: Yu Hui , Zhu Yongfeng , Mu Bin , Hui Aiping , Wang Aiqin
Published: January 2021

Porous materials prepared from high internal phase emulsions have been attracting much attention in recent years, but two major defects related to the high consumption of organic solvent and surfactants are always difficult to solve.
Impact-resistant carbon nanotube woven films: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Wu Fan , Zhao Yushun , Zhao Yifan , Zhao Yue , Sui Chao , He Xiaodong , Wang Chao , Tan Huifeng
Published: January 2021

A new structure of 2D films woven with single-walled CNTs was studied by molecular simulation. The films presents obvious anisotropy with high impacting strength and percentage of absorbed energy. This work broadens the applications of CNT-based nanomaterials.
Biomimetic cytomembrane nanovaccines prevent breast cancer development in the long term
Authors: Xiao Long , Huang Yu , Yang Yuhe , Miao Zhiwei , Zhu Jie , Zhong Mengdan , Feng Chencheng , Tang Wenkai , Zhou Jinhua , Wang Lihong , Zhao Xin , Wang Zhirong
Published: January 2021

Biomimetic cytomembrane nanovaccines were fabricated to enhance immunity and induce the generation of immune response to fight against breast cancer challenge.
The copper-catalyzed synthesis of (Z)-2H-naphtho[1,8-bc]thiophenes with solid emission
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Lai Weiping , Zhang Lianpeng , Gao Xiaoxing , Qiu Guanyinsheng , Zhou Hongwei
Published: January 2021

The copper-catalyzed one pot synthesis of polysubstituted (Z)-2H-naphtho[1,8-bc]thiophenes is reported using potassium ethylxanthate as the sulfur source. The synthesized polysubstituted (Z)-2H-naphtho[1,8-bc]thiophenes exhibited solid emission.
Oxidation and ATP dual-responsive block copolymer containing tertiary sulfoniums: self-assembly, protein complexation and triggered release
Authors: Jiang Yanfen , Dong Shuqi , Qin Guoyang , Liu Li , Zhao Hanying
Published: January 2021

Alkylation of thioether-containing block copolymer simultaneously incorporated sulfoniums and phenylboronic acid moieties. The co-assembly of this cationic polymer and protein generated micelles with an H2O2-and ATP-responsive release profile.
The solvent-free one-pot multicomponent tandem polymerization of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones (DHPMs) catalyzed by ionic-liquid@Fe3O4 NPs: the development of polyamide gels
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Mayank  , Bains Deepak , Singh Gagandeep , Kaur Navneet , Singh Narinder
Published: January 2021

Solvent-free MCTP via Biginelli DHPMs catalyzed by a non-toxic magnetic catalyst (IL1–2@ Fe3O4) in a one-pot reaction was illustrated for the development of fluorescent non-conjugated polyamide gels.
Sequence-controlled supramolecular copolymer constructed by self-sorting assembly of multiple noncovalent interactions
Authors: Li Hui , Yang Ying , Xu Fenfen , Duan Zhaozhao , Li Riqiang , Wen Herui , Tian Wei
Published: January 2021

A sequence-controlled supramolecular copolymer was constructed by self-sorting assembly of metal coordination and two types of host–guest interactions.
Short-chain reactive probes as tools to unravel the Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing regulon
Authors: Yashkin Alex , Rayo Josep , Grimm Larson , Welch Martin , Meijler Michael M.
Published: January 2021

Short-chain reactive probes can be used as tools to shed new light on virulence mechanisms in bacterial pathogens.
Hydrothermal combined with electrodeposition construction of a stable Co9S8/Ni3S2@NiFe-LDH heterostructure electrocatalyst for overall water splitting
Authors: Liu Fu , Guo Xingzhong , Hou Yang , Wang Fan , Zou Chang , Yang Hui
Published: January 2021

This paper provides a controllable process to prepare stable and efficient water splitting electrocatalysts which can be applied to renewable energy storage and conversion.
Ruthenium-catalysed synthesis of chiral exocyclic allylic alcohols via chemoselective transfer hydrogenation of 2-arylidene cycloalkanones
Authors: Zhang Kaili , Liu Qixing , He Renke , Chen Danyi , Deng Zhangshuang , Huang Nianyu , Zhou Haifeng
Published: January 2021

An asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of 2-arylidene four-, five-, six-, and seven-membered cycloalkanones under mild conditions has been performed. Various chiral exocyclic allylic alcohols were obtained by an exclusive reduction of CO bonds.
Selective hydrogenolysis of furfural into fuel-additive 2-methylfuran over a rhenium-promoted copper catalyst
Authors: Chuseang Jirawat , Nakwachara Rapeepong , Kalong Munsuree , Ratchahat Sakhon , Koo-amornpattana Wanida , Klysubun Wantana , Khemthong Pongtanawat , Faungnawakij Kajornsak , Assabumrungrat Suttichai , Itthibenchapong Vorranutch , Srifa Atthapon
Published: January 2021

A highly stable rhenium-promoted copper catalyst catalyzes the hydrogenolysis of furfural, a platform chemical derived from sustainable bioresources, into the fuel-additive 2-methylfuran.
Auditory brainstem responses in aging dark agouti rats
Authors: Beltrame Angela K. , Dahms Nancy M. , Runge Christina L.
Published: January 2021

The present study examined auditory function across age in the dark agouti (DA) rat strain. Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) were measured for frequencies 8, 16, and 32 kHz in male and female DA rats from 3 to 18 months of age. Hearing thresholds and absolute and interpeak latencies (IPLs) were analyzed. Male hearing thresholds remained stable for the first year of life and then significantly increased at 18 months across all frequencies; female hearing remained stable at all tested ages out to 18 months. At 12 months, male DA rats showed significantly longer absolute latencies by age (i.e., compared with 3-month-old males) and sex (compared with 12-month-old females), with no differences in IPLs. At 18 months, female DA rats showed significantly longer absolute latencies with age (compared with 3-month-old females) and sex (compared with 18-month-old males), particularly for the later waves. Female IPLs were also significantly longer with age and by sex for the later waves. This report supports the feasibility of using male DA rats in studies to investigate age-related hearing loss (ARHL; presbycusis).
SNHG15 knockdown inhibits diabetic nephropathy progression in pediatric patients by regulating the miR-141/ICAM-1 axisin vitro
Authors: Liu Jiewei , Cai Dongliang , Wang Ying , Zou Yanhong , Zhao Tana
Published: January 2021

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are confirmed to be involved in modulating diabetic nephropathy (DN). The present study is aimed to explore the regulatory mechanism of lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 15 (SNHG15) on pediatric DN. Human glomerular mesangial cells (HGMCs) were exposed to high glucose (HG) to produce an in vitro model. The results showed that SNHG15 was remarkably up-regulated in pediatric DN tissues and HG-induced HGMCs. Functional experiments indicated that both silencing of SNHG15 and overexpression of miR-141 elevated the cell viability, and suppressed the inflammation in HG-induced HGMCs. SNHG15 was identified to be a lncRNA that could bind to miR-141, and ICAM-1 was a downstream target gene of miR-141. Both the low expression of miR-141 and high expression of ICAM-1 reversed the inhibiting effect of SNHG15 knockdown on inflammatory response, and the promoting effect on cell viability. To conclude, our study revealed that silencing of SNHG15 ameliorated the malignant behaviors of pediatric DN via modulating the miR-141/ICAM-1 axis in vitro.
Gravesʼ Orbitopathy: Current Concepts for Medical Treatment
Authors: Oeverhaus Michael , Stöhr Mareile , Möller Lars , Führer Dagmar , Eckstein Anja
Published: January 2021

Background The therapy of severe manifestations of Gravesʼ orbitopathy (GO) is still a challenge and requires good interdisciplinary cooperation. It is especially important to use stage-adapted anti-inflammatory therapy to avoid irreversible damage.

Material and Methods Discussion of the latest results of multicentre randomised therapy studies on anti-inflammatory treatments for Gravesʼ orbitopathy, as well as new therapeutic concepts.

Results Mild cases of GO can be treated with only selenium supplementation and a watchful waiting strategy. In the moderate-to-severe active form of GO, primary therapy consists of i. v. steroids (cumulative 4 – 5 g) in combination with orbital irradiation in patients with impaired motility. In patients with insufficient therapeutic response after 6 weeks, treatment should be switched to other immunosuppressive agents. In severe sight-threatening disease, bony orbital decompression is usually necessary. As basic research has improved our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of GO, it has been possible to develop targeted therapies for GO. Teprotumumab, an IGF-1 receptor antibody, was effective in treating GO patients in a phase III trial and should soon be awarded approval for Europe.

Conclusion The current therapy concept for Gravesʼ orbitopathy is as follows: first anti-inflammatory therapy then surgical correction of the permanent defects. This may soon be modified, due to the use of targeted therapies.
A Netnography and a Survey on Doping Use among Competitive Doping-untested Strength-sport Athletes
Authors: Jokipalo Iiro , Khudayarov Anna
Published: January 2021

Doping-untested strength-sport athletes (powerlifters, strongmen, armlifters, etc.,) are infamous for their doping use, but their exact doping regimens are not known. The purpose of this study was to provide a reasonable portrait of doping history in this specific athlete group for medical practitioners. Seventy-five athletes were selected by netnography of the social media community around the Finnish doping-untested strength-sport federations on the basis of their activity in doping-related discussions, and the athletes were invited to answer a detailed doping-related anonymous survey. Fifty respondents completed the survey. 100% of the respondents reported use of anabolic androgenic steroids, 66% reported use of stimulants, and 80% use of non-steroidal anabolic substances. The doses of both testosterone products and human growth hormone were notably larger than reported in previous studies of gym users (mostly non-competitive athletes). The subjects reported simultaneous use of an average 5.66 illegal substances, and lifetime use of 16.78 illegal substances. The doses of illicit drugs, as well as polypharmacy, among competitive doping-untested strength-sport athletes are higher than previously reported among recreational gym users, and side effects are likely in this specific population.
Estimating Inert Gas Bubbling from Simple SCUBA Diving Parameters
Authors: Fichtner Andreas , Brunner Benedikt , Pohl Thomas , Grab Thomas , Fieback Tobias , Koch Thea
Published: January 2021

Inert gas bubbles frequently occur in SCUBA divers’ vascular systems, eventually leading to decompression accidents. Only in professional settings, dive profiles can be adjusted on individual basis depending on bubble grades detected through ultrasonography. A total of 342 open-circuit air dives following sports diving profiles were assessed using echocardiography. Subsequently, (Eftedal-Brubakk) bubble grades were correlated with dive and individual parameters. Post-dive cardiac bubbles were observed in 47% of all dives and bubble grades were significantly correlated with depth (r=0.46), air consumption (r=0.41), age (r=0.25), dive time (r=0.23), decompression diving (r=0.19), surface time (r=− 0.12). Eftedal-Brubakk categorical bubble grades for sports diving with compressed air can be approximated by bubble grade = (age*50−1 – surface time*150−1+maximum depth*45−1+air consumption*4500−1)2 (units in years, hours, meter, and bar*liter; R2=0.31). Thus, simple dive and individual parameters allow reasonable estimation of especially relevant medium to higher bubble grades for information on relevant decompression stress after ascent. Echo bubble grade 0 is overestimated by the formula derived. However, echo might fail to detect minor bubbling only. The categorical prediction of individual decompression stress with simple bio and dive data should be evaluated further to be developed towards dive computer included automatic ex-post information for decision-making on individual safety measures.
Artemisia annua – Importance in Traditional Medicine and Current State of Knowledge on the Chemistry, Biological Activity and Possible Applications
Authors: Ekiert Halina , Świątkowska Joanna , Klin Paweł , Rzepiela Agnieszka , Szopa Agnieszka
Published: January 2021

Artemisia annua (annual mugwort) is a species that has long been used in traditional Asian medicine, mainly Chinese and Hindu. The species is widespread and known as a medicinal plant not only in Asia but also in Europe, in both Americas, and Australia. The species has become a subject of particular interest due to the 2015 Nobel Prize awarded for detecting the sesquiterpene lactone artemisinin in it and proving its antimalarial activities. The raw materials obtained from this species are Artemisiae annuae folium and Artemisiae annuae herba. The leaves are a raw material in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and Vietnamese Pharmacopoeia. Both raw materials are in the International Pharmacopoeia published by the WHO. The main components of these raw materials are mainly specific sesquiterpene lactones, essential oil, flavonoids, coumarins, and phenolic acids. In traditional Asian medicine, the species is used, for example, in the treatment of jaundice and bacterial dysentery, as an antipyretic agent in malaria and tuberculosis, in the treatment of wounds and haemorrhoids, and in viral, bacterial, and autoimmune diseases. Professional pharmacological studies conducted today have confirmed its known traditional applications and explain previously unknown mechanisms of its biological action and have also found evidence of new directions of biological activity, including, among others, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, antitumour, and nephroprotective activities. The species is of growing importance in the cosmetics industry.
Homoeopathy—A Plausible Alternative Treatment of De Quervain's Tenosynovitis: Case Reports
Authors: Dixit Ashish Kumar
Published: January 2021

Background De Quervain's tenosynovitis (DQT) is a disorder characterised by pain on the radial side of the wrist, impairment of thumb function and thickening of the ligamentous structure covering the tendons in the first dorsal compartment in the wrist.

Methods Two patients—a 50-year-old housewife and a 43-year-old computer operator were treated with a homoeopathic medicine ‘Rhus toxicodendron’ prescribed in 1M potency. The assessment was done using a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, quality of life (QoL) and range of motion (ROM) at baseline and end of the treatment. Assessment of causal attribution of treatment effect was done with the Modified Naranjo Criteria.

Result Both the cases showed a marked reduction in VAS (from +8 to 0 for both cases) and increase in QoL (from +5 to +10 & from +7 to +9) and ROM. The Modified Naranjo Criteria total score for each case was +7/13.

Conclusion Homoeopathy can be an effective approach in the management of DQT. Randomised controlled trials are thus indicated.
Patient, Defect, and Surgical Factors Influencing Use of Ancillary Procedures after Facial Mohs Repairs
Authors: Neuner Romy A. , Sclafani Anthony P. , Minkis Kira , Obayemi Ade , Navrazhina Kristina , Cressey Brienne , Ojeda Sam , Trujillo Oscar
Published: January 2021

This article determines if patient, defect, and repair factors can be used to predict the use of additional treatments to achieve optimal aesthetic results after repair of facial Mohs defects. An electronic chart review of patients undergoing Mohs excision and reconstruction of facial neoplasms from November 2005 to April 2017 was performed, reviewing patient demographics and history, tumor size, defect size and location, method and service of reconstruction, time between resection and repair, complications, and subsequent treatments. A total of 1,500 cases with basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma were analyzed. The average defect size was 3.09 ± 8.06 cm2; 81.9% of defects were less than 4 cm2 in size. Advancement flaps were used to repair 44.3% of defects. Complications and undesired sequelae (CUS) were noted in 15.9% of cases; scar hypertrophy or keloid (10.8%) was most common. Postoperative ancillary procedures were performed in less than one-quarter (23.4%) of patients to enhance the postrepair appearance; the most common procedures were intralesional corticosteroid injections and pulse dye laser treatments. CUS were more likely in females (19.6%), defects on the lips (28.7%) and on the nose (27.3%) (p < 0.001 for each). Females (22.7% vs. 12.7%), lip repairs (40.2% vs. 18.3%), transposition flaps (39.2% vs. 14.8%), and repairs performed by a dermatologist (17.9% vs. 11.2%) (p < 0.001 for each) were more likely to be treated with postoperative corticosteroid injections. Females (14.5% vs. 7.4%), patients under the age of 60 years (13.9% vs. 8.8%), and patients whose repair was performed by a dermatologist (11.9% vs. 2.9%) (p < 0.001 for each) were more likely to receive postoperative pulsed dye laser treatments. CUS and ancillary procedures after repair of facial Mohs defects are uncommon. Awareness of individual risk factors and defect characteristics allows the surgeon to choose the most appropriate repair technique while anticipating the potential need for ancillary procedures.
Bell's Palsy Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a 2-Year-Old Child
Authors: Bsales Serina , Olson Birk , Gaur Sunanda , Chefitz Dalya , Carayannopoulos Mary , Uprety Priyanka , Esfahanizadeh Abdolreza
Published: January 2021

Bell's palsy (BP) is an acute, unilateral facial nerve palsy (FNP) that is a diagnosis of exclusion, sometimes associated with infectious causes. In this article, we described a previously healthy 2-year-old child patient who presented with left-sided facial droop, positive severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), positive SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin (Ig)-G antibody, and negative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) SARS-CoV-2 (PCR and serology). This is the second reported pediatric case of BP in the setting of SARS-CoV-2, and the first in a child without comorbidities. Due to the positive antibody test, we presented the idea that SARS-CoV-2 could be a triggering factor of the FNP, possibly occurring in the later stages of disease.
Prehospital EMS Triage for Acute Stroke Care
Authors: Noorian Ali Reza
Published: January 2021

Acute stroke has had major advances over the last two decades due to the introduction of pharmacologic and endovascular revascularization, which can improve functional outcome. Stroke systems of care have been developed to provide faster, more efficient care for stroke patients. A major part of these care pathways is prehospital care, when patients are triaged to appropriate levels of care. It is essential that prehospital scales are used accurately and effectively by emergency medical services to assist them with the triage process. New technologies including mobile stroke units, telemedicine, and wearable technology have been introduced as options for optimization of this emergent process.
Five-body central configurations and symmetry
Authors: Piña E.
Published: January 2021

We study five-body central configurations. The three-body equilateral triangle Lagrange’s central configuration and four-body equilateral tetrahedron Lehmann-Filhès’s central configuration were generalized to an equilateral five-body central configuration in four dimensions. Our working tool is a coordinate system that had many useful properties in considering central configurations of three, four, and five bodies. From this equilateral solution, projecting to three dimensions, we compute concave and convex five-body central configurations of five different positive masses. We discover the possibility of geometric symmetry of these solutions when two of the masses are equal. Then we study the plane symmetric central configurations with a kite figure. This figure has three masses on the symmetry axis of the kite and two equal masses symmetrically placed on a transversal orthogonal line to the axis. Our parameters are now the masses and the distances along the axis of symmetry. The distances are measured with respect to the crossing point of the diagonals. In this paper, we find and solve a linear equation for these three masses in terms of the distances. We will draw an example of typical elliptic trajectories obeying the Newton equations of motion in such a kite central configuration.
Development of a type of differential switched oscillator system for the radiation of mesoband high-power electromagnetic pulses
Authors: Wang Shao-fei , Xie Yan-zhao , Zhu Zi-jun , Qiu Yang-xin
Published: January 2021

In this Note, a type of Differential Switched Oscillator (DSWO) system is developed and compared with the conventional single-ended switched oscillator; the power capacity of the DSWO is twice with the same insulation level and twice total length. The DSWO system consists of a differential high-voltage pulsed source, a DSWO, and a pair of differential helical antennas. The differential pulsed source is based on the hydrogen thyratron and pulsed transformer whose peak voltage can theoretically reach ±100 kV to break down the high-pressure switch, whose limiting gas pressure is 25 atm; the DSWO is designed to generate a damped oscillation pulse with a central frequency of 300 MHz, which is also the central frequency of the differential helical antennas. Thus, a damped oscillation pulse can be produced and radiated to generate high-power mesoband circularly polarized electromagnetic fields, and the axial ratio is 1.98. According to the measured results, the central frequency of the developed DSWO is 284 MHz, the percent bandwidth of the radiating field is 11%, and the amplitude of the far-field effective potential is 105 kV.
Ultrahigh adhesion between carbon nanotube and free-standing monolayer graphene
Authors: Gong Weiwei , Zheng Shigui , Zhang Zhijuan , Wang Haidong
Published: January 2021

Using a self-prepared individual carbon nanotube (CNT) mechanical force sensor, we measured the adhesion between CNT and free-standing monolayer graphene and other bulk substrates. All the measurements were made by using the same CNT force sensor under the same conditions, such as moving speed, observation angle, temperature, and vacuum pressure, confirming the reliability and accuracy of experimental data. The adhesion at contact is proportional to the deformation of the curved CNT, which can be directly measured in a scanning electron microscope. It was found that the deformation of CNT was the largest on the suspended graphene, showing that the suspended graphene has the largest adhesion on CNT. This unusually high adhesion on suspended monolayer graphene is related to the low bending stiffness and extreme flexibility of this atomically thin layer. The main contribution of this work is to demonstrate the unusually high adhesion on suspended graphene experimentally. More advanced modeling needs complicated molecular dynamics simulation and surface energy computation in our future work.
Axisymmetry breaking, chaos, and symmetry recovery in bubble film thickness profiles due to evaporation-induced Marangoni flows
Authors: Chandran Suja V. , Hadidi A. , Kannan A. , Fuller G. G.
Published: January 2021

Understanding the dynamics of evaporating thin liquid films is of practical and fundamental interest. Practically, this understanding is crucial for tuning bubble stability, while fundamentally thin films are an excellent platform to study the characteristics of evaporation-driven two-dimensional (2D) flows. Here, we experimentally study, across a wide range of volatile species concentrations (c0), the spatial and temporal dynamics of film thickness profiles [h(r, θ, t)] over bubbles in binary liquid mixtures subjected to evaporation-induced Marangoni flows. Initially, we probe the spatial structure and show that the spatial symmetry of the film thickness profiles is non-monotonic functions of volatile species concentration with profiles being axisymmetric for both very low (∼1%) and very high (∼90%) concentrations. The temporal evolution of the film thickness fluctuations reveals a similar non-monotonic dependence between the species concentration and the spatial prevalence of fluctuation stochasticity. At a tested intermediate species concentration of 50%, we observe a complete breakdown in spatial symmetry and obtain film thickness fluctuations that are chaotic everywhere in space with spatially invariant fluctuation statistics and rapidly decaying spatial correlation. The observed non-monotonic behavior is a result of the system sensitivity to ambient perturbations scaling as Δγc0(1 − c0)/μ, where Δγ is the difference in equilibrium surface tension between the two species in the mixture and μ is the dynamic viscosity. These insights along with the reported experimental setup serve as an excellent platform to further investigate evaporation-driven 2D chaotic flows.
Growth, sintering, and chemical states of Co supported on reducible CeO2(111) thin films: The effects of the metal coverage and the nature of the support
Authors: Zhou Jing , Du Linze , Braedt Daniel L. , Miao Jintao , Senanayake Sanjaya D.
Published: January 2021

The growth, sintering, and interaction of cobalt with ceria were studied under ultrahigh vacuum conditions by vapor-deposition of Co onto well-defined CeOx(111) (1.5 < x < 2) thin films grown on Ru(0001). Charge transfer from Co to ceria occurs upon deposition of Co on CeO1.96 and partially reduced CeO1.83 at 300 K. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies show that Co is oxidized to Co2+ species at the cost of the reduction of Ce4+ to Ce3+, at a lesser extent on reduced ceria. Co2+ is the predominant species on CeO1.96 at low Co coverages (e.g., ≤0.20 ML). The ratio of metallic Co/Co2+ increases with the increase in the Co coverage. However, both metallic Co and Co2+ species are present on CeO1.83 even at low Co coverages with metallic Co as the major species. Scanning tunneling microscopy results demonstrate that Co tends to wet the CeO1.96 surface at very low Co coverages at room temperature forming one-atomic layer high structures of Co–O–Ce. The increase in the Co coverage can cause the particle growth into three-dimensional structures. The formation of slightly flatter Co particles was observed on reduced CeO1.83. In comparison with other transition metals including Ni, Rh, Pt, and Au, our studies demonstrate that Co on ceria exhibits a smaller particle size and higher thermal stability, likely arising from strong metal–support interactions. The formed particles upon Co deposition at 300 K are present on the ceria surface after heating to 1000 K. The Co–ceria interface can be tuned by varying the Co metal coverage, the annealing temperature, and the nature of the ceria surface.
Growth of Megathyrsus maximus cv. Mombaça as affected by grazing strategies and environmental seasonality. II. Dynamics of herbage accumulation
Authors: Carnevalli Roberta Aparecida , Congio Guilhermo Francklin de Souza , Sbrissia André Fischer , da Silva Sila Carneiro
Published: January 2021

For tropical forage grasses, leaves are the main morphological component accumulated at the beginning of regrowth, and as leaf area index increases, plants change their growth pattern, allocating more resources to stem elongation as a means of optimising light capture. We hypothesised that, for Mombaça guineagrass, stem elongation and leaf senescence rate play a major role in determining net herbage accumulation rate (NHAR) and that senescence would be the key factor driving the reduction in NHAR when regrowth is interrupted beyond the critical leaf area index, that is, when canopy light interception (LI) exceeds 95%. Treatments corresponded to all combinations of two levels of pre-grazing canopy LI during regrowth (LI95% and LIMax) and two post-grazing heights (30 and 50 cm), and were allocated to experimental units according to a randomised complete block design with four replications. Measurements were performed throughout contrasting climatic conditions during four seasons from January 2001 to February 2002. Overall, spring and the two summers were the seasons when rates of leaf appearance, leaf elongation and leaf growth rate were higher, and leaf lifespan was smaller; the inverse occurred during autumn–winter. Despite the lack of statistically significant differences in NHAR between LI treatments during some seasons of the year, the ratio of leaf growth rate to NHAR was consistently higher for LI95% than LIMax. The pre-grazing target of LI95% was also efficient for decreasing stem elongation and leaf senescence rate. Increased senescence on individual tillers was the key driver generating modifications in the patterns of variation in NHAR beyond the critical leaf area index, suggesting that there is no advantage in extending the regrowth period when the main objective is to maximise leaf growth rate or NHAR.
The application of near infrared spectroscopy to predict faecal nitrogen and phosphorus in multiple ruminant herbivore species
Authors: Tolleson D. R. , Angerer J. P.
Published: January 2021

Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was applied to determine faecal nitrogen and phosphorus using a temporo-spatially diverse dataset derived from multiple ruminant herbivore species (i.e. cattle, bison, deer, elk, goats, and sheep). Single-species NIRS calibrations have previously been developed to predict faecal constituents. Multi-species NIRS calibrations have previously been developed for herbivore faecal nitrogen but not for faecal phosphorus. Faecal samples representing a herd or flock composite were analysed via NIRS (400–2498nm). Calibration sets for faecal nitrogen and phosphorus were developed from: (1) all samples from all six species, (2) all cattle samples only, (3) all samples except those from bison, (4) all samples except those from deer, (5) all samples except those from elk, (6) all samples except those from goats, and (7) all samples except those from sheep. Validation sample sets included: (1) each of the individual species (predicted with a cattle only-derived calibration), and (2) each of the individual species (other than cattle) predicted with a multi-species calibration constructed from all cattle samples plus those samples from the remaining four species (i.e. ‘leave-one-out’). All multiple coefficient of determination (R2) values for faecal nitrogen calibrations were ≥0.97. Corresponding standard error of cross validation (SECV) values were ≤0.13. Validation simple coefficient of determination (r2) and standard error of prediction (SEP) of each alternate species using the cattle-derived calibration ranged from 0.76 to 0.84, and 0.28 to 0.5 respectively. Similar values for the sequential species leave-one-out validation for faecal nitrogen were 0.67 to 0.89, and 0.17 to 0.47 respectively. All R2 values for faecal phosphorus calibrations were ≥0.79; corresponding SECV were ≤0.14. Validation r2 and SEP of each alternate species using the cattle-derived phosphorus calibration were ≤0.63 and ≥0.13 respectively. Similar values for the sequential species leave-one-out validation were ≤0.66 and ≥0.22 respectively for faecal phosphorus. Multi-species faecal NIRS calibrations can be developed for monitoring applications in which determination of faecal nitrogen is appropriate, e.g. free-ranging herbivore nutrition, nitrogen deposition from animal faeces on rangelands with declining forage quality, or runoff from confined animal feeding operations. Similar calibrations for faecal phosphorus require additional research to ascertain their applicability.