bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal stability and maintenance mechanisms of alpine meadow communities under clipping and fertilization
Authors: Wang Ting , Guo Chenglong , Sang Silin , Liu Yiting , Liu Gang , Qi Desheng , Zhu Zhihong
Published: October 2021

Negative effects of long‐term overgrazing have been seriously, grasslands temporal stability is an important ecological concern we need to research. Here, we performed a 12‐year‐long (2007–2018) two‐factor controlled experiment on Kobresia humilis meadow on the Tibetan Plateau. The manipulations included three clipping levels (no clipping, NC; moderate clipping, MC; heavy clipping, HC) and two fertilization levels (no fertilization, NF; fertilization, F). Our results revealed that the two clipping manipulations significantly increased the temporal stability of alpine meadow communities, whose significant increase was more pronounced under the MC than HC treatment. Species asynchrony had a significant positive correlation with species abundance along with compound community gradient. Moreover, asynchrony effects, portfolio effects, and facilitation interactions were all present in the communities under the six types of experimental treatment combinations. Additionally, a selection effect was detected in the compound communities, demonstrating characteristics that are common to different mechanisms. There were no significant differences in the effects of these mechanisms on community temporal stability between the NC–NF and MC–NF interactive communities. The portfolio effects predominated when clipping intensity was moderate under both fertilization and nonfertilization conditions. By contrast, in the compound communities, the selection effect predominated. In summary, we conclude that in meadow communities that undergo clipping and fertilization disturbances, facilitation interactions and weak interactions make a greater contribution toward maintaining their temporal stability.
Plastome sequencing reveals phylogenetic relationships among Comastoma and related taxa (Gentianaceae) from the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhang Yu , Yu Jingya , Xia Mingze , Chi Xiaofeng , Khan Gulzar , Chen Shilong , Zhang Faqi
Published: October 2021

Genus Comastoma (subt. Swertiinae, Gentianaceae) contains species, such as “Zangyinchen,” that are important herbs in Tibetan medicine. The phylogenetic relationship of this within Gentianaceae and the circumscriptions of its species have long been controversial with conflicting morphological and molecular data reported. Here, we used whole chloroplast genome sequences for Comastoma species and related taxa to reconstruct their phylogeny and clarify their taxonomic relationships. The results revealed that the length of all plastome sequenced varied from 149 to 151 kb and have high similarity in structure and gene content. Phylogenomic analysis showed that Comastoma is a monophyletic group, closely related to the genus Lomatogonium. The divergence time estimation showed that Gentianaceae diverged at about 21.81 Ma, while the split of Comastoma occurred at 7.70 Ma. However, the results suggested the crown age of species formation in this genus is after 4.19 Ma. Our results suggest that QTP uplift, the alternation of Quaternary glaciation and interglaciation, and monsoon changes might have acted as drivers of speciation in Comastoma.
An efficient single‐cell based method for linking human T cell phenotype to T cell receptor sequence and specificity
Authors: Wahl Ilka , Hoffmann Sandro , Hundsdorfer Rebecca , Puchan Julia , Hoffman Stephen L. , Kremsner Peter G. , Mordmüller Benjamin , Busse Christian E. , Wardemann Hedda
Published: October 2021

Single‐cell antigen‐receptor gene amplification and sequencing platforms have been used to characterize T cell receptor (TCR) repertoires but typically fail to generate paired full‐length gene products for direct expression cloning and do not enable linking this data to cell phenotype information. To overcome these limitations, we established a high‐throughput platform for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of human TCR repertoires that provides insights into the clonal and functional composition of human CD4+ and CD8+ αβ T cells at the molecular and cellular level. The strategy is a powerful tool to qualitatively assess differences between antigen receptors of phenotypically defined αβ T cell subsets, e.g. in immune responses to cancer, vaccination, or infection, and in autoimmune diseases.
Monocytes in central nervous system remyelination
Authors: Forbes Lindsey H. , Miron Veronique E.
Published: October 2021

Remyelination failure with aging and progression of neurodegenerative disorders contributes to axonal dysfunction, highlighting the importance of understanding the mechanisms underpinning this process to develop regenerative therapies. Central nervous system (CNS) macrophages, encompassing both resident microglia and blood monocyte‐derived cells, play a crucial role in driving successful remyelination. Although there has been a focus on the critical roles of microglia in remyelination, the specific contribution of monocyte‐derived macrophages is still not fully understood. Until recently, the lack of tools enabling distinction between CNS macrophage populations has hindered our understanding of monocyte influence on remyelination. Recent advances have allowed for identification and characterization of monocyte populations in health, aging and in neurodegenerative conditions like multiple sclerosis, indicating heterogeneity of monocyte subsets impacted by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Here, we discuss the new tools enabling distinction between macrophage populations and advancements in understanding the importance of monocytes in remyelination, and reflect on the potential for therapeutic targeting of monocytes to promote remyelination.
MP‐NeRF: A massively parallel method for accelerating protein structure reconstruction from internal coordinates
Authors: Alcaide Eric , Biderman Stella , Telenti Amalio , Maher M. Cyrus
Published: October 2021

The conversion of proteins between internal and cartesian coordinates is a limiting step in many pipelines, such as molecular dynamics simulations and machine learning models. This conversion is typically carried out by sequential or parallel applications of the Natural extension of Reference Frame (NeRF) algorithm. This work proposes a massively parallel NeRF implementation which, depending on the polymer length, achieves speedups between 400 and 1200× over the previous state‐of‐the‐art. It accomplishes this by dividing the conversion into three main phases: parallel composition of the monomer backbone, assembly of backbone subunits, and parallel elongation of sidechains; and by batching these computations into a minimal number of efficient matrix operations. Special emphasis is placed on reusability and ease of use. We open source the code (available at https://github.com/EleutherAI/mp_nerf) and provide a corresponding python package.
Serum concentrations of small dense low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and lipoprotein(a) are related to coronary arteriostenosis in Takayasu arteritis
Authors: Chen Si , Luan Haixia , He Jianxun , Wang Yan , Liu Shuang , Li Yongzhe , Zeng Xiaoli , Yuan Hui
Published: October 2021

Background

Serum small dense low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL‐C) and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels are related to coronary disease, but their specific associations with coronary arteriostenosis in Takayasu arteritis (TA) have not been ascertained. This study explored the correlations between serum sdLDL‐C and Lp(a) levels and coronary arteriostenosis in TA patients as well as the degree of artery stenosis.

Methods

This retrospective study included 190 TA patients and 154 healthy subjects. TA patients were divided into three categories based on the degree of coronary stenosis: Group I, stenosis >50%; Group II, stenosis 1%–50%; and Group III, stenosis 0%. Independent risk factors for coronary arteriostenosis in TA were identified by logistic regression, followed by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to determine the specificity and sensitivity of risk factors and Youden's Index score calculation to determine the cutoff points.

Results

Takayasu arteritis patients had significantly higher serum levels of sdLDL‐C and Lp(a) than healthy controls (p < 0.0001). The total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL‐C, sdLDL‐C, and Lp(a) levels and the sdLDL‐C/LDL‐C ratio in Group I were significantly higher than those in Groups II and III (p < 0.05). An elevated serum sdLDL‐C level elevated the risk of coronary arteriostenosis by 5‐fold (cutoff value, 0.605 mmol/l). An increased serum Lp(a) level increased the risk of coronary arteriostenosis by 3.9‐fold (cutoff value, 0.045 g/l). An elevated sdLDL‐C/LDL‐C ratio increased the risk of coronary arteriostenosis by 2.1‐fold (cutoff value, 0.258).

Conclusions

Serum sdLDL‐C and Lp(a) levels and sdLDL‐C/LDL‐C ratio may be used as diagnostic factors for coronary arteriostenosis in TA patients.
Intramuscular tetanus neurotoxin reverses muscle atrophy: a randomized controlled trial in dogs with spinal cord injury
Authors: Kutschenko Anna , Manig Anja , Mönnich Angelika , Bryl Beatrice , Alexander Cécile‐Simone , Deutschland Martin , Hesse Stefan , Liebetanz David
Published: October 2021

Background

Motor symptoms of spinal cord injury (SCI) considerably impair quality of life and are associated with a high risk of secondary diseases. So far, no pharmacological treatment is available for these symptoms. Therefore, we conducted a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled study in dogs with spontaneous SCI due to disc herniation to test whether a reduction of spinal inhibitory activity by intramuscular injections of tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT) alleviates motor symptoms such as muscle atrophy or gait function.

Methods

To this end, 25 dogs were treated with injections of either TeNT or placebo into their paretic hindlimb muscles. Effects of TeNT on muscle thickness were assessed by ultrasound, while effects on gait function were measured using the modified functional scoring system in dogs.

Results

Four weeks after the TeNT injections, muscle thickness of the gluteus medius muscle (before median 1.56 cm [inter‐quartile range {IQR} 1.34–1.71 cm] and after median 1.56 cm [IQR 1.37–1.85 cm], P‐value 0.0133) as well as of the rectus femoris muscle (before median 0.76 cm [IQR 0.60–0.98 cm] and after median 0.93 cm [IQR 0.65–1.05 cm], P‐value 0.0033) significantly increased in the TeNT group. However, there was no difference in gait function between the TeNT and placebo groups. The treatment was well tolerated by all dogs without any signs of generalized tetanus symptoms or any spreading of effects beyond the lumbar level of the injected hindlimbs.

Conclusions

With regard to the beneficial effects on muscle thickness, intramuscular injections of TeNT represent the first pharmacological approach that focally reverses muscle atrophy in SCI. Moreover, the study data support the safety of this treatment when TeNT is used at low dose.
Right ventricle early inflow‐outflow index may inform about the severity of pneumonia in patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Kahyaoglu Muzaffer , Guney MuratCan , Deniz Derya , Kilic Ertugrul
Published: October 2021

Background

Echocardiography is generally used in our daily practice to detect cardiovascular complications in COVID‐19 patients and for etiological research in the case of worsened clinical status. Many echocardiographic parameters have been the subject of investigation in previous studies on COVID‐19. Recently, the right ventricle early inflow‐outflow (RVEIO) index has been identified as a possible and indirect marker of the severity of tricuspid regurgitation and right ventricular dysfunction in pulmonary embolism. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the severity of pneumonia in COVID‐19 patients and the RVEIO index.

Methods

A total of 54 patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 pneumonia were enrolled in this study. Our study population was separated into two groups as severe pneumonia and nonsevere pneumonia based on computed tomography imaging.

Results

Saturation O2, C‐reactive protein, D‐dimer, deceleration time, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity, and RVEIO index values were found to be significantly different between severe and nonsevere pneumonia groups. The result of the multivariate logistic regression test revealed that saturation O2, D‐dimer, Sm, and RVEIO index were the independent predictive parameters for severe pneumonia. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that RVEIO index >4.2 predicted severe pneumonia with 77% sensitivity and 79% specificity.

Conclusion

The RVEIO index can be used as a bedside, noninvasive, easily accessible, and useful marker to identify the COVID‐19 patient group with widespread pneumonia and, therefore high risk of complications, morbidity, and mortality.
Novel truncating variant of MN1 penultimate exon identified in a Chinese patient with newly recognized MN1 C‐terminal truncation syndrome: Case report and literature review
Authors: Zhao Arman , Shu Dandan , Zhang Daxue , Yang Bin , Hong Liyi , Wang Andi , Yao Ruen , Wang Jian , Lv Haitao , Wang Jian , Shen Yiping , Wang Hongying , Gu Qin
Published: October 2021

MN1 C‐terminal truncation (MCTT) syndrome is a newly recognized neurodevelopmental disorder due to heterozygous gain‐of‐function C‐terminal truncating mutations clustering in the last or penultimate exon of MN1 gene (MIM: 156100). Up to date, only 25 affected patients have been reported. Here, we report a 2‐year‐old Chinese girl with MCTT syndrome. The girl presented with the characteristic features of the syndrome, including global developmental delay (GDD), facial dysmorphism and hearing impairment. Notably, the patient did not have other frequently observed symptoms such as hypotonia, cranial or brain abnormalities, indicating variability of the phenotype of patients with MN1 C‐terminal truncating mutations. Trio whole‐exome sequencing revealed a novel de novo heterozygous nonsense variant in the extreme 3′ region of penultimate exon of MN1 (NM_002430.3: c.3743G > A, p.Trp1248*). This rare truncating variant was classified as pathogenic due to its predicted gain‐of‐function effect, given that the gain‐of‐function MN1 truncating variants producing C‐terminally truncated proteins have been confirmed to cause the recognizable syndrome. Additionally, a systematic review of previously reported MN1 variants including C‐terminal truncating variants and N‐terminal truncating variants shows that different location of MN1 truncating variants causes two distinct clinical subtypes. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of MCTT syndrome caused by a novel MN1 C‐terminal truncating variant in a Chinese population, which enriched the mutation spectrum of MN1 gene and further supporting the association of the novel MCTT syndrome with MN1 C‐terminal truncating variants.
Identity‐based hate and violence as trauma: Current research, clinical implications, and advocacy in a globally connected world
Authors: Allwood Maureen , Ghafoori Bita , Salgado Carolina , Slobodin Ortal , Kreither Johanna , Waelde Lynn C. , Larrondo Paulina , Ramos Nadia
Published: October 2021

Hate‐based violence is increasingly recognized as an urgent social justice and human rights issue that is pervasive across geographical and socioeconomic boundaries. There is a growing body of research that demonstrates the traumatic impact of hate‐based violence on the victim's mental and physical health. This review focuses on examining scientific knowledge and prevalence data on identity‐based hate and violence exposure. A framework for conceptualizing hate‐based violence as a traumatic event or series of traumatic events is offered as a means to understand research findings and intervention approaches. The importance of research, advocacy, and human rights training is highlighted in the efforts to address the traumatic impact of identity‐based hate and violence.
Maternal support and caregiver–child symptom concordance among sexually abused children
Authors: Wamser‐Nanney Rachel , Campbell Claudia L.
Published: October 2021

Caregivers and children often diverge in their reports of children's trauma‐related symptoms, and this discordance has been linked with children's behavioral difficulties and poorer treatment outcomes. Knowledge regarding what factors may be related to discordance is limited, and maternal support in relation to trauma‐related symptom agreement has yet to be investigated. The aim of the present study was to examine the associations between discordance and both maternal emotional support and blame/doubt in caregivers’ and children's reports of trauma‐related symptoms in sexually abused children. Participants were treatment‐seeking, sexually abused children (N = 122) aged 8–12 years (M = 9.45 years, SD = 1.09; 70.5% female, 57.4% White) and their nonoffending caregivers. Low intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) indicated the presence of significant discordance across symptom types, with caregivers reporting higher levels of trauma‐related difficulties, ICCs = −.21–.22. Older children were more likely to disclose higher levels of anger and sexual concerns than younger children, βs = .18–.33. Children's gender, race, and relationship to their caregiver were not related to symptom discordance. Further, maternal emotional support and blame/doubt were not associated with caregiver–child concordance for any examined difficulties. Assessment of both caregivers’ and children's perceptions of trauma‐related symptoms is vital given the likelihood of discordance in child and caregiver reports of symptom levels. Although maternal emotional support and blame/doubt may not be linked to concordance with regard to trauma‐related difficulties, child age should further be considered as a potentially important factor in understanding caregiver–child symptom concordance.
Ultrasound for Aesthetic Applications
Authors: Bader Kenneth B. , Makin Inder Raj S. , Abramowicz Jacques S. ,   Bioeffects Committee of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Published: October 2021

Aesthetic ultrasound is used for fat reduction and to improve skin appearance. In this review, the fundamental mechanisms by which ultrasound can alter tissue are outlined. The technologies that are commercially available or under development are discussed. Finally, recommendations are made for safe and effective use of aesthetic ultrasound.
Bladder cancer‐associated transcript 1 promotes melanoma cell proliferation and invasion via the miR‐374b‐5p/U2‐associated factor homology motif kinase 1 axis
Authors: Wu Zong‐Zhou , Xu Qing
Published: October 2021

Melanoma is a malignancy derived from melanocytes and is associated with high mortality rates worldwide. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been confirmed to be pivotal regulators in multiple types of cancer. Many lncRNAs are aberrantly expressed in tumors and perform vital functions in cancer progression. Nevertheless, the biological role of lncRNA bladder cancer‐associated transcript 1 (BLACAT1) in melanoma progression remains unexplored. In this study, the collected data showed that BLACAT1 was highly expressed in melanoma. Mechanistically, miR‐374b‐5p bound to BLACAT1, and U2‐associated factor homology motif kinase 1 (UHMK1) was a downstream target of miR‐374b‐5p. BLACAT1 upregulated UHMK1 expression by acting as a competing endogenous RNA for miR‐374‐5b. BLACAT1 deficiency resulted in the upregulation of miR‐374b‐5p expression and the downregulation of UHMK1 expression in melanoma cells. Moreover, BLACAT1 activated PI3K and AKT signaling by upregulating UHMK1 expression, as shown by western blotting analyses. Functionally, UHMK1 overexpression or miR‐374b‐5p knockdown reversed the suppressive effect of BLACAT1 depletion on melanoma cell proliferation and invasion. In conclusion, BLACAT1 promotes melanoma cell proliferation and invasion by upregulating UHMK1 expression via miR‐374b‐5p to activate the PI3K/AKT pathway. These results might provide promising insight into the investigation of prognostic biomarkers of melanoma.
Roles of skull base surgery and particle radiotherapy for orbital malignant tumors involving the skull base
Authors: Teshima Masanori , Shinomiya Hirotaka , Kimura Hidehito , Hashikawa Kazunobu , Kiyota Naomi , Miyawaki Daisuke , Sasaki Ryohei , Kohmura Eiji , Nibu Ken‐ichi
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To investigate the oncological outcomes of orbital malignant tumors invading the skull base.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 16 patients with orbital malignant tumors invading the skull base. Eleven patients were treated with skull base surgery, four patients were treated with particle therapies, and one patient was treated with chemoradiotherapy (CRT) as initial treatment.

Results

The most frequent histological type was adenoid cystic carcinoma in seven patients, followed by squamous cell carcinoma in two patients. Local recurrence occurred in two of the six surgically treated patients who did not receive postoperative radiotherapy (RT) or CRT. One of them was successfully salvaged by RT, and the other died of disease. With a median follow‐up of 24 months, the 2‐year overall, local control, and disease‐free survival rates of all patients were 82.5%, 87.5%, and 59%, respectively.

Conclusions

Patients with positive surgical margins were at risk of local recurrence. Postoperative RT should be considered for all surgically treated patients.

Level of Evidence: 4.
Eutrophication and predation mediate zooplankton diversity and network structure
Authors: Li Yun , Wang Rong , Su Haojie , Wang Jianjun , Xie Ping , Chen Feizhou
Published: October 2021

Anthropogenic activities such as eutrophication and fishing have prominent effects on freshwater ecosystems. However, the ways in which ecosystem function and biodiversity respond to multiple drivers from eutrophication and top‐down predation remains inconclusive. We studied zooplankton communities in 102 subtropical shallow lakes in the eastern plain of China and further examined the joint effects of nutrient enrichment and predation on biodiversity and ecological networks. We found that alpha diversity was negatively influenced by nutrient conditions (such as total phosphorus and total nitrogen [TN]), whereas beta diversity (β‐diversity) was positively related to nutrients and was also structured by omnivorous fish showing a unimodal pattern. Furthermore, the network skewness of zooplankton increased with nutrient enrichment, especially TN, and was negatively related to omnivorous fish. This skewness is more sensitive than β‐diversity, whereas negative skew is primarily caused by omnivorous fish. Our results demonstrated that top‐down effects were dominant for zooplankton communities and resulted in structural adjustment of zooplankton communities, mainly with an increase in fish predation. A negative skewed network indicates the presence of more generalist species and stronger connections among the zooplankton assemblages, as well as decreased β‐diversity.
Fluorine‐Free Bio‐Based Multifunctional Superhydrophobic Hyperbranched Self‐Cleaning Coating for Oil‐Water Separation
Authors: Cao Yang , Zhou Meng , Fu Heqing
Published: October 2021

In this paper, first, UV‐curable vinyl‐terminated hyperbranched polyester (VTDP) is synthetized via a two‐step reaction. Then, mono‐sulfhydryl terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS‐SH) is prepared via esterification reaction. Finally, cotton fabrics are immersed in mixtures of PDMS‐SH, double‐sulfhydryl terminated polydimethylsiloxane (HS‐PDMS‐SH), VTDP and hydrophobic fumed silica (HFS), and cross‐linking polydimethylsiloxane with hydrophobic fumed silica (HCPDMS@HFS) fabrics are prepared by 35 s of UV irradiation. When the content of HFS is 2.0 wt%, the superhydrophobic HCPDMS@HFS fabrics with high water contact angle (158.5) as well as low sliding angle (6.8) are obtained. At the same time, HCPDMS@HFS fabrics can withstand sandpaper abrasion for 30 cycles and tape‐peeling repetition for 100 times. They also exhibit excellent self‐cleaning ability, chemical durability, thermal stability, and good recyclability.
Replacing Saturated Fat with Polyunsaturated Fat Modulates Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Gene Expression and Pathways Related to Cardiovascular Disease Risk Using a Whole Transcriptome Approach
Authors: Larsen Sunniva V. , Holven Kirsten B. , Christensen Jacob J. , Flatberg Arnar , Rundblad Amanda , Leder Lena , Blomhoff Rune , Telle‐Hansen Vibeke , Kolehmainen Marjukka , Carlberg Carsten , Myhrstad Mari C. , Thoresen Magne , Ulven Stine M.
Published: October 2021

Scope

The aim of this study is to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of replacing dietary saturated fat (SFA) with polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk using a whole transcriptome approach.

Methods and Results

Healthy subjects with moderate hypercholesterolemia (n = 115) are randomly assigned to a control diet (C‐diet) group or an experimental diet (Ex‐diet) group receiving comparable food items with different fatty acid composition for 8 weeks. RNA isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention is analyzed by microarray technology (n = 95). By use of a linear regression model (n = 92), 14 gene transcripts are differentially altered in the Ex‐diet group compared to the C‐diet group. These include transcripts related to vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, low‐density lipoprotein receptor folding, and regulation of blood pressure. Furthermore, pathways mainly related to immune response and inflammation, signal transduction, development, and cytoskeleton remodeling, gene expression and protein function, are differentially enriched between the groups.

Conclusion

Replacing dietary SFA with PUFA for 8 weeks modulates PBMC gene expression and pathways related to CVD risk in healthy subjects with moderate hypercholesterolemia.
Patient satisfaction with the first contact physiotherapy service: Results from the national evaluation survey
Authors: Wood Lianne , Bishop Annette , Goodwin Rob , Stynes Siobhan
Published: October 2021

Background

Musculoskeletal (MSK) First Contact Physiotherapists (FCPs) are diagnostic clinicians able to assess and manage undifferentiated and undiagnosed MSK presentations. The FCP role in primary care has been introduced to allow patients with MSK pain to see a FCP directly rather than wait to see a General Practitioner (GP) first, which improves capacity within primary care. A national evaluation was undertaken of the FCP model. This article reports the thematic analysis of the free‐text responses of patients who participated in the national evaluation.

Methods

An online platform collected patient‐reported experience and outcomes following the FCP consultation and at 1, 2 and 3 months follow‐up. Free‐text responses to the Friends and Family test, reasons for consulting another health care professional (HCP) and general comments were thematically analysed and grouped according to their responses.

Results

Over 13 months, 680 of 2825 registered patients (24%) completed the initial questionnaire and 54% (n = 370) completed the 3‐month follow‐up. During the course of the evaluation, 785 participants provided free‐text responses. Themes identified from free‐text responses were: communication and knowledge, clinicians’ characteristics, efficiency, treatment provided, assessment skills and service provided in comparison to GP care. Complaints represented 4% (n = 26 comments) of total feedback. The main reasons for consulting other HCPs after seeing a FCP were persistent pain, delays in referrals or already attending NHS physiotherapy.

Conclusion

Thematic analysis of free‐text responses in the national FCP evaluation provides context and detail to the positive outcomes reported by patients after consulting a FCP in primary care.
Online and hard constrained adaptive dynamic programming algorithm for energy storage control in smart buildings
Authors: Chen Zitao , Chen Si‐zhe , Zhang Yun , Deng Quanbin , Zeng Xianxian
Published: October 2021

The high computational complexity caused by static optimization is the key factor to hinder the development of energy management systems. Adaptive dynamic programming (ADP) is an effective dynamic optimization method to break through the bottleneck. However, the hard constraints of energy system have not been fully considered due to the non‐convexity and nonlinearity of the value function, which makes the theoretical analysis complicated and brings safe security problems in battery systems. In this article, a systematic online ADP control framework is proposed for smart buildings control to ensure hard constraints to be satisfied. The second‐order local expansion at the current state is used to replace the nonlinear value function to simplify the theoretical analysis with the error of the reminder term. Based on the local property of value function, a method for the determination of adaptive parameters is first designed. It is proven that the solution of adaptive parameters not only prevents over‐charged and over‐discharged of the battery but also limits the charging and discharging power of the battery to be less than the rated power. In addition, long‐short term memory (LSTM) neural networks, a type dynamic network with memory characteristics, are used for the implementation of the present algorithm instead of the static networks to help realize the algorithm online. Due to the hidden state of LSTM, the performance of the online algorithm is improved after running the energy system. Numerical results verify the effectiveness of the proposed online control algorithm.
Discrete‐time approximation for stochastic optimal control problems under the G‐expectation framework
Authors: Jiang Lianzi
Published: October 2021

In this article, we propose a class of discrete‐time approximation schemes for stochastic optimal control problems under the G‐expectation framework. The proposed schemes are constructed recursively based on piecewise constant policy. We prove the convergence of the discrete schemes and determine the convergence rates. Several numerical examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the obtained results.
18F‐FDG PET and PET/CT as a diagnostic method for Ewing sarcoma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Seth Nimish , Seth Ishith , Bulloch Gabriella , Siu Adrian Hang Yue , Guo Allen , Chatterjee Rukmini , MacManus Michael , Donnan Leo
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 18‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography (18F‐FDG PET) and PET/computed tomography (PET/CT) in imaging primary and metastatic lesions in Ewing sarcoma (ES).

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for relevant studies. Data concerning 18F‐FDG PET/CT diagnostic accuracy were extracted and then analyzed using Open Meta‐analyst software. Reported diagnostic accuracy outcomes included sensitivity, specificity, negative likelihood ratio (NLR), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), and diagnostic odds ratio.

Results

Thirty‐one studies with a total of 735 patients were included in this meta‐analysis. The sensitivity and specificity of 18F‐FDG PET/CT were: 92.6% and 74.1% for total ES lesions, 96.7% and 68.3% for ES primary lesions, 76.1% and 92.4% for lung metastasis, 83.9% and 93.2% for bone metastasis, and 89.9% and 92.6% for ES recurrence, respectively.

Conclusion

18F‐FDG PET/CT is sensitive and accurate in diagnosing, staging, and detecting the recurrence of ES compared with non‐PET imaging. It has high accuracy for diagnosing recurrence of ES in bone metastases; however, CT remains a superior diagnostic method for detecting lung metastasis.
Analytical artefacts: H2 carrier gas hydrogenation of plant volatiles during headspace solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography
Authors: Sansom Catherine E. , Perry Nigel B.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Hydrogen is the most efficient and economical carrier gas for gas chromatography (GC). However, there are rare reports of artefact formation by hydrogenation of unsaturated compounds on GC. Head space solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) GC conditions for hydrogenation were studied.

Methodology

HS‐SPME‐GC‐mass spectrometry (MS) analyses of common classes of plant volatiles were carried out using hydrogen (H2) and helium (He) carrier gases with different SPME fibre coatings, GC inlet temperatures, and desorption times.

Results

Common phenylpropanoids, monoterpenes, and green leaf volatiles were hydrogenated to varying degrees on HS‐SPME‐GC with H2 carrier gas and SPME fibres coated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/Carboxen (CAR), PDMS/divinylbenzene (DVB), and PDMS/CAR/DVB. No artefacts were detected using PDMS‐only coated fibres or He carrier gas.

Conclusion

Unsaturated plant volatiles may be hydrogenated on HS‐SPME‐GC when using H2 carrier gas with SPME fibre coatings containing DVB polymer or CAR porous particles. Parallel analyses with He and H2 carrier gases are recommended when developing HS‐SPME‐GC methods for plant volatiles, or use of PDMS‐only coated fibres.
Multifunctional core–shell electrospun nanofibrous fabrics of poly(vinyl alcohol)/silk sericin (core) and poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (shell)
Authors: Tuancharoensri Nantaprapa , Ross Gareth , Punyodom Winita , Mahasaranon Sararat , Jongjitwimol Jirapas , Topham Paul D , Ross Sukunya
Published: October 2021

Core–shell fibres (CSFs) offer a simple route to multifunctional hybrid materials for a wide range of applications. Herein, we report the design of a core–shell electrospun nanofibrous fabric containing a hydrophilic core and hydrophobic shell. CSFs were fabricated for the first time from poly(vinyl alcohol)/silk sericin (from silk cocoons) as the core and poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) as the shell. The core serves as a potential carrier for water‐soluble bioactive agents, and the shell works as a barrier to prevent premature release of water‐soluble agents from the core. The effect of the molecular weight of poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) and the loading of silk sericin on the morphology of fibres was studied. The parameters that significantly influence the core–shell electrospinning process were studied to elucidate the most effective conditions to create our multifunctional nanofibrous fabrics with smooth fibre morphology (diameters in the range 800–1300 nm) and low bead formation. Our CSFs were shown to degrade in saline buffer solution (pH 7.4) and were readily rendered with anti‐bacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by the post‐spinning deposition of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs, 40 nm diameter) or cinnamon essential oil (CEO). The fibres were non‐toxic to normal human dermal fibroblast cell lines, as the cells were shown to attach and proliferate on CSFs, CSF/AgNPs and CSF/CEO with good cell tolerance for 72 h of incubation. These smart multifunctional CSFs show great potential towards smart delivery fabrics/dressings capable of carrying water‐soluble bioactive agents surrounded by a protective, but degradable, antibacterial shell to guard the cargo for more effective controlled release. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Phthalide and 1‐Iodooctadecane Synergistic Optimization for Highly Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Xuping , Wu Jihuai , Wang Chunyan , Yang Yuqian , Wang Deng , Li Guodong , Du Yitian , Xu Yuan , Zhang Lei , Zhang Tingting , Zhang Lan
Published: October 2021

The carrier non‐radiative recombination and instability of device caused by the inherent defects are main factors limiting development of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). During the fabrication process of a PSC device, perovskite films often produce Pb0 and I0 defects. This paper reports a strategy for synergistic optimization of perovskite films by defects passivation and surface modification. The doping of phthalide (PT) in the Pb‐rich (CH(NH2)2)1−x(CH3NH3)xPbI3 film can passivate lead cation defects, and the modification of 1‐iodooctadecane (1‐IO) can reduce halogen anion defects and improve stability of PSCs owing to its hydrophobicity. The PT and 1‐IO optimized device achieves a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.27%. The optimized PSCs remain 93.2% of the initial PCE when placed in air environment (relative humidity of 10%, 25 °C) more than 70 days. The PT and 1‐IO synergistic optimization provides a novel strategy for improving the performance and stability of PSCs.
Surface Chemistry and Mesopore Dual Regulation by Sulfur‐Promised High Volumetric Capacity of Ti3C2Tx Films for Sodium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Li Guohao , Lian Shuhan , Song Fei , Chen Shuijiao , Wu Zhenjun , Xie Xiuqiang , Zhang Nan
Published: October 2021

Electrochemical sodium‐ion storage has come out as a promising technology for energy storage, where the development of electrode material that affords high volumetric capacity and long‐term cycling stability remains highly desired yet a challenge. Herein, Ti3C2Tx (MXene)‐based films are prepared by using sulfur (S) as the mediator to modulate the surface chemistry and microstructure, generating S‐doped mesoporous Ti3C2Tx films with high flexibility. The mesoporous architecture offers desirable surface accessibility without significantly sacrificing the high density of Ti3C2Tx film. Meanwhile, the surface sulfur doping of Ti3C2Tx favors the diffusion of sodium ions. These merits are of critical importance to realize high volumetric capacity of the electrode material. As a consequence, as the freestanding electrode material for electrochemical sodium‐ion storage, the S‐doped mesoporous Ti3C2Tx film exhibits a high volumetric capacity of 625.6 mAh cm−3 at 0.1 A g−1, which outperforms that of many reported electrodes. Moreover, outstanding rate capability and excellent long‐term cycling stability extending 5000 cycles are achieved. The work opens the door for innovative design and rational fabrication of MXene‐based films with ultrahigh volumetric capacity for sodium‐ion storage.
Structural Variations of Metal Oxide‐Based Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Gao Ruiqin , Deng Meng , Yan Qing , Fang Zhenxing , Li Lichun , Shen Haoyu , Chen Zhengfei
Published: October 2021

Electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER), an important electrode reaction in electrocatalytic and photoelectrochemical cells for a carbon‐free energy cycle, has attracted considerable attention in the last few years. Metal oxides have been considered as good candidates for electrocatalytic OER because they can be easily synthesized and are relatively stable during the OER process. However, inevitable structural variations still occur to them due to the complex reaction steps and harsh working conditions of OER, thus impending the further insight into the catalytic mechanism and rational design of highly efficient electrocatalysts. The aim of this review is to disclose the current research progress toward the structural variations of metal oxide‐based OER electrocatalysts. The origin of structural variations of metal oxides is discussed. Based on some typical oxides performing OER activity, the external and internal factors that influence the structural stability are summarized and then some general approaches to regulate the structural variation process are provided. Some operando methods are also concluded to monitor the structural variation processes and to identify the final active structure. Additionally, the unresolved problems and challenges are presented in an attempt to get further insight into the mechanism of structural variations and establish a rational structure–catalysis relationship.
Late Ordovician (Katian) linguliform microbrachiopods from north‐eastern Yunnan, South China
Authors: Chen Di , Huang Bing , Li Wen‐Jie , Li Rong‐Yu , Rong Jia‐Yu
Published: October 2021

Linguliform brachiopods are a minor but distinctive component of the Palaeozoic Evolutionary Fauna. However, there is no formal research on Katian (Late Ordovician) linguliform microbrachiopods in South China. Fossils from the ‘Pagoda’, ‘Linhsiang’ and Daduhe formations, Wanhe section of Yunnan Province, South China, provide a unique opportunity to bridge the gap. Here, we report and systematically describe, for the first time, a deep‐water Katian linguliform microbrachiopod association, including 13 species assigned to nine genera, namely Paterula cf. numerosa Popov, Hisingerella tenuis Holmer, Scaphelasma sp., Torynelasma? sp., Biernatia holmi Holmer, ?Biernatia maruiaensis Percival et al., Biernatia pseudoplana Percival et al., Biernatia wrighti Percival et al., Opsiconidion praecursor Popov et al., Opsiconidion sp., Eoconulus puteus Percival et al., Acanthambonia sp. and Nushbiella lillianae Holmer. To explore the composition and distribution model of global deep‐water micromorphic linguliforms in the Katian, a dataset of occurrence of 40 genera from five superfamilies and 10 localities in Baltica, Avalonia, Australian Gondwana, Boshchekul Island Arc and South China is established. Compared with those of other localities, the Chinese association is dominated by Acrotretoidea with no taxon of Discinoidea or Paterinoidea. The global dataset is analysed using non‐metric multidimensional scaling. The results indicate an endemic biogeographical pattern for the Katian linguliform microbrachiopods, which can be explained by oceanic circulation or environmental differences.
Gold‐Catalyzed Annulations with Nucleophilic Nitrenoids Enabled by Heteroatom‐Substituted Alkynes
Authors: Davies Paul W.
Published: October 2021

The combination of a nucleophilic nitrene equivalent, a triple bond and a π‐acid catalyst has underpinned numerous efficient transformations for the preparation of azacycles. This personal account details our efforts in developing an annulation strategy. Adding a nucleophilic nitrenoid to an activated alkyne can generate carbenoid character that is then quenched by a cyclisation onto the nitrenoid substituent. The use and development of N‐acyl and N‐heterocyclic pyridinium‐N‐aminides as 1,3‐N,O and 1,3‐N,N‐dipole equivalents is discussed in the context of oxazole and heterocycle‐fused imidazole formation, respectively. The resulting processes are highly efficient, practically straightforward, and tolerate considerable structural and functional group variation. Our use of heteroatom‐substituted alkynes as enabling tools for reaction discovery is discussed. The reactivity accessed from the strong donor‐like properties of ynamides is complemented by that obtained from alkynyl thioethers, which are emerging as interesting substrates for π‐acid catalysis.
Introduction
Authors: Aljurf Mahmoud , Majhail Navneet S. , Koh Mickey B. C. , Kharfan-Dabaja Mohamed A. , Chao Nelson J.
Published: October 2021

Cancer is a growing healthcare problem worldwide with significant public health and economic burden to both developed and developing countries. According to the World Health Organization, cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, with an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 10 million cancer deaths in 2020. The International Agency for Cancer Research (IARC) estimates that globally one in five people will develop cancer in their lifetime. Low- and middle-income countries have been disproportionately affected by the rise of cancer incidence and account for approximately 70% of global cancer deaths. At the same time, substantial innovations in screening, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer have improved patient outcomes; global age-standardized cancer death rates showed a 17% decline from 1990 to 2016.
Starting a Palliative Care Program at a Cancer Center
Authors: Shoemaker Laura , McInnes Susan
Published: October 2021

Palliative care is now considered an integral component in the provision of comprehensive cancer care services, from diagnosis to treatment to ultimate recovery or death. High-quality evidence in the setting of both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies suggests that incorporation of palliative care is associated with higher quality care, greater patient and family satisfaction, improved clinician experience, more appropriate healthcare resource utilization, and better patient outcomes, including survival. Strategic investment, staffing, and support for a palliative care program also makes cancer care patient-centric and cost-effective. This chapter provides pragmatic guidance on setting up a palliative care program within a cancer center and discusses strategies and opportunities for early and late planning, launch of the program and its integration within other cancer services, making it sustainable, monitoring outcomes and quality, and using it as a platform for research.
Cancer Management at Sites with Limited Resources: Challenges and Potential Solutions
Authors: Hashmi Shahrukh K. , Geara Fady , Mansour Asem , Aljurf Mahmoud
Published: October 2021

Cancer burden is increasing worldwide in the current century, and given that its management paradigm is associated with tremendous financial, social, and physiologic complications, it is imperative that nations prepare themselves for a comprehensive management program. The developed countries are barely able to cope up with the exponential increase in the cancer-related services, and the current situation in developing countries, that is, low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) is much worse. Here, we present a general guidance for establishment of a comprehensive cancer care program, delineating the current challenges and some suggestions/recommendations to overcome the obstacles in LMICs. We touch upon the major themes related to cancer care which include (1) medical services, data, and infrastructure, (2) human resources issues, (3) quality management and access to care, and (4) the public heath crises with respect to cancer. We hope that this chapter offers practical guidance to the private and public stakeholders to alleviate the current burden of cancer-related suffering.
Building a Comprehensive Cancer Center: Overall Structure
Authors: Grosso Dolores , Aljurf Mahmoud , Gergis Usama
Published: October 2021

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for approximately 9.6 million deaths [1]. The WHO recommends that each nation has a national cancer control program (NCCP) to reduce the incidence of cancer and deaths related to cancer, as well as to improve the quality of life of cancer patients [2]. Comprehensive cancer centers form the backbone of a NCCP and are charged with developing innovative approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment [3]. This is accomplished through basic and clinical research, the provision of patient care, the training of new clinicians and scientists, and community outreach and education. Most comprehensive cancer centers are affiliated with university medical centers, but their cancer care initiatives may involve partnering outside the institution with other comprehensive cancer centers, community leaders, or members of industry [3]. When affiliated with a university medical center, cancer center executives must work in concert with their counterparts at the hospital, patient practice, medical school, and allied health science leaders resulting in an overlapping, often complicated reporting structure. Comprehensive cancer centers and the departments in the center receive funding for their services from various sources, including national and local grants, institutional funds, private donations, and industry [4].