bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data‐Driven Modification of the LI‐RADS Major Feature System on Gadoxetate Disodium‐Enhanced MRI: Toward Better Sensitivity and Simplicity
Authors: Jiang Hanyu , Song Bin , Qin Yun , Wei Yi , Konanur Meghana , Wu Yuanan , Zaki Islam H. , McInnes Matthew D.F. , Lafata Kyle J. , Bashir Mustafa R.
Published: July 2021

Background

The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI‐RADS) is widely accepted as a reliable diagnostic scheme for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in at‐risk patients. However, its application is hampered by substantial complexity and suboptimal diagnostic sensitivity.

Purpose

To propose data‐driven modifications to the LI‐RADS version 2018 (v2018) major feature system (rLI‐RADS) on gadoxetate disodium (EOB)‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to improve sensitivity and simplicity while maintaining high positive predictive value (PPV) for detecting HCC.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Two hundred and twenty‐four consecutive at‐risk patients (training dataset: 169, independent testing dataset: 55) with 742 LR‐3 to LR‐5 liver observations (HCC: N = 498 [67%]) were analyzed from a prospective observational registry collected between July 2015 and September 2018.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T/T2‐weighted fast spin‐echo, diffusion‐weighted spin‐echo based echo‐planar and three‐dimensional (3D) T1‐weighted gradient echo sequences.

Assessment

All images were evaluated by three independent abdominal radiologists who were blinded to all clinical, pathological, and follow‐up information. Composite reference standards of either histopathology or imaging follow‐up were used.

Statistical Tests

In the training dataset, LI‐RADS v2018 major features were used to develop rLI‐RADS based on their associated PPV for HCC. In an independent testing set, diagnostic performances of LI‐RADS v2018 and rLI‐RADS were computed using a generalized estimating equation model and compared with McNemar's test. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The median (interquartile range) size of liver observations was 13 mm (7–27 mm). The diagnostic table for rLI‐RADS encompassed 9 cells, as opposed to 16 cells for LI‐RADS v2018. In the testing set, compared to LI‐RADS v2018, rLI‐RADS category 5 demonstrated a significantly superior sensitivity (76% vs. 61%) while maintaining comparably high PPV (92.5% vs. 94.1%, P = 0.126).

Data Conclusion

Compared with LI‐RADS v2018, rLI‐RADS demonstrated improved simplicity and significantly superior diagnostic sensitivity for HCC in at‐risk patients.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
Entrepreneurship and source of finance: The case of Indian women microentrepreneurs
Authors: Kumari Priyanka , Mor Surender
Published: July 2021

Enterprise characteristics like the firm's age, nature of business activities, and location of the firm are significantly associated with the funding of women microentrepreneurs, where the role of entrepreneurial traits like age, education, and marital status turned insignificant. The microenterprises having more years into operation engaged in manufacturing and service business activities and operating from home locations have shown more inclination toward self‐raised finance to meet their business finance requirements. There was found a dire need for opening up the trading business segment away from home locations, besides explicitly professionally addressing the need for finance in microbusinesses managed by women in the rural area.
Second Primary Tumors in Patients Presenting With Unilateral HPV‐Associated Tonsillar Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: McMillan Ryan A. , Van Abel Kathryn M. , Yin Linda X. , Routman David M. , Ma Daniel J. , Neben Wittich Michelle A. , Price Daniel L. , Kasperbauer Jan L. , Price Katharine R. , Chintakuntlawar Ashish V. , Moore Eric J.
Published: July 2021

Objective

To describe and compare rates of metachronous and synchronous second primaries of the contralateral tonsil in patients with primary HPV(+) tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Materials and Methods

This is a single tertiary care center retrospective case series, from 2006 to 2019, of HPV(+) tonsillar SCC patients who underwent primary surgical resection with unilateral wide‐field tonsillectomy or bilateral tonsillectomy for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. A metachronous second primary is one diagnosed >6 months after completion of surgical treatment. A synchronous second primary is one diagnosed during bilateral tonsillectomy for unilateral HPV(+) tonsillar SCC. Rates of second primary and patient characteristics were compared using chi‐square tests.

Results

About 303 patients underwent unilateral surgical resection +/− adjuvant therapy for HPV(+) tonsillar SCC. One (0.3%) developed a metachronous second primary in the contralateral tonsil 11.9 years following treatment. Fifty‐seven patients with HPV(+) tonsillar SCC underwent bilateral tonsillectomy, and 37/57 (65%) had no clinical signs for contralateral disease. Of these, only 1/37 (2.7%) was incidentally found to have a synchronous second primary. Twenty patients underwent bilateral tonsillectomy due to clinical concern for contralateral disease. Of these, 3/20 (15%) were found to have a synchronous HPV(+) SCC in the contralateral tonsil.

Conclusions

The prevalence of metachronous second primary after appropriate treatment of HPV(+) tonsillar SCC is very low (0.3%) and so is the chance of incidentally discovering a synchronous second primary during bilateral tonsillectomy (2.7%). We do not recommend bilateral tonsillectomy as a part of the routine algorithm in the surgical management of these patients.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:332–338, 2022
Wirtinger type q‐integral inequalities on q‐calculus
Authors: Alp Necmettin
Published: July 2021

In this study, we obtained two kinds of Wirtinger type q‐inequalities on quantum calculus. Then, we proved a more general Wirtinger type q‐integral inequality. With all these, we obtained classical results for q → 1−.
Hypercomplex algebras and calculi derived from generalized kinematics
Authors: Brezov Danail
Published: July 2021

The paper provides a study of the commutative algebras generated by iteration of the cross products in
. Focusing on particular real forms, we also consider the analytical properties of the corresponding rings of functions and relate them to different physical problems. Familiar results from the theory of holomorphic and bi‐holomorphic functions appear naturally in this context, but new types of hypercomplex calculi emerge as well. The parallel transport along smooth curves in
and the associated Maurer‐Cartan form are also studied with examples from kinematics and electrodynamics. Finally, the dual extension is discussed in the context of screw calculus and Galilean mechanics; a similar construction is studied also in the multidimensional real and complex cases.
Boundedness of composition operators in holomorphic Hölder type spaces
Authors: Blasco Oscar , Karapetyants Alexey , Restrepo Joel E.
Published: July 2021

A new characterization of boundedness of the composition operators in generalized Hölder spaces is obtained in terms that do not use the derivative of the composition operator, but using some averaging construction which represents certain integration of the modulus of continuity involving the symbol of the composition operator. This approach also allows to recover previously known results for the standard weights ω(t) = tα with 0 < α < 1. Certain further results on characterization of the same spaces are obtained as well.
Clinical profile and impact of comorbidities in patients with very‐late‐onset myasthenia gravis
Authors: Vijayan Joy , Menon Deepak , Barnett Carolina , Katzberg Hans , Lovblom Leif Erik , Bril Vera
Published: July 2021

Introduction/Aims

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical profile of myasthenia gravis (MG) in older patients and determine the impact of medical comorbidities on their MG status and outcome.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review of patients with a symptom onset of MG at or after 65 years of age. Correlations were made between demographics, clinical characteristics, the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) severity scale scores, and Myasthenia Gravis Impairment Index (MGII) scores with two outcome measures: MGFA Post‐Intervention Status (MGFA‐PIS) and Simple Single Question (SSQ).

Results

The study population included 109 patients, with 90 of them having more than one follow‐up visit. Their mean age was 75.3 ± 6.9 years and sex distribution was even. Of these patients, 67.7% had generalized MG. Nine‐one percent of patients had one comorbidity. None of the demographic factors or comorbidities showed an association with MGFA‐PIS, SSQ, or MGII after correction for multiple comparisons. Seventy‐one percent of the patients improved with treatment, 12.4% remained unchanged, and 16.6% showed worsening at their last follow‐up visit.

Discussion

Our study shows that patients with very‐late‐onset MG had a good prognosis and treatment response. None of the comorbidities had an impact on the severity of myasthenic symptoms or on outcome in these patients.
Simulation of buried cylindrical/spherical explosions in a soil medium using the semi‐analytical solution of a cavity expansion problem
Authors: Feldgun Vladimir R. , Yankelevsky David Z. , Karinski Yuri S.
Published: July 2021

The existing literature on the dynamic spherical/cylindrical cavity expansion (CCE) due to pressure loading at the cavity boundary, shows that all the analytical solutions deal with constant pressure only. A general solution is developed for the non‐stationary dynamic problem of a cavity expansion, due to prescribed pressure time‐history applied at the cavity boundary. This solution can be applied for different problems such as the response of a medium in the event of a buried explosion. This is a rather complex non‐linear non‐stationary problem, and the attempt to develop an analytical or a semi‐analytical solution of the problem suggests adopting simplified constitutive relationships. In the present study, a simplified material model is implemented, representing the medium by a locked equation of state (EOS) and a linear shear failure relationship. This solution is intended for a soil medium and may be applied as well to rock and concrete media and other materials that may be described by these constitutive models. The paper derives a semi‐analytical solution for the cavity boundary motion due to a variable pressure acting on the cavity boundary and provides the analytical expressions for the radial stress variation in the medium. The developed solution is applied to problems of spherical and cylindrical buried explosions in different soil media. The results obtained by the developed model are compared to presently available solutions and experimental data reported in the literature, and good agreement is obtained.
Oxidative Conversion of Glucose to Formic Acid as a Renewable Hydrogen Source Using an Abundant Solid Base Catalyst
Authors: Takagaki Atsushi , Obata Wataru , Ishihara Tatsumi
Published: July 2021

Formic acid is one of the most desirable liquid hydrogen carriers. The selective production of formic acid from monosaccharides in water under mild reaction conditions using solid catalysts was investigated. Calcium oxide, an abundant solid base catalyst available from seashell or limestone by thermal decomposition, was found to be the most active of the simple oxides tested, with formic acid yields of 50 % and 66 % from glucose and xylose, respectively, in 1.4 % H2O2 aqueous solution at 343 K for 30 min. The main reaction pathway is a sequential formation of formic acid from glucose by C−C bond cleavage involving aldehyde groups in the acyclic form. The reaction also involves base‐catalyzed aldose‐ketose isomerization and retroaldol reaction, resulting in the formation of fructose and trioses including glyceraldehyde and dihydroxyacetone. These intermediates were further decomposed into formic acid or glycolic acid. The catalytic activity remained unchanged for further reuse by a simple post‐calcination.
Experimentation Leads to Lower THM Removal Costs
Authors: Chan Shaz
Published: July 2021

When rehabilitating one of its water storage tanks, San Jose Water (Calif.) modified its typical boosting system with a powered ventilator and larger mixers to achieve promising trihalomethane removal.
Small System Public Communications: How to Do More With Less or Nothing
Authors: Burke Darcy , Macler Bruce
Published: July 2021

By prioritizing goals and tapping into your creativity, effective public communication strategies don't have to cost your utility dearly.
Case series of pediatric mediastinal granuloma related to histoplasmosis
Authors: Carr Katherine , Loyd James , Lentz Robert , Danko Melissa , O'Connor Michael
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Mediastinal granuloma (MG) is a postinfectious complication of histoplasmosis that remains a rare diagnosis in the pediatric literature. This case series presents a well phenotyped population to further characterize this disease process.

Methods

Thirty cases of MG in children under 21 years‐of‐age presenting over a 16‐year period were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Seventy‐five percent of patients presented with respiratory symptoms. Histoplasma antigen was negative in 90%. Histoplasma antibody was positive in 100%. Fine needle aspirates were positive for histoplasma in 31% whereas excisional biopsy was positive in 71%. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was negative for histoplasma in all cases where performed. Computed tomography revealed 53% of MGs were right paratracheal, 60% had internal calcifications, and 23% had splenic calcifications. Sixteen patients (53%) were managed with medical therapies only, with 7 (44%) treated with steroids and antifungals and 7 (44%) with antifungals alone. The remaining 14 patients (47%) underwent surgical excision and 9 were also treated with antifungals (64%). Bronchial compression was the most common comorbidity within the medically managed only group whereas vascular compression and fistulation were most common within the surgically managed group.

Conclusion

Respiratory symptoms should raise suspicion for MG. Diagnostic evidence of MG includes positive histoplasma serologies, right paratracheal location, internal calcifications, and splenic calcifications. Bronchoscopy, BAL and needle biopsies provide minimal diagnostic benefit. Antifungals are used in the majority of cases, whereas steroids are used most often in non‐surgically managed patients with airway compression. Indications for surgical resection are less defined, but include vascular compression and fistulation unresponsive to medical treatment.
Anomalous Anisotropy of the Piezoelectric Response in 2D Copper‐Based Ternary Chalcogenides CuMX2
Authors: Shi Xiaobo , Jiang Shujuan , Yin Huabing , Zhao Jianhua , Zhao Gaofeng
Published: July 2021

The development of 2D materials with excellent electronic properties and piezoelectric response is clearly critical for multifunctional piezoelectric devices. Herein, based on first‐principles calculations, the electronic, mechanical, and piezoelectric properties of a series of 2D copper‐based ternary chalcogenides, denoted as CuMX2 (M = Sb and Bi; X = S and Se) monolayers, are systematically studied, which can be obtained by exfoliating from their bulk counterparts. The calculations show that these ternary CuMX2 monolayers exhibit desirable dynamical and thermal stabilities and moderate bandgaps. The calculated piezoelectric coefficients and of these monolayers are in the range of 0.44–6.14 and 9.13–29.52 pm V−1, respectively, which exceed or approach those of most well‐studied 2D systems. Interestingly, as compared with other reported 2D systems, the CuMX2 monolayers exhibit an anomalous anisotropy of piezoelectric response, manifested as the larger coefficient than coefficient . The study demonstrates that the CuMX2 monolayers are potential 2D candidates in nanoelectric and nanopiezoelectric devices.
Pharmacological properties, therapeutic potential, and legal status of Cannabis sativa L.: An overview
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Mahato Dipendra Kumar , Kamle Madhu , Borah Rituraj , Sharma Bharti , Pandhi Shikha , Tripathi Vijay , Yadav Hardeo Singh , Devi Sheetal , Patil Umesh , Xiao Jianbo , Mishra Awdhesh Kumar
Published: July 2021

Marijuana, or Cannabis sativa L., is a common psychoactive plant used for both recreational and medicinal purposes. In many countries, cannabis‐based medicines have been legalized under certain conditions because of their immense prospects in medicinal applications. With a comprehensive insight into the prospects and challenges associated with the pharmacological use and global trade of C. sativa, this mini‐review focuses on the medicinal importance of the plant and its legal status worldwide; the pharmacological compounds and its therapeutic potential along with the underlying public health concerns and future perspective are herein discussed. The existence of major compounds including Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC), cannabidiol, cannabinol, and cannabichromene contributes to the medicinal effects of the cannabis plant. These compounds are also involved in the treatment of various types of cancer, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease displaying several mechanisms of action. Cannabis sativa is a plant with significant pharmacological potential. However, several aspects of the plant need an in‐depth understanding of the drug mechanism and its interaction with other drugs. Only after addressing these health concerns, legalization of cannabis could be utilized to its full potential as a future medicine.
Primary synovial sarcoma of the mediastinum: a poor prognosis in a 14‐year‐old girl
Authors: Saad Asma , Bouacida Imen , Ben Radhia Bechir , Zribi Hazem , Dridi Amira , Marghli Adel
Published: July 2021

Synovial sarcoma is a soft tissue sarcoma. Its occurrence as a primary mediastinal neoplasm is very rare. We report a case of mediastinal synovial sarcoma in a 14‐year‐old girl with exertive dyspnoea at presentation. On physical examination, there was a superior vena cava syndrome and café‐au‐lait spots. Chest X‐ray revealed a white left hemithorax with mediastinal deviation to the opposite side. Thoraco‐abdomino‐pelvic scanner showed a voluminous posterior cervico‐mediastinal tissue mass. Computed tomography (CT)‐guided biopsy of the mediastino‐pleural mass was performed. Histological examination reported fusocellular malignant mesenchymal proliferation. A complementary immunohistological study with a broad range of antibodies was performed with a high‐grade single‐phase spindle cell synovial sarcoma of the mediastinum. She presented a respiratory distress, did not respond to resuscitation, and died. Mediastinal synovial sarcoma is a rare tumour that is difficult to diagnose. Its slow progression and delay in diagnosis may lead to a fatal evolution.
Delay‐dependent stability analysis and stabilization of stochastic time‐delay systems governed by the Poisson process and Brownian motion
Authors: Song Bo , Zhang Ya , Park Ju H.
Published: July 2021

This article investigates the delay‐dependent stability and stabilization problems for stochastic time‐delay systems (STDSs) governed by the Poisson process and Brownian motion. First, this article exploits the decomposition of semimartingale to transform STDSs governed by the Poisson process and Brownian motion into STDSs governed by martingales, and then one can use effective properties and tools of martingale theory to investigate the stability and stabilization problems. Second, the expectations of stochastic crossterms involving stochastic integrals with respect to (w.r.t.) càdlàg martingale have been studied by martingale theory, and this article proves that the expectations of some particular stochastic crossterms are zero. Third, on the basis of above results on the expectations of stochastic crossterms and the equivalent Itô formula derived, this article uses the free weighting matrix method to give a delay‐dependent stability condition without using bounding techniques. Thus, the conservatism induced by bounding techniques is eliminated, and this method leads to a less conservative condition by a linear matrix inequality. Then, this article designs a state‐feedback controller which can stabilize the STDS governed by the Poisson process and Brownian motion. Finally, the effectiveness of derived results are illustrated by numerical examples.
pH‐Triggered Aggregation of Gold Nanoparticles for Enhanced Labeling and Long‐Term CT Imaging Tracking of Stem Cells in Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment
Authors: Yu Chenggong , Chen Zhongjin , Li Xiaodi , Bao Hongying , Wang Yujie , Zhang Bo , Huang Jie , Zhang Zhijun
Published: July 2021

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) pose a great challenge in the development of nanotracers that can self‐adaptively alter their properties in response to certain cellular environments for long‐term stem cell tracking. Herein, pH‐sensitive Au nanotracers (CPP‐PSD@Au) are fabricated by sequential coupling of AuNPs with sulfonamide‐based polymer (PSD) and cell‐penetrating peptide (CPP), which can be efficiently internalized by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and undergo pH‐induced self‐assembly in endosomes, facilitating long‐term computed tomography (CT) imaging tracking MSCs in a murine model of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Using the CPP‐PSD@Au, the transplanted MSCs for the first time can be monitored with CT imaging for up to 35 days after transplantation into the lung of IPF mice, clearly elucidating the migration process of MSCs in vivo. Moreover, we preliminarily explored the mechanism of the CPP‐PSD@Au labeled MSCs in the alleviation of IPF, including recovery of alveolar integrity, decrease of collagen deposition, as well as down‐regulation of relevant cytokine level. This work facilitates our understanding of the behavior and effect of MSCs in the therapy of IPF, thereby providing an important insight into the stem cell‐based treatment of lung diseases.
Transition Metal‐Catalyzed C−H Oxidation of Saturated Hydrocarbons with Molecular Oxygen
Authors: Komiya Naruyoshi , Murahashi Shun‐Ichi
Published: July 2021

The C−H oxidation of saturated hydrocarbons to the corresponding alcohols and ketones can be performed efficiently at room temperature with molecular oxygen (1 atm) in the presence of acetaldehyde and catalysts such as Fe, Cu(OH)2, and CuCl2‐18‐crown‐6 complex. Moreover, extremely high turnover numbers (>27,000) have been obtained for the C−H oxidation of saturated hydrocarbons with molecular oxygen (1 atm) using a combination of Cu(OAc)2 and acetonitrile at 70 °C. Related oxidation reactions such as epoxidation, Baeyer‐Villiger reaction, acetoxylation of β‐lactams with molecular oxygen and a suitable aldehyde at room temperature are described.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change: Transparency and integrated assessment modeling
Authors: Skea Jim , Shukla Priyadarshi , Al Khourdajie Alaa , McCollum David
Published: July 2021

Integrated assessment models (IAMs) connect trends in future socioeconomic and technological development with impacts on the environment, such as global climate change. They occupy a critical position at the global science‐policy interface. IAMs and associated scenarios have come under intense scrutiny, with critiques addressing both methodological and substantive issues, such as land use, carbon dioxide removal and technology performance. Criticisms have also addressed the transparency of IAM methods and assumptions as well as the transparency of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment of IAMs. This paper, authored by the co‐chairs of IPCC Working Group III and members of the Technical Support Unit, documents activities aiming to enhance the transparency of IAMs and their assessment. It includes a history of IPCC's approach to scenarios covering the formation of the Integrated Assessment Modeling Consortium (IAMC) in 2007 and the emergence of the approach by which IPCC facilitates the development of scenarios, but does not produce them itself. An IPCC Expert Meeting at the start of the current assessment cycle made transparency recommendations targeted at both the research community and IPCC. The community has taken steps to “open the black box” by moving toward open‐source and web‐publishing IAM documentation. IPCC has included an Annex to its next report focusing on scenarios and modeling methodologies. An open call for scenario data linked to the current IPCC report includes an expanded set of input and output variables. This paper ends with suggested criteria for measuring the success of these efforts to improve transparency.

This article is categorized under:

Integrated Assessment of Climate Change > Applications of Integrated Assessment to Climate Change

Integrated Assessment of Climate Change > Integrated Assessment Modeling
Comment on “The phase diagram of the multi-matrix model with ABAB-interaction from functional renormalization”
Authors: Perez-Sanchez Carlos I.
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Recently, [JHEP12 131 (2020)] obtained (a similar, scaled version of) the (a, b)-phase diagram derived from the Kazakov-Zinn-Justin solution of the Hermitian two-matrix model with interactions$$ -\mathrm{Tr}\left\{\frac{a}{4}\left({A}^4+{B}^4\right)+\frac{b}{2} ABAB\right\}, $$
−
Tr

a
4

A
4

+

B
4

+

b
2

ABAB

,

starting from Functional Renormalization. We comment on something unexpected: the phase diagram of [JHEP12 131 (2020)] is based on a βb-function that does not have the one-loop structure of the Wetterich-Morris equation. This raises the question of how to reproduce the phase diagram from a set of β-functions that is, in its totality, consistent with Functional Renormalization. A non-minimalist, yet simple truncation that could lead to the phase diagram is provided. Additionally, we identify the ensemble for which the result of op. cit. would be entirely correct.
Two-loop QCD penguin contribution to the width difference in Bs − $$ {\overline{B}}_s $$ mixing
Authors: Gerlach Marvin , Nierste Ulrich , Shtabovenko Vladyslav , Steinhauser Matthias
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We consider two-loop QCD corrections to the element $$ {\Gamma}_{12}^q $$

Γ
12
q

of the decay matrix in Bq−$$ {\overline{B}}_q $$

B
¯

q

mixing, q = d, s, in the leading power of the Heavy Quark Expansion. The calculated contributions involve one current-current and one penguin operator and constitute the next step towards a theory prediction for the width difference ∆Γs matching the precise experimental data. We present compact analytic results for all matching coefficients in an expansion in mc/mb up to second order. Our new corrections are comparable in size to the current experimental error and slightly increase ∆Γs.
Characterization of Generalized Young Measures Generated by $${\mathcal {A}}$$-free Measures
Authors: Arroyo-Rabasa Adolfo
Published: July 2021

We give two characterizations, one for the class of generalized Young measures generated by $${{\,\mathrm{{\mathcal {A}}}\,}}$$

A

-free measures and one for the class generated by $${\mathcal {B}}$$
B
-gradient measures $${\mathcal {B}}u$$

B
u

. Here, $${{\,\mathrm{{\mathcal {A}}}\,}}$$

A

and $${\mathcal {B}}$$
B
are linear homogeneous operators of arbitrary order, which we assume satisfy the constant rank property. The first characterization places the class of generalized $${\mathcal {A}}$$
A
-free Young measures in duality with the class of $${{\,\mathrm{{\mathcal {A}}}\,}}$$

A

-quasiconvex integrands by means of a well-known Hahn–Banach separation property. The second characterization establishes a similar statement for generalized $${\mathcal {B}}$$
B
-gradient Young measures. Concerning applications, we discuss several examples that showcase the failure of $$\mathrm {L}^1$$

L

1

-compensated compactness when concentration of mass is allowed. These include the failure of $$\mathrm {L}^1$$

L

1

-estimates for elliptic systems and the lack of rigidity for a version of the two-state problem. As a byproduct of our techniques we also show that, for any bounded open set $$\Omega $$
Ω
, the inclusions $$\begin{aligned} \mathrm {L}^1(\Omega ) \cap \ker {\mathcal {A}}&\hookrightarrow {\mathcal {M}}(\Omega ) \cap \ker {{\,\mathrm{{\mathcal {A}}}\,}}\,,\\ \{{\mathcal {B}}u\in \mathrm {C}^\infty (\Omega )\}&\hookrightarrow \{{\mathcal {B}}u\in {\mathcal {M}}(\Omega )\} \end{aligned}$$

L

1

(
Ω
)

∩
ker
A

↪
M
(
Ω
)
∩
ker

A

,

{
B
u
∈

C

∞

(
Ω
)

}

↪
{
B
u
∈
M
(
Ω
)
}

are dense with respect to the area-functional convergence of measures.
Early-Onset Osteoporosis
Authors: Mäkitie Outi , Zillikens M. Carola
Published: July 2021

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder with enhanced bone fragility, usually affecting the elderly. It is very rare in children and young adults and the definition is not only based on a low BMD (a Z-score < − 2.0 in growing children and a Z-score ≤ − 2.0 or a T-score ≤ − 2.5 in young adults) but also on the occurrence of fragility fractures and/or the existence of underlying chronic diseases or secondary factors such as use of glucocorticoids. In the absence of a known chronic disease, fragility fractures and low BMD should prompt extensive screening for secondary causes, which can be found in up to 90% of cases. When fragility fractures occur in childhood or young adulthood without an evident secondary cause, investigations should explore the possibility of an underlying monogenetic bone disease, where bone fragility is caused by a single variant in a gene that has a major role in the skeleton. Several monogenic forms relate to type I collagen, but other forms also exist. Loss-of-function variants in LRP5 and WNT1 may lead to early-onset osteoporosis. The X-chromosomal osteoporosis caused by PLS3 gene mutations affects especially males. Another recently discovered form relates to disturbed sphingolipid metabolism due to SGMS2 mutations, underscoring the complexity of molecular pathology in monogenic early-onset osteoporosis. Management of young patients consists of treatment of secondary factors, optimizing lifestyle factors including calcium and vitamin D and physical exercise. Treatment with bone-active medication should be discussed on a personalized basis, considering the severity of osteoporosis and underlying disease versus the absence of evidence on anti-fracture efficacy and potential harmful effects in pregnancy.
Nutritional supplementation alters associations between one-carbon metabolites and cardiometabolic risk profiles in older adults: a secondary analysis of the Vienna Active Ageing Study
Authors: Gillies Nicola A. , Franzke Bernhard , Wessner Barbara , Schober-Halper Barbara , Hofmann Marlene , Oesen Stefan , Tosevska Anela , Strasser Eva-Maria , Roy Nicole C. , Milan Amber M. , Cameron-Smith David , Wagner Karl-Heinz
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Cardiovascular diseases and cognitive decline, predominant in ageing populations, share common features of dysregulated one-carbon (1C) and cardiometabolic homeostasis. However, few studies have addressed the impact of multifaceted lifestyle interventions in older adults that combine both nutritional supplementation and resistance training on the co-regulation of 1C metabolites and cardiometabolic markers.

Methods

95 institutionalised older adults (83 ± 6 years, 88.4% female) were randomised to receive resistance training with or without nutritional supplementation (Fortifit), or cognitive training (control for socialisation) for 6 months. Fasting plasma 1C metabolite concentrations, analysed by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, and cardiometabolic parameters were measured at baseline and the 3- and 6-month follow-ups.

Results

Regardless of the intervention group, choline was elevated after 3 months, while cysteine and methionine remained elevated after 6 months (mixed model time effects, p < 0.05). Elevated dimethylglycine and lower betaine concentrations were correlated with an unfavourable cardiometabolic profile at baseline (spearman correlations, p < 0.05). However, increasing choline and dimethylglycine concentrations were associated with improvements in lipid metabolism in those receiving supplementation (regression model interaction, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Choline metabolites, including choline, betaine and dimethylglycine, were central to the co-regulation of 1C metabolism and cardiometabolic health in older adults. Metabolites that indicate upregulated betaine-dependent homocysteine remethylation were elevated in those with the greatest cardiometabolic risk at baseline, but associated with improvements in lipid parameters following resistance training with nutritional supplementation. The relevance of how 1C metabolite status might be optimised to protect against cardiometabolic dysregulation requires further attention.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of otitis media with effusion in adults and children: a multicenter study
Authors: Iannella Giannicola , Magliulo Giuseppe , Lechien Jerome R. , Maniaci Antonino , Perrone Tiziano , Frasconi Pier Carlo , De Vito Andrea , Martone Chiara , Ferlito Salvatore , Cocuzza Salvatore , Cammaroto Giovanni , Meccariello Giuseppe , Monticone Valentina , Greco Antonio , de Vincentiis Marco , Ralli Massimo , Savastano Vincenzo , Bertin Serena , Pace Annalisa , Milani Alessandro , Polimeni Roberta , Pelucchi Stefano , Ciorba Andrea , Vicini Claudio
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To compare and analyze the incidence of otitis media with effusion (OME), before and during the COVID-19-related pandemic period, to evaluate the effects of the social changes (lockdown, continuous use of facial masks, social distancing, reduction of social activities) in the OME incidence in children and adults.

Methods

The number of diagnosed OME in e five referral centers, between 1 March 2018 and 1 March 2021, has been reviewed and collected. To estimate the reduction of OME incidence in children and adults during the COVID-19 pandemic period the OME incidence in three period of time were evaluated and compared: group 1—patients with OME diagnosis achieved between 1/03/2018 and 01/03/2019 (not pandemic period). Group 2—patients with OME diagnosis achieved between 1/03/2019 and 1/03/2020 (not pandemic period). Group 3—patients with OME diagnosis achieved between 1/03/2020 and 1/03/2021 (COVID-19 pandemic period).

Results

In the non-pandemic periods (group 1 and 2), the incidence of OME in the five referral centers considered was similar, with 482 and 555 diagnosed cases, respectively. In contrast, the OME incidence in the same centers, during the pandemic period (group 3) was clearly reduced with a lower total number of 177 cases of OME estimated. Percentage variation in OME incidence between the first non-pandemic year considered (group 1) and the pandemic period (group 3) was—63, 3%, with an absolute value decrease value of—305 cases. Similarly, comparing the second non-pandemic year (group 2) and the pandemic year (group 3) the percentage variation of OME incidence was—68, 1% with an absolute value of—305 cases decreased.

Conclusions

Our findings showed a lower incidence of OME during the pandemic period compared with 2 previous non pandemic years. The drastic restrictive anti-contagion measures taken by the Italian government to contain the spread of COVID-19 could have had a positive impact on the lower OME incidence during the last pandemic year.
The impact of vestibular schwannoma and its management on employment
Authors: Neve O. M. , Jansen J. C. , van der Mey A. G. L. , Koot R. W. , de Ridder M. , van Benthem P. P. G. , Stiggelbout A. M. , Hensen E. F.
Published: July 2021

Background

Employment is an important factor in quality of life. For vestibular schwannoma (VS) patients, employment is not self-evident, because of the sequelae of the disease or its treatment and their effects on daily life.

Objectives

This study assessed employment status, sick leave (absenteeism) and being less productive at work (presenteeism) in the long-term follow-up of VS patients, and evaluated the impact of treatment strategy (active surveillance, surgery or radiotherapy).

Methods

A cross-sectional survey study was performed in a tertiary university hospital in the Netherlands. Patients completed the iMTA-post productivity questionnaire (iPCQ). Employment status was compared to that of the general Dutch population. Employment, absenteeism and presenteeism were compared between patients under active surveillance, patients after radiotherapy and post-surgical patients.

Result

In total 239 patients participated, of which 67% were employed at the time of the study. Only 14% had a disability pension, which was comparable to the age-matched general Dutch population. The proportion of patients with absenteeism was 8%, resulting in a 4% reduction of working hours. Presenteeism was reported by 14% of patients, resulting in a 2% reduction of working hours. The median number of working hours per week was 36, and since the diagnosis, these hours had been reduced by 6%. There were no significant differences between treatment modalities.

Conclusion

On average, long-term employment status and working hours of VS patients are comparable to the age-matched general population. Treatment strategies do not seem to differentially impact on long-term employment of VS patients.
Diagnosis and follow-up evaluation of central nervous system vasculitis: an evaluation of vessel-wall MRI findings
Authors: Patzig Maximilian , Forbrig Robert , Küpper Clemens , Eren Ozan , Saam Tobias , Kellert Lars , Liebig Thomas , Schöberl Florian
Published: July 2021

Objective

To approach the clinical value of MRI with vessel wall imaging (VWI) in patients with central nervous system vasculitis (CNSV), we analyzed patterns of VWI findings both at the time of initial presentation and during follow-up.

Methods

Stenoocclusive lesions, vessel-wall contrast enhancement (VW-CE) and diffusion-restricted lesions were analyzed in patients with a diagnosis of CNSV. On available VWI follow-up, progression, regression or stability of VW-CE were evaluated and correlated with the clinical status.

Results

Of the 45 patients included, 28 exhibited stenoses visible on MR angiography (MRA-positive) while 17 had no stenosis (MRA-negative). VW-CE was found in 2/17 MRA-negative and all MRA-positive patients (p < 0.05). 79.1% (53/67) of stenoses showed VW-CE. VW-CE was concentric in 88.3% and eccentric in 11.7% of cases. Diffusion-restricted lesions were found more frequently in relation to stenoses with VW-CE than without VW-CE (p < 0.05). 48 VW-CE lesions in 23 patients were followed over a median time of 239.5 days. 13 VW-CE lesions (27.1%) resolved completely, 14 (29.2%) showed partial regression, 17 (35.4%) remained stable and 4 (8.3%) progressed. 22/23 patients received immunosuppressive therapy for the duration of follow-up. Patients with stable or progressive VW-CE were more likely (p < 0.05) to have a relapse (14/30 cases) than patients with partial or complete regression of VW-CE (5/25 cases).

Conclusion

Concentric VW-CE is a common finding in medium/large-sized vessel CNSV. VW-CE might represent active inflammation in certain situations. However, follow-up VWI findings proved ambiguous as persisting VW-CE despite immunosuppressive therapy and clinical remission was a frequent finding.
Polygenic scores for handedness and their association with asymmetries in brain structure
Authors: Ocklenburg Sebastian , Metzen Dorothea , Schlüter Caroline , Fraenz Christoph , Arning Larissa , Streit Fabian , Güntürkün Onur , Kumsta Robert , Genç Erhan
Published: July 2021

Handedness is the most widely investigated motor preference in humans. The genetics of handedness and especially the link between genetic variation, brain structure, and right-left preference have not been investigated in detail. Recently, several well-powered genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on handedness have been published, significantly advancing the understanding of the genetic determinants of left and right-handedness. In the present study, we estimated polygenic scores (PGS) of handedness-based on the GWAS by de Kovel and Francks (Sci Rep 9: 5986, 2019) in an independent validation cohort (n = 296). PGS reflect the sum effect of trait-associated alleles across many genetic loci. For the first time, we could show that these GWAS-based PGS are significantly associated with individual handedness lateralization quotients in an independent validation cohort. Additionally, we investigated whether handedness-derived polygenic scores are associated with asymmetries in gray matter macrostructure across the whole brain determined using magnetic resonance imaging. None of these associations reached significance after correction for multiple comparisons. Our results implicate that PGS obtained from large-scale handedness GWAS are significantly associated with individual handedness in smaller validation samples with more detailed phenotypic assessment.
Biological activity of 3-(2-benzoxazol-5-yl)alanine derivatives
Authors: Guzow Katarzyna , Mulkiewicz Ewa , Obuchowski Michał , Wiczk Wiesław
Published: July 2021

Searching for new drugs is still a challenge for science, mainly because of civilization development and globalization which promote the rapid spread of diseases, which is particularly dangerous in the case of infectious ones. Moreover, readily available already known antibiotics are often overused or misused, possibly contributing to the increase in the number of multidrug-resistant microorganisms. A consequence of this is the need for new structures of potential drugs. One of them is a benzoxazole moiety, a basic skeleton of a group of fluorescent heterocyclic compounds already widely used in chemistry, industry, and medicine, which is also present in naturally occurring biologically active compounds. Moreover, synthetic benzoxazoles are also biologically active. Considering all of that, a large group of non-proteinogenic amino acids based on 3-(2-benzoxazol-5-yl)alanine skeleton was studied in search for new antimicrobial and anticancer agents. Screening tests revealed that antibacterial potential of 41 compounds studied is not very high; however, they are selective acting only against Gram-positive bacteria (B. subtilis). Moreover, almost half of the studied compounds have antifungal properties, also against pathogens (C. albicans). Most of studied compounds are toxic to both normal and cancer cells. However, in a few cases, toxicity to normal cells is much lower than for cancer cells indicating these compounds as future anticancer agents. The research carried out on such a large group of compounds allowed to establish a structure–activity relationship which enables to select candidates for further modifications, necessary to improve their biological activity and obtain a new lead structure with potential for therapeutic use.
Mass spectrometry based metabolomics approach on the elucidation of volatile metabolites formation in fermented foods: A mini review
Authors: Park Min Kyung , Kim Young-Suk
Published: July 2021

Metabolomics can be applied for comparative and quantitative analyses of the metabolic changes induced by microorganisms during fermentation. In particular, mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful tool for metabolomics that is widely used for elucidating biomarkers and patterns of metabolic changes. Fermentation involves the production of volatile metabolites via diverse and complex metabolic pathways by the activities of microbial enzymes. These metabolites can greatly affect the organoleptic properties of fermented foods. This review provides an overview of the MS-based metabolomics techniques applied in studies of fermented foods, and the major metabolic pathways and metabolites (e.g., sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids) derived from their metabolism. In addition, we suggest an efficient tool for understanding the metabolic patterns and for identifying novel markers in fermented foods.
Development and validation of the MARA scale in Spanish to assess knowledge and perceived risks and barriers relating to breast cancer prevention
Authors: Martínez-Urquijo Andrea , Postigo Álvaro , Cuesta Marcelino , Fernández-Álvarez María del Mar , Martín-Payo Rubén
Published: July 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop a measurement instrument for assessing knowledge of breast cancer and perceived risk of developing the disease (MARA).

Methods

641 women with a mean age of 36.19 years (SD = 7.49) participated in the study. Data collection took place during 2019 and included sociodemographic data, data on history of cancer and breast cancer, perceived risk, and feelings of concern about developing breast cancer. Internal consistency, test–retest reliability, convergent validity, and structural validity were tested.

Results

The questionnaire items comprise 4 subscales: risk factors (9 items), signs and symptoms (9 items), perceived risk (6 items), barriers (7 items). A factor analysis revealed that the first two subscales had two dimensions each, whereas the other two subscales had one dimension each. Each subscale was shown to have adequate reliability (α = 0.74–0.92) and temporal stability (r = 0.201–0.906), as well as strong evidence of validity in relation to a questionnaire on breast cancer knowledge (r = 0.131–0.434). In addition, the subscales were shown to have high discriminatory power in terms of the presence or absence of a history of cancer or breast cancer, perceived risk, and feelings of concern.

Conclusion

The MARA questionnaire represents a valid, reliable tool for assessing Spanish women’s knowledge, risks, perceptions, and barriers regarding breast cancer.
On the triad of air PM pollution, pathogenic bioaerosols, and lower respiratory infection
Authors: He Tangtian , Jin Ling , Li Xiangdong
Published: July 2021

Airborne particulate matter (PM) pollution, as a leading environmental health risk, causes millions of premature deaths globally every year. Lower respiratory infection (LRI) is a sensitive response to short-term exposure to outdoor PM pollution. The airborne transmission of etiological agents of LRI, as an important pathway for infection and morbidity, bridges the public health issues of air quality and pathogen infectivity, virulence, resistance, and others. Enormous efforts are underway to identify common pathogens and substances that are etiological agents for LRI and to understand the underlying toxicological and clinical basis of health effects by identifying mechanistic pathways. Seasonal variations and geographical disparities in the survival and infectivity of LRI pathogens are unsolved mysteries. Weather conditions in geographical areas may have a key effect, but also potentially connect LRI with short-term increases in ambient air PM pollution. Statistical associations show that short-term elevations in fine and coarse PM lead to increases in respiratory infections, but the causative agents could be chemical or microbiological and be present individually or in mixtures, and the interactions between chemical and microbiological agents remain undefined. Further investigations on high-resolution monitoring of airborne pathogens in relation to PM pollution for an integrated exposure–response assessment and mechanistic study are warranted. Improving our understanding of the spatiotemporal features of pathogenic bioaerosols and air pollutants and translating scientific evidence into effective policies is vital to reducing the health risks and devastating death toll from PM pollution.

Graphical abstract