bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liquid Crystalline Rylenediimides with Highly Order Smectic Layer Structure as a Floating Gate for Multiband Photoresponding Photonic Transistor Memory
Authors: Lin Yi‐Sa , Lin Yan‐Cheng , Yang Wei‐Chen , Li Guan‐Syuan , Ercan Ender , Hung Chih‐Chien , Chien Wen‐Chen , Chen Wen‐Chang
Published: October 2021

With the growing demands of light fidelity technology, photonic transistor memory has gained considerable attention for next‐generation optoelectronic devices. In this work, alkylated rylenediimides of 2,9‐diphenethylanthra[2,1,9‐def:6,5,10‐d“e”f]diisoquinoline‐1,3,8,10(2H,9H)‐tetraone (C8‐PDI) and 2,7‐dioctylbenzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline‐1,3,6,8(2H,7H)‐tetraone (C8‐NDI), and pyromellitic diimide of 2,6‐dioctylpyrrolo[3,4‐f]isoindole‐1,3,5,7(2H,6H)‐tetraone (C8‐PMDI) have been used as floating gate electrets in the photonic field‐effect transistor‐type memory. The structure‐optics‐performance relationship of these rod‐like molecules has been systematically studied, and the memory device exhibited a decent response to photowriting and electrical erasing processes, owing to the 3D ordered smectic layer structure and brickwork stacking. Therefore, an evenly distributed photogating moiety, efficient exciton dissociation associated with decent carrier tunneling and charge trapping can be obtained. Among them, the sought‐after C8‐NDI presents favorable energy level alignment, multiband photoresponding, and an optimal block ratio. The fabricated photonic memory with C8‐NDI electret presented a remarkable memory switchability with a memory ratio of 104 and a stable memory ratio of 105 over 10,000 s. To the best of knowledge, this is the first work to utilize rylenediimides based liquid crystals as an efficient charge blocking electret, and these findings open an avenue for designing rod‐like molecules with highly ordered liquid crystalline properties in the ultrafast photomemory devices.
The relationship of cold acclimation and extracellular ice formation to winter thermonasty in twoRhododendronspecies and their F1hybrid
Authors: Arora Rajeev , Krebs Stephen L. , Wisniewski Michael E.
Published: October 2021

Premise

Thermonastic leaf movements in evergreenRhododendronspecies have been used to study plant strategies for winter photoprotection. To add to the current fundamental understanding of this behavior, we addressed the following questions: (1) Is the cold‐acclimated (CA) state necessary for thermonasty, and do cold‐induced leaf movements also occur in non‐acclimated (NA) plants? (2) Which of the two movements, leaf rolling versus curling, is more responsive to freezing, if any, in a non‐thermonastic species? (3) What is the temporal relationship between extracellular freezing and thermonasty? (4) What genetic inferences can be drawn from leaf movement in an F1hybrid relative to its parents?

Methods

A temperature‐controlled, gradual cooling regime was used to quantify freeze‐induced leaf movements. Infrared thermography was used to confirm extracellular ice‐formation in leaves.

Results

Both NA and CA plants of thermonastic species exhibited thermonasty, but leaf rolling/curling increased significantly in CA plants. In the cold‐acclimated condition, a non‐thermonastic species showed almost no rolling during freezing, while the thermonastic species and F1hybrid did, the latter exhibiting a response intermediate to the parents. Freezing‐induced leaf curling in the non‐thermonastic species and the F1hybrid was equivalent and significantly less than the degree of curling in the thermonastic species.

Conclusions

Milder thermonasty in NA than CA leaves could be associated with differential anisotropy in the rolling forces and/or response of aquaporins to freezing. Leaf movements in the hybrid suggest that leaf rolling and curling are additive and dominant genetic traits, respectively. Infrared thermography confirms that ice formation in tissues precedes cold‐induced thermonasty inR. catawbiense.
Late‐onset hematological complications post COVID‐19: An emerging medical problem for the hematologist
Authors: Korompoki Eleni , Gavriatopoulou Maria , Fotiou Despina , Ntanasis‐Stathopoulos Ioannis , Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Terpos Evangelos
Published: October 2021

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19) is considered a multisystemic disease. Several studies have reported persistent symptoms or late‐onset complications after acute COVID‐19, including post‐COVID‐19 hematological disorders. COVID‐19‐induced coagulopathy, an immunothrombotic state, has been linked to thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events. Late‐onset thrombocytopenia related to immune system dysregulation has also been reported as a rare manifestation post COVID‐19. Close monitoring of laboratory dynamics is considered essential to identify timely abnormal values that need further investigation, providing supportive care whenever indicated. The role of hematologists is essential in terms of the multidisciplinary approach of long COVID‐19. This review summarizes all the available evidence on post‐acute COVID‐19 hematological complications.
Describing economic benefits and costs of nonstandard work hours: A scoping review
Authors: Wong Imelda S. , Quay Brian , Irvin Emma , Belzer Michael H.
Published: October 2021

Background

The benefits of nonstandard work hours include increased production time and the number of jobs. While for some sectors, such as emergency services, around‐the‐clock work is a necessary and critical societal obligation, work outside of traditional daytime schedules has been associated with many occupational safety and health hazards and their associated costs. Thus, organizational‐ and policy‐level decisions on nonstandard work hours can be difficult and are based on several factors including economic evaluation. However, there is a lack of systematic knowledge of economic benefits and costs associated with these schedules.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review of the methodology and data used to examine the economic benefits and costs of nonstandard work hours and related interventions to mitigate risks.

Results

Ten studies met all our inclusion criteria. Most studies used aggregation and analysis of national and other large datasets. Costs estimated include health‐related expenses, productivity losses, and projections of future loss of earnings. Cost analyses of interventions were provided for an obstructive sleep apnea screening program, implementation of an employer‐based educational program, and increased staffing to cover overtime hours.

Conclusions

A paucity of studies assess nonstandard work hours using economic terms. Future studies are needed to expand economic evaluations beyond the employer level to include those at the societal level because impacts of nonstandard work go beyond the workplace and are important for policy analysis and formulation. We pose the opportunity for researchers and employers to share data and resources in the development of more analyses that fill these research gaps.
COVID‐19 Vaccine Response in People with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Tallantyre Emma C. , Vickaryous Nicola , Anderson Valerie , Asardag Aliye Nazli , Baker David , Bestwick Jonathan , Bramhall Kath , Chance Randy , Evangelou Nikos , George Katila , Giovannoni Gavin , Godkin Andrew , Grant Leanne , Harding Katharine E. , Hibbert Aimee , Ingram Gillian , Jones Meleri , Kang Angray S. , Loveless Samantha , Moat Stuart J. , Robertson Neil P. , Schmierer Klaus , Scurr Martin J. , Shah Sita Navin , Simmons Jessica , Upcott Matthew , Willis Mark , Jolles Stephen , Dobson Ruth
Published: October 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of disease modifying therapies on immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) vaccines in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

Four hundred seventy‐three people with MS provided one or more dried blood spot samples. Information about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and vaccine history, medical, and drug history were extracted from questionnaires and medical records. Dried blood spots were eluted and tested for antibodies to SARS‐CoV‐2. Antibody titers were partitioned into tertiles with people on no disease modifying therapy as a reference. We calculated the odds ratio of seroconversion (univariate logistic regression) and compared quantitative vaccine response (Kruskal Wallis) following the SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine according to disease modifying therapy. We used regression modeling to explore the effect of vaccine timing, treatment duration, age, vaccine type, and lymphocyte count on vaccine response.

Results

Compared to no disease modifying therapy, the use of anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibodies (odds ratio = 0.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.01–0.06, p < 0.001) and fingolimod (odds ratio = 0.04; 95% CI = 0.01–0.12) were associated with lower seroconversion following the SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine. All other drugs did not differ significantly from the untreated cohort. Both time since last anti‐CD20 treatment and total time on treatment were significantly associated with the response to the vaccination. The vaccine type significantly predicted seroconversion, but not in those on anti‐CD20 medications. Preliminary data on cellular T‐cell immunity showed 40% of seronegative subjects had measurable anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 T cell responses.

Interpretation

Some disease modifying therapies convey risk of attenuated serological response to SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination in people with MS. We provide recommendations for the practical management of this patient group. ANN NEUROL 20219999:n/a–n/a
Highly Ethylene‐Selective Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction Enabled by Isolated Cu−S Motifs in Metal–Organic Framework Based Precatalysts
Authors: Wen Chun Fang , Zhou Min , Liu Peng Fei , Liu Yuanwei , Wu Xuefeng , Mao Fangxin , Dai Sheng , Xu Beibei , Wang Xue Lu , Jiang Zheng , Hu P. , Yang Shuang , Wang Hai Feng , Yang Hua Gui
Published: October 2021

Copper‐based materials are efficient electrocatalysts for the conversion of CO2 to C2+ products, and most these materials are reconstructed in situ to regenerate active species. It is a challenge to precisely design precatalysts to obtain active sites for the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). Herein, we develop a strategy based on local sulfur doping of a Cu‐based metal–organic framework precatalyst, in which the stable Cu−S motif is dispersed in the framework of HKUST‐1 (S‐HKUST‐1). The precatalyst exhibits a high ethylene selectivity in an H‐type cell with a maximum faradaic efficiency (FE) of 60.0 %, and delivers a current density of 400 mA cm−2 with an ethylene FE up to 57.2 % in a flow cell. Operando X‐ray absorption results demonstrate that Cuδ+ species stabilized by the Cu−S motif exist in S‐HKUST‐1 during CO2RR. Density functional theory calculations indicate the partially oxidized Cuδ+ at the Cu/CuxSy interface is favorable for coupling of the *CO intermediate due to the modest distance between coupling sites and optimized adsorption energy.
Be–Be π‐Bonding and Predicted Superconductivity in MBe2 (M=Zr, Hf)
Authors: Goesten Maarten G.
Published: October 2021

Beryllium, an s‐block element, forms an aromatic network of delocalized Be–Be π bonds in alloys ZrBe2 and HfBe2. This gives rise to stacked [Be2]4− layers with tetravalent cations in between. The [Be2]4− sublattice is isoelectronic and isostructural to graphite, as well as the [B]−2 sublattice in MgB2, and it bears identical manifestations of π bonding in its electronic band structure. These come in the form of degeneracies at K and H in the Brillouin zone, separated in energy as the result of interlayer orbital interactions. Zr and Hf use their valence d orbitals to form bonds with the layers, leading to nearly identical band structures. Like MgB2, ZrBe2 and HfBe2 are computed to be phonon‐mediated superconductors at ambient pressures, with respective critical temperatures of 11.4 K and 8.8 K. The coupling strength between phonons and free electrons is very similar, so that the difference in critical temperatures is controlled by the mass of constituent interlayer ions.
Polyoxymethylene/talc composite: Investigation of warpage, mechanical and thermal properties for thin walled‐injection molding applications
Authors: Kailasanathan Chidambara Kuttalam , Saravanan Salem Thangavel , Natarajan Elango , Stalin Balasubramaniam
Published: October 2021

The warpage in injection‐molded thin‐walled components is a research challenge for many years. Polyoxymethylene (POM) composite was prepared with various weight fractions of talc to investigate the reduction in warpage and its effect on mechanical properties such as tensile, compressive, impact, and thermal properties like Vicat softening point and heat deflection temperature (HDT). The uniform distribution of talc fillers is confirmed in Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) examinations. The talc is found to act as a nucleation agent and affect the crystallinity of POM. It is found from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis that the percentage of crystallinity is increased with respect to the weight percent of talc fillers and reached a minimum at POM/1 wt% and maximum at POM/3 wt% Talc. The 12% of reduction in warpage is observed in POM/1 wt% Talc polymer composite but it has a 45% increase in impact strength, though it loses the tensile, compressive, and thermal properties by 2%–3%. Meanwhile, the superior mechanical properties are observed in POM/3 wt% Talc polymer composite, but with more warpage than other samples. The present study revealed that the composite with 1% wt loading is suitable to high impact application with lower warpage in thin‐walled molding. The DSC, scanning electron microscopic, X‐ray diffraction, FTIR, HDT, and Vicat softening point results are presented to support the investigations.
PROTOCOL: Effectiveness of interventions for improving educational outcomes for people with disabilities in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Hunt Xanthe , Saran Ashrita , White Howard , Kuper Hannah
Published: October 2021

The objectives of this review are to answer the following research questions: (1) What is the nature of the interventions used to support education for people with disabilities? (2) What is the size and quality of the evidence base of the effectiveness of interventions to improve educational outcomes for people with disabilities in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs)? (3) What works to improve educational outcomes for people with disabilities in LMICs? (4) Which interventions appear most effective for different types of disability? (5) What are the barriers and facilitators to improving of educational outcomes for people with disabilities? Is there evidence of cumulative effects—that certain interventions are effective when done in combination with others, but are less or ineffective when done alone?
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Dithiobisacetamides as Novel Urease Inhibitors
Authors: Liu Mei‐Ling , Li Wei‐Yi , Fang Hai‐Lian , Ye Ya‐Xi , Li Su‐Ya , Song Wan‐Qing , Xiao Zhu‐Ping , Ouyang Hui , Zhu Hai‐Liang
Published: October 2021

Thirty‐eight disulfides containing N‐arylacetamide were designed and synthesized in an effort to develop novel urease inhibitors. Biological evaluation revealed that some of the synthetic compounds exhibited strong inhibitory potency against both cell‐free urease and urease in intact cell with low cytotoxicity to mammalian cells even at concentration up to 250 μM. Of note, 2,2′‐dithiobis(N‐(2‐fluorophenyl)acetamide) (d7), 2,2′‐dithiobis(N‐(3,5‐difluorophenyl)acetamide) (d24), and 2,2′‐dithiobis(N‐(3‐fluorophenyl)acetamide) (d8) were here identified as the most active inhibitors with IC50 of 0.074, 0.44, and 0.81 μM, showing 32‐ to 355‐fold higher potency than the positive control acetohydroxamic acid. These disulfides were confirmed to bind urease without covalent modification of the cysteine residue and to inhibit urease reversibly with a mixed inhibition mechanism. They also showed very good anti‐Helicobacter pylori activities with d8 showing a comparable potency to the clinical used drug amoxicillin. The impressive in vitro biological profile indicated their immense potential as therapeutic agents to tackle H. pylori caused infections.
A Quantitative Modeling and Simulation Framework to Support Candidate and Dose Selection of Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 Monoclonal Antibodies to Advance Bamlanivimab Into a First‐in‐Human Clinical Trial
Authors: Chigutsa Emmanuel , Jordie Eric , Riggs Matthew , Nirula Ajay , Elmokadem Ahmed , Knab Tim , Chien Jenny Y.
Published: October 2021

Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAb), novel therapeutics for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), have been urgently researched from the start of the pandemic. The selection of the optimal mAb candidate and therapeutic dose were expedited using open‐access in silico models. The maximally effective therapeutic mAb dose was determined through two approaches; both expanded on innovative, open‐science initiatives. A physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model, incorporating physicochemical properties predictive of mAb clearance and tissue distribution, was used to estimate mAb exposure that maintained concentrations above 90% inhibitory concentration of in vitro neutralization in lung tissue for up to 4 weeks in 90% of patients. To achieve fastest viral clearance following onset of symptoms, a longitudinal SARS‐CoV‐2 viral dynamic model was applied to estimate viral clearance as a function of drug concentration and dose. The PBPK model‐based approach suggested that a clinical dose between 175 and 500 mg of bamlanivimab would maintain target mAb concentrations in the lung tissue over 28 days in 90% of patients. The viral dynamic model suggested a 700 mg dose would achieve maximum viral elimination. Taken together, the first‐in‐human trial (NCT04411628) conservatively proceeded with a starting therapeutic dose of 700 mg and escalated to higher doses to evaluate the upper limit of safety and tolerability. Availability of open‐access codes and application of novel in silico model‐based approaches supported the selection of bamlanivimab and identified the lowest dose evaluated in this study that was expected to result in the maximum therapeutic effect before the first‐in‐human clinical trial.
A clinical score to predict mortality in patients after acute heart failure from Japanese registry
Authors: Takabayashi Kensuke , Okada Yohei , Iwatsu Kotaro , Ikeda Tsutomu , Fujita Ryoko , Takenaka Hiroyuki , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Kitaguchi Shouji , Nohara Ryuji
Published: October 2021

Aims

Clinical scores that consider physical and social factors to predict long‐term observations in patients after acute heart failure are limited. This study aimed to develop and validate a prediction model for patients with acute heart failure at the time of discharge.

Methods and results

This study was retrospective analysis of the Kitakawachi Clinical Background and Outcome of Heart Failure Registry database. The registry is a prospective, multicentre cohort of patients with acute heart failure between April 2015 and August 2017. The primary outcome to be predicted was the incidence of all‐cause mortality during the 3 years of follow‐up period. The development cohort derived from April 2015 to July 2016 was used to build the prediction model, and the test cohort from August 2016 to August 2017 was used to evaluate the prediction model. The following potential predictors were selected by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method: age, sex, body mass index, activities of daily living at discharge, social background, comorbidities, biomarkers, and echocardiographic findings; a risk scoring system was developed using a logistic model to predict the outcome using a simple integer based on each variable's β coefficient. Out of 1253 patients registered, 1117 were included in the analysis and divided into the development (n = 679) and test (n = 438) cohorts. The outcomes were 246 (36.2%) in the development cohort and 143 (32.6%) in the test cohort. Eleven variables including physical and social factors were set into the logistic regression model, and the risk scoring system was created. The patients were divided into three groups: low risk (score 0–5), moderate risk (score 6–11), and high risk (score ≥12). The observed and predicted mortality rates were described by the Kaplan–Meier curve divided by risk group and independently increased (P < 0.001). In the test cohort, the C statistic of the prediction model was 0.778 (95% confidence interval: 0.732–0.824), and the mean predicted probabilities in the groups were low, 6.9% (95% confidence interval: 3.8–10%); moderate, 30.1% (95% confidence interval: 25.4%–34.8%); and high, 79.2% (95% confidence interval: 72.6%–85.8%). The predicted probability was well calibrated to the observed outcomes in both cohorts.

Conclusions

The Kitakawachi Clinical Background and Outcome of Heart Failure score was helpful in predicting adverse events in patients with acute heart failure over a long‐term period. We should evaluate the physical and social functions of such patients before discharge to prevent adverse outcomes.
A Quasi‐Two‐Dimensional Copper Based Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite with Reversible Thermochromism and Ferromagnetism
Authors: Fu Hanmei , Jiang Chunli , Luo Chunhua , Lin Hechun , Peng Hui
Published: October 2021

Two‐dimensional (2D) organic‐inorganic hybrid perovskites (OHPs) have been gaining more and more attention for their unique optical, electrical and magnetic behaviors. Herein, we report a multifunctional quasi‐2D hybrid perovskite, 1, 6‐hexanediammonium tetrachlorocuprate ((1, 6‐HDA)CuCl4), which exhibit reversible thermochromic behavior, temperature‐dependent conductivity and ferromagnetism. Changing temperature results in the reversible color change of (1, 6‐HDA)CuCl4 between yellow and brown. A screen‐printing ink is prepared by using (1, 6‐HDA)CuCl4 and used to print thermochromic patterns. The reversible thermochromism originates from the CuCl6 octahedron distortions and lattice expansion in the crystal structure. The conductivity varies more than two orders of magnitude upon temperature change. (1, 6‐HDA)CuCl4 also shows ferromagnetic property with Curie temperatures around 12 K.
Iodine‐Mediated Cross‐Dehydrogenative Coupling of Heterocyclic Thiols with Amines: An Easy and Practical Formation of S−N Bond
Authors: Wu Yue‐Xiao , Peng Kang , Hu Zhi‐Chao , Fan Yong‐Hao , Shi Zhen , Hao Er‐Jun , Dong Zhi‐Bing
Published: October 2021

An efficient iodine‐mediated construction of S−N bond was developed. Such a cross‐dehydrogenative coupling of heterocyclic thiols with amines proceeded smoothly under metal‐free and base‐free conditions, and afforded a series of sulfenamides in good to excellent yields. The easily available substrates and convenient synthetic procedure illustrate potential synthetic value of this protocol for the preparation of sulfenamide related biologically or pharmaceutically active compounds.
A conjoint multi metal‐ion iminodiacetic acid monolith microfluidic chip for structural‐based protein pre‐fractionation
Authors: Khaparde Ashish , Lokesh Kumar S. , Vijayalakshmi M. A. , Tetala Kishore K. R.
Published: October 2021

PDMS‐based multichannel microfluidic chip was designed and fabricated in a simple approach using readily available tools. UV‐initiated in situ polymerization of poly(2‐hydroxy ethyl methacrylate‐co‐di(ethylene glycol) diacrylate‐co‐N,Nʹ‐diallyl l‐tartardiamide) in an Eppendorf tube was achieved within 40 min. This polymerization process was successfully translated to a microfluidic chip format without any further modifications. Iminodiacetic acid was successfully immobilized on aldehyde functional monoliths via Schiff base reaction and confirmed by FT‐IR spectroscopy. Four transition metal ions (Co (II), Zn (II), Ni (II), and Cu (II)) were chelated individually on four IDA‐monolith microfluidic chips. The conjoint metal‐ion monolith microfluidic chip has displayed high permeability (9.40 × 10–13 m2) and a porosity of 32.8%. This affinity microfluidic chip has pre‐fractioned four human plasma proteins (fibrinogen, immunoglobulin, transferrin, and human serum albumin) based on their surface‐exposed histidine surface topography. A protein recovery of approximately 95% (Bradford assay data) was achieved. The multimonolith microchip can be reusable even after three protein adsorption‐desorption cycles.
A machine learning‐based method for automatic diagnosis of ankle fracture using X‐ray images
Authors: Wu Mengkun , Sun Hao , Sun Zhenhui , Guo Xin , Duan Lunhui , Tan Yinglun , Cui Rui
Published: October 2021

Due to the complex mechanism of ankle injury, the clinical diagnosis of ankle fracture is extremely difficult. In order to simplify the fracture diagnosis process, this study proposes an automatic diagnosis model of ankle fractures. Firstly, an ankle fracture classification method suitable for machine learning was developed. By dividing six fracture regions, multiple types of fractures were clarified, and a corresponding dataset was created accordingly. Secondly, the random forest model was used to preprocess the X‐ray images and segment the fracture foreground part of the X‐ray images. Finally, the bag of visual words (BoVW) was used for feature extraction, and classifiers were constructed in different regions for classification. The area under the curve (AUC) of XGBoost was 0.92 ± 0.06. The performance of the XGBoost has proved to be better compared with the SVM when training on a small dataset in each region.
High D‐index during mobilization predicts poor mobilization ofCD34+ cells after anti‐lymphoma salvage chemotherapy
Authors: Ebisawa Kazutoshi , Honda Akira , Chiba Akira , Masamoto Yosuke , Okazaki Hitoshi , Kurokawa Mineo
Published: October 2021

Background

Performing stem cell collection after mobilization chemotherapy was a well‐balanced strategy between anti‐tumor effect and efficient collection of CD34+ cells, but deep and prolonged nadir exposed patients to risk of febrile neutropenia. Febrile neutropenia was known to be associated with lower yields of CD34+ cells, but quantitative data referring to association between yields of CD34+ cells and severity of neutropenia was lacking. We hypothesized that D‐index, which was developed for quantitative evaluation of severity of neutropenia especially in the field of hematologic malignancies, could predict yields of CD34+ cells.

Methods

We performed a single center, retrospective analysis of patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive lymphoma who were mobilized with ESHAP or modified ESHAP. We evaluated the association between yields of CD34+ cells at first apheresis and D‐index.

Results

Thirty‐six patients were included, and we demonstrated that yields of CD34+ cells from patients with higher D‐index were significantly lower than those from patients with lower D‐index. Multivariate linear regression analysis and logistic regression analysis also demonstrated the significant predictive power of D‐index. Further, D‐index was significantly correlated to platelet count before starting mobilization chemotherapy. Platelet count was known to predict yields of CD34+ cells, and combination of platelet count and D‐index could identify patients with lowest CD34+ yields.

Conclusion

D‐index could predict yields of CD34+ cells and it seemed that its predictive power was not less than that of platelet count. Prospective studies including more heterogeneous patients were needed to validate our study.
Integrated care to address child and adolescent health in the 21st century: A clinical review
Authors: Fazel Mina , Townsend Alice , Stewart Harriet , Pao Maryland , Paz Isabel , Walker Jane , Sawyer Susan M. , Sharpe Michael
Published: October 2021

Background

Increasing specialisation and technical sophistication of medical tools across the 21st century have contributed to dramatic improvements in the life‐expectancy of children and adolescents with complex physical health problems. Concurrently, there is growing appreciation within the community of the extent that children and adolescents experience mental disorders, which are more prevalent in those with complex chronic, serious or life‐limiting health conditions. In this context, there are compelling reasons for paediatric services to move to a model of care that promotes greater integration of child psychiatry within the medical, somatic teams that care for children and adolescents in children’s hospitals.

Aims

In this article, we discuss the range of medical disorders managed by contemporary paediatrics.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a broad review of the literature and existing services, and use individual accounts to illustrate adolescents’ healthcare preferences in the context of the challenges they experience around their mental health.

Results

Relevant disorders include life‐limiting disorders, such as cancer; disorders involving the brain, such as epilepsy; common chronic disorders, such as asthma and diabetes; psychiatric emergencies, such as deliberate self‐harm; and conditions that most commonly present to paediatric services, but where psychiatric input is required, such as severe eating disorders, somatic symptom disorders and gender dysphoria. The persisting legacy of the historical separation of physical and mental health services is described. Yet there are many models of service integration that can promote more collaborative care between psychiatrists and medical specialists, including some which have been taken to scale.

Discussion

In essence, clinical teams in children’s hospitals require more collaborative approaches that facilitate early recognition and treatment of the psychological aspects of illness as an integral part of patient‐centred, family‐focussed paediatric care, rather than as something that is bolted on when things go wrong.

Conclusion

Whilst trust and goodwill between services and providers will be required for novel models of care to be implemented, evaluation of these new models and incorporation of young people’s healthcare preferences is needed.
Franz Joseph Gall on God and religion: “Dieu et Cerveau, rien que Dieu et cerveau!”
Authors: Eling Paul , Finger Stanley
Published: October 2021

Franz Joseph Gall's (1758–1828) doctrine of many faculties of mind with corresponding cortical organs led him to be accused of materialism, fatalism, and even atheism. Yet little has been written about the specific charges he felt forced to respond to in Vienna, while visiting the German States, or in Paris, where he published his books. This article examines these accusations and Gall's responses. It also looks at what Gall wrote about a cortical faculty for God and religion and seeing intelligent design in the functional organization of the brain. Additionally, it presents what can be gleaned about his private thoughts on God and organized religion. We conclude that Gall was sincere in his admiration for and belief in God the Creator, but that as an enlightened scientist was recognizing the need to separate metaphysics from the laws of nature when presenting his new science of man.
New chronology and extended palaeoenvironmental data to the 1975 loess profile of Madaras brickyard, South Hungary
Authors: Sümegi Pál , Gulyás Sándor , Molnár Dávid , Bozsó Gábor , Fekete István , Makó László , Cseh Péter , Molnár Mihály , Sümegi Balázs P. , Almond Peter , Zeeden Christian , Törőcsik Tünde , Nett Janina J. , Markó András , Lehmkuhl Frank
Published: October 2021

The 10 m thick Madaras loess–palaeosol profile is one of the Hungarian outcrops that yielded Upper Palaeolithic artefacts in 1966. To clarify the nature of the deposits and establish a reliable litho‐ and chronostratigraphy, a profile was opened and sampled at 25 cm intervals on the northern side of the brickyard in 1975. Analyses focused on grain size, carbonate content and the mollusc fauna. The chronology was based on the mollusc composition and a single date from the archaeological layer at the depth of ca 7 m below the surface. The 1975 profile was destroyed by mining but the reposited samples allowed an extended analysis of this important Marine Isotope Stage 2 record to which archaeological features were directly assigned. A new absolute chronology was built based on 11 14C dates. Environmental magnetic, geochemical and palaeoecological investigations allowed a refined view of site evolution with reliable chronology for the Last Glacial Maximum. Our results corroborated those of previous investigations done on other coeval loess–palaeosol sequences of the Southern Carpathian Basin. This also allowed for a temporal correlation to another local record with the published high‐resolution chronology of the same brickyard and enabled modelling of local‐scale heterogeneity of the environment in the long run.
Effects of low‐temperature microwave treatment of wheat germ
Authors: Meriles Silvina P , Steffolani Maria E , Penci Maria C , Curet Sebastien , Boillereaux Lionel , Ribotta Pablo D
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Wheat germ has a great potential byproduct in food formulations for its outstanding nutritional value. To allow valorization, there is a need to inactivate endogenous enzymes such as lipases to avoid lipid oxidation. In the present study, the effects of microwaves on enzyme activity, as well as on functional and physical properties of wheat germ, were evaluated. Microwave treatments were performed at 50, 60 and 70 °C for 5–20 min.

RESULTS

Lipase activity was severely affected at 60 and 70 °C in contrast to lipoxygenase. Microwave treatment did not cause changes in germ moisture content or color parameters. No significant changes were observed in equilibrium moisture content when comparing the adsorption and desorption processes of raw and microwave‐treated wheat germ. The best model to describe sorption process was the Guggenheim–Anderson–De Boer equation. According to the dielectric properties of raw wheat germ, it could be considered as transparent to energy (ε′ < 1.87 and ε′′ < 0.35). Thermal analysis of proteins showed a low denaturation degree (below 35% to raw material). In addition, some functional properties were enhanced such as oil retention capacity. Conformational changes as a result of microwave treatment were associated with the slight decline observed on the monolayer moisture content.

CONCLUSION

Microwave treatments of wheat germ at 60 and 70 °C were effective for lipase inactivation. Physical properties did not change drastically after the treatments. Microwave‐treated wheat germ could be a good source of high‐protein ingredient in food product development. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effects of fermentation time and pH on quality of black carrot juice fermented by kefir culture during storage
Authors: Alagöz Kabakcı Sümeyye , Türkyılmaz Meltem , Özkan Mehmet
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

The effects of fermentation time (17–48 h) and pH (3.37–4.50) on qualities of fermented beverages (FBs) produced from black carrot juice (BCJ) were monitored during storage at 4 °C for 20 weeks.

RESULTS

Fermentation and adjusting the pH level provided significant increases (up to 22%) in anthocyanin content and the absorbance value at λmax (Amax). Moreover, the stability of anthocyanins, color density, and Amax in FBs was somewhat higher than those in BCJ. Lactic acid showed a co‐pigmentation effect on cyanidin‐3‐galactoside‐xyloside‐glucoside‐sinapic acid and cyanidin‐3‐galactoside‐xyloside‐glucoside‐ferulic acid. Sucrose was degraded much faster at pH 4.50 (17 h) and 4.35 (48 h) than at lower pH levels. During storage, pH 4.35 caused a balanced distribution between counts of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts, and antioxidant activity of all FBs increased. Fermented beverages at 4.35 and 3.90 were found to be more palatable by panelists.

CONCLUSION

We recommend FB production at pH 4.35 after 48 h fermentation due to the balanced distribution of probiotics, high color enhancement, and consumer preference. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Soil chemical quality assessment and spatial distribution of pomelo orchards in acidic red soil hilly regions of China
Authors: Guo Jiuxin , Luo Ziwei , Tao Jingxia , Zhang Jun , Gan Zengguang , Lin Feng , Luo Lijuan , Liao Wenqiang , Chen Li‐Song , Li Yan
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Soil quality assessment is a critical strategy for determining optimum fertilization in intensive pomelo production. In this study, we evaluated the soil quality status and mapped the spatial distribution of 347 soil samples collected from pomelo orchards in Pinghe County, southern China. We analyzed nine chemical parameters and an altitude indicator.

RESULTS

The mean soil quality index (SQI) was 0.355 in the total data set (TDS) and 0.292 in the minimum data set (MDS). Available Ca (Avail‐Ca), pH value, organic matter and altitude were selected as indicators of soil quality in the MDS. The SQI in mature orchards (>10 years) was higher than that in young orchards (<10 years), while no differences between soil types and altitude gradients were identified. We detected a significant positive correlation between the SQI based on TDS (SQITDS) and the SQI based on MDS (SQIMDS), and the spatial distribution of soil properties and SQITDS showed a uniform pattern, except for Avail‐N, Avail‐B and SQIMDS. Overall, unfavorable soil quality indicators, including rich in Avail‐P, deficient in Avail‐Ca, ‐Mg and ‐B, soil acidification and high altitude, were considered to be limiting factors for pomelo production.

CONCLUSION

The soil chemical quality in pomelo orchards is generally low, indicating that integrated management by controlling acidification, reducing planting altitude, regulating fertilization and monitoring soil properties is required for sustainable pomelo production. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Determination of sulfonamides in milk and egg samples by HPLC with mesoporous polymelamine‐formaldehyde as magnetic solid‐phase extraction adsorbent
Authors: Liao Wanliang , Ning Yuhan , Zhang Ying , Wang Weiping , Wang Ai‐jun
Published: October 2021

In this work, magnetic mesoporous polymelamine‐formaldehyde composites were synthesized via a facile Schiff base reaction. The magnetic mesoporous polymelamine‐formaldehyde composites combined both the properties of mesoporous polymelamine‐formaldehyde and the magnetism of NH2‐SiO2@Fe3O4 nanoparticles, possessing high specific surface area (150.66 m2 g–1) and good magnetism (24.50 emu g–1). The magnetic mesoporous polymelamine‐formaldehyde composites were employed as magnetic adsorbent for the extraction of sulfonamides. Under optimal conditions, good linearities with correlation coefficients higher than 0.9984 were obtained between peak area and sulfonamides concentration (2–200 μg L–1) with limits of detection in the range of 0.33–0.58 μg L–1. The established method was successfully applied for the determination of sulfonamides in egg and milk samples. The adsorption mechanisms demonstrated that the adsorption of magnetic mesoporous polymelamine‐formaldehyde composites toward sulfonamides was a multilayer process, and adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo‐second‐order model.
Highlighting Theodor W. Engelmann's “Farbe und Assimilation” [Color and Assimilation]
Authors: Hintz Nils Hendrik
Published: October 2021

In 1883, Theodor Wilhelm Engelmann, a German scientist, wrote his essay “color and assimilation” (Ger.: “Farbe und Assimilation”) describing the state of the art in photosynthesis research, his recent findings, and further assumptions based upon his presented results. Nearly 140 years later, many of his assumptions were proven correct. By his still well‐known bacteria experiments using aerotactic, heterotrophic bacteria, he identified the chloroplasts as the location in which photosynthesis and oxygen production takes place. Furthermore, by evaluating the effects of different light spectra, he constructed the first action spectra that demonstrated the implication of the “green gap” of chlorophylls. He further posited that accessory photosynthetic pigments existed to extend the absorption range of chlorophyll. Although infrequently cited, his work was foundational for current ecological research of the vertical appearance of algae species within the underwater gradient in light spectrum due to specific harvesting of different light spectra, hence complementary chromatic adaptation of communities. This short retrospective highlights this piece of literature that represents an early step toward our current understanding of ecological competition for light spectra.
Effect of antipsychotics on serum lithium levels and white blood cell counts
Authors: Obara Ryo , Tomita Takashi , Goto Hidekazu , Kohda Yukinao , Yoshida Tadashi , Kudo Kenzo
Published: October 2021

Lithium carbonate is used to increase white blood cell counts as a means of counteracting leukopenia caused by the administration of antipsychotic drugs. To evaluate the effect of antipsychotics on the leukocyte‐enhancing effect of lithium, we compared white blood cell counts, serum lithium levels, and lithium dosage in patients receiving antipsychotics and lithium in combination and patients receiving lithium alone. Chlorpromazine equivalent values were used as an indicator of the antipsychotic dose.

Lithium serum levels were measured in 41 hospitalized patients. The lithium dose in the combination group (median, 800 mg) was significantly higher than that in group receiving only lithium (median, 400 mg) (P = 0.03). The lithium doses in the combination group receiving ≥1000 mg chlorpromazine equivalents (overdosing; median lithium dose 800 mg) and the combination group treated with 600‐999 mg chlorpromazine equivalents (high dosing; median lithium dose 800 mg) were significantly higher than the group that was not treated with antipsychotic medication, with median lithium dose 400 mg (P < 0.05).There were no significant differences in the white blood cell counts and serum lithium levels.

Because of the large variety of antipsychotic drugs used in combination with lithium and the various doses used, it was difficult to evaluate the effects of lithium, with or without antipsychotic administration, on leukocyte count enhancement. We are planning to study a larger number of patients and, since renal function could not be assessed in this study, we will also focus on renal function, including urine output.
Comparisons of two definitions of bronchopulmonary dysplasia for the premature infants
Authors: Li Jiahui , Xu Haiyan
Published: October 2021

Objective

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a very common respiratory disease in premature infants, but there is still a different understanding of the definition of BPD. Therefore, this study is intended to compare are main clinical results and health economic expenditures under different BPD definitions.

Methods

This study included premature infants who came into the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) from January 2018 to January 2020, who were not more than 32 weeks of premenstrual age. The main clinical consequences and health economic expenditures were analyzed by the National Institute of Health and Human Development definition (Workshop) and Jensen definition.

Results

Total 303 survivors were evaluated at 36 weeks. BPD was performed in 47.5% and 37.6% of infants, respectively, with Workshop's and Jensen's definitions. The percentage of unclassified BPD infants was 0.9% in Workshop's and 3.3% in Jensen's definitions. Further discussing the health economic burden and found that Jensen's definitions had a significantly correlated with NICU charges than the Workshop's definitions.

Conclusion

Comparing the Workshop definition of BPD, the Jensens definition was better correlated to health expenditure.
Modelling extreme precipitation over the Dinaric Alps: An evaluation of the CNRM‐ALADIN regional climate model
Authors: Ivušić Sarah , Güttler Ivan , Somot Samuel , Guérémy Jean‐François , Horvath Kristian , Alias Antoinette
Published: October 2021

One of the Mediterranean hotspots for extreme precipitation is the coastal mountainous eastern Adriatic and Dinaric Alps regions, which are often affected by heavy precipitation events (HPEs) that can cause severe damage. Representing these events at different time scales and projecting their future evolution using regional climate models (RCMs) remains a key modelling challenge. This study evaluates the impact of model configuration on the representation of extreme daily precipitation in an RCM at climatological (1979–2012) and event scales (HPEs). Additionally, the impact of the spectral nudging (SN) technique is analysed. We compare two CNRM‐ALADIN model configurations, and perform several sensitivity tests on specific parameters within a configuration. All simulations are driven by the ERA‐Interim re‐analysis over the Med‐CORDEX domain at 0.11° horizontal resolution. On all examined time scales, model configuration shows a considerable impact on the mean and extreme daily precipitation. The new physical parameterizations of moist processes show improvement at the climatological (precipitation intensity, extreme precipitation and frequency of light precipitation) and event (the occurrence, spatial pattern and structure of HPEs) scales. Extreme precipitation shows limited sensitivity to specific parameters and is highly dependent on HPE. The use of SN improves the temporal variability at climatological scales and the location and occurrence of HPEs. We conclude that extreme precipitation representation in CNRM‐ALADIN is more sensitive to change in the model configuration, particularly in the physical parameterizations, than to the application of SN. This study shows that the development and advancement of physical parameterizations can improve the model representation of extreme precipitation at several time scales and can therefore be considered as a means to reduce uncertainties in future climate projections.
Gastrointestinal transit and contractility in diabetic constipation: A wireless motility capsule study on diabetes patients and healthy controls
Authors: Sangnes Dag A. , Lundervold Katarina , Bekkelund Mattis , von Volkmann Hilde L. , Berentsen Birgitte , Gilja Odd Helge , Dimcevski Georg , Søfteland Eirik
Published: October 2021

Background

Diabetic constipation is traditionally attributed to slow colonic transit, despite limited evidence. More than half of patients find treatment unsatisfactory. To improve treatment, there is a need for better diagnostic understanding of the condition.

Objective

In this wireless motility capsule study, we aimed to investigate gastrointestinal transit and contractility in diabetes patients with and without constipation, and in healthy controls.

Methods

We prospectively included type 1 or type 2 diabetes patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. Based on the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale we distinguished into two groups: with constipation and without constipation. Non‐diabetic controls were asymptomatic. All were examined with wireless motility capsule, determining transit times and contractility parameters.

Results

57 patients (42 women, 46 with type 1 diabetes) and 26 healthy controls (14 women) were included. We found no difference in transit times between diabetes patients with and without constipation. Compared to healthy controls (35:55, h:min), whole‐gut transit was slower in both diabetes patients with constipation (66:15, p = 0.03) and without constipation (71:16, p < 0.001). Small bowel motility index correlated rs = −0.32 (p = 0.01) with constipation symptoms.

Conclusions

Diabetes patients with constipation had similar transit times as those without constipation. Both groups had slower whole‐gut transit than healthy controls. Constipation was associated with reduced small bowel, but not colonic contractility. Our results imply that other mechanisms than slow colonic transit may be more important in the pathogenesis of diabetic constipation.