bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutralization of alpha, gamma, and D614G SARS‐CoV‐2 variants by CoronaVac vaccine‐induced antibodies
Authors: Fernández Jorge , Bruneau Nicole , Fasce Rodrigo , Martín Héctor San , Balanda Monserrat , Bustos Patricia , Ulloa Soledad , Mora Judith , Ramírez Eugenio
Published: August 2021

Vaccination generates a neutralizing immune response against SARS‐CoV‐2. The genomic surveillance is showing the emergence of variants with mutations in spike, the main target of neutralizing antibodies. To understand the impact of these variants, we report the neutralization potency against alpha, gamma, and D614G SARS‐CoV‐2 variants in 44 individuals that received two doses of CoronaVac vaccine, an inactivated SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine. Plasma samples collected at 60 days after the second dose of CoronaVac were analyzed by the reduction of cytopathic effect in Vero E6 cells with the three infectious variants of SARS‐CoV‐2. Plasma showed lower neutralization with alpha (geometric mean titer [GMT] = 18.5) and gamma (GMT = 10.0) variants than with D614G (GMT = 75.1) variant. Efficient neutralization against the alpha and gamma variants was not detected in 31.8% and 59.1% of plasma, respectively. These findings suggest the alpha and gamma variants could escape from neutralization by antibodies elicited by vaccination. Robust genomic and biological surveillance of viral variants could help to develop effective strategies for the control of SARS‐CoV‐2.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy guided by the new KODEX‐EPD imaging system
Authors: Scarà Antonio , Sciarra Luigi , Bressi Edoardo , De Ruvo Ermenegildo , Grieco Domenico , Borrelli Alessio , Zecchi Paolo , Calò Leonardo
Published: August 2021

Nowadays, fluoroscopy is the standard tool used to help physicians during pacing lead implantation. However, its use entails significant radiation exposure for physicians and especially for patients. For the first time, the present case report describes the use of the electro‐anatomical mapping (EAM) navigation system KODEX‐EPD for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implantation. These findings suggest that CRT implantation guided by the KODEX‐EPD system is feasible and safe with the minimization of X‐ray and dye exposure.
Prevalence and characteristics of the Brugada electrocardiogram pattern in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ueda Nobuhiko , Nagase Satoshi , Kataoka Naoya , Nakajima Kenzaburo , Kamakura Tsukasa , Wada Mitsuru , Yamagata Kenichiro , Ishibashi Kohei , Inoue Yuko , Miyamoto Koji , Noda Takashi , Aiba Takeshi , Izumi Chisato , Noguchi Teruo , Ohno Seiko , Kusano Kengo
Published: August 2021

Background

Despite distinct pathophysiology, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and Brugada syndrome (BrS) exhibit overlapping phenotypes. We investigated the prevalence and characteristics of the Brugada electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern in ARVC patients.

Methods

A total of 114 ARVC patients fulfilling the revised Task Force Criteria were enrolled. The Brugada ECG pattern was evaluated according to the consensus report on right precordial leads, and 1141 ECGs (median, 1; interquartile range, 1‐16 ECGs/patient) were analyzed.

Results

Five patients (4%) showed a Brugada ECG pattern, which disappeared in four patients with ECGs recorded more than 2 years afterward. ARVC patients with the Brugada ECG pattern had a longer PQ interval (220 ± 62 ms vs 180 ± 35 ms, P = .02) and longer QRS duration (138 ± 25 ms vs 102 ± 23 ms, P < .001) than patients without the pattern. During follow‐up (median, 11.4; interquartile range, 5.5‐17.1 years), 19 ARVC patients experienced cardiac death and 29 experienced heart failure (HF) hospitalization. Kaplan‐Meier analysis determined that the Brugada ECG pattern increased the risk of cardiac death and HF hospitalization (log‐rank; P < .001, P < .001 respectively). The mean J‐point and S‐wave amplitudes of the Brugada ECG pattern were 0.29 ± 0.05 mV and 0.34 ± 0.21 mV, respectively, which were significantly lower than those of 26 age‐matched BrS patients with a previous ventricular fibrillation episode (0.66 ± 0.33 mV, P < .001 and 0.67 ± 0.39 mV, P = .02 respectively).

Conclusion

The Brugada ECG pattern was infrequently encountered, was transient in ARVC patients, and was associated with a longer PQ interval, longer QRS duration, and cardiac events.
Creativity Outside School: The Influence of Family Background, Perceived Parenting, and After‐school Activity on Creativity
Authors: Liang Qianlin , Niu Weihua , Cheng Li , Qin Kexin
Published: August 2021

The present research involved two studies that investigated the creativity development of Chinese children and young adolescents (9–14 years old). It was hypothesized that family socio‐economic status (SES), perceived parenting (e.g., parental autonomy support, involvement, and overcontrol), and after‐school activities contribute to the development of creativity. Study 1 showed that self‐rated creativity (mini‐c) was positively associated with children's perceived parenting and SES, whereas expert‐rated creativity (little‐c) and teachers’ rated creativity was positively associated with academic achievement. Study 2 replicated and expanded Study 1 by involving a larger sample and adding factors from the parents' perspective and new measurements of creativity. Study 2 found that children’s perceived parenting and SES were the most significant contributors to the mini‐c, followed by age. In terms of little‐c, the most significant contributor was children’s age, followed by children’s perceived parenting and SES. Moreover, participation in after‐school activities played a critical role in the development of creativity, as represented by both little‐c and mini‐c. The implications of this study are discussed.
Inhibition of glucose use improves structural recovery of injured Achilles tendon in mice
Authors: Izumi Soutarou , Oichi Takeshi , Shetye Snehal S. , Zhang Kairui , Wilson Kimberly , Iwamoto Masahiro , Kuo Catherine K. , Akabudike Ngozi , Adachi Nobuo , Soslowsky Louis J. , Enomoto‐Iwamoto Motomi
Published: August 2021

Injured tendons do not regain their native structure except at fetal or very young ages. Healing tendons often show mucoid degeneration involving accumulation of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), but its etiology and molecular base have not been studied substantially. We hypothesized that quality and quantity of gene expression involving the synthesis of proteoglycans having sulfated GAGs are altered in injured tendons and that a reduction in synthesis of sulfated GAGs improves structural and functional recovery of injured tendons. C57BL6/j mice were subjected to Achilles tendon tenotomy surgery. The injured tendons accumulated sulfate proteoglycans as early as 1‐week postsurgery and continued so by 4‐week postsurgery. Transcriptome analysis revealed upregulation of a wide range of proteoglycan genes that have sulfated GAGs in the injured tendons 1 and 3 weeks postsurgery. Genes critical for enzymatic reaction of initiation and elongation of chondroitin sulfate GAG chains were also upregulated. After the surgery, mice were treated with the 2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose (2DG) that inhibits conversion of glucose to glucose‐6‐phosphate, an initial step of glucose metabolism as an energy source and precursors of monosaccharides of GAGs. The 2DG treatment reduced accumulation of sulfated proteoglycans, improved collagen fiber alignment, and reduced the cross‐sectional area of the injured tendons. The modulus of the 2DG‐treated groups was higher than that in the vehicle group, but not of statistical significance. Our findings suggest that mucoid degeneration in injured tendons may result from the upregulated expression of genes involved the synthesis of sulfate proteoglycans and can be inhibited by reduction of glucose utilization.
Reflections of the real‐world in the unreal, using simulation to design complex real‐world validation studies for spectroscopy
Authors: Beattie J. Renwick
Published: August 2021

Increasing use of real‐world experiments embeds scientific study in settings relevant to everyday life but brings a number of complications. Traditional study design has evaluated experimental risk based on a limited number of factors that are tightly controlled while others are standardised. In real‐world data, many unstandardised factors risk confounding the study in unanticipated ways. Some simulation tools and processes are evaluated for use in capturing current knowledge of complex scenarios to evaluate validation of multivariate models in real‐world settings. Further, it examines the value of probing the range of uncertainty of the assumptions used to build the model. Copulas simulate correlation of multiple underlying factors where the web of causal interactions cannot be untangled. These factors influence the biochemical status of an individual, determining what pathways are activated in that individual. The final biochemical status of the individuals is then transformed into Raman spectroscopic, reference and pathological measurements. Evaluating different validation scenarios (same population, subset of that population and a new population) allows evaluation of the risks of the model being deployed for different intended uses. Technical factors are stress tested to determine the analytical bottlenecks. Individual socio‐economic factors are stress tested to determine the leverage that current uncertainty has on the risks to the validation study. Use of simulation was able to identify the limitations of the current model for new scenarios and also to assess the specific changes in expected sensitivity versus specificity in the new populations, which would be relevant for benefit risk analysis.
Nanoencapsulation of casein‐derived peptides within electrospun nanofibres
Authors: Rajanna Devaraju , Pushpadass Heartwin A , Emerald F Magdaline Eljeeva , Padaki Naveen V , Nath B Surendra
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Bioactive peptides derived from milk proteins are recognized as functional foods, but their consumption is limited by undesirable or bitter flavour, poor stability, and low bioavailability. Electrospinning is a versatile process for encapsulation of various bioactive compounds in the form of nanosized fibres, which can circumvent these disadvantages. This study was aimed at the preparation of casein‐derived peptides‐loaded nanofibres through electrospinning and characterizing them for fortification of milk.

RESULTS

Pullulan at 100, 120, and 140 g kg−1 concentrations was used for electrospinning of peptides. Scanning electron and atomic force micrographs revealed the formation of clean bead‐free peptides‐loaded pullulan nanofibres at 120 and 140 g kg−1 concentrations with mean diameter of 60.45–133.05 nm and encapsulation efficiency of 72.95–86.04%. Fourier transform infrared spectra and X‐ray diffractograms revealed the absence of interactions between the functional groups of pullulan and peptides during electrospinning. The zeta potential of the peptides‐loaded nanofibres ranged from −15.6 to −24.6 mV, and the hydrodynamic diameter varied from 118.7 to 256.2 nm. The peptides from electrospun nanofibres showed sustained release to the extent of 75.3% after 8 h in gastrointestinal pH conditions. The release kinetics of peptides from nanofibres was best fitted to a Peppas–Sahlin model (R2 = 0.987), and through diffusion and erosion mechanisms. The antioxidant activity of pure peptides and those from nanofibres was comparable. The physico‐chemical qualities of milk fortified with encapsulated peptides did not show noticeable difference either.

CONCLUSIONS

From the morphological, ultrastructural, particle size, encapsulation efficiency, release kinetics, and antioxidant activity data, it was inferred that electrospinning could be an effective technique for nanoencapsulation of casein‐derived bioactive peptides. These peptides‐loaded nanofibres could be used for fortification of milk and milk products. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
A polymer‐based dispersive solid phase extraction combined with deep eutectic solvent based‐dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for the determination of four hydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from urine samples
Authors: Jouyban Abolghasem , Nemati Mahboob , Farazajdeh Mir Ali , Alizadeh Nabil Ali Akbar , Afshar Mogaddam Mohammad Reza
Published: August 2021

A new and efficient extraction procedure was proposed and used for the simultaneous extraction of four hydroxylated metabolites polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from urine samples. The extraction procedure was started by dissolving an organic polymer into a water‐miscible organic solvent (iso‐propanol) and its injection into the sample solution. The sorbent was re‐precipitated in all parts of the solution as tiny particles and the analytes were adsorbed onto the sorbent. After that, the sorbent was separated and the adsorbed analytes were eluted by choline chloride: dichloroacetic acid deep eutectic solvent. The elution solvent was mixed with choline chloride‐3,3‐dimethyl butyric acid deep eutectic solvent and the mixture was applied in dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction procedure for more concentration of the analytes. After optimization, the method validation was followed according to International Council Harmonization guidelines and the results showed that wide linear ranges (26–500 000 ng/L) and low limits of detection (3.6–7.2 ng/L) and quantification (11–26 ng/L) were obtained. Satisfactory enrichment factors (435–475) and extraction recoveries (87–95%), and acceptable relative standard deviations (equal or less than 8.6%) were obtained. Finally, the introduced method was successfully applied for determination of the analytes in urine samples obtained from tobacco smokers.
Marketing and social influences, hospital branding, and medical tourists' behavioural intention: Before‐ and after‐service consumption perspective
Authors: Cham Tat‐Huei , Lim Yet‐Mee , Sigala Marianna
Published: August 2021

The international growth of medical tourism requires hospital operators to adopt effective marketing practices to ensure survival and competitiveness. Although there is a burgeoning research on medical tourism, there is still limited knowledge about the roles of brand image and brand trust on medical tourists within the healthcare service context. This study investigates the influence of advertisements and social media communication on the hospital brand image and brand trust formation before consumption stage, and their impacts on medical tourists' perceptions and attitudes at the post‐consumption stage in relation to service quality, satisfaction, and behavioural intention. Data was collected from 294 Chinese medical tourists and a structural equation modelling technique was used for testing the hypotheses. The findings revealed that advertisements and social media communication positively influence medical tourists' perception of hospital brand image, which influences their trust towards the hospital's brand. It was also found that medical tourists' perceived value and trust towards the medical staff mediates the relationship between their perceived service quality and satisfaction. Overall, the study contributes to the literature by providing evidence and understanding on hospital branding formation and its influence on the perceptions and attitudes of medical tourists before and after the consumption of the healthcare service.
Vitamin D has an effect on airway inflammation and Th17/Treg balance in asthmatic mice
Authors: Ma Jing‐Guo , Wu Guang‐Ji , Xiao Hong‐Li , Xiao Yan‐Min , Zha Lin
Published: August 2021

Asthma is regarded as a chronic inflammation of the airway. Research has highlighted the significance of Vitamin D in asthma. This study explored the mechanism of vitamin D on asthma. The asthma mouse model was established by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and treated with vitamin D (50 or 100 ng/ml). The morphological changes of the airway were observed by HE staining. The serum IgE contents and MDA, ROS, and SOD expressions in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected by ELISA. The Th17 and Treg cells were detected using flow cytometry. The RORγt and Foxp 3 expressions were detected by Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). IL‐17, IL‐10, and TGF‐β1 expressions were detected using ELISA. The NF‐κB pathway was blocked using the NF‐κB pathway inhibitor, Andrographolide sulfonate. The NF‐κB pathway‐related indexes were detected by western blotting. After blockade of the NF‐κB pathway, the IL‐17, IL‐10, and TGF‐G1 expressions were detected. OVA‐sensitized asthma induced airway remodeling and elevated IgE content in mice, which was downregulated after vitamin D treatment. MDA and ROS were upregulated and SOD was downregulated in asthmatic mice, while vitamin D inverted the changes. Th17/Treg ratio was imbalanced, RORγt and IL‐17 were upregulated, and Foxp 3, IL‐10, and TGF‐β1 were downregulated after OVA sensitization, while vitamin D treatment inverted these changes and inhibited the NF‐κB‐p65 phosphorylation level. After blockade of the NF‐κB pathway, IL‐17 was downregulated and IL‐10 and TGF‐β1 were upregulated. In conclusion, vitamin D rectified the Th17/Treg balance and alleviated airway inflammation by inhibiting the NF‐κB pathway in asthmatic mice.
The life course paradigm and consumer behavior: Research frontiers and future directions
Authors: Moschis George P.
Published: August 2021

Although researchers have been increasingly using life course perspectives for studying various types of consumption‐related behaviors, they are yet to fully benefit from a recently developed multidisciplinary research approach, known as “the life course paradigm.” This paradigm is viewed as a theoretical orientation for the study of stability and change in thoughts and actions over time. It is used extensively across disciplines and internationally, but it has received limited attention in the consumer field; and it has the potential of helping researchers improve their efforts to study consumers over time. To help inform the reader about this paradigm and its assumptions, this article first presents a conceptual life course model and demonstrates its application. Next, it briefly discusses studies that have employed life course explanations of a variety of consumption‐related activities, and interprets their results within the context of the life course model, identifying gaps and research questions that could be effectively studied using the life course paradigm. Finally, the article presents a research agenda on topics of interest to several groups of researchers, offering novel insights and innovative methods to help them think about how to study various types of consumer behavior over time within the life course conceptual blueprint.
Co‐Occurrence of Apathy and Impulsivity in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Authors: Kok Zi Q. , Murley Alexander G. , Rittman Timothy , Rowe James , Passamonti Luca
Published: August 2021

Background

Apathy and impulsivity are common consequences of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and can worsen its prognosis. They can co‐exist in the same patients although their concomitant prevalence remains unclear. Their relationship to emotional lability is unknown.

Objectives

To estimate the co‐occurrence of apathy and impulsivity and their relationship to emotional lability in PSP. To characterize the demographic, clinical, and cognitive features of PSP patients with apathy and impulsivity.

Methods

In a retrospective study of a long‐term clinical cohort, we assessed the prevalence of apathy, impulsivity, and emotional lability from clinical interviews, medical records, and contemporary carer questionnaires. One hundred fifty‐four patients with a diagnosis of probable or possible PSP (according to the 2017 Movement Disorder Society criteria) were identified. Sixty‐four of these patients had neuropathological confirmation of PSP. PSP patients with both apathy and impulsivity were compared in terms of demographic, clinical, and cognitive characteristics to PSP patients with either one or neither of these neuropsychiatric features.

Results

Apathy and impulsivity co‐existed in two‐thirds of people with PSP. A fifth displayed emotional lability in addition to apathy and impulsivity. Apathy and impulsivity were more commonly co‐expressed than by chance. There was no single demographic, clinical or cognitive feature that distinguished between PSP patients with versus patients without apathy and impulsivity.

Conclusions

The co‐existence of apathy and impulsivity in PSP suggests that these neuropsychiatric features may share similar risk factors and etio‐pathogenetic mechanisms. Apathy and impulsivity should be jointly assessed when planning symptomatic treatments for detrimental behavioral problems caused by PSP.
A detective quantum efficiency for spectroscopic X‐ray imaging detectors
Authors: Tanguay Jesse , Richtsmeier Devon , Dydula Christopher , Day James A. , Iniewski Kris , Bazalova‐Carter Magdalena
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Spectroscopic X‐ray detectors (SXDs) are under development for X‐ray imaging applications. Recent efforts to extend the detective quantum efficiency (DQE) to SXDs impose a barrier to experimentation and/or do not provide a task‐independent measure of detector performance. The purpose of this article is to define a task‐independent DQE for SXDs that can be measured using a modest extension of established DQE‐metrology methods.

Methods

We defined a task‐independent spectroscopic DQE and performed a simulation study to determine the relationship between the zero‐frequency DQE and the ideal‐observer signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of low‐frequency soft‐tissue, bone, iodine, and gadolinium signals. In our simulations, we used calibrated models of the spatioenergetic response of cadmium telluride (CdTe) and cadmium–zinc–telluride (CdZnTe) SXDs. We also measured the zero‐frequency DQE of a CdTe detector with two energy bins and of a CdZnTe detector with up to six energy bins for an RQA9 spectrum and compared with model predictions.

Results

The spectroscopic DQE accounts for spectral distortions, energy‐bin‐dependent spatial resolution, interbin spatial noise correlations, and intrabin spatial noise correlations; it is mathematically equivalent to the squared SNR per unit fluence of the generalized least‐squares estimate of the height of an X‐ray impulse in a uniform noisy background. The zero‐frequency DQE has a strong linear relationship with the ideal‐observer SNR of low‐frequency soft‐tissue, bone, iodine, and gadolinium signals, and can be expressed in terms of the product of the quantum efficiency and a Swank noise factor that accounts for DQE degradation due to, for example, charge sharing (CS) and electronic noise. The spectroscopic Swank noise factor of the CdTe detector was measured to be 0.81 0.04 and 0.83 0.04 with and without anticoincidence logic for CS suppression, respectively. The spectroscopic Swank noise factor of the CdZnTe detector operated with four energy bins was measured to be 0.82 0.02 which is within 5% of the theoretical value.

Conclusions

The spectroscopic DQE defined here is (1) task‐independent, (2) can be measured using a modest extension of existing DQE‐metrology methods, and (3) is predictive of the ideal‐observer SNR of soft‐tissue, bone, iodine, and gadolinium signals. For CT applications, the combination of CS and electronic noise in CdZnTe spectroscopic detectors will degrade the zero‐frequency DQE by 10 %–20 % depending on the electronic noise level and pixel size.
The Potential Advantage of Myo-Inositol as a Dietary Supplement for Juvenile Hybrid Grouper (Brown-Marbled Grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Giant Grouper Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂)
Authors: Zhu Zhanhao , Li Rimei , Yang Qihui , Tan Beiping , Dong Xiaohui , Chi Shuyan , Liu Hongyu , Zhang Shuang
Published: August 2021

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to estimate the optimum dietary myo-inositol (MI) requirement for juvenile hybrid grouper (Brown-marbled Grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Giant Grouper E. lanceolatus ♂). Myo-inositol was supplemented at 0 (control group), 150, 300, 600, 900, 1,200, and 2,000 mg/kg of diet. Basic diet contained no MI. Each diet was randomly fed to quadruplicate groups of juveniles, and each tank was stocked with 30 fish (initial weight = 7.40 ± 0.01 g [mean ± SD]). Results showed that the addition level of MI exerted no significant effect on the survival rate, feed conversion ratio, or protein efficiency ratio of juvenile grouper (P > 0.05). However, the weight gain rate in the 150-mg/kg group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The total cholesterol levels in the serum of the control and 150-mg/kg groups were significantly higher than those of the other groups, and the triglyceride level in the 150-mg/kg group was significantly lower than those in the other groups. The glutamine aminotransferase level was significantly higher in the control group than in the supplemented groups, but no significant difference in lysozyme activity was observed. In the liver, superoxide dismutase activity in the control group was significantly lower than that in the 150–900-mg/kg groups, and the total antioxidant capacity in the 150-mg/kg group was significantly higher than those in the other groups. Broken-line regression analysis showed that the MI required for juvenile hybrid grouper was 181.47 mg/kg diet based on weight gain rate, which can significantly improve growth performance and increase the activity of serum and liver enzymes.
Bone pearl: An enigmatic supernumerary ossicle of the thumb
Authors: Mann Robert W. , Ruengdit Sittiporn
Published: August 2021

A 73‐year‐old Polynesian male exhibits a small, round, supernumerary bone along the radial diaphysis of the proximal phalanx of the right thumb. This accessory bone resembles a pearl in shape and color and is firmly attached via soft tissue, a ligament. A search of the literature failed to reveal any supernumerary bones attached to the radial surface of the first proximal phalanx. The presence of this supernumerary bone, although quite small and different from other small ossicles in the human skeleton, is potentially important to clinicians, anatomists, and anthropologists. This bone, or others like it, could be symptomatic and represents a rare trait that contributes to our knowledge of anatomical variation in hand bones.
Immobilization of horseradish peroxidase onto electrospun polyurethane nanofiber matrices
Authors: Morales Urrea Diego Alberto , Caracciolo Pablo Christian , Haure Patricia Mónica , Contreras Edgardo Martín
Published: August 2021

In this work, horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was immobilized onto polyurethane nanofiber membranes. The following variables were optimized to maximize the surface density of grafted HRP (Q): NaClO functionalization time (tf), immobilization time (ti), HRP concentration of the immobilization solution (CHRP), and immobilization temperature (T). Catalytic activity was evaluated using the decolorization reaction of Orange II (OII). A statistical analysis of SEM images demonstrates that fiber diameters (d) of native (M), AGE‐modified (MA), and HRP immobilized (MAH) electrospun membranes obeyed a log‐normal distribution and that the effects of the NaClO activation procedure, and the use of MAH membranes in OII oxidation during 4 h on the fiber size were negligible. Although obtained membranes at 40°C (MAH9540) presented the highest Q, matrices obtained at 20°C (MAH9520) exhibited the highest catalytic activity, indicating that HRP was partially inactivated during the immobilization at 40°C. Reusability tests demonstrated that membranes retained between 11% and 33% of their initial enzyme activity after a total reaction time between 4 and 8 h.
Green fabrication of flame retardant and superhydrophobic materials with application in oil‐water separation
Authors: Qu Mengnan , Luo Zhanxia , Wang Rong , He Dan , Pang Yajie , Shi Fan , Sun Wenchao , Peng Lei , He Jinmei
Published: August 2021

Flame‐retardant materials with superwettability have received broad attention and research in the field of oil‐water separation in recent years. However, it remains big challenging to fabricate flame‐retardant and superwettable materials in terms of the complexity and environmental performance. Herein, a non‐fluorinated coating containing flame retardants phytic acid/3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane and silica micron‐particle/hexadecyltrimethoxysilane was developed. The performance of the coated samples is evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis, limiting oxygen index (LOI), cone calorimetry, and, water contact angle tests. The percentage of residue at 800°C for coated samples (cotton fabric, absorbent cotton, filter paper, cottonwood, packing cardboard) was reduced by 47.6%, 42.2%, 45.5%, 53.2%, and 50.8%, respectively. However, their control samples reduced by 87.4%, 84.6%, 88.4%, 77.2%, and 72.2%, respectively, under the same conditions. The percentage of residue at 800°C for coated samples is much higher than that of the pristine samples. The coated cotton fabric showed excellent flame retardant and superhydrophobic properties. Specifically, the coated cotton fabrics exhibited self‐extinguishing properties in the flame burning tests, and the LOI increased significantly from 17.7% to 50.8%. Furthermore, the peak heat release rate and the total heat release values of the coated cotton fabric were significantly declined by 83.4% and 83.6% compared to untreated cotton fabrics, respectively. Additionally, due to its super‐hydrophobic surface, the coated cotton fabric exhibited super‐strong self‐cleaning ability and waterproof performance. The coated cotton fabrics also showed good organic solvent/oil and water separation capabilities while reducing the risk of fire.
Quantitative analyses for effects of neddylation on CRL2VHL substrate ubiquitination and degradation
Authors: Wang Kankan , Reichermeier Kurt M. , Liu Xing
Published: August 2021

Through catalyzing the ubiquitination of key regulatory proteins, cullin‐RING ubiquitin ligases (CRLs) play essential biological roles and their activities are controlled by multiple mechanisms including neddylation, the conjugation of NEDD8 to cullins. Upon neddylation, a CRL, such as the CUL1‐based CRL1, undergoes conformational changes that accelerate substrate ubiquitination. Given the structural diversity across subfamilies of CRLs and their substrates, to what extent neddylation modulates the activity of individual CRLs remains to be evaluated. Here, through reconstituting the CRL2 ubiquitination reaction in vitro, we showed that neddylation promotes CRL2VHL‐dependent degradation of both full‐length HIF1α and the degron peptide of HIF1α, resulting in more than 10‐fold increase in the rate of substrate ubiquitination. Consistently, pevonedistat (also known as MLN4924), an inhibitor of neddylation, inhibits the degradation of HIF1α in RCC4 cells stably expressing VHL in cycloheximide chase assays. However, such inhibitory effect of pevonedistat on HIF1α degradation was not observed in HEK293 cells, which was further found to be due to CRL2VHL‐independent degradation that was active in HEK293 but not RCC4 cells. After truncating HIF1α to its Carboxy‐terminal Oxygen‐Dependent Degradation (CODD) domain, we showed that pevonedistat inhibited the degradation of CODD and increased its half‐life by six‐fold in HEK293 cells. Our results demonstrate that neddylation plays a significant role in activating CRL2, and the cellular activity of CRL2VHL is better reflected by the degradation of CODD than that of HIF1α, especially under conditions where CRL2‐independent degradation of HIF1α is active.
Braneworld‐Klein‐Gordon System in the Framework of Gravitational Decoupling
Authors: León P. , Sotomayor A.
Published: August 2021

We analyze the effective field equations of the Randall‐Sundrum braneworld coupled with a Klein‐Gordon scalar field through the minimal geometric deformation decoupling method (MGD‐decoupling). We introduce two different ways to apply the MGD‐decoupling method to obtain new solutions for this enlarged system. We also compare the behavior of the new solutions with those obtained directly from the Randall‐Sumdrum braneworld without coupling to the scalar field.
Modeling SARS‐CoV‐2 proteins in the CASP‐commons experiment
Authors: Kryshtafovych Andriy , Moult John , Billings Wendy M. , Della Corte Dennis , Fidelis Krzysztof , Kwon Sohee , Olechnovič Kliment , Seok Chaok , Venclovas Česlovas , Won Jonghun ,   CASP‐COVID participants
Published: August 2021

Critical Assessment of Structure Prediction (CASP) is an organization aimed at advancing the state of the art in computing protein structure from sequence. In the spring of 2020, CASP launched a community project to compute the structures of the most structurally challenging proteins coded for in the SARS‐CoV‐2 genome. Forty‐seven research groups submitted over 3000 three‐dimensional models and 700 sets of accuracy estimates on 10 proteins. The resulting models were released to the public. CASP community members also worked together to provide estimates of local and global accuracy and identify structure‐based domain boundaries for some proteins. Subsequently, two of these structures (ORF3a and ORF8) have been solved experimentally, allowing assessment of both model quality and the accuracy estimates. Models from the AlphaFold2 group were found to have good agreement with the experimental structures, with main chain GDT_TS accuracy scores ranging from 63 (a correct topology) to 87 (competitive with experiment).
Leveraging incidental and intentional vocabulary learning to support multilingual students’ participation in disciplinary practices and discourses
Authors: Molle Daniella , de Oliveira Luciana C. , MacDonald Rita , Bhasin Anshika
Published: August 2021

This article discusses the role of vocabulary learning in supporting multilingual students’ participation in disciplinary practices and discourses in K–12 content‐area classrooms. First, the authors discuss the strengths and limitations of incidental and intentional vocabulary learning. They then propose a new approach to vocabulary instruction in particular and disciplinary language development in general: embedded teaching. This approach has three key characteristics: (1) prioritizes students’ engagement in sensemaking in the disciplines, (2) defines the language of school as encompassing everyday as well as disciplinary discourses, and (3) leverages both incidental and intentional vocabulary learning. The article illustrates the embedded teaching approach through examples that show how it can support multilingual students’ understanding of language in the disciplines. The authors foreground the importance of paying attention to students’ evolving understanding of disciplinary concepts, supporting the expression of student agency, and developing students’ metalinguistic awareness.
Successful outcome and 1‐year follow‐up after partial iliectomy with limb preservation in a cat with pelvic osteosarcoma
Authors: Goffart Laura Maria , Mehl Jan‐Niklas , Reif Ullrich
Published: August 2021

A 16‐month‐old male neutered cat was referred due to a history of right hindlimb lameness over several days. Radiography by the referring veterinarian revealed an osteolytic lesion at the right ilial wing. Haematology and blood chemistry were unremarkable besides borderline values of alkaline phosphatase (74 U/L). For further workup, thoracic, abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) were performed. CT confirmed the presence of an osteolytic mass with additional osteoneogenesis in the right ilial wing and indicated no evidence of metastatic disease. Resection of the mass was carried out using partial iliectomy with preservation of the limb. Histopathology confirmed the mass as osteosarcoma. Follow‐up was accomplished by radiographic re‐check of the ilium every few months. On the 1‐year follow‐up, the cat was clinically healthy with no signs of lameness. Follow‐up radiographies of the pelvis up until the time of writing this report showed no signs of tumour recurrence.
Ronda: Real-Time Data Provision, Processing and Publication for Open Data
Authors: Kirstein Fabian , Bacher Dario , Bohlen Vincent , Schimmler Sonja
Published: August 2021

The provision and dissemination of Open Data is a flourishing concept, which is highly recognized and established in the government and public administrations domains. Typically, the actual data is served as static file downloads, such as CSV or PDF, and the established software solutions for Open Data are mostly designed to manage this kind of data. However, the rising popularity of the Internet of things and smart devices in the public and private domain leads to an increase of available real-time data, like public transportation schedules, weather forecasts, or power grid data. Such timely and extensive data cannot be used to its full potential when published in a static, file-based fashion. Therefore, we designed and developed Ronda - an open source platform for gathering, processing and publishing real-time Open Data based on industry-proven and established big data and data processing tools. Our solution easily enables Open Data publishers to provide real-time interfaces for heterogeneous data sources, fostering more sophisticated and advanced Open Data use cases. We have evaluated our work through a practical application in a production environment.
The relationship between personal intrinsic factors towards a design problem and the degree of novelty and circularity
Authors: Ruiz-Pastor Laura , Chulvi Vicente , Mulet Elena , Royo Marta
Published: August 2021

The aim of this work is to determine how personal intrinsic factors towards a design problem are related to novelty and circularity. A deeper understanding of this relationship will be a valuable aid when it comes to making an adequate selection of design teams. The factors studied are the level of the designer's motivation, relevance, knowledge and affinity with regard to the design problem. To this end, a study was conducted with 35 novice designers, organised in groups of between two and five members. Each group had to propose a conceptual solution to two different design problems. Novelty was assessed using the SAPPhIRE causality model (which stands for State–Action–Part–Phenomenon–Input–oRgan–Effect) and the Circular Economy Toolkit was applied to measure circularity. The results show that as motivation, level of knowledge, perception of relevance and affinity for the problem increase, the solution displays greater novelty and less circularity, although for circularity, the difference is not statistically significant.
Correction to: Integrated processing of ground- and space-based GPS observations: improving GPS satellite orbits observed with sparse ground networks
Authors: Huang Wen , Männel ·Benjamin , Sakic Pierre , Ge Maorong , Schuh Harald
Published: August 2021

The article Integrated processing of ground- and space-based GPS observations: improving GPS satellite orbits observed with sparse ground networks, written by Wen Huang, Benjamin Männel, Pierre Sakic, Maorong Ge & Harald Schuh was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal on [10 October 2020] without open access.
Kombinierter Suizid: Methode nach Kusch und Kopfschuss – ein Fallbericht
Authors: Weber A. , Rabl W.
Published: August 2021

Die gleichzeitige Anwendung mehrerer Methoden beim Suizid wird als „kombinierter Suizid“ bezeichnet. Vorgestellt wird ein Fall, bei dem zunächst alles auf einen Suizid mittels Schusswaffe hindeutet. Die chemisch-toxikologische Analyse ergibt den Nachweis von Benzodiazepinen und einer potenziell letalen Chloroquinkonzentration im Blutserum, was als Methode nach Kusch bezeichnet wird und mit einer Handlungsunfähigkeit einhergehen kann. Die Kombination von Chloroquin mit Diazepam kann aber, in Abhängigkeit von der Dosierung, auch dazu führen, dass die Handlungsfähigkeit erhalten bleibt und auch hohe Chloroquinkonzentrationen überlebt werden. Der vorgestellte Fall soll die potenziellen Wechselwirkungen dieser Wirkstoffe verdeutlichen.
Interface Automata for Shared Memory
Authors: Schinko Ayleen , Vogler Walter , Gareis Johannes , Nguyen N. Tri , Lüttgen Gerald
Published: August 2021

Interface theories based on Interface Automata (IA) are formalisms for the component-based specification of concurrent systems. Extensions of their basic synchronization mechanism permit the modelling of data, but are studied in more complex settings involving modal transition systems or do not abstract from internal computation. In this article, we show how de Alfaro and Henzinger’s original IA theory can be conservatively extended by shared memory data, without sacrificing simplicity or imposing restrictions. Our extension IA for shared Memory (IAM) decorates transitions with pre- and post-conditions over algebraic expressions on shared variables, which are taken into account by IA’s notion of component compatibility. Simplicity is preserved as IAM can be embedded into IA and, thus, accurately lifts IA’s compatibility concept to shared memory. We also provide a ground semantics for IAM that demonstrates that our abstract handling of data within IA’s open systems view is faithful to the standard treatment of data in closed systems.
Comparison of Postoperative Pain and Analgesic Requirements Between Laparoscopic and Open Hernia Repair in Children
Authors: Bruce Eilidh S. , Hotonu Sesi A. , McHoney Merrill
Published: August 2021

Background

This study analyses the impact of anaesthetic blockade and intraperitoneal local anaesthetic infiltration on paediatric laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

Method

A retrospective review of paediatric laparoscopic hernia repairs versus open repairs. Anaesthetic blockade, analgesic consumption and postoperative pain scores were compared between groups.

Results

155 children underwent laparoscopic repair, 150 underwent open repairs. Median age was 7.2 months (16 days–14 years) in the laparoscopic group, 6 months (17 days–13 years) in the open group. Anaesthetic blockade varied significantly; 62.7% of open cases had caudal blockade compared to 21.6% laparoscopic (p < 0.001). A subset of laparoscopic patients had peritoneal local anaesthetic infiltration. 10.1% of laparoscopic cases required recovery analgesia, compared to 1.3% of open cases (p = 0.001). Postoperative analgesic consumption was significantly higher in the laparoscopic group. Peritoneal infiltration reduced analgesic consumption in the laparoscopic group (p = 0.038). Age < 2 was associated with use of caudal (p < 0.001), which reduced analgesic consumption.

Conclusions

Laparoscopy was associated with increased use of recovery analgesia. Caudal reduced the need for rescue and postoperative analgesia. Intraperitoneal infiltration of local anaesthetic is associated with reduced postoperative analgesia in laparoscopy. In suitable patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery, combination caudal and peritoneal infiltration may prove a useful adjunctive analgesic strategy.
Magnetic sphincter augmentation device removal: surgical technique and results at medium-term follow-up
Authors: Bona Davide , Saino Greta , Mini Emanuele , Lombardo Francesca , Panizzo Valerio , Cavalli Marta , Bonitta Gianluca , Campanelli Giampiero , Aiolfi Alberto
Published: August 2021

Background

The magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) device has become a common option for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Knowledge of MSA-related complications, indications for removal, and techniques are puzzled. With this study, we aimed to evaluate indications, techniques for removal, surgical approach, and outcomes with MSA removal.

Methods

This is an observational singe-center study. Patients were followed up regularly with endoscopy, pH monitoring, and assessed for specific gastroesophageal reflux disease health-related quality of life (GERD-HRQL) and generic short-form 36 (SF-36) quality of life.

Results

Five patients underwent MSA explant. Four patients were males and the median age was 47 years (range 44–55). Heartburn, epigastric/chest pain, and dysphagia were commonly reported. The median implant duration was 46 months (range 31–72). A laparoscopic approach was adopted in all patients. Intraoperative findings included normal anatomy (40%), herniation in the mediastinum (40%), and erosion (20%). The most common anti-reflux procedures were Dor (n = 2), Toupet (n = 2), and anterior partial fundoplication (n = 1). The median operative time was 145 min (range 60–185), and the median hospital length of stay was 4 days (range 3–6). The median postoperative follow-up was 41 months (range 12–51). At the last follow-up, 80% of patients were off PPI; the GERD-HRQL and SF-36 questionnaire were improved with DeMeester score and esophageal acid exposure normalization.

Conclusion

The MSA device can be safely explanted through a single-stage laparoscopic procedure. Tailoring a fundoplication, according to preoperative patient symptoms and intraoperative findings, seems feasible and safe with a promising trend toward improved symptoms and quality of life.
Long-term oncological outcomes after laparoscopic parenchyma-sparing redo liver resections for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: a European multi-center study
Authors: Barkhatov Leonid , Aghayan Davit L. , Scuderi Vincenzo , Cipriani Federica , Fretland Åsmund A. , Kazaryan Airazat M. , Ratti Francesca , Armstrong Thomas , Belli Andrea , Dagher Ibrahim , Belli Giulio , Aldrighetti Luca , Hilal Mohammad Abu , Troisi Roberto I. , Edwin Bjørn
Published: August 2021

Background

Laparoscopic redo resections for colorectal metastases are poorly investigated. This study aims to explore long-term results after second, third, and fourth resections.

Material and methods

Prospectively updated databases of primary and redo laparoscopic liver resections in six European HPB centers were analyzed. Procedure-related overall survival after first, second, third, and fourth resections were evaluated. Furthermore, patients without liver recurrence after first liver resection were compared to those with one redo, two or three redo, and patients with palliative treatment for liver recurrence after first laparoscopic liver surgery. Survival was calculated both from the date of the first liver resection and from the date of the actual liver resection. In total, 837 laparoscopic primary and redo liver resections performed in 762 patients were included (630 primary, 172 first redo, 29 second redo, and 6 third redo). Patients were bunched into four groups: Group 1—without hepatic recurrence after primary liver resection (n = 441); Group 2—with liver recurrence who underwent only one laparoscopic redo resection (n = 154); Group 3—with liver recurrence who underwent two laparoscopic redo resections (n = 29); Group 4—with liver recurrence who have not been found suitable for redo resections (n = 138).

Results

No significant difference has been found between the groups in terms of baseline characteristics and surgical outcomes. Rate of positive resection margin was higher in the group with palliative recurrence (group 4). Five-year survival calculated from the first liver resection was 67%, 62%, 84%, and 7% for group 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Procedure-specific 5-year overall survival was 50% after primary laparoscopic liver resection, 52% after the 1st reoperation, 52% after the 2nd, and 40% after the 3rd reoperation made laparoscopic.

Conclusions

Multiple redo recurrences can be performed laparoscopically with good long-term results. Liver recurrence does not aggravate prognosis as long as the patient is suitable for reoperation.