bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of financial openness on economic complexity: Cross‐country evidence
Authors: Yu Yuyuan , Qayyum Muhammad
Published: January 2021

Few studies are found to examine the relationship between financial openness and economic complexity. Using a panel data of 120 economies during 1996–2016, this paper aims to examine the impact of financial openness, human capital, institutional quality, banking industry concentration, and other factors on economic complexity. We establish dynamic panel models that incorporate lagged‐dependent variables and employ the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) for estimation. Our pooled‐sample regression results show that the enhancement of overall financial openness could increase the economic complexity significantly, as well as de‐facto and de‐jure openness. The subsample regressions indicate heterogeneous impacts of financial openness depending on country groups and industry. Besides, there exists significant path dependence for ECI improvement, which is more prominent in high‐income countries. For low‐ and middle‐income countries, greater GVC participation and lower banking concentration can promote ECI improvement significantly.
Physics of electron emission and injection in two‐dimensional materials: Theory and simulation
Authors: Ang Yee Sin , Cao Liemao , Ang Lay Kee
Published: January 2021

Electrically contacting two‐dimensional (2D) materials is an inevitable process in the fabrication of devices for both the study of fundamental nanoscale charge transport physics and the design of high‐performance novel electronic and optoelectronic devices. The physics of electrical contact formation and interfacial charge injection critically underlies the performance, energy‐efficiency and the functionality of 2D‐material‐based devices, thus representing one of the key factors in determining whether 2D materials can be successfully implemented as a new material basis for the development of next‐generation beyond‐silicon solid‐state device technology. In this review, the recent developments in the theory and the computational simulation of electron emission, interfacial charge injection and electrical contact formation in 2D material interfaces, heterostructures, and devices are reviewed. Focusing on thermionic charge injection phenomena which are omnipresent in 2D‐materials‐based metal/semiconductor Schottky contacts, we summarize various transport models and scaling laws recently developed for 2D materials. Recent progress on the first‐principle density functional theory simulation of 2D‐material‐based electrical contacts are also reviewed. This review aims to provide a crystalized summary on the physics of charge injection in the 2D Flatlands for bridging the theoretical and the experimental research communities of 2D material device physics and technology.

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Improving effectiveness of dental students’ feedback and course evaluation
Authors: Hajhamid Beshr , Somogyi‐Ganss Eszter
Published: January 2021

Dental students providing feedback about a course they take, in a timely manner, benefits not only teachers, but also indirectly the students themselves, especially if given with confidence in a constructive manner. Therefore, the aim of this study was to train students on how to give feedback, to ask them to provide feedback before and after the instructions were given, and analyze the change in their responses. Participants were students who attended the second‐year preclinical course in prosthodontics. They were asked to provide feedback anonymously with online surveys after completing modules of the course during the academic year. There was no intervention prior to the first feedback; however, before providing the second feedback, students were asked to read a 1‐page handout related to feedback modalities. Following this, an interactive workshop in feedback was provided prior to the third survey. The received responses were ranked as either: neutral, positive, negative, or constructive and were analyzed using a mixed repeated measures test with Bonferroni correction at a 0.05 significance level. The results showed a higher number of constructive and positive responses than both neutral and negative feedback (P ≤ 0.05) within the same surveys, but no interaction effect was found between the surveys (P = 0.076). Our data showed an increase in constructive feedback provided by students after the 2 different training methods, but the modality of delivery did not seem to significantly influence the results. In summary, training students on how to provide constructive feedback may be beneficial for teachers to improve their courses.
Risk factors of interventional radiology/surgery for colonic diverticular bleeding
Authors: Sato Yoshinori , Yasuda Hiroshi , Nakamoto Yusuke , Kiyokawa Hirofumi , Yamashita Masaki , Matsuo Yasumasa , Maehata Tadateru , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Mimura Hidefumi , Itoh Fumio
Published: January 2021

Background and Aim

Colonic diverticular bleeding (CDB) stops spontaneously, but sometimes, excessive bleeding does not allow hemostasis and requires interventional radiology (IR)/surgery. We examined risk factors in patients who required IR/surgery for CDB and late recurrent bleeding rate after IR/surgery.

Methods

This retrospective case–control study was conducted at a tertiary center. We included 608 patients who required hospitalization for CDB. Patients were investigated for risk factors using logistic regression analysis. We also investigated early and late recurrent bleeding rates following IR/surgery.

Results

In 261 patients (42.9%), the bleeding source was identified, and endoscopic hemostasis was performed; 23 (3.8%) required IR/surgery. In multivariate analysis, shock state with a blood pressure of ≤90 mmHg (P < 0.001; odds ratio [OR], 20.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.08–79.5), positive extravasation on contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (P < 0.001; OR 9.5, 95% CI 2.85–31.4), two or more early recurrent bleeding episodes (P = 0.002; OR 7.4, 95% CI 2.14–25.4), and right colon as the source of bleeding (P = 0.023; OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.25–14.0) were independent risk factors requiring IR/surgery. Early recurrent bleeding was observed in 0% and 28.0% patients (P < 0.001) in the IR/surgery and no IR/surgery groups, respectively, whereas late recurrent bleeding rate was observed in 43.4% and 30.7% patients (P = 0.203) in the IR/surgery and no IR/surgery groups, respectively. Four patients who required surgery experienced late recurrent bleeding at a site different from the initial CDB.

Conclusions

Although IR/surgery is an effective hemostatic treatment wherein endoscopic treatment is unsuccessful, late recurrent bleeding cannot be prevented.
The detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 in outpatient clinics and public facilities during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Elbadawy Hossein M. , Khattab Amin , Alalawi Ali , Dakilallah Aljohani Fahad , Sundogji Hamza , Mahmoud Ameira S. , Abouzied Meky , Eltahir Heba M. , Alahmadey Ziab , Bahashwan Saleh , Suliman Bandar A.
Published: January 2021

The transmission of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) can occur through an airborne route, in addition to contaminated surfaces and objects. In hospitals, it has been confirmed by several studies that SARS‐CoV‐2 can contaminate surfaces and medical equipment especially in hospitals dedicated to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients. The aim of this study was to detect the contamination of hands, objects, and surfaces in isolation rooms and also in outpatients' clinics in hospitals and polyclinics. Environmental contamination of public high‐touch surfaces in public facilities was also investigated during an active COVID‐19 pandemic. Random swabs were also taken from public shops, pharmacies, bakeries, groceries, banknotes, and automated teller machines (ATMs). Samples were analyzed for SARS‐CoV‐2 positivity using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. In the COVID‐19 regional reference hospital, only 3 out of 20 samples were positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA. Hand swabs from SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive patients in isolation rooms were occasionally positive for viral RNA. In outpatients' clinics, door handles were the most contaminated surfaces. Dental chairs, sinks, keyboards, ophthalmoscopes, and laboratory equipment were also contaminated. Although no positive swabs were found in shops and public facilities, random ATM swabs returned a positive result for SARS‐CoV‐2. Although there is no longer a focus on COVID‐19 wards and isolation hospitals, more attention is required to decontaminate frequently touched surfaces in health‐care facilities used by patients not diagnosed with COVID‐19. Additionally, high‐touch public surfaces such as ATMs require further disinfection procedures to limit the transmission of the infection.
Saliva samples for detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 in mildly symptomatic and asymptomatic patients
Authors: Tutuncu Emin Ediz , Ozgur Didem , Karamese Murat
Published: January 2021

Background

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19) pandemic has been rapidly spreading throughout the world with confirmed case numbers already exceeding 75 million. Although nasopharyngeal swabs are the most commonly utilized samples for based severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) RNA detection, collecting these specimens requires healthcare workers and necessitates the use of personal protective equipment as it presents a nosocomial transmission risk. We aimed to assess the diagnostic value of saliva samples in mildly symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with confirmed Covid‐19.

Methods

We performed a cohort study to validate the use of saliva for SARS‐CoV‐2 detection in mildly symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Covid‐19. Saliva samples of the patients were analyzed by reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).

Results

In May 2020, 28 asymptomatic and 25 mildly symptomatic patients were enrolled in the study. The median age was 37 years (range 4–70). None of the patients had a fever on presentation. Among 53 patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 detected in the nasopharyngeal sample, the real‐time RT‐PCR was positive in the saliva specimens in 48 (90.56%) patients. The mean cycle threshold (CT) values for nasopharyngeal and saliva specimens (27.80 ± 3.44 and 30.64 ± 2.83, respectively) were significantly correlated between the two sample types (p = .016). The mean CT values of nasopharyngeal and saliva samples in mildly symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (27.18 ± 3.53 and 30.24 ± 3.29 vs. 28.36 ± 3.31 and 30.98 ± 2.39, respectively) were not significantly different (p = .236 and p = .733, respectively).

Conclusions

Saliva specimens can be considered as a reliable and less resource‐intensive alternative to nasopharyngeal specimens for screening asymptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2 infections.
Assessing climate change impacts on streamflow and sediment load in the upstream of the Mekong River basin
Authors: Ma Di , Qian Budong , Gu Haiting , Sun Zhilin , Xu Yue‐Ping
Published: January 2021

Assessments of climate change impacts on streamflow and sediment processes are essential for developing science‐based sustainable watershed management plans. We assessed climate change impacts on streamflow and sediment load in the upstream of the Mekong River Basin, as a case study. Future climate scenarios including an ensemble‐mean climate scenario (EnM scenario) were generated based on 20 GCMs in CMIP5, using a stochastic weather generator (LARS‐WG) coupled with a distribution‐free shuffle procedure. The SWAT model was applied to simulate changes in streamflow and sediment load for the future period 2071–2100 under RCP8.5 with respect to the baseline period 1971–2000. Results show that mean monthly maximum and minimum temperature were projected to increase by all the 20 GCMs, with an ensemble‐mean increase of 4.6–5.7°C and 4.2–5.8°C across the 12 months, respectively. An increase in mean annual precipitation (3.4–55.8%) and streamflow (1.0–72.7%) was also projected by all GCMs. However, projected changes in sediment load were not consistent. One half of the GCMs projected an increase (5.2–53.2%) in annual sediment load while the other half projected a decrease (5.1%–43.2%). In each month, at least three‐quarters of the GCMs projected an increase in monthly streamflow. For monthly sediment load, an increase in May to July was projected by over half of the GCMs, while a decrease was projected by a majority of the GCMs for other months. Our results indicate large uncertainties in streamflow and sediment projections under climate change, demonstrating the need to use multi‐model ensembles in climate change impact studies. Moreover, it was found that the streamflow and sediment loads simulated using the EnM scenario were often close to the ensemble means simulated using the 20 GCMs, which implies that the single EnM scenario has the potential of effectively and efficiently estimating the ensemble means of projections in a multi‐model ensemble.
Interannual variation in summer extreme precipitation over Southwestern China and the possible associated mechanisms
Authors: Xu Huiwen , Chen Huopo , Wang Huijun
Published: January 2021

This study explores the spatial–temporal variations in summer extreme precipitation over Southwestern China (SWC). The frequency of summer extreme precipitation (FEP) has exhibited strong interannual variation with slightly strengthened intensity in recent decades. The associated anomalous water vapour transport mainly originates from northern China, the Indian Ocean, the South China Sea and the Northwest Pacific. The high FEP over SWC is generally associated with the strong Eurasian (EU) pattern and the pattern that is similar to Pacific‐Japan (PJ) teleconnection. The results further indicate that the anomalous May Arctic sea ice concentration and the sea surface temperature anomaly over the Northwest Pacific play an important role in the variation of FEP over SWC. On the one hand, the reduction in Arctic sea ice concentration intensifies Rossby wave propagation and then stimulates the formation of EU teleconnection pattern. The associated anomalous northeasterly integrated water vapour transport and high‐level westerly anomalies can result in strong interannual changes in FEP over SWC. On the other hand, the sea surface temperature anomaly over the Northwest Pacific can induce an anomalous PJ‐like pattern, and the associated anomalous southwesterly water vapour transport also exerts an impact on the change in FEP over SWC.
Selective extraction of galactomannan from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum‐graecumL.) seed husk and its enzyme inhibitory potential associated with hyperglycaemia
Authors: Srinivasa Uma Maheshwari , Naidu Madeneni Madhava
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Fenugreek seeds host various bioactive compounds, and galactomannan (GM) is a significant soluble fibre. In this study, selective extraction is adapted to extract fenugreek seed GM to improvise the yield recovery. The seeds are fractionated, separated and classified as husk and cotyledons. Comparative studies have been performed to evaluate the crude and pure GM yield between different groups such as the whole seed, and the classified fractions. Characterization is done using Fourier transform infrared, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, monosaccharide composition and optical density, and the structure is elucidated through nuclear magnetic resonance. The GM obtained through extraction is used to study its enzyme inhibitory property associated with hyperglycaemia.

RESULTS

GM yield extracted from the husk is highly significant compared to other groups. Crude GM and pure GM yield was 2 and 3.25 times higher than that obtained through whole seed samples. The characterization of the pure GM is on a par with the existing reports. The purified GM inhibited α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase enzymes in vitro, with an IC50 of 21.08 ± 0.085 and 67.17 ± 5.15 μg mL−1, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Selective extraction prompts enhancement in the recovery of the bioactive compound, minimal use of resources, and promotes industrial viability. Characterization of the compound confirms the structure. Its enzyme inhibitory property makes GM a valuable compound in diabetic prevention/treatment. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Protein extraction pH and cross‐linking affect physicochemical and textural properties of protein gels made from channel catfish by‐products
Authors: Tan Yuqing , Chang Sam KC
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Channel catfish farming is very important aquaculture industry in the southern states of the USA. However, huge amounts of by‐products are generated from catfish fillet‐processing. The by‐products (mostly heads and bone frames) are excellent sources of proteins. Currently, catfish by‐product has little value, and is regarded as a ‘waste’, which if not utilized properly could cause serious environmental pollution. Therefore, to find a way to utilize those by‐products is critical for the economy of aquaculture.

METHOD

Protein isolates were extracted from the mixture of catfish by‐products (heads and frames) under different alkaline conditions (pH 7.5–11) and made into protein gels. Secondary structures of extracted protein isolates were studied. Microbial transglutaminase (MTGase, 0–4 U g–1 proteins) was incorporated to improve gel structure. Gelling, physicochemical, textural and thermal properties of protein gels treated with/without MTGase were investigated. Protein pattern changes of MTGase‐treated protein gels were studied and the microstructure of the protein gels was analyzed.

RESULTS

Alpha‐helicity of protein isolates made at pH 11 was 21.5% lower than that extracted at pH 8.5. Storage modulus (G′) of protein gel decreased with increasing extraction pH (pH > 9) of the corresponding protein isolate. MTGase treatment exhibited significant effects on denaturation temperature and enthalpy of protein gels. Excessive MTGase (>2 U g–1) could weaken the gel structure.

CONCLUSION

Protein isolates can be extracted from catfish by‐products and made into protein gels, which are a value‐added product. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Nontargeted metabolomic analysis and multiple criteria decision‐making method induced robust quality markers screening for the authentication of herbal medicines from different origins by taking Ophiopogon japonicus (L. f.) Ker‐Gawl. as a case study
Authors: Jin Xu , Zhang Jianqing , Li Yun , Wu Wenyong , Zhang Hang , Yao Changliang , Wei Wenlong , Yao Shuai , Huang Yong , Qu Hua , Guo De‐an
Published: January 2021

A key segment in medicinal plant authentication is the establishment of quality markers that embody the intrinsic metabolites difference independent of instruments and experiment conditions. A strategy integrating nontargeted metabolomics and multicriteria decision‐making model for robust quality markers discovery is presented and applied to authenticate Ophiopogon japonicus (L. f.) Ker‐Gawl. First, an ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight MSE approach was established for global metabolites profiling and identification. Second, multivariate statistical analysis was performed to explore potential quality markers of different origins of ophiopogonis radix. Third, potential quality markers were ordered and filtered by multicriteria decision‐making model to infer robust quality markers and further validated in different instruments and experiment conditions by validation model. Fourth, the validation model using the robust quality markers managed to discriminate the origins of ophiopogonis radix samples procured from the herbal markets. Consequently, two robust quality markers, cixi‐ophiopogon B and ophiopogonin D, were discovered and further validated on different instruments and experiment conditions. This integrated strategy provided a practical solution for reliable and convenient authentication of geo‐authentic herb.
LncRNA NEAT1 promotes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via the miR‐186‐5p/PTP4A1 axis in cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Li Ou , Jiang Bo , Yi Wei‐Min , Zhang Yu , Yang Pin‐Zhou , Guo Chao , Sun Zeng‐Peng , Peng Chuang
Published: January 2021

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly aggressive and malignant tumor. In this study, the effect and molecular mechanism of nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) in CCA were elucidated. The expressions of NEAT1, microRNA‐186‐5p (miR‐186‐5p), and PTP4A1 were measured by quantitative real‐time PCR. The protein levels were measured by Western blotting. Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to create survival curves. The interactions between NEAT1, miR‐186‐5p, and PTP4A1 were assessed through the dual luciferase reporter assay. Additionally, the cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were measured by colony formation, flow cytometry, the Transwell assay, and the wound healing assay, respectively. NEAT1 and PTP4A1 were significantly upregulated in CCA tissues and cells, but miR‐186‐5p was downregulated. NEAT1 expression was negatively correlated with the survival of CCA patients and has remarkable correlation with serum CA199 levels and lymph node metastasis. Besides, NEAT1 could act as a molecular sponge for miR‐186‐5p to upregulate PTP4A1 expression. More importantly, the knockdown of NEAT1 or overexpression of miR‐186‐5p inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of CCA cells, and the inhibition of miR‐186‐5p reversed the effects of the knockdown of NEAT1. In addition, NEAT1 could also activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and regulate the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) through the miR‐186‐5p/PTP4A1 axis. In conclusion, NEAT1 was involved in cell proliferation, migration and invasion in CCA, and the NEAT1/miR‐186‐5p/PTP4A1/PI3K/AKT axis indicated novel regulatory mechanisms and therapeutics for the treatment of CCA.
Chemically‐Induced Cross‐Linking of Peptidic Fibrils for Scaffolding Polymeric Particles and Macrophages
Authors: Armen Jennifer M. , Schueller Nathan R. , Velankar Ketki Y. , Abraham Nevil , Palchesko Rachelle N. , Fan Yong , Meng Wilson S. , Gawalt Ellen S.
Published: January 2021

EAK16‐II (EAK) is a self‐assembling peptide (SAP) that forms β‐sheets and β‐fibrils through ionic‐complementary interactions at physiological ionic strengths. The soft materials can be injected in vivo, creating depots of drugs and cells for rendering pharmacological and biological actions. The scope of the applications of EAK is sought to extend to tissues through which the flow of extracellular fluid tends to be limited. In such anatomical locales the rate and extent of the fibrilization are limited insofar as drug delivery and cellular scaffolding would be impeded. A method is generated utilizing a carbodiimide cross‐linker by which EAK fibrils are pre‐assembled yet remain injectable soft materials. It is hypothesized that the resulting de novo covalent linkages enhance the stacking of the β‐sheet bilayers, thereby increasing the lengths of the fibrils and the extent of their cross‐linking, as evidenced in Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy analyses. The cross‐linked EAK (clEAK) retains polymeric microspheres with an average diameter of 1 µm. Macrophages admixed with clEAK remain viable and do not produce the inflammatory mediator interleukin‐1β. These results indicate that clEAK should be investigated further as a platform for delivering particles and cells in vivo.
We Must Talk about Sex and Focal Dystonia
Authors: Rafee Shameer , O'Riordan Sean , Reilly Richard , Hutchinson Michael
Published: January 2021

In a recent workshop on “Defining research priorities in dystonia,”, there was absolutely no reference to sex as a factor in disease pathogenesis. In this viewpoint paper, we argue that the most distinctive aspects of adult onset isolated focal dystonia are the marked sex‐related differences demonstrated by epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory studies in patients with adult onset dystonia, particularly in cervical dystonia, the most common presentation. We propose that the future focus of research should be on neurobiological mechanisms underlying the profound sexual dimorphism in this disorder. Targeting research into gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic function, which also shows similar sexual dimorphism, would be most productive in elucidating the pathogenesis of adult onset dystonia. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Higher Concentration of Plasma Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein in Wilson Disease Patients with Neurological Manifestations
Authors: Lin Jie , Zheng Yexiang , Liu Ying , Lin Yi , Wang Qiqi , Lin Xiao‐Hong , Zhu Wenli , Lin Wei‐Hong , Wang Ning , Chen Wan‐Jin , Fu Ying
Published: January 2021

Background

Wilson disease is a rare, disabling, neurological genetic disease. Biomarkers of brain damage are less well developed.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein as a biomarker for neurological involvement in patients with Wilson disease.

Methods

This prospective cross‐observational study compared plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein concentration among different subtypes of patients with Wilson disease and healthy control subjects. Plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein levels were measured in 94 patients and 25 healthy control subjects. Patients were divided into two subtypes: patients with neurological manifestations (n = 74) or hepatic manifestations (n = 20).

Results

Median levels of plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein were significantly elevated in patients with neurological manifestations (143.87 pg/mL) compared with those with hepatic manifestations (107.50 pg/mL) and healthy control subjects (86.85 pg/mL). Receiver operating characteristic curve revealed that a plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein cutoff value of 128.8 pg/mL provides sufficient sensitivity (80.0%) and specificity (63.5%) to differentiate patients with neurological manifestations from those with hepatic manifestations.

Conclusions

Plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein may serve as a biomarker for distinguishing different subtypes of Wilson disease. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Ribosome‐targeting antibacterial agents: Advances, challenges, and opportunities
Authors: Zhang Laiying , He Jun , Bai Lang , Ruan Shihua , Yang Tao , Luo Youfu
Published: January 2021

Ribosomes, which synthesize proteins, are critical organelles for the survival and growth of bacteria. About 60% of approved antibiotics discovered so far combat pathogenic bacteria by targeting ribosomes. However, several issues, such as drug resistance and toxicity, have impeded the clinical use of ribosome‐targeting antibiotics. Moreover, the complexity of the bacteria ribosome structure has retarded the discovery of new ribosome‐targeting agents that are considered as the key to the drug‐resistance and toxicity. To deal with these challenges, efforts such as medicinal chemistry optimization, combination treatment, and new drug delivery system have been developed. But not enough, the development of structural biology and new screening methods bring powerful tools, such as cryo‐electron microscopy technology, advanced computer‐aided drug design, and cell‐free in vitro transcription/translation systems, for the discovery of novel ribosome‐targeting antibiotics. Thus, in this paper, we overview the research on different aspects of bacterial ribosomes, especially focus on discussing the challenges in the discovery of ribosome‐targeting antibacterial drugs and advances made to address issues such as drug‐resistance and selectivity, which, we believe, provide perspectives for the discovery of novel antibiotics.
Choroidal neovascularization fusion visualization for spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography images
Authors: Huang Chen , Xie Keren , Zhang Yuhan , Li Mingchao , Yuan Songtao , Chen Qiang
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) images and OCT angiography (OCTA) images can provide complementary information for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) visualization. We expected to simultaneously display multifaceted characteristics of CNV in a single projection image.

Methods

We proposed a fusion method for CNV visualization by combining structural and angiographic images, which mainly involves four steps: (a) Generate SD‐OCT and OCTA projection images from original volumetric data with retinal layer restriction. (b) For SD‐OCT projection images, enhance retinal vessels and CNV. (c) For OCTA images, detect CNV region based on multimodal data and display the neovascularization in false color. (d) A maximum fusion strategy was adopted to generate the fused images.

Results

Experimental results with 30 cases from 30 patients demonstrate that the fused images are more effective in displaying CNV than single‐modality projection images. The average information entropy and the mean gradient in the CNV regions for SD‐OCT projection images, OCTA images, and the fusion images are 4.66/0.21, 5.45/0.45, and 6.8/0.58, respectively.

Conclusions

The proposed method is more effective for CNV visualization than the conventional single‐modality image‐based method. The proposed method can combine complementary information from multimodal images and provide a satisfying visual effect.
Quantitative T2‐mapping magnetic resonance imaging for assessment of muscle motor unit recruitment patterns
Authors: Argentieri Erin C. , Tan Ek Tsoon , Whang Jeremy S. , Queler Sophie C. , Feinberg Joseph H. , Lin Bin , Sneag Darryl B.
Published: January 2021

Introduction

In this study, we aimed to determine whether muscle transverse relaxation time (T2) magnetic resonance (MR) mapping results correlate with motor unit loss, as defined by motor unit recruitment patterns on electromyography (EMG).

Methods

EMG and 3‐Tesla MRI exams were acquired no more than 31 days apart in subjects referred for peripheral nerve MRI. Two musculoskeletal radiologists qualitatively graded T2‐weighted, fat‐suppressed sequences for severity of muscle edema‐like patterns and manually placed regions of interest within muscles to obtain T2 values from T2‐mapping sequences. Concordance was calculated between qualitative and quantitative MR grades and EMG recruitment categories (none, discrete, decreased) as well as interobserver agreement for both MR grades.

Results

Thirty‐four muscles (21 abnormal, 13 control) were assessed in 13 subjects (5 females and 8 males; mean age, 46 years) with 14 EMG‐MRI pairs. T2‐relaxation times were significantly (P < .001) increased in all EMG recruitment categories compared with control muscles. T2 differences were not significant between EMG grades of motor unit recruitment (P = .151‐.702). T2 and EMG score concordance was acceptable (Harrellʼs concordance index [c index]: rater A, 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.51‐0.87; rater B, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.57‐0.91). Qualitative MRI and EMG score concordance was poor to acceptable (c index: rater A, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.50‐0.79; rater B, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55‐0.89). T2 values had moderate‐to‐substantial ability to distinguish between absent vs incomplete (ie, decreased or discrete) motor unit recruitment (c index: rater A, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.50‐1.00; rater B, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.57‐1.00).

Discussion

Quantitative T2 MR muscle mapping is a promising tool for noninvasive evaluation of the degree of motor unit recruitment loss.
Safety and efficacy of nusinersen in spinal muscular atrophy: The EMBRACE study
Authors: Acsadi Gyula , Crawford Thomas O. , Müller‐Felber Wolfgang , Shieh Perry B. , Richardson Randal , Natarajan Niranjana , Castro Diana , Ramirez‐Schrempp Daniela , Gambino Giulia , Sun Peng , Farwell Wildon
Published: January 2021

Introduction

The EMBRACE study (Clinical Trials No. NCT02462759) evaluated nusinersen in infants/children with infantile‐ or later‐onset spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) who were ineligible for the ENDEAR and CHERISH studies.

Methods

Participants were randomized to intrathecal nusinersen (12‐mg scaled equivalent dose; n = 14) or sham procedure (n = 7) in part 1 (~14 months) and subsequently received open‐label nusinersen for ~24 months in part 2 of the study.

Results

Part 1 was stopped early after the demonstration of motor function benefit with nusinersen in ENDEAR. There were no nusinersen‐related adverse events (AEs) and no study discontinuations due to nusinersen‐related AEs. The most common AEs included pyrexia, cough, pneumonia, and upper respiratory tract infections. Motor milestone responder rates were higher in those receiving nusinersen at last available assessment (93%) than in those receiving sham procedure in part 1 (29%) or transitioned from sham to nusinersen in part 2 (83%). This functional improvement was observed despite the small sample size and shortened part 1 trial duration that undermined the power of the study to demonstrate such treatment effects at a significant level.

Discussion

Nusinersen demonstrated a favorable long‐term benefit‐risk profile in this broad population of individuals with infantile‐ or later‐onset SMA.
Peripheral nerve hyperexcitability syndrome: A clinical, electrophysiological, and immunological study
Authors: Wu Yimin , Shi Jiayu , Gao Juhua , Hu Youfang , Ren Haitao , Guan Hongzhi , Li Jing , Huang Yangyu , Cui Liying , Guan Yuzhou
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Peripheral nerve hyperexcitability syndrome (PNHS) is characterized by muscle fasciculations and spasms. Nerve hyperexcitability and after‐discharges can be observed in electrophysiological studies. Autoimmune mechanisms play a major role in the pathophysiology of primary PNHS.

Methods

We retrospectively conducted a case–control study recruiting patients with clinical and electrophysiological features of PNHS. Control patients were diagnosed with other neuronal or muscular diseases. Contactin‐associated protein2 (CASPR2) and leucine‐rich glioma‐inactivated1 (LGI1) antibodies were examined.

Results

A total of 19 primary PNHS patients and 39 control patients were analyzed. The most common symptoms for the case group were fasciculations (11/19) and muscle spasms (13/19). Case group patients were likely to demonstrate electrodiagnostic findings of nerve hyperexcitability (17/19) and after‐discharges in the tibial nerve (19/19). We found high prevalence of CASPR2 (9/19) and LGI1 (6/19) antibodies in the case group.

Discussion

Primary PNHS patients were likely to show after‐discharges in the tibial nerve. The pathogenesis of PNHS is autoimmune CASPR2 and LGI1 antibodies are possible pathogenic antibodies for primary PNHS.
Factors associated with length of stay and death in tube‐fed patients: A cross‐sectional multicentre study
Authors: Freitas Leticia Alves , Fagundes Alex Luís , do Prado Patrícia Rezende , Pereira Marta Cristiane Alves , de Medeiros Adriane Pinto , de Freitas Ligia Menezes , Teixeira Thalyta Cardoso Alux , Koepp Janine , de Carvalho Rhanna Emanuela Fontenele Lima , Gimenes Fernanda Raphael Escobar
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To analyse the factors associated with length of stay (LOS) and death in nasogastric/nasoenteric tube (NG/NET)‐fed patients.

Design

A cross‐sectional multicentre study.

Method

Data collection took place from October 2017–April 2019, and the sample consisted of 365 participants from seven Brazilian hospitals. Demographic, clinical and therapeutic data were collected from the patients’ medical records. Data analysis was performed using bivariate and multivariate tests, considering a significance level of p<.05.

Results

Most patients were male, older adults, with high risk of death and highly dependent on nursing care. The LOS was associated with age, patient care complexity and length of NG/NET use. Death was associated with patient age. In the multivariate analysis, patients highly dependent on nursing care, and intensive and semi‐intensive care had a greater chance of dying when compared with patients receiving minimal care. Screening for factors affecting LOS and death is important to plan effective nursing care.
Take advantage of municipal opportunities to build community for student‐veterans
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: January 2021

Joshua Perschbacher, Director of Veterans Education and Transition Services at the University of Missouri, St. Louis, first felt called back to higher education when he was enlisted in the navy. One of Perschbacher's responsibilities involved personnel staffing and scheduling, including sending people to the Transition Assistance Program classes. During the scheduling process, Perschbacher would consistently hear the same stories from those enlisted: My chief told me now is not a good time to leave the navy. There aren't any jobs out there for civilians. It's not a good time; I should just stay enlisted. “I didn't believe any of that, but the cognitive dissonance is real,” Perschbacher said.
Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Sleep Hygiene Index
Authors: Prados Germán , Chouchou Florian , Carrión‐Pantoja Sara , Fernández‐Puerta Laura , Pérez‐Mármol José Manuel
Published: January 2021

The Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI) has shown adequate psychometric properties in samples from several countries but has not been validated in Spanish. The aims of the study were to translate the original (i.e., English) version of the SHI into Spanish and to evaluate the psychometric properties of this instrument (i.e., factor structure, internal consistency reliability, and concurrent, predictive, and discriminant validity) in Spanish adults. The overall sample, comprising 548 university students, was divided into two groups based on their self‐reported insomnia symptoms (Insomnia Severity Index) because sleep hygiene has been shown to be closely related to insomnia. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Stanford Sleepiness Scale were used for testing concurrent validity. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale was used for testing predictive validity. Three items were dropped from the original SHI scale due to their low factor loadings. The principal component analysis revealed a four‐factor solution for the SHI, accounting for 65.58% of the total variance in the overall sample, for 65.34% in the noninsomnia group, and for 63.50% in the insomnia group. Factor 1 comprised items regarding sleep‐disrupting behaviors; Factor 2 comprised items regarding cognitive activation; Factor 3 comprised items about bedroom comfort; and Factor 4 comprised items on sleep/wake time. Omega coefficient indices for the SHI ranged from 0.751 to 0.878 in the overall sample, from 0.734 to 0.822 in the noninsomnia group, and from 0.724 to 0.835 in the insomnia group. The Spanish version of the SHI can be regarded as a reliable tool with adequate concurrent and predictive validity for assessing sleep hygiene in Spanish people with or without insomnia symptoms.
Severe hearing loss as a disability: How to ensure equal access to optimal treatment
Authors: D'Haese Patrick S. C. , Van Rompaey Vincent , De Bodt Marc , Van de Heyning Paul
Published: January 2021

With 25% of people experiencing disabling hearing loss by the age of 70, Europe cannot afford to ignore what this would mean for its aging population. Untreated hearing loss could result in an annual cost of 213 billion euros to Europe's economies. In addition to depriving an individual of a sense, hearing loss adversely affects the mental health, cognitive functioning, mortality, and employment of an individual, while also being linked with comorbidities such as stroke, diabetes, and dementia. Although cochlear implants (CIs) are recognized as cost‐effective solutions for adults and children with severe to profound hearing loss, less than 10% of adults who could benefit receive a CI. Additionally, the provision varies hugely across Europe and around the world. CIs could potentially have an enormous impact on quality of life as well as providing long term savings to national health systems. However, referral guidelines for CIs across European member states lack consistency and clear referral pathways and guidelines need to be developed. The sharing of best practice and strategies for the prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment of severe hearing loss with innovative solutions, such as CIs, have the potential to maximize hearing health for all European citizens.
Predictors of family violence through the COVID‐19 pandemic: Structural equation modeling
Authors: Abdel Rahman Dina E.
Published: January 2021

There has been much talk, globally and locally, about family violence during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Family violence has received increasing interest from the researchers in many different fields, while family violence during the COVID‐19 pandemic outbreak still needs researchers' attention to investigate its predictors and detect the prevalence among family members through this health crisis. This study aimed to investigate the spread of family violence and detect the predictors of it with the applied advanced statistical procedure, structural equation modeling (SEM). The researchers prepared the family violence scale that consisted of 21 items, and applied it in a random sample that consisted of (312) individual. The finding indicated that there are high levels of family violence, violence between spouses, violence from parents to children, and sibling violence. As well as, the findings found that the years of marriage are statistically significant of violence between spouses, violence from parents to children, and sibling violence, and the total score of the family violence. As well as, sex is a statistically significant predictor of violence between spouses. While the educational level, age, and income level did not predict violence (total score or dimensions). Based on the results of the current study, counseling programs to reduce family violence and psychotherapy programs to reduce the negative effects of family violence on parents and children must be planned. Therefore, the role of traditional and online family counseling and psychotherapy must be activated in light of the outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Suboptimal outcome for patients with biliary rhabdomyosarcoma treated on low‐risk clinical trials: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Aye Jamie M. , Xue Wei , Palmer Joshua D. , Walterhouse David O. , Arnold Michael A. , Heaton Todd E. , Venkatramani Rajkumar
Published: January 2021

Background

Biliary rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common biliary tumor in children. The biliary tract is classified as a favorable primary site. Therefore, patients with localized biliary RMS were included in two consecutive low‐risk studies, D9602 and ARST0331, by the Children's Oncology Group (COG). The outcome for these patients treated with low‐risk therapy has not been reported.

Procedure

Patients with biliary RMS enrolled on COG low‐risk trials D9602 or ARST0331 were analyzed. All patients received systemic chemotherapy and those with Group II (microscopic residual) or Group III (macroscopic residual) disease received 36‐50.4 Gy adjuvant radiotherapy (RT). Delayed primary excision (DPE) was allowed on both studies.

Results

Seventeen patients with biliary RMS were treated on D9602 (n = 7) or ARST0331 (n = 10). Median age was 3.5 years (range 1.7‐10.3). Ten (59%) patients had tumors >5 cm and 14 (82%) had Group III disease. Fifteen (88%) patients received RT. The 5‐year event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were 70.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 46.9‐94.3%) and 76.5% (95% CI: 54.6‐98.4%), respectively. The majority of patients (80%) who received RT did not have disease recurrence while both patients who did not receive RT had local relapse. Five (36%) of 14 patients with Group III disease underwent DPE; two experienced a local relapse. In the nine patients without DPE, two developed local relapse.

Conclusions

Patients with localized biliary RMS treated on low‐risk studies had suboptimal outcomes. These patients may benefit from therapy on intermediate‐risk studies.
Effect of hydration on morphology of thin phosphonate block copolymer electrolyte membranes studied by electron tomography
Authors: Jiang Xi , Sun Jing , Zuckermann Ronald N. , Balsara Nitash P.
Published: January 2021

The morphological changes of phosphonate polypeptoid electrolyte membranes, poly‐N‐(2‐ethyl)hexylglycine‐block‐poly‐N‐phosphonomethylglycine (pNehm‐b‐pNpmn), in hydrated and dry states were characterized by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo‐TEM) and cryogenic electron tomography (cryo‐ET). The analysis of 3D tomograms revealed that the pNeh9‐b‐pNpm9 thin films absorbed a large amount of water, resulting in the formation of membranes that were nearly flat and giant multicompartment vesicles dispersed in the water phase. A simple lamellar phase appeared when the films were dried. In contrast, pNeh18‐b‐pNpm18 thin films absorbed little water and formed small highly curved unilamellar and multilamellar vesicles. Water was located mainly outside the closely‐packed vesicles. When water was removed by drying, the walls of adjacent vesicles collapsed to form honeycomb‐like capsules. The changes in domain size reflected changes in chain conformations. The pNpm9 blocks were saturated by water and fully extended, while pNpm18 blocks were neither saturated by water nor fully extended. In addition, the thicknesses of hydrophobic blocks in the hydrated films of both pNeh9‐b‐pNpm9 and pNeh18‐b‐pNpm18 were smaller than those in the dry films, reflecting an increase of the average distance between the neighboring junctions of polypeptoid molecules.
Transcriptomics‐Based and AOP‐Informed Structure–Activity Relationships to Predict Pulmonary Pathology Induced by Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Jagiello Karolina , Halappanavar Sabina , Rybińska‐Fryca Anna , Willliams Andrew , Vogel Ulla , Puzyn Tomasz
Published: January 2021

This study presents a novel strategy that employs quantitative structure–activity relationship models for nanomaterials (Nano‐QSAR) for predicting transcriptomic pathway level response using lung tissue inflammation, an essential key event (KEs) in the existing adverse outcome pathway (AOP) for lung fibrosis, as a model response. Transcriptomic profiles of mouse lungs exposed to ten different multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are analyzed using statistical and bioinformatics tools. Three pathways “agranulocyte adhesion and diapedesis,” “granulocyte adhesion and diapedesis,” and “acute phase signaling,” that (1) are commonly perturbed across the MWCNTs panel, (2) show dose response (Benchmark dose, BMDs), and (3) are anchored to the KEs identified in the lung fibrosis AOP, are considered in modelling. The three pathways are associated with tissue inflammation. The results show that the aspect ratio (κ) of MWCNTs is directly correlated with the pathway BMDs. The study establishes a methodology for QSAR construction based on canonical pathways and proposes a MWCNTs grouping strategy based on the κ‐values of the specific pathway associated genes. Finally, the study shows how the AOP framework can help guide QSAR modelling efforts; conversely, the outcome of the QSAR modelling can aid in refining certain aspects of the AOP in question (here, lung fibrosis).
Historie der Ril 805 „Tragsicherheit bestehender Eisenbahnbrücken“
Authors: Steffen Sascha
Published: January 2021

Im Eisenbahnnetz der DB Netz AG befinden sich über 25 000 Eisenbahnbrücken, die sich wiederum aus ca. 83 000 Überbauten zusammensetzen. 5,5 % dieser Bauwerke sind nach dem Jahr 2003 gebaut worden. Um ältere Konstruktionen, die tw. bereits über 100 Jahre durch die Eisenbahn genutzt werden, nach heutigen Maßstäben beurteilen zu können, steht mit der Richtlinie 805 „Tragsicherheit bestehender Eisenbahnbrücken“ (Ril 805) ein entsprechendes Hilfsmittel zur Verfügung. Im nachfolgenden Aufsatz wird chronologisch auf die Entwicklung des Eisenbahnnetzes eingegangen. Mit Fokus auf die bestehenden Eisenbahnbrücken aus Stahl wird dargestellt, wie auf die sich ergebenden Änderungen reagiert wurde, die schließlich zur heutigen Ril 805 geführt haben. Abschließend wird noch auf die aktuellen bzw. zukünftigen Aufgaben in diesem Zusammenhang eingegangen.