bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronische Hepatitis-B-Virusinfektion: aktuelle und zukünftige Therapieansätze
Authors: Neumann-Haefelin Christoph , Thimme Robert
Published: January 2022

Zur Therapie der chronischen Hepatitis-B-Virus-(HBV-)Infektion stehen aktuell pegyliertes Interferon-Alpha und Nucleosid‑/Nucleotidanaloga (Entecavir und Tenofovir) zur Verfügung. Diese Medikamente ermöglichen eine Virussuppression und eine Normalisierung des Leberenzyms Glutamat-Pyruvat-Transaminase (GPT) und verhindern ein Fortschreiten der Lebererkrankung. Zahlreiche noch in klinischer Entwicklung befindliche Therapiestrategien haben jedoch eine funktionelle Heilung zum Ziel. Dabei soll erreicht werden, dass das HBV-Hüllprotein HBsAg im Blutserum nicht mehr nachweisbar ist („ausgeheilte“ Hepatitis B). Der vorliegende Beitrag gibt eine Übersicht über aktuelle und mögliche zukünftige antivirale Therapien gegen die chronische HBV-Infektion. Als Grundlage diente eine Literaturrecherche unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der aktuellen Leitlinien sowie aktueller Kongressbeiträge.

Die aktuell verfügbaren antiviralen Therapien führen nur sehr selten zur Elimination von HBsAg (funktionelle Heilung). Auch ist bisher weitgehend unklar, bei welchen Patienten ein Absetzen der Langzeittherapie mit Entecavir bzw. Tenofovir sinnvoll ist. Neue Therapiestrategien in klinischer Entwicklung führen bei einem höheren Anteil der Patienten zur funktionellen Heilung. Wahrscheinlich ist aber eine Kombination mehrerer antiviraler Strategien erforderlich, um die funktionelle Heilung für die Mehrheit der Patienten zu erreichen. Eine solche Therapie kann voraussichtlich in den nächsten 5–10 Jahren vorliegen.
Pulmonale Rundherde und Pneumonie
Authors: Frauenfelder Thomas , Landsmann Anna
Published: January 2022

Hintergrund

Das konventionelle Röntgenbild zählt zu den am häufigsten durchgeführten radiologischen Untersuchungen. Seine Interpretation gehört zu den Grundkenntnissen jedes Radiologen.

Fragestellung

Ziel dieses Artikels ist es, häufige Zeichen und Muster der Pneumonie sowie Merkmale von Pseudoläsionen im konventionellen Röntgenbild zu erkennen und einen diagnostischen Leitfaden für junge Radiologen zu schaffen.

Methoden

Analyse aktueller Studien und Daten sowie eine Übersicht der häufigsten Zeichen und Muster im konventionellen Röntgenbild.

Ergebnisse

Die Kenntnis über häufige Zeichen und Muster im Röntgenbild bietet eine Hilfestellung in der Diagnostik und kann hinweisend für die Ursache einer Infektion sein. Häufig sind diese Zeichen jedoch unspezifisch und sollten daher immer in klinische Korrelation gesetzt werden. In der Detektion und Beurteilung von pulmonalen Rundherden gewinnt die Computertomographie (CT) durch ihre deutlich höhere Sensitivität in der Primärdiagnostik immer mehr an Bedeutung.

Schlussfolgerung

Das konventionelle Röntgenbild bildet weiterhin eine führende Rolle in der Primärdiagnostik; der Radiologe sollte jedoch die Limitationen des konventionellen Bildes kennen.
Prevalence and self-reported reasons of cannabis use for medical purposes in USA and Canada
Authors: Leung Janni , Chan Gary , Stjepanović Daniel , Chung Jack Yiu Chak , Hall Wayne , Hammond David
Published: January 2022

Rationale

There has been increasing attention on cannabis use for medical purposes, but there is currently a lack of data on its epidemiology.

Objectives

To examine the epidemiology of self-reported cannabis use for medical purposes by (1) estimating its prevalence, (2) comparing gender and age differences, and (3) investigating what reasons they were used to manage.

Methods

Participants included 27,169 respondents (aged 16–65) who completed Wave 1 of The International Cannabis Policy Study (ICPS) conducted across Canada and the USA in 2018 via online surveys. Cannabis policy conditions were “US legal–recreational” (legal for both recreational and medical uses), “US legal–medical only”, “US illegal”, and “Canada–medical only”.

Results

The overall prevalence of self-reported ever cannabis use for medical purposes was 27%, with similar rates by sex and the highest prevalence in young adults. Prevalence was higher in US legal–recreational states (34%) than US illegal states (23%), US legal–medical only states (25%), and Canada (25%). The most common physical health reasons include use to manage pain (53%), sleep (46%), headaches/migraines (35%), appetite (22%), and nausea/vomiting (21%). For mental health reasons, the most common were for anxiety (52%), depression (40%), and PTSD/trauma (17%). There were 11% who reported using cannabis for managing other drug or alcohol use and 4% for psychosis.

Conclusions

A substantial proportion of the North American population self-reported cannabis use for medical purposes for a variety of medical reasons, including those living in jurisdictions without legal markets. Further research is needed to understand the safety and efficacy of these forms of medical cannabis use.
On the interrelation between alcohol addiction–like behaviors in rats
Authors: Smeets Johanna A. S. , Minnaard A. Maryse , Ramakers Geert M. J. , Adan Roger A. H. , Vanderschuren Louk J. M. J. , Lesscher Heidi M. B.
Published: January 2022

Rationale

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a complex, heterogeneous disorder that only occurs in a minority of alcohol users. Various behavioral constructs, including excessive intake, habit formation, motivation for alcohol and resistance to punishment have been implicated in AUD, but their interrelatedness is unclear.

Objective

The aim of this study was therefore to explore the relation between these AUD-associated behavioral constructs in rats. We hypothesised that a subpopulation of animals could be identified that, based on these measures, display consistent AUD-like behavior.

Methods

Lister Hooded rats (n = 47) were characterised for alcohol consumption, habit formation, motivation for alcohol and quinine-adulterated alcohol consumption. The interrelation between these measures was evaluated through correlation and cluster analyses. In addition, addiction severity scores were computed using different combinations of the behavioral measures, to assess the consistency of the AUD-like subpopulation.

Results

We found that the data was uniformly distributed, as there was no significant tendency of the behavioral measures to cluster in the dataset. On the basis of multiple ranked addiction severity scores, five animals (~ 11%) were classified as displaying AUD-like behavior. The composition of the remaining subpopulation of animals with the highest addiction severity score (9 rats; ~ 19%) varied, depending on the combination of measures included.

Conclusion

Consistent AUD-like behavior was detected in a small proportion of alcohol drinking rats. Alcohol consumption, habit formation, motivation for alcohol and punishment resistance contribute in varying degrees to the AUD-like phenotype across the population. These findings emphasise the importance of considering the heterogeneity of AUD-like behavior.
Impact of interhemispheric inhibition on bimanual movement control in young and old
Authors: Morishita Takuya , Timmermann Jan E. , Schulz Robert , Hummel Friedhelm C.
Published: January 2022

Interhemispheric interactions demonstrate a crucial role for directing bimanual movement control. In humans, a well-established paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation paradigm enables to assess these interactions by means of interhemispheric inhibition (IHI). Previous studies have examined changes in IHI from the active to the resting primary motor cortex during unilateral muscle contractions; however, behavioral relevance of such changes is still inconclusive. In the present study, we evaluated two bimanual tasks, i.e., mirror activity and bimanual anti-phase tapping, to examine behavioral relevance of IHI for bimanual movement control within this behavioral framework. Two age groups (young and older) were evaluated as bimanual movement control demonstrates evident behavioral decline in older adults. Two types of IHI with differential underlying mechanisms were measured; IHI was tested at rest and during a motor task from the active to the resting primary motor cortex. Results demonstrate an association between behavior and short-latency IHI in the young group: larger short-latency IHI correlated with better bimanual movement control (i.e., less mirror activity and better bimanual anti-phase tapping). These results support the view that short-latency IHI represents a neurophysiological marker for the ability to suppress activity of the contralateral side, likely contributing to efficient bimanual movement control. This association was not observed in the older group, suggesting age-related functional changes of IHI. To determine underlying mechanisms of impaired bimanual movement control due to neurological disorders, it is crucial to have an in-depth understanding of age-related mechanisms to disentangle disorder-related mechanisms of impaired bimanual movement control from age-related ones.
Polyethylene wear of dual mobility cups: a comparative analysis based on patient-specific finite element modeling
Authors: Wegrzyn Julien , Antoniadis Alexander , Sarshari Ehsan , Boubat Matthieu , Terrier Alexandre
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Concerns remain about potential increased wear with dual mobility cups related to the multiple articulations involved in this specific design of implant. This finite element analysis study aimed to compare polyethylene (PE) wear between dual mobility cup and conventional acetabular component, and between the use of conventional ultra-high molecular weight PE (UHMWPE) and highly cross-linked PE (XPLE).

Methods

Patient-specific finite element modeling was developed for 15 patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). Five acetabular components were 3D modeled and compared in THA constructs replicating existing implants: a dual mobility cup with a 22.2-mm-diameter femoral head against UHMWPE or XLPE (DM22PE or DM22XL), a conventional cup with a 22.2-mm-diameter femoral head against UHMWPE (SD22PE) and a conventional cup with a 32-mm-diameter femoral head against UHMWPE or XLPE (SD32PE or SD32XL).

Results

DM22PE produced 4.6 times and 5.1 times more volumetric wear than SD32XL and DM22XL (p < 0.0001, Cohen’s d = 6.97 and 7.11; respectively). However, even if significant, the differences in volumetric wear between DM22XL and SD32XL as well as between DM22PE and SD22PE or SD32PE were small according to their effect size (p < 0.0001, Cohen’s |d|= 0.48 to 0.65) and could be therefore considered as clinically negligible.

Conclusion

When using XLPE instead of UHMWPE, dual mobility cup with a 22.2-mm-diameter femoral head produced a similar amount of volumetric wear than conventional acetabular component with a 32-mm-diameter femoral head against XLPE. Therefore, XLPE is advocated in dual mobility cup to improve its wear performance.
Modified Frailty Index to Assess Risk in Elderly Patients Undergoing Distal Pancreatectomy: A Retrospective Single‐Center Study
Authors: Paiella Salvatore , De Pastena Matteo , Esposito Alessandro , Secchettin Erica , Casetti Luca , Malleo Giuseppe , Montagnini Greta , Bannone Elisa , Deiro Giacomo , Bampa Beatrice , Ramera Marco , Landoni Luca , Balduzzi Alberto , Bassi Claudio , Salvia Roberto
Published: January 2022

Background

To compare the postoperative course of elderly patients (≥70 years) submitted to minimally invasive (MIDP) versus open distal pancreatectomy (ODP) and to evaluate if the modified Frailty Index (mFI) predicts the surgical course of elderly patients submitted to DP.

Methods

Data of patients aged ≥70 who underwent DP at a single institution between March 2011 and December 2019 were retrospectively retrieved. A 2:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was used to correct for differences in baseline characteristics. Then, postoperative complications were compared between the two groups (MIDP vs. ODP). Additionally, the entire cohort of DP elderly patients was stratified according to the mFI into three groups: non‐frail (mFI = 0), mildly frail (mFI = 1/2), or severely frail (mFI = 3) and then compared.

Results

A total of 204 patients were analyzed. After PSM, 40 MIDP and 80 ODP patients were identified. The complications considered stratified homogenously between the two groups, with no statistically significant differences. The severity of the postoperative course increased as mFI did among the three groups regarding any complication (p = 0.022), abdominal collection (p = 0.014), pulmonary complication (p = 0.001), postoperative confusion (p = 0.047), Clavien‐Dindo severity ≥3 events (p = 0.036), and length of stay (p = 0.018).

Conclusions

Elderly patients can be safely submitted to MIDP. The mFI identifies frail elderly patients more prone to develop surgical and non‐surgical complications after DP.
Parathyroidectomy Versus Cinacalcet for the Treatment of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Alvarado Luis , Sharma Nishtha , Lerma Roxann , Dwivedi Alok , Ahmad Adeel , Hechanova Aimee , Payan‐Schober Fernanda , Nwosu Azikiwe , Alkhalili Eyas
Published: January 2022

Background

Secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with end stage renal disease on dialysis is associated with bone pain and fractures in addition to cardiovascular morbidity. Cinacalcet is the most commonly used drug to treat such patients, but it has never been compared to surgery. The goal of this study is to compare the long‐term outcomes and survival between cinacalcet and parathyroidectomy in the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

Adult patients on hemodialysis who were treated with cinacalcet or parathyroidectomy in the United States Renal Data System were included. Patients treated with surgery (n = 2023) were compared using 1:1 propensity score matching ratio to a cohort of patients treated with cinacalcet. A Cox regression analysis was conducted to compare the overall mortality.

Results

The propensity score matching successfully created two groups with similar demographics. Patients in the surgery group had a higher mean peak PTH level prior to therapy (2066.8 vs 1425.4, P < 0.001). No difference was observed in the development of new‐onset coronary artery disease (7.7% vs 7.9%, P = 0.8) or cerebrovascular disease (7% vs 6.7%, P = 0.8). Surgical patients had a higher rate of pathologic fractures (27.8% vs 24.9%, P = 0.04). Survival analysis showed that patients undergoing surgery had a better 5‐year survival (65.6% vs 57.8%) and were less likely to die within the study period (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.7–0.85, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Patients on dialysis undergoing parathyroidectomy for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism have a better overall survival than those treated with cinacalcet.
Acute effects of ketamine on the pregenual anterior cingulate: linking spontaneous activation, functional connectivity, and glutamate metabolism
Authors: Gärtner Matti , Weigand Anne , Scheidegger Milan , Lehmann Mick , Wyss Patrik O. , Wunder Andreas , Henning Anke , Grimm Simone
Published: January 2022

Ketamine exerts its rapid antidepressant effects via modulation of the glutamatergic system. While numerous imaging studies have investigated the effects of ketamine on a functional macroscopic brain level, it remains unclear how altered glutamate metabolism and changes in brain function are linked. To shed light on this topic we here conducted a multimodal imaging study in healthy volunteers (N = 23) using resting state fMRI and proton (1H) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to investigate linkage between metabolic and functional brain changes induced by ketamine. Subjects were investigated before and during an intravenous ketamine infusion. The MRS voxel was placed in the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex (pgACC), as this region has been repeatedly shown to be involved in ketamine’s effects. Our results showed functional connectivity changes from the pgACC to the right frontal pole and anterior mid cingulate cortex (aMCC). Absolute glutamate and glutamine concentrations in the pgACC did not differ significantly from baseline. However, we found that stronger pgACC activation during ketamine was linked to lower glutamine concentration in this region. Furthermore, reduced functional connectivity between pgACC and aMCC was related to increased pgACC activation and reduced glutamine. Our results thereby demonstrate how multimodal investigations in a single brain region could help to advance our understanding of the association between metabolic and functional changes.
Primary systemic therapy for patients with brain metastases from lung cancer ineligible for targeted agents
Authors: Nieder Carsten , Aanes Siv G. , Haukland Ellinor
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate overall survival after systemic therapy, largely chemotherapy, in patients with small cell or non-small cell lung cancer and brain metastases. After completion of systemic therapy, some patients received planned brain irradiation, while others were followed.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study.

Results

Thirty-eight patients were included (28 small cell, 20 followed with imaging). Six of these 20 patients (30%) received delayed radiotherapy during follow-up. Planned radiotherapy (n = 18, intention-to-treat) was associated with longer survival from diagnosis of brain metastases, median 10.8 versus 6.1 months, p = 0.025. Delayed radiotherapy still resulted in numerically better survival than no radiotherapy at all (median 8.8 versus 5.3 months, not significant). If calculated from the start of delayed radiotherapy, median survival was only 2.7 months. In a multivariable analysis, both Karnofsky performance status ≥ 70 (p = 0.03) and planned radiotherapy (p = 0.05) were associated with better survival.

Conclusion

In patients ineligible for targeted agents, planned radiotherapy in a modern treatment setting was associated with longer survival compared to no radiotherapy. Timing and type of radiotherapy in such patients should be evaluated in prospective trials to identify patients who might not need planned radiotherapy.
Midterm osteolysis-induced aseptic failure of the M6-C™ cervical total disc replacement secondary to polyethylene wear debris
Authors: Scott-Young Matthew , Rathbone Evelyne , Grierson Lauren
Published: January 2022

Background

According to published meta-analyses, cervical total disc replacement (CTDR) seems to be superior to anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) in most clinical parameters. Despite short-term clinical success of CTDR, there are concerns regarding long-term durability of these prostheses.

Methods

This prospective study involved 382 patients who received standalone CTDR or a hybrid procedure (ACDF/CTDR). A retrospective comparison between different CTDR devices was conducted regarding patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), failure scenarios, and revision surgeries. The M6-C™ Artificial Cervical Disc (Orthofix, Lewisville, Texas) cohort was compared to the other CTDR devices clinically. Etiological reasons for revision, and the surgical technique of the revision was investigated.

Results

Fifty-three patients received M6-C CTDR. Eighteen patients (34%) were revised at an average of 67 months postoperatively for wear-induced osteolysis. There were three additional cases of pending revision. The PROMs of the two groups were similar, indicating that the failure mode (wear-induced osteolysis) is often asymptomatic. The demographics of the two groups were also similar, with more women undergoing revision surgery than men. There were three one-level CTDR, four two-level hybrids, seven three-level hybrids, and three four-level hybrids revised anteriorly. Sixteen patients underwent removal of the prosthesis and were treated according to the extent of osteolysis. There were four vertebrectomies, six revisions to ACDF, and six revisions to another CTDR. One patient underwent supplemental fixation using a posterior approach. The other CTDR cohort had an incidence of 3.3% at the equivalent time, and none of these were due to osteolysis or wear-related events.

Conclusions

There is a concerning midterm failure rate related to ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene wear-induced osteolysis in the M6-C. Patients implanted with the M6-C prosthesis should be contacted, informed, and clinically and radiologically assessed.
Effects of Habitat-Specific Primary Production on Fish Size, Biomass, and Production in Northern Oligotrophic Lakes
Authors: Norman Sven , Nilsson Karin A. , Klaus Marcus , Seekell David , Karlsson Jan , Byström Pär
Published: January 2022

Ecological theory predicts that the relative distribution of primary production across habitats influence fish size structure and biomass production. In this study, we assessed individual, population, and community-level consequences for brown trout (Salmo trutta) and Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) of variation in estimated habitat specific (benthic and pelagic) and total whole lake (GPPwhole) gross primary production in 27 northern oligotrophic lakes. We found that higher contribution of benthic primary production to GPPwholewas associated with higher community biomass and larger maximum and mean sizes of fish. At the population level, species-specific responses differed. Increased benthic primary production (GPPBenthic) correlated to higher population biomass of brown trout regardless of being alone or in sympatry, while Arctic char responded positively to pelagic primary production (GPPPelagic) in sympatric populations. In sympatric lakes, the maximum size of both species was positively related to both GPPBenthicand the benthic contribution to GPPWhole. In allopatric lakes, brown trout mean and maximum size and Arctic char mean size were positively related to the benthic proportion of GPPWhole. Our results highlight the importance of light-controlled benthic primary production for fish biomass production in oligotrophic northern lakes. Our results further suggest that consequences of ontogenetic asymmetry and niche shifts may cause the distribution of primary production across habitats to be more important than the total ecosystem primary production for fish size, population biomass, and production. Awareness of the relationships between light availability and asymmetric resource production favoring large fish and fish production may allow for cost-efficient and more informed management actions in northern oligotrophic lakes.
Are polypropylene mesh implants associated with systemic autoimmune inflammatory syndromes? A systematic review
Authors: Kowalik C. R. , Zwolsman S. E. , Malekzadeh A. , Roumen R. M. H. , Zwaans W. A. R. , Roovers J. W. P. R.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The surgical implantation of polypropylene (PP) meshes has been linked to the occurrence of systemic autoimmune disorders. We performed a systematic review to determine whether PP implants for inguinal, ventral hernia or pelvic floor surgery are associated with the development of systemic autoimmune syndromes.

Methods

We searched Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane library, clinicaltrialsregister.eu, clinicaltrails.gov and WHO-ICTR platform. Last search was performed on November 24th 2021. All types of studies reporting systemic inflammatory/autoimmune response in patients having a PP implant for either pelvic floor surgery, ventral or inguinal hernia repair were included. Animal studies, case reports and articles without full text were excluded. We intended to perform a meta-analysis. The quality of evidence was assessed with the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. This study was registered at Prospero (CRD42020220705).

Results

Of 2137 records identified, 4 were eligible. Two retrospective matched cohort studies focused on mesh surgery for vaginal prolapse or inguinal hernia compared to hysterectomy and colonoscopy, respectively. One cohort study compared the incidence of systemic conditions in women having urinary incontinence surgery with and without mesh. These reports had a low risk of bias. A meta-analysis showed no association when comparing systemic disease between mesh and control groups. Calculated risk ratio was 0.9 (95% CI 0.82–0.98). The fourth study was a case series with a high risk of bias, with a sample of 714 patients with systemic disease, 40 of whom had PP mesh implanted.

Conclusion

There is no evidence to suggest a causal relationship between being implanted with a PP mesh and the occurrence of autoimmune disorders.
A Fractal Simulation Method for Simulating the Resource Abundance of Oil and Gas and Its Application
Authors: Guo Qiulin , Ren Hongjia , Wu Xiaozhi , Liu Zhuangxiaoxue , Wei Yanzhao , Liu Jifeng , Liu Haoyun , Yu Jingdu , Zhang Qian
Published: January 2022

In this study, a fractal simulation method for simulating resource abundance is proposed based on the evaluation results of the exploration risk and prediction technology for the spatial distribution of oil and gas resources at home and abroad. In addition, a key technical workflow for simulating resource abundance was developed. Furthermore, the model for predicting resource abundance has been modified, and the objective functions for conditional simulation have been improved. A series of prediction technologies for predicting the spatial distribution of oil and gas resources have been developed, and the difficulties in visualizing the exploration risks and predicting the spatial distribution of oil and gas resources have been solved. Prediction technologies have been applied to the Jurassic Sangonghe Formation in the hinterland of the Junggar Basin, and good results have been obtained. The results indicated that within the known area, taking the known abundance as the constraint condition, the coincidence rate of the simulated quantities of the original model and the improved model with the actual reserves reached 99.98% after the conditional simulation, indicating that the conditional simulation was effective. In addition, with the improved model, the predicted remaining resources are 0.7899$$\times 10^{8}$$

×

10
8

t, which is 65% of the discovered reserves, and the original model predicts that the remaining resources are 3.5033$$\,\times \,10^{8}$$

×

10
8

t, which is 2.89 times greater than the discovered reserves. Compared with the area in the middle stage of exploration, the results of the improved model are more consistent, and the results of the original model are obviously larger, indicating that the improved model has a good predictive effect for the unknown area. Finally, according to the risk probability and remaining resource distribution, the favorable areas for exploration were optimized as follows: the neighborhood of the triangular area formed by Well Lunan1, Well Shimo1, and Well Shi008, the area near Well Mo11, the area east of Well Mo5, the area west of Well Pen7, the area southwest of Well Shidong1, and the surroundings, as well as the area north of Well Fang2. The application results show that these prediction technologies are effective and can provide important reference and decision-making for resource evaluation and target optimization.
Bioactive nano-selenium antagonizes cobalt nanoparticle-mediated oxidative stress via the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Siqi , Wang Chen , Zhang Weinan , Fan Wentao , Liu Fan , Liu Yake
Published: January 2022

At present, no effective treatment exists for the clinical toxicity of cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs, 30 nm) after metal-on-metal (MOM) artificial joint replacement. As such, a better understanding of the CoNPs-toxicity mechanism is necessary and urgent for the development of effective and safe detoxification drugs. Our purpose was to explore the role of bioactive nano-selenium (BNS, > 97%) in antagonizing the toxicity of CoNPs and its mechanism through the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway. To examine BNS detoxification, we exposed HUVEC cells to CoNPs and BNS for 24 h, before measuring cell activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS), the GSH level, inflammatory factors, and KNA signaling pathway-related transcript and protein expression. CoNPs stimulate intracellular inflammation and ROS production to bring about significant downregulation of cellular activity and the GSH level. Conversely, BNS reduces ROS generation and suppresses inflammatory factors within cells to reduce CoNPs-mediated cytotoxicity, possibly via the KNA signaling pathway. Based on our results, BNS antagonizes CoNPs toxic effects by suppressing ROS production through the KNA pathway. Our research provides new insight into the clinical treatment of CoNPs toxicity and explores the potential of BNS in detoxification therapy. Trial registration: no human participant.
Observation of magnetic droplets in magnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: Shi Kewen , Cai Wenlong , Jiang Sheng , Zhu Daoqian , Cao Kaihua , Guo Zongxia , Wei Jiaqi , Du Ao , Li Zhi , Huang Yan , Yin Jialiang , Åkerman Johan , Zhao Weisheng
Published: January 2022

Magnetic droplets, a class of highly nonlinear magnetodynamic solitons, can be nucleated and stabilized in nanocontact spin-torque nano-oscillators. Here we experimentally demonstrate magnetic droplets in magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs). The droplet nucleation is accompanied by power enhancement compared with its ferromagnetic resonance modes. The nucleation and stabilization of droplets are ascribed to the double-CoFeB free-layer structure in the all-perpendicular MTJ, which provides a low Zhang-Li torque and a high pinning field. Our results enable better electrical sensitivity in fundamental studies of droplets and show that the droplets can be utilized in MTJ-based applications and materials science.
Mechanical Characteristics and Structure of Highly Deformed Zinc
Authors: Ostachowski Paweł , Paliborek Anna , Bochniak Włodzimierz , Łagoda Marek
Published: January 2022

The paper contains a set of experimental data on the influence of the KOBO extrusion (extrusion with simultaneous cyclic torsion) on mechanical properties of pure zinc and proves that they can be controlled in order to achieve the desired final values, while tensile characteristics may either show monotonic course or contain the Lüders-type effect. It has been found that the mechanical properties of the KOBO extruded zinc are not linked to the grain size, thus proving the hypothesis about the dominating role of over-equilibrial concentration of point defects (including their clusters).
Waste Pharmaceutical Blister Packages as a Source of Secondary Aluminum
Authors: Shukla Sugam , Halli Petteri , Khalid Muhammad Kamran , Lundström Mari
Published: January 2022

Waste pharmaceutical blister packages (WPBs) are a source of solid waste, which are composed of plastics and aluminum, therefore acting as a potential source for secondary aluminum. The structure of WPBs makes the recycling of aluminum notably more complex than typical aluminum recycling. Currently, WBPs are disposed of as municipal solid waste; thus, aluminum is lost from the circulation during incineration. In this work, three types of WPBs were studied, each with two plastic layers and a metallic layer. Delamination of WPBs to separate aluminum and plastic(s) was investigated by using a solution of organic solvents. The effects of temperature (30–50°C), acetone to isopropanol ratio (0–100 vol.%) and different types of WPBs on delamination behavior were investigated. The results suggest that aluminum separation and recovery from WPBs is 100% at optimum conditions. Moreover, an overall indicative flowsheet for recycling and post-processing of segregated aluminum from the plastic is also suggested.
Anthocyanin-Colored Microencapsulation Effects on Survival Rate of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Color Stability, and Sensory Parameters in Strawberry Nectar Model
Authors: Morsy Mohamed K. , Morsy Osama M. , Abdelmonem Mohamed A. , Elsabagh Rasha
Published: January 2022

Probiotic microencapsulation is a promising way to produce functional food, while their stability and sensory acceptability still a challenge. This study aims to enhance the functional properties of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa, cultivar Camarosa) nectar and sensory acceptance using novel anthocyanin-colored microencapsulation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Four formulations (F1–F4) of coated materials (alginate, whey protein, and pullulan) integrated with anthocyanin pigment were used for encapsulation. The physical properties of microencapsulated probiotics (size, color, efficiency, stability, and survival rate) and quality parameters of nectar (pH, anthocyanin, and sensory acceptability) during 4 weeks of storage at 4 and 25 °C were evaluated. All formulations exhibited high encapsulation efficiency (> 89%), medium bead size (406–504 μm), and proper color (red color). The microencapsulated cells were stable in simulated gastrointestinal and processing conditions (up 7 log10 CFU mL−1) compared to free cells. F4 (alginate 2% + anthocyanin 0.1% + whey protein 2% + pullulan 2% + cocoa butter 1% + L. rhamnosus GG) showed the greatest viability in nectar during storage (6.72 log10 CFU mL−1/4 °C/4 weeks), while a significant decrease in pH (< 2) and anthocyanin (< 60 mg 100 g−1) was observed in nectar-containing free cells. The sensory scores with a difference-preference test as exploratory and preliminary responses revealed that colored probiotic microcapsules enhanced the sensory characters (up to 4 weeks) and commercially accepted (> 80% agreed) of strawberry nectar. Results demonstrated that anthocyanin-colored alginate-whey protein-pullulan matrix had the potential to enhance probiotic viability in functional nectar without negative impact.
Generative design of 3D printed hands-free door handles for reduction of contagion risk in public buildings
Authors: De Crescenzio F. , Fantini M. , Asllani E.
Published: January 2022

During the emergency caused by COVID 19 evidence has been provided about the risk of easily getting the virus by touching contaminated surfaces and then by touching eyes, mouth, or nose with infected hands. In view of the restarting of daily activities in presence, it is paramount to put in place any strategy that, in addition to social distancing, is capable to positively impact on the safety levels in public buildings by reducing such risk. The main aim of this paper is to conceive a design methodology, based on a digital, flawless, and sustainable procedure, for producing human-building interfacing solutions that allow anybody to interact in a safer and more comfortable way. Such solutions are focused on the adaptation of existing buildings features and are thought to be an alternative to sensor based touchless technology when this is not applicable due to economic or time constraints. The process is based on the integration of digital technologies such as 3D Scanning, Generative Design and Additive Manufacturing and is optimised to be intuitive and to be adaptive, hence, to be replicable on different kinds of surfaces. The design concept is finalised to generate automatically different products that meet geometry fitting requirements and therefore adapt to the specific geometries of existing handles. A specific case on Hands Free Door Handles is presented and the results of manufacturing and preliminary validation process are provided and discussed.
The role of early adversity and cognitive vulnerability in postnatal stress and depression
Authors: Bohne Agnes , Høifødt Ragnhild Sørensen , Nordahl Dag , Landsem Inger Pauline , Moe Vibeke , Wang Catharina Elisabeth Arfwedson , Pfuhl Gerit
Published: January 2022

The purpose of the present study was to examine vulnerability factors in expecting parents that might lead to mental illness in the perinatal period. Specifically, we studied how parental early adversity, attentional bias to infant faces, repetitive negative thinking, and demographic factors, were associated with pre- and postnatal depressive symptoms and parenting stress. Participants were expecting parents taking part in the Northern Babies Longitudinal Study, where assessments were made both pre- and postnatally. Assessments included both questionnaires and cognitive tasks. About half of the participants received the Newborn Behavior Observation (NBO)-intervention after birth, between pre- and postnatal assessments. Results show that repetitive negative thinking was a significant predictor of both depressive symptoms and parenting stress, while education, social support, and parity came out as protective factors, especially in mothers. Parental early adversity had an indirect effect on postnatal depressive symptoms and parenting stress, mediated by prenatal and postnatal depressive symptoms, respectively. The NBO intervention did not affect the results, signifying the importance of early childhood adverse events and negative thinking on parents' postnatal adjustment and mood, even when an intervention is provided. In conclusion, repetitive negative thinking is a significant vulnerability factor independent of the presence of depressive symptoms, and health professionals must be aware of parents’ thinking style both during pregnancy and after birth.
Distortion Coefficients of the $$\alpha $$-Grushin Plane
Authors: Borza Samuël
Published: January 2022

We compute the distortion coefficients of the $$\alpha $$
α
-Grushin plane. They are expressed in terms of generalised trigonometric functions. Estimates for the distortion coefficients are then obtained and a conjecture of a measure contraction property condition for the generalised Grushin planes is suggested.
Evaluation of stability and functionality of BaCe1−xInxO3−δ electrolyte in a wider range of indium concentration
Authors: Malešević Aleksandar , Radojković Aleksandar , Žunić Milan , Dapčević Aleksandra , Perać Sanja , Branković Zorica , Branković Goran
Published: January 2022

The properties of BaCe1−xInxO3−δ (x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, and 0.40) as proton conducting electrolyte are examined. The dense electrolyte is formed after sintering at 1300 °C for 5 h in air. The samples with In content ⩾ 25 mol% contain In2O3 as a secondary phase. The highest total conductivity is around 5×10−3 S/cm for BaCe0.75In0.25O3−δ in the wet hydrogen atmosphere at 700 °C. After exposure to pure CO2 atmosphere at 700 °C for 5 h, the concentrations of at least 15 mol% In can completely suppress degradation of the electrolyte. The power density of Ni-BaCe0.75In0.25O3−δ/BaCe0.75In0.25O3−δ/LSCF-BaCe0.75In0.25O3−δ fuel cell tested in wet hydrogen atmosphere reaches 264 mW/cm2 at 700 °C. This result is an indication of stability and functionality of this electrolyte and its versatility in respect to type of fuel and performing environment.
Performance of integrated sequencing batch reactor (SBR) and reverse osmosis (RO) process for leachate treatment: effect of pH
Authors: Tałałaj Izabela Anna
Published: January 2022

Purpose

In this paper the performance and effectiveness of the reverse osmosis (RO) process for the biologically pretreated leachate was investigated. The RO process was carried out separately for two different pH: 8.0 and 9.3.

Methods

A general pollution parameters as well as organic and inorganic indicators were determined in raw, biologically pretreated and RO treated leachate. The performance characteristics of the reverse osmosis system were made on the basis of permeate flux, electroconductivity removal rate, concentration factor and efficiency in removal of analyzed parameters.

Results

The use of SBR pretreatment had very good efficiency in BOD (97.3%) and ammonia nitrogen (95.4%) removal. The lowest effectivity was observed for chloride (11.6%), boron (3.9%) and TDS (1.2%). Pretreated leachate was subjected to RO system. The normalized average flux was 0.53 (42.3 L/m2·h) for pH = 8.0 and 0.68 (33.5 L/m2·h) for pH = 9.3. The lower membrane fouling at higher pH can be explained by electrostatic repulsion between the negatively charged membrane surface and organic substances. Independently of the process pH, a two-step membrane fouling was observed. The greatest differences in removal rates were observed for boron, which had a higher retention rate at higher pH, and ammonia nitrogen, whose removal rate decreased at higher pH. The obtained permeate pH after RO process was lower than the feed pH in two analyzed value of pH.

Conclusions

The higher flux value at pH = 9.3 is result of high content of organic matter in leachate, which is better rejected at higher pH because of higher electrostatic repulsion between organic matter and membrane surface. This indicates that the organic matter content should be taken into account when determining the operating parameters (pH values) of the RO system.
Cybersecurity, Data Privacy and Blockchain: A Review
Authors: Wylde Vinden , Rawindaran Nisha , Lawrence John , Balasubramanian Rushil , Prakash Edmond , Jayal Ambikesh , Khan Imtiaz , Hewage Chaminda , Platts Jon
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we identify and review key challenges to bridge the knowledge-gap between SME’s, companies, organisations, businesses, government institutions and the general public in adopting, promoting and utilising Blockchain technology. The challenges indicated are Cybersecurity and Data privacy in this instance. Additional challenges are set out supported by literature, in researching data security management systems and legal frameworks to ascertaining the types and varieties of valid encryption, data acquisition, policy and outcomes under ISO 27001 and the General Data Protection Regulations. Blockchain, a revolutionary method of storage and immutability, provides a robust storage strategy, and when coupled with a Smart Contract, gives users the ability to form partnerships, share information and consent via a legally-based system of carrying out business transactions in a secure digital domain. Globally, ethical and legal challenges significantly differ; consent and trust in the public and private sectors in deploying such defensive data management strategies, is directly related to the accountability and transparency systems in place to deliver certainty and justice. Therefore, investment and research in these areas is crucial to establishing a dialogue between nations to include health, finance and market strategies that should encompass all levels of society. A framework is proposed with elements to include Big Data, Machine Learning and Visualisation methods and techniques. Through the literature we identify a system necessary in carrying out experiments to detect, capture, process and store data. This includes isolating packet data to inform levels of Cybersecurity and privacy-related activities, and ensuring transparency demonstrated in a secure, smart and effective manner.
On $$C^*$$-norms on $${{\mathbb {Z}}}_2$$-graded tensor products
Authors: Crismale Vitonofrio , Rossi Stefano , Zurlo Paola
Published: January 2022

We systematically investigate $$C^*$$

C
∗

-norms on the algebraic graded product of $${{\mathbb {Z}}}_2$$

Z
2

-graded $$C^*$$

C
∗

-algebras. This requires to single out the notion of a compatible norm, that is a norm with respect to which the product grading is bounded. We then focus on the spatial norm proving that it is minimal among all compatible $$C^*$$

C
∗

-norms. To this end, we first show that commutative $${{\mathbb {Z}}}_2$$

Z
2

-graded $$C^*$$

C
∗

-algebras enjoy a nuclearity property in the category of graded $$C^*$$

C
∗

-algebras. In addition, we provide a characterization of the extreme even states of a given graded $$C^*$$

C
∗

-algebra in terms of their restriction to its even part.
Coming in from the Cold: Canada’s National Housing Strategy, Homelessness, and the Right to Housing in a Transnational Perspective
Authors: DesBaillets David , Hamill Sarah E.
Published: January 2022

Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS) commits the government to eliminating chronic homelessness and promises that realizing the right to housing is a key objective. In this article, we explore how the Canadian government could realize the right to housing in the context of eliminating chronic homelessness. We argue that it is helpful to look at how other jurisdictions have successfully reduced homelessness. In this article we examine Finland and Scotland’s approaches because they offer certain similarities in how homelessness is addressed, yet they also differ, most crucially in how they understand the right to housing. We argue that both of these jurisdictions offer important lessons for Canada to draw on as it seeks to reduce long-term homelessness.
Life history parameters and predation capacities ofNesidiocoris volucer: a new biological control agent for tomato crop
Authors: Marquereau Lucie , Cottineau Jean-Sébastien , Fontaine Olivier , Chiroleu Frédéric , Reynaud Bernard , Delatte Hélène
Published: January 2022

Whiteflies are one of the major pests of tomato under greenhouses, and their control partly relies on biocontrol strategies. Among those biocontrol agents, parasitoids or predators are widely used. However, the introduction of a biocontrol agent in a new area is not trivial. For that reason, we investigated the use of a tropical native mirid,Nesidiocoris volucer(Hemiptera: Miridae), for the biological control of whiteflies among other insect pests on tomato crops under greenhouses in the subtropical island of La Réunion, France.Nesidiocoris volucerlife history traits and plant injury were examined. Nymphs developed and survived between 15 and 30°C and required on average 49.41 days at 15°C and on average 10.50 days at 30°C to develop (nymph survival >94%). At 25°C, each female produced on average 65 eggs.Nesidiocoris volucerwas able to feed on several prey species, but performed better on whiteflies than on spider mites or thrips. NoN. volucerfeeding injury was observed on tomato.Nesidiocoris volucerhas also been found in tropical countries of Africa, and we believe that the data presented on this natural enemy could be of great importance for the biocontrol of whiteflies in tropical areas.
UP THE HILL AND DOWN AGAIN: CONSTRAINING DUAL-CLASS SHARES
Authors: Reddy Bobby V.
Published: January 2022

The headline recommendation of Jonathan Hill's 2021 UK Listing Review was that dual-class shares structures be permitted on the London Stock Exchange's premium tier. The aspiration was to encourage more high-quality UK equity listings, particularly of high-growth tech-companies, for which dual-class shares are especially beneficial. Dual-class shares allow founders to list their companies, and retain majority-control, while holding significantly less of the cash-flow rights in the company. However, in the UK, dual-class shares are usually discussed in qualified terms, in an attempt to placate sceptical institutional shareholders. Using the UK Listing Review as a platform, this article explores the constraints commonly proposed to be attached to dual-class shares, and argues that, although it is important to protect public shareholders, constraints must not be too severe. A balance must be respected, otherwise UK initiatives to relax rules on dual-class shares could deter the very companies they are intended to attract.