bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contemporary outcomes of aortic arch hypoplasia and coarctation repair in a tertiary paediatric cardiac surgery centre
Authors: Ashry Amr , Harky Amer , Tarmahomed Abdulla , Ugwu Christopher , Mohammed Heba M. , Kutty Ramesh , Lotto Attilio , Guerrero Rafael , Dhannapuneni Ramana
Published: September 2021

Objectives:

There are several studies reporting the outcomes of hypoplastic aortic arch and aortic coarctation repair with combination of techniques. However, only few studies reported of aortic arch and coarctation repair using a homograft patch through sternotomy and circulatory arrest with antegrade cerebral perfusion. We report our experience and outcomes of this cohort of neonates and infants.

Methods:

We performed retrospective data collection for all neonates and infants who underwent aortic arch reconstruction between 2015 and 2020 at our institute. Data are presented as median and inter-quartile range (IQR).

Results:

The cohort included 76 patients: 49 were males (64.5%). Median age at operation was 16 days (IQR 9–43.25 days). Median weight was 3.5 kg (IQR 3.10–4 kg). There was no 30 days mortality. Three patients died in hospital after 30 days (3.95%), neurological adverse events occurred in only one patient (1.32%) and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury was noted in four patients (5.26%). Only three patients required the support of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) with a median ECMO run of 4 days. Median follow-up was 35 months (IQR 18.9–46.4 months); 5 years survival was 93.42% (n = 71). The rate of re-intervention on the aortic arch was 9.21% (n = 7).

Conclusion:

Our experience shows excellent outcomes in repairing aortic arch hypoplasia with homograft patch under moderate to deep hypothermia with low in-hospital and 5 years mortality rates.
Coronary artery–pulmonary artery fistula in pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect: report of two surgical cases
Authors: Çakmak Arif Yasin , Yucel Ilker Kemal , Sasmazel Ahmet
Published: September 2021

Pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect is a complex congenital cardiac anomaly. The blood is supplied to the lungs through a patent ductus arteriosus, a major aortopulmonary collateral artery, or in very rare cases from a coronary artery–pulmonary artery fistula. We present two cases with coronary artery–pulmonary artery fistula which underwent surgical intervention. In our first patient, the main pulmonary artery was supplied from the left main coronary artery. In the second patient, the right pulmonary artery originated from the left main coronary artery and continued to the right lung posteriorly to the aorta, while the left pulmonary artery originated from the patent ductus arteriosus. The difference in our cases is that the coronary artery pulmonary artery fistulas behave like major aortopulmonary collateral arteries originating from the coronary arteries. These fistulas were the main source of pulmonary blood flow.
Transient phrenic nerve palsy induced by cardiac catheterisation in an infant
Authors: Ichikawa Yasuhiro , Yanagi Sadamitsu , Ueda Hideaki
Published: September 2021

We report on a 7-month-old male with transient phrenic nerve palsy induced by diagnostic cardiac catheterisation. The phrenic nerve palsy, which is a rare complication, was due to extravascular bleeding from a branch of the internal mammary artery.
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in patients after Fontan operation: is this a Fontan-associated renal disease?
Authors: Furuta Takashi , Muneuchi Jun , Sugitani Yuichiro , Yoshino Miwa
Published: September 2021

Despite acceptable survival for Fontan operation, there are concerns about late complications affecting the major organs. We herein present two cases of adults after Fontan operation who developed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. These cases suggest that focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is owing to haemodynamic incompetence associated with Fontan operation, including congestion, hypoxia, and hyperviscosity, which may be called Fontan-associated renal disease.
Persistence of anaemia among Samoan preschool age children: a longitudinal study
Authors: Wu Bohao , Choy Courtney C , Rivara Anna C , Soti-Ulberg Christina , Naseri Take , Reupena Muagututia S , Duckham Rachel L , Hawley Nicola L
Published: September 2021

Objective:

To characterise the prevalence and persistence of anaemia among Samoan children over a 2–3-year period.

Design:

Data were from two consecutive waves (2015 and 2017–2018) of the Ola Tuputupua’e ‘Growing up’ study. Anaemia (Hb < 11·0 or 11·5 g/dl for 2–4 and ≥ 5 years old, respectively) was considered ‘transient’ when it occurred at only one wave or ‘persistent’ if it was present at two consecutive waves. Child, maternal and household correlates of anaemia were examined using log-binomial and modified Poisson regressions.

Setting:

Eleven Samoan villages.

Participants:

Mother–child pairs (n257) recruited in 2015 and reassessed in 2017–2018.

Results:

Anaemia prevalence was 33·9 % in 2015 and 28·0 % in 2017–2018; 35·6 % of cases identified in 2015 were persistent. Risk of anaemia at only one wave was lower among children who were older in 2015 (age 4v. 2 years, adjusted relative risk (aRR) = 0·54, (95 % CI 0·35, 0·84),P= 0·007), had older mothers (≥ 40v. 18–29 years, aRR = 0·61, (95 % CI 0·39, 0·95),P= 0·029) and had higher daily sodium intake (for every 100 mg/d, aRR = 0·97, (95 % CI 0·95, 0·99),P= 0·003) than children with no anaemia. Children whose anaemia persisted were more likely to have had a mother with anaemia (aRR = 2·13, (95 % CI 1·17, 3·89),P= 0·013) and had higher daily dietary iron intake (for every 10 mg/d, aRR = 4·69, (95 % CI 1·33, 16·49),P= 0·016) than those with no anaemia.

Conclusions:

Alongside broadly targeted prevention efforts, which are warranted given the moderate-high anaemia prevalence observed, specific attention should be paid to children with risk factors for persistent anaemia. Routine screening of children whose mothers have anaemia should be encouraged.
Collaboration amongst general practitioners and gynaecologists working in primary health care in Germany: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Trusch Barbara , Heintze Christoph , Petelos Elena , Dini Lorena
Published: September 2021

Aim:

This cross-sectional study is the first one to explore the collaboration of the influencing factors thereof amongst general practitioners (GPs) and gynaecologists (Gyns) working in primary care in urban and rural settings in Germany.

Background:

The number of women aged ≥ 50 years is predicted to increase in the next years in Germany. This coincides with the ageing of primary care specialists providing outpatient care. Whereas delegation of tasks to nurses as a form of interprofessional collaboration has been the target of recent studies, there is no data regarding collaboration amongst physicians in different specialisations working in primary care. We explored collaboration amongst GPs and Gyn regarding the healthcare provision to women aged ≥ 50 years.

Methods:

A quantitative postal survey was administered to GPs and Gyns in three federal states in Germany, focusing on care provision to women aged ≥ 50 years. A total of 4545 physicians, comprising 3514 GPs (67% of the total GP population) randomly selected, and all 1031 Gyns practicing in these states received the postal survey in March 2018. A single reminder was sent in April 2018 with data collection ending in June 2018. Multiple logistic regressions were performed for collaboration, adjusted by age and sex, alongside descriptive methods.

Findings:

The overall response rate was 31% (1389 respondents): 861 GPs (25%) and 528 Gyns (51%), with the mean respondent age being 54.4 years. Seventy-two per cent were female. Key competencies of collaboration are associated with working in rural federal states and with network participation. Physicians from rural states [odds ratio (OR) = 1.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.2, 1.9] and physicians in networks (OR = 3.0, CI = 2.3, 3.9) were more satisfied with collaboration. Collaboration to deliver services for women aged ≥ 50 years is more systematic amongst GPs and Gyns who are members of a network; increased networking could improve collaboration, and ultimately, outcomes too.
Effects of free maternal policies on quality and cost of care and outcomes: an integrative review
Authors: Oyugi Boniface , Kendall Sally , Peckham Stephen
Published: September 2021

Aim:

We conducted an integrative review of the global-free maternity (FM) policies and evaluated the quality of care (QoC) and cost and cost implications to provide lessons for universal health coverage (UHC).

Methodology:

Using integrative review methods proposed by Whittemore and Knafl (2005), we searched through EBSCO Host, ArticleFirst, Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, Emerald Insight, JSTOR, PubMed, Springer Link, Electronic collections online, and Google Scholar databases guided by the preferred reporting item for systematic review and meta-analysis protocol (PRISMA) guideline. Only empirical studies that described FM policies with components of quality and cost were included. There were 43 papers included, and the data were analysed thematically.

Results:

Forty-three studies that met the criteria were all from developing countries and had implemented different approaches of FM policy. Review findings demonstrated that some of the quality issues hindering the policies were poor management of complications, worsened referral systems, overburdening of staff because of increased utilisation, lack of transport, and low supply of stock. There were some quality improvements on monitoring vital signs by nurses and some procedures met the recommended standards. Equally, mothers still bear the burden of some costs such as the purchase of drugs, transport, informal payments despite policies being ‘free’.

Conclusions:

FM policies can reduce the financial burden on the households if well implemented and sustainably funded. Besides, they may also contribute to a decline in inequity between the rich and poor though not independently. In order to achieve the SDG goal of UHC by 2030, there is a need to promote awareness of the policy to the poor and disadvantaged women in rural areas to help narrow the inequality gap on utilisation and provide a sustainable form of transport through collaboration with partners to help reduce impoverishment of households. Also, there is a need to address elements such as cultural barriers and the role of traditional birth attendants which hinder women from seeking skilled care even when they are freely available.
Applying Neo-Republican Theory to Welfare to Work Practices: Rules and Arbitrary Power in Mandatory Work Programmes in the Netherlands
Authors: Eleveld Anja
Published: September 2021

Drawing on the neo-republican theory of non-domination and a qualitative case study conducted in three Dutch municipalities, this article explores the extent to which external rules are able to prevent arbitrary power in relationships between welfare officers and work supervisors, on the one hand, and welfare recipients participating in mandatory work programmes, on the other hand. It concludes that external rules were insufficiently implemented in the three municipalities in question. In addition, it found that rules cease to be capable of constraining arbitrary power where institutional contexts themselves are unpredictable and insecure. Under these conditions, welfare recipients may seek to avoid risks and act in accordance with the preferences (or their expectation of the preferences) of the welfare officer or work supervisor by playing the role of the ‘good recipient’ instead of relying on available rules of a protective nature or rules that enable them to have a say in their participation in mandatory work programmes.
Improving vitamin D status in bariatric surgery subjects with monthly high-dose ergocalciferol
Authors: Galyean Shannon , Syn David , Subih Hadil S , Boylan Mallory
Published: September 2021

Abstract. Background: Vitamin D insufficiency is common before and after bariatric surgery. Optimal supplementation to treat vitamin D insufficiency is not clearly defined. Objective: Determine if serum 25 (OH) D levels improve by the consumption of an additional monthly ergocalciferol supplement by subjects after bariatric surgery. Study design: Thirty-two subjects were randomly divided to receive an additional 100,000 IUs of ergocalciferol monthly after bariatric surgery (n=10) or standard level vitamin D supplement after bariatric surgery (n=22). Serum 25 (OH) D, calcium, and hemoglobin A1c levels were measured preoperatively and one year after bariatric surgery. Results: Mean changes in BMI at 1-year post-operation was −18.12±6.46 kg/m2 in the control group versus −18.84±4.7 kg/m2; p=0.638 in the vitamin D group. One year after bariatric surgery, the mean changes from baseline in vitamin D levels were 2.69±9.4 and 12.4±17.0 ng/mL in control and intervention groups, respectively. The treated group showed a marginally higher mean increase in Vitamin D than the control group, p=0.059. Other mean changes at 1-year post-surgery that were not significantly different include calcium −0.264±0.45 and −0.21±0.509 mg/dl in control and intervention groups, respectively and HbA1c −1.0±1.21 and −0.95±0.071% in control and intervention groups, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed 100,000 IUs ergocalciferol once a month is a safe and effective treatment for vitamin D insufficiency in most patients having bariatric surgery.
CME/Antworten: Selbstbestimmung am Lebensende: die Herausforderung medizinischer End-of-Life-Entscheidungen
Authors: Kunz Roland , Rüegger Heinz
Published: September 2021

Zusammenfassung. Durch medizinische Interventionen kann das Sterben heute immer mehr hinausgezögert werden. Dadurch stellen sich im Sterbeprozess eine Vielzahl von Lebensende-Entscheidungen. Diese Entscheidungen sind nicht Sache der Ärzteschaft, sondern stehen im Zeichen der Patientenautonomie. Das ist ein Zugewinn an Freiheit, kann aber auch zu Überforderung führen. Es ist Aufgabe der Ärztinnen und Ärzte, Menschen so zu begleiten, dass sie entscheidungsfähig werden und ihr Lebensende selbstbestimmt gestalten können. Dabei spielen auch moderne Instrumente wie Patientenverfügungen oder Advance Care Planning eine Rolle. Bei urteilsunfähigen Patientinnen und Patienten legt das Gesetz fest, wer autorisiert ist, stellvertretend medizinische Entscheidungen zu fällen.
Effects of Dissolution Fingering on Mass Transfer Rate in Three‐Dimensional Porous Media
Authors: Patmonoaji Anindityo , Hu Yingxue , Nasir Muhammad , Zhang Chunwei , Suekane Tetsuya
Published: September 2021

Dissolution mass transfer from the trapped phase to the flowing phase in porous media occurs in various hydrogeology processes. One of the important phenomena is dissolution fingering and its effect on dissolution mass transfer. In this work, dissolution mass transfer in porous media with various particle sizes and distribution was investigated in pore scale and meso‐scale by using X‐ray microcomputed tomography. The specific interfacial area and mass transfer coefficient were measured by following the representative elementary volume concept, and the effect of dissolution fingering was evaluated. Linear instability theory was used for the prediction of dissolution finger width () at the onset of dissolution fingering. Although dissolution fingering tends to develop when the porous media container diameter () is smaller than half of , its effect on mass transfer coefficient starts to occur when is larger than the whole . Starting this point, dissolution fingering decreases the mass transfer coefficient by three times. For validation, an additional experiment with a larger porous media container size was performed, and three dissolution fingers were successfully observed. Their size was found to be comparable with the theoretical prediction based on linear instability theory.
Forest Recovery in the Amazon Is a Slow Process
Authors: Rodrigues Meghie
Published: September 2021

For the first time, a study analyzes Amazon forest loss and recovery at national and subnational levels. One finding shows that new plantings offset less than 10% of emissions associated with deforestation.
Mechanism of Interannual Cross‐Equatorial Overturning Anomalies in the Pacific Ocean
Authors: Rao Devanarayana R. M. , Tandon Neil F.
Published: September 2021

The meridional overturning circulation (MOC) transports heat and mass between the tropics and the extratropics. Recent research has shown that the variability of the Indo‐Pacific MOC dominates the variability of the global MOC on interannual timescales, and this variability is characterized by a prominent cross‐equatorial cell (CEC) spanning the tropics. This CEC is a potentially important influence on interannual climate variability, but the mechanism responsible for the CEC is not understood. This study seeks to elucidate the mechanism of the CEC using two observational estimates of the ocean. Our analysis shows that the CEC can be explained by the following mechanistic chain: (a) Anomalies in the atmospheric circulation and hydrological cycle produce equatorially antisymmetric density anomalies in the upper Pacific Ocean (above approximately 500 m); (b) these density anomalies generate equatorially antisymmetric anomalies of sea surface height (SSH); (c) these SSH anomalies generate a cross‐equatorial flow above approximately 1,000 m; and (d) this anomalous cross‐equatorial flow drives compensating flow below approximately 1,000 m. This mechanism contrasts with that responsible for anomalous cross‐equatorial overturning on seasonal timescales, which is primarily the Ekman response to equatorially antisymmetric anomalies of zonal wind stress. On interannual timescales, the zonal wind stress anomalies associated with the CEC are equatorially symmetric, and steric SSH variations are the dominant driver of the CEC. These insights may lead to improved understanding and prediction of interannual climate variability.
The temporal origin of dentate granule neurons dictates their role in spatial memory
Authors: Masachs Nuria , Charrier Vanessa , Farrugia Fanny , Lemaire Valerie , Blin Nicolas , Mazier Wilfrid , Tronel Sophie , Montaron Marie-Françoise , Ge Shaoyu , Marsicano Giovanni , Cota Daniela , Deroche-Gamonet Véronique , Herry Cyril , Abrous Djoher Nora
Published: September 2021

The dentate gyrus is one of the only brain regions that continues its development after birth in rodents. Adolescence is a very sensitive period during which cognitive competences are programmed. We investigated the role of dentate granule neurons (DGNs) born during adolescence in spatial memory and compared them with those generated earlier in life (in embryos or neonates) or during adulthood by combining functional imaging, retroviral and optogenetic tools to tag and silence DGNs. By imaging DGNs expressing Zif268, a proxy for neuronal activity, we found that neurons generated in adolescent rats (and not embryos or neonates) are transiently involved in spatial memory processing. In contrast, adult-generated DGNs are recruited at a later time point when animals are older. A causal relationship between the temporal origin of DGNs and spatial memory was confirmed by silencing DGNs in behaving animals. Our results demonstrate that the emergence of spatial memory depends on neurons born during adolescence, a function later assumed by neurons generated during adulthood.
Biopsy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: results of a multicentre UK audit
Authors: Childs Alexa , Zakeri Nekisa , Ma Yuk Ting , O’Rourke Joanne , Ross Paul , Hashem Essam , Hubner Richard A. , Hockenhull Kimberley , Iwuji Chinenye , Khan Sam , Palmer Daniel H. , Connor Joanna , Swinson Daniel , Darby Suzanne , Braconi Chiara , Roques Tom , Yu Dominic , Luong Tu Vinh , Meyer Tim
Published: September 2021

Background

Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is commonly diagnosed using non-invasive radiological criteria (NIRC) defined by the European Association for the Study of the Liver or the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. In 2017, The National Institute for Clinical Excellence mandated histological confirmation of disease to authorise the use of sorafenib in the UK.

Methods

This was a prospective multicentre audit in which patients suitable for sorafenib were identified at multidisciplinary meetings. The primary analysis cohort (PAC) was defined by the presence of Child-Pugh class A liver disease and performance status 0–2. Clinical, radiological and histological data were reported locally and collected on a standardised case report form.

Results

Eleven centres reported 418 cases, of which 361 comprised the PAC. Overall, 76% had chronic liver disease and 66% were cirrhotic. The diagnostic imaging was computed tomography in 71%, magnetic resonance imaging in 27% and 2% had both. Pre-existing histology was available in 45 patients and 270 underwent a new biopsy, which confirmed HCC in 93.4%. Alternative histological diagnoses included cholangiocarcinoma (CC) and combined HCC-CC. In cirrhotic patients, NIRC criteria had a sensitivity of 65.4% and a positive predictive value of 91.4% to detect HCC. Two patients (0.7%) experienced mild post-biopsy bleeding.

Conclusion

The diagnostic biopsy is safe and feasible for most patients eligible for systemic therapy
Structure-based classification predicts drug response in EGFR-mutant NSCLC
Authors: Robichaux Jacqulyne P. , Le Xiuning , Vijayan R. S. K. , Hicks J. Kevin , Heeke Simon , Elamin Yasir Y. , Lin Heather Y. , Udagawa Hibiki , Skoulidis Ferdinandos , Tran Hai , Varghese Susan , He Junqin , Zhang Fahao , Nilsson Monique B. , Hu Lemei , Poteete Alissa , Rinsurongkawong Waree , Zhang Xiaoshan , Ren Chenghui , Liu Xiaoke , Hong Lingzhi , Zhang Jianjun , Diao Lixia , Madison Russell , Schrock Alexa B. , Saam Jennifer , Raymond Victoria , Fang Bingliang , Wang Jing , Ha Min Jin , Cross Jason B. , Gray Jhanelle E. , Heymach John V.
Published: September 2021

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations typically occur in exons 18–21 and are established driver mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)1–3. Targeted therapies are approved for patients with ‘classical’ mutations and a small number of other mutations4–6. However, effective therapies have not been identified for additional EGFR mutations. Furthermore, the frequency and effects of atypical EGFR mutations on drug sensitivity are unknown1,3,7–10. Here we characterize the mutational landscape in 16,715 patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC, and establish the structure–function relationship of EGFR mutations on drug sensitivity. We found that EGFR mutations can be separated into four distinct subgroups on the basis of sensitivity and structural changes that retrospectively predict patient outcomes following treatment with EGFR inhibitors better than traditional exon-based groups. Together, these data delineate a structure-based approach for defining functional groups of EGFR mutations that can effectively guide treatment and clinical trial choices for patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC and suggest that a structure–function-based approach may improve the prediction of drug sensitivity to targeted therapies in oncogenes with diverse mutations.
Monte Carlo simulation of photons backscattering from various thicknesses of lead layered over concrete for energies 0.25–20 MeV using FLUKA code
Authors: Al-Affan Ihsan A. M. , Qutub Mohammad A. Z. , Hugtenburg Richard P.
Published: September 2021

There is an increased interest in determining the photon reflection coefficient for layered systems consisting of lead (Pb) and concrete. The generation of accurate reflection coefficient data has implications for many fields, especially radiation protection, industry, and radiotherapy room design. Therefore, this study aims to calculate the reflection coefficients of photons for various lead thicknesses covering the concrete. This new data for lead, layered over concrete, supports various applications, such as an improved design of the mazes used for radiotherapy rooms, which helps to reduce cost and space requirements. The FLUKA Monte Carlo code was used to calculate photon reflection coefficients for a concrete wall with different energies. The reflection coefficient was also calculated for a concrete wall covered by varying thicknesses of lead to study the effect of lining this metal on the concrete wall. The concrete's reflection coefficient data were compared to internationally published data and showed that Monte Carlo calculations differed significantly from some of the extrapolated data. The absorbed dose of backscattered photons for various thicknesses of lead covering the ordinary concrete has been tabulated as a function of the reflection angle. Also, the reflection coefficient as a function of the Pb thicknesses covering the ordinary concrete has been figured to study the dose reduction factor. The generation of accurate data for reflection coefficients is vital for many fields, especially for radiation protection and radiotherapy room design. The new data have been presented for lead layered over concrete in various applications, such as an improvement in the design of the mazes used for radiotherapy rooms, thereby reducing the cost and space requirements. In addition, the Monte Carlo method enables calculating the energy distribution of reflected photons, and these were shown for a range of angles.
Visual/anatomical outcome of diabetic macular edema patients lost to follow-up for more than 1 year
Authors: Kim Ji Soo , Lee Seungheon , Kim Jin Young , Seo Eoi Jong , Chae Ju Byung , Kim Dong Yoon
Published: September 2021

To investigate the visual/anatomical outcome of diabetic macular edema (DME) patients lost to follow-up (LTFU) for more than 1 year during intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment. A retrospective review of 182 treatment-naïve DME patients was performed. Among them, we identified patients LTFU for more than 1 year during anti-VEGF treatment. Visual acuity and anatomic outcomes at the first visit, last visit before being LTFU, return visit, and after re-treatment were analyzed and compared with those of DME patients with regular follow-up. Patients who had continuous follow-up visits were assigned to the control group. Sixty patients (33%) with DME were LTFU for more than 1 year during anti-VEGF treatment. Multivariate analysis revealed that the ratio of male (p = 0.004), diabetes mellitus (DM) duration less than 5 years (p = 0.015), and poor early anatomic response (p = 0.012) were higher compared to the control group. Eighteen patients returned to the clinic and received re-treatment. After re-treatment with anti-VEGF, central subfield thickness (CST) was significantly improved to the CST of before LTFU. However, visual acuity did not recover to the level before LTFU (0.63 ± 0.26 vs. 0.45 ± 0.28, p = 0.003). About thirty percent of DME patients were LTFU for more than 1 year. Permanent visual loss was observed in these LTFU patients. Patients with a high risk of LTFU such as male, early DM, and poor response after initial injections should be treated more aggressively to improve the visual outcomes.
VCAM1-α4β1 integrin interaction mediates interstitial tissue reconstruction in 3-D re-aggregate culture of dissociated prepubertal mouse testicular cells
Authors: Abe Kazuko , Kon Shigeyuki , Kameyama Hiroki , Zhang JiDong , Morohashi Ken-ichirou , Shimamura Kenji , Abe Shin-ichi
Published: September 2021

Roles of interstitial tissue in morphogenesis of testicular structures remain less well understood. To analyze the roles of CD34+ cells in the reconstruction of interstitial tissue containing Leydig cells (LCs), and testicular structures, we used 3D-reaggregate culture of dissociated testicular cells from prepubertal mouse. After a week of culture, adult Leydig cells (ALCs) were preferentially incorporated within CD34+ cell-aggregates, but fetal LCs (FLCs) were not. Immunofluorescence studies showed that integrins α4, α9 and β1, and VCAM1, one of the ligands for integrins α4β1 and α9β1, are expressed mainly in CD34+ cells and ALCs, but not in FLCs. Addition of function-blocking antibodies against each integrin and VCAM1 to the culture disturbed the reconstruction of testicular structures. Antibodies against α4 and β1 integrins and VCAM1 robustly inhibited cell-to-cell adhesion between testicular cells and between CD34+ cells. Cell-adhesion assays indicated that CD34+ cells adhere to VCAM1 through the interaction with α4β1 integrin. Live cell imaging showed that CD34+ cells adhered around ALC-aggregates. CD34+ cells on the dish moved toward the aggregates, extending filopodia, and entered into them, which was disturbed by VCAM1 antibody. These results indicate that VCAM1-α4β1 integrin interaction plays pivotal roles in formation of testicular interstitial tissues in vitro and also in vivo.
Filling gaps in models simulating carbon storage in agricultural soils: the role of cereal stubbles
Authors: Taghizadeh-Toosi Arezoo , Christensen Bent T.
Published: September 2021

Carbon (C) input is a prerequisite for the formation of soil organic matter and thus for soil organic C (SOC) sequestration. Here we used the C-TOOL model to simulate SOC changes in a long-term field experiment (1932–2020) at Askov, Denmark, which involved four different levels of nutrients added in mineral fertilizer (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 NPK) and a four-crop rotation. The C input into soils consists of belowground and aboveground plant biomass and was estimated using allometric functions. The simulation showed that modelled SOC based on standard allometric functions of C input from crop residues did not adequately matched measured SOC contents. However, applying modified allometric functions based on current and the previously measured results for aboveground and belowground C inputs in winter wheat and grass clover in rotations provided much better match between simulated and measured SOC contents for fertilized treatments at normal and high level of fertilization. This improved indicators of C-TOOL model performance (e.g. yielding RMSE of 2.24 t C ha−1 and model efficiency of 0.73 in 1.5 NPK treatment). The results highlight that standard allometric functions greatly overestimates the amount of C in winter wheat stubble left after harvest in treatments dressed with NPK compared with modified functions. The results also highlight further needs for improvement of allometric functions used in simulation models for C-accounting in agroecosystems.
Calorimetry, physicochemical characteristics and nitrogen release from extruded urea
Authors: Kozerski Noemila Debora , Ítavo Luís Carlos Vinhas , Ítavo Camila Celeste Brandão Ferreira , Difante Gelson dos Santos , Dias Alexandre Menezes , de Oliveira Lincoln Carlos Silva , de Aguiar Elias Nogueira , Inácio Alexandre Guimarães , Gurgel Antonio Leandro Chaves , dos Santos Geraldo Tadeu
Published: September 2021

Our hypothesis was that extrusion of urea associated with corn may reduce N solubilization and increase the nutritional quality of this food for ruminants. We aimed to physically and chemically characterize a corn and urea mixture before and after the extrusion process. It was evaluated morphological differences by scanning electron microscopy, nitrogen solubilization, and compound mass loss by thermogravimetry. In scanning electron microscopy, extruded urea showed agglomerated and defined structures, with changes in the morphology of starch granules and urea crystals, differing from the arrangement of the corn and urea mixture. The extruded urea maintained a constant nitrogen release pattern for up to 360 min. In thermogravimetry, extruded urea presented a higher temperature to initiate mass loss, that is, the disappearance of the material with increasing temperature, but the mass loss was lower when compared to the first event of the corn and urea mixture. In conclusion the process of extrusion of urea with corn modifies the original structures of these ingredients and controls the release of nitrogen from the urea, maintaining in its formation an energy source optimizing the use of nitrogen by ruminal bacteria, because the more synchronized the release of starch (energy) and nitrogen, the better the use by ruminal microorganisms.
New fossil discoveries illustrate the diversity of past terrestrial ecosystems in New Caledonia
Authors: Garrouste Romain , Munzinger Jérôme , Leslie Andrew , Fisher Jessica , Folcher Nicolas , Locatelli Emma , Foy Wyndy , Chaillon Thibault , Cantrill David J. , Maurizot Pierre , Cluzel Dominique , Lowry Porter P. , Crane Peter , Bahain Jean-Jacques , Voinchet Pierre , Jourdan Hervé , Grandcolas Philippe , Nel André
Published: September 2021

New Caledonia was, until recently, considered an old continental island harbouring a rich biota with outstanding Gondwanan relicts. However, deep marine sedimentation and tectonic evidence suggest complete submergence of the island during the latest Cretaceous to the Paleocene. Molecular phylogenies provide evidence for some deeply-diverging clades that may predate the Eocene and abundant post-Oligocene colonisation events. Extinction and colonization biases, as well as survival of some groups in refuges on neighbouring paleo-islands, may have obscured biogeographic trends over long time scales. Fossil data are therefore crucial for understanding the history of the New Caledonian biota, but occurrences are sparse and have received only limited attention. Here we describe five exceptional fossil assemblages that provide important new insights into New Caledonia’s terrestrial paleobiota from three key time intervals: prior to the submersion of the island, following re-emergence, and prior to Pleistocene climatic shifts. These will be of major importance for elucidating changes in New Caledonia’s floristic composition over time.
Intramolecular H-bond stabilization of a primary hydroxylamine in salen-type metal complexes
Authors: Singh Hardeep , MacKay Alyson , Sheibany Nooshin , Chen Fei , Mosser Maëlle , Rouet Pierre-Étienne , Rousseau Frédéric , Askari Mohammad S. , Ottenwaelder Xavier
Published: September 2021

Intramolecular ligand design makes primary hydroxylamines stable in the presence of transition metal ions.
Hierarchical protein self-assembly into dynamically controlled 2D nanoarrays via host–guest chemistry
Authors: Li Yijia , Zhao Linlu , Chen Hongwei , Tian Ruizhen , Li Fei , Luo Quan , Xu Jiayun , Hou Chunxi , Liu Junqiu
Published: September 2021

A dynamically reversible two-dimensional (2D) protein assembly system was designed based on host–guest interactions.
Cobalt-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of aryl- and alkylaluminum derivatives with (hetero)aryl and alkyl bromides
Authors: Dilauro Giuseppe , Messa Francesco , Bona Fabio , Perrone Serena , Salomone Antonio
Published: September 2021

The catalytic activity of cobalt with the soft nucleophilicity of organoaluminum compounds disclosed a robust and scalable process for the formation of new Csp2-Csp2 and Csp3-Csp2 bonds with high functional group compatibility and in mild conditions.
Fluorescent molecular probe-based activity and inhibition monitoring of histone deacetylases
Authors: Roopa  , Priya Bhanu , Bhalla Vandana , Kumar Manoj , Kumar Naresh
Published: September 2021

In this article, we discuss fluorescent molecular probes developed to monitor the activity and inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs).
Screening of a glycopolymer library for GM1 mimetics synthesized by the “carbohydrate module method”
Authors: Nagao Masanori , Uemura Takeshi , Horiuchi Tasuku , Hoshino Yu , Miura Yoshiko
Published: September 2021

This work demonstrates a facile and fast screening of glycopolymers for the “carbohydrate module method” by a combination of photoinduced living polymerization and surface plasmon resonance imaging.
Membrane transport inspired hydrolysis of non-activated esters at near physiological pH
Authors: Mandal Raki , Mahanty Kingshuk , Mandal Subhendu , De Sarkar Suman , Tarafdar Pradip K.
Published: September 2021

A positively charged micelle loaded with substrates was transported at the reaction site (cathode) to promote the localization of the reactants (ester and hydroxide). The approach allows the hydrolysis of non-activated esters at physiological pH.
Screening of metal complexes and organic solvents using the COSMOSAC-LANL model to enhance the energy density in a non-aqueous redox flow cell: an insight into the solubility
Authors: Karmakar Anwesa , Mukundan Rangachary , Yang Ping , Batista Enrique R.
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we have proposed a first-principles methodology to screen transition metal complexes against a particular organic solvent and organic solvents against a particular transition metal complex based on their solubility information without the knowledge of heat of fusion and melting temperature.
Solvate electrolytes for Li and Na batteries: structures, transport properties, and electrochemistry
Authors: Ugata Yosuke , Shigenobu Keisuke , Tatara Ryoichi , Ueno Kazuhide , Watanabe Masayoshi , Dokko Kaoru
Published: September 2021

Activity of the solvent is negligible in molten solvate electrolytes; this is the main origin of their peculiar characteristics, such as high thermal stability, wide electrochemical window, and unique ion transport.
Proton in the ring: spectroscopy and dynamics of proton bonding in macrocycle cavities
Authors: Gámez Francisco , Avilés-Moreno Juan R. , Berden Giel , Oomens Jos , Martínez-Haya Bruno
Published: September 2021

Protons confined in the ring cavities of crown ethers form dynamic proton bonds that migrate to  varying pairs of coordinating atoms, at a rate depending on electronegativity and on the flexibility of the macrocycle backbone.
Effect of a Au underlayer on outer-sphere electron transfer across a Au/graphene/electrolyte interface
Authors: Kislenko Sergey A. , Pavlov Sergey V. , Nazmutdinov Renat R. , Kislenko Vitaliy A. , Chekushkin Petr M.
Published: September 2021

The effect of a gold underlayer on the outer-sphere non-adiabatic electron transfer on a graphene surface is investigated theoretically using both periodic and cluster DFT calculations.
A nanosecond-resolved atomic hydrogen magnetometer
Authors: Spiliotis Alexandros K. , Xygkis Michalis , Tazes Konstantinos , Katsoprinakis George E. , Sofikitis Dimitrios , Vasilakis Georgios , Rakitzis T. Peter
Published: September 2021

We introduce a novel and sensitive ns-resolved atomic magnetometer, which is at least three orders of magnitude faster than conventional magnetometers.
Digital-intellectual design of microporous organic polymers
Authors: Yang Li , Sun Lei , Zhao Yanliang , Sun Jikai , Deng Qiwen , Wang Honglei , Deng Weiqiao
Published: September 2021

In this perspective, we propose digital-intellectual materials design as the fifth stage of materials design and present its overview of microporous polymers.
Correction: Self-diffusion, velocity cross-correlation, distinct diffusion and resistance coefficients of the ionic liquid [BMIM][Tf2N] at high pressure
Authors: Harris Kenneth R. , Kanakubo Mitsuhiro
Published: September 2021

Correction for ‘Self-diffusion, velocity cross-correlation, distinct diffusion and resistance coefficients of the ionic liquid [BMIM][Tf2N] at high pressure’ by Kenneth R. Harris et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2015, 17, 23977–23993, DOI: 10.1039/C5CP04277A.
A Gd-based borate–carbonate framework exhibiting a large magnetocaloric effect at a low magnetic field
Authors: Liu Bo-Liang , Xu Qiao-Fei , Long La-Sheng , Zheng Lan-Sun
Published: September 2021

A 3D framework GdB(OH)4CO3 was synthesized, which exhibits a large magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of 33.5 J kg−1 K−1 at 2 K and 2 T.
Tin(iv) fluoride complexes with neutral phosphine coordination and comparisons with hard N- and O-donor ligands
Authors: King Rhys P. , Woodward Madeleine S. , Grigg Julian , McRobbie Graeme , Levason William , Reid Gillian
Published: September 2021

Abstraction of fluoride from tin(iv) fluoride complexes bearing neutral phosphine ligands yields mono, di- and tri-fluoride complexes with retention of two phosphines, whereas with neutral O- and N-donor trifluoride cations, dications are formed.
Process condition-based tuneable selective catalysis of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) hydrogenation reactions to aromatic, saturated cyclic and linear poly-functional alcohols over Ni–Ce/Al2O3
Authors: Pomeroy Brett , Grilc M. , Likozar B.
Published: September 2021

The related immense versatility of a ceria-promoted transition metal catalyst, utilized for the hydrogenation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), is demonstrated in this research study.
Production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from lignin-derived phenol and catechol
Authors: Park Jimin , Kelly Megan A. , Kang Jason X. , Seemakurti Siddarth S. , Ramirez Jasmine L. , Hatzell Marta C. , Sievers Carsten , Bommarius Andreas S.
Published: September 2021

Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) constitute a significant and growing global market; renewables are an increasingly important source of their starting materials.
Quantitative analysis of palladacycle-tagged PLGA nanoparticle biodistribution in rat organs by means of atomic absorption spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Ermolenko Yulia , Gorunova Olga N. , Dunina Valery V. , Petrenko Dmitriy B. , Novikova Nadejda G. , Alekseeva Anna , Osipova Nadezhda , Kochetkov Konstantin A. , Morozov Alexander , Gelperina Svetlana
Published: September 2021

The biodistribution of PLGA nanoparticles labelled with Pd in the form of a dimeric cyclopalladated derivative of N,N-dimethyldiphenylmethylamine was investigated in rats using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
Novel coumarin–pyrazoline hybrids: synthesis, cytotoxicity evaluation and molecular dynamics study
Authors: Ragab Fatma A. , Eissa Amal A. M. , Fahim Samar H. , Salem Mohammad Alaraby , Gamal Mona A. , Nissan Yassin M.
Published: September 2021

A novel series of coumarin–pyrazoline hybrids 3a–f, 4a–c and 5a–c have been synthesized and tested for their antiproliferative activity against the breast cancer cell line MCF-7.
Correction: Ultrafast conversion of carcinogenic 4-nitrophenol into 4-aminophenol in the dark catalyzed by surface interaction on BiPO4/g-C3N4 nanostructures in the presence of NaBH4
Authors: Azzam Ahmed B. , Djellabi Ridha , Sheta Sheta M. , El-Sheikh S. M.
Published: September 2021

Correction for ‘Ultrafast conversion of carcinogenic 4-nitrophenol into 4-aminophenol in the dark catalyzed by surface interaction on BiPO4/g-C3N4 nanostructures in the presence of NaBH4’ by Ahmed B. Azzam et al., RSC Adv., 2021, 11, 18797–18808. DOI: 10.1039/D1RA02852A.
Correction: Highly efficient bilateral doping of single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Goldt Anastasia E. , Zaremba Orysia T. , Bulavskiy Mikhail O. , Fedorov Fedor S. , Larionov Konstantin V. , Tsapenko Alexey P. , Popov Zakhar I. , Sorokin Pavel , Anisimov Anton S. , Inani Heena , Kotakoski Jani , Mustonen Kimmo , Nasibulin Albert G.
Published: September 2021

Correction for ‘Highly efficient bilateral doping of single-walled carbon nanotubes’ by Anastasia E. Goldt et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021, 9, 4514–4521, DOI: 10.1039/D0TC05996J.
Melatonin prevents allergic airway inflammation in epicutaneously sensitized mice
Authors: Liu Xudong , Zhang Yuchao , Ren Yaolin , Li Jinquan
Published: September 2021

Purpose: The pathological process of atopic dermatitis (AD) progressing into other types of allergic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis during the first several years of life is often referred to as the atopic march. Although the phenomenon of atopic march has been recognized for decades, how asthma stems from AD is still not fully understood, confounding a universal strategy to effectively protect people from the atopic march. Methods: We established experimental atopic march mice by first inducing allergic dermatitis with 0.5% fluorescein isothiocyante (FITC) applied to the skin, followed by an ovalbumin (OVA) airway challenge. In addition, by examining serum immunoglobulin (Ig) concentrations, airway cytokines, the levels of oxidative stress markers, histopathological changes in lung tissue and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), we were able to validate the successful establishment of the model. Furthermore, by detecting the attenuating effects of melatonin (MT) and the levels of oxidative stress in the atopic march mice, we explored the potential molecular mechanisms involved in the development of atopic march. Results: By successfully establishing an experimental atopic march mouse model, we were able to demonstrate that overproduction of oxidative stress in the lung significantly up-regulated the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways causing thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) release, which further promotes the development of atopic march. Conclusions: To mitigate the development of the atopic march, antioxidants such as MT may be imperative to inhibit NF-κB activation in the lung, especially after the onset of AD.
The Relationship Between Self-Perceived Hearing Ability and Binaural Speech-in-Noise Performance in Adults With Normal Pure-Tone Hearing
Authors: Roup Christina M. , Custer Amy , Powell Julie
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study examined the relationship between self-perceived hearing abilities and binaural speech-in-noise performance in young to middle-age adults with normal pure-tone hearing.

Method

Sixty-six adults with normal hearing (thresholds ≤ 25 dB HL at 250–8000 Hz) participated. Self-perceived hearing abilities were assessed using the Adult Auditory Performance Scale (AAPS). The AAPS provides a single global score of self-perceived hearing abilities and individual subscale scores for six listening conditions, namely, Quiet, Ideal, Noise, Multiple Inputs, Auditory Memory, and Auditory Attention. Binaural speech-in-noise performance was measured with the Listening in Spatialized Noise–Sentences Test (LiSN-S).

Results

Results revealed significant correlations between the AAPS and the LiSN-S. Listeners who scored higher on the AAPS (greater self-perceived hearing difficulty) performed poorer on the LiSN-S. The strongest correlations were observed between the AAPS Noise subscale score and the LiSN-S low- and high-cue conditions. Age was significantly correlated with both pure-tone hearing and the LiSN-S spatial advantage, with older participants exhibiting poorer thresholds and smaller spatial advantages. Pure-tone hearing was also significantly correlated with binaural speech-in-noise performance. Listeners with poorer thresholds performed poorer across multiple LiSN-S conditions. Linear regression revealed that a significant amount of the variance in LiSN-S performance was accounted for by pure-tone hearing as well as the AAPS global score and Noise subscale score.

Conclusions

Results demonstrate a clear relationship between an individual's self-perceived hearing ability and their binaural speech-in-noise performance. In addition, minimal threshold elevation within the normal range and age (i.e., middle adulthood) had a negative impact on binaural speech-in-noise performance. The results support the inclusion of speech-in-noise testing for all patients, even those whose pure-tone hearing falls within the traditional normal range.