bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the Role of Traditional Masculinity and Depression in Men’s Risk for Contracting COVID-19
Authors: Walther Andreas , Eggenberger Lukas , Grub Jessica , Ogrodniczuk John S. , Seidler Zac E. , Rice Simon M. , Kealy David , Oliffe John L. , Ehlert Ulrike
Published: March 2022

In the light of the COVID-19 pandemic and claims that traditional masculinity may put some men at increased risk for infection, research reporting men’s health behaviors is critically important. Traditional masculine norms such as self-reliance and toughness are associated with a lower likelihood to vaccinate or follow safety restrictions. Furthermore, infection risk and traditional masculinity should be investigated in a differentiated manner including gender role orientation, underlying traditional masculine ideologies and male gender role conflict. In this pre-registered online survey conducted during March/April 2021 in German-speaking countries in Europe, 490 men completed questionnaires regarding contracting COVID-19 as confirmed by a validated test, fear of COVID-19 (FCV-19S), and experience of psychological burden due to COVID-19. In addition, depression symptomatology was assessed by using prototypical internalizing and male-typical externalizing depression symptoms. Furthermore, self-identified masculine gender orientation, endorsement of traditional masculinity ideologies, and gender role conflict were measured. A total of 6.9% of men (n = 34) reported having contracted COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. Group comparisons revealed that men who had contracted COVID-19 exhibited higher overall traditional masculine ideology and gender role conflict. Logistic regression controlling for confounders (age, income, education, and sexual orientation) indicated that only depression symptoms are independently associated with the risk of having contracted COVID-19. While prototypical depression symptoms were negatively associated with the risk of having contracted COVID-19, male-typical externalizing depression symptoms were positively associated with the risk of contracting COVID-19. For traditional masculinity, no robust association for an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 could be established, while higher male-typical externalizing depression symptoms were associated with an increased risk of contracting COVID-19.
Toward Targeted Therapies in Oesophageal Cancers: An Overview
Authors: Bregni Giacomo , Beck Benjamin
Published: March 2022

Oesophageal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Oesophageal cancer occurs as squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) or adenocarcinoma (EAC). Prognosis for patients with either ESCC or EAC is poor, with less than 20% of patients surviving more than 5 years after diagnosis. A major progress has been made in the development of biomarker-driven targeted therapies against breast and lung cancers, as well as melanoma. However, precision oncology for patients with oesophageal cancer is still virtually non-existent. In this review, we outline the recent advances in oesophageal cancer profiling and clinical trials based on targeted therapies in this disease.
Chimeric RNA Design Principles for RNA-Mediated Gene Fusion
Authors: Gupta Sachin Kumar , Yen Laising
Published: March 2022

One common genetic alteration in cancer is gene fusion resulting from chromosomal translocations. The mechanisms that create such oncogenic fusion genes are not well understood. Previously, we provided the direct evidence that expression of a designed chimeric RNA can drive the formation of TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion. Central to this RNA-mediated gene fusion mechanism is a proposed three-way junction formed by RNA/DNA hybrid and the intergenic DNA stem formed by target genes. In this study, we determined the important parameters for chimeric RNA-mediated gene fusion using TMPRSS2-ERG fusion gene as the model. Our results indicate that both the chimeric RNA lengths and the sizes of unpaired bulges play important roles in inducing TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion. The optimal length of unpaired bulges was about 35 nt, while the optimal chimeric RNA length was about 50 nt for targeting. These observations were consistent regardless of the target locations within TMPRSS2 and ERG genes. These empirically determined parameters provide important insight for searching cellular RNAs that may initiate oncogenic fusion genes. The knowledge could also facilitate the development of useful genomic technology for manipulating mammalian genomes.
Central Auditory Functions of Alzheimer’s Disease and Its Preclinical Stages: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tarawneh Hadeel Y. , Menegola Holly K. , Peou Andrew , Tarawneh Hanadi , Jayakody Dona M. P.
Published: March 2022

In 2020, 55 million people worldwide were living with dementia, and this number is projected to reach 139 million in 2050. However, approximately 75% of people living with dementia have not received a formal diagnosis. Hence, they do not have access to treatment and care. Without effective treatment in the foreseeable future, it is essential to focus on modifiable risk factors and early intervention. Central auditory processing is impaired in people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and its preclinical stages and may manifest many years before clinical diagnosis. This study systematically reviewed central auditory processing function in AD and its preclinical stages using behavioural central auditory processing tests. Eleven studies met the full inclusion criteria, and seven were included in the meta-analyses. The results revealed that those with mild cognitive impairment perform significantly worse than healthy controls within channel adaptive tests of temporal response (ATTR), time-compressed speech test (TCS), Dichotic Digits Test (DDT), Dichotic Sentence Identification (DSI), Speech in Noise (SPIN), and Synthetic Sentence Identification-Ipsilateral Competing Message (SSI-ICM) central auditory processing tests. In addition, this analysis indicates that participants with AD performed significantly worse than healthy controls in DDT, DSI, and SSI-ICM tasks. Clinical implications are discussed in detail.
Online Assessment of Motor, Cognitive, and Communicative Achievements in 4-Month-Old Infants
Authors: Gasparini Corinna , Caravale Barbara , Focaroli Valentina , Paoletti Melania , Pecora Giulia , Bellagamba Francesca , Chiarotti Flavia , Gastaldi Serena , Addessi Elsa
Published: March 2022

Remote methods for data collection allow us to quickly collect large amounts of data, offering several advantages as compared to in-lab administration. We investigated the applicability of an online assessment of motor, cognitive, and communicative development in 4-month-old infants based on several items of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 3rd edition (BSID-III). We chose a subset of items which were representative of the typical developmental achievements at 4 months of age and that we could administer online with the help of the infant’s caregiver using materials which were easily available at home. Results showed that, in a sample of infants tested live (N = 18), the raw scores of the BSID-III were significantly correlated with the raw scores of a subset of items corresponding to those administered to a sample of infants tested online (N = 53). Moreover, for the “online” participants, the raw scores of the online assessment did not significantly differ from the corresponding scores of the “live” participants. These findings suggest that the online assessment was to some extent comparable to the live administration of the same items, thus representing a viable opportunity to remotely evaluate infant development when in-person assessment is not possible.
Molecular, Viral and Clinical Features of Alcohol- and Non-Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury
Authors: Neuman Manuela G. , Seitz Helmut K. , Teschke Rolf , Malnick Stephen , Johnson-Davis Kamisha L. , Cohen Lawrence B. , German Anit , Hohmann Nicolas , Moreira Bernhardo , Moussa George , Opris Mihai
Published: March 2022

Hepatic cells are sensitive to internal and external signals. Ethanol is one of the oldest and most widely used drugs in the world. The focus on the mechanistic engine of the alcohol-induced injury has been in the liver, which is responsible for the pathways of alcohol metabolism. Ethanol undergoes a phase I type of reaction, mainly catalyzed by the cytoplasmic enzyme, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), and by the microsomal ethanol-oxidizing system (MEOS). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by cytochrome (CYP) 2E1 activity and MEOS contribute to ethanol-induced toxicity. We aimed to: (1) Describe the cellular, pathophysiological and clinical effects of alcohol misuse on the liver; (2) Select the biomarkers and analytical methods utilized by the clinical laboratory to assess alcohol exposure; (3) Provide therapeutic ideas to prevent/reduce alcohol-induced liver injury; (4) Provide up-to-date knowledge regarding the Corona virus and its affect on the liver; (5) Link rare diseases with alcohol consumption. The current review contributes to risk identification of patients with alcoholic, as well as non-alcoholic, liver disease and metabolic syndrome. Additional prevalence of ethnic, genetic, and viral vulnerabilities are presented.
Atorvastatin Reduces the Severity of COVID-19: A Nationwide, Total Population-Based, Case-Control Study
Authors: Cho Dong-Hyuk , Choi Jimi , Gwon Jun Gyo
Published: March 2022

Background: Statins have a pleiotropic effect in addition to a lipid-lowering effect. Several studies have demonstrated that statins may reduce the mortality and severity of infectious diseases, such as pneumonia or sepsis. We investigated the protective effects of various statins on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) using a population-based cohort covering the entire Korean population. Methods: Consecutive patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between January 2020 and May 2020 were enrolled from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. Current statin users were defined as patients who used statins within 30 days before the diagnosis of COVID-19. We compared the mortality and severity of COVID-19 between statin users and non-users to confirm the efficacy of statins. Results: Of the 7723 patients with COVID-19 who were enrolled, 255 died due to COVID-19 and 493 had severe COVID-19 (defined as mortality, admission to the intensive care unit, or mechanical ventilator use). Compared with non-users, atorvastatin users had a lower risk of COVID-19 mortality (odds ratio [OR], 0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34–0.86) and severe COVID-19 (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.45–0.93). However, other statins did not reduce the COVID-19 mortality and severity. Conclusions: Among the statins, only atorvastatin was effective in reducing the COVID-19 mortality and severity. Further randomized controlled trials are required to clarify the protective effects of atorvastatin.
The Sensing Mechanism of InAlN/GaN HEMT
Authors: Liu Yanli , He Xiao , Dong Yan , Fu Su , Liu Yuhui , Chen Dunjun
Published: March 2022

The sensing mechanism of InAlN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) is investigated systematically by numerical simulation and theoretical analysis. In detail, the influence of additional surface charge on device performance and the dependence of surface sensing properties on InAlN barrier thickness are studied. The results indicate that the saturation output drain current Idsat and two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) concentration increase with the increase of positive surface charge density, which decrease with the increase of negative surface charge. The influence of negative surface charge on device performance is more remarkable than that of positive surface charge. Additionally, the modulation ability of surface charge on device performance increases with the decrease ofInAlN barrier thickness. The modulation of surface charge on device performance and the influence of barrier thickness on surface sensing sensitivity are mainly attributed to the variation of the energy band structure, surface potential and 2DEG concentration in the HEMT heterostructure. This work provides important support for structural optimization design of GaN-based HEMT sensors.
[Tb4(OH)4]-Cuboid Complex Dianion Stabilized with Six Carboxylate Bridges and Four Diketonate Caps
Authors: Yamaguchi Yoshiki , Ishida Takayuki
Published: March 2022

A cubane-like complex dianion [Tb4(OH)4(tfa)6(hfac)4]2− was synthesized, accompanied by two counter cations of [Ni(hfac)(2pyIN)2]+, where Htfa, Hhfac, and 2pyIN stand for trifluoroacetic acid, 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoropentane-2,4-dione, and 4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-2-pyridylimidazolin-1-oxyl, respectively. In the complex anion, each Tb ion was capped with hfac, and each Tb···Tb diagonal was bridged with tfa, thus forming an approximate Td symmetry, though the whole molecular formula was crystallographically independent in an orthorhombic Pbca space group. The ionic charge was −2 in total. The magnetic study revealed that the complex ions were magnetically isolated from each other. Practically no 4f–4f superexchange interaction was operative, while the 2p–3d ferromagnetic coupling seemed to be appreciable, as anticipated from the proposed magnetostructural relationship.
Three Novel Thiazole-Arm Containing 1,3,4-Oxadiazole-Based [HS-HS] Fe(II) Dinuclear Complexes
Authors: Sundaresan Sriram , Eppelsheimer Julian , Carrella Luca M. , Rentschler Eva
Published: March 2022

Novel synthesis of 2,5-bis[(1,3-thiazol-2-ylmethyl)amino]methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole (LThiazole) is reported, along with the preparation of three new dinuclear Fe(II) complexes with different counterions [FeII2(μ2-LThiazole)2](BF4)4·2CH3CN (1), [FeII2(μ2-LThiazole)2](ClO4)4 (2) and [FeII2(μ2-LThiazole)2](CF3SO3)4·2CH3CN (3). The obtained complexes were characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, SQUID magnetometry and IR spectroscopy. The structure of the crystalline material was determined at 120 K for 1 and 3. The magnetic properties of all three complexes (1–3) were measured between 2–300 K and clearly show that all three complexes stay in the high-spin state over the measured temperature range.
β-Ga2O3-Based Power Devices: A Concise Review
Authors: Zhang Maolin , Liu Zeng , Yang Lili , Yao Jiafei , Chen Jing , Zhang Jun , Wei Wei , Guo Yufeng , Tang Weihua
Published: March 2022

Ga2O3 has gained intensive attention for the continuing myth of the electronics as a new-generation wide bandgap semiconductor, owing to its natural physical and chemical properties. In this review article, we selectively summarized the recent advances on the experimental and theoretical demonstration of β-Ga2O3-based power devices, including Schottky barrier diodes and field-effect transistors, aiming for an inherent comprehending of the operating mechanisms, discussion on the obstacles to be addressed, and providing some comprehensive guidance for further developments. In the short run, Ga2O3 may well be promising to lead power electronics.
Use of Gallbladder Width Measurement by Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Acute Cholecystitis
Authors: Park Yong Suk , Yoon Hee , Kang Soo Yeon , Jo Ik Joon , Woo Sookyoung , Lee Guntak , Park Jong Eun , Kim Taerim , Lee Se Uk , Hwang Sung Yeon , Cha Won Chul , Shin Tae Gun
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of gallbladder width measurement with computed tomography (CT) in patients with acute cholecystitis. This retrospective case–control study was conducted between March 2016 and March 2020 at a tertiary emergency department. Of 310 patients, 254 patients with acute cholecystitis confirmed by surgery were compared with 254 patients diagnosed with other diseases (controls). In the acute cholecystitis group, the number of older patients with underlying illnesses was much higher (64% of men). Upon CT, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) gallbladder width was significantly longer in patients with acute cholecystitis (2.26 [1.82–2.78] cm vs. 3.73 [3.32–4.16] cm, p < 0.001). The optimal cut-off value of gallbladder width for differentiating acute cholecystitis was 3.12 cm, showing a sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 86%. In a multivariable analysis using a logistic regression model for diagnosing acute cholecystitis with CT findings (gallbladder width, length, stone, wall thickening, and pericholecystic fluid), a gallbladder width of ≥3.12 cm was significantly meaningful, even when adjusting for other variables (odds ratio 37.9; p < 0.001). Therefore, an increase in gallbladder width (≥3.12 cm) measured with CT can be a simple and sensitive diagnostic sign of acute cholecystitis, supporting the underlying pathophysiology of bile outflow obstruction.
TP53 Expression and Mutational Analysis in Hematological Malignancy in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alkhatabi Heba , Yasin Elrashed B. , Mirza Zeenat , Alserihi Raed , Felimban Raed , Elaimi Aisha , Shaabad Manal , Alharbi Lina , Ahmed Hameeda , Alameer Abdulrahman M. , Mathkoor Abdullah Ebraheem , Barefah Ahmed Salleh
Published: March 2022

Background: Tumor protein 53 (TP53) is a tumor-suppressor gene and plays an essential role in apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, genomic stability, and DNA repair. Although it is the most often mutated gene in human cancer, it has respectively low frequency in hematological malignancy but is significantly linked with complex karyotype, poor prognosis, and chemotherapeutic response. Nevertheless, the prevalence and prognostic role of TP53 mutations in hematological malignancy in Saudi patients are not well reported. We, therefore, aim to assess the frequency of TP53 mutations in hematological malignancies in Saudi Arabia. Method: 20 different hematological malignancy samples were tested using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique for TP53 deletion detection and next-generation sequencing (NGS) targeted panel was applied on 10 samples for mutations identification specifically TP53 mutation. Results: TP53 deletion was detected in 6 of 20 samples by FISH. Most of the 6 patients with TP53 deletion had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and majority of them were child. NGS result revealed one heterozygous missense mutation in exon 5 of the TP53 gene (c. G9963A, p.H175R). Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, the TP53 mutation is novel variant, and the first time we are reporting their association with myelodysplastic syndromic individual with complex karyotype. This study recommends further analysis of genomic mutations on bigger cohorts, utilizing high throughput technologies.
Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease and All-Cause Mortality in Patients with Tricuspid Regurgitation
Authors: Schipmann Fabian , Bannehr Marwin , Hähnel Valentin , Dworok Victoria , Nübel Jonathan , Edlinger Christoph , Lichtenauer Michael , Haase Michael , Zänker Michael , Butter Christian , Haase-Fielitz Anja
Published: March 2022

Aim: The impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on patient-related outcomes in patients with tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is well known. However, the impact of the progression of CKD in patients with TR and potentially modifiable risk factors of progressing CKD is unknown. Methods: 444 consecutive adult patients with TR and CKD stage 1–4 admitted in an inpatient setting between January 2010 and December 2017 were included. During a median follow-up of two years, eGFR and survival status were collected. Independent risk factors for CKD progression and all-cause mortality were determined. Patient survival statuses were grouped according to different combinations of the presence or absence of CKD progression and the TR grade. Results: Progression of CKD (OR 2.38 (95% confidence interval 1.30–4.35), p = 0.005), the grade of TR (OR 2.38 (1.41–4.00), p = 0.001) and mitral regurgitation (OR 1.72 (1.20–2.46), p = 0.003) were independent risk factors for all-cause mortality. Haemoglobin at admission (OR 0.80 (0.65–0.99), p = 0.043) and the presence of type 2 diabetes (OR 1.67 (1.02–2.73), p = 0.042) were independent risk factors for CKD progression. The combination of the status of CKD progression and the TR grade showed a stepwise pattern for all-cause mortality (p < 0.001). Patients with CKD progression and TR grade 1 had comparable all-cause mortality with patients without CKD progression but with TR grade 2 or 3. Even in patients with TR grade 1, the risk for all-cause mortality doubled if CKD progression occurred (OR 2.49 (95% CI 1.38–4.47), p = 0.002). Conclusion: CKD progression appears to be a risk factor for all-cause mortality in patients with TR. Anaemia and diabetes are potential modifiers of CKD progression.
The Environmental Impact of Poplar Stand Management: A Life Cycle Assessment Study of Different Scenarios
Authors: Cantamessa Simone , Rosso Laura , Giorcelli Achille , Chiarabaglio Pier
Published: March 2022

The circular economy will play an important role in the reduction of carbon emissions and poplar might be one of the winning choices according to sustainable development. As for agricultural crops, high-quality production is strictly related to genetic variability and best management practice. The main objective of this study was to analyze different stand management options to quantify differences on carbon emission and environmental impacts. Moreover, the study was focused on the assessment of differences between standard poplar management for veneer and poplar management according to sustainable production (such as the PEFC certification scheme). The system boundaries embraced fertilization (inorganic or organic), agricultural operations, machinery, and field emissions associated with poplar cultivation. The environmental impacts were quantified by a life cycle assessment (LCA) calculation using SIMAPRO software v8.0 with different databases. The primary data of poplar stands were collected during a decades-long Italian experience. A reduction of carbon emissions was observed in the stand managed with MSA clones (Case “Mezzi PEFC”), and negative emissions were observed due to organic fertilization (scenarios 7m-29 t CO2-eq ha−1 and 26M-129 t CO2-eq ha−1). In all cultivation scenarios, the environmental impacts were lower than conventional crops in the study area, such as corn. A higher impact was observed in the 26M scenario with oversized machinery for stand management. These data can also contribute to poplar stand modeling and represent a basis for future research developments in this field.
A Pilot Study Assessing a Concentration of 100 mg/L Alizarin Complexone (ALC) to Mark Calcified Structures in Hypophthalmichthys molitrix
Authors: Zhu Yahua , Jiang Tao , Chen Xiubao , Liu Hongbo , Phelps Quinton , Yang Jian
Published: March 2022

The effectiveness of chemical compounds for marking hard tissues in juvenile silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) is not well known. We analyzed the use of alizarin complexone (ALC) as a fluorescent marker to mark the various hard structures of juvenile silver carp. Experimental fish (~2 months old) were randomly assigned to either control or marking groups, which were immersed in 0 or 100 mg/L ALC solutions, respectively, for 2 days. The otoliths, fin rays, and scales of the fish were then sampled, visualized using fluorescence microscopy, and evaluated after 10 days. The ALC treatment was effective for marking certain hard structures and the marking color was affected by the light source. There were no obvious differences in the marking efficiency of rays from pectoral, dorsal, ventral, anal, and caudal fins, but the lapilli and lateral line scales were marked most effectively from the sampled otolith and scale types, respectively. Our findings indicate that ALC immersion and fin ray and scale sampling can be used for the effective marking and non-lethal evaluation of hard structures in juvenile silver carp.
Robust H∞ Control of Fractional-Order Switched Systems with Order 0 < α < 1 and Uncertainty
Authors: Li Bingxin , Zhao Xiangfei , Liu Yaowei , Zhao Xin
Published: March 2022

In this paper, robust H∞ control for fractional-order switched systems (FOSSs) with uncertainty is studied. Firstly, the fractional-order switching law for FOSSs is proposed. Then, H∞ control for FOSSs is proven based on the switching law and linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Moreover, H∞ control for FOSSs with a state feedback controller is extended. Furthermore, the LMI-based condition of robust H∞ control for FOSSs with uncertainty is proven. Furthermore, the condition of robust H∞ control is proposed to design the state feedback controller. Finally, four simulation examples verified the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Loss and Life in the Andean Pluriverse: Slow Unravelings and suma qamaña in Óscar Catacora’s Wiñaypacha
Authors: de Moya-Cotter Jamie
Published: March 2022

The impulse for development and modernization creates rifts between humans and nonhumans, dragging us deeper into the rhythms of capitalism and urban life. In the Peruvian Andes, this impulse has manifested in an intergenerational trend of rural out-migration that exacerbates the life-making struggles faced by those left behind. Óscar Catacora’s film, Wiñaypacha, reflects on these struggles and their impact on the lives of an elderly Aymara couple living isolated in the Peruvian highlands as they await, to no avail, the return of their son. The first section of this article examines how the aesthetics of Wiñaypacha emphasize the social–ecological unravelings that occur between the human and nonhuman beings that together construct the filmed Andean world. Catacora’s film represents migration as a gradual process of abandonment experienced by the Aymara elders that degrades their ability to sustain their lives and the lives of their animals. In the second section, I analyze the way Wiñaypacha makes visible the existence of the Andean pluriverse and worlds that have not disappeared in the wake of development. The film’s representation of time and suma qamaña (harmonious living) represents a departure from the universalizing tendencies of extractive capitalism and exemplifies the existence of alternative life-worlds.
RETRACTED: WDN: A One-Stage Detection Network for Wheat Heads with High Performance
Authors: Sun Pengshuo , Cui Jingyi , Hu Xuefeng , Wang Qing
Published: March 2022

The counting of wheat heads is labor-intensive work in agricultural production. At present, it is mainly done by humans. Manual identification and statistics are time-consuming and error-prone. With the development of machine vision-related technologies, it has become possible to complete wheat head identification and counting with the help of computer vision detection algorithms. Based on the one-stage network framework, the Wheat Detection Net (WDN) model was proposed for wheat head detection and counting. Due to the characteristics of wheat head recognition, an attention module and feature fusion module were added to the one-stage backbone network, and the formula for the loss function was optimized as well. The model was tested on a test set and compared with mainstream object detection network algorithms. The results indicate that the mAP and FPS indicators of the WDN model are better than those of other models. The mAP of WDN reached 0.903. Furthermore, an intelligent wheat head counting system was developed for iOS, which can present the number of wheat heads within a photo of a crop within 1 s.
Long Term Results of Two-Stage Revision for Chronic Periprosthetic Hip Infection: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Kildow Beau J. , Springer Bryan D. , Brown Timothy S. , Lyden Elizabeth , Fehring Thomas K. , Garvin Kevin L.
Published: March 2022

Background: Two-stage exchange arthroplasty remains the gold standard in the United States for treatment of chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Long-term reinfection rates and clinical outcomes with sufficient subject numbers remain limited. The purpose was to evaluate the long-term outcomes following two-stage exchange following hip arthroplasty. Methods: Retrospective review of 221 patients who underwent two-stage exchange hip arthroplasty for chronic PJI at three large tertiary referral institutions from 1990–2015. Outcomes including reinfection, mortality, and all-cause revision were calculated. Cumulative incidence of reinfection with death as competing factor was also calculated. Risk factors for reinfection were determined using Cox multivariate regression analysis. Results: Rate of infection eradication and all-cause revision was 88.24% and 22.6%, respectively. Overall mortality rate was 40.72%. Patients with minimum five-year follow-up (n = 129) had a success rate of 91.47% with mortality rate of 41.1%. Major risk factors for reinfection included polymicrobial infection (HR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.08–5.14) and antibiotic resistant organism (HR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.10–5.04). Conclusion: This is the largest series with greater than 5-year follow-up evaluating outcomes of two-stage exchange hip arthroplasty. This technique resulted in a relatively high infection eradication, however, the mortality rate is alarmingly high. Antibiotic resistant organisms appear to be highest risk factor for failure.
Mechanical Analysis of Parameter Variations in Large-Scale Extrusion Additive Manufacturing of Thermoplastic Composites
Authors: Tagscherer Nevine , Bär André Marcel , Zaremba Swen , Drechsler Klaus
Published: March 2022

Large structural parts manufactured by Extrusion Additive Manufacturing (EAM) are limited by strong anisotropy due to insufficient bond formation and reduced molecular entanglement along the layer interface. To understand the correlation between process and material parameters and to enable digital modeling of EAM, the effect of different substrate temperatures and layer heights on tensile strength was investigated. A simple testing methodology for pelletized carbon fiber-filled polyamide 6 was developed. Tensile tests were performed in a full factorial Design of Experiments (DoE) to determine the tensile properties. For bulk simulation, the nominal strength and modulus were also determined based on contact width obtained by optical microscopy. The results demonstrated high anisotropy, with the maximum transverse tensile strength reaching only 27% of the corresponding longitudinal results and the transverse tensile modulus reaching only 20% of its longitudinal value. The effects of varying layer height were less significant than varying substrate temperature. The results support the hypothesis that sufficient transverse tensile strength is achieved between the extrapolated crystallization onset and melt temperature. The methodology of this study can be used as a benchmark method to qualify new thermoplastic polymers for EAM processes and to determine optimal process parameters for improved fusion bonding.
Exosomes for Regulation of Immune Responses and Immunotherapy
Authors: Hussain Md Walid Akram , Jahangir Sarah , Ghosh Bikona , Yesmin Farjana , Anis Afnan , Satil Sabikun Nahar , Anwar Faizan , Rashid Mohammad Harun
Published: March 2022

Exosomes are membrane-enveloped nanosized (30–150 nm) extracellular vesicles of endosomal origin produced by almost all cell types and encompass a multitude of functioning biomolecules. Exosomes have been considered crucial players of cell-to-cell communication in physiological and pathological conditions. Accumulating evidence suggests that exosomes can modulate the immune system by delivering a plethora of signals that can either stimulate or suppress immune responses, which have potential applications as immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. Here, we discuss the current knowledge about the active biomolecular components of exosomes that contribute to exosomal function in modulating different immune cells and also how these immune cell-derived exosomes play critical roles in immune responses. We further discuss the translational potential of engineered exosomes as immunotherapeutic agents with their advantages over conventional nanocarriers for drug delivery and ongoing clinical trials.
Incidence and Predictors of Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus before Catheter Ablation of Thrombogenic Arrhythmias
Authors: Wegner Felix K. , Radke Robert M. , Ellermann Christian , Wolfes Julian , Willy Kevin , Lange Philipp S. , Frommeyer Gerrit , Baumgartner Helmut , Eckardt Lars , Diller Gerhard-Paul , Orwat Stefan
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is routinely performed before catheter ablation of atrial tachyarrhythmias to rule out the presence of left atrial thrombi. However, data to support this practice are inconsistent. Methods: We analyzed consecutive pre-procedural TEE in a high-volume electrophysiology center for the presence of left atrial thrombi and a relevant flow reduction in the left atrial appendage (LAA) defined as LAA sludge or LAA emptying velocity (LAAEV) < 20 cm/s. The possible predictors of reduced flow were recorded and compared in a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: 1676 TEE were included (1122 before pulmonary vein isolation, 436 before atrial flutter ablation, 166 before other ablations). 543 patients (32%) were female and 991 (59%) were on DOAC. Nine patients (0.5%) had an LAA thrombus on pre-procedural TEE. Ninety-five further patients (5.7%) had a relevant reduction in LAA flow. The underlying rhythm showed a significant association with the presence of LAA thrombus or reduced LAA flow (p = 0.003). Patients in sinus rhythm and cavotricuspid isthmus-dependent atrial flutter exhibited the lowest risk. Additionally, reduced kidney function was associated with a reduction in LAA flow velocities (p = 0.04). Of note, two LAA thrombi occurred in patients in sinus rhythm and six out of nine patients with an LAA thrombus were on vitamin-K antagonists. Conclusions: LAA thrombus is a rare occurrence before an elective catheter ablation. The underlying rhythm and kidney function may serve as markers of a higher likelihood of significantly reduced LAAEV and LAA thrombus.
Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Care between Family Physicians, Endocrinologists, and Other Internists in Taiwan: A Retrospective Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Chou Pei-Lin , Chiang I-Hui , Lin Chi-Wei , Wang His-Hao , Wang Hao-Kuang , Huang Chi-Hsien , Chang Chao-Sung , Huang Ru-Yi , Lin Chung-Ying
Published: March 2022

(1) Background: We aimed to determine whether physicians of different specialties perform differently in the monitoring, cost control, and prevention of acute outcomes in diabetes care. (2) Methods: Using data from the Health and Welfare Data Science Center, participants with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (n = 206,819) were classified into three cohorts based on their primary care physician during the first year of diagnosis: family medicine (FM), endocrinologist, and other internal medicine (IM). The three cohorts were matched in a pairwise manner (FM (n = 28,269) vs. IM (n = 28,269); FM (n = 23,407) vs. endocrinologist (n = 23,407); IM (n = 43,693) vs. endocrinologist (n = 43,693)) and evaluated for process indicators, expenditure on diabetes care, and incidence of acute complications (using subdistribution hazard ratio; sHR). (3) Results: Compared to the FM cohort, both the IM (sHR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.47) and endocrinologist cohorts (sHR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.38–1.78) had higher incidences of acute complications. The FM cohort incurred lower costs than the IM cohort (USD 487.41 vs. USD 507.67, p = 0.01) and expended less than half of the diabetes-related costs of the endocrinology cohort (USD 484.39 vs. USD 927.85, p < 0.001). (4) Conclusion: Family physicians may provide better care at a lower cost to newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients. Relatively higher costs incurred by other internists and endocrinologists in the process of diabetes care may be explained by the more frequent ordering of specialized tests.
The Dissimilar Impact in Atrial Substrate Modificationof Left and Right Pulmonary Veins Isolation after Catheter Ablation of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Vraka Aikaterini , Bertomeu-González Vicente , Fácila Lorenzo , Moreno-Arribas José , Alcaraz Raúl , Rieta José J.
Published: March 2022

Since the discovery of pulmonary veins (PVs) as foci of atrial fibrillation (AF), the commonest cardiac arrhythmia, investigation revolves around PVs catheter ablation (CA) results. Notwithstanding, CA process itself is rather neglected. We aim to decompose crucial CA steps: coronary sinus (CS) catheterization and the impact of left and right PVs isolation (LPVI, RPVI), separately. We recruited 40 paroxysmal AF patients undergoing first-time CA and obtained five-minute lead II and bipolar CS recordings during sinus rhythm (SR) before CA (B), after LPVI (L) and after RPVI (R). Among others, duration, amplitude and atrial-rate variability (ARV) were calculated for P-waves and CS local activation waves (LAWs). LAWs features were compared among CS channels for reliability analysis. P-waves and LAWs features were compared after each ablation step (B, L, R). CS channels: amplitude and area were different between distal/medial (p≤0.0014) and distal/mid-proximal channels (p≤0.0025). Medial and distal showed the most and least coherent values, respectively. Correlation was higher in proximal (≥93%) than distal (≤91%) areas. P-waves: duration was significantly shortened after LPVI (after L: p=0.0012, −13.30%). LAWs: insignificant variations. ARV modification was more prominent in LAWs (L: >+73.12%, p≤0.0480, R: <−33.94%, p≤0.0642). Medial/mid-proximal channels are recommended during SR. CS LAWs are not significantly affected by CA but they describe more precisely CA-induced ARV modifications. LPVI provokes the highest impact in paroxysmal AF CA, significantly modifying P-wave duration.
A Personalized Multidisciplinary Approach to Evaluating and Treating Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Frye Richard E.
Published: March 2022

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder without a known cure. Current standard-of-care treatments focus on addressing core symptoms directly but have provided limited benefits. In many cases, individuals with ASD have abnormalities in multiple organs, including the brain, immune and gastrointestinal system, and multiple physiological systems including redox and metabolic systems. Additionally, multiple aspects of the environment can adversely affect children with ASD including the sensory environment, psychosocial stress, dietary limitations and exposures to allergens and toxicants. Although it is not clear whether these medical abnormalities and environmental factors are related to the etiology of ASD, there is evidence that many of these factors can modulate ASD symptoms, making them a potential treatment target for improving core and associated ASD-related symptoms and improving functional limitation. Additionally, addressing underlying biological disturbances that drive pathophysiology has the potential to be disease modifying. This article describes a systematic approach using clinical history and biomarkers to personalize medical treatment for children with ASD. This approach is medically comprehensive, making it attractive for a multidisciplinary approach. By concentrating on treatable conditions in ASD, it is possible to improve functional ability and quality of life, thus providing optimal outcomes.
Language Norm and Usage Change in Catalan Discourse Markers: The Case of Contrastive Connectives
Authors: Cuenca Maria-Josep
Published: March 2022

Language norms are dynamic conventions that change over time. In the case of Catalan, the 20th century represents a critical codification period. In this paper, the author discusses the influence of internal and external factors on the evolution of four connectives mainly used in formal (written) communication (nogensmenys ‘nonetheless’, emperò ‘but’, no obstant (això) ‘nevertheless’ and tanmateix ‘however’), which have experienced remarkable change during the 20th century. Three sources of information are considered: dictionaries, grammars, and corpus examples (from Corpus Textual Informatitzat de la Llengua Catalana) in the period 1904–2013. The review of dictionaries and grammars shows that descriptions and norms change over time. The corpus reveals the impact of prescription on the use of the connectives in formal registers. The basic research question asks: to what extent do linguistic and socio-cultural factors have an influence on change in the field of connectives and how do norms and formal use interact? The analysis shows that external factors (i.e., bilingual context and codification processes) in correlation with internal ones (i.e., paradigmatic relations) affect both linguistic change and norm change. The evolution of the four connectives analyzed is the result of a changing language norm forbidding or encouraging the use of certain forms, almost always triggered by an intent to compensate for the influence of the dominant language, Spanish.
Comparison of Text Mining Models for Food and Dietary Constituent Named-Entity Recognition
Authors: Perera Nadeesha , Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh , Dehmer Matthias , Emmert-Streib Frank
Published: March 2022

Biomedical Named-Entity Recognition (BioNER) has become an essential part of text mining due to the continuously increasing digital archives of biological and medical articles. While there are many well-performing BioNER tools for entities such as genes, proteins, diseases or species, there is very little research into food and dietary constituent named-entity recognition. For this reason, in this paper, we study seven BioNER models for food and dietary constituents recognition. Specifically, we study a dictionary-based model, a conditional random fields (CRF) model and a new hybrid model, called FooDCoNER (Food and Dietary Constituents Named-Entity Recognition), which we introduce combining the former two models. In addition, we study deep language models including BERT, BioBERT, RoBERTa and ELECTRA. As a result, we find that FooDCoNER does not only lead to the overall best results, comparable with the deep language models, but FooDCoNER is also much more efficient with respect to run time and sample size requirements of the training data. The latter has been identified via the study of learning curves. Overall, our results not only provide a new tool for food and dietary constituent NER but also shed light on the difference between classical machine learning models and recent deep language models.
The Influence of Precipitation, High Levels of Al, Si, P and a Small B Addition on the Hot Ductility of TWIP and TRIP Assisted Steels: A Critical Review
Authors: Mintz Barrie , Qaban Abdullah
Published: March 2022

The hot ductility of Transformation Induced Plasticity (TRIP) and Twinning Induced Plasticity (TWIP) steels is reviewed, concentrating on the likelihood of cracking occurring on continuous casting during the straightening operation. In this review, the influence of high levels of Al, Si, P, Mn and C on their hot ductility will be discussed as well as the important role B can play in improving their hot ductility. Of these elements, Al has the worst influence on ductility but a high Al addition is often needed in both TWIP and TRIP steels. AlN precipitates are formed often as thin coatings covering the austenite grain surfaces favouring intergranular failure and making them difficult to continuous cast without cracks forming. Furthermore, with TWIP steels the un-recrystallised austenite, which is the state the austenite is when straightening, suffers from excessive grain boundary sliding, so that the ductility often decreases with increasing temperature, resulting in the RA value being below that needed to avoid cracking on straightening. Fortunately, the addition of B can often be used to remedy the deleterious influence of AlN. The influence of precipitation hardeners (Nb, V and Ti based) in strengthening the room temperature yield strength of these TWIP steels and their influence on hot ductility is also discussed.
Clove Essential Oil–Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes: Preparation, Characterization and Incorporation in Biodegradable Chitosan Films
Authors: Adjali Abdelaziz , Pontillo Antonella Rosaria Nefeli , Kavetsou Eleni , Katopodi Annita , Tzani Andromachi , Grigorakis Spyros , Loupassaki Sofia , Detsi Anastasia
Published: March 2022

The encapsulation of clove essential oil (CEO) in hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) and the subsequent incorporation of the inclusion complex in an elastic chitosan film in order to achieve a controlled release profile of the volatile CEO are herein presented. Freshly distilled CEO was found to contain eugenol in concentrations higher than 70%. The kneading method was implemented for the preparation of a CEO-HP-β-CD inclusion complex, resulting in a 50% inclusion efficiency of the essential oil in particles sized 214.40 nm with ζ-potential −27.5 mV. Free CEO and CEO-HP-β-CD inclusion complex were tested for their ability to scavenge the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, and it was found that the CEO-HP-β-CD complex presented enhanced antioxidant activity (88%) compared to the free CEO (71%). Choline chloride-containing chitosan (CS) films were prepared, incorporating either the pure CEO or the CEO-HP-β-CD inclusion complex, and their mechanical properties were determined. The study of the release profile in different pH values demonstrated the capacity of the CS-HP-β-CD system to provide sustained release of CEO, noting its potential use in food processing as smart packaging.
Quorum Quenching Strains Isolated from the Microbiota of Sea Anemones and Holothurians Attenuate Vibriocorallilyticus Virulence Factors and Reduce Mortality in Artemiasalina
Authors: Reina José Carlos , Pérez Pedro , Llamas Inmaculada
Published: March 2022

Interference with quorum-sensing (QS) intercellular communication systems by the enzymatic disruption of N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs) in Gram-negative bacteria has become a promising strategy to fight bacterial infections. In this study, seven strains previously isolated from marine invertebrates and selected for their ability to degrade C6 and C10-HSL, were identified as Acinetobacter junii, Ruegeria atlantica, Microbulbifer echini, Reinheimera aquimaris, and Pseudomonas sihuiensis. AHL-degrading activity against a wide range of synthetic AHLs were identified by using an agar well diffusion assay and Agrobacterium tumefaciens NTL4 and Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 and VIR07 as biosensors. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) analysis indicated that this activity was not due to an AHL lactonase. All the strains degraded Vibrio coralliilyticus AHLs in coculture experiments, while some strains reduced or abolished the production of virulence factors. In vivo assays showed that strains M3-111 and M3-127 reduced this pathogen’s virulence and increased the survival rate of Artemia salina up to 3-fold, indicating its potential use for biotechnological purposes. To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe AHL-degrading activities in some of these marine species. These findings highlight that the microbiota associated with marine invertebrates constitute an important underexplored source of biological valuable compounds.