bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State-controlled epidemic in a game against a novel pathogen
Authors: Garay József , Kun Ádám , Varga Zoltán , Gámez Manuel , Castaño-Fernández Ana Belén , Móri Tamás F.
Published: September 2022

The pandemic reminded us that the pathogen evolution still has a serious effect on human societies. States, however, can prepare themselves for the emergence of a novel pathogen with unknown characteristics by analysing potential scenarios. Game theory offers such an appropriate tool. In our game-theoretical framework, the state is playing against a pathogen by introducing non-pharmaceutical interventions to fulfil its socio-political goals, such as guaranteeing hospital care to all needed patients, keeping the country functioning, while the applied social restrictions should be as soft as possible. With the inclusion of activity and economic sector dependent transmission rate, optimal control of lockdowns and health care capacity management is calculated. We identify the presence and length of a pre-symptomatic infectious stage of the disease to have the greatest effect on the probability to cause a pandemic. Here we show that contrary to intuition, the state should not strive for the great expansion of its health care capacities even if its goal is to provide care for all requiring it and minimize the cost of lockdowns.
Happiness inequality has a Kuznets-style relation with economic growth in China
Authors: Zhang Pan
Published: September 2022

Happiness studies generally investigate average levels of happiness rather than happiness inequality between regions, and studies of social inequality usually measure it based on the distribution of life opportunities (e.g., income) rather than life results (e.g., happiness). Inspired by the Kuznets curve, which illustrates the inverted U-shaped correlation between income inequality and economic growth, this study investigates whether there is a subjective wellbeing Kuznets curve. It uses data from ten waves of the Chinese General Social Survey to construct a panel data set and runs panel data models to investigate the hypothesized curvilinear relationship between happiness inequality and economic growth. The results show that happiness inequality, measured as the standard deviations of respondents’ self-reported happiness, first increases and then decreases as per-capita GDP increases in Chinese provinces. These findings strongly support the subjective wellbeing Kuznets curve hypothesis and suggest that strategies for reducing happiness inequality must consider stages of economic development.
Low skeletal muscle radiodensity and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as predictors of poor outcome in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Padilha Daniela M. H. , Mendes Maria C. S. , Lascala Fabiana , Silveira Marina N. , Pozzuto Lara , Santos Larissa A. O. , Guerra Lívia D. , Moreira Rafaella C. L. , Branbilla Sandra R. , Junior Ademar D. C. , Duarte Mateus B. O. , Moretti Maria L. , Carvalheira José B. C.
Published: September 2022

Inflammatory states and body composition changes are associated with a poor prognosis in many diseases, but their role in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is not fully understood. To assess the impact of low skeletal muscle radiodensity (SMD), high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and a composite score based on both variables, on complications, use of ventilatory support, and survival in patients with COVID-19. Medical records of patients hospitalized between May 1, 2020, and July 31, 2020, with a laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19 who underwent computed tomography (CT) were retrospectively reviewed. CT-derived body composition measurements assessed at the first lumbar vertebra level, and laboratory tests performed at diagnosis, were used to calculate SMD and NLR. Prognostic values were estimated via univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses and the Kaplan–Meier curve. The study was approved by the local Institutional Review Board (CAAE 36276620.2.0000.5404). A total of 200 patients were included. Among the patients assessed, median age was 59 years, 58% were men and 45% required ICU care. A total of 45 (22.5%) patients died. Multivariate logistic analysis demonstrated that a low SMD (OR 2.94; 95% CI 1.13–7.66, P = 0.027), high NLR (OR 3.96; 95% CI 1.24–12.69, P = 0.021) and both low SMD and high NLR (OR 25.58; 95% CI 2.37–276.71, P = 0.008) combined, were associated with an increased risk of death. Patients who had both low SMD and high NLR required more mechanical ventilation (P < 0.001) and were hospitalized for a longer period (P < 0.001). Low SMD, high NLR and the composite score can predict poor prognosis in patients with COVID-19, and can be used as a tool for early identification of patients at risk. Systemic inflammation and low muscle radiodensity are useful predictors of poor prognosis, and the assessment of these factors in clinical practice should be considered.
Bottom up approach of metal assisted electrochemical exfoliation of boron towards borophene
Authors: Sielicki Krzysztof , Maślana Klaudia , Chen Xuecheng , Mijowska Ewa
Published: September 2022

Electrochemical exfoliation of nonconductive boron to few-layered borophene is reported. This unique effect is achieved via the incorporation of bulk boron into metal mesh inducing electrical conductivity and opening a venue for borophene fabrication via this feasible strategy. The experiments were conducted in various electrolytes providing a powerful tool to fabricate borophene flakes with a thickness of ~ 3–6 nm with different phases. The mechanism of electrochemical exfoliation of boron is also revealed and discussed. Therefore, the proposed methodology can serve as a new tool for bulk scale fabrication of few-layered borophene and speed up the development of borophene-related research and its potential application.
Rutin prevents seizures in kainic acid-treated rats: evidence of glutamate levels, inflammation and neuronal loss modulation
Authors: Chang Anna , Chang Yi , Wang Su-Jane
Published: September 2022

Pretreatment of rats with rutin attenuated KA-induced seizures and neuronal loss by decreasing glutamatergic hyperactivity and IL-1R1/TLR4-related neuroinflammatory casade. Our findings provide clues to understand the mechanism of rutin in epilepsy intervention.
Allergenicity evaluation of peptides from milk and yogurt after gastrointestinal digestion based on epitopes
Authors: Huang Meijia , Tan Hongkai , Xiong Ziyi , Hu Wei , Wu Yong , Meng Xuanyi , Chen Hongbing , Li Xin
Published: September 2022

Analysis of digestive peptides from milk and yogurt.
Multi-omic analysis of host-microbial interactions central to the gut-brain axis
Authors: Simpson Joshua B. , Redinbo Matthew R.
Published: September 2022

The neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine reside in the gastrointestinal tract and impact host physiology and neurological disease states. Emerging technologies for investigating the gut microbiome can be integrated towards solving the molecular mechanisms linking the gut microbiota to neurological functions.
High-frequency ultrasonic pyrolysis of 200 nm ultrafine Fe-doped NiO hollow spheres for efficient oxygen evolution catalysis
Authors: Liu Yadong , Wang Yong , Zhao Yongzhi , Liu Luan , Liu Sijia , Zhang Deyin , Wu Haoyang , Jia Baorui , Zhang Lin , Qin Mingli , Qu Xuanhui
Published: September 2022

High-frequency ultrasonic pyrolysis (3 MHz) was developed to prepare ultrafine Fe-doped NiO porous hollow spheres ∼200 nm. The material showed a low overpotential of 288 mV for a current density of 10 mA cm−2 as oxygen evolution reaction catalyst.
Two new Ni/Co-MOFs as electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline electrolytes
Authors: Yan Yang-Tian , Ge Lei , Wu Yun-Long , Cai Wei , Tang Peng-Fei , Zhang Wen-Yan , Wang Yao-Yu
Published: September 2022

Two novel Ni/Co-MOFs electrocatalysts were synthesized. Ni-MOF demonstrated a good activity in electrocatalytic OER performances and short-term electrochemical durability.
A mixed strategy to fabricate two bifunctional ligand-based Ag-complexes with high proton conductivity
Authors: Wang Shuyu , Zhao Lijia , Fang Fang , Wang Lei , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Suoshu , Du Lin , Zhao Qi-Hua
Published: September 2022

High proton conductivity materials BAg-1 and BAg-2 were obtained using a mixed strategy with the same main bifunctional ligand.
Physicochemical insights into the micelle-based drug-delivery of bioactive compounds to the carrier protein
Authors: Tinku  , Gautam Pankaj , Choudhary Sinjan
Published: September 2022

Micelles have ability to encapsulate a wide range of drugs and modulate their delivery to the carrier/target proteins.
Manganese corrole catalyzed selective oxidation of styrene to benzaldehyde: sodium nitrite functions as an oxidant and cocatalyst
Authors: Wan Bei , Cheng Fan , Wang Hua-Hua , Ali Atif , Sun Yan-Mei , Liu Hai-Yang , Chang Chi-Kwong
Published: September 2022

The first example of manganese corrole catalyzed selective oxidation of styrene to benzaldehyde: a free radical-involved reaction with NaNO2 as an oxidant and cocatalyst.
Tandem polymerization consisting of cyclotrimerization and the Tishchenko reaction: synthesis of acid- and alkali-degradable polymers with cyclic acetal and ester structures in the main chain
Authors: Naito Tadashi , Kanazawa Arihiro , Aoshima Sadahito
Published: September 2022

Tandem polymerization consisting of cyclotrimerization and the Tishchenko reaction was developed, which yielded acid- and alkali-degradable polymers.
Structural diversity of CuZn2InSe4 quaternary chalcogenides: electronic and phonon properties from first principles
Authors: Ma Long , Shi Wencong , Woods Lilia M.
Published: September 2022

The quaternary chalcogenide CuZn2InSe4 can synthesize in several phases with tetrahedral arrangements whose transport properties can be associated with structural lattice similarities in the material.
Fabrication of a boron-doped nanocrystalline diamond grown on an WC–Co electrode for degradation of phenol
Authors: Zhang Tao , Xue Zhe , Xie Ying , Huang Guodong , Peng Guangpan
Published: September 2022

WC–Co is applied as the substrate instead of conventional ones, on which nanocrystalline BDD films are deposited by HFCVD. WC–Co/BDD electrode like the standard BDD shows a wide potential window and a good mineralization capacity in phenol.
Contrast enhanced sonothrombolysis using streptokinase loaded phase change nano-droplets for potential treatment of deep venous thrombosis
Authors: Masood Usama , Riaz Ramish , Shah Saeed Ullah , Majeed Ayesha Isani , Abbas Shah Rukh
Published: September 2022

Contrast enhanced sonothrombolysis using streptokinase loaded phase change nano-droplets.
Cefotaxime incorporated bimetallic silver-selenium nanoparticles: promising antimicrobial synergism, antibiofilm activity, and bacterial membrane leakage reaction mechanism
Authors: Elakraa Abdelrahman A. , Salem Salem S. , El-Sayyad Gharieb S. , Attia Mohamed S.
Published: September 2022

In this research, we reported for the first time the simple incorporation of antibiotic cefotaxime (CFM) with Ag NPs, Se NPs, and bimetallic Ag–Se NPs by gamma rays; as a promising cost-effective, and eco-friendly method.
A green fluorescence turn-off system for meclofenoxate determination by Cilefa Pink B dye
Authors: Hamad Ahmed Abdulhafez
Published: September 2022

The decoration of a facile switch-off fluorescent system utilizing a safe food dye (Cilefa Pink B) for meclofenoxate investigation through an electrostatic attachment.
Ullmann homocoupling of arenediazonium salts in a deep eutectic solvent. Synthetic and mechanistic aspects
Authors: Ghigo Giovanni , Bonomo Matteo , Antenucci Achille , Damin Alessandro , Dughera Stefano
Published: September 2022

DES is exploited as a solvent media in Ullmann homocoupling of arenediazonium salts. Computational study supported by Raman spectroscopy is presented, aiming to elucidate the reaction mechanism.
Universal linker-free assembly of core–satellite hetero-superstructures
Authors: Hu Yanfang , Li Yonglong , Yu Linfeng , Zhang Yuying , Lai Yuming , Zhang Wei , Xie Wei
Published: September 2022

A methodology aiming to prepare nanoarchitectures using a wide range of building block materials is presented.
A smelting–rolling strategy for ZnIn bulk phase alloy anodes
Authors: Chai Yizhao , Xie Xuesong , He Zhangxing , Guo Guangyi , Wang Pinji , Xing Zhenyue , Lu Bingan , Liang Shuquan , Tang Yan , Zhou Jiang
Published: September 2022

A ZnIn alloy anode with trace indium is obtained by smelting–rolling method. The Zn deposition could be regarded as instantaneous nucleation that can alleviate the effect of deposition layer for the diffusion zone and suppresses dendrite growth.
From peptides to proteins: coiled-coil tetramers to single-chain 4-helix bundles
Authors: Naudin Elise A. , Albanese Katherine I. , Smith Abigail J. , Mylemans Bram , Baker Emily G. , Weiner Orion D. , Andrews David M. , Tigue Natalie , Savery Nigel J. , Woolfson Derek N.
Published: September 2022

Rules for designing 4-helix bundles are defined, tested, and used to generate de novo peptide assemblies and a single-chain protein.
Stretchable reflective coating for soft optical waveguides and sensors
Authors: Lantean Simone , Lo Preti Matteo , Beccai Lucia
Published: September 2022

TiO2 particles are added into silicone matrices to develop highly reflective composite coatings. Coated soft optical waveguides and strain sensors demonstrate superior environmental light shielding, and tolerance to bending, folding, and indentation.
Superior stretchable, low thermal resistance and efficient self-healing composite elastomers for thermal management
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Fan JianFeng , He Dongyi , Ren Linlin , Hao Zhifeng , Sun Rong , Zeng Xiaoliang
Published: September 2022

Covalent adaptable networks incorporating supramolecular interactions are constructed to produce poly(thioctic acid)/aluminum (poly(TA)/Al) self-healing and stretchable composite elastomers for thermal management of advanced electronic devices.
Regulating the exciton binding energy of covalent triazine frameworks for enhancing photocatalysis
Authors: Zhang Weijie , Deng Zhaozhang , Deng Jiyong , Au Chak-Tong , Liao Yunfeng , Yang Hai , Liu Qingquan
Published: September 2022

Strong excitonic effects are the major constraints hindering free charge carrier generation in polymeric semiconductors. Minimizing the potential Coulomb interaction of Frenkel excitons is ideal for boosting the generation of charge carrier.
Potato diseases caused by soft rot erwinias: an overview of pathogenesis
Authors: Pérombelon M. C. M.
Published: September 2022

Three soft rot erwinias, Erwinia carotovora ssp. carotovora, E. carotovora ssp. atroseptica and E. chrysanthemi are associated with potatoes causing tuber soft rot and blackleg (stem rot). Latent infection of tubers and stems is widespread. As opportunistic pathogens, the bacteria tend to cause disease when potato resistance is impaired. Pathogenesis or disease development in potato tubers and stems is discussed in terms of the interaction between pathogen, host and environment, microbial competition and recent findings on the molecular basis of pathogenicity. Emphasis is placed on the role of free water and anaerobiosis in weakening tuber resistance and in providing nutrient for erwinias to multiply. Blackleg symptoms are expressed when erwinias predominate in rotting mother tubers, invade the stems and multiply in xylem vessels under favourable weather conditions. Soft rot erwinias tend to out‐compete other bacteria in tuber rots because of their ability to produce larger quantities of a wider range of cell wall‐degrading enzymes. However, despite extensive studies on their induction, regulation and secretion, little is known about the precise role of the different enzymes in pathogenesis. The putative role of quorum‐sensing regulation of these enzymes in disease development is evaluated. The role certain pathogenicity‐related characters, including motility, adhesion, siderophores, detoxifying systems and the hrp gene complex, common to most bacteria including symbionts and saprophytes, could play in latent and active infections is also discussed.
The spectral-timing analysis of Cygnus X-1 with Insight-HXMT
Authors: Zhou M. , Grinberg V. , Bu Q.-C. , Santangelo A. , Cangemi F. , Diez C. M. , König O. , Ji L. , Nowak M. A. , Pottschmidt K. , Rodriguez J. , Wilms J. , Zhang S. , Qu J.-L. , Zhang S.-N.
Published: September 2022

Cygnus X-1, as the first discovered black hole binary, is a key source for understanding the mechanisms of state transitions and the scenarios of accretion in extreme gravity fields. We present a spectral-timing analysis of observations taken with the Insight–Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (HXMT) mission, focusing on the spectral-state-dependent timing properties in the broad energy range of 1−150 keV, thus extending previous studies based on Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) to both lower and higher energies. Our main results are the following: (a) We successfully use a simple empirical model to fit all spectra, confirming that the reflection component is stronger in the soft state than in the hard state. (b) The evolution of the total fractional root mean square (rms) depends on the selected energy band and the spectral shape, which is a direct result of the evolution of the power spectral densities (PSDs). (c) In the hard/intermediate state, we see clear short-term variability features and a positive correlation between the central frequencies of the variability components and the soft photon index Γ1, which we also see at energies above 15 keV. In the soft state, the power spectrum is instead dominated by red noise. These behaviors can be traced to at least 90 keV. (d) Finally, the coherence and the phase-lag spectra show different behaviors, depending on the different spectral shapes.
Sequential convex programming for non-linear stochastic optimal control
Authors: Bonalli Riccardo , Lew Thomas , Pavone Marco
Published: September 2022

This work introduces a sequential convex programming framework for non-linear, finitedimensional stochastic optimal control, where uncertainties are modeled by a multidimensional Wiener process. We prove that any accumulation point of the sequence of iterates generated by sequential convex programming is a candidate locally-optimal solution for the original problem in the sense of the stochastic Pontryagin Maximum Principle. Moreover, we provide sufficient conditions for the existence of at least one such accumulation point. We then leverage these properties to design a practical numerical method for solving non-linear stochastic optimal control problems based on a deterministic transcription of stochastic sequential convex programming.
Gastrointestinal parasites in non-human primates in zoological institutions in France
Authors: Vonfeld Irène , Prenant Thibaut , Polack Bruno , Guillot Jacques , Quintard Benoît
Published: September 2022

Gastrointestinal parasites are frequently encountered in captive non-human primates and infestation may have severe consequences on the animal’s health status. Most of these parasites are also transmissible to humans. Nevertheless, little is known about the prevalence and monitoring modalities of gastrointestinal parasitoses in non-human primates housed in zoological institutions and there are currently no guidelines available for their detection and identification. The objective of this study was to identify the main gastrointestinal parasites that may be observed in non-human primates in zoological institutions in France, as well as to develop a decision-making tree to ease their identification. Twenty-four zoological institutions were surveyed, most of which performed fecal examinations routinely on their non-human primates (91.7%). Most institutions used flotation enrichment protocols to detect gastrointestinal parasites (95.2%) and nematodes were the most frequently encountered parasites (73.0%). A total of 252 fecal samples corresponding to 68 different non-human primate species from these institutions were analyzed using sedimentation and flotation protocols. Protozoa (47.3%) were found to be more frequent than helminths (15.6%). Furthermore, old-world monkeys exhibited a higher parasite load (93.6%) than any other non-human primate species category. Compiled data from fecal examinations allowed the development of a decision-making tree and diagnostic atlas to facilitate parasite diagnosis in captive non-human primates.
Kosteneffektivität von Case und Care Management bei
älteren Populationen in Deutschland: Eine systematische
Literaturübersicht
Authors: Brinkmann Carolin , Radic Marija , Kasprick Lysann
Published: September 2022

Hintergrund Trotz tendenziell länger anhaltender Gesundheit nimmt
die Komplexität der Gesundheitsprobleme älterer Menschen zu, was
den Bedarf nach interprofessioneller Versorgung in allen Settings
erhöht. Eine fehlende Koordination unter den Leistungserbringenden
riskiert eine fragmentierte Versorgung, die zu Wiederholungen oder
Lücken in Dienstleistungen, widersprüchlichen
Behandlungsempfehlungen, Medikationsfehlern und höheren Kosten
führen kann. Dementsprechend sind neue, integrierte Versorgungsmodelle
gefragt, die sich am Bedarf und Nutzen der PatientInnen orientieren. Das Case
und Care Management (CCM) wird in Deutschland in vielfältigen Settings
zur Verbesserung der Versorgung erprobt. Ziel der Arbeit: Die vorliegende Studie
untersucht, zu welchen Ergebnissen gesundheitsökonomische Evaluationen
von CCM-Interventionen in Deutschland bei Populationen über 60 Jahren im
Vergleich zur Regelversorgung kommen.

Material und Methoden Grundlage der Studie ist eine systematische
Literaturrecherche, die über Pubmed und Livivo durchgeführt und
um eine umfassende Handrecherche ergänzt wird. Eingeschlossene
Primärstudien wurden mithilfe des CHEERS-Leitfadens bewertet und
narrativ synthetisiert.

Ergebnisse Insgesamt fünf Kosteneffektivitätsstudien
wurden eingeschlossen, überwiegend basierend auf randomisierten,
kontrollierten Studien. Die Ergebnisse hinsichtlich der
Kosteneffektivität sind gemischt. Signifikante Unterschiede werden bei
Wirksamkeits- und Kostenendpunkten vereinzelt erreicht.

Schlussfolgerung Die gemischte, geringe Studienlage und die zahlreichen
laufenden Innovationsfondsprojekte zu diesem Thema ergeben aktuell noch kein
klares Bild, ob CCM-Interventionen gesundheitsökonomische Vorteile
gegenüber der Regelversorgung aufweisen. Weitere Erforschung ist
indiziert. Innovationsfondsprojekte zum Themenfeld lassen zukünftig neue
Evidenz erwarten.
Recent Progress on the [3+2] Cycloaddition Route for the Synthesis of All-Carbon Quaternary Stereocentres
Authors: Deepthi Ani , Mohan Maneesh , Balachandran Meenakshy C.
Published: September 2022

Construction of all-carbon quaternary centres is an important task in organic synthesis. In spite of the challenges associated with Csp3–Csp3 bond construction in a sterically constrained environment, significant advances have been made in this area. Among the latter, both catalytic and noncatalytic [3+2] cycloaddition approaches have gained wide attention recently. This short review summarizes the [3+2] cycloaddition reactions reported during the period 2016–2022 for the synthesis of molecules possessing one or more all-carbon quaternary stereocentres.
Synthesis of (±)-5-epi-Vetiverianine A via an Oxidative Cyclization Approach
Authors: Sugita Kazuyuki , Nagata Eiji , Sakate Hisaaki , Okada Takaharu , Adachi Shinya , Kamo Shogo , Matsuzawa Akinobu
Published: September 2022

In this article, we report the synthesis of (±)-5-epi-vetiverianine A. The key reactions, including a rhodium-catalyzed coupling reaction and an oxidative phenolic cyclization, allow for efficient and stereoselective access to (±)-5-epi-vetiverianine A in 11 steps, and in 20% overall yield. The stereochemistry is confirmed by NOE studies.
Uric Acid Induces a Proatherothrombotic Phenotype in Human Endothelial Cells by Imbalancing the Tissue Factor/Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor Pathway
Authors: Cimmino Giovanni , Conte Stefano , Marra Laura , Morello Andrea , Morello Mariarosaria , De Rosa Gennaro , Pepe Martino , Sugraliyev Akhmetzhan , Golino Paolo , Cirillo Plinio
Published: September 2022

Background Several evidence show that elevated plasma levels of uric acid (UA) are associated with the increased risk of developing atherothrombotic cardiovascular events. Hyperuricemia is a risk factor for endothelial dysfunction (ED). ED is involved in the pathophysiology of atherothrombosis since dysfunctional cells lose their physiological, antithrombotic properties. We have investigated whether UA might promote ED by modulating the tissue factor (TF)/TF pathway inhibitor (TFPI) balance by finally changing the antithrombotic characteristics of endothelial cells.

Methods Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were incubated with increasing doses of UA (up to 9 mg/dL). TF gene and protein expressions were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot. Surface expression and procoagulant activity were assessed by FACS (fluorescence activated cell sorting) analysis and coagulation assay. The mRNA and protein levels of TFPI were measured by real-time PCR and Western blot. The roles of inflammasome and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) as possible mechanism(s) of action of the UA on TF/TFPI balance were also investigated.

Results UA significantly increased TF gene and protein levels, surface expression, and procoagulant activity. In parallel, TFPI levels were significantly reduced. The NF-κB pathways appeared to be involved in modulating these phenomena. Additionally, inflammasome might also play a role.

Conclusion The present in vitro study shows that one of the mechanisms by which high levels of UA contribute to ED might be the imbalance between TF/TFPI levels in endothelial cells, shifting them to a nonphysiological, prothrombotic phenotype. These UA effects might hypothetically explain, at least in part, the relationship observed between elevated plasma levels of UA and cardiovascular events.
Comparison of Charlson Comorbidity Index and Modified 5-Factor Frailty Index as Clinical Risk Stratification Tools in Predicting Adverse Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Lower Extremity Free-Flap Reconstruction
Authors: Huffman Samuel S. , Bovill John D. , Deldar Romina , Gupta Nisha , Truong Brian N. , Haffner Zoë K. , Sayyed Adaah A. , Fan Kenneth L. , Evans Karen K.
Published: September 2022

Background Free tissue transfer (FTT) reconstruction is associated with a high rate of limb salvage in patients with chronic lower extremity (LE) wounds. Studies have shown perioperative risk stratification tools (e.g., 5-factor modified frailty index [mFI-5] and Charlson comorbidity index [CCI]) to be useful in predicting adverse outcomes; however, no studies have compared them in patients undergoing LE reconstruction. The aim of this study is to compare the utility of mFI-5 and CCI in predicting postoperative morbidity in elderly patients receiving LE FTT reconstruction.

Methods A retrospective review of patients aged 60 years or older who underwent LE FTT reconstruction from 2011 to 2022 was performed. Comorbidity burden was measured by two validated risk-stratification tools: mFI-5 and CCI. Primary outcomes included prolonged postoperative length of stay (LOS), defined as greater than 75th percentile of the cohort, postoperative complications, and eventual amputation.

Results A total of 115 patients were identified. Median CCI and mFI-5 were 5 (interquartile range [IQR]: 4–6) and 2 (IQR: 1–3), respectively. Average postoperative LOS was 16.4 days. Twenty-nine patients (25.2%) experienced a postoperative complication, and eight patients (7%) required LE amputation at a mean follow-up of 19.8 months. Overall, flap success was 96.5% (n = 111), and limb salvage rate was 93% (n = 108). Increased CCI was found to be independently predictive of only eventual amputation (odds ratio: 1.59; p = 0.039), while mFI-5 was not predictive of prolonged postoperative LOS, flap complications, or eventual amputation.

Conclusion This is the first study to compare the utility of mFI-5 and CCI in predicting adverse outcomes in elderly patients undergoing LE FTT reconstruction. Our results demonstrate CCI to be a superior predictor of secondary amputation in this patient population and mFI-5 to have limited utility. Further investigation in a prospective multicenter cohort is warranted.
Expanding the Phenotypic Spectrum of Alazami Syndrome: Two Unrelated Spanish Families
Authors: Soengas-Gonda Emma , Pérez de la Fuente Rubén , Arteche-López Ana , Gómez-Cano María de los Ángeles , Quesada-Espinosa Juan Francisco , Palma Milla Carmen , Lezana Rosales José Miguel , Mayo de Andrés Sonia , Sánchez-Calvín María Teresa , Gómez-Rodríguez María José , Sierra Tomillo Olalla , Juarez Rufian Alexandra , Ramos Gomez Patricia , Herrero-Forte Clara , Fenollar-Cortés Maria , Cotarelo-Pérez Carmen , García Ron Adrián , Pérez Rodríguez Olga , Oancea-Ionescu Raluca , Moreno-García Marta
Published: September 2022

Alazami syndrome is a rare disorder with an autosomal recessive inheritance caused by pathogenic biallelic variants in the LARP7 gene. Clinically, it is mainly characterized by short stature, intellectual disability, and dysmorphic facial features. However, the phenotype is not yet well-defined because less than 50 cases have been described to date. Here, we report three new patients from two unrelated Spanish families who, in addition to the defined features of Alazami syndrome, also exhibit unique features that broaden the phenotypic spectrum of the syndrome. Moreover, we describe the novel frameshift variant c.690_699delins27 in the LARP7 gene, in which loss of function is a known mechanism of Alazami syndrome.
Prevalence and Predictors of Functional Evacuation Disorder in Patients with Chronic Constipation
Authors: Behera Manas Kumar , Mishra Debakanta , Sahu Manoj Kumar , Singh Ayaskanta , Pati Girish Kumar , Agarwal Shobhit , Narayan Jimmy
Published: September 2022

Background Functional evacuation disorder (FED) is the second most common cause of functional constipation (FC) after constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. However, the data on FED is relatively scanty in our region. Hence, the present study was performed to evaluate the demographics of FED and to find out the predictors of FED in patients with chronic constipation.

Methods A total of 134 patients with chronic constipation diagnosed according to the Rome IV criteria who were referred for high-resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) were retrospectively enrolled in the present study. All FC patients who underwent HRAM were asked to fill a questionnaire and underwent anorectal manometry and were submitted to the balloon expulsion test (BET).

Results The mean age of patients was 43.09 ± 9.32 years old, with a total of 76 (54%) males. The most common symptom was straining during defecation (87%) followed by incomplete evacuation (86%). The prevalence of FED, diagnosed by HRAM and by the BET was 39%. Patients with FED had a significantly higher percentage of straining and sensation of anorectal blockade compared with those without FED (96 versus 82%; p < 0.01; 81 versus 44%; p < 0.001, respectively). On the multivariate regression analysis, straining > 30 minutes (odds ratio [OR] = 3.63; p = 0.03), maximum squeeze pressure (OR = 1.05; p < 0.001), and balloon volume at maximal sensation (OR = 1.06; p < 0.001) were found to be significant independent predictors of FED.

Conclusion Prolonged straining and sensation of anorectal blockade were significant indicators of FED in patients with chronic constipation.
Operative Technique: Angiomatoid Fibrous Histiocytoma—Unique Case and Management
Authors: Mazur-Hart David J. , O'Neill Brannan E. , Pang Brandi W. , Hakar Melanie H. , Wood Matthew D. , Gupta Sachin , Sayama Christina M. , Liu Jesse J. , Dogan Aclan
Published: September 2022

Objective We describe the first jugular foramen angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) case and the first treatment with preoperative endovascular embolization. AFH is a rare intracranial neoplasm, primarily found in pediatric patient extremities. With an increase in AFH awareness and a well-described genetic profile, intracranial prevalence has also subsequently increased.

Study Design We compare this case to previously reported cases using PubMed/Medline literature search, which was performed using the algorithm [“intracranial” AND “angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma”] through December 2020 (23 manuscripts with 46 unique cases).

Patient An 8-year-old female presented with failure to thrive and right-sided hearing loss. Work-up revealed an absence of right-sided serviceable hearing and a large jugular foramen mass. Angiogram revealed primary arterial supply from the posterior branch of the ascending pharyngeal artery, which was preoperatively embolized.

Intervention Gross total resection was performed via a translabyrinthine approach.

Conclusion The case presented is unique; the first reported AFH at the jugular foramen and the first reported case utilizing preoperative embolization. Preoperative embolization is a relatively safe technique that can improve the surgeon's ability to perform a maximally safe resection, which may decrease the need for adjuvant radiation in rare skull base tumors in young patients.
Colorectal Cancer: Comparative Analysis Between Two Series of Patients Separated by More Than Three Decades
Authors: Djadou Teresa Moreno , Rey Antonio , Die Javier , Lobo Eduardo , Pérez Juan Carlos García
Published: September 2022

Aim This study characterizes Colorectal Cancer (CRC) incidence in the University Hospital Ramon and Cajal, Madrid, and analyzes variations over time. It establishes risk groups, aiming to discover whether diagnosis can be determined in less advanced stages of disease.

Method Evolutionary epidemiological study of genetic and environmental factors contributing to the development of CRC in this district that enables the comparison of two cohorts of patients separated by 37 years: G1 (patients of current group) and G2 (patients of historical group). The main risk variables gleaned retrospectively were analyzed and the statistical association between cohorts was determined.

Results The mean age of patients increased significantly from 64 to 71 along with the incidence of ascending colon cancer. G1 scored higher than G2 for: the incidence of colon cancer in men, detection of adenomatous polyps (48.1%), percentage of resectability with curative intent (80.4%), and Dukes A stage (34.1%) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion Biological aspects of CRC have been compared against its profile three decades earlier. We can confirm the existence of concrete changes in the manifestation and staging at the time of diagnosis or following earlier treatment.
On geometrically uniform codes and topological quantum MDS codes
Authors: Vieira Vandenberg Lopes , Juriaans Orlando Stanley
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we present generalized edge-pairings for the family of hyperbolic tessellations {4λ, 4} with the purpose of obtaining the corresponding discrete group of isometries. These tessellations have greater density packing than the self-dual tessellations {4λ, 4λ}, implying that the associated codes achieve the least error probability or, equivalently, that these codes are optimum codes. We also consider the topological quantum error-correcting codes on surfaces with genus g ≥ 2, as proposed in other papers. From that, we focus on the class of topological quantum maximum distance separable codes, showing that the only such codes are precisely the ones with minimum distance d ≤ 2.
High dimensionless figure of merit of the ZrI2 monolayer identified based on intrinsic carrier concentration and bipolar effect
Authors: Jia Ming , Yang Chuan-Lu , Wang Mei-Shan , Ma Xiao-Guang
Published: September 2022

A 2D ZrI2 monolayer with a high dimensionless figure of merit (ZT) is analyzed in terms of intrinsic carrier concentrations, transport coefficients, and a bipolar effect. The ZrI2 monolayer with a space group of P21/m is fully optimized. The dynamic and thermal stabilities are verified by computing the phonon dispersion in addition to performing ab initio molecular dynamics simulation. The thermal conductivity of the lattice is evaluated by employing the phonon Boltzmann transport theory and the first-principle second and third force constants. The Seebeck coefficients, electronic thermal conductivities, and electric conductivities of the monolayer are determined by solving the relaxation time approximation semiclassical Boltzmann transport equation. To further explore the chance for promoting ZT, we investigate the manipulating effect of the carrier concentrations. The largest ZT with the bipolar effect can reach 7.86 at 700 K, implying that the ZrI2 monolayer has excellent thermoelectric performance.
A non-equilibrium slip wall model for large-eddy simulation with an immersed boundary method
Authors: Shi Beiji , Xu Zhaoyue , Wang Shizhao
Published: September 2022

A non-equilibrium wall model for large-eddy simulation with the immersed boundary (IB) method is proposed to reduce the required number of grid points in simulating wall-bounded turbulence. The proposed wall model is presented as an appropriate slip velocity on the wall. The slip velocity is constructed by integrating the simplified turbulent boundary layer (TBL) equation along the wall-normal direction, which enhances the integral momentum balance near the wall on a coarse grid. The effect of pressure gradient on the near wall flow is taken into account by retaining the pressure gradient term in the simplified TBL equation. The proposed model is implemented in the form of a direct-forcing IB method with moving-least-square reconstruction near the wall. The benchmarks of plane channel turbulence and the flows over a backward-facing step are used for validation. The proposed model improves the wall stresses and velocity profiles in the region where the pressure gradient dominates the near wall flows.
Terahertz slow-wave scalable interconnect based on back-end-of-line (BEOL) in 40 nm CMOS
Authors: Huang Xinge , Shen Yizhu , Hu Sanming
Published: September 2022

This paper proposes a terahertz (THz) slow-wave scalable interconnect based on multilayered back-end-of-lines in a complementary metal-oxide-semi-conductor process. Capacitances are realized beside and below the signal line. The ground plane is slotted to significantly reduce the propagation velocity of electromagnetic waves and improve the quality factor. Compared with a conventional microstrip line, the proposed slow-wave interconnect not only realizes a slow-wave factor up to 1.96 but also achieves a quality factor higher than 20 at 0.14–0.15 THz. In addition, a one-step data processing method is proposed to directly calculate the performance metrics of interconnects by using the measured S-parameters of device-under-test and the Thru calibration kit. For millimeter-wave and THz chips, the proposed slow-wave interconnect is a promising candidate to realize on-chip passive components with increased quality factor as well as reduced footprint and loss.
Slow electron holes in the Earth's bow shock
Authors: Kamaletdinov S. R. , Vasko I. Y. , Wang R. , Artemyev A. V. , Yushkov E. V. , Mozer F. S.
Published: September 2022

We present analysis of about one hundred bipolar structures of positive polarity identified in ten quasi-perpendicular crossings of the Earth's bow shock by the Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft. The bipolar structures have amplitudes up to a few tenths of local electron temperature, spatial scales of a few local Debye lengths, and plasma frame speeds of the order of local ion-acoustic speed. We argue that the bipolar structures of positive polarity are slow electron holes, rather than ion-acoustic solitons. The electron holes are typically above the transverse instability threshold, which we argue is due to high values of the ratio ωpe/ωce between electron plasma and cyclotron frequencies. We speculate that the transverse instability can strongly limit the lifetime of the electron holes, whose amplitude is above a certain threshold, which is only a few mV/m in the Earth's bow shock. We suggest that electron surfing acceleration by large-amplitude electron holes reported in numerical simulations of high-Mach number shocks might not be as efficient in realistic shocks, because the transverse instability strongly limits the lifetime of large-amplitude electron holes at ωpe/ωce values typical of collisionless shocks in nature.
Light propagation in a plasma on an axially symmetric and stationary spacetime: Separability of the Hamilton–Jacobi equation and shadow
Authors: Bezděková Barbora , Perlick Volker , Bičák Jiří
Published: September 2022

The properties of light rays around compact objects surrounded by a plasma are affected by both strong gravitational fields described by a general-relativistic spacetime and by a dispersive and refractive medium, characterized by the density distribution of the plasma. We study these effects employing the relativistic Hamiltonian formalism under the assumption of stationarity and axisymmetry. The necessary and sufficient conditions on the metric and on the plasma frequency are formulated such that the rays can be analytically determined from a fully separated Hamilton–Jacobi equation. We demonstrate how these results allow us to analytically calculate the photon region and the shadow if they exist. Several specific examples are discussed in detail: the “hairy” Kerr black holes, the Hartle–Thorne spacetime metrics, the Melvin universe, and the Teo rotating traversable wormhole. In all of these cases, a plasma medium is present as well.
Investigation of dust lifting by a moving shock wave based on compressible multiphase particle-in-cell method
Authors: Li Jianling , He Jiahui , Meng Baoqing , Tian Baolin
Published: September 2022

A dust lifting process by shock waves performs high complexity and is of significance for industrial safety. To develop an in-depth understanding of an inherent physical mechanism of dust lifting, this study presents a detailed consideration regarding particle force models. First, a set of compressive force models of those that may affect lifting is distinguished, which afterwards is integrated into the original compressible multiphase particle-in-cell (CMP-PIC) method. Second, the value of the restitution coefficient is determined using the sensitivity analysis method. Good agreement of the dust lifting height is achieved between the numerical and different experimental results, which demonstrate the reliability of the CMP-PIC method. Then, the contributions of different kinds of forces to dust lifting are qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. Flow field analysis shows that the shock-induced flow produces downward drag and pressure gradient forces on the particles to inhibit the rise of the particles, while the Magnus and Saffman forces perform a promoting role. Additionally, the compression wave and its reflected wave in the granular medium are clearly observed. Specially, when the reflected wave reaches the surface, huge collision forces on the particles and significantly promotes the initial lifting of particles. Moreover, the histories of forces acting on the particles at different layers of dust are discussed. The results show that different kinds of forces perform intense space-time dependent characteristics, and the dominant forces at different stages of dust lifting are identified. A dimensionless analysis of the force model qualitatively justifies the simulation results. The influence of the shock strength is also discussed.
4-component relativistic Hamiltonian with effective QED potentials for molecular calculations
Authors: Sunaga Ayaki , Salman Maen , Saue Trond
Published: September 2022

We report the implementation of effective quantum electrodynamics (QED) potentials for all-electron four-component relativistic molecular calculations using the DIRAC code. The potentials are also available for two-component calculations, being properly picture-change transformed. The latter point is important; we demonstrate through atomic calculations that picture-change errors are sizable. Specifically, we have implemented the Uehling potential [E. A. Uehling, Phys. Rev. 48, 55 (1935)] for vacuum polarization and two effective potentials [P. Pyykkö and L.-B. Zhao, J. Phys. B: At., Mol. Opt. Phys. 36, 1469 (2003) and V. V. Flambaum and J. S. M. Ginges, Phys. Rev. A 72, 052115 (2005)] for electron self-energy. We provide extensive theoretical background for these potentials, hopefully reaching an audience beyond QED specialists. We report the following sample applications: (i) We first confirm the conjecture of P. Pyykkö that QED effects are observable for the AuCN molecule by directly calculating ground-state rotational constants B0 of the three isotopomers studied by microwave spectroscopy; QED brings the corresponding substitution Au–C bond length rs from 0.23 to 0.04 pm agreement with experiment. (ii) In regard to spectroscopic constants of van der Waals dimers M2 (M = Hg, Rn, Cn, Og), QED induces bond length expansions on the order of 0.15(0.30) pm for row 6(7) dimers. (iii) We confirm that there is a significant change of valence s population of Pb in the reaction PbH4 → PbH2 + H2, which is thereby a good candidate for observing QED effects in chemical reactions, as proposed in [K. G. Dyall et al., Chem. Phys. Lett. 348, 497 (2001)]. We also find that whereas in PbH4 the valence 6s1/2 population resides in bonding orbitals, it is mainly found in nonbonding orbitals in PbH2. QED contributes 0.32 kcal/mol to the reaction energy, thereby reducing its magnitude by −1.27%. For corresponding hydrides of superheavy flerovium, the electronic structures are quite similar. Interestingly, the QED contribution to the reaction energy is of quite similar magnitude (0.35 kcal/mol), whereas the relative change is significantly smaller (−0.50%). This curious observation can be explained by the faster increase in negative vacuum polarization over positive electron self-energy contributions as a function of nuclear charge.
Inhibition of GABAA receptors in intestinal stem cells prevents chemoradiotherapy-induced intestinal toxicity
Authors: Zhang Cuiyu , Zhou Yuping , Zheng Junjie , Ning Nannan , Liu Haining , Jiang Wenyang , Yu Xin , Mu Kun , Li Yan , Guo Wei , Hu Huili , Li Jingxin , Chen Dawei
Published: September 2022

Lethal intestinal tissue toxicity is a common side effect and a dose-limiting factor in chemoradiotherapy. Chemoradiotherapy can trigger DNA damage and induce P53-dependent apoptosis in LGR5+ intestinal stem cells (ISCs). Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and its A receptors (GABAAR) are present in the gastrointestinal tract. However, the functioning of the GABAergic system in ISCs is poorly defined. We found that GABAAR α1 (GABRA1) levels increased in the murine intestine after chemoradiotherapy. GABRA1 depletion in LGR5+ ISCs protected the intestine from chemoradiotherapy-induced P53-dependent apoptosis and prolonged animal survival. The administration of bicuculline, a GABAAR antagonist, prevented chemoradiotherapy-induced ISC loss and intestinal damage without reducing the chemoradiosensitivity of tumors. Mechanistically, it was associated with the reduction of reactive oxygen species–induced DNA damage via the L-type voltage–dependent Ca2+ channels. Notably, flumazenil, a GABAAR antagonist approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, rescued human colonic organoids from chemoradiotherapy-induced toxicity. Therefore, flumazenil may be a promising drug for reducing the gastrointestinal side effects of chemoradiotherapy.