bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An expedient synthesis of highly functionalized 1,3-dienes by employing cyclopropenes as C4 units
Authors: Jiang Chengzhou , Wu Jiamin , Han Jiabin , Chen Kai , Qian Yang , Zhang Zhengyu , Jiang Yaojia
Published: May 2021

An efficient method has been described to synthesize 1,3-dienes by cleaving the CC bond of enaminones with cyclopropenes under very mild reaction conditions, including low rhodium catalyst-loading, ambient temperature, and a neutral solvent system.
A layer-by-layer assembledd/l-arginine-calix[4]arene-Si-surface for macroscopic enantio-selective discrimination of (R)/(S)-ibuprofen
Authors: Li Xiong , Yang Yingying , Quan Jiaxin , Zhang Jin , Cheng Ming , Yan Hewei , Zhang Siyun , Yang Lei , Lu Zhiyan , Li Haibing
Published: May 2021

Chiral arginine was introduced through layer-by-layer assembly onto a calix[4]arene-modified surface to control the selective adsorption of ibuprofen enantiomer droplets.
Design, synthesis and application of spiro[4.5]cyclohexadienones via one-pot sequential p-hydroxybenzylation/oxidative dearomatization
Authors: Patil Vaibhav B. , Nanubolu Jagadeesh Babu , Chegondi Rambabu
Published: May 2021

One-pot sequential p-hydroxybenzylation/oxidative dearomatization/spiroannulation has been designed for the efficient construction of tetrahydrofuran containing spiro-cyclohexadienones.
Multifunctionality of weak ferromagnetic porphyrin-based MOFs: selective adsorption in the liquid and gas phase
Authors: Amayuelas Eder , Iacomi Paul , Fidalgo-Marijuan Arkaitz , Bazán Begoña , Urtiaga Miren Karmele , Barandika Gotzone , Lezama Luis , Llewellyn Philip L. , Arriortua María Isabel
Published: May 2021

Ferromagnetic [Ni5(H2TCPP)2O(H2O)4]·nS exhibits selective adsorption towards cationic dyes in solution and gas separation calculations predict promising values for gas mixtures.
Vanadium oxide bronzes as cathode active materials for non-lithium-based batteries
Authors: Esparcia Eugene , Joo Jin , Lee Jinwoo
Published: May 2021

Lithium as critical resource prompted interest for non-lithium-based batteries. This highlight review discusses vanadium oxide bronzes as one of the material families being considered as cathode for non-lithium-based batteries.
CuS co-catalyst modified hydrogenated SrTiO3 nanoparticles as an efficient photocatalyst for H2 evolution
Authors: Zhou Diwen , Wang Ganyu , Feng Yuan , Chen Wenqian , Chen Jinyi , Yu Zhichong , Zhang Yu , Wang Jiajun , Tang Liang
Published: May 2021

CuS/STO-350 complexes exhibited photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity superior to the pristine SrTiO3.
Recyclable and reusablen-Bu4NBF4/PEG-400/H2O system for electrochemical C-3 formylation of indoles with Me3N as a carbonyl source
Authors: Ling Fei , Cheng Didi , Liu Tao , Liu Lei , Li Yujin , Li Jingyi , Zhong Weihui
Published: May 2021

An eco-friendly electrochemical C-3 formylation of indoles using Me3N as a carbonyl donor in a recyclable reaction medium has been developed.
A paradigm for the efficient synthesis of bio-based polycarbonate with deep eutectic solvents as catalysts by inhibiting the degradation of molecular chains
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Yang Zifeng , Zhang Yaqin , He Hongyan , Fang Wenjuan , Zhang Zhencai , Xu Fei
Published: May 2021

A catalytic system composed of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) with adjustable pH was developed for the efficient synthesis of poly(isosorbide) carbonate with high molecular weight by inhibiting the depolymerization of macromolecular chains.
Mn(iii)-mediated cascade cyclization of 1-(azidomethyl)-2-isocyanoarenes with organoboronic acids: construction of quinazoline derivatives
Authors: Kumar Gujjenahalli Ramalingaiah Yogesh , Begum Noor Shahina
Published: May 2021

A novel and efficient Mn(iii)-mediated oxidative radical cascade reaction of 1-(azidomethyl)-2-isocyanoarenes with organoboronic acids is reported.
Ni-Catalyzed radical cyclization of vinyl azides with cyclobutanone oxime esters to access cyanoalkyl containing quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones
Authors: Zhou Nengneng , Wu Sixin , Kuang Kaimo , Wu Meixia , Zhang Man
Published: May 2021

A nickel-catalyzed cascade addition/cyclization of 2-azido-N-arylacrylamides and cyclobutanone oxime esters for the construction of 3-cyanoalkylated quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones is developed.
Hydrothermal magic for the synthesis of new bismuth oxides
Authors: Saiduzzaman Md , Takei Takahiro , Kumada Nobuhiro
Published: May 2021

A variety of bismuth oxides have been synthesized by hydrothermal reactions using NaBiO3·nH2O as a starting material.
Carbon materials derived from polymerization of bio-oil as a catalyst for the reduction of nitrobenzene
Authors: Xu Qing , Gao Guoming , Tian Hongli , Gao Zhiran , Zhang Shu , Xu Leilei , Hu Xun
Published: May 2021

The bio-oil based carbon material modified by KOH activation and O, N doping is a promising non-metallic catalyst for nitrobenzene reduction with hydrazine hydrate as a reducing agent.
Storage mechanism of K in hydrogen-substituted graphdiyne as a superior anode
Authors: Ma Yue , Fan Xiaofeng , Singh David J. , Zheng W. T.
Published: May 2021

A high, special capacity of about 1094 mA h g−1 with a fast diffusion rate along the direction of the stacked layers is proposed for K interaction in HsGDY as a potential anode for KIBs.
Accurately metal-modulated bimetallic metal–organic frameworks as advanced trifunctional electrocatalysts
Authors: Chen Xin , Shao Bing , Tang Meng-Juan , He Xing-Lu , Yang Fu-Jie , Guo Ze-Ping , Zhang Zhong , He Chun-Ting , Huang Fu-Ping , Huang Jin
Published: May 2021

The atomic-level metal-modulated MOFs as an advanced trifunctional electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction, hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen reduction reaction.
Learn from Object Counting: Crowd Counting with Meta‐learning
Authors: Zan Changtong , Liu Baodi , Guan Weili , Zhang Kai , Liu Weifeng
Published: May 2021

The objective of crowd counting is to learn a counter that can estimate the number of people in a single image. So far, most of the proposed work evaluates the crowd density by fitting the constructed density map corresponding to the sample. The performance of those algorithms depends on a large amount of carefully prepared data. However, a significant problem with crowd data sets is the difficulty of labeling. To address such a situation, utilizing object counting data in few‐shot scenes is considered and an efficient algorithm to extract the meta‐information is proposed, thus improving the accuracy and convergence rate of the crowd counting tasks. Specifically, the counting network is trained with only object counting tasks constructed on different domains during the meta‐training phase. Then, the meta‐counter is testing on crowd counting tasks in the meta‐testing stage. Experimentally, it is demonstrated that the above way improves the converge rate and accuracy of crowd counting tasks on three crowd counting datasets when meta‐training on ten‐type object counting tasks.
Endoskopische Tunnelungsverfahren bei Achalasie und Gastroparese
Authors: Schad Christopher Moritz , Wildner Nadia , Gundling Felix
Published: May 2021

Seit der Erstpublikation der peroralen endoskopischen Myotomie (POEM) durch Haruhiro Inoue et al. im Jahr 2008 in Japan haben sich verschiedene neuartige endoskopische Verfahren etabliert, welche nach iatrogener Schaffung eines submukosalen Tunnels als „neuen Raum“ durchgeführt werden 1. Über den künstlich gebildeten Zugangsweg in der Tela submucosa können unter sorgfältiger Schonung der obersten Schleimhautschicht Interventionen im Bereich der Muskelschicht von Ösophagus und Magen durchgeführt werden 2. Diese umfassen z. B. neben der Myotomie der Ösophagusmuskulatur bei Achalasie (POEM) die Durchtrennung des Pylorus bei Gastroparese (Antropyloromyotomie, G-POEM). Weitere Einsatzgebiete sind die Spaltung des Zenker-Divertikels in POEM-Technik („Z-POEM“) sowie die Entfernung subepithelialer Tumoren (STER: submukosale Tunnelung, endoskopische Resektion). Der langfristige Therapieerfolg (mit > 80 % Ansprechen) dieser innovativen Verfahren ist v. a. bei der Achalasie mittlerweile durch kontrollierte Studien belegt 2
3
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Nicht alles Milchglas ist COVID-19 – Pneumocystis-jirovecii-Pneumonie als Differenzialdiagnose
Authors: Schüßler Meike , Müller Frank , Rauschning Dominic
Published: May 2021

Anamnese und klinischer Befund Ein 68 Jahre alter männlicher Patient mit einer Psoriasis und einem bullösen Pemphigoid als Grunderkrankungen entwickelte unter einer länger anhaltenden, höher dosierten immunsuppressiven Therapie mit Methylprednisolon eine klinische Beschwerdesymptomatik mit trockenem Reizhusten, einer progredienten Dyspnoe und Fieber.

Untersuchungen und Diagnose Im CT-Thorax zeigten sich beidseitige Milchglasinfiltrate. Nach Ausschluss von COVID-19 wurde eine Pneumocystis-jirovecii-Pneumonie (PCP) nachgewiesen.

Therapie und Verlauf Es wurde daraufhin eine entsprechende hochdosierte Therapie mit Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazol zeitnah eingeleitet. Gleichwohl entwickelte sich ein komplizierter Verlauf mit bakterieller Superinfektion und pulmonaler Aspergillose sowie ARDS. 

Diskussion und Folgerung In Abgrenzung zu COVID-19 werden der typische Verlauf sowie Diagnostik und Therapie der Pneumocystis-jirovecii-Pneumonie diskutiert. Es wird insbesondere darauf abgehoben, dass auch in einer Pandemiesituation nicht alle Milchglasinfiltrate im CT-Thorax-Bild auf COVID-19 zurückzuführen sind. Mögliche Differenzialdiagnosen sollten stets bedacht und in der Diagnostik berücksichtigt werden.
Zusammenhang von Bildungsstatus und Diabetesoutcomes: Ergebnisse der DIAS-Studie bei Kindern und Jugendlichen mit Typ-1-Diabetes in Deutschland
Authors: Müller-Godeffroy Esther , Mönkemöller Kirsten , Lilienthal Eggert , Heidtmann Bettina , Becker Marianne , Feldhahn Lutz , Freff Markus , Hilgard Dörte , Krone Beate , Papsch Matthias , Schumacher Andrea , Schwab Karl-Otfried , Schweiger Heidemarie , Wolf Johannes , Bollow Esther , Holl Reinhard
Published: May 2021

Fragestellung Assoziation zwischen Bildungsstand (BldS) der Eltern und diabetesbezogenen Outcomes bei Kindern mit Typ-1-Diabetes in Deutschland und Vergleich mit deren sozioökonomischem Status (SES).

Material und Methode 1781 Kinder und Jugendliche mit Typ-1-Diabetes mellitus unter 18 Jahren aus 13 deutschen Diabeteszentren wurden von Juni 2013 bis Juni 2014 in die Studie eingeschlossen und Assoziationen des familiären BldS mit verschiedenen Diabetesoutcomes analysiert. Die Analyse wurde als Sekundäranalyse anhand des Datensatzes der DIAS-Studie durchgeführt. Diese hatte Assoziationen eines niedrigen SES (gemessen mit einem Index aus BldS, beruflicher Stellung und Haushaltseinkommen der Eltern) mit ungünstigen Diabetes- und Versorgungsoutcomes ermittelt. Die vorliegende Sekundäranalyse untersuchte Assoziationen derselben Outcomes mit dem BldS der Eltern, um zu prüfen, ob sich der BldS als vereinfachter Indikator für die Routinemessung des SES eignet.

Die Daten wurden mittels der DPV-Software (Diabetes-Patienten-Verlaufsdokumentation) erfasst, die Analysen erfolgten je nach Verteilungscharakteristika der Outcomes mittels linearer, logistischer, negativ-binomialer oder Poisson-Modellen unter Adjustierung für Alter, Geschlecht, Diabetesdauer, jeweils mit und ohne zusätzliche Adjustierung für Migrationshintergrund.

Ergebnisse Niedriger familiärer BldS war im Vergleich zu mittlerem/hohem BldS mit einer schlechteren glykämischen Einstellung (HbA1c) (8,1 % versus 7,8 %, p < 0,0001/7,6 %, p < 0,0001) und einem geringeren prozentualen Anteil an Insulinpumpennutzung (42,7 % versus 56,3 %, p < 0,0001/52,5 %, p < 0,01) assoziiert. Weiterhin zeigten die Gruppen mit niedrigem im Vergleich zu mittlerem/hohem BldS seltenere tägliche Blutzuckerselbstmessungen, einen höheren Body-Mass-Index und längere stationäre Aufenthalte. Schwere Hypoglykämien und Ketoazidosen traten bei Patienten mit niedrigem BldS nicht häufiger auf. Der BldS der Eltern differenzierte dabei mindestens genauso gut zwischen den sozialen Gruppen wie der mit einem komplexen Indikator gemessene SES.

Zusammenfassung Der BldS der Eltern ist ein bedeutsamer Prädiktor für Gesundheits- und Versorgungsoutcomes bei Kindern mit Typ-1-Diabetes und sollte in der personalisierten Diabetestherapie von Kindern und Jugendlichen mehr Berücksichtigung erfahren. Als kurzer und leicht zu erhebender Indikator bildet er einen guten Näherungswert für die Routineerhebung der individuellen Stellung der Patientinnen und Patienten in der Sozialhierarchie in Diabetes-Standarddokumentationen.
Safety and Efficacy of Different Antithrombotic Strategies after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Navarese Eliano Pio , Grisafi Leonardo , Spinoni Enrico Guido , Mennuni Marco Giovanni , Rognoni Andrea , Ratajczak Jakub , Podhajski Przemysław , Koni Endrin , Kubica Jacek , Patti Giuseppe
Published: May 2021

Background The optimal pharmacological therapy after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains uncertain. We compared efficacy and safety of various antiplatelet and anticoagulant approaches after TAVI by a network meta-analysis.

Methods A total of 14 studies (both observational and randomized) were considered, with 24,119 patients included. Primary safety endpoint was the incidence of any bleeding complications during follow-up. Secondary safety endpoint was major bleeding. Efficacy endpoints were stroke, myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular mortality. A frequentist network meta-analysis was conducted with a random-effects model. The following strategies were compared: dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT), oral anticoagulation (OAC), and OAC + SAPT. The mean follow-up was 15 months.

Results In comparison to DAPT, SAPT was associated with a 44% risk reduction of any bleeding (odds ratio [OR]: 0.56 [95% confidence interval, CI: 0.39–0.80]). SAPT was ranked as the safest strategy for the prevention of any bleeding (p-score: 0.704), followed by OAC alone (p-score: 0.476) and DAPT (p-score: 0.437). Consistent results were observed for major bleeding. The incidence of cardiovascular death and secondary ischemic endpoints did not differ among the tested antithrombotic approaches. In patients with indication for long-term anticoagulation, OAC alone showed similar rates of stroke (OR: 0.92 [95% CI: 0.41–2.05], p = 0.83) and reduced occurrence of any bleeding (OR: 0.49 [95% CI: 0.37–0.66], p < 0.01) versus OAC + SAPT.

Conclusion The present network meta-analysis supports after TAVI the use of SAPT in patients without indication for OAC and OAC alone in those needing long-term anticoagulation.
Autoimmune Coagulation Factor X Deficiency as a Rare Acquired Hemorrhagic Disorder: A Literature Review
Authors: Ichinose Akitada , Osaki Tsukasa , Souri Masayoshi
Published: May 2021

Coagulation factor X (F10) amplifies the clotting reaction in the middle of the coagulation cascade, and thus F10 deficiency leads to a bleeding tendency. Isolated acquired F10 deficiency is widely recognized in patients with immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis or plasma cell dyscrasias. However, its occurrence as an autoimmune disorder is extremely rare. The Japanese Collaborative Research Group has been conducting a nationwide survey on autoimmune coagulation factor deficiencies (AiCFDs) starting in the last decade; we recently identified three patients with autoimmune F10 deficiency (AiF10D). Furthermore, an extensive literature search was performed, confirming 26 AiF10D and 28 possible cases. Our study revealed that AiF10D patients were younger than patients with other AiCFDs; AiF10D patients included children and were predominantly male. AiF10D was confirmed as a severe type of bleeding diathesis, although its mortality rate was not high. As AiF10D patients showed only low F10 inhibitor titers, they were considered to have nonneutralizing anti-F10 autoantibodies rather than their neutralizing counterparts. Accordingly, immunological anti-F10 antibody detection is highly recommended. Hemostatic and immunosuppressive therapies may help arrest bleeding and eliminate anti-F10 antibodies, leading to a high recovery rate. However, further investigation is necessary to understand the basic characteristics and proper management of AiF10D owing to the limited number of patients.
Design Requirements for Scapholunate Interosseous Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Werner Frederick W.
Published: May 2021

Background As numerous repairs, reconstructions, and replacements have been used following scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) injury, there is a need to define the structural requirements for any reconstruction or replacement.

Methods Research has been conducted on the force needed to keep the scaphoid and lunate reduced following simulated injury, the failure force of the native SLIL and various replacements, the stiffness of the SLIL and replacements, and the torsional resistance of the scaphoid relative to the lunate.

Results Forces on the order of 50 N are needed to keep the scaphoid and lunate reduced during simple wrist motions in the chronically injured wrist. Even greater forces (up to 110 N) are needed to keep the bones reduced during strenuous activities, such as pushups. The failure force of the entire SLIL has been reported to be as high as 350 N and the failure force of just the dorsal component of the SLIL to be 270 N.

Conclusions The design requirements for a reconstruction or repair may vary depending upon the demands of the patient. In a high demand patient, a reconstruction needs to support the above-mentioned forces during cyclic loading (50 N), when performing strenuous activities (110 N), or during a fall (at least 350 N). Any artificial replacement must undergo careful biocompatibility testing.
Arthroscopic Repair of the Dorsal Intercarpal Ligament Detachment from the Scaphoid
Authors: Merlini Lorenzo , Mathoulin Christophe
Published: May 2021

Background The dorsal intercarpal ligament, whose role in dorsal stability of the wrist has been shown, can be harmed in case of injury to the dorsal scapholunate complex. However, dorsal intercarpal ligament injury also seems to exist isolated posttraumatic forms of dorsal intercarpal ligament rupture, much rarer, through bony avulsion on its scaphoid insertion. The authors report the first description of this lesion, and propose a technique for arthroscopic repair.

Description of Technique Radiocarpal arthroscopy will confirm the bony avulsion of the dorsal intercarpal ligament from the scaphoid. Under arthroscopic control, an anchor can be placed into the dorsal aspect of the scaphoid and the ligament can be reattached along with the dorsal capsule.

Patients and Methods Between 2018 and 2020, seven patients underwent arthroscopic repair of this particular injury. They presented a painful preoperative wrist with decreased range of motion, and were treated arthroscopically, with anchored reinsertion of the ligament on the scaphoid.

Results After a mean follow-up period of 12 months, arthroscopic repair showed decreased pain (6.7 to 0.2), improved range of motion in flexion (66 to 82 degrees) and extension (57 to 87 degrees°), and improved Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score (68.45 to 2.23).

Conclusions This lesion has so far never been reported in the literature, and seems mechanically different from more common injuries of the scapholunate complex and dorsal capsulo-scapholunate septum with which dorsal intercarpal ligament ruptures are frequently associated. Arthroscopic repair with an anchor is possible without difficulty and seems to give very good results at 1-year follow-up (normal strength and range of motion).
Which Asymmetric Tibial Component Is Optimally Designed for Calipered Kinematically Aligned Total Knee Arthroplasty?
Authors: Nedopil Alexander J. , Zamora Tomas , Delman Connor , Howell Stephen M. , Hull Maury L.
Published: May 2021

Calipered kinematically aligned (KA) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) restores the patient's prearthritic joint lines and sets internal-external rotation of the tibial component parallel to the flexion-extension (FE) plane, which is not a mechanical alignment (MA) target. Two asymmetric tibial components designed for MA set the tibial component to either a femoral component (FC) target or a tibial tubercle (TT) target. The study determined the optimal asymmetric tibial component to use with KA as the one with smaller IE deviation from the MA target, greater coverage of tibial resection, and lower incidence of cortical overhang. The study included 40 patients treated with bilateral calipered KA TKA with different asymmetric tibial components in opposite knees. A best-fit of a kinematic tibial template to the tibial resection set the template's slot parallel to the knee's FE plane. Each asymmetric tibial component's anterior-posterior (AP) axis was set parallel to the slot. Computer tomography analysis determined the IE deviation (−internal/+ external) of each tibial component from its MA target, tibial resection coverage by the baseplate and insert, and incidence of cortical overhang. The patient-reported Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) and Oxford Knee Score (OKS) determined outcomes. The mean IE deviation from the MA target was 2 degrees external for the FC-target asymmetric tibial component and −8 degrees internal for the TT-target asymmetric tibial component (p < 0.001). Tibial resection coverage by the baseplate (insert) was 88% (84%) for the FC target and 84% (79%) for the TT target (p < 0.001 for baseplate and insert). The FC target insert covered 3 mm more of the posterolateral resection (p < 0.001). Posteromedial coverage was comparable. The incidence of cortical overhang was 2.5% for each baseplate. There was no difference in FJS and OKS. When performing calipered KA, the more optimal design was the asymmetric tibial component with the FC target because of the smaller deviation from its MA target and the greater coverage of the tibial resection by the baseplate and insert.
Interobserver Reliability and Change in the Sagittal Tibial Tubercle–Trochlear Groove Distance with Increasing Knee Flexion Angles
Authors: MacLean Ian S. , Southworth Taylor M. , Dempsey Ian J. , Naveen Neal B. , Huddleston Hailey P. , Lansdown Drew A. , Yanke Adam B.
Published: May 2021

The tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance is currently utilized to evaluate knee alignment in patients with patellar instability. Sagittal plane pathology measured by the sagittal tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (sTT-TG) distance has been described in instability but may also be important to consider in patients with cartilage injury. This study aims to (1) describe interobserver reliability of the sTT-TG distance and (2) characterize the change in the sTT-TG distance with respect to changing knee flexion angles. In this cadaveric study, six nonpaired cadaveric knees underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies at each of the following degrees of knee flexion: −5, 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20. The sTT-TG distance was measured on the axial T2 sequence. Four reviewers measured this distance for each cadaver at each flexion angle. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated to determine interobserver reliability and reproducibility of the sTT-TG measurement. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests and Friedman's tests with a Bonferroni's correction were performed for each cadaver to compare sTT-TG distances at each flexion angle. Significance was defined as p < 0.05. There was excellent interobserver reliability of the sTT-TG distance with all intraclass correlation coefficients >0.9. The tibial tubercle progressively becomes more posterior in relation to the trochlear groove (more negative sTT-TG distance) with increasing knee flexion. The sTT-TG distance is a measurement that is reliable between attending surgeons and across training levels. The sTT-TG distance is affected by small changes in knee flexion angle. Awareness of knee flexion angle on MRI is important when this measurement is utilized by surgeons.
Meniscal Suture Influence on Driving Ability 6 Weeks after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Hamstring Autograft
Authors: Perez-Mozas Maria , Payo-Ollero Jesus , Montiel Veronica , Valenti-Nin Juan Ramon , Valenti-Azcarate Andres
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to determine if driving ability 6 weeks after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is affected by the addition of a meniscal suture. It was also hypothesized that no differences in the driving performance would be found between right or left knee surgery subgroups. A total of 82 people participated in this prospective cohort study: 36 healthy controls, 26 patients undergoing isolated ACL (iACL) reconstruction with hamstring autograft, and 20 patients undergoing ACL and meniscal suture (ACL-MS) reconstruction. ACL-MS group followed a weight-bearing and movement restriction protocol during the first 2 postoperative weeks, whereas patients undergoing iACL could start range-of-motion exercises and full weight-bearing ambulation on the first postoperative day. A driving simulator that reproduced real-life driving conditions was used to evaluate driving ability. The software analyzed multiple driving and braking variables. Driving performance in the sixth postoperative week was compared with that of a healthy control group. Subgroup analysis considering additional procedures (iACL, ACL-MS) and the side of the operated knee (right, left) was also performed. No statistically significant differences were found in the demographic characteristics nor in the driving performance (collisions, p = 0.897; sidewalk invasions, p = 0.749; pedestrian impact, p = 0.983) between iACL, ACL-MS, and control groups. No statistically significant differences were found in right–left subgroup analysis. The results of the present study show that patients in their sixth postoperative week after right or left ACL reconstruction showed similar driving performance as compared with a healthy control group, regardless of associating or not a meniscal suture, suggesting it is safe to resume driving 6 weeks after the mentioned surgeries.
Allergy Testing Has No Correlation with Intraoperative Histopathology from Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty for Implant-Related Metal Allergy
Authors: Malahias Michael-Alexander , Bauer Thomas W. , Manolopoulos Philip P. , Sculco Peter K. , Westrich Geoffrey H.
Published: May 2021

Lymphocyte transformation testing (LTT) is often used in the workup for possible metal allergy after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) but the correlation of this test with other diagnostic metal-allergy findings in patients undergoing revision TKA for suspected metal allergy has not been established. A single-center, single-surgeon cohort of 19 TKAs in which both components were revised for presumed implant-related metal allergy based on history, physical, and LTT testing, to nonnickel-containing implants were retrospectively identified. Histopathologic samples obtained intraoperatively were semiquantitatively analyzed using both the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) synovial pathology score and the Campbell aseptic lymphocyte-dominant vasculitis-associated lesion (ALVAL) score. As histopathology control group, we included in the study an additional cohort of 17 patients who received aseptic revision TKA and had no history of reported or tested metal sensitivity. All preoperative LTT results were highly reactive to nickel. However, this did not correlate with local periarticular tissue response in 18 of 19 cases which demonstrated a low HSS synovial score (mean: 3.8 ± 2.8, of a maximum score of 28) and the low Campbell ALVAL scores (mean: 2.5/10 ± 1.3, of a maximum score of 10). There were not any significant differences between the study group (suspected implant-related metal allergy) and the control group (nonsuspected implant-related metal allergy) in regard to (1) the Campbell score and (2) the HSS synovial inflammatory score. Knee Society Clinical Rating System (KSCRS) function score improved significantly after revision (mean postoperative increase: 34.0 ± 17. 2; p < 0.001), as well as mean visual analog scale (VAS) pain (mean postoperative decrease: 33.3 ± 26.4; p < 0.01) score. The short-term survival rate (at mean follow-up of 26.1 months) of this patient cohort was 100%. In this cohort of revised TKA patients with suspected nickel allergy based on clinical presentation and LTT positive results, intraoperative histopathology was essentially normal. However, all patients with suspected nickel allergy showed a significant clinical and functional improvement with excellent short-term survival rates. The clinical significance of a positive LTT needs further study.
Comparative Efficacy of Root Repair versus Partial Meniscectomy and Observation for Patients with Meniscus Root Tears
Authors: Dai Wenli , Yan Wenqiang , Leng Xi , Wang Junyan , Hu Xiaoqing , Ao Yingfang
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to (1) compare the efficacy of root repair versus partial meniscectomy and observation for patients with meniscus root tears; (2) compare osteoarthritis (OA) progression and functional outcomes in patients with isolated repair and with adjuvant surgery; and (3) evaluate OA progression and functional outcomes after pullout repair or all-inside repair of meniscus root tears. We performed a systematic literature search in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library up to September 1, 2020, to identify studies that evaluated the efficacy of root repair versus partial meniscectomy and observation in patients with meniscus root tears. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool data. A total of nine studies were included in the meta-analysis, with 485 patients comprising 238 in the root repair group, 113 in the partial meniscectomy group, and 134 in the observation group. The mean age of the patients ranged from 46.1 to 64.8 years. Compared with partial meniscectomy, root repair was associated with significantly lower postoperative Kellgren–Lawrence (K-L) grade (mean difference [MD]: −0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −1.00 to −0.23) and progression to arthroplasty rate (odds ratio [OR]: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.04–0.60) at final follow-up. Compared with observation, root repair was associated with significantly lower arthroplasty rate (OR: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01–0.44) and better International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score (MD: 8.07, 95% CI: 0.72–15.41) at final follow-up. Moreover, significantly lower postoperative K-L grade and progression to arthroplasty rate, as well as higher IKDC and Lysholm scores were seen in favor of root repair in patients with isolated meniscus root tears. Additionally, significantly lower OA progression and higher function scores were found in favor of root repair when the tears were repaired with pullout technique. Current evidence indicates that root repair with pullout technique may be a better choice than partial meniscectomy and observation for patients with isolated meniscus root tears as measured by OA progression, progression to arthroplasty, as well as functional outcomes.
How two planets likely acquired their backward orbits
Authors: Miller Johanna L.
Published: May 2021

It’s challenging enough to figure out what exoplanetary systems look like today. Reconstructing their histories is more difficult still.
A new look at the proton sea
Authors: Miller Johanna L.
Published: May 2021

The ensemble of particles that make up the proton manifests a puzzling asymmetry that continues to challenge theory and experiment alike.
One frog species finds a solution to the cocktail party problem
Authors: Lopatka Alex
Published: May 2021

A mechanism in the lungs of tree frogs helps filter incoming noise and other amphibian sounds from the calls of their own species.
Fears of a lithium supply crunch may be overblown
Authors: Kramer David
Published: May 2021

Unexploited lithium deposits lie throughout the world, but investment in new mines is lagging.
Ernest Rutherford’s ambitions
Authors: Baldwin Melinda
Published: May 2021

One of the pioneers of radioactivity research, Rutherford feared his work would be overlooked—and changed his publishing strategies to make sure it wasn’t.
Why are theorists excited about exotic nuclei?
Authors: Nunes Filomena M.
Published: May 2021

The limits of nuclear stability provide deep insights into the fundamental force responsible for the presence of matter.
Inducing new material properties with hybrid light–matter states
Authors: Genet Cyriaque , Faist Jérôme , Ebbesen Thomas W.
Published: May 2021

Even in the absence of light, coupling cavities with molecules and materials can modify their chemical reactivity, conductivity, and more.
Boiling eggs, radiation damage, and the Arrhenius plot
Authors: Lorke Axel
Published: May 2021

In 1899 a Swedish chemist created a method to analyze the effect of temperature on the rates of chemical reactions.
Bixadus sierricola (West African coffee borer).
Authors: Bigger Mike
Published: May 2021

B. sierricola is found throughout West and Central Africa and south to Angola but also extends eastward into Uganda. Its original wild host may well be Coffea canephora or Coffea liberica both of which are indigenous to West Africa. Coffea arabica, which is at present a host, was an introduction in relatively recent times from its original home in Ethiopia so cannot be its indigenous host. References to hosts other than Coffea are sparse but like other stem borers, it can probably develop on a wide range of tree species which serve as a reservoir for re-infestation. Observations on natural enemies are sparse but adults of the Ichneumonid Gabunia ruficoxis were recorded emerging from galleries on two occasions, and a Tachinid, Phorostoma (Dinera) sp. was found parasitising larvae. For B. sierricola control, some cultural methods, use of fumigant paste of 57% aluminium phosphide and insertion of a plug soaked in paraffin and carbon bisulphide into the gallery are recommended.
Numerical investigation on threading dislocation bending with InAs/GaAs quantum dots*
Authors: Wu Guo-Feng , Wang Jun , Chen Wei-Rong , Zhu Li-Na , Yang Yuan-Qing , Li Jia-Chen , Xiao Chun-Yang , Huang Yong-Qing , Ren Xiao-Min , Ji Hai-Ming , Luo Shuai
Published: May 2021

The threading dislocations (TDs) in GaAs/Si epitaxial layers due to the lattice mismatch seriously degrade the performance of the lasers grown on silicon. The insertion of InAs quantum dots (QDs) acting as dislocation filters is a pretty good alternative to solving this problem. In this paper, a finite element method (FEM) is proposed to calculate the critical condition for InAs/GaAs QDs bending TDs into interfacial misfit dislocations (MDs). Making a comparison of elastic strain energy between the two isolated systems, a reasonable result is obtained. The effect of the cap layer thickness and the base width of QDs on TD bending are studied, and the results show that the bending area ratio of single QD (the bending area divided by the area of the QD base) is evidently affected by the two factors. Moreover, we present a method to evaluate the bending capability of single-layer QDs and multi-layer QDs. For the QD with 24-nm base width and 5-nm cap layer thickness, taking the QD density of 1011 cm−2 into account, the bending area ratio of single-layer QDs (the area of bending TD divided by the area of QD layer) is about 38.71%. With inserting five-layer InAs QDs, the TD density decreases by 91.35%. The results offer the guidelines for designing the QD dislocation filters and provide an important step towards realizing the photonic integration circuits on silicon.
Victoria in Two Twenty-First-Century Film Re-visions of Frankenstein
Authors: Mitchell Paul
Published: May 2021

In this article, I will explore how the character of Victoria is represented in the British made-for-television film, Frankenstein (Jed Mercurio, 2007) and the US horror movie, The Frankenstein Syndrome (Scott Tretta, 2011). By approaching these productions through the lens of adaptation theory and, more specifically, via the concept of a re-vision, I will argue that we can better understand the ways in which they mutate the long-standing (though frequently updated) Frankenstein story. As intertexts that interrogate previous cinema and television versions, their focus on female synthetic biologists whose pioneering stem-cell research takes place within a capitalist biomedical framework is particularly innovative. As such, they disrupt the patriarchal paradigm upon which the Frankensteinian filmic tradition has, historically, been established. Most notably, both films celebrate maternality, personal responsibility, and compassion as key values for those who are involved in the biotechnological creation of life.
The demography and characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 seropositive residents and staff of nursing homes for older adults in the Community of Madrid: the SeroSOS study
Authors: Candel Francisco Javier , Barreiro Pablo , San Román Jesús , del Mar Carretero María , Sanz Juan Carlos , Pérez-Abeledo Marta , Ramos Belén , Viñuela-Prieto José Manuel , Canora Jesús , Martínez-Peromingo Francisco Javier , Barba Raquel , Zapatero Antonio ,   the investigators of the SeroSOS study
Published: May 2021

Background

Nursing homes for older adults have concentrated large numbers of severe cases and deaths for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods

Point seroprevalence study of nursing homes to describe the demography and characteristic of severe acute respiratory syndrome by coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) immunoglobulin G (IgG)-positive residents and staff.

Results

Clinical information and blood samples were available for 9,332 residents (mean age 86.7 ± 8.1 years, 76.4% women) and 10,614 staff (mean age 45.6 ± 11.5, 86.2% women). Up to 84.4% of residents had frailty, 84.9% co-morbidity and 69.3% cognitive impairment; 65.2% of workers were health-aides.

COVID-19 seroprevalence was 55.4% (95% confidence interval (CI), 54.4–56.4) for older adults and 31.5% (30.6–32.4) for staff. In multivariable analysis, frailty of residents was related with seropositivity (odds ratio (OR): 1.19, P = 0.02). In the case of staff, age > 50 years (2.10, P < 0.001), obesity (1.19, P = 0.01), being a health-aide (1.94, P < 0.001), working in a center with high seroprevalence in residents (3.49, P < 0.001) and contact with external cases of COVID-19 (1.52, P < 0.001) were factors associated with seropositivity. Past symptoms of COVID-19 were good predictors of seropositivity for residents (5.41, P < 0.001) and staff (2.52, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Level of dependency influences risk of COVID-19 among residents. Individual and work factors, contacts outside the nursing home are associated with COVID-19 exposure in staff members. It is key to strengthen control measures to prevent the introduction of COVID-19 into care facilities from the community.
Dietary Vitamin K Intake and the Risk of Pancreatic Cancer: A Prospective Study of 101,695 American Adults
Authors: Yu Dao-Wu , Li Qu-Jin , Cheng Long , Yang Peng-Fei , Sun Wei-Ping , Peng Yang , Hu Jie-Jun , Wu Jing-Jing , Gong Jian-Ping , Zhong Guo-Chao
Published: May 2021

No epidemiologic studies have been conducted to assess the association of intake of dietary vitamin K with the risk of pancreatic cancer. We used prospective data from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial between 1993 and 2009 to fill this gap. A total of 101,695 subjects were identified. Dietary intakes of phylloquinone (vitamin K1), menaquinones (vitamin K2), and dihydrophylloquinone (dihydrovitamin K1) were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Cox regression was applied to calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals. During a mean follow-up of 8.86 years (900,744.57 person-years), 361 cases of pancreatic cancer were documented. In the fully adjusted model, dietary intakes of phylloquinone (for quartile 4 vs. quartile 1, hazard ratio (HR) = 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.39, 0.83; P for trend = 0.002) and dihydrophylloquinone (for quartile 4 vs. quartile 1, HR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.41, 0.85; P for trend = 0.006), but not menaquinones (for quartile 4 vs. quartile 1, HR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.65, 1.33; P for trend = 0.816), were found to be inversely associated with the risk of pancreatic cancer in a nonlinear dose–response manner (all P values for nonlinearity < 0.05), and this was not modified by predefined stratification factors and remained in sensitivity analyses. In conclusion, dietary intakes of phylloquinone and dihydrophylloquinone, but not menaquinones, confer a lower risk of pancreatic cancer. Future studies should confirm our findings.
An artificial neural network model based on DNA damage response genes to predict outcomes of lower-grade glioma patients
Authors: Chen Jian , Qian Xiaojun , He Yifu , Han Xinghua , Pan Yueyin
Published: May 2021

Although the prognosis of lower-grade glioma (LGG) patients is better than others, outcomes are highly heterogeneous. Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation and 1p/19q codeletion status can identify patient subsets with different prognosis. However, in the era of precision medicine, there is still a lack of biomarkers that can accurately predict the individual prognosis of each patient. In this study, we found that most DNA damage response (DDR) genes were aberrantly expressed in LGG patients and were associated with their prognosis. Consequently, we developed an artificial neural network (ANN) model based on DDR genes to predict outcomes of LGG glioma patients. Then, we validated the predictive ability in an independent external dataset and found that the concordance indexes and area under time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves of the predict index (PI) calculated based on the model were superior to those of the mutation markers. Subgroup analyses demonstrated that the model could accurately identify patients with the same mutation status but different prognosis. Moreover, the model can also identify patients with favorable prognostic mutation status but poor prognosis or vice versa. Finally, we also found that the PI was associated with the mutation status and with the altered immune microenvironment. These results demonstrated that the ANN model can accurately predict outcomes of LGG patients and will contribute to individualized therapies. In addition, a web-based application program for the model was developed.
Feature selection for support vector regression using a genetic algorithm
Authors: McKearnan Shannon B , Vock David M , Marai G Elisabeta , Canahuate Guadalupe , Fuller Clifton D , Wolfson Julian
Published: May 2021

Support vector regression (SVR) is particularly beneficial when the outcome and predictors are nonlinearly related. However, when many covariates are available, the method’s flexibility can lead to overfitting and an overall loss in predictive accuracy. To overcome this drawback, we develop a feature selection method for SVR based on a genetic algorithm that iteratively searches across potential subsets of covariates to find those that yield the best performance according to a user-defined fitness function. We evaluate the performance of our feature selection method for SVR, comparing it to alternate methods including LASSO and random forest, in a simulation study. We find that our method yields higher predictive accuracy than SVR without feature selection. Our method outperforms LASSO when the relationship between covariates and outcome is nonlinear. Random forest performs equivalently to our method in some scenarios, but more poorly when covariates are correlated. We apply our method to predict donor kidney function 1 year after transplant using data from the United Network for Organ Sharing national registry.
Permanency Decisions in Child Welfare: A Qualitative Study
Authors: McCafferty Paul , Duffy Joe , Hayes David
Published: May 2021

This article presents findings from an exploratory in-depth qualitative research project with seventeen child welfare professionals exploring their permanency decisions with regards to Looked after Children. Thinking aloud-protocols and semi-structured interviews, in conjunction with a specifically constructed vignette were used to explore the permanency decisions of child welfare workers. Findings from this innovative research suggest that different decisions were taken by participants based on viewing the same vignette. However, even though the decisions differed, they clustered around the more interventionist options with most favouring adoption and foster care despite viable alternatives offered. There was broad consistency related to the rationale for the decisions taken, but this did not translate into a consistent permanency option being chosen. Possible reasons to account for this are that the decisions were heuristically constructed, idiosyncratic to individual inclinations and influenced by factors other than the individual needs of the service user. The implications of this are that children and families do not get a consistent and reliable response to their permanency needs. We therefore recommend the greater use of structured decision-making tools in permanency decisions to increase their objectivity and consistency.
Kinetics of tau aggregation reveals patient-specific tau characteristics among Alzheimer’s cases
Authors: Kamath Tarun V , Klickstein Naomi , Commins Caitlin , Fernandes Analiese R , Oakley Derek H , Frosch Matthew P , Hyman Bradley T , Dujardin Simon
Published: May 2021

The accumulation of tau aggregates throughout the human brain is the hallmark of a number of neurodegenerative conditions classified as tauopathies. Increasing evidence shows that tau aggregation occurs in a ‘prion-like’ manner, in which a small amount of misfolded tau protein can induce other, naïve tau proteins to aggregate. Tau aggregates have been found to differ structurally among different tauopathies. Recently, however, we have suggested that tau oligomeric species may differ biochemically among individual patients with sporadic Alzheimer disease, and have also showed that the bioactivity of the tau species, measured using a cell-based bioassay, also varied among individuals. Here, we adopted a live-cell imaging approach to the standard cell-based bioassay to explore further whether the kinetics of aggregation also differentiated these patients. We found that aggregation can be observed to follow a consistent pattern in all cases, with a lag phase, a growth phase and a plateau phase, which each provide quantitative parameters by which we characterize the aggregation kinetics. The length of the lag phase and magnitude of the plateau phase are both dependent upon the concentration of seeding-competent tau, the relative enrichment of which differs among patients. The slope of the growth phase correlates with morphological differences in the tau aggregates, which may be reflective of underlying structural differences. This kinetic assay confirms and refines the concept of heterogeneity in the characteristics of tau proteopathic seeds among individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and is a method by which future studies may characterize longitudinal changes in tau aggregation and the cellular processes which may influence these changes.