bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in kidney function according to ischemia type during partial nephrectomy for T1a kidney cancer
Authors: Lee Junghoon , Hwang Young Cheol , Yoo Sangjun , Choo Min Soo , Cho Min Chul , Son Hwancheol , Jeong Hyeon
Published: March 2022

To compare the postoperative estimated-glomerular-filtration-rate (eGFR) and parenchymal changes between cold ischemia and zero/selective ischemia for a T1a mass. We analyzed 104 patients who underwent open partial nephrectomy with cold ischemia (53) or zero/selective ischemia (51) for T1a between 2008 and 2018 to determine postoperative renal function changes and associated factors. Postoperative renal function was expressed as (postoperative-eGFR − preoperative-eGFR)/preoperative-eGFR × 100%. Parenchymal enhancement and thicknesses of the ipsilateral kidney as tissue changes were measured on postoperative CT to identify the correlation with the renal function change. Patients with 10% or 25% decrease in eGFR were significantly more in the cold ischemia group (p = 0.032, p = 0.006). On multivariable analysis, preoperative eGFR, ischemic type, and percent change of parenchymal thickness were identified to be significantly associated with postoperative 12 months renal function (B = − 0.367, p = 0.020; B = 6.788, p = 0.042; B = 0.797, p = 0.029). Change in parenchymal thickness was negatively correlated with changes in postoperative renal function (r = − 0.277, p = 0.012). Changes in eGFR were associated with a decrease in parenchymal thickness and the type of ischemic technique. Zero/selective ischemia during partial nephrectomy may have an advantage in preserving postoperative renal function compared to cold ischemia.
Serum from COVID-19 patients early in the pandemic shows limited evidence of cross-neutralization against variants of concern
Authors: Griffin Amanda J. , O’Donnell Kyle L. , Shifflett Kyle , Lavik John-Paul , Russell Patrick M. , Zimmerman Michelle K. , Relich Ryan F. , Marzi Andrea
Published: March 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) results in a variety of clinical symptoms ranging from no or mild to severe disease. Currently, there are multiple postulated mechanisms that may push a moderate to severe disease into a critical state. Human serum contains abundant evidence of the immune status following infection. Cytokines, chemokines, and antibodies can be assayed to determine the extent to which a patient responded to a pathogen. We examined serum and plasma from a cohort of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 early in the pandemic and compared them to negative-control sera. Cytokine and chemokine concentrations varied depending on the severity of infection, and antibody responses were significantly increased in severe cases compared to mild to moderate infections. Neutralization data revealed that patients with high titers against an early 2020 SARS-CoV-2 isolate had detectable but limited neutralizing antibodies against the emerging SARS-CoV-2 Alpha, Beta and Delta variants. This study highlights the potential of re-infection for recovered COVID-19 patients.
A proposal for the reference intervals of the Italian microbiota “scaffold” in healthy adults
Authors: Sisti Davide , Pazienza Valerio , Piccini Fabio , Citterio Barbara , Baffone Wally , Donati Zeppa Sabrina , Biavasco Francesca , Prospero Emilia , De Luca Antonio , Artico Marco , Taurone Samanta , Minelli Andrea , Perri Francesco , Binda Elena , Pracella Riccardo , Santolini Riccardo , Amatori Stefano , Sestili Piero , Rocchi Marco B. L. , Gobbi Pietro
Published: March 2022

Numerous factors, ranging from genetics, age, lifestyle, and dietary habits to local environments, contribute to the heterogeneity of the microbiota in humans. Understanding the variability of a “healthy microbiota” is a major challenge in scientific research. The gut microbiota profiles of 148 healthy Italian volunteers were examined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing to determine the range and diversity of taxonomic compositions in the gut microbiota of healthy populations. Possible driving factors were evaluated through a detailed anamnestic questionnaire. Microbiota reference intervals were also calculated. A “scaffold” of a healthy Italian gut microbiota composition was identified. Differences in relative quantitative ratios of microbiota composition were detected in two clusters: a bigger cluster (C2), which included 124 subjects, was characterized by more people from the northern Italian regions, who habitually practised more physical activity and with fewer dietary restrictions. Species richness and diversity were significantly higher in this cluster (C2) than in the other one (C1) (C1: 146.67 ± 43.67; C2: 198.17 ± 48.47; F = 23.40; P < 0.001 and C1: 16.88 ± 8.66; C2: 35.01 ± 13.40; F = 40.50; P < 0.001, respectively). The main contribution of the present study was the identification of the existence of a primary healthy microbiological framework that is only marginally affected by variations. Taken together, our data help to contextualize studies on population-specific variations, including marginal aspects, in human microbiota composition. Such variations must be related to the primary framework of a healthy microbiota and providing this perspective could help scientists to better design experimental plans and develop strategies for precision tailored microbiota modulation.
Predictive factors of recurrence for laparoscopic repair of primary and incisional ventral hernias with single mesh from a multicenter study
Authors: Piccoli Micaela , Pecchini Francesca , Vetrone Gaetano , Linguerri Romano , Sarro Giuliano , Rivolta Umberto , Elio Amedeo , Piccirillo Gianluca , Faillace Giuseppe , Masci Emilia , Guglielminetti Davide , Santorelli Chiara , Soliani Giorgio , Koleva Radica Margherita , Trapani Vincenzo , Marchi Domenico , Chester Johanna , Leonardi Luca , Neri Silvia
Published: March 2022

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) is a widely practiced treatment for primary (PH) and incisional (IH) hernias, with acceptable outcomes. Prevention of recurrence is crucial and still highly debated. Purpose of this study was to evaluate predictive factors of recurrence following LVHR with intraperitoneal onlay mesh with a single type of mesh for both PH and IH. A retrospective, multicentre study of data collected from patients who underwent LVHR for PH and IH with an intraperitoneal monofilament polypropylene mesh from January 2014 to December 2018 at 8 referral centers was conducted, and statistical analysis for risk factors of recurrence and post-operative outcomes was performed. A total of 1018 patients were collected, with 665 cases of IH (65.3%) and 353 of PH (34.7%). IH patients were older (p < 0.001), less frequently obese (p = 0.031), at higher ASA class (p < 0.001) and presented more frequently with large, swiss cheese type and border site defects (p < 0.001), compared to PH patients. Operative time and hospital stay were longer for IH (p < 0.001), but intraoperative and early post-operative complications and reinterventions were comparable. IH group presented at major risk of recurrence than PH (6.7% vs 0.9%, p < 0.001) and application of absorbable tacks resulted a significative predictive factor for recurrence increasing the risk by 2.94 (95% CI 1.18–7.31). LVHR with a light-weight polypropylene mesh has low intra- and post-operative complications and is appropriate for both IH and PH. Non absorbable tacks and mixed fixation system seem to be preferable to absorbable tacks alone.
A photonic complex perceptron for ultrafast data processing
Authors: Mancinelli Mattia , Bazzanella Davide , Bettotti Paolo , Pavesi Lorenzo
Published: March 2022

In photonic neural network a key building block is the perceptron. Here, we describe and demonstrate a complex-valued photonic perceptron that combines time and space multiplexing in a fully passive silicon photonics integrated circuit to process data in the optical domain. A time dependent input bit sequence is broadcasted into a few delay lines and detected by a photodiode. After detection, the phases are trained by a particle swarm algorithm to solve the given task. Since only the phases of the propagating optical modes are trained, signal attenuation in the perceptron due to amplitude modulation is avoided. The perceptron performs binary pattern recognition and few bit delayed XOR operations up to 16 Gbps (limited by the used electronics) with Bit Error Rates as low as $$10^{-6}$$

10

-
6

.
Three-dimensional MRI shows cartilage defect extension with no separation from the meniscus in women in their 70 s with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Katano Hisako , Ozeki Nobutake , Koga Hideyuki , Tomita Makoto , Suzuki Kenji , Masumoto Jun , Sekiya Ichiro
Published: March 2022

The positional relationship between cartilage defects and the meniscus is poorly understood for osteoarthritis of the knee. Our purpose was to clarify how cartilage defects extend and their association with the meniscus location during osteoarthritis progression. The subjects were women in their 70 s who were registered in the Kanagawa Knee Study. We obtained 3D MRI images of the tibial surfaces with menisci in subjects with cartilage area ratios < 0.95 and examined the morphological association between cartilage defects and the medial meniscus (MM) by viewing the defects according to the cartilage area ratio at the medial tibial region. Of the 561 Kanagawa Knee Study subjects, 45 were included in the analyses, and 11 had a cartilage area ratio < 0.95 at the medial tibia. Significant differences were observed in the localization of cartilage defects among 9 subregions, with cartilage defects occurring predominantly in the middle external subregion. The inner margin of the MM contacted the cartilage defect in 7 knees and crossed the cartilage defect in 4 knees but was never found separated from the cartilage defect. The cartilage defects occurred from the middle external subregion and extended to the surrounding area without separating from the inner margin of the MM.

Trial registration UMIN, UMIN000032826; 1 September 2018.
Assessment of quality of alcohol-based hand sanitizers used in Johannesburg area during the CoViD‐19 pandemic
Authors: Matatiele Puleng , Southon Bianca , Dabula Boitumelo , Marageni Talulani , Poongavanum Poobalan , Kgarebe Boitumelo
Published: March 2022

Since the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (CoViD-19), the World Health Organization has recommended that, in absence of soap and water, alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used to prevent the transmission of coronaviruses. Unfortunately, many media and anecdotal reports indicate that many alcohol-based hand sanitizers sold in South Africa are substandard and some contain potentially toxic ingredients. The study aimed to identify hand sanitizers used in the Johannesburg area during the CoViD-19 pandemic that do not contain the recommended alcohol concentration of at least 70% propanol or 60% ethanol, and contain traces of toxic ingredients. Hand sanitizers randomly collected from various traders around Johannesburg were analyzed using Agilent auto sampler coupled to a gas chromatograph utilizing flame ionisation detection. Of the 94 hand sanitizer samples collected, three preparations contained no alcohol, whereas the rest contained either ethanol, 2-propanol or 1-propanol or a combination of two alcohols. Of the alcohol-containing hand sanitizers, 37 (41%) contained less than 60% alcohol. Ethyl acetate, isobutanol and other non-recommended alcohols (methanol and 3-methyl-butanol) were also identified. Consumers are therefore warned that among the many brands of hand sanitizers found around Johannesburg, there are some substandard preparations and some that contain traces of toxic ingredients.
Factors affecting effectiveness of food control inspections in food production establishments in Finland
Authors: Kosola Mikko , Kiviniemi Katri , Lundén Janne
Published: March 2022

Inspections are an important tool for food control. However, there is a lack of knowledge about how inspection history, interval between inspections, and pre-announcement of the inspection affect compliance with food safety legislation in food production establishments. We used register-based meat, fish, and dairy establishment food control inspection data (5550 inspections from 757 establishments) from Finland in 2016–2019 to study compliance in relation to these factors. Hypothesis was that there is an association between inspection grades and (1) inspection history, (2) interval, and (3) pre-announcement. Results indicate that minor non-compliances that do not impair food safety often precede future more severe non-compliances (5.3% non-compliance rate if full compliance at previous inspection compared to 16.8% non-compliance rate if minor non-compliances at previous inspection [Fisher’s exact test, p < 0.0001]), and that longer inspection intervals are associated with a decrease in inspection grades (5.9% difference in inspection intervals for inspection with full compliance compared to inspections with severe non-compliances [Generalized estimating equations, p = 0.02]). In addition, pre-announcement of the inspection affects the inspection grades, severe non-compliances were 2.4 times more common at unannounced inspections compared to pre-announced inspections. To conclude, there is an association between inspection grades and inspection history, inspection interval, and inspection announcement.
Electromyography of the muscle spindle
Authors: Partanen Juhani V. , Vanhanen Jukka , Liljander Sara K.
Published: March 2022

In needle electromyography, there are two spontaneous waveforms, miniature end plate potentials and “end plate spikes”, appearing usually together. Miniature end plate potentials are local, non-propagating postsynaptic waves, caused by spontaneous exocytosis of acetylcholine in the neuromuscular junction. The prevailing hypothesis states that “end plate spikes” are propagated postsynaptic action potentials of muscle fibers, caused by presynaptic irritation of the motor nerve or nerve terminal. Using several small concentric needle electrodes in parallel with the muscle fibers, most “end plate spikes” are strictly local or propagating for 2–4 mm. At the end plate zone, there are miniature end plate potentials without “end plate spikes”. Local “end plate spikes” are junctional potentials of intrafusal gamma neuromuscular junctions of the nuclear bag fibers, and propagated “end plate spikes” are potentials of nuclear chain muscle fibers of muscle spindles. Miniature end plate potentials without “end plate spikes” at the end plate zone derive from alpha neuromuscular junctions. These findings contrast with the prevailing hypothesis. The history of observations and different hypotheses of the origin of end plate spikes are described.
The impact of breastfeeding on childhood obesity in children that were large-for-gestational age: retrospective study from birth to 4 years
Authors: Chen Yinling , Han Lili , Su Weijuan , Wu Ting , Lyu Fuping , Chen Zheng , Huang Bingkun , Wang Liying , Song Haiqu , Shi Xiulin , Li Xuejun
Published: March 2022

Our aim was to assess effects of breast-feeding (BF) in the association between large-for-gestational age (LGA) and body mass index (BMI) trajectories on childhood overweight from 1 to 4 years old. A total of 1649 healthcare records of mother–child pairs had detailed records of feeding practices and were included in this retrospective cohort study. Data were available in Medical Birth Registry of Xiamen between January 2011 and March 2018. Linear and logistic regression models were used to access the difference between BF and no-BF group. For offspring were LGA and BF was significantly associated with a lower BMI Z-score from 1 to 4 years old after adjustment confounders in Model 1 to 3 [difference in BMI Z-score in Model 1: estimated β: −0.07 [95%CI: −0.13 to −0.01]; Model 2: estimated β: −0.07 (−0.13 to −0.004); Model 3: estimated β: −0.06 (−0.12 to −0.001); P = 0.0221, 0.0371, 0.0471]. A significantly lower risk of childhood overweight was observed in Model 1 [odd ratio (OR): 0.85 (95%CI, 0.73 to 1.00)], P = 0.0475) with adjustment for maternal pre-pregnancy BMI. Furthermore, Model 2 and Model 3 showed LGA-BF infants had a lower risk for childhood overweight then LGA-no-BF infants [OR: 0.87 and 0.87 (95%CI, 0.73 to 1.03; 0.74 to 1.03)], however, there was no statistical significance (P = 0.1099, and 0.1125)]. BF is inversely related to BMI Z-score and risk for overweight in children were LGA from 1 to 4 years old. Adjustment for maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, the protective association between BF and childhood overweight was more significant.
A label-free amperometric immunosensor with improved electrocatalytic 3D braided AuPtCu-SWCNTs@MoS2-rGO for human growth differentiation factor-15 detection
Authors: Jiao Yinghui , Huang Zhiyu , Chen Mei , Zhou Xiaojun , Lu Hongsheng , Wang Baogang , Dai Xiaozhen
Published: March 2022

A novel label-free immunosensor for the quantitative detection of human cardiovascular diseases biomarker GDF 15 was prepared using the three-dimensional braided composite A@M as the signal amplification platform for the first time.
The experimental average refractive index of liquid crystals and its prediction from the anisotropic indices
Authors: Jirón Vanessa , Castellón Erick
Published: March 2022

The average refractive index of liquid crystals is measured for the first time and an improved theoretical model for its accurate computation is developed.
The catalytic activity and adsorption in faujasite and ZSM-5 zeolites: the role of differential stabilization and charge delocalization
Authors: Nakamura Taiji , Fedorov Dmitri G.
Published: March 2022

The adsorption and catalytic activity of zeolite crystals are analyzed with an efficient fragment-based quantum-mechanical method, revealing important physicochemical insight.
Chemical vapor deposition (DLI-CVD) and characterization of multiphasic molybdate-based catalysts for propene oxidation
Authors: Cherifi A. , Aouine M. , Decams J. M. , Rocha C. , Belliere-Baca V. , Millet J. M. M.
Published: March 2022

Deposition by DLI-CVD of a multi-element BiFeCoMo catalyst in the millimetric channels of a monolithic reactor has been achieved. When tested for the oxidation of propene to acrolein the reactors with various coatings are efficient but need to be optimized.
Integrating lignin depolymerization with microbial funneling processes using agronomically relevant feedstocks
Authors: Perez Jose M. , Sener Canan , Misra Shamik , Umana German E. , Coplien Jason , Haak Dennis , Li Yanding , Maravelias Christos T. , Karlen Steven D. , Ralph John , Donohue Timothy J. , Noguera Daniel R.
Published: March 2022

This work shows the integration of reductive lignin depolymerization and microbial funneling with Novosphingobium aromaticivorans to produce 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (PDC) in a lignocellulosic biorefinery.
Multi-parametric functional imaging of cell cultures and tissues with a CMOS microelectrode array
Authors: Abbott Jeffrey , Mukherjee Avik , Wu Wenxuan , Ye Tianyang , Jung Han Sae , Cheung Kevin M. , Gertner Rona S. , Basan Markus , Ham Donhee , Park Hongkun
Published: March 2022

A CMOS-MEA device combined with new impedance and electrochemical techniques measures cell attachment, growth/wound healing, cell–cell adhesion, metabolic state, and redox properties with single-cell spatial resolution for cell-biology applications.
Solvothermally-derived nanoglass as a highly bioactive material
Authors: Fandzloch Marzena , Bodylska Weronika , Roszek Katarzyna , Halubek-Gluchowska Katarzyna , Jaromin Anna , Gerasymchuk Yuriy , Lukowiak Anna
Published: March 2022

Superior apatite-mineralization ability of solvothemally-derived bioactive glass solvBG76 in a binary system was achieved. This unique bioactivity was accompanied by bio- and hemocompatibility.
From a bistable adsorbate to a switchable interface: tetrachloropyrazine on Pt(111)
Authors: Hörmann Lukas , Jeindl Andreas , Hofmann Oliver T.
Published: March 2022

Tetrachloropyrazine on Pt(111) forms three different classes of interfaces structures with different work functions and coherent fractions. We show that these structures can be switched using temperature and/or pressure.
Therapeutic implications of nanodrug and tissue engineering for retinal pigment epithelium-related diseases
Authors: Wang Jiao , Tao Zhengyang , Deng Hongwei , Cui Yubo , Xu Zhirong , Lyu Qinghua , Zhao Jun
Published: March 2022

This review provides the recent advances in nanomedicine delivery platforms and tissue engineering scaffolds for the treatment of RPE-associated diseases.
Reversible redox switching between local and global aromaticity for core-modified expanded carbaisophlorinoids
Authors: Ambhore Madan D. , Panchal Santosh P. , Mondal Arpan , Konar Sanjit , Anand Venkataramanarao G.
Published: March 2022

28π antiaromatic macrocycles with benzene and azulene units and their effects on local and global (anti)aromaticity have been described. Experimental and computaionl studies confirmed strong diatropic ring current effects in their dicationic states, respectively.
Colour and constitution of conjugate bases of benzodifurantrione, its ring-opened derivatives and benzodifuranone dye analogues
Authors: Hutchings Michael G. , Lawrence Anthony J. , Kennedy Alan R.
Published: March 2022

Phenylene insertion into the enol of BDT gives a bright red BDF dye, whose conjugate base is a near infrared absorber. Two closely related conjugate bases of ring-opened analogues differ markedly: an ester is yellow, while an anilide is bright red.
The hidden aromaticity in borazine
Authors: Báez-Grez Rodrigo , Pino-Rios Ricardo
Published: March 2022

Dissected magnetically induced current density calculations show that local currents in borazine counteract the ring current and therefore hide its (weak) aromatic character.
Multi-responsive and conductive bilayer hydrogel and its application in flexible devices
Authors: Yu Dongyang , Teng Yanhua , Feng He , Lin Xiuling , Li Jianjun , Wang Qingping , Xue Changguo
Published: March 2022

A multi-stimuli-responsive bilayer hydrogel with conductivity has potential for application as soft robots, multi-stimuli-dependent resistors and human body monitors.
Electronic modifications in (Ba,La)(Fe,Zn,Y)O3−δ unveiled by oxygen K-edge X-ray Raman scattering
Authors: Raimondi G. , Longo A. , Giannici F. , Merkle R. , Hoedl M. F. , Chiara A. , Sahle C. J. , Maier J.
Published: March 2022

Triple-conducting perovskites: Fe 3d–O 2p hybridization affects proton uptake – a larger O → Fe electron transfer decreases O2− basicity. O-XRS elucidates effects of Fe oxidation state and oversized dopants.
Synthetic strategies to enhance the long-term stability of polymer brush coatings
Authors: Ding Zhichao , Chen Changyou , Yu Yunlong , de Beer Sissi
Published: March 2022

We discuss potential causes for degrafting of polymer brushes and provide an overview of the synthetic strategies that can be utilized to prevent degrafting.
A simple and rapid approach for on-site analysis of nicotine in tobacco based on a screen-printed electrode as an electrochemical sensor
Authors: Sha Yunfei , Yu Jie , Xiong Junwei , Yu Chaofan , Zhu Xiaoyu , Zhang Bingqian , Fei Ting , Wu Da
Published: March 2022

In this study, we report a portable kit consisting of a portable workstation, gold screen-printed electrode (SPE), 0.45 μm filter membrane, phosphate buffer solution (PBS), and acetic acid (1%) for point-of-use (POU) analysis of nicotine in tobacco.
Gold nanoclusters encapsulated into zinc-glutamate metal organic frameworks for efficient detection of H2O2
Authors: Chen Hongyu , Chang Yuan , Wei Ran , Zhang Pengcheng
Published: March 2022

Gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) have large Stokes shifts and long fluorescence life, which make them have high application value in bioanalytical applications.
Production of Janus/Hecate microfibers by microfluidic photopolymerization and evaluation of their potential in dye removal
Authors: Razzaq Wasif , Serra Christophe , Chan-Seng Delphine
Published: March 2022

The production of Janus/Hecate polymer microfibers with well-defined interfaces by microfluidic photopolymerization expands the panel of polymer fibers obtained using vinylic monomers and controlling their phase ratio can tune their properties.
An emerging deep eutectic solvent based on halogen-bonds
Authors: Shi Ruifen , Yu Dongkun , Zhou Fengyi , Yu Jiangfeng , Mu Tiancheng
Published: March 2022

A new deep eutectic solvent (DES) driven by halogen bonding was exploited.
Direct arylation of N-heterocycles enabled by photoredox catalysis
Authors: Li Heng-Hui , Li Shaoyu , Cheng Jun Kee , Xiang Shao-Hua , Tan Bin
Published: March 2022

A photoredox catalytic system was developed to construct N-heterobiaryls via direct arylation from readily accessible substrates. While phenols act as both coupling partner and proton donor, regular arenes were also applicable with HFIP as a solvent.
Small molecule modulation of protein polymerization
Authors: Fischer Eric S. , Jones Lyn H.
Published: March 2022

Small molecules have been shown to not only mediate and enhance polymerization, in a manner analogous to a surface residue mutation or post-translational modification, but also bind and stabilize the repeating unit to inhibit self-assembly.
Pyrenecarboxaldehyde encapsulated porous TiO2 nanoreactors for monitoring cellular GSH levels
Authors: Tu Ting-Ting , Sun Yuan , Lei Yan-Mei , Chai Ya-Qin , Zhuo Ying , Yuan Ruo
Published: March 2022

We improve the utilization rate of ECL intermediates using pyrenecarboxaldehyde (Pyc) encapsulated porous titania (pTiO2) nanospheres (Pyc@pTiO2) as the ECL nanoreactor.
A porous silicon anode prepared by dealloying a Sr-modified Al–Si eutectic alloy for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Jiang Piaopiao , Li Jinfu
Published: March 2022

With a porous coralloid structure, the silicon anode prepared by dealloying the Sr-modified Al–Si eutectic alloy exhibits excellent cycle and rate performances.
Aqueous extracts of tree peony petals: renin and angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory activities in different colours and flowering stages
Authors: Gao Yifang , Li Xixi , Liu Xueting , Yang Wenqing , Li Mengru , Li Jiaying , Li Fengjuan
Published: March 2022

Tree peony petals with different colours and flowering stages were assessed for renin/ACE inhibition. Dark-coloured samples showed higher inhibition than light-coloured ones, and a downward inhibitory trend was found from bud to full opening stage.
Ag nanoparticles on ZnO nanoplates as a hybrid SERS-active substrate for trace detection of methylene blue
Authors: Ha Pham Thi Thu , Vu Xuan Hoa , Dien Nguyen Dac , Trang Tran Thu , Kim Chi Tran Thi , Phuong Pham Ha , Nghia Nguyen Trong
Published: March 2022

Decorating two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials with nanoparticles provides an effective method to integrate their physicochemical properties.
Local detection of pH-induced disaggregation of biocompatible micelles by fluorescence switch ON
Authors: Battistelli Giulia , Proetto Maria , Mavridi-Printezi Alexandra , Calvaresi Matteo , Danielli Alberto , Constantini Paolo Emidio , Battistella Claudia , Gianneschi Nathan C. , Montalti Marco
Published: March 2022

pH-responsive micelles disassembly, upon acidification during lysosomal uptake, leads to fluorescence switch ON. These nanoparticles are promising candidates for the design of novel stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems.
Effect of Protective Face Coverings on Sentence Recognition in Noise for Cochlear Implant Patients
Authors: Vos Teresa G. , Dedmon Matthew M. , Buss Emily , Rooth Meredith A. , Richter Margaret E. , Dillon Margaret T.
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of talker protective face coverings on sentence recognition in noise for cochlear implant users.

Method:

The AzBio sentences were recorded in three conditions: (a) without any face covering (uncovered), (b) with an N95 mask, or (c) with an N95 mask plus face shield. Target sentences were presented at 60 dB SPL, and the 10-talker masker was presented at 50 dB SPL (10 dB signal-to-noise ratio. Speech recognition for these auditory stimuli was compared across conditions for 21 adult subjects with at least 6 months of cochlear implant (CI) use.

Results:

Significant deterioration in sentence recognition was observed for the N95 plus face shield (
Mdn
= 27% [IQR: 14%–35%]) compared with the N95 (
Mdn
= 72% [IQR: 55%–78%]) condition and for the N95 compared to uncovered (
Mdn
= 86% [IQR: 68%–91%]) condition.

Conclusions:

Talker protective face coverings have a significant influence on speech recognition in noise for CI users. More research is needed to understand the influence of visual cues with protective face coverings that include a plastic component allowing visualization of the talker's face.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.19326395
Measuring English Narrative Microstructure in Preschool Dual Language Learners
Authors: Runnion Elizabeth A. , Pierce Melissa , Restrepo Maria Adelaida
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of the study was to examine the change in specific English microstructure features according to language ability in preschool Spanish–English dual language learners.

Method:

We collected English narratives from 22 Spanish–English dual language learners with typical language development (TD) and 22 Spanish–English dual language learners with developmental language disorder (DLD) at the beginning and end of their first year in Head Start. Children came from Spanish-speaking homes and were exposed to English and Spanish in their preschool classrooms. We analyzed children's use of English microstructure across time using the Narrative Assessment Protocol.

Results:

Both groups showed improvement in overall English microstructure use, although children with TD made greater gains than children with DLD. Phrase structure (noun phrases, coordinating conjunctions, and prepositional phrases) increased in both groups, but more so in children with TD than with DLD. Sentence structure (compound, complex, negative, and interrogative sentences) increased in both groups. Verb use, noun use (Tier 2 nouns and nouns marked with plural and possessive endings), and modifiers (adverbs and adjectives) neither changed across time nor differed between groups.

Conclusions:

Spanish–English dual language learners who attend Head Start and come from Spanish-speaking homes, regardless of language ability, may not readily acquire verbs, nouns, and modifiers during their first year of formal English exposure, suggesting that they would benefit from explicit instruction in these areas. Preschool Spanish–English dual language learners with DLD may make less progress than their peers with TD in phrase structure use, indicating that explicit instruction in this microstructure feature may be beneficial for children with DLD.
Damping torque coefficient analysis of PMSG‐based WT with VSG control considering wind turbine dynamics
Authors: Qu Tong , Li Yujun , Yuan Xiaotian , Du Zhengchun
Published: March 2022

This paper expands the damping torque coefficient analysis (DTCA) for studying the small‐signal stability of permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG)‐based wind turbine (WT) under virtual synchronous generator (VSG) control with consideration of WT dynamics. Firstly, the typical VSG is implemented in the grid‐side voltage source converter (GSVSC), which enables selfsynchronization without phase‐locked loop (PLL). The maximum power point track (MPPT) algorithms are utilized to give the power reference for VSG. Then, the corresponding inertia and damping support can be provided by the kinetic energy of PMSG. Based on the established model, the DTCA is analytically conducted to not only reveal the key factors that influence the WT stability but also provide guidance for parameter tuning. As a result, it is important to find that the WT dynamics impair the damping and even lead to system instability. Moreover, the minimum value of VSG damping control parameter is analytically given to ensure the system stability under any load below the rated wind speed. Finally, the case studies considering one single PMSG connected to a large grid with and without inclusion of WT dynamics are performed and compared to demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed model and evaluate the applications of DTCA.
C‐band frequency‐scanning continuous transverse stub array with high gain and low sidelobe level
Authors: Cao Qi‐Dong , Yang Xue‐Xia , Yi Zixuan , Gao Steven
Published: March 2022

A C‐band substrate integrated waveguide based frequency‐scanning continuous transverse stub (CTS) array with high gain and low sidelobe level (SLL) is presented in this paper. The newly suggested linear source generator (LSG) consists of a feeding probe, a main reflector, a sub‐reflector, and two metal matching vias. By introducing one matching via on the left side of probe and another one on the right side of the sub‐reflector, a broadband LSG is obtained to excite the CTS array with a wide scanning range. The operating mechanism of the two matching vias is analysed. In order to reduce SLL, a serial‐fed array with asymmetrically distributed stub width is designed according to Chebyshev distribution for the first time. A prototype of 12‐element array is designed, simulated and measured, and excellent agreements are achieved. The measured beam‐scanning range is from −52° to 2° within the operating frequency of 5.6–8 GHz, in which |S11| is less than −10 dB. The maximum gain is 22 dBi and the SLL varies between −21 dB and −18.2 dB. The proposed design approach can be applied to other bands and other level distributions. The proposed frequency scanning array has great potentials in radar and detection systems.
The eROSITA Final Equatorial-Depth Survey (eFEDS)
Authors: Bulbul E. , Liu A. , Pasini T. , Comparat J. , Hoang D. N. , Klein M. , Ghirardini V. , Salvato M. , Merloni A. , Seppi R. , Wolf J. , Anderson S. F. , Bahar Y. E. , Brusa M. , Brüggen M. , Buchner J. , Dwelly T. , Ibarra-Medel H. , Ider Chitham J. , Liu T. , Nandra K. , Ramos-Ceja M. E. , Sanders J. S. , Shen Y.
Published: March 2022

Aims. The eROSITA Final Equatorial-Depth Survey (eFEDS), executed during the performance verification phase of the Spectrum-Roentgen-Gamma (SRG)/eROSITA telescope, was completed in November 2019. One of the science goals of this survey is to demonstrate the ability of eROSITA to detect samples of clusters and groups at the final depth of the eROSITA all-sky survey.

Methods. Because of the sizeable (≈26″ HEW FOV average) point-spread function of eROSITA, high-redshift clusters of galaxies or compact nearby groups hosting bright active galactic nuclei (AGN) can be misclassified as point sources by the source detection algorithms. A total of 346 galaxy clusters and groups in the redshift range of 0.1 < z < 1.3 were identified based on their red sequenc in the eFEDS point source catalog.

Results. We examine the multiwavelength properties of these clusters and groups to understand the potential biases in our selection process and the completeness of the extent-selected sample. We find that the majority of the clusters and groups in the point source sample are indeed underluminous and compact compared to the extent-selected sample. Their faint X-ray emission, well below the flux limit of the extent-selected eFEDS clusters, and their compact X-ray emission are likely to be the main reason for this misclassification. In the sample, we confirm that 10% of the sources host AGN in their brightest cluster galaxies (BCGs) through optical spectroscopy and visual inspection. By studying their X-ray, optical, infrared, and radio properties, we establish a method for identifying clusters and groups that host AGN in their BCGs. We successfully test this method on the current point source catalog through the Sloan Digital Sky Survey optical spectroscopy and find eight low-mass clusters and groups with active radio-loud AGN that are particularly bright in the infrared. They include eFEDS J091437.8+024558, eFEDS J083520.1+012516, and eFEDS J092227.1+043339 at redshifts 0.3−0.4.

Conclusions. This study helps us to characterize and understand our selection process and assess the completeness of the eROSITA extent-selected samples. The method we developed will be used to identify high-redshift clusters, AGN-dominated groups, and low-mass clusters that are misclassified in the future eROSITA all-sky survey point source catalogs.
Nationwide Provision of Radiologically-guided Interventional Measures for the Supportive Treatment of Tumor Diseases in Germany – An Analysis of the DeGIR Registry Data
Authors: Nadjiri Jonathan , Schachtner Balthasar , Bücker Arno , Heuser Lothar , Morhard Dominik , Mahnken Andreas H. , Hoffmann Ralf-Thorsten , Berlis Ansgar , Katoh Marcus , Reimer Peter , Ingrisch Michael , Paprottka Philipp M. , Landwehr Peter
Published: March 2022

Purpose In addition to direct oncologic therapy, interventional radiology plays an important supportive role in oncologic therapy primarily guided by other disciplines. These supporting measures include diagnostic punctures, drainages, biliary interventions, central venous access including port implantations, osteoplasties, pain therapies etc.). This study investigated the extent to which these radiologically guided supportive measures are available in Germany.

Material and Methods All interventional procedures documented in the DeGIR-registry (excluding transhepatic portosystemic shunts) of the years 2018 and 2019 were recorded (DeGIR-module C). A breakdown of the documented interventions was performed based on federal states as well as 40 individual regions (administrative districts and former administrative districts).

Results A total of 136,328 procedures were recorded at 216 centers in DeGIR Module C in 2018 and 2019. On average, 389 cases were documented per hospital in 2018 and 394 cases in 2019; the increase per hospital from 2019 is not statistically significant but is relevant in the aggregate when new participating centers are included, with an overall increase of 10 % (6,554 more cases than the previous year). Normalized to one million inhabitants, an average of 781 procedures took place across Germany in 2018 and 860 in 2019. Districts with no registered procedures are not found for Module C.

Indications for Module C interventions were mostly interdisciplinary in 2018 and 2019. In this context, the quality of outcome was very high; for the procedures drain placement, marking and biopsy the technical success was 99 %, while the complication rate was lower than 1 %.

Conclusion The structural analysis of this work concludes that in Germany there is good nationwide availability of radiologically guided supportive measures in oncological therapy. Accordingly, the training situation for prospective interventional radiologists is good, as the distribution to centers with high experience is excellent. In addition, the overall outcome quality of radiology-guided interventions is very high.

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Low-Dose CT for Renal Calculi Detection Using Spectral Shaping of High Tube Voltage
Authors: Gassenmaier Sebastian , Winkelmann Moritz T , Magnus Jan-Philipp , Brendlin Andreas Stefan , Walter Sven S. , Afat Saif , Artzner Christoph , Nikolaou Konstantin , Bongers Malte Niklas
Published: March 2022

Purpose To investigate reduction of radiation exposure in unenhanced CT in suspicion of renal calculi using a tin-filtered high tube voltage protocol compared to a standard low-dose protocol without spectral shaping.

Materials and Methods A phantom study using 7 human renal calculi was performed to test both protocols. 120 consecutive unenhanced CT examinations performed due to suspicion of renal calculi were included in this retrospective, monocentric study. 60 examinations were included with the standard-dose protocol (SP) (100 kV/130 mAs), whereas another 60 studies were included using a low-dose protocol (LD) applying spectral shaping with tin filtration of high tube voltages (Sn150 kV/80 mAs). Image quality was assessed by two radiologists in consensus blinded to technical parameters using an equidistant Likert scale ranging from 1–5 with 5 being the highest score. Quantitative image quality was assessed using regions of interest in abdominal organs, muscles, and adipose tissue to analyze image noise and signal-to-noise ratios (SNR). Commercially available dosimetry software was used to determine and compare effective dose (ED) and size-specific dose estimates (SSDEmean).

Results All seven renal calculi of the phantom could be detected with both protocols. There was no difference regarding calcluli size between the two protocols except for the smallest one. The smallest concretion measured 1.5 mm in LD and 1.0 mm in SP (ground truth 1.5 mm). CTDIvol was 3.36 mGy in LD (DLP: 119.3 mGycm) and 8.27 mGy in SP (DLP: 293.6 mGycm). The mean patient age in SP was 47 ± 17 years and in LD 49 ± 13 years. Ureterolithiasis was found in 33 cases in SP and 32 cases in LD. The median concretion size was 3 mm in SP and 4 mm in LD. The median ED in LD was 1.3 mSv (interquartile range (IQR) 0.3 mSv) compared to 2.3 mSv (IQR 0.9 mSv) in SP (p < 0.001). The SSDEmean of LD was also significantly lower compared to SP with 2.4 mGy (IQR 0.4 mGy) vs. 4.8 mGy (IQR 2.3 mGy) (p < 0.001). The SNR was significantly lower in LD compared to SP (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between SP and LD regarding the qualitative assessment of image quality with a median of 4 (IQR 1) for both groups (p = 0.648).

Conclusion Tin-filtered unenhanced abdominal CT for the detection of renal calculi using high tube voltages leads to a significant reduction of radiation exposure and yields high diagnostic image quality without a significant difference compared to the institution’s standard of care low-dose protocol without tin filtration.

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Efficacy and Safety of Combined Embolization and Radiofrequency Ablation in Stage 1 Renal Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Wessendorf Joel , König Alexander Marc , Heers Hendrik , Mahnken Andreas H.
Published: March 2022

Purpose To retrospectively evaluate outcomes of a combined interventional approach to stage 1 (cT1cN0cM0) renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) by transarterial embolization (TAE) followed by percutaneous CT-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients ineligible for surgery.

Materials and Methods 13 patients (9 male, 4 female, 69.6 ± 16.6 y/o) with 14 RCCs (largest diameter: 40.4 ± 6.7 mm, cT1a: 4, cT1b: 10) were treated by RFA a median of one day after TAE in a single center. Indications for minimally invasive interventional therapy were bilateral RCCs (n = 4), RCCs in a single kidney after nephrectomy (n = 3), increased surgical risk due to comorbidities (n = 4), and rejection of surgical therapy (n = 2). Technical success, effectiveness, safety, ablative margin, cancer-specific survival, overall survival, and tumor characteristics were analyzed.

Results All RCCs were successfully ablated after embolization with a minimum ablative margin of 1.2 mm. The median follow-up was 27 (1–83) months. There was no residual or recurrent tumor in the ablation zone. No patient developed metastasis. Two minor and two major complications occurred. Four patients with severe comorbidities died during follow-up due to causes unrelated to therapy. The 1-year and 5-year overall survival was 74.1 % each. Cancer-specific survival was 100 % after 1 and 5 years. There was no significant decline in mean eGFR directly after therapy (p = 0.226). However, the mean eGFR declined from 62.2 ± 22.0 to 50.0 ± 27.8 ml/min during follow-up (p < 0.05).

Conclusion The combination of TAE and RFA provides an effective minimally invasive therapy to stage 1 RCCs in patients ineligible for surgery. The outcomes compare favorably with data from surgery.

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Multiparametric Functional MRI of the Kidney: Current State and Future Trends with Deep Learning Approaches
Authors: Zhang Cecilia , Schwartz Martin , Küstner Thomas , Martirosian Petros , Seith Ferdinand
Published: March 2022

Background Until today, assessment of renal function has remained a challenge for modern medicine. In many cases, kidney diseases accompanied by a decrease in renal function remain undetected and unsolved, since neither laboratory tests nor imaging diagnostics provide adequate information on kidney status. In recent years, developments in the field of functional magnetic resonance imaging with application to abdominal organs have opened new possibilities combining anatomic imaging with multiparametric functional information. The multiparametric approach enables the measurement of perfusion, diffusion, oxygenation, and tissue characterization in one examination, thus providing more comprehensive insight into pathophysiological processes of diseases as well as effects of therapeutic interventions. However, application of multiparametric fMRI in the kidneys is still restricted mainly to research areas and transfer to the clinical routine is still outstanding. One of the major challenges is the lack of a standardized protocol for acquisition and postprocessing including efficient strategies for data analysis. This article provides an overview of the most common fMRI techniques with application to the kidney together with new approaches regarding data analysis with deep learning.

Methods This article implies a selective literature review using the literature database PubMed in May 2021 supplemented by our own experiences in this field.

Results and Conclusion Functional multiparametric MRI is a promising technique for assessing renal function in a more comprehensive approach by combining multiple parameters such as perfusion, diffusion, and BOLD imaging. New approaches with the application of deep learning techniques could substantially contribute to overcoming the challenge of handling the quantity of data and developing more efficient data postprocessing and analysis protocols. Thus, it can be hoped that multiparametric fMRI protocols can be sufficiently optimized to be used for routine renal examination and to assist clinicians in the diagnostics, monitoring, and treatment of kidney diseases in the future.

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Circadian Regulation of Gene Expression and Metabolism in the Liver
Authors: Guan Dongyin , Lazar Mitchell A.
Published: March 2022

Circadian rhythms are approximately 24-hour cycles of variation in physiological processes, gene expression, and behavior. They result from the interplay of internal biological clocks with daily environmental rhythms, including light/dark and feeding/fasting. Note that 24-hour rhythms of liver metabolic processes have been known for almost 100 years. Modern studies reveal that, like metabolism, hepatic gene expression is highly rhythmic. Genetic or environmental changes can disrupt the circadian rhythms of the liver, leading to metabolic disorders and hepatocellular carcinoma. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of mechanisms regulating rhythmic gene expression in the liver, highlighting the roles of transcription factors that comprise the core clock molecular as well as noncanonical regulators. We emphasize the plasticity of circadian rhythms in the liver as it responds to multiple inputs from the external and internal environments as well as the potential of circadian medicine to impact liver-related diseases.
Recent Advances to Mediate Reductive Processes of Nitroarenes Using Single-Electron Transfer, Organomagnesium, or Organozinc Reagents
Authors: Driver Tom G. , Zhu Haoran
Published: March 2022

Nitroarenes are readily available compounds that are commonly utilized in reductive processes to form C–NAr bonds via reactive nitrogen intermediates. Recent advances in the development of reductive reactions of nitroarenes using organomagnesium, organozinc, and single-electron transfer reagents are discussed within this short review.

1 Introduction

2 Organomagnesium-Mediated Reductive Reactions of Nitroarenes

3 Organozinc- and Zinc-Mediated Reductive Reactions of Nitroarenes

4 Iodine-Catalyzed Redox Cyclizations of Nitroarenes

5 Titanium(III)-Mediated Reductive Cyclizations

6 Sulfur-Mediated Reductive Reactions of Nitroarenes

7 Alkoxide-Mediated Reductive Reactions of Nitroarenes

8 4,4′-Bipyridine-Mediated Reductive Reactions of Nitroarenes

9 Visible-Light-Driven Reductive Amination Reactions

10 Electrochemical Reductive Reactions

11 Conclusion