bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acetabular development and fate of inverted limbus in rabbits: Experimental observation from an animal model
Authors: Liu Jiahui , Zhou Weizheng , Chen Yufan , Li Lianyong
Published: February 2021

Using an animal model, we aimed to investigate the effects of an inverted limbus on acetabular development following closed reduction of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). We interpositioned the menisci of 5‐week‐old rabbits (n = 40) into the hip joints to simulate limbus inversion following closed reduction for DDH. The acetabular index (AI) on anteroposterior pelvic radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging were used to evaluate acetabular development. Animals were euthanized at 4 and 8 weeks after surgery. Histological sections of the acetabular cartilage were stained and scored in accordance with the modified Mankin system. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to examine the ultrastructure of the acetabular cartilage. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end‐labeling staining was used to evaluate chondrocyte apoptosis. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses were used to examine the expression of type X collagen (Col‐X) and matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP‐13) in the acetabular cartilage. AI values increased over a period and were higher in the experimental group than in the sham group. In the experimental group, the acetabular surface had become rough and had split in some cases. Chondrocytes within the acetabular cartilage had become hypertrophic, gradually forming clusters, and taking on an apoptotic appearance. Col‐X and MMP‐13 expression also increased with time. Our findings suggest that residual limbus inversion following closed reduction for DDH can cause progressive dysplasia of the acetabulum, apoptosis of acetabular chondrocytes, accelerated cartilage degeneration, and even early‐stage osteoarthritis.
Development of a murine model of ischemic osteonecrosis to study the effects of aging on bone repair
Authors: Yamaguchi Ryosuke , Kamiya Nobuhiro , Kuroyanagi Gen , Ren Yinshi , Kim Harry K. W.
Published: February 2021

Age at onset is one of the most important predictors of outcome following ischemic osteonecrosis (ON). Currently, there is no well‐established animal model to study the effects of age on the repair process following ischemic ON. The purpose of this study was to further advance a murine model of ischemic ON using four age groups of mice to determine the effects of aging on revascularization and bone repair following ischemic ON. Ischemia was surgically induced in the distal femoral epiphysis of four age groups of skeletally immature and mature mice; juvenile (5 weeks), adolescent (12 weeks), adult (22 weeks), and middle age (52 weeks). Mice were euthanized at 2 days or 4 weeks post‐ischemia surgery to evaluate the extent of ON, revascularization, and bone repair. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling staining showed extensive cell death in the epiphysis of all four age groups at 2 days post‐ischemia surgery. At 4 weeks, the juvenile mice followed by the adolescent mice had significantly greater revascularization and repair of the necrotic marrow space, increased osteoblast and osteoclast numbers, and increased bone formation rates compared to the adult and middle‐age mice. Faster revascularization and bone healing were observed in the skeletally immature mice compared to the skeletally mature mice following ischemic ON. The findings resemble the clinical observation of aging on bone repair following ischemic ON. The mouse model may serve as a useful tool to investigate the mechanisms underlying the age‐related impairment of bone repair in adolescent and adult ON and to develop novel therapeutic strategies.
3D‐printed, bioactive ceramic scaffold with rhBMP‐2 in treating critical femoral bone defects in rabbits using the induced membrane technique
Authors: Cho Jae‐Woo , Kim Beom‐Soo , Yeo Do‐Hyun , Lim Eic Ju , Sakong Seungyeob , Lim Junyoung , Park SungNam , Jeong Yong‐Hoon , Jung Tae‐Gon , Choi Hyuk , Oh Chang‐Wug , Kim Hak Jun , Park Jong Woong , Oh Jong‐Keon
Published: February 2021

Although autogenous bone grafts are an optimal filling material for the induced membrane technique, limited availability and complications at the harvest site have created a need for alternative graft materials. We aimed to investigate the effect of an rhBMP‐2‐coated, 3D‐printed, macro/microporous CaO–SiO2–P2O5–B2O3 bioactive ceramic scaffold in the treatment of critical femoral bone defects in rabbits using the induced membrane technique. A 15‐mm segmental bone defect was made in the metadiaphyseal area of the distal femur of 14 rabbits. The defect was filled with polymethylmethacrylate cement and stabilized with a 2.0 mm locking plate. After the membrane matured for 4 weeks, the scaffold was implanted in two randomized groups: Group A (3D‐printed bioceramic scaffold) and Group B (3D‐printed, bioceramic scaffold with rhBMP‐2). Eight weeks after implantation, the radiographic assessment showed that the healing rate of the defect was significantly higher in Group B (7/7, 100%) than in Group A (2/7, 29%). The mean volume of new bone formation around and inside the scaffold doubled in Group B compared to that in Group A. The mean static and dynamic stiffness were significantly higher in Group B. Histological examination revealed newly formed bone in both groups. Extensive cortical bone formation along the scaffold was found in Group B. Successful bone reconstruction in critical‐sized bone defects could be obtained using rhBMP‐2‐coated, 3D‐printed, macro/microporous bioactive ceramic scaffolds. This grafting material demonstrated potential as an alternative graft material in the induced membrane technique for reconstructing critical‐sized bone defects.
Early changes in osteochondral tissues in a rabbit model of post‐traumatic osteoarthritis
Authors: Huang Lingwei , Riihioja Ilari , Tanska Petri , Ojanen Simo , Palosaari Sanna , Kröger Heikki , Saarakkala Simo J. , Herzog Walter , Korhonen Rami K. , Finnilä Mikko A. J.
Published: February 2021

Concurrent osteoarthritic (OA) manifestations in bone and cartilage are poorly known. To shed light on this issue, this study aims to investigate changes in subchondral bone and articular cartilage at two time points after anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) in a rabbit model. 2 (N = 16) and 8 (N = 10) weeks after ACLT, the subchondral bone structure, cartilage thickness, Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) score, fixed charged density (FCD), and collagen orientation angle were analyzed. OA related changes were evaluated by comparing the ACLT to the contralateral (C‐L) and control knees. Already 2 weeks after ACLT, higher trabecular number in the medial femoral condyle and femoral groove, greater OARSI score in the femoral condyles, and thinner trabeculae in the lateral tibial plateau and femoral groove were observed in ACLT compared to C‐L knees. Only minor changes of cartilage collagen orientation in the femoral condyles and femoral groove and smaller FCD in the femoral condyles, medial tibial plateau, femoral groove and patella were observed. 8 weeks post‐ACLT, the surgical knees had thinner subchondral plate and trabeculae, and smaller trabecular bone volume fraction in most of the knee locations. OARSI score was greater in the femoral condyle and lateral tibial plateau cartilage. FCD loss was progressive only in the femoral condyle, femoral groove, and patellar cartilage, and minor changes of cartilage collagen orientation angle were present in the femoral condyles, femoral groove, and lateral tibial plateau. We conclude that ACLT induces progressive subchondral bone loss, during which proteoglycan loss occurs followed by their partly recovery, as indicated by FCD results.
Depletion and enrichment of phytosterols in soybean oil lipid emulsions directly associate with serum markers of cholestasis in preterm parenteral nutrition–fed pigs
Authors: Guthrie Greg , Stoll Barbara , Chacko Shaji , Mohammad Mahmoud , Style Candace , Verla Mariatu , Olutoye Oluyinka , Schady Deborah , Lauridsen Charlotte , Tataryn Nick , Burrin Douglas
Published: February 2021

Background

Clinical reports show a positive correlation between phytosterol concentrations and severity of cholestatic liver disease markers in infants during long‐term administration of parenteral lipid emulsions. Establishing a causal link between phytosterols and cholestasis has been complicated by confounding factors of lipid emulsion load, fatty acid composition, and vitamin E in many of these studies. The goal of this study is to determine whether altering the phytosterol concentration within a common soybean oil–based emulsion will alter the onset and severity of cholestasis in parenterally fed preterm piglets.

Methods

Preterm piglets were administered, for 21 days, either enteral nutrition (ENT) or parenteral nutrition (PN) prepared from a soybean oil–based emulsion containing either 24.0% (depleted [DEP]), 100% (Intralipid; normal phytosterol [NP] concentration), or 144% (enriched [ENR]) total phytosterol concentration.

Results

At the end of the study, plasma and liver phytosterol concentrations were highest in the ENR group, followed by NP and then DEP and ENT. Serum direct bilirubin, serum bile acids, and γ‐glutamyltransferase were higher in the ENR and NP groups compared with either DEP or ENT groups. All PN lipid groups showed evidence of mild hepatic steatosis but no change in hepatic expression of proinflammatory cytokines or Farnesoid X receptor target genes.

Conclusion

The increase in serum direct bilirubin was lower in the DEP group vs the lipid emulsions with normal or ENR phytosterols. Our results provide additional evidence that phytosterols are linked to an increase in serum markers of cholestasis in preterm PN‐fed pigs.
Autophagic activation of IRF‐1 aggravates hepatic ischemia–reperfusion injury via JNK signaling
Authors: Li Shipeng , He Jindan , Xu Hongwei , Yang Jiaxing , Luo Yutian , Song Wenyue , Qiao Bingbing , Zhang Haiming
Published: February 2021

Increasing evidence has accrued indicating that autophagy is associated with hepatic ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI). This report demonstrates that interferon regulatory factor‐1 (IRF‐1) was upregulated in response to hepatic IRI and was associated with autophagic activation. As a result of these processes, there is an aggravation of liver damage, effects that can be offset by IRF‐1 depletion. In addition, these effects of IRF‐1 are associated with JNK pathway activation followed by increases in Beclin1 protein levels. This JNK‐induced autophagic cell death then leads to cell failure, and plays an important role in liver function damage. We conclude that IRF‐1 activates autophagy through JNK‐mediated autophagy. Accordingly, these findings indicating that the IRF‐1/JNK pathway activates autophagy to exacerbate liver IRI in this mouse model may provide new insights into novel protective therapies for hepatic IRI.
Neurotized free VRAM used to create myoelectric signals in a muscle‐depleted area for targeted muscle reinnervation for intuitive prosthesis control: A case report
Authors: Li Jialun , Huang Tony Chieh‐Ting , Chaudhry Arif R. , Cantwell Sean , Moran Steven L.
Published: February 2021

Targeted muscle reinnervation enables native muscles to send electromyographic signals to myoelectric receptors, which drive movements in a prosthesis. This system requires voluntary contracture of muscles for sequential control of powered prosthetic joints. This report describes a surgical solution for cases where the chest wall is depleted of muscle targets. A 13‐year‐old boy with left forequarter amputation and pectoralis major resection as a result of extended necrotizing facilities 8 years prior received a neurotized free Vertical Rectus Abdominus Mycocutaneous (VRAM) flap (28 × 10 cm) designed to produce myoelectric signals, reduce pain, and provide stability for prosthetic fitting. Five intercostal nerves from the VRAM were coapted to portions of the brachial plexus to create a myoelectric interface for targeted muscle reinnervation. The postoperative course was uneventful. At 39 months of follow‐up, the patient gained control of the transferred VRAM and was able to operate a custom‐fitted myoelectric prosthesis together with contraction of the ipsilateral infraspinatus muscle. The neurotized VRAM transfer created a neural interface in an area with depleted neuromuscular targets while decreasing pain and adding tissue bulk for proper prosthesis fitting. Such a surgical strategy may have applications in other areas of the body.
Exploring the predictive value of additional peritumoral regions based on deep learning and radiomics: A multicenter study
Authors: Wu Xiangjun , Dong Di , Zhang Lu , Fang Mengjie , Zhu Yongbei , He Bingxi , Ye Zhaoxiang , Zhang Minming , Zhang Shuixing , Tian Jie
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The present study assessed the predictive value of peritumoral regions on three tumor tasks, and further explored the influence of peritumors with different sizes.

Methods

We retrospectively collected 333 samples of gastrointestinal stromal tumors from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and 183 samples of gastrointestinal stromal tumors from Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital. We also collected 211 samples of laryngeal carcinoma and 233 samples of nasopharyngeal carcinoma from the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University. The tasks of three tumor datasets were risk assessment (gastrointestinal stromal tumor), T3/T4 staging prediction (laryngeal carcinoma), and distant metastasis prediction (nasopharyngeal carcinoma), respectively. First, deep learning and radiomics were respectively used to construct peritumoral models, to study whether the peritumor had predictive value on three tumor datasets. Furthermore, we defined different sizes peritumors including fixed size (not considering tumor size) and adaptive size (according to average tumor radius) to explore the influence of peritumor of different sizes and types of tumors. Finally, we visualized the deep learning and radiomic models to observe the influence of the peritumor in three datasets.

Results

The performance of intra‐peritumors are better than intratumors alone in three datasets. Specifically, the comparisons of area under receiver operating characteristic curve in the testing set between intra‐peritumoral and intratumoral models are: 0.908 vs 0.873 (P value: 0.037) in gastrointestinal stromal tumor datasets, 0.796 vs 0.756 (P value: 0.188) in laryngeal carcinoma datasets and 0.660 vs 0.579 (P value: 0.431) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma datasets. Furthermore, for gastrointestinal stromal tumor datasets, deep learning is more stable to learn peritumors with both fixed and adaptive size than radiomics. For laryngeal carcinoma datasets, the intra‐peritumoral radiomic model could make model performance more balanced. For nasopharyngeal carcinoma datasets, radiomics is also more suitable for modeling peritumors than deep learning. The size of the peritumor is critical in this task, and only the performance of 1.5 mm–4.5 mm peritumors is stable.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that peritumors have additional predictive value in three tumor datasets through deep learning or radiomics. The definitions of the peritumoral region and artificial intelligence method also have great influence on the performance of the peritumor.
The role of PQL genes in response to salinity tolerance in Arabidopsis and barley
Authors: Alqahtani Mashael , Lightfoot Damien J. , Lemtiri‐Chlieh Fouad , Bukhari Ebtihaj , Pardo José M. , Julkowska Magdalena M. , Tester Mark
Published: February 2021

While soil salinity is a global problem, how salt enters plant root cells from the soil solution remains underexplored. Non‐selective cation channels (NSCCs) are suggested to be the major pathway for the entry of sodium ions (Na+), yet their genetic constituents remain unknown. Yeast PQ loop (PQL) proteins were previously proposed to encode NSCCs, but the role of PQLs in plants is unknown. The hypothesis tested in this research is that PQL proteins constitute NSCCs mediating some of the Na+ influx into the root, contributing to ion accumulation and the inhibition of growth in saline conditions. We identified plant PQL homologues, and studied the role of one clade of PQL genes in Arabidopsis and barley. Using heterologous expression of AtPQL1a and HvPQL1 in HEK293 cells allowed us to resolve sizable inwardly directed currents permeable to monovalent cations such as Na+, K+, or Li+ upon membrane hyperpolarization. We observed that GFP‐tagged PQL proteins localized to intracellular membrane structures, both when transiently over‐expressed in tobacco leaf epidermis and in stable Arabidopsis transformants. Expression of AtPQL1a, AtPQL1b, and AtPQL1c was increased by salt stress in the shoot tissue compared to non‐stressed plants. Mutant lines with altered expression of AtPQL1a, AtPQL1b, and AtPQL1c developed larger rosettes in saline conditions, while altered levels of AtPQL1a severely reduced development of lateral roots in all conditions. This study provides the first step toward understanding the function of PQL proteins in plants and the role of NSCC in salinity tolerance.
Age‐dependent increase in α‐tocopherol and phytosterols in maize leaves exposed to elevated ozone pollution
Authors: Wedow Jessica M. , Burroughs Charles H. , Rios Acosta Lorena , Leakey Andrew D. B. , Ainsworth Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2021

Tropospheric ozone is a major air pollutant that significantly damages crop production. Crop metabolic responses to rising chronic ozone stress have not been well studied in the field, especially in C4 crops. In this study, we investigated the metabolomic profile of leaves from two diverse maize (Zea mays) inbred lines and the hybrid cross during exposure to season‐long elevated ozone (~100 nl L−1) in the field using free air concentration enrichment (FACE) to identify key biochemical responses of maize to elevated ozone. Senescence, measured by loss of chlorophyll content, was accelerated in the hybrid line, B73 × Mo17, but not in either inbred line (B73 or Mo17). Untargeted metabolomic profiling further revealed that inbred and hybrid lines of maize differed in metabolic responses to ozone. A significant difference in the metabolite profile of hybrid leaves exposed to elevated ozone occurred as leaves aged, but no age‐dependent difference in leaf metabolite profiles between ozone conditions was measured in the inbred lines. Phytosterols and α‐tocopherol levels increased in B73 × Mo17 leaves as they aged, and to a significantly greater degree in elevated ozone stress. These metabolites are involved in membrane stabilization and chloroplast reactive oxygen species (ROS) quenching. The hybrid line also showed significant yield loss at elevated ozone, which the inbred lines did not. This suggests that the hybrid maize line was more sensitive to ozone exposure than the inbred lines, and up‐regulated metabolic pathways to stabilize membranes and quench ROS in response to chronic ozone stress.
Unmet social care needs of people living with and beyond cancer: prevalence and predictors from an English longitudinal survey
Authors: Gousia Katerina , Towers Ann‐Marie
Published: February 2021

Objectives

This study estimates the prevalence of unmet social care needs of people over 50 living in England with cancer and the effect of cancer on unmet needs.

Methods

We used data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. We estimated the mean, standard deviation and 95% CI of the prevalence of unmet social care needs among people with cancer. Logistic regression analysis with individual random effects was used to estimate the effect of cancer on unmet needs controlling for other determinants. Pain measures were included stepwise in the regression to estimate their mediating effect.

Results

The prevalence rate of unmet social care needs among people living with cancer is 9% (SD = 0.29; 95% CI: 8.3–10) compared to 6% (SD = 0.24; 95% CI: 6.1–6.5) among people without cancer. People with cancer have significantly higher odds of having unmet needs by a factor of 1.44 (95% CI: 1.20–1.72), after controlling for the effect of other characteristics. Adding pain measures reduces the effect of cancer to a factor of 1.36 (95% CI: 1.14–1.64) in the odds of unmet needs but still remains statistically significant.

Conclusions

A more integrated approach to cancer care is more likely to address the high level of unmet needs and consequent adverse implications.
Clinical, functional, and computed tomography findings in a cohort of patients with neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia of infancy
Authors: Balinotti Juan E. , Maffey Alberto , Colom Alejandro , Roldán Oscar , Díaz Walter , Medín Martín , Racimo Mariano , Teper Alejandro
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia of infancy (NEHI) is one of the most common interstitial lung diseases in children. Both the etiology and pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease are still unknown. Prognosis is usually favorable; however, there are significant morbidities during the early years of life.

Objective

To describe the clinical course, infant pulmonary function tests and computed tomography (CT) findings in a cohort of patients with NEHI in Argentina.

Methods

This is a observational multicenter cohort study of children diagnosed with NEHI between 2011 and 2020.

Results

Twenty patients participated in this study. The median age of onset of symptoms was 3 months and the median age at diagnosis was 6 months. The most common clinical presentation was tachypnea, retractions and hypoxemia. The chest CT findings showed central ground glass opacities and air trapping. Infant pulmonary function tests revealed an obstructive pattern in 75% of the cases (10/12). Most patients (75%) required home oxygen therapy for 17 months (interquartile range 12–25). In 85% of them, tachypnea and hypoxemia spontaneously resolved between the second and third years of life.

Conclusion

In this cohort, the first symptoms appeared during the early months of life. The typical clinical, CT, and functional findings allowed the diagnosis without the need of a lung biopsy. Although most patients required home oxygen therapy, they showed a favorable evolution.
Untargeted metabolomics of human plasma reveal lipid markers unique to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Nambiar Shabarinath , Tan Dino Bee Aik , Clynick Britt , Bong Sze How , Rawlinson Catherine , Gummer Joel , Corte Tamera J. , Glaspole Ian , Moodley Yuben P. , Trengove Robert
Published: February 2021

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by airway inflammation and progressive airflow limitation, whereas idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterised by a restrictive pattern due to fibrosis and impaired gas exchange. We undertook metabolomic analysis of blood samples in IPF, COPD and healthy controls (HC) to determine differences in circulating molecules and identify novel pathogenic pathways. An untargeted metabolomics using an ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer (UHPLC‐QTOF‐MS) was performed to profile plasma of patients with COPD (n = 21), and IPF (n = 24) in comparison to plasma from healthy controls (HC; n = 20). The most significant features were identified using multiple database matching. One‐way ANOVA and variable importance in projection (VIP) scores were also used to highlight metabolites that influence the specific disease groups. Non‐polar metabolites such as fatty acids (FA) and membrane lipids were well resolved and a total of 4805 features were identified. The most prominent metabolite composition differences in lipid mediators identified at ∼2–3 fold higher in both diseases compared to HC were palmitoleic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid; and dihydrotestosterone was lower in both diseases. We demonstrated that COPD and IPF were characterised by systemic changes in lipid constituents such as essential FA sampled from circulating plasma.
N‐Glycan profiling of chondrocytes and fibroblast‐like synoviocytes: Towards functional glycomics in osteoarthritis
Authors: Fuehrer Johannes , Pichler Katharina M. , Fischer Anita , Giurea Alexander , Weinmann Daniela , Altmann Friedrich , Windhager Reinhard , Gabius Hans‐Joachim , Toegel Stefan
Published: February 2021

Purpose

N‐Glycan profiling provides an indicator of the cellular potential for functional pairing with tissue lectins. Following the discovery of galectin expression by chondrocytes as a factor in osteoarthritis pathobiology, mapping of N‐glycans upon their phenotypic dedifferentiation in culture and in fibroblast‐like synoviocytes is a step to better understand glycobiological contributions to disease progression.

Experimental design

The profiles of cellular N‐glycans of human osteoarthritic chondrocytes and fibroblast‐like synoviocytes were characterized by mass spectrometry. RT‐qPCR experiments determined mRNA levels of 16 glycosyltransferases. Responsiveness of cells to galectins was quantified by measuring the mRNA level for interleukin‐1β.

Results

The shift of chondrocytes to a fibroblastic phenotype (dedifferentiation) is associated with changes in N‐glycosylation. The N‐glycan profile of chondrocytes at passage 4 reflects characteristics of synoviocytes. Galectins‐1 and ‐3 enhance expression of interleukin‐1β mRNA in both cell types, most pronounced in primary culture. Presence of interleukin‐1β leads to changes in sialylation in synoviocytes that favor galectin binding.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

N‐Glycosylation reflects phenotypic changes of osteoarthritic cells in vitro. Like chondrocytes, fibroblast‐like synoviocytes express N‐glycans that are suited to bind galectins, and these proteins serve as inducers of pro‐inflammatory markers in these cells. Synoviocytes can thus contribute to disease progression in osteoarthritis in situ.
Atomistic Understanding of the Ferroelectric Properties of a Wurtzite‐Structure (AlN)n/(ScN)m Superlattice
Authors: Ye Kun Hee , Han Gyuseung , Yeu In Won , Hwang Cheol Seong , Choi Jung-Hae
Published: February 2021

For ferroelectric applications, wurtzite (WZ)‐phase (Al,Sc)N is investigated using ab initio calculations. The key ferroelectric properties, such as the ferroelectric switching barrier and spontaneous polarization, are examined in (AlN)n/(ScN)m superlattice (SL) structures by varying the ScN fraction, and compared with an (Al,Sc)N solid solution (SS). The reduction of the switching barrier is dominated by the local structural instability rather than the flattening of the buckled monolayer composed of metal–nitrogen pairs in WZ‐stacking. This argument is supported by the doping effects of other metal elements as well as the reduction of the switching barrier in the SL, which does not accompany the flattening of the buckled monolayer. The decrease in the spontaneous polarization along the ScN fraction is explained by structural parameters (the in‐plane area and the buckling parameter) and the Born effective charge (BEC). The slight decrease in the spontaneous polarization in the SL is attributed to the larger increase in the in‐plane area rather than the BEC. In contrast, the decrease in the buckling parameter in the SS is suggested to more significantly reduce the spontaneous polarization along the ScN fraction.
The development of computer‐aided patient‐specific template design software for 3D printing in cranio‐maxillofacial surgery
Authors: Memon Afaque R. , Li Dongyuan , Hu Junlei , Wang Enpeng , Zhang Dingzhong , Chen Xiaojun
Published: February 2021

Background

The patient‐specific templates for osteotomy often have complex surface features. Using current commercial software to design such templates is quite complicated, tedious and unrepeatable.

Aims

In this study, a novel surgical planning system for oral and maxillofacial surgery named EasyTemplate is developed, aiming to help doctors shorten the modelling time and assure the reliability in template design.

Materials & Methods

In the simplified design process of an osteotomy guide, the main template can be formed efficiently using a surface offsetting algorithm, which is based on isosurface extraction and oriented bounding box. Thereafter, the cutting grooves can be generated automatically.

Results

A complicated surgical guide could be built accurately in about 10 min. Clinical orthognathic cases were conducted successfully using osteotomy and repositioning templates designed by EasyTemplate.

Discussion

Compared with commercially available softwares, higher efficiency and simpler design process were achieved, moreover, the time cost is one‐third or even less.

Conclusion

EasyTemplate can be a useful alternative to traditional softwares. This software allows the auto‐generation algorithm which helps avoid a tedious modeling process while providing basic shapes for designers.
Exact equilibrium distributions in statistical quantum field theory with rotation and acceleration: scalar field
Authors: Becattini F. , Buzzegoli M. , Palermo A.
Published: February 2021

Abstract

We derive a general exact form of the phase space distribution function and the thermal expectation values of local operators for the free quantum scalar field at equilibrium with rotation and acceleration in flat space-time without solving field equations in curvilinear coordinates. After factorizing the density operator with group theoretical methods, we obtain the exact form of the phase space distribution function as a formal series in thermal vorticity through an iterative method and we calculate thermal expectation values by means of analytic continuation techniques. We separately discuss the cases of pure rotation and pure acceleration and derive analytic results for the stress-energy tensor of the massless field. The expressions found agree with the exact analytic solutions obtained by solving the field equation in suitable curvilinear coordinates for the two cases at stake and already — or implicitly — known in literature. In order to extract finite values for the pure acceleration case we introduce the concept of analytic distillation of a complex function. For the massless field, the obtained expressions of the currents are polynomials in the acceleration/temperature ratios which vanish at 2π, in full accordance with the Unruh effect.
Delaying the inevitable: tidal disruption in microstate geometries
Authors: Bena Iosif , Houppe Anthony , Warner Nicholas P.
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Microstate geometries in string theory replace the black-hole horizon with a smooth geometric “cap” at the horizon scale. In geometries constructed using superstratum technology, this cap has the somewhat surprising property that induces very large tidal deformations on infalling observers that are far away from it. We find that this large-distance amplification of the tidal effects is also present in horizonless microstate geometries constructed as bubbling solutions, but can be tamed by suitably arranging the bubbles to reduce the strength of some of the gravitational multipole moments. However, despite this taming, these tidal effects still become large at a significant distance from the microstructure. This result suggests that an observer will not fall unharmed into the structure replacing the black hole horizon.
Quantifying the potential and flux landscapes for nonequilibrium multiverse, a new scenario for time arrow
Authors: Wang Hong , Li Xinyu , Wang Jin
Published: February 2021

Abstract

We propose a new scenario of nonequilibirum multiverse. We quantified the potential landscape and the flux landscape for the multiverse. The potential landscape quantifies the weight of each universe. When the terminal vacuum with zero (flat) or negative cosmological constant (AdS) have a chance to tunnel back to the normal universes with positive cosmological constant (dS) through the bounce suggested by the recent studies, the detailed balance of the populations of the multiverse can be broken. We found that the degree of the detailed balance breaking can be quantified by the underlying average flux and associated flux landscape, which gives arise to the dynamical origin of irreversibility and the time arrow of the multiverse. We also showed that the steady state of the multiverse is maintained by the thermodynamic cost quantified by the entropy production rate which is associated to the flux. This gives arise to thermodynamic origin of time irreversibility. On the other hand, we show that the evolution dynamics of the multiverse is determined by both the potential landscape and flux landscape. While the potential landscape determines the weight of the universes in the multiverse and attracts the multiverse to the steady state basins, the flux landscape provides the cycles or loops associating certain universes together. We show that terminal vacuum universes can have dominant weights or lowest potentials giving arise to a funnel shaped potential landscape, while terminal vacuum universes together with other normal universes including ours can form dominant cycles giving arise to a funnel shaped cycle flux landscape. This indicates that even our universe may not be distinct from others based on the probability measure, it may lie in the dominant cycle(s), leading to higher chance of being found. This may provide an additional way beyond the anthropic principle for identifying our universe.
Therapierefraktäre Anämie bei einem 35-jährigen Dialysepatienten nach Herztransplantation
Authors: Schröder Christoph , Roeles Johannes , Schwarzer Adrian , Heuser Michael , Retzlaff Jennifer , Hiß Marcus
Published: February 2021

Es wird über einen 35-jährigen Dialysepatienten nach Herztransplantation berichtet, der eine „pure red cell aplasia“ aufwies. Serologisch fand sich ein positiver Parvovirus-B19-Immunglobulin-M-Titer, im Direktnachweis mittels Polymerase-Kettenreaktion zeigten sich 80 Mrd. IU/ml. In der zytologischen Untersuchung des Knochenmarks gelang der Nachweis von Riesenproerythroblasten, pathognomonisch für eine Parvovirus-B19-Infektion. Zur Therapie erfolgte die hoch dosierte Gabe von Immunglobulinen über 5 Tage. Bei Wiedervorstellung nach vier Wochen zeigte sich die Anämie deutlich gebessert. Bei Patienten nach Organtransplantation mit hyporegenerativer Anämie sollte eine Parvovirus-B19-Infektion stets ausgeschlossen werden.
The urban–rural divide in radical right populist support: the role of resident’s characteristics, urbanization trends and public service supply
Authors: Rickardsson Jonna
Published: February 2021

In a number of recent elections in Western Europe, support for far-right populist parties has been significantly higher in non-urban areas than in urban areas. This paper answers the following questions; (1) Can the urban–rural divide in voting behavior be explained by the fact that urban and non-urban populations differ in terms of education, income and other individual characteristics of voters, or by variations in immigration? (2) Can variations in public service supply explain parts of the urban–rural divide in far-right populist support? and (3) How does population growth and public services relate to voting behavior when examining urban and rural municipalities separately? The analyses combine survey data on individual characteristics and register data aggregated on municipalities. The results in this paper suggest that voter characteristics and immigration explain a substantial part of the urban–rural divide. However, the propensity to vote for a far-right populist party is still higher in regions with lower population growth even when controlling for individual characteristics and immigration. When considering public service supply, the urban–rural divide is further weakened. The propensity to vote for a far-right party decreases with higher public service supply and higher share of immigrants. The findings in this paper thereby support the hypothesis that individuals in shrinking areas with lower access to public services are likely to respond to the deterioration of their location by casting a vote on the far-right (i.e., protest voting).
Pembrolizumab in advanced osteosarcoma: results of a single-arm, open-label, phase 2 trial
Authors: Boye Kjetil , Longhi Alessandra , Guren Tormod , Lorenz Susanne , Næss Stine , Pierini Michela , Taksdal Ingeborg , Lobmaier Ingvild , Cesari Marilena , Paioli Anna , Løndalen Ayca M. , Setola Elisabetta , Hompland Ivar , Meza-Zepeda Leonardo A. , Sundby Hall Kirsten , Palmerini Emanuela
Published: February 2021

Aim

To evaluate the activity and safety of the PD-1 antibody pembrolizumab in adult patients with advanced osteosarcoma.

Material and methods

The study was a single-arm, open-label, phase 2 trial in patients with unresectable, relapsed osteosarcoma. The primary endpoint was clinical benefit rate (CBR) at 18 weeks of treatment, defined as complete response, partial response, or stable disease using RECIST v1.1. The trial had a Simon´s two-stage design, and ≥ 3 of 12 patients with clinical benefit in stage 1 were required to proceed to stage 2. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT03013127. NanoString analysis was performed to explore tumor gene expression signatures and pathways.

Results

Twelve patients were enrolled and received study treatment. No patients had clinical benefit at 18 weeks of treatment, and patient enrollment was stopped after completion of stage 1. Estimated median progression-free survival was 1.7 months (95% CI 1.2–2.2). At time of data cut-off, 11 patients were deceased due to osteosarcoma. Median overall survival was 6.6 months (95% CI 3.8–9.3). No treatment-related deaths or drug-related grade 3 or 4 adverse events were observed. PD-L1 expression was positive in one of 11 evaluable tumor samples, and the positive sample was from a patient with a mixed treatment response.

Conclusion

In this phase 2 study in advanced osteosarcoma, pembrolizumab was well-tolerated but did not show clinically significant antitumor activity. Future trials with immunomodulatory agents in osteosarcoma should explore combination strategies in patients selected based on molecular profiles associated with response.
Phenological tracking of a seasonal climate window in a recovering tropical island bird species
Authors: Taylor Joseph , Nicoll Malcolm A. C. , Black Emily , Wainwright Caroline M. , Jones Carl G. , Tatayah Vikash , Vidale Pier Luigi , Norris Ken
Published: February 2021

Constraints on evolutionary adaptation and range shifts mean that phenotypic plasticity, which includes physiological, developmental or behavioural responses to environmental conditions, could be an important mode of adaptation to a changing climate for many species with small insular populations. While there is evidence to suggest adaptive plasticity to climate in some island populations, little is known about this capacity in species that have experienced a severe population bottleneck. In a changing climate, plasticity in the timing of life-history events, such as in breeding phenology, is adaptive if timing is optimised in seasonal environments, although these processes are poorly understood for tropical species. Here, we quantify the effects of climate on the breeding phenology and success of the Mauritius kestrel (Falco punctatus), a tropical raptor whose extinction has been averted by conservation management. We show that the timing of egg-laying is advancing in response to warming, at rates similar to temperate bird populations. Individual females show plasticity to temperature, although there is limited variation among individual responses. We show that advances in breeding phenology are likely to be adaptive, as they track changes in a seasonal climate window of favourable conditions, defined by late winter-early spring temperatures and the onset of the summer rainy season. Our results provide a rare example of a small and bottlenecked insular population that has adjusted to recent climate change through phenotypic plasticity. Furthermore, seasonal climate windows and their dynamics may be widespread mechanisms through which tropical species are impacted by and respond to climate change.
Are depressive disorders caused by psychosocial stressors at work? A systematic review with metaanalysis
Authors: Mikkelsen Sigurd , Coggon David , Andersen Johan Hviid , Casey Patricia , Flachs Esben Meulengracht , Kolstad Henrik Albert , Mors Ole , Bonde Jens Peter
Published: February 2021

In the last decade, many studies have examined associations between poor psychosocial work environment and depression. We aimed to assess the evidence for a causal association between psychosocial factors at work and depressive disorders. We conducted a systematic literature search from 1980 to March 2019. For all exposures other than night and shift work and long working hours, we limited our selection of studies to those with a longitudinal design. We extracted available risk estimates for each of 19 psychosocial exposures, from which we calculated summary risk estimates with 95% confidence intervals (PROSPERO, identifier CRD42019130266). 54 studies were included, addressing 19 exposures and 11 different measures of depression. Only data on depressive episodes were sufficient for evaluation. Heterogeneity of exposure definitions and ascertainment, outcome measures, risk parameterization and effect contrasts limited the validity of meta-analyses. Summary risk estimates were above unity for all but one exposure, and below 1.60 for all but another. Outcome measures were liable to high rates of false positives, control of relevant confounding was mostly inadequate, and common method bias was likely in a large proportion of studies. The combination of resulting biases is likely to have inflated observed effect estimates. When statistical uncertainties and the potential for bias and confounding are taken into account, it is not possible to conclude with confidence that any of the psychosocial exposures at work included in this review is either likely or unlikely to cause depressive episodes or recurrent depressive disorders.
A process-based method for predicting lateral erosion rates
Authors: van Damme Myron
Published: February 2021

An accurate means of predicting erosion rates is essential to improve the predictive capability of breach models. During breach growth, erosion rates are often determined with empirical equations. The predictive capability of empirical equations is governed by the range for which they have been validated and the accuracy with which empirical coefficients can be established. Most empirical equations thereby do not account for the impact of material texture, moisture content, and compaction energy on the erosion rates. The method presented in this paper acknowledges the impact of these parameters by accounting for the process of dilation during erosion. The paper shows how, given high surface shear stresses, the erosion rate can be quantified by applying the principles of soil mechanics. Key is thereby to identify that stress balance situation for which the dilatency induced inflow gives a maximum averaged shear resistance. The effectiveness of the model in predicting erosion rates is indicated by means of three validation test cases. A sensitivity analysis of the method is also provided to show that the predictions lie within the range of inaccuracy of the input parameters.
Hip fractures among the elderly in Kyoto, Japan: a 10-year study
Authors: Asada Maki , Horii Motoyuki , Ikoma Kazuya , Goto Tsuyoshi , Okubo Naoki , Kuriyama Nagato , Takahashi Kenji
Published: February 2021

Summary

In Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, the number of hip fractures increased during 2013–2017 compared to 2008–2012. However, the estimated overall incidence rate increased only in femoral neck fractures in men aged ≥75 and women aged ≥85.

Purpose

The incidence rate of hip fractures in Japan has plateaued or decreased. We investigated the annual hip fracture occurrences in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, from 2008 to 2017.

Methods

Patients aged 65 years and above who sustained hip fractures between 2008 and 2017 and were treated at one of the participating 11 hospitals were included. The total number of beds in these institutions was 3701, accounting for 21.5% of the 17,242 acute-care beds in Kyoto Prefecture. The change in incidence rate was estimated utilizing the population according to the national census conducted in 2010 and 2015.

Results

The total number of hip fractures was 10,060, with 47.5% femoral neck fractures and 52.5% trochanteric fractures. A decrease in number was seen only in trochanteric fractures in the group of 75- to 84-year-old women. The population-adjusted numbers of femoral neck fractures showed a significant increase in all age groups in men, whereas in women, there was an increase in femoral neck fractures in the ≥85 group and trochanteric fractures in the age group 65–74, and a decrease in trochanteric fractures in the age group 75–84. The estimated change in incidence rate showed an increase in femoral neck fractures in men aged ≥75 and women aged ≥85.

Conclusion

In Kyoto Prefecture, the number of hip fractures increased in the second half of the study period (2013–2017) compared to the first half (2008–2012). However, the incidence rate had not increased, except in femoral neck fractures in men aged ≥75 and women aged ≥85.
Comparison of storability and seasonal changes on new flavonoids, polyphenolic acids and terepene compounds of Citrus paradisi (grapefruit) cv. shamber through advance methods
Authors: Ahmed Wassem , Azmat Rafa , Mehmood Ayaz , Ahmed Rasheed , Liaquat M. , Khan Sami Ullah , Qayyum Abdul , Khan Shah Masauad
Published: February 2021

The significance of grapefruit is laying in its unique medicinal values and health related compounds. This article discusses the influence of seasonal variations and storage periods on the synthesis and accumulation of new polyphenolic compounds, terpenes, flavonoids and sugars profiling of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) cv. shamber juice were evaluated under advance techniques. The individual sugar profiling of (total sugar, fructose, glucose and sucrose) individual phenolic acids and essential groups of terpene compounds measured at five harvesting times, from early to late stages and compare to storage days of (0, 15, 30, 35, 45 and 65). The higher contents of flavonoids were obtained in December harvested fruits while in comparison the 45 and 65 days the contents were reduced however in others days the contents were maintained the higher contents of Limonene, Quercetin, Perillyl alcohol and Monoterpenes were measured in December harvested fruits the 35 day of storage periods showed the constant contents of terpenes and little reduction of terepene at 45 and 65 days of storage. It may conclude that the mid date was best for good health fruits while the all of these compounds were present in higher amount at 35 day of storage.
Mehr machen mit weniger — Intensivierung von Ganzzell-Bioprozessen
Authors: Hollmann Frank , Ulber Roland , Holtmann Dirk
Published: February 2021

In chemical process engineering, process intensification (PI) has proven itself as a method that resulted very often in processes with an at least doubled process performance. In recent years, the PI techniques have found more and more applications in biotechnology. Exemplary continuous processes, single-use reactors, electrobiotechnology and hybrid techniques are discussed here.
DNA-Replikationsstress, Mitose und genomische Instabilität
Authors: Konrath Alicia , Schmidt Ann-Kathrin , Bastians Holger
Published: February 2021

Chromosomal instability (CIN) is a hallmark of cancer and contributes to tumorigenesis and tumor progression. While structural CIN (S-CIN) leads to structural chromosome aberrations, whole chromosome instability (W-CIN) is defined by perpetual gains or losses of chromosomes during mitosis causing aneuploidy. Mitotic defects, but also abnormal DNA replication (replication stress) can lead to W-CIN. However, the functional link between replication stress, mitosis and aneuploidy is little understood.