bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of frailty on treatment, hospitalisation and death in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Sze S. , Pellicori P. , Zhang J. , Weston J. , Squire I. B. , Clark A. L.
Published: January 2021

Background

Frailty is common in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and is associated with poor outcomes. The natural history of frail patients with CHF is unknown.

Methods

Frailty was assessed using the clinical frailty scale (CFS) in 467 consecutive patients with CHF (67% male, median age 76 years, median NT-proBNP 1156 ng/L) attending a routine follow-up visit. Those with CFS > 4 were classified as frail. We investigated the relation between frailty and treatments, hospitalisation and death in patients with CHF.

Results

206 patients (44%) were frail. Of 291 patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HeFREF), those who were frail (N = 117; 40%) were less likely to receive optimal treatment, with many not receiving a renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitor (frail: 25% vs. non-frail: 4%), a beta-blocker (16% vs. 8%) or a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (50% vs 41%). By 1 year, there were 56 deaths and 322 hospitalisations, of which 25 (45%) and 198 (61%), respectively, were due to non-cardiovascular (non-CV) causes. Most deaths (N = 46, 82%) and hospitalisations (N = 215, 67%) occurred in frail patients. Amongst frail patients, 43% of deaths and 64% of hospitalisations were for non-CV causes; 58% of cardiovascular (CV) deaths were due to advancing HF. Among non-frail patients, 50% of deaths and 57% of hospitalisations were for non-CV causes; all CV deaths were due to advancing HF.

Conclusion

Frailty in patients with HeFREF is associated with sub-optimal medical treatment. Frail patients are more likely to die or be admitted to hospital, but whether frail or not, many events are non-CV.

Graphical abstract
Fruit intake, genetic risk and type 2 diabetes: a population-based gene–diet interaction analysis
Authors: Jia Xu , Xuan Liping , Dai Huajie , Zhu Wen , Deng Chanjuan , Wang Tiange , Li Mian , Zhao Zhiyun , Xu Yu , Lu Jieli , Bi Yufang , Wang Weiqing , Chen Yuhong , Xu Min , Ning Guang
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Whether the association between fruit and type 2 diabetes (T2D) is modified by the genetic predisposition of T2D was yet elucidated. The current study is meant to examine the gene–dietary fruit intake interactions in the risk of T2D and related glycemic traits.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study in 11,657 participants aged ≥ 40 years from a community-based population in Shanghai, China. Fruit intake information was collected by a validated food frequency questionnaire by asking the frequency of consumption of typical food items over the previous 12 months. T2D-genetic risk score (GRS) was constructed by 34 well established T2D common variants in East Asians. The risk of T2D, fasting, 2 h-postprandial plasma glucose, and glycated hemoglobin A1c associated with T2D-GRS and each individual single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were tested.

Results

The risk of T2D associated with each 1-point of T2D-GRS was gradually decreased from the lower fruit intake level (< 1 times/week) [the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was 1.10 (1.07–1.13)], to higher levels (1–3 and > 3 times/week) [the corresponding ORs and 95% CIs were 1.08 (1.05–1.10) and 1.07 (1.05–1.08); P for interaction = 0.04]. Analyses for associations with fasting, 2 h-postprandial plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin A1c demonstrated consistent tendencies (all P for interaction ≤ 0.03). The inverse associations of fruit intake with risk of T2D and glucose traits were more prominent in the higher T2D-GRS tertile.

Conclusions

Fruit intakes interact with the genetic predisposition of T2D on the risk of diabetes and related glucose metabolic traits. Fruit intake alleviates the association between genetic predisposition of T2D and the risk of diabetes; the association of fruit intake with a lower risk of diabetes was more prominent in population with a stronger genetic predisposition of T2D.
Integrating local pore water pressure monitoring in territorial early warning systems for weather-induced landslides
Authors: Pecoraro Gaetano , Calvello Michele
Published: January 2021

A methodology designed to integrate widespread meteorological monitoring and pore water pressure measurements is proposed. The procedure is tested in 30 hydrological basins highly susceptible to weather-induced landslides in Norway. The following data are used: a catalog of 125 weather-induced landslides in soils registered between January 2013 and June 2017, widespread meteorological monitoring data employed in a territorial warning model, and pore water pressure measurements retrieved from boreholes installed for a variety of geotechnical projects. The territorial warning model is initially applied to identify the warning events and the correspondent warning level in the test areas over the analysis period. Afterwards, a method for assessing the territorial warning events by analyzing the trends of the monitored pore water pressures is proposed. Finally, an augmented territorial warning model is calibrated and validated using statistical indicators widely adopted in literature. The analysis of the results reveals a satisfactory correspondence between days with landslides and the warning levels provided by the augmented territorial warning model. A final comparison between the results of the model calibration and the model validation highlighted the consistency of the model performance, once the three model parameters are adequately set.
International mobility of students in Italy and the UK: does it pay off and for whom?
Authors: d’Hombres Béatrice , Schnepf Sylke V.
Published: January 2021

More and more European higher education students decide to take part in international student mobility (ISM). However, not much is known about the actual benefits of studying abroad. This paper assesses UK and Italian students’ returns from ISM. Three research questions are addressed. First, does international student mobility increase graduates’ employment probability and postgraduate study uptake? Second, do the returns to ISM differ according to the socio-economic background of graduates? Third, do the returns to ISM vary between two countries with contrasting labour market and education systems? Results, based on propensity score matching, indicate that mobility is positively associated with a higher employment probability. Mobility abroad is likewise linked with a higher likelihood of enrolling in postgraduate studies in Italy. The benefits of mobility in terms of employment do not differ significantly across socio-economic groups. However, mobility is particularly effective in boosting the uptake of postgraduate studies among mobile Italian graduates with a low socio-economic background. In Italy, ISM returns are substantially higher than in the UK, which could reflect that the skills accumulated and the signals sent to potential employers through ISM are greater in Italy.
Ambient base-free glycerol oxidation over bimetallic PdFe/SiO2 by in situ generated active oxygen species
Authors: Underhill Ricci , Douthwaite Mark , Lewis Richard J. , Miedziak Peter J. , Armstrong Robert D. , Morgan David J. , Freakley Simon J. , Davies Thomas , Folli Andrea , Murphy Damien M. , He Qian , Akdim Ouardia , Edwards Jennifer K. , Hutchings Graham J.
Published: January 2021

Low temperature oxidation of alcohols over heterogeneous catalysts is exceptionally challenging, particularly under neutral conditions. Herein, we report on an efficient, base-free method to oxidise glycerol over a 0.5%Pd-0.5%Fe/SiO2 catalyst at ambient temperature in the presence of gaseous H2 and O2. The exceptional catalytic performance was attributed to the in situ formation of highly reactive surface-bound oxygenated species, which promote the dehydrogenation on the alcohol. The PdFe bimetallic catalyst was determined to be significantly more active than corresponding monometallic analogues, highlighting the important role both metals have in this oxidative transformation. Fe leaching was confirmed to occur over the course of the reaction but sequestering experiments, involving the addition of bare carbon to the reactions, confirmed that the reaction was predominantly heterogeneous in nature. Investigations with electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy suggested that the reactivity in the early stages was mediated by surface-bound reactive oxygen species; no homogeneous radical species were observed in solution. This theory was further evidenced by a direct H2O2 synthesis study, which confirmed that the presence of Fe in the bimetallic catalyst neither improved the synthesis of H2O2 nor promoted its decomposition over the PdFe/SiO2 catalyst.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on neuroendocrine tumour services in England
Authors: Weickert Martin O. , Robbins Tim , Kyrou Ioannis , Hopper Adam , Pearson Eilish , Barber Thomas M. , Kaltsas Gregory , Randeva Harpal S.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been particular concerns regarding the related impact on specialist tumour services. Neuroendocrine tumour (NET) services are delivered in a highly specialised setting, typically delivered in a small number of centres that fulfil specific criteria as defined by the European Neuroendocrine Tumour Society (ENETS). We aimed to address the COVID-19-related impact on specialist NET tumour services in England and other countries.

Methods

Electronic survey addressing patient access and delivery of care distributed to all ENETS Centres of Excellence (CoE) in England and matching number of ENETS CoE elsewhere. Semi-quantitative and qualitative analyses of survey responses were performed.

Results

Survey response of ENETS CoE in England was 55% (6/11). Responses from six non-UK ENETS CoE elsewhere were received and analysed in a similar manner. Relevant disruption of various NET services was noted across all responding Centres, which included delayed patient appointments and investigations, reduced availability of treatment modalities including delayed surgical treatment and a major negative impact on research activities. The comparison between English and non-UK ENETS CoE suggested that the former had significantly greater concerns related to future research funding (p = 0.014), whilst having less disruption to multidisciplinary meetings (p = 0.01). A trend was also noted towards virtual patient appointments in ENETS CoE in England vs. elsewhere (p = 0.092).

Conclusions

Restoration of highly specialised NET services following COVID-19 and planning for future service delivery and research funding must take account of the severe challenges encountered during the pandemic.
Choosing an activity that suits: development and validation of a questionnaire on motivational competence in exercise and sport
Authors: Schorno Nina , Sudeck Gorden , Gut Vanessa , Conzelmann Achim , Schmid Julia
Published: January 2021

The current study presents the development and validation of a questionnaire on motivational competence in exercise and sport. Motivational competence characterises the self-determined ability to choose a suitable exercise and sport activity. Knowing one’s own preferences and what to expect in different activities helps people to make this choice, which, in turn, supports them in maintaining their physical activity (PA) on a long-term and regular basis. The developed items cover the following three components of motivational competence: 1) knowing one’s own preferences, 2) knowing what to expect in different exercise and sport activities, and 3) choosing and arranging an exercise and sport activity. Psychometric properties were checked using a sample withN = 667 adults (Mage = 42.49,SD = 14.71, 62% female). The final one-dimensional scale consists of four items. Construct validity showed positive relationships to intrinsic and identified motivation modes of self-concordance and conversely no relationship to introjected and low negative to extrinsic motivation. For criterion validity, the structural equation modeling demonstrated that motivational competence and PA-specific self-control are independently and positively associated with exercise and sport behaviour. Overall, the newly developed scale is a psychometrically sound and economical instrument to be used in exercise and sport promotion (e.g. counselling) and research.
Water-retaining properties of NCZ composite dust suppressant and its wetting ability to hydrophobic coal dust
Authors: Liu Jianguo , Wang Shu , Jin Longzhe , Wang Tianyang , Zhou Zihao , Xu Jingge
Published: January 2021

Coal dust is a primary threat to underground coal miners. The most common approach to control coal dust is hydraulic methods, such as water spray and coal seam water injection. To improve the dust suppressant efficiency of hydraulic methods, a novel chemical composite dust suppressant, called NCZ, was prepared in this study using calcium chloride (CaCl2), magnesium chloride (MgCl2), and nonionic surfactants using a thermal synthesis method. The water-retaining properties of NCZ powder and its solutions were characterized using the water absorption rate (WAR) and evaporation rate (ER), respectively, and the wetting abilities of the NCZ solutions on coal dust were tested using the initial contact angle (ICA) and sink rate (SR). The results indicate that the NCZ solutions have anti-evaporation effects, and the ER of the solution with a 20.0 wt% NCZ is reduced by 11.7% compared with that of clean water. Furthermore, NCZ solutions have remarkable enhancement effects on the wettability of coal dust. The ICA and SR of clean water and the NCZ solution at 20.0 wt% are 141.9° and 0 mg/s, and 29.3° and 1.46 mg/s, respectively. Finally, quantitative relationships between the solution surface tension and the ICA and IR were established using the least squares method. This study provides a new product for dust suppression in underground mines, which is significant for the optimum applied concentration of dust suppressant in mining operations.
Magnetic Array Assisted Triboelectric Nanogenerator Sensor for Real-Time Gesture Interaction
Authors: Qin Ken , Chen Chen , Pu Xianjie , Tang Qian , He Wencong , Liu Yike , Zeng Qixuan , Liu Guanlin , Guo Hengyu , Hu Chenguo
Published: January 2021

In human-machine interaction, robotic hands are useful in many scenarios. To operate robotic hands via gestures instead of handles will greatly improve the convenience and intuition of human-machine interaction. Here, we present a magnetic array assisted sliding triboelectric sensor for achieving a real-time gesture interaction between a human hand and robotic hand. With a finger’s traction movement of flexion or extension, the sensor can induce positive/negative pulse signals. Through counting the pulses in unit time, the degree, speed, and direction of finger motion can be judged in real-time. The magnetic array plays an important role in generating the quantifiable pulses. The designed two parts of magnetic array can transform sliding motion into contact-separation and constrain the sliding pathway, respectively, thus improve the durability, low speed signal amplitude, and stability of the system. This direct quantization approach and optimization of wearable gesture sensor provide a new strategy for achieving a natural, intuitive, and real-time human-robotic interaction.
In vivo study of conductive 3D printed PCL/MWCNTs scaffolds with electrical stimulation for bone tissue engineering
Authors: e Silva Edney P. , Huang Boyang , Helaehil Júlia V. , Nalesso Paulo R. L. , Bagne Leonardo , de Oliveira Maraiara A. , Albiazetti Gabriela C. C. , Aldalbahi Ali , El-Newehy Mohamed , Santamaria-Jr Milton , Mendonça Fernanda A. S. , Bártolo Paulo , Caetano Guilherme F.
Published: January 2021

Critical bone defects are considered one of the major clinical challenges in reconstructive bone surgery. The combination of 3D printed conductive scaffolds and exogenous electrical stimulation (ES) is a potential favorable approach for bone tissue repair. In this study, 3D conductive scaffolds made with biocompatible and biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were produced using the extrusion-based additive manufacturing to treat large calvary bone defects in rats. Histology results show that the use of PCL/MWCNTs scaffolds and ES contributes to thicker and increased bone tissue formation within the bone defect. Angiogenesis and mineralization are also significantly promoted using high concentration of MWCNTs (3 wt%) and ES. Moreover, scaffolds favor the tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) positive cell formation, while the addition of MWCNTs seems to inhibit the osteoclastogenesis but present limited effects on the osteoclast functionalities (receptor activator of nuclear factor κβ ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) expressions). The use of ES promotes the osteoclastogenesis and RANKL expressions, showing a dominant effect in the bone remodeling process. These results indicate that the combination of 3D printed conductive PCL/MWCNTs scaffold and ES is a promising strategy to treat critical bone defects and provide a cue to establish an optimal protocol to use conductive scaffolds and ES for bone tissue engineering.
Global Laboratories of Third-Party Funding Regulation
Authors: Sahani Victoria Shannon
Published: January 2021

Third-party funding, also known as “dispute finance,” is a controversial, dynamic, and evolving arrangement whereby an outside entity (“the funder”) finances the legal representation of a party involved in litigation or arbitration, whether domestically or internationally, on a non-recourse basis, meaning that the funder is not entitled to receive any money from the funded party if the case is unsuccessful. It has been documented in more than sixty countries on six continents worldwide—including in many of the jurisdictions highlighted in this symposium that are experimenting with other aspects of international commercial dispute resolution. Indeed, funding greases the wheels of this experimentation. The true prevalence of third-party funding is likely far greater than we know since disclosure is not presently mandated everywhere. This essay argues that the three biggest global regulatory issues with respect to dispute finance are disclosure, definition, and delegation of oversight and that the global laboratories of dispute finance remain firmly within the control of the private sector with the public regulators continuously struggling to understand and address new developments in the industry. An apt analogy would be that the dispute financiers are driving cars and building spaceships with respect to their innovative financing arrangements, while many of the regulators are aiming their sights at the classic “horse-and-buggy” third-party funding arrangements that are rapidly falling out of use.
Assessing the whole-body protein synthetic response to feeding in vivo in human subjects
Authors: Trommelen Jorn , van Loon Luc J. C.
Published: January 2021

All tissues are in a constant state of turnover, with a tightly controlled regulation of protein synthesis and breakdown rates. Due to the relative ease of sampling skeletal muscle tissue, basal muscle protein synthesis rates and the protein synthetic responses to various anabolic stimuli have been well defined in human subjects. In contrast, only limited data are available on tissue protein synthesis rates in other organs. Several organs such as the brain, liver and pancreas, show substantially higher (basal) protein synthesis rates when compared to skeletal muscle tissue. Such data suggest that these tissues may also possess a high level of plasticity. It remains to be determined whether protein synthesis rates in these tissues can be modulated by external stimuli. Whole-body protein synthesis rates are highly responsive to protein intake. As the contribution of muscle protein synthesis rates to whole-body protein synthesis rates is relatively small considering the large amount of muscle mass, this suggests that other organ tissues may also be responsive to (protein) feeding. Whole-body protein synthesis rates in the fasted or fed state can be quantified by measuring plasma amino acid kinetics, although this requires the production of intrinsically labelled protein. Protein intake requirements to maximise whole-body protein synthesis may also be determined by the indicator amino acid oxidation technique, but the technique does not allow the assessment of actual protein synthesis and breakdown rates. Both approaches have several other methodological and inferential limitations that will be discussed in detail in this paper.
Risk factors for death in tuberculosis patients requiring ICU care
Authors: Wang Jun-Li , Yin Qi-Yun , Han Chao , Liu Feng-Lin , Wang Mao-Shui
Published: January 2021

The prognostic factor for in-hospital mortality in tuberculosis (TB) patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU) care remains unclear. Therefore, a retrospective study was conducted aiming to estimate the in-hospital mortality rate and the risk factors for mortality in a high-burden setting. All patients with culture-confirmed TB that were admitted to the ICU of the hospital between March 2012 and April 2019 were identified retrospectively. Data, such as demographic characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory measures and mortality, were obtained from medical records. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify prognostic factors that influence in-hospital mortality. A total of 82 ICU patients with confirmed TB were included in the analysis, and 22 deaths were observed during the hospital stay, 21 patients died in the ICU. In the multivariable model adjusted for sex and age, the levels of serum albumin and white blood cell (WBC) count were significantly associated with mortality in TB patients requiring ICU care (allP< 0.01), the hazard ratios were 0.8 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.7–0.9) per 1 g/l and 1.1 (95% CI: 1.0–1.2) per 1 × 109/l, respectively. In conclusion, in-hospital mortality remains high in TB patients requiring ICU care. Low serum albumin level and high WBC count significantly impact the risk of mortality in these TB patients in China.
A discussion on implementing pooling detection tests of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) for a large population
Authors: Chow W. K. , Chow C. L.
Published: January 2021

A pooled sample analysis strategy for novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)) is proposed for a large population in this paper. The population to be tested is divided into divisions based on earlier observed detection rate of SARS-CoV-2 first. Samples collected are then grouped in appropriate pooled size. The number of tests per person in that population is expressed as a function of two variables: the observed detection rate and the pooled size or number of samples grouped. The minimum number of tests per person can be further shown to be a function of only one of these two variables, because these two parameters are found to be related at this minimum. A management scheme on grouping the samples is proposed in order to reduce the number of tests, to save time, which is of utmost importance in fighting an epidemic. The proposed testing scheme will be useful for supporting the government in making decisions to handle regular routine detection tests for identifying asymptomatic patients and implementing health code system in large population of millions of citizens. Another important point is to use smaller number of test kits, allowing more resources to speed up the mass screening tests, particularly in places not so rich.
Cardiac output monitoring in paediatric cardiac surgery: a review
Authors: Woodman Hannah M. , Lee Corlyn , Ahmed Ayesha N. , Malik Bassit A. , Mellor Sophie , Brown Louise J. , Gentle Leanne , Harky Amer
Published: January 2021

The aim of this review is to present the current options for cardiac output (CO) monitoring in children undergoing cardiac surgery. Current technologies for monitoring identified were a range of invasive, minimally invasive, and non-invasive technologies. These include pulmonary artery catheter, transoesophageal echocardiography, pulse contour analysis, electrical cardiography, and thoracic bioreactance. A literature search was conducted using evidence databases which identified two current guidelines; the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde guideline and Royal College of Anaesthetics Guideline. These were appraised using the AGREE II tool and the evidence identified was used to create an overview summary of each technological option for CO monitoring. There is limited evidence regarding the accuracy of modalities available for CO monitoring in paediatric patients during cardiac surgery. Each technology has advantages and disadvantages; however, none could be championed as the most beneficial. Furthermore, a gold standard for CO monitoring has not yet been identified for paediatric populations, nor is it apparent whether one modality is preferable based on the available evidence. Additional evidence using a standardised method for comparing CO measurements should be conducted in order to determine the best option for CO monitoring in paediatrics. Furthermore, cost-effectiveness assessment of each modality should be conducted. Only then will it be possible for clear, evidence-based guidance to be written.
Tenth Circuit Upholds BC/BS's Anti-Assignment Provisions
Authors: M.K.
Published: January 2021

In St. Francis Regional Medical Center v. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas (49 F.3d 1460 (1995)), the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit upheld Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas's anti-assignment requirement, on the grounds that the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) preempted a hospital's claim against Blue Cross. The court also held that public policy supported anti-assignment requirements in health plans not covered under ERISA.

When drafting ERISA, Congress did not explicitly address assignability of health care benefits. According to the court of appeals, congressional silence constituted an intent to allow the parties to negotiate freely the assignment of health care benefits. Examining non-ERISA health plans, the court adopted a balancing test to determine the validity of anti-assignment clauses; it found that anti-assignment requirements promote freedom of contract and may include medical costs.
FDA to Ban Sales of Dietary Supplements Containing Ephedra
Authors: Ling Amy G.
Published: January 2021

On December 30, 2003, the FDA announced that it will publish a rule banning sales of ephedra - a dietary supplement often utilized for weight loss, increased energy, and enhanced athletic performance - because it poses an unreasonable health risk.The ban will be issued under the auspices of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), in response to a process that began in June of 1997, when the FDA first proposed a mandatory warning statement on dietary supplements containing ephedra. FDAs analysis of the scientific evidence has led it to conclude that dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids present an unreasonable risk of illness or injury and are therefore adulterated under Section 402(f)(1)(A) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act?
Intellectual Property: Plants Patentable Under the Utility Patent Statute, PVA, and PVPA
Authors: Quick John
Published: January 2021

In J.E.M. AG Supply, Inc. v. Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., the U.S. Supreme Court held that utility patents may be issued for newly developed, sexually reproduced plants and plant seeds. Specifically, the Court denied the petitioner's contention that the exclusive means of protecting sexually reproduced plants and plant seeds are found in the Plant Patent Act of 1930 (PPA) and the Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA). The Court instead affirmed the decisions of the District Courts and the Federal Circuit and held that 35 U.S.C. § 101 (§ 101 or the Utility Patent Act) also allows for the patenting of living organisms.

The respondent, Pioneer Hi-Bred, a large seed producer, filed suit for patent infringement on the part of the petitioner, J.E.M. AG Supply, doing business as Farm Advantage, Inc., for reselling bags of respondent's patented hybrid seeds. Pioneer is a major producer and manufacturer of hybrid seeds.
Potential National Voluntary Gamete Donor Registry Discussed at Recent Health Law Symposium
Authors: Foohey Pamela
Published: January 2021

Despite exponential growth in the past decades, most aspects of the assisted reproductive technology (ART) industry remain largely unregulated; recently, pressure has been mounting for coordinated study and regulation of this developing industry. On March 28, 2008, lawyers, health care professionals, representatives from sperm banks, consumers of ART services, and other stakeholders in ART industry gathered at DePaul University College of Law for its Health Law Institute’s symposium titled “Tracking Change: The Feasibility of a Voluntary Gamete Donor Registry in the United States.” The implementation of a registry would mark the first effort in the United States to centralize, maintain, and disseminate information about gamete donors by collecting and storing genetic and identifying information about egg and sperm donors. Establishing a registry requires balancing the interests of donor-conceived individuals, their parents, gamete donors, health care professionals, and society as a whole, as well as ensuring the privacy and safety of all involved.
Hospitals: N.Y. Appellate Court Denies Move to Privatize Public Hospital
Authors: Chatham Robert
Published: January 2021

The Court of Appeals of New York held, in Council of the City of New York u. Giuliani, slip op. 02634, 1999 WL 179257 (N.Y. Mar. 30, 1999), that New York City may not privatize a public city hospital without state statutory authorization. The court found invalid a sublease of a municipal hospital operated by a public benefit corporation to a private, for-profit entity. The court reasoned that the controlling statute prescribed the operation of a municipal hospital as a government function that must be fulfilled by the public benefit corporation as long as it exists, and nothing short of legislative action could put an end to the corporation's existence.

In 1969, the New York State legislature enacted the Health and Hospitals Corporation Act (HHCA), establishing the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) as an attempt to improve the New York City public health system. Thirty years later, on a renewed perception that the public health system was once again lacking, the city administration approved a sublease of Coney Island Hospital from HHC to PHS New York, Inc. (PHS), a private, for-profit entity.
Wyeth v. Levine: Challenging Implied Pre-emption for drugs
Authors: Nair Pooja
Published: January 2021

In March 2009, the Supreme Court held in Wyeth v. Levine that federal drug labeling laws do not pre-empt state tort claims against drug manufacturers. The decision surprised many Court watchers, coming on the heels of a 2008 decision, Riegel v. Medtronic, in which the Court found that the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) does pre-empt state-law claims for injuries caused by medical devices that received premarket approval from the Food and Drug Administration. Wyeth dealt an immediate and surprising blow to the pharmaceutical industry’s principal strategy for avoiding tort lawsuits, but failed to clarify the Court’s overall pre-emption jurisprudence.
Effect of fulvic acid on barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) seedling growth under flooding conditions
Authors: Zhou Shangfeng , Tang Yi , Pan Lang , Wang Cong , Guo Yanan , Yang Haona , Li Zuren , Bai Lianyang , Wang Lifeng
Published: January 2021

Barnyardgrass [Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv.] is a problematic weed in rice (Oryza sativa L.) fields. Overapplication of herbicides causes environmental pollution and the emergence of resistant weeds, and integrated weed management methods can reduce dependence on herbicides. The growth of E. crus-galli and rice seedlings was shown to be significantly inhibited by high concentrations of fulvic acid (FA, C14H12O8) under flooding conditions (HF, 0.80 g L−1) (P < 0.05). In contrast, seedling growth was promoted by the application of very low concentrations of FA (LF, 0.02 g L−1). The activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and antioxidant enzymes, including total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), in E. crus-galli seedlings were enhanced by the LF treatment; while POD activity decreased and GST, T-SOD, and CAT activity was not significantly altered by the HF treatment. The metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses showed that FA regulated E. crus-galli seedling growth by affecting the synthesis of indole derivatives and flavonoid compounds. Compared with the blank control (CK, 0 g L−1), the levels of four indole derivatives were upregulated under the HF treatment, and the indole derivatives were slightly downregulated under the LF treatment. The flavonoids, including naringenin, naringenin chalcone, eriodictyol, kaempferol, and epigallocatechin, were downregulated under HF treatment, and the growth of E. crus-galli was reduced. In contrast, the metabolism and transcription of flavonoids were not significantly altered by the LF treatment. The addition of 0.80 g L−1 FA obviously inhibited the growth of newly sprouted E. crus-galli, whereas rice growth was significantly promoted 8 d after rice planting (P < 0.05). The application of FA, therefore, might be a potential integrated weed management method to control the damage caused by E. crus-galli in paddy fields.
Ejecta From the Orientale Basin at the Chang'E‐4 Landing Site
Authors: Xiao Zhiyong , Ding Chunyu , Xie Minggang , Cai Yuzhen , Cui Jun , Zhang Ke , Wang Juntao
Published: January 2021

Radargrams obtained by the Yutu‐2 rover reveal that the post‐mare deposits at the Chang'E‐4 landing site are ∼45 m thick, consistent with estimations based on orbital observations. Besides obvious ejecta from Finsen, polarized interpretations exist on whether or not the Alder crater is another contributor to the post‐mare deposits, although predicted thicknesses of ejecta from all potential source craters are not adequately large compared to observations. We recognize that the rover has been exploring along a shared crater wall of two secondaries from Finsen. Mechanics of secondary impacts suggests that the discontinuous layers of coarse and fine materials observed in the radargram are older than Finsen. Cross‐cutting relationships and crater density comparisons show that Alder is older than the mare basalts, and the Orientale basin was the major source for the post‐mare materials. Lower‐crust materials excavated by Orientale constituted a substantial portion of the surface regolith detected by the rover.
First Detection of a Built-In Wobble on Another Planet
Authors: Lee Jack
Published: January 2021

Spacecraft find that Mars oscillates 10 centimeters off its axis of rotation.
The upper respiratory tract microbiome of indigenous Orang Asli in north-eastern Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Cleary David W. , Morris Denise E. , Anderson Rebecca A. , Jones Jessica , Alattraqchi Ahmed Ghazi , A. Rahman Nor Iza , Ismail Salwani , Razali Mohd Sayuti , Mohd Amin Rahmah , Abd Aziz Aniza , Esa Nor Kamaruzaman , Amiruddin Salman , Chew Ching Hoong , Simin Hafis , Abdullah Ramle , Yeo Chew Chieng , Clarke Stuart C.
Published: January 2021

Much microbiome research has focused on populations that are predominantly of European descent, and from narrow demographics that do not capture the socio-economic and lifestyle differences which impact human health. Here we examined the airway microbiomes of the Orang Asli, the indigenous peoples of Malaysia. A total of 130 participants were recruited from two sites in the north-eastern state of Terengganu in Peninsular Malaysia. Using 16S rRNA sequencing, the nasal microbiome was significantly more diverse in those aged 5–17 years compared to 50+ years (p = 0.023) and clustered by age (PERMANOVA analysis of the Bray–Curtis distance, p = 0.001). Hierarchical clustering of Bray–Curtis dissimilarity scores revealed six microbiome clusters. The largest cluster (n = 28; 35.4%) had a marked abundance of Corynebacterium. In the oral microbiomes Streptococcus, Neisseria and Haemophilus were dominant. Using conventional microbiology, high levels of Staphylococcus aureus carriage were observed, particularly in the 18–65 age group (n = 17/36; 47.2% 95% CI: 30.9–63.5). The highest carriage of pneumococci was in the <5 and 5 to 17 year olds, with 57.1% (4/7) and 49.2% (30/61), respectively. Sixteen pneumococcal serotypes were identified, the most common being the nonvaccine-type 23A (14.6%) and the vaccine-type 6B (9.8%). The prevalence of pneumococcal serotypes covered by pneumococcal conjugate vaccines support introduction into a Malaysian national immunisation schedule. In addition, the dominance of Corynebacterium in the airway microbiomes is intriguing given their role as a potentially protective commensal with respect to acute infection and respiratory health.
Circulating tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) signature for the diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer
Authors: Wang Jingyi , Ma Ge , Ge Han , Han Xu , Mao Xinrui , Wang Xinyang , Veeramootoo Jordee Selvamanee , Xia Tiansong , Liu Xiaoan , Wang Shui
Published: January 2021

Liquid biopsy is noninvasive and convenient to detect cancer-derived materials in blood or other body fluids. The aim of this study was to identify tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) in plasma that could distinguish patients with breast cancer (BC) from healthy controls. Basing on high-throughput sequencing, 15 significantly upregulated tsRNAs were selected and assessed in cell supernatants and cell lines. 6 tsRNAs were identified and verified in a large cohort of 120 patients with BC and 112 healthy controls. tRF-Arg-CCT-017, tRF-Gly-CCC-001, and tiRNA-Phe-GAA-003 could serve as novel diagnostic biomarkers. Meanwhile, tRF-Arg-CCT-017 and tiRNA-Phe-GAA-003 could also act as prognostic biomarkers. Target genes of these tsRNAs were related to the development of cancers. These results suggested that specific tsRNAs in plasma might serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of BC.
Irritable bowel syndrome and Parkinson’s disease risk: register-based studies
Authors: Liu Bojing , Sjölander Arvid , Pedersen Nancy L. , Ludvigsson Jonas F. , Chen Honglei , Fang Fang , Wirdefeldt Karin
Published: January 2021

To examine whether irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was related to the future risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD), we conducted a nested case-control study in the Swedish total population including 56,564 PD cases identified from the Swedish Patient Register and 30 controls per case individually matched by sex and year of birth. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for having a prior diagnosis of IBS were estimated using conditional logistic regression. We furthermore conducted a cohort study using the Swedish Twin Registry following 3046 IBS patients identified by self-reported abdominal symptoms and 41,179 non-IBS individuals. Through Cox proportional hazard models, we estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for PD risk. In the nested case-control study, 253 (0.4%) PD cases and 5204 (0.3%) controls had a previous IBS diagnosis. IBS diagnosis was associated with a 44% higher risk of PD (OR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.27–1.63). Temporal relationship analyses showed 53% and 38% increased risk of PD more than 5 and 10 years after IBS diagnosis, respectively. In the cohort analysis based on the Swedish Twin Registry, there was no statistically significantly increased risk of PD related to IBS (HR = 1.25, 95% CI = 0.87–1.81). Our results suggest a higher risk of PD diagnosis after IBS. These results provide additional evidence supporting the importance of the gut–brain axis in PD.
Sanitary inspection, microbial water quality analysis, and water safety in handpumps in rural sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Kelly Emma , Cronk Ryan , Fisher Michael , Bartram Jamie
Published: January 2021

In sub-Saharan Africa, over half of the population is exposed to contaminated drinking water. The WHO recommends both sanitary inspection and water quality analysis to assess the risk of water source contamination, but the relationship between these tools is poorly understood. We explore the relationship between sanitary inspection and water quality analysis using data from 1028 boreholes with handpumps in 12 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Sanitary inspection scores andE. colioccurrence were compared using the models described in published literature, and an alternative model that better reflects causal pathways of contamination. In the alternative model, sanitary risk factors were categorized as contamination sources, carriers, or barrier breakdowns, and the relationships between risk factor combinations andE. colioccurrence were assessed. We found no associations between sanitary risk score andE. colioccurrence using either the established or alternative model. These results confirm that sanitary inspections and microbial analyses convey distinct information, and perfect correlation is neither expected nor desired. The alternative model demonstrated a slightly better model fit than most established models, and the model fit further improved when the occurrence of rainfall in the past two days was added as a carrier. We recommend that: implementers train water system operators to conduct sanitary inspection; and researchers work to improve our understanding of the effect of individual sanitary risk factors, as well as incorporate contextual data into their assessments of sanitary inspection and water quality.
Rational design of a stapled JAZ9 peptide inhibiting protein–protein interaction of a plant transcription factor
Authors: Suzuki Kaho , Takaoka Yousuke , Ueda Minoru
Published: January 2021

A rationally designed stapled JAZ peptide selectively inhibited MYCs, master-regulators of the jasmonate signaling in Arabidopsis thaliana. It is proposed as a novel chemical tool for the analysis of MYC related jasmonate signaling.
Synthesis and control strategies of nanomaterials for photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Guo Zhengang , Liu Zhifeng
Published: January 2021

A summary of the design strategies for promoting the efficiency of photoelectrocatalytic water splitting is presented in this article.
Graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets with low ON1-doping content as efficient photocatalysts for organic pollutant degradation
Authors: Huang Yan , Ning Lichao , Feng Zibo , Ma Guifeng , Yang Shuliang , Su Yuzhong , Hong Yanzhen , Wang Hongtao , Peng Li , Li Jun
Published: January 2021

ON1-Doped g-C3N4 nanosheets with low oxygen content showed a greatly enhanced photocatalytic performance for the degradation of organic pollutants.
Carbon based materials: a review of adsorbents for inorganic and organic compounds
Authors: Sabzehmeidani Mohammad Mehdi , Mahnaee Sahar , Ghaedi Mehrorang , Heidari Hadi , Roy Vellaisamy A. L.
Published: January 2021

This review presents the adsorptive removal process of hazardous materials onto carbon-based materials comprising activated carbon, graphene, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, biochar and carbon aerogels.
A facile wet-chemistry approach to engineer an Au-based SERS substrate and enhance sensitivity down to ppb-level detection
Authors: Lee Chien-Wei , Chia Zi Chun , Hsieh Yi-Ting , Tsai Hsiao-Chieh , Tai Yenpo , Yu Teng-To , Huang Chih-Chia
Published: January 2021

Post chemical engineering of crude Au nanoparticles on a soft substrate using a gentle reductant for radioactive growth to promote SERS amplification.
A 3D-mixed ion/electron conducting scaffold prepared by in situ conversion for long-life lithium metal anodes
Authors: Jiang Huai , Dong Qingyuan , Bai Maohui , Qin Furong , Yi Maoyi , Lai Junquan , Hong Bo , Lai Yanqing
Published: January 2021

A 3D mixed ion/electron conducting scaffold has been prepared by the in situ conversion of lithiated Cu3P nanoarrays, which possesses features of ionic/electrical conductivity and structural stability.
Catalyst-free generation of acyl radicals induced by visible light in water to construct C–N bonds
Authors: Ran Maogang , He Jiaxin , Yan Boyu , Liu Wenbo , Li Yi , Fu Yunfen , Li Chao-Jun , Yao Qiuli
Published: January 2021

A new route to produce acyl radicals by the cleavage of Csp2–Csp2bonds of α-diketones irradiated by visible light was developed and hydroxylamides or amides were selectively synthesized in water.
Recent developments in the nanomaterial-catalyzed green synthesis of structurally diverse 1,4-dihydropyridines
Authors: Mathur Ritu , Negi Khushal Singh , Shrivastava Rahul , Nair Rashmy
Published: January 2021

Single pot multicomponent approaches using different nanomaterials as green catalysts for synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridine (1,4-DHP), a privileged heterocyclic scaffold with vital biological and therapeutic applications are reviewed.
Performance of the highly sensitive humidity sensor constructed with nanofibrillated cellulose/graphene oxide/polydimethylsiloxane aerogel via freeze drying
Authors: Yang Yutong , Su Guoting , Li Qilin , Zhu Zipiao , Liu Shaoran , Zhuo Bing , Li Xinpu , Ti Pu , Yuan Quanping
Published: January 2021

This work presents a nanocellulose-based humidity sensor with high sensitivity, remarkable reproducibility and rapid response/recovery behavior fabricated via freeze drying.
Three-dimensional, symmetrically assembled microfluidic device for lipid nanoparticle production
Authors: Kimura Niko , Maeki Masatoshi , Sasaki Kosuke , Sato Yusuke , Ishida Akihiko , Tani Hirofumi , Harashima Hideyoshi , Tokeshi Manabu
Published: January 2021

We developed a three-dimensional and symmetrically assembled microfluidic device named the 3D-iLiNP device. The 3D-iLiNP device allowed the precise size control of sub-100 nm sized lipid nanoparticles by the homogeneous and slow ethanol dilution.
Enhanced performance of pencil-drawn paper-based electrodes by laser-scribing treatment
Authors: Ataide Vanessa N. , Ameku Wilson A. , Bacil Raphael P. , Angnes Lúcio , de Araujo William R. , Paixão Thiago R. L. C.
Published: January 2021

This study demonstrates a fast and simple method to fabricate enhanced ePADs using pencil-drawing with a CO2laser treatment of the carbon surface deposited on paper. The sensor was applied to the detection of furosemide in a synthetic urine sample.
Combining radial and continuous flow synthesis to optimize and scale-up the production of medicines
Authors: Guidi Mara , Moon Sooyeon , Anghileri Lucia , Cambié Dario , Seeberger Peter H. , Gilmore Kerry
Published: January 2021

Rapid, standardized process optimization and development on a radial synthesizer can be directly converted to a dedicated continuous flow process for scale-up, shown for three APIs via single- and multistep syntheses and continuous crystallization.
A ground-state-dominated magnetic field effect on the luminescence of stable organic radicals
Authors: Kimura Shun , Kimura Shojiro , Kato Ken , Teki Yoshio , Nishihara Hiroshi , Kusamoto Tetsuro
Published: January 2021

We investigated the mechanism of the magnetic field effect (MFE) on the emission of a luminescent radical doped into host crystals. It was revealed that the spin sublevel population of radical dimers in the ground states is the key that governs the MFE.
Sustainable production of γ-valerolactone and δ-valerolactone through the coupling of hydrogenation and dehydrogenation
Authors: Wang Hongxing , Ding Guoqiang , Li Xianqing , She Haohao , Zhu Yulei , Li Yongwang
Published: January 2021

Synchronized production of GVL and DVL without the use of any solvent and consumption of hydrogen.