bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences and Correlation Analysis of Birth Weight and Overweight/Obesity in Shanghai Twin Cohort
Authors: Liao Ping , Wang Wen-Jing , Yu Hui-Ting , Zang Jia-Jie , Qian Nai-Si , He Xin , Gao Wen-Jing , Yu Can-Qing , Li Li-Ming , Wu Fan
Published: March 2021

The objective of this study was to analyze differences in birth weight and overweight/obesity in a Shanghai twin cohort. We also wanted to study their association and explore possible risk factors for the discordance of overweight/obesity within twins. This was an internal case–control study designed for twins. The 2012 Shanghai Twin Registration System baseline survey data of a total of 3417 twin pairs were statistically analyzed using SPSS22 software. Results show that the body mass index (BMI) of the Shanghai twin population increased with age. Twins with a high birth weight had a higher BMI and a higher rate of overweight and obesity; 0- to 6-year-old twins, male twins and dizygotic (DZ) twins had higher rates of overweight/obesity than other groups. The greater the discordant birth weight rate of twins, the more obvious the difference in BMI (p < .05). There was a significant difference in overweight/obesity between twins with a relative difference of birth weight ≥15% in DZ twins (p < .05). DZ twins, male twins and 0- to 6-year-old twins were more likely to be discordant in overweight/obese than others. The discordant birth weight within twins was not a risk factor for discordant overweight/obesity. However, attention should be paid to childhood obesity, and appropriate interventions should be made at the appropriate time. Genetics may play an important role in the occurrence and development of overweight/obesity. In conclusion, discordant growth and development in the uterus early in life may not lead to discordant weight development in the future.
A beneficial cardiometabolic health profile associated with dietary supplement use: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Jacques Paul F. , Rogers Gail
Published: March 2021

Abstract. As a follow-up to an earlier study demonstrating healthier cardiometabolic profiles among long-term multiple dietary supplement (LTMDS) users, we examined if cardiometabolic health benefits associated with LTMDS use persisted with aging. The study is based on LTMDS users from North America and 2007–2010 NHANES participants who were used for comparison to the LTMDS users. NHANES subjects were classified as non-dietary supplement (NS) users, single supplement/single purpose supplement (SS) users, multivitamin/mineral supplement (MVMS) users, and multiple dietary supplement (MDS) users. Supplement groups were compared for total, HDL and LDL cholesterol; triglycerides; glucose; insulin; CRP and HbA1c ≥ 6.5%, adjusting for age, sex, income, education, BMI, history of CVD, and medications for hypercholesterolemia and diabetes. Geometric mean (95% confidence interval) LDL cholesterol was significantly lower (P < 0.05) for all supplement groups (SS: 110 (104–117) mg/dL; MVMS: 113 (107–119) mg/dL; MDS: 115 (111–118) mg/dL; LTMDS: 112 (105, 119) mg/dL) compared with the NS users (122 (118–126) mg/dL). Compared with the NS group, MDS users had significantly (P < 0.05) lower mean total cholesterol (198 (194–201) vs 201 (197, 206) mg/dL), MDS and LTMDS users higher mean HDL cholesterol (54.2 (53.3–55.1) and 60.0 (57.4, 62.7) mg/dL vs 52.0 (50.8–53.3) mg/dL), LTMDS users lower fasting glucose (100 (98–103) vs 105 (103–106) mg/dL), SS and MDS users lower insulin (8.4 (7.4–9.6) and 9.1 (8.3–9.9) vs 10.2 (9.4–11.1) μIU/mL), and MDS users lower CRP (% ≥ 1.5 mg/L, 50.8 (47.9–53.6) vs 57.0 (52.4–61.6) %). These findings add to the evidence that use of dietary supplements may provide cardiometabolic health benefits.
A choreography of centrosomal mRNAs reveals a conserved localization mechanism involving active polysome transport
Authors: Safieddine Adham , Coleno Emeline , Salloum Soha , Imbert Arthur , Traboulsi Abdel-Meneem , Kwon Oh Sung , Lionneton Frederic , Georget Virginie , Robert Marie-Cécile , Gostan Thierry , Lecellier Charles-Henri , Chouaib Racha , Pichon Xavier , Le Hir Hervé , Zibara Kazem , Mueller Florian , Walter Thomas , Peter Marion , Bertrand Edouard
Published: March 2021

Local translation allows for a spatial control of gene expression. Here, we use high-throughput smFISH to screen centrosomal protein-coding genes, and we describe 8 human mRNAs accumulating at centrosomes. These mRNAs localize at different stages during cell cycle with a remarkable choreography, indicating a finely regulated translational program at centrosomes. Interestingly, drug treatments and reporter analyses reveal a common translation-dependent localization mechanism requiring the nascent protein. Using ASPM and NUMA1 as models, single mRNA and polysome imaging reveals active movements of endogenous polysomes towards the centrosome at the onset of mitosis, when these mRNAs start localizing. ASPM polysomes associate with microtubules and localize by either motor-driven transport or microtubule pulling. Remarkably, the Drosophila orthologs of the human centrosomal mRNAs also localize to centrosomes and also require translation. These data identify a conserved family of centrosomal mRNAs that localize by active polysome transport mediated by nascent proteins.
Differential regulation of β-catenin-mediated transcription via N- and C-terminal co-factors governs identity of murine intestinal epithelial stem cells
Authors: Borrelli Costanza , Valenta Tomas , Handler Kristina , Vélez Karelia , Gurtner Alessandra , Moro Giulia , Lafzi Atefeh , Roditi Laura de Vargas , Hausmann George , Arnold Isabelle C. , Moor Andreas E. , Basler Konrad
Published: March 2021

The homeostasis of the gut epithelium relies upon continuous renewal and proliferation of crypt-resident intestinal epithelial stem cells (IESCs). Wnt/β-catenin signaling is required for IESC maintenance, however, it remains unclear how this pathway selectively governs the identity and proliferative decisions of IESCs. Here, we took advantage of knock-in mice harboring transgenic β-catenin alleles with mutations that specifically impair the recruitment of N- or C-terminal transcriptional co-factors. We show that C-terminally-recruited transcriptional co-factors of β-catenin act as all-or-nothing regulators of Wnt-target gene expression. Blocking their interactions with β-catenin rapidly induces loss of IESCs and intestinal homeostasis. Conversely, N-terminally recruited co-factors fine-tune β-catenin’s transcriptional output to ensure proper self-renewal and proliferative behaviour of IESCs. Impairment of N-terminal interactions triggers transient hyperproliferation of IESCs, eventually resulting in exhaustion of the self-renewing stem cell pool. IESC mis-differentiation, accompanied by unfolded protein response stress and immune infiltration, results in a process resembling aberrant “villisation” of intestinal crypts. Our data suggest that IESC-specific Wnt/β-catenin output requires selective modulation of gene expression by transcriptional co-factors.
Identification of leukemic and pre-leukemic stem cells by clonal tracking from single-cell transcriptomics
Authors: Velten Lars , Story Benjamin A. , Hernández-Malmierca Pablo , Raffel Simon , Leonce Daniel R. , Milbank Jennifer , Paulsen Malte , Demir Aykut , Szu-Tu Chelsea , Frömel Robert , Lutz Christoph , Nowak Daniel , Jann Johann-Christoph , Pabst Caroline , Boch Tobias , Hofmann Wolf-Karsten , Müller-Tidow Carsten , Trumpp Andreas , Haas Simon , Steinmetz Lars M.
Published: March 2021

Cancer stem cells drive disease progression and relapse in many types of cancer. Despite this, a thorough characterization of these cells remains elusive and with it the ability to eradicate cancer at its source. In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), leukemic stem cells (LSCs) underlie mortality but are difficult to isolate due to their low abundance and high similarity to healthy hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Here, we demonstrate that LSCs, HSCs, and pre-leukemic stem cells can be identified and molecularly profiled by combining single-cell transcriptomics with lineage tracing using both nuclear and mitochondrial somatic variants. While mutational status discriminates between healthy and cancerous cells, gene expression distinguishes stem cells and progenitor cell populations. Our approach enables the identification of LSC-specific gene expression programs and the characterization of differentiation blocks induced by leukemic mutations. Taken together, we demonstrate the power of single-cell multi-omic approaches in characterizing cancer stem cells.
Contact tracing evaluation for COVID-19 transmission in the different movement levels of a rural college town in the USA
Authors: Moon Sifat A. , Scoglio Caterina M.
Published: March 2021

Contact tracing can play a key role in controlling human-to-human transmission of a highly contagious disease such as COVID-19. We investigate the benefits and costs of contact tracing in the COVID-19 transmission. We estimate two unknown epidemic model parameters (basic reproductive number $$R_0$$

R
0

and confirmed rate $$\delta _2$$

δ
2

) by using confirmed case data. We model contact tracing in a two-layer network model. The two-layer network is composed by the contact network in the first layer and the tracing network in the second layer. In terms of benefits, simulation results show that increasing the fraction of traced contacts decreases the size of the epidemic. For example, tracing $$25\%$$

25
%

of the contacts is enough for any reopening scenario to reduce the number of confirmed cases by half. Considering the act of quarantining susceptible households as the contact tracing cost, we have observed an interesting phenomenon. The number of quarantined susceptible people increases with the increase of tracing because each individual confirmed case is mentioning more contacts. However, after reaching a maximum point, the number of quarantined susceptible people starts to decrease with the increase of tracing because the increment of the mentioned contacts is balanced by a reduced number of confirmed cases. The goal of this research is to assess the effectiveness of contact tracing for the containment of COVID-19 spreading in the different movement levels of a rural college town in the USA. Our research model is designed to be flexible and therefore, can be used to other geographic locations.
Loneliness and social isolation is associated with sleep problems among older community dwelling women and men with complex needs
Authors: McLay Laurie , Jamieson Hamish A. , France Karyn G. , Schluter Philip J.
Published: March 2021

Sleep problems, loneliness and social isolation often increase with age, significantly impacting older adults’ health and wellbeing. Yet general population health empirical evidence is surprisingly scant. Using the largest national database to date, cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses was undertaken on 140,423 assessments from 95,045 (women: 61.0%) community living older adults aged ≥ 65 years having standardised home care assessments between 1 July 2012 and 31 May 2018 to establish the prevalence and relationships between insufficient sleep, excessive sleep, loneliness and social isolation. At first assessment, insufficient sleep (women: 12.4%, men: 12.7%) was more commonly reported than excessive sleep (women: 4.7%, men: 7.6%). Overall, 23.6% of women and 18.9% of men reported feeling lonely, while 53.8% women and 33.8% men were living alone. In adjusted longitudinal analyses, those who were lonely and socially isolated were more likely to experience insufficient sleep. Respondents with excessive sleep were more likely to live with others. Both loneliness and social isolation contributed to insufficient sleep, synergistically. Loneliness, social isolation and health-concerns may affect the restorative properties of sleep over and above the effects of ageing. Further research is warranted.
Enlarged glycemic variability in sulfonylurea-treated well-controlled type 2 diabetics identified using continuous glucose monitoring
Authors: Uemura Fumi , Okada Yosuke , Torimoto Keiichi , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: March 2021

Time in range (TIR) is an index of glycemic control obtained from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). The aim was to compare the glycemic variability of treatment with sulfonylureas (SUs) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with well-controlled glucose level (TIR > 70%). The study subjects were 123 patients selected T2DM who underwent CGM more than 24 h on admission without changing treatment. The primary endpoint was the difference in glycemic variability, while the secondary endpoint was the difference in time below range < 54 mg/dL; TBR < 54, between the SU (n = 63) and non-SU (n = 60) groups. The standard deviation, percentage coefficient of variation (%CV), and maximum glucose level were higher in the SU group than in the non-SU group, and TBR < 54 was longer in the high-dose SU patients. SU treatment was identified as a significant factor that affected %CV (β: 2.678, p = 0.034). High-dose SU use contributed to prolonged TBR < 54 (β: 0.487, p = 0.028). Our study identified enlarged glycemic variability in sulfonylurea-treated well-controlled T2DM patients and high-dose SU use was associated with TBR < 54. The results highlight the need for careful adjustment of the SU dose, irrespective of glycated hemoglobin level or TIR value.
Infectious aetiologies of severe acute chest syndrome in sickle-cell adult patients, combining conventional microbiological tests and respiratory multiplex PCR
Authors: Lopinto Julien , Elabbadi Alexandre , Gibelin Aude , Voiriot Guillaume , Fartoukh Muriel
Published: March 2021

Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is the most serious complication of sickle cell disease. The pathophysiology of ACS may involve lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), alveolar hypoventilation and atelectasis, bone infarcts-driven fat embolism, and in situ pulmonary artery thrombosis. One of the most challenging issues for the physicians is to diagnose LRTI as the cause of ACS. The use of a respiratory multiplex PCR (mPCR) for the diagnosis of LRTI has not been assessed in sickle-cell adult patients with ACS. To describe the spectrum of infectious aetiologies of severe ACS, using a diagnostic approach combining conventional tests and mPCR. A non-interventional monocenter prospective study involving all the consecutive sickle-cell adult patients with ACS admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Microbiological investigation included conventional tests and a nasopharyngeal swab for mPCR. Altogether, 36 patients were enrolled, of whom 30 (83%) had complete microbiological investigations. A bacterial microorganism, mostly Staphylococcus aureus (n = 8), was identified in 11 patients. There was no pneumonia-associated intracellular bacterial pathogen. A respiratory virus was identified in six patients. Using both conventional tests and nasopharyngeal mPCR, a microbiological documentation was obtained in half of adult ACS patients admitted to the ICU. Pyogenic bacteria, especially S. aureus, predominated.
Neoadjuvant vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy improves survival and reduces recurrence and progression in a mouse model of urothelial cancer
Authors: Rosenzweig Barak , Corradi Renato B. , Budhu Sadna , Alvim Ricardo , Recabal Pedro , La Rosa Stephen , Somma Alex , Monette Sebastien , Scherz Avigdor , Kim Kwanghee , Coleman Jonathan A.
Published: March 2021

Locally advanced urothelial cancer has high recurrence and progression rates following surgical treatment. This highlights the need to develop neoadjuvant strategies that are both effective and well-tolerated. We hypothesized that neoadjuvant sub-ablative vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy (sbVTP), through its immunotherapeutic mechanism, would improve survival and reduce recurrence and progression in a murine model of urothelial cancer. After urothelial tumor implantation and 17 days before surgical resection, mice received neoadjuvant sbVTP (WST11; Tookad Soluble, Steba Biotech, France). Local and systemic response and survival served as measures of therapeutic efficacy, while immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry elucidated the immunotherapeutic mechanism. Data analysis included two-sided Kaplan–Meier, Mann–Whitney, and Fischer exact tests. Tumor volume was significantly smaller in sbVTP-treated animals than in controls (135 mm3 vs. 1222 mm3, P < 0.0001) on the day of surgery. Systemic progression was significantly lower in sbVTP-treated animals (l7% vs. 30%, P < 0.01). Both median progression-free survival and overall survival were significantly greater among animals that received sbVTP and surgery than among animals that received surgery alone (P < 0.05). Neoadjuvant-treated animals also demonstrated significantly lower local recurrence. Neoadjuvant sbVTP was associated with increased early antigen-presenting cells, and subsequent improvements in long-term memory and increases in effector and active T-cells in the spleen, lungs, and blood. In summary, neoadjuvant sbVTP delayed local and systemic progression, prolonged progression-free and overall survival, and reduced local recurrence, thereby demonstrating therapeutic efficacy through an immune-mediated response. These findings strongly support its evaluation in clinical trials.
Complete genome sequencing of Bacillus sp. TK-2, analysis of its cold evolution adaptability
Authors: Shen Lijun , Zang Xueli , Sun Ke , Chen Huan , Che Xinying , Sun Yang , Wang Gang , Zhang Sitong , Chen Guang
Published: March 2021

To date, a large number of Bacillus species from different sources have been identified. However, there are few investigations on genome information and evolutionary insights of Bacillus species from cold environments. Bacillus sp. TK-2, isolated from the soil of Changbai Mountain, is a gram-positive bacterium with cold adaptation characteristics. In this study, we present the annotated complete genome sequence of Bacillus sp. TK-2. The genome comprised 5,286,177 bp with a GC content of 35.88%, 5293 protein-encoding genes, 32 rRNA, and 77 tRNA. Numerous genes related to cold adaptation were detected in the genome of Bacillus sp. TK-2, mainly involving in energy supply, regulation of cell membrane fluidity, antioxidant, and molecular chaperones. In addition, the strain TK-2 classified in the Bacillus groups was distributed on a terminal branch with Bacillus cereus A1 by Blastn and phylogenetic analysis in NCBI database. Complete genome sequences of the strain TK-2 and Bacillus cereus A1 were compared by the online tool “Average Nucleotide Identity”, showing that the average nucleotide identity of these two strains was 98.26%. In parallel, A comparative analysis of the genomes of both Bacillus sp. TK-2 and Bacillus cereus A1 was conducted. Through the analysis of core and specific genes with cd-hit, it was found that the two strains had 5691 pan gene, 4524 core gene, and 1167 specific gene clusters. Among the 624 specific gene clusters of Bacillus sp. TK-2, some cold tolerance genes were detected, which implied the unique adaptability of Bacillus sp. TK-2 in long-term low temperature environments. Importantly, enzyme-encoding genes related to the degradation of polysaccharides such as cellulose and hemicellulose were detected in the 477 CAZyme genes of this genome. This work on sequencing and bioinformatics analysis of the complete sequence of Bacillus sp. TK-2 promote the application and in-depth research of low-temperature biotechnology.
Pressure-induced Na–Au compounds with novel structural units and unique charge transfer
Authors: Du Xin , Lou Huan , Wang Jing , Yang Guochun
Published: March 2021

The exploration of novel intermetallic compounds is of great significance for basic research and practical application.
Long living excited state of protonated adenosine unveiled by ultrafast fluorescence spectroscopy and density functional theoretical study
Authors: Chan Ruth Chau-Ting , Chan Chris Tsz-Leung , Ma Chensheng , Gu Kang-Yi , Xie Han-Xin , Wong Allen Ka-Wa , Xiong Qing-Wu , Wang Ming-Liang , Kwok Wai-Ming
Published: March 2021

Protonated adenosine undergoes photo-induced ultrafast proton transfer to yield electronically excited state with fluorescence lifetime of several nanoseconds.
Intrinsic defect formation and the effect of transition metal doping on transport properties in a ductile thermoelectric material α-Ag2S: a first-principles study
Authors: Ngoc Nam Ho , Yamada Ryo , Okumura Haruki , Nguyen Tien Quang , Suzuki Katsuhiro , Shinya Hikari , Masago Akira , Fukushima Tetsuya , Sato Kazunori
Published: March 2021

The significant power factor enhancement of an α-Ag2S system by up to 40% by doping Cu or Au is predicted by using the SCAN + rVV10 functional.
Recent progress in non-native nucleic acid modifications
Authors: McKenzie Luke K. , El-Khoury Roberto , Thorpe James D. , Damha Masad J. , Hollenstein Marcel
Published: March 2021

While Nature harnesses RNA and DNA to store, read and write genetic information, the inherent programmability, synthetic accessibility and wide functionality of these nucleic acids make them attractive tools for use in a vast array of applications.
Syntheses, crystal structures, and biological evaluations of new dinuclear platinum(ii) complexes with 1,2,4-triazole derivatives as bridging ligands
Authors: Wang Jianwei , Li Xinhua , Yuan Caixia , Su Feng , Wu Yan-Bo , Lu Liping , Zhu Miaoli , Xing Shu , Fu Xueqi
Published: March 2021

A paddlewheel-like dinuclear platinum(ii) complex exhibits a moderate inhibition against PTP1B and an antiproliferative activity against HepG2 cells comparable to that of cisplatin.
A novel ratiometric fluorescent probe from a hemicyanine derivative for detecting NAD(P)H in a cell microenvironment
Authors: Zhang Jie , Liu Zengchen , Tian Fengshou , Chen Yahong
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a ratiometric fluorescent probe for NAD(P)H derived from coumarin and hemicyanine was synthesized. The ratiometric fluorescent probe provided an important theoretical basis for sensing NAD(P)H.
High length-to-width aspect ratio lead bromide microwires via perovskite-induced local concentration gradient for X-ray detection
Authors: Dennis Emma , Kundu Soumya , Thrithamarassery Gangadharan Deepak , Huang Jingjun , Burlakov Victor M. , Richtsmeier Devon , Bazalova-Carter Magdalena , Leitch David C. , Saidaminov Makhsud I.
Published: March 2021

Well-oriented PbBr2 microwires with a length-to-width ratio of up to 5000 were grown using a concentration gradient in co-crystallization with perovskite. Planar-integrated microwires showed a response to X-ray photons.
Ligand field and anion-driven structures and magnetic properties of dysprosium complexes
Authors: Xu Shao-Min , An Zhong-Wu , Zhang Wei , Zhang Yi-Quan , Yao Min-Xia
Published: March 2021

Based on the organic ligand H2L, three Dy-based complexes were synthesized, and structurally and magnetically characterized. Theoretical calculations are performed to analyze the performance of single molecule magnets.
Correlated disorder in metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Meekel Emily G. , Goodwin Andrew L.
Published: March 2021

Metal–organic frameworks host many types of compositional and structural disorder. In this Highlight article we explore cases where this disorder is correlated, rather than random.
Plasma-assisted defect engineering of N-doped NiCo2O4for efficient oxygen reduction
Authors: Zheng Jingxuan , Peng Xiangfeng , Wang Zhao
Published: March 2021

Plasma controls the oxygen vacancies and promotes N doping into NiCo2O4. CoO was also formed on the plasma samples, which is beneficial for fast charge transfer. The outstanding ORR activity is due to enhanced O adsorption and OH−desorption.
Structure and electrochemical properties of (μ-O)2Mn2(iii,iii) and (μ-O)2Mn2(iii,iv) complexes supported by pyridine-, quinoline-, isoquinoline- and quinoxaline-based tetranitrogen ligands
Authors: Mikata Yuji , Kuroda Yasuko , Naito Kyoko , Murakami Kana , Yamamoto Chihiro , Yabe Shoko , Yonemura Shizuka , Matsumoto Arimasa , Katano Hajime
Published: March 2021

A systematic comparison of a total of 14 complexes bearing a (μ-O)2Mn2 core with tetranitrogen ligands reveals small but solid relationships between structural parameters and redox potentials induced by ligand effects.
Variable electronic structure and spin distribution in bis(2,2′-bipyridine)-metal complexes (M = Ru or Os) of 4,5-dioxido- and 4,5-diimido-pyrene
Authors: Chatterjee Madhumita , Mondal Sudipta , Hazari Arijit Singha , Záliš Stanislav , Kaim Wolfgang , Lahiri Goutam Kumar
Published: March 2021

Electronic structure variation in metal/o-quinone orbital mixed systems [M(L)(bpy)2]xcan be systematically effected by extending the π system (benzene/pyrene), by changing the donors (O/NH) and by substituting the metal centers (Ru/Os).
HKUST-1 MOF in reline deep eutectic solvent: synthesis and phase transformation
Authors: Maia Renata A. , Louis Benoît , Baudron Stéphane A.
Published: March 2021

The HKUST-1 MOF can not only be synthesized in the green deep eutectic solvent reline (choline chloride/urea 1 : 2) but also converts, upon heating in reline, to a 2D non-porous structure incorporating chloride anions.
Multi-metal coordination polymers grown through hybrid molecular layer deposition
Authors: Richey Nathaniel E. , Borhan Shirin , Bent Stacey F.
Published: March 2021

Ternary coordination polymers deposited by hybrid molecular layer deposition (MLD) techniques are of interest as highly conformal, functional materials.
Thio-ether functionalized glycolipid amphiphilic compounds reveal a potent activator of SK3 channel with vasorelaxation effect
Authors: Sevrain Charlotte M. , Fontaine Delphine , Bauduin Alicia , Guéguinou Maxime , Zhang Bei Li , Chantôme Aurélie , Mahéo Karine , Pasqualin Côme , Maupoil Véronique , Couthon Hélène , Vandier Christophe , Jaffrès Paul-Alain
Published: March 2021

Sulfur analogues of Ohmline feature activation properties of SK3 ion channels. One compound exhibits promising endothelium dependent vasorelaxation.
Constitutive modeling of strain-dependent bond breaking and healing kinetics of chemical polyampholyte (PA) gel
Authors: Pamulaparthi Venkata Sairam , Cui Kunpeng , Guo Jingyi , Zehnder Alan T. , Gong Jian Ping , Hui Chung-Yuen
Published: March 2021

A finite strain nonlinear viscoelastic constitutive model is used to study the uniaxial tension behaviour of a chemical polyampholyte (PA) gel.
Exploring the Psychosocial Impact of Botulinum Toxin Type A Injections for Individuals With Oromandibular Dystonia: A Qualitative Study of Patients' Experiences
Authors: Page Allyson D. , Elhayek Nada , Baylor Carolyn , Adams Scott , Jog Mandar , Yorkston Kathryn
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the psychosocial impact of botulinum toxin (BoNT) injections for oromandibular dystonia (OMD) and to gain a better understanding of how participants judge the success of this treatment.

Method

Eight individuals with OMD and dysarthria participated in one face-to-face, semistructured interview. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative, phenomenological methods of coding, immersion, and emergence were used in the analysis of interview data.

Results

Two major themes and six subthemes emerged from the analysis of interview data. The first theme,
Botox has changed me and my experiences
, explored the participants' perspective of receiving BoNT injections and its psychosocial impact. The second theme,
What communication is like for me
, explored the psychosocial impact of BoNT on speech production and participation.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that BoNT has a variable impact on domains related to quality of life, satisfaction with treatment, speech production, and communicative participation. This study adds novel information related to the psychosocial consequences of BoNT treatment in the management of OMD and builds on a literature that studies the consequences and experiences of living with OMD.
Speech Function Following Deep Brain Stimulation of the Caudal Zona Incerta: Effects of Habitual and High-Amplitude Stimulation
Authors: Sandström Linda , Schalling Ellika , Karlsson Fredrik , Blomstedt Patric , Hartelius Lena
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is often successful in alleviating motor symptoms of essential tremor (ET); however, DBS may also induce adverse speech effects. The caudal zona incerta (cZi) is a promising DBS target for tremor, but less is known about the consequences of cZi DBS for speech. This preliminary study examined how habitual cZi DBS and cZi stimulation at high amplitudes may affect speech function in persons with ET.

Method

Fourteen participants with ET were evaluated: off stimulation, on habitual cZi DBS, and with unilateral cZi stimulation at increasing stimulation amplitudes. At each stimulation condition, the participants read three 16-word sentences. Two speech-language pathologists made audio-perceptual consensus ratings of overall speech function, articulation, and voice using a visual sort and rate method. Rated functions when off stimulation, on habitual cZi DBS, and at maximal-amplitude stimulation were compared using Friedman nonparametric tests. For participants with bilateral habitual DBS (
n
= 5), the effects of bilateral and unilateral stimulation were described in qualitative terms.

Results

Habitual cZi DBS had no significant group-level effect on any of the investigated speech parameters. Maximal-amplitude stimulation had a small but significant negative effect on articulation. Participants with reduced articulatory precision (
n
= 9) had more medially placed electrodes than the nonaffected group (
n
= 5). Bilateral and unilateral left stimulation had comparable effects on speech.

Conclusions

Findings from this preliminary study of cZi DBS indicate that speech is generally not affected by stimulation at habitual levels. High-amplitude cZi stimulation may, however, induce adverse effects, particularly on articulation. Instances of decreased articulatory function were associated with stimulation of more medial electrode contacts, which could suggest cerebello-rubrospinal involvement.
The implementation of the clustered‐OFDM‐based transceiver on an FPGA device: A comprehensive comparison
Authors: de Campos Fabrício P. V. , Sirimarco Lucas M. , de Campos Marcello L. R. , Ribeiro Moisés V.
Published: March 2021

Aiming at reducing hardware complexity and power consumption of multicarrier‐based broadband transceivers, this contribution discusses and analyzes the implementation of clustered‐orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)‐based transceiver in a field programmable gate array (FPGA) device. In this sense, several OFDM schemes covering baseband and passband data communications are implemented. The hardware resource utilization and power consumption related to each scheme, after being implemented in the FPGA device, are discussed and compared. Numerical results show that the OFDM scheme based on ‐II and ‐III, which is a modified version of the hermitian symmetric (HS)‐OFDM scheme, which performs both baseband and passband data communications, demands the lowest hardware resource utilization and power consumption, reducing to 1/3 the hardware resource utilization. As a result, ‐II and ‐III constitute an interesting candidate for implementing new generations of high data rate, low hardware resource utilization, and low‐power consumption clustered‐OFDM‐based transceivers for broadband data communication. Last but not least, numerical results show that the controllers used to integrate all components of a clustered‐OFDM‐based transceiver can demand sizeable hardware resource utilization and power consumption and, therefore, they have to be carefully designed.
Frequency coordinated control strategy based on sliding mode method for a microgrid with hybrid energy storage system
Authors: Ge Shaoyun , He Xingtang , Liu Hong , Mi Yang , Wang Chengshan
Published: March 2021

Frequency stability is important for microgrid with renewable energy. However, the deterioration of frequency and the increased energy storage equipment are caused by source‐load uncertainty. Therefore, a frequency coordinated control strategy based on sliding mode method for a microgrid with hybrid energy storage system (HESS) is proposed. First of all, the detailed frequency regulation is designed, which divides deviation of frequency and area control error into different components as power reference value of different power supply. Secondly, the power threshold of HESS, which is consisted of ultra‐capacitor and battery, is set by designed fuzzy controller to reduce reserve power of HESS and avoid unreasonable power output. Thirdly, a load frequency control model with HESS is built and a sliding mode control is designed by using the detailed frequency regulation. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed frequency coordinated control strategy is verified through comparison of different cases.
A group finder algorithm optimised for the study of local galaxy environments
Authors: Graham Mark T. , Cappellari Michele
Published: March 2021

Context. The majority of galaxy group catalogues available in the literature use the popular friends-of-friends algorithm which links galaxies using a linking length. One potential drawback to this approach is that clusters of points can be linked with thin bridges which may not be desirable. In order to study galaxy groups, it is important to obtain realistic group structures.

Aim. Here we present a new simple group finder algorithm, TD-ENCLOSER, that finds the group that encloses a target galaxy of interest.

Methods. TD-ENCLOSER is based on the kernel density estimation method which treats each galaxy, represented by a zero-dimensional particle, as a two-dimensional circular Gaussian. The algorithm assigns galaxies to peaks in the density field in order of density in descending order (‘top down’) so that galaxy groups ‘grow’ around the density peaks. Outliers in under-dense regions are prevented from joining groups by a specified hard threshold, while outliers at the group edges are clipped below a soft (blurred) interior density level.

Results. The group assignments are largely insensitive to all free parameter variations apart from the hard density threshold and the kernel standard deviation, although this is a known feature of density-based group finder algorithms and it operates with a computing speed that increases linearly with the size of the input sample. In preparation for a companion paper, we also present a simple algorithm to select unique representative groups when duplicates occur.

Conclusions. TD-ENCLOSER is tested on a mock galaxy catalogue using a smoothing scale of 0.3 Mpc and is found to be able to recover the input group distribution with sufficient accuracy to be applied to observed galaxy distributions.
Physical and chemical structure of high-mass star-forming regions
Authors: Gieser C. , Beuther H. , Semenov D. , Ahmadi A. , Suri S. , Möller T. , Beltrán M. T. , Klaassen P. , Zhang Q. , Urquhart J. S. , Henning Th. , Feng S. , Galván-Madrid R. , de Souza Magalhães V. , Moscadelli L. , Longmore S. , Leurini S. , Kuiper R. , Peters T. , Menten K. M. , Csengeri T. , Fuller G. , Wyrowski F. , Lumsden S. , Sánchez-Monge Á. , Maud L. , Linz H. , Palau A. , Schilke P. , Pety J. , Pudritz R. , Winters J. M. , Piétu V.
Published: March 2021

Aims. Current star formation research centers the characterization of the physical and chemical properties of massive stars, which are in the process of formation, at the spatial resolution of individual high-mass cores.

Methods. We use sub-arcsecond resolution (~0.′′4) observations with the NOrthern Extended Millimeter Array at 1.37 mm to study the dust emission and molecular gas of 18 high-mass star-forming regions. With distances in the range of 0.7−5.5 kpc, this corresponds to spatial scales down to 300−2300 au that are resolved by our observations. We combined the derived physical and chemical properties of individual cores in these regions to estimate their ages. The temperature structures of these regions are determined by fitting the H2CO and CH3CN line emission. The density profiles are inferred from the 1.37 mm continuum visibilities. The column densities of 11 different species are determined by fitting the emission lines with XCLASS.

Results. Within the 18 observed regions, we identified 22 individual cores with associated 1.37 mm continuum emission and with a radially decreasing temperature profile. We find an average temperature power-law index of q = 0.4 ± 0.1 and an average density power-law index of p = 2.0 ± 0.2 on scales that are on the order of several 1000 au. Comparing these results with values of p derived from the literature presumes that the density profiles remain unchanged from clump to core scales. The column densities relative to N(C18O) between pairs of dense gas tracers show tight correlations. We applied the physical-chemical model MUlti Stage ChemicaL codE to the derived column densities of each core and find a mean chemical age of ~60 000 yr and an age spread of 20 000−100 000 yr. With this paper, we release all data products of the CORE project.

Conclusions. The CORE sample reveals well-constrained density and temperature power-law distributions. Furthermore, we characterized a large variety in molecular richness that can be explained by an age spread that is then confirmed by our physical-chemical modeling. The hot molecular cores show the greatest number of emission lines, but we also find evolved cores at an evolutionary stage in which most molecules are destroyed and, thus, the spectra appear line-poor once again.
Hundert Jahre – Insulin bleibt aktuell und notwendig
Authors: Landgraf Rüdiger , Aberle Jens
Published: March 2021

In der Behandlung des Typ-1-Diabetes ist die Therapie mit Insulin auch 100 Jahre nach seiner Entdeckung weiterhin eine lebensnotwendige Therapie. Der pharmakologische Fortschritt hat die Behandlung erheblich erleichtert und nähert sich der physiologischen Insulin-Sekretion zunehmend an. In der Behandlung des Typ-2-Diabetes hingegen ist die Insulin-Therapie bei den meisten Patienten zunächst nicht notwendig. Lebensstil-Interventionen und moderne Nicht-Insulin Antidiabetika können häufig zu einer lang andauernden Kontrolle der Erkrankung führen. Die Heterogenität des Typ-2-Diabetes führt jedoch dazu, dass einige Patienten früh von einer Insulin-Therapie profitieren. Auch beim Typ-2-Diabetes können moderne Insulin Präparate die Insulin-Behandlung deutlich erleichtern, auch in Kombination mit anderen Antidiabetika. Einleitung und Begleitung einer Insulin-Therapie gehören somit weiterhin zu den Kernaufgaben der Diabetologie.
Incidence, Clinicopathological Profile and Location - Based Outcome of Intracranial Meningiomas: 10-Year Institutional Study with Review of Literature
Authors: Ganai Feroze , Tanki Humam Nisar , Sherwani Afaq , Altaf Kirmani , Chisti Nazish , Ramzan Altaf
Published: March 2021

Intracranial meningiomas are the most common extra-axial tumors, representing 15% of all brain tumors. Arising from the arachnoid cells, and common in middle-aged women, 90% meningiomas are benign. We conducted a 10-year study on 183 cases of intracranial meningiomas and observed a lower and decreasing trend; the mean age was 43.3 years but there was also a significant incidence in young females. Parasagittal/falx (29%), sphenoid ridge, convexity meningiomas and middle cranial fossa locations were more common. Histopathologically, meningothelial meningioma was the most common. Benign (WHO I) tumors were found in above 90%, atypical (WHO II) in 5% cases, and malignant (WHO III) in < 4% patients. Most patients underwent Simpsons Grade I excision (35.6%) with dural reconstruction because of late presentations. Posterior fossa meningiomas were mostly benign, while intraventricular ones were mostly malignant with highest postoperation mortality. Mortality in operated patients was 9.8% but was highest in anterior fossa tumors (12.5%).
The Need for Personalized Risk-Stratified Approaches to Treatment for Gestational Diabetes: A Narrative Review
Authors: Cooray Shamil D. , Boyle Jacqueline A. , Soldatos Georgia , Thangaratinam Shakila , Teede Helena J.
Published: March 2021

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is common and is associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, the prevailing one-size-fits-all approach that treats all women with GDM as having equivalent risk needs revision, given the clinical heterogeneity of GDM, the limitations of a population-based approach to risk, and the need to move beyond a glucocentric focus to address other intersecting risk factors. To address these challenges, we propose using a clinical prediction model for adverse pregnancy outcomes to guide risk-stratified approaches to treatment tailored to the individual needs of women with GDM. This will allow preventative and therapeutic interventions to be delivered to those who will maximally benefit, sparing expense, and harm for those at a lower risk.
Lymphaticovenular Anastomosis in Breast Cancer Treatment-Related Lymphedema: A Short-Term Clinicopathological Analysis from Indonesia
Authors: Brahma Bayu , Putri Rizky Ifandriani , Reuwpassa Jauhari Oka , Tuti Yustia , Alifian Muhammad Farid , Sofyan Rian Fabian , Iskandar Iskandar , Yamamoto Takumi
Published: March 2021

Background Locally advanced breast cancer is commonly found in Indonesia. In this group of patients, aggressive treatment such as axillary lymph nodes dissection (ALND) with or without regional nodal irradiation (RNI) will increase the risk of breast cancer treatment-related lymphedema (BCRL) in our patients. Lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) has been established as a minimally invasive approach in lymphedema surgery. In this study, we report our first experience of LVAs in BCRL patients.

Methods This was a cross-sectional study taken from breast cancer patients receiving ALND with or without RNI. From December 2018 until June 2020, we collected and described general patient information, tumor characteristics, diagnostic methods, and the outcome of LVA. Postoperative subjective symptoms scores (lymphedema quality-of-life score [LeQOLiS]) and lymphedematous volume (upper extremity lymphedema [UEL] index) were compared with preoperative ones.

Results Seventy patients experienced BCRL with the mean age of 54.8 (9.4) years and mean body mass index of 28.1 (4.5). ALND was performed in 66 (97.1%) cases and RNI was given in 58 (82.9%) patients. Thirty-one (44.3%) patients were in the International Society of Lymphology stage 1, 24 (34.3%) in stage 2A, and 15 (21.4%) in stage 2B. The mean lymphatic vessel diameter was 0.5 (0.26) mm and 0.80 (0.54) mm for the vein. Lymphosclerosis severity was 7 (4%) in S0 type, 129 (74.1%) in S1 type, 37 (21.3%) in S2 type, and 1 (0.6%) in S3 type. In histopathology examination, S1 types were in lower grade injury, while S2 and S3 types were in the higher grade. Seven (53.8%) cases of S2 type showed severe fibrosis from trichrome staining. Postoperative LeQOLiSs were significantly lower than preoperative ones (5.6 ± 2.4 vs. 3.7 ± 2.6; p = 0.000). With the mean follow-up of 7.4 (3.7) months, the overall UEL index reduction was 9.2%; mean –11 (16.8). Postoperative UEL index was significantly lower than preoperative ones (117.7 ± 26.5 vs. 106.9 ± 18.5; p = 0.000). No complications were observed during this period.

Conclusion LVA reduced the subjective symptoms and UEL index in BCRL cases. Future studies using updated imaging technologies of the lymphatic system and longer follow-up time are needed to confirm our results.
Use of Novel Decellularized Cadaveric Dermis (DCELL) in Single-Stage Resection and Reconstruction of Nonmelanomatous Skin Cancer of the Head and Neck
Authors: Mantelakis Angelos , Kostantinos Argiris , D'Souza Alwyn , Joshi Anil
Published: March 2021

Reconstructive options in nonmelanomatous skin tumors of the head and neck region are limited in the frail, elderly patient group, where split skin thickness or full thickness grafts may not be a viable option. This study examines the use decellularized cadaveric dermis (DCELL), an acellular dermis product produced in the United Kingdom for the reconstruction of these skin defects. This was a single-center, prospective study of patients undergoing single stage wide local excision of nonmelanomatous skin cancer and reconstruction with decellularized dermis. Our inclusion criteria included any patient that required a curative excision but had risk factors where conventional local flap or free tissue transfer could have a potential adverse outcome. Thirty-seven wounds were treated with DCELL in 31 patients. Mean age was 81.6 years (range 61–94 years) and at the time of operation, 25 patients (80.7%) were ASA 3 or above. The scalp was the most common anatomical area operated on (n = 28, 75.7%). The overall proportion of wounds with complete closure was 89.2% (33 out of 37 wounds), with a failure rate of 10.8% (four complete graft failures). Device-related complications included one episode of crusting over the graft which resolved with topical antibiotics, and a hypertrophic scar over the wound edges. Cosmesis was satisfactory in all cases. DCELL demonstrated a very good take rate with equally satisfactory cosmetic outcomes in patients where standard reconstructive approaches may have adverse outcomes. Further research is needed to better define its role in the management of these skin cancers.
Non-Hyaluronic Acid Fillers for Midface Augmentation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Trinh Lily N. , Gupta Amar
Published: March 2021

There has been an increasing role in the use of injectable fillers for rejuvenation of the aging face. In this systematic review, we aim to evaluate the existing literature related to soft tissue fillers of the midface. Specifically, we focus on the non-hyaluronic acid fillers including polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA), and autologous fat. A systematic review was conducted in November 2020 in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines with PubMed and Embase databases. Medical Subject Headings terms used were “cheek” OR “midface” OR “malar” and “filler” OR “poly-L-lactic acid” OR “calcium hydroxyapatite,” “autologous fat” OR “polymethylmethacrylate” OR “Artefill” OR “Bellafill” OR “Radiesse” OR “Sculptra.” The initial search identified 271 articles. After 145 duplicates were removed, 126 studies were screened for relevance by title and abstract. A total of 114 studies were eliminated based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Twelve articles underwent full-text review. Seven articles were included in the final analysis consisting of four non-hyaluronic filler products: PMMA, PLLA, CaHA, autologous fat. Most patients were highly satisfied with their results. Due to the gradual volumizing effects of PMMA, PLLA, and CaHA, patient satisfaction generally improved over time. Minor adverse reactions related to treatment included bruising, swelling, and pain. Nodule formation was reported in PLLA and CaHA studies. For autologous fat, 32% of the original injection volume remained at 16 months post-treatment, which still provided clinically improved malar enhancement. Dermal fillers are an attractive treatment option for the aging face due to their high patient satisfaction, long-lasting effects, and low side-effect profile. Patients should be appropriately counseled on the delayed effects of non-HA fillers. Autologous fat is a good option in many patients with the major drawback of unpredictable longevity, which may require a secondary procedure. Future studies should examine the longevity and long-term side effects of these fillers.