bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coexistence of Low Back Pain and Lumbar Kyphosis and the Association With Increased Functional Disability in Knee Osteoarthritis: Results From a Population‐Based Cohort
Authors: Taniguchi Masashi , Ikezoe Tome , Masaki Mitsuhiro , Kamitani Tsukasa , Tsuboyama Tadao , Ito Hiromu , Matsuda Shuichi , Tabara Yasuharu , Matsuda Fumihiko , Ichihashi Noriaki ,   Nagahama Study Group
Published: February 2021

Objective

To examine the association of low back pain (LBP) and lumbar kyphosis with functional disabilities and knee symptoms in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

We analyzed 586 participants (80.1% female; mean ± SD age 68.8 ± 5.2 years) from the Nagahama Study who were age ≥60 years and had radiographically confirmed knee OA. The Knee Society Knee Scoring System (KSS) was used to assess functional disabilities and knee symptoms. LBP was defined as the presence of any persistent back pain for more than 3 months. Lumbar kyphosis was determined by skin‐surface methods using a computer‐aided electronic device called the Spinal Mouse. Multiple linear regression analysis was used for assessing the association of LBP and lumbar kyphosis with the KSS scores. Subgroup analyses based on sex were also performed.

Results

LBP and lumbar kyphosis were independently associated with a lower KSS function score after adjustment for covariates (mean difference −4.96 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) –7.56, –2.36] points for LBP alone, mean difference –4.47 [95% CI –8.51, –0.43] points for lumbar kyphosis alone, and mean difference –13.86 [95% CI –18.86, –8.86] points for the coexistence of LBP and lumbar kyphosis, respectively). The coexistence of LBP and lumbar kyphosis in women was associated with a lower KSS symptom score (mean difference –4.49 [95% CI –6.42, –2.55] points).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that both LBP and lumbar kyphosis are useful clinical signals indicating functional disability and knee symptoms in patients with knee OA.
Modular Construction of Prussian Blue Analog and TiO2 Dual‐Compartment Janus Nanoreactor for Efficient Photocatalytic Water Splitting
Authors: Shi Chunjing , Ye Sheng , Wang Xuewen , Meng Fanning , Liu Junxue , Yang Ting , Zhang Wei , Wei Jiatong , Ta Na , Lu Gao Qing (Max) , Hu Ming , Liu Jian
Published: February 2021

Janus structures that include different functional compartments have attracted significant attention due to their specific properties in a diverse range of applications. However, it remains challenge to develop an effective strategy for achieving strong interfacial interaction. Herein, a Janus nanoreactor consisting of TiO2 2D nanocrystals integrated with Prussian blue analog (PBA) single crystals is proposed and synthesized by mimicking the planting process. In situ etching of PBA particles induces nucleation and growth of TiO2 nanoflakes onto the concave surface of PBA particles, and thus enhances the interlayer interaction. The anisotropic PBA–TiO2 Janus nanoreactor demonstrates enhanced photocatalytic activities for both water reduction and oxidation reactions compared with TiO2 and PBA alone. As far as it is known, this is the first PBA‐based composite that serves as a bifunctional photocatalyst for solar water splitting. The interfacial structure between two materials is vital for charge separation and transfer based on the spectroscopic studies. These results shed light on the elaborate construction of Janus nanoreactor, highlighting the important role of interfacial design at the microscale level.
Morphology optimization of photoactive layers in organic solar cells
Authors: Cui Chaohua , Li Yongfang
Published: February 2021

Organic solar cells (OSCs) have unique advantages of light weight, low‐cost solution processing, and capability to be fabricated into flexible and semitransparent devices, which are widely recognized as a promising photovoltaic technology. Photoactive layers of the OSCs are composed of a blend of a p‐type organic semiconductor as a donor (D) and an n‐type organic semiconductor as acceptor (A). The morphology of the active layer with D/A nano‐scaled aggregation and face‐on π‐conjugated packing, and D/A interpenetrating network is crucial for achieving high photovoltaic performance of the OSCs. Therefore, great efforts have been devoted to control and optimize morphology of the active layers. This perspective focuses on the morphological control by solvent/solid processing additives and the morphology optimization by postdeposition treatment with thermal annealing and/or solvent vapor annealing, which have been extensively adopted and exhibit promising positive effect in optimizing the morphology. Representative examples are given and discussed to understand the foundation of the postdeposition treatments on tuning the morphology. Insights into the role of the postdeposition treatments and additive treatments on the morphology optimization will be beneficial to further improvement in morphology optimization for practical organic photovoltaic application.
Radical Annulation for the Synthesis of Cyclopenta[c]chromene Derivatives
Authors: Mao Kaimin , Dai Lei , Chen Ang , Liu Yun , Liu Xiaoqin , Wang Chang , Rong Liangce
Published: February 2021

A Cu‐catalyzed oxidative radical [2+2+1] annulation reaction of phenol‐linked 1,7‐enynes with α‐active methylene nitrile is described, affording cyclopenta[c]chromene derivatives bearing several functional groups in excellent yields. The wide substrate range, good group tolerance, and easy amplification experiments indicate the practicability of this synthesis strategy. This process provides an alternative convenient route for the synthesis of cyclopenta[c]chromene derivatives.
Synthesis of 3H‐Pyrrolo‐(1,2‐a) Indole‐based Fluorophore Macrocycles and their Stable Cation Radicals
Authors: Ojha Belarani , Laxman Kandala , Ravikanth Mangalampalli
Published: February 2021

Small molecular fluorophores with high quantum yields are of particular interest because of their role in several applications that range from ion sensing to bioimaging. Indole based biomolecules are well known for their fluorescence properties. Pyrrolo[1,2‐a]indoles have gained tremendous interest in recent times due to their applicability in various fields such as biomedicine and dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSC). In this article, we report the synthesis of new types of crowned 3H‐pyrrolo[1,2‐a]indole fluorophore macrocycles 1–3 which were prepared in 30–35% yields using commercially available compounds under simple reaction conditions. These fluorophore macrocycles 1–3 were characterized by HR‐MS, 1D & 2D NMR, X‐ray crystallography, absorption, fluorescence, electrochemical, and DFT/TD‐DFT studies. The fluorophores 1–3 absorb in the region of 465–480 nm and emit in the region of 615–645 nm with large Stokes shift (∼150 nm), 10–20% quantum yields, and singlet state lifetimes of 1.70–2.50 ns. The electrochemical studies revealed that macrocycles 1–3 are electron‐rich and undergo easier oxidations. The macrocycles 1–3 readily form cation radicals by chemical and electrochemical oxidation which are highly stable at low temperatures as well as at room temperature.
Postictal Death Is Associated with Tonic Phase Apnea in a Mouse Model of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy
Authors: Wenker Ian C. , Teran Frida A. , Wengert Eric R. , Wagley Pravin K. , Panchal Payal S. , Blizzard Elizabeth A. , Saraf Priyanka , Wagnon Jacy L. , Goodkin Howard P. , Meisler Miriam H. , Richerson George B. , Patel Manoj K.
Published: February 2021

Objective

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is an unpredictable and devastating comorbidity of epilepsy that is believed to be due to cardiorespiratory failure immediately after generalized convulsive seizures.

Methods

We performed cardiorespiratory monitoring of seizure‐induced death in mice carrying either a p.Arg1872Trp or p.Asn1768Asp mutation in a single Scn8a allele—mutations identified from patients who died from SUDEP—and of seizure‐induced death in pentylenetetrazole‐treated wild‐type mice.

Results

The primary cause of seizure‐induced death for all mice was apnea, as (1) apnea began during a seizure and continued for tens of minutes until terminal asystole, and (2) death was prevented by mechanical ventilation. Fatal seizures always included a tonic phase that was coincident with apnea. This tonic phase apnea was not sufficient to produce death, as it also occurred during many nonfatal seizures; however, all seizures that were fatal had tonic phase apnea. We also made the novel observation that continuous tonic diaphragm contraction occurred during tonic phase apnea, which likely contributes to apnea by preventing exhalation, and this was only fatal when breathing did not resume after the tonic phase ended. Finally, recorded seizures from a patient with developmental epileptic encephalopathy with a previously undocumented SCN8A likely pathogenic variant (p.Leu257Val) revealed similarities to those of the mice, namely, an extended tonic phase that was accompanied by apnea.

Interpretation

We conclude that apnea coincident with the tonic phase of a seizure, and subsequent failure to resume breathing, are the determining events that cause seizure‐induced death in Scn8a mutant mice. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:1023–1035
Chiral Amplification of Phosphoramidates of Amines and Amino Acids in Water
Authors: Dašková Vanda , Buter Jeffrey , Schoonen Anne K. , Lutz Martin , de Vries Folkert , Feringa Ben L.
Published: February 2021

The origin of biomolecular homochirality continues to be one of the most fascinating aspects of prebiotic chemistry. Various amplification strategies for chiral compounds to enhance a small chiral preference have been reported, but none of these involves phosphorylation, one of nature's essential chemical reactions. Here we present a simple and robust concept of phosphorylation‐based chiral amplification of amines and amino acids in water. By exploiting the difference in solubility of a racemic phosphoramidate and its enantiopure form, we achieved enantioenrichment in solution. Starting with near racemic, phenylethylamine‐based phosphoramidates, ee's of up to 95 % are reached in a single amplification step. Particularly noteworthy is the enantioenrichment of phosphorylated amino acids and their derivatives, which might point to a potential role of phosphorus en‐route to prebiotic homochirality.
Ultrafast Excimer Formation and Solvent Controlled Symmetry Breaking Charge Separation in the Excitonically Coupled Subphthalocyanine Dimer
Authors: Roy Palas , Bressan Giovanni , Gretton Jacob , Cammidge Andrew N. , Meech Stephen R.
Published: February 2021

Knowledge of the factors controlling excited state dynamics in excitonically coupled dimers and higher aggregates is critical for understanding natural and artificial solar energy conversion. In this work, we report ultrafast solvent polarity dependent excited state dynamics of the structurally well‐defined subphthalocyanine dimer, μ‐OSubPc2. Stationary electronic spectra demonstrate strong exciton coupling in μ‐OSubPc2. Femtosecond transient absorption measurements reveal ultrafast excimer formation from the initially excited exciton, mediated by intramolecular structural evolution. In polar solvents the excimer state decays directly through symmetry breaking charge transfer to form a charge separated state. Charge separation occurs under control of solvent orientational relaxation.
Semaphorins: From Angiogenesis to Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Avouac Jérôme , Pezet Sonia , Vandebeuque Eloïse , Orvain Cindy , Gonzalez Virginie , Marin Grégory , Mouterde Gaël , Daïen Claire , Allanore Yannick
Published: February 2021

Objective

To study the potential role of semaphorins in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Microarray experiments were performed on Affymetrix GeneChip Human Exon 1.0 ST arrays in RA endothelial cells (ECs) and control ECs derived from circulating progenitors. Expression of class 3 and class 4 semaphorins and their receptors in the serum of RA patients and healthy controls was assessed by immunohistochemical analysis in synovial tissue and by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Microarray analysis revealed differential expression of class 3 and class 4 semaphorins and their receptors in RA ECs. Semaphorin 4A (SEMA4A), plexin D1, and neuropilin 1 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were markedly increased in RA ECs by 1.75‐, 2.21‐, and 1.68‐fold, respectively. Stimulation with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) led to a 2‐fold increase in SEMA4A mRNA levels in RA ECs, and deficient SEMA4A expression modified RA EC angiogenic properties. Class 3 and class 4 semaphorins as well as their receptors were overexpressed in RA synovial tissue. A respective 1.30‐fold increase and 1.54‐fold increase in SEMA4A and SEMA3E, as well as a 24% decrease in SEMA3A, was observed in the serum of RA patients. Serum levels of SEMA4A, SEMA4D, and SEMA3A correlated with levels of inflammation and proangiogenic markers. In 2 independent cohorts of patients with low disease activity or with RA in remission, the presence of SEMA4A identified patients with residual disease activity.

Conclusion

Gene expression profiling of ECs identified class 3 and class 4 semaphorins as potential biomarkers and therapeutic candidates in RA, with confirmed overexpression in ECs, synovial vessels, and serum, and correlation with validated markers of inflammation and angiogenesis. Thus, semaphorins might be novel and appealing EC‐derived inflammatory and proangiogenic targets in RA.
Zimbabwean PreClinical Medical Students Use of Deep and Strategic Study Approaches to Learn Anatomy at Two New Medical Schools
Authors: Zilundu Prince L.M. , Chibhabha Fidelis , Chengetanai Samson , Fu Rao , Zhou Li‐Hua
Published: February 2021

Anatomy is a challenging preclinical subject owing to the vast amount of information that students need to master. The adoption of relevant study approaches is key to the development of a long‐lasting understanding of anatomical subject matter. Phenomenographic educational research describes the medical students as using a variable mix of deep, strategic, and surface approaches to study. Continually assessing students' learning preferences and approaches is crucial for achieving the desired learning outcomes. The approaches to studying anatomy in two groups of first‐year Zimbabwean medical students from two newly established medical schools were collected using the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST) instrument and than analyzed. At least 90% of the students believed that anatomy involved reproducing knowledge or personal understanding and development. Overall, the majority of the students adopted deep and strategic approaches, while a distant minority used the surface approach. There was no significant correlation between either the students' sex or age and their preference for a specific approach to studying. The mean anatomy grades for students using a strategic approach were significantly higher than those using deep or surface approaches. The number of strategic learners was double that of deep learners among the high achievers subgroup. The strategic approach positively correlated with performance in examinations. Generally, the students shared a common understanding of the concept of anatomy learning. Studies such as this can assist with the identification of students at risk of failure and empower lecturers to recommend the adoption of more beneficial strategic and deep learner traits.
Elevated peripheral absolute monocyte count related to clinicopathological features and poor prognosis in solid tumors: Systematic review, meta‐analysis, and meta‐regression
Authors: Wen Shu , Chen Nan , Hu Ying , Huang Litao , Peng Jin , Yang Meina , Shen Xiaoyang , Song Yang , Xu Liangzhi
Published: February 2021

Background

Absolute monocyte count (AMC) is often used to be assessed in cancer follow‐up, which has regained interest as a potential prognostic indicator in many solid tumors, though not consistently or comprehensively. In the present study, we set out to perform a comprehensive meta‐analysis of all available data regarding the prognostic significance of AMC in solid tumors. We also evaluated the association between AMC and clinical features in solid tumors.

Methods

A hazard ratio (HR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) or a p value (p) from eligible studies were extracted and subsequently pooled analyzed. Subgroup analyses and meta‐regression analyses were conducted according to the confounders of included studies. In addition, the relationships between AMC and clinical characteristics were also explored in the meta‐analysis.

Results

Overall, ninety‐three articles comprising 104 studies with 32229 patients were finally included. The results showed that elevated AMC was associated with worse overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.615; 95% CI: 1.475‐1.768; p < 0.001), disease‐free survival (DFS) (HR:1.488; 95% CI: 1.357‐1.633; p < 0.001), progressive‐free survival (PFS) (HR: 1.533; 95% CI: 1.342‐1.751; p < 0.001) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) (HR: 1.585; 95% CI: 1.253‐2.006; p < 0.001) in non‐hematological tumors. Subgroup analyses according to each confounder further proved the consistent prognostic value of AMC in solid tumor outcomes. Moreover, elevated AMC was more likely to be observed in male group and patients with smoking history, and associated with longer tumor length and advanced T stage.

Conclusion

In short, the meta‐analysis found that elevated AMC might indicate poor long‐term outcomes in non‐hematologic cancers, thus AMC may be a valuable marker in the prognosis for patients with solid tumors.
Speciation of Inorganic Mercury Compounds in Solid Samples via Thermo‐desorption Experiments
Authors: Klöfer Isabelle , Bittig Margot , Bathen Dieter
Published: February 2021

To establish a standardized method for specifying mercury in solid samples, a database of relevant mercury species is created via thermo‐desorption. By measuring Hg(t) and Hg(0), different evaporation characteristics of mercury halides, sulfide, oxides, nitrates, and sulfates were recorded. It was possible to create a baseline for analyzing solid samples with unknown mercury content. All mercury species without a halide compound evaporate over 200 °C and as elemental mercury. All mercury halides evaporate mainly as oxidized species. From this fact it can be concluded that mercury halides desublimate when heated and have a vapor pressure as a solid. This unique characteristic was only seen by mercury halides. All other species seem to decompose into their single components when heated.
Longitudinal changes in therapeutic alliance with people with psychosis: Relationship between client and therapist assessments
Authors: Hasson‐Ohayon Ilanit , de Jong Steven , Igra Libby , Carter Sarah A. , Faith Laura A. , Lysaker Paul
Published: February 2021

Although the clinical significance of therapeutic alliance with people with psychosis is well established, the agreement between client and therapist assessments of therapeutic alliance and the longitudinal changes of both assessments have been rarely addressed. The current study examined client and therapist assessments of therapeutic alliance longitudinally and sought to determine whether insight and severity of symptoms moderated the degree to which therapist and client assessments were in agreement with one another. Forty‐five participants diagnosed with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder and their therapists were administered a therapeutic alliance questionnaire (Working Alliance Inventory‐Short Form) monthly for 6 months. Baseline symptoms were assessed using the PANSS. Results did not produce evidence that insight into illness moderated the relationship between agreement on the therapeutic alliance. However, symptoms of emotional discomfort at baseline predicted differences in agreement between clients and therapists on the relationship aspect of therapeutic alliance over the course of therapy. These results suggest that the ability to express symptoms of emotional discomfort may affect whether clients and therapists form similar appraisals of the strength of the therapeutic alliance.
How does prescribed fire shape bird and plant communities in a temperate dry forest ecosystem?
Authors: Rainsford Frederick W. , Kelly Luke T. , Leonard Steve W. J. , Bennett Andrew F.
Published: February 2021

To mitigate the impact of severe wildfire on human society and the environment, prescribed fire is widely used in forest ecosystems to reduce fuel loads and limit fire spread. To avoid detrimental effects on conservation values, it is imperative to understand how prescribed fire affects taxa having a range of different adaptations to disturbance. Such studies will have greatest benefit if they extend beyond short‐term impacts of burning. We used a field study to examine the effects of prescribed fire on birds and plants across a 36‐yr post‐fire chronosequence in a temperate dry forest ecosystem in southeastern Australia, and by making comparison with long‐unburned reference sites (79 yr since wildfire). We modeled changes in the relative abundance of 22 bird species and the cover of 39 plant species, and examined how individual species, functional groups, species richness and community composition differed between sites with different fire history. For most individual bird and plant species modeled, relative abundance or cover at sites subject to prescribed fire did not change significantly with time since fire or differ from that of long‐unburned vegetation. When bird species were pooled into functional groups, time since prescribed fire had strong effects on birds that forage in the lower‐midstorey, facultative‐resprouting shrubs and obligate‐seeding shrubs. Species richness for both taxa did not differ between sites subject to prescribed fire and those in long‐unburned vegetation. Bird communities varied significantly between the youngest (0–3 yr) and oldest (79 yr) post‐fire age classes, driven by species associated with understorey vegetation. Plant community composition showed little evidence of a post‐fire successional trajectory. The prevalence of bird species with broad habitat and dietary niches and plant regeneration through resprouting, make bird and plant communities in these forests relatively resilient to small and patchy prescribed fires they have experienced to date. Application of prescribed fire will be most compatible with maintaining biodiversity by taking a landscape approach that (1) plans for a geographic spread of stands with a range of between‐prescribed‐fire intervals to ensure provision of suitable habitat for all taxa, and (2) avoids burning in moist gullies to maintain their value as fire refuges.
Effects of water deficit on leaves and fruit quality during the development period in tomato plant
Authors: Medyouni Ibtissem , Zouaoui Refka , Rubio Emilie , Serino Sylvie , Ahmed Hela Ben , Bertin Nadia
Published: February 2021

In nature, plants are often exposed to a multitude of environmental constraints that severely limit crop productivity. Water deficit is one of the factors that most affects agricultural production. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of water deficit on morphology, development, nutritional behavior, as well as chlorophyll fluorescence and certain important metabolic parameters (soluble sugars, organic acids, starch, carotenoid, and vitamin C) of the cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv Plovdiv). In this study, the water supply was reduced by 60% compared to control conditions. The conditions of water deficit showed that the size of the different organs (leaves, fruits) was reduced. A reduction in the number, width, and length of the leaves, respectively, 9%, 36%, and 37%, then the leaf surface was also observed. Reduction of fluorescence (Fo, Fm, and Fv) and total index performance were among the other symptoms of plants with water deficiency. For fruit, we observed a significant decrease in diameter, fresh weight, and moisture content during the cell division period, the cell expansion period, and the fruit ripening period. In contrast, the composition of the Plovdiv fruit changed only during cell division and expansion phase. On the other hand, the water deficit induces an increase in the total carotenoid and vitamin C content of the fruits.. Besides, water deficit induced a reduction of fruit size, moisture content, and production dry matter during different phases of development. Decrease levels of soluble sugars and organic acid but increase in vitamin C and carotenoid content.
Automatic detection and localization of COVID‐19 pneumonia using axial computed tomography images and deep convolutional neural networks
Authors: Polat Hasan , Özerdem Mehmet Siraç , Ekici Faysal , Akpolat Veysi
Published: February 2021

COVID‐19 was first reported as an unknown group of pneumonia in Wuhan City, Hubei province of China in late December of 2019. The rapid increase in the number of cases diagnosed with COVID‐19 and the lack of experienced radiologists can cause diagnostic errors in the interpretation of the images along with the exceptional workload occurring in this process. Therefore, the urgent development of automated diagnostic systems that can scan radiological images quickly and accurately is important in combating the pandemic. With this motivation, a deep convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based model that can automatically detect patterns related to lesions caused by COVID‐19 from chest computed tomography (CT) images is proposed in this study. In this context, the image ground‐truth regarding the COVID‐19 lesions scanned by the radiologist was evaluated as the main criteria of the segmentation process. A total of 16 040 CT image segments were obtained by applying segmentation to the raw 102 CT images. Then, 10 420 CT image segments related to healthy lung regions were labeled as COVID‐negative, and 5620 CT image segments, in which the findings related to the lesions were detected in various forms, were labeled as COVID‐positive. With the proposed CNN architecture, 93.26% diagnostic accuracy performance was achieved. The sensitivity and specificity performance metrics for the proposed automatic diagnosis model were 93.27% and 93.24%, respectively. Additionally, it has been shown that by scanning the small regions of the lungs, COVID‐19 pneumonia can be localized automatically with high resolution and the lesion densities can be successfully evaluated quantitatively.
Muslim Swim Wear Fashion at Amman Waves on the Internet and Live
Authors: Berglund Jenny
Published: February 2021

When viewed on the internet, the waterslides and pools at Amman Waves look deserted, but when paying a visit they are filled with children, women and men in various kinds of swim wear. At Amman Waves women's swim wear fashion ranges from small bikinis to swim-suits that cover every part of a woman's body except the face, hands and feet. In this article these differences in covering are discussed and categorized in relation to Islamic law. It is argued that this variation in swim wear also has relevance for European societies since it shows possibilities for negotiations (agreement) between traditional Islamic ideals and ideals in modern Western societies.
Tissue responses after implantation of biodegradable Mg alloys evaluated by multimodality 3D micro‐bioimaging in vivo
Authors: Helmholz Heike , Will Olga , Penate‐Medina Tuula , Humbert Jana , Damm Timo , Luthringer‐Feyerabend Berengere , Willumeit‐Römer Regine , Glüer Claus‐Christian , Penate‐Medina Oula
Published: February 2021

The local response of tissue triggered by implantation of degradable magnesium‐based implant materials was investigated in vivo in a murine model. Pins (5.0 mm length by 0.5 mm diameter) made of Mg, Mg‐10Gd, and Ti were implanted in the leg muscle tissue of C57Bl/6N mice (n = 6). Implantation was generally well tolerated as documented by only a mild short term increase in a multidimensional scoring index. Lack of difference between the groups indicated that the response was systemic and surgery related rather than material dependent. Longitudinal in vivo monitoring utilizing micro‐computed tomography over 42 days demonstrated the highest and most heterogeneous degradation for Mg‐10Gd. Elemental imaging of the explants by micro X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry showed a dense calcium‐phosphate‐containing degradation layer. In order to monitor resulting surgery induced and/or implant material associated local cell stress, sphingomyelin based liposomes containing indocyanine green were administered. An initial increase in fluorescent signals (3–7 days after implantation) indicating cell stress at the site of the implantation was measured by in vivo fluorescent molecular tomography. The signal decreased until the 42nd day for all materials. These findings demonstrate that Mg based implants are well tolerated causing only mild and short term adverse reactions.
Antiangiogenic effect of arsenic trioxide in HUVECs by FoxO3a‐regulated autophagy
Authors: Sun Zhuo , Cao Yidan , Xing Yueping , Wu Muyu , Shao Xiaotong , Huang Qingli , Bai Lu , Wang Li , Zhao Yaxian , Wu Yongping
Published: February 2021

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) has been shown to have antitumor effect in different tumors, although the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Autophagy plays a critical role in tumorigenesis and cancer therapy and has been found to be activated by ATO in different cells. However, the role of autophagy in the antitumor effect of ATO has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the role of autophagy in the antiangiogenic effect of ATO in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro and its underlying mechanism. Our data showed that ATO suppresses angiogenesis and induces autophagy in HUVECs through upregulation of forkhead box protein O3 (FoxO3a). Co‐incubated with autophagy inhibitor or knockdown of FoxO3a effectively inhibited ATO‐induced autophagy and reversed the antiangiogenic effect of ATO, indicating that ATO‐induced autophagy plays an antiangiogenic role in HUVECs. Our results highlight the importance of autophagy in the antiangiogenic effect of ATO and provide an improved understanding of the function of ATO.
Abatement of the dysfunctional hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis due to ciprofloxacin administration by selenium in male rats
Authors: Adedara Isaac A. , Awogbindin Ifeoluwa O. , Mohammed Khadija A. , Da‐Silva Oluwatobiloba F. , Farombi Ebenezer O.
Published: February 2021

The present study examined the influence of selenium on ciprofloxacin‐mediated reproductive dysfunction in rats. The research design consisted of five groups of eight animals each. The rats were administered 135 mg/kg body weight of ciprofloxacin per se or simultaneously with selenium at 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg for 15 uninterrupted days. Antioxidant and inflammatory indices were assayed using the testes, epididymis, and hypothalamus of the animals after sacrifice. Results revealed that ciprofloxacin treatment per se interfered with the reproductive axis as demonstrated by diminished serum hormonal levels, sperm quality, and enzymatic indices of testicular function, which were, however, abrogated following selenium co‐treatment. Besides this, administration of selenium attenuated the depletion of glutathione level, inhibition of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione‐S‐transferase and glutathione peroxidase activities with a concomitant reduction in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and lipid peroxidation in ciprofloxacin‐treated in rats. Selenium treatment also mitigated ciprofloxacin‐mediated elevation in nitric oxide level and of myeloperoxidase activity as well as histological lesions in the animals. Overall, selenium attenuated impairment in the male reproductive axis due to ciprofloxacin treatment through abatement of inflammation and oxidative stress in rats.
How gait influences frailty models and health‐related outcomes in clinical‐based and population‐based studies: a systematic review
Authors: Bortone Ilaria , Sardone Rodolfo , Lampignano Luisa , Castellana Fabio , Zupo Roberta , Lozupone Madia , Moretti Biagio , Giannelli Gianluigi , Panza Francesco
Published: February 2021

Aging is often associated with a decline in physical function that eventually leads to loss of autonomy in activities of daily living (ADL). Walking is a very common ADL, important for main determinants of quality of life in older age, and it requires the integration of many physiological systems. Gait speed has been described as the ‘sixth vital sign’ because it is a core indicator of health and function in aging and disease. We reviewed original studies up to June 2020 that assessed frailty in both longitudinal and cross‐sectional observational studies, paying particular attention to how gait is measured in older population and how the gait parameter adopted may influence the estimated frailty models and the health‐related outcomes of the various studies (i.e. clinical, cognitive, physical, and nutritional outcomes). Eighty‐five studies met the search strategy and were included in the present systematic review. According to the frailty tools, more than 60% of the studies used the physical phenotype model proposed by Fried and colleagues, while one‐third referred to multi‐domain indexes or models and only 5% referred to other single‐domain frailty models (social or cognitive). The great heterogeneity observed in gait measurements and protocols limited the possibility to directly compare the results of the studies and it could represent an important issue causing variability in the different outcome measures in both clinical‐and population‐based settings. Gait appeared to be an indicator of health and function also in frail older adults, and different gait parameters appeared to predict adverse health‐related outcomes in clinical, cognitive, and physical domains and, to a lesser extent, in nutritional domain. Gait has the potential to elucidate the common basic mechanisms of cognitive and motor decline. Advances in technology may extend the validity of gait in different clinical settings also in frail older adults, and technology‐based assessment should be encouraged. Combining various gait parameters may enhance frailty prediction and classification of different frailty phenotypes.
Cardiac T1 and T2 Mapping Showed Myocardial Involvement in Recovered COVID‐19 Patients Initially Considered Devoid of Cardiac Damage
Authors: Pan Cunxue , Zhang Zuoquan , Luo Liyun , Wu Wenhao , Jia Taoyu , Lu Ling , Liu Weiyin V. , Qin Yujuan , Hu Feng , Ding Xianglian , Qin Peixin , Qian Long , Chen Jian , Li Shaolin
Published: February 2021

Background

Myocardial injury has been found using magnetic resonance imaging in recovered coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients unselected or with ongoing cardiac symptoms.

Purpose

To evaluate for the presence of myocardial involvement in recovered COVID‐19 patients without cardiovascular symptoms and abnormal serologic markers during hospitalization.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Twenty‐one recovered COVID‐19 patients and 20 healthy controls (HC).

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T, cine, T2‐weighted imaging, T1 mapping, and T2 mapping.

Assessment

Cardiac ventricular function includes end‐diastolic volume, end‐systolic volume, stroke volume, cardiac output, left ventricle (LV) mass, and ejection fraction (EF) of LV and right ventricle (RV), and segmental myocardial T1 and T2 values were measured.

Statistical Tests

Student's t‐test, univariate general linear model test, and chi‐square test were used for analyses between two groups. Ordinary one‐way analyses of variance or Kruskal–Wallis H test were used for analyses between three groups, followed by post‐hoc analyses.

Results

Fifteen (71.43%) COVID‐19 patients had abnormal magnetic resonance findings, including raised myocardial native T1 (5, 23.81%) and T2 values (10, 47.62%), decreased LVEF (1, 4.76%), and RVEF (2, 9.52%). The segmental myocardial T2 value of COVID‐19 patients (49.20 [46.1, 54.6] msec) was significantly higher than HC (48.3 [45.2, 51.7] msec) (P < 0.001), while the myocardial native T1 value showed no significant difference between COVID‐19 patients and HC. The myocardial T2 value of serious COVID‐19 patients (52.5 [48.1, 57.1] msec) was significantly higher than unserious COVID‐19 patients (48.8 [45.9, 53.8] msec) and HC (48.3 [45.2, 51.7]) (P < 0.001). COVID‐19 patients with abnormally elevated D‐dimer, C‐reactive protein, or lymphopenia showed higher myocardial T2 values than without (all P < 0.05).

Data Conclusion

Cardiac involvement was observed in recovered COVID‐19 patients with no preexisting cardiovascular disease, no cardiovascular symptoms, and elevated serologic markers of myocardial injury during the whole course of COVID‐19.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 5
Circulation of enterovirus A71 during 2019–2020, Marseille, France
Authors: Luciani Léa , Morand Aurélie , Zandotti Christine , Piorkowski Géraldine , Boutin Aurélie , Mazenq Julie , Minodier Philippe , Ninove Laetitia , Nougairède Antoine
Published: February 2021

Enteroviruses A71 (EVs‐A71) are known to cause serious neurological infections, especially in the pediatric population. We report here eight cases of EV‐A71 infection diagnosed in Marseille over the past 2 years (seven cases in 2019 and one case in 2020). Only children under 5 years of age were affected, including one case of acute flaccid paralysis. Viral RNA was detected by RT‐PCR in peripheral samples for all cases (feces and upper respiratory samples). Phylogenetic analyses based on VP1 and 2C3C coding regions revealed that all these cases of EV‐A71 infection were caused by viruses belonging to the subgenogroup C1 that currently circulates in Europe and that these viruses are genetically closed to other EVs‐A71 recently detected in European countries. These data therefore reinforce the usefulness of the enterovirus surveillance network and the need for systematic screening for EV‐A71 in case of an enteroviral infection. This study therefore suggests that the systematic screening for EV‐A71 in case of enteroviral infection could provide additional data for enterovirus surveillance networks.
Ventricular arrhythmias among patients with implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Malanchini G. , Ferrari P. , Leidi C. , Ferrari G. , Racheli M. , Senni M. , De Filippo P.
Published: February 2021

Background

Coronavirus Disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) has been associated with myocardial injury and higher risk of arrhythmic complications. However, no reports are available about the effect of the ongoing pandemic on arrhythmias in patients at risk.

Objective

To describe the effect of COVID‐19 pandemic on arrhythmic burden among high‐risk patients.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study on the incidence of ventricular arrhythmia (VA) during the pandemic outbreak (study period), compared to the same timeframe in 2019 (reference period). Inclusion criteria were age (>18 years) and having an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD).

Results

Among 455 patients enrolled (mean age 64.9 ± 15.7 years; 25.1% females and 39.6% with CRTD), in the study period, 45 (9.9%) patients experienced a total of 86 VA; 8 patients (1.7%) required antitachycardia‐pacing (ATP) and 6 (1.3%) at least one shock. In the reference period, a total of 69 events occurred in 36 patients (7.9%). Six patients (1.3%) required ATP and three (0.7%) at least one shock. The number of patients that suffered from any arrhythmic events in the study period (9.9% vs 7.9%) did not significantly differ from the reference period (χ2 = 1.09, P = .29). The main predictor of VA during the COVID‐19 pandemic was the previous history of any ICD therapy (OR = 3.84, P < .001).

Conclusions

No evidence of an increase of arrhythmic burden was found during the COVID‐19 pandemic among patients with an ICD.
Future drought in CMIP6 projections and the socioeconomic impacts in China
Authors: Chen Liqin , Wang Guojie , Miao Lijuan , Gnyawali Kaushal Raj , Li Shijie , Amankwah Solomon Obiri Yeboah , Huang Jinlong , Lu Jiao , Zhan Mingyue
Published: February 2021

Projections of future drought conditions under climate change are an important step in formulating the long‐term climate adaptation strategies. It is therefore valuable to predict the drought conditions in China following the release of the CMIP6 (the phase six of the Coupled Model Inter‐comparison Project). Thus, based on 20 global climate model simulations from CMIP6, we project China's drought conditions and its socioeconomic impacts using the self‐calibrated Palmer Drought Severity Index (scPDSI). Four scenarios are considered in this analysis: SSP1‐2.6 (the low‐level development scenario), SSP2‐4.5 (the middle‐level development scenario), SSP3‐7.0 (the medium to high‐level development scenario) and SSP5‐8.5 (the high‐level development scenario). Under SSP1‐2.6, we observed wetting trends over large areas of China except the arid region during 2020–2099; however, under SSP2‐4.5, SSP3‐7.0 and SSP5‐8.5, significant drying trends are detected in the humid and temperate semi‐humid region, while in other areas there are significant wetting trends. The projected drought conditions are likely to be severe with more frequent monthly occurrences and higher probability of extreme drying conditions, especially in these humid and temperate semi‐humid regions under SSP3‐7.0 and SSP5‐8.5. Consequently, the population exposure to drought in most climatic regions will increase initially up to 2040s and gradually decrease under all the scenarios except SSP3‐7.0; and the humid region will be a future hotspot where the impact of climate on population exposure to drought will be more significant. The economic exposure to drought will increase over the whole China under all four scenarios, especially in the humid and semi‐humid region. Our results have important implications for future drought projections and provide a scientific evidence for developing climate change adaptation strategies and disaster prevention.
Timing of parenteral nutrition is associated with adequacy of nutrient delivery and anthropometry in critically ill children: A single‐center study
Authors: Ariagno Katelyn , Bechard Lori , Quinn Nicolle , Rudie Coral , Finnan Emily , Arena Anastasia , Sun Tina , Hale Jaqueline , Duggan Christopher P. , Mehta Nilesh M.
Published: February 2021

Background

The optimal timing of supplemental parenteral nutrition (PN) use in the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) is unclear. We aimed to describe patterns of PN use in the ICU and the association between the timing of PN initiation and macronutrient delivery and anthropometry.

Methods

We enrolled patients (aged <18 years) with an ICU stay >3 days were started on PN in the ICU. Initiation within 48 hours of admission was deemed as early, and duration <5 days was deemed as short. We used multivariable analysis to examine the association between PN timing and macronutrient delivery adequacy (percentage of the prescribed target that was actually delivered) and weight‐for‐age z‐score (WAZ) over hospital stay.

Results

Ninety‐five patients were included. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) time to initiate PN was 4 (1, 6) days, and in 33%, PN was initiated early. Median (IQR) PN duration was 8 (5, 14) days, and in 16.8%, duration was short. Median (IQR) adequacies for total energy and protein delivery were 55% (40, 74) and 72% (44, 81) in the early PN group compared with 29% (3, 50) and 31% (4, 47), respectively, in the late PN group (P < .001). The late PN group had a 0.50‐unit greater decline in mean WAZ compared with the early PN group (95% CI, 0.11–0.89; P = .012).

Conclusion

Late PN initiation was associated with significantly lower adequacy of macronutrient delivery and greater decline in WAZ in critically ill children. The relationship between PN timing patient outcomes must be further examined.
Nerve ultrasound studies in POEMS syndrome
Authors: Ding Qingyun , Li Jian , Guan Yuzhou , Wu Shuang , Niu Jingwen , Shen Dongchao , Hu Youfang , Wu Yinmin , Liu Mingsheng , Cui Liying
Published: February 2021

Introduction

The aim of our study was to assess the ultrasonographic features of peripheral nerves in patients with POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M protein, and skin changes) syndrome.

Method

34 POEMS syndrome patients and 26 healthy control (HC) participants were recruited prospectively. Cross‐sectional area (CSA) was measured in nerves of limbs, trunks of brachial plexus, and cervical nerve roots

Results

The CSAs were mildly enlarged at the arm segment of median nerve, elbow segment of ulnar nerve and upper trunk, moderately enlarged at the forearm segment of both median and ulnar nerve, upper trunk of brachial plexus, and C6, C7 cervical nerve roots, and markedly enlarged at the arm segment of ulnar nerve, middle and lower trunk of brachial plexus, as well as C5 cervical root.

Discussion

The CSAs of upper limb nerves were larger in POEMS syndrome patients than in HCs, and the enlargements were most prominent proximally.
A novel pseudo‐polynomial approach for shortest path problems
Authors: Danilovic Milos , Vasiljevic Dragan , Cvetic Biljana
Published: February 2021

This article presents a novel shortest path algorithm for connected networks with nonnegative edge weights. The worst case running time of the single source shortest path version of the algorithm is O(max(m, )) where m is the number of edges of the input network and is the normalized eccentricity of the source vertex vs. The pseudo‐polynomial nature of the time complexity is overcome with a simple speed‐up technique. The proposed approach can be implemented on a wide class of shortest path problems. Approximate solutions can be easily maintained in the preprocessing phase. An experimental efficiency analysis shows that the proposed approach outperforms existing algorithms in total computing time. The proposed algorithm is efficient for all classes of networks and particularly for networks with small diameter.
Tailored higher performance silicone elastomer with nanofibrillated cellulose through acidic treatment
Authors: Mustapha Safarul , Andou Yoshito
Published: February 2021

Nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) can be used for reinforcer to silicone polymer to expect enhancement of its mechanical strength. However, NFC is a hydrophilic material, which typically poor‐dispersed characteristic in non‐polar polymer matrices. To overcome this bothersome characteristic, surface modification of NFC has been studied to tailor the interfacial interactions between NFC and matrices for fiber dispersibility in matrices. In this work, NFC was treated with some acids to modify a functional group in NFC. The acid treatment approaches successfully introduced the functional groups onto NFC surface, which confirmed by FT‐IR, TGA, and SEM‐EDS analyses. Moreover, the XRD analysis revealed that this treated NFC was the cellulose type I and acid treatments did not vary it. The TGA results showed lower thermal degradation of all treated NFC as compared to control NFC. Additionally, the effects of treated NFC as nanofiller in the silicone elastomer were evaluated the mechanical properties. The treated NFC also showed a good dispersibility in silicone composite, and no agglomeration was observed. Moreover, the tensile strength and elongation of silicone composite with treated NFC as nanofiller showed high performance compare to silicone composite with pristine NFC. The highest tensile value was recorded at 3.4 MPa in silicone/NFC‐P samples using phosphoric acid‐treated NFC. Therefore, a low concentration of acid treatments has the potential to be an effective method as a surface modification of NFC.