bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced structural connectivity within the motor loop in professional boxers prior to a match
Authors: Ogino Yuichi , Kawamichi Hiroaki , Takizawa Daisuke , Sugawara Sho K. , Hamano Yuki H. , Fukunaga Masaki , Toyoda Keiko , Watanabe Yusuke , Abe Osamu , Sadato Norihiro , Saito Shigeru , Furui Shigeru
Published: April 2021

Professional boxers train to reduce their body mass before a match to refine their body movements. To test the hypothesis that the well-defined movements of boxers are represented within the motor loop (cortico-striatal circuit), we first elucidated the brain structure and functional connectivity specific to boxers and then investigated plasticity in relation to boxing matches. We recruited 21 male boxers 1 month before a match (Time1) and compared them to 22 age-, sex-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls. Boxers were longitudinally followed up within 1 week prior to the match (Time2) and 1 month after the match (Time3). The BMIs of boxers significantly decreased at Time2 compared with those at Time1 and Time3. Compared to controls, boxers presented significantly higher gray matter volume in the left putamen, a critical region representing motor skill training. Boxers presented significantly higher functional connectivity than controls between the left primary motor cortex (M1) and left putamen, which is an essential region for establishing well-defined movements. Boxers also showed significantly higher structural connectivity in the same region within the motor loop from Time1 to Time2 than during other periods, which may represent the refined movements of their body induced by training for the match.
Comparison of two established 2D staging techniques to their appliance in 3D cone beam computer-tomography for dental age estimation
Authors: Zirk Matthias , Zoeller Joachim E. , Lentzen Max-Philipp , Bergeest Laura , Buller Johannes , Zinser Max
Published: April 2021

For medicolegal purposes, orthodontic or orthognathic treatment various stomatological staging technique for age estimation with appliance of conventional radiographic images have been published. It remains uninvestigated if cone beam computer-tomography delivers comparable staging results to the conventional radiographic stages of third molar analysis. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of 312 patients aged 13–21 years. Dental age estimation staging technique, introduced by Nolla and Demirjian, were applied on the left lower third molar imaged by conventional panoramic radiographs and cone beam computer-tomography. It was investigated if 2D and 3D imaging presented different staging results for dental age estimation. In 21% the Demirjian’s staging differed by a single stage between 2 and 3D images. The greatest congruence (87%) between 2 and 3D images was revealed for stage 7 (G). In contrary, stage 5 (E) presented the lowest level of congruence with 47.4%. The categorization of Nolla revealed divergences in staging for than two categorical variables in Nolla’s stages 3, 4, 5 and 6. In general, the analysis of the data displayed the divergence for Nolla’s stages 4–8. The staging results for 2D and 3D imaging in accordance to the rules of Nolla and Demirjian showed significant differences. Individuals of 18 years may present immature third molars, thus merely an immature third molar cannot reject legal majority. Nolla’s and Demirjian’s 2D and 3D imaging present significantly different staging results.
A simple method to measure sulfonation in man using paracetamol as probe drug
Authors: Marto Natália , Morello Judit , Antunes Alexandra M. M. , Azeredo Sofia , Monteiro Emília C. , Pereira Sofia A.
Published: April 2021

Sulfotransferase enzymes (SULT) catalyse sulfoconjugation of drugs, as well as endogenous mediators, gut microbiota metabolites and environmental xenobiotics. To address the limited evidence on sulfonation activity from clinical research, we developed a clinical metabolic phenotyping method using paracetamol as a probe substrate. Our aim was to estimate sulfonation capability of phenolic compounds and study its intraindividual variability in man. A total of 36 healthy adult volunteers (12 men, 12 women and 12 women on oral contraceptives) received paracetamol in a 1 g-tablet formulation on three separate occasions. Paracetamol and its metabolites were measured in plasma and spot urine samples using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. A metabolic ratio (Paracetamol Sulfonation Index—PSI) was used to estimate phenol SULT activity. PSI showed low intraindividual variability, with a good correlation between values in plasma and spot urine samples. Urinary PSI was independent of factors not related to SULT activity, such as urine pH or eGFR. Gender and oral contraceptive intake had no impact on PSI. Our SULT phenotyping method is a simple non-invasive procedure requiring urine spot samples, using the safe and convenient drug paracetamol as a probe substrate, and with low intraindividual coefficient of variation. Although it will not give us mechanistic information, it will provide us an empirical measure of an individual’s sulfonator status. To the best of our knowledge, our method provides the first standardised in vivo empirical measure of an individual’s phenol sulfonation capability and of its intraindividual variability. EUDRA-CT 2016-001395-29, NCT03182595 June 9, 2017.
Sentinel node biopsy alone for breast cancer patients with residual nodal disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Chun Jung Whan , Kim Jisun , Chung Il Yong , Ko Beom Seok , Kim Hee Jeong , Lee Jong Won , Son Byung Ho , Ahn Sei-Hyun , Lee Sae Byul
Published: April 2021

For residual N1 nodal disease following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for patients with breast cancer, the optimal local therapy for axilla is an evolving area. We analyzed the long-term results of these patients according to axillary surgical methods using propensity score matching (PSM) to clarify whether omission of axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is oncologically safe. This was a single institution retrospective study of patients with ypN1 from Asan Medical Center (AMC). We included 324 patients who had undergone axillary surgery with either sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) only or ALND. The patients received NAC at AMC between 2008 and 2013. General indications for ALND included prominent nodes detected clinically before NAC, evident macrometastasis on multiple nodes during SLNB. Patients who had either micrometastasis or macrometastasis in 1 or 2 node(s) were included. SLNB was performed for patients with good responders to NAC with limited nodal burden. Patients were matched for baseline characteristics. After matching, we included 98 patients in each SLNB only group and ALND group respectively. We compared axillary recurrence-free survival (ARFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), overall survival (OS), and breast cancer-free survival (BCSS) according to the surgical method. The median follow-up period was 71 months. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed no statistically significant differences between the two groups for ARFS, DMFS, OS, and BCSS. After the propensity score matching, no significant statistical differences were observed in 5-year ARFS, DMFS, OS, and BCSS between the SLNB only group and ALND group. SLNB might be a possible option for ALND in patients with breast cancer who have limited axillary node metastasis after NAC without compromising survival outcomes.
Attitude and potential benefits of modern information and communication technology use and telemedicine in cross-sectoral solid organ transplant care
Authors: Holderried Martin , Hoeper Ansgar , Holderried Friederike , Heyne Nils , Nadalin Silvio , Unger Oliver , Ernst Christian , Guthoff Martina
Published: April 2021

Situations like the COVID-19 pandemic urgently require the implementation of eHealth for vulnerable patient populations. Here we quantitatively evaluate use and potential of modern information and communication technology (ICT) in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. We conducted a structured, questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study that was addressed to patients after kidney, liver, pancreas, or combined transplantation. We focused on: sociodemographic data, present use of digital technologies in daily life and for health reasons, patients’ eHealth literacy, and their overall attitude towards eHealth. A total of 234 patients completed the questionnaire. Most of the patients (90%) have a web-enabled computer, 78.2% have a smartphone, and 71.8% regularly search the internet for health-related information. Sixty-eight percent would like to receive discharge summaries online, and 54% would like to chat online with their physicians. Even though ICT use in daily life was age-related, no significant difference could be shown for health reasons or the type of transplanted organ. Modern ICT use is predominantly accepted for health reasons by SOT recipients. Regardless of the transplanted organ, a deeper integration of eHealth has potential for improving cross-sectoral care. To successfully implement eHealth technologies in cross-sectoral care future research should include online physician–patient communication, data security, data safety, and the aspects of quality and safety of care.
An open-label randomized controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine in severe COVID-19 patients
Authors: Réa-Neto Álvaro , Bernardelli Rafaella Stradiotto , Câmara Bruna Martins Dzivielevski , Reese Fernanda Baeumle , Queiroga Marcos Vinicius Oliveira , Oliveira Mirella Cristine
Published: April 2021

Despite several studies designed to evaluate the efficacy of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), there is still doubt about the effects of these drugs, especially in patients with severe forms of the disease. This randomized, open-label, controlled, phase III trial assessed the efficacy of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine for five days in combination with standard care compared to standard care alone in patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19. Chloroquine 450 mg BID on day 1 and 450 mg once daily from days 2 to 5 or hydroxychloroquine 400 mg BID on day 1 and 400 mg once daily from days 2 to 5 were administered in the intervention group. Patients were enrolled from April 16 to August 06, 2020, in 6 hospitals in southern Brazil. The primary outcome was the clinical status measured on day 14 after randomization with a 9-point ordinal scale. The main secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality; invasive mechanical ventilation use; the incidence of acute renal dysfunction in 28 days; and the clinical status of patients on days 5, 7, 10 and 28. All patients with a positive RT-PCR result for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were analyzed (modified intention to treat (mITT) population). Arrythmias and cardiovascular complications were assessed as safety outcomes. A total of 105 patients were enrolled and followed for 28 days. The trial was stopped before reaching the planned sample size due to harmful effects. Patients in the intervention group had a worse clinical outcome on the 14th day (odds ratio (OR) 2.45 [1.17 to 4.93], p = 0.016) and on the 28th day (OR 2.47 [1.15 to 5.30], p = 0.020). Moreover, the intervention group had higher incidences of invasive mechanical ventilation use (risk ratio (RR) 2.15 [1.05 to 4.40], p = 0.030) and severe renal dysfunction (KDIGO stage 3) (RR 2.24 [1.01 to 4.99], p = 0.042) until the 28th day of follow-up. No significant arrythmia was noted. In patients with severe COVID-19, the use of chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine added to standard treatment resulted in a significant worsening of clinical status, an increased risk of renal dysfunction and an increased need for invasive mechanical ventilation.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04420247. Registered 09 June 2020—Retrospectively registered, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT04420247.
Monsoon forced evolution of savanna and the spread of agro-pastoralism in peninsular India
Authors: Riedel Nils , Fuller Dorian Q. , Marwan Norbert , Poretschkin Constantin , Basavaiah Nathani , Menzel Philip , Ratnam Jayashree , Prasad Sushma , Sachse Dirk , Sankaran Mahesh , Sarkar Saswati , Stebich Martina
Published: April 2021

An unresolved issue in the vegetation ecology of the Indian subcontinent is whether its savannas, characterized by relatively open formations of deciduous trees in C4-grass dominated understories, are natural or anthropogenic. Historically, these ecosystems have widely been regarded as anthropogenic-derived, degraded descendants of deciduous forests. Despite recent work showing that modern savannas in the subcontinent fall within established bioclimatic envelopes of extant savannas elsewhere, the debate persists, at least in part because the regions where savannas occur also have a long history of human presence and habitat modification. Here we show for the first time, using multiple proxies for vegetation, climate and disturbances from high-resolution, well-dated lake sediments from Lonar Crater in peninsular India, that neither anthropogenic impact nor fire regime shifts, but monsoon weakening during the past ~ 6.0 kyr cal. BP, drove the expansion of savanna at the expense of forests in peninsular India. Our results provide unambiguous evidence for a climate-induced origin and spread of the modern savannas of peninsular India at around the mid-Holocene. We further propose that this savannization preceded and drove the introduction of agriculture and development of sedentism in this region, rather than vice-versa as has often been assumed.
Evaluation of usage-induced degradation of different endodontic file systems
Authors: Bhatia Shekhar , Nagendrababu Venkateshbabu , Peters Ove A. , Fawzy Amr , Daood Umer
Published: April 2021

To evaluate structural profiles and mechanical behaviour of WaveOne Gold (WOG), Twisted File Adaptive (TFA) and XP-endo shaper (XPS) instruments after root canal preparation. Standardized in vitro shaping was performed in presence of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite. File morphology was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy; X-ray diffraction analysis was performed before and after use along with Raman spectroscopy. Nanoindentation was carried out to characterize surface topography. Ni2+ release was measured at 1, 3, 5 and 7 days. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis was done before and after use. After allocating scan line shifts like in WOG, mechanical deformation was shown using first order polynomials. XPS file system showed minimal grooves on surface. SEM of WOG instrument showed scraping surface defects. Hardness varied from 8.11 ± 0.99 GPa in TFA system to 6.7 ± 1.27 GPa and 4.06 ± 4.1 GPa in XPS and WOG. Ni2+ concentration from WOG was 171.2 μg/L. Raman peak at 540–545 cm−1 is attributed to Cr2O3. High resolution of Ti 2p spectrum show distinctive peaks with binding energies dominating in WOG, XPS and TFA file system. XRD exhibited NiTi phases with diffraction peaks. WOG files showed more surface deterioration and less passive layer formation as compared to TFA and XPS systems.
No evidence of physiological declines with age in an extremely long-lived fish
Authors: Sauer Derek J. , Heidinger Britt J. , Kittilson Jeffrey D. , Lackmann Alec R. , Clark Mark E.
Published: April 2021

Although the pace of senescence varies considerably, the physiological systems that contribute to different patterns of senescence are not well understood, especially in long-lived vertebrates. Long-lived bony fish (i.e., Class Osteichthyes) are a particularly useful model for studies of senescence because they can readily be aged and exhibit some of the longest lifespans among vertebrates. In this study we examined the potential relationship between age and multiple physiological systems including: stress levels, immune function, and telomere length in individuals ranging in age from 2 to 99 years old in bigmouth buffalo (Ictiobus cyprinellus), the oldest known freshwater teleost fish. Contrary to expectation, we did not find any evidence for age-related declines in these physiological systems. Instead, older fish appeared to be less stressed and had greater immunity than younger fish, suggesting age-related improvements rather than declines in these systems. There was no significant effect of age on telomeres, but individuals that may be more stressed had shorter telomeres. Taken together, these findings suggest that bigmouth buffalo exhibit negligible senescence in multiple physiological systems despite living for nearly a century.
Isolation and screening of multifunctional phosphate solubilizing bacteria and its growth-promoting effect on Chinese fir seedlings
Authors: Chen Jiaqi , Zhao Guangyu , Wei Yihui , Dong Yuhong , Hou Lingyu , Jiao Ruzhen
Published: April 2021

Phosphorus-solubilizing microorganisms is a microbial fertilizer with broad application potential. In this study, 7 endophytic phosphate solubilizing bacteria were screened out from Chinese fir, and were characterized for plant growth-promoting traits. Based on morphological and 16S rRNA sequence analysis, the endophytes were distributed into 5 genera of which belong toPseudomonas,Burkholderia,Paraburkholderia,Novosphingobium, andOchrobactrum.HRP2, SSP2 and JRP22 were selected based on their plant growth-promoting traits for evaluation of Chinese fir growth enhancement. The growth parameters of Chinese fir seedlings after inoculation were significantly greater than those of the uninoculated control group. The results showed that PSBs HRP2, SSP2 and JRP22 increased plant height (up to 1.26 times), stem diameter (up to 40.69%) and the biomass of roots, stems and leaves (up to 21.28%, 29.09% and 20.78%) compared to the control. Total N (TN), total P (TP), total K (TK), Mg and Fe contents in leaf were positively affected by PSBs while showed a significant relationship with strain and dilution ratio. The content of TN, TP, TK, available phosphorus (AP) and available potassium (AK) in the soil increased by 0.23–1.12 mg g−1, 0.14–0.26 mg g−1, 0.33–1.92 mg g−1, 5.31–20.56 mg kg−1, 15.37–54.68 mg kg−1, respectively. Treatment with both HRP2, SSP2 and JRP22 increased leaf and root biomass as well as their N, P, K uptake by affecting soil urease and acid phosphatase activities, and the content of available nutrients in soil. In conclusion, PSB could be used as biological agents instead of chemical fertilizers for agroforestry production to reduce environmental pollution and increase the yield of Chinese fir.
Spectroscopic evaluation of carcinogenesis in endometrial cancer
Authors: Depciuch Joanna , Barnaś Edyta , Skręt-Magierło Joanna , Skręt Andrzej , Kaznowska Ewa , Łach Kornelia , Jakubczyk Paweł , Cebulski Jozef
Published: April 2021

Carcinogenesis is a multifaceted process of cancer formation. The transformation of normal cells into cancerous ones may be difficult to determine at a very early stage. Therefore, methods enabling identification of initial changes caused by cancer require novel approaches. Although physical spectroscopic methods such as FT-Raman and Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) are used to detect chemical changes in cancer tissues, their potential has not been investigated with respect to carcinogenesis. The study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of FT-Raman and FTIR spectroscopy as diagnostic methods of endometrial cancer carcinogenesis. The results indicated development of endometrial cancer was accompanied with chemical changes in nucleic acid, amide I and lipids in Raman spectra. FTIR spectra showed that tissues with development of carcinogenesis were characterized by changes in carbohydrates and amides vibrations. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis of Raman spectra demonstrated similarity of tissues with cancer cells and lesions considered precursor of cancer (complex atypical hyperplasia), however they differed from the control samples. Pearson correlation test showed correlation between cancer and complex atypical hyperplasia tissues and between non-cancerous tissue samples. The results of the study indicate that Raman spectroscopy is more effective in assessing the development of carcinogenesis in endometrial cancer than FTIR.
Loss of appetite in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is associated with weight loss and anxiety/depression
Authors: Wang Yajun , Ye Shan , Chen Lu , Tang Lu , Fan Dongsheng
Published: April 2021

Weight loss is common in patients with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and associated with disease progression. Loss of appetite has been shown to be a contributor to weight loss in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the reason of loss of appetite is not clear. The Council on Nutrition appetite questionnaire (CNAQ) and the simplified nutritional appetite questionnaire (SNAQ) are short and simple appetite assessment tools, which were using in ALS patients. In our study, the CNAQ and SNAQ were translated into Chinese, and their reliability and validity were tested. The Chinese version of the CNAQ (CNAQ-C) presented more appropriate reliability and validity than the SNAQ. Among the 94 ALS patients, 50 patients (53.2%) had loss of appetite, and we found that anxiety and/or depression contributed to the loss of appetite in the ALS patients. We reconfirmed that loss of appetite was associated with greater weight loss but not with clinical features of ALS. The loss of appetite caused by emotional problems in ALS patients should be taken seriously, and early intervention should be implemented to reduce weight loss.
Paleogenomics illuminates the evolutionary history of the extinct Holocene “horned” crocodile of Madagascar, Voay robustus
Authors: Hekkala E. , Gatesy J. , Narechania A. , Meredith R. , Russello M. , Aardema M. L. , Jensen E. , Montanari S. , Brochu C. , Norell M. , Amato G.
Published: April 2021

Ancient DNA is transforming our ability to reconstruct historical patterns and mechanisms shaping modern diversity and distributions. In particular, molecular data from extinct Holocene island faunas have revealed surprising biogeographic scenarios. Here, we recovered partial mitochondrial (mt) genomes for 1300–1400 year old specimens (n = 2) of the extinct “horned” crocodile, Voay robustus, collected from Holocene deposits in southwestern Madagascar. Phylogenetic analyses of partial mt genomes and tip-dated timetrees based on molecular, fossil, and stratigraphic data favor a sister group relationship between Voay and Crocodylus (true crocodiles). These well supported trees conflict with recent morphological systematic work that has consistently placed Voay within Osteolaeminae (dwarf crocodiles and kin) and provide evidence for likely homoplasy in crocodylian cranial anatomy and snout shape. The close relationship between Voay and Crocodylus lends additional context for understanding the biogeographic origins of these genera and refines competing hypotheses for the recent extinction of Voay from Madagascar.
Mapping resource effectiveness across urban systems
Authors: Tan Ling Min , Arbabi Hadi , Densley Tingley Danielle , Brockway Paul E. , Mayfield Martin
Published: April 2021

Cities and their growing resource demands threaten global resource security. This study identifies the hotspots of imports in cities to redirect resources to where they are most needed, based on the system overall resource effectiveness to maximise the use of all resources available. This paper develops a taxonomy of resource-use behaviour based on the clustering patterns of resource utilisation and conversion across interconnected urban systems. We find high tendencies of consumer-like behaviour in a multi-city system because tertiary sectors are concentrated in urban areas while the producing sectors are located outside and hence, results in high utilisation but low output. The clustering taxonomy emphasises that the absence of producers in the system causes cities to rely on the imported resources for growth. Cities can be resource-effective by having a more diversified industrial structure to extend the pathways of resource flows, closing the circularity gap between the suppliers and consumers.
Urbanization: an increasing source of multiple pollutants to rivers in the 21st century
Authors: Strokal Maryna , Bai Zhaohai , Franssen Wietse , Hofstra Nynke , Koelmans Albert A. , Ludwig Fulco , Ma Lin , van Puijenbroek Peter , Spanier J. Emiel , Vermeulen Lucie C. , van Vliet Michelle T. H. , van Wijnen Jikke , Kroeze Carolien
Published: April 2021

Most of the global population will live in urban areas in the 21st century. We study impacts of urbanization on future river pollution taking a multi-pollutant approach. We quantify combined point-source inputs of nutrients, microplastics, a chemical (triclosan) and a pathogen (Cryptosporidium) to 10,226 rivers in 2010, 2050 and 2100, and show how pollutants are related. Our scenarios consider socio-economic developments and varying rates of urbanization and wastewater treatment. Today, river pollution in Europe, South-East Asia and North America is severe. In the future, around 80% of the global population is projected to live in sub-basins with multi-pollutant problems in our high urbanization scenarios. In Africa, future river pollution is projected to be 11–18 times higher than in 2010, making it difficult to meet Sustainable Development Goals. Avoiding future pollution is technically possible with advanced wastewater treatment in many regions. In Africa, however, clean water availability is projected to remain challenging. Our multi-pollutant approach could support effective water pollution assessment in urban areas.
Wrinkle and near-resonance effects on the vibrational and electronic properties in compressed monolayer MoSe2
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhou Qiang , Yan Yalan , Li Liang , Zhu Jian , Zheng YuLu , Huang Xiaoli , Huang Yanping , Li Fangfei , Cui Tian
Published: April 2021

Pressure has been considered as an effective technique to modulate the structural, electronic, and optical properties of transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDs) materials.
Influence of charge configuration on substrate binding to SARS-CoV-2 main protease
Authors: Díaz Natalia , Suárez Dimas
Published: April 2021

Computer simulations describe the substrate binding ability of two alternative protonation states for the 3CLpro active site.
Curving deformation-induced photoluminescence changes and anisotropy analysis in elastic organic crystals
Authors: Hayashi Shotaro
Published: April 2021

Mechanical deformation-induced physical property changes of elastically flexible molecular crystals were successfully investigated by spatially resolved μ-photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy for the PL analysis at both the outer and inner sides.
Should a hotter paramagnet transform quicker to a ferromagnet? Monte Carlo simulation results for Ising model
Authors: Vadakkayil Nalina , Das Subir K.
Published: April 2021

A hotter paramagnet relaxes to a ferromagnetic state faster than a colder one, resembling the counter-intutive Mpemba effect in water-ice transition.
Utility of far-field effects from tip-assisted Raman spectroscopy for the detection of a monolayer of diblock copolymer reverse micelles for nanolithography
Authors: Arbi Ramis , Hui Lok Shu , Dittrich Maria , Turak Ayse
Published: April 2021

A modified inverted Raman system using the far field effects of a tip can selectively enhance the signal from a uniform monolayer of diblock copolymer micelles. Mechanisms of enhancement can be determined from comparison with other Raman techniques.
Biocatalytic oligomerization of azoles; experimental and computational studies
Authors: Mashhadi Neda , Taylor Keith E. , Biswas Nihar , Meister Paul , Gauld James W.
Published: April 2021

Soybean peroxidase effectively transformed selected amino- and hydroxyl-azoles by radical coupling to dimers and trimers, showing feasibility for wastewater treatment.
Eco-friendly additives in acidic pretreatment to boost enzymatic saccharification of hardwood for sustainable biorefinery applications
Authors: Chu Qiulu , Tong Wenyao , Wu Shufang , Jin Yongcan , Hu Jinguang , Song Kai
Published: April 2021

This work presented novel green additives to suppress lignin repolymerization in lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment for boosted enzymatic saccharification in a sustainable biorefinery.
Freestanding porous carbon membrane deriving from the alginic acid/poly(ionic liquid) complex and its high-performance HER electrocatalysis
Authors: Dai Zhifeng , He Mengting , Yu Junrui , Song Honghong , Xiong Yubing
Published: April 2021

Freestanding nitrogen/sulfur co-doped porous carbon (NSPC) membranes were fabricated facilely by carbonizing poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) and alginic acid complexes, which can be used directly as the electrodes for the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction and supercapacitors.
Stereoregular cyclic p-tolyl-siloxanes with alkyl, O- and N-containing groups as promising reagents for the synthesis of functionalized organosiloxanes
Authors: Kholodkov Dmitry N. , Eremchuk Kseniia I. , Soldatkin Yuri V. , Volodin Alexander D. , Korlyukov Alexander A. , Anisimov Anton A. , Novikov Roman A. , Arzumanyan Ashot V.
Published: April 2021

Preparation methodology for a series of hydrophobic and amphiphilic well-defined stereoregular cyclic p-tolyl-substituted siloxanes has been proposed.
CuS concave polyhedral superstructures enabled efficient N2 electroreduction to NH3 at ambient conditions
Authors: Li Shaoxiong , Wu Yuanming , Liu Qian , Li Baihai , Li Tingshuai , Zhao Haitao , Alshehri Abdulmohsen Ali , Alzahrani Khalid Ahmed , Luo Yonglan , Li Lei , Sun Xuping
Published: April 2021

CuS concave polyhedral superstructures with high symmetry offer an appealing VNH3 of 18.18 μg h−1 mg−1cat. and a faradaic efficiency of 5.63% at −0.15 V vs. RHE in 0.1 M HCl.
An encapsulation–reduction–catalysis confined all-in-one microcapsule for lithium–sulfur batteries displaying a high capacity and stable temperature tolerance
Authors: Zhu Mengfei , Yang Chaoyu , Han Tianli , Hu Chaoquan , Wu Yong , Si Ting , Liu Jinyun
Published: April 2021

A novel all-in-one microcapsule is prepared byin situgrowing carbon nanotubes inside a microcapsule using encapsulated cobalt oxide nanoboxes for Li–S batteries, which displays high energy-storage performance.
Aggregation-enhanced emission in tetraphenylpyrazine-based luminogens: theoretical modulation and experimental validation
Authors: Gong Guangshuai , Wu Haozhong , Zhang Tian , Wang Zhiming , Li Xinjin , Xie Yujun
Published: April 2021

The AEE properties of TPP-based luminogens can be modulated via the following guideline: the phenyl attachment reduces the n → π* transition component and evokes RIM, while the substituent decoration imparts altered electronic conjugation and promotes RIM.
Transition-metal-free decarboxylative ipso amination of aryl carboxylic acids
Authors: Zhang Jing , Hou Ye-Xing , Tang Yan-Liu , Xu Ji-Hang , Liu Zi-Kui , Gao Yang , Hu Xiao-Qiang
Published: April 2021

An unprecedented DMAP-catalysed decarboxylative amination of carboxylic acids has been achieved under metal free conditions, enabling the convenient synthesis of structurally diverse aryl and alkyl amines.
Formation and physical properties of the self-assembled BFO–CFO vertically aligned nanocomposite on a CFO-buffered two-dimensional flexible mica substrate
Authors: Amrillah Tahta , Hermawan Angga , Yin Shu , Juang Jenh-Yih
Published: April 2021

BiFeO3–CoFe2O4 vertically aligned nanocomposites, which mainly discovered in thin-films deposited on rigid substrates, have been successfully transformed into a flexible thin-film using a mica substrate.
TBAI-assisted direct C–H activation of indoles with β-E-styrene sulfonyl hydrazides: a stereoselective access to 3-styryl thioindoles
Authors: Hafeez Saira , Saeed Aamer
Published: April 2021

Direct C–H activation of indoles with beta-(E)-styrene sulfonyl hydrazides assisted by TBAI afforded structurally diverse indole vinyl thioethers in moderate to high yields with E-stereoselectivity.
Bandgap tuning strategy by cations and halide ions of lead halide perovskites learned from machine learning
Authors: Li Yaoyao , Lu Yao , Huo Xiaomin , Wei Dong , Meng Juan , Dong Jie , Qiao Bo , Zhao Suling , Xu Zheng , Song Dandan
Published: April 2021

Bandgap engineering of lead halide perovskite materials is critical to achieve highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells and color tunable stable perovskite light-emitting diodes.
Correlated Li-ion migration in the superionic conductor Li10GeP2S12
Authors: Yajima Takeshi , Hinuma Yoyo , Hori Satoshi , Iwasaki Rui , Kanno Ryoji , Ohhara Takashi , Nakao Akiko , Munakata Koji , Hiroi Zenji
Published: April 2021

A combination of single-crystal neutron diffraction experiments at low temperature and first-principles calculations revealed that a correlated migration of the densely packed Li ions governs the overall Li-ion conduction in Li10GeP2S12.
Restarted activity in the 3C 328 radio galaxy
Authors: Marecki A.
Published: April 2021

As a rule, both lobes of Fanaroff-Riley (FR) type-II radio sources are terminated with hotspots, but the 3C 328 radio galaxy is a specimen of an FR II-like object with a hotspot in only one lobe. A conceivable reason for such asymmetry is that the nucleus of 3C 328 was temporarily inactive. There was no energy transfer from it to the lobes during the period of quiescence, and so they began to fade out. However, under the assumption that the axis connecting the two lobes makes an appreciable angle with the sky plane, and hence one is considerably farther from the observer than the other, the lobes are observed at two distinct stages of evolution due to the light-travel lag. While the far-side lobe is still perceived as being of the FR II type with a hotspot, decay of the near-side lobe is already apparent. No jets are visible in the VLA images, but the VLBA observations of the inverted-spectrum core component of 3C 328 have revealed that it has a jet of a sub-arcsecond length pointing towards the lobe that shows evidence of decay. Since the jet always points to the near side, its observed orientation is in line with the scenario proposed here. The presence of the jet supports the inference that the nucleus of 3C 328 is currently active; however, given the fact that the jet is short (∼200 pc in projection), the activity must have restarted very recently. The lower and upper limits of the quiescent period length have been calculated.
Determination of sweeteners in wine by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC/MS)
Authors: Neves Nuno , Ribeiro Natália , Esteves Cristina , Barros Paulo
Published: April 2021

Sweeteners are food additive substances that give a sweet taste to foods but their use in oenological practices is forbidden. Making use of the capabilities of liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, a method for wine analysis was developed and validated for the detection and quantitation of some of the most widely used sweeteners: aspartame, potassium acesulfame, sodium cyclamate, saccharin, sucralose and stevioside. A matrix-matched calibration was used for all compounds obtaining a linear concentration range from 50 μg/L to 1000 μg/L. The limit of detection ranged from 0.002 mg/L to 0.014 mg/L, and the limit of quantification varied between 0.005 mg/L and 0.048 mg/L. Precision and recovery were assessed for 50 μg/L, 250 μg/L and 1000 μg/L with repeatability and intermediate precision values from 0.6% to 21.6% and 2.7% to 26.4% respectively, and recoveries ranging from 60% to 126%. These results were achieved using minimal sample preparation with a fast and high throughput method that is applicable to a wide range of wine matrices.
Das Chimera-fabricata-Lappen-Konzept in der Replantationschirurgie von Fingern – eine Einführung
Authors: Fritsche Elmar , Giesen Thomas , Hug Urs
Published: April 2021

Seit Beginn erfolgreicher mikrochirurgischer Fingerreplantationen Anfang der 60er Jahre des letzten Jahrhunderts zeigt sich eine Evolution in den Techniken zur Wiederherstellung der Durchblutung der amputierten Finger. Initial wurden bei den ersten Fingerreplantationen End-zu-End-Anastomosen der Arterien und Venen durchgeführt. Später wurden bei schwierigen Avulsionsverletzungen Gefäßinterponate – in erster Linie Veneninterponate –mit Erfolg eingesetzt. Diese Gefäßinterponate wurden bei gleichzeitigen Weichteilverlusten durch Lappenplastiken im Sinne von Durchflusslappen erweitert. Eine Weiterentwicklung der Techniken stellt die Replantation von amputierten Fingern mit Hilfe von fabrizierten chimären Lappenplastiken dar. Dabei wird der amputierte Finger noch vor der eigentlichen Replantation in Tabula, auf dem Operationstisch, mit den Gefäßen einer Lappenplastik mikrochirurgisch anastomosiert und erst dann diese Chimera fabricata als Konstrukt replantiert. Die bisher letzte Entwicklung ist die heterotope Replantation mit sekundärer Replantation als fabrizierte chimäre Lappenplastik. Wir beschreiben im Sinne einer Einführung 3 Fälle, bei welchen wir dieses Konzept der fabrizierten chimären Lappenplastik bei orthotopen Replantationen erfolgreich angewendet haben.
Veränderungen in der psychiatrischen Unterbringungspraxis während der COVID-19-Pandemie
Authors: Gather Jakov , Efkemann Simone Agnes , Henking Tanja , Scholten Matthé , Köhne Martin , Chrysanthou Christos , Hoffmann Knut , Juckel Georg
Published: April 2021

Ziel Erfassung von Erfahrungen und Einschätzungen leitender PsychiaterInnen zu Veränderungen in der psychiatrischen Unterbringungspraxis während der COVID-19-Pandemie.

Methodik Onlineumfrage unter den Mitgliedern des Landesverbands leitender ÄrztInnen für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie in Nordrhein-Westfalen (LLPP) sowie Analyse von LLPP-Vorstandsprotokollen.

Ergebnisse Sowohl in Situationen mit als auch ohne unmittelbaren COVID-19-Bezug wurden Veränderungen in der psychiatrischen Unterbringungspraxis wahrgenommen, u. a. bei richterlichen Anhörungen sowie Entscheidungen über Zwangsmaßnahmen.

Schlussfolgerung Die prozeduralen Standards in Unterbringungsverfahren müssen aufrechterhalten werden. Zwangsmaßnahmen dürfen nur angewendet werden, wenn sie die geltenden ethischen und rechtlichen Voraussetzungen erfüllen. Bei Einführung und Rücknahme von restriktiven Maßnahmen zur Pandemiebekämpfung muss eine unberechtigte Ungleichbehandlung von Menschen mit einer psychischen Erkrankung vermieden werden.
Adrenal Hormone Interactions and Metabolism: A Single Sample
Multi-Omics Approach
Authors: Bechmann Nicole , Watts Deepika , Steenblock Charlotte , Wallace Paal William , Schürmann Annette , Bornstein Stefan R. , Wielockx Ben , Eisenhofer Graeme , Peitzsch Mirko
Published: April 2021

The adrenal gland is important for many physiological and pathophysiological
processes, but studies are often restricted by limited availability of sample
material. Improved methods for sample preparation are needed to facilitate
analyses of multiple classes of adrenal metabolites and macromolecules in a
single sample. A procedure was developed for preparation of chromaffin cells,
mouse adrenals, and human chromaffin tumors that allows for multi-omics analyses
of different metabolites and preservation of native proteins. To evaluate the
new procedure, aliquots of samples were also prepared using conventional
procedures. Metabolites were analyzed by liquid-chromatography with mass
spectrometry or electrochemical detection. Metabolite contents of chromaffin
cells and tissues analyzed with the new procedure were similar or even higher
than with conventional methods. Catecholamine contents were comparable between
both procedures. The TCA cycle metabolites, cis-aconitate, isocitate, and
α-ketoglutarate were detected at higher concentrations in cells, while
in tumor tissue only isocitrate and potentially fumarate were measured at higher
contents. In contrast, in a broad untargeted metabolomics approach, a
methanol-based preparation procedure of adrenals led to a 1.3-fold higher number
of detected metabolites. The established procedure also allows for simultaneous
investigation of adrenal hormones and related enzyme activities as well as
proteins within a single sample. This novel multi-omics approach not only
minimizes the amount of sample required and overcomes problems associated with
tissue heterogeneity, but also provides a more complete picture of adrenal
function and intra-adrenal interactions than previously possible.
Outcomes of Patients with Macroprolactinoma Desiring Pregnancy: Follow-Up to 23 Years from a Single Center
Authors: Tanrikulu Seher , Yarman Sema
Published: April 2021

Macroprolactinomas are rarely seen in women, and pregnancy is a risk factor for tumor growth. More studies are needed to determine appropriate management for macroprolactinoma and pregnancy. The aim of our study is to evaluate effects of treatment with dopamine agonists on macroadenoma before and during pregnancy, safety of dopamine agonists on fetus, post-pregnancy prognosis and long-term results. This is a single center retrospective study. Thirty-four pregnancies occurred in 21 patients under medical therapy. Prolactin levels, treatment results, tumor diameter changes, maternal-fetal outcomes, and disease activity were evaluated. The median tumor size at the time of diagnosis was 15 mm (10–28). Residual adenoma diameter was smaller in those receiving medical therapy longer than one year till the conception (p=0.047). Treatment was discontinued in 28 pregnancies after pregnancy confirmation, and 6 patients were exposed to bromocriptine throughout pregnancy. There was no symptomatic tumor growth during gestation. Among 27 live births, none of the fetuses developed neonatal malformation except for a case of Down syndrome. While early remission rate after pregnancy was 9.5%, this rate reached 33.3% at last follow-up visit. Lowered PRL levels at postpartum period (p=0.040), smaller tumor size at last follow-up visit (p=0.030), and total disappearance of tumor (p=0.026) were the contributor factors for remission. Use of dopamine agonist over one year may reduce the risk of symptomatic tumor growth during pregnancy in patients without invasive or large macroprolactinoma before pregnancy. Exposure to dopamine agonists seems generally safe for the fetus.
Die Behandlung von Schilddrüsenmalignomen aus HNO-ärztlicher Sicht
Authors: Issing Peter Rolf , Köhler Torsten , Tebben Hendrik , Wenger Martin , Issing Christian
Published: April 2021

Einleitung Die Zahl der Schilddrüsenmalignome zeigt eine deutliche Zunahme. Da die Schilddrüse an der HNO-Klinik Bad Hersfeld im Fokus steht, war dies für uns Anlass, unsere Behandlungsresultate zu untersuchen und Erfahrungen darzustellen.

Material und Methoden Es handelt sich um eine Untersuchung beginnend im Jahre 2014 bis zum Juli 2020. Es wurden alle Patienten mit Schilddrüsenmalignomen erfasst und wichtige demografische und medizinische Parameter wie Alter, Geschlecht, Histologie, Calcium, OP-Dauer, Rekurrensparese etc. registriert.

Ergebnisse Es wurden insgesamt 63 Patienten mit malignen Schilddrüsenerkrankungen eingeschlossen. Davon waren 42 weiblichen und 21 männlichen Geschlechts. Die Altersspanne reichte von 11 bis zu 95 Jahren. Patienten mit differenzierten Schilddrüsenkarzinomen waren im Schnitt jünger als diejenigen mit anaplastischen Malignomen. Histologisch dominierten die papillären Schilddrüsenkarzinome mit 65 % (n = 41) gegenüber anderen Varianten wie dem follikulären (n = 6), medullären (n = 5) und entdifferenzierten Karzinom (n = 6). Alle Patienten wurden einer operativen Behandlung unterzogen; postoperativ erhielten die Betroffenen mit fortgeschrittenen, differenzierten Karzinomen eine Radiojodtherapie. Von den Patienten mit einem entdifferenzierten Karzinom sind alle ihrem Leiden erlegen, während nach unserer Kenntnis nur eine Betroffene mit einem differenzierten Malignom tumorbedingt verstorben ist.

Schlussfolgerung In die Behandlung von malignen Schilddrüsenerkrankungen ist der HNO-Arzt eingebunden. Wie bei den benignen Erkrankungen der endokrinen Halsorgane ist eine interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit entscheidend.
Preliminary Functional Outcomes and Quality of Life after Tongue Reconstruction with the Vastus Lateralis Myofascial Free Flap
Authors: De Virgilio Armando , Costantino Andrea , Pellini Raul , Petruzzi Gerardo , Mercante Giuseppe , Zocchi Jacopo , Mondello Tiziana , Conti Valerio , Spriano Giuseppe
Published: April 2021

The aim of the present study is to report our preliminary experience with the vastus lateralis myofascial free flap (VLMFF) for tongue reconstruction according to tongue and donor site functional outcomes. Twelve consecutive patients (F: 5; median age: 54.0 years, interquartile range or IQR 42.75–69.0) were included. The validated European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer of the Head and Neck 35 Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-H&N35) and the performance status scale for head and neck cancer (PSS-HN) questionnaires were used to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) was used to self-report the donor area function. All patients were successfully treated, and no VLMFF failure was detected during a median follow-up period of 10.5 months (IQR: 6.5–33.0). The HRQOL showed a median EORTC QLQ-H&N35 score of 56.0 (IQR: 50.0–72.5). The median PSS-HN score was 80.0 (IQR: 45.0–95.0), 75.0 (IQR: 62.5–100.0), 75.0 (IQR: 62.5–100.0) for “Normalcy of Diet,” “Public Eating,” and “Understandability of Speech,” respectively. The self-reported function of the lower extremities (donor area) showed a median LEFS of 59.0 (IQR: 32.5–74.0). This study reports optimistic data regarding the functional and quality of life outcomes after tongue reconstruction using VLMFF. Prospective controlled studies are needed to demonstrate advantages and disadvantages when compared with other reconstructive techniques.
Does Daily Self-Weighing Contribute to Postpartum Weight Loss? A Secondary Analysis of Daily Postpartum Weights among Women with Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
Authors: Lohr Ali N. , Hoppe Kara K. , Mei Chaoqun C. , Antony Kathleen M.
Published: April 2021

Objective This study was aimed to examine the impact of daily self-weighing via remote monitoring on postpartum weight loss.

Study Design This was a secondary analysis of a nonrandomized controlled trial comprised of postpartum women with diagnosed hypertensive-related disorders in pregnancy who received a tablet device linked to Bluetooth-enabled equipment including a scale and blood pressure cuff. In addition to blood pressure monitoring, participants were instructed to perform daily self-weighing. The primary outcome of this study was to determine whether postpartum women who performed daily self-weighing lost more weight than those who did not, with a 42-day endpoint based on a 6-week postpartum visit weight.

Results Overall, 214 women participated in this program and 214 received usual care. Median weight loss for women participating in the remote blood pressure monitoring system was 23.0 (interquartile range [IQR]: 17–30) pounds versus 23.0 (IQR: 17–29) pounds among controls. Weight loss did not vary by prepregnancy obesity (median: 20 pounds [IQR: 17–28 pounds] for nonobese and 23 [IQR: 17–30] pounds for women with obesity, p = 0.16). Women who weighed themselves more than half of follow-up days lost a median of 24 pounds (IQR: 17–30 pounds) compared with 20.5 pounds (IQR: 14–29 pounds), p = 0.06. Women who weighed themselves more than half of follow-up days lost a mean of 11.4% (standard deviation [SD] = 0.41%) of body weight compared with 9.1% (SD = 0.74%; p = 0.01). The amount of weight loss in the telehealth group was correlated with the number of daily weights performed (Pearson's correlation coefficient 0.164, p = 0.025). Postpartum weight loss for daily self-weighing participants was most notable in the first 2 weeks with ongoing weight loss up to the 42-day (6-week) endpoint of this secondary analysis.

Conclusion Daily self-weighing alone may be insufficient to promote postpartum weight loss. However, there was a slight trend toward more weight loss with more frequent weighing.

Key Points