bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A qualitative study of recorded telephone support calls with mothers of preterm infants: Expressing both positive and negative feelings
Authors: Jonsson Anna , Jakobsson Magdalena , Ericson Jenny
Published: August 2021

Aim

To describe the structure and content of telephone support calls between mothers of preterm infants and support team members after hospital discharge.

Design

This is a qualitative study.

Methods

Data consisted of 19 recordings of telephone calls that occurred between March 2013 and December 2015. The calls were made by support team members to mothers within two weeks of discharge from the neonatal unit. Analyses were performed using content analysis.

Results

One category referred to what the support team members said that facilitated or did not facilitate the conversation. It was found that the support team members managed to have conversations that were tailored to the mother's current needs and conversations where the focus was on what the support team members thought was important. A second category referred to the topics the mothers talked about and that the mothers expressed both negative and positive feelings.
Viscosity reduction in polymer nanocomposites: Insights from dynamic neutron and X‐ray scattering
Authors: Senses Erkan , Kitchens Christopher L. , Faraone Antonio
Published: August 2021

The addition of nanoparticles to a polymer matrix can in certain cases induce a reduction in viscosity, with respect to the pure matrix, in the resulting composites. This counterintuitive phenomenon cannot be explained using the most common rheological models. For this reason, it has been chosen as a good example in this paper to demonstrate the value and methods of dynamic X‐ray and neutron scattering techniques for the investigation of polymer nanocomposites. An overview of the main results on this topic is presented together with an introduction to the basic concepts relating to X‐ray photon correlation spectroscopy, neutron backscattering, and neutron spin echo measurements.
Structurally‐tuned benzo[1,2‐b:4,5:b']dithiophene‐based polymer as a dopant‐free hole transport material for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Opoku Henry , Lee Ji Hyeon , Nketia‐Yawson Benjamin , Ahn Hyungju , Lee Jae‐Joon , Jo Jea Woong
Published: August 2021

For highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs), hole transport material (HTM) should be designed and synthesized to afford suitable energy levels, high charge transport, efficient passivation ability, and high device stability. Here, we systematically modulated benzo[1,2‐b:4,5:b']dithiophene‐based polymer by finely controlling the thienyl and pyridyl contents within the conjugated backbone in order to develop a high performance dopant‐free HTM for PSCs. We found that the optimized copolymer with 25% of pyridine content exhibits improved energy level, charge transport, and morphology compared with control homopolymers. As a result, remarkably high power conversion efficiencies up to 21.1% were achieved by employing the optimized polymer as a dopant‐free HTM in PSCs.
Feasibility of long‐term home noninvasive ventilation program in a general pediatric unit: 21 years' experience in Hong Kong
Authors: Tsang Yuk‐Ping , To Ching‐Yee , Tsui Cheuk‐Kiu , Leung Shuk‐Yu , Kwok Ka‐Li , Ng Daniel Kwok‐Keung
Published: August 2021

Background

Long‐term home noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is increasingly employed in children with sleep‐disordered breathing and chronic respiratory failure. While studies suggest its successful implementation in tertiary care centers, little is known about the situation in a general care setting. Hence, we aim to evaluate the clinical profiles of these children in a general pediatric unit over the past two decades.

Methods

Data collected retrospectively on patients younger than 18 years old receiving long‐term home NIV from January 1, 1997 to December 31, 2017 in a Hong Kong regional general pediatric unit were reviewed.

Results

The number of children on home NIV increased more than 10‐fold over the past two decades. In total, 114 children were commenced on NIV during the 21‐year period. Upper airway obstruction was the most common cause (77%), followed by neuromuscular diseases (16%), pulmonary disorders (4%), and abnormal ventilatory control (3%). Continuous positive airway pressure was the most common NIV type (59%). To date, 46% of the children remained in our NIV program, while 18% discontinued NIV support. NIV adherence increased significantly with follow‐up (median of 78.6% and 82.5% at baseline and last follow‐up, respectively). Sixty‐five percent of the children used NIV for at least 4 h on 70% of the days monitored. Higher body mass index was associated with lower adherence.

Conclusion

Pediatric home NIV is feasible in the general care setting with good outcomes and adherence. As the demand for NIV service grows, input from local hospitals will be of increasing importance and should be considered upon healthcare planning.
Polypharmacy and mortality association by chronic kidney disease status: The REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke Study
Authors: Cashion Winn , McClellan William , Judd Suzanne , Goyal Abhinav , Kleinbaum David , Goodman Michael , Prince Valerie , Muntner Paul , Howard George
Published: August 2021

Many Americans take multiple medications simultaneously (polypharmacy). Polypharmacy's effects on mortality are uncertain. We endeavored to assess the association between polypharmacy and mortality in a large U.S. cohort and examine potential effect modification by chronic kidney disease (CKD) status. The REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke cohort data (n = 29 627, comprised of U.S. black and white adults) were used. During a baseline home visit, pill bottle inspections ascertained medications used in the previous 2 weeks. Polypharmacy status (major [≥8 ingredients], minor [6–7 ingredients], and none [0–5 ingredients]) was determined by counting the total number of generic ingredients. Cox models (time‐on‐study and age‐time‐scale methods) assessed the association between polypharmacy and mortality. Alternative models examined confounding by indication and possible effect modification by CKD. Over 4.9 years median follow‐up, 2538 deaths were observed. Major polypharmacy was associated with increased mortality in all models, with hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals ranging from 1.22 (1.07–1.40) to 2.35 (2.15–2.56), with weaker associations in more adjusted models. Minor polypharmacy was associated with mortality in some, but not all, models. The polypharmacy–mortality association did not differ by CKD status. While residual confounding by indication cannot be excluded, in this large American cohort, major polypharmacy was consistently associated with mortality.
The ethnic composition and population dynamics of local communities in Australia
Authors: O'Donnell James , Evans Ann
Published: August 2021

Superdiversity has become a popular concept to describe the cumulative impact of successive waves of migration in high immigration nations. How superdiversity impacts on local communities is less well understood. In this study, detailed ethnicity data are collected and harmonised for local communities from the Australian 2006, 2011 and 2016 Censuses. Local communities are organised into categories using an existing typology. The ethnic, economic and demographic diversity of communities are assessed, and their subsequent population dynamics are analysed. The results indicate that most minority populations in Australia live in highly mixed or majority dominated communities rather than in segmented clusters. Recent immigrants disproportionately arrive in already diverse communities, which, in addition to internal migration flows, are helping to substantially alter the ethnic composition of the local population. Important information is therefore revealed on the patterns and dynamics of local communities that are helping to shift and reproduce their populations.
Same‐sex marriage and neighbourhood landscape overlap—A revised understanding of the spatial distribution of gay men and lesbians
Authors: Wimark Thomas , Fortes De Lena Fernanda
Published: August 2021

Obstacles to family formation have been removed in many countries outside of the Anglophone world for quite some time. Conventional knowledge suggests that this phenomenon should make gay men and lesbians more similar to the general population. In this study, however, we show that differences linger. By classifying Swedish neighbourhoods into multiscalar neighbourhood landscapes, we show that same‐sex married individuals differ from both married individuals and the general population. Same‐sex married individuals are concentrated in cores in metropolitan cities characterised by the ownership tenure form and apartment buildings. In general, same‐sex individuals avoid remote rural areas, but same‐sex females are quite present in rural towns. Same‐sex males are concentrated to areas that border deprived areas but not to deprived areas. These results suggest that there is a need to move beyond legal agendas and consider what drives the residential mobility of the gay and lesbian population.
Optical, Dielectric, and Magnetoelectric Properties of Ferroelectric and Antiferroelectric Lacunar Spinels
Authors: Geirhos Korbinian , Reschke Stephan , Ghara Somnath , Krohns Stephan , Lunkenheimer Peter , Kézsmárki István
Published: August 2021

Lacunar spinels with a chemical formula of form a populous family of narrow‐gap semiconductors, which offer a fertile ground to explore correlation and quantum phenomena, including transition between Mott and spin‐orbit insulator states, ferro/antiferroelectricity driven by cluster Jahn‐Teller effect, and magnetoelectric response of magnetic skyrmions with polar dressing. The electronic and magnetic properties of lacunar spinels are determined to a large extent by their molecular‐crystal‐like structure. The interplay of electronic correlations with spin‐orbit and vibronic couplings leads to a complex electronic structure already on the single‐cluster level, which—together with weaker intercluster interactions—gives rise to a plethora of unconventional correlated states. This review primarily focuses on recent progresses in the field of optical, dielectric, and magnetoelectric properties on lacunar spinels. After introducing the main structural aspects, lattice dynamics and electronic structure of these compounds are discussed on the basis of optical spectroscopy measurements. Dielectric and polarization studies reveal the main characteristics of their low‐temperature ferro‐ or antiferroelectric phases as well as orbital fluctuations in their high‐temperature cubic state. Strong couplings between spin, lattice, and orbital degrees of freedom are manifested in singlet formation upon magnetostructural transitions, the emergence of various multiferroic phases, and exotic domain‐wall functionalities.
Urban intensification of convective rainfall over the Singapore – Johor Bahru region
Authors: Simón‐Moral Andres , Dipankar Anurag , Doan Quang‐Van , Sanchez Claudio , Roth Matthias , Becker Erik , Huang Xiang‐Yu
Published: August 2021

Simulations of five November months (2010–2014) using the urban version of the numerical weather prediction system of the Meteorological Service Singapore (uSINGV) are used to analyse the urban effect on convective precipitation over Singapore and Johor Bahru (Malaysia). The model is able to closely predict locations where rainfall peaks occur, but rainfall totals are overestimated compared to radar data. The temporal variability of rainfall in the region shows that urban areas increase the frequency and severity of rainfall events and that such impact increases with the rainfall intensity. Results show that low‐level moisture advection is enhanced in this coastal conurbation as a result of the strengthening of wind convergence. The latter is likely caused by increasing sea‐breeze strength due to lower surface pressure over the urban area, and higher urban surface roughness, respectively. As a consequence, more precipitable water is available in the region, enhancing convection and increasing the probability of heavy rainfall over the centre and north of Singapore island and Johor Bahru. Stronger convection further increases moisture advection from the vicinity. By studying the temporal variability and the spatial distribution of rainfall events, the present study provides new insights on the urban impact on heavy rainfall in tropical areas. The conclusions are only valid for the November inter‐monsoon period, when local forcing, rather than large‐scale influences, dominates rainfall generation.
Sampled‐data implementation of extended PID control using delays
Authors: Zhang Jin , Fridman Emilia
Published: August 2021

We study the sampled‐data implementation of extended PID control using delays for the nth‐order stochastic nonlinear systems. The derivatives are approximated by finite differences giving rise to a delayed sampled‐data controller. An appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii (L‐K) method is presented to derive linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) for the exponential stability of the resulting closed‐loop system. We show that with appropriately chosen gains, the LMIs are always feasible for small enough sampling period and stochastic perturbation. We further employ an event‐triggering condition that allows to reduce the number of sampled control signals used for stabilization and provide ‐gain analysis. Finally, three numerical examples illustrate the efficiency of the presented approach.
Imbalanced classification: A paradigm‐based review
Authors: Feng Yang , Zhou Min , Tong Xin
Published: August 2021

A common issue for classification in scientific research and industry is the existence of imbalanced classes. When sample sizes of different classes are imbalanced in training data, naively implementing a classification method often leads to unsatisfactory prediction results on test data. Multiple resampling techniques have been proposed to address the class imbalance issues. Yet, there is no general guidance on when to use each technique. In this article, we provide a paradigm‐based review of the common resampling techniques for binary classification under imbalanced class sizes. The paradigms we consider include the classical paradigm that minimizes the overall classification error, the cost‐sensitive learning paradigm that minimizes a cost‐adjusted weighted type I and type II errors, and the Neyman–Pearson paradigm that minimizes the type II error subject to a type I error constraint. Under each paradigm, we investigate the combination of the resampling techniques and a few state‐of‐the‐art classification methods. For each pair of resampling techniques and classification methods, we use simulation studies and a real dataset on credit card fraud to study the performance under different evaluation metrics. From these extensive numerical experiments, we demonstrate under each classification paradigm, the complex dynamics among resampling techniques, base classification methods, evaluation metrics, and imbalance ratios. We also summarize a few takeaway messages regarding the choices of resampling techniques and base classification methods, which could be helpful for practitioners.
Engineering Durable Superhydrophobic Photocatalyst for Oil‐Water Separation and Degradation of Chemical Pollutants
Authors: Zhu Haiguang , Chen Long , Dou Xinyue , Liu Yong , Yuan Xun
Published: August 2021

Wastewater treatment, especially for those containing insoluble oils and soluble chemical pollutants, has been a major concern in the field of environmental protection. Materials integrating both hydrophobicity and photocatalytic activity are good candidates in terms of separating insoluble oils from water and photodegrading soluble chemical pollutants. However, the wide application of such materials is curtailed by their susceptible photodecomposition issue. In this paper, we report the design of a durable yet efficient hydrophobic photocatalyst by immobilizing photocatalytic titanium dioxide (TiO2) on a carbonized melamine foam (CMF) for a three‐dimensional (3D) porous structure, and subsequently coating a hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layer on TiO2 surface (CMF‐TiO2‐PDMS). The key feature of the design is that the PDMS layer could re‐graft on the TiO2 surface via forming chemical bonds with TiO2 under UV illumination, granting the resulting CMF‐TiO2‐PDMS stable hydrophobicity to durably resist photocatalytic oxidation. As expected, the as‐designed CMF‐TiO2‐PDMS photocatalyst shows excellent durability in removing insoluble organic solvents and photodegrading soluble chemical pollutants under UV illumination. This study is interesting not only because it provides a paradigm in designing durable yet efficient hydrophobic photocatalyst for wastewater treatment, but also shed lights on the design of other multifunctional materials.
Discovery of Novel G‐Protein‐Coupled Receptor 40 Agonist with Phenylacetic Acid Scaffold for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ge Wei , Yang Benhui , Chen Lianru , Zhou Zongtao , Jin Yao
Published: August 2021

The G‐protein‐coupled receptor 40 (GPR40) plays an important role in glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion and therefore may be a promising anti‐diabetic target. In this study, we have replaced the phenylpropionic acid of GPR40 agonist GW9508 with phenylacetic acid to avoid β‐oxidation. The molecular modeling study based on phenylacetic acid scaffold suggested that the present series fitted very well with the binding pocket of GPR40. Further structure‐activity relationship study provided the optimal compound 6, which revealed better in vivo hypoglycemic effect than GW9508 both in normal and type 2 diabetic mice. These findings suggested that compound 6 was meaningful for further investigation and highlighted its potential as a lead compound.
One‐Pot Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of Novel Pyrazole Hybrids
Authors: Abdel‐Motaal Marwa , El‐Senduny Fardous F. , Shaaban Saad
Published: August 2021

Novel pyrazole hybrids (3‐17) were synthesized via one‐pot reaction of thiocarbonyldihydrazide (1), ethyl 3‐phenyl‐3‐oxopropanoate (2), and different carbonyl reagents in good yields (68–98 %). Their structures were confirmed using IR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, and Mass spectroscopy (MS), as well as elemental analysis. Pyrazole hybrids (3‐17) were screened for their cytotoxicity against three different breast cancer cell lines (e. g., MDA‐MB‐231, MCF‐7, and 4T1) and HepG2 liver cancer cells. Interestingly, 5‐oxo‐N′‐(2‐oxoindolin‐3‐ylidene)‐3‐phenyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazole‐1‐carbothiohydrazide (13) exhibited good anticancer activity (IC50=25±0.4 μM) against the aggressive, invasive, and tumorigenic 4T1 cells. Therefore, its therapeutic index was estimated in normal human skin fibroblast (HSF). Moreover, its possible mode of action was investigated using colony formation, wound healing, apoptosis induction, cell cycle, and DNA damage assays. Collectively, pyrazole 13 led to 4T1 cells cell death via inhibition of wound healing and colony formation as well as cell cycle delay in the G0/G1 phase, activation of p27 levels, and apoptosis probably via DNA intercalation.
Preparation, Characterization and Decolorization Performance of Magnetic Adsorbent Pellets Formed by the Utilization of Electric Flocculation Sludge
Authors: Liu Mei , Qin Xiaolong , Yuan Jialu , Qiu Yang , Tang Shenghui
Published: August 2021

A new magnetic adsorbent pellets(MP) was prepared with electric flocculation sludge as raw material by technologies of alkaline impregnation, heat activation and composition with vermiculite. Its decolorization performance for treating methylene blue (MB) dye wastewater is studied, and its structure was analyzed by FTIR, XRD, SEM, XPS, BET and magnetic hysteresis curve. The results showed that the best prepare condition of MP is that impregnation time of 15 % KOH solution is 48 h and a subsequent calcination at 600 °C for 60 min,m(vermiculite)/m(sludge)=1.0. Characterization analysis illustrates that the activated sludge and vermiculite has been successfully composited. And the organic waste in sludge is converted into activated carbon and the iron species are transformed into Fe3O4. It has mesoporous structure and magnetic property and can be separated from the solution by an external magnetic field. In addition, MP was effective on treating MB wastewater, the decoloration is 85 % at the dosage of 10 g L−1when the contact time is 84 h and the initial concentration of dye is 10 mg L−1and 20 mg L−1. The sludge utilization technology investigated in this work is a new process which could reduce the emission, protect the environment and yield the useful by‐product.
Design and Development of Distinct Tetracyanoquinodimethane Derivatives Exhibiting Dual Effect of Fluorescence and Anticancer Activity
Authors: Syed Anwarhussaini , Battula Himabindu , Bobde Yamini , Patel Tarun , Ghosh Balaram , Jayanty Subbalakshmi
Published: August 2021

Tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) is known to react with primary/secondary amines to generate mono/di‐substituted TCNQ derivatives resulting in optical (fluorescence) and non‐linear optical characteristics. However, the choice of amine plays a key role in the sequel of certain material attributes. Nevertheless, demonstration of TCNQ derivatives, specifically obtained by reacting TCNQ with simple & small amine side chains of existing anticancer drugs, emerging in dual effect of fluorescence as well as anticancer activity, is not explored so far and has been still existing as a gap in TCNQ related research. Additionally, mono/di‐substituted TCNQ's owning strong fluorescence in solutions (∼10 to 104 order) than their solids are still lacking and are in need to be generated. In this regard, we aimed to synthesize straightforward TCNQ derivatives in single step by reacting TCNQ with specific (simple and small) amines being side chains of existing anticancer drugs (a contemporary design approach) and successfully obtained novel mono/di‐substituted TCNQ derivatives manifesting dual effect of fluorescence and anticancer activity. In this fashion, we have avoided the usage of bulky main moiety of an anticancer molecule, since our aim was not to use the total anticancer drug as such, like in a Pro‐drug preparation, but we intended to use the minimal part of an anticancer drug to invent novel TCNQ derivatives as anticancer active fluorophores. Wavelength of maximum emission for all the five potent molecules was within ∼525 nm‐696 nm. All compounds showed moderate anticancer activity against different cancer cell lines and IC50 values were in the range of 11 to 49 μM, when the synthesized novel compounds were tested in B16F10, MDA‐MB‐231 and A549 cell lines. Henceforth, this study has emanated in the first generation TCNQ derivatives as organic fluorescent anticancer active molecules.
A Practical Method of N‐Methylpyrrole Disulfonamides Synthesis: Computational Studies, Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibition and Electrochemical DNA Binding Investigations
Authors: Abas Mujahid , Nazir Yasir , Ashraf Zaman , Iqbal Zafar , Raza Hussain , Hassan Mubashir , Jabeen Erum , Bais Abdul
Published: August 2021

Heterocyclic compounds bearing sulfonamide moiety have been reported to possess carbonic anhydrase inhibitory activity. In the present study, a series of novel N‐methylpyrrole 3(a–j) derivatives bearing disulfonamide functional group have been synthesized by following a simple nucleophilic substitution reaction route to explore their carbonic anhydrase inhibitory activity. N‐methylpyrrole (1) was converted into N‐methylpyrrole disulfonyl chloride (2), which upon condensation with various aliphatic and aromatic amines, yielded the final products 3(a–j). In silico docking results predicted strong binding of synthesized compounds in an enzymatic pocket of human carbonic anhydrase isozyme II (PDB ID 4Q6D). In vitro carbonic anhydrase inhibitory assays revealed that analogues 3 e (1‐Methyl‐N3,N4‐bis(2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)ethyl)‐1H‐pyrrole‐3,4‐disulfonamide) and 3j (N3,N4,1‐trimethyl‐1H‐pyrrole‐3,4‐disulfonamide) were most potent with IC50 0.38±0.01 μM and 0.75±0.88 μM respectively in comparison to standard acetazolamide (IC50 0.99±0.04 μM). The enzyme inhibitory kinetics exhibited 3 e a noncompetitive inhibitor with Km and Ki values as 0.34 mM and 18.2 μM respectively. The compounds 3 e and 3 j showed very little cytotoxicity against human keratinocyte (HaCaT) with 80 % cell viability and the anticancer activity performed against MCF‐7 cell line showed that the compounds 3 e and 3 j caused 80 % and 45 % cell death respectively at 125 μM concentrations. Combining the results of DNA binding analysis through the UV‐Vis spectroscopy (hypochromism), cyclic voltammetry (current decrease), and fluorescence spectroscopy (hypochromism in intercalator's peak); mixed binding mode (intercalation + groove binding) was suggested for 3 e and intercalation for 3 j with stronger DNA binding of 3 e than 3 j. Based on our results 3 e and 3 j may be proposed to serve as a lead structure for designing potentially more active CAIs.
Cyclocondensation of o‐Phenylenediamines with 2‐Oxo‐ethanimidothioates: A Novel Synthesis of 2‐Amino‐3‐(het)aryl‐quinoxalines
Authors: Kiran Kuppalli R. , Swaroop Toreshettahally R. , Santhosh Chikkappaiahnayaka , Rangappa Kanchugarakoppal S. , Sadashiva Maralinganadoddi P.
Published: August 2021

2‐Amino‐3‐(het)aryl‐quinoxalines were synthesized by the cyclization reaction between 2‐oxo‐ethanimidothioates and o‐phenylenediamine in the presence of acid catalyst p‐TSA in toluene at 80 °C. The products were obtained in 58–84 % yields. The required substrates 2‐oxo‐ethanimidothioates were synthesized by the condensation reaction between α‐oxodithioester and amine in the presence of sodium hydride in DMF followed treatment with methyl iodide.
Superfast Synthesis of Densely Packed and Ultrafine Pt–Lanthanide@KB via Solvent‐Free Microwave as Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalysts
Authors: Nie Nanzhu , Zhang Dan , Wang Zuochao , Qin Yingnan , Zhai Xuejun , Yang Bo , Lai Jianping , Wang Lei
Published: August 2021

At present, it is still a great challenge to synthesize refractory Pt‐based electrocatalysts with excellent active specific surface area, specific activity, and stability by a simple method. Here, a superfast and solvent‐free microwave strategy is reported to synthesize refractory ultrafine (≈3 nm) Pt–lanthanide@Ketjen Black (PtM@KB, M = La, Gd, Tb, Er, Tm, and Yb) alloy with densely packed as efficient hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts in a domestic microwave oven for the first time. The optimized Pt61La39@KB delivers excellent hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity with a low overpotential of 38 mV (10 mA cm−2) and a high TOF value of 44.13 s−1 (100 mV) in 0.5 m H2SO4, and performs well in 1.0 m KOH. This method can also be used to grow catalysts on carbon cloth (CC) directly. PtLa@CC shows an overpotential of 99 mV (1000 mA cm−2) in 0.5 m H2SO4 and can maintain activity after 500 h. Theoretical calculations reveal the enhanced stability and activity owing to the higher vacancy formation energy of Pt atoms and the optimized value of ΔGH*. Solvent‐free microwave strategy constitutes a significant insight into the development of refractory electrocatalyst with ultrafine size and highly dense, which can also work well at high current densities.
Modular Lipid Nanoparticle Platform Technology for siRNA and Lipophilic Prodrug Delivery
Authors: van der Meel Roy , Chen Sam , Zaifman Josh , Kulkarni Jayesh A. , Zhang Xu Ran S. , Tam Ying K. , Bally Marcel B. , Schiffelers Raymond M. , Ciufolini Marco A. , Cullis Pieter R. , Tam Yuen Yi C.
Published: August 2021

Successfully employing small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutics requires the use of nanotechnology for efficient intracellular delivery. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have enabled the approval of various nucleic acid therapeutics. A major advantage of LNPs is the interchangeability of its building blocks and RNA payload, which allow it to be a highly modular system. In addition, drug derivatization approaches can be used to synthesize lipophilic small molecule prodrugs that stably incorporate in LNPs. This provides ample opportunities to develop combination therapies by co‐encapsulating multiple therapeutic agents in a single formulation. Here, it is described how the modular LNP platform is applied for combined gene silencing and chemotherapy to induce additive anticancer effects. It is shown that various lipophilic taxane prodrug derivatives and siRNA against the androgen receptor, a prostate cancer driver, can be efficiently and stably co‐encapsulated in LNPs without compromising physicochemical properties or gene‐silencing ability. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the combination therapy induces additive therapeutic effects in vitro. Using a double‐radiolabeling approach, the pharmacokinetic properties and biodistribution of LNPs and prodrugs following systemic administration in tumor‐bearing mice are quantitatively determined. These results indicate that co‐encapsulating siRNA and lipophilic prodrugs into LNPs is an attractive and straightforward plug‐and‐play approach for combination therapy development.
Longitudinal naming and repetition relates to AD pathology and burden in autopsy‐confirmed primary progressive aphasia
Authors: Cousins Katheryn A.Q. , Bove Jessica , Giannini Lucia A. A. , Kinney Nikolas G. , Balgenorth Yvonne R. , Rascovsky Katya , Lee Edward B. , Trojanowski John Q. , Grossman Murray , Irwin David J.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

In primary progressive aphasia (PPA) patients with autopsy‐confirmed Alzheimer's disease (AD) or frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FLTD), we tested how the core clinical features of logopenic PPA—naming and repetition—change over time and relate to pathologic burden.

Methods

In PPA with AD (n = 13) or FTLD (n = 16) pathology, Boston Naming Test and Forward Digit Span measured longitudinal naming and repetition; as reference, Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) measured global cognition. Pathologic burden in left peri‐Sylvian regions was related to longitudinal cognitive decline.

Results

PPA with AD showed greater decline in naming (P = 0.021) and repetition (P = 0.020), compared to FTLD; there was no difference in MMSE decline (P = 0.99). Across all PPA, declining naming (P = 0.0084) and repetition (P = 0.011) were associated with angular, superior‐middle temporal (naming P = 0.014; repetition P = 0.011) and middle frontal (naming P = 0.041; repetition P = 0.030) pathologic burden.

Discussion

Unique longitudinal profiles of naming and repetition performance in PPA with AD are related to left peri‐Sylvian pathology.
Synovial lipomatosis of the stifle joint in a dog
Authors: Orekhova Anna , Schwarz Tobias
Published: August 2021

Synovial lipomatosis has been described as a rare disease of the synovial membrane in humans. This report represents a synovial lipomatosis case of the left stifle joint in a dog, diagnosed by MRI and validated by histopathologic examination. Synovial lipomatosis can be difficult to recognise due to the absence of specific clinical features, especially in view of its similarity to other disorders with the benign or malignant origin in the synovial membrane. Therefore, the validation of this pathology could be essential in directing patient management. The aim of this report was to describe approaches required for the identification of synovial lipomatosis, such as clinical signs, diagnostic imaging characteristics and histological pattern, that have not been published previously in veterinary medicine.
Evaluating Semantic Co-creation by Using a Marker as a Linguistic Constraint Tool in Shared Cognitive Representation Models
Authors: Schneider Stefan , Nürnberger Andreas
Published: August 2021

Semantic co-creation occurs in the process of communication between two or more people, where human cognitive representation models of the topic of discussion converge. The use of linguistic constraint tools (for example a shared marker) enable participants to focus on communication, improving communicative success. Recent results state that the best communicative success can be achieved if two users can interact in a restricted way, so called team focused interaction hypothesis. Even though the advantage of team focused interaction sounds plausible, it needs to be noted that previous studies enforce the constraint usage. Our study aims at investigating the advantage of using shared markers as a linguistic constraint tool in semantic co-creation, while moving them becomes optional. In our experimental task, based on a shared geographic map as a cognitive representation model, the two participants have to identify a target location, which is only known to a third participant. We assess two main factors, the teams’ use of a shared marker and the two complexity levels of the cognitive representation model. We had hypothesized that sharing a marker should improve communicative success, as communication is more focused. However, our results indicated no general benefit by using a marker as well as team interaction, itself. Our results suggest that the use of a shared marker is an efficient linguistic constraint at higher levels of complexity of the cognitive representation than those tested in our study. Based on this consideration, the team focused interaction hypothesis should be further developed to include a control parameter for the perceived decision complexity of the cognitive representation model.
Grounding Abstract Concepts in Action
Authors: Vernillo Paola
Published: August 2021

Sensory-motor information is linguistically encoded by action verbs. Such verbs are not only used to express action concepts and events, but they are also pervasively exploited in the linguistic representation of abstract concepts and figurative meanings. In the light of several theoretical approaches (i.e., Embodied Theories, Conceptual Metaphor Theory, Image Schema Theory), this paper analyzes the mechanisms that enable action verbs to acquire abstract meanings and that motivate the symmetries (or asymmetries) in the semantic variations of locally equivalent verbs (e.g.,premereandspingere; Eng.,to pressandto push). The research is carried out within the IMAGACT framework and focuses on a set of four Italian action verbs encoding force (i.e.,premere,spingere,tirare, andtrascinare; Eng.,to press,to push,to pull, andto drag). The results confirm that metaphorical extensions of action verbs are constrained by the image schemas involved in the core meaning of the verbs. Additionally, the paper shows that these image schemas are responsible for the asymmetries in the metaphorical variation of action verbs pertaining to the same semantic class (i.e., force).
Implant removal associated complications after ESIN osteosynthesis in pediatric fractures
Authors: Lieber Justus , Dietzel Markus , Scherer Simon , Schäfer Jürgen F. , Kirschner Hans-Joachim , Fuchs Jörg
Published: August 2021

Purpose

ESIN (elastic stable intramedullary nailing) is considered the gold standard for various pediatric fractures. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence and type of complications during or after TEN (titanium elastic nail) removal.

Methods

A retrospective data analysis was performed. Metal removal associated complications and preoperative extraosseous length/outlet angle of TENs as possible causes of complications were assessed.

Results

The complication rate in 384 TEN removals was 3.1% (n = 12). One major complication (rupture of M. extensor pollicis brevis) was documented. One refracture at the forearm occurred, however, remodeling prior TEN removal was completed. Ten minor complications were temporary or without irreversible restrictions (3 infections, 5 scaring/granuloma, 2 temporary paraesthesia).

In 38 cases (16 forearms, 10 femora, 9 humeri, 3 lower legs), intra-operative fluoroscopy had to be used to locate the implants. In patients with forearm fractures, extraosseous implant length was relatively shorter than in cases without fluoroscopy (p = 0.01), but outlet angle of TENs was not significantly different in these two groups (28.5° vs 25.6°). In patients with femur fractures, extraosseous implant length and outlet angle were tendentially shorter, respectively, lower, but this did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

Removal of TENs after ESIN is a safe procedure with a low complication rate. Technically inaccurate TEN implantation makes removal more difficult and complicated. To prevent an untimely removal and patient discomfort, nail ends must be exactly positioned and cut. Intraoperative complications may be minimized with removal of TENs before signs of overgrowth.

Evidence

Level III, retrospective.
Sicherheitsaspekte und Vorbereitung zur Notfallvorsorge und Gefahrenabwehr in Kliniken bei MANV/TerrorMANV
Authors: Hoth Patrick , Bieler Dan , Friemert Benedikt , Franke Axel , Blätzinger Markus , Achatz Gerhard ,   AG EKTC der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie
Published: August 2021

Hintergrund

Weltweite terroristische Aktivitäten seit „9/11“ und folgend auch im europäischen Raum haben im Rahmen der Bewertung von kritischer Infrastruktur in Deutschland zu einem Umdenken auch hinsichtlich der Sicherheit an und in Kliniken geführt.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die vorliegende Publikation befasst sich mit der Bewertung vorliegender Konzepte zu Themen wie „Alarmierung“, „Sicherheit“, „Kommunikation“ und „Vorbereitung“ im vorgenannten Kontext.

Material und Methoden

Anhand einer Literatursichtung sowie einer Umfrage unter den Teilnehmern*innen der 3. Notfallkonferenz der DGU (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie) werden diese Thematik und die aktuell vorliegende Situation weiter analysiert und vorgestellt.

Ergebnisse

Die gewonnenen Daten verdeutlichen, dass ein Großteil der Kliniken zwar über eine Krankenhausalarm- und Einsatzplanung verfügt, jedoch die Frequenz der Aktualisierungen und die innerklinische Kommunikation zur Steigerung der Wahrnehmung eine deutliche Streuung zeigen.

Weiterhin verdeutlichen die Ergebnisse eine Heterogenität der vorliegenden innerklinischen Alarmierungskonzepte sowie einen Mangel an Sicherheitskonzepten und Kooperationen mit Sicherheits- und Wachdiensten. Zudem zeigt sich, dass die Thematik einer möglichen CBRN(chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear)-Bedrohung in der Risikoanalyse noch nicht adäquat wahrgenommen wird bzw. umgesetzt ist.

Diskussion

Zusammenfassend scheint die latente Bedrohung durch terroristische Aktivitäten dazu geführt zu haben, dass sich deutsche Kliniken in der Bewertung als kritische Infrastruktur mit der Thematik „Krankenhausalarm- und Einsatzplanung“ auseinandergesetzt und diese überwiegend auch umgesetzt haben. Allerdings zeigt sich für die nachgeordneten Bereiche und die aus der Alarmplanung ableitbaren Konsequenzen noch nicht die nötige Stringenz, um letztendlich adäquate Reaktionen in diesen besonderen Szenarien im Hinblick auf die Sicherheit in und an deutschen Kliniken zu gewährleisten.
Predictors of Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction After Primary Interrupted Aortic Arch Repair
Authors: Korsuize Nina A. , van Wijk Abraham , Haas Felix , Grotenhuis Heynric B.
Published: August 2021

Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction is an important complication after interrupted aortic arch repair and subsequent interventions may adversely affect survival. Identification of patients at risk for obstruction is important to facilitate clinical decision-making and monitoring during follow-up. The aim of this review is to summarize reported risk factors for left ventricular outflow tract obstruction after corrective surgery for interrupted aortic arch. A systematic search of the literature was performed across the PubMed and EMBASE databases. Studies that reported echocardiographic and/or clinical predictors for left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in infants that underwent biventricular repair of interrupted aortic arch were included. From the 44 potentially relevant studies, eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Postoperative left ventricular outflow tract obstruction requiring an intervention was common, with an incidence ranging between 14 and 38%. Manifestation of postoperative left ventricular outflow tract obstruction was associated with a smaller pre-operative size of the aortic root (sinus of Valsalva), sinotubular junction, and aortic annulus. Anatomic and surgical risk factors for left ventricular outflow tract obstruction were the presence of an aberrant right subclavian artery, use of a pulmonary homograft or polytetrafluoroethylene interposition graft for aortic arch repair, and the presence of a small- or medium-sized ventricular septal defect. In patients with a borderline left ventricular outflow tract that undergo a primary repair, these (pre-) operative predictors can provide guidance for optimal surgical decision-making and for close monitoring during follow-up of patients at increased risk for developing left ventricular outflow tract obstruction after corrective surgery.
Tackling random fields non-linearities with unsupervised clustering of polynomial chaos expansion in latent space: application to global sensitivity analysis of river flooding
Authors: El Garroussi Siham , Ricci Sophie , De Lozzo Matthias , Goutal Nicole , Lucor Didier
Published: August 2021

A surrogate model is developed to accurately approximate a two-dimensional hydrodynamics numerical solver in order to conduct a reduced-cost variance-based global sensitivity analysis of the hydraulic state. The impact of uncertainties in river bottom friction and boundary conditions on the simulated water depth is analyzed for quasi-unsteady flows. An autoencoder technique adapted to non-linear variable dimension reduction is used to reduce the multi-dimensional model output so that the formulation of the surrogate remains computationally parsimonious. In addition, following the divide-and-conquer principle, a mixture of local polynomial chaos expansions is proposed to deal with non-linearity in the hydraulic state with respect to uncertain inputs. Machine learning techniques are used to automatically partition the input space into clusters that are not affected by non-linearities and support accurate surrogates. This combined strategy is applied to a reach of the Garonne River where river and floodplains dynamics are simulated by the numerical solver Telemac-2D. The merits of this strategy are highlighted when the flood front reaches regions where the topography features a strong gradient and where, consequently, strong non-linearities occur between the water depth and friction as well as hydrologic input forcing. By applying this strategy, the $$Q_2$$

Q
2

metric improves by 90% compared to a classical polynomial chaos expansion surrogate, resulting in a much more reliable sensitivity analysis. This is particularly important in floodplain areas where human and economic activities are at stake.
Serial assessment of inflammatory parameters for prediction of septic complications following surgery for colorectal endometriosis
Authors: Montanari Eliana , Reh Lena Maria , Dauser Bernhard , Birsan Tudor , Hudelist Gernot
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To assess whether C‑reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WBC) and body temperature changes are suitable parameters for the early detection of septic complications following resection of colorectal deep endometriosis (DE).

Methods

Retrospective data analysis of CRP, WBC and body temperature courses following colorectal surgery for DE at a tertiary referral center for endometriosis.

Results

Out of 183 surgeries performed, 10 major surgical complications were observed, including 4 anastomotic leakages (AL 2%) and 2 rectovaginal fistulae (RVF 1%). In the presence of a lower gastrointestinal tract (GIT)-related septic complication or abdominal wall abscess, serum CRP levels were increased starting at postoperative day 2–3. A cut-off value of 10 mg/dl on day 4 for prediction of early septic complications could be verified (area under the curve 0.94, obtained by receiver operating characteristics analysis, sensitivity 88%, specificity 90%, positive predictive value 32%, negative predictive value 99%). Additionally, most patients with early septic complications exhibited increased WBC levels starting mainly from day 3–4; however, increased inflammatory parameters could not be observed in one patient with an RVF. Body temperature did not prove useful for early discrimination between uncomplicated cases and those with early septic complications.

Conclusion

Relevant elevations of serum CRP and WBC levels were demonstrated in patients with early septic complications following surgery for colorectal DE starting at postoperative day 2–4. The cut-off value of 10 mg/dl for CRP levels may serve as an early predictor for lower GIT-related septic complications but should be used with caution in women with suspected RVF development.
Evaluating the accuracy of facial expressions as emotion indicators across contexts in dogs
Authors: Bremhorst A. , Mills D. S. , Würbel H. , Riemer S.
Published: August 2021

Facial expressions potentially serve as indicators of animal emotions if they are consistently present across situations that (likely) elicit the same emotional state. In a previous study, we used the Dog Facial Action Coding System (DogFACS) to identify facial expressions in dogs associated with conditions presumably eliciting positive anticipation (expectation of a food reward) and frustration (prevention of access to the food). Our first aim here was to identify facial expressions of positive anticipation and frustration in dogs that are context-independent (and thus have potential as emotion indicators) and to distinguish them from expressions that are reward-specific (and thus might relate to a motivational state associated with the expected reward). Therefore, we tested a new sample of 28 dogs with a similar set-up designed to induce positive anticipation (positive condition) and frustration (negative condition) in two reward contexts: food and toys. The previous results were replicated: Ears adductor was associated with the positive condition and Ears flattener, Blink, Lips part, Jaw drop, and Nose lick with the negative condition. Four additional facial actions were also more common in the negative condition. All actions except the Upper lip raiser were independent of reward type. Our second aim was to assess basic measures of diagnostic accuracy for the potential emotion indicators. Ears flattener and Ears downward had relatively high sensitivity but low specificity, whereas the opposite was the case for the other negative correlates. Ears adductor had excellent specificity but low sensitivity. If the identified facial expressions were to be used individually as diagnostic indicators, none would allow consistent correct classifications of the associated emotion. Diagnostic accuracy measures are an essential feature for validity assessments of potential indicators of animal emotion.
Evidence-based art in the hospital
Authors: Fudickar Axel , Konetzka Dag , Nielsen Stine Maria Louring , Hathorn Kathy
Published: August 2021

Background

Evidence-based art is the investigation of art effects and art investigated for effects. In this study the evidence regarding patient preferences for art styles and effects of art in nonpsychiatric hospitals and outpatient departments was reviewed.

Methods

Results from original articles were retrieved by a scoping PubMed search and by browsing the internet using the terms “evidence based art”, “evidence based design”, “art and hospital” and “design and hospital”, “art effect”, “design effect”, “landscape preference” and “abstract art figurative art”. The quality of art was not operationalized as a criterion.

Results

Of the articles 7 original sources showed patient preference for natural scenes and figurative art, 2 studies showed no preference, 16 studies showed positive art effects on well-being and behavior and 5 studies showed a positive effect of nature pictures on measurable findings.

Conclusion

Controversial results together with theoretical aspects suggest natural scenes in patient rooms and diverse art in public areas.