bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Edge‐maximal graphs on orientable and some nonorientable surfaces
Authors: Davies James , Pfender Florian
Published: July 2021

We study edge‐maximal, noncomplete graphs on surfaces that do not triangulate the surface. We prove that there is no such graph on the projective plane is the unique such graph on the Klein bottle and is the unique such graph on the torus . In contrast to this for each we construct an infinite family of such graphs on the orientable surface of genus , that are edges short of a triangulation.
Investigation of plasma exchange and hemoperfusion effects and complications for the treatment of patients with severe COVID‐19 (SARS‐CoV‐2) disease: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Mousavi‐Roknabadi Razieh Sadat , Haddad Fatemeh , Fazlzadeh Aylar , Kheirabadi Dorna , Dehghan Hamidreza , Rezaeisadrabadi Mohammad
Published: July 2021

Some previous studies suggested that the plasma exchange (PE) and hemoperfusion (HP) played a cardinal role in the treatment of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) cases by diminishing the cytokine storm. This study aimed to assess the effects of PE and HP on cytokine storms in patients with severe COVID‐19 through a systematic scoping review. Four Electronic databases (Medline [accessed from PubMed], Scopus, Science Direct, and Cochrane library) were searched systematically on February 2, 2021, using MESH terms and related keywords in the English language. Considering the titles and abstracts, unrelated studies were excluded. The full texts of the remained studies were evaluated by authors, independently. Then, their findings were assessed and reported. A total of 755 articles were obtained within the first step of searching, and 518 remained after removing the duplications. Through the title and abstract screening, 438 were removed. Of the rest, 59 papers were excluded. Finally, after reading the full text of the remained articles, 21 were included in data extraction. Most of the previously reported evidence were case reports and case series. Findings were summarized in two categories. The first category encompassed nine studies regarding HP and continuous renal replacement therapy, and the second category included twelve studies about PE. The results revealed that HP and PE within the cytokine storm phase would be beneficial with a high probability in the treatment of severely ill COVID‐19 patients.

Highlights Some studies showed that plasma exchange (PE) and hemoperfusion (HP) played an important role in the treatment of patients with severe COVID‐19 disease. The results of this systematic scoping review revealed that HP and PE within the cytokine storm phase would be beneficial with a high probability in the treatment of severely ill COVID‐19 patients.
Simple inertial methods for solving split variational inclusions in Banach spaces
Authors: Tang Yan , Gibali Aviv , Cho Yeol Je
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we introduce two simple inertial algorithms for solving the split variational inclusion problem in Banach spaces. Under mild and standard assumptions, we establish the weak and strong convergence of the proposed methods, respectively. As theoretical realization we study existence of solutions of the split common fixed point problem in Banach spaces. Several numerical examples in finite and infinite dimensional spaces compare and illustrate the performances of our schemes. Our work generalize and extend some recent relate results in the literature and also propose a simple and applicable method for solving split variational inclusions.
Dispersive analytical wave solutions and abundant closed‐form wave solutions of some nonlinear dynamical models arising in fluid mechanics with Stability analysis
Authors: Seadawy Aly R. , Ali Asghar
Published: July 2021

In this manuscript, we have employed improved form of extended simple equation and modified F‐expansion to construct the stability analysis solitary wave solution of simplified modified forms of Camassa‐Holm equation, the Newell‐Whitehead‐Segel, and Zeldovich Equations. The novel families of solitary wave solutions are in the form of expontial, trigonometric, and hyperbolic functions, respectively, with kink and anti ‐kink solitons; bright and dark solitons are obtained. We also give analysis for stability of our governing model. Some results are displayed graphically in the form of 3D and 2D to explain the physical behavior of concern models. The investigated results show the power and fruitfulness of our presented schemes and solutions play important rule in different field of applied science.
Compact in‐band pattern diversity antenna for wireless applications
Authors: Li Jian‐Feng , Mao Chu‐Xu , Wu Duo‐Long , Ye Liang‐Hua , Zhang Yue , Hu Zhen‐Xin
Published: July 2021

A compact pattern diversity patch antenna working at 5.8 GHz is proposed. The patch antenna has two ports, which are responsible for the broadside radiation and omni‐directional radiation, respectively. The broadside radiation is achieved by inserting a substrate slot‐loaded integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity at the center of the patch antenna, and the omni‐directional pattern is realized by exciting the shorted patch in‐phase from both sides of the SIW cavity. Although the two operating modes share the same radiator, but a high isolation of over 30 dB is achieved, due to the cancellation of current at the inputs. In addition, two approaches are investigated to enhance the operation bandwidths. The pattern diversity antenna is prototyped and measured, showing an impedance bandwidth of 5.69–5.92 GHz for both modes/channels, and a high inter‐channel isolation over 30 dB, making it suitable for indoor wireless communication systems.
Participants experience of the Joint Pain Advice in the workplace programme
Authors: Erwin Jo , Irwin Sally , Hallett Rachel , Woolf Anthony , Carter Andrea , Hurley Michael V.
Published: July 2021

Background

Musculoskeletal (MSK) health is central to health, well‐being, physical functioning and healthy ageing. It is a public health priority to help maintain and improve the MSK health of the population across the life‐course. An important environment for supporting MSK health is the workplace.

Method

A workplace Joint Pain Advice (JPA) service was piloted in 20 organisations of various sizes in Cornwall and London with 481 people accessing the service. A qualitative evaluation of the project was carried out in Cornwall with 24 JPA participants from 11 organisations taking part in interviews and focus groups.

Results

Participants valued the service, the impact it had had on their physical and mental health and well‐being and its effects on the management of their MSK health in the workplace. The service served the unmet need for support to self‐manage MSK pain and participants found its delivery in the workplace convenient and efficient. Participants reported changing the ways in which they performed their role in the workplace and taking actions to protect their MSK health and relieve their pain. JPA participants felt more willing and better able to talk about their MSK problems with their colleagues and managers and felt more ‘empowered’ to ask their manager about how to accommodate their MSK problems in the workplace.

Conclusion

JPA in the workplace presents a model for delivering MSK services to businesses of all sizes which warrants further evaluation to measure its effect on absenteeism and presenteeism in small, medium‐sized and larger organisations.
COVID‐19 and the impact on rural and black church Congregants: Results of the C‐M‐C project
Authors: Williams Lovoria B. , Fernander Anita F. , Azam Tofial , Gomez Maria L. , Kang JungHee , Moody Cassidy L. , Bowman Hannah , E. Schoenberg Nancy
Published: July 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had devastating effects on Black and rural populations with a mortality rate among Blacks three times that of Whites and both rural and Black populations experiencing limited access to COVID‐19 resources. The primary purpose of this study was to explore the health, financial, and psychological impact of COVID‐19 among rural White Appalachian and Black nonrural central Kentucky church congregants. Secondarily we sought to examine the association between sociodemographics and behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs regarding COVID‐19 and intent to vaccinate. We used a cross sectional survey design developed with the constructs of the Health Belief and Theory of Planned Behavior models. The majority of the 942 respondents were ≥36 years. A total of 54% were from central Kentucky, while 47.5% were from Appalachia. Among all participants, the pandemic worsened anxiety and depression and delayed access to medical care. There were no associations between sociodemographics and practicing COVID‐19 prevention behaviors. Appalachian region was associated with financial burden and delay in medical care (p = 0.03). Appalachian respondents had lower perceived benefit and attitude for COVID‐19 prevention behaviors (p = 0.004 and <0.001, respectively). Among all respondents, the perceived risk of contracting COVID was high (54%), yet 33.2% indicated unlikeliness to receive the COVID‐19 vaccine if offered. The COVID‐19 pandemic had a differential impact on White rural and Black nonrural populations. Nurses and public health officials should assess knowledge and explore patient's attitudes regarding COVID‐19 prevention behaviors, as well as advocate for public health resources to reduce the differential impact of COVID‐19 on these at‐risk populations.
Nucleus accumbens microstructure mediates the relationship between obesity and eating behavior in adults
Authors: Samara Amjad , Li Zhaolong , Rutlin Jerrel , Raji Cyrus A. , Sun Peng , Song Sheng‐Kwei , Hershey Tamara , Eisenstein Sarah A.
Published: July 2021

Objective

Basal ganglia regions are part of the brain’s reward‐processing networks and are implicated in the neurobiology of obesity and eating disorders. This study examines basal ganglia microstructural properties in adults with and without obesity.

Methods

Diffusion basis spectrum imaging (DBSI) images were analyzed to obtain putative imaging markers of neuroinflammation. Relationships between basal ganglia DBSI metrics and reward sensitivity and eating behaviors were also explored.

Results

A total of 46 participants (25 people with obesity; aged 20‐40 years; 37 women) were included. Relative to the people in the normal‐weight group, people with obesity had smaller caudate and larger nucleus accumbens (NAcc) volumes (p < 0.05) and lower DBSI fiber fraction (reflecting apparent axonal/dendrite density) in NAcc and putamen, higher DBSI nonrestricted fraction (reflecting tissue edema) in NAcc and caudate, and higher DBSI restricted fraction (reflecting tissue cellularity) in putamen (p ≤ 0.01, all). Increased emotional and reward eating behaviors were related to lower NAcc axonal/dendrite density and greater tissue edema (p ≤ 0.002). The relationships between emotional eating and adiposity measures were mediated by NAcc microstructure.

Conclusions

These findings provide evidence that microstructural alterations in basal ganglia relate to obesity and insights linking NAcc microstructure and eating behavior in adults.
Green epoxy resin/date stone flour biocomposites: Effect of filler chemical treatments on elastic properties
Authors: Rabhi Said , Abdi Said , Halimi Rafik , Benghanem Nacera
Published: July 2021

This work aims to study the effect of chemical treatments of date stone flour (DSF) as a filler on the elastic properties of biocomposites based on green epoxy resin (GER) used as a matrix. The main disadvantages of natural reinforcements in biocomposites are the poor compatibility between the reinforcement and the matrix as well as the relatively high moisture sorption. Different chemical treatments using soda (alkaline), benzoyl chloride, and potassium permanganate were applied to the DSF filler. Then, the filler was incorporated into the matrix at 30 wt% to obtain GER/DSF biocomposites. The elastic properties of the biocomposites, namely, longitudinal modulus, shear modulus, bulk modulus, Young's modulus of elasticity, acoustic impedance, Poisson's ratio, and ultrasonic microhardness, were determined using ultrasonic through‐transmission method. In addition, the morphology was studied using microscopy analysis. The results obtained revealed a decrease of the elastic properties of the pretreated‐filler biocomposite compared to the pure GER. On the other hand, the chemical treatment of the filler leads to an improvement of the elastic properties of GER/DSF biocomposites. The permanganate treatment is the most suitable for GER/DSF biocomposites. The morphology analysis through optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed that chemical treatments enhance the interfacial adhesion between the DSF filler and the GER matrix.
Aluminized Energetic Coordination Polymers Constructed from Transition Metal Centers (Co, Ni, and Cu)
Authors: Ma Xiaoxia , Chen Xi , Li Yuxiang , Qiao Zhiqiang , Yang Guangcheng , Zhang Kaili
Published: July 2021

The afterburning effect of aluminized explosives makes them have strong damage ability to soft targets, but the aluminum particles in the composition often cannot achieve proper combustion. The high ignition temperature of micron aluminum powder is one of the main reasons. In this work, we introduce nanothermite reaction with low onset temperature (<660 °C) into aluminized explosives by replacing the base explosives with energetic coordination polymers (ECPs). The decomposition products of many ECPs contain corresponding metal oxides that will react with aluminum via thermite reaction. Three kinds of ECPs ([CoC2H4N8O4]n, [NiC2H4N8O4]n and [CuC2H4N8O4]n) are constructed and compounded with nano‐aluminum (nano‐Al) particles to form aluminized ECPs. The influence of metal ion species and Al/Metal (Al/Me) molar ratio on their energetic properties are systematically studied. The results show that the exothermic thermite reaction with low onset temperature plays an important role in the combustion propagation of aluminized ECPs, and the possible mechanism is proposed. When the Al/Me molar ratio is 3–4, the aluminized ECPs have the best peak pressure and pressurization rate. At the optimum molar ratio, the pressure and pressurization rate of aluminized ECP(Co) are much higher than those of aluminized ECP(Ni) and ECP(Cu). Among the three kinds of aluminized ECPs, the aluminized ECP(Co) has the best energetic characteristics and can be used as a preferred choice. However, for the applications that require a long‐time heat supply, aluminized ECP(Cu) will be suitable.
The Quality Improvement of Yttrium Oxide Thin Films Grown at Low Temperature via the Third‐Generation Mist Chemical Vapor Deposition Using Oxygen‐Supporting Sources
Authors: Liu Li , Kawaharamura Toshiyuki , Sakamoto Masahito , Nishi Misaki , Dang Giang T. , Sato Shota
Published: July 2021

Yttrium oxide (Y2O3) thin films are deposited by the third‐generation mist chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system. To avoid high growth temperature, H2O and O2, as oxygen sources, are selected to support the fabrication process. The Y2O3films are prepared under different oxygen‐source supporting conditions to obtain high‐quality thin films; the effects of H2O and O2on the film properties are also investigated to confirm the formation processes of Y2O3films fabricated by mist CVD. Y2O3films with a deposition rate of 9.0 nm min−1, refractive index of 1.76, and dielectric constant ranging from 15 to 20 are obtained at 400 °C when H2O is used to support the fabrication. Thermogravimetry–differential thermal analysis of the yttrium precursor Y(C5H7O2)3·nH2O is conducted using air and air+H2O mist as carrier gas. The analysis confirms that H2O supporting can lower the growth temperature and improve the film quality by reducing the formation temperature of main products in the process of obtaining Y2O3. Moreover, the H2O and O2used in the fabrication are in liquid and gas phases, respectively. Consequently, the supporting processes of H2O and O2occur at different time and space inside the reactor, which results in different supporting effects.
Observer‐based adaptive event‐triggered PID control for networked systems under aperiodic DoS attacks
Authors: Wu Jiancun , Peng Chen
Published: July 2021

In the present article, the observer‐based proportional integral derivative (PID) security control problem is investigated for a networked system subject to aperiodic denial‐of‐service (DoS) attacks. First, by carefully modeling cyberattacks as aperiodic DoS attacks, a suitable switching observer is constructed to solve the state reconstruction problem. Second, to improve the utilization of network resources while resisting the impact of attacks, an adaptive event‐triggered communication protocol is introduced, whose trigger parameters can be dynamically adjusted according to the set learning rules. Third, based on the above analysis, an error switching system model is established, which describes the impact of the adaptive triggered protocol and aperiodic attacks in a unified framework. Then, by employing the switched system analysis method, sufficient conditions are obtained to ensure the error switched system being asymptotically stable. Furthermore, by means of orthogonal decomposition technique, a codesign method of the observer gains, triggered parameter, and PID controller gains is given. Finally, a simulation example is provided to illustrate the efficiency and applicability of the obtained results.
Ultra‐Fast and Scalable Saline Immersion Strategy Enabling Uniform Zn Nucleation and Deposition for High‐Performance Zn‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xu Xilian , Chen Ye , Zheng Dong , Ruan Pengchao , Cai Yanhui , Dai Xiaojing , Niu Xinxin , Pei Chengjie , Shi Wenhui , Liu Wenxian , Wu Fangfang , Pan Zhiyan , Li Hai , Cao Xiehong
Published: July 2021

Although aqueous Zn‐ion batteries (ZIBs) with low cost and high safety show great potential in large‐scale energy storage system, metallic Zn anode still suffers from unsatisfactory cycle stability due to unregulated growth of Zn dendrites, corrosion, and formation of various side products during electrochemical reaction. Here, an ultrafast and simple method to achieve a stable Zn anode is developed. By simply immersing a Zn plate into an aqueous solution of CuSO4 for only 10–60 s, a uniform and robust protective layer (Zn4SO4(OH)6·5H2O/Cu2O) is formed on commercial Zn plate (Zn/ZCO), which enables uniform electric field distribution and controllable dendrite growth, leading to a long‐term cycle life of over 1400 h and high average Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 99.2% at 2.0 mA cm−2 and 2.0 mAh cm−2. These excellent characteristics of the prepared Zn anode show great potential in practical applications for high‐performance aqueous Zn‐ion batteries.
Smartphone‐Flashlight‐Mediated Remote Control of Rapid Insulin Secretion Restores Glucose Homeostasis in Experimental Type‐1 Diabetes
Authors: Mansouri Maysam , Xue Shuai , Hussherr Marie‐Didiée , Strittmatter Tobias , Camenisch Gieri , Fussenegger Martin
Published: July 2021

Emerging digital assessment of biomarkers by linking health‐related data obtained from wearable electronic devices and embedded health and fitness sensors in smartphones is opening up the possibility of creating a continuous remote‐monitoring platform for disease management. It is considered that the built‐in flashlight of smartphones may be utilized to remotely program genetically engineered designer cells for on‐demand delivery of protein‐based therapeutics. Here, the authors present smartphone‐induced insulin release in β‐cell line (iβ‐cell) technology for traceless light‐triggered rapid insulin secretion, employing the light‐activatable receptor melanopsin to induce calcium influx and membrane depolarization upon illumination. This iβ‐cell‐based system enables repeated, reversible secretion of insulin within 15 min in response to light stimulation, with a high induction fold both in vitro and in vivo. It is shown that programmable percutaneous remote control of implanted microencapsulated iβ‐cells with a smartphone's flashlight rapidly reverses hyperglycemia in a mouse model of type‐1 diabetes.
The Isostructural Substitution‐Induced Growth Mechanism of Rutile TiO2 Electron Transport Layer and the Dominant Distribution for Efficient Carbon‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Yuan-Bo , Chen Peng , Zhao Qian , Li Hong-Shi , Li Guo-Ran , Gao Xue-Ping
Published: July 2021

Rutile TiO2 (R‐TiO2) produced by chemical bath deposition (CBD) is widely considered as the desired electron transport layer (ETL) for perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the understanding of the growth mechanism of R‐TiO2 ETL and its general regular pattern affecting power conversion efficiency (PCE) is underappreciated. Herein, the growth mechanism of TiO2 on fluorine‐doped SnO2 substrate (FTO) is demonstrated and it is revealed that pure R‐TiO2, rather than a rutile/anatase mixed crystal, is formed under an Sn–Ti isostructural substitution effect. The similarity of lattice parameters and phase structure between FTO and R‐TiO2 can reduce interface misfit and nucleation barrier, thus boosting heterogeneous nucleation and growth of R‐TiO2 simultaneously. Based on the key growth conditions of the R‐TiO2 ETL, the dominant distribution of PCE for hole transport layer (HTL)‐free carbon‐based planar perovskite solar cells is illustrated and discussed, and a champion efficiency of 14.0% is achieved.
Sharing What Works: Building Knowledge through Practitioner Case Study
Authors: Ward Alessandra E. , Erickson Joy Dangora
Published: July 2021

The authors present a plan for classroom teachers and literacy professionals to conduct case studies, particularly of students’ reading motivations and engagement. The authors argue for case study as a way for practitioners to contribute important knowledge to the field that is grounded in practitioners’ deep, contextual understanding of the realities of classroom life. A roadmap for conducting a case study is presented, beginning with the selection of an inquiry topic and proceeding through data collection, analysis, and sharing of results. The roadmap is grounded in examples from the authors’ and other practitioner researchers’ case studies of reading motivation and engagement, and additional resources and suggestions for accomplishing a case study within the constraints of classroom routines are provided.
Barrett's esophagus surveillance in a prospective Dutch multi‐center community‐based cohort of 985 patients demonstrates low risk of neoplastic progression
Authors: Klaver Esther , Bureo Gonzalez Angela , Mostafavi Nahid , Mallant‐Hent Rosalie , Duits Lucas C. , Baak Bert , Böhmer Clarisse J. M. , van Oijen Arnoud H. A. M. , Naber Ton , Scholten Pieter , Meijer Sybren L. , Bergman Jacques J. G. H. M. , Pouw Roos E. ,   ReBus Study Group
Published: July 2021

Background and Aims

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is accompanied by an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer. Accurate risk‐stratification is warranted to improve endoscopic surveillance. Most data available on risk factors is derived from tertiary care centers or from cohorts with limited surveillance time or surveillance quality. The aim of this study was to assess endoscopic and clinical risk factors for progression to high‐grade dysplasia (HGD) or esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) in a large prospective cohort of BE patients from community hospitals supported by an overarching infrastructure to ensure optimal surveillance quality.

Methods

A well‐defined prospective multicenter cohort study was initiated in six community hospitals in the Amsterdam region in 2003. BE patients were identified by PALGA search and included in a prospective surveillance program with a single endoscopist performing all endoscopies at each hospital. Planning and data collection was performed by experienced research nurses who attended all endoscopies. Endpoint was progression to HGD/EAC.

Results

Nine hundred eighty‐five patients were included for analysis. During median follow‐up of 7.9 years (IQR 4.1–12.5) 67 patients were diagnosed with HGD (n = 28) or EAC (n = 39), progression rate 0.78% per patient‐year. As a clinical risk factor age at time of endoscopy was associated with neoplastic progression (HR 1.05; 95% CI 1.03–1.08). Maximum Barrett length and low‐grade dysplasia (LGD) at baseline were endoscopic predictors of progression (HR 1.15; 95% CI 1.09–1.21 and HR 2.36; 95% CI 1.29–4.33).

Conclusion

Risk of progression to HGD/EAC in a large, prospective, community‐based Barrett's cohort was low. Barrett's length, LGD and age were important risk factors for progression.

(www.trialregister.nl NTR1789)
Trapping Rhodamine B dye using functionalized mango (Mangifera indica) pod
Authors: Bello Olugbenga S. , Adegoke Kayode A. , Inyinbor Adejumoke A. , Dada Adewumi O.
Published: July 2021

The use of acid‐modified mango pod (AMMP) sorbent for removing Rhodamine B (Rh‐B) dye from aqueous media was investigated. Raw mango pod (RMP) and AMMP sorbents were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), powdered X‐ray diffractogram (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), point of zero charge pH (pHpzc), and Boehm titration (BT) techniques. Batch adsorption was employed to examine the influence of operational factors. Sorption kinetic parameters were calculated using pseudo‐first‐order, pseudo‐second‐order, Elovich, and intraparticle diffusion models. The pseudo‐second‐order model best fitted the adsorption kinetic data most with maximum correlation coefficient (R2 > 0.99). The process of the adsorption was controlled by both boundary layer and intraparticle diffusion mechanisms. Four isotherm models (Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Radushkevich, and Temkin) were utilized to analyze the equilibrium data at various temperatures. Freundlich model gave the best fit with the maximum regression (0.99), while the Langmuir isotherm model established a maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 500 mg g−1. Thermodynamic parameters studied revealed that the interaction is spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The cost analysis of the current study provides convincing proof that AMMP is efficient for removing Rh‐B dye from solution by providing a saving of 225.2 USD/kg, which is eight times cheaper than commercial activated carbon. Consequently, the study revealed that AMMP is a viable, effective, and sustainable sorbent for Rhodamine B dye removal.

Practitioner points

The powdered X‐ray diffractogram (PXRD) showed the formation of new and intense peaks with the presence of highly organized crystalline structures on acid‐modified mango pod (AMMP).

Surface morphology of AMMP showed well‐developed open surface pores required for effective adsorption of Rh B dye molecules.

Economic feasibility of the present study showed that AMMP is more affordable than commercial activated carbon that costs USD 259.5/kg, thus translated to a saving cost of USD 225.2/kg and more than 7.5 times cheaper than the commercial activated carbon (CAC).
Could pulmonary low-dose radiation therapy be an alternative treatment for patients with COVID-19 pneumonia? Preliminary results of a multicenter SEOR-GICOR nonrandomized prospective trial (IPACOVID trial)
Authors: Arenas M. , Algara M. , De Febrer G. , Rubio C. , Sanz X. , de la Casa M. A. , Vasco C. , Marín J. , Fernández-Letón P. , Villar J. , Torres-Royo L. , Villares P. , Membrive I. , Acosta J. , López-Cano M. , Araguas P. , Quera J. , Rodríguez-Tomás F. , Montero A.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of lung low-dose radiation therapy (LD-RT) for pneumonia in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Materials and methods

Inclusion criteria comprised patients with COVID-19-related moderate–severe pneumonia warranting hospitalization with supplemental O2 and not candidates for admission to the intensive care unit because of comorbidities or general status. All patients received single lung dose of 0.5 Gy. Respiratory and systemic inflammatory parameters were evaluated before irradiation, at 24 h and 1 week after LD-RT. Primary endpoint was increased in the ratio of arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) or the pulse oximetry saturation (SpO2) to fractional inspired oxygen (FiO2) ratio of at least 20% at 24 h with respect to the preirradiation value.

Results

Between June and November 2020, 36 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and a mean age of 84 years were enrolled. Seventeen were women and 19 were men and all of them had comorbidities. All patients had bilateral pulmonary infiltrates on chest X‑ray. All patients received dexamethasone treatment. Mean SpO2 pretreatment value was 94.28% and the SpO2/FiO2 ratio varied from 255 mm Hg to 283 mm Hg at 24 h and to 381 mm Hg at 1 week, respectively. In those who survived (23/36, 64%), a significant improvement was observed in the percentage of lung involvement in the CT scan at 1 week after LD-RT. No adverse effects related to radiation treatment have been reported.

Conclusions

LD-RT appears to be a feasible and safe option in a population with COVID-19 bilateral interstitial pneumonia in the presence of significant comorbidities.
Non-negative Martingale Solutions to the Stochastic Thin-Film Equation with Nonlinear Gradient Noise
Authors: Dareiotis Konstantinos , Gess Benjamin , Gnann Manuel V. , Grün Günther
Published: July 2021

We prove the existence of non-negative martingale solutions to a class of stochastic degenerate-parabolic fourth-order PDEs arising in surface-tension driven thin-film flow influenced by thermal noise. The construction applies to a range of mobilites including the cubic one which occurs under the assumption of a no-slip condition at the liquid-solid interface. Since their introduction more than 15 years ago, by Davidovitch, Moro, and Stone and by Grün, Mecke, and Rauscher, the existence of solutions to stochastic thin-film equations for cubic mobilities has been an open problem, even in the case of sufficiently regular noise. Our proof of global-in-time solutions relies on a careful combination of entropy and energy estimates in conjunction with a tailor-made approximation procedure to control the formation of shocks caused by the nonlinear stochastic scalar conservation law structure of the noise.
Stoichiometric Modeling of Artificial String Chemistries Reveals Constraints on Metabolic Network Structure
Authors: Moyer Devlin , Pacheco Alan R. , Bernstein David B. , Segrè Daniel
Published: July 2021

Uncovering the general principles that govern the structure of metabolic networks is key to understanding the emergence and evolution of living systems. Artificial chemistries can help illuminate this problem by enabling the exploration of chemical reaction universes that are constrained by general mathematical rules. Here, we focus on artificial chemistries in which strings of characters represent simplified molecules, and string concatenation and splitting represent possible chemical reactions. We developed a novel Python package, ARtificial CHemistry NEtwork Toolbox (ARCHNET), to study string chemistries using tools from the field of stoichiometric constraint-based modeling. In addition to exploring the topological characteristics of different string chemistry networks, we developed a network-pruning algorithm that can generate minimal metabolic networks capable of producing a specified set of biomass precursors from a given assortment of environmental nutrients. We found that the composition of these minimal metabolic networks was influenced more strongly by the metabolites in the biomass reaction than the identities of the environmental nutrients. This finding has important implications for the reconstruction of organismal metabolic networks and could help us better understand the rise and evolution of biochemical organization. More generally, our work provides a bridge between artificial chemistries and stoichiometric modeling, which can help address a broad range of open questions, from the spontaneous emergence of an organized metabolism to the structure of microbial communities.
MRI features of ERSA (exercise-related signal abnormality) lesions in professional soccer players
Authors: Kho James S. B. , Botchu Rajesh , Rushton Alison , James Steven L.
Published: July 2021

Objective

This study aims to describe the prevalence, anatomy and morphology of ERSA (exercise-related signal abnormality) lesions, a previously undescribed pattern of muscle signal changes on MRI in professional soccer players with suspected acute thigh muscle injury.

Methods

A multicenter retrospective review was performed of 287 MRIs of professional soccer players referred for suspected acute thigh injury from August 2017 to February 2020. MR images were reviewed for muscle signal abnormalities corresponding to a peritendinous ovoid region or a subfascial ring of faint increased signal on fluid-sensitive MR images. Imaging features including anatomical site, morphology, and craniocaudal length were recorded. Concomitant acute muscle injury was graded in accordance with the British Athletics Muscle Injury Classification (BAMIC).

Results

ERSA lesions comprising a peritendinous ovoid region, a subfascial ring, or both, were identified in 40 muscles across 31/287 studies (10.8%). These lesions had a mean length of 15.8 cm and were predominantly located in the proximal or mid-portions of muscles. Affected muscles were rectus femoris (n = 22), adductor longus (n = 11), semitendinosus (n = 6) and biceps femoris (n = 1). 21/31 studies (67.7%) had a BAMIC grade 1–4 injury in a separate muscle, which were largely (81%) in a separate anatomic compartment or contralateral.

Conclusion

ERSA lesions were evident on MRI in 10.8% of our cohort of professional soccer players referred for suspected acute thigh muscle injury. Characteristic morphology and the longitudinal length (mean 15.8 cm) distinguish ERSA lesions from recognized patterns of acute muscle injury.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Enriched with Glycine and Proline in Eyebrow Augmentation Procedure
Authors: Scarano Antonio , Rapone Biagio , Amuso Domenico , Inchingolo Francesco , Lorusso Felice
Published: July 2021

Background

The eyebrow area is a clinically critical district due to the anatomical complexity and the propensity to aging-related atrophy. Hyaluronic acid fillers have been proposed to recover the dermal volume of the facial and lips regions.

Aim

The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate hyaluronic acid fillers enriched with glycine and proline for the treatment of eyebrow augmentation.

Methods

A total of 15 healthy patients were treated with eyebrow augmentation procedure. The distance between mid-bipupil to lateral eyebrow and mid-eyebrow to the medial eyebrow was measured before, immediately after treatment and at follow-up of 6 months.

Results

The healing period was uneventful, and no evidence of inflammation or swelling associated with the treatment was reported. No macroscopical alteration was reported in the surrounding tissues with no evidences of visible wheals or lumps in the treated sites at the follow-up. Before treatment, the angle was equal to 9.32 ± 0.2°, while after treatment it was 11.21 ± 0.4° (p < 0.01); after three and 6 weeks, it was, respectively, 10.66 ± 0.2° (p<0.05) and 10.02 ± 0.3°(p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The study results suggest that the hyaluronic acid fillers enriched with glycine and proline treatment resulted as being a useful procedure for augmentation, contour and volume definition and elevation of the eyebrow region with a high-level aesthetic result.

Level of Evidence IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
CIRSE Clinical Practice Manual
Authors: Mahnken Andreas H. , Boullosa Seoane Esther , Cannavale Allesandro , de Haan Michiel W. , Dezman Rok , Kloeckner Roman , O’Sullivan Gerard , Ryan Anthony , Tsoumakidou Georgia
Published: July 2021

Background

Interventional radiology (IR) has come a long way to a nowadays UEMS-CESMA endorsed clinical specialty. Over the last decades IR became an essential part of modern medicine, delivering minimally invasive patient-focused care.

Purpose

To provide principles for delivering high quality of care in IR.

Methods

Systematic description of clinical skills, principles of practice, organizational standards and infrastructure needed for the provision of professional IR services.

Results

There are IR procedures for almost all body parts and organs, covering a broad range of medical conditions. In many cases IR procedures are the mainstay of therapy, e.g. in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. In parallel the specialty moved from the delivery of a procedure towards taking care for a patient’s condition with the interventional radiologists taking ultimate responsibility for the patient’s outcomes.

Conclusions

The evolution from a technical specialty to a clinical specialty goes along with changing demands on how clinical care in IR is provided. The CIRSE Clinical Practice Manual provides interventional radiologist with a starting point for developing his or her IR practice as a clinician.
Complex network approach for detecting tropical cyclones
Authors: Gupta Shraddha , Boers Niklas , Pappenberger Florian , Kurths Jürgen
Published: July 2021

Tropical cyclones (TCs) are one of the most destructive natural hazards that pose a serious threat to society, particularly to those in the coastal regions. In this work, we study the temporal evolution of the regional weather conditions in relation to the occurrence of TCs using climate networks. Climate networks encode the interactions among climate variables at different locations on the Earth’s surface, and in particular, time-evolving climate networks have been successfully applied to study different climate phenomena at comparably long time scales, such as the El Niño Southern Oscillation, different monsoon systems, or the climatic impacts of volcanic eruptions. Here, we develop and apply a complex network approach suitable for the investigation of the relatively short-lived TCs. We show that our proposed methodology has the potential to identify TCs and their tracks from mean sea level pressure (MSLP) data. We use the ERA5 reanalysis MSLP data to construct successive networks of overlapping, short-length time windows for the regions under consideration, where we focus on the north Indian Ocean and the tropical north Atlantic Ocean. We compare the spatial features of various topological properties of the network, and the spatial scales involved, in the absence and presence of a cyclone. We find that network measures such as degree and clustering exhibit significant signatures of TCs and have striking similarities with their tracks. The study of the network topology over time scales relevant to TCs allows us to obtain crucial insights into the effects of TCs on the spatial connectivity structure of sea-level pressure fields.
Potenziale und Herausforderungen von sozialen Robotern für Beziehungen älterer Menschen: eine Bestandsaufnahme mittels „rapid review“
Authors: Zöllick Jan C. , Rössle Susanna , Kluy Lina , Kuhlmey Adelheid , Blüher Stefan
Published: July 2021

Hintergrund

Soziale Beziehungen sind bedeutsame Ressourcen für psychisches Wohlbefinden und physische Gesundheit. Im höheren Lebensalter treffen zunehmende Vulnerabilität und Funktionsverluste häufig auf reduzierte soziale Netzwerke. Mangelnde soziale Kontakte und fehlende Netzwerke bergen dabei psychische und physische Risiken für die Betroffenen, die durch den Einsatz sozialer Roboter möglicherweise abgemildert werden können.

Fragestellung

Welche Potenziale und Herausforderungen ergeben sich für ältere Menschen aus ihrer Interaktion mit sozialen Robotern?

Material und Methoden

Die Forschungsfrage wird mittels eines „rapid review“ beantwortet. Eine systematische Literatursuche ergab 433 unikale Treffer, aus denenn = 11 Artikel in die Analysen eingingen.

Ergebnisse

Potenziale sozialer Roboter bestehen in der Reduktion von Einsamkeit, Stärkung der (zwischenmenschlichen) Kommunikation und Stimmungsaufhellung bei gleichzeitiger Stressreduktion. Herausforderungen bestehen in der sozialen Einbettung der Roboter. Diese sei durch Aspekte wie Wohltätigkeit, Autonomie und Privatheit als Grundsätze zu gestalten, an denen sich Design und Einsatz von sozialen Robotern orientieren können, um einem Verlust von sozialen Beziehungen vorzubeugen.

Diskussion

Die Ergebnisse zeigen einen Korridor auf, der die potenzialausschöpfende Anwendung sozialer Roboter für ältere Menschen ermöglicht. Im Vordergrund steht die Analyse der Herausforderungen für den Einzelfall, da soziale Beziehungen älterer Menschen positiv sowie negativ beeinflusst werden können. Dabei orientieren sich die eingeschlossenen Artikel größtenteils am Setting Pflege. Forschung zum Einsatz sozialer Roboter bei nicht oder wenig funktionseingeschränkten Personen sollte die bestehende Literatur ergänzen.
The (pro)renin receptor (ATP6ap2) facilitates receptor-mediated endocytosis and lysosomal function in the renal proximal tubule
Authors: Figueiredo Marta , Daryadel Arezoo , Sihn Gabin , Müller Dominik N. , Popova Elena , Rouselle Anthony , Nguyen Genevieve , Bader Michael , Wagner Carsten A.
Published: July 2021

The ATP6ap2 (Pro)renin receptor protein associates with H+-ATPases which regulate organellar, cellular, and systemic acid–base homeostasis. In the kidney, ATP6ap2 colocalizes with H+-ATPases in various cell types including the cells of the proximal tubule. There, H+-ATPases are involved in receptor-mediated endocytosis of low molecular weight proteins via the megalin/cubilin receptors. To study ATP6ap2 function in the proximal tubule, we used an inducible shRNA Atp6ap2 knockdown rat model (Kd) and an inducible kidney-specific Atp6ap2 knockout mouse model. Both animal lines showed higher proteinuria with elevated albumin, vitamin D binding protein, and procathepsin B in urine. Endocytosis of an injected fluid-phase marker (FITC- dextran, 10 kDa) was normal whereas processing of recombinant transferrin, a marker for receptor-mediated endocytosis, to lysosomes was delayed. While megalin and cubilin expression was unchanged, abundance of several subunits of the H+-ATPase involved in receptor-mediated endocytosis was reduced. Lysosomal integrity and H+-ATPase function are associated with mTOR signaling. In ATP6ap2, KO mice mTOR and phospho-mTOR appeared normal but increased abundance of the LC3-B subunit of the autophagosome was observed suggesting a more generalized impairment of lysosomal function in the absence of ATP6ap2. Hence, our data suggests a role for ATP6ap2 for proximal tubule function in the kidney with a defect in receptor-mediated endocytosis in mice and rats.
Intra-abdominal EWSR1/FUS-CREM-rearranged malignant epithelioid neoplasms: two cases of an emerging aggressive entity with emphasis on misleading immunophenotype
Authors: Agaimy Abbas , Stoehr Robert , Otto Mike , Bräsen Jan Hinrich , Pfarr Nicole , Konukiewitz Björn , Kasajima Atsuko , Hartmann Arndt , Klöppel Günter
Published: July 2021

CREB family (CREB1, ATF1, and CREM) gene fusions are defining markers in diverse mesenchymal neoplasms (clear cell sarcoma, angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma, and others). However, neoplasms harboring EWSR1-CREM/FUS-CREM fusions are rare and poorly characterized. We describe two cases (55-year-old male with 7.5 cm renal mass and 32-year-old female with 5.5 cm mesenteric mass) illustrating their misleading immunophenotypes. Histologically, both showed eosinophilic and focally clear epithelioid cells arranged into sheets, nests, and trabeculae. Immunohistochemistry showed ALK, EMA, and AE1/AE3 immunoreactivity suggesting ALK-rearranged renal cell carcinoma (Case 1) and coexpression of keratin, EMA, synaptophysin, and chromogranin-A, suggesting neuroendocrine neoplasm (Case 2). Targeted RNA sequencing revealed EWSR1-CREM (Case 1) and FUS-CREM (Case 2) fusions. These cases add to the spectrum of CREM fusion-positive intra-abdominal epithelioid neoplasms. Their unusual immunophenotype and unexpected sites represent major pitfalls, underline a wide differential diagnosis, and emphasize the value of molecular testing in correctly diagnosing them.
Linguistic methods in healthcare application and COVID-19 variants classification
Authors: Ogiela Marek R. , Ogiela Urszula
Published: July 2021

One of the most important goals of modern medicine is prevention against pandemic and civilization diseases. For such tasks, advanced IT infrastructures and intelligent AI systems are used, which allow supporting patients’ diagnosis and treatment. In our research, we also try to define efficient tools for coronavirus classification, especially using mathematical linguistic methods. This paper presents the ways of application of linguistics techniques in supporting effective management of medical data obtained during coronavirus treatments, and possibilities of application of such methods in classification of different variants of the coronaviruses detected for particular patients. Currently, several types of coronavirus are distinguished, which are characterized by differences in their RNA structure, which in turn causes an increase in the rate of mutation and infection with these viruses.
On infinite groups in which all abelian subgroups are locally cyclic
Authors: Delizia Costantino , Nicotera Chiara
Published: July 2021

The structure of locally soluble periodic groups in which every abelian subgroup is locally cyclic was described over 20 years ago. We complete the aforementioned characterization by dealing with the non-periodic case. We also describe the structure of locally finite groups in which all abelian subgroups are locally cyclic.
The impact of preschool child and maternal attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms on mothers’ perceived chronic stress and hair cortisol
Authors: Szép Anna , Skoluda Nadine , Schloß Susan , Becker Katja , Pauli-Pott Ursula , Nater Urs M.
Published: July 2021

Providing care for a child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with parenting stress. Moreover, adults with elevated ADHD symptoms report increased perceived stress. Despite this, it has rarely been examined whether and how child and maternal ADHD symptoms may affect maternal perceived stress and the stress-sensitive hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. This study therefore investigated the possible impact of child and maternal ADHD symptoms on mothers' perceived chronic stress and hair cortisol concentration (HCC), while simultaneously considering the effects of child oppositional defiant/conduct disorder (ODD/CD) and maternal depressive symptomatology. In total, 124 mothers (35.96 ± 5.21 years) of preschool children were included. Maternal perceived stress, ADHD and depressive symptoms were assessed using self-report measures. Child ADHD symptoms were assessed using an interview and questionnaires completed by mothers and teachers. Additionally, mothers provided information about their children’s ODD/CD symptoms. Hair samples were taken from mothers to assess HCC. Child and maternal ADHD, child ODD/CD, and maternal depressive symptoms accounted for 50% of the variance in perceived chronic stress (F(4, 119) = 30.24; p < 0.01), with only maternal ADHD (β = 0.52, p < 0.01) and depressive symptoms (β = 0.49, p < 0.01) being uniquely significant. Maternal ADHD symptoms did not moderate the relationship between child ADHD symptoms and maternal perceived chronic stress (b = − 0.01; SE b = 0.17; t(5, 118) = − 0.05; p = 0.96). Mother’s age became the only significant predictor of maternal HCC (β = 0.29; p < 0.01). Based on these findings, practitioners are advised to be aware of and take into account possible maternal ADHD and depressive symptomatology and perceived chronic stress when treating children diagnosed with ADHD.