bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scalable Synthesis of Norbornadienes via in situ Cracking of Dicyclopentadiene Using Continuous Flow Chemistry
Authors: Orrego‐Hernández Jessica , Hölzel Helen , Quant Maria , Wang Zhihang , Moth‐Poulsen Kasper
Published: August 2021

The norbornadiene (NBD)‐quadricyclane (QC) photoswitch has recently attracted attention due to its use in molecular solar thermal energy systems (MOST). Normally for device testing, several grams are needed. One way of synthesizing NBDs efficiently is through the Diels‐Alder reaction between alkynes and cyclopentadiene. However, scaling up the reaction can be troublesome in a research lab environment. Also, dicyclopentadiene needs cracking before utilization which is a time‐consuming step. Here, we developed a method where we both scale up the synthesis in a single reaction step that involves both in situ cracking of dicyclopentadiene and the direct reaction of cyclopentadiene with acetylene derivatives using a tubular coiled stainless steel flow reactor. As a proof‐of‐concept, we synthesized six different NBD compounds and scaled the synthesis to produce 87 g of a novel NBD in 9 h. The NBD is further characterized, showing promising properties for MOST applications. Our new method shows that flow chemistry is an attractive technique for the fast and efficient synthesis of large quantities of NBDs, needed to develop future real‐life devices and applications.
Redirection of the Transcription Factor SP1 to AT Rich Binding Sites by a Synthetic Adaptor Molecule
Authors: Bolz Mathias , Scheffer Ute , Kalden Elisabeth , Göbel Michael W.
Published: August 2021

The ubiquitous transcription factor SP1 binds to a GC rich consensus sequence. Here we describe an adaptor molecule that mediates binding of SP1 to a non‐cognate DNA site rich in AT. The adaptor is comprised of a Dervan‐type hairpin polyamide with high affinity to an AT rich hexamer duplex. It also carries a 27mer DNA that contains the SP1 consensus sequence. The synthesis and purification of the polyamide‐DNA conjugate is reported. Pulldown experiments and western blot analysis demonstrate adaptor mediated binding of SP1 to the hexamer duplex TTGTTA.
Perceptions of opioid and other illicit drug exposure reported among first responders in the southeast, 2017 to 2018
Authors: Thompson Robin A. , Sanderson Wayne T. , Westneat Susan , Bunn Terry , Lavender Antionette , Tran Andrew , Holsinger Caroline , Flammia Dwight , Zhang Lei , He Ying
Published: August 2021

Background

Opioid use has risen dramatically in recent years, and its illegal use puts first responders at risk when intervening in overdoses. Synthetic opioids, like fentanyl with a potency 50 to 100 times greater than morphine, pose a great risk and accidental exposure via ingestion, inhalation, mucosal, or percutaneous routes, can potentially lead to fatal outcomes. Anecdotal media accounts in early 2017 of accidental occupational opioid exposure among first responders generated a national concern.

Methods

To identify first responders' recollections, beliefs, and concerns about possible occupational exposure to opioids and other drugs, researchers in Kentucky, Virginia, Mississippi, and Georgia administered an emailed, anonymous convenience sample survey.

Results

A total of 5955 surveys were analyzed with 15% of respondents reporting they believed they had been exposed to opioids, and of those, less than 1% reported experiencing health effects from perceived exposure. Over half (51%) of respondents reported being “very or somewhat concerned” about developing health effects from exposure to opioids. Half of respondents reported being unaware of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/National Institutes for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) guidelines for preventing occupational‐related opioid exposures.

Conclusions

Only a small fraction of first responders believed they had experienced symptoms related to opioid exposure in overdose response calls, but half were concerned about potential exposures and half were unaware of the educational guidance on prevention available. The high level of concern regarding potential exposure warrants the need for the development and or enhancement of targeted educational training interventions and further dissemination of pre‐existing training interventions to ensure first responders have the knowledge and understanding of occupational opioid exposures and minimize stress associated with the potential rare exposures.
Increasing temperature and flow management alter mercury dynamics in East Fork Poplar Creek
Authors: Brooks Scott C. , Miller Carrie L. , Riscassi Ami L. , Lowe Kenneth A. , Dickson Johnbull O. , Schwartz Grace E.
Published: August 2021

East Fork Poplar Creek (EFPC) is a mercury (Hg) contaminated creek in east Tennessee, USA. Stream restoration activities included the initiation of a flow management programme in 1996 in which water from a nearby lake was pumped to the head of the creek. We conducted regular water sampling for 2 years along the length of EFPC during active flow management and for 5 years after flow management stopped. Total Hg and total monomethylmercury (MMHg) concentration and flux decreased in the uppermost reaches of EFPC that were closest to the point of water addition. Most water quality parameters, including DOC concentration, remained unchanged after flow management termination. Nevertheless, SUVA254, a measure of dissolved organic matter (DOM) composition, increased and coincided with increased dissolved Hg (HgD) concentration and flux and decreased Hg solid‐water partitioning coefficients throughout EFPC. Higher SUVA254 and HgD concentration have potential implications for bioavailability and MMHg production. Total and dissolved MMHg concentrations increased in lower reaches of EFPC after the end of flow management and these increases were most pronounced during spring and early summer when biota are more susceptible to exposure and uptake. A general warming trend in the creek after active flow management ended likely acted in concert with higher HgD concentration to promote higher MMHg concentration. Total and dissolved MMHg concentrations were positively correlated with water temperature above a threshold value of 10°C. Concentration changes for Hg and MMHg could not be accounted for by changes in creek discharge that accompanied the cessation of flow management. In addition to the changing DOM composition in‐stream, other watershed‐scale factors likely contributed to the observed patterns, as these changes occurred over months rather than instantaneously after flow management stopped. Nevertheless, similar changes in MMHg have not been observed in a tributary to EFPC.
WNT5B promotes vascular smooth muscle cell dedifferentiation via mitochondrial dynamics regulation in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Wang Feng , Zhen Yanan , Si Chaozeng , Wang Cheng , Pan Lin , Chen Yang , Liu Xiaopeng , Kong Jie , Nie Qiangqiang , Sun Mingsheng , Han Yongxin , Ye Zhidong , Liu Peng , Wen Jianyan
Published: August 2021

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is characterized by proliferative vascular remodeling. Abnormal vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotype switching is crucial to this process, highlighting the need for VSMC metabolic changes to cover cellular energy demand in CTEPH. We report that elevated Wnt family member 5B (WNT5B) expression is associated with vascular remodeling and promotes VSMC phenotype switching via mitochondrial dynamics regulation in CTEPH. Using primary culture of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, we show that high WNT5B expression activates VSMC proliferation and migration and results in mitochondrial fission via noncanonical Wnt signaling in CTEPH. Abnormal VSMC proliferation and migration were abolished by mitochondrial division inhibitor 1, an inhibitor of mitochondrial fission. Secreted frizzled‐related protein 2, a soluble scavenger of Wnt signaling, attenuates VSMC proliferation and migration by accelerating mitochondrial fusion. These findings indicate that WNT5B is an essential regulator of mitochondrial dynamics, contributing to VSMC phenotype switching in CTEPH.
Summer monsoon over northeastern India during the last millennium
Authors: Ashok Karumuri , Soraisam Bidyabati , Tejavath Charan Teja , Cubasch Ulrich
Published: August 2021

Analysing three high resolution coupled model simulations for the Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA) and Little Ice Age (LIA) regimes, available as the last millennium simulations of the PMIP3, we find that Northeastern Indian summer monsoon rainfall (NEISMR) did not change appreciably from the MCA to the LIA. This is in contrast to the signals in the rest of the Indian region. Our results from all the models suggest that, during the MCA, the simulated 100‐hPa tropical easterly jet (TEJ) becomes relatively more intense than that during LIA, due to a stronger Tibetan High. This strengthening of the TEJ results in an associated increase in relative vorticity at the 500 hPa over the Head Bay of Bengal and neighbouring east coast of the Bay of Bengal. This results in higher moisture availability and increased summer monsoon rainfall in the neighbourhood, including the central Indian region, during the MCA. However, the simulations do not show any such changes over northeastern India, indicating a relatively stable simulated NEISMR from MCA through LIA. Furthermore, just as the current day observations, the simulated correlations between the NEISMR with various concurrent ENSO indices are weak and statistically insignificant during the MCA and LIA regimes. Interestingly, an analysis of time‐slice simulations for the MCA and LIA from an atmospheric general circulation model broadly agree with the above conclusions, indicating that the tropical ocean and atmospheric coupling may not have played a major role in the northeast climate.
Comparison between movement pattern training and strengthening on muscle volume, muscle fat, and strength in patients with hip‐related groin pain: An exploratory analysis
Authors: Koch Kristen , Semciw Adam I. , Commean Paul K. , Hillen Travis J. , Fitzgerald G. Kelley , Clohisy John C. , Harris‐Hayes Marcie
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this exploratory analysis was to compare the impact of movement pattern training (MoveTrain) and standard strength and flexibility training (Standard) on muscle volume, strength and fatty infiltration in patients with hip‐related groin pain (HRGP). We completed a secondary analysis of data collected during an assessor‐blinded randomized control trial. Data were used from 27 patients with HRGP, 15–40 years, who were randomized into MoveTrain or Standard groups. Both groups participated in their training protocol (MoveTrain, n = 14 or Standard, n = 13) which included 10 supervised sessions over 12 weeks and a daily home exercise program. Outcome measures were collected at baseline and immediately after treatment. Magnetic resonance images data were used to determine muscle fat index (MFI) and muscle volume. A hand‐held dynamometer was used to assess isometric hip abductor and extensor strength. The Standard group demonstrated a significant posttreatment increase in gluteus medius muscle volume compared to the MoveTrain group. Both groups demonstrated an increase in hip abductor strength and reduction in gluteus minimus and gluteus maximus MFI. The magnitude of change for all outcomes were modest.

Statement of Clinical Significance: Movement pattern training or a program of strength/flexibility training may be effective at improving hipabductor strength and reducing fatty infiltration in the gluteal musculature among those with HRGP. Further research is needed to betterunderstand etiology of strength changes and impact of muscle volume and MFI in HRGP and the effect of exercise on muscle structure andfunction.
IVC filter placement in patients undergoing surgical treatment of bone or soft‐tissue tumors
Authors: Lelkes Valdis , Ippolito Joseph , Thomson Jennifer , Beebe Kathleen , Patterson Francis , Benevenia Joseph
Published: August 2021

Background and Objectives

Patients with cancer to bone or soft tissues undergoing orthopedic procedures may be unable to receive pharmacologic prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters may be an effective method to prevent fatal pulmonary embolism (PE) in these patients.

Methods

Retrospective chart review performed for patients surgically treated for malignant disease of bone or soft tissue who had IVC filter placement. Type of surgery, anatomic region, and development of wound complications requiring repeat surgery were analyzed.

Results

From 2007 to 2018, 286 patients received IVC filters. Ten (3.5%) patients suffered deep vein thrombus (DVT) postoperatively. There was no acute fatal PE. Two patients suffered PE at 2 and 99 days postoperatively. Risk of DVT was comparable following surgery with endoprosthesis versus open reduction and internal fixation (p = 0.056) and with soft tissue versus bone involvement (p = 0.620). Three filter‐related complications occurred. Patients disease at the femur had the highest rate of DVT.

Conclusions

Following treatment of malignant disease of bone or soft‐tissues, two patients with IVC filter placement experienced nonfatal PE and three patients experienced filter‐related complications. No patients in this series experienced a fatal PE.
Determination of phosphate in seawater by ion chromatography inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry
Authors: Cheong Chikako , Miura Tsutomu , Nonose Naoko
Published: August 2021

Phosphate in three seawater certified reference materials developed in previous work (NMIJ CRM 7601‐a, 7602‐a, and 7603‐a) was not certified because it was only determined by continuous flow analysis (CFA). To obtain certified values for phosphate, we developed a novel method for the analysis of phosphate in seawater via inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry (ICP‐SFMS) combined with anion exchange ion chromatography (IC). With use of a Jet‐sampler cone and an X‐skimmer cone on the ICP‐SFMS instrument, the 31P sensitivity derived from phosphate was enhanced by a factor of 18 compared to that of standard cones. To reduce the severe saline‐generated matrix effect, an IC with a switching‐valve system that separates phosphate from saline was employed. By adding an internal standard element (As) to the seawater samples, time‐dependent fluctuation of the 31P sensitivity was corrected and a better calibration curve was obtained. The developed method was applied to the analysis of three types of seawater. Although NMIJ CRM 7601‐a could not be determined because its concentration after dilution for the IC separation is lower than the detection limit (0.005 μmol kg−1), the analytical results for NMIJ CRM 7602‐a and 7603‐a are in good agreement with the values obtained via CFA, considering their expanded uncertainties with the coverage factor of 2. The developed method was validated by analyzing an existing certified reference material (MOOS‐3). This method enabled the measurement of sub‐μmol kg−1 levels of phosphate with high accuracy and sensitivity.
Liver Transplantation for Acute Liver Injury in Asians Is More Likely Due to Herbal and Dietary Supplements
Authors: Kesar Varun , Channen Lindsey , Masood Umair , Grewal Priya , Ahmad Jawad , Roth Nitzan C. , Odin Joseph A.
Published: August 2021

Drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) due to medications and herbal and dietary supplements (HDSs) is a major cause of acute liver injury leading to liver transplantation (LT). This study used United Network for Organ Sharing LT data to analyze severe HDS‐induced acute liver injury in the United States. By convention, patients with acute DILI are listed as “Acute Hepatic Necrosis” (AHN) under the subheading “AHN: Drug Other Specify.” All patients waitlisted from 1994 to 2020 were divided into 3 subgroups: “HDS DILI,” “Non‐HDS DILI,” and “AHN: unknown drug.” Analyses were performed to identify epidemiologic differences between patients with HDS DILI and non‐HDS DILI. A subanalysis was performed for transplanted patients, including longitudinal changes. Of 1875 patients waitlisted for LT, 736 (39.2%) underwent LT. The proportion of Asian patients in the HDS DILI group was significantly higher compared with that in the non‐HDS DILI group (17.4% versus 3.8%; P < 0.001). Excluding acetaminophen cases, the proportion of Black patients in the HDS DILI versus non‐HDS group was significantly lower (8.7% versus 25.3%; P < 0.001). Waitlisted patients with HDS DILI were significantly older (median age, 38 years for HDS DILI versus 31 years for non‐HDS DILI; P = 0.03). Lastly, the number of patients requiring LT due to HDS DILI increased significantly over time with more than 70% of cases occurring in the last 10 years (2010‐2020) compared with the prior 15 years (1994‐2009; P
trend = 0.001). Ethnicity may help in identifying the cause of severe acute DILI, a growing problem as more patients experiment with HDS.
Neurocognitive follow‐up in adult siblings with Phelan–McDermid syndrome due to a novel SHANK3 splicing site mutation
Authors: Kankuri‐Tammilehto Minna , Sauna‐aho Oili , Arvio Maria
Published: August 2021

Background

Phelan–McDermid syndrome (PMD) is usually not only caused by 22q13.3 deletion but also pathogenic variants (mutations) of SHANK3 gene. PMD is characterized by global intellectual disability, severely delayed or absent speech, and features of autism spectrum disorder and susceptibility to psychotic behavior. Here, we describe a neurocognitive follow‐up and genetic etiology for two siblings with PMD.

Method

Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) array test was normal and no 22q13.3 deletion was observed. For this reason, whole exome sequencing (WES) analyzed the siblings’ and the parents’ DNA sample.

Results

The results of the siblings strongly suggest that the SHANK3 gene variant c.2313+1G>A is pathogenic and PMD can be inherited from a mosaic father for this gene variant. Both siblings learned new skills until puberty but experienced a neuropsychiatric disaster after the age of 14 years experienced neurocognitive decline and it was sharp for one of the siblings.

Conclusion

The long‐term observations are sparse in PMD and SHANK3 mutations. This is the neurocognitive follow‐up from childhood to middle ages, where a sharp neurocognitive decline was observed. We conclude that progressive neuropsychiatric symptoms in adolescence are a universal clinical clue for PMD diagnosis and an underlying SHANK3 splicing site mutation.
NeuralDAO: Incorporating neural network generated dose into direct aperture optimization for end‐to‐end IMRT planning
Authors: Liu Cong , Ni Xinye , Jin Xiance , Si Wen
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Thecurrent practice in intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) planning almost always includes different dose calculation strategies for plan optimization and final dose verification. The accurate Monte Carlo (MC) dose algorithm is considered to be time‐consuming for the optimization. Thus a fast, simplified dose algorithm is used in the optimization. The significant differences between the optimized dose and the delivered dose lead to tediously planning loops and potentially suboptimal solutions. This work aims to develop an IMRT optimization algorithm to minimize the dose discrepancy so that the delivered dose can be optimized in a holistic, end‐to‐end manner.

Methods

The proposed algorithm, namely NeuralDAO, integrates a neural dose network into the column generation (CG) direct aperture optimization (DAO) formulation for step‐and‐shoot IMRT planning. The neural dose network is designed and trained to produce doses of MC‐level accuracy within few milliseconds. Its differentiability is fully exploited to compute gradients for identifying potential aperture shapes. A prototype of NeuralDAO was developed in PyTorch and available to the public. Five lung patient cases have been studied. Dosimetric accuracy was compared with the MC dose. Plan quality and time were compared with a state‐of‐the‐art (SoA) dose‐correct algorithm. Statistical analysis was performed by Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.

Results

The average gamma passing rate at 2 mm/2% is 99.7% between the optimized and delivered doses. The convergence process produced by NeuralDAO is virtually identical to that produced by an MC‐based DAO. The average dose calculation time is 12.1 ms for an aperture on GPU. One session of optimization took 10–36 min. Compared with the SoA, better conformity index and homogeneity index were observed for the target. The esophagus was significantly spared. Significant reductions were observed for the replanning number and the planning time.

Conclusions

A new DAO algorithm based on the neural dose network has been developed. The results suggest that this algorithm minimizes the discrepancy between the optimized and delivered doses, which offers a promising approach to reduce the time and effort required in IMRT planning. This work demonstrates the possibility of applying the neural network in IMRT optimization. It is of great potential to extend this algorithm to other treatment modalities.
Ultrasonographic anatomy of posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve in healthy subjects
Authors: Woo Sang Rok , Choi Jun Ho , Jeong Ha Mok , Yoon Joon Shik
Published: August 2021

Introduction/Aims

The posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve (PACN) is one of the cutaneous branches of the radial nerve, and receives sensory input from the posterior arm and forearm. The aim of this study is to describe the ultrasonographic anatomy of the PACN.

Methods

PACN and its branches were scanned using ultrasonography in 30 healthy volunteers. The distances between the epicondylar line and the bifurcation site of each branch of PACN (A) point of separation of the radial nerve and the PACN, (B) point of separation of the anterior and posterior divisions, (C) point of bifurcation of the posterior division into the epicondylar and anconeus branches), cross‐sectional areas and depths from the skin surface to each nerve at positions A, B, and C were measured.

Results

The mean distance from the epicondylar line to A, B, and C was 10.01 ± 0.82 cm, 7.46 ± 0.98 cm, and 4.02 ± 1.16 cm, respectively. The mean depth from the skin surface at A, B, and C was 1.00 ± 0.19 cm, 0.72 ± 0.19 cm, and 0.51 ± 0.12 cm, respectively.

Discussion

Ultrasonographic visualization of the PACN and its major branches was feasible. The reference values in this study may be helpful for more accurate sonographic assessment and electrophysiologic study, and contribute to safer interventions around the elbow region.
Expanding the clinical and genetic spectrum of pathogenic variants in STIM1
Authors: Ticci Chiara , Cassandrini Denise , Rubegni Anna , Riva Beatrice , Vattemi Gaetano , Matà Sabrina , Ricci Giulia , Baldacci Jacopo , Guglielmi Valeria , Di Muzio Antonio , Malandrini Alessandro , Tonin Paola , Siciliano Gabriele , Federico Antonio , Genazzani Armando A. , Santorelli Filippo M. , Merlini Luciano
Published: August 2021

Introduction/Aims

Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) is a reticular Ca2+ sensor composed of a luminal and a cytosolic domain. Autosomal dominant mutations in STIM1 cause tubular aggregate myopathy and Stormorken syndrome or its variant York platelet syndrome. In this study we aimed to expand the features related to new variants in STIM1.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional study of individuals harboring monoallelic STIM1 variants recruited at five tertiary centers involved in a study of inherited myopathies analyzed with a multigene‐targeted panel.

Results

We identified seven individuals (age range, 26‐57 years) harboring variants in STIM1, including five novel changes: three located in the EF‐hand domain, one in the sterile α motif (SAM) domain, and one in the cytoplasmatic region of the protein. Functional evaluation of the pathogenic variants using a heterologous expression system and measuring store‐operated calcium entry demonstrated their causative role and suggested a link of new variants with the clinical phenotype. Muscle contractures, found in three individuals, showed variability in body distribution and in the number of joints involved. Three patients showed cardiac and respiratory involvement. Short stature, hyposplenism, sensorineural hearing loss, hypothyroidism, and Gilbert syndrome were variably observed among the patients. Laboratory tests revealed hyperCKemia in six patients, thrombocytopenia in two patients, and hypocalcemia in one patient. Muscle biopsy showed the presence of tubular aggregates in three patients, type I fiber atrophy in one patient, and nonspecific myopathic changes in two patients.

Discussion

Our clinical, histological, and molecular data expand the genetic and clinical spectrum of STIM1‐related diseases.
Development of a Simple Morphometric Model to Identify Sex in Chinook Salmon Returning to Spawn in the Yukon River
Authors: Bradley Catherine A. , Brown Randy J.
Published: August 2021

Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha support major fisheries in the Yukon River in Canada and the United States. Demographic data, including length, age, and sex composition of annual runs underpin management programs tasked with meeting escapement goals and providing for various fisheries within the drainage. Numerous sampling projects along the river collect these data annually, most without sacrificing fish. However, substantial error can occur when assigning sex based on observations of secondary sexual characteristics, particularly early in the spawning migration. We sought to develop a quantitative method of analyzing morphology of Chinook Salmon in the Yukon River that would achieve ≥95% accuracy of sex assignment with live fish. We collected snout lengths (SL) and mid-eye-to-fork lengths (MEF) from 2,342 known-sex fish from six regions of the drainage ranging from 40 to 2,000 km upstream from the sea, including a collection from postspawning fish. We fit three logistic regression models to the data using MEF, the ratio of SL to MEF, and regional group as covariates, including interactions and quadratic terms. Model selection was made using Akaike information criterion and cross-validation of prediction performance. Accuracy rates of the final quantitative model ranged from 79% for a lower Yukon River group to 92% for the postspawning group. Though short of our accuracy goal, the quantitative method may provide an improvement over existing methods of sex assignments in some regions of the drainage. Lower assignment rates in the lower river may reflect the mixed-stock composition of the fishery, where samples include fish with both short and long migrations ahead of them. However, we speculate that Chinook Salmon migrating to upper Yukon River spawning areas minimize the expression of secondary sexual characteristics, such as SL in males, and instead allocate their energy reserves to accomplishing the long migrations.
3D‐printing antibacterial composite filaments containing synergistic antibacterial activity of green tea and tannic acid
Authors: Thavornyutikarn Boonlom , Lertwimol Tareerat , Kosorn Wasana , Hankamolsiri Weerawan , Nampichai Nutdanai , Janvikul Wanida
Published: August 2021

Novel three‐dimensional (3D) printing antibacterial thermoplastic polyurethane/green tea/tannic acid (TPU/GT/TA) composite filaments were successfully developed. The antimicrobial property of the filaments was evaluated against three Gram‐positive bacterial strains, that is, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Bacillus subtilis, using an agar diffusion assay. It was noted that the enhanced inhibitory potency of the filaments was derived from the synergistic antibacterial activity of GT and TA, also confirmed by the antibacterial potency of the crude extract of GT/TA mixture which was used as a synergism study model. Not only the weight ratio of GT and TA incorporated in the filaments, but also the uniform mixing of the polymer compounds played a crucial role in the antibacterial efficiency of the resulting filaments. Both GT and TA were uniformly distributed in the matrices of filaments composed of total contents of GT and TA ≤ 30 wt%, proven by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), and micro‐computer tomography (μCT) analysis. Furthermore, a number of voids existed in the filament matrix were found to increase with a rising content of fillers. Among the composite filaments prepared, TPU/GT25/TA:70/10/20 filament demonstrated the best tensile property, whereas TPU/GT25/TA:70/15/15 filament possessed the greatest inhibitory potency. The antibacterial stability of the developed composite filaments after 3D printing and storage was eventually assessed. The novel composite filaments had a promising potential use as an effectively antibacterial FDM feedstock for such applications as 3D printed antimicrobial insoles.
Enhancing the mechanical, morphological, and rheological behavior of polyethylene/polypropylene blends with maleic anhydride‐grafted polyethylene
Authors: Graziano Antimo , Titton Dias Otavio Augusto , Sena Maia Bruno , Li Jinlei
Published: August 2021

This is the first study to showcase the use of maleic anhydride‐grafted polyethylene (MAPE) to compatibilize polyethylene (PE)‐rich blends, where polypropylene (PP) represents the minor phase. By first mixing PP with MAPE, and then adding PE, MAPE was assumed to be localized at the PE/PP interface. Microscopy analysis confirmed that MAPE led to a remarkably fine PE/PP/MAPE morphology, with PP being uniformly dispersed into PE and having an average diameter 267% smaller than that in the PE/PP blend. According to mechanical and rheological tests, this translated into a 14%, 20%, and 14% enhancement of tensile strength, tensile modulus, and tensile toughness, respectively, as well as a 10% and 20% drop in PE/PP viscosity mismatch and interfacial tension, respectively. Finally, PE/PP/MAPE tensile toughness and elongation at break were greater than those of virgin PP, while PE/PP/MAPE strength and stiffness were similar to the ones of neat PP. Therefore, this study provides industries with the possibility to utilize products rich in PE instead of those made of more expensive PP, while still keeping the level of performance high; hence, creating a paradigm shift in the development of advanced lightweight polyolefin materials with tuned functionalities.
The effect of ankle‐foot orthosis on ankle kinematics in individuals after stroke: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wada Yoshitaka , Otaka Yohei , Mukaino Masahiko , Tsujimoto Yasushi , Shiroshita Akihiro , Kawate Nobuyuki , Taito Shunsuke
Published: August 2021

Objective

To evaluate whether ankle‐foot orthosis (AFO) has a beneficial effect on dorsiflexion angle increase during the swing phase among individuals with stroke and patient‐important outcomes in individuals with stroke.

Literature Survey

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), randomized crossover trials, and cluster RCTs until May 2020 were researched through CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PEDro, CINAHL, and REHABDATA databases. Studies reporting on AFO use to improve walking, functional mobility, quality of life, and activity limitations and reports of adverse events in individuals with stroke were included.

Methodology

Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations approach.

Synthesis

Fourteen trials that enrolled 282 individuals with stroke and compared AFO with no AFO were included. Compared with no AFO, AFO could increase the dorsiflexion angle of ankle joints during walking (mean difference [MD, 3.7°]; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0–5.3; low certainty of evidence). Furthermore, AFO could improve walking ability (walking speed) (MD, 0.09 [m/s]; 95% CI, 0.06–0.12; low certainty of evidence). No study had reported the effects of AFO on quality of life, adverse events, fall frequency, and activities of daily life.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that AFO improved ankle kinematics and walking ability in the short term; nonetheless, the evidence was characterized by a low degree of certainty.
Dynamics of the dimethyl sulfide exchange of (1,3‐diphenylallyl)dimethylsulfonium ions
Authors: Jüstel Patrick M. , Rovó Petra , Mayr Herbert , Ofial Armin R.
Published: August 2021

The dynamics of the allylic rearrangement of the (1,3‐diphenylallyl)dimethylsulfonium ion in CD2Cl2, which proceeds via intermediate 1,3‐diphenylallyl cations, has been investigated by variable temperature 1H NMR spectroscopy. At low temperature, the three allylic protons give rise to an AMX system, and the two diastereotopic S‐methyl groups resonate at different frequencies. At higher temperature, an AX2 system for the allylic protons and a single signal for the S‐methyl groups are observed. The resulting exchange rate constant of (364 ± 2) s–1 at 25°C, which corresponds to the rate of the heterolytic cleavage of the C–S bond, was used to explore the range of validity of the linear free energy relationship log khet(25°C) = sf (Nf + Ef), which describes the rates of heterolytic cleavages by the electrofugality parameter Ef and the solvent‐dependent nucleofuge‐specific parameters Nf and sf. The observed rate constant corroborates a previous conclusion that two different sets of Nf and sf parameters may exist for the same nucleofuge. Knowledge of whether the reverse bond‐forming reaction occurs under activation or under diffusion control is crucial for the choice of the appropriate set of nucleofugality parameters.
Optimization of a lysis method to isolate periplasmic proteins from Gram‐negative bacteria for clinical mass spectrometry
Authors: Cheon Dong Huey , Lee Saeyoung , Yang Won Suk , Hwang Seohyun , Jang Heejung , Kim Min Jin , Baek Je‐Hyun
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Clinical mass spectrometry requires a simple step process for sample preparation. This study aims to optimize the method for isolating periplasmic protein from Gram‐negative bacteria and apply to clinical mass spectrometry.

Experimental Design

The Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)‐producing E. coli standard cells were used for optimizing the osmotic shock (OS) lysis method. The supernatant from OS lysis was analysed by LC‐MS/MS and MALDI‐TOF MS. The effectiveness of the OS lysis method for KPC‐2‐producing Enterobacteriaceae clinical isolates were then confirmed by MALDI‐TOF MS.

Results

The optimized OS lysis using KPC‐2 producing E. coli standard cells showed a high yield of KPC‐2 protein and enriches periplasmic proteins. Compared with other lysis methods, the detection sensitivity of KPC‐2 protein significantly increased in MALDI‐TOF MS analysis. Nineteen clinical isolates were validated by MALDI‐TOF MS using the OS method, which also showed higher detection sensitivity compared to other lysis method (e.g., 1.5% n‐octyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside) (p < 0.001).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

This study provides a straightforward, rapid, affordable, and detergent‐free method for the analysis of periplasmic proteins from Enterobacteriaceae clinical isolates. This approach may contribute to MS‐based clinical diagnostics.
Pulmonary melioidosis complicating foreign body aspiration in a young adult
Authors: Vemuri Mahesh Babu , Malik Archana , Mohapatra Madhusmita Mohanty , Sistla Sujatha , Madan Purath Shahana , Raj Sruthi , Rajaram Manju
Published: August 2021

Melioidosis is caused by an environmental Gram‐negative bacilli Burkholderia pseudomallei. Diabetes mellitus, occupational exposure to soil and water, pre‐existing renal diseases and thalassemia are significant independent risk factors for melioidosis. A 30‐year‐old male carpenter and smoker had a history of accidental aspiration of foreign body 2 months prior. On presentation, he had cough with expectoration and low‐grade intermittent fever for 1 month. His chest x‐ray displayed left lower zone consolidation with cavitation and presence of foreign body in the left lower lobe bronchus. Bronchoalveolar lavage inoculated onto 5% sheep blood agar and MacConkey agar grew B. pseudomallei. Melioidosis due to foreign body aspiration is rare. To the best of our knowledge, there have not been reports of melioidosis infection associated with foreign body inhalation. Hence, pulmonary melioidosis can be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of foreign body with secondary infection even in immunocompetent host.
Application of a synthetic ligand in rapidly synergistic cloud point method for separation and preconcentration trace amounts of copper of water samples
Authors: Kazemi Malihe Samadi , Jamali Mohmmad Reza , Yazdani Vali
Published: August 2021

In this study, a rapidly synergistic cloud point extraction method was used to separate and pre‐concentrate small amounts of copper ions. Synthetic ligand 4‐benzylpyridine dithiocarbamate as a complexing agent, non‐ionic surfactant (Triton X‐100) as an extractant, and octanol as a synergic reagent were used. Parameters affecting copper ion extraction such as pH, ligand concentration, octanol volume, type of diluent solvent, stirring speed and time, surfactant concentration, and the effect of ionic strength were investigated. Ultraviolet‐visible spectrophotometry was used to measure the absorption of copper complex. Under optimal conditions, limit of detection, preconcentration factor, and relative standard deviation for copper were 1.4 × 10–3 μg /mL, 10 and 2.1, respectively. Also, the relative extraction efficiency of copper extraction in real samples was greater than 97%.
“It Made Me Think in a Different Way”: Bilingual Students’ Perspectives on Multimodal Composing in the English Language Arts Classroom
Authors: Smith Blaine E. , Amgott Natalie , Malova Irina
Published: August 2021

This study examined 94 bilingual and emergent bilingual 10th grade students’ perspectives on multimodal composing for academic purposes in their English Language Arts class. A social semiotics theoretical framework was employed to understand students’ views of the affordances and constraints when composing three digital multimodal projects—a hypertext poetry analysis, a persuasive podcast, and a video literary analysis. Qualitative analysis of interviews and written reflections revealed how students overwhelmingly held a positive view of composing with multiple modes for academic purposes. Students detailed the unique semiotic resources of nonlinguistic modes for supporting their understanding of the content and innovative meaning‐making. A majority of students described how communicating through multiple modes offered impactful opportunities to express their bilingual/bicultural identities as well as explore the affective dimensions of the English Language Arts content. Additionally, students explained how the process of multimodal composing fostered peer collaboration and creating meaningful connections to other works and their lives. Along with affordances, students also described a variety of challenges when designing their digital projects, including technical difficulties, uncertainty of expectations, and sufficiently representing their ideas multimodally. This study concludes with implications for how educators can learn from listening to emergent bilingual students’ perspectives when integrating technology in the classroom.
Medium-term health and social outcomes in adolescents following sexual assault: a prospective mixed-methods cohort study
Authors: Clarke Venetia , Goddard Andrea , Wellings Kaye , Hirve Raeena , Casanovas Marta , Bewley Susan , Viner Russell , Kramer Tami , Khadr Sophie
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To describe medium-term physical and mental health and social outcomes following adolescent sexual assault, and examine users’ perceived needs and experiences.

Method

Longitudinal, mixed methods cohort study of adolescents aged 13–17 years recruited within 6 weeks of sexual assault (study entry) and followed to study end, 13–15 months post-assault.

Results

75/141 participants were followed to study end (53% retention; 71 females) and 19 completed an in-depth qualitative interview. Despite many participants accessing support services, 54%, 59% and 72% remained at risk for depressive, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders 13–15 months post-assault. Physical symptoms were reported more frequently. Persistent (> 30 days) absence from school doubled between study entry and end, from 22 to 47%. Enduring mental ill-health and disengagement from education/employment were associated with psychosocial risk factors rather than assault characteristics. Qualitative data suggested inter-relationships between mental ill-health, physical health problems and disengagement from school, and poor understanding from schools regarding how to support young people post-assault. Baseline levels of smoking, alcohol and ever drug use were high and increased during the study period (only significantly for alcohol use).

Conclusion

Adolescents presenting after sexual assault have high levels of vulnerability over a year post-assault. Many remain at risk for mental health disorders, highlighting the need for specialist intervention and ongoing support. A key concern for young people is disruption to their education. Multi-faceted support is needed to prevent social exclusion and further widening of health inequalities in this population, and to support young people in their immediate and long-term recovery.
Roles of vertical distributions of atmospheric transient eddy dynamical forcing and diabatic heating in midlatitude unstable air–sea interaction
Authors: Fang Jiabei , Chen Lilan , Yang Xiu-Qun
Published: August 2021

Atmospheric transient eddy dynamical forcing (TEDF)-driven midlatitude unstable air–sea interaction has recently been recognized as a crucial positive feedback for the maintenance of the extratropical decadal variabilities. Our recent theoretical work (Chen et al., Clim Dyn 10.1007/s00382-020-05405-0, 2020) has characterized such an interaction through building an analytical midlatitude barotropic atmospheric model coupled to a simplified upper oceanic model. This study extends the analytical model to including a two-layer quasi-geostrophic baroclinic atmospheric model and then identifies the roles of vertical distributions of atmospheric TEDF and diabatic heating in midlatitude unstable air–sea interaction. It is found that midlatitude air–sea coupling with more realistic vertical profiles of atmospheric TEDF and diabatic heating destabilizes oceanic Rossby wave modes over the entire range of zonal wavelengths, in which the most unstable coupled mode features an equivalent barotropic atmospheric low (high) pressure over a cold (warm) oceanic surface. Spatial structure and period of the most unstable mode are more consistent with the observation than those from in previous model. Although either TEDF or diabatic heating alone can lead to a destabilized coupled mode, the former makes a dominant contribution to the instability. The increase of low-layer TEDF stimulates the instability more effectively if the TEDF in upper layer is larger than in lower layer, while the TEDF in either high or low layers can individually cause the instability. The surface heating always destabilizes the air–sea interaction, while the mid-level heating always decays the coupled mode. The results of this study further confirm the TEDF-driven positive feedback mechanism in midlatitude air–sea interaction proposed by recent observational and numerical experiment studies.
Pro-vegetarian food patterns and cardiometabolic risk in the PREDIMED-Plus study: a cross-sectional baseline analysis
Authors: Oncina-Cánovas Alejandro , Vioque Jesús , González-Palacios Sandra , Martínez-González Miguel Ángel , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , Corella Dolores , Zomeño Dolores , Martínez J. Alfredo , Alonso-Gómez Ángel M. , Wärnberg Julia , Romaguera Dora , López-Miranda José , Estruch Ramon , Bernal-Lopez Rosa M. , Lapetra José , Serra-Majem J. Luís , Bueno-Cavanillas Aurora , Tur Josep A. , Martín-Sánchez Vicente , Pintó Xavier , Delgado-Rodríguez Miguel , Matía-Martín Pilar , Vidal Josep , Vázquez Clotilde , Daimiel Lidia , Ros Emili , Toledo Estefanía , Babio Nancy , Sorli Jose V. , Schröder Helmut , Zulet María Angeles , Sorto-Sánchez Carolina , Barón-López Francisco Javier , Compañ-Gabucio Laura , Morey Marga , García-Ríos Antonio , Casas Rosa , Gómez-Pérez Ana María , Santos-Lozano José Manuel , Vázquez-Ruiz Zenaida , Nishi Stephanie K. , Asensio Eva M. , Soldevila Núria , Abete Itziar , Goicolea-Güemez Leire , Buil-Cosiales Pilar , García-Gavilán Jesús F. , Canals Erik , Torres-Collado Laura , García-de-la-Hera Manuela
Published: August 2021

Purpose

We explored the cross-sectional association between the adherence to three different provegetarian (PVG) food patterns defined as general (gPVG), healthful (hPVG) and unhealthful (uPVG), and the cardiometabolic risk in adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS) of the PREDIMED-Plus randomized intervention study.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from 6439 participants of the PREDIMED-Plus randomized intervention study. The gPVG food pattern was built by positively scoring plant foods (vegetables/fruits/legumes/grains/potatoes/nuts/olive oil) and negatively scoring, animal foods (meat and meat products/animal fats/eggs/fish and seafood/dairy products). The hPVG and uPVG were generated from the gPVG by adding four new food groups (tea and coffee/fruit juices/sugar-sweetened beverages/sweets and desserts), splitting grains and potatoes and scoring them differently. Multivariable-adjusted robust linear regression using MM-type estimator was used to assess the association between PVG food patterns and the standardized Metabolic Syndrome score (MetS z-score), a composed index that has been previously used to ascertain the cardiometabolic risk, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

A higher adherence to the gPVG and hPVG was associated with lower cardiometabolic risk in multivariable models. The regression coefficients for 5th vs. 1st quintile were − 0.16 (95% CI: − 0.33 to 0.01) for gPVG (p trend: 0.015), and − 0.23 (95% CI: − 0.41 to − 0.05) for hPVG (p trend: 0.016). In contrast, a higher adherence to the uPVG was associated with higher cardiometabolic risk, 0.21 (95% CI: 0.04 to 0.38) (p trend: 0.019).

Conclusion

Higher adherence to gPVG and hPVG food patterns was generally associated with lower cardiovascular risk, whereas higher adherence to uPVG was associated to higher cardiovascular risk.
Predicting postoperative pancreatic fistula in pancreatic head resections: which score fits all?
Authors: Adamu Mariam , Plodeck Verena , Adam Claudia , Roehnert Anne , Welsch Thilo , Weitz Juergen , Distler Marius
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a major complication of pancreatic surgery and can be fatal. Better stratification of patients into risk groups may help to select those who might benefit from strategies to prevent complications. The aim of this study was to validate ten prognostic scores in patients who underwent pancreatic head surgery.

Methods

A total of 364 patients were included in this study between September 2012 and August 2017. Ten risk scores were applied to this cohort. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed considering all risk factors in the scores. Furthermore, the stratification of patients into risk categories was statistically tested.

Results

Nine of the scores (Ansorge et al., Braga et al., Callery et al., Graham et al., Kantor et al., Mungroop et al., Roberts et al., Yamamoto et al. and Wellner et al.) showed strong prognostic stratification for developing POPF (p < 0.001). There was no significant prognostic value for the Fujiwara et al. risk score. Histology, pancreatic duct diameter, intraabdominal fat thickness in computed tomography findings, body mass index, and C-reactive protein were independent prognostic factors on multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Most risk scores tend to stratify patients correctly according to risk for POPF. Nevertheless, except for the fistula risk score (Callery et al.) and its alternative version (Mungroop et al.), many of the published risk scores are obscure even for the dedicated pancreatic surgeon in terms of their clinical practicability. There is a need for future studies to provide strategies for preventing POPF and managing patients with high-risk stigmata.