bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self‐Propelled Supracolloidal Fibers from Multifunctional Polymer Surfactants and Droplets
Authors: Zhao Jing , Santa Chalarca Cristiam Fernando , Nunes Janine K. , Stone Howard A. , Emrick Todd
Published: July 2020

Advanced synthetic materials are needed to produce nano‐ and mesoscale structures that function autonomously, catalyze reactions, and convert chemical energy into motion. This paper describes supracolloidal fiber‐like structures that are composed of self‐adhering, or “sticky,” oil‐in‐water emulsion droplets. Polymer zwitterion surfactants serve as the key interfacial components of these materials, enabling multiple functions simultaneously, including acting as droplet‐stabilizing surfactants, interdroplet adhesives, and building blocks of the fibers. This fiber motion, a surprising additional feature of these supracolloidal structures, is observed at the air–water interface and hinged on the chemistry of the polymer surfactant. The origin of this motion is hypothesized to involve transport of polymer from the oil–water interface to the air–water interface, which generates a Marangoni (interfacial) stress. Harnessing this fiber motion with functional polymer surfactants, and selection of the oil phase, produced worm‐like objects capable of rotation, oscillation, and/or response to external fields. Overall, these supracolloidal fibers fill a design gap between self‐propelled nano/microscale particles and macroscale motors, and have the potential to serve as new components of soft, responsive materials structures.
Solitary and periodic wave solutions to the family of nonlinear conformable fractional Boussinesq‐like equations
Authors: Kumar Dipankar , Paul Gour Chandra
Published: July 2020

The current study investigates the exact solitary, singular, and periodic singular wave solutions to the family of nonlinear fractional Boussinesq‐like (Bq‐like) equations using the (G′/G,1/G)‐expansion method. The considered equations in the sense of conformable derivative are converted into ordinary differential equations with the assist of fractional transformation. Applying the (G′/G,1/G)‐expansion method through the symbolic computation package Maple, some new exact solitary, singular, and periodic wave solutions to the considered equations in fractional forms are acquired in terms of a variety of complex hyperbolic, trigonometric, and rational functions. Moreover, the particular solutions extracted by the mentioned method are expressed with the combination of tanh, sech; coth, csch; tan, sec, and cot, csc functions. Among the produced solutions, some of the new solutions have been visualized by three‐dimensional (3D) and two‐dimensional (2D) graphics under the choice of suitable arbitrary parameters to show their physical interpretation. The acquired results demonstrate the power of the executed method to evaluate the exact solutions of the nonlinear fractional Bq‐like equations, which may be used for applying nonlinear water model to coastal and ocean engineering. All the produced solutions have been verified by substituting back into their corresponding equations with the aid of symbolic computation software Maple 17.
Cost of health care for paediatric patients with sickle cell disease: An analysis of resource use and costs in a European country
Authors: Thielen Frederick W. , Houwing Maite E. , Cnossen Marjon H. , al Hadithy‐Irgiztseva Ilona A. , Hazelzet Jan A. , Groot Carin A. Uyl‐de , de Pagter Anne P.J. , Blommestein Hedwig M.
Published: July 2020

Background

While multiple studies have examined the cost of health care for one aspect of sickle cell disease care, few have focussed on the overall cost of comprehensive care for sickle cell disease.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children with sickle cell disease treated in a comprehensive care centre from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2016. Health care utilisation of included patients was based upon data from two main sources. The clinical practice guideline was used to determine the expected resource use of routine comprehensive care (planned elective care), and the financial claims database was used to estimate real‐world resource use associated with acute and inpatient care (additional care).

Results

A total of 125 children with sickle cell disease were analysed. Expenditures for these patients averaged €5049 [standard deviation (SD) €1634] per child per year. Total yearly costs per patient varied considerably, ranging from €669 to €84 010, and less than 15% of patients were responsible for 50% of the health care costs. The majority (37%) of costs was associated with inpatient hospital care, which increased by age group, 27% with diagnostics, 19% with treatment, 11% with outpatients’ visits and 6% with emergency care.

Conclusion

We have described real‐world resource use and expenditures for children with sickle cell disease in a European comprehensive care centre. It seems that costs of a comprehensive approach with effective management in the outpatient setting is favourable when compared to episodic health care.
Frequency of face touching with and without a mask in pediatric hematology/oncology health care professionals
Authors: Lucas Tiffany L. , Mustain Rachel , Goldsby Robert E.
Published: July 2020

The impact of wearing a mask on face‐touching behavior is unknown. We conducted a survey of pediatric hematology/oncology staff to assess the perception of how masks would affect face‐touching behavior and a brief observational study of providers during conferences in a children's hospital to quantify how masks affect face‐touching behavior. Most felt that the mask would either increase (37.4%) or decrease (36.6%) their face‐touching behavior. During a total of 330 person‐minutes of observation, median face‐touching rate was 5.4 face touches/hour (FT/h) while wearing a mask and 20 FT/h without a mask. Masks may reduce face‐touching behavior amongst health care professionals.
The mechanism of the controlled deposition of electrospun fibers
Authors: Ma Haopeng , Gao Qiyao , Wang Xiulei , Li Haoyi , Yang Weimin , Jiao Zhiwei
Published: July 2020

The controlled deposition of electrospun fibers means that the electrospun fibers can be collected in a limited and specified area and can present better applications in the fields of medical treatment, garment making, and 3D printing. In order to study the mechanism of the controlled deposition of electrospun fibers, simulation and experimental methods were used. Specifically, in the electrospinning experiment, circular copper sheets of different diameters were used as collectors. The effect of different collector areas on the morphology of fiber deposition was discussed. The electric field distribution of electrospinning with different specifications of collectors was simulated correspondingly. The experimental results show that, as compared to the traditional large flat collector, the area where the electrospun fibers are deposited is significantly reduced when a smaller circular copper plate was used as a collector. The smaller the area of the collector, the more the fibers tend to deposit at the center area of the collector, and the more likely the morphology of the product formed by the fiber deposition to exhibit a center protrusion shape. The controlled deposition of the electrospun fiber technology can provide more opportunities for the application of the electrospinning technology.
Everyday life challenges among adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: An in‐depth qualitative study
Authors: Andrés‐Jensen Liv , Larsen Hanne Baekgaard , Johansen Christoffer , Frandsen Thomas Leth , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Wahlberg Ayo
Published: July 2020

Objective

As survival rates increase, growing numbers of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors are at risk for somatic and psychosocial late effects. Adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors represent a distinct and vulnerable group. This study aimed to explore how AYA survivors of childhood ALL experience everyday life after cancer while adjusting to the potential impact of prior disease and treatment.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were performed with survivors aged 15‐22 years. Criterion‐based homogenous purposive sampling was used to identify similarities within the group. Data were analyzed using an inductive, thematic approach.

Results

Data saturation occurred after 18 interviews. Identified themes included the post‐chemo body, negotiating identities, and disruption. More than 80% reported physical or cognitive late effects, but survivors adapted to these and had a positive view on own health. However, a co‐existing experience of frailty persisted. Social disruption during treatment had a negative impact on social relations even years following cure. Identity issues revolved around the paradox of seeking recognition for their cancer‐related experiences, while also wanting to be treated like everyone else. Some participants aged 18‐22 years experienced delayed reactions and a new, but unmet, need to process the past.

Conclusions

AYA survivors of childhood ALL adapt well to their new life situations, but many experience ongoing cancer‐related disruptions and experience not being fully understood. We suggest exploration and verbalization of these issues alongside somatic follow‐up around the age of 16‐18 years to support the AYA survivors during their transition into adulthood.
Passivation of CdS/Cu2ZnSnS4 Interface from Surface Treatments of Kesterite‐Based Thin‐Film Solar Cells
Authors: Martin Natalia M. , Platzer-Björkman Charlotte , Simonov Konstantin , Rensmo Håkan , Törndahl Tobias
Published: July 2020

Surface treatments of Cu2ZnSnS4 have shown a beneficial effect on the solar cells performance due to a reduction in the open‐circuit voltage (VOC) deficit. Several reasons have been suggested for the VOC deficit, including an unfavorable band alignment at the buffer/Cu2ZnSnS4 interface. Herein, the influence of Cu2ZnSnS4 surface treatment (air exposure and air anneal) on the electronic and chemical properties of Cu2ZnSnS4 and CdS/Cu2ZnSnS4 interfaces is investigated. Using hard X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, it is shown that the band alignment at the CdS/Cu2ZnSnS4 interface is not significantly altered by the applied surface treatment. The device enhancement is instead connected to interface passivation for the surface‐treated Cu2ZnSnS4 samples due to the formation of SnOx, which is shown to not be fully removed upon KCN etching prior to the buffer layer deposition. In addition, a surface treatment of the Cu2ZnSnS4 absorber prior to buffer layer deposition influences the growth of CdS buffer, as a thicker CdS‐overlayer is observed to grow on a surface‐treated Cu2ZnSnS4 sample as compared with a nontreated sample. This suggests that a reoptimization of the CdS thickness for a given Cu2ZnSnS4 surface treatment is required.
Thrombocytopaenia during nintedanib treatment in a patient with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Ochi Yusuke , Kato Motoyasu , Fujioka Masahiro , Hayashi Mika , Takagi Haruhi , Takahashi Kazuhisa
Published: July 2020

A 72‐year‐old Japanese man was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and treatment with nintedanib was initiated. Ten months after nintedanib treatment initiation, his serum platelet levels gradually decreased until it reached 14,000/mm2 and he was admitted to our hospital. At admission, his serum platelet‐associated immunoglobin G level was markedly increased, and bone marrow biopsy showed megakaryocytic hyperplasia. We suspended nintedanib treatment and transfused platelet concentrate. In the absence of evidence of other diseases related to thrombocytopaenia, including Helicobacter pylori infection, thrombocytopaenia was considered to have been caused by nintedanib use. After the patient received high‐dose dexamethasone therapy (20 mg/day for four days) and thrombopoietin receptor agonist, eltrombopag olamine (maximum dose: 50 mg/day), the serum platelet count gradually increased. Here, we present a rare case of symptomatic thrombocytopaenia associated with nintedanib treatment in a patient with IPF.
Human bone marrow stem/stromal cell osteogenesis is regulated via mechanically activated osteocyte-derived extracellular vesicles
Authors: Eichholz Kian F. , Woods Ian , Riffault Mathieu , Johnson Gillian P. , Corrigan Michele , Lowry Michelle C. , Shen Nian , Labour Marie-Noelle , Wynne Kieran , O’Driscoll Lorraine , Hoey David A.
Published: July 2020

Bone formation or regeneration requires the recruitment, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of stem/stromal progenitor cells. A potent stimulus driving this process is mechanical loading. Osteocytes are mechanosensitive cells that play fundamental roles in coordinating loading-induced bone formation via the secretion of paracrine factors. However, the exact mechanisms by which osteocytes relay mechanical signals to these progenitor cells are poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to demonstrate the potency of the mechanically stimulated osteocyte secretome in driving human bone marrow stem/stromal cell (hMSC) recruitment and differentiation, and characterize the secretome to identify potential factors regulating stem cell behavior and bone mechanobiology. We demonstrate that osteocytes subjected to fluid shear secrete a distinct collection of factors that significantly enhance hMSC recruitment and osteogenesis and demonstrate the key role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in driving these effects. This demonstrates the pro-osteogenic potential of osteocyte-derived mechanically activated extracellular vesicles, which have great potential as a cell-free therapy to enhance bone regeneration and repair in diseases such as osteoporosis.
Selective Sensing of Proteins Using Aptamer Functionalized Nanopore Extended Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Ren Ren , Wang Xiaoyi , Cai Shenglin , Zhang Yanjun , Korchev Yuri , Ivanov Aleksandar P. , Edel Joshua B.
Published: July 2020

The ability to sense proteins and protein‐related interactions at the single‐molecule level is becoming of increasing importance to understand biological processes and diseases better. Single‐molecule sensors, such as nanopores have shown substantial promise for the label‐free detection of proteins; however, challenges remain due to the lack of selectivity and the need for relatively high analyte concentrations. An aptamer‐functionalized nanopore extended field‐effect transistor (nexFET) sensor is reported here, where protein transport can be controlled via the gate voltage that in turn improves single‐molecule sensitivity and analyte capture rates. Importantly, these sensors allow for selective detection, based on the choice of aptamer chemistry, and can provide a valuable addition to the existing methods for the analysis of proteins and biomarkers in biological fluids.
A system dynamics model of capital structure policy for firm value maximization
Authors: Khan Aima , Qureshi Muhammad Azeem , Davidsen Pål Ingebrigt
Published: July 2020

The complexity surrounding the maximization of firm value agenda demands a comprehensive causal model that effectively embeds the intertwining relationships of the variables and the policies involved. System dynamics provides an appropriate methodology to model and simulate such complex relationships to facilitate decision making in a complex business environment. The objective of the study is to analyze the impact of capital structure policy, being a key managerial decision, on the firm value. For this purpose, the study develops a system dynamics‐based corporate planning model for an oil firm, including the operational as well as financial processes. Various scenarios and capital structure policies have been designed and simulated to identify the policy that helps in increasing the firm value. The results demonstrate that increase in debt percentage in capital structure mix increase the firm value.
Materdicine: Interdiscipline of materials and medicine
Authors: Xiang Huijing , Chen Yu
Published: July 2020

The clinical medicine and biomaterials are two fields that are conducive to achieve the goal of precise medicine on diagnostics and therapeutics of various diseases. The interdiscipline of materials and medicine, termed/abbreviated as “materdicine,” seeks to address the dominant medical shortcomings and challenges faced by conventional medicine, including inferior bioavailability, systemic toxicity, poor targeting specificity, and unsatisfied diagnostic/therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we present the perspective and discussion on the use of diverse biomaterials for disease diagnosis and treatment from a broad perspective, especially on nanoscale biomaterials. We initially highlight the recent advances on the engineering of abundant contrast agents for diagnostic bioimaging, such as optical fluorescence imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, and photoacoustic imaging. In addition, discussions on the diagnostic biosensing for point‐of‐care diagnosis, such as fluorescent and plasmonic sensors, are supplemented. Furthermore, we outline several materdicine‐enabled therapeutic modalities for disease treatments, including the following exemplified scaffold biomaterials for regenerative medicine. Especially, rational modulation of toxicity issues of micro‐/nanoscale biomaterials is also accounted for addressing the possible concerns of biocompatibility and biosafety on further clinical translation of materdicine. Finally, we summarize facing challenges and outlook future developments relating to the clinical translation of these distinctive biomaterials in materdicine.
Opportunities and challenges for the clinical translation of structuredDNAassemblies as gene therapeutic delivery and vaccine vectors
Authors: Dobrovolskaia Marina A. , Bathe Mark
Published: July 2020

Gene therapeutics including siRNAs, anti‐sense oligos, messenger RNAs, and CRISPR ribonucleoprotein complexes offer unmet potential to treat over 7,000 known genetic diseases, as well as cancer, through targeted in vivo modulation of aberrant gene expression and immune cell activation. Compared with viral vectors, nonviral delivery vectors offer controlled immunogenicity and low manufacturing cost, yet suffer from limitations in toxicity, targeting, and transduction efficiency. Structured DNA assemblies fabricated using the principle of scaffolded DNA origami offer a new nonviral delivery vector with intrinsic, yet controllable immunostimulatory properties and virus‐like spatial presentation of ligands and immunogens for cell‐specific targeting, activation, and control over intracellular trafficking, in addition to low manufacturing cost. However, the relative utilities and limitations of these vectors must clearly be demonstrated in preclinical studies for their clinical potential to be realized. Here, we review the major capabilities, opportunities, and challenges we foresee in translating these next‐generation delivery and vaccine vectors to the clinic.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Nucleic Acid‐Based Structures

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Differential Impact of Land Use Types on Soil Productivity Components in Two Agro-Ecological Zones of Southern Ghana
Authors: Owoade Folasade Mary , Adiku Samuel Godfried Kwasi , Atkinson Christopher John , MacCarthy Dilys Sefakor
Published: July 2020

The maintenance of soil productivity is important for sustained crop yield in low-input systems in the tropics. This study investigated the impact of four different land use types, namely, maize and cassava cropping, woodlot/plantations, and natural forests on soil productivity components, especially soil carbon accretion, at six sites within two agro-ecological zones of southern Ghana. Soil properties were significantly different between sites and ecological zones. The coastal savanna zones, which is a low rainfall zone had relatively lower soil carbon storage than the high rainfall forest-savanna transition zone. Soil productivity conditions in the later zone were much more favorable for cropping than the former. Land use types significantly affected the soil carbon (SOC) storage within the two ecological zones. In the low rainfall zone, soil carbon accretion by maize cropping, cassava cropping, and plantations were 48%, 54%, and 60%, respectively, of the forest carbon stock (47,617 kg/ha). In the transition zone, the soil carbon accretion was over 90% of the forest value (48,216 kg/ha) for all land use types. In effect use of land use types in maintaining soil productivity must consider the conditions in a given ecological zone.
The first α′-correction to homogeneous Yang-Baxter deformations using O(d, d)
Authors: Borsato Riccardo , López Alejandro Vilar , Wulff Linus
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We use the O(d, d)-covariant formulation of supergravity familiar from Double Field Theory to find the first α′-correction to (unimodular) homogeneous Yang-Baxter (YB) deformations of the bosonic string. A special case of this result gives the α′-correction to TsT transformations. In a suitable scheme the correction comes entirely from an induced anomalous double Lorentz transformation, which is needed to make the two vielbeins obtained upon the YB deformation equal. This should hold more generally, in particular for abelian and non-abelian T-duality, as we discuss.
Quantum quench, large N, and symmetry restoration
Authors: Das Diptarka , Dey Bidyut
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We globally quench the theory of two dimensional massless fermions (manyflavours) with quartic interactions by making the quartic coupling a smooth function of time. Working in a derivative expansion we show that the discrete ℤ2symmetry in case of the Gross-Neveu model, and the U (1) symmetry in case of the Nambu-Jona-Lasinio2 model, are restored during the zero-temperature quench. For the Gross-Neveu model we show that this can be understood as an effective thermalization. The time of symmetry restoration shows scaling with the quench rate. We identify this with the Kibble-Zurek scaling in the problem. In a suitable double scaling limit, the symmetry restoration may be understood in terms of Liouville quantum mechanics.
Application of molecular SERS nanosensors: where we stand and where we are headed towards?
Authors: Jahn Izabella J. , Mühlig Anna , Cialla-May Dana
Published: July 2020

Molecular specific and highly sensitive detection is the driving force of the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) community. The technique opens the window to the undisturbed monitoring of cellular processes in situ or to the quantification of small molecular species that do not deliver Raman signals. The smart design of molecular SERS nanosensors makes it possible to indirectly but specifically detect, e.g. reactive oxygen species, carbon monoxide or potentially toxic metal ions. Detection schemes evolved over the years from simple metallic colloidal nanoparticles functionalized with sensing molecules that show uncontrolled aggregation to complex nanostructures with magnetic properties making the analysis of complex environmental samples possible. The present article gives the readership an overview of the present research advancements in the field of molecular SERS sensors, highlighting future trends.
Effect of ozone stress on the intracellular metabolites from Cobetia marina
Authors: Li Junjie , Rumancev Christoph , Lutze Holger V. , Schmidt Torsten C. , Rosenhahn Axel , Schmitz Oliver J.
Published: July 2020

A GCxGC-MS system was employed with a non-polar × mid-polar column set for the metabolic non-target analysis of Cobetia marina, the model bacteria for marine biofouling. C. marina was treated with ozone to investigate the intracellular metabolic state change under oxidative stress. A minimal inhibitory concentration test was involved to guarantee that the applied ozone dosages were not lethal for the cells. In this study, non-target analyses were performed to identify the metabolites according to the NIST database. As a result, over 170 signals were detected under normal living conditions including 35 potential metabolites. By the comparison of ozone-treated and non-treated samples, five compounds were selected to describe observed trends of signals in the contour plots. Oleic acid exhibited a slight growth by increasing ozone dosage. In contrast, other metabolites such as the amino acid l-proline showed less abundance after ozone treatment, which was more evident once ozone dosage was raised. Thus, this work could provide a hint for searching for up/downregulating factors in such environmental stress conditions for C. marina.
Positive Lyapunov Exponent for Some Schrödinger Cocycles Over Strongly Expanding Circle Endomorphisms
Authors: Bjerklöv Kristian
Published: July 2020

We show that for a large class of potential functions and big coupling constant $$\lambda $$
λ
the Schrödinger cocycle over the expanding map $$x\mapsto bx ~( \text{ mod } 1)$$

x
↦
b
x

(

mod

1
)

on $$\mathbb {T}$$
T
has a Lyapunov exponent $$>(\log \lambda )/4$$

>
(
log
λ
)
/
4

for all energies, provided that the integer $$b\ge \lambda ^3$$

b
≥

λ
3

.
New lung mass in a patient with granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Masiak Anna , Fijałkowska Jadwiga , Nowakowski Szymon , Smoleńska Żaneta , Zdrojewski Zbigniew
Published: July 2020

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a potentially lethal ANCA-associated small-vessel vasculitis characterized by a typical triad of upper respiratory tract, lung, and kidney involvement. Lung involvement in GPA occurs in 25–80% of cases. The most common radiographic and computed tomography (CT) abnormalities of pulmonary GPA are lung nodules and masses, very often multiple and with cavitation. As there are various clinical presentations, the diagnosis of GPA can be challenging, and the illness is difficult to distinguish from other diseases such as infection or malignancy. Following the improved survival rates in patients with GPA, there is accumulating evidence to suggest an increased occurrence of different types of cancer. Exposure to cyclophosphamide seems to be one of its main causes. We present the case of a patient with chronic GPA who was hospitalized owing to a new infiltrate in the lung, suggesting relapse of the disease, and finally diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. Data regarding lung cancer in GPA patients are limited. While there are some case reports and short case series in the literature, there are no detailed data regarding an association between CYC exposure and lung cancer development in vasculitis. It is necessary to consider the causes of pulmonary masses other than a GPA relapse. Bronchoscopy with biopsy and histopathological examination are crucial in proper differential diagnosis. GPA patients require long-term follow-up to monitor for the development of complications during treatment.
Three-year clinical experience with magnetic sphincter augmentation and laparoscopic fundoplication
Authors: Bonavina Luigi , Horbach Thomas , Schoppmann Sebastian F. , DeMarchi Janet
Published: July 2020

Background

Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) is a surgical intervention for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which has been evaluated in numerous studies and has shown beneficial effects. Long-term effectiveness data for MSA as well as laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) in patients with GERD are needed.

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the 3-year outcomes for MSA and LF in patients with GERD.

Methods

This prospective, multi-center, observational registry study evaluated MSA and LF in clinical practice over 3 years (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01624506). Data collection included baseline characteristics, reflux symptoms, medication use, satisfaction and complications. Post-surgical evaluations were collected at yearly intervals.

Results

Between December 2009 and December 2014, 631 patients (465 MSA and 166 LF) were enrolled in the registry. Both MSA and LF resulted in improvements in total GERD-HRQL score (mean reduction in GERD-HRQL from baseline to 3 years post-surgery: MSA 22.0 to 4.6 and LF 23.6 to 4.9) and in satisfaction (GERD-HRQL satisfaction increase from baseline to 3 years: MSA 4.6% to 78.2% and LF 3.7% to 76.5%). Most patients were able to belch as needed with both therapies (MSA 97.6% and LF 91.7% at 3 years). MSA allowed a higher percentage of patients the ability to vomit as needed (MSA 91.2% and LF 68.0% at 3 years). PPI usage declined from baseline to 3 years for both groups after surgery (MSA 97.8% to 24.2% and LF 95.8% to 19.5%). The mean procedure time was shorter for MSA than for LF. Intraoperative and procedure-related complication rates (≤ 2%) were low for both therapies.

Conclusions

This 3-year prospective observational registry study contributes to the mounting evidence for the effectiveness of MSA and LF. Despite the more severe nature of GERD in the LF group, the clinical outcomes for MSA and LF were favorable from an effectiveness and safety standpoint.
The influence of thermal stress on the physical and technical activities of soccer players: lessons from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia
Authors: Konefał Marek , Chmura Paweł , Zacharko Michał , Baranowski Jarosław , Andrzejewski Marcin , Błażejczyk Krzysztof , Chmura Jan
Published: July 2020

The present study attempts to assess changes in soccer players’ physical and technical activity profiles due to thermal stress, measured with the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), in training centres and during matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. The study also verifies the theoretical models of soccer players’ physiological parameters. The study sample consisted of 945 observations of 340 players of national teams taking part in the World Cup in Russia. The measured variables included physical activities: total distance covered, distances covered with an intensity of 20–25 km/h, number of sprints; technical activities: number of shots, number of passes, pass accuracy and physiological indicators: evaporative water loss and heart rate. In addition, the final ranking places of each national team were also used in the study. The UTCI was calculated based on meteorological data recorded at training centres and during matches. The UTCI records were then classified into two ranges: NTS—no thermal stress (UTCI 9–26 °C) and TS—thermal stress (UTCI > 26 °C). Climatic conditions at soccer training centres assessed as involving “no thermal stress” are found to be more beneficial for increasing the total distance covered and the number of sprints performed by players during a match. The theoretical models for determining soccer players’ physiological parameters used in the study reduce the players’ heart rate effort and evaporative water loss, which is in line with findings in studies by other authors. The climatic conditions at soccer training centres and during tournament matches should be taken into account in planning preparations for future World Cup tournaments, especially those in hotter countries.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring of Glycemic Variability During Fasting Post-Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Al-Ozairi Ebaa , El Samad Abeer , Al Kandari Jumana , Taghadom Etab , Adam Safwaan , le Roux Carel , Syed Akheel A.
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Day-long fasting creates considerable metabolic stress that poses challenges in people with diabetes and those who have undergone bariatric surgery. Clinical knowledge of glucose fluctuations and the risks for such patients during fasting is limited.

Objectives

This study examined the effect of intermittent fasting on glucose excursions, hypoglycemia, and hyperglycemia in people with or without diabetes who had sleeve gastrectomy compared with healthy individuals.

Methods

This open-label, prospective study compared interstitial glucose profiles measured with continuous glucose monitoring system for 72 h during fasting and non-fasting periods between four groups comprising 15 participants each: people with obesity and medicine-treated type 2 diabetes (T2D) only, obesity and T2D treated with sleeve gastrectomy, obesity without T2D treated with sleeve gastrectomy, and healthy, normal-weight non-diabetic controls.

Results

The mean 72-h glucose concentration was significantly lower during the fasting period for all groups (p ≤ 0.041), with the highest glucose concentrations in the medicine-treated T2D-only group and the lowest concentrations in the sleeve gastrectomy in non-T2D group. The mean glucose profiles of all the groups showed a marked increase in interstitial glucose on breaking the fast, which was exaggerated in the two diabetes groups. The mean amplitude of glycemic excursions did not differ significantly within each group between fasting and non-fasting. No significant difference was noted in the fraction of time in the hypoglycemic range between the fasting and non-fasting periods in any group.

Conclusion

Intermittent fasting had no adverse effect on glycemic control in people with or without diabetes who had undergone sleeve gastrectomy.
Influence of kitchen structures on household exposure to firewood-induced volatile organic compounds in Senwabarwana villages
Authors: Semenya Khomotso , Machete Fannie
Published: July 2020

This paper presents the extent to which kitchen structures influence household exposure to firewood-induced volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The sample consisted of 69 firewood users who were conveniently sampled from Senwabarwana Villages. An Integrated Environmental Health Risk Assessment framework (IEHRA) was adopted as the research methods of the current study. The VOC samples were collected from selected priority firewood species used in the study area, namely mushu (Umbrella thorn), mohwelere (red bushwillow), moretshe (Sickle bush), motswiri (Leadwood) and mokgwa (Black monkey thorn). Four VOCs, namely benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene were analysed from each of the selected plant species. Available literature shows that these VOCs are associated with the kind of common firewood used in the study area. The outcomes of this study reveal that mushu emits the highest concentration of the four selected VOCs, followed by moretshe, mohwelere, mokgwa and motswiri, respectively. The influence of kitchen structural factors such as number and positioning of windows, fireplace or stove type, roofing material and designs, among others on the concentration and indoor dispersion of VOCs was also investigated. Behavioural practices of households during fire making such as opening or closing of doors and windows during cooking, water heating and space heating were also found to influence exposure levels. Consequently, low VOCs emitting firewood species and kitchen structural designs have been confirmed as the key drivers of firewood-induced VOC exposure.
Intensified mid-Holocene floods recorded by archeomalacological data and resilience of first farming groups of the Carpathian Basin
Authors: Gulyás Sándor , Nagy Balázs , Sümegi Pál , Schöll-Barna Gabriella , Demény Attila
Published: July 2020

One of the most significant cultural transformations in European prehistory occurred in the middle of the 6th millennium BC in the heart of the Carpathian Basin. The northward expansion of Mediterranean farming groups (Starčevo-Körös-Criş cultural complex) halted and underwent a complete transformation giving rise to a new cultural group carrying an altered form of Neolithic traditions onward to Europe. This transformation is restricted to sites along a boundary found in the heart of the basin, north of which unfavorable ecological conditions hampered a long-term engagement in a Mediterranean type of agriculture. The majority of Early Neolithic Körös sites in eastern Hungary are confined to the alluvial plain of the Tisza River prone to natural biannual flooding. These wetland conditions were marginal for early farmers as it contained several elements that were hostile for herded animals and these groups were not adopted to cope with. Körös Culture pastoralists responded to these challenges posed by the new environment by complementing their diet with opportunistically exploited wild resources. This type of resilience of the first farmers seen in the alteration of traditional subsistence strategies was simply attributed to the static hostile conditions of the environment alone. Influence of dynamic changes in the hydrology has not been studied and documented so far. This paper presents a multiproxy archeomalacological approach to establish a mid-Holocene flood record in Southern Central Europe and assess the potential impacts of flood frequencies, climate change-induced higher floods on economic, societal development of the first farming groups from the heart of the Carpathian Basin. Based on our findings, intensified use of second-line subsistence resources marking resilience is coeval with intensified flooding during the second phase of cultural evolution preceding transformation. This marked transformation could have been traced regionally as well along the referred northern distribution line and is coeval with the initial phase of a minor climatic perturbation refered to as the IRD 5.b event. The southward expansion of cold waters in the North Atlantic yielded intensive cyclonic activity bringing more rain and cold weather to W Europe. In Hungary, higher continentality provided by the basin setting preserved warmer conditions. Nevertheless, increased rainfall onto the watershed of major rivers triggered heightened floods.
Compact embeddings in Besov-type and Triebel–Lizorkin-type spaces on bounded domains
Authors: Gonçalves Helena F. , Haroske Dorothee D. , Skrzypczak Leszek
Published: July 2020

We study embeddings of Besov-type and Triebel–Lizorkin-type spaces,$${\text {id}}_\tau {:}\,{B}_{p_1,q_1}^{s_1,\tau _1}(\varOmega )\,\hookrightarrow \,{B}_{p_2,q_2}^{s_2,\tau _2}(\varOmega )$$

id
τ

:

B

p
1

,

q
1

s
1

,

τ
1

(
Ω
)

↪

B

p
2

,

q
2

s
2

,

τ
2

(
Ω
)

and $${\text {id}}_\tau {:}\,{F}_{p_1,q_1}^{s_1,\tau _1}(\varOmega ) \hookrightarrow {F}_{p_2,q_2}^{s_2,\tau _2}(\varOmega ) $$

id
τ

:

F

p
1

,

q
1

s
1

,

τ
1

(
Ω
)

↪

F

p
2

,

q
2

s
2

,

τ
2

(
Ω
)

, where $$\varOmega \subset {{\mathbb R}^d}$$

Ω
⊂

R

d

is a bounded domain, and obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for the compactness of $${\text {id}}_\tau $$

id
τ

. Moreover, we characterize its entropy and approximation numbers. Surprisingly, these results are completely obtained via embeddings and the application of the corresponding results for classical Besov and Triebel–Lizorkin spaces as well as for Besov–Morrey and Triebel–Lizorkin–Morrey spaces.
Development of communication mechanism for the fully coupled multiscale model of 3D compression test
Authors: Legwand Adam , Perzyński Konrad , Madej Łukasz
Published: July 2020

The implementation of a dedicated communication mechanism between micro- and macroscale models of the fully coupled multiscale numerical approach is the topic of the paper. The presented solution is based on the System V IPC message queue that is part of modern Linux-based operating systems. Developed and implemented approach is validated with a selected case study of a 3D compression test with the microscale model based on an implicit Johnson–Cook model, which is solved as a separate external process. The communication mechanism can be the basis of the efficient fully coupled FE2model.
Do cognitively stimulating activities affect the association between retirement timing and cognitive functioning in old age?
Authors: Baumann Isabel , Eyjólfsdóttir Harpa Sif , Fritzell Johan , Lennartsson Carin , Darin-Mattsson Alexander , Kåreholt Ingemar , Andel Ross , Dratva Julia , Agahi Neda
Published: July 2020

In response to the rising financial pressure on old-age pension systems in industrialised economies, many European countries plan to increase the eligibility age for retirement pensions. We used data from Sweden to examine whether (and if so, how) retirement after age 65 – the eligibility age for basic pension – compared to retiring earlier affects older adults’ (between ages 70 and 85) cognitive functioning. Using a propensity score matching (PSM) approach, we addressed the selection bias potentially introduced by non-random selection into either early or late retirement. We also examined average and heterogeneous treatment effects (HTEs). HTEs were evaluated for different levels of cognitive stimulation from occupational activities before retirement and from leisure activities after retirement. We drew from a rich longitudinal data-set linking two nationally representative Swedish surveys with a register data-set and found that, on average, individuals who retire after age 65 do not have a higher level of cognitive functioning than those who retire earlier. Similarly, we did not observe HTEs from occupational activities. With respect to leisure activities, we found no systematic effects on cognitive functioning among those working beyond age 65. We conclude that, in general, retirement age does not seem to affect cognitive functioning in old age. Yet, the rising retirement age may put substantial pressure on individuals who suffer from poor health at the end of their occupational career, potentially exacerbating social- and health-related inequalities among older people.
Radial artery occlusion after cardiac catheterization and impact of medical treatment
Authors: Steinmetz Martin , Radecke Tobias , Boss Tomasz , Stumpf Max J. , Lortz Julia , Nickenig Georg , Kania Alexander , Rassaf Tienush , Rammos Christos , Schaefer Christian Alexander
Published: July 2020

Summary: Background: The transradial artery approach is the preferred access for cardiac catheterization according to current guidelines. However, the most common complication is radial artery occlusion (RAO). Despite the rare indication for surgical reopening, the occluded radial artery is not available for further procedures or as a potential bypass graft. Still, treatment regimens for RAO are scarce. We now determined whether the addition of antithrombotic to antiplatelet therapy improves the rate of partial or complete regain of patency in RAO following transradial cardiac catheterization in a retrospective analysis. Patients and methods: In a two-center tertiary referral hospital retrospective analysis 4135 files of patients who had undergone transradial catheterization were screened for documented RAO. 141 patients were identified and 138 patients with complete information on the medical regimen and ultrasound examinations for a maximum of 3 months were included in the analysis, whereas 3 patients were excluded due to missing or incomplete follow-up information. Results: 3.3% of all patients that had undergone transradial catheterization featured an oligosymptomatic RAO, confirmed by color-coded duplex sonography. 21% of patients with additional anticoagulation regained full patency vs. 9% without additional anticoagulation (p = 0.07). 40% of patients with anticoagulation featured a partial or full regain of patency vs. 16% of patients without additional anticoagulation for a maximum of 3 months treatment (p = 0.006). No major bleedings were reported during the follow-up visits. Conclusions: RAO remains a rare complication of cardiac catheterization. The addition of antithrombotic therapy for 3 months appears to safely improve the partial or even full regain of radial patency in case of postinterventional RAO.
Molecular diagnosis of an infant with TSC2/PKD1 contiguous gene syndrome
Authors: Osumi Keita , Suga Kenichi , Ono Akemi , Goji Aya , Mori Tatsuo , Kinoshita Yukiko , Sugano Mikio , Toda Yoshihiro , Urushihara Maki , Nakagawa Ryuji , Hayabuchi Yasunobu , Imoto Issei , Kagami Shoji
Published: July 2020

A 1-month-old Japanese infant with cardiac rhabdomyoma was diagnosed with TSC2/PKD1 contiguous gene syndrome by targeted panel sequencing with subsequent quantitative polymerase chain reaction that revealed gross monoallelic deletion, including parts of two genes: exons 19–42 of TSC2 and exons 2–46 of PKD1. Early molecular diagnosis can help to detect bilateral renal cyst formation and multidisciplinary follow-up of this multisystem disease.
Distributed and retinotopically asymmetric processing of coherent motion in mouse visual cortex
Authors: Sit Kevin K. , Goard Michael J.
Published: July 2020

Perception of visual motion is important for a range of ethological behaviors in mammals. In primates, specific visual cortical regions are specialized for processing of coherent visual motion. However, whether mouse visual cortex has a similar organization remains unclear, despite powerful genetic tools available for measuring population neural activity. Here, we use widefield and 2-photon calcium imaging of transgenic mice to measure mesoscale and cellular responses to coherent motion. Imaging of primary visual cortex (V1) and higher visual areas (HVAs) during presentation of natural movies and random dot kinematograms (RDKs) reveals varied responsiveness to coherent motion, with stronger responses in dorsal stream areas compared to ventral stream areas. Moreover, there is considerable anisotropy within visual areas, such that neurons representing the lower visual field are more responsive to coherent motion. These results indicate that processing of visual motion in mouse cortex is distributed heterogeneously both across and within visual areas.
Multivariate genomic scan implicates novel loci and haem metabolism in human ageing
Authors: Timmers Paul R. H. J. , Wilson James F. , Joshi Peter K. , Deelen Joris
Published: July 2020

Ageing phenotypes, such as years lived in good health (healthspan), total years lived (lifespan), and survival until an exceptional old age (longevity), are of interest to us all but require exceptionally large sample sizes to study genetically. Here we combine existing genome-wide association summary statistics for healthspan, parental lifespan, and longevity in a multivariate framework, increasing statistical power, and identify 10 genomic loci which influence all three phenotypes, of which five (near FOXO3, SLC4A7, LINC02513, ZW10, and FGD6) have not been reported previously at genome-wide significance. The majority of these 10 loci are associated with cardiovascular disease and some affect the expression of genes known to change their activity with age. In total, we implicate 78 genes, and find these to be enriched for ageing pathways previously highlighted in model organisms, such as the response to DNA damage, apoptosis, and homeostasis. Finally, we identify a pathway worthy of further study: haem metabolism.
Femtosecond exciton dynamics in WSe2 optical waveguides
Authors: Sternbach Aaron J. , Latini Simone , Chae Sanghoon , Hübener Hannes , De Giovannini Umberto , Shao Yinming , Xiong Lin , Sun Zhiyuan , Shi Norman , Kissin Peter , Ni Guang-Xin , Rhodes Daniel , Kim Brian , Yu Nanfang , Millis Andrew J. , Fogler Michael M. , Schuck Peter J. , Lipson Michal , Zhu X.-Y. , Hone James , Averitt Richard D. , Rubio Angel , Basov D. N.
Published: July 2020

Van-der Waals (vdW) atomically layered crystals can act as optical waveguides over a broad range of the electromagnetic spectrum ranging from Terahertz to visible. Unlike common Si-based waveguides, vdW semiconductors host strong excitonic resonances that may be controlled using non-thermal stimuli including electrostatic gating and photoexcitation. Here, we utilize waveguide modes to examine photo-induced changes of excitons in the prototypical vdW semiconductor, WSe2, prompted by femtosecond light pulses. Using time-resolved scanning near-field optical microscopy we visualize the electric field profiles of waveguide modes in real space and time and extract the temporal evolution of the optical constants following femtosecond photoexcitation. By monitoring the phase velocity of the waveguide modes, we detect incoherent A-exciton bleaching along with a coherent optical Stark shift in WSe2.