bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of immunosuppressive factors in retinoblastoma cell secretomes and aqueous humor from patients
Authors: Cuadrado‐Vilanova Maria , Liu Jing , Paco Sonia , Aschero Rosario , Burgueño Victor , Sirab Nanor , Pascual‐Pasto Guillem , Correa Genoveva , Balaguer‐Lluna Leire , Castillo‐Ecija Helena , Perez‐Jaume Sara , Muñoz‐Aznar Oscar , Roldan Monica , Suñol Mariona , Schaiquevich Paula , Aerts Isabelle , Doz François , Cassoux Nathalie , Lubieniecki Fabiana , Benitez‐Ribas Daniel , Lavarino Cinzia , Mora Jaume , Chantada Guillermo L , Catala‐Mora Jaume , Radvanyi François , Carcaboso Angel M
Published: March 2022

The microenvironment of retinoblastoma, the solid malignancy of the developing retina, is immunosuppressive. To study the interactions between tumor‐associated microglia/macrophages (TAMs) and tumor cells in retinoblastomas, we analyzed immunohistochemistry markers in 23 patient samples and characterized 105 secreted cytokines of 11 retinoblastoma cell models in culture. We detected profuse infiltration of CD163+ protumoral M2‐like polarized TAMs in eyes enucleated due to cancer progression. Previous treatment of patients increased the number of TAMs but did not affect M2‐like polarization. M2‐like microglia/macrophages were almost absent in five eyes obtained from children enucleated due to nontumoral causes. CD8+ tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were moderately abundant in tumor eyes and very scarce in nontumoral ones. The expression of the immune checkpoint molecule PD‐L1 was absent in 95% of the tumor samples, which is concordant with the finding of FOXP3+ Tregs infiltrating tumors. We confirmed the pathology results using single‐cell transcriptome analysis of one tumor. We identified the cytokines extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), both with reported immunosuppressive activity, secreted at high levels in retinoblastoma primary cell cultures. Gene expression analysis of a large retinoblastoma cohort and single‐cell transcriptome analysis confirmed that MIF and EMMPRIN were significantly upregulated in retinoblastomas, which led us to quantify both proteins by immunoassays in liquid biopsies (aqueous humor obtained from more than 20 retinoblastoma patients). We found a significant increase in the concentration of MIF and EMMPRIN in cancer patients, compared to 12 noncancer ones. Finally, we showed that macrophages derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells increased the expression of markers of M2‐like polarization upon exposure to retinoblastoma‐conditioned medium or recombinant MIF. Overall, our findings suggest that retinoblastoma cell secretions induce the protumoral phenotype of this tumor. Our results might have clinical impact in the fields of biomarkers and treatment. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Coronavirus disease 2019 and vaccination in patients with Shwachman‐Diamond syndrome
Authors: Galletta Thomas J. , Loveless Sara K. , Malsch Maggie M. , Shimamura Akiko , Myers Kasiani C.
Published: March 2022

Because they can experience neutropenia due to bone marrow failure, patients with Shwachman‐Diamond syndrome (SDS) carry increased risk for serious infections compared with the general population; however, there has been a paucity of data on the incidence and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in patients with SDS. We compiled results from a survey distributed to participants in the SDS Registry in May‐June 2021. In this report, we describe the characteristics and outcomes of patients with SDS who had COVID‐19. Patients reported a short clinical course without significant complications or cytopenias. Additionally, COVID‐19 vaccines were well tolerated with minor side effects.
Ultrasound‐guided percutaneous carpal tunnel release: A systematic review
Authors: Chou Raymond C. , Robinson David M. , Homer Scott
Published: March 2022

Objective

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral entrapment mononeuropathy. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the reported clinical effectiveness and safety of ultrasound‐guided percutaneous carpal tunnel release (USCTR) for the treatment of CTS.

Literature Survey

PubMed, EMBASE, and ScienceDirect databases were queried from database inception to February 20, 2021, to identify clinical studies on USCTR.

Methodology

Two reviewers independently completed title, abstract, and full‐text screening, and they extracted data in duplicate for analysis. Procedure techniques, outcome measures, and complications were descriptively analyzed.

Synthesis

Eighty‐seven studies were eligible for screening. Twenty studies (three randomized controlled trials, three prospective cohort studies, and 14 case series) met inclusion criteria, with a total of 1772 USCTR cases. The overall level of evidence was very low, with seven studies with at least moderate risk of bias. Thirteen studies exceeded the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Symptom Severity Scale (BCTQ‐SS) and Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Functional Status Scale (BCTQ‐FS), and six studies exceeded the MCID for the Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder & Hand (QDASH). Five studies reported statistically significant improvement in these functional outcome measures as early as the first week post‐procedure. A major complication occurred in one patient who developed suspected compartment syndrome, and minor complications were reported in 24 patients.

Conclusions

Based on very low level of evidence, early studies suggest that USCTR may be an effective treatment for CTS, with potential for short post‐procedure recovery times.
Helicoverpa armigera herbivory negatively impacts Aphis gossypii populations via inducible metabolic changes
Authors: Zheng Shuaichao , Liu Weijiao , Luo Junyu , Wang Lisha , Zhu Xiangzhen , Gao Xueke , Hua Hongxia , Cui Jinjie
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Helicoverpa armigera and Aphis gossypii are two important insect species that feed on cotton plants. These insects have distinct abilities to induce plant resistance and tolerate plant toxins, which results in interspecific competition imbalance that may be fatal to the low‐tolerance A. gossypii and force these insects to develop avoidance behaviors and subsequently separate from their niche. We implemented ecological experiments to test the effects of H. armigera‐induced plant resistance and behavioral avoidance in A. gossypii, and employed transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses to reveal changes in resistance genes and metabolites in plants.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrate that cotton plants induced by H. armigera cause significant inhibitory and avoidance effects on A. gossypii insect populations. Electrical penetration graph (EPG) analysis showed changes in plant resistance induced by H. armigera leading to a decreased feeding efficiency of A. gossypii. In addition, genes associated with jasmonic acid and ethylene signaling pathways were significantly up‐regulated in cotton plants after H. armigera induction, which led to a significant up‐regulation of metabolites inducing plant resistance. These observations were corroborated by bioactivity analysis on metabolites, which showed that jasmonic acid, gossypol and tannins have significant inhibitory effects on A. gossypii populations. In contrast, methylparaben is associated with avoidance behaviors on A. gossypii populations.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that the differences in the ability to induce plant resistance and tolerance between two non‐predatory insects were lethal to low‐tolerance A. gossypii insects, which might be a major factor determining their niche differentiation. This was further demonstrated by screening anti‐insect and bio‐hormonal metabolites. Our study provides a reference for investigating the evolutionary relationship between non‐predatory insects and insights to implement effective insect biocontrol. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry
Spatiotemporal change in the river network in rapidly urbanized plain regions of the Yangtze River Delta in China
Authors: Xu Guanglai , Li Aijuan , Yang Qiangqiang , Chi Jianyu
Published: March 2022

Rapid urbanization has brought numerous aquatic problems to plain river network regions. We selected three categories (five indicators) of characteristics to describe the physical characteristics of river network systems, including quantitative, structural, and complex characteristics. Using the grid method and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA), the spatiotemporal change pattern of one plain river network of the Yangtze River Delta was addressed from the 1960s to 2014 based on topographic maps. The results showed that the river density (DR), water surface ratio (WP), and box dimension (D0) in over 82% of the area decreased. The spatial pattern of the water system is divided into four categories by HCA: urban areas, river network areas, mainstream areas, and lake areas. The categories of river network areas and lake areas decreased, while the categories of urban areas and mainstream areas increased from the 1960s to 2014 because of urbanization. There are approximately 12.8% grid cells that change from river network areas to mainstream areas, which is the most important change due to the reduction of tributaries and increase of main streams. These results indicate that river network distribution patterns have the tendency to simplify and remain mainstream. Our study suggests that water systems and river networks should be protected, which would provide support for water resource management in highly urbanized plain regions.
The Influence of Self-Management, Anxiety and Depression on Chronic Eczema-Related Quality of Life
Authors: Standen Laura , Garip Gulcan
Published: March 2022

Chronic eczema, a persistent inflammatory skin condition, affects 1 in 12 adults in the United Kingdom and negatively influences quality of life. Self-management can potentially influence chronic conditions, such as eczema, reducing symptoms and positively influencing quality of life; however, there is a lack of public education for eczema. Anxiety and depression negatively influence quality of life, and frequently present alongside eczema. Psychological interventions for anxiety and depression have shown to be effective for eczema-related quality of life. This study aimed at examining the relationship between self-management, anxiety, and depression, on quality of life in individuals with chronic eczema. The main hypothesis proposed that anxiety and depression reduce the influence of eczema self-management on quality of life, potentially as individuals might be less likely to support their eczema treatment when experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression. A cross-sectional design and opportunistic sampling were used to analyse the data from 77 participants who responded to four self-report scales to assess self-management understanding, anxiety, depression and quality of life in participants with chronic eczema. Data were analysed by a hierarchical multiple linear regression to assess the variance contributed by each variable added to the model. Results from this sample shows a trend whereby self-management of eczema contributes less variance to quality of life alongside comorbid anxiety and depression; this suggests that self-management has reduced influence on eczema-related quality of life when anxiety and depression are present. Furthermore, low self-management, high anxiety, and high depression significantly negatively influence quality of life. The three variables combined accounted for 41.1% of variance in quality of life scores, suggesting anxiety, depression and self-management influence quality of life in the sample. Self-management, anxiety, and depression significantly influence eczema-related quality of life, and participants who reported comorbid anxiety and depression were more likely to report lower levels of self-management in this sample.
Deciphering Fluid Transport Within Leaf‐Inspired Capillary Networks Based on a 3D Computational Model
Authors: Mao Mao , Chen Pengyu , He Jiankang , Zhu Guangyu , Li Xiao , Li Dichen
Published: March 2022

Leaf venation provides a promising template for engineering capillary‐like vasculature in vitro due to its highly efficient fluid transport capability and remarkable similarities to native capillary networks. A key challenge in exploring the potential biological applications of leaf‐inspired capillary networks (LICNs) is to accurately and quantitively understand its internal fluid transport characteristics. Here, a centerline‐induced partition‐assembly modeling strategy is proposed to establish a 3D computational model, which can accurately simulate the flow conditions in LICNs. Based on the 3D flow simulation, the authors demonstrate the excellent defect‐resistant fluid transport capability of LICNs. Interestingly, structural defects in the primary channel can effectively accelerate the overall perfusion efficiency. Flow patterns in LICNs with multiple defects can be estimated by simple superposition of the simulation results derived from the corresponding single‐defect models. The 3D computational model is further used to determine the optimal perfusion parameter for the in‐vitro formation of endothelialized capillary networks by mimicking native microvascular flow conditions. The endothelialized networks can recapitulate the vascular colonization process and reveal a strong correlation between cancer cell adhesion and flow‐induced shear stress. This study offers a quantitative tool to scrutinize the fluid and biological transport mechanisms within LICNs for various biomedical applications.
Efficient p‐Type Doping of Tin Halide Perovskite via Sequential Diffusion for Thermoelectrics
Authors: Chen Ruisi , Yan Yajie , Tang Junhui , Zeng Huarong , Yao Qin , Chen Lidong , Liang Ziqi
Published: March 2022

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) hold great potential in thermoelectric (TE) applications, thanks to their regular and soft lattice in nature. However, the poor electrical conductivity caused by low charge carrier density (<1014 cm−3 for lead‐based MHPs) strongly impedes its TE development. In this scenario, tin halide perovskites (THPs) emerge as promising TE candidates owing to their high background hole densities (>1019 cm−3). However, further electrical doping remains challenging, originating from the limited capability of accommodating heterogeneous dopants and the heavy compensation in THPs. Herein, a novel diffusion‐mediated doping approach is demonstrated to prominently increase the p‐type doping level of THPs by a sequence of air exposure and 2,3,5,6‐tetrafluoro‐7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4TCNQ) surface treatments. In paradigm photovoltaic THP materials—CH(NH2)2SnI3 (namely FASnI3), the electrical conductivity is dramatically increased by 300× from 0.06 to 18 S cm−1 in thin films, leading to a remarkable enhancement of power factor by 25× up to 53 μW m−1 K−2. In contrast, only a slight variation of thermal conductivity is observed after F4TCNQ deposition, which is in accordance with the increase in electrical conductivity, indicating that the lattice structures of FASnI3 remain intact after doping. This study paves an illuminating way to ameliorate TE properties in halide perovskites.
Construction of Graphene‐Based “In‐Paper” 3D Interdigital Microelectrodes for High Performance Metal‐Free Flexible Supercapacitors
Authors: Jiang Xuening , Gao Rixia , Liu Gang , Luo Hao , Zhao Xueping , Jiang Lei
Published: March 2022

Flexible micro‐supercapacitors (MSCs) are promising power sources of portable/wearable electronic devices. Electrodes are the key components determining performance of the MSCs, but it still remains a big challenge in either materials or fabrication methods to achieve both high charge storage capability and robust mechanical flexibility. Herein, a novel water‐cooling assisted selective laser ablation (WASLA) technique is demonstrated for scale‐fabrication of “embedded‐in‐paper” 3D graphene‐cellulose composite interdigital electrodes (3D GCCIEs) in a mask‐free and chemical‐free manner. The obtained electrodes are endowed with 3D charge storage geometry, high electrical conduction, freely designed patterns, and the inherent advantages of paper substrate. Therefore, the 3D GCCIEs‐based MSC exhibits excellent overall performance including large specific capacitances, high rate performance, impressive cyclic stability, and remarkable mechanical flexibility. Moreover, metal‐free 3D GCCIE‐MSC integrated arrays with diverse shapes composed of linear/curved interdigital electrodes are also fabricated, and a letter‐shaped MSC array successfully lit a light emitting diode light in both flat and folded status demonstrating excellent device flexibility. The as‐fabricated 3D GCCIE‐MSCs have shown great application potential as power sources of flexible electronic devices, and the WASLA method proves to be an effective strategy for scale‐manufacturing high performance paper‐based charge storage devices not limited to supercapacitors.
Scoping review to assess online information available to new dog owners
Authors: Kuhl Christina A. , Lea Richard G. , Quarmby Caroline , Dean Rachel
Published: March 2022

Background

Many dog owners turn to the internet for pet care advice. As internet resources can positively or negatively influence owners’ decision making and thus impact dogs’ welfare, the identification of trustworthy information online is crucial.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted in 2014, and repeated in 2021, to assess the availability and quality indicators of information resources generated from Google searches using empirically derived dog owner internet search terms.

Results

A total of 121 unique resources were identified from 300 search hits in 2014, compared to 102 in 2021. On both occasions, the resources identified covered most aspects of dog care and related to all ages and breeds of dog. Flesch Kincaid readability scores indicated the majority to be easily understandable. However, many resources did not offer supporting evidence or a reference list, and the minority of resources stated an author. Of the resources identified in 2014, only 10% (n = 12/121) were dated, compared to 45% in 2021 (n = 46/102).

Conclusion

This study found that while a great deal of information on caring for a new dog or puppy is available online, reliable indicators of quality were lacking, posing a barrier to owners’ identification of trustworthy information.
Hypofractionated radiotherapy provides palliation for a dog with advanced gastric carcinoma
Authors: Pires Elena , Khorsand Matthew , Lee Ber‐In , Ciepluch Brittany , Boss Mary‐Keara
Published: March 2022

An 11‐year‐old, female, spayed border collie displayed vomiting and diarrhoea for a period of 3 months and presented with severe emaciation. A laparotomy confirmed the presence of a gastric lesion, and histopathologic evaluation revealed a diagnosis of gastric carcinoma. The dog was treated with hypofractionated intensity‐modulated radiation therapy and achieved clinical improvement for approximately 3 months after treatment. Given the improvement of clinical signs following treatment in this case, the use of radiation therapy as a treatment option may be explored for palliation for dogs with advanced gastric carcinoma.
Structures and Catalytic Properties of two New Squaramide‐decorated Cd‐MOFs
Authors: Zhan Dongsun , Xu Ning , Du Shunfu , Ju Zhanfeng , Yuan Daqiang
Published: March 2022

By assembling Cd2+ ions with two reported squaramide‐based ligands in solvothermal reaction condition, two new MOFs with the formulas Cd2(L1)(DMF)3 (sq‐Cd‐MOF‐1) (H4L1=5,5’‐((3,4‐dioxocylcobut‐1‐ene‐1,2‐diyl)bis(azanediyl) diisophthalic acid) and Cd(L2)(dpe) (sq‐Cd‐MOF‐2) (H2L2=3,3’‐((3,4‐dioxocyclobut‐1‐ene‐1,2‐diyl)bis(azanediyl)) dibenzoic acid, dpe=1,2‐di(pyridine‐4‐yl)ethane) are obtained. The MOFs are characterized by elemental analysis, IR, TGA, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, and PXRD. X‐ray data analysis reveals that sq‐Cd‐MOF‐1 possesses a new three‐dimensional framework with one dimension narrow apertures, while the structure of sq‐Cd‐MOF‐2 contains a novel ring‐ring connecting chain‐based double layer, as a two‐dimensional MOF. sq‐Cd‐MOF‐2 maintains high porosity via the packing of these layers. More importantly, reversible crystal to crystal transformation between sq‐Cd‐MOF‐2 and its activated state (sq‐Cd‐MOF‐2ac) is observed, triggered by the solvent in the pores. Michael addition reaction of the derivatives of β‐nitrostyrene and acetylacetone demonstrates that sq‐Cd‐MOF‐2 as a heterogeneous catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic capacity and stability. These results are useful for developing research on 2D soft MOFs and their potential application.
Differing animal welfare conceptions and what they mean for the future of zoos and aquariums, insights from an animal welfare audit
Authors: Veasey Jake S.
Published: March 2022

Animal welfare is a growing public concern that has the potential to undermine the social license of zoos and aquariums. The lack of consensus on how animal welfare is defined across such a diverse sector combined with and a widespread belief that commercial priorities such as entertaining visitors conflicts with animal welfare, hinders efforts to effectively address this fundamental issue for the sector. Data derived from an audit of habitats across a major North American wildlife attraction revealed that holistic animal welfare assessments undertaken by animal carers embracing three principal constructs of animal welfare, correlated strongly with visitor perceptions of animal happiness. Visitor assessments of animal happiness also correlated with animal carer assessments of social, behavioural and locomotor opportunities and inversely with the prevalence of stereotypic behaviours, supporting the proposition that folk conceptions of animal welfare are more accurate than may have previously been considered to be the case. However, the holistic animal welfare assessment inversely correlated with assessments of a habitat's capacity to safeguard welfare as determined by the facility's veterinary staff, supporting the proposition that tensions exist between physical and psychological components of captive animal welfare provisioning. This further underlines the importance of clarity on how animal welfare is conceived when developing institutional animal welfare strategies. Finally, the data also showed that both holistic animal welfare assessments and visitor perceptions of animal happiness strongly correlated with the level of enjoyment experienced by visitors, challenging the belief that animal welfare competes with the commercial priorities of zoos and aquariums. The audit supports the case that maintaining high animal welfare is a commercial imperative as well as a moral obligation for zoos and aquariums and underlines the necessity to utilize conceptions of animal welfare that acknowledge the centrality of the affective states of animals in maintaining those standards.
Validation of an enzyme immunoassay for measurement of fecal dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in gibbons and siamangs
Authors: Takeshita Rafaela S. C.
Published: March 2022

Monitoring wildlife stress levels is essential to ensure their quality of life in captivity or in the wild. One promising method to assess the stress response is the comeasurement of glucocorticoids (GC) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), adrenal hormones involved in the modulation of the stress response. Although noninvasive methods to measure GCs have been validated in several species, only a few studies have validated DHEAS assays. The aims of this study were (1) to describe an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to measure DHEAS levels, (2) to validate this assay for fecal samples in gibbons and siamangs, and (3) to test hormonal stability after one freeze‐thaw cycle and over time at two freezer temperatures (−20°C and −80°C). Subjects included 32 gibbons and siamangs from U.S. zoological parks. The EIA was validated analytically by parallelism and accuracy tests, and biologically by confirming a DHEAS response 1–2 days after a stressful event (accident, vaccination, or transportation) in three individuals. In addition, fecal DHEAS levels in a pregnant female were above nonpregnant/nonlactating levels and declined progressively the following parturition. The hormonal stability experiments revealed no significant changes in fecal DHEAS levels after one freeze‐thaw cycle. Hormonal levels in fecal extracts were stable for 2 months, regardless of the storage temperature, with no significant differences between −20°C and −80°C conditions. The EIA described has high sensitivity and it is suitable for fecal DHEAS measurement in gibbons and siamangs, with a potential to be applied to other species.
Gendered Labour
Authors: Christou Anastasia , Kofman Eleonore
Published: March 2022

As we saw in Chap. 10.1007/978-3-030-91971-9_1, the gendered transfer of labour globally and within Europe has been the focus of attention and the core of the discourse concerning the feminization of migration. Whilst gendered labour migrations are not new, their composition, extent, and how we analyse them, theoretically and methodologically, have evolved. As data show, migrants and especially females, are heavily concentrated within certain sectors producing not just a migrant division of labour (Wills et al., 2010) but a gendered migrant division of labour. Some sectors such as household services (domestic work and care) or social reproductive labour are not only predominantly female but, especially in Southern Europe, overwhelmingly filled by migrant women. Although this type of work has attracted much attention in studies of female labour migration, other sectors, both lesser skilled and more skilled, have also relied heavily on female migrant labour but have been much less studied. Mirjana Morokvasic (2011) questioned the basis of our preoccupation about migrant women as subaltern and victims, exclusively filling low skilled sectors. Thus domestic and care workers have become the emblematic figures of globalised migrations in stark contrast to the easily mobile male IT worker (Kofman, 2013). This is not to deny that domestic and care work globally employ more migrant women than any other sector, and that demand has not grown in response to the inadequacies of public provision across different welfare regimes, leading to the search for cheap solutions to fulfil reproductive needs by using migrant workers, including men. However it does raise issues around our lack of attention to other low skilled sectors such as hospitality and contract and commercial cleaning in hospitals, offices and public spaces, which also employ large numbers of migrants. Skilled labour, especially in welfare sectors, such as education, health and social work is also sourced globally to make good shortfalls in professional reproductive labour (Kofman & Raghuram, 2015). Thus at all skill levels migrant women are employed disproportionately in diverse sectors of social reproduction in sustaining the wellbeing of the household and of society more generally.
Engendering Integration and Inclusion
Authors: Christou Anastasia , Kofman Eleonore
Published: March 2022

In this chapter we turn to issues of how migrants participate in society and especially their gendered aspects. Why is gender important in this regard? It is a consideration that is usually absent from both theoretical and policy discussions of what is commonly termed integration or the basis on which migrants are incorporated into a society, a term widely used across different societies but with different meanings (Rytter, 2019). Whilst integration policies might seem to be neutral, they may in effect target women and men differently and have different outcomes for them. Such policies may also apply primarily to certain categories of migrants, although the categories and nationalities change over time. As we shall see, concerns over what constitutes problematic integration vary, such as: lack of knowledge of the language of the country, non-participation in the labour market and traditional cultural and social practices transferred from societies of origin. These have generated demands to impose integration measures and contracts as conditionalities of immigration and, if applicable, to the different stages in the pathway to citizenship.
FKN Formula and Ground State Energy for the Spin Boson Model with External Magnetic Field
Authors: Hasler David , Hinrichs Benjamin , Siebert Oliver
Published: March 2022

We consider the spin boson model with external magnetic field. We prove a path integral formula for the heat kernel, known as Feynman–Kac–Nelson (FKN) formula. We use this path integral representation to express the ground state energy as a stochastic integral. Based on this connection, we determine the expansion coefficients of the ground state energy with respect to the magnetic field strength and express them in terms of correlation functions of a continuous Ising model. From a recently proven correlation inequality, we can then deduce that the second order derivative is finite. As an application, we show existence of ground states in infrared-singular situations.
Numerical analysis of the strip crown inheritance in tandem cold rolling by a novel 3D multi-stand FE model
Authors: Li Lianjie , Xie Haibo , Liu Tianwu , Huo Mingshuai , Li Xingsheng , Liu Xu , Wang Enrui , Li Jianxin , Liu Hongqiang , Sun Li , Jiang Zhengyi
Published: March 2022

The strip shape inheritance model is widely applied to improve the strip shape quality in tandem cold rolling (TCR). However, the inheritance mechanism is still currently unclear. To bridge this gap, this paper presents a new numerical method for calculating the strip crown inheritance factor. In addition, the effects of the entry strip crown on exit strip crown and flatness were quantitatively analysed at each stand in the TCR using a novel three-dimensional (3D) multi-stand elastic–plastic finite element (FE) model. The results show that the strip crown inheritance factor increases slowly from S1 (stand 1) to S3 (stand 3), while rising sharply from S3 to S5 (stand 5), reaching a peak value of 0.495 μm/μm at S5. This trend coincides with that of strip plastic rigidity, which verifies that the strip crown inheritance factor is dependent on the strip plastic rigidity. Furthermore, the variation of strip crown and flatness under different entry strip crowns from S1 to S5 is jointly influenced by the pass reduction and strip plastic rigidity. Moreover, the strip crown inheritance factor increases with the deformation resistance of the strip at both S1 and S5. These findings not only offer a fresh perspective to understand the mechanism of strip crown inheritance, but also provide an important basis for optimising the strip shape control in the TCR process.
Tenodesis yields better functional results than tenotomy in long head of the biceps tendon operations—a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Vajda Mátyás , Szakó Lajos , Hegyi Péter , Erőss Bálint , Görbe Anikó , Molnár Zsolt , Kozma Kincső , Józsa Gergő , Bucsi László , Schandl Károly
Published: March 2022

Background

Pathology of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) is a common disorder affecting muscle function and causing considerable pain for the patient. The literature on the two surgical treatment methods (tenotomy and tenodesis) is controversial; therefore, our aim was to compare the results of these interventions.

Methods

We performed a meta-analysis using the following strategy: (P) patients with LHBT pathology, (I) tenodesis, (C) tenotomy, (O) elbow flexion and forearm supination strength, pain assessed on the ten-point Visual Analog Scale (VAS), bicipital cramping pain, Constant, ASES, and SST score, Popeye deformity, and operative time. We included only randomized clinical trials. We searched five databases. During statistical analysis, odds ratios (OR) and weighted mean differences (WMD) were calculated for dichotomous and continuous outcomes, respectively, using the Bayesian method with random effect model.

Results

We included 11 studies in the systematic review, nine of these were eligible for the meta-analysis, containing data about 572 patients (279 in the tenodesis, 293 in the tenotomy group). Our analysis concluded that tenodesis is more beneficial considering 12-month elbow flexion strength (WMD: 3.67 kg; p = 0.006), 12-month forearm supination strength (WMD: 0.36 kg; p = 0.012), and 24-month Popeye deformity (OR: 0.19; p < 0.001), whereas tenotomy was associated with decreased 3-month pain scores on VAS (WMD: 0.99; p < 0.001). We did not find significant difference among the other outcomes.

Conclusion

Tenodesis yields better results in terms of biceps function and is non-inferior regarding long-term pain, while tenotomy is associated with earlier pain relief.
Risk factors of proteinuria and potentially protective effect of renin–angiotensin system inhibitors in patients with renal cell carcinoma receiving axitinib
Authors: Ikesue Hiroaki , Yamaoka Kenta , Matsumoto Ayako , Hirabatake Masaki , Muroi Nobuyuki , Yamasaki Toshinari , Kawakita Mutsushi , Hashida Tohru
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Patients receiving vascular endothelial growth factor–tyrosine kinase inhibitors are at a risk of developing proteinuria. Renin–angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors exert renoprotective effects and might reduce proteinuria risk in these patients. We investigated the risk factors for and protective effect of RAS inhibitors against proteinuria in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) receiving axitinib.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with RCC receiving axitinib at Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital between September 2012 and October 2020. Patients with proteinuria ≥ 2+ at baseline were excluded. The patients were categorized into RAS inhibitor user, non-RAS inhibitor user, and non-user groups. The severity of proteinuria was graded based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5.0. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was employed to identify the risk factors for developing grade ≥ 2 proteinuria.

Results

Among 42 patients, 28 received antihypertensive drugs at baseline. Among these, 17 and 11 patients were in the RAS inhibitor and non-RAS inhibitor user groups, respectively. Twenty-three patients (54.8%) developed grade ≥ 2 proteinuria. The multivariate analysis revealed that the non-RAS inhibitor user group (P = 0.001) and patients with pre-existing grade 1 proteinuria (P = 0.022) were significantly associated with the development of grade ≥ 2 proteinuria, whereas the RAS inhibitor user group was not significantly associated with it.

Conclusion

In patients with RCC receiving axitinib, pre-existing proteinuria and non-RAS inhibitor use were significantly associated with grade ≥ 2 proteinuria development. Our preliminary data should be confirmed by further studies.
Modified copper zinc ferrite nanoparticles doped with Zr ions for hyperthermia applications
Authors: Salem B. I. , Hemeda O. M. , Henaish A. M. A. , Mostafa N. Y. , Mostafa M.
Published: March 2022

The problem of the present work is to synthesize a nanomagnetic material with low TC below 45 °C and its particle size below 30 nm to be appropriate material for convert magnetic loss into heat energy. A series of Cu0.4Zn0.6+yZryFe2–2yO4 nanoparticles compositions where y = (0.05, 0.1) were synthesized via citrate sol–gel method. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The grains were observed from SEM confirming the crystalline structure of the ferrite which was detected by X-ray diffraction. Magnetic hysteresis loop measurements illustrate that materials exhibit soft magnetic properties at low Zr content, while at higher Zr content all materials behave as superparamagnetically without any saturation magnetization Ms. The initial magnetic permeability ($${\mu }_{i}$$

μ
i

) at frequency 10 kHz as a function of temperature was measured. A sudden change in $${\mu }_{i}$$

μ
i

appears around Curie temperature, making our samples good candidates for magnetic temperature transducer (MTT) devices. The DC resistivity for sample at y = 0.05, 0.1 was studied. The resistivity decreases linearly with increasing temperature within the given range of temperature up to 666 K for all samples. The dielectric constant of all samples is nearly independent on temperature through the range of 450 to 600 K which is a common character of ferrites. The dielectric loss was found to increase by increasing temperature, which may be related to the increase in AC conductivity. Hyperthermia measurements show the maximum specific power loss and temperature increase were 26 w/gr and 43 °C, respectively, for sample containing Zr = 0.05, after 2 min of measurements. One of the real applications of the material is that it is used as an effective method in tumor treatment by exposing the patient to external magnetic field.
The intake of flavonoids, stilbenes, and tyrosols, mainly consumed through red wine and virgin olive oil, is associated with lower carotid and femoral subclinical atherosclerosis and coronary calcium
Authors: Salazar Henry Montero , de Deus Mendonça Raquel , Laclaustra Martín , Moreno-Franco Belén , Åkesson Agneta , Guallar-Castillón Pilar , Donat-Vargas Carolina
Published: March 2022

Purpose

It is suggested that polyphenols back the cardiovascular protection offered by the Mediterranean diet. This study evaluates the association of specific types of dietary polyphenols with prevalent subclinical atherosclerosis in middle-aged subjects.

Methods

Ultrasonography and TC were performed on 2318 men from the Aragon Workers Health Study, recruited between 2011 and 2014, to assess the presence of plaques in carotid and femoral arteries and coronary calcium. Polyphenol intake was assessed using a validated semi-quantitative 136-item food frequency questionnaire. The Phenol Explorer database was used to derive polyphenol class intake. Logistic and linear regressions were used to estimate the cross-sectional association of polyphenols intake with femoral and carotid subclinical atherosclerosis and coronary calcium.

Results

A higher intake of flavonoids (third vs. first tertile) was associated with a lower risk of both carotid (OR 0.80: CI 95% 0.62–1.02; P trend 0.094) and femoral (0.62: 0.48–0.80, P trend < 0.001) subclinical atherosclerosis. A higher intake of stilbenes was associated with a lower risk of femoral subclinical atherosclerosis (0.62: 0.46–0.83; P trend 0.009) and positive coronary calcium (0.75: 0.55–1.03; P trend 0.131). A higher intake of tyrosols was also associated with a lower risk of positive coronary calcium (0.80: 0.62–1.03; P trend 0.111). The associations remained similar when adjusted for blood lipids and blood pressure.

Conclusion

Dietary flavonoids, stilbenes, and tyrosols, whose main sources are red wine and virgin olive oil, are associated with lower prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis in middle-aged subjects.
Training causes activation increase in temporo-parietal and parietal regions in children with mathematical disabilities
Authors: Soltanlou Mojtaba , Dresler Thomas , Artemenko Christina , Rosenbaum David , Ehlis Ann-Christine , Nuerk Hans-Christoph
Published: March 2022

While arithmetic training reduces fronto-temporo-parietal activation related to domain-general processes in typically developing (TD) children, we know very little about the training-related neurocognitive changes in children with mathematical disabilities (MD), who seek evidenced-based educational interventions. In a within-participant design, a group of 20 children (age range = 10–15 years old) with MD underwent 2 weeks of arithmetic training. Brain activation was measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) before and after training to assess training-related changes. Two weeks of training led to both behavioral and brain changes. Training-specific change for trained versus untrained (control) simple multiplication solving was observed as activation increase in the bilateral temporo-parietal region including angular gyrus and middle temporal gyrus. Training-specific change for trained versus untrained (control) complex multiplication solving was observed as activation increase in the bilateral parietal region including intraparietal sulcus, superior parietal lobule, and supramarginal gyrus. Unlike the findings of a similar study in TD children, 2 weeks of multiplication training led to brain activation increase in the fronto-parietal network in children with MD. Interestingly, these brain activation differences between the current findings and a recent similar study in TD children underlie a rather similar behavioral improvement as regards response time and accuracy after 2 weeks of training. This finding provides valuable insights into underlying mechanisms of mathematics learning in special samples and suggests that the findings in TD children may not be readily generalized to children with MD.
Evaluation of prevention behaviour and its influencing factors with respect to cancer screening
Authors: Dawid Adam , Borzikowsky Christoph , Freitag-Wolf Sandra , Herlitzius Sabine , Wenz Hans-Jürgen , Wiltfang Jörg , Hertrampf Katrin
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Every year, about 4.6 million people are diagnosed with cancer in Europe. However, based on preclinical changes and using appropriate examination procedures certain cancers can be detected in symptom-free patients at an early stage and treatment initiated.

In Germany, various cancer screening examinations are currently offered to the relevant age groups and sexes free of charge. Participation rates are affected by a number of factors and barriers. The study aimed at identifying potential obstacles and barriers to uptake, taking into account demographic and socio-economic variables.

Materials and methods

Data collection was conducted in the context of routine examination appointments at the City of Kiel Occupational Health Department from September 2013 to September 2014 using an anonymised questionnaire. In addition to recording socio-demographic data and tobacco consumption, the questionnaire also catalogued participation in statutory health insurance cancer screening examinations using the “stages of change” from the Transtheoretical Model. Eight potential barriers to participation were recorded.

Results

The results are based on 718 completed questionnaires. It was found that women, older age, and non-smoking status were associated with a higher probability of participating in cancer screening. It was also found that various barriers affecting (regular) participation were perceived significantly different according to the individual stages of change. This influence of the stages was moderated by gender.

Conclusion

The results showed interesting trends in the different barriers and how they are influenced by socioeconomic factors and the stages of change. Especially the stages require different gender-specific approaches to mobilisation for cancer screening.
The TCP transcription factor HvTB2 heterodimerizes with VRS5 and controls spike architecture in barley
Authors: de Souza Moraes Tatiana , van Es Sam W. , Hernández-Pinzón Inmaculada , Kirschner Gwendolyn K. , van der Wal Froukje , da Silveira Sylvia Rodrigues , Busscher-Lange Jacqueline , Angenent Gerco C. , Moscou Matthew , Immink Richard G. H. , van Esse G. Wilma
Published: March 2022

Key message

Understanding the molecular network, including protein-protein interactions, of VRS5 provide new routes towards the identification of other key regulators of plant architecture in barley.

The TCP transcriptional regulator TEOSINTE BRANCHED 1 (TB1) is a key regulator of plant architecture. In barley, an important cereal crop, HvTB1 (also referred to as VULGARE SIX-ROWED spike (VRS) 5), inhibits the outgrowth of side shoots, or tillers, and grains. Despite its key role in barley development, there is limited knowledge on the molecular network that is utilized by VRS5. In this work, we performed protein–protein interaction studies of VRS5. Our analysis shows that VRS5 potentially interacts with a diverse set of proteins, including other class II TCP’s, NF-Y TF, but also chromatin remodelers. Zooming in on the interaction capacity of VRS5 with other TCP TFs shows that VRS5 preferably interacts with other class II TCP TFs in the TB1 clade. Induced mutagenesis through CRISPR–Cas of one of the putative VRS5 interactors, HvTB2 (also referred to as COMPOSITUM 1 and BRANCHED AND INDETERMINATE SPIKELET 1), resulted in plants that have lost their characteristic unbranched spike architecture. More specifically, hvtb2 mutants exhibited branches arising at the main spike, suggesting that HvTB2 acts as inhibitor of branching. Our protein–protein interaction studies of VRS5 resulted in the identification of HvTB2 as putative interactor of VRS5, another key regulator of spike architecture in barley. The study presented here provides a first step to underpin the protein–protein interactome of VRS5 and to identify other, yet unknown, key regulators of barley plant architecture.
Analysis of closed branched and intersecting cracks by the boundary element method
Authors: Fedelinski Piotr
Published: March 2022

The boundary element method (BEM) and a computer code for the analysis of plates with closed branched and intersecting cracks are developed. The BEM enables simple and accurate modelling of cracked plates by using boundary elements. Contact tractions between crack surfaces are computed using an iterative procedure. Stress intensity factors (SIFs) are determined using the path-independent integral. Three numerical examples are studied: a star-shaped crack in a square plate, multiple interacting cracks in an infinite plate and randomly distributed and intersecting cracks in a square plate. The examples demonstrate the simplicity of numerical modelling, the accuracy of the method and the possible applications. The influences of load directions, distances between cracks and the contact of the crack surfaces on SIF are investigated. For the plate with randomly distributed cracks, the effective elastic properties are additionally computed by considering or neglecting contact of crack surfaces. The results show that the importance of the contact procedure depends on how the cracked material is loaded.
Berechnung von Temperaturfahnen im Grundwasser mit analytischen und numerischen Modellen
Authors: Ohmer Marc , Klester Artur , Kissinger Alexander , Mirbach Stefan , Class Holger , Schneider Martin , Lindenlaub Martin , Bauer Michael , Liesch Tanja , Menberg Kathrin , Blum Philipp
Published: March 2022

Mit zunehmender Anzahl an Grundwasserwärmepumpenanlagen steigt auch das Potenzial an Nutzungsüberlagerungen. Im Rahmen des wasserrechtlichen Genehmigungsverfahrens ist es daher erforderlich, u. a. die von einer Anlage ausgehenden Temperaturfahnen im Grundwasser zu berechnen. In Baden-Württemberg wurde als Erweiterung des für Anlagen ≤ 45.000 kWh/a gültigen Leitfadens des Umweltministeriums Baden-Württemberg das Thermische Online-Modell (TOM) entwickelt. Hierbei handelt es sich um ein vereinfachtes, browserbasiertes, numerisches Grundwassermodell. Ziel dieser Studie ist, die mit TOM berechneten Ausdehnungen von Temperaturfahnen durch mit analytisch und einem kalibrierten numerischen Modell berechnete Temperaturfahnen zu evaluieren. Der Vergleich mit den analytischen Berechnungsmethoden zeigt, dass diese die Ausbreitung der Temperaturfahnen in Relation zu den numerischen Modellen grundsätzlich überschätzen. Für kleine und mittlere Anlagen (< 10 l/s) wurden mit TOM vergleichbare Ergebnisse wie mit einem kalibrierten numerischen Modell berechnet. Für größere Anlagen (> 10 l/s) ist aufgrund der weiträumigeren Ausbreitung der Temperaturfelder die Simulation mit einem kalibrierten numerischen Planungsmodell zu empfehlen.