bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Degradation‐triggered release from biodegradable metallic surfaces
Authors: Md Yusop Abdul Hakim , Alsakkaf Ahmed , Noordin Muhammad Azfar , Idris Hasbullah , Nur Hadi , Szali Januddi Fatihhi
Published: May 2021

This work is dedicated to the investigation of drug‐release control by a direct effect of degradation from biodegradable metallic surfaces. Degradation behaviors characterized by surface morphology, immersion, and electrochemical techniques demonstrated that curcumin‐coated zinc (c‐Zn) had a higher degradation rate compared to curcumin‐coated Fe (c‐Fe). High anodic dissolution rate due to the higher degradation rate and widely extended groove‐like degradation structure of c‐Zn propelled a higher curcumin release. On the other hand, a slower curcumin release rate shown by c‐Fe scaffolds is ascribed to its lower anodic dissolution and to its pitting degradation regime with relatively smaller pits. These findings illuminate the remarkable advantage of different degradation behaviors of degradable metallic surfaces in directly controlling the drug release without the need for external electrical stimulus.
Gene‐disruption of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana incubated with dsRNA
Authors: Shin Tae Young , Lee Mi Rong , Lee Se Jin , Kim Jong Cheol , Kim Sihyeon , Park So Eun , Kim Woo Jin , Kim Jae Su
Published: May 2021

The species of Beauveria bassiana is widely used for the management of agricultural insect pests. In this study, we integrated egfp‐double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) to a previously generated egfp‐expressing B. bassiana transformant (Bb‐egfp#3) using a protoplast integration method. The Bb‐egfp#3 protoplast was mixed with the dsRNA under PEG/CaCl2 conditions and liquid‐cultured in Sabouraud dextrose broth for 5 days. A control culture followed the same procedure without dsRNA. Bb‐egfp#3/egfp‐dsRNA cultures showed very low fungal growth (OD630 = 0.2) compared to the control culture, Bb‐egfp#3 only (OD630 = 1.1). Screening of possible transformants on Sabouraud dextrose agar revealed a transformant T3, without egfp signal. T3 was confirmed as B. bassiana through sequencing of conserved genes and insect bioassays. Interestingly, the genomic egfp fragment of T3 was disrupted, and the egfp signal was not detected over four subcultures, which was also confirmed by RNA‐seq of Bb‐egfp#3 and T3. This study provides an interesting observation that protoplast integration with dsRNA could possibly generate significantly reduced gene expression in B. bassiana and it is stable across several generations.
Transvaginal Ultrasound‐Guided Fine‐Needle Aspiration Biopsy of Pelvic Lesions
Authors: Penna Rubal , Poder Liina , Jha Priyanka , Seigel Eliot L. , Morgan Tara A.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To assess adequacy of transvaginal ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (TVUS‐FNAB) for pathologic diagnosis of pelvic masses performed using onsite cytopathology consultation.

Methods

In this Institutional Review Board approved, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant study, radiology records were retrospectively queried to identify patients who underwent TVUS‐FNAB of a pelvic mass over a 11‐year duration. TVUS‐FNAB adequacy was determined by correlating cytopathology results with transvaginal ultrasound‐guided core‐needle biopsy (TVUS‐CNB) or surgical pathology results when available, and with clinical diagnostic confidence when additional pathology confirmation was not available. Secondary analysis included patient age, history of hysterectomy, or pelvic malignancy. Target‐specific features analyzed included mass size, depth, location, and final pathologic diagnosis.

Results

Sixty patients underwent TVUS‐FNAB of pelvic masses, 43 of which underwent FNAB only and 17 underwent both TVUS‐FNAB and TVUS‐CNB during the same procedure. TVUS‐FNAB alone was adequate for diagnosis in 51 (85%) cases and addition of core‐needle biopsy (CNB) achieved a diagnosis in additional 4 patients, increasing overall diagnostic accuracy to 92% (55/60). FNAB inadequacy had statistically significant association with increasing mass depth, occurrence of a minor intraprocedural complication, and decision to perform a CNB (P <.05). Number of FNAB passes, mass size, history of hysterectomy, and final diagnosis were not statistically significant predictors of FNAB adequacy.

Conclusion

TVUS‐FNAB has a high specimen adequacy rate when performed with an onsite cytopathologist and can be considered first‐line approach for image‐guided sampling of pelvic lesions with option to add CNB if preliminary cytopathologic review does not confirm sample adequacy.
Chip‐Scale Terahertz Frequency Combs through Integrated Intersubband Polariton Bleaching
Authors: Mezzapesa Francesco P. , Viti Leonardo , Li Lianhe , Pistore Valentino , Dhillon Sukhdeep , Davies A. Giles , Linfield Edmund H. , Vitiello Miriam S.
Published: May 2021

Quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) represent a fascinating accomplishment of quantum engineering and enable the direct generation of terahertz (THz) frequency radiation from an electrically biased semiconductor heterostructure. Their large spectral bandwidth, high output powers, and quantum‐limited linewidths have facilitated the realization of THz pulses by active mode‐locking and passive generation of optical frequency combs (FCs) through intracavity four‐wave‐mixing, albeit over a restricted operational regime. Here, an integrated architecture is conceived for the generation of high power (5.5–8.0 mW) THz FCs comprising an ultrafast THz polaritonic reflector, exploiting intersubband (ISB) cavity polaritons, and a broad bandwidth (2.3–3.8 THz) heterogenous THz QCL. By tuning the group‐delay‐dispersion in an integrated geometry, through the exploitation of light‐induced bleaching of the ISB‐based THz polaritons, spectral reshaping of the QCL emission and stable FC operation over an operational range up to 38%, characterized by a single and narrow (down to 700 Hz) intermode beatnote are demonstrated. This concept provides design guidelines for a new generation of compact, cost‐effective, electrically driven chip‐scale FC sources based on ultrafast polariton dynamics, paving the way toward the generation of mode‐locked THz microlasers that can strongly impact a broad range of applications in ultrafast sciences, data storage, high‐speed communication, and spectroscopy.
A novel Vancomycin‐Functionalized‐Magnetic Graphene Composite for Use as a Near‐Infrared‐Induced Synergistic Chemo‐Photothermal Antibacterial
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Shan Suyan , Fan Jinyi , Yuan Feng , Lawson Tom , Kong Lingdan , Hu Rongdang , Liu Yong
Published: May 2021

Antibiotic‐resistant bacterial strains are a major cause of disease. They continue to remain a challenge in the clinic particularly in the vision system. For example, infectious endophthalmitis is a major blind‐causing disease caused by bacteria. A highly efficient synergistic antibacterial treatment that uses a photothermal antibacterial therapeutic with a chemo‐antibacterial therapeutic in a multifunctional nanocomposite is reported. It is prepared by immobilizing vancomycin onto the surface of a magnetic chitosan‐graphene (VCM‐MCG) composite. An antibacterial effect is achieved when VCM‐MCG is applied. This effect is enhanced when the nanocomposites are irradiated with a near‐infrared laser. Growth of gram‐positive methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and gram‐negative Escherichia coli bacteria are suppressed efficiently. Such a composite can help manage the control of pathogenic bacteria growth in the clinic.
Is there any association between asthma and Kawasaki disease? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Zihan , Zhang Jintao , Dong Liang
Published: May 2021

Objective

Shared immune factors are involved in the pathogenesis of asthma and Kawasaki disease (KD). Consequently, several observational studies have explored an association between KD and asthma. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to explore the association between KD and asthma.

Methods

PubMed and Embase databases were searched for cross‐sectional, case‐control and cohort studies that investigated the association between KD and asthma. The first author, publication year, study type, sample size, and participant demographics were retrieved. The association between KD and asthma was expressed by the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Eleven studies were eligible in the systematic review. The crude ORs (cORs) were extracted from 11 studies, and seven of them also provided adjusted ORs (aORs). The cORs between KD and asthma was 1.53 (95% CI, 1.29–1.81). After adjustment for some confounding factors (age, sex, region), asthma also had an association with KD (aOR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.00–1.17). The subgroup analyses showed the study design and study location to influence between‐study heterogeneity. Analyses of aOR values revealed that asthma onset before KD onset does not appear to increase KD prevalence, whereas people suffering from KD could increase the prevalence of developing asthma.

Conclusion

Our meta‐analysis suggested a possible association between preceding KD and asthma onset, but care must be taken when interpreting this result. Prospective cohort studies are needed to assess a causal relationship between these two diseases.
Effect of oral care in reducing the incidence of early‐onset ventilator‐associated pneumonia in preterm infants
Authors: Katayama Yoshinori , Takanishi Hiromi , Sato Yumi , Fujita Satoshi , Enomoto Masahiro
Published: May 2021

Background

Oral care using chlorhexidine has been considered useful in reducing the incidence of ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP) in adult patients. However, no study has proved the effect of oral care in reducing the incidence of VAP in preterm infants.

Objectives

To investigate the efficacy of oral care using a sponge brush moistened with sterile water in reducing the bacterial load in the oral cavity and the incidence of early‐onset VAP in preterm infants

Methods

The bacterial number in the oral cavity was evaluated on‐site with the dielectrophoretic impedance measurement system. Bacterial numbers before and after oral care were investigated prospectively. Then, the incidence of early‐onset VAP was compared retrospectively between infants who received oral care before re‐intubation and those who did not.

Results

The mean bacterial number (cfu/ml) in the oral cavity in infants managed with endotracheal intubation (n = 23), continuous positive airway pressure (n = 38), and high‐flow nasal cannula (n = 22) significantly reduced (p < .01) after versus before oral care (4.46 × 107 vs. 1.25 × 106; 1.32 × 107 vs. 6.82 × 105; and 1.68 × 107 vs. 6.50 × 105). The incidence rate of early‐onset VAP after re‐intubation was 51% (20/39) in patients who did not receive oral care. Then, it significantly decreased to 21% (7/33; p = .009) after receiving oral care.

Conclusion

Oral care with sterile water may be effective in reducing the bacterial load in the oral cavity and the incidence of early‐onset VAP in preterm infants.
Seeking the exclusive binding region of phenylalkylamine derivatives on human T‐type calcium channels via homology modeling and molecular dynamics simulation approach
Authors: Lu You , Li Ming , Lee Gi Young , Zhao Na , Chen Zhong , Edwards Andrea , Zhang Kun
Published: May 2021

Pharmaceutical features of phenylalkylamine derivatives (PAAs) binding to calcium channels have been studied extensively in the past decades. Only a few PAAs have the binding specificity on calcium channels, for example, NNC 55‐0396. Here, we created the homology models of human Cav3.2, Cav3.3 and use them as a receptor on the rigid docking tests. The nonspecific calcium channel blocker mibefradil showed inconsistent docking preference across four domains; however, NNC 55‐0396 had a unique binding pattern on domain II specifically. The subsequent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations identified that Cav3.1, Cav3.2, and Cav3.3 share domain II when Ca2+ appearing in the neighbor region of selective filters (SFs). Moreover, free‐energy perturbation analysis suggests single mutation of lysine at P‐loop domain III, or threonine at the P‐loop domain II largely reduced the total amount of hydration‐free energy in the system. All these findings suggest that P‐loop and segment six domain II in the T‐type calcium channels (TCCs) are crucial for attracting the PAAs with specificity as the antagonist.
Front Cover Image, Volume 77, Issue 6
Authors: Maity Aniruddha , Singh Vijay , Jessup Russell , Bagavathiannan Muthukumar
Published: May 2021

The front cover image is based on the Research Article Seed traits correlate with herbicide resistance in Italian ryegrass (Lolium perenne ssp. multiflorum) by Aniruddha Maity et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.6304.

image
Transition‐Metal Borides (MBenes) as New High‐Efficiency Catalysts for Nitric Oxide Electroreduction to Ammonia by a High‐Throughput Approach
Authors: Xiao Yi , Shen Chen
Published: May 2021

Here, the authors performed density functional theory calculations to study the catalytic performance of the nitric oxide reduction reaction (NORR) via a series of transition metal borides (MBenes). This work screened the M2B2 type MBenes from the IVB to V transition metals from the periodic table and systematically probed the catalytic activity and selectivity for the NORR process. It has been reported that Fe2B2, Mn2B2, and Rh2B2 can be high‐performance catalysts for converting NO to NH3 with smaller limiting potentials than other MBenes, and Nb2B2 and Hf2B2 have low limiting potentials of −0.11 V and −0.17 V for the NO production of NH3. The binding energy of ΔG*N can be a good descriptor of catalytic performance and is determined by the volcano plot of the rate‐determining step. The reaction mechanisms for NO reduction to NH3, N2, and N2O have been studied in detail, atomic *N can interact with another *N or one *NO molecule to form N2 and N2O via two successive hydrogenations. In this regard, *NO hydrogenation to *NOH has a lower formation energy than *HNO, and the MBenes have high selectivity for promoting the NORR and suppressing the hydrogen evolution reaction competition process.
In Situ TEM Studies of Sodium Polysulfides Electrochemistry in High Temperature Na–S Nanobatteries
Authors: Li Yanshuai , Tang Yongfu , Li Xiaomei , Tu Wei , Zhang Liqiang , Huang Jianyu
Published: May 2021

Understanding polysulfide electrochemistry in high temperature sodium–sulfur (HT–Na–S) batteries is crucial for their practical applications. Currently the discharge capacity of commercial HT–Na–S battery achieves only one third of its theoretical capacity due to polysulfides formation, understanding of which is limited due to technical difficulty in direct imaging polysulfides. Herein, in situ transmission electron microscopy implemented with a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) heating device is used to investigate the electrochemical reactions of HT–Na–S batteries. The formation and evolution of transient polysulfides during cycling are revealed in real‐time. Upon discharge, sulfur transforms to long‐chain polysulfides, short‐chain polysulfides, and finally Na2S or its mixture with polysulfides, and the process is reversible during charge at high temperatures. Surprisingly, by introducing nanovoids into the sulfur cathode to buffer the large volume change thus preserving the integrity of the electronic/ionic pathways and reducing the diffusion distance of Na+ ions, the sulfur cathode is fully discharged to Na2S rather than the conventionally observed Na2S2 at 300 °C. Moreover, the electrochemical reaction is swift and highly reversible. The in situ studies provide not only new understanding to the polysulfide electrochemistry, but also critical strategies to boost the capacity and cyclability of HT–Na–S batteries for large‐scale energy storage applications.
New TiO2‐Based Oxide for Catalyzing Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction with Noble Metal‐Like Performance
Authors: Li Ruchun , Hu Bihua , Yu Tongwen , Shao Zongping , Wang Yi , Song Shuqin
Published: May 2021

The development of cost‐effective electrocatalysts with high activity and sufficient stability for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is crucial for the widespread application of water electrolysis for sustainable H2 production. Transition metal oxides are desirable alternatives to replace benchmark Pt‐based HER electrocatalysts because of their cost effectiveness, facile synthesis, versatile compositions, and easy electronic structure tuning. However, most available transition metal oxides show poor performance for HER catalysis. Here, it is reported that the anatase TiO2 can be efficiently developed into a superior HER electrocatalyst with comparable activity to Pt‐based electrocatalysts in alkaline solution through simultaneous morphology control, proper lattice doping, and surface active sites engineering. Specifically, the obtained cobalt‐doped TiO2 nanorod arrays (Co‐TiO2@Ti(H2)) show a low overpotential of only 78 mV at 10 mA cm−2, a small Tafel plot of 67.8 mV dec−1, and excellent stability even at an ultralarge current density of ≈480 mA cm−2 in 1.0 m KOH solution. Theoretical calculations demonstrate that the introduction of Co with rich oxygen vacancies can efficiently lower the energy barrier for water adsorption/dissociation and H intermediate desorption. This work uncovers the potential of the low‐cost transition metal oxides as alternative HER electrocatalysts in alkaline water electrolysis.
Simple Processing and Analysis of Flexible III–V Multijunction Solar Cells Using Low‐Temperature Transfer Technology
Authors: Long Junhua , Li Xuefei , Sun Qiangjian , Dai Pan , Zhang Yi , Xuan Jingjing , Chen Feixue , Song Minghui , Honda Shinya , Uchida Shiro , Lu Shulong
Published: May 2021

A simple method is proposed for manufacturing the flexible III–V inverted metamorphic solar cells by low‐temperature transfer technology. Benefiting from the special low‐temperature adhesive and the Cu‐plated thin films, only one‐time bonding and extremely easy debonding are needed through the whole process and a negligible effect of residual stress can be obtained, which is critical to large‐size device fabrication. The optical model of light trapping and photon recycling based on the native textured back‐surface reflector of the flexible solar cell is constructed to design the antireflection coating. The flexible 4 in solar cells with a weight‐area density of only 169 g m−2 are successfully mass‐produced. The analysis of the individual subcells using optoelectronic reciprocity relation indicates that the GaAs middle subcell should be further optimized to improve the performance. The technique can be expected to achieve mass production of flexible high‐efficiency large‐size solar cells with low cost.
Modified primary sacrocaudal surgical stabilisation in a large breed dog
Authors: Redolfi Giovanna , Caraty Johan , Deneuche Aymeric
Published: May 2021

Sacrocaudal luxation can be associated with sacral and caudal nerve roots injury, potentially leading to loss of tail nociception, tail paralysis and urinary incontinence. In cats, several treatments have been proposed depending on the patient's neurological status. When sacrocaudal luxation is associated with loss of tail nociception, tail paralysis and preserved urinary continence, surgical stabilisation can be envisaged. This case report describes surgical reduction and stabilisation of sacrocaudal fracture‐luxation in a large 4‐year‐old crossbreed dog. On presentation tail motor and sensory function (tested at the tail base) were absent. Tail exploration/stabilisation with transarticular Kirshner pins and tension band wires was performed. Motor function returned over 14 days following surgery. Maintenance of sacrocaudal alignment was confirmed radiographically as long as two months following surgery. To the authors' knowledge, there is little information concerning prognosis for tail mobility recovery and surgical treatment efficacy for dogs. Moreover, several anatomical differences existed between cats' and dogs’ tails which must be considered during tail stabilisation.
Finance 4.0—A Socio-Ecological Finance System
Authors: Ballandies Mark C. , Dapp Marcus M. , Degenhart Benjamin Aaron , Helbing Dirk , Klauser Stefan , Pardi Anabele-Linda
Published: May 2021

This contribution develops the framework of a novel, socio-ecological finance system that enables the incentivization of environmentally friendly behavior, socially responsible production, resource recycling, sharing and more. We call this system Finance 4.0—where Finance 1.0 refers to a physical coin-based system, Finance 2.0 to a fiat currency system, Finance 3.0 to blockchain finance, while Finance 4.0 stands for a multi-dimensional, real-time feedback system that combines blockchain technology with the Internet of Things. Instead of “Finance 4.0,” we will also often use the abbreviation “FIN4.”

In comparison with citizen scores such as the Chinese social credit score, the FIN4 approach is different in a variety of aspects:

FIN4 is not aimed at punishment and control, but rather at helping to encourage, empower and coordinate sustainable and other favorable action.

It is being built for local, temporary measurements and feedback, not for global surveillance and control.

It seeks to protect the privacy of people rather than to keep information about everyone and every action forever.

It is not focused on the individual in the sense of profiling and targeting, but on favorable interactions and our social and environmental goals.

It offers a multi-dimensional choice of options instead of trying to determine every individual’s action through behavioral manipulation and control.

It has a participatory opt-in nature, where people can co-create the incentive system in such a way that they can reach their goals more successfully.

With multi-dimensional incentivization, it becomes possible to advance several goals simultaneously; thereby, many more people can benefit from the interactions they engage in, as multi-dimensional value exchange increases the solution space enormously.
An Interaction Support Processor to Promote Individual and Systemic Benefits
Authors: Helbing Dirk
Published: May 2021

Individual choices, if not sufficiently well coordinated, can lead to bad outcomes, such as systemic instabilities or failures, or “tragedies of the commons.” It is, therefore, proposed to use digital assistants to support favorable interactions and avoid undesirable ones. The invention discussed here describes ways to perform these tasks in a decentralized way that also protects sensitive information. Such digital assistants offer better solutions based on local empowerment and coordination rather than on large-scale surveillance and control. In particular, it is suggested to introduce a multi-dimensional value exchange based on multiple new currencies that are linked to reputation values or sensor measurements, which may use the Internet of Things. This novel approach expands the solution space such that new opportunities for favorable interactions arise, which benefits the system and its components. Often, similar results would not be achievable with classical optimization approaches and conventional, one-dimensional value exchange only.
A seven week observational analysis of clinical activities in a North Italian orthopaedic hospital during the second wave of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: far from usual volumes, but different from the first wave
Authors: Zagra Luigi , Faraldi Martina , Andreata Mauro , Ottaiano Immacolata , Basile Giuseppe , Lombardi Giovanni
Published: May 2021

Purpose

We previously described the radical changes occurred in an orthopaedic hospital in Milan (Italy) during the first SARS-CoV-2 pandemic outbreak. Currently, during the second wave, the situation is still far from normality. Here we describe the changes that took place, and are still ongoing, in the clinical practice.

Methods

Number and type of admissions, outpatients activity, ER and urgent procedures in SARS-CoV-2 negative and positive patients have been analyzed over seven weeks (October 26th–December 13th, 2020) and compared with the correspondent period in 2019 and the same timeframe during the first wave (February 24th–April 10th).

Results

2019 vs. 2020: Overall admissions decreased by 39.8%; however, while admissions for elective surgery dropped by 42.0%, urgent surgeries increased by 117.0%. Rehabilitation admissions declined by 85.2%. White and green priority ER consultations declined by 41.6% and 52.0%, respectively; yellow and red increased by 766.7% and 400.0%, respectively.

Second vs. first wave: Overall admissions increased by 58.6% with a smoother decrement in weekly admissions than during the first wave.

Disparity of acute admissions vs. rehabilitation expanded: Acute cases increased by 63.6% while rehabilitation cases decreased by 8.7%. Admissions to triage procedures increased by 72.3%.

Conclusions

Activity levels are far from normality during the second COVID-19 wave. Elective surgery and outpatients-related activities are still strongly limited compared to 2019 while the number of urgent cases treated increased consistently. SARS-CoV-2 positive emergencies are slightly higher than during the first wave. These important changes are expected to impact on health service and hospital budget for long.
Wilhelm His Senior und die Entwicklung der Paraffineinbettung
Authors: van der Lem Tim , de Bakker Merijn , Keuck Gerhard , Richardson Michael K.
Published: May 2021

Die paraffinbasierte histologische Untersuchung ist eines der wichtigsten angewendeten Laborverfahren in der diagnostischen Histopathologie. Die Entwicklung der Paraffineinbettung wird oft dem Pathologen Edwin Klebs zugeschrieben. Klebs orientierte sich an den Arbeiten von Stricker, der Embryonen in eine Mischung aus heißem Tristearin und weißem Bienenwachs einbettete, und experimentierte mit Paraffin, um Tumorgewebe einzubetten. Er verwarf den Ansatz aber rasch, da Paraffin das Gewebe nicht infiltrierte. Klebs stand im Briefwechsel mit dem Embryologen Wilhelm His Senior, der von dessen Experimenten erfuhr und beschloss, sich an der Paraffineinbettung zu versuchen. His entwässerte Hühnerembryonen in Alkohol, klärte sie mit Lavendelöl und träufelte heißes Paraffin darüber. Dieses Verfahren ermöglichte ihm die Anfertigung guter Schnitte. In der vorliegenden Arbeit haben wir His’ Protokoll der Paraffineinbettung nachvollzogen, um zu ermitteln, ob His tatsächlich die Infiltrationseinbettung mit Paraffin gelungen ist. Wir befolgten das Protokoll aus seiner 1868 erschienenen Monografie. Anhand der Anweisungen von His gelang es uns nicht, Schnitte mit der von ihm illustrierten Qualität herzustellen. In der Regel zerfiel das Gewebe beim Schneiden wegen schlechter Wachsinfiltration. Brauchbare Schnitte wurden nur bei Abwandlung von His’ Protokoll durch das Wiedereinschmelzen der eingebetteten Embryos in frischem Paraffin erreicht. Möglicherweise ist es uns nicht gelungen ist, das Protokoll von His detailgetreu zu replizieren, oder das Protokoll war unvollständig. Nach unserer Einschätzung hat His wahrscheinlich die Infiltrationseinbettung mit Paraffin erfunden und perfektioniert, aber kein vollständiges Protokoll veröffentlicht.
Ventilation heterogeneity in children with severe asthma
Authors: Nuttall Amy G. , Beardsmore Caroline S. , Gaillard Erol A.
Published: May 2021

Small airway disease, characterised by ventilation heterogeneity (VH), is present in a subgroup of patients with asthma. Ventilation heterogeneity can be measured using multiple breath washout testing. Few studies have been reported in children. We studied the relationship between VH, asthma severity, and spirometry in a cross-sectional observational cohort study involving children with stable mild-moderate and severe asthma by GINA classification and a group of healthy controls. Thirty-seven participants aged 5–16 years completed multiple breath nitrogen washout (MBNW) testing (seven controls, seven mild-moderate asthma, 23 severe asthma). The lung clearance index (LCI) was normal in control and mild-moderate asthmatics. LCI was abnormal in 5/23 (21%) of severe asthmatics. The LCI negatively correlated with FEV1z-score.

Conclusion: VH is present in asthmatic children and appears to be more common in severe asthma. The LCI was significantly higher in the cohort of children with severe asthma, despite no difference in FEV1 between the groups. This supports previous evidence that LCI is a more sensitive marker of airway disease than FEV1. MBNW shows potential as a useful tool to assess children with severe asthma and may help inform clinical decisions.

What is Known:• Increased ventilation heterogeneity is present in some children with asthma• Spirometry is not sensitive enough to detect small airway involvement in asthma

What is New• Lung clearance index is abnormal in a significant subgroup of children with severe asthma but rarely in children with mild-moderate asthma• Our data suggests that LCI monitoring should be considered in children with severe asthma
A stereotactic frame-based drill guide-aided setting for laser interstitial thermal therapy
Authors: Oertel Markus F. , Stieglitz Lennart H. , Bozinov Oliver
Published: May 2021

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRIgLITT) was demonstrated to be a viable neurosurgical tool. Apart from its variety of indications, different operative and technical nuances exist. In the present report, for the first time, the use and ability of a traditional Riechert-Mundinger (RM) stereotactic system combined with a novel drill guide kit for MRIgLITT are described.

Methods

A stereotactic frame-based setting was developed by combining an RM system with a drill guide kit and centering bone anchor screwing aid for application together with an MRIgLITT neuro-accessory kit and cooled laser applicator system. The apparatus was used for stereotactic biopsy and consecutive MRIgLITT with an intraoperative high-field MRI scanner in a brain tumor case.

Results

The feasibility of an RM stereotactic apparatus and a drill guide kit for MRIgLITT was successfully assessed. Both stereotactic biopsy and subsequent MRIgLITT in a neurooncological patient could easily and safely be performed. No technical problems or complications were observed.

Conclusion

The combination of a traditional RM stereotactic system, a new drill guide tool, and intraoperative high-field MRI provides neurosurgeons with the opportunity to reliably confirm the diagnosis by frame-based biopsy and allows for stable and accurate real-time MRIgLITT.
Cryptococcal infection of the colon in a patient without concurrent human immunodeficiency infection: a case report and literature review
Authors: Quincho-Lopez Alvaro , Kojima Noah , Nesemann John M. , Verona-Rubio Rogger , Carayhua-Perez Dina
Published: May 2021

Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection that is rarely reported in patients without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, especially when the central nervous system (CNS) or pulmonary system is not involved. We report a case of isolated colonic cryptococcosis without disseminated disease in a 64-year-old immunocompetent woman without HIV infection who presented with chronic diarrhea and no episodes of fever or weight loss. The diagnosis was based on histopathology examination. Furthermore, we performed a literature review showing that few reports have been published so far and in the case of colonic cryptococcal infection, the prognosis is favorable among HIV-uninfected patients.
The REALISE score: a new statistically validated scoring system to assess the severity of anal fissures
Authors: Picciariello A. , Lobascio P. , Spazzafumo L. , Rinaldi M. , Dibra R. , Trigiante G. , Laforgia R. , Pezzolla A. , Altomare D. F.
Published: May 2021

Background

Anal fissure (AF) is a common, painful disease that strongly affects patients’ quality of life, however, no scoring system to assess the severity of AF is available in the literature. The aim of this study was to set up and validate a reliable scoring system to quantify the severity of AF, to be used in prospective trials comparing the efficacy and the outcomes of surgical or medical treatments.

Methods

The study was conducted on patients with acute or chronic AF and a control group in a tertiary centre for coloproctology in June 2020–September 2020. Two researchers independently carried out a structured interviewer-led questionnaire at two different time points (T1/T2). The questionnaire consisted of five items selected according to the most commonly reported symptoms for AF: the item pain, was scored from 0 to 10 using a visual analogue scale, and quality of life, duration of pain, use of painkillers, and bleeding were scored from 1 to 5 using Likert-scale questions. The scoRing systEm for AnaL fIsSurE (REALISE) score was the sum of the points. Patients with AF and a control group of patients with haemorrhoids, anal fistula, or obstructed defecation syndrome entered the study. Main outcome measures were reliability, inter-/intraobserver agreement, and repeatability.

Results

One hundred and fifty well-matched patients (75 with AF and 75 controls) were enrolled. A significant difference was found between the mean REALISE score for patients with AF and controls (p < 0.001). The two REALISE scores were highly correlated (r = 0.99). The coefficient of repeatability was 1.45 in T1 and 1.18 in T2.

Conclusions

The REALISE score may have an important role in the assessment and management of AF, in grading the severity of AF and comparing results of different treatments.
Machine learning approach to vulnerability detection in OAuth 2.0 authentication and authorization flow
Authors: Munonye Kindson , Péter Martinek
Published: May 2021

Technologies for integrating enterprise web applications have improved rapidly over the years. The OAuth framework provides authentication and authorization using the users’ profile and credentials in an existing identity provider. This makes it possible for attackers to exploit any vulnerability arising from exchange of data with the provider. Vulnerability in OAuth authorization flow allows an attacker to alter the normal flow sequence of the OAuth protocol. In this paper, a machine learning-based approach was applied in the detection of potential vulnerability in the OAuth authentication and authorization flow by analyzing the relationship between changes in the OAuth parameters and the final output. This research models the OAuth protocol as a supervised learning problem where seven classification models were developed, tuned and evaluated. Exploratory Data Analytics (EDA) techniques were applied in the extraction and analysis of specific OAuth features so that each output class could be evaluated to determine the effect of the identified OAuth features. The models developed in this research were trained, tuned and tested. A performance accuracy above 90% was attained for detection of vulnerabilities in the OAuth authentication and authorization flow. Comparison with known vulnerability resulted in a 54% match.
Capacity balancing for vanadium redox flow batteries through continuous and dynamic electrolyte overflow
Authors: Schafner Katharina , Becker Maik , Turek Thomas
Published: May 2021

The vanadium crossover through the membrane can have a significant impact on the capacity of the vanadium redox flow battery (VFB) over long-term charge–discharge cycling. The different vanadium ions move unsymmetrically through the membrane and this leads to a build-up of vanadium ions in one half-cell with a corresponding decrease in the other. In this paper, a dynamic model is developed based on different crossover mechanisms (diffusion, migration and electro osmosis) for each of the four vanadium ions, water and protons in the electrolytes. With a simple to use approach, basic mass transport theory is used to simulate the transfer of vanadium ions in the battery. The model is validated with own measurements and can therefore predict the battery capacity as a function of time. This is used to analyse the battery performance by applying an overflow from one half-cell to the other. Different constant overflow rates were analysed with regard to an impact of the performance and electrolyte stability. It was observed that a continuous overflow increases the capacity significantly but that the electrolyte stability plays an essential role using a membrane with a big vanadium crossover. Even with a good performance, a complete remixing of the tanks is necessary to prevent electrolyte precipitations. Therefore, a dynamic overflow was determined in such a way that the capacity of the battery is maximised while the electrolytes remain stable for 200 cycles.

Graphic abstract
Dyadic concordance and associations of beliefs with intentions to learn carrier results from genomic sequencing
Authors: Huelsnitz Chloe O. , Turbitt Erin , Taber Jennifer M. , Lewis Katie L. , Biesecker Leslie G. , Biesecker Barbara B. , Klein William M. P.
Published: May 2021

Although romantic couple concordance has been demonstrated across a wide array of health behaviors, little research has examined dyadic concordance in health beliefs. This study examined the extent to which cohabitating romantic dyads’ attitudes and beliefs coincide (i.e., dyadic concordance) in addition to how well they predict intentions to learn genomic sequencing results. The actor-partner interdependence model was applied to cross-sectional data from 81 dyads in an exome sequencing study who were surveyed about their risk perceptions, worry, information avoidance, attitudes, and intentions toward learning carrier results. Information avoidance tendencies were positively correlated between partners, but there was low concordance on other beliefs. Individuals’ attitudes and information avoidance predicted their own intentions to learn results. Additionally, partners’ information avoidance tendencies predicted their partner’s intentions to learn results. Future research should explore mechanisms through which one’s partner’s information avoidance may affect one’s own intentions and behaviors.
A review: iron and nutrient supply in the subarctic Pacific and its impact on phytoplankton production
Authors: Nishioka Jun , Obata Hajime , Hirawake Toru , Kondo Yoshiko , Yamashita Youhei , Misumi Kazuhiro , Yasuda Ichiro
Published: May 2021

One of the most important breakthroughs in oceanography in the last 30 years was the discovery that iron (Fe) controls biological production as a micronutrient, and our understanding of Fe and nutrient biogeochemical dynamics in the ocean has significantly advanced. In this review, we looked back both previous and updated knowledge of the natural Fe supply processes and nutrient dynamics in the subarctic Pacific and its impact on biological production. Although atmospheric dust has been considered to be the most important source of Fe affecting biological production in the subarctic Pacific, other oceanic sources of Fe have been discovered. We propose a coherent explanation for the biological response in subarctic Pacific high nutrient low chlorophyll (HNLC) waters that incorporates knowledge of both the atmospheric Fe supplies and the oceanic Fe supplies. Finally, we extract future directions for Fe oceanographic research in the subarctic Pacific and summarize the uncertain issues identified thus far.
Orchard management with small unmanned aerial vehicles: a survey of sensing and analysis approaches
Authors: Zhang Chenglong , Valente João , Kooistra Lammert , Guo Leifeng , Wang Wensheng
Published: May 2021

Advances in sensor miniaturization are increasing the global popularity of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based remote sensing applications in many domains of agriculture. Fruit orchards (the source of the fruit industry chain) require site-specific or even individual-tree-specific management throughout the growing season—from flowering, fruitlet development, ripening, and harvest—to tree dormancy. The recent increase in research on deploying UAV in orchard management has yielded new insights but challenges relating to determining the optimal approach (e.g., image-processing methods) are hampering widespread adoption, largely because there is no standard workflow for the application of UAVs in orchard management. This paper provides a comprehensive literature review focused on UAV-based orchard management: the survey includes achievements to date and shortcomings to be addressed. Sensing system architecture focusing on UAVs and sensors is summarized. Then up-to-date applications supported by UAVs in orchard management are described, focusing on the diversity of data-processing techniques, including monitoring efficiency and accuracy. With the goal of identifying the gaps and examining the opportunities for UAV-based orchard management, this study also discusses the performance of emerging technologies and compare similar research providing technical and comprehensive support for the further exploitation of UAVs and a revolution in orchard management.
Health-related quality of life in elderly, multimorbid individuals with and without depression and/or mild cognitive impairment using a telemonitoring application
Authors: Lang Caroline , Roessler Martin , Schmitt Jochen , Bergmann Antje , Holthoff-Detto Vjera
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Multimorbidity leads to decreasing health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Telemedicine may help to improve HRQoL. The present study was conducted to show (I) differences in HRQoL and changes in HRQoL over time in elderly, multimorbid individuals with and without depression and/or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) using a telemonitoring application (TMA) and (II) associations between engagement with measurements by study participants using a TMA and changes in their HRQoL.

Methods

The present feasibility study was part of a longitudinal intervention study. Recruited general practitioners (GPs) enrolled individuals and assigned them to risk groups according to absence/presence of depression and/or MCI. Depression was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), MCI using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and HRQoL using the SF-12. The TMA consisted of tablets, software, and measuring devices. Measured vital data were transferred to a care and case manager for monitoring and possible intervention.

Results

Nine GPs recruited 177 individuals, 97 of whom were included in the HRQoL analysis. Significantly lower physical and mental component summary (PCS/MCS) scores were revealed in study participants with depression, and with both depression and MCI, compared to participants with no mental disorders. PCS scores did not differ between study dates, but MCS scores had significantly increased over time. Participants’ engagement with measurements was significantly associated with an increased MCS score, but not with the PCS score.

Discussion

Depression and/or MCI are negatively associated with the HRQoL of elderly, multimorbid people using a TMA. Engagement of individuals with vital data measurements via a TMA may increase their mental HRQoL. Mentally impaired people should be closely involved as co-designers and experts in development processes of TMAs to benefit from tailored solutions. An individual’s increased mental HRQoL can be a decisive factor in their engagement with a GP treatment regimen and telemonitoring processes.
Ecosystem dynamics: exploring the interplay within fintech entrepreneurial ecosystems
Authors: Alaassar Ahmad , Mention Anne-Laure , Aas Tor Helge
Published: May 2021

Scholars and practitioners continue to recognize the crucial role of entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) in creating a conducive environment for productive entrepreneurship. Although EEs are fundamentally interaction systems of hierarchically independent yet mutually dependent actors, few studies have investigated how interactions among ecosystem actors drive the entrepreneurial process. Seeking to address this gap, this paper explores how ecosystem actor interactions influence new ventures in the financial technology (fintech) EE of Singapore. Guided by an EE framework and the use of an exploratory-abductive approach, empirical data from semi-structured interviews is collected and analyzed. The findings reveal four categories representing both the relational perspective, which features interaction and intermediation dynamics, and the cultural perspective, which encompasses ecosystem development and regulatory dynamics. These categories help explain how and why opportunity identification and resource exploitation are accelerated or inhibited for entrepreneurs in fintech EEs. The present study provides valuable contributions to scholars and practitioners interested in EEs and contributes to the academic understanding of the emerging fintech phenomenon.
Infantile Digital Fibromatosis—Which is Better for a Child: a Surgical or Observational Approach?
Authors: Sosnowska-Sienkiewicz Patrycja , Antosik Patrycja , Ostałowska Anna , Mańkowski Przemysław
Published: May 2021

The golden standard of infantile digital fibromatosis treatment has not been established. This publication aims to present the process of sustained treatment of a 4-month-old boy with a red, firm, swollen, painless tumor of the third and fourth right toes and syndactyly of these. The lesion was surgically resected due to continued growth, but after 1 year of observation, local recurrence was noticed and an observational approach was implemented with satisfactory effect.
Geotechnical Investigation and Numerical Analysis of Slope Failure: A Case Study of Landslide Vulnerability Zone in Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu
Authors: Kumar M. , Krishnaveni V. , Muthukumar Surya
Published: May 2021

Landslides are the downward movement of materials under the influence of gravity when shear stress exceeds the shear strength of the material. It includes various movements resulting in complex type of slope failures which commonly occurred on cut slopes of Ghat roads in mountaneous region. The study area chosen for the geotechnical investigation is Kolli hills situated in the tail end of the Eastern Ghats in Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu, India. The ghat road section of 20 km stretch along with 70 hairpin bends, connects the foothills at Karavallikkombai to Sholaikkadu at the top is selected for the present study. The hill is situated at a fault zone which is extended from Mettur dam, Salem district, Tamil Nadu. In this study, undisturbed soil samples were collected from 10 landslide locations and tested for its index and engineering properties. Based on the test results, static slope stability analysis using Modified Bishop method and dynamic slope stability analysis using Simplified Newmark method were carried out to find out factor of safety of the slopes which is used to derive the slope stability assessment of the study area. The landslide hazard zone assessment was carried out to identify the landslide prone areas.
Evaluation of natural flocculant efficiency in the harvest of microalgae Monoraphidium contortum
Authors: Ruggeri Marcus Vinicius Ribeiro , Godoy Rodrigo Felipe Bedim , Arroyo Pedro Augusto , Trevisan Elias
Published: May 2021

This study assesses two parameters that can result in high efficiency in the recovery of the microalgae Monoraphidium contortum. The significant contribution of this paper is to test different coagulants in different conditions of concentration in the coagulation and flocculation processes followed by sedimentation to evidence the best coagulant and the best condition for harvesting of Monoraphidium contortum biomass. So the proposed methodology aimed to perform preliminary tests using a tannin-based cationic coagulant (TANFLOC SG®), FeCl2, and Al2 (SO4)3, where they were performed at concentrations of 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mg L−1 at a fast mixing speed of 400 RPM. The tests determined 20 mg L−1 of Tanfloc SG® as the most efficient turbidity reduction in the preliminary test. The obtained results were used to construct a non-factorial central composite planning. Therefore, after a design of experiments, the study outcome shows the best turbidity removal range from the main tests came at 35 mg L−1 and 550 RPM of fast mixing speed.