bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The weak evidence of lip print analysis for sexual dimorphism in forensic dentistry: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis
Authors: Franco Ademir , Lima Lorenna Keren Gomes , de Oliveira Murilo Navarro , de Andrade Vieira Walbert , Blumenberg Cauane , Costa Márcio Magno , Paranhos Luiz Renato
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of lip print patterns among males and females, and to test the diagnostic accuracy of lip pattern analysis for sexual dimorphism in forensic dentistry. A systematic literature review was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. The search was performed in six primary databases and three databases to cover part of the grey literature. Observational and diagnostic accuracy studies that investigated lip print patterns through cheiloscopy for sexual dimorphism were selected. Risk of bias was assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool. Proportion meta-analysis using random effects was fitted to pool the accuracy of cheiloscopy. The odds of correctly identifying males and females was assessed through a random effects meta-analysis. GRADE approach was used to assess certainty of evidence. The search found 3,977 records, published between 1982 and 2019. Seventy-two studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in the qualitative analysis (n = 22,965 participants), and twenty-two studies were sampled for meta-analysis. Fifty studies had low risk of bias. Suzuki and Tsuchihashi’s technique was the most prevalent among studies. The accuracy of sexual dimorphism through cheiloscopy ranged between 52.7 and 93.5%, while the pooled accuracy was 76.8% (95% CI = 65.8; 87.7). There was no difference between the accuracy to identify males or females (OR = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.26; 1.99). The large spectrum of studies on sexual dimorphism via cheiloscopy depicted accuracy percentage rates that rise uncertainty and concern. The unclear performance of the technique could lead to wrong forensic practice.
In situ FTIR spectroscopy to unravel the bifunctional nature of aromatics hydrogenation synergy on zeolite/metal catalysts
Authors: Batalha Nuno , Comparot Jean-Dominique , Le Valant Anthony , Pinard Ludovic
Published: December 2021

The hydrogenation of pyridine adsorbed on zeolite is dependent on the distance between acid and metal sites. Hydrogen species produced in the metal diffuse into pyridine and promote hydrogenation, suggesting a bifunctional mechanism is occurring.
Recent advances in the targeted delivery of paclitaxel nanomedicine for cancer therapy
Authors: Raza Faisal , Zafar Hajra , Khan Muhammad Wasim , Ullah Aftab , Khan Asif Ullah , Baseer Abdul , Fareed Rameesha , Sohail Muhammad
Published: December 2021

Cancer cases have reached an all-time high in the current era.
Application of carotenoids in sustainable energy and green electronics
Authors: Singh Ajay , Mukherjee Trinetra
Published: December 2021

Carotenoids are natural pigments responsible for coloring in flowers and seeds. The semiconducting nature of carotenoids makes them a suitable candidate for solar harvesting and biodegradable nanoelectronic devices.
Targeted therapy for the treatment of gliomas with multifunctional orange emissive carbon dots
Authors: Liu Shuyao , Zhong Zhuoling , Zhang Chuanwei , Zhou Yanqu , Fu Chunmei , Xu Xiaoping
Published: December 2021

As a nano-material, carbon dots have been extensively studied and applied in many ways.
A metal-free tandem dehydrogenative α-arylation reaction of propargylic alcohols with 2-alkynylbenzaldoximes toward the synthesis of α-(4-bromo-isoquinolin-1-yl)-propenone skeletons
Authors: Alatat Khalil , Abbasi Kejani Alireza , Nikbakht Ali , Bijanzadeh Hamid Reza , Balalaie Saeed
Published: December 2021

Synthesis of functionalized propenones is introduced through a tandem dehydrogenative α-arylation reaction of 2-alkynylbenzaldoximes with propargylic alcohols under metal-free conditions.
Structural variation of the 3-acetamido-4,5,6-trihydroxyazepane iminosugar through epimerization and C-alkylation leads to low micromolar HexAB and NagZ inhibitors
Authors: Bouquet J. , Auberger N. , Ashmus R. , King D. , Bordes A. , Fontelle N. , Nakagawa S. , Madden Z. , Proceviat C. , Kato A. , Désiré J. , Vocadlo D. J. , Blériot Y.
Published: December 2021

Epimerization/C-alkylation of a seven-membered iminosugar with a broad hexosaminidase inhibition spectrum leads to low micromolar HexAB and NagZ inhibitors.
Stacking-dependent tetracolour luminescence and mechanofluorochromic properties of an isoquinoline derivative with aggregation-induced emission
Authors: Chen Yating , Wang Bo , Lei Yunxiang , Zhou Yunbing , Guo Yang , Liu Miaochang , Gao Wenxia , Huang Xiaobo , Wu Huayue
Published: December 2021

An AIE-active isoquinoline derivative containing ethyl (E)-2-cyano-3-phenylacrylate unusually has four crystalline structures which exhibit reversible and tetracolour switching mechanofluorochromic activities.
Anatomies for the thermal decomposition behavior and product rule of 5,5′-dinitro-2H,2H′-3,3′-bi-1,2,4-triazole
Authors: Lyu Ruiqi , Huang Zhiyu , Deng Hongbo , Wei Yue , Mou Chuanlin , Wang Linyuan
Published: December 2021

The performance and behavior of DNBT under RMD simulation at high temperature (2600 K, 2900 K, 3200 K and 3500 K).
Solvent-free liquid-phase selective catalytic oxidation of toluene to benzyl alcohol and benzaldehyde over CeO2–MnOx composite oxides
Authors: Chen Gui , You Kuiyi , Gong Xiangbo , Zhao Fangfang , Chen Zhenpan , Luo He'an
Published: December 2021

A novel CeO2–MnOx composite oxide was prepared by the improved sol–gel method. The synergistic catalysis of Mn3+/Mn2+ and Ce4+/Ce3+ was responsible for the good catalytic performance in the liquid phase solvent-free selective oxidation of toluene.
Unleashing non-conjugated polymers as charge relay mediators
Authors: Liu Bi-Jian , Liang Hao , Mo Qiao-Ling , Li Shen , Tang Bo , Zhu Shi-Cheng , Xiao Fang-Xing
Published: December 2021

Electron relay of interim polymer layer boosts photocatalytic organic transformation.
Binder free construction of hollow hierarchical Mn–Co–P nanoarrays on nickel foam as an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting
Authors: Wang Fan , Guo Xingzhong , He Fan , Hou Yang , Liu Fu , Zou Chang , Yang Hui
Published: December 2021

Hollow hierarchical Mn–Co–P nanoarrays with high-efficiency and good-durability is a promising bifunctional electrocatalyst in overall water splitting.
Glycans for the greater good
Authors: Lloyd Jessica
Published: December 2021

Carbohydrates are ubiquitous in nature and present across all kingdoms of life – bacteria, fungi, viruses, yeast, plants, animals and humans. They are essential to many biological processes. However, due to their complexity and heterogeneous nature they are often neglected, sometimes referred to as the ‘dark matter’ of biology. Nevertheless, due to their extensive biological impact on health and disease, glycans and the field of glycobiology have become increasingly popular in recent years, giving rise to glycan-based drug development and therapeutics. Forecasting of communicable diseases predicts that we will see an increase in pandemics of humans and livestock due to global loss of biodiversity from changes to land use, intensification of agriculture, climate change and disruption of ecosystems. As such, the development of point-of-care devices to detect pathogens is vital to prevent the transmission of infectious disease, as we have seen with the COVID-19 pandemic. So, can glycans be exploited to detect COVID-19 and other infectious diseases? And is this technology sensitive and accurate? Here, I discuss the structure and function of glycans, the current glycan-based therapeutics and how glycan binding can be exploited for detection of infectious disease, like COVID-19.
Asthma and obesity: endotoxin another insult to add to injury?
Authors: Lad Nikita , Murphy Alice M. , Parenti Cristina , Nelson Carl P. , Williams Neil C. , Sharpe Graham R. , McTernan Philip G.
Published: December 2021

Low-grade inflammation is often an underlying cause of several chronic diseases such as asthma, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Defining the mediators of such chronic low-grade inflammation often appears dependent on which disease is being investigated. However, downstream systemic inflammatory cytokine responses in these diseases often overlap, noting there is no doubt more than one factor at play to heighten the inflammatory response. Furthermore, it is increasingly believed that diet and an altered gut microbiota may play an important role in the pathology of such diverse diseases. More specifically, the inflammatory mediator endotoxin, which is a complex lipopolysaccharide (LPS) derived from the outer membrane cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria and is abundant within the gut microbiota, and may play a direct role alongside inhaled allergens in eliciting an inflammatory response in asthma. Endotoxin has immunogenic effects and is sufficiently microscopic to traverse the gut mucosa and enter the systemic circulation to act as a mediator of chronic low-grade inflammation in disease.

Whilst the role of endotoxin has been considered in conditions of obesity, cardiovascular disease and T2DM, endotoxin as an inflammatory trigger in asthma is less well understood. This review has sought to examine the current evidence for the role of endotoxin in asthma, and whether the gut microbiota could be a dietary target to improve disease management. This may expand our understanding of endotoxin as a mediator of further low-grade inflammatory diseases, and how endotoxin may represent yet another insult to add to injury.
Electrically injected double‐taper semiconductor laser based on parity‐time symmetry
Authors: Wang Xueyou , Li Jing , Fu Ting , Chen Jingxuan , Dai Yingqiu , Han Renbo , Wang Yufei , Zheng Wanhua
Published: December 2021

An electrically injected semiconductor laser based on parity‐time symmetry with a double‐taper structure is fabricated and measured. The double‐taper semiconductor lasers are defined by contact‐type standard photolithography and then etched by inductively coupled plasma. The double‐taper parity‐time‐symmetric laser can obtain an output power of more than 0.5W @0.3A, which is significantly higher than the 0.35W@0.3A of the traditional single‐ridge laser. The parity‐time‐symmetric breaking point or exceptional point is tuned below lasing threshold to get narrower linewidth compared with traditional single‐ridge lasers and double‐ridge lasers, and performs single‐lobe far field.
Making Fanaroff-Riley I radio sources
Authors: Massaglia S. , Bodo G. , Rossi P. , Capetti A. , Mignone A.
Published: December 2021

Extragalactic radio sources appear under different morphologies, the most frequent ones are classified as Fanaroff-Riley type I (FR I), typically with lower luminosities, and Fanaroff-Riley type II, (FR II), typically more luminous. This simple classification, however, has many exceptions that we intend to investigate. Following previous analyses in the three-dimensional Hydrodynamic and Magneto-Hydrodynamic limits, we extend the numerical investigation to the Relativistic Magneto-Hydrodynamic regime, to include sources whose jet kinetic power sets in the range that separates FR Is from FR IIs. We consider weakly and mildly relativistic, underdense, supersonic jets that propagate in a stratified medium. In the model, the ambient temperature increases with distance from the jet origin maintaining constant pressure. We present three cases with low, high and intermediate kinetic luminosity that evolve into different morphologies. We find that the resulting morphology can be highly time dependent and that, apart from the jet power, the jet-to-ambient density ratio and the magnetization parameter play a crucial role in the jet evolution as well.
HARMONI view of the host galaxies of active galactic nuclei around cosmic noon
Authors: García-Lorenzo B. , Monreal-Ibero A. , Pereira-Santaella M. , Thatte N. , Ramos Almeida C. , Galbany L. , Mediavilla E.
Published: December 2021

Context. The formation and evolution of galaxies appear linked to the growth of supermassive black holes, as evidenced by empirical scaling relations in nearby galaxies. Understanding this co-evolution over cosmic time requires the revelation of the dynamical state of galaxies and the measurement of the mass of their central black holes (MBH) at a range of cosmic distances. Bright active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are ideal for this purpose.

Aims. The High Angular Resolution Monolithic Optical and Near-infrared Integral field spectrograph (HARMONI), the first light integral-field spectrograph for the Extremely Large Telescope, will transform visible and near-infrared ground-based astrophysics thanks to its advances in sensitivity and angular resolution. We aim to analyse the capabilities of HARMONI to reveal the stellar morpho-kinematic properties of the host galaxies of AGNs at about cosmic noon.

Methods. We made use of the simulation pipeline for HARMONI (HSIM) to create mock observations of representative AGN host galaxies at redshifts around cosmic noon. We used observations taken with the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer of nearby galaxies showing different morphologies and dynamical stages combined with theoretical AGN spectra to create the target inputs for HSIM.

Results. According to our simulations, an on-source integration time of three hours should be enough to measure the MBH and to trace the morphology and stellar kinematics of the brightest host galaxies of AGNs beyond cosmic noon. For host galaxies with stellar masses < 1011 M⊙, longer exposure times are mandatory to spatially resolve the stellar kinematics.
Approximate Bayesian neural Doppler imaging
Authors: Asensio Ramos A. , Díaz Baso C. J. , Kochukhov O.
Published: December 2021

Aims. The non-uniform surface temperature distribution of rotating active stars is routinely mapped with the Doppler imaging technique. Inhomogeneities in the surface produce features in high-resolution spectroscopic observations that shift in wavelength because of the Doppler effect, depending on their position on the visible hemisphere. The inversion problem has been systematically solved using maximum a posteriori regularized methods assuming smoothness or maximum entropy. Our aim in this work is to solve the full Bayesian inference problem by providing access to the posterior distribution of the surface temperature in the star compatible with the observations.

Methods. We use amortized neural posterior estimation to produce a model that approximates the high-dimensional posterior distribution for spectroscopic observations of selected spectral ranges sampled at arbitrary rotation phases. The posterior distribution is approximated with conditional normalizing flows, which are flexible, tractable, and easy-to-sample approximations to arbitrary distributions. When conditioned on the spectroscopic observations, these normalizing flows provide a very efficient way of obtaining samples from the posterior distribution. The conditioning on observations is achieved through the use of Transformer encoders, which can deal with arbitrary wavelength sampling and rotation phases.

Results. Our model can produce thousands of posterior samples per second, each one accompanied by an estimation of the log-probability. Our exhaustive validation of the model for very high-signal-to-noise observations shows that it correctly approximates the posterior, albeit with some overestimation of the broadening. We apply the model to the moderately fast rotator II Peg, producing the first Bayesian map of its temperature inhomogenities. We conclude that conditional normalizing flows are a very promising tool for carrying out approximate Bayesian inference in more complex problems in stellar physics, such as constraining the magnetic properties using polarimetry.
Gibbs phenomena for Lq-best approximation in finite element spaces
Authors: Houston Paul , Roggendorf Sarah , van der Zee Kristoffer G.
Published: December 2021

Recent developments in the context of minimum residual finite element methods are paving the way for designing quasi-optimal discretization methods in non-standard function spaces, such as q-type Sobolev spaces. For q → 1, these methods have demonstrated huge potential in avoiding the notorious Gibbs phenomena, i.e., the occurrence of spurious non-physical oscillations near thin layers and jump discontinuities. In this work we provide theoretical results that explain some of these numerical observations. In particular, we investigate the Gibbs phenomena for q-best approximations of discontinuities in finite element spaces with 1 ≤ q < ∞. We prove sufficient conditions on meshes in one and two dimensions such that over- and undershoots vanish in the limit q → 1. Moreover, we include examples of meshes such that Gibbs phenomena remain present even for q = 1 and demonstrate that our results can be used to design meshes so as to eliminate the Gibbs phenomenon.
Influence of the type of anesthesia on 111 arthrocentesis in temporomandibular joint disorders: results of a prospective study
Authors: Clavero Marina A. Gavin , Sanz M. Victoria Simón , Donisa Eduard Mirada , Sobrino Rocio Gallego , Lasaga Leire Esparza
Published: December 2021

Aims:Temporomandibular dysfunction is a generic term that covers a large number of clinical problems affecting not only TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint), but also the masticatory musculature and related structures. Arthrocentesis is the most commonly used technique in patients with pain or limitation of the oral opening due to joint causes in which conservative treatment has failed. It is generally performed under local anesthesia and sedation, although depending on the type of patient and the preferences of the surgeon it can also be performed under general anesthesia.Material and method:A prospective, observational, analytical cohort study has been carried out to evaluate if the type of anesthesia, the drugs used for sedation and whether or not anesthetic induction is performed during arthrocentesis influence the results of 111 arthrocentesis performed in patients with TMJ pathology.Results:In patients who arthrocentesis was performed with propofol without midazolam the improvement in pain at one week and one month postarthrocentesis was greater than propofol with midazolam was used.Conclusion:The type of anesthesia could influence the results of arthrocentesis.
La participation comme objet intermédiaire d’apprentissages : leçons d’une démarche participative sur les pollutions diffuses agricoles
Authors: Seguin Laura , Barataud Fabienne , Guichard Laurence , Bonifazi Mathilde , Souchère Véronique , Bouarfa Sami , Tournebize Julien
Published: December 2021

Cet article propose d’analyser la manière dont la construction transdisciplinaire d’un projet de recherche, puis la mise en œuvre d’une démarche participative sur l’enjeu des pollutions diffuses agricoles de l’eau (nitrates et pesticides), constituent des espaces d’apprentissages. L’étude s’appuie sur une recherche participative menée sur le territoire de la Brie, en Seine-et-Marne, analysée en tant que processus permettant de transgresser les frontières disciplinaires, qui opposent de manière souvent arbitraire chercheurs et acteurs, et les frontières qui divisent les différentes parties prenantes d’un problème public. Les perceptions et les connaissances initiales des chercheurs et acteurs s’enrichissent à travers la participation. Les limites de ce processus et des inégalités d’apprentissages sont également identifiées.
Treatment outcome and identification of factors influencing overall survival after Lu-177-PSMA-617 radioligand therapy in metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Schneider Charlotte A. , Täger Philipp , Hammes Jochen , Fischer Thomas , Drzezga Alexander , Pfister David , Heidenreich Axel , Schmidt Matthias
Published: December 2021

Objective To examine the clinical benefit of Lu-177-PSMA-617 radioligand therapy for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Patients and Methods Between November 2014 and December 2018, a total of 56 consecutive patients (median age 69.5 years; range 55–84 years) with mCRPC were included in this retrospective analysis. Patients received between 1 and 4 therapy cycles with a mean activity of 6.8 GBq per cycle. Biochemical response was evaluated using Prostate Cancer Working Group Criteria 3 (PCWG 3). Survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. This retrospective study was approved by the local ethics committee.

Results A total of 139 treatment cycles with Lu-177-PSMA-617 were performed. A decline of 50% or more of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level occurred in 54% and a PSA decline of any amount in 65% of patients. The estimated median overall survival (OS) was 16 months, in the chemotherapy subgroup 14 months. A longer OS was associated with a PSA-decline ≥50%, more than 2 cycles of therapy, cumulative activity >15 GBq and an initial alkaline phosphatase ≤ 220 [U/l]. These identified predictors remained significant on uni- and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Moreover, 40% of the patients who were non-responders after the first therapy cycle turned into responders after the second one.

Conclusion PSA-decline ≥50%, a cumulative activity >15 GBq and an initial alkaline phosphatase ≤ 220 [U/l] were identified as key predictors of prolonged OS in patients with mCRPC. In contrast rapid clinical deterioration mostly due to skeletal carcinomatosis resulted in early treatment failure.
Symbol der Unsterblichkeit
Authors: Stern Cornelia
Published: December 2021

Vinca minor L., das kleine Immergrün, ist Trostspender am Grab und Heilpflanze in der Homöopathie und Spagyrik.
Knockdown and Knockout of Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor in Zebrafish
Authors: Raman Revathi , Fallatah Weam , Qaryoute Ayah Al , Ryon Mia , Jagadeeswaran Pudur
Published: December 2021

Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) is an anticoagulant that inhibits factor VIIa and Xa in the blood coagulation pathways. TFPI contains three Kunitz domains, K1, K2, and K3. K1 and K2 inhibit factor VIIa and Xa, respectively. However, the regulation of TFPI is poorly studied. Since zebrafish has become an alternate model to discover novel actors in hemostasis, we hypothesized that TFPI regulation could be studied using this model. As a first step, we confirmed the presence of tfpia in zebrafish using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We then performed piggyback knockdowns of tfpia and found increased coagulation activity in tfpia knockdown. We then created a deletion mutation in tfpia locus using the CRISPR/Cas9 method. The tfpia homozygous deletion mutants showed increased coagulation activities similar to that found in tfpia knockdown. Taken together, our data suggest that tfpia is a negative regulator for zebrafish coagulation, and silencing it leads to thrombotic phenotype. Also, the zebrafish tfpia knockout model could be used for reversing this thrombotic phenotype to identify antithrombotic novel factors by the genome-wide piggyback knockdown method.
Adenovirus: Epidemiology, Global Spread of Novel Types, and Approach to Treatment
Authors: Lynch Joseph P. , Kajon Adriana E.
Published: December 2021

Adenoviruses (AdVs) are DNA viruses that typically cause mild infections involving the upper or lower respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, or conjunctiva. Rare manifestations of AdV infections include hemorrhagic cystitis, hepatitis, hemorrhagic colitis, pancreatitis, nephritis, or meningoencephalitis. AdV infections are more common in young children, due to lack of humoral immunity. Epidemics of AdV infection may occur in healthy children or adults in closed or crowded settings (particularly military recruits). The vast majority of cases are self-limited. However, the clinical spectrum is broad and fatalities may occur. Dissemination is more likely in patients with impaired immunity (e.g., organ transplant recipients, human immunodeficiency virus infection). Fatality rates for untreated severe AdV pneumonia or disseminated disease may exceed 50%. More than 100 genotypes and 52 serotypes of AdV have been identified and classified into seven species designated HAdV-A through -G. Different types display different tissue tropisms that correlate with clinical manifestations of infection. The predominant types circulating at a given time differ among countries or regions, and change over time. Transmission of novel strains between countries or across continents and replacement of dominant viruses by new strains may occur. Treatment of AdV infections is controversial, as prospective, randomized therapeutic trials have not been done. Cidofovir has been the drug of choice for severe AdV infections, but not all patients require treatment. Live oral vaccines are highly efficacious in reducing the risk of respiratory AdV infection and are in routine use in the military in the United States but currently are not available to civilians.
Hantavirus
Authors: Riquelme Raúl
Published: December 2021

Hantaviruses are tri-segmented lipid-enveloped RNA viruses belonging to the Bunyaviridae family. Human infection corresponds to a zoonosis associated with two different clinical syndromes: hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome that occurs in Asia and Europe and hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) that occurs in the North America, Central America and South America. The major pathogenic mechanisms in HCPS include (1) direct microvascular endothelial injury leading to increased capillary permeability and the development of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema and acute respiratory distress syndrome, and (2) exaggerated host immune response leading to secondary organ damage. The incubation period for this disease is quite long (6–39 days, median: 18 days); however, rapid progression to respiratory failure and shock can occur highlighting the importance of high index of clinical suspicion. Management revolves around high-quality supportive care. Various management and preventative strategies are currently being explored and warrant further examination to improve the overall outlook following infection with hantavirus.
The Immune Response to Respiratory Viruses: From Start to Memory
Authors: Reijnders Tom D.Y. , Schuurman Alex R. , van der Poll Tom
Published: December 2021

Biomedical research has long strived to improve our understanding of the immune response to respiratory viral infections, an effort that has become all the more important as we live through the consequences of a pandemic. The disease course of these infections is shaped in large part by the actions of various cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems. While these cells are crucial in clearing viral pathogens and establishing long-term immunity, their effector mechanisms may also escalate into excessive, tissue-destructive inflammation detrimental to the host. In this review, we describe the breadth of the immune response to infection with respiratory viruses such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus. Throughout, we focus on the host rather than the pathogen and try to describe shared patterns in the host response to different viruses. We start with the local cells of the airways, onto the recruitment and activation of innate and adaptive immune cells, followed by the establishment of local and systemic memory cells key in protection against reinfection. We end by exploring how respiratory viral infections can predispose to bacterial superinfection.
Viral Respiratory Infections: New Tools for a Rapid Diagnosis
Authors: Colagrossi Luna , Mattana Giordana , Piccioni Livia , Cento Valeria , Perno Carlo Federico
Published: December 2021

Respiratory tract infection is one of the most common diseases in human worldwide. Many viruses are implicated in these infections, including emerging viruses, such as the novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Identification of the causative viral pathogens of respiratory tract infections is important to select a correct management of patients, choose an appropriate treatment, and avoid unnecessary antibiotics use. Different diagnostic approaches present variable performance in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and time-to-result, that have to be acknowledged to be able to choose the right diagnostic test at the right time, in the right patient. This review describes currently available rapid diagnostic strategies and syndromic approaches for the detection of viruses commonly responsible for respiratory diseases.
Prosthodontic Management of Single Anterior Missing Tooth with Immediate Loading Implant Using Leukocyte-Platelet-Rich Fibrin
Authors: Wahengbam Prashanti , Kalra Tarun , Kumar Manjit , Bansal Ajay , Singh Ramandeep
Published: December 2021

Immediate loading of dental implant in the anterior tooth region has been a growing trend and eliminates the compromised esthetics, function, discomfort, and inconvenience associated with traditional two-stage implant procedures. This case report presents the clinical application of implant placement with immediate loading using leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) in the anterior esthetic region. The implant was planned to rehabilitate in the anterior missing tooth region. As per the patient's desire, the implant was immediately loaded and L-PRF membrane was placed around the implant under local anesthesia on the day of surgery. The use of L-PRF for the maintenance of crestal bone and soft tissue at the implant sites provided an adequate clinical condition for better esthetics.
Assessing Risk of Severe Complications after Endoscopic Transnasal Transsphenoidal Surgery: A Comparison of Frailty, American Society of Anesthesiologists, and Comorbidity Scores
Authors: Sukys Jordan M. , Jiang Roy , Manes Richard P.
Published: December 2021

Objective This study aimed to improve age-independent risk stratification for patients undergoing endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal (TNTS) approach to pituitary mass resection by investigating the associations between frailty, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), and comorbidity scores with severe complications following TNTS.

Design This study is a retrospective review.

Setting This review was conducted utilizing the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database.

Participants A total of 680 cases of TNTS identified from 2010 to 2013 were included in this study.

Main Outcome Measures The modified frailty index (mFI) was calculated to quantify frailty. ASA and Charlson's comorbidity index (CCI) scores were obtained as physiologic status and comorbidity-based prognostic markers. Severe complications were separated into intensive care unit (ICU)-level complications, defined by Clavien–Dindo grade IV (CDIV) criteria, and mortality.

Results Overall, 24 CDIV complications (3.5%) and 6 deaths (0.9%) were recorded. Scores for mFI (p = 0.01, R
2 = 0.97) and ASA (p = 0.04., R
2 = 0.87) were significantly correlated with CDIV complications. ASA scores were significantly correlated with mortality (p = 0.03, R
2 = 0.87), as well as independently associated with CDIV complication by multivariable regression models (odds ratio [OR] = 2.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.35–6.83, p < 0.01), while mFI was not. CCI was not significantly associated with CDIV complications or mortality. A multivariable regression model incorporating ASA had a lower Akaike's Information Criteria (AIC; 188.55) than a model incorporating mFI (195.99).

Conclusion Frailty and physiologic status, as measured by mFI and ASA scores respectively, both correlate with ICU-level complications after TNTS. ASA scores demonstrate greater clinical utility than mFI scores; however, as they are more easily generated, uniquely correlated with mortality and independently associated with ICU-level complication risk on multivariable regression analysis.
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Bundle of Care Training of Nursing Officers Using Simulation and Its Impact on Their Knowledge and Incidence of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Jeengar Ravi Kumar , Choudhary Bharat , Khera Daisy , Singh Simranjeet , Purohit Suray Prakash , Singh Kuldeep
Published: December 2021

The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of simulation-based training (SBT) of a ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) bundle of care on the knowledge and practice of nursing officers working in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and its impact on the incidence of VAP. This study was a single-center, pre- and postsimulation-based educational interventional tool conducted in a six-bed PICU located in Western Rajasthan, India. Thirty nursing officers working in the PICU participated in the study. Baseline knowledge and practice regarding VAP bundle of care were assessed using a questionnaire and practice checklist. It was followed by 1:1 SBT of the VAP bundle of care following which all participants were immediately reassessed and then again at 3 months postintervention. The incidence of VAP (events/1,000 ventilation days) was subsequently compared both at 6 months pre- and postintervention. Thirty nursing officers participated in the study of which 63% were male. Baseline knowledge and practice increased significantly immediately after the VAP bundle of care training and then again at 3 months in comparison to preintervention testing (baseline 20.27 ± 4.51, immediate postintervention 26.0 ± 3.67, 3 months postintervention 23.97 ± 4.69). The incidence of VAP showed a declining trend from 46.1 to 36.5/1,000 ventilation days; however, this finding was not statistically significant (p = 0.22). The simulation-based teaching program significantly enhanced nursing officers' knowledge and practice toward utilization of a preventive VAP bundle of care. There was decay in knowledge with time indicating that repetitive sessions are required at regular intervals to sustain this effect.
Potential grouping of nodes induced by higher-order structures in complex networks
Authors: Maletić Slobodan , Andjelković Miroslav , Rajković Milan
Published: December 2021

Complex networks display an organization of elements into nontrivial structures at versatile inherent scales, imposing challenges on a more complete understanding of their behavior. The interest of the research presented here is in the characterization of potential mesoscale structures as building blocks of generalized communities in complex networks, with an integrated property that goes beyond the pairwise collections of nodes. For this purpose, a simplicial complex is obtained from a mathematical graph, and indirectly from time series, producing the so-called clique complex from the complex network. As the higher-order organizational structures are naturally embedded in the hierarchical strata of a simplicial complex, the relationships between aggregation of nodes are stored in the higher-order combinatorial Laplacian. Based on the postulate that aggregation of nodes represents integrated configuration of information, the observability parameter is defined for the characterization of potential configurations, computed from the entries of the combinatorial Laplacian matrix. The framework introduced here is used to characterize nontrivial inherent organizational patterns embedded in two real-world complex networks and three complex networks obtained from heart rate time series recordings of three different subject’s meditative states.
Effect of inhomogeneous magnetic field on blue core in Ar helicon plasma
Authors: Wang Chenwen , Liu Yang , Sun Meng , Zhang Tianliang , Chen Qiang , Zhang Haibao
Published: December 2021

The effect of the inhomogeneous magnetic field on blue core phenomena in helicon plasma is investigated in this work. The permanent magnets (PMs) are used to provide the magnetic field required for generation of helicon plasma, and three different types of the inhomogeneous magnetic field are constructed by changing the permanent magnets positions, which are PM-top/bottom, PM-top, and PM-bottom, respectively. The maximum magnetic field strengths in these three types of inhomogeneous magnetic fields are at both ends (case A), at the upper end (case B), and at the lower end (case C) of the discharge tube, respectively. Nikon camera, an intensified charge coupled device, optical emission spectrometer (OES), and Langmuir probe are used to diagnose the blue core phenomenon in helicon plasma. The electronic excitation temperature is calculated based on optical emission lines captured by OES. Helicon wave discharge is affirmed by mode transition with three discharge stages corresponding to E-, H- and W-modes, respectively. The blue core could occur in the maximum magnetic field strengths located at both ends at around 200 W, at the upper end at around 300 W, and at the lower end at around 400 W. The formation of blue core in the present work can be attributed to the non-uniformity of the inhomogeneous magnetic field. Meanwhile, the radial distribution of plasma density and electron temperature in blue core is different. The plasma density still maintains the on-axis peak, and electron temperature transforms from on-axis peak to off-axis peak due to the skin effect.
Development of ozone monitoring system in ozone-treated water
Authors: Lozina Alina , Garkusha Igor , Taran Anton , Nezovibat’ko Yuri , Chechelnitskyi Oleg
Published: December 2021

An ozone concentration meter in ozonated water has been developed and manufactured. The measurement of ozone concentration is based on the use of a photometric method. The range of measured ozone concentration is varied from 0.1 to 10 mg/l. The principle of operation of the meter is based on recording the difference in the absorption coefficients of ultraviolet radiation by the analyzed ozonated water and the reference (ozone-free) water. The meter was calibrated on an automated measuring stand using a monochromator and a photomultiplier tube. Such a device could be very useful in water purification systems or wastewater treatment plants. The developed meter provided high accuracy and stability of readings, operation without maintenance, full automation of measurement, and automatic correction of zero drift.
Super-Resolution Imaging through Single-Molecule Localization
Authors: Ma Hongqiang , Liu Yang
Published: December 2021

Recent advances in super-resolution fluorescence microscopy have revolutionized biological imaging by overcoming the fundamental diffraction barrier, recognized by a Nobel Prize in 2014. It has become an essential tool in biological research. Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy can be generalized into three different approaches: single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM), stimulated emission depletion (STED), and structured illumination microscopy (SIM). This chapter focuses on single-molecule localization-based super-resolution imaging. It is one of the simplest forms of super-resolution microscopy due to adapting a configuration of wide-field fluorescence microscopy in combination with single-molecule localization through image processing. It covers the main imaging principle, the instrumentation, and various methods to achieve two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and multi-color super-resolution imaging and main data processing steps with a focus on different types of single-molecule localization algorithms. Lastly, we briefly discuss some examples to apply single-molecule localization-based super-resolution microscopy in various areas of biomedical research.
Photoacoustic Tomography
Authors: Choi Wonseok , Lee Changyeop , Kim Chulhong
Published: December 2021

Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) is an imaging technique that depicts optical absorbers in biological tissues with acoustic resolution. Compared to photoacoustic microscopy (PAM), PAT images several centimeters deep with a spatial resolution of several hundred micrometers. It uses high energy (∼ tens of mJ/pulse) pulsed light sources and multiple ultrasound (US) sensor elements to generate and receive photoacoustic (PA) signals simultaneously from numerous directions. PAT uses image reconstruction algorithms adopted from conventional US imaging or specifically derived for PA signals. PAT is useful for many biological or clinical purposes to derive structural, molecular, thermometric, or flowmetric information.
Outlook
Authors: Xia Jun , Choe Regine
Published: December 2021

As the last part of this book, this chapter reviews imaging techniques presented in the other chapters and briefly introduces biomedical optical modalities not covered by this book. The second section provides an overview of future directions for technical developments. The final section concludes the book.
Domestic mobility and experiences of disconnection from sexual health care among gay and bisexual men in Australia: insights from a qualitative study
Authors: Murphy Dean , Philpot Steven , Brown Graham , Prestage Garrett
Published: December 2021

Background Previous research on mobility and HIV acquisition among gay and bisexual men (GBM) has focused on: (1) changed sexual practices in the context of travel; and (2) the association between migration and increased HIV risk. To date, little attention has been given to continuity of sexual health and HIV-prevention services in the context of relocating between different cities or regions within the same country. Methods Drawing on in-depth interviews with 17 GBM recently diagnosed with HIV, we explored these men’s access to sexual health care in the period prior to diagnosis. Results At least five of these 17 men’s accounts provided examples of becoming disconnected from sexual health care because of mobility within Australia. For some men, this disconnection from care also included loss of access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). In all these men’s accounts, reconnection with services only came about at the time of seeking the HIV test associated with their diagnosis. The fact that men who had previously been well connected to sexual health services (as indicated by early uptake of PrEP, or regular HIV/STI testing) did not easily access similar services after relocating suggest that there are other factors – such as the social and physical environment – that have an important bearing on retention in sexual health care. Conclusions There is a need for more comprehensive data collection related to mobility in order to ascertain its relative importance. Regarding policy and practice, there are also opportunities for a more formalised process for interstate referral of clients of sexual health services.
N6-methyladenosine (m
6
A) depletion regulates pluripotency exit by activating signaling pathways in embryonic stem cells
Authors: Jin Kang-Xuan , Zuo Rujuan , Anastassiadis Konstantinos , Klungland Arne , Marr Carsten , Filipczyk Adam
Published: December 2021

Significance

Dynamic deposition of the N6-methyladenosine (m
6
A) modification on messenger RNA (mRNA) regulates pluripotency in embryonic stem cells. Reports show that depletion of m
6
A abundances increases the mRNA stability of pluripotency and lineage transcription factors (TFs) alike. If the mRNAs of these two TF groups become stabilized, it remains unclear how the pluripotency or lineage commitment decision is implemented. Quantification of pluripotency TFs live at single-cell resolution over generations shows long-term preservation of both pluripotency and priming. m
6
A depletion activates key signaling pathways involved in pluripotency versus commitment decisions. This occurs independently of m
6
A control over TF mRNA transcript stability. m
6
A deposition regulates TF protein expression levels by activating pErk and pAkt signaling to enact cell-fate determination in pluripotent stem cells.
Why ex post peer review encourages high-risk research while ex ante review discourages it
Authors: Gross Kevin , Bergstrom Carl T.
Published: December 2021

Significance

Science operates within social structures that govern and shape scientific activity. One such institution is peer review, which focuses attention on promising and interesting science while encouraging scientists to pursue some questions instead of others. Here, we show that ex ante review of proposals for future work and ex post review of completed science create different incentives for researchers. This tension creates a dilemma, because most researchers need to find projects that will survive both ex ante and ex post peer review. By unpacking this dynamic, we can understand how peer review shapes scientific activity and how changes to peer review might take science in unforeseen directions.
Leveraging nonstructural data to predict structures and affinities of protein–ligand complexes
Authors: Paggi Joseph M. , Belk Julia A. , Hollingsworth Scott A. , Villanueva Nicolas , Powers Alexander S. , Clark Mary J. , Chemparathy Augustine G. , Tynan Jonathan E. , Lau Thomas K. , Sunahara Roger K. , Dror Ron O.
Published: December 2021

Significance

Structure-based drug design depends on the ability to predict both the three-dimensional structures of candidate molecules bound to their targets and the associated binding affinities. We demonstrate that one can substantially improve the accuracy of these predictions using easily obtained data about completely different molecules that bind to the same target without requiring any target-bound structures of these molecules. The approach we developed to integrate physical and data-driven modeling may find a variety of applications in the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence for drug discovery.
Absorbing narratives and Motivation to Read
Authors: Rosa Lotta-Sofia La , Lehtimäki Aku-Ville
Published: December 2021

Digital reading has established its position, and thus research on how reading mode affects reading experience and enjoyment is needed. This study is based on a reading experiment with 89 14–15-year-olds who read or listened to an entire book in four different reading modes: paperbook, ebook, audiobook, and via a commercial subscription service. Using quantitative methods, we examine whether reading mode affects story world absorption as well as seek connections between gender, motivation, absorption and reading mode preferences. Based on the study, reading mode has no statistical impact on narrative absorption experience, measured by the Story World Absorption Scale. Instead, the experience correlates with reading motivation; an adolescent with higher motivation is more likely to feel absorbed while reading, regardless of reading mode. On average, girls experience higher reading motivation and absorption than boys. Less motivated seem to prefer audiobook whereas more motivated choose reading over listening.
An investigation into the relationship between fiction and nonfiction reading exposure, and factors of critical thinking
Authors: Hollis Helena
Published: December 2021

Reading fiction has been associated with improved social and imaginative reasoning that could lead to improved critical thinking. This observational study investigated the relationship between fiction and nonfiction exposure, narrative transportation, and factors of critical thinking (critical thinking disposition, and epistemological orientation). Self-selecting participants (N = 335) completed an online survey including an author recognition test and self-report scales. Fiction scores were significantly associated with higher critical thinking disposition, while nonfiction had an inverse effect correlating with lower disposition. Fiction reading was associated with decreased absolutism, and nonfiction score conversely with higher absolutism. Total and nonfiction print exposure were associated with lower multiplism, with no significant association for fiction. Total and fiction print exposure were associated with higher evaluativism, with no significant association for nonfiction. Narrative transportation mediated some of these relationships. These findings provide a basis for further research into reading fiction and nonfiction, and critical thinking.