bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agent Based Onboard Firefighting System
Authors: Sumić Dean , Maleš Lada , Rosić Marko
Published: April 2021

This paper presents a model of agent-based architecture for fighting fires on ships. The introduction of agent technology in firefighting decision-making is a step towards safe autonomous vessels.
The human factor can be excluded through the introduction of agent-based technology for the detection and extinguishing of fires onboard ships. The aim is to reduce the number of injuries and deaths, and minimize loss of ships and cargo. Another advantage of agent-based technology is its easy interoperability with other automated onboard systems. The presented model was implemented on a prototype in a simulation environment. The results of the experiment conducted on the implemented prototype are also presented.
Employment and Gross Value Added Generated by Port Infrastructures: A Bibliographical Review and Empirical Findings to Support Policy Maker Decisions
Authors: De la Peña Zarzuelo Ignacio
Published: April 2021

A relevant factor to be considered by policy makers is the economic impact of their decisions on port investments. A structured system for assessing the economic impact of port infrastructures was developed in the mid-60s in the USA. From then, a great number of works in this field has been carried out considering different geographical environments and using different methodologies and approaches. In this work, a complete set of 27 Spanish ports are reviewed, first from a chronological point of view and later establishing a comparative analysis of different indicators of port product­­­ivity. Special focus is put on comparing the contribution of the ports in generating employment and creating Gross Value Added generated in the local and regional economy. Direct, indirect, and induced impacts in both the port industry and the industry dependent on the existence of the port and its activities are considered.
A Character Frequency based Approach to Search for Substrings of a Circular Pattern and its Conjugates in an Online Text
Authors: Prasad Vinod
Published: April 2021

A fundamental problem in computational biology is to deal with circular patterns. The problem consists of finding the least certain length substrings of a pattern and its rotations in the database. In this paper, a novel method is presented to deal with circular patterns. The problem is solved using two incremental steps. First, an algorithm is provided that reports all substrings of a given linear pattern in an online text. Next, without losing efficiency, the algorithm is extended to process all circular rotations of the pattern. For a given pattern P of size M, and a text T of size N, the algorithm reports all locations in the text where a substring of Pc is found, where Pc is one of the rotations of P. For an alphabet size σ, using O(M) space, desired goals are achieved in an average O(MN/σ) time, which is O(N) for all patterns of length M ≤ σ. Traditional string processing algorithms make use of advanced data structures such as suffix trees and automaton. We show that basic data structures such as arrays can be used in the text processing algorithms without compromising the efficiency.
Understanding experiments and research practices for reproducibility: an exploratory study
Authors: Samuel Sheeba , König-Ries Birgitta
Published: April 2021

Scientific experiments and research practices vary across disciplines. The research practices followed by scientists in each domain play an essential role in the understandability and reproducibility of results. The “Reproducibility Crisis”, where researchers find difficulty in reproducing published results, is currently faced by several disciplines. To understand the underlying problem in the context of the reproducibility crisis, it is important to first know the different research practices followed in their domain and the factors that hinder reproducibility. We performed an exploratory study by conducting a survey addressed to researchers representing a range of disciplines to understand scientific experiments and research practices for reproducibility. The survey findings identify a reproducibility crisis and a strong need for sharing data, code, methods, steps, and negative and positive results. Insufficient metadata, lack of publicly available data, and incomplete information in study methods are considered to be the main reasons for poor reproducibility. The survey results also address a wide number of research questions on the reproducibility of scientific results. Based on the results of our explorative study and supported by the existing published literature, we offer general recommendations that could help the scientific community to understand, reproduce, and reuse experimental data and results in the research data lifecycle.
В.И. Вернадский о биогенной миграции химических элементов, "Энергия: экономика, техника, экология"
Authors: Янин Е.П.
Published: April 2021

В своих классических работах по геохимии и биогеохимии академик В.И. Вернадский показал, что живое вещество, то есть совокупность живых организмов, в данный момент существующих в биосфере, выраженная в массе, элементарном химическом составе, мерах энергии и характере пространства, есть самая мощная геологическая сила биосферы, есть “сила планетного масштаба”. Особенно ярко это “выявляется при изучении геохимической истории химических элементов, для большинства которых процессы, идущие при участии жизни – биогеохимические процессы, – имеют основное значение”. Геохимическая история элементов в биосфере может быть всегда сведена к их разнообразнейшим движениям, перемещениям, которые в геохимии называют миграцией химических элементов, идущей под влиянием энергии Солнца, энергии тяготения, воздействия внутренних частей земной коры на биосферу и при активном участии живого вещества. Именно в результате геохимической миграции, говоря словами Вернадского, создаётся атомная геометрия пространства-времени, выражаемая в истории и распределении атомов Земли, а “все перемещения элементов, чем бы они не вызывались, укладываются в системы определённых подвижных равновесий; в частности, в истории отдельных химических элементов они выявляются в замкнутых геохимических циклах – в круговоротах атомов”. Эти циклы (круговороты) атомов представляют собой совокупность последовательно происходящих геохимических явлений и процессов, в ходе которых химические элементы мигрируют, участвуют в различных физико-химических превращениях с образованием минералов и других соединений, претерпевают изменения изотопного состава и возвращаются в исходное состояние.
Marfan syndrome resulting from a rare pathogenic FBN1 variant, ascertained through a proband with IgG4‐related arteriopathy
Authors: Haan Eric A. , Chamalaun Francois H. , Chamuleau Steven A. J. , Arnolda Leonard F. , Slavotinek John P. , Wise Nadia C. , Gunawardane Dimuth N. , Schwarze Ulrike , Byers Peter H. , Gabb Genevieve M.
Published: April 2021

A 57‐year‐old man with a family history of aortic aneurysm was found, during assessment of unexplained fever, to have an infrarenal aortic aneurysm requiring immediate repair. Dilatation of popliteal and iliac arteries was also present. Progressive aortic root dilatation with aortic regurgitation was documented from 70 years leading to valve‐sparing aortic root replacement at 77 years, at which time genetic studies identified a likely pathogenic FBN1 missense variant c.6916C > T (p.Arg2306Cys) in exon 56. The proband's lenses were normally positioned and the Marfan syndrome (MFS) systemic score was 0/20. Cascade genetic testing identified 15 other family members with the FBN1 variant, several of whom had unsuspected aortic root dilatation; none had ectopia lentis or MFS systemic score ≥ 7. Segregation analysis resulted in reclassification of the FBN1 variant as pathogenic. The combination of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) and a pathogenic FBN1 variant in multiple family members allowed a diagnosis of MFS using the revised Ghent criteria. At 82 years, the proband's presenting abdominal aortic aneurysm was diagnosed retrospectively to have resulted from IgG4‐related inflammatory aortopathy.
Kooperation zwischen T‐Domäne und minimaler C‐terminaler Docking‐Domäne für funktionelle Proteininteraktionen in Multiprotein‐NRPS
Authors: Watzel Jonas , Duchardt‐Ferner Elke , Sarawi Sepas , Bode Helge B. , Wöhnert Jens
Published: April 2021

Nicht‐ribosomale Peptidsynthetasen (NRPS) bestehen oft aus mehreren Einzelproteinen, deren gerichtete Interaktionen bei der Biosynthese von Naturstoffen aus Aminosäurebausteinen durch die Wechselwirkung spezialisierter N‐ und C‐terminaler Docking‐Domänen (N/CDDs) vermittelt werden. Klassischerweise ist die Funktion der Docking‐Domänen unabhängig von benachbarten Domänen. Durch ihren Austausch können funktionale Interaktionen zwischen normalerweise nicht‐interagierenden NRPS ermöglicht werden. Die aus mehreren Proteinen bestehende, “Peptide‐antimicrobial‐Xenorhabdus”(PAX)‐Peptid produzierende NRPS PaxS setzt sich aus den Proteinen PaxA, PaxB und PaxC zusammen. Wir haben nachgewiesen, dass die CDD von PaxA mit der ihr vorangestellten Thiolierungsdomäne (T1) zusammenarbeiten muss, um die PaxB‐NDD mit hoher Affinität zu binden. Bei dieser Domänen‐Kooperation handelt es sich um einen bisher strukturell und thermodynamisch beispiellosen, aber in NRPS‐Systemen anscheinend verbreiteten Interaktionstypus, dessen Rolle funktionell mithilfe einer verkürzten Version von PaxS analysiert wurde.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of new coumarin derivatives as cytotoxic agents
Authors: Ragab Fatma A. , Eissa Amal A. M. , Fahim Samar H. , Salem Mohammad A. , Gamal Mona A. , Nissan Yassin M.
Published: April 2021

New coumarin derivatives 9a–f, 10a–e, and 11a–f were synthesized and evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against a human breast cancer cell line (MCF‐7). All compounds exhibited good activity in the nanomolar range, using doxorubicin and erlotinib as positive controls. The most active compound 9d with IC50 of 21 nM was tested against the HCT‐116, HepG‐2, A549, and SGC‐7901 cell lines, with IC50 values of 0.021, 0.170, 0.028, and 0.11 µM, respectively. Compound 9d was further investigated for its ability to suppress the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Compound 9d decreased the concentration of EGFR by 87%, using erlotinib as a positive control. A docking study revealed similar or higher scores than for erlotinib and similar binding poses providing interactions with the hinge region of the tyrosine kinase (TK). Besides the effect on expression, this in silico investigation predicts the possibility of direct binding between the new coumarin derivatives and the EGFR TK. Moreover, computational calculation for ADME properties for the most active compounds 9d, 9e, 10c, and 11c revealed the expected high gastrointestinal tract absorption, moderate water solubility with no central nervous system toxicity, and druglikeness.
Assessing general and autism‐relevant quality of life in autistic adults: A psychometric investigation using item response theory
Authors: Williams Zachary J. , Gotham Katherine O.
Published: April 2021

Although many interventions and services for autistic people have the ultimate goal of improving quality of life (QoL), there is relatively little research on how best to assess this construct in the autistic population, and existing scales designed for non‐autistic individuals may not assess all meaningful facets of QoL in the autistic population. To address this need, the autism spectrum QoL form (ASQoL) was recently developed as a measure of the autism‐relevant quality of life. However, the psychometrics of the ASQoL have not been examined beyond the authors' initial validation study, and important properties such as measurement invariance/differential item functioning (DIF) have not yet been tested. Using data from 700 autistic adults recruited from the Simons Foundation's SPARK cohort, the current study sought to perform a comprehensive independent psychometric evaluation of the ASQoL using item response theory, comparing its performance to a newly‐proposed brief measure of general QoL (the WHOQOL‐4). Our models revealed substantial DIF by sex and gender in the ASQoL, which caused ASQoL scores to grossly underestimate the self‐reported QoL of autistic women. Based on a comparison of latent variable means, we demonstrated that observed sex/gender differences in manifest ASQoL scores were the result of statistical artifacts, a claim that was further supported by the lack of significant group differences on the sex/gender‐invariant WHOQOL‐4. Our findings indicate that the ASQoL composite score is psychometrically problematic in its current form, and substantial revisions may be necessary before valid and meaningful inferences can be made regarding autism‐relevant aspects of QoL.

Lay summary

Quality of life (QoL) is an extremely important outcome for autistic people, but many of the tools that are used to measure it does not take into account how QoL may be different for autistic people. Using data from 700 autistic adults, we examined the measurement properties of the autism spectrum quality of life form (ASQoL), a new measure of QoL designed specifically for autistic people. Our results indicate that the ASQoL shows a pronounced sex/gender bias, which causes it to underestimate QoL in autistic women. This bias needs to be eliminated before the ASQoL can be successfully used to measure QoL in the autistic population.
Quantitative Structure‐Property Relationship Modelling for the Prediction of Singlet Oxygen Generation by Heavy‐Atom‐Free BODIPY Photosensitizers**
Authors: Buglak Andrey A. , Charisiadis Asterios , Sheehan Aimee , Kingsbury Christopher J. , Senge Mathias O. , Filatov Mikhail A.
Published: April 2021

Heavy‐atom‐free sensitizers forming long‐living triplet excited states via the spin‐orbit charge transfer intersystem crossing (SOCT‐ISC) process have recently attracted attention due to their potential to replace costly transition metal complexes in photonic applications. The efficiency of SOCT‐ISC in BODIPY donor‐acceptor dyads, so far the most thoroughly investigated class of such sensitizers, can be finely tuned by structural modification. However, predicting the triplet state yields and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation quantum yields for such compounds in a particular solvent is still very challenging due to a lack of established quantitative structure‐property relationship (QSPR) models. In this work, the available data on singlet oxygen generation quantum yields (ΦΔ) for a dataset containing >70 heavy‐atom‐free BODIPY in three different solvents (toluene, acetonitrile, and tetrahydrofuran) were analyzed. In order to build reliable QSPR model, a series of new BODIPYs were synthesized that bear different electron donating aryl groups in the meso position, their optical and structural properties were studied along with the solvent dependence of singlet oxygen generation, which confirmed the formation of triplet states via the SOCT‐ISC mechanism. For the combined dataset of BODIPY structures, a total of more than 5000 quantum‐chemical descriptors was calculated including quantum‐chemical descriptors using density functional theory (DFT), namely M06‐2X functional. QSPR models predicting ΦΔ values were developed using multiple linear regression (MLR), which perform significantly better than other machine learning methods and show sufficient statistical parameters (R=0.88–0.91 and q2=0.62–0.69) for all three solvents. A small root mean squared error of 8.2 % was obtained for ΦΔ values predicted using MLR model in toluene. As a result, we proved that QSPR and machine learning techniques can be useful for predicting ΦΔ values in different media and virtual screening of new heavy‐atom‐free BODIPYs with improved photosensitizing ability.
Dendritic‐Like Molecules Built on a Pillar[5]arene Core as Hole Transporting Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Bettucci Ottavia , Pascual Jorge , Turren‐Cruz Silver‐Hamill , Cabrera‐Espinoza Andrea , Matsuda Wakana , Völker Sebastian F. , Köbler Hans , Nierengarten Iwona , Reginato Gianna , Collavini Silvia , Seki Shu , Nierengarten Jean‐François , Abate Antonio , Delgado Juan Luis
Published: April 2021

Multi‐branched molecules have recently demonstrated interesting behaviour as charge‐transporting materials within the fields of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). For this reason, extended triarylamine dendrons have been grafted onto a pillar[5]arene core to generate dendrimer‐like compounds, which have been used as hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) for PSCs. The performances of the solar cells containing these novel compounds have been extensively investigated. Interestingly, a positive dendritic effect has been evidenced as the hole transporting properties are improved when going from the first to the second‐generation compound. The stability of the devices based on the best performing pillar[5]arene material has been also evaluated in a high‐throughput ageing setup for 500 h at high temperature. When compared to reference devices prepared from spiro‐OMeTAD, the behaviour is similar. An analysis of the economic advantages arising from the use of the pillar[5]arene‐based material revealed however that our pillar[5]arene‐based material is cheaper than the reference.
Competition between Inter and Intramolecular Tetrel Bonds: Theoretical Studies Complemented by CSD Survey
Authors: Zierkiewicz Wiktor , Grabarz Anna , Michalczyk Mariusz , Scheiner Steve
Published: April 2021

Crystal structures document the ability of a TF3 group (T=Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) situated on a naphthalene system to engage in an intramolecular tetrel bond (TB) with an amino group on the adjoining ring. Ab initio calculations evaluate the strength of this bond and evaluate whether it can influence the ability of the T atom to engage in a second, intermolecular TB with another nucleophile. A very strong CN− anionic base can approach the T either along the extension of a T−C or T−F bond and form a strong TB with an interaction energy approaching 100 kcal/mol, although this bond is weakened a bit by the presence of the internal T⋅⋅⋅N bond. The much less potent NCH base engages in a correspondingly longer and weaker TB, less than 10 kcal/mol. Such an intermolecular TB is weakened by the presence of the internal TB, to the point that it only occurs for the two heavier tetrel atoms Sn and Pb.
Shaping Immigration Narratives in Young Adult Literature: Authors and Paratextual Features of USBBY Outstanding International Books, 2006–2019
Authors: Durand E. Sybil , Glenn Wendy J. , Moore Daniel , Groenke Susan L. , Scaramuzzo Peter
Published: April 2021

This article contributes to research on equity in award‐winning and honor books by offering a paratextual analysis of 14 immigration‐themed young adult books that were included on the USBBY Outstanding International Books list between 2006 and 2019. Findings reveal that paratexts—all parts of a book excluding the narrative—frame authors who are not members of the cultures they describe as having authority to tell immigration stories through authors’ sociocultural proximity to real events and people who experienced migration. However, other paratextual features, such as titles, covers, and author interviews, reveal ideological problems in some authors’ didactic purposes for telling immigration stories and disproportionately depict migration in terms of escape and rescue. For educators, this article invites a reconsideration of text selection processes relative to an author’s background in connection to immigration and offers ideas for how teachers and their students might think critically about authorship.
High relative accuracy with matrices of q‐integers
Authors: Delgado Jorge , Orera Héctor , Peña Juan M.
Published: April 2021

This article shows that the bidiagonal decomposition of many important matrices of q‐integers can be constructed to high relative accuracy (HRA). This fact can be used to compute with HRA the eigenvalues, singular values, and inverses of these matrices. These results can be applied to collocation matrices of q‐Laguerre polynomials, q‐Pascal matrices, and matrices formed by q‐Stirling numbers. Numerical examples illustrate the theoretical results.
Daidzein alleviates cisplatin‐induced muscle atrophy by regulating Glut4/AMPK/FoxO pathway
Authors: Zhang Hong , Chi Mengyi , Chen Linlin , Sun Xipeng , Wan Lili , Yang Quanjun , Guo Cheng
Published: April 2021

Cisplatin (DDP) is widely used in cancer treatment, but DDP can cause skeletal muscle atrophy and cachexia. This study explored the effect and mechanism of daidzein (DAI) in reducing DDP‐induced skeletal muscle atrophy and cachexia in vivo and in vitro. DAI alleviated the weight, food intake, muscle, adipose tissue, kidney weight and forelimb grip of LLC tumour‐bearing mice after DDP treatment, and did not affect the antitumour effect of DDP. DAI can reduce the decrease of the cross‐sectional area of skeletal muscle fibre‐induced by DDP and prevent the change of fibre type proportion. In skeletal muscle, it can inhibit Glut4/AMPK/FoxO pathway, down‐regulate the expression of atrogin1 and MuRF1, and inhibit skeletal muscle protein degradation. In DDP treated C2C12 myotubes, DAI could inhibit Glut4/AMPK/FoxO pathway to reduce myotubes atrophy, while AMPK agonist MK‐3903 could reverse the protective effect of DAI. These results suggest that DAI can alleviate DDP‐induced skeletal muscle atrophy by downregulating the expression of Atrogin1 and MuRF1 through the regulation of Glut4/AMPK/FoxO pathway.
Matrix ions as internal standard for high mass accuracy matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Treu Axel , Römpp Andreas
Published: April 2021

Rationale

High mass accuracy is indispensable for reliable identification in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS) imaging. Ubiquitous matrix ions can serve as reference masses for mass calibration if their sum formula is known. Here we report an overview of ions generated on tissue by 11 common MALDI matrices for use in internal or external mass calibration.

Methods

Matrices covered in this study were applied onto coronal mouse brain sections using a pneumatic sprayer setup. MALDI imaging was performed on a Q Exactive HF orbital trapping mass spectrometer coupled to an AP‐SMALDI 10 source. Measurements were conducted with high mass resolution (240 k full width at half maximum at m/z 200) and high mass accuracy with a root mean square mass error of better than 1.5 ppm achieved via internal mass calibration using matrix ions.

Results

MALDI MS imaging was used to investigate ions generated on tissue by 11 common MALDI matrices. An example of using matrix ions for internal mass calibration in MALDI imaging of drug substances and lipids in murine lung sections is presented. Tables containing the cluster composition, sum formulae, and the measured and theoretical m/z ratios of the identified ions were compiled for each matrix.

Conclusion

Using matrix ions as reference masses for internal and external mass calibration in MALDI MS imaging is an effective and elegant way to achieve sub‐ppm mass accuracy as it makes use of ubiquitous signals present in every MALDI MS spectrum without the need for an additional calibration standard.
Algorithms for all‐pairs Hamming distance based similarity
Authors: Grabowski Szymon , Kowalski Tomasz M.
Published: April 2021

All‐pairs distance computation for a collection of strings is a computation‐intensive task with important applications in bioinformatics, in particular, in distance‐based phylogenetic analysis techniques. Even if the computationally efficient Hamming distance is used for this purpose, the quadratic number of sequence pairs may be challenging. We propose a number of practical algorithms for efficient pairwise Hamming distance computation under a given distance threshold. The techniques are based on such concepts as pivot‐based similarity search in metric spaces, pigeonhole principle for approximate string matching, cache‐friendly data arrangement, bit‐parallelism, and others. We experimentally show that our solutions are often about an order of magnitude faster than the average‐case linear‐time LCP based clusters method proposed recently, both in real and synthetic benchmarks.
Access to Multicultural Children’s Literature During COVID‐19
Authors: Bennett Susan V. , Gunn AnnMarie Alberton , Peterson Barbara J.
Published: April 2021

Amid the COVID‐19 pandemic, students, families, and educators have faced unprecedented challenges. These challenges have disproportionately impacted racially/ethnically diverse, low‐income communities because of long‐standing health system, socioeconomic, and educational inequities. With closures of schools, libraries, and childcare centers, many students were disconnected from their community and did not have access to books. Parents’ and educators’ concerns centered around students falling behind academically and socially. In this article, we explain the motivation and rationale for a social justice initiative to provide students of color from low‐poverty areas with access to high‐quality multicultural children’s literature at home. We describe our literacy partnership with a local after‐school program serving participant students and families, research underpinning the initiative, and our process for selecting high‐quality multicultural literature book sets and offer suggestions about how to facilitate comprehension and motivational support for home‐based reading. We also offer a list of recommended literature and discuss outcomes and implications of this project.
Rettungsdienst, kassenärztlicher Notdienst oder Notaufnahme
Authors: Metelmann Bibiana , Brinkrolf Peter , Kliche Marian , Vollmer Marcus , Hahnenkamp Klaus , Metelmann Camilla
Published: April 2021

Hintergrund

Bei medizinischen Akutfällen entscheiden Patienten eigenständig, ob sie den Rettungsdienst bzw. den ärztlichen Bereitschaftsdienst der kassenärztlichen Vereinigung anrufen oder sich in der Notaufnahme vorstellen.

Fragestellung

Gelingt der Bevölkerung die angemessene Zuordnung verschiedener dringlicher Erkrankungen zu den unterschiedlichen Systemen?

Material und Methoden

In einer deutschlandweiten, anonymen telefonischen Befragung nach dem Gabler-Häder-Design im Sommer 2018 wurden 708 Personen jeweils 6 verschiedene Szenarien mit medizinischen Akutfällen geschildert. Die Befragten wurden gebeten anzugeben, ob sie kurzfristige medizinische Hilfe für erforderlich hielten. Zusätzlich wurde die subjektive Dringlichkeit der einzelnen Szenarien sowie die Kenntnis der Telefonnummern von Rettungsdienst und ärztlichem Bereitschaftsdienst erhoben.

Ergebnisse

Die Dringlichkeit der Szenarien wurde häufig fehleingeschätzt: bei Szenarien hoher Dringlichkeit zu 20 %, bei mittlerer Dringlichkeit zu 50 % und bei leichter Dringlichkeit zu 27 %. Zusätzlich misslang einigen Befragten die Ressourcenwahl, wenn sie medizinische Hilfe für erforderlich hielten: 25 % würden bei einem Apoplex bzw. Myokardinfarkt keinen Rettungsdienst rufen. Bei Erkrankungen mittlerer Dringlichkeit würden mehr Befragte eigenständig in die Notaufnahme gehen (38 %), als den ärztlichen Bereitschaftsdienst zu alarmieren (46 %).

Diskussion

Das Wissen der Bevölkerung über die verschiedenen Ressourcen bei medizinischen Akutfällen und die Fähigkeit, die Dringlichkeit adäquat einzuschätzen, scheint nicht ausreichend zu sein. Die Lösung könnte neben einer Steigerung der Gesundheitskompetenz eine gemeinsame Telefonnummer für Rettungsdienst und ärztlichen Bereitschaftsdienst mit einheitlichem Abfragetool und Ressourcenzuordnung sein.
Associations between loneliness and acute hospitalisation outcomes among patients receiving mental healthcare in South London: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Parmar Mayur , Ma Ruimin , Attygalle Sumudu , Mueller Christoph , Stubbs Brendon , Stewart Robert , Perera Gayan
Published: April 2021

Purpose

It is well known that loneliness can worsen physical and mental health outcomes, but there is a dearth of research on the impact of loneliness in populations receiving mental healthcare. This study aimed to investigate cross-sectional correlates of loneliness among such patients and longitudinal risk for acute general hospitalisations.

Method

A retrospective observational study was conducted on the data from patients aged 18 + receiving assessment/care at a large mental healthcare provider in South London. Recorded loneliness status was ascertained among active patients on the index date, 30th Jun 2012. Acute general hospitalisation (emergency/elective) outcomes were obtained until 31st Mar 2018. Length of stay was modelled using Poisson regression models and time-to hospitalisation and time-to mortality were modelled using Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

The data from 26,745 patients were analysed. The prevalence of patients with recorded loneliness was 16.4% at the index date. In the fully adjusted model, patients with recorded loneliness had higher hazards of emergency (HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.09–1.22) and elective (1.05, 1.01–1.12) hospitalisation than patients who were not recorded as lonely, and a longer duration of both emergency (IRR 1.06, 95% CI 1.05–1.07) and elective (1.02, 1.01–1.03) general hospitalisations. There was no association between loneliness and mortality. Correlates of loneliness included having an eating disorder (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.29–2.25) and serious mental illnesses (OR 1.44, 1.29–1.62).

Conclusion

Loneliness in patients receiving mental healthcare is associated with higher use of general hospital services. Increased attention to the physical healthcare of this patient group is therefore warranted.
Variation in rates of self-harm hospital admission and re-admission by ethnicity in London: a population cohort study
Authors: Polling C. , Bakolis I. , Hotopf M. , Hatch S. L.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To compare sex-specific rates of hospital admission and repeat admission following self-harm between ethnic groups in London and test whether differences persist after adjustment for socio-economic deprivation.

Methods

A population-based cohort of all individuals aged over 11 admitted to a general hospital for physical health treatment following self-harm between 2008 and 2018, using administrative Hospital Episode Statistics for all people living in Greater London.

Results

There were 59,510 individuals admitted to the hospital following self-harm in the 10 year study period, ethnicity data were available for 94% of individuals. The highest rates of self-harm admission and readmission were found in the White Irish group. Rates of admission and readmission were lower in Black and Asian people compared to White people for both sexes at all ages and in all more specific Black and Asian ethnic groups compared to White British. These differences increased with adjustment for socio-economic deprivation. People of Mixed ethnicity had higher rates of readmission. Rates were highest in the 25–49 age group for Black and Mixed ethnicity men, but in under-25 s for all other groups. There were substantial differences in rates within the broader ethnic categories, especially for the Black and White groups.

Conclusion

In contrast to earlier UK studies, self-harm rates were not higher in Black or South Asian women, with lower self-harm admission rates seen in almost all ethnic minority groups. Differences in rates by ethnicity were not explained by socio-economic deprivation. Aggregating ethnicity into broad categories masks important differences in self-harm rates between groups.
Diffusion-weighted imaging in differentiating mid-course responders to chemotherapy for long-bone osteosarcoma compared to the histologic response: an update
Authors: Habre Céline , Dabadie Alexia , Loundou Anderson D. , Banos Jean-Bruno , Desvignes Catherine , Pico Harmony , Aschero Audrey , Colavolpe Nathalie , Seiler Charlotte , Bouvier Corinne , Peltier Emilie , Gentet Jean-Claude , Baunin Christiane , Auquier Pascal , Petit Philippe
Published: April 2021

Background

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has been described to correlate with tumoural necrosis in response to preoperative chemotherapy for osteosarcoma.

Objective

To assess the accuracy of DWI in evaluating the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy at the mid-course treatment of long-bone osteosarcoma and in predicting survival.

Materials and methods

We conducted a prospective single-centre study over a continuous period of 11 years. Consecutive patients younger than 20 years treated with a neoadjuvant regimen for peripheral conventional osteosarcoma were eligible for inclusion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with DWI was performed at diagnosis, and mid- and end-course chemotherapy with mean apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) calculated at each time point. A percentage less than or equal to 10% of the viable residual tissue at the histological analysis of the surgical specimen was defined as a good responder to chemotherapy. Survival comparisons were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Uni- and multivariate analyses with ADC change were performed by Cox modelling. This is an expansion and update of our previous work.

Results

Twenty-six patients between the ages of 4.8 and 19.6 years were included, of whom 14 were good responders. At mid-course chemotherapy, good responders had significantly higher mean ADC values (P=0.046) and a higher increase in ADC (P=0.015) than poor responders. The ADC change from diagnosis to mid-course MRI did not appear to be a prognosticator of survival and did not impact survival rates of both groups.

Conclusion

DWI at mid-course preoperative chemotherapy for osteosarcoma should be considered to evaluate the degree of histological necrosis and to predict survival. The anticipation of a response to neoadjuvant treatment by DWI may have potential implications on preoperative management.
Burkholderia thailandensis E264 as a promising safe rhamnolipids’ producer towards a sustainable valorization of grape marcs and olive mill pomace
Authors: Chebbi Alif , Tazzari Massimiliano , Rizzi Cristiana , Gomez Tovar Franco Hernan , Villa Sara , Sbaffoni Silvia , Vaccari Mentore , Franzetti Andrea
Published: April 2021

Within the circular economy framework, our study aims to assess the rhamnolipid production from winery and olive oil residues as low-cost carbon sources by nonpathogenic strains. After evaluating various agricultural residues from those two sectors, Burkholderia thailandensis E264 was found to use the raw soluble fraction of nonfermented (white) grape marcs (NF), as the sole carbon and energy source, and simultaneously, reducing the surface tension to around 35 mN/m. Interestingly, this strain showed a rhamnolipid production up to 1070 mg/L (13.37 mg/g of NF), with a higher purity, on those grape marcs, predominately Rha-Rha C14-C14, in MSM medium. On olive oil residues, the rhamnolipid yield of using olive mill pomace (OMP) at 2% (w/v) was around 300 mg/L (15 mg/g of OMP) with a similar CMC of 500 mg/L. To the best of our knowledge, our study indicated for the first time that a nonpathogenic bacterium is able to produce long-chain rhamnolipids in MSM medium supplemented with winery residues, as sole carbon and energy source.

Key points

• Winery and olive oil residues are used for producing long-chain rhamnolipids (RLs).

• Both higher RL yields and purity were obtained on nonfermented grape marcs as substrates.

• Long-chain RLs revealed stabilities over a wide range of pH, temperatures, and salinities
Translational model of melphalan-induced gut toxicity reveals drug-host-microbe interactions that drive tissue injury and fever
Authors: Wardill H. R. , de Mooij C. E. M. , da Silva Ferreira A. R. , van de Peppel I. P. , Havinga R. , Harmsen H. J. M. , Tissing W. J. E. , Blijlevens N. M. A.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Conditioning therapy with high-dose melphalan (HDM) is associated with a high risk of gut toxicity, fever and infections in haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. However, validated preclinical models that adequately reflect clinical features of melphalan-induced toxicity are not available. We therefore aimed to develop a novel preclinical model of melphalan-induced toxicity that reflected well-defined clinical dynamics, as well as to identify targetable mechanisms that drive intestinal injury.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were treated with 4–8 mg/kg melphalan intravenously. The primary endpoint was plasma citrulline. Secondary endpoints included survival, weight loss, diarrhea, food/water intake, histopathology, body temperature, microbiota composition (16S sequencing) and bacterial translocation.

Results

Melphalan 5 mg/kg caused self-limiting intestinal injury, severe neutropenia and fever while impairing the microbial metabolome, prompting expansion of enteric pathogens. Intestinal inflammation was characterized by infiltration of polymorphic nuclear cells in the acute phases of mucosal injury, driving derangement of intestinal architecture. Ileal atrophy prevented bile acid reabsorption, exacerbating colonic injury via microbiota-dependent mechanisms.

Conclusion

We developed a novel translational model of melphalan-induced toxicity, which has excellent homology with the well-known clinical features of HDM transplantation. Application of this model will accelerate fundamental and translational study of melphalan-induced toxicity, with the clinical parallels of this model ensuring a greater likelihood of clinical success.

Graphic abstract
Anatomical versus non-anatomical configuration of double coraco-clavicular tunnel technique in acromioclavicular joint reconstruction
Authors: Schöbel Tobias , Theopold Jan , Fischer Jean-Pierre , Löffler Sabine , Schleifenbaum Stefan , Hepp Pierre
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Horizontal instability is a common problem after acromioclavicular joint injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate if there is a difference regarding horizontal stability between an anatomical and a non-anatomical configuration of the double tunnel coraco-clavicular ligament reconstruction of the acromioclavicular joint.

Methods

Thirteen acromioclavicular joints of human cadaveric shoulders in ethanol-glycerin fixation were included in the study and underwent cyclic anterior and posterior translational testing at a load of 70 N using an electromechanical uniaxial testing machine. The shoulders were randomly assigned to the following groups: double coraco-clavicular tunnel technique in an anatomical configuration (DCTa) and double coraco-clavicular tunnel technique in an inverse configuration of the anatomical position (DCTb). The dislocation was recorded with a 3D optical measuring system.

Results

The total horizontal displacement (p10 = 0.0221; p5000 = 0.082) was significantly higher for the non-anatomical reconstruction (DCTb) compared to the anatomical reconstruction (DCTa) after every measured amount of cycles. The increase in displacement for DCTb group was overall higher than the increase in displacement for DCTa group but without significance.

Conclusion

Reconstruction of the CC ligaments in an anatomical configuration with two suture devices results in a significantly higher stability of the AC joint in the horizontal plane than reconstruction of the CC ligaments in a non-anatomical configuration. Based on the results of this biomechanical in vitro study, the use of a double coraco-clavicular reconstruction should focus on an anatomically correct position of the suture devices.
Disability pensions related to heavy physical workload: a cohort study of middle-aged and older workers in Sweden
Authors: Falkstedt Daniel , Hemmingsson Tomas , Albin Maria , Bodin Theo , Ahlbom Anders , Selander Jenny , Gustavsson Per , Andersson Tomas , Almroth Melody , Kjellberg Katarina
Published: April 2021

Objectives

The aim of the study was to examine the associations between heavy physical workload among middle-aged and older workers and disability pension due to any diagnosis, as well as musculoskeletal, psychiatric, cardiovascular or respiratory diagnoses. The population-based design made it possible to examine dose–response and potential gender differences in the associations.

Methods

About 1.8 million men and women aged 44–63 years and registered as living in Sweden in 2005 were followed regarding disability pension during 2006–2016, until ages 55–65 years. Mean values of physical workload and job control, estimated through gender-specific job-exposure matrices (JEMs), were assigned to individuals through their occupational titles in 2005. Exposure values were ranked separately for women and men and divided into quintiles. Associations were analyzed with Cox proportional-hazards regression.

Results

The analyses showed robust, dose–response associations between physical workload and disability pension with a musculoskeletal diagnosis in both genders: the adjusted hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval for those with the heaviest exposure was 2.58 (2.37–2.81) in women and 3.34 (2.83–3.94) in men. Dose–response associations were also seen in relation to disability pension with a cardiovascular or a respiratory diagnosis, though the hazard ratios were smaller. Physical workload was not associated with disability pension with a psychiatric diagnosis after adjustment for job control.

Conclusion

This study of the entire Swedish population of middle-aged and older workers suggests that higher degrees of physical workload may increase the risk of disability pension overall, and specifically with musculoskeletal, cardiovascular or respiratory diagnosis, in both women and men.
Optimal administration of bronchodilators with valved holding chambers in preschool children: a review of literature
Authors: Csonka Péter , Tapiainen Terhi , Mäkelä Mika J. , Lehtimäki Lauri
Published: April 2021

Our aim was to synthesize the published literature on factors that potentially affect the delivery of bronchodilators using valved holding chambers (VHC) in preschool children. We also aimed to identify those attributes that are not yet incorporated or clearly stated in the guidelines and those topics that are still lacking sufficient data. There is strong evidence supporting several recommendations in current guidelines. Based on present knowledge, bronchodilators should be delivered by VHC administering each puff separately. Face mask should be omitted as soon as the child can hold the mouthpiece of the VHC tightly between the lips and teeth. Based on the review, we suggest adding a specific note to current guidelines about the effect of chamber volume and the impact of co-operation during drug administration. Calming the child and securing a tight face-to-mask seal is critical for successful drug delivery. There is not enough evidence to make specific recommendations on the most reliable VHC and face mask for children. There is an urgent need for studies that evaluate and compare the effectiveness of VHCs in various clinical settings in wide age-groups and respiratory patterns. In addition, there is insufficient data on ideal chamber volume, material, and effective antistatic treatment.

What is Known:• Valved holding chambers (VHC) should not be considered interchangeable when used with pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDI).• Drug delivery is influenced by VHC volume, aerodynamic and electrostatic properties; mask fit; respiratory pattern and co-operation during inhalation; and the number of puffs actuated.What is New:• The impact of co-operation, VHC volume, and good mask-to-face fit during drug inhalation is not stressed enough in the guidelines.• Studies are urgently needed to evaluate the effectiveness of different VHCs in various clinical settings focusing on VHC electrostatic properties, respiratory patters, face masks, and ideal pMDI+VHC combinations.
The Direct Synthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide over AuPd Nanoparticles: An Investigation into Metal Loading
Authors: Brehm Joseph , Lewis Richard J. , Morgan David J. , Davies Thomas E. , Hutchings Graham J.
Published: April 2021

The direct synthesis of H2O2 from molecular H2 and O2 over AuPd catalysts, supported on TiO2 and prepared via an excess chloride co-impregnation procedure is investigated. The role of Au:Pd ratio on the catalytic activity towards H2O2 formation and its subsequent degradation is evaluated under conditions that have previously been found to be optimal for the formation of H2O2. The combination of relatively small nanoparticles, of mixed Pd-oxidation state is shown to correlate with enhanced catalytic performance. Subsequently, a detailed study of catalytic activity towards H2O2 synthesis as a function of AuPd loading was conducted, with a direct correlation between catalytic activity and metal loading observed.

Graphic Abstract
List Price Collusion
Authors: Boshoff Willem H. , Paha Johannes
Published: April 2021

Firms sometimes collude by agreeing on increases in list prices. Yet, the efficacy of such list price collusion is subject to discussion as colluding firms might, in principle, deviate secretly from the elevated prices by granting their customers discounts. This article reviews cases of list price collusion in the USA and Europe, and it presents a theory of harm suggesting that a combination of anchoring, orientation on reference points, and loss aversion may render list price collusion effective in raising transaction prices—even if firms set transaction prices in a non-coordinated fashion.
Fabrication and characterization of a novel photoactive-based (0–3) piezocomposite material with potential as a functional material for additive manufacturing of piezoelectric sensors
Authors: Omoniyi O. A. , Mansour R. , Cardona M. J. , Briuglia M. L. , O’Leary R. L. , Windmill J. F. C.
Published: April 2021

The development of 3D-printed sensors and actuators from piezocomposite materials has increased in recent years due to the ease of production, low-cost and improved functionality additive manufacturing provides. The piezocomposite material developed in this work has the potential to be used as a functional material in stereolithographic additive manufacturing by combining the optical, viscoelastic properties of NOA 65 and the piezoelectric properties of Barium Titanate. The new (0–3) piezocomposite material consists of Norland Optical Adhesive 65 (NOA 65) as the polymer matrix and Barium Titanate (BaTiO3) with particles sizes (100 nm, 200 nm and 500 nm) as the dielectric filler. We synthesized thin film samples of the (0–3) piezocomposite with 60% w/w BaTiO3 using solution mixing and spin coating method to produce samples with layer thickness of 100 µm. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques were used to analyze the microstructure of the piezocomposite to determine the effect of different particles sizes of BaTiO3 on the structural and mechanical properties of the composite. The longitudinal piezoelectric coefficient d33 was also measured using the laser vibrometer technique. Both single point scans and full surface scans were carried out to obtain the average piezoelectric coefficient d33 of the composite material. The results of the SEM confirmed the (0–3) structure of the piezocomposite material with isolated BaTiO3 nanoparticles. It further showed the uniform distribution of the BaTiO3 nanoparticles across each of the samples. FTIR analysis showed that the filler nanoparticles had no effect on the native structure of the polymer matrix. The longitudinal piezoelectric coefficient d33 of the piezocomposite material was observed to increase with increasing BaTiO3 particle sizes, while the indentation modulus of the composite investigated using the method of Oliver and Pharr was observed to decrease with an increase in particle size. Results from the single point scans showed the composite with BaTiO3 particle size 100 nm, 200 nm and 500 nm having an average d33 of 2.1 pm/V, 3.0 pm/V and 3.9 pm/V while the average d33 obtained from the full surface scan of 1430 scan points showed 1.4 pm/V, 6.1 pm/V, 7.2 pm/V.