bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The transfer and amplification of cyanostilbene molecular function to advanced flexible optical paints through self-crosslinkable side-chain liquid crystal polysiloxanes
Authors: Koo Jahyeon , Jang Junhwa , Lim Seok-In , Oh Mintaek , Lee Kyung Min , McConney Michael E. , De Sio Luciano , Kim Dae-Yoon , Jeong Kwang-Un
Published: March 2021

Advanced flexible optical paints are created using the maximized functionality and availability of PMHS, which allows polarized emissive and photopatternable secret coatings on a macroscopic area.
Aiding the versatility of simple ammonium ionic liquids by the synthesis of bioactive 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine, 2-aminothiazole and quinazolinone derivatives
Authors: Kakati Praachi , Singh Preeti , Yadav Priyanka , Awasthi Satish Kumar
Published: March 2021

The work presented in this paper showcases the utility of ionic liquids in the synthesis of tetrahydropyrimidinone, 2-aminothiazole and quinazolinone derivatives in a sustainable protocol.
2D g-C3N4 as a bifunctional photocatalyst for co-catalyst and sacrificial agent-free photocatalytic N2 fixation and dye photodegradation
Authors: Bajiri Mohammed Abdullah , Naik H. S. Bhojya , Hezam Abdo , Viswanath R. , Al-Zaqri Nabil , Alsalme Ali , Alharthi Fahad A. , Alasmari Raghd
Published: March 2021

Photocatalytic N2 fixation is an ecofriendly technology to produce ammonia.
Two-dimensional van der Waals graphene/transition metal nitride heterostructures as promising high-performance nanodevices
Authors: Pham Khang D. , Nguyen Cuong Q. , Nguyen C. V. , Cuong Pham V. , Hieu Nguyen V.
Published: March 2021

Graphene-based van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures have attracted much attention because they can enhance the properties of separated materials, possess numerous new phenomena and unusual properties and improve the performance of devices.
Correction: Electrochemical studies on crystalline CuS as an electrode material for non-aqueous Na-ion capacitors
Authors: Goswami Manoj , Nithya Chandrasekaran , Sathish N. , Kumar Satendra , Singh Netrapal , Srivastava A. K. , Kumar Surender
Published: March 2021

Correction for ‘Electrochemical studies on crystalline CuS as an electrode material for non-aqueous Na-ion capacitors’ by Manoj Goswami et al., New J. Chem., 2020, 44, 5278–5284; DOI: 10.1039/C9NJ06465F.
Correction: The use of a single-crystal nickel-rich layered NCM cathode for excellent cycle performance of lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Guo Qiankun , Huang Jili , Liang Zhao , Potapenko Hanna , Zhou Miaomiao , Tang Xiaodong , Zhong Shengwen
Published: March 2021

Correction for ‘The use of a single-crystal nickel-rich layered NCM cathode for excellent cycle performance of lithium-ion batteries’ by Qiankun Guo et al., New J. Chem., 2021, 45, 3652–3659; DOI: 10.1039/d0nj05914e.
Fabrication of thermoresponsive magnetic micelles from amphiphilic poly(phenyl isocyanide) and Fe3O4nanoparticles for controlled drug release and synergistic thermochemotherapy
Authors: Wang Qian , Xiao Jing , Su Yanhong , Huang Jianwen , Li Jihua , Qiu Lige , Zhan Meixiao , He Xu , Yuan Weizhong , Li Yong
Published: March 2021

The drug-loaded micelles self-assembled fromco-poly(phenyl isocyanide), Fe3O4and DOX demonstrated thermoresponsiveness and magnetic hyperthermia for synergistic thermochemotherapy.
Initiator-dependent kinetics of lyotropic liquid crystal-templated thermal polymerization
Authors: Saadat Younes , Kim Kyungtae , Foudazi Reza
Published: March 2021

In this study, we show that how the locus of initiation can change kinetics and mechanical properties of polymerized lyotropic liquid crystals.
Correction: The synthesis of polyurethane with mechanical properties that are responsive to water retention states
Authors: Li Xuemin , Ye Feng , Wang Jie , Chen Zhaobin , Yang Xiaoniu
Published: March 2021

Correction for ‘The synthesis of polyurethane with mechanical properties that are responsive to water retention states’ by Xuemin Li et al., Polym. Chem., 2021, 12, 1014–1022, DOI: 10.1039/D0PY01559H.
Enantioselective [3 + 2] annulation of 3-hydroxymaleimides with quinone monoimines
Authors: Zhang Jiayan , Liu Min , Huang Min , Liu Hui , Yan Yingkun , Zhang Xiaomei
Published: March 2021

Enantioselective [3 + 2] annulation of 3-hydroxymaleimides with quinone monoimines provided a large variety of succinimide fused indolines in moderate to good yields with moderate to good enantioselectivities.
Correction: Effect of hydrophobically modified PEO polymers (PEO-dodecyl) on oil/water microemulsion properties: in vitro and in silico investigations
Authors: Khatouri M. , Ahfir R. , Lemaalem M. , El Khaoui S. , Derouiche A. , Filali M.
Published: March 2021

Correction for ‘Effect of hydrophobically modified PEO polymers (PEO-dodecyl) on oil/water microemulsion properties: in vitro and in silico investigations’ by M. Khatouri et al., RSC Adv., 2021, 11, 7059–7069, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA09804C.
A green and energy-efficient photocatalytic process for the accelerated synthesis of lactic acid esters using functionalized quantum dots
Authors: Verma Priyanka , Wanchoo Ravinder Kumar , Toor Amrit Pal
Published: March 2021

Sulphonated-grafted-titania quantum dot catalyzed green and energy-efficient photochemical process for the synthesis of valuable lactic acid esters at ambient temperature.
Streamlined construction of peptide macrocycles via palladium-catalyzed intramolecular S-arylation in solution and on DNA
Authors: Yang Peng , Wang Xuan , Li Bo , Yang Yixuan , Yue Jinfeng , Suo Yanrui , Tong Huarong , He Gang , Lu Xiaojie , Chen Gong
Published: March 2021

A highly efficient and versatile method for construction of peptide macrocycles via palladium-catalyzed intramolecular S-arylation of alkyl and aryl thiols with aryl iodides under mild conditions is developed.
PD-L1 expression in anogenital and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas associated with different clinicopathological features, HPV status and prognosis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Qin Yuan , Luan Jiaochen , Zhou Xiang , Li Ying
Published: March 2021

Background: Little research has been done on clinicopathological characteristics and human papillomavirus (HPV) status of anogenital and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) with a strong expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in tumor cells. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis. Methods: We performed a comprehensive research in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases up to 30 September 2020. The effect size was hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), disease-free survival (DFS). The pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI were used to assess the association between PD-L1 expression and clinicopathological features along with HPV status. Results: A total of 2003 cases (944 anogenital and 1059 oropharynx SCC patients) were included. High PD-L1 expression in anogenital SCC cases were associated with advanced age (OR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.04–2.58) and HPV negativity (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.31–0.71). Besides, PD-L1 positive anogenital SCC cases held a significantly declined OS (HR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.37–3.47) and CSS (HR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.30–4.65). For oropharynx SCC, PD-L1 was more frequent in younger and HPV positive patients (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.37–0.98; OR = 3.01, 95% CI: 1.78–5.09) and PD-L1 expression was relevant to better OS and DFS (HR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.60–0.97; HR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.33–0.75). Conclusions: The meta-analysis demonstrated that in anogenital SCC, PD-L1 positivity had to do with a worse outcome, which might attribute to advanced age, higher tumor grade, lymph node metastasis and HPV negativity, while in oropharynx cancer, PD-L1 expression was related to better prognosis for the reason that PD-L1 was less frequent in the aged and negative HPV status.
IL-1R2 expression in human gastric cancer and its clinical significance
Authors: Yuan Maoling , Wang Lei , Huang Hao , Li Yuan , Zheng Xiao , Shao Qi , Jiang Jingting
Published: March 2021

Background: Interleukin-1 receptor type II (IL-1R2), also known as CD121b, is a member of the IL-1 receptor family. IL-1R2 acts as negative regulator of the IL-1 system, modulating IL-1 availability for the signaling receptor. IL-1R2 is abnormally expressed in many human inflammatory diseases and cancers, and has important clinical significance. The present study was designed to investigate IL-1R2 expression in human gastric cancer (GC) tissues and the associated clinical implications. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to identify the clinical significance and prognostic value of IL-1R2 expression in GC tissues. We investigated IL-1R2 expression in GC tissues, cells, and serum using real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assays. Results: IL-1R2 was highly expressed in GC tissues, and the overall survival in patients with advanced GC and high IL-1R2 expression was significantly poorer than that in patients with advanced GC and low IL-1R2 expression. Moreover, IL-1R2 mRNA levels in GC tissues and most GC cells were higher than those in para-cancer tissues and GES1 human gastric mucosal epithelial cells. The level of plasma-soluble IL-1R2 in GC patients was higher than that of the healthy control group. Conclusion: Increased IL-1R2 levels are involved in the initiation and progression of human GC, and IL-1R2 might be employed to develop immunotherapeutic approaches targeting GC.
Resting metabolic rate and its adjustments as predictors of risk protein-energy wasting in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Da Jingjing , Long Yanjun , Li Qian , Yang Xia , Yuan Jing , Zha Yan
Published: March 2021

Background: The purpose of the present study was to explore the association between resting metabolic rate (RMR) and protein-energy wasting (PEW) risk in Chinese hemodialysis patients by age and gender subgroup.

Methods: RMR and body composition (body cell mass (BCM) and fat mass) of 774 patients undergoing hemodialysis were estimated by bio-electrical impedance analysis (BIA). Anthropometric data were collected by a standard measurement protocol, and the upper arm muscle circumference (AMC) was calculated. Biochemical nutritional and dialysis parameters were obtained. Linear regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship among RMR, body composition and nutritional factors.

Results: The mean age was 54.96 ± 15.78 years. RMR level in patients was 1463.0 (1240.5, 1669.0) kcal/d. In multiple linear regression models, BCM, left calf circumference (LCC), fat mass were the determinants association with RMR (P<0.001). Among the patients in the sample, 133 (17.2%) had been diagnosed with PEW per International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM) criteria and 363 (46.9%) were being at risk PEW. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) of RMR for predicting risk PEW was greater than RMR/BCM and RMR/body surface area (BSA). When the cutoff of RMR was 1481 kcal/d it had the higher sensitivity and specificity (82 and 42%), and the AUC was 0.68 in elderly maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients (P<0.001). After adjustment for potential confounders, lowest RMR quartile level (<1239) increased the risk of PEW (OR = 4.71, 95% CI: 1.33–16.64, P=0.016) in all patients.

Conclusions: Older patients with PEW have a lower RMR reduction. RMR and RMR/BCM may play the role in objective screening to detect risk PEW in MHD patients, especially in males.
The role of lactobacilli in inhibiting skin pathogens
Authors: Delanghe Lize , Spacova Irina , Van Malderen Joke , Oerlemans Eline , Claes Ingmar , Lebeer Sarah
Published: March 2021

The human skin microbiota forms a key barrier against skin pathogens and is important in modulating immune responses. Recent studies identify lactobacilli as endogenous inhabitants of healthy skin, while inflammatory skin conditions are often associated with a disturbed skin microbiome. Consequently, lactobacilli-based probiotics are explored as a novel treatment of inflammatory skin conditions through their topical skin application. This review focuses on the potential beneficial role of lactobacilli (family Lactobacillaceae) in the skin habitat, where they can exert multifactorial local mechanisms of action against pathogens and inflammation. On one hand, lactobacilli have been shown to directly compete with skin pathogens through adhesion inhibition, production of antimicrobial metabolites, and by influencing pathogen metabolism. The competitive anti-pathogenic action of lactobacilli has already been described mechanistically for common different skin pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Cutibacterium acnes, and Candida albicans. On the other hand, lactobacilli also have an immunomodulatory capacity associated with a reduction in excessive skin inflammation. Their influence on the immune system is mediated by bacterial metabolites and cell wall-associated or excreted microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs). In addition, lactobacilli can also enhance the skin barrier function, which is often disrupted as a result of infection or in inflammatory skin diseases. Some clinical trials have already translated these mechanistic insights into beneficial clinical outcomes, showing that topically applied lactobacilli can temporarily colonize the skin and promote skin health, but more and larger clinical trials are required to generate in vivo mechanistic insights and in-depth skin microbiome analysis.
Aberrant protein glycosylation in cancer: implications in targeted therapy
Authors: Rodrigues Joana G. , Duarte Henrique O. , Reis Celso A. , Gomes Joana
Published: March 2021

Aberrant cell surface glycosylation signatures are currently known to actively drive the neoplastic transformation of healthy cells. By disrupting the homeostatic functions of their protein carriers, cancer-associated glycans mechanistically underpin several molecular hallmarks of human malignancy. Furthermore, such aberrant glycan structures play key roles in the acquisition of molecular resistance to targeted therapeutic agents, which compromises their clinical efficacy, by modulating tumour cell aggressiveness and supporting the establishment of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Recent advances in the study of the tumour cell glycoproteome have unravelled previously elusive molecular mechanisms of therapeutic resistance, guided the rational design of novel personalized therapeutic strategies, and may further improve the clinical performance of currently approved anti-cancer targeted agents. In this review, we highlight the impact of glycosylation in cancer targeted therapy, with particular focus on receptor tyrosine kinase-targeted therapy, immune checkpoints blockade therapy, and current developments on therapeutic strategies directed to glycan-binding proteins and other innovative glycan therapeutic strategies.
Glycoengineering Chinese hamster ovary cells: a short history
Authors: Donini Roberto , Haslam Stuart M. , Kontoravdi Cleo
Published: March 2021

Biotherapeutic glycoproteins have revolutionised the field of pharmaceuticals, with new discoveries and continuous improvements underpinning the rapid growth of this industry. N-glycosylation is a critical quality attribute of biotherapeutic glycoproteins that influences the efficacy, half-life and immunogenicity of these drugs. This review will focus on the advances and future directions of remodelling N-glycosylation in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, which are the workhorse of recombinant biotherapeutic production, with particular emphasis on antibody products, using strategies such as cell line and protein backbone engineering.
Development and Validation of a Probe Word List to Assess Speech Motor Skills in Children
Authors: Namasivayam Aravind Kumar , Huynh Anna , Bali Rohan , Granata Francesca , Law Vina , Rampersaud Darshani , Hard Jennifer , Ward Roslyn , Helms-Park Rena , van Lieshout Pascal , Hayden Deborah
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The aim of the study was to develop and validate a probe word list and scoring system to assess speech motor skills in preschool and school-age children with motor speech disorders.

Method

This article describes the development of a probe word list and scoring system using a modified word complexity measure and principles based on the hierarchical development of speech motor control known as the Motor Speech Hierarchy (MSH). The probe word list development accounted for factors related to word (i.e., motoric) complexity, linguistic variables, and content familiarity. The probe word list and scoring system was administered to 48 preschool and school-age children with moderate-to-severe speech motor delay at clinical centers in Ontario, Canada, and then evaluated for reliability and validity.

Results

One-way analyses of variance revealed that the motor complexity of the probe words increased significantly for each MSH stage, while no significant differences in the linguistic complexity were found for neighborhood density, mean biphone frequency, or log word frequency. The probe word list and scoring system yielded high reliability on measures of internal consistency and intrarater reliability. Interrater reliability indicated moderate agreement across the MSH stages, with the exception of MSH Stage V, which yielded substantial agreement. The probe word list and scoring system demonstrated high content, construct (unidimensionality, convergent validity, and discriminant validity), and criterion-related (concurrent and predictive) validity.

Conclusions

The probe word list and scoring system described in the current study provide a standardized method that speech-language pathologists can use in the assessment of speech motor control. It can support clinicians in identifying speech motor difficulties in preschool and school-age children, set appropriate goals, and potentially measure changes in these goals across time and/or after intervention.
Fractional pilot reuse and max k‐cut based pilot decontamination scheme for multi‐cell TDD massive MIMO systems
Authors: Zeng Wenbo , He Yigang , Li Bing , Wang Shudong
Published: March 2021

In multi‐cell massive multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) cellular networks, pilot contamination (PC) caused by ineluctable pilot reuse severely restricts the system performance in the effectiveness and reliability of transmission. To deal with this problem, an efficient pilot assignment scheme based on fractional pilot reuse and max k‐cut (FPR‐MKC) is therefore proposed in this study. Specifically, first, the measure of susceptibility to interference for each user is designed, and based on this, an innovative boundary is determined for properly selecting the edge users who could employ the unique pilot sequences. Subsequently, the process of allocating reused pilots is innovatively treated as the partition of the vertices of a graph. Building on this idea, an edge‐weighted undirected graph is constructed to present the potential interference intensity among users, and eventually, the max k‐cut (MKC) strategy is executed, which aims to partition centre users into a desired number of mutually exclusive subsets with maximizing the total weight of the edges between the disjoint subsets. Compared with some existing pilot assignment schemes, the proposed FPR‐MKC scheme can adequately mitigate the PC with significantly enhanced quality of service for edge users, which is verified by theoretical analysis and numerical simulation results.
Synthetic wideband range profiling method for moving targets based on phase‐derived velocity measurement
Authors: Li Wenji , Fan Huayu , Ren Lixiang , Mao Erke
Published: March 2021

Synthetic wideband signals can obtain a wide spectrum and thus achieve a high range resolution by synthesizing separately emitted signals. A synthetic wideband range profiling method for moving targets based on phase‐derived velocity measurement is proposed. Highly accurate velocity measurement results are obtained by analysing the echo phase information of a moving target, and the accuracy of the velocity estimation results can meet the requirement of the velocity compensation in the synthetic wideband range profiling process. After analysis of the spectrum envelope and the phase of a moving target, a method for synthesizing wideband signals in the frequency domain, thus obtaining a high‐resolution range profile, is developed. The constraint conditions for the motion compensation and synthesis process are analysed and discussed by simulation, and the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified under various circumstances.
Coverage improvement using Voronoi diagrams in directional sensor networks
Authors: Zarei Zahra , Bag‐Mohammadi Mozafar
Published: March 2021

Recently, the area coverage problem has emerged in the directional sensor network (DSN), where the sensor's sensed area depends on its working direction and viewing angle. This study has proposed a new algorithm based on the Voronoi diagram, called prioritized geometric area coverage (PGAC), to increase DSN's covered area. In a Voronoi diagram, all internal points of a convex polygon (cell) formed around a sensor are closer to the sensor than any other sensor. Therefore, the best sensor for covering a Voronoi cell area is the corresponding sensor of the cell. In contrast to similar approaches, PGAC considers the relation between the cell area and the sensor's covered area when selecting a sensor's working direction. It categorizes Voronoi cells, based on their geometric sizes, into three categories. In each category, PGAC adjusts the sensor's working direction to maximize the covered area and minimize the overlapping between adjacent cells. It also turns off redundant sensors for extending the network lifetime. Our simulation results showed that PGAC increases the covered area and decreases the number of active sensors compared to similar methods.
Assessing the reliability of the Bisous filament finder
Authors: Muru Moorits Mihkel , Tempel Elmo
Published: March 2021

Context. Recent years have given rise to numerous methods of detecting the cosmic web elements in the large-scale structure of the Universe. All of these methods describe more or less the same features, but each with its nuance. The Bisous filament finder is a stochastic tool for identifying the spines of filaments using galaxy positions.

Aims. This work provides an analysis of how the galaxy number density of the input data affects the filaments detected with the Bisous model and gives estimates of the reliability of the method itself to assess the robustness of the results.

Methods. We applied the Bisous filament finder to MultiDark-Galaxies data, using various magnitude cuts from the catalogue to study the effects of different galaxy number densities on the results and different parameters of the model. We compared the structures by the fraction of galaxies in filaments and the volume filled by filaments, and we analysed the similarities between the results from different cuts based on the overlap between detected filamentary structures. The filament finder was also applied to the exact same data 200 times with the same parameters to study the stochasticity of the results and the correlation between different runs was calculated.

Results. Multiple samples show that galaxies in filaments have preferentially higher luminosity. We found that when a galaxy is in a filament there is a 97% chance that the same galaxy would be in a filament with even more complete input data and about 85% of filaments are persistent when detecting the filamentary network with higher-density input data. Lower galaxy number density inputs mean the Bisous model finds fewer filaments, but the filaments found are persistent even if we use more complete input data for the detection. We calculated the correlation coefficient between 200 Bisous runs on the exact same input, which is 0.98.

Conclusions. This study confirms that increased number density of galaxies is important to obtain a more complete picture of the cosmic web. To overcome the limitation of the spectroscopic surveys, we will develop the Bisous model further to apply this tool to combined spectroscopic and narrow-band photometric redshift surveys, such as the J-PAS.
A high order derivation method for distribution network transient data
Authors: Xiao Bo , Lv Li , Kang Yuxuan , Xie Qingyu , Wang Xinyang
Published: March 2021

Nowadays, high-order data needs to be processed quickly and accurately by various algorithms in distribution networks. It is difficult to ensure the accuracy of calculation both in low-order and high-order cases, due to the theoretical limitations of traditional high-order derivation methods. Aimed to improve the calculation accuracy, a new high-order derivative method based on the polynomial fitting is proposed in this paper. By analyzing the transient characteristics of voltage and current signals in the distribution network, the base fitting-function can be selected, and the coefficient of the base function can be obtained to fit the objective function by the least square method. The original discrete data will be replaced by new fitting-function for derivative operation, which not only ensures the anti-interference ability, but also overcomes the limitations of the traditional polynomial fitting method in high-order cases. The simulation results show that this method has high accuracy in high-order and low-order cases, and has good accuracy and anti-interference ability.
Research on Reactor Condition Evaluation Method Based on Acoustic Vibration Characteristic Parameters and Weight Factors
Authors: Jia Peng-fei , Gao Shu-guo , Zhang Xing-hui , Meng Ling-ming , Li Li-hua , Yang Yang
Published: March 2021

Compared with the traditional reactor abnormal state detection method, the acoustic vibration detection method combines the advantages of acoustic detection and vibration detection, which has the advantages of simple installation, strong portability and good signal integrity, and has a broad application prospect. In this paper, the characteristic parameters of reactor acoustic vibration, including sound pressure level, sound power level, acoustic signal spectrum, vibration amplitude, vibration acceleration value, vibration signal spectrum, harmonic proportion and frequency complexity, are obtained to analyze the range and distribution rule of each characteristic parameter under long-term operation condition of reactor, and the weight factor of each characteristic parameter is determined by analytic hierarchy process On the basis of fuzzy reasoning, the state evaluation model of reactor is established.
Improved Genetic Algorithm Integrated with Scheduling Rules for Flexible Job Shop Scheduling Problems
Authors: Kamal Amjad Muhammad , Ikramullah Butt Shahid , Anjum Naveed
Published: March 2021

This paper presents optimization of makespan for Flexible Job Shop Scheduling Problems (FJSSP) using an Improved Genetic Algorithm integrated with Rules (IGAR). Machine assignment is done by Genetic Algorithm (GA) and operation selection is done using priority rules. Improvements in GA include a new technique of adaptive probabilities and a new forced mutation technique that positively ensures the generation of new chromosome. The scheduling part also proposed an improved scheduling rule in addition to four standard rules. The algorithm is tested against two well-known benchmark data set and results are compared with various algorithms. Comparison shows that IGAR finds known global optima in most of the cases and produces improved results as compared to other algorithms.
Evaluation of neutron spectra and dose equivalent from a Varian 2100C/D Medical Linear Accelerator: Monte Carlo simulation and a literature review
Authors: Razghandi S. , Karimi-Shahri K. , Firoozabadi M.M.
Published: March 2021

In this study was carried out a review according to experimental and Monte Carlo studies in the literature on the neutron production from 18 MV, Varian 2100C/D linac. The effects of these neutrons were investigated on the total fluence, the energy spectra, and the dose equivalent. These factors were calculated as a function of depth and the radiation field size by simulation of linac head using of MCNPX2.6.0 code. The neutron strength was found equal to 1.23 × 1012 nGy−1.The results showed that with increasing the field size from 5 × 5 to 40 × 40 cm2, the neutron fluence and dose equivalent in the water phantom rose to the maximum value for 25 × 25 cm2field (3.05 × 107 ncm−2Gy−1and 3.14 mSvGy−1respectively) and then decreased with increasing the field size. According to the results, the magnetite-steel, ordinary, and limonite-steel concrete walls significantly increased the neutron dose equivalent for about 27.4%, 17.2%, and 13.5%, respectively.
A long-term cross-sectional study with modified forgotten joint score to assess the perception of artificial joint after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Chithartha Karthik , Nair Anjaly S. , Thilak Jai
Published: March 2021

Background and purpose: The ultimate goal for an arthroplasty surgeon is to provide the patient a joint that feels more like a natural joint. The Modified Forgotten Joint Score (MFJS) is a newly introduced functional scoring system that has a superior ability to assess this property among arthroplasty patients. The objective of this study is to evaluate the long-term temporal association of the MFJS and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: We assessed 360 patients post TKA with MFJS questionnaire. The patient groups were distributed at follow-up intervals of 3 weeks (n = 55), 6 months (n = 45), 1 year (n = 57), 2 years (n = 40), 3 years (n = 49), 5 years (n = 49), 7 years (n = 39), and 10 years (n = 26). Higher score suggests a forgotten artificial joint. Results: Post-operative mean MFJS scores were 64.4 ± 7.6 at 3 weeks, 87.7 ± 5.6 at 6 months, 89.2 ± 3.1 at 1 year, 89.9 ± 2.6 at 2 years, 89.4 ± 3.2 at 3 years, 89.1 ± 4 at 5 years, 84.5 ± 8.8 at 7 years, and 82.7 ± 11.9 at 10 years. The score at 3 weeks was significantly lesser than the average scores at other follow-up intervals. The score at 6 months was significantly higher compared to the score at 10 years. The average score at 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, and 5 years were significantly higher compared to the average score at 7 years and 10 years. Conclusion: The trend of the MFJS score was found to drastically improve from 3 weeks to 6 months and peak in 2 years after which the score tends to attain a plateau up to 5 years following which there is a decline in the score at 7- and 10-years post-surgery. Age did not have an influence on the variation in functional score in any of the follow-up groups. MFJS has a strong positive correlation with the well-recognised KOOS scoring system.

Level of evidence: IV
Association Between Metabolic Syndrome and All-Cause Mortality in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Yong , Shen Haili , Jin Zhigeng , Ma Dongxing , Zhao Qing , Zhang Xuyi
Published: March 2021

The association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and survival outcome after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains controversial. This meta-analysis sought to examine the association of MetS with all-cause mortality among patients with ACS. Two authors independently searched PubMed and Embase databases (from their inception to June 27, 2020) for studies that examined the association of MetS with all-cause mortality among patients with ACS. Outcome measures were in-hospital mortality and all-cause mortality during the follow-up. A total of 10 studies involving 49 896 ACS patients were identified. Meta-analysis indicated that presence of MetS was associated with an increased risk of long-term all-cause mortality [risk ratio (RR) 1.25; 95% CI 1.15–1.36; n=9 studies] and in-hospital mortality (RR 2.35; 95% CI 1.40–3.95; n=2 studies), respectively. Sensitivity and subgroup analysis demonstrated the credibility of the value of MetS in predicting long-term all-cause mortality. MetS is associated with an increased risk of long-term all-cause mortality among patients with ACS. However, additional studies are required to investigate the association of MetS with in-hospital mortality.
Typical Imaging Patterns in COVID-19 Infections of the Lung on Plain Chest Radiographs to Aid Early Triage
Authors: Kasper Judith , Decker Josua , Wiesenreiter Katharina , Römmele Christoph , Ebigbo Alanna , Braun Georg , Häckel Thomas , Schwarz Florian , Wehler Markus , Messmann Helmut , Kröncke Thomas J. , Scheurig-Münkler Christian
Published: March 2021

Purpose To evaluate imaging patterns of a COVID-19 infection of the lungs on chest radiographs and their value in discriminating this infection from other viral pneumonias.

Materials and Methods All 321 patients who presented with respiratory impairment suspicious for COVID-19 infection between February 3 and May 8, 2020 and who received a chest radiograph were included in this analysis. Imaging findings were classified as typical for COVID-19 (bilateral, peripheral opacifications/consolidations), non-typical (findings consistent with lobar pneumonia), indeterminate (all other distribution patterns of opacifications/consolidations), or none (no opacifications/consolidations). The sensitivity, specificity, as well as positive and negative predictive value for the diagnostic value of the category “typical” were determined. Chi² test was used to compare the pattern distribution between the different types of pneumonia.

Results Imaging patterns defined as typical for COVID-19 infections were documented in 35/111 (31.5 %) patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection but only in 4/210 (2 %) patients with any other kind of pneumonia, resulting in a sensitivity of 31.5 %, a specificity of 98.1 %, and a positive and negative predictive value of 89.7 % or 73 %, respectively. The sensitivity could be increased to 45.9 % when defining also unilateral, peripheral opacifications/consolidations with no relevant pathology contralaterally as consistent with a COVID-19 infection, while the specificity decreases slightly to 93.3 %. The pattern distribution between COVID-19 patients and those with other types of pneumonia differed significantly (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion Although the moderate sensitivity does not allow the meaningful use of chest radiographs as part of primary screening, the specific pattern of findings in a relevant proportion of those affected should be communicated quickly as additional information and trigger appropriate protective measures.

Key Points: 

Citation Format
Prädiktoren des Entlassmodus aus forensischer Suchtbehandlung – Erster Teil einer Übersichtsarbeit zu Erfolgsdeterminanten einer Unterbringung gemäß § 64 StGB
Authors: Querengässer Jan , Baur Alexander
Published: March 2021

Hintergrund Ehe eine forensische Suchtbehandlung gemäß § 64 StGB gerichtlich angeordnet werden kann, ist eine Erfolgsprognose zu stellen und zu bejahen. Der Suche nach entsprechenden Prädiktoren für eine „hinreichend konkrete“ Erfolgsaussicht widmeten sich in den vergangenen Jahren einige Studien. Neben der Legalbewährung stellt der Entlassmodus aus der Maßregel, d.h. ob eine reguläre Entlassung auf Bewährung oder eine Erledigung der Unterbringung wegen Aussichtslosigkeit erfolgt, das zentrale Erfolgskriterium forensischer Suchtbehandlung dar.

Zielsetzung Als erster Teil einer zweiteiligen Gesamtschau zu Erfolgsdeterminanten forensischer Suchtbehandlung soll die vorliegende Arbeit einen Überblick über die aktuelle Befundlage zu Prädiktoren des Entlassmodus geben, sowohl bei univariater Betrachtung als auch bei multivariater.

Methodik Basierend auf systematischer Literaturrecherche werden dabei die Ergebnisse von 16 empirischen Studien aus dem Zeitraum 1999–2019 vertieft aufbereitet und zusammengefasst. Univariate Befunde zu einzelnen Prädiktoren werden in einer Überblickstabelle dargestellt, multivariate Ergebnisse etwa zu „typischen“ Behandlungsabbrechern zusammengefasst.

Ergebnisse Auf univariater Ebene ergeben sich überwiegend heterogene Befunde, als einigermaßen sichere Prädiktoren können die Faktoren Persönlichkeitsstörung und psychopathy sowie „statische“ anamnestische Faktoren wie die kriminelle Vorbelastung gelten. Multivariat weist insbesondere die Kombination aus frühem Delinquenzbeginn, problematischem sozialen und/oder beruflichen Hintergrund bzw. Bildungshintergrund, einhergehend mit bestimmten Persönlichkeitskomponenten, ein sehr hohes Risiko für eine vorzeitige Beendigung der Unterbringung auf.

Schlussfolgerung Der aktuelle Forschungsstand kann keine erschöpfende Antwort auf die Frage nach entscheidenden Determinanten von Erfolg oder Misserfolg von Behandlungen in Entziehungsanstalten – gemessen am Entlassmodus – geben. Die Übersicht kann forensisch-psychiatrische Sachverständige aber bei der Stellung einer reliablen Prognose der Behandlungsaussicht unterstützen.
Therapie und Outcome von Neugeborenen mit kongenitaler Zwerchfellhernie und angeborenen Herzfehlern
Authors: Balks Julian , Mueller Andreas , Herberg Ulrike , Geipel Annegret , Gembruch Ulrich , Schroeder Lukas , Dewald Oliver , Breuer Johannes , Weidenbach Michael , Berg Christoph , Kipfmueller Florian
Published: March 2021

Die Mortalität von Patienten mit isoliert auftretenden angeborenen Zwerchfellhernien liegt in spezialisierten Zentren bei 20–40%. Wesentliche, das Outcome beeinflussende Faktoren, sind die bestehende Lungenhypoplasie, eine daraus resultierende pulmonale Hypertonie, sowie das Vorliegen weiterer Fehlbildungen. Begleitfehlbildungen wie angeborene Herzfehler treten bei ca. 18% aller Neonaten mit Zwerchfellhernie auf. Schwere angeborene Herzfehler wie das hypoplastische Linksherz Syndrom zeigen sich in ca. 8% der Fälle. In einer retrospektiven Analyse des Patientenkollektivs unserer Klinik zwischen 01/2012 und 12/2018 wurde das prä- und postnatale Management, sowie das Outcome von Neugeborenen mit der Kombination aus angeborenen Herzfehlern und Zwerchfellhernien untersucht. Im Studienzeitraum wurden in unserer Klinik 156 Neugeborene mit Zwerchfellhernie behandelt. Bei 10 Patienten (6,4%) lag zusätzlich ein schwerer, bei 11 Patienten (7,1%) ein moderater Herzfehler vor. 6/21 Patienten verstarben im Verlauf des Krankenhausaufenthaltes, davon 3 am ersten Lebenstag. Es zeigte sich eine deutlich geringere Mortalität bei Patienten mit Zwerchfellhernie und moderatem Herzfehler im Vergleich zu schwerem Herzfehler (9 vs. 50%). Besonders hoch lag die Mortalität bei Kindern mit einem univentrikulären Herzen. Trotz einer deutlich reduzierten Prognose bei der Kombination aus angeborenem Herzfehler und Zwerchfellhernie muss nicht generell mit einer infausten Prognose gerechnet werden. In spezialisierten Zentren kann ein kurativer Ansatz erfolgen.
Risk to Radiology Staff for Occupational COVID-19 Infection in a High-Risk and a Low-Risk Region in Germany: Lessons from the “First Wave”
Authors: Finkenzeller Thomas , Lenhart Stephan , Reinwald Mark , Lüth Stefan , Dendl Lena Marie , Paetzel Christian , Szczypien Natasza , Klawonn Frank , Von Meyer Alexander , Schreyer Andreas G.
Published: March 2021

Purpose The recent COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increasing overload of the medical system. Healthcare workers (HCW) in radiology departments are exposed to a high infection risk similar to HCWs in the ICU or dedicated COVID wards. The goal of our paper is to evaluate the prevalence of IgG antibody against SARS-CoV-2 among radiology HCWs in two different hospitals and regions in Germany with a low and high COVID-19 prevalence and to compare it to the prevalence in other clinical personnel. Additionally, we assessed the number of radiological procedures performed in patients with a positive PCR test (C+) followed by a short review of the risk for nosocomial infections of radiology HCWs.

Materials and Methods During the first COVID-19 wave between March and July 2020, we evaluated a region with one of the highest COVID-19 rates (776–1570/100 000) in Germany (Hospital A). Additionally, we assessed Hospital B in a region with a low prevalence (65/100 000). We tested the serum prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies among the whole staff with a subgroup analysis for radiology in both hospitals. We calculated the total number of different radiological procedures performed in C+ patients.

Results In Hospital A 594 PCR-proven C+ patients were treated resulting in 2723 radiological procedures. 24 % (n = 6) of the radiology technicians and 13.35 (n = 2) of radiologists had a positive IgG test. The rates were similar to positive rates in HCWs in COVID-19 wards and ICUs within the hospital. The most frequently performed procedures in C+ patients were chest X-rays (3.17/patient) and CT examinations (1.15/patient). In Hospital B 50 C+ patients were treated, resulting in 64 radiological procedures. None of the HCWs tested IgG positive. The most frequently performed examinations were also chest X-rays (1.04/patient) and CT (0.2/patient).

Conclusion HCWs in radiology have a high occupational infection risk similar to that of HCWs in ICUs and dedicated COVID wards.

Key Points: 

Citation Format
Palladium-Catalyzed sp3 C–H Benzoxylation of Alanine Derivatives Using Aldehydes under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Kanyiva Kyalo Stephen , Shibata Takanori , Tang King Hung Nigel , Wang Jiarui
Published: March 2021

The Pd(II)-catalyzed sp3 C–H bond benzoxylation of N-phthaloylalanine derivatives possessing an 8-aminoquinolyl group as a directing group with aldehydes under ambient conditions is reported. When a solution of an alanine derivative and an aldehyde in a toluene/water co-solvent was reacted in the presence of palladium catalyst and tert-butyl hydroperoxide at room temperature, a benzoxylated product was formed in up to 68% yield. The protecting group of the obtained benzoxylated product was smoothly removed to afford a free amide in high yield.
Synthesis of Chiral o-Aminobenzylamines by Stereoselective Addition of Grignard Reagents to N-[(o-Aminophenyl)methylene] sulfinamides
Authors: Zhou Wei , Zhong Xianqiang , Xiao Guorong
Published: March 2021

Chiral o-aminobenzylamines are synthons for many chiral ligands and catalysts that have been widely used in asymmetric synthesis. Here, we report a highly efficient and stereoselective addition of Grignard reagents to N-[(o-aminophenyl)methylene]sulfinamides to give a range of o-aminosulfinylimines in good yields with good to excellent diastereoselectivities.
Recent Advances in the Synthesis of 2,2′-Bipyridines and Their Derivatives
Authors: Rubtsov Aleksandr E. , Malkov Andrei V.
Published: March 2021

The sustained interest in the synthesis of new analogues of 2,2′-bipyridines is supported by the importance of compounds featuring bipyridine core in diverse areas of chemical, biomedical and materials research, which is relayed into the development of new approaches and the expansion of existing synthetic methods. This short review covers advances in the synthesis of 2,2′-bipyridines, including both the synthesis of compounds with a given substitution pattern and the development of new methods for assembling the bipyridine core. Special attention is directed toward the use of pyridine N-oxides and metal-free protocols to facilitate the formation of bipyridines. This short review focuses primarily on reports published in the last 5–6 years.

1 Introduction

2 Ullmann-Type Homocoupling Reactions

3 Cross-Coupling Reactions in the Synthesis of Bipyridines

4 Coupling Reactions Employing Pyridine N-Oxides

5 Other Methods for the Synthesis of 2,2′-Bipyridines

6 Conclusions and Outlook
“All in One or (W)hole in One Repair” for Adult Total Brachial Plexus Palsy
Authors: Purushothaman V. , Kumar K. Vinoth , Ambat Sabari Girish , Venkataswami R.
Published: March 2021

Background Total brachial plexus palsy (TBPP) accounts for nearly 50% of all brachial plexus injuries. Since achieving a good functional hand was almost impossible, the aim was settled to get a good shoulder and elbow function. It was Gu, who popularized the concept of utilizing contralateral C7 (CC7) with vascularized ulnar nerve graft (VUNG) to get some hand function. We have modified it to suit our patients by conducting it as a single-stage procedure, thereby trying to get a functional upper limb.

Methods From 2009 to 2014, we had 20 TBPP patients. We feel nerve reconstruction is always better than any other salvage procedure, including free muscle transfer. We modified Gu's concept and present our concept of total nerve reconstruction as “ALL IN ONE OR (W)HOLE IN ONE REPAIR.”

Results All patients able to move their reconstructed limbs independently or with the help of contralateral limbs. Three patients developed hook grip and one patient was able to incorporate limbs to do bimanual jobs. One important observation is that all the reconstructed limbs regain the bulk, and to a certain extent, the attitude and appearance looks normal, as patients no longer hide it or hang it in a sling.

Conclusion Adult brachial plexus injury itself is a devastating injury affecting young males. By doing this procedure, the affected limb is not dissociated from the rest of the body and rehabilitation can be aimed to get a supportive limb.
Krankenhauszukunftsfonds: Bund fördert Investitionen in Notfallkapazitäten und digitale Infrastruktur
Authors: van de Sande Kirstin , Kühn Matthias
Published: March 2021

Was Krankenhäuser und Bundesländer jetzt beachten müssen, um Fördermittel abzurufen und Rückforderungen zu vermeiden.
Venous Thromboembolism: Genetics and Thrombophilias
Authors: Gaddh Manila , Rosovsky Rachel P.
Published: March 2021

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Up to one half of patients who present with VTE will have an underlying thrombophilic defect. This knowledge has led to a widespread practice of testing for such defects in patients who develop VTE. However, identifying a hereditary thrombophilia by itself does not necessarily change outcomes or dictate therapy. Furthermore, family history of VTE by itself can increase an asymptomatic person's VTE risk several-fold, independent of detecting a known inherited thrombophilia. In this article, we will describe the current validated hereditary thrombophilias including their history, prevalence, and association with VTE. With a focus on evaluating both risks and benefits of testing, we will also explore the controversies of why, who, and when to test as well as discuss contemporary societal guidelines. Lastly, we will share how these tests have been integrated into clinical practice and how to best utilize them in the future.