bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical Treatment of Type III Laryngotracheoesophageal Clefts: Techniques and Outcomes
Authors: Kou Yann‐Fuu , Redmann Andrew , Smith Matthew M. , Hart Catherine K. , Rutter Michael J. , de Alarcon Alessandro
Published: September 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Determine surgical and swallowing outcomes after surgery for type III laryngotracheoesophageal cleft (LTEC).

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Methods

Chart review was performed on patients with type III LTEC between 2000 and 2019. Demographics, surgical outcomes, and swallowing outcomes were collected and analyzed.

Results

Thirty‐three patients met inclusion criteria (28 open and 5 endoscopic repairs). Mean age was 3.4 years for the open group and 0.9 years for the endoscopic group. Seventeen (51.5%) patients had a syndromic diagnosis, most commonly Opitz syndrome and Trisomy 21. Mean follow‐up was 33.6 months. Thirteen (39.4%) patients had a previous repair attempt prior to repair at our institution. Twenty‐four (70.6%) patients had a tracheostomy prior to or at the time of surgical repair and 13 (38.2%) remain tracheostomy‐dependent. Nine patients (27.3%) required a revision cleft repair and four (12.1%) required two revisions. Thirty‐one patients had an intact repair at last follow‐up (93.9). Two patients died outside the hospital over a year after surgery. Preoperatively 13 of 17 patients with swallowing evaluations aspirated. After repair, 11 of 20 patients were deemed safe for all consistencies and seven were safe for thickened. Endoscopic approaches were performed during the last 2 years of the study and had significantly lower operative time (354.4 minutes vs. 171.5 minutes).

Conclusions

Endoscopic and open approaches are effective for treatment of type III LTEC with 27.3% requiring revision and 93.9% of repairs intact at last follow‐up. Overall swallowing outcomes were good in patients who underwent postoperative instrumental swallow evaluation.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 132:1112–1117, 2022
Selective Metal‐Complexation on Polymeric Templates and Their Investigation via Isothermal Titration Calorimetry
Authors: Bätz Thomas , Enke Marcel , Zechel Stefan , Hager Martin D. , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: September 2021

Selective complexation of metal ions represents a powerful tool for the development of versatile supramolecular architectures. While research in the field of molecular devices and machinery is sophisticated, the selective formation of metal complexes is not prevalent in polymer chemistry. Thus, the implementation of orthogonal binding concepts into a polymeric matrix is presented. In this context, an end‐functionalized poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) carrying zinc‐porphyrin (ZnTPP) as well as a terpyridine (tpy) ligand side by side is utilized. With these binding sites, the polymer can simultaneously interact with a pyridine moiety via a ZnTPP interaction and a terpyridine unit by the formation of a bis‐terpyridine complex. The complexation behavior of this polymer and different model compounds is intensively investigated by isothermal titration calorimetry. The obtained results indicate that the reported orthogonality of these two systems is successfully transferred into a functional polymeric architecture.
Stratification Tools for Disease‐Modifying Trials in Prodromal Synucleinopathy
Authors: Arnaldi Dario , Mattioli Pietro , Famà Francesco , Girtler Nicola , Brugnolo Andrea , Pardini Matteo , Donniaquio Andrea , Massa Federico , Orso Beatrice , Raffa Stefano , Bauckneht Matteo , Morbelli Silvia , Nobili Flavio
Published: September 2021

Background

Dopamine transporter single photon‐emission computed tomography (DAT‐SPECT) is the strongest risk factor for phenoconversion in patients with idiopathic rapid eye movement (REM)‐sleep behavior disorder (iRBD). However, it might be used as a second‐line stratification tool in clinical trials, because it is expensive and mini‐invasive.

Objective

Aim of the study is to investigate whether other cost‐effective and non‐invasive biomarkers may be proposed as first‐line stratification tools.

Methods

Forty‐seven consecutive iRBD patients (68.53 ± 7.16 years, 40 males) underwent baseline clinical and neuropsychological assessment, olfaction test, resting electroencephalogram (EEG), and DAT‐SPECT. All patients underwent 6 month‐based clinical follow‐up to investigate the emergence of parkinsonism and/or dementia. Survival analysis and Cox regression were used to estimate conversion risk.

Results

Seventeen patients developed an overt synucleinopathy (eight Parkinsonism and nine dementia) 32.8 ± 22 months after diagnosis. The strongest risk factors were putamen specific to non‐displaceable binding ratio (SBR) (hazard ratio [HR], 7.3), attention/working memory cognitive function (NPS‐AT/WM) (HR, 5.9), EEG occipital mean frequency (HR, 2.7) and clinical motor assessment (HR, 2.3). On multivariate Cox‐regression analysis, only putamen SBR and NPS‐AT/WM significantly contributed to the model (HR, 6.2, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9–19.8). At post‐hoc analysis, the trail‐making test B (TMT‐B) was the single most efficient first‐line stratification tool that allowed to reduce the number of eligible subjects to 76.6% (sensitivity 1, specificity 0.37). Combining TMT‐B and DAT‐SPECT further reduced the sample to 66% (sensitivity 0.88, specificity 0.47).

Conclusion

The TMT‐B seems to be a cost‐effective and efficient first‐line screening tool, to be used to select patients that deserve DAT‐SPECT as second‐line screening tool for disease‐modifying clinical trials. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Suit: Colorado youths with MH needs have little access to community care
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: September 2021

Many Medicaid‐eligible children with behavioral health disorders languish in Colorado hospital settings because of the state's failure to offer timely and appropriate services in the home and community, according to the complaint in a federal lawsuit filed against the state this month. Moreover, the state's treatment of Medicaid‐eligible children is disproportionately worse than how children with developmental disabilities and non‐Medicaid children with mental health needs fare in their service systems, the lawsuit alleges.
Digital tools can help patients with SMI manage conditions
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2021

The emerging field of digital medicine explores the potential benefit of using technologies as tools for measurement and intervention in health care delivery, say researchers of a new study published in Population Health Management. Digital tools can assist physician– patient relationships, which may potentially help improve treatment outcomes, the study found.
TikTok launches MH guide on social media impact on teens
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2021

TikTok shared a handful of new features on Sept. 14 designed to support users' mental well‐being, including guides on how to engage with people who may be struggling and updated warning labels for sensitive content, CNET reported. The changes come as Facebook's research into its photo‐sharing app Instagram, which last year launched TikTok competitor Reels, has reportedly raised concerns about Instagram's impact on the mental health of teens.
Some well‐posed results on the time‐fractional Rayleigh–Stokes problem with polynomial and gradient nonlinearities
Authors: Tuan Nguyen Huy , Luc Nguyen Hoang , Nguyen Tuan Anh
Published: September 2021

In this work, we ponder on a Cauchy problem for the Rayleigh–Stokes equation accompanied by polynomial and gradient nonlinearities. We particularly concern about the behavior of mild solutions for the different instances of the nonlinear source term. In the case of polynomial nonlinearities, we present the local‐in‐time existence and uniqueness of the mild solution. Moreover, we claim that either it is the global‐in‐time or it blows up at a finite time. With reference to the case that the source function is global Lipschitzian, we observe that the solution always uniquely exists for a finite time and is continuously dependent. Eventually, we establish some regularity results for the mild solution.
Patient‐specific effects on sonication heating efficiency during magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy
Authors: Yang Andrew I. , Hitti Frederick L. , Alabi Opeyemi O. , Joshi Disha , Chaibainou Hanane , Henry Lenora , Clanton Ryan , Baltuch Gordon H.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

During magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) thalamotomy for refractory tremor, high temperatures must be achieved and sustained for tissue necrosis. We assessed the impact of both patient‐specific as well as procedure‐related factors on the efficiency of acoustic energy transfer, or heating efficiency (HE).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 92 consecutive patients (857 sonications) with essential tremor or tremor‐dominant Parkinson's disease treated at a single institution. Temperature elevations at the target were measured for each sonication with MR thermometry. HE of each sonication was defined as the ratio of peak temperature elevation and the delivered energy. HE was analyzed with respect to patient skull features (area, thickness, skull density ratio [SDR]), computed from CT scans, as well as demographic and clinical variables (age, sex, diagnosis, and duration of symptoms).

Results

Across the full range of sonication energies that can be delivered with current devices (up to 36 kJ), average sonication HE was diminished in patients with lower SDR. In individual subjects, there was a progressive loss in HE as sonication energy was titrated up throughout the course of treatment, with a more rapid decline in patients with higher SDR. This energy‐dependent loss in HE was not related to procedural factors, namely, the number of previous sonications, or the cumulative energy deposited during previous sonications. In contrast to SDR, neither skull area nor thickness was an independent predictor of average HE or the rate of its decline with increasing energies. In 11% of patients, all of whom with SDR < 0.45, sonication HE fell below the threshold to reach 54°C even with delivery of maximum energy. In contrast, temperatures 50°C could be obtained in all but one patient.

Conclusions

SDR is predictive of sonication HE, and determines patient‐specific limits on the magnitude of temperature elevation that can be achieved with current devices. These data inform strategies for predictable lesioning in MRgFUS thalamotomy.
A Critical Review on the Analysis of Metal Soaps in Oil Paintings
Authors: Izzo Francesca Caterina , Kratter Matilde , Nevin Austin , Zendri Elisabetta
Published: September 2021

Up to 70 % of the oil paintings conserved in collections present metal soaps, which result from the chemical reaction between metal ions present in the painted layers and free fatty acids from the lipidic binders. In recent decades, conservators and conservation scientists have been systematically identifying various and frequent conservation problems that can be linked to the formation of metal soaps. It is also increasingly recognized that metal soap formation may not compromise the integrity of paint so there is a need for careful assessment of the implications of metal soaps for conservation. This review aims to critically assess scientific literature related to commonly adopted analytical techniques for the analysis of metal soaps in oil paintings. A comparison of different analytical methods is provided, highlighting advantages associated with each, as well as limitations identified through the analysis of reference materials and applications to the analysis of samples from historical paintings.
Rational design of salmeterol xinafoate imprinted polymer through computational method: Functional monomer and crosslinker selection
Authors: Suryana Shendi , Mutakin Mutakin , Rosandi Yudi , Hasanah Aliya Nur
Published: September 2021

A molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) was computationally designed and synthesized for the selective extraction of salmeterol xinafoate (SLX) from human serum. In this study, semi‐empirical PM3 calculations were used to find a suitable functional monomer (FM), the ratio of template (T) to FM, and types of crosslinkers. MIPs were synthesized with 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) with T:FM mol ratios of 1:6 and 1:4 and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) or trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TRIM) as a crosslinker. On the basis of computational and experimental results, HEMA and TRIM in the mol ratio 1:6 of T‐FM (MIP3) were found to be the best choices of FM and crosslinker, respectively. These polymers were then used as a selective sorbent to develop a molecularly imprinted solid‐phase extraction procedure followed by high performance liquid chromatography with UV detection for the determination of SLX in serum. The extraction ability of MIP3 was excellent with a recovery of 92.17% ± 2.66% of SLX in spiked serum, and 91.15% ± 1.12% when SLX was spiked as a mixture with another analogous structure. By comparing the performance of the synthesized sorbent with a C‐18 cartridge with a recovery of 79.11% ± 2.96%, it was determined that MIP had better performance over the latter. On the basis of these results, the imprinted receptor MIPs, especially MIP 3, can be applied for the direct extraction of SLX in clinical analysis.
A community‐based trial of a psychosocial eHealth intervention for parents of children with cancer
Authors: Canter Kimberly S. , McIntyre Rebecca , Babb Rebecca , Ramirez Alejandra Perez , Vega Gabriela , Lewis Amanda , Bottrell Cathy , Lawlor Christopher , Kazak Anne E.
Published: September 2021

Background

The Electronic Surviving Cancer Competently Intervention Program (eSCCIP), a psychosocial eHealth intervention for parents and caregivers of children with cancer (parents), was delivered in a community‐based psychosocial oncology center. Primary endpoints were intervention acceptability, feasibility, and accessibility, with a secondary exploratory focus on psychosocial outcomes.

Procedure

Oncology therapists in a psychosocial oncology center were trained in eSCCIP delivery. Participants were eligible for participation if they were the primary caregiver of a child with cancer between the ages 0 and 17, could read and write in English, and had reliable internet access to complete eSCCIP. Surveys were administered electronically at baseline and post intervention to evaluate study endpoints. Effect sizes (Cohen's d) were computed for exploratory psychosocial outcomes. Nineteen parents completed the intervention.

Results

Parents rated eSCCIP as highly acceptable, feasible, and accessible. A large clinical effect was detected for acute distress (d = 0.79). Moderate clinical effects were reported for overall posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (d = 0.37), negative mood/cognitions (d = 0.59), and symptoms of anxiety (d = 0.48).

Conclusions

Results indicate that eSCCIP is an acceptable, feasible, and accessible psychosocial intervention for parents. Exploratory analyses suggest that participation in eSCCIP may contribute to decreases in acute distress, symptoms of anxiety, and symptoms of PTSD.
Impact of telehealth visits on hydroxyurea response in sickle cell anemia
Authors: Shaner Sarah , Hilliard Lee , Howard Thomas , Pernell Brandi , Bhatia Smita , Lebensburger Jeffrey
Published: September 2021

Background

It is important to ensure access to hydroxyurea (HU) for patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) living in rural areas. The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Pediatric Sickle Cell program's satellite clinics reduce the barrier of transportation to the university‐based clinic. However, as compared with the university clinic, these satellite clinics do not offer immediate access to HU dosing laboratory results and a nurse clinician calls families with HU dose adjustments after the clinic visit. This study evaluated the impact of telehealth dosing adjustments on HU laboratory and clinical response as compared with university‐based patients.

Methods

A one‐year retrospective chart review was performed to evaluate HU laboratory and clinical response based on clinic location and socioeconomic status for patients with SCA. We identified the number of clinic and acute care visits for one year and calculated the mean complete blood count and fetal hemoglobin (HbF) values for each patient.

Results

We identified 107 academic center participants with SCA‐prescribed HU and 65 satellite clinic participants. The mean age of participants was 11 ± 5 years. We identified no difference in HbF (13.3 ± 0.7 vs 11.7 ± 0.8, P = 0.13), Hb (8.46 ± 1.1 vs 8.55 ± 1.1, P = 0.59), mean corpuscular volume (91.0 ± 10.6 vs 91.7 ± 9.5, P = 0.67), or absolute neutrophil count (4.85 ± 2.3 vs 4.87 ± 2.3, P = 0.95) when comparing Birmingham versus satellite clinics. We also identified no difference in hospital admissions (0.99 ± 0.1 versus 0.85 ± 0.2, P = 0.49), based on clinic location.

Conclusions

The use of telehealth did not negatively impact laboratory response to HU. Future studies should identify novel approaches to improve access to HU among patients with SCA living in rural areas.
The joint distribution of age and race in racially integrated neighbourhoods
Authors: Nelson Christina
Published: September 2021

Like many other wealthy nations, the United States is experiencing substantial population ageing, particularly among Whites, whose median age is over a decade older than Blacks' and Hispanics'. To date, analyses of this demographic divergence have been limited to national and state levels; we know little about its manifestation at smaller scales. This study introduces three micro‐level measures of the joint distribution of age and race, demonstrating that Whites are older than their non‐White neighbours in most integrated neighbourhoods, with notable variation across regional and local characteristics. Racial age gaps significantly predict subsequent declines in neighbourhoods' White population, indicating that racial change has an under‐studied age dimension. Meanwhile, neighbourhoods with relatively younger Whites are rare, clustered in coastal metros, and linked to gentrification. Drawing on theories of multidimensional heterogeneity, I suggest that local consolidation of age and racial differences may undermine stable integration and reinforce inequality.
The effects of co‐administration of artichoke leaf extract supplementation with metformin and vitamin E in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Majnooni Mohammad Bagher , Ataee Mari , Bahrami Gholamreza , Heydarpour Fatemeh , Aneva Ina Yosifova , Farzaei Mohammad Hosein , Ahmadi‐Juoibari Touraj
Published: September 2021

Medicinal plants are widely used as a complementary therapy to treat complex diseases, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Therefore, this study was done to investigate the effect of co‐administration of artichoke leaf extract supplement (ALES) with conventional medicines on patients with NAFLD. The clinical trial was based on patients randomly divided into three groups involving metformin‐vitamin E (ME), metformin‐ALES (MA), and vitamin E‐ALES (EA). The effectiveness of treatment in the treated groups was evaluated using liver ultrasonography and biochemical markers. After 12 weeks of treatment, the results showed that the rate of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was significantly reduced within all the study groups (p < .05). Liver ultrasonographic findings revealed that the rate of fat accumulation in liver of patients was decreased significantly within all the study groups and it was increased in the subjects with grade 0 fatty liver (without fat accumulation) in the MA and EA groups by 23.3 and 17.2%, respectively. In summary, the results of the present study showed that the concomitant use of ALES with metformin and vitamin E can have beneficial effects on amelioration of complications in patients with NAFLD. However, larger‐scale clinical trial studies are required in this regard.
Coffee capsule impacts and recovery techniques: A literature review
Authors: Marinello Samuele , Balugani Elia , Gamberini Rita
Published: September 2021

The recently developing coffee market has been characterized by profound changes caused by new solutions and technologies for coffee preparation. The polylaminate materials that compose most popular capsules make them a type of waste that is difficult to manage and recycle. This paper analyses the scientific references that deal with studying and improving the management processes of waste coffee capsules, as well as the studies that have analysed their environmental impact. Through a bibliographic review, some encouraging aspects emerged in the recovery of materials that can be adequately recycled (plastics and metals), as well as their possible use for the production of biogas and energy recovery. The need to manually separate the components that make up the capsule still represents one of the main challenges. Many efforts are still needed to favour the environmental sustainability of this waste from a strategic, technological and consumer empowerment point of view.
Realization of Deutsch–Jozsa Algorithm in Rydberg Atoms by Composite Nonadiabatic Holonomic Quantum Computation with Strong Robustness Against Systematic Errors
Authors: Liu Bing‐Bing , Guo Fu‐Qiang , Yan Lei‐Lei , Zhang Shou , Feng Mang , Su Shi‐Lei
Published: September 2021

Deutsch–Jozsa (DJ) algorithm, as the first example of quantum algorithm, performs better than any classical algorithm for distinguishing balance and constant functions. Here, a scheme to implement the DJ algorithm in Rydberg atoms using the composite nonadiabatic holonomic quantum computation (NHQC) is presented. Taking advantages of composite loops and holonomic features to resist systematic errors, the scheme of composite NHQC works more robustly compared with the standard dynamic counterparts. By exemplifying the DJ algorithm implementation, the performance of single‐loop NHQC‐, composite NHQC‐, and the dynamic counterpart‐based processes are compared both analytically and numerically, indicating the best robustness of composite scheme to systematic errors. In addition, the combination of composite NHQC and quantum algorithm also provides an alternative pathway for the realization of robust quantum algorithm in the future.
Complications of robot‐assisted thymectomy: A single‐arm meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Xu Jia‐Xin , Qian Kai , Deng Yi , Zheng Yan‐Yan , Ou Chun‐Mei , Liu Jie , Jiang Li‐Hong
Published: September 2021

Background

Recently, thymectomy using minimally invasive approaches has been increasing with the development of robotic video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (R‐VATS). Although multimodal approach is effective for robot assisted thymectomy, it is necessary to determine the approach (left, right or subxiphoid) associated with the least complications.

Methods

An electronic retrieval from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, GreyNet International and The Cochrane Library. The single‐arm meta‐analysis was performed to compare the rate of complications of right‐ and left‐side approaches by R‐VATS.

Results

A total of 21 studies including 930 patients were identified. The pooled incidence of total complications was 12.2% (confidence interval: 10.0%–14.8%) for all studies. The overall complication rate was 17.3% for the right‐side compared with 7.4% for the left side (P < 0.001, odds ratio = 2.484, 1.601–3.852). The pooled incidence of air leak was significantly higher for the right versus left side (5.1% vs. 1.2%, respectively; p = 0.004). The incidence of atrial fibrillation was higher for the right‐side compared with the left‐side approach (4% vs. 1.2%, respectively; p = 0.004). The open conversion rate was significantly higher for the right versus the left‐side (6.5% vs. 2.9%, respectively; p = 0.004). However, there was no significant difference in the pooled incidence of pleural effusion and thoracic duct fistula when comparing the right‐ and left‐side approaches. In subgroup analysis, in the left approach, the incidence of overall complications (28.6% vs. 5.5%, respectively; p = 0.002) and pleural effusion (14.3% vs. 1%, respectively; p = 0.002) was higher for the ‘Old Age’ group compared with the ‘Youth’ group; However, In the subgroup analysis of gender, there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications after thymectomy.

Conclusion

Robotic video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery can be performed on the left‐ and right‐sides; however, complications are minimal with the left‐side approach. These data demonstrate that the incidence of overall complications, atrial fibrillation, open conversion ratios, and air leak rate of left‐side R‐VATS thymectomy are lower than those of right‐side. Further subgroup analysis showed that the incidence of postoperative complications was higher in the older group.
What Makes Reading Difficult? An Investigation of the Contributions of Passage, Task, and Reader Characteristics on Comprehension Performance
Authors: Toyama Yukie
Published: September 2021

In this study, I investigated the simultaneous effects of the reader, the text, and the task factors, and their interactions, on reading comprehension, using explanatory item response models. Analyses of a large data set from a commercially available online assessment system with a wide range of readers (n = 10,547) and passages (n = 48) uncovered factors that contribute to reading challenge in complex ways. Among the passage features, sentence length, word frequency, syntactic simplicity, and temporality were found to significantly affect comprehension difficulty. More importantly, these textual features were moderated by student general vocabulary and task type. In general, high‐vocabulary readers benefited more from traditional textual affordances (e.g., shorter sentences, familiar words, simpler grammatical constructions) than low‐vocabulary readers, especially when asked to recall localized information without accessing the passage. However, a reverse effect was found with temporality: Passages with more time markers helped low‐vocabulary readers, whereas low‐temporality passages helped high‐vocabulary readers. Ultimately, understanding these complex interactions, as highlighted in the RAND Reading Study Group’s heuristic model, will be key in supporting students with their comprehension development.
Advantages of pH and Temperature Control in the Carbonation Stage for Li2CO3 Production with Sulphated Liquors
Authors: Mendieta‐George Daniel , Pérez‐Garibay Roberto , Solís‐Rodríguez Ricardo , Rendón‐Ángeles Juan C.
Published: September 2021

This work addresses the carbonation of an aqueous solution that simulates leach liquor with sulphuric acid, a chemical system that is seldom studied, and the subsequent precipitation of Li2CO3 via evaporation of the diluent water. New details were revealed on the automatic control of pH and temperature to optimizes the carbonation operation conditions and the quality of the products. Among the relevant findings are: a) the carbonation stage was optimized at pH 12 and 35 °C because, under these conditions, the redox potential (100–200 mV) promotes the carbonates stability, b) the carbonation reaction in sulphated solutions has zero order and its activation energy is 6.81 kJ/mol, suggesting that the reaction is controlled by diffusion, and c) At pH 8 and 20 °C the maximum purity (99.9 % Li2CO3) was precipitated. Additionally, other carbonate based secondary phases were precipitated together with Li2CO3. The chemical stability of these secondary phases is pH dependent and are discussed in detail.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants Using Porous g‐C3N4 Nanosheets Decorated with Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Cong Hongjin , Li Xinyi , He Tingting , Wang Liyan , Zhao Chenkai , Wang Shiyu , Zhao Yang , Song Hua , Wang Huan
Published: September 2021

In this work, a composite photocatalyst consisted of the porous graphitic carbon nitride (pg‐C3N4) nanosheets decorated with in‐situ grown gold (Au) nanoparticles were prepared. By characterizing and analyzing chemical compositions and structures, and optical and electrical properties of this Au/pg‐C3N4 composite, the excellent photocatalytic performance mainly comes from the following aspects: firstly, pg‐C3N4 synthesized from melamine by high‐temperature calcination with the assistance of ascorbic acid has larger specific surface area and narrower band gap width than common g‐C3N4; secondly, localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of Au nanoparticles can enhance light absorption of pg‐C3N4 via near‐field enhancement‐induced excitation; thirdly, the heterojunction formed between Au nanoparticles and pg‐C3N4 nanosheets can promote electron transfer. Consequently, Au/pg‐C3N4 presented the obvious improvement of photocatalytic activity on the degradation of rhodamine B and amaranth under simulated solar irradiation that the kinetic rate constant of degradation reaction can be increased by 3.9 and 5.7 times compared with g‐C3N4, respectively.
Catalase Nanocrystals Loaded with Methylene Blue as Oxygen Self‐Supplied, Imaging‐Guided Platform for Photodynamic Therapy of Hypoxic Tumors
Authors: Zhou Renbin , Ohulchanskyy Tymish Y. , Xu Hao , Ziniuk Roman , Qu Junle
Published: September 2021

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a well‐known method for cancer therapy in the clinic. However, the inherent hypoxia microenvironment of solid tumors enormously restricts the PDT efficiency. Herein, catalase nanocrystals (CatCry) are introduced as in situ oxygen (O2)‐generating system to relieve tumor hypoxia and enhance PDT efficiency for solid tumors. After loading with photosensitizer methylene blue (MB), a PDT drug platform (CatCry‐MB) emerges, allowing for significant increasing PDT efficiency instigated by three factors. First, the high stability and recyclable catalytic activity of CatCry enable a long‐term endogenous H2O2 decomposition for continuous O2 supply for sustained relief of tumor hypoxia. Second, both the produced O2 and loaded MB are confined within CatCry nanoporous structure, shortening the diffusion distance between O2 and MB to maximize the production of singlet oxygen (1O2). Third, the MB molecules are uniformly dispersed within CatCry lattice, avoiding MB aggregation and causing more MB molecules be activated to produce more 1O2. With the three complementary mechanisms, tumor hypoxia is eradicated and the resulted enhancement in PDT efficiency is demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. The proposed approach opens up a new venue for the development of other O2‐dependent tumor treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy.
Mapping Gene Expression in the Spatial Dimension
Authors: Chen Yingwen , Qian Weizhou , Lin Li , Cai Linfeng , Yin Kun , Jiang Shaowei , Song Jia , Han Ray P. S. , Yang Chaoyong
Published: September 2021

The main function and biological processes of tissues are determined by the combination of gene expression and spatial organization of their cells. RNA sequencing technologies have primarily interrogated gene expression without preserving the native spatial context of cells. However, the emergence of various spatially‐resolved transcriptome analysis methods now makes it possible to map the gene expression to specific coordinates within tissues, enabling transcriptional heterogeneity between different regions, and for the localization of specific transcripts and novel spatial markers to be revealed. Hence, spatially‐resolved transcriptome analysis technologies have broad utility in research into human disease and developmental biology. Here, recent advances in spatially‐resolved transcriptome analysis methods are summarized, including experimental technologies and computational methods. Strengths, challenges, and potential applications of those methods are highlighted, and perspectives in this field are provided.
Photoinduced Generation of Metastable Sulfur Vacancies Enhancing the Intrinsic Hydrogen Evolution Behavior of Semiconductors
Authors: Yu Guiyang , Zhou Xin , Zhao Haitao , Zhang Wenxiang , Yan Wenfu , Liu Gang
Published: September 2021

Hydrogen evolution over pristine semiconductors is desirable but seldom realized in powdered photocatalysis. It requires the catalyst surface simultaneously possessing efficient electron transfer and rapid H2 production properties. The current semiconductor photocatalysts have to depend on additional cocatalysts to achieve the H2 evolution process. Herein, theoretical and experimental results demonstrate that metastable sulfur vacancy could significantly enhance the intrinsic H2 evolution behavior of semiconductors. The hydrogen adsorption free energy (ΔGH) of CdS could be optimized to ΔGH = 0.01 eV, much lower than that over thermodynamically stable vacancies (ΔGH = 0.31 eV). The experiment is conducted based on kinds of supported CdS nanoparticles prepared with the anion‐exchange method. A series of in situ characterizations disclose that a metastable sulfur vacancy forms under photoexcitation and is stable during the reaction. These metastable sulfur vacancies cause the formation of intermediate states between the valence band and the conduction band that increase transportation and utilization of photogenerated electrons. The conceptual finding of the critical role of the metastable vacancy in enhancing H2 evolution would bring new thinking on the design of semiconductor photocatalysts to be less dependent on cocatalysts.
Piezophototronic Effect Enhanced Perovskite Solar Cell Based on P(VDF‐TrFE)
Authors: Nie Jiaheng , Zhang Yaming , Dan Minjiang , Wang Jizheng , Li Lijie , Zhang Yan
Published: September 2021

As a candidate for next‐generation solar devices, perovskite solar cells are increasingly being studied for their rapid increased power conversion efficiency (PCE). One of the possible routes to further increase PCE is the introduction of polarization in the absorption layer which functions as a method for increasing the built‐in potential and reducing the interface barrier, leading to much improved carrier separation and extraction. This technique uses the principle of the piezophototronic effect utilized for obtaining enhanced optoelectronic performances. Herein, to introduce internal polarization while maintaining optical absorption performance of the perovskite, organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite composite film solar cells are fabricated by doping polarized polyvinylidenefluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene (P(VDF‐TrFE)) into the perovskite. The composite film is polarized with an external potential, subsequently inducing the piezophototronic effect to enhance the performances of perovskite solar cells. Experimental results show that this simple polarization method has effectively improved several key characteristics of the solar cell. The PCE has reached up to 22.1%, the short‐circuit current (Jsc) increases to 24.2 mA cm−2, and the open‐circuit voltage (Voc) increases to 1.18 V.
Writing Play‐Books With Linguistically Diverse Young Learners
Authors: Byrnes‐Cloet Heidi , Hill Susan
Published: September 2021

The article presents a classroom‐based study that engaged linguistically diverse preschool and early school‐age children in illustrating books, jointly composing written narratives to accompany their illustrations, and enacting these child‐authored books through shared sociodramatic play. Findings from story retell tasks show significant improvement in children's narrative language: vocabulary, syntax, accuracy, and text structure. Analysis of collaborative dialogue during book‐making highlights the role of peer and teacher scaffolding in supporting children's literate language and identity development. The article presents an engaging play‐based approach for ECE educators to (1) significantly and equitably increase child‐led literate language interactions; (2) improve early writing instruction, by increasing meaningful composing experience; (3) strengthen culturally sustaining home/community–school partnerships, through authentic dialogue with caregivers about children's writing; and (4) harness the social and multimodal power of play to promote a range of important early learning goals.
Risk factors, epidemiology and prognosis of cholangiocarcinoma in Finland
Authors: Barner‐Rasmussen Nina , Pukkala Eero , Hadkhale Kishor , Färkkilä Martti
Published: September 2021

Background

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a cancer arising from the intra‐ and extrahepatic bile ducts. The early stages are often asymptomatic, CCA is frequently diagnosed in an advanced stage and the prognosis of CCA is often dismal.

Objective

Our objective was to estimate the incidence of CCA in Finland and to identify risk factors for CCA, with a special interest in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).

Methods

We identified all CCA cases during 1974–2018 from the Finnish Cancer Registry and calculated age‐standardised incidence rates. Five controls for each case were extracted from the Population Registry, matched by age, gender and municipality of residence at the time of diagnosis. Odds ratios (ORs) for risk factors were estimated with conditional logistic regression and survival estimates with the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Incidence of CCA remained stable in both genders; the age‐standardised rate (World Standard) in 2013–2017 in males and females was 1.7 per 100,000 person years and 1.3 per 100,000 person years, respectively. Primary sclerosing cholangitis carried a 30‐fold risk of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) and 25‐fold risk of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (eCCA). Diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease and liver cirrhosis were associated with iCCA, whereas cholelithiasis and viral hepatitis C were associated with eCCA. The cumulative 5‐year survival was 4.6%.

Conclusions

The incidence of CCA has been stable. Known risk factors for CCA were confirmed, with PSC having the highest OR. Survival remains poor.
Introduction
Authors: Parker Jay , Wexler Joyce
Published: September 2021

Postcritical interpretations of Joseph Conrad’s political fiction look beyond the literary themes that so many critics have examined. Notwithstanding the ambiguity and irony in his work, postcritique accepts the paradoxical possibility that fiction can give rise to knowledge, that some passages are factual, accurate, and sincere. Each chapter recognizes the dark elements in Conrad’s fiction—deceit, vanity, avarice, lust, cynicism, and cruelty—yet the chapters perceive hopefulness as well. While these dispositions are compatible with the hermeneutics of suspicion fostered by critique, the willingness of postcritique to acknowledge a range of functions and feelings in literature leads many contributors to find hope in Conrad’s work.
Fractional differential relations for the Lerch zeta function
Authors: Fernandez Arran , Djida Jean-Daniel
Published: September 2021

We explore a recently opened approach to the study of zeta functions, namely the approach of fractional calculus. By utilising the machinery of fractional derivatives and integrals, which have rarely been applied in analytic number theory before, we are able to obtain some fractional differential relations and finally a partial differential equation of fractional type which is satisfied by the Lerch zeta function.
Digitalisierte Gesundheitsversorgung im Jahr 2030 – ein mögliches Szenario
Authors: Brönneke Jan Benedikt , Hagen Julia , Kircher Philipp , Matthies Henrik
Published: September 2021

Aufgrund der schnell voranschreitenden Digitalisierung wird sich auch die Gesundheitsversorgung in den nächsten Jahren stark verändern. In Deutschland wurden durch neue gesetzliche Rahmenbedingungen bereits die Weichen z. B. für die elektronische Patientenakte (ePA), das E‑Rezept und die Einbindung digitaler Gesundheitsanwendungen (DiGA) gestellt. Das neue Fast-Track-Verfahren des Bundesinstituts für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte (BfArM) zur Bewertung der Erstattungsfähigkeit von DiGA ist ein wichtiger Schritt, dem in den nächsten Jahren weitere folgen werden.

Der vorliegende Beitrag beschreibt anhand eine Zukunftsszenarios für das Jahr 2030, welche gesetzlichen, technischen und alltagspraktischen Veränderungen sich bis dahin ergeben haben könnten. Im Jahr 2030 könnte die Gesundheitsversorgung in individualisiert-integrierten Behandlungspfaden organisiert sein, die den Versicherten umfassende Begleitung bieten. Interoperable digitale Komponenten könnten strukturierte Daten z. B. für Forschungszwecke zur Verfügung stellen. Datenschutzangst könnte der Vergangenheit angehören, wenn das Datenschutzrecht reformiert und harmonisiert wird sowie neue Einwilligungsverfahren für PatientInnen entwickelt werden. Neue Berufsfelder könnten sich etablieren und der Marktzugang für innovative digitale Medizinprodukte weiter verbessert werden.

Ein weiterer wichtiger Aspekt, der dazu beitragen kann, das Potenzial der digitalen Gesundheitsversorgung auszuschöpfen, ist die Schaffung eines europäischen Datenraums auf Basis einer technischen Infrastruktur, die hohe ethische und soziale Standards wahrt. Aktive Maßnahmen seitens der Gesetzgeber können die notwendigen Voraussetzungen dafür schaffen, dass Innovationen zugunsten der PatientInnen Eingang in das System finden und das deutsche Gesundheitssystem dem fortschreitenden medizintechnischen Wandel gerecht wird.
Numerical characterization of local and global non-uniformities in the load distribution in ball screws
Authors: Sangalli Luca , Oyanguren Aitor , Larrañaga Jon , Arana Aitor , Izquierdo Mikel , Ulacia Ibai
Published: September 2021

Load distribution in ball screws is a representation of the ball contact stress, and it is fundamental to understanding the behavior of these machine elements. This work aims to conduct a multi-variable analysis of the load distribution in ball screws. For this purpose, a numerical tool is developed for the generation and calculation of ball screw finite element (FE) models, which has been validated against the state of the art. This tool is based on the combination of an analytical contact model and the use of high-order FE models for the analysis of the load distribution of ball screws and stands out for its accuracy (less than 1% error against high-order FE models), adaptability, versatility (models are generated with more than 20 design variables and they can be introduced as components in larger models) and efficiency (being the computational time 1.25% of that of a high-order FE models) with respect to other existing models. Many different design variables (number of start threads, pitch, contact angle, ball size, slenderness and load arrangement) are studied in order to obtain a general characterization of the morphology of the load distribution in ball screws. Among them, the most influential variables on the load distribution and therefore on the structural behavior of ball screws are, load arrangement (with ratio r variations of up to 25% on the same ball screw) and slenderness (with ratio variations of up to 13% on ball screws with two turns of difference). The two most characteristic features, the non-uniformity at a local and global level are identified, along with as the possible causes of their appearance and the consequences that they may cause.
Designing libraries for pooled CRISPR functional screens of long noncoding RNAs
Authors: Pulido-Quetglas Carlos , Johnson Rory
Published: September 2021

Human and other genomes encode tens of thousands of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), the vast majority of which remain uncharacterised. High-throughput functional screening methods, notably those based on pooled CRISPR-Cas perturbations, promise to unlock the biological significance and biomedical potential of lncRNAs. Such screens are based on libraries of single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) whose design is critical for success. Few off-the-shelf libraries are presently available, and lncRNAs tend to have cell-type-specific expression profiles, meaning that library design remains in the hands of researchers. Here we introduce the topic of pooled CRISPR screens for lncRNAs and guide readers through the three key steps of library design: accurate annotation of transcript structures, curation of optimal candidate sets, and design of sgRNAs. This review is a starting point and reference for researchers seeking to design custom CRISPR screening libraries for lncRNAs.
Efficacy and safety of netupitant/palonosetron combination (NEPA) in preventing nausea and vomiting in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients undergoing to chemomobilization before autologous stem cell transplantation
Authors: Di Renzo Nicola , Musso Maurizio , Scimè Rosanna , Cupri Alessandra , Perrone Tommasina , De Risi Clara , Pastore Domenico , Guarini Attilio , Mengarelli Andrea , Benedetti Fabio , Mazza Patrizio , Capria Saveria , Chiusolo Patrizia , Cupelli Luca , Federico Vincenzo , Bozzoli Valentina , Messa Anna Rita , Matera Rosella , Seripa Davide , Codega Paolo , Bonizzoni Erminio , Specchia Giorgina
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is particularly challenging for patients receiving highly emetogenic preparative regimens before autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) due to the daily and continuous emetogenic stimulus of the multiple day chemotherapy. While studies have shown effective prevention of CINV during the conditioning phase with NK1 receptor antagonist (NK1RA)-containing regimens, there have been no studies evaluating antiemetic use during chemomobilization prior to ASCT.

Methods

This multicenter, open-label, phase IIa study evaluated the efficacy of every-other-day dosing of NEPA administered during chemomobilization in patients with relapsed-refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Eighty-one patients participated.

Results

Response rates were 77.8% for complete response (no emesis and no rescue use), 72.8% for complete control (complete response and no more than mild nausea), 86.4% for no emesis, and 82.7% for no rescue use during the overall phase (duration of chemomobilization through 48 h after). NEPA was well tolerated with no treatment-related adverse events reported.

Conclusion

NEPA, administered with a simplified every-other-day schedule, show to be very effective in preventing CINV in patients at high risk of CINV undergoing to chemomobilization of hematopoietic stem cells prior to ASCT.
The Combination of Beta-Blockers and ACE Inhibitors Across the Spectrum of Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Strauss Martin H. , Hall Alistair S. , Narkiewicz Krzysztof
Published: September 2021

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, affecting a wide range of patients at different stages across the cardiovascular continuum. Hypertension is one of the earliest risk factors in this continuum and can be controlled in most patients with currently available antihypertensive agents. However, goals are often not met because treatments are not optimized in terms of tailoring therapy to individual patients based on their hypertension subclass and cardiovascular risk profile and initiating early use of adapted-dose, single-pill combinations. In this context, beta-blockers in combination with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are of special interest as a result of their complementary actions on the sympathetic nervous system and renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, two interlinked pathways that influence cardiovascular risk and disease outcomes. In addition to their antihypertensive actions, beta-blockers are used to manage arrhythmias and treat angina pectoris and heart failure, while ACE inhibitors provide cardioprotection in patients with acute coronary syndromes and treat congestive heart failure. A broad range of patients may therefore receive the combination in routine clinical practice. This paper examines the supporting evidence for beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors in each of the above indications and considers the rationale for combining these agents into a single pill, using data from bisoprolol and perindopril randomized controlled trials as supporting evidence. Combining these established antihypertensive agents into a single pill continues to provide effective blood pressure lowering and improved cardiovascular outcomes while allowing a greater proportion of patients to rapidly achieve treatment targets.