bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The EU Green Deal's ambition for a toxic-free environment: Filling the gap for science-based policymaking
Authors: Dijk Joanke , Leopold Annegaaike , Flerlage Hannah , Wezel Annemarie , Seiler Thomas-Benjamin , Enrici Marie-Hélene , Bloor Michelle C.
Published: April 2021

Around the world, many ambitious environmental conventions and regulations have been implemented over recent decades. Despite this, the environment is still deteriorating. An increase in the volume and diversity of chemicals is one of the main drivers of this deterioration, of which biodiversity loss is a telling indicator. In response to this situation, in October 2020, a chemicals strategy for sustainability (CSS) was published in the EU. The CSS is the first regional framework aiming to address chemical pollution in a holistic manner. The CSS covers the complete lifecycle of a chemical, including the design of better substances and remediation options, to remove chemicals from the environment. The strategy contains terms, such as a “toxic-free environment,” for which no clear definition exists, potentially hampering the implementation of the CSS. In this paper, a definition for a “toxic-free environment” is proposed on the basis of a survey and a discussion held at the 2020 SETAC Europe Annual Meeting. In addition, key issues that are absent from the CSS but are considered to be key for the realization of a toxic-free environment are identified. To achieve the policy goals, it is recommended to align the definition of risk across the different chemical legislations, to establish a platform for open data and data sharing, and to increase the utility and use of novel scientific findings in policymaking, through the development of a strong science to regulation feedback mechanism and vice versa. The paper concludes that environmental scientists have the tools to address the key challenges presented in the CSS. However, an extra step is needed by both policymakers and scientists to develop methods, processes and tools, to increase the robustness and transparency of deliberation processes, and the utility of science. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:1105–1113. © 2021 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

KEY POINTS

A definition for a ‘toxic-free environment’ is proposed based on an analysis of a survey and a discussion held at the 2020 SETAC Europe Annual Meeting. Key issues are identified based on discussions that are absent from the European Commission's chemicals strategy for sustainability but are considered to be key for the realisation of a toxic-free environment. Scientists have the tools to address key environmental challenges, but an extra step is needed by both policymakers and scientists to make these applicable.
In vivo catheterization study of chlorhexidine‐loaded nanoparticle coated Foley urinary catheters in male New Zealand white rabbits
Authors: Srisang Siriwan , Boongird Atthaporn , Ungsurungsie Malyn , Wanasawas Pimpaka , Nasongkla Norased
Published: April 2021

Foley urinary catheters were coated with chlorhexidine‐loaded nanoparticles (CHX‐NPs), encapsulated in the form of micelles and nanospheres. Both of nanoparticles were deposited by multilayer nanocoating through dip and spray coating on the catheter surface both inner and outer surface. In our previous studies, the nanocoating of Foley urinary catheters was studied for chlorhexidine release, degradation, antibacterial evaluation, cytotoxicity assessment, hemocompatibility, skin irritation, skin sensitization, and stability during storage. The results demonstrated the antimicrobial functions and biocompatibility of the coated catheters. In this study, coated urinary catheters were inserted in the bladders of rabbits for 7 day to investigate their efficacy. Histopathology results showed no inflammation, redness, or swelling on bladder and urethra tissues. Surface morphology comparison of uncoated catheters in the control group and coated catheters in the treatment group revealed more encrustation and crystallization on uncoated catheter than on coated catheter, indicating that catheters coated with CHX‐NPs showed efficacy in delaying encrustation and bacterial colonization. These findings suggest that nanocoating of urinary catheters can potentially enhance the biocompatibility of medical devices.
Differential diagnosis of vitamin D–related hypercalcemia using serum vitamin D metabolite profiling
Authors: Kaufmann Martin , Schlingmann Karl-Peter , Berezin Linor , Molin Arnaud , Sheftel Jesse , Vig Melanie , Gallagher John C. , Nagata Akiko , Masoud Shadi Sedghi , Sakamoto Ryota , Nagasawa Kazuo , Uesugi Motonari , Kottler Marie Laure , Konrad Martin , Jones Glenville
Published: April 2021

Genetic causes of vitamin D–related hypercalcemia are known to involve mutation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D-24-hydroxylase CYP24A1 or the sodium phosphate co-transporter SLC34A1, which result in excessive 1,25-(OH)2D hormonal action. However, at least 20% of idiopathic hypercalcemia (IH) cases remain unresolved. In this case-control study, we used precision vitamin D metabolite profiling based on liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) of an expanded range of vitamin D metabolites to screen German and French cohorts of hypercalcemia patients, to identify patients with altered vitamin D metabolism where involvement of CYP24A1 or SLC34A1 mutation had been ruled out and who possessed normal 25-OH-D3:24,25-(OH)2D3 ratios. Profiles were compared to those of hypercalcemia patients with hypervitaminosis D, Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS), CYP24A1 mutation, and normal subjects with a range of 25-OH-D levels. We observed that certain IH and WBS patients exhibited a unique profile comprising eightfold to 10-fold higher serum 23,25,26-(OH)3D3 and 25-OH-D3-26,23-lactone than normals, as well as very low serum 1,25-(OH)2D3 (2–5 pg/ml) and elevated 1,24,25-(OH)3D3, which we interpret implies hypersensitive expression of vitamin D–dependent genes, including CYP24A1, as a general underlying mechanism of hypercalcemia in these patients. Because serum 25-OH-D3 and 24,25-(OH)2D3 remained normal, we excluded the possibility that the aberrant profile was caused by hypervitaminosis D, but instead points to an underlying genetic cause that parallels the effect of Williams syndrome transcription factor deficiency in WBS. Furthermore, we observed normalization of serum calcium and vitamin D metabolite profiles at follow-up of an IH patient where 25-OH-D was reduced to 9 ng/ml, suggesting that symptomatic IH may depend on vitamin D nutritional status. Other hypercalcemic patients with complex conditions exhibited distinct vitamin D metabolite profiles. Our work points to the importance of serum vitamin D metabolite profiling in the differential diagnosis of vitamin D–related hypercalcemia that can rationalize expensive genetic testing, and assist healthcare providers in selecting appropriate treatment. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Cardioprotective effects of azilsartan compared with that of telmisartan on an in vivo model of myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion injury
Authors: Garg Shanky , Khan Sana Irfan , Malhotra Rajiv Kumar , Sharma Manish Kumar , Kumar Manoj , Kaur Punit , Nag Tapas Chandra , Ray Ruma , Bhatia Jagriti , Arya Dharamvir Singh
Published: April 2021

Azilsartan is found to be more potent than other angiotensin receptor blockers in reducing blood pressure. However, its effect on the heart following myocardial infarction remains to be established. For the first time, we investigated the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ) agonistic and cardioprotective properties of azilsartan. Computational modeling studies of interactions between azilsartan and PPAR‐γ revealed azilsartan as an agonist of PPAR‐γ and showed the mechanism of azilsartan in cardioprotection. Our study compared the cardioprotective potential of telmisartan to that of azilsartan in a murine model of myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion injury by comparing their antioxidant, ant apoptotic, anti‐inflammatory, mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)‐modulating ability, and PPAR‐γ agonistic activity. Male Wistar rats were grouped into four to receive vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide [0.05%] 2 ml/kg) telmisartan (10 mg/kg p.o.), azilsartan (10 mg/kg p.o.) or azilsartan with specific PPAR‐γ blocker, GW 9662 for 28 days. Ischemia was induced for 45 min on the 29th day followed by 60 min of reperfusion. Telmisartan and azilsartan pretreatment significantly nearly normalized cardiac parameters and preserved structural changes. Both drugs inhibited oxidative burst, inflammation, as well as cell death by modulating apoptotic protein expression along with reduction in 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole/terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling‐positive cells. An increment in pro‐survival kinase ERK paralleled with a reduction in p38 and JNK was also revealed by MAPK pathway studies, after administration of these drugs. Interestingly, the aforementioned changes induced by both drugs were reversed by administration of the specific PPAR‐γ antagonist, GW9662. However, we found that azilsartan upregulated PPAR‐γ to a lesser extent as compared to telmisartan and the latter may be preferred in hypertensive patients at risk of myocardial infarction.
A qualitative exploration of women's resilience in the face of homelessness
Authors: Phipps Monique , Dalton Lisa , Maxwell Hazel , Cleary Michelle
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to examine the experiential perspectives of women becoming and experiencing homelessness. Situated in the qualitative interpretative tradition, data were collected using auto‐driven photo‐elicitation and in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews. Eleven Australian women used photographs that represented their experiences of being homeless to guide their interview discussion. The findings revealed that homelessness for women is a period often preceded by a series of adverse incidents in their lives, characterised by progressive resilience building in the face of trauma, finding hope and building strength to work towards exiting homelessness. After becoming homeless, five stages of resilience transition emerged: The trauma of homelessness, Finding hope and surviving, Finding help, Finding connection and Taking control. Women experiencing homelessness are resilient and capable of enacting competence and autonomy in seeking help to exit homelessness. Changes to service delivery are recommended to improve trauma‐informed, person‐centred housing and social services that are integrated and easy to navigate.
Prospective Evaluation of Repeatability and Robustness of Radiomic Descriptors in Healthy Brain Tissue Regions In Vivo Across Systematic Variations in T2‐Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging Acquisition Parameters
Authors: Eck Brendan , Chirra Prathyush V. , Muchhala Avani , Hall Sophia , Bera Kaustav , Tiwari Pallavi , Madabhushi Anant , Seiberlich Nicole , Viswanath Satish E.
Published: April 2021

Background

Radiomic descriptors from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are promising for disease diagnosis and characterization but may be sensitive to differences in imaging parameters.

Objective

To evaluate the repeatability and robustness of radiomic descriptors within healthy brain tissue regions on prospectively acquired MRI scans; in a test–retest setting, under controlled systematic variations of MRI acquisition parameters, and after postprocessing.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Fifteen healthy participants.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3.0 T, axial T2‐weighted 2D turbo spin‐echo pulse sequence, 181 scans acquired (2 test/retest reference scans and 12 with systematic variations in contrast weighting, resolution, and acceleration per participant; removing scans with artifacts).

Assessment

One hundred and forty‐six radiomic descriptors were extracted from a contiguous 2D region of white matter in each scan, before and after postprocessing.

Statistical Tests

Repeatability was assessed in a test/retest setting and between manual and automated annotations for the reference scan. Robustness was evaluated between the reference scan and each group of variant scans (contrast weighting, resolution, and acceleration). Both repeatability and robustness were quantified as the proportion of radiomic descriptors that fell into distinct ranges of the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC): excellent (CCC > 0.85), good (0.7 ≤ CCC ≤ 0.85), moderate (0.5 ≤ CCC < 0.7), and poor (CCC < 0.5); for unprocessed and postprocessed scans separately.

Results

Good to excellent repeatability was observed for 52% of radiomic descriptors between test/retest scans and 48% of descriptors between automated vs. manual annotations, respectively. Contrast weighting (TR/TE) changes were associated with the largest proportion of highly robust radiomic descriptors (21%, after processing). Image resolution changes resulted in the largest proportion of poorly robust radiomic descriptors (97%, before postprocessing). Postprocessing of images with only resolution/acceleration differences resulted in 73% of radiomic descriptors showing poor robustness.

Data Conclusions

Many radiomic descriptors appear to be nonrobust across variations in MR contrast weighting, resolution, and acceleration, as well in test–retest settings, depending on feature formulation and postprocessing.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Food restriction reduces hepatic alterations associated with experimental periodontitis
Authors: Caetano Vinícius da Silva , de Andrade Raissa Silva Bacelar , França Luiz Felipe de Carvalho , Pessoa Larissa dos Santos , Rodrigues Ayane Araújo , Alves Even Herlany Pereira , Lenardo David Di , Nascimento Hélio Mateus Silva , Ayala Karen Neisman Rodriguez , Carvalho André dos Santos , Brito Tarcísio Vieira , Barbosa André Luiz dos Reis , Vasconcelos Any Carolina Cardoso Guimarães , Vasconcelos Daniel Fernando Pereira
Published: April 2021

Background

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory and multifactorial disease that affects the periodontal structures and can cause alterations in the hepatic tissue. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether a diet with food restriction can decrease oral and liver alterations associated with ligature‐induced periodontitis.

Methods

Twenty‐four female Wistar rats were used in this study, randomized into three groups (n = 8 for each group): control (regular food); periodontitis (regular food + periodontitis induced with ligatures); and food restriction (diet with food restriction and periodontitis induction). The following periodontium parameters were analyzed tooth mobility (TM), probing pocket depth (PPD), gingival bleeding index (GBI), and alveolar bone height (ABH). In the liver, the levels of oxidative stress markers—malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), total cholesterol, and levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were measured. Liver samples were analyzed for histopathological score. In the blood tissue, the levels of enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glucose, total cholesterol, and the high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) were also evaluated.

Results

The animals that received a diet with food restriction + periodontitis showed a decrease in hepatic histopathological score (P < 0.05) when compared with the periodontitis group, the same for glucose, total cholesterol, ALT, AST, and ABH data. The group with food restriction + periodontitis showed a decrease in the histopathological liver score (P < 0.05) compared with the group with periodontitis.

Conclusion

This study revealed that food restriction reduced oral damages, as well as hepatic, blood and alveolar bone alterations associated with ligature‐induced periodontitis in rats.
Preoperative imaging of gastric GISTs underestimates pathologic tumor size: A retrospective, single institution analysis
Authors: Apte Sameer S. , Radonjic Aleksandar , Wong Boaz , Dingley Brittany , Boulva Kerianne , Chatterjee Avijit , Purgina Bibiana , Ramsay Timothy , Nessim Carolyn
Published: April 2021

Background

How well imaging size agrees with pathologic size of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) is unknown. GIST risk stratification is based on pathologic size, location, and mitotic rate. To inform decision making, the size discrepancy between imaging and pathology for gastric GISTs was investigated.

Methods

Imaging and pathology reports were reviewed for 113 patients. Bland–Altman analyses and intraclass correlation (ICC) assessed agreement of imaging and pathology. Changes in clinical risk category due to size discrepancy were identified.

Results

Computed tomography (CT) (n = 110) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) (n = 50) underestimated pathologic size for gastric GISTs by 0.42 cm, 95% confidence interval (CI): (0.11, 0.73), p = 0.008 and 0.54 cm, 95% CI: (0.25, 0.82), p < 0.001, respectively. ICCs were 0.94 and 0.88 for CT and EUS, respectively. For GISTs ≤ 3 cm, size underestimation was 0.24 cm for CT (n = 28), 95% CI: (0.01, 0.47), p = 0.039 and 0.56 cm for EUS (n = 26), 95% CI: (0.27, 0.84), p < 0.0001. ICCs were 0.72 and 0.55 for CT and EUS, respectively. Spearman's correlation was ≥0.84 for all groups. For GISTs ≤ 3 cm, 6/28 (21.4% p = 0.01) on CT and 7/26 (26.9% p = 0.005) on EUS upgraded risk category using pathologic size versus imaging size. No GISTs ≤ 3 cm downgraded risk categories. Size underestimation persisted for GISTs ≤ 2 cm on EUS (0.39 cm, 95% CI: [0.06, 0.72], p = 0.02, post hoc analysis).

Conclusion

Imaging, particularly EUS, underestimates gastric GIST size. Caution should be exercised using imaging alone to risk‐stratify gastric GISTs, and to decide between surveillance versus surgery.
Development of hydrophilic magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers for the dispersive solid‐phase extraction of sulfonamides from animal‐derived samples before HPLC detection
Authors: Zhao Xiaolei , Lü Lei , Zhu Mengzhen , Liu Huilin , He Jinxing , Zheng Fuping
Published: April 2021

Highly hydrophilic magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers were prepared through a surface imprinting technique for dispersive solid‐phase extraction coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography to detect trace levels of ten sulfonamides in animal‐derived samples. The obtained imprinted polymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and adsorption experiments, which exhibited excellent specific adsorption for template sulfamethazine in aqueous solution. Moreover, the adsorption process could be completed within 25 min. Under the optimum conditions, the method exhibits good linear performance in the range of 5–to 10 mg/L, limits of detection ranging from 0.57 to 1.50 μg/L, and good recoveries of 85.09–110.93% in the spiked samples (chicken, cow milk, and goat milk). The proposed detection method not only avoids the use of organic solvents but also simplifies the pretreatment procedure via excellent magnetic properties. Furthermore, the method shows great potential for the rapid detection of drug residues.
Pixel CO2 Laser for the Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Prospective Observational Multicenter Study
Authors: Franić Damir , Fistonić Ivan , Franić‐Ivanišević Maja , Perdija Željko , Križmarić Miljenko
Published: April 2021

Background and Objectives

Energy‐based treatments have been found to be a promising treatment modality for improving stress urinary incontinence (SUI) symptoms. This prospective two‐center study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of fractional‐pixel CO2 laser for the treatment of SUI.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Eighty‐five women with SUI symptoms as per the cough stress test and validated International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire—Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ‐UI‐SF), were treated intravaginally with Pixel‐CO2 laser. Two treatment sessions were performed with a 1‐month interval. Safety and treatment tolerance were assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS) immediately and at 1 week after each laser treatment. Associations of age and body mass index (BMI) with the ICIQ‐UI‐SF score were statistically assessed by the Jonckheere–Terpstra test.

Results

The ICIQ‐UI‐SF score was 12.0 at baseline, 7.0, after the first treatment, and 3.5 after the second treatment (P = 0.001). For women with BMI (25.0–29.9), the ICIQ‐UI‐SF score was 9.0 at the baseline, 6.0 after 1 month, and 5.0 at the 6 months follow‐up visit (P = 0.04). For women with BMI ≥ 30.0, the ICIQ‐UI‐SF score was reduced from 14.0 to 8.0 1 month after the baseline and 5.0 at the 6‐month follow‐up visit (P = 0.001). SUI severity evaluation at baseline showed that 27.1% of women had mild, 24.7% had moderate, 45.9% had severe, and 2.4% had very severe SUI symptoms. SUI severity scores were significantly reduced, with 45.8% of women with no SUI symptoms, 18.8% with mild, 20.8% with moderate, and 14.6% with severe SUI symptoms at the 6‐month follow‐up. The patient's evaluation of VAS after the first treatment was 1.0–1.5 (0–10) and 0.0 1 week after the second treatment.

Conclusion

Fractional‐pixel CO2 laser is safe and effective for treating SUI. No adverse event or significant pain was reported during or after the procedure. Its safety and efficacy are clearly demonstrated. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Global and exponential attractors for a class of non‐Newtonian micropolar fluids
Authors: Ai Chengfei , Tan Zhong
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we consider the long‐time behavior of weak solutions for the 2D autonomous non‐Newtonian micropolar fluids. By means of the method ofℓ‐trajectories introduced by Málek and Pražák, we first establish the existence of global attractor for solution semigroup {S(t)}t ≥ 0associated with (1)–(3) and estimate the fractal dimension of global attractor inH × L2(Ω) is finite. Then we derive the existence of exponential attractor for solution semigroup {S(t)}t ≥ 0associated with (1.1)‐(1.3) inH × L2(Ω).
Less Soak Time Saves Those upon the Line: Capture Times and Hooking Mortality of Sharks Caught on Bottom Longlines
Authors: Gulak Simon J. B. , Carlson John K.
Published: April 2021

The National Marine Fisheries Service is mandated by the Magnuson–Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to implement effective annual catch limits and accountability measures to prevent overfishing. These requirements compel further research into alternative fishing practices that could reduce mortality of sharks (class Chondrichthyes) and allow fishers to release unwanted sharks to the water alive, while still effectively catching targeted species. We used hook timers and temperature–depth recorders aboard contracted vessels and participants in the National Marine Fisheries Service’s Shark Research Fishery to collect hooking time and time-on-the-line data for 10 species of sharks that were commonly encountered in the fishery. A subset of standardized fishing sets compared the most popular circle hook and J-hook models. Over 60% of sharks were hooked within 4 h of hook soak time. The fastest to bite the hook was the Atlantic Sharpnose Shark Rhizoprionodon terraenovae and the slowest was the Dusky Shark Carcharhinus obscurus. Shark resilience to time on the longline varied among species, with Sandbar Shark C. plumbeus exhibiting the most resilience and Atlantic Sharpnose Shark the least. Shorter set soak times, approximately 2 h, would still maximize catch, while minimizing at-vessel mortality. The most frequently used circle hook model did not significantly reduce at-vessel mortality over large J-style hooks. The recent circle hook requirement will have little effect for fishers that previously used 12/0 J-hooks, but it may be beneficial by preventing the use of smaller J-hooks that are more likely to cause at-vessel mortality.
COVID-19 Pandemic Effects on Breast Cancer Diagnosis in Croatia: A Population- and Registry-Based Study
Authors: Vrdoljak Eduard , Balja Melita Perić , Marušić Zlatko , Avirović Manuela , Blažičević Valerija , Tomasović Čedna , Čerina Dora , Bajić Žarko , Miše Branka Petrić , Lovasić Ingrid Belac , Flam Josipa , Tomić Snježana
Published: April 2021

Background

Our objective was to assess the effects of COVID-19 antiepidemic measures and subsequent changes in the function of the health care system on the number of newly diagnosed breast cancers in the Republic of Croatia.

Subjects, Materials, and Methods

We performed a retrospective, population- and registry-based study during 2020. The comparator was the number of patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer during 2017, 2018, and 2019. The outcome was the change in number of newly diagnosed breast cancer cases.

Results

The average monthly percent change after the initial lockdown measures were introduced was −11.0% (95% confidence interval − 22.0% to 1.5%), resulting in a 24% reduction of the newly diagnosed breast cancer cases in Croatia during April, May, and June compared with the same period of 2019. However, during 2020, only 1% fewer new cases were detected than in 2019, or 6% fewer than what would be expected based on the linear trend during 2017–2019.

Conclusion

It seems that national health care system measures for controlling the spread of COVID-19 had a detrimental effect on the number of newly diagnosed breast cancer cases in Croatia during the first lockdown. As it is not plausible to expect an epidemiological change to occur at the same time, this may result in later diagnosis, later initiation of treatment, and less favorable outcomes in the future. However, the effect weakened after the first lockdown and COVID-19 control measures were relaxed, and it has not reoccurred during the second COVID-19 wave. Although the COVID-19 lockdown affected the number of newly diagnosed breast cancers, the oncology health care system has shown resilience and compensated for these effects by the end of 2020.

Implications for Practice

It is possible to compensate for the adverse effects of COVID-19 pandemic control measures on breast cancer diagnosis relatively promptly, and it is of crucial importance to do it as soon as possible. Moreover, as shown by this study's results on the number of newly diagnosed breast cancer cases during the second wave of the pandemic, these adverse effects are preventable to a non-negligible extent.
Unveiling the causal interactions among theUSmonetary policy uncertainty, exchange market pressure, andFDI‐flowsin large emerging market economies
Authors: Olanipekun Ifedolapo Olabisi , Olasehinde‐Williams Godwin
Published: April 2021

This study shows how exchange market pressure, FDI inflow, and FDI outflow in large emerging market economies interact with monetary policy uncertainty from the United States (US). A panel of 14 countries were examined using bootstrap Granger causality procedure that captures cross‐sectional dependence, reflecting the shared developmental features among emerging economies. In the panel of countries, two‐way relationships were unveiled between the US monetary policy uncertainty and exchange market pressure, between the US monetary policy uncertainty and FDI inflow, between the US monetary policy uncertainty and FDI outflow, between the exchange market pressure and FDI inflow, and between the exchange market pressure and FDI outflow. However, there are variations in country‐specific results. Most importantly, a feedback relationship exists between the US monetary policy uncertainty and exchange market pressure in two countries, while one‐way causality runs from monetary policy uncertainty to exchange market pressure in five countries and from exchange market pressure to monetary policy uncertainty in two countries. No causality was found in five countries. Causality also flows from US monetary policy uncertainty to FDI inflow in six countries and to FDI outflow in one country.
Mass spectrometry‐based proteomic platforms for better understanding of SARS‐CoV‐2 induced pathogenesis and potential diagnostic approaches
Authors: Ahsan Nagib , Rao R. Shyama Prasad , Wilson Rashaun S. , Punyamurtula Ujwal , Salvato Fernanda , Petersen Max , Ahmed Mohammad Kabir , Abid M. Ruhul , Verburgt Jacob C. , Kihara Daisuke , Yang Zhibo , Fornelli Luca , Foster Steven B. , Ramratnam Bharat
Published: April 2021

While protein–protein interaction is the first step of the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, recent comparative proteomic profiling enabled the identification of over 11,000 protein dynamics, thus providing a comprehensive reflection of the molecular mechanisms underlying the cellular system in response to viral infection. Here we summarize and rationalize the results obtained by various mass spectrometry (MS)‐based proteomic approaches applied to the functional characterization of proteins and pathways associated with SARS‐CoV‐2‐mediated infections in humans. Comparative analysis of cell‐lines versus tissue samples indicates that our knowledge in proteome profile alternation in response to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection is still incomplete and the tissue‐specific response to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection can probably not be recapitulated efficiently by in vitro experiments. However, regardless of the viral infection period, sample types, and experimental strategies, a thorough cross‐comparison of the recently published proteome, phosphoproteome, and interactome datasets led to the identification of a common set of proteins and kinases associated with PI3K‐Akt, EGFR, MAPK, Rap1, and AMPK signaling pathways. Ephrin receptor A2 (EPHA2) was identified by 11 studies including all proteomic platforms, suggesting it as a potential future target for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection mechanisms and the development of new therapeutic strategies. We further discuss the potentials of future proteomics strategies for identifying prognostic SARS‐CoV‐2 responsive age‐, gender‐dependent, tissue‐specific protein targets.
A time‐dependent density function theory study on the substituent effect on excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer of 4′‐methoxy‐3‐hydroxyl flavone
Authors: Ni Mei , Liang Xiuning , Fang Hua
Published: April 2021

Theoretical investigations on the excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) in the 4′‐methoxy‐3‐hydroxyl flavone (MHF) derivatives 4R‐MHF (R: COOH, CF3, and CN) are performed based on time‐dependent density function theory (TD‐DFT). According to our calculations, the intramolecular H bondings in 4R‐MHF (R: COOH, CF3, and CN) are weakened by the substituents, which would be unfavorable to ESIPT reaction. ESIPT processes in the 4R‐MHF (R: COOH, CF3, and CN) are slightly harder than that in MHF because the ESIPT barriers of 4R‐MHF (R: COOH, CF3, and CN) are on average 0.38 kcal/mol larger than that of MHF. The stronger the electron‐withdrawing ability, the larger is the ESIPT potential barrier.
Use of proton pump inhibitors is associated with lower hemoglobin levels in people with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Gifford Alex H. , Sanville Julie L. , Sathe Meghana , Heltshe Sonya L. , Goss Christopher H.
Published: April 2021

Background

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine H2‐receptor antagonists (H2RAs) are commonly prescribed to people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF) to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and/or protect pancreatic enzymes from degradation in the stomach. Acid suppressive medications (ASMs) could theoretically reduce hemoglobin (Hgb) levels by restricting enteral iron absorption, but evidence of an association between use of ASMs and lower Hgb levels is lacking in PwCF.

Methods

We used unadjusted and covariate‐adjusted generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) to estimate the fixed effects of using versus never using ASMs on annual Hgb levels of PwCF in the U.S. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry (CFFPR) from 2011 to 2017.

Results

There were 9850 users and 9007 never‐users of ASMs from 2011 to 2017 who met inclusion criteria. Not adjusting for covariates, Hgb estimates were lower for male and female H2RA and/or PPI users versus never‐users. Adjusting for covariates, mean Hgb was 0.1 g/dl (95% CI: 0.03, 0.17) lower for males that exclusively used PPIs than it was for male never‐users of ASMs (p = .008). Adjusting for covariates, mean Hgb levels were 0.11 g/dl (95% CI: 0.04, 0.18) lower for females that exclusively used PPIs and 0.16 g/dl (95% CI: 0.05, 0.27) lower for females that used PPIs and H2RAs concurrently than it was for female never‐users of ASMs (p = .005 and p = .002 for respective comparisons).

Conclusions

Males and females with cystic fibrosis (CF) who used PPIs and females with CF who concurrently used PPIs and H2RAs had lower Hgb levels than never‐users of ASMs of the same sex in the CFFPR from 2011 to 2017.
Breath‐holding and tidal breathing nasal NO to screen children for Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
Authors: Beydon Nicole , Tamalet Aline , Escudier Estelle , Legendre Marie , Thouvenin Guillaume
Published: April 2021

Nasal nitric oxide (nNO) measurement is recommended to screen for Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) in subjects with suggestive history and symptoms. Clinical use of alternative methods (i.e., breath‐hold [BH], tidal breathing [TB]) in children unable to perform the gold standard slow Exhalation against a Resistance (ER) method has not been sufficiently evaluated. We extracted retrospectively (2013–2019) 454 files (374 subjects) containing nNO results. Median [IQR] age at inclusion was 7.0 [4.7–11.0] years, 105 (28.1%) children were younger than 5 years. ER or BH methods were more frequently mastered by children older than 5 years compared to younger children (69.4% and 52.7% vs. 21% and 5.6%, respectively; p < .0001), the latter succeeding only in TB measurement in 77.4% of cases. In 130 files with both ER and BH measurements (nNO‐ER and nNO‐BH), nNO‐BH was 102 [96.2; 108.3]% that of nNO‐ER. In 175 files including nNO‐ER and nNO‐TB measurements, nNO‐TB was 64.4 [IQR: 53.7; 80.4]% that of nNO‐ER with an excellent correlation between nNO values (r = .94 [95% CI 0.91; 0.95]; p < .0001) and discordance in the interpretation of nNO results in 16 (10.2%) cases. Final PCD diagnosis was similar in patients included before or after 5 years of age (confirmed 16 (15.2%) and 48 (17.8%); excluded 81 (77.1%) and 192 (71.4%), respectively; p = .32). In conclusion, reliable nNO‐BH and nNO‐ER results are interchangeable. Children tested with ER or with TB method have similar final PCD diagnosis. Alternative methods to measure nNO might be studied further for use in clinical practice.
Investigation of the Thermal Aging Behavior of Pyrotechnic Tracer Composition by Spectroscopic Techniques Coupled with Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Bekhouche Slimane , Trache Djalal , Chelouche Salim , Abdelaziz Amir , Tarchoun Ahmed Fouzi , Benchaa Widad , Benameur Sabrine , Mezroua Abderrahmane
Published: April 2021

This work aims to investigate the aging behavior related to heat of a pyrotechnic tracer composition (PTC) sample composed of strontium nitrate as an oxidizer and dual‐fuel of Mg and Mg−Al alloy. Fresh and thermally aged samples were examined using nondestructive spectroscopic techniques, namely Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The obtained results showed that aging for 20, 40, and 60 days at 65 °C does not provoke noticeable chemical or structural changes, whereas, after 60 days, the changes are visible, and become more obvious after aging for 120 days. These changes are caused by the partial decomposition of strontium nitrate and the oxidation of magnesium, which are followed by the generation of degradation products such as Sr(NO2)2, MgO, and Mg(OH)2. On the other hand, the applicability of FTIR and XRD associated with a chemometric tool, the principal component analysis, as a simple and useful technique has been also assessed to discriminate the spectra of the aged samples. It has been revealed that these combined approaches can be effectively used to recognize the main compositional and structural changes within the pyrotechnic tracer composition affected by the thermal degradation process.
The effect of propolis plus Hyoscyamus niger L. methanolic extract on clinical symptoms in patients with acute respiratory syndrome suspected to COVID‐19: A clinical trial
Authors: Kosari Morteza , Noureddini Mehdi , Khamechi Seyed Peyman , Najafi Ahmad , Ghaderi Amir , Sehat Mojtaba , Banafshe Hamid Reza
Published: April 2021

The outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has caused a global health crisis. Nevertheless, no antiviral treatment has yet been proven effective for treating COVID‐19 and symptomatic supportive cares have been the most common treatment. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the effects of propolis and Hyoscyamus niger L. extract in patients with COVID‐19. This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 50 cases referred to Akhavan and Sepehri Clinics, Kashan university of medical sciences, Iran. Subjects were divided into two groups (intervention and placebo). This syrup (containing 1.6 mg of methanolic extract along with 450 mg of propolis per 10 mL) was administered three times a day to each patient for 6 days. The clinical symptoms of COVID‐19 such as: dry cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, chest pain, fever, dizziness, headache, abdominal pain, and diarrhea were reduced with propolis plus Hyoscyamus niger L. extract than the placebo group. However, the administration of syrup was not effective in the control of nausea and vomiting. In conclusion, syrup containing propolis and Hyoscyamus niger L. extract had beneficial effects in ameliorating the signs and symptoms of COVID‐19 disease, in comparison with placebo groups.
Senhance surgical system in benign hysterectomy: A real‐world comparative assessment of case times and instrument costs versus da Vinci robotics and laparoscopic‐assisted vaginal hysterectomy procedures
Authors: Coussons Herbert , Feldstein Josh , McCarus Steve
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Comparison of retrospective, learning curve benign hysterectomy cost and case time data from Senhance total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) cases with similar da Vinci robot cases and laparoscopic‐assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) cases.

Methods

Instrument costs, console time, and case time analysis from six surgeons at four U.S. and European hospitals compared with retrospective, sequential da Vinci TLH and standard laparoscopic LAVH cases extracted from the CAVAlytics database.

Results

Senhance Gyn surgeons in their learning curve when compared to da Vinci learning curve Gyn surgeons achieved lower median instrument costs ($559 vs. $1393, respectively, p < 0.001) with comparable console times (91.5 vs. 96 min, p = 0.898); Senhance and LAVH case costs were comparable ($559 vs. $498, p = 0.336).

Conclusion

In benign hysterectomy, the Senhance system may present a lower‐cost approach with equivalent case times compared with similar da Vinci robotic cases.
Minkowski box from Yangian bootstrap
Authors: Corcoran Luke , Loebbert Florian , Miczajka Julian , Staudacher Matthias
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We extend the recently developed Yangian bootstrap for Feynman integrals to Minkowski space, focusing on the case of the one-loop box integral. The space of Yangian invariants is spanned by the Bloch-Wigner function and its discontinuities. Using only input from symmetries, we constrain the functional form of the box integral in all 64 kinematic regions up to twelve (out of a priori 256) undetermined constants. These need to be fixed by other means. We do this explicitly, employing two alternative methods. This results in a novel compact formula for the box integral valid in all kinematic regions of Minkowski space.
Products of locally cyclic groups
Authors: Amberg Bernhard , Sysak Yaroslav
Published: April 2021

We consider groups of the form $${G} = {AB}$$

G
=

AB

with two locally cyclic subgroups A and B. The structure of these groups is determined in the cases when A and B are both periodic or when one of them is periodic and the other is not. Together with a previous study of the case where A and B are torsion-free, this gives a complete classification of all groups that are the product of two locally cyclic subgroups. As an application, it is shown that the Prüfer rank of a periodic product of two locally cyclic subgroups does not exceed 3, and this bound is sharp. It is also proved that a product of a finite number of pairwise permutable periodic locally cyclic subgroups is a locally supersoluble group. This generalizes a well-known theorem of B. Huppert for finite groups.
The Dilute Fermi Gas via Bogoliubov Theory
Authors: Falconi Marco , Giacomelli Emanuela L. , Hainzl Christian , Porta Marcello
Published: April 2021

We study the ground state properties of interacting Fermi gases in the dilute regime, in three dimensions. We compute the ground state energy of the system, for positive interaction potentials. We recover a well-known expression for the ground state energy at second order in the particle density, which depends on the interaction potential only via its scattering length. The first proof of this result has been given by Lieb, Seiringer and Solovej (Phys Rev A 71:053605, 2005). In this paper, we give a new derivation of this formula, using a different method; it is inspired by Bogoliubov theory, and it makes use of the almost-bosonic nature of the low-energy excitations of the systems. With respect to previous work, our result applies to a more regular class of interaction potentials, but it comes with improved error estimates on the ground state energy asymptotics in the density.
Supercaloric functions for the parabolic p-Laplace equation in the fast diffusion case
Authors: Giri Ratan Kr. , Kinnunen Juha , Moring Kristian
Published: April 2021

We study a generalized class of supersolutions, so-called p-supercaloric functions, to the parabolic p-Laplace equation. This class of functions is defined as lower semicontinuous functions that are finite in a dense set and satisfy the parabolic comparison principle. Their properties are relatively well understood for $$p\ge 2$$

p
≥
2

, but little is known in the fast diffusion case $$1<p<2$$

1
<
p
<
2

. Every bounded p-supercaloric function belongs to the natural Sobolev space and is a weak supersolution to the parabolic p-Laplace equation for the entire range $$1<p<\infty $$

1
<
p
<
∞

. Our main result shows that unbounded p-supercaloric functions are divided into two mutually exclusive classes with sharp local integrability estimates for the function and its weak gradient in the supercritical case $$\frac{2n}{n+1}<p<2$$

2
n

n
+
1

<
p
<
2

. The Barenblatt solution and the infinite point source solution show that both alternatives occur. Barenblatt solutions do not exist in the subcritical case $$1<p\le \frac{2n}{n+1}$$

1
<
p
≤

2
n

n
+
1

and the theory is not yet well understood.
Construction and Monte Carlo Estimation of Wavelet Frames Generated by a Reproducing Kernel
Authors: De Vito Ernesto , Kereta Zeljko , Naumova Valeriya , Rosasco Lorenzo , Vigogna Stefano
Published: April 2021

We introduce a construction of multiscale tight frames on general domains. The frame elements are obtained by spectral filtering of the integral operator associated with a reproducing kernel. Our construction extends classical wavelets as well as generalized wavelets on both continuous and discrete non-Euclidean structures such as Riemannian manifolds and weighted graphs. Moreover, it allows to study the relation between continuous and discrete frames in a random sampling regime, where discrete frames can be seen as Monte Carlo estimates of the continuous ones. Pairing spectral regularization with learning theory, we show that a sample frame tends to its population counterpart, and derive explicit finite-sample rates on spaces of Sobolev and Besov regularity. Our results prove the stability of frames constructed on empirical data, in the sense that all stochastic discretizations have the same underlying limit regardless of the set of initial training samples.
Low- vs. high-dose radiotherapy in Graves’ ophthalmopathy: a retrospective comparison of long-term results
Authors: Weissmann Thomas , Lettmaier Sebastian , Donaubauer Anna-Jasmina , Bert Christoph , Schmidt Manfred , Kruse Friedrich , Ott Oliver , Hecht Markus , Fietkau Rainer , Frey Benjamin , Putz Florian
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Radiotherapy represents an effective treatment option in Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO), leading to palliation of clinical symptoms. However, there are only a limited number of trials comparing the effectiveness of low- vs. high-dose radiotherapy.

Methods

We analyzed 127 patients treated with radiotherapy for stage 3/4 GO (NOSPECS classification). Patients were treated with single doses of 2.0 Gy (cumulative dose 20 Gy) until 2007, afterwards a single dose of 0.8 Gy (cumulative dose 4.8 Gy) was applied. With a median follow-up-time of 9.0 years, the treatment efficacy (overall improvement, sense of eye pressure, lid edema, ocular motility, exophthalmos, subjective vision, and diplopia) and adverse effects were analyzed by a standardized survey.

Results

Overall, 63.8% described improvement of symptoms after radiotherapy. No significant differences in overall treatment response and improvement of main outcome measures between low- or high-dose radiotherapy treatments are detectable, while low-dose radiotherapy leads significantly more often to retreatment (13.1% vs. 1.7%, p = 0.016). The main independent predictor of treatment response is the presence of lid edema (odds ratio, OR, 3.53; p = 0.006).

Conclusion

At long-term follow-up, the majority of patients reported palliation of symptoms with limited adverse effects, suggesting clinical effectiveness of radiotherapy for amelioration of GO symptoms independent of low- or high-dose radiotherapy.
Results of revision intramedullary nailing with and without auxillary plate in aseptic trochanteric and subtrochanteric nonunion
Authors: Dietze Christina , Brand Andreas , Friederichs Jan , Stuby Fabian , Schneidmueller Dorien , von Rüden Christian
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Aim of this study was to investigate whether limited open auxiliary angle stable plate fixation has an effect on functional and radiologic outcomes one year after revision intramedullary nailing in aseptic trochanteric and subtrochanteric fracture nonunion.

Methods

In a retrospective analysis, surgically revised aseptic trochanteric and subtrochanteric nonunion was evaluated in a total of 190 consecutive patients ranging from 18 to 94 years between 12/2005 and 10/2018.

Results

One year after revision intramedullary nailing, nonunion healing was assessed in 129 out of 136 patients (95%) in group 1 without auxiliary plate fixation and in 51 out of 54 patients (94%) in group 2 with auxiliary plating (p = 0.23). In group 1, range of motion (ROM) was unrestricted in 88 patients and still restricted in 48 patients. In group 2, ROM was free in 34 patients and restricted in 20 patients (p = 0.25). The mean Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) was 56 points in group 1 and 55 points in group 2 (p = 0.55).

Conclusion

This study did not demonstrate significant differences in functional and radiologic outcomes following revision intramedullary nailing of aseptic trochanteric and subtrochanteric fracture nonunion. Limited open auxiliary plate fixation might be a reasonable option especially in cases of relevant varus axis deviation and comminuted or atypical fracture configurations, regardless of patients’ age.

Retrospectively registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (01/25/2021; ID: DRKS00024112).