bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study of the radial and bending performance for poly (L‐lactic acid) braided stents with innovative runners
Authors: Zhao Gutian , Wang Bin , Liu Muqing , Tian Yuan , Wu Gensheng , Zhang Yi , Cheng Jie , Ni Zhonghua
Published: July 2021

Poly (L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) braided stent is expected to treat the peripheral vascular and biliary obstructive diseases with its excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, the application of PLLA is still restricted by insufficient mechanical performance. In this paper, a series of PLLA braided stents with runners in axial, circumferential and spiral directions were prepared, and the effects of the runners on the mechanical performance of PLLA braided stents were studied. Meanwhile, the relationship between radial supporting performance and bending performance was analyzed to evaluate the effects on mechanical performance of PLLA stents. According to the relationship, it is found that the runners in different directions have a great influence on the mechanical performance of the stents. Especially the runners in spiral direction can effectively improve the radial force and bending stiffness of the stents compared with the control group. This work provides some suggestions for the development and design of PLLA braided stents in the future.
Study on the ageing effect of alumina/epoxy composites modified by atmospheric plasma jet
Authors: Kang Yuchan , Yan Jiyuan , Peng Chengkai , Song Yanze , Bian Bo , Lü Tianshu , Wan Zijian , Xie Qing
Published: July 2021

Alumina/epoxy resin (Al2O3/EP) composite material is widely used in the manufacture of insulators. However, the operation environment of long‐term high‐voltage direct current will destroy Al2O3/EP surface insulating performance. In this article, Al2O3/EP was modified by atmospheric pressure Ar and Ar/CF4 plasma jet, and its aging effect was studied by investigating the physicochemical characteristics and the electrical performances of the sample 0 ~ 100 days after modification. The experimental results show that after plasma treatment the surface roughness of the material increases; the O/C ratio on the surface of the material increases after Ar treatment, and the F element is grafted on the surface after Ar/CF4 treatment. These changes lead to the increase of surface energy and hydrophilicity, and the improvement of electrical performance. The surface properties change within 100 days owing to the oxidation reactions and the variability of recombination chemical bonds and molecular chains after high‐energy plasma treatment. The surface O/C ratio of the materials treated by Ar plasma is obviously reduced, the hydrophobicity is restored to some extent, and the electrical properties are also obviously weakened. In comparison, the properties of Ar/CF4 plasma‐modified materials do not change significantly.
Effect of solution blown nanofibers on Mode‐I fracture toughness and dynamic mechanical properties of carbon fiber‐reinforced composites
Authors: Polat Yusuf , Ekici Bulent , Kilic Ali
Published: July 2021

In this study, solution‐blown nanofibers were coated on carbon fiber (CF) fabrics to improve Mode‐I fracture toughness and dynamic mechanical properties of the composite laminates. Nanofiber coatings of various basis weights were directly spun over CF fabrics, which were then formed into composite laminates via vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding. A double cantilever beam test was conducted to analyze the Mode‐I fracture toughness of CF‐reinforced epoxy composites. The results showed that solution‐blown nanofiber coatings stabilized the crack propagation and increased the delamination strength hence increased the Mode‐I fracture toughness by nearly 48% for the addition of 1 g/m2nanofibrous web. Dynamic mechanical analysis was performed to investigate the effect of nanofibers on the stiffness of materials and the homogeneity of samples. Storage modulus, loss modulus, and damping factor were calculated, and corresponding Cole‐Cole plots were drawn. DMA results showed that the stiffness of the composite sample increased up to 17% even after a minor amount (1 g/m2) of nanofiber coating.
QSR‐dissipativity of feedback interconnection of switched nonlinear systems under communication constraints
Authors: Cao Zhengbao
Published: July 2021

This article studies QSR‐dissipativity of feedback interconnection of switched nonlinear system (SNS) via event‐triggered control. The QSR‐dissipativity property of a SNS is characterized by multiple storage functions and multiple supply rates, and the storage functions are allowed to increase at switching instants. All subsystems are allowed to be not QSR‐dissipative while a switching rule can read QSR‐dissipativity of the switched system. An output‐based event‐triggered control scheme is proposed to guarantee QSR‐dissipativity of feedback interconnection of switched systems possessing QSR‐dissipativity. In addition, Zeno behavior is excluded and the maximum number of triggers in any switching interval composed by two adjacent switching instants is estimated. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the validity of the results.
Recent Progress on Metal Halide Perovskite Solar Minimodules
Authors: Yang Zhichun , Liu Zonghao , Ahmadi Vahid , Chen Wei , Qi Yabing
Published: July 2021

The rapid development of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) in view of efficiency during the past decade has made this emerging photovoltaic (PV) technology a promising competitor in the PV market. In the next step, PSCs need be manufactured into module scale to meet the commercialization requirements for further practical application. Demonstrations of perovskite solar modules (PSMs) and their improvements in efficiency and stability have recently become an intense area of research activities. Minimodules with the size suitable for laboratory investigation are naturally recognized as a desirable model for the study of PSMs. Herein, the recent progress and challenges in perovskite solar minimodules and the efforts to improve their scalable fabrication, efficiency, and stability are reviewed. Minimodule architectures, minimodule fabrication, and progress in the scalable deposition of perovskite and charge‐transport layers as well as minimodule encapsulation are also discussed.
Colloidal SnO2‐Assisted CdS Electron Transport Layer Enables Efficient Electron Extraction for Planar Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhou Juntian , Zhou Ru , Zhu Jun , Jiang Ping , Wan Lei , Niu Haihong , Hu Linhua , Yang Xi , Xu Jinzhang , Xu Baomin
Published: July 2021

The cadmium sulfide (CdS) is a promising electron transport layer (ETL) material for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) due to its low photocatalytic activity toward perovskite materials under UV light. The critical problem responsible for the moderate performance of CdS‐based PSCs is the parasitic light absorption of CdS, which drives researchers to deposit ultrathin ETLs. However, the ultrathin ETL often involves the undesirable shunt current leakage because of the direct contact between conducting substrate and perovskite layer. Herein, a fully low‐temperature solution‐processed colloidal SnO2‐assisted CdS (S‐CdS) ETL for planar CH3NH3PbI3 PSCs is constructed. The detailed characterizations of morphological, optical, and energy levels confirm that the assistance of colloidal SnO2 provides the ameliorated continuity, reduces surface roughness and superior wettability of ETLs for high‐quality perovskite formation as well as the favorable cascade band structure for efficient charge transfer. The study of charge transfer mechanisms reveals that the S‐CdS ETL effectively inhibits the shunt leakage, promotes the electron extraction and suppresses the charge recombination at the ETL/perovskite interface. Consequently, the S‐CdS ETL‐based PSCs deliver an appreciable efficiency of 16.26%, doubling that of conventional CdS‐based devices. To the best of our knowledge, this value is the champion efficiency reported for CdS‐based CH3NH3PbI3 PSCs.
Resilience of dual steel‐dual frame buildings in seismic areas
Authors: Dubina Dan , Dinu Florea , Stratan Aurel
Published: July 2021

Resilience has many components, but two are of importance when structural systems are envisaged, i.e. the capacity to resist the hazard, or robustness, and the ability to recover from the hazard. So, the structure may sustain structural damage, but collapse should be avoided. Moreover, the damages are repairable, such that the initial functionality is recovered.

In terms of structural mechanics, a robust structure is associated with a good balance between stiffness, strength, and plastic deformation capacity. As a result, it is expected that alternative routes are available for redistributing the loads and prevent the progressive collapse in case of a local damage. The seismic design codes in force today aim at these objectives by applying the capacity design method and using relevant admissibility criteria. However, there are exceptional situations when the earthquakes are more powerful than expected, and even the structures correctly designed can be at risk. The situation can be worsened by cascading hazards, like fire or explosion. When safety margins are exceeded, partial or global collapse can be initiated. The reliability demands of building structures at high seismic risk need to be considered to increase the resilience. One such approach is based on the so‐called Dual Steel‐Dual Frame concept, which combines steel grades and structural systems to increase the capacity of response and reduce the consequences of extreme hazards.
circZFR regulates thyroid cancer progression by the miR‐16/MAPK1 axis
Authors: Xiong Hui , Yu Huimei , Jia Guangwei , Yu Jinsong , Su Yang , Zhang Jianliang , Zhou Jin
Published: July 2021

Previous studies have identified the dysregulation of various circRNAs in many types of human cancers including thyroid cancer (TC). Circular RNA ZFR (circZFR) serves as an oncogenic circRNA in TC. However, the detailed molecular mechanism of circZFR in TC progression remains to be further explored. CircZFR and miR‐16 expressions in TC cells were analyzed through qRT‐PCR. Cell viability, invasion, and apoptosis were detected using CCK‐8, transwell invasion assay, and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. The relationship between circZFR and miR‐16 was explored using luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull‐down assay, and qRT‐PCR. The relationship between miR‐16 and mitogen‐activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) was explored using luciferase reporter assay and western blot analysis. Results showed that circZFR was upregulated and miR‐16 was downregulated in TC cells. CircZFR knockdown inhibited the viability and invasion and induced apoptosis in TC cells. CircZFR inhibited miR‐16 expression by sponging miR‐16 and miR‐16 repressed MAPK1 expression by targeting MAPK1. Moreover, circZFR positively regulated MAPK1 expression in TC cells by serving as a ceRNA of miR‐16. Mechanistically, circZFR knockdown‐induced inhibition of cell viability and invasion and promotion of apoptosis were overturned after miR‐16 downregulation and promotion of MAPK1. Collectively, circZFR knockdown retarded TC progression by sponging miR‐16 and modulating MAPK1 expression.
Accuracy of health‐related information regarding COVID‐19 on Twitter during a global pandemic
Authors: Swetland Sarah B. , Rothrock Ava N. , Andris Halle , Davis Bennett , Nguyen Linh , Davis Phil , Rothrock Steven G.
Published: July 2021

This study was performed to analyze the accuracy of health‐related information on Twitter during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. Authors queried Twitter on three dates for information regarding COVID‐19 and five terms (cure, emergency or emergency room, prevent or prevention, treat or treatments, vitamins or supplements) assessing the first 25 results with health‐related information. Tweets were authoritative if written by governments, hospitals, or physicians. Two physicians assessed each tweet for accuracy. Metrics were compared between accurate and inaccurate tweets usingχ2analysis and Mann–WhitneyU. A total of 25.4% of tweets were inaccurate. Accurate tweets were more likely written by Twitter authenticated authors (49.8% vs. 20.9%, 28.9% difference, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.7–38.2) with accurate tweet authors having more followers (19,491 vs. 7346; 3446 difference, 95% CI: 234–14,054) versus inaccurate tweet authors. Likes, retweets, tweet length, botometer scores, writing grade level, and rank order did not differ between accurate and inaccurate tweets. We found 1/4 of health‐related COVID‐19 tweets inaccurate indicating that the public should not rely on COVID‐19 health information written on Twitter. Ideally, improved government regulatory authority, public/private industry oversight, independent fact‐checking, and artificial intelligence algorithms are needed to ensure inaccurate information on Twitter is removed.
Delayed diagnosed trauma in severely injured patients despite guidelines-oriented emergency room treatment: there is still a risk
Authors: Suda Arnold J. , Baran Kristine , Brunnemer Suna , Köck Manuela , Obertacke Udo , Eschmann David
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Emergency trauma room treatment follows established algorithms such as ATLS®. Nevertheless, there are injuries that are not immediately recognized here. The aim of this study was to evaluate the residual risk for manifesting life-threatening injuries despite strict adherence to trauma room guidelines, which is different to missed injuries that describe recognizable injuries.

Methods

In a retrospective study, we included 2694 consecutive patients admitted to the emergency trauma room of one single level I trauma center between 2016 and 2019. In accordance with the trauma room algorithm, primary and secondary survey, trauma whole-body CT scan, eFAST, and tertiary survey were performed. Patients who needed emergency surgery during their hospital stay for additional injury found after guidelines-oriented emergency trauma room treatment were analyzed.

Results

In seven patients (0.26%; mean age 50.4 years, range 18–90; mean ISS 39.7, range 34–50), a life-threatening injury occurred in the further course: one epidural bleeding (13 h after tertiary survey) and six abdominal hollow organ injuries (range 5.5 h–4 days after tertiary survey). Two patients (0.07% overall) with abdominal injury died. The “number needed to fail” was 385 (95%–CI 0.0010–0.0053).

Conclusion

Our study reveals a remaining risk for delayed diagnosis of potentially lethal injuries despite accurate emergency trauma room algorithms. In other words, there were missed injuries that could have been identified using this algorithm but were missed due to other reasons. Continuous clinical and instrument-based examinations should, therefore, not be neglected after completion of the tertiary survey.

Level of evidence

Level II: Development of diagnostic criteria on the basis of consecutive patients (with universally applied reference “gold” standard).
SARS-CoV-2-Übertragungswege und Implikationen für den Selbst- und Fremdschutz
Authors: Oh Djin-Ye , Böttcher Sindy , Kröger Stefan , von Kleist Max
Published: July 2021

Die weltweite Ausbreitung des Coronavirus SARS-CoV‑2 hat Gesundheits‑, Wirtschafts- und Gesellschaftssysteme massiv in Mitleidenschaft gezogen. Obwohl mittlerweile effektive Impfstoffe zur Verfügung stehen, ist es wahrscheinlich, dass der Erreger endemisch wird und uns noch über Jahre begleitet. Um andere und sich selbst möglichst effektiv vor einer SARS-CoV-2-Infektion zu schützen, ist ein Verständnis der Übertragungswege von größter Wichtigkeit.

In dieser Übersichtsarbeit erläutern wir Übertragungswege im Hinblick auf den Fremd- und Eigenschutz. Darüber hinaus gehen wir auf die Charakteristika der SARS-CoV-2-Übertragung auf Populationsebene ein. Diese Arbeit soll helfen, folgende Fragen anhand der verfügbaren Literatur zu beantworten: Wann und wie lange ist eine infizierte Person kontagiös (ansteckungsfähig)? Wie wird das Virus ausgeschieden? Wie wird das Virus aufgenommen? Wie verbreitet sich das Virus in der Gesellschaft?

Die Mensch-zu-Mensch-Übertragung von SARS-CoV‑2 wird in starkem Maße durch die biologischen Erregereigenschaften, einschließlich der Infektions‑, Replikations- und Ausscheidungskinetik, bestimmt. SARS-CoV‑2 wird hauptsächlich über humane Aerosole übertragen, die von infizierten Personen ausgeschieden werden, auch wenn Erkrankungssymptome (noch) nicht vorliegen. Hieraus resultiert ein relevanter Anteil prä- bzw. asymptomatischer Transmissionen. In geschlossenen Räumen erfolgen Übertragungen besonders effektiv. Die meisten infizierten Personen rufen eine geringe Zahl von Sekundärfällen hervor, während wenige Fälle (sog. Superspreader) zu vielen Folgeinfektionen führen – auf Populationsebene spricht man hier von einer „Überdispersion“. Die besonderen Merkmale von SARS-CoV‑2 (asymptomatische Aerosolübertragung und Überdispersion) machen die Pandemie schwer kontrollierbar.
The technology, economy, and environmental sustainability of isotropic superfinishing applied to electron-beam melted Ti-6Al-4V components
Authors: Atzeni Eleonora , Catalano Angioletta R. , Priarone Paolo C. , Salmi Alessandro
Published: July 2021

Additive manufacturing (AM) processes allow complex geometries to be produced with enhanced functionality, but technological challenges still have to be dealt with, in terms of surface finish and achieved tolerances. Among the consolidated powder-bed fusion processes, electron beam melting (EBM), which allows almost stress-free parts to be manufactured with a high productivity and minimum use of support structures, suffers from a poor surface quality. Thus, finishing processes have to be performed. The same geometrical complexity, which is considered one of the benefits of AM, becomes an issue when finishing is applied, in particular when internal features are present. Unconventional isotropic superfinishing processes could be a solution to this problem since they can generate a low surface roughness on complex geometries. However, the performance characteristics, with regard to the environmental sustainability and economic aspects, need to be evaluated since they are key factors that must be considered for decision-support tools when selecting a finishing process. The technological feasibility of the isotropic superfinishing (ISF) process, applied to Ti-6Al-4V parts produced by electron beam melting, is investigated in this paper by considering the dimensional and geometrical deviations induced by the finishing treatment, and from observations of the surface morphology. A significant reduction in surface roughness, Sa, to around 4 μm, has been observed on the most irregular surfaces, although the original shape is maintained. Environmental sustainability has been analyzed for all the manufacturing steps, from powder production to part fabrication, to the finishing process, and both the cumulative energy demand and material waste have been accounted for. The economic impact of the whole manufacturing chain has been evaluated, and the advantages of the ISF process are pointed out.
Textbook Outcome Following Liver Transplantation
Authors: Lim Chetana , Llado Laura , Salloum Chady , Ramos Emilio , Lopez‐Dominguez Josefina , Cachero Alba , Fabregat Joan , Azoulay Daniel
Published: July 2021

Background

Textbook outcome (TBO) is a patient‐oriented composite criterion achieved when all desired main health outcomes are realized. The aim was to assess the incidence and the independent factors associated with TBO following LT.

Methods

This bicentric study included all patients who underwent their first elective liver‐only LT between 2011 and 2015. TBO occurred when all the following criteria were fulfilled: no mortality within 90 days, no major complications within 90 days, no reintervention within 90 days (liver graft biopsy, radiological, endoscopic or surgical interventions, or retransplantation), no prolonged intensive care unit stay, and no prolonged hospital stay. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify factors associated with TBO and to assess whether TBO is an independent factor associated with patient and graft survival.

Results

The study population included 530 patients. TBO occurred in 176/530 (33%) patients. Independent factors associated with TBO included the balance of risk score, the use of an intraoperative temporary portacaval shunt, and duration of the operation. TBO was identified as an independent factor associated with graft survival but not patient survival.

Conclusions

TBO might be implemented in the patient–doctor decision‐making regarding whether to proceed with LT and in the reporting of patient‐level hospital performance related to LT.
Respiratory anomalies associated with gadoxetate disodium and gadoterate meglumine: compressed sensing MRI revealing physiologic phenomena during the entire injection cycle
Authors: Glessgen Carl Guillaume , Breit Hanns-Christian , Block Tobias Kai , Merkle Elmar Max , Heye Tobias , Boll Daniel Tobias
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The goal of this study was to investigate the precise timeline of respiratory events occurring after the administration of two gadolinium-based contrast agents, gadoxetate disodium and gadoterate meglumine.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study examined 497 patients subject to hepatobiliary imaging using the GRASP MRI technique (TR/TE = 4/2 ms; ST = 2.5 mm; 384 × 384 mm). Imaging was performed after administration of gadoxetate (N = 338) and gadoterate (N = 159). All GRASP datasets were reconstructed using a temporal resolution of 1 s. Four regions-of-interest (ROIs) were placed in the liver dome, the right and left cardiac ventricle, and abdominal aorta detecting liver displacement and increasing vascular signal intensities over time. Changes in hepatic intensity reflected respiratory dynamics in temporal correlation to the vascular contrast bolus.

Results

In total, 216 (67%) and 41 (28%) patients presented with transient respiratory motion after administration of gadoxetate and gadoterate, respectively. The mean duration from start to acme of the respiratory episode was similar (p = 0.4) between gadoxetate (6.0 s) and gadoterate (5.6 s). Its mean onset in reference to contrast arrival in the right ventricle differed significantly (p < 0.001) between gadoxetate (15.3s) and gadoterate (1.8 s), analogously to peak inspiration timepoint in reference to the aortic enhancement arrival (gadoxetate: 0.9s after, gadoterate: 11.2 s before aortic enhancement, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The timepoint of occurrence of transient respiratory anomalies associated with gadoxetate disodium and gadoterate meglumine differs significantly between both contrast agents while the duration of the event remains similar.

Key Points

• Transient respiratory anomalies following the administration of gadoterate meglumine occurred during a time period usually not acquired in MR imaging.

• Transient respiratory anomalies following the administration of gadoxetate disodium occurred around the initiation of arterial phase imaging.

• The estimated duration of respiratory events was similar between both contrast agents.
Phenotypic diversity of genetic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease: a histo-molecular-based classification
Authors: Baiardi Simone , Rossi Marcello , Mammana Angela , Appleby Brian S. , Barria Marcelo A. , Calì Ignazio , Gambetti Pierluigi , Gelpi Ellen , Giese Armin , Ghetti Bernardino , Herms Jochen , Ladogana Anna , Mikol Jacqueline , Pal Suvankar , Ritchie Diane L. , Ruf Viktoria , Windl Otto , Capellari Sabina , Parchi Piero
Published: July 2021

The current classification of sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (sCJD) includes six major clinicopathological subtypes defined by the physicochemical properties of the protease-resistant core of the pathologic prion protein (PrPSc), defining two major PrPSc types (i.e., 1 and 2), and the methionine (M)/valine (V) polymorphic codon 129 of the prion protein gene (PRNP). How these sCJD subtypes relate to the well-documented phenotypic heterogeneity of genetic CJD (gCJD) is not fully understood. We analyzed molecular and phenotypic features in 208 individuals affected by gCJD, carrying 17 different mutations, and compared them with those of a large series of sCJD cases. We identified six major groups of gCJD based on the combination PrPSc type and codon 129 genotype on PRNP mutated allele, each showing distinctive histopathological characteristics, irrespectively of the PRNP associated mutation. Five gCJD groups, named M1, M2C, M2T, V1, and V2, largely reproduced those previously described in sCJD subtypes. The sixth group shared phenotypic traits with the V2 group and was only detected in patients carrying the E200K-129M haplotype in association with a PrPSc type of intermediate size (“i”) between type 1 and type 2. Additional mutation-specific effects involved the pattern of PrP deposition (e.g., a “thickened” synaptic pattern in E200K carriers, cerebellar “stripe-like linear granular deposits” in those with insertion mutations, and intraneuronal globular dots in E200K-V2 or -M”i”). A few isolated cases linked to rare PRNP haplotypes (e.g., T183A-129M), showed atypical phenotypic features, which prevented their classification into the six major groups. The phenotypic variability of gCJD is mostly consistent with that previously found in sCJD. As in sCJD, the codon 129 genotype and physicochemical properties of PrPSc significantly correlated with the phenotypic variability of gCJD. The most common mutations linked to CJD appear to have a variable and overall less significant effect on the disease phenotype, but they significantly influence disease susceptibility often in a strain-specific manner. The criteria currently used for sCJD subtypes can be expanded and adapted to gCJD to provide an updated classification of the disease with a molecular basis.
The evolving epidemiology of acute gastroenteritis in hospitalized children in Italy
Authors: Stanyevic Brigida , Sepich Margherita , Biondi Samanta , Baroncelli Giampiero Igli , Peroni Diego , Di Cicco Maria
Published: July 2021

Few data are available on the prevalence and features of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in hospitalized children in Italy, where specific rotavirus vaccines were introduced into the national vaccination plan in 2017. To evaluate vaccination effects on AGE epidemiology, we analysed data from children aged ≤ 18 years admitted for AGE at the University Hospital of Pisa in 2019, comparing them with those recorded in 2012. Demographical, clinical, diagnostic, and treatment data were collected reviewing medical records and were therefore compared. In 2019 and 2012, 86 (median age 2.5 years [IQR 1.4–5.9]) and 85 children (median age 2.3 years [IQR 1.3–5.1]) were respectively admitted with AGE. The most common symptoms were diarrhoea and vomiting; decreased skin turgor was more frequent in 2019 (54% and 34% respectively, p = 0.01). Viral infections were more common than bacterial ones; in 2019, a decrease in rotavirus infections (67% and 22%, p = 0.003) and an increase in adenovirus infections (50% and 10%, p = 0.002) and in the number of patients with negative stool testing (58% and 39%, p = 0.04) were found.

Conclusions: Viral infections are the leading cause of AGE in hospitalized children in Italy. The introduction of rotavirus vaccines did not reduce the number of hospitalizations per year. Adenovirus and other non-routinely screened viruses may be undergoing a selection process making them common causative agents for AGE.

What is Known:• Rotavirus is the leading cause of acute severe gastroenteritis in children worldwide, especially < 5 years of age.• The introduction of specific vaccines may be changing its epidemiology.• Few data are available on acute gastroenteritis in hospitalized children in Italy.

What is New:• Viral infections are the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in hospitalized children in Italy.• Specific vaccines are reducing rotavirus infections, but adenovirus and other non-routinely screened viruses may be undergoing a selection process making them common causative agents for gastroenteritis.
„Jetzt Sprichst Du!“
Authors: Schabus Manuel , Eigl Esther-Sevil
Published: July 2021

Die Umfrage „Jetzt Sprichst Du!“ veranschaulicht eindrücklich die psychosozialen Belastungen und die Beeinträchtigung von Kindern und Jugendlichen in Österreich während der aktuellen Coronapandemie. Im Rahmen einer Online-Umfrage wurden 5483 Kinder und Jugendliche im Alter von 6 bis 18 Jahren bezüglich ihrer Gefühle, Ängste, Sorgen und Einschätzungen im Zusammenhang mit der Coronapandemie befragt. Es zeigt sich, dass die Kinder und Jugendlichen durch die Situation geängstigt sind und Mädchen hierbei über alle Altersgruppen hinweg stärker belastet sind. In diesem Zusammenhang wird auch deutlich, dass das Risiko einer COVID-19-assoziierten Hospitalisierung ähnlich wie bei Erwachsenen von den Kindern wie Jugendlichen massiv überschätzt wird. Auch macht sich in allen Altersgruppen eine hohe Perspektivenlosigkeit aufgrund der anhaltend herausfordernden Situation bemerkbar. Ferner häufen sich Gefühle von Wut, Ärger, Einsamkeit und Traurigkeit und es zeigt sich eine alarmierende Verschlechterung der Schlafqualität und eine Zunahme der Schlafproblematiken. Die Daten der Umfrage „Jetzt Sprichst Du!“ betonen die Notwendigkeit eines unabdingbaren und raschen Handelns, um sowohl die psychosozialen, entwicklungspsychologischen als auch gesundheitlichen Kollateralschäden in dieser jungen Altersgruppe einzudämmen, soweit dies heute noch möglich ist.
Integrating Aquatic Metabolism and Net Ecosystem CO2 Balance in Short- and Long-Hydroperiod Subtropical Freshwater Wetlands
Authors: Malone Sparkle L. , Zhao Junbin , Kominoski John S. , Starr Gregory , Staudhammer Christina L. , Olivas Paulo C. , Cummings Justin C. , Oberbauer Steven F.
Published: July 2021

How aquatic primary productivity influences the carbon (C) sequestering capacity of wetlands is uncertain. We evaluated the magnitude and variability in aquatic C dynamics and compared them to net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) and ecosystem respiration (Reco) rates within calcareous freshwater wetlands in Everglades National Park. We continuously recorded 30-min measurements of dissolved oxygen (DO), water level, water temperature (Twater), and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). These measurements were coupled with ecosystem CO2 fluxes over 5 years (2012–2016) in a long-hydroperiod peat-rich, freshwater marsh and a short-hydroperiod, freshwater marl prairie. Daily net aquatic primary productivity (NAPP) rates indicated both wetlands were generally net heterotrophic. Gross aquatic primary productivity (GAPP) ranged from 0 to − 6.3 g C m−2 day−1 and aquatic respiration (RAq) from 0 to 6.13 g C m−2 day−1. Nonlinear interactions between water level, Twater, and GAPP and RAq resulted in high variability in NAPP that contributed to NEE. Net aquatic primary productivity accounted for 4–5% of the deviance explained in NEE rates. With respect to the flux magnitude, daily NAPP was a greater proportion of daily NEE at the long-hydroperiod site (mean = 95%) compared to the short-hydroperiod site (mean = 64%). Although we have confirmed the significant contribution of NAPP to NEE in both long- and short-hydroperiod freshwater wetlands, the decoupling of the aquatic and ecosystem fluxes could largely depend on emergent vegetation, the carbonate cycle, and the lateral C flux.
Unveiling endogeneity and temporal dependence in energy prices and demand in Iberian countries: a stochastic hidden Markov model approach
Authors: Antunes Jorge , Gil-Alana Luis Alberiko , Riccardi Rossana , Tan Yong , Wanke Peter
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we analyze the temporal dependence in energy prices and demand using daily data of Portugal and Spain over the period 2007–2017. The methodology used is based on a stochastic Hidden Markov Model and the results indicate first that all significant relationships between energy prices and demands were found to be positive; second, spot prices are only time dependent on future prices and spot energy, while future energy is solely time dependent on spot energy behavior; third, future prices are not only autocorrelated but also time-dependent with spot energy and future energy demands level; and finally, spot energy is autocorrelated and time-dependent with future prices and future energy. Policy implications of the results obtained are presented at the end of the article.
We do not measure what we aim to measure: Testing Three Measurement Models for Nationalism and Patriotism
Authors: Mußotter Marlene
Published: July 2021

The measurement models for both nationalism and patriotism originally developed by Blank and Schmidt are broadly established. Despite their widespread usage in Germany and beyond, concerns have been voiced about the operationalisation of these nation-related concepts. However, in previous scholarship little attention has been devoted to systematically reviewing the models’ validity. This paper’s major goal is to contribute substantially to research on operationalising national attitudes by thoroughly examining how both nationalism and patriotism are measured and how valid the predominant measurement models really are. By running a confirmatory factor analysis, three measurement models based on the ISSP data of 2003 are replicated and empirically reviewed. By conducting a single-country analysis, the models are tested for the German case, including the evaluation of measurement invariance for both Eastern and Western Germany. Although the selected measurement models yield satisfying results, the paper identifies considerable shortcomings with regard to the way both nationalism and patriotism are empirically approached. It calls for a reconceptualising of the prevailing concept of pride and thus challenges the predominant operationalisation.
Between mechanical clocks and emergent flocks: complexities in biology
Authors: Gross Fridolin
Published: July 2021

Even though complexity is a concept that is ubiquitously used by biologists and philosophers of biology, it is rarely made precise. I argue that a clarification of the concept is neither trivial nor unachievable, and I propose a unifying framework based on the technical notion of “effective complexity” that allows me to do justice to conflicting intuitions about biological complexity, while taking into account several distinctions in the usage of the concept that are often overlooked. In particular, I propose a distinction between two kinds of complexity, “mechanical” and “emergent”, which can be understood as different ways of relating the effective complexity of mechanisms and of behaviors in biological explanations. I illustrate the adequacy of this framework by discussing different attempts to understand intracellular organization in terms of pathways and networks. My framework provides a different way of thinking about recent philosophical debates, for example, on the difference between mechanistic and topological explanations and about the concept of emergence. Moreover, it can contribute to a proper assessment of metascientific arguments that invoke biological complexity.
A Spectroscopic Paradox: The Interaction of Methanol with ZSM-5 at Room Temperature
Authors: Zachariou Andrea , Hawkins Alexander P. , Howe Russell F. , Barrow Nathan , Bradley Jonathan , Collier Paul , Lennon David , Parker Stewart F.
Published: July 2021

The adsorption of methanol in HZSM-5 at low temperatures has long been regarded as an associative process involving hydrogen bonding to the acidic zeolite hydroxyl groups. Recent studies employing inelastic neutron scattering spectroscopy (INS) have reported that complete dissociation to methoxylate the zeolite occurs at 298 K, and infrared evidence for a partial dissociation at 298 K has also been described. Here we investigate the apparent contradictions between different techniques, using a combination of INS, infrared spectroscopy and solid-state NMR spectroscopy, including isotopic substitution experiments. Different possible explanations are proposed and considered; we conclude that at room temperature methanol is very largely associatively adsorbed, although the presence of some small extent (>1%) of methoxylation cannot be ruled out.
Occurrence and size distribution of silver nanoparticles in wastewater effluents from various treatment processes in Canada
Authors: Gagnon Christian , Turcotte Patrice , Gagné François , Smyth Shirley Anne
Published: July 2021

The occurrence of silver (Ag) in urban effluents is partly associated with the increasing use of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) as an antiseptic agent in various consumer products. Distinction among Ag forms must be taken into account in the assessment of exposure and toxicological effects to aquatic organisms. Wastewater treatment processes effectively remove Ag particles and colloids (mostly > 95%), but this still leaves notable concentrations (in order of ng/L) escaping to effluent-receiving waters. Total suspended Ag concentrations in various studied effluents ranged from 0.1 to 6 ng/L. The purpose of this study was then to measure and characterize Ag NPs in urban effluents for their concentrations and size distribution using the single particle ICP-MS technique (SP-ICP-MS). Wastewater influents and effluents from various treatment plants—from aerated lagoons to advanced treatment technology—were collected for three sampling days. Our results showed the presence of Ag NP in all samples with concentrations reaching 0.5 ng/L on a mass basis. However, on a particle number basis, Ag NP concentrations (expressed in particle/mL) in the 20–34-nm fraction (up to 3400 particles/mL) were much more abundant (> 700%) than in the > 35-nm larger fraction. The proportion of Ag at the nanoscale (1–100 nm) represents less than 8% of the total suspended Ag for all effluent samples, regardless of their origins. A significant correlation (linear regression: r2 > 0.7) was observed between Ag NP and total suspended Ag concentrations in investigated effluents. Because Ag nanotoxicity is size dependent, the determination of size distribution and exposure concentration on a particle number basis is urgently needed for risk assessment of this class of nanoparticles.
Lipid and metabolite correlation networks specific to clinical and biochemical covariate show differences associated with sexual dimorphism in a cohort of nonagenarians
Authors: Di Cesare Francesca , Tenori Leonardo , Meoni Gaia , Gori Anna Maria , Marcucci Rossella , Giusti Betti , Molino-Lova Raffaele , Macchi Claudio , Pancani Silvia , Luchinat Claudio , Saccenti Edoardo
Published: July 2021

This study defines and estimates the metabolite-lipidic component association networks constructed from an array of 20 metabolites and 114 lipids identified and quantified via NMR spectroscopy in the serum of a cohort of 355 Italian nonagenarians and ultra-nonagenarian. Metabolite-lipid association networks were built for men and women and related to an array of 101 clinical and biochemical parameters, including the presence of diseases, bio-humoral parameters, familiarity diseases, drugs treatments, and risk factors. Different connectivity patterns were observed in lipids, branched chains amino acids, alanine, and ketone bodies, suggesting their association with the sex-related and sex-clinical condition-related intrinsic metabolic changes. Furthermore, our results demonstrate, using a holistic system biology approach, that the characterization of metabolic structures and their dynamic inter-connections is a promising tool to shed light on the dimorphic pathophysiological mechanisms of aging at the molecular level.
Waning antibody responses in COVID-19: what can we learn from the analysis of other coronaviruses?
Authors: Hamady Ali , Lee JinJu , Loboda Zuzanna A.
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the novel betacoronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was declared a pandemic in March 2020. Due to the continuing surge in incidence and mortality globally, determining whether protective, long-term immunity develops after initial infection or vaccination has become critical.

Methods/Results

In this narrative review, we evaluate the latest understanding of antibody-mediated immunity to SARS-CoV-2 and to other coronaviruses (SARS-CoV, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus and the four endemic human coronaviruses) in order to predict the consequences of antibody waning on long-term immunity against SARS-CoV-2. We summarise their antibody dynamics, including the potential effects of cross-reactivity and antibody waning on vaccination and other public health strategies. At present, based on our comparison with other coronaviruses we estimate that natural antibody-mediated protection for SARS-CoV-2 is likely to last for 1–2 years and therefore, if vaccine-induced antibodies follow a similar course, booster doses may be required. However, other factors such as memory B- and T-cells and new viral strains will also affect the duration of both natural and vaccine-mediated immunity.

Conclusion

Overall, antibody titres required for protection are yet to be established and inaccuracies of serological methods may be affecting this. We expect that with standardisation of serological testing and studies with longer follow-up, the implications of antibody waning will become clearer.
An improved generative adversarial network with modified loss function for crack detection in electromagnetic nondestructive testing
Authors: Tian Lulu , Wang Zidong , Liu Weibo , Cheng Yuhua , Alsaadi Fuad E. , Liu Xiaohui
Published: July 2021

In this paper, an improved generative adversarial network (GAN) is proposed for the crack detection problem in electromagnetic nondestructive testing (NDT). To enhance the contrast ratio of the generated image, two additional regulation terms are introduced in the loss function of the underlying GAN. By applying an appropriate threshold to the segmentation of the generated image, the real crack areas and the fake crack areas (which are affected by the noises) are accurately distinguished. Experiments are carried out to show the superiority of the improved GAN over the original one on crack detection tasks, where a real-world NDT dataset is exploited that consists of magnetic optical images obtained using the electromagnetic NDT technique.
The Mechanism of Metallosis After Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Ude Chinedu C. , Esdaille Caldon J. , Ogueri Kenneth S. , Kan Ho-Man , Laurencin Samuel J. , Nair Lakshmi S. , Laurencin Cato T.
Published: July 2021

Metallosis is defined as the accumulation and deposition of metallic particles secondary to abnormal wear from prosthetic implants that may be visualized as abnormal macroscopic staining of periprosthetic soft tissues. This phenomenon occurs secondary to the release of metal ions and particles from metal-on-metal hip implants in patients with end-stage osteoarthritis. Ions and particles shed from implants can lead to local inflammation of surrounding tissue and less commonly, very rare systemic manifestations may occur in various organ systems. With the incidence of total hip arthroplasty increasing as well as rates of revisions due to prosthesis failure from previous metal-on-metal implants, metallosis has become an important area of research. Bodily fluids are electrochemically active and react with biomedical implants. Particles, especially cobalt and chromium, are released from implants as they abrade against one another into the surrounding tissues. The body’s normal defense mechanism becomes activated, which can elicit a cascade of events, leading to inflammation of the immediate surrounding tissues and eventually implant failure. In this review, various mechanisms of metallosis are explored. Focus was placed on the atomic and molecular makeup of medical implants, the component/surgical associated factors, cellular responses, wear, tribocorrosion, joint loading, and fluid pressure associated with implantation. Current treatment guidelines for failed implants include revision surgery. An alternative treatment could be chelation therapy, which may drive future studies.

Lay Summary

Arthroplasty is an invasive procedure which disrupts surrounding joint tissues, and can greatly perturb the joint’s immune homeostasis. In some instances, this may pose a difficult challenge to implant integration. Particles released from implants into the surrounding joint tissues activate the body’s defense mechanism, eliciting a cascade of events, which leads to biotribocorrosion and electrochemical attacks on the implant. This process may lead to the release of even more particles. Besides, implant makeup and designs, frictions between bearing surfaces, corrosion of non-moving parts with modular junctions, surgical mistakes, patient factor, comorbidities, and loosened components can alter the expected function of implants. High accumulations of these ions and particulates result in metallosis, with accompanying adverse complications. Current recommended treatment for failed prosthesis is revision surgeries. However, chelation therapy as a prophylactic intervention may be useful in future efforts but more investigation is required.
Scolicidal activity of biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles by Mentha longifolia L. leaves against Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices
Authors: Shnawa Bushra H. , Hamad Samir M. , Barzinjy Azeez A. , Kareem Payman A. , Ahmed Mukhtar H.
Published: July 2021

Cystic echinococcosis is a public health problem in developing countries that practice sheep breeding extensively. In the current study, the protoscolicidal activity of biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) derived from Mentha longifolia L. leaf extracts was investigated. The resultant ZnO NPs were characterized by means of various analytical techniques, such as ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. The results showed that the ZnO NP had the highest scolicidal activity at 400 ppm concentration after 150 min of exposure time, showing 100% mortality rate. The treated protoscolices exhibited loss of viability with several morphological alterations. Hence, an easy and effective green synthesis of ZnO NPs, with efficient scolicidal potential, is reported in this study.
Congenital CMV Infection Presenting with Massive Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: deVrijer Barbra , Crowley Diana , Cosma Delaney , Muscedere Giulio , Hammond Robert
Published: July 2021

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is among the most common of intrauterine infections against which we have no effective preventative or therapeutic options. The developing nervous system is a frequent target of CMV and while most injuries are subclinical, severe insults leading to microcephaly and migration defects are well known. A 20-week gestational age fetus was found to have several abnormalities on prenatal ultrasound, the most prominent of which was a large echogenic focus in one cerebral hemisphere. Congenital CMV infection was identified by amniocentesis and maternal serology. The pregnancy was ended by early induction of labour for a 368g stillborn infant. Postmortem examination revealed massive intracerebral hemorrhage as the correlate for the sonographic finding. The microscopic examination of the brain was also striking for extensive polymicrogyria, a high burden of CMV and abundant angiocentric CMV pathology. Catastrophic intracerebral hemorrhage has not been previously reported in association with congenital CMV infection. The present case expands the range of potential injuries the developing brain is subject to in the setting of CMV infection and raises the possibility of a direct vascular injury.

Learning Objectives

Consider intracerebral hemorrhage in the range of potential outcomes in congenital CMV infection

Describe how polymicrogyria may result from an insult during proliferation and migration

Discuss possible mechanisms of injury to the developing brain by CMV