bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 Pandemic: Public Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice towards Social Distancing and its Impact on the Population and the Healthcare System in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aljuhni Abdulaziz , Almahmoud Khalid , Alzahrani Sattam , Al-Thakfan Naif , Alswayed Khalid , Kashkary Abdulhameed , Mahmoud Mahmoud
Published: August 2021

Aims: To determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Saudi population towards social distancing and COVID-19.

Study Design:  Cross-sectional.

Place and Duration of Study: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Riyadh city, the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during the national lockdown, between July 2020 and December 2020.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire composed of a total of 40 questions, which include socio-demographic, knowledge, attitude, and practice questions. According to the responses, a scale has been established in order to categorize the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice towards social distancing and COVID-19 into three categories; good, fair, and poor. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Independent t-test were used to determine the differences between categories. Multivariable linear regression analysis and Pearson’s correlation were performed in order to identify factors related to KAP.

Results: This study included 407 participants; more than half of them (54%) were females, while (46%) were males. All participants were 18 years and above. The participants showed a fair level of knowledge, a positive attitude, and good practices toward COVID-19.

Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that Riyadh residents, especially females, have a fair level of knowledge, a positive attitude, and good practices toward COVID-19 and social distancing. More emphasis should be targeted on less educated population and men. This study may help policymakers to identify the target less knowledgeable groups for COVID-19 prevention and health education.
Bone, it’s Architecture, Markers of Resorption and Their Role in Osteoporosis in India: A Detailed Review
Authors: Rai Tirthal , DSa Janice , Sujir Premjit
Published: August 2021

Bone is a dynamic tissue that undergoes constant remodeling throughout the life span. Bone turnover is an equilibrium between the rates of bone formation and resorption. Assay of bone turnover markers (BTMs) is very important as they provide an insight in to the dynamics of bone turnover in many metabolic bone disorders. An increase in bone turnover seen with aging and pathological states such as osteoporosis leads to deterioration of bone microarchitecture and thus contributes to an increase in the risk of fracture independent of low bone mineral density (BMD). These microarchitectural alterations affecting the bone quality can be assessed by BTMs and thus may serve as a complementary tool to BMD in the assessment of fracture risk. Osteoporosis is a major health problem in India with 230 million people getting affecting. Women get more crippled as they show an additional accelerated phase of bone loss, which occurs 10 years earlier in India. Bone health in Indian women is more appalling with deficient nutritional status as compared to their counterparts. Biochemical assays are non-invasive, not site specific, reflect the turnover of entire skeleton, can detect early changes in the bone turnover. The present review was aimed to discuss the normal architecture of bone, markers of it’s turnover and their role in osteoporosis in India.
Functional Outcome of Open Tibial Fracture Using Illizarov Apparatus
Authors: Choukse Abhishek
Published: August 2021

The better treatment for tibial fractures are very vague and difficult. Since the tibia is covered by soft tissue coverage fixing of plate becomes very difficult as it creates wound complications, mainly in case of severe fractures.In this study of 20 cases of open communited fractures of tibia with the Ilizarov ring fixator hybrid technique was used, it was found that this technique has a major advantages in treatment and management of the tibial fracture.
Intra Venous Butorphanol versus Intravenous Nalbuphine for (Intra Operative) Balanced Anaesthesia and Post Operative Analgesic Effect in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Surgery
Authors: Irshad B.
Published: August 2021

Laparoscopic surgery has replaced many of the open surgeries because of its advantages. Both the groups of drugs have hemodynamic stability, analgesia, sedation and decrease the requirement of other anesthetic drugs. So we have chosen Butorphanol and Nalbuphine to study the analgesia and hemodynamic changes in both groups. In our study mean heart rate was lower in Butorphanol group compare to Nalbuphine group. Similarly fifty patients of ASA I&II scheduled for elective laparoscopic surgery, were randomized in to butorphanol group and nalbuphine group. It was observed that there was significant rise in systolic blood pressure & Diastolic Blood pressure after intubation in fentanyl group compare to Butorphanol. This study finds that suppression of sympathetic response to laryngoscopy and intubation was better with Butorphanol than Fentanyl. This study analysis indicates that both Butorphanol and Nalbuphine help in maintaining a steady haemodynamic state all  throughout  the procedure.
Inverted and Programmable Poynting Effects in Metamaterials
Authors: Ghorbani Aref , Dykstra David , Coulais Corentin , Bonn Daniel , van der Linden Erik , Habibi Mehdi
Published: August 2021

The Poynting effect generically manifests itself as the extension of the material in the direction perpendicular to an applied shear deformation (torsion) and is a material parameter hard to design. Unlike isotropic solids, in designed structures, peculiar couplings between shear and normal deformations can be achieved and exploited for practical applications. Here, a metamaterial is engineered that can be programmed to contract or extend under torsion and undergo nonlinear twist under compression. First, it is shown that the system exhibits a novel type of inverted Poynting effect, where axial compression induces a nonlinear torsion. Then the Poynting modulus of the structure is programmed from initial negative values to zero and positive values via a pre‐compression applied prior to torsion. The work opens avenues for programming nonlinear elastic moduli of materials and tuning the couplings between shear and normal responses by rational design. Obtaining inverted and programmable Poynting effects in metamaterials inspires diverse applications from designing machine materials, soft robots, and actuators to engineering biological tissues, implants, and prosthetic devices functioning under compression and torsion.
‘Lighted’ Assemblies of a PBI Derivative: Activation of Aerial Oxygen via Combined Charge and Energy Transfer Processes for Photocatalytic Oxidative Hydroxylation of Boronic Acids
Authors: Singh Gurpreet , Singh Manpreet , Kumar Sourav , Kumar Manoj , Bhalla Vandana
Published: August 2021

The donor‐acceptor ‘lighted’ assemblies of PBI‐TPY have been developed, which exhibit strong absorption in the visible region, have high photostability, excellent electron transportation ability and high potential to activate aerial oxygen to generate reactive oxygen species, such as singlet oxygen, superoxide anion radical and hydroxide ions. Empowered by excellent photosensitizing properties, assemblies of PBI‐TPY exhibit high photocatalytic efficiency in visible light mediated oxidative hydroxylation of aromatic/aliphatic boronic acids through combined charge/energy transfer processes in the presence of weak electron donor (NEt3) and air as the ‘oxidant’ in mixed aqueous media. The work being presented in this manuscript also reveales the potential of PBI‐TPY assemblies for gram‐scale preparation of phenol and recyclability of upto six catalytic cycles in the oxidative hydroxylation reaction.
Potential Degradation of 4‐Methyltetrahydropyran (4‐MeTHP) under Oxidation Conditions
Authors: Kobayashi Shoji , Tamura Tomoki
Published: August 2021

4‐Methyltetrahydropyran (4‐MeTHP) is a next‐generation recyclable ether solvent that can be applied to a wide variety of synthetic reaction methods. Previous studies indicated that 4‐MeTHP could degrade to some extent with certain oxidants, while the oxidation reactions themselves proceeded in good yields. Here we disclose the potential oxidative degradation pathways of 4‐MeTHP when exposed to selected organic‐based and metal‐based oxidants. Crude NMR analyses revealed that degradation of 4‐MeTHP was initiated by C2−H abstraction, giving rise to C2‐ or C4‐oxidized products or the C−C bond cleavage product depending on the oxidants used. This study therefore illustrates possible degradation products of 4‐MeTHP under oxidative conditions, which is particularly helpful in predicting and analyzing trace impurities when adopting 4‐MeTHP or other ethereal solvents in industrial processes.
Clinical Applications of Myelin Plasticity for Remyelinating Therapies in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Pan Simon , Chan Jonah R.
Published: August 2021

Central nervous system demyelination in multiple sclerosis (MS) and subsequent axonal degeneration represent a major cause of clinical morbidity. Learning, salient experiences, and stimulation of neuronal activity induce new myelin formation in rodents, and in animal models of demyelination, remyelination can be enhanced via experience‐ and activity‐dependent mechanisms. Furthermore, preliminary studies in MS patients support the use of neuromodulation and rehabilitation exercises for symptomatic improvement, suggesting that these interventions may represent nonpharmacological strategies for promoting remyelination. Here, we review the literature on myelin plasticity processes and assess the potential to leverage these mechanisms to develop remyelinating therapies. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:558–567
Thermally stable and superhydrophobic foam prepared by high‐internal phase emulsion for oil/water separation with good recycling capacity
Authors: Deng Shiqin , Zhao Chunxia , Zhu Longbin , Huang Haoran , Li Yuntao , Xiang Dong , Li Hui , Wu Yuanpeng , Huang Shijie
Published: August 2021

Superhydrophobic polymeric foams, with good thermal stability and high‐recycling capacity to remove oil from oily wastewater, are highly desirable for current oily wastewater purification. Herein, poly (styrene‐acrylic acid 2,2,3,4,4,4‐hexafluoro‐butyl ester‐divinylbenzene) foam with porosity as high as 99.27% has been prepared through high‐internal phase emulsions. Therein, poly (cyclotriphosphazene‐co‐4,4′‐sulfonyldiphenol) microspheres, and Span80 act as co‐emulsifier to stabilize the emulsion system. The as‐prepared foams exhibited super hydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 150.3° and thermal stability. Additionally, the oil adsorption capacity of the porous material could reach up to 25.6–53.4 times its mass with accessible and high‐recycling capacity. These aforementioned outstanding properties make our superhydrophobic foam hold potential applications in oil/water separation.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis identify significant relationships between clinical anxiety and lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Mahjani Behrang , Koskela Lotta Renström , Batuure Anita , Gustavsson Mahjani Christina , Janecka Magdalena , Hultman Christina M. , Reichenberg Abraham , Buxbaum Joseph D. , Akre Olof , Grice Dorothy E.
Published: August 2021

Background

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), such as voiding symptoms, overactive bladder, and interstitial cystitis, and anxiety disorders are often comorbid conditions in patients. However, the existing evidence regarding the rates and nature of the co‐occurrence of these conditions has not been systematically evaluated. The aim of this study was to examine these relationships.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to examine the relationship between LUTS and anxiety. We searched for articles published from January 1990 to July 2019 in PubMed, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. Outcomes were anxiety‐related disorders and symptoms (clinically significant anxiety) and LUTS. We performed random‐effects meta‐analyses, inspected funnel plots, and applied the Egger's test to evaluate publication bias. We followed PRISMA guidelines and recorded our protocol on PROSPERO (ID = CRD42019118607).

Results

We identified 814 articles, of which 94 fulfilled inclusion criteria, and 23 had sufficient data for meta‐analysis. The odds ratio (OR) for clinically significant anxiety among individuals with LUTS was 2.87 (95% CI: 2.38,3.46, p < .001). The OR for LUTS among individuals with clinically significant anxiety was 2.87 (95% CI: 1.07,7.74, p < .001), although very few studies examined this relationship. A large value of I2 index suggests high heterogeneity between studies.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate a significant association between clinically significant anxiety and LUTS in both females and males. There were limited studies on younger individuals and on individuals ascertained for clinically significant anxiety, which should motivate further study in these areas. Understanding the co‐occurrence of these conditions will lead to better prevention and interventions to ameliorate the progression of the symptoms and improve the quality of life. A thorough assessment of anxiety may provide more optimal care for LUTS patients.
Building bridges: Contextualising a counselling supervision course in Nepal and its potential impact on international practice
Authors: Saunders Jennifer M.
Published: August 2021

In Nepal, supervised counselling practice is relatively new. Supervision training is minimal. The researcher was invited to teach the first master's‐level supervision course in the country. She was aware of how easily Western concepts are unquestioningly taught and accepted. She wanted to learn what was involved in producing a course that was contextually appropriate. Using action research methodology, she employed a dialogical approach to her teaching and learning. A thematic analysis of data from a focus group discussion led to recommendations for policy change in Nepal and implications for international practice. The researcher found that students were disempowered by the inappropriately hierarchical supervision they currently received and also by so much Western study material. The participants recognised a surprising amount of power in the concept of a contextualised supervision course. As well as giving them worth and identity, the students believed it could enable them to uphold ethical counselling standards in the absence of a professional body in Nepal. Cultural strengths and challenges in the context of counselling supervision were also identified. Although the contextualisation process was more complex than expected, it also produced more sense of ownership. Some of the students wanted to continue to develop and help teach the course in the future. Data from the reflective research journal and further discussion identified key issues for the process of contextualisation of supervision practice and teaching. They describe one way of ‘building bridges’.
A qualitative study of university students' experience of Internet‐based CBT for depression
Authors: Gericke Franco , Ebert David D. , Breet Elsie , Auerbach Randy P. , Bantjes Jason
Published: August 2021

Internet‐based treatments for depression have the potential to promote the mental health of university students. Yet, little is known about students' experiences of Internet‐based mental health interventions (also known as e‐interventions) and the acceptability of this mode of treatment in low‐resource settings. Our aims were to investigate South African university students' experiences of using a brief semi‐guided Internet‐based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) for depression and document the acceptability of this mode of psychotherapy. Data were collected via in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with students (n = 9) who had moderate to moderately severe symptoms of depression (as assessed by the PHQ‐9) and had used a 7 session guided skills‐based iCBT intervention. Data were analysed inductively using thematic analysis, with the aid of Atlas‐ti software. Participants found the anonymity, privacy and accessibility of iCBT appealing, believing this facilitated use of the intervention and overcame stigma associated with accessing traditional campus counselling services. The intervention was helpful and facilitated self‐disclosure, emotional expression, self‐awareness and skill acquisition. However, students also reported disappointment with the lack of human contact and immediate responsiveness, articulating an expectation that the e‐intervention would mimic face‐to‐face psychotherapy. Moves to incorporate iCBT into student counselling should take account of and manage students' expectations about the ability of e‐interventions to mimic traditional therapy and/or incorporate more opportunities for human interaction.
Rosette‐forming glioneuronal tumor of the fourth ventricle; A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Verbančič Tadeja , Ravnik Janez , Kavalar Rajko
Published: August 2021

Despite mostly indolent course and favorable postoperative outcome long‐term follow‐up studies are needed to identify the most appropriate therapeutic strategies to minimize surgical morbidity and neurologic injury in patients with RGNT.
Deuterated Indocyanine Green (ICG) with Extended Aqueous Storage Shelf‐Life: Chemical and Clinical Implications
Authors: Li Dong‐Hao , Smith Bradley D.
Published: August 2021

Indocyanine Green (ICG) is a clinically approved near‐infrared fluorescent dye that is used extensively for various imaging and diagnostic procedures. One drawback withICGis its instability in water, which means that reconstituted clinical doses have to be used very shortly after preparation. Two deuterated versions ofICGwere prepared with deuterium atoms on the heptamethine chain, and the spectral, physiochemical, and photostability properties were quantified. A notable mechanistic finding is that self‐aggregation ofICGin water strongly favors dye degradation by a photochemical oxidative dimerization reaction that gives a nonfluorescent product. Storage stability studies showed that replacement of C−H with C−D decreased the dimerization rate constant by a factor of 3.1, and it is likely that many medical and preclinical procedures will benefit from the longer shelf‐lives of these two deuteratedICGdyes. The discovery thatICGself‐aggregation promotes photoinduced electron transfer can be exploited as a new paradigm for next‐generation photodynamic therapies.
Stable Noble Gas Compounds Based on Superelectrophilic Anions [B12(BO)11]− and [B12(OBO)11]−
Authors: Xu Jianzhi , Li Mengyang , Xu Song , Pei Gerui , Zhao Xintian , Kong Chuncai , Yang Zhimao , Yang Tao , Hou Gao‐Lei
Published: August 2021

Superelectrophilic monoanions [B12(BO)11]− and [B12(OBO)11]−, generated from stable dianions [B12(BO)12]2− and [B12(OBO)12]2−, show great potential for binding with noble gases (Ngs). The binding energies, quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), natural population analysis (NPA), energy decomposition analysis (EDA), and electron localization function (ELF) were carried out to understand the B−Ng bond in [B12(BO)11Ng]− and [B12(OBO)11Ng]−. The calculated results reveal that heavier noble gases (Ar, Kr, and Xe) bind covalently with both [B12(BO)11]− and [B12(OBO)11]− with large binding energies, making them potentially feasible to be synthesized. Only [B12(OBO)11]− could form a covalent bond with helium or neon but the small binding energy of [B12(OBO)11He]− may pose a challenge for its experimental detection.
Manganese‐Catalyzed Ammonia Oxidation into Dinitrogen under Chemical or Electrochemical Conditions**
Authors: Toda Hiroki , Kuroki Kaito , Kanega Ryoichi , Kuriyama Shogo , Nakajima Kazunari , Himeda Yuichiro , Sakata Ken , Nishibayashi Yoshiaki
Published: August 2021

Earth‐abundant metal‐catalyzed oxidative conversion of ammonia into dinitrogen is a promising process to utilize ammonia as a transportation fuel. Herein, we report the manganese‐catalyzed ammonia oxidation under chemical or electrochemical conditions using a manganese complex bearing (1S,2S)‐N,N′‐bis(3,5‐di‐tert‐butylsalicylidene)‐1,2‐cyclohexanediamine. Under chemical conditions using oxidant, up to 17.1 equivalents of N2 per catalyst are generated. Also, mechanistic studies by stoichiometric reactions reveal that a nucleophilic attack of ammonia on manganese nitrogenous species occurs to form a nitrogen–nitrogen bond leading to dinitrogen. Moreover, we conduct density functional theory (DFT) calculations to confirm the plausible reaction mechanism. In addition, this reaction system is applicable under electrochemical conditions. The catalytic reaction proceeds with 96 % faradaic efficiency (FE) in bulk electrolysis to give up to 6.56 equivalents of N2 per catalyst.
Stepped treatment: Stimulants may be adequate to treat comorbid aggression
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2021

The first‐line treatment for attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is pharmacotherapy with stimulants, but children with coexisting aggressive behavior receive additional medications despite lack of evidence for the benefits of these adjuncts. Furthermore, the adverse effects of some of the adjuncts are well‐established. So, researchers looked at the comparison of stimulant monotherapy, risperidone, and divalproex sodium in reducing aggressive behavior in children with ADHD whose aggression persisted after the stimulant monotherapy was optimized. The monotherapy was judged by giving the children a placebo in this small randomized controlled trial.
Strategies for safe prescribing of antipsychotics for youth
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2021

Clinicians have been urged to use guidelines for metabolic screening for their pediatric patients who need antipsychotics, but many are not doing so. A recent systematic literature review of studies, which attempted to improve risk screening practices, focused on strategies used to influence screening practices. Clearly, screening for risk is essential, but exactly how it should be done is unclear. There are guidelines, but there is a “gap” between the guidelines and practice.
Dangers of simultaneous alcohol and marijuana use
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2021

Two recent studies funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) have found that simultaneous alcohol and marijuana use (SAM) results in more negative consequences than sequential use of both substances. In addition, college students who used both substances sequentially had more negative consequences than those who used alcohol only. In another study, young adults drank more alcohol on days when they also used marijuana than on days when they only drank alcohol. Finally, young adults reported more harm on days when they used both substances than on days when they used only one or the other. The combination of the pervasive use of alcohol in this age group and the widespread legalization of marijuana creates the need to look at SAM and associated negative consequences. Negative consequences included blackouts, vomiting, risky behavior, driving under the influence, and physical dependence. There were also cognitive, academic, social, and self‐care effects.
Buried hurricane legacies: increased nutrient limitation and decreased root biomass in coastal wetlands
Authors: Kuhn Amanda L. , Kominoski John S. , Armitage Anna R. , Charles Sean P. , Pennings Steven C. , Weaver Carolyn A. , Maddox Tom R.
Published: August 2021

Plant identity and cover in coastal wetlands is changing in worldwide, and many subtropical salt marshes dominated by low‐stature herbaceous species are becoming woody mangroves. Yet, how changes affect coastal soil biogeochemical processes and belowground biomass before and after storms is uncertain. We experimentally manipulated the percent mangrove cover (Avicennia germinans) in 3 × 3 m cells embedded in 10 plots (24 × 42 m) comprising a gradient of marsh (e.g., Spartina alterniflora, Batis maritima) and mangrove cover in Texas, USA. Hurricane Harvey made direct landfall over our site on 25 August 2017, providing a unique opportunity to test how plant composition mitigates hurricane effects on surface sediment accretion, soil chemistry (carbon, C; nitrogen, N; phosphorus, P; and sulfur, S), and root biomass. Data were collected before (2013 and 2016), one‐month after (2017), and one‐year after (2018) Hurricane Harvey crossed the area, allowing us to measure stocks before and after the hurricane. The accretion depth was higher in fringe compared with interior cells of plots, more variable in cells dominated by marsh than mangrove, and declined with increasing plot‐scale mangrove cover. The concentrations of P and δ34S in storm‐driven accreted surface sediments, and the concentrations of N, P, S, and δ34S in underlying soils (0–30 cm), decreased post‐hurricane, whereas the C concentrations in both compartments were unchanged. Root biomass in both marsh and mangrove cells was reduced by 80% in 2017 compared with previous dates and remained reduced in 2018. Post‐hurricane loss of root biomass in plots correlated with enhanced nutrient limitation. Total sulfide accumulation as indicated by δ34S, increased nutrient limitation, and decreased root biomass of both marshes and mangroves after hurricanes may affect ecosystem function and increase vulnerability in coastal wetlands to subsequent disturbances. Understanding how changes in plant composition in coastal ecosystems affects responses to hurricane disturbances is needed to assess coastal vulnerability.
Multistage optimization filter for trend‐based short‐term forecasting
Authors: Zafar Usman , Kellard Neil , Vinogradov Dmitri
Published: August 2021

A new method is proposed to estimate the long‐term seasonal component by a multistage optimization filter with a leading phase shift (MOPS). It can be utilized to provide better predictions in case of the seasonal component autoregressive (SCAR) model, where data are filtered/decomposed into trend and remainder components and then forecasts for constituent components generated separately and later combined. This reinforces the importance of trend estimation filtering/decomposition methods, which are scarce and only few methods, primarily wavelet decomposition, have improved upon the forecasts generated by statistical linear models. We contribute to the literature by introducing a new trend estimation method, and the forecast results are compared with the most popular trend estimation methods, such as frequency filters, wavelet decomposition, empirical mode decomposition (EMD), and Hodrick–Prescott (HP) filter, through their performance in generating short‐term forecasts for day‐ahead electricity prices. Our method for trend estimation performs better in terms of providing short‐term forecasts as compared with some well‐known methods, and the best forecast, according to the Diebold and Mariano (1995) test, is obtained by using our MOPS filter with annual trend period length.
Interfacial compliance, energy dissipation, frequency effects, and long‐term fretting corrosion performance of Ti‐6Al‐4V/CoCrMo interfaces
Authors: Smith Stephanie M. , Gilbert Jeremy L.
Published: August 2021

Fretting corrosion in modular orthopedic implants is a well‐documented process that may be associated with adverse local tissue reactions, pain, and revisions. Engineering modular junction interfaces to withstand applied fretting motion without surface abrasion could prevent implant degradation and surface damage. Previous work on geometrically modified Ti‐6Al‐4V/CoCrMo interfaces with increased compliance showed reduced fretting currents and surface damage during short term, variable‐load in vitro testing. This study assesses the same interfaces under long‐term conditions using an in vitro pin‐on‐disk fretting corrosion test apparatus. Preliminary variable‐load frequency testing of typical control pin geometries showed a frequency‐dependent current response, with underlying contact conditions of metal–metal interfaces that remained unchanged. One‐million‐cycle testing showed diminished fretting currents in all groups by 5 × 105 cycles, but consistently lower currents in the high‐compliance group. Corresponding fretting currents and work of fretting measurements of high‐compliance pins confirmed that minimal fretting was experienced at the interface, with elastic bending of the pin accounting for almost all applied displacement. Debris generated during testing were composed of titanium and chromium oxides, small amounts of cobalt and molybdenum oxides, and sodium and phosphate originating from the surrounding test solution. Post‐test analyses of sample surfaces revealed substantially more surface damage on CoCrMo disks than Ti‐6Al‐4V pins, thought to be a result of adhesive wear of mixed oxide debris on the pin and abrasion of the disk by the oxide debris layer. Surface damage to high‐compliance pins suggests some abrasion is unavoidable with geometric modifications.
Performance of noninvasive tools for identification of minimal liver fibrosis in patients with hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Zhang Hong , Shi XinXing , Wang Lin , Zeng Yilan , Kang Xintong , Huang Liang
Published: August 2021

Background

Various noninvasive liver fibrosis assessment tools are available. Here, we evaluated the performance of the asparagine aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index (APRI), the fibrosis‐4 index (FIB‐4), transient elastography (TE), and the globulin–platelet (GP) ratio for identifying liver fibrosis in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

Methods

A total of 146 patients were assessed using TE, FIB‐4, APRI, the GP ratio, and liver biopsy. Three patient grouping methods were applied: any fibrosis (AF; F0 vs. F1/2/3/4); moderate fibrosis (MF; F0/1 vs. F2/3/4); and severe fibrosis (SF; F0/1/2 vs. F3/4). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, univariate analyses, and multivariate logistic regression were conducted.

Results

Regardless of patient‐grouping method, the area under the curve (AUC) of TE and the GP ratio were similar. Using the AF grouping method, the GP ratio showed superior performance compared with APRI and FIB‐4: the AUCs for the GP ratio, TE, APRI, and FIB‐4 were 0.76, 0.75, 0.70, and 0.66, respectively. Using the MF grouping method, the GP ratio also showed superior performance compared with APRI and FIB‐4: the AUCs for the GP ratio, TE, APRI, and FIB‐4 were 0.66, 0.68, 0.57, and 0.53, respectively. Using the SF grouping method, the AUCs for the GP ratio, TE, APRI, and FIB‐4 were not significantly different.

Conclusion

Compared with FIB‐4 and APRI, the GP ratio had higher accuracy for identifying liver fibrosis, especially early‐stage fibrosis, in patients with HBV infection.
Using Raman spectroscopy to identify spectral features of and detect hydrogen peroxide‐potential application for Mars exploration
Authors: Ye Xiaoling , Zhang Minliang , Wu Zhongchen , Xu Ling , Zhang Lei , Chen Jiayi
Published: August 2021

The Martian surface is oxidizing. An important oxidant, H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide), has been detected in the Martian atmosphere and is supported even below the Martian surface. H2O2 is an important target that can be used to better understand the Martian surface environment and explore extraterrestrial life and thus must be accurately detected and analyzed under Martian‐relevant temperature conditions. In this study, the Raman spectral features and the limit of detection (LOD) of H2O2 were investigated for aqueous solutions and mud mixtures. The low‐temperature spectral features and UV decomposition characteristics of H2O2 were also investigated because low temperatures and UV radiation are key environmental factors that can affect the existence of H2O2 on the Martian surface. Our results show that H2O2 has a remarkable Raman peak at 877 cm−1, which is distinguishable from H2O and other mixed minerals, making it easy to detect with an LOD of 400 ± 50 ppm in an H2O2 solution and 1666 ± 450 ppm in a kaolinite matrix (2000 ± 500 ppm in a gypsum matrix). There was no peak shift and only a certain degree of reduction in intensity for this peak in a H2O2 solution under low temperature, even for frozen H2O2. Split peaks at ~228 cm−1 appeared after freezing H2O2, whereas there was no discernable split in the peak at ~3326 cm−1 below −60°C; however, the H2O peaks were splitted. The spectral features facilitate the detection and identification of H2O2 on the Martian surface. In light of the Mars2020 and ExoMars rover missions, our study provides valuable information about the Raman detection of H2O2 on Mars.
The role of surgery after prolonged primary chemotherapy for advanced oesophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Aboul‐Enein Mohamed S. , Knight William , Wulaningsih Wahyu , Foley Daniel M. , Dellaportas Dionysios , Zylstra Janine , Baker Cara R. , Kelly Mark , Smyth Elizabeth , Lagergren Jesper , Maisey Nick , Allum William H. , Gossage James A. , Cunningham David , Davies Andrew R. ,   The Guy's and St Thomas' Oesophago‐gastric Research Group
Published: August 2021

Background

Most patients presenting with oesophageal cancer do so with advanced disease not suitable for surgery. However, there are examples of encouraging survival following surgery in highly selected patients who respond well to chemotherapy.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who presented with advanced but nonvisceral metastatic oesophageal cancer. Consecutive patients on a prolonged primary chemotherapy pathway who underwent surgical resection following a favourable response to chemotherapy were included. Survival and recurrence rates were analysed using Cox regression, providing hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

A total of 57 patients included in the cohort operated between 2007 and 2015, the overall median survival was 44 months and the 5‐year survival was 42%. Prechemotherapy cN0/cN1 (HR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.12–0.62) conferred an independent survival advantage compared to cN2 and cN3 disease. Poor differentiation (HR: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.11–5.42), R1 resection (HR: 2.43, 95% CI: 1.14–5.19) and advanced nodal status (HR: 3.28, 95% CI: 1.44–7.47) predicted worse survival on univariable analysis. Poor differentiation (HR: 3.93, 95% CI: 1.62–9.56) was independently associated with poor survival when adjusted for other variables.

Conclusion

Patients who present with advanced inoperable oesophageal cancer who have a favourable response to chemotherapy represent a limited group of patients who may benefit from surgery.
Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound Is a Valuable Modality During Mass COVID‐19 Vaccination Campaigns
Authors: Lin Wang‐Sheng , Killeen David , Yang Chen‐Ya
Published: August 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 has become a widespread public health crisis across the globe, requiring multiple approaches to containment, treatment, and prevention. Vaccines are an important tool to prevent morbidity and mortality from this devastating virus. Ensuring direct administration of vaccines into target tissue helps provide an optimal immune response while decreasing unintended adverse effects. Point‐of‐care ultrasound can better assist clinicians to determine appropriate needle length and penetration level especially in special populations. Examples include patients who are obese, pregnant, or with refractory lymphedema, and those living in areas where needle supply is unstable or insufficient.
An access control for IoT based on network community perception and social trust against Sybil attacks
Authors: de Oliveira Gustavo H. C. , de Souza Batista Agnaldo , Nogueira Michele , dos Santos Aldri L.
Published: August 2021

The evolution of the Internet of things (IoT) has increased the connection of personal devices, mainly taking into account the habits and behavior of their owners. These environments demand access control mechanisms to protect them against intruders, like Sybil attacks, that can compromise data privacy or disrupt the network operation. The social IoT paradigm enables access control systems to aggregate community context and sociability information from devices to enhance robustness and security. This work introduces the ELECTRON mechanism to control access in IoT networks based on social trust between devices to protect the network from Sybil attackers. ELECTRON groups IoT devices into communities by their social similarity and evaluates their social trust, strengthening the reliability between legitimate devices and their resilience against the interaction of Sybil attackers. NS‐3 simulations show the ELECTRON performance under Sybil attacks on several IoT communities so that it has gotten to detect more than 90% of attackers in a scenario with 150 nodes into offices, schools, gyms, and parks communities, and in other scenarios for same communities, it achieved around of 90% of detection. Furthermore, it provided high accuracy, over 90%–95%, and false positive rates closer to zero.
Endometrial Cancer: Who Lives, Who Dies, Can We Improve Their Story?
Authors: Cosgrove Casey M. , Backes Floor J. , O'Malley David , Bixel Kristin L. , Suarez Adrian A. , Fowler Jeffrey M. , Copeland Larry J. , Goodfellow Paul J. , Cohn David E.
Published: August 2021

Background

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecologic cancer in the U.S. The objective of this cohort study was to characterize the clinical and pathologic features that are associated with endometrial cancer–specific death for women cared for at a single National Cancer Institute–designated comprehensive cancer center.

Patients, Materials, and Methods

This is a retrospective cohort from 2014 to 2017 including all women who had a hysterectomy for EC. Charts were reviewed for clinical and pathologic data, focusing on survival outcomes.

Results

Seven hundred seventy-one patients with EC underwent hysterectomy with 760 informative for outcomes. Seventy-six (10%) deaths were related to their EC; 62 women died from recurrent EC. Nonendometrioid histology and advanced stage were predictors of recurrence and EC death. Among patients with endometrioid ECs, mismatch repair status was significantly associated with EC-specific survival (relative risk = 4.8; 95% confidence interval, 2.3–10.3; p < .0001). Most patients with EC who recurred died of their disease 62/83 (74.7%). Nearly half of the patients that recurred (27/62) had no additional therapy at the time of recurrence. Overall survival was significantly longer for those women who had additional treatment at the time of recurrence; however, the improvement in overall survival with therapy at recurrence was largely attributable to effects in those women who were adjuvant therapy naïve.

Conclusion

Although there is benefit of treatment at the time of recurrence for treatment-naïve women; only approximately half of patients were able to receive therapy. There is an urgent need for continued efforts for more effective EC therapy in both the front-line and recurrent setting as well as early identification of cancer diagnosis and recurrence.

Implications for Practice

Approximately 10% of patients died of their endometrial cancer. Most deaths were from recurrent disease; however, almost 20% of endometrial cancer deaths were within 120 days of surgery. Although treatment at the time of recurrence improves overall survival, only approximately half of patients will receive therapy at the time of recurrence. Traditional prognostic features like histology and stage remain important to predict risk of recurrence, and newer biomarkers, such as mismatch repair status, may improve risk stratification and targeted therapy. There remains an urgent need for improved therapy and early detection of diagnosis and recurrence.
MgNb2O6 Modified K0.5Na0.5NbO3 Eco‐Piezoceramics: Scalable Processing, Structural Distortion and Complex Impedance at Resonance
Authors: Iacomini Antonio , Garroni Sebastiano , Senes Nina , Mulas Gabriele , Enzo Stefano , Poddighe Matteo , García Álvaro , Bartolomé José F. , Pardo Lorena
Published: August 2021

In this work, piezoceramics of the lead‐free composition K0.5Na0.5NbO3 with an increasing amount of MgNb2O6 (0, 0.5, 1, 2 wt.%) were prepared through conventional solid‐state synthesis and sintered in air atmosphere at 1100 °C. The effect of magnesium niobate addition on structure, microstructure and piezoelectric properties was evaluated. The ceramics maintain the orthorhombic Amm2 phase for all compositions, while an orthorhombic Pbcm secondary phase was found for increasing the concentration of MgNb2O6. Our results show that densification of these ceramics can be significantly improved up to 94.9 % of theoretical density by adding a small amount of magnesium‐based oxide (1 wt.%). Scanning electron microscopy morphology of the 1 wt.% system reveals a well‐packed structure with homogeneous grain size of ∼2.72 μm. Dielectric and piezoelectric properties become optimal for 0.5–1.0 wt.% of MgNb2O6 that shows, with respect to the unmodified composition, either higher piezoelectric coefficients, lower anisotropy and relatively low piezoelectric losses (d33=97 pC N−1; d31=−36.99 pC N−1 and g31=−14.04×10−3 mV N−1; Qp(d31)=76 and Qp(g31)=69) or enhanced electromechanical coupling factors (kp=29.06 % and k31=17.25 %).
Prognostic value of detection of CD99+, CD45− cells in peripheral blood by flow cytometry in children with Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Zakzok Osama , Elshanshory Mohamed , Zekri Wael , Elsharkawy Nahla , Zaky Iman , Salama Asmaa , Kamel Ahmed , Elantably Ismail , Said Shebl
Published: August 2021

Background

Early detection of metastasis and recurrence of Ewing sarcoma (ES) is important for early management. This work aimed to detect CD99+, CD45− cells in peripheral blood by flow cytometry (FC) before and during chemotherapy and evaluate their prognostic significance.

Procedure

This prospective cohort study was carried out on 60 children newly diagnosed with ES at Children Cancer Hospital‐Egypt 57357 and 40 healthy children control group. Detection of CD99+, CD45− cells in peripheral blood was accomplished by FC at baseline before treatment and after five cycles of chemotherapy. Samples were classified as positive if they had more than the upper limit of cells observed in the control cases. Correlation between FC results and relapse and overall survival (OS) after one year was performed.

Results

Median percentage of CD99+, CD45− cells was significantly increased in patients compared with controls (0.002% vs 0%, respectively, P < 0.001). Post‐cycle 5 CD99+, CD45− cells were increased in 12 patients, of them 11 patients’ disease had either relapsed or progressed. Post‐cycle 5 CD99+; CD45− cells had a 73.3% sensitivity and 97.8% specificity for predicting relapse or progression, whereas baseline only had 6.7% sensitivity and 77.8% specificity. The hazard ratio for mortality in the post‐cycle 5 positive group was 18.4 [95% confidence interval (1.86 to 181.46)] times that of the negative group. One year OS was 91.67%.

Conclusion

Post‐cycle 5 CD99+, CD45− cells in peripheral blood by FC is a strong predictor for relapse, progression, and mortality whereas baseline is a poor predictor in newly diagnosed patients with ES.
The stability of aliphatic azo linkages influences the controlled scission of degradable polyurethanes
Authors: Rajappan Sinu C. , Davis Brad J. , Thornell Travis L. , Simon Yoan C.
Published: August 2021

A better understanding of polymer degradation and post‐degradation processes are essential for the development of novel degradable polymers. Herein, we present the synthesis of a new aliphatic azo‐containing polyurethane and its degradation behavior toward external stimuli like heat and UV light. A relatively stable radical forming azo‐monomer present in the current polyurethane is readily undergoing thermal degradation, whereas the azo‐group is less susceptible to optical degradation. A comparison of the stimuli‐responsive properties of the new azo‐polymer with a previously known, relatively active radical forming monomer incorporated azo‐polymer reveals the dependencies of the monomer and radical stability in the controlled degradation process. Our results point toward the importance of radical activity in azo‐containing polymers.
Cheese and cheese infusions: ecological traps for mosquitoes and spotted wing Drosophila
Authors: Peach Daniel AH , Almond Max , Ko Elton , Meraj Sanam , Gries Regine , Gries Gerhard
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Harnessing insect ecology for insect control is an innovative concept that seeks to exploit, among others, insect–microbe ecological interactions for improved control of pest insects. Microbe‐produced cheese odour attracts several dipterans, including host‐seeking mosquitoes, but this phenomenon has not been thoroughly explored for mosquito control. Here we tested the hypothesis that attraction of mosquitoes to cheese odour can be exploited as an ecological trap for mosquito control.

RESULTS

In laboratory and/or field experiments, we show that (i) each of five cheese varieties tested (Raclette, Pecorino, Brie, Gruyere, Limburger) strongly attracts female Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens; (ii) cheese infusions, or headspace odourant extracts (HOEs) of cheese infusions, significantly affect oviposition choices by mosquitoes, (iii) HOEs contain at least 13 odourants; (iv) in field settings, cheese infusions more effectively stimulate mosquito oviposition than positive bluegrass infusion controls, and also capture (by drowning) the spotted wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii; and (v) home‐made cheese infusions modulate oviposition choices by mosquito females and affect the survivorship of their offspring larvae.

CONCLUSION

Our data show that microbial metabolites associated with cheese are attractive to mosquito females seeking hosts and oviposition sites and are likely toxic to mosquito larvae. These microbes and their metabolites could thus be co‐opted for both the attract, and the kill, function of ‘attract & kill’ mosquito control tactics. Implementation of customizable and non‐conventional nutritional media as microbe‐based ecological traps presents a promising concept which exploits insect ecology for insect control. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Perspective on model‐informed drug development
Authors: Lesko Lawrence J.
Published: August 2021

Model‐informed drug development (MIDD) is a process intended to expedite drug development, enhance regulatory science, and produce benefits for patients. Quantitative modeling and simulation—principally by population pharmacokinetics (PK), exposure–response, and physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) analysis—is the technology that provides the capability to deploy MIDD across a range of applications. MIDD was codified in the 2017 Prescription Drug User Fee Act Reauthorization 1 (PDUFA VI, 2018–2022) and a performance goal was a MIDD pilot program to hold 2 to 4 industry–U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) paired meetings quarterly through 2022.
Low‐dose oestrogen–progestin associated pulmonary infarction mimicking pneumonia and pleurisy
Authors: Gocho Kyoko , Kitazawa Shinnosuke , Matsushita Shinya , Hamanaka Nobuyuki
Published: August 2021

A 28‐year‐old woman with a history of treatment with a low‐dose oestrogen–progestin (LEP) formulation presented to our hospital due to right chest pain. She had just been discharged from another hospital for pneumonia and pleurisy which had improved with antibiotics. Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed bilateral pulmonary emboli corresponding to the peripheral consolidations. The pulmonary emboli indicated that the peripheral consolidation was due to pulmonary infarction (PI). No aetiological factors were identified except for the history of LEP therapy. Although the typical CT images of PI are consolidations in the peripheral area, these finding are non‐specific for PI. This case of PI was misdiagnosed as infection because of response to antibiotics and similar CT findings. Therefore, careful evaluation of the patient history and clinical findings are imperative for accurate diagnosis. Venous thromboembolism can occur frequently around 3 months after the start of LEP treatment.