bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Evaluation of Ester Functionalised TCF‐Based Fluorescent Probes for the Detection of Bacterial Species
Authors: Gwynne Lauren , Williams George T. , Yan Kai‐Cheng , Gardiner Jordan E. , Hilton Kira L. F. , Patenall Bethany L. , Hiscock Jennifer R. , Maillard Jean‐Yves , He Xiao‐Peng , James Tony D. , Sedgwick Adam C. , Jenkins A. Toby A.
Published: February 2021

The ester functionality is commonly seen in the areas of chemical biology and medicinal chemistry for the design of cell‐permeable active molecules. Ester‐based pro‐drug/pro‐sensor strategies are employed to mask polar functional groups (i. e. carboxylic acids) and improve the overall cell permeability of these functional molecules. However, their use as reactive units for sensing applications, including bacterial detection, has not been fully explored. Herein, we synthesised two TCF‐based fluorescent probes, TCF‐OAc and TCF‐OBu. As expected, both TCF‐OAc and TCF‐OBu demonstrated a significant fluorescence (22‐ and 43‐fold, respectively) and colorimetric response (yellow to purple) towards porcine liver esterase (PLE) with a limit of detection of 1.18 mU/mL and 0.45 mU/mL, respectively. With these results in hand, the ability of these probes to detect planktonic suspensions of gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and gram‐negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), and Escherichia coli (E. coli) were evaluated. Different fluorescence responses for gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria were observed between TCF‐OAc and TCF‐OBu. After 1 h incubation, TCF‐OAc proved more sensitive towards S. aureus, demonstrating a significant fluorescence “turn on” response (16‐fold); whereas, TCF‐OBu was more selective towards P. aeruginosa, with a 22‐fold increase in the fluorescence response observed. These results demonstrate the influence of the ester chain length on the selectivity for bacterial species.
Fracture Rates and Fracture Risk in Patients With Marfan Syndrome: A Nationwide Register-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Folkestad Lars , Stochholm Kirstine , Groth Kristian , Hove Hanne , Andersen Niels Holmark , Gravholt Claus H
Published: February 2021

Marfan syndrome (MFS), a rare genetic disease, has a prevalence of 6.5 in 100,000. Studies show that patients with MFS have reduced areal bone mineral density (BMD) compared with non-MFS individuals. We have previously shown that patients with MFS have reduced volumetric BMD and compromised trabecular and cortical bone microarchitecture. The present study was a registry-based, nationwide, population-based, cohort study using register data, aimed to evaluate fracture risk and fracture rates in MFS. We included 406 (196 women) patients with MFS through the Danish National Patient Register and 40,724 (19,327 women) persons, randomly selected and matched from the Civil Registry System. A total of 21.9% of the MFS and 18.9% of the reference population had experienced at least one fracture from 1995 to 2018. The fracture incidence rate was 27.5 per 1000 person-years in the MFS cohort (highest in young men and old women with MFS), and 20.3 per 1000 person-years in the reference population. The overall incidence rate ratio between the MFS and the reference population was 1.35 (95% confidence interval [CI ] 1.18–1.55) for all fractures. When evaluating the risk of being registered with an osteoporosis diagnosis in the Danish National Patient Register, starting relevant treatment for osteoporosis or experiencing a hip or spine fracture, 10.3% of the MFS cohort and 3.3% of the reference population could be classified as being osteoporotic. The between-group subhazard ratio was 3.97 (95% CI 2.56–6.25). Patients with MFS started treatment with an antiosteoporotic drug at a younger age than the reference population (57 [interquartile range 55–67] versus 71 [63–73]) years. The life expectancy in MFS is increasing, resulting in more patients facing diseases that are related to old age, such as age-related bone loss and increased risk of fractures. Our data suggest that bone health and fracture prevention needs to be part of the standard care for patients with MFS. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
The moderating effects of self and other mentalizing on the relationship between distress and disordered eating: A cross‐cultural examination
Authors: Aival‐Naveh Erez , Rothschild‐Yakar Lily , Kurman Jenny
Published: February 2021

Objective

Cross‐cultural comparisons that focus on underlying psychological mechanisms in disordered eating (DE) are lacking. With the aim of addressing this gap, we investigated the interplay between mentalizing, distress, and DE in two cultural groups: the ultra‐Orthodox and secular Jewish societies in Israel.

Method

A combination of performance‐based and self‐report measures of two mentalizing‐related constructs (emotional awareness and alexithymia), along with self‐report measures of distress, DE, and values preferences, were employed in a community sample (N = 300) of ultra‐Orthodox and secular Jewish women.

Results

Distress predicted DE in both cultural groups, yet there were cultural differences in the moderating role of mentalizing. Both mentalizing measures moderated the distress‒DE link in the secular group, but not in the ultra‐Orthodox group. Furthermore, there were cultural differences in the moderating effects of self versus other mentalizing.

Conclusions

The results suggest cultural differences in the underlying psychological mechanism of DE.
Anaerobic structured‐bed reactor for azo dye decolorization in the presence of sulfate ions
Authors: Florêncio Thaíla de Mello , de Godoi Leandro AG , Rocha Vinícius Carvalho , Oliveira Jean Maikon Santos , Motteran Fabrício , Gavazza Sávia , Vicentine Karina Ferrazzoli Devienne , Damianovic Márcia Helena Rissato Zamariolli
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Textile wastewater is known for its polluting potential and toxicity. Biological, affordable treatments are especially desirable in developing countries to fulfill legal and ecological demands during its treatment.

RESULTS

The performance of an anaerobic structured‐bed reactor (AnSTBR) treating synthetic textile wastewater containing Direct Black 22 azo dye (DB22; 0.06 mmol L–1) and sulfate ions (200 mg L−1) was evaluated. The reactor hydraulic retention time (HRT) was 24 h and ethanol was used as the electron donor (1000 mgCOD L−1). The AnSTBR achieved an average decolorization efficiency of 68 ± 5%, chemical oxygen demand (COD) efficiency of 77.7 ± 9.2% and sulfate removal of 77.3 ± 5.2%. Toxicity tests showed lower toxicity of the treated effluent to Ceriodaphnia dubia. Despite that, the AnSTBR effluent was still highly toxic to mammalian cells. The metabarcoding technique of the 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed a consistent community of sulfate‐reducing and azo‐degrading bacteria.

CONCLUSION

Metagenomic data revealed a promising development of the inoculum in the AnSTB structure. The AnSTB reactor configuration may be a promising alternative for DB22 dye removal from textile wastewater containing sulfate. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparison of 18‐ and 22‐MHz probes for the ultrasonographic diagnosis of giant cell arteritis
Authors: Noumegni Steve Raoul , Hoffmann Clément , Jousse‐Joulin Sandrine , Cornec Divi , Quentel Hugo , Devauchelle‐Pensec Valérie , Saraux Alain , Bressollette Luc
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Little is known about the diagnostic concordance of images provided by ultrasound probes with emitting frequencies below or above 20 MHz for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA).

Methods

We compared, using Cohen's kappa statistic, data obtained with an 18‐MHz and a 22‐MHz probe for the ultrasonographic evaluation of temporal arteries in 80 patients referred for suspected GCA.

Results

The halo sign was found in 25% of cases with the 18‐MHz probe and in 35% with the 22‐MHz probe. The compression sign was positive in 42% of cases with the 18‐MHz probe and 48% with the 22‐MHz probe. GCA was finally diagnosed in 20 patients (25%). The kappa coefficient of agreement was 0.76 (P < .001) for the halo sign, and 0.75 (P < .001) for the compression sign.

Conclusions

Images obtained by 18 MHz and 22‐MHz frequency probes showed a good level of agreement for the diagnosis of GCA, but the 22‐MHz probe yielded a correct diagnosis of GCA in 3 of the 7 patients in whom examination with the 18‐MHz probe was negative.
Is sickle cell disease a risk factor for severe COVID‐19 outcomes in hospitalized patients? A multicenter national retrospective cohort study
Authors: Abdulrahman Abdulkarim , Wael Mohammed , AlAmmadi Fajer , Almosawi Zahra , Alsherooqi Reem , Abduljalil Manal , Kumar Nitya , AlQahtani Manaf
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Studies that examine the association between sickle cell disease (SCD) and COVID‐19 outcomes are lacking. This study aims to determine whether SCD is a risk factor for severe COVID‐19 infection in regard to the requirement of noninvasive ventilation/high flow nasal cannula (NIV/HFNC), mechanical ventilation (MV), or death in hospitalized patients.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study included COVID‐19 patients admitted to four COVID‐19 treatment facilities in Bahrain between February 24, 2020 and July 31, 2020. All SCD patients with COVID‐19 were included and compared to a randomly selected sample of non‐SCD patients with COVID‐19. Data were collected from the medical records. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to control for confounders and estimate the effect of SCD on the outcomes.

Results

1792 patients with COVID‐19 were included; 38 of whom were diagnosed with SCD as well. In the SCD group, one (2.6%) patient required NIV/HFNC, one (2.6%) required MV, and one (2.6%) death occurred. In comparison, 56 (3.2%) of the non‐SCD patients required NIV/HFNC, 47 (2.7%) required MV, and death occurred in 58 (3.3%) patients. Upon adjusting for confounders, SCD had an odds ratio of 1.847 (95% CI: 0.39–8.83; p = 0.442).

Conclusion

Our results indicate that SCD is not a risk factor for worse COVID‐19 outcomes in hospitalized patients.
Observed changes in precipitation during recent warming: The Czech Republic, 1961–2019
Authors: Brázdil Rudolf , Zahradníček Pavel , Dobrovolný Petr , Štěpánek Petr , Trnka Miroslav
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a comprehensive spatiotemporal analysis of precipitation patterns over the territory of the Czech Republic for the 1961–2019 period. Monthly, seasonal and annual series of precipitation totals and numbers of precipitation days were calculated for four altitudinal groups and the entire Czech Republic, based upon the daily precipitation totals recorded by 531 rain‐gauge stations run by the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. Analysis of series of monthly, seasonal and annual precipitation totals revealed relatively stable fluctuations, while linear trends remained largely insignificant. However, wavelet analysis indicated significant interannual variability on a timescale of 4–8‐years in seasonal and annual series. The minimum in annual variation tended to appear in February (also in January and, at higher altitudes in particular, in April) with the maximum favouring July (but also June and August). The relative proportions of annual totals taken up by winter precipitation increased with altitude, while the proportions for summer precipitation decreased with altitude. Linear trends in the numbers of precipitation days exhibited the most pronounced decreases from April to June, reflected in negative precipitation trends in April–June and positive in July–September. The results obtained are also presented in the broader (central) European context.
Treatment of periodontal intrabony defects using bovine porous bone mineral and guided tissue regeneration with/without platelet‐rich fibrin: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Liu Kaining , Huang Zhen , Chen Zhibin , Han Bing , Ouyang Xiangying
Published: February 2021

Background

To investigate the regenerative effect of adjunctive use of guided tissue regeneration (GTR), bovine porous bone mineral (BPBM), and platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) in intrabony defects.

Methods

Fourteen participants were enrolled, and for each patient their left and right two sides were randomized to the test group or control group. Only the worst intrabony defect on each side was analyzed. The test group received GTR, BPBM, and PRF, whereas the control group received only GTR and BPBM. The PRF used in the trial was fluid PRF, which combined with the BPBM to form a BPBM‐PRF complex. The patients were followed up by clinical and radiographic evaluation for 24 months after surgery.

Results

Probing depth (PD) in the test group was significantly less than that in the control group at 12 and 24 months after surgery, and the mean difference was ≈ 0.5 to 0.7 mm. Clinical attachment level (CAL) gain in the test group was ≈ 0.9 mm higher than that in the control group at 6 months after surgery, and the difference reached 1.0 to 1.1 mm 12 and 24 months after surgery. None of the other clinical or radiographic parameters differed significantly between the two groups at any time‐point after the surgery.

Conclusion

Compared with GTR and BPBM, the combination of GTR and BPBM‐PRF complex is more effective clinically, and results in better clinical outcomes.
Improving Mortality Attribution in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
Authors: Freeman Michael H. , Slayton Jennifer M. , Woods Marcella C. , Martin Barbara J. , Eavey Roland D. , Langerman Alexander J. , Bennett Marc L.
Published: February 2021

Objective/Hypothesis

Mortality attribution can have significant implications for reimbursement, hospital/department rankings, and perceptions of safety. This work seeks to compare the accuracy of externally assigned diagnosis‐related group (DRG)‐based service line mortality attribution in otolaryngology to an internal review process that assigns mortality to the teams that cared for a patient during hospitalization.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Mortality events at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) from 2012 to 2018 were compared. Included events were assigned to the otolaryngology service line (OSL) via the following methods: an external agency (Vizient) using DRG, utilization management assignment based on the service that provided care at admission (admission service), discharge (discharge service), or throughout hospitalization (major service line), or through the internal VUMC mortality review committee. Internal review was considered the standard for comparison.

Results

Of the 28 mortality events assigned to OSL by the DRG‐based external method, nine (32%) were actually attributable to OSL. Of the 23 total mortality events attributable to OSL at our institution, external DRG‐based review captured nine (39%). The designation of major service during hospitalization was correct 95% of the time and captured 87% of mortality events. Differences between external and internal attribution methods were statistically significant (P < .001).

Conclusions

DRG‐based models are frequently utilized but can be inaccurate when attributing mortality for an individual otolaryngology department. Otolaryngology mortalities appear to be captured and assigned more accurately by assigning deaths to the service that renders the majority of care during hospitalization.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1805–E1810, 2021
Ecosystem metabolism in tropical streams and rivers: a review and synthesis
Authors: Marzolf Nicholas S. , Ardón Marcelo
Published: February 2021

Ecosystem metabolism of freshwater ecosystems has been studied for several decades, with theory and synthesis largely derived from temperate streams and rivers in North America and Europe. Advances in sensor technology and modeling have opened a wider range of streams to be included to test theories beyond temperate streams. In this paper, we review and synthesize ecosystem metabolism data from tropical streams and rivers to determine to what extent the constraints of metabolism measured in temperate streams are similar in tropical streams. We compiled 202 measurements of gross primary productivity (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER) from 83 tropical streams spanning 22.2°S to 18.4°N. Overall, tropical streams were heterotrophic (ER > GPP), with GPP ranging from 0.01 to 11.7 g O2 m−2 d−1 and ER ranging from −0.2 to −42.1 g O2 m−2 d−1, similar on average to rates reviewed from temperate streams, but with higher maximum ER in tropical streams. Gross primary productivity increased with watershed area; a result also observed in temperate streams. ER decreased with elevated phosphorus and higher annual rainfall. We constructed a structural equation model that explained greater variation of ER (74%) than GPP (26%), and reflects similar drivers, such as land‐use and watershed area, as in temperate streams. We conclude that tropical stream ecosystem metabolism has similar drivers as temperate streams, and a warmer and wetter climate and human use of tropical lands will influence metabolic rates in streams.
Neutrophil‐to‐Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts High‐Risk Explant Features and Waitlist Survival But Is Not Independently Associated With Recurrence or Survival Following Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Harding‐Theobald Emily , Yao Francis Y.K. , Mehta Neil
Published: February 2021

We assessed the prognostic significance and the clinical stability of the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) before liver transplantation (LT) in a large cohort of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from a region with a long waitlist time. A high preoperative NLR ≥5 has been reported to predict poor outcomes following LT for HCC, and the NLR has been incorporated into several prognostic models. We evaluated 758 patients with HCC with Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease exceptions and listed for LT from 2002 to 2015 at a single LT center, of which 505 underwent LT and 253 dropped out before LT. The NLR was collected in all patients at LT and, if available, between 15 and 90 days before LT (NLR2) or at dropout. An NLR ≥5 was associated with microvascular invasion (MVI), poorer tumor differentiation, and more advanced pathology on explant. Patients with an NLR ≥5 exhibited no differences in alpha‐fetoprotein, tumor burden at listing, or number of locoregional therapies compared with patients with an NLR <5. After a median post‐LT follow‐up of 4.7 years, overall survival and recurrence rates were similar for patients with an NLR ≥5 versus patients with an NLR <5. The NLR changed frequently, and 47% of patients whose NLR2 was ≥5 had an NLR <5 by LT. The NLR was ≥5 in 47.6% of patients at dropout compared with 14.9% of patients undergoing LT. Although the NLR at LT correlated with MVI and tumor stage at explant, the NLR did not predict post‐LT survival or HCC recurrence. The NLR appeared to be a relatively unstable inflammatory marker during the immediate 3 months before LT for HCC.
Application of the “Open‐Y” technique in recipient perforator vessels: A comparison study between “Open‐Y” and conventional end‐to‐end anastomosis in terms of postoperative complications
Authors: Scaglioni Mario F. , Meroni Matteo , Fritsche Elmar
Published: February 2021

Background

Over the last few years, the increasing employment of perforators as both donor and recipient vessels for free flap tissue transfer lead the surgeons to perform increasingly smaller anastomosis. Size discrepancy is a common problem that might affect the patency rate. This has many implications in the outcome of the procedure and the “Open‐Y” technique might be useful to perform an easier anastomosis by using a bifurcation area.

Patients and Methods

Between April 2018 and April 2020 a total of 98 patients who received a free tissue transfer reconstruction throughout the body were retrospectively recruited. The “Open‐Y” technique of anastomosis was used in the recipient artery of 40 perforator‐based flaps, while in 58 cases a conventional anastomosis with nonperforator vessel was performed. The size discrepancy rate and the arterial anastomotic site‐related complications were evaluated and compared.

Results

The flap success rate was 100% (40/40) in the “Open‐Y” group, slightly better than the conventional group (96.5%; 56/58) despite a higher size discrepancy rate in the “Open‐Y” group (27.5%; 11/40) compared to the conventional one (12%; 7/58) (p value, .053). The rate of complications was different, too. Better results were obtained in the “Open‐Y” group with 4/40 (10%) complications compared to the 18/58 (31%) of the conventional group (p value, .013).

Conclusions

The “Open‐Y” technique is a simple and interesting procedure to increase the vessels' diameter thus reducing size discrepancy and increasing the reliability of the anastomosis. This is extremely valuable in the perforator‐to‐perforator free tissue transfer setting where surgeons are often forced to work in a supermicrosurgical field. Every time a suitable bifurcation is encountered this might be a useful procedure to increase the end‐surface available for the anastomosis or to reduce vessels size discrepancy.
Fractional viscoelastic models with Caputo generalized fractional derivative
Authors: Bhangale Nikita , Kachhia Krunal B. , Gómez‐Aguilar J. F.
Published: February 2021

This article focuses on fractional Maxwell model of viscoelastic materials, which are a generalization of classic Maxwell model to noninteger order derivatives. We present and discuss formulations of the fractional order viscoelastic model and give physical interpretations of the model by using viscoelastic functions. We apply the generalized Caputo fractional derivative to viscoelastic models, namely fractional Maxwell model, fractional Kelvin‐Voigt model, and fractional Zener model. The stress relaxation module and creep compliance for each model are derived analytically using generalized Caputo fractional derivative. We analyze effect of α and newly introduced parameter ρ in all these models. The result shows an effect on viscoelastic models using fractional operator.
The limiting behavior of the Riemann solution to the isentropic Euler system for logarithmic equation of state with a source term
Authors: Sen Anupam , Raja Sekhar T.
Published: February 2021

We investigate the limiting behavior of the Riemann solution to the isentropic Euler equations for logarithmic equation of state with the Coulomb‐like friction term. The formation of vacuum state and delta shock waves are identified and analyzed when the pressure vanishes. Unlike the homogeneous case, the Riemann solution is no longer self‐similar. We prove that the Riemann solution of the isentropic Euler equations for logarithmic equation of state with friction term converges to the Riemann solution of the zero‐pressure gas dynamics system with a body force when the pressure vanishes.
Improved simultaneous multislice cardiac MRI using readout concatenated k‐space SPIRiT (ROCK‐SPIRiT)
Authors: Demirel Omer Burak , Weingärtner Sebastian , Moeller Steen , Akçakaya Mehmet
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To develop and evaluate a simultaneous multislice (SMS) reconstruction technique that provides noise reduction and leakage blocking for highly accelerated cardiac MRI.

Methods

ReadOut Concatenated k‐space SPIRiT (ROCK‐SPIRiT) uses the concept of readout concatenation in image domain to represent SMS encoding, and performs coil self‐consistency as in SPIRiT‐type reconstruction in an extended k‐space, while allowing regularization for further denoising. The proposed method is implemented with and without regularization, and validated on retrospectively SMS‐accelerated cine imaging with three‐fold SMS and two‐fold in‐plane acceleration. ROCK‐SPIRiT is compared with two leakage‐blocking SMS reconstruction methods: readout‐SENSE‐GRAPPA and split slice–GRAPPA. Further evaluation and comparisons are performed using prospectively SMS‐accelerated cine imaging.

Results

Results on retrospectively three‐fold SMS and two‐fold in‐plane accelerated cine imaging show that ROCK‐SPIRiT without regularization significantly improves on existing methods in terms of PSNR (readout‐SENSE‐GRAPPA: 33.5 ± 3.2, split slice–GRAPPA: 34.1 ± 3.8, ROCK‐SPIRiT: 35.0 ± 3.3) and SSIM (readout‐SENSE‐GRAPPA: 84.4 ± 8.9, split slice–GRAPPA: 85.0 ± 8.9, ROCK‐SPIRiT: 88.2 ± 6.6 [in percentage]). Regularized ROCK‐SPIRiT significantly outperforms all methods, as characterized by these quantitative metrics (PSNR: 37.6 ± 3.8, SSIM: 94.2 ± 4.1 [in percentage]). The prospectively five‐fold SMS and two‐fold in‐plane accelerated data show that ROCK‐SPIRiT and regularized ROCK‐SPIRiT have visually improved image quality compared with existing methods.

Conclusion

The proposed ROCK‐SPIRiT technique reduces noise and interslice leakage in accelerated SMS cardiac cine MRI, improving on existing methods both quantitatively and qualitatively.
Patient preference elicitation instrument, OABCare, to facilitate shared decision‐making in the care of overactive bladder
Authors: Chhatre Sumedha , Newman Diane K. , Wein Alan J. , Jayadevappa Ravishankar
Published: February 2021

Aims

To describe the development and feasibility of a preference elicitation instrument, OABCare, using choice‐based adaptive conjoint analysis (ACA) among patients with overactive bladder (OAB).

Methods

This was a two‐phase study. In Phase 1, an extensive literature review along with patient and provider focus groups yielded the attributes and levels for our OABCare instrument. The hierarchical Bayesian random‐effects model generated utilities and mean relative importance scores of treatment attributes. Phase 2 consisted of a cohort study to assess the association between OAB treatment uptake and treatment attributes elicited from OABCare, using generalized linear models.

Results

Literature review and provider and patient focus groups in Phase 1 yielded themes related to OAB management that were used to develop 11 attributes for the ACA instrument. For Phase 2 of the study, 108 patients were recruited who completed the OABCare instrument. Results showed that the top five attributes with the highest mean utility values were caregiver burden, impaired bladder function, social interaction constraints, treatment side effects, and use of pads. In addition, impaired bladder function (odds ratio [OR] = 1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1, 2.1), disturbed sleep (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.47), social interaction constraints (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.05, 1.32), and out‐of‐pocket costs (OR = 0.79, 95 % CI = 0.61, 0.94) were associated with OAB treatment uptake.

Conclusions

Our ACA‐based instrument, OABCare, is a feasible and acceptable tool for assessing preferences in OAB patients. Preference assessment can facilitate shared decision‐making and may enhance the quality of OAB care. Future work will evaluate the OABCare instrument in different subgroups based on sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment characteristics, and its integration into clinical care settings.
Testosterone supplementation and the gender divide
Authors: Donovitz Gary S.
Published: February 2021

Testosterone supplementation has proven benefits for women but unfortunately, to date, no Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved product is available; while 31 different preparations of testosterone are FDA approved for men.
Impacts of COVID‐19 on caregivers of childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Wimberly Courtney E. , Towry Lisa , Caudill Caroline , Johnston Emily E. , Walsh Kyle M.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

We sought to assess the impact of disruptions due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) on caregivers of childhood cancer survivors.

Methods

A 13‐question survey containing multiple‐choice, Likert‐type, and free‐text questions on experiences, behaviors, and attitudes during the COVID‐19 outbreak was sent to childhood cancer caregivers and completed between April 13 and May 17, 2020. Ordered logistic regression was used to investigate relationships between demographics, COVID‐related experiences, and caregiver well‐being.

Results

Caregivers from 321 unique families completed the survey, including 175 with children under active surveillance/follow‐up care and 146 with children no longer receiving oncology care. Overall, caregivers expressed exceptional resiliency, highlighting commonalities between caring for a child with cancer and adopting COVID‐19 prophylactic measures. However, respondents reported delayed/canceled appointments (50%) and delayed/canceled imaging (19%). Eleven percent of caregivers reported struggling to pay for basic needs, which was associated with greater disruption to daily life, greater feelings of anxiety, poorer sleep, and less access to social support (p < .05). Caregivers who were self‐isolating reported greater feelings of anxiety and poorer sleep (p < .05). Respondents who expressed confidence in the government response to COVID‐19 reported less disruption to their daily life, decreased feelings of depression and anxiety, better sleep, and greater hopefulness (p < .001)

Conclusions

Caregivers are experiencing changes to medical care, financial disruptions, and emotional distress due to COVID‐19. To better serve caregivers and medically at‐risk children, clinicians must evaluate financial toxicity and feelings of isolation in families affected by childhood cancer, and work to provide reliable information on how COVID‐19 may differentially impact their children.
Reciprocating friction and wear performances of nanometer sized‐TiO2 filled epoxy composites
Authors: Tian Jingwei , Li Chenggao , Xian Guijun
Published: February 2021

Nanometer‐sized particles, for example, TiO2, have gradually gained the attention to improve the mechanical and tribological properties of epoxy composite coatings. In the present paper, TiO2 with the size of 300 nm was applied to improve the reciprocating friction and wear performances of an epoxy composite. The effects of TiO2 content and sample preparation methods on the mechanical and tribological performances were investigated experimentally. It was found that the optimal mixture ratio of TiO2 was 4 wt%, and the tensile strength of composite increased by up to 30% compared with the control sample. The TiO2 nanoparticles were treated with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and then mixed into epoxy resin with three‐roll mill grinding technique. The PVP molecules could surround a single TiO2 to form super‐monomer, which produced repulsive force to aim to disperse nanoparticles, and the three‐roll mill grinding could utilize the compression of axis surfaces and friction at different speeds to reduce the size of agglomerations of more than 5 microns. The results showed that the PVP molecules treatment could improve tensile strength and modulus, and three‐roll mill grinding technique could enhance the elongation at break. In addition, the reciprocating wear rate and frictional coefficient of the epoxy composite plates also were reduced remarkably owing to the pretreatment of TiO2 particles, for example, and the frictional coefficient of epoxy composite decreased from 0.09 to 0.04 for the optimal ratio of TiO2, and special wear rate also decreased by 87.5% compared with the control sample. This was because the TiO2 nanoparticles acted as the stress transfer medium and could undertake part of loading to relieve stress directly into the epoxy matrix. There was a thin transfer film in which the particles acted as a membrane skeleton to avoid matrix further being torn. Because of the hardness and nanoeffect of particles, TiO2 could fill the defects in the wear interface to form a protective film and improve surface fatigue resistance property. The more uniform dispersion of TiO2 particles brought about the obvious improvement of wear resistance of composites.
Automatic mental health identification method based on natural gait pattern
Authors: Miao Beibei , Liu Xiaoqian , Zhu Tingshao
Published: February 2021

Mental health has become a global problem, as over 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression and 200 million from anxiety disorders, which are ranked by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the first and sixth leading causes of disability, respectively. Due to the limited health resources, the traditional method of mental health diagnosis as one‐to‐one consultation is difficult to meet the needs of the large number of mental subhealth population. In this article, we propose a new method for mental health recognition that could identify potentially clinically significant symptoms of depression and anxiety based on daily gait. Eighty‐eight participants were recruited, and their gaits were recorded by a digital camera. Then they were required to complete two rating scales, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9) and the seven‐item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD‐7), to measure their depression and anxiety levels. Specifically, 18 key points of each individual's body trunk were captured from video, and both time‐domain features and frequency‐domain behavioral features were extracted for each key point. Lastly, machine‐learning algorithms were utilized to build the mental health recognition models. Results showed that the proposed method is feasible and effective, with a correlation coefficient of depression (measured by PHQ‐9) recognition above 0.5 and anxiety (measured by GAD‐7) recognition above 0.4, achieving medium correlation. This new, low‐cost, and convenient mental health recognition pattern could be applied in daily monitoring of mental health and large‐scale preliminary screening of mental diseases.
Fused filament fabrication of polyetheretherketone/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites: the effect of thermally conductive nanometric filler on the printability and related properties
Authors: Rinaldi Marianna , Ghidini Tommaso , Nanni Francesca
Published: February 2021

Fused filament fabrication is an additive layer manufacturing technique. It was extensively used at the beginning for the manufacturing of prototypes, and it has been adopted during the last few years for the manufacturing of fully functional components. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has been thoroughly investigated as a composite matrix because of its outstanding mechanical properties and thermal and chemical stability. This study is focused on PEEK nanocomposites with different amounts of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) (i.e. 3, 5, 10 wt%) produced in the form of a filament and successively 3D printed. The influence of the CNT presence on printability was studied and correlated to the nanocomposite feedstock thermal and microstructural properties, defining a substrate temperature processability window. Interestingly the addition of CNTs significantly limits the processability window due to the influence on the crystallization process and viscosity. Moreover, the thermal and mechanical properties of 3D printed bulk samples were investigated in view of the PEEK/CNT nanocomposite feedstock properties. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Global analysis of lysine acetylome reveals the potential role of CCL18 in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Kong Shuai , Ding Lu , Fan Chenkun , Li Yun , Wang Chi , Wang Ke , Xu Weilong , Shi Xuanming , Wu Quan , Wang Fengsong
Published: February 2021

C‐C motif chemokine 18 (CCL18) belongs to the chemokine CC family and is predominantly secreted by M2‐tumor‐associated macrophages. It has been reported to be associated with various diseases and malignancies. Previous studies showed that CCL18 promotes metastasis by activating downstream kinases. However, it remains unknown whether CCL18 regulates post‐translational modifications, other than phosphorylation, during tumorigenesis. Here, we demonstrate that CCL18 is up‐regulated in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and is involved in regulating the lysine acetylome in A549 cells. Using the combination of SILAC labeling and high‐efficiency acetylation enrichment methods, we identified 1372 lysine acetylation (Kac) sites on 796 proteins in CCL18‐treated A549 cells. Among the identified Kac sites, 147 from 126 proteins were down‐regulated and seven from five proteins were up‐regulated with fold changes more than two and the p‐value less than 0.05. Bioinformatics analysis further showed that the proteins with down‐regulated acetylation play critical roles in glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and pentose phosphate pathway in A549 cells. These results suggest that CCL18 may be involved in the development of NSCLC by regulating acetylation of the proteins in many fundamental cellular processes, especially the metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells.
Promising iron(II) complexes of curcumins: designing, density functional theory, and molecular docking
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Kumar Vinod , Kumari Kamlesh , Jain Pallavi , Kaushik Nagendra Kumar , Singh Prashant
Published: February 2021

Curcumin is the key compound of turmeric and was identified as diferuloylmethane. It can be administered through various routes like orally and inhalation. It is hydrophobic, and the bioavailability for oral administration of curcumin is low. It is an important biological promising compound and used for the treatment of patients' suffering from atherosclerosis, colon cancer, hypercholesteremia, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatic cancer, and so forth. The work aims to design the iron(II) complexes of curcumin and its derivatives. The designed complexes were studied by the density functional theory (DFT) approach for their stability and were investigated based on IR spectra using Gaussian 9.0. Further, curcumin and the iron (II) complexes were explored for their biological potency as inhibitors against the main protease of SARS‐CoV‐2, as well as for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities using molecular docking with the iGemDock. Based on the results, it has been observed that among the iron(II) complexes of curcumin, C1 showed promising biological activities against tyrosinase kinase and the main protease of SARS‐CoV‐2 as well as satisfactory action againstEscherichia coli.
Intensive care management of right ventricular failure and pulmonary hypertension crises
Authors: Coleman Ryan D. , Chartan Corey A. , Mourani Peter M.
Published: February 2021

Pulmonary hypertension (PH), an often unrelenting disease that carries with it significant morbidity and mortality, affects not only the pulmonary vasculature but, in turn, the right ventricle as well. The survival of patients with PH is closely related to the right ventricular function. Therefore, having an understanding of how to manage right ventricular failure (RVF) and acute pulmonary hypertensive crises is imperative for clinicians who encounter these patients. This review addresses the management of these patients in detail, addressing: (a) the pathophysiology of RVF, (b) intensive care monitoring of these patients in the intensive care unit, (c) imaging of the right ventricle, (d) intubation and mechanical ventilation, (e) inotrope and vasopressor selection, (f) pulmonary vasodilator use, (g) interventional and surgical procedures for the acutely failing right ventricle, and (h) mechanical support for RVF.
Determination of Particulate Matter Emission Factors of Common Pyrotechnic Articles
Authors: Keller Fritz , Schragen Christian
Published: February 2021

The measurement of particulate matter (TSP, PM10, and PM2.5) emitted by pyrotechnic articles is described. For this purpose, pyrotechnic articles for entertainment purposes of category F2 (i. e. consumer fireworks according to European legislation) are examined exemplarily. The aim was to determine reliable emission factors (EF). Different types of pyrotechnic articles were used to obtain a more representative database. Commonly used analytical methods, like impactor technology, are accompanied by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy to obtain a better insight into the nature of the emissions. Specific emission factors are determined for each pyrotechnic article. In the absence of activity rates, an average specific emission factor can be used to assess emission inventories. The average emission factors for investigated articles are 253 g PM10 per kg net explosive content (NEC) and 200 g PM2.5 per kg NEC. The highest emission is found for a battery of shot tubes, the lowest emission of particulate matter is found for a fountain‐like pyrotechnic article. Furthermore, the hypothesis is assessed whether it makes a difference to determine emission data based on pyrotechnic mixtures or pyrotechnic articles. It is demonstrated that the combustion of pyrotechnic articles generates a higher amount of particulate matter than the combustion of pyrotechnic mixtures.
Fast Optical Reflectance Measurements during Spin Coating and Annealing of Organic–Inorganic Perovskite Precursor Solutions
Authors: Rappich Jörg , Kaspari Christian , Camus Christian , Nickel Norbert H.
Published: February 2021

The spin‐coating and subsequent low‐temperature annealing processes of organic/inorganic halide perovskites are investigated using in situ high‐speed spectral reflectance measurements. Methyl ammonium lead triiodide (CH3NH3PbI3, MAPI), methyl ammonium lead tribromide (CH3NH3PbBr3, MAPBr), formamidinium lead triiodide (HC(NH2)2PbI3, FAPI), and triple cation‐based (TripleCat) perovskite Cs0.05(FA0.83MA0.17)0.95Pb(I0.83Br0.17)3 are used as precursor solutions. After ≈1 s of spin coating, interference fringes develop that are used to determine the thickness of the layers. The spontaneous formation of MAPBr and TripleCat perovskite polycrystalline layers is observed during spin coating at room temperature. The phase transition from the other precursor solutions to the polycrystalline perovskite layers is monitored with diffuse reflectance measurements during the low‐temperature annealing step. These measurements permit the monitoring of the crystallization process that affects the bandgap of perovskites. Furthermore, it is possible to investigate the phase separation that occurs in perovskite mixtures during annealing by a second relative minimum in the reflectance spectra. The obtained results show that fast reflectance measurements are very useful to characterize kinetics and phase transition. Moreover, this fast experimental method provides insight into the formation of perovskite thin films and allows monitoring these processes on a timescale of some tens of milliseconds.
Negative Compressibility in Hexagonal and Trigonal Models Constructed by Hinging Wine‐Rack Mechanism
Authors: Ma Meng , Zhou Xiaoqin , Liu Qiang , Wang Rongqi , Song Ziyu
Published: February 2021

In our previous work, a monoclinic octahedron model based on the tetragonal octahedron model for the negative compressibility property was analyzed. To design a larger number of new models with greater negative compressibility property, an extensive study to propose the hexagonal and trigonal models constructed by a hinging wine‐rack mechanism is now conducted, according to the concept of the crystal system and the method to design new models by changing the system of models. The compressibility properties through theoretical modeling are analyzed, and the results show that the two models exhibit negative compressibility. Further analysis indicates that the two models have strong similarity with the tetragonal model, which can be analyzed uniformly, and the trigonal model has the greatest negative compressibility property among the three models, irrespective of the on‐axis or off‐axis compressibility property. Finally, owing to the particularity of the space configuration for the hexagonal and trigonal models, a series of new models with different spatial arrangements are proposed, which can greatly increase the number of models with negative compressibility.
Finite‐time adaptive fault‐tolerant tracking control for nonlinear switched systems with dynamic uncertainties
Authors: Cui Di , Wu Yifei , Xiang Zhengrong
Published: February 2021

In this paper, a finite‐time adaptive fault‐tolerant control (FTC) scheme is researched for a class of nonlinear systems with unmodeled dynamics, where the dynamic system is switched. Due to the complexity of the system and switching characteristics, it is not easy to solve the tracking problem in a finite time adopting existing approaches. In this study, a new FTC method is presented. This is completed by using the backstepping technology, common Lyapunov function method, and radial basis function (RBF) neural networks (NNs) which are utilized to estimate unknown functions. It is shown that all signals in the closed‐loop system are semi‐global bounded under arbitrary switching, and the tracking error converges to a small region around the origin in a finite time. An effective simulation example is given to prove the practicability of the designed scheme in the end.
Microfabrication Enables Quantification of Interfacial Activity in Thermal Catalysis
Authors: Frei Matthias S. , Veenstra Florentine L. P. , Capeder David , Stewart Joseph A. , Curulla‐Ferré Daniel , Martín Antonio J. , Mondelli Cecilia , Pérez‐Ramírez Javier
Published: February 2021

A myriad of heterogeneous catalysts comprises multiple phases that need to be precisely structured to exert their maximal contribution to performance through electronic and structural interactions at their peripheries. In view of the nanometric, tridimensional, and anisotropic nature of these materials, a quantification of the interface and the impact of catalytic sites located there on the global performance is a highly challenging task. Consequently, the true origin of catalysis often remains subject of debate even for widely studied materials. Herein, an integrated strategy based on microfabricated catalysts and a custom‐designed reactor is introduced for determining interfacial contributions upon catalytic activity assessment under process‐relevant conditions, which can be easily implemented in the common catalysis research infrastructure and will accelerate the rational design of multicomponent heterogeneous catalysts for diverse applications. The method is validated by studying the high‐pressure continuous‐flow hydrogenation of CO and CO2 over Cu–ZnO catalysts, revealing linear correlations between the methanol formation rate and the interface between the metal and the oxide. Characterization of fresh and used materials points to the model catalyst preparation as the current challenge of the methodology that can be addressed through further development of nanotechnological tools.
Assessment of posttensioned concrete beams from the 1940s: Large‐scale load testing, numerical analysis and Bayesian assessment of prestressing losses
Authors: Botte Wouter , Vereecken Eline , Taerwe Luc , Caspeele Robby
Published: February 2021

The UCO textile factory was built in Ghent (Belgium) in the period 1947–1948. The roof structure covered an area of about 35,000 m2 and consisted of 100 primary beams and 600 secondary beams. These post‐tensioned beams were designed by prof. Gustave Magnel, who was a world‐leading expert in the field of prestressed concrete. This project was one of the first important large‐scale applications of prestressed concrete in industrial buildings in the world and also the first large scale application of on site prefabrication. Recently, part of the factory building was demolished and a primary beam and secondary beam of the roof structure were transferred to the Magnel‐Vandepitte Laboratory for Building Materials and Structures for testing at an age of approximately 70 years. The primary beams have a span of 20.5 m and a maximum depth of 1.7 m. The secondary beams have a span of 13.7 m and a depth of 1 m. Only prestressing tendons (Blaton–Magnel system with Ø 5 mm wires) were present in the beams but no passive reinforcement nor stirrups are present except for the reinforcement in the corbels and the end blocks. This article describes the results of the loading tests up to failure on the beams. The experimental results are compared with results from analytical calculations. Furthermore, a nonlinear finite element model was developed and validated. Subsequently, this numerical model was used for a Bayesian‐based assessment of the prestressing losses in these beams. As such, the article presents novel information related to time‐dependent prestress losses after 70 years in service as well as the structural performance of such existing post‐tensioned concrete structures dating from that pioneering period.