bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic review of productivity loss among healthcare workers due to Covid‐19
Authors: Yaghoubi Maryam , Salimi Mohammad , Meskarpour‐Amiri Mohammad
Published: October 2021

Objective

To assess existing evidence on the effects of COVID‐19 on healthcare workers (HCWs) using the health‐related productivity loss approach.

Methods

A systematic search of online databases including PubMed, Scopus, Ovid, Web of Science, and EMBASE was conducted up to 25 August 2020. Following two screening stages, studies related to the effects of COVID‐19 on healthcare workers were included in the study.

Results

82 studies were included in the analysis. The COVID‐19 related death rate among HCWs ranged from 0.00‐0.7%, while the positive test incidence varied between 0.00 and 24.4%. 39 evidences assessed psychological disorders. A wide range of psychological disorders observed among HCWs: 5.2 to 71.2% in anxiety, 1.00 to 88.3% in stress, 8.27 to 61.67% in insomnia, and 4.5 to 50.4% in depression.

Conclusions

The early evidence suggests that healthcare workers are one of the most vulnerable groups when it comes to positive COVID‐19 infection, mortality, and mental illness.
Electrical Properties of LaS‐TaS2 Misfit Layered Compound Nanotubes
Authors: Stolovas Dalit , Popovitz‐Biro Ronit , Sinha Sudarson S. , Bitton Ora , Shahar Dan , Tenne Reshef , Joselevich Ernesto
Published: October 2021

Several nanotubular structures from chalcogenide‐based misfit layer compounds (MLC) were reported in recent years. MLCs consist of a stacking of two alternating and dissimilar (2D) atomic layers, e. g. one with rocksalt structure (MX) and the other‐ TX2 – with hexagonal layer structure. The layers are held together by weak van der Waals forces, i. e. they can be exfoliated with scotch‐tape. Furthermore, in analogy to intercalation compounds, partial charge transfer between the layers with dissimilar work function results also in polar forces between the MX and TX2 layers. The mismatch between the alternating (asymmetric) layers and the seaming of the dangling bonds at the edges drives them to form tubular (and also scroll‐like) structures. New structural characterization whereby the nanotubes were bisected into lamella via focused ion beam and examined by TEM, are reported.
Indirect impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic on pregnancy and childbirth outcomes: A nine‐month long experience from a university center in Lombardy
Authors: Ornaghi Sara , Fumagalli Simona , Guinea Montalvo Chiara K. , Beretta Greta , Invernizzi Francesca , Nespoli Antonella , Vergani Patrizia
Published: October 2021

Objective

To determine the impact on perinatal health of changes in social policies and obstetric care implemented to curb SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission. However, robust data on the topic are lacking since most of the studies has examined only the first few months of the outbreak.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on uninfected and asymptomatically infected women giving birth between March and November 2020 and in the same time frame of 2019 at our tertiary care center in Lombardy, northern Italy. Perinatal outcomes were compared according to the year (2019 versus 2020) and to the trimester (March–May, June–August, September–November) of childbirth, corresponding to the three phases of the pandemic (first wave, deceleration, second wave) and covering a 9‐month period.

Results

We identified increased rates of gestational diabetes mellitus, spontaneous preterm birth, and neuraxial analgesia in 2020 versus 2019, with different temporal distributions: gestational diabetes mellitus and spontaneous preterm birth were more prevalent during the deceleration and the second wave phase, whereas epidural analgesia was more prevalent during the first wave.

Conclusion

By assessing a prolonged time frame of the pandemic, we show that pandemic‐related control measures, as applied in Lombardy, impacted relevant perinatal outcomes of women giving birth at our center.
Nitrogen mineralization from organic fertilizers and composts: Literature survey and model fitting
Authors: Geisseler Daniel , Smith Richard , Cahn Mike , Muramoto Joji
Published: October 2021

Organic fertilizers and composts are valuable sources of nutrients. However, their nutrient availability is often not known and can be variable. The objective of the present study was to collect net nitrogen (N) turnover data from peer‐reviewed articles and fit a model that simulates gross N mineralization and gross N immobilization to determine pool sizes and their rate constants of different common organic amendments. A total of 113 datasets were included in the study. The model predicted that 61 and 72.5% of total N in feather meal and guano, respectively, would be in the mineral form after 100 d under optimal conditions. Nitrogen availability from poultry manure and poultry manure compost was lower. On average, 16–17% of total N was present as mineral N in the materials, whereas at the end of the 100‐d simulation, 39.6 and 32.7% of total N from an average poultry manure and its compost, respectively, were in the mineral form. Yard waste compost and vermicompost are stable materials, with <10% of the total N in an average material being in the mineral form at the end of the 100‐d simulation. Model simulations revealed that changes in the assumed temperature sensitivity of N mineralization have a strong effect on N availability of readily available organic amendments during the first weeks after incorporation. The model performed well for guano and feather meal but was unsatisfactory for the other amendment groups. Model performance may have been hampered by different incubation protocols used in the studies included and variability in amendment properties not considered by the model. The results of this study allow estimating the release of N from a variety of organic fertilizers and composts and can be a valuable tool to improve N management of organic amendments in crop production.
LINC01291 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma development by targeting the miR‐186‐5p/OXSR1 axis
Authors: Chu Jian , Geng Guangyong , Ai Xiaoming , Jia Wenbo , Wang Jinyi , Xu Bin , Kong Xiangxu , Kong Lianbao
Published: October 2021

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Recent studies have demonstrated that lncRNAs play an important role in tumorigenesis. LINC01291 has been confirmed to be involved in the proliferation and migration of different cancers, although the function of LINC01291 in HCC is still unknown.

Methods

First, the expression of LINC01291 in 50 paired HCC tissues, adjacent normal tissues and HCC cell lines was measured by a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Then, the function of LINC01291 in HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion was measured by colony formation, Cell Counting Kit‐8 assays, wound healing assays and transwell assays. In addition, E‐cadherin, N‐cadherin, vimentin and oxidative stress‐responsive 1 (OXSR1) protein expression levels were assessed via western blotting. Luciferase reporter assays were used to confirm the relationship between LINC01291 and miR‐186‐5p, as well as miR‐186‐5p and OXSR1 mRNA. Rescue assays and in vivo experiments further confirmed the LINC01291/miR‐186‐5p/OXSR1 axis in the progression of HCC.

Results

LINC01291 was upregulated in both HCC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of LINC01291 inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial–mesenchymal progression (EMT) of HCC cells. In addition, LINC01291 could overexpress OXSR1 by sponging miR‐186‐5p, and OXSR1 overexpression or miR‐186‐5p inhibition could rescue the effect of LINC01291 knockdown in YY‐8103 cell lines. In addition, lentiviral sh‐LINC01291 could effectively inhibit the growth of subcutaneous YY‐8103 xenograft tumors, whereas the anticancer effect could be reversed by cotransfection with in‐miR‐186‐5p or ov‐OXSR1.

Conclusions

LINC01291 can promote the proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT of HCC cells via the miR‐186‐5p/OXSR1 axis, and sh‐LINC01291 can inhibit tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model.
North Atlantic air pressure and temperature conditions associated with heavy rainfall in Great Britain
Authors: Barnes Andrew Paul , Svensson Cecilia , Kjeldsen Thomas Rodding
Published: October 2021

Severe flooding in the United Kingdom is often linked to the occurrence of heavy rainfall events, which can be characterized by the synoptic scale meteorological conditions over the North Atlantic region. Seasonal heavy rainfall events (summer and winter 1‐day maxima) were extracted from 125 locations across Great Britain over the period 1950–2017. For each event, anomaly sea‐level pressure and 2 m air temperature conditions across the North Atlantic sector were extracted. In contrast to earlier studies, these two datasets were combined and clustered to identify how the pressure and temperature conditions co‐vary within each half‐year to produce heavy rainfall events. Distinctly different spatial patterns were found for four classes in summer and for three classes in winter. For all classes there is a negative sea‐level pressure anomaly centred over or near the British Isles. However, whereas in summer the low pressures are associated with either predominantly cold or warm anomalies over most of the North Atlantic, in winter two phases of a smaller‐scale four‐pole temperature pattern emerges. Nevertheless, for one of the winter classes the cold anomaly over the northwest Atlantic is so deep, persistent and widespread that, unusually for the winter season, a significant relationship between the class's frequency of occurrence and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) index is found (r = −.39). Further, for both seasons heavy rainfall occurs when the AMO and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) are in opposing phases. Particularly, positive NAO and negative AMO result in heavy rainfall in western Britain. Two classes in each season are consistent with positive and negative phases of the NAO, and the two non‐NAO summer classes are associated with a northward extension of the subtropical high pressure and heavy rainfall in the southeast. The association between heavy rainfall and large‐scale circulation and temperature drivers can find application in, for example, weather generators.
A quantitative measurement of trapeziometacarpal joint pressure using a cadaveric model of lateral pinch
Authors: Hwang Ji Sup , Li Qingyuan , Kim Jihyeung
Published: October 2021

Trapeziectomy is performed for trapeziometacarpal (TMC) arthritis but decreased lateral pinch strength is a major source of discomfort after the surgery. The magnitude of the decrease is unclear, however, and how the pressure changes in the TMC joint is unknown. To investigate this relationship, we designed a cadaveric study to measure TMC joint pressure using a lateral pinch model, and quantitatively evaluated the effect of trapeziectomy on the pressure measurements. For 10 cadaveric forearms, physiologic forces were applied across the thumb TMC joint by loading five tendons, thereby simulating lateral pinch. Using pressure sensors, we measured the lateral pinch pressure and TMC joint pressure, which averaged 10.1 (range, 4.2–16.2) kg/cm2 and 2.0 (range, 0.8–4.4) kg/cm2, respectively. A significant correlation between the measurements was found, with an average ratio of 19% (range, 10%–27%). After trapeziectomy and interposition of the tendon ball using flexor carpi radialis, the pressure measurements were repeated under the same conditions. Significant changes were found, which averaged 5.1 (range, 1.7–10.7) kg/cm2 for lateral pinch pressure and 15.0 (range, 5.6–25.6) kg/cm2 for TMC joint pressure. In conclusion, TMC joint pressure could be measured as the ratio relative to lateral pinch pressure using a cadaveric model. After trapeziectomy, the lateral pinch strength decreased, whereas the TMC joint pressure increased.
The Impact of Upper Lateral Cartilage Release on Patient‐Perceived Nasal Appearance and Obstruction
Authors: Weitzman Rachel E. , Gadkaree Shekhar K. , Justicz Natalie S. , Lindsay Robin W.
Published: October 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Although upper lateral cartilages are commonly released from the dorsum of the septum during spreader graft placement in septorhinoplasty (SRP), there has been a focus on maintaining integrity of connections in the middle vault. Avoiding release of upper lateral cartilages in certain patient groups may represent an early step in this paradigm shift. We aim to assess satisfaction with nasal appearance and correction of nasal obstruction in patients who underwent SRP with spreader graft placement without upper lateral cartilage release and compared it to the traditional upper lateral cartilage release cohort.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

A total of 559 patients who underwent SRP with spreader graft placement with upper lateral cartilage release and 30 patients who underwent SRP with spreader graft placement without release between 2012 and 2020 were administered the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE), FACE‐Q Satisfaction with Nose, and FACE‐Q Social Functioning scales pre‐ and postoperatively. Pre‐ and postoperative NOSE FACE‐Q, and negative inspiratory force (NIF) scores and changes were compared between groups.

Results

Results demonstrated clinically and statistically significant improvement at follow‐up for both groups. There was no significant difference between groups in mean improvement of NOSE, FACE‐Q, and NIF scores at time of last follow‐up.

Conclusion

SRP with spreader graft placement with and without upper lateral cartilage release provide clinically and statistically significant improvement, and no significant difference in functional outcome. This suggests that upper lateral cartilages do not need to be released to achieve functional improvement and that surgeons should consider whether release is necessary to achieve goals of surgery.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:1189–1195, 2022
State of the Science in Tracheal Stents: A Scoping Review
Authors: Johnson Christopher M. , Luke Alex S. , Jacobsen Christian , Novak Nicholas , Dion Gregory R.
Published: October 2021

Objective

Recent material science advancements are driving tracheal stent innovation. We sought to assess the state of the science regarding materials and preclinical/clinical outcomes for tracheal stents in adults with benign tracheal disease.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search in April 2021 identified 556 articles related to tracheal stents. One‐hundred and twenty‐eight full‐text articles were reviewed and 58 were included in the final analysis. Datapoints examined were stent materials, clinical applications and outcomes, and preclinical findings, including emerging technologies.

Results

In the 58 included studies, stent materials were metals (n = 28), polymers (n = 19), coated stents (n = 19), and drug‐eluting (n = 5). Metals included nitinol, steel, magnesium alloys, and elgiloy. Studies utilized 10 different polymers, the most popular included polydioxanone, poly‐l‐lactic acid, poly(d,l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide), and polycaprolactone. Coated stents employed a metal or polymer framework and were coated with polyurethane, silicone, polytetrafluoroethylene, or polyester, with some polymer coatings designed specifically for drug elution. Drug‐eluting stents utilized mitomycin C, arsenic trioxide, paclitaxel, rapamycin, and doxycycline. Of the 58 studies, 18 were human and 40 were animal studies (leporine = 21, canine = 9, swine = 4, rat = 3, ovine/feline/murine = 1). Noted complications included granulation tissue and/or stenosis, stent migration, death, infection, and fragmentation.

Conclusion

An increasing diversity of materials and coatings are employed for tracheal stents, growing more pronounced over the past decade. Though most studies are still preclinical, awareness of tracheal stent developments is important in contextualizing novel stent concepts and clinical trials.Laryngoscope, 132:2111–2123, 2022
Malnutrition in Biliary Atresia: Assessment, Management, and Outcomes
Authors: Boster Julia M. , Feldman Amy G. , Mack Cara L. , Sokol Ronald J. , Sundaram Shikha S.
Published: October 2021

Children with biliary atresia (BA), particularly infants, are at high risk for malnutrition attributed to a multitude of factors, including poor oral intake and intolerance of enteral feeding, fat malabsorption, abnormal nutrient metabolism, and increased caloric demand. Malnutrition and sarcopenia negatively impact outcomes in BA, leading to higher pretransplant and posttransplant morbidity and mortality. This review summarizes factors contributing to nutritional deficiencies in BA and offers an organized approach to the assessment and management of malnutrition in this vulnerable population.
The crevice corrosion behavior of N80 carbon steel in acidic NaCl solution: The effect of O2
Authors: Li Yizhou , Mu Jie , Cui Zhongyu , Wang Xin
Published: October 2021

The effect of O2 on crevice corrosion of N80 carbon steel in acidic NaCl solution is investigated. Crevice corrosion of N80 carbon steel could be initiated with or without O2 in acidic NaCl solution. A deep corrosion groove could be formed near the crevice mouth after crevice corrosion. The crevice corrosion of N80 carbon steel is ascribed to the increased pH inside the crevice in acidic NaCl solution. The presence of O2 in the solution could enhance the cathodic reaction processes outside the crevice, but it is not significant for the cathodic reaction processes inside the crevice. The galvanic corrosion effect between inner and outer steels could be enhanced by O2 and then promote crevice corrosion.
Electrostatic Spinning based on Aqueous Polyurethane Block‐Modified Polycaprolactone and Its Hydrophilicity Study
Authors: Wang Faqiang , Wang Xueting , Xi Yanni , Liu Kexin , Li Zhanxiong
Published: October 2021

In this study, waterborne polyurethane hydrophilic block copolymer PCL‐b‐WPU is obtained through step‐growth addition polymerization reaction to improve the hydrophilicity of polycaprolactone (PCL). Then, films are prepared via solution casting method and electrospinning. PCL‐b‐WPU nanofibrous membranes have a higher initial water contact angle of 106°, but they can be completely wetted from the surface to the back within 120 s, with good wet absorption and quick‐drying performance. Hollow fibers are fabricated via coaxial electrospinning by controlling the process parameters. PCL‐b‐WPU is used as shell material and polyoxyethylene as the core. Low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance technology is used to analyze the moisture distribution and the state of water within solid, porous, and porous hollow fibers. Their bound water is 14.5%, 27.5%, and 31.1%, respectively. These results suggest that the introduction of the WPU chain and the construction of a rough surface significantly improve the hydrophilicity of PCL. PCL‐b‐WPU membranes are expected to be further developed and utilized for moisture‐absorbing and quick‐drying textiles, wound dressings, and biological scaffolds.
Integrating multiple MRI sequences for pelvic organs segmentation via the attention mechanism
Authors: Huang Sijuan , Cheng Zesen , Lai Lijuan , Zheng Wanjia , He Mengxue , Li Junyun , Zeng Tianyu , Huang Xiaoyan , Yang Xin
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To create a network which fully utilizes multi‐sequence MRI and compares favorably with manual human contouring.

Methods

We retrospectively collected 89 MRI studies of the pelvic cavity from patients with prostate cancer and cervical cancer. The dataset contained 89 samples from 87 patients with a total of 84 valid samples. MRI was performed with T1‐weighted (T1), T2‐weighted (T2), and Enhanced Dixon T1‐weighted (T1DIXONC) sequences. There were two cohorts. The training cohort contained 55 samples and the testing cohort contained 29 samples. The MRI images in the training cohort contained contouring data from radiotherapist α. The MRI images in the testing cohort contained contouring data from radiotherapist α and contouring data from another radiotherapist: radiotherapist β. The training cohort was used to optimize the convolution neural networks, which included the attention mechanism through the proposed activation module and the blended module into multiple MRI sequences, to perform autodelineation. The testing cohort was used to assess the networks’ autodelineation performance. The contoured organs at risk (OAR) were the anal canal, bladder, rectum, femoral head (L), and femoral head (R).

Results

We compared our proposed network with UNet and FuseUNet using our dataset. When T1 was the main sequence, we input three sequences to segment five organs and evaluated the results using four metrics: the DSC (Dice similarity coefficient), the JSC (Jaccard similarity coefficient), the ASD (average mean distance), and the 95% HD (robust Hausdorff distance). The proposed network achieved improved results compared with the baselines among all metrics. The DSC were 0.834±0.029, 0.818±0.037, and 0.808±0.050 for our proposed network, FuseUNet, and UNet, respectively. The 95% HD were 7.256±2.748 mm, 8.404±3.297 mm, and 8.951±4.798 mm for our proposed network, FuseUNet, and UNet, respectively. Our proposed network also had superior performance on the JSC and ASD coefficients.

Conclusion

Our proposed activation module and blended module significantly improved the performance of FuseUNet for multi‐sequence MRI segmentation. Our proposed network integrated multiple MRI sequences efficiently and autosegmented OAR rapidly and accurately. We also discovered that three‐sequence fusion (T1‐T1DIXONC‐T2) was superior to two‐sequence fusion (T1‐T2 and T1‐T1DIXONC, respectively). We infer that the more MRI sequences fused, the better the automatic segmentation results.
Compensating for beam modulation due to microscopic lung heterogeneities in carbon ion therapy treatment planning
Authors: Paz Athena Evalour Simbahon , Baumann Kilian‐Simon , Weber Uli Andreas , Witt Matthias , Zink Klemens , Durante Marco , Graeff Christian
Published: October 2021

Purpose: To predict and mitigate for the degradation in physical and biologically effective dose distributions of particle beams caused by microscopic heterogeneities in lung tissue.

Materials and Methods: The TRiP98 treatment planning system was adapted to account for the beam‐modulating effect of heterogeneous lung tissue in physical and biological inverse treatment planning. The implementation employs an analytical model that derives the degradation from the established “modulation power” parameter and the total water‐equivalent thickness of lung parenchyma traversed by the beam. Beam modulation was reproduced through an on‐the‐fly convolution of the reference Bragg curve with Gaussian kernels depending on the modulation power of lung tissue (upstream). For biological doses, the degradation was determined by modulating dose‐averaged , , and LET distributions. Carbon SOBP measurements behind lung substitute material were performed to validate the code. The implementation was then applied to a phantom and patient case.

Results: Experimental results show the passage through a 20‐cm Gammex LN300 slab led to a decrease in target coverage and broadening of the SOBP distal fall‐off. However, dose coverage was regained through optimization. A good agreement between calculated and measured SOBPs was also found. In addition, a patient case study revealed a 3.2% decrease in D from degradation ( = 450 m), which was reduced to a 0.4% difference after optimization. Furthermore, widening of the RBE distribution beyond the target distal edge was observed. This implies an increased degradation in the biological dose, which could be harmful to healthy tissues distal to the target.

Conclusions: This is the first implementation capable of compensating for lung dose perturbations, which is more effective than margin extensions. A larger patient study is needed to examine the observed modulation in the RBE distribution and judge the clinical relevance also in IMPT, where margins might prove insufficient to recover target coverage.
Planning CT‐guided robust and fast cone‐beam CT scatter correction using a local filtration technique
Authors: Cui Hehe , Jiang Xiao , Fang Chengyijue , Zhu Lei , Yang Yidong
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Cone‐beam CT (CBCT) has been widely utilized in image‐guided radiotherapy. Planning CT (pCT)‐aided CBCT scatter correction could further enhance image quality and extend CBCT application to dose calculation and adaptive planning. Nevertheless, existing pCT‐based approaches demand accurate registration between pCT and CBCT, leading to limited imaging performance and increased computational cost when large anatomical discrepancies exist. In this work, we proposed a robust and fast CBCT scatter correction method using local filtration technique and rigid registration between pCT and CBCT (LF‐RR).

Methods

First of all, the pCT was rigidly registered with CBCT, then forward projection was performed on registered pCT to create scatter‐free projections. The raw scatter signals were obtained via subtracting the scatter‐free projections from the measured CBCT projections. Based on frequency and intensity threshold criteria, reliable scatter signals were selected from the raw scatter signals, and further filtered for global scatter estimation via local filtration technique. Finally, corrected CBCT was reconstructed with the projections generated by subtracting the scatter estimation from the raw CBCT projections using FDK algorithm. The LF‐RR method was evaluated via comparison with another pCT‐based scatter correction method based on Median and Gaussian filters (MG method).

Results

Proposed method was first validated on an anthropomorphic pelvis phantom, and showed satisfied performance on scatter removal even when anatomical mismatches were intentionally created on pCT. The quantitative analysis was further performed on four clinical CBCT images. Compared with the uncorrected CBCT, CBCT corrected by MG with rigid registration (MG‐RR), MG with deformable registration (MG‐DR), and LF‐RR reduced the CT number error from to , and HU for adipose and from to ,, 3 HU for muscle, respectively. After correction, the spatial non‐uniformity (SNU) of CBCT corrected with MG‐RR, MG‐DR and LF‐RR was ,, and HU for adipose, and ,, and HU for muscle, respectively. Meanwhile, the contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) between muscle and adipose was increased by a factor of 2.70, 2.89 and 2.56, respectively. Using the LF‐RR method, the scatter correction of 656 projections can be finished within 10 s and the corrected volumetric images (200 slices) can be obtained within 2 min.

Conclusion

We developed a fast and robust pCT‐based CBCT scatter correction method which exploits the local‐filtration technique to promote the accuracy of scatter estimation and is resistant to pCT‐to‐CBCT registration uncertainties. Both phantom and patient studies showed the superiority of the proposed correction in imaging accuracy and computational efficiency, indicating promisingfuture clinical application.
An integrative review of the social determinants of mental health among older caregivers
Authors: Savela Roosa‐Maria , Schwab Ursula , Välimäki Tarja
Published: October 2021

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine the reported social determinants of mental health among older caregivers in the previous caregiving literature.

Design

An integrative literature review method of Whittemore and Knafl.

Methods

CINAHL, MEDLINE (Ovid), PubMed, and Science Direct were searched from January 1999 to December 2019. A systematic approach and data analysis were used. The evidence of a multilevel framework by the World Health Organization was used to examine the social determinants of mental health.

Results

Twelve articles were included. “Levels of physical health” was mainly cited factor linked to mental health inequalities among older caregivers. However, the evidence regarding caregivers’ gender‐related, ethnic and socioeconomic differences in mental health was relatively limited.

Conclusion

Future research and screening programs on social determinants of mental health among older caregivers are necessary to tackle mental health inequalities. Implications informed by this research could sustain mental health equity among older caregivers.
Polymer coatings on magnesium‐based implants for orthopedic applications
Authors: Zhu Yuwei , Liu Wei , Ngai To
Published: October 2021

Nowadays, the need for bio‐implants, which can gradually degrade after fulfilling the therapeutic tasks is continuously increasing. Under such situation, magnesium (Mg) and its alloys have been proposed and intensively studied as the new‐generation medical implants due to their favorable biodegradability and biocompatibility. However, their swift corrosion in physiological environments can always cause an early fracture and further the surgical failure, greatly hindering their broad applications. Therefore, great efforts have been made to alter the degradation behaviors of Mg‐based implants. Biodegradable polymeric surface coatings have been revealed to be a straightforward and effective strategy for retarding the fast degradation and improving the bioactivity of Mg and its alloys. This article reviews the recent progress of polymer‐based coatings on Mg substrates, regarding the coating strategies, coating properties, and their performance in corrosive protection and biocompatibility promotion via in vitro as well as some in vivo models. The specific pros and cons of different polymeric coatings are also discussed. Finally, we put forward some perspectives on the future direction of polymeric coatings on biomedical Mg‐based implants to better adapt to clinical trials.
Construction of CL‐20 Surface Layer with Different Wetting Properties and its Effect on Slurry Rheological Behavior and Mechanical Sensitivities
Authors: Duan Shuyi , Ding Feng , Sun Haitao , Xiao Chun , Li Shangbin , Zhu Qing
Published: October 2021

To have a deep understanding of the effects of surface wettability on the mechanical sensitivity and rheological characteristics of PBX slurry, CL‐20 particles with hydrophilic property was prepared through a polymerization process of dopamine, and CL‐20 particles with hydrophobic property were prepared through a condensation polymerization process of hexadecyltrimethoxylsilane. The morphology, surface element content and surface wettability of CL‐20 crystals before and after modification were characterized by scanning electronic microscope (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and contact angle test. The rheological characteristics of CL‐20 based PBX slurry showed that the interaction between explosive particles and binder was changed with different surface wettability of CL‐20. The weaker interaction between CL‐20@hydrophobic and binder lead to weaker solid‐liquid friction, resulted in lower apparent viscosities of CL‐20@hydrophobic based PBX slurry at high shear rate. The mechanical sensitivity of wax coated CL‐20 with different surface wettability was tested. CL‐20@hydrophobic‐wax exhibited better mechanical stability compared to CL‐20‐wax and CL‐20@hydrophilic‐wax, probably owning to the weaker interaction between CL‐20@hydrophobic surface and wax.
Aqueous metabolome of tissue‐specific conditional Pten‐knockout mouse prostate cancer and TRAMP neuroendocrine carcinoma
Authors: Kim Sangyub , Li Li , Zhang Jinhui , Jiang Cheng , Lü Junxuan
Published: October 2021

Background

Metabolic reprograming is now a recognized hallmark of cancer. The prostate‐specific phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (Pten) gene‐conditional knockout (KO) mouse carcinogenesis model is highly desirable for studying prostate cancer biology and prevention due to its close resemblance of primary molecular defects and histopathological features of human prostate cancer. We have recently published macromolecular profiling of this model by proteomics and transcriptomics, denoting a preeminence of inflammation and myeloid suppressive immune cell features. Here, we performed metabolomic analyses of Pten‐KO prostate versus wild type (WT) counterpart for discernable changes in the aqueous metabolites and contrasted to those in the TRAMP neuroendocrine carcinoma (NECa).

Methods

Three matched pairs of tissue‐specific conditional Pten‐KO mouse prostate and WT prostate of litter/cage‐mates at 20–22 weeks of age and three pairs of TRAMP NECa versus WT (28–31 weeks) were profiled for their global aqueous metabolite changes, using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

The Pten‐KO prostate increased purine nucleotide pools, cystathionine, and both reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH, GSSG), and gluconate/glucuronate species in addition to cholesteryl sulfate and polyamine precursor ornithine. On the contrary, Pten‐KO prostate contained diminished pools of glycolytic intermediates and phosphorylcholine derivatives, select amino acids, and their metabolites. Bioinformatic integration revealed a significant shunting of glucose away from glycolysis‐citrate cycle and glycerol‐lipid genesis to pentose phosphate cycle for NADPH/GSH/GSSG redox and pentose moieties for purine and pyrimidine nucleotides, and glycosylation/glucuronidation. Implicit arginine catabolism to ornithine was consistent with immunosuppression in Pten‐KO model. While also increased in cystathionine‐GSH/GSSG, purine, and pyrimidine nucleotide pools and glucuronidation at the expense of glycolysis‐citrate cycle, the TRAMP NECa increased abundance of many amino acids, methyl donor S‐adenosyl‐methionine, and intermediates for phospholipids without increasing cholesteryl sulfate or ornithine.

Conclusions

The aqueous metabolomic patterns in Pten‐KO prostate and TRAMP NECa shared similarities in the greater pools of cystathionine, GSH/GSSG redox pair, and nucleotides and shunting away from glycolysis‐citrate cycle in both models. Remarkable metabolic distinctions between them included metabolisms of many amino acids (protein synthesis; arginine‐ornithine/immune suppression) and cholesteryl sulfate and methylation donor for epigenetic regulations.
Physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic modeling to evaluate in vitro‐to‐in vivo extrapolation for intestinal P‐glycoprotein inhibition
Authors: Yamazaki Shinji , Evers Raymond , De Zwart Loeckie
Published: October 2021

As one of the key components in model‐informed drug discovery and development, physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling linked with in vitro‐to‐in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) is widely applied to quantitatively predict drug–drug interactions (DDIs) on drug‐metabolizing enzymes and transporters. This study aimed to investigate an IVIVE for intestinal P‐glycoprotein (Pgp, ABCB1)‐mediated DDIs among three Pgp substrates, digoxin, dabigatran etexilate, and quinidine, and two Pgp inhibitors, itraconazole and verapamil, via PBPK modeling. For Pgp substrates, assuming unbound Michaelis‐Menten constant (Km) to be intrinsic, in vitro‐to‐in vivo scaling factors for maximal Pgp‐mediated efflux rate (Jmax) were optimized based on the clinically observed results without co‐administration of Pgp inhibitors. For Pgp inhibitors, PBPK models utilized the reported in vitro values of Pgp inhibition constants (Ki), 1.0 μM for itraconazole and 2.0 μM for verapamil. Overall, the PBPK modeling sufficiently described Pgp‐mediated DDIs between these substrates and inhibitors with the prediction errors of less than or equal to ±25% in most cases, suggesting a reasonable IVIVE for Pgp kinetics in the clinical DDI results. The modeling results also suggest that Pgp kinetic parameters of both the substrates (Km and Jmax) and the inhibitors (Ki) are sensitive to Pgp‐mediated DDIs, thus being key for successful DDI prediction. It would also be critical to incorporate appropriate unbound inhibitor concentrations at the site of action into PBPK models. The present results support a quantitative prediction of Pgp‐mediated DDIs using in vitro parameters, which will significantly increase the value of in vitro studies to design and run clinical DDI studies safely and effectively.
Generation and Detection of Out‐of‐Plane‐Polarized Spin Current in a Lateral Spin Valve with Amorphous Multilayer Electrodes
Authors: Sharma Pradeep Raj , Kim Young Kwang , Kim Tae Wan , Noh Hwayong
Published: October 2021

Spin injection and detection in a lateral spin valve, through perpendicularly magnetized electrodes made from an amorphous ferromagnetic [CoSiB/Pt]N=7 multilayer film, are investigated. The out‐of‐plane‐polarized spin current in a diffusive metallic copper produces a signal that switches with the relative directions of the injecting and the detecting electrode's magnetization. The magnitude of the switching signal corresponds to 533 μΩ at 80 K and increases to 625 μΩ at 30 K. These values are about ten times and 100 times larger than those observed with [Co/Ni] and [Co/Pd] perpendicular magnetic multilayer electrodes, respectively. It is further confirmed that the obtained spin signal under the application of in‐plane magnetic field decreases due to Hanle precession. The extracted spin relaxation time (τs) and spin diffusion length (λs) from the Hanle fitted curve are 10.2 ps and 311 nm, respectively.
Feasibility of two robotic single‐site surgery techniques for adolescent endometriosis: Focal versus butterfly
Authors: Fan Xiaodong , Duan Kristina , Zhang Chunhua , Guan Xiaoming
Published: October 2021

Objective

This study examined the feasibility of robotic laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery (LESS) for the treatment of adolescent endometriosis (n = 36). Additionally, we assessed a novel technique known as butterfly resection for severe cases.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of women from 12 to 21 years old who received therapeutic robotic LESS for symptomatic endometriosis by a single experienced surgeon.

Results

There were 32 cases of peritoneal and four cases of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). Focal resection was performed in 9/32 peritoneal and all DIE cases; butterfly resection was performed in the remaining 23/32 peritoneal. At 3 months, 16/23 had complete resolution of pelvic pain in the butterfly group versus 10/13 in the focal group (P = 0.64).

Conclusion

Robotic LESS produces safe outcomes with low complication rates. Butterfly resection may be considered for extensive lesions, with similar levels of pain relief compared to traditional focal resection techniques.

Capsule

Single‐site robotic surgery produces safe outcomes with low complication rates in adolescents with endometriosis, with techniques customized based on disease severity.
Development and Evaluation of Sn Foil Anode for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Kim Changhyeon , Kim Huihun , Sadan Milan K. , Jeon Minyeong , Cho Gyubong , Ahn Jouhyeon , Kim Kiwon , Cho Kwonkoo , Ahn Hyojun
Published: October 2021

Metal foil electrodes are simple to prepare and have a high active material loading, making them well suited for the fabrication of inexpensive high‐energy‐density batteries. Herein, Sn metal foil is used as a binder‐ and conductive additive‐free anode for sodium‐ion batteries, achieving a high reversible specific capacity of 692 mAh g−1 and coulombic efficiency of 99% after 100 cycles at a rate of 0.1 C. During the first discharge process, the anode undergoes area expansion. It then splits into multiple parts during the first‐charge process. Upon cycling, the separated parts reconnect and form a single piece with a porous and robust coral structure owing to the self‐healing nature of the anode. A full cell with a Sn foil anode and Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode shows a stable cycle life of 100 mAh g−1 for 300 cycles. Thus, the cracking or pulverization of the Sn anode is not the principal origin of poor cycling properties. The adopted strategy will promote the development and commercialization of high‐capacity metal foil anodes that undergo volume changes during charge/discharge cycling.
Bi‐Functional Fe3O4/Au/CoFe‐LDH Sandwich‐Structured Electrocatalyst for Asymmetrical Electrolyzer with Low Operation Voltage
Authors: Sun Fengchao , Zhou Yan , You Zihan , Xia Hanhan , Tuo Yongxiao , Wang Shutao , Jia Cuiping , Zhang Jun
Published: October 2021

The reduction of the overall electrolysis potential to produce hydrogen is a critical target for fabricating applicable hydrogen evolution cells. Sandwich‐structured Fe3O4/Au/CoFe‐LDH is synthesized via a spontaneous galvanic displacement reaction. A series of structural characterizations indicate the successful synthesis of sandwich‐structured Fe3O4/Au/CoFe‐LDH electrocatalyst. The trace amount of Au laying between Fe3O4 and CoFe‐LDH significantly improves the intrinsic conductivity and catalytic activity of the composite catalyst. In‐depth investigations indicate that Fe3O4 and CoFe‐LDH are responsible for the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) whereas Au is responsible for the electrocatalytic glucose oxidation (GOR). The electrocatalytic tests indicate Fe3O4/Au/CoFe‐LDH offers excellent electrocatalytic activity and stability for both HER and GOR, even at high current density (i.e., 1000 mA cm−2). Further electrochemistry examinations in a two‐compartment cell with a two‐electrode configuration show that Fe3O4/Au/CoFe‐LDH can significantly reduce the overall potential for this asymmetrical cell, with only 0.48 and 0.89 V required to achieve 10 mA cm−2 current density with and without iR‐compensation, which is the lowest overall potential requirement ever reported. The design and synthesis of Fe3O4/Au/CoFe‐LDH pave a new way to electrochemically produce hydrogen and gluconate under extremely low cell voltage, which can readily match with a variety of solar cells.
Unveiling the Actual Catalytic Sites in Nanozyme‐Catalyzed Oxidation of o‐Phenylenediamine
Authors: Cheng Lu , Wu Fengxia , Bao Haibo , Li Fenghua , Xu Guobao , Zhang Yongjun , Niu Wenxin
Published: October 2021

Nanozymes have offered remarkable advantages over natural enzymes and found widespread applications including biosensors, immunoassays, nanomedicines, and environmental remediation. Oxidation of o‐phenylenediamine (OPD) by nanozymes has been listed as a standard protocol for determining nanozyme activities. Given the complexity of OPD oxidation processes, however, the mechanism of nanozyme‐catalyzed oxidation of OPD remains elusive. In this report, mechanistic studies of nanozyme‐catalyzed oxidation of OPD are performed and a distinguishably different mechanism from that of natural enzymes is found. A combination of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and electron microscopic studies provides compelling evidence that polymerization of OPD occurs on the surface of several different nanozymes. The unexpected polymerization causes a dense coating layer of poly(o‐phenylenediamine) (POPD) on nanozymes renders the intrinsic properties of nanozymes. Therefore, this fundamental discovery raise serious concerns using OPD‐based colorimetric method for determining nanozyme activities. Without examining the surface change of nanozymes after catalytic reactions, the use of OPD‐based colorimetric method for determining nanozyme activities is strongly discouraged. Furthermore, POPD is discovered as a new oxidase mimic, and this new mechanism also provides a general and robust method to coat nanomaterials with POPD polymers of enzyme‐mimicking properties.
Ultrathin Twisted Germanium Sulfide van der Waals Nanowires by Bismuth Catalyzed Vapor–Liquid–Solid Growth
Authors: Sutter Eli , Sutter Peter
Published: October 2021

1D nanowires of 2D layered crystals are emerging nanostructures synthesized by combining van der Waals (vdW) epitaxy and vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) growth. Nanowires of the group IV monochalcogenide germanium sulfide (GeS) are of particular interest for twistronics due to axial screw dislocations giving rise to Eshelby twist and precision interlayer twist at helical vdW interfaces. Ultrathin vdW nanowires have not been realized, and it is not clear if confining layered crystals into extremely thin wires is even possible. If axial screw dislocations are still stable, ultrathin vdW nanowires can reach large twists and should display significant quantum confinement. Here it is shown that VLS growth over Bi catalysts yields vdW nanowires down to ≈15 nm diameter while maintaining tens of µm length. Combined electron microscopy and diffraction demonstrate that ultrathin GeS nanowires crystallize in the orthorhombic bulk structure but can realize nonequilibrium stacking that may lead to 1D ferroelectricity. Ultrathin nanowires carry screw dislocations, remain chiral, and achieve very high twist rates. Whenever the dislocation extends to the nanowire tip, it continues into the Bi catalyst. Eshelby twist analysis demonstrates that the ultrathin nanowires follow continuum predictions. Cathodoluminescence on individual nanowires, finally, shows pronounced emission blue shifts consistent with quantum confinement.
Rationally Designed TiO2 Nanostructures of Continuous Pore Network for Fast‐Responding and Highly Sensitive Acetone Sensor
Authors: Suh Jun Min , Cho Donghwi , Lee Sangmin , Lee Tae Hyung , Jung Jae‐Wook , Lee Jinho , Cho Sung Hwan , Eom Tae Hoon , Hong Jung‐Wuk , Shim Young‐Seok , Jeon Seokwoo , Jang Ho Won
Published: October 2021

For the last several years, indoor air quality monitoring has been a significant issue due to the increasing time portion of indoor human activities. Especially, the early detection of volatile organic compounds potentially harmful to the human body by the prolonged exposure is the primary concern for public human health, and such technology is imperatively desired. In this study, highly porous and periodic 3D TiO2 nanostructures are designed and studied for this concern. Specifically, extremely high gas molecule accessibility throughout the whole nanostructures and precisely controlled internecks of 3D TiO2 nanostructures can achieve an unprecedented gas response of 299 to 50 ppm CH3COCH3 with an extremely fast response time of less than 1s. The systematic approach to utilize the whole inner and outer surfaces of the gas sensing materials and periodically formed internecks to localize the current paths in this study can provide highly promising perspectives to advance the development of chemoresistive gas sensors using metal oxide nanostructures for the Internet of Everything application.
High‐Resolution and Facile Patterning of Silver Nanowire Electrodes by Solvent‐Free Photolithographic Technique Using UV‐Curable Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Film
Authors: Yoo Dongwoo , Won Dong‐Joon , Cho Woosung , Kim Seonghyeon , Kim Joonwon
Published: October 2021

Patterning of silver nanowires (AgNWs) used in fabricating flexible and transparent electrodes (FTEs) is essential for constructing a variety of optoelectronic devices. However, patterning AgNW electrodes using a simple, inexpensive, high‐resolution, designable, and scalable process remains a challenge. Therefore, herein a novel solvent‐free photolithographic technique using a UV‐curable pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) film for patterning AgNWs is introduced. The UV‐curable PSA film can be selectively patterned by photopolymerization under UV exposure through a photomask. The AgNWs embedded in the non‐photocured adhesive areas of the film are firmly held by a crosslinked network of photocurable resin when the patterned film is attached to the AgNW‐coated substrate and additionally irradiated by UV light. After peeling off the film, the positive pattern of AgNW electrodes remains on the substrate, while the negative pattern is transferred to the film. This solvent‐free photolithographic technique, which does not use toxic solvents, provides superior pattern features, such as fine line widths and spacings, sharp line edges, and low roughness. Therefore, the developed technique could be successfully applied in the development of flexible and transparent optoelectronic devices, such as a self‐cleaning electro‐wetting‐on‐dielectric (EWOD) devices, transparent heaters, and FTEs.