bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological Features, Therapeutic Efficacy and Side Effects of Nalbuphine: A Review
Authors: Shiras P. , Ninave Sanjot , Ninave Sudhir
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Opioids can provide effective analgesia and routinely utilized to treat mild severe pain. Problems related with mu- agonist opioids like nausea, emesis, bowel and bladder disturbances, respiratory depression, pruritus and developing tolerance and dependence. This article will review about the utilization of Nalbuphine, which is a mixed opioid agonist- antagonist that FDA has indicated in moderate to severe pain treatment when an opioid drug is essential and alternative treatment methods have failed. The incidence of the common opioid side effects are low in case of Nalbuphine. Non-FDA approved uses of nalbuphine are in labor analgesia, pruritus associated with opioid, opioid-induced urinary retention and respiratory depression. It can be administered with the regularly utilized mu- opioid agonists like morphine, fentanyl etc. as a combination, giving better analgesia along with abating the incidence as well as the severity of side effects caused by mu-agonist.

Methodology: This review article was prepared after a thorough study of the literature using data search engines such as ‘Scopus’,’ PubMed’, ‘Web of Science’, and ‘Google Scholar’. This article referred to prior Nalbuphine observational studies and case reports.

Review Findings: After learning the pharmacology, uses, contraindications of Nalbuphine and reviewing the previous observational studies and case reports about Nalbuphine, the drug can be used for treating moderate to severe pain when an opioid drug is essential and reserve treatment methods have failed. Nalbuphine finds its use also in labor analgesia. The incidence of the usual side effects due to opioids are low in case of Nalbuphine. It can be administered with the regularly utilized mu- opioid agonists like morphine, fentanyl etc. as a combination , giving better analgesia along with abating the incidence as well as the severity of side effects caused by mu-agonist.

Conclusion: Nalbuphine can be utilized for treating moderate to severe pain, as an adjuvant to balanced anesthesia for pre-operative / post-operative pain relief, for labor analgesia and to treat/ reduce the opioid induced side effects.
A Review of Adult Immunization in rural India to Reduce the Burden of Preventable Infectious Disease: Changing Scenario
Authors: Singh Pratyush , Sontakke Tushar , Kumar Sunil
Published: February 2022

Adult vaccination reporting in India is small despite immense enhancements in childhood vaccination reporting. Therefore, creating awareness regarding the importance of adult protection is extremely important. Grownups are notably vulnerable throughout outbreaks due to associated absence of protection, diminishing immunity, age-associated issues (e.g., chronic conditions and immunosenescence), medication shift,  the severity of a load of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) among Indian adults are unidentified. There don't seem to be any national adult protection pointers in the country, and the several medical societies that have discovered adult protection pointers, are variable, making it unclear for the World Health Organization to be compelled to receive those vaccines (based on age, underlying conditions, etc.). Different barricades to adult protection embody immunogen hesitancy, lost chances, and cost. Various stages to help increase adult vaccination in the country may comprise acceptance of national pointers, the teaching of care suppliers and conjointly the general public, and advancement of life-course protection. Notably, among older adults, the increased adult immunogen coverage may facilitate to reduce the burden of VPDs, whereas, it's evident that CHWs build numerous contributions toward strengthening immunization programs, but the restricted variety and quality of obtainable studies build it tough to directly compare CHW interventions to different methods for increasing the immunization coverage. Incorporation of evidence-based methods for CHW choice, retention, and coaching is essential for the fulfillment of India's immunisation program.  . In addition, there's a growing ought to develop economic mechanisms for observation of children's vaccination standing to come up with unjust feedback and determine efficient methods. People in rural India have developed faith in vaccines which the increase can see in the demand for COVID vaccine jabs.
Radiological Findings in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Aditya R. Agrawal , Singh Brij Raj , Anjankar Vaibhav
Published: February 2022

After its starting point in Wuhan, China, Corona Virus related respiratory disease has been spread worldwide and pronounced by WHO in 2020. Since it's obtained through respiratory beads, local area spread is obligated for the new worldwide emergency. RT-PCR and a few serology tests, including but not limited to the recently affirmed five-minute serology assays, are examples of demonstrative techniques. The infection influences lower respiratory tract illness. Recounted encounters have shown that imaging qualities are essential to the conclusion as radiological proof of infection shows up preceding clinical indications, which can be valuable in anticipating the phase of the illness. According to the exam, a CT scan is much more sensitive than a chest X-Ray in identifying these lung progressions.
Quantitative Analysis of Tannerella Forsythia Level in Periodontitis Patients with or without Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Baalavignesh A. , Jeevitha M. , Jayaraman Selvaraj
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Periodontitis is a systemic chronic inflammatory disease resulting from a complex polymicrobial infection causing tissue destruction as a consequence of perturbation of the homeostasis between sub gingival microflora. T.forsythia has been strongly implicated in the onset of periodontitis. The level of glycemic control is the key to determining increased risk. In adults, HbA1C levels >9% have a higher prevalence rate for periodontitis than those without diabetes. In adults, random blood sugar levels >200mg/dl have higher susceptibility to periodontitis.

Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in a university setting at Saveetha dental college. Total of 8 samples were collected from November 2020 to February 2021. The subgingival plaque samples containing bacterial cells were pelleted by centrifugation at room temperature. Following centrifugation with all buffer solutions, quantitative RT-PCR was performed with stratagene MX3000P and the relative gene count was calculated using relative CT method. The purified DNA molecules were identified by agarose gel electrophoresis and T. forsythia was identified using this method.

Results: The assessment of mRNA expression of T.forsythia assessed by RT-PCR showed that T.forsythia was seen with more prevalence in patients with periodontitis with diabetes mellitus (n=1.388), than in patients with periodontitis without diabetes mellitus (n=1) ( P=0.0028 < 0.005). The study was statistically significant.

Conclusion: This study shows that T.forsythia is seen with more prevalence in patients with periodontitis with diabetes mellitus when compared to periodontitis without diabetes mellitus.
Additive‐Free, Gelled Nanoinks as a 3D Printing Toolbox for Hierarchically Structured Bulk Aerogels
Authors: Rebber Matthias , Trommler Malte , Lokteva Irina , Ehteram Samanehalsadat , Schropp Andreas , König Sandra , Fröba Michael , Koziej Dorota
Published: February 2022

Aerogels are highly porous solids that maintain the properties of individual nanomaterials at a macroscopic scale. However, the inability to fabricate hierarchical architectures limits technological implementation in energy storage, gas‐sorption, or catalysis. A 3D‐printing methodology for additive‐free TiO2 nanoparticle‐based aerogels is presented with full control of the nano‐, micro‐, and macroscopic length‐scales. To compensate for ink's low solid loading of 4.0 vol% and to enable subsequent processing into aerogels via supercritical drying, the printing is done in a liquid bath of alkaline pH. The 3D‐printing protocol retains a high specific surface area of 539 m2 g–1 and a mesopore diameter of 20 nm of conventionally casted aerogels while offering an unparalleled designability on the micrometer scale. To illustrate the new geometric freedom of 3D‐printed aerogels, the microstructure of a strongly light‐absorbing, photothermal Au‐nanorod/TiO2 aerogel is defined. To date, photothermal nanomaterials are mainly applied in the form of unstructured films where scalability is limited by light attenuation. Microstructures in 3D enhance light penetration by a factor of four and facilitate spatially defined heating on a macroscopic scale. The process can be generalized for a broad material library and allows to design inks with specific functionality, thus making aerogels adaptable for their target application.
Interfaces and Interphases in Batteries: How to Identify and Monitor Them Properly Using Surface Sensitive Characterization Techniques
Authors: Villevieille Claire
Published: February 2022

Interfaces, interphases, surfaces, and bulk are the main elements in a battery that require to be monitored and understood to control battery life during cycling and electrochemical ageing. To date, bulk‐related processes are generally easier to address in terms of characterization techniques because in‐depth investigations of most of these processes can be performed in operando mode (that is, during battery cycling). However, investigations of surfaces, interfaces, and interphases possess some challenges due to the involved nanosize dimensions, which render it difficult to select adequate techniques and interpret data appropriately. In addition, the evolving chemistry can suffer beam damage during investigation, and the use of postmortem/ex situ samples are not fully reliable. Moreover, the definitions of the terms “interface,” “interphase,” “interfacial,” and “interfacial region” are not clearly consistent, the details of which will be discussed in this study. Finally, techniques that can address interfacial processes in batteries are reviewed by highlighting their primary advantages and disadvantages.
3D Interdigital Electrodes Dielectric Capacitor Array for Energy Storage Based on Through Glass Vias
Authors: Fang Zhen , Gao Libin , Chen Hongwei , Deng Bowen , Jili Xiaobing , Li Wenlei , Liang Tianpeng , Qu Sheng , Chen Yuzhe , Liang Kexin , Zhang Jihua
Published: February 2022

Dielectric capacitors are ideal for high power pulse system due to their high‐power density. However, the traditional dielectric capacitor cannot achieve large capacitance density and combine with the high breakdown voltage. Through this research, the internal structure of photosensitive glass can be transformed into multilayer interdigital electrodes structure through photolithography and laser induced processes. It is realized through the transition from the 2D structure to the 3D interdigital electrodes dielectric capacitor. In this case, the specific surface area electrode structure presents exponential increase and dielectric layers thickness decrease, which provide a large capacitance density. The new 3D capacitors, via reducing the roughness of the electrode surface, a uniform porous inner wall improves the breakdown strength (8.15 MV cm−1, which is 2 times to photolithographic). As a result, these highly‐density regular electrodes array effectively improve the capacitance density to 48.5 nF cm−2, which is 422 times larger than that of planar structure. Moreover, the new 3D capacitors fabricated by laser‐induce exhibit smoother inner wall surface and more rounded shape of electrode holes, achieving very large energy storage density of ≈3.4 Wh kg−1 (14.688 J cm−3) and power density of ≈6.48 × 1011 W kg−1.
Comparison of Mac‐2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) with AST to platelet ratio index (APRI), fibrosis 4 Score (FIB‐4), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) fibrosis score (NFS) for NAFLD patients
Authors: Cheng Yu‐Ming , Wang Chia‐Chi
Published: February 2022

The serum level of Mac‐2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) has been found to increase with the severity of liver fibrosis in biopsy‐proved nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the comparison of M2BPGi with noninvasive fibrosis markers such as AST to platelet ratio index (APRI), Fibrosis 4 Score (FIB‐4), and NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) in NAFLD patients remains unclear. The participants of Tzu Chi NAFLD cohort (TCNC) including health controls or NAFLD patients were enrolled in Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital. NAFLD was defined as fatty liver in imaging without hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), drug, alcohol, or other known causes of chronic liver disease. A total of 777 subjects were included for final analysis. The serum levels of M2BPGi correlated with APRI, FIB‐4 score, and NFS, respectively (P < .001). Of them, 376 (48.4%) were NAFLD patients and 401 were healthy controls. In the group of health controls or NAFLD patients, the M2BPGi levels were significantly higher in female subjects than those of male subjects (P = .027 and 0.006, respectively). Categorized by age, the levels of M2BPGi were significantly higher in elder age groups either in healthy controls or NAFLD patients (P < .05). Compared with healthy controls, NAFLD patients had significantly higher levels of BMI, waist circumference, metabolic components, and liver fibrosis markers such as APRI, NFS, and M2BPGi (P < .05), but no difference in FIB‐4 score (P = .685). According to FIB‐4 score, “intermediate‐ or high‐risk group” had higher APRI, NFS, and M2BPGi than low‐risk group. The serum M2BPGi levels correlated with three noninvasive biomarkers of liver fibrosis including APRI, FIB‐4 score, and NFS. They were significantly higher in female or elder population. Furthermore, APRI, NFS, and M2BPGi were different between NAFLD patients and healthy controls, but no FIB‐4 score. According to FIB‐4 score to determine the risk of liver fibrosis, APRI, NFS, and M2BPGi were also different between low risk and “intermediate or high risk” of NAFLD patients, suggesting a surrogate marker for assessing liver fibrosis of NAFLD patients.
Clinical evaluation of switching from immediate‐release to prolonged‐release lithium in bipolar patients, poorly tolerant to lithium immediate‐release treatment: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Pelacchi Federica , Dell'Osso Liliana , Bondi Emi , Amore Mario , Fagiolini Andrea , Iazzetta Paolo , Pierucci Daniela , Gorini Manuela , Quarchioni Elisa , Comandini Alessandro , Salvatori Enrica , Cattaneo Agnese , Pompili Maurizio ,   SALT Study Group
Published: February 2022

Aim

The effect of switching from lithium immediate release (Li‐IR) to lithium prolonged release (Li‐PR) on lithium‐induced tremor after 1 and 12 weeks of treatment was evaluated in a randomized, multicenter, open trial, in bipolar patients from the participating sites with a tremor severity ≥2 (Udvalg for Kliniske Undersøgelser [UKU] rating scale) despite optimal lithium titration.

Methods

The primary endpoint was the evaluation of tremor by means of the UKU scale after 1 week of treatment. Secondary endpoints included manic Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and depressive symptoms (Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale), a global assessment of the patient's status (Clinical Global Impression), polyuria/polydipsia (UKU item 3.8) and patient‐reported outcomes.

Results

Owing to difficulties in including suitable patients the enrollment phase was closed when 73 patients were randomized. Notwithstanding the lower number of patients, in the modified intention‐to‐treat population (n = 70) the primary endpoint was statistically significant: tremor improved after 1 week in 62.9% in Li‐PR group against 20.0% of patients in Li‐IR group (p = .0006; two‐tailed Fisher's exact test). The difference remained statistically significant after 4 (p = .0031) and 12 weeks (p = .0128). The same analysis performed in the PP population confirmed these results. Among the secondary endpoints, only the factor convenience of the treatment satisfaction questionnaire showed a statistically significant difference between groups. There were no apparent differences in the safety profile of the two formulations.

Conclusions

This study is the first comparative documentation of a potential benefit of the prolonged‐release formulation in reducing the symptom tremor, a well‐known adverse effect of lithium therapy. Indeed, the study results should be interpreted taking into account the sample size lower than planned.
MYCN amplification plus 1p36 loss of heterozygosity predicts ultra high risk in bone marrow metastatic neuroblastoma
Authors: Yue Zhi‐Xia , Xing Tian‐Yu , Zhao Wen , Zhao Qian , Wang Xi‐Si , Su Yan , Gao Chao , Liu Shu‐Guang , Ma Xiao‐Li
Published: February 2022

Background

This study aimed to better understand the prognostic effect of multiple genetic markers and identify more subpopulations at ultra high risk of poor outcome in bone marrow (BM) metastatic neuroblastoma (NB).

Methods

We screened the MYCN, 1p36 and 11q23 loss of heterozygosity (LOH) statuses of 154 patients by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization of BM cells. The clinical characteristics of patients with the three markers and their associations with prognosis were analysed.

Results

MYCN amplification and LOH at 1p36 and 11q23 were identified in 16.2%, 33.1% and 30.5% of patients, respectively. There were strong associations between MYCN amplification and 1p36 LOH as well as 11q23 LOH. Both MYCN amplification and 1p36 LOH were strongly associated with high levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and neuron‐specific enolase, more than 3 metastatic organs, and more events. 11q23 LOH occurred mainly in patients older than 18 months, and those who had high LDH levels. In univariate analysis, patients with MYCN amplification had poorer prognosis than those without. Patients with 1p36 LOH had a 3‐year event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival lower than those without. 11q23 LOH was associated with poorer EFS only for patients without MYCN amplification. In a multivariate model, MYCN amplification was independently associated with decreased EFS in all cohorts. 11q23 LOH was an independent prognostic factor for patients without MYCN amplification, whereas 1p36 LOH was not an independent marker regardless of MYCN amplification. Compared with all cohorts, patients with both MYCN amplification and 1p36 LOH had the worst outcome and clinical features.

Conclusions

Patients with both MYCN amplification and 1p36LOH had the worst survival rate, indicating an ultra high‐risk group. Our results may be applied in clinical practice for accurate risk stratification in future studies.
Tracking the prevalence of a fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (chytrid fungus), using environmental DNA
Authors: Congram Megan , Torres Vilaça Sibelle , Wilson Chris C. , Kyle Chris J. , Lesbarrères David , Wikston Madison J. H. , Beaty Lynne , Murray Dennis L.
Published: February 2022

Chytridiomycosis, a primary disease driving widespread and unprecedented amphibian declines, is caused by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Tracking Bd through space and time requires monitoring protocols that efficiently and reliably assess pathogen prevalence and intensity, which in turn requires an understanding of environment–pathogen dynamics. Environmental DNA (eDNA) was used to track Bd prevalence and intensity in 95 waterbodies in southern Ontario, Canada, and assess zoospore counts relative to biotic, abiotic, and geographic factors. Bd was also monitored on a semi‐weekly basis in 10 waterbodies to better understand patterns of temporal variability. Bd showed variable prevalence, with 47% and 29% of waterbodies having zoospores detected in May and July, respectively. Patterns of prevalence were markedly variable both within and across waterbodies, indicating high spatio‐temporal heterogeneity. Bd prevalence was not related to environmental factors, geographic variables, or amphibian species richness, but intensity was negatively related to estimated canopy cover. In intensively sampled waterbodies, Bd counts were highly variable through time, with some sites switching from detection to non‐detection (and vice versa) across 2‐week intervals. We conclude that eDNA can be a useful tool for monitoring Bd zoospores in wetlands but emphasize the need for additional research into environmental and methodological factors affecting zoospore detection and abundance before this method should be widely adopted.
Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and D‐dimer are biomarkers of death risk in severe COVID‐19: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Terra Patrícia Oliveira Cunha , Donadel Camila Dermínio , Oliveira Luciana Correa , Menegueti Mayra Gonçalves , Auxiliadora‐Martins Maria , Calado Rodrigo Tocantins , De Santis Gil Cunha
Published: February 2022

Background and Aims

Over 4 million deaths from coronavirus disease (COVID)‐19 have been reported in the world. Several biomarkers have been identified that predict disease severity, but there is still a need to identify biomarkers for death risk in severe COVID‐19. We aim to define amongst the biomarkers already identified those which are mostly associated with increased death rate in patients with severe COVID‐19.

Methods

In this retrospective study conducted in three public hospitals linked to the Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, patients with severe COVID‐19 were evaluated regarding biomarkers (neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio‐NLR, D‐dimer, fibrinogen) of death risk, obtained before administration of corticosteroids.

Results

Thirty‐nine (32.8%) of the 119 patients included (104 [87.4%] on mechanical ventilation) died during hospitalization. Non‐survivor group had higher median (range) NLR (12.63 [2.6‐115] vs 7.43 [0.43‐31.8]; P = .001), D‐dimer (2.17 [0.27‐20.00] vs 1.57 [0.28‐20.00]; P = .03), but lower fibrinogen (631 [353‐1078] vs 705 [407‐1200]; P = .02). The group with NLR ≥ 10 and D‐dimer ≥ 2 μg/mL had a higher death risk than the group with NLR < 10 and D‐dimer < 2 μg/mL (OR: 5.39; CI 95%: 1.5‐19.42; P = .01).

Conclusion

High NLR and D‐dimer, especially when combined, are predictors of death risk for patients with severe COVID‐19 and should be incorporated into their evaluation.
Case formulation of interpersonal patterns and its impact on the therapeutic process: Introduction to the issue
Authors: Critchfield Kenneth L. , Gazzillo Francesco , Kramer Ueli
Published: February 2022

Authors included in this issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychology: In‐Session come from diverse theoretical orientations but discuss methods of case conceptualization that share these assumptions: (1) that interpersonal patterns are salient to a good understanding of patient personality and problems and (2) that an individual formulation is helpful in responsively tailoring in‐session processes to meet therapeutic goals. We believe these assumptions resonate with many practitioners working across settings, levels of severity, and theoretical orientations. Each author offers an overview of theory as well as a detailed case description that emphasizes the implications of each formulation for the subsequent process of therapy. A final paper provides commentary across the source papers. The issue is thus evocative not only about clinical practice issues but also of underlying theory. It speaks to the challenges and possibilities of transtheoretical integrated practice and research within our focal domain of common interest, interpersonal relationships.
Biogeochemical states, rates, and exchanges exhibit linear responses to large nutrient load reductions in a shallow, eutrophic urban estuary
Authors: Testa Jeremy M. , Boynton Walter R. , Hodgkins Casey L. S. , Moore Amanda L. , Bailey Eva M. , Rambo Johanna
Published: February 2022

We examined responses of water‐column conditions, sediment‐water fluxes, ecosystem metabolism, and nutrient export in the Back River estuary during the past three decades following multiple phases of nutrient load reductions from a large wastewater treatment plant. Total nitrogen (TN) loads from the treatment plant declined from 7000 kg N d−1 in the mid‐1980s to 1500 kg N d−1 following the implementation of enhanced nutrient removal in late 2017. Total phosphorus (TP) loads declined by ~90% from peaks in the mid‐1980s–1990s and have been stable ever since. In response, TN and TP concentrations measured since 1985 show declines that generally mirror that of loads from the treatment plant, and box model computations suggest significant reductions in nutrient export to adjacent Chesapeake Bay. As a consequence, water‐column chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentrations have declined modestly over the record, despite inter‐annual variability. This reduction in Chl a coincided with a reduced frequency of nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations that would saturate phytoplankton growth, as well as reductions in ecosystem gross primary production and respiration derived from high‐frequency oxygen time‐series. Sediment‐water fluxes of dissolved nitrogen, phosphorus, and oxygen, as well as associated sediment concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon also declined over the record. These temporal patterns were reproduced in a 35‐yr model simulation that suggests a relatively rapid response to reduced organic matter deposition changes. Finally, the recycling of ammonium for a given TN load declined substantially, consistent with high observed rates of denitrification, indicating that well‐mixed estuaries can recover relatively rapidly in response to nutrient remediation.
Complete transition from open surgery to laparoscopy: 8‐year experience with more than 500 laparoscopic living donor hepatectomies
Authors: Rhu Jinsoo , Choi Gyu‐Seong , Kim Jong Man , Kwon Choon Hyuck David , Joh Jae‐Won
Published: February 2022

This study was designed to review laparoscopic living donor liver transplantations (LDLTs) at a single center that achieved complete transition from open surgery to laparoscopy. LDLTs performed from January 2013 to July 2021 were reviewed. Comparisons between open and laparoscopic surgeries were performed according to periods divided into initial, transition, and complete transition periods. A total of 775 LDLTs, 506 laparoscopic and 269 open cases, were performed. Complete transition was achieved in 2020. Bile duct variations were significantly abundant in the open group both in the initial period (30.2% vs. 8.1%; p < 0.001) and transition period (48.1% vs. 24.3%; p < 0.001). Portal vein variation was more abundant in the open group only in the initial period (13.0% vs. 4.1%; p = 0.03). Although the donor reoperation rate (0.0% vs. 4.1%; p = 0.02) and Grade III or higher complication rate (5.6% vs. 13.5%; p = 0.03) were significantly higher in the laparoscopy group in the initial period, there were no differences during the transition period as well as in overall cases. Median number of opioids required by the donor (three times [interquartile range, IQR, 1–6] vs. 1 time [IQR, 0–3]; p < 0.001) was lower, and the median hospital stay (10 days [IQR, 8–12] vs. 8 days [IQR, 7–9]; p < 0.001) was shorter in the laparoscopy group. Overall recipient bile leakage rate (23.8% vs. 12.8%; p < 0.001) and overall Grade III or higher complication rate (44.6% vs. 37.2%; p = 0.009) were significantly lower in the laparoscopy group. Complete transition to laparoscopic living donor hepatectomy was possible after accumulating a significant amount of experience. Because donor morbidity can be higher in the initial period, donor selection for favorable anatomy is required for both the donor and recipient.
A novel frameshift mutation of DVL1‐induced Robinow syndrome: A case report and literature review
Authors: Hu Ruolan , Qiu Yu , Li Yifei , Li Jinrong
Published: February 2022

Background

Robinow syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects the development of multiple systems. Due to its low prevalence and diversity of phenotypic presentation it has been challenging to definitively characterize features of Robinow syndrome.

Methods

We performed DNA extraction, whole‐exome sequencing analysis, and mutation analysis of DVL1 to obtain genetic data on the patient. We subsequently analyzed the patient's clinical and genetic data.

Results

The proband was a 3‐month‐old female infant who suffered from significant global developmental delay and metabolic disorder. The main clinical manifestations included facial dysmorphisms, bilateral dislocation of the hip joint, and hearing impairment. Whole‐exome sequencing of the patient's DNA revealed a heterozygous mutation of c.1620delC in DVL1. Analysis with the MutationTaster application indicated that both were pathogenic (probability = 1), causing frameshift mutations affecting 107 amino acids (p.S542Vfs*107). Significant structural changes were identified in the amino acid sequence after the WNT signaling‐related DEP domain site was predicted using the AlphaFold Protein structure database. The stability of the three main domains was then evaluated using SWISS‐MODEL, and indicated that the mutation did not alter the DIX, PDZ, or DEP domain sequences. Because all reported pathogenic mutations were located near the DEP domain, we speculated that structural changes around the DEP domain may have impaired WNT domain function and WNT signaling, resulting in Robinow syndrome.

Conclusion

The present case suggests that molecular genetic screening is useful for the diagnosis of developmental disorders, particularly in children with a positive family history. In the current patient all the related pathological variants were located within a narrow locus. This report expands the known manifestations of Robinow syndrome and contributes to refinement of its molecular basis.
Novel polarization independent multiband THz perfect metamaterial
Authors: Mathivanan Anbuselvi , Palani Saravanan
Published: February 2022

The design and characterization of a multiband THz metamaterial are reported in this article. The proposed metamaterial is constructed over the polyimide substrate embedded with a novel ring‐shaped frequency‐sensitive copper trace on the top providing the desired frequency response. The proposed metamaterial is developed from a unit cell with a base cross shape. The arms of the cross shape are deployed with three folded circular resonators providing the desired frequency‐selective property. The proposed metamaterial offers band‐stop characteristics at 0.83, 2.15, 2.91, 4.1, and 4.86 THz. The proposed unit cell metamaterial has the smallest foot‐print of 0.089λo × 0.089λo where λo is the free‐space wavelength. The electric field distribution and surface current contours are used to describe the operation of the proposed metamaterial. The proposed metamaterial has a symmetric configuration resulting in a polarization‐independent operation. The angular stability of the proposed metamaterial is investigated by subjecting the metamaterial to the various oblique incidence of THz radiation. The proposed THz metamaterial unit cell is suitable for THz imaging and spectroscopy applications.
Selective Laser Melting of 304L and 316L Stainless Steels: A Comparative Study of Microstructures and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Zhai Wengang , Zhou Wei , Zhu Zhiguang , Nai Sharon Mui Ling
Published: February 2022

Among various types of stainless steel, 304L and 316L have the most engineering applications. Herein, 304L and 316L powders with similar size distributions and morphologies are used as raw materials for selective laser melting (SLM) using the same parameters. It is found that SLM 304L has two phases, γ‐austenite (≈95%) and δ‐ferrite (≈5%) phases, while SLM 316L contains only γ‐austenite phase. The average grain size is found to be 4.9 μm (average grain size of γ‐austenite phase: 5.0 μm; δ‐ferrite: 3.4 μm) for SLM 304L and 16.7 μm for SLM 316L. The small grain size of 304L is attributed to the peritectic reaction during solidification. δ‐ferrite acts as a heterogeneous nucleation site for γ‐austenite. SLM 316L has higher hardness and yield strength than 304L. Results obtained from the comparative study indicate that adding ferrite stabilizer elements (e.g., Cr, Mo, Si, Nb, or Ti) into 316L can lead to peritectic reaction or austenite to ferrite solid phase transformation, which is a possible approach for grain refinement.
Decision neuroscience and neuroeconomics: Recent progress and ongoing challenges
Authors: Dennison Jeffrey B. , Sazhin Daniel , Smith David V.
Published: February 2022

In the past decade, decision neuroscience and neuroeconomics have developed many new insights in the study of decision making. This review provides an overarching update on how the field has advanced in this time period. Although our initial review a decade ago outlined several theoretical, conceptual, methodological, empirical, and practical challenges, there has only been limited progress in resolving these challenges. We summarize significant trends in decision neuroscience through the lens of the challenges outlined for the field and review examples where the field has had significant, direct, and applicable impacts across economics and psychology. First, we review progress on topics including reward learning, explore–exploit decisions, risk and ambiguity, intertemporal choice, and valuation. Next, we assess the impacts of emotion, social rewards, and social context on decision making. Then, we follow up with how individual differences impact choices and new exciting developments in the prediction and neuroforecasting of future decisions. Finally, we consider how trends in decision‐neuroscience research reflect progress toward resolving past challenges, discuss new and exciting applications of recent research, and identify new challenges for the field.

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Reasoning and Decision Making

Psychology > Emotion and Motivation
Bosonic Ghostbusting: The Bosonic Ghost Vertex Algebra Admits a Logarithmic Module Category with Rigid Fusion
Authors: Allen Robert , Wood Simon
Published: February 2022

The rank 1 bosonic ghost vertex algebra, also known as the $$\beta \gamma $$

β
γ

ghosts, symplectic bosons or Weyl vertex algebra, is a simple example of a conformal field theory which is neither rational, nor $$C_2$$

C
2

-cofinite. We identify a module category, denoted category $$\mathscr {F}$$
F
, which satisfies three necessary conditions coming from conformal field theory considerations: closure under restricted duals, closure under fusion and closure under the action of the modular group on characters. We prove the second of these conditions, with the other two already being known. Further, we show that category $$\mathscr {F}$$
F
has sufficiently many projective and injective modules, give a classification of all indecomposable modules, show that fusion is rigid and compute all fusion products. The fusion product formulae turn out to perfectly match a previously proposed Verlinde formula, which was computed using a conjectured generalisation of the usual rational Verlinde formula, called the standard module formalism. The bosonic ghosts therefore exhibit essentially all of the rich structure of rational theories despite satisfying none of the standard rationality assumptions such as $$C_2$$

C
2

-cofiniteness, the vertex algebra being isomorphic to its restricted dual or having a one-dimensional conformal weight 0 space. In particular, to the best of the authors’ knowledge this is the first example of a proof of rigidity for a logarithmic non-$$C_2$$

C
2

-cofinite vertex algebra.
Prevalence and clinical predictors of inappropriate direct oral anticoagulant dosage in octagenarians with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Carbone Andreina , Santelli Francesco , Bottino Roberta , Attena Emilio , Mazzone Carmine , Parisi Valentina , D’Andrea Antonello , Golino Paolo , Nigro Gerardo , Russo Vincenzo
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Older age is associated with inappropriate dose prescription of direct oral anticoagulants. The aim of our study was to describe the prevalence and the clinical predictors of inappropriate DOACs dosage among octogenarians in real-world setting.

Methods

Data for this study were sourced from the multicenter prospectively maintained Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Research Database (NCT03760874). Of the AF patients aged ≥ 80 who received DOACs treatment, 253 patients were selected. Participants were categorized as appropriate dosage, overdosage, or underdosage. Underdosage and overdosage were, respectively, defined as administration of a lower or higher DOAC dose than recommended in the EHRA consensus.

Results

A total of 178 patients (71%) received appropriate DOACs dose and 75 patients (29%) inappropriate DOACs dose; among them, 19 patients (25.6%) were overdosed and 56 (74.4%) were underdosed. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that underdosage was independently associated with male gender [OR = 3.15 (95% IC; 1.45–6.83); p < 0.001], coronary artery disease [OR = 3.60 (95% IC 1.45–9.10); p < 0.001] and body mass index [OR = 1.27 (1.14–1.41); p < 0.001]. Overdosage was independently associated with diabetes mellitus [OR = 18 (3.36–96); p < 0.001], with age [OR = 0.76 (95% IC; 0.61–0.96; p = 0.045], BMI [OR = 0.77 (95% IC; 0.62–0.97; p = 0.043] and with previous bleedings [OR = 6.40 (0.7; 1.43–28); p = 0.039]. There wasn’t significant difference in thromboembolic, major bleeding events and mortality among different subgroups. Underdosage group showed a significatively lower survival compared with appropriate dose group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In our analysis, nearly one-third of octogenarians with AF received an inappropriate dose of DOAC. Several clinical factors were associated with DOACs’ overdosage (diabetes mellitus type II, previous bleeding) or underdosage (male gender, coronary artery disease, and higher body mass index). Octogenarians with inappropriate DOACs underdosage showed less survival.
Complications of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis and stenosis surgery in patients over 80 s: comparative study with over 60 s and 70 s. Experience with 678 cases
Authors: Aimar Enrico , Iess Guglielmo , Mezza Federica , Gaetani Paolo , Messina Alberto Luca , Todesca Andrea , Tartara Fulvio , Broggi Giovanni
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) is a debilitating condition that carries a high economic burden. As the global population ages, the number of patients over 80 years old demanding spinal fusion is constantly rising. Therefore, neurosurgeons often face the important decision as to whether to perform surgery or not in this age group, commonly perceived at high risk for complications.

Methods

Six hundred seventy-eight elder patients, who underwent posterolateral lumbar fusion for DS (performed in three different centers) from 2012 to 2020, were screened for medical, early and late surgical complications and for the presence of potential preoperative risk factors. Patients were divided in three categories based on their age: (1) 60–69 years, (2) 70–79 years, (3) 80 and over. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the predictive power of age and of other risk factors (i.e., ASA score; BMI; sex; presence or absence of insulin-dependent and -independent diabetes, use of anticoagulants, use of antiaggregants and osteoporosis) for the development of postoperative complications.

Results

In univariate analysis, age was significantly and positively correlated with medical complications. However, when controls for other risk factors were added in the regressions, age never reached significance, with the only noticeable exception of cerebrovascular accidents. ASA score and BMI were the two risk factors that significantly correlated with the higher numbers of complication rates (especially medical).

Conclusion

Patients of different age but with comparable preoperative risk factors share similar postoperative morbidity rates. When considering octogenarians for lumbar arthrodesis, the importance of biological age overrides that of chronological.
Revealing vertical aquifer heterogeneity and hydraulic anisotropy by pumping partially penetrating wells
Authors: Maier Ruth , Leven Carsten , Sánchez-León Emilio , Strasser Daniel , Stoll Maximilian , Cirpka Olaf A.
Published: February 2022

The stratification of sedimentary aquifers introduces spatial variability in hydraulic conductivity, primarily between individual horizontal layers. On larger scales, the vertical heterogeneity enhances hydraulic anisotropy, with the horizontal conductivity typically exceeding the vertical one. In this study, the hydraulic anisotropy of a stratified aquifer is estimated from data of hydraulic tests in which water is sequentially extracted from well sections screened at different depths, and the hydraulic response is measured at various multilevel observation wells. The applicability of the method is demonstrated by field tests in a fluvial gravel aquifer in the Upper Rhine Valley, Germany. A homogeneous anisotropic model, and models with three and five anisotropic layers, are fitted to the measured drawdowns in the steady-shape regime, in which differences in hydraulic head between observation locations do not change over time even though the head values themselves change. The position of the five horizontal layers is based on the lithology of the drilling profile at the pumping-well location. The three-layer model is achieved by merging insensitive or similar layers with sensitive layers. The fits result in estimates of the radial and vertical hydraulic conductivities for all layers of the respective models, which are upscaled to effective parameters over the entire depth in the case of the multilayer models. The homogeneous model shows significantly higher errors than those of the heterogeneous models. The heterogeneous locally anisotropic models not only reveal vertical variability of hydraulic conductivity, but also lead to a three-times larger anisotropy ratio upon upscaling.
Porous and Ultra-Flexible Crosslinked MXene/Polyimide Composites for Multifunctional Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
Authors: Zeng Zhi-Hui , Wu Na , Wei Jing-Jiang , Yang Yun-Fei , Wu Ting-Ting , Li Bin , Hauser Stefanie Beatrice , Yang Wei-Dong , Liu Jiu-Rong , Zhao Shan-Yu
Published: February 2022

Lightweight, ultra-flexible, and robust crosslinked transition metal carbide (Ti3C2 MXene) coated polyimide (PI) (C-MXene@PI) porous composites are manufactured via a scalable dip-coating followed by chemical crosslinking approach. In addition to the hydrophobicity, anti-oxidation and extreme-temperature stability, efficient utilization of the intrinsic conductivity of MXene, the interfacial polarization between MXene and PI, and the micrometer-sized pores of the composite foams are achieved. Consequently, the composites show a satisfactory X-band electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness of 22.5 to 62.5 dB at a density of 28.7 to 48.7 mg cm−3, leading to an excellent surface-specific SE of 21,317 dB cm2 g−1. Moreover, the composite foams exhibit excellent electrothermal performance as flexible heaters in terms of a prominent, rapid reproducible, and stable electrothermal effect at low voltages and superior heat performance and more uniform heat distribution compared with the commercial heaters composed of alloy plates. Furthermore, the composite foams are well attached on a human body to check their electromechanical sensing performance, demonstrating the sensitive and reliable detection of human motions as wearable sensors. The excellent EMI shielding performance and multifunctionalities, along with the facile and easy-to-scalable manufacturing techniques, imply promising perspectives of the porous C-MXene@PI composites in next-generation flexible electronics, aerospace, and smart devices.
Current Synthetic Approaches to the Synthesis of Carbasugars from Non-Carbohydrate Sources
Authors: Zorin Alexandra , Klenk Lukas , Mack Tonia , Deigner Hans-Peter , Schmidt Magnus S.
Published: February 2022

Carbasugars are a group of carbohydrate derivatives in which the ring oxygen is replaced by a methylene group, producing a molecule with a nearly identical structure but highly different behavior. Over time, this definition has been extended to include other unsaturated cyclohexenols and carba-, di-, and polysaccharides. Such molecules can be found in bacterial strains and the human body, acting as neurotransmitters (e.g., inositol trisphosphate). In science, there are a wide range of research areas that are affected by, and involve, carbasugars, such as studies on enzyme inhibition, lectin-binding, and even HIV and cancer treatment. In this review article, different methods for synthesizing carbasugars, their derivatives, and similar cyclohexanes presenting comparable characteristics are summarized and evaluated, utilizing diverse starting materials and synthetic procedures.
Optimal Pitwall Shapes to Increase Financial Return and Decrease Carbon Footprint of Open Pit Mines
Authors: Utili S. , Agosti A. , Morales N. , Valderrama C. , Pell R. , Albornoz G.
Published: February 2022

The steepness of the slopes of an open pit mine has a substantial influence on the financial return of the mine. The paper proposes a novel design methodology where overall steeper pitwalls are employed without compromising the safety of the mine. In current design practice, pitwall profiles are often planar in cross-section within each rock layer; i.e., the profile inclination across each layer tends to be constant. Here instead, a new geotechnical software, OptimalSlope, is employed to determine optimal pitwall profiles of depth varying inclination. OptimalSlope seeks the solution of a mathematical optimization problem where the overall steepness of the pitwall, from crest to toe, is maximized for an assigned lithology, geotechnical properties, and factor of safety (FoS). Bench geometries (bench height, face inclination, minimum berm width) are imposed in the optimization as constraints which bind the maximum local inclination of the sought optimal profile together with any other constraints such as geological discontinuities that may influence slope failure. The obtained optimal profiles are always steeper than their planar counterparts (i.e., the planar profiles exhibiting the same FoS) up to 8° depending on rock type and severity of constraints on local inclinations. The design of a copper mine is first carried out employing planar pitwalls, secondly adopting the optimal pitwall profiles determined by OptimalSlope. The adoption of optimal slope profiles leads to a 34% higher net present value and reductions of carbon footprint and energy consumption of 0.17 Mt CO2 eq and 82.5 million MJ respectively due to a 15% reduction of rockwaste volume.
Questions on the Book of Job
Authors: Harvey Warren Zev
Published: February 2022

The Book of Job treats of the Problem of Evil. It is divided into two documents: (1) the framework story, that is, the Prologue and the Epilogue (Job 1:1–2:13; 42:7–17); and (2) the speeches by Job, his friends, and God. In the framework story, Job is presented as a just man who serves God in good times and bad (Job 1:21; 2:10). In the speeches, God is accused by Job of ‘destroying the hope of man’ (Job 14:19). God replies with an ad hominem argument: ‘Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?’ (Job 38:4). If God argues that it is unfair for humans to judge God, Job argues that it is unfair for God to judge humans.