bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A sustainable, ultratough, and ready‐to‐use adhesive heating patch driven by solar/electric dual energy
Authors: Wang Jiqiang , Sun Shengtong , Wu Peiyi
Published: December 2021

Developing a versatile and durable photothermal coating is of great interest for the future large‐scale utilization of abundant solar energy. However, existing photothermal coatings that rely on the assembly of rigid solar absorbing nanomaterials have often limitations in both mechanical robustness and multienergy coupling for sustainable heating. Here, we report a ready‐to‐use and ultratough adhesive heating patch with the integrated abilities of photo‐/electrothermal conversion and damage self‐diagnosis. The patch is composed of interconnected carbon microfibers filtrated with photo‐curable self‐adhesive resin that can readily stick on the substrate, and postcuring rapidly toughens the patch resulting in high mechanical toughness (9.1 MJ/m3), high electrical conductivity (5 S/cm), strong adhesion (0.7‐4.6 MPa), as well as high solar‐thermal conversion (∼ 85.3%) and Joule heating (81.6°C/W) efficiencies. To demonstrate its application, the adhered patch on oil pipelines can rapidly reduce the viscosity of heavy crude oil to ∼100 Pa s under the action of solar radiation or Joule heating, allowing for oil's easy flow in pipelines in all‐weather and, thus, alleviating the use of expensive fired heaters at heating stations.
Paganuccia icatuensis (Rubiaceae), a new genus and species from Bahia, Brazil, with a key to all the genera of the tribe Spermacoceae in the Americas
Authors: Nuñez Florentin Mariela , Salas Roberto M. , Carmo João A.M. , Cabral Elsa L. , Dessein Steven , Janssens Steven B.
Published: December 2021

Paganuccia is described as a new genus of Rubiaceae, only known so far from two collections from the continental dunes in the São Francisco River basin, Bahia, north‐eastern Brazil. The morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear (ETS, ITS) and plastid (atpB‐rbcL, petD, rps16, trnL‐trnF) sequence data, support the recognition of a new genus within the Spermacoce clade (tribe Spermacoceae). Paganuccia is one of several well‐supported lineages, still largely unresolved with respect to each other. We considered that its isolated position in combination with the unique set of morphological character states and biogeographic evidence can fully support its recognition as a new genus. We have provided a formal description of Paganuccia, including SEM observations of the fruit, pollen, and inflorescence structure, together with a distribution map and comments on its conservation. Additionally, the new genus is compared with the other climbing taxa in the tribe, and a key for all the genera of the Spermacoceae in the Americas is provided.
Nanographene – A Scaffold of Two‐Dimensional Materials
Authors: Sekiya Ryo , Haino Takeharu
Published: December 2021

Substances can be divided into 0D to 3D species based on the number of repeating units (atom, ion, and molecule) and their arrangements in space (point, linear, layer, and solid). Discrete substances belong to 0D species, polymers are examples of 1D species, and molecular crystals are 3D species. Most of the substances belong to one of these species. On the other hand, those categorized into 2D species wherein the repeating units organize a layer are less explored. 2D species have a surface and edges. The incorporation of these structural features into a molecular design can realize multifunctionalized systems that are difficult to achieve by conventional organic synthesis. The development of 2D species is, therefore, the frontier of organic, inorganic, and polymer chemistry. Nanographenes (NGs) are suitable scaffolds for realizing 2D species due to several factors, such as chemical stability and oxygen‐containing functional groups on the surface and on the edge, allowing postsynthetic modifications. Our group has utilized NGs with tens of nanometers in diameters for developing 2D species. Carboxy groups on the edge enable us to install various substituents into NGs, offering NG‐based functional materials. These studies demonstrate that the integration of NGs with organic chemistry can widen the scope of their applications other than optical materials that are a main application of NGs. We introduce our recent studies on the development of NG‐based functional materials realized by postsynthetic modifications. We hope that this account will contribute to the development of the chemistry of 2D species.
Polyanionic Imido‐P(V) Ligands: From Transition Metal Complexes to Coordination Driven Self‐Assemblies
Authors: Sarkar Meghamala , Rajasekar Prabhakaran , Jose Cavya , Boomishankar Ramamoorthy
Published: December 2021

The chemistry of the imido‐anions of the main group elements has been studied for more than three decades. The imido (NR)− group is isoelectronic to the oxo (=O) group and can coordinate with metal ions through its lone pairs of electrons. The polyimido‐P(V) anions are well explored as they resemble the phosphorus oxo moieties such as H3PO4, H2PO4−, HPO42− and PO43− species. These imido anions are typically generated using strong main group organometallic reagents such as nBuLi, Et2Zn, Me3Al and nBu2Mg, etc. As a result, their coordination chemistry has been restricted to reactions in anhydrous aprotic solvents for a few main group metal ions. This account presents our findings on using certain soft transition metal such Ag(I) and Pd (II) for isolating these imido‐P(V) anions as their corresponding self‐assembled clusters and cages. Using the various salts of Ag(I) ions in reaction with 2‐pyridyl (2Py) functionalized phosphonium salts and phosphoric triamides, we obtained the mono‐ and dianionic form of these imido ligands {[P(N2Py)2(NH2Py)2]−, [P(N2Py)2(NH2Py)]−, [PO(N2Py)(NH2Py)2]2−} and derived interesting examples of tri, penta, hepta and octanuclear Ag(I) clusters. Interestingly, by using the salts of Pd (II) ions, the elusive imido‐phosphate trianions of the type [(RN)3PO]3− (R=tBu, cHex, iPr) were generated in a facile one pot reaction as their corresponding tri‐ and hexanuclear clusters of the type {Pd3[(NR)3PO](OAc)3}n (n=1 or 2). These trianions acts as a cis‐coordinated hexadentate ligand for a trinuclear Pd (II) cluster and serve as the polyhedral building units for constructing hitherto unknown family of neutral cages in tetrahedral {Pd3[(NiPr)3PO]4(L)6} and cubic {Pd3[(NiPr)3PO]8(L)12} structures in the presence of suitable linker ligands (L2−). These cages show interesting host‐guest chemistry and post‐assembly reactions. Remarkably, by employing chiral tris(imido)phosphate trianions, enantiopure chiral cages of the type [(Pd3X*)4(L)6], ([X*]3−=RRR‐ or SSS‐[PO(N(*CH(CH3)Ph)3]3−), were synthesized and used for the chiral‐recognition and enantio‐separation of small racemic guest molecules. Some of these chiral cages were also shown to exhibit polyradical framework structures. In future, these and other similar types of cages are envisioned as potential molecular vessels for performing the reactions in their confined environment. The enantiomeric cages can be probed for asymmetric catalysis and the separation of a range of small chiral molecules.
Tuning topological networks in MOFs by secondary‐building‐unit connection: syntheses, structures and luminescent properties of two Zn4‐cluster coordination polymers
Authors: Wang Tian , Duan Junan , Shi Hongliu , Wang Minmin , Lian Ping , Xu Guohai
Published: December 2021

Two new MOFs with a Zn4 SBU, namely {[Zn2(teaH)] ⋅ 2(μ‐bdc)0.5}2 (I) and {[Zn2(MedeaH)] ⋅ 3(μ‐bdc)0.5}2 ⋅ (H2O) (II), have been prepared through altering polyalcohol amines. Single‐crystal X‐ray analysis reveals that their topological controllability mainly arise from the SBU connection being dependent on ethanolic arms of polyalcohol amines. Topological evolution is used to improve our understanding for the feasibility to tune their topology toward SBU connection. Compound I shows a 44 network in which the Zn4 rings act as planar four‐connected node, whereas II features a 3D pcu network based on the non‐planar six‐connected Zn4 SUBs. The luminescent properties of the two compounds have also been investigated.
The Gallate Pnictides Ba9[GaO4]3Pn (Pn=Sb, Bi) and a Partially Oxidized Zintl Anion in Ba2[GaO2As]
Authors: Klos Stephan , Beck Johannes
Published: December 2021

The reaction of elemental barium, gallium and either bismuth or antimony with small amounts of barium peroxide yields yellow platelet‐shaped crystals of Ba9[GaO4]3Sb (1) and orange platelet‐shaped crystals of Ba9[GaO4]3Bi (2), respectively. Using arsenic instead of bismuth or antimony, black metallic shining crystals of Ba2[GaO2As] (3) are obtained. The crystals of these compounds are air‐sensitive and have been characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction and energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy. 1 and 2 contain tetrahedral [GaO4]5− units and isolated Sb3− and Bi3− ions coordinated solely by Ba2+‐ions in icosahedral and cuboctahedral fashion. 3 is built of [GaO2As2/2]4− tetrahedra, which are linked via the As atoms to infinite chains. This polyanion can be perceived as a typical Zintl anion, which is partially oxidized.
Entanglement entropy of inhomogeneous XX spin chains with algebraic interactions
Authors: Finkel Federico , González-López Artemio
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We introduce a family of inhomogeneous XX spin chains whose squared couplings are a polynomial of degree at most four in the site index. We show how to obtain an asymptotic approximation for the Rényi entanglement entropy of all such chains in a constant magnetic field at half filling by exploiting their connection with the conformal field theory of a massless Dirac fermion in a suitably curved static background. We study the above approximation for three particular chains in the family, two of them related to well-known quasi-exactly solvable quantum models on the line and the third one to classical Krawtchouk polynomials, finding an excellent agreement with the exact value obtained numerically when the Rényi parameter α is less than one. When α ≥ 1 we find parity oscillations, as expected from the homogeneous case, and show that they are very accurately reproduced by a modification of the Fagotti-Calabrese formula. We have also analyzed the asymptotic behavior of the Rényi entanglement entropy in the non-standard situation of arbitrary filling and/or inhomogeneous magnetic field. Our numerical results show that in this case a block of spins at each end of the chain becomes disentangled from the rest. Moreover, the asymptotic approximation for the case of half filling and constant magnetic field, when suitably rescaled to the region of non-vanishing entropy, provides a rough approximation to the entanglement entropy also in this general case.
Non-supersymmetric AdS6 and the swampland
Authors: Apruzzi Fabio , De Luca G. Bruno , Monaco Gabriele Lo , Uhlemann Christoph F.
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We discuss infinite families of non-supersymmetric AdS6 solutions in Type IIB string theory. They are siblings of supersymmetric solutions which are associated with (p, q) 5-brane webs and holographically dual to 5d SCFTs engineered by those brane webs. The non-supersymmetric backgrounds carry identical 5-brane charges and are connected to the supersymmetric ones by RG flows. We study the stability of the non-supersymmetric solutions, identifying perturbative and non-perturbative decay channels for all the backgrounds explicitly available. We also identify likely decay mechanisms for solutions that have not been constructed explicitly but may be expected to exist based on brane web considerations. Finally, we exclude scale separation by constructing universal spin 2 modes with masses comparable to the mass-scale of the cosmological constant.
Operator growth in 2d CFT
Authors: Caputa Pawel , Datta Shouvik
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We investigate and characterize the dynamics of operator growth in irrational two-dimensional conformal field theories. By employing the oscillator realization of the Virasoro algebra and CFT states, we systematically implement the Lanczos algorithm and evaluate the Krylov complexity of simple operators (primaries and the stress tensor) under a unitary evolution protocol. Evolution of primary operators proceeds as a flow into the ‘bath of descendants’ of the Verma module. These descendants are labeled by integer partitions and have a one-to-one map to Young diagrams. This relationship allows us to rigorously formulate operator growth as paths spreading along the Young’s lattice. We extract quantitative features of these paths and also identify the one that saturates the conjectured upper bound on operator growth.
The knapsack problem with special neighbor constraints
Authors: Goebbels Steffen , Gurski Frank , Komander Dominique
Published: December 2021

The knapsack problem is one of the simplest and most fundamental NP-hard problems in combinatorial optimization. We consider two knapsack problems which contain additional constraints in the form of directed graphs whose vertex set corresponds to the item set. In the one-neighbor knapsack problem, an item can be chosen only if at least one of its neighbors is chosen. In the all-neighbors knapsack problem, an item can be chosen only if all its neighbors are chosen. For both problems, we consider uniform and general profits and weights. We prove upper bounds for the time complexity of these problems when restricting the graph constraints to special sets of digraphs. We discuss directed co-graphs, minimal series-parallel digraphs, and directed trees.
Post-VX exposure treatment of rats with engineered phosphotriesterases
Authors: Stigler Lisa , Köhler Anja , Koller Marianne , Job Laura , Escher Benjamin , Potschka Heidrun , Thiermann Horst , Skerra Arne , Worek Franz , Wille Timo
Published: December 2021

The biologically stable and highly toxic organophosphorus nerve agent (OP) VX poses a major health threat. Standard medical therapy, consisting of reactivators and competitive muscarinic receptor antagonists, is insufficient. Recently, two engineered mutants of the Brevundimonas diminuta phosphotriesterase (PTE) with enhanced catalytic efficiency (kcat/KM = 21 to 38 × 106 M−1 min−1) towards VX and a preferential hydrolysis of the more toxic P(−) enantiomer were described: PTE-C23(R152E)-PAS(100)-10-2-C3(I106A/C59V/C227V/E71K)-PAS(200) (PTE-2), a single-chain bispecific enzyme with a PAS linker and tag having enlarged substrate spectrum, and 10-2-C3(C59V/C227V)-PAS(200) (PTE-3), a stabilized homodimeric enzyme with a double PASylation tag (PAS-tag) to reduce plasma clearance. To assess in vivo efficacy, these engineered enzymes were tested in an anesthetized rat model post-VX exposure (~ 2LD50) in comparison with the recombinant wild-type PTE (PTE-1), dosed at 1.0 mg kg−1 i.v.: PTE-2 dosed at 1.3 mg kg−1 i.v. (PTE-2.1) and 2.6 mg kg−1 i.v. (PTE-2.2) and PTE-3 at 1.4 mg kg−1 i.v. Injection of the mutants PTE-2.2 and PTE-3, 5 min after s.c. VX exposure, ensured survival and prevented severe signs of a cholinergic crisis. Inhibition of erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AChE) could not be prevented. However, medulla oblongata and diaphragm AChE activity was partially preserved. All animals treated with the wild-type enzyme, PTE-1, showed severe cholinergic signs and died during the observation period of 180 min. PTE-2.1 resulted in the survival of all animals, yet accompanied by severe signs of OP poisoning. This study demonstrates for the first time efficient detoxification in vivo achieved with low doses of heterodimeric PTE-2 as well as PTE-3 and indicates the suitability of these engineered enzymes for the development of highly effective catalytic scavengers directed against VX.
Detection of SARS-CoV-2-RNA in post-mortem samples of human eyes
Authors: Penkava Josef , Muenchhoff Maximilian , Badell Irina , Osterman Andreas , Delbridge Claire , Niederbuchner Florian , Soliman Sarah , Rudelius Martina , Graf Alexander , Krebs Stefan , Blum Helmut , Ulbig Michael , Baumann Carmen , Zapp Daniel , Maier Mathias , Keppler Oliver T. , Lohmann Chris P. , Ledderose Stephan
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in post-mortem human eyes. Ocular symptoms are common in patients with COVID-19. In some cases, they can occur before the onset of respiratory and other symptoms. Accordingly, SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been detected in conjunctival samples and tear film of patients suffering from COVID-19. However, the detection and clinical relevance of intravitreal SARS-CoV-2 RNA still remain unclear due to so far contradictory reports in the literature.

Methods

In our study 20 patients with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 were evaluated post-mortem to assess the conjunctival and intraocular presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA using sterile pulmonary and conjunctival swabs as well as intravitreal biopsies (IVB) via needle puncture. SARS-CoV-2 PCR and whole genome sequencing from the samples of the deceased patients were performed. Medical history and comorbidities of all subjects were recorded and analyzed for correlations with viral data.

Results

SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 10 conjunctival (50%) and 6 vitreal (30%) samples. SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing showed the distribution of cases largely reflecting the frequency of circulating lineages in the Munich area at the time of examination with no preponderance of specific variants. Especially there was no association between the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in IVBs and infection with the variant of concern (VOC) alpha. Viral load in bronchial samples correlated positively with load in conjunctiva but not the vitreous.

Conclusion

SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be detected post mortem in conjunctival tissues and IVBs. This is relevant to the planning of ophthalmologic surgical procedures in COVID-19 patients, such as pars plana vitrectomy or corneal transplantation. Furthermore, not only during surgery but also in an outpatient setting it is important to emphasize the need for personal protection in order to avoid infection and spreading of SARS-CoV-2. Prospective studies are needed, especially to determine the clinical relevance of conjunctival and intravitreal SARS-CoV-2 detection concerning intraocular affection in active COVID-19 state and in post-COVID syndrome.
Generalization and ranking of fuzzy numbers by relative preference relation
Authors: Koppula Kavitha , Kedukodi Babushri Srinivas , Kuncham Syam Prasad
Published: December 2021

We define $$2n+1$$

2
n
+
1

and 2n fuzzy numbers, which generalize triangular and trapezoidal fuzzy numbers, respectively. Then, we extend the fuzzy preference relation and relative preference relation to rank $$2n+1$$

2
n
+
1

and 2n fuzzy numbers. When the data is representable in terms of $$2n+1$$

2
n
+
1

fuzzy number, we generalize the FMCDM (fuzzy multi-criteria decision making) model constructed with TOPSIS and relative preference relation. Lastly, we give an example from telecommunications to present the proposed FMCDM model and validate the results obtained.
Differences in adults’ spatial scaling based on visual or haptic information
Authors: Szubielska Magdalena , Szewczyk Marta , Möhring Wenke
Published: December 2021

The present study examined differences in adults’ spatial-scaling abilities across three perceptual conditions: (1) visual, (2) haptic, and (3) visual and haptic. Participants were instructed to encode the position of a convex target presented in a simple map without a time limit. Immediately after encoding the map, participants were presented with a referent space and asked to place a disc at the same location from memory. All spaces were designed as tactile graphics. Positions of targets varied along the horizontal dimension. The referent space was constant in size while sizes of maps were systematically varied, resulting in three scaling factor conditions: 1:4, 1:2, 1:1. Sixty adults participated in the study (M = 21.18; SD = 1.05). One-third of them was blindfolded throughout the entire experiment (haptic condition). The second group of participants was allowed to see the graphics (visual condition); the third group were instructed to see and touch the graphics (bimodal condition). An analysis of participants’ absolute errors showed that participants produced larger errors in the haptic condition as opposed to the visual and bimodal conditions. There was also a significant interaction effect between scaling factor and perceptual condition. In the visual and bimodal conditions, results showed a linear increase in errors with higher scaling factors (which may suggest that adults adopted mental transformation strategies during the spatial scaling process), whereas, in the haptic condition, this relation was quadratic. Findings imply that adults’ spatial-scaling performance decreases when visual information is not available.
Multirate linearly-implicit GARK schemes
Authors: Günther Michael , Sandu Adrian
Published: December 2021

Many complex applications require the solution of initial-value problems where some components change fast, while others vary slowly. Multirate schemes apply different step sizes to resolve different components of the system, according to their dynamics, in order to achieve increased computational efficiency. The stiff components of the system, fast or slow, are best discretized with implicit base methods in order to ensure numerical stability. To this end, linearly implicit methods are particularly attractive as they solve only linear systems of equations at each step. This paper develops the Multirate GARK-ROS/ROW (MR-GARK-ROS/ROW) framework for linearly-implicit multirate time integration. The order conditions theory considers both exact and approximative Jacobians. The effectiveness of implicit multirate methods depends on the coupling between the slow and fast computations; an array of efficient coupling strategies and the resulting numerical schemes are analyzed. Multirate infinitesimal step linearly-implicit methods, that allow arbitrarily small micro-steps and offer extreme computational flexibility, are constructed. The new unifying framework includes existing multirate Rosenbrock(-W) methods as particular cases, and opens the possibility to develop new classes of highly effective linearly implicit multirate integrators.
Peroxidasin Enhances Basal Phenotype and Inhibits Branching Morphogenesis in Breast Epithelial Progenitor Cell Line D492
Authors: Sigurdardottir Anna Karen , Jonasdottir Arna Steinunn , Asbjarnarson Arni , Helgudottir Hildur Run , Gudjonsson Thorarinn , Traustadottir Gunnhildur Asta
Published: December 2021

The human breast is composed of terminal duct lobular units (TDLUs) that are surrounded by stroma. In the TDLUs, basement membrane separates the stroma from the epithelial compartment, which is divided into an inner layer of luminal epithelial cells and an outer layer of myoepithelial cells. Stem cells and progenitor cells also reside within the epithelium and drive a continuous cycle of gland remodelling that occurs throughout the reproductive period. D492 is an epithelial cell line originally isolated from the stem cell population of the breast and generates both luminal and myoepithelial cells in culture. When D492 cells are embedded into 3D reconstituted basement membrane matrix (3D-rBM) they form branching colonies mimicking the TDLUs of the breast, thereby providing a well-suited in vitro model for studies on branching morphogenesis and breast development. Peroxidasin (PXDN) is a heme-containing peroxidase that crosslinks collagen IV with the formation of sulfilimine bonds. Previous studies indicate that PXDN plays an integral role in basement membrane stabilisation by crosslinking collagen IV and as such contributes to epithelial integrity. Although PXDN has been linked to fibrosis and cancer in some organs there is limited information on its role in development, including in the breast. In this study, we demonstrate expression of PXDN in breast epithelium and stroma and apply the D492 cell line to investigate the role of PXDN in cell differentiation and branching morphogenesis in the human breast. Overexpression of PXDN induced basal phenotype in D492 cells, loss of plasticity and inhibition of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition as is displayed by complete inhibition of branching morphogenesis in 3D culture. This is supported by results from RNA-sequencing which show significant enrichment in genes involved in epithelial differentiation along with significant negative enrichment of EMT factors. Taken together, we provide evidence for a novel role of PXDN in breast epithelial differentiation and mammary gland development.
School-Based Interventions Improve Body Image and Media Literacy in Youth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kurz Martina , Rosendahl Jenny , Rodeck Johanna , Muehleck Julia , Berger Uwe
Published: December 2021

Body ideals conveyed by the media and by body comparisons often result in body dissatisfaction, which can cause risky health behaviours and eating disorders, especially in adolescents. We conducted a meta-analytic review of existing school-based interventions designed to enhance media literacy in order to reduce body dissatisfaction and to promote a positive body image. We included controlled trials examining children and adolescents from grade five to nine (age 10–15 years) after a manual search and a comprehensive literature search using PsycINFO, Medline, Web of Science, and CENTRAL. We computed average weighted effect sizes (Hedges’ g) with the help of a random effects model and identified seventeen different programme evaluations with 7392 participants. We found a significantly larger effect on positive body image and media literacy in the intervention compared to control groups. However, heterogeneity was substantial for both outcomes. Results suggest that media literacy interventions have the potential to improve media literacy and reduce body dissatisfaction. Interventions that worked with the principle of induction of cognitive dissonance were the most effective.
Main environmental variables influencing the abundance of plant species under risk category
Authors: Antúnez Pablo
Published: December 2021

Determining climatic and physiographic variables in Mexico's major ecoregions that are limiting to biodiversity and species of high conservation concern is essential for their conservation. Yet, at the national level to date, few studies have been performed with large data sets and cross-confirmation using multiple statistical analyses. Here, we used 25 endemic, rare and endangered species from 3610 sampling points throughout Mexico and 25 environmental attributes, including average precipitation for different seasons of the year, annual dryness index, slope of the terrain; and maximum, minimum and average temperatures to test our hypothesis that these species could be assessed with the same weight among all variables, showing similar indices of importance. Our results using principal component analysis, covariation analysis by permutations, and random forest regression showed that summer precipitation, length of the frost-free period, spring precipitation, winter precipitation and growing season precipitation all strongly influence the abundance of tropical species. In contrast, annual precipitation and the balance at different seasons (summer and growing season) were the most relevant variables on the temperate region species. For dry areas, the minimum temperature of the coldest month and the maximum temperature of the warmest month were the most significant variables. Using these different associations in different climatic regions could support a more precise management and conservation plan for the preservation of plant species diversity in forests under different global warming scenarios.
Decellularized extracellular matrix mediates tissue construction and regeneration
Authors: Liu Chuanqi , Pei Ming , Li Qingfeng , Zhang Yuanyuan
Published: December 2021

Contributing to organ formation and tissue regeneration, extracellular matrix (ECM) constituents provide tissue with three-dimensional (3D) structural integrity and cellular-function regulation. Containing the crucial traits of the cellular microenvironment, ECM substitutes mediate cell—matrix interactions to prompt stem-cell proliferation and differentiation for 3D organoid constructionin vitroor tissue regenerationin vivo.However, these ECMs are often applied generically and have yet to be extensively developed for specific cell types in 3D cultures. Cultured cells also produce rich ECM, particularly stromal cells. Cellular ECM improves 3D culture developmentin vitroand tissue remodeling during wound healing after implantation into the host as well. Gaining better insight into ECM derived from either tissue or cells that regulate 3D tissue reconstruction or organ regeneration helps us to select, produce, and implant the most suitable ECM and thus promote 3D organoid culture and tissue remodeling forin vivoregeneration. Overall, the decellularization methodologies and tissue/cell-derived ECM as scaffolds or cellular-growth supplements used in cell propagation and differentiation for 3D tissue culturein vitroare discussed. Moreover, current preclinical applications by which ECM components modulate the wound-healing process are reviewed.
Total Knee Arthroplasty and Intra-Articular Pressure Sensors: Can They Assist Surgeons with Intra-Operative Decisions?
Authors: Yapp Liam Z. , Robinson Patrick G. , Clement Nicholas D. , Scott Chloe E. H.
Published: December 2021

Purpose of Review

Soft tissue imbalance, presenting as instability or stiffness, is an important cause of revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Traditional methods of determining soft tissue balance of the knee lack precision and are not reliable between operators. Use of intra-operative pressure sensors offers the potential to identify and avoid soft tissue imbalance following TKA. This review aims to summarise the literature supporting the clinical indication for the use of intra-articular pressure sensors during TKA.

Recent Findings

Analytical validation studies suggest that intra-operative pressure sensors demonstrate ‘moderate’ to ‘good’ intra-observer reliability and ‘good’ to ‘excellent’ interobserver reliability throughout the flexion arc. However, there are important errors associated with measurements when devices are used out-with the stated guidelines and clinicians should be aware of the limitations of these devices in isolation. Current evidence regarding patient benefit is conflicting. Despite positive early results, several prospective studies have subsequently failed to demonstrate significant differences in overall survival, satisfaction, and patient-reported outcome measures within 1 year of surgery.

Surgeon-defined soft tissue stability appears to be significantly different from the absolute pressures measured by the intra-operative sensor. Whilst it could be argued that this confirms the need for intra-articular sensor guidance in TKA; the optimal ‘target’ balance remains unclear and the relationship with outcome in patients is not determined. Future research should (1) identify a suitable reference standard for comparison; (2) improve the accuracy of the sensor outputs; and (3) demonstrate that sensor-assisted TKA leads to patient benefit in patient-reported outcome measures and/or enhanced implant survival.
Multivariate analysis of the spatial species diversity of demersal fish assemblages in relation to habitat characteristics in a subtropical national park, Taiwan
Authors: Chen Kuo-Shu , Chen Hsu-Sen , Chen Chiee-Young , Su Yan-Lin , Meng Pei-Jie , Chen Meng-Hsien
Published: December 2021

To understand the spatial species diversity of demersal fish assemblages in Taijiang National Park (TJNP) of Taiwan, fishes from 44 demersal trawl hauls and environmental data were collected in the nearshore and offshore areas of TJNP from April 2016 to May 2019. In total, fishes of 47 families, 84 genera, and 113 species were recorded. The nearshore and offshore demersal fish assemblages in TJNP exhibited significant variability in species composition assessed via beta diversity. Using distance-based redundancy analysis, we demonstrated that bottom depth and substrate type were significant explanatory variables of spatial species diversity and identified three habitat types (I: shallow soft bottom; II: deeper soft bottom; III: deeper bottom with mixed sand and gravel substrates). The nearshore assemblage was characterized by type I, where Tarphops oligolepis (flounder), Trachinocephalus myops (snakefish), and Liachirus melanospilos (carpet sole) dominated in terms of abundance. The offshore assemblage was characterized by either type II or type III because differences in substrate types among sampling sites were noticeable. At the offshore sites characterized by a deeper soft bottom (type II), Johnius distinctus (croaker), Cynoglossus kopsii (shortheaded tonguesole), and Coelorinchus formosanus (Formosa grenadier) predominated. In contrast, the westernmost sampling site, characterized by type III habitat, exhibited relatively high Shannon indices, and Scorpaena miostoma (scorpionfish), Urolophus aurantiacus (sepia stingray), and Parabothus taiwanensis (lefteye flounder) predominated. Our results provide the first baseline information on the environmental characteristics and spatial species diversity of demersal fish assemblages in TJNP and have implications for biodiversity conservation in existing spatial management areas.
Understanding the social impacts of enforcement activities on illegal wildlife trade in China
Authors: Hu Sifan , Cheng Yu , Pan Rong , Zou Fasheng , Lee Tien Ming
Published: December 2021

Illegal wildlife trade enforcement is a cornerstone conservation strategy worldwide, yet we have a limited understanding on its social impacts. Using Chinese online wildlife seizure news (2003–2018), we evaluated the interactions among enforcement operations, news frequency, and social engagement (i.e., whistle-blowing) frequency. Our results showed that intensive enforcement operations, which commenced after 2012, have social impacts by increasing the frequency of all seizure news significantly by 28% [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 5%, 51%] and those via whistle-blowing by 24% [95% CI: 2%, 45%], when compared to counterfactual models where possible confounding factors were accounted for. Furthermore, we revealed the potential interaction between enforcement seizure news with and without social engagement, and the consequential social feedback process. Of the species identified from ‘whistle-blowing’ news, up to 28% are considered as high conservation priorities. Overall, we expanded our understanding of the enforcement impacts to social dimensions, which could contribute to improving the cost-effectiveness of such conservation efforts.
ESSM Position Statement “Sexual Wellbeing After Gender Affirming Surgery”
Authors: Özer Müjde , Toulabi Sahaand Poor , Fisher Alessandra D. , T'Sjoen Guy , Buncamper Marlon E. , Monstrey Stan , Bizic Marta R. , Djordjevic Miroslav , Falcone Marco , Christopher Nim A. , Simon Daniel , Capitán Luis , Motmans Joz
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Much has been published on the surgical and functional results following Gender Affirming Surgery (‘GAS’) in trans individuals. Comprehensive results regarding sexual wellbeing following GAS, however, are generally lacking.

Aim

To review the impact of various GAS on sexual wellbeing in treatment seeking trans individuals, and provide a comprehensive list of clinical recommendations regarding the various surgical options of GAS on behalf of the European Society for Sexual Medicine.

Methods

The Medline, Cochrane Library and Embase databases were reviewed on the results of sexual wellbeing after GAS.

Main Outcomes Measure

The task force established consensus statements regarding the somatic and general requirements before GAS and of GAS: orchiectomy-only, vaginoplasty, breast augmentation, vocal feminization surgery, facial feminization surgery, mastectomy, removal of the female sexual organs, metaidoioplasty, and phalloplasty. Outcomes pertaining to sexual wellbeing- sexual satisfaction, sexual relationship, sexual response, sexual activity, enacted sexual script, sexuality, sexual function, genital function, quality of sex life and sexual pleasure- are provided for each statement separately.

Results

The present position paper provides clinicians with statements and recommendations for clinical practice, regarding GAS and their effects on sexual wellbeing in trans individuals. These data, are limited and may not be sufficient to make evidence-based recommendations for every surgical option. Findings regarding sexual wellbeing following GAS were mainly positive. There was no data on sexual wellbeing following orchiectomy-only, vocal feminization surgery, facial feminization surgery or the removal of the female sexual organs. The choice for GAS is dependent on patient preference, anatomy and health status, and the surgeon's skills. Trans individuals may benefit from studies focusing exclusively on the effects of GAS on sexual wellbeing.

Conclusion

The available evidence suggests positive results regarding sexual wellbeing following GAS. We advise more studies that underline the evidence regarding sexual wellbeing following GAS. This position statement may aid both clinicians and patients in decision-making process regarding the choice for GAS.
Assessment of knowledge, attitude, practice and associated factors of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis among health professionals. A cross sectional study
Authors: Kiflie Alemnesh Molla , Mersha Abraham Tarekegn , Workie Misganaw Mengie , Admass Biruk Adie , Ferede Yonas Admasu , Bizuneh Yosef Belay
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of postoperative morbidity.

In hospitalized patients, it is a common and potentially fatal complication. Knowledge, positive attitude, and effective practice on VTE prophylaxis are vital for the proper management of patients. Inadequate knowledge and poor practice of health professionals towards VTE prophylaxis increased patients’ complications.

Objective:

To assess knowledge, Attitude, practices, and associated factors towards VTE prophylaxis among health professionals for adults hospitalized patients at the University of X in 2021.

Methods:

A hospital-based cross-sectional study on 404 health professionals from May, 10 to June 20, 2021, at University of X hospital. Consecutive sampling was used to select the study participants. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with the knowledge, attitude, and practice level of health professionals towards VTE prophylaxis. In multivariable analysis, variables with a p-value of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to check for model goodness-of-fit.

Results:

A total of 404 health professionals who worked at the University of X hospital involved in the study with a response rate of 96%. The overall proportion of satisfactory knowledge, positive attitude, and good practice towards VTE prophylaxis for hospitalized patients were 49.8% (95% CI: 44.8–54.7), 87.1% (95% CI: 83.85–90.41), and 39.9% (95% CI: 35.1–44.6) respectively. Health professionals whose years of experience >10 years were greater than 5 times (AOR = 5.415, 95% CI 1.037–28.287) more likely to have satisfactory knowledge about VTE prophylaxis as compared to professionals who had less than 5 years of experience. Experience, work unit, knowledge, and level of education were associated significantly with practice.

Conclusion:

and recommendations: A low degree of knowledge and poor practices on VTE prophylaxis among health professionals noted in this study. We recommend to implement local guidelines and policy.

Highlights
School strike for climate are leading the way: how their people power strategies are generating distinctive pathways for leadership development
Authors: Tattersall Amanda , Hinchliffe Jean , Yajman Varsha
Published: December 2021

Since November 2018, Australian high school climate strikers have become leaders in the movement for climate action, giving rise to a new generation of young people who have learnt how to lead change. This article focuses on the question of leadership across social movements and in global youth movements. It then investigates the different forms of leadership emerging in School Striker for Climate (SS4C) through a qualitative survey of its leaders. We argue that leadership is multifaceted, shaped by the different strategies that movements use to engage people in collective action. We present three different people power strategies – mobilising, organising and playing by the rules – and explore how these different strategies generate varied pathways for leadership development. We identify the strengths and limits of each strategy, and we find that peer learning, mentoring, learning by doing, confrontation, reflective spaces and training are important leadership development tools. This article’s greatest strength comes from the positionally of us as researchers – two of us are student strikers, and the third is an active supporter, giving us a distinctively engaged perspective on a powerful movement for change.
2020 ASR Distinguished Lecture: African Voices Matter: Reflections on Fifty Years of Historical Research in Southern Africa
Authors: Edgar Robert
Published: December 2021

The recent racial reckoning has challenged scholars to recover Black voices that have been erased from historical accounts. This essay is my reflections on the challenges I faced in conducting research on African voices in politically and racially charged settings in Lesotho and South Africa over the past half century. After the political atmosphere began changing in South Africa in 1990, I served the individuals and communities I write about by rectifying historical injustices such as returning a holy relic to a religious group, the Israelites, and facilitating the return of remains of Nontetha Nkwenkwe from a pauper’s grave in Pretoria to her home.
African Studies Keyword: Malaria
Authors: Graboyes Melissa , Alidina Zainab
Published: December 2021

From nearly any perspective and metric, the effects of malaria on the African continent have been persistent and deep. By focusing on the malady of malaria and the last century of biomedical interventions, Graboyes and Alidina raise critical historical, ethical, and scientific questions related to truth telling, African autonomy, and the obligations of foreign researchers. They provide a condensed history of malaria activities on the continent over the past 120 years, highlighting the overall history of failures to eliminate or control the disease. A case study of the risks of rebound malaria illustrates the practical and moral problems that abound when historical knowledge is ignored. In light of current calls for renewed global eradication efforts, Graboyes and Alidina provide evidence for why historical knowledge must be better integrated into global health epistemic realms.
KL2 scholars’ perceptions of factors contributing to sustained translational science career success
Authors: Smyth Susan S. , Coller Barry S. , Jackson Rebecca D. , Kern Philip A. , McIntosh Scott , Meagher Emma A. , Rubio Doris M. , Sandberg Kathryn , Tsevat Joel , Umans Jason G. , Attia Jacqueline , Baker Heather L. , Nagel Joan D. , McMullen Colleen A. , Rosemond Erica
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Identifying the most effective ways to support career development of early stage investigators in clinical and translational science should yield benefits for the biomedical research community. Institutions with Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) offer KL2 programs to facilitate career development; however, the sustained impact has not been widely assessed.

Methods:

A survey comprised of quantitative and qualitative questions was sent to 2144 individuals that had previously received support through CTSA KL2 mechanisms. The 547 responses were analyzed with identifying information redacted.

Results:

Respondents held MD (47%), PhD (36%), and MD/PhD (13%) degrees. After KL2 support was completed, physicians’ time was divided 50% to research and 30% to patient care, whereas PhD respondents devoted 70% time to research. Funded research effort averaged 60% for the cohort. Respondents were satisfied with their career progression. More than 95% thought their current job was meaningful. Two-thirds felt confident or very confident in their ability to sustain a career in clinical and translational research. Factors cited as contributing to career success included protected time, mentoring, and collaborations.

Conclusion:

This first large systematic survey of KL2 alumni provides valuable insight into the group’s perceptions of the program and outcome information. Former scholars are largely satisfied with their career choice and direction, national recognition of their expertise, and impact of their work. Importantly, they identified training activities that contributed to success. Our results and future analysis of the survey data should inform the framework for developing platforms to launch sustaining careers of translational scientists.
Intake of nanoparticles and impact on gut microbiota: in vitro and animal models available for testing
Authors: Campos Débora , Goméz-García Ricardo , Oliveira Diana , Madureira Ana Raquel
Published: December 2021

The oral delivery of compounds associated with diet or medication have an impact on the gut microbiota balance, which in turn, influences the physiologic process. Several reports have shown significant advances in clarifying the impact, interactions and outcomes of oral intake of nanoparticles and the human gut. These interactions may affect the bioavailability of the delivered compounds. In addition, there is a considerable breakthrough in the development of antimicrobial nanoparticles for intestinal pathogenic bacteria. Several in vitro fermentation and in vivo models have been developed throughout the years and were used to test these systems. The methodologies and studies carried out so far on the modulation of human and animal gut microbiome by oral delivery nanosized materials were reviewed. Overall, the available in vitro studies mimic the real physiological events enabling to select the best production conditions of nanoparticulate systems in a preliminary stage of research. On the other hand, animal studies can be used to access the dosage effect, safety and correlation between haematological, biochemical and symptoms, with gut microbiota groups and metabolites.
Rich kids of Europe? Social basis and strategic choices in the climate activism of Fridays for Future
Authors: della Porta Donatella , Portos Martín
Published: December 2021

In 2018, Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg began a school strike that quickly spread across the globe. After a ritual strike every Friday by school pupils to call for urgent action against climate change had gone on for several months, what had become Fridays for Future (FFF) called for various global days of action throughout 2019, bringing millions of people out onto the streets in the largest climate protests in world history. Drawing on unique protest survey data on FFF events across European cities in 2019, this article explores the structural bases of organized collective mobilization for climate justice. Nuancing narratives that focus on either the privileged background of climate justice protesters or the environmentalism of the poor, our results show the heterogeneity of the social composition of the protests, suggesting the need for cross-class alliances for mass mobilizations. Moreover, our analysis reveals that the social background of protesters shaped their attitudes regarding what institutions and approaches can be relied upon to tackle climate and environmental challenges. This suggests an important and under-studied connection between social background and the strategic choices of environmental movements.