bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on Post Operative Pain Assesment on Arrival Using Vas Score among Urological Procedures after general Anaesthesia vs. Regional Anaesthesia
Authors: Madhumithra K. S. Jaya , Priya Mohana
Published: November 2021

Background: A Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is a measurement that tries to measure a characteristic or attitude that is believed to range across a continuum of values and cannot easily be directly measured [1]. The 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) score is widely used to measure pain intensity after surgery. The main objective here is to compare the effectiveness and safety of general anaesthesia (GA) vs. regional anaesthesia (RA) in urological procedures with the help of VAS.

Methods: We enrolled a sequential, unselected cohort of fifty-two patients on arrival from surgery and used a VAS to quantify pain intensity. We compared changes in the VAS among patients who received either GA or RA for urological procedures. Patient’s comorbidities, vitals, pain visual analogue scale (VAS) are evaluated. Intraoperative and post-operative complications were recorded.

Results: Vital parameters were maintained at safe values throughout the procedure in both groups. Visual analogue pain score was lower in regional anaesthesia  till one hour mark of post-operative period as compared with GA cluster (P <0.05). Patients in regional anaesthesia recorded lower consumption of analgesics during the post-operative day-0 as compared with GA cluster (P < 0.05). Post-operative shivering was higher in RA cluster  than GA cluster (8% vs. 2%) whereas nausea and fever was higher in GA cluster than RA cluster (5% vs. 2% and 4% vs. 1% respectively). However, Patients in GA cluster recorded higher overall satisfaction scores than RA cluster.

Conclusion: Both GA and RA were effective and safe in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy. It is observed that PCNL under RA was associated with significantly shorter operative time and hospital stay. Furthermore, postoperative pain scores were low, lower nausea and/or vomiting, and reduced analgesic requirements were noted in the RA group. However, GA provides heaps of satisfaction for patients.
Effect of Kabasura Kudineer Extract on Inflammatory Cytokines [Interleukin-6 and Tumour Necrosis Factor-α] in Lung Cancer Cell Line A549
Authors: Nisha M. Afrin , Preetha S. , Selvaraj J. , Sridevi G.
Published: November 2021

Background: Kabasura kudineer is widely known for its anticancer efficiency. Kabasura kudineer is a customary formulation used by siddha practitioners for effectively managing common respiratory illness. Herbal medicines are acknowledged as a great approach to lung cancer therapy. Aim of the study is to know about the anticancer property of Kabasura kudineer extract on inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α in lung cancer cell line (A549).

Materials and Methods: Human lung cancer cell line (A549) was purchased from National Centre for Cell Sciences (NCCS), Pune, India. Cell viability test was done by MTT assay. Gene expression analysis was done by Real Time-PCR. The obtained data were analysed statistically by one-way analysis of variance and Duncan’s multiple range test with Graph Pad Prism version 5 to analyse the significance. The significance was considered at p<0.05 level in Duncan’s test.

Results and Discussion: Kabasura kudineer caused a marked increase in cell death in dose dependent manner. AT the end of 48 hours, maximum inhibition was at 400 and 500 μg/ml. Kabasura kudineer extract reduced the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α compared to the control cells.

Conclusion: This study concluded that Kabasura kudineer extract has anticancer activity on lung cancer cell lines (A549).
Virtual Screening to Identify the Protein Network Interactions of Triclosan with Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Hariprasanth T. K. , Priyadharsini J. Vijayashree , Girija A. S. Smiline , Ganesh P. Sankar
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Triclosan is considered to be an important ingredient in toothpastes and mouth rinses. Several studies have reported contradictory results regarding the antimicrobial effect of triclosan. Hence, the present in silico study intends to identify the potential targets of triclosan in two common dental pathogens Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis.

Aim: To identify the protein network interactions of triclosan in Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis by virtual screening method.

Materials and Methods: The STITCH v5.0 database was initially used for identifying drug-protein interactions followed by VICMPred and VirulentPred which was employed to identify functional class of the proteins and its virulence property. Finally, BepiPred v1.0 Linear Epitope Prediction tool was used to identify the potential epitopes of the virulent proteins.

Results: Triclosan was found to interact with crucial proteins in S. mutans and E. faecalis which could contribute to severe forms of periodontitis and endodontic diseases.

Conclusion: Taken together, the present study provides the preliminary data on the potential targets of triclosan in common dental pathogens. Further experimental validation is warranted to provide concrete evidence on the molecular targets of dental pathogens.
Decoding the Genetic Alterations in Genes of Fibroblast Growth Factor Family and Their Possible Association with HNSCC
Authors: Akshaya A. , Priyadharsini J. Vijayashree , Girija A. S. Smiline , Ganesh P. Sankar , Poddar Nidhi
Published: November 2021

Introduction: HNSCC is a type of cancer in the oral and pharynx region. Several mutations/variations are observed in these cancer phenotypes. Fibroblast growth factor belongs to the family of heparin binding growth factors. FGFs are multifunctional proteins with a wide variety of effects; they are most commonly mitogens. Their expression pattern correlates with invasion of HNSCC.

Aim: To assess the genetic alterations in genes of the fibroblast growth factor family and their association with HNSCC.

Materials and Methods: The demographic data and samples of 528 HNSCC patients was collected from the cBioportal database. Oncoprint analysis was done to assess the amplification and genetic alterations of the members of the FGF gene family. String analysis was performed to evaluate the protein-protein interaction. The information about previous reported mutation and correlation with novel and reported mutation was obtained using GnomAD analysis.

Results and Discussion: FGF3,4 and 19 genes showed maximum variation (25%). FGF4 and FGF19 genes showed maximum amplification in addition to deletion mutation. Excitingly FGF3, FGF4 and FGF19 genes showed similar amplification patterns in most of the HNSCC patients. Statistical significant difference in the gene expression of FGF3 9.578 x 10-3 observed between normal and primary tumour. S.  Findings showed many novel mutations and also 4 reported mutations ie:FGF1, FGF12, FGF20, FGF21

Conclusion: Our present study concludes that more evidence is required to confirm their association with HNSCC.
Role of Steroids and Other Immunomodulators in Treatment of COVID-19
Authors: Rakshna M. , Arunkumar A. S. , Mahadevan Laya
Published: November 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID- 19), the newly discovered infectious disease is caused by an infection with a novel virus belonging to the family Coronaviridae named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2(SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2-infected cells produce substances that can induce injury to lung cells as the focus of initiation of COVID-19 during the incubation period. These substances bind to receptors on the target cells. Corticosteroids bind to specific intracellular cytoplasmic receptors in target tissues.  The receptor hormone recruits co-activator or co-repressor proteins after dimerizing. In severe COVID-19 patients develop a systemic inflammatory response that leads to lung injury and multisystem organ dysfunction. Even though evidence consistently supporting the use of steroids in ARDS and pneumonia is hard to come by the potent anti-inflammatory effects of steroids are postulated to prevent the deleterious effects of the severe inflammation seen in COVID pneumonia. A monoclonal antibody cocktail consisting of Casirivimab and Imdevimab is another promising therapeutic option in patients at high risk of deterioration. Used early in the disease process they prevent hospitalization and further morbidity.
Cultural Arts Tourism Business during the COVID-19 Pandemic (Case Study: Saung Mang Udjo, West Java, Indonesia)
Authors: Respati Rella Dwi , Kusumaningrum Dewi Ayu , Jakaria Gabriella Fefany
Published: November 2021

During a pandemic, the priority is the need for security from exposure to the virus. However, although safety is a particular concern, the fulfillment of psychological needs (recreation) must still be considered with various forms of entertainment. One of them is art entertainment or art tourism. Performing arts and culture tourism can be a recreational selection with a memorable impression and is also useful for cultural learning. An angklung music performance that is popular in Indonesia is Saung Angklung Udjo (SAU), Saung which means small house, angklung is a traditional bamboo musical instrument from West Java and Udjo is the name of the owner. The appropriate business strategy is required to survive in the slump during the pandemic. The study aimed to determine the strategy of performing arts and cultural performances in Saung Mang Udjo, West Java, during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study used a qualitative method with a Literature review model exploring detailed information from SAU management. Data collection by in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation were performed online. The study object is Saung Mang Udjo (SAU), Bandung, West Java. The study was performed from March-to April 2021. The results obtained show that the business strategy applied by SAU management combines a cost leadership strategy and a differentiation strategy. It provides different, unique, and modern products without leaving the attractive concept of traditional Indonesian culture, which consumers like at the lowest possible competitive prices. It also implements health protocol policies, following a special certification for tourism businesses, i.e., (CHSE) Cleanliness, Health, Safety, Environment Sustainability. A product differentiation strategy should emphasize the creativity of SAU management in making various kinds of innovative products during the pandemic that are interesting and fun, supported by friendly, skilled, insightful employees, which are more attractive to consumers than other competing products. Online marketing is prioritized during the pandemic by utilizing various media platforms.
Color‐Tunable Dual Persistent Emission Via a Triplet Exciton Reservoir for Temperature Sensing and Anti‐Counterfeiting
Authors: Li Feiyang , Qian Cheng , Lu Jinyu , Ma Yun , Zhang Kenneth Yin , Liu Shujuan , Zhao Qiang
Published: November 2021

Organic persistent luminescent materials attract great attention, but most of them exhibit single luminescence color with one emission band, which limits their applications in optoelectronic, sensing, and bioimaging fields. Herein, an effective strategy to achieve dual persistent emission is proposed by utilizing the triplet excited state in the single‐molecule 6,12‐diphenyl‐5,6,11,12‐tetrahydroindolo[3,2‐b]carbazole derivatives. Experimental data and theoretical calculations suggest that the triplet excited state operates as a triplet exciton reservoir to stockpile and provide long‐lived excitons for room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) in aggregate state. Moreover, tunable emission color is achieved through the regulation of RTP and TADF emission by introducing aromatic and aliphatic bromine atoms. Finally, dual persistent emission with a long lifetime of 0.26 s and a persistent luminescence quantum yield of 10% is obtained in single‐component materials, and these luminophores are used for visual temperature detection and anti‐counterfeiting.
Varied Alignment Methods and Versatile Actuations for Liquid Crystal Elastomers: A Review
Authors: Zhao Jiayou , Zhang Limei , Hu Jian
Published: November 2021

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are a class of programmable polymer materials that can deform reversibly under diverse stimuli such as light, heat, electric field, and magnetic field. LCEs have demonstrated their potential applications in soft robots, soft actuators, artificial muscles, etc. How to align the mesogen orientation and achieve actuations of LCEs are the two most important issues for the studies on LCEs. At present, varied alignment methods and versatile actuations for LCEs have developed rapidly. However, few reviews are addressing these two important issues simultaneously. In this review, three types of alignment methods for LCEs as mechanical stress‐induced alignment, external field‐induced alignment, and surface effect‐induced alignment are summarized, and comparing their programmability toward the mesogen orientation is focused on. The key factors influencing the versatile actuations of LCEs are their orientation structure (intrinsic factor) and the applied external stimuli (extrinsic factor). Thus, actuations are classified into two types on the basis of programmable orientation structure and selective external stimuli, respectively, and focus on comparing their deformation controllability. Finally, an outlook for the future key technologies to develop versatile, precise, and fast‐responsive deformation actuations for LCEs is proposed.
Finite‐Size Analysis of Thermal States Quantum Cryptography with the Optimal Noise
Authors: Yang Fangli , Qiu Daowen , Chen Liuping , Wan Xiangkui
Published: November 2021

A modified thermal states quantum cryptography is proposed by adding the noise at Bob's side and the impact of finite‐size effects focused on by performing the channel estimation. An optimal noise which can maximize the key rate is demonstrated to exist and, by using numeric simulations, is shown to vary with the transmission distance. Adding the optimal noise can enhance the effectiveness of the thermal states quantum cryptography protocol under noisy and lossy channel in terms of secret key rate, the maximum transmission distance and the tolerable channel noise. Although finite‐size effects deteriorate the performance of thermal quantum cryptography, this approach can compensate the impact of this degradation, and even make the performance of the modified protocol in the finite‐size regime better than that of the original protocol in the ideal asymptotic regime.
Ensuring patient safety by rational choice of color masterbatch for medical device applications—A case study investigating the properties of an ABS/SAN blend colored by different masterbatches based on styrenic polymers
Authors: Günther Björn , Kremser Thomas , Susoff Markus , Formanek Petr , Fery Andreas , Wießner Sven
Published: November 2021

The coloration of plastics is an important quality feature of medical devices, and it is most frequently done by using masterbatches. This study investigates the influence of masterbatches with different carrier resins on the impact resistance and the morphology of an acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS)/styrene‐acrylonitrile (SAN) blend. The experimental results were compared with thermodynamical models based on Hansen and Flory–Huggins theory. The models, as well as notched impact testing, indicated strong immiscibility and incompatibility when using a masterbatch carrier based on polystyrene (PS). Immiscibility was confirmed by morphology studies that revealed the formation of PS‐droplets with increasing masterbatch content. Masterbatches based on ABS and SAN showed no significant impact and theoretical calculations were in good accordance with mechanics and morphology. The proposed theoretical calculation of solubility between blend partners potentially allows a prediction for selecting a suitable masterbatch carrier.
Unemployment and cancer screening: Baseline estimates to inform health care delivery in the context of COVID‐19 economic distress
Authors: Fedewa Stacey A. , Yabroff K. Robin , Bandi Priti , Smith Robert A. , Nargis Nigar , Zheng Zhiyuan , Drope Jeffrey , Jemal Ahmedin
Published: November 2021

Background

During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, US unemployment rates rose to historic highs, and they remain nearly double those of prepandemic levels. Employers are the most common source of health insurance among nonelderly adults. Thus, job loss may lead to a loss of health insurance and reduce access to cancer screening. This study examined associations between unemployment, health insurance, and cancer screening to inform the pandemic's potential impacts on early cancer detection.

Methods

Up‐to‐date and past‐year breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancer screening prevalences were computed for nonelderly respondents (aged <65 years) with 2000‐2018 National Health Interview Survey data. Multivariable logistic regression models with marginal probabilities were used to estimate unemployed‐versus‐employed unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios.

Results

Unemployed adults (2000‐2018) were 4 times more likely to lack insurance than employed adults (41.4% vs 10.0%; P < .001). Unemployed adults had a significantly lower up‐to‐date prevalence of screening for cervical cancer (78.5% vs 86.2%; P < .001), breast cancer (67.8% vs 77.5%; P < .001), colorectal cancer (41.9 vs 48.5%; P < .001), and prostate cancer (25.4% vs 36.4%; P < .001). These differences were eliminated after accounting for health insurance coverage.

Conclusions

Unemployment was adversely associated with up‐to‐date cancer screening, and this was fully explained by a lack of health insurance. Ensuring the continuation of health insurance coverage after job loss may mitigate the pandemic's economic distress and future economic downturns' impact on cancer screening.
Multicycling of Epoxy Thermoset Through a Two‐Step Strategy of Alcoholysis and Hydrolysis using a Self‐Separating Catalysis System
Authors: Zhao Xu , Liu Xuehui , Feng Ke , An Wen‐Li , Tian Fei , Du Rongcheng , Xu Shimei , Chen Li , Wu Gang , Wang Yu‐Zhong
Published: November 2021

Plastic has now become a contradiction between civilization and pollution that human society has to resolve. The recycling of thermosetting plastics in waste plastics is a huge challenge since they are difficult to remold like thermoplastic plastics due to their high crosslinking density. Here, a new strategy was developed to achieve multicycling of anhydride‐cured epoxy thermosets. The process consisted of mild and high‐efficiency alcoholysis catalyzed by potassium phosphate/low‐boiling alcohol system, and subsequent fast hydrolysis to obtain degradation products rich of carboxyl groups. The degradation products were reused as curing agent to prepare new anhydride‐cured epoxy thermosets without sacrifice of high strength and stability. Moreover, the new epoxy thermosets could still be repeatedly recycled using the same protocol. The insolubility of potassium phosphate in ethanol at room temperature made the separation and reuse of the catalyst more convenient. The use of low‐boiling alcohol not only allowed high‐efficiency degradation but also enabled easy separation from the degradation products. The excellent degradation performance was attributed to the improved swelling of the thermoset and the increased solubility of potassium phosphate induced by small amounts of water in the alcohol. This research provides a recycling method that can reintegrate thermoset waste plastics into remodeling ones under the background of circular economy.
The dopamine membrane transporter plays an active modulatory role in synaptic dopamine homeostasis
Authors: Formisano Rosaria , Rosikon Katarzyna D. , Singh Abhyudai , Dhillon Harbinder S.
Published: November 2021

Modulatory mechanisms of neurotransmitter release and clearance are highly controlled processes whose finely tuned regulation is critical for functioning of the nervous system. Dysregulation of the monoamine neurotransmitter dopamine can lead to several neuropathies. Synaptic modulation of dopamine is known to involve pre‐synaptic D2 auto‐receptors and acid sensing ion channels. In addition, the dopamine membrane transporter (DAT), which is responsible for clearance of dopamine from the synaptic cleft, is suspected to play an active role in modulating release of dopamine. Using functional imaging on the Caenorhabditis elegans model system, we show that DAT‐1 acts as a negative feedback modulator to neurotransmitter vesicle fusion. Results from our fluorescence recovery after photo‐bleaching (FRAP) based experiments were followed up with and reaffirmed using swimming‐induced paralysis behavioral assays. Utilizing our numerical FRAP data we have developed a mechanistic model to dissect the dynamics of synaptic vesicle fusion, and compare the feedback effects of DAT‐1 with the dopamine auto‐receptor. Our experimental results and the mechanistic model are of potential broader significance, as similar dynamics are likely to be used by other synaptic modulators including membrane transporters for other neurotransmitters across species.
Risperidone in non‐epileptic attack disorder and chromosome 15q deletion syndrome
Authors: Javaid Amir , Kent David , Bone Joanne , Michael Dasari
Published: November 2021

Chromosome 15q11.2 microdeletion is an emerging syndrome identified in individuals with Prader‐Willi syndrome and Angelman syndrome but also found in isolation. Here, the authors present a case of a 19‐year‐old woman with chromosome 15q11.2 microdeletion and her successful treatment with risperidone, a tailored positive behaviour support plan and with staff training around non‐epileptic attack disorder.
Cyanobacterial weathering in warming periglacial sediments: Implications for nutrient cycling and potential biosignatures
Authors: Demirel‐Floyd Cansu , Soreghan Gerilyn S. , Madden Megan E. Elwood
Published: November 2021

The cryosphere hosts a widespread microbial community, yet microbial influences on silicate weathering have been historically neglected in cold‐arid deserts. Here we investigate bioweathering by a cold‐tolerant cyanobacteria (Leptolyngbya glacialis) via laboratory experiments using glaciofluvial drift sediments at 12°C, analogous to predicted future permafrost surface temperatures. Our results show threefold enhanced Si weathering rates in pre‐weathered, mixed‐lithology Antarctic biotic reactors compared to abiotic controls, indicating the significant influence of microbial life on weathering. Although biotic and abiotic weathering rates are similar in Icelandic sediments, neo‐formed clay and Fe‐(oxy)hydroxide minerals observed in association with biofilms in biotic reactors are common on Icelandic mafic minerals, similar to features observed in unprocessed Antarctic drifts. This suggests that microbes enhance weathering in systems where they must scavenge for nutrients that are not easily liberated via abiotic pathways; potential biosignatures may form in nutrient‐rich systems as well. In both sediment types we also observed up to fourfold higher bicarbonate concentrations in biotic reactors relative to abiotic reactors, indicating that, as warming occurs, psychrotolerant biota will enhance bicarbonate flux to the oceans, thus stimulating carbonate deposition and providing a negative feedback to increasing atmospheric CO2.
Momenten‐Auflager‐Interaktion von mehrfeldrig gespannten Sandwichelementen
Authors: Engel Alexander , Lange Jörg
Published: November 2021

Selbsttragende Sandwichelemente mit beidseitigen Metall‐Deckschichten werden im Bauwesen i. d. R. als Mehrfeldträger geplant und verbaut. Hierbei tritt an den Zwischenauflagern stets eine Interaktion zwischen dem druckbelasteten Deckblech und der orthogonal dazu wirkenden Auflagerkraft auf, welche die Biegetragfähigkeit reduzieren kann. Viele Einflussfaktoren auf die reduzierte Tragfähigkeit bleiben in der momentanen Zulassungspraxis (und Bemessung) unberücksichtigt. Im Rahmen eines von der DFG geförderten Forschungsprojekts wurden daher experimentelle, numerische sowie analytische Untersuchungen an Sandwichelementen durchgeführt. Es wurden wesentliche Einflüsse auf die reduzierte Knitterspannung unter einer einwirkenden Querdruckbelastung quantifiziert und ein möglicher Lösungsansatz aufgezeigt, um diese künftig – z. B. im Rahmen der Zulassungsversuche – berücksichtigen zu können.
Metallprofildächer unter PV‐Anlagen
Authors: Raabe Oliver , Pfaff Ute
Published: November 2021

In einigen deutschen Bundesländern wurde bzw. wird gesetzlich festgeschrieben, dass künftig bei Neubauten verpflichtend eine Solaranlage (im Folgenden PV‐Anlage genannt) installiert werden muss, mit Photovoltaikelementen zur Erzeugung von Strom bzw. mit Solarelementen zur primären Erwärmung von Wasser. Auch eine bundesweite Gesetzesinitiative gibt es dazu schon. Bei Industrieneubauten werden häufig als Dacheindeckung dünnwandige Metallprofildächer verwendet, auf die PV‐Anlagen montiert werden. Industriell vorgefertigte Metallprofildächer bestehen z. B. aus Trapezprofilen, Stehfalzprofilen und Sandwichelementen. Es werden dabei spezielle, auf den jeweiligen Typ der Metallprofildächer abgestimmte Befestigungssysteme eingesetzt. Die Erfahrung hat gezeigt, dass, obwohl PV‐Anlagen seit vielen Jahren bei Metallprofildächern eingesetzt werden, die Besonderheiten bei der Verwendung nicht bekannt sind bzw. nicht beachtet werden. Im folgenden Beitrag wird auf den Einfluss der PV‐Anlagen auf die vorgenannten Metallprofildächer hinsichtlich der formalen Grundlagen, Belastungsansätze, statischen Nachweise, Begeh‐ bzw. Betretbarkeit und Korrosionsschutzanforderungen eingegangen.
Verzögerte Prostatektomie nach Active Surveillance – eine prospektive Patientenbeobachtung
Authors: Al-Kailani Zaid , Linxweiler Johannes , Siemer Stefan , Stöckle Michael , Saar Matthias
Published: November 2021

Hintergrund

Die psychische Belastung und die ständigen klinischen Kontrollen unter Active Surveillance (AS) sind als Nebenwirkungen der Therapie nicht zu vernachlässigen. Daher stellt die erfolgreiche Umsetzung des Konzepts der AS in der Praxis eine Herausforderung für Patienten und Behandler dar.

Material und Methoden

In dieser Arbeit wird ein monozentrisches Patientenkollektiv mit verzögerter radikaler Prostatektomie (vRP) nach AS hinsichtlich ihrer klinischen Charakteristika, den Gründen für einen Abbruch der AS sowie dem Auftreten einer ungünstigen Pathologie (UP) im Vergleich zu einer gematchten Kohorte mit sofortiger RP analysiert. p-Werte wurden mit χ2-Test berechnet.

Ergebnisse

Aus einer vRP-Gruppe (n = 74) und einer Vergleichsgruppe mit sofortiger RP (n = 214) setzen sich 288 Patienten zusammen. Nach einem medianen Follow-up von 21 Monaten wurde einer RP durchgeführt. Eine UP im RP-Präparat (Gleason-Score ≥ 7b, ≥ pT3a, R1 oder N+) wurde signifikant häufiger in der vRP-Gruppe als in der gematchten Kontrollgruppe beobachtet (45 % vs. 29 %, p = <0,001).

Schlussfolgerung

Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen viele Defizite bei der Anwendung von AS in der Praxis auf. Die onkologische Sicherheit ist im klinischen Alltag unter Anwendung der bisherigen Beobachtungsmaßnahmen noch unzureichend. Daher erscheint es wichtig, zukünftig in AS-Programme eingeschleuste Patienten sorgfältiger auszuwählen, diese noch stringenter anzubinden und bildmorphologische (mpMRT) sowie in Zukunft auch molekulardiagnostische Methoden zu implementieren, um der AS mehr Sicherheit verleihen.
Seasonality of cognitive function in the general population: the Rotterdam Study
Authors: Mooldijk Sanne S. , Licher Silvan , Vernooij Meike W. , Ikram M. Kamran , Ikram M. Arfan
Published: November 2021

Seasonal variation in cognitive function and underlying cerebral hemodynamics in humans has been suggested, but not consistently shown in previous studies. We assessed cognitive function in 10,276 participants from the population-based Rotterdam Study, aged 45 years and older without dementia, at baseline and at subsequent visits between 1999 and 2016. Seasonality of five cognitive test scores and of a summary measure of global cognition were determined, as well as of brain perfusion. Using linkage with medical records, we also examined whether a seasonal variation was present in clinical diagnoses of dementia. We found a seasonal variation of global cognition (0.05 standard deviations [95% confidence interval: 0.02–0.08]), the Stroop reading task, the Purdue Pegboard test, and of the delayed world learning test, with the best performance in summer months. In line with these findings, there were fewer dementia diagnoses of dementia in spring and summer than in winter and fall. We found no seasonal variation in brain perfusion. These findings support seasonality of cognition, albeit not explained by brain perfusion.
Perioperative NSAIDs and Long-Term Outcomes After cancer Surgery: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Shaji Shebin , Smith Charlotte , Forget Patrice
Published: November 2021

Purpose of Review

This review investigated the use of perioperative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and long-term outcomes in cancer surgery patients, and whether this is dependent on cancer type, type of NSAID and timing of administration.

Findings

Perioperative NSAID use was found to be associated with longer disease-free survival (hazard ration, HR = 0.84 (95% CI, 0.73–0.97)) and overall survival (HR = 0.78 (95% CI, 0.64–0.94)). No difference was found between different types of NSAID for disease-free survival, although in overall survival ketorolac use was significant (HR = 0.63 (95% CI, 0.42–0.95)). Analysis on the timing of NSAID administration found no subgroup to be associated with cancer outcomes. The cancer-type analysis found an association with outcomes in breast and ovarian cancers. However, the level of certainty remains very low, mostly due to the heterogeneity and the retrospective nature of most studies.

Perioperative NSAID use may be associated with increased disease-free and overall survival after cancer surgery. This may be dependent on the type of cancer and type of NSAID, and further research is needed to support this. These data may inform future prospective trials, which are needed to determine the clinical impact, as well as optimal NSAID regimen.
Subcellular localization of HMGB1 in human cholangiocarcinoma: correlation with tumor stage
Authors: Suwannakul Nattawan , Midorikawa Kaoru , Du Chunping , Qi Ya-Peng , Zhang Jie , Xiang Bang-De , Murata Mariko , Ma Ning
Published: November 2021

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a malignant disease with a poor prognosis, and several studies have been conducted using different molecular markers as a tool for CCA diagnosis, including Clonorchis sinensis (CS)-CCA. We initially identified the expression profiles of the three markers of interest, HMGB1, SOX9, and YAP1, using GSE (GSE76297 and GSE32958) datasets. Upregulated levels of these three proteins were detected in CCA samples compared to those in normal samples. To clarify this issue, 24 human CCA tissues with paired adjacent normal tissues were evaluated using immunohistochemical staining. Of the three markers, the total cellular staining intensities were scanned, and subcellular localization was scored in the nuclear and cytoplasmic regions. The intensities of HMGB1, SOX9, and YAP1 were elevated in CCA tissues than the adjacent normal tissues. Individual scoring of subcellular localization revealed that the expression levels of HMGB1 (nucleus) and YAP1 (nucleus and cytoplasm) were significantly different from the pathologic M stage. Moreover, the translocation pattern was categorized using “site-index”, and the results demonstrated that the overexpression of HMGB1 and SOX9 was mostly observed in both the nucleus and cytoplasm, whereas YAP1 was predominantly expressed in the cytoplasm of tumor cells. Interestingly, the site index of HMGB1 was moderately correlated with the tumor stage (r = 0.441, p = 0.031). These findings imply that the overexpression of subcellular HMGB1 could be associated with the metastatic status of patients with CS-CCA, which was shown to be effective for CS-CCA prognosis.
Chaos-generalized regression neural network prediction model of mine water inflow
Authors: Li Jianlin , Wang Luyang , Wang Xinyi , Gao Peiqiang
Published: November 2021

Artificial neural network (ANN) provides a new way for mine water inflow prediction. However, the effectiveness of prediction using ANN model would not be guaranteed if the influencing factors of water inflow are difficult to quantify or there are only a few observation data. Chaos theory can recover the rich dynamic information hidden in time series. By reconstructing water inflow time series in phase space, the multi-dimensional matrix could be obtained, with each column representing an influencing factor of water inflow and its value representing the change of the influencing factor with time. Therefore, a new prediction model of mine water inflow can be established by combining ANN with chaos theory when lacking data on the influencing factors of water inflow. In the present study, the No. 12 coal mine of Pingdingshan China was selected as the study site. The Chaos-GRNN model and Chaos- BPNN model of mine, water inflow were established by using the water inflow data from February 1976 to December 2013. The model was verified by using the water inflow values in the 24 months from 2014 to 2015. The number embedded dimension (M) of influencing factors of water inflow determined by phase space reconstruction was 7, meaning that there were 7 influencing factors of water inflow and 7 neurons in GRNN input layer, and the time delay was 13 months. The value of GRNN input layer neurons was determined accordingly. The maximum Lyapunov index was 0.0530, and the prediction time of GRNN was 19 months. The two models were evaluated by using four evaluation indices (R, RMSE, MAPE, NSE) and violin plot. It was found that both models can realize the long-term prediction of water inflow, and the prediction effectiveness of Chaos-GRNN model is better than that of Chaos-BPNN model.
The concentration of asbestos fibres during buildings exploitation analysis of concentration variability
Authors: Obmiński Andrzej
Published: November 2021

The goal of the research was to determine of average asbestos dust values in different types of buildings and possible deviations from these values, when taking measurements in different rooms of the same building. Variability of fibres concentration was analyzed over short periods of time in different places of tested building. The study included various types of buildings containing asbestos, typical for Central and Eastern European countries with different construction. An analysis was made of the reasons for the diversity of dust concentrations ranging from < 300 to 16,000 fibres/m3 in connection with the building structure, asbestos location, degree of damage and intensity of building exploitation. Properly operated residential buildings containing asbestos inside outer sandwich walls features low concentration of dust < 300–400 f/m3. Novelty: Buildings not yet described by the literature were examined, as well as so-called emergency situations not related to the correct proceedings. This knowledge is necessary for the selection of technology in dismantling works and whether it is appropriate to remove asbestos from a given structure.
Mosan: Combining Circularity and Participatory Design to Address Sanitation in Low-Income Communities
Authors: Mijthab Mona , Anisie Raluca , Crespo Omar
Published: November 2021

The health and environmental impact of unsafe sanitation affects more than half of the world’s population. The lack of access to safe sanitation affects disproportionately rural populations in low- and middle-income countries, where progress is also shown to be slower. The sheer scale of the problem, combined with the variability of climate, geographies, and socioeconomic conditions, requires a variety of adaptable, scalable, centralized, and decentralized solutions working cohesively. This paper presents the case of Mosan, an off-grid, market-based sanitation solution, in order to display how such sanitation approaches can contribute to bridge this gap by addressing the communities most at risk. Mosan is a decentralized, circular sanitation solution encompassing the whole sanitation chain from containment, collection, transport, transformation, and reuse. Focused on community-scale systems, Mosan is applying participatory design principles and co-creation to enable community engagement, raise awareness, trigger creativity, and support local innovation.
A quadratic viscous fluid law for ice deduced from Steinemann's uni-axial compression and torsion experiments
Authors: Staroszczyk R. , Morland L. W.
Published: November 2021

The response of ice to applied stress on ice-sheet flow timescales is commonly described by a non-linear incompressible viscous fluid, for which the deviatoric stress has a quadratic relation in the strain rate with two response coefficient functions depending on two principal strain-rate invariants I2 and I3. Commonly, a coaxial (linear) relation between the deviatoric stress and strain rate, with dependence on one strain-rate invariant I2 in a stress formulation, equivalently dependence on one deviatoric stress invariant in a strain-rate formulation, is adopted. Glen's uni-axial stress experiments determined such a coaxial law for a strain-rate formulation. The criterion for both uni-axial and shear data to determine the same relation is determined. Here, we apply Steinemann's uni-axial stress and torsion data to determine the two stress response coefficients in a quadratic relation with dependence on a single invariant I2. There is a non-negligible quadratic term for some ranges of I2; that is, a coaxial relation with dependence on one invariant is not valid. The data does not, however, rule out a coaxial relation with dependence on two invariants.
Geochemistry of upper Palaeozoic ‘thin-layer’ limestones in the southern North China Craton: implications for closure of the northeastern Palaeotethys Ocean
Authors: Li Jun , Gui Herong , Chen Luwang , Fang Pei , Li Xiaoping , Zhang Jie , Wang Yingxin
Published: November 2021

During the late Palaeozoic Era, a series of related marine strata dominated by multi-layer limestones were deposited in the southern North China Craton. In order to gain new insights into the systematic geochemistry of the carbonate succession of the representative formation (Taiyuan Formation), we examined 59 limestone samples collected from the Huaibei Coal Basin (HCB), with a view towards quantitatively determining the major and trace elements and stable isotope compositions. The data obtained can provide essential evidence for reconstruction of the depositional palaeo-environment and tectonic setting of the Taiyuan Formation. Both X-ray diffraction analyses and palaeoredox proxies (e.g. V/Cr, V/(V + Ni) and authigenic U) indicated that the limestone layers were deposited in an oxic–dysoxic zone, with calcite as the main component. Moreover, palaeomagnetic evidence provided support for the conclusion that these limestones were laid down within an epicontinental sea depositional environment under a warm or hot palaeoclimate during the transition between late Carboniferous and early Permian time. Additionally, evidence obtained from our analyses of trace and rare earth elements revealed that the tectonic setting of the Taiyuan Formation (L1–L5) in the HCB transited from an open ocean to a passive continental margin, thereby indicating that this transformation stemmed from the subduction closure of the northeastern Palaeotethys Ocean. The findings of this study would be of interest to those working on the upper Palaeozoic marine strata in the southern North China Craton.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A WRITTEN CONSTITUTION IS PRINTED? A HISTORY ACROSS BOUNDARIES
Authors: Colley Linda
Published: November 2021

After 1750, the rate at which new political constitutions were generated increased relentlessly. By the First World War, written and published devices of this sort already operated in parts of every continent outside Antarctica. Yet for all the scale and speed of this transformation, approaches to the history of written constitutions have often been selective. Although they spread rapidly across maritime and land frontiers, constitutions are still usually examined in the context of individual countries. Although they could function as tools of empire, constitutions have generally been interpreted only in terms of the making of nations and nationalism. And although these are authored texts, written constitutions rarely attract the attention of literary scholars. Instead, these documents have become largely the province of legal experts and students of constitutional history, itself an increasingly unfashionable discipline. In this lecture, I examine the vital and various links between constitutions and print culture as a means of resurrecting and exploring some of the transnational and transcontinental exchanges and discourses involved in the early spread of these instruments. I also touch on the challenges posed to written constitutions – now embedded in all but three of the world's countries – by the coming of a digital age.1
REVISITING RHS'S ‘RACE, ETHNICITY & EQUALITY IN UK HISTORY: A REPORT AND RESOURCE FOR CHANGE’
Authors: Akhtar Shahmima
Published: November 2021

This paper considers the Royal Historical Society (RHS)'s ‘Race, Ethnicity & Equality in UK History’ report published in 2018. The report contained the findings of a survey sent to staff and students working or studying in History higher education in the United Kingdom. In this paper, I reflect on the various findings of the report related to staff and student numbers, the attainment gap between white and Black and Ethnic Minority students, the curriculum, and racial harassment in History within universities. The RHS report emerged out of the work done by a number of organisations championing race and equality in the sector over decades. By connecting the work of RHS to these earlier initiatives it is possible to map a broader societal change in the historical sector to address historic inequalities, racialised disadvantage and structural exclusion. The RHS and institutions such as Runnymede Trust, the Institute of Historical Research, and Leading Routes are championing greater racial and ethnic equality which reflects broader political, economic and cultural transformations taking place in Britain. In this paper, I show how the RHS is part of an important conversation in foregrounding racial and ethnic equality in the historical profession to the inevitable benefit of History higher education.
For whom the bell of proportionality tolls: Three proposals for strengthening proportionality compliance
Authors: Jang Won
Published: November 2021

The State-centric bias in proportionality in international humanitarian law, where non-State armed groups (NSAGs) are expected to adhere to the same rigour of proportionality as States, regardless of how unrealistic that expectation is, has not often been considered in ideas to improve compliance with proportionality. This article puts forth three proposals – a Comprehensive Proportionality Assessment Framework, capacity-building for military actors, and rapid multidisciplinary assessment teams – that aim to reduce State-centric bias and strengthen proportionality compliance not just for States but for all parties to conflict, including NSAGs.
Sirtuin inhibition is synthetic lethal with BRCA1 or BRCA2 deficiency
Authors: Bajrami Ilirjana , Walker Callum , Krastev Dragomir B. , Weekes Daniel , Song Feifei , Wicks Andrew J. , Alexander John , Haider Syed , Brough Rachel , Pettitt Stephen J. , Tutt Andrew N. J. , Lord Christopher J.
Published: November 2021

PARP enzymes utilise NAD+ as a co-substrate for their enzymatic activity. Inhibition of PARP1 is synthetic lethal with defects in either BRCA1 or BRCA2. In order to assess whether other genes implicated in NAD+ metabolism were synthetic lethal with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene defects, we carried out a genetic screen, which identified a synthetic lethality between BRCA1 and genetic inhibition of either of two sirtuin (SIRT) enzymes, SIRT1 or SIRT6. This synthetic lethal interaction was replicated using small-molecule SIRT inhibitors and was associated with replication stress and increased cellular PARylation, in contrast to the decreased PARylation associated with BRCA-gene/PARP inhibitor synthetic lethality. SIRT/BRCA1 synthetic lethality was reversed by genetic ablation of either PARP1 or the histone PARylation factor-coding gene HPF1, implicating PARP1/HPF1-mediated serine ADP-ribosylation as part of the mechanistic basis of this synthetic lethal effect. These observations suggest that PARP1/HPF1-mediated serine ADP-ribosylation, when driven by SIRT inhibition, can inadvertently inhibit the growth of BRCA-gene mutant cells.
Organic semiconductors for light-mediated neuromodulation
Authors: Medagoda Danashi Imani , Ghezzi Diego
Published: November 2021

Organic semiconductors have generated substantial interest in neurotechnology and emerged as a promising approach for wireless neuromodulation in fundamental and applied research. Here, we summarise the range of applications that have been proposed so far, including retinal stimulation, excitation and inhibition of cultured neurons and regulation of biological processes in other non-excitable cells from animal and plant origins. We also discuss the key chemical and physical phenomena at the basis of the interaction between materials and cells. Finally, we provide an overview of future perspectives, exciting research opportunities and the remaining challenges hampering the translation of this blooming technology into the clinic and industry.
Onset and termination of Heinrich Stadial 4 and the underlying climate dynamics
Authors: Cheng Hai , Xu Yao , Dong Xiyu , Zhao Jingyao , Li Hanying , Baker Jonathan , Sinha Ashish , Spötl Christoph , Zhang Haiwei , Du Wenjing , Zong Baoyun , Jia Xue , Kathayat Gayatri , Liu Dianbing , Cai Yanjun , Wang Xianfeng , Strikis Nicolás M. , Cruz Francisco W. , Auler Augusto S. , Gupta Anil K. , Singh Raj Kumar , Jaglan Sonu , Dutt Som , Liu Zhengyu , Edwards R. Lawrence
Published: November 2021

Heinrich Stadial 4 during the last glacial period was marked by severe cooling at northern high latitudes along with the attendant changes in Asian Monsoon (Chinese Stadial 4) and South American Monsoon (South American Stadial 4). Here we present improved constraints on timings of Heinrich/Chinese/South American Stadial 4 onset and termination at sub-centennial precision based on speleothem records. We show that their initial onsets were essentially synchronous (40.20 ± 0.08 thousand years ago) and led the Antarctic warming by ~300 years. The Heinrich/Chinese Stadial 4 termination commenced at 38.34 ± 0.07 thousand years ago following a centennial-scale reduction in the Amazon River runoff and a poleward shift of the Southern Westerly wind belt. These two precursor events may have contributed to a reduced Amazon Plume Region and an enhanced Agulhas salt/heat leakage that led to an abrupt resumption of the Atlantic Meridional Ocean Circulation eventually triggering the Heinrich/Chinese Stadial 4 termination.
Green preparation of holocellulose nanocrystals from burdock and their inhibitory effects against α-amylase and α-glucosidase
Authors: Li Ying , Liang Wei , Huang Meigui , Huang Wuyang , Feng Jin
Published: November 2021

Burdock holocellulose nanocrystals exhibited remarkable inhibitory effects against α-amylase and α-glucosidase, and they reduced the digestion rate and extent of corn starch, suggesting their potential in blocking postprandial glycemic upsurge.
Hypouricemic, hepatoprotective and nephroprotective roles of oligopeptides derived fromAuxis thazardprotein in hyperuricemic mice
Authors: Wei Liuyi , Ji Hongwu , Song Wenkui , Peng Shuo , Zhan Suhong , Qu Yushan , Chen Ming , Zhang Di , Liu Shucheng
Published: November 2021

The oligopeptides derived fromAuxis thazardprotein (ATO) are a class of small peptides with molecular weight <1 kDa and good bioactivity.