bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alterations of selenium level and speciation during milling and cooking in different wheat cultivars
Authors: Xu Sinan , Wang Han , Wang Yanan , Zhou Xianghan , Yao Yaya , Zhang Lijing , Li Huijing , Pei Jiawei
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

Selenium (Se) deficiency is a recognized problem that threatens the health of people worldwide, and wheat is grown worldwide and is one of the major sources of dietary Se. Since there are few studies that have investigated the changes in Se content and speciation of different varieties of Se‐enriched wheat from primary to deep processing, we studied four naturally Se‐enriched kinds of wheat and two Se‐fertilized kinds of wheat.

RESULTS

Glutenin‑ and albumin‐bound Se accounted for the highest proportion of protein‐bound Se in refined wheat flour (7.29 ± 0.19 to 10.82 ± 0.50% and 6.16 ± 0.34 to 8.45 ± 0.07%); water‐soluble polysaccharide‐bound Se accounted for the highest proportion of polysaccharide‐bound Se in refined wheat flour (12.02 ± 0.54 to 24.62 ± 1.87%). Coarse bran Se content was significantly higher than refined wheat flour (137.94 ± 7.80 to 174.55 ± 5.09% for unpeeled wheat, 147.27 ± 10.96 to 187.72 ± 17.70% for peeled wheat). The peeling and processing of wheat into flour had different effects on Se the content and speciation dependent on the particular wheat variety. Whole wheat flour enabled better retention of selenomethionine (101.64 ± 2.32 to 138.41 ± 2.84% for unpeeled wheat, 158.59 ± 13.72 to 250.20 ± 4.94% for peeled wheat). The cooking process had no significant effect on Se content, but Se species were possibly interconverted.

CONCLUSION

The organic Se content of different varieties of Se‐enriched wheat was different, but the milling and cooking process retained the total Se and Se speciation better, which could be used for daily Se supplementation for Se‐deficient people. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Atmospheric chemistry of methoxyflurane: Reaction with Cl atoms and further degradation
Authors: Hynniewta Shemphang , Chandra Asit K.
Published: December 2022

A dual‐level direct dynamics technique is used to explore the kinetic properties of the reaction of Cl atoms with methoxyflurane (CH3OCF2CHCl2). The energy profiles of two reaction channels of the two conformers are refined with the interpolated single‐point energies (ISPE) method at the CCSD(T)/M06‐2X level. The canonical variational transition state theory (CVT) with a small‐curvature tunneling (SCT) correction is used to assess the rate coefficients over a wide temperature range (250–500 K) in order to get accurate results. At a temperature of 296 K, the calculated CVT/SCT rate coefficient kCl = 2.71 × 10−13 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 is found to be in reasonably good agreement with the experimental result. Our calculations demonstrate that CH3OCF2CHCl2 + Cl → CH2OCF2CHCl2 + HCl (R1) reaction is the key pathway and a prominent conduit for CH3OCF2CHCl2 degradation in the troposphere. The atmospheric loss of C•H2OCF2CHCl2 and CH3OCF2C•Cl2 radicals are discussed. The rate coefficient value of the oxidation of the primary product HC(O)OCF2CHCl2 with the Cl atoms is 1.8 × 10−14 cm3 molecule−1 s−1, and for the first time, the rate coefficient of HC(O)OCF2CHCl2 + OH reaction has also been reported here.
Solvent effect on the photolysis of 5‐fluorouracil: A kinetic study
Authors: Khurshid Adeela , Ahmad Iqbal , Khan Nimra , Usmani Muneeba , Anwar Zubair
Published: December 2022

A photodegradation study of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) has been carried out in the water (pH 7.0) and organic solvents (chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, 1‐butanol, 1‐propanol, ethanol, methanol, and acetonitrile) using developed and validated high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The test method was found to be simple, accurate (% recovery, 100.25%–101.08%), precise (%RSD < 2.00), and sensitive. The apparent first‐order rate constants are in the range of 0.85 (chloroform) to 4.25 × 10−4 min−1 (water). The values obtained for kobs were found to be linear as a function of the dielectric constant indicating the involvement of the dipolar intermediate in the reaction. The increase in the rate of degradation of this intermediate is enhanced by the polarity of the medium. Rates of photolysis for 5‐FU show a linear relationship with the solvent acceptor number (AN) which indicates the degree of solute–solvent interaction. The values of kobs were found to be linear to the inverse of the viscosity of the medium due to the diffusion‐controlled process.
Diagnosis and Management of Vocal Complications after Chondrolaryngoplasty
Authors: Nuyen Brian , Qian Z. Jason , Rakkar Meher , Thomas James P. , Erickson‐DiRenzo Elizabeth , Sung C. Kwang
Published: December 2022

Objective

Transfeminine patients (transwomen/feminine nonbinary folks assigned male at birth) can undergo chondrolaryngoplasty (“tracheal shave”) to feminize their neck appearance. While isolated cases of vocal complications have been reported following the procedure, aggregated outcomes have not been quantitatively studied. We present acoustic and stroboscopic data to describe a patient cohort with vocal complications after chondrolaryngoplasty and discuss reparative surgical technique.

Methods

Subjective and objective data, including videostroboscopy, were collected from patients with voice complaints after chondrolaryngoplasty. Dislocated anterior commissures were reconstructed with feminization laryngoplasty. Postoperative voice data were recorded and statistically compared to preoperative data using paired t‐tests.

Results

On consecutive chart review, of the 94 transfeminine women with prior outside history of chondrolaryngoplasty, 27 (29%) reported chronic postoperative hoarseness, deepened pitch, or loss of upper register. On endoscopy, short, lax vocal folds with persistent anterior glottic gap and phase asymmetry were commonly noted; anterior commissure dislocation was confirmed in‐office by using needle localization through absent thyroid cartilage. After open resuspension of the anterior commissure with feminization laryngoplasty, post‐repair modal‐speaking, minimum, and maximum fundamental frequencies (F0) increased on average by 7, 8, and 5 semitones, respectively (p < 0.01), when compared to pre‐repair values. On average, perioperative maximum phonation time did not change significantly (p = 0.15). Average self‐assessment of vocal femininity increased by 48% (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Anterior commissure dislocation should be suspected with signs of vocal impairment after chondrolaryngoplasty. Following proper diagnosis, resuspension of the anterior commissure via feminization laryngoplasty approach can be an effective reparative technique.

Level of Evidence

This work represents a 2011 OCEBM Level 4 evidence as a case series Laryngoscope, 133:2301–2307, 2023
What can we learn from the Baduanjin rehabilitation as COVID‐19 treatment?: A narrative review
Authors: Zhu Zhenggang , Pan Xiaoyan , Zhong Faping , Tian Jun , Ong Marilyn Li Yin
Published: December 2022

Aim

To understand Baduanjin rehabilitation therapy in mild COVID‐19 patients.

Design

A narrative review.

Methods

A literature search for COVID‐19 and Baduanjin treatments was conducted on Chinese and English electronic databases: China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Ebscohost, SPORTDiscus and ProQuest.

Results

Twelve studies on the Baduanjin rehabilitation for COVID‐19 patients have been included. We acknowledged the considerable published research and current clinical practice using Baduanjin for COVID‐19 treatment in the following areas: anxiety, depression, insomnia, lung function rehabilitation, immunity and activity endurance.

Conclusion

The use of Baduanjin as adjuvant therapy for COVID‐19 patients' rehabilitation is still limited, therefore, more clinical studies are needed to confirm its efficacy.
On two‐dimensional weakly singular fractional partial integro‐differential equations and dual Bernstein polynomials
Authors: Sayevand Khosro , Mirzaee Farshid , Masti Imman
Published: December 2022

This article presents an efficient numerical scheme based on some properties of dual Bernstein operational matrices for a class of linear and nonlinear two‐dimensional weakly singular fractional partial integro‐differential equations (WSFPID). A novel property of the suggested scheme is the conversion of the WSFPID into an algebraic system of equations. The corresponding linear and nonlinear system of equations are solved by well‐known Newton–Raphson scheme. Convergence and an upper error bound, of the scheme are also analyzed. Finally, by providing several examples and reviewing the numerical results and comparing them with other available methods, we show that the mentioned method has acceptable accuracy and efficiency. The main important applications of the proposed scheme is that it can be applied on linear as well as nonlinear problems and can be applied on higher order partial differential equations too. Also, with a small number of bases, we can find a reasonable approximate solution.
Neighborhood socioeconomic differences in BMI: The role of fast‐food outlets and physical activity facilities
Authors: van Diepen Rianne J. , van Erpecum Carel‐Peter L. , Tabak Demi , van Zon Sander K.R. , Bültmann Ute , Smidt Nynke
Published: December 2022

Objective

The goal of this study was to investigate the association between neighborhood socioeconomic status (NSES) and BMI and to what extent this association is moderated by availability of fast‐food (FF) outlets and pay‐for‐use physical activity (PA) facilities.

Methods

Baseline data of adults in Lifelines (N = 146,629) were linked to Statistics Netherlands and a register using geocoding to compute, respectively, NSES (i.e., low, middle, high) and the number of FF outlets and PA facilities within 1 km of the residential address. Multivariable multilevel linear regression analyses were performed to examine the association between NSES and BMI. Two‐way and three‐way interaction terms were tested to examine moderation by FF outlets and PA facilities.

Results

Participants living in low NSES areas had a higher BMI than participants living in high (B [95% CI]: 0.76 [0.65 to 0.87]) or middle NSES areas (B [95% CI]: 0.40 [0.28 to 0.51]), independent of individual socioeconomic status. Although two‐ and three‐way interactions between NSES, FF outlets, and PA facilities were significant, stratified analyses did not show consistent moderation patterns.

Conclusions

People living in lower NSES areas had a higher BMI, independent of their individual socioeconomic status. The study found no clear moderation of FF outlets and PA facilities. Environmental factors that may mitigate NSES differences in BMI should be the subject of future research.
Temperature‐induced structural change of integrin αvβ3 receptor and its interaction with the RGD peptide ligand
Authors: Wang Anqi , Yue Kai , Wei Yiang , Zhong Weishen , Zhang Genpei
Published: December 2022

The structural change of receptor protein at high temperatures is one of the factors affecting the targeting ability of ligand‐installed nanocarriers for combined therapy of hyperthermia and drug delivery. In this study, the binding behaviors and mechanisms of integrin αvβ3 receptor and the arginine‐glycine‐aspartic acid (RGD) peptide ligand at high temperatures were investigated both theoretically and experimentally. The structural parameters of integrin αvβ3 at different temperatures and the interaction forces between the RGD peptide and integrin αvβ3 at different binding sites were calculated by molecular dynamics simulation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy were used to analyze the structural changes of integrin αvβ3 and to measure the ligand‐receptor interaction. Results show that the number of hydrogen bonds decreased and the secondary structure of integrin αvβ3 changed with the increase in temperature, indicating the denaturation of integrin αvβ3. The structural stability of the integrin αv subunit was better than that of the integrin β3 subunit at high temperatures. The interaction between the RGD peptide and integrin αvβ3 weakened as the temperature increased because the structure of the integrin αvβ3 binding site became more flexible and the corresponding calcium ions were shed from the binding site. The strongest interaction force was exhibited at the binding site of the integrin β3 subunit at 310 K while it was found at the binding site of the integrin αv subunit at higher temperatures, owing to the smaller structure deformation of the integrin αv subunit.
Achieving sustainable population: Fertility decline in many developing countries follows modern contraception, not economic growth
Authors: Götmark Frank , Andersson Malte
Published: December 2022

The human population is projected to increase by 2.4 billion to 2100, endangering, for example, food security and biodiversity. Population growth depends strongly on fertility level, lowering of which is often assumed to depend on economic growth. Here we test this hypothesis using data from 136 developing countries, 1970–2014. We formed four country groups at different initial economy, and used graphical analyses, with estimates of variation. Falling fertility rates 1970–2000 showed little or no association with economy (GDP or household consumption). Fertility decreased regardless of whether the economy grew, was stagnant, or declined. But falling fertility was closely associated with increasing use of modern contraception, which was largely independent of changes in economy. Fertility decline hence was not caused by economic development, but followed contraceptive use. Family planning programs, with advice on family size and modern contraception, offer promising routes to sustainably low fertility where it has not yet been achieved.
Estimating the distribution of ratio of paired event times in phase II oncology trials
Authors: Chen Li , Burkard Mark , Wu Jianrong , Kolesar Jill M. , Wang Chi
Published: December 2022

With the rapid development of new anti‐cancer agents which are cytostatic, new endpoints are needed to better measure treatment efficacy in phase II trials. For this purpose, Von Hoff (1998) proposed the growth modulation index (GMI), that is, the ratio between times to progression or progression‐free survival times in two successive treatment lines. An essential task in studies using GMI as an endpoint is to estimate the distribution of GMI. Traditional methods for survival data have been used for estimating the GMI distribution because censoring is common for GMI data. However, we point out that the independent censoring assumption required by traditional survival methods is always violated for GMI, which may lead to severely biased results. In this paper, we construct both nonparametric and parametric estimators for the distribution of GMI, accounting for the dependent censoring of GMI. Extensive simulation studies show that our nonparametric estimators perform well in practical situations and outperform existing estimators, and our parametric estimators perform better than our nonparametric estimators and existing estimators when the parametric model is correctly specified. A phase II clinical trial using GMI as the primary endpoint is provided for illustration.
Enhanced Pseudocapacitance of the LaNiO3 Perovskite in p‐Phenylenediamine as Redox‐Active Electrolyte
Authors: Goel Priyanshu , Mishra Sunita , Deep Akash
Published: December 2022

Perovskite oxides are well known for their excellent properties such as catalytic activity, oxygen ion mobility and structure stability. These properties make it a most suitable material for energy storage devices like fuel cells, batteries and supercapacitors. In the present work, LaNiO3 perovskite was synthesized using the sol‐gel method and its morphological parameters were characterized by XRD, SEM and FTIR. The anion‐intercalated pseudocapacitive nature of LaNiO3 powder was studied in 2M KOH as well as in the mixture of 2M KOH with p‐phenylenediamine (PPD) as an alkaline aqueous and redox‐active electrolyte respectively. Electrochemical performance characteristics cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge discharge (GCD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) of LaNiO3 has shown pseudocapacities of 300.60 Fg−1 at a scan rate of 5 mV s−1 and 440 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 in KOH+PPD electrolyte. Furthermore, a symmetrical pseudocapacitor has been fabricated using LaNiO3 as electrode active material with 2M KOH+PPD as an redox‐active electrolyte. The device delivered an energy density of 13.75 Wh kg−1 at the power density of 500 W kg−1 at a potential of 1 V. This excellent performance may be due to the synergic effect of both redox active electrode (LaNiO3) and electrolyte (KOH+PPD) that together demonstrated a great combination for high performance pseudocapacitors for future applications.
Functional biomaterials for osteoarthritis treatment: From research to application
Authors: Lei Yang , Zhang Qingfei , Kuang Gaizheng , Wang Xiaochen , Fan Qihui , Ye Fangfu
Published: December 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease that endangers millions of middle‐aged and elderly people worldwide. Researchers from different fields have made great efforts and achieved remarkable progress in the pathogenesis and treatment of OA. However, there is still no cure for OA. In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis of OA and summarize the current clinical therapies. Moreover, we introduce various natural and synthetic biomaterials for drug release, cartilage transplantation, and joint lubricant during the OA treatment. We also present our perspectives and insights on OA treatment in the future. We hope that this review will foster communication and collaboration among biological, clinical, and biomaterial researchers, paving the way for OA therapeutic breakthroughs.
Experimental Consideration on Influence of Magnetic After Effect on Gap Magnetic Field and Applicability of Conventional Hysteresis Models for Particle Accelerator Electromagnets
Authors: Hane Yoshiki , Urata Tomoki , Onchi Yoshitake , Sugahara Kengo , Nakamura Kenji , Ishi Yoshihiro
Published: December 2022

To further improve the control accuracy of the magnetic field generated by particle accelerator electromagnets, it is necessary to model not only the magnetic hysteresis behavior but also the magnetic after effect, which has never been studied in the previous literature. In this paper, the gap magnetic field of an accelerator magnet was measured under various excitation conditions to acquire the experimental data required for modeling. Consequently, it was clarified that the magnetic after effect may influence the magnetic hysteresis behavior. Moreover, it was accordingly indicated that a novel modeling technique is required in addition to the conventional hysteresis models developed in the electric machine field. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Assessment of deep aquifer groundwater quality in a geographically unique climatic region of Southern Western Ghats, India using water quality indices
Authors: N Kannan , A Krishnakumar , Joseph Sabu , Chacko Shiju
Published: December 2022

Water quality index (WQI) models are generally used in hydrochemical studies to simplify complex data into single values to reflect the overall quality. In this study, deep groundwater quality in the Chittur and Palakkad Taluks of the Bharathapuzha river basin of Kerala, India, was assessed by employing the WQI method developed by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME). The assessment of overall water quality is indispensable due to the specific characteristics of the study area, such as geography, climate, over‐drafting, and prevalent agricultural practices. Forty representative samples were collected from the study area for monsoon (MON) and pre‐monsoon (PRM) seasons. The results showed a general increase of contents from MON to PRM. The major cations were spread in the order Ca2+>Na+>Mg2+>K+ and the anions HCO3−>Cl−>CO32− based on their relative abundance. Among various parameters analysed, alkalinity and bicarbonate levels during MON were comparatively high, which is indicative of carbonate weathering, and 90% of the samples failed to meet the World Health Organization (WHO, 2017)/Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS, 2012) drinking water guidelines. The CCME WQI analysis revealed that nearly 50% of the samples during each season represented good and excellent categories. The samples in the poor category comprised 10% in MON and 15% in PRM. The overall WQI exhibited 15% of poor category samples as well. The spatial depiction of CCME WQI classes helped to expose zones of degraded quality in the centre to eastward parts. The spatial and temporal variations of CCME WQI classes and different physicochemical attributes indicated the influence of common factors attributing to the deep groundwater quality. The study also revealed inland salinity at Kolluparamba and Peruvamba stations, where agricultural activities were rampant with poor surface water irrigation.
Improved cancer immunotherapy strategies by nanomedicine
Authors: Guo Shuai , Feng Jie , Li Zongheng , Yang Sugeun , Qiu Xiaozhong , Xu Yikai , Shen Zheyu
Published: December 2022

Cancer immunotherapy agents fight cancer via immune system stimulation and have made significant advances in minimizing side effects and prolonging the survival of patients with solid tumors. However, major limitations still exist in cancer immunotherapy, including the inefficiency of immune response stimulation in specific cancer types, therapy resistance caused by the tumor microenvironment (TME), toxicities by the immune imbalance, and short lifetime of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonist. Recent advances in nanomedicine have shown significant potential in overcoming the obstacles of cancer immunotherapy. Several nanoscale agents have been reported for cancer immunotherapy, including nanoscale cancer vaccines impacting the STING pathway, nanomaterials reprogramming TME, nano‐agents triggering immune response with immune checkpoint inhibitor synergy, ferroptosis‐mediated and indoleamine‐2,3‐dioxygenase immunosuppression‐mediated cancer immunotherapy, and nanomedicine‐meditated chimeric antigen receptor‐T‐cell therapy. Herein, we summarize the major advances and innovations in nanomedicine‐based cancer immunotherapy, and outline the opportunities and challenges to integrate more advanced nanomaterials into cancer immunotherapy.

This article is categorized under:

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Correction to: Telling in a Test: Storytelling and Task Accomplishment in L2 Oral Proficiency Assessment
Authors: Sandlund Erica
Published: December 2022

Chapter 10 was previously published non-open access. It has now been changed to open access under a CC BY 4.0 license and the copyright holder updated to ‘The Author(s)’. The book has also been updated with this change.
NLO electroweak corrections to multi-boson processes at a muon collider
Authors: Bredt Pia M. , Kilian Wolfgang , Reuter Jürgen , Stienemeier Pascal
Published: December 2022

Abstract

We present results on NLO electroweak (EW) corrections to multiple massive boson production processes at a future muon collider. Inclusive cross sections with $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(α) corrections for processes for up to four bosons in the final state as well as differential distributions for HZ production are computed for $$ \sqrt{s} $$

s

= 3, 10 and 14 TeV by using FKS subtraction in the NLO EW automated Monte-Carlo framework WHIZARD+RECOLA. Large logarithmic effects due to collinear ISR and EW virtual correction factors as well as the impacts of an energy cut on hard photons are discussed with an emphasis on the properties of Higgsstrahlung. The potential of a proposed muon collider for studying physics of the EW sector is underlined by the EW corrections significantly affecting observables for processes at high energies and boson multiplicities.
Membrane nucleation rates from holography
Authors: Arcos Maite , Fischler Willy , Pedraza Juan F. , Svesko Andrew
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Membrane nucleation, a higher dimensional analog of the Schwinger effect, is a useful toy model for vacuum decay. While a non-perturbative effect, the computation of nucleation rates has only been accomplished at weak coupling in the field theory. Here we compute the nucleation rates of spherical membranes using AdS/CFT duality, thus naturally including the effects of strong coupling. More precisely, we consider the nucleation of spherical membranes coupled to an antisymmetric tensor field, a process which renders the vacuum unstable above a critical value of the field strength. We analyze membrane creation in flat and de Sitter space using various foliations of AdS. This is accomplished via instanton methods, where the rate of nucleation is dominated by the semi-classical on-shell Euclidean action. Our findings generalize the holographic Schwinger effect and provide a step toward holographic false vacuum decay mediated by Coleman-De Luccia instantons.
Tsunami Runup and Inundation in Tonga from the January 2022 Eruption of Hunga Volcano
Authors: Borrero Jose C. , Cronin Shane J. , Latu’ila Folauhola Helina , Tukuafu Pupunu , Heni Nikolasi , Tupou Ana Maea , Kula Taaniela , Fa’anunu Ofa , Bosserelle Cyprien , Lane Emily , Lynett Patrick , Kong Laura
Published: December 2022

On January 15th, 2022, at approximately 4:47 pm local time (0347 UTC), several weeks of heightened activity at the Hunga volcano 65 km northwest of Tongatapu, culminated in an 11-h long violent eruption which generated a significant near-field tsunami. Although the Kingdom of Tonga lies astride a large and tsunamigenic subduction zone, it has relatively few records of significant tsunami. Assessment activities took place both remotely and locally. Between March and June 2022, a field team quantified tsunami runup and inundation on the main populated islands Tongatapu and Eua, along with several smaller islands to the north, including the Ha’apai Group. Peak tsunami heights were ~ 19 m in western Tongatapu, ~ 20 m on south-eastern Nomuka Iki island and ~ 20 m on southern Tofua, located ~ 65 km S and E and 90 km N from Hunga volcano, respectively. In western Tongatapu, the largest tsunami surge overtopped a 13–15 m-high ridge along the narrow Hihifo peninsula in several locations. Analysis of tide gauge records from Nukualofa (which lag western Tongatapu arrivals by ~ 18–20 min), suggest that initial tsunami surges were generated prior to the largest volcanic explosions at ~ 0415 UTC. Further waves were generated by ~ 0426 UTC explosions that were accompanied by air-pressure waves. Efforts to model this event are unable to reproduce the timing of the large tsunami wave that toppled a weather station and communication tower on a 13 m-high ridge on western Tongatapu after 0500 UTC. Smaller tsunami waves continued until ~ 0900, coincident with a second energetic phase of eruption, and noted by eyewitnesses on Tungua and Mango Islands. Despite an extreme level of destruction caused by this tsunami, the death toll was extraordinarily low (4 victims). Interviews with witnesses and analysis of videos posted on social media suggest that this can be attributed to the arrival of smaller ‘pre tsunami’ waves that prompted evacuations, heightened tsunami awareness due to tsunami activity and advisories on the day before, the absence of tourists and ongoing tsunami education efforts since the 2009 Niuatoputapu, Tonga tsunami. This event highlights an unexpectedly great hazard from volcanic tsunami worldwide, which in Tonga’s case overprints an already extreme level of tectonic tsunami hazard. Education and outreach efforts should continue to emphasize the ‘natural warning signs’ of strong ground shaking and unusual wave and current action, and the importance of self-evacuation from coastal areas of low-lying islands. The stories of survival from this event can be used as global best practice for personal survival strategies from future tsunami.
Einsatz von Simulationspersonen zur Prüfung von Handlungskompetenz im Bereich der Kinderschutzmedizin im Dritten Abschnitt der Ärztlichen Prüfung
Authors: Steglich Jonas , Hempel Linn , Jaspers Susanna , Stoevesandt Dietrich , Weber Marko , Kunze Christian , Weihrauch-Blüher Susann , Kühnöl Caspar , Woydt Lina
Published: December 2022

In der COVID-19-Pandemie war die Durchführung des Dritten Abschnitts der Ärztlichen Prüfung mit Simulationspersonen möglich. Simulationen ermöglichen die standardisierte Prüfung medizinischer Handlungskompetenz entsprechend den Lernzielen des Nationalen Kompetenzbasierten Lernzielkatalogs. Die Prüfung von Szenarien der Kinderschutzmedizin erscheint zweckmäßig, um die Aufmerksamkeit angehender Ärztinnen und Ärzte für Verdachtsmomente möglicher Kindesmisshandlung zu schärfen. Der vorliegende Fall berichtet über die Simulation eines nichtakzidentellen Traumas im Kindesalter.
Einschätzung des Risikos für arzneimittelbezogene Probleme bei Pflegeheimbewohner*innen
Authors: Graeb Fabian , Jüttner Christian , Berger Bianca , Wolke Reinhold , Reißner Jana , Essig Gundula , Reiber Petra
Published: December 2022

Hintergrund

Polypharmazie und arzneimittelbezogene Probleme (AbP) stellen eine große Herausforderung bei der Betreuung und Behandlung von Pflegeheimbewohner*innen dar. Viele Interventionsstudien zeigen enttäuschende Ergebnisse, wodurch sich die Frage stellt, ob dies auch an der Auswahl der Zielparameter liegen könnte.

Material und Methoden

Mithilfe eines Routinedatensatzes aus 6 Langzeitpflegeeinrichtungen soll retrospektiv geprüft werden, ob der kürzlich validierte Medication Risk Score (MERIS) geeignet ist, in einer Population von Pflegeheimbewohner*innen eine Risikoeinschätzung vorzunehmen. Geprüft wurden Assoziationen zwischen MERIS und den abhängigen Variablen Klinikeinweisungen und Stürze über 12 Monate sowie ein Gewichtsverlust ≥ 5 % pro 3 Monate.

Ergebnisse

Von 495 Bewohner*innen weisen gemäß MERIS 38,6 % (n = 191) eine hohes Risiko für AbP auf. Eine univariate Regressionsanalyse erbrachte bei hohem MERIS ein signifikant erhöhtes Risiko für Krankenhauseinweisungen (OR 2,2; p < 0,001) und einen Gewichtsverlust ≥ 5 % pro 3 Monate (OR 1,95; p = 0,041), jedoch keine signifikante Assoziation mit Stürzen. In der multivariaten Regression steigt das Risiko für eine Krankenhauseinweisung mit einem Diabetes mellitus (OR 1,88; p = 0,004), erfolgtem Sturz im selben Zeitraum (OR 1,91; p = 0,001), positivem MERIS (OR 1,75; p = 0,006) und sinkt bei stabileren Gewichtsverläufen (OR 0,88; p = 0,004).

Diskussion

Die Ergebnisse deuten das Potenzial des Scores für zukünftige Forschungsprojekte und die individuelle Risikoeinschätzung an. Aufgrund der Einschränkungen bei retrospektiven Sekundäranalysen bedarf es aber weiterer Studien.
Multicenter cohort study on duration of antiarrhythmic medication for supraventricular tachycardia in infants
Authors: Mecklin Minna , Linnanmäki Anniina , Hiippala Anita , Leino Topias , Arola Anita , Leskinen Markku , Ruotsalainen Hanna , Happonen Juha-Matti , Poutanen Tuija
Published: December 2022

Antiarrhythmic medication (AM) is commonly used to prevent supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) recurrence in infants. Our aim was to determine whether a shorter duration of AM is sufficient to prevent atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) recurrence and evaluate risk factors for recurrence of SVT after discontinued AM.This multicenter cohort study included all infants diagnosed with SVT in the five university hospitals in Finland between 2005 and 2017. Those diagnosed between 2005 and 2012 received AM for 12 months (group 1), and those diagnosed between 2013 and 2017 received AM for 6 months (group 2). A total of 278 infants presented with AVRT (group 1, n = 181; group 2, n = 97), and the median AM duration was 12.0 months (interquartile range [IQR] 11.4–13.4) and 7.0 months (IQR 6.0–10.2), respectively. Propranolol was the most frequently used first-line AM (92% and 95%). Recurrence-free survival rates were over 88% until 12 months after AM prophylaxis in both groups, without any statistically significant difference between them. Independent risk factors for recurrence of SVT after discontinuation of AM were need of combination AM (HR 2.2, 95% CI 1.14–4.20), Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome (HR 2.4, 95% CI 1.25–4.59), and age over 1 month at admission (HR 2.2, 95% CI 1.12–4.48).

    Conclusion: Shortening AM duration in infants from 12 to 6 months does not seem to lead to more frequent SVT recurrence. The risk factors for recurrence of SVT were WPW syndrome, need of combination AM, and age over 1 month.

What is Known:• Despite the evidence of spontaneous resolution of supraventricular tachycardia episodes in infants, the antiarrhythmic medication is often continued for up to twelve months.• The optimal approach for duration of antiarrhythmic medication remains unknown..

What is New:• Shortening the duration of antiarrhythmic medication in infants with supraventricular tachycardia does not seem to increase the risk of subsequent recurrence.• Infants whose arrhythmia was successfully controlled with monotherapy were the group least likely to have recurrence after discontinuation of antiarrhythmic medication.
Concerning the incorporation of potassium in the crystal structure of combeite (Na2Ca2Si3O9)
Authors: Kahlenberg Volker
Published: December 2022

Potassium incorporation in the structure of combeite has been studied in detail. Since natural combeites are known to contain only small amounts of potassium focus was laid on the Na-rich part of a hypothetical solid-solution series with composition Na2-xKxCa2Si3O9. Samples were prepared from mixtures of silica and the corresponding carbonates for nominal compositions with x = 0.2, 0.3 and 0.5, heated from ambient temperature to 1350 °C and slowly cooled to 1000 °C. After disintegration of the carbonates, the platinum capsules used as sample containers were welded shut in order to avoid losses of the volatile K2O and Na2O components. From all three batches potassium containing combeite crystals could be retrieved. Single-crystal diffraction experiments revealed the following compositions: Na2.10(1)K0.11(1)Ca1.90(1)Si3O9, Na2.09(1)K0.18(1)Ca1.91(1)Si3O9 and Na2.13(1)K0.18(1)Ca1.87(1)Si3O9. Consistently, the trigonal crystals (space group P 31 2 1) contained (i) (K + Na):Ca ratios larger than 1:1 and (ii) potassium concentrations lower than those in the starting mixtures. Since the K-contents of the samples obtained from the runs with x = 0.3 and 0.5 were almost identical, the solid-solution seems to be rather limited with an upper boundary of about one potassium atom per unit cell. The structure of the K-containing combeites is very close to the K-free structures reported in the literature. It can be described as a mixed tetrahedral-octahedral network in which additional K, Na and Ca cations are incorporated for charge compensation. A detailed analysis of the topological features of the net is presented. From the six observed extra-framework sites only the M22 position showing a coordination environment with ten next oxygen neighbours is involved in the K-substitution. Potassium uptake is also reflected in increasing values for the lattice parameters a and c as well as the unit-cell volumes. Actually, the c-axis is more affected from the incorporation of the comparatively large K+-cations.
Life histories of Abies alba and Picea abies growing in old-growth forests driven by natural gap-phase dynamics
Authors: Paluch Jarosław , Jastrzębski Rafał
Published: December 2022

We analyzed growth trajectories recorded in the tree-ring series of Norway spruce Picea abies (L.) H. Karst. and silver fir Abies alba Mill. co-occuring with European beech Fagus sylvatica L. in old-growth forests driven by natural stand dynamics. The study sites were localized in five old-growth stands in the Western Carpathians (Central Europe). We characterized the life histories of 218 individual trees by using 25 metrics which refer to the age of the trees, number of release events, reaction to releases, radial increment and basal area increment. We found a large variation in the dbh-age relationship. The life histories of most trees included two or three (in single cases up to seven) release events. We did not find tree age as an important factor in determining post-release growth response. The maximal basal area increment was frequently registered at the terminal stage of tree life. The life histories of spruces and firs did not significantly differ. We concluded that in natural forests driven by gap-phase dynamics, the history of release events is the primary driver of tree growth and that tree age plays a secondary role. After reaching the overstory, trees can continue growing without significant symptoms of aging until extrinsic forces cause their death. Our results indicate that in the studied ecosystem the persistence of less shade-tolerant spruce is not attributable to the niche differentiation and site partitioning mechanism. An alternative hypothesis based on shifts in stand densities, species composition and climatic factors is more probable.
Stability of queueing-inventory systems with customers of different priorities
Authors: Otten Sonja , Daduna Hans
Published: December 2022

We study a production-inventory system with two customer classes with different priorities which are admitted to the system following a flexible admission control scheme. The inventory management is according to a base stock policy and arriving demand which finds the inventory depleted is lost (lost sales). We analyse the global balance equations of the associated Markov process and derive structural properties of the steady state distribution which provide insights into the equilibrium behaviour of the system. We derive a sufficient condition for ergodicity using the Foster-Lyapunov stability criterion. For a special case we show that the condition is necessary as well.
Covid-19 and mobile payment in Belgium: Closing the digital divide or just for the young, social, and impulsive?
Authors: Hellemans Johan , Willems Kim , Brengman Malaika
Published: December 2022

Experts and industry reports agree that the COVID-19 crisis spurred the adoption of new retail technologies, like mobile payment. However, empirical academic evidence that compares their adoption and usage before, during, and after the crisis remains scarce. So far, academic mobile payment research has focussed almost entirely on the different building blocks of technological acceptance models, like perceived usefulness and ease of use, and their role in explaining intention to use. We need to learn more about the profile of the actual user. In this Belgian study, we investigate the evolution in mobile adoption based on survey data from 2019 to 2020 (2019: N = 897; 2020: N = 895). We examine differences in the profile of mobile payers in terms of their socio-demographics, retail, and social media behaviours. The pandemic triggered a clear uplift in mobile payment users between 2019 to 2020. Nonetheless, striking differences in socio-demographic profile and retail patronage remain. Our data shows that there is still inequality in adoption, related to age and social grade. We also observe a clear association between general impulse buying tendency and mobile payment. The link between internet/online shopping and mobile payment is firmly established. Finally, mobile adoption is related to the use of Instagram and Facebook. Consequences for retailers, researchers and public officers are further discussed.
Rapid One-Pot Microwave Assisted Green Synthesis Nitrogen Doped Carbon Quantum Dots as Fluorescent Precursor for Estimation of Modafinil as Post-Covid Neurological Drug in Human Plasma with Greenness Assessments
Authors: Salman Baher I. , Hassan Ahmed I. , Hassan Yasser F. , Saraya Roshdy E. , Batakoushy Hany A.
Published: December 2022

The neuro-stimulant anti-narcoleptic drug as modafinil (MOD) is used to treatment neurological conditions caused by COVID-19. MOD was used to treatment narcolepsy, shift-work sleep disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea-related sleepiness. So, an innovative, quick, economical, selective, and ecologically friendly procedure was carried out. A highly sensitive N@CQDs technique was created from green Eruca sativa leaves in about 4 min using microwave synthesis at 700 w. The quantum yield of the synthesized N@CQDs was found to be 41.39%. By increasing the concentration of MOD, the quantum dots' fluorescence intensity was gradually quenched. After being excited at 445 nm, the fluorescence reading was recorded at 515 nm. The linear range was found to be in the range 50 – 700 ng mL−1 with lower limit of quantitation (LOQ) equal to 45.00 ng mL−1. The current method was fully validated and bio analytically according to (US-FDA and ICH) guidelines. Full characterization of the N@CQDs has been conducted by high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), Zeta potential measurement, fluorescence, UV–VIS, and FTIR spectroscopy. Various experimental variables including pH, QDs concentration and the reaction time were optimized. The proposed study is simply implemented for the therapeutic drug monitoring system (TDMS) and various clinical laboratories for further pharmacokinetic research.
Isomorphous Substitution of Gallium into MFI-Framework Zeolite Increases 2,5-Dimethylfuran to Aromatics Selectivity and Suppresses Catalyst Deactivation
Authors: Sauer Christopher , de Reijer Guido J. L. , Schaefer Andreas , Carlsson Per-Anders
Published: December 2022

The valorization of biomass-derived molecules into commodity chemicals is important for the transition to renewable feedstocks. The model platform molecule 2,5-dimethylfuran (2,5-dmf) can be converted into value-added aromatics such as benzene, toluene, and xylenes (BTX) over zeolite catalysts. To explore the role of the zeolite acid site(s) in BTX selectivity, gallium has been isomorphously substituted into the framework, resulting in a Ga-silicate. Compared to the ZSM-5 counterpart, this modification shows enhanced benzene selectivity as well as resistance to deactivation by coke in continuous catalytic performance tests.
Frequency of thoracic recurrence based on pathological features in patients with ovarian epithelial tumors in stage I versus higher stages
Authors: Matsutani Hiroki , Nakai Go , Fujiwara Satoe , Takahashi Satoru , Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Ohmichi Masahide , Osuga Keigo
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to clarify the frequency of thoracic recurrence and identify associated pathological features in postoperative patients with borderline or malignant ovarian epithelial tumors (BMOT) in stage I versus higher stages.

Materials and methods

A total of 368 consecutive patients with a single primary BMOT were treated at our hospital. This study included the 217 patients with no residual disease on the first CT after standard treatment. The timing and pattern of recurrence on follow-up CT images with a scan range from chest to pelvis were evaluated retrospectively. Patient characteristics, tumor histology, and stage were recorded from electronic medical records.

Results

After a median follow-up period of 48 months, recurrence was detected by CT in 9 patients in stage I (n = 159) and 15 in stage II/III (n = 58) (p = 0.0001). Thoracic recurrence was detected in four patients in stage I and four in stage II/III (p = 0.15). Abdominal recurrence was identified as a factor associated with thoracic recurrence (P < 0.001). Clear cell carcinomas accounted for three out of four thoracic recurrences in stage I and two out of four in stage II/III, and had the highest rates of thoracic recurrence (7.7% in stage I and 22.2% in stage II/III) among all histological types associated with thoracic recurrence. Among patients with recurrence, thoracic recurrence-free probability (p = 0.38), median abdominal recurrence-free interval (18 vs 16 months; p = 0.55) and thoracic recurrence-free interval (16.5 vs 23 months; p = 0.89) did not differ significantly between stage I and stage II/III.

Conclusion

The frequency and timing of thoracic recurrence did not differ significantly in postoperative patients with BMOT in stage I versus stage II/III. Abdominal recurrence and a histological type of clear cell carcinoma were most often associated with thoracic recurrence in stage I.
Flash flooding hazard assessment, modeling, and management in the coastal zone of Ras Ghareb City, Gulf of Suez, Egypt
Authors: Arnous Mohamed O. , El-Rayes Ahmed E. , El-Nady Habash , Helmy Ahmed M.
Published: December 2022

The assessment of flash flood hazards in the coastal zone of Ras Ghareb City (RGC), Red Sea, Egypt, was accomplished through the use of GIS tools and the spatial multi-criteria approach. The presented work aims to assess, integrate, and generate potential flash flood hazard maps. The analytic hierarchy process was utilized to calculate weights of hazard and vulnerability of flash flood controlling factors and their parameters such as topographical, geological, and hydrological factors. In addition, the risk degree of each specific basin and its sub-basins is estimated by combining standardized parameter values. Despite its location in an arid region, the basin may receive a large amount of rainwater, which can cause flash floods at the basin's outlet. Recently, flash flooding took place in the coastal region of RGC in October 2016 and September 2020, resulting in the loss of many human lives and catastrophic effects on local infrastructure and surrounding environments. According to reports from Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate, the RGC experienced exceptional flooding that exceeded 120 million cubic meters as a result of 51 mm of rainfall. Based on the remote sensing satellite data such as Aster Digital Elevation Model (GDEM) and the GIS tools, the basin and sub-basin drainage patterns were delineated and compared with reference topographical map sheets of a scale of 1: 50,000. The sub-basins have been isolated and morphometrically studied to determine vulnerability to flash flooding. In addition, the flash flood threat model was developed using geoprocessing tools provided by ArcGIS software to incorporate all contributing factors spatially. The flash flood risk in the Ras Ghareb (RG) basins and their sub-basins has been identified and classified into three classes (high, medium, and low hazard degree). High and moderate flood-risk basins require comprehensive studies to introduce measures to protect certain areas from flood danger. Finally, the GIS and the spatial multi-criteria analyses were effective ways to carry out a flash flood management system in order to support the decision-makers by recommendations to conserve and mitigate the possible flash flood hazards in the study areas.