bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Locked Anterior-Inferior Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation
Authors: Ben-Ari Erel , Magone Kevin M. , Lowe Dylan T. , Costas Bizekis , Rokito Andrew S. , Virk Mandeep S.
Published: April 2021

Update

This article was updated onMay 26, 2021 because of a previous error. One of the author's name was incorrect. The correct name is Costas Bizekis

An erratum (JBJS Case Connect. 2021;11[2]:e20.00780ER) has been published for this article.

Case:

We report a rare variant of sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) dislocation, namely locked anterior-inferior dislocation, with unique clinical, radiographic, and intraoperative findings. In this variant, the medial clavicle was displaced anteriorly and inferiorly and locked in the manubrial-intercostal space, with corresponding mechanical dysfunction of the ipsilateral shoulder girdle joints. Symptoms unique to this variant included painful neck spasms and limited glenohumeral elevation. Nonsurgical treatment was not successful, and open reduction and ligament reconstruction resulted in correction of the fixed deformity with resolution of the clinical symptoms.

Conclusion:

Locked anterior-inferior SCJ dislocation is indicated for early open reduction and ligament reconstruction.
Stemless Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for a 4-Part Proximal Humerus Malunion and Post-traumatic Arthritis
Authors: Park Hannah , Haskoor John , Domingo-Johnson E.L. , Srikumaran Uma
Published: April 2021

Case:

We present a 62-year-old left-hand-dominant woman with history of renal failure, osteoporosis, and 4-part proximal humerus fracture malunion with subsequent post-traumatic arthritis of the left glenohumeral joint. After conservative treatments failed to relieve her symptoms, the patient underwent stemless total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) because of concerns that her proximal humerus could not accommodate a stemmed implant. At 2 and a half-years postoperative, the patient demonstrated significant improvement of symptoms without signs of radiographic loosening.

Conclusion:

In the setting of proximal humerus malunion with post-traumatic arthritis, clinical improvement without implant loosening can be achieved with stemless TSA, even in the setting of compromised bone quality.
Ulna Fractures After Elbow Arthrodesis
Authors: Abdelaziz Abed , Kanski Gregory , Silver Jacob , Ring David , Mazzocca Augustus D
Published: April 2021

Elbow arthrodesis is an uncommon, typically last resort, salvage procedure to improve comfort and stability of the elbow.

Case:

Two surgeons performed 3 elbow arthrodesis at 90° elbow flexion secured with a plate and screws. All 3 patients experienced fracture at the most distal aspect of the posterior plate, consistent with a stress riser in this location.

Conclusion:

The risk of fracture is likely related to vulnerability of the arm with no elbow flexion and may not be ameliorated by changes in operative technique or bone quality. Ulna fracture can be anticipated after elbow arthrodesis and might further limit enthusiasm for elbow arthrodesis.
Ultrasonographic Technique, Appearance, and Diagnostic Accuracy for Common Shoulder Sports Injuries
Authors: Dixit Anant , Dandu Navya , Hadley Christopher J. , Nazarian Levon N. , Cohen Steven B. , Ciccotti Michael G.
Published: April 2021

» Ultrasonography (US) is valued for its availability, tolerability, low cost, and utility in real-time dynamic evaluation. Its use in diagnosing upper-extremity shoulder injury has expanded, but several features require definition before more widespread adoption can be realized.

» In particular, the evaluation of rotator cuff tears (RCTs) with US has been extensively studied, and authors generally agree that US is comparable with magnetic resonance imaging for the detection of full-thickness RCTs, whereas partial-thickness RCTs are more difficult to accurately identify with US. Dynamic evaluation is particularly useful for pathologies such as subacromial impingement and glenohumeral instability.

» US has shown particular usefulness for the assessment of athletes, where there is additional motivation to delay more invasive techniques. US has demonstrated promising results as a diagnostic modality for common shoulder injuries in athletes, and it is an important imaging tool that complements a thorough history and physical examination.
Methodology for remote assessment of pavement distresses from point cloud analysis
Authors: Berney Ernest , Ganesh Naveen , Ward Andrew , Newman J. , Rushing John
Published: April 2021

The ability to remotely assess road and airfield pavement condition is critical to dynamic basing, contingency deployment, convoy entry and sustainment, and post-attack reconnaissance. Current Army processes to evaluate surface condition are time-consuming and require Soldier presence. Recent developments in the area of photogrammetry and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) enable rapid generation of three-dimensional point cloud models of the pavement surface. Point clouds were generated from data collected on a series of asphalt, concrete, and unsurfaced pavements using ground- and aerial-based sensors. ERDC-developed algorithms automatically discretize the pavement surface into cross- and grid-based sections to identify physical surface distresses such as depressions, ruts, and cracks. Depressions can be sized from the point-to-point distances bounding each depression, and surface roughness is determined based on the point heights along a given cross section. Noted distresses are exported to a distress map file containing only the distress points and their locations for later visualization and quality control along with classification and quantification. Further research and automation into point cloud analysis is ongoing with the goal of enabling Soldiers with limited training the capability to rapidly assess pavement surface condition from a remote platform.
Structure of the Upper Crust beneath the Klyuchevskoy Group of Volcanoes Revealed from Ambient Noise Tomography
Authors: Egorushkin I.I. , Koulakov I.Yu. , Shapiro N.M. , Gordeev E.I. , Yakovlev A.V. , Abkadyrov I.F.
Published: April 2021

––The Klyuchevskoy group of volcanoes (KGV) located in the central part of Kamchatka is a unique complex that demonstrates exceptional variety and intensity of volcanic manifestations. These features of the eruptive activity of the KGV are determined by a complex system of magmatic sources in the crust and mantle. While the structure of deep anomalies is quite reliably determined by tomography techniques based on body waves, the structure of the upper crust can only be determined using ambient noise tomography. We present the results of processing data from the KISS temporary network. This network consisted of more than 100 seismic stations that were installed from 2015 to 2016 over a large area covering the Klyuchevskoy group of volcanoes and its surroundings. To retrieve Rayleigh surface waves, cross-correlation of continuous seismic noise records from pairs of stations was used. We obtained the dispersion curves of the group velocities of these Rayleigh surface waves using frequency–time analysis (FTAN) of the calculated correlograms. These curves served as input data for performing ambient noise tomography. Tomography was performed in two stages: (1) computation of two-dimensional group velocity maps for different frequencies and (2) calculation of a three-dimensional model of the shear wave velocity to a depth of about 8 km based on the inversion of local dispersion curves obtained from these maps. The resulting models revealed the structural features of individual volcanic systems of the KGV. High velocities were observed at shallow depths beneath the large basaltic edifices of the Ushkovsky and Tolbachik volcanoes. At greater depths, while the velocity structure beneath Ushkovsky remained unchanged, we detected low velocities beneath Tolbachik. This fact illustrates the difference between dormant and active magmatic systems. Velocity anomalies of a complex shape are observed beneath the Klyuchevskoy, Kamen, and Bezymianny volcanoes, varying both laterally and with depth. Absolute velocities in vertical sections show that the edifices of these volcanoes are relatively low-velocity bodies located on a horizontal high-velocity basement. A low-velocity anomaly was discovered under the Bezymianny Volcano at a depth of 6 km, which is presumably associated with a shallow magma reservoir. An intense low-velocity anomaly was found beneath the Udina Volcano. It was interpreted as an image of a magma reservoir experiencing strong seismic unrest that began in December 2017 and continues to this day.
Apolipoprotein M is required for the protective effects of high density lipoprotein against ischemia-induced astrocyte apoptosis
Authors: Huang Xiaojia , Zhai Zhiqi , Zhou Ting , Sheng Chengju , Zhou Chao , Deng Linhong
Published: April 2021

Objectives High density lipoprotein (HDL) has been reported to show protective effects against cell death. Apolipoprotein M (ApoM) in HDL can bind with sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and deliver S1P to target cells. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of HDL on astrocyte apoptosis after ischemic insult and determine the role of ApoM.Methods After ApoM-associated HDL (HDLapoM+) and ApoM-depleted HDL(HDLapoM-) were separated from mouse plasma, primary cultured mouse astrocytes were chellenged with oxygen-glucose deprivation followed by recovery in presence of HDLapoM+ or HDLapoM-. mRNA and protein samples were collected for biochemical analysis.Results The addition of HDLapoM+ attenuated apoptotic cell death in the astrocytes, but HDLapoM- did not show any effect. S1P receptor 1 (S1PR1) expression was upregulated, and specific S1PR1 inhibitor or genetic knockdown of S1pr1 abolished the protective effects. In addition, activation of Akt and ERK was induced by HDLapoM+ or free S1P, and pharmacological inhibition of Akt and ERK reduced the protection of HDLapoM+.Conclusions ApoM is essential for the protective effects of HDL, which depends on S1PR1 activation and downstream activation of Akt/ERK, Thus, ApoM may be a neuroprotective component in plasma.
Luminescence and tunable color properties of uniphase white-emitting Sr3B2SiO8:Tm3+/Dy3+/Eu3+ phosphors by energy transfer for UV-excited white LEDs
Authors: Yuan Bo , Qi Chaochao , Zhang Xiangting , Song Yanhua , Luan Guoyan , Zou haifeng
Published: April 2021

Multi-color single-phase white emission Sr 3 B 2 SiO 8 :Tm 3+ /Dy 3+ /Eu 3+ fluorescent powders were prepared by solid-state fritting method. The fluorescence performance of Tm 3+ , Dy 3+ and Eu 3+ ions single-activated Sr 3 B 2 SiO 8 phosphors were investigated and they exhibit desirable behaviors in their characteristic emissions. Meanwhile, the energy required for migration from Tm 3+ to Dy 3+ and from Dy 3+ to Eu 3+ in co-doped fluorescent substance was determined by the aids of steady-state and transient-state photoluminescence spectra /decay measurements. The energy transmission process from Tm 3+ to Dy 3+ and Dy 3+ to Eu 3+ has been explored to be a dipole–quadrupole interaction and a dipole-dipole interaction of the resonant type, respectively. More significantly, by tuning the molarity ratio of doping Dy 3+ /Eu 3+ ions, multicolor emission from yellow to red shall be achieved in Sr 3 B 2 SiO 8 :Dy 3+ , Eu 3+ phosphors for its potential adhibitions in solid-state lighting applications. The Sr 3 B 2 SiO 8 :Tm 3+ , Dy 3+ samples can implement white light emission by the appropriate changeable doping molar quantity of Tm 3+ and Dy 3+ , applying potentially in white LEDs. The energy migrations between co-doped rare earth ions play a decisive role in these processes.
Carbon Dioxide Emissions, Urbanization Level and Industrial Structure: Empirical Evidence from North China
Authors: Siqin Zhuoya , Niu Dongxiao , Li Mingyu , Zhen Hao , Yang Xiaolong
Published: April 2021

This paper aims to examine the nexus among carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, urbanization level and industrial structure in North China over the period 2004–2019, according to an expanded Cobb-Douglas production function. The panel econometric techniques are employed to complete the empirical analysis, including cross-sectional correlation test, panel unit root test, panel cointegration test and panel Granger causality test. The empirical results support the long-term equilibrium relationship among CO2 emissions, urbanization level and industrial structure in North China, and the urbanization level contributes most to CO2 emissions, followed by fossil energy consumption. Furthermore, the bidirectional causality between CO2 emissions and urbanization level and unidirectional causality from industrial structure to CO2 emissions are found in North China, indicating that urbanization level and industrial structure have significant impacts on CO2 emissions. Finally, according to the empirical findings, several policy suggestions are proposed for the purpose of reducing CO2 emissions in North China.
Chemical Speciation, Bioavailability and Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Metals in Soils Around Petroleum Product Marketing Company as Environmental Degradation Indicators
Authors: Ayeni D. A , ADEBIYI Festus Mayowa
Published: April 2021

The study aims at investigating chemical speciation, bioavailability and risk assessment of some selected metals in soils around refined petroleum depot using the concentrations of the metals as variables to ascertain the impacts of the activities within the petroleum depot. Surface-soils were got from within the premises of Pipelines and Product Marketing Company, Ibadan, Nigeria, while control samples were got at 200 m away from the study location. Electrical conductivity and pH were measured using a calibrated dual purpose meter, while elemental analysis was done using Atomic absorption spectroscopy analytical technique. The results showed that the soils exhibited low ecological risk; minor enrichment for Mn, moderately severe enrichment for Ni and Co, severe enrichment for Cr and extremely severe enrichment for Pb, Zn and Cd; low contamination factor by Pb, Ni, Mn, Cr, Co, and Fe and moderate contamination by Zn and Cd. Geo - accumulation index results indicated unpolluted with Ni, Mn, Cr, Co, and Fe, unpolluted to moderately polluted with Pb and Zn and moderately to strongly polluted with Cd. Inter-element clustering results indicated chemical affinity and/or similar genetic origin among the elements. Speciation analysis suggested that Fe, Co, Cr, Cd, and Ni occurred in the residual fraction; Pb, and Zn in the carbonate fraction, while Mn have its highest percentage in the Fe-Mn oxides fraction. Percentage mobility and bioavailability showed that most of the metals are immobile and non-bioavailable. Study concluded that the oil-impacted soils were contaminated with most of the metals, but with low ecological risk.
Electrotherapy Treatments Performed in the Area of the Throat and Larynx and the Level of TSH, FT3 and FT4 Hormones: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zwolińska Jolanta , Augustyn Barbara , Baj Katarzyna , Krukowska Jadwiga
Published: April 2021

No current studies are available on application and side effects of potassium iodide iontophoresis. This study assessed the potassium iodide iontophoresis effect in the throat and larynx area on TSH, FT3 and FT4 hormone levels. Double-blinded randomized controlled trial with 1:1 parallel-group was conducted at the University of Rzeszow, Poland. A total of 50 healthy volunteers with normal TSH, FT3, FT4 levels without focal changes in the thyroid ultrasonography were subjected to 10 electrotherapy treatments (galvanization and iontophoresis groups). TSH, FT3, FT4 levels were determined before 10 treatments (test 1), 2 weeks after their completion (test 2) and after 6 months (test 3). In tests 2 and 3, both groups had normal levels of TSH, FT3, and FT4. No statistically significant differences between the galvanization and iontophoresis groups were found in terms of change of TSH, FT3, FT4 levels between tests 1 vs. 2 and 1 vs. 3. Both groups had lower levels of all measured parameters in test 3. Potassium iodide iontophoresis does not affect thyroid hormone levels in the short and long term. It is advisable to continue the follow-up study with larger groups to confirm the safety of electrotherapy procedures in the pharynx and larynx area.
NIS or Local Solutions in Land Administration to Prevent Corruption in Bangladesh: Towards a Sustainable Policy Framework
Authors: Sakib Nurul Huda , Jahid Mujahidul Islam
Published: April 2021

Corruption in land administration is one of the challenging issues to implement National Integrity Strategy. Citizens who visited the land office has someway bitter experiences in many ways. Drawing these issues, this research attempted to investigate the challenges of NIS in Land administration and possible way out. Based on in-depth interviews with citizens and public officials and document analysis found that NIS helped to modernize the land administration in recent years. The government with the help of the young officials at the land administration have taken several measures to resolve the minor crisis. However, the improvement in service delivery is someway quite nominal compared to the volume of corruption land administration. This likely because of the nature of the societal pattern of the country. In practice, there are still local and administrative politics has significant influence. Therefore, despite having good initiatives and appropriate measures, officials in land administration failed to implement NIS properly. Also, several other problems like lack of skilled manpower and technical support, the tendency of violating rules and others stated in the paper about corruption are making NIS implementation challenges. However, the study found that an alternative approach like ‘local solutions for the local problems might have more success compared to NIS approach. Therefore, the paper argued that dynamic sustainable and corruption-free land administration requires a combined approach of both local solutions, innovation and NIS implementation in Bangladesh.
Influence of Aquifer Heterogeneity on Cr(VI) Diffusion and Removal From Groundwater
Authors: Zhao Weidong , Huang Xinxiang , Gong Jianshi , Ma Lei , Qian Jiazhong
Published: April 2021

Previous studies show aquifer heterogeneity has an important influence on removal of Cr(VI) in groundwater, but little research has revealed the role of aquifer heterogeneity in Cr(VI) migration and how effective using emulsified vegetable oil is for Cr(VI) removal in groundwater. We simulated a laboratory sand-packed box over a 50-day period to research the effects of aquifer heterogeneity on Cr(VI) diffusion and also injected emulsified vegetable oil (EVO) into the permeable reactive barrier (PRB) filled with compost to investigate the influences of aquifer heterogeneity on Cr(VI) removal from groundwater, with fixed conditions of simulated true water temperature of shallow groundwater (19±0.5 ℃), hydraulic gradient (3‰), the Suzhou coal mining area (Anhui, China). The results show that aquifer heterogeneity had the significant impact on Cr(VI) diffusion with an overall diffusion direction of Cr(VI) that was from the upper left corner to the lower right corner along the direction of the groundwater; permeable reactive barrier would effectively remove Cr(VI) from groundwater in heterogeneous aquifer due to the vertical movement of microorganisms between different aqueous media; coarse sand and medium sand showed high performance in Cr(VI) diffusion, with a slight superiority to fine sand; following a one-time EVO injection, a considerably stable and uniform effective remove zone similar to the shape of ∑ was formed in the heterogeneous aquifer, and its Cr(VI) removal efficiency was over 95%.
The prevalence, distribution and impact of peripheral neuropathy among Danish patients with cancer – A population-based cross-sectional study.
Authors: Nielsen Sebastian Werngreen , Ruhlmann Christina H. , Eckhoff Lise , Herrstedt Jørn , Dalton Susanne O.
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Prevalence of peripheral neuropathy (PN) has been studied in patients undergoing treatment with taxanes, platinums and vinca alkaloids. The prevalence is unknown in the general oncological cancer population, characterized by advanced age, comorbidities and heterogeneous treatments.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to all adult patients, attending outpatient services at three Danish departments of oncology. The survey contained the EORTC-QLQ-C30, the EORTC-CIPN20, the GAD7 and PHQ9 questionnaires. A high PN symptom score was defined as a summary score ≥ 30 points on the CIPN20.Results: With an overall response rate of 83% (2839 patients), prevalence of PN was 17% overall, varying from 15 to 30% between diagnosis groups.Conclusion: Symptoms of PN are experienced widely across cancer groups in the oncology setting and symptoms are correlated with patient-related factors as living alone, various comorbidities, polypharmacy, and cannabis use.
Co-occurrence subgroups of child sexual abuse, health risk behaviors and their associations among secondary school students in China
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zuo Xiayun , Mao Yanyan , Lian Qiguo , Luo Shan , Zhang Shucheng , Tu Xiaowen , Lou Chaohua , Zhou Weijin
Published: April 2021

Background Little is known on the co-occurrence and heterogeneity of child sexual abuse (CSA) or health risk behavior (HRB) prevalence nor the associations among the victims. Objectives To detect adolescent subgroups reporting CSAs or HRBs, and to examine the association between the subgroups. Methods Participants were secondary school students in a national survey in China (N = 8746). Self-reported CSA and HRB experiences were collected through a computer assisted questionnaire. Multigroup latent class analysis (LCA) was used to examine latent subgroups of CSA and HRB. Dual latent class regression analysis was used to examine the association between CSA and HRB classes. Results A total of 8746 students participated in our study. The prevalence of having ever experienced any of the reported seven CSA items was 12.9%. The preferred LCA model consisted of a three-class CSA latent variable, i.e. "Low CSAs"(95.7% of the total respondents), "Verbal or exhibitionism CSAs"(3.3%), and "high multiple CSAs" (1.1%); and a three-class HRB latent variable, i.e. "Low HRBs"(70.5%), “externalizing HRBs” (20.7%), and “internalizing HRBs” (8.7%). Students in the "Verbal or exhibitionism CSAs" or "high multiple CSAs" classes had higher probabilities of being in “externalizing HRBs” or “internalizing HRBs” class. The probabilities were higher in "high multiple CSAs" class(male externalizing OR 4.05, 95%CI 1.71-9.57; internalizing OR 11.77, 95%CI 4.76-29.13; female externalizing OR 4.97, 95%CI 1.99-12.44; internalizing OR 9.87, 95%CI 3.71-26.25) than those in "Verbal or exhibitionism CSA"( male externalizing OR 2.51, 95%CI 1.50-4.20; internalizing OR 3.08, 95%CI 1.48-6.40; female externalizing OR 2.53, 95%CI 1.63-3.95; internalizing OR 6.05, 95%CI 3.73-9.80). Conclusions There are different latent class co-occurrence patterns of CSA items or HRB items among the respondents. CSA experiences are in association with HRB experiences and the associations between latent classes are dose-responded. Heterogeneity plays a role in the associations. The results could help identify high-risk subgroups and promote more nuanced interventions addressing adverse experiences and risk behaviors among at-risk adolescents.
Response of earthworm coelomocytes and catalase to pentanone and hexanone: A revelation of the toxicity of conventional solvents at the cellular and molecular level
Authors: Li Xiangxiang , Li Meifei , Sun Ning , He Falin , Chu Shanshan , Zong Wansong , Niu Qigui , Liu Rutao
Published: April 2021

Organic solvents like 2-Pentanone and 2-Hexanone which are widely used in industrial production play an important role in the source of chemical pollution. Based on the current gaps in 2-Pentanone and 2-Hexanone cytotoxicity studies, the earthworms in the soil, which are susceptible to solvent leakage and volatilization, were selected as the receptor. The cytotoxicity of 2-Pentanone and 2-Hexanone was revealed by measuring the multiple intracellular indicators of oxidative stress. At the molecular level, changes in the structure and function of antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT) were characterized in vitro by a variety of spectroscopy methods and molecular docking. The results show that 2-Pentanone and 2-Hexanone that induced the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species can eventually decrease the cell viability of coelomocytes, accompanied by the regular changes of antioxidant activity and lipid peroxidation level. In addition, the exposure of 2-Pentanone and 2-Hexanone can shrink the backbone structure of CAT, quench the fluorescence and misfold the secondary structure. The decrease in enzyme activity should be attributed to the structural changes induced by surface binding. This study discussed the toxicological effects and mechanisms of commonly used organic solvents at the cellular and molecular level, which creatively proposed a new combined method.
Self-adaptive multi-objective climate policies align mitigation and adaptation strategies
Authors: Carlino Angelo , Tavoni Massimo , Castelletti Andrea
Published: April 2021

With intensifying climate change impacts, there is a risk that economic resources needed to adapt to the rising damages are diverted away from emission reduction, jeopardizing the chances of stabilizing temperature within safe levels.
Indeed, the traditional static single-objective formulation leads to a conflict between mitigation and adaptation, invalidating the recently established consistency of cost-benefit analysis with Paris agreement targets.
Here, we show that this tension can be resolved by integrating multi-objective optimization and feedback control in the DICE model to design self-adaptive climate policies trading off welfare maximization with Paris Agreement achievement.
These policies allow adjusting against uncertainty as information on the socio-climatic system accumulates thus more realistically representing the policy-making process.
Years above 2°C are drastically reduced, and costs of meeting the Paris agreement lowered by 2 trillion USD emphasizing the need for integrating adaptation and mitigation strategies and the value of embracing a self-adaptive and multi-objective perspective.
R13, a TrkB Agonist Prodrug, Inhibits Asparagine Endopeptidase (AEP) and Increases Osteoprotegerin (OPG), Preventing Bone Loss
Authors: Xiong Jing , Liu Xia , Zhang Zhaohui , Adams Jonathan , Pacifici Roberto , Ye Keqiang
Published: April 2021

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its tropomyosin-related kinase B receptor (TrkB) are expressed in human osteoblasts and mediate fracture healing. BDNF/TrkB signaling activates Akt that phosphorylates and inhibits asparagine endopeptidase (AEP), which regulates the differentiation fate of human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSC) and is altered in postmenopausal osteoporosis. Here we show that R13, a small molecular TrkB receptor agonist prodrug, inhibits AEP and promotes bone formation. Though both Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL) and Osteoprotegerin (OPG) induced by ovariectomy (OVX) remain comparable between WT and BDNF +/- mice, R13 treatment significantly elevates OPG in both mice without altering RANKL, blocking trabecular bone loss. Moreover, OVX increases RANKL and OPG in WT and AEP KO mice with RANKL/OPG ratio lower in the latter than the former, attenuating bone turnover. 7,8-DHF, released from the prodrug R13, activates TrkB and its downstream effector CREB, which is critical for OPG augmentation. Consequently, 7,8-DHF represses C/EBPß/AEP pathway, inhibiting RANKL-induced RAW264.7 osteoclastogenesis. Therefore, our findings support that R13 exerts its therapeutic efficacy toward osteoporosis via inhibiting AEP and escalating OPG.
A Low Cost and Efficient Breast Cancer Detection Method With a Staircase Shaped Ultrawide Band Dielectric Resonator Antenna Using Monostatic Radar Based Microwave Imaging Technique
Authors: Kaur Gagandeep , Kaur Amanpreet
Published: April 2021

In this article, a staircase shaped ultra-wide band dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) has been used as a sensor for detection of breast tumor by monostatic radar based microwave imaging (MRMWI).The proposed DRA has fractional bandwidth (BW) 98.5% and high peak gain 5.98dB along with dual polarization behavior from 5.12-8.2GHz and 11.02-13.8GHz. In MRMWI setup, DRA is placed over the breast phantom at a distance of 7mm and provides the safe exposure of radiation (<1.6W/Kg). For simulation, it rotates around the phantom at a fixed interval in elevation (0-180◦) and azimuthal (0-360◦) planes. It works as a radiate and receive the reflected signals towards and from the scanned area simultaneously. To validate the results, fabricated DRA is connected to vector network analyzer and rotates (as done for simulation) around the artificial breast phantom. That is a replica of human breast made from gelatin+sugar, Vaseline and wheat flour+water equivalent to skin, fat and tumor respectively. Afterward S11responses are recorded in the presence and absence of tumor inside the phantom. A significant variation in recorded values leads to the detection of tumor that processed further in beam-forming algorithms; delay and sum (DAS) and delay-multiply and sum (DMAS) to reform 2-dimensional image of tumor in MATLAB.
Low Oxygen Tension Potentiates Proliferation and Stemness but Not Multilineage Differentiation of Caprine Male Germline Stem Cells
Authors: Singh Shiva Pratap , Kharche Suresh Dinkar , Pathak Manisha , Ranjan Ravi , Soni Yogesh Kumar , Singh Manoj Kumar , Pourouchottamane Ramasamy , Chauhan Manmohan Singh
Published: April 2021

The milieu of testicular germline stem cells (mGSCs) is characterized as low oxygen (O2) environment, whereas, there in-vitro expansion is typically performed under normoxia (20-21% O2). Here, we evaluated and compared the culture and multilineage differentiation characteristics of enriched (through differential platting and percoll density centrifugation) caprine mGSCs (cmGSCs) under hypoxic (5% O2) and normoxic (21% O2) culture conditions. For this, in addition to growth characteristics and population-doubling time (PDT); viability, proliferation, senescence, and expression of key-markers of adhesion (β-integrin and E-Cadherin) and stemness (OCT-4, THY-1 and UCHL-1) were evaluated and compared under normoxia and hypoxia. Moreover, the extent of multilineage differentiation (neurogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation) was assessed. The survival, viability and proliferation were significantly promoted and PDT was reduced (p < 0.05), thus yielding a higher number of viable cells with larger colonies under hypoxia. Furthermore, expression of stemness and adhesion markers was distinctly increased under lowered O2 condition. Conversely, the presence of differentiated regions and expression of differentiation specific key genes [C/EBPα (adipogenic), nestin and β-tubulin (neurogenic), and COL2A1 (chondrogenic)] were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced under hypoxic conditions. These data demonstrate that culturing cmGSCs under hypoxia augments the growth characteristics, and stemness but not the multilineage differentiation potential of cmGSCs as compared with normoxia. These data are important for the development of robust methodologies for ex-vivo expansion and lineage-committed differentiation of cmGSCs for clinical applications.
Barriers to and facilitators of implementation of the integration of oncology and palliative care in daily practice: a systematic review
Authors: Uneno Yu , Horie Yoshiki , Kataoka Yuki , Mori Masanori , Hirakawa Mami , Suzuki Takaaki , Nakajima Takako Eguchi , Shimizu Chikako , Tsuneto Satoru , Morita Tatsuya , Muto Manabu
Published: April 2021

Background: Palliative care (PC) is widely recognized as an essential part of oncology care, and multiple academic societies have developed strong recommendations regarding the implementation of the integration of oncology and PC (IOP) in daily practice. However, IOP implementation is a slow- evolving process, and its barriers and facilitators have not yet been comprehensively identified. This systematic review aimed to clarify the barriers to and facilitators of IOP in the context of treating patients with advanced cancer.Methods: We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature until June 3, 2017. We included original articles, narrative and systematic reviews, guidelines, editorials, commentaries, and letters. After title and abstract screening by two of five independent reviewers, we analyzed the data qualitatively using inductive content analysis and a consolidated framework for implementation research. Results: We obtained 3,304 articles, of which 60 met the predefined eligibility criteria. The numbers and proportions of original and review articles, guidelines, and other article types were 21 (35%), 30 (50%), 3 (5%), and 7 (12%), respectively. Five categories emerged regarding both the barriers to and facilitators of IOP: intervention characteristics, outer settings, inner settings, individual characteristics, and process. The representative barriers were limited availability of and access to PC services, limited educational opportunities for PC providers, insufficient reimbursement and research funding toward PC services, focus on cure rather than care (patients and their caregivers), and insufficient communication between oncology and PC staff (n = 26, 16, 14, 13, and 7, respectively). The representative facilitators were improvement of the availability of and access to PC services, development of an optimal integrated care model, enrichment of educational opportunities regarding PC (healthcare professionals), and initiatives by government and academic societies (n = 24, 18, 25, and 7, respectively).Conclusions: This study clarified the multi-level barriers to and facilitators of the implementation of IOP. Educational and financial support from the government and academic societies appears essential, and further effort to develop and investigate the implementable care delivery model is warranted.Registration: PROSPERO:CRD42018069212
Flexible cotton-AuNP thread electrode for non-enzymatic sensor of uric acid in urine
Authors: Teekayupak Kanyapat , Ruecha Nipapan , Chailapakul Orawon , Rodthongkum Nadnudda
Published: April 2021

We report on the development of an electrochemical sensor platform based on modified cotton fibers for the non-enzymatic detection of uric acid (UA), an important biomarker for gout disease. To create the flexible electrode, a cotton thread was coated with carbon ink followed by the electrodeposition of AuNPs. Then, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was used to evaluate the sensor performances, and a linear detection range between 10 µM and 5.0 mM of uric acid was obtained. The sensor has a low detection limit of 0.12 µM, which is optimal for use in the patients suffering from gout disease which commonly experience concentrations of uric acid in urine higher than 4.46 mM. Furthermore, we found that the detection sensitivity of the platform was not affected by the presence of other physiological compounds present in human urine. The described platform has the potential for integration in a diaper hence enabling rapid detection and screening for gout disease.
Competitive Blocking of Salivary Gland [18F]DCFPyL Uptake via Localized, Retrograde Ductal Injection of Non-radioactive DCFPyL: A Preclinical Study
Authors: Roy Jyoti , Warner Blake M , Basuli Falguni , Zhang Xiang , Zheng Changyu , Goldsmith Corrine , Phelps Tim , Wong Karen , Ton Anita T , Pieschl Rick , White Margaret E , Swenson Rolf , Chiorini John A , Choyke Peter L , Lin Frank I
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUNDPSMA-targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) is a promising treatment for prostate cancer (PCa) but dose-limiting xerostomia can severely limit its clinical adaptation, especially when using alpha-emitting radionuclides. With [18F]DCFPyL as a surrogate for PSMA-TRT, we report a novel method to selectively reduce salivary gland (SG) uptake of systemically administered [18F]DCFPyL by immediate prior infusion of non-radioactive standard of [18F]DCFPyL (DCFPyL) directly into the SG via retrograde cannulation. METHODSA dose-finding cohort using athymic nude mice demonstrated proof-of-principle that SG uptake can be selectively blocked by DCFPyL administered either locally via cannulation (CAN group) or systemically (SYS group). The experiments were repeated in a validation cohort of 22RV1 tumor-bearing mice. Submandibular glands (SMG) of CAN mice were locally blocked with either saline or DCFPyL (dose range: 0.01x to 1000x molar equivalent of the radioactive [18F]DCFPyL dose). The radioactive dose of [18F]DCFPyL was administered systemically 10 minutes later and the mice euthanized after 1 hour for biodistribution studies. Toxicity studies were done at up to 1000x dose. RESULTSIn the dose-finding cohort, the SYS group showed a dose-dependent 12-40% decrease in both the SMG T:B and the kidney (tumor surrogate). Mild blocking was observed at 0.01x, with maximal blocking reached at 1x with no additional blocking up to 1000x. In the CAN group, blocking at the 0.1x and 1x dose levels resulted in a similar 42-53% decrease, but without the corresponding decrease in kidney uptake as seen in the SYS group. Some evidence of “leakage” of DCFPyL from the salivary gland into the systemic circulation was observed. However, experiments in 22RV1 tumor-bearing mice at the 0.1x and 1x dose levels confirm that, at the appropriate blocking dose, SG uptake of [18F]DCFPyL can be selectively reduced without affecting tumor uptake and with no toxicity.CONCLUSIONOur results suggest that direct retrograde instillation of DCFPyL into the SG could predictably and selectively decrease salivary uptake of systemically administered [18F]DCFPyL without altering tumor uptake, if given at the appropriate dose. This novel approach is easily translatable to clinical practice and has the potential to mitigate xerostomia, without compromising the therapeutic efficacy of the PSMA-TRT.
Strong constraints from COSINE-100 on the DAMA dark matter results using the same sodium iodide target
Authors: Adhikari Govinda , de Souza E. Barbosa , Carlin N. , Choi J.J. , Choi S. , Djamal M. , Ezeribe Anthony C. , Franca L.E. , Ha C. , Hahn I.S. , Jeon E.J. , Jo J.H. , Joo H.W. , Kang W.G. , Kauer M. , Kim H. , Kim H.J. , Kim K.W. , Kim S.H. , Kim S.K. , Kim W.K. , Kim Y.D. , Kim Y.H. , Ko Young Ju , Lee E.K. , Lee H. , Lee Hyun Su , Lee H.Y. , Lee I.S. , Lee J , Lee J.Y. , Lee M.H. , Lee S.H. , Lee S.M. , Leonard D , Manzato B. , Maruyama R. , Neal R. , Olsen S. , Park B.J. , Park H.K. , Park H.S. , Park K.S. , Pitta R. , Prihtiadi H. , Ra SeJin , Rott C. , Shin K.A. , Scarff A. , Spooner N. , Thompson William , Yang L. , Yu G.H.
Published: April 2021

It is a long-standing debate as to whether or not the annual modulation in the event rate observed by the DAMA sodium iodide experiment is caused by the interaction of dark matter particles. To resolve this issue, several groups have been working to develop new experiments with the aim of reproducing or refuting DAMA's results using the same sodium iodide target medium. The COSINE-100 experiment is one of these that is currently operating with 106 kg of low-background sodium iodide crystals at the Yangyang underground laboratory. Analysis of the initial 59.5 days of COSINE-100 data showed that the annual modulation signal reported by DAMA is inconsistent with explanation using spin-independent interaction of weakly interacting massive particles
(WIMPs), a favored candidate of dark matter particles, with sodium or iodine nuclei in the context of the standard halo mode. However, this first result left open interpretations using certain alternative dark matter models, dark matter halo distributions, and detector responses that could allow room for consistency between DAMA and COSINE-100. Here we present new results from over 1.7 years of COSINE-100 operation with improved event selection and energy threshold reduced from 2 keV to 1 keV. We find an order of magnitude improvement in sensitivity, sufficient for the first time to strongly constrain these alternative scenarios, as well as to further strengthen the previously observed inconsistency with the WIMP-nucleon spin-independent interaction hypothesis.
A lightweight strain-glass alloy showing nearly temperature-independent low modulus and high strength
Authors: Liu Chang , Tang Jingxian , Ji Yuanchao , Otsuka Kazuhiro , Wang Yu , Hou Mengrui , Hao Yanshuang , Ren Shuai , Ren Xiaobing
Published: April 2021

Fast development of space technologies poses a strong demand for elastic materials that are lightweight, strong, but compliant to achieve high density of elastic energy storage, and such properties need to be temperature-insensitive in space environments1-4. However, existing materials do not meet this demand. Here we report a lightweight magnesium-scandium (Mg-21.3 at. % Sc) alloy meeting this demand. It is as light and compliant as organic-based materials like bones and glass fiber reinforced plastics, but stronger than them5-7; thus, it exhibits a record-high elastic energy density ~0.5 kJ/kg among various metallic and organic-based composite materials at a moderate stress level of 200 MPa8,9. Importantly, the performance can persist for 1 million stress cycles and over a wide temperature range from ambient to cryogenic temperatures. Its exceptional properties stem from a strain-glass transition. In-situ microstructure observations during cooling show strain-glass nanodomains continuously form from the matrix phase, which enables low modulus, high strength, fatigue-resistance, and temperature-insensitivity. The lightweight strain-glass Mg-Sc alloy may find applications in space technologies and other fields such as orthopedics1,9-11.
Deciphering the Mutation Spectrum in South Indian Children With Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract
Authors: Narikot Ambili , Pardeshi Varsha Chhotusing , AM Shubha , Iyengar Arpana , Vasudevan Anil
Published: April 2021

Background: Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) cover a spectrum of structural malformations that result from aberrant morphogenesis of kidney and urinary tract. It is the most prevalent cause of kidney failure in children. Hence, it is important from a clinical perspective to unravel the molecular etiology of kidney and urinary tract malformations. Causal variants in genes that direct various stages of development of kidney and urinary tract in fetal life have been identified in 5–20 % of CAKUT patients from Western countries. Recent advances in next generation sequencing technology and decreasing cost offer the opportunity to characterize the genetic burden of CAKUT in Indian population and facilitate integration of genetic diagnostics in care of children with CAKUT. Methods: Customized targeted panel sequencing was performed to identify mutations in 31 genes known to cause human CAKUT in 69 south Indian children with CAKUT. The NGS data was filtered using standardized pipeline and the variants were classified using ACMG criteria. Genotype and phenotype correlations were performed. Results: The cohort consisted of children mostly with posterior urethral valve (PUV) (39.1%), vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR) (33.3%) and multi-cystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) (7.2%). Likely pathogenic variants were identified in two genes (TNXB and CHD1L) in 2 children (9 %) with CAKUT. One child diagnosed with posterior urethral valve (PUV) had mutation in two different genes [TNXB (p. Gln286fs), and CHD1L (p. Ser837fs)], while second child with left duplex system had a single gene mutation in TNXB gene (p. Gln286fs). Conclusions: The present study identified novel monogenic mutations in only a small proportion of patients with CAKUT using a targeted gene panel. The low prevalence of genetic cause may be due to higher proportion of children with abnormalities in lower urinary tract than hypodysplasia of kidneys. Clinical or whole exome sequencing may be a better method to characterize the genetic profile of Indians patients with CAKUT.
Patch loaded slot antenna for super wideband applications with dual-band notch characteristic
Authors: agrawal sachin , Wani Zamir , Parihar Manoj Singh
Published: April 2021

This paper presents a patch loaded slot antenna for super wideband

(SWB) application. To obtain SWB characteristic, the proposed antenna geometry combined a rectangular slot and an overlying patch excited by a trident shaped microstrip feed. It is observed that the hybrid nature of the proposed antenna effectively enhances the impedance bandwidth up to 120%, by combining the resonance of both patch and slot. Besides, it is investigated that after converting the conventional tapered feed into the trident shape feed, the impedance bandwidth is increased further from 120% to 167% ranging between 1.25 to 15 GHz. Moreover, one U-shaped slot and two L-shaped stubs

are inserted into the antenna design to introduce the dual-band rejection property from 1.8 to 2.4 GHz (GSM 1800, Wi-Fi 2.1 and 2.4) and 3.1 to 4.2 GHz (WiMAX and C-band). Further, to validate the simulation results a prototype is fabricated and tested. The measured result shows that the proposed antenna offered an impedance bandwidth of 170.3% from 1.2 GHz to 15 GHz.
Accelerated remodeling of the mesophyll-bundle sheath interface in the maize C4 cycle mutant leaves
Authors: Gao Peng , Wang Pengfei , Du Baijuan , Li Pinghua , Kang Byung-Ho
Published: April 2021

C4 photosynthesis in the maize leaf involves the exchange of organic acids between mesophyll (M) and the bundle sheath (BS) cells. The transport is mediated by plasmodesmata embedded in the suberized cell wall. We examined the maize Kranz anatomy with a focus on the plasmodesma and cell wall suberization with microscopy methods. In the young leaf zone where M and BS cells had indistinguishable proplastids, plasmodesmata were simple and no suberin was detected. In leaf zones where dimorphic chloroplasts were evident, the plasmodesma acquired sphincter and cytoplasmic sleeves, and suberin was discerned. These modifications were accompanied by a drop in symplastic dye mobility at the M-BS boundary. We compared the kinetics of chloroplast differentiation and the modifications in M-BS connectivity in ppdk and dct2 mutants where C4 cycle is affected. The rate of chloroplast diversification did not alter, but plasmodesma remodeling, symplastic transport inhibition, and cell wall suberization were observed from younger leaf zone in the mutants than in wild type. Our results indicate that inactivation of the C4 genes accelerated the changes in the M-BS interface and the reduced permeability suggests that symplastic transport between M and BS could be gated probably for suppressing erroneous flux of C4 metabolites.