bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perioperative Interventions to Reduce Surgical Site Infections: A Review
Authors: Goldberg Braden , Elazar Amit , Glatt Aaron , Camins Bernard , Datta Rajiv , Takahashi Hideo , Seitelman Eric
Published: November 2021

Surgical site infections (SSIs) contribute to increased health care costs and morbidity after procedures as well as prolonged length of stay. Perioperative personnel can use a variety of interventions to help reduce SSI incidence; however, all strategies are not effective for all patients (eg, antibiotic prophylaxis). Results of randomized controlled trials show that some SSI reduction strategies are generally effective, including preoperative skin antisepsis with an alcohol‐based agent, closing surgical wounds with triclosan‐coated suture, and applying a negative pressure wound therapy device to open and closed wounds. Study results do not show that irrigating clean wounds with crystalloid solutions containing antibiotics or routinely using plastic drapes with or without impregnated iodophor or silver nylon–impregnated dressings significantly reduces SSI incidence. Perioperative leaders should support the implementation of strategies to prevent SSIs and work with interdisciplinary team members to develop an SSI prevention bundle that will meet the needs of their patients.
Modified score function for monotone likelihood in the semiparametric mixture cure model
Authors: Almeida Frederico M. , Colosimo Enrico A. , Mayrink Vinícius D.
Published: November 2021

The cure fraction models are intended to analyze lifetime data from populations where some individuals are immune to the event under study, and allow a joint estimation of the distribution related to the cured and susceptible subjects, as opposed to the usual approach ignoring the cure rate. In situations involving small sample sizes with many censored times, the detection of nonfinite coefficients may arise via maximum likelihood. This phenomenon is commonly known as monotone likelihood (ML), occurring in the Cox and logistic regression models when many categorical and unbalanced covariates are present. An existing solution to prevent the issue is based on the Firth correction, originally developed to reduce the estimation bias. The method ensures finite estimates by penalizing the likelihood function. In the context of mixture cure models, the ML issue is rarely discussed in the literature; therefore, this topic can be seen as the first contribution of our paper. The second major contribution, not well addressed elsewhere, is the study of the ML issue in cure mixture modeling under the flexibility of a semiparametric framework to handle the baseline hazard. We derive the modified score function based on the Firth approach and explore finite sample size properties of the estimators via a Monte Carlo scheme. The simulation results indicate that the performance of coefficients related to the binary covariates are strongly affected to the imbalance degree. A real illustration, in the melanoma dataset, is discussed using a relatively novel data set collected in a Brazilian university hospital.
Single‐strand annealing: Molecular mechanisms and potential applications in CRISPR‐Cas‐based precision genome editing
Authors: Vu Tien Van , Das Swati , Nguyen Cam Chau , Kim Jihae , Kim Jae‐Yean
Published: November 2021

Background

Spontaneous double‐stranded DNA breaks (DSBs) frequently occur within the genome of all living organisms and must be well repaired for survival. Recently, more important roles of the DSB repair pathways that were previously thought to be minor pathways, such as single‐strand annealing (SSA), have been shown. Nevertheless, the biochemical mechanisms and applications of the SSA pathway in genome editing have not been updated.

Purpose and Scope

Understanding the molecular mechanism of SSA is important to design potential applications in gene editing. This review provides insights into the recent progress of SSA studies and establishes a model for their potential applications in precision genome editing.

Summary and Conclusion

The SSA mechanism involved in DNA DSB repair appears to be activated by a complex signaling cascade starting with broken end sensing and 5′‐3′ resection to reveal homologous repeats on the 3′ ssDNA overhangs that flank the DSB. Annealing the repeats would help to amend the discontinuous ends and restore the intact genome, resulting in the missing of one repeat and the intervening sequence between the repeats. We proposed a model for CRISPR‐Cas‐based precision insertion or replacement of DNA fragments to take advantage of the characteristics. The proposed model can add a tool to extend the choice for precision gene editing. Nevertheless, the model needs to be experimentally validated and optimized with SSA‐favorable conditions for practical applications.
A full‐stack model proposal to remotely help the development of IoT sensor devices
Authors: Martins Hugo M. S. , Reis Manuel J. C. S. , Ferreira Paulo J. S. G.
Published: November 2021

The teaching and development of the necessary skills to efficiently implement and develop Internet of Things (IoT) sensor devices is particularly challenging. Traditionally, the development of these skills is achieved with the help of several laboratorial facilities. Here, a full‐stack model to help in this process is presented. This model includes the utilization of a set of tools that can be used to remotely access the available resources, thus creating an “online lab.” This “online lab” is of particular interest and usefulness in the current pandemic context and is of particular interest not only for students to have access to real hardware devices, thus developing their skills and knowledge, but also to professional teams collaborating in the development of IoT sensor devices.
Examining the association among fear of COVID‐19, psychological distress, and delays in cancer care
Authors: Caston Nicole E. , Lawhon Valerie M. , Smith Karen Lisa , Gallagher Kathleen , Angove Rebekah , Anderson Eric , Balch Alan , Azuero Andres , Huang Chao‐Hui Sylvia , Rocque Gabrielle B.
Published: November 2021

Background

Given the high risk of COVID‐19 mortality, patients with cancer may be vulnerable to fear of COVID‐19, adverse psychological outcomes, and health care delays.

Methods

This longitudinal study surveyed the pandemic's impact on patients with cancer (N= 1529) receiving Patient Advocate Foundation services during early and later pandemic. Generalized estimating equation with repeated measures was conducted to assess the effect of COVID‐19 on psychological distress. Logistic regression with repeated measures was used to assess the effect of COVID‐19 on any delays in accessing health care (e.g., specialty care doctors, laboratory, or diagnostic testing, etc.).

Results

Among 1199 respondents, 94% considered themselves high risk for COVID‐19. Respondents with more fear of COVID‐19 had a higher mean psychological distress score (10.21; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 9.38–11.03) compared to respondents with less fear (7.55; 95% CI 6.75–8.36). Additionally, 47% reported delaying care. Respondents with more fear of COVID‐19 had higher percentages of delayed care than those with less (56; 95% CI 39%–72% vs. 44%; 95% CI 28%–61%). These relationships persisted throughout the pandemic. For respondents with a COVID‐19 diagnosis in their household (n = 116), distress scores were similar despite higher delays in care (58% vs. 27%) than those without COVID‐19.

Conclusions

Fear of COVID‐19 is linked to psychological distress and delays in care among patients with cancer. Furthermore, those who are personally impacted see exacerbated cancer care delays. Timely psychosocial support and health care coordination are critical to meet increased care needs of patients with cancer during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Characterization of Structure and Dynamics of the Guanidine‐II Riboswitch from Escherichia coli by NMR Spectroscopy and Small‐Angle X‐ray Scattering (SAXS)
Authors: Schamber Tatjana , Binas Oliver , Schlundt Andreas , Wacker Anna , Schwalbe Harald
Published: November 2021

Riboswitches are regulatory RNA elements that undergo functionally important allosteric conformational switching upon binding of specific ligands. The here investigated guanidine‐II riboswitch binds the small cation, guanidinium, and forms a kissing loop‐loop interaction between its P1 and P2 hairpins. We investigated the structural changes to support previous studies regarding the binding mechanism. Using NMR spectroscopy, we confirmed the structure as observed in crystal structures and we characterized the kissing loop interaction upon addition of Mg2+ and ligand for the riboswitch aptamer from Escherichia coli. We further investigated closely related mutant constructs providing further insight into functional differences between the two (different) hairpins P1 and P2. Formation of intermolecular interactions were probed by small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) and NMR DOSY data. All data are consistent and show the formation of oligomeric states of the riboswitch induced by Mg2+ and ligand binding.
Radial versus femoral access for left main percutaneous coronary intervention: An analysis from the Veterans Affairs Clinical, Reporting, and Tracking Program
Authors: Bhardwaj Bhaskar , Gunzburger Elise , Valle Javier A. , Grunwald Gary K. , Plomondon Mary E. , Vidovich Mladen I. , Aggarwal Kul , Karuparthi Poorna Raj
Published: November 2021

Objectives

We aimed to compare clinical characteristics and procedural outcomes of left main percutaneous interventions (LM‐PCI) by transradial (TRA) versus transfemoral (TFA) approach in the VA healthcare system.

Background

TRA for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is steadily increasing. However, the frequency and efficacy of TRA for LM‐PCI remain less studied.

Methods

All LM‐PCIs performed in the VA healthcare system were identified for fiscal year 2008 through 2018. Patients' baseline characteristics and procedure‐related variables were compared by access site. Both short‐ and long‐term clinical outcomes were analyzed using propensity score matching.

Results

A total of 4004 LM‐PCI were performed in the VA via either radial or femoral access from 2008 to 2018. Among these, 596 (14.9%) LM PCIs were performed via TRA. Use of TRA for LM‐PCI increased from 2.2% to 31.5% over the study period. Propensity matched outcome analysis, comparing TRA versus TFA, showed a similar procedural success (98.4% for TRA vs. 97.8% for TFA; RR: 1.01 [0.98, 1.03]) and 1‐year major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (25.9% for TRA vs. 26.8% TFA; RR: 0.96 [0.74, 1.25]). There were no statistically significant differences among secondary outcomes analyses including major bleeding.

Conclusion

Use of TRA for LM‐PCI has been steadily increasing in the VA healthcare system. These findings demonstrate similar procedural success and 1‐year MACE across access strategies, suggesting an opportunity to continue increasing TRA use for LM‐PCI.
Movement of Mitochondria with Mutant DNA through Extracellular Vesicles Helps Cancer Cells Acquire Chemoresistance
Authors: Abad Etna , Lyakhovich Alex
Published: November 2021

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive subtypes of breast cancer with the worst prognosis after chemo‐ or radiation therapy. This is mainly due to the development of cancer chemoresistance accompanied by tumor recurrence. In this work, we investigated a new mechanism of acquired chemoresistance of TNBC cells. We showed that extracellular vehicles (EVs) of chemoresistant TNBC cells can transfer mitochondria to sensitive cancer cells, thus increasing their chemoresistance. Such transfer, but with less efficiency, can be carried out over short distances using tunneling nanotubes. In addition, we showed that exosome fractions carrying mitochondria from resistant TNBC cells contribute to acquired chemoresistance by increasing mtDNA levels with mutations in the mtND4 gene responsible for tumorigenesis. Blocking mitochondrial transport by exosome inhibitors, including GW4869, reduced acquired TNBC chemoresistance. These results could lead to the identification of new molecular targets necessary for more effective treatment of this type of cancer.
The remarkable dynamics in the establishment, rearrangement, and loss of dentition during the ontogeny of the sterlet sturgeon
Authors: Pospisilova Anna , Stundl Jan , Brejcha Jindrich , Metscher Brian D. , Psenicka Martin , Cerny Robert , Soukup Vladimír
Published: November 2021

Background

Sturgeons belong to an early‐branching lineage often used as a proxy of ancestor‐like traits of ray‐finned fishes. However, many features of this lineage, such as the transitory presence and the eventual loss of dentition, exemplify specializations that, in fact, provide important information on lineage‐specific evolutionary dynamics.

Results

Here, we introduce a detailed overview of the dentition during the development of the sterlet sturgeon. The dentition is composed of tooth fields at oral, palatal, and anterior pharyngeal regions. Oral fields are single‐rowed, non‐renewed and are shed early. Palatal and pharyngeal fields are multi‐rowed and renewed from the adjacent superficial epithelium without the presence of the successional dental lamina. The early loss of oral fields and subsequent establishment of palatal and pharyngeal fields leads to a translocation of the functional dentition from the front to the rear of the oropharyngeal cavity until the eventual loss of all teeth.

Conclusions

Our survey shows the sterlet dentition as a dynamic organ system displaying differential composition at different time points in the lifetime of this fish. These dynamics represent a conspicuous feature of sturgeons, unparalleled among extant vertebrates, and appropriate to scrutinize developmental and evolutionary underpinnings of vertebrate odontogenesis.
Integrating disparate datasets to model the functional response of a marine predator: A case study of harbour porpoises in the southern North Sea
Authors: Ransijn Janneke M. , Hammond Philip S. , Leopold Mardik F. , Sveegaard Signe , Smout Sophie C.
Published: November 2021

Quantifying consumption and prey choice for marine predator species is key to understanding their interaction with prey species, fisheries, and the ecosystem as a whole. However, parameterizing a functional response for large predators can be challenging because of the difficulty in obtaining the required data on predator diet and on the availability of multiple prey species.

This study modeled a multi‐species functional response (MSFR) to describe the relationship between consumption by harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) and the availability of multiple prey species in the southern North Sea. Bayesian methodology was employed to estimate MSFR parameters and to incorporate uncertainties in diet and prey availability estimates. Prey consumption was estimated from stomach content data from stranded harbour porpoises. Prey availability to harbour porpoises was estimated based on the spatial overlap between prey distributions, estimated from fish survey data, and porpoise foraging range in the days prior to stranding predicted from telemetry data.

Results indicated a preference for sandeels in the study area. Prey switching behavior (change in preference dependent on prey abundance) was confirmed by the favored type III functional response model. Variation in the size of the foraging range (estimated area where harbour porpoises could have foraged prior to stranding) did not alter the overall pattern of the results or conclusions.

Integrating datasets on prey consumption from strandings, predator foraging distribution using telemetry, and prey availability from fish surveys into the modeling approach provides a methodological framework that may be appropriate for fitting MSFRs for other predators.
Sensing of the Induced Helical Chirality by the Chiroptical Response of the Ferrocene Chromophore
Authors: Nuskol Marko , Šutalo Petar , Kodrin Ivan , Semenčić Mojca Čakić
Published: November 2021

The experimental (infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, circular dichroism) and computational (density functional theory) methods allowed us to demonstrate the potential of the ferrocene chromophore to translate chiral information stored at N‐terminally attached l‐Ala, and transmitted through achiral (Aib)n sequence (n=1 to 3), into a characteristic signal in circular dichroism spectra near 470 nm. The sufficiently long tetrapeptide forms a robust and highly organized 310 helices capable of perturbing the environment of the highly symmetric ferrocene chromophore in an asymmetric manner. The origin of the sign in the circular dichroism spectra of the ferrocene chromophore (near the 470 nm) strongly correlates with the sign of the dihedral angle χ, accounting for a rotation of a substituent attached to the cyclopentadienyl ring that depends on the helicity of peptide sequence. These observations may help us in the design of future ferrocene‐based probes for the assignment of the screw‐sense preference of short peptides.
Hepatitis B virus genotype is an independent prognostic factor of telbivudine and tenofovir treatment in hepatitis B surface antigen‐positive pregnant women
Authors: Zhang Baofang , Yu Lei , Cheng Mingliang , Zhang Quan , Wu Jun , Yang Jing , Liu Qin , Lu Shuang , Zhao Xueke , Deng KaiSheng , Liu Yongmei , Wang Jun , Zhao Peiling
Published: November 2021

To investigate whether HBV genotype influences the effect of tenofovir and telbivudine on HBV DNA and RNA levels in HBsAg‐positive pregnant women. This was a retrospective study of 74 HBsAg‐positive pregnant women in Guizhou of China. All patients were treated with telbivudine or tenofovir from 12 weeks of pregnancy and HBV infection to the date of delivery. Blood samples were collected at 12–24, 28–32, and 36–40 weeks of pregnancy for the measurement of genotype, HBsAg, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), HBV DNA, HBV RNA, and liver function, including alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, total bilirubin, total bile acids, cholinesterase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma‐glutamyl transferase. All women with HBsAg were followed up. The HBV genotype was B in 64.9% and C in 35.1%. There were 37 patients of telbivudine and tenofovir group respectively. The telbivudine and tenofovir groups showed no differences in demographic and clinical characteristics, including liver function tests, HBsAg, HBeAg, log10(HBV DNA), and log10(HBV RNA). Compared with baseline (12–24 weeks), telbivudine group showed a significant increase in ALP and significant reductions in HBsAg, HBeAg, log10(HBV DNA), and log10(HBV RNA) at 36–40 weeks (p < .05). Tenofovir group exhibited a significant increase in ALP and significant reductions in HBeAg, log10(HBV DNA), and log10(HBV RNA) at 36–40 weeks, compared with baseline (p < .05). HBV genotype (B vs. C) was independently associated with HBV DNA change after therapy (p = .005). In telbivudine group, log10 (HBV DNA) increased from 3.38 (2.00–7.30) to 7.43 (4.68–8.70). In tenofovir group, log10 (HBV DNA) decreased from 7.52 (3.32–8.70) to 2.98 (2.00–5.01). HBV genotype was independently associated with HBV DNA change response to telbivudine or tenofovir in pregnant women with hepatitis B. These findings might be helpful for risk assessment regarding vertical transmission of HBV in HBeAg‐positive mothers treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues.
Egg consumption improves vascular and gut microbiota function without increasing inflammatory, metabolic, and oxidative stress markers
Authors: Liu Xiang , Shao Yijia , Sun Jiapan , Tu Jiazichao , Wang Zhichao , Tao Jun , Chen Jimei
Published: November 2021

Egg consumption is one of the many inconsistencies in evidence linking dietary cholesterol to cardiovascular disease (CVD). In addition, the gut microbiota and its metabolite, trimethylamine‐N‐oxide (TMAO), have been shown to play a crucial role in the development of CVD. The fact that egg is rich in choline suggests that excessive egg consumption may increase TMAO production by altering the gut microbiota. However, the effects of egg consumption on vascular function and gut microbiota remain unclear. Here, the diet of nine young male subjects was supplemented with two boiled eggs daily for 2 weeks. Changes in vascular function, inflammation, metabolism, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota were examined. We found that egg consumption increased flow‐mediated dilation and decreased brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity. Furthermore, egg consumption positively modulated the gut microbiota function but had no effects on the levels of C‐reactive protein, glucose, lipid profile, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, or TMAO. The current study provides evidence that egg consumption improves vascular function, which may be related to the alterations seen in the gut microbiota. Therefore, moderate egg consumption may help to improve vascular and intestinal function in individuals at low risk of developing CVD and other metabolic disorders.
Comprehensive analyses of microRNA and mRNA expression in colorectal serrated lesions and colorectal cancer with a microsatellite instability phenotype
Authors: Sugai Tamotsu , Osakabe Mitsumasa , Niinuma Takeshi , Eizuka Makoto , Tanaka Yoshihito , Yamada Shun , Yanagawa Naoki , Otsuka Koki , Sasaki Akira , Matsumoto Takayuki , Suzuki Hiromu
Published: November 2021

MicroRNA (miRNA) expression is dysregulated in human tumors, thereby contributing to tumorigenesis through altered expression of mRNA. Thus, identification of the relationships between miRNAs and mRNAs is important for evaluating the molecular mechanisms of tumors. In addition, elucidation of the molecular features of serrated lesions is essential in colorectal tumorigenesis. Here, we examined the relationships of miRNA and mRNA expressed in serrated lesions, including 26 sessile serrated lesions (SSLs), 12 traditional serrated adenomas (TSAs), and 11 colorectal cancers (CRCs) with a microsatellite instability (MSI) phenotype using crypt isolation. We divided the samples into the first and second cohorts for validation. Array‐based expression analyses were used to evaluate miRNAs and mRNAs with opposite expression patterns in isolated tumor glands. In addition, we validated the relationships of miRNA/mRNA pairs in the second cohort using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. We found that the expression of miRNA‐5787 was correlated with reciprocal expression of two mRNAs, that is, SRRM2 and POLR2J3, in SSL samples. In TSA samples, two pairs of miRNAs/mRNAs showing opposite expression patterns, that is, miRNA‐182‐5p/ETF1 and miRNA‐200b‐3p/MYB, were identified. Ultimately, three pairs of miRNAs/mRNAs with opposite expression patterns, including miRNA‐222‐3p/SLC26A3, miRNA‐6753‐3p/FABP1, and miRNA‐222‐3p/OLFM4, were retained in CRC with an MSI phenotype. Finally, we performed transfection with an miR‐222‐3p mimic to confirm the expression of SLC26A3 and OLFM4; the results showed that ectopic expression of miR‐222‐3p moderately suppressed OLFM4 and downregulated SLC26A3 to some extent. Overall, our results provided basic insights into the evaluation of colorectal tumorigenesis of serrated lesions and CRC with an MSI phenotype.
Geographic disparities in head and neck cancer survival in Upstate New York 2011–2019
Authors: Ravikumar Saiganesh , Casellas Nicolas J. , Shah Shalini , Rieth Katherine
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To examine the association between distance to care‐center and urban–rural residence on 5‐year overall survival (OS) from head and neck cancer (HNC).

Materials and methods

Five‐year OS was retrospectively measured from date of initial diagnosis for patients with HNC treated at a single tertiary care center. Distances were calculated based on ZIP code of patient's residence and care center. Multilevel Weibull regression was used to adjust for confounders and identify disparities in 5‐year all‐cause mortality.

Results

A total of 670 patients included in study. Multivariable analysis revealed older age or late‐stage cancer at diagnosis, and HPV negative status were associated with poorer OS. Patients residing in isolated small rural town (HR = 2.20, p = 0.015) or small rural town (HR = 2.07, p = 0.015) had lower OS. Distance to care center was not associated with OS (HR = 0.996, p = 0.11).

Conclusions

Greater rurality was associated with poorer OS among HNC patients in Upstate New York.
Effects of chemical reaction, Soret and Lorentz force on Casson fluid flow past an exponentially accelerated vertical plate: A comprehensive analysis
Authors: Ramakrishna Suresh Babu , N. L. Ramesh , Kumar Thavada Sravan
Published: November 2021

The aim of the current study is to explore the effects of heat and mass transfer on unsteady chemically reacted Casson liquid flow over an exponentially accelerated vertical plate in a porous medium. It is assumed that the bounding plate has varying temperatures as well as concentrations in a porous medium under a uniform magnetic field. This phenomenon is modeled in the form of a system of partial differential equations (PDEs) with boundary conditions. The governing dimensionless PDEs are solved using Laplace transform method for velocity, temperature, and concentration. The impact of nondimensional parameters, which are controlling the flow like Casson parameter, Soret number, magnetic parameter, heat generation parameter, Prandtl number, radiation parameter, and Schmidt number is analyzed through graphs. The incremental values of the Casson fluid parameter lead to a reduction in velocity and discovered that for large values of the Casson parameter, the fluid is near to the Newtonian fluid. Also, the Sherwood number increases with enhancing dissimilar estimators of the Schmidt and Soret numbers. A comparison has been made with the published work (Kataria et al.) for a particular case, which was in good agreement.
Developmental changes in infants' physical contact with others across the transitional period from crawling to walking
Authors: Toyama Noriko
Published: November 2021

This longitudinal study investigates infants' touching behaviors with others during naturalistic observations in a daycare center in Japan. Interactions between eight infants and their caretakers during free play time were videotaped. The obtained data were examined based on infants' postures and the body parts used to engage in interpersonal touch during locomotor development. As the locomotor period progressed from crawling to walking, the infants made bodily contact more frequently. When they were crawlers, incidental touch occurred often, but with progress in locomotion, purposeful (instrumental and social) touch became more common. Infants' purposeful touch occurred more frequently when they used their hands than when they used other body parts to touch. Touching with hands was more frequent when (a) infants who were able to walk were in walking postures than when they were unable to walk and in crawling postures; (b) infants who could walk were in sitting postures than when they could not walk and were in sitting postures, and (c) infants who could walk were in standing postures than when they were in sitting postures. Infants' locomotor development freed infants' hands from locomotion, and overall progress in physical coordination helped infants maintain balance. These advances in motor development made infants' touch behaviors social.
Mechanical in vitro fatigue testing of implant materials and components using advanced characterization techniques
Authors: Wegner Nils , Klein Martin , Scholz Ronja , Kotzem Daniel , Macias Barrientos Marina , Walther Frank
Published: November 2021

Implants of different material classes have been used for the reconstruction of damaged hard and soft tissue for decades. The aim is to increase and subsequently maintain the patient's quality of life through implantation. In service, most implants are subjected to cyclic loading, which must be taken particularly into consideration, since the fatigue strength is far below the yield and tensile strength. Inaccurate estimation of the structural strength of implants due to the consideration of yield or tensile strength leads to a miscalculation of the implant's fatigue strength and lifetime, and therefore, to its unexpected early fatigue failure. Thus, fatigue failure of an implant based on overestimated performance capability represents acute danger to human health. The determination of fatigue strength by corresponding tests investigating various stress amplitudes is time‐consuming and cost‐intensive. This study summarizes four investigation series on the fatigue behavior of different implant materials and components, following a standard and an in vitro short‐time testing procedure, which evaluates the material reaction in one enhanced test set‐up. The test set‐up and the applied characterization methods were adapted to the respective application of the implant with the aim to simulate the surrounding of the human body with laboratory in vitro tests only. It could be shown that by using the short‐time testing method the number of tests required to determine the fatigue strength can be drastically reduced. In future, therefore it will be possible to exclude unsuitable implant materials or components before further clinical investigations by using a time‐efficient and application‐oriented testing method.
Twelve‐year sarcopenia trajectories in older adults: results from a population‐based study
Authors: Trevisan Caterina , Vetrano Davide Liborio , Calvani Riccardo , Picca Anna , Welmer Anna‐Karin
Published: November 2021

Background

The dynamic nature of sarcopenia, including possible transitions between its different stages, is currently unknown. We aimed to explore 12 year transitions through sarcopenia stages and identify factors associated with different sarcopenia trajectories in older adults.

Methods

We included 3219 participants (aged ≥60 years, 35.8% men, 96.4% community‐dwelling) from the SNAC‐K study. No sarcopenia (normal muscle strength and mass), probable sarcopenia (low muscle strength and normal muscle mass), and sarcopenia (low muscle strength and mass) were assessed at baseline and up to 12 years. Such conditions were defined based on a modified version of the EWGSOP2 criteria with muscle strength evaluated through handgrip or chair stand tests, and muscle mass from calf circumference. We estimated 1, 5, and 10 year transition probabilities through continuous‐time multistage Markov modelling. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and medical factors associated with the likelihood of different transitions were evaluated with proportional intensity models, and the associations' strength was expressed as hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Participants with no sarcopenia had 10‐year probabilities of 17.1% and 5.1% to develop probable sarcopenia and sarcopenia, and a 40.4% chance of not transitioning. Those with probable sarcopenia had similar 5‐year chances of developing sarcopenia (10.3%) and reverting to no sarcopenia (10.7%). Participants with sarcopenia had chances to revert to probable sarcopenia ranging from 8.2% (at 5 years) to 4.7% (at 10 years), and a 70.9% chance of dying after 10 years. Older age (HR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.07–1.14), male sex (HR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.16–2.91), current smoking (HR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.16–2.91), and higher number of chronic diseases (HR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.00–1.14) were associated with sarcopenia development, while higher levels of physical activity (HR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.19–2.84) and cognitive function (HR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.05–1.31 per each 1‐point increase in the Mini‐Mental State Examination) were associated with subsequent higher reversion rates from probable sarcopenia to no sarcopenia (P < 0.05 for all). None of the explored characteristics were associated with sarcopenia reversion to healthier stages.

Conclusions

Sarcopenia appears to be a dynamic condition with possible two‐way transitions between different sarcopenia stages, especially the earliest ones. Timely interventions to improve physical and cognitive function and better control individuals' chronic conditions could help counteract sarcopenia progression.
Nutrient dynamics during composting of human excreta, cattle manure, and organic waste affected by biochar
Authors: Castro‐Herrera Daniela , Prost Katharina , Schäfer Yonas , Kim Dong‐Gill , Yimer Fantaw , Tadesse Menfese , Gebrehiwot Mersha , Brüggemann Nicolas
Published: November 2021

Ecological sanitation via thermophilic composting could be a promising solution to the lack of sanitation and limited access to fertilizers, particularly in developing countries. Here, we conducted a 185‐d thermophilic composting experiment with human excreta, and separately with cattle manure, mixed with kitchen scraps, teff [Eragrostis tef (Zuccagni) Trotter] straw, sawdust, and biochar (BC) by using an appropriate‐technology approach. We followed the dynamics of the most important macronutrients (N, P, K), temperature, moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, as well as content of organic matter, organic C, Ca, Mg, and micronutrients throughout the process. Low N (<47%), P (<9%), K (<11%), Ca (<18%), and Mg (<21%) losses and the temperature profile indicated a well‐functioning thermophilic composting process. Compost temperature was >60 °C for 7, 6, 5, and 8 consecutive days for treatments containing human excreta, human excreta amended with BC, cattle manure, and cattle manure amended with BC, respectively, suggesting a final compost product free of pathogens. The compost mixture with cattle manure and BC reached a significantly higher temperature than the same variant without BC, with a maximum value of 65.9 °C on Day 6. For all treatments, final germination index values >100% indicated compost maturity and the absence of phytotoxic substances. Biochar addition reduced losses of organic matter (18−23%), C (33−42%), and N (49−100%) and decreased the amount of extractable NO3− (32−36%) in the final compost. The tested ecological sanitation concept via thermophilic composting is thus a promising strategy to improve access to cheap fertilizer by safe and sustainable sanitation and waste management.
Rare additional chromosomal abnormalities in acute promyelocytic leukaemia resulting in rapidly fatal disease: report of a case
Authors: Haidary Ahmed Maseh , Noor Sarah , Noor Sahar , Ahmad Maryam , Yousufzai Ahmad Walid , Saadaat Ramin , Ahmed Zeeshan Ansar , Rasooli Abdul Jamil , Zahier Ahmad Shekib , Malakzai Haider Ali , Ibrahimkhil Abdul Sami , Sharif Samuel , Anwari Mohammad Sarwar , Saqib Abdul Hadi , Baryali Tawab , Nasir Najla
Published: November 2021

Background

Acute promyelocytic leukaemia results from reciprocal translocation between the long arms of chromosomes 15 and 17. This translocation leads to the formation of chimeric gene, which is both the diagnostic marker as well as the therapeutic target of the disease. Additional chromosomal abnormalities are randomly encountered either at diagnosis or during therapy. Here, we present a case of acute promyelocytic leukaemia that had a rare cytogenetic profile at diagnosis.

Case presentation

Our patient was a 14‐year‐old boy, who presented with characteristic clinical and morphological features of acute promyelocytic leukaemia. Karyotypic analysis revealed trisomy of chromosome 8 with deletion of 9p in addition to t(15;17). The patient passed away within the first 8 h of presentation while receiving conventional chemotherapy and haemodynamic resuscitation.

Conclusion

Our patient presented with a rare cytogenetic profile and rapidly progressive disease. According to our extensive literature search, this was the first case of acute promyelocytic leukaemia having pathognomonic t(15;17) along with trisomy 8 and 9q deletion.
One‐pot synthesis of novel spirocyclic‐dihydropyrazine‐2‐(1H)ones through a Ugi 4‐CR/deprotection
Authors: Khodadadi Meysam , Ghandi Mehdi , Abbasi Alireza
Published: November 2021

A one‐pot approach to the synthesis of new spirocyclic‐dihydropyrazine‐2‐(1H)ones is described. The Ugi four‐component condensation of cycloalkanones, carboxylic acids, cyclohexyl isocyanide and aminoacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal followed by acid‐catalyzed deprotection‐cyclization afforded the desired products in moderate to good yields.
SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody kinetics in blood donors with a previously positive SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody test within a seroprevalence survey
Authors: Levring Mette B. , Holm Dorte K. , Nilsson Anna C. , Bauer Joschka M. , Jensen Iben S. , Davidsen Jesper R. , Rasmussen Line D. , Sprogøe Ulrik , Lillevang Søren T.
Published: November 2021

The persistence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) antibodies is a matter of importance regarding the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19) pandemic. To observe antibody dynamics, 105 blood donors, positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies by a lateral flow test within a seroprevalence study, were included in this study. Thirty‐nine (37%) of 105 the donors were confirmed positive by a total Ig Wantai enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Three (8%) in this group of 39 reported severe and 26/39 (67%) mild to moderate COVID‐19 symptoms. By further ELISA‐testing, 33/39 (85%) donors were initially positive for IgG antibodies, 31/39 (79%) for IgA, and 32/39 (82%) for IgM, while 27/39 (69%) were positive for all three isotypes. Persistence of IgG, IgA, and IgM was observed in 73%, 79%, and 32% of donors, respectively, after 6–9 months of observation. For IgM antibodies, the decline in the proportion of positive donors was statistically significant (p = 0.002) during 12 months observation, for IgG only the decline at 3 months was statistically significant (p = 0.042). Four donors exhibited notable increases in antibody levels. In conclusion, persistent SARS‐CoV‐2 IgA antibodies and IgG antibodies at 6–9 months are present in approximately three of four individuals with previous mild to moderate COVID‐19.
Long‐term trends in extreme precipitation indices in Ireland
Authors: Ryan Ciara , Curley Mary , Walsh Séamus , Murphy Conor
Published: November 2021

Knowledge of long‐term changes in climate extremes is vital to better understand climate variability and place present day extreme events in historical context. Analysis of trends in extreme precipitation in Ireland have largely been limited to the second half of the 20th century due to lack of data availability in digital format. Using recently digitized data, this study provides the first assessment of long‐term changes in extreme daily precipitation observed at 30 locations across Ireland. Quality control of rescued data is carried out before selected long‐term stations are tested for homogeneity using the RHtests software. Details of detected breakpoints and the application of adjustments to daily values are discussed. Eleven extreme precipitation indices are calculated on an annual basis and analysed to determine spatial and temporal trends in the frequency, intensity and magnitude of observed precipitation. The persistence of trends for varying record lengths and for two fixed periods (1910–2019 and 1940–2019) of analysis is assessed for all stations and indices. Results show increases in precipitation intensity, especially notable in the east and southeast of the island. Our findings also show that the contribution of heavy and extreme precipitation events to annual totals is increasing, while there was no persistent trends in annual totals or consecutive wet or dry days.
Institution‐wide shape analysis of 3D spinal curvature and global alignment parameters
Authors: Iriondo Claudia , Mehany Sarah , Shah Rutwik , Bharadwaj Upasana , Bahroos Emma , Chin Cynthia , Diab Mohammad , Pedoia Valentina , Majumdar Sharmila
Published: November 2021

The spine is an articulated, 3D structure with 6 degrees of translational and rotational freedom. Clinical studies have shown spinal deformities are associated with pain and functional disability in both adult and pediatric populations. Clinical decision making relies on accurate characterization of the spinal deformity and monitoring of its progression over time. However, Cobb angle measurements are time‐consuming, are limited by interobserver variability, and represent a simplified 2D view of a 3D structure. Instead, spine deformities can be described by 3D shape parameters, addressing the limitations of current measurement methods. To this end, we develop and validate a deep learning algorithm to automatically extract the vertebral midline (from the upper endplate of S1 to the lower endplate of C7) for frontal and lateral radiographs. Our results demonstrate robust performance across datasets and patient populations. Approximations of 3D spines are reconstructed from the unit normalized midline curves of 20,118 pairs of full spine radiographs belonging to 15,378 patients acquired at our institution between 2008 and 2020. The resulting 3D dataset is used to describe global imbalance parameters in the patient population and to build a statistical shape model to describe global spine shape variations in preoperative deformity patients via eight interpretable shape parameters. The developed method can identify patient subgroups with similar shape characteristics without relying on an existing shape classification system.
Performance evaluation of prefabricated polyvinyl chloride floating dome type anaerobic biogas digester of different feeding intervals using animal waste
Authors: Haque Mohammad Enamul , Ryndin Roman , Mang Heinz‐Peter , Kabir Humayun , Rahman Mohummad Muklesur , Khasruzzaman Abul Kalam Mohammad , Uddin Mohammad Asir , Islam Mohammad Alimul
Published: November 2021

Background

Anaerobic digestion (AD) has many benefits and is a safe way to generate energy, address the energy shortage problem, and reduce waste and carbon emissions. The study aimed to determine the performance evaluation of prefabricated polyvinyl chloride (PVC) biogas digester and compare different feeding intervals using cow manure. This study was conducted at ambient temperature in three types of feeding practice (daily, 4‐day, and 7‐day feeding interval) to investigate the variation of biogas production and evaluation of digester performances. The composition of biogas, pH, and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) were measured regularly and weekly basis. The TVC, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella spp. counts were determined by the spread plate technique method using PCA, EMB agar, and SS agar plate, respectively.

Results

The comparison results of daily versus 4‐day feeding interval indicated that the total biogas and methane yield was 34% and 28% higher in 4‐day interval feeding. The average digester performance was also 34% higher in 4‐day feeding interval digester than daily feeding digester. However, the comparison results of daily versus 7‐day interval feeding indicated that the total biogas, methane yield, and digester performance were slightly higher in daily feeding. Before and after AD, the bacterial load (TVC, E. coli, and Salmonella spp. count) was reduced by 2–3 logs, and this reduction was also statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The performance of PVC digester was highly satisfactory and good enough to fulfil the demand (0.8–1.6 m3) of a five‐member family for cooking both in urban and rural areas of Bangladesh.
Asymptotic behavior for a class of nonlocal nonautonomous problems
Authors: Bezerra Flank D. M. , da Silva Severino H. , Pereira Antônio L.
Published: November 2021

In this paper we consider the nonlocal nonautonomous evolution problem
where Ω is a smooth bounded domain in , and K is an integral operator with a symmetric kernel. We prove existence and some regularity properties of the pullback attractor. We also show additional forward asymptotic results in the asymptotically autonomous case, using the properties of the Lyapunov functional for the limiting problem.
A branch‐and‐cut algorithm for hub network design problems with profits
Authors: Gao Yuan , Xia Jun , Ke Hua
Published: November 2021

Hub network design problems with profits (HNDPPs) extend the classical hub location problems (HLPs), with the profit maximization objective. HNDPPs aim to design a service network with hub nodes and hub links, select the commodities to be served, and determine the transportation routes for the selected commodities. In this article, we allow the transportation route of each commodity to contain more than one hub link, which generalizes existing HNDPPs and is known to be more profitable. A new path‐based formulation is proposed, which is then reformulated in a Benders decomposition fashion, and an exact branch‐and‐cut algorithm is developed to solve the Benders master problem. At the nodes of the enumeration tree, Benders decomposition algorithm is used to solve a linear relaxation of the Benders master problem. When implementing the Benders decomposition algorithm, the special structure of the subproblem is explored, based on which an efficient method is proposed to generate Benders cuts. In addition, refinements and a heuristic strategy are used to speed up the branch‐and‐cut algorithm. Extensive numerical experiments on benchmark instances have been carried out to verify the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed solution method.
Enhancement of interfacial strength of overmolded hybrid structures of short fiber reinforced polyamide 6 on continuous fiber reinforced epoxy composites under various surface pretreatments
Authors: Ding Yudong , Tang Huaping , Shi Wuping , He Qingzhu , Zhai Zhanyu
Published: November 2021

Hybrid thermoset‐thermoplastic composites were fabricated by injection overmolding technique in this paper. To improve the interfacial bonding between short fiber reinforced polyamide 6 and continuous fiber reinforced epoxy composites, three different surface pretreatment methods (i.e., surface silanization, plasma treatment and CO2 laser ablation) were employed. The results show that surface silanization leads to a weak increase in polar functional groups of thermoset composites surface, resulting in a weak increase in interfacial bonding strength of overmolded composites. Compared with plasma pretreatment, CO2 laser ablation can achieve a highest shear bonding strength due to the formation of interface between injected melt polymer and carbon fibers. This kind of structure is favorable for the bonding strength due to mechanical interlocking. CO2 laser ablation is a promising technology to improve the bonding strength between short fiber reinforced polyamide 6 and continuous fiber reinforced epoxy composites.
Recent Progress in Near‐Field Tip Enhancement: Principles and Applications
Authors: Yin Hailong , Zhang Jianwei , Wang Xuewen , Cui Jianlei , Wang Wenjun , Mei Xuesong
Published: November 2021

The micro/nano probe tip of a scanning probe microscope irradiated by a laser to induce near‐field tip enhancement (NFTE) is a state‐of‐the‐art technique of nanoscience that has witnessed significant advances in cutting‐edge research. This technique can be applied to the field of nanofabrication and nanojoining/nanomanipulation to enable the fabrication of nano‐/molecular‐scale devices. However, literature reviews are currently unavailable in the areas of nanofabrication, nanojoining, and nanomanipulation, preventing researchers from accessing a comprehensive understanding of NFTE. Herein, the essential principles and recent applications of NFTE induced by laser‐irradiated SPM probe tips are reviewed. The physical mechanism and the limiting factors are summarized in detail. The pivotal applications of NFTE in nanofabrication, nanojoining, and nanomanipulation are highlighted, along with the challenges and perspectives on NFTE for the fabrication of nanostructures. This review offers insight into NFTE for the advancement of nanotechnology. With in‐depth theoretical and experimental research, the NFTE is expected to have a significant impact on industrial applications of nanotechnology.