bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Colorimetric and Fluorescent Probe Based on Quinoline‐Indolium for Detection of CN− in Aqueous Media
Authors: Tang Qian , Dan Feijun , Ma Shanghu , Zeng Xiaoyan , Lan Haichuang
Published: July 2021

A new colorimetric and fluorescent probe (QI) based on quinoline‐indolium was developed for detection of CN−. In an aqueous solution, QI showed high selectivity and strong anti‐interruption for CN−. In addition, it was clearly visible to the naked eyes that the color and fluorescence changes induced by CN− exhibited sharp contrast. The research also found that QI could determine CN− in the range of pH 5–10. The spectral signal was linearly proportional to CN− concentration, and the detection limit was calculated to be low as 41.6 nM. The sensing mechanism of QI to CN− was accomplished via the attachment of CN− at the C atom of indolium salt C=N+ group through the nucleophilic addition, which was confirmed by 1H NMR studies. Notably, we could apply the designed probe for the cycle detection of CN− in a wide pH range, for practical purposes for a long duration. Furthermore, the TLC plates of QI were verified to detect CN− in a simple, rapid way in environmental systems.
Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed Cascade C−H Coupling/C‐Terminus Michael Addition of N‐Phenoxy Amides with 1,6‐Enynes
Authors: Wei Yinhui , Jiang Xinlin , Gao Hui , Bian Mengyao , Huang Yugang , Zhou Zhi , Yi Wei
Published: July 2021

Described herein is a Rh(III)‐catalyzed regio‐/stereoselective C−H coupling/C‐terminus Michael addition cascade of N‐phenoxy amides with 1,6‐enynes, giving access to bicyclic frameworks with the retention of the oxidizing directing groups. Thus, it also provides a straightforward platform for subsequent derivatization via two‐fold C−H functionalization. Mechanistic studies elucidate the tandem reaction path and the coordination effect in tuning the observed manifold.
Ionic Covalent‐Organic Framework Nanozyme as Effective Cascade Catalyst against Bacterial Wound Infection
Authors: Li Yite , Wang Lei , Liu Hao , Pan Yong , Li Chaonan , Xie Zhigang , Jing Xiabin
Published: July 2021

The increasing resistance risks of conventional antibiotic abuse and the formed biofilm on the surface of wounds have been demonstrated to be the main problems for bacteria‐caused infections and unsuccessful wound healing. Treatment by reactive oxygen species, such as the commercial H2O2, is a feasible way to solve those problems, but limits in its lower efficiency. Herein, an ionic covalent‐organic framework‐based nanozyme (GFeF) with self‐promoting antibacterial effect and good biocompatibility has been developed as glucose‐triggered cascade catalyst against bacterial wound infection. Besides the efficient conversion of glucose to hydrogen peroxide, the produced gluconic acid by loading glucose oxidase can supply a compatible catalytic environment to substantially improve the peroxidase activity for generating more toxic hydroxyl radicals. Meanwhile, the adhesion between the positively charged GFeF and the bacterial membrane can greatly enhance the healing effects. This glucose‐triggered cascade strategy can reduce the harmful side effects by indirectly producing H2O2, potentially used in the wound healing of diabetic patients.
A Self‐Powered Photodetector Based on MAPbI3 Single‐Crystal Film/n‐Si Heterojunction with Broadband Response Enhanced by Pyro‐Phototronic and Piezo‐Phototronic Effects
Authors: Yang Zheng , Wang Huan , Guo Linjuan , Zhou Qing , Gu Yansong , Li Fangtao , Qiao Shuang , Pan Caofeng , Wang Shufang
Published: July 2021

Pyro‐phototronic and piezo‐phototronic effect have shown their important roles for high performance heterojunction‐based photodetectors (PDs). Here, a coupling effect of pyro‐phototronic and piezo‐phototronic effect is utilized to fabricate a self‐powered and broadband PD based on the MAPbI3 single‐crystal film/n‐Si heterojunction. First, by using the pyro‐phototronic effect derived from MAPbI3, the maximum photoresponsivity of the self‐powered PD is 1.5 mA W−1 for 780 nm illumination, which is enhanced by more than 20 times in consideration of the relative peak‐to‐peak output current. Light‐induced temperature change in MAPbI3 film will create pyro‐charges distributed at heterojunction interface, resulting in a downward bending of the energy band, facilitating the transport of photon‐generated electrons and holes, and generating spike‐like output currents. Second, piezo‐phototronic effect is further introduced by applying vertical pressures onto the PD. With a vertical pressure of 155 kPa, the responsivity can be improved by more than 120% compared to the condition with no pressure. The overall enhancement is due to the piezo‐phototronic and pyro‐phototronic coupling effects which utilize the polarization charges to modulate the band structure of heterojunction. These results provide a promising approach to develop high‐performance self‐powered and broadband perovskite‐based PDs by coupling pyro‐phototronic and piezo‐phototronic effect.
Optical Nanosensors for Real‐Time Feedback on Insulin Secretion by β‐Cells
Authors: Ehrlich Roni , Hendler‐Neumark Adi , Wulf Verena , Amir Dean , Bisker Gili
Published: July 2021

Quantification of insulin is essential for diabetes research in general, and for the study of pancreatic β‐cell function in particular. Herein, fluorescent single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) are used for the recognition and real‐time quantification of insulin. Two approaches for rendering the SWCNT sensors for insulin are compared, using surface functionalization with either a natural insulin aptamer with known affinity to insulin, or a synthetic lipid‐poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) (C16‐PEG(2000Da)‐Ceramide), both of which show a modulation of the emitted fluorescence in response to insulin. Although the PEGylated‐lipid has no prior affinity to insulin, the response of C16‐PEG(2000Da)‐Ceramide‐SWCNTs to insulin is more stable and reproducible compared to the insulin aptamer‐SWCNTs. The SWCNT sensors successfully detect insulin secreted by β‐cells within the complex environment of the conditioned media. The insulin is quantified by comparing the SWCNTs fluorescence response to a standard calibration curve, and the results are found to be in agreement with an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. This novel analytical tool for real time quantification of insulin secreted by β‐cells provides new opportunities for rapid assessment of β‐cell function, with the ability to push forward many aspects of diabetes research.
An experimental study on seismic performance levels of highly corroded reinforced concrete columns
Authors: Celik Alper , Yalciner Hakan , Kumbasaroglu Atila , Turan Ahmet İhsan
Published: July 2021

In the literature, only one empirical model is available as a nondestructive method for the prediction of seismic performance levels of corroded reinforced concrete (RC) columns as a function of the initial corrosion crack width at lower corrosion levels. Because of the ruptured transverse reinforcement bars at higher corrosion levels, the structural behavior may turn brittle in terms of shear failure. Therefore, in this study, higher corrosion levels for a different concrete strength level from that empirical model were studied. To do this, four RC columns were subjected to accelerated corrosion, and the widths of initial corrosion cracks were measured. The corroded RC columns were then tested under combined constant axial load and cyclic lateral displacement excursions. After the cyclic loading test, the actual corrosion levels at each reinforcement bar were obtained by extracting the reinforcement bars from the concrete. Test results showed that the prediction of seismic performance levels of corroded RC columns based on initial corrosion crack widths were limited owing to the nonlinear increase in the crack width with the increase in the corrosion levels. New empirical models were developed to predict the remaining energy capacities and seismic performance levels of the corroded RC columns.
Whose Kids Did You Eat? Genetic Identification of Species and Parents of Larval Lampreys in Fish Predator Guts
Authors: Arakawa Hiroaki , Lampman Ralph T. , Hess Jon E.
Published: July 2021

The Pacific Lamprey Entosphenus tridentatus is an important species both ecologically and culturally, but their population numbers and range have declined severely in the past several decades in the Columbia Basin. In freshwater ecosystems, larval lampreys are candidate prey species for many fish predators, but little is known regarding the magnitude of predation they currently experience. Predation on larval Pacific Lampreys may be substantially underestimated by morphological gut content analysis because their soft bodies are quickly digested and leave no hard evidence, such as bones and scales. We conducted an experimental predation study and analyzed larval Pacific Lampreys in the gut contents of predators’ digestive tracts via both morphological and molecular methods. Whereas most consumed larval lampreys (67–100%) were morphologically unidentifiable within two nights, genetic species identification rates using four single nucleotide polymorphisms from stomachs were high (83%). The single nucleotide polymorphisms optimized for parentage in Pacific Lamprey also successfully identified the parents of four out of five Pacific Lampreys with complete genotypes. When a genetic baseline of candidate parents is available, this molecular technique using parentage‐based tagging offers a novel method for determining precise characteristics of predation behavior in field studies, including the ages and natal origins of larvae being consumed.
Lipid coating technology: A potential solution to address the problem of sticky containers and vanishing drugs
Authors: Ma Gamaliel Junren , Yoon Bo Kyeong , Sut Tun Naw , Yoo Ki Yeol , Lee Seung Hwa , Jeon Won‐Yong , Jackman Joshua A. , Ariga Katsuhiko , Cho Nam‐Joon
Published: July 2021

Pharmaceutical drugs and vaccines require the use of material containers for protection, storage, and transportation. Glass and plastic materials are widely used for packaging, and a longstanding challenge in the field is the nonspecific adsorption of pharmaceutical drugs to container walls – the so‐called “sticky containers, vanishing drugs” problem – that effectively reduces the active drug concentration and can cause drug denaturation. This challenge has been frequently discussed in the case of the anticancer drug, paclitaxel, and the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has brought renewed attention to this material science challenge in light of the need to scale up COVID‐19 vaccine production and to secure sufficient quantities of packaging containers. To reduce nonspecific adsorption on inner container walls, various strategies based on siliconization and thin polymer films have been explored, while it would be advantageous to develop mass‐manufacturable, natural material solutions, especially ones involving pharmaceutical grade excipients. Inspired by how lipid nanoparticles have revolutionized the vaccine field, in this perspective, we discuss the prospects for developing lipid bilayer coatings to prevent nonspecific adsorption of pharmaceutical drugs and vaccines and how recent advances in lipid bilayer coating fabrication technologies are poised to accelerate progress in the field. We critically discuss recent examples of how lipid bilayer coatings can prevent nonspecific sticking of proteins and vaccines to relevant material surfaces and examine future translational prospects.
The Single Digital Gateway Regulation as an Enabler and Constraint of Once-Only in Europe
Authors: Graux Hans
Published: July 2021

The adoption of the Single Digital Gateway Regulation is a gamechanger in European e-government. For the first time, it creates a horizontal, non-sector specific legal framework for the direct exchange of digital evidence between public administrations in different Member States. However, these exchanges require public administrations to have a certain degree of trust in each other, which is built on a shared legal basis. The Single Digital Gateway Regulation achieves its goal of creating a legal basis and establishing trust, but also builds in a number of explicit and implicit legal constraints. These will help make the once-only principle in Europe a reality, but also enshrine limitations that will require revisions and expansions of the Regulation at some point in the future. This paper examines the genesis of the Regulation, its legal choices and priorities, the resulting implications and limitations, and potential challenges for the future.
PI-RADS 2.1 und strukturierte Befundung der Magnetresonanztomographie der Prostata
Authors: Hötker Andreas , Donati Olivio F.
Published: July 2021

Klinisches/methodisches Problem

Die Identifikation klinisch signifikanter Prostatakarzinome bei gleichzeitigem Vermeiden einer Überdiagnostik niedrigmaligner Tumoren stellt eine Herausforderung in der klinischen Routine dar.

Radiologische Standardverfahren

Die gemäß PI-RADS-Richtlinien (Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System Guidelines) akquirierte und interpretierte multiparametrische Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) der Prostata ist als klinischer Standard bei Urologen und Radiologen akzeptiert.

Methodische Innovationen

Die PI-RADS-Richtlinien sind neu auf Version 2.1 aktualisiert worden und beinhalten neben präzisierten technischen Anforderungen einzelne Änderungen in der Läsionsbewertung.

Leistungsfähigkeit

Die PI-RADS-Richtlinien haben entscheidende Bedeutung in der Standardisierung der multiparametrischen MRT der Prostata erlangt und bieten Vorlagen zur strukturierten Befundung, was die Kommunikation mit dem Zuweiser erleichtert.

Bewertung

Die nun auf Version 2.1 aktualisierten Richtlinien stellen eine Verfeinerung der verbreiteten Version 2.0 dar. Dabei wurden viele Aspekte der Befundung präzisiert, einige vorbekannte Limitationen bleiben jedoch bestehen und erfordern die weitere Verbesserung der Richtlinien in kommenden Versionen.
Leitlinientreue und Qualitätssicherung in der bildgebenden Diagnostik bei Verdacht auf Kindesmisshandlung in Deutschland
Authors: Dargel Susanne , Stenzel Martin , Stöver Brigitte , Schleußner Ekkehard , Wittschieber Daniel , Banaschak Sibylle , Mentzel Hans-Joachim
Published: July 2021

Hintergrund

Die bildgebende Diagnostik nimmt in der Evaluation nichtakzidentieller Verletzungsfolgen im Kindesalter eine Schlüsselrolle ein. Frakturen sind nach Hautläsionen wie Abschürfungen oder Hämatomen die zweithäufigste Folge körperlicher Kindesmisshandlung. Mit Hilfe radiologischer Kriterien können nichtakzidentielle von akzidentiellen Frakturen differenziert werden. Spezielle Frakturtypen wie die klassische metaphysäre Läsion können nur bei hoher Bildqualität differenziert werden.

Fragestellung

In einer prospektiven Analyse sollten Leitlinientreue und Qualitätssicherung der radiologischen Diagnostik bei Misshandlungsverdacht in Deutschland erfasst werden. Dazu wurden Quantität und diagnostische Qualität in der universitären und nichtuniversitären Versorgung sowie in Abhängigkeit einer vorhandenen kinderradiologischen Fachabteilung analysiert.

Material und Methoden

Es wurden 958 Röntgenuntersuchungen von 114 vermuteten Misshandlungsfällen (46 Mädchen, 68 Jungen) bewertet. Insgesamt 42 Fälle aus universitären, 42 aus maximalversorgenden und 30 aus regelversorgenden Kliniken mit einem medianen Alter von 6 Monaten (3 Wochen – 3. Lebensjahr) wurden als DICOM-Daten von 3 Kinderradiologen im Konsensverfahren hinsichtlich Leitlinientreue und verschiedener Qualitätsparameter beurteilt. Ein Begleitfragebogen sollte die theoretischen Kenntnisse mit der jeweiligen praktischen Umsetzung vergleichen.

Ergebnisse

Je Fall wurden im Mittel 8,4 Röntgenaufnahmen (1–22) angefertigt. In 12 von 114 beurteilten Fällen (10 %) lag ein vollständiger Skelettstatus nach S1-Leitlinie GPR vor. In 13 Fällen (10,5 %) wurde ein Babygramm durchgeführt. Abteilungen mit kinderradiologischem Schwerpunkt fertigten signifikant mehr Röntgenaufnahmen je Skelettstatus an als Einrichtungen ohne Schwerpunkt (p < 0,05). Eine signifikant höhere qualitative Umsetzung wurde in Universitätskliniken verzeichnet (p < 0,001). Eine Übereinstimmung von Fragebogenantwort und vorliegendem Bildmaterial zeigte sich unabhängig der Institutionsart nur marginal.

Diskussion

In Deutschland fehlt bislang mehrheitlich ein leitliniengerechtes Vorgehen bei Misshandlungsverdacht. Es bleibt abzuwarten, ob sich dies mit der breiteren Implementierung von Kinderschutzgruppen und der 2019 verabschiedeten S3-Kinderschutzleitlinie (AWMF-Registrierungsnummer: 027-069) zukünftig ändern wird. Die Etablierung von Referenzzentren für Zweitbefundung und Empfehlungen zur Aufnahmetechnik können zusätzlich die Versorgungsqualität nachhaltig verbessern.
High compliance with the injury prevention exercise programme Knee Control is associated with a greater injury preventive effect in male, but not in female, youth floorball players
Authors: Åkerlund Ida , Waldén Markus , Sonesson Sofi , Lindblom Hanna , Hägglund Martin
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Evaluate team and player compliance with the Knee Control injury prevention exercise programme, study the association between player compliance and injury rates, and compare coach demographics, baseline prevention expectancies, and programme utilisation between teams with high and low compliance.

Methods

Prospective one-season cohort study based on a cluster randomised controlled trial on 301 (107 female) floorball players aged 12–17 years. Floorball exposure and injuries were self-reported weekly by players using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center questionnaire. Team and player compliance to Knee Control was reported monthly by coaches. Additionally, coaches answered pre- and post-season surveys. Teams were divided into a high (≥ 80%) or low (< 80%) compliance group based on their use of Knee Control during the season. Players were divided into three compliance groups based on their average weekly number of Knee Control sessions; high (≥ 2 sessions), intermediate (≥ 1 to < 2 sessions), and low dose (< 1 session).

Results

Mean team compliance for the high and low compliance groups were 95% (range 82–100) and 50% (range 13–66), respectively. Mean ± SD weekly Knee Control dose in the three player compliance groups were 2.4 ± 0.3, 1.4 ± 0.3, and 0.7 ± 0.3 sessions, respectively. There were no differences in total injury incidence between the player compliance groups, but players in the high-dose group had a 35% lower prevalence of injuries overall [adjusted prevalence rate ratio (PRR) 0.65, 95% CI 0.48–0.89] and 60% lower prevalence of substantial injuries (adjusted PRR 0.40, 95% CI 0.26–0.61) compared with the low-dose group. Male players in the high-dose group had consistently lower injury incidence and prevalence, while no between compliance group differences were seen in female players. There were no differences in sex, years of coaching experience, or baseline prevention expectancies in general between coaches for teams in the high vs. low compliance groups, but teams in the high compliance group had a better utilisation fidelity.

Conclusion

There was a clear dose–response relationship between more frequent Knee Control use and lower injury rates in male floorball players, but not in female players. Teams with higher compliance also showed a better utilisation fidelity with the programme.

Level of evidence

Level II.
Galileo precise orbit determination with optical two-way links (OTWL): a continuous wave laser ranging and time transfer concept
Authors: Marz Stefan , Schlicht Anja , Hugentobler Urs
Published: July 2021

In this simulation study we analyze the benefit of ground-space optical two-way links (OTWL) for Galileo precise orbit determination (POD). OTWL is a concept based on continuous wave laser ranging and time transfer with modulated signals from and to ground stations. The measurements are in addition to Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) observations. We simulate the measurements with regard to 16 Galileo Sensor Stations. In the simulation study we assume that the whole Galileo satellite constellation is equipped with terminals for OTWL. Using OTWL together with Galileo L-band, in comparison with an orbit solution calculated with L-band-only, demonstrates the advantage of combining two ranging techniques with different influences of systematic errors. The two-way link allows a station and satellite clock synchronization. Furthermore, we compare the ground-space concept with the satellite-to-satellite counterpart known as optical two-way inter-satellite links (OISL). The advantage of OTWL is the connection between the satellite system and the solid Earth as well as the possibility to synchronize the satellite clocks and the ground station clocks. The full network, using all three observation types in combination is simulated as well. The possibility to estimate additional solar radiation pressure (SRP) parameters within these combinations is a clear benefit of these additional links. We paid great attention to simulate systematic effects of all observation techniques as realistically as possible. For L-band these are measurement noise, tropospheric delays, phase center variation of receiver and transmitter antennas, constant and variable biases as well as multipath. For optical links we simulated colored and distance-dependent noise, offsets due to the link repeatability and offsets related to the equipment calibration quality. In addition, we added a troposphere error for the OTWL measurements. We discuss the influence on the formal orbit uncertainties and the effects of the systematic errors. Restrictions due to weather conditions are addressed as well. OTWL is synergetic with the other measurement techniques like OISL and can be used for data transfer and communication, respectively.
Isolation of bacteria from artificial bronchoalveolar lavage fluid using density gradient centrifugation and their accessibility by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Wichmann Christina , Rösch Petra , Popp Jürgen
Published: July 2021

Raman spectroscopy is an analytical method to identify medical samples of bacteria. Because Raman spectroscopy detects the biochemical properties of a cell, there are many factors that can influence and modify the Raman spectra of bacteria. One possible influence is a proper method for isolation of the bacteria. Medical samples in particular never occur in purified form, so a Raman-compatible isolation method is needed which does not affect the bacteria and thus the resulting spectra. In this study, we present a Raman-compatible method for isolation of bacteria from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid using density gradient centrifugation. In addition to measuring the bacteria from a patient sample, the yield and the spectral influence of the isolation on the bacteria were investigated. Bacteria isolated from BAL fluid show additional peaks in comparison to pure culture bacteria, which can be attributed to components in the BAL sample. The isolation gradient itself has no effect on the spectra, and with a yield of 63% and 78%, the method is suitable for isolation of low concentrations of bacteria from a complex matrix.
General Relativity and the AKSZ Construction
Authors: Canepa G. , Cattaneo A. S. , Schiavina M.
Published: July 2021

In this note the AKSZ construction is applied to the BFV description of the reduced phase space of the Einstein–Hilbert and of the Palatini–Cartan theories in every space-time dimension greater than two. In the former case one obtains a BV theory for the first-order formulation of Einstein–Hilbert theory, in the latter a BV theory for Palatini–Cartan theory with a partial implementation of the torsion-free condition already on the space of fields. All theories described here are BV versions of the same classical system on cylinders. The AKSZ implementations we present have the advantage of yielding a compatible BV–BFV description, which is the required starting point for a quantization in presence of a boundary.
In Vitro Antidiabetic, Antioxidant Activity, and Probiotic Activities of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Strains
Authors: Won GaYeong , Choi Soo-Im , Park NaYeong , Kim Ji-Eun , Kang Chang-Ho , Kim Gun-Hee
Published: July 2021

Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder, is characterized by persistent hyperglycemia. This study aimed to evaluate the hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities of lactic acid bacteria strains isolated from humans and food products and investigate the probiotic properties of the selected four strains. The hypoglycemic activity of the isolated strains was examined by evaluating the α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities. The antioxidant activity was measured using the DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Four strains (Lactiplantibacillus plantarumMG4229, MG4296, MG5025, andLacticaseibacillus paracaseiMG5012) exhibited potent α-glucosidase inhibitory (>75%) and α-amylase inhibitory (>85%) activities, which were comparable to those of acarbose (>50%; 1000 μg/mL). Similarly, the radical scavenging and antioxidant activities of the four strains were comparable to those of ascorbic acid (50 μg/mL). Additionally, the probiotic properties of the four selected strains were examined based on acid and bile salt tolerance, auto-aggregation ability, and antibiotic resistance. The four strains were resistant to pH 2 (>50% of survivability) and 0.5% bile salt (>80% of survivability). Therefore, we suggest that the selected strains with hypoglycemic, antioxidant, probiotic properties can potentially prevent diabetes.
Clinical presentation and management of childhood intussusception in South Africa
Authors: Cox Sharon , Withers Aletha , Arnold Marion , Chitnis Milind , de Vos Corné , Kirsten Mari , le Grange Susanna M. , Loveland Jerome , Machaea Sello , Maharaj Ashwini , Madhi Shabir A. , Tate Jacqueline E. , Parashar Umesh D. , Groome Michelle J.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

We assessed management and outcomes for intussusception at nine academic hospitals in South Africa.

Methods

Patients ≤ 3 years presenting with intussusception between September 2013 and December 2017 were prospectively enrolled at all sites. Additionally, patients presenting between July 2012 and August 2013 were retrospectively enrolled at one site. Demographics, clinical information, diagnostic modality, reduction methods, surgical intervention and outcomes were reviewed.

Results

Four hundred seventy-six patients were enrolled, [54% males, median age 6.5 months (IQR 2.6–32.6)]. Vomiting (92%), bloody stool (91%), abdominal mass (57%), fever (32%) and a rectal mass (29%) represented advanced disease: median symptom duration was 3 days (IQR 1–4).

Initial reduction attempts included pneumatic reduction (66%) and upfront surgery (32%). The overall non-surgical reduction rate was 28% and enema perforation rate was 4%. Surgery occurred in 334 (70%), 68 (20%) patients had perforated bowel, bowel resection was required in 61%.

Complications included recurrence (2%) and nosocomial sepsis (4%). Length of stay (LOS) was significantly longer in patients who developed complications. Six patients died—a mortality rate of 1%. There was a significant difference in reduction rates, upfront surgery, bowel resection, LOS and mortality between centres with shorter symptom duration compared longer symptom duration.

Conclusion

Delayed presentation was common and associated with low success for enema reduction, higher operative rates, higher rates of bowel resection and increased LOS. Improved primary health-care worker education and streamlining referral pathways might facilitate timely management.
A metal-free salalen ligand with anti-tumor and synergistic activity in resistant leukemia and solid tumor cells via mitochondrial pathway
Authors: Hopff Sina M. , Wang Qifang , Frias Corazon , Ahrweiler Marie , Wilke Nicola , Wilke Nathalie , Berkessel Albrecht , Prokop Aram
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Since the discovery of the well-known cis-platin, transition metal complexes are highly recognized as cytostatic agents. However, toxic side effects of the metal ions present in the complexes may pose significant problems for their future development. Therefore, we investigated the metal-free salalen ligand WQF 044.

Methods

DNA fragmentations in leukemia (Nalm6) and solid tumor cells (BJAB, MelHO, MCF-7, RM82) proved the apoptotic effects of WQF 044, its overcoming of resistances and the cellular pathways that are affected by the substance. The apoptotic mechanisms finding were supported by western blot analysis, measurement of the mitochondrial membrane potential and polymerase chain reactions.

Results

A complex intervention in the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis with a Bcl-2 and caspase dependence was observed. Additionally, a wide range of tumors were affected by the ligand in a low micromolar range in-vitro. The compound overcame multidrug resistances in P-gp over-expressed acute lymphoblastic leukemia and CD95-downregulated Ewing’s sarcoma cells. Quite remarkable synergistic effects with vincristine were observed in Burkitt-like lymphoma cells.

Conclusion

The investigation of a metal-free salalen ligand as a potential anti-cancer drug revealed in promising results for a future clinical use.
The prevalence, associated factors, clinical impact, and state of diagnosis of delirium in palliative care patients
Authors: Klankluang Watanachai , Tongsai Sasima , Sriphirom Chairat , Siriussawakul Arunotai , Chanthong Pratamaporn , Tayjasanant Supakarn
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study is to establish the prevalence, associated factors, and clinical impact of delirium in newly referred palliative care patients and the percentage of delirium diagnoses missed by primary medical teams.

Methods

Newly referred palliative care patients were evaluated and were reviewed for possible associated factors of delirium. Univariable and multivariable analysis were used to identify associated factors. Median overall survival and survival curves were analyzed. The percentage of missed diagnosis in IPD patients was identified.

Results

We included 350 palliative care patients. Nearly all patients had cancer diagnosis (96.6%). The overall prevalence of delirium was 44.0%. The independent associated factors of delirium were age ≥ 63 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 7.0; 95% CI, 2.2–22.9), palliative performance scale ≤ 20% (aOR, 54.5; 95% CI, 13.1–228.0), brain metastasis (aOR, 15.6; 95% CI, 3.7–66.7), urinary tract infection (aOR, 18.8; 95% CI, 4.7–75.5), sepsis (aOR, 59.0; 95% CI, 4.4–797.8), hyponatremia (aOR, 8.8; 95% CI, 2.6–29.8), and hypercalcemia (not applicable). Interestingly, opioids and benzodiazepines were not associated with delirium. Delirious patients had significantly shorter survival (median survival 11 days). Delirium diagnoses were missed for 76.1%.

Conclusion

Nearly half of the palliative care patients had delirium, which was associated with noticeably short survivals. We identified the independent factors associated with the delirium. Despite having a remarkably high prevalence rate and being a well-known poor prognostic factor, there was still a very high rate of missed delirium diagnoses. Effective, routine, delirium screening of palliative care patients needs to be emphasized.
Operator dependency of arterial input function in dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI
Authors: Kleppestø Magne , Bjørnerud Atle , Groote Inge Rasmus , Kim Minjae , Vardal Jonas , Larsson Christopher
Published: July 2021

Objective

To investigate the effect of inter-operator variability in arterial input function (AIF) definition on kinetic parameter estimates (KPEs) from dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI in patients with high-grade gliomas.

Methods

The study included 118 DCE series from 23 patients. AIFs were measured by three domain experts (DEs), and a population AIF (pop-AIF) was constructed from the measured AIFs. The DE-AIFs, pop-AIF and AUC-normalized DE-AIFs were used for pharmacokinetic analysis with the extended Tofts model. AIF-dependence of KPEs was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis, and the impact on relative longitudinal change in Ktrans was assessed by Fleiss’ kappa (κ).

Results

There was a moderate to substantial agreement (ICC 0.51–0.76) between KPEs when using DE-AIFs, while AUC-normalized AIFs yielded ICC 0.77–0.95 for Ktrans, kep and ve and ICC 0.70 for vp. Inclusion of the pop-AIF did not reduce agreement. Agreement in relative longitudinal change in Ktrans was moderate (κ = 0.591) using DE-AIFs, while AUC-normalized AIFs gave substantial (κ = 0.809) agreement.

Discussion

AUC-normalized AIFs can reduce the variation in kinetic parameter results originating from operator input. The pop-AIF presented in this work may be applied in absence of a satisfactory measurement.
Sarcocystis neurona Transmission from Opossums to Marine Mammals in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: O’Byrne Alice M. , Lambourn Dyanna M. , Rejmanek Daniel , Haman Katherine , O’Byrne Michael , VanWormer Elizabeth , Shapiro Karen
Published: July 2021

Increasing reports of marine mammal deaths have been attributed to the parasite Sarcocystis neurona. Infected opossums, the only known definitive hosts, shed S. neurona sporocysts in their feces. Sporocysts can contaminate the marine environment via overland runoff, and subsequent ingestion by marine mammals can lead to fatal encephalitis. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of S. neurona in opossums from coastal areas of Washington State (USA) and to compare genetic markers between S. neurona in opossums and marine mammals. Thirty-two road-kill opossums and tissue samples from 30 stranded marine mammals meeting inclusion criteria were included in analyses. Three opossums (9.4%) and twelve marine mammals (40%) were confirmed positive for S. neurona via DNA amplification at the ITS1 locus. Genetic identity at microsatellites (sn3, sn7, sn9) and the snSAG3 gene of S. neurona was demonstrated among one harbor porpoise and two opossums. Watershed mapping further demonstrated plausible sporocyst transport pathways from one of these opossums to the location where an infected harbor porpoise carcass was recovered. Our results provide the first reported link between S. neurona genotypes on land and sea in the Pacific Northwest, and further demonstrate how terrestrial pathogen pollution can impact the health of marine wildlife.
Applying neural networks to predict HPC-I/O bandwidth over seismic data on lustre file system for ExSeisDat
Authors: Tipu Abdul Jabbar Saeed , Conbhuí Padraig Ó , Howley Enda
Published: July 2021

HPC or super-computing clusters are designed for executing computationally intensive operations that typically involve large scale I/O operations. This most commonly involves using a standard MPI library implemented in C/C++. The MPI-I/O performance in HPC clusters tends to vary significantly over a range of configuration parameters that are generally not taken into account by the algorithm. It is commonly left to individual practitioners to optimise I/O on a case by case basis at code level. This can often lead to a range of unforeseen outcomes. The ExSeisDat utility is built on top of the native MPI-I/O library comprising of Parallel I/O and Workflow Libraries to process seismic data encapsulated in SEG-Y file format. The SEG-Y File data structure is complex in nature, due to the alternative arrangement of trace header and trace data. Its size scales to petabytes and the chances of I/O performance degradation are further increased by ExSeisDat. This research paper presents a novel study of the changing I/O performance in terms of bandwidth, with the use of parallel plots against various MPI-I/O, Lustre (Parallel) File System and SEG-Y File parameters. Another novel aspect of this research is the predictive modelling of MPI-I/O behaviour over SEG-Y File benchmarks using Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). The accuracy ranges from 62.5% to 96.5% over the set of trained ANN models. The computed Mean Square Error (MSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) values further support the generalisation of the prediction models. This paper demonstrates that by using our ANNs prediction technique, the configurations can be tuned beforehand to avoid poor I/O performance.
Bioavailability and health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in popcorn kernel from sandy loam Ferric Luvisol amended with municipal solid waste compost
Authors: Dada Oyeyemi A. , Kutu Funso R.
Published: July 2021

Application of municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) to marginal soil enhances crop growth but could also serve as source of pollutants into agroecosystem. There is scanty report on bioavailability of potentially toxic element (PTE) and the health risk of consuming popcorn kernel harvested from field fertilized with MSWC. Field trial was carried out in 2017–2019 to evaluate bioavailability of PTEs in kernel of popcorn harvested from field fertilized with MSWC. The trial was conducted at the experimental field of North-West University, Mafikeng campus South Africa. The treatments comprised three rates of MSWC including 0 t/ha (unamended, control), 4 t/ha and 8 t/ha arranged in randomized complete block design and replicated four times. One seed of popcorn was sown at 20 × 70 cm spacing per hole of 3 cm depth in a 6 × 4.2 m plot size. Growth and yield data were collected at maturity. Ears were harvested at maturity and the kernels were dried to 12% moisture content. Air-dried kernels (50 g) samples were collected and analyzed for essential mineral nutrient and some heavy metal(loid)s using ICP-MS. Measured concentrations of these heavy metal(loid)s were then used to calculate the health risk for adults and children. The results showed that uptake concentration was in the order K+ > HPO42− > Mg+2 > Ca2+ > Fe2+ > Cr6+ > Zn2+ > Mn2+  > Cu2+(mg/kg). Uptake concentration of metalloids: Al and Pd was significantly higher in the unamended. Bioavailability of PTE was highest in unamended plots. The average daily intake of the PTEs was within the recommended permissible level. The risk index value for oral pathway was < 1 for both adult and children population. Amending Ferric Luvisol with 80 t/ha MSWC enhanced popcorn growth and, concentration of accumulated PTEs in kernels at this rate, cannot pose health risk to both adult and children population.
Ethical dilemmas are really important to potential adopters of autonomous vehicles
Authors: Gill Tripat
Published: July 2021

The ethical dilemma (ED) of whether autonomous vehicles (AVs) should protect the passengers or pedestrians when harm is unavoidable has been widely researched and debated. Several behavioral scientists have sought public opinion on this issue, based on the premise that EDs are critical to resolve for AV adoption. However, many scholars and industry participants have downplayed the importance of these edge cases. Policy makers also advocate a focus on higher level ethical principles rather than on a specific solution to EDs. But conspicuously absent from this debate is the view of the consumers or potential adopters, who will be instrumental to the success of AVs. The current research investigated this issue both from a theoretical standpoint and through empirical research. The literature on innovation adoption and risk perception suggests that EDs will be heavily weighted by potential adopters of AVs. Two studies conducted with a broad sample of consumers verified this assertion. The results from these studies showed that people associated EDs with the highest risk and considered EDs as the most important issue to address as compared to the other technical, legal and ethical issues facing AVs. As such, EDs need to be addressed to ensure robustness in the design of AVs and to assure consumers of the safety of this promising technology. Some preliminary evidence is provided about interventions to resolve the social dilemma in EDs and about the ethical preferences of prospective early adopters of AVs.
Large Deviations for Kac-Like Walks
Authors: Basile Giada , Benedetto Dario , Bertini Lorenzo , Orrieri Carlo
Published: July 2021

We introduce a Kac’s type walk whose rate of binary collisions preserves the total momentum but not the kinetic energy. In the limit of large number of particles we describe the dynamics in terms of empirical measure and flow, proving the corresponding large deviation principle. The associated rate function has an explicit expression. As a byproduct of this analysis, we provide a gradient flow formulation of the Boltzmann-Kac equation.
Association between [68Ga]NODAGA-RGDyK uptake and dynamics of angiogenesis in a human cell-based 3D model
Authors: Grönman Maria , Moisio Olli , Li Xiang-Guo , Toimela Tarja , Huttala Outi , Heinonen Tuula , Knuuti Juhani , Roivainen Anne , Saraste Antti
Published: July 2021

Radiolabeled RGD peptides targeting expression of αvβ3 integrin have been applied to in vivo imaging of angiogenesis. However, there is a need for more information on the quantitative relationships between RGD peptide uptake and the dynamics of angiogenesis. In this study, we sought to measure the binding of [68Ga]NODAGA-RGDyK to αvβ3 integrin in a human cell-based three-dimensional (3D) in vitro model of angiogenesis, and to compare the level of binding with the amount of angiogenesis. Experiments were conducted using a human cell-based 3D model of angiogenesis consisting of co-culture of human adipose stem cells (hASCs) and of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Angiogenesis was induced with four concentrations (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) of growth factor cocktail resulting in a gradual increase in the density of the tubule network. Cultures were incubated with [68Ga]NODAGA-RGDyK for 90 min at 37 °C, and binding of radioactivity was measured by gamma counting and digital autoradiography. The results revealed that tracer binding increased gradually with neovasculature density. In comparison with vessels induced with a growth factor concentration of 25%, the uptake of [68Ga]NODAGA-RGDyK was higher at concentrations of 75% and 100%, and correlated with the amount of neovasculature, as determined by visual evaluation of histological staining. Uptake of [68Ga]NODAGA-RGDyK closely reflected the amount of angiogenesis in an in vitro 3D model of angiogenesis. These results support further evaluation of RGD-based approaches for targeted imaging of angiogenesis.
The SH3PXD2A-HTRA1 fusion transcript is extremely rare in Norwegian sporadic vestibular schwannoma patients
Authors: Taule-Sivertsen Peter , Bruland Ove , Håvik Aril Løge , Bratland Eirik , Lund-Johansen Morten , Knappskog Per Morten
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Vestibular schwannoma (VS) is a benign intracranial tumor in which the underlying genetics is largely uncertain, apart from mutations in the tumor suppressor gene NF2. Alternative tumorigenic mechanisms have been proposed, including a recurrent in-frame fusion transcript of the HTRA1 and SH3PXD2A genes. The gene product of the SH3PXD2A-HTRA1 fusion has been shown to promote proliferation, invasion and resistance to cell death in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. The aim of this study was to replicate the findings and to investigate the frequency of this fusion gene in another cohort of vestibular schwannoma patients.

Methods

The SH3PXD2A-HTRA1 transcript was synthesized in vitro using PCR and used as a positive control to assess the sensitivity of a real-time PCR assay. This real-time PCR assay was used to search for the presence of the fusion transcript in 121 Norwegian sporadic VS patients.

Results

The real-time PCR assay showed a high sensitivity and was able to detect as low as ~ 5 copies of the fusion transcript. Out of the 121 investigated tumors, only 1 harbored the SH3PXD2A-HTRA1 fusion.

Conclusion

Even though the SH3PXD2A-HTRA1 fusion has been shown to be a driver of tumorigenesis, our results suggest that it is a rare event in our VS patients. Further investigation is warranted in order to elucidate whether our results represent an extreme, and if the fusion is present also in other neoplasms.
Direct oral anticoagulant-related medication incidents and pharmacists’ interventions in hospital in-patients: evaluation using reason’s accident causation theory
Authors: Haque Hazera , Alrowily Abdulrhman , Jalal Zahraa , Tailor Bijal , Efue Vicky , Sarwar Asif , Paudyal Vibhu
Published: July 2021

BackgroundDirect oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have revolutionised anticoagulant pharmacotherapy. However, DOAC-related medication incidents are known to be common.ObjectiveTo assess medication incidents associated with DOACs using an error theory and to analyse pharmacists’ contributions in minimising medication incidents in hospital in-patients.SettingA large University academic hospital in the West Midlands of England.MethodsMedication incident data from the incident reporting system (48-months period) and pharmacists’ interventions data from the prescribing system (26-month period) relating to hospital in-patients were extracted. Reason’s Accident Causation Model was used to identify potential causality of the incidents. Pharmacists’ intervention data were thematically analysed.Main outcome measure(a) Frequency, type and potential causality of DOAC-related incidents; (b) nature of pharmacists’ interventions.ResultsA total of 812 reports were included in the study (124 medication incidents and 688 intervention reports). Missing drug/omission was the most common incident type (26.6%, n = 33) followed by wrong drug (16.1%, n = 20) and wrong dose/strength (11.3%, n = 14). A high majority (89.5%, n = 111) of medication incidents were caused by active failures. Patient discharge without anticoagulation supply and failure to restart DOACs post procedure/scan were commonly recurring themes. Pharmacists’ interventions most frequently related to changes in pharmacological strategy, including drug or dose changes (38.1%, n = 262). Impaired renal function was the most common reason for dose adjustments.ConclusionPrescribers’ active failure rather than system errors (i.e. latent failures) contributed to the majority of DOAC-related incidents. Reinforcement of guideline adherence, prescriber education, harnessing pharmacists’ roles and mandating renal function information in prescriptions are likely to improve patient safety.
Shot-noise queueing models
Authors: Boxma Onno , Mandjes Michel
Published: July 2021

We provide a survey of so-called shot-noise queues: queueing models with the special feature that the server speed is proportional to the amount of work it faces. Several results are derived for the workload in anM/G/1 shot-noise queue and some of its variants. Furthermore, we give some attention to queues with general workload-dependent service speed. We also discuss linear stochastic fluid networks, and queues in which the input process is a shot-noise process.
Rigid Versus Variable Energy Sources in Water-Pressurized Systems: An Economic and Environmental Analysis
Authors: Gómez Sellés Elena , Briones-Hidrovo Andrei , del Teso March Roberto , Uche Marcuello Francisco Javier , Cabrera Marcet Enrique
Published: July 2021

The layouts of most urban water systems are known. A head tank with an appropriate elevation is used to supply water through the network at a pressure equal (or higher) to that set by the relevant standards. Furthermore, equalization, fire and emergency storage are important benefits of tank use, as is the possibility of avoiding peak rate electricity fares. However, at the end of the last century, some tanks were reported to have a negative impact the quality of water, and recommendations were made to limit their volume and revise their geometry. Recently, alternative options have been considered. Equalization can be achieved with pumps with variable-frequency drivers, emergency situations can be avoided with electric oil generators and solar plants can be used to offset other generation types and reduce energy costs. Therefore, this article analyses the performance of tanks as an energy source, and tank and pump supply methods are directly compared; overall, direct supply through pumps is cheaper, more energy efficient and more environmentally convenient. Therefore, in the context of climate change, it seems reasonable to avoid water tanks as energy sources.