bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design & development of customizable web API for interoperability of antimicrobial resistance data
Authors: Kaur Jasleen , Kaur Jasmine , Kapoor Shruti , Singh Harpreet
Published: May 2021

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health emergency. Complementary to developing new drugs, AMR can be monitored and controlled through cost-effective active surveillance of resistance. As an initiative to monitor resistance, countries all across the globe are collecting data using a variety of surveillance tools. Moreover, hospitals routinely collect the AMR data for treatment which is being stored in their Laboratory and Hospital Information systems (LIS-HIS). The generated clinical data is collected & stored in various formats, making it very difficult to analyze and generate national reports. To integrate the stored clinical data for predictive modeling and analysis, there is an immediate need for a one-stop data repository capable of importing and exporting data in simple data exchange formats (CSV/Excel). The paper highlights the design & development of i-DIA, a python-based web API to facilitate the interoperability of AMR data by automatically importing the bulk of medical data from CSV files into generic data management and analysis system. The i-DIA has been integrated and tested with the ICMR’s AMR surveillance network on in-house developed software, i-AMRSS. The i-AMRSS is presently collecting data from 31 laboratories across India and i-DIA has been used to import data generated from LIS & HIS of a few hospitals directly into the system. The paper also proposes the complete web-based framework (an extension of i-DIA) integrated with peer-to-peer system architecture.
Identification of pathogens in the invasive hornet Vespa velutina and in native Hymenoptera (Apidae, Vespidae) from SW-Europe
Authors: Gabín-García Luis B. , Bartolomé Carolina , Guerra-Tort Carla , Rojas-Nossa Sandra V. , Llovo José , Maside Xulio
Published: May 2021

Invasive species contribute to deteriorate the health of ecosystems due to their direct effects on native fauna and the local parasite-host dynamics. We studied the potential impact of the invasive hornet Vespa velutina on the European parasite-host system by comparing the patterns of diversity and abundance of pathogens (i.e. Microsporidia: Nosematidae; Euglenozoa: Trypanosomatidae and Apicomplexa: Lipotrophidae) in European V. velutina specimens with those in the native European hornet Vespa crabro, as well as other common Hymenoptera (genera Vespula, Polistes and Bombus). We show that (i) V. velutina harbours most common hymenopteran enteropathogens as well as several new parasitic taxa. (ii) Parasite diversity in V. velutina is most similar to that of V. crabro. (iii) No unambiguous evidence of pathogen release by V. velutina was detected. This evidence together with the extraordinary population densities that V. velutina reaches in Europe (around of 100,000 individuals per km2 per year), mean that this invasive species could severely alter the native pathogen-host dynamics either by actively contributing to the dispersal of the parasites and/or by directly interacting with them, which could have unexpected long-term harmful consequences on the native entomofauna.
Comparison of different anesthesia modalities during percutaneous kyphoplasty of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures
Authors: Ge Chaoyuan , Wu Xucai , Gao Zijun , Xu Zhengwei , Hao Dingjun , Dong Liang
Published: May 2021

Local and general anesthesia are the main techniques used during percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP); however, both are associated with adverse reactions. Monitored anesthesia with dexmedetomidine may be the appropriate sedative and analgesic technique. Few studies have compared monitored anesthesia with other anesthesia modalities during PKP. Our aim was to determine whether monitored anesthesia is an effective alternative anesthetic approach for PKP. One hundred sixty-five patients undergoing PKP for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) were recruited from a single center in this prospective, non-randomized controlled study. PKP was performed under local anesthesia with ropivacaine (n = 55), monitored anesthesia with dexmedetomidine (n = 55), and general anesthesia with sufentanil/propofol/sevoflurane (n = 55). Perioperative pain was assessed using a visual analogue score (VAS). Hemodynamic variables, operative time, adverse effects, and perioperative satisfaction were recorded. The mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate, VAS, and operative time during monitored anesthesia were significantly lower than local anesthesia. Compared with general anesthesia, monitored anesthesia led to less adverse anesthetic effects. Monitored anesthesia had the highest perioperative satisfaction and the lowest VAS 2 h postoperatively; however, the monitored anesthesia group had the lowest MAP and heart rate 2 h postoperatively. Based on better sedation and analgesia, monitored anesthesia with dexmedetomidine achieved better patient cooperation, a shorter operative time, and lower adverse events during PKP; however, the MAP and heart rate in the monitored anesthesia group should be closely observed after surgery.
Modelling the multiple anatomical site transmission of Mycoplasma genitalium among men who have sex with men in Australia
Authors: Xu Xianglong , Bradshaw Catriona S. , Chow Eric P. F. , Ong Jason J. , Hocking Jane S. , Fairley Christopher K. , Zhang Lei
Published: May 2021

Mycoplasma genitalium (M. genitalium) is a recently recognised and important sexually transmitted infection among men who have sex with men (MSM). The role of oral sex, rimming, and kissing on M. genitalium transmission in MSM is unclear. We created four deterministic susceptible-infectious-susceptible epidemic models to examine the role that different sexual behaviours play in transmitting M. genitalium at the oropharynx, urethra anorectum among men who have sex with men in Australia. Our results suggest that oral and anal sex without other sexual practices (model 1) replicate well single site infection at the oropharynx, urethra and anorectum and also multi-site infection. If kissing or rimming are added to model 1 (i.e., model 2–4) no substantial improvements in the calibration of the models occur. Model 1 estimates that 3.4% of infections occur at the oropharynx, 34.8% at the urethra and 61.8% at the anorectum. Model 1 also estimates that the proportion of incident M. genitalium transmitted by anal sex was 82.4%, and by oral sex was about 17.6%. Our findings could provide an enhanced understanding of M. genitalium transmission in MSM, thus providing insights into what sexual practices contribute most to transmission.
The impact of regular sperm donation on bulls’ seminal plasma hormonal profile and phantom response
Authors: Kowalczyk Alicja , Gałęska Elżbieta , Czerniawska-Piątkowska Ewa , Szul Anna , Hebda Leszek
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the concentration of hormones in the seminal plasma, the bull maintenance system in the insemination station, and the regularity of sperm donation and the response to the phantom (libido level). An additional goal was to determine whether there is a relationship between the hormonal profile in the blood, the sperm plasma, the oxidative and antioxidant profile in the blood of bulls and the biometry of their testicles and scrotum, as well as the quality of their sperm in both different seasons and intensities of reproductive use. For the study, 220 healthy and sexually mature Polish Holstein–Friesian bulls were used. They all had normal libido and were fed equally. The animals were grouped according to the scheme: young (16–20 month/n = 60) and old (26–30 month/n = 60) including: individually housed (n = 30) and group housed (n = 30) young, old individually housed (n = 30) and group housed (n = 30) (n total animals = 120); young animals donating semen once a week (every Thursday) (n = 25) and sporadically (once every two months on a random day of the week) (n = 25), old animals donating semen once a week (every Thursday) (n = 25 ) and sporadic donors (once every two months on a random day of the week) (n = 25) (n total animals = 100). When analyzing the results of this study, it should be stated that regular use has a positive effect on the secretion of sex hormones in bulls. Higher levels of testosterone and lower levels of estradiol and prostaglandins resulted in higher sexual performance, expressed by a stronger response to the phantom. The differences in favor of regular use were independent of the bull's age. The results of our research illustrate that the quality of semen and its freezing potential may depend on the season and frequency of its collection, as well as on the age of the males.
Low-temperature direct bonding of InP and diamond substrates under atmospheric conditions
Authors: Matsumae Takashi , Takigawa Ryo , Kurashima Yuichi , Takagi Hideki , Higurashi Eiji
Published: May 2021

An InP substrate was directly bonded on a diamond heat spreader for efficient heat dissipation. The InP surface activated by oxygen plasma and the diamond surface cleaned with an NH3/H2O2 mixture were contacted under atmospheric conditions. Subsequently, the InP/diamond specimen was annealed at 250 °C to form direct bonding. The InP and diamond substrates formed atomic bonds with a shear strength of 9.3 MPa through an amorphous intermediate layer with a thickness of 3 nm. As advanced thermal management can be provided by typical surface cleaning processes followed by low-temperature annealing, the proposed bonding method would facilitate next-generation InP devices, such as transistors for high-frequency and high-power operations.
A risk score for prediction of poor treatment outcomes among tuberculosis patients with diagnosed diabetes mellitus from eastern China
Authors: You Nannan , Pan Hongqiu , Zeng Yi , Lu Peng , Zhu Limei , Lu Wei , Liu Qiao , Martinez Leonardo
Published: May 2021

Persons living with diabetes (PLWD) with newly diagnosed tuberculosis are at greater risk of poor treatment outcomes. Identifying and prioritizing high-risk subgroups of PLWD and tuberculosis for tuberculosis programs to target has been rarely performed. We investigated risk factors for poor tuberculosis treatment outcomes among PLWD and developed a predictive risk score for tuberculosis control prioritization. Among PLWD diagnosed with tuberculosis, demographic, clinical, and tuberculosis treatment outcome data were collected. Poor treatment outcomes included treatment failure, death, default, and transfer. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to analyze risk factors of poor treatment outcomes. Risk scores were derived based on regression coefficients to classify participants at low-, intermediate-, and high-risk of poor treatment outcomes. Among 335 PLWD newly diagnosed with tuberculosis, 109 were cured and 172 completed treatment. Multivariable logistic regression found that risk factors of poor treatment outcomes included bacteriologically-positivity, low body mass index, no physical activity, and pulmonary cavitation. Rates of poor treatment outcomes in low- (0–2), intermediate- (3–4), and high-risk (5–8) groups were 4.2%, 10.5%, and 55.4% (Ptrend < 0.0001), respectively. The risk score accurately discriminated poor and successful treatment outcomes (C-statistic, 0.85, 95% CI 0.78–0.91). We derived a simple predictive risk score that accurately distinguished those at high- and low-risk of treatment failure. This score provides a potentially useful tool for tuberculosis control programs in settings with a double burden of both tuberculosis and diabetes.
Coherently controlled quantum features in a coupled interferometric scheme
Authors: Ham Byoung S.
Published: May 2021

Over the last several decades, entangled photon pairs generated by spontaneous parametric down conversion processes in both second-order and third-order nonlinear optical materials have been intensively studied for various quantum features such as Bell inequality violation and anticorrelation. In an interferometric scheme, anticorrelation results from photon bunching based on randomness when entangled photon pairs coincidently impinge on a beam splitter. Compared with post-measurement-based probabilistic confirmation, a coherence version has been recently proposed using the wave nature of photons. Here, the origin of quantum features in a coupled interferometric scheme is investigated using pure coherence optics. In addition, a deterministic method of entangled photon-pair generation is proposed for on-demand coherence control of quantum processing.
Testicular inducing steroidogenic cells trigger sex change in groupers
Authors: Murata Ryosuke , Nozu Ryo , Mushirobira Yuji , Amagai Takafumi , Fushimi Jun , Kobayashi Yasuhisa , Soyano Kiyoshi , Nagahama Yoshitaka , Nakamura Masaru
Published: May 2021

Vertebrates usually exhibit gonochorism, whereby their sex is fixed throughout their lifetime. However, approximately 500 species (~ 2%) of extant teleost fishes change sex during their lifetime. Although phylogenetic and evolutionary ecological studies have recently revealed that the extant sequential hermaphroditism in teleost fish is derived from gonochorism, the evolution of this transsexual ability remains unclear. We revealed in a previous study that the tunica of the ovaries of several protogynous hermaphrodite groupers contain functional androgen-producing cells, which were previously unknown structures in the ovaries of gonochoristic fishes. Additionally, we demonstrated that these androgen-producing cells play critical roles in initiating female-to-male sex change in several grouper species. In the present study, we widened the investigation to include 7 genera and 18 species of groupers and revealed that representatives from most major clades of extant groupers commonly contain these androgen-producing cells, termed testicular-inducing steroidogenic (TIS) cells. Our findings suggest that groupers acquired TIS cells in the tunica of the gonads for successful sex change during their evolution. Thus, TIS cells trigger the evolution of sex change in groupers.
Effect of prostaglandin analogues on anterior scleral thickness and corneal thickness in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Park Ji-Hye , Yoo Chungkwon , Chung Hyun Woo , Kim Yong Yeon
Published: May 2021

Prostaglandin (PG) analogues are usually prescribed as a first-line therapy in patients with glaucoma because of its once-daily dosing benefit and effective intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction. However, the mechanism of PG analogues is not completely understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of PG analogues on the anterior scleral thickness (AST) in treatment-naïve eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma using anterior segment optical coherence tomography. The AST was measured at the location of the scleral spur, 1000 μm, and 2000 μm posterior to the scleral spur and was compared before and after using the medications for 3 months and 1 year. Among 54 patients enrolled in this study, 31 patients used prostaglandin analogues and 23 patients used dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination (DTFC) drugs. There was no significant difference in untreated IOP, glaucoma severity, and baseline AST values between the two groups. While there was no significant changes in AST after using the DTFC drugs, the AST at all 3 locations showed a significant reduction in both the nasal and temporal sectors after using PG analogues for 1 year (all, P < 0.05). These findings suggest that the AST reduction after using PG analogues might be related with the increased uveoscleral outflow.
Viral fibrotic scoring and drug screen based on MAPK activity uncovers EGFR as a key regulator of COVID-19 fibrosis
Authors: Vagapova Elmira R. , Lebedev Timofey D. , Prassolov Vladimir S.
Published: May 2021

Understanding the molecular basis of fibrosis, the lethal complication of COVID-19, is urgent. By the analysis of RNA-sequencing data of SARS-CoV-2-infected cells combined with data mining we identified genes involved in COVID-19 progression. To characterize their implication in the fibrosis development we established a correlation matrix based on the transcriptomic data of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. With this method, we have identified a cluster of genes responsible for SARS-CoV-2-fibrosis including its entry receptor ACE2 and epidermal growth factor EGF. Then, we developed Vi-Fi scoring—a novel drug repurposing approach and simultaneously quantified antiviral and antifibrotic activities of the drugs based on their transcriptomic signatures. We revealed the strong dual antifibrotic and antiviral activity of EGFR/ErbB inhibitors. Before the in vitro validation, we have clustered 277 cell lines and revealed distinct COVID-19 transcriptomic signatures of the cells with similar phenotypes that defines their suitability for COVID-19 research. By ERK activity monitoring in living lung cells, we show that the drugs with predicted antifibrotic activity downregulate ERK in the host lung cells. Overall, our study provides novel insights on SARS-CoV-2 dependence on EGFR/ERK signaling and demonstrates the utility of EGFR/ErbB inhibitors for COVID-19 treatment.
Investigating awareness, fear and control associated with norovirus and other pathogens and pollutants using best–worst scaling
Authors: Farkas Kata , Green Emma , Rigby Dan , Cross Paul , Tyrrel Sean , Malham Shelagh K. , Jones David L.
Published: May 2021

Pollutants found in the water and air environment represent an ever-growing threat to human health. Contact with some air-, water- and foodborne pathogens (e.g. norovirus) results in gastrointestinal diseases and outbreaks. For future risk mitigation, we aimed to measure people’s awareness of waterborne and foodborne norovirus relative to other environment-associated pollutants (e.g. pesticides, bioaerosols, antibiotic resistant bacteria) and well-known risks (e.g. diabetes, dementia, terrorist attack). We used an online survey, which included a best–worst scaling component to elicit personal levels of control and fear prompted by norovirus relative to 15 other risks. There was a negative correlation between levels of fear vs. control for all 16 measured risks. Perceived infection control levels were higher amongst women compared to men and correlated with age and the level of qualification in both groups. Participants who had sought advice regarding the symptoms caused by norovirus appeared to have more control over the risks. Norovirus is associated with high levels of fear, however, the levels of control over it is low compared to other foodborne illnesses, e.g. Salmonella. Addressing this deficit in the public’s understanding of how to control exposure to the pathogen in an important health need.
Crossover from two-frequency pulse compounds to escaping solitons
Authors: Melchert O. , Willms S. , Morgner U. , Babushkin I. , Demircan A.
Published: May 2021

The nonlinear interaction of copropagating optical solitons enables a large variety of intriguing bound-states of light. We here investigate the interaction dynamics of two initially superimposed fundamental solitons at distinctly different frequencies. Both pulses are located in distinct domains of anomalous dispersion, separated by an interjacent domain of normal dispersion, so that group velocity matching can be achieved despite a vast frequency gap. We demonstrate the existence of two regions with different dynamical behavior. For small velocity mismatch we observe a domain in which a single heteronuclear pulse compound is formed, which is distinct from the usual concept of soliton molecules. The binding mechanism is realized by the mutual cross phase modulation of the interacting pulses. For large velocity mismatch both pulses escape their mutual binding and move away from each other. The crossover phase between these two cases exhibits two localized states with different velocity, consisting of a strong trapping pulse and weak trapped pulse. We detail a simplified theoretical approach which accurately estimates the parameter range in which compound states are formed. This trapping-to-escape transition allows to study the limits of pulse-bonding as a fundamental phenomenon in nonlinear optics, opening up new perspectives for the all-optical manipulation of light by light.
Inferring long-distance connectivity shaped by air-mass movement for improved experimental design in aerobiology
Authors: Choufany Maria , Martinetti Davide , Soubeyrand Samuel , Morris Cindy E.
Published: May 2021

The collection and analysis of air samples for the study of microbial airborne communities or the detection of airborne pathogens is one of the few insights that we can grasp of a continuously moving flux of microorganisms from their sources to their sinks through the atmosphere. For large-scale studies, a comprehensive sampling of the atmosphere is beyond the scopes of any reasonable experimental setting, making the choice of the sampling locations and dates a key factor for the representativeness of the collected data. In this work we present a new method for revealing the main patterns of air-mass connectivity over a large geographical area using the formalism of spatio-temporal networks, that are particularly suitable for representing complex patterns of connection. We use the coastline of the Mediterranean basin as an example. We reveal a temporal pattern of connectivity over the study area with regions that act as strong sources or strong receptors according to the season of the year. The comparison of the two seasonal networks has also allowed us to propose a new methodology for comparing spatial weighted networks that is inspired from the small-world property of non-spatial networks.
Contrasting roles of GmNAC065 and GmNAC085 in natural senescence, plant development, multiple stresses and cell death responses
Authors: Melo Bruno Paes , Lourenço-Tessutti Isabela Tristan , Fraga Otto Teixeira , Pinheiro Luanna Bezerra , de Jesus Lins Camila Barrozo , Morgante Carolina Vianna , Engler Janice Almeida , Reis Pedro Augusto Braga , Grossi-de-Sá Maria Fátima , Fontes Elizabeth Pacheco Batista
Published: May 2021

NACs are plant-specific transcription factors involved in controlling plant development, stress responses, and senescence. As senescence-associated genes (SAGs), NACs integrate age- and stress-dependent pathways that converge to programmed cell death (PCD). In Arabidopsis, NAC-SAGs belong to well-characterized regulatory networks, poorly understood in soybean. Here, we interrogated the soybean genome and provided a comprehensive analysis of senescence-associated Glycine max (Gm) NACs. To functionally examine GmNAC-SAGs, we selected GmNAC065, a putative ortholog of Arabidopsis ANAC083/VNI2 SAG, and the cell death-promoting GmNAC085, an ANAC072 SAG putative ortholog, for analyses. Expression analysis of GmNAC065 and GmNAC085 in soybean demonstrated (i) these cell death-promoting GmNACs display contrasting expression changes during age- and stress-induced senescence; (ii) they are co-expressed with functionally different gene sets involved in stress and PCD, and (iii) are differentially induced by PCD inducers. Furthermore, we demonstrated GmNAC065 expression delays senescence in Arabidopsis, a phenotype associated with enhanced oxidative performance under multiple stresses, higher chlorophyll, carotenoid and sugar contents, and lower stress-induced PCD compared to wild-type. In contrast, GmNAC085 accelerated stress-induced senescence, causing enhanced chlorophyll loss, ROS accumulation and cell death, decreased antioxidative system expression and activity. Accordingly, GmNAC065 and GmNAC085 targeted functionally contrasting sets of downstream AtSAGs, further indicating that GmNAC85 and GmNAC065 regulators function inversely in developmental and environmental PCD.
Screening and selection of camptothecin producing endophytes from Nothapodytes nimmoniana
Authors: Mohinudeen I. A. H. Khwajah , Pandey Saumya , Kanniyappan Hemalatha , Muthuvijayan Vignesh , Srivastava Smita
Published: May 2021

Endophytic fungi with the ability to produce plant based secondary metabolites are a potential alternative for producing the host plant metabolite and to prevent natural plants from extinction. To isolate a high metabolite yielding endophytic strain from plants, hundreds of endophytic strains are screened and tested for product yield separately under axenic state, before shortlisting the potential endophyte, which involves huge time consumption. In this study, strategies for screening and selection of high camptothecin yielding endophytes from their natural habitat were proposed. A correlation was built between the camptothecin yield in the explants and the endophytes isolated from them. In addition, camptothecin yield was compared between the endophytes isolated from young and matured plants. Further, camptothecin producers and non-producers strains were compared for their tolerance toward camptothecin. The study indicates that high camptothecin yielding endophytes were isolated from high yielding explants and younger plants and they were more tolerant to camptothecin in comparison to non-camptothecin yielding endophytes. Thus, choosing a young and high yielding explant for endophyte isolation, and use of camptothecin as a selective agent in the growth medium, can be instrumental in screening and selection of high camptothecin yielding endophytes from nature in relatively less time.
The same chemical state of carbon gives rise to two peaks in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Greczynski G. , Hultman L.
Published: May 2021

Chemical state analysis in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) relies on assigning well-defined binding energy values to core level electrons originating from atoms in particular bonding configurations. Here, we present direct evidence for the violation of this paradigm. It is shown that the C 1s peak due to C–C/C–H bonded atoms from adventitious carbon (AdC) layers accumulating on Al and Au foils splits into two distinctly different contributions, as a result of vacuum level alignment at the AdC/foil interface. The phenomenon is observed while simultaneously recording the spectrum from two metal foils in electric contact with each other. This finding exposes fundamental problems with the reliability of reported XPS data as C 1s peak of AdC is routinely used for binding energy scale referencing. The use of adventitious carbon in XPS should thus be discontinued as it leads to nonsense results. Consequently, ISO and ASTM charge referencing guides need to be rewritten.
The ultimate database to (re)set the evolutionary history of primate genital bones
Authors: Spani Federica , Morigi Maria Pia , Bettuzzi Matteo , Scalici Massimiliano , Gentile Gabriele , Carosi Monica
Published: May 2021

Scientific literature concerning genital bones in primates consists of both ancient works (dating back to the nineteenth century) and more recent revisions/meta-analyses, which, however, are not always so detailed or exhaustive. Based on a thorough analysis, several conflicting data, inaccurate references, and questionable claims have emerged. We generated a binary matrix of genital bone occurrence data, considering only data at the species level, based on (1) a rigorous literature search protocol, (2) raw data (collected exclusively from primary literature), (3) an updated taxonomy (often tracing back to the species taxonomic history) and (4) new occurrence data from scanned genitals of fresh and museum specimens (using micro-computed tomography-micro-CT). Thanks to this methodological approach, we almost doubled available occurrence data so far, avoiding any arbitrary extension of generic data to conspecific species. This practice, in fact, has been recently responsible for an overestimation of the occurrence data, definitively flattening the interspecific variability. We performed the ancestral state reconstruction analysis of genital bone occurrence and results were mapped onto the most updated phylogeny of primates. As for baculum, we definitively demonstrated its simplesiomorphy for the entire order. As for baubellum, we interpreted all scattered absences as losses, actually proposing (for the first time) a simplesiomorphic state for the clitoral bone as well. The occurrence data obtained, while indirectly confirming the baculum/baubellum homology (i.e., for each baubellum a baculum was invariably present), could also directly demonstrate an intra-specific variability affecting ossa genitalia occurrence. With our results, we established a radically improved and updated database about the occurrence of genital bones in primates, available for further comparative analyses.
Treatment of symptomatic, deep, almost cariously exposed lesions using ozone
Authors: AL-Omiri Mahmoud K. , Alqahtani Nasser M. , Alahmari Nasser M. , Hassan Raed Abul , Al Nazeh Abdullah A. , Lynch Edward
Published: May 2021

The aim of this controlled randomized crossover study was to assess post-treatment pain and the need for root canal treatment after the use of a traditional caries removal method followed by restoration, or after an ozone method of more conservatively managing the deep caries and a restoration. 84 participants (42 males and 42 females, mean age ± SD = 23.9 ± 2.0 years) were randomly allocated to receive either a traditional (n = 42, 21 males and 21 females) or ozone (n = 42, 21 males and 21 females) method. The ozone method only differed from the traditional method by leaving the deep leathery caries on the pulpal floor and then treating this with 20 s of ozone from the healozone X4 (Curozone, Germany). All caries was removed in the traditional group. A conventional glass ionomer cement (Riva Self Cure High Viscosity, SDI, Australia) was placed followed by a bonded composite resin restoration (Filtek Z250 Universal Restorative, 3 M ESPE, USA) in each cavity. The visual analogue scale was used to assess pain scores before treatment and after 24 h. The participants were then followed up for 2 years to assess the need for root canal treatment. Statistical significance levels were set at α ≤ .05. Both groups were associated with significant reduction of pain scores 24 h after treatment (p < .0001). The ozone treatment was associated with less pain 24 h after treatment (p < .0001) and less need for root canal treatment (p = .014), after 2 years follow up, than the conventional treatment. In conclusion, treatment of symptomatic, deep carious lesions by ozone following partial removal of caries was accompanied with less pain and occurrence of RCT after treatment compared to traditional complete caries removal.
Magneto-optical design of anomalous Nernst thermopile
Authors: Wang Jian , Miura Asuka , Modak Rajkumar , Takahashi Yukiko K. , Uchida Ken-ichi
Published: May 2021

The introduction of spin caloritronics into thermoelectric conversion has paved a new path for versatile energy harvesting and heat sensing technologies. In particular, thermoelectric generation based on the anomalous Nernst effect (ANE) is an appealing approach as it shows considerable potential to realize efficient, large-area, and flexible use of heat energy. To make ANE applications viable, not only the improvement of thermoelectric performance but also the simplification of device structures is essential. Here, we demonstrate the construction of an anomalous Nernst thermopile with a substantially enhanced thermoelectric output and simple structure comprising a single ferromagnetic material. These improvements are achieved by combining the ANE with the magneto-optical recording technique called all-optical helicity-dependent switching of magnetization. Our thermopile consists only of Co/Pt multilayer wires arranged in a zigzag configuration, which simplifies microfabrication processes. When the out-of-plane magnetization of the neighboring wires is reversed alternately by local illumination with circularly polarized light, the ANE-induced voltage in the thermopile shows an order of magnitude enhancement, confirming the concept of a magneto-optically designed anomalous Nernst thermopile. The sign of the enhanced ANE-induced voltage can be controlled reversibly by changing the light polarization. The engineering concept demonstrated here promotes effective utilization of the characteristics of the ANE and will contribute to realizing its thermoelectric applications.
Subclinical gait disturbance and postoperative gait improvement in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy
Authors: Lee Dong-Ho , Yoo Jong Yoon , Cho Jae Hwan , Hwang Chang Ju , Lee Choon Sung , Kim Chunghwan , Ha Jung-Ki , Park Kun-Bo
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the subclinical gait abnormalities and the postoperative gait improvements in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy using three-dimensional gait analysis. We reviewed the gait analysis of 62 patients who underwent surgical treatment for degenerative cervical myelopathy. The asymptomatic gait group included 30 patients and the gait disturbance group included 32 patients who can walk on their own slowly or need assistive device on stairs. The step width (17.2 cm vs. 15.9 cm, P = 0.003), stride length (105.2 cm vs. 109.1 cm, P = 0.015), and double-limb support duration (13.4% vs. 11.7%, P = 0.027) improved only in the asymptomatic gait group. Preoperatively, the asymptomatic gait group exhibited better maximum knee flexion angle (60.5° vs. 54.8°, P = 0.001) and ankle plantarflexion angle at push-off (− 12.2° vs. − 6.5°, P = 0.001) compared to the gait disturbance group. Postoperatively, maximum knee flexion angle (62.3° vs. 58.2°, P = 0.004) and ankle plantarflexion angle at push-off (− 12.8° vs. − 8.3°, P = 0.002) were still better in the asymptomatic gait group, although both parameters improved in the gait disturbance group (P = 0.005, 0.039, respectively). Kinematic parameters could improve in patients with gait disturbance. However, temporospatial parameters improvement may be expected when the operative treatment is performed before apparent gait disturbance.
Characteristics of preoperative steroid profiles and glucose metabolism in patients with primary aldosteronism developing adrenal insufficiency after adrenalectomy
Authors: Wang Xiao , Heinrich Daniel A. , Kunz Sonja L. , Heger Nina , Sturm Lisa , Uhl Olaf , Beuschlein Felix , Reincke Martin , Bidlingmaier Martin
Published: May 2021

Treatment of choice in patients with unilateral aldosterone producing adenoma (APA) is adrenalectomy. Following surgery, most patients retain normal adrenal function, while some develop adrenal insufficiency (AI). To facilitate early detection and treatment of AI, we aimed to identify variables measured pre-operatively that are associated with post-operative AI. Variables obtained from 66 patients before and after surgery included anthropometrical data, clinical chemistry, endocrine work-up. LC–MS/MS steroid hormone profiles from tests before surgery (ACTH-stimulation, saline infusion, dexamethasone suppression) were obtained. Based on 78 variables, machine-learning methods were used in model fitting for classification and regression to predict ACTH-stimulated cortisol after surgery. Among the 78 variables, insulin concentration during pre-operative oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) correlated positively, and dexamethasone suppressed glucocorticoids correlated negatively with ACTH-stimulated cortisol after surgery. Inclusion of LC–MS/MS measurements allowed construction of better models associated with the occurrence of AI in the training data, but did not allow reliable prediction in cross-validation. Our results suggest that glucocorticoid co-secretion (low insulin during pre-operative OGTT and insufficient suppression of glucocorticoids following dexamethasone) are correlated with the development of post-operative AI. Addition of steroid profiles improved the accuracy of prediction, but cross validation revealed lack of reliability in the prediction of AI.
A low-charge-overpotential lithium-CO2cell based on a binary molten salt electrolyte
Authors: Wang Di , Yang Jingui , He Ping , Zhou Haoshen
Published: May 2021

A eutectic molten mixture was introduced to Li-CO2 battery as electrolyte to realize a low charge overpotential and better reversibility. The overall performance could be further promoted by ruthenium catalyst.
The effect of plastic additives on Shewanella oneidensis growth and function
Authors: Fawcett Liam P. , Fringer Victoria S. , Sieber Jessica R. , Maurer-Jones Melissa A.
Published: May 2021

Plastic waste has the potential for significant consequences on various ecosystems; yet, there are gaps in our understanding of the interaction of bacteria with polymer additives.
The anchoring of a Cu(ii)–salophen complex on magnetic mesoporous cellulose nanofibers: green synthesis and an investigation of its catalytic role in tetrazole reactions through a facile one-pot route
Authors: Ghamari kargar Pouya , Bagherzade Ghodsieh
Published: May 2021

Due to the importance and widespread applications of tetrazoles, especially in pharmaceutical chemistry, and the expansion of the use of nanocatalysts in the preparation of valuable chemical reaction products, we decided to use a (Fe3O4@NFC@NSalophCu)CO2H nanocatalyst.
Exploration of stilbenoid trimers as potential inhibitors of sirtuin1 enzyme using a molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation approach
Authors: Abdjan Muhammad Ikhlas , Aminah Nanik Siti , Siswanto Imam , Kristanti Alfinda Novi , Takaya Yoshiaki , Choudhary Muhammad Iqbal
Published: May 2021

A combination of molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation (250 ns) has been carried out to study the interaction of stilbenoid trimer compounds with the SIRT1 enzyme as the target protein.
Oxygen-producing proenzyme hydrogels for photodynamic-mediated metastasis-inhibiting combinational therapy
Authors: Liu Jiansheng , Qing Xueqin , Zhang Qin , Yu Ningyue , Ding Mengbin , Li Zhaohui , Zhao Zhen , Zhou Zhiling , Li Jingchao
Published: May 2021

An oxygen-producing proenzyme hydrogel with near-infrared photoactivatable enzymatic activity was developed for photodynamic therapy enabled metastasis-inhibiting combinational therapy of breast cancer.
Spatial‐spectral feature extraction of hyperspectral images using tensor‐based collaborative graph analysis
Authors: Pan Lei
Published: May 2021

Although the collaborative graph‐based discriminant analysis (CGDA) method has shown promising performance for the feature extraction of the hyperspectral image (HSI), both the intrinsic local subspace structures and spatial structural information are ignored in CGDA. To address these problems, a novel spatial‐spectral feature extraction method, i.e. tensor‐based collaborative graph analysis, is proposed in this letter. Specifically, the spectral similarity is utilized to calculate the Tikhonov matrix, which can constrain the testing samples to be represented by similar training samples in the collaborative representation model. To fully exploit the 3D spatial‐spectral structural information, the collaborative representation model is extended to tensor space by using the third‐order tensor representation of HSI, in which samples are constructed by small local patches around the central pixels. Depending on the above techniques, the quality of the collaborative graph constructed by the coefficient matrix can be significantly improved to obtain the discriminative low‐dimensional features. Experiments on three HSI data sets demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method.
An efficient 70 GHz divide‐by‐4 CMOS frequency divider employing low threshold devices
Authors: Tibenszky Zoltán , Carta Corrado , Ellinger Frank
Published: May 2021

The idea to use a lower threshold, but slightly slower transistor over the fastest transistor type for large‐signal circuits is presented with experimental verification for a compact divide‐by‐4 true single phase clock (TSPC) frequency divider. The use of the lowest threshold PMOS devices resulted in self‐resonance frequencies of 41.7, 56, and 60 GHz at supply voltages of 0.5, 0.8 and 0.9 V, respectively. Compared to a divider of the same architecture in the same technology, but with higher threshold voltage devices, this corresponds to improvements of 67%, 33% and 27%, respectively. Power consumptions of 26 and 355 W were measured for a 20 GHz and a 70 GHz input signal for supply voltages of 0.5 and 0.9 V, respectively. The best knowledge of the authors, these results are the best reported to date for TSPC divider architecture, and they compete with state of the art for inductorless current‐mode logic dividers.
Continuous digital zooming using generative adversarial networks for dual camera system
Authors: Yang Yifan , Li Qi , Yu Yongyi , He Zhuang , Feng Huajun , Xu Zhihai , Chen Yueting
Published: May 2021

This paper presents a generative adversarial network (GAN) with patch match algorithm to realize a high‐quality digital zooming using two camera modules with different focal lengths. In dual camera system, shorter focal length module produces the wide‐view image with the low resolution. On the other hand, the longer focal length module produces the tele‐view image via optical zooming. The long‐focal image contains more details than short‐focal image and can be used to guide short‐focal image to reconstruct high frequency part. Firstly, a feature extraction block (FEB) is advanced to extract feature of long‐focal image and short focal‐image to reconstruct a wide‐view image with different resolutions. Next, a patch match algorithm is integrated into convolution neural networks (CNN) to fuse information of long‐focal with short‐focal image and generate a new fused image. Finally, the fused image and short‐focal image are merged with a feature fusion block (FFB) to predict high‐resolution images. In addition, generative adversarial networks are used for filtering information integrated by previous network and output the zoomed image. Extensive experiments on benchmark datasets show that our algorithm achieves favorable performance against state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Significant enhancement of magnetic shielding effect by using the composite metamaterial composed of mu-near-zero media and ferrite
Authors: Chen Xu , Wang Yuqian , Guo Zhiwei , Wu Xian , Yang Fengqing , Sun Yong , Li Yunhui , Jiang Haitao , Chen Hong
Published: May 2021

The magnetic shield plays an important role in magnetic near-field control. However, the requirements of efficiency, ultra thinness, lightness and cheapness are still the challenges. Here, we firstly propose a composite metamaterial in which the mu-near-zero media is covered with a ferrite slab. We verify that this structure can enhance the shielding effectiveness (SE) in a small area. Furthermore, we optimize the magnetic path by changing the bulk ferrite slab into a patterned slab. In this way, significant SE enhancement can be achieved in a large area. Experimental results show that the maximum SE of the composite metamaterial with a patterned ferrite is 20.56 dB, which is nearly 19 dB higher than that of a single ferrite slab with the same thickness of the composite metamaterial. The results on the composite metamaterial would be very useful in the applications involving magnetic shielding.
Herzangst in der psychosomatisch-psychokardiologischen Therapie
Authors: Weber Cora Stefanie , Neiss Pia
Published: May 2021

Herzbezogene Ängste können sowohl bei kardiologischen wie bei psychosomatischen Störungen auftreten und einen eigenständigen Krankheitswert entwickeln. Bei Patienten mit einer Herzerkrankung können sie sowohl sinnvolles Signal für eine reale Bedrohung sein als auch dysfunktional auftreten. Dies erfordert eine andere therapeutische Herangehensweise als bei herzgesunden Patienten.
Home Treatment Compared to Initial Hospitalization in Normotensive Patients with Acute Pulmonary Embolism in the Netherlands: A Cost Analysis
Authors: Hendriks Stephan V. , van den Hout Wilbert B. , van Bemmel Thomas , Bistervels Ingrid M. , Eijsvogel Michiel , Faber Laura M. , Hofstee Herman M. A. , van der Hulle Tom , Iglesias del Sol Antonio , Kruip Marieke J. H. A. , Mairuhu Albert T. A. , Middeldorp Saskia , Nijkeuter Mathilde , Huisman Menno V. , Klok Frederikus A. ,   for the YEARS Investigators
Published: May 2021

Background Venous thromboembolism constitutes substantial health care costs amounting to approximately 60 million euros per year in the Netherlands. Compared with initial hospitalization, home treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated with a cost reduction. An accurate estimation of cost savings per patient treated at home is currently lacking.

Aim The aim of this study was to compare health care utilization and costs during the first 3 months after a PE diagnosis in patients who are treated at home versus those who are initially hospitalized.

Methods Patient-level data of the YEARS cohort study, including 383 normotensive patients diagnosed with PE, were used to estimate the proportion of patients treated at home, mean hospitalization duration in those who were hospitalized, and rates of PE-related readmissions and complications. To correct for baseline differences within the two groups, regression analyses was performed. The primary outcome was the average total health care costs during a 3-month follow-up period for patients initially treated at home or in hospital.

Results Mean hospitalization duration for the initial treatment was 0.69 days for those treated initially at home (n = 181) and 4.3 days for those initially treated in hospital (n = 202). Total average costs per hospitalized patient were €3,209 and €1,512 per patient treated at home. The adjusted mean difference was €1,483 (95% confidence interval: €1,181–1,784).

Conclusion Home treatment of hemodynamically stable patients with acute PE was associated with an estimated net cost reduction of €1,483 per patient. This difference underlines the advantage of triage-based home treatment of these patients.
Developing an Instrument to Measure Maternal Knowledge and Attitude of Oral Health on Children Under 3 Years
Authors: Suryanti Netty , Setiawan Arlette Suzy
Published: May 2021

Objective Parental knowledge, belief, and attitude about oral health affect children’s dental cleaning behavior. Further research on maternal knowledge and attitude about early-age children’s oral health has been suggested to identify factors related to pediatric dental and oral health. For that purpose, a measurement instrument is needed.

The research aimed to develop an instrument to measure maternal knowledge and attitude about under 3-year-old children’s oral health.

Materials and Methods Using a validity-based approach, we held a series of basic consultation (workshops and interviews) to identify the conceptually different domains. Instrument items were derived from relevant theories. Cognitive interviews were conducted to ensure that the items were properly understood. The items were first tested among the population calibration samples (n = 150). All instrument items were analyzed for reliability and validity.

Results In total, 15 items were derived from Bloom’s theory of learning and were developed for the knowledge instrument, while 10 others were developed for the attitude instrument. The reliability analysis yielded Cronbach’s α scores of 0.620 for the knowledge instrument and 0.565 for the attitude instrument. All items were considered valid based on Pearson’s correlation test results.

Conclusion The instruments on maternal knowledge and attitude about under 3-year-old children’s oral health consisted of three dimensions, respectively. Both instruments have been tested and analyzed and therefore are applicable for use.