bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guidelines in Practice: Instrument Cleaning
Authors: Link Terri
Published: August 2021

Care of surgical instruments and devices is a multifaceted process that begins with an interdisciplinary team’s prepurchase determination that the facility has the resources to correctly process the items. Processing encompasses point‐of use removal of organic and inorganic material, transport to the processing area, use of chemicals and equipment to clean and decontaminate the item, and inspection for cleanliness and function. Failure to correctly clean and decontaminate surgical instruments can impede subsequent sterilization processes and place patients at risk for developing surgical site infections. The AORN “Guideline for care and cleaning of surgical instruments” provides general guidance for care of reusable medical devices. When processing instruments, perioperative team members should use the guideline in conjunction with the instrument manufacturer’s validated instructions for use. This article discusses the guideline recommendations related to prepurchase evaluation, point‐of‐use treatment, transport, cleaning and decontamination, and education; it also includes a scenario to illustrate these topics.
Tracking public interest and perceptions about smalltooth sawfish conservation in the USA using Instagram
Authors: Kroetz Andrea M. , Brame Adam B. , Bernanke Matthew , McDavitt Matthew T. , Wiley Tonya R.
Published: August 2021

The population of smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata) in the USA was listed as endangered under the US Endangered Species Act in 2003. Based on objectives identified in the Smalltooth Sawfish Recovery Plan, an interdisciplinary team developed a variety of outreach efforts and products to educate the public and promote sawfish conservation. These include safe viewing, handling, release, and reporting guidelines for boaters, divers, and anglers that may interact with the species.

The usefulness of monitoring social media to track public interest and perceptions of smalltooth sawfish was investigated via Instagram posts mentioning sawfish encounters in the USA. We aimed to identify how current outreach efforts and messaging can be improved and expanded to better inform the public and promote positive change in their behaviour to further protect smalltooth sawfish.

All encounters occurred in Florida waters and the trend of sawfish‐related Instagram posts increased congruently with traditionally reported sawfish encounters from 2012 to 2019. The number of Instagram users who indicated that they reported their encounter or that any sawfish encounter should be reported has increased, suggesting outreach efforts have gained traction and that some members of the public are actively promoting sawfish conservation through encounter reporting. The overall tone, and thereby public perception of and attitude towards sawfish, was largely positive.

Though social media can be used to guide outreach initiatives and provides a platform for researchers to engage large public audiences, future research efforts should include electronic surveys within the recreational, commercial, diving, and angling communities. Additionally, social media posts should be compared with traditionally reported encounters, and media professionals working with scientists should focus on increasing the utility of social media as a way to collect encounter reports and create engaging educational content to be included with continued outreach efforts throughout the south‐eastern USA.
Effect of JAK Inhibition on the Induction of Proinflammatory HLA–DR+CD90+ Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts by Interferon‐γ
Authors: Zhao Shuyang , Grieshaber‐Bouyer Ricardo , Rao Deepak A. , Kolb Philipp , Chen Haizhang , Andreeva Ivana , Tretter Theresa , Lorenz Hanns‐Martin , Watzl Carsten , Wabnitz Guido , Tykocinski Lars‐Oliver , Merkt Wolfgang
Published: August 2021

Objective

Findings from recent transcriptome analyses of the synovium of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have revealed that 15‐fold expanded HLA–DR+CD90+ synovial fibroblasts potentially act as key mediators of inflammation. The reasons for the expansion of HLA–DR+CD90+ synovial fibroblasts are unclear, but genetic signatures indicate that interferon‐γ (IFNγ) plays a central role in the generation of this fibroblast subset. The present study was undertaken to investigate the generation, function and therapeutically intended blockage of HLA–DR+CD90+ synovial fibroblasts.

Methods

We combined functional assays using primary human materials and focused bioinformatic analyses of mass cytometry and transcriptomics patient data sets.

Results

We detected enriched and activated Fcγ receptor type IIIa–positive (CD16+) NK cells in the synovial tissue from patients with active RA. Soluble immune complexes were recognized by CD16 in a newly described reporter cell model, a mechanism that could be contributing to the activation of natural killer (NK) cells in RA. In vitro, NK cell–derived IFNγ induced HLA–DR on CD90+ synovial fibroblasts, leading to an inflammatory, cytokine‐secreting HLA–DR+CD90+ phenotype. HLA–DR+CD90+ synovial fibroblasts consecutively activated CD4+ T cells upon receptor crosslinking via superantigens. HLA–DR+CD90+ synovial fibroblasts also activated CD4+ T cells in the absence of superantigens, an effect that was initiated by NK cell–derived IFNγ and that was 4 times stronger in patients with RA compared to patients with osteoarthritis. Finally, JAK inhibition in synovial fibroblasts prevented HLA–DR induction and blocked proinflammatory signals to T cells.

Conclusion

The HLA–DR+CD90+ phenotype represents an activation state of synovial fibroblasts during the process of inflammation in RA that can be induced by IFNγ, likely generated from infiltrating leukocytes such as activated NK cells. The induction of these proinflammatory, interleukin‐6–producing, and likely antigen‐presenting synovial fibroblasts can be targeted by JAK inhibition.
Synthesis and luminescence properties of Pr3+ ion‐doped Ba3Y(PO4)3 phosphors
Authors: Rajesh Megala , Srinivas Mudavat , John Sushma Nannepaga , Sanjay Kanna Sharma Tata , Mallikarjuna Koduru , Deva Prasad Raju Borelli
Published: August 2021

Barium yttrium phosphate (BYP) phosphor doped with trivalent praseodymium ions (BaY(1−x)(PO4)3:Pr3+ (x = 0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2 wt%) was synthesized using a high temperature solid‐state reaction method. Structural properties were analyzed through X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. XRD patterns confirmed the structure of the synthesized phosphor and average crystalline size was estimated (approximately 63.8 Å). Vibrational functional groups were identified using FTIR spectroscopy. The emission spectrum was recorded under an 444 nm excitation wavelength, which showed various emission transitions of Pr3+ ions. Commission Internationale de l'éclairage coordinates, colour purity, and colour correlated temperature values were calculated for the BYP:Pr3+ phosphors and these coordinate values fell in the yellow region of the visible spectrum.
Time‐varying measures of cerebral network centrality correlate with visual saliency during movie watching
Authors: Ogawa Akitoshi
Published: August 2021

The extensive development of graph‐theoretic analysis for functional connectivity has revealed the multifaceted characteristics of brain networks. Network centralities identify the principal functional regions, individual differences, and hub structure in brain networks. Neuroimaging studies using movie‐watching have investigated brain function under naturalistic stimuli. Visual saliency is one of the promising measures for revealing cognition and emotions driven by naturalistic stimuli. This study investigated whether the visual saliency in movies was associated with network centrality. The study examined eigenvector centrality (EC), which is a measure of a region's influence in the brain network, and the participation coefficient (PC), which reflects the hub structure in the brain, was used for comparison. Static and time‐varying EC and PC were analyzed by a parcel‐based technique. While EC was correlated with brain activity in parcels in the visual and auditory areas during movie‐watching, it was only correlated with parcels in the visual areas in the retinotopy task. In addition, high PC was consistently observed in parcels in the putative hub both during the tasks and the resting‐state condition. Time‐varying EC in the parietal parcels and time‐varying PC in the primary sensory parcels significantly correlated with visual saliency in the movies. These results suggest that time‐varying centralities in brain networks are distinctively associated with perceptual processing and subsequent higher processing of visual saliency.
Formation and Structure of Hydrolytic Methylaluminoxane Activators
Authors: Collins Scott , Joshi Anuj , Linnolahti Mikko
Published: August 2021

Methylaluminoxane (MAO) activators have sheet structures which form ion‐pairs on reaction of neutral donors such as octamethyltrisiloxane (OMTS). The ion‐pairs can be detected by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) in polar media. The growth of these reactive precursors during hydrolysis of Me3Al can be monitored using ESI‐MS. Density functional theory, combined with numerical simulation of growth, indicates that this process involves rapid formation of low MW oligomers, followed by assembly of these species into low MW sheets. These can grow through further addition of low MW oligomers or by fusion into larger sheets. The mechanism of these growth processes leads to the prediction that even‐numbered sheets should be favored, and this surprising result is confirmed by ESI‐MS monitoring experiments of both activator growth and MAO aging.
Membranen zum Schutz von Klima und Ressourcen?!
Authors: Panglisch Stefan
Published: August 2021

No abstract.
Cover Image
Authors: Wagaskar Vinayak G. , Sobotka Stanislaw , Ratnani Parita , Young James , Lantz Anna , Parekh Sneha , Falagario Ugo Giovanni , Li Li , Lewis Sara , Haines Kenneth , Punnen Sanoj , Wiklund Peter , Tewari Ash
Published: August 2021

The cover image is based on the Original Article A 4K score/MRI based nomogram for predicting prostate cancer, clinically significant prostate cancer and unfavorable prostate cancer by Vinayak Wagaskar et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/cnr2.1357.

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Overview of Methods for Purification and Characterization of Metalloproteins
Authors: Harnden Kevin A. , Roy Anindya , Hosseinzadeh Parisa
Published: August 2021

Metalloproteins make up one third of all proteins and perform some of the most essential reactions on earth. The unique properties of the metal ions within these proteins, and in particular of redox‐active metal ions, enables the use of a number of characterization techniques. It also necessitates unique considerations in terms of purification and characterization. In this overview, we describe the considerations and methods used for metalloprotein purification and characterization. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Rolling pits of Hartmann’s mountain zebra (Zebra equus hartmannae) increase vegetation diversity and landscape heterogeneity in the Pre‐Namib
Authors: Wagner Thomas C. , Uiseb Kenneth , Fischer Christina
Published: August 2021

Microsites created by soil‐disturbing animals are important landscape elements in arid environments. In the Pre‐Namib, dust‐bathing behavior of the near‐endemic Hartmann's mountain zebra creates unique rolling pits that persist in the landscape. However, the ecohydrological characteristics and the effects of those microsites on the vegetation and on organisms of higher trophic levels are still unknown. In our study, we characterized the soil grain size composition and infiltration properties of rolling pits and reference sites and recorded vegetation and arthropod assemblages during the rainy season of five consecutive years with different amounts of seasonal rainfall. We further used the excess green vegetation index derived from drone imagery to demonstrate the different green up and wilting of pits and references after a rainfall event. In contrast to the surrounding grassland, rolling pits had finer soil with higher nutrient content, collected runoff, showed a higher infiltration, and kept soil moisture longer. Vegetation in the rolling pits was denser, dominated by annual forbs and remained green for longer periods. The denser vegetation resulted in a slightly higher activity density of herbivorous arthropods, which in turn increased the activity density of omnivorous and predatory arthropods. In times of drought, the rolling pits could act as safe sites and refuges for forbs and arthropods. With their rolling pits, Hartmann's mountain zebras act as ecosystem engineers, contributing to the diversity of forb communities and heterogeneity of the landscape in the Pre‐Namib.
Direct Difluoromethylation of Heterocycles through Photosensitized Electron Transfer
Authors: Dai Peng , Li Chenxiao , Li Yufei , Zhu Yuchuan , Teng Peng , Gu Yu‐Cheng , Zhang Wei‐Hua
Published: August 2021

Difluoromethylation is of prime importance for its applicability in functionalizing diverse fluorine‐containing heterocycles, which are core groups in diverse biologically and pharmacologically active ingredients. Herein, we report a novel transition metal‐ and oxidant‐free visible light‐photoinduced protocol for direct C(sp2)‐H difluoromethylation of heterocycles. The reaction afforded difluoromethyl heterocycles without using colored organic dyes and metal catalysts in good yields and showed a broad substrate tolerance. Moreover, the representative products exhibited potential drug activity, and one product showed good antifungal activities against Rhizoctorzia solani (62.7 %).
Advances in solid lithium ion electrolyte based on the composites of polymer and LLTO/LLZO of rare earth oxides
Authors: Zhang Qian , Liu Kun , Wen Yajing , Kong Yaqi , Wen Yuhao , Zhang Qi , Liu Nailiang , Li Junpeng , Ma Chunjie , Du Yaping
Published: August 2021

Composite solid electrolyte is a promising solution for the development of new generation of safe and high‐performance all‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs). It combines both the advantages of inorganic electrolyte and organic polymer electrolyte, having high ionic conductivity, mechanical strength, good contact with the electrodes and high processability. In the recent decades, rare earth oxides have attracted wide attentions from researchers because of their high ionic conductivity. China is abundant in rare earth resources, so has a good chance to provide the world with high quality rare earth containing functional materials. This review paper focuses on the recent progress in the studies of composite solid electrolyte of polymer and rare earth containing lithium lanthanum zirconium and lithium lanthanum titanium oxides, and gains insights into the challenges in the field, and hopefully helps in the rational design of high performance electrolyte for the development of ASSLBs.
Combustion characteristics of PMMA sheets with different equivalent diameters in still air
Authors: Gou Fuhai , Jiang Lin , Xiao Huahua , Li Mi , Sun Jinhua
Published: August 2021

To investigate the combustion characteristics of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a series of experiments of PMMA combustion with different sample shapes and sizes in still air are performed. A digital video camera and an electronic balance are used to record the combustion process and variation of mass, particularly. The effects of equivalent diameter on combustion are discussed and analyzed, respectively, to well adapt in dimensionless analysis methods. Flame pulsation during the stable burning stage is studied by similarity theory and dimensionless analysis methods. Experimental and theoretical results show that correlations between flame pulsation and equivalent diameters in PMMA burning are similar to that of pool fires, that is, flame pulsation frequency is inversely related to the square root of equivalent diameter. In addition, the corresponding theoretical analysis of heat and mass transfer processes is studied. Convection and radiation heat transfer were calculated and modeled for each shape and sample size. Based on the heat transfer calculation results, sample mass loss rate for each sample size was predicted, and it is in good agreement with the experimental result. Finally, a dimensionless heat release rate for different sample size was scaled with dimensionless flame height.
Coherent neural oscillations inform early stroke motor recovery
Authors: Cassidy Jessica M. , Wodeyar Anirudh , Srinivasan Ramesh , Cramer Steven C.
Published: August 2021

Neural oscillations may contain important information pertaining to stroke rehabilitation. This study examined the predictive performance of electroencephalography‐derived neural oscillations following stroke using a data‐driven approach. Individuals with stroke admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility completed a resting‐state electroencephalography recording and structural neuroimaging around the time of admission and motor testing at admission and discharge. Using a lasso regression model with cross‐validation, we determined the extent of motor recovery (admission to discharge change in Functional Independence Measurement motor subscale score) prediction from electroencephalography, baseline motor status, and corticospinal tract injury. In 27 participants, coherence in a 1–30 Hz band between leads overlying ipsilesional primary motor cortex and 16 leads over bilateral hemispheres predicted 61.8% of the variance in motor recovery. High beta (20–30 Hz) and alpha (8–12 Hz) frequencies contributed most to the model demonstrating both positive and negative associations with motor recovery, including high beta leads in supplementary motor areas and ipsilesional ventral premotor and parietal regions and alpha leads overlying contralesional temporal–parietal and ipsilesional parietal regions. Electroencephalography power, baseline motor status, and corticospinal tract injury did not significantly predict motor recovery during hospitalization (R2 = 0–6.2%). Findings underscore the relevance of oscillatory synchronization in early stroke rehabilitation while highlighting contributions from beta and alpha frequency bands and frontal, parietal, and temporal–parietal regions overlooked by traditional hypothesis‐driven prediction models.
Ferritin level: A predictor of severity and mortality in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Alroomi Moudhi , Rajan Rajesh , Omar Abdulaziz A. , Alsaber Ahmad , Pan Jiazhu , Fatemi Mina , Zhanna Kobalava D. , Aboelhassan Wael , Almutairi Farah , Alotaibi Naser , Saleh Mohammad A. , AlNasrallah Noor , Al‐Bader Bader , Malhas Haya , Ramadhan Maryam , Abdullah Mohammed , Abdelnaby Hassan
Published: August 2021

Аbstrасt

Introduction

This study aims to investigate in‐hоsрitаl mоrtаlity in severe асute resрirаtоry syndrоme соrоnаvirus 2 раtients strаtified by serum ferritin levels.

Methods

Patients were stratified based on ferritin levels (ferritin levels ≤ 1000 or >1000).

Results

Approximately 89% (118) of the patients with ferritin levels > 1000 had pneumonia, and 51% (67) had hypertension. Fever (97, 73.5%) and shortness of breath (80, 61%) were two major symptoms among the patients in this group. Logistic regression analysis indicated that ferritin level (odds ratio [OR] = 0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.21–0.62; p < .001), male sex (OR = 2.63, 95% CI = 1.43–5.06; p = .003), hypertension (OR = 4.16, 95% CI = 2.42–7.36; p < .001) and pneumonia (OR = 8.48, 95% CI = 3.02–35.45; p < .001) had significance in predicting in‐hospital mortality. Additionally, the Cox proportional hazards analysis and Kaplan–Meier survival probability plot showed a higher mortality rate among patients with ferritin levels > 1000.

Conclusion

In this study, higher levels of serum ferritin were found to be an independent predictor of in‐hоsрitаl mоrtаlity.
The importance of family in acculturation process of adolescents of Moroccan origin in Spain
Authors: Blanc Andrea , Navas Marisol , Calderón Sonsoles , Sánchez‐Castelló María
Published: August 2021

The objective of this study was to analyse the relationship between variables of the family context (perceived family support, quality of parent–adolescent communication and family ethnic socialisation) and the acculturation process (perceptions and preferences of cultural maintenance and adoption) among adolescents of Moroccan origin living in Spain. The sample consisted of 360 Moroccan adolescents (58.7% females) between 12 and 19 years old, enrolled in different schools, who filled out a self‐report questionnaire. Results showed positive and significant relationships between family variables and acculturation, especially for cultural maintenance. Mediation models showed that perceived family support predicts cultural maintenance (perceptions), with quality of communication with the mother, family ethnic socialisation and preferences of cultural maintenance acting as serial mediators (in the first model), and with quality of communication with the father and preferences of cultural maintenance acting as serial mediators (in the second model). These results evidence the importance of family variables in the acculturation process of Moroccan adolescents, especially in the maintenance of their origin culture.
Considerations and approaches to expansion of solid organ transplant pharmacist services
Authors: Doligalski Christina Teeter , Anger Lyndsey Bowman , Dick Travis , Feist Ashley , Harris Matt , Masters Brian , Pilch Nicole , Quan David , Sparkes Tracy , Suarez Tricia , Yakubu Idris
Published: August 2021

Solid organ transplantation is a lifesaving procedure for thousands of people with irreversible end organ diseases. A multidisciplinary approach with inclusion of a pharmacist in the care of transplant recipients is highly desired and may necessitate the addition of transplant pharmacy resources to existing teams to meet these growing needs. By understanding and leveraging the current landscape of leadership priorities, gathering the data to help define the value of pharmacy services, and compiling a formal proposal, one can systematically approach expansion of clinical pharmacy services. This manuscript seeks to provide a framework that can be utilized by pharmacy and transplant administrators, transplant pharmacists, and advocates for transplant pharmacy services for the purpose of evaluating, proposing, and successfully expanding the number of transplant pharmacist resources, including example job descriptions, return on investment examples, and key publications demonstrating the benefit of transplant and pharmacy services.
Requirements for successful mitochondrial transplantation
Authors: Kubat Gokhan Burcin , Ulger Oner , Akin Senay
Published: August 2021

Maintenance of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation capacity and other mitochondrial functions are essential for the prevention of mitochondrial dysfunction‐related diseases such as neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and liver diseases. To date, no well‐known treatment modality has been developed to prevent or reduce mitochondrial dysfunction. However, a novel approach that transplants fully functional mitochondria directly into defective cells has recently caught the attention of scientists. In this review, we provide an overview of the cell/tissue source of the mitochondria to prompt cell regeneration or tissue repair in vitro and in vivo applications. The animal and human models entail that effective procedures should be used in the isolation and confirmation of mitochondrial membrane potential and function. We believe that these procedures for mitochondrial transplantation for tissue or cell culture will confirm intact, viable, and free from contamination isolated mitochondria from the appropriate sources.
Lutein exerts its cardioprotective effect against the experimental model of isoprenaline‐induced myocardial infarction via MIAT/miR‐200a/Nrf2/TXINP pathway
Authors: Abdelmonem Maha , Ibrahim Sherehan M. , Essam Reham M. , Amin Hebat Allah A. , Abd‐Elmawla Mai A.
Published: August 2021

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Lutein (LU) possesses numerous pharmacological activities, including anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic effects. This study aimed to investigate the cardioprotective potential of LU in isoprenaline (ISO)‐induced MI and to explore its molecular mechanisms of action. AMI was induced by two consecutive subcutaneous doses of ISO (65 mg/kg; s.c.). The LU group was pretreated with LU (20 mg/kg; p.o.) for 30 days followed by ISO injections on Days 29 and 30. ISO group showed elevated serum creatine kinas‐MB (CK‐MB) and considerable electrocardiographic changes along with reduced ejection fraction compared to the normal group. LU pretreatment could decrease serum CK‐MB activity, normalize QRS and QTc intervals and restore ejection fraction compared to the untreated group. The ISO group demonstrated infarcted‐like lesions, which were ameliorated in the LU‐pretreated group. Immunohistochemical investigation revealed upregulated cardiac troponin T (cTn T) and desmin expressions in the LU‐pretreated group. LU pretreatment also enhanced cardiac thioredoxin (Trx) and glutathione (GSH) contents as well as reduced lipid peroxidation, compared to the untreated group. Importantly, LU pretreatment could downregulate long noncoding MI associated transcript (lncRNA MIAT) and thioredoxin‐interacting protein (TXNIP) and augment micro RNA (miR)‐200a and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) expressions compared to the ISO group. Moreover, a significant inverse correlation between MIAT and miR‐200a was observed. In conclusion, this study revealed that LU could ameliorate ISO‐induced MI in rats by modulating MIAT/miR‐200a/Nrf2 pathway.
Population Pharmacokinetics and Exposure‐Safety Relationships of Alisertib in Children and Adolescents With Advanced Malignancies
Authors: Zhou Xiaofei , Mould Diane R. , Yuan Ying , Fox Elizabeth , Greengard Emily , Faller Douglas V. , Venkatakrishnan Karthik
Published: August 2021

Population pharmacokinetic (PK) and exposure‐safety analyses of alisertib were performed in children enrolled in 2 clinical trials: NCT02444884 and NCT01154816. NCT02444884 was a dose‐finding study in children with relapsed/refractory solid malignancies (phase 1) or neuroblastomas (phase 2). Patients received oral alisertib 45 to 100 mg/m2 as powder‐in‐capsule once daily or twice daily for 7 days in 21‐day cycles. Serial blood samples were collected up to 24 hours after dosing on cycle 1, day 1. NCT01154816 was a phase 2 single‐arm study evaluating efficacy in children with relapsed/refractory solid malignancies or acute leukemias. Patients received alisertib 80 mg/m2 as enteric‐coated tablets once daily for 7 days in 21‐day cycles. Sparse PK samples were collected up to 8 hours after dosing on cycle 1, day 1. Sources of alisertib PK variability were characterized and quantified using nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling to support dosing recommendations in children and adolescents. A 2‐compartment model with oral absorption described by 3 transit compartments was developed using data from 146 patients. Apparent oral clearance and central distribution volume were correlated with body surface area across the age range of 2 to 21 years, supporting the use of body surface area–based alisertib dosing in the pediatric population. The recommended dose of 80 mg/m2 once daily enteric‐coated tablets provided similar alisertib exposures across pediatric age groups and comparable exposure to that in adults receiving 50 mg twice daily (recommended adult dose). Statistically significant relationships (P < .01) were observed between alisertib exposures and incidence of grade ≥2 stomatitis and febrile neutropenia, consistent with antiproliferative mechanism‐related toxicities.
A commentary on strategic extraction
Authors: Kao Richard T. , Lin Guo‐Hao , Kapila Yvonne , Sadowsky Steven , Curtis Donald A.
Published: August 2021

Background

Advancements in strategies to maintain compromised teeth combined with a greater understanding of risks associated with dental implants invite a reassessment of the benefits of strategic extraction of a tooth with a questionable prognosis or of limited strategic value.

Methods

Evidence of the management of compromised teeth and decision making for strategic extraction was reviewed. Additionally, the risks for peri‐implantitis were evaluated from the perspective of patient centric, biologic, and biomechanical complications.

Results

Recent clinical innovations support a more predictable maintenance of compromised dentition, and the clinical literature provides evidence of the risks associated with dental implants.

Conclusions

Because of the improvements in dental management of compromised dentition, strategic extraction should be deferred, whenever possible, to avoid complications associated with peri‐implantitis.
Modelling and optimal strategy to control coffee berry borer
Authors: Fotso Fotso Yves , Touzeau Suzanne , Tsanou Berge , Bowong Samuel , Grognard Frédéric
Published: August 2021

Coffee berry borer Hypothenemus hampei (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), denoted CBB, is the most important insect pest of coffee worldwide, with a high impact on the economy of coffee producing countries. The insect spends a great part of its life cycle inside the coffee berry and causes severe crop losses. Biological control based on the use of an entomopathogenic fungus is a major alternative to chemical pesticides in order to control CBB. The fungus is sprayed on the coffee berries to kill CBB when the insects drill holes to penetrate inside the berries. Our aim in this work is to optimise the fungus application, using a modelling approach. We first formulate a mathematical model describing the infestation dynamics of coffee berries by CBB. We analyse the model and show that the stability of the pest‐free and coexistence equilibria depends on the basic reproduction number. To introduce a control variable corresponding to the application of an entomopathogenic fungus, we then extend the model and include the fungus dynamics. We formulate an optimal problem which consists in maximising the coffee yield, while minimising the control cost, as well as the CBB population for the next cropping season. The existence of the optimal control and the necessary optimality condition are established using Pontryagin's Maximum Principle. The optimal control problem is solved numerically using the BOCOP software and simulations are provided, showing that the use of entomopathogenic fungus effectively controls CBB.
Public health risks arising from food supply chains: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Chen Lu , Guttieres Donovan , Levi Retsef , Paulson Elisabeth , Perakis Georgia , Renegar Nicholas , Springs Stacy
Published: August 2021

Safe, healthy, and resilient food supply chains are essential to ensuring the livelihood and well‐being of humans and societies, as well as local and global economies. However, the ability to provide and sustain access to nutritious and safe food continues to be a major concern and a challenge for almost any country around the world, including developed countries. Some serious and global public health risks arise from food supply chains. These include food safety and adulteration risks in which unsafe food is sold for human consumption, antimicrobial resistance risks that are becoming increasingly prevalent due to the overuse of antibiotics, zoonotic disease risks (i.e., viruses and diseases that transfer from animals to humans through food supply chains), food waste, and also food security issues such as food deserts and the diet disparity among different segments of the population. This article gives an introduction to these various risks and reviews directions in the current academic literature to address these challenges. The article also seeks to highlight important new research directions in these areas, and especially those that might be of significant interest to the operations research community.
Reliability and validity of the reduced Spanish version of the Prenatal Breastfeeding Self‐Efficacy Scale
Authors: Silva‐Tubio José R. , Oliver‐Roig Antonio , Perpiñá‐Galvañ Juana , Richart‐Martínez Miguel
Published: August 2021

Breastfeeding self‐efficacy is a relevant predictor of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life. The Prenatal Breastfeeding Self‐Efficacy Scale (PBSES) is a 20‐item tool developed to determine breastfeeding self‐efficacy during pregnancy. Our study aimed to assess the structural validity and psychometric characteristics of the PBSES and to explore item reduction according to the statistical criteria for parsimony and incremental validity. In this study, conducted in six hospitals in eastern Spain, we recruited 1183 women with healthy, full‐term, single‐birth newborns. Data on sociodemographic, breastfeeding‐related variables, and the PBSES, were obtained from self‐administered questionnaires during the third trimester of pregnancy, at postpartum discharge, and 5 months postpartum, and from a phone survey 12 months postpartum. Item reduction was conducted after revising the PBSES item floor and ceiling effects, interitem correlations, and item–score relationships with breastfeeding‐status variables during follow‐up. The factorial structure of the short form of the PBSES (PBSES‐SF) was tested using both exploratory and confirmatory approaches. After item reduction, the confirmatory factor analysis of the 12 remaining items of the PBSES‐SF revealed adequate fit statistics for a three‐factor structure and a second‐order factor. Internal consistency was measured using the Cronbach's α coefficient of the PBSES‐SF (0.86). We provided evidence on the discriminant validity of the PBSES‐SF by comparing its scores between known groups, convergent validity by examining its correlations with other variables, and predictive validity by assessing the association of PBSES‐SF scores with breastfeeding behavior at critical points in time during the first postpartum year.
Laminate design, optimization, and testing of an innovative carbon fiber‐reinforced composite sandwich panel for high‐speed train
Authors: Tang Juan , Zhou Zhiping , Chen Hao , Wang Shiyou , Gutiérrez Asier , Zhang Chi , Deng Jiakang
Published: August 2021

An innovative type of carbon fiber‐reinforced composite corrugated rib sandwich panel floor structure was designed and produced for a high‐speed train equipment compartment, complying with the applicable railway car body structural requirements and railway fire protection standards. Using the finite element analysis (FEA) method there was conducted a four‐step laminate design optimization for adjusting the mechanical properties of both the skin and corrugated ribs parts. A prototype was manufactured by an autoclave process and successfully submitted to static and fatigue mechanical testing for evaluation of the strength and stiffness of this structure as well as for correlation with the FEA model. It was finally concluded that requirements were met for this lightweight design and the weight reduction was approximately of 35.7% in comparison to the conventional metal structure. The research shown in this article does not only provide an effective carbon fiber composite equipment design scheme for the floor panel for high‐speed trains, but also entails a methodical design process for other applications of carbon fiber composite structural parts.
Fabrication of continuous carbon fiber reinforced polyamide 6 composites by means of self‐resistance electric heating
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Liu Yunhuan , He Qingzhu , Weng Can , Zhai Zhanyu
Published: August 2021

In the conventional process of thermoplastic composites, a heating stage from the external heat source usually consumes a large amount of energy. To solve this problem, self‐resistance electric (SRE) heating of carbon fiber‐reinforcement was introduced to form a continuous carbon fiber reinforced polyamide 6 (CF/PA 6) composite based on film stacking technique in this paper. The temperature distribution was first measured to verify the temperature uniformity for SRE heating process. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to assess effects on the chemical properties of carbon fibers from SRE heating and conventional convective heating. To evaluate forming quality by SRE heating, the physical properties, crystallinity, and mechanical properties of CF/PA 6 composites were measured. The results show that the forming time and energy consumption of SRE heating process are significantly reduced compared with that of the traditional heating process because of fast heating/cooling rate. While fast heating/cooling rate of SRE heating process leads to a higher void content, which finally results in a slightly lower flexural strength and impact properties of composite laminates. It is clear that SRE heating technique is one of the energy‐ and cost‐effective ways to fabricate continuous carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites although the forming quality is still improved in future investigation.
Left myocardial performance index in monochorionic diamniotic twin pairs complicated by selective fetal growth restriction with abnormal umbilical artery Doppler
Authors: Ortiz Javier U. , Torres Ximena , Bennasar Mar , Eixarch Elisenda , Gómez Olga , Crovetto Francesca , Lobmaier Silvia M. , Martinez Josep M. , Gratacós Eduard , Crispi Fatima
Published: August 2021

Objective

To evaluate left myocardial performance index (MPI) and its time intervals in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pairs complicated by selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) with abnormal (persistent ‐type II‐ or intermittent ‐type III‐ absent or reversed end‐diastolic flow) umbilical artery Doppler.

Methods

Retrospective study including 16 MCDA twin pairs with sFGR type II, 26 MCDA twin pairs with sFGR type III and 42 gestational age‐matched uncomplicated MCDA twin pairs in a single tertiary center. Left isovolumetric contraction time (ICT), ejection time (ET), and isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT) were measured and MPI calculated by conventional Doppler at diagnosis of sFGR.

Results

In sFGR type II, the smaller twin had shorter ET and prolonged IRT and MPI, while the larger twin showed prolonged ICT and MPI as compared to uncomplicated MCDA twins. In sFGR type III, the smaller twin had shorter ICT and ET, while the larger twin showed prolonged ICT, IRT, and MPI in comparison to controls.

Conclusion

A differential pattern of MPI time intervals could be observed in MCDA twins with sFGR type II and III. All twins had echocardiographic signs of pressure/volume overload, except the smaller twin type III with shorter systolic times probably reflecting reduced volume load.
Use of hydrochlorothiazide in Denmark following publication of skin cancer risk findings
Authors: Pottegård Anton , Bech Bodil Hammer , Pedersen Sidsel Arnspang , Christensen Bo
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The antihypertensive agent hydrochlorothiazide has recently been linked to increased risk of skin cancer. We sought to describe the impact of the dissemination of these findings on the use of hydrochlorothiazide and health care utilization among antihypertensive users in Denmark.

Methods

In this nationwide observational study, we performed descriptive analyses of a cohort comprising all Danish antihypertensive treatment users January 2016 through September 2020 (n = 1 316 476) with special focus on hydrochlorothiazide users (n = 309 743). Data were retrieved from the Danish nationwide health registries, including the Danish National Prescription Registry.

Results

The use of hydrochlorothiazide dropped by 44% from January 2016 to September 2020, with the proportion of all antihypertensive fills constituted by hydrochlorothiazide dropping from 12.7% to 7.2%. This decline was more pronounced among younger patients and patients with a history of skin cancer. Simultaneously, the monthly rate of new hydrochlorothiazide users in Denmark dropped from ≈2350 throughout 2017 to 652 during 2020. The publication of an increased risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer led to an estimated excess of up to 11 510 physical and 22 870 e‐mail/phone consultations to general practitioners. No evidence for increased risk of adverse outcomes was found.

Conclusions

The publication of increased risk of skin cancer with hydrochlorothiazide use has led to a marked decline in the use of hydrochlorothiazide in Denmark. A temporary increase in rate of GP contacts was also observed. This highlights the potential impact from disseminating research findings to patients and clinicians.
Theoretical study of enantioenriched aminohydroxylation of styrene catalyzed by an engineered hemoprotein
Authors: Huang Hong , Zhao Dong‐Xia , Yang Zhong‐Zhi
Published: August 2021

Transforming olefins to chiral amino alcohols is a useful approach to synthesize biologically active natural products and numerous drugs. A recent study has demonstrated a promising and synthetic value of an engineered hemoprotein for catalyzing olefins to chiral amino alcohols with 2500 total turnover numbers and 90% ee. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation has been used to systematically investigate the detailed mechanisms of the aforementioned process. One electron transfers from Fe atom to HN–nitrene in the iron–nitrene intermediate formation. Subsequently, styrene aziridination, singlet state is characterized by a nonradical, concerted nonsynchronous mechanism, while a radical and stepwise mechanism for triplet. Through hydrolysis reaction forming amino alcohol enantiomers, radical intermediate in triplet state without ring‐opening process is obviously more feasible than singlet aziridine, where the energy barrier difference between triplet and singlet approaches to 20.00 kcal/mol. Moreover, due to the hydrogen bond effect, the water dimer‐assisted hydrolysis reaction is effective to reduce the energy barrier by about 7.00 kcal/mol compared with one water assisted in triplet; however, the energy barrier difference in singlet is unapparent with only 0.18 kcal/mol accompanied with ring‐opening process. Further, homology modeling shows that the reactivity and enantioselectivity can be attributed to the structure of the enzyme active pocket. This study sheds light on the mechanism of engineered hemoprotein‐mediated amino alcohols synthesis and shows the development of biological catalysts.
Determination of Particle Size, Core and Shell Size Distributions of Core–Shell Particles by Analytical Ultracentrifugation
Authors: Schmidt Thomas , Linders Jürgen , Mayer Christian , Cölfen Helmut
Published: August 2021

In core–shell nanoparticle analysis, the determination of size distributions of the different particle parts is often complicated, especially in liquid media. Density matching is introduced as a method for analyzing core–shell nanoparticles using Analytical Ultracentrifugation (AUC), making it possible to obtain the core size distribution in liquid dispersions. For this approach, the density of the dispersion is adjusted to the density of the shell. Oil filled nanocapsules are utilized with component densities of around 1 g mL−1 to demonstrate this technique. The shell size distribution is calculated supposing the particle size distribution as a convolution of the shell‐ and core size distributions. Finally, the distributions of core size, shell thickness, particle size, and particle density and thus particle composition are obtained. To clarify the effect of swelling, AUC measurements are combined with further size characterization methods like Particle Tracking Microscopy and Dynamic Light Scattering.
Noble Metal‐Free Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering Enhancement from Bandgap‐Controlled Graphene Quantum Dots
Authors: Chang Yi‐Chen , Chiang Wei‐Hung
Published: August 2021

Graphene quantum dot (GQD) represents an emerging noble metal‐free surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)‐active nanomaterials for applications such as optoelectronics, chemical sensing, and biomedical imaging and therapy. However, it lacks a scalable method to synthesize GQD with selective structures and the fundamental understanding of their SERS enhancement through charge transfer between GQD and probe molecules. Here a bottom–up liquid‐phase synthesis of colloidal GQDs with selective bandgaps using atmospheric‐pressure microplasmas is reported. Electron microscopic and optical spectroscopic characterizations suggest that highly crystalline GQDs with nanographene structures can be synthesized with ambient conditions using microplasmas. Moreover, the bandgaps of GQDs are tuned from 2.8 to 3.18 eV by controlling the size of organosulfate micelles. Raman spectroscopic study demonstrates that the as‐synthesized GQDs exhibit a unique quantum dot bandgap‐dependent SERS enhancement property with an improved charge transfer between the GQD and probe molecules. This study provides an insight into the fundamental of semiconductor‐enhanced Raman scattering of GQDs and scalable production of structure‐controlled GQDs using plasma‐activated chemistry.
Differences in clinical and laboratory biomarkers for short and long‐term respiratory outcomes in preterm neonates
Authors: Parad Richard B. , Breeze Janis L. , Terrin Norma , Rogers Lynette K. , Salafia Carolyn M. , Greenough Anne , Davis Jonathan M.
Published: August 2021

Background

Pulmonary outcome of premature neonates has focused more on short‐term than long‐term respiratory morbidities.

Objective

Describe risk factors/biomarkers associated with short‐term (bronchopulmonary dysplasia [BPD]) (supplemental oxygen use at 36 weeks postmenstrual age [PMA]) and longer‐term (chronic respiratory morbidity [CRM]) (respiratory related symptoms, medications, medical/emergency visits, hospitalizations at 6–12 months corrected gestational age [CGA]) respiratory outcomes in a longitudinal cohort.

Design/Methods

Neonates born at 24–29‐week gestation were prospectively followed to 6–12‐month CGA. Associations between clinical and laboratory risk factors/biomarkers of BPD and CRM were explored.

Results

Of 86 subjects, 94% survived. Outcomes were available for 89% at 36‐week PMA (BPD present in 42% of infants) and 72% at 6–12‐month CGA (CRM present in 47% of infants). For the 54 infants with known outcomes for both BPD and CRM, diagnoses were discordant in 41%. BPD was associated with lower birthweight and birthweight Z‐score for GA, lower Apgar scores, more surfactant doses, higher SNAPPE‐II scores, highest Day 1 inspired oxygen concentration, Day 7 oxygen use, prolonged ventilatory support, bacteremia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and treated patent ductus arteriosus. CRM was associated with lower Apgar scores, Day 7 oxygen use and higher urine vascular endothelial growth factor. Patterns of plasma and urine lipid oxidation products differed in the two outcomes.

Conclusion

In this hypothesis generating and exploratory study, BPD and CRM were associated with different risk factors/biomarker patterns. Concordance between these two outcomes was weak. Strategies for reducing CRM should be studied in cohorts identified by appropriate early risk factors/biomarkers.