bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstructural and Creep Characterization of Sn-0.7Cu and Sn-0.7Cu-xBi Lead-free Solders for Low Cost Electronic Applications
Authors: Alsowidy Shakib , Aljarbani Ahmed M. , Gumaan Mohammed S.
Published: February 2021

The microstructural, creep resistance and electrical conductivity properties of Sn-0.7Cu eutectic alloy with Bi-additions in concentrations (0.3 and 0.5 wt.%) have been investigated using x-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), creep testing machine and (DC) circuit respectively. The three samples were prepared from high purity (99.99%) elements Sn, Cu, and Bi using melting technique. XRD and SEM analysis showed that the eutectic Sn-0.7Cu alloy composed primarily of two phases; a body centered tetragonal 𝜷-Sn phase and monoclinic IMC Cu 6 Sn 5 , the additions of 0.3 and 0.5 wt.% Bi to the eutectic Sn-0.7Cu promote the formation of IMC Cu 6 Sn 5. The above motioned Bi additions have refined the 𝜷-Sn particle size. Creep tests showed that the creep strain rate increases and the creep lifetime (rupture time) decreases as the applied stress and temperature rises. Improvements in creep resistance solders have been achieved by increasing the Bi content up to 0.5 wt. %. The mean values of stress exponent and activation energy indicate that the dislocation creep is the dominate controlling mechanism. The electrical conductivity of the samples was calculated at room temperature, it has the highest value with 0.3 wt.% of Bi.
Risk factors and ramifications offailure to achieve cervical ripening with prostaglandins – Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Berezowsky Alexandra , Zeevi Gil , Hadar Eran , Krispin Eyal
Published: February 2021

Background Induction of labor (IOL) with prostaglandins is a common obstetric procedure. We aimed to assess baseline characteristics and evaluate the outcomes of women who failed to respond to labor induction.Methods Retrospective cohort analysis of all women with singleton gestation who underwent induction of labor, due to prolonged pregnancy, with a slow release prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2) vaginal insert (PROPESS) for cervical ripening. During the study period (2012–2018), 1285 were analyzed. They were divided into 3 subgroups accordingly: a) responders − 1,202 (93.54%) - achieved ripening; b) partial responders − 39 (3.04%) – achieved partial ripening and proceeded to oxytocin augmentation; and c) non responders − 44 (3.42%) - required a second ripening method with extra amniotic foley catheter balloon (EAB). Baseline characteristics and labor outcomes were compared between the groups. Primary outcome was defined as intrapartum cesarean delivery (CD) rate. Secondary outcomes were defined as composite adverse maternal and composite adverse neonatal outcomes. A multivariant analysis was utilized to adjust outcomes to potential confounders.Results Women in the responders’ group were younger (30.03 vs. 32.13 and 31.32 years, p = 0.005), and had lower rates of primiparity (76.92% and 81.39% vs 50.99%, p < 0.001). Women in the responders group less frequently required intrapartum cesarean delivery (3.49% vs. 33.33% and 36.36%, p < 0.001). Failure to achieve a cervical ripening with PGE2 (both non-responders and partial responders) was found to be an independent risk factor for cesarean delivery following multivariate analysis (aOR 11.90, 95% CI 6.13–23.25).Conclusion Women who fail to achieve cervical ripening with PGE2 are older, and more often primiparous. This group is associated with higher rates of intrapartum cesarean delivery and adverse outcomes.
Fucosidosis in Tunisians patients: Mutational analysis and homology-based modeling of FUCA1 enzyme
Authors: Chkioua Latifa , Amri Yessine , Saheli Chayma , Fenni Ferdawes , Boudabous Hela , Turkia Hadhami Ben , Massoud Taieb , Tebib Neji , Laradi Sandrine
Published: February 2021

Background: Fucosidosis is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease caused by defective alpha-L-fucosidase (FUCA1) activity, leading to the accumulation of fucose-containing glycolipids and glycoproteins in various tissues. Clinical features include angiokeratoma, progressive psychomotor retardation, neurologic signs, coarse facial features, and dysostosis multiplex.Methods: All exons and flanking intron regions of FUCA1 were screened by direct sequencing to identify mutations and polymorphisms in three unrelated families with fucosidosis. Bioinformatics tools were then used to predict the impacts of novel alterations on the structure and function of proteins. Furthermore, the identified mutations were localized onto a 3D structure model usingthe DeepView Swiss-PdbViewer 4.1 software, which established a function-structure relationship of the FUCA1 proteins.Results: Four novel mutations were identified in this study. Two patients (P1 and P2) in Families 1 and 2 who had the severe phenotype were homoallelic for the two identified frameshift mutations p.K57Sfs*75 and p.F77Sfs*55, respectively. The affected patient (P3) from Family 3, who had the milder phenotype, was heterozygous for the novel missense mutation p.G332E and the novel splice site mutation c.662+5g>c. We verified that this sequence variation did not correspond to a polymorphism by testing 50 unrelated individuals. Additionally, 16 FUCA1 polymorphisms were identified. Crystallographic structure analysis revealed that the missense mutation p.G332E would probably lead to a significant conformational change, thereby preventing the expression of the FUCA1 protein. The 3D structural model of the FUCA1 protein reveals that the glycine at position 332is located near a catalytic nucleophilic residue. This makes it likely that the enzymatic function of the protein with p.G332E is severely impaired. Conclusion: These are the first FUCA1 mutations identified in Tunisia that cause the fucosidosis disease. Bioinformatics analysis allowed us to establish an approximate structure-function relationship for the FUCA1 protein, thereby providing better genotype/phenotype correlation knowledge.
Changes in the Management of Urinary Tract Infections in Women: Impact of the New Recommendations on Antibiotic Prescribing Behavior in France, Between 2014 and 2019
Authors: Piraux Arthur , Faure Sébastien , Naber Kurt G. , ALIDJANOV Jakhongir F. , Ramond-Roquin Aline
Published: February 2021

BackgroundUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections that require antibiotic therapy. In December 2015, new guidelines for UTI management were published in France with the aim of reducing antibiotic misuse and the risk of antimicrobial resistance.Objectives To analyze changes in antibiotic prescribing behavior for acute uncomplicated UTI in women in France from 2014 to 2019.MethodsRetrospective study using data extracted from the medico-administrative database 'OpenMedic' that is linked to the French National Health Data System and collects data on the reimbursement of prescribed drugs. The analyses focused on the number of boxes of antibiotics delivered by community pharmacies, the molecule class, and the prescriber's specialty.ResultsOverall, antibiotic dispensing by community pharmacies increased by 8% between 2014 and 2019, but with differences in function of the antibiotic class. The use of antibiotics recommended as first-line and second-line treatment increased (+ 41% for fosfomycin, + 7.53% for pivmecillinam). Conversely, the dispensing of lomefloxacin and norfloxacin decreased by 80%, and that of ciprofloxacin by 23%. Some antibiotics were mostly prescribed by general practitioners (lomefloxacin, pivmecillinam) and others by secondary care physicians (ofloxacin). The dispensing increase was higher for antibiotics prescribed by secondary care physicians than general practitioners (+21% and +5% between 2014 and 2019). ConclusionThese data suggest that the new recommendations are followed, as indicated by the increased prescription of fosfomycin and pivmecillinam and decreased prescription of fluoroquinolones. However, the efficient transmission and implementation of new recommendations by practitioners requires time, means and dedicated tools.
Anti-CD20 Treatment Effectively Attenuates Cortical Pathology in a Rat Model of Widespread Cortical Demyelination
Authors: Haindl Michaela T , Üçal Muammer , Klaus Benjamin , Tögl Lennart , Dohrmann Jana , Adzemovic Milena Z , Enzinger Christian , Hochmeister Sonja
Published: February 2021

BackgroundCortical demyelination represents a prominent feature of the multiple sclerosis (MS) brain, especially in (late) progressive stages. We recently developed a new rat model that reassembles critical features of cortical pathology characteristic to progressive types of MS. In persons affected by MS, B-cell depleting anti-CD20 therapy proved successful in the relapsing remitting as well as the early progressive course of MS, with respect to reducing the relapse rate and number of newly formed lesions. However, if the development of cortical pathology can be prevented or at least slowed down is still not clear. The main goal of this study was thus to increase our understanding for the mode of action (MOD) of B-cells and B-cell directed therapy on cortical lesions in our rat model. MethodsFor this purpose, we set up two separate experiments, with two different induction modes of B-cell depletion. Brain tissues were analyzed thoroughly using histology. ResultsWe observed a marked reduction of cortical demyelination, microglial activation, astrocytic reaction and apoptotic cell loss in anti-CD20 antibody treated groups. At the same time, we noted increased neuronal preservation compared to control groups, indicating a favorable impact of anti-CD20 therapy. ConclusionThese findings might pave the way for further research on the MOD of B-cells and therefore help to improve therapeutic options for progressive MS.
About the Inverse Theory and the Non-Unicity of the Film Thickness: Novel Approach Generating Equivalent Micro-Grooves and Roughness
Authors: ELGADARI Mhammed , Mohamed HAJJAM
Published: February 2021

Since the 1960s, all studies have assumed that a film thickness “h” provides a unique pressure field “p” by resolving the Reynolds equation. However, it is relevant to investigate the film thickness unicity under a given hydrodynamic pressure within the inverse theory.
This paper presents a new approach to deduce from an initial film thickness a widespread number of thicknesses providing the same hydrodynamic pressure under a specific condition of gradient pressure. For this purpose, three steps were presented: 1) computing the hydrodynamic pressure from an initial film thickness by resolving the Reynolds equation with Gümbel’s cavitation model, 2) using a new algorithm to generate a second film thickness, 3) comparing and validating the hydrodynamic pressure produced by both thicknesses with the modified Reynolds equation.
Throughout three surface finishes: the macro-shaped, micro-textured, and rough surfaces, it has been demonstrated that under a specific hydrodynamic pressure gradient, several film thicknesses could generate the same pressure field with a slight difference by considering cavitation. Besides, this paper confirms also that different ratios of the averaged film thickness by the root mean square (RMS) similar hydrodynamic pressure could be generated, thereby the deficiency of this ratio to define the lubrication regime as commonly known with Patir and Cheng theory.
Augmented TCR-mediated signaling in infant T cells enables robust responses to respiratory virus infection
Authors: Farber Donna , Thapa Puspa , Guyer Rebecca , Yang Alexander , Parks Christopher , Brusko Todd M. , Brusko Maigan , Connors Thomas
Published: February 2021

Infants require coordinated immune responses to prevent succumbing to multiple infectious challenges, particularly in the respiratory tract. The mechanisms by which infant T cells are functionally adapted for these responses are not well understood. Here, we demonstrate using an in vivo co-transfer model that infant T cells generate greater numbers of lung-homing effector cells to influenza infection compared to adult T cells in the same host, due to augmented TCF-1 downregulation and T cell receptor (TCR)-mediated signaling. Importantly, infant T cells show increased sensitivity to low antigen doses, originating at the interface between T cells and antigen-bearing accessory cells–through actin-mediated mobilization of signaling molecules to the immune synapse. This enhanced signaling was also observed in human infant versus adult T cells. Our findings provide a mechanism for how infants control pathogen load and dissemination, important for designing developmentally-appropriate strategies for promoting immune responses at this vulnerable life stage.
Fortitude in the Face of a Pandemic Mediation Modeling to Characterize Resilience During COVID-19
Authors: Schwartz Carolyn Emily , Stark Roland B. , Borowiec Katrina , Rapkin Bruce D.
Published: February 2021

PurposeThis study evaluated the differential impact of stressors and psychosocial resources on quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes, and investigated whether attitudes, perspectives, and behaviors relevant to wellness protect one from the negative and positive aspects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID) pandemic.MethodsThis cross-sectional study done Spring/Summer 2020 recruited patients and caregivers of people with chronic medical conditions, and a nationally representative comparison sample of United States adults. Linear regression investigated the associations between COVID-specific variables and QOL outcomes, after covariate adjustment. Structural Equation Modeling investigated whether the links between Resilience and COVID-specific variables were mediated by attitudes, perspectives, and behaviors relevant to wellness.ResultsThe sample seemed knowledgeable of and adherent to the practices endorsed by public-health experts. COVID-specific Hardship, Interpersonal Conflict, and Worry were associated with worse QOL outcomes, and Growth, Social Support, and Coping were associated with better. Wellness was the most salient predictor of Resilience, functioning both as a main effect and mediator for COVID-specific predictors. People with lower levels of Worry and/or higher levels of Social Support tended to have better-than-expected daily performance in the face of the pandemic. These two predictors acted in large part through the attitudes, perspectives, and behaviors relevant to Wellness.Conclusion﻿Our findings support the idea that cultivating Wellness by dint of one’s perspective, attitudes, and behaviors can be an important buffer to challenging times during a pandemic. Wellness seems to support resilience in its own right in addition to being a mechanism through which other factors can do so.
Stress Hyperglycemia as First Sign of Asymptomatic Type 1 Diabetes: An Instructive Case and Literature Review
Authors: Wang Wei-De , Chu Chun-Hao , Tien Chiung-Hsi , Wang Shuo-Yu , Liu Shih-Yao , Lin Chien-Ming
Published: February 2021

Background:Stress hyperglycemia (SH) is considered a transient manifestation and routine diagnostic evaluation was thought to be unnecessary due to the lack of definite correlation with diabetes mellitus (DM). Although SH was usually benign and long-term treatment was superfluous, it might be the first sign of insulinopenic status such as type 1 DM (T1DM). Case presentation:We reported a boy with acute asthma attack presented incidentally with high blood glucose levels exceeding 300 mg/dL and obvious glycemic variability. Sustained hyperglycemic duration lasting longer than 48 hours was also noticed. To elucidate his unique situation, glucagon test and insulin autoantibody survey were done which showed insulinopenia with positive anti-insulin antibody and glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody despite the absence of overt DM symptoms and signs. Conclusions:This case highlights that SH might be a prodromal presentation in T1DM children, especially when accompanied simultaneously with extreme hyperglycemia, apparent glucose variability, as well as prolonged hyperglycemic duration.
Cardiovascular Risk in Reproductive-aged Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome According to Body Mass Index: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhuang Chenchen , Wang Qiongying , Wang Wenjuan , Sun Runmin , Zhang Xiaofang , Yu Jing
Published: February 2021

Background: To evaluate the association between cardiovascular risk and reproductive-aged women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) according to body mass index (BMI) categories.Methods: A literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and PubMed. Blood pressure (BP) [including systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP) and hypertension prevalence] and plasma lipids [triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, nonHDL-cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol] were calculated at different BMI levels.Results: SBP [MD (95% CI): 2.96 mmHg (1.62, 4.30), P < 0.001] and DBP [MD (95% CI): 1.64 mmHg (0.03, 3.24), P = 0.046] increased in reproductive-aged women with PCOS, however, hypertension prevalence had no difference [OR (95% CI): 1.56 (0.76, 3.06), P = 0.198]. HDL-cholesterol were [SMD (95% CI): -0.24 (-0.39, -0.09), P = 0.002] lower and triglyceride [SMD (95% CI): 0.37 (0.26, 0.48), P < 0.001] higher in reproductive PCOS women. Besides, LDL-cholesterol [SMD (95% CI): 0.25 (0.17, 0.34), P < 0.001] and nonHDL-cholesterol [SMD (95% CI): 0.38 (0.29, 0.47), P < 0.001] were higher in reproductive-aged PCOS. In the subgroup analysis, SBP and LDL-cholesterol were increased in BMI of < 25 kg/m2 and BMI of ≥ 30 kg/m2, but had no difference in BMI of 25-< 30 kg/m2. Triglyceride and nonHDL-cholesterol increased in all BMI categories. However, DBP and hypertension prevalence had no difference in all BMI categories.Conclusion: High baseline BP and dyslipidemia is represented in reproductive PCOS. Besides, reproductive PCOS women are significantly associated with increased cardiovascular risk independent of BMI categories.
Study on the Preparation of Nanocellulose Powder and Its Formation Mechanism
Authors: zhu Zirui , Wang Wenbo , Wang Xiaohui , Zhao Xin , Xia Nannan , Kong Fangong , Wang Shoujuan
Published: February 2021

Nanocellulose is a kind of cellulose based nano material with fantastic properties and numerous potential applications. However, due to the fact that nanocellulose exhibits colloidal properties when its concentration is high, the drying of nanocellulose has always been an urgent problem to be solved. To address this problem, the precipitation and drying mechanism of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC), one of the most common types of nanocellulose, was studied in this paper. The CNC was precipitated from the aqueous suspension by salting out to avoid the CNC colloidal state when concentrated in water. The obtained CNC precipitation with a small amount of water and the actively added electrolyte was dehydrated and purified by solvent displacement with volatile organic. Then CNC powder can be taken shape by drying the mixture of CNC and organic solvent with different drying methods. The mechanism of CNC precipitation from aqueous suspension and CNC powder formation from volatile organic solvent was studied. After comprehensive consideration, a method for preparing re-dispersible CNC powder was established, and the properties of this powder were studied, that provided a solution for the industrial preparation and application of nanocellulose.
Use of Biosolids to Enhance Tomato Growth and Tolerance to Fusarium Oxysporum f. sp. Radicis-Lycopersici
Authors: Giannakis Ioannis , Manitsas Christos , Eleftherohorinos Ilias , Menexes Georgios , Emmanouil Christina , Kungolos Athanasios , Lagopodi Anastasia L.
Published: February 2021

Aims: A biosolid made from municipal sludge, acting as an organic fertilizer that enhanced plant growth and crop productivity, was evaluated for its effect on tomato growth and tolerance enhancement against the phytopathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici (Forl). Methods: Peat and/or two soil types were amended with mixtures of this biosolid (0, 80 and 160 tn/ha) in order to study the growth of tomato plants and their response to Forl, either under controlled conditions or outdoors in a net protected area. Results: The results showed that biosolid addition increased tolerance of tomato plants against the disease. There was also an increase of tomato fresh weight, root weight, stem height and leaf number compared to the Forl-inoculated control soils. Forl, at 5 weeks after tomato transplanting, caused higher disease index on plants grown outdoors in biosolid plus clay soil than in biosolid plus sandy soil, while the opposite occurred under laboratory conditions where higher disease index was recorded on plants grown in peat plus sandy soil than in peat plus clay soil. Conclusions: The findings strongly support the evidence that this biosolid may act as an organic fertilizer and as a possible stimulant of tomato tolerance against Forl. Therefore, this type of biosolid, previously proven to be minimal ecotoxicological impact, should be considered for its possible use in agriculture according to the principles of circular economy and waste minimization.
A Functional SNP rs895819 on Pre-miR-27a is Associated with Bipolar Disorder by Targeting ICAM-1.
Authors: Yang Yifeng , Lu Wenwen , Ning Mei , Zhou Xianhao , Zhang Di , Zhang Yuanyuan , Jiang Biao , Zou Yan , He Lin , Liu Jia
Published: February 2021

Aberrant expression or genomic mutations of microRNA have been reported to be associated with a variety of human diseases. This study is aimed to analyze the association between genetic variations of miRNA and schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. We performed case-control studies for ten SNPs in a total sample of 1584 Chinese subjects. All these ten SNPs are on or near mature microRNAs which are expressed in the brain. To illustrate the function of miR-27a, we constructed a miR-27a knockout (KO) astrocytoma cell line U-251MG. By comparing the differentially expressed genes in wild-type and KO U-251MG, we determined several candidate target genes of miR-27a and then verified ICAM-1 as a target gene of miR-27a. We identified the association between the T/C polymorphism at rs895819 and bipolar disorder. Ectopic expression of miR-27a in NPCs showed that the T to C mutation at rs895819 reduced the suppressive effects of miR-27a on the expression of its target genes. Further studies revealed that the T/C polymorphism on miR-27a led to differential expression of mature and precursor miR-27a without affecting the expression of primary miR-27a. Our study highlighted the importance of miR-27a and its polymorphism at rs895819 in bipolar disorder.
Exosomal miRNA-328-3p Targets ZO-3 and Inhibits Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Proliferation
Authors: Han Zhao , Jinxin Yang , Qian Wang , Zhanding Cui , Dengliang Li , Jiangting Niu , Yanbing Guo , Qian Zhang , Shuang Zhang , Yanli Zhao , Kai Wang , Wei Lian , Guixue Hu
Published: February 2021

As essential transfer carriers for cell-to-cell communication and genetic material, exosomes carry microRNAs that participate in the regulation of various biological processes. MicroRNA is a type of single-stranded noncoding RNA that can bind to specific target gene mRNA to degrade or inhibit its translation, thereby regulating the expression of related target genes. At present, it is known that a variety of microRNAs are involved in the viral infection process, but there are few reports on research into the specific microRNAs involved in PEDV infection. In this study, we isolated and identified exosomes in PEDV-infected Vero E6 cells. Using transcriptomics technology, we found that miRNA-328-3p was significantly downregulated in exosomes following PEDV infection. Moreover, exosomal miRNA-328-3p inhibits cell infection by PEDV through targeting and inhibition of tight junction protein-3 (TJP-3/ZO-3) in recipient cells. Our findings provide evidence that after infecting cells, PEDV downregulates the expression of miRNA-328-3p, and the resulting reduced inhibition of the target ZO-3 protein helps to enhance PEDV infection. These results provide new insights for understanding the regulatory mechanism of PEDV infection.
Choriocarcinoma Syndrome of Primary Pulmonary Choriocarcinoma after Lung Lobe Resection: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Chen Chen , Zhao Pei , Liu Zhenjun , Lu Song , Ji Juan , Li Xiuli , Zhao Qian
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Primary pulmonary choriocarcinoma (PPC) is extremely rare, especially in males. It is characterized by a poor response to therapy and shortened survival times. Here, we report a PPC case which was complicated by choriocarcinoma syndrome (CS) and a review of the literature.Case presentation: A 59-year-old man with 30-pack-year smoking history was referred to our hospital because of hemoptysis and chest pain. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) showed multiple bilateral pulmonary nodules and multiple metastases throughout the body. The patient underwent single-port thoracoscopic wedge resection of the right lung upper lobe. Histological examinations verified the diagnosis of choriocarcinoma. Three days after the operation, the patient developed massive hemoptysis. A bronchoscopic examination showed bleeding from the bilateral main bronchus. Despite management in the intensive care unit (ICU), the patient died two weeks after surgery. Conclusions: A rapid and correct diagnosis of PPC is necessary. When the patient has massive hemoptysis, we should be alert to the occurrence of CS. Surgery and modified chemotherapy, based on the physical condition of the patient, may currently be the best therapy for PPC.
Drivers of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Standing Dead Trees in Ghost Forests
Authors: Martinez Melinda , Ardon Marcelo
Published: February 2021

Coastal freshwater forested wetlands are rapidly transitioning from forest to marsh, leaving behind many standing dead trees (snags) in areas often called ‘ghost forests’. Snags can act as conduits for soil produced greenhouse gases (GHG) and can also be sources as they decompose. Thus, snags have the potential to contribute GHGs to the atmosphere, but emissions are not well understood. We assessed GHG emissions (carbon dioxide - CO 2 , methane - CH 4 , and nitrous oxide - N 2 O) from snags and soils in five ghost forests along a salinity gradient on the coast of North Carolina, USA. Mean (± SE) soil GHG fluxes (416 ± 44 mg CO 2 m -2 hr -1 , 5.9 ± 1.9 mg CH 4 m -2 hr -1 , and 0.1 ± 0.06 mg N 2 O m -2 hr -1 ) were ~4 times greater than mean snag GHGs (116 ± 15 mg CO 2 m -2 hr -1 , 0.3 ± 0.09 mg CH 4 m -2 hr -1 , and 0.04 ± 0.009 mg N 2 O m -2 hr -1 ). Hydrological conditions and salinity influenced soil GHG fluxes between the two field campaigns, but snags were less predictable and more variable. Snag and soil CO 2 /N 2 O fluxes were influenced by similar environmental parameters. The drivers for soil and snag CH 4 however, were often not the same and at times oppositely correlated. Our results illustrate the need to include tree stem GHGs in regional and global budgets.
Chronic sclerosing sialadenitis IgG4-related in a boy with recurrent parotitis: a case report
Authors: Timeus Fabio Stefano , Calvo Mario Michele , Caci Anna Maria , Gallone Giogio Oliviero , Vittone Federico
Published: February 2021

BackgroundIgG4-related diseases are a group of immune-mediated diseases characterized by a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate with a prevalence of IgG4-positive plasma cells, storiform fibrosis, obliterative phlebitis. Autoimmune pancreatitis, sialadenitis, dacryoadenitis and retroperitoneal fibrosis are the most frequent manifestations. IgG4-related sialadenitis usually affects submandibular glands and is very rare in children. We report here a case of an unexpected diagnosis of IgG4-related sialoadenitis in a boy previously diagnosed as affected by juvenile recurrent parotitis.Case presentationA six-year old boy presented to our centre with left parotid swelling about 4x3 cm, tender, soft in consistency, with the overlying skin red and warm. He had low-grade fever and a mild enlargement of left cervical lymph nodes. In the last two years he had five episodes of parotitis and a diagnosis of juvenile recurrent parotitis.. The general conditions were good, and the remainder of the physical examination was normal. At the ultrasonography left parotid was enlarged, inhomogeneous, with a colliquated intraparotid lymph node and no evidence of sialolithiasis. Laboratory tests were normal, except for an increase of white blood cells and positivity for IgM and IgG anti-VCA, with anti-EBNA e anti-EA I negative. The patient was treated with cephalosporins and azitromycin, but after 10 days the parotid became fluctuating and the patient underwent to drainage and biopsy of the gland. He was discharged after 3 days of observation, without any complications, and treated with a further course of cefpodoxime and betametasone, with a good clinical response.Investigations for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, mycobacteria and Bartonella on the pus were negative. Histology showed marked fibrosis and histiocytic and lymphoplasmacellular infiltration. The plasma cells were polyclonal and mostly expressed IgG4 subclass immunoglobulins. The final diagnosis was chronic sclerosing sialadenitis IgG4-related in recurrent parotitis and recent EBV infection. ConclusionsThe interest of this case comes from the rarity of IgG4-related sialadenitis in children. It is not possible to argue with certainty that the previous episodes of parotitis were manifestations of a IgG4-related disease, due to the lack of histological data. Serum IgG4 in our patient were normal, as described in literature in 30% of cases.
Validation of a Search Strategy for Randomized Clinical Trials Related to Periodontitis
Authors: Lyrio Amanda Oliveira , Cruz Simone Seixas da , Gomes-Filho Isaac Suzart , Silveira Viviane Seixas Silva , Souza Elivan Silva , Batista Josicélia Estrela Tuy , Figueiredo Ana Claudia Morais Godoy , Pereira Mauricio Gomes
Published: February 2021

Background: Systematic reviews, considered the gold standard for the assessment of scientific evidence, may present conflicting findings for the same clinical issue, and such dissent may be justified, for example, by the forms of elaboration of the electronic search strategy. The aim of this paper is to validate a search strategy to identify randomized clinical trials related to periodontitis. Results: The search strategy under evaluation compared to the gold-standard showed a sensitivity of 93.2% (95%CI, 83.8-97.3), specificity of 99.9% (95%CI 99.8-99.9) and a precision of 77.5% (95%CI, 66.48-85.63). In addition, the needed number of articles to read was 1.3. Conclusion: According to the proposed methodological approach, the search strategy under evaluation performed well in the identification of randomized clinical trials related to periodontitis.
Preparation of Serum Capped Silver Nanoparticles for Selective Killing of Microbial Cells Sparing Host Cells
Authors: Parveen Rehana , Maiti Prasanta Kumar , Murmu Nabendu , Datta Alokmay
Published: February 2021

Following access into cell, colloidal silver nanoparticles exhibit generalized cytotoxic properties, thus appear as omnipotent microbicidal, but not suitable for systemic use unless are free of toxic effects on host cells. The serum capped silver nanoparticles when prepared from silver nitrate, using dextrose as reducing and group-matched homologous serum as a stabilizing agent, selective endocytosis and oxidative stress dependent bio-functional damages to the host are mostly eliminated. For their bio-mimicking outer coat, there is least possibility of internalization into host-cells or liberation of excess oxidants in circulation following interaction with erythrocytes or vascμμμar endothelial cells. Presence of infection specific antibody in the serum can make such nano-conjugates more selective. A potent antimicrobial action and a wide margin of safety for mammalian cells in comparison with very similar PVA-capped silver nanoparticles have been demonstrated by in-vitro challenge of such nanoparticles on different microbes, human liver cell-line, and in-vivo study on mice model. This may open-up wide-range therapeutic prospects of colloidal nanoparticles.
Ecology, Seasonality and Host Preferences of Austrian Phlebotomus (Transphlebotomus) Mascittii Grassi, 1908, Populations
Authors: Kniha Edwin , Milchram Markus , Dvořák Vít , Halada Petr , Obwaller Adelheid G. , Poeppl Wolfgang , Mooseder Gerhard , Volf Petr , Walochnik Julia
Published: February 2021

Background: Sand flies are principal vectors of the protozoan parasites Leishmania spp., widely distributed in all warmer regions of the world, including the Mediterranean parts of Europe. In Central European countries, the sand fly fauna is still understudied. Phlebotomus mascittii, a suspected but unproven vector of Leishmania infantum, is regarded as the most widely distributed species in Europe. However, many aspects of its biology and ecology remain poorly known. The aim of this study was to provide new data on Ph. mascittii biology and ecology in Austria to better understand its current distribution and potential dispersal.Methods: Sand fly trappings were conducted at four different locations in Austria for eleven and fifteen weeks during the active period in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Climatic parameters including temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure and wind speed were retrospectively obtained for the trapping periods and blood meals of engorged females were analysed by DNA sequencing and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.Results: In total, 450 individuals of Ph. mascittii were caught. Activity was observed to start at the beginning of June and end at the end of August with peaks in mid-July at three locations and early August at one location. Increasing activity was associated with relatively high temperatures and humidity. Also, more individuals were caught in nights with low barometric pressure. Five identified blood meals revealed three times chicken (Gallus gallus) and twice equines (Equus spp.) as hosts. Sand fly abundance was generally associated with availability of hosts.Conclusion: This study reports an unexpectedly high abundance of Ph. mascittii at studied Austrian localities and provides the first detailed analysis of its ecology to date. Temperature and humidity were shown to be good predictors for sand fly activity. Blood meal analyses support the assumption that Ph. mascittii feeds on mammals as well as birds. The study significantly contributes to understanding the ecology of this sand fly species in Central Europe and facilitates prospective entomological surveys.
Sex Differences in the Outcomes of Elderly Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction 
Authors: Sun Jiaxing , Tai Shi , Yanan Guo , Tang Liang , Yang Hui , Li Xuping , Xing Zhenhua , Fu Liyao , Zhou Shenghua
Published: February 2021

Background: It has been shown the impacts of sex on patients' outcomes with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), but little is known about the impacts of sex on elderly patients with HFpEF.Methods: A secondary analysis was conducted to evaluate the impacts of sex on outcomes of patients who were ≥70 years of age with HFpEF from the Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure with an Aldosterone Antagonist Trial (TOPCAT). The primary outcome was composed of cardiovascular (CV) mortality, HF hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality and all-cause hospitalization. Cox regression models were used to determine sex differences in outcomes.Results: A total of 1619 patients were included: 898 (55.5%) women and 721 (44.5%) men. Their age ranged from 70 to 94 years, similar between women and men. Women had fewer comorbidities than men. The rate of primary outcome was lower in women than in men (18.9% vs. 28.1%, p=0.002), including CV mortality (10.6% vs. 15.4%, p=0.039) and HF hospitalization (13.5% vs. 19.0%, p=0.033). After adjustment for baseline characteristic, the Cox regression analysis showed that woman was a protective factor for CV mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.40-0.73), HF hospitalization (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.55-0.93) and all-cause mortality (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.47-0.75). Although a significant reduction in all-cause mortality associated with spironolactone in women was observed even after adjustment (HR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.48-0.96; p=0.028), there is not a significant multivariate sex-treatment interaction (p interaction=0.190).Conclusion: Among elderly patients with HFpEF, women had fewer comorbidities and better outcomes. Clinical trial registration: NCT00094302 (TOPCAT). Registered 15 October 2004, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00094302
Electron spectroscopy with a diamond detector
Authors: Bodie C. S. , Lioliou G. , Lefeuvre G. , Barnett A. M.
Published: February 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
External Validation of Models to Predict Unsuccessful Endometrial Ablation: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Stevens Kelly Yvonne Roger , Houterman Saskia , Weyers Steven , Muller Iris , Schoot Benedictus
Published: February 2021

Study Objective: External validation of previously presented and locally established prediction models to help counsel patients for failure of endometrial ablation (EA) or surgical re-intervention within 2 years after EA, called ‘Failure model’ and ‘Re-intervention model’ respectively. Design: Retrospective external validation study, minimal follow-up time of 2 years. Setting: Two non-academic teaching hospitals in the Netherlands. Patients: Pre-menopausal women (18+) who had undergone EA for abnormal uterine bleeding problems between January 2010 and November 2012. A total of 329 patients were eligible for analysis. Interventions: Interventions used for EA were Novasure (Hologic, Marlborough, Massachusetts, US) and ThermaChoice III (Ethicon, Sommerville, US). Measurements and Main Results: The Area Under the Receiver Operating characteristics Curve (AUROC) for the outcome parameter of failure within 2 years after EA was 0.59 (95% CI 0.53 – 0.65). Variables in this model were dysmenorrhea, age, parity ≥5 and preoperative menorrhagia. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed no significant difference between the observed and predicted outcome. (Chi-square: 4.62, P-value: .80) The AUROC for the outcome parameter surgical re-intervention within 2 years was 0.62 (95% CI 0.53 – 0.70) Variables in this model were dysmenorrhea, age, menstrual duration> 7 days, parity ≥5 and a previous caesarean section. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed no significant difference between the observed and predicted outcome (Chi-square 11.34, P-value .18). Conclusion: Both the failure model and the re-intervention model can be used to predict unsuccessful endometrial ablation in the general population within two years after the procedure. It can be used prior to surgery to facilitate tailor-made shared decision-making, and help counsel patients with regards to the potential outcome of their treatment with the use of a personally calculated percentage.
Tailoring the Activation Energy and the Ionic Properties of Bismuth co-doped SDC Powder Prepared by Solid State Reaction Method
Authors: Kottooli Sandhya , Priya N.S. Chitra , Revathy J.S. , Rajendran Deepthi N. , Praveen T.
Published: February 2021

Research on fuel cell components has received great attention owing to the growing need for sustainable energy sources. Bismuth (Bi 3+ ) co-doped samarium doped cerium oxide [Ce 1-x Sm x-y Bi y O 2-δ (x=0.2 and y=0, 0.05 and 0.1)] nanosystems were prepared by solid state reaction method. Rietveld structure refinement of X-ray diffraction pattern confirms the cubic fluorite structure along the (111) plane with the decrease in lattice distortion. At the same sintering temperature, pellets exhibit good morphology with better mechanical strength. The conductivity measurements carried out using the Nyquist plot, as well as the modulus spectra, indicate the effect of grain and grain boundary conduction at high temperatures. With the increase in the incorporation of Bi dopant, there is a gradual decrease in ionic conductivity and activation energy. The composition of Ce 0.8 Sm 0.1 Bi 0.1 O 2-δ exhibits less ionic conductivity compared to other samples due to the oxygen vacancies attracted by dopant cations. The effect of Bi 3+ dopants on samarium doped ceria lattice structures and the electrical properties of the systems has been discussed.
Validation, emotion dysregulation and self-harm Results from an anonymous large-scale Internet-based study of young people
Authors: Wijana Moa Bråthén , Ghaderi Ata , Enebrink Pia , Liljedahl Sophie Isabelle
Published: February 2021

Background: Self-harm is a major public healh concern and it is particularly prevalent among adolescents. The functions of self-harm are diverse, but can be devided into interpersonal and intrapersonal. Linehan’s Biosocial Theory suggests that there is a transaction between the indivduals’ emotional vulnurablity and an invalidating environment, which in turn results in maladptive and often self-destructive behaviors. This paper examines the associations between self-harm, emotion dysregulation and percieved validation/invalidation. Methods: A total of 1910 (M age = 17.2, 86.9% female gender identity) respondents completed questionnaires in an anonymous Web-based survey. We used well-established questionnairs for assessing self-harm and emotion dysregulation, and for the assessment of perceived validation/invalidation we used a novel instrument “Responses to my Emotion, Thoghts and Actions, REMTA”. Results: Validation/invalidation correlated with self-harm and to an even larger extent to emotional dysregulation. A lagre and significat part of the association between self-harm and perceived validation/inavldiation was also mediated by emotion regulation. Validation/invalidation from family members had a higher impact on both self-harm and emotion dysregulation than from non-relatives. Those reporting high levels of invalidation also reported significantly more difficulties in emotion regulation. Conclusions: The present study contributes to the understanding validation in the ethiology of self-harm. The results also provide additional support for the Biosocial Theory and has implication assessment and treatment of self-harm. Trial registration: The study was approved by the Regional Ethics Board in Stockholm (Dnr. 2015/815-31/5).
Representational content determines the long-term dynamics of the CA1 spatial code
Authors: Keinath Alexandra , Mosser Coralie-Anne , Brandon Mark
Published: February 2021

Hippocampal subregion CA1 is thought to support episodic memory by reinstating a stable spatial code. Yet recent experiments have demonstrated that this code is largely unstable on a timescale of days, challenging its presumed function. While these dynamics may indeed reflect homogenous drift within the population, they may alternatively reflect distinct time-varying representational component(s) which coexists alongside other stable components. Here we adjudicate between these possibilities. To this end, we characterized the mouse CA1 spatial code over more than a month of daily experience in an extended geometric morph paradigm. We find that this code is governed by distinct representational components with different long-term dynamics, including stable components representing spatial geometry and prior experience. These components are mediated by separate neural ensembles with similar short-term spatial reliability and precision. Together, these results demonstrate that the long-term dynamics of the CA1 spatial code are defined by representational content, not homogenous drift.
Cerebral Hemorrhage following Aspirin Administration in a Patient with Delayed Diagnosis of Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Tao Yijing , Gong Fangqi
Published: February 2021

Background: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute vasculitis of childhood, which has a typical coronary artery aneurysm complication. Cerebral arteries are usually spared from the disease process. Intracranial aneurysms and hemorrhage strokes are rarely reported.Case presentation: A 12-year-old boy presented with a sudden disturbance of consciousness caused by an intracranial aneurysm’s rupture. Through later clinical manifestations and echocardiography, we found that he had been in Kawasaki disease 20 days before the hospitalization.Conclusions: This case shows a close link between Kawasaki disease and cerebral aneurysm complication. It arouses more attention to applying aspirin appropriately in the perioperative intracranial surgery period of KD patients. For febrile patients with high-risk factors for KD, echocardiograms may be performed before day 5 of fever.
Spontaneous Osteonecrosis of the Knee: a Systematic Review of Conservative Treatment Approaches
Authors: Lair Johannes , Fink Christian , Csapo Robert
Published: February 2021

Background: Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK) is an insufficiently defined disease. Although recent research suggests that SONK may be caused by subchondral insufficiency fractures, its precise etiology remains unclear. Currently, no therapeutic guidelines exist.Purpose: This systematic review aimed to collate the scientific literature on conservative treatment approaches for SONK and to derive respective recommendations.Methods: The PUBMED database was searched for relevant articles published until November 2020. All articles in German or English language dealing with the conservative therapy of SONK were included. Animal research studies and reviews were not considered. Studies that used specific treatment outcomes as inclusion criterion and those that lacked a conservative treatment group, magnetic resonance imaging-based diagnosis, reported outcomes of conservatively managed patients or basic descriptions of the treatment modalities were excluded.Results: Twenty-two articles comprising a total sample size of 521 patients were included. Eighteen of the included studies (82%) tested the effects of some form of restriction of weight-bearing, bisphosphonates or a combination of both. Sixteen studies (73%) reported clinical and/or radiological improvements. However, outcomes varied considerably in dependency of the radiologic presentation, demography and further prognostic factors.Conclusion: Many conservative therapy methods appear effective in the treatment of orthopedic syndromes classified as SONK, with the most robust evidence existing for restriction of weight-bearing and bisphosphonates. The heterogeneity of radiologic presentations and treatment outcomes suggests that the generic term SONK might obscure the presence of different underlying pathologies. Indeed, many lesions may represent subchondral fractures, which should be referred to as subchondral fractures of the knee (SFK). A clear delineation of the disorders and standardized MRI-based diagnostic criteria are required.