bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant activities of underexplored Chinese medicinal plant parts and their effect against high glucose-induced modulation of fibronectin expression
Authors: Sridharan B , Zhong Y X , Rao Y K , Tzeng Y M , Lee M J
Published: September 2021

Diabetes has been a long-standing disorder and its management has been challenging various medical and research experts for several decades because of its complex causative factors and pathophysiological processes leading to complications. Medicinal plants have been explored in several countries and traditional Chinese medicine is one of the well-recognized alternative treatment methods. In this study, we have chosen some of the underexplored plant parts of Chinese medicinal herbs and analyzed their antioxidant activity and ability to modulate the expression of fibronectin during high glucose conditions. Extraction of the plant materials with different solvent led to 17 extracts and among which, 3 extracts (2, 12 & 17) were observed to render more than 50 μg/ml vitamin C equivalents of DPPH free radical scavenging ability and 2 of them (2 & 17) showed more than 25 μg/ml of vitamin C equivalents of ferric ion reducing power. Based on the antioxidant activity and comparison of their total phenolic content, we used extracts 2 & 17 to check their effect on fibronectin expression in MES-13 cells under high sugar conditions. We observed that both extracts showed a significant reduction of fibronectin expression compared to untreated cells with high glucose levels. The expression was much lesser than the normal untreated, normal sugar supplemented cells and this was not observed in vitamin C supplemented cells. In conclusion, crude extracts containing a group of phenolic compounds have shown significant effects against fibronectin expression leading to reduced ECM deposition and tissue fibrosis. Further exploration might provide insights into the exact mechanism and checkpoints of the extract that can successfully reduce diabetes-induced renal complications.
Computer vision-based techniques for cow object recognition
Authors: Bello R W , Mohamed A S A , Talib A Z , Olubummo D A , Enuma O C
Published: September 2021

The productivity of livestock farming depends on the welfare of the livestock. This can be achieved by physically and constantly monitoring their behaviors and activities by human experts. However, the degree of having high accuracy and consistency with manual monitoring in a commercial farm is herculean, and in most cases impractical. Hence, there is a need for a method that can overcome the challenges. Proposed in this paper, therefore, is the cow detection and monitoring method using computer vision techniques. The proposed method is capable of tracking and identifying cow objects in video experiments, thereby actualizing precision livestock farming. The method generates reasonable results when compared to other methods.
Effectiveness of plant essential oils derived from Curcuma longa, Illicium verum, Ocimum tenuiflorum, and Foeniculum vulgare for controlling common cutworm (Spodoptera litura)
Authors: Passara H , Pumnuan J , Thipmanee K
Published: September 2021

Four essential oils of Curcuma longa, Illicium verum, Ocimum tenuiflorum and Foeniculum vulgare were selected for insecticidal activity against the tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) by using leaf dipping bioassay. Toxicity on second instar larvae was assessed after 24 hours of exposure. The result revealed that all the four essential oils effectively killed the larvae and showed high antifeedant activity. The highest killing amount for controlling the larvae and highest anti-feedant effect were observed in the essential oils of Curcuma longa and Illicium verum 0.75% concentration causing 100% mortality after 24 hours. These oils also presented the highest anti-feedant effect for controlling the larvae at 0.25% concentration. It seems that, plant essential oils derived from Curcuma longa and Illicium verum have an ability to be used as herbicide for controlling Spodoptera litura.
Does Australian oaten hay improve Chinese dairy cow performance?
Authors: Liang Q R
Published: September 2021

With the steep growth of the global population, especially in developing countries, the pressure on the agricultural sector has been increasing. Since the Chinese dairy industry is undergoing rapid development, the demand for adequate high-quality forage is proportionately increasing. Australian oaten hay is regularly exported to China with distinct nutritional benefits, but studies concerning details of the nutritional composition and its influence on the performance of Chinese dairy cows are limited. The controversy related to the harvesting time of oaten hay is another less explored area but critically important factor affecting the nutritional value of forage. This research used a comparative research method to analyze the nutritional composition difference between Australian oaten hay and Chinese oaten hay and the nutrient and yield difference during different harvesting times. Three different forage replacement experiments were reviewed, which were conducted on dry and mid-lactating Chinese Holstein cows and weaned Chinese Holstein calves separately. The corresponding impacts of feeding Australian oaten hay on their production performances were investigated by regression analysis methods. The results of this project can provide a comprehensive understanding of nutritional composition and a systematic overview of the impact of Australian oaten hay on the production performance of Chinese dairy Holstein cows.
Method for prediction of raw gluten content in wheat grain
Authors: Pasynkov A V , Pasynkova E N
Published: September 2021

The possibility of using the developed equations reflecting the dependence of the raw gluten content (Y, %) on the protein content (X1, %) and the 1000-grain weight (X2, g) to predict its (gluten) content in wheat grain is discussed. The developed equations allow to determine the main trends in the change in raw gluten content of wheat grains, occurring when the protein content and 1000-grain weight vary under the influence of various factors, and explain the contradictory nature of these dependencies available in the scientific literature. The equations can be used to control the quality of the manual or mechanical determination of the raw gluten content of winter and spring soft and hard wheat grains, as well as to test the operation and reliability of the various analyzers used in protein and gluten analysis.
Synthesis of Acanthus ilicifolius Linn alkaloid 2-Benzoxazolinone Derivative and its effect on cervical cancer C-33A cells
Authors: Tian X Q , Ke L N , Chen Q H , Zeng X H , Wang H M , Li P
Published: September 2021

Cervical cancer seriously threatens women’s health, it seriously harm the patient’s physical and mental health. The new derivative of Acanthus ilicifolius Linn alkaloid 2-benzoxazone was obtained from o-aminophenol, substituted benzaldehyde, trichloroacetic acid and isocyanate via a tandem Ugi 4CC/SN cyclization (N-cyclohexyl-2-(2-benzoxazolone-3-yl)-2-p-trifluoromethylphenylacetamide, BOABB), and the toxicity of the new compound to the cervical cancer C-33A cells was detected by CCK-8 assay, wound healing assay and apoptotic assay. The results exhibited that BOABB had obvious inhibitory effect on C-33A cells, and the calculated IC50 was 32.3 μM. Wound healing assay showed that BOABB could significantly inhibit cell migration (P<0.05). The apoptotic assay demonstrated that BOABB has induced apoptosis in C-33A cells (from 10.86% to 34.70%).
Finite element approximation and preconditioning for anisothermal flow of implicitly-constituted non-Newtonian fluids
Authors: Farrell Patrick , Gazca Orozco Pablo Alexei , Süli Endre
Published: September 2021

We devise 3-field and 4-field finite element approximations of a system describing the steady state of an incompressible heat-conducting fluid with implicit non-Newtonian rheology. We prove that the sequence of numerical approximations converges to a weak solution of the problem. We develop a block preconditioner based on augmented Lagrangian stabilisation for a discretisation based on the Scott–Vogelius finite element pair for the velocity and pressure. The preconditioner involves a specialised multigrid algorithm that makes use of a space decomposition that captures the kernel of the divergence and non-standard intergrid transfer operators. The preconditioner exhibits robust convergence behaviour when applied to the Navier–Stokes and power-law systems, including temperature-dependent viscosity, heat conductivity and viscous dissipation.
A journey from the octonionic ℙ² to a fake ℙ²
Authors: Borisov Lev , Buch Anders , Fatighenti Enrico
Published: September 2021

We discover a family of surfaces of general type with

K
2

=
3

K^2=3

and

p
g

=
q
=
0

p_g=q=0

as free

C

13

C_{13}

quotients of special linear cuts of the octonionic projective plane

O

P

2

\mathbb O \mathbb P^2

. A special member of the family has

3
3

singularities of type

A
2

A_2

, and is a quotient of a fake projective plane. We use the techniques of earlier work of Borisov and Fatighenti to define this fake projective plane by explicit equations in its bicanonical embedding.
Compactivorous sets in Banach spaces
Authors: Ravasini Davide
Published: September 2021

A set

E
E

in a Banach space

X
X

is compactivorous if for every compact set

K
K

in

X
X

there is a nonempty, (relatively) open subset of

K
K

which can be translated into

E
E

. In a separable Banach space, this is a sufficient condition which guarantees the Haar nonnegligibility of Borel subsets. We give some characterisations of this property in both separable and nonseparable Banach spaces and prove an extension of the main theorem to countable products of locally compact Polish groups.
On the archimedean and nonarchimedean 𝑞-Gevrey orders
Authors: Roques Julien
Published: September 2021

q
q

-Difference equations appear in various contexts in mathematics and physics. The “basis”

q
q

is sometimes a parameter, sometimes a fixed complex number. In both cases, one classically associates to any series solution of such equations its

q
q

-Gevrey order expressing the growth rate of its coefficients : a (nonarchimedean)

q

−
1

q^{-1}

-adic

q
q

-Gevrey order when

q
q

is a parameter, an archimedean

q
q

-Gevrey order when

q
q

is a fixed complex number. The objective of this paper is to relate these two

q
q

-Gevrey orders, which may seem unrelated at first glance as they express growth rates with respect to two very different norms. More precisely, let

f
(
q
,
z
)
∈

C

(
q
)
[
[
z
]
]

f(q,z) \in \mathbb {C}(q)[[z]]

be a series solution of a linear

q
q

-difference equation, where

q
q

is a parameter, and assume that

f
(
q
,
z
)

f(q,z)

can be specialized at some

q
=

q

0

∈

C

×

q=q_{0} \in \mathbb {C}^{\times }

of complex norm

>
1

>1

. On the one hand, the series

f
(
q
,
z
)

f(q,z)

has a certain

q

−
1

q^{-1}

-adic

q
q

-Gevrey order

s

q

s_{q}

. On the other hand, the series

f
(

q

0

,
z
)

f(q_{0},z)

has a certain archimedean

q

0

q_{0}

-Gevrey order

s

q

0

s_{q_{0}}

. We prove that

s

q

0

≤

s

q

s_{q_{0}} \leq s_{q}

“for most

q

0

q_{0}

”. In particular, this shows that if

f
(
q
,
z
)

f(q,z)

has a nonzero (nonarchimedean)

q

−
1

q^{-1}

-adic radius of convergence, then

f
(

q

0

,
z
)

f(q_{0},z)

has a nonzero archimedean radius converges “for most

q

0

q_{0}

”.
Sharp estimates for the first eigenvalue of Schrödinger operator in the unit sphere
Authors: Yin Jiabin , Qi Xuerong
Published: September 2021

Let

H

\mathbf {H}

be the mean curvature vector of an

n
n

-dimensional submanifold

M
n

M^n

in a Riemannan manifold. The critical submanifolds of the total mean curvature functional

H

=
∫

|

H

|

n

\mathcal H=\int |\mathbf {H}|^n

are called

H

\mathcal H

-submanifolds. In this note, we will prove that compact Legendrian

H

\mathcal H

-surfaces in the unit sphere

S

5

\mathbb {S}^{5}

are minimal. We also investigate the first eigenvalue of the Schrödinger operator

L
=
−
Δ
−
q

L=-\Delta -q

on

M
2

M^2

and

M
3

M^3

, where

q
q

is some potential function, and obtain a sharp estimate for the first eigenvalue of

L
L

.
Higher ideal approximation theory
Authors: Asadollahi Javad , Sadeghi Somayeh
Published: September 2021

Our aim in this paper is to introduce the so-called ideal approximation theory into higher homological algebra. To this end, we introduce some important notions from approximation theory into the theory of

n
n

-exact categories and prove some results. In particular, the higher version of notions such as ideal cotorsion pairs, phantom ideals, Salce’s Lemma and Wakamatsu’s Lemma for ideals are introduced and studied. Our results motivate the definitions and show that

n
n

-exact categories are the appropriate context for the study of higher ideal approximation theory.
Smooth entrywise positivity preservers, a Horn–Loewner master theorem, and symmetric function identities
Authors: Khare Apoorva
Published: September 2021

A special case of a fundamental result of Loewner and Horn [Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 136 (1969), pp. 269–286] says that given an integern⩾1n \geqslant 1, if the entrywise application of a smooth functionf:(0,∞)→Rf : (0,\infty ) \to \mathbb {R}preserves the set ofn×nn \times npositive semidefinite matrices with positive entries, thenffand its firstn−1n-1derivatives are non-negative on(0,∞)(0,\infty ). In a recent joint work with Belton–Guillot–Putinar [J. Eur. Math. Soc., in press], we proved a stronger version, and used it to strengthen the Schoenberg–Rudin characterization of dimension-free positivity preservers [Duke Math. J. 26 (1959), pp. 617–622; Duke Math. J. 9 (1942), pp. 96–108].

In recent works with Belton–Guillot–Putinar [Adv. Math. 298 (2016), pp. 325–368] and with Tao [Amer. J. Math. 143 (2021), pp. 1863-1929] we used local, real-analytic versions at the origin of the Horn–Loewner condition, and discovered unexpected connections between entrywise polynomials preserving positivity and Schur polynomials. In this paper, we unify these two stories via a Master Theorem (Theorem A) which (i) simultaneously unifies and extends all of the aforementioned variants; and (ii) proves the positivity of the firstnnnonzero Taylor coefficients at individual points rather than on all of(0,∞)(0,\infty ).

A key step in the proof is a new determinantal / symmetric function calculation (Theorem B), which shows that Schur polynomials arise naturally from considering arbitrary entrywise maps that are sufficiently differentiable. Of independent interest may be the following application to symmetric function theory: we extend the Schur function expansion of Cauchy’s (1841) determinant (whose matrix entries are geometric series1/(1−ujvk)1 / (1 - u_j v_k)), as well as of a determinant of Frobenius [J. Reine Angew. Math. 93 (1882), pp. 53–68] (whose matrix entries are a sum of two geometric series), to arbitrary power series, and over all commutative rings.
Extensive calcification of the mitral valve annulus in transcatheter aortic valve implants
Authors: Haensig Martin , Kuntze Thomas , Gonzalez David Lopez , Lapp Harald , Lauten Philipp , Owais Tamer
Published: September 2021

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to report the calcification pattern of the mitral valve annulus and its implications for procedural and safety outcomes in transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

METHODS

Between November 2018 and September 2019, a total of 305 patients had transcatheter aortic valve implants at our institution. The extent of calcification of the mitral valve annulus was analysed, and the impact on safety outcomes was evaluated.

RESULTS

The prevalence of mitral annular calcification (MAC) was 43%. Calcification of the mitral valve annulus was either less than or at least one-third of the posterior annulus (34% and 32%), the whole posterior annulus (28%) or the extension to the attachment of the anterior leaflets (7%). Severe circumferential MAC revealed moderate paravalvular leaks in 5/8 (63%) patients and was associated with right branch bundle block [odds ratio (OR) 2.01 (0.39–3.06); P = 0.098] and low cardiac output [OR 3.12 (1.39–7.04); P = 0.033]. Subannular calcification at the anterolateral trigonum represented a risk factor for left ventricular outflow tract injury [OR 3.54 (1.38–8.27); P = 0.001] in balloon-expandable valves, associated with relevant rhythm disorders [OR 2.26 (1.17–5.65); P = 0.014] and female gender (7/8, 88%). The 30-day all-cause mortality in circumferential MAC reaching into the anterior annulus (grade IV) compared to patients with less MAC (grade I–III) was 13% vs 2% with a mean valve size of 24.6 vs 25.7 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

Extensive MAC was associated with moderate paravalvular leaks, with implications for the prosthesis size and survival in transcatheter aortic valve implants. In severe MAC, we recommend implanting oversized self-expandable prostheses, the goal being to reduce the risk of right branch bundle block and paravalvular leaks.

Subj collection

122, 125
Field Heteronomy and Contingent Expertise: The Case of International Tax Justice
Authors: Vaughan Michael
Published: September 2021

The international tax system is targeted by a diverse range of networked civil society actors, from critical professionals mobilizing their expertise to anti-austerity protestors targeting the consequences of tax dodging. The years following the 2008 financial crisis saw an increase in the range of these actors and their cooperation with one another. This paper argues that a transnational field analysis complements existing expertise-oriented approaches, by identifying the overarching objective of the tax justice agenda as increasing heteronomy in the international taxation field relative to political fields. This objective requires the mobilization of diverse resources across different fields, resulting in network relationships crossing field boundaries to contest inter-field relations, rather than any single bounded field struggle. The findings are supported by an analysis of tax justice advocacy after the 2008 financial crisis in the United Kingdom and Australia, including thirty-seven in-depth interviews with different organizations involved in the network.
Greenhouse gases and performance of growing pigs fed wheat-based diets containing wheat millrun and a multi-carbohydrase enzyme
Authors: Kpogo Agbee L , Jose Jismol , Panisson Josiane C , Agyekum Atta K , Predicala Bernardo Z , Alvarado Alvin C , Agnew Joy M , Sprenger Charley J , Beaulieu A Denise
Published: September 2021

The objective of this project was to determine the impact of feeding growing pigs with high wheat millrun diets supplemented with a multi-carbohydrase enzyme (amylase, cellulase, glucanase, xylanase, and invertase activities) on nutrient digestibility, growth performance, and greenhouse gas (GHG) output (carbon dioxide, CO2; nitrous oxide, N2O; methane, CH4). Three experiments were conducted utilizing six treatments arranged as a 3 × 2 factorial (0%, 15%, or 30% wheat millrun; with or without enzyme) for the digestibility experiment or as a 2 × 2 factorial (0% or 30% wheat millrun; with or without enzyme) for the performance and GHG experiments. The digestibility, performance, and GHG experiments utilized 48 individually housed pigs, 180 pigs housed 5 per pen, or 96 pigs housed 6 per chamber, respectively. Increasing wheat millrun up to 30% in the diet of growing pigs resulted in decreased energy, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) apparent total tract digestibility and net energy content (P < 0.01). Overall, average daily gain (ADG) and gain to feed ratio were reduced in pigs fed wheat millrun (P < 0.05). Enzyme supplementation had minimal effects on the digestibility or performance parameters measured. Feeding diets with 30% millrun did not affect GHG output (CH4: 4.7 and 4.9; N2O: 0.45 and 0.42; CO2: 1,610 and 1,711 mg/s without or with millrun inclusion, respectively; P > 0.78). Enzyme supplementation had no effect on GHG emissions (CH4: 4.5 and 5.1; N2O: 0.46 and 0.42; CO2: 1,808 and 1,513 mg/s without or with enzymes, respectively; P > 0.51). Overall, the carbohydrase enzyme had minimal effects on parameters measured, regardless of wheat millrun inclusion (P > 0.10). Although energy, N and P digestibility, and ADG were reduced, the inclusion of up to 30% wheat millrun in the diet has no effect on GHG emissions from growing pigs (P > 0.10).
Mind-Body (Hypnotherapy) Treatment of Women With Urgency Urinary Incontinence: Changes in Brain Attentional Networks
Authors: Ketai Loren H. , Komesu Yuko M. , Schrader Ronald M. , Rogers Rebecca G. , Sapien Robert E. , Dodd Andrew B. , Mayer Andrew R.
Published: September 2021

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2021;224:498.e1–498.e10)

Involuntary urine loss associated with a sudden sense of urgency, known as urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), affects millions of women and significantly impairs quality of life. Altered perceptual awareness has been theorized to play a role in UUI, with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) identifying specific brain sites that may function abnormally in these patients.
Scrofuloderma: A Rare Case Report of Sequelae of Intestinal Tuberculosis
Authors: Gupta Subhayan Das , Roy Rohon Das
Published: September 2021

Introduction:

Scrofuloderma is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is the most common form of cutaneous tuberculosis. It remains a significant medical challenge because its clinical manifestations mimic those of various other conditions, making diagnosis difficult. Here, we report a 28-year-old man who had been diagnosed with intestinal tuberculosis but discontinued treatment.

Case presentation:

He subsequently presented with a 5-month history of multiple non-healing ulcerative lesions on the abdomen with no other significant clinical findings. Ziehl-Neelsen staining of an impression smear taken from the lesions was performed as the preliminary investigation and confirmed the presence of acid-fast bacilli. Histopathologic examination of a skin biopsy specimen, PCR, and the Mantoux test also confirmed the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The patient began treatment with anti-tubercular drugs and his lesions gradually regressed.

Discussion:

The most common finding of scrofuloderma is a chronic, painless ulcerative lesion with purulent discharge. Cervical lymph nodes are frequently involved. These clinical features mimic several other bacterial and fungal conditions. However, Ziehl-Neelsen staining of the discharging ulcers can be used as a preliminary test to demonstrate acid fast bacilli in most of the cases. Histopathologic examination of skin biopsy specimen, culture on Lowenstein-Jensen media and PCR can confirm the diagnosis.

Conclusion:

Although Scrofuloderma is a rare cutaneous manifestation, it is curable with early diagnosis and prompt intervention of antitubercular drugs.
Vitamin D and Neurological Status in Sturge-Weber Syndrome
Authors: Smegal Lindsay F. , Lin Doris D. , Cho Andrew , Cho Subin (Claire) , Kalb Luther G. , Cohen Bernard , Germain-Lee Emily L. , Comi Anne M.
Published: September 2021

Objective:

This study investigated the frequency of vitamin D deficiency (≤20 ng/mL) and insufficiency (21–29 ng/mL), as well as the relationship between vitamin D levels and neurologic function in Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS).

Methods:

Fifty-eight subjects with confirmed SWS and at least one serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level were studied. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were calculated. Nonparametric correlations analyzed relationships between vitamin D levels, neurological scores, and number of anticonvulsants. Demographics, SWS characteristics, MRI scores, and subject residence were considered.

Results:

Sixty-six percent of subjects had vitamin D levels below normal range. Abnormal levels occurred more frequently in Black or African Americans (P = 0.041) and subjects with more severe brain involvement (P = 0.027). Subjects with early seizure onset and bilateral brain involvement (n = 7) demonstrated greater improvements in hemiparesis with greater increases in vitamin D level (r = –0.791, P = 0.034). Subjects with greater than 3 lobes involved and early seizure onset showed larger improvements in hemiparesis with larger increases in vitamin D level (n = 10, r = –0.696, P = 0.025). Black or African Americans (n = 9) demonstrated greater improvements in total neurologic score (r = –0.865, P = 0.003) and hemiparesis (r = –0.697, P = 0.037) with greater increases in vitamin D level.

Conclusion:

Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are common in patients with SWS. Improvements in neurologic function may be seen with supplementation, especially in Black or African Americans as well as in severely affected patients, suggesting the utility of vitamin D as a therapeutic intervention. More research is needed to confirm and extend these findings.
Nurse practitioners have a vital role in achieving health equity in clinical cancer genetics
Authors: Fasaye Grace-Ann , Liu Yi , Calzone Kathleen
Published: September 2021

Long-standing and persistent racial inequities exist in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. Genetic medicine has the promise to significantly advance the identification of at-risk individuals and facilitate prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancer. Genetic testing is increasingly becoming incorporated into the screening-to-treatment continuum of care for cancer. Although genetic technologies are relatively new to the cancer care landscape, racial inequities already exist in awareness, access, referral, and uptake. Nurses play a vital role in achieving health equity, but success requires that nurses understand, recognize and take action to overcome the factors that have fostered health inequities.
Multiple Sequential Free Flap Reconstructions of the Head and Neck: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Moratin Julius , Horn Dominik , Heinemann Maleen , Metzger Karl , Mrosek Jan , Ristow Oliver , Engel Michael , Freudlsperger Christian , Freier Kolja , Hoffmann Jürgen
Published: September 2021

Background:

Free flap reconstruction is the standard of care in extensive defects of the head and neck area, and although most patients may be treated sufficiently with one flap, recurrence of a malignant tumor or failure of a previous reconstruction may make the use of a second (or more) flap necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate the indications and success rates of multiple consecutive reconstructive procedures in a large cohort of patients.

Methods:

Nine hundred ninety-six free flap reconstructions were retrospectively analyzed and cases of sequential reconstructions in the same patient were identified. Indications, success rates, perioperative procedures, and frequently used flaps were evaluated.

Results:

Two hundred twenty cases of sequential microvascular reconstructions were identified, ranging from two to six flaps per patient. The overall flap success rate was 89.1 percent. A history of diabetes was identified as a risk factor for flap failure (p = 0.029). There was no association of flap loss with the number of reconstructive procedures per patient.

Conclusions:

The use of several free flaps in the same patient is a feasible option for patients suffering from recurrent tumors or to improve quality of life by a secondary reconstruction. A salvage free flap transfer to replace a lost transplant exhibits good success rates.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Free Flap Coverage for Complex Primary and Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Athey Alexander G. , Wyles Cody C. , Carlsen Brian T. , Perry Kevin I. , Houdek Matthew T. , Moran Steven L.
Published: September 2021

Background:

Free flap coverage in the setting of a total knee arthroplasty is rare. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the outcome of patients who underwent a free flap to assist with soft-tissue coverage following a complex total knee arthroplasty.

Methods:

The authors used their institutional total joint registry to retrospectively review patients undergoing a free soft-tissue flap in the setting of complex primary and revision total knee arthroplasty. Among 29,069 primary and 6433 revision total knee arthroplasties from 1994 to 2017, eight (0.02 percent) required a free flap for wound coverage. This included three primary total knee arthroplasties (0.01 percent) for posttraumatic arthritis and five revision total knee arthroplasties (0.07 percent) in the setting of infection. Median follow-up was 4 years.

Results:

Free flaps included vertical rectus abdominis (n = 3), anterior lateral thigh (n = 2), latissimus (n = 2), and transverse rectus abdominis (n = 1). There were no total flap losses; however, one patient required additional skin grafting. Reoperation occurred in six patients, of which four were revisions of the total knee arthroplasty for infection (n = 2) and tibial component loosening (n = 2). One patient ultimately underwent transfemoral amputation for persistent infection. Following reconstruction, there was improvement in the median Knee Society Score (49 versus 82; p = 0.03) and total range of motion between preoperative and postoperative assessments (70 degrees versus 85 degrees; p = 0.14).

Conclusion:

Free flap coverage in the setting of total knee arthroplasty was associated with a high rate of reoperation; however, the limb was able to be preserved in the majority of patients, with a reasonable functional outcome.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Causes of death in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected children aged under-five years in western Kenya
Authors: Onyango Dickens O. , Akelo Victor , van der Sande Marianne A.B. , Ridzon Renee , Were Joyce A. , Agaya Janet A. , Oele Elizabeth A. , Wandiga Steve , Igunza Aggrey K. , Young Peter W. , Blau Dianna M. , Joseph Rachael H. , Yuen Courtney M. , Zielinski-Gutierrez Emily , Tippett-Barr Beth A.
Published: September 2021

Objectives:

Describe the causes of death among infants and children less than 5 years stratified by HIV status.

Design:

Cross-sectional analysis of causes of death ascertained through minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS) in the Kenya Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance site.

Methods:

We included decedents aged 28 days to less than 5 years, whose death was reported within 36 h, underwent MITS, and had HIV test results and causes of death determined. MITS specimens were tested using Taqman Array Cards, culture, cytology, histopathology and immunohistochemistry and HIV PCR. A panel evaluated epidemiologic, clinical, verbal autopsy and laboratory data to assign causes of death using ICD-10 guidelines. Causes of death and etiological agents were stratified by HIV status.

Results:

Of 176 included decedents, 14% (n = 25) were HIV-infected, median viral load was 112 205 copies/ml [interquartile range (IQR) = 9349–2 670 143). HIV-disease (96%; n = 24) and malnutrition (23%; n = 34) were the leading underlying causes of death in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected decedents, respectively. Malnutrition was more frequent in the causal chain of HIV-infected (56%; n = 14) than HIV-uninfected decedents (31%; n = 49) (P value = 0.03). Viral pneumonia was twice as common in HIV-infected (50%; n = 9) than HIV-uninfected decedents (22%; n = 7) (P value = 0.04).

Conclusion:

Nearly all HIV-infected decedents’ underlying cause of death was HIV disease, which was associated with malnutrition. Our findings underscore the need for strengthening early identification and management of HIV-infected children. Prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of malnutrition could be instrumental in improving the survival of HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected children.
Evaluation of HIV-1 reservoir size and broadly neutralizing antibody susceptibility in acute antiretroviral therapy-treated individuals
Authors: Moldt Brian , Günthard Huldrych F. , Workowski Kimberly A. , Little Susan J. , Eron Joseph J. , Overton Edgar T. , Lehmann Clara , Rokx Casper , Kozal Michael J. , Gandhi Rajesh T. , Braun Dominique L. , Parvangada Aiyappa , Li Jiani , Martin Ross , Selzer Lisa , Cox Stephanie , Margot Nicolas , Liu Hui , Slamowitz Debbie , Makadzange Tariro , Collins Sean E. , Geleziunas Romas , Callebaut Christian
Published: September 2021

Objective:

Persistence of the viral reservoir is the main barrier to curing HIV. Initiation of ART during acute HIV infection can limit the size and diversity of the reservoir. In depth characterization of the reservoir in individuals who initiate ART during acute infection will be critical for clinical trial design and cure strategies.

Methods:

Four cohorts with participants who initiated ART during acute infection or during chronic infection were enrolled in a cross-sectional, noninterventional study. Viral reservoir was evaluated by the Intact Proviral DNA Assay (IPDA), the Total HIV DNA Assay (THDA) and the Quantitative Viral Outgrowth Assay (QVOA). Viral diversity and susceptibility to V3-glycan bNAbs were determined by genotyping of the viral envelope gene.

Results:

Participants who initiated ART during the acute Fiebig I–IV stages had lower level of total HIV DNA than participants who initiated ART during chronic infection whereas no difference was observed in intact HIV DNA or outgrowth virus. Participants who initiated ART during Fiebig I–IV also had lower viral diversity and appeared to have higher susceptibility to bNAbs than participants initiating ART during chronic infection.

Conclusion:

Individuals initiating ART during Fiebig I–IV had small viral reservoirs, low viral diversity, and high susceptibility to bNAbs, and would be an optimal target population for proof-of-concept HIV cure trials.
Synergy between low BMI and hyperglycemia at baseline increases tuberculosis incidence among people living with HIV
Authors: Kyaw Nang T.T. , Kumar Ajay M.V. , Harries Anthony D. , Satyanarayana Srinath , Oo Nay L. , Hayat Matthew J. , Castro Kenneth G. , Magee Matthew J.
Published: September 2021

Objectives:

Low BMI and hyperglycemia are each important risk factors for tuberculosis (TB). However, the contribution of synergy between low BMI and hyperglycemia to risk of TB among people living with HIV (PWH) is unexplored. We compared TB incidence among PWH with different exposure profiles to low BMI (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) and hyperglycemia (random blood glucose ≥140 mg/dl).

Design and methods:

We conducted a cohort study using data of PWH (≥15 years) who enrolled in Myanmar's Integrated HIV Care Program between 2011 and 2017. We used their follow-up data until 2018 to determine TB incidence.

Results:

Among 20 865 PWH included in this study, 7610 (36%) had low BMI only, 1324 (6%) had hyperglycemia only, and 465 (2%) patients had concurrent low BMI and hyperglycemia (joint exposure) at baseline. During a median follow-up of 2.2 years (interquartile range: 0.5, 4.2), 3628 (17%) developed TB [6.7, 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.5,7.0 cases per 100 person-years (PY)]. TB incidence among PWH with joint exposure was 21.0 (95% CI: 18.0, 24.7), with low BMI only was 10.9 (95% CI: 10.4, 11.4), with hyperglycemia only was 5.2 (95% CI: 4.4, 6.3) and with no exposure was 4.6 (95% CI: 4.4, 4.9) cases per 100 PY. The attributable proportion of incident TB due to synergy between low BMI and hyperglycemia was 0.23 (95% CI: 0.06, 0.36).

Conclusion:

Synergy between low BMI and hyperglycemia was associated with increased excess TB incidence in PWH. TB preventive treatment, nutritional support, and hyperglycemia management should be evaluated as interventions to reduce TB risk in PWH with joint exposure.
Efficient flocking: metric versus topological interactions
Authors: Kumar Vijay , De Rumi
Published: September 2021

Flocking is a fascinating phenomenon observed across a wide range of living organisms. We investigate, based on a simple self-propelled particle model, how the emergence of ordered motion in a collectively moving group is influenced by the local rules of interactions among the individuals, namely, metric versus topological interactions as debated in the current literature. In the case of the metric ruling, the individuals interact with the neighbours within a certain metric distance; by contrast, in the topological ruling, interaction is confined within a number of fixed nearest neighbours. Here, we explore how the range of interaction versus the number of fixed interacting neighbours affects the dynamics of flocking in an unbounded space, as observed in natural scenarios. Our study reveals the existence of a certain threshold value of the interaction radius in the case of metric ruling and a threshold number of interacting neighbours for the topological ruling to reach an ordered state. Interestingly, our analysis shows that topological interaction is more effective in bringing the order in the group, as observed in field studies. We further compare how the nature of the interactions affects the dynamics for various sizes and speeds of the flock.
How growing tumour impacts intracranial pressure and deformation mechanics of brain
Authors: Ahmed Ali , UlHaq Muhammad Uzair , Mustansar Zartasha , Shaukat Arslan , Margetts Lee
Published: September 2021

Brain is an actuator for control and coordination. When a pathology arises in cranium, it may leave a degenerative, disfiguring and destabilizing impact on brain physiology. However, the leading consequences of the same may vary from case to case. Tumour, in this context, is a special type of pathology which deforms brain parenchyma permanently. From translational perspective, deformation mechanics and pressures, specifically the intracranial cerebral pressure (ICP) in a tumour-housed brain, have not been addressed holistically in literature. This is an important area to investigate in neuropathy prognosis. To address this, we aim to solve the pressure mystery in a tumour-based brain in this study and present a fairly workable methodology. Using image-based finite-element modelling, we reconstruct a tumour-based brain and probe resulting deformations and pressures (ICP). Tumour is grown by dilating the voxel region by 16 and 30 mm uniformly. Cumulatively three cases are studied including an existing stage of the tumour. Pressures of cerebrospinal fluid due to its flow inside the ventricle region are also provided to make the model anatomically realistic. Comparison of obtained results unequivocally shows that as the tumour region increases its area and size, deformation pattern changes extensively and spreads throughout the brain volume with a greater concentration in tumour vicinity. Second, we conclude that ICP pressures inside the cranium do increase substantially; however, they still remain under the normal values (15 mmHg). In the end, a correlation relationship of ICP mechanics and tumour is addressed. From a diagnostic purpose, this result also explains why generally a tumour in its initial stage does not show symptoms because the required ICP threshold has not been crossed. We finally conclude that even at low ICP values, substantial deformation progression inside the cranium is possible. This may result in plastic deformation, midline shift etc. in the brain.
Vaccination and testing of the border workforce for COVID-19 and risk of community outbreaks: a modelling study
Authors: Plank Michael J. , Binny Rachelle N. , Hendy Shaun C. , Lustig Audrey , Ridings Kannan
Published: September 2021

Throughout 2020 and the first part of 2021, Australia and New Zealand have followed a COVID-19 elimination strategy. Both countries require overseas arrivals to quarantine in government-managed facilities at the border. In both countries, community outbreaks of COVID-19 have been started via infection of a border worker. This workforce is rightly being prioritized for vaccination. However, although vaccines are highly effective in preventing disease, their effectiveness in preventing infection with and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is less certain. There is a danger that vaccination could prevent symptoms of COVID-19 but not prevent transmission. Here, we use a stochastic model of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and testing to investigate the effect that vaccination of border workers has on the risk of an outbreak in an unvaccinated community. We simulate the model starting with a single infected border worker and measure the number of people who are infected before the first case is detected by testing. We show that if a vaccine reduces transmission by 50%, vaccination of border workers increases the risk of a major outbreak from around 7% per seed case to around 9% per seed case. The lower the vaccine effectiveness against transmission, the higher the risk. The increase in risk as a result of vaccination can be mitigated by increasing the frequency of routine testing for high-exposure vaccinated groups.
Metal incorporated aminothiazole-derived compounds: synthesis, density function theory analysis,in vitroantibacterial and antioxidant evaluation
Authors: Sumrra Sajjad Hussain , Arshad Zunaira , Zafar Wardha , Mahmood Khalid , Ashfaq Muhammad , Hassan Abrar Ul , Mughal Ehsan Ullah , Irfan Ahmad , Imran Muhammad
Published: September 2021

The present study advocates the combined experimental and computational study of metal-based aminothiazole-derived Schiff base ligands. The structure and electronic properties of ligands have been experimentally studied by spectroscopic methods (UV-Vis, FT-IR,1H-NMR and13C-NMR), mass spectrometry, elemental analysis and theoretically by density function theory (DFT). Computational calculations employing the B3LYP/6-31 + G(d,p) functional of DFT were executed to explore the optimized geometrical structures of ligands along with geometric parameters, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surfaces and frontier molecular orbital (FMO) energies. Global reactivity parameters estimated from FMO energy gaps signified the bioactive nature of ligands. The synthesized ligands were used for chelation with 3d-transition metals [VO(IV), Cr(III), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)] in 1 : 2 (metal : ligand) molar ratio. The spectral and magnetic results confirmed the formation of octahedral geometry around all the divalent and trivalent metal centres, whereas the tetravalent vanadyl centres were confirmed to have square-pyramidal geometry. All the as-synthesized compounds were investigated forin vitroantibacterial potential against two Gram-negative (Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli) and two Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. Antibacterial assay results displayed pronounced activity, and their activity is comparable to that of a standard drug (streptomycin). The antioxidant potential of these compounds was assessed by employing diphenyl picryl hydrazide radical scavenging activity. The results displayed that all the metal chelates have exhibited more bioactivity in contrast with free ligands. The chelation was the main reason for their enhanced bioactivity. These results indicated that the thiazole metal-based compounds could be exploited as antioxidant and antimicrobial candidates.
Two facile approaches based on association complex with erythrosine-B for nano-level analysis of duloxetine: application to content uniformity
Authors: Derayea Sayed M. , Ali Ramadan , Abu-hassan Ahmed A.
Published: September 2021

Duloxetine is an antidepressant that exhibits its action by preventing the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine by neurons. In this analytical study, we developed two facile, sensitive methods for duloxetine analysis. Both methods rely on the formation of binary association complex between erythrosine-B and duloxetine in an acidic medium using spectrofluorimetric and resonance Rayleigh scattering (RRS) techniques. Spectrofluorimetric method simply uses the quenching property of the formed complex on the native fluorescence of erythrosine-B at an emission wavelength of 557.2 nm (λex= 528.6), while RRS is based on detecting the enhancement in the RRS signal at 357.2 nm. The proposed methods have been validated according to the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. The approaches provide linear assay of duloxetine hydrochloride over 0.1–2.4 µg ml−1and 0.2–2.0 µg ml−1for spectrofluorimetric and RRS methods, respectively. Variables affecting methods and complex formation were studied and optimized. The limit of detection values were 0.03 and 0.056 µg ml−1for spectrofluorimetric and RRS methods, respectively. Both approaches were applied with acceptable results for formulation analysis and evaluation of cymbatex capsule content uniformity.
1H/13C chemical shift calculations for biaryls: DFT approaches to geometry optimization
Authors: Nguyen Thien T.
Published: September 2021

Twelve common density functional methods and seven basis sets for geometry optimization were evaluated on the accuracy of1H/13C NMR chemical shift calculations for biaryls. For these functionals,1H shifts calculations for gas phase optimized geometries were significantly less accurate than those for in-solution optimized structures, while13C results were not strongly influenced by geometry optimization methods and solvent effects. B3LYP, B3PW91, mPW1PW91 andωB97XD were the best-performing functionals with lowest errors; among seven basis sets, DGDZVP2 and 6-31G(d,p) outperformed the others. The combination of these functionals and basis sets resulted in high accuracy with CMAEmin= 0.0327 ppm (0.76%) and 0.888 ppm (0.58%) for1H and13C, respectively. The selected functionals and basis set were validated when consistently producing optimized structures with high accuracy results for1H and13C chemical shift calculations of two other biaryls. This study highly recommends the IEFPCM/B3LYP, B3PW91, mPW1PW91 orωB97XD/DGDZVP2 or 6-31G(d,p) level of theory for the geometry optimization step, especially the solvent incorporation, which would lead to high accuracy1H/13C calculation. This work would assist in the fully structural assignments of biaryls and provide insights into in-solution biaryl conformations.
Synthesis and evaluation of corrosion inhibitory and adsorptive properties of N-(β-ethoxypropionitrile-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethylethoxy) fatty amide
Authors: Rakhymbay Gulmira , Jumanova Raigul , Avchukir Khaisa , Bakhytzhan Yeldana , Argimbayeva Akmaral , Burkitbayeva Bibisara , Turmukhanova Mirgul , Vacandio Florence , Adeloye Adewale
Published: September 2021

The present study reports a synthetic condensation process of a vegetable oil (waste) reacted with triethanolamine, maleic anhydride and acrylonitrile in (1 : 1.2 : 2 : 1) mole ratios to obtain N-(β-ethoxypropionitrile)-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethylethoxy) fatty amide as a major inhibitory product. Corrosion property of steel in a 3% NaCl solution in the presence of a potential inhibitor was investigated using weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods. These methods gave consistent results, from which it is noticeable that inhibition efficiency increases with the increasing concentration of the inhibitor. Gravimetric studies show an increase in the sample mass at an inhibitor concentration of 10 mM, indicative of adsorbed film formation on the surface. The polarization curve results showed that the compound demonstrates itself as an anodic-type inhibitor. A rise in polarization resistance values in the EIS measurements also confirmed that the compound acts as an effective inhibitor of steel corrosion. Furthermore, the R(CR)(QR) equivalent circuit was used to interpret the results obtained in the investigation of the corrosion behaviour of steel in solution with an inhibitor. The standard adsorption free energies calculated from the Langmuir isotherm indicate that adsorption takes place by physical and chemical mechanisms. The presence of adsorbed protective film was confirmed by FT-IR spectrum and SEM micrographs.