bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bovicin HC5 and nisin reduce cell viability and the thermal resistance of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris endospores in fruit juices
Authors: Ribeiro Aryádina M , Paiva Aline D , Cruz Alexandra MO , Vanetti Maria CD , Ferreira Sukarno O , Mantovani Hilário C
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris is an important thermoacidophilic spore‐forming bacterium in fruit‐juice deterioration, and alternative non‐thermal methods have been investigated to control fruit juice spoilage. This work aimed to evaluate the capacity of bovicin HC5 and nisin to inhibit the growth of vegetative cells and reduce the thermal resistance of endospores of A. acidoterrestris inoculated (107 CFU mL−1) in different fruit juices. The number of viable cells was determined after 12 h incubation at 43 °C in the presence and absence of nisin or bovicin HC5 (10–100 AU mL−1). The exposure time (min) required to kill 90% of the initial population (reduction of one log factor) at 90 ºC (D90ºC) was used to assess the thermal resistance of A. acidoterrestris endospores exposed (80 AU mL−1) or non‐exposed to the bacteriocins. Additionally, the effect of bovicin and nisin on the morphology and cell structure of A. acidoterrestris was evaluated by atomic force microscopy (AFM).

RESULTS

Bovicin HC5 and nisin were bactericidal against A. acidoterrestris inoculated in fruit juices and reduced the D90°C values up to 30‐fold. AFM topographical images revealed substantial structural changes in the cellular framework of vegetative cells upon treatment with bovicin HC5 or nisin.

CONCLUSIONS

These results emphasize the potential application of lantibiotics as additional hurdles in food processing to control thermoacidophilic spoilage bacteria in fruit juices. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Extraction optimization, physicochemical property, antioxidant activity, and α‐glucosidase inhibitory effect of polysaccharides from lotus seedpods
Authors: Wu Huwei , Shu Linping , Liang Tian , Li Yanping , Liu Yuanxiang , Zhong Xiuli , Xing Lingyu , Zeng Wei , Zhao Rui , Wang Xiaoyin
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Lotus seedpods are an agricultural by‐product of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.), which is widely cultivated in Southeast Asia and Australia. Most lotus seedpods are considered waste and are abandoned or incinerated, resulting in significant waste of resources and heavy environmental pollution. For recycling lotus seedpods, the extraction optimization, physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, and α‐glucosidase inhibitory effect of the polysaccharides contained therein were investigated in this study.

RESULTS

Hot water extraction of lotus seedpod polysaccharides was optimized by using a response surface methodology combined with a Box–Behnken design, with the optimum conditions being as follows: a liquid/solid ratio of 25.0 mL g−1, an extraction temperature of 98.0 °C, and an extraction time of 138.0 min. Under these conditions, an experimental yield of 5.88 ± 0.06% was obtained. Physicochemical analyses suggested that lotus seedpod polysaccharides belong to acidic heteropolysaccharides and are principally composed of rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, mannose, and galacturonic acid. The polysaccharides content has a broad molecular weight distribution (2.15 × 105 to 1.77 × 107 Da), an α‐configuration, and mainly possesses smooth and sheet‐like structures. Biological evaluations showed that the polysaccharides possessed good scavenging activity on 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) diammonium salt, 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl‐hydrozyl, and hydroxyl radicals, and exerted an obvious inhibitory effect on α‐glucosidase activity. Moreover, the polysaccharides content was determined to be a mixed‐type noncompetitive inhibitor of α‐glucosidase.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that lotus seedpod polysaccharides have potential as natural antioxidants and hypoglycaemic substitutes. This study provides the theoretical bases for the exploitation and application of polysaccharides from lotus seedpod by‐product resources. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Switchable hydrophilic solvent‐based dispersive liquid‐liquid microextraction coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography for the determination of four types of sulfonylurea herbicides in soils
Authors: Han Wentao , Yang Yang , Hang Na , Zhao Wanning , Lu Pengfei , Li Songqing
Published: January 2022

In this study, switchable hydrophilic solvent‐based dispersive liquid‐liquid microextraction coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography was developed for the determination of four sulfonylurea herbicides in soils. For the first time, the sample pretreatment was achieved due to the similar acid‐base status of sulfonylurea herbicides and switchable hydrophilic solvent. In the extraction step, sulfonylurea herbicides were extracted as anions and transferred to an alkaline solution with switchable hydrophilic solvent anions. In the concentration step, two types of anions were transformed to their molecular state after the aqueous solution was acidified. In addition, the dispersion and microextraction processes were completed efficiently with the simultaneous formation of analytes and extractants. The factors affecting the extraction performance were optimized. Under the optimized conditions, good linearity was observed for each herbicide with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.9952 to 0.9978. The limits of detection were in the range of 0.1–0.2 μg/g. Moreover, the relative recoveries of the sulfonylurea herbicides at spiking levels of 0.5, 1, and 1.5 μg/g in soil samples were between 75 and 111% (relative standard deviations: 0.4–11.4%). Therefore, the proposed method in this study could be successfully applied to the analysis of four types of sulfonylurea herbicides in soil samples.
Ion chromatograph with three‐dimensional printed absorbance detector for indirect ultraviolet absorbance detection of phosphate in effluent and natural waters
Authors: Lace Annija , Byrne Aideen , Bluett Simon , Malaquin Laurent , Raimbault Vincent , Courson Remi , Hayat Zain , Moore Breda , Murray Eoin
Published: January 2022

An ion chromatography system employing a low‐cost three‐dimensional printed absorbance detector for indirect ultraviolet detection towards portable phosphate analysis of environmental and industrial waters has been developed. The optical detection cell was fabricated using stereolithography three‐dimensional printing of nanocomposite material. Chromatographic analysis and detection of phosphate were carried out using a CS5A 4 × 250 mm analytical column with indirect ultraviolet detection using a 255 nm light‐emitting diode. Isocratic elution using a 0.6 mM potassium phthalate eluent combined with 1.44 mM sodium bicarbonate was employed at a flow rate of 0.75 mL/min. A linear calibration range of 0.5 to 30 mg/L PO43− applicable to environmental and wastewater analysis was achieved. For retention time and peak area repeatability, relative standard deviation values were 0.68 and 4.09%, respectively. Environmental and wastewater samples were analyzed with the optimized ion chromatography platform and the results were compared to values obtained by an accredited ion chromatograph. For the analysis of environmental samples, relative errors of <14 % were achieved. Recovery analysis was also carried out on both freshwater and wastewater samples and recovery results were within the acceptable range for water analysis using standard ion chromatography methods.
Outcomes of Simultaneous Liver‐Kidney Transplantation Using Kidneys of Deceased Donors With Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Batra Ramesh K. , Ariyamuthu Venkatesh K. , MacConmara Malcolm P. , Gupta Gaurav , Gungor Ahmet B. , Tanriover Bekir
Published: January 2022

Outcomes from simultaneous liver‐kidney transplantation (SLKT) when using kidneys from donors with acute kidney injury (AKI) have not been studied. We studied 5344 SLKTs between May 1, 2007, and December 31, 2019, by using Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network registry data supplemented with United Network for Organ Sharing–DonorNet data. Designating a donor as having AKI required by definition that the following criteria were met: (1) the donor’s condition aligned with the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) international consensus guidelines and the terminal serum creatinine (Scr) level was ≥1.5 times the minimum Scr level for deceased donors before organ recovery and (2) the terminal Scr level was ≥1.5 mg/dL (a clinically meaningful and intuitive Scr threshold for defining AKI for transplant providers). The primary outcomes were liver transplant all‐cause graft failure (ACGF; defined as graft failures and deaths) and kidney transplant death‐censored graft failure (DCGF) at 1 year after transplant. The donors with AKI were young, had good organ quality, and had a short cold ischemia time. In the study cohort, 4482 donors had no AKI, whereas 862 had AKI (KDIGO AKI stages: 1, n = 521; 2, n = 202; and 3, n = 138). In the group with AKI and the group with no AKI, respectively, liver ACGF at 1 year (11.1% versus 12.9% [P = 0.13]; hazard ratio [HR], 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97‐1.49) and kidney DCGF at 1 year (4.6% versus 5.7% [P = 0.18]; HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 0.95‐1.70) did not differ in the full multivariable Cox proportional hazard models. Selected kidneys from deceased donors with AKI can be considered for SLKT.
Surjective separating maps on noncommutative Lp$L^p$‐spaces
Authors: Le Merdy Christian , Zadeh Safoura
Published: January 2022

Let and let be a bounded map between noncommutative ‐spaces. If T is bijective and separating, we prove the existence of decompositions , and maps
such that , T1 has a direct Yeadon type factorisation and T2 has an anti‐direct Yeadon type factorisation. We further show that is separating in this case. Next we prove that for any (resp. any ), a surjective separating map is S1‐bounded (resp. completely bounded) if and only if there exists a decomposition such that has a direct Yeadon type factorisation and is subhomogeneous.
Estimation of the capillary level input function for dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI of the breast using a deep learning approach
Authors: Bae Jonghyun , Huang Zhengnan , Knoll Florian , Geras Krzysztof , Pandit Sood Terlika , Feng Li , Heacock Laura , Moy Linda , Kim Sungheon Gene
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To develop a deep learning approach to estimate the local capillary‐level input function (CIF) for pharmacokinetic model analysis of DCE‐MRI.

Methods

A deep convolutional network was trained with numerically simulated data to estimate the CIF. The trained network was tested using simulated lesion data and used to estimate voxel‐wise CIF for pharmacokinetic model analysis of breast DCE‐MRI data using an abbreviated protocol from women with malignant (n = 25) and benign (n = 28) lesions. The estimated parameters were used to build a logistic regression model to detect the malignancy.

Result

The pharmacokinetic parameters estimated using the network‐predicted CIF from our breast DCE data showed significant differences between the malignant and benign groups for all parameters. Testing the diagnostic performance with the estimated parameters, the conventional approach with arterial input function (AIF) showed an area under the curve (AUC) between 0.76 and 0.87, and the proposed approach with CIF demonstrated similar performance with an AUC between 0.79 and 0.81.

Conclusion

This study shows the feasibility of estimating voxel‐wise CIF using a deep neural network. The proposed approach could eliminate the need to measure AIF manually without compromising the diagnostic performance to detect the malignancy in the clinical setting.
Choosing optimal model parameterization for improving the accuracy of refraction seismic tomography
Authors: Chernyshov Gleb Stanislavovich , Duchkov Anton Albertovich , Koulakov Ivan Yurievich
Published: January 2022

Seismic ray tomography is a popular tool for reconstructing seismic velocity models from traveltime data. Here we study how the model parameterization affects the resolution and accuracy of the tomographic inversion for the near‐surface model building. In particular, we consider the weighting of the elements of the model perturbation vector based on the values of the initial velocity model. When the model parameters are defined in terms of velocities, then the tomographic‐inversion resolution is better for the shallow part but degrades for the deeper part of the model. The opposite is true when the model parameters are defined in terms of slowness values. This effect is associated with the method of forming the tomographic matrix. When linearizing the tomography problem for different model parameters, the matrix elements have different weight coefficients. This affects the inversion results and can lead to large errors. We suggest a new parameterization (in‐between the velocity and the slowness) that provides better quality of the tomographic inversion and balanced resolution between the shallow and deeper part of the model. The good performance of this new parameterization is confirmed by a series of synthetic tests and one real‐data example.
Complex regional telecoupling between people and nature revealed via quantification of trans‐boundary ecosystem service flows
Authors: Wang Yanwen , Hong Song , Wang Jinzhu , Lin Jingyu , Mu Hang , Wei Liyuan , Wang Zhen , Bryan Brett A.
Published: January 2022

Quantifying and mapping trans‐boundary ecosystem service (ES) flows can help identify dependencies and responsibilities for promoting economic development and environmental sustainability between nations, but few studies have focused on ES flows beyond national boundaries.

Our case‐study region—Central Asia—hosts one of the largest dryland areas in the world, and this ecosystem is vulnerable to climate variability and anthropogenic impacts. Understanding ES supply, demand and flows is essential for supporting human wellbeing, livelihoods and economic development.

In this study, we mapped the supply, demand and flows of four ES including freshwater provision, food provision, carbon sequestration and cultural (recreation) services between the five Central Asian nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan for the year 2016. We quantified the spatial patterns in ES supply and demand at local and regional scales, driven by environmental heterogeneity and socio‐economic development, and revealed complex telecoupling of ES flows between nations. Kazakhstan provided the greatest amount of ES to other countries, especially food provision and carbon sequestration, while Uzbekistan was the biggest ES beneficiary, especially from freshwater and food provision services.

Our analysis of trans‐boundary ES flows helps to understand the complex telecoupling and rich interdependencies between people and nature between different countries. This information is essential for policy making to balance human and ecological needs, enhance the management of natural capital, and sustain ES provision in our metacoupled world.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Autism disparities for Black children: Acknowledging and addressing the problem through culturally responsive and socially just assessment practices
Authors: Ramclam Ashley N. , Truong Dieu M. , Mire Sarah S. , Smoots Kimberly D. , McNeel Morgan M. , Sakyi Georgina J. , Daniels Fre'Dasia M.
Published: January 2022

Historically, Black children with autism have faced diagnostic and treatment disparities across clinical and school samples despite nationally growing autism prevalence rates. Delays in receiving an accurate diagnosis impacts treatment and overall outcomes. Black autistic children are at‐risk of facing multiple barriers to receiving a timely diagnosis; however, many family factors serve as facilitators for improved daily functioning and quality of life. In light of that, it is imperative to critically assess current school‐based assessment practices for Black children to improve diagnostic accuracy for those with autism. School psychologists are well‐positioned to address these disparities through both culturally responsive service delivery and the incorporation of social justice into their practices. The following article will briefly review the current literature in this area and offer recommendations for culturally responsive and socially just school psychology service delivery as it pertains to autism assessment for Black children.
A mixed‐methods analysis of averted mass violence in schools: Implications for professional school counselors
Authors: Cowan Rebecca G. , Tedeschi P. J. , Corbin Michael , Cole Rebekah
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study is to examine how recent incidents of planned mass violence in high schools within the United States were successfully averted. Using the Averted School Violence database, this study utilizes a mixed‐methods content analysis approach to analyze 82 incidents of averted mass violence in high schools that occurred post‐Columbine era. The following three themes were identified: attack motives and logistics, plot discovery, and attack aversion. Implications for professional school counselors in preventing similar mass violence attacks in the future are discussed, including fostering trusting relationships between students and adults, providing education to parents about social media platforms and proper firearms storage, establishing threat assessment teams, and educating parents, students, and school personnel about warning signs for violence.
RicemicroRNA171f/SCL6module enhances drought tolerance by regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis genes
Authors: Um Taeyoung , Choi Joohee , Park Taehyeon , Chung Pil Joong , Jung Se Eun , Shim Jae Sung , Kim Youn Shic , Choi Ik‐Young , Park Soo Chul , Oh Se‐Jun , Seo Jun Sung , Kim Ju‐Kon
Published: January 2022

Plants have evolved sophisticated defense systems to enhance drought tolerance. These include the microRNA (miRNA) group of small noncoding RNAs that act as post‐transcriptional regulators; however, details of the mechanisms by which they confer drought tolerance are not well understood. Here, we show thatosa‐MIR171f, a member ofosa‐MIR171gene family, is mainly expressed in response to drought stress and regulates the transcript levels ofSCARECROW‐LIKE6‐I(SCL6‐I) andSCL6‐IIin rice (Oryza sativa). TheSCL6genes are known to be involved in shoot branching and flag leaf morphology.Osa‐MIR171f‐overexpressing (osa‐MIR171f‐OE) transgenic plants showed reduced drought symptoms compared with non‐transgenic (NT) control plants under both field drought and polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐mediated dehydration stress conditions. Transcriptome analysis ofosa‐MIR171f‐OE plants andosa‐mir171f‐knockout (K/O) lines generated by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR/Cas9) revealed thatosa‐mature‐miR171a‐f (osa‐miR171) regulates the expression of flavonoid biosynthesis genes, consequently leading to drought tolerance. This upregulation in theosa‐MIR171f‐OE plants, which did not occur in NT control plants, was observed under both normal and drought conditions. Our findings indicate thatosa‐miR171 plays a role in drought tolerance by regulatingSCL6‐IandSCL6‐IItranscript levels.
Grief as a mediator of the relationship between empathy and compassion fatigue
Authors: Shi Hongrui , Shan Baifeng , Zheng Jianzhong , Zhang Ying , Zhang Jing , Hu Xiuying
Published: January 2022

Objective

Oncology nurses are at high risk of developing compassion fatigue (CF) because of the persistent exposure to patients' suffering and death. Empathy is a prerequisite cognitive reaction for CF. Nurses with greater empathy levels are more prone to develop an emotional connection with patients. However, it is this kind of close bonds that led nurses to experience a deep sense of grief. Cumulative grief may eventually develop into CF. This study examined the levels of grief, empathy and CF, evaluated the correlation among empathy, grief and CF, and verified the role grief as a mediator of the relationship between empathy and CF.

Methods

Participants were 794 Chinese oncology nurses in a cross‐sectional study. We measures consisted a demographic questionnaire, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, the Texas Revised Inventory of Grief‐Present, and the Professional Quality of Life Scale.

Results

Oncology nurses showed moderate levels of empathy and grief, moderate to high levels of CF. Perspective taking was negatively related to grief and secondary traumatic stress (STS). Empathic concern was negatively related to burnout (BO). Personal distress was positively related to grief, STS and BO. Grief was positively related to STS and BO. Grief played a partial mediating role between empathy and STS.

Conclusions

Oncology nurses commonly experience CF. There is a need to provide interventions and effective supports for oncology nurses to improve their empathy ability, and help them cope with grief and CF.
Tailoring Magnetic Domains and Magnetization Switching in CoFe Nanolayer Patterns with Their Thickness and Aspect Ratio on GaAs (001) Substrate
Authors: Teramoto Keigo , Horiguchi Ryoma , Dai Wei , Adachi Yusuke , Akabori Masashi , Hara Shinjiro
Published: January 2022

The thickness and aspect ratio dependence of magnetic domain formation in CoFe nanolayer patterns on GaAs (001) substrates are investigated by means of a direct approach using magnetic force microscopy at room temperature. Magnetic force microscope observations under as‐deposition condition show that magnetic domain formation in the patterns depends strongly on the aspect ratio and thickness of the patterns and the crystallographic orientations of the substrates. A single magnetic domain is more easily formed in the patterns with a higher aspect ratio, with a thinner nanolayer thickness, and along the ⟨110⟩ direction of the substrates. The magnetic fields are next applied in the direction parallel to the ⟨1–10⟩ and ⟨110⟩ orientations of the substrates to characterize a magnetization switching behavior in the patterns. The aspect ratio and thickness of the patterns and the crystallographic orientations of the substrates strongly affect the magnetic fields needed for magnetization switching in the patterns. A higher magnetic field is required for a higher aspect ratio and a thinner nanolayer thickness of the patterns. All the direct observations confirm that the magnetic domain structures and magnetization switching are tuned by controlling aspect ratio and thickness of the patterns and the crystallographic orientations of the substrates.
Application of Ion‐Doped Y3Fe5O12 Nanoparticles for Self‐Controlled Magnetic Hyperthermia
Authors: Apostolov Angel T. , Apostolova Iliana N. , Wesselinowa Julia M.
Published: January 2022

Herein, doped yttrium garnet (YIG) nanoparticles (NPs) ( Al, Ga, Sc are nonmagnetic ions) are studied, appropriate for self‐controlled magnetic hyperthermia (SCMH) for in vivo and in vitro applications. A microscopic model (modified Heisenberg Hamiltonian) and the Green's function technique are used to investigate the temperature, doping, and size dependence of magnetic phase transition, saturation magnetization, the coercivity, and the specific absorption rate coefficient to fulfill the conditions for magnetic hyperthermia. A set of mixed yttrium garnet magnetic NPs is found, which are suitable for applications in medicine for cancer therapy. There are two Sc‐doped YIG NPs which are the best candidates for SCMH with x = 1.08, d = 27.5 nm, and  = 13.52  as well as x = 1.10, d = 29.7 nm, and  = 15.44  for which the conditions for biocompatibility and maximization of are fulfilled simultaneously. Moreover, also Al‐ and Ga‐doped YIG NPs are found that can be applied for magnetic hyperthermia but with smaller effectivity.
Shearing Sulfur Edges of VS2 Electrocatalyst Enhances its Nitrogen Reduction Performance
Authors: Zhao Liang , Xiong Yuanyuan , Wang Xiaoxuan , Zhao Rui , Chi Xinyue , Zhou Yixiang , Wang Huaizhi , Yang Zhiyu , Yan Yi‐Ming
Published: January 2022

Electrochemical N2 fixation requires effective electrocatalysts to expedite the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) kinetics and suppress the concomitant hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Although transition metal sulfides have been deemed as efficient NRR electrocatalysts, it remains a great challenge to suppress the serious HER to achieve high Faradaic efficiency (FE). Herein, vanadium disulfide (VS2) is deliberately designed by partially shearing its sulfur (S) edges through a simple calcination treatment at 350 °C. The as‐prepared VS2‐350 electrocatalyst exhibits a highest NH3 yield of 20.29 µg h−1 mgcat−1 with a promising FE of 3.86%, which is significantly higher than the counterpart of untreated VS2 (VNH3: 15.92 µg h−1 mgcat−1, FE: 1.69%). Experimental and computational results reveal that shearing the S edges can substantially inhibit the HER and expose more V atoms as active sites. Meanwhile, the mechanistic analysis shows that the N2 activation at V active sites follows an “acceptance‐donation” mechanism, while the N2 conversion to NH3 follows a hybrid 2 pathway at the VS2‐350 electrocatalyst. This work provides a simple strategy of designing high‐performance NRR electrocatalysts based on a deep understanding of the atomic sites dependent catalytical activity.
Perovskite Solar Cells with Vivid, Angle‐Invariant, and Customizable Inkjet‐Printed Colorization for Building‐Integrated Photovoltaics
Authors: Eggers Helge , Gharibzadeh Saba , Koch Stefan , Schackmar Fabian , Ritzer David B. , Abzieher Tobias , Richards Bryce S. , Erban Christof , Paetzold Ulrich W.
Published: January 2022

The steadily growing market share of building‐integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) places the aesthetics of solar modules in the focus of research and development. In this work, a colorization method based on inkjet‐printed reflective pigments is adapted for the emerging perovskite photovoltaics. Herein, not only excellent control of color impression, brightness, and pattern is demonstrated, but also angle invariant color perception, which makes the presented approach stand out among the many published colorization strategies for perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Compared to uncolored reference solar cells, bright magenta and yellow PSCs display a remarkable relative power conversion efficiency (PCE) of up to 65% and more than 11% absolute PCE. Moreover, PSCs with more BIPV‐relevant coloring patterns such as a mimic of a marble or corten steel surfaces are demonstrated. The colorization method presented is inexpensive and ready for scalable solar module production. To demonstrate the scalability of the proposed concept, a small‐area perovskite solar module (4 cm2 aperture area) in white marble optics exhibiting a PCE of almost 14% as a potential application is presented.
′Ab Ovo′ Chiral Phases and Chiral Reagents for Liquid Chromatographic Separation and Isolation of Enantiomers
Authors: Bhushan Ravi
Published: January 2022

The de‐novo approach of mixing chirally pure reagents or Cu(II)‐L‐amino acid complexes in the slurry of silica gel for preparing TLC plates was reported from author's laboratory and was successful for separation and isolation of enantiomers. Using high molar absorptivity molecules, e. g., 1,5‐difluoro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene and cyanuric chloride, more than 38 new chiral derivatizing reagents were synthesized in our laboratory by straightforward nucleophilic substitution with simple chiral auxiliaries. Besides, (S)‐naproxen, (S)‐ketoprofen, and (S)‐levofloxacin were used as chiral platforms. A conceptual approach using both achiral phases in chromatography for enantioseparation was also adopted. 1H NMR and DFT based software were used to explain structures of non‐covalent and covalent diastereomeric pairs and determination of configuration and separation mechanism. The methods can be easily used to determine and control enantiomeric purity with advantages over a variety of commercial chiral phases.
A Historical Perspective on Ageing and Capability
Authors: Lagerlöf Nilsson Ulrika , Castenbrandt Helene
Published: January 2022

This chapter discusses the value of a capability approach in historical research on older people. Historians are generally focused on studying continuity and change over time. Their research often aims at explaining how and why certain phenomena appear and take different shapes. Capability is a way of capturing an individual’s ability to live a meaningful life, or a life that they perceive as good. A modern analytical tool such as the capability approach can be used for visualising historical patterns, even though individuals’ values of well-being change over time. In that sense, historical studies of individuals’ capabilities, or functions, can add another perspective to this theoretical framework.

Old newspapers, biographies, diaries, letters, novels and government reports make it possible to understand which capabilities individuals and societies have valued for older citizens at different times. The meaning of functions differs over time and is dependent on several factors, such as gender and economic conditions, as well as social and civil status. This also means that conditions for a phenomenon such as retirement change over time, but they also differ depending on people’s previous life conditions. In this article, we explore these things using two different examples. Firstly, we discuss how Selma Lagerlöf, a woman with high social status, arranged for her retirement. The second example shows how women with low economic status struggled to retire at the time when universal pension reform was being implemented in Sweden.
The Capability Approach in Epidemiological Studies
Authors: Skoog Ingmar , Falk Erhag Hanna , Kern Silke , Rydberg Sterner Therese , Samuelsson Jessica , Zettergren Anna
Published: January 2022

Population epidemiology is the science that deals with disorders and certain conditions at the population level, i.e. at the macro-level. In contrast to experimental studies, the scientist in epidemiology cannot manipulate conditions to make studies of associations as pure as possible. The science of epidemiological studies examines the occurrence of diseases, risk and protective factors for diseases, and the prognosis of different disorders and conditions in different populations. The capability approach is an ideal framework for epidemiological studies because it captures the dynamic and multiple processes involved in these types of studies, in relation to both time and space, as well as socioeconomic, psychological and biological factors. Determinants for common disorders and conditions include complex interactions among a multitude of factors acting between and within macro-, meso- and micro-levels during the life-course of an individual. In this chapter, we will discuss how the capability approach can be used in epidemiology in general, and in old age in particular, giving examples from specific conditions, such as cognitive function and dementia, depression, multimorbidity and functional ability, and non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors, such as genetics and nutrition. We conclude that the capability approach is a valuable tool in epidemiological studies. In these types of studies, capability is the final outcome of the dynamic interactions between a multitude of factors at the micro-, meso- and macro-levels leading to disorders and other conditions, which leads to restrictions in the individual’s ability to perform actions in order to reach goals he or she has reason to value.
Co-Creation Tools für den Projektbeginn
Authors: Kurzhals Kerstin , Uude Katrin , Sormani Eva , Chak Choiwai Maggie , Banze Madleen
Published: January 2022

In einer Gruppe von Experten*innen aus Wissenschaft und Praxis möchtet ihr eine konkrete gesellschaftliche Problemlösung erarbeiten und habt dafür ein gemeinsames Projekt ins Auge gefasst? Dabei weichen nicht selten bei Projektbeginn die Erwartungen der Teilnehmenden im Hinblick auf die Projektziele voneinander ab.
Regge trajectories for the (2, 0) theories
Authors: Lemos Madalena , van Rees Balt C. , Zhao Xiang
Published: January 2022

Abstract

We investigate the structure of conformal Regge trajectories for the maximally supersymmetric (2, 0) theories in six dimensions. The different conformal multiplets in a single superconformal multiplet must all have similarly-shaped Regge trajectories. We show that these super-descendant trajectories interact in interesting ways, leading to new constraints on their shape. For the four-point function of the stress tensor multiplet supersymmetry also softens the Regge behavior in some channels, and consequently we observe that ‘analyticity in spin’ holds for all spins greater than −3. All the physical operators in this correlator therefore lie on Regge trajectories and we describe an iterative scheme where the Lorentzian inversion formula can be used to bootstrap the four-point function. Some numerical experiments yield promising results, with OPE data approaching the numerical bootstrap results for all theories with rank greater than one.
Outcome reporting in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the pharmacological management of idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB) in women; a systematic review for the development of core outcome sets (COS)
Authors: Moussa Reem , Rada Maria Patricia , Durnea Constantin , Falconi Gabriele , Betschart Cornelia , Haddad Jorge Milhem , Sedgwick Philip , Doumouchtsis Stergios K. ,   CHORUS: An International Collaboration for Harmonising Outcomes, Research and Standards in Urogynaecology and Women’s Health (i-chorus.org)
Published: January 2022

Introduction and hypothesis

Evidence on OAB management remains suboptimal and methodological limitations in randomized control trials (RCTs) affect their comparability. High quality meta-analyses are lacking. This study aimed to compare selection and reporting of outcomes and outcome measures across RCTs as well as evaluate methodological quality and outcome reporting quality as a first stage in the process of developing core outcome sets (COS).

Methods

RCTs were searched using Pubmed, EMBASE, Medline, Cochrane, ICTRP and Clinicaltrials.gov from inception to January 2020, in English language, on adult women. Pharmacological management, interventions, sample size, journal type and commercial funding were documented. Methodological and outcome reporting quality were evaluated using JADAD and MOMENT scores.

Results

Thirty-eight trials (18,316 women) were included. Sixty-nine outcomes were reported, using 62 outcome measures. The most commonly reported outcome domains were efficacy (86.8%), safety (73.7%) and QoL (60.5%). The most commonly reported outcomes in each domain were urgency urinary incontinence episodes (UUI) (52.6%), antimuscarinic side effects (76.3%) and change in validated questionnaire scores (36.8%).

A statistically significant correlation was found between JADAD and MOMENT (Spearman’s rho = 0.548, p < 0.05) scores. This indicates that higher methodological quality is associated with higher outcome reporting quality.

Conclusions

Development of COS and core outcome measure sets will address variations and lead to higher quality evidence. We recommend the most commonly reported outcomes in each domain, as interim COS. For efficacy we recommend: UUI episodes, urgency and nocturia episodes; for safety: antimuscarinic adverse events, other adverse events and discontinuation rates; for QoL: OAB-q, PPBC and IIQ scores.
Gadolinium: pharmacokinetics and toxicity in humans and laboratory animals following contrast agent administration
Authors: Davies Julie , Siebenhandl-Wolff Petra , Tranquart Francois , Jones Paul , Evans Paul
Published: January 2022

Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) have transformed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by facilitating the use of contrast-enhanced MRI to allow vital clinical diagnosis in a plethora of disease that would otherwise remain undetected. Although over 500 million doses have been administered worldwide, scientific research has documented the retention of gadolinium in tissues, long after exposure, and the discovery of a GBCA-associated disease termed nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, found in patients with impaired renal function. An understanding of the pharmacokinetics in humans and animals alike are pivotal to the understanding of the distribution and excretion of gadolinium and GBCAs, and ultimately their potential retention. This has been well studied in humans and more so in animals, and recently there has been a particular focus on potential toxicities associated with multiple GBCA administration. The purpose of this review is to highlight what is currently known in the literature regarding the pharmacokinetics of gadolinium in humans and animals, and any toxicity associated with GBCA use.
3D bioprinting of complex tissues in vitro: state-of-the-art and future perspectives
Authors: Xiang Yi , Miller Kathleen , Guan Jiaao , Kiratitanaporn Wisarut , Tang Min , Chen Shaochen
Published: January 2022

The pharmacology and toxicology of a broad variety of therapies and chemicals have significantly improved with the aid of the increasing in vitro models of complex human tissues. Offering versatile and precise control over the cell population, extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, dynamic microenvironment, and sophisticated microarchitecture, which is desired for the in vitro modeling of complex tissues, 3D bio-printing is a rapidly growing technology to be employed in the field. In this review, we will discuss the recent advancement of printing techniques and bio-ink sources, which have been spurred on by the increasing demand for modeling tactics and have facilitated the development of the refined tissue models as well as the modeling strategies, followed by a state-of-the-art update on the specialized work on cancer, heart, muscle and liver. In the end, the toxicological modeling strategies, substantial challenges, and future perspectives for 3D printed tissue models were explored.
Risk Assessment for Loss‐of‐Exercise Capacity After Lung Cancer Surgery: Current Advances in Surgery and Systemic Treatment
Authors: Ozeki Naoki , Kadomatsu Yuka , Mizuno Yota , Inoue Takayuki , Nagaya Motoki , Goto Masaki , Nakamura Shota , Fukumoto Koichi , Chen‐Yoshikawa Toyofumi Fengshi
Published: January 2022

Background

Considering advances in current post‐recurrence treatment, we examined the prognostic significance of the number of risk factors for loss‐of‐exercise capacity (LEC) after lung cancer surgery, which were identified by our previous prospective observational study.

Methods

Risk factors for LEC were defined as a short baseline 6‐min walk distance (<400 m), older age (≥75 years), and low predicted postoperative diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (<60%). Patients were classified as Risk 0/I/II/III according to the number of risk factors. The survival data were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Between 2014 and 2017, 564 patients (n = 307, 193, 57, 7; Risk 0/I/II/III) who underwent lung cancer surgery were included in the study. The number of risk factors was associated with smoking status, predicted postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 s, histology, pathological stage, and adjuvant therapy. In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, compared to Risk 0, Risk I/II/III showed significant associations with overall survival (hazard ratios: 1.92, 3.35, 9.21; 95% confidence interval: 1.27–2.92, 2.01–5.58, 3.64–23.35; Risk I/II/III, respectively). In 141 patients with recurrence, molecular targeted therapies (MTTs) or immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) were included in 58%, 47%, 32%, and 0% (Risk 0/I/II/III) during the course of treatment. In patients with MTT/ICI treatment, the estimated 1‐year and 3‐year post‐recurrence survival rates were 88% and 58%, respectively.

Conclusions

Risk classification for LEC was associated with survival after lung cancer surgery, as well as post‐recurrence treatment. The concept of physical performance‐preserving surgery may contribute to improving the outcomes of current lung cancer treatment.
Stellenwert der molekularen Testung von Schilddrüsenpunktaten
Authors: Chijioke O.
Published: January 2022

Zur Abklärung von Schilddrüsenknoten spielt die zytologische Untersuchung von Feinnadelpunktaten der Schilddrüse eine zentrale Rolle. Dabei sollten etablierte Klassifikationsschemata zur Anwendung kommen. Bei unklaren zytologischen Befunden können molekulare Zusatzuntersuchungen eingesetzt werden. Der Stratifizierung unklarer Schilddrüsenknoten in maligne und benigne Läsionen allein anhand molekularer Testverfahren sind jedoch abgesehen von kostspieligen kommerziellen Tests US-amerikanischer Anbieter bislang klare Grenzen gesetzt. Hilfreich und relativ einfach durchzuführen sind molekulare Tests einzelner genetischer Alterationen, die die Malignität bei papillären, gering differenzierten und anaplastischen Schilddrüsenkarzinomen bestätigen können. Negative Testresultate schließen dabei jedoch eine maligne Neoplasie keineswegs aus. Prädiktive Marker für einzelne Entitäten (BRAF V600E, RET-Mutationen und RET-Fusionen) sollten bei allen fortgeschrittenen Schilddrüsenkarzinomen getestet werden.
Allometric relationships of ecologically important Antarctic and Arctic zooplankton and fish species
Authors: Schaafsma Fokje L. , David Carmen L. , Kohlbach Doreen , Ehrlich Julia , Castellani Giulia , Lange Benjamin A. , Vortkamp Martina , Meijboom André , Fortuna-Wünsch Anna , Immerz Antonia , Cantzler Hannelore , Klasmeier Apasiri , Zakharova Nadezhda , Schmidt Katrin , Van de Putte Anton P. , van Franeker Jan Andries , Flores Hauke
Published: January 2022

Allometric relationships between body properties of animals are useful for a wide variety of purposes, such as estimation of biomass, growth, population structure, bioenergetic modelling and carbon flux studies. This study summarizes allometric relationships of zooplankton and nekton species that play major roles in polar marine food webs. Measurements were performed on 639 individuals of 15 species sampled during three expeditions in the Southern Ocean (winter and summer) and 2374 individuals of 14 species sampled during three expeditions in the Arctic Ocean (spring and summer). The information provided by this study fills current knowledge gaps on relationships between length and wet/dry mass of understudied animals, such as various gelatinous zooplankton, and of animals from understudied seasons and maturity stages, for example, for the krillThysanoessa macruraand larvalEuphausia superbacaught in winter. Comparisons show that there is intra-specific variation in length–mass relationships of several species depending on season, e.g. for the amphipodThemisto libellula. To investigate the potential use of generalized regression models, comparisons between sexes, maturity stages or age classes were performed and are discussed, such as for the several krill species andT. libellula. Regression model comparisons on age classes of the fishE. antarcticawere inconclusive about their general use. Other allometric measurements performed on carapaces, eyes, heads, telsons, tails and otoliths provided models that proved to be useful for estimating length or mass in, e.g. diet studies. In some cases, the suitability of these models may depend on species or developmental stages.
Mathematical Framework for Breathing Chimera States
Authors: Omel’chenko O. E.
Published: January 2022

About two decades ago it was discovered that systems of nonlocally coupled oscillators can exhibit unusual symmetry-breaking patterns composed of coherent and incoherent regions. Since then such patterns, called chimera states, have been the subject of intensive study but mostly in the stationary case when the coarse-grained system dynamics remains unchanged over time. Nonstationary coherence–incoherence patterns, in particular periodically breathing chimera states, were also reported, however not investigated systematically because of their complexity. In this paper we suggest a semi-analytic solution to the above problem providing a mathematical framework for the analysis of breathing chimera states in a ring of nonlocally coupled phase oscillators. Our approach relies on the consideration of an integro-differential equation describing the long-term coarse-grained dynamics of the oscillator system. For this equation we specify a class of solutions relevant to breathing chimera states. We derive a self-consistency equation for these solutions and carry out their stability analysis. We show that our approach correctly predicts macroscopic features of breathing chimera states. Moreover, we point out its potential application to other models which can be studied using the Ott–Antonsen reduction technique.
Approach-related anatomical differences in patients with lumbo-sacral transitional vertebrae undergoing lumbar fusion surgery at level L4/5
Authors: Becker Luis , Adl Amini Dominik , Ziegeler Katharina , Muellner Maximilian , Diekhoff Torsten , Hughes Alexander P. , Pumberger Matthias
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Lumbo-sacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) are accompanied by changes in soft tissue anatomy. The aim of our retrospective study was to evaluate the effects of LSTV as well as the number of free lumbar vertebrae on surgical approaches of ALIF, OLIF and LLIF at level L4/5.

Material and methods

We assessed the CTs of 819 patients. Of these, 53 had LSTV from which 11 had six (6LV) and 9 four free lumbar vertebrae (4LV). We matched them for sex and age to a control group.

Results

Patients with LSTV had a higher iliac crest and vena cava bifurcation, a greater distance between the common iliac veins and an anterior translation of the psoas muscle at level L4/5. In contrast, patients with 6LV had a lower iliac crest and aortic bifurcation, no differences in vena cava bifurcation and distance between the iliac veins compared to the control group.

Conclusions

For patients with LSTV and five or four free lumbar vertebrae, the LLIF approach at L4/5 may be hindered due to a high riding iliac crest as well as anterior shift of the psoas muscle. Whereas less mobilization and retraction of the iliac veins may reduce the risk of vascular injury at this segment by ALIF and OLIF. For patients with 6LV, a lower relative height of the iliac crest facilitates lateral approach during LLIF. For ALIF and OLIF, a stronger vessel retraction due to the deeper-seated vascular bifurcation is necessary during ALIF and is therefore potentially at higher risk for vascular injury.
Endometrial hyperplasia as a risk factor of endometrial cancer
Authors: Nees Lisa K. , Heublein Sabine , Steinmacher Sahra , Juhasz-Böss Ingolf , Brucker Sara , Tempfer Clemens B. , Wallwiener Markus
Published: January 2022

Endometrial hyperplasia (EH) is the precursor lesion for endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium (EC), which represents the most common malignancy of the female reproductive tract in industrialized countries. The most important risk factor for the development of EH is chronic exposure to unopposed estrogen. Histopathologically, EH can be classified into EH without atypia (benign EH) and atypical EH/endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN). Clinical management ranges from surveillance or progestin therapy through to hysterectomy, depending on the risk of progression to or concomitant EC and the patient´s desire to preserve fertility. Multiple studies support the efficacy of progestins in treating both benign and atypical EH. This review summarizes the evidence base regarding risk factors and management of EH. Additionally, we performed a systematic literature search of the databases PubMed and Cochrane Controlled Trials register for studies analyzing the efficacy of progestin treatment in women with EH.