bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short‐term inhibition of SARS‐CoV‐2 by hydrogen peroxide in persistent nasopharyngeal carriers
Authors: Capetti Amedeo F. , Borgonovo Fabio , Morena Valentina , Lupo Angelica , Cossu Maria Vittoria , Passerini Matteo , Dedivitiis Gianfranco , Rizzardini Giuliano
Published: September 2020

Asymptomatic and convalescent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) subjects may carry severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) for months in their upper respiratory ways. Desiring to permanently clean the mucosal surfaces, we investigated the chemical agents that fit to rapidly degrade the virus. Among these, hydrogen peroxide, initially tested by two of us for tolerability, showed both good performance and acceptable side effects (burning sensation for 15–20 s). We contacted circles of family physicians and the ATS Milano (Territorial Assistance and Prevention Service), and we tested this procedure on eight persistent carriers of SARS‐CoV‐2, performing swabs before the procedure and after it until the reappearance of the virus or until 14 days (the incubation period), keeping the surfaces clean with a hypertonic solution. Our patients had a median time from exposure or symptom onset of 111 days, and three had relapsed after being declared “cured” (two consecutive negative swabs after quarantine). One patient had a baseline negative swab and was excluded, and two successfully ended the 14 days' course, four suppressed viral elimination for 72 h, and one for 48 h, all rebounding to weak positive (cycle thresholds above 24). Although temporarily effective, such measures may have some place in the control of viral shedding to protect the most fragile subjects.
The knee prosthesis constraint dilemma: Biomechanical comparison between varus‐valgus constrained implants and rotating hinge prosthesis. A cadaver study
Authors: León‐Román V. E. , García‐Mato D. , López‐Torres I. I. , Vaquero‐Martín F. J. , Calvo‐Haro J. A. , Pascau J. , Sanz‐Ruíz P.
Published: September 2020

The real degree of constriction of rotating hinge knee (RHK) and condylar constrained prostheses (CCK) is a matter of discussion in revision knee arthroplasty. The objectives of this study are to compare the tibial rotation of both implants and validate the use of inertial sensors with optical tracking system as movement measurement tools. A total of 16 cadaver knees were used. Eight knees were replaced using a RHK (Endomodel LINK), and the remaining eight received a CCK prosthesis (LCCK, Zimmer). Tibial rotation range of motion was measured in full extension and at 30°, 60°, and 90° of flexion, with four continuous waveforms for each measurement. Measurements were made using two inertial sensors with specific software and compared with measurements obtained using the gold standard technique ‐ the motion capture camera. The comparison of the accuracy of both measurement methods showed no statistically significant differences between inertial sensors and motion capture cameras, with p > .1; the mean error for tibial rotation was 0.21°. Tibial rotation in the RHK was significantly greater than in the CCK (5.25° vs. 2.28°, respectively), p < .05. We have shown that RHK permit greater tibial rotation, being closer to physiological values than CCKs. Inertial sensors have been validated as an effective and accurate method of measuring knee movement. The clinical significance: RHK appears to represent a lower constriction degree than CCK systems.
Incidence of Complications Associated with Parenteral Nutrition in Preterm Infants < 32 Weeks with a Mixed Oil Lipid Emulsion vs a Soybean Oil Lipid Emulsion in a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Franco Susannah , Goriacko Pavel , Rosen Orna , Morgan‐Joseph Toshiba
Published: August 2020

Background

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is crucial for the improvement of long‐term outcomes in very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates. Lipid injectable emulsions are a key component of PN, as they contain essential fatty acids and provide energy critical for brain growth. Prolonged administration increases risk of intestinal failure‐associated liver disease, including cholestasis, and other complications.

Methods

This is a retrospective, quasi‐experimental cohort study of 215 VLBW neonates. The primary outcome was a change in direct bilirubin concentration. Secondary outcomes included change in total bilirubin concentration and incidences of cholestasis and other disease states associated with PN and prematurity. Cholestasis was defined as direct bilirubin ≥ 1.0 mg/dL with total bilirubin < 5.0 mg/dL or direct bilirubin > 20% of total bilirubin with total bilirubin > 5.0 mg/dL.

Results

Change in direct bilirubin concentration was not different between groups. Incidence of cholestasis was not different between groups per charted diagnosis or per study definition. Non‐stage‐0 retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, sepsis, and necrotizing enterocolitis were all lower in the mixed oil lipid emulsion group, which remained significant after adjustment for differences in gestational age, birth weight, and PN duration.

Conclusions

Although mixed oil lipid emulsion was not found to be associated with a lower risk of cholestasis, it may decrease risks of other disease states associated with PN therapy.
Predictive value of preoperative and postoperative peripheral lymphocyte difference in hepatitis B virus‐related hepatocellular cancer patients: Based on the analysis of dynamic nomogram
Authors: Luo Dingan , Li Haoran , Yu Heng , Zhang Mao , Hu Jianchong , Jin Cheng , Chua Meisze , Han Bing
Published: August 2020

Background

Inflammation plays an important role in the progression and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our aim is to explore the prognostic value of preoperative and postoperative peripheral lymphocyte differences and to develop a dynamic prognosis nomogram in hepatitis B virus‐related HCC patients.

Methods

Important indicators related to overall survival (OS) are screened out by Cox proportional hazard models. The receiver operating characteristic curves, decision curve analysis curves, net reclassification improvement, and integrated discrimination improvement were used to evaluate the performance of the model.

Results

Lymphocyte (L) difference was an independent risk factor. It was further verified that the performance of the nomogram was significantly improved after the L difference was incorporated into the nomogram. The nomogram generated had the area under curves of 0.779, 0.775, and 0.793 at 3, 5, and 7 years after surgery, respectively. Our nomogram models showed significantly better performance in predicting the HCC prognosis compared to other models. And online webserver and scoring system table was built based on the proposed nomogram for convenient clinical use.

Conclusions

It is newly found that L difference is an effective predictor of OS, and the nomogram based on this indicator can accurately predict the prognosis of HCC patients.
Signs of Chronic Hypoxia Suggest a Novel Pathophysiological Event in α‐Synucleinopathies
Authors: Heras‐Garvin Antonio , Danninger Christoph , Eschlböck Sabine , Holton Janice L. , Wenning Gregor K. , Stefanova Nadia
Published: September 2020

Background

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) and Parkinson's disease (PD) patients develop respiratory and cardiovascular disturbances including obstructive sleep apnea, orthostatic hypotension, and nocturnal stridor. We hypothesized that, associated with these respiratory and cardiovascular disturbances, hypoxic events may occur in MSA and PD brains that may play a role in disease progression. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of hypoxia in nonneurological controls and PD and MSA patients.

Methods

Molecular levels of hypoxia markers were measured in postmortem brain tissue from controls and PD and MSA cases.

Results

MSA brain showed signs of chronic hypoxia characterized by the significant accumulation of the hypoxic marker HIF2α as compared to PD patients and controls. We detected no differences between MSA subtypes. Signs of hypoxia were also observed in PD patients with a clinical presentation similar to the MSA cases.

Conclusions

The results obtained from this study suggest a new alternative pathway associated with α‐synucleinopathies that may contribute to the pathogenesis of these disorders. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
The first case of a mosaic superficial epidermolytic ichthyosis diagnosed by Ultra‐Deep Sequence
Authors: Li Yue , Cheng Ruhong , Liang Jianying , Yao Zhirong , Li Ming
Published: September 2020

Background

Superficial epidermolytic ichthyosis (SEI), known as ichthyosis bullosa of Siemens (IBS; OMIM No. 146800) before, is a type of keratinopathic ichthyosis due to the KRT2 mutations (NM_000423.3; OMIM No. 600194). Here, we report the first case of SEI caused by a KRT2 mosaic mutation.

Methods

We presented the clinical data of a 5‐year‐old Chinese boy who suffered from SEI. The histopathological examination and immunofluorescence were performed to rule out immunobullous skin diseases and diseases with subepidermal blisters. Genomic DNA samples were extracted from the lesion tissue and next‐generation sequencing was performed. We also confirmed the variant allele frequency (VAF) in different tissues by an Ultra‐Deep Sequencing technology.

Results

The patient presented with blisters on the lower extremities and linear, superficially hyperkeratotic lesions. Immunofluorescence of IgG, IgA, IgM, C3, C4, and C1q were negative, and the histopathological results showed intraepidermal blisters containing lymphocytes and eosinophils. A heterozygous missense mutation, c.G1459A (p. Glu487Lys), in exon 7 of the KRT2 gene was detected at a 31.17% allele frequency. The same mutation p. Glu487Lys has been described several times in the literature.

Conclusion

Thus, in our patient, the mosaic mutation explains the blaschkoid ichthyosiform phenotype. To our knowledge, this is the first case of SEI with a KRT2 mosaic mutation.
Interaction among a lump, periodic waves, and kink solutions to the fractional generalized CBS‐BK equation
Authors: Manafian Jalil , Lakestani Mehrdad
Published: September 2020

The Hirota bilinear method is prepared for searching the diverse soliton solutions for the fractional generalized Calogero‐Bogoyavlenskii‐Schiff‐Bogoyavlensky‐Konopelchenko (CBS‐BK) equation. Also, the Hirota bilinear method is used to finding the lump and interaction with two stripe soliton solutions. Interaction among lumps, periodic waves, and multi‐kink soliton solutions will be investigated. Also, the solitary wave, periodic wave, and cross‐kink wave solutions will be examined for the fractional gCBS‐BK equation. The graphs for various fractional order α are plotted to contain 3D plot, contour plot, density plot, and 2D plot. We construct the exact lump and interaction among other types solutions, by solving the under‐determined nonlinear system of algebraic equations for the associated parameters. Finally, analysis and graphical simulation are presented to show the dynamical characteristics of our solutions and the interaction behaviors are revealed. The existence conditions are employed to discuss the available got solutions.
Chemical reaction dependency, magnetic field and surfactant effects on the propulsion of disk‐like micromotor and its application for E. coli transportation
Authors: Hu Liangxing , Wang Nan , Lim Yu Dian , Miao Jianmin
Published: September 2020

In this article, a miniature micromotor comprising of gold, nickel, and platinum is proposed. Herein, platinum acting as a chemical catalyst stimulates hydrogen peroxide to decompose into water and oxygen bubbles separated from the surface, which conversely produces a recoil force to drive the gold‐nickel‐platinum micromotor propelling forward. The micromotor is synthesized by a layer‐by‐layer coating strategy based on the micro‐electro‐mechanical systems technology. The propulsion of the as‐synthesized micromotor is experimentally conducted in diluted hydrogen peroxide both with and without the presence of external magnetic field, disclosing that oxygen bubbles are produced and separated from the platinum surface. Moreover, the results show that the speed of the gold‐nickel‐platinum micromotor is larger at higher hydrogen peroxide concentration, and the micromotor is able to move forward in an either linear or circular trajectory depending on the separation site of oxygen bubbles, the propulsion path of the micromotor can be manipulated by external magnetic field as well. Hence, the propulsion of the micromotor is chemical reaction‐ and magnetic field‐dependent. In addition, the surfactant effect on the propulsion of micromotor and its application for E. coli transportation are investigated.
Investigation of distant metastasis occurrence rates with different treatments: A comparison of superselective intra‐arterial chemoradiotherapy and surgery
Authors: Oyama Toshiaki , Kobayashi Wataru , Ito Ryohei , Tamura Yoshihiro , Satake Anna , Fukuta Haruka
Published: September 2020

Control of distant metastasis is an important factor in improving treatment outcomes for oral cancer. Superselective intra‐arterial chemoradiotherapy (SSIACRT) has been reported to be effective for preservation of form and function, thus enabling a satisfactory outcome. However, there have also been reports of a high frequency of distant metastases with SSIACRT. The present study therefore aimed to clarify whether treatment method has any relationship with the onset of distant metastases. Of a total of 384 cases of oral cancer, 270 underwent surgery, 44 underwent surgery followed by radiotherapy, and 70 underwent SSIACRT, and distant metastases occurred in 42 cases. On multivariate analysis, only N classification was a significant risk factor (P = .0001, odds ratio = 1.848). This confirmed that the only risk factor for distant metastases is lymph node metastasis, there is no relationship to treatment method, and there are no grounds to say that SSIACRT promotes distant metastases.
Assessing the potential effects of the AfCFTA on togolese economy: An application of partial equilibrium model
Authors: Wonyra Kwami Ossadzifo , Bayale Nimonka
Published: September 2020

Togo is one of the African countries to join spontaneously the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a new benchmark for trade development which seeks to provide a framework for the liberalization of trade in goods and services in Africa. Several economic opportunities are expected in Togo as a result of the implementation of the AfCFTA. This article provides insights on the potential implications of the AfCFTA Agreement for Togo in terms of trade, revenue and welfare effects. By applying the WITS‐SMART simulation model on 2018 disaggregated trade data, we find that, trade effects in Togo are likely to surge by US$ 8.83 million while promoting consumers' welfare by US$ 1.09 million. However, revenue losses are imminent as the country might experience a drop in tariff revenue of US$ 4.66 million. Overall, the AfCFTA is expected to improve on the country's trade balance as exports are envisaged to outweigh imports. In order to mitigate the revenue loses, we recommend that the country keeps substantial portion of tariff lines for sensitive and excluded products over a longer period during the liberalization.
Consumers' understanding of nutrition labels for ultra‐processed food products
Authors: Shamim Khalid , Khan Suhail Ahmad , Ahmad Shamim
Published: September 2020

Nutrition labels are public health tools that provide information about nutritional content of ingredients present in the food products. The labels assist consumers to differentiate between alternatives and make informed choices regarding food products. This study is conducted in New Delhi, India to assess the consumer usage, understanding, and influence of nutrition labels while purchasing ultra‐processed food products. Mall intercept survey was carried out to collect the data from consumers with the help of a structured questionnaire. A total of 303 valid responses were collected and analyzed through descriptive statistics, Chi‐square test, and Fisher exact test. Findings of the study revealed that most of the consumers do read nutrition labels during purchase of ultra‐processed food products but its usage frequency is not up to the mark. Only about one third of the consumers read nutrition labels “always,” whereas female consumers uses nutrition label more frequently than the male consumers. The most common reason for reading nutrition labels was to “eat healthy food” and “for dietary purpose”, while lack of time, lack of interest, and difficult terminology were the most common reasons for not reading nutrition labels at the time of purchase of ultra‐processed food. It was also found in this study that those respondents who read nutrition labels regularly during purchasing, their buying decision gets influenced positively through nutrition label information. This study also indicates that there is a need to promote the benefits of reading nutrition labels among consumers of developing countries to facilitate healthy eating habits.
Incorporation of flame retardancy in bio‐resourced mannitol based curing agent for clear pressure‐sensitive adhesive
Authors: Gadgeel A. A , Mhaske S. T
Published: September 2020

Recently, the flame retardancy of the pressure‐sensitive adhesive acquired a large amount of research interest because of their ability to cease the effect of fire on products, which are widely used for high‐temperature applications. The current study comprises the addition of the phosphorus modified mannitol (PMM) in a clear acrylic pressure‐sensitive adhesive (CPSAs). Mannitol indulges the replacement of the petroleum‐based crosslinking agent used for CPSAs, and phosphorus modification imparts the inherent flame retardancy. The process includes two parts, the first part comprises the conversion of D‐mannitol into 2,4:3,5‐di‐O‐methyl‐D‐mannitol followed by the modification through phosphorus oxychloride (POCl3) and the second part includes the addition of the PMM in CPSAs. The qualitative analysis of the formed compound was done with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). To understand the dependency of the PMM dose on adhesive performance, glass transition temperature (Tg) was measured through dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). The performance of adhesive was evaluated by determining optical and adhesion properties such as refractive index, impact resistance, peel strength, the probe tack, and the shear adhesion failure temperature. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to understand the thermal degradation of the adhesive. Successively, it was observed that the Tg and other properties are the functions of PMM concentration. Adhesive shows the excellent flame retardancy with maximum limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 48 and a self‐extinguishing behavior, as confirmed by the UL‐94 test. The extinguishing of the fire occurs with the formation of the 0.9 to 6 mm char with a closed cell‐like structure confirmed through SEM.

Highlights

Research involves the preparation of phosphorus modified curing agents of bio‐based resources and understand in the application in the clear pressure‐sensitive adhesive.

A bio‐based curing agent has synergic behavior of flame retardancy.

The use of a bio‐based curing agent imparts thermal stability in the adhesive.

The presence of phosphorus in the structure allows the formation of intumescent char.
Relationship between treatment center case volume and survival for localized Ewing sarcoma: The role of radiotherapy timing
Authors: Lin Timothy A. , Ludmir Ethan B. , Liao Kai‐Ping , McAleer Mary Frances , Bishop Andrew J. , Grosshans David , McGovern Susan , Woodhouse Kristina D. , Paulino Arnold C. , Yeboa Debra Nana
Published: September 2020

In the treatment of localized Ewing sarcoma (EWS), delays in local therapy are known to adversely impact overall survival (OS). However, the role of treatment center volume in EWS outcomes, and the interaction between center volume and local therapy timing with definitive radiotherapy, remains unknown. Using the National Cancer Database, we demonstrate that treatment at the lowest EWS volume centers is associated with reduced OS, explained partly by higher rates of delayed local therapy. Treatment at the highest volume centers results in improved OS, but appears independent of radiotherapy timing. Future efforts to improve care for EWS patients across treatment centers are imperative.
Regio‐, enantio‐, peri‐, and stereo‐selectivities of the reactions of five‐membered cyclodiene derivatives with itaconic anhydride toward the formation of norbornene lactones
Authors: Samba Wisdom Kwaku , Tia Richard , Adei Evans
Published: September 2020

The reactions of five‐membered cyclodiene derivatives with itaconic anhydride could proceed via four plausible pathways: two pathways involving initial Diels–Alder cycloaddition reactions followed by lactonization, and two pathways involving direct ring‐opening esterification reactions followed by intramolecular Diels–Alder cycloaddition, all to afford five‐ and six‐membered norbornene lactones, which are key intermediates in the synthesis of biologically interesting molecules as well as polymers such as polyelectrolytes. There are several regio‐, enantio‐, peri‐, and stereo‐chemical possibilities in these reactions, leading to several potential pathways, and these pathways are studied with density functional theory calculations in this work. The results reveal that the initial Diels–Alder reaction pathways have lower activation barriers than esterification reaction pathways. Generally, the activation barriers for the formation of S‐enantiomers are lower compared with the formation of R‐enantiomers. The reactions are stereo‐selective toward endo‐cycloadducts over exo‐cycloadducts, and this is as a result of steric interaction. The analysis of the electrophilic (Pk+) and nucleophilic (Pk−) Parr functions at the reactive centers shows that the cycloaddition will happen in such a way as to unite the atoms with the highest molecular orbital coefficients because this would lead to the greatest stabilization, and this is in good agreement with the energetic trends and the experimental outcome.
Stacking Faults and Short‐Range Magnetic Correlations in Single Crystal Y5Ru2O12: A Structure with Ru+4.5 One‐Dimensional Chains
Authors: Sanjeewa Liurukara D. , Liu Yaohua , Xing Jie , Fishman Randy S. , Kolambage Mudithangani T. K. , McGuire Michael A. , McMillen Colin D. , Kolis Joseph W. , Sefat Athena S.
Published: September 2020

The synthesis, structure, and physical properties of Y5Ru2O12, a new member of the Ln5B2O12 class (Ln = lanthanide, B = Ru, Re, Mo) are reported. Single crystals of Y5Ru2O12 are synthesized using a high‐temperature, high‐pressure (700 °C, 200 MPa) hydrothermal method. The structure features edge‐sharing RuORu 1D chains of distorted RuO6 octahedra. The YOn (n = 6 and 7) polyhedral groups bridge RuORu chains across the unit cell by forming a complex 3D structure. The RuORu chains contain alternating shorter and longer RuRu distances along the chain. Single crystal neutron diffraction shows streak‐like diffuse scattering along the H‐direction, due to stacking faults. Temperature‐dependent anisotropic magnetic measurements reveal a broad feature over a wide temperature range, with a maximum at ≈70 K indicating potential short‐range ordering, with canted antiferromagnetic behavior below 30 K. The dominant magnetic interactions are antiferromagnetic with a large negative Weiss temperature θ ≈ −200 K. The compound has an effective magnetic moment that is anomalously large for this class of compounds (≈4 μB Ru−1), and a phenomenological spin Hamiltonian describing the unusual anisotropic magnetization of Y5Ru2O12 is proposed.
A Simple Methodology to Generate Metamaterials and Structures with Negative Poisson's Ratio
Authors: Zhang Xiang Yu , Ren Xin
Published: September 2020

Buckling is one type of unstable structural response which has been known for centuries. Although buckling is generally regarded as a type of undesirable phenomenon, many investigations reported that it can be utilized to generate buckling‐induced metamaterials and structures with negative Poisson's ratio. Recent studies demonstrate that buckling‐induced auxetic behavior will disappear when the base material is changed from elastomer to metal. A pattern scale factor (PSF) method to recover auxeticity of metallic metamaterials and structures was mentioned in previous studies, but the method has not been specifically introduced. Herein, a more detailed introduction of the PSF method is made and some successful case studies are presented.
Storytelling for sustainable development in rural communities: An alternative approach
Authors: Lowery Brennan , Dagevos John , Chuenpagdee Ratana , Vodden Kelly
Published: September 2020

Mainstream conceptualizations of sustainable development (SD) tend to focus on urban areas or the national or global scale—most recently through the Sustainable Development Goals. This focus often overlooks rural and natural resource‐based communities, particularly those dependent on renewable resources like fisheries or forestry. Drawing from a comprehensive review, we propose an alternative approach for interpreting and measuring SD in these contexts. We integrate two seemingly contradictory approaches: sustainability indicators (SIs), whose evolution reflects competing views of the nature of knowledge and action in pursuit of SD, and the use of storytelling in policy and planning, highlighting how actors tell stories to garner support for proposed developments, influence public understanding, and mobilize stakeholders. Examining the opposing epistemologies often underlying these two approaches, we posit that they can be brought together through a transdisciplinary lens for sustainable rural development. We illustrate these potentials in Newfoundland and Labrador, a highly resource‐based region in which rural communities are often characterized by deficiencies based narratives. In such contexts, storytelling can allow rural stakeholders to interpret SD while potentially enlisting SIs in telling their own sustainability stories.
Application of N‐Aryl Ethanolamines as N,O‐Ligand in Nickel(II)‐Catalyzed Carbon‐Carbon Bond Formation in Heck Coupling Reactions
Authors: Bhange Dattatraya S. , Sonawane Rahul B. , Rasal Nishant K. , Jagtap Sangeeta V.
Published: September 2020

A simple and efficient protocol of Ni‐(II) catalyzed C−C bond formation in Heck coupling reactions of a variety of alkenes and aryl and hetero aryl halides, using various N‐aryl ethanolamines as bi‐dentate N,O‐ligand with moderate to excellent yields is described here. The application of different N‐aryl ethanolamines in presence of NiCl2.6H2O catalyst is tested for C−C bond formation in Heck reactions and found to be efficient in homogeneous medium. This simple and efficient protocol shows a broad substrate scope for substituted alkenes, aryl and hetero aryl halides and tolerates various functional groups and successfully demonstrated by 31 examples.
Synthesis of Anodized TiO2 Nanotube Arrays as Ion Sieve for Lithium Extraction
Authors: Taghvaei Nastaran , Taghvaei Ehsan , Askari Masoud
Published: September 2020

Titanium type lithium ion‐sieve nanotubes synthesized by the hydrothermal method were extensively explored over recent years due to its promising properties. However, on account of nanotubes′ tangled structure impeding the lithium adsorption in the interior nanotube walls, unalterable dimensions of the synthesized nanotubes, and a long period of annealing, the anodizing technique was proposed. It is shown that lithium uptake and adsorption capacity is improved because of easier mass transfer during the ion exchange process. This work focuses on a novel anodizing method for nanotube ion‐sieve synthesis. The optimum anodizing condition was discovered by altering anodizing voltage, time, and fluoride concentration to have a proper nanotube morphology and corresponding high surface area for achieving the most suitable adsorption properties. Nanotubes were grown on Ti foil in Ethylene Glycol (EG) electrolyte with different amounts of NH4F in a range of anodizing voltage (40–70 V) and time (1–4 hours). TiO2 Nanotube array morphology, dimension, and phase characterization were derived from FESEM and XRD analysis. As a result, the optimum condition discovered in this research to obtain acceptable morphology and high aspect ratio nanotubes was at 0.5 wt % NH4F, 40 V, 3 hours. Lithium titanate spinel with nanotube morphology was synthesized by chemical lithiation in the LiOH solution and then acid‐treated to obtain H4Ti5O12 adsorbent. ICP‐OES analysis revealed that the H4Ti5O12 lithium‐ion sieve with nanotube array structure obtain adsorption capacity up to 37.5 mg/g in LiOH and LiCl solutions (112 mg/L Li, pH 12), designating that the Hydrogen titanate (HTO) ion sieve could effectively extract Li+from the enriched solutions.
Synthesis, Photooxygenation and DNA Studies of Novel Fused Furo, Dioxolo, and Dioxino Derivatives of Coumarin
Authors: Elgogary Sameh Ramadan
Published: September 2020

Syntheses of novel fused furo, dioxolo and dioxino derivatives of coumarin are carried out through the reaction of 7,8‐dihydroxycoumarin derivative1with α‐halocarbonyl compounds (α‐haloketone, α‐haloester and chloroacetyl chloride) and 1,2‐dichloroethane. The photooxygenation of synthesized furocoumarin derivative was performed and the affinity of furocoumarin derivative towards DNA was evaluated and compared with 8‐methoxypsoralen (8‐MOP), which extensively used in photochemotherapy.
Synthesis of Defect‐Engineered Homochiral Metal‐Organic Frameworks Using L‐Amino Acids: A Comprehensive Study of Chiral Catalyst Performance in CO2 Fixation Reaction
Authors: Mohammadian Reza , Kamyar Niloofar , Kaffashian Amir , Amini Mostafa M. , Shaabani Ahmad
Published: September 2020

In this work, a novel homochiral zinc‐containing metal‐organic framework (MOF) was achieved via defect engineering strategy and characterized by various techniques including X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), Brunner‐Emmett‐Teller surface area analysis (SBET), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), circular dichroism (CD), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Results showed that the importing defects in the structure of zinc‐containing MOF did not only significantly affect the basic properties of parent MOF (MOF‐5), including stability, morphology, and crystallinity, but have introduced new features such as chirality in its framework. Subsequently, this new defect‐engineered material was used as a catalyst in the CO2 fixation process and overcame the essential limitations present in this reaction by providing the synergistic and cooperative effect between Lewis acidic centers (Zn2+) and imidazolium iodide salt on a united catalytic system. These features are present MOF‐5@imidazolium iodide as a reusable heterogeneous catalyst for the efficient chemical conversion of carbon dioxide with non‐bulky epoxides into cyclic carbonates under mild conditions without utilizing any solvent or cocatalyst.
Transcription factor YY1 enhances the stemness of lung cancer cells by stabilizing hypoxia factor HIF‐1α under a hypoxic microenvironment
Authors: Huang Xianping , Zhou Weihe , Zhang Yuefeng
Published: September 2020

The hypoxic microenvironment can facilitate the tumor progression, and transcription factor YY1 holds promoting effects in various tumors. This work aims to investigate whether YY1 is involved in hypoxia‐induced stemness of lung cancer cells. We showed that hypoxic microenvironment induced the expression of HIF‐1α and YY1, and the stemness of lung cancer cells, which was attenuated by YY1 knockdown. Additionally, we found that YY1 regulates the hypoxia‐induced stemness in a HIF‐1α‐dependent manner, but independent on p53 expression. Further analysis revealed that YY1 physically interacted with HIF‐1α protein and stabilized HIF‐1α protein. Our work indicates a novel YY1/HIF‐1α axis regulating the stemness of lung cancer cells.
Higher-form symmetries in 5d
Authors: Morrison David R. , Schäfer-Nameki Sakura , Willett Brian
Published: September 2020

Abstract

We study higher-form symmetries in 5d quantum field theories, whose charged operators include extended operators such as Wilson line and ’t Hooft operators. We outline criteria for the existence of higher-form symmetries both from a field theory point of view as well as from the geometric realization in M-theory on non-compact Calabi-Yau threefolds. A geometric criterion for determining the higher-form symmetry from the intersection data of the Calabi-Yau is provided, and we test it in a multitude of examples, including toric geometries. We further check that the higher-form symmetry is consistent with dualities and is invariant under flop transitions, which relate theories with the same UV-fixed point. We explore extensions to higher-form symmetries in other compactifications of M-theory, such as G2-holonomy manifolds, which give rise to 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 theories.
A modified volumetric energy density–based approach for porosity assessment in additive manufacturing process design
Authors: Ferro Paolo , Meneghello Roberto , Savio Gianpaolo , Berto Filippo
Published: August 2020

Soundness of additively manufactured parts depends on a lot of process and geometrical parameters. A wrong process design leads to defects such as lack of fusion or keyhole porosity that have a detrimental effect on the mechanical properties of the printed parts. Process parameter optimization is thus a formidable challenge that requires in general a huge amount of experimental data. Among the others, heat source power and scan speed are the most defects-affecting parameters to be optimized. The energy density is used in literature to quantify their combination. Unfortunately, in different works it was demonstrated that it fails if used as design parameter mainly because it does not take into account the material properties and the interaction between heat source and the powder bed. In this contribution, a modified volumetric energy density equation that takes into account the powder-heat source interaction to optimize the combination of power-scan speed values for porosity assessment in powder bed fusion process design is proposed and verified on both AlSi10Mg alloy and Maraging steel 300.
Preoperative Risk Assessment: A Poor Predictor of Outcome in Critically ill Elderly with Sepsis After Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Cuijpers Anne C. M. , Coolsen Marielle M. E. , Schnabel Ronny M. , van Santen Susanne , Olde Damink Steven W. M. , van de Poll Marcel C. G.
Published: August 2020

Background

Postoperative outcome prediction in elderly is based on preoperative physical status but its predictive value is uncertain. The goal was to evaluate the value of risk assessment performed perioperatively in predicting outcome in case of admission to an intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

A total of 108 postsurgical patients were retrospectively selected from a prospectively recorded database of 144 elderly septic patients (>70 years) admitted to the ICU department after elective or emergency abdominal surgery between 2012 and 2017. Perioperative risk assessment scores including Portsmouth Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enumeration of Mortality (P‐POSSUM) and American Society of Anaesthesiologists Physical Status classification (ASA) were determined. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation IV (APACHE IV) was obtained at ICU admission.

Results

In‐hospital mortality was 48.9% in elderly requiring ICU admission after elective surgery (n = 45), compared to 49.2% after emergency surgery (n = 63). APACHE IV significantly predicted in‐hospital mortality after complicated elective surgery [area under the curve 0.935 (p < 0.001)] where outpatient ASA physical status and P‐POSSUM did not. In contrast, P‐POSSUM and APACHE IV significantly predicted in‐hospital mortality when based on current physical state in elderly requiring emergency surgery (AUC 0.769 (p = 0.002) and 0.736 (p = 0.006), respectively).

Conclusions

Perioperative risk assessment reflecting premorbid physical status of elderly loses its value when complications occur requiring unplanned ICU admission. Risks in elderly should be re‐assessed based on current clinical condition prior to ICU admission, because outcome prediction is more reliable then.
Endovascular Treatment of Spontaneous and Isolated Infrarenal Acute Aortic Syndrome with Unibody Aortic Stent‐Grafts
Authors: Pecoraro Felice , Dinoto Ettore , Mirabella Domenico , Ferlito Francesca , Farina Arduino , Pakeliani David , Lachat Mario , Urso Francesca , Bajardi Guido
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Spontaneous acute aortic syndrome (IAAS) is rarely localized in the infrarenal aorta. The endovascular approach is preferred over conventional open surgery with fewer complications. However, dedicated endovascular devices for IAAS treatment are unavailable. The aim was to report a large single‐center experience using unibody stent‐grafts to address IAAS.

Methods

From April 2016 to March 2019, a retrospective analysis of patients presenting spontaneous and isolated IAAS was performed. Patients addressed with the unibody stent‐graft (AFX endovascular AAA system; Endologix Inc., Irvine, CA) were included in the study. Indications to IAAS treatment were persistent symptoms and/or dilated abdominal aorta (>3 cm). The measured outcomes were technical success; early outcomes (<30 days) including mortality, morbidity, symptoms recurrence, and endoleak occurrence; and late outcomes (>30 days) including mortality, symptoms recurrence, endoleak occurrence, stent‐graft patency, and survival. Median follow‐up was 23.77 ± 10 months.

Results

Twenty‐one patients with IAAS were included. Indications to treatment were symptoms in 14 (67%) patients and dilated abdominal aorta in 7 (33%). Technical success was achieved in all cases. No perioperative mortality and 1 (4.8%) early femoral access complication was encountered. During the follow‐up were registered 1 (4.8%) aortic unrelated death and 1 (4.8%) stent‐graft limb stenosis. The 36 months estimated survival and freedom from reintervention were 92% (CI: 37–43; SE: 1.7) and 94% (CI: 37–44; SE: 1.7), respectively.

Conclusions

The endovascular treatment of IAAS with unibody stent‐graft (AFX endovascular AAA system; Endologix Inc.) is safe and effective with promising mid‐term outcomes. The use of unibody stent‐grafts expands the endovascular indication, despite the usual anatomic IAAS features. Larger studies with longer follow‐up are required to validate the outcomes of the reported technique.
An evaluation of overall survival in patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia and the relationship with glasdegib treatment and exposure
Authors: Lin Swan , Shaik Naveed , Chan Geoffrey , Cortes Jorge E. , Ruiz-Garcia Ana
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Glasdegib, an oral inhibitor of the Hedgehog signaling pathway, is approved in the United States in combination with low-dose cytarabine (LDAC) to treat patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) ineligible to receive intensive chemotherapy. This population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analysis characterized the time course of survival with glasdegib + LDAC relative to LDAC alone, and explored whether the differences in glasdegib exposure at the clinical dose of 100 mg once daily (QD) significantly affected overall survival (OS).

Methods

Data from the BRIGHT AML 1003 trial in patients with AML were included in treatment–response (glasdegib + LDAC, n = 78; LDAC alone, n = 38) and exposure–response (glasdegib + LDAC, n = 75) analyses.

Results

The analyses demonstrate that patients treated with glasdegib + LDAC (vs LDAC alone) at any time point during the study period were 58% less likely to die, translating to prolonging of median OS by ~ 5 months (hazard ratio 0.42 [95% confidence interval 0.28–0.66]). Variability in glasdegib exposures did not impact the risk of death. Additionally, potential covariates such as patient demographics, prior treatment with a hypomethylating agent, baseline safety laboratory values, and disease characteristics, did not impact the probability of OS.

Conclusion

Together these results confirm that glasdegib + LDAC treatment (vs. LDAC alone) is associated with a significant survival benefit in patients with newly diagnosed AML, and that variability in glasdegib doses (e.g., for dose reductions) and exposures do not compromise the survival benefit of glasdegib 100 mg QD.

Clinical Trial number

NCT01546038.
Dark-adaptation in the eyes of a lake and a sea population of opossum shrimp (Mysis relicta): retinoid isomer dynamics, rhodopsin regeneration, and recovery of light sensitivity
Authors: Feldman Tatiana , Yakovleva Marina , Viljanen Martta , Lindström Magnus , Donner Kristian , Ostrovsky Mikhail
Published: September 2020

We have studied dark-adaptation at three levels in the eyes of the crustacean Mysis relicta over 2–3 weeks after exposing initially dark-adapted animals to strong white light: regeneration of 11-cis retinal through the retinoid cycle (by HPLC), restoration of native rhodopsin in photoreceptor membranes (by MSP), and recovery of eye photosensitivity (by ERG). We compare two model populations (“Sea”, Sp, and “Lake”, Lp) inhabiting, respectively, a low light and an extremely dark environment. 11-cis retinal reached 60–70% of the pre-exposure levels after 2 weeks in darkness in both populations. The only significant Lp/Sp difference in the retinoid cycle was that Lp had much higher levels of retinol, both basal and light-released. In Sp, rhodopsin restoration and eye photoresponse recovery parallelled 11-cis retinal regeneration. In Lp, however, even after 3 weeks only ca. 25% of the rhabdoms studied had incorporated new rhodopsin, and eye photosensitivity showed only incipient recovery from severe depression. The absorbance spectra of the majority of the Lp rhabdoms stayed constant around 490–500 nm, consistent with metarhodopsin II dominance. We conclude that sensitivity recovery of Sp eyes was rate-limited by the regeneration of 11-cis retinal, whilst that of Lp eyes was limited by inertia in photoreceptor membrane turnover.
Revisiting remote drivers of the 2014 drought in South-Eastern Brazil
Authors: Finke Kathrin , Jiménez-Esteve Bernat , Taschetto Andréa S. , Ummenhofer Caroline C. , Bumke Karl , Domeisen Daniela I. V.
Published: September 2020

South-Eastern Brazil experienced a devastating drought associated with significant agricultural losses in austral summer 2014. The drought was linked to the development of a quasi-stationary anticyclone in the South Atlantic in early 2014 that affected local precipitation patterns over South-East Brazil. Previous studies have suggested that the unusual blocking was triggered by tropical Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies and, more recently, by convection over the Indian Ocean related to the Madden–Julian Oscillation. Further investigation of the proposed teleconnections appears crucial for anticipating future economic impacts. In this study, we use numerical experiments with an idealized atmospheric general circulation model forced with the observed 2013/2014 SST anomalies in different ocean basins to understand the dominant mechanism that initiated the 2014 South Atlantic anticyclonic anomaly. We show that a forcing with global 2013/2014 SST anomalies enhances the chance for the occurrence of positive geopotential height anomalies in the South Atlantic. However, further sensitivity experiments with SST forcings in separate ocean basins suggest that neither the Indian Ocean nor tropical Pacific SST anomalies alone have contributed significantly to the anomalous atmospheric circulation that led to the 2014 South-East Brazil drought. The model study rather points to an important role of remote forcing from the South Pacific, local South Atlantic SSTs, and internal atmospheric variability in driving the persistent blocking over the South Atlantic.
Incidence for volar locking plate removal following distal radius fracture surgery
Authors: Palola Vili , Ponkilainen Ville , Huttunen Tuomas , Launonen Antti , Mattila Ville M.
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Distal radius fracture is the most common fracture in adults. The most common treatment for distal radius fracture is non-operative cast immobilization, although there are injuries that require surgical treatment. During the past decade, studies have reported a large increase in the surgical treatment of distal radius fractures with open reduction and internal fixation using volar locking plates. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and trends for plate removal after plate fixation of distal radius fractures.

Materials and methods

The study covered all patients 18 years of age and older who had a surgically treated distal radius fracture with open reduction and internal fixation in Finland between 1998 and 2016. Patient data were obtained from the Finnish National Hospital Discharge Register. The association between increased number of platings and plate removals was examined by calculating the removal rates. The study population comprises all patients on a national level, and therefore we did not use statistical testing to analyze the data.

Results

A total of 18,298 patients had surgically treated distal radius fracture with volar plate in Finland during the 19-year study period from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2016. The number of plate removal operations over the same time period was 2560. The removal rates decreased from over 20% in 1998 to less than 12% in 2016. The mean time period between plating and plate removal operations was 367 days. Most of the plate removals (n = 2235; 87.3%) were conducted during the first 2 years after plating.

Conclusion

Plate removals have not increased as rapidly as plating operations. The removal rate has declined markedly during the last decade. Nowadays, approximately 11% of distal radius plates are removed.
Analysis of partial weight bearing after surgical treatment in patients with injuries of the lower extremity
Authors: Eickhoff Alexander Maximilian , Cintean Raffael , Fiedler Carina , Gebhard Florian , Schütze Konrad , Richter Peter H.
Published: September 2020

Introduction

After surgical treatment of injuries of the lower extremity, partial weight bearing is often suggested until soft tissue consolidation. It is doubtful, if this recommendation can be implemented, even in the case that a patient is performing partial weight bearing with a physical therapist. Consequently the question remains, if patients are able to implement partial weight bearing after surgery and which factors favor incompliance.

Materials and methods

49 patients, who underwent surgical treatment after injuries of the lower extremity, were equipped with electronic shoe insoles on both sides. Different weight bearing instructions were given depending on the type of injury and surgery (full weight bearing vs. 20 kg weight bearing vs. non-weight bearing). Besides loading, other factors like age, gender, weight and physical activity were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact test with significance set at a p value < 0.05.

Results

25 of the 40 patients, who had to perform non- or partial weight bearing, were not able to follow postoperative instructions (compliance rate 37.5%). The average loading of the whole collective was 32.6 kg (4.8–109.2 kg). The specification of loading had no statistically significant influence on real loading (p-value 0.39). Elderly patients were less able to follow instructions than younger patients (36 vs 30.2 kg). Physically active compared to non-active patients overloaded their injured extremity (37.8 vs 28.7 kg). Patients with a high body mass index (BMI) encountered more difficulties to perform partial weight bearing than lightweight patients (36.9 vs 25.1 kg).

Conclusions

Most patients were not able to follow loading limitation, even a few days after surgery and even if the patients were trained by a physiotherapist. Excessive weight bearing-related complications should be evaluated.