bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Xishaglaucumins A—J, New Cembranoids with Anti‐Inflammatory Activities from the South China Sea Soft Coral Sarcophyton glaucum
Authors: Li Jin‐Feng , Zeng Yan‐Bo , Li Wang‐Sheng , Luo Hui , Zhang Hai‐Yan , Guo Yue‐Wei
Published: October 2021

Comprehensive Summary

Ten new cembrane‐type diterpenoids, namely xishaglaucumins A—J (1—10), along with ten known related ones (11—20), have been isolated from the soft coral Sarcophyton glaucum collected off the Xisha Island in the South China Sea. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, quantum mechanical nuclear magnetic resonance (QM‐NMR) methods, X‐ray diffraction analysis, chemical methods and comparison with the reported data in the literature. The absolute configuration of new compounds 1, 5 and known compounds 11, 12, 16 and 20 were determined either by chemical methods or by X‐ray diffraction analysis using Cu Kα (λ = 1.5417 Å). In in vitro bioassay, compound 4 exhibited inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammatory responses in BV‐2 microglial cells.
Laypeople and dental professionals' perception of the aesthetic outcome of two treatments for missing lateral incisors
Authors: Hedmo Cecilia , Lindsten Rune , Josefsson Eva
Published: October 2021

Objective

To investigate laypeople and dental professionals' opinions of the aesthetic outcome from implant therapy (IT) and orthodontic space closure (SC) for missing maxillary lateral incisors.

Material and methods

Evaluation was performed by three groups: laypeople 20–30 years of age (n = 26), laypeople 50–70 years of age (n = 26) and orthodontists (n = 25). The assessors viewed photographs of 44 different cases treated with IT or SC, and made an evaluation of the aesthetics.

Results

The gingival color adjacent to the replaced tooth was rated as having better aesthetics in the SC cases (p = 0.000). The orthodontists preferred the aesthetics of the dentition in the SC cases (p = 0.042). The young laypeople, compared to the older laypeople and orthodontists, were more dissatisfied with the color of the tooth replacing the missing lateral incisor in SC cases (p = 0.043).

Conclusion

The color of the gingiva adjacent to the implant‐supported crowns had a lower aesthetic rating than the SC group. Laypeople rated both treatments as equally good. The orthodontists had a slight preference for the aesthetics in the SC cases.
Are ecological communities the seat of endosymbiont horizontal transfer and diversification? A case study with soil arthropod community
Authors: Gupta Manisha , Kaur Rajbir , Gupta Ankita , Raychoudhury Rhitoban
Published: October 2021

Maternally inherited endosymbionts of arthropods are one of the most abundant and diverse group of bacteria. These bacterial endosymbionts also show extensive horizontal transfer to taxonomically unrelated hosts and widespread recombination in their genomes. Such horizontal transfers can be enhanced when different arthropod hosts come in contact like in an ecological community. Higher rates of horizontal transfer can also increase the probability of recombination between endosymbionts, as they now share the same host cytoplasm. However, reports of community‐wide endosymbiont data are rare as most studies choose few host taxa and specific ecological interactions among the hosts. To better understand endosymbiont spread within host populations, we investigated the incidence, diversity, extent of horizontal transfer, and recombination of three endosymbionts (Wolbachia, Cardinium, and Arsenophonus) in a specific soil arthropod community. Wolbachia strains were characterized with MLST genes whereas 16S rRNA gene was used for Cardinium and Arsenophonus. Among 3,509 individual host arthropods, belonging to 390 morphospecies, 12.05% were infected with Wolbachia, 2.82% with Cardinium and 2.05% with Arsenophonus. Phylogenetic incongruence between host and endosymbiont indicated extensive horizontal transfer of endosymbionts within this community. Three cases of recombination between Wolbachia supergroups and eight incidences of within‐supergroup recombination were also found. Statistical tests of similarity indicated supergroup A Wolbachia and Cardinium show a pattern consistent with extensive horizontal transfer within the community but not for supergroup B Wolbachia and Arsenophonus. We highlight the importance of extensive community‐wide studies for a better understanding of the spread of endosymbionts across global arthropod communities.
Exercise‐induced B‐lines in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction occur along with diastolic function worsening
Authors: Simonovic Dejan , Coiro Stefano , Deljanin‐Ilic Marina , Kobayashi Masatake , Carluccio Erberto , Girerd Nicolas , Ambrosio Giuseppe
Published: October 2021

Aims

Pulmonary congestion during exercise assessed by lung ultrasound predicts negative outcome in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We aimed at assessing predictors of exercise‐induced pulmonary B‐lines in HFpEF patients.

Methods and results

Eighty‐one I–II NYHA class HFpEF patients (65.0  ± 8.2 y/o, 56.8% females) underwent standard and strain echocardiography, lung ultrasound, and natriuretic peptide assessment during supine exercise echocardiography (baseline and peak exercise). Peak values and their changes were compared in subgroups according to exercise lung congestion grading (peak B‐lines >10 or ≤10). Exercise elicited significant changes for all echocardiographic parameters in both subgroups [39/81 (48.1%) with peak B‐lines >10; 42/81 (51.9%) with B‐lines ≤10]. Peak values and changes of E‐wave (and its derived indices) were significantly higher in patients with >10 peak B‐lines compared with those with ≤10 B‐line (all P‐values <0.03), showing significant correlation with peak B‐lines for all parameters; concomitantly, global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global strain rate (GSR) during systole (GSRs), early (GSRe) and late (GSRa) diastole, and isovolumic relaxation (GSRivr) were reduced in patients with B‐lines >10 (all P‐values <0.05), showing a negative correlation with peak B‐lines. By adjusted linear regression analysis, peak and change diastolic parameters (E‐wave, E/e′, GSRivr, and E/GSRivr) and peak GLS were individually significantly associated with peak B‐lines. By covariate‐adjusted multivariable model, E/e′ and GSRa at peak exercise were retained as independent predictors of peak B‐lines, with substantial goodness of fit of model (adjusted R2 0.776).

Conclusions

In HFpEF, development of pulmonary congestion upon exercise is mostly concomitant with exercise‐induced worsening of diastolic function.
Numerical investigation on rock‐breaking mechanism and cutting temperature of compound percussive drilling with a single PDC cutter
Authors: Wang Wei , Liu Gonghui , Li Jun , Zha Chunqing , Lian Wei , Gao Reyu
Published: October 2021

Compound percussive drilling technology is a new method to improve the rock‐breaking efficiency in deep hard formation. In order to study the rock‐breaking mechanism of compound impact drilling, the thermal‐structure coupling simulation of the dynamic rock‐breaking process with a single PDC cutter was investigated by using ABAQUS software. The influence of impact parameters on the rock‐breaking performance and cutting temperature was analyzed. The results proved that the compound impact load changes the rock failure mode and improves the rock‐breaking efficiency. Compared with steady load cutting, the rock broken volume under compound impact increased by 7.5%, and the mechanical specific energy (MSE) decreased by 12.3%. As the axial impact load amplitude increases, the MSE increases gradually. With an increase in torsional impact load amplitude and impact frequency, the MSE decreases first and then increases, and the optimal torsional static load ratio is 0.3, and the optimal impact frequency is 30 Hz. In addition, the cutting temperature of the compound percussive drilling is higher than that of the steady load cutting, and it increases with the impact load amplitude and decreases with the frequency. For the three impact load waveforms—sine, triangle, and square in this paper, the rock‐breaking efficiency under the condition of sine waveform is the largest when the dynamic amplitude of the pulse force is fixed, and the cutting temperature under the condition of square waveform is the highest. Finally, based on the analysis of the rock‐breaking mechanism, a novel compound percussive drilling tool was designed and tested in the field.
Somatic engagement alters subsequent neurobehavioral correlates of affective mentalizing
Authors: Shany Ofir , Greental Ayam , Gilam Gadi , Perry Daniella , Bleich‐Cohen Maya , Ovadia Moran , Cohen Avihay , Raz Gal
Published: October 2021

Socio‐emotional encounters involve a resonance of others' affective states, known as affect sharing (AS); and attribution of mental states to others, known as theory‐of‐mind (ToM). Empathy necessitates the integration of both processes, yet their interaction during emotional episodes and subsequent generation of inferences on others' affective states has rarely been tested. To address this, we developed a novel experimental design, wherein we manipulated AS by presenting nonverbal emotionally negative movies twice—each time accompanied by one of two soundtracks that accentuated either somatic cues or externally generated sounds. Movies were followed by questions addressing affective‐ToM (emotional inferences), cognitive‐ToM (inferences on beliefs and knowledge), and non‐ToM aspects. Results revealed a neural differentiation between AS, affective‐ToM, and cognitive‐ToM. AS movies activated regions that have been implicated in emotional (e.g., amygdala) and somatosensory processing, and synchronized brain activity between participants in the latter. Affective‐ToM activated the middle insula, limbic regions, and both ventral and dorsal portions of the medial prefrontal cortex (ventral medial prefrontal cortex [VMPFC] and dorsal medial prefrontal cortex [DMPFC], respectively), whereas cognitive‐ToM activated posteromedial and lateral–prefrontal and temporal cortices. Critically, AS movies specifically altered neural activation in AS and ToM‐related regions during subsequent affective‐ToM inferences, most notably in the DMPFC. Moreover, DMPFC–VMPFC connectivity correlated with affective‐ToM accuracy, when such questions followed AS movies. Our results associate empathic processes with designated neural activations and shed light on how neuro‐behavioral indices of affective ToM are shaped by preceding somatic engagement.
Impacts of firewood burning for cooking on respiratory health and healthcare utilisation: Empirical evidence from Sri Lankan micro‐data
Authors: Pallegedara Asankha , Kumara Ajantha Sisira
Published: October 2021

Despite escalating income levels of Sri Lankan households, 70.3% of them still depend on firewood for cooking. This might lead to bad respiratory health and thereby, increased healthcare utilisation. With this backdrop, this paper examines how firewood burning for cooking influences respiratory health and healthcare utilisation of Sri Lankans. The study proposes a theoretical model to explain effects of firewood burning on respiratory health and healthcare utilisation and empirically tests it using nation‐wide micro‐data of 79,170 individuals belonging to 21,748 households. The data are drawn from the most recent wave of Sri Lankan household income and expenditure survey. After addressing potential endogeneity by applying instrumental variable regression models, the study finds that firewood burning increases households' probability of asthma prevalence by 10.9 percentage points (P < 0.001), out‐patient care utilisation by 33.1 percentage points (P < 0.001), and in‐patient care utilisation by 17.5 percentage points (P < 0.001), on average. Our individual level analysis demonstrates that females are more vulnerable to bad respiratory health induced by firewood burning (β = 0.055, P < 0.001) compared to males (β = 0.008, P > 0.1). The results imply policies on promoting improved‐cooking stoves, separated‐kitchen designs, and switching more towards cleaner energy sources, including LP gas and solar power.
Cyclical experience‐based design: A proposal for engaging stakeholders in a co‐creative model for primary health care service design
Authors: Ramos Mayara , Forcellini Fernando A. , Ferreira Marcelo G. G. , Bowen Simon , Wright Peter C.
Published: October 2021

Healthcare services face difficulties in using structured methods for service design and having patient participation in such processes. There are few models on healthcare service design and even less focused on Primary Health Care (PHC) in the literature. Therefore, this paper contributes to this domain by presenting the proposal of a co‐creative model to design PHC services. The proposed model was constructed based on the study of reference models in PHC and co‐design. Plan‐Do‐Check‐Act cycle and the Experience‐Based Co‐Design approach were used to structure the model. The resulting model contributes to (a) continuous improvement, (b) improvement analysis and registry, (c) identification and solution of PHC users' real needs, (d) community participation and empowerment, (e) creation of experience‐focused and patient‐centred services. The model's use of co‐creation enables patients and PHC staff to understand each other's needs and challenges, and to create together appropriate solutions to their communities and act toward more satisfying services.
Determining optimum applied water and seeding rates for winter wheat by using AquaCrop and mathematical‐economic analysis*
Authors: Moghimi Mohammad Mehdi , Shamshiri Ghazaleh , Shabani Ali , Kamgar‐Haghighi Ali Akbar , Fateh Mina , Mahmoudi Mohammad Reza
Published: October 2021

The growing scarcity of water resources has made the need to optimize water consumption in the agricultural sector inevitable. In this study, the accuracy of the AquaCrop model in simulating the yield and dry matter of winter wheat under different plant densities and water levels was evaluated. Then using economic‐mathematical analysis, the optimum values of plant density and irrigation water were determined. Next, using time‐series models, the values of optimum irrigation water and economic yield were forecasted for the next 10 years. Results showed that the accuracy of the AquaCrop model to simulate grain yield and dry matter of winter wheat was very satisfactory. For seasonal rainfall of 289.9 and 394.5 mm (the values related to an occurrence probability of 50 and 80%, respectively), applying optimum irrigation water resulted in a 22.4 and 29.9% decrease in water consumption and 28.9 and 42.7% increase in land area and 47.4 and 50.2% increase in total benefit compared to full irrigation, respectively. The time‐series model used in this study was able to forecast optimum applied water with high accuracy. The forecasting results of this study can be used by farm managers and decision‐makers in water resources management in the study areas.
A complex Gaussian approach to molecular photoionization
Authors: Ammar Abdallah , Ancarani Lorenzo Ugo , Leclerc Arnaud
Published: October 2021

We develop and implement a Gaussian approach to calculate partial cross‐sections and asymmetry parameters for molecular photoionization. Optimal sets of complex Gaussian‐type orbitals (cGTOs) are first obtained by nonlinear optimization, to best fit sets of Coulomb or distorted continuum wave functions for relevant orbital quantum numbers. This allows us to represent the radial wavefunction for the outgoing electron with accurate cGTO expansions. Within a time‐independent partial wave approach, we show that all the necessary transition integrals become analytical, in both length and velocity gauges, thus facilitating the numerical evaluation of photoionization observables. Illustrative results, presented for NH3 and H2O within a one‐active‐electron monocentric model, validate numerically the proposed strategy based on a complex Gaussian representation of continuum states.
The impact of rainfall distribution methods on streamflow throughout multiple elevations in the Rocky Mountains using the APEX model—Price River watershed, Utah
Authors: Worqlul Abeyou W. , Jeong Jaehak , Green Colleen H. M. , Abitew Tadesse A.
Published: October 2021

The hydrology of mountainous watersheds in the western United States is significantly influenced by snow year‐round. It is widely known that topography affects precipitation; however, the knowledge of how watershed rainfall designation methods affect streamflow is not well understood for high‐relief areas. The objectives of this study were to assess the predictive capability of the Agricultural Policy/Environmental eXtender (APEX) model to simulate streamflow in a snowmelt‐dominated watershed with high spatial rainfall variability through (a) allocating weather stations to sub‐basins based on a conventional Thiessen polygon method (CM) or a rainfall‐elevation–based input (RE) and using an areal average Parameter‐Elevation Regression on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM) rainfall designation and (b) improving the snowmelt processes in the Price River watershed, Utah. The updated APEX model with snowmelt parameters significantly improved spring flood simulation. The RE was the most robust method in snowmelt and seasonal streamflow simulations compared with the CM and PRISM rainfall designations. Adapting the APEX model to simulate snow‐dominant complex terrains will provide crucial water quantity and quality predictions for reliable environmental and watershed management assessment.
Tropical cyclone characteristics associated with extreme precipitation in the northern Philippines
Authors: Racoma Bernard Alan B. , Klingaman Nicholas P. , Holloway Christopher E. , Schiemann Reinhard K. H. , Bagtasa Gerry
Published: October 2021

The Philippines is exposed to tropical cyclones (TCs) throughout the year due to its location in the western North Pacific. While these TCs provide much‐needed precipitation for the country's hydrological cycle, extreme precipitation from TCs may also cause damaging hazards such as floods and landslides. This study examines the relationship between TC extreme precipitation and TC characteristics, including movement speed, intensity and season, for westward‐moving TCs crossing Luzon, northern Philippines. We measure extreme precipitation by the weighted precipitation exceedance (WPE), calculated against a 95th percentile threshold, which considers both the magnitude and spatial extent of TC‐related extreme precipitation. WPE has a significant, moderate positive relationship with TC intensity with a non‐significant, weak negative relationship with movement speed. When TCs are classified by intensity 1 day before landfall (or pre‐landfall), Typhoons (1‐min maximum sustained wind speed ≥64 knots) tend to yield higher WPE than non‐Typhoons (<64 knots). On the other hand, when TCs are classified by pre‐landfall speed, slow TCs (movement speed <11.38 knots) tend to yield higher WPE than fast TCs (movement speed ≥11.38 knots). However, the relationship between pre‐landfall TC intensity and WPE is more pronounced during June–September while there is no significant difference between the WPE of the southwest monsoon (June–September) and northeast monsoon (October–December) seasons. These results suggest that it is important to consider the pre‐landfall cyclone movement speed, intensity and season to anticipate extreme precipitation of incoming TCs. A decision table considering these factors is devised to aid in TC extreme precipitation forecasting.
Interrupting tumor necrosis factor–alpha signaling prevents parenteral nutrition–associated cholestasis in mice
Authors: El Kasmi Karim C. , Anderson Aimee L. , Devereaux Michael W. , Balasubramaniyan Natarajan , Suchy Frederick J. , Orlicky David J. , Shearn Colin T. , Sokol Ronald J.
Published: October 2021

Background

We have recently reported a mouse model of PN‐associated cholestasis (PNAC) in which combining intestinal inflammation and PN infusion results in cholestasis, hepatic macrophage activation, and transcriptional suppression of canalicular bile acid, bilirubin and sterol transporters Abcb11, Abcc2 and Abcg5/8. The aim of this study was to examine the role of TNFα in promoting PNAC in mice.

Methods

First, recombinant TNFα was administered to mice as well as in hepatocyte cell culture. Second, Tnfr1/2KO or wild‐type (WT) mice were exposed to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 4 days followed by soy‐oil lipid emulsion–based PN infusion through a central venous catheter for 14 days (DSS‐PN). Finally, WT/DSS‐PN mice were also infused with infliximab at 10 mg/kg on days 3 and 10 of PN. PNAC was defined by increased serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total bile acids, and bilirubin.

Results

Intraperitoneal injection of TNFα into WT mice or TNFα treatment of Huh7 hepatocarcinoma cells and primary mouse hepatocytes suppressed messenger RNA (mRNA) transcription of bile (Abcb11, Abcc2]) and sterol transporters (Abcg5/8) and their regulators Nr1h3 and Nr1h4. DSS‐PN mice with PNAC had increased hepatic TNFα mRNA expression and significant reduction of mRNA expression of Abcb11, Abcc2, Abcg5/8, Nr1h3, and Nr1h4. In contrast, PNAC development was prevented and mRNA expression normalized in both Tnfr1/2KO/DSS‐PN mice and DSS‐PN mice treated with infliximab.

Conclusions

TNFα is a key mediator in the pathogenesis of PNAC through suppression of hepatocyte Abcb11, Abcc2, and Abcg5/8. Pharmacologic targeting of TNFα as a therapeutic strategy for PNAC thus deserves further investigation.
Narrating life in the military: Links between veterans’ narrative processing of service experiences and their posttraumatic stress symptoms and well‐being
Authors: Tappenden Peter C. , Shiner Rebecca L. , Mo Fanyi
Published: October 2021

Military veterans frequently experience traumatic, highly stressful events; thus, it is especially important for them to find positive ways of making meaning from these experiences. The present study used the methods of narrative personality psychology to investigate the associations between veterans’ narrative processing of highly stressful and significant events from their military service and postdischarge functioning, including posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). United States military veterans (N = 154; M age = 64.28 years, 86.4% men, 57.8% deployed) completed an online survey in which they wrote narratives about one “highly stressful” and one “key scene” military service memory and completed questionnaires to assess PTSS, symptoms of depression and anxiety, functional impairment, and well‐being. Narratives were coded for personal growth from the experience, themes of agency and interpersonal communion, affective tone, and coherence. In the highly stressful narratives, small‐to‐moderate negative associations emerged between both growth and agency and PTSS, depression and anxiety, and functional impairment; growth was also modestly positively associated with well‐being. In contrast, affective tone and communion were each only associated modestly with one outcome, and coherence with none, and narrative processing of the key scene narrative was not linked with any mental health outcomes. These findings suggest that (1) the theory and methods of narrative identity research are relevant for studying trauma narratives, and (2) veterans who narrate themselves as growing from and exerting control over their most stressful service experiences may achieve better mental health and day‐to‐day functioning.
Establishing an Endoscopic Chronic Subglottic Stenosis Rabbit Model
Authors: Kadosh Orna K. , Nebor Ivanna , Smith Matthew M. , Hart Catherine K. , Tabangin Meredith E. , Burra Kaulini , Kasten Jennifer L. , Sinner Debora I. , de Alarcon Alessandro
Published: October 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To develop a reproducible and consistent chronic subglottic stenosis (SGS) in an endoscopic animal model.

Study Design

Prospective study.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study using New Zealand white rabbits. Chronic SGS was induced endoscopically by Bugbee electrocautery to 50% to 75% of the subglottic area's circumference, followed by 4‐hour endotracheal intubation. The rabbit airways were endoscopically assessed and sized with uncuffed endotracheal tubes (ETTs) before the injury, during follow‐up, and at the endpoints. There were four endpoints: 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks post SGS induction. Animals were humanely euthanized for histopathological examination of the subglottic injury site and microscopic measurement of the cricoid lumen.

Results

Twenty‐two rabbits reached the endpoints, and 18 rabbits developed chronic SGS. ETT size significantly decreased by 0.5 from preinjury to the endpoint in all groups, P < .001. Control median cricoid lumen measurements were 20.48 mm2, the median cricoid lumen measurement for the 2 weeks endpoint was 14.3 mm2, 4 weeks 11.69 mm2, 6 weeks 16.03 mm2, and 8 weeks endpoint median was 16.33 mm2. Histopathological examination showed chronic scar tissue and new cartilage formation at the cricoid level, mainly at the posterior subglottic injury site starting from 4 weeks postinjury. Collagen staining revealed substantial amounts of organized collagen and different collagen orientation starting 4 weeks postinjury lasting until 8 weeks postinjury.

Conclusion

We developed an animal model to study chronic SGS. This model will be utilized to compare different endoscopic treatment interventions in acute SGS versus chronic SGS and further define the molecular basis of SGS.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 132:1909–1915, 2022
New and updated global empirical seawater property estimation routines
Authors: Carter Brendan R. , Bittig Henry C. , Fassbender Andrea J. , Sharp Jonathan D. , Takeshita Yuichiro , Xu Yuan‐Yuan , Álvarez Marta , Wanninkhof Rik , Feely Richard A. , Barbero Leticia
Published: October 2021

We introduce three new Empirical Seawater Property Estimation Routines (ESPERs) capable of predicting seawater phosphate, nitrate, silicate, oxygen, total titration seawater alkalinity, total hydrogen scale pH (pHT), and total dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) from up to 16 combinations of seawater property measurements. The routines generate estimates from neural networks (ESPER_NN), locally interpolated regressions (ESPER_LIR), or both (ESPER_Mixed). They require a salinity value and coordinate information, and benefit from additional seawater measurements if available. These routines are intended for seawater property measurement quality control and quality assessment, generating estimates for calculations that require approximate values, original science, and producing biogeochemical property context from a data set. Relative to earlier LIR routines, the updates expand their functionality, including new estimated properties and combinations of predictors, a larger training data product including new cruises from the 2020 Global Data Analysis Project data product release, and the implementation of a first‐principles approach for quantifying the impacts of anthropogenic carbon on DIC and pHT. We show that the new routines perform at least as well as existing routines, and, in some cases, outperform existing approaches, even when limited to the same training data. Given that additional training data has been incorporated into these updated routines, these updates should be considered an improvement over earlier versions. The routines are intended for all ocean depths for the interval from 1980 to ~2030 c.e., and we caution against using the routines to directly quantify surface ocean seasonality or make more distant predictions of DIC or pHT.
The triple conjoined scapular–latissimus dorsi–groin flap for reconstruction of long lower extremity degloving injury: A case report
Authors: Amendola Francesco , Spadoni Davide , Velazquez‐Mujica Jonathan , Platsas Loukas , Chen Hung‐Chi
Published: October 2021

Since the introduction of the angiosome concept, many attempts have been made to push the dimensional limits of free tissue transfers. While initially limited by the boundaries of random vascularization of adjacent angiosomes, wider flaps were transferred by combining contiguous source vessels. Combined flaps, either chimeric or conjoined, represent nowadays the largest reconstructive options in the human body. This is the first report of a triple conjoined free flap with two vascular anastomoses, able to cover the anterior surface of the entire lower limb, representing the longest flap ever reported in history. A 43‐year‐old woman sustained a car accident as a pedestrian and presented with a massive circumferential degloving injury of the right lower limb. Femoral displaced shaft fracture and Gustilo type IIIb tibial fracture were diagnosed with emergent CT scan. A myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap was planned, conjoined with the scapular flap to obtain a thick and large cover for the knee, and with a groin flap, to cover for the foot. Descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery and anterior tibial artery at the dorsum of the foot were selected as recipient vessels. Donor site was closed primarily. All flaps survived and no immediate nor late complications were reported. Follow up was 3 months. The triple conjoined flap can be considered a safe and useful reconstructive tool in severe degloving injuries of the lower limb, allowing the coverage of a large surface of the lesion with a single operation and without increasing the donor site morbidity.
Acellular nerve graft enriched with mesenchymal stem cells in the transfer of the phrenic nerve to the musculocutaneous nerve in a C5‐C6 brachial plexus avulsion in a rat model
Authors: González Rodríguez Alba , González Porto Sara A. , Comellas Melero Nerea , Arufe María C.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Phrenic nerve transfer has been shown to achieve good nerve regeneration in brachial plexus avulsion. Acellular nerve allografts (ANAs) showed inferior results to autografts, which is why its use with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is currently being studied. The aim is to study the effect of BM‐MSCs associated with ANAs in a rat model of phrenic nerve transfer to the musculocutaneous nerve in a C5‐C6 avulsion.

Material and methods

42 Wistar‐Lewis rats underwent a C5‐C6 lesion in the right forelimb by excising a 3 mm segment from both roots, followed by a phrenic nerve transfer to the musculocutaneous nerve associated with the interposition of a three types of nerve graft (randomly distributed): control (autograft) group (n = 12), ANAs group (n = 12), and ANAs + BM‐MSCs group (n = 18)

After 12 weeks, amplitude and latency of the NAP and the compound motor action potential (CMAP) were measured. Biceps muscles were studied by histological analysis and nerve grafts by electron microscopy and fluorescence analysis.

Results

Statistically significant reductions were found in latency of the CMAP between groups control (2.48 ± 0.47 ms) and experimental (ANAs: 4.38 ± 0.78 ms, ANAs + BM‐MSCs: 4.08 ± 0.85 ms) and increases in the amplitude of the CMAP between groups control (0.04388 ± 0.02 V) and ANAs + BM‐MSCs (0.02275 ± 0.02 V), as well as in the thickness of the myelin sheath between groups control (0.81 ± 0.07 μm) and experimental (ANAs: 0.72 ± 0.08 μm, ANAs + BM‐MSCs: 0.72 ± 0.07 μm) and in the area of the myelin sheath between groups control (13.09 ± 2.67 μm2) and ANAs (10.01 ± 2.97 μm2) (p < .05). No statistically significant differences have been found between groups ANAs and ANAs + BM‐MSCs.

Conclusions

This study presents a model for the study of lesions of the upper trunk and validates the autologous graft as the gold standard.
Flexible‐rate optoelectronic wireless transmission system at 101 GHz using multiband CAP‐PAM modulation and envelope detection
Authors: Zhang Jiao , Li Qinru , Zhou Qingyi , Zhu Min , Gao Shuang , Wang Zilu , Hua Bingchang , Cai Yuancheng , Lei Mingzheng , Tian Liang , Zou Yucong , Li Aijie
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we have experimentally demonstrated the first flexible‐rate optoelectronic terahertz wireless transmission system at 101 GHz based on multiband CAP‐PAM modulation and cost‐efficient envelope detection. Instead of traditional M‐QAM mapping, PAM‐N mapping is used in CAP modulation with low‐computational complexity. The system performances and optimal capacity in both single‐band case and multiband case are intensively investigated. The results show that the highest data rate for single‐band system is 13.35 Gbit/s with CAP‐PAM‐5 modulation, while the optimum aggregate transmission line rate of 8.49 Gbit/s can be obtained with 4‐sub‐bands CAP‐PAM‐{5,3,2,2} modulation under 7% FEC limit of 3.8 × 10−3 for four‐user access.
Who's to blame? The Mesolithic non‐anthropic leporids from Cueva de los Postes (Badajoz, Spain)
Authors: Almeida Nelson J. , Collado Giraldo Hipólito , García Domínguez Celia , Ferreira Cristiana , Oosterbeek Luiz , Saladié Palmira
Published: October 2021

The Mesolithic faunal assemblage from Cueva de Los Postes (Badajoz, Spain) is presented and discussed. The faunal remains from different stratigraphic units spatially associated with the Mesolithic funerary use of the cave or preceded them were analyzed. The zooarchaeological record is dominated by leporids, generally rabbit but also hare, scarce mustelids, and undetermined birds. Results indicate that these animals are not associated with the human use of the cave. The relevance of carnivore damage points to an exogenous origin for leporid accumulation. It is inferred that this mixed deposit of scats and non‐ingested remains results from foxes' activity.
Current pharmacotherapy management of children and adults with pericarditis: Prospectus for improved outcomes
Authors: Schwier Nicholas C. , Tsui Janice , Perrine Jordan A. , Guidry Corey M. , Mathew Julia
Published: October 2021

Pericarditis is the most common inflammatory pericardial disease in both children and adults. Since the 2015 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of pericardial disease were published, there have been significant updates to management. Pharmacotherapy has been historically reserved for idiopathic pericarditis (IP). However, there has been increasing use of pharmacotherapies, such as anti‐inflammatory therapies, colchicine, and immunotherapies for other causes of pericarditis, such as post‐cardiac injury syndromes (PCIS). Nevertheless, the quality of data varies depending on PCIS or idiopathic etiologies, as well as the adult and pediatric population. High‐dose anti‐inflammatory therapies should be used to manage symptoms associated with either etiology of pericarditis in both adults and children, but do not ameliorate the inflammatory disease process. Choice of anti‐inflammatory should be guided by drug‐drug/disease interactions, cost, tolerability, patient age, and should be tapered accordingly over several weeks to months. Colchicine should be added as adjuvant therapy to anti‐inflammatory therapies in adults and children with IP, as it has been shown to lower the risk of recurrence, reduce pericarditis symptoms, and improve morbidity. Colchicine is also reasonable to add to adults and children with pericarditis secondary to PCIS. Systemic glucocorticoids increase risk of recurrence in adults and children with IP and are reserved for second‐line treatment in acute and recurrent IP; they are generally avoided in PCIS. Immunotherapies are regarded as third‐line for recurrent IP in adults and children. Limited evidence exists to support their use in patients with pericarditis from PCIS. Pharmacovigilance strategies, such as C‐reactive protein and adverse drug event monitoring, are also important toward balancing efficacy and safety of the various strategies used to manage pericarditis in adults and children.
Towards a successful re‐use of decommissioned photovoltaic modules
Authors: van der Heide Arvid , Tous Loic , Wambach Karsten , Poortmans Jef , Clyncke Jan , Voroshazi Eszter
Published: October 2021

Since massive numbers of photovoltaic (PV) modules are expected to be discarded in the next decades, it is important to think about end‐of‐life management for those PV modules and to include re‐use next to recycling. However, the re‐use of decommissioned PV modules is a quite complex subject since there are requirements from technical, economic, environmental and legislative point of view. An evaluation of possible applications for second‐hand PV modules showed that currently, the use of these PV modules in high‐income countries is only interesting for specific applications. These are the replacement of some defect modules to repair PV systems (that usually still receive feed‐in tariff) or the replacement of all PV modules for either a low‐cost extension of system lifetime or the repowering of severely underperforming systems. For low‐income countries, second‐hand PV modules are interesting to build new small to medium size PV systems (often off‐grid). The typical decommissioned PV module is a crystalline silicon glass‐backsheet module from a utility power plant. Most PV modules originate from plants that have been partly damaged by severe weather or from repowered plants that did not receive feed‐in tariff (anymore). Currently, technical requirements to qualify potentially re‐usable PV modules for re‐use are lacking. In the legislation also, a clear criterion for a PV module to be considered functional is needed, since it is not an easy yes/no situation like for a typical electronic device. In this paper, guidelines for a low‐cost quality inspection and cost‐effective PV module repair are given. It is proposed to set a clear performance threshold at 70% of the original power for a PV module to be not considered as waste. With this paper, we aim to open the dialogue on a commonly accepted re‐certification protocol and threshold values. Currently, the worldwide re‐use market size is estimated to be around 1  GWp/year, of which 0.3  GWp/year is originating from Europe (mainly Germany, with Italy rapidly coming up). Many second‐hand PV modules are shipped to developing countries without recycling facilities which might create the risk of disposal on the longer term. To create a healthy and sustainable market for second‐hand PV modules, it will be important that evaluation standards for potentially re‐usable PV modules become available and that the existing electronic waste legislation will be adapted for energy‐generating products like PV modules.
BrightHearts: A pilot study of biofeedback assisted relaxation training for the management of chronic pain in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Ostojic Katarina , Sharp Nicole , Paget Simon , Khut George , Morrow Angela
Published: October 2021

Background

Chronic pain is estimated to impact one‐in‐three children with cerebral palsy (CP). Psychological interventions including behavioral and cognitive strategies play a key role in chronic pain management, but there is a paucity of research exploring their use in children with CP.

Aim

To investigate the acceptability and feasibility of biofeedback assisted relaxation training (BART) for chronic pain management in children with CP using a mixed‐methods study design.

Methods

Biofeedback assisted relaxation training was delivered via BrightHearts, an iOS application. Inclusion criteria were as follows: CP; self‐reported chronic pain; age 9‐18 years; and fluent English speaker. Children used BrightHearts for ten minutes daily, over four weeks. Qualitative post‐intervention interviews were undertaken (child, parent) and quantitative pre‐post measures (child) were gathered including pain intensity (numerical rating scale), and anxiety intensity (numerical rating scale). Content analysis was conducted for qualitative data. Descriptive statistics and exploratory analyses were performed for quantitative data.

Results

Ten children participated (n = 3 male, mean age = 13.1 years SD = 2.5 years, GMFCS level I = 4, II = 2, III = 3, IV = 1). Predominant movement disorder was spasticity (n = 7) and dyskinesia, mainly dystonia (n = 3). Content analysis suggested an overarching theme “BrightHearts is a good thing to put in my toolbox” providing an overall representation of participants’ experiences. For many, BrightHearts was a valuable supplement to children's pain management strategies: “The source of the pain is still there, but the actual effect of the pain isn't so relevant.” Four sub‐themes were identified: “Managing my pain;” “Managing my anxiety and stress,” “Helping me do what I need to do;” and “Fitting it into my life.” Some participants reported improvements in their anxiety management, and others described benefits in sleep and school following improved pain/anxiety management. A range of practical and personal factors within this heterogeneous group presented barriers to using BrightHearts including limited time, attention, and boredom. Seven‐out‐of‐eight children would recommend BrightHearts to others with chronic pain and six‐out‐of‐eight noticed a difference in their pain since using BrightHearts (n = 2 missing data). Non‐significant reductions in pain or anxiety intensity scores were found following the intervention.

Conclusion

This pilot suggests BrightHearts is an acceptable and feasible intervention for chronic pain management in children with CP and may be useful for some children as part of a multimodal approach.
Self‐Supported Graphite/Graphene/NiFe‐LDH Electrodes for High Performance Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wang Rongshuo , Tang Fanhao , Jiang Hao , He Dongxu
Published: October 2021

Reducing energy consumption and improving energy utilization efficiency has become the focus of research in the 21st century. Electrocatalytic water splitting is one of the promising strategies for producing hydrogen energy. In this study, the non‐noble nickel‐iron layered double hydroxide (NiFe‐LDH) catalyst is deposited on the electrochemically intercalated graphite/graphene (G/GE) substrate and directly used as the self‐supported and binder‐free electrode for electrocatalytic water oxidation. The Ni2Fe1‐LDH@G/GE catalyst shows a low overpotential of 194 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm–2, which is better than the noble metal catalyst IrO2 (314 mV) and RuO2 (330 mV) and many other related works. This research provides a facile way to directly prepare the catalyst electrode with high performance and low cost.
Cyclodextrin Functionalized Carbon Dots Using IFE and FRET Dual Mechanism for Sequential Detection of Morin and Al3+
Authors: Xu Jinxia , Zang Yueyan , Yan Fanyong , Sun Jingru , Zhang Yuyang , Yi Chunhui
Published: October 2021

Carbon dots (CDs) are emerging photoluminescent materials with excellent optical properties. However, the lack of active sites in primitive CDs has limited their development applications. Herein, functionalized carbon dots (Z‐CDs) are successfully prepared by surface modification of CDs with mono (6‐amino‐6‐deoxy) cyclodextrin (β‐CD). The introduction of β‐CD increases the spatial potential resistance between CDs, which effectively reduces the self‐quenching effect. Moreover, the conjugated domains of Z‐CDs are expanded, which improves the optical properties with a quantum yield of 48.74%. Z‐CDs are able to be used in the sequential detection of morin and Al3+, and the fluorescence mechanisms are confirmed to be internal filtration effect and fluorescence resonance energy transfer, respectively. The limits of detection are 0.817 and 0.231 × 10−6 m. This study not only provides an idea to solve the problem of self‐quenching of CDs but also enriches the detection means of flavonoids and ions, which is expected to be applied to biosensing and environmental monitoring.
Ventilator change in children on home mechanical ventilation affected by the Philips respironics trilogy ventilator recall
Authors: Brandt Heather , Simon Dawn M. , Kasi Ajay S.
Published: October 2021

The Philips Respironics recall notification issued in June 2021 affected many of their positive airway pressure devices and mechanical ventilators including the Trilogy 100 and 200 ventilators that are often utilized in children using home positive pressure ventilation via tracheostomy (PPV‐T). Optimal strategies to replace ventilators in children using home PPV‐T affected by the Philips recall are unknown. We conducted a retrospective study of children using home PPV‐T with recalled Trilogy ventilators who underwent inpatient ventilator change to non‐recalled portable home ventilators (PHV) using our collaborative institutional protocol. During the study period, there were 40 children using PPV‐T with recalled Trilogy ventilators and 19 patients underwent inpatient ventilator change either during an elective hospitalization (n = 8) or during an unscheduled or postoperative hospitalization (n = 11). The median duration of hospitalization for ventilator change was 2 days (interquartile range: 6 days) and generally 1 day for patients admitted solely for ventilator change. In children using PPV‐T with recalled Trilogy ventilators, a systematic protocol collaborating with the patients, physicians, and durable medical equipment companies may optimize transition to nonrecalled PHVs.
Structures and interactions of insulin‐like peptides from cone snail venom
Authors: Gorai Biswajit , Vashisth Harish
Published: October 2021

The venomous insulin‐like peptides released by certain cone snails stimulate hypoglycemic shock to immobilize fish and catch the prey. Compared to human insulin (hIns), the cone snail insulins (Con‐Ins) are typically monomeric and shorter in sequence, yet they exhibit moderate hIns‐like biological activity. We have modeled six variants of Con‐Ins (G3, K1, K2, T1A, T1B, and T2) and carried out explicit‐solvent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of eight types of insulins, two with known structures (hIns and Con‐Ins‐G1) and six Con‐Ins with modeled structures, to characterize key residues of each insulin that interact with the truncated human insulin receptor (μIR). We show that each insulin/μIR complex is stable during explicit‐solvent MD simulations and hIns interactions indicate the highest affinity for the “site 1” of IR. The residue contact maps reveal that each insulin preferably interacts with the αCT peptide than the L1 domain of IR. Through analysis of the average nonbonded interaction energy contribution of every residue of each insulin for the μIR, we probe the residues establishing favorable interactions with the receptor. We compared the interaction energy of each residue of every Con‐Ins to the μIR and observed that γ‐carboxylated glutamate (Gla), His, Thr, Tyr, Tyr/His, and Asn in Con‐Ins are favorable substitutions for GluA4, AsnA21, ValB12, LeuB15, GlyB20, and ArgB22 in hIns, respectively. The identified insulin analogs, although lacking the last eight residues of the B‐chain of hIns, bind strongly to μIR. Our findings are potentially useful in designing potent fast‐acting therapeutic insulin.