bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A height function based momentum balance model to simulate contact angle dynamics with hysteresis
Authors: Li Jing , Lin Zhiliang
Published: August 2022

We report a combined method to deal with the contact angle dynamics with hysteresis. The momentum balance model is applied to obtain the transient contact angle by balancing the inertia and the capillary force where the curvatures are estimated by the height function at the contact line. This integrated approach provides a great convenience that no need for a prior knowledge of the contact angle, and possesses the good property of the sharp interface approximation. In order to facilitate the wider use of the present method, we incorporate a dynamic contact line model to estimate the contact angle when the contact line starts to move. This combination plus the hysteresis region will take the ability to solve most of problems related to wetting with more physical sense. This proposed model is finally validated by the droplet equilibrium, spreading, and sliding tests.
Analysis of protective effects of Rosa Roxburghii Tratt fruit polyphenols on lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute lung injury through network pharmacology and metabolomics
Authors: Tang Li , Zhang Shuo , Zhang Min , Wang Peng‐Jiao , Liang Gui‐You , Gao Xiu‐Li
Published: August 2022

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a respiratory disease with high morbidity and mortality rates and is the primary cause of death in children and the elderly around the world. The use of Chinese foods in the complementary and alternative treatment of ALI has attracted more and more attention. This study aimed to explore the anti‐ALI activity of Chinese functional foods Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit polyphenols (RRTP). RRTP was administered to lipopolysaccharide‐induced ALI mice, and its protective effects were comprehensively evaluated by lung histopathological examination, wet/dry (W/D) ratio, and cytokine production. Metabolomics analysis was used to identify the differential metabolites and metabolic pathways in plasma, and molecular docking and systemic biology‐based network pharmacology assay were performed to explore the active components and potential therapeutic targets. The results indicated that RRTP significantly attenuated the severity of pathological changes and pulmonary capillary permeability. Furthermore, RRTP limited the increase in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin 1β (IL‐1β), and interleukin 6 (IL‐6) levels and the decrease in interleukin 10 (IL‐10) levels in ALI mice. Metabolomics studies revealed that RRTP markedly affected 19 different metabolites, three amino acid metabolism pathways, and sphingolipid metabolism. Moreover, network pharmacology identified AKT1 (AKT serine/threonine kinase 1), TP53, IL‐6, VEGFA (vascular endothelial growth factor A), and TNF (tumor necrosis factor) as the most promising target proteins, while quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol were the core active components of RRTP. This study investigated the complex mechanisms of RRTP against ALI for the first time, and provided a foundation for the application of RRTP as a functional food, facilitating the research of nutritional food additives for the adjuvant treatment of ALI.
Early meteorological records from Corrientes and Bahía Blanca, Argentina: Initial ACRE‐Argentina data rescue and related activities
Authors: Lakkis Susan Gabriela , Canziani Pablo O. , Rodriquez Joaquín O. , Yuchechen Adrián E.
Published: August 2022

The international Atmospheric Circulation Reconstructions over the Earth (ACRE) initiative works to recover global climate history and build an accessible databank, with data from the past 250 years of terrestrial and marine surface. Argentina is part of that effort with ACRE Argentina recovering data from various sources that have been recorded throughout the country since the 19th century. In this paper, weather observations transcribed from the original records into digital form and taken every day during the years 1860–1879 at Bahía Blanca and from 1873–1886 at Corrientes are presented. The digitization was carried out through the project Meteorologum ad Extremum Terrae (MET) launched in the Zooniverse interface, which is currently working with near 900 citizen scientist volunteers per day. The present analysis corresponds to data retrieved from the collection ‘Anales de la Oficina Meteorológica Argentina’ and contains information on atmospheric pressure, air temperature, relative humidity, cloud cover, cloud types, wind direction, wind speed, rainfall and weather remarks. For the present analysis, only temperature and pressure values, measured in °C and mm of Hg, respectively, were considered, after a quality control of the digitization process was applied. Data values were tested and used to rebuild the time series of both places and correlation with SOI index and monthly pressure values for both places was tested using Spearman correlation. Results show that the influence of El Niño episode during 1877–1878 can be found in the pressure values at Corrientes.
Public contracting of home respiratory care services through an electronic quasi‐market model
Authors: Valadares Tavares Luís , Arruda Pedro
Published: August 2022

Respiratory diseases are becoming a major challenge in health systems as they cover expanding and diversified pathologies such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and other types increasing at a fast rate as it is the case of sleep apnoea. Nowadays, most of these pathologies can be treated by home respiratory care services using advanced medical equipment as well as efficient assistance and monitoring services supported by digital technologies. However, the implementation of home respiratory care services implies flexible public contracting of such services to achieve equity conditions of access and to cope with their technological nature, their continuous processes of innovation and their time dependent demand. Unfortunately, traditional procurement processes are not able to meet these challenges explaining their frequent low rates of success and so an alternative procurement approach is proposed in this paper based on an electronic quasi‐market model. This new model was successfully applied in Portugal and the evaluated results are also discussed herein.
Factors associated with pediatric genetic counselors' practices related to bullying screening
Authors: Ginter Jacob A. , Lepard‐Tassin Tiffany , Selig James P. , Danylchuk Noelle R.
Published: August 2022

Bullying is reported in around 20% of children according to the US Department of Education and has been reported in the histories of individuals with genetic disorders. To our knowledge, there has never been a study surveying whether genetic counselors screen their pediatric patients for bullying. This is despite guidelines that pediatric healthcare providers should screen for bullying. The purpose of this study was to assess North American genetic counselors who see pediatric patients and enquire about their practices, attitudes, self‐confidence, knowledge, and potential training needs in relation to bullying screening. In an anonymous online survey, 139 genetic counselors from the United States and Canada completed a modified version of the previously validated Healthcare Providers Practices, Attitudes, Self‐Confidence, and Knowledge (HCP‐PACK) instrument. Among our participant population, 85% reported they did not screen for bullying. This is despite no statistically significant difference in the amount of reported time spent on either initial or follow‐up appointments between those who did or did not screen. Those who screened for bullying among their pediatric patients were more likely to view bullying as a healthcare problem (as measured on the attitude subscale) (t[135] = −2.07, p = 0.04) and had greater confidence in their ability to know how to assess for bullying (as measured on the self‐confidence subscale) (t[135] = −2.90, p = 0.004) compared with participants who did not screen for bullying. Responses from genetic counselors who screened their patients for bullying demonstrated how screening for bullying can be aligned with the American Board of Genetic Counseling practice‐based competencies. Even though the majority of participants did not view screening for bullying as a genetic counselor's role, 82.5% agreed that bullying was a healthcare problem and 63.6% thought genetic counselors should have additional educational opportunities to learn about bullying. Evidence‐based guidance is needed to help genetic counselors interested in including screening for bullying in their practice.
Comparison of long‐term prognosis between non‐obese and obese patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Iwaki Michihiro , Kessoku Takaomi , Tanaka Kosuke , Ozaki Anna , Kasai Yuki , Yamamoto Atsushi , Takahashi Kota , Kobayashi Takashi , Nogami Asako , Honda Yasushi , Ogawa Yuji , Imajo Kento , Oyamada Shunsuke , Kobayashi Noritoshi , Aishima Shinichi , Saito Satoru , Nakajima Atsushi , Yoneda Masato
Published: August 2022

Background and Aim

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can progress in non‐obese patients as in obese patients. Reports on long‐term prognosis in non‐obese NAFLD patients are controversial. Therefore, we aimed to examine the long‐term prognosis of non‐obese patients with NAFLD.

Methods

This single‐center, retrospective cohort study enrolled biopsy‐proven non‐obese and obese NAFLD patients between January 2002 and December 2011 and followed them up until 31 March 2021, for death and clinical events (cardiovascular and liver‐related events and extrahepatic cancers).

Results

Of the 223 NAFLD patients, 58 (26.0%) were non‐obese. Compared with obese patients, they had a lower fibrosis stage (0.8 ± 0.80 vs 1.2 ± 0.91; P = 0.004), milder lobular inflammation (0.9 ± 0.7 vs 1.1 ± 0.7; P = 0.02), and significantly lower serum creatinine, total bilirubin, ferritin, and type IV collagen 7S and higher high‐density lipoprotein levels. After a median follow‐up of 8.9 years, no significant difference was noted in mortality between the two groups (2 [3.4%] non‐obese vs 5 [3.0%] obese; log‐rank test, P = 0.63). Twelve patients (20.7%) in the non‐obese group and 32 (19.4%) in the obese group had clinical events. Although the obese group had a higher incidence of clinical events during the first 10 years of follow‐up, the non‐obese group had a higher incidence after that (log‐rank test, P = 0.67). The non‐obese group had a high incidence of malignancy (9 [15.5%] non‐obese vs 14 [8.3%] obese; P = 0.13).

Conclusion

Non‐obese NAFLD does not necessarily have a good prognosis, and some cases have a poor prognosis such as extrahepatic cancers. Further validation is required in the future.
Anti‐MRSA and clot lysis activities of Pestalotiopsis microspora isolated from Dillenia pentagyna Roxb
Authors: Chowdhury Sandip , Ghosh Suvranil , Gond Surendra K.
Published: August 2022

There is an urgent call to search for novel natural compounds against developing multidrug‐resistant microorganisms. The present work focuses on the characterization of a plant‐associated fungus having bioactivity against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains. A fungal strain P31 was isolated from bark of Dillenia pentagyna and identified as Pestalotiopsis microspora. The maximum anti‐MRSA activity was observed from extract of P31 grown in sabouraud dextrose broth. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) values of P31 extract were 14 μg/ml for methicillin‐sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) and 32 μg/ml for MRSA strain, respectively. A crude P31 extract showed strong bactericidal activity by killing all treated MRSA cells within 24 h of treatment at their respective MIC value. A scanning electron microscopic study visualized morphological damage of MRSA cells. The membrane permeability of P31 extract‐treated MRSA cells gradually increased which caused release of internal cytoplasmic nucleic acids, proteins and potassium ions (K+) from cells suggesting cell lysis or leakage from cells. A very low concentration of P31 extract was able to inhibit biofilm formed by MRSA cells. Thin layer chromatographic separation followed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis of the P31 extract revealed a number of antimicrobial compounds along with an anti‐MRSA compound 2,4‐di‐tert‐butylphenol. In addition, the P31 extract also showed in‐vitro human blood clot lysis activity at various concentrations. The clot lysis activity of P31 extract was found maximum at 500 µg/ml. These findings suggest that fungal isolate P31 has potential as a source of anti‐MRSA compounds useful in staph infections.
The Genetic Landscape of Complex Childhood‐Onset Hyperkinetic Movement Disorders
Authors: Pérez‐Dueñas Belén , Gorman Kathleen , Marcé‐Grau Anna , Ortigoza‐Escobar Juan D. , Macaya Alfons , Danti Federica R. , Barwick Katy , Papandreou Apostolos , Ng Joanne , Meyer Esther , Mohammad Shekeeb S. , Smith Martin , Muntoni Francesco , Munot Pinki , Uusimaa Johanna , Vieira Päivi , Sheridan Eammon , Guerrini Renzo , Cobben Jan , Yilmaz Sanem , De Grandis Elisa , Dale Russell C. , Pons Roser , Peall Kathryn J. , Leuzzi Vincenzo , Kurian Manju A.
Published: August 2022

Background and Objective

The objective of this study was to better delineate the genetic landscape and key clinical characteristics of complex, early‐onset, monogenic hyperkinetic movement disorders.

Methods

Patients were recruited from 14 international centers. Participating clinicians completed standardized proformas capturing demographic, clinical, and genetic data. Two pediatric movement disorder experts reviewed available video footage, classifying hyperkinetic movements according to published criteria.

Results

One hundred forty patients with pathogenic variants in 17 different genes (ADCY5, ATP1A3, DDC, DHPR, FOXG1, GCH1, GNAO1, KMT2B, MICU1, NKX2.1, PDE10A, PTPS, SGCE, SLC2A1, SLC6A3, SPR, and TH) were identified. In the majority, hyperkinetic movements were generalized (77%), with most patients (69%) manifesting combined motor semiologies. Parkinsonism‐dystonia was characteristic of primary neurotransmitter disorders (DDC, DHPR, PTPS, SLC6A3, SPR, TH); chorea predominated in ADCY5‐, ATP1A3‐, FOXG1‐, NKX2.1‐, SLC2A1‐, GNAO1‐, and PDE10A‐related disorders; and stereotypies were a prominent feature in FOXG1‐ and GNAO1‐related disease. Those with generalized hyperkinetic movements had an earlier disease onset than those with focal/segmental distribution (2.5 ± 0.3 vs. 4.7 ± 0.7 years; P = 0.007). Patients with developmental delay also presented with hyperkinetic movements earlier than those with normal neurodevelopment (1.5 ± 2.9 vs. 4.7 ± 3.8 years; P < 0.001). Effective disease‐specific therapies included dopaminergic agents for neurotransmitters disorders, ketogenic diet for glucose transporter deficiency, and deep brain stimulation for SGCE‐, KMT2B‐, and GNAO1‐related hyperkinesia.

Conclusions

This study highlights the complex phenotypes observed in children with genetic hyperkinetic movement disorders that can lead to diagnostic difficulty. We provide a comprehensive analysis of motor semiology to guide physicians in the genetic investigation of these patients, to facilitate early diagnosis, precision medicine treatments, and genetic counseling. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A repertoire of repulsive Keller–Segel models with logarithmic sensitivity: Derivation, traveling waves, and quasi‐stationary dynamics
Authors: López José Luis
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we show how the chemotactic model

introduced in Alejo and López (2021), which accounts for a chemical production–degradation operator of Hamilton–Jacobi type involving first‐ and second‐order derivatives of the logarithm of the cell concentration, namely,

with
, can be formally reduced to a repulsive Keller–Segel model with logarithmic sensitivity

whenever the chemotactic parameters are appropriately chosen and the cell concentration keeps strictly positive. In this way, some explicit solutions (namely, traveling waves and stationary cell density profiles) of the former system can be transferred to a number of variants of the the latter by means of an adequate change of variables.
Board diversity and strategic orientation: Evidence from India
Authors: Kagzi Muneza , Patky Jahnavi
Published: August 2022

This study leverages the upper echelons theory to investigate the effect of board diversity (gender, age, education, and tenure) on the strategic orientation of a firm in terms of its exploration‐ exploitation. It also investigates the moderating role of the technological intensity of the industry for analyzing the relationship between board diversity and exploration–exploitation of the firm. The technological intensity of the industry is classified as high‐tech and low‐tech. This study brings to light the role of the contingency factors in influencing the board's strategic choice. The study is based on panel data set of Indian Top‐200 companies listed on the National Stock Exchange for the period between 2010 and 2015. The present study's findings indicate that an increase in board diversity leads to more exploration than exploitation. Further, the effect of board diversity is more pronounced in high‐tech than the low‐tech industries.
A multi‐model approach to predict efficacious clinical dose for an anti‐TGF‐β antibody (GC2008) in the treatment of osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Mavroudis Panteleimon D. , Pillai Nikhil , Wang Qingping , Pouzin Clemence , Greene Benjamin , Fretland Jennifer
Published: August 2022

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heterogeneous group of inherited bone dysplasias characterized by reduced skeletal mass and bone fragility. Although the primary manifestation of the disease involves the skeleton, OI is a generalized connective tissue disorder that requires a multidisciplinary treatment approach. Recent studies indicate that application of a transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) neutralizing antibody increased bone volume fraction (BVF) and strength in an OI mouse model and improved bone mineral density (BMD) in a small cohort of patients with OI. In this work, we have developed a multitiered quantitative pharmacology approach to predict human efficacious dose of a new anti‐TGF‐β antibody drug candidate (GC2008). This method aims to translate GC2008 pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationship in patients, using a number of appropriate mathematical models and available preclinical and clinical data. Compartmental PK linked with an indirect PD effect model was used to characterize both pre‐clinical and clinical PK/PD data and predict a GC2008 dose that would significantly increase BMD or BVF in patients with OI. Furthermore, a physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic model incorporating GC2008 and the body's physiological properties was developed and used to predict a GC2008 dose that would decrease the TGF‐β level in bone to that of healthy individuals. By using multiple models, we aim to reveal information for different aspects of OI disease that will ultimately lead to a more informed dose projection of GC2008 in humans. The different modeling efforts predicted a similar range of pharmacologically relevant doses in patients with OI providing an informed approach for an early clinical dose setting.
Toward the Light‐Operated Superconducting Devices: Circularly Polarized Radiation Manipulates the Current‐Carrying States in Superconducting Rings
Authors: Croitoru Mihail D. , Mironov Sergey V. , Lounis Brahim , Buzdin Alexander I.
Published: August 2022

The ability to rapidly control and manipulate superconducting states is one of the great challenges of modern condensed matter physics. Circularly polarized radiation interacting with a superconducting condensate acts as an effective magnetic field that can generate supercurrents and DC magnetic moments through the inverse Faraday effect (IFE). Using the time‐dependent Ginzburg–Landau (TDGL) equation formalism, the current‐carrying states of a small superconducting ring illuminated by such radiation is calculated. Numerical simulations demonstrate the possibility to on‐demand switch between current‐carrying states in the superconductor by controlling the helicity of the electromagnetic field polarization. This result opens the way to all‐optical operation of superconducting devices.
Improved in situ analysis of lead isotopes in low‐Pb melt inclusions using laser ablation–multi‐collector–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry
Authors: Yu Hongxia , Zhang Yinhui , Liu Xijun , Hong Lubing , Zhang Le , Xu Jifeng , Ren Zhongyuan , Deng Faliang
Published: August 2022

Rationale

In situ Pb isotope analyses of tiny melt inclusions using laser ablation–multi‐collector–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA–MC–ICP–MS) are crucial for exploring the origins of mafic lavas. However, quantitative use of this technique with low‐Pb (<10 ppm) melt inclusions is difficult due to their low 204Pb content and 204Hg interference.

Methods

Pb isotopic ratios of various reference glasses and olivine‐hosted melt inclusions were determined using LA–MC–ICP–MS. Multiple ion counters were used to simultaneously determine signal intensities of all Pb isotopes and 202Hg. An Hg signal‐removal smoothing device reduced its signal in the gas blank by >80%. Instrumental mass bias was corrected using the standard–sample bracketing method.

Results

With 24–90 μm diameter laser spots, 2–4 Hz repetition rates, and 2.5–4 J cm−2 energy fluence, the analytical precisions of 20xPb/204Pb ratios (x = 6, 7, 8) for standards BHVO‐2G, ML3B‐G, NIST 614, NKT‐1G, T1‐G, GOR132‐G, and StHs6/80‐G were <1.0% (2RSD) when 208Pb signals >100 000 cps. The Wangjiadashan melt inclusions have 206Pb/204Pb = 17.14–18.44, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.28–15.66, and 208Pb/204Pb = 37.12–38.68.

Conclusions

The described method improves the precision and accuracy of in situ Pb isotope analysis in low‐Pb melt inclusions using LA–MC–ICP–MS. The Pb isotopic compositions of the Wangjiadashan melt inclusions indicate the coexistence of LoMu and EMII+young HIMU components in the mantle source of weakly alkaline basalts.
Controlling the Mobility of Ionic Liquids in the Nanopores of MOFs by Adjusting the Pore Size: From Conduction Collapse by Mutual Pore Blocking to Unhindered Ion Transport
Authors: Zhang Zejun , Liu Modan , Li Chun , Wenzel Wolfgang , Heinke Lars
Published: August 2022

Ionic liquids (ILs) in nanoporous confinement are the core of many supercapacitors and batteries, where the mobility of the nanoconfined ILs is crucial. Here, by combining experiments based on impedance spectroscopy with molecular dynamics simulations, the mobility of a prototype IL in the nanopores of an isoreticular metal‐organic framework (MOF)‐series with different pore sizes is explored, where an external electric field is applied. It has been found that the conduction behavior changes tremendously depend on the pore size. For small‐pore apertures, the IL cations and anions cannot pass the pore window simultaneously, causing the ions to mutually block the pores. This results in a strong concentration dependence of the ionic conduction, where the conduction drops by two orders of magnitude when filling the pores. For large‐pore MOFs, the mutual hindrance of the ions in the pores is small, causing only a small concentration dependence. The cutoff between the large‐pore and small‐pore behavior is approximately the size of a cation‐anion‐dimer and increasing the pore diameter by only 0.2 nm changes the conduction behavior fundamentally. This study shows that the pore aperture size has a substantial effect on the mobility of ions in nanoporous confinement and has to be carefully optimized for realizing highly‐mobile nanoconfined ILs.
Interlayer Spacing Regulation of Molybdenum Selenide Promotes Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution in Alkaline Media
Authors: Zhang LiLi , Shen Shijie , Zhang Jitang , Lin Zhiping , Wang Zongpeng , Zhang Qinghua , Zhong Wenwu , Zhu Liu , Wu Guangfeng
Published: August 2022

The construction of heterostructures is a versatile tactic to enhance catalytic activity. However, it is still elusive to realize the modulation of the interlayer spacing in this way to further improve the performance. Here, strong interfacial coupling between CoSe2 and MoSe2 by constructing CoSe2/MoSe2 heterostructures is achieved. The interlayer spacing of MoSe2 is compressed by 0.3 Å. The enhanced charge transfer is validated by X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Coupled with the morphology of hollow microtubes, which can facilitate the exposure of active sites, CoSe2/MoSe2 heterostructures reported here exhibit high activity (119 mV at 10 mA cm−2) and excellent stability with small degradation after 50 h operation, surpassing other analogous powdered electrocatalysts. This work sheds light on the importance of tuning the interlayer spacing to improve electrocatalytic activity.
Metal‐Terpyridine Assembled Functional Materials for Electrochromic, Catalytic and Environmental Applications
Authors: Ranjan Jena Satya , Mandal Tanmoy , Choudhury Joyanta
Published: August 2022

Molecular assembly induced by metal‐terpyridine‐based coordinative interactions has become an emergent research topic due to its ease of synthesis and diverse applications. This article highlights recent significant developments in the metal‐terpyridine‐based supramolecular architectures. At first, the design aspect of the molecular building blocks has been described, followed by elaboration on how the ligand backbone plays an important role for achieving different dimensionalities of the resulting assemblies which exhibit a wide range of potential applications. After that, we discussed different synthetic approaches for constructing these assemblies, and finally, we focused on their significant developments in three specific areas, viz., electrochromic materials, catalysis and a new application in wastewater treatment. In the field of electrochromic materials, these assemblies made important advancements in various aspects like sub‐second switching time (<1 s), low switching voltage (<1 V), increased switching stability (>10000 cycles), tuning of multiple colors by using multimetallic systems, fabrication of charge storing electrochromic devices, utilizing and storing solar energy etc. Similarly, the catalysis field witnessed application of the metal‐terpyridine assemblies in C−H monohalogenation, heterogeneous Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling, photocatalysis, reduction of carbon dioxide, etc. Finally, the environmental application of these coordination assemblies includes capturing Cr(VI) from waste water efficiently with high capture capacity, good recyclability, wide pH independency etc.
Di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate induced thyroid toxicity via endoplasmic reticulum stress: In vivo and in vitro study
Authors: Xu Qi , Zhao Tianyang , Ri Hyonju , Ye Jiaming , Zhao Weisen , Zhang Yuezhu , Ye Lin
Published: August 2022

Di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) could induce thyroid injury but the mechanism was unclear. This study combined in vivo and in vitro experiments to clarify the mechanism. In vivo, the offspring of Sprague Dawley rats were gavaged with different doses of DEHP (5, 50, and 250 mg/[kg⋅d]) from in utero to 12 weeks‐old. Transcriptome sequencing was used to detect the mRNA expression profile of the offspring's thyroids. Differentially expressed genes were identified, followed by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. In vitro, Nthy‐ori 3–1 cells were exposed to DEHP's metabolite mono (2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) to verify the pathway we found by KEGG analysis. The results indicated that DEHP could disorder the thyroid hormones. Compared with the offspring in control group, the mRNA levels of 656 genes were upregulated in the offspring exposed to 50 mg/(kg⋅d) DEHP. The upregulated genes were enriched in the pathway of “protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER).” It indicated that the ER stress might play significant role in the thyroid toxicity induced by DEHP. In vitro, the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) level of cells was decreased while the reactive oxygen species level was increased after MEHP exposure. MEHP increased the intracellular Ca2+ level and induced ER stress. After ER stress was inhibited by the 4‐phenylbutyric acid, the thyroid toxicity caused by MEHP was alleviated. Taken together, our results indicated that DEHP could induce thyroid toxicity by activating ER stress.
Oesophageal obstruction caused by ingestion of rice chaff used as bedding material in four Japanese black calves
Authors: Takahashi Fumiaki , Kanno Chihiro , Maeda Yosuke , Sato Shogo , Takai Shinji
Published: August 2022

Four suckling Japanese black calves developed oesophageal obstruction caused by ingestion of rice chaff used as bedding material. Farmers initially observed milk regurgitation from the nostrils in all four cases, whereas excessive salivation occurred in only one calf. Local veterinarians unsuccessfully attempted to remove the oesophageal obstruction using a gastric tube. Also, the four calves were given liquid nutrition or milk using gastric tube as primary care performed by the referring veterinarians. Due to the significant deterioration of general condition, mucosal hyperaemia, inability to or difficulty standing and marked dehydration, the calves were admitted to the University Hospital. Oesophageal obstruction consisting of rice chaff was confirmed in all cases by endoscopy. Chaff was removed from the oesophagus using an endoscope, and all cases quickly recovered. These cases highlight the danger of using rice chaff as bedding for suckling calves.
Correction to: Prioritization of Pesticides for Assessment of Risk to Aquatic Ecosystems in Canada and Identification of Knowledge Gaps
Authors: Anderson Julie C. , Marteinson Sarah C. , Prosser Ryan S.
Published: August 2022

Correction to: Chapter “Prioritization of Pesticides for Assessment of Risk to Aquatic Ecosystems in Canada and Identification of Knowledge Gaps” in: P. de Voogt (ed.), Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Volume 259, Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 259, https://doi.org/10.1007/398_2021_81
Storytelling Practice in Sectors of Education, Psychology, Communication, Marketing: A Narrative Review
Authors: di Furia Marco , Nicoli Nicholas , Akyar Özgür Yasar , Rossi Martina
Published: August 2022

Changes in digital storytelling are increasing the platforms for people in different professions such as business, family, healthcare, and research to communicate. Social movements through digital storytelling practices have increased over the past decade due to digital storytelling evolvement. Social activities through social media platforms have impacted freedom of communication, and continuous changes in digital storytelling will create more space for people to raise views. Other practices affected by the evolvement of digital storytelling include marketing, healthcare such as mental health of people, teaching, and research. Generally, digital storytelling changes over the past ten years have improved communication skills, enhanced interpersonal relationships, teamwork, and interprofessional collaboration globally.
On the Perceptions of Online Learning Due to COVID-19 Pandemic. Case Study: University of Foggia, Italy
Authors: del Gobbo Emiliano , Guarino Alfonso , Cafarelli Barbara , Grilli Luca , Limone Pierpaolo
Published: August 2022

Due to COVID-19, higher education institutions all over the world transitioned to online learning. The sudden and forced transition to this new learning methodology pushed the Universities to rapidly adequate to the needs, upgrading their digital platforms to comply with the new requirements. In the same way, teachers had to adapt their teaching to fit the new medium’s potentials and limitations. The final receivers of this striking change, the students, had to adequate to the novelty approach, though this process has not been painless. Several difficulties, challenges and opportunities arose in this transition process for students, and the full digital class delivery also stressed them emotively. This study explores University of Foggia students’ perceptions of the emergency online learning. The factors analyzed involved their perception about the University implementation of the online class delivery, their consideration about the future of online learning and their emotional impact in attending courses with this methodology. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 3,140 participants. The findings present how students have globally appreciated online learning, but they mostly prefer a blended learning approach. Furthermore, by using segmentation variables, differences emerged among the participants’ groups, indicating online learning can have great potentials, but more complex and integrated approaches are needed to fulfill the different learning needs.
Non-operative vs. operative treatment for multiple rib fractures after blunt thoracic trauma: a multicenter prospective cohort study
Authors: Hoepelman Ruben J. , Beeres Frank. J. P. , Beks Reinier B. , Sweet Arthur A. R. , Ijpma Frank F. , Lansink Koen W. W. , van Wageningen Bas , Tromp Tjarda N. , Link Björn-Christian , van Veelen Nicole M. , Hoogendoorn Jochem. M. , de Jong Mirjam B. , van Baal Mark. C. P. , Leenen Luke P. H. , Groenwold Rolf H. H. , Houwert Roderick M.
Published: August 2022

Background

Patients with multiple rib fractures without a clinical flail chest are increasingly being treated with rib fixation; however, high-quality evidence to support this development is lacking.

Methods

We conducted a prospective multicenter observational study comparing rib fixation to non-operative treatment in all patients aged 18 years and older with computed tomography confirmed multiple rib fractures without a clinical flail chest. Three centers performed rib fixation as standard of care. For adequate comparison, the other three centers performed only non-operative treatment. As such clinical equipoise formed the basis for the comparison in this study. Patients were matched using propensity score matching.

Results

In total 927 patients with multiple rib fractures were included. In the three hospitals that performed rib fixation, 80 (14%) out of 591 patients underwent rib fixation. From the nonoperative centers, on average 71 patients were adequately matched to 71 rib fixation patients after propensity score matching. Rib fixation was associated with an increase in hospital length of stay (HLOS) of 4.9 days (95%CI 0.8–9.1, p = 0.02) and a decrease in quality of life (QoL) measured by the EQ5D questionnaire at 1 year of 0.1 (95% CI − 0.2–0.0, p = 0.035) compared to non-operative treatment. A subgroup analysis of patients who received operative care within 72 h showed a similar decrease in QoL. Up to 22 patients (28%) who underwent surgery experienced implant-related irritation.

Conclusions

We found no benefits and only detrimental effects associated with rib fixation. Based on these results, we do not recommend rib fixation as the standard of care for patients with multiple rib fractures.

Trial registration

Registered in the Netherlands Trial Register NTR6833 on 13/11/2017.
Effects of the SARS-CoV‑2 pandemic on residency training in orthopedics and traumatology in Germany
Authors: Adl Amini Dominik , Herbolzheimer Marit , Lutz Patricia Maria , Lacheta Lucca , Oezel Lisa , Haffer Henryk , Schömig Friederike , Schreiner Anna , Limmer Jonas , Muellner Maximilian
Published: August 2022

Background

The spread of the coronavirus disease has impacted healthcare systems worldwide; however, restrictions due to the SARS-CoV‑2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) pandemic are particularly drastic for physicians in residency training. Imposed restrictions interrupt the standard educational curricula, and consequently limited residents to meet mandatory requirements.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the SARS-CoV‑2 pandemic on residency training in orthopedics and trauma surgery in Germany.

Methodology

An online-based, voluntary, and anonymous survey of physicians in residency training for orthopedics and trauma surgery was conducted. Through email lists of junior physician organizations the survey was sent to 789 physicians. Participation was possible between October and November 2021.

Results

A total of 95 participants (female 41.1%) with a mean age of 31.3 ± 2.8 years were analyzed. In the everyday clinical practice and care 80% of participants thought that they were set back in time of their general training due to the pandemic. There was an average reduction of 25.0% in time spent in the OR and 88.4% agreed that their surgical training was delayed due to the pandemic. Of the respondents 33.6% were able to attend external continuing education courses. Only 4.2% were able to invest more time in research and 55.8% of participants agreed that their residency training will be extended due to the pandemic.

Conclusion

The COVID pandemic has had a significant impact on the residency training in orthopedics and trauma surgery in Germany. In almost all areas of training, residents had to accept restrictions due to the imposed restrictions, which potentially negatively affected their training.
The robustness of glenohumeral centering measurements in dependence of shoulder rotation and their predictive value in shoulders with rotator cuff tears
Authors: Egli Rainer J. , Widmer Emma C. J. , Waltenspül Manuel , Bouaicha Samy , Sutter Reto
Published: August 2022

Objective

De-centering of the shoulder joint on radiographs is used as indicator for severity of rotator cuff tears and as predictor for clinical outcome after surgery. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of malrotation on glenohumeral centering on radiographs and to identify the most reliable parameter for its quantification.

Subjects and methods.

In this retrospective study (2014–2018), 249 shoulders were included: 92 with imaging-confirmed supra- and infraspinatus tears (rupture; 65.2 ± 9.9 years) and 157 without tears (control; 41.1 ± 13.0 years). On radiographs in neutral position and external rotation, we assessed three radiographic parameters to quantify glenohumeral centering: acromiohumeral distance (ACHD), craniocaudal distance of the humeral head and glenoid center (Deutsch), and scapulohumeral arch congruity (Moloney). Non-parametric statistics was performed.

Results

In both positions, only the distance parameters ACHD (< 0.5 mm) and Deutsch (< 1 mm) were comparable in the two study groups rupture and control. Comparing the parameters between the study groups revealed only ACHD to be significantly different with a reduction of more than 2 mm in the rupture group. Among the parameters, ACHD ≤ 6 mm was the only cut-off discriminating rupture (12–21% of the shoulders with ACHD ≤ 6 mm) and control (none of the shoulders with ACHD ≤ 6 mm). Ninety percent of shoulders with ACHD ≤ 6 mm presented with a massive rotator cuff tear (defined as ≥ 67% of the greater tuberosity exposed).

Conclusion

Glenohumeral centering assessed by ACHD and Deutsch is not affected by rotation in shoulders with and without rotator cuff tear. An ACHD ≤ 6 mm has a positive predictive value of 90% for a massive rotator cuff tear.
Evaluation and intention to use the interactive robotic kitchen system AuRorA in older adults
Authors: Perotti Luis , Strutz Nicole
Published: August 2022

Background

The number of older adults in need of care and living at home is increasing in Europe. At the same time, the number of professional caregivers is decreasing. This development reinforces the need for assistive technology to support care recipients in their own homes and promote their independence. One of the main challenges of independent living is the preparation of food. Interactive robots could assist older adults with difficulties performing physically demanding tasks. Within the project AuRorA (full German project title: Wiederverwendbare, interaktive Verhalten für proaktive Roboter im Smart Home), an interactive voice-controlled robot arm was developed as an assistance system in the kitchen.

Objective

The aim of the study was to assess how older adults evaluate the AuRorA system and to collect data on actual willingness to use the technology. Older adults were asked to evaluate the system in terms of usefulness, usability, accessibility and intention to use.

Material and methods

Due to the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the older adults evaluated the system via an online survey. The validated questionnaire Technology Usage Inventory (short: TUI) was used in conjunction with self-developed questionnaires to collect data on study population characteristics.

Results

A total of 106 participants were included in the analysis. The acceptance, usability and usefulness of the system were rated as medium, while the intention to use was rated as low. A significant strong correlation was found between the TUI subscales intention to use and usefulness.

Conclusion

It can be assumed that the actual need of the individual participant for such a robotic assistive system had an influence on the evaluation of the system. The perceived usefulness may have been a crucial influence on the intention to use and the overall assessment of the system.
Sympathetic nerve innervation and metabolism in ischemic myocardium in response to remote ischemic perconditioning
Authors: Kiss Attila , Wu Ping , Schlederer Michaela , Pilz Patrick M. , Szabo Petra Lujza , Li Jingle , Weber Lukas , Vraka Chrysoula , Pichler Verena , Mitterhauser Markus , Zhang Xiaoli , Zins Karin , Abraham Dietmar , Li Sijin , Podesser Bruno K. , Hacker Marcus , Li Xiang
Published: August 2022

Sympathetic nerve denervation after myocardial infarction (MI) predicts risk of sudden cardiac death. Therefore, therapeutic approaches limit infarct size, improving adverse remodeling and restores sympathetic innervation have a great clinical potential. Remote ischemic perconditioning (RIPerc) could markedly attenuate MI-reperfusion (MIR) injury. In this study, we aimed to assess its effects on cardiac sympathetic innervation and metabolism. Transient myocardial ischemia is induced by ligature of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) in male Sprague–Dawley rats, and in vivo cardiac 2-[18F]FDG and [11C]mHED PET scans were performed at 14–15 days after ischemia. RIPerc was induced by three cycles of 5-min-long unilateral hind limb ischemia and intermittent 5 min of reperfusion during LAD occlusion period. The PET quantitative parameters were quantified in parametric polar maps. This standardized format facilitates the regional radioactive quantification in deficit regions to remote areas. The ex vivo radionuclide distribution was additionally identified using autoradiography. Myocardial neuron density (tyrosine hydroxylase positive staining) and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPG, inhibiting neuron regeneration) expression were assessed by immunohistochemistry. There was no significant difference in the mean hypometabolism 2-[18F]FDG uptake ratio (44.6 ± 4.8% vs. 45.4 ± 4.4%) between MIR rats and MIR + RIPerc rats (P > 0.05). However, the mean [11C]mHED nervous activity of denervated myocardium was significantly elevated in MIR + RIPerc rats compared to the MIR rats (35.9 ± 7.1% vs. 28.9 ± 2.3%, P < 0.05), coupled with reduced denervated myocardium area (19.5 ± 5.3% vs. 27.8 ± 6.6%, P < 0.05), which were associated with preserved left-ventricular systolic function, a less reduction in neuron density, and a significant reduction in CSPG and CD68 expression in the myocardium. RIPerc presented a positive effect on cardiac sympathetic-nerve innervation following ischemia, but showed no significant effect on myocardial metabolism.
Make it double: identification and characterization of a Tandem-Hirudin from the Asian medicinal leech Hirudinaria manillensis
Authors: Lukas Phil , Melikian Georgij , Hildebrandt Jan-Peter , Müller Christian
Published: August 2022

Haematophagous leeches express a broad variety of secretory proteins in their salivary glands, among them are hirudins and hirudin-like factors. Here, we describe the identification, molecular and initial functional characterization of Tandem-Hirudin (TH), a novel salivary gland derived factor identified in the Asian medicinal leech,Hirudinaria manillensis. In contrast to the typical structure of hirudins, TH comprises two globular domains arranged in a tandem-like orientation and lacks the elongated C-terminal tail. Similar structures of thrombin inhibitors have so far been identified only in kissing bugs and ticks. Expression of TH was performed in both cell-based and cell-free bacterial systems. A subsequent functional characterization revealed no evidence for a thrombin-inhibitory potency of TH.
Whole genome assembly of the armored loricariid catfish Ancistrus triradiatus highlights herbivory signatures
Authors: Lemopoulos Alexandre , Montoya-Burgos Juan I.
Published: August 2022

The catfishAncistrus triradiatusbelongs to the species-rich family Loricariidae. Loricariids display remarkable traits such as herbivory, a benthic lifestyle, the absence of scales but the presence of dermal bony plates. They are exported as ornamental fish worldwide, with escaped fishes becoming a threat locally. Although genetic and phylogenetic studies are continuously increasing and developmental genetic investigations are underway, no genome assembly has been formally proposed for Loricariidae yet. We report a high-quality genome assembly ofAncistrus triradiatususing long and short reads, and a newly assembled transcriptome. The genome assembly is composed of 9530 scaffolds, including 85.6% of ray-finned fish BUSCOs, and 26,885 predicted protein-coding genes. The genomic GC content is higher than in other catfishes, reflecting the higher metabolism associated with herbivory. The examination of the SCPP gene family indicates that the genes presumably triggering scale loss when absent, are present in the scalelessA. triradiatus, questioning their explanatory role. The analysis of the opsin gene repertoire revealed that gene losses associated to the nocturnal lifestyle of catfishes were not entirely found inA. triradiatus, as the UV-sensitive opsin 5 is present. Finally, most gene family expansions were related to immunity except the gamma crystallin gene family which controls pupil shape and sub-aquatic vision. Thus, the genome ofA. triradiatusreveals that fish herbivory may be related to the photic zone habitat, conditions metabolism, photoreception and visual functions. This genome is the first for the catfish suborder Loricarioidei and will serve as backbone for future genetic, developmental and conservation studies.