bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporomandibular inflammation regulates the matrix metalloproteinases MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 in limbic structures
Authors: Nascimento Glauce C. , De Paula Bruna B. , Gerlach Raquel F. , Leite‐Panissi Christie R. A.
Published: February 2021

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is characterized by acute or chronic orofacial pain, which can be associated with inflammatory processes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and emotional disorders. Peripheral and central sensitization in painful orofacial processes is common, and it can be triggered by peripheral inflammatory challenge with consequent neuroinflammation phenomena. Such neuroinflammation comes from inflammatory products from supportive cells, blood–brain barrier, and extracellular matrix. Here, we evaluated the possible recruitment of limbic structures for modified matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression and activity during temporomandibular inflammation‐induced orofacial persistent pain. The inflammatory process in TMJs of rats was induced by Freund's Complete Adjuvant (CFA) administration. The activity and expression of MMPs‐2 and 9 were assessed by in situ zymography and conventional zymography, respectively. A glial colocalization with the MMPs was performed using immunofluorescence. The results evidenced both short‐ and long‐term alterations on MMP‐2 and ‐9 expression in the limbic structures following CFA‐induced temporomandibular inflammation. The gelatinolytic activity was increased in the central amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG), superior colliculus, and inferior colliculus. Finally, an increase of colocalization of MMP‐2/GFAP and MMP‐9/GFAP in CFA‐induced inflammation groups was observed when compared with saline groups in the central amygdala and vlPAG. It is possible to suggest that glial activation is partly responsible for the production of gelatinases in the persistent orofacial pain, and it is involved in the initiation and maintenance of this process, indicating that inhibition of MMPs might be pursued as a potential new therapeutic target for TMD.
A descriptive analysis of baseline and equivalence‐class performances under many‐to‐one and one‐to‐many structures
Authors: Ayres‐Pereira Vanessa , Arntzen Erik
Published: February 2021

The purpose of the present experiment was to describe responding as a function of One‐to‐Many (OTM) and Many‐to‐One (MTO) training structures and identify baseline performances correlated with the accuracy level in tests for equivalence class formation. Participants were 42 adults assigned to either the MTO or the OTM groups, trained on 24 baseline relations, and assessed on the emergence of three 9‐member equivalence classes. Participants in the MTO group presented similar frequencies of responses to each of the comparisons throughout baseline training. Also, the number of trials required to meet the baseline mastery criterion was negatively correlated with test accuracy. Participants in the OTM group presented more variable frequencies of responses to each of the comparisons (participants tended to select some of the comparisons less often than others at the beginning of the training). In addition, the number of reinforced responses to the node presented as a sample during training was positively correlated with the number of correct responses during testing for the OTM group. The experiment contributed to an in‐depth stimulus control analysis of baseline and test performances, and its results have implications for understanding potential sources of variability between the training structures.
Prenatal Diagnosis and Classification of Fetal Hypospadias: The Role and Value ofMagnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Li Kui , Zhang Xiaodan , Yan Guohui , Zheng Weizeng , Zou Yu
Published: February 2021

Background

Prenatal diagnosis and classification of hypospadias are difficult and of value for management during perinatal and neonatal periods. The conventional approach for prenatal diagnosis of hypospadias is ultrasound; however, this technique may be inconclusive in certain cases, which prompts for further exploration with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Purpose

To investigate the role of MRI in the prenatal diagnosis and classification of fetuses with hypospadias.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Thirty‐five fetuses (median gestational age = 37, range 24–39 weeks) with possible hypospadias.

Field Strength/Sequence

Single‐shot fast spin echo T2‐weighted imaging, fast imaging employing steady‐state acquisition (FIESTA), and three‐dimensional FIESTA acquired at 1.5 T.

Assessment

Diagnosis and classification of hypospadias using MRI were performed by three experienced radiologists based on MRI features, including a short penile shaft, abnormal penile tip, penile curvature, bifid scrotum, “tulip sign,” and penoscrotal transposition. The accuracy of MRI in the diagnosis and classification of hypospadias was assessed in comparison to postnatal clinical diagnosis. The interobserver agreement between radiologists was also assessed.

Statistical Tests

Kendall'sWtest was applied to assess the interobserver agreement between radiologists. Taking postnatal clinical diagnosis as the reference standard, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were calculated.

Results

Of the 35 fetuses, 24 cases were confirmed as hypospadias through postnatal clinical diagnosis. The interobserver agreement between radiologists was substantial (Kendall'sW = 0.781,P < 0.001). Of the 24 confirmed cases (13 cases of severe hypospadias and 11 cases of mild hypospadias), 22 cases were correctly diagnosed by MRI. The accuracy of MRI in the diagnosis of hypospadias, severe hypospadias, and mild hypospadias was 85.71%, 82.86%, and 80.00%, respectively.

Data Conclusion

MRI has good performance in the diagnosis of fetal hypospadias. In addition, MRI could help evaluate the severity of fetal hypospadias.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Sex differences in the social brain and in social cognition
Authors: Proverbio Alice Mado
Published: February 2021

Many studies have reported sex differences in empathy and social skills. In this review, several lines of empirical evidences about sex differences in functions and anatomy of social brain are discussed. The most relevant differences involve face processing, facial expression recognition, response to baby schema, the ability to see faces in things, the processing of social interactions, the response to the others’ pain, interest in social information, processing of gestures and actions, biological motion, erotic, and affective stimuli. Sex differences in oxytocin‐based parental response are also reported. In conclusion, the female and male brains show several neuro‐functional differences in various aspects of social cognition, and especially in emotional coding, face processing, and response to baby schema. An interpretation of this sexual dimorphism is provided in the view of evolutionary psychobiology.
Microglia and astrocytes show limited, acute alterations in morphology and protein expression following a single developmental alcohol exposure
Authors: Lowery Rebecca L. , Cealie MaKenna Y. , Lamantia Cassandra E. , Mendes Monique S. , Drew Paul D. , Majewska Ania K.
Published: February 2021

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are the most common cause of nonheritable, preventable mental disability and are characterized by cognitive, behavioral, and physical impairments. FASD occurs in almost 5% of births in the United States, but despite this prevalence there is no known cure, largely because the biological mechanisms that translate alcohol exposure to neuropathology are not well understood. While the effects of early ethanol exposure on neuronal survival and circuitry have received more attention, glia, the cells most closely tied to initiating and propagating inflammatory events, could be an important target for alcohol in the developing brain. Inflammation is known to alter developmental trajectories, but it has recently been shown that even small changes in both astrocytes and microglia in the absence of full‐blown inflammatory signaling can alter brain function long‐term. Here, we studied the acute response of astrocytes and microglia to a single exposure to ethanol in development across sexes in a mouse model of human third trimester exposure, in order to understand how these cells may transition from their normal developmental path to a different program that leads to FASD neuropathology. We found that although a single ethanol exposure delivered subcutaneously on postnatal day 4 did not cause large changes in microglial morphology or the expression of AldH1L1 and GFAP in the cortex and hippocampus, subtle effects were observed. These findings suggest that even a single, early ethanol exposure can induce mild acute alterations in glia that could contribute to developmental deficits.
Extracellular microvesicles promote microglia‐mediated pro‐inflammatory responses to ethanol
Authors: Crews Fulton T. , Zou Jian , Coleman Leon G.
Published: February 2021

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) pathology features pro‐inflammatory gene induction and microglial activation. The underlying cellular processes that promote this activation remain unclear. Previously considered cellular debris, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as mediators of inflammatory signaling in several disease states. We investigated the role of microvesicles (MVs, 50 nm–100 µm diameter EVs) in pro‐inflammatory and microglial functional gene expression using primary organotypic brain slice culture (OBSC). Ethanol caused a unique immune gene signature that featured: temporal induction of pro‐inflammatory TNF‐α and IL‐1β, reduction of homeostatic microglia state gene Tmem119, progressive increases in purinergic receptor P2RY12 and the microglial inhibitory fractalkine receptor CX3CR1, an increase in the microglial presynaptic gene C1q, and a reduction in the phagocytic gene TREM2. MV signaling was implicated in this response as reduction of MV secretion by imipramine blocked pro‐inflammatory TNF‐α and IL‐1β induction by ethanol, and ethanol‐conditioned MVs (EtOH‐MVs) reproduced the ethanol‐associated immune gene signature in naïve OBSC slices. Depletion of microglia prior to ethanol treatment prevented pro‐inflammatory activity of EtOH‐MVs, as did incubation of EtOH‐MVs with the HMGB1 inhibitor glycyrrhizin. Ethanol caused HMGB1 secretion from cultured BV2 microglia in MVs through activation of PI3 kinase. In summary, these studies find MVs modulate pro‐inflammatory gene induction and microglial activation changes associated with ethanol. Thus, MVs may represent a novel therapeutic target to reduce neuroinflammation in the setting of alcohol abuse or other diseases that feature a neuroimmune component. [Correction added on 5 April 2021, after first online publication: The copyright line was changed.]
Tracking precipitation patterns across a western U.S. metropolitan area using volunteer observers: RainLog.Org
Authors: Crimmins Michael A. , McMahan Ben , Holmgren William F. , Woodard Gary
Published: February 2021

The southwestern United States experiences extreme hydroclimatic variability, including intense but localized monsoon thunderstorms, tropical storms, and winter storms, resulting in complex and variable patterns of precipitation over space and time. Official gauges associated with long‐term monitoring networks are sparsely distributed throughout the region and are unable to capture the spatial complexity and variability of these precipitation patterns. The RainLog program, a volunteer precipitation monitoring program, was started in southern Arizona in 2005 to leverage enthusiasm among non‐scientists around weather, water, and climate to address the gaps in official monitoring networks. An examination of the portion of the dataset that spans the Tucson metropolitan area illustrates the opportunities and challenges in using volunteer data to track precipitation. We compare near‐complete records to an official observation to highlight how the broader RainLog network supports characterizing hydroclimatic variability over the period of record. We also examine several case study events drawn from metrics of network variability that represent different forms of hydroclimatic extremes. We find that in most cases the RainLog network captures a range of precipitation values that were notably different than the single value recorded at the official observing site, adding substantial value in recording and reconstructing past extreme precipitation events. This work highlights how volunteer citizen science precipitation monitoring networks can provide critical data for tracking precipitation variability and changes, although are only one complementary piece of coherent, long‐term hydroclimatic monitoring.
The Nuanced Relationship Between Creative Cognition and the Interaction Between Executive Functioning and Intelligence
Authors: Taylor Christa L. , Zaghi Arash E.
Published: February 2021

The current study addresses gaps in our understanding of the relationship between creative cognition, intelligence (IQ), and executive functioning (EF). Undergraduate students completed an IQ test, verbal and figural divergent thinking (DT) tests, and a self‐assessment of EF, across four study sessions. Participant data (N = 199) were analyzed using linear regression and PROCESS moderation models. Results demonstrated that EF interacts with IQ to predict figural and verbal DT in distinct ways, with different patterns emerging from different methods of scoring DT. Using traditional DT scoring, Gf (but not Gc) significantly moderated the relationship between EF and scores on both verbal and figural DT tasks. Low EF was associated with diminished DT scores for those with low Gf scores, unrelated for those with relatively higher Gf, and enhanced scores for those with the highest Gf. Using originality ratio scores, low EF was associated with diminished originality in verbal DT responses for those with low IQ (both Gf and Gc), unrelated for those with relatively higher IQ, and enhanced originality for those with the highest Gc (but not Gf) scores. Thus, there are several nuances in the way that EF interacts with IQ to predict DT.
In‐situ Raman monitoring of the poly(vinylidene fluoride) crystalline structure during a melt‐spinning process
Authors: Chapron David , Rault François , Talbourdet Anaëlle , Lemort Guillaume , Cochrane Cédric , Bourson Patrice , Devaux Eric , Campagne Christine
Published: February 2021

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) fibres used to develop sensors or energy harvesters have great potential in the sector of portable electronic devices and especially in the development of smart textiles. This polymorphic polymer is known for several years for its excellent piezoelectric properties related to its different crystalline phases and more particularly to the polar β‐phase is the subject of studies dedicated to the development, optimization, and characterization of β‐PVDF fibres. The presence and the evolution of the different crystalline phases are linked to different factors and can be controlled for example by changing some parameters during the process. In the case of the spinning process, the influence of the operating conditions, such as temperature and drawing on the crystalline structure is currently determined by post‐mortem analyses. Development of ‘mimetic’ tests to characterize in situ the evolution of the crystalline structure of a mechanically stretched polymer is a possible way. Nevertheless, this cannot totally reproduce a real process. For the first time, phase transformations and evolutions of PVDF during a melt‐spinning process were studied online thanks to in situ Raman spectroscopy measurements. Performed at different stages of the spinning line, this method allows us to follow the evolution of the crystalline phases in real time, during the key steps of the process and to conclude on the conditions for obtaining the piezoelectric phase. The successful online characterization of PVDF crystalline phases by Raman spectroscopy opens new perspectives for the optimization of these fibres by controlling the evolution of the structure when changing process parameters.
Potential opportunities of thinned clusters in viticulture: a mini review
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Gamboa Gastón , Mengyuan Wei , Moreno‐Simunovic Yerko , Sun XiangYu , Fang Yulin
Published: February 2021

Crop thinning is a common practice performed in the vineyard consisting of whole clusters or individual fruits being removed after flowering is attained. Current studies have reported that unripe grape products as verjuice and sour grape sauce contain high content of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, sugars, organic acids, nitrogenous compounds and sterols. This mini‐review overviewed the bioactive components obtained from thinned unripe grapes such as phenolic compounds, sugars, organic acids, minerals, nitrogen compounds and sterols, and their use as antibrowning and whitening agents, natural catalysts, food preservative and food additive. In addition, their beneficial effects for human health also were reviewed, as well as the practices to maximize the extraction of antioxidant compounds. Therefore, revalorizing the waste from this management practice in viticulture can increase the vineyard sustainability and farmers' economic profits. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Apigenin suppresses proliferation, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition of cervical carcinoma cells by regulation of miR‐152/BRD4 axis
Authors: Zhao Xia , Zhou Hua‐Bo , Liu Jie , Xie Jing , Hu Rong
Published: February 2021

The present study aimed to investigate the role of apigenin and the molecular mechanism of miR‐152‐5p and bromodomain containing 4 (BRD4) in the proliferation, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cervical carcinoma cells. Quantitative real‐time PCR was used to detect the transfection efficiency and the expression of miR‐152‐5p and BRD4. Western blotting was conducted to evaluate the protein level of BRD4, E‐cadherin, N‐cadherin, and MMP9. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm whether miR‐152‐5p bound to BRD4. MTT and Transwell invasion assay were applied to determine the cell proliferation and invasion, respectively. MiR‐152‐5p was downregulated and BRD4 was upregulated in cervical carcinoma tissue. Besides, miR‐152‐5p could directly bind to BRD4 in Hela and CaSki cells. In addition, apigenin inhibited proliferation, invasion, and EMT of Hela and CaSki cells by regulating miR‐152‐5p/BRD4 axis. Apigenin suppresses proliferation, invasion, and induced EMT of cervical carcinoma cells by regulation of miR‐152‐5p/BRD4 axis.
Multi‐Institutional Analysis of Outcomes in Supraglottic Jet Ventilation with a Team‐Based Approach
Authors: Rodney Jennifer P. , Shinn Justin R. , Amin Shaunak N. , Portney David S. , Mitchell Margaret B. , Chopra Zoey , Rees Andrew B. , Kupfer Robbi A. , Hogikyan Norman D. , Casper Keith A. , Tate Alan , Vinson Kimberly N. , Fletcher Kenneth C. , Gelbard Alexander , St. Jacques Paul J. , Higgins Michael S. , Morrison Robert J. , Garrett C. Gaelyn
Published: February 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the safety and complications of endoscopic airway surgery using supraglottic jet ventilation with a team‐based approach.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Subjects at two academic institutions diagnosed with laryngotracheal stenosis who underwent endoscopic airway surgery with jet ventilation between January 2008 and December 2018 were identified. Patient characteristics (age, gender, race, follow‐up duration) and comorbidities were extracted from the electronic health record. Records were reviewed for treatment approach, intraoperative data, and complications (intraoperative, acute postoperative, and delayed postoperative).

Results

Eight hundred and ninety‐four patient encounters from 371 patients were identified. Intraoperative complications (unplanned tracheotomy, profound or severe hypoxic events, barotrauma, laryngospasm) occurred in fewer than 1% of patient encounters. Acute postoperative complications (postoperative recovery unit [PACU] rapid response, PACU intubation, return to the emergency department [ED] within 24 hours of surgery) were rare, occurring in fewer than 3% of patient encounters. Delayed postoperative complications (return to the ED or admission for respiratory complaints within 30 days of surgery) occurred in fewer than 1% of patient encounters. Diabetes mellitus, active smoking, and history of previous tracheotomy were independently associated with intraoperative, acute, and delayed complications.

Conclusions

Employing a team‐based approach, jet ventilation during endoscopic airway surgery demonstrates a low rate of complications and provides for safe and successful surgery.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:2292–2297, 2021
Comparison of the Effects of Statins on A549 Nonsmall‐Cell Lung Cancer Cell Line Lipids Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy: Rosuvastatin Stands Out
Authors: Aksoy Hatice Nurdan , Ceylan Cagatay
Published: February 2021

Statins are commonly prescribed antilipidemic and anticholesterol class of drugs. In addition to their major role, they have been found to have anticancer effects on in vitro, animal and clinical studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of six different statins (rosuvastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin, lovastatin, fluvastatin, and atorvastatin) on A549 cancer cells lipids by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Proliferation tests were carried out to detect the half‐maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of each statin on A549 cells. The IC50 values were 50 μM for simvastatin, 150 μM for atorvastatin and pravastatin, and 170 μM for fluvastatin, 200 μM for rosuvastatin and lovastatin on A549 cells. No correlation was found between the antiproliferative effects of the statins and lipid‐lowering effect. The cells were treated with IC5, IC10, and IC50 values of each statins concentration and lipid extracts were compared using FTIR spectroscopy. The results indicated that different statins had different effects on the lipid content of A549 cells. The FTIR spectra of the lipid exctracts of statin‐treated A549 cells indicated that the value of hydrocarbon chain length, unsaturation index, oxidative stress level, and phospholipid containing lipids increased except for rosuvastatin‐treated A549 cells. In addition, rosuvastatin significantly lowered cholesterol ester levels. In conclusion, the contrasting effects of rosuvastatin should be further investigated.
Assessment of the effects of sex and harvesting season on lipid and fatty acid composition of Sparidae species
Authors: Metin Cansu , Alparslan Yunus , Yapıcı Hatice H. , Ekşi Zerrin , Baygar Taçnur
Published: February 2021

In the present study, the lipid amount and fatty acid profile of different Sparidae species, including gilthead seabream, juvenile gilthead seabream, annular seabream, white seabream, common two‐banded seabream were evaluated. Fish were seasonally collected from Köyceğiz Lagoon (Muğla, South Western Turkey) from June 2018 to June 2019 and after collection, the sex of each specimen was recorded. According to the results of the study, the highest lipid amount was found in female annular seabream individuals as 8.09 ± 0.78% in November and the lowest lipid amount was found in male juvenile gilthead seabream as 0.98 ± 0.12% in March. Palmitic acid and oleic acid were determined as the most abundant SFA and MUFA for all species, respectively. The highest value of DHA, which was the predominant PUFA was assessed as 15.33 ± 0.26% in female white seabream in November whereas the lowest value (3.83 ± 0.36%) was found in gilthead seabream in December. The n‐6/n‐3 ratio was determined between 0.27 ± 0.00 (for male common two‐banded seabream in July)‐1.20 ± 0.03 (for male gilthead seabream in December) and it followed within the range of healthy values for all species. As a conclusion, it was found that values of lipid and fatty acid profiles among the examined Sparidae species vary among the season of collection. The results of the study gave the seasonal nutritional values of four economically‐important Sparidae species that being rich in healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids such as DHA, have beneficial in human nutrition.
SAMHSA launches new African American Center of Excellence
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: February 2021

A new source of training and information is available to help professionals and communities address health disparities and support the equity, effectiveness and appropriateness of behavioral health services for African Americans, a Feb. 15 news release from the Morehouse School of Medicine stated.
Approximate solutions of nonlinear two‐dimensional Volterra integral equations
Authors: Ahsan Sumbal , Nawaz Rashid , Akbar Muhammad , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: February 2021

The present work is concerned with examining the Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method (OHAM) for linear and nonlinear two‐dimensional Volterra integral equations (2D‐VIEs). The result obtained by the suggested method for linear 2D‐VIEs is compared with the differential transform method, Bernstein polynomial method, and piecewise block‐plus method and result of the proposed method for nonlinear 2D‐VIEs is compared with 2D differential transform method. The proposed method provides us with efficient and more accurate solutions compared to the other existing methods in the literature.
Some stochastic chaotic attractors with global derivative and stochastic fractal mapping: Existence, uniqueness and applications
Authors: Atangana Abdon
Published: February 2021

One of the great ability of humans is to use mathematical formulas to replicate what they see in their daily activities, they start with simple models, when these models are unable to achieve their goals and they modify or replace them with more complex mathematical formulas. Chaos has been modelled using classical differential operators, classical with fractional orders. On the other hand, many mathematical mapping have been used to simulate some fractals behaviours. In this paper, in order to capture more fractal and chaos behaviours, we introduce the notion of chaos stochastic models and fractal stochastic mapping. We additionally present the conditions of existence and uniqueness of chaos‐stochastic models. Some numerical simulations are presented to help see the effect of stochastic functions.
Theoretical and experimental study on intensity modulation differential optical fiber angular displacement sensor
Authors: Zha Shenlong , Huang Xing , Zha Changli , Ma Hongliang , Cai Xueyuan , Li Yuanyuan , Pan Pan , Zhan Shengbao
Published: February 2021

A sensitive intensity modulation differential optical fiber angular displacement sensor has been developed. The influence of the distance between the end face of the emitting fiber and the reflecting surface, the tilt angle of receiving optical fiber and the surface reflectivity on the performance of the sensor was analyzed. The optimal geometric parameters of the sensor structure were obtained based on the simulation results and the response of the sensor to different angular displacement was investigated. The experimental results show the sensor has large linear range for micro angular displacement detection and the sensitivity can reach to 0.0377 V/° and 0.08104 V/° for positive and negative angle detection respectively.
MR method for measuring microscopic histologic soft tissue textures
Authors: Sonn Geoffrey A. , Fan Richard E. , Kunder Christian A. , Gold Garry E. , James Kristin M. , Parker Ian D. , Carlson Jean M. , Cannizzaro Scott M. , James Timothy W.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Provide a direct, non‐invasive diagnostic measure of microscopic tissue texture in the size scale between tens of microns and the much larger scale measurable by clinical imaging. This paper presents a method and data demonstrating the ability to measure these microscopic pathologic tissue textures (histology) in the presence of subject motion in an MR scanner. This size range is vital to diagnosing a wide range of diseases.

Theory/Methods

MR micro‐Texture (MRµT) resolves these textures by a combination of measuring a targeted set of k‐values to characterize texture—as in diffraction analysis of materials, performing a selective internal excitation to isolate a volume of interest (VOI), applying a high k‐value phase encode to the excited spins in the VOI, and acquiring each individual k‐value data point in a single excitation—providing motion immunity and extended acquisition time for maximizing signal‐to‐noise ratio. Additional k‐value measurements from the same tissue can be made to characterize the tissue texture in the VOI—there is no need for these additional measurements to be spatially coherent as there is no image to be reconstructed. This method was applied to phantoms and tissue specimens including human prostate tissue.

Results

Data demonstrating resolution <50 µm, motion immunity, and clearly differentiating between normal and cancerous tissue textures are presented.

Conclusion

The data reveal textural differences not resolvable by standard MR imaging. As MRµT is a pulse sequence, it is directly translatable to MRI scanners currently in clinical practice to meet the need for further improvement in cancer imaging.
Experimental, analytical, and finite element assessment of the shear strength of concrete‐rock interfaces at different scales
Authors: Renaud Sylvain , Bouaanani Najib , Miquel Benjamin
Published: February 2021

This paper presents an original analytical approach to assess the shear strength of concrete‐rock interfaces while accounting for the effects of scale, roughness and matching conditions. The technique proposed is based on experimental data obtained from small core samples extracted from existing dam sites, with diameters varying from 83 to 145 mm, and larger rectangular samples with side lengths comprised between 320 and 492 mm. The predictions of the analytical formulation are validated against results of direct shear tests, as well as 3D nonlinear finite element simulations. Sensitivity analyses are conducted to evaluate the influence of roughness and matching conditions on the shear behavior of concrete‐rock contacts at different scales. The main results show that: (i) roughness inhomogeneity is one of the main causes of scale effects on the shear strength of concrete‐rock interfaces; (ii) contact geometries proportional in both length and height are expected to present quite similar shear strengths; and (iii) geometry matching conditions must be accounted for as they might be the source of scale effects affecting the evaluation of the shear strength at concrete‐rock interfaces. New equations are also proposed to suggest values of apparent cohesion and friction angle for concrete‐rock contacts.
Superwettability‐based separation: From oil/water separation to polymer/water separation and bubble/water separation
Authors: Yong Jiale , Yang Qing , Huo Jinglan , Hou Xun , Chen Feng
Published: February 2021

The separation of oil/water mixtures, polymer/water mixtures, or bubble/water mixtures has broad applications. In this paper, we aim at extending the well‐developed wettability‐based oil/water separation strategy to separate the mixtures of liquid polymers and water and separate bubbles from water. The micro/nanostructures are simply produced on a stainless steel mesh by femtosecond laser treatment to endow the mesh with superhydrophilicity in the air and superoleophobicity, superpolymphobicity, and superaerophobicity in water. The underwater superoleophobicity, superpolymphobicity, and superaerophobicity enable the structured mesh to have the ability of oil/water separation, polymer/water separation, and bubble/water separation. Water can pass through the mesh due to the superhydrophilicity of the laser‐structured mesh. Whereas, the oils, the liquid polymers, and the bubbles in water are intercepted by the structured mesh because such a water‐wetted mesh has strong repellence to oils (underwater superoleophobicity), liquid polymers (underwater superpolymphobicity), and bubbles (underwater superaerophobicity). As a result, the oil, the liquid polymer, and the bubble are successfully separated from water by using the as‐prepared superwetting mesh. We believe that the diversified wettability‐based separation processes will have wide potential applications in environmental protection, energy utilization, industrial manufacture, agricultural production, and so on.
Progress and biomedical applications of MXenes
Authors: Huang Jing , Li Zhe , Mao Yukun , Li Zhou
Published: February 2021

As a new kind of two‐dimensional material, MXene is first discovered in 2011. Because of its diverse chemical composition with excellent physical and chemical properties, the family of MXenes has attracted people's extensive research interest in various fields, such as energy storage, environment, catalysis and biomedical applications, among which the researches about biomedical applications are relatively more burgeoning than that in other fields. This review concludes the progress and biomedical applications of MXenes. Firstly, the development background of MXenes is introduced. Then, the synthesis methods, structures and properties, surface modification strategies, biomedical applications, cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of MXenes are demonstrated in each chapter successively. At last, the materials of MXenes are summarized, besides, the opportunities and challenges faced by MXenes in the future are prospected. This review will provide some help for the advancement and application of MXenes.
Stochastic analysis of an age‐dependent mixture truncation model
Authors: Kayid Mohamed , Alrubian Anfal , Abouammoh Abdulrahman
Published: February 2021

In this article, a new mixture model is introduced to model randomly left truncated data. The likelihood ratio ordering of original random variable and resultant random variable in the model is established. It is shown that the increasing failure rate (IFR) property of the original random variable translates into the IFR property of the resultant random variable under an ordering property. In addition, the resultant random variable in the random truncation model is proved to be less than the resultant random variable in our model with respect to the likelihood ratio order. Possible extensions of the model to the multivariate case are considered. Finally, the model is applied to model the upper record values of a sequence of random variables and as another application the lifetime of a unit under burn‐in process is scrutinized.
Numerical solution of additive manufacturing problems using a two‐level method
Authors: Viguerie Alex , Auricchio Ferdinando
Published: February 2021

Additive manufacturing techniques have grown significantly in recent years due to their ability to produce designs almost impossible to obtain with standard production technologies. This growth has in turn led to increased demand for numerical simulation of additive processes. Unfortunately, such simulations are difficult from the computational point of view, since additive problems are characterized by the presence of highly local nonlinearities requiring fine mesh resolutions on small portions of the domain. These difficulties are compounded by the fact that such regions of local high nonlinearities move in the domain with time, and further, by the fact that the physical domain itself evolves with time. Accordingly, the present article addresses these complex computational issues by employing a two‐level technique. The two‐level method provides a natural framework for the resolution of localized nonlinearities while avoiding the need for complex meshing operations, such as refinement‐and‐derefinement algorithms. The proposed approach is validated on a series of one‐ and two‐dimensional problems to establish the viability of the introduced two‐level method for additive manufacturing problems.
Impact of burnout, secondary traumatic stress and compassion satisfaction on hand hygiene of healthcare workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Zhou Qian , Lai Xiaoquan , Wan Zhaoyang , Zhang Xinping , Tan Li
Published: February 2021

Aim

To assess the prevalence of burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and compassion satisfaction and explore their impacts on self‐reported hand hygiene among medical aid teams in the COVID‐19 period in Wuhan, China.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Method

A total of 1,734 healthcare workers from 17 medical aid teams were surveyed. The survey included burnout, secondary traumatic stress and compassion satisfaction measured by the professional quality of life scale and self‐reported hand hygiene. Data were collected between 5–7 March 2020. Multiple regression analyses were performed.

Results

Burnout and secondary trauma stress were at low and average levels, and compassion satisfaction was at average and high levels. Burnout was negatively associated with hand hygiene, while compassion satisfaction was positively associated. Hospital administrators should pay attention to burnout and compassion satisfaction to improve infection control behaviours. Management of healthcare workers in our study may be constructive in emerging infectious diseases.
The association between diabetes‐related distress and fear of hypoglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A cross‐sectional descriptive study
Authors: Li Shuang , Fang Li , Lee Amanda , Hayter Mark , Zhang Lu , Bi Yaxin , Wu Xiaxin , Liu Lin , Zhang Hong , Yuan Yuan , Gong Weijuan , Zhang Yu
Published: February 2021

Aim

The study aimed to explore the association between diabetes‐related distress as a dependent variable and fear of hypoglycaemia as a independent variable in Chinese individuals with type 2 diabetes, which can provide a basis for the development of effective nursing interventions.

Design

A cross‐sectional descriptive study.

Methods

Pre‐piloted scales were used to determine whether they experienced fear of hypoglycaemia and whether this impacted upon their management of the disease. From June–October 2019, participants were asked to complete the “hypoglycaemia fear survey” and “diabetes distress scales” to assess levels of fear and distress. Stepwise multivariate regression analysis was applied to reveal relationship between distress as a dependent variable and fear as a independent variable. Covariates included demographic, clinical or lifestyle factors.

Results

A total of 258 participants were recruited for the survey, and they were characterized by little or no distress (39.53%), moderate distress (45.35%) and high distress (15.12%). The prevalence of moderate to severe distress in patients was 60.47%. Increased diabetes‐related distress was strongly correlated with increased fear of hypoglycaemia and closely associated with the scores of the worry and behaviour subscales. These results indicated that 62.3% of diabetes‐related distress may be explained by fear of hypoglycaemia.

Conclusion

Increased diabetes‐related distress is associated with increased fear of hypoglycaemia in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Patients' memories from intensive care unit: A qualitative systematic review
Authors: Maartmann‐Moe Charlotte C. , Solberg Marianne Trygg , Larsen Marie Hamilton , Steindal Simen A.
Published: February 2021

Aim

To identify and synthesize the evidence regarding adult patients' memories from their stay in the intensive care unit.

Design

A qualitative systematic review and meta‐synthesis. PROSPERO # CRD42020164928. The review employed the guideline of Bettany‐Saltikov and McSherry and the Enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research guidelines.

Methods

Systematic search for qualitative studies published between January 2000 and December 2019 in Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, PsycINFO, and Excerpta Medica Database. Pairs of authors independently assessed eligibility, appraised methodological quality using Joanna Briggs's quality appraisal tool and extracted data. The analysis followed the principles of interpretative synthesis.

Results

Sixteen papers from 15 studies were included in the review. Three themes emerged: (a) memories of surreal dreams and delusions, (b) care memories from sanctuary to alienation and (c) memories of being vulnerable and close to death.
Relationship between perceived social support and psychological hardiness with family communication patterns and quality of life of oncology patients
Authors: Haj Hashemi Fatemeh , Atashzadeh‐Shoorideh Foroozan , Oujian Parastoo , Mofid Bahram , Bazargan Maryam
Published: February 2021

Aim

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between PSS, PH, FCP and QoL of oncology patients.

Methods

In this descriptive‐correlational study, 340 oncology patients were selected with convenience sampling method from the hospitals in Tehran 2018–2019. Data were collected using, “PSS,” “PH,” “FCP” and “European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire, EORTC QLQ‐C30.” Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS21 and Amos.

Results

The direct effect and the total effect of PSS and FCP on QoL were significant (p < .001), but their indirect effect was not significant (p > .05) and the effect of PH on QoL was not significant (p = .96). The Root Mean Squares of Error Approximations (RMSEA), Non‐Normed Fit Index (NNFI), Comparative Fit Index (CFI) and Goodness of Fit Index (GFI) were estimated 0.07, 0.97, 0.98 and 0.91, respectively.
Optimal H2 filtering for measurement‐delay systems with multiplicative noise and sampled data
Authors: Wang Wei , Han Chunyan , Wang Xiaohong
Published: February 2021

This paper is concerned with the optimal H2 filtering problem for continuous‐time systems with multiplicative noise and multiple sampled delay measurements. The reorganized observation technique is firstly applied for treating the sampled delay terms, and then an equivalent delay‐free sampled measurement is received. An optimal H2 filter is constructed by using a dynamic model with finite jumps, which can provide the state estimation of the measurement sampling interval as well as the measurement sampling moments. The filter gain is given in terms of the stabilizing solution to a set of specific Riccati differential equations. It should be pointed out that no state augmentation is required, and thus the Riccati equation developed in this paper remain the same dimension as that of the original system state. This is the clear distinction from the state augmentation method. A practical example is finally supplied to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed results.
Anlotinib, Vincristine, and Irinotecan for Advanced Ewing Sarcoma After Failure of Standard Multimodal Therapy: A Two-Cohort, Phase Ib/II Trial
Authors: Xu Jie , Xie Lu , Sun Xin , Liu Kuisheng , Tang Xiaodong , Yan Taiqiang , Yang Rongli , Guo Wei , Gu Jin
Published: February 2021

Background

Both protracted irinotecan and antiangiogenesis therapy have shown promising efficacy against Ewing sarcoma (EWS).

Methods

Patients diagnosed with recurrent or refractory EWS were enrolled and further categorized into cohort A (≥16 years) or cohort B (<16 years). In the dose-defining phase Ib portion, anlotinib was given daily at a fixed dose, while a 3+3 design with dose de-escalation was used to determine the dose of irinotecan. The next dose-expanding phase II portion employed a conventional two-stage study design model. The primary endpoint was objective response rate at 12 weeks (ORR12w).

Results

A total of 41 patients finally received the treatment regimen, including 29 in cohort A and 12 in cohort B. For cohort A, the first five patients were treated at the initial level of 20 mg/m2/d d × 5 × 2, and two of them subsequently a dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). An additional six patients were then treated at 15 mg/m2 without any DLT, and the RP2D was determined. Notably, 23 out of 24 patients in cohort A were available for response evaluation at 12 weeks. ORR12w was determined to be 62.5%. For cohort B, no DLT was observed in the first six patients at the initial dose level. At last, 12 patients were included in cohort B. The ORR12w was 83.3%. The most frequently observed grade 3/4 adverse events were leukopenia (28.5%), neutropenia (24.4%), anemia (8.7%), and diarrhea (3.7%).

Conclusion

The combination of vincristine, irinotecan, and anlotinib demonstrated an acceptable toxicity profile and promising clinical efficacy in patients with advanced EWS.

Implications for Practice

This is the first trial to evaluate an irinotecan-based regimen in combination with antiangiogenesis tyrosine kinase inhibitors in Ewing sarcoma (EWS). A 3+3 design with dose de-escalation was used to determine the most appropriate dose of irinotecan in each cohort. The next dose-expanding phase II portion employed a conventional two-stage study design model. The objective response rate was 62.5% for adults and 83.3% for children. Median overall survival was not matured. This study shows that the combination of vincristine, irinotecan, and anlotinib demonstrates an acceptable toxicity profile and promising clinical efficacy in patients with advanced EWS.
Behavior of polyethylene composites based on hemp fibers treated by surface‐initiated catalytic polymerization
Authors: Chimeni‐Yomeni Désiré , Faye Adrien , Rodrigue Denis , Dubois Charles
Published: February 2021

In this investigation, hemp fibers were‐surface treated by ethylene polymerization grafting to determine the effect of high grafting level on the mechanical (tensile and impact) and dynamic mechanical properties of linear medium‐density polyethylene (L) composites (20%wt.) produced via melt compounding. The results showed that, comparing the treated hemp composite (L20PH) with the untreated hemp composite (L20H), the modification reduced by 44% the modified fibers composite water absorption, while increasing the elongation and tensile strength by about 197% and 14%, respectively. Moreover, due to better interfacial interactions with the matrix and the flexibility imparted by the presence of both grafted and ungrafted polyethylene (PE) onto modified hemp fibers, the corresponding composite exhibited lower density and significantly high impact resistance (about 57%) compared to the untreated hemp composite. These results were confirmed by the composites creep strain as L20PH and L maximum strain (εmax) was respectively 18% and 42% higher compared to that of L20H, showing that L20H has the high modulus followed by L20PH and then L. The significant improvement of the modified composite flexibility, impact resistance and the limited reduction of its modulus make this material not only suitable for building and construction applications, but also in the production of packaging and automotive parts.