bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capitalization of Health Promotion Initiatives within French Sports Clubs
Authors: Van Hoye Aurélie , Johnson Stacey , Lemonnier Fabienne , Rostan Florence , Crochet Laurianne , Tezier Benjamin , Vuillemin Anne
Published: January 2021

The settings-based approach to health promotion within sports clubs is a growing field of research. Evidence of health promotion intervention effectiveness in scientific literature is scarce, and little is known about their implementation mechanisms. The present study explores how promising health promotion interventions in eight French sports clubs are developed, and how the health promoting sports club’s intervention planning framework is applied. A method to collect Experiential Knowledge in health promotion was used, based on two iterative interviews to analyze intervention mechanisms and completed with document analysis. A deductive analysis using the health promoting sports club intervention planning framework was then undertaken. Among the 14 evidence-driven strategies, 13 were implemented in sports clubs (min = 9; max = 13). Policies were not targeted by any of the interventions. Key competencies of the managers of these health promotion interventions were identified: (1) having a deep understanding of the public and environment, (2) acquiring a high capacity to mobilize internal and external human resources, (3) possessing communication skills and (4) having an ability to write grant applications. By using evidence-driven strategies and intervention components, sports professionals can use this experiential knowledge to create successful and sustainable interventions.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Mental and Emotional Health Outcomes among Africans during the COVID-19 Lockdown Period—A Web-based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Langsi Raymond , Osuagwu Uchechukwu L , Goson Piwuna Christopher , Abu Emmanuel Kwasi , Mashige Khathutshelo P , Ekpenyong Bernadine , Ovenseri-Ogbomo Godwin O , Chikasirimobi G Timothy , Miner Chundung Asabe , Ishaya Tanko , Oloruntoba Richard , Nwaeze Obinna , Charwe Deborah Donald , Agho Kingsley Emwinyore
Published: January 2021

Mental health and emotional responses to the effects of COVID-19 lockdown in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are of serious public health concern and may negatively affect the mental health status of people. Hence, this study assessed the prevalence of mental health symptoms as well as emotional reactions among sub-Saharan Africans (SSAs) and associated factors among SSAs during the COVID-19 lockdown period. This was a web-based cross-sectional study on mental health and emotional features from 2005 respondents in seven SSA countries. This study was conducted between 17 April and 17 May 2020 corresponding to the lockdown period in most SSA countries. Respondents aged 18 years and above and the self-reported symptoms were feeling anxious, being worried, angry, bored and frustrated. These were the main outcomes and were treated as dichotomous variables. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the factors associated with these symptoms. We found that over half (52.2%) of the participants reported any of the mental health symptoms and the prevalence of feeling bored was 70.5% followed by feeling anxious (59.1%), being worried (57.5%), frustrated (51.5%) and angry (22.3%) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multivariate analysis revealed that males, those aged >28 years, those who lived in Central and Southern Africa, those who were not married, the unemployed, those living with more than six persons in a household, had higher odds of mental health and emotional symptoms. Similarly, people who perceived low risk of contracting the infection, and those who thought the pandemic would not continue after the lockdown had higher odds of mental health and emotional symptoms. Health care workers had lower odds for feeling angry than non-healthcare workers. During the COVID-19 lockdown periods in SSA, about one in two participants reported mental health and emotional symptoms. Public health measures can be effectively used to identify target groups for prevention and treatment of mental health and emotional symptoms. Such interventions should be an integral component of SSA governments’ response and recovery strategies of any future pandemic.
Effects of Respiratory Disorders on Smoking Cessation and Re-Initiation in an Italian Cohort Study
Authors: Finocchio Eliana , Olivieri Mario , Nguyen Giang , Bortolami Oscar , Marchetti Pierpaolo , Vesentini Roberta , Torroni Lorena , Spiteri Gianluca , Locatelli Francesca , Moretti Francesca , Fois Alessandro , Pirina Pietro , Ferrari Marcello , Verlato Giuseppe
Published: January 2021

The present study aims to prospectively assess the influence of respiratory disorders on smoking cessation and re-initiation. Three population-based Italian cohorts answered a questionnaire on respiratory health and smoking habits during 1998–2001 and after a mean follow-up (SD) of 9.1 (0.8) years. Out of 1874 current smokers and 1166 ex-smokers at baseline, 965 (51.5%) and 735 (63.0%) reported their smoking status at follow-up. From current smokers, 312 had stopped smoking at follow-up, while 86 ex-smokers had resumed smoking. People reporting asthma at baseline were more likely to stop smoking than the other subjects (48.6% vs. 31.7%), while people reporting allergic rhinitis or chronic cough/phlegm had a higher probability to resume smoking (16.7% vs. 10.5% and 20.7% vs. 10.4%, respectively). In the multivariable logistic model, smoking relapse strongly decreased with increasing abstinence duration in people without chronic cough/phlegm (OR for ≥7.5 years vs. <7.5 years = 0.23, 95% CI 0.20–0.27), while no effect was detected in people with chronic cough/phlegm (p for interaction = 0.039). Smoking cessation was enhanced in asthmatic subjects, while people with allergic rhinitis or chronic cough/phlegm were at higher risk to resume smoking. Chronic cough/phlegm blunted the decrease in smoking resumption associated with longer abstinence duration.
Real-World Data and Machine Learning to Predict Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: García-García Elena , González-Romero Gracia María , Martín-Pérez Encarna M. , Zapata Cornejo Enrique de Dios , Escobar-Aguilar Gema , Cárdenas Bonnet Marlon Félix
Published: January 2021

(1) Background: Cardiac amyloidosis or “stiff heart syndrome” is a rare condition that occurs when amyloid deposits occupy the heart muscle. Many patients suffer from it and fail to receive a timely diagnosis mainly because the disease is a rare form of restrictive cardiomyopathy that is difficult to diagnose, often associated with a poor prognosis. This research analyses the characteristics of this pathology and proposes a statistical learning algorithm that helps to detect the disease. (2) Methods: The hospitalization clinical (medical and nursing ones) records used for this study are the basis of the learning and training techniques of the algorithm. The approach consisted of using the information generated by the patients in each admission and discharge episode and treating it as data vectors to facilitate their aggregation. The large volume of clinical histories implied a high dimensionality of the data, and the lack of diagnosis led to a severe class imbalance caused by the low prevalence of the disease. (3) Results: Although there are few patients with amyloidosis in this study, the proposed approach demonstrates that it is possible to learn from clinical records despite the lack of data. In the validation phase, the algorithm first acted on data from the general study population. It then was applied to a sample of patients diagnosed with heart failure. The results revealed that the algorithm detects disease when data vectors profile each disease episode. (4) Conclusions: The prediction levels showed that this technique could be useful in screening processes on a specific population to detect the disease.
Barriers and Facilitators of Safe Communication in Obstetrics: Results from Qualitative Interviews with Physicians, Midwives and Nurses
Authors: Schmiedhofer Martina , Derksen Christina , Keller Franziska Maria , Dietl Johanna Elisa , Häussler Freya , Strametz Reinhard , Koester-Steinebach Ilona , Lippke Sonia
Published: January 2021

Patient safety is an important objective in health care. Preventable adverse events (pAEs) as the counterpart to patient safety are harmful incidents that fell behind health care standards and have led to temporary or permanent harm or death. As safe communication and mutual understanding are of crucial importance for providing a high quality of care under everyday conditions, we aimed to identify barriers and facilitators that impact safe communication in obstetrics from the subjective perspective of health care workers. A qualitative study with 20 semi-structured interviews at two university hospitals in Germany was conducted to explore everyday perceptions from a subjective perspective (subjective theories). Physicians, midwives, and nurses in a wide span of professional experience and positions were enrolled. We identified a structural area of conflict at the professional interface between midwives and physicians. Mandatory interprofessional meetings, acceptance of subjective mistakes, mutual understanding, and debriefings of conflict situations are reported to improve collaboration. Additionally, emergency trainings, trainings in precise communication, and handovers are proposed to reduce risks for pAEs. Furthermore, the participants reported time-constraints and understaffing as a huge burden that hinders safe communication. Concluding, safety culture and organizational management are closely entwined and strategies should address various levels of which communication trainings are promising.
Predictive Factors of Self-Reported Quality of Life in Acquired Brain Injury: One-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Aza Alba , Verdugo Miguel Á. , Orgaz María Begoña , Amor Antonio M. , Fernández María
Published: January 2021

Background: The sequelae and disabilities that follow an acquired brain injury (ABI) may negatively affect quality of life (QoL). The main objective of the study is to describe the QoL after an ABI and identify the predictors of a better QoL. Methods: Prospective cohort study with follow-up measurement after one-year. The sample comprised 203 adults with ABIs (64% male) aged 18–86 years (M = 53.01, SD = 14.44). Stroke was the main etiology of the injury (55.7%), followed by a TBI (32.8%), and the average time since injury was 8 years (M = 8.25, SD = 7.83, range = 0.5–47.5). Patients assessed their QoL through the scale Calidad de Vida en Daño Cerebral (CAVIDACE self-reported version; “quality of life in brain injury” in English), an ABI-specific tool based on the eight-domain QoL model. Other variables measured were: depression, self-awareness, community integration, resilience, and social support at baseline and one-year follow-up. Results: The studied factors showed few significant changes over time. The analyses showed statistically significant differences in QoL scores in several sociodemographic (age, civil status, education, legal capacity, and dependency), injury-related (time, location, and comorbidity), rehabilitation, and personal-social variables (self-awareness, depression, social support, resilience, and community integration). The levels of dependency, depression, and satisfaction with social support were independent predictors of the total QoL score one-year follow-up. Conclusions: QoL after ABI depends on multiple elements that must be considered. There are factors such as satisfaction with social support, depression, community integration, and resilience that must be monitored throughout the rehabilitation process.
Study on Fractal Characteristics of Migration-Population Flow—Evidence from Egypt
Authors: Zhao Sidong , Wang Xingping , Ma Zhishan
Published: January 2021

Population migration is a major event of optimizing the allocation of production factors and a key way to construct regional relations and promote spatial reconstruction. However, there are few papers published on population migration that have a direct impact on the sustainable development of deserts owing to the more sensitive and complex man–earth relationship. Therefore, it is important to study the laws and characteristics of population migration in such regions. The study of Egypt by Zipf’s law shows that the spatial distribution of migration population size conforms to the law of power function with fractal characteristics of different types. The migration population is generally in a “Pareto” state in spatial distribution. Decentralization power is the leading driving force of spatial distribution, and scale-free regional distribution shows significant spatial agglomeration and gradient. Limited by research scope and “heavy tail” factors, Zipf’s law is not completely applicable. The spatial pattern and flow field characteristics of the migration population are analyzed in this paper by the conversion from “structural fractal” to “spatial fractal” based on scale-free geographic projection, providing the reference for the formulation of population governance policies and spatial planning strategies in Egypt and more desert countries.
Predicting the Distribution of the Invasive Species Leptocybe invasa: Combining MaxEnt and Geodetector Models
Authors: Zhang Hua , Song Jinyue , Zhao Haoxiang , Li Ming , Han Wuhong
Published: January 2021

Leptocybe invasa is a globally invasive pest of eucalyptus plantations, and is steadily spread throughout China. Predicting the growth area of L. invasa in China is beneficial to the establishment of early monitoring, forecasting, and prevention of this pest. Based on 194 valid data points and 21 environmental factors of L. invasa in China, this study simulated the potential distribution area of L. invasa in China under three current and future climate scenarios (SSPs1–2.5, SSPs2–3.5, and SSPs5–8.5) via the MaxEnt model. The study used the species distribution model (SDM) toolbox in ArcGIS software to analyze the potential distribution range and change of L. invasa. The importance of crucial climate factors was evaluated by total contribution rate, knife-cut method, and environmental variable response curve, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to test and evaluate the accuracy of the model. The results showed that the simulation effect of the MaxEnt model is excellent (area under the ROC curve (AUC) = 0.982). The prediction showed that L. invasa is mainly distributed in Guangxi, Guangdong, Hainan, and surrounding provinces, which is consistent with the current actual distribution range. The distribution area of the potential high fitness zone of L. invasa in the next three scenarios increases by between 37.37% and 95.20% compared with the current distribution. Climate change affects the distribution of L. invasa, with the annual average temperature, the lowest temperature of the coldest month, the average temperature of the driest season, the average temperature of the coldest month, and the precipitation in the wettest season the most important. In the future, the core areas of the potential distribution of L. invasa in China will be located in Yunnan, Guangxi, Guangdong, and Hainan. They tend to spread to high latitudes (Hubei, Anhui, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and other regions).
Measurement of Multiple Cardiac Performance Endpoints in Daphnia and Zebrafish by Kymograph
Authors: Kurnia Kevin Adi , Saputra Ferry , Roldan Marri Jmelou M. , Castillo Agnes L. , Huang Jong-Chin , Chen Kelvin H.-C. , Lai Hong-Thih , Hsiao Chung-Der
Published: January 2021

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death worldwide. This condition resulted in huge research on CVD increasing the need for animal models suitable for in vivo research. Daphnia and zebrafish are good animal models for cardiovascular research due to their relative body transparency and easy culture property. Several methods have been developed to conduct cardiac performance measurement in Daphnia and zebrafish. However, most of the methods are only able to obtain heartbeat rate. The other important cardiac endpoints like stroke volume, ejection fraction, fraction shortening, cardiac output, and heartbeat regularity must use other programs for measurement. To overcome this limitation, in this study, we successfully developed a one-stop ImageJ-based method using kymograph macros language that is able to obtain multiple cardiac performance endpoints simultaneously for the first time. To validate its utility, we incubated Daphnia magna at different ambient temperatures and exposed zebrafish with astemizole to detect the corresponding cardiac performance alterations. In summary, the kymograph method reported in this study provides a new, easy to use, and inexpensive one-stop method obtaining multiple cardiac performance endpoints with high accuracy and convenience.
“Go To Travel” Campaign and Travel-Associated Coronavirus Disease 2019 Cases: A Descriptive Analysis, July–August 2020
Authors: Anzai Asami , Nishiura Hiroshi
Published: January 2021

The Japanese government initiated the Go To Travel campaign on 22 July 2020, offering deep discounts on hotel charges and issuing coupons to be used for any consumption at travel destinations in Japan. In the present study, we aimed to describe the possible epidemiological impact of the tourism campaign on increasing travel-associated cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the country. We compared the incidence rates of travel-associated and tourism-related cases prior to and during the campaign. The incidence of travel-associated COVID-19 cases during the tourism campaign was approximately three times greater than the control period 22 June to 21 July 2020 and approximately 1.5 times greater than the control period of 15 to 19 July. The incidence owing to tourism was approximately 8 times and 2–3 times greater than the control periods of 22 June to 21 July and 15 to 19 July, respectively. Although the second epidemic wave in Japan had begun to decline by mid-August, enhanced domestic tourism may have contributed to increasing travel-associated COVID-19 cases during 22 to 26 July, the early stage of the Go To Travel campaign.
Differences in Penile Hemodynamic Profiles in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction and Anxiety
Authors: Cannarella Rossella , Calogero Aldo E. , Aversa Antonio , Condorelli Rosita A. , La Vignera Sandro
Published: January 2021

Background: Penile echo-color Doppler ultrasound (PCDU) is the gold standard for the diagnosis of arterial erectile dysfunction (ED). Its reliability in patients with anxiety was questioned, due to false-positive results. Aim: To assess the penile hemodynamic response to intracavernous injection (ICI) of alprostadil in patients with anxiety-related ED. Methods: Patients with non-organic ED and a 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score ranging between 5 and 7 were enrolled. They were asked to compile the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) questionnaire to assess the degree of anxiety and were divided according to the GAD-7 score in Group 1 with minimal level of anxiety (n = 20), Group 2 with mild anxiety (n = 20), Group 3 with moderate anxiety (n = 20), and Group 4 with severe anxiety (n = 20). Peak systolic velocity (PSV) and the end-diastolic velocity (EDV) were sampled in all patients, through PCDU in the flaccid state, and 5, 10, 15, and 20 min after ICI of alprostadil at the standard dose of 10 μg. Results: In penile flaccidity, the patients showed a mean PSV of 8.0 ± 4.0 cm/s. The degree of anxiety was found to significantly influence both PSV and EDV at all assessed time-points. Particularly, it was negatively associated with the PSV at time 5 (r = −0.9, p < 0.01), 10 (r = −0.9, p < 0.01), 15 (r = −0.9, p < 0.01), and 20 (r = −0.7, p < 0.01) minutes, and positively with the EDV at time 5 (r = 0.7, p < 0.01), 10 (r = 0.6, p < 0.01), 15 (r = 0.5, p < 0.01), and 20 (r = 0.3, p < 0.01) minutes. Although all patients showed a mean dynamic PSV > 25 cm/s (which excluded an arterial ED according to the current guidelines), a peculiar hemodynamic pattern was found in patients with severe anxiety. In these patients, normal PSV values were reached only after 20 min from ICI, suggesting a “late-responder” profile. Conclusion: If further studies confirm the existence of a distinct hemodynamic profile in patients with severe anxiety, sampling the PSV and the EDV values could be proposed, for detecting patients with severe anxiety-related ED. Dynamic PCDU could be considered an accurate diagnostic test in patients with non-organic ED, since zero false-positive results were found in the present study. PSV in the flaccid state is not able to discriminate between arterial- or non-organic ED.
Risk Factors of Intervertebral Disc Pathology—A Point of View Formerly and Today—A Review
Authors: Zielinska Nicol , Podgórski Michał , Haładaj Robert , Polguj Michał , Olewnik Łukasz
Published: January 2021

Intervertebral disc pathology is a common disorder that can be caused by genetic, mechanical, and behavioral factors; however, it is possible to slow its progression. Although environmental and behavioral factors were previously considered to be the sole causes of intervertebral disc pathologies such as disc herniation, recent studies have shown that genetic factors also play an important role. This review compares the perception of major risk factors from the last and present centuries. It also examines individual genetic and non-genetic factors acting as risk factors, as well as some approaches for preventing intervertebral disc pathologies, and compares available statistics regarding disc herniation.
Hydroxyapatite-Based Magnetic Bionanocomposite as Pharmaceuticals Carriers in Chitosan Scaffolds
Authors: Chaves Anderson Valério , Freire Rafael Melo , Feitosa Victor Pinheiro , Ricardo Nágila Maria Pontes Silva , Denardin Juliano Casagrande , Andrade Neto Davino Machado , Fechine Pierre Basílio Almeida
Published: January 2021

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a bioceramic very similar to the mineral component of bones and teeth. It is well established that osteoblasts grow better onto HA-coated metals than on metals alone. Herein, the preparation of a new system consisting of magnetite (Fe3O4) and HA functionalized with oleic acid and simvastatin (SIMV), and incorporated in chitosan (CHI) scaffolds, was undertaken. HA was synthesized by the hydrothermal method, while Fe3O4 was synthesized by co-precipitation. The polymer matrix was obtained using a 2% CHI solution, and allowed to stir for 2 h. The final material was freeze-dried to produce scaffolds. The magnetic properties remained unchanged after the formation of the composite, as well as after the preparation of the scaffolds, maintaining the superparamagnetism. CHI scaffolds were analyzed by scanning electronic spectroscopy (SEM) and showed a high porosity, with very evident cavities, which provides the functionality of bone growth support during the remineralization process in possible regions affected by bone tissue losses. The synthesized composite showed an average particle size between 15 and 23 nm for particles (HA and Fe3O4). The scaffolds showed considerable porosity, which is important for the performance of various functions of the tissue structure. Moreover, the addition of simvastatin in the system can promote bone formation.
Numerical and Experimental Study of AlSi Coating Effect on Nugget Size Growth in Resistance Spot Welding of Hot-Stamped Boron Steels
Authors: Afzal Ali , Hamedi Mohsen , Nielsen Chris Valentin
Published: January 2021

In recent years, increasing automotive safety by improving crashworthiness has been a focal point in the automotive industry, employing high-strength steel such as press hardenable steel (PHS). In addition to the improved strength of individual parts in the body of the vehicle, the strength of the resistance-spot-welded joints of these parts is highly important to obtain a safe structure. In general, dimensions of weld nuggets are regarded as one of the criteria for the quality of spot-welded joints. In the presented research, a three-dimensional axisymmetric finite element model is developed to predict the nugget formation in resistance spot welding (RSW) of two types of PHS: the uncoated and AlSi-coated 1.8 mm boron steel after hot stamping. A fully coupled electro-thermo-mechanical analysis was conducted using the commercial software package Abaqus. The FE predicted weld nugget development is compared with experimental results. The computed weld nugget sizes show good agreement with experimental values.
Cis-Bis(2,2′-Azopyridinido)dicarbonylruthenium(II)
Authors: Takase Tsugiko , Kainuma Shuya , Kanno Takatoshi , Oyama Dai
Published: January 2021

An [Ru(apy)2Cl2] precursor (apy = 2,2′-azopyridine) in 2-methoxyethanol was heated under a pressurized CO atmosphere to afford a diradical complex, [Ru(apy·−)2(CO)2], containing one-electron-reduced azo anion radical ligands. The electronic states of the complex were characterized by spectroscopic techniques and computational studies. Magnetic measurements revealed the existence of antiferromagnetic interactions in the diradical complex.
4′-(5-N-Propylthiophen-2-yl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine
Authors: Husson Jérôme , Guyard Laurent
Published: January 2021

A new thiophene-substituted terpyridine derivative has been prepared through the reaction between 5-n-propylthiophene-2-carboxaldehyde and 2-acetylpyridine. This terpyridine derivative bears an alkyl chain linked via a thiophene heterocycle.
Hydration and Strength Development of Cementitious Materials Prepared with Phosphorous-Bearing Clinkers
Authors: Xie Lilan , Deng Min , Tang Jinhui , Liu Kaiwei
Published: January 2021

To rationally use low-grade phosphorous limestone as the raw materials for cement production, the influence of phosphorous introduced by fluorapatite during the clinker calcination process on the mechanical properties of cementitious materials is investigated. Hydration kinetics, phase evolutions, and microstructure of cement pastes have been studied by using calorimetry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicate that the mechanical properties of cementitious materials can be slightly improved due to the mineralization effect of the small amount of phosphorous in the clinker and significantly decreased with an increase of phosphorous. High content of phosphorous will reduce the content of C3S and make the formation of α′-C2S-xC3P(x: 0–0.05), whose hydration reactivity is rather lower, such that on the one hand less-hydrated products, such as calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel, can be obtained, and on the other hand, the hydration reaction will be slowed by severely prolonging the induction period. Interestingly, small particles can be observed on the surface of hydration products, but no new phase can be detected by XRD. When the content of P2O5 is 2.0%, the cement can meet the requirements of P·II 42.5 cement in China. Hopefully, this can provide significant guidance for the use of cement prepared by fluorapatite as raw material.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Materials in 2020
Authors:   Materials Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Materials maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Numerical Modelling of Vibration Responses of Helical Gears under Progressive Tooth Wear for Condition Monitoring
Authors: Sun Xiuquan , Wang Tie , Zhang Ruiliang , Gu Fengshou , Ball Andrew D.
Published: January 2021

Gear wear is a common fault that occurs in a gear transmission system that degrades the operating efficiency and may cause other catastrophic failures such as tooth breakage and fatigue. The progressive wear of a helical gear and its influences on vibration responses are rarely investigated due to the combined effects of the complicated lubrication state and the time-varying characteristic. To fill this gap, a numerical study was put forward to investigate the interactions between gear wear and dynamic response. In this study, an Archard’s wear model with elastohydradynamic lubrication (EHL) effect is adopted to simulate the helical gear wear, which is incorporated with an eight-degree of freedom dynamic model for understanding the gear dynamic at different wear degrees. The wear model shows that the gear wear mainly happens at the gear root due to the relative high slide-to-roll ratio. The dynamic modelling results demonstrate that the wear causes a reduction in time-varying gear mesh stiffness further leads to more vibration. Besides, the simulated vibration responses and experimental validation show that the wear cause increases in the amplitudes of the gear mesh frequency and its harmonics, which can reflect the evolution of progressive gear wear and can be used as monitoring features of gear wear.
Partial Resection of Spinous Process for the Elderly Patients with Thoraco-Lumbar Kyphosis: Technical Report
Authors: Inanami Hirohiko , Iwai Hiroki , Kato So , Takano Yuichi , Yuzawa Yohei , Yanagisawa Kazuyoshi , Kaneko Takeshi , Segawa Tomohide , Matsudaira Ko , Oka Hiroyuki , Oshina Masahito , Fukusima Masayoshi , Saiki Fumiko , Oshima Yasushi
Published: January 2021

Background and objectives: Global sagittal imbalance with lumbar hypo-lordosis can cause low back pain (LBP) during standing and/or walking. This condition has recently been well-known as one of the major causes of reduced health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in elderly populations. Decrease in disc space of anterior elements and an increase in the spinous process height of posterior elements may both contribute to the decrease in lordosis of the lumbar spine. To correct the sagittal imbalance, the mainstream option is still a highly invasive surgery, such as long-segment fusion with posterior wedge osteotomy. Therefore, we developed a treatment that is partial resection of several spinous processes of thoraco-lumbar spine (PRSP) and lumbar extension exercise to improve the flexibility of the spine as postoperative rehabilitation. Materials and Methods: Consecutively, seven patients with over 60 mm of sagittal vertical axis (SVA) underwent PRSP. The operation was performed with several small midline skin incisions under general anesthesia. After splitting the supraspinous ligaments, the cranial or caudal tip of the spinous process of several thoraco-lumbar spines was removed, and postoperative rehabilitation was followed to improve extension flexibility. Results: The average follow-up period was 13.0 months. The average blood loss and operation time were 11.4 mL and 47.4 min, respectively. The mean SVA improved from 119 to 93 mm but deteriorated in one case. The mean numerical rating scale of low back pain improved from 6.6 to 3.7 without any exacerbations. The mean Oswestry Disability Index score was improved from 32.4% to 19.1% in six cases, with one worsened case. Conclusions: We performed PRSP and lumbar extension exercise for the patients with LBP due to lumbar kyphosis. This minimally invasive treatment was considered to be effective in improving the symptoms of low back pain and HRQOL, especially of elderly patients with lumbar kyphosis.
Epidemiology, Staging, and Management of Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Padala Sandeep Anand , Barsouk Adam , Barsouk Alexander , Rawla Prashanth , Vakiti Anusha , Kolhe Ravindra , Kota Vamsi , Ajebo Germame Hailegiorgis
Published: January 2021

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell disorder that is on the rise throughout the world, especially in the US, Australia, and Western Europe. In the US, MM accounts for almost 2% of cancer diagnoses and over 2% of cancer deaths (more than double the global proportion). Incidence has risen by 126% globally and over 40% in the US since 1990, while global mortality has risen by 94% and US mortality has fallen by 18%. The 5 year survival in the US has more than doubled over the past decades with the introduction of new targeted therapies and transplant techniques. Risk factors for MM include age (average age of diagnosis is 69), race (African Americans are over double as likely to be diagnosed), sex (men are at a 1.5× risk), and family history. Diagnosis includes serum or urine electrophoresis and free light-chain assay but requires bone marrow biopsy. It is distinguished from smoldering myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance by a high (>3 g/dL) level of M-protein (monoclonal light chains) and the presence of CRAB (Hypercalcemia, Renal failure, Anemia, Bone pain) symptoms, which include hypercalcemia, renal failure, anemia, and bone pain, suggesting an end-organ damage. International staging system staging involves beta 2 microglobulin and albumin levels, while the revised system considers prognostic factors such as lactate dehydrogenase levels and chromosomal abnormalities. Front-line management includes induction regimen, maintenance therapy and hematopoietic cell transplantation for eligible patients and bisphosphonates or bone-stimulating agents for the prevention of skeletal events. Treatment for relapsed disease includes newly approved monoclonal antibodies like the CD38-targeting daratumumab, proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulating agents, and investigational therapies such as B cell maturation antigen Chimeric antigen receptor T cells.
Coal Fly Ash Derived Silica Nanomaterial for MMMs—Application in CO2/CH4 Separation
Authors: Miricioiu Marius , Niculescu Violeta-Carolina , Filote Constantin , Raboaca Maria , Nechifor Gheorghe
Published: January 2021

In order to obtained high selective membrane for industrial applications (such as natural gas purification), mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were developed based on polysulfone as matrix and MCM-41-type silica material (obtained from coal fly ash) as filler. As a consequence, various quantities of filler were used to determine the membranes efficiency on CO2/CH4 separation. The coal fly ash derived silica nanomaterial and the membranes were characterized in terms of thermal stability, homogeneity, and pore size distribution. There were observed similar properties of the obtained nanomaterial with a typical MCM-41 (obtained from commercial silicates), such as high surface area and pore size distribution. The permeability tests highlighted that the synthesized membranes can be applicable for CO2 removal from CH4, due to unnoticeable differences between real and ideal selectivity. Additionally, the membranes showed high resistance to CO2 plasticization, due to permeability decrease even at high feed pressure, up to 16 bar.
Speciation of Manganese in a Synthetic Recycling Slag Relevant for Lithium Recycling from Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Wittkowski Alena , Schirmer Thomas , Qiu Hao , Goldmann Daniel , Fittschen Ursula E. A.
Published: January 2021

Lithium aluminum oxide has previously been identified to be a suitable compound to recover lithium (Li) from Li-ion battery recycling slags. Its formation is hampered in the presence of high concentrations of manganese (9 wt.% MnO2). In this study, mock-up slags of the system Li2O-CaO-SiO2-Al2O3-MgO-MnOx with up to 17 mol% MnO2-content were prepared. The manganese (Mn)-bearing phases were characterized with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and X-ray absorption near edge structure analysis (XANES). The XRD results confirm the decrease of LiAlO2 phases from Mn-poor slags (7 mol% MnO2) to Mn-rich slags (17 mol% MnO2). The Mn-rich grains are predominantly present as idiomorphic and relatively large (>50 µm) crystals. XRD, EPMA and XANES suggest that manganese is present in the form of a spinel solid solution. The absence of light elements besides Li and O allowed to estimate the Li content in the Mn-rich grain, and to determine a generic stoichiometry of the spinel solid solution, i.e., (Li(2x)Mn2+(1−x))1+x(Al(2−z),Mn3+z)O4. The coefficients x and z were determined at several locations of the grain. It is shown that the aluminum concentration decreases, while the manganese concentration increases from the start (x: 0.27; z: 0.54) to the end (x: 0.34; z: 1.55) of the crystallization.
Effect of Titanium Modification on Microstructure and Impact Toughness of High-Boron Multi-Component Alloy
Authors: Ren Xiangyi , Tang Shuli , Fu Hanguang , Xing Jiandong
Published: January 2021

This work investigated the microstructure and mechanical property of high-boron multi-component alloy with Fe, B, C, Cr, Mo, Al, Si, V, Mn and different contents of Ti. The results indicate that the as-cast metallurgical microstructure of high-boron multi-component alloys consist of ferrite, pearlite and borocarbide. In an un-modified alloy, continuous reticular structure of borocarbide is observed. After titanium addition, the structure of borocarbide changes into a fine and isolated morphology. TiC is the existence form of titanium in the alloy, which acts as the heterogeneous nuclei for eutectic borocarbide. Moreover, impact toughness of the alloy is remarkably improved by titanium modification.
Synthesis of Chiral Helic[1]triptycene[3]arenes and Their Enantioselective Recognition towards Chiral Guests Containing Aminoindan Groups
Authors: Li Jing , Han Ying , Chen Chuan-Feng
Published: January 2021

Starting from the enantiopure precursors, a pair of chiral macrocyclic arenes named helic[1]triptycene[3]arenes were conveniently synthesized. The circular dichroism (CD) spectra of the enantiomeric macrocyclic arenes exhibited mirror images, and the X-ray single crystal structures confirmed their absolute conformations as well. Moreover, the macrocyclic arenes showed strong complexation with secondary ammonium and primary ammonium salts containing aminoindan groups. In particular, the chiral macrocyclic arenes exhibited enantioselective recognition ability towards the chiral secondary ammonium salts containing aminoindan groups with an enantioselective ratio up to 3.89.
Hydrolysis of Element (White) Phosphorus under the Action of Heterometallic Cubane-Type Cluster {Mo3PdS4}
Authors: Kuchkaev Airat M. , Shmelev Nikita Y. , Kuchkaev Aidar M. , Sukhov Aleksandr V. , Babaev Vasily M. , Khayarov Khasan R. , Gushchin Artem L. , Sokolov Maxim N. , Sinyashin Oleg G. , Yakhvarov Dmitry G.
Published: January 2021

Reaction of heterometallic cubane-type cluster complexes—[Mo3{Pd(dba)}S4Cl3(dbbpy)3]PF6, [Mo3{Pd(tu)}S4Cl3(dbbpy)3]Cl and [Mo3{Pd(dba)}S4(acac)3(py)3]PF6, where dba—dibenzylideneacetone, dbbpy—4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine, tu—thiourea, acac—acetylacetonate, py—pyridine, with white phosphorus (P4) in the presence of water leads to the formation of phosphorous acid H3PO3 as the major product. The crucial role of the Pd atom in the cluster core {Mo3PdS4} has been established in the hydrolytic activation of P4 molecule. The main intermediate of the process, the cluster complex [Mo3{PdP(OH)3}S4Cl3(dbbpy)3]+ with coordinated P(OH)3 molecule and phosphine PH3, have been detected by 31P NMR spectroscopy in the reaction mixture.
Evaluation of [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-PEG7-H-Tz for Pretargeted Imaging in LS174T Xenografts—Comparison to [111In]In-DOTA-PEG11-BisPy-Tz
Authors: Poulie Christian B. M. , Jørgensen Jesper T. , Shalgunov Vladimir , Kougioumtzoglou Georgios , Jeppesen Troels Elmer , Kjaer Andreas , Herth Matthias M.
Published: January 2021

Pretargeted nuclear imaging for the diagnosis of various cancers is an emerging and fast developing field. The tetrazine ligation is currently considered the most promising reaction in this respect. Monoclonal antibodies are often the preferred choice as pretargeting vector due to their outstanding targeting properties. In this work, we evaluated the performance of [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-PEG7-H-Tz using a setup we previously used for [111In]In-DOTA-PEG11-BisPy-Tz, thereby allowing for comparison of the performance of these two promising pretargeting imaging agents. The evaluation included a comparison of the physicochemical properties of the compounds and their performance in an ex vivo blocking assay. Finally, [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-PEG7-H-Tz was evaluated in a pretargeted imaging study and compared to [111In]In-DOTA-PEG11-BisPy-Tz. Despite minor differences, this study indicated that both evaluated tetrazines are equally suited for pretargeted imaging.
Synergism and Subadditivity of Verbascoside-Lignans and -Iridoids Binary Mixtures Isolated from Castilleja tenuiflora Benth. on NF-κB/AP-1 Inhibition Activity
Authors: Arango-De la Pava Luis David , Zamilpa Alejandro , Trejo-Espino José Luis , Domínguez-Mendoza Blanca Eda , Jiménez-Ferrer Enrique , Pérez-Martínez Leonor , Trejo-Tapia Gabriela
Published: January 2021

Pharmacodynamic interactions between plant isolated compounds are important to understand the mode of action of an herbal extract to formulate or create better standardized extracts, phytomedicines, or phytopharmaceuticals. In this work, we propose binary mixtures using a leader compound to found pharmacodynamic interactions in inhibition of the NF-κB/AP-1 pathway using RAW-Blue™ cells. Eight compounds were isolated from Castilleja tenuiflora, four were new furofuran-type lignans for the species magnolin, eudesmin, sesamin, and kobusin. Magnolin (60.97%) was the most effective lignan inhibiting the NF-κB/AP-1 pathway, followed by eudesmin (56.82%), tenuifloroside (52.91%), sesamin (52.63%), and kobusin (45.45%). Verbascoside, a major compound contained in wild C. tenuiflora showed an inhibitory effect on NF-κB/AP-1. This polyphenol was chosen as a leader compound for binary mixtures. Verbacoside-aucubin and verbascoside-kobusin produced synergism, while verbascoside-tenuifloroside had subadditivity in all concentrations. Verbascoside-kobusin is a promising mixture to use on NF-κB/AP-1 related diseases and anti-inflammatory C. tenuiflora-based phytomedicines.
Zingiber officinale Roscoe Rhizomes Attenuate Oxaliplatin-Induced Neuropathic Pain in Mice
Authors: Lee Ji Hwan , Min Daeun , Lee Donghun , Kim Woojin
Published: January 2021

Oxaliplatin is a platinum derivative chemotherapeutic drug widely used against cancers, but even a single treatment can induce a severe allodynia that requires treatment interruption and dose diminution. The rhizome of Zingiber officinale roscoe (Z. officinale, ginger), has been widely used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases causing pain; however, its effect against oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain has never been assessed. In mice, a single oxaliplatin (6 mg/kg, i.p.) treatment induced significant cold and mechanical allodynia. Cold and mechanical allodynia were assessed by acetone drop and von Frey filament tests, respectively. Water extracts of Z. officinale (100, 300, and 500 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly attenuated both cold and mechanical allodynia induced by oxaliplatin. Intrathecal pre-treatment with the antagonist 5-HT1A (NAN-190, i.t., 1 μg), but not with the antagonist 5-HT2A (ketanserin, i.t., 1 μg), significantly blocked the analgesic effect of Z. officinale against both cold and mechanical allodynia. However, 5-HT3 antagonist (MDL-72222, i.t., 15 μg) administration only blocked the anti-allodynic effect of Z. officinale against cold allodynia. Real-time PCR analysis demonstrated that Z. officinale significantly increased the mRNA expression of the spinal 5-HT1A receptor that was downregulated after oxaliplatin injection. These results suggest that Z. officinale may be a viable treatment option for oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain.
Heme Binding to HupZ with a C-Terminal Tag from Group A Streptococcus
Authors: Traore Ephrahime S. , Li Jiasong , Chiura Tapiwa , Geng Jiafeng , Sachla Ankita J. , Yoshimoto Francis , Eichenbaum Zehava , Davis Ian , Mak Piotr J. , Liu Aimin
Published: January 2021

HupZ is an expected heme degrading enzyme in the heme acquisition and utilization pathway in Group A Streptococcus. The isolated HupZ protein containing a C-terminal V5-His6 tag exhibits a weak heme degradation activity. Here, we revisited and characterized the HupZ-V5-His6 protein via biochemical, mutagenesis, protein quaternary structure, UV–vis, EPR, and resonance Raman spectroscopies. The results show that the ferric heme-protein complex did not display an expected ferric EPR signal and that heme binding to HupZ triggered the formation of higher oligomeric states. We found that heme binding to HupZ was an O2-dependent process. The single histidine residue in the HupZ sequence, His111, did not bind to the ferric heme, nor was it involved with the weak heme-degradation activity. Our results do not favor the heme oxygenase assignment because of the slow binding of heme and the newly discovered association of the weak heme degradation activity with the His6-tag. Altogether, the data suggest that the protein binds heme by its His6-tag, resulting in a heme-induced higher-order oligomeric structure and heme stacking. This work emphasizes the importance of considering exogenous tags when interpreting experimental observations during the study of heme utilization proteins.
The Sesquiterpene Synthase PtTPS5 Produces (1S,5S,7R,10R)-Guaia-4(15)-en-11-ol and (1S,7R,10R)-Guaia-4-en-11-ol in Oomycete-Infected Poplar Roots
Authors: Lackus Nathalie D. , Morawetz Jennifer , Xu Houchao , Gershenzon Jonathan , Dickschat Jeroen S. , Köllner Tobias G.
Published: January 2021

Pathogen infection often leads to the enhanced formation of specialized plant metabolites that act as defensive barriers against microbial attackers. In this study, we investigated the formation of potential defense compounds in roots of the Western balsam poplar (Populus trichocarpa) upon infection with the generalist root pathogen Phytophthora cactorum (Oomycetes). P. cactorum infection led to an induced accumulation of terpenes, aromatic compounds, and fatty acids in poplar roots. Transcriptome analysis of uninfected and P. cactorum-infected roots revealed a terpene synthase gene PtTPS5 that was significantly induced upon pathogen infection. PtTPS5 had been previously reported as a sesquiterpene synthase producing two unidentified sesquiterpene alcohols as major products and hedycaryol as a minor product. Using heterologous expression in Escherichia coli, enzyme assays with deuterium-labeled substrates, and NMR analysis of reaction products, we could identify the major PtTPS5 products as (1S,5S,7R,10R)-guaia-4(15)-en-11-ol and (1S,7R,10R)-guaia-4-en-11-ol, with the former being a novel compound. The transcript accumulation of PtTPS5 in uninfected and P. cactorum-infected poplar roots matched the accumulation of (1S,5S,7R,10R)-guaia-4(15)-en-11-ol, (1S,7R,10R)-guaia-4-en-11-ol, and hedycaryol in this tissue, suggesting that PtTPS5 likely contributes to the pathogen-induced formation of these compounds in planta.
Validity and Cost-Effectiveness of Pediatric Home Respiratory Polygraphy for the Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children: Rationale, Study Design, and Methodology
Authors: Oceja Esther , Rodríguez Paula , Jurado María , Luz Alonso Maria , del Río Genoveva , Villar María , Mediano Olga , Martínez Marian , Juarros Santiago , Merino Milagros , Corral Jaime , Luna Carmen , Kheirandish-Gozal Leila , Gozal David , Durán-Cantolla Joaquín
Published: January 2021

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children is a prevalent, albeit largely undiagnosed disease associated with a large spectrum of morbidities. Overnight in-lab polysomnography remains the gold standard diagnostic approach, but is time-consuming, inconvenient, and expensive, and not readily available in many places. Simplified Home Respiratory Polygraphy (HRP) approaches have been proposed to reduce costs and facilitate the diagnostic process. However, evidence supporting the validity of HRP is still scarce, hampering its implementation in routine clinical use. The objectives were: Primary; to establish the diagnostic and therapeutic decision validity of a simplified HRP approach compared to PSG among children at risk of OSA. Secondary: (a) Analyze the cost-effectiveness of the HRP versus in-lab PSG in evaluation and treatment of pediatric OSA; (b) Evaluate the impact of therapeutic interventions based on HRP versus PSG findings six months after treatment using sleep and health parameters and quality of life instruments; (c) Discovery and validity of the urine biomarkers to establish the diagnosis of OSA and changes after treatment.