bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of sarcopenia with incident osteoporosis: a prospective study of 168,682 UK biobank participants
Authors: Petermann‐Rocha Fanny , Ferguson Lyn D. , Gray Stuart R. , Rodríguez‐Gómez Irene , Sattar Naveed , Siebert Stefan , Ho Frederick K. , Pell Jill P. , Celis‐Morales Carlos
Published: July 2021

Background

Sarcopenia often co‐occurs with osteoporosis in cross‐sectional studies. However, this association has rarely been studied in prospective studies. This study aimed to investigate the association between sarcopenia categories—along with its individual components—and incident osteoporosis in both middle‐aged and older men and women from the UK Biobank study.

Methods

A total of 168,682 participants (48.8% women, aged 37 to 70 years at baseline) were included in this prospective study. Categories of sarcopenia (pre‐sarcopenia and sarcopenia), and its individual components, were defined according to the EWGSOP2 criteria (2019). Associations with incident osteoporosis by sex were investigated using Cox‐proportional hazard models adjusted for socio‐demographic, lifestyle and health‐related factors, and morbidity count. Associations between categories of sarcopenia and incident osteoporosis were also investigated by age‐groups and subtype of osteoporosis (with and without pathological fractures).

Results

After a median follow‐up of 7.4 years, 6296 participants were diagnosed with osteoporosis. When the analyses were adjusted for a range of relevant confounding factors, pre‐sarcopenia was associated with 1.3‐times higher risk of osteoporosis in men (HR: 1.30 [95% CI: 1.03 to 1.63]) but not in women, and sarcopenia was associated with 1.66‐times increased osteoporosis risk in women (HR: 1.66 [95% CI: 1.33 to 2.08]) but not in men compared with people without sarcopenia or pre‐sarcopenia. A similar magnitude of associations was found in osteoporosis without pathological fractures but weaker for those with pathological fractures. Within the individual components, low muscle mass (HRwomen: 1.36 [95% CI: 1.22 to 1.51] and HRmen: 3.07 [95% CI: 1.68 to 5.59]), followed by slow gait speed (HRwomen: 1.30 [95% CI: 1.17 to 1.45] and HRmen: 1.70 [95% CI: 1.43 to 2.02]), were associated with a higher risk of incident osteoporosis in both sexes. Low grip strength was associated with a higher risk of incident osteoporosis in men (HR: 1.38 [95% CI: 1.15 to 1.65]), but not in women. No significant interaction between the exposures and incident osteoporosis by age groups were identified.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated that pre‐sarcopenic men and sarcopenic women had a higher risk of developing osteoporosis even after adjustment for a large range of potential confounders. Considering that sarcopenia could be prevented, health interventions to improve physical capability may delay or prevent the onset of osteoporosis.
Evaluation of enhanced darkfield microscopy and hyperspectral imaging for rapid screening of TiO2 and SiO2 nanoscale particles captured on filter media
Authors: Neu‐Baker Nicole M. , Dozier Alan K. , Eastlake Adrienne C. , Brenner Sara A.
Published: July 2021

Here we report on initial efforts to evaluate enhanced darkfield microscopy (EDFM) and light scattering Vis–NIR hyperspectral imaging (HSI) as a rapid screening tool for the offline analysis of mixed cellulose ester (MCE) filter media used to collect airborne nanoparticulate from work environments. For this study, the materials of interest were nanoscale titanium dioxide (TiO2) and silicon dioxide (SiO2; silica), chosen for their frequent use in consumer products. TiO2 and SiO2 nanoscale particles (NPs) were collected on MCE filter media and were imaged and analyzed via EDFM‐HSI. When visualized by EDFM, TiO2 and SiO2 NPs were readily apparent as bright spherical structures against a dark background. Moreover, TiO2 and SiO2 NPs were identified in hyperspectral images. EDFM‐HSI images and data were compared to scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), a NIST‐traceable technique for particle size analysis, and the current gold standard for offline analysis of filter media. As expected, STEM provided more accurate sizing and morphology data when compared to EDFM‐HSI, but is not ideal for rapid screening of the presence of NPs of interest since it is a costly, low‐throughput technique. In this study, we demonstrate the utility of EDFM‐HSI in rapidly visualizing and identifying TiO2 and SiO2 NPs on MCE filters. This screening method may prove useful in expediting time‐to‐knowledge compared to electron microscopy. Future work will expand this evaluation to other industrially relevant NPs, other filter media types, and real‐world filter samples from occupational exposure assessments.
Transitioning to telegenetics in the COVID‐19 era: Patient satisfaction with remote genetic counseling in adult neurology
Authors: Dratch Laynie , Paul Rachel A. , Baldwin Aaron , Brzozowski Morgan , Gonzalez‐Alegre Pedro , Tropea Thomas F. , Raper Anna , Bardakjian Tanya
Published: July 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic rapidly changed genetic counseling services across the United States. At the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), a large academic hospital in an urban setting, nearly all genetic counseling (GC) visits for adult–onset disorders within the Department of Neurology were conducted via secure videoconferencing (telegenetics) or telephone between March and December 2020. Although telemedicine services have been steadily emerging, many clinical programs, including the neurogenetics program at UPenn, had not built infrastructure or widely utilized these services prior to the pandemic. Thus, little is known about patient attitudes toward receiving clinical GC services remotely. From May 18 to October 18, 2020, all individuals seen remotely for GC in adult neurology via telephone or telegenetics were surveyed about their satisfaction with telehealth GC (N = 142), with a response rate of 42% (N = 60/142). Telephone and telegenetics services were referred to as ‘telehealth’ in the surveys to capture patient perspectives on all remote GC services, though the majority (N = 49/60) of these visits were completed via telegenetics. Surveys included the modified telehealth usability questionnaire (MTUQ), genetic counseling satisfaction scale (GCSS), and novel questions about future telehealth use. Preliminary results suggest that patients were satisfied with receiving remote GC services in adult neurology, with most participants strongly agreeing to all items about satisfaction with telehealth. Just 2% of participants preferred only in‐person visits in the future, but every participant was willing to consider using telehealth for future visits if their genetic counselor felt it was appropriate. Most participants preferred a hybrid model (73%), and some (25%) preferred only telehealth for future visits. Additionally, we found no differences in satisfaction with remote services based on visit type (initial vs. results disclosure) nor age. We conclude that remote GC is an acceptable method for the provision of services in adult neurology that is well‐received by patients.
Arterial Transit Time‐Based Multidelay Combination Strategy Improves Arterial Spin Labeling Cerebral Blood Flow Measurement Accuracy in Severe Steno‐Occlusive Diseases
Authors: Amemiya Shiori , Watanabe Yusuke , Takei Naoyuki , Ueyama Tsuyoshi , Miyawaki Satoru , Koizumi Satoshi , Kato Seiji , Takao Hidemasa , Abe Osamu , Saito Nobuhito
Published: July 2021

Background

Although perfusion imaging plays a key role in the management of steno‐occlusive diseases, the clinical usefulness of arterial spin labeling (ASL) is limited by technical issues.

Purpose

To examine the effect of arterial transit time (ATT) prolongation on cerebral blood flow (CBF) measurement accuracy and identify the best CBF measurement protocol for steno‐occlusive diseases.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Moyamoya (n = 10) and atherosclerotic diseases (n = 8).

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3.0T/3DT1‐weighted and ASL.

Assessment

Hadamard‐encoded multidelay ASL scans with/without vessel suppression (VS) and single‐delay ASL scans with long‐label duration (LD) and long postlabeling delay (PLD), referred to as long‐label long‐delay (LLLD), were acquired. CBF measurement accuracy and its ATT dependency, measured as the correlation between the relative CBF measurement difference (ASL—single‐photon emission computed tomography [SPECT]) and ATT, were compared among 1) Combo (incorporating multidelay and LLLD data based on ATT), 2) standard (LD/PLD = 1333/2333 msec), and 3) LLLD (LD/PLD = 4000/4000 msec) protocols, using whole‐brain voxel‐wise correlation with reference standard SPECT CBF. The effect of VS on CBF measurement accuracy was also assessed.

Statistical Tests

Pearson's correlation coefficient, repeated‐measures analysis of variance, t‐test. P< 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Pearson's correlation coefficients between ASL and SPECT CBF measurements were as follows: Combo = 0.55 ± 0.09; standard = 0.52 ± 0.12; LLLD = 0.41 ± 0.10. CBF measurement was least accurate in LLLD and most accurate in Combo. VS significantly improved overall CBF measurement accuracy in the standard protocol and in moyamoya patients for the Combo. ATT dependency analysis revealed that, compared with Combo, the standard and LLLD protocols showed significantly lower and negative and significantly higher and positive correlations, respectively (standard = −0.12 ± 0.04, Combo = −0.04 ± 0.03, LLLD = 0.17 ± 0.03).

Data Conclusion

By using ATT‐corrected CBF derived from LD/PLD = 1333/2333 msec as a base and by compensating underestimation in delayed regions using multidelay scans, the ATT‐based Combo strategy improves CBF measurement accuracy compared with single‐delay protocols in severe steno‐occlusive diseases.

Evidence Level

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Radiation therapy students' perceptions of peer group supervision: a pilot study
Authors: Dungey Gay M. , Bates Phoebe H.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Research indicates radiation therapy students are at risk of burnout. Peer Group Supervision (PGS) is a tool used to help reduce stress, increase reflective practice and help manage professional issues. This pilot study aimed to investigate the third‐year New Zealand radiation therapy students' perceptions of participating in PGS.

Methods

In 2019, all 27 third‐year radiation therapy students were introduced to PGS. At the end of the year, the students were invited to fill in a 14‐item Clinical Supervision Evaluation Questionnaire (CSEQ), answer an open‐ended question and provide demographic data. The CSEQ asks participants to indicate the extent to which they agree with 14 statements related to Purpose, Process and Impact of PGS. The open‐ended question asked if there were anything else they would like to say about participating in PGS as a student. The study utilised both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Results

Of the 27 students invited, 22 responded to the questionnaire. Analysis of the CSEQ revealed that eight of the 22 students (36.4%) had a positive impression of PGS, 13 (59.1%) were neither positive nor negative, and one (4.6%) had a negative perception of PGS. The thematic data showed that the students perceived PGS to assist with stress management. They valued having scheduled time out to reflect on practice and appreciated the safety and trust established in the groups.

Conclusion

Overall, the radiation therapy students responded positively to PGS. The students felt safe talking about clinical issues in their groups, and they perceive PGS to positively affect their stress management, resulting in new clinical insights and increased self‐awareness. Further research is required to examine the long‐term effects of PGS on patient care and if PGS can help reduce burnout for student radiation therapists.
Safety and effectiveness of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ling Yunzhi , Zhong Jiaying , Luo Jiaru
Published: July 2021

Objective: To systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines currently undergoing clinical trials. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to collect open human COVID‐19 vaccines randomized controlled trials, without limiting the search time and language. The research papers collected in the above‐mentioned databases were initially screened according to the title and abstract content and merged, and the repeated ones were removed. After reading the full text of the remaining research, the studies that did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded, and finally, nine studies were obtained. After extracting the statistical data of adverse events in the study, load them into Review Manager for heterogeneity analysis. Results: The incidence of adverse reactions of inactivated virus vaccines, RNA vaccines, and adenovirus vector vaccines was higher than that of placebo. Common adverse reactions included pain, swelling, and fever at the injection site. Conclusion: From the perspective of effectiveness, RNA vaccine > adenovirus vector vaccine > inactivated virus vaccine. From the perspective of safety, the incidence of adverse reactions of the three vaccines is higher than that of a placebo, and the incidence of adverse reactions of the adenovirus vector vaccine is higher.
Childhood Adversity and the Association Between Stress Sensitivity and Problematic Alcohol Use in Adults
Authors: Hall O. Trent , Phan K. Luan , Gorka Stephanie
Published: July 2021

Early life adversity (ELA) increases the risk of problematic alcohol use and alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, it is unclear why some but not all ELA‐exposed individuals develop problematic alcohol use. Research is needed to determine how this environmental risk factor interacts with underlying neurobehavioral vulnerabilities to problem alcohol use. Hypersensitivity to uncertain threats (U‐threat) has been posited as an endophenotype for AUD that might aid in the refinement of mechanistic models of problematic alcohol use. Therefore, U‐threat hypersensitivity requires examination as a possible individual difference factor that facilitates problematic alcohol use among ELA‐exposed individuals. We examined the unique and interactive effects of ELA and U‐threat reactivity on problem drinking and depressive and anxiety symptom severity. Participants (N = 131) completed a well‐validated threat‐of‐shock task, and startle eyeblink potentiation was recorded to index aversive responding. Individuals also completed self‐report measures of alcohol use, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Results demonstrated a positive association between ELA and higher levels of problematic alcohol use at high levels of U‐threat reactivity, β = .75, t = 3.93, p < .001. Conversely, at low levels of U‐threat reactivity, ELA exposure was negatively associated with problematic alcohol use, β = −.49, t = −2.30, p = .023. There was no significant ELA x U‐Threat reactivity interaction on anxiety or depression. U‐threat response strongly interacts with ELA exposure, affecting the direction of the association between ELA and problem drinking. U‐threat reactivity may be a promising target for the prevention and treatment of problematic drinking among ELA‐exposed individuals.
Distribution of Paycheck Protection Program to otolaryngology practices during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Zhu Amy Q. , Patel Manish J. , Chiu Richard , Perez Brandon R. , Cristel Robert T. , Yu Jeffrey
Published: July 2021

Background

The Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID‐19) has impacted physician practices in many ways with some ENT clinics reporting around a 50% drop in completed scheduled ENT visits during the first wave of the pandemic compared to 2019.

Aims

This study surveyed first round PPP loan disbursement to otolaryngology practices in the United States in response to COVID‐19.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted using publicly available data published on PPP by the SBA. Otolaryngology clinics receiving loans greater than $0.15M were filtered using the following terms: “otolaryngology”, “otolaryngologist”,“sinus”, “head and neck”, “throat”, “ENT”, and “facial plastic”. 481 ENT clinics that received loans greater than $0.15 M from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) were identified. Loan amount, business type, geographicregion, owner race, owner gender, and the number of jobs per business were recorded for each clinic. Chi‐square analysis was performed to determine significance (P < 0.05) of each characteristic.

Results

Loan distribution was significantly different based on jobs reported (P < .001) and business type (P < .001). 100% of loans ranging from $0.15 M to $0.35 M went to micro and small practices whereas 33% of medium‐sized practices received loans greater than $1 M. Higher proportions of Subchapter corporations (60.00%) received smaller loans of $0.15 to $0.35 M than Limited Liability Companies (39.13%) and Corporations (51.69%) which generally employ more people.

Discussion

Loan distribution was significantly different between businesses based on jobs reported (P < 0.001), with micro/small practices recieving smaller loans than their medium counterparts. All large businesses recived loans in in excess of $2 M. This suggests proportional distribution of loans in accordance with jobs reported.

Conclusion

This study suggests PPP funding was objectively distributed to ENT clinics based on staff size.

Level of Evidence

Level 4.
HOW TO DO A STRATEGIC PIVOT TO ADDRESS EXTERNAL DISRUPTORS
Authors: Tsipursky Gleb
Published: July 2021

The author writes of his experience advising organizations in the wake of COVID‐19. He explains that a “strategic pivot entails changing major or minor aspects of an organization’s goals. It allows leaders to closely examine pain points in order to guide teams through uncharted territory and back to productivity.” He outlines a process for a pivot, starting with: “Simply get someone with facilitation skills and no direct stake in the eventual strategies pursued by the company: it can be a peer executive, a member of the Board, a business coach, a mentor…” “The initial step,” he writes, “involves reevaluating assumptions about the organization’s business model (or operational model for a nonbusiness organization).” He explains six steps for a strategy session, in his words: (1) Scope and strategic goals. (2) Anticipate the future. (3) Potential internal problems. (4) Potential external problems. (5) Potential opportunities, internal and external. (6) Consider unknown unknowns (black swans). He further describes operations day, next steps, and follow‐up. Part of his conclusion includes the following: “Make sure to check if the next steps are being taken through weekly leadership team meetings. After a month, hold a half‐day event to evaluate the progress of the strategy pivot.”
The Translational Application of Hydrogel for Organoid Technology: Challenges and Future Perspectives
Authors: Ma Panqin , Chen Ying , Lai Xiyu , Zheng Jie , Ye Enyi , Loh Xian Jun , Zhao Yi , Parikh Bhav Harshad , Su Xinyi , You Mingliang , Wu Yun‐Long , Li Zibiao
Published: July 2021

Human organoids mimic the physiology and tissue architecture of organs and are of great significance for promoting the study of human diseases. Traditionally, organoid cultures rely predominantly on animal or tumor‐derived extracellular matrix (ECM), resulting in poor reproducibility. This limits their utility in for large‐scale drug screening and application for regenerative medicine. Recently, synthetic polymeric hydrogels, with high biocompatibility and biodegradability, stability, uniformity of compositions, and high throughput properties, have emerged as potential materials for achieving 3D architectures for organoid cultures. Compared to conventional animal or tumor‐derived organoids, these newly engineered hydrogel‐based organoids more closely resemble human organs, as they are able to mimic native structural and functional properties observed in‐situ. In this review, recent developments in hydrogel‐based organoid culture will be summarized, emergent hydrogel technology will be highlighted, and future challenges in applying them to organoid culture will be discussed.
A Unique Nano‐Capsule Possessing Inner Thermo‐Responsive Surface Prepared from a Toothbrush‐Like Comb−Coil Block Copolymer
Authors: Takebuchi Haruka , Jin Ren‐Hua
Published: July 2021

Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) having lower critical solution temperature (LCST) behavior in aqueous solutions has been actively studied for various applications in nanotechnology and controlled drug delivery. In this work, a comb‐coil block copolymer is synthesized with PNIPAM coil and polyethyleneimine brushes. Self‐organization of the copolymer into micelle by heating and subsequent cross‐linking of the part of PEI corona resulted in a unique nanocapsule (i‐CLM) with hydrophilic cross‐linked PEI outer shell and thermo‐responsive PNIPAM inner brush. The nanocapsule appears as a vesicle‐like hollow at room temperature but did into micelle‐like spheres when heated. From dynamic light scattering measurement, it is revealed apparently that the nanocapsule exhibited well the swelling and the shrinking reversibly under heating and cooling and the feature is cycled repeatedly with gradual fashion under wide‐range of temperature responding. The carrier property of the nanocapsule is investigated by using hydrophobic fluorophore of Nile red (NR) as a probe and it is found that the hollow of the nanocapsule is a good nano pocket to promote the growth of nanocrystals of NR.
Multiple positive solutions for degenerate Kirchhoff equations with singular and Choquard nonlinearity
Authors: Rawat Sushmita , Sreenadh Konijeti
Published: July 2021

In this paper we study the existence, multiplicity, and regularity of positive weak solutions for the following Kirchhoff–Choquard problem:

where Ω is open bounded domain of
with C2 boundary, N > 2s and s ∈ (0, 1). M models Kirchhoff‐type coefficient in particular, the degenerate case where Kirchhoff coefficient M is zero at zero. (− Δ)s is fractional Laplace operator, λ > 0 is a real parameter, γ ∈ (0, 1) and
is the critical exponent in the sense of Hardy–Littlewood–Sobolev inequality. We prove that each positive weak solution is bounded and satisfy Hölder regularity of order s. Furthermore, using the variational methods and truncation arguments, we prove the existence of two positive solutions.
Synthesis of a novel naphthalenone endoperoxide and structural elucidation by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and theoretical calculation
Authors: Martins Lucas M. O. S. , Santos Juliana O. , Hoye Thomas , Alvarenga Elson S.
Published: July 2021

Sesquiterpene lactones are found in plants of Asteraceae family, and endoperoxides are known for their antimalarial activity. Structural elucidation is a relevant aspect; however, it is not uncommon to find incorrect or incomplete structural assignments in the literature. Calculations based in quantum mechanics are frequently used to compute 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts, and after comparing with the experimental data, the correct structure is established from diverse candidates. Targeting the synthesis of bioactive compounds, we envisaged the synthesis of a novel endoperoxide from the natural sesquiterpene lactone α‐santonin (2). Photochemical transformation of α‐santonin (2) to mazdasantonin (4) followed by photooxidation catalyzed by rose bengal afforded the novel endoperoxide 5. This new endoperoxide contains five stereogenic centers and is analogous to the antimalarial agent artemisinin (1). The relative configuration of the stereogenic centers of the endoperoxide were established by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses and confirmed by theoretical calculations. All approaches were in complete agreement, and the structure of mazdasantonin endoperoxide was established as (3S,3aS,5aS,8R,9bS)‐3,6,6‐trimethyl‐3,3a,4,5,8,9b‐hexahydro‐2H‐5a,8‐epidioxynaphtho[1,2‐b]furan‐2,7(6H)‐dione.
Synthesis of [1‐13C‐5‐12C]‐alpha‐ketoglutarate enables noninvasive detection of 2‐hydroxyglutarate
Authors: Miura Natsuko , Mushti Chandrasekhar , Sail Deepak , AbuSalim Jenna E. , Yamamoto Kazutoshi , Brender Jeffrey R. , Seki Tomohiro , AbuSalim Deyaa I. , Matsumoto Shingo , Camphausen Kevin A. , Krishna Murali C. , Swenson Rolf E. , Kesarwala Aparna H.
Published: July 2021

Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutations that generate the oncometabolite 2‐hydroxyglutarate (2‐HG) from α‐ketoglutarate (α‐KG) have been identified in many types of tumors and are an important prognostic factor in gliomas. 2‐HG production can be determined by hyperpolarized carbon‐13 magnetic resonance spectroscopy (HP‐13C‐MRS) using [1‐13C]‐α‐KG as a probe, but peak contamination from naturally occurring [5‐13C]‐α‐KG overlaps with the [1‐13C]‐2‐HG peak. Via a newly developed oxidative‐Stetter reaction, [1‐13C‐5‐12C]‐α‐KG was synthesized. α‐KG metabolism was measured via HP‐13C‐MRS using [1‐13C‐5‐12C]‐α‐KG as a probe. [1‐13C‐5‐12C]‐α‐KG was synthesized in high yields, and successfully eliminated the signal from C5 of α‐KG in the HP‐13C‐MRS spectra. In HCT116 IDH1 R132H cells, [1‐13C‐5‐12C]‐α‐KG allowed for unimpeded detection of [1‐13C]‐2‐HG. 12C‐enrichment represents a novel method to circumvent spectral overlap, and [1‐13C‐5‐12C]‐α‐KG shows promise as a probe to study IDH1 mutant tumors and α‐KG metabolism.
Relational values provide common ground and expose multi‐level constraints to cross‐cultural wetland management
Authors: Bataille Corinne Y. , Malinen Sanna K. , Yletyinen Johanna , Scott Nigel , Lyver Philip O'B.
Published: July 2021

The unprecedented level of threat facing many of the world's natural and cultural systems calls for the collaboration of multiple interest groups to engage in aligned environmental action.

Understanding interest groups' relational values (i.e. values in relation to an ecosystem and its people), and the constraints they experience in enacting those values, can contribute to enhance cross‐cultural understanding and facilitate intergroup collaboration, leading to improved outcomes for both ecosystems and people.

To study these assumptions, we conducted semi‐structured interviews in Aotearoa New Zealand to investigate the values that tangata tiaki (Māori environmental guardians) and landowners have regarding wetland ecosystems, and constraints impeding the enactment of values in environmental action.

Findings show that while couched within different worldviews, tangata tiaki and landowners held values with related characteristics, such as ahikāroa (long‐standing occupation of and connection to place) and attachment to place, highlighting possible common ground. However, we also show that a greater weighting upon different key values by each of the groups hindered the enactment of a wider suite of values. Tangata tiaki prioritised relational (e.g. mauri, life force) over instrumental values while landowners generally prioritised instrumental values (i.e. economic benefit), creating conditions for conflict in values between groups, and hindering tangata tiaki wetland ecosystem management and use.

Importantly, both groups' constraints occurred at multiple levels of the social system, and were reported to be associated with management practices, the complex matrix of policies and lack of capacity. Tangata tiaki value expression was further hindered by persisting power differentials between themselves and landowners, historically rooted in marginalisation of Māori rights and jurisdiction and loss of access to traditional land and resources. New Zealand's governance structures largely based on Western values also prevented Māori self‐determination.

This research suggests that investigating interest groups' relational values is beneficial to establish areas of common ground and for fostering joint efforts in ecosystem management. We suggest that constraints to environmental stewardship must be addressed at multiple levels of the social system to enable better representation of Indigenous values in environmental management.
SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination for adolescents and young adult patients treated at a specialist pediatric oncology unit
Authors: Nigro Olga , Sironi Giovanna , Bergamaschi Luca , Gattuso Giovanna , Puma Nadia , Livellara Virginia , Chiaravalli Stefano , Ferrari Andrea , Massimino Maura
Published: July 2021

This brief report describes the SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination program at our pediatric oncology unit. Adopting Italian regulations, patients treated for cancer within the previous 6 months were offered vaccination with the Pfizer‐BioNtech vaccine if aged ≥16 years, and with the Pfizer‐BioNtech or Moderna vaccine if aged ≥18 years. From March 24 to April 28, 2021, 80/89 adolescent and young adult patients enrolled were vaccinated, while nine refused the vaccine due to fear of side effects, disbelief regarding the pandemic, or lack of trust in the scientific community. The refusal rate in our cohort was lower than in the Italian general population.
Investigation of nonisothermal fusion bonding for extrusion additive manufacturing of large structural parts
Authors: Tagscherer Nevine , Consul Patrick , Kottenstedde Ingo Leonard , Latiri Houyem , Zaremba Swen , Drechsler Klaus
Published: July 2021

Fusion bonding is understood to be the decisive mechanism for the interlayer strength in extrusion additive manufacturing. This study links the characteristic temperatures of semicrystalline thermoplastics, namely, PA6 with 40% carbon fibers, to the bond formation in respect to real‐world processing conditions. Based on theoretical investigations, a process window is proposed for bonding to occur without polymer degradation. This range from the glass transition to the initial degradation temperature was determined through differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. A second process window for optimal bonding is proposed from the extrapolated onset crystallization temperature, , to the melt temperature, . The validation of these process windows was conducted by bending tests according to DIN EN 178. was confirmed as the upper limit, with the part's geometric integrity compromised at higher temperatures. had to be refuted as lower limit as no discrete reduction in bond strength was determined in alignment with . Authors suggest the lower limit is defined by the lowest substrate temperature to lead to interface temperatures above the onset of melt temperature. By utilizing thermal analyses, less time and resources are required to detemine a suitable process window for extrusion additive manufacturing.
Hemp fiber surface modification: Its effect on mechanical and tribological properties of hemp fiber reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Behera Sudhakar , Gautam Rakesh Kumar , Mohan Sunil , Chattopadhyay Arghya
Published: July 2021

In this research work, the effects of sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide treatment of hemp fiber on the water absorption, mechanical, and tribological properties of hemp fiber reinforced epoxy composites (HFREC) were investigated. The change in surface roughness and fiber size after chemical treatment was confirmed by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Fourier transform infrared analysis confirmed the removal of hemicellulose and lignin content of the fiber after both the chemical treatment. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed an increase in the crystallinity index of the chemically treated fiber. The experimental results also revealed that both sodium carbonate and peroxide modification have resulted in enhancement of water resistance and mechanical properties such as tensile strength and tensile modulus and reduction in impact properties of treated HFREC. Tribological test results revealed that the treated HFREC have improved wear and frictional properties in comparison with untreated HFREC. The best tribological and mechanical properties were exhibited by peroxide treated HFREC, which was also confirmed through the SEM images of worn and fractured surfaces of the composites.
Noninvasive prenatal exome sequencing diagnostic utility limited by sequencing depth and fetal fraction
Authors: Filer Dayne L. , Mieczkowski Piotr A. , Brandt Alicia , Gilmore Kelly L. , Powell Bradford C. , Berg Jonathan S. , Wilhelmsen Kirk C. , Vora Neeta L.
Published: July 2021

Objective

Sequencing cell‐free DNA now allows detection of large chromosomal abnormalities and dominant Mendelian disorders in the prenatal period. Improving upon these methods would allow newborn screening programs to begin with prenatal genetics, ultimately improving the management of rare genetic disorders.

Methods

As a pilot study, we performed exome sequencing on the cell‐free DNA from three mothers with singleton pregnancies to assess the viability of broad sequencing modalities in a noninvasive prenatal setting.

Results

We found poor resolution of maternal and fetal genotypes due to both sampling and technical issues.

Conclusion

We find broad sequencing modalities inefficient for noninvasive prenatal applications. Alternatively, we suggest a more targeted path forward for noninvasive prenatal genotyping.
Classifying precipitation from GEO satellite observations: Diagnostic model
Authors: Upadhyaya Shruti A. , Kirstetter Pierre‐Emmanuel , Kuligowski Robert J. , Searls Maresa
Published: July 2021

Improvements in remote‐sensing capability and improvements in artificial intelligence have created significant opportunities to advance understanding of precipitation processes. While highly advanced Machine Learning (ML) techniques improve the accuracy of precipitation retrievals, how these observations contribute to our understanding of precipitation processes remains an underexplored research question. In a companion manuscript, a precipitation‐type prognostic ML model is developed by deriving predictors from the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) sensor on board Geostationary Observing Environmental Satellite (GOES)‐16. In this study, these predictors are linked to different precipitation processes. It is observed that satellite observations are important in separating Rain and No‐Rain areas. For stratiform precipitation types, predictors related to atmospheric moisture content, such as relative humidity and precipitable water, are the most important predictors, while for convective types, predictors such as 850–500 hPa lapse rate and convective available potential energy (CAPE) are more important. The diagnostic analysis confirms the benefit of spatial textures derived from ABI observations to improve the classification accuracy. It is recommended to combine the heritage water vapour channel T6.2 with the infrared T11.2 channel for improved precipitation classification. Overall, this study provides guidance to atmospheric and remote‐sensing scientists on a large array of predictors that can be used from geostationary satellites and multispectral sensors for precipitation studies.
The role of quantum chemistry in covalent inhibitor design
Authors: Mihalovits Levente M. , Ferenczy György G. , Keserű György M.
Published: July 2021

The recent ascent of targeted covalent inhibitors (TCI) in drug discovery brings new opportunities and challenges to quantum chemical reactivity calculations supporting discovery efforts. TCIs typically form a covalent bond with the targeted nucleophilic amino acid side chain. Their reactivity that can be both computed and experimentally measured is therefore one of the key factors in determining inhibitory potency. Calculation of relevant quantum chemical descriptors and corresponding reaction barriers of model reactions represent efficient ways to predict intrinsic reactivities of covalent ligands. A more comprehensive description of covalent ligand binding is offered by mixed quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) potentials. Reaction mechanisms can be investigated by the exploration of the potential energy surface as a function of suitable reaction coordinates, and free energy surfaces can also be calculated with molecular dynamics based simulations. Here we review the methodological aspects and discuss applications with primary focus on high‐end QM/MM simulations to illustrate the current status of quantum chemical support to covalent inhibitor design. Available QM approaches are suitable to identify likely reaction mechanisms and rate determining steps in the binding of covalent inhibitors. The efficient QM/MM prediction of ligand reactivities complemented with the computational description of the recognition step makes these computations highly useful in covalent drug discovery.
Causal mediation analysis with latent subgroups
Authors: Wang WenWu , Xu Jinfeng , Schwartz Joel , Baccarelli Andrea , Liu Zhonghua
Published: July 2021

In biomedical studies, the causal mediation effect might be heterogeneous across individuals in the study population due to each study subject's unique characteristics. While individuals' mediation effects may differ from each other, it is often reasonable and more interpretable to assume that individuals belong to several distinct latent subgroups with similar attributes. In this article, we first show that the subgroup‐specific mediation effect can be identified under the group‐specific sequential ignorability assumptions. Then, we propose a simple mixture modeling approach to account for the latent subgroup structure where each mixture component corresponds to one latent subgroup in the linear structural equation model framework. Model parameters can be estimated using the standard expectation‐maximization (EM) algorithm. Each individual's subgroup membership can be inferred based on the posterior probability. We propose to use the singular Bayesian information criterion to consistently select the number of latent subgroups by recognizing that the Fisher information matrix for mixture models might be singular. We then propose to use nonparametric bootstrap method to compute standard errors and confidence intervals. We conducted simulation studies to evaluate the empirical performance of our proposed method namediMed. Finally, we reanalyzed a DNA methylation data set from the Normative Aging Study and found that the mediation effects of two well‐documented DNA methylation CpG sites are heterogeneous across two latent subgroups in the causal pathway from smoking behavior to lung function. We also developed an R packageiMedfor public use.
Artificial high‐density lipoprotein‐mimicking nanotherapeutics for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases
Authors: He Hongliang , Hong Kristen , Liu Lisha , Schwendeman Anna
Published: July 2021

Despite the ability of current efficacious low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol–lowering therapies to reduce total cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks, CVD still poses major risks for morbidity and mortality to the general population. Because of the pleiotropic endothelial protective effects of high‐density lipoproteins (HDL), the direct infusion of reconstituted HDL (rHDL) products, including MDCO‐216, CER001, and CSL112, have been tested in clinical trials to determine whether direct infusion of rHDL can reduce coronary events in CVD patients. In addition to these rHDL products, in the past two decades, there has been an increased focused on designing artificial HDL‐mimicking nanotherapeutics to produce complementary therapeutic strategies for CVD patients beyond lowering of atherogenic lipoproteins. Although recent reviews have comprehensively discussed the developments of artificial HDL‐mimicking nanoparticles as therapeutics for CVD, there has been little assessment of “plain” or “drug‐free” HDL‐mimicking nanoparticles as therapeutics alone. In this review, we will summarize the clinical outcomes of rHDL products, examine recent advances in other types of artificial HDL‐mimicking nanotherapeutics, including polymeric nanoparticles, cyclodextrins, micelles, metal nanoparticles, and so on; and potential new approaches for future CVD interventions. Moreover, success stories, lessons, and interpretations of the utility and functionality of these HDL‐mimicking nanotherapeutics will be an integral part of this article.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Cardiovascular Disease
Direct Synthesis and Characterization of Copper(II) 1‐Phenyltetrazol‐5‐olates
Authors: Voitekhovich Sergei V. , Lyakhov Alexander S. , Ivashkevich Ludmila S. , Lavrov Alexander N. , Lavrenova Ludmila G. , Ivashkevich Oleg A.
Published: July 2021

The interaction of 1‐phenyl‐1,4‐dihydro‐5H‐tetrazol‐5‐one (Hpto) with ethylenediamine (en) and metallic copper in ethanol in the open air was found to yield molecular complexes [Cu(en)2(pto)2] (1) or [Cu2(en)2(EtOH)2(pto)4] (2) depending on the reagents ratio. Deprotonated tetrazol‐5‐one, i.e 1‐phenyltetrazol‐5‐olate anion (pto) acts as a monodentate ligand coordinated to the metal via the tetrazole ring N4 atom in mononuclear complex 1, and as a bridging ligand coordinated via the tetrazole ring N4 and N3 atoms in binuclear complex 2. The latter was found to be a paramagnet, with a very weak antiferromagnetic exchange interaction between copper ions.
Diffusion in inhomogeneous media with periodic microstructures
Authors: Amar Micol , Andreucci Daniele , Cirillo Emilio N.M.
Published: July 2021

Diffusion in inhomogeneous materials can be described by both the Fick and Fokker–Planck diffusion equations. Here, we study a mixed Fick and Fokker–Planck diffusion problem with coefficients rapidly oscillating both in space and time. We obtain macroscopic models performing the homogenization limit by means of the unfolding technique.
Introduction
Authors: Michoud Bruno , Hafner Manfred
Published: July 2021

This chapter aims at introducing the book by presenting its focus, the main objectives and the scope of the analysis. In addition, it presents the content of each chapter in order to provide an overview of the book’s structure and to guide the reader.
Further Areas of Work
Authors: Michoud Bruno , Hafner Manfred
Published: July 2021

This book presented investment risks associated with the sub-Saharan African clean energy industry and an overview of risk mitigation strategies and innovative financing schemes available to public and private players, while focusing on the power and clean cooking sectors and specific energy resources. Starting from this basis, we identified the following areas for future work: (i) the quantification of investment risks; (ii) the selection of risk mitigation actions and their impact on the cost of capital; (ii) the exploration of additional sectors and energy resources; (iv) an in-depth analysis of subsidy reforms.
Normative Grundlagen
Authors: Czupalla Kai
Published: July 2021

Im vorliegenden Kapitel wird der IFRS 5 vorgestellt und dabei der Ausweis von aufgegebenen Geschäftsbereichen ausführlich behandelt. Anschließend werden die Abschlusspolitik im Allgemeinen und abschlusspolitische Ergebnisspaltungen im Speziellen diskutiert.
Hypothesen zur Prävention von abschlusspolitischen Ergebnisspaltungen mit aufgegebenen Geschäftsbereichen durch Abschlussprüfungen
Authors: Czupalla Kai
Published: July 2021

Im vorliegenden Kapitel werden aus der Prinzipal-Agenten-Theorie Maßnahmen gegen abschlusspolitische Ergebnisspaltungen abgeleitet. Konkret wird untersucht, ob aus theoretischer Sicht bestimmte Merkmale der Prüfungsqualität wie Prüfungs- und Nichtprüfungshonorare, Größen und Branchenspezialisierungen der Abschlussprüfer abschlusspolitische Ergebnisspaltungen verhindern können. Am Ende der Abschnitte wird mittels einer Alternativhypothese eine Vermutung für die Prävention von abschlusspolitischen Ergebnisspaltungen postuliert.
On the 2-Packing Differential of a Graph
Authors: Cabrera Martínez A. , Puertas M. L. , Rodríguez-Velázquez J. A.
Published: July 2021

Let G be a graph of order $${\text {n}}(G)$$

n
(
G
)

and vertex set V(G). Given a set $$S\subseteq V(G)$$

S
⊆
V
(
G
)

, we define the external neighbourhood of S as the set $$N_e(S)$$

N
e

(
S
)

of all vertices in $$V(G){\setminus } S$$

V
(
G
)
\
S

having at least one neighbour in S. The differential of S is defined to be $$\partial (S)=|N_e(S)|-|S|$$

∂

(
S
)

=
|

N
e

(
S
)

|
-
|
S
|

. In this paper, we introduce the study of the 2-packing differential of a graph, which we define as $$\partial _{2p}(G)=\max \{\partial (S):\, S\subseteq V(G) \text { is a }2\text {-packing}\}.$$

∂

2
p

(
G
)

=
max

{
∂

(
S
)

:

S
⊆
V

(
G
)

is a

2
-packing
}

.

We show that the 2-packing differential is closely related to several graph parameters, including the packing number, the independent domination number, the total domination number, the perfect differential, and the unique response Roman domination number. In particular, we show that the theory of 2-packing differentials is an appropriate framework to investigate the unique response Roman domination number of a graph without the use of functions. Among other results, we obtain a Gallai-type theorem, which states that $$\partial _{2p}(G)+\mu _{_R}(G)={\text {n}}(G)$$

∂

2
p

(
G
)

+

μ

R

(
G
)

=
n

(
G
)

, where $$\mu _{_R}(G)$$

μ

R

(
G
)

denotes the unique response Roman domination number of G. As a consequence of the study, we derive several combinatorial results on $$\mu _{_R}(G)$$

μ

R

(
G
)

, and we show that the problem of finding this parameter is NP-hard. In addition, the particular case of lexicographic product graphs is discussed.
Retinal tissue develops an inflammatory reaction to tobacco smoke and electronic cigarette vapor in mice
Authors: Wang Feng , Hadzic Stefan , Roxlau Elsa T. , Fuehler Baerbel , Janise-Libawski Annabella , Wimmer Tobias , Lei Bo , Li Shao-Wei , Weissmann Norbert , Stieger Knut
Published: July 2021

Cigarette smoke has been identified as a major risk factor for the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). As an alternative to conventional cigarettes (C-cigarette), electronic cigarettes (E-cigarette) have been globally promoted and are currently widely used. The increasing usage of E-cigarettes raises concerns with regard to short- (2 weeks), medium- (3 months), and long- (8 months) term consequences related to retinal tissue. In this report, a controlled study in mouse models was conducted to probe the comprehensive effects of E-cigarette vapor on retina, retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE), and choroidal tissues by (1) comparing the effects of C-cigarette smoke and E-cigarette vapor on retina separately and (2) determining the effects of E-cigarette vapor on the RPE and analyzing the changes with regard to inflammatory (IL-1β, TNFα, iNOS) and angiogenic (VEGF, PEDF) mediators in retina/RPE/choroid by ELISA assays. The data showed that C-cigarette smoke exposure promoted an inflammatory reaction in the retina in vivo. Mice exposed to E-cigarette (nicotine-free) vapor developed inflammatory and angiogenic reactions more pronounced in RPE and choroid as compared to retinal tissue, while nicotine-containing E-cigarette vapor caused even a more serious reaction. Both inflammatory and pro-angiogenic reactions increased with the extension of exposure time. These results demonstrate that exposure to C-cigarette smoke is harmful to the retina. Likewise, the exposure to E-cigarette vapor (with or without nicotine) increases the occurrence and progression of inflammatory and angiogenic stimuli in the retina, which might also be related to the onset of wet AMD in humans.

Key messages

C-cigarette smoke exposure promotes an inflammatory reaction in the retina in vivo.

Mice exposed to E-cigarette (nicotine-free) vapor develop inflammatory and angiogenic reactions more pronounced in RPE and choroid compared to retinal tissue, while nicotine-containing E-cigarette vapor causes even a more serious reaction.

Both inflammatory and pro-angiogenic reactions increase with the extension of E-cigarette vapor exposure time.