bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE ROLE OF TITANIUM MESH IN LIMITING DIMENSIONAL CHANGES OF MAXILLARY SINUS GRAFT: RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL
Authors: FATTOUH Sammy , DAYOUB Suleiman , AL-MANADİLİ Ahmad
Published: December 2020

Objectives: The dimensional changes that occurs during the healing of the grafting material in external sinus lift procedure is always present and sometimes may lead to difficulties in placing the dental implants in the second stage. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of adding a titanium mesh as a new fixed floor of the sinus to minimize these changes.
Material and Methods: this randomized clinical trial included 8 patients who needed bilateral 2-stage sinus lift. On one side sinus lift was carried out using Deproteinized Bovine Bone Matrix (DBBM) (Group A) while on the other side a titanium mesh was fixed as a new sinus floor above the DBBM biomaterial (Group B). CBCT radiographs were taken preoperatively(T0), directly postoperatively(T1), and 9 months after surgery(T2). Linear measurements were recorded in the same points in all three radiographs, graft volume was measured and compared using 3D Slicer software.
Results: the mean bone height (BH) at T1 was 13.08 and 13.56 mm while at T2 was 11.56 and 13.56 mm in groups A and B respectively. The mean reduction in BH was 1.68 and 0.00 mm in groups A and B respectively. The graft volume (GV) at T1 was 1.49 and 1.63 cc and at T2 was 1.19 and 1.53 cc, the mean volume shrinkage was 0.29 and 0.1 cc in groups A and B respectively. The differences between the groups in both linear and volumetric changes were statistically significant.
Conclusions: within the limitation of this study it may be concluded that adding a titanium mesh as a new floor of the sinus helps limiting the shrinkage of both the linear dimensions and overall graft volume.
Cattle Plague and Society
Authors: Widenberg Johanna
Published: December 2020

This article presents the findings of a study showing that rinderpest and anthrax were rife among cattle in eighteenth century Sweden and Finland. These diseases, which caused a widespread loss of animals, were the scourge of owners, medical practitioners and the authorities alike. The study also shows that the epizootic legislation and disease control that evolved at government level was influenced by the particular characteristics of rinderpest and anthrax. Previous research has identified the endemic nature of rinderpest and its far-reaching consequences for society. Yet major outbreaks of anthrax, and the degree to which the disease influenced the development of State epizootic control, were previously unknown. The study uses the perspectives of cultural history and the history of veterinary medicine, a wide range of historical sources, and a method of text analysis for making retrospective diagnoses.

In this article the findings are compared with the results of studies of eighteenth century cattle disease and epizootic control in other European countries. Similarities and differences in theoretical perspectives and research methods are identified. Here the use of retrospective diagnosis in the history of veterinary medicine is discussed in particular.
La producción de identidad de los nuevos desarrollos urbanos a través del place-based social big data: los crecimientos del área metropolitana de Madrid durante la burbuja inmobiliaria (1990-2012
Authors: Carpio-Pinedo José
Published: December 2020

Este trabajo propone un acercamiento al estudio de la producción de identidad y sentimiento de apropiación espacial en determinados entornos urbanos. Identidad y apropiación son estudiados desde el análisis de hitos y topónimos, utilizando para ello big data desde Foursquare, red social en la cual los usuarios publican sus visitas a lugares. Se analizan varios crecimientos urbanos de la reciente burbuja inmobiliaria en el Área Metropolitana de Madrid (1990-2012), sospechosos de falta de identidad por la reciente y rápida urbanización, así como por posibles mecanismos de simplificación del tejido urbano. El análisis valora diferentes tipos de crecimiento, revelando una correspondencia entre la tipología morfológica de los desarrollos y el tipo de lugares que constituyen hitos en ellas, así como con la aparición de topónimos, destacando ciertos lugares como elementos potenciales generadores de identidad social urbana.
Nuevos procesos de expansión metropolitana: incremento acelerado de suelo urbano en el Área Metropolitana de Rosario (1990-2010)
Authors: Galimberti Cecilia
Published: December 2020

Desde las últimas décadas del siglo XX, gran parte de los territorios a nivel global atraviesan nuevas dinámicas metropolitanas y acelerados procesos de transformación. El presente artículo interpreta las características que registran las expansiones urbanas latinoamericanas, sus causas e impactos socioterritoriales, tomando como caso de estudio el Área Metropolitana de Rosario (AMR), Argentina. A través de una metodología cuali-cuantitativa y mediante un abordaje multiescalar, se analiza el proceso de creación de suelo urbano del AMR desde la década de 1930 hasta la actualidad, identificando las nuevas urbanizaciones, las dinámicas poblacionales del área, los actores intervinientes y los instrumentos de planeamiento urbano-territorial. Se identifica así que las localidades que presentan un mayor incremento de suelo urbano son aquellas cercanas a la ciudad cabecera y carentes de planes urbanos, registrando lógicas y problemáticas particulares con relación a las existentes en la ciudad tradicional.
Contribución del transporte aéreo a la conectividad territorial. El caso de Colombia
Authors: Díaz-Olariaga Oscar
Published: December 2020

El presente artículo analiza la influencia y contribución del transporte aéreo a la conectividad territorial, tomando Colombia como caso de estudio. La invaluable contribución del transporte aéreo a la conectividad entre las diferentes regiones del país ha sido posible gracias al desarrollo de un conjunto de políticas públicas dirigidas a tal industria, implementadas de forma ininterrumpida desde mediados de la década de 1990 y aún en curso. Por ello, en esta investigación el análisis se centra en el enfoque y planteamientos del Gobierno en el diseño e implementación de dichas políticas, y en la forma en que el sector del transporte aéreo, en su evolución a lo largo de las últimas dos décadas, impactó positivamente en la conectividad territorial del país, cuyos indicadores se presentan y analizan.
La estructura socio-ocupacional metropolitana brasileña: diversificación y homogeneidad en los años 2000
Authors: Alves-Diniz Alexandre-Magno , Gomes de-Mendonça Jupira , de-Andrade Luciana-Teixeira
Published: December 2020

Este artículo examina los cambios experimentados por la estructura socio-ocupacional de las quince principales regiones metropolitanas de Brasil entre 2000 y 2010. Emplea medidas de ubicación y especialización geográfica para identificar patrones de distribución espacial relacionados con ocho grupos sociales jerárquicos. Los resultados muestran una relativa estabilidad en la composición y distribución de las categorías sociolaborales en las quince regiones metropolitanas, con poca especialización regional, a pesar de los cambios sociales y económicos significativos experimentados durante la década de 2000. Los cambios observados, aunque de corto alcance, están asociados con las metrópolis situadas más al norte.
Contratos públicos de emergencia y crisis del covid-19: Inmediatez contra seguridad jurídica
Authors: Sanz Rubiales Íñigo
Published: December 2020

La ley española de contratos incluye una regulación de la contratación pública en casos de emergencia que elimina controles para facilitar la inmediatez de la prestación, y que puede ser complementada por las normas específicas dictadas para situaciones excepcionales, como ha ocurrido con la crisis del covid-19, que adapta la regulación de emergencia a las necesidades de provisión de bienes y servicios sobrevenidas con la pandemia. Se mantienen en cualquier caso diversos controles imprescindibles, ya sean previos, como la justificación causal, porque la Administración no es libre tampoco cuando contrata; o posteriores, como la publicidad de la adjudicación y los controles judiciales.
La tutela cautelar ambiental en España y Chile: Un apunte comparativo
Authors: Valencia Martín Germán
Published: December 2020

En este trabajo se compara el régimen de medidas cautelares que aplican los tribunales ambientales chilenos en los asuntos de su competencia con el de los procesos o procedimientos administrativos españoles equivalentes. Se trata en ambos casos de sistemas predominantemente casuísticos, pero con diferentes acentos. Por lo demás, la corta duración de los procesos ante los tribunales ambientales chilenos resta dramatismo a las decisiones cautelares, a diferencia de lo que a menudo ocurre en el contencioso administrativo español.
Editorial
Authors: Femenias S. Jorge A.
Published: December 2020

Como habrá advertido el lector, el número especial que hoy ofrecemos contiene los aportes de destacados académicos europeos, quienes abordaron variadas temáticas del derecho administrativo para poner de relieve problemas que en ocasiones ya fueron resueltos en el derecho comparado, pero que tienen hoy plena vigencia y actualidad en nuestro derecho. Como expresó Bello en una sentencia casi dos veces centenaria: “Existe ventaja en poder aprovecharse de los trabajos de otras naciones ilustradas por la ciencia y por una larga experiencia”. Esperamos que puedan disfrutar la lectura de cada trabajo tanto como lo hemos hecho nosotros, y que en las distintas páginas puedan encontrar soluciones a los tan variados problemas que exhibe la práctica de la ciencia jurídica. Como afirmó el cardenal Newman, “el verdadero enriquecimiento intelectual es poder ver muchas cosas a la vez como un todo, asignarles su verdadero lugar en un complejo sistema, concederles sus respectivos valores y determinar su mutua dependencia. Esta integridad del conocimiento es lo que constituye la perfección intelectual”.
Ethnoecological study of the birds of Coatetelco, Morelos, Mexico
Authors: García Flores Alejandro
Published: December 2020

Para explicar desde una perspectiva etnoecológica la relación de las aves con la comunidad de Coatetelco, Morelos, se realizaron cincuenta y cinco entrevistas abiertas a campesinos, así como recorridos guiados para llevar a cabo la toma de datos etnobiológicos mediante registros auditivos y visuales, lo cual nos permitió la identificación taxonómica de las especies y el calculó de la frecuencia de mención. Los informantes reconocen 83 especies de aves pertenecientes a 14 órdenes y 32 familias, y conocen algunas de sus funciones ecológicas y de su distribución local. En la selva baja caducifolia se registraron 70 especies, lo que corresponde al 84% de las especies que reportaron los informantes. Los campesinos utilizan 23 especies en diferentes usos, como son el uso alimentario (52%), ornato (39%), amuleto (21%) y uso medicinal (8%). Esas especies de aves se obtienen empleando resorteras y rifles. La tortola Columbina inca y la paloma Zenaida macroura registraron la mayor frecuencia de mención (60%). Se conservan creencias sobre seis aves, las cuales están relacionadas con la muerte, mala suerte o aquellas asociadas a las lluvias. Los conocimientos etnoecológicos que conservan los habitantes de Coatetelco sobre las aves deben integrarse a políticas públicas de conservación en defensa de su patrimonio biocultural.
¿Why are we ignoring the relief? On the bias of planimetric instead topographic areas in ecological and spatial modeling researches
Authors: Denis Ávila Dennis , Cruz Flores Daryl David , Martínez-Borrego Daily
Published: December 2020

La información espacial, los productos satelitales y sus derivados son fuentes importantes de información ambiental. Sin embargo, la precisión de las mediciones de áreas y distancias está sacrificada al emplearse proyecciones planas e ignorar conscientemente las irregularidades del relieve. Esto es esencial en estudios ecológicos donde el área que importa medir es la percibida por los organismos y de la que dependen los recursos del hábitat y no su proyección a un plano desde una vista superior. En este trabajo se evalúan las diferencias en las estimaciones de áreas geográficas teniendo en cuenta e ignorando la topografía del terreno, en aplicaciones de estudios ecológicos o de modelación de distribuciones, tomando el archipiélago cubano como referencia. Mediante parcelas y distribuciones de especies virtuales simuladas se evaluó la magnitud de los sesgos en estas estimaciones al ignorarse la información del relieve, empleando un mapa de área topológica derivado de un modelo digital de elevación con resolución espacial de 26.8 m. Los valores de subestimación alcanzaron un máximo de 1598 m2, equivalente a 45% de error, y son notables en regiones montañosas. Parcelas de igual área planimétrica pueden tener diferencias de hasta un 15% en las áreas reales, según su ubicación y las proporciones entre tipos de relieve que incluyen. Los cambios en los modelos de áreas de distribución potencial en dos especies virtuales creadas tuvieron errores en la estimación de las áreas superiores a 700 km2. Al emplear valores de áreas relativizadas a porcentajes, el error disminuye. Más estudios sobre el impacto metodológico de estos sesgos son necesarios, sobre todo en términos de sus implicaciones para las conclusiones ecológicas de los estudios o sobre su influencia potencial en decisiones de manejo de recursos naturales.
Distribution and characterization of the communities of Tillandsia (Bromeliaceae) in southern Peru and their relationship with altitude, slope and orientation
Authors: Pauca-Tanco Gregory Anthony , Villasante Benavides José Francisco , Villegas Paredes Luis , Luque Fernandez Cesar Raúl , Quispe Turpo Johana del Pilar
Published: December 2020

Las comunidades vegetales xerofíticas donde predomina Tillandsia, en los desiertos costeros de Perú y Chile, son dependientes de la neblina proveniente del océano pacífico, por lo que presentan, a su vez, características únicas que le permiten sobrevivir al singular ecosistema. La distribución de los tillandsiales en el sur de Perú fue evaluada mediante técnicas de teledetección, revisión de herbarios, textos especializados y exhaustivas salidas de campo, así mismo, se relacionó su presencia respecto a la altitud, pendiente y orientación. Se registra seis especies de Tillandsia, siendo las más comunes T. purpurea y T. capillaris, mientras que, T. latifolia, T. paleacea, T. landbeckii y T. werdermannii están restringidas a determinadas localidades. Los resultados muestran 94 parches de Tillandsia, repartidos en 10 localidades del sur de Perú, abarcando desde 15° 5' S hasta 18° 0' S, con una extensión aproximada de 467 km2. Las poblaciones se encuentran desde 450 hasta 1400 msnm y en cuanto a la pendiente y orientación, estos se localizan preferentemente a <8.5° y SO respectivamente. En cuanto a su conservación, actualmente estas comunidades se encuentran amenazadas principalmente por la presión antrópica, modificación de hábitat y el cambio climático.
Antibiotics as emerging pollutants. Ecotoxicological risk and control in wastewater and reclaimed water
Authors: Martínez-Alcalá Isabel , Soto Jesús , Lahora Agustín
Published: December 2020

La presencia de contaminantes emergentes en aguas es cada vez mayor. Especialmente preocupan los antibióticos, debido a que pueden dar lugar a la aparición de bacterias resistentes, pero también a que dichos antibióticos pueden afectar negativamente a los ecosistemas y a los organismos que los habitan. Los antibióticos empleados para el consumo humano terminan llegando a las estaciones depuradoras de aguas residuales (EDAR) donde se ha visto que se eliminan solo en parte. Por este motivo, este estudio trata de determinar qué antibióticos son los que se encuentran en las EDAR y a qué concentraciones, y si una vez descargados sus efluentes en el medio ambiente, pueden provocar algún riesgo ecotoxicológico para los diferentes organismos acuáticos. De 17 antibióticos analizados en los influentes de las EDAR, solo 3 fueron detectados en el 100 % de las muestras analizadas (azitromicina, ciprofloxacina y ofloxacino), de los que, tras el proceso de depuración, solo se detectó la azitromicina en el 100 % de las muestras. El antibiótico que se encontró a una mayor concentración en los influentes estudiados fue la claritromicina (2850 ng L-1), mientras que, tras los diferentes procesos de depuración, en los efluentes, el antibiótico que se encontró a una mayor concentración fue la azitromicina (1110 ng L-1). Al realizar la evaluación del riesgo ecotoxicológico de los efluentes, dos EDAR obtuvieron una valoración del riesgo media para la claritromicina y azitromicina, mientras que para el resto de EDAR, el riesgo resultó insignificante.
БРОУНОВСКОЕ ДВИЖЕНИЕ ВЕЧНО И САМОПРОИЗВОЛЬНО... (К 150-летию со дня рождения Жана Перрена), "Энергия: экономика, техника, экология"
Authors: Щербаков Р.Н.
Published: December 2020

В статье показано влияние на развитие физики ХХ века выдающегося французского физика, лауреата Нобелевской премии Жана Батиста Перрена (1870-1942). Установил природу катодных лучей, исследовал броуновское движение, определил численное значение числа Авогадро, наряду с Э. Резерфордом предложил планетарную модель атома, внёс вклад в воспитание молодых учёных.
ЯВЛЕНИЕ САМООРГАНИЗАЦИИ В УЛЬТРАХОЛОДНОЙ КОЛЛОИДНОЙ ПЛАЗМЕ ПРИ ТЕМПЕРАТУРАХ СВЕРХТЕКУЧЕГО ГЕЛИЯ, "Энергия: экономика, техника, экология"
Authors: Болтнев Р. Е. , Васильев М.М. , Петров О.Ф.
Published: December 2020

Впервые исследовано поведение частиц в пылевой плазме при температуре ниже 2 К, что соответствует –271 °C. Результаты экспериментов в будущем могут быть использованы для создания новых материалов с заданными и контролируемыми свойствами.
СТРАТЕГИЧЕСКИЕ АЛЬТЕРНАТИВЫ РАЗВИТИЯ МОРСКОГО ПАССАЖИРСКОГО ТРАНСПОРТА В РОССИИ, "Энергия: экономика, техника, экология"
Authors: БАБУРИНА О.Н.
Published: December 2020

Встатье проанализирована динамика наличия морских пассажирских судов в России, их возрастная структура и основные показатели работы. Ускоренное старение морского пассажирского флота и недостаточное количество судов тормозит развитие морских пассажирских и круизных перевозок. Для возрождения в России морского пассажирского флота рассматриваются две альтернативы: 1) внедрить систему госзаказов на серийное строительство пассажирских и круизных судов на российских верфях, 2) приобретать морские пассажирские и круизные суда по лизинговой схеме у иностранных производителей.
Prosection of the Goat’s Eye as a Teaching-Learning Method for the Undergraduate Medical Students During Clinical Postings in a Medical College in South India
Authors: Vidha Aditi , Kulkarni Uma
Published: December 2020

Background:

Understanding the complex anatomy of the eyeball is challenging for a medical undergraduate student. We evaluated the effectiveness of prosection (demonstrated dissection) of enucleated goat's eye as a teaching-learning method and explored the reflections of the undergraduate medical students.

Methods:

After ethical approval and informed consent, the study was conducted on 71 undergraduate students during their clinical postings in ophthalmology. The students were randomized into two arms. Arm A was taught anatomy of the eye using PowerPoint presentation and arm B using prosection. Pre and post-test questionnaires were provided to compare knowledge scores. Students were asked to write their reflections about prosection.

Results:

Mean pre and post Day 0 and Day 7 knowledge scores in both arms were identical and did not differ statistically (p=0.530, 0.97, 0.92) indicating that both the interventions were - quantitatively speaking - equally effective. Students' reflections on prosection were analyzed qualitatively. Students enjoyed the novelty of the teaching method, appreciated the unraveling of the complicated ocular anatomical arrangements, understood the eye three-dimensionally, saw the otherwise invisible structures of the eye, appreciated the transparent structures and discerned the complexity and interrelatedness of structures. Students reported enhanced learning through touching, feeling and seeing. They indicated that the learning was self- directed, collaborative, and promoted situated-learning through participation. Students opined that prosection supplemented by PowerPoint presentation should be included in the undergraduate ophthalmology curriculum.

Conclusion:

Prosection, when aided by a systematic commentary and interaction, stimulates multi-modal learning to understand ocular anatomy and should be included in the curriculum to create an interest in the subject of ophthalmology among medical undergraduate students.
Effect of Quantum of Energy used During Nd
Authors: Verma Neha , Ahuja Ashish
Published: December 2020

Objective:

To find out whether there exists a correlation between the quantum of energy used and the amount of rise of intra ocular pressure (IOP) following Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy.

Materials and methods:

The subjects were enrolled after taking a written informed consent. A total of 110 patients undergoing Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy for management of posterior capsule opacification with a minimum of 3 months following cataract surgery. After detailed history and ocular examination, Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was performed. Pre-laser IOP was noted. Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy was performed. Laser energy used was noted following which post-laser IOP was recorded after 1, 2 and 4 hours post-procedure. Paired t-test was used for comparison of means of IOP and energy levels. ROC analysis was used to predict the cutoff value of energy on the basis of change of IOP from baseline.

Results:

Mean energy used in Nd:YAG Laser posterior capsulotomy procedure for all patients was 58.57±34.63 mJ. Mean IOP at 1st hour follow-up was 15.32±2.91 mmHg, at 2nd hour follow-up was 16.24±3.23 mmHg and at 4th hour follow-up was 16.18±3.35 mmHg. At all three follow-ups, mean change in IOP was found to be statistically significant (p<0.001).

Conclusion:

Post laser IOP rise is minimal and transient; it varies with the amount of energy used.
Self‐Amplifying Nanotherapeutic Drugs Homing to Tumors in a Manner of Chain Reaction
Authors: Wang Yue , Shen Na , Wang Ying , Zhang Yu , Tang Zhaohui , Chen Xuesi
Published: December 2020

Active tumor‐targeting drug delivery has great potency in cancer therapy. However, the targeting efficiency of traditional active tumor‐targeting nanotherapeutic drugs is limited by the scarcity of their accessible targets/receptors in tumors. Here, a novel self‐amplifying tumor‐targeting strategy with a chain reaction mechanism is developed. A coagulation targeting peptide (GNQEQVSPLTLLKXC, termed A15)‐decorated poly(L‐glutamic acid)‐graft‐maleimide poly(ethylene glycol)/combretastatin A4 conjugate (A15‐PLG‐CA4) is prepared to obtain a self‐amplifying nanotherapeutic platform homing to tumors. After administration to tumor‐bearing mice, A15‐PLG‐CA4 starts a chain reaction cycle consisting of intratumoral hemorrhage, target FXIIIa amplification, blood clot binding, and CA4 release in tumors. In this way, A15‐PLG‐CA4 increases the level of its accessible targets (FXIIIa) in a manner of chain reaction. The FXIIIa activity at 8 h is 4.1‐fold more than the one at 0 h in the C26 tumors treated with A15‐PLG‐CA4. The total CA4 concentration at 24 h is 2.9‐fold more than the control. A15‐PLG‐CA4 shows a significantly higher antitumor effect against large C26 tumors (≈500 mm3) thanks to the remarkable tumor‐targeting ability compared with the control. Therefore, this report highlights the potential of the self‐amplifying tumor‐targeting strategy in the development of next generation active tumor‐targeting nanotherapeutic drugs for tumor therapy.
Achieving High‐Performance Metal Phosphide Anode for Potassium Ion Batteries via Concentrated Electrolyte Chemistry
Authors: Yang Fuhua , Hao Junnan , Long Jun , Liu Sailin , Zheng Tian , Lie Wilford , Chen Jun , Guo Zaiping
Published: December 2020

Metal phosphides are regarded as promising anode candidates for high‐energy‐density potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) due to their high theoretical capacity and relatively low operation voltage. The failure mechanism of the metal phosphides originates from the large volume variation during cycling, which leads to fast capacity degradation. Herein, concentrated electrolyte is used to achieve impressive cycling stability for K‐metal and K‐ion batteries over their more dilute counterparts, mainly benefiting from the anion‐derived robust and uniform solid–electrolyte interphase layer, which is helpful in maintaining the electrode integrity, avoiding excessive side reactions, and suppressing electrolyte decomposition. Further investigations also reveal the synergistic advantages of the superior chemical compatibility of concentrated electrolyte to potassium metal, as well as its remarkable electrochemical stability and enhanced safety compared to conventional dilute electrolytes. This work provides a feasible strategy to mitigate the degradation of metal phosphides to build high‐energy‐density PIBs.
Designing biomass supply chains within planetary boundaries
Authors: Wheeler Jonathan , Galán‐Martín Ángel , Mele Fernando D. , Guillén‐Gosálbez Gonzalo
Published: December 2020

The design of sustainable supply chains, which recently emerged as an active area of research in process systems engineering, is vital to ensure sustainable development. Despite past and ongoing efforts, the available methods often overlook impacts beyond climate change or incorporate them via standard life cycle assessment metrics that are hard to interpret from an absolute sustainability viewpoint. We here address the design of biomass supply chains considering critical ecological limits of the Earth—planetary boundaries—which should never be surpassed by anthropogenic activities. Our method relies on a mixed‐integer linear program that incorporates a planetary boundaries‐based damage model to quantify absolute sustainability precisely. We apply this approach to the sugarcane‐to‐ethanol industry in Argentina, identifying the optimal combination of technologies and network layout that minimize the impact on these ecological boundaries. Our framework can find applications in a wide range of supply chain problems related to chemicals and fuels production, energy systems, and agriculture planning.
Clinical and molecular evaluation of 13 Brazilian patients with Gomez‐López‐Hernández syndrome
Authors: Perrone Eduardo , Perez Ana Beatriz Alvarez , D'Almeida Vânia , de Mello Claudia Berlim , Jacobina Marcela Amaral Avelino , Loureiro Rafael Maffei , Burlin Stênio , Migliavacca Michele , do Amaral Virmond Luiza , Graziadio Carla , Pedroso José Luiz , Mendes Elaine Lustosa , Gomy Israel , de Macena Sobreira Nara Lygia
Published: December 2020

We aim to characterize patients with Gomez‐López‐Hernández syndrome (GLHS) clinically and to investigate them molecularly. A clinical protocol, including a morphological and neuropsychological assessment, was applied to 13 patients with GLHS. Single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array and whole‐exome sequencing were undertaken; magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 12 patients, including high‐resolution, heavily T2‐weighted sequences (HRT2) in 6 patients to analyze the trigeminal nerves. All patients presented alopecia; two did not present rhombencephalosynapsis (RES); trigeminal anesthesia was present in 5 of the 11 patients (45.4%); brachycephaly/brachyturricephaly and mid‐face retrusion were found in 84.6 and 92.3% of the patients, respectively. One patient had intellectual disability. HRT2 sequences showed trigeminal nerve hypoplasia in four of the six patients; all four had clinical signs of trigeminal anesthesia. No common candidate gene was found to explain GLHS phenotype. RES does not seem to be an obligatory finding in respect of GLHS diagnosis. We propose that a diagnosis of GLHS should be considered in patients with at least two of the following criteria: focal non‐scarring alopecia, rhombencephalosynapsis, craniofacial anomalies (brachyturrycephaly, brachycephaly or mid‐face retrusion), trigeminal anesthesia or anatomic abnormalities of the trigeminal nerve. Studies focusing on germline whole genome sequencing or DNA and/or RNA sequencing of the alopecia tissue may be the next step for the better understanding of GLHS etiology.
Anion Controlled Stereodivergent Semi‐Hydrogenation of Alkynes using Water as Hydrogen Source
Authors: Li Kangkui , Yang Chunhui , Chen Jingchao , Pan Chunxiang , Fan Ruifeng , Zhou Yongyun , Luo Yang , Yang Dajian , Fan Baomin
Published: December 2020

An anion controlled stereodivergent semi‐hydrogenation of alkynes is reported. The reactions are catalyzed by the low‐cost and stable nickel(II) salts, using water as environmental friendly hydrogen source with zinc powder as metal reductant. Interestingly, the stereoselectivity of the reaction is well controlled by the anion of the nickel(II) salt. The present methodology allowed a low‐cost and convenient preparation of trans‐ and cis‐alkenes under mild conditions. The reaction mechanism is proposed with water as the hydrogen donor on the basis of the control experiments.
Twists and Turns in Arbitrator Selection: The Labor‐Management Context
Authors: Pearlstein Arthur
Published: December 2020

Part I of this series last month established that there is a market for arbitration that exhibits some special characteristics. Among other things, it is a “matching market” where the buyers come in adversarial pairs, and it tends to be a “superstar market” subject to a type of “Matthew Effect” where success breeds success for arbitrators, while many highly qualified ones can be left behind.
Here Are Neutrals' Approaches for When The RDM—Real Decision Maker—Is Absent
Authors: Creo Robert A.
Published: December 2020

In most court‐ordered mediation programs it is fundamental to the procedure that all parties have a representative actively participate in the process with full authority to resolve the claim.
Hierarchically porous N‐doped carbon nanofibers derived from ZIF‐8/PAN composites for benzene adsorption
Authors: Yang Xing , Wu Xianghua , Chen Zhaoyang , Li Wenqiong , Sun Qi‐Jun , Guo Zeping , Liang Xiaoguang , He Yun
Published: December 2020

Coupling with electrospinning technique, metal–organic‐frameworks (MOFs)‐derived porous carbon fibers exhibit a great potential application in the adsorption of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) because of their huge surface area, high porosity, as well as sufficient heteroatom‐doped active sites. In this work, the hierarchically porous N‐doped carbon nanofibers are obtained after the pyrolysis of zeolite imidazole framework‐8 and polyacrylonitrile (ZIF‐8/PAN) composite fibers synthesized by electrospinning method. The N‐doped carbon nanofibers fabricated in N2 atmosphere (N‐CF‐N2) present an enhanced adsorption capacity of 694 mg/g for benzene because of the synergistic effect of the hierarchically porous structure and the abundant N‐species‐containing active sites. It is also interesting that the N‐doped hierarchical carbon nanofibers fabricated in Ar atmosphere (N‐CF‐Ar) exhibit a low benzene adsorption as compared with the N‐CF‐N2, which can be attributed to the porous structure damage caused by the bombardment of heavy Ar atoms on the pore shells during the pyrolysis. These results not only show a promising application of the as‐fabricated N‐CF‐N2 in adsorption of VOCs for air purification due to its merit of cost‐efficient, large‐scale production, and excellent adsorption capacity, but also expand the potential of electrospinning technology and composite fibers in volatile organic gas adsorption.
Silver‐doped biphasic calcium phosphate/alginate microclusters with antibacterial property and controlled doxorubicin delivery
Authors: Nie Lei , Deng Yaling , Zhang Yingying , Zhou Qiuju , Shi Qimin , Zhong Shengping , Sun Yi , Yang Zhong , Sun Meng , Politis Constantinus , Shavandi Amin
Published: December 2020

Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) based materials possessed with both excellent biocompatibility and antibacterial activity show potential advantages for biomedical applications. Here, the silver‐doped BCP/Alginate (AgBA) microclusters were first fabricated using the double‐emulsions method. First, BCP nanoparticles were incorporated into the alginate network to form BCP/Alginate microclusters via the emulsion process. Then, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were in situ involved in BCP/Alginate networks to obtain the final AgBA microclusters. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy confirmed that BCP nanoparticles and AgNPs were uniformly distributed in AgBA microclusters. The morphology of AgBA microclusters could be regulated by adjusting emulsion power, and microclusters using the medium powder (500 W) showed a regular spherical shape. Furthermore, CCK‐8 analysis identified that AgBA microclusters were cytocompatible culturing with human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells. Qualitative antibacterial tests exhibited the excellent inhibition effects of AgBA microclusters against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram‐positive) and Escherichia coli. (Gram‐negative). Lastly, the doxorubicin (DOX)‐loaded AgBA microclusters presented adjustable loading efficiency of DOX and controllable release profiles. The cumulative release could reach 73.3% after 72 h in PBS. The above results raised a new route for antibacterial microclusters development for biomedical applications.
Emergency TAVI in a critically ill patient: A case report
Authors: Papadopoulos Konstantinos , Chrissoheris Michael , Halapas Antonios , Kourkoveli Panagiota , Ozden Tok Ozge , Spargias Konstantinos
Published: December 2020

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is a safe procedure even in inoperable patients with multi‐organ failure and cardiogenic shock. In such cases, the heart team should be prepared to proceed to emergent implantation for timely and successful management of the patient.
A Study on Au(I)‐thiolate Nanosheets as Water‐dispersible UV Absorbents
Authors: Zhang Shengrui , Yu Yang , Xu Shujue , Liu Jun , Liu Mo , Su He , Hao Yajiao , Li Minjie , Zhang Sean Xiao‐An
Published: December 2020

UV screening is very important for the prevention of skin cancer and the elongation of the lifetime of organic/polymeric stuff. To overcome the main problems of poor hydrophilicity and easy leakage of organic UV absorbents, water‐dispersible Au(I)‐thiolate nanosheets have been studied as a new type of UV absorbents. The results show that Au(I)‐thiolate nanosheets have i) very high molar absorption coefficients (>15000 mol/L.cm), ii) comparable or superior photostability to typical organic UV absorbents, and iii) high transparency and nearly no leakage in polymer matrix. So far, no other UV absorbents have been reported to have all the above good performances simultaneously. The transparent and colorless Au(I)‐thiolate/polymer thin films can effectively block UV light, and such a material will surely extend the types and the application scenarios of UV absorbents.
Calcium transfer and mass balance associated with soil carbonate in a semi‐arid silicate watershed (North Cameroon): An overlooked geochemical cascade?
Authors: Dietrich Fabienne , Diaz Nathalie , Deschamps Pierre , Sebag David , Verrecchia Eric P.
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Calcium is a key element of the Earth system and closely coupled to the carbon cycle. Weathering of silicate releases Ca, which is exported and sequestered in oceans. However, pedogenic calcium carbonate constitutes a second Ca‐trapping pathway that has received less attention. Large accumulations of pedogenic calcium carbonate nodules, associated with palaeo‐Vertisols, are widespread in North Cameroon, despite a carbonate‐free watershed. A previous study suggested that a significant proportion of Ca released during weathering was trapped in palaeo‐Vertisols but the pathways involved in the transfer of Ca from sources (the granite and the Saharan dust) to a temporary sink (the carbonate nodules) remain unclear. This study aims to compare the distribution of elements in carbonate nodules and their associated past and present compartments for Ca in the landscape. These compartments are all characterised by a distinctive geochemical composition, resulting from specific processes. Three end members have been defined based on geochemical data: (a) the granite and its residual products, dominated by K2O and Na2O, Ti and Zr, HREE, and a positive Ce anomaly; (b) the soil parental material and the Saharan dust, dominated by Al2O3, Fe2O3 and MgO, V, HREE, and a positive Ce anomaly; and finally (c) the carbonate nodules, which are dominated by CaO, a depletion in V, Ti and Zr, and an enrichment in REE with a negative Ce anomaly. Mass balance calculations in soil profiles demonstrated that the accumulation of Ca in carbonate nodules exceeds the Ca released by chemical weathering of the parental material, because of a continuous accumulation and contribution from lateral transfers. Consequently, at the landscape scale, carbonate nodules associated with palaeo‐Vertisols constitute a temporary sink for Ca. Such a spatial relationship between sources and transient compartments opens an avenue to the new concept of ‘geochemical cascade’, similar in terms of geochemistry, to the concept of ‘sediment cascade’ developed by continental sedimentologists.
Plasma growth differentiation factor 15: a novel tool to detect early changes of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis
Authors: Okada Masamitsu , Misumi Yohei , Masuda Teruaki , Takashio Seiji , Tasaki Masayoshi , Matsushita Hiroaki , Ueda Akihiko , Inoue Yasuteru , Nomura Toshiya , Nakajima Makoto , Yamashita Taro , Shinriki Satoru , Matsui Hirotaka , Tsujita Kenichi , Ando Yukio , Ueda Mitsuharu
Published: December 2020

Aims

Hereditary transthyretin (ATTRv) amyloidosis is the most frequent and representative form of autosomal dominant hereditary systemic amyloidosis. Disease‐modifying treatments of the disease are more effective during the early stages, and we require biomarkers to detect early pathological changes for prompt diagnosis. This study aimed to investigate whether plasma growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF‐15) levels could aid detection of early pathological changes in ATTRv amyloidosis.

Methods and results

We retrospectively studied 32 patients with ATTRv amyloidosis, eight asymptomatic TTR mutation carriers, and eight healthy volunteers. We evaluated plasma GDF‐15 levels in these subjects as related to levels of brain natriuretic peptide and high‐sensitivity troponin T, echocardiographic features, 99mTc‐pyrophosphate (PYP) scans, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging findings. Plasma GDF‐15 levels significantly increased even in asymptomatic TTR mutation carriers compared with healthy volunteers (P < 0.01). Plasma GDF‐15 levels were significantly correlated with plasma brain natriuretic peptide values (P < 0.01), serum high‐sensitivity troponin T values (P < 0.05), and interventricular septal thickness at end‐diastole (P < 0.01) in patients with ATTRv amyloidosis. Plasma GDF‐15 levels in patients with PYP‐positive ATTRv amyloidosis were significantly higher than those in patients with PYP‐negative ATTRv amyloidosis (P < 0.01). Plasma GDF‐15 levels in patients with late gadolinium enhancement‐positive ATTRv amyloidosis were significantly higher than those in patients with late gadolinium enhancement‐negative ATTRv amyloidosis (P < 0.01). Groups of patients with different TTR genotypes manifested different plasma GDF‐15 levels.

Conclusions

Growth differentiation factor 15 may reflect early pathological changes of ATTRv amyloidosis.
Gadolinium‐Triradical Complex with Ground S = 10 State: Synthesis, Structural Characterization and Magnetic Studies
Authors: Kanetomo Takuya , Naoi Yuya , Enomoto Masaya
Published: December 2020

Two novel dinuclear lanthanide(III) complexes were prepared with a triradical 2,4,6‐tris{p‐(N‐oxy‐N‐t‐butylamino)phenyl}‐1,3,5‐triazine (L), yielding [{LnIII(hfac)3(ethanol)(L)}2] (Ln2L2, Ln = Gd and La; hfac = 1,1,1,5,5,5‐hexafluoropentane‐2,4‐dionate). Compound Ln2L2 has a cyclic structure in which two Ln ions are bridged by two triradical ligands. The cyclic dimers form quasi‐two‐dimensional (2D) structures via intermolecular hydrogen bonding and π‐π interactions. The La derivative, in which only L shows magnetic behavior, exhibits intraligand ferromagnetic and interligand antiferromagnetic 2 p–2 p couplings. Compound Gd2L2 shows ferromagnetic 4 f–2 p and intraligand 2 p–2 p couplings with a high‐spin state of S = 10.
An 18 Multi‐InDels panel for analysis of highly degraded forensic biological samples
Authors: Li Jienan , Lin Lin , Jiang Bowei , Wang Chudong , Zeye Moutanou Modeste Judes , Wen Dan , He Wei , Qu Weifeng , Liu Ying , Zha Lagabaiyila
Published: December 2020

DNA genotyping from trace and highly degraded biological samples is one of the most significant challenges of forensic DNA identification. There is a lack of simple and effective methods for genotyping highly degraded samples. In this study, a multiple loci insertion/deletion polymorphisms (Multi‐InDels) panel was designed for detecting 18 autosomal Multi‐InDels through capillary electrophoresis (CE) with amplicon sizes no longer than 125 bp. Studies of sensitivity, degradation, and species specificity were performed and a population study was carried out using 192 samples from Han populations in Hunan province in the south of China. The combined random match probability (CMP) of these 18 Multi‐InDels was 3.23 × 10–12 and the cumulative probability of exclusion (CPE) was 0.9989, suggesting this panel could be used independently for human identification and could provide efficient supporting information for parentage testing. Complete profiles were obtained from as low as 62.5 pg of total input DNA after increasing the number of PCR cycles. Moreover, all alleles were detected from artificially highly degraded DNA after 80 min of boiling water bath treatment. This 18 Multi‐InDels panel is simple, fast, and effective for the forensic analysis of highly degraded DNA.
Electroosmotic flow: From microfluidics to nanofluidics
Authors: Alizadeh Amer , Hsu Wei‐Lun , Wang Moran , Daiguji Hirofumi
Published: December 2020

Electroosmotic flow (EOF), a consequence of an imposed electric field onto an electrolyte solution in the tangential direction of a charged surface, has emerged as an important phenomenon in electrokinetic transport at the micro/nanoscale. Because of their ability to efficiently pump liquids in miniaturized systems without incorporating any mechanical parts, electroosmotic methods for fluid pumping have been adopted in versatile applications—from biotechnology to environmental science. To understand the electrokinetic pumping mechanism, it is crucial to identify the role of an ionically polarized layer, the so‐called electrical double layer (EDL), which forms in the vicinity of a charged solid–liquid interface, as well as the characteristic length scale of the conducting media. Therefore, in this tutorial review, we summarize the development of electrical double layer models from a historical point of view to elucidate the interplay and configuration of water molecules and ions in the vicinity of a solid–liquid interface. Moreover, we discuss the physicochemical phenomena owing to the interaction of electrical double layer when the characteristic length of the conducting media is decreased from the microscale to the nanoscale. Finally, we highlight the pioneering studies and the most recent works on electro osmotic flow devoted to both theoretical and experimental aspects.
Small Steatotic HCC: A Radiological Variant Associated With Improved Outcome After Ablation
Authors: Hermida Margaux , Preel Ancelin , Assenat Eric , Piron Lauranne , Cassinotto Christophe , Ursic‐Bedoya José , Guillot Chloé , Herrero Astrid , Panaro Fabrizio , Pageaux Georges‐Philippe , Guiu Boris
Published: December 2020

Percutaneous thermal ablation is a validated treatment option for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Steatotic HCC can be reliably detected by magnetic resonance imaging. To determine the clinical relevance of this radiological variant, we included 235 patients (cirrhosis in 92.3%, classified Child‐Pugh A in 97%) from a prospective database on percutaneous thermal ablation for <3 cm HCC. Among these patients, 52 (22.1%) had at least one steatotic HCC nodule. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis was more frequent in patients with than without steatotic HCC (P = 0.057), whereas body mass index, diabetes mellitus, liver steatosis, and liver fat content did not differ between groups. Liver disease was less advanced in patients with than without steatotic HCC: lower total bilirubin (

2.1 µmol/L; P = 0.035), higher albumin (+0.8 g/L; P = 0.035), and lower Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score (‐0.8; P = 0.014). Tumor phenotype was less aggressive in patients with steatotic HCC: lower alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) concentration (P = 0.019), less frequent AFP > 100 ng/mL (P = 0.045), and multifocality (P = 0.015). During the follow‐up (median: 28.3 months), overall mortality (3.8% vs. 23.5%; P = 0.001) and HCC‐specific mortality (0.0% vs. 14.2%; P = 0.002) rates were lower in patients with steatotic HCC. Early (<2 years) recurrence was also less frequent (32.7% vs. 49.2%; P = 0.041). The mean time to intrahepatic distant recurrence (16.4 vs. 9 months, P = 0.006) and the median time to recurrence and recurrence‐free survival (32.4 vs. 18.6 months, P = 0.024 and 30.4 vs. 16.4 months, P = 0.018) were longer in patients with steatotic versus nonsteatotic HCC. The 3‐year overall survival was 94.4% and 70.9% in steatotic and nonsteatotic HCC (P = 0.008). In multivariate analysis, steatotic HCC (hazard ratio = 0.12; P = 0.039) and AFP (HR=1.002; P < 0.001) independently predicted overall survival. Conclusion: Small steatotic HCC detected by magnetic resonance imaging is associated with a less aggressive tumor phenotype. In patients with such radiological variant, percutaneous thermal ablation results in improved outcome.
Systemic immune responses in patients with early localized or early disseminated Borrelia afzelii lyme borreliosis
Authors: Cerar Kišek Tjaša , Blagus Rok , Ružić‐Sabljić Eva , Collinet‐Adler Stefan , Bajrović Fajko F. , Stupica Daša
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The role of host immune responses in the pathogenesis of borrelial dissemination in early Lyme borreliosis (LB) in the form of multiple erythema migrans (MEM) or LB‐associated symptoms is incompletely understood.

Methods

In this study, fifteen cytokine or chemokine levels, representative of innate, Th1, and Th17 immune responses, were assessed using a bead‐based Luminex multiplex assay in acute sera from 76 adult patients with skin culture‐positive Borrelia afzelii solitary erythema migrans (SEM) and 58 patients with MEM at a single‐center university hospital. Differences between the groups were tested by modeling each cytokine or chemokine concentration by means of left‐censored regression using the classic Tobit model.

Results

Mean serum cytokine or chemokine levels were low. When taking into account the proportion of patients with cytokine or chemokine concentrations below the lowest detectable limit, only levels of CXCL10 (p = .03) and CCL19 (p = .02), representatives of the Th1 immune response, differed between patients with SEM and those with MEM; however, the differences did not reach statistical significance when adjusted for multiple comparisons. In addition, we did not find differences in systemic inflammatory responses when comparing patients with and those without LB‐associated constitutional symptoms.

Conclusion

No significant differences in systemic immune responses represented by selected cytokines or chemokines in serum samples of patients with EM infected with B. afzelii suggest that systemic mediators are not pivotal in the pathogenesis of dissemination of early infection in the form of MEM or LB‐associated symptoms. Localized immune responses in the skin or other pathogenetic mechanisms may be more important in this regard.