bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of low back pain and related disability in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome
Authors: Brown‐Taylor Lindsey , Bordner Haley , Glaws Kathryn , Vasileff W. Kelton , Walrod Bryant , Di Stasi Stephanie
Published: February 2021

Background

Low back pain (LBP) has been associated with worse hip function for persons with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). Reports are limited to surgical populations and based on the presence or absence of LBP, regardless of pain severity.

Objectives

To report the prevalence of clinically significant LBP for persons with FAIS; compare demographics, pain, and function between those with and without clinically significant LBP; and evaluate relationships between hip function and both LBP‐related disability and LBP severity. We hypothesized that participants with LBP would be older, have higher body mass index (BMI), and report worse groin pain, longer symptom duration, and worse hip function. We hypothesized that worse LBP‐related disability and LBP severity would be related to worse hip function.

Design

Observational cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Hip preservation clinic.

Participants

158 persons with FAIS.

Interventions

n/a

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Visual analog pain scales (VAS 0‐100) were used to categorize participants with (≥30) and without (<30) clinically significant LBP. Age, sex, BMI, pain severity and duration, and hip function (33‐item Hip Outcome Tool [iHOT33]) were compared between those with and without clinically significant LBP. Correlations were evaluated between the modified Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and iHOT33, ODI and groin pain severity, LBP severity and iHOT33, and LBP and groin pain severity.

Results

Sixty percent of participants reported clinically significant LBP (n = 95). These participants reported worse iHOT33 scores (mean difference: 10.1 points) than those without clinically significant LBP (p = .001). Worse ODI scores were associated with worse iHOT33 scores (P < .001; ρ = −0.74). Significant relationships were also observed between (1) ODI and groin pain, (2) LBP and iHOT33, and (3) LBP and groin pain, but the magnitudes of these correlations were weak (ρ ≤ 0.36).

Conclusions

Clinically significant LBP is highly prevalent in persons with FAIS and is associated with worse hip function. Worse LBP‐related disability, but not LBP severity, was strongly associated with worse hip function.
First‐onset psychosis in older adults: social isolation influence during COVID pandemic – a UK case series
Authors: Deshpande Shaunak , Livingstone Anthea
Published: February 2021

Research suggests there could be an increase in the number of COVID‐19‐related psychosis episodes during the pandemic outbreak. This case series outlines the clinical presentation of first‐onset psychosis in three older adults and their treatment in the 30 days following their initial admission. The authors postulate that these COVID‐19‐related psychoses are qualitatively different to psychoses prior to the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Depression with psychosis following pregabalin discontinuation
Authors: Sadik Aws , Jelley Matthew , Ward Rosalind
Published: February 2021

There has been controversy about the efficacy of pregabalin for some indications, as well as the potential for misuse and adverse effects. Here, the authors discuss a female who was admitted with symptoms of severe depression and psychotic features with a potential causation of discontinuation of pregabalin that had been used for several years. due to chronic back pain.
Photopolymerization of difunctional cyclopolymerizable monomers with low shrinkage behavior
Authors: Ruppitsch Larissa Alena , Peer Gernot , Ehrmann Katharina , Koch Thomas , Liska Robert
Published: February 2021

Cyclopolymerizable monomers (CPM) have been the focus of investigations for over 70 years due to favorably low shrinkage upon polymerization, yet little research dealt with difunctional CPMs, especially in the field of radical photopolymerization. Herein, we synthesized novel difunctional 1,6‐diene CPMs based on the isomeric mixture of (2,2,4)/(2,4,4)‐trimethylhexane‐1,6‐diamine as spacer unit, which undergoes cyclopolymerization forming five‐ or six‐membered ring structures in the polymer backbone upon photopolymerization. Different photopolymerizable moieties (allyl‐, methacryloyl‐, and ester‐activated allyl‐moieties) were chosen for modification of the spacer unit to investigate their influence on reactivity and shrinkage behavior. The (thermo)mechanical properties of the cured difunctional 1,6‐diene CPMs further reveal the effect of reactivity‐enhancing electron‐withdrawing groups (e.g., ester and carbonyl groups) on the final polymer network. For comparison, similar difunctional monoene compounds were are also synthesized and characterized to illustrate the low shrinkage behavior of the novel difunctional 1,6‐diene CPMs.
Enhanced Creep Resistance and Mechanical Properties for CL‐20 and FOX‐7 based PBXs by Crystal Surface Modification
Authors: Yang Xuelin , Gong Feiyan , Zhang Kai , Yang Wenbin , Zeng Chengcheng , Yang Zhijian
Published: February 2021

Interfacial strength between energetic crystal and polymeric binder is of a great significance to the mechanical strength and other performances of polymer bonded explosives (PBXs). In this paper, hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL‐20) and 1,1‐diamino‐2,2‐ dinitroethylene (FOX‐7) were chosen to study the thermal and mechanical properties of corresponding PBXs. The energetic crystals were firstly modified with polydopamine (PDA) and further coated with the hyperbranched polymer (HBP). The results showed that CL‐20@PDA achieved a noticeable retardation of 11 °C for the phase transition, due to the constraint of PDA shell, and the thermal decomposition of CL‐20 was slightly delayed. The storage modulus of CL‐20 based PBXs were improved. In addition, the tensile strength and compressive strength were increased by 22.9 % and 25.4 %, respectively. Concomitantly, the fracture failure temperature of FOX‐7 based PBXs composites after surface coating were increased, with its tensile and compressive strength increased by 33.1 % and 15.2 %, respectively. Moreover, the creep resistance of the two PBXs composites with surface modification was obviously enhanced.
Crystallographic and modeling study of the human inorganic pyrophosphatase 1: A potential anti‐cancer drug target
Authors: Niu Haiying , Zhu Jiang , Qu Quanxin , Zhou Xia , Huang Xiaolan , Du Zhihua
Published: February 2021

Inorganic pyrophosphatases (PPases) catalyze the hydrolysis of pyrophosphate to phosphates. PPases play essential roles in growth and development, and are found in all kingdoms of life. Human possess two PPases, PPA1 and PPA2. PPA1 is present in all tissues, acting largely as a housekeeping enzyme. Besides pyrophosphate hydrolysis, PPA1 can also directly dephosphorylate phosphorylated c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases 1 (JNK1). Upregulated expression of PPA1 has been linked to many human malignant tumors. PPA1 knockdown induces apoptosis and decreases proliferation. PPA1 is emerging as a potential prognostic biomarker and target for anti‐cancer drug development. In spite of the biological and physiopathological importance of PPA1, there is no detailed study on the structure and catalytic mechanisms of mammalian origin PPases. Here we report the crystal structure of human PPA1 at a resolution of 2.4 Å. We also carried out modeling studies of PPA1 in complex with JNK1 derived phosphor‐peptides. The monomeric protein fold of PPA1 is similar to those found in other family I PPases. PPA1 forms a dimeric structure that should be conserved in animal and fungal PPases. Analysis of the PPA1 structure and comparison with available structures of PPases from lower organisms suggest that PPA1 has a largely pre‐organized and relatively rigid active site for pyrophosphate hydrolysis. Results from the modeling study indicate the active site of PPA1 has the potential to accommodate double‐phosphorylated peptides from JNK1. In short, results from the study provides new insights into the mechanisms of human PPA1 and basis for structure‐based anti‐cancer drug developments using PPA1 as the target.
Extraction of PEDOT:PSS/c‐Si Junction Properties by Modeling of Injection‐Dependent Lifetime Measurements Including Depletion Region Modulation
Authors: Halbich Marc-Uwe , Schmidt Jan
Published: February 2021

The carrier lifetime of n‐type silicon wafers coated with the conducting polymer PEDOT:PSS as a function of the excess carrier concentration Δp within the wafer is characterized using the quasi‐steady‐state photoconductance (QSSPC) method, and a drastic increase in the measured apparent lifetime τapp with decreasing Δp is observed. The observed increase with the depletion region modulation (DRM) effect is explained, as PEDOT:PSS‐coated p‐type silicon wafers do not show any increase in lifetime toward low injection levels. By modeling the measured τapp(Δp) curves on n‐type silicon including interface recombination as well as the DRM effect, the interface recombination velocity as well as the band bending Ψs within the silicon induced by PEDOT:PSS are able to be extracted. The impact of adding sorbitol to the PEDOT:PSS dispersion on the τapp(Δp) curves is examined, and it is demonstrated that the admixture of sorbitol improves chemical interface passivation but leaves the band bending within the silicon bulk toward the PEDOT:PSS/c‐Si interface unaffected.
Anticancer activity of the plant flavonoid luteolin against preclinical models of various cancers and insights on different signalling mechanisms modulated
Authors: Ganai Shabir Ahmad , Sheikh Farooq Ahmad , Baba Zahoor Ahmad , Mir Mudasir Ahmad , Mantoo Mohd Ayoob , Yatoo Manzoor Ahmad
Published: February 2021

Various signaling mechanisms contribute significantly to the development of multiple cancers. Small molecules with the potential of influencing a wide variety of molecular targets may prove as broad‐spectrum anticancer agents. Flavonoids from plant sources are strongly emerging as promising antineoplastic molecules because of their ability to hamper different cancer‐driving signaling pathways. Further, these flavonoids offer an additional benefit due to their congenital antioxidant potential. This paper discusses the anticancer activity of luteolin against a number of cancers including leukemias, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, melanoma, liver, gastric, and brain cancer. Strong emphasis has been laid on key molecular mechanisms impacted by luteolin for exerting antineoplastic effect. Importantly, certain epigenetic targets like histone deacetylases (HDACs), DNA methylation regulator enzymes that are influenced by this befitting flavone for inducing cytotoxicity in certain preclinical cancer models, have also been made the part of this review. Additionally, the significantly improved therapeutic benefits of luteolin in combination with other therapeutics are comprehensively discussed. The current loopholes in luteolin research are also considered, which may open novel routes for further valuable studies on this promising flavone.
Moving past postcolonial hybrid spaces: How Buddhist monks make meaning of biology
Authors: Balgopal Meena M. , Gerardo Nicole M. , Topden Jampa , Gyatso Kalden
Published: February 2021

In formal learning spaces, students must navigate making meaning of both new knowledge and potentially new worldviews. In this qualitative grounded theory study, we examined how adult Buddhist monastic students learned about and described the origin of biodiversity in an introductory biology course. The study was conducted at a Tibetan settlement in south India during an 8‐day class that was offered as part of joint program between an American university and the Tibetan Buddhist monastic community. Informed by hybridity theory, we describe four findings regarding how the monks made meaning (i.e., deciding what to learn, framing what to learn, why they should learn, and how they could learn). The monks (1) integrated the new knowledge about physical diversity into their worldview of “mental diversity;” (2) found similarities between their worldview and academic science; (3) were both intrinsically and extrinsically motivated to learn about biology; and (4) valued opportunities to engage in dialectical discourse to assist in meaning making. We conclude that the monks navigated different epistemologies demonstrating secured collateral learning. We encourage researchers to consider using a decolonized perspective when conducting studies of learning in hybrid or third spaces.
Benefits and obstacles to cell therapy in neonates: The INCuBAToR (Innovative Neonatal Cellular Therapy for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Accelerating Translation of Research)
Authors: Thébaud Bernard , Lalu Manoj , Renesme Laurent , Katwyk Sasha , Presseau Justin , Thavorn Kednapa , Cobey Kelly D. , Hutton Brian , Moher David , Soll Roger F. , Fergusson Dean
Published: February 2021

Cell-based therapies hold promise to substantially curb complications from extreme preterm birth, the main cause of death in children below the age of 5 years. Exciting preclinical studies in experimental neonatal lung injury have provided the impetus for the initiation of early phase clinical trials in extreme preterm infants at risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Clinical translation of promising therapies, however, is slow and often fails. In the adult population, results of clinical trials so far have not matched the enticing preclinical data. The neonatal field has experienced many hard-earned lessons with the implementation of oxygen therapy or postnatal steroids. Here we briefly summarize the preclinical data that have permitted the initiation of early phase clinical trials of cell-based therapies in extreme preterm infants and describe the INCuBAToR concept (Innovative Neonatal Cellular Therapy for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Accelerating Translation of Research), an evidence-based approach to mitigate the risk of translating advanced therapies into this vulnerable patient population. The INCuBAToR addresses several of the shortcomings at the preclinical and the clinical stage that usually contribute to the failure of clinical translation through (a) systematic reviews of preclinical and clinical studies, (b) integrated knowledge transfer through engaging important stakeholders early on, (c) early economic evaluation to determine if a novel therapy is viable, and (d) retrospective and prospective studies to define and test ideal eligibility criteria to optimize clinical trial design. The INCuBAToR concept can be applied to any novel therapy in order to enhance the likelihood of success of clinical translation in a timely, transparent, rigorous, and evidence-based fashion.
An international comparison analysis of CO2 emissions in the construction industry
Authors: Chen Jindao , Wang Yuhong , Shi Qian , Peng Xu , Zheng Juhuan
Published: February 2021

Global warming is an increasingly serious issue faced by human beings. As one of the largest contributors to global CO2 emissions, the construction industry plays a significant role in combating global warming and achieving sustainable development. This study aimed to compare the CO2 emissions in the construction industry around the world and analyze the drivers of the differences in construction emission intensities between regions in 2009 using the multiregional input–output model and structural decomposition analysis model, respectively. The results show that China, India, the USA, Russia, and Japan were the largest five construction CO2 emitters. The above five regions, especially China and Russia, had much greater construction emission intensities than the UK, which had the smallest intensity. The findings also demonstrate that the production structure effect was the largest driver enlarging the intensity differences between China and the UK, between India and the UK, between Russia and the UK, and between Japan and the UK, contributing 93.1%, 96.6%, 65.6%, and 85.3% of the differences, respectively. The energy intensity effect dominated the emission intensity difference between the USA and the UK, representing 101.6% of the difference. The top three contributors to the above effects were domestic industries except the production structure effect on the difference between Japan and the UK. This study can help policymakers better understand the disparities of CO2 emissions in the construction industry around the world and thus formulate effective policies to mitigate the emissions.
Generalized confidence interval for an agreement between raters
Authors: Bhaumik Dulal K. , Shi Hairong , Reda Domenic J. , Sinha Bikas K.
Published: February 2021

Estimation and inference are two key components toward the solution of any statistical problem; however, the inferential issues of statistical assessment of agreement among two or more raters have not been well developed as compared to the development of estimation procedures in this area. The fundamental reason for this gap is the complex expression of the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) that is frequently used in assessing agreement among raters. Large sample‐based statistical tests for CCC often fail to produce desired results for small samples. Hence, inferential procedures for small samples are urgently needed to evaluate agreement between raters. We argue that hypothesis testing of CCC has little value in practice due to the absence of a gold standard of agreement. In this article, we construct the generalized confidence interval (GCI) for CCC utilizing a bivariate normal distribution of measurements, and also develop a large sample‐based confidence interval (LSCI). We establish satisfactory performance of GCI by providing the desired coverage probability (CP) via simulation. Results of GCI and LSCI are illustrated and compared with a data set of a recent study performed at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Hines.
Hybrid TiO2/Graphite/Nanodiamond Anode for Realizing High Performance Lithium Ion Battery
Authors: Wang Chen , Sun Xiaochen , Li Huiling , Liu Junsong , Cheng Shaoheng , Li Hongdong , Yuan Xiaoxi
Published: February 2021

In this work, the commercial detonation nanodiamonds (DNDs) are introduced to the anodes of lithium ion battery (LIBs) consisting of anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) and synthesized graphite by a microwave treatment process. The compound TiO2/DND/graphite anodes are favorable for improving the LIB performance, where the LIBs have lithium storage capacities of 540 mA h g−1 at 0.5 C after 100 cycles and 300 mA h g−1 at 5 C after 1000 cycles, which are greatly higher than the theoretical data (168 mA h g−1) from TiO2 anode alone. The high capacity, as well as excellent cycling performance and stability of the LIBs, are attributed to the synergistic effect of DND (larger surface area, low expansion, high lithium adsorption capacity, chemical inertness), TiO2 (high Li+ insertion/extraction voltage, robust structural stability, lower volumetric expansion) and the improved ionic conductivity of the anode with additional fabricated graphitic powders.
Development and Characterization of Montmorillonite‐Based Hybrid Materials for pH‐Responsive Drug Delivery
Authors: Obireddy Sreekanth Reddy , Subbarao Subha Marata Chinna , Venkata Krishna Rao Kummari Subba , Lai Wing‐Fu
Published: February 2021

This study reports the development of montmorillonite (MMT)‐based hybrid systems for pH‐responsive drug delivery. During fabrication, MMT is first modified with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methanol (MeOH), with the generated hybrid materials being designated as MMTDMSO and MMTMeOH, respectively. The hybrid materials are then intercalated with DOX for drug delivery purposes. Results of XRD and DSC reveal that DOX is successfully intercalated into the MMT interlayers. In vitrodrug release studies of the DOX‐loaded hybrid materials are investigated at pH 4.5 and 7.4 at 37 °C. The cytotoxicity of the materials is studied in vitro by using human breast cancer cells (MCF‐7) as a model. Results suggest that our hybrid materials are carriers enabling effective, sustained and controlled drug release.
Operando XAS/SAXS: Guiding Design of Single‐Atom and Subnanocluster Catalysts
Authors: Fang Lingzhe , Seifert Soenke , Winans Randall E. , Li Tao
Published: February 2021

Single‐atom and subnanocluster catalysts (SSCs) represent a highly promising class of low‐cost materials with high catalytic activity and high atom‐utilization efficiency. However, SSCs are susceptible to undergo restructuring during the reactions. Exploring the active sites of catalysts through in situ characterization techniques plays a critical role in studying reaction mechanism and guiding the design of optimum catalysts. In situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy/small‐angle X‐ray scattering (XAS/SAXS) is promising and widely used for monitoring electronic structure, atomic configuration, and size changes of SSCs during real‐time working conditions. Unfortunately, there is no detailed summary of XAS/SAXS characterization results of SSCs. The recent advances in applying in situ XAS/SAXS to SSCs are thoroughly summarized in this review, including the atomic structure and oxidation state variations under open circuit and realistic reaction conditions. Furthermore, the reversible transformation of single‐atom catalysts (SACs) to subnanoclusters/nanoparticles and the application of in situ XAS/SAXS in subnanoclusters are discussed. Finally, the outlooks in modulating the SSCs and developing operando XAS/SAXS for SSCs are highlighted.
Superior Through‐Thickness Homogeneity of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ultraheavy Steel Plate by Advanced Casting and Quenching Technologies
Authors: Wang Qinghai , Ye Qibin , Tian Yong , Fu Tianliang , Wang Zhaodong
Published: February 2021

Keeping through‐thickness homogeneity of mechanical properties has been a great challenge for producing heavy gauge steel plates. Herein, a superior homogeneity of microstructure and hence strength and toughness achieved in a quenched and tempered (QT) 210 mm‐thickness steel plate produced by advanced electroslag remelting casting and roller quenching (ESR–RQ) technologies are reported. Some comparisons are made with a QT 178 mm steel plate produced by conventional mold casting and immersion quenching in the water tank (MC‐IQ). The martensite of the as‐quenched ESR–RQ steel is distributed homogeneously across the thickness with a fraction of 39% at the 1/2 thickness, remarkable higher 34% than that of MC‐IQ steel. ESR–RQ steel appears excellent comprehensive mechanical properties even for the as‐quenched samples, as well as QT samples. Comparing with the MC‐IQ steel, the Charpy impact energy at −60 °C is 150 J (278%) higher for the samples tempered at 650 °C, and the yield strength is 137 MPa (18%) higher for the samples tempered at 600 °C than those of MC‐IQ steel, respectively. The considerable improvement can be attributed to homogeneous through‐thickness microstructures, including refined prior austenite grains, effective grain size, and carbide precipitates.
To update or not to update? Delayed nonparametric bandits with randomized allocation
Authors: Arya Sakshi , Yang Yuhong
Published: February 2021

Delayed rewards problem in contextual bandits has been of interest in various practical settings. We study randomized allocation strategies and provide an understanding on how the exploration–exploitation trade‐off is affected by delays in observing the rewards. In randomized strategies, the extent of exploration–exploitation is controlled by a user‐determined exploration probability sequence. In the presence of delayed rewards, one may choose between using the original exploration sequence that updates at every time point or updates the sequence only when a new reward is observed, leading to two competing strategies. In this work, we show that although both strategies may lead to strong consistency in allocation, the property holds for a wider scope of situations for the latter. However, for finite‐sample performance, we illustrate that both strategies have their own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the severity of the delay and underlying reward‐generating mechanisms.
Molecular phylogeny of the Mammilloid clade (Cactaceae) resolves the monophyly of Mammillaria
Authors: Breslin Peter B. , Wojciechowski Martin F. , Majure Lucas C.
Published: February 2021

To resolve more than 150 years of taxonomic confusion regarding the genus Mammillaria, the molecular phylogeny of the Mammilloid clade, including the genera Cochemiea, Coryphantha, Cumarinia, Escobaria, Mammillaria, Neolloydia, and Ortegocactus, is reconstructed. We included broad sampling of genera as well as a regionally nearly complete taxon sampling of Mammillaria and Cochemiea from the Baja California region. Employing the large single‐copy region of the plastid genome as sequence data, we conducted maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference to reconstruct a molecular phylogeny of the clade. The molecular phylogenetic topology was further supported by reconstructing the ancestral states of 10 characters, from which three traditionally taxonomically important characters for the sampled taxa were selected. Results from our analyses clarify the evolutionary relationships of these closely related taxa, providing high resolution with strongly supported clades and subclades. The genus Mammillaria as currently circumscribed is non‐monophyletic, and thus, we propose a recircumscription of the Mammilloid clade yielding three monophyletic genera, Mammillaria s.str., Cochemiea s.l. and Coryphantha. We herein make appropriate combinations to accommodate our circumscription of these genera.
Development of Dipolarophiles for Catalytic Asymmetric Cycloadditions through Pd‐π‐Allyl Zwitterions
Authors: Yang Cun , Yang Zhi‐Xiong , Ding Chang‐Hua , Xu Bin , Hou Xue‐Long
Published: February 2021

The development of new and efficient methodology for the construction of optically active molecules is of great interest in both synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry fields. To this end, the personal account summarizes our studies on the development of electron‐deficient alkenes, allenes, and alkynes containing single activator as new dipolarophiles for Pd‐catalyzed asymmetric cycloaddition reactions. These new dipolarophiles can participate in Pd‐catalyzed asymmetric [3+2] and [4+2] cycloadditions through Pd‐π‐allyl 1,3‐ and 1,4‐zwitterions in‐situ generated by the reaction of Pd(0) catalyst with vinyl aziridines, vinyl epoxides, vinyl cyclopropanes, 4‐vinyl‐1,3‐dioxan‐2‐ones, and vinyl benzoxazinanones. These [3+2] and [4+2] cycloadditions provide efficient approaches to a wide range of enantiomerically enriched five‐ and six‐membered ring compounds containing contiguous chiral centers with high to excellent chemo‐, diastereo‐, and enantioselectivities. The utilities of these protocols are demonstrated by transformation of the cycloadducts into other useful chiral building blocks. DFT calculations reveal the dissimilar reactivity of different electron deficient alkenes and rationalize the mechanism and stereo‐control of the reaction. A Pd‐catalyzed inverse [3+2] cycloaddition is disclosed.
Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed Addition/Cyclization Reactions of the C−N Multiple Bonds Containing Species
Authors: Hsieh Jen‐Chieh
Published: February 2021

This article describes our research work for the past decade, which involves the transition‐metal‐catalyzed cyclization reactions of the C−N multiple bonds containing species and their synthetic applications to access various heterocyclic compounds. The concepts of reactions including four types of coupling with a subsequent cyclization are (1) the transition‐metal performs as a Lewis acid to activate a nitrile and accelerate the nucleophilic addition, (2) the transition‐metal‐catalyzed 1,2‐insertion reaction of nitrile, (3) the Cu‐catalyzed C−N coupling reaction of imine, and (4) the Co‐catalyzed addition/cyclization reaction of imine. These methods can be used to synthesize various N‐containing aromatic heterocycles with higher efficiency, and can be applied to the synthesis of relevent natural alkaloids, their derivatives as well as biologically active compounds.
Real‐time ultrasound virtual navigation in 3D PET/CT volumes for superficial lymph‐node evaluation: innovative fusion examination
Authors: Garganese G. , Bove S. , Fragomeni S. , Moro F. , Triumbari E. K. A. , Collarino A. , Verri D. , Gentileschi S. , Sperduti I. , Scambia G. , Rufini V. , Testa A. C.
Published: February 2021

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility and clinical application of fusion imaging with virtual navigation, combining 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with real‐time ultrasound imaging, in assessing superficial lymph nodes in breast‐cancer and gynecological‐cancer patients.

Methods

This was a pilot study of breast‐ and gynecological‐cancer patients with abnormal uptake of 18F‐FDG by axillary or groin lymph nodes on PET/CT scan, examined at our institution between January 2017 and May 2019. Fusion imaging was performed, uploading preacquired PET/CT DICOM images onto the ultrasound machine and synchronizing them with real‐time ultrasound scanning performed at the lymph‐node site. In the first phase, we assessed the feasibility and reliability of fusion imaging in a series of 10 patients with suspicious lymph nodes on both PET/CT and ultrasound, and with full correspondence between both techniques in terms of size, shape and morphology of the lymph nodes (Group A). In the second phase, we included 20 patients with non‐corresponding findings between PET/CT and ultrasound: 10 patients with lymph nodes that were suspicious or pathological on PET/CT scan but not suspicious on ultrasound assessment (Group B), and 10 patients with suspicious or pathological lymph nodes on both PET/CT and ultrasound but with no correspondence between the two techniques in terms of number of affected lymph nodes (Group C).

Results

In the 30 selected patients, fusion imaging was assessed at 30 lymph‐node sites (22 inguinal and eight axillary nodes). In the first phase (Group A), the fusion technique was shown to be feasible in all 10 lymph‐node sites evaluated. In the second phase, fusion imaging was completed successfully in nine of 10 cases in Group B and in all 10 cases in Group C. In all groups, fusion imaging was able to identify the target lymph node, guiding the examiner to perform a core‐needle aspiration biopsy or to inject radiotracer for selective surgical nodal excision, according to the radio‐guided occult lesion localization technique.

Conclusion

Fusion imaging with virtual navigation, combining PET/CT and real‐time ultrasound imaging, is technically feasible and able to detect target lymph nodes even when PET/CT and ultrasound findings are inconsistent. Fusion imaging can also be used to guide the performance of core‐needle aspiration biopsy, avoiding further surgical diagnostic procedures, or the injection of radiotracer for selective surgical nodal excision, enabling more sparing, selective surgery. This innovative technique could open up multiple diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities in breast and gynecological oncology. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Nanoparticle‐mediated siRNA delivery systems for cancer therapy
Authors: Gao Han , Cheng Ruoyu , A. Santos Hélder
Published: February 2021

The small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐based therapeutics have raised great attention since the first RNA interference (RNAi)‐derived drug, patisiran, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, which represented a landmark in the field of gene therapy. Given the properties of interfering disease‐associated gene expression, RNAi machinery is regarded as an essential factor for preparing precise medicine. However, over the past few years, siRNA drugs are undergoing a period of clinical translation, in which the major hurdle is the limited efficient delivery strategies. Therefore, this mini‐review mainly focuses on describing the state‐of‐the‐art of the nanoscale platforms for delivering siRNA payloads, also addressing their applications in cancer therapy. Finally, the status of siRNA drugs under clinical trials is discussed, providing a comprehensive understanding on the field of oligonucleotide‐mediated therapeutics.
Recent advances of noble metal aerogels in biosensing
Authors: Gao Wei , Wen Dan
Published: February 2021

Noble metal aerogels were first reported in the late 2000s and developed rapidly over the past 10 years. With the structure advantages of ultralow density, high porosity, large specific surface area and hierarchical structure like traditional aerogels, noble metal aerogels with good conductivity and specific chemical properties have attracted great research interests and application potentials in various fields, including biological applications. Here, in this perspective, recent advances about the preparation and application of noble metal aerogels in biosensing are summarized and highlighted. As mimics of bio‐active “nanozymes” and as supports of natural enzymes, noble metal aerogel‐based biological sensors exhibited much better activity and sensitivity towards the detection of various substrates compared to their counterparts of nanostructured materials. Moreover, the main challenges and perspectives of noble metal aerogels about their biocompatibility, types, surface properties, selectivity, and potential in wearable applications for biosensing are also emphasized and addressed. Overall, as a novel branch of aerogels, noble metal aerogels hold great promises for biological sensing applications and still have many problems to overcome for better utilizations.
Temporal and spatial distributions of animal and human rabies cases during 2012 and 2018, in Tunisia
Authors: Kalthoum Sana , Guesmi Kaouther , Gharbi Raja , Baccar Mohamed Naceur , Seghaier Chedia , Zrelli Malek , Bahloul Chokri
Published: February 2021

Rabies is one of the most important zoonosis in Tunisia. In the last 6 years, a dramatic increase in the number of cases in animals had raised concern about the transmission dynamics of rabies and the effectiveness of established control measures. For a better understanding of the epidemiological features of rabies in Tunisia, data on animal and human rabies cases and post‐exposure prophylaxis (PEP) protocol, for the period from 2012 to 2018, were analysed to describe the spatial and the temporal distributions of the disease and to guide targeted rabies control measures. Thus, the analysed data have shown that 2,642 animal and 25 human rabies cases were recorded between 2012 and 2018; only few case numbers were reported in wildlife. Time‐related distribution showed that the incidence of dog rabies increases over the period of study, from 24,8/100,000 dog population in 2012 to 35,2/100,000 dog population in 2018. Dog seems to be the main reservoir of rabies as it accounted for more than 59% of the animal confirmed cases and the source for more than 80% of the human confirmed cases. Geographical distribution of animal rabies cases revealed the presence of clusters in the North and the Center of Tunisia; only a little number of animal cases were reported in the South. In contrast, the overall human rabies incidence was 0.03 per 100,000 population, during the period of the study. We have found that the incidence of human rabies increases by 13.6% from 2012 to 2015 and drops steadily by 23.41% over the second period (2015 to 2018). A high number of PEP was recorded during the 7‐year period, with an average of 360 PEP per 100,000 inhabitants per year. Spatial analysis revealed the presence of clusters of PEP in the Northern and Central governorates. The present study pointed out the need to review the control strategy of rabies in Tunisia and conduct further studies on dog population to provide the basis for a new and efficacious policy of interventions and control program for rabies.
Modeling and analysis of a fully passive swinging sail wind turbine
Authors: Hosseinie Radmarz , Roohi Reza , Ahmadi Goodarz
Published: February 2021

Wind energy has been an attractive renewable energy source, and in recent decades, highly efficient horizontal axis wind turbines have been developed and successfully deployed. However, alternative designs for wind energy conversion have also been proposed. In previous studies, a novel swing sail design for wind energy harvesting was proposed and analyzed. This turbine harvests energy by pitching a sail, causing a mast to swing, which in turn drives a flywheel in a rectified rotational motion. The rotating flywheel is then used to drive an electric generator. The designed turbine was originally semiactive, while in the present study, the fully passive version of the turbine was proposed, and its performance was examined. The turbine consists of an oscillating sail attached to a reciprocally moving mast via a torsion spring, and the wind‐driven oscillatory motion is transformed into the rotational motion of a flywheel using a ratchet. Furthermore, a dry‐friction dynamometer was utilized as a simple way of extracting energy. The dynamical equations of the turbine were derived and were used to analyze the time response of the turbine. In the model, the correlations for the aerodynamic lift and drag forces for a flat plate were utilized. The results were validated using the computation fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. The effects of various dynamical and geometric parameters of the turbine on the generated power and the turbine performance were also investigated.
Illuminating the Nocturnal Habits of Owls with Emerging Tagging Technologies
Authors: Wood Connor M. , Zulla Ceeanna , Whitmore Sheila , Reid Dana , Kramer H. Anu , Keane John J. , Sawyer Sarah C. , Roberts Kevin N. , Dotters Brian P. , Klinck Holger , Berigan William , Gutiérrez R. J. , Peery M. Zachariah
Published: February 2021

Owls play important cultural, ecological, and indicator roles throughout the world. Yet owls’ cryptic behavior has led to uncertainties about their basic ecology, including foraging, communication, and functional roles within the community, and potentially hindered the implementation of effective conservation measures. Here we demonstrate the potential for next‐generation GPS tags capable of recording high‐precision, minute‐by‐minute locations paired with other technologies to resolve some of these uncertainties. We combined high‐precision GPS tagging data with infrared (IR) video recorded by arboreally‐mounted cameras at 5 spotted owl (Strix occidentalis) nest sites in the Sierra Nevada, USA to provide a uniquely detailed examination of owl foraging patterns. Our approach allowed us to identify the precise time and location of 54 predation events and prey identity. We also used high‐precision GPS tags with on‐board audio recorders to map the vocal activity of 8 individuals by matching the time of vocalizations in the audio data to GPS locations recorded at one‐minute intervals. The combined spatial and acoustic data revealed that nonbreeding males had the most widespread territorial vocal activity (i.e., producing 4‐note territorial calls), while females provisioning fledglings displayed extensive nonterritorial vocal activity (i.e., producing many contact calls). Thus, the GPS‐tag technologies we employed can provide opportunities to better understand owl foraging, communication, territoriality, and population dynamics. The methods we describe are time‐ and resource‐intensive but can be paired with techniques that are more applicable at landscape scales, such as stable isotope analyses, LiDAR‐based habitat analyses, and passive acoustic monitoring to link local processes to broad‐scale ecological patterns. Therefore, our approach could be applied to many species whose behavior inhibits direct observation. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Reflections and powers of multisorted minions
Authors: Lehtonen Erkko , Pöschel Reinhard
Published: February 2021

Classes of multisorted minions closed under extensions, reflections, and direct powers are considered from a relational point of view. As a generalization of a result of Barto, Opršal, and Pinsker, the closure of a multisorted minion is characterized in terms of constructions on multisorted relation pairs which are invariant for minions.
On free elementary $$\mathbb {Z}_p C_p$$-lattices
Authors: Nebe Gabriele
Published: February 2021

We show that all elementary lattices that are free $$\mathbb {Z}_p C_p$$

Z
p

C
p

-modules admit an orthogonal decomposition into a sum of a free unimodular and a p-modular $$\mathbb {Z}_p C_p$$

Z
p

C
p

-lattice.
Das Nationale Gesundheitsportal: Entwicklungs- und Nutzungspotenziale unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der hausärztlichen Perspektive
Authors: Wangler Julian , Jansky Michael
Published: February 2021

Hintergrund

Das in Deutschland eingerichtete Nationale Gesundheitsportal soll evidenzbasierte Gesundheitsinformationen bereitstellen. Es erscheint sinnvoll, Entwicklungsperspektiven zu reflektieren, um Anwendungshorizonte, Nutzungs- und Wirkungspotenziale des Portals abzuschätzen und Mehrwerte generieren zu können.

Ziel der Arbeit

Unter Berücksichtigung von Implementierungserfahrungen anderer europäischer Länder sollen der Sachstand des Vorhabens sowie die Perspektive von politischen Entscheidungsträger*innen und Hausärzt*innen umrissen werden. Aus der Analyse sollen Empfehlungen abgeleitet werden, welche Ausgestaltung für ein nationales Gesundheitsportal insbesondere mit Blick auf die hausärztliche Versorgung Erfolg versprechend erscheint.

Methoden

Anhand einer Literaturrecherche sowie auf Basis zweier Vorstudien geht der Artikel der Frage nach, in welchen Entwicklungskategorien ein nationales Gesundheitsportal perspektivisch ausgestaltet werden könnte.

Ergebnisse

Auf Basis der Zusammenschau erscheint eine Reihe von Dimensionen ausschlaggebend, entlang derer sich Grundsatzentscheidungen zur Ausrichtung des Nationalen Gesundheitsportals treffen lassen. Diese beziehen sich auf die Einbettung in eine E‑Health-Strategie, Konvergenz- und Integrationsmaßnahmen hinsichtlich evidenzbasierter Informationen, die Sicherstellung von Auffindbarkeit, die inhaltliche Schwerpunktsetzung und Zielgruppenansprache, die funktionelle Ausgestaltung sowie die Trägerschaft und Einbeziehung von Gesundheitsakteuren.

Diskussion

Ein evidenzbasiertes Portal kann ein wertvolles Instrument sein, um Patient*innen besser aufzuklären, das Arzt-Patienten-Verhältnis zu stärken und die Digitalisierung des Gesundheitswesens voranzutreiben. Bereits während der Initiierungsphase sollten ein Innovations- und Integrationspotenzial sowie eine ausreichende Bekanntheit und Sichtbarkeit innerhalb des Gesundheitswesens sichergestellt werden.
Country-level structural stigma, identity concealment, and day-to-day discrimination as determinants of transgender people’s life satisfaction
Authors: Bränström Richard , Pachankis John E.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Discriminatory laws, policies, and population attitudes, surrounding transgender people vary greatly across countries, from equal protection under the law and full acceptance to lack of legal recognition and open bias. The consequences of this substantial between-country variation on transgender people’s health and well-being is poorly understood. We therefore examined the association between structural stigma and transgender people’s life satisfaction across 28 countries.

Methods

Data from transgender participants (n = 6771) in the 2012 EU-LGBT-survey regarding identity concealment, day-to-day discrimination, and life satisfaction were assessed. Structural stigma was measured using publicly available data regarding each country’s discriminatory laws, policies, and population attitudes towards transgender people.

Results

Multilevel models showed that country-level structural stigma was associated with lower life satisfaction, an association largely explained by higher levels of identity concealment in higher-structural-stigma countries. Yet identity concealment was also associated with lower day-to-day discrimination and therefore protected against even lower life satisfaction.

Conclusion

The results emphasize the importance of changing discriminatory legislation and negative population attitudes to improve transgender people’s life satisfaction, and also highlight targets for intervention at interpersonal and individual levels.
Micropolar medium in a funnel-shaped crusher
Authors: Fomicheva Mariia , Vilchevskaya Elena N. , Bessonov Nikolay , Müller Wolfgang H.
Published: February 2021

In this paper, the solution to a coupled flow problem for a micropolar medium undergoing structural changes is presented. The structural changes occur because of a grinding of the medium in a funnel-shaped crusher. The standard macroscopic equations for mass and linear momentum are solved in combination with a balance equation for the microinertia tensor containing a production term. The constitutive equations of the medium describe a linear viscous material with a viscosity coefficient depending on the characteristic particle moment of inertia, the so-called microinertia. A coupled system of equations is presented and solved numerically in order to determine the distribution of the fields for velocity, pressure, viscosity coefficient, and microinertia in all points of the continuum. The numerical solution to this problem is found by using the implicit finite difference method and the upwind scheme.
Satisfactory patient-reported outcomes at 5 years following primary repair with suture tape augmentation for proximal anterior cruciate ligament tears
Authors: Hopper Graeme P. , Aithie Joanna M. S. , Jenkins Joanne M. , Wilson William T. , Mackay Gordon M.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

An enhanced understanding of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) healing and advancements in arthroscopic instrumentation has resulted in a renewed interest in ACL repair. Augmentation of a ligament repair with suture tape reinforces the ligament and acts as a secondary stabilizer. This study assesses the 5-year patient-reported outcomes of primary repair with suture tape augmentation for proximal ACL tears.

Methods

Thirty-seven consecutive patients undergoing ACL repair with suture tape augmentation for an acute proximal rupture were prospectively followed up for a minimum of 5 years. Patients with midsubstance and distal ruptures, poor ACL tissue quality, retracted ACL remnants and multiligament injuries were excluded. Patient-reported outcome measures were collated using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score (KOOS), Visual Analogue Pain Scale (VAS-pain), Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12) and the Marx Activity Scale. Patients with a re-rupture were identified.

Results

Three patients were lost to follow-up leaving 34 patients in the final analysis (91.9%). The mean KOOS at 5 years was 88.5 (SD 13.8) which improved significantly from 48.7 (SD 18.3) preoperatively (p < 0.01). The VAS score improved from 2.3 (SD 1.7) to 1.0 (SD 1.5) and the VR-12 score improved from 35.9 (SD 10.3) to 52.4 (SD 5.9) at 5 years (p < 0.01). However, the Marx activity scale decreased from 12.4 (SD 3.4) pre-injury to 7.3 (SD 5.2) at 5 years (p = 0.02). Six patients had a re-rupture (17.6%) and have since undergone a conventional ACL reconstruction for their revision surgery with no issues since then. These patients were found to be younger and have higher initial Marx activity scores than the rest of the cohort (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Primary repair with suture tape augmentation for proximal ACL tears demonstrates satisfactory outcomes in 28 patients (82.4%) at 5-year follow-up. Six patients sustained a re-rupture and have no ongoing problems following treatment with a conventional ACL reconstruction. These patients were significantly younger and had higher initial Marx activity scores.

Level of evidence

Level IV.