bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knockdown of E1‐ and E2‐ubiquitin enzymes triggers defective chorion biogenesis and modulation of autophagy‐related genes in the follicle cells of the vector Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: Pereira Jéssica , Dias Raphael , Ramos Isabela
Published: June 2022

In insects, the last stage of oogenesis is the process where the chorion layers (eggshell) are synthesized and deposited on the surface of the oocytes by the follicle cells. Protein homeostasis is determined by the fine‐tuning of translation and degradation pathways, and the ubiquitin–proteasome system is one of the major degradative routes in eukaryotic cells. The conjugation of ubiquitin to targeted substrates is mediated by the ordered action of E1‐activating, E2‐conjugating, and E3‐ligase enzymes, which covalently link ubiquitin to degradation‐targeted proteins delivering them to the proteolytic complex proteasome. Here, we found that the mRNAs encoding polyubiquitin (pUbq), E1, and E2 enzymes are highly expressed in the ovaries of the insect vector of Chagas Disease Rhodnius prolixus. RNAi silencing of pUbq was lethal whereas the silencing of E1 and E2 enzymes resulted in drastic decreases in oviposition and embryo viability. Eggs produced by the E1‐ and E2‐silenced insects presented particular phenotypes of altered chorion ultrastructure observed by high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy as well as readings for dityrosine cross‐linking and X‐ray elemental microanalysis, suggesting a disruption in the secretory routes responsible for the chorion biogenesis. In addition, the ovaries from silenced insects presented altered levels of autophagy‐related genes as well as a tendency of upregulation in ER chaperones, indicating a disturbance in the general biosynthetic‐secretory pathway. Altogether, we found that E1 and E2 enzymes are essential for chorion biogenesis and that their silencing triggers the modulation of autophagy genes suggesting a coordinated function of both pathways for the progression of choriogenesis.
Complete directed minors and chromatic number
Authors: Mészáros Tamás , Steiner Raphael
Published: June 2022

The dichromatic number  of a digraph is the smallest for which it admits a ‐coloring where every color class induces an acyclic subgraph. Inspired by Hadwiger's conjecture for undirected graphs, several groups of authors have recently studied the containment of complete directed minors in digraphs with a given dichromatic number. In this note we exhibit a relation of these problems to Hadwiger's conjecture. Exploiting this relation, we show that every directed graph excluding the complete digraph of order as a strong minor or as a butterfly minor is ‐colorable. This answers a question by Axenovich, Girão, Snyder, and Weber, who proved an upper bound of for the same problem. A further consequence of our results is that every digraph of dichromatic number contains a subdivision of every ‐vertex subcubic digraph, which makes progress on a set of problems raised by Aboulker, Cohen, Havet, Lochet, Moura, and Thomassé.
Synovial sarcomas: A single surgeon experience of 130 cases
Authors: Andreani Lorenzo , Ipponi Edoardo , Mani Olimpia , Bayon Ginevra , Ruinato Alfio Damiano , Cosseddu Fabio , D'Arienzo Antonio , Capanna Rodolfo
Published: June 2022

Background

Synovial sarcoma is a rare malignant tumor that generally requires a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach. In this study we report the experience of a single surgeon, evaluating surgical and oncological outcomes of the cases he treated through his 30 years carrier.

Methods

We enrolled patients treated surgically between 1988 and 2018. Surgical and medical treatments, as well as surgical and oncological results, were investigated.

Results

One hundred and thirty cases were included. Surgical resection was carried out achieving wide margins in 90% of the cases. At their latest follow‐up, 76 patients were continuously disease free, 16 were no evidence of disease, and other 16 were alive with disease. Twenty cases were dead of disease and two dead of other causes. Twenty‐five patients (19%) had local recurrence of synovial sarcoma through their postoperative intercourse. Thirty‐seven patients (28%) were diagnosed with at least a metastasis during their follow‐up. The global survival of our population, at each patient's latest follow‐up, was 82%. Cases with tumor size above 5 cm had a significantly higher risk to develop metastasis (p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Synovial sarcoma is a threatening disease and represents a challenge for oncological physicians and surgeons. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary approach are mandatory to limit the spread of synovial sarcomas, maximizing the effectiveness of surgery and the other treatments.
Multicenter validation of the PREDICT score for prediction of local recurrence after total mesorectal excision of rectal cancer
Authors: Emile Sameh H. , Madbouly Khaled M. , Elfeki Hossam , Shalaby Mostafa , Sakr Ahmad , Zuhdy Mohammad , Metwally Islam H. , Abdelkhalek Mohamed
Published: June 2022

Background

Total mesorectal excision (TME) is the gold standard treatment for rectal cancer. Although TME has managed to decrease the rates of local recurrence after rectal cancer resection, local recurrence is still recorded at varying rates. The present study aimed to validate the PREDICT score in the prediction of local recurrence of rectal cancer after TME with curative intent.

Methods

This was a retrospective multicenter study on patients with nonmetastatic low or middle rectal cancer who underwent TME. The total PREDICT score was calculated for every patient and related to the onset of local recurrence. According to the final score, patients were allocated to one of three risk groups: low, moderate, and high, and the rates of local recurrence in each group were calculated and compared.

Results

The present study included 262 patients (50.4% males) with a mean age of 47.1 years. The overall local recurrence rate was 12.6%. 29.4% of patients were in the low‐risk group, 63.7% in the moderate‐risk group, and 6.9% in the high‐risk group. The local recurrence rate was 3.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.8–10.9) in the low‐risk group, 13.2% (95% CI: 8.4–19.3) in the moderate risk group, and 44.4% (95% CI: 21.5–69.2) in the high‐risk group (p < 0.0001). The sensitivity of the PREDICT score was 72.7%, the specificity was 88.1%, and the accuracy was 86.3%.

Conclusions

The PREDICT score had good diagnostic accuracy in the prediction of local recurrence after TME and a good discriminatory ability in the differentiation between patients at different risks to develop local recurrence.
Stability indicating RP‐HPLC method for methylcobalamin determination in different dosage forms: Application to photodegradation kinetics and pH rate profiling
Authors: Amer Mona M. , Kamal Amira H. , Hammad Sherin F. , Habib Ahmed A.
Published: June 2022

A stability‐indicating RP‐HPLC method for methylcobalamin determination was developed. Stress degradation under variable conditions was carried out. Methylcobalamin had pronounced susceptibility to hydrolysis under acidic, alkaline, and photolytic conditions; further study of photolytic degradation kinetics and pH rate profiling over pH range 2–11 was carried out. Photodegradation of methylcobalamin followed zero‐order kinetics with half‐life 0.99 h equivalent to 1971.53 lux. Methylcobalamin followed pseudo‐first‐order kinetics upon exposure to acidic and alkaline hydrolysis with highest stability at pH 5 and least stability at pH 2. Optimization of chromatographic conditions was performed using two level full factorial design, and chromatographic analysis was executed using Inertsil column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) maintained at 25◦C. Elution was carried out using 25 mM potassium dihydrogen phosphate (pH adjusted with phosphoric acid to 3.8): methanol:acetonitrile (55:35:10, v/v) as mobile phase. The flow rate was 1.0 ml/min. Detection was carried out at 220 nm using diode array detector. The method was validated as per ICH guidelines; the linearity was over concentration range 2–160 μg/ml with coefficient of determination 0.9995. The method was effectively applied for determination of methylcobalamin in Cobalvex ampoule, Cobal tablet, Cobal‐F tablet, and Methyltechon oral dissolvable film without interfering from excipients within run time 6 min.
Diaphragmatic Thickening Fraction by Ultrasound in Mechanically Ventilated Pediatric Patients: Pilot Observations During Spontaneous Breathing Trials
Authors: Shah Ami J. , Wai Kitman , Sharron Matthew P. , Mize Marisa , Cohen Joanna , Basu Sonali
Published: June 2022

Objectives

In critically ill, mechanically ventilated adults, diaphragmatic atrophy and reduced diaphragmatic thickening fraction (DTF) has been associated with poor extubation outcomes. Diaphragmatic ultrasound assessment in critically ill pediatric patients shows similar results, though studies are on‐going. We sought to explore the feasibility and utility of using DTF, obtained during a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) in predicting weaning outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, observational study in a single‐center tertiary noncardiac pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in a children's hospital. Mechanically ventilated pediatric patients were included except for those with preexisting conditions of neuromuscular weakness, diaphragm paresis, or chronic respiratory failure requiring non‐invasive or invasive mechanical ventilation at baseline. A convenience sample of 38 patients were included in the study.

Results

Weaning failure occurred in 10/38 (26%) instances with 9/38 (24%) occurring due to failed SBT and 1/38 (2%) due to failed extubation requiring reintubation. Median DTF was 24% (IQR: 12–33). DTF was significantly lower in instances of failed SBT, 12% compared to 27% (P < .01). The odds ratio (OR) of SBT failure utilizing: TF < 25% is 12 (CI: 1.33–108.0, Z‐score: 2.22, P = .027), TV <5 mL/kg was 10.4 (CI: 1.76–61.67, Z‐score: 2.58, P = .01), and combined TV <5 mL/kg and TF < 25% is 17.6 (CI: 1.19–259.61, Z‐score: 2.09, P = .04).

Conclusions

Our preliminary study suggests that ultrasound measurements of diaphragm thickening fraction during spontaneous breaths in mechanically ventilated pediatric patients may be a useful addition in predicting weaning readiness.
Impacts of ecological programs on land use and ecosystem services since the 1980s: A case‐study of a typical catchment on the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Li Yi , Li Yurui , Fang Bin , Wang Qianyi , Chen Zongfeng
Published: June 2022

China' Loess Plateau, which was once dominated by sloping fields with poor farming conditions and serious soil erosion, has experienced a series of ecological programs. This article sought to explore the impacts of ecological programs on land use and ecosystem services in a typical catchment of China's Loess Plateau from 1984 to 2017, and thus understand what needs to be improved for future ecological programs. The findings showed that: (a) Due to the implementation of various ecological programs, the land use structure was optimized, and vegetation coverage was significantly increased, especially with the implement of the Grain for Green (GFG) Program. (b) The change of the total ecosystem service value (ESV) presented a U‐shaped curve. The total ESV decreased under the Comprehensive Management of Small Catchments Program, and increased significantly since the implementation of the GFG. The rapid increase stage can be traced to the effects of the Gully Land Consolidation Program, reflecting the time lag effect of ecological programs on the improvement of ecosystem services. (c) The various ecosystem services were improved significantly, except for the food provisioning value (FPV). The abandonment of croplands without consolidation determined the decline of the FPV, implying the necessity for a land‐use efficiency boost. Our research proposed to build up an actor network to integrate local governments, rural cadres, villagers, enterprises, and natural resources, especially land resources, into ecological programs to ensure ecological restoration and activate the factors of production, thus securing the sustainable development of China' Loess Plateau.
Cholesteric‐Superhelix‐Enabled Reconfigurable Circularly Polarized Luminescence from Uniaxially Aligned Upconversion Nanorod Films
Authors: He Huilin , Wang Jiawei , Li Ke , Cen Mengjia , Cai Wenfeng , Liu Jianxun , Luo Dan , Lu Yan‐Qing , Liu Yan Jun
Published: June 2022

The dissymmetry factor (|glum|) in circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) shows great significance in many potential applications. The development of upconversion circularly polarized luminescence (UC‐CPL) with a large dissymmetry factor is still limited by structural defects, especially in a self‐assembly system. Here, a self‐organized cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) composite is demonstrated, induced by uniaxially aligned upconversion nanorods (UCNRs) film, overcoming the aggregation issue via direct doping. The well‐aligned UCNR film serves as a polarized emitter, and the cholesteric superhelixstructure enables the conversion from polarized upconversion luminescence (UCL) to a completely UC‐CPL with an ultrahigh |glum| value up to 1.92. Upon changing the concentration of chiral dopants or heating, the chiral UCL can be conveniently modulated via shifting the CLC reflection band to overlap with the UCL band. Moreover, UC‐CPL with bidirectional asymmetric polarizations and emissions is achieved via forward and backward excitations. Furthermore, reversible switching from circular to linear polarization of UCL can be achieved by applying an electric field. Such a composite material system features versatile multimode and multiband modulation of UC‐CPL with the significantly enhanced dissymmetry factor and multichannel modulation, providing new opportunities for advanced applications in photonics and biological optoelectronics.
Measure functional differential equations with infinite time‐dependent delay
Authors: Gallegos Claudio A. , Henríquez Hernán R. , Mesquita Jaqueline G.
Published: June 2022

In this work, we introduce the measure functional differential equations (MFDEs) with infinite time‐dependent delay, and we study the correspondence between the solutions of these equations and the solutions of the generalized ordinary differential equations (GODEs, for short) in Banach spaces. Using the theory of GODEs, we obtain results concerning the existence and uniqueness of solutions and continuous dependence on parameters for MFDEs with infinite time‐dependent delay. We develop the theory in the context of phase spaces defined axiomatically. Our results in this paper generalize several previous works on MFDEs with infinite time‐independent delay.
Disease Progression in Multiple System Atrophy—Novel Modeling Framework and Predictive Factors
Authors: Kühnel Line , Raket Lars Lau , Åström Daniel Oudin , Berger Anna‐Karin , Hansen Ingeborg Helbech , Krismer Florian , Wenning Gregor K. , Seppi Klaus , Poewe Werner , Molinuevo JoséLuis ,   the EMSA‐SG Natural History Study Investigators
Published: June 2022

Background

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare and aggressive neurodegenerative disease that typically leads to death 6 to 10 years after symptom onset. The rapid evolution renders it crucial to understand the general disease progression and factors affecting the disease course.

Objectives

The aims of this study were to develop a novel disease‐progression model to estimate a population‐level MSA progression trajectory and predict patient‐specific continuous disease stages describing the degree of progress into the disease.

Methods

The disease‐progression model estimated a population‐level progression trajectory of subscales of the Unified MSA Rating Scale and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale using patients in the European MSA natural history study. The predicted disease continuum was validated via multiple analyses based on reported anchor points, and the effect of MSA subtype on the rate of disease progression was evaluated.

Results

The predicted disease continuum spanned approximately 6 years, with an estimated average duration of 51 months for a patient with global disability score 0 to reach the highest level of 4. The predicted continuous disease stages were shown to be correlated with time of symptom onset and predictive of survival time. MSA motor subtype was found to significantly affect disease progression, with MSA‐parkinsonian (MSA‐P) type patients having an accelerated rate of progression.

Conclusions

The proposed modeling framework introduces a new method of analyzing and interpreting the progression of MSA. It can provide new insights and opportunities for investigating covariate effects on the rate of progression and provide well‐founded predictions of patient‐level future progressions. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in cultural context: Do parents in Hong Kong and the United Kingdom adopt different thresholds when rating symptoms, and if so why?
Authors: Chan Wendy W. Y. , Shum Kathy Kar‐man , Sonuga‐Barke Edmund J. S.
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) prevalence is similar across world regions. However, because informants' decision thresholds may vary between regions, these similarities may mask regional variations in actual ADHD behaviours. We tested this by comparing the relationship between informant's ratings and children's measured activity in United Kingdom (UK) and Hong Kong (HK) and then explored whether any national differences in endorsement thresholds discovered are linked to cultural variations in parenting factors.

Methods

Parents rated the 18 ADHD symptoms in 112 three‐to‐five‐year‐old children stratified for ADHD symptom levels (49 girls and 63 boys; 55 from the UK and 57 from HK) and completed some parenting questionnaires. Children's task‐related activity was measured using actometers.

Results

In both groups, measured activity was positively correlated with hyperactivity/impulsivity (r = 0.44HK; r = 0.41UK). While HK children were less active than UK children (p < 0.01), HK parents rated their children as more hyperactive/impulsive and inattentive (ps < 0.05). The lower rating threshold indicated by this pattern in HK parents were explained by their higher child‐related stress levels.

Conclusions

UK and HK parents operated different ADHD symptom endorsement thresholds. The link between these and child‐related stress may mark a more general role of cultural pressure for child conformity and school achievement in HK.
A pilot randomized controlled trial of liraglutide 3.0 mg for binge eating disorder
Authors: Allison Kelly C. , Chao Ariana M. , Bruzas Maija B. , McCuen‐Wurst Courtney , Jones Elizabeth , McAllister Cooper , Gruber Kathryn , Berkowitz Robert I. , Wadden Thomas A. , Tronieri Jena S.
Published: June 2022

Objective

To assess the efficacy of liraglutide 3.0 mg, a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonist, for binge eating disorder (BED).

Methods

Adults with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 27 kg/m2 enrolled in a pilot, 17‐week double‐blind, randomized controlled trial of liraglutide 3.0 mg/day for BED. The primary outcome was number of objective binge episodes (OBEs)/week. Binge remission, weight change, and psychosocial variables were secondary outcomes. Mixed effect models were used for continuous variables, and generalized estimating equations were used for remission rates.

Results

Participants (n = 27) were 44.2 ± 10.6 years; BMI = 37.9 ± 11.8 kg/m2; 63% women; and 59% White and 41% Black. At baseline, the liraglutide group (n = 13) reported 4.7 ± 0.7 OBEs/week, compared with 3.0 ± 0.7 OBEs/week for the placebo group, p = 0.07. At week 17, OBEs/week decreased by 4.0 ± 0.6 in liraglutide participants and by 2.5 ± 0.5 in placebo participants (p = 0.37, mean difference = 1.2, 95% confidence interval 1.3, 2.0). BED remission rates of 44% and 36%, respectively, did not differ. Percent weight loss was significantly greater in the liraglutide versus the placebo group (5.2 ± 1.0% vs. 0.9 ± 0.7%, p = 0.005).

Conclusion

Participants in both groups reported reductions in OBEs, with the liraglutide group showing clinically meaningful weight loss. A pharmacy medication dispensing error was a significant limitation of this study. Further research on liraglutide and other GLP‐1 agonists for BED is warranted.
Study on the technology of efficient extraction of eleutheroside E from Acanthopanax senticosus by green solvent DES
Authors: Mu Li‐Ting , Zhang Qi‐Di , Sun Shi‐Yuan , Liu Bing , Zhang Yu , Zhang Xin‐Ran , Sun Chang‐Hai
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Harms is a medicinal and edible plant which is clinically used for the recovery and treatment of cardiovascular and central diseases. As a characteristic active pharmaceutical ingredient of Acanthopanax senticosus, eleutheroside E is the core of the therapeutic effect. Organic solvent extraction has low selectivity, low extraction rate, difficulty in separation and purification and safety risks. The purpose of this study was to extract the effective component of Acanthopanax senticosus with a new green solvent.

Methods

In this article, two kinds of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) (DES‐1 and DES‐2) were synthesised by heating and stirring methods. Eleutheroside E was extracted by ultrasonic extraction with two kinds of DES as extractants and quantitatively analysed by Orbitrap‐tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS).

Results

The main results showed that the initial polarity of the DES was similar to that of 60 to 80% ethanol and hydrogen bond donors were the main factors affecting the polarity of DES. In the test, the viscosity of DES was higher than that of ethanol, and even the addition of a small amount of water (10%) caused intermolecular hydrogen bond disruption and redistribution of the solvent, resulting in a significant decrease in solvent viscosity. The solvents in the test group were stable after standing at 5°C in the dark for 100 days. The extraction rate of eleutheroside E by DES solvent was 5‐6 times higher than that by ethanol. DES‐1 and DES‐2 can efficiently extract eleutheroside E.

Conclusion

This study developed a new method for the application of the green extraction of eleutheroside E with certain practical significance.
Photovoltaic module antireflection coating degradation survey using color microscopy and spectral reflectance
Authors: Karin Todd , Reed Mason , Rand Jim , Flottemesch Robert , Jain Anubhav
Published: June 2022

Commercial antireflective coatings (ARCs) on photovoltaic (PV) module glass can improve module power by 2.5%–3.0%, but their long‐term field performance requires additional study. In this paper, we investigate ARC performance on fielded modules using two nondestructive techniques: reflectance spectroscopy and RGB microscopy, finding a large variation in coating durability and performance. For new coatings, the fleet average nominal power enhancement is 2.8%. This power enhancement is observed to degrade at approximately −0.05%/year absolute over the first 8 years of fielding in arrays that are not regularly cleaned. Interferometry and imaging results imply that coating loss for these modules is due to slow chemical thinning of the initial 125 nm thick coating by 1.4 to 5.0 nm/year. Due to the physics of interference coatings, the performance loss is projected to accelerate as the coating is further thinned, resulting in a coating lifetime (time to 80% of initial performance) of 7.5 to 25 years. At the higher 5.0 nm/year coating loss rates, we estimate that −0.14%/year power degradation of the module can be attributed solely to ARC degradation over the first 20 years. Extreme coating loss is observed on some modules where after 8 years fielding, the coating can be completely removed with a single wet wipe with a lens tissue. A case study is also presented comparing ARC and noncoated modules installed at a single site in 2013. We find that the ARC modules have a 2.6% higher soiling power loss than the noncoated modules; this exceeds the ARC power enhancement of 2.4% and leads to the surprising conclusion that the ARC lowers production for modules in this location due to increased soiling. These results demonstrate that RGB microscopy is a powerful, field‐capable, and quantitative characterization technique for assessing degradation of PV module ARCs.
Evaluation of field‐based single plant phenotyping for wheat breeding
Authors: Crain Jared , Wang Xu , Evers Byron , Poland Jesse
Published: June 2022

High‐throughput phenotyping (HTP) has the potential to revolutionize plant breeding by providing scientists with exponentially more data than was available through traditional observations. Even though data collection is rapidly increasing, the optimum use of this data and implementation in the breeding program has not been thoroughly explored. In an effort to apply HTP to the earliest stages of a plant breeding program, we extended field‐based HTP pipelines to evaluate and extract data from spaced single plants. Using a panel of 340 winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) lines planted in full plots and grid‐spaced single plants for two growing seasons, we evaluated relationships between single plants and full plot yields. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was collected multiple times through the growing season using an unoccupied aerial vehicle. NDVI measurements during grain filling stage from both single plants and full plots were typically positively associated with their respective grain yield with correlation ranging from ‐0.22 to 0.74. The relationship between single plant NDVI and full plot yield, however, was variable between seasons ranging from ‐0.40 to 0.06. A genome wide association analysis (GWAS) identified the same marker trait associations in both full plots and single plants, but also displayed variability between growing seasons. Strong genotype by environment interactions could impede selection on quantitative traits, yet these methods could provide an effective tool for plant breeding programs to quickly screen early‐generation germplasm. Efficient use of early‐generation, affordable HTP data could improve overall genetic gain in plant breeding.
Early lung ultrasound score to predict noninvasive ventilation needing in neonates from 33 weeks of gestational age: A multicentric study
Authors: Perri Alessandro , Sbordone Annamaria , Patti Maria L. , Nobile Stefano , Tirone Chiara , Giordano Lucia , Tana Milena , D'Andrea Vito , Priolo Francesca , Serrao Francesca , Riccardi Riccardo , Prontera Giorgia , Maddaloni Chiara , Lenkowicz Jacopo , Boldrini Luca , Vento Giovanni
Published: June 2022

Objective

To propose an early lung ultrasound (LUS) score for the prediction of the need for respiratory assistance in newborns of gestational age (GA) ≥ 33 weeks presenting respiratory distress.

Study Design and Setting

Multicenter, prospective observational study in third‐level neonatal intensive care units.

Patient Selection

Infants with GA ≥ 33 + 0 weeks with respiratory distress within 3 h of life.

Methods

Three LUS for each patient were collected: within 3 h of life (T0), at 4–6 h of life (T1), and at the resolution of symptoms (T2). The primary aim was to assess the validity of the early LUS score in predicting the need for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). We also evaluated the validity of the score in predicting the need for surfactant, the scores' trend in our population, and any correlation with the duration of ventilation and oxygen therapy.

Results

Sixty‐two patients were enrolled in the study. The mean GA was 36 weeks. The receiver operating characteristic analysis for the LUS T0 and T1 yielded area under the curves of 0.91 and 0.82 in predicting the need for CPAP, respectively. LUS score cut off of 6 (sensitivity 84.8%, specificity 86.2%) and 5 (sensitivity 66.7%, specificity 100%) were calculated at T0 and T1, respectively. We found significant correlations between LUS score and respiratory assistance, surfactant administration, and SpO2/FiO2 ratio.

Conclusion

An early LUS score is a good noninvasive predictor of the need for respiratory assistance with CPAP and surfactant administration in newborns with GA ≥ 33 weeks.
Breath sound analyses of infants with respiratory syncytial virus acute bronchiolitis
Authors: Kuruma Kenta , Otomo Tomofumi , Sakama Takashi , Akiyama Kosuke , Takakura Hiromitsu , Toyama Daisuke , Hirai Kota , Furuya Hiroyuki , Kato Masahiko , Mochizuki Hiroyuki
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The reliability of a breath sound analysis using an objective method in infants has been reported.

Objective

Breath sounds of infants with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) acute bronchiolitis were analyzed via a breath sound spectrogram to evaluate their characteristics and examine their relationship with the severity.

Subjects and Methods

We evaluated the inspiratory and expiratory breath sound parameters of 33 infants diagnosed with RSV acute bronchiolitis. The sound powers of inspiration and expiration were evaluated at the acute phase and recovery phase of infection. Furthermore, the relationship between the breath sound parameters and the clinical severity of acute bronchiolitis was examined.

Results

Analyses of the breath sound spectrogram showed that the power of expiration as well as the expiration‐to‐inspiration sound ratio in the mid‐frequency (E/I MF) was increased in the acute phase and decreased during the recovery phase. The E/I MF was inversely correlated with the SpO2 and positively correlated with the severity score.

Conclusion

In infants with RSV acute bronchiolitis, the sound power of respiration was large at the acute phase, significantly decreasing in the recovery phase. In 61% of participants, nonuniform, granular bands were shown in the low‐pitched region of the expiratory spectrogram.
Optimization and impact assessment of Aeolus HLOS wind assimilation in NOAA's global forecast system
Authors: Garrett Kevin , Liu Hui , Ide Kayo , Hoffman Ross N. , Lukens Katherine E.
Published: June 2022

The European Space Agency Aeolus mission launched the first‐of‐its‐kind space‐borne Doppler wind lidar in August 2018. The Aeolus Level‐2B (L2B) Horizontal Line‐of‐Sight (HLOS) wind observations are integrated into the NOAA Finite‐Volume Cubed‐Sphere Global Forecast System (FV3GFS). Components of the data assimilation system are optimized to increase the forecast impact from these Aeolus observations. Three observing‐system experiments (OSEs) are performed using the Aeolus L2B HLOS winds for the period of August 2–September 16, 2019: a baseline experiment assimilating all observations that are operationally assimilated in NOAA's FV3GFS but without Aeolus; an experiment adding the Aeolus L2B HLOS winds on top of the baseline configuration; and an experiment adding the Aeolus L2B HLOS winds on top of the baseline but also including a total least‐squares (TLS) regression bias correction applied to the HLOS winds. The variances of the Aeolus HLOS wind random errors (i.e., observation errors) are estimated using the Hollingsworth–Lonnberg (HL) method. Results from both OSEs demonstrate positive impact of Aeolus L2B HLOS winds on the NOAA global forecast. The largest impact is seen in the tropical upper troposphere and lower stratosphere where the Day 1–3 wind vector forecast root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) is reduced by up to 4%. Additionally, the assimilation of Aeolus impacts the steering currents ambient to tropical cyclones, resulting in a 15% reduction in track forecast error in the Eastern Pacific basin Day 2–5 forecasts, and a 5% and 20% reduction in track forecast error in the Atlantic basin at Day 2 and Day 5, respectively. In most cases, the additional TLS bias correction increases the positive impact of Aeolus data assimilation in the NOAA global numerical weather prediction (NWP) system when compared to the assimilation of Aeolus without bias correction.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi prevent the negative effect of drought and modulate the growth‐defence trade‐off in tomato plants
Authors: Orine Dimitri , Defossez Emmanuel , Vergara Fredd , Uthe Henriette , van Dam Nicole M. , Rasmann Sergio
Published: June 2022

Introduction

A wide range of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can be applied to agricultural soils as biofertilizers for increasing crop growth and yield. Current research also shows that AMF can stimulate plant defences against a range of herbivores and pathogens. However, to date, the efficient use of AMF in agriculture is largely impaired by our inability to predict the performance of different AMF‐plant complexes in variable environments. For instance, AMFs by increasing plant foraging capacity might alleviate allocation constraints in relation to growth versus defences. However, whether this effect occurs might depend on the in situ conditions. The main goal of this study was to investigate the context‐dependency of the ability of AMF to modulate plant growth and resistance against herbivores under variable soil water availability.

Materials and Methods

To address our goal, we performed a greenhouse experiment for measuring the effect of different AMF inocula (Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus irregularis, or both) on tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum) growth and defences against an insect herbivore under two conditions: a normal watering regime or drought conditions. We measured the functional, physiological and chemical traits of the plants.

Results

We found that AMF presence generally decreased plant growth, but increased chemical defences and resistance against generalist caterpillars. Such growth‐defence trade‐off was nonetheless dependent on the identity of the mycorrhizal inoculum and on soil water content. Under drought, inoculated tomato plants lowered their investment to defence and noninoculated plants lowered their growth.

Conclusion

This study highlights the influence of abiotic factors and fungal identity on plant–AMF–herbivore interactions. In a broader sense, our results point to the necessity of finding AMF species that have reduced context‐dependency to climatic factors, for more widespread use in organic agriculture.
Recent Advances in Carbon Anodes for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Tengfei , Li Chen , Wang Fan , Noori Abolhassan , Mousavi Mir F. , Xia Xinhui , Zhang Yongqi
Published: June 2022

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have gained tremendous attention for large‐scale energy storage applications due to the natural abundance, low cost, and even geographic distribution of sodium resources as well as a similar working mechanism to lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). One of the critical bottlenecks, however, is the design of high‐performance and low‐cost anode materials. Graphite anode that has dominated the market share of LIBs does not properly intercalate sodium ions. However, other carbonaceous materials are still considered as one of the most promising anode materials for SIBs in virtue of their high electronic conductivity, abundant active sites, hierarchical porosity, and excellent mechanical stability. In this review, we have tried to summarize the latest progresses made on the development of carbon‐based negative electrodes (including hard carbons, soft carbons, and synthetic carbon allotropes) for SIBs. We also have provided a comprehensive understanding of their physical properties, the sodium ions storage mechanisms, and the improvement measures to cope with the current challenges. In addition, we have proposed future research directions for SIBs that will provide important insights into further development of carbon‐based materials for SIBs.
Transsphenoidal hypophysectomy as a treatment for Rathke's cleft cyst in a dog
Authors: van Blokland‐Post Krista , Grinwis Guy , Tellegen Anna , Meij Björn
Published: June 2022

The objective of the study was to describe the clinical, imaging, surgical and histological findings in a dog with Rathke's cleft cyst of the pituitary gland. A 6‐year‐old, female, neutered Staffordshire bull terrier was presented with an acute onset of abnormal behaviour. Magnetic resonance imaging of the skull showed a pituitary mass of 12.9 mm (height) × 8.8 mm (width) × 10.2 mm (length) with a pituitary height/brain area value of 0.73 (reference <0.31). Magnetic resonance imaging findings were suggestive of pituitary apoplexy or neoplasia. Transsphenoidal hypophysectomy was performed and a cystic mass was removed. Histopathology revealed a Rathke's cleft cyst lined by a layer of pseudo‐stratified ciliated columnar epithelial cells and mucin‐secreting goblet cells with remnant pituitary tissue with positive immunostaining against adrenocorticotropic hormone, alpha melanocyte and growth hormone in the periphery. Rathke's cleft cyst should be included in the differential diagnosis of pituitary masses in the dog, and transsphenoidal hypophysectomy is an effective treatment.
Community‐based interventions to reduce sugar intake in healthy populations: A systematic review
Authors: Nikniaz Zeinab , Tabrizi Jafar S. , Abbasalizad Farhangi Mahdieh , Hosseini Mohammad‐Salar , Tahmasebi Sanaz , Nikniaz Leila
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to assess community‐based interventions to decrease sugar intake among healthy people. According to PRISMA guidelines, in this systematic review, databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were searched up to August 2021. Randomized clinical trials or quasi‐experimental studies reporting the effect of community‐based interventions to reduce sugar intake in general population were included. The quality of eligible studies was assessed using The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklists. Our search strategy resulted in a total of 1384 articles out of which 59 articles were included in the study. Of 59 included studies, 48 studies reported significant decrease in sugar intake or intention to sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) intake or purchasing SSBs. Of the 48 effective studies, 45 (93.7%) had a low risk of bias. Based on the results of low risk of bias studies, interventions performed in schools, household, and community were effective in reducing sugar intake. Almost all types of interventions (educational, multiple and changing in law) had the same effectiveness on reducing sugar intake. In addition, interventions which had a duration of 24–48 weeks were less successful than the others. Interventions with the repetition span of more than 1 month were less successful than the others. The application of multiple interventions appears to be the most effective approach to reducing sugar intake in healthy populations. However, long‐term and well‐designed future studies in different settings are recommended to confirm these results.
The True Nature of SmSb2O4Cl: Syntheses and Crystal Structures of Sm2[Sb4O8]Cl2 and Eu2[Sb4O8]Cl2
Authors: Locke Ralf J. C. , Schleid Thomas
Published: June 2022

The two lanthanoid oxidoantimonate(III) chlorides SmSb2O4Cl and EuSb2O4Cl are accessible from solid‐state reactions of Sb2O3 with Ln2O3 and LnCl3 (Ln=Sm and Eu) at 750 °C for two days. They crystallize in the centrosymmetric tetragonal space group P4/ncc with the lattice parameters a=787.13(4) pm, c=1765.24(12) pm for SmSb2O4Cl and a=783.56(4) pm, c=1764.05(12) pm for EuSb2O4Cl with Z=8. Both can also be described with the crystal‐chemical formula Ln2[Sb4O8]Cl2 for Z=4, since they comprise isolated [Sb4O8]4− rings. This structural motif has some very close similarities to the known series of non‐centrosymmetric LnSb2O4Cl representatives (Ln=Gd–Lu), crystallizing in the tetragonal space group P4212. All lanthanoid(III) cations have eight oxygen atoms as nearest neighbors arranged as square prisms [LnO8]13−, which are connected to layers by four parallel edges according to
with fluorite‐like topology. The Sb3+ cations together with three oxygen atoms each and their lone‐pair of electrons form ψ1‐tetrahedra [SbO3]3−. Four of these [SbO3]3− entities join to
rings with four bridging and four terminal oxygen atoms. Both centrosymmetric representatives, in contrast to the series of non‐centrosymmetric ones, have a doubled lattice parameter c and several more symmetry elements, which will be discussed in detail.
Vision Zero in EU Policy: An NGO Perspective
Authors: Townsend Ellen , Avenoso Antonio
Published: June 2022

This chapter documents the roots of Vision Zero in EU road safety policymaking and is written from the perspective of the European Transport Safety Council, an NGO that has been deeply engaged in the topic for more than 25 years, from the very beginning of EU road safety policy in the mid-1980s to its first adoption in 2011 and on to the present day. The chapter shows that the Vision Zero approach is now integrated into the new EU road safety strategy. The presence of elements of Vision Zero during the different timeframes is presented. These include ethics, shared responsibility, the philosophy of building a system which allows for error and, finally, creating a mechanism for change. The current EU road safety strategy, which adopts these elements, is reviewed in more detail. More recent implementation is illustrated by references to Vision Zero within two recent, important pieces of road safety legislation, on infrastructure and vehicle safety.

This chapter is written by ETSC and based on the organization’s interest and key role in the discussions. It refers to EU official documents going back to 1984, ETSC’s own reports and the institutional experience of ETSC and of the two authors. Despite every effort being made to be as objective as possible, the chapter is written from the perspectives of two active participants in the discussions and is therefore not a truly independent account. However, it is hoped that the material presented is useful nonetheless.
Doing the Right Things or Doing Things Right? Exploring the Relationship Between Professional Autonomy and Resources in Volunteering
Authors: Gullberg Cecilia , Weinryb Noomi
Published: June 2022

This chapter chronicles the organizing efforts of a group of Swedish medical professionals who volunteered on an ad hoc basis to provide health care for refugees in the fall of 2015. We show how different types of resources both enabled and constrained the autonomy of the professionals as they moved under the aegis of established civil society organizations and, as such, became bureaucratized. In the autonomous organizational setting, material resources were central, and professionals negotiated among themselves to establish working norms and guidelines for the acquisition and usage of resources. In the bureaucratized setting, with little to no room for negotiation, human resources were central, and regulations were imposed on the volunteering professionals by the civil society organizations.
Polish Human Rights Organizations: Resisting Institutional Pressures
Authors: Kravchenko Zhanna , Jezierska Katarzyna , Gumkowska Marta , Charycka Beata , Szafranek Magdalena
Published: June 2022

This chapter explores human rights organizations resisting the illiberal reconfiguration of Polish society that has been spearheaded by the country’s ruling political party since 2015. By decreasing financial support, launching smearing campaigns, and engaging in intimidation practices, the political regime aims to influence the scope of economic, symbolic, human, and social resources available to human rights organizations. Using data from representative surveys and in-depth interviews with representatives of human rights organizations and other civil society organizations, we systematically examine opportunities and limitations in navigating such institutional pressures. Our study demonstrates that organizations’ characteristics and environmental conditions determine the action repertoire, including diversification of resources, coalition building, and public campaigns, that sustains an organization’s legitimacy and (re)generates various forms of support.
Between Autonomy and Compliance: The Organizational Development of Russian Civil Society
Authors: Bederson Vsevolod , Semenov Andrei
Published: June 2022

This chapter examines the organizational dynamics of the Russian third sector after the adoption of the so-called “foreign agents” law in 2012, which significantly restricted civil society organizations’ legal space and their access to key resources. Utilizing interviews with organizational leaders and activists in nine Russian regions as well as survey data on civil society’s interactions with authorities, we argue that despite the intent to target only a handful of organizations, the changes have affected a wide array of civil society organizations. We show the commonalities and differences in dynamics among organizations occupying various niches. We also document coping strategies and establish the sources of resilience of the third sector vis-à-vis the entrenching of the authoritarian state in Russia.
Navigating Contemporary Developments in Swedish Civil Society: The Case of Save the Children Sweden
Authors: Kings Lisa
Published: June 2022

The focus of this chapter is how an established civil society organization relates to changing conditions and opportunities in contemporary Sweden. Taking the ongoing reorientation of Save the Children Sweden as a case study, this chapter illuminates the strategic approach to, and practical implementation of, that reorientation in relation to contemporary negotiations of the role of civil society in Sweden. The results show that Save the Children Sweden’s development is taking place in the context of Sweden’s contemporary civil society landscape with its newly available resources, increasingly blurred borders, and contradictory ideals. The reorientation of Save the Children Sweden is here conceptualized in terms of avant-garde professionalism, with an increase in operational activities serving to pressure the state and other organizations to acknowledge their responsibilities.
Why Tontines? Why Now?
Authors: Milevsky Moshe Arye
Published: June 2022

In this chapter I provide some background on the reasons (I think) a traditional fund company might want to introduce a modern tontine as it relates to the unique challenges that people face managing their financial affairs towards the end of the human lifecycle.
Financial and Actuarial Background
Authors: Milevsky Moshe Arye
Published: June 2022

This chapter summarizes the main technical background on financial and actuarial modelling required, with particular emphasis on present values, stochastic investment returns, the Gompertz law of mortality and the valuation of temporary life annuities which are very close cousins to modern tontines. To be clear, this chapter is a review of background and notation. It’s definitely not the place to visit to learn anything new.
Death Benefits, Refunds and Covenants
Authors: Milevsky Moshe Arye
Published: June 2022

This chapter implements a design feature in which investors in the modern tontine are assured they will be made whole if they happen to die prior to receiving their original investment back in periodic payments. This is the symmetric equivalent of a cash-refund income annuity, which incidentally is the most popular rider in the US market.
Squeezing the Most from Mortality
Authors: Milevsky Moshe Arye
Published: June 2022

The R-scripts and numerical results in the prior chapters assumed that investors in the modern tontine live and die by the famous Benjamin Gompertz (1825) model of mortality.
Alter(n) als Zukunft – Zukunft des Alter(n)s
Authors: Lang Frieder R. , Lessenich Stephan , Rothermund Klaus
Published: June 2022

Variabilität und Vulnerabilität sind nach unseren empirischen Erkenntnissen die wesentlichen Charakteristika des höheren Lebensalters. Dabei ist auch die Vulnerabilität des Alters nicht der große Gleichmacher, im Gegenteil: Sie setzt nur den geteilten Rahmen,
innerhalb dessen sich die soziale Vielfalt des Alterns erweist. Statt daher ‚die Alten‘ großgruppenförmig zu vereinheitlichen und als ‚besonders‘ –
ob nun besonders schutzbedürftig, produktivitätsträchtig oder würdigungswürdig –
auszuweisen, wäre es an der Zeit, das Alter schlicht als das zu verstehen und zu verhandeln, was es im Grunde genommen ist: Eine weitere Phase des Lebens.