bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Active MgP Catalyst for Biodiesel Production and Polyethylene Terephthalate Depolymerization
Authors: Gangotena Pablo A. , Ponce Sebastian , Gallo‐Córdova Álvaro , Streitwieser Daniela Almeida , Mora José R.
Published: April 2022

A highly active heterogeneous catalyst was designed and employed for two relevant transesterification reactions. i. e. biodiesel production and depolymerization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The material was prepared in the presence of pectin by the co‐precipitation method followed by calcination at 600 °C (MgP). MgP is efficient for biodiesel production, with a yield of ≈99 % in 6 h/65 °C, and with a molar ratio methanol: oil of 21 : 1. The reference material (MgR, prepared in absence of pectin) showed a poor catalytic performance in the same experimental conditions. For the methanolysis of PET, 100 % PET conversion was obtained with 3 wt % catalyst, 200 : 1 methanol: PET molar ratio at milder conditions 160 °C/4 h, compared to a 33 % conversion without the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst showed remarkable stability and negligible deactivation after five consecutive runs. Materials were characterized by SEM, XRD, IR, TGA, and BET.
Coacervate Microcapsules of Citrus aurantifolia Essential Oil (LOs): Optimization and Their Antibacterial Activity Study
Authors: Julaeha Euis , Eddy Diana R. , Wahyudi Tatang , Ningsih Bibah A. , Nurzaman Mohamad , Permadi Nandang , Herlina Tati , Anshori Jamaludin Al
Published: April 2022

Optimization of microcapsule shell to preserve Citrus aurantifolia lime oil (LOs), employing a coacervation method, and their inhibition against bacteria was conducted. Pre‐optimization of the microcapsule properties was evaluated from three types of shell combination; alginate/gelatin (A/G), gum arabic/gelatin (GA/G), and gum arabic/chitosan (GA/C). The best pairs were further improved for their ratios ranged from 1 : 3, 1 : 3.25, 1 : 3.5, 1 : 3.75, and 1 : 4. The performance of microcapsules was evaluated based on yield, oil content, encapsulation efficiency, particle size and distribution, morphology, and release kinetic. Additionally, antibacterial activity was subsequently performed using the Kirby Bauer method. The result showed that the LOs were effectively coated by alginate/gelatin (1 : 3.75) with yield, encapsulation efficiency (EE), and oil content (OC) of 48±1 %, 90±10 %, and 58±7 %, respectively. The spherical microcapsules were homogenously well distributed with an average particle size of 1.802±0.082 μm. Avrami's kinetic model revealed a first‐order kinetic mechanism of LOs release (k=1.1 ×10−4 s−1). The LOs microcapsules exhibited the highest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis, followed by Klebsiella pneumonia, and Staphylococcus aureus. Thereby, the LOs microcapsules were potentially applied in the field of health, food, and textile as an antibacterial agent.
Tunable Selective Hydrogenation of Cinnamaldehyde by Capped Pt/Pd Nanoparticles Supported on Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Zhang Minghui , Wang Tengda , Zhang Mingwei , Wang Qingfa , Wang Li , Zhang Xiangwen , Li Guozhu
Published: April 2022

A series of catalysts containing Pt or Pd nanoparticles (NPs) jointly regulated by cytidine (Cs) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) have been prepared for selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde (CAL). The Pt/Pd NPs were supported on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with different structures for promoting catalytic activity and tuning product selectivity. The synergistic effect of Cs and PVP on Pt/Pd surface promotes hydrogenation activity. The synergy between Pd NPs and multi‐walled CNTs with the diameter of <8 nm greatly promoted the hydrogenation of C=C bond in CAL. The synergy between Pt NPs and single‐walled CNTs with the diameter of <2 nm effectively enhanced the hydrogenation of C=O bond in CAL. These synergistic effects are attributed to the suitable size and exposed (111) facets of metal NPs, the transfer of electrons and the interaction between metal and support.
Substituted Tetrahydronaphthalen‐1‐yl‐phenethyl Ureas: Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Evaluations
Authors: Akbaba Yusuf , Kacı Fatma Necmiye , Göksu Süleyman
Published: April 2022

Multi‐target drug discovery is one of the most important objectives in the treatment of carcinogenesis because of the different outcomes of the disease such as bacterial infections due to impaired immune systems. Therefore, a series of new urea derivatives were synthesized to acquire both anti‐proliferative and antimicrobial properties that can be used in chemotherapy. The anti‐cancer and anti‐microbial properties of synthesized urea compounds were investigated on the HeLa cancer line and multiple bacterial strains via using WST‐8 and disc diffusion methods. In anticancer investigations against the HeLa cell line, one synthesized urea derivative exhibited the best activity (IC50: 58.9 μM), which showed up to 8 times less toxic effect (SI: 8.5) against the non‐cancerous human dermal fibroblast (PCS201‐012) cell line. Additionally, some urea derivatives showed antibacterial activities against Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus MRSA with the lowest MIC values. The MIC value obtained against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was at the level of μM for all urea derivatives and was calculated as 7.8125 μM. As a result, some synthesized urea derivatives may be considered as multipotent drug formulations with antibacterial and anticancer properties.
Isolation and Characterization of a Flavonoid and a Neolignan from Silybum marianum: In‐vitro Cytotoxic Evaluation
Authors: Nawaz Aisha , Zaib Sumera , Ahmad Abrar , Riaz Tanzeela
Published: April 2022

Silybum marianum, a remarkable medicinal plant displays multifarious medicinal properties including anticancer, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti‐inflammatory, neuroprotective, antibacterial and cosmeceutical properties. The promising antiproliferative potential of S. marianum demands further exploitation of bioactive compounds responsible for its medicinal properties. In the current study, Silybin B and (±)‐trans‐dehydrodiferulate dimethyl ester were isolated from S. marianum and characterized by NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. The antiproliferative activity of isolated compounds was investigated by sulforhodamine B assay against HeLa, HepG2 and BHK21 cell lines. Flow cytometery, DAPI, reactive oxygen species accumulation and comet assays were performed to validate the cytotoxic effect of potent compounds. Silybin B was more potent anticancer agent with an IC50 value of 23.85±5.98 μg/mL and 21.07±4.16 μg/mL against HeLa and HepG2 cell lines, respectively. The findings of all assays confirmed its apoptotic, cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on HeLa cells.
Synthesis of [99Tc(CO)6]+ Cation under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Sakhonenkova Anna P. , Slastihina Polina V. , Sidorenko Georgii V. , Tyupina Margarita Yu. , Miroslavov Alexander E.
Published: April 2022

Technetium(I) and rhenium(I) hexacarbonyl cations were prepared for the first time at atmospheric pressure and room temperature by treatment of dichloromethane or chloroform solutions of [99TcBr(CO)5] and [ReCl(CO)5] with carbon monoxide in the presence of dry aluminum trichloride. The yield was 17.0 % and 3.1 %, respectively.
Effect of the Japanese herbal drug rikkunshito for the treatment of malnutrition in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Seo Masahiro , Watanabe Tetsuya , Yamada Takahisa , Morita Takashi , Kawasaki Masato , Kikuchi Atsushi , Kawai Tsutomu , Nakamura Jun , Kayama Kiyomi , Ueda Kunpei , Sakamoto Daisuke , Kogame Takehiro , Tamura Yuto , Fujita Takeshi , Nishigaki Keisuke , Kokubu Yuki , Fukuda Yuto , Fukunami Masatake
Published: April 2022

Aim

Although malnutrition is an important prognostic factor in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), no effective treatment for malnutrition has been established. Rikkunshito (RKT) is a Japanese herbal drug that has been used in daily practice for patients with loss of appetite. However, no data have demonstrated whether or not RKT can improve the body composition in patients with CHF. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of RKT on the nutritional status of patients with CHF.

Methods

This single‐center retrospective observational study included 14 patients with CHF and loss of appetite who were treated with RKT. Body mass index (BMI) and body composition including fat‐free mass index (FFMI), skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and fat mass index (FMI) were measured by the bioimpedance method. Body composition was measured at baseline and 12 weeks later. The primary endpoint was the change of BMI and body composition.

Results

BMI was significantly improved from 23.7 (20.0–26.1) kg/m2 to 24.2 (20.3–27.3) kg/m2 (p = 0.0494). FFMI was significantly improved from 13.7 (11.3–14.9) kg/m2 to 14.2 (12.0–15.7) kg/m2 (p = 0.0002). SMI was also improved from 5.0 (3.0–6.2) kg/m2 to 5.3 (3.3–6.8) kg/m2 (p = 0.0085). On the other hand, FMI was not significantly changed (9.4 (7.2–12.0) kg/m2 to 10.3 (7.9–12.0) kg/m2, p = 0.8552).

Conclusion

The Japanese herbal drug RKT was effective in improving the nutritional status of patients with CHF.
Beyond Labels and Agendas: Research Teachers need to Know about Phonics and Phonological Awareness
Authors: Mesmer Heidi Anne , Kambach Anna
Published: April 2022

Teachers are asked to use reading science to inform how they teach phonics and phonological awareness. As teachers look to the research base to guide their practice, some questions and concerns regarding what best practice looks like have come up. This article starts with a brief description of phonics and phonemic awareness and then discusses topics of issue in a developmental order, addressing phonemic awareness, phonics, and morphology. Current research is used to discuss 10 questions teachers are asking as they navigate applying reading research in the classroom.
In situ investigation of synchrotron radiation damage effect of ancient paintings by time‐resolved ED‐XAS and IR combined techniques
Authors: Zhang Zuning , Liu Zhen , Jiang Yong , Zhu Huachun , Ji Te , Wang Jie , Chen Min , Peng Weiwei , Wang Lihua , Wei Xiangjun
Published: April 2022

Advanced synchrotron radiation light is a powerful tool for archaeometry research. However, its applications to precious cultural relics, especially for color painting, have been hindered to some degree due to potential X‐ray radiation damage. Compared to inorganic mineral pigments, organic binders in the painting are easier to be damaged by synchrotron radiation X‐ray beam. The radiation damage effect of two typical painting samples, pure rabbit skin glue and the mixed sample of rabbit skin glue and zinc white, has been investigated by in situ time‐resolved ED‐XAS and IR combined techniques. The results show that the radiation damage effect of pure rabbit skin glue is more serious at low X‐ray energy (7775 eV). The radiation damage effect of the mixed sample increases significantly due to more X‐ray absorption by inorganic pigments. Furthermore, the radiation damage is more serious at the energy near Zn K‐edge and is somewhat slight at higher energy (13,054 eV). These damages are more obvious from the point of view of protein secondary structures. The irradiation damage effects increase more rapidly at the beginning and are not linear with the irradiating time. The results indicate that synchrotron radiation damage can be reduced effectively by using X‐ray energy far away from the X‐ray absorption edge of the major element in the pigments during XRF, XRD and CT experiments, or by using time‐resolved techniques such as QXAFS and ED‐XAS during XAFS experiments.
Numerical investigation for augmentation of performance of solar absorber utilizing perforated tape and nanomaterial
Authors: Rothan Yahya Ali
Published: April 2022

Current work presents the application innovative shape of twisted tape including barriers and holes. This disturber device has been installed inside the absorber tube of solar system and such barriers helps to increment of swirl flow and appearance of holes decrease the resistance of fluid flow. Turbulent regime has been presumed for current usage and finite volume technique has been developed for this problem. Involving the hybrid nanoparticles within the water makes the properties of nanomaterial to increase and correlations based of experimental outputs were applied for predicting the features of carrier fluid. Impacts of height of barrier and number of revolution as well as inlet velocity has been depicted in outputs with considering constant value of heat flux over the top surface. Besides, variable heat flux effect has been utilized to show the behavior of system at various time stages of the day. Involving longer barrier makes the swirl flow to rise and temperature of outer wall decreases. As revolution of disturber tape elevates, the residence time grows and stronger secondary flow can be generated.
Correction to: Transparent Integration and Sharing of Life Cycle Sustainability Data with Provenance
Authors: Hansen Emil Riis , Lissandrini Matteo , Ghose Agneta , Løkke Søren , Thomsen Christian , Hose Katja
Published: April 2022

Chapter “Transparent Integration and Sharing of Life Cycle Sustainability Data with Provenance” was previously published non-open access. It has now been changed to open access under a CC BY 4.0 license and the copyright holder updated to ‘The Author(s)’. The book has also been updated with this change.
Purification Protocol
Authors: Pfahler V. , Adu-Gyamfi J. , O’Connell D. , Tamburini F.
Published: April 2022

The five stepwise purification of extracts and final precipitation of silver phosphate (A1–A5) are described. The first two steps (A1 and A2) are removing organic matter and are concentrating the phosphate in the extract by reducing the volume. Certain cations could interfere with the precipitation of silver phosphate and are removed in step A3. Silver chloride, which, if not removed, could co-precipitate with silver phosphate, is removed in step A4. The final analyte is then precipitated in step A5. The filtration steps can be quite tedious, using vacuum filtration equipment is therefore recommended. Following step A5, the silver phosphate samples need to be weighed in for the measurement with a thermal conversion elemental analyser (TC/EA) coupled to a continuous-flow isotope-ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS).
Interpreting and Improving Deep-Learning Models with Reality Checks
Authors: Singh Chandan , Ha Wooseok , Yu Bin
Published: April 2022

Recent deep-learning models have achieved impressive predictive performance by learning complex functions of many variables, often at the cost of interpretability. This chapter covers recent work aiming to interpret models by attributing importance to features and feature groups for a single prediction. Importantly, the proposed attributions assign importance to interactions between features, in addition to features in isolation. These attributions are shown to yield insights across real-world domains, including bio-imaging, cosmology image and natural-language processing. We then show how these attributions can be used to directly improve the generalization of a neural network or to distill it into a simple model. Throughout the chapter, we emphasize the use of reality checks to scrutinize the proposed interpretation techniques. (Code for all methods in this chapter is available at "Image missing"github.com/csinvaand "Image missing"github.com/Yu-Group, implemented in PyTorch [54]).
A Whale’s Tail - Finding the Right Whale in an Uncertain World
Authors: Marcos Diego , Kierdorf Jana , Cheeseman Ted , Tuia Devis , Roscher Ribana
Published: April 2022

Explainable machine learning and uncertainty quantification have emerged as promising approaches to check the suitability and understand the decision process of a data-driven model, to learn new insights from data, but also to get more information about the quality of a specific observation. In particular, heatmapping techniques that indicate the sensitivity of image regions are routinely used in image analysis and interpretation. In this paper, we consider a landmark-based approach to generate heatmaps that help derive sensitivity and uncertainty information for an application in marine science to support the monitoring of whales. Single whale identification is important to monitor the migration of whales, to avoid double counting of individuals and to reach more accurate population estimates. Here, we specifically explore the use of fluke landmarks learned as attention maps for local feature extraction and without other supervision than the whale IDs. These individual fluke landmarks are then used jointly to predict the whale ID. With this model, we use several techniques to estimate the sensitivity and uncertainty as a function of the consensus level and stability of localisation among the landmarks. For our experiments, we use images of humpback whale flukes provided by the Kaggle Challenge “Humpback Whale Identification” and compare our results to those of a whale expert.
Interpreting Generative Adversarial Networks for Interactive Image Generation
Authors: Zhou Bolei
Published: April 2022

Significant progress has been made by the advances in Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) for image generation. However, there lacks enough understanding of how a realistic image is generated by the deep representations of GANs from a random vector. This chapter gives a summary of recent works on interpreting deep generative models. The methods are categorized into the supervised, the unsupervised, and the embedding-guided approaches. We will see how the human-understandable concepts that emerge in the learned representation can be identified and used for interactive image generation and editing.
Prime Test
Authors: Zheng Zhiyong
Published: April 2022

In the RSA algorithm in the previous chapter, we see that the decomposition of large prime factors constitutes the basis of RSA cryptosystem security. Theoretically, this security should not be questioned, because there is only the definition of prime in mathematics, and there is no general method to detect prime. The main purpose of this chapter is to introduce some basic prime test methods, including Fermat test, Euler test, Monte Carlo method, continued fraction method, etc. understanding the content of this chapter requires some special number theory knowledge.
About the Landau-Fermi-Dirac Equation With Moderately Soft Potentials
Authors: Alonso R. , Bagland V. , Desvillettes L. , Lods B.
Published: April 2022

We present some essential properties of solutions to the homogeneous Landau-Fermi-Dirac equation for moderately soft potentials. Uniform in time estimates for statistical moments, $$L^{p}$$

L
p

-norm generation and Sobolev regularity are shown using a combination of techniques that include recent developments concerning level set analysis in the spirit of De Giorgi and refined entropy-entropy dissipation functional inequalities for the Landau collision operator which are extended to the case in question here. As a consequence of the analysis, we prove algebraic relaxation of non degenerate distributions towards the Fermi-Dirac statistics under a weak non saturation condition for the initial datum. All quantitative estimates are uniform with respect to the quantum parameter. They therefore also hold for the classical limit, that is, the Landau equation.
On the structure of $$\mathrm {RCD}$$ spaces with upper curvature bounds
Authors: Kapovitch Vitali , Kell Martin , Ketterer Christian
Published: April 2022

We develop a structure theory for $$\mathrm {RCD}$$
RCD
spaces with curvature bounded above in Alexandrov sense. In particular, we show that any such space is a topological manifold with boundary whose interior is equal to the set of regular points. Further the set of regular points is a smooth manifold and is geodesically convex. Around regular points there are $$\mathrm {DC}$$
DC
coordinates and the distance is induced by a continuous $$\mathrm {BV}$$
BV
Riemannian metric.
Institutional Trend in Device Selection for Transcatheter PDA Closure in Premature Infants
Authors: Guyon Peter , Duster Nicole , Katheria Anup , Heyden Caitlyn , Griffin Danica , Steinbergs Ronald , Moreno Rojas Andres , Ratnayaka Kanishka , El-Said Howaida G.
Published: April 2022

We report our experience with transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure in premature infants and compare patients grouped by the device used for closure: the Microvascular Plug, “MVP” (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN); Micro Plug Set, “Micro Plug” (KA Medical, Minneapolis, MN); and Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder, “Piccolo” (Abbot, Santa Clara, CA). We also report trends in device selection over time. Studies examining outcomes according to device selection for PDA closure in premature infants are lacking. We performed a retrospective review of all percutaneous PDA closures in premature infants at a single center (June 2018–May 2021). Patients were grouped by initial device selected for PDA closure (intention to treat). Institutional Review Board approval was obtained. 58 premature infants [MVP (n = 25), Micro Plug (n = 25), and Piccolo (n = 8)] underwent successful transcatheter PDA closure (mean gestational age 27 weeks 2 days; mean weight at procedure 1.4 kg; mean age at procedure 28 days). Pre-procedural demographics, procedural data, and follow-up data were similar between groups. There were no significant procedural adverse events. Three devices (2 MVP, 0 Micro Plug, 1 Piccolo p = 0.27) embolized after the procedure. One other device was removed for concern for aortic obstruction. Device selection evolved with a clear trend toward the Micro Plug device over time. Demographic, procedural, and follow-up data were similar between the MVP, Micro Plug, and Piccolo groups. The Micro Plug did not require exchange for suboptimal fitting or embolize and became our preferred device in most cases.
Sex-Related Outcomes Following Drug Balloon Angioplasty in Patients from the BIOLUX P-III Registry: A Subgroup Analysis
Authors: Barry Ian Patrick , Macarulay Reane , Brodmann Marianne , Zeller Thomas , Moscovic Matej , Dahm Johannes , Troisi Nicola , Tepe Gunnar , Wong Jacqueline , Mwipatayi Bibombe Patrice ,   on behalf of the BIOLUX P-III Global Registry Investigators
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the use of drug-coated balloons in a real-world patient population with peripheral arterial disease and analyse the impact of sex on mid-term outcomes following their utilisation.

Methods

The BIOLUX P-III is a prospective, international, multi-centre, registry of patients with infra-inguinal lesions treated using the Passeo-18 Lux, a drug-coated balloon. Our study is a 24-month subgroup analysis of these patients; primary endpoints were freedom from major adverse events and clinically driven target lesion re-vascularisation within 12 months post-intervention.

Results

Of the 877 patients in the registry, 561 (64.0%) were male and 316 (36.0%) were female. Chronic limb threatening ischaemia (Rutherford class ≥ 4) occurred in 35.7% of males and 40.6% of females. Rates of freedom from major adverse events and clinically driven target lesion re-vascularisation at 12 months were 87.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 84.2–89.9) and 90.4% (95% CI 86.5–93.3), and 92.3% (95% CI 89.9–94.1) and 92.9% (95% CI 89.7–95.1) in males and females, respectively. All-cause mortality at 24 months was 12.0% (95% CI 9.4–15.3) in males and 11.9% (95% CI 8.6–16.5) in females. The major target limb amputation rate at 24 months was 9.1% (95% CI 6.9–11.9) in males and 4.0% (95% CI 2.3–7.0) in females.

Conclusion

Treatment with the Passeo-18 Lux DCB demonstrated high efficacy and low complication rates. Despite the greater proportion of chronic limb threatening ischaemia observed in females, males were at a greater risk of ipsilateral major limb amputation and major adverse events following drug-coated balloon utilisation.

Clinical Trial Registration

NCT02276313.

Level of Evidence

Level 4.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Effectiveness and safety of sorafenib for renal cell, hepatocellular and thyroid carcinoma: pooled analysis in patients with renal impairment
Authors: Oya Mototsugu , Kaneko Shuichi , Imai Tsuneo , Tsujino Toshiaki , Sunaya Toshiyuki , Okayama Yutaka
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Sorafenib is an oral multikinase inhibitor with regulatory approval in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and refractory differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibitors like sorafenib may cause proteinuria. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness and safety of sorafenib in RCC, HCC and DTC patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed integrated data from prospective post-marketing surveillance studies for advanced RCC, HCC and DTC. Background factors considered to affect patients’ prognosis were balanced by propensity score matching using eGFR cut-off values of 60 mL/min/1.73 m2.

Results

In the combined matched population (N = 2430), sorafenib was equally effective in patients with lower and higher eGFR values. Sorafenib had an overall response rate (ORR: complete + partial responses) of 18.9% and a disease control rate (DCR: complete + partial responses + stable disease) of 67.0%. There were no significant differences between lower and higher eGFR groups for response rates. Renal function was maintained throughout the 12-month study period in the combined population and in each indication. Adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs were reported in 91.6% and 58.2% of propensity score-matched patients, and with no significant differences between lower and higher eGFR groups.

Conclusion

The effectiveness and safety of sorafenib were similar in patients with eGFR < 60 and ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 during the 12-month observation period, and without impairing renal function.
New destination vectors facilitate Modular Cloning for Chlamydomonas
Authors: Niemeyer Justus , Schroda Michael
Published: April 2022

Synthetic Biology is revolutionizing biological research by introducing principles of mechanical engineering, including the standardization of genetic parts and standardized part assembly routes. Both are realized in the Modular Cloning (MoClo) strategy. MoClo allows for the rapid and robust assembly of individual genes and multigene clusters, enabling iterative cycles of gene design, construction, testing, and learning in short time. This is particularly true if generation times of target organisms are short, as is the case for the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Testing a gene of interest in Chlamydomonas with MoClo requires two assembly steps, one for the gene of interest itself and another to combine it with a selection marker. To reduce this to a single assembly step, we constructed five new destination vectors. They contain genes conferring resistance to commonly used antibiotics in Chlamydomonas and a site for the direct assembly of basic genetic parts. The vectors employ red/white color selection and, therefore, do not require costly compounds like X-gal and IPTG. mCherry expression is used to demonstrate the functionality of these vectors.
Image quality comparison of single-energy and dual-energy computed tomography for head and neck patients: a prospective randomized study
Authors: Bedernik Andreas , Wuest Wolfgang , May Matthias Stefan , Heiss Rafael , Uder Michael , Wiesmueller Marco
Published: April 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the quality of images obtained using single-energy computed tomography (SECT) performed with automated tube voltage adaptation (TVA) with dual-energy CT (DECT) weighted average images.

Methods

Eighty patients were prospectively randomized to undergo either SECT with TVA (n = 40, ref. mAs 200) or radiation dose–matched DECT (n = 40, 80/Sn150 kV, ref. mAs tube A 91/tube B 61) on a dual-source CT scanner. Objective image quality was evaluated as dose-normalized contrast-to-noise ratio (CNRD) for the jugular veins relative to fatty tissue and muscle tissue and for muscle tissue relative to fatty issue. For subjective image quality, reproduction of anatomical structures, image artifacts, image noise, spatial resolution, and overall diagnostic acceptability were evaluated at sixteen anatomical substructures using Likert-type scales.

Results

Effective radiation dose (ED) was comparable between SECT and DECT study groups (2.9 ± 0.6 mSv/3.1 ± 0.7 mSv, p = 0.5). All examinations were rated as excellent or good for clinical diagnosis. Compared to the CNRD in the SECT group, the CNRD in the DECT group was significantly higher for the jugular veins relative to fatty tissue (7.51/6.08, p < 0.001) and for muscle tissue relative to fatty tissue (4.18/2.90, p < 0.001). The CNRD for the jugular veins relative to muscle tissue (3.33/3.18, p = 0.51) was comparable between groups. Image artifacts were less pronounced and overall diagnostic acceptability was higher in the DECT group (all p = 0.01).

Conclusions

DECT weighted average images deliver higher objective and subjective image quality than SECT performed with TVA in head and neck imaging.

Key Points

• Weighted average images derived from dual-energy CT deliver higher objective and subjective image quality than single-energy CT using automated tube voltage adaptation in head and neck imaging.

• If available, dual-energy CT acquisition may be preferred over automated low tube voltage adopted single-energy CT for both malignant and non-malignant conditions.
Using MRI to differentiate upper-lateral intracavitary pregnancy and interstitial pregnancy for the patients with pregnancies in the uterotubal junction during the first trimester
Authors: Liu Wenjuan , Xie Weili , Zhao Hang , Jiao Xufeng , Sun Enzhao , Jiang Shan , Zheng Ning , Wang Zhenchang
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To retrospectively evaluate the diagnostic value of MRI for the uterotubal junctional pregnancies during the first trimester.

Methods

This retrospective study involved 59 patients (January 2016 to July 2021) with a preoperative imaging diagnosis of uterotubal junctional pregnancy. Using operative and pathological reports as the reference standard, we identified 22 patients with upper-lateral intracavitary (angular) pregnancy and 37 patients with interstitial pregnancy. Two senior radiologists, blinded to the patients’ information, reviewed the MRI images and determined each MRI feature based on the original interpretation criteria. Any disagreement was resolved by discussion to achieve a consensus. The sensitivity and specificity of each MRI feature were calculated according to the reference standard.

Results

The endometrial thickness in the upper-lateral intracavitary pregnancy group was larger than in the interstitial group (p = 0.001). The cutoff value of the endometrial thickness was 11.5 mm with a sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve that were 77.3%, 64.9%, and 0.743, respectively. Two key features to diagnose upper-lateral intracavitary pregnancy were “medial free edge” and “medial free edge plus above-cutoff endometrial thickness.” The sensitivity and specificity of the medial free edge were 100% and 94.9%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the medial free edge plus above-cutoff endometrial thickness were 77.3% and 100%, respectively. The key feature to diagnose interstitial pregnancy was an “intact lateral junctional zone,” of which the sensitivity and specificity were 94.6% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusions

MRI can be used to differentiate the upper-lateral intracavitary pregnancy and interstitial pregnancy during the first trimester.

Key Points

• We demonstrated MRI diagnostic criteria for the interstitial pregnancy and upper-lateral intracavitary pregnancy.

• MRI might be used to identify the complex interstitial pregnancies, those with a gestational sac protruding into the uterine cavity.
Impact of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) enrichment and skewed N:P stoichiometry on the skeletal formation and microstructure of symbiotic reef corals
Authors: Buckingham M. C. , D’Angelo C. , Chalk T. B. , Foster G. L. , Johnson K. G. , Connelly Z. , Olla C. , Saeed M. , Wiedenmann J.
Published: April 2022

Reported divergent responses of coral growth and skeletal microstructure to the nutrient environment complicate knowledge-based management of water quality in coral reefs. By re-evaluating published results considering the taxonomy of the studied corals and the N:P stoichiometry of their nutrient environment, we could resolve some of the major apparent contradictions. Our analysis suggests that Acroporids behave differently to several other common genera and show distinct responses to specific nutrient treatments. We hypothesised that both the concentrations of dissolved inorganic N and P in the water and their stoichiometry shape skeletal growth and microstructure. We tested this hypothesis by exposing Acropora polystoma fragments to four nutrient treatments for > 10 weeks: high nitrate/high phosphate (HNHP), high nitrate/low phosphate (HNLP), low nitrate/high phosphate (LNHP) and low nitrate/low phosphate (LNLP). HNHP corals retained high zooxanthellae densities and their linear extension and calcification rates were up to ten times higher than in the other treatments. HNLP and LNLP corals bleached through loss of symbionts. The photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) of residual symbionts in HNLP corals was significantly reduced, indicating P-starvation. Micro-computed tomography (µCT) of the skeletal microstructure revealed that reduced linear extension in nutrient limited or nutrient starved conditions (HNLP, LNHP, LNLP) was associated with significant thickening of skeletal elements and reduced porosity. These changes can be explained by the strongly reduced linear extension rate in combination with a smaller reduction in the calcification rate. Studies using increased skeletal density as a proxy for past thermal bleaching events should consider that such an increase in density may also be associated with temperature-independent response to the nutrient environment. Furthermore, the taxonomy of corals and seawater N:P stoichiometry should be considered when analysing and managing the impacts of nutrient pollution.
Mortality after surgery for benign prostate hyperplasia: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Salmivalli Alisa , Ettala Otto , Boström Peter J. , Kytö Ville
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To investigate postoperative mortality rates and risk factors for mortality after surgical treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).

Methods

All patients who underwent partial prostate excision/resection from 2004 to 2014 in Finland were retrospectively assessed for eligibility using a nationwide registry. Procedures were classified as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), laser vaporization of the prostate (laser), and open prostatectomy. Univariable and multivariable regression were used to analyze the association of age, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), operation type, annual center operation volume, study era, atrial fibrillation, and prostate cancer diagnosis with 90 days postoperative mortality.

Results

Among the 39,320 patients, TURP was the most common operation type for lower urinary tract symptoms in all age groups. The overall 90 days postoperative mortality was 1.10%. Excess mortality in the 90 days postoperative period was less than 0.5% in all age groups. Postoperative mortality after laser operations was 0.59% and 1.16% after TURP (p = 0.035). Older age, CCI score, and atrial fibrillation were identified as risk factors for postoperative mortality. Prostate cancer diagnosis and the center’s annual operation volume were not significantly associated with mortality. The most common underlying causes of death were malignancy (35.5%) and cardiac disease (30.9%).

Conclusion

Elective urologic procedures for BPH are generally considered safe, but mortality increases with age. Laser operations may be associated with lower mortality rates than the gold standard TURP. Thus, operative risks and benefits must be carefully considered on a case-by-case basis. Further studies comparing operation types are needed.
Development and implementation of a comprehensive postgraduate ultrasound curriculum for residents in obstetrics and gynecology: a feasibility study
Authors: Recker Florian , Dugar Martina , Böckenhoff Paul , Gembruch Ulrich , Geipel Annegret
Published: April 2022

Background

In obstetric and gynecological practice, ultrasound is the essential diagnostic tool. Nevertheless, few clinics have standardized and structured training curricula for young obstetricians in the field of obstetric and gynecological ultrasound. Since ultrasound is best learned hands-on in small supervised groups, we developed and implemented a comprehensive ultrasound curriculum for all postgraduate residents of our department using a peer-teaching concept.

Methods

We used Kern‘s six-step model of curricular development comprising (1) problem identification and general needs assessment, (2) needs assessment of the targeted learners, (3) goals and objectives, (4) educational strategies, (5) implementation, and (6) evaluation and feedback.

Results

Assistant physicians in the 1st and 2nd year of training received a theoretical and practical ultrasound basic course (six modules) in addition to their obligatory clinic rotations. The six main topics were prioritized according to service relevance and included the main features according to DEGUM, EBCOG and ISUOG. The units focused on a three-level training based on the AMEE levels: theoretical knowledge, well-founded theoretical knowledge and basic practical skills under guidance and self-employment of practical skills.

Conclusion

Structured and standardized sonographic training allows young gynecology and obstetrics residents to conceptually grasp and practically implement topic-related themes. Furthermore, the course concept demonstrates the high inter-rater agreement among DEGUM-certified examiners. More research is needed to analyze the learning outcomes for residents and the improvement of the patient's outcome by establishing such an ultrasound curriculum.
Schoolteachers with voice handicap are twice as likely to report depressive symptoms
Authors: González Alberto Durán , de Almeida Lopes Ana Carolina Bertin , de Andrade Selma Maffei , Gabani Flávia Lopes , da Silva Santos Mayara Cristina , Rodrigues Renne , Mesas Arthur Eumann
Published: April 2022

This study aimed to examine the association between voice disorder and depressive symptoms in schoolteachers. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with elementary and secondary schoolteachers. Voice disorders and depressive symptoms were assessed with the Voice Handicap Index-10 and the Beck Depression Inventory-II, respectively. Logistic and linear regressions models were adjusted for confounding variables. In the 389 schoolteachers studied, the prevalence of voice handicap and depressive symptoms was 18.8 and 38.8%, respectively. Voice handicap was associated with depressive symptoms on all models tested. The logistic regression showed an odds ratio of 2.21 (95% confidence interval: 1.19, 4.08; p value < 0.05), while in the linear regression each point increase on the voice disorder scale increased the Beck Depression Inventory-II score by 0.39 points (95% confidence interval: 0.26, 0.54; p value < 0.05). This study showed that teachers of public schools with voice handicap are twice as likely to report depressive symptoms.
Triggers in functional motor disorder: a clinical feature distinct from precipitating factors
Authors: Geroin Christian , Stone Jon , Camozzi Serena , Demartini Benedetta , Gandolfi Marialuisa , Tinazzi Michele
Published: April 2022

Background and objective

People with functional motor disorder (FMD) report triggers—sensory or motor-induced stimuli that exacerbate or initiate paroxysmal occurrences of their movement disorder. These are a distinct phenomenon from precipitating factors occurring at the initial onset of the disorder. We aimed to assess triggers in FMD and understand their relevance to paroxysmal variability often seen in FMD.

Methods

We enrolled consecutive outpatients with a definite diagnosis of FMD. Each patient underwent a detailed clinical evaluation also including the presence of trigger factors and video-recordings both during neurological examination and physiotherapy treatment. Patients were classified as having “triggers” (T-FMD) or “not having triggers” (NoT-FMD) as well as “paroxysmal” compared to “persistent with paroxysmal variability”.

Results

The study sample was 100 patients (82% female) with FMD; the mean age at onset was 41 years. Triggers were observed in 88% of patients and in 65 of these the FMD was pure paroxysmal. The most common triggers were movement or physical exercise, followed by emotional, visual, touch, and auditory stimuli; 39 (44%) were isolated and 49 (56%) were combined triggers. Among the T-FMD patients, FMD were paroxysmal in 74% (n = 65) and persistent with paroxysmal variability in 26% (n = 23). The T-FMD patients were younger (p = 0.016) and had a gait disorder (p = 0.035) more frequently than the NoT-FMD patients.

Discussion

Triggers are frequent in FMD and may have diverse overlapping clinical presentations. In this sample, FMD was most often paroxysmal, suggesting the value of noting triggers as clinical clues in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of FMD.
The impact of age, sex, cardio-respiratory fitness, and cardiovascular disease risk on dynamic cerebral autoregulation and baroreflex sensitivity
Authors: Maxwell Joseph D. , Bannell Daniel J. , Brislane Aine , Carter Sophie E. , Miller Gemma D. , Roberts Kirsty A. , Hopkins Nicola D. , Low David A. , Carter Howard H. , Thompson Andrew , Claassen Jurgen A. H. R. , Thijssen Dick H. J. , Jones Helen
Published: April 2022

Background

Humans display an age-related decline in cerebral blood flow and increase in blood pressure (BP), but changes in the underlying control mechanisms across the lifespan are less well understood. We aimed to; (1) examine the impact of age, sex, cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, and cardio-respiratory fitness on dynamic cerebral autoregulation and cardiac baroreflex sensitivity, and (2) explore the relationships between dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) and cardiac baroreflex sensitivity (cBRS).

Methods

206 participants aged 18–70 years were stratified into age categories. Cerebral blood flow velocity was measured using transcranial Doppler ultrasound. Repeated squat-stand manoeuvres were performed (0.10 Hz), and transfer function analysis was used to assess dCA and cBRS. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine the influence of age, sex, CVD risk, and cardio-respiratory fitness on dCA and cBRS. Linear models determined the relationship between dCA and cBRS.

Results

Age, sex, CVD risk, and cardio-respiratory fitness did not impact dCA normalised gain, phase, or coherence with minimal change in all models (P > 0.05). cBRS gain was attenuated with age when adjusted for sex and CVD risk (young–older; β = − 2.86 P < 0.001) along with cBRS phase (young–older; β = − 0.44, P < 0.001). There was no correlation between dCA normalised gain and phase with either parameter of cBRS.

Conclusion

Ageing was associated with a decreased cBRS, but dCA appears to remain unchanged. Additionally, our data suggest that sex, CVD risk, and cardio-respiratory fitness have little effect.
Drooling outcome measures in paediatric disability: a systematic review
Authors: Sforza E. , Onesimo R. , Leoni C. , Giorgio V. , Proli F. , Notaro F. , Kuczynska E. M. , Cerchiari A. , Selicorni A. , Rigante D. , Zampino G.
Published: April 2022

Drooling, or sialorrhea, is a common condition in patients with cerebral palsy, rare diseases, and neurodevelopmental disorders. The goal of this review was to identify the different properties of sialorrhea outcome measures in children. Four databases were analysed in search of sialorrhea measurement tools, and the review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist was used for quality appraisal of the outcome measures. The initial search yielded 891 articles, 430 of which were duplicates. Thus, 461 full-text articles were evaluated. Among these, 21 met the inclusion criteria, reporting 19 different outcome measures that encompassed both quantitative measures and parent/proxy questionnaires.

   Conclusions: Among the outcome measures found through this review, the 5-min Drooling Quotient can objectively discriminate sialorrhea frequency in patients with developmental disabilities. The Drooling Impact Scale can be used to evaluate changes after treatment. The modified drooling questionnaire can measure sialorrhea severity and its social acceptability. To date, the tests proposed in this review are the only tools displaying adequate measurement properties. The acquisition of new data about reliability, validity, and responsiveness of these tests will confirm our findings.

What is Known:• Although sialorrhea is a recognized problem in children with disabilities, especially those with cerebral palsy (CP), there is a lack of confidence among physicians in measuring sialorrhea.

What is New:• Few sialorrhea measures are available for clinicians that may guide decision-making and at the same time have strong evidence to provide confidence in the results.• A combination of both quantitative measures and parent/proxy questionnaires might provide an adequate measurement of sialorrhea in children.
Horizontal grid spacing comparison among Random Forest algorithms to nowcast Cloud-to-Ground lightning occurrence
Authors: La Fata Alice , Amato Federico , Bernardi Marina , D’Andrea Mirko , Procopio Renato , Fiori Elisabetta
Published: April 2022

The relation between the increase in the frequency and the effects of extreme events with climate change has been widely demonstrated and the related consequences are a global concern. In this framework, the strong correlation between significant lightning occurrence and intense precipitation events has been also documented. Consequently, the possibility of having a short-term forecasting tool of the lightning activity may help in identifying and monitoring the evolution of severe weather events on very short time ranges. The present paper proposes an application of Random Forest (RF), a popular Machine Learning (ML) algorithm, to perform a nowcasting of Cloud-to-Ground (CG) lightning occurrence over the Italian territory and the surrounding seas during the months of August, September, and October from 2017 to 2019. Results obtained with three different spatial resolutions have been compared, suggesting that, to enhance the skills of the model in identifying the presence or absence of strokes, all the data selected as input should be commonly gridded on the finest available spatial resolution. Moreover, the features’ importance analysis performed confirms that meteorological features describing the state of the atmosphere, especially at higher altitudes, have a stronger impact on the final result than topology data, such as Latitude or Digital Elevation Model (DEM).