bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Laser Photocoagulation for Type 1 Idiopathic Macular Telangiectasia: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Kono Hirofumi , Yokoyama Katsuhiko , Kishi Daiji , Kimoto Kenichi , Kubota Toshiaki 
Published: March 2021

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of laser photocoagulation for type 1 idiopathic macular telangiectasia (MacTel).
Study Design: Retrospective case series
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Ophthalmology, Oita University Hospital during the period from 2004 to 2013.
Patients and Methods: Six eyes of 6 patients with type 1 MacTel diagnosed consecutively in the Oita University Hospital during the period from 2004 to 2013 were studied. They showed macular edema and their visual acuity were deteriorated due to leakage from the aneurysms. Four patients were male and two were female with an average age of 64 years (range: 41 to 74 years). Informed consent was obtained from each patient and the laser photocoagulation was applied to leaky aneurysms in all eyes. The central macular thickness (CMT) was measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Mean follow up period was 44 months (range: 24 - 63 months).
Results: Mean visual acuity significantly increased from logMAR 0.25±0.27 at baseline to logMAR 0.11±0.14 (P<0.05) at the last visit. Visual acuity improved more than 0.2 logMAR in five eyes and was stable (gain or loss of < 0.3 logMAR) in one eye. Mean central macular thickness significantly decreased from 454±181 μm at baseline to 231±67 μm (P<0.05) at the last visit. Macular edema was not detected by OCT inany patients at the last visit.
Conclusion: In type I MacTel, laser photocoagulation may achieve a visual improvement and normalize the central macular thickness.
Gender differences and site-specific incident risks of musculoskeletal disorders among 224 506 workers in the food and beverage service industry in Taiwan: A 15-year Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Peng Chiung-Yu , Hsieh Hui-Min , Li Meng-Yun , Liaw Lih-Jiun , Wang Chao-Ling , Pan Chih-Hong , Wu Ming-Tsang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Occupational characteristics in the food and beverage service industry (FBSI) have been found to be associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study aimed to examine gender and site-specific incident risks of MSDs among FBSI workers in Taiwan using a national population-based database.

Methods
We conducted a 15-year population-based cohort study among 224 506 FBSI workers in Taiwan using data from five large nationwide databases to estimate direct standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for identifying specific MSDs related to overexertion and repetitiveness during work. Overall, MSDs risks were also investigated by gender, sub-industrial categories, and certificate types.

Results
We found SIRs for overall MSDs for male and female workers of 1.706 (95% CI, 1.688-1.724) and 2.198 (95% CI, 2.177-2.219), respectively. Our findings indicate significantly increased WMSD risk for both men and women, including median/ulnar nerve disorders (ICD-9 354.0-354.2); spondylosis and allied disorders (ICD-9 721); intervertebral disc disorders (ICD-9 722); disorders of the back (ICD-9 724); peripheral enthesopathies and allied syndromes (ICD-9 726); synovium, tendon, and bursa disorders (ICD-9 727); and soft tissues of the peripheral system disorders (ICD-9 729). Food stall workers and workers with Chinese cuisine or baking licenses were at higher risk among sub-industrial categories and certificate types.

Conclusion
This large-scale study revealed that FBSI workers were at higher risk for several MSDs than the general population. This information could help prioritize MSD problems and identify a high-risk population. Relevant policy and ergonomic improvements and interventions could be implemented for health promotion in this industry.
Adaptive cross backstepping control for a class of nonstrict feedback nonlinear systems with partial state constraints
Authors: Wang Chunxiao , Qi Lu , Yu Xiao , Yu Jiali 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe tracking control problem for a class of partial state constrained nonlinear system is studied in this article. The system is divided into two semistrict feedback nonlinear subsystems, one is state constrained and the other is state free. By means of state transformation, the state constraint problem is transformed into the bounded problem of the transformed function. Compared with the barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) method, it not only solves the state constraint problem but also circumvents the feasibility check on virtual controllers. Based on the cross backstepping control, the constrained controller and unconstrained controller are designed simultaneously. It solves the coupling problem effectively in the design of cross processing control. On the other hand, dynamic surface control is used which effectively avoids “computation explosion” caused by backstepping control. The designed controllers can ensure the error signals converge to a small neighbourhood of zero and keep the asymmetric time‐varying constraints on system partial states are satisfied for all the time. Finally, simulation experiments are carried out on a hyperchaotic Rössler system to verify the efficacy of the control scheme.
Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Spiro‐β‐Lactams and Spiro‐δ‐Lactams
Authors: Alves Nuno G. , Alves Américo J. S. , Soares Maria I. L. , Pinho e Melo Teresa M. V. D. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSpirocyclic molecules are widely recognized for their complex three‐dimensional features and structural rigidity. Among this class of molecules, the spiro‐lactams subclass stands out, being extensively explored due to its bioactivity and utility in a variety of scientific fields such as drug design and organic synthesis. Given the recognition of spirocyclic lactams’ broad potential, several efforts have been engaged on the pursuit of new synthetic strategies towards these molecules. The present review gathers advances on the synthesis of both spiro‐β‐lactams (spiroazetidin‐2‐ones) and spiro‐δ‐lactams (spiropiperidon‐2‐ones) reported since 2015. The work is divided into two distinct parts, each one dedicated to one of these types of spiro‐lactam, with the approach used for building the spirocyclic system being extensively discussed, according to the method's scope, efficiency, selectivity, and reaction mechanism.magnified image
A novel MPLKIP‐variant in three Finnish patients with non‐photosensitive trichothiodystrophy type 4
Authors: Strang‐Karlsson Sonja , von Willebrand Maria , Avela Kristiina , Wallgren‐Pettersson Carina 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTrichothiodystrophy is a group of multisystem neuroectodermal disorders with dysplastic hair as the cardinal symptom. We describe three patients from two Finnish families in whom whole‐exome sequencing revealed a novel homozygous variant, c.26del, p.(Pro9Glnfs*144) in the MPLKIP‐gene, confirming the diagnosis of non‐photosensitive trichothiodystrophy type 4 (TTD4). The variant was confirmed by Sanger sequencing and inherited from unaffected carrier parents. This report adds to the literature by expanding the genetic and phenotypic spectra of MPLKIP‐related trichothiodystrophy. We describe dysmorphic features in the patients and provide a comparison of clinical characteristics in patients with TTD4 reported to date.
Synthesis of Sulfonyloxindoles via Functional Group Exchange Between 3‐Sulfonylphthalide and Isatylidenemalononitrile
Authors: Satham Lakshminarayana , Suresh Alati , Namboothiri Irishi N. N. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAn unusual reactivity of 3‐sulfonylphthalides with isatylidenemalononitriles has been exploited to provide an efficient entry into 3‐sulfonyloxindoles. Although a Hauser‐Kraus mechanism can be visualized for the observed transformation, a more probable mechanism, based on control experiments and spectroscopic studies, involves Michael addition of sulfonylphthalide to isatylidenemalononitrile followed by elimination and re‐addition of sulfonyl and malononitrile functionalities in an overall functional group exchange between phthalide and oxindolyl moieties. We have also demonstrated the synthetic applications of the sulfonyloxindoles in selected reactions such as conjugate addition and aromatization.
Outstanding Enhancement in the Axial Coordination Ability of the Highly Rigid Cofacial Cyclic Metalloporphyrin Dimer
Authors: Yamashita Ken‐ichi , Furutani Kazuhiro , Ogawa Takuji 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCopper‐ and nickel−porphyrin complexes show extremely weak axial coordination ability without any electron‐withdrawing groups. Herein, we report axial ligation on CuII‐ and NiII−porphyrins in a highly rigid cofacial porphyrin dimer with a bidentate ligand, 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of CuII‐ and NiII−porphyrins for coordination‐induced guest binding of porphyrin‐based host molecules without the help of other metal ions. The high rigidity of the dimer induces guest binding through the cooperative effect of weak axial ligation. The results showed that CuII‐ and ZnII‐complexes bind one DABCO molecule inside their cavities, whereas the NiII‐complex binds two additional DABCO molecules outside to form a stable 6‐coordinate paramagnetic NiII‐complexes. The binding constants were determined by the UV/vis titration experiments.
Enhanced glycerol dehydration of pervaporation cross‐linkedPVAmembranes modified byVUV/UV‐Ctreatments
Authors: Backes Claudio W. , Weibel Daniel E. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe high glycerol miscibility in water needs more efficient processes to decrease the cost of dehydration. Water stable poly(vinyl alcohol) based membranes cross‐linked with 15% w/w of maleic acid were used for dehydrating glycerol‐water mixtures using pervaporation (PV). The membranes were characterized using water contact angle, profilometry, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy‐attenuated total reflectance, x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, water stability, swelling tests, and PV. Membranes were treated using dry methods with vacuum ultraviolet (VUV; 162 nm) or ultraviolet (UV)‐C (254 nm) radiation and exposed to O2or acrylic acid vapors, respectively. The VUV and UV‐C treatments improve PV performances, increasing the water separation selectivity more than 4 and 8.5 times, respectively. UV‐C treatments exhibit a water flux (kg m−2h−1), selectivity and PSI (kg m−2h−1) of 0.3, 250, and 87.4 respectively. Highly hydrophilic functional groups grafted onto the surface of the membranes after irradiation favor the selective transfer of water through the membrane. Overall, the VUV or UV‐C membrane treatments show great PV prospect in glycerol dehydration.
Effectiveness of reaching and maintaining therapeutic hypothermia target temperature using low‐cost devices in newborns with hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy
Authors: Kinoshita Adriana Nishimoto , Magalhães Maurício , Rodrigues Daniela Pereira , Variane Gabriel Fernando Todeschi , Pietrobom Rafaela Fabri Rodrigues , Gallaci Clery Bernardi , Pachi Paulo Roberto , Rodrigues Francisco Paulo Martins , Netto Alexandre , Safadi Marco Aurélio Palazzi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTherapeutic hypothermia (TH) using servo‐controlled cooling devices has proved to be a safe and effective method to reduce mortality and sequelae in neonates with hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). However, such cooling devices can be expensive and have limited availability in low‐ and middle‐income countries. To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of low‐cost cooling devices (ice packs) to reach and maintain the target temperature in newborns with moderate or severe HIE. Descriptive retrospective cross‐sectional study, including newborns with gestational age ≥35 weeks, weight ≥1800 g, with diagnosis of moderate or severe HIE, submitted to whole body hypothermia using ice packs for 72 hr. Data was obtained from medical records and databases. The thermal curves of each patient, time spent at the target temperature and rewarming time were evaluated. Complications directly related to therapeutic hypothermia, evolution, and early outcomes before hospital discharge were analyzed. Seventy‐one newborns met the criteria for TH, and 61 completed the entire cooling period and were included in the final analysis. The average time to reach the target temperature was 1.50 ± 1.3 hr. The mean temperature during the cooling period was 33.5°C (±0.62). 82.32% of the measurements were within the target temperature range (from 33 to 34°C). The following adverse events were observed during TH: pulmonary hypertension 11.3%, arrhythmia 4.2%, and coagulopathy 26.7%. Whole body hypothermia using low‐cost devices proved to be an effective method in the absence of availability of servo‐controlled devices, representing a plausible option in restricted resource settings.
Autopsy‐Based Learning is Essential But Underutilized in Medical Education: A Questionnaire Study
Authors: Pakanen Lasse , Tikka Julius , Kuvaja Paula , Lunetta Philippe 
Published: March 2021

To this day, autopsies and dissections have been essential in medical education, but declining autopsy numbers have endangered this long‐standing tradition. Students' perceptions of these teaching methods should be constantly updated to help educators understand how to achieve their teaching goals. The purpose of this study was to explore the state of autopsy‐ and dissection‐based teaching in two Finnish universities based on the experiences of the students, survey their perceptions of such teaching, and to compare the Finnish situation with students' perceptions in other countries as it emerges from medical literature. A questionnaire went to 859 second‐, fourth‐, and sixth‐year medical students. The questions concerned dissection and autopsy classes these students had attended, the views of the students in regard to the number of classes, and the benefits of and attitudes towards autopsy teaching. An open question of how to improve autopsy teaching was included. The response rate was 19.4%. Most respondents requested more autopsy and dissection classes, especially practical education. They found autopsies most beneficial in learning anatomy and dealing with one's own emotions related to death. Their experiences proved least beneficial for interaction with the relatives of a deceased patient and for people skills. Integrational methods and focusing on the main learning outcomes were suggested as improvements. Overall, students found dissection and autopsy teaching important, but felt concerned about the diminishing autopsy numbers. Focusing on main learning objectives and better integration of autopsies in the teaching of different specialties could help to utilize autopsies to a greater extent.
Tensor product‐based model transformation approach to tower crane systems modeling
Authors: Hedrea Elena‐Lorena , Precup Radu‐Emil , Roman Raul‐Cristian , Petriu Emil M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper presents the application of the tensor product (TP)‐based model transformation approach to produce Tower CRrane (TCR) systems models. The modeling approach starts with a nonlinear model of TCR systems as representative multi‐input–multi‐output controlled processes. A linear parameter‐varying model is next derived, and the modeling steps specific to TP–based model transformation are proceeded to obtain the TP model. The TP model is tested on TCR laboratory equipment in two open‐loop scenarios considering chirp signals and pseudorandom binary step signals applied to the three model inputs (control inputs). The nonlinear and TP model outputs in the two scenarios are the payload position, the cart position, and the arm angular position. The nonlinear and TP model outputs are collected, measured, and compared. The simulation results prove that the derived TP model approximately mimics the behavior of the nonlinear model; both system responses and numerical approximation errors are illustrated.
Beyond the “selfish mitochondrion” theory of uniparental inheritance: A unified theory based on mutational variance redistribution
Authors: Radzvilavicius Arunas 
Published: March 2021

Abstract“Selfish” gene theories have offered invaluable insight into eukaryotic genome evolution, but they can also be misleading. The “selfish mitochondrion” hypothesis, developed in the 90s explained uniparental organelle inheritance as a mechanism of conflict resolution, improving cooperation between genetically distinct compartments of the cell. But modern population genetic models provided a more general explanation for uniparental inheritance based on mutational variance redistribution, modulating the efficiency of both purifying and adaptive selection. Nevertheless, as reviewed here, “selfish” conflict theories still dominate the literature. While these hypotheses are rich in metaphor and highly intuitive, selective focus on only one type of mitochondrial mutation limits the generality of our understanding and hinders progress in mito‐nuclear evolution theory. Recognizing that uniparental inheritance may have evolved—and is maintained across the eukaryotic tree of life—because of its influence on mutational variance and improved selection will only increase the generality of our evolutionary reasoning, retaining “selfish” conflict explanations as a special case of a much broader theory.
Transformative pragmatism: How a diversity of Leitbilder is harnessed for rural transformation in Réiden, Luxembourg
Authors: Doerr Jan‐Tobias , Taylor Aiken Gerald 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis article attempts to further a geographical theory of socio‐ecological transformation. Understanding transformation has previously focused on regions, places, networks, or individual and collective spatialities as the unit of analysis pushing change. This article, by contrast, outlines the pragmatic function that individually and collectively held beliefs, goals, and purposes have. We call these guiding visions Leitbilder, and outline how they act as guiding lights, lodestars, that motivate, temper, and contain different people, groups, and initiatives. Where academic work exists here it is often voluntaristic, elective, focused on intentional, opt‐in communities and so tends towards studies of “usual suspects.” This paper by contrast, addresses those preforming radical environmentalist behavior, beyond a conscious or elective identity of being environmental. We do so by outlining the case of Réiden, Luxembourg. We present an in‐depth study of four transformative initiatives in different domains and, through Q‐method, outline their intricate, mutable, and catalytic interrelationships. We argue that to take proper account of the geography of transformation, the alignment of heterogenous Leitbilder in functionally diverse practice coalitions is crucial.
Quality of life in men and women with heart failure: association with outcome, and comparison between the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire and the EuroQol 5 dimensions questionnaire
Authors: Ravera Alice , Santema Bernadet T. , Sama Iziah E. , Meyer Sven , Lombardi Carlo M. , Carubelli Valentina , Ferreira João Pedro , Lang Chim C. , Dickstein Kenneth , Anker Stefan D. , Samani Nilesh J. , Zannad Faiez , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Teerlink John R. , Metra Marco , Voors Adriaan A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsWe sought to analyse quality of life (QoL) measures derived from two questionnaires widely used in clinical trials, the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) and the EuroQoL 5 dimensions (EQ‐5D), and to compare their prognostic value in men and women with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).Methods and resultsFrom the BIOlogy Study to TAilored Treatment in Chronic Heart Failure (BIOSTAT‐CHF) we compared KCCQ and EQ‐5D at baseline and after 9 months in 1276 men and 373 women with new‐onset or worsening symptoms of HFrEF, who were sub‐optimally treated and in whom there was an anticipated up‐titration of guideline‐derived medical therapies. Women had significantly worse baseline QoL (median) as compared with men, both when assessed with KCCQ overall score (KCCQ‐OS, 44 vs. 53, P < 0.001) and EQ‐5D utility score (0.62 vs. 0.73, P < 0.001). QoL improved equally in women and men at follow‐up. All summary measures of QoL were independently associated with all‐cause mortality, with KCCQ‐OS showing the most remarkable association with mortality up to 1 year compared to the EQ‐5D scores (C‐statistic 0.650 for KCCQ‐OS vs. 0.633 and 0.599 for EQ‐5D utility score and EQ‐5D visual analogue scale, respectively). QoL was associated with all outcomes analysed, both in men and women (all P for interaction with sex >0.2).ConclusionAmongst patients with HFrEF, women reported significantly worse QoL than men. QoL was independently associated with subsequent outcome, similarly in men and women. The KCCQ in general, and the KCCQ‐OS in particular, showed the strongest independent association with outcome.
In Silico Analysis to Identify Molecular Targets for Chemicals of Concern: The Case Study of Flocoumafen, an Anticoagulant Pesticide
Authors: Coronado-Posada Nadia , Mercado-Camargo Jairo , Olivero-Verbel Jesus 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Rodenticides are pesticides used worldwide, with little information available regarding health consequences in wildlife and humans. The aim of the present study was to use virtual screening to identify potential targets for flocoumafen, a superwarfarin rodenticide. Blind docking of more than 841 human proteins was carried out employing AutoDock Vina. The strength of the ligand interaction with the proteins was quantified based on the binding affinity score (kcal/mol). Results indicate that flocoumafen could be a promiscuous ligand for diversity of cellular protein targets. The best complexes were obtained for prostaglandin F synthase (−14.2 kcal/mol) and serum albumin (−14.0 kcal/mol) followed by glucocorticoid receptor 2, matrix metalloproteinase-9, nuclear receptor ROR-alpha, and activin receptor type-1, all with values equal or better than −13.5 kcal/mol. Docking method validation based on the root-mean-square deviation showed that flocoumafen had good capability to predict corresponding co-crystallized poses; and molecular dynamics simulations suggested the complex with greater binding affinity was thermodynamically stable. Protein–protein interaction networks built with main protein targets revealed that protein kinase B (AKT1), ribosomal protein S6 kinase B1 (RPS6KB1), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA), retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRA), and protein phosphatase 2 catalytic subunit alpha (PPP2CA) were major hub proteins, whereas the gene ontology analysis reported that cellular response to endogenous stimulus, protein binding, and the TOR complex were the biological processes, molecular function, and cell component enrichments, respectively. These results should motivate more ecotoxicity testing for flocoumafen and other superwarfarins, as well as precautionary legislation to minimize exposure to these highly toxic chemicals. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2032–2041. © 2021 SETAC
Abstract
Flocoumafen: A xenobiotic of concern.