bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in the subacromial bursa is increased in patients with impingement syndrome
Authors: Yanagisawa K. , Hamada K. , Gotoh M. , Tokunaga T. , Oshika Y. , Tomisawa M. , Lee Y. Hwan , Handa A. , Kijima H. , Yamazaki H. , Nakamura M. , Ueyama Y. , Tamaoki N. , Fukuda H.
Published: July 2002

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is known to be an angiogenetic factor, plays an important role in the inflammation of synovial tissue. To investigate the relationships between VEGF and clinical symptoms in rotator cuff disease, VEGF expression was examined using RT‐‐PCR and immunohistochemical analysis in 50 patients with this disease (26 with full‐thickness cuff tear, 12 with partial‐thickness tear, and 12 with subacromial bursitis). VEGF mRNA expression was detected in 40 out of 50 patients by RT—PCR. VEGF mRNA expression was found more frequently in the patients with motion pain (39 out of 41) than in those without motion pain (1 out of 9) with statistical significance (Fisher's test, P < 0.001). Thirty‐one out of 33 patients with synovial proliferation showed VEGF mRNA expression, whereas the expression of this transcript was found in 9 out of 17 patients without synovial proliferation. This association with synovial proliferation was also significant (Fisher's test, P = 0.0013). Thirty out of 41 patients with motion pain had synovial proliferation but 3 out of 9 patients without motion pain had synovial proliferation. In all these 30 patients with both motion pain and synovial proliferation, VEGF mRNA expression was detected. This association between motion pain and synovial proliferation was also significant (Fisher's test, P < 0.05). The mean vessel count and area in subacromial bursa expressing VEGF was significantly higher than in those without VEGF (Mann‐Whitney's U test, P < 0.01). These results suggested that VEGF expression is associated with vascularity, synovial proliferation and shoulder motion pain in the rotator cuff disease. © 2001 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Long-term effects of topiramate on bipolar mood instability, weight change and glycemic control: a case-series
Authors: Roy Chengappa K.N. , Levine J. , Rathore D. , Parepally H. , Atzert R.
Published: July 2002

Topiramate is an antiepileptic agent, which is being investigated as a mood-stabilizer. Three obese individuals with DSM-IV bipolar I disorder and type II diabetes mellitus received topiramate treatment in combination with antipsychotics and valproate or carbamazepine. In addition to improved mood stability, these individuals lost between 16 to 20.5% of their pre-topiramate body weight and also achieved significant glycemic control.
Plasma N‐terminal pro BNP and cardiotrophin‐1 are elevated in aortic stenosis
Authors: Talwar Suneel , Downie Paul F. , Squire Iain B. , Davies Joan E. , Barnett David B. , Ng Leong L.
Published: July 2002

Background:

Echocardiography with Doppler examination of the aortic valve provides a very accurate assessment of the transvalvular gradient and is used to monitor progression of aortic stenosis (AS). Plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been shown to correlate with end‐systolic wall stress in patients with AS.

Aim:

We hypothesized that plasma N‐terminal proBNP (NT proBNP) and a newly identified cytokine cardiotrophin‐1 (CT‐1), which has been shown to stimulate BNP production at a transcriptional level are elevated in patients with AS and correlate to the maximum trans‐valvular aortic pressure gradient (TVPG).

Method:

We compared plasma NT proBNP and CT‐1 in 15 AS patients [five males, mean age 79 years [range 60–94], mean TPVG 39.3 mmHg (20–100)] with 10 controls (five male, mean age 68 years [56–79]). Results are expressed as mean [ranges] and comparisons were by the Mann–Whitney test.

Results:

NT proBNP levels were elevated in AS patients [252.9 fmol/ml (79.2–541.8)] when compared with the controls (157.2 fmol/ml [104.7–236.9], P < 0.005). Also CT‐1 levels were elevated in AS patients (57.3 fmol/ml [33–86.3] when compared with the controls [28.3 fmol/ml (6.9–48.3), P < 0.0005]. Both NT proBNP and CT‐1 levels were correlated to the TVPG (r = 0.53 and r = 0.65, P < 0.05 and P = 0.009, respectively). On best subset analysis the strongest correlate with TVPG was CT‐1 (R2 = 38%). The addition of NT proBNP did not improve diagnostic accuracy (R2 = 39%).

Conclusion:

These results suggest NT proBNP and CT‐1 levels increase in proportion to the TVPG and could potentially be used to monitor progression of disease non‐invasively. These markers may also be useful to identify the optimum time for surgery in AS.
Dual‐Active‐Center of Polyimide and Triazine Modified Atomic‐Layer Covalent Organic Frameworks for High‐Performance Li Storage
Authors: Zhao Genfu , Li Huani , Gao Zhihui , Xu Lufu , Mei Zhiyuan , Cai Sheng , Liu Tingting , Yang Xiaofei , Guo Hong , Sun Xueliang
Published: May 2021

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have received great attention as electrode materials in the lithium‐ion batteries due to their exceptional crystallinity, easily chemical modification, and adjustable porous distribution. However, their practical application remains hindered by the insufficient Li+ active sites and long ion diffusion in the bulk materials. To tackle those issues, combining the virtues of high stable skeleton structure of large molecular, atomic‐layer thickness feature, and multi‐active sites, a novel atomic‐layer COF cathode (denoted as E‐TP‐COF) with a dual‐active‐center of CO and CN group is developed. The atomic‐layer thick structure improves the capturing and diffusion of Li‐ion. Both active sites of CN and CO groups generate more capacity. The large molecular structure avoids the dissolubility challenge in electrolytes. As a result, the lithium‐ion batteries assembled with E‐TP‐COF delivers a high initial capacity of 110 mAh g−1 with a high capacity retention of 87.3% after 500 cycles. Furthermore, the Li+ diffusion mechanism is also confirmed through in(ex) situ technology and density functional theory calculation in detailing. This new strategy may exploit an important application of COFs in electrochemical energy storage and conversion.
ZIF‐67 Loaded on Fe3O4‐MnO2 as Efficient Peroxymonosulfate Activator for Rapid Degradation of Carbamazepine
Authors: Dong Limei , Li Yiming , Chen Xiuping , Zhang Dan , Guan Yihao
Published: May 2021

Poor sorption capacity and low biodegradability of carbamazepine (CBZ) lead to the difficulties in CBZ removal from water. Sulfate radical‐based advanced oxidation process shows great potential for organic pollutant removal. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) demonstrate great potential in catalytic field due to their excellent properties. Hence, cobalt‐based metal organic framework (ZIF‐67) nanoparticles are loaded on Fe3O4‐MnO2 composite, and then this composite is applied as peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activator for CBZ degradation. The prepared catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic performance because of the central metal cobalt of ZIF‐67 and the synergistic effect between MnO2 and ZIF‐67. 81% of CBZ with a high initial concentration of 20 mg L−1 is rapidly removed from water within 2.5 min. The prepared catalyst can be convenient to recycle under magnetic field while maintaining its high catalytic stability. Degradation mechanism analysis indicates that both •OH and SO4•− contribute to CBZ degradation, but SO4•− is the main radical species. XPS spectra reveal that Co(II)/Co(III), Mn(II)/Mn(III)/Mn(IV), and Fe(II)/Fe(III) are involved in PMS activation. The degradation pathway is put forward based on the detection of intermediates. This study provides a new inspiration for the fabrication of magnetic metal oxide‐MOFs catalysts with outstanding recycling performance for PMS activation.
A Snapshot of Microfluidics in Point‐of‐Care Diagnostics: Multifaceted Integrity with Materials and Sensors
Authors: Akceoglu Garbis Atam , Saylan Yeşeren , Inci Fatih
Published: May 2021

Over four decades, point‐of‐care (POC) technologies and their pivotal applications in the biomedical arena have increased irrepressibly and allowed to realize the potential of portable and accurate diagnostic strategies. Today, in the light of these advances, POC systems dominate the medical inventions and bring the diagnostics to the bedside settings, potentially minimizing the workload in the centralized laboratories, as well as remarkably reducing the associated‐cost and time. In contrast to the conventional technologies, microfluidics paves the way to create more efficient and applicable POC diagnostic devices through their inherent fashions such as minute volume of samples, easy manipulations, shorter assay time, and low‐cost production. In this review, the current status and advancements of microfluidic systems along with the current limitations in the aspect of POC diagnostic strategies are elaborated. Further, the integration of novel materials and innovative sensing platforms to the microfluidic systems are comprehensively evaluated to address the real‐world challenges for diagnosing various maladies at the POC settings.
Leaf‐Inspired Flexible Thermoelectric Generators with High Temperature Difference Utilization Ratio and Output Power in Ambient Air
Authors: Zhou Qing , Zhu Kang , Li Jun , Li Qikai , Deng Biao , Zhang Pengxiang , Wang Qi , Guo Chuanfei , Wang Weichao , Liu Weishu
Published: May 2021

The inherently small temperature difference in air environment restricts the applications of thermoelectric generation in the field of Internet of Things and wearable electronics. Here, a leaf‐inspired flexible thermoelectric generator (leaf‐TEG) that makes maximum use of temperature difference by vertically aligning poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate and constantan thin films is demonstrated. Analytical formulae of the performance scales, i.e., temperature difference utilization ratio (φth) and maximum output power (Pmax), are derived to optimize the leaf‐TEG dimensions. In an air duct (substrate: 36 °C, air: 6 °C, air flowing: 1 m s−1), the 10‐leaf‐TEG shows aφthof 73% andPmaxof 0.38 µW per leaf. A proof‐of‐concept wearable 100‐leaf‐TEG (60 cm2) generates 11 µW on an arm at room temperature. Furthermore, the leaf‐TEG is flexible and durable that is confirmed by bending and brushing over 1000 times. The proposed leaf‐TEG is very appropriate for air convection scenarios with limited temperature differences.
Current Rectification, Resistive Switching, and Stable NDR Effect in BaTiO3/CeO2 Heterostructure Devices
Authors: Rehman Shania , Kim Honggyun , Patil Harshada , Kadam Kalyani D. , Sagar Rizwan Ur Rehman , Aziz Jamal , Um Doo‐Seung , Khan Muhammad Farooq , Kim Deok‐kee
Published: May 2021

Electronic devices with simultaneous manifestation of multiphysical properties are of great interest due to their possible application in multifunctional devices. In the present study, simultaneous execution of negative differential resistance (NDR) effect, current rectification (≈105), and resistive switching characteristics (≈103) are demonstrated in BaTiO3/CeO2 heterostructure. Although the negative differential effect has gained huge attention, its instability and poor reproducibility at room temperature are the main obstacles to its possible application in electronic devices. However, in this report, the NDR is observed even after hundreds of cycles in BaTiO3/CeO2 heterostructure at 300 K. For a detailed analysis of the NDR effect, AC conductance spectroscopy is performed, which reveals that the presence of NDR is associated with trapping/detrapping of charge carriers at interface states formed at the BaTiO3/CeO2 interface. In addition, the resistive switching and rectification effect are demonstrated due to a barrier at the BaTiO3/CeO2 interface, which can be strongly modulated by thickness (20, 50, and 80 nm) based ferroelectric polarization of BaTiO3. However, the results show that the remarkable performance of these devices makes them a potential candidate for application in multifunctional devices.
Rational Anode Engineering Enables Progresses for Different Types of Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Ma Ruijie , Zeng Miao , Li Yixin , Liu Tao , Luo Zhenghui , Xu Ye , Li Ping , Zheng Nan , Li Jianfeng , Li Yuan , Chen Runfeng , Hou Jianhui , Huang Fei , Yan He
Published: May 2021

Anode modification is vital for improving device performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). PEDOT:PSS is the most widely applied hole transport layer (HTL) in OSCs. In this work, three kinds of modified HTLs, namely PEDOT:PSS‐PA, PEDOT:PSS‐TA, and PEDOT:PSS‐DA are readily prepared via simple doping of phenylethylamine derivatives into commercially available Al 4083, by modulating the number of hydroxyl groups on the adulterant molecules. All of them exhibit enhanced work functions (WFs) and conductivities. Matching with PM6:Y6 composed active layers, PEDOT:PSS‐TA based devices achieves the highest performance with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.10%, while the PM6:ITC‐2Cl system demonstrates a highest PCE of 14.17% in devices with PEDOT:PSS‐DA, and the optimal PCE of PM6:PIDTC‐T based OSCs is equal to 9.55% while the HTL is PEDOT:PSS‐PA. Further investigations reveal that the different adulterants formed various amount of hydrogen bonds in HTLs, inducing dissimilar interfacial morphology and mobility, and thus unidentical degrees of change in recombination. Afterwards, the doping strategy is extended to a newly proposed high‐performance system PM6:PY‐IT, and successfully drags its efficiency from 14.78% to 15.62%, another world‐class breakthrough for all‐polymer solar cells. In summary, this study not only achieves a series of OSCs with improved PCEs, but also delivers a deep understanding of PEDOT:PSS improvement.
Luminescent nano‐bioprobes based on NIR dye/lanthanide nanoparticle composites
Authors: Lu Shan , Ke Jianxi , Li Xingjun , Tu Datao , Chen Xueyuan
Published: May 2021

Near‐infrared (NIR) light, which has ignorable tissue scattering/absorption, minimal photodamage, and no autofluorescence interference, is highly favorable for bioapplications. NIR dye and lanthanide‐doped nanoparticle (LnNP), as representative NIR‐excited luminescence probes, have attracted increasing interest due to their unique optical property and low biological toxicity. Design of luminescence probes based on NIR dye/LnNP nanocomposites cannot only integrate the advantages but also achieve additional functions via regulating internal energy transfer pathways. In this review, we focus on the most recent advances in the development of NIR dye/LnNP nanocomposites as potential bioprobes, which cover from their fundamental photophysics to bioapplications, including energy transfer mechanisms, interface engineering (involving binding interaction, distance, and aggregation as key factors), and their applications for dye‐sensitized upconversion/downshifting luminescent bioimaging, detection of biomolecules, and NIR‐triggered diagnosis and therapy. Some future prospects and efforts toward this active research field are also envisioned.
Anthracycline treatment, cardiovascular risk factors and the cumulative incidence of cardiovascular disease in a cohort of newly diagnosed lymphoma patients from the modern treatment era
Authors: Boddicker Nicholas J. , Larson Melissa C. , Castellino Alessia , Herrmann Joerg , Inwards David J. , Thanarajasingam Gita , Maurer Matthew J. , Allmer Cristine , Witzig Thomas E. , Nowakowski Grzegorz S. , Habermann Thomas M. , Villarraga Hector R. , Slager Susan L. , Cerhan James R. , Thompson Carrie A.
Published: May 2021

The development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in long‐term survivors of lymphoma is of increasing importance. Here, we characterize the cumulative incidence and risk factors for CVD in lymphoma patients diagnosed in the current treatment era. From 2002–2015, newly diagnosed lymphoma patients (>18 years) were enrollment into a prospective cohort study that captured incident CVD, consisting of congestive heart failure (CHF), acute coronary syndrome (ACS), valvular heart disease (VHD), and arrhythmia. The cumulative incidence of CVD was calculated with death modeled as a competing risk. We estimated the association of treatment with anthracyclines or radiotherapy and traditional CVD risk factors with incidence of CVD using hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) estimated from Cox regression. After excluding prevalent CVD at lymphoma diagnosis, the study consisted of 3063 patients with a median age of 59 years (range 18–95). The cumulative incidence of CVD at 10‐years was 10.7% (95% CI, 9.5%–12.1%). In multivariable analysis, increasing age (HR = 1.05 per year, p < 0.001), male sex (HR = 1.36, p = 0.02), current smoker (HR = 2.10, p < 0.001), BMI > 30 kg/m2 (HR = 1.45, p = 0.01), and any anthracycline treatment (HR = 1.57, p < 0.001) were all significantly associated with risk of CVD. Anthracyclines were associated with increased risk of CHF (HR = 2.71, p < 0.001) and arrhythmia (HR = 1.61, p < 0.01), but not VHD (HR = 0.84, p = 0.58) or ACS (HR = 1.32, p = 0.24) after adjustment for CVD risk factors. Even in the modern treatment era, CVD remains common in lymphoma survivors and preventive efforts are required that address both treatment and CVD risk factors.
Diagnostic criteria for apathy in neurocognitive disorders
Authors: Miller David S. , Robert Philippe , Ereshefsky Larry , Adler Lawrence , Bateman Daniel , Cummings Jeff , DeKosky Steven T. , Fischer Corinne E. , Husain Masud , Ismail Zahinoor , Jaeger Judith , Lerner Alan J. , Li Abby , Lyketsos Constantine G. , Manera Valeria , Mintzer Jacobo , Moebius Hans J. , Mortby Moyra , Meulien Didier , Pollentier Stephane , Porsteinsson Anton , Rasmussen Jill , Rosenberg Paul B. , Ruthirakuhan Myuri T. , Sano Mary , Zucchero Sarracini Carla , Lanctôt Krista L.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Apathy is common in neurocognitive disorders (NCD) but NCD‐specific diagnostic criteria are needed.

Methods

The International Society for CNS Clinical Trials Methodology Apathy Work Group convened an expert group and sought input from academia, health‐care, industry, and regulatory bodies. A modified Delphi methodology was followed, and included an extensive literature review, two surveys, and two meetings at international conferences, culminating in a consensus meeting in 2019.

Results

The final criteria reached consensus with more than 80% agreement on all parts and included: limited to people with NCD; symptoms persistent or frequently recurrent over at least 4 weeks, a change from the patient's usual behavior, and including one of the following: diminished initiative, diminished interest, or diminished emotional expression/responsiveness; causing significant functional impairment and not exclusively explained by other etiologies.

Discussion

These criteria provide a framework for defining apathy as a unique clinical construct in NCD for diagnosis and further research.
Mechanical and magnetic response of magneto‐rheological elastomers with different types of fillers and their hybrids
Authors: Kumar Vineet , Park Sang‐Jun , Lee Dong‐Joo , Park Sang‐Shin
Published: May 2021

The use of secondary reinforcing fillers such as graphene or multi‐wall carbon nanotube (CNT) for improving mechanical properties is an effective strategy to obtain high performance magneto‐rheological elastomers (MREs). Therefore, MREs were prepared via solution mixing of room‐temperature‐vulcanized silicone rubber (RTV‐SR) and iron oxide (Fe3O4), and hybridized with iron wire, Few‐layer graphene (FLG), and CNT as secondary nanofillers. The isotropic mechanical properties were studied through compressive tests, and their compressive moduli and reinforcing factors were determined. From these studies, it was found that CNT‐based hybrid MREs show the highest compressive mechanical properties. For example, at 80 per hundred parts of rubber (phr), the compressive modulus was 3.5 MPa (RTV‐SR/Fe3O4), 4.1 MPa (RTV‐SR/Fe3O4‐FLG), 5.5 MPa (RTV‐SR/Fe3O4‐CNT), and 3.7 MPa (RTV‐SR/Fe3O4‐iron wires). A nanofiller with higher aspect ratio (CNT), has a strong effect on the isotropic mechanical properties, whereas a lower aspect ratio nanofiller (FLG) has a greater effect on magnetic sensitivity. Although iron wires with lower specific surface areas can only improve the mechanical properties slightly, they can improve the magnetic sensitivity of MREs because of its stronger magnetic behavior.
Is obsessive–compulsive personality disorder related to stress‐related exhaustion?
Authors: Gulin Susanne , Ellbin Susanne , Jonsdottir Ingibjörg H. , Lindqvist Bagge Ann‐Sophie
Published: May 2021

Objective

Recovery from stress‐related diagnoses can, in some cases, be long‐lasting, and several different factors could be related to such a lengthy recovery. One plausible aspect is obsessive–compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), which has previously been seen to be related to stress‐related mental health. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether recovery from exhaustion disorder (ED) is associated with OCPD.

Methods

This study includes data from 147 patients (78% women, mean age 52.4 ± 9.8 years) who have been treated for ED. Clinical assessment was performed 7–10 years after first seeking care identifying patients with residual exhaustion. Symptoms of OCPD were concomitantly measured and several aspects of work‐ and private‐related stress exposure.

Results

The main result of this study is that patients with residual clinical ED report OCPD to a greater extent, compared with patients who no longer fulfill the clinical criteria for ED, 7–10 years after seeking care. Patients with OCPD that have not recovered report “excessive devotion to work” to a higher degree than patients with OCPD that have recovered.

Conclusion

The results indicate that factors related to OCPD may be of clinical importance for the patient's recovery from ED. However, prospective studies should be conducted and studies elucidating whether symptoms of exhaustion among patients with OCPD can be affected by therapeutic interventions.
Two, four, six, eight…why we want to participate: Motivations and barriers to LGBTQ+ activism
Authors: Montagno Michelle J. , Garrett‐Walker J. J. , Ho Jennifer T. T.
Published: May 2021

The qualitative content analysis examines the motivations and barriers to engagement in activism of 1360 LGBTQ+ people (Mage = 21.05, SD = 7.46). Data on motivators and barriers to activism were collected through force choice and write‐in responses. Content analysis of the write‐in responses revealed six themes for motivation for activist participation (social justice, empathy for others, internal motivation, personal experience with heterosexism, improving one's own situation, and build LGBTQ+ community) and six themes for barriers to activism (lack of resources, concern about others' disapproval, lack of opportunity, concerns about safety, disagree with practices/attitudes of some groups, and no interest/lack of commitment). This study adds to the understanding of various motivations and impediments to activism by understanding engagement or lack of engagement in activism in participants' own words, which can help make opportunities for activism more accessible to more individuals in the LGBTQ+ community.
Amplification of DDR2 mediates sorafenib resistance through NF‐κB/c‐Rel signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Qing‐Quan , Liu Yu‐Wen , Xie Yuan‐Kang , Zhang Jian‐Hong , Song Cai‐Xin , Wang Jian‐Zhong , Xie Bin‐Hui
Published: May 2021

Sorafenib was the first systemic therapy approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, sorafenib therapy is frequently accompanied by drug resistance. We aimed to explore the mechanisms of sorafenib resistance and provide feasible solutions to increase the response to sorafenib in patients with advanced HCC. The expression profile of discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) in HCC tissues and cells was detected using quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) and western blotting assays. The effects of DDR2 on sorafenib resistance were examined using 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide, colony formation, TdT‐mediated dUTP nick end labeling, and flow cytometry assays. The effect of DDR2 on the nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling pathway was evaluated by luciferase reporter, immunofluorescence, qPCR and flow cytometry assays. We demonstrated that DDR2 expression was dramatically upregulated in sorafenib‐resistant HCC tissues relative to sensitive tissues. Downregulation of DDR2 sensitized HCC cell lines to sorafenib cytotoxicity. Further analysis showed that DDR2 could increase the nuclear location of REL proto‐oncogene, a NF‐κB subunit, to mediate NF‐κB signaling. Blocking NF‐κB signaling using the NF‐κB signaling inhibitor, bardoxolone methyl, increased the response of HCC cells to sorafenib. Further analysis showed that DNA amplification of DDR2 is an important mechanism leading to DDR2 overexpression in HCC. Our results demonstrated that DDR2 is a potential therapeutic target in patients with HCC, and targeting DDR2 represents a promising approach to increase sorafenib sensitivity in patients with HCC.
Herbage responses and nitrogen agronomic efficiency of bermudagrass–legume mixtures
Authors: Santos Erick R. S. , Dubeux, José C. B. , Mackowiak Cheryl L. , Blount Ann R. S. , Sollenberger Lynn E. , Jaramillo David M. , Garcia Liza , Abreu Daciele S. , Souza Rayanne T. , Ruiz‐Moreno Martin
Published: May 2021

Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) is an importantwarm‐season grass for livestock in the southern United States. To be productive, bermudagrass requires supplementary N. This 2‐yr study assessed whether N fertilization could be halved by introducing alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) or rhizoma peanut (RP; Arachis glabrata Benth.) into ‘Tifton‐85’ bermudagrass monocultures without compromising productivity. Treatments were: bermudagrass, N‐fertilized bermudagrass, alfalfa (‘Alfagraze 600 RR’), RP (‘Florigraze’), and the mixtures bermudagrass–alfalfa and bermudagrass–RP. Mixtures were fertilized with 45 kg N ha–1 harvest–1, whereas N‐fertilized bermudagrass received 90 kg N ha–1 harvest–1. Seven harvests were made each year. Nitrogen‐fertilized bermudagrass and mixtures had similar total herbage accumulation (HA) in 2017, but mixtures produced approximately 3,340 kg DM ha–1 yr–1 less than N‐fertilized bermudagrass in 2016, which had a drier summer. Percentage of alfalfa in the mixtures decreased from 68 to <1% by the end of the study. Rhizoma peanut proportion in mixtures was often low (max. 8%). Nitrogen‐fertilized bermudagrass had the greatest total harvested N in May of 2016 (96  kg N ha–1), but it did not differ from bermudagrass–RP in May of 2017. Nitrogen agronomic efficiency (NAE) was greater for mixtures (27.5 kg DM kg–1 N applied) than for N‐fertilized bermudagrass (21 kg DM kg–1 N applied). Greater NAE in mixtures occurred due to limited response to high N fertilization rates in the N‐fertilized bermudagrass. Further studies on establishment methods, cultivar selection, and management practices are still needed to adopt a successful bermudagrass–legume mixture in northern Florida.
The up‐to‐date pathophysiology of Kawasaki disease
Authors: Hara Toshiro , Yamamura Kenichiro , Sakai Yasunari
Published: May 2021

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic vasculitis of an unknown aetiology. A small proportion of children exposed to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) or infected by Yersinia reproducibly develop principal symptoms of KD in various ethnic areas, but not in all studies. These microbes provoke a rapid cell‐damaging process, called ‘pyroptosis’, which is characterised by a subsequent release of proinflammatory cellular components from damaged endothelial and innate immune cells. In agreement with these molecular events, patients with KD show elevated levels of damage‐associated molecular patterns derived from cell death. In addition, an overwhelming amount of oxidative stress‐associated molecules, including oxidised phospholipids or low‐density lipoproteins, are generated as by‐products of inflammation during the acute phase of the disease. These molecules induce abnormalities in the acquired immune system and activate innate immune and vascular cells to produce a range of proinflammatory molecules such as cytokines, chemokines, proteases and reactive oxygen species. These responses further recruit immune cells to the arterial wall, wherein inflammation and oxidative stress closely interact and mutually amplify each other. The inflammasome, a key component of the innate immune system, plays an essential role in the development of vasculitis in KD. Thus, innate immune memory, or ‘trained immunity’, may promote vasculitis in KD. Hence, this review will be helpful in understanding the pathophysiologic pathways leading to the development of principal KD symptoms and coronary artery lesions in patients with KD, as well as in subsets of patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 and Yersinia infections.
Triflic Acid Promoted Transformations of Linear‐Conjugated Enynones and their Reactions with Arenes. Synthesis of Dihydropyranones, Conjugated Dienones, and Indanes
Authors: Zalivatskaya Anna S. , Golovanov Alexander A. , Boyarskaya Irina A. , Kruykova Mariya A. , Khoroshilova Olesya V. , Vasilyev Aleksander V.
Published: May 2021

Linear‐conjugated enynones,1,5‐diarylpent‐4‐en‐2‐yn‐1‐ones [Ar2−CH=CH−C≡C−C(=O)Ar1], have been cyclized into 2,6‐diaryl‐2,3‐dihydropyran‐4‐ones in triflic acid TfOH (CF3SO3H). Reactions of these enynones with arenes Ar3H in TfOH have afforded, at first stage, products of hydroarylation of the acetylene bond, 1,3,5‐triarylpent‐2,4‐dien‐1‐ones [Ar2−CH=CH−C(Ar3)=CH−C(=O)Ar1], which have been further cyclized into alkylidene indanes. Plausible reaction mechanisms have been proposed. According to quantum chemical calculations by DFT method, initial key reactive intermediates are vinyl type dications [Ar2−CH=CH−C+=CH−C(=O+H)Ar1], generated under the protonation of carbonyl oxygen and acetylene bond of starting enynones in TfOH.
Improved Synthesis of 1‐Glycosyl Thioacetates and Its Application in the Synthesis of Thioglucoside Gliflozin Analogues
Authors: Feng Guang‐Jing , Wang Shuang‐Shuang , Lv Jian , Luo Tao , Wu Yuzhou , Dong Hai
Published: May 2021

An improved method to synthesize 1‐glycosyl thioacetates was developed, where per‐O‐acetylated glycoses were allowed to directly react with potassium thioacetate (KSAc) in the presence of BF3 ⋅ Et2O in ethyl acetate under mild conditions. This method not only overcomes the disadvantage of the traditional one‐step method, which is that the odorous and toxic thioacetic acid has to be used, but also overcomes the disadvantage of the traditional two‐step method, which is that the unstable intermediate, glycosyl halide, has to be synthesized from the per‐O‐acetylated glycose in advance. Based on this, the per‐O‐acetylated glucosyl disulfide and the per‐O‐acetylated glucosyl 1‐thiol were efficiently synthesized in high yields (91 % and 90 % respectively) starting from per‐O‐acetylated glycoses in two‐step without the need to isolate intermediate products. Through metal‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of per‐O‐acetylated glucosyl 1‐thiol with aryl‐iodide under very mild conditions, two thioglucoside gliflozin analogues were efficiently synthesized in high yields for the first time. These two thioglucoside gliflozin analogues were further confirmed to be stable to hydrolysis of β‐glucosidase.
Protein mapping of peanut extract with capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Villemet Loïc , Cuchet Aurélien , Desvignes Christophe , Sänger–van de Griend Cari E.
Published: May 2021

Protein separation can be achieved with different modes of capillary electrophoresis, such as with capillary gel electroporesis (CGE) or with capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). CZE protein mapping of peanut extract was approached in four different ways, combining neutral‐coated or multilayer‐coated capillaries with pHs well over or under the isoelectric point range of the proteins of interest. At acidic pHs, the mobility ranges of the major peanut allergens Ara h1, Ara h2, Ara h3, and Ara h6 were identified. Although the pH is a major factor in CZE separation, buffers with different compositions but with the same pH and ionic strength showed significantly different resolutions. Different components of the electrolyte were studied in a multifactorial design of experiment. CE‐SDS and CZE proved to be suitable for protein mapping and we were able to distinguish different batches of peanut extract and burned peanut extract.
Circ_0009910 shuttled by exosomes regulates proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis of acute myeloid leukemia cells by regulating miR‐5195‐3p/GRB10 axis
Authors: Wang Di , Ming Xi , Xu Jinhuan , Xiao Yi
Published: May 2021

The exosomes are involved in intercellular communication via RNA trafficking in human diseases. Hsa_circ_0009910 (circ_0009910) is a novel leukemia‐related circular RNA. However, the mechanism of circ_0009910 in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell‐to‐cell communication remained obscure. Expression of circ_0009910, miRNA (miR)‐5195‐3p and growth factor receptor‐bound protein 10 (GRB10) was detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. A stable cell coculture model was established and functional experiment was performed using Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay, flow cytometry, and Western blotting. The interaction among circ_0009910, miR‐5195‐3p and GRB10 was confirmed by dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation. As a result, circ_0009910 was upregulated in AML bone marrows and cells (HL‐60 and MOLM‐13), even higher in AML cells‐derived exosomes. Functionally, blocking circ_0009910 via small interfering RNA (siRNA) suppressed cell proliferation and cell cycle progression, but facilitated apoptosis rate of HL‐60 and MOLM‐13 cells, accompanied with lower B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2) level and higher Bcl‐2‐associated X protein (Bax) level. circ_0009910 shuttled via exosomes negatively regulated miR‐5195‐3p expression by target binding. Furthermore, circ_0009910 knockdown via exosomes and miR‐5195‐3p overexpression via mimic resulted in similar results of circ_0009910 siRNA in proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle progression of AML cells. Meanwhile, the role of circ_0009910 knockdown in AML cells was partially reversed by miR‐5195‐3p deletion, and restoring GRB10 could abrogate miR‐5195‐3p effect as well. Notably, GRB10 was a downstream target of miR‐5195‐3p. circ_0009910‐containing exosomes mediated proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle progression of AML cells partially through miR‐5195‐3p/GRB10 axis.
Function and disability status among women with fistula using WHODAS2.0: A descriptive study from Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Keyser Laura , Myer Emily N. B. , McKinney Jessica , Maroyi Raha , Mukwege Denis , Chen Chi Chiung Grace
Published: May 2021

Objective

To assess function and disability among women in Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo living with fistula and identify characteristics associated with higher disability scores.

Methods

Women presenting for fistula care were recruited. Eligible participants underwent a physical examination to classify fistula type and completed the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 questionnaire to ascertain the impact of fistula on function across six domains: cognition, mobility, self‐care, getting along, life activities, and participation. Disability scores were calculated (where 0 = no disability and 100 = complete disability). Participants were grouped according to no, low, or high disability status; results were examined to determine the domains most affected.

Results

Among 69 participants, fistula type included: vesicovaginal (59.4%), ureterovaginal (14.5%), total absence of proximal urethra (11.6%), and rectovaginal (14.5%). Median disability score was 43.0/100 (interquartile range 26.0–67.0); 83% exhibited high disability status. Life activities and participation in society domains were most affected. Women with rectovaginal fistula reported the lowest scores, and those with total absence of proximal urethra reported the highest scores.

Conclusion

WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 represents a simple, robust measure of global disability status, aligns with research efforts to estimate maternal disability, and may inform health needs and resource allocation for this population. In this study, disability was common, varied by fistula type, and affected physical, mental, and social domains.
Chinese perceive upward social mobility: How future mobility is influenced, but not limited by past mobility
Authors: Du Hongfei , Liang Yue , Chi Peilian , King Ronnel B.
Published: May 2021

Perceptions of social mobility vary across countries. However, past studies have mostly focused on populations in Western developed countries. Little is known about perceptions of social mobility in non‐Western developing countries. The current paper focuses on Chinese perceptions of social mobility using a large‐scale nationally representative sample. We found that, overall, Chinese believed in upward social mobility. Moreover, different patterns of perceptions of social mobility were identified, which suggest that respondents experienced either upward or downward social mobility in the past, but all of them thought that they can move up in the future. Perceptions of social mobility were also linked to important sociodemographic and economic factors. We discuss these findings in relation to the Chinese economic context.
Effects of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and/or non‐steroidal inflammatory drugs in the brain of neonatal rats exposed to intermittent hypoxia
Authors: Manlapaz‐Mann Alex , Cai Charles L. , Bodkin Darren , Mustafa Ghassan , Aranda Jacob V. , Beharry Kay D.
Published: May 2021

Preterm infants experience frequent arterial oxygen desaturations during oxygen therapy, or intermittent hypoxia (IH). Neonatal IH increases oxidative distress which contributes to neuroinflammation and brain injury. We tested the hypotheses that exposure to neonatal IH is detrimental to the immature brain and that early supplementation with antioxidants and/or omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFAs) combined with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is protective. Newborn rats were exposed to brief hypoxia (12% O2) during hyperoxia (50% O2) from the first day of life (P0) until P14 during which they received daily oral supplementation with antioxidants, namely coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) or glutathione nanoparticles (nGSH), n‐3 PUFAs and/or topical ocular ketorolac. Placebo controls received daily oral olive oil and topical ocular saline. Room air (RA) littermates remained in 21% O2 from birth to P21 with all treatments identical. At P14 animals were allowed to recover in RA until P21 with no further treatment. Whole brains were harvested for histopathology and morphometric analyses, and assessed for biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as myelin injury. Neonatal IH resulted in higher brain/body weight ratios, an effect that was reversed with n‐3 PUFAs and n‐3 PUFAs+CoQ10 with or without ketorolac. Neonatal IH was also associated with hemorrhage, oxidative stress, and elevations in inflammatory prostanoids. Supplementation with n‐3 PUFAs and nGSH with and without ketorolac were most beneficial for myelin growth and integrity when administered in RA. However, the benefit of n‐3 PUFAs was significantly curtailed in neonatal IH. Neonatal IH during a critical time of brain development causes inflammation and oxidative injury. Loss of therapeutic benefits of n‐3 PUFAs suggest its susceptibility to oxidation in neonatal IH and therefore indicate that co‐administration with antioxidants may be necessary to sustain its efficacy.
Engineering stress culture: Relationships among mental health, engineering identity, and sense of inclusion
Authors: Jensen Karin J. , Cross Kelly J.
Published: May 2021

Background

Stress is commonly experienced by college students, especially engineering students. However, the role of stress within engineering culture and its implications for engineering programs have not been fully explored in the literature.

Purpose/Hypothesis

The purpose of this study was to measure and examine the relationships among self‐reported stress, anxiety, and depression; engineering identity; and perceptions of inclusion of undergraduate engineering students.

Design/Method

We validated a quantitative survey instrument built on previously published scales and used it to measure self‐reported stress, anxiety, and depression; engineering identity; and perceptions of inclusion.

Results

Our findings indicate that self‐reported levels of stress, anxiety, and depression are high for engineering students. Further, levels of stress and anxiety are significantly higher for female students, while levels of depression are higher for first‐generation students. We find correlations between self‐reported mental health symptoms, engineering identity, and perceptions of inclusion, and these relationships differ by gender. Lastly, we find that students underrepresented in engineering rate their departments as less diverse than their peers.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that perceptions of inclusion and engineering identity are related to student mental health, further emphasizing the importance of developing inclusive cultures in engineering programs. The findings suggest that mental health needs greater attention in engineering education, particularly for female and first‐generation students.
Constructive alignment between holistic competency development and assessment in Hong Kong engineering education
Authors: Chan Cecilia K. Y. , Lee Katherine K. W.
Published: May 2021

Background

Holistic competencies comprise various holistic skills (e.g., communication) and positive values and attitudes (e.g., empathy). There have been increasing efforts worldwide to foster students' holistic competency development within engineering curricula. While recent studies indicate a positive shift, it remains unclear whether such efforts are driven by only a handful of individuals or more widely supported by systemic changes to constructively align competency development with the engineering curriculum.

Purpose/Hypothesis

This study investigates the extent to which endeavors to promote holistic competency development in Hong Kong's tertiary engineering education are supported by a broader, constructively aligned curricular system. The three key components of constructive alignment developed by Biggs in 2003—intended outcomes, teaching activities, and assessment—form the conceptual framework guiding this study.

Design/Method

This study conducted document analysis of 245 engineering courses and interviews with five engineering instructors from three Hong Kong universities.

Results

Only 34 of 245 syllabi analyzed incorporated holistic competencies in their intended outcomes. These outcomes were associated with both traditional and experiential pedagogies but were not matched with direct or explicit assessments. Data show that program leaders' conceptions of holistic competencies, instructor's limited capabilities, and issues assessing competencies pose challenges to constructive alignment.

Conclusions

Challenges for achieving constructive alignment and recommendations for addressing them are discussed. Our findings highlight the need to train all levels of engineering instructors in student holistic competency development, to acquaint instructors with industrial experiences and expectations, to develop top‐down and bottom‐up reforms to refine engineering curricula, and to provide increased recognition for teaching quality and efforts.
Tails of reproduction: Regeneration leads to increased reproductive investment
Authors: Beatty Abby E. , Mote David M. , Schwartz Tonia S.
Published: May 2021

Trade‐offs between life‐history traits are due to limited resources or constraints in the regulation of genetic and physiological networks. Tail autotomy, with subsequent regeneration, is a common anti‐predation mechanism in lizards and is predicted to trade‐off with life‐history traits, such as reproduction. We utilize the brown anole lizard with its unusual reproductive pattern of single‐egg clutches every 7–10 days to test for a trade‐off in reproductive investment over 8 weeks of tail regeneration on a limited diet. In contrast to predictions, we found that investing in tissue regeneration had a positive effect on reproduction in terms of egg size (11.7% relative to controls) and hatchling size (11.5% relative to controls), and no effect on egg number or survival, with the increase in reproduction starting at peak regeneration. We discuss mechanistic hypotheses that the process of regeneration may cause increased energetic efficiency or utilized shared physiological pathways with reproductive investment.
SARS‐CoV‐2 RNAaemia in children: An Iranian referral hospital‐based study
Authors: Pourakbari Babak , Mahmoudi Shima , Mahmoudieh Yasmine , Eshaghi Hamid , Navaeian Amene , Rostamyan Maryam , Mamishi Setareh
Published: May 2021

Although severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) RNA is generally detected in nasopharyngeal swabs, viral RNA can be found in other samples including blood. Recently, associations between SARS‐CoV‐2 RNAaemia and disease severity and mortality have been reported in adults, while no reports are available in pediatric patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). The aim of this study was to evaluate the mortality, severity, clinical, and laboratory findings of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA detection in blood in 96 pediatric patients with confirmed COVID‐19. Among all patients, 6 (6%) had SARS‐CoV‐2 RNAaemia. Out of the six patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 RNAaemia, four (67%) had a severe form of the disease, and two out of the 6 patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 RNAaemia passed away (33%). Our results show that the symptoms more commonly found in the cases of COVID‐19 in the study (fever, cough, tachypnea, and vomiting), were found at a higher percentage in the patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 RNAaemia. Creatine phosphokinase and magnesium tests showed significant differences between the positive and negative SARS‐CoV‐2 RNAaemia groups. Among all laboratory tests, magnesium and creatine phosphokinase could better predict SARS‐CoV‐2 RNAemia with area under the curve  levels of 0.808 and 0.748, respectively. In conclusion, 67% of individuals with SARS‐CoV‐2 RNAaemia showed a severe COVID‐19 and one‐third of the patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 RNAaemia passed away. Our findings suggest that magnesium and creatine phosphokinase might be considered as markers to estimate the SARS‐CoV‐2 RNAaemia.