bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic significance of right ventricle to pulmonary artery coupling in patients with mitral regurgitation treated with the MitraClip system
Authors: Popolo Rubbio Antonio , Testa Luca , Granata Giuseppina , Salvatore Tanya , De Marco Federico , Casenghi Matteo , Guerrini Marco , Oliva Omar A. , Stefanini Elisa , Barletta Marta , Sisinni Antonio , Poletti Enrico , Zannoni Jessica , Gorla Riccardo , Brambilla Nedy , Tusa Maurizio , Bedogni Francesco
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the prognostic impact of baseline tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion/pulmonary artery systolic pressure (TAPSE/PASP) ratio, as an expression of the right ventricle–pulmonary artery (RV–PA) coupling, in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) treated with the MitraClip.

Background

Impaired RV to PA coupling is considered a marker of RV dysfunction.

Methods

From February 2016 to February 2020, a total of 165 patients were evaluated and stratified in two groups according to a prespecified value of TAPSE/PASP ratio ≤ 0.36.

Results

The median patients' age was 79 (men: 62.4%). Sixty‐three patients (38.1%) presented TAPSE/PASP ≤ 0.36 and were then compared with patients with TAPSE/PASP > 0.36. Functional MR etiology was more frequent in TAPSE/PASP ≤ 0.36 (71.4%; p = 0.046). Acute technical success was achieved in 92.7% of the population, without any significant difference between the two groups of study and with sustained results at 30‐day (device success: 85.5%; procedural success: 84.8%).

On multivariate Cox regression analysis, after correction for body mass index, chronic kidney disease and left ventricle ejection fraction ≥30% but <50%, TAPSE/PASP ≤ 0.36 remained a sustained predictor of mortality and hospitalization for heart failure at one year after MitraClip (hazard ratio: 3.87; 95% confidence interval: 1.83–8.22; p ≤ 0.001). Kaplan–Meier all‐cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization rates at one year were consequently higher in patients with TAPSE/PASP ≤ 0.36 (39.4% vs. 14.8%; log‐rank p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion

Baseline TAPSE/PASP ratio seems independently associated with all‐cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization after MitraClip both in functional and degenerative MR.
Isotretinoin update
Authors: Marson Justin W. , Baldwin Hilary E.
Published: December 2021

Background

Acne is a common, chronic inflammatory condition seen in nearly all teenagers and many adult females, with a global lifetime prevalence between 70‐85%. While a majority of individuals with acne can be appropriately managed with a combination of topical therapies, oral antibiotics, and/or oral anti‐androgens, 10‐20% of individuals will have acne severe enough to warrant isotretinoin. When necessary, isotretinoin is highly effective and the only drug to offer the likelihood of a durable response.

Aims

To review the literature regarding known adverse effects of isotretinoin therapy and nuances during and post‐isotretinoin therapy important to patient care.

Materials and Methods

A literature search was conducted for original, English‐language case reports, case series, original studies and/or meta‐analyses published between 1982‐2021 on isotretinoin, related adverse effects, and laboratory assessment and treatment nuances during and after a course of isotretinoin.

Results

Adverse events categories include mucocutaneous (e.g., xerosis, cheilitis, epistaxis), ocular (xerophthalmia, nyctalopia, blepharitis, conjunctivitis), non‐specific gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal (myalgia, pre‐mature epiphyseal plate closure, DISH), neurologic (idiopathic intracranial hypertension, hearing loss, tinnitus). Most adverse events are mild, self‐limiting, and/or resolve with drug discontinuation. Teratogenicity is of utmost concern especially given the risk of patient nonadherence to iPLEDGE precautions. Laboratory testing at baseline and after month 2 of therapy or upon reaching maximum daily dose may be sufficient. Utilizing creatine kinase and gamma‐glutamyl transferase in lieu of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase may better assess hepatic function during treatment. Improved formulations of isotretinoin may improve absorption and decrease reliance on patient adherence to a high‐fat diet. Dermabrasion and fully ablative laser procedures should be avoided in the immediate post‐isotretinoin period.

Discussion

Although adverse events associated with isotretinoin therapy are common, a majority of side effects are limited, self‐resolving (with completion of treatment course) without long‐term implications, and/or easily managed. Unfortunately, the advent of the internet and social media has given a platform to misleading law‐firm claims and medical pseudoscience inaccuracies that may frighten patients in need of treatment, ultimately delaying or even preventing therapy.

Conclusion

It is important that physicians are knowledgeable about the nuances of isotretinoin therapy, including efficacy, real potential adverse events, and appropriate laboratory monitoring. By honing this expertise, physicians may confidently counsel and guide patients through a course of isotretinoin to achieve a more permanent solution for their acne and improve their quality of life.
PROVE: Retrospective, non‐interventional, Phase IV study of perampanel in real‐world clinical care of patients with epilepsy
Authors: Wechsler Robert T. , Wheless James , Zafar Muhammad , Huesmann Graham R. , Lancman Marcelo , Segal Eric , Chez Michael , Aboumatar Sami , Patten Anna , Salah Alejandro , Malhotra Manoj
Published: December 2021

Objective

To assess retention, dosing, efficacy, and safety of perampanel in a large cohort of patients with epilepsy during routine clinical care.

Methods

PROVE was a retrospective, non‐interventional Phase IV study (NCT03208660). Data were obtained retrospectively from the medical records of patients in the United States initiating perampanel after January 1, 2014, according to treating clinicians' recommendation. Retention rate was the primary efficacy endpoint. Secondary efficacy endpoints included median percent changes in seizure frequency per 28 days from baseline, seizure‐freedom rate, and overall investigator impression of seizure effect. Safety endpoints included incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Efficacy and safety were also assessed according to baseline use of enzyme‐inducing antiseizure medications (EIASMs).

Results

Overall, 1703 patients were enrolled and included in the Safety Analysis Set (SAS; ≥1 baseline EIASMs, n = 358 [21.0%]; no baseline EIASMs, n = 1345 [79.0%]). Mean (standard deviation [SD]) cumulative duration of exposure to perampanel was 17.4 (15.7) months; mean (SD) daily perampanel dose was 5.6 (2.7) mg. The most frequent perampanel titration intervals were weekly (23.4%) and every 2 weeks (24.7%). Across the SAS, 24‐month retention rate was 48.1% (n = 501/1042). Based on overall investigator impression at the end of treatment, 51.9%, 35.8%, and 12.3% of patients in the SAS experienced improvement, no change, or worsening of seizures, respectively. TEAEs occurred in 704 (41.3%) patients; 79 (4.6%) had serious TEAEs. The most common TEAE was dizziness (7.3%). There was some variation in efficacy according to EIASM use, while retention rates and safety were generally consistent.

Significance

In this final analysis of >1700 patients with epilepsy receiving perampanel in routine clinical care, favorable retention and sustained efficacy were demonstrated for ≥12 months.
Parallel architecture of CNN‐bidirectional LSTMs for implied volatility forecast
Authors: Choi Ji‐Eun , Shin Dong Wan
Published: December 2021

We propose a new forecast method based on artificial neural networks (ANNs), ensemble CNN‐BiLSTM, which is an ensemble of three CNN‐BiLSTMs constructed with the combination of Convolution Neural Network (CNN) and Bidirectional Long Short‐Term Memory (BiLSTM). The new forecast method effectively handles the strong long memory serial dependence feature of the daily VXN by the ensemble CNN‐BiLSTM together with proper normalization and batch size. The long memory features arising from time‐dependent mean and variance are largely reduced by normalizing the data with local mean and local standard deviation (SD). The batch size is determined by the optimal block length of the moving block bootstrap which reflects the long memory. The ensemble CNN‐BiLSTM concentrates on 1‐day, 1‐week, and 2‐week features of the normalized VXN data. An out‐of‐sample forecast comparison reveals that (i) the proposed ensemble CNN‐BiLSTM has better forecast performance than the autoregressive model, DNN, LSTM, BiLSTM, and individual CNN‐BiLSTMs; (ii) the local mean‐SD normalization has superior forecast performance to the standard global mean‐SD normalization; (iii) and the optimal block length improves the forecast performance over a batch size considered in the literature.
Rainfall interception by mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentataspp.vaseyana): Dryland shrub canopy cover affects net precipitation
Authors: Snyder Devon K. , Stringham Tamzen K. , Snyder Keirith A.
Published: December 2021

Canopy interception loss is an important component of the water budget for many ecosystems, and may be particularly influential in semi‐arid shrublands where water is limiting. In this experiment, we quantified interception loss by mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata spp. vaseyana)using simulated rainfall events in the field. Various levels of canopy cover and rainfall intensities were tested to measure their effects on net precipitation and interception loss. Additionally, the comparisons were made between three methods of measuring shrub cover to enhance the scalability of results. Stands of sagebrush from 20% to 50% canopy cover intercepted 18.5 ± 12.5% of incoming precipitation. Percent interception loss differed by 13.7% between the high and low cover classes, indicating that net precipitation may be significantly reduced under mature, dense stands of sagebrush. Hemispherical photography was a viable method for estimating canopy cover in this vegetation type. Interception loss by sagebrush was 14% lower on average than pinyon and juniper measured in the same watershed. Results from this study quantified the effects of sagebrush canopy on rainfall interception and improved understanding of vegetation dynamics in the sagebrush steppe.
Serum troponin, D‐dimer, and CRP level in severe coronavirus (COVID‐19) patients
Authors: Ali Ayad M. , Rostam Hassan M. , Fatah Mohammed H. , Noori Chalak M. , Ali Kameran M. , Tawfeeq Hassan M.
Published: December 2021

Background

Abnormal inflammation coagulation biomarker levels of troponin, C‐reactive protein (CRP), and D‐dimer levels in serum have been demonstrated to be associated and involved in the disease progression of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19).

Methods

First: the study aimed to investigate the correlation of troponin, CRP, d‐dimer, white blood cell (WBC) and polymerase chain reaction–cycle threshold (PCR‐Ct) within COVID‐19 survivors (143 patients; 79 males, 64 females) and in deceased (30 patients; 12 males, 18 females) group. Also, assessing any differences between both groups in studied parameters. Second: a correlation study of studied parameters' level has been conducted within families (41 patients; 23 males [seven deaths] and 18 females [eight deaths]) that lost more than one member due to the severity of the disease. Also, differences between these family and control group (132 patients; 69 males and 63 females) group in studied parameters have been assessed.

Results

In the first week of hospitalization, there were significant differences in D‐dimer, CRP and troponin level between survived and deceased patient groups. In the second week of the admission, both groups had significant differences in the level of all studied parameters; troponin I, D‐dimer, CRP, and WBCs. WBC levels positively correlated to CRP in male survivors (r = 0.75, p < 0.0001), and to troponin in deceased male patients (r = 0.74, p = 0.007). The second week of patient admission was critical in the group of families who lost more than one person, when troponin was correlated positively with D‐dimer, CRP, and WBCs.

Conclusion

Troponin, D‐dimer, CRP, and WBCs level were significantly higher in COVID‐19 patients who died than in COVID‐19 survivors. High troponin and WBC levels, were considerably associated with families that lost more than one member, when compared with the unrelated COVID‐19 patient control.
Serum carnitine as a biomarker of sarcopenia and nutritional status in preoperative gastrointestinal cancer patients
Authors: Takagi Akihiko , Hawke Philip , Tokuda Satoshi , Toda Takeo , Higashizono Kazuya , Nagai Erina , Watanabe Masaya , Nakatani Eiji , Kanemoto Hideyuki , Oba Noriyuki
Published: December 2021

Background

Sarcopenia is an important factor in the postoperative outcome of gastrointestinal cancer patients. However, little research has been carried out on potential biomarkers of sarcopenia. Carnitine is an amino acid derivative that is stored in skeletal muscle and is essential for muscle energy metabolism. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate whether serum carnitine level is a biomarker of sarcopenia in preoperative patients with gastrointestinal cancer. The secondary purposes were (i) to examine the associations between carnitine, nutritional status, and albumin level, and (ii) to determine whether carnitine is a prognostic factor for postoperative complications.

Methods

One hundred fourteen patients scheduled to undergo gastroenterological surgery between August 2016 and January 2017 were enrolled. Their mean age was 68.4 ± 10.5, and 64.9% were male. Serum carnitine fractions [total carnitine (TC), free l‐carnitine (FC), and acylcarnitine (AC)] were measured prior to surgery. The correlation between carnitine level and a variety of clinical features was analysed, including skeletal muscle index (SMI), sarcopenia, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and postoperative complications.

Results

Tumour locations included the oesophagus (n = 17), stomach (n = 16), pancreas (n = 20), bile duct (n = 9), liver [n = 33; primary liver cancer (n = 18), liver metastasis (n = 15)], and colorectal region (n = 19). TC and FC levels varied significantly by tumour location. TC and FC showed significant positive correlations with SMI [TC (r = 0.295, P = 0.0014), FC (r = 0.286, P = 0.0020)] and PNI [TC (P = 0.0178, r = 0.222), FC (P = 0.0067, r = 0.2526)]. These levels were significantly lower in the sarcopenia group (TC, P = 0.0124; FC, P = 0.0243). In addition, TC and FC showed significant positive correlations with ALB level [TC (P = 0.038 r = 0.19), FC (P = 0.016 r = 0.23)]. When patients were divided into high ALB (≥3.5 g/dL, 96 patients) and low ALB (<3.5 g/dL, 18 patients) groups, these correlations were no longer significant, but in the low ALB group there was a tendency towards a negative relationship between ALB level and both TC and FC. No significant relationship was found between postoperative complications and carnitine level.

Conclusions

This study suggests that carnitine level is a biomarker of sarcopenia and nutritional status. However, it did not find an association between carnitine level and postoperative complications.
Synthesis of new 1H‐spiro[acridine‐9,3′‐indoline]‐1,2′(2H,10H)‐dione derivatives using aqueous ethanol as a reaction medium
Authors: Vinoth Nangagoundan , Lalitha Appaswami
Published: December 2021

One‐pot three component synthesis of novel spiro[acridine‐9,3′‐indoline]‐1,2′(2H,10H)‐dione derivatives has been performed through the condensation of isatin, dimedone, and aniline under greener conditions. The remarkable features of this synthesis are use of ethanol:water mixture as a greener solvent and isolation of products by simple washing with water. The structures of the synthesized compounds have been well elucidated by various spectroscopic techniques.
Disentangling gender‐differentiated impacts on food security and poverty: Empirical evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Bairagi Subir , Mishra Ashok K. , Tran Dat Q.
Published: December 2021

This study examines the association between a household head's gender and food insecurity and poverty in Vietnam using data from the Vietnam Household Living Standard Survey and exogenous switching treatment effect regression. The findings suggest that food insecurity and poverty differ by the gender of the household head and by the presence (de facto) or absence (de jure) of a spouse among female‐headed households (FHHs). On average, FHHs are less food secure and live in more poverty than male‐headed households (MHHs). Still, their status would improve if they had the same returns on their observed characteristics as those estimated for MHHs. The results further reveal that the probabilities of food insecurity and poverty would be lower if de jure FHHs had the same returns on their observed characteristics as those estimated for MHHs. The probability of poverty would also be lower if de jure FHHs had the same returns on their observed characteristics as those estimated for de facto FHHs. The likelihood of poverty and food insecurity would remain similar if de facto FHHs had the same returns on their observed characteristics as the ones estimated for MHHs. Among all groups, de jure FHHs are likely to be the most vulnerable in Vietnam, suggesting gender equality policies are required. Finally, higher education, increased nonfarm incomes and greater land‐use rights can substantially enhance Vietnam's food security and poverty levels.
A Mendelian randomization study on the effect of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels on periodontitis
Authors: Baumeister Sebastian‐Edgar , Reckelkamm Stefan Lars , Baurecht Hansjörg , Nolde Michael , Kocher Thomas , Holtfreter Birte , Ehmke Benjamin , Hannemann Anke
Published: December 2021

Background

Twenty five‐hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) levels have been proposed to protect against periodontitis based on in vitro and observational studies but evidence from long‐term randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is lacking. This study tested whether genetically proxied 25OHD is associated with periodontitis using Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods

Genetic variants strongly associated with 25OHD in a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of 417,580 participants of European ancestry were used as instrumental variables, and linked to GWAS summary data of 17,353 periodontitis cases and 28,210 controls. In addition to the main analysis using an inverse variance weighted (IVW) model, we applied additional robust methods to control for pleiotropy. We also undertook sensitivity analyses excluding single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) used as instruments with potential pleiotropic effects and used a second 25OHD GWAS for replication. We identified 288 SNPs to be genome‐wide significant for 25OHD, explaining 7.0% of the variance of 25OHD levels and providing ≥90% power to detect an odds ratio (OR) of ≤ 0.97.

Results

MR analysis suggested that a 1 standard deviation increase in natural log‐transformed 25OHD was not associated with periodontitis risk (IVW OR = 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.97–1.12; P‐value = 0.297). The robust models, replication, and sensitivity analyses were coherent with the primary analysis.

Conclusions

Collectively, our findings suggest that 25OHD levels are unlikely to have a substantial effect on the risk of periodontitis, but large long‐term RCTs are needed to derive definitive evidence on the causal role of 25OHD in periodontitis.
The Underwater Vision Profiler 6: an imaging sensor of particle size spectra and plankton, for autonomous and cabled platforms
Authors: Picheral Marc , Catalano Camille , Brousseau Denis , Claustre Hervé , Coppola Laurent , Leymarie Edouard , Coindat Jérôme , Dias Fabio , Fevre Sylvain , Guidi Lionel , Irisson Jean Olivier , Legendre Louis , Lombard Fabien , Mortier Laurent , Penkerch Christophe , Rogge Andreas , Schmechtig Catherine , Thibault Simon , Tixier Thierry , Waite Anya , Stemmann Lars
Published: December 2021

Autonomous and cabled platforms are revolutionizing our understanding of ocean systems by providing 4D monitoring of the water column, thus going beyond the reach of ship‐based surveys and increasing the depth of remotely sensed observations. However, very few commercially available sensors for such platforms are capable of monitoring large particulate matter (100–2000 μm) and plankton despite their important roles in the biological carbon pump and as trophic links from phytoplankton to fish. Here, we provide details of a new, commercially available scientific camera‐based particle counter, specifically designed to be deployed on autonomous and cabled platforms: the Underwater Vision Profiler 6 (UVP6). Indeed, the UVP6 camera‐and‐lighting and processing system, while small in size and requiring low power, provides data of quality comparable to that of previous much larger UVPs deployed from ships. We detail the UVP6 camera settings, its performance when acquiring data on aquatic particles and plankton, their quality control, analysis of its recordings, and streaming from in situ acquisition to users. In addition, we explain how the UVP6 has already been integrated into platforms such as BGC‐Argo floats, gliders and long‐term mooring systems (autonomous platforms). Finally, we use results from actual deployments to illustrate how UVP6 data can contribute to addressing longstanding questions in marine science, and also suggest new avenues that can be explored using UVP6‐equipped autonomous platforms.
Photoacoustic discrimination of antibiotic‐resistant and sensitive Staphylococcus aureus isolates
Authors: Edgar Robert H. , Samson Anie‐Pier , Cook Justin , Douglas Madeline , Urish Ken , Kellum John , Hempel John , Viator John A.
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Bacteremia is a serious and potentially lethal condition. Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of bacteremia and methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA) accounts for more than a third of the cases. Compared to methicillin‐sensitive S. aureus, MRSA is more than twice as likely to be fatal. Furthermore, subpopulations of seemingly isogenic bacteria may exhibit a range of susceptibilities, often called heterogenous resistance. These heterogeneous antibiotic‐resistant infections are often misdiagnosed as hospital‐acquired secondary infections because there are no clinically used tests that can differentiate between homogeneous and heterogeneous antibiotic resistance. We describe the development and proof of concept of rapid bacterial identification using photoacoustic flow cytometry and labeled bacteriophages with the characterization and differentiation of heterogeneous antibiotic‐resistant bacterial infections.

Methods

In photoacoustic flow cytometry, pulsed laser light is delivered to a sample flowing past a focused transducer and particles that absorb laser light create an acoustic response. Optically labeled bacteriophage are added to a bacterial mixture that flows through the photoacoustic chamber. The presence of target bacteria is determined by bound labeled phage which are detected photoacoustically. Incubation of bacterial samples in the presence and absence of the antibiotic daptomycin creates a difference in bacterial cell numbers that is quantified using photoacoustic flow cytometry.

Results

Four clinical isolates were tested in the presence and absence of daptomycin. Photoacoustic events for each isolate were recorded and compared to growth curves. Samples treated with daptomycin fell into three categories: resistant, susceptible, and heterogeneous resistant.

Conclusions

Here we show a method to determine the presence of bacteria as a marker for bloodstream infection level and antibiotic sensitivity in less than 4 hours. Additionally, these results show an ability to identify heterogeneous resistant strains that are often misidentified.
A Polyaniline Nanoparticles Crosslinked Hydrogel with Excellent Photothermal Antibacterial and Mechanical Properties for Wound Dressing
Authors: Pang Qian , Wu Kaihao , Jiang Zilian , Shi Zewen , Si Zizhen , Wang Qiang , Cao Yuhao , Hou Ruixia , Zhu Yabin
Published: December 2021

Antibacterial hydrogel wound dressing is highly desirable in wound healing and infection control. However, the development of antibacterial hydrogels with controllable antibacterial properties and adequate mechanical properties without bacterial resistance and potential toxicity remains a challenge. Herein, a double bonds‐ended polyaniline nanoparticle (Me‐PANI NP) is synthesized, which can convert light energy into heat upon near‐infrared (NIR) irradiation, and it is used as a novel photothermal antibacterial agent. The obtained bonds‐ended Me‐PANI NPs are subsequently involved in polyacrylamide (PAM) polymerization and served as chemical crosslinking points to form the Me‐PANI NPs@PAM hydrogel, endowing the hydrogel with controllable photothermal antibacterial abilities upon NIR irradiation without time and space limit. Importantly, due to the energy dissipation of Me‐PANI NPs under stretch, the Me‐PANI NPs@PAM hydrogel achieves a maximum stretching ratio of 400% mechanical flexibility. The developed hydrogel can be potentially applied as a novel wound dressing to realize controllable treatment of bacterial infections and accelerate skin wound healing.
Studies on Optical, Structure, and Photoconductivity of Titanium Dioxide Thin Films Prepared by Chemical Bath Deposition Via Aqueous Route
Authors: Kamble Amit A. , Ubale Panchashila A. , Jadhav Amar L. , Jadhav Sharad L. , Kadam Anamika V. , Kanamadi Chidanad M , Bhuse Vijaykumar M.
Published: December 2021

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films of different concentrations are prepared by using titanium trichloride on conducting FTO glass substrate by chemical bath deposition (CBD) method. The X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) method is used to study the structure of TiO2 thin film. XRD analysis has confirmed amorphous nature of the TiO2.The surface morphology of the film is studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM). The optical properties are studied using the UV‐VIS and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The band gap of prepared titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin film is 2.84 eV. A photo‐electrochemical cell analysis shows that the conversion efficiency of 3.24% with a fill factor of 43%.
Structural and Dielectric Properties of PVDF/6A Clay Nanocomposites
Authors: Chanmal Chetan V. , Bandgar Sushil S. , Mungamode Chagan D. , Chavan Sanjeev D. , Pawar Shailesh G. , Mulik Ramesh N. , Mathe Vikas L. , Jog Jyoti P.
Published: December 2021

The paper describes the study of structural and dielectric properties of PVDF blended with organically modified clay. The PVDF/clay nanocomposites are prepared by simple melt mixing method. The prepared nanocomposites are characterized for structural and dielectric properties. The structural characterization done using X‐ray diffraction and infra‐red spectroscopy techniques indicates the crystallization of ferroelectric β phase in nanocomposites. The dielectric study shows the composition‐dependent significant enhancement in the dielectric permittivity, particularly in the low‐frequency region. The enhancement in the dielectric permittivity is explained on the basis of increase in the conductivity and formation of minicapacitor‐like network in the nanocomposites. The dielectric loss spectra of PVDF shows two relaxations corresponding to the glass transition temperature and crystalline relaxation. In case of PVDF/Clay nanocomposites, the dielectric relaxation corresponding to the crystalline relaxation completely disappears, which is attributed to the dielectric manifestation of ferroelectric β phase in nanocomposites. The observed dielectric permittivity data can be very well fitted using Vo‐Shi model, which takes contribution of interphase to the dielectric permittivity. The enhancement in the dielectric permittivity along with ferroelectric β phase in PVDF/clay nanocomposites brings the potential application in energy storage devices.
One‐Pot Synthesis of ZnO Nanorods for LPG Sensing Applications
Authors: Mene Ravindra U. , Shirapure Bhagyashri D. , Narwade Vijaykiran N. , Bogle Kashinath A. , Mahabole Megha P. , Khairnar Rajendra S. , Joshi Ramakant P. , Shelke Pandit N.
Published: December 2021

In the present work, the authors have successfully deposited uniformly upright standing ZnO nanorods on glass substrates by using simple one‐pot chemical bath deposition method. XRD reveals the polycrystalline nature of ZnO thin films. SEM micrograph depicts the well resolved standing growth of ZnO nanorods on glass substrate with an average diameter of 200–300 nm. The optical measurements show that the band gap is 3.3 eV. The detail investigation of LPG sensing study demonstrates the lower operating temperature 190°C with gas response of 105%, with fast response/recovery times 80/70 s, respectively. In addition, the LPG gas uptake capacity remained sensible up to 10 000 ppm.
Polymer‐Metal Oxide Composite (PPy–MoO3) for Ammonia and Ethanol Gas Sensor
Authors: Yenorkar Surendra M. , Zade Ramesh N. , Mude Bhupesh M. , Mayekar Vijay M. , Mude Kushal M. , Raulkar Kishor B. , Mistry Ranjeet R. , Patange A.N.
Published: December 2021

Polypyrrole (PPy)–molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) is a polymer‐metal oxide composite (99.9% pure) obtained when two are mixed mechanically with different wt% in acetone medium to obtain different PPy–MoO3 composite materials. The thick films of pure PPy and PPy–MoO3 polymer‐metal oxide composite are prepared by screen printing technique. The prepared mixed composite polymer‐metal oxide materials are calcinated at 800°C for 8 h in air. The thick films are investigated for structural, electrical, and morphological properties. The surface morphology of the thick films is studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM) which shows that the films are granular and porous in nature. The gas responses of pure PPy and PPy–MoO3 polymer‐metal oxide composite thick films are studied for different gases such as ammonia gas (NH3) and ethanol gas at room temperature. The pure PPy thick film shows the poor response to ammonia and ethanol gas, while the thick film 40PPy–60MoO3 gave good responses to ethanol gas (50 ppm) at room temperature. The gas selectivity, sensitivity, stability, gas response, and recovery time of the sensor are measured and presented.
Sol–gel Synthesis, Structural and Dielectric Characteristics of Nanocrystalline Barium Titanate Solid
Authors: Nagdeote Sanjay B.
Published: December 2021

Nanosized BaTiO3 material is synthesized by sol–gel method. The crystallization temperature of the material is confirmed from TG/ DTA analysis. The Rietveld refined XRD and the FTIR are used to characterize synthesized material. The tetragonal phase with the lattice parameters: a = b = 3.9956Å, c = 4.0266Å and space group P4mm is confirmed. The tetragonality ratio (c/a) is found to be 1.008 which is less than single crystal. The particle size is calculated by using the XRD data and TEM images and it is found to be 70 nm approximately. Dielectric property of sample with temperature and frequency are also studied.
Cobalt Ferrite MNPs: An Efficient and Robust Catalyst for Synthesis of 1,3,5‐Trisubstituted Pyrazolines
Authors: Kukade Mahesh G. , Kagne Raju , Chandane Wilson B. , Bodake Anita J.
Published: December 2021

Novel synthesis of 1,3,5‐trisubstituted‐2‐pyrazoline and its derivatives, showing broad spectrum of biological activities in wide range of scientific disciplines is designed via condensation of substituted chalcones and aryl hydrazine in presence of the magnetically separable cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CoFe2O4 MNPs) to get aimed product with excellent yield in possibly shorter reaction time. Divers structural, morphological, and spectral analytical studies as X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and FTIR confirm the formation of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles. The synthesized compounds are characterized and confirmed by spectral analysis. The ambient reaction conditions, ease of purification of the products, and reusability of the catalyst up to five catalytic cycles with almost negligible decrement of catalytic activity making the current protocol benign and promising for its synthetic applications.
Magnetically Retrievable Fe‐doped TiO2 Nanoparticles for Photo‐induced Toxic Dye Removal Applications
Authors: Somwanshi Saurabh B. , Somvanshi Sandeep B. , Kharat Prashant B. , Thorat Nanasaheb D.
Published: December 2021

In light of the applications of nanotechnology in wastewater treatments, an attempt is made to fabricate the Fe‐doped TiO2 nano‐photocatalyst via simple and cost‐effective sol‐gel auto ignition route by following the green synthesis approach. The prepared nano‐photocatalyst samples are characterized by means of X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), BET, and UV‐Vis spectroscopy in order to study the structural, morphological, surface, and optical properties. XRD analysis validates the anatase phase formation and nanoscale structure of the prepared nano‐photocatalyst. The spherical shaped grain morphology with some agglomeration is visualized in SEM image. The high specific surface area values are observed from the N2‐adsorption/desorption curves of the prepared samples. Further, the photocatalytic performance of the prepared nano‐catalyst samples is evaluated by measuring the percentage degradation of toxic dye (Rhodamine B) under UV light radiation. The degradation rates as 98.7% and 98.2% in 120 min are observed in the case of Rhodamine B for pure and Fe‐doped TiO2 nanoparticles, respectively. The reusability of the prepared nanoparticles is evaluated for five cycles and it shows negligible changes in dye degradation. All these outputs show that prepared Fe‐doped TiO2 nanocatalyst are promising for industrial wastewater purification treatments.
Electrical and Dielectric Studies of the Cd‐Doped Co‐Ni Ferrites Synthesized by Solid State Reaction Method
Authors: Kulkarni Akshay B. , Manohara S. R. , Vishwaroop Rakesh , Mathad Shridhar N.
Published: December 2021

The present study reports the dielectric and DC resistivity studies of the Cd doped Co‐Ni ferrites synthesized by solid state reaction method. The XRD studies confirm the cubic spinel structure of the samples. The substitution of the cadmium in the ferrite system significantly influences the AC conductivity, involvement of the grain boundary involvement in conduction. The variations of dielectric constant and dielectric loss for all the samples are studied as a function of frequency and show an increase with doping concentration. The DC resistivity studies confirm the semiconducting nature of the synthesized ferrites. The activation energy is observed to be in the range of (0.534–0.629 eV).
Synthesis and Characterization of Undoped and Mn‐Doped Copper Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Rajasekaran S. , Muthuvel A. , Kannan Karthik , Chinnaiah K. , Maik Vivek , Gohulkumar M. , Gurushankar K.
Published: December 2021

Copper oxide (CuO) is a p‐type metal‐oxide semiconductor with a bandgap of 1.2 eV and a minimal bandgap. Solar cells, superconductors, and sensors are among the applications for which it is used. To dope transition metals, researchers use a low‐cost soft chemical process (Mn). The aim of this research is to identify CuO nanopowders using a low‐cost soft chemical method to dope transition metals (Mn). The nanopowders' structural, morphological, functional, and optical properties are investigated. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis findings point to the synthesis of high purity single monoclinic phase CuO nanoparticles. The crystallite size (30 nm) and lattice parameters of Mn‐doped CuO samples are reduced. These results suggest that Mn‐doped CuO nanoparticles may be a promising candidate for optoelectronic devices and photocatalytic organic compound degradation.
Biogenic Synthesis and Characterization of ZnO Nanoparticles from Aloe barbadensis Miller Leaf Extract
Authors: Jangannanavar Vijayakumar D. , Patil Mallikarjun K. , Chougala Lakkanna S. , Inamdar Sanjeev R. , Goudar Kotresh M.
Published: December 2021

This study is aimed to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) from Aloe barbadensis Miller leaf extract using the green synthesis method at room temperature. The biosynthesized NPs are characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), UV–vis spectroscopy (UV–vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The XRD pattern has revealed the hexagonal wurtzite structure with a crystallite size of 16 nm for synthesized ZnO NPs. The FTIR results display the formation of ZnO NPs and the presence of other functional groups. The UV–vis absorption spectrum shows an absorption band at 347 nm and the value of the bandgap is found to be 3.75 eV. The surface morphology of synthesized NPs is visualized by SEM images, it is observed that most of the NPs are needle in shape. Further, these NPs will find applications in biosensing and photocatalytic activity.
Development and Fabrication of Carbon Nanotube (CNT)/CuO Nanocomposite for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Gas Sensor Application
Authors: Onthath Haseena , Maurya Muni Raj , Bykkam Satish , Morsy Hagar , Ibrahim Muna , Ahmed Alaa Elsafi , Riyaz Najam‐US‐Sahar , Abuznad Raghad , Alruwaili Aeshah , Kumar Bijandra , Abdullah Aboubakr M. , Kasak Peter , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar
Published: December 2021

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been recognized as one of the primary trace segments of atmospheric air pollutants. The change in the level of VOCs in the surrounding environment can lead to chronic health issues, respiratory problems, nerve system disorder, and toxicity in kidneys/liver. Thus, monitoring of VOCs concentration in the surrounding environment is significant for avoiding serious health problems. Herein, copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticle and carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposite (NC) are presented for the efficient detection of VOCs. The scalable sol‐gel method is adopted for the controlled growth of CNT/CuO NC. The structural, elemental, and morphological analysis is performed by XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, and SEM characterization, respectively. The VOCs sensor was fabricated by drop‐casting the as‐synthesized CNT/CuO NC on interdigitated electrodes (IDEs). The CNT/CuO sensing response is analyzed for six VOCs that include toluene, methanol, acetone, chloroform, xylene, and benzene. The CNT/CuO response towards different VOCs is investigated with respect to change in resistance of the material in the presence of test VOC and in an inert atmosphere. In comparison to other VOCs, the sensor exhibits high sensitivity toward benzene. The estimated change in relative resistance (AR) for benzene is ≈0.62% for 500 ppm concentration. Moreover, the sensor apprehended a detection of benzene with a concentration as low as 5 ppm. The as‐synthesized CNT/CuO NC offers high sensitivity and low detection limit, which benchmark its potential for benzene detection.
Dual Task Turning in Place: A Reliable, Valid, and Responsive Outcome Measure of Freezing of Gait
Authors: D'Cruz Nicholas , Seuthe Jana , De Somer Clara , Hulzinga Femke , Ginis Pieter , Schlenstedt Christian , Nieuwboer Alice
Published: December 2021

Background

Freezing of gait (FOG) is a complex symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD) that is both elusive to elicit and varied in its presentation. These complexities present a challenge to measuring FOG in a sensitive and reliable way, precluding therapeutic advancement.

Objective

We investigated the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of manual video annotations of the turning‐in‐place task and compared it to the sensor‐based FOG ratio.

Methods

Forty‐five optimally medicated people with PD and FOG performed rapid alternating 360° turns without and with an auditory stroop dual task, thrice over two consecutive days. The tasks were video recorded, and inertial sensors were placed on the lower back and shins. Interrater reliability between three raters, criterion validity with self‐reported FOG, and responsiveness to single‐session split‐belt treadmill (SBT) training were investigated and contrasted with the sensor‐based FOG ratio.

Results

Visual ratings showed excellent agreement between raters for the percentage time frozen (%TF) (ICC [intra‐class correlation coefficient] = 0.99), the median duration of a FOG episode (ICC = 0.90), and the number of FOG episodes (ICC = 0.86). Dual tasking improved the sensitivity and validity of visual FOG ratings resulting in increased FOG detection, criterion validity with self‐reported FOG ratings, and responsiveness to a short SBT intervention. The sensor‐based FOG ratio, on the contrary, showed complex FOG presentation‐contingent relationships with visual and self‐reported FOG ratings and limited responsiveness to SBT training.

Conclusions

Manual video annotations of FOG during dual task turning in place generate reliable, valid, and sensitive outcomes for investigating therapeutic effects on FOG. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
The well‐posedness and long‐time behavior of the nonlocal diffusion porous medium equations with nonlinear term
Authors: Zhang Chang , Meng Fengjuan , Liu Cuncai
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we mainly consider the well‐posedness and long‐time behavior of solutions for the nonlocal diffusion porous medium equations with nonlinear term. First, we obtain the well‐posedness of the solutions in L1(Ω) for the equations. Second, we prove the existence of a global attractor by proving there exists a compact absorbing set. Finally, we apply index theory to consider the dimension of the attractor and prove that there exists an infinite dimensional attractor of the equations under proper conditions.
Neutrophil extracellular traps drive epithelial–mesenchymal transition of human colon cancer
Authors: Stehr Antonia M , Wang Guangxia , Demmler Richard , Stemmler Marc P , Krug Julia , Tripal Philipp , Schmid Benjamin , Geppert Carol I , Hartmann Arndt , Muñoz Luis E , Schoen Janina , Völkl Simon , Merkel Susanne , Becker Christoph , Schett Georg , Grützmann Robert , Naschberger Elisabeth , Herrmann Martin , Stürzl Michael
Published: December 2021

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are extracellular structures, composed of nuclear DNA and various proteins released from neutrophils. Evidence is growing that NETs exert manifold functions in infection, immunity and cancer. Recently, NETs have been detected in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues, but their association with disease progression and putative functional impact on tumourigenesis remained elusive. Using high‐resolution stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy, we showed that citrullinated histone H3 (H3cit) is sufficient to specifically detect citrullinated NETs in colon cancer tissues. Among other evidence, this was supported by the close association of H3cit with de‐condensed extracellular DNA, the hallmark of NETs. Extracellular DNA was reliably differentiated from nuclear condensed DNA by staining with an anti‐DNA antibody, providing a novel and valuable tool to detect NETs in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues. Using these markers, the clinical association of NETs was investigated in a cohort of 85 patients with colon cancer. NETs were frequently detected (37/85, 44%) in colon cancer tissue sections and preferentially localised either only in the tumour centre or both in the tumour centre and the invasive front. Of note, citrullinated NETs were significantly associated with high histopathological tumour grades and lymph node metastasis. In vitro, purified NETs induced filopodia formation and cell motility in CRC cell lines. This was associated with increased expression of mesenchymal marker mRNAs (vimentin [VIM], fibronectin [FN1]) and epithelial–mesenchymal transition promoting transcription factors (ZEB1, Slug [SNAI2]), as well as decreased expression of the epithelial markers E‐cadherin (CDH1) and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EPCAM). These findings indicated that NETs activate an epithelial–mesenchymal transition‐like process in CRC cells and may contribute to the metastatic progression of CRC. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Clinical decision rule for obtaining peripheral blood cultures in febrile oncology patients
Authors: Gorfinkel Lev , Hansen Caitlin E. , Teng Wei , Shabanova Veronika , Prozora Stephanie , Rodwin Rozalyn , Qadri Umar , Manghi Tomas , Emerson Beth , Riera Antonio
Published: December 2021

Background

The utility of peripheral blood cultures in pediatric oncology patients presenting with fever is controversial. A recent systematic review showed that about one in 40 bloodstream infections (BSIs) would be missed if only central venous line (CVL) cultures are obtained.

Objective

To derive a clinical decision rule for obtaining peripheral blood cultures in pediatric oncology patients presenting to a pediatric emergency department (PED) with fever and a CVL.

Design/method

A retrospective chart review was performed on pediatric oncology patients referred to the PED for fever while on therapy. Logistic regression with a random intercept was used to determine independent predictors of BSI and generate a prediction model for obtaining peripheral blood cultures. The decision rule was generated from the best performance as measured by a receiver operator curve. Bootstrapping analysis was performed for internal validation.

Results

Predictors that were significant and independently associated with positive peripheral blood cultures included vasopressor support (odds ratio [OR] 16.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.80–97.71), acute myeloid leukemia (AML) diagnosis (OR 6.9, 95% CI: 1.81–25.98), hypotension (OR 4.0, 95% CI: 1.05–15.17), mucositis (OR 8.2, 95% CI: 2.48–27.01), and maximum temperature in PED ≥39°C (OR 6.6, 95% CI: 2.36–18.20). The area under the curve (AUC) for this model was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.82–0.97) in the derivation cohort and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.81–0.98) after the internal validation.

Conclusions

We derived a clinical prediction model for deciding when to obtain peripheral blood cultures in febrile oncology patients with CVLs on active therapy. Future studies should focus on prospective and external validation of this diagnostic prediction tool.
Metabolism and disposition of opicapone in the rat and metabolic enzymes phenotyping
Authors: Loureiro Ana I. , Fernandes‐Lopes Carlos , Bonifácio Maria João , Sousa Filipa , Kiss László E. , Soares‐da‐Silva Patricio
Published: December 2021

Opicapone (2,5‐dichloro‐3‐(5‐(3,4‐dihydroxy‐5‐nitrophenyl)‐1,2,4‐oxadiazol‐3‐yl)‐4,6‐dimethylpyridine 1‐oxide) is a selective catechol‐O‐methyltransferase inhibitor that has been granted marketing authorization in Europe, Japan, and United States. The present work describes the metabolism and disposition of opicapone in the rat obtained in support to its development and regulatory filling. Plasma levels and elimination of total radioactivity were determined after oral and intravenous administration of [14C]‐opicapone. The maximum plasma concentrations of opicapone‐related radioactivity were reached at early time points followed by a gradual return to baseline with a biphasic elimination. Fecal excretion was the primary route of elimination of total radioactivity. Quantitative distribution of drug‐related radioactivity demonstrated that opicapone and related metabolites did not distribute to the central nervous system. Opicapone was extensively metabolized in rats resulting in more than 20 phase I and phase II metabolites. Although O‐glucuronidation, ‐sulfation, and ‐methylation of the nitrocatechol moiety were the principal metabolic pathways, small amount of the N‐acetyl derivative was detected, as a result of reduction of the nitro group and subsequent conjugation. Other metabolic transformations included N‐oxide reduction to the pyridine derivative and reductive cleavage of 1,2,4‐oxadiazole ring followed by further conjugative reactions. Reaction phenotyping studies suggested that SULT 1A1*1 and *2 and UGT1A7, UGT1A8, UGT1A9, and UGT1A10 may be involved in opicapone sulfation and glucuronidation, respectively. However, the reductive metabolic pathways mediated by gut microflora cannot be excluded. Opicapone, in the rat, was found to be rapidly absorbed, widely distributed to peripheric tissues, metabolized mainly via conjugative pathways at the nitro catechol ring, and primarily excreted via feces.