bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and transcriptomic features of persistent exacerbation‐prone severe asthma in U‐BIOPRED cohort
Authors: Hoda Uruj , Pavlidis Stelios , Bansal Aruna T. , Takahashi Kentaro , Hu Sile , Ng Kee Kwong Francois , Rossios Christos , Sun Kai , Bhavsar Pankaj , Loza Matthew , Baribaud Frederic , Chanez Pascal , Fowler Stephen J. , Horvath Ildiko , Montuschi Paolo , Singer Florian , Musial Jacek , Dahlen Barbro , Krug Norbert , Sandstrom Thomas , Shaw Dominic E. , Lutter Rene , Fleming Louise J. , Howarth Peter H. , Caruso Massimo , Sousa Ana R. , Corfield Julie , Auffray Charles , De Meulder Bertrand , Lefaudeux Diane , Dahlen Sven‐Erik , Djukanovic Ratko , Sterk Peter J. , Guo Yike , Adcock Ian M. , Chung Kian Fan ,   the U‐BIOPRED study group
Published: April 2022

Background

Exacerbation‐prone asthma is a feature of severe disease. However, the basis for its persistency remains unclear.

Objectives

To determine the clinical and transcriptomic features of frequent exacerbators (FEs) and persistent FEs (PFEs) in the U‐BIOPRED cohort.

Methods

We compared features of FE (≥2 exacerbations in past year) to infrequent exacerbators (IE, <2 exacerbations) and of PFE with repeat ≥2 exacerbations during the following year to persistent IE (PIE). Transcriptomic data in blood, bronchial and nasal epithelial brushings, bronchial biopsies and sputum cells were analysed by gene set variation analysis for 103 gene signatures.

Results

Of 317 patients, 62.4% had FE, of whom 63.6% had PFE, while 37.6% had IE, of whom 61.3% had PIE. Using multivariate analysis, FE was associated with short‐acting beta‐agonist use, sinusitis and daily oral corticosteroid use, while PFE was associated with eczema, short‐acting beta‐agonist use and asthma control index. CEA cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5) was the only differentially expressed transcript in bronchial biopsies between PE and IE. There were no differentially expressed genes in the other four compartments. There were higher expression scores for type 2, T‐helper type‐17 and type 1 pathway signatures together with those associated with viral infections in bronchial biopsies from FE compared to IE, while there were higher expression scores of type 2, type 1 and steroid insensitivity pathway signatures in bronchial biopsies of PFE compared to PIE.

Conclusion

The FE group and its PFE subgroup are associated with poor asthma control while expressing higher type 1 and type 2 activation pathways compared to IE and PIE, respectively.
Vascular cognitive impairment and dementia: An early career researcher perspective
Authors: Silva Nárlon C. Boa Sorte , Bracko Oliver , Nelson Amy R. , de Oliveira Fabricio Ferreira , Robison Lisa S. , Shaaban C. Elizabeth , Hainsworth Atticus H. , Price Brittani R.
Published: April 2022

The field of vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) is evolving rapidly. Research in VCID encompasses topics aiming to understand, prevent, and treat the detrimental effects of vascular disease burden in the human brain. In this perspective piece, early career researchers (ECRs) in the field provide an overview of VCID, discuss past and present efforts, and highlight priorities for future research. We emphasize the following critical points as the field progresses: (a) consolidate existing neuroimaging and fluid biomarkers, and establish their utility for pharmacological and non‐pharmacological interventions; (b) develop new biomarkers, and new non‐clinical models that better recapitulate vascular pathologies; (c) amplify access to emerging biomarker and imaging techniques; (d) validate findings from previous investigations in diverse populations, including those at higher risk of cognitive impairment (e.g., Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous populations); and (e) conduct randomized controlled trials within diverse populations with well‐characterized vascular pathologies emphasizing clinically meaningful outcomes.
E3 ubiquitin ligases and cerebral cortex development in health and disease
Authors: Lambert Nicolas , Moïse Martin , Nguyen Laurent
Published: April 2022

Cerebral cortex development involves the sequential progression of biological steps driven by molecular pathways whose tight regulation often relies on ubiquitination. Ubiquitination is a posttranslational modification involved in all aspects of cellular homeostasis through the attachment of a ubiquitin (Ub) moiety on proteins. Over the past years, an increasing amount of research has highlighted the crucial role played by Ub ligases in every step of cortical development and whose impairment often leads to various neurodevelopmental disorders. In this review, we focus on the key contributions of E3 Ub ligases for the progression of the different steps of corticogenesis, as well as the pathological consequences of their mutations, often resulting in malformations of cortical development. Finally, we discuss some promising therapeutic strategies for these diseases based on recent advances in the field.
Risk factors of pacing dependence and cardiac dysfunction in patients with permanent pacemaker implantation
Authors: Yu Ziqing , Liang Yixiu , Xiao Zilong , Wang Yucheng , Bao Pei , Zhang Chunyu , Su Enyong , Li Minghui , Chen Xueying , Qin Shengmei , Chen Ruizhen , Su Yangang , Ge Junbo
Published: April 2022

Aims

Right ventricular pacing (RVP) dependence could impair left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). This study aimed to illuminate the relationship between RVP proportion and LVEF, as well as disclosing independent predictors of RVP dependence.

Methods and results

Patients indicated for permanent pacemaker implantation were included (2016–2020). The ventricular pacing lead was placed in right ventricular apex or septum. Pacing mode programming followed universal standard. Electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and serological parameters were collected. RVP dependence was defined according to its influence on LVEF. This study was of case–control design. Included patients were matched by potentially confounding factors through propensity score matching. A total of 1183 patients were included, and the mean duration of follow‐up was 24 months. Percentage of RVP < 80% hardly influenced LVEF; however, LVEF tended to decrease with higher RVP proportion. High degree/complete atrioventricular block (AVB) [odds ratio (OR) = 5.71, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.66–8.85], atrial fibrillation (AF) (OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.47–2.82), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (OR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.24–6.76), maximum heart rate (HRmax) < 110 b.p.m. (OR = 2.74, 95% CI: 1.58–4.76), QRS duration > 120 ms (OR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.42–4.27), QTc interval > 470 ms (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.33–3.05), and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) > 40 mmHg (OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.46–2.56) were proved to predict RVP dependence.

Conclusions

High RVP percentage (>80%) indicating RVP dependence significantly correlates with poor prognosis of cardiac function. High degree/complete AVB, AF, ischaemic aetiology, PCI history, HRmax < 110 b.p.m., QRS duration > 120 ms, QTc interval > 470 ms, and PASP > 40 mmHg were verified as independent risk factors of RVP dependence.
Synthesis of Sn‐Beta Zeolite via Quasi‐Solid‐Phase Route with Low Amount of Organic Template
Authors: Zhou Shengqiang , Zhou Lipeng , Su Yunlai , Yang Xiaomei , He Hao
Published: April 2022

Sn‐Beta zeolites were successfully synthesized through a quasi‐solid‐phase method by grinding the raw materials and then crystallizing in solid state. The method employed small amount of tetraethyl ammonium hydroxide (TEAOH) and no additional solvent, except for the water contained in template solution. The synthesis conditions including amount of TEAOH and water, and crystallization time were explored. Under optimized conditions, the obtained sample showed high crystallinity and capped square bipyramidal crystals. The diffuse reflectance ultraviolet‐visible spectra and Fourier transform infrared spectra of CD3CN and pyridine adsorption were used to characterize the state of Sn and acidity in Sn‐Beta sample. Sn4+ ions were introduced into the framework which generated strong Lewis acid sites. The sample synthesized by quasi‐solid‐phase method gave 38.5 % methyl lactate (MLA) yield for the conversion of glucose to MLA, which is comparable to that of Sn‐Beta prepared with conventional hydrothermal method (39.4 %).
A Mechanistic Approach to Liquid‐Assisted Mechanochemical Synthesis of 5‐Aryl/Spiro‐[1,2,4]‐triazolidine‐3‐thiones
Authors: Dutta Anurag , Abha Saikia Raktim , Jyoti Thakur Ashim
Published: April 2022

1,3‐dimethylbarbituric acid‐H2O mediated liquid assisted mechanochemical route has been developed for the synthesis of a wide array of 5‐aryl/spiro‐1,2,4‐triazolidine‐3‐thiones, via in situ generation of benzylidene/alkylidene barbiturates, followed by tandem, base‐driven Michael addition reaction and rearrangement of the pyrimido[4,5‐e][1,2,4]triazepine intermediate. The method is an application of mechanochemistry in organic synthesis. It is efficient, easy to follow and avoids the tedious steps of catalyst preparation and chromatographic separation. Moreover, the protocol is compared to “on‐water”, room temperature approach and the reaction mechanism has been revisited with the aid of experiments.
Visible‐Light‐Induced Site‐Selective Difunctionalization of 2,3‐Dihydrofuran with Quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones and Peroxides
Authors: Li Laiqiang , Gao Yanhui , Wang Lei , Sun Mingli , Liu Jie , Li Pinhua
Published: April 2022

This paper reports a visible‐light‐induced difunctionalization of 2,3‐dihydrofuran with quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones and peroxides for the synthesis of 2,3‐disubstituted tetrahydrofurans under mild reaction conditions with good yields in most cases. The multicomponent reaction exhibits excellent site‐selectivity of carbon‐carbon double bond in 2,3‐dihydrofuran (exclusive anti‐addition), good functional group tolerance, and high diastereoselectivity (d.r. >99 %).
Traditional versus developmental measures of weight suppression: Exploring their relationships with bulimic psychopathology
Authors: Lowe Michael , Singh Simar , Apple Danielle E. , Mayer Laurel , Rosenbaum Michael , Espel‐Huynh Hallie , Thomas J. Graham , Neff Kirstie M. , Zhang Fengqing
Published: April 2022

Objective

Weight suppression (WS) is related to a wide variety of eating disorder characteristics. However, individuals with eating disorders usually reach their highest premorbid weight while still developing physically. Therefore, a more sensitive index of individual differences in highest premorbid weight may be one that compares highest premorbid z‐BMI to current z‐BMI (called developmental weight suppression [DWS] here).

Method

In this exploratory study, we compared the relationships between traditional weight suppression (TWS) and DWS and a variety of measures related to bulimic psychopathology in 91 females (M age, 25.2; 60.5% White), with clinical or sub‐clinical bulimia nervosa.

Results

TWS and DWS were correlated (r = 0.40, p < 0.001). TWS was only significantly related to a measure of physical activity whereas DWS was related to 14 outcomes. DWS showed consistent positive relations with behavioural outcomes (e.g., binge eating) but consistent negative relations with cognitive/affective outcomes (e.g., weight concerns).

Conclusions

Findings indicated much more consistent relationships between the novel DWS measure and bulimic characteristics than with the TWS measure. DWS showed both positive and negative relations with bulimic symptoms, though these findings require replication to confirm their validity. Consistent evidence indicated that the two WS measures served as mutual suppressor variables.
Evaluation policy and the federal workforce
Authors: Epstein Diana , Zielewski Erica , Liliedahl Erika
Published: April 2022

The federal evaluation workforce plays a central role in the development and execution of evaluation policy. This workforce performs critical functions that include identifying where evidence should be built in particular policy areas, determining key research questions to inform their agency's mission, and shaping the field more broadly through federal investments in evaluation. Other roles include designing evaluation studies, overseeing contracts to conduct evaluations, performing internal evaluations, and communicating results to decision‐makers. For the most part, these are highly skilled and trained career staff responsible for overseeing and executing technical projects in a challenging bureaucratic and political environment. This chapter describes the role of the federal evaluation workforce in the executive branch and its importance in developing and executing evaluation policy. It also describes recent changes, including the passage of the Foundations for Evidence‐Based Policymaking Act of 2018, that have affected the roles, responsibilities, and opportunities for this vital workforce.
The future of evaluation policy
Authors: Mark Melvin M. , Hart Nicholas R.
Published: April 2022

We highlight some key issues regarding evaluation policy, including themes that emerged across chapters of this volume. These topics include what an evaluation policy is, the kind of content that evaluation policies can have, learning agendas (which are an increasingly common component of evaluation policies, especially at the U.S. federal level), the processes by which evaluation policies are developed and implemented, the role of relationships in evaluation policies, and the consequences of evaluation policy. We briefly highlight how the chapters in this volume offer guidance to those involved with developing, implementing, or revising an evaluation policy, especially—but not only—in the U.S. federal context in the wake of legislation signed into law in 2019. Looking to the future, we also share suggestions for further advances with respect to advocacy, accountability, research, and practice related to evaluation policies.
Evaluation policy and organizational evaluation capacity building: A study of international aid agency evaluation policies
Authors: Al Hudib Hind , Cousins J. Bradley
Published: April 2022

Research and theory on evaluation capacity building (ECB) and organizational evaluation capacity have been developing at a good pace over the past decade. On the other hand, there is a paucity of research on the nature and consequences of organizational evaluation policy. Evaluation policies are developed and implemented ultimately to inform and shape evaluation practice and its consequences. It is therefore natural to consider the interface between evaluation policy and ECB. The present exploratory descriptive study examines 52 evaluation policies from bilateral and multilateral aid agencies to explore connections between evaluation policy content and ECB principles and considerations. The results shed light on some interesting relationships; they are discussed in terms of evaluation use, evaluation purposes, and organizational leadership. The study also resulted in a revision of Trochim's (2009) definition of evaluation policy and a refinement and expansion of his eight‐category taxonomy. Implications for ongoing inquiry are considered and practical implications are offered to organization members and evaluation policy developers.
An update of Åhlberg (2021a): A profound explanation of why eating green (wild) edible plants promote health and longevity
Authors: Åhlberg Mauri K.
Published: April 2022

Last year I found 52 health‐promoting ions and compounds that all green (wild) edible plants share. According to experimental research, of these 52 compounds and ions, ten compounds and ions prevent Alzheimer's disease. Later, I have found four new similar compounds in the current article that promote health and longevity: 1) acetylcholine, 2) choline, 3) phytic acid, and 4) terpenoids. According to the latest experimental research, from the 56 health‐promoting compounds and ions, the following 16 substances prevent Alzheimer's disease: (1) alpha‐linolenic acid, (2) ascorbic acid, (3) carotenoids, (4) caffeic acid, (5) choline, (6) dietary fibers, (7) flavonoids, (8) lutein, (9) melatonin, (10) phenolic acids, (11) phenolic compounds, (12) phytic acid, (13) polyphenols, (14) polysaccharides, (15) silicon and silicates, and (16) terpenoids. In this update, I discuss the nature of generalization in plant science and human nutrition science. Statistically, random sampling is not possible. Purposeful sampling is the best option. Accordingly, strictly statistical inferences are not possible. The best available options are theoretical generalizations from the best‐case studies. However, when researchers use experimental designs to test whether plant substances promote health and longevity and make statistical assumptions, they use statistical inferences and generalizations.
Effect of lactic acid fermentation on the nutritional quality and consumer acceptability of African nightshade
Authors: Sangija Frank , Martin Haikael , Matemu Athanasia
Published: April 2022

African nightshade (ANS) is among many underexploited and neglected indigenous vegetables. This study assessed the effect of lactic acid fermentation (LAF) on nutritional and sensory quality in Solanum villosum (Sv) and Solanum scabrum (Ss). Spontaneously fermented (SF) and controlled fermented (CF) conditions using Lactobacillus plantarum LP90 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides LM58 were employed for 15 days and 120 h. From the fermented pickles, relish products were prepared using cooking oil and a variety of spices. The relish products were subjected to a consumer acceptability test. Results show a significant drop in pH to <3.5, increasing titratable acidity (TTA) to around 0.6 after 120 h and 15 days of CF and SF, respectively. LAF resulted in a 2.6–5 and 1.6–4.8‐fold significant rise in β‐carotene in pickles and their relish products. All pickles and relish products exhibited a significant decrease (p < .05) in vitamin C by 88.33%–95.90%. LAF significantly reduced total phenolic (26%– 43%) and Chlorophyll (16.45%–39.25%). On the other hand, LAF showed improvement in minerals content (P, Ca, Fe, and Zn) and reduction of tannin (76.27%–92.88%) and oxalate (77.33%–90%) levels. LAF relish products were highly preferred by the consumers, with S. villosum controlled fermented relish (SvCFR) leading. All fermented relishes were stable at ambient (27°C) and refrigeration (4°C) temperatures after 6 months of storage. Generally, LAF is an effective method for ANS preservation, with improved nutritional quality and safety. LAF can therefore be recommended to small‐scale farmers, processors, and households for ANS preservation. Ultimately, this method enhances the nutrition and sensory quality, safety, and livelihood.
Recovering subjective probability distributions
Authors: Yamazaki Akira
Published: April 2022

This study proposes a direct estimation method for recovering subjective probability distributions from option prices. We find that the subjective cumulative distribution function and subjective statistics are represented as static portfolios composed of plain vanilla options. The portfolio weights of the options are determined by the levels of the reciprocal of the pricing kernel and their differentiation. Using options data, we investigate the historical behavior of subjective probability distributions of returns on the S&P 500 index. We also analyze subjective equity risk premiums and subjective variance risk premiums, which can be regarded as ex ante risk premiums.
Trading behavior in bitcoin futures: Following the “smart money”
Authors: Baur Dirk G. , Smales Lee A.
Published: April 2022

The Bitcoin futures market has grown rapidly since its 2017 introduction. Along with enabling institutional traders to access a regulated cryptocurrency product, futures provide a means to improve market efficiency by shorting Bitcoin. We examine trading behavior in Bitcoin futures utilizing the Commodity Futures Trading Commission Commitment of Traders report. Leveraged money traders tend to hold the largest positions, be net short, and their trading behavior plays a key role in the Bitcoin futures market. Our empirical results show that leveraged money traders display market timing ability, largely by adjusting their short positions. It seems that other trader types follow this “smart money” in adjusting their own positions in subsequent periods. We also demonstrate that it is possible to construct profitable trading strategies based on observed variations in leveraged money positions.
Petrography and mineralogy of rinded ferrous‐carbonate concretions in the Middle Eocene carbonate rocks: A case study from the Avanah Formation in north‐east Erbil City, northern Iraq
Authors: Asaad Irfan Shaaban , Al‐Juboury Ali Ismail , Bal Akkoca Dicle , Jha Prakash
Published: April 2022

The spherical rinded concretions in the carbonate rocks of the Avanah Formation (Middle Eocene) in the Gomaspan section, north‐east Erbil City, northern Iraq have been studied for the first time. They occur within the grey to yellow thick‐bedded marly dolomitic limestone interbedded with thin beds of grey shale in the lower part of the formation. Their diameter varies between 1 and 3 cm, are mostly spherical in shape, and characterized by brownish to dark grey isopachous rinds or cortex and brownish‐red centre. The microscopic study shows a similarity between the concretions and their host rocks in their microfacies and fossils contained. The main microfacies is dolomitized lime mudstone and contains Valvulina sp. and pelecypods. The concretions are affected by selective diagenesis that resulted in the colour changes between the centre and outer rims of the concretions. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of concretions and host rocks revealed the presence of dolomite, calcite, quartz, illite and haematite, the latter exists only in the concretions. Meanwhile, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and EDX analyses supported the results of (XRD) and show that the iron oxide (haematite) mainly was concentrated in the outer orange to red cortex. While the dark black inner cortex is characterized by containing less amount of Fe as compared with Ca, O, C and Mg in addition to illite, which also exists in the carbonate host rocks. Field observations, petrographic and mineralogical analyses revealed that the studied concretions had undergone four stages of formation, which consequently include dissolution of semi‐rounded fossils such as pelecypods and forming the moulds during the deposition of the carbonate rocks of the Avanah Formation, precipitation of calcite minerals in the moulds and formation of calcite concretions syn‐depositionally, partial dolomitization of calcite in meteoric‐marine mixed zone and formation of rinded iron oxide concretion by selective diagenesis in meteoric water conditions by the action of acidic water to form haematite.
A precision medicine tool to understand who responds best to hearing aids in late‐life depression
Authors: Brewster Katharine K. , Zilcha‐Mano Sigal , Wallace Meredith L. , Kim Ana H. , Brown Patrick J. , Roose Steven P. , Golub Justin S. , Galatioto Jessica , Kuhlmey Megan , Rutherford Bret R.
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Accumulating evidence suggests that hearing loss (HL) treatment may benefit depressive symptoms among older adults with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), but the specific individual characteristics of those who stand to improve most are unknown.

Methods

N = 37 patients ≥60 years with HL and MDD received either active or sham hearing aids in this 12‐week double‐blind randomized controlled trial. A combined moderator approach was utilized in the analysis in order to examine multiple different pretreatment individual characteristics to determine the specific qualities that predicted the best depressive symptom response to hearing aids. Pretreatment characteristics included: Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE‐S), pure tone average (PTA), speech reception threshold (SRT), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), cognition (Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status).

Results

The analysis revealed a combined moderator, predicting greater improvement with active versus sham hearing aids, that had a larger effect size than any individual moderator (combined effect size [ES] = 0.49 [95% CI: 0.36, 0.76]). Individuals with worse hearing‐related disability (HHIE‐S: individual ES = −0.16), speech recognition (SRT: individual ES = −0.14), physical performance (SPPB: individual ES = 0.41), and language functioning (individual ES = 0.19) but with relatively less severe audiometric thresholds (PTA: individual ES = 0.17) experienced greater depressive symptom improvement with active hearing aids.

Conclusions

Older adults with relatively worse HL‐related, physical, and cognitive functioning may stand to benefit most from hearing aids. Given the large number of older adults experiencing HL and MDD, a non‐invasive and scalable means of targeting those most likely to respond to interventions would be valuable.
Relationship between hearing loss and depression symptoms among older adults in China: The mediating role of social isolation and loneliness
Authors: Jiang Fan , Kuper Hannah , Zhou Chengchao , Qin Wenzhe , Xu Lingzhong
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To evaluate whether social isolation and loneliness mediates the relationship between hearing loss and depression symptoms in older adults in China.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis was conducted of 3769 participants (aged≥60 years) in Shandong province of China. Hearing loss was assessed using Pure‐Tone Audiometry test, depression symptoms using 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale, loneliness through UCLA Loneliness Scale and social isolation using Lubben Social Network Scale. Regression and bootstrap analyses were performed to test both direct associations of hearing loss and depression symptoms, and whether the mediating role of social isolation and loneliness.

Results

Overall, 44% of older adults had hearing loss, which was generally mild (30%) rather than moderate (10%), severe (3%) or profound (0.6%). Increasing levels of hearing loss was associated with increasing levels of social isolation and depressions. Hearing loss was also associated with loneliness, but here a threshold effect was apparent and no trend for increasing loneliness with increasing hearing loss. Models that included social isolation and loneliness showed an amelioration in the association of hearing loss and depression, although it remained significant at all levels of hearing loss. Overall, 8% of the total effect of hearing loss on depression symptoms was explained by the mediated effect through social isolation and 42% by loneliness.

Conclusions

Psychosocial factors such as social isolation and loneliness might explain the association between hearing loss and depression. Interventions that address older adults' social isolation and loneliness may ameliorate depression in older adults with hearing loss.
Ethics and Structure
Authors: Kaebnick Gregory E.
Published: April 2022

In the Hastings Center Report’s March‐April 2022 issue, Diana Anderson, an architect and physician, and her colleagues examine ways in which aspects of the physical design of health care facilities can function as health interventions. The authors identify the kinds of ethical questions such interventions raise, and they offer recommendations for protecting patients and promoting good and fair patient outcomes. A second article focuses on how clinicians who provide patients with implantable medical devices have become dependent on health support workers who are employed by the device manufacturers themselves. The authors argue that this reliance disrupts the epistemic practices on which clinical decision‐making depends and can therefore be damaging to patient care. Accompanying the regular part of this issue is a special report on the antiracism work needed in bioethics.
Association between birth weight, preterm birth, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in a community‐based cohort
Authors: Amadou Coralie , Nabi Oumarou , Serfaty Lawrence , Lacombe Karine , Boursier Jérôme , Mathurin Philippe , Ribet Céline , de Ledinghen Victor , Zins Marie , Charles Marie‐Aline
Published: April 2022

Background and Aims

The association between birth weight (BW) and metabolic outcomes has been described since the 1980s but NAFLD has been rarely studied. This study aimed to investigate the association between BW and NAFLD occurrence in adult subjects.

Approach and Results

The study population consisted of participants from the French nationwide Constances cohort from 2012 to 2019. Participants with a history of chronic viral hepatitis or excessive alcohol consumption were excluded. Noninvasive diagnosis of NAFLD and fibrosis was performed using a combination of the Fatty Liver Index (FLI) and the Forns Index. The relationship between BW and NAFLD was analyzed with a sex‐stratified logistic regression model adjusted for sociodemographic parameters, lifestyle, and birth term, whereas liver fibrosis was analyzed with a sex‐stratified linear regression model. In total, 55,034 individuals with reliable BW were included (43% men, mean age: 38 years). NAFLD (FLI ≥ 60) was present in 5530 individuals (10%). Multivariate logistic regression showed a significant U‐shaped relationship between BW and NAFLD, with no significant interaction with sex. A significant and slightly decreasing association was found between BW and Forns Index (β = −0.05; p = 0.04). Premature birth (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.03–1.48 for birth between 33 and 37 weeks versus ≥ 37 weeks) was associated with NAFLD, with a significant direct effect of premature birth, and without an indirect effect of low BW in mediation analysis. Forns Index was not significantly higher in participants with preterm birth compared to full‐term birth.

Conclusions

This large prospective adult‐based cohort confirms the relationship between BW and NAFLD occurrence.
Unsteady MHD stream of Casson fluid over an elongating surface in the presence of thermal radiation and viscous dissipation
Authors: Nandeppanavar Mahantesh M. , Nagaraj Raveendra , Kemparaju M. Chandrashekhar
Published: April 2022

The goal of this study is to analyze the impact of Casson fluid, physical parameters, and suction/injection on two‐phase mass transfer effects on unsteady magnetohydrodynamics flow over an elongating surface in the presence of thermal radiation and viscous dissipation. The system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations of flow, energy, and mass transfer are developed and computations have been carried out through the shooting method along with Runge–Kutta fourth and fifth‐order techniques. The graphs and tables are depicted and explained for the response to various embedded parameters. The are also analyzed for distinct values of . The observations of this examination are well detailed in the present research.
Mediators of the relation of family income with adolescent behaviour problems and cognitive achievement: Material hardship, parent distress, and parent support
Authors: Near Christopher E.
Published: April 2022

Structural equation modelling (SEM) with longitudinal survey data was used to test a proposed developmental model of the association of family income (with children aged 6–9) to parent behaviours (for children at 10 years of age) and adolescent cognitive achievement and behaviour problems (at age 15). Data from the Child Development Supplement and Panel Study of Income Dynamics provided a representative US sample (n = 953). The SEM measurement model of parent behaviours showed two robust latent variables representing parent distress (based on two measures) and parent support (composed of four measures of parent investment, cognitive stimulation, emotional warmth, and educational expectations for the child). The SEM structural model indicated that the relation between average family income between 1998 and 2001 for young children (ages 6–9) and adolescent cognitive achievement and behaviour problems in 2007 (age 15) was almost entirely mediated by parent distress, parent support, and material hardship, all measured in 2002. Results suggested that the structural model was strongest (RMSEA = 0.08) when all three mediating variables were included. These results provide a clearer picture of the developmental mechanisms by which family income becomes associated with adolescent cognitive achievement and behaviour problems over time.
In situ strain electrical atomic force microscopy study on two‐dimensional ternary transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Ma Li , Chen Rui , Dong Shilian , Yu Ting
Published: April 2022

Atomically thin two‐dimensional (2D) alloys have attracted wide interests of study recently due to their potential in flexible electronic and optoelectronic applications. In particular, monolayer transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) alloys have emerged as unique 2D semiconductors with tunable bandgaps, by means of alloying. However, response of surface electrical potential and barrier height to strain for 2D TMD alloys–electrode interface is rarely explored. Apparently, revealing such strain‐dependent evolution of electrical properties is crucial for developing advanced 2D TMD based flexible electronics and optoelectronics. Here we performed in situ strain Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) and conductive atomic force microscopy (C‐AFM) investigations of monolayer Mo0.4W0.6Se2 on Au coated flexible substrate, where controlled uniaxial tensile strain is applied. Both contact potential difference (CPD) and Schottky barrier heights (SBH) of monolayer Mo0.4W0.6Se2 show obvious decreases with the increase of strain, which is mainly due to the strain‐induced increment of TMD electron affinity. Our in situ strain photoluminescence (PL) measurements also indicate the changes of electronic band structures under strain. We further exploit the substrate effects on CPD by study the monolayer alloy on the mostly used substrates of SiO2/Si and indium tin oxide (ITO)/glass. Our findings could strengthen the foundation for the potential applications of 2D TMD and their alloys in the fields of strain sensors, flexible photodetectors, and other wearable electronic devices.

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Performance‐based contracts in cattle feedlots
Authors: Maples William E. , DeVuyst Eric A. , Wade Brorsen B.
Published: April 2022

Feeder cattle markets suffer from asymmetric information as sellers have information that buyers do not. Since buyers cannot fully determine the quality of feeder cattle, they pay for an “average” quality that is only adjusted by observable characteristics. A contract design is introduced that allows buyers to differentiate producers by offering a menu of contracts. The offered contracts contain a premium that is paid when a lot of cattle reach a target performance indicator, such as average daily gain. Results suggest the contract can successfully allow buyers to purchase high‐quality cattle, avoiding purchasing low‐quality cattle.
NIR‐II imaging with ICG for identifying perforators, assessing flap status and predicting division timing of pedicled flaps in a porcine model
Authors: Wu Yifan , Yu Yifeng , Wang Zheng , Gao Siqi , Zhang Dong , Yu Aixi
Published: April 2022

The use of skin flaps to fill large defects is a key surgical technique in reconstructive surgery, effective real‐time in vivo imaging for flap design and use is urgent. Currently, fluorescent imaging in the second NIR window (NIR‐II; 1000‐1700 nm) is characterized by non‐radiation, less expensive and higher resolution in comparisons with the first NIR window (NIR‐I; 700‐900 nm) and other traditional imaging modalities. In this article, we identified the location and numbers of perforators and choke zone via NIR‐II imaging. Then, eight abdominal perforator flaps were established and the perfusion zones were evaluatedat special time points. Finally, after eight pedicled flaps establishment, NIR‐II imaging was used to guide the optimal timing for division of flap pedicle. The results showed that NIR‐II fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) can reliably visualize vascular supply, which makes it to be an accurate and in vivo imaging approach to flap clinical design and use.
Using steered molecular dynamic tension for assessing quality of computational protein structure models
Authors: Monroe Lyman , Kihara Daisuke
Published: April 2022

The native structures of proteins, except for notable exceptions of intrinsically disordered proteins, in general take their most stable conformation in the physiological condition to maintain their structural framework so that their biological function can be properly carried out. Experimentally, the stability of a protein can be measured by several means, among which the pulling experiment using the atomic force microscope (AFM) stands as a unique method. AFM directly measures the resistance from unfolding, which can be quantified from the observed force‐extension profile. It has been shown that key features observed in an AFM pulling experiment can be well reproduced by computational molecular dynamics simulations. Here, we applied computational pulling for estimating the accuracy of computational protein structure models under the hypothesis that the structural stability would positively correlated with the accuracy, i.e. the closeness to the native, of a model. We used in total 4929 structure models for 24 target proteins from the Critical Assessment of Techniques of Structure Prediction (CASP) and investigated if the magnitude of the break force, that is, the force required to rearrange the model's structure, from the force profile was sufficient information for selecting near‐native models. We found that near‐native models can be successfully selected by examining their break forces suggesting that high break force indeed indicates high stability of models. On the other hand, there were also near‐native models that had relatively low peak forces. The mechanisms of the stability exhibited by the break forces were explored and discussed.
Interplay mechanisms between progesterone and endocannabinoid receptors in regulating bull sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction
Authors: Mahajan Abhishek , Sharma Pratishtha , Mishra Abhishek K. , Gupta Shashikant , Yadav Sarvajeet , Anand Mukul , Yadav Brijesh , Madan Arun K. , Swain Dilip K.
Published: April 2022

After ejaculation, sperm show a limited capacity for transcription and translation. In the oviduct, most of the signalling in sperm is nongenomic and is mediated through membrane receptors. Studies have shown that the cation channel of sperm (CatSper), cAMP, cGMP, protein kinases, and tyrosine phosphorylation are involved in the nongenomic signalling of progesterone (P4) in sperm. However, it is not known whether there is an interplay between P4 and cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2), transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), CatSper channels, cAMP, inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP3R), and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK); these potential regulators are involved in the regulation of capacitation and the acrosome reaction. In the present study, selective blockers of CB1, CB2, TRPV1, CatSper channels, cAMP, protein kinase A (PKA), IP3R, and MAPK were used to identify their involvement in P4‐mediated bull sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction. Selective blocking of any one of the molecules caused a significant reduction in P4 signalling (p < 0.05). Interestingly, blocking these molecules in combination followed by treatment with P4 resulted in the complete absence of capacitation and the acrosome reaction. Blocking a single receptor was not able to eliminate the P4‐induced capacitation and the acrosome reaction. In addition to the CB1 and CB2 receptors, there may be other signalling pathways that mediate P4 signalling. In conclusion, P4 signalling exhibited interplay with the cannabinoid receptors. The regulation of sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction also involved cAMP, PKA, l‐type and T‐type calcium channels, TRPV1, inositol trisphosphate, and MAPK.
Reductive debromination of bromo‐substituted C2 aliphatics using a biochar–iron(II) composite
Authors: Lindhardt Jonathan H , Lu Changyong , Holm Peter E , Hansen Hans Christian B
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Tribromoethylene (TrBE), dibromoethylenes (DBEs) and 1,2‐dibromoethane (DBA) are widespread, toxic and persistent contaminants found in anaerobic soil and groundwater. The abiotic debromination of TrBE, DBEs and DBA using a layered iron(II)–iron(III) hydroxide (green rust, GR) with biochars acting as electron mediators was studied. A screening of biochar substrates was conducted. Reactive biochars were chosen for debromination of TrBE, DBEs and DBA in deionized water and groundwater. Post‐pyrolysis activation with CO2 was tested for reactivity enhancement.

RESULTS

Bone meal (BM) and shrimp shell (SS) biochars resulted in 60% and 90% debromination of TrBE, respectively. The SS biochar catalyzed debromination by elimination reactions of TrBE and DBEs resulting in formation of acetylene, while DBA was reduced to ethylene. All debrominations in deionized water followed pseudo‐first‐order kinetics with half‐lives t1/2 of 5.1, 1.3, 2.6 and 9.5 h for TrBE, cDBE, tDBE and DBA, respectively. For similar experiments in moderately hard groundwater, removal t1/2 values were on average 2.6 times slower, but still considered fast. Compared to removal t1/2 in deionized water, post‐pyrolysis activation with CO2 of an acid‐treated SS biochar produced a t1/2 11 times shorter for removal of TrBE and two times shorter for DBA.

CONCLUSIONS

Biochars are efficient mediators of reductive debromination of TrBE, DBEs and DBA. TrBE, DBEs and DBA can be effectively debrominated in deionized water and groundwater samples using a GR–SS biochar composite. The mediating ability of the SS biochar can be further improved by post‐pyrolysis CO2 activation. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Relationship between the prevalence and severity of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and coronary artery disease: Findings from a cross‐sectional study of a referral center in northeast Iran
Authors: Gholoobi Arash , Gifani Mehrnoosh , Gholoobi Aida , Akhlaghi Saeed , Pezeshki Rad Masoud , Baradaran Rahimi Vafa
Published: April 2022

Background and Aim

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide, and cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death in NAFLD patients. The present study aimed to evaluate the possible relationship between the presence and severity of NAFLD and coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted on 296 patients (122 men and 174 women, with mean age 54.10 ± 9.33 years) referred to the catheterization laboratory of Imam Reza Hospital affiliated to the Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran, for elective coronary angiography to investigate the presence and severity of CAD. Additionally, all patients underwent abdominal ultrasonography (USG) to detect NAFLD and its severity.

Results

Among the 296 patients, 187 (63.2%) had CAD and 160 (50.1%) had NAFLD. NAFLD patients had significantly higher prevalence of obesity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.047, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.002–1.094), hypertension (OR = 1.909, 95% CI = 1.027–3.55), hyperlipidemia (OR = 3.474, 95% CI = 1.862–6.482), and CAD (OR = 2.009, 95% CI = 1.100–3.669). The percentage of patients with normal vessels was higher in the non‐NAFLD group, followed by the group with mild and severe NAFLD (P < 0.001). However, single‐ and multi‐vessel disease incidences among the non‐NAFLD, mild, and severe NAFLD groups were 36.1, 43.1, and 63.7%, respectively. Interestingly, the percentage of patients with two‐vessel stenosis was significantly higher in severe NAFLD patients than mild and non‐NAFLD patients (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The prevalence and severity of NAFLD were independently associated with CAD. Mild NAFLD was primarily observed among patients with normal and non‐obstructive coronary artery patients, while severe NAFLD was more frequent in extensive CAD patients with multi‐vessel disease.
The role of financial inclusion in improving household well‐being
Authors: Sakyi‐Nyarko Carlos , Ahmad Ahmad Hassan , Green Christopher J.
Published: April 2022

Using a nationally representative household survey data collected from Ghana, this paper investigates the relationship between financial inclusion and household well‐being. The paper computes a comprehensive index for financial inclusion incorporating all its dimensions: availability, accessibility, usage and quality. Our econometric analyses employ both discrete and continuous models to produce robust results. The main result indicates that there are significant welfare gains from increased financial inclusion irrespective of its measure and control for endogeneity. The results also suggest that enhanced financial inclusion increases the likelihood of improving food consumption, medical treatment, cash income and school attendance outcomes. Thus, there is a clear policy implication: increasing financial inclusion will significantly contribute to the attainment of some key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Vaccines for Covid‐19: An insight on their effectiveness and adverse effects
Authors: Qamar Naila , Rukh Gul , Khan Sadiq N.
Published: April 2022

An era of SARS‐COVID‐19 outbreak with a high contagious percentage around the globe has been the subject of multi‐agency research aimed at generating vaccines for active immunization. Scientists across the world are joining hands for advanced tie‐ups between medical start‐ups and pharmaceutical industries for devices and vaccines development to hinder the progress of this outbreak. Moreover, the questions that need to be answered are how to improve the effectiveness and efficacy of vaccines with reduced side effects and the required doses of vaccines for enhanced surveillance. In this review article, we have discussed the effectiveness and efficacy of different Covid‐19 vaccines.
Rapid identification of the geographic origin of Taiping Houkui green tea using near‐infrared spectroscopy combined with a variable selection method
Authors: Jin Ge , Xu Yifan , Cui Chuanjian , Zhu Yuanyuan , Zong Jianfa , Cai Huimei , Ning Jingming , Wei Chaoling , Hou Ruyan
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Most studies focus on the geographically larger production areas in tea traceability. However, famous high‐quality tea is often produced in a narrow range of origins, which makes traceability a challenge. In this study, Taiping Houkui (TPHK) green tea of narrow geographical origin was rapidly identified using Fourier‐transform near‐infrared (FT‐NIR) spectroscopy.

RESULTS

First, spectral information of 114 TPHK samples from four production areas was acquired. Second, the synthetic minority over‐sampling technique (SMOTE) was used to balance the sample data set, and three different spectral pre‐processing methods were compared. Third, three feature variable selection algorithms were used to obtain the pre‐processed spectral features. Finally, extreme learning machine (ELM) models based on the variables obtained from the selected features were established to trace the TPHK origin. The optimized ELM model achieves 95.35% classification accuracy in the test set.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates that the optimized variable selection method in combination with NIR spectroscopy represents a suitable strategy for tea traceability in narrow regions. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.