bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of the occurrence and potential mechanisms of heterotopic ossification associated with 17-beta-estradiol targeting MKX by bioinformatics analysis and cellular experiments
Authors: Zhang Yunpeng , Zhang Jingwei , Sun Chenyu , Wu Fan
Published: January 2022

Background

Tendon heterotopic ossification (HO) is a common condition occurring secondary to tendon injury or surgical trauma that significantly affects the patient’s quality of life. The treatment of tendon HO remains challenging due to a lack of clarity regarding the pathological mechanism. Mohawk (MKX) is a key factor in preventing tendon HO; however, its upstream regulatory mechanism remains to be understood. This study aimed to identify potential compounds that target and regulate MKX and explore their functional mechanisms.

Methods

Bioinformatics analysis of MKX-related compounds and proteins was performed based on data from the STITCH and OncoBinder databases. Subsequently, the SymMap database was used to study MKX-related traditional Chinese medicine drugs and symptoms. Next, the OncoBinder genomic and proteomic discovery model was applied to identify potential regulators of MKX. The analytical tool Expert Protein Analysis System for proteomics was used to predict the three-dimensional structure of MKX, and the AutoDockTools software was used to identify pockets of activity at potential sites for molecular docking. Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of different doses of 17-beta-estradiol on bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs).

Results

By predicting the three-dimensional structure of MKX and simulating molecular docking, Pro-Tyr and 17-beta-Estradiol were found to target and bind to MKX. Analysis of the STITCH and OncoBinder databases showed that MKX had a significant regulatory correlation with suppressor interacting 3 A/histone deacetylase 1 (SIN3A/HDAC1). The GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the functions of MKX and its associated proteins were mainly enriched in osteogenic-related pathways. Assessment of the proliferation of BM-MSCs revealed that 17-beta-estradiol possibly upregulated the mRNA expression of the HDAC1-SIN3A/BMP pathway-related RUNX2, thereby promoting the proliferation of BM-MSCs.

Conclusions

The compounds Pro-Tyr and 17-beta-Estradiol may bind to MKX and thus affect the interaction of MKX with SIN3A/HDAC1.
Giant Splenic Artery Aneurysm as a Rare Sequelae of Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Shellagi Nikhil , Pahari Hirak
Published: January 2022

Splenic Artery Aneurysms (SAAs) is the third commonest intra-abdominal aneurysms, following abdominal aorta and iliac artery aneurysms. The SAAs can be either true aneuryms or pseudoaneurysms. SAA measuring >5 cm are generally described as giant. Herein, a case of giant SAA is presented. A 52-year-old male patient with history of alcohol related chronic pancreatitis for the past five years presented with abdominal pain and upper abdominal fullness. Computed Tomography (CT) abdomen was suggestive of giant splenic aneursymal mass. Surgical treatment was planned due to the large size and symptomatic nature of the aneurysm. Splenic artery aneurysmectomy with distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy was performed. The most important and critical complication of giant SAA is spontaneous rupture which has high mortality. Open abdominal surgical excision is still the gold standard for management of giant splenic artery aneuryms, despite recent advances in endovascular treatment options.
Practice Of Ophthalmic Self-Medication Among Patients In Central India: Questionnaire Based Study
Authors: Chakrabarty Lipi
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

To identify and analyze the practice of ocular self-medication in adult patients attending an ophthalmology clinic in central India.

Methods:

A cross sectional, descriptive, questionnaire-based observational study was carried out at Durg, Chhattisgarh, India over a period of eight months from July 2017 to February 2018. The study included 1490 consecutive and consenting adult patients reporting for the first time in a private ophthalmology clinic. Self-medication was defined as the use of ophthalmic medicines used in the past one year without consultation of health care professionals. Responses to a semi-structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic details and various aspects of eye medication usage like duration, source, reason etc. were obtained with a face-to-face interview. The relationship between self-medication and demographic factors was analyzed using chi-square test of association, univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression.

Results:

432 subjects (29%) reported using ophthalmic medications without consulting an ophthalmologist. Patients used medications commonly for itching of eyes (41%), burning sensation (39%) and watering (38%). The most common used eye drops were ayurvedic and herbal (21%), antibiotics (17%) and antibiotic-steroid combination (10%). Of the patients who self-medicated, majority used medications recommended by pharmacist or relatives and friends. Males (OR: 1.51, p= 0.0007), married subjects (OR: 2.05, p= 0.0001) and rural patients (OR: 1.29, p= 0.046) were more likely to self-medicate. No significant difference was found in self-medication practices according to age (p=0.291) and level of education (p=0.983).

Conclusion:

Arbitrary practice of ophthalmic self-medication is prevailing. This warrants educational efforts, public awareness and regulatory legislations to lessen the consequences.
A Case Report of Unilateral Peripheral Necrotizing Keratitis Following Lasik
Authors: Potti Sudhakar , Patil Prasad
Published: January 2022

Corneal infiltrates are a relatively uncommon complication of refractive surgery and can cause serious consequences which may result in vision loss. We report a case of unilateral peripheral necrotizing keratitis at the edge of the flap presenting 3 days after femto-LASIK. A 23 year old male underwent femto-LASIK for myopia. On 3rd post-operative day, patient came to clinic with complaints watering in left eye. On Slit lamp examination right eye was normal but in left eye thick opacification noted at the edge of the corneal flap from 2 to 5 o’clock involving stroma, flap and cornea beyond flap edge and AS-OCT showed hyper-reflectivity at the interface. An intensive treatment started with topical steroids, antibiotics and lubricating eye drops. On last visit which was after 2 weeks of surgery, corneal infiltrates were resolved and transparency of cornea was achieved.
Penetrating Injury Into The Orbit By A Needle Fish: An Unusual Case of Ocular Trauma
Authors: Chauhan Rajender Singh , Goel Apoorva , Chhikara Chetan , Rathi Ashok
Published: January 2022

Ocular trauma is the most common cause of monocular blindness worldwide. Some cases of ocular trauma can be challenging to diagnose and manage due to their unique presentation as in this case where a 12 years old boy presented to our hospital with symptoms mimicking orbital cellulitis. The patient had no obvious signs of injury at presentation and was not improving on routine treatment. Later on, the patient was found to have an intra-orbital foreign body on radiological investigations and was managed accordingly. The foreign body was correlated to be a broken needlefish beak which injured him while swimming in a pond.
Chronic Anterior Uveitis: Diagnosing Primary Sjogren’s
Authors: Mitra Srijita , Sarpal Sahil , Chattopadhyay Abhijit , Paul Subhankarsri , Roy Jonaki Ghosh
Published: January 2022

Chronic anterior uveitis is a rare ocular manifestation in primary Sjogren’s syndrome and is not commonly reported. In our case report, we discuss how ophthalmological findings in a patient supported her being diagnosed with primary Sjogren’s. Meticulous history taking, Anterior segment photography, FFA, serological examination, aid of a rheumatologist was taken. Following ophthalmic evaluation and extensive laboratory tests, patient was diagnosed as primary Sjogren’s. Close monitoring and combination immunosuppressives were relevant in the treatment process.
Choroidal Detachment in Idiopathic CD4 Lymphocytopenia
Authors: Oli Avadhesh , Narayanan Raja , Asvini INHS , Nagar Navy , Colaba  , Santhamma Smt Kanuri
Published: January 2022

Usually reduction in CD4 cell count is seen with HIV infection, however CD4 lymphocytopenia in absence of HIV infection is called as Idiopathic CD4 Lymphocytopenia (ICL). The patients usually present with features of immunosuppression and opportunistic infections. Ophthalmic manifestations of this rare entity are not well known and very few cases are reported till date. We present a case of a 69 year old male patient who reported with profound reduction in his visual acuity in his left eye for 15 days. On examination of his left eye the visual acuity was hand motion close to face and he had 360 degree choroidal detachment which was confirmed on a B scan. He had evidence of subretinal fluid on optical coherence tomography (OCT). His detailed uveitis workup was unremarkable and HIV test was negative twice repeated at two occasions six weeks apart. His CD4 count was 57 cells/mm3 with all other investigations normal. This report highlights that iIdiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia is a rare entity which usually presents as opportunistic infections as reported in the literature. This case of ICL had choroidal detachment which is unusual presentation of this rare entity.
Ocular Manifestations Of Goldenhar Syndrome; At A Glance
Authors: Acharya Isha , Rohatgi Jolly , Handa Ashit , Arora Anchal , Aarushi Saini , Nampi Tadu
Published: January 2022

Goldenhar syndrome (oculo-auriculo-vertebral dysplasia, OAVS) is a rare, congenital disease with an incidence of 1:3500 and 1:5600. It occurs due to abnormal development of the first and second branchial arches. It has a multifactorial etiopathogenesis. The typical features of Goldenhar syndrome include ocular anomalies - epibulbar dermoids, microphthalmia and coloboma, auricular features such as preauricular tags, hearing loss, micrognathia, and vertebral anomalies such as scoliosis or hemivertebrae.
Spontaneously Reattached Retinal Detachment (SRRD)
Authors: Chandrasekaran Priya Rasipuram
Published: January 2022

This is the fundus photo and red free montage of a 27 year old male showing pigmentary changes and atrophic changes in the inferior retina involving the fovea. This has a convex border with sharply demarcated margins and subretinal bands suggestive of spontaneously reattached retinal detachment.
Assessing Civic Literacy in Elementary Social Studies amidst the Pandemic
Authors: Gil Jr. Tyrone O. , Domingo Luis Lorenzo B.
Published: January 2022

Assessment in the zenith of the COVID-19 pandemic challenges the teacher’s administration of assessment and evaluation tools to identify learners’ pace in self-learning. This study examined elementary social studies teachers’ assessment tools and practices during the closing of schools and the zenith of distance learning through SLMs. Using content analysis, the researchers examined the SLMs (SLM) and the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs) as the components of the emergency curriculum. The findings exposed the exquisite adaptation of conventional assessment tools among the types of assessment manifested in the SLM. Monitoring and feedbacking, reporting students’ ratings, and authenticity of students’ work were the common problems encountered by teaches. The researchers recommended the utilization of alternative assessment tools to better address the dynamics of civic literacy and flexible appraisal of student achievement. Using technology for assessment will also enhance the delivery of assessment instructions and easiness in validating students’ work.
A Short History of the BCG Vaccine
Authors: Constantin Georgiana Bianca , Căluian Ionuţ
Published: January 2022

BCG vaccine continues to be controversial, live attenuated BCG is still the only vaccine in use which is able to prevent TB in humans. It is still difficult to determine which strain should be used and further detailed analysis of the genomics and immunogenicity of BCG sub-strains may provide an answer to this important question. The only vaccine available is the BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guerin), that has been used for about 100 years, with remarkable results. The majority of the world followed the lead of Europe and the WHO and introduced routine BCG vaccination according to various schedules. According to the Methodological Guide for the Implementation of the National Program for the Prevention, Surveillance and Control of Tuberculosis, BCG vaccination is indicated for all newborns, at the age of 2-7 days (if there are no contraindications), before discharge from maternity and without preliminary tuberculin test.
The Usefulness of Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) in the Detection of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Alam Md Fakhrul , Ahmed Jamal Uddin , Jahan Israt , Roy Suvash Chandra
Published: January 2022

Background: Health conditions like Diabetes mellitus sometimes affects serious to health due to unavailability of accurate check. But with advancements of diagnostics test like glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) can save many lives to detect Diabetes Mellitus.

Objective: In this study our main goal is to evaluate the accuracy of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c.) in the diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus.

Methods: The Tertiary Medical College, Bangladesh, outpatient department (OPD) conducted this cross-sectional study. Where information was gathered between January 2019 and January 2020.

During the research, a total of 100 individuals were enrolled with contemporaneous FPG, OGTT and A1c findings and diabetes mellitus suspicion. Purposive sampling was used to acquire the samples according to the inclusion criteria.

Results: Most of the patients in the research were aged 47 to 57. 30.8% of the population and the majority (60%) were male. 71% of diabetes patients were identified alone by A1c, followed by 66% by 2h OGTT, and 43% of diabetic patients were diagnosed solely by fasting plasma glucose (FPG). IFG was found in 58% of the patients, whereas OGTT found IGT in 20% of the patients, and A1c found IGT in 24% of the patients. The difference between A1c and OGTT in diagnosing glucose intolerance was statistically significant (P 0.0001).

Conclusion: This study's findings support the use of HbA1c as a screening tool for type 2 diabetes. Increasing access to diabetes care in Bangladesh may be made easier by using the HbA1c test, which is less onerous for patients than either FPG or oral glucose tolerance testing.
Bivariate Compound Exponentiated Survival Function of the Lomax Distribution: Estimation and Prediction
Authors: Refaey R. M. , AL-Dayian G. R. , EL-Helbawy A. A. , EL-Helbawy A. A.
Published: January 2022

In this paper, bivariate compound exponentiated survival function of the Lomax distribution is constructed based on the technique considered by AL-Hussaini (2011). Some properties of the distribution are derived. Maximum likelihood estimation and prediction of the future observations are considered. Also, Bayesian estimation and prediction are studied under squared error loss function. The performance of the proposed bivariate distribution is examined using a simulation study. Finally, a real data set is analyzed under the proposed distribution to illustrate its flexibility for real-life application.
Determination of Heavy Metal Concentration in Two Bony Fish (Catfish and Tilapia) from Orashi River in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Okwodu N. E. , Okorie P. U. , Nwoke B. E. B.
Published: January 2022

The research was intended to study the influence of human and industrial activities on the Orashi River and two bony fish (Clarias gariepinus and Tilapia nilotica). Three groups are observed to have impacted the environment – Oil/gas industries, tyre burning from abattoir, untreated human and animal waste from settlers and the abattoir.  The study was carried out from September 2019 to August 2020. The mean concentrations of the parameters studied in some samples were close to or exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) and Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv) recommended limits for drinking water and seafood. The results from this study have provided information on the heavy metals profile on the fish of the river.  The level of heavy metals in the muscle of Catfish and Tilapia showed a range of Cadmium in Catfish (1-3.9mg/kg and Tilapia (0.1-4.2mg/kg) with the highest level occurring in station 2 (3.47mg/kg for Catfish and 3.39mg/kg for Tilapia) which is high with regard to FAO 19835, FAO/WHO 10896, EEC 20054 permissible limit of 0.01mg/l and USEPA SQG (1mg/kg) level in seafood. The levels of essential heavy metals in fish muscle were Copper (Catfish-10.9-33mg/kg, Tilapia -17.3-40.6mg/kg), Iron (Catfish-1.0-2.5mg/kg, Tilapia -0.1-5.6mg/kg) were within the FAO 1983 permissible limit while Zinc (Catfish-22-213.2mg/kg) and Tilapia (30.1-196mg/kg) exceeds the limit in some stations. Catfish muscles recorded higher mean value (127.12mg/kg) for all heavy metals than tilapia (44.03mg/kg) and the sequence is Copper > Zinc > Iron > Cadmium. The concentration of heavy metals in Orashi River is in the sequence: Sediment > Catfish > Tilapia >Water. The Total Heavy metal concentration in muscle of Catfish (0.5-1.8mg/kg) and Tilapia (0.1-3.8mg/kg) were within permissible limit.
Microbial Quality and Aflatoxin Levels of Bread and Flour Products Vended in Akure Metropolis, Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Onifade Anthony Kayode , Akande Margaret Olaide
Published: January 2022

Aim: This study evaluated the microbial quality characteristics of bread and flour-made products vended for human consummation in Akure metropolis.

Methods: The sample products including bread, buns, puff puff, meat pie and cake collected from different locations were analysed using standard microbiological methods to enumerate the bacterial and fungal consortia. Macro and micro-morphological identification of the implicated fungi in the food samples were done via standard techniques. The presence and quantity of some aflatoxin types were also investigated using standard techniques.

Results: The fungal organisms enumerated include species of Fusarium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Mucor, Sacharomyces cerevisiae, Rhizopus and Penicillium. Bacteria consortium implicated in sample products include; Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus sp., Escherichia coli, Clostridium sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the likes. The levels of aflatoxin B1 and B2 produced were predominantly associated with Aspergillus flavus enumerated from bread products which serve as a rider to the aflatoxin contamination in vended flour products.

Conclusion: The toxicity and potency of aflatoxins make them a primary health hazard and as well accountable for losses associated with contamination of processed foods and ready-to-eat foods. It is recommended that bakers should implement the use of heat-treated flour in the production process of ready-to-eat products for human safety.
Assessment of Nutritional Properties from Six Varieties of Onion (Allium cepa L., Alliaceae) Produced in Northern Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Ysidor Konan N’guessan , Nafan Diarrassouba , Zadjéhi Koffi Eric-Blanchard , Martial Yao Saraka Didier , Koulotioloma Soro , Mohamed Cisse , Marius Biego Godi Henri
Published: January 2022

Aims: Onion is a common vegetable engaging significant nutritional interests and widely consumed over the world. In Côte d'Ivoire, 95% of the onion consumption is filled by imports despite the availability of suitable areas for its local production. The current study aimed to investigate nutritional features of onion varieties for fitting the agronomical trends in order to strengthen the onion cultivation in northern Côte d’Ivoire.

Study Design: Six onion varieties produced for bulbs, namely ARES, BATI, CARA, DAMANI, KARIBOU, and SAFARI. Onion bulbs sampled, oven-dried, and then processed to powders for analysis. The main study consisted in analyzing the biochemical properties of the resulted onions powders.

Place and Duration of Study: Experimental farming from the plants experimenting location, and onion samples analyzed from Laboratory of Peleforo Gon Coulibaly University, Korhogo, Côte d’Ivoire, between March 2020 and April 2021.

Methodology: Batches of 2 kg fresh bulbs collected per onion variety after harvest. Once at Lab, onion bulbs peeled, washed, cut into small dice-shaped pieces and dried into an oven at 80 °C for 24 h using stainless trays. Dried samples ground and kept for analyses regarding physicochemical traits (moisture, acidity, ash) and nutritive parameters (glucides, lipids, proteins, antioxidants).

Results: The works showed higher contents in moisture (16.91%), ash (4.46%), and lipids (1.99%) from CARA variety with more significant acidity; while greatest amounts of total soluble carbohydrates (14.5%), tannins (1.02%), and proteins (13.6%) were recorded from BATI and more vitamin C in DAMANI (0.133%). However, SAFARI variety samples were more provided in reducing carbohydrates (1.04%) and total polyphenols (1.46%) as secondary metabolites; and the ARES variety revealed highest flavonoids contents (0.057%). In addition, ARES, CARA, and KARIBOU varieties displayed great dietary fibers amounts compared to BATI, KARIBOU, and SAFARI.

Conclusion: The particular nutritional traits of the studied onion varieties could be confronted with their agronomical yield and consumption trends for supporting sustainable production of onion in Côte d’Ivoire.
Use of the Correlation Coefficient for Rotating Machine Monitoring
Authors: Okassa Aimé Joseph Oyobé , Welba Colince , Ngantcha Jean Pierre , Ele Pierre
Published: January 2022

The use of electronics and computer technology in production systems has greatly improved the quality of our industrial products. The productivity of these installations is a function of the maintenance quality applied to the equipment. Several methods are used to monitor the functioning of industrial installations. One of these methods is vibration analysis. The vibration signals from the rotating machines support several types of information related to the working state of the production tool. The processing of this information makes it possible to have decision tools for maintenance. In this work, we propose a method of anticipating the maintenance of rotating machines. The algorithm we propose starts with the removal of 512 point windows during the running time of the ball bearing. Each signal is decomposed by DWT: we obtain the approximation coefficients. These coefficients make it possible to determine the correlation coefficient between the so-called reference window and the other windows following the functioning of the ball bearing. The correlation coefficient is then the fundamental element of the decision. This algorithm has been applied to real vibration data and the results are encouraging.
Polarized Hydroxyapatite: New Insights and Future Perspectives Through Systematic Electrical Characterization at the Interface
Authors: Sans Jordi , Arnau Marc , Sanz Vanesa , Turon Pau , Alemán Carlos
Published: January 2022

Design of hydroxyapatite (HAp) with customized electrical properties is of special interest for developing technological and biomedical applications with new improved functionalities. Polarized HAp, which is obtained by applying an external electric voltage at high temperature, has been successfully shown to be an alternative to doped‐HAp that is limited by the biocompatibility of the dopants used. However, many aspects about such new material remain scarcely studied, as for example the relationship between the polarization conditions and the resultant electrical enhancement, hinder a solid progress in its application. In this work, polarized HAp has been extensively characterized using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy by means of proposing a unified electrical equivalent circuit model with physical sense. This allows to explain the properties of such material by separating the bulk and the interface contributions. Moreover, the limits of the polarization mechanism have been explored, enabling a precise control on the electrical resistivity of polarized HAp above or below the intrinsic resistivity of nonpolarized HAp. Overall, necessary insights on the polarization treatment have been reported, opening an appealing avenue for generating new biomedical and technological applications based on dopant‐free polarized HAp.
Eu2+‐Doped Layered Double Borate Phosphor with Ultrawide Near‐Infrared Spectral Distribution in Response to Ultraviolet–Blue Light Excitation
Authors: Tang Zuobin , Du Feng , Liu Hu , Leng Zhihua , Sun Xiaoqin , Xie Huidong , Que Meidan , Wang Yuhua
Published: January 2022

Ultrabroadband near‐infrared (NIR) luminescent materials are important components for compact light sources used in food testing, medical and biosensing applications. A major long‐term challenge facing NIR luminescent materials is to design ultrabroadband phosphors activated by the rare‐earth ions characterized by the f–d transition. Here, an Eu2+‐doped Ba3Lu(BO3)3 phosphor, showing peculiar luminescence characteristics such as a long emission wavelength ≈720 nm, a broader full width at half maximum of ≈197 nm, a large Stokes shift of ≈8300 cm–1, and a longer decay time ≈5.58 µs, is reported. The smaller Eu2+ occupy the irregular and larger Ba2+ sites further reducing the symmetry, resulting in the increased splitting of the degenerate 5d level, thereby lowering the energy of Eu2+ emission. The longer decay time is also associated with the irregular Ba sites. This work improves the NIR mechanism of Eu2+ and opens up a new idea for exploring promising broadband NIR luminescent materials.
Interstitial Fluid Behavior and Diseases
Authors: Liu Wen‐Tao , Cao Yu‐Peng , Zhou Xiao‐Han , Han Dong
Published: January 2022

Living things comprise a typical hierarchical and porous medium, and their most fundamental logical architectures are interstitial structures encapsulating parenchymal structures. The recent discovery of the efficient transport mechanisms of interstitial streams has provided a new understanding of these complex activities. The substance transport of interstitial streams follows mesoscopic fluid behavior dynamics, which is intimately associated with material transfer in nanoconfined spaces and a unique signal transmission. Accordingly, the evaluation of interstitial stream transport behavior at the mesoscopic scale is essential. In this review, recent advances in physical and chemical properties, the substance transport model, and the characterization methods of interstitial streams at the mesoscopic scale, as well as the relationships between interstitial streams and disease are summarized. Interstitial stream transport can be used as a basis to fully mine hierarchal behavior in images to expand imaging behavior into an omics field. By starting from the perspective of soft matter, a new understanding can be gained of health and disease and quantitative physical markers for research, clinical diagnosis, and treatment can be provided, as well as prognosis evaluation in complex diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease. This will provide a foundation for the development of medicine of soft matter.
Memory care reduces nursing home admissions among assisted‐living residents with dementia
Authors: Cornell Portia Y. , Zhang Wenhan , Smith Lindsey , Rahman Momotazur , Grabowski David C. , Carder Paula , Thomas Kali S.
Published: January 2022

Introduction

We compare nursing‐home and hospital admissions among residents with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) in memory‐care assisted living to those in general assisted living.

Methods

Retrospective study of Medicare beneficiaries with ADRD in large (>25 bed) assisted‐living communities. We compared admission to a hospital, to a nursing home, and long‐term (>90 day) admission to a nursing home between the two groups, using risk differences and survival analysis.

Results

Residents in memory‐care assisted living had a lower adjusted risk of hospitalization (risk difference = −1.8 percentage points [P = .014], hazard ratio = 0.93 [0.87–1.00]), a lower risk of nursing‐home admission (risk difference = −2.2 percentage points [P < .001], hazard ratio = 0.87 [−.79–0.95]), and a lower risk of a long‐term nursing home admission (risk difference = −1.1 percentage points [P < .001], hazard ratio = 0.71 [0.57–0.88]).

Discussion

Memory care is associated with reduced rates of nursing‐home placement, particularly long‐term stays, compared to general assisted living.
The National Institute on Aging Late‐Onset Alzheimer's Disease Family Based Study: A resource for genetic discovery
Authors: Reyes‐Dumeyer Dolly , Faber Kelley , Vardarajan Badri , Goate Alison , Renton Alan , Chao Michael , Boeve Brad , Cruchaga Carlos , Pericak‐Vance Margaret , Haines Jonathan L. , Rosenberg Roger , Tsuang Debby , Sweet Robert A. , Bennett David A. , Wilson Robert S. , Foroud Tatiana , Mayeux Richard
Published: January 2022

Introduction

The National Institute on Aging Late‐Onset Alzheimer's Disease Family Based Study (NIA‐LOAD FBS) was established to study the genetic etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

Recruitment focused on families with two living affected siblings and a third first‐degree relative similar in age with or without dementia. Uniform assessments were completed, DNA was obtained, as was neuropathology, when possible. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotypes, genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays, and sequencing was completed in most families.

Results

APOE genotype modified the age‐at‐onset in many large families. Novel variants and known variants associated with early‐ and late‐onset AD and frontotemporal dementia were identified supporting an international effort to solve AD genetics.

Discussion

The NIA‐LOAD FBS is the largest collection of familial AD worldwide, and data or samples have been included in 123 publications addressing the genetic etiology of AD. Genetic heterogeneity and variability in the age‐at‐onset provides opportunities to investigate the complexity of familial AD.
Lower serum testosterone concentrations are associated with a higher incidence of dementia in men: The UK Biobank prospective cohort study
Authors: Marriott Ross J. , Murray Kevin , Flicker Leon , Hankey Graeme J. , Matsumoto Alvin M. , Dwivedi Girish , Antonio Leen , Almeida Osvaldo P. , Bhasin Shalender , Dobs Adrian S. , Handelsman David J. , Haring Robin , O'Neill Terence W. , Ohlsson Claes , Orwoll Eric S. , Vanderschueren Dirk , Wittert Gary A. , Wu Frederick C.W. , Yeap Bu B.
Published: January 2022

Introduction

The association of testosterone concentrations with dementia risk remains uncertain. We examined associations of serum testosterone and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) with incidence of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Methods

Serum total testosterone and SHBG were measured by immunoassay. The incidence of dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) was recorded. Cox proportional hazards regression was adjusted for age and other variables.

Results

In 159,411 community‐dwelling men (median age 61, followed for 7 years), 826 developed dementia, including 288 from AD. Lower total testosterone was associated with a higher incidence of dementia (overall trend: P = .001, lowest vs highest quintile: hazard ratio [HR] = 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.13‐1.81), and AD (P = .017, HR = 1.80, CI = 1.21‐2.66). Lower SHBG was associated with a lower incidence of dementia (P < .001, HR = 0.66, CI = 0.51‐0.85) and AD (P = .012, HR = 0.53, CI = 0.34‐0.84).

Discussion

Lower total testosterone and higher SHBG are independently associated with incident dementia and AD in older men. Additional research is needed to determine causality.
Biosensing with Fluorescent Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Ackermann Julia , Metternich Justus T. , Herbertz Svenja , Kruss Sebastian
Published: January 2022

Biosensors are powerful tools for modern basic research and biomedical diagnostics. Their development requires substantial input from the chemical sciences. Sensors or probes with an optical readout, such as fluorescence, offer rapid, minimally invasive sensing of analytes with high spatial and temporal resolution. The near‐infrared (NIR) region is beneficial because of the reduced background and scattering of biological samples (tissue transparency window) in this range. In this context, single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have emerged as versatile NIR fluorescent building blocks for biosensors. Here, we provide an overview of advances in SWCNT‐based NIR fluorescent molecular sensors. We focus on chemical design strategies for diverse analytes and summarize insights into the photophysics and molecular recognition. Furthermore, different application areas are discussed—from chemical imaging of cellular systems and diagnostics to in vivo applications and perspectives for the future.
Accessing Highly Efficient Photothermal Conversion with Stable Open‐Shell Aromatic Nitric Acid Radicals
Authors: Wang Zejun , Zhou Jiawen , Zhang Yiheng , Zhu Weiya , Li Yuan
Published: January 2022

It is very challenging to prepare stable radicals as they are usually thermodynamically or kinetically unstable in air. Herein, a series of star‐shaped aromatic nitric acid radicals were prepared via facile demethylation and consequent oxidation. As phenol radicals without steric hindrance group protection, they exhibit high electrochemical and thermal stability due to their rich resonance structures including closed‐shell nitro‐like and open‐shell nitroxide structure with unpaired electrons delocalized in conjugated backbones. Among them, TPA‐TPA‐O6 powder exhibited extremely wide absorption from 300 to 2000 nm covering the whole solar spectral irradiance, high photothermal conversion efficiency, and negligible photobleaching effect in seawater desalination. Under the irradiation of one sunlight, the water evaporation efficiency of TPA‐TPA‐O6 is recorded to be as high as 89.41 % and the water evaporation rate is 1.293 kg m−2 h−1, which represents the top performance in pure organic small molecule photothermal materials.
Preclinical assessment of Alzheimer's disease using novel designed 99mTc‐labeled RGD‐based pro‐apoptotic cyclic peptide as a promising SPECT agent
Authors: Rizvi Syed Faheem Askari , Ahmad Munir , Munib Farzana , Zhang Haixia
Published: January 2022

The increased prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and glioma results in increased risks to abolish the healthy life. This is because of inducing alternation causes into the intracellular compartment as well as noncell compartments. Therefore, herein, a simple and facile radiosynthesis strategy was employed for the development of a novel 99mTc (t1/2 = 6 h, Er = 140 keV) labeled diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) conjugated cyclic heptapeptide (99mTc‐DTPA‐c[RGDKLAK]; cPT). The radiotracer was characterized using various analytical techniques to evaluate the identity, radiolabeling, biocompatibility, in vitro stability, and amenability for preclinical use. The biological specificity and efficacy of the radiolabeled cyclic peptide analog were confirmed by in vivo biodistribution and single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) studies in Alzheimer disease (AD)‐induced animal models. The results demonstrated that 99mTc(CO)3‐DTPA‐cPT showed high radioactivity concentration at the site of αvβ3, α5β1‐integrins expressing brain regions while decreasing radioactivity levels in kidneys and increasing urinary bladder over the period of 3 h suggested the renal clearance route of the radiotracer. The diagnostic outcomes obtained from planar SPECT study are consistent with that of the biodistribution study with a target‐to‐nontarget ratio (T/NT = 28.47 ± 2.53) at 3‐h postinjection. The results are surprisingly supportive to our hypothesis that the small cyclic peptide‐based radiotracer is well‐oriented towards targeted drug delivery and envisaged that our proposed radiotracer 99mTc(CO)3‐DTPA‐cPT has potential diagnostic applications for Alzheimer's disease as a novel SPECT agent.
Catalyst‐free reprocessable crosslinked biobased polybenzoxazine‐polyurethane based on dynamic carbamate chemistry
Authors: Wen Zhibin , Bonnaud Leïla , Dubois Philippe , Raquez Jean‐Marie
Published: January 2022

The introduction of dynamic covalent chemistry into the field of polymer chemistry has resulted in a new class of network polymer materials named covalent adaptable networks (CANs). These new materials have effectively bridged two antagonistic materials, that is, conventional thermoplastic and thermoset polymers together, thanks to these dynamic exchangeable covalent bonds, making them recyclable. In this work, we report a catalyst‐free reprocessable polybenzoxazine‐polyurethane thermosetting system with activation of carbamate dynamic bond exchange. The curing characteristics and properties of this biobased polybenzoxazine‐polyurethane network have been determined by Fourier transform infra‐red (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMA). Moreover, the tests of the recyclability of the material were successfully achieved under mild reprocess conditions (130°C, 10 min) thanks to the formation of abundant free phenolic hydroxyl groups. This work provides a promising potential for industrial applications as a new recyclable and reprocessable thermosetting polybenzoxazine material.
Constitutive activation of Notch signalling and T cell activation characterize a mouse model of autism
Authors: Yao Yunyi , Uddin Mohammad Nizam , Manley Kevin , Lawrence David A.
Published: January 2022

Gene and protein expression of BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice with autistic‐like behaviours were compared with the C57BL/6J strain, which is considered to have normal immunity and behaviour. Notch signalling pathway was constitutively activated in the immune system and liver of BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice. Notch ligand 4 (Dll4), Notch receptors (Notch1 Notch2 and Notch3) and recombination signal binding protein for immunoglobulin κ j region (RBPJ) were increased both at gene and protein levels in BTBR spleens and thymi. Notch downstream transcriptional factors, Tbx21, Gata3, Rorc and FoxP3 were increased in BTBR spleens, Gata3 and FoxP3 were increased in BTBR thymi and BTBR mice have a high blood CD4/CD8 T cell ratio. Reduced nucleotide excision repair ability in BTBR spleens was associated with increased 8‐oxoguanine, Ogg1 inhibition, an enhanced level of apoptotic thymocytes and higher expression of GATA‐3. Ogg1 inhibition and enhanced GATA‐3 expression also were detected in BTBR brain. Notch signal promoted mitochondrial dynamics switching to enhanced fission with an increased number and mass of mitochondria in immune cells of BTBR mice, but not in livers and brains. Constitutive influences on mitochondria exist in this mouse model of autism spectrum disorder; similar outcomes from environmental exposures might occur perinatally in susceptible individuals to affect the development of autism.
Modeling and Experimental Study of a Remote Microwave Plasma Source for High‐Rate Etching
Authors: Pauly Steffen , Schulz Andreas , Walker Matthias , Gorath Moritz , Baumgärtner Klaus , Tovar Günter E. M.
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to investigate and optimize a remote microwave plasma source (RMPS) concerning the etching rate, the etching rate distribution, and to simplify its setup to save production costs. A finite element method (FEM) based model of the RMPS was developed to investigate microwave coupling into the plasma chamber and microwave field distribution. The simulations at ignition conditions were compared with the calculated electric field distribution and the experimentally determined electric field. The simulations at operating conditions were validated visually through photographs of the plasma. Also, the etching depth on polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) substrates was measured with a contact profilometer and normalized with etching time to etching rate.
A Photostable 1D Ruthenium−Zinc Coordination Polymer as a Multimetallic Building Block for Light Harvesting Systems
Authors: Hennessey Seán , Burke Christopher S. , González‐Gómez Roberto , Sensharma Debobroto , Tong Wenming , Amal  , Kathalikkattil Cherian , Cucinotta Fabio , Schmitt Wolfgang , Keyes Tia E. , Farràs Pau
Published: January 2022

A luminescent ruthenium complex bearing two 2,6‐di(quinolin‐8‐yl)‐pyridine carboxylic acid (dqpCOOH) ligands has been successfully synthesised and fully characterised. The new metalloligand has been coordinated to zinc ions through the terminal carboxylate groups using a one‐step solvothermal method, to give a multimetallic photoactive 1D coordination polymer, Ru−(dqpCOO)−Zn−(OOCH)2. Through use of X‐ray crystallography, advanced microscopy techniques as well as photophysical studies, we have extensively characterised the coordination polymer. The optical properties of the ruthenium complex and corresponding coordination polymer show that the material experiences a dramatic increase in photostability compared to the free parent metalloligand, in solution. Electrochemical measurements of the coordination polymer also confirm the RuII/RuIII redox couple is maintained in the polymeric network. The development of this material gives a new strategy in the design of novel photoactive materials as multimetallic building blocks for their use in light‐based applications.
Second‐Harmonic Generation via Nonlinear Raman–Nath Diffraction in an Optical Fibonacci Superlattice
Authors: Chen Yesheng , Liu Yongxing , Zhao Ruwei , Xu Tianxiang , Sheng Yan , Xu Tiefeng
Published: January 2022

Nonlinear Raman–Nath diffraction is an effective method for frequency conversion in the presence of phase mismatch. In a structure featuring periodically modulated quadratic nonlinearity, the available frequency‐doubled patterns generated from nonlinear Raman–Nath diffraction constitute uniformly spaced points due to the one parametric decided reciprocal lattice vectors. Herein, nonlinear Raman–Nath second‐harmonic generation from the optical Fibonacci superlattice is theoretically investigated, and a propagation equation that describes the properties of frequency‐doubled waves is presented. Abundant diffraction peaks that are substantially more varied than the traditional Raman–Nath regime are observed. The dependence of the generated second‐harmonic signals on the structural parameters and fundamental laser performance is also comprehensively discussed.
Rainfall, neighbors, and foraging: The dynamics of a population of red harvester ant colonies 1988–2019
Authors: Sundaram Mekala , Steiner Erik , Gordon Deborah M.
Published: January 2022

Changing climatic conditions are shaping how density mediates resource competition. Colonies of the seed‐eating red harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex barbatus, live for about 30 years in desert grassland. They compete with conspecific neighbors for foraging area in which to search for seeds. This study draws on a long‐term census of a population of about 300 colonies from 1988 to 2019 at a site near Rodeo, New Mexico, USA. Rainfall was high in the first decade of the study, and then declined as a severe drought began in about 2001–2003. We examine the effects on colony survival and recruitment of the spatial configuration of the local neighborhood of conspecific neighbors, using Voronoi polygons as a measure of a colony's foraging area, and consider how changing rainfall influences the effects of local neighborhoods. The results show that a colony's chances of surviving to the next year depend on its age and on the foraging area available in its local neighborhood. Recruitment, measured as a founding colony's chance of surviving to be 1 year old, depends on rainfall. In the earlier years of the study, when rainfall was high, colony numbers increased, and then began to decline after about 1997–1999, apparently due to crowding. As rainfall decreased, beginning in about 2001–2003, recruitment declined, and so did colony survival, leading to a trend toward earlier colony death which was most pronounced in 2016. As rainfall declined, apparently decreasing food availability, more foraging area was needed to sustain a colony: although the number of colonies declined, the impact of crowding by intraspecific neighbors increased. These processes maintain overdispersion on the scale of about 8 m, with transient clustering at larger spatial scales. In addition, other factors besides crowding, such as the colony's regulation of foraging activity to manage water loss, appear to contribute to a colony's survival. The adaptive capacity for selection on the collective behavior that regulates foraging activity may determine how the population responds to ongoing climate change and drought.
Modulating the lateral migration of a gravel bed channel using the coarse tail of the bed material distribution
Authors: Eaton Brett C. , MacKenzie Lucy G. , Tatham Caitlin
Published: January 2022

Most stream channels around the world have been, to some extent, laterally constrained by non‐erodible banks constructed of concrete or large angular boulders (called riprap). These lateral constraints generally have a negative impact on aquatic ecosystems by reducing stream channel complexity, and limiting the natural disturbance processes that are critical for renewing the physical habitat. In this paper, we test a novel approach to limiting stream channel instability by exploiting the stabilizing effects of the coarsest grains in the bed material distribution, which we call geomorphic river engineering. This approach modulates the rate of bank erosion rather than halting it altogether. It also exploits the geomorphic feedback between bank erosion, channel width, and mean boundary shear stress during a flood event to limit the potential for vertical incision into the stream bed. The basic premise of the geomorphic river engineering approach is to place the coarse sediment on the floodplain adjacent to the channel margins, and rely on bank erosion by the river to recruit the sediment, allowing the river to remain the architect of its own configuration. Our results suggest that the recruitment of a modest volume of coarse sediment to a coarse, gravel bed stream during a flood could potentially dramatically reduce the amount of lateral migration that would otherwise occur, and that the degree of stabilization could be modified by changing the volume of coarse sediment per unit area placed on the floodplain. More generally, our results confirm the fundamental role that the coarse tail of the bed material distribution plays in dictating the channel dynamics of gravel bed streams with cohesionless banks, and indicate the potential for future river stabilization projects to focus on the engineering that can be done by rivers, rather than to them.
Histological and biochemical effects of preventive and therapeutic vascular photobiomodulation on rat muscle injury
Authors: Lopez Talita Christine Camillo , Malavazzi Tainá Caroline dos Santos , Rodrigues Maria Fernanda Setúbal Destro , Bach Erna Elisabeth , Silva Daniela Teixeira , Hi Edgar Matias Bach , França Cristiane Miranda , Bussadori Sandra Kalil , Mesquita‐Ferrari Raquel Agnelli , Fernandes Kristianne Porta Santos
Published: January 2022

The intravascular or transcutaneous application of photobiomodulation (PBM) over blood vessels (vascular photobiomodulation, VPBM) has been used for the treatment of inflammatory and chronic conditions with promising systemic results. This study evaluated the VPBM effects on a model of muscle regeneration after acute injury and compared the outcomes of preventive and therapeutic VPBM. Transcutaneous VPBM was administered over the rat's main tail vein. Serum levels of creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate were evaluated and muscles were processed for macroscopic and microscopic analysis. Preventive and therapeutic VPBM led to decreased inflammatory infiltrate, edema, and myonecrosis but with an increase in immature muscle fibers. CK, AST, and lactate levels were lower in the groups treated with VPBM (lowest concentrations in preventive VPBM application). Preventive and therapeutic VPBM were capable of exerting a positive effect on acute muscle injury repair, with more accentuated results when preventive VPBM was administered.