bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of the management of depression in Spain from the psychiatrist’s perspective. A comparative analysis: 1997 vs 1982
Authors: López-Ibor J.J. , Alamo C. , López-Muñoz F. , Cuenca E. , Rubio G. , Otero F.J.
Published: July 2002

summary

The main problem of depression is not only the high prevalence of the disorder but also its serious consequences on the patient’s quality of life and the associated social costs in terms of health care resource utilization and productivity losses. In recent years, there has been a considerable improvement in the knowledge of depression from the pathogenic, clinical and therapeutic perspectives. The present study analyzes whether such advances are reflected in a positive evolution of the treatment of depression in Spain. To this effect we have contrasted the results of two socio-sanitary studies published in this country: the White Book editions of 1982 and 1997 (WB82 and WB97, respectively). From the methodological perspective, the physician selection criteria employed were very uniform (structured questionnaires delivered to 128 (WB82) and 300 (WB97) randomly selected psychiatrists). The origin of patients consulting for specialized care has varied over this 15-year period. In effect, WB82 patients were essentially referred by friends (87.5%) and from the primary care setting (44.5%), whereas in the WB97 study referral from primary care predominated (50.1%), followed by the patient’s personal decision (24.8%). In turn, 40.7% and 51.7% of the psychiatrists in WB97 respectively considered the diagnostic and therapeutic means available in primary care to be insufficient. The priorities for improving patient quality of life, as reflected by both editions of the study, were the training of primary care physicians and the adequate provision of means in the mental health care centers. On the other hand, fewer problems for establishing a correct diagnosis were referred in the 1997 edition of the study (28.7%) than in 1982 (48.4%). In this sense, the main problem reported in WB82 was the lack of specialized training, whereas the masking of depression by some other disease process or symptoms was the main problem in WB97 (67.6% vs 21.1% according to WB82). The main symptoms upon which the diagnosis of depression are based do not seem to have evolved much in the past 15 years. The most frequently cited manifestations were a worsening of mood, loss of interest and leisure capacity, sleep alterations and diminished vitality. A comparative analysis of the therapeutic resources used was not possible, for prior to 1982 the only drugs available to physicians were the classical tricyclic agents and some MAO inhibitors; the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – possibly the greatest advance in the treatment of depression in these 15 years – had not yet been introduced. Nevertheless, it should be pointed out that 98% of the psychiatrists consulted in WB97 considered pharmacologic treatment to be the most widely adopted form of management once depression has been diagnosed.
Party identity change in post-communist politics: the cases of the successor parties in Hungary, Poland and Russia☆
Authors: Ishiyama John T. , Shafqat Sahar
Published: July 2002

In recent years much has been written on the communist successor parties. Although much of the existent work focuses on the electoral performance of these parties or has described, in great detail, the development of single parties, this paper evaluates the utility of theories of party identity change in application to the successor parties. As an initial exploration we investigate the successor parties’ programs before and after the initial competitive parliamentary elections in Hungary (in 1990), Poland (in 1991) and Russia (in 1993) to determine the extent to which poor electoral performance in initial competitive elections compelled the successor parties to alter their political identities.
Systematic review of the impact of beta blockers on mortality and hospital admissions in heart failure
Authors: Shibata Marcelo C. , Flather Marcus D. , Wang Duolao
Published: July 2002

Heart failure is a common condition that carries a high burden of mortality and morbidity. Several randomised trials have evaluated the effects of beta blockers in heart failure. This paper gives a systematic overview of published randomised trials of beta blockers in heart failure using standard methods. In all, 22 randomised controlled trials were identified with a total of 10480 patients, and an average of 11 months of treatment. The average age was 61 years and 4% were female. Most studies excluded patients with severe heart failure. Death rates in patients randomised to receive beta blockers compared to controls were 458/5657 (8.0%) and 635/4951 (12.8%) respectively, odds ratio 0.63, 95% CI 0.55–0.72, P < 0.00001. Similar reductions were observed for hospital admissions for worsening heart failure (11.3 vs. 17.1%, respectively, odds ratio 0.63) and for the composite outcome of death or heart‐failure hospital admission (19.4 vs. 26.9%, respectively, odds ratio 0.66). These results show that beta blockers reduce the risk of mortality or the need for heart‐failure hospital admission by approximately one third. Absolute reductions of 5–6% in event rates were observed over approximately 1 year of treatment period. These important benefits should be implemented as a priority, since treatment with beta blockers is inexpensive and heart failure carries a high risk of death and disability. Further information on the effect of beta blockers in elderly patients and women would be helpful.
Mechanistic underpinning of an inside–out concept for autoimmunity in multiple sclerosis
Authors: ’t Hart Bert A. , Luchicchi Antonio , Schenk Geert J. , Stys Peter K. , Geurts Jeroen J. G.
Published: June 2021

The neuroinflammatory disease multiple sclerosis is driven by autoimmune pathology in the central nervous system. However, the trigger of the autoimmune pathogenic process is unknown. MS models in immunologically naïve, specific‐pathogen‐free bred rodents support an exogenous trigger, such as an infection. The validity of this outside–in pathogenic concept for MS has been frequently challenged by the difficulty to translate pathogenic concepts developed in these models into effective therapies for the MS patient. Studies in well‐validated non‐human primate multiple sclerosis models where, just like in humans, the autoimmune pathogenic process develops from an experienced immune system trained by prior infections, rather support an endogenous trigger. Data reviewed here corroborate the validity of this inside–out pathogenic concept for multiple sclerosis. They also provide a plausible sequence of events reminiscent of Wilkin’s primary lesion theory: (i) that autoimmunity is a physiological response of the immune system against excess antigen turnover in diseased tissue (the primary lesion) and (ii) that individuals developing autoimmune disease are (genetically predisposed) high responders against critical antigens. Data obtained in multiple sclerosis brains reveal the presence in normally appearing white matter of myelinated axons where myelin sheaths have locally dissociated from their enwrapped axon (i.e., blistering). The ensuing disintegration of axon–myelin units potentially causes the excess systemic release of post‐translationally modified myelin. Data obtained in a unique primate multiple sclerosis model revealed a core pathogenic role of T cells present in the normal repertoire, which hyper‐react to post‐translationally modified (citrullinated) myelin–oligodendrocyte glycoprotein and evoke clinical and pathological aspects of multiple sclerosis.
Multi‐Level Control of Conductive Filament Evolution and Enhanced Resistance Controllability of the Cu‐Cone Structure Embedded Conductive Bridge Random Access Memory
Authors: Kim Hae Jin , Kim Jihun , Park Tae Gyun , Yoon Jung Ho , Hwang Cheol Seong
Published: June 2021

Memristor is considered as one of the key components of neuromorphic hardware aiming to overcome the limitations of classical von Neumann computers, but the continuous control of the device conduction remains a challenge. Random and stochastic dynamics of weak conducting filaments (CF) hinder the precise control of the resistance states, particularly in the conductive bridge random access memory (CBRAM). The problem of random and stochastic resistive switching of the Cu‐based CBRAM is largely mitigated by inserting the Cu‐cone as a cation source into the memory cell (Cu‐cone device). The electric field concentrated on the Cu‐cone induces stronger CF with a limited number near the tip region, making the device feature distinctive from the planar Cu CBRAM. The Cu‐cone device exhibits enhanced resistance controllability attributed to the well‐controlled CF, improved switching reliability improvement, and multiple intermediate resistance states. Such features are used to explore its usefulness as an artificial synapse, where fluent potentiation and depression can be achieved using voltage pulses. Further research is still required to emulate the artificial synapses fully, but the feasibility is presented in this work by exploiting the similarities between the Cu cations in the CBRAM device and the Ca2+dynamics in a biological synapse.
L‐carnitine supplementation for muscle weakness and fatigue in children with neurofibromatosis type 1: A Phase 2a clinical trial
Authors: Vasiljevski Emily R. , Burns Joshua , Bray Paula , Donlevy Gabrielle , Mudge Anita J. , Jones Kristi J. , Summers Matthew A. , Biggin Andrew , Munns Craig F. , McKay Marnee J. , Baldwin Jennifer N. , Little David G. , Schindeler Aaron
Published: June 2021

Reduced muscle tone, muscle weakness, and physical fatigue can impact considerably on quality of life for children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Human muscle biopsies and mouse models of NF1 deficiency in muscle show intramyocellular lipid accumulation, and preclinical data have indicated that L‐carnitine supplementation can ameliorate this phenotype. The aim of this study is to examine whether daily L‐carnitine supplementation is safe and feasible, and will improve muscle strength and reduce fatigue in children with NF1. A 12‐week Phase 2a trial was conducted using 1000 mg daily oral levocarnitine tartrate supplementation. Recruited children were between 8 and 12 years old with a clinical diagnosis of NF1, history of muscle weakness and fatigue, and naïve to L‐carnitine. Primary outcomes were safety (self‐reporting, biochemical testing) and compliance. Secondary outcomes included plasma acylcarnitine profiles, functional measures (muscle strength, long jump, handwriting speed, 6‐minute‐walk test [6MWT]), and parent‐reported questionnaires (PedsQL™, CBCL/6–18). Six children completed the trial with no self‐reported adverse events. Biochemical tests for kidney and liver function were normal, and the average compliance was 95%. Plasma acylcarnitine levels were low, but within a range not clinically linked to carnitine deficiency. For strength measures, there was a mean 53% increase in dorsiflexion strength (95% confidence interval [CI] 8.89–60.75; p = 0.02) and mean 66% increase in plantarflexion strength (95% CI 12.99–134.1; p = 0.03). In terms of muscle performance, there was a mean 10% increase in long jump distance (95% CI 2.97–16.03; p = 0.01) and 6MWT distance (95% CI 5.88–75.45; p = 0.03). Comparison with the 1000 Norms Project data showed a significant improvement in Z‐score for all of these measures. Parent reports showed no negative impact on quality of life, and the perceived benefits led to the majority of individuals remaining on L‐carnitine after the study. Twelve weeks of L‐carnitine supplementation is safe and feasible in children with NF1, and a Phase 3 trial should confirm the efficacy of treatment.
Dominance rank, female choice, and reproductive success in semi‐free ranging adult male Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata)
Authors: Gartland Kylen N. , Biggs Nichole , Shreeve Caitlin M. , White Frances J.
Published: June 2021

The assumed evolutionary advantage of dominance is increased reproductive success. However, the efficacy of dominance as a mating strategy may be interrupted by any number of variables including female choice, estrous synchrony, and mating by non‐troop males. In Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata), there is evidence both for and against dominance as conferring reproductive success for adult males, with many discussions pointing to the importance of female choice in governing reproductive success in certain populations. In this study, we aimed to evaluate dominance‐basedversusfemale choice‐based male behavioral strategies and their impact on reproductive success. This study was conducted on a group of Japanese macaques at the Oregon National Primate Research Center. We collected a total of 512 h of behavioral data across two summer study periods in 2018 and 2019. We conducted 15‐min focal follows with 1‐min instantaneous scans on 17 adult males. Reproductive data were available from genetic records. Using principal components analysis (PCA), we identified males that cluster according to similar behavioral strategies. We then used analysis of variance (ANOVA) and non‐parametric ANOVA on ranks to ascertain significant variation in rank and reproductive success between clusters. We found that males that clustered based on high directed aggression held higher rank than less‐aggressive male clusters (F = 27.21,df = 4,p < .0001). However, less aggressive male clusters had higher reproductive success (F = 3.50,df = 4,p = .04). There was no variation between affiliative clusters in reproductive success (F = 1.77,df = 3,p = .15). The highly aggressive strategy is effective for attaining high rank, but only resulted in high reproductive success for a single male which likely necessitates alternative strategies. We suggest the operation of female choice within this population, with females preferentially mating with males who are not only affiliative but also less aggressive.
The Electronic Metal–Support Interaction Directing the Design of Single Atomic Site Catalysts: Achieving High Efficiency Towards Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Yang Jiarui , Li Wen‐Hao , Tan Shengdong , Xu Kaini , Wang Yu , Wang Dingsheng , Li Yadong
Published: June 2021

It is still of great difficulty to develop the non‐platinum catalyst with high catalytic efficiency towards hydrogen evolution reaction via the strategies till now. Therefore, it is necessary to develop the new methods of catalyst designing. Here, we put forward the catalyst designed by the electronic metal–support interaction (EMSI), which is demonstrated to be a reliable strategy to find out the high‐efficiency catalyst. We carried out the density functional theory calculation first to design the proper EMSI of the catalyst. We applied the model of M1‐M2‐X (X=C, N, O) during the calculation. Among the catalysts we chose, the EMSI of Rh1TiC, with the active sites of Rh1‐Ti2C2, is found to be the most proper one for HER. The electrochemical experiment further demonstrated the feasibility of the EMSI strategy. The single atomic site catalyst of Rh1‐TiC exhibits higher catalytic efficiency than that of state‐of‐art Pt/C. It achieves a small overpotential of 22 mV and 86 mV at the at the current density of 10 mA cm−2 and 100 mA cm−2 in acid media, with a Tafel slope of 25 mV dec−1 and a mass activity of 54403.9 mA cm−2 mgRh−1 (vs. 192.2 mA cm−2 mgPt−1 of Pt/C). Besides, it also shows appealing advantage in energy saving compared with Pt/C (≈20 % electricity consuming decrease at 2 kA m−2) Therefore, we believe that the strategy of regulating EMSI can act as a possible way for achieving the high catalytic efficiency on the next step of SACs.
Chemically Stabilized DNA Barcodes for DNA‐Encoded Chemistry
Authors: Potowski Marco , Kunig Verena B. K. , Eberlein Lukas , Vakalopoulos Alexandros , Kast Stefan M. , Brunschweiger Andreas
Published: June 2021

DNA‐encoded compound libraries are a widely used small molecule screening technology. One important aim in library design is the coverage of chemical space through structurally diverse molecules. Yet, the chemical reactivity of native DNA barcodes limits the toolbox of reactions for library design. Substituting the chemically vulnerable purines by 7‐deazaadenine, which exhibits tautomerization stability similar to natural adenine with respect to the formation of stable Watson–Crick pairs, yielded ligation‐competent, amplifiable, and readable DNA barcodes for encoded chemistry with enhanced stability against protic acid‐ and metal ion‐promoted depurination. The barcode stability allowed for straightforward translation of 16 exemplary reactions that included isocyanide multicomponent reactions, acid‐promoted Pictet–Spengler and Biginelli reactions, and metal‐promoted pyrazole syntheses on controlled pore glass‐coupled barcodes for diverse DEL design. The Boc protective group of reaction products offered a convenient handle for encoded compound purification.
Xantphos‐coordinated palladium dithiolates: Highly efficient catalyst for decarboxylative Sonogashira reaction into corresponding alkynes
Authors: Lokolkar Manjunath S. , Mane Pravin A. , Dey Sandip , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: June 2021

This work reports Xantphos‐coordinated palladium dithiolate complexes as catalysts for decarboxylative Sonogashira coupling reaction of phenyl propiolic acid and 2‐butynoic acid with various iodoarenes. These palladium aryl dithiolate complexes were synthesized and characterized by 1H and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, melting point, and elemental analysis (CHNS). Synthetic utility for the reported protocol is explored for the effect of various functional groups on the yield of corresponding heteroaryl alkynes. The current protocol showed excellent catalytic activity towards decarboxylative alkynylation reaction with high turn‐over number (TON) up to 105 and turn‐over frequency (TOF) up to 104 h−1. The catalyst could be recycled up to six recycles without losing its catalytic activity. The in situ generation of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) was observed after the third recycle, and the amount was significant after the sixth recycle, which were confirmed and characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM). The catalytic activity of the reaction is attributed to the formation of PdNPs.
Synthesis of novel benzimidazoles and benzothiazoles via furan‐2‐carboxaldehydes, o‐phenylenediamines, and 2‐aminothiophenol using Cu(II) Schiff‐base@SiO2 as a nanocatalyst
Authors: Sharghi Hashem , Mashhadi Elahe , Aberi Mahdi , Aboonajmi Jasem
Published: June 2021

2‐(5‐Substituted phenyl)furan‐2‐carboxaldehyde derivatives were prepared by using an efficient copper(II) complex of tetradentate Schiff‐base ligand immobilized onto silica as a heterogeneous nanocatalyst [Cu(II) Schiff‐base@SiO2] (5.0 mol%) using anilines, sodium nitrite, and furan‐2‐carboxaldehyde. Furthermore, attractive di‐heteroaryl benzo‐fused systems such as benzimidazole and benzothiazole derivatives were synthesized using this nanocatalyst (5.0 mol%) via the reaction of o‐phenylenediamines and 2‐aminothiophenol with 2‐(5‐substituted phenyl)furan‐2‐carboxaldehydes in EtOH. The catalyst was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) techniques. The advantages of the present catalytic system are short reaction times, mild conditions, good to excellent yields, and low amount of nanocatalyst. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first time of using the same catalyst in two steps including synthesis of 2‐(5‐substituted phenyl)furan‐2‐carboxaldehyde and benzimidazole or benzothiazole derivatives. In addition, the synthesized catalyst was recycled very well and reused several times without significant loss of its catalytic activity.
Atlantic salmon in a rapidly changing environment—Facing the challenges of reduced marine survival and climate change
Authors: Thorstad Eva B. , Bliss Doug , Breau Cindy , Damon‐Randall Kim , Sundt‐Hansen Line E. , Hatfield Emma M.C. , Horsburgh Grant , Hansen Heidi , Maoiléidigh Niall Ó. , Sheehan Timothy , Sutton Stephen G.
Published: June 2021

Atlantic salmon populations have declined in recent decades. Many of the threats to the species during its freshwater and coastal residency periods are known, and management approaches are available to mitigate them. The global scale of climate change and altered ocean ecosystems make these threats more difficult to address.

Managers need to be aware that promoting strong, healthy, and resilient wild populations migrating from rivers is the optimal approach currently to reduce the impacts of changing ecosystems and low marine survival. We argue that a fundamental strategy should be to ensure that the highest number of wild smolts in the best condition leave from rivers and coastal areas to the ocean. There is great scope for water quality, river regulation, migration barriers, and physical river habitat improvements.

Maintenance of genetic integrity and diversity of wild populations by eliminating interbreeding with escaped farmed salmon, eliminating poorly planned stocking, and reducing impacts that reduce population sizes to dangerously low levels will support the ability of Atlantic salmon to adapt to changing environments. Reducing the impacts from aquaculture and other human activities in coastal areas can greatly increase marine survival in affected areas.

As most of the threats to wild salmon are the result of human activities, a focus on human dimensions and improved communication, from scientific and management perspectives, needs to be increasingly emphasized. When political and social will are coupled with adequate resources, managers often have the tools to mitigate many of the threats to wild salmon.
Optimal output tracking of switched Boolean networks
Authors: Chen Yuzhi , Sun Pengfei , Sun Tao , Alassafi Madini O. , Ahmad Adil M.
Published: June 2021

In this paper, the optimal output tracking problem for a class of switched Boolean networks is investigated by using a graph‐theoretical method. Firstly, by using the semitensor product of matrices, the algebraic equation of switched Boolean networks is formulated, and then by utilizing the concepts of set stabilization and switching invariant set, the trackability of a switched Boolean network is judged. Furthermore, the optimal switching sequence for optimal output tracking of switched Boolean networks is designed by using the heap‐optimized Dijkstra algorithm and the constructed optimal state transition graph, which enables the system to track a given reference signal with the minimum cost. Finally, a numerical example is given to demonstrate the validity of the presented results.
The first case of mosaic MNX1 mutation in an adult female with features of Currarino syndrome
Authors: Romano Ferruccio , De Marco Patrizia , Ognibene Marzia , Di Duca Marco , Baldassari Simona , Pavanello Marco , Piatelli Gianluca , Zara Federico , Capra Valeria
Published: June 2021

Background

Currarino syndrome (CS) is a rare genetic condition characterized by the association of three major clinical signs: anorectal malformation (ARM), sacro‐coccygeal bone defects, and presacral mass. Different kinds of ARM can be present such as anteriorly placed anus, imperforate anus, anorectal stenosis, rectal duplication, and fistulae. The presacral mass can be a benign teratoma, a dermoid or neurenteric cyst, anterior meningocele or hamartoma. Females are more frequently affected and usually present with associated gynecologic and urinary tract problems. CS is considered an autosomal dominant trait, with reduced penetrance and variable expressivity. CS is associated with mutations in the MNX1 gene (motor neuron and pancreas homeobox‐1, previously known as HLXB9) mapped to chromosome 7q36. Heterozygous loss‐of‐function mutations in the coding sequence of MNX1 gene have been reported in nearly all familial CS cases and in approximately 30% of CS sporadic patients.

Case

Here, we present the case of a woman with features of CS carrying a mosaic mutation in the coding region of MNX1 gene. This is the only reported case of a CS diagnosis in which the mutation is present in less than 50% of cells.

Conclusion

The lower detection rate of MNX1 mutations in sporadic cases could similarly be explained by somatic mosaicism, mutations occurring outside the coding regions, or genetic heterogeneity.
Critical Chinese as an Additional Language education in Australia: A journey to voices, courage and hope
Authors: Xu Wen , Knijnik Jorge
Published: June 2021

This article addresses key topics of Chinese as an Additional Language (CAL) education and classroom pedagogical practices. It reports on a 3‐year ethnographic study within Australian schools to discuss dialogic pedagogical practices and students’ aspirations. Based on Freire’s conceptualisation of conscientização and banking education, the purpose of this article is therefore to unpack a journey to voices, courage and hope of a cohort of socially, linguistically and economically disadvantaged students in Western Sydney, one of the most culturally diverse regions in the country. Their experiences, responses, dreams and understanding of CAL education in multicultural Australia were thus captured. Our data shows that critical CAL education might point to some avenues for the educational equity agenda. By arguing that emancipatory and critical practices could enhance students to achieve consciousness and collective self‐transformation, we aim to make a contribution to the literature on CAL and languages education, which all too often isolates from broader issues in educational theory. The article also adds to the limited research that engages with CAL classroom data. Our critical approach to CAL education illuminates the intersections between language and social inclusion. Considering the worldwide growing upheaval and scepticism around CAL education, we call for writing inclusive languages education and related pedagogical practices into the social inclusion agenda in Australia and internationally, for the teaching and learning of all additional languages.
Training biochemistry students in experimental developmental biology: Induction of cardia bifida formation in the chick embryo
Authors: Palmquist‐Gomes Paul , Pérez‐Pomares José María , Guadix Juan Antonio
Published: June 2021

A high variety of experimental model organisms have been used in developmental biology practical lectures. The work with developing embryos is crucial to make students aware of the multiple biological phenomena underlying normal animal embryogenesis and morphogenesis and represent a unique experimental platform to analyze the impact of molecular signaling in the regulation of all these processes. In particular, Biochemistry undergraduate students enjoy both practical and theoretical lectures on the molecular mechanisms of embryonic development, as that allows them for the integration of crucial molecular concepts (e.g. signaling and signal transduction mechanisms; molecular patterning of development) into the dynamic and progressive context of animal embryonic ontogenesis. Accordingly, it is important to carefully design practical laboratory lectures in developmental biology, as these are a unique pedagogical tools fostering the interests of the students in this subject. This study describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of a two‐session laboratory practical activity performed by Biochemistry undergraduate students at University of Málaga (Spain). In this practical activity, which takes advantage of the unique characteristics of the chick embryo, students learn how the vertebrate heart forms from the fusion of two bilateral‐symmetric cardiac progenitor pools under the guidance of the underlying endoderm. This cheap and easy practical laboratory activity provides relevant visual information on how experimental manipulations can severely influence anatomical form during organ development, as well as an excellent experimental setting to test molecular regulation of morphogenesis in an ex vivo (ex ovo) context.
Sleep deprivation alters task‐related changes in functional connectivity of the frontal cortex: A near‐infrared spectroscopy study
Authors: Mukli Peter , Csipo Tamas , Lipecz Agnes , Stylianou Orestis , Racz Frigyes Samuel , Owens Cameron D. , Perry Jonathan W. , Tarantini Stefano , Sorond Farzaneh A. , Kellawan Jeremy M. , Purebl György , Yang Yuan , Sonntag William E. , Csiszar Anna , Ungvari Zoltan I. , Yabluchanskiy Andriy
Published: June 2021

Sleep deprivation (SD) is known to be associated with decreased cognitive performance; however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. As interactions between distinct brain regions depend on mental state, functional brain networks established by these connections typically show a reorganization during task. Hence, analysis of functional connectivity (FC) could reveal the task‐related change in the examined frontal brain networks. Our objective was to assess the impact of SD on static FC in the prefrontal and motor cortices and find whether changes in FC correlate with changes in neuropsychological scores. Healthy young male individuals (n = 10, 27.6 ± 3.7 years of age) participated in the study. A battery of tests from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) and 48 channel functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) measurements were performed before and after 24 hr of SD. Network metrics were obtained by graph theoretical analysis using the fNIRS records in resting state and during finger‐tapping sessions. During task, SD resulted in a significantly smaller decrease in the number and strength of functional connections (characterizing FC) in the frontal cortex. Changes in the global connection strengths correlated with decreased performance in the paired association learning test. These results indicate a global impact of SD on functional brain networks in the frontal lobes.
DNAzyme‐Catalyzed Cellular Oxidative Stress Amplification for Pro‐protein Activation in Living Cells
Authors: Li Wenting , Liu Ji , Shao Leihou , Mao Lanqun , Wang Ming
Published: June 2021

The conditional control of protein function in response to the physiological change of cells is of great interest for studying protein function in biological settings and developing protein therapeutics. We report herein that catalase (CAT) DNAzyme can potentiate the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in living cells by knocking down catalase expression, which could further activate a reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐responsive pro‐protein, RNase A‐NBC, in situ. Using an optimized lipid nanoparticle delivery system to simultaneously introduce CAT DNAzyme and RNase A‐NBC into cells, we show that the pro‐protein, RNase A‐NBC, could be activated in a significantly enhanced manner to prohibit tumor cell growth in different types of cancer cells. We believe the methodology of regulating pro‐protein activity using DNAzyme biocatalysis to differentiate intracellular environment could further be extended to other functional proteins, and even fundamental investigations in living systems to develop pro‐protein therapeutics.
Primary percutaneous coronary intervention of anomalous origin of a high take‐off of right coronary artery arising from ascending aorta with percutaneous cardiopulmonary support in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Shimizu Takuya , Umetani Ken , Eguchi Miu
Published: June 2021

Coronary angiography of high take‐off right coronary artery (RCA) arising from ascending aorta under percutaneous cardiopulmonary support may be more effective at the site distal to RCA ostium rather than proximal. Guide extension catheters (GECs) may be useful to strengthen backup of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) system and to contrast coronary lesions clearly during PCI of these RCAs.
Yield of targeted genotyping for the recurring pathogenic variants in cancer susceptibility genes in a healthy, multiethnic Israeli population
Authors: Bernstein‐Molho Rinat , Galmor Lee , Laitman Yael , Segev Shlomo , Friedman Eitan
Published: June 2021

Background

Several recurring pathogenic variants in BRCA1/BRCA2 and other cancer susceptibility genes are encountered in ethnically diverse Jewish populations. The yield of genotyping for these recurring pathogenic variants in healthy Israeli individuals unselected for ethnicity, sex, or a family history of cancer has not been previously reported.

Methods

Individuals voluntarily participating in annual medical surveillance at the Institute of Medical Screening of Sheba Medical Center were offered genotyping for predominant pathogenic variants in BRCA1/BRCA2 and recurring variants in CHEK2, MUTYH, APC, and the Lynch syndrome genes via a chip‐based assay at the oncogenetic service of Sheba Medical Center from May 15, 2018, to December 15, 2020. All study participants were unrelated to one another. The study was approved by the Sheba ethics committee.

Results

Overall, 1764 individuals, including 1008 females (57%), with a mean age of 54.2 years (range, 25‐86 years) were genotyped. The yield of the testing was 4% (71 of 1764), and it was higher in Ashkenazi Jews (AJs) and mixed AJ–non‐AJ participants (4.75% [58 of 1222]; 1.8% for BRCA1/BRCA2 pathogenic variants) than non‐AJ patients (2.2% [9 of 401]; 1% for BRCA1 pathogenic variants). When BRCA1/BRCA2 pathogenic variants were excluded, 2.44% carried low‐penetrance variants, including CHEK2 c.1283C>T (n = 3), APC c.3920T>A (n = 36), and heterozygous MUTYH c.1187G>A (n = 4). A family history of cancer was not associated with a higher yield of pathogenic variant detection.

Conclusions

The observed rates of positive genotyping in a healthy, unselected, multiethnic Israeli population warrant consideration of the inclusion of targeted genotyping of selected pathogenic variants in high‐penetrance and perhaps lower penetrance cancer susceptibility genes for all Jewish individuals in Israel, regardless of their ethnicity or family history of cancer.
Load‐based node ranked low‐energy adaptive clustering hierarchy: An enhanced energy‐efficient algorithm for cluster head selection in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Mehta Deepak , Saxena Sharad
Published: June 2021

A Wireless Sensor Network typically uses a large number of power‐constrained sensor nodes for sensing phenomenal data and for its processing. The lifetime of a sensor node is limited and this is a great challenge for researchers to sustain the network for a long time. Since, the data transmission from a sensor node to the base station is more power consuming, the hierarchical routing protocols play a major role in multihop communication and to prolong the network life time. It uses a clustering approach with an overhead of cluster head (CH) selection to attain this. This overhead needs proper addressing and to be reduced by some means. The work in this paper employs a new approach based on low‐energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH) and considers network load for electing CH in addition to number of links, residual sensor energy and distance. Here, energy and time are used for calculating load on a CH. The simulation results show that the proposed protocol performs better than LEACH, LEACH‐I, and NR‐LEACH algorithms on the parameters of average energy ratio throughput, end‐to‐end delay, packet delivery ratio, and a number of alive nodes.
Accounting for heterogeneous genotypic variance of progenies within populations in autogamous plant breeding: An evaluation in common bean
Authors: Salvador Felipe V. , dos Anjos Rafael S. R. , Marçal Tiago de S. , Rocha João R. do A. S. de C. , Pereira Gabriela dos S. , de Paula Ramon G. , Carneiro Pedro C. S. , Carneiro José E. de S.
Published: June 2021

In breeding of autogamous plants, breeders often deal with the evaluation of progenies derived from multiple populations. We hypothesize that selection strategies that account for the heterogeneous genotypic variability of progenies within these populations associated with the population means may improve progeny selection. Thus, the objective of this work was to use two mixed models with progenies nested to population effects to obtain and evaluate indexes for the genotypic values of progenies. We used simulations and a real dataset from a multipopulation recurrent selection program of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Progenies from 20 populations were evaluated for grain yield in two different generations. The three studied indexes consider the merit of populations, but differently account for the genotypic variability of progenies within populations: index gM uses a mean estimate, index gH is based on heterogeneous estimates, and the index gW also uses a mean estimate but is weighted by the selection accuracy within populations. The studied populations were highly diverse in both generations, justifying the implementation of the two models to obtain the population means and specific estimates of genotypic variability of progenies for each population. The comparison among indexes suggested that index gW more appropriately explored the information from the genotypic profiles of the common bean studied populations in the genotypic values of progenies. Thus, the index gW has the potential to help breeders of self‐pollinated plant species to improve progeny selection from multiple populations.
The AGE receptor, OST48 drives podocyte foot process effacement and basement membrane expansion (alters structural composition)
Authors: Zhuang Aowen , Yap Felicia Y. T. , Borg Danielle J. , McCarthy Domenica , Fotheringham Amelia , Leung Sherman , Penfold Sally A. , Sourris Karly C. , Coughlan Melinda T. , Schulz Benjamin L. , Forbes Josephine M.
Published: June 2021

Aims

The accumulation of advanced glycation end products is implicated in the development and progression of diabetic kidney disease. No study has examined whether stimulating advanced glycation clearance via receptor manipulation is reno‐protective in diabetes. Podocytes, which are early contributors to diabetic kidney disease and could be a target for reno‐protection.

Materials and methods

To examine the effects of increased podocyte oligosaccharyltransferase‐48 on kidney function, glomerular sclerosis, tubulointerstitial fibrosis and proteome (PXD011434), we generated a mouse with increased oligosaccharyltransferase‐48kDa subunit abundance in podocytes driven by the podocin promoter.

Results

Despite increased urinary clearance of advanced glycation end products, we observed a decline in renal function, significant glomerular damage including glomerulosclerosis, collagen IV deposition, glomerular basement membrane thickening and foot process effacement and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Analysis of isolated glomeruli identified enrichment in proteins associated with collagen deposition, endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress. Ultra‐resolution microscopy of podocytes revealed denudation of foot processes where there was co‐localization of oligosaccharyltransferase‐48kDa subunit and advanced glycation end‐products.

Conclusions

These studies indicate that increased podocyte expression of oligosaccharyltransferase‐48 kDa subunit results in glomerular endoplasmic reticulum stress and a decline in kidney function.
Access to α‐ and β‐Hydroxyamides and Ureas Through Metal‐Catalyzed C≡N Bond Hydration and Transfer Hydration Reactions
Authors: Crochet Pascale , Cadierno Victorio
Published: June 2021

The hydration of nitriles is an important transformation because the resulting primary amides present a huge number of applications in synthetic organic chemistry, as well as industrial and pharmaceutical interest. Metallic compounds (complexes, oxides, and nanoparticles) are known to catalyze the hydration of nitriles by activating the nitrile substrate, the water molecule, or both partners, upon coordination. In this Minireview article, the application of metal‐based catalysts in the hydration of α‐ and β‐hydroxynitriles and cyanamides is comprehensively discussed. Compared to more classical organonitriles, little attention has been paid to the hydration of these particular class of substrates despite the synthetic relevance of the respective carboxamides, i. e. α‐/β‐hydroxyamides and ureas. Transfer hydration strategies, in which a water surrogate is employed to convert the C≡N group into the C(=O)NH2 one, are also covered.
The effect of a pain educational video intervention upon child pain‐related outcomes: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Rheel Emma , Ickmans Kelly , Wauters Aline , Van Ryckeghem Dimitri M. L. , Malfliet Anneleen , Vervoort Tine
Published: June 2021

Background

Pain neuroscience education (PNE) has received increasing research attention demonstrating beneficial effects on pain‐related outcomes in adults. Conversely, studies on the effectiveness of PNE in children are scarce.

Methods

This study investigated the effect of a pain educational video intervention on child pain‐related outcomes (i.e. experienced pain intensity, pain‐related fear and catastrophic worry about pain, pain threshold and pain knowledge) in healthy children undergoing an experimental pain task. Furthermore, the moderating role of children's demographic (i.e. sex and age) and psychological (i.e. baseline pain knowledge and anticipated pain intensity, pain‐related fear and catastrophic worry) characteristics was examined. Participants were 89 children (Mage = 11.85, SD = 1.78), randomly assigned to either a condition whereby they were instructed to watch a brief pain educational video (i.e. experimental group) or to a control condition whereby they did not watch any video.

Results

Study findings revealed that accurate pain knowledge and pain threshold were higher amongst children in the experimental group compared to the control group. In contrast with expectations, no main effects of the video intervention were observed for experienced pain intensity, pain‐related fear and catastrophic worry. Moderation analyses indicated that the video intervention contributed, in comparison with the control condition, to higher levels of pain knowledge amongst younger children only and to higher pain thresholds amongst boys only.

Conclusions

Further investigation is needed to optimize pain educational video interventions and to determine whether more beneficial outcomes can be found in clinical (i.e. non‐experimental) situations and in children with persistent or recurring pain problems.

Significance

Examining the impact of pain educational interventions within a non‐clinical setting is deemed particularly important given that adaptive pain coping strategies likely play an important role in preventing the development and maintenance of future maladaptive pain‐related behaviour. Further, study findings provide preliminary evidence of baseline and demographic (i.e. age and sex) characteristics explaining differences in the effect of a pain educational video intervention in pain knowledge and pain‐related experiences during experimental pain.
Online multidisciplinary interventions for paediatric chronic pain: A content analysis
Authors: Hurley‐Wallace Anna L. , Nowotny Ewa , Schoth Daniel E. , Liossi Christina
Published: June 2021

Background

Many online interventions for paediatric chronic pain have been developed and evaluated. In accordance with the biopsychosocial model, the recommended treatment approach for chronic pain is multidisciplinary. Despite this, multidisciplinary components within existing online interventions have not been examined. The objective of the present review was to summarise and evaluate the content of existing online interventions for paediatric chronic pain by mapping intervention content to evidence‐based guidelines for chronic pain management.

Methods

Interventions were identified using an updated systematic review. Nine chronic pain management strategies that reflect evidence‐based guidance for multidisciplinary chronic pain management were defined by the authors, examples of which include ‘pain education’, ‘activity pacing’ and ‘physiotherapy’. Identified interventions were then coded against the target strategies. These codes were compiled descriptively to provide an overview of how well each chronic pain management strategy was represented across the dataset, and which interventions represented the most strategies.

Results

Thirty‐five articles, relating to 13 unique interventions for paediatric chronic pain management were identified; few encompassed a complete multidisciplinary approach. Many CBT‐based interventions included multidisciplinary elements. Across interventions, physiotherapy and non‐pharmacological physical therapies were the least represented chronic pain management strategies.

Conclusions

The content analysis revealed a lack of online interventions encompassing complete multidisciplinary pain management. It is important that new interventions for paediatric chronic pain management are evidence‐based and reflect current best practice guidelines. Established intervention development approaches should be utilised and include a process evaluation to help identify which intervention components are effective in which contexts.

Significance

This content analysis of online interventions for paediatric chronic pain highlights the need for multidisciplinary practices in pain management to be translated into online interventions. Improving the availability of pain management resources is essential for many families who cannot attend specialist pain clinics, particularly in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic. There is potential for new resources, as well as for established resources, to be further developed to deliver a broader range of pain management content.
Assessing methods for geometric distortion compensation in 7 T gradient echo functional MRI data
Authors: Schallmo Michael‐Paul , Weldon Kimberly B. , Burton Philip C. , Sponheim Scott R. , Olman Cheryl A.
Published: June 2021

Echo planar imaging (EPI) is widely used in functional and diffusion‐weighted MRI, but suffers from significant geometric distortions in the phase encoding direction caused by inhomogeneities in the static magnetic field (B0). This is a particular challenge for EPI at very high field (≥7 T), as distortion increases with higher field strength. A number of techniques for distortion correction exist, including those based on B0 field mapping and acquiring EPI scans with opposite phase encoding directions. However, few quantitative comparisons of distortion compensation methods have been performed using human EPI data, especially at very high field. Here, we compared distortion compensation using B0 field maps and opposite phase encoding scans in two different software packages (FSL and AFNI) applied to 7 T gradient echo (GE) EPI data from 31 human participants. We assessed distortion compensation quality by quantifying alignment to anatomical reference scans using Dice coefficients and mutual information. Performance between FSL and AFNI was equivalent. In our whole‐brain analyses, we found superior distortion compensation using GE scans with opposite phase encoding directions, versus B0 field maps or spin echo (SE) opposite phase encoding scans. However, SE performed better when analyses were limited to ventromedial prefrontal cortex, a region with substantial dropout. Matching the type of opposite phase encoding scans to the EPI data being corrected (e.g., SE‐to‐SE) also yielded better distortion correction. While the ideal distortion compensation approach likely varies depending on methodological differences across experiments, this study provides a framework for quantitative comparison of different distortion compensation methods.