bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redes solidárias de apoio ao autismo no Brasil: uma revisão sistemática da última década
Authors: Neto Aroldo Galli Caron , Nascimento Daniel Teotonio do
Published: November 2022

Este artigo teve como o objetivo verificar a existência de redes solidárias de apoio a portadores do TEA e seus familiares no Brasil, por meio de uma Revisão Sistemática da literatura. Inicialmente elaborou-se um referencial teórico sobre o Transtorno de Espectro Autista e Redes Solidárias. Em seguida, descreveu-se a metodologia apresentando a questão norteadora: Existem redes solidárias de apoio a portadores do TEA e seus familiares no Brasil? De forma mais específica, buscou-se respostas a estes elementos: a) Quais são propriedades de redes existentes; b) Quais atores interagem nas redes do TEA; c) Que tipo de interação há entre os atores. Realizou-se um levantamento da produção científica dos últimos 10 anos utilizando os termos Autismo, Redes Solidárias, Redes de apoio, Organizações, Autistas, Transtorno do Espectro Autista. O resultado mostrou-se positivo para a existência de redes, porém, com poucos estudos científicos sobre a temática. Verificou-se que as redes têm propriedades centralizadas. Os atores das redes são pessoas jurídicas públicas e privadas, organizações não governamentais e pessoas físicas. Nas interações, verificou-se baixa conexão com atores do setor público devido à falta de políticas públicas envolvendo o autismo. Está pesquisa contribui ao constatar a necessidade da ampliação das Rede de Apoio ao TEA.
Didática dos professores de ensino superior: percepções dos alunos sobre os docentes de um curso de graduação em administração
Authors: Serpe Luís Filippe , Junior Itamir Caciatori , Fernandes Jane Mendes Ferreira
Published: November 2022

O processo de ensino-aprendizagem é uma questão complexa e envolve elementos como a articulação de saberes aos contextos específicos da vivência dos alunos, o relacionamento interpessoal, as técnicas usadas para repassar o conteúdo e o grau de autonomia e protagonismo atribuído aos alunos. De forma a melhor compreender como este processo ocorre, o presente artigo possui como objetivo explicitar as percepções dos alunos de um curso superior em Administração com relação às características dos bons e dos maus professores e da atuação destes em suas atividades profissionais. A metodologia utilizada envolve a observação do incidente crítico, onde foi realizado um estudo de caso utilizando-se de uma entrevista semiestruturada com um grupo de 20 alunos de um curso de Administração. As principais conclusões do estudo demonstram que a insatisfação dos professores, quando percebida pelos alunos, é um dos principais fatores que prejudicam a avaliação dos docentes. Além disso, a desconexão entre teoria e prática, falta de conhecimento das Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação e baixa interação professor-aluno foram fatores citados como característicos de um mau professor.
Utilização dos artefatos da contabilidade gerencial como influência nos fatores contingenciais: um estudo multicaso em clínicas médicas
Authors: Silva Arthur Vinicius da , Valdevino Rosângela Queiroz Sousa , Silva Pablo Marlon Medeiros da , Oliveira Auris Martins de
Published: November 2022

A pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar o uso dos artefatos da contabilidade gerencial como influência nos fatores contingenciais em clínicas médicas na cidade de Mossoró RN. O método apresentou tipologia descritiva, abordagem qualitativa e se tratou de um estudo multicaso direcionado a clínicas médicas na cidade de Mossoró. Como resultados, constatou-se a utilização dos artefatos orçamento, planejamento estratégico, custos e formação de preço como métodos gerenciais. Além disso, percebeu-se a identificação da influência dos artefatos nos fatores contingenciais gestão, estratégia, estrutura, ambiente e tecnologia. Dessa forma o estudo contribui com o conhecimento acerca do uso dos artefatos como mecanismos de gerenciamento, em que sua influência é relevante para o desenvolvimento da empresa no mercado.
Análise da aplicação das ferramentas da qualidade e do ciclo PDCA: estudo de caso em uma empresa do setor têxtil
Authors: Pakes Paulo Renato , Silva Brena Bezerra , Cruz Thomaz , Rocha Tiago Soares da
Published: November 2022

As empresas em busca de competitividade devem adotar mudanças em seus processos produtivos e, para isso, realizam análises, controles e buscam a padronização de seus processos na busca pela melhoria contínua. Um dos métodos de qualidade mais utilizados para isso é a aplicação do ciclo PCDA. Assim, objetivou-se com esta pesquisa descrever a aplicação prática do PDCA e de ferramentas da qualidade, como forma de buscar melhorias em qualidade de produtos e processos dentro do setor de moldação de uma indústria têxtil localizada no interior do Estado de São Paulo. Aplicou-se dentro do método PDCA as ferramentas da qualidade. Iniciou-se com reuniões de brainstormings que culminaram no desenvolvimento de folhas de verificação, estratificação e análise dos problemas através do gráfico de Pareto. Estabeleceu-se o defeito de contaminação como o principal e mediante a utilização da ferramenta de Ishikawa determinaram-se as causas e os efeitos deste problema. Foram estipuladas as alterações no processo e analisados os dados. Os resultados obtidos apresentaram reduções nos defeitos de contaminação, padronizando-se assim o novo processo.
Effect of Explant Age and Applied IBA on Growth and Rooting of Apical Stem Cuttings of Potato for Early Generation Seed Potato Production
Authors: Gul Zishan
Published: November 2022

The aim of this work is to study the effect of explant age and exogenously applied IBA on the growth and rooting potential of potato apical stem cuttings for production of first- generation seed potatoes. The experimental protocol consists in taking apical stem cuttings from potato plantlets at different physiological ages (30 and 60 days old) in interaction with the growth regulator indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) at different concentrations (100, 200, and 300 ppm) to study the production of potato minitubers. The results of the present study showed that mini-cuttings from young potato plants (30 days old) have a higher rooting capacity than mini-cuttings from mature plants. In addition, IBA concentrations, especially at 300 ppm, have a significant effect on most of the characteristics studied, e.g. rooting %,  root number, root length, shoot length, and number of leaves. Regarding yield attributes, application of IBA at 300ppm gave the highest average tuber number (6.66) and tuber yield (142.97g) was higher in 30days old explant cuttings. The data presented in this study may encourage potato growers to use potato stem cuttings as a new, cheaper method of growing potatoes instead of expensive imported seed tubers. It is suggested that the use of apical stem cuttings can be a quick and effective method for mass propagation and to increase the yield of minitubers in the seed potato production cycle.
Can pasture‐fed livestock farming practices improve the ecological condition of grassland in Great Britain?
Authors: Norton Lisa R. , Maskell Lindsay C. , Wagner Markus , Wood Claire M. , Pinder Adam P. , Brentegani Michele
Published: November 2022

Livestock farming in Great Britain (GB) faces multiple pressures. Yet, grassland managed for livestock is the most extensive habitat in GB and is key to cultural landscapes and their biodiversity and soil health.

This study analysed a nationally representative dataset of over 940 large (200 m2) Neutral (agriculturally semi‐improved) and (agriculturally) Improved Grassland plots from the GB Countryside Survey (CS) to assess relationships between key grassland sward and soil variables. Analysis also looked at how these variables changed over time as plots switched between these grassland types. Data from grassland plots managed by Pasture‐Fed Livestock Association (PFLA) farmers were compared to CS plot data to assess the impacts of their practices on these variables.

Plant species richness in Neutral grassland types in CS plots was positively associated with total soil invertebrate abundance (total taxa) and soil N and C and negatively associated with soil P. There were negative relationships between the covers of Lolium sp. (Neutral only), legumes and forbs and soil C and moisture variables.

Grassland swards on PFLA member farms were characteristic of Neutral grassland. PFLA plots were more species rich and contained more legume and forb species and lower proportions of Lolium perenne than those on Improved Grassland. Vegetation height was greater in PFLA plots than in CS plots of either Improved or Neutral Grassland. Unlike CS Neutral Grassland plots, soil properties in PFLA plots were not significantly different from those for Improved Grassland for any measured variable (soil carbon concentration [C], bulk density, pH, nitrogen [N], phosphorus [P]).

Higher species richness in grasslands is associated with positive measures of soil health. PFLA plant communities contain relatively high species richness and tall vegetation, which is positive for biodiversity. Lack of positive measures of soil health associated with higher species richness recorded in PFLA grassland (as opposed to CS grassland) may reflect time lags in soil responses to management, as evidenced through an analysis of the impacts of land‐use change over time on CS plot characteristics. Our findings indicate that pasture‐fed livestock approaches may be beneficial for grassland and wider ecosystems.
Unknown piecewise constant parameters identification with exponential rate of convergence
Authors: Glushchenko Anton , Lastochkin Konstantin
Published: November 2022

The scope of this research is the identification of unknown piecewise constant parameters of linear regression equation under the finite excitation condition. Compared to the known methods, to make the computational burden lower, only one model to identify all switching states of the regression is used in the developed procedure with the following two‐fold contribution. First of all, we propose a new truly online estimation algorithm based on a well‐known DREM approach to detect switching time and preserve time alertness with adjustable detection delay. Second, despite the fact that a switching signal function is unknown, the adaptive law is derived that provides global exponential convergence of the regression parameters estimates to their true values in case the regressor is finitely exciting somewhere inside the time interval between two consecutive parameters switches. The robustness of the proposed identification procedure to the influence of external disturbances is analytically proved. Its effectiveness is demonstrated via numerical experiments, in which both abstract regressions and a second‐order plant model are used.
Bioactive MXene Promoting Angiogenesis and Skeletal Muscle Regeneration through Regulating M2 Polarization and Oxidation Stress
Authors: Li Ting , Ma Junping , Wang Wensi , Lei Bo
Published: November 2022

Complete repair of skeletal muscles caused by severe mechanical damage and muscle‐related diseases remains a challenge. 2D Ti3C2Tx (MXene) possesses special photoelectromagnetic properties and has attracted considerable attention in materials science and engineering. However, the bioactive properties and potential mechanism of MXene in tissue engineering, especially in skeletal muscle regeneration, are unclear. Herein, the antioxidation and anti‐inflammation activities of MXene and its effects on myogenic differentiation and regeneration of skeletal muscle in vivo are investigated. In vitro studies have shown that MXene has excellent antioxidation and anti‐inflammatory properties, and promotes myogenic differentiation and angiogenesis. MXene can remove excess reactive oxygen species in macrophage cells to alleviate oxidative stress and induce the transformation of M1 macrophages into M2 macrophages to reduce excessive inflammation, which can significantly promote the proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts, as well as the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of endothelial cells. Animal experiments with rat tibial anterior muscle defects show that MXene can promote angiogenesis, muscle fiber formation, and skeletal muscle regeneration by regulating the cell microenvironment through anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant pathways. The findings suggest that MXene can be used as a multifunctional bioactive material to enhance tissue regeneration through robust antioxidation, anti‐inflammation, and angiogenesis activities.
Low‐Coordinated Pd Site within Amorphous Palladium Selenide for Active, Selective, and Stable H2O2 Electrosynthesis
Authors: Yu Zhiyong , Lv Shengyao , Yao Qing , Fang Nan , Xu Yong , Shao Qi , Pao Chih‐Wen , Lee Jyh‐Fu , Li Guoliang , Yang Li‐Ming , Huang Xiaoqing
Published: November 2022

The development of high‐performance catalysts with high activity, selectivity, and stability are essential for the practical applications of H2O2 electrosynthesis technology, but it is still formidably challenging. It is reported that the low‐coordinated structure of Pd sites in amorphous PdSe2 nanoparticles (a‐PdSe2 NPs) can significantly boost the electrocatalytic synthesis of H2O2. Detailed investigations and theoretical calculations reveal that the disordered arrangement of Pd atoms in a‐PdSe2 NPs can promote the activity, while the Pd sites with low‐coordinated environment can optimize the adsorption toward oxygenated intermediate and suppress the cleavage of O–O bond, leading to a significant enhancement in both the H2O2 selectivity and productivity. Impressively, a‐PdSe2 NPs/C exhibits high H2O2 selectivity over 90% in different pH electrolytes. H2O2 productivities with ≈3245.7, 1725.5, and 2242.1 mmol gPd−1 h−1 in 0.1 m KOH, 0.1 m HClO4, and 0.1 m Na2SO4 can be achieved, respectively, in an H‐cell electrolyzer, being a pH‐universal catalyst for H2O2 electrochemical synthesis. Furthermore, the produced H2O2 can reach 1081.8 ppm in a three‐phase flow cell reactor after 2 h enrichment in 0.1 m Na2SO4, showing the great potential of a‐PdSe2 NPs/C for practical H2O2 electrosynthesis.
Molecular Evolutionary Growth of Ultralong Semiconducting Double‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Gao Jun , Jiang Yaxin , Chen Sibo , Yue Hongjie , Ren He , Zhu Zhenxing , Wei Fei
Published: November 2022

The self‐assembling preparation accompanied with template auto‐catalysis loop and the ability to gather energy, induces the appearance of chirality and entropy reduction in biotic systems. However, an abiotic system with biotic characteristics is of great significance but still missing. Here, it is demonstrated that the molecular evolution is characteristic of ultralong carbon nanotube preparation, revealing the advantage of chiral assembly through template auto‐catalysis growth, stepwise‐enriched chirality distribution with decreasing entropy, and environmental effects on the evolutionary growth. Specifically, the defective and metallic nanotubes perform inferiority to semiconducting counterparts, among of which the ones with double walls and specific chirality (n, m) are more predominant due to molecular coevolution. An explicit evolutionary trend for tailoring certain layer chirality is presented toward perfect near‐(2n, n)‐containing semiconducting double‐walled nanotubes. These findings extend our conceptual understanding for the template auto‐catalysis assembly of abiotic carbon nanotubes, and provide an inspiration for preparing chiral materials with kinetic stability by evolutionary growth.
High‐Density Frustrated Lewis Pair for High‐Performance Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Yu Wenhao , Zhang Yanyun , Qin Yingnan , Zhang Dan , Liu Kang , Bagliuk G. A. , Lai Jianping , Wang Lei
Published: November 2022

It is significant to develop catalysts with high‐density and adjacent frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) sites. Herein, a method is designed to construct FLPs on an intermetallic alloy (IMA) with regulable acidity and basicity by using the Mott–Schottky effect. By dint of the high‐density FLP site and suitable acidity and basicity on IMA, the fct‐PtCo@NC displays excellent hydrogen evolution reaction performance. The catalyst fct‐PtCo@NC, with high‐density FLP sites, exhibits a fast water adsorption and decomposition rate, which is derived from the synergistic effect of FLP‐acid sites and FLP‐base sites significantly reducing the energy barrier between the two processes. Due to the FLP‐base Pt site, fct‐PtCo@NC has the best binding energy of hydrogen intermediates, the H3O+ generated during the reaction can accumulate on it and form an acid‐like environment, and thus speed up the kinetics of the reaction. In comparison, the catalyst without FLP shows lower binding energy and the formation of H3O+ is not observed. This work opens a new horizon for the design of new‐style heterogeneous FLP catalysts and the catalysts with high‐density and adjacent FLP sites are expected to be used in a variety of multistep catalytic reactions.
Quantification and machine learning based N2O–N and CO2–C emissions predictions from a decomposing rye cover crop
Authors: Joshi Deepak R. , Clay David E. , Clay Sharon A. , Moriles‐Miller Janet , Daigh Aaron L. M. , Reicks Graig , Westhoff Shaina
Published: November 2022

Cover crops improve soil health and reduce the risk of soil erosion. However, their impact on the carbon dioxide equivalence (CO2e) is unknown. Therefore, the objective of this 2‐yr study was to quantify the effect of cover crop‐induced differences in soil moisture, temperature, organic C, and microorganisms on CO2e, and to develop machine learning algorithms that predict daily N2O–N and CO2–C emissions. The prediction models tested were multiple linear regression, partial least square regression, support vector machine, random forest (RF), and artificial neural network. Models’ performance was accessed using R2, RMSE and mean of absolute value of error. Rye (Secale cereale L.) was dormant seeded in mid‐October, and in the following spring it was terminated at corn's (Zea mays L.) V4 growth stage. Soil temperature, moisture, and N2O–N and CO2–C emissions were measured near continuously from soil thaw to harvest in 2019 and 2020. Prior to termination, the cover crop decreased N2O–N emissions by 34% (p = .05), and over the entire season, N2O–N emissions from cover crop and no cover crop treatments were similar (p = .71). Based on N2O–N and CO2–C emissions over the entire season and the estimated fixed cover crop‐C remaining in the soil, the partial CO2e were −1,061 and 496 kg CO2e ha–1 in the cover crop and no cover crop treatments, respectively. The RF algorithm explained more of the daily N2O–N (73%) and CO2–C (85%) emissions variability during validation than the other models. Across models, the most important variables were temperature and the amount of cover crop‐C added to the soil.
Precipitation and not cover crop composition influenced corn economic optimal N rate and yield
Authors: Bielenberg Hunter , Clark Jason D. , Sanyal Debankur , Wolthuizen John , Karki David , Rahal Amin , Bly Anthony
Published: November 2022

The effects of single species cover crops on corn (Zea mays L.) N requirement and grain yield are well studied throughout the U.S. Midwest. However, comparing cover crop mixes that include different compositions of grass and broadleaf species is limited. Fourteen corn N response experiments were conducted in South Dakota from 2018 to 2021. Fall cover crops planted after small grain harvest were mixtures of dominantly grasses, broadleaves, a 50/50 grass/broadleaf mixture, and a no cover crop control. Compared to the control, including a cover crop led to no differences in economic optimal N rate (EONR) and yield at zero N (0N) and yield at EONR 44%, 62%, and 83% of the time, respectively. As spring cover crop/residue biomass and its C and N content increased, corn yield at EONR decreased and EONR increased when including cover crops (R2 = 0.36–0.56). Including cover crops reduced EONR and resulted in a similar yield when precipitation increased above 850 mm. When differences occurred with economic return from N, including a cover crop reduced economic return in 3 site‐years (mean decrease of US$358 ha−1) and in only 1 site‐year did including a grass cover crop increase economic return from N (+US$335 ha−1). Thus, in the first year of growing cover crops (i.e., grasses, broadleaves, or a grass/broadleaf mix) before corn, growers can normally expect some differences in EONR. However, with the appropriate rate of N, yield at EONR is maintained and any economic differences from N normally minimized.
Genetic and phenotypic spectrum in the NONO‐associated syndromic disorder
Authors: Roessler Franziska , Beck Anita E. , Susie Ball , Tobias Bartolomaeus , Begtrup Amber , Biskup Saskia , Caluseriu Oana , Delanty Norman , Fröhlich Christine , Greally Marie T. , Karnstedt Maike , Klöckner Chiara , Kurtzberg Joanne , Schubert Susanna , Schulze Martin , Weidenbach Michael , Westphal Dominik S. , White Maire , Wolf Cordula M. , Zyskind Jacob , Popp Bernt , Strehlow Vincent
Published: November 2022

The non‐POU domain‐containing octamer‐binding (NONO) protein is involved in multiple steps of gene regulation such as RNA metabolism and DNA repair. Hemizygous pathogenic variants in the NONO gene were confirmed to cause a rare X‐linked syndromic disorder. Through our in‐house diagnostics and subsequent matchmaking, we identified six unrelated male individuals with pathogenic or likely pathogenic NONO variants. For a detailed comparison, we reviewed all published characterizations of the NONO‐associated disorder. The combined cohort consists of 16 live‐born males showing developmental delay, corpus callosum anomalies, non‐compaction cardiomyopathy and relative macrocephaly as leading symptoms. Seven prenatal literature cases were characterized by cardiac malformations. In this study, we extend the phenotypic spectrum through two more cases with epilepsy as well as two more cases with hematologic anomalies. By RNA expression analysis and structural modeling of a new in‐frame splice deletion, we reinforce loss‐of‐function as the pathomechanism for the NONO‐associated syndromic disorder.
A functional and robust super‐hydrophobic PCC coating based on the induced assembly of modified zirconium phosphate
Authors: Yin Bing , Hua Xujiang , Fan Fangyu , Qi Dongmei , Han Kailu , Hou Youqing , Hou Dongshuai
Published: November 2022

Improving the permeability of concrete is one of the important measures to extend the service life of concrete. In addition, for marine engineering, sewerage projects, and so on, mechanical stability and microbial induced corrosion of concrete structures cannot be ignored. We demonstrated a method to prepare high‐performance super‐hydrophobic (SHP) coating using functional zirconium phosphate (ZrP) and polydopamine (PDA) as the primary materials. The micro‐nano rough structures were constructed on the concrete surface by alternating organic–inorganic assembly guided by each other. The coatings' apparent morphology, composition, and structure were analyzed using various surface analysis techniques. Based on the construction of micro‐nano rough structures by the induced assembly of functional ZrP, the silane treatment significantly improved the water contact angle of the coating (WCA = 154° ± 3°), and the coating exhibited relatively high wear resistance, reaching 135° WCA even after 30 friction cycles. The water absorption of the specimens treated with the SHP composite coating was reduced by 79% to treated with silane. Meanwhile, the SHP composite coating showed excellent antimicrobial and anti‐ice properties, due to the role of the functional ZrP and alternating organic–inorganic assembly. It was expected that the composite coating might potentially promote and accelerate applied superhydrophobic anticorrosive coating development for marine concrete durability.
Improving mechanical and thermal properties of short carbon fiber/polyamide 6 composites through a polydopamine/nano‐silica interface layer
Authors: Li Bowen , Song Guojun , Peng Zhi , Zhang Wenjian , Zheng Hao , Zhu Junjie , Wang Chaohang , Wang Jianfa , Ma Ruiyue , Zhu Shaoqian , Yang Xiaoping , Huang Yudong , Ma Lichun
Published: November 2022

Carbon fiber (CF) reinforced matrix composites have been applied widely, however, the interfacial adhesion of composites is weak due to smooth and chemically inert of CF surface. To solve this problem, A polydopamine/nano‐silica (PDA‐SiO2) interfacial layer on carbon fiber surface was constructed via polydopamine and nano‐ SiO2 (CF‐PDA‐SiO2) by a facile and effective method to reinforce polyamide 6 composites (CFs/PA6). The effects of PDA‐SiO2 interfacial layer on crystallization structure and behavior, thermal properties, and mechanical properties of CFs/PA6 composites were investigated. Furthermore, interfacial reinforcement mechanism of composites has been discussed. This interfacial layer greatly increased the number of active groups of CF surface and its wettability obviously. The tensile strength of CF‐PDA‐SiO2/PA6 composites increased by 28.09%, 19.37%, and 26.22% compared to untreated‐CF/PA6, CF‐PDA/PA6, and CF‐SiO2/PA6 composites, respectively, which might be caused by the increased interfacial adhesion between CF and PA6 matrix. The thermal stability, crystallization temperature, crystallinity, and glass transition temperature (Tg) of CF‐PDA‐SiO2/PA6 composites improved correspondingly, attributing to the heterogeneous nucleation of nano‐SiO2 in the crystalline area and hydrogen bonds with molecular chains of PA6 in the amorphous area. This work provides a novel strategy for the construction of interfaces suitable for advanced CF composites with different structures.
Interface Engineering and Device Applications of 2D Ultrathin Film/Ferroelectric Copolymer P(VDF‐TrFE)
Authors: Dang Zhaoying , Guo Feng , Wu Zehan , Jin Kui , Hao Jianhua
Published: November 2022

Ferroelectric materials with switchable electrical polarization have been widely used in tunnel junctions, non‐volatile memories, and field‐effect transistors. Large‐area organic ferroelectric polymers compatible with silicon or flexible substrates have played a crucial role in nanoelectronics. Poly(vinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene) P(VDF‐TrFE) as a representative, different from traditional bulk oxide ferroelectrics in terms of atom arrangements and fabrication methods, has frequently been used as the ferroelectric gate for high‐performance electronic, optical, and synaptic transistors. Ferroelectric copolymers have gradually become a promising and versatile alternative for inorganic ferroelectrics. This review will focus on the interface engineering and device applications of 2D materials/ferroelectric P(VDF‐TrFE) hybrid structures. The intrinsic ferroelectric properties and unique features of P(VDF‐TrFE) are first elucidated. Next, typical device structures with ferroelectric gating effect followed by its physical working mechanisms will be discussed. In the next section, diverse nanoelectronics applications of ferroelectric field effect transistors based on P(VDF‐TrFE), including optoelectronic devices, non‐volatile memories, neuromorphic computing, and negative capacitance transistors, are clarified. Moreover, existing challenges and further development for ferroelectric polymer will be discussed. With an emphasis on the ferroelectric polymer gate and related issues, this review provides a timely summary of current physical understanding and progresses.
Rapid production of multimeric RNA aptamers stabilized by a designed pseudo‐circular structure in E. coli
Authors: Zou Zongsheng , Younas Tayyaba , Dumsday Geoff , Haritos Victoria S. , He Lizhong
Published: November 2022

RNA aptamers bind specifically and selectively to various macromolecules, cell surfaces, and viruses and find broad applications as biosensors, diagnostics, and in therapeutic treatments and drug delivery. Currently, RNA aptamer production is via in vitro methods. Herein, a new E. coli‐based approach has been demonstrated for the rapid production of multimeric RNA aptamer transcripts that are protected from degradation by burying the 5′ and 3′ ends of the transcript in a designed double‐stranded spacer. Multimeric and fluorescent RNA aptamers were produced stably in vivo and readily isolated from RNase III‐deficient cells, and their full functionalities were shown by binding assays and fluorescence measurements. This approach shows promise as a rapid and scalable bioprocess for the production of RNA aptamers at low cost.
Cocktail drug usage and etofenamate detection in post‐race equine urine sample: A case report
Authors: Kabil Erol , Göktaş Eylem Funda , Güneş Ertuğrul , Yatanaslan Levent , Zor Tuba Asena , Tektaş Muhammet Hakan , İnceman Bahadır , Tufan Murat
Published: November 2022

A recent trend in the use of high‐resolution accurate mass screening (HRAMS) for doping control testing in both human and animal sports has emerged owing to significant improvement in high‐resolution mass spectrometry in terms of sensitivity, mass accuracy, mass resolution and mass stability. Several HRAMS methods have been reported for the detection of multidrug residues in human or equine urine. These improved analytical technologies have led to changes in the use of prohibited substances, and the administration of more than one substance at low concentrations as a “cocktail” has become one of the methods used to alter performance in racehorses. In one of horse urine samples transferred to the analytical laboratory in Turkey for analysis, 5‐hydroxymethyl meloxicam (2.96 ng/ml), etofenamate (2.15 ng/ml), flufenamic acid (108.92 ng/ml) and cobalt (200 ng/ml) were detected. These findings reveal that more than one prohibited substance was used together as a cocktail to alter the racing performance at low doses. In this case report, flufenamic acid was detected as a metabolite of etofenamate along with the parent drug. This case study also supports the advantages of metabolite analysis for anti‐doping laboratories.
Relationship between depression, anxiety, and perceived stress in health professionals and their perceptions about the quality of the health services in the context of COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Olórtegui‐Yzú Adriel , Vega‐Dienstmaier Johann M. , Fernández‐Arana Alberto
Published: November 2022

Background

The health emergency caused by COVID‐19 revealed the shortcomings of health services (HS), but little is known about how this has impacted the mental health of health professionals (HP).

Methods

Data were collected through an online survey administered to HP in Lima (Peru) between May and July 2020. Instruments were applied to evaluate anxiety, depression, perceived stress (PS), and perceived quality of health services (PQHS).

Results

A total of 507 HP completed the survey. In the multivariate analysis, younger age and female gender were related to anxiety, depression, and PS (all with p < .001). The most relevant unfavorable PQHS associated with anxiety were competence of other HP to care for HP if infected (p = .002) and support for HP or their families in the event of becoming infected (p = .001); the most relevant unfavorable PHQS associated with depression were equipment to care for HP and their families if infected (p = .003); support for HP or their families if infected (p < .001); fear of HP and/or family members being infected or dying (p = .006); and HP’ recognition of their competencies (p < .001); and the most relevant unfavorable PHQS associated with PS were support for HP or their families if infected (p < .001) and instability of knowledge (p = .027).

Conclusions

There was an association between impaired mental health and PQHS scores among HP. This study shows the need for HP to express their concerns about how HS are supporting their safety and that of their family during health emergencies.
A true response of the brain network during electroacupuncture stimulation at scalp acupoints: An fMRI with simultaneous EAS study
Authors: Chen Hui , Jann Kay , Li Yijing , Huang Jiling , Chen Yilei , Kang Yingjie , Gong Zhigang , Huang Yanwen , Wang Hui , Zhan Songhua , Tan Wenli
Published: November 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore simultaneous brain network responses to electroacupuncture stimulation (EAS) at scalp acupoints by accounting for placebo effects.

Materials and Methods

Sixty healthy subjects were recruited and randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 and Group 2. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed in Group 1 with sham acupuncture stimulation at acupoints Shenting (GV24) and Touwei (ST8) without EAS. Group 2 underwent verum EAS at the same acupoints during fMRI. Independent component analysis was used to analyze the fMRI data. Full‐factor statistical analysis was used to compare the differences in fMRI data between the two groups and evaluate the changes in functional connectivity in brain networks after verum electrical stimulation (Group 1 [after sham electrical current stimulation − before sham electrical current stimulation] − Group 2 [after verum electrical current stimulation − before verum electrical current stimulation]) (p <.001, extent threshold k = 20 voxels).

Results

Six brain networks were identified. Significant increased functional connectivity was observed in the right and left executive control networks, sensorimotor network, and attention network, while decreased functional connectivity was mainly found in the default mode network. There were no statistically significant differences in the salience network.

Conclusions

fMRI with simultaneous EAS provides a method to explore brain network responses due to EAS at scalp acupoints. The networks responsible for cognition are differentially activated by EAS in a coordinated manner.
A multicenter study of clinical impact of variant of uncertain significance reclassification in breast, ovarian and colorectal cancer susceptibility genes
Authors: Makhnoon Sukh , Levin Brooke , Ensinger Megan , Mattie Kristin , Volk Robert J. , Zhao Zhongming , Mendoza Tito , Shete Sanjay , Samiian Laila , Grana Generosa , Grainger Andrew , Arun Banu , Shirts Brian H. , Peterson Susan K.
Published: November 2022

Background

Clinical interpretation of genetic test results is complicated by variants of uncertain significance (VUS) that have an unknown impact on health but can be clarified through reclassification. There is little empirical evidence regarding VUS reclassification in oncology care settings, including the prevalence and outcomes of reclassification, and racial/ethnic differences.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of persons with and without a personal history of cancer carrying VUS (with or without an accompanying pathogenic or likely pathogenic [P/LP] variant) in breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancer predisposition genes seen at four cancer care settings (in Texas, Florida, Ohio, and New Jersey) between 2013 and 2019.

Results

In 2715 individuals included in the study, 3261 VUS and 313 P/LP variants were reported; 8.1% of all individuals with VUS experienced reclassifications and rates varied significantly among cancer care settings from 4.81% to 20.19% (overall p < 0.001). Compared to their prevalence in the overall sample, reclassification rates for Black individuals were higher (13.6% vs. 19.0%), whereas the rates for Asian individuals were lower (6.3% vs. 3.5%) and rates for White and Hispanic individuals were proportional. Two‐year prevalence of VUS reclassification remained steady between 2014 and 2019. Overall, 11.3% of all reclassified VUS resulted in clinically actionable findings and 4.6% subsequently changed individuals' clinical managements.

Conclusions

The findings from this large multisite study suggest that VUS reclassification alters clinical management, has implications for precision cancer prevention, and highlights the need for implementing practices and solutions for efficiently returning reinterpreted genetic test results.
Glucose metabolism and lncRNAs in breast cancer: Sworn friend
Authors: Xu Jia‐Lin , Xu Qi , Wang Ya‐Lin , Xu Di , Xu Wen‐Xiu , Zhang He‐Da , Wang Dan‐dan , Tang Jin‐Hai
Published: November 2022

Background

Glucose metabolism disorder is a common feature in cancer. Cancer cells generate much energy through anaerobic glycolysis, which promote the development of tumors. However, long non‐coding RNA may play an important role in this process. Our aim is to explore a prognostic risk model based on the glucose metabolism‐related lncRNAs which provides clues that lncRNAs predict a clinical outcome through glucose metabolism in breast cancer.

Methods

1222 RNA‐seq were extracted from the TCGA database, and 74 glucose metabolism‐related genes were loaded from the GSEA website. Then, 7 glucose metabolism‐related lncRNAs risk score model was developed by univariate, Lasso, and multivariate regression analysis. The lncRNA risk model showed that high‐risk patients predict a poor clinical outcome with high reliability (P=2.838×10‐6). Univariate and multivariate independent prognostic analysis and ROC curve analysis proved that the risk score was an independent prognostic factor in breast cancer with an AUC value of 0.652. Finally, Gene set enrichment analysis showed that cell cycle‐related pathways were significantly enriched in a high‐risk group.

Results

Our results showed that glucose metabolism‐related lncRNAs can affect breast cancer progression. 7 glucose metabolism‐related lncRNAs prognostic signature was established to evaluate the OS of patients with breast cancer. PICSAR, LINC00839, AP001505.1, LINC00393 were risk factors and expressed highly in the high‐risk group. A Nomogram was made based on this signature to judge patients' living conditions and prognosis.

Conclusion

7 glucose metabolism‐related lncRNAs risk score model had a high prognostic value in breast cancer. PICSAR, LINC00839, AP001505.1, LINC00393 were risk factors. AP001505.1 expression was increased in most triple‐negative breast cancer cells treated with high glucose, which may also take part in breast cancer progression and potential therapeutic targets
Arrhythmic events associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors therapy: A real‐world study based on the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System database
Authors: Liu Yunwei , Chen Yanxin , Zeng Zhimin , Liu Anwen
Published: November 2022

Background

Although arrhythmias have been reported in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), the association between arrhythmias and ICIs has not been thoroughly evaluated in real‐world studies. We aimed to describe the major features of ICI‐related arrhythmic events and identify the factors that contributed to death.

Methods

A disproportionality analysis was performed using data from the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database from January 2011 to December 2021. Reporting odds ratios (RORs), proportional reporting ratio and information component were used to assess whether adverse arrhythmic events were associated with ICIs. The clinical characteristics of patients with ICI‐associated arrhythmias were compared with fatal and non‐fatal arrhythmias. The time to onset (TTO), fatality rates of arrhythmic events were also investigated.

Results

We identified a total of 1945 cases of ICI‐related arrhythmic events. Men (64.78%) were identified significantly more frequently than women (28.84%). The median age was 68 years ([interquartile range, IQR] 60–75 years). Anti‐programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1) and anti‐programmed cell death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) were associated with adverse arrhythmic events, corresponding to ROR 1.11 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.17) and ROR 1.34 (95% CI 1.20–1.49), respectively. However, anti‐cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte associated protein 4 or combination immunotherapy did not appear to be associated with arrhythmic events. Atrial fibrillation (N  = 576, 0.62%), cardiac arrest (N  = 284, 0.31%), tachycardia (N  = 175, 0.19%) were the most common adverse arrhythmic events. Sudden death and complete atrioventricular block are adverse events that are significantly associated with ICI‐related arrhythmic events and have strong signal intensity. The TTO of cases that resulted in death (30 days [IQR] 11–73.75) was significantly earlier than that of cases that did not result in death (33 days [IQR 10.5–88.5], p  = 0.003). ICI‐related arrhythmic events were severe with death occurring in 507 (26.07%) of 1945 arrhythmias cases.

Conclusions

Treatment with PD‐1/PD‐L1 may cause arrhythmic events, which are severe and tend to occur early on during treatment. It is important to identify ICI‐related arrhythmias as early as possible, and to manage them appropriately.
Gliclazide Removal Efficiency of Carbon‐Based Magnetic Materials: Isotherm and Kinetic Studies
Authors: Çavuşoğlu Ferda Civan
Published: November 2022

Gliclazide, one of the micropollutants that can be detected in water, is widely used in the treatment of type II diabetes patients. In this study, the removal of gliclazide from aqueous solutions with magnetic carbon‐based materials was investigated. Magnetic activated carbon (MAC) and magnetic multiwalled carbon nanotube (MMWCNT) adsorbents were prepared and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis methods. The effects of various parameters affecting the adsorption process were examined. The adsorption systems were compatible with the Langmuir isotherm model and the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacities of the MAC adsorbent (298 K) and the MMWCNT (308 K) were 109.20 and 71.59 mg g−1, respectively. According to desorption studies, adsorbents could be regenerated by around 70 % in 6 hours.
Separation of Diclofenac Sodium Using Polysulfone Membranes Incorporated with Manganese Nanoparticles
Authors: Abdallah Heba , Gaballah Soha , Mansour Moustapha Salem , Farag Hassan , Farid Yousra Hamdy
Published: November 2022

Membranes are employed in various applications, including pharmaceutical waste separation, owing to their operability, high removal capacity, and cost‐effectiveness. However, membrane fouling is an influential factor that reduces their efficiency. Since the addition of hydrophilic inorganic components has been shown to reduce membrane fouling, the present work focuses on manganese (MnO2, Mn2O3) nanoparticles (NP) in polysulfone (PSF) casting solutions to prepare mixed‐matrix membranes for separating diclofenac (DCF) sodium from an aqueous solution. The membranes were characterized using microscopic and spectroscopic techniques, thermogravimetric analysis, and by elucidating the internal membrane specific area, contact angle, and mechanical properties. The synthesized NP were characterized by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis. The concentrations of DCF sodium measured in the feed and filtrate solutions showed that the PSF/Mn2O3 membrane provided the highest permeate flux with good DCF removal of 98.4 %. Mechanical testing indicated that higher tensile strength was obtained when embedding MnO2 NP in the PSF membrane matrix. Contact angle measurements showed an improvement of the surface hydrophilicity when blending the PSF casting solution with MnO2 NP. The fouling test indicated that the PSF/Mn2O3 membrane provided the best antifouling properties. Thus, NP addition enhanced the porosity, antifouling characteristics, hydrophilicity, and water flux of the fabricated membranes.
Age differences in the association between sleep and Alzheimer's disease biomarkers in the EPAD cohort
Authors: Naismith Sharon L. , Leng Yue , Palmer Jake R. , Lucey Brendan P.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

We aimed to determine the independent association between sleep quality and Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers, and whether the associations differ with age.

Methods

We included 1240 individuals aged ≥50, without dementia from the European Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease v1500.0 dataset. Linear regression was used to examine Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores against cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) phosphorylated tau/β‐amyloid ratio (p‐tau/Aβ42) for the entire sample and via age tertiles. Models controlled for demographic, clinical, genetic, vascular, and neuroimaging variables.

Results

For the youngest age tertile, shorter sleep duration and higher sleep efficiency were associated with greater p‐tau/Aβ42 ratio. For the oldest tertile, longer sleep latency was associated with greater p‐tau/Aβ42.

Discussion

Differential relationships between sleep and AD pathology depend on age. Short sleep duration and sleep efficiency are relevant in middle age whereas time taken to fall asleep is more closely linked to AD biomarkers in later life.

Highlights

This study shows age differences in the link between sleep and AD biomarkers.

Shorter sleep was associated with greater p‐tau/Aβ42 ratio in middle age.

The association was independent of genetic, vascular, and neuroimaging markers of AD.
There's Still Work to Be Done
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: November 2022

I'm extremely excited to be the new editor of Disability Compliance in Higher Education. Joan Hope, Ph.D. was a great friend and mentor to me and many others at Wiley. Her writing and editorial talents will be sorely missed in our higher education newsletter group. I'm eager to take up the baton and continue the legacy of this terrific publication. I hope we can continue to play a small part in helping the profession grow and move forward.
Inflammasome activation and CCR2‐mediated monocyte‐derived dendritic cell recruitment restrict Legionella pneumophila infection
Authors: Ataide Marco A. , Manin Graziele Z. , Oliveira Samuel S. , Guerra Rhanoica O. , Zamboni Dario S.
Published: November 2022

Flagellin‐induced NAIP/NLRC4 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis are critical events restricting Legionella pneumophila infection. However, the cellular and molecular dynamics of the in vivo responses against this bacterium are still unclear. We have found temporal coordination of two independent innate immunity pathways in controlling Legionella infection, the inflammasome activation and the CCR2‐mediated Mo‐DC recruitment. Inflammasome activation was an important player at the early stage of infection by lowering the numbers of bacteria for an efficient bacterial clearance conferred by the Mo‐DC at the late stage of the infection. Mo‐DC emergence highly depended on CCR2‐signaling and dispensed inflammasome activation and pyroptosis. Also, Mo‐DC compartment did not rely on the inflammasome machinery to deliver proper immune responses and was the most abundant cytokine‐producing among the monocyte‐derived cells in the infected lung. Importantly, when the CCR2‐ and NLRC4‐dependent axes of response were simultaneously ablated, we observed an aggravated bacterial burden in the lung of infected mice. Taken together, we showed that inflammasome activation and CCR2‐mediated immune response interplay in distinct pathways to restrict pulmonary bacterial infection. These findings extend our understanding of the in vivo integration and cooperation of different innate immunity arms in controlling infectious agents.