bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apoio à gestão de desempenho do programa de treinamento via Moodle: Escola de Administração Pública do Estado de Santa Catarina
Authors: AMARAL BARBARA GONÇALVES , ENSSLIN SANDRA ROLIM
Published: December 2021

Esse artigo apresenta um modelo de avaliação de desempenho desenvolvido para avaliar o desempenho do programa de treinamento de uma escola de governo estadual para subsidiar a tomada de decisão dos gestores responsáveis. A metodologia Multicritério de Apoio à Decisão-Construtivista MCDA-C norteou a pesquisa. Por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas com os decisores da Diretoria da Escola de Administração Pública (DEAP), foram identificados 38 Elementos Primários de Avaliação-EPA. Esses foram desmembrados em 60 conceitos, que foram agrupados nas áreas de preocupação: Gestão da evasão; Temas dos cursos; Criação das parcerias; e Gestão interna. Para avaliar o desempenho do Programa de Treinamento da DEAP, foram construídos 39 descritores. O modelo foi considerado, pelos decisores da DEAP, legítimo ao contemplar suas preocupações e os aspectos ambientais que compreendem seu contexto de gestão. Em termos teóricos esta pesquisa demonstra a potencialidade dos dois instrumentos metodológicos utilizados para construção de conhecimento junto aos decisores e as pesquisadoras.
SEMIOLOGIA E INFORMÁTICA NA ORGANIZAÇÃO DO CONHECIMENTO
Authors: Vogel Michely Jabala Mamede , Kobashi Nair Yumiko
Published: December 2021

Trabalho dedicado às contribuições de Jean-Claude Gardin sobre os aspectos semânticos, lógicos e pragmáticos das pesquisas em Organização do Conhecimento. Gardin é considerado o introdutor da informática às pesquisas do campo das ciências humanas e sociais (nos anos 1950), tendo realizado pesquisas inovadoras, desde a década de 1950 até os anos 2010, sobre a relação entre Semiologia e Informática. Estes tiveram impactos importantes na Europa Ocidental e Oriental, como também no Brasil. A base teórica de Gardin sobre a Análise de Discursos e seu tratamento e simulação computacional repousa na Linguística, na Lógica e no Pragmatismo. Os métodos da Inteligência Artificial tiveram papel decisivo em suas propostas e experimentos. O texto apresenta também as concepções filosóficas que iluminaram seu percurso de pesquisa e conclui com uma síntese de suas teorias e métodos. Apresenta, ainda, uma bibliografia que relaciona suas obras sobre Ciência da Informação e outras áreas.
CONTRIBUIÇÕES DE DEREK W. LANGRIDGE NA ORGANIZAÇÃO DO CONHECIMENTO
Authors: Miranda Marcos Luiz Cavalcanti de , Souza Rosali Fernandez de
Published: December 2021

O artigo trata do legado de Derek Wilton Langridge para o ensino e a pesquisa no âmbito da organização do conhecimento. Aborda a sua formação acadêmica, atividades profissionais, participação no Classification Research Group de Londres [CRG] e produção científica, destacando as atividades de classificação e indexação e seus reflexos na educação em organização do conhecimento. Abordagem metodológica: levantamento biobibliográfico de Derek Wilton Langridge e a abordagem de comentadores de sua obra por meio do levantamento bibliográfico realizado na BRAPCI e na Scopus. Objetiva destacar a contribuição de Derek Wilton Langridge para o ensino e a pesquisa em organização do conhecimento por citações de suas obras em programas de graduação e de pós-graduação em Biblioteconomia e Ciência da Informação no Brasil. A abordagem metodológica utilizada nos permitiu alcançar resultados que revelam que Langridge contribuiu para a teoria, a prática, o ensino e o desenvolvimento da organização do conhecimento com suas obras seminais bem como para a construção de esquemas de classificação especializados.
IMPORTÂNCIA DO CONTEXTO PARA A INDEXAÇÃO
Authors: Lima Gercina Ângela de , Fujita Mariângela Spotti Lopes , Redigolo Franciele Marques
Published: December 2021

A indexação é um importante processo em um Sistema de Recuperação da Informação (SRI), constituído de duas etapas: análise de assunto e tradução. Sabe-se que a literatura aponta a etapa de análise de assunto como um dos processos mais difíceis de serem realizados, pelo seu caráter subjetivo. Um importante fator que deve ser observado nesse processo é o contexto. O objetivo deste estudo é analisar os diferentes pontos de vista que a importância do contexto tem no processo de indexação, especificamente o contexto sociocognitivo. Esta pesquisa parte de um levantamento bibliográfico, caracterizando-se como exploratória e descritiva. Conclui-se que todas as abordagens apresentadas na literatura pressupõem que o processo de indexação sempre sofre influência sociocultural, e depende do contexto cultural e social específico do indexador e do usuário.
RESUMOS
Authors: Pinho Fabio Assis , Ávila Bruno Tenório
Published: December 2021

Trata-se de um artigo que materializa uma pesquisa sobre resumo, cujo objetivo foi categorizar os artigos científicos brasileiros sobre resumo no âmbito da Ciência da Informação. A pesquisa conduzida foi exploratória e bibliográfica, apoiada pela revisão sistemática da literatura, utilizando a Base de Dados Referenciais de Artigos de Periódicos em Ciência da Informação (BRAPCI) com uma busca por título com o termo resumo no período de 1972 a 2021. O universo da pesquisa foi composto por 25 artigos que foram analisados por meio da inferência e categorizados em estrutura, método, ensino e gêneros textuais. Os resultados demonstraram um rápido crescimento de publicações entre as décadas com destaque para o período de 2010-2019 e tendências temáticas de pesquisa para o método de elaboração de resumo, seguidas por estrutura, gênero e ensino. Concluiu-se que vem crescendo o interesse pelo estudo sobre os resumos, porém incipiente, com tópicos relevantes a serem abordados, especialmente para a indústria da informação e comunicação.
ORGANIZAÇÃO DA INFORMAÇÃO E A AGENDA 2030
Authors: Revez Jorge Manuel Rias , Silva Carlos Guardado da
Published: December 2021

Este artigo procura compreender a relação entre a interoperabilidade tecnológica e semântica (metainformação) dos sistemas de informação com a sustentabilidade, proposta global da Agenda 2030 das Nações Unidas para o desenvolvimento das nossas sociedades. Através de uma revisão sistemática da literatura e de uma análise dos resultados, pretende-se perceber o contributo da organização da informação e da interoperabilidade para o incremento do desenvolvimento sustentável. Foram colocadas duas questões de investigação: Qual o papel dos sistemas interoperáveis no desenvolvimento ambiental, social e económico? De que forma a organização da informação e a interoperabilidade podem contribuir para o desenvolvimento sustentável? Os resultados mostram que a interoperabilidade é considerada como fundamental para o desenvolvimento sustentável, sobretudo na construção de sistemas de informação integrados e normalizados. O papel dos sistemas interoperáveis no desenvolvimento ambiental, social e económico é relevante, pois a organização da informação e a interoperabilidade contribuem, de forma indireta, mas decisiva, para o desenvolvimento sustentável. Viabilizam a permuta de informação, incentivam a construção de comunidades globais de prática e ultrapassam as limitações e os défices locais. Conclui-se que a organização da informação desempenha um papel crucial e transversal nos projetos, que visam implementar os objetivos do desenvolvimento sustentável.
ACCESO Y USO DE INTERNET EN COOPERATIVISTAS AGROPECUARIOS CUBANOS
Authors: Quintana Ania Rosa Hernández , Quesada Manuel Alejandro Romero , Muñoz Disamis Arcia
Published: December 2021

El Estado cubano viene aprobando normativas para consolidar y diversificar el cooperativismo agropecuario y para lograr el Objetivo de Hambre Cero para 2030. Siendo el primero estudio sobre el uso y acceso de internet de los cooperativistas agropecuarios cubanos, los resultados de los cuestionarios aplicados apuntan la participación marcadamente masculina; desigualdades de género en los entornos rurales; insuficiente participación de los jóvenes; marcado interés demostrado por cooperativistas de la zona oriental del país; frecuencia del acceso regular, básicamente diaria, doméstica, fundamentalmente nocturna y a partir de los datos móviles; socialización en el uso de las redes para compartir y mantener el contacto con amigos y otros usuarios. Los mismos resultados sirven de antecedente para implementar una multiplataforma digital que articule los contenidos de varios escenarios comunicativos (televisión, radio, redes sociales, moodle, etc.) sobre buenas prácticas endógenas que eleve la cultura cooperativa y sintonice con otros públicos y promueva una percepción social acorde a la cultura digital y las necesidades de desarrollo sostenible en el país.
Long‐term occupancy records and infill renovation of housing designed based on the century housing system
Authors: Minami Kazunobu , Maruyama Ryotarou
Published: December 2021

This paper reports on changes in lifestyles and infill renovation of a multi‐dwelling housing complex built based on the Century Housing System (CHS) in 1987. The purpose of this research is to gain insight into the adaptability and changeability of the infill system to extend the life of such housing. This is the first investigation on CHS housing since it was first occupied. The authors found that the building components that were designed to be used and replaced every 12 to 25 years were actually replaced in many units as planned.
Endozoicomonas
Authors: Glaeser Stefanie P. , Kämpfer Peter
Published: December 2021

En.do.zo.i.co.mo'nas. Gr. pref. adj.
endo
, inside; Gr. masc. adj.
zoikos
, animal; Gr. fem. n.
monas
, a unit, monad; N.L. fem. n.
Endozoicomonas
, monad living inside an animal.

Proteobacteria / Gammaproteobacteria / Oceanospirillales / Endozoicomonadaceae / Endozoicomonas

The genus
Endozoicomonas
accommodates bacteria with rod‐shaped cells, which can be motile or not. Non‐spore‐forming. Gram‐strain‐negative. Aerobic or facultatively anaerobic. Catalase‐ and oxidase‐variable. All
Endozoicomonas
species are able to grow between 15 and 30°C. Some species are able to grow at 4, 10, and 37°C. All species grow at a pH range of pH 5.0–10.0 and in the presence of 0.5–5% NaCl. No growth is recorded without NaCl.

The predominant cellular fatty acids of all
Endozoicomonas
species are summed features containing C
16:1
ω7
c
/C
16:1
ω
6c
, C
18:1
ω6
c
/C
18:1
ω7
c
, and C
16:0
. C
10:0
3‐OH is reported in all species and C
12:0
3‐OH in almost all species as hydroxylated fatty acids. The major polar lipids have been recorded only for some species and comprise phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and diphosphatidylglycerol. The major respiratory quinone is ubiquinone Q‐9. In some species ubiquinone Q‐8 is found in minor amounts. Member of the class
Gammaproteobacteria
and order
Oceanospirillales
, forming a monophyletic clade within the family
Endozoicomonadaceae
. The known habitats are marine invertebrates, in most cases corals and sponges belonging to different genera.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 47.3–52.5 (HPLC, T
m
, genome sequence).

Type species
:
Endozoicomonas elysicola
Kurahashi and Yokota 2007, VL114.
Hopes and fears for 2022
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2021

As is traditional with the Preview Issue — the first issue of the year — we asked stakeholders for their reflections on the past year and their hopes and fears for the new year. Here are some responses so far. (If you haven't submitted yours yet, please do: adawnewsletter@gmail.com).
Flexible Asymmetric Supercapacitors with Extremely Slow Self‐Discharge Rate Enabled by a Bilayer Heterostructure Polymer Electrolyte
Authors: Wan Jun , Lv Tian , Liu Yanan , Wang Xue , Yang Yunlong , Chen Zilin , Qi Yunlong , Cao Shaokui , Chen Tao
Published: December 2021

Asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) with high working voltages, power density, and long cyclic life have attracted widespread interest. Along with their rapid charge process, the ASCs also exhibit fast self‐discharge behavior, which remains a big challenge. Unfortunately, very limited studies have been focused on this crucial issue. Here, a flexible asymmetric supercapacitor with excellent electrochemical performance and ultra‐long self‐discharge time is reported, which is enabled by designing a bilayer heterogeneous polymer electrolyte (HPE) of polyanions/polycations between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The developed HPE‐based ASCs exhibit comparable electrochemical performance with those of ASCs by using homogeneous polymer electrolytes. The existing repulsive force between the charged polyelectrolytes and the movable ions can efficiently restrict the diffusion and the redistribution of the small ions, which gives the fully charged HPE‐based ASC an extremely long self‐discharge time of 110 h as the open‐circuit voltage decreases to half of its original value, over ten times longer than the devices based on homogeneous polymer electrolytes. This work indicates that the self‐discharge rate of ASCs can be efficiently suppressed by using the heterogeneous polymer electrolyte, which is helpful in the context of broadening their applications in the field of flexible electronics.
Multi‐Level Passivation of MAPbI3 Perovskite for Efficient and Stable Photovoltaics
Authors: Wei Ning , Chen Yuetian , Wang Xingtao , Miao Yanfeng , Qin Zhixiao , Liu Xiaomin , Wei Hao , Zhao Yixin
Published: December 2021

The photovoltaic performance and long‐term stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are greatly affected by trap states. Herein, a functional ionic liquid of 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium trifluoroacetate (EMIMTFA) is introduced, in which the 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium cations (EMIM+) can interact with PbI2 to form a stable one‐dimensional (1D) perovskite of EMIMPbI3, and the trifluoroacetic acid anions (TFA−) can passivate the interface between the electron transfer layer and the perovskite layer. Unlike, the widely studied low dimensional perovskite capping layers or quasi‐2D configuration, the EMIM+ cations not only distribute on the top surface and inside the bulk phase, but also accumulate at the buried interface of 3D perovskite film, achieving a multi‐level distribution. The different defect states are successfully passivated by this distribution mode, leading to a significant decrease of non‐radiative recombination. As a result, the methyammonium lead iodide‐based PSCs with the EMIMTFA additive show an enhanced photovoltaic performance with a champion power conversion efficiency up to 22.14% and improved long‐term stability. This work demonstrates that the formation of multilevel low‐dimensional structure is a new strategy for the preparation of efficient and stable PSCs.
Adhesive Hemostatic Hydrogel with Ultrafast Gelation Arrests Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage in Pigs
Authors: Xia Xianfeng , Xu Xiayi , Wang Bin , Zhou Di , Zhang Weili , Xie Xian , Lai Huasheng , Xue Ju , Rai Aliza , Li Zhuo , Peng Xin , Zhao Pengchao , Bian Liming , Chiu Philip Wai‐Yan
Published: December 2021

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage is a common clinical emergency worldwide. Endoscopic hemostasis is the current first line treatment. Nevertheless, for patients with severe active bleeding and challenging anatomy, endoscopic management can be still difficult and usually requires a higher level of surgical expertise. A simple and effective method of endoscopic hemostasis is therefore in acute clinical demand. Herein a hemostatic hybrid hydrogel comprised of hyaluronic acid and polyethylene glycol stabilized by thiourea–catechol coupling and disulfide bonds is reported. The hybrid hydrogels exhibit enhanced mechanical properties, short gelation time, and good blood clotting ability compared with fibrin gels. The in vivo hemostatic efficacy is confirmed in a rat model of arterial bleeding, in which the rapid gelation of hybrid hydrogels after topical application effectively arrests blood loss with no rebleeding occurring during resuscitation when blood pressure approximately recovers to normal. A large animal study further demonstrates the efficacy of hybrid hydrogels to achieve endoscopic hemostasis against upper GI hemorrhage in pigs. Follow‐up observations show that the hybrid hydrogels can remain adherent at the bleeding wound for 48 h, indicating the sustained hemostatic function in vivo. Collectively, this work demonstrates a promising hemostatic hydrogel for endoscopic hemostasis in upper GI hemorrhage.
Initiating a Stretchable, Compressible, and Wearable Thermoelectric Generator by a Spiral Architecture with Ternary Nanocomposites for Efficient Heat Harvesting
Authors: Liang Lirong , Wang Miaomiao , Wang Xiaodong , Peng Peng , Liu Zhuoxin , Chen Guangming , Sun Guoxing
Published: December 2021

Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) based on organic/inorganic nanocomposites have made great achievements in recent years, while rational design of flexible TEGs to harvest energy via cross‐plane heat flux remains a great challenge. Herein, flexible poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxytiophene)‐tosylate/Te/single‐walled carbon nanotubes (PEDOT‐Tos/Te/SWCNTs) ternary nanocomposite films with unique layered structure are synthesized, exhibiting an optimized power factor of 131.9 ± 8.5 µW m–1 K–2 that is ≈120 times of that of the pristine PEDOT‐Tos. A spiral architecture is subsequently proposed to assemble the nanocomposite films into 3D TEGs, resulting in device‐level flexibility, stretchability, and compressibility. The spiral‐like TEGs can realize efficient heat‐to‐electricity conversion through cross‐plane heat flux, and large output powers of 7.04 and 9.59 µW are achieved for the TEG prototypes with 10 p‐type legs and 5 pairs of p‐n couples, respectively, under a temperature difference of 80 K, surpassing most reported TEGs using Te‐based composites. They can also provide stable energy output upon multiple stretching and compressing cycles. Furthermore, the spiral‐like TEGs are demonstrated versatile applications to harvest human body heat on wrist, and to generate electricity via the temperature difference induced by hot water or liquid nitrogen. This work offers a promising route to exploit thermoelectric composites for flexible and wearable applications.
Edible, Ultrastrong, and Microplastic‐Free Bacterial Cellulose‐Based Straws by Biosynthesis
Authors: Yang Huai‐Bin , Liu Zhao‐Xiang , Yin Chong‐Han , Han Zi‐Meng , Guan Qing‐Fang , Zhao Yu‐Xiang , Ling Zhang‐Chi , Liu Hao‐Cheng , Yang Kun‐Peng , Sun Wen‐Bin , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: December 2021

The widespread use of disposable plastic straws cause serious environmental problems and poses potential threats to human health, while paper straws, their most used alternatives, are not so satisfactory due to poor mechanical performance and unpleasant user experience. Here, a new kind of edible and microplastic‐free straw made from bacterial cellulose (BC) by biosynthesis is reported. Through the alginate coating, this BC‐based straw achieves better mechanical performance than paper straws and avoids additional adhesives. Owing to the 3D nanofiber network and strong interlayer connection, the comprehensive performance of this BC‐based straw surpasses that of commercially available counterparts, satisfying the requirements for practical use. Of particular note, the edible character provides a better user experience and a new end‐of‐life option for the straws, making the BC‐based straw a healthier and more eco‐friendly substitute for plastic straws.
Improvement of Stretchable and Washable Carbon‐Nanotube‐Based Textile Supercapacitors by using Molybdenum Trioxide Nanoflakes and Prewashing Treatment
Authors: Duy Le Thai , Sial Qadeer Akbar , Seo Hyungtak
Published: December 2021

The attraction of electronic textiles for next‐generation wearable electronic devices has raised the demands of washable and stretchable energy storage. However, negative effects of washing on the textile‐based devices are majorly known. In this work, besides the innovation of a conventional stretchable composite based on carbon nanotubes (CNT) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) for textile‐based supercapacitors, findings regarding negative and positive effects of washing are introduced. Since the CNT‐and‐PDMS‐based composite (CNT+PDMS) owns high stretchability but low electrochemical performance, two strategies using molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) nanoflakes are designed for upgrading the composite performance. Through stretching, washing, and electrochemical tests, the pros and cons of these strategies are revealed and discussed. Besides, a positive effect of chemical treatment of a liquid detergent (i.e., prewashing) is discovered, and it can improve the prewashed supercapacitor electrodes from 10 to 84 mF cm−2 at a scan rate of 10 mV s−1. Compared to supercapacitor cells assembled from unwashed electrodes, those of the sufficiently prewashed electrodes possess similar stretchability (≈60%) but threefold higher energy and power densities (3.9 μWh cm−2 and 0.89 mW cm−2, respectively). Overall, those findings are beneficial for the development of sustainable e‐textiles for wearable electronic applications.
Injectable Optical System for Drug Delivery, Ablation, and Sampling in Deep Tissue
Authors: Ma Yingchao , Chu Yanji , Lyu Shanzhi , He Yonglin , Wang Yapei
Published: December 2021

Photothermal therapy is becoming one subject of intense investigation for cancer treatment. However, due to the light absorption and light scattering of skin tissues, it is challenging to directly transport light energy into subcutaneous tissues with a depth over 1.0 cm. This research puts forward a technique termed as Injectable Optical System (IOS) for guiding near‐infrared light (NIR) into deep tissues by optical fibers, which is unattainable by regular NIR photothermal therapy, despite that NIR light is testified as the preferred light window with deepest tissue penetration. Meanwhile, the technique of IOS also possesses the abilities of drug delivery and synchronous sampling the diseased tissues during the treatment of photothermal therapy. According to in vitro and in vivo studies, IOS exhibits distinct advantages in transporting light energy into deeper subcutaneous tissues in contrast with traditional light irradiation on skins. Light would directly transport through the pathway to tumor tissues to realize hyperthermia effect without causing energy loss. Since IOS owns the benefits of clinical biopsy and radiofrequency ablation, it would be a powerful supplement to therapeutic methodologies for treating subcutaneous diseases. The easy modification of IOS offers great promise to combine other analytical techniques to achieve the in situ detection and deep‐sited tumors treatment.
Combustion Synthesized Electrospun InZnO Nanowires for Ultraviolet Photodetectors
Authors: He Junyu , Xu Peilong , Zhou Ruifu , Li Hao , Zu Hongliang , Zhang Jun , Qin Yuanbin , Liu Xuhai , Wang Fengyun
Published: December 2021

Ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors play an important role in numerous commercial and scientific applications. The UV photodetectors based on binary‐cation indium zinc oxide (InZnO) thin films exhibit great performance enhancement, compared with their single‐cation counterparts. However, UV photodetectors based on 1D InZnO nanowires could potentially exhibit more superior optoelectrical performance, due to the large surface‐to‐volume ratio and favorable carrier transport characteristics of nanowires. This work has combined combustion synthesis with electrospinning technique to efficiently fabricate InZnO nanowire‐based UV photodetectors. At the annealing temperature of 375 °C, the newly designed InZnO nanowire photodetectors exhibit excellent photoelectric performance under the irradiation of 310 nm UV light, including a photo‐to‐dark current ratio of 1.2 × 104, a photo responsivity of 2.8 × 103 A W–1, and a high detectivity of 2.4 × 1016 Jones. This study not only demonstrates the opportunity to construct new‐generation transparent electronics based on 1D metal oxide nanowires but also sheds new light on how to further decrease the annealing temperature of metal oxide nanowire devices for low‐temperature fabrication processes.
Rational Design of Highly Soluble and Crystalline Conjugated Polymers for High‐Performance Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Lee Kyumin , Jeong Moon‐Ki , Suh Eui Hyun , Jeong WonJo , Oh Jong Gyu , Jang Jaeyoung , Jung In Hwan
Published: December 2021

Conjugated polymers based on cyclopentadithiophene (CPDT) moieties are widely used in optoelectronics applications but rarely in field‐effect transistors (FETs). This is due to the steric hindrance at the tetrahedral center of the CPDT core, which is a critical problem requiring resolution without diminishing the polymer crystallinity and solubility. A bulky CPDT‐based high‐mobility copolymers are synthesized here, which shows excellent π–π stacking in the film states with good solubility. The addition of bulky ethylhexyl side chains to CPDT does not interfere with the molecular ordering and promotes the intercalation of linear alkyl chains on the co‐monomeric units. The resulting polymer forms bimodal packing structures with strong lamellar ordering and π–π interactions. Furthermore, the free volume generated by the bulky ethylhexyl side chains allows for a small amount of fullerene additive to be contained in the film state without interfering with the molecular ordering, leading to enhanced on/off ratios and hole mobilities of the resulting FETs. As a result, promising hole mobilities of up to 1.08–1.64 cm2 V−1 s−1 are achieved with the optimized FETs, which are the highest mobilities reported for CPDT‐based conjugated polymers containing branched alkyl side chains.
Congenital heart defects in molecularly confirmed KBG syndrome patients
Authors: Digilio Maria Cristina , Calcagni Giulio , Gnazzo Maria , Versacci Paolo , Dentici Maria Lisa , Capolino Rossella , Sinibaldi Lorenzo , Baban Anwar , Putotto Carolina , Alfieri Paolo , Unolt Marta , Lepri Francesca R. , Alesi Viola , Genovese Silvia , Novelli Antonio , Marino Bruno , Dallapiccola Bruno
Published: December 2021

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are known to occur in 9%–25% of patients with KBG syndrome. In this study we analyzed the prevalence and anatomic types of CHDs in 46 personal patients with KBG syndrome, carrying pathogenetic variants in ANKRD11 or 16q24.3 deletion, and reviewed CHDs in patients with molecular diagnosis of KBG syndrome from the literature. CHD was diagnosed in 15/40 (38%) patients with ANKRD11 variant, and in one patient with 16q24.3 deletion. Left ventricular outflow tract obstructions have been diagnosed in 9/15 (60%), subaortic or muscular ventricular septal defect in 5/15 (33%), dextrocardia in 1/15 (8%). The single patient with 16q24.3 deletion and CHD had complete atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) with aortic coarctation. Review of KBG patients from the literature and present series showed that septal defects have been diagnosed in 44% (27/61) of the cases, left ventricular tract obstructions in 31% (19/61), AVSD in 18% (11/61). Septal defects have been diagnosed in 78% of total patients with 16q24.3 deletion. Valvar anomalies are frequently diagnosed, prevalently involving the left side of the heart. A distinctive association with AVSD is identifiable and could represent a marker to suggest the diagnosis in younger patients. In conclusion, after precise molecular diagnosis and systematic cardiological screening the prevalence of CHD in KBG syndrome seems to be higher than previously reported in clinical articles. In addition to septal defects, left‐sided anomalies and AVSD should be considered. Clinical management of KBG syndrome should include accurate and detailed echocardiogram at time of diagnosis.
Retinal vessel density correlates with cognitive function in older adults
Authors: Jiang Hong , Fang Min , Strand Keri , Zhang Juan , Totillo Matthew , Signorile Joseph F. , Wang Jianhua
Published: December 2021

Background

Accumulating evidence indicates that microvascular alterations in the brain, especially at the capillary level, are one of the major contributors to cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults. The brain and retinal microvasculature share similar anatomic and physiologic features. Alterations of retinal microvasculature reflect similar changes in brain. We examined the associations between retinal microvascular density, cognition and physical fitness in healthy older adults with no reported cognitive decline.

Method

Twenty cognitively normal older adults (age: 70.3 ± 4.6 years) were recruited. Both eyes of each subject were imaged using optical coherence tomography angiography. The vessel density of the retinal vascular network (RVN), superficial vascular plexus (SVP), and deep vascular plexus (DVP) was measured. Cognitive function was tested using the Mini‐mental state examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), while physical performance was evaluated using the YMCA cycle ergometer test. Partial correlations (rpartial ) were computed between measures of retinal microvascular density, cognitive function, and physical performance.

Result

The MoCA was significantly correlated to vessel density of RVN (rpartial = 0.54, P = 0.002) and SVP (rpartial = 0.59, P < 0.001), but not DVP (rpartial = ‐0.01, P = 0.99). MoCA also showed a trend toward correlation with YMCA total work (TW‐YMCA, rpartial = 0.28, P = 0.14). Retinal microvascular density was not related to TW‐YMCA (rpartial= ‐ 0.23 ∼ 0.12, P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The MoCA was significantly correlated to vessel density of RVN (rpartial = 0.54, P = 0.002) and SVP (rpartial = 0.59, P < 0.001), but not DVP (rpartial = ‐0.01, P = 0.99). MoCA also showed a trend toward correlation with YMCA total work (TW‐YMCA, rpartial = 0.28, P = 0.14). Retinal microvascular density was not related to TW‐YMCA (rpartial= ‐ 0.23 ∼ 0.12, P > 0.05).
Diagnosing foreign patients in Europe: An EADC‐ISTAART study
Authors: Boccardi Marina , Grazia Alice , Monsch Andreas U , Teipel Stefan J , Frölich Lutz , Winblad Bengt , Cappa Stefano , Sala Sergio Della , Welsh‐Bohmer Kathleen A
Published: December 2021

Background

The detection rate of people with neurocognitive disorder is low (20‐50%) even in highly developed countries. Early detection is a global priority (Aim 4 of WHO Global Action Plan on Dementia). Among the barriers to timely diagnosis in Europe is the migration status, which is currently increasing in prevalence, limiting access to specific assessments and care due to language barriers.

Methods

Within a wider European Alzheimer’s Disease Consortium (EADC) – ISTAART survey aimed at exploring the implementability of standard neuropsychological assessment in memory clinics, we examined the frequency and modality of assessments of foreign patients across tertiary memory clinics in Europe.

Results

Preliminary data show that in over 50% of EADC memory clinics, for which we have survey returns, foreign patients are assessed frequently (3 of 49 responding sites report daily, and 24/49 report monthly foreign assessments). Countries with more frequent requests are Belgium (4/4 Belgium responders report assessing foreign patients often, i.e. daily or monthly), Croatia (1/1), Czech Republic (1/1), Denmark (1/1), France (3/5), Germany (7/8), Sweden (2/2), Switzerland (4/4), and the United Kingdom (1/2). Only 9/49 centers reported using an interpreter often (>60% of assessed foreign cases). The majority (33/49) translate local tests; however, as many as 19 centers do use culture‐ and language‐specific tests for foreign patients. Discussion: In tertiary European memory clinics, requests for assessments in a foreign language are very frequent, but the testing practices used for this purpose vary across sites. Our survey was conducted in centers of excellence and may not be fully representative: non‐academic centers are expected to be even more heterogeneous in their practices. This survey allows us to define more specific investigations, and to devise interventions to improve detection of neurocognitive disorders among foreign patients.

Conclusion

Actions specifically dedicated to proper assessment of foreign people may contribute to improve early detection of neurocognitive disorders.
Vestibular dysfunction and cognitive skills: Pilot study
Authors: Ribeiro Marlon Bruno Nunes , Mancini Patricia Cotta , Bicalho Maria Aparecida
Published: December 2021

Background

the association between vestibular dysfunction and cognitive impairment has been pointed out by the literature. Recently, some studies have found an association between vestibular dysfunction and cognitive skills such as attention, memory and visuospatial function,

Method

cross‐sectional, observational and analytical study. The sample consisted of elderly people (n=11) aged between 60 and 89 years old, of both sexes witch an average of fours years of schooling, with peripheral vestibulopathy confirmed through exams Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP) and Video Head Impulse Test (v‐HIT). Participants underwent cognitive assessment using The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Brief Neuropsychological Assessment Instrument (Neupsilin), Pfeffer's Daily Life Activities Questionnaire (FAQ), Brazilian version of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) and the Geriatric Depression Scale version of 15 items (GDS‐15).

Result

an association was found between the total score of the MMSE with schooling and DHI; FAB with left P16 latency and cervical asymmetry index; the FAQ score correlated with DHI and GDS‐15 with the VAS and BBS scale.

Conclusion

There was an association between education and the result of the cognitive screening test. The impact of dizziness on the quality of life of the elderly was observed. Functionality and psychological distress were related to the impact of dizziness on quality of life and body balance.
The effects of transcranial direct current stimulation to left DLPFC on attention, inhibition and working memory for people with dementia
Authors: Ho‐yin Lai Frank
Published: December 2021

Background

The left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is a brain region that has been associated with executive function. In functional perspective, it involves the ability to organize, plan and carry out activities of daily living in an efficient manner.

Method

A double‐blinded, randomized case‐control, single session interventional study was conducted to a match group of 24 older adults with dementia and 24 healthy control. Participants were then randomized to either anodal left DLPFC stimulation or sham stimulation . Those recruited subjects were equally randomized to 4 groups of single intervention, namely experimental verum stimulation, experimental sham stimulation, healthy control verum stimulation and health control sham stimulation. The outcome measures included pre‐and‐post stimulation performance‐based measure of executive function (The Home‐based Evaluation of Executive Function; The Home ‐MET), and three well established experimental paradigms of cognitive psychology such as Trail Making Task (TMT), N‐back Task (NBT) and Stroop Test (ST) under different modes of cognitive stimulation.

Result

With age and gender as covariates, the repeated measure ANOVAs of the MET results showed a significant group effect within subjects with F(1, 3) = 5.56, p < .01, with small to medium effect size of partial eta square = .28 with observed power = .92 , p < .05. In univariate general linear model analyses, NBT demonstrated there is significant interaction effect between group and types of stimulation, the univariate F(1, 44) = 8.77 with p = .001, small to medium effect size with partial eta square = .37 with observed power = .99. By multi‐variate general linear model, NBT and TMT together demonstrated there is significant interaction effect between groups, for NBT, the multivariate F(1, 42) = 9.03, p = .001 with partial eta square = .39 with observed power = .99.

Conclusion

In this paper we investigate the effect single‐session tDCS may have on impact on performance‐based measure and cognition enhancement by using three well established experimental paradigms of cognitive psychology. Significant difference noted between experimental and health control in verum tDCS stimulation. Interesting, the sham tDCS also demonstrated its effect on executive function enhancement in healthy control but not the dementia subjects.
Cardiorespiratory fitness bolsters cerebrovascular health in adults at risk for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Gaitán Julian M , Dougherty Ryan J , Lose Sarah , Maxa Kaitlin M , Vesperman Clayton J , Cook Dane B , Okonkwo Ozioma C
Published: December 2021

Background

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) alterations and brain microvascular deficits contribute to progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The aim of this series of studies was to evaluate whether cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) supports cerebrovascular health among individuals at risk for AD.

Methods

Four studies were conducted among participants from the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention and the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Both cohorts are enriched for AD risk due to parental history and/or the APOE e4 allele. Study 1 assessed resting cardiac workload via rate pressure product (RPP=systolic blood pressure*heart rate). Study 2 used 4D flow MRI to quantify pulsatility index [PI=(flowmax–flowmin)/flowmean] in cerebral large vessels. Study 3 deployed 3D arterial spin labeling imaging to measure CBF. Study 4 assessed white matter hyperintensity (WMH) lesion volume using 3D MRI scans. In these studies, CRF was assessed via gold‐standard graded maximal exercise test or estimated using a validated formula; physical activity (PA) was measured using accelerometry; amyloid and tau were measured from cerebrospinal fluid. Multiple linear regression was used to assess associations among the variables of interest in each study.

Results

Study 1 established a positive association between RPP and p‐tau and t‐tau, but not Ab42. This effect was exacerbated in old age. Study 2 revealed that higher CRF was associated with lower PI in the internal carotid and basilar arteries and that traditional cardiovascular risk factors partly mediate those associations. Study 3 revealed that CRF, but not PA, was positively associated with CBF in brain regions vulnerable to hypoperfusion in aging and AD. This effect was stronger among females. Study 4 revealed that increasing age was associated with WMH lesion volume and that this relationship is attenuated by CRF.

Conclusion

These studies support that deleterious cardio‐ and cerebrovascular characteristics associated with AD risk may be ameliorated by CRF, and that age and sex are important modifiers deserving of greater attention in future studies. Notably, CRF appears to exert a stronger effect than PA per se. In sum, CRF is a modifiable physiological characteristic that may reduce cerebrovascular risk in individuals with familial or genetic predisposition to AD.
Identification of novel anti‐Alzheimer’s drugs through inhibition of LRP‐DKK interaction: A computational approach using high throughput virtual screening and molecular dynamics studies
Authors: Prajapat Manisha
Published: December 2021

Background

Activation of WNT signalling pathway was involved in a neuroprotective mechanism against amyloid beta toxicity (1). Inhibition of this pathway is associated with GSK‐3 beta activation, tau hyperphosphorylation, neuronal apoptosis (1), (2) and is implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (1). DKK‐1 competes with Wnt for the binding to LRP5/6 receptor (3) and disrupts the Wnt‐induced Fzd‐Wnt‐LRP6 complex (4) and thus antagonizes the neuro‐protective effect of WNT. In this study, we have targeted the DKK‐LRP interaction through virtual screening the first time to develop novel anti‐Alzheimer’s agent.

Method

Based upon crystal structure information and protein validation using Ramachandran Plots, a crystal structure (PDB: 3S8V) was selected for further works. In this study, we have targeted the surface of LRP 5/6, which is interacting with DKK and grid was generated on LRP. The virtual screening of Asinex database library (N=19642) was done against this grid. Molecules were selected on the basis of good dock score and binding free energy calculation using MMGBSA in Schrodinger GLIDE (5)(6). The protein ligand complex structure stability were also evaluated by molecular dynamic simulation study (7). ADMET profile of the screened ligands were evaluated using Quick prop module of Schrodinger.

Result

After running the virtual screening protocol (HTVS: SP: XP), 14 compounds were screened out, which showed significant binding top the DKK1 binding interface of LRP. These compounds were further evaluated on basis of docking score and MMGBSA. On the basis of After then on the basis of ADME profile selected 2 compound id ZINC000100138828 and ZINC000247940500 for further molecular dynamic simulation study which were shown the compound ZINC000100138828 had an avg. RMSD of ∼4.0Å, also the RMSF is 2.4 Å for overall protein side chain residue was reduced with reference to the apo form. It is displays rich interaction profile and strength with core binding residues (A: Pro833, B: Tyr706, B: Glu708, B: Arg751 and B: Ile681).

Conclusion

ZINC000100138828 is a potent binder to the DKK1 binding surface on LRP5/6. It needs further in‐vitro and preclinical validation as a potential anti‐Alzheimer’s agent.
Evaluating whether EEG could predict Alzheimer's disease onset in preclinical patients with the ApoE4 allele
Authors: Ma Enze , Kutlu Selin , Kim Nathan , Mitchell Catherine , Vajjala Vimala , Carrazana Enrique , Viereck Jason , Liow Kore
Published: December 2021

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is progressive neurodegenerative disease and is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly. Currently, patients are diagnosed based on memory loss through mental status exams, supportive imaging, and/or laboratory tests. Even though there are no biomarkers or tests available for preclinical patients, the Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) polymorphic alleles indicate if a patient is at high (e4 allele), neutral (e3 allele), or low risk (e2 allele). In this study, we use electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis in preclinical participants at high genetic risk for AD to determine if there are characteristic EEG changes and/or patterns that may predict progression to AD at the preclinical stage.

Method

Participants ages 64 to 78 were selected from Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience’s patient database. Selected participants had a Mini‐Mental Status Exam score of no lower than 28. Participants were asymptomatic at the time of the study. Each participant also had a genotype study to determine their ApoE genotype (11 participants were e3e3; 3 participants were e3e4; 2 participants were e4e4; 1 participant was e2e4). An EEG was conducted to determine any apparent trends via visual analysis.

Result

Of the 18 participants who had received EEGs, 6 (33%) displayed evidence of abnormal focal temporal slowing of some kind. 4 of the 6 (e3e3, e3e3, e3e4, e3e4) displayed focal left temporal slowing, and 2 of the 6 displayed bilateral temporal slowing (e4e4, e3e3), of which one was independent (e4e4). The remaining 12 patients did not display any abnormalities in their EEG study. Of the 11 e3e3 genotype participants, 3 (27%) displayed abnormal slowing. Of the 3 e3e4 genotype participants, 2 (67%) displayed abnormal slowing. Of the 2 e4e4 genotype participants, 1 (50%) displayed abnormal slowing.

Conclusion

This study suggests that EEGs may be a potential predictive test for the onset of AD in high‐risk patients, particularly with the ApoE4 allele. Future studies may follow the progression of EEGs in this patient population to determine if our EEG data correlates with future onset of cognitive symptoms. If proven to be successful, EEGs may be an additional, noninvasive tool to detect possible AD before progression to permanent memory loss.
Does playing a musical instrument prevent dementia?
Authors: Walsh Sebastian , Brayne Carol E
Published: December 2021

Background

Musical instrument playing provides intellectual stimulation, which is hypothesised to generate cognitive reserve that protects against cognitive impairment.

Method

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of all studies with musical instrument playing as the exposure, and cognitive impairment and/or dementia as the outcome. This was followed by a primary analysis drawing on data from the EPIC‐Norfolk population cohort, attesting for a dose‐response relationship between mid‐life musical instrument playing and late‐life cognition, after adjusting for relevant health and social confounders.

Result

Of 1211 articles identified from literature searching, three met inclusion criteria. All were of good methodological quality, and reported large protective effects of musical instrument playing. A twin study reported that musicians were 64% less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment or dementia, after additionally adjusting for sex, education and physical activity. A meta‐analysis of two cohort studies found a 59% reduction in the risk of developing dementia within the study follow up.

In EPIC‐Norfolk, data were available from 5693 participants (745 musicians) on music playing, cognition, and all covariables. Classification of musicianship by frequency of playing demonstrated key differences in socio‐demographic factors. Musicians outperformed non‐musicians in cognition generally. Compared to non‐musicians, frequent musicians had 80% higher odds of being in the top cognitive decile (OR 1.80 [95%CI 1.19‐2.73]), whilst musicians playing at any frequency had 29% higher odds (95% CI 1.03‐1.62), compared to non‐musicians. There was evidence of a threshold effect, rather than a linear dose‐response relationship.

Conclusion

The existing evidence base suggests a substantial protective effect of musical instrument playing on cognition, but is limited by size and the risk of reverse causality. Our primary EPIC‐Norfolk analysis also supports a positive association between mid‐life musical instrument playing and late‐life cognition. ‘Musicians’ are a heterogeneous group, and those playing frequently demonstrated the best cognition. Larger, more focused studies are required to further explore this association, with a particular need to consider the cumulative lifetime quantity of music playing. Studies investigating the association between lifestyle factors (e.g. music playing) and cognitive decline should consider the heterogeneous nature of participants, rather than simply adopting a binary classification.