bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ДИНАМИКА ПОПУЛЯЦИОННОЙ ИЗМЕНЧИВОСТИ МИКРОБИОТЫ КИШЕЧНИКА В ПРОЦЕССЕ ЛЕЧЕНИЯ БОЛЬНЫХ ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗОМ ОРГАНОВ ДЫХАНИЯ, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Шорохова В.А.
Published: December 2021

Введение. Эпидемическая ситуация по туберкулезу (ТБ) в мире и в Российской Федерации остается напряженной. Связано это, в том числе, с низкой эффективностью лечения больных ТБ. В настоящее время лечение больных ТБ требует длительного применения режимов химиотерапии, включающих новые противотуберкулезные препараты (ПТП) и новые антибиотики широкого спектра действия. Длительное применение большого количества лекарственных средств может способствовать нарушению нормальной микрофлоры кишечника с развитием дисбактериоза и непереносимости ПТП. Наиболее часто встречающейся побочной реакцией на прием ПТП у больных ТБ легких является нарушение состояния кишечной микрофлоры. В настоящее время изучение микробиоты кишечника у больных впервые выявленным и ранее леченным ТБ представляет большой интерес. Цель исследования: изучение состояния кишечной микробиоты больных впервые выявленным и ранее леченым ТБ легких до начала и в процессе лечения.
ПЛАСТИКА ПЕРЕДНЕГО СРЕДОСТЕНИЯ – МЕТОДИКА, ПОЗВОЛЯЮЩАЯ ПРЕДОТВРАТИТЬ ФОРМИРОВАНИЕ МЕДИАСТИНАЛЬНОЙ ЛЕГОЧНОЙ ГРЫЖИ, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Эргешова А.Э. , Пенаги Р.Н.-А. , Асоян Г.А. , Читорелидзе Г.В. , Базылюк А.В. , Гусейнов Т.Ш. , Тарасов Р.В.
Published: December 2021

Введение. Хирургические методы лечения больных распространенным деструктивным туберкулезом (ТБ) легких применяются все чаще. Этому способствует рост числа больных лекарственно устойчивым ТБ легких, несмотря на применение новых препаратов в режимах противотуберкулезной химиотерапии. Преимущественно односторонний распространенный деструктивный ТБ легких, рубцовый стеноз главного бронха, являются показанием для пневмонэктомии, одним из частых осложнений которой является формирование медиастинальной легочной грыжи (МЛГ). Формирование МЛГ в послеоперационном периоде сопровождается тяжелыми респираторными и гемодинамическими нарушениями, а также нарушениями кровотока в пролабирующем участке легкого. Кроме того, перерастяжение оставшегося легкого, как правило, содержащего очаги отсева, способствует прогрессированию заболевания. Существующие методы лечения МЛГ являются самостоятельными операциями, травматичными, с использованием инородных тел, веществ, газов. Таким образом, пневмонэктомия является тяжелой органоуносящей операцией и часто сопровождается развитием МЛГ, что неблагоприятно влияет на функции сердечно-сосудистой и бронхолегочной систем, ввиду чего необходимо изучение влияния новых методик выполнения пневмонэктомии на функциональные показатели организма в послеоперационном периоде. Цель исследования: изучение влияния одномоментной пластики переднего средостения (ППС) при пневмонэктомии у больных распространенным ТБ легких, не имевших МЛГ до операции, на основные показатели респираторной и сердечно-сосудистой систем.
ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ УКОРОЧЕННЫХ РЕЖИМОВ ХИМИОТЕРАПИИ У ПОДРОСТКОВ, БОЛЬНЫХ ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗОМ ОРГАНОВ ДЫХАНИЯ С МНОЖЕСТВЕННОЙ И ШИРОКОЙ ЛЕКАРСТВЕННОЙ УСТОЙЧИВОСТЬЮ МИКОБАКТЕРИЙ ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗА, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Крушинская E.A.
Published: December 2021

Цель исследования: оценить эффективность и безопасность укороченных режимов химиотерапии туберкулеза органов дыхания (ТОД) с множественной и широкой лекарственной устойчивостью (МЛУ/ШЛУ) микобактерий туберкулеза (МБТ) у детей старшего возраста и подростков.
ОСОБЕННОСТИ ИММУНОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ РЕАКТИВНОСТИ И ПРОДУКЦИЯ ОКСИДА АЗОТА И ЕГО МЕТАБОЛИТОВ У БОЛЬНЫХ С ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗОМ ЛЕГКИХ В СОЧЕТАНИИ С COVID-19, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Осипов Т.В.
Published: December 2021

Цель исследования: изучить влияние инфекции COVID-19 на состояние иммунологической реактивности и суммарное содержание оксида азота (NO+NO) и его метаболитов (NO, NO) у больных туберкулезом легких в сочетании с COVID-19.
Chloroplast genomes of two Pueraria DC. species: sequencing, comparative analysis and molecular marker development
Authors: Li Jishuang , Yang Meng , Li Yanni , Jiang Mei , Liu Chang , He Meijun , Wu Bin
Published: December 2021

Puerariae lobatae radix (Ge‐Gen in Chinese) and Puerariae thomsonii radix (Fen‐Ge) are widely used as medicine and health products, particularly in Chinese medicine. Puerarin and daidzein are the primary bioactive compounds in Puerariae radix. These isoflavones have been used to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and osteoporosis. The content of puerarin in Ge‐Gen is about six times higher than that in Fen‐Ge, so its use has a higher pharmacological effect. It is therefore of great importance to effectively distinguish between these two species. However, because their basal plants, P. lobata (Willd.) Ohwi and P. thomsonii Benth., possess an extremely similar appearance, and detecting the level of chemical constituents is just a rough distinction, it is necessary to develop more efficient identification approaches. Here the complete chloroplast genomes of P. lobata and P. thomsonii were deciphered, including sequencing, assembly, comparative analysis, and molecular marker development. The results showed that they are 153,393 and 153,442 bp in length, respectively; both contain 124 annotated genes, including eight encoding rRNA, 29 encoding tRNA, and 87 encoding proteins. Phylogenetic analysis showed that they form a clade, indicating that they originate from the same ancestor. After obtaining 10 intergenic/intronic regions with a genetic distance greater than 0.5 cm, primers were designed to amplify regions of high variability in P. lobata and P. thomsonii. Finally, a 60‐bp differential base fragment, located in the intron of rpl16, was developed as a molecular marker to efficiently distinguish between these two species.
Characterization and comparison of recombinant full‐length ursine and human sex hormone‐binding globulin
Authors: Frøbert Anne Mette , Brohus Malene , Toews Julia N. C. , Round Phillip , Fröbert Ole , Hammond Geoffrey L. , Overgaard Michael T.
Published: December 2021

Sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) regulates the bioavailability of sex steroid hormones in the blood. Levels of SHBG increase markedly in brown bears (Ursus arctos) during hibernation, suggesting that a key regulatory role of this protein is to quench sex steroid bioavailability in hibernation physiology. To enable characterization of ursine SHBG and a cross species comparison, we established an insect cell‐based expression system for recombinant full‐length ursine and human SHBG. Compared with human SHBG, we observed markedly lower secretion levels of ursine SHBG, resulting in a 10‐fold difference in purified protein yield. Both human and ursine recombinant SHBG appeared as dimeric proteins in solution, with a single unfolding temperature of ~ 58 °C. The thermal stability of ursine and human SHBG increased 5.4 and 9.5 °C, respectively, in the presence of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), suggesting a difference in affinity. The dissociation constants for [3H]DHT were determined to 0.21 ± 0.04 nm for human and 1.32 ± 0.10 nm for ursine SHBG, confirming a lower affinity of ursine SHBG. A similarly reduced affinity, determined from competitive steroid binding, was observed for most steroids. Overall, we found that ursine SHBG had similar characteristics to human SHBG, specifically, being a homodimeric glycoprotein capable of binding steroids with high affinity. Therefore, ursine SHBG likely has similar biological functions to those known for human SHBG. The determined properties of ursine SHBG will contribute to elucidating its potential regulatory role in hibernation physiology.
Two steps are better than one: improving gene editing to treat cancer
Authors: Minter Francesca
Published: December 2021

Gene editing enables scientists to make precise changes to the genome of an organism using the cell’s own ability to repair damaged DNA using a supplied DNA template. In recent years, gene editing has been applied clinically in the treatment of diseases such as cancer. Gene editing has been used in a type of immunotherapy, known as chimeric antigen receptor‐expressing T cell (CAR‐T) therapy, to restore the body’s ability to find and kill specific cancer cells. For this therapy, viruses are often used to supply the cell with the DNA template used for creating the edit in the target DNA. However, the use of viruses in this context is laborious and costly. Developing non‐viral methods for delivery of DNA templates for gene editing would circumvent these problems, but current methods can have toxic effects on cells and result in low editing efficiency. In a new article published in this issue, Yang et al. describe a novel method for viral‐independent delivery of naked DNA and its incorporation into the genome for engineering cells for CAR‐T therapy.
Multifunctional ZnCo2O4 Quantum Dots Encapsulated In Carbon Carrier for Anchoring/Catalyzing Polysulfides and Self‐Repairing Lithium Metal Anode in Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Liu Yi , Ma Zhiyuan , Yang Guang , Wu Zhen , Li Yuting , Gu Jie , Gautam Jagadis , Gong Xiangxiang , Chishti Aadil Nabi , Duan Suqin , Chen Chong , Chen Ming , Ni Lubin , Diao Guowang
Published: December 2021

Lithium‐sulfur batteries have recently attracted academic/industrial attention due to the high theoretical energy density. However, the capacity decay mainly caused by the polysulfides shuttle effect and poor conductivity of sulfur. Herein, in situ growth of ZnCo2O4 quantum dots (ZCO‐QDs) embedded into the hollow carbon‐carrier sphere (HCS) to form the ZnCo2O4 quantum dots nanocapsule (ZCO‐QDs@HCS) as the multifunctional sulfur host is rationally demonstrated. Based on density‐functional theory calculations, in situ spectroscopic techniques, and electrochemical studies, the synergistic effects on anchoring/catalyzing polysulfide of the ZCO‐QDs@HCS composite in Li‐S batteries is investigated. Interestingly, the ZCO‐QDs@HCS also allows for the controlled release of ZCO‐QDs into the Li‐S electrolyte. Subsequently, it is first discovered that these diffused ZCO‐QDs can act as self‐repairing initiators to stabilize Li metal anodes via rebuilding the damaged solid electrolyte interphase and suppressing Li dendrites growth. With this concept, quantum dots‐based catalyst delivery systems is first constructed in a Li‐S battery, which is similar to the use of nanocarrier‐based drug delivery systems in cancer therapy. The Li‐S cells with the S@ZCO‐QDs@HCS cathode display significantly superior electrochemical performances with a high specific capacity (1350.5 mAh·g−1 at 0.1 C) and excellent cycling stability (capacity decay rate of 0.057% per cycle after 1000 cycles at 3.0 C).
Acetic Acid‐Assisted Synergistic Modulation of Crystallization Kinetics and Inhibition of Sn2+ Oxidation in Tin‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Su Yang , Yang Jia , Liu Gengling , Sheng Wangping , Zhang Jiaqi , Zhong Yang , Tan Licheng , Chen Yiwang
Published: December 2021

Tin‐based halide perovskites attract incremental attention due to the favorable optoelectronic properties and ideal bandgaps. However, the poor crystalline quality is still the biggest challenge for further progress in tin‐based perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) due to the unfavorable defects and uncontrollable crystallization kinetics. Here, acetic acid (HAc) is first introduced to reduce the supersaturated concentration of the precursor solution to preferentially form pre‐nucleation clusters, thus inducing rapid nucleation for effective regulation of crystallization kinetics. In particular, the hydrogen ion and acetate ion contained in HAc can effectively inhibit the oxidation of Sn2+, and the hydrogen bonding interaction between HAc and iodide ion (I‐) greatly reduces the loss of I‐, which guarantees the I‐/Sn2+ stoichiometric ratio of the corresponding perovskite film close to theoretical value, thus effectively reducing the defect density and maintaining the perfect crystal lattice. Consequently, the HAc‐assisted tin‐based PVSCs achieve a champion power conversion efficiency of 12.26% with superior open‐circuit voltage up to 0.75 V. Moreover, the unencapsulated device maintains nearly 90% of the initial PCE even after 3000 h storage in nitrogen atmosphere. This demonstrated strategy enables to prepare high‐quality tin‐based perovskite film with lower defect density and lattice distortion.
Tailoring Organic LEDs for Bidirectional Optogenetic Control via Dual‐Color Switching
Authors: Ciccone Giuseppe , Meloni Ilenia , Fernandez Lahore Rodrigo G. , Vierock Johannes , Reineke Sebastian , Kleemann Hans , Hegemann Peter , Leo Karl , Murawski Caroline
Published: December 2021

Revealing the intricate logic of neuronal circuits and its connection to the physiopathology of living systems constitutes a fundamental question in neuroscience. Optogenetics offers the possibility to use light of specific wavelengths to study the activity of neurons with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. To make use of this technique at its full potential, bidirectional proteins may be expressed across the neuronal membrane to provoke both enhancement and inhibition of neuronal activity depending on the excitation wavelength. This generates the demand for light sources with high spatial precision, high operation speed, and multi‐color emission from the same location. To meet these requirements, the design, realization, and characterization of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) are presented with switchable bicolor emission, exhibiting high irradiance and good efficiency. The OLEDs can switch between blue and red/green light upon changing the voltage polarity, triggering both optogenetic inhibition and excitation in ND7/23 cells and Drosophila melanogaster larvae expressing bidirectional optogenetic proteins. This work shows the potential of engineering OLEDs to enable multicolor optogenetics with a single, organic device, and provides a new avenue towards bicolor optical brain stimulation in vivo.
Light‐Controlled Nucleation and Shaping of Self‐Assembling Nanocomposites
Authors: Bistervels Marloes H. , Kamp Marko , Schoenmaker Hinco , Brouwer Albert M. , Noorduin Willem L.
Published: December 2021

Controlling self‐assembly of nanocomposites is a fundamental challenge with exciting implications for next‐generation advanced functional materials. Precursors for composites can be generated photochemically, but limited insight in the underlying processes has hindered precise hands‐on guidance. In this study, light‐controlled nucleation and growth is demonstrated for self‐assembling composites according to precise user‐defined designs. Carbonate is generated photochemically with UV light to steer the precipitation of nanocomposites of barium carbonate nanocrystals and amorphous silica (BaCO3/SiO2). Using a custom‐built optical setup, the self‐assembly process is controlled by optimizing the photogeneration, diffusion, reaction, and precipitation of the carbonate species, using the radius and intensity of the UV‐light irradiated area and reaction temperature. Exploiting this control, nucleation is induced and the contours and individual features of the growing composite are sculpted according to micrometer‐defined light patterns. Moreover, moving light patterns are exploited to create a constant carbonate concentration at the growth front to draw lines of nanocomposites with constant width over millimeters with micrometer precision. Light‐directed generation of local gradients opens previously unimaginable opportunities for guiding self‐assembly into functional materials.
Calcium‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Hydroamination‐Deacylation Reaction of in situ formed β‐Amino Allenes
Authors: Yaragorla Srinivasarao , Latha Dandugula Sneha , Rajesh Pallava
Published: December 2021

We have developed a simple, One‐Pot, three‐component reaction of tert‐propargyl alcohols, primary amines and acyl ketones to synthesize fully substituted pyrroles and pyridine derivatives in good to excellent yields with large substrate diversity. An eco‐friendly calcium catalyst catalyzes the reaction to form the key intermediate β‐amino allene that undergoes subsequent Thorpe‐Ingold effect assisted hydroamination and aromaticity driven deacylation reaction to yield fully substituted five and six‐membered azacyclic compounds.

magnified image
Functionalized Metal‐Supported Reversible Protonic Ceramic Cells with Exceptional Performance and Durability
Authors: Wang Yuhao , Song Yufei , Liu Jiapeng , Yang Kaichuang , Lin Xidong , Yang Zhibin , Ciucci Francesco
Published: December 2021

Reversible protonic ceramic cells (RePCCs) are limited by several factors, including high cost, poor stability, and insufficient fuel electrode activity toward fuel oxidization/generation reactions. Herein, a novel Ni−Fe metal‐supported RePCC (MS‐RePCC) to address these issues simultaneously is proposed. Specifically, the Ni−Fe support possesses good mechanical strength and thermal compatibility with cermet‐based electrodes/electrolytes, ensuring a facile cell fabrication and robust durability. Density functional theory calculations suggest that Fe in the Ni−Fe support enhances the fuel electrode functional layer by providing additional and more active sites for the electrocatalytic reactions. The as‐fabricated MS‐RePCC at 700 °C achieves an excellent peak power density (PPD) of 586 mW cm−2 and an electrolysis current of −428 mA cm−2 (at 1.3 V). Furthermore, the cell is exceptionally stable, as evidenced by 930 h of fuel cell operation with ultralow degradation (≈0.78% kh−1), and much better than an analogous anode‐supported cell (≈17.78% kh−1). In addition, the cell is stable for 50 h of reversible fuel cell/electrolyzer cycling, further demonstrating the potential of this MS‐RePCC. This article proposes a simple and new approach to enhance the electrochemical activity and durability of RePCC, thereby accelerating the commercialization of this technology.
Dynamic modeling and model predictive control of a continuous pulp digester
Authors: Zhang Lu , Xie Junyao , Dubljevic Stevan
Published: December 2021

This work explores the design of a model predictive controller of the continuous pulp digester process consisting of the co‐current zone and counter‐current zone modeled by a set of nonlinear coupled hyperbolic partial differential equations (PDEs). The distributed parameter system of interest is not spectral, and slow–fast dynamic separation does not hold. To address this challenge, the nonlinear continuous‐time model is linearized and discretized in time utilizing the Cayley–Tustin discretization framework, which ensures system theoretic properties and structure preservation without spatial discretization or model reduction. The discrete model is used in the full state model predictive controller design, which is augmented by the Luenberger observer design to achieve the output constrained regulation. Finally, a numerical example is provided to demonstrate the feasibility and applicability of the proposed controller designs.
An ACVR1R375P pathogenic variant in two families with mild fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva
Authors: Kaplan Frederick S. , Groppe Jay C. , Xu Meiqi , Towler O. Will , Grunvald Eduardo , Kalunian Kenneth , Kallish Staci , Al Mukaddam Mona , Pignolo Robert J. , Shore Eileen M.
Published: December 2021

Genetic variants are vital in informing clinical phenotypes, aiding physical diagnosis, guiding genetic counseling, understanding the molecular basis of disease, and potentially stimulating drug development. Here we describe two families with an ultrarare ACVR1 gain‐of‐function pathogenic variant (codon 375, Arginine > Proline; ACVR1R375P) responsible for a mild nonclassic fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) phenotype. Both families include people with the ultrarare ACVR1R375P variant who exhibit features of FOP while other individuals currently do not express any clinical signs of FOP. Thus, the mild ACVR1R375P variant greatly expands the scope and understanding of this rare disorder.
Dental caries in wild primates: Interproximal cavities on anterior teeth
Authors: Towle Ian , Irish Joel D. , Sabbi Kris H. , Loch Carolina
Published: December 2021

Dental caries has been reported in a variety of primates, although it is still considered rare in wild populations. In this study, 11 catarrhine primate taxa (n = 339 individuals; 7946 teeth) were studied for the presence of caries. A differential diagnosis of lesions in interproximal regions of anterior teeth was undertaken, since they had been previously described as both carious and non‐carious in origin. Each permanent tooth was examined macroscopically, with severity and position of lesions recorded. Two specimens were examined further, using micro‐CT scans to assess demineralization. Differential diagnosis confirmed the cariogenic nature of interproximal cavities on anterior teeth (ICATs). Overall results show 3.3% of all teeth (i.e., anterior and posterior teeth combined) were carious (n = 262), with prevalence varying among species from 0% to >7% of teeth affected. Those with the highest prevalence of ICATs include Pan troglodytes verus (9.8% of anterior teeth), Gorilla gorilla gorilla (2.6%), Cercopithecus denti (22.4%), Presbytis femoralis (19.5%), and Cercopithecus mitis (18.3%). ICATs make up 87.9% of carious lesions on anterior teeth. These results likely reflect dietary and food processing differences among species, but also between the sexes (e.g., 9.3% of all female P. troglodytes verus teeth were carious vs. 1.8% in males). Processing cariogenic fruits and seeds with the anterior dentition (e.g., wadging) likely contributes to ICAT formation. Further research is needed in living primate populations to ascertain behavioral/dietary influences on caries occurrence. Given the presence of ICATs in frugivorous primates, their diagnosis in archaeological and paleontological specimens may shed light on diet and food processing behaviors in fossil primates.
Abandonment of the Middle Cumberland Region of Tennessee during the Mississippian period: Temporal and sex differences in survivorship
Authors: Fojas Christina L.
Published: December 2021

Objectives

The current research explores survivorship differences in the Middle Cumberland Region of Tennessee during the Mississippian period (ca. 1000–1500 AD). Using updated paleodemographic methods, this study investigates whether individuals from the Late Mississippian period had lower survivorship compared to individuals from the Early Mississippian period, foreshadowing groups on the brink of abandonment. Additionally, this study examines whether there were sex disparities in survivorship.

Materials and Methods

Adult age‐at‐death estimates from human skeletal remains (n = 545) were calculated using Transition Analysis, a Bayesian maximum likelihood method. Survivorship was reconstructed using Gompertz and Gompertz‐Makeham hazards models, with Akaike Information Criterion compared to determine the best fitting model.

Results

For individuals surviving into adulthood, mean age‐at‐death decreased by 7 years from the Early Mississippian to Late Mississippian period. Marked differences between the sexes indicate lower survivorship of females compared to males. Male survivorship decreased sharply from the Early Mississippian to Late Mississippian period, from a mean age‐at‐death of 57.99 years to 44.45 years. Female survivorship remained constant throughout the Mississippian period (41 years).

Discussion

Temporal differences in male survivorship may be the result of interactions between climate change, decreased maize harvests, and sociopolitical strife. Sustained maternal mortality may have destabilized small‐scale communities that characterized the Mississippian MCR, thereby precipitating population decline.
Putting in a Good Word for Compromise
Authors: Freund James C.
Published: December 2021

So, picture this scene. Moses descends from the mountain, tablets in hand. The Israelites in the valley anxiously await the latest news from their leader. Moses surveys the bustling throng, lifts his right arm for silence, and speaks in magisterial tones.
Diversifying the Arbitrator Roster, and Working to Ensure the Appointments Follow
Authors: Cole Sarah Rudolph
Published: December 2021

The bottom line: Organizational efforts to diversify arbitrator rosters do not result in selection of arbitrators with diverse characteristics.
Doing Business Over There Requires Savvy Conflict Resolution Management Here
Authors: Cunningham James
Published: December 2021

Commercial diplomacy—that is, leveraging the resources of the sovereign government in your firm's location to ensure a level playing field in the foreign markets in which the firm does business—is often an effective means of resolving, and in some instances preventing, disagreements that might otherwise fester into disputes.
The contribution of behavioral features to caregiver burden in FTLD spectrum disorders
Authors: Silverman Hannah E. , Ake Jeannie M. , Manoochehri Masood , Appleby Brian S. , Brushaber Danielle , Devick Katrina L. , Dickerson Bradford C. , Fields Julie A. , Forsberg Leah K. , Ghoshal Nupur , Graff‐Radford Neill R. , Grossman Murray , Heuer Hilary W. , Kornak John , Lapid Maria I. , Litvan Irene , Mackenzie Ian R. , Mendez Mario F. , Onyike Chiadi U. , Pascual Belen , Tartaglia Maria Carmela , Boeve Bradley F. , Boxer Adam L. , Rosen Howard J. , Cosentino Stephanie , Huey Edward D. , Barker Megan S. , Goldman Jill S. ,   the ALLFTD consortium
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Caregivers of patients with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) spectrum disorders experience tremendous burden, which has been associated with the neuropsychiatric and behavioral features of the disorders.

Methods

In a sample of 558 participants with FTLD spectrum disorders, we performed multiple‐variable regressions to identify the behavioral features that were most strongly associated with caregiver burden, as measured by the Zarit Burden Interview, at each stage of disease.

Results

Apathy and disinhibition, as rated by both clinicians and caregivers, as well as clinician‐rated psychosis, showed the strongest associations with caregiver burden, a pattern that was consistent when participants were separated cross‐sectionally by disease stage. In addition, behavioral features appeared to contribute most to caregiver burden in patients with early dementia.

Discussion

Caregivers should be provided with early education on the management of the behavioral features of FTLD spectrum disorders. Interventions targeting apathy, disinhibition, and psychosis may be most useful to reduce caregiver burden.
Tau phosphorylation sites serine202 and serine396 are differently altered in chronic traumatic encephalopathy and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Stathas SpiroAnthony , Alvarez Victor E. , Xia Weiming , Nicks Raymond , Meng Gaoyuan , Daley Sarah , Pothast Morgan , Shah Arsal , Kelley Hunter , Esnault Camille , McCormack Robert , Dixon Erin , Fishbein Lucas , Cherry Jonathan D. , Huber Bertrand R. , Tripodis Yorghos , Alosco Michael L. , Mez Jesse , McKee Ann C. , Stein Thor D.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative tauopathy associated with repetitive head impacts (RHI) typically sustained by contact sport athletes. Post‐translation modifications to tau in CTE have not been well delineated or compared to Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

We measured phosphorylated tau epitopes within dorsolateral frontal cortex from post mortem brains with neither CTE nor AD (n = 108), CTE (n = 109), AD (n = 223), and both CTE and AD (n = 33).

Results

Levels of hyperphosphorylated tau (p‐tau)202, p‐tau231, and p‐tau396 were significantly increased in CTE. Total years of RHI exposure was significantly associated with increased p‐tau202 levels (P = .001), but not p‐tau396. Instead, p‐tau396 was most closely related to amyloid beta (Aβ)1‐42 levels (P < .001). The p‐tau202:p‐tau396 ratio was significantly increased in early and late CTE compared to AD.

Discussion

In frontal cortex, p‐tau202 is the most upregulated p‐tau species in CTE, while p‐tau396 is most increased in AD. p‐tau202 and p‐tau396 measurements may aid in developing biomarkers for disease.
Composite proton conducting membranes from crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan and silica particles containing poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propansulfonic acid)
Authors: Panawong Chonnakarn , Tasarin Sawanya , Saejueng Pranorm , Budsombat Surangkhana
Published: December 2021

Proton conducting membranes based on crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) and chitosan were fabricated using sulfosuccinic acid (SSA) and glutaraldehyde (GA) as crosslinking agents. A systematic study on the effects of SSA, chitosan, and GA on membrane properties was conducted. The most promising crosslinked membrane was then chosen to form composites with silica particles containing poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid) (PAMPS‐Si). Two different sizes of PAMPS‐Si with similar PAMPS contents were synthesized from vinyltrimethoxysilane precursor following the Stöber method. The process was followed by free radical polymerization of 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propansulfonic acid. Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy techniques were used to analyze the sample. The results revealed the successful synthesis of PAMPS‐Si. All prepared composite membranes exhibited comparable water vapor absorption, water uptake, and ion exchange capacities. The addition of PAMPS‐Si enhanced proton conductivity, and the value increased with increasing loading. The size of the PAMPS‐Si particles did not significantly affect the proton conductivity. These composite membranes demonstrated good thermal and oxidative stabilities.
Loss of “insight” into behavioral changes in ALS: Differences across cognitive profiles
Authors: Temp Anna G. M. , Kasper Elisabeth , Vielhaber Stefan , Machts Judith , Hermann Andreas , Teipel Stefan , Prudlo Johannes
Published: December 2021

Objective

Behavioral impairment occurs in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and ALS–fronto‐temporal dementia (ALS‐FTD). It has been proposed that ALS patients without FTD retain an awareness of their behavioral impairment while ALS‐FTD patients lose this awareness (referred to as retention vs. loss of “insight”). Loss of insight has not yet been studied across the entire ALS‐FTD spectrum; our study addresses this gap by including patients with all the ALS cognitive‐behavioral profiles.

Methods

Eighty‐three ALS patients (and their informants) took part in this bicentric study involving two German recruitment sites. Patients and informants completed the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale covering the domains of apathy, disinhibition, and executive dysfunctioning. Patients were classified into five groups according to the Strong and Rascovsky criteria: cognitively unimpaired (ALSni), cognitively impaired without dementia (ALSci), behaviorally impaired (ALSbi), a combination of behaviorally and cognitively impaired (ALScbi), and ALS‐FTD. We applied Bayesian two‐way ANOVA to test whether there were subgroup differences regarding insight into their behavioral decline.

Results

All patient subgroups experienced behavioral decline (Bayes factor > 3). Only ALS‐FTD patients lost insight into disinhibition and executive dysfunctioning. ALSbi patients exhibited worse insight than ALSni and ALSci patients (Bayes factor > 10). Evidence regarding the ALScbi patients was inconclusive. Higher IQ was associated with worse insight (Bayes factor > 3).

Conclusions

Our findings provide solid support for the notion that ALS patients without dementia experience behavioral decline regardless of their cognitive‐behavioral profile and retain different levels of insight into this decline. The inverse association of premorbid verbal intelligence with insight was unexpected, leaving room for further investigation.
Antidiabetic effects of quercetin and liraglutide combination through modulation of TXNIP/IRS‐1/PI3K pathway
Authors: Eraky Salma M. , Ramadan Nehal M. , Abo El‐Magd Nada F.
Published: December 2021

The study was designed to assess the possible augmented antidiabetic effects of combining quercetin and liraglutide in a type 1 diabetes model, with emphasis on the contribution of hepatic thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP)/insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS‐1)/phosphatidyl inositol‐3 kinase (PI3K) pathway. The wound‐healing effects were also examined. Diabetes was induced by a single i.p STZ injection (55 mg/kg). Diabetic rats were treated with either quercetin (100 mg/kg/day, orally) or liraglutide (0.3 mg/kg/twice daily, S.C.) or their combination. Drugs were also applied topically on the wound. Blood glucose levels, serum albumin, total protein, total cholesterol and triglycerides were measured. Histopathological examination of the liver, pancreas and skin tissues was performed using haematoxylin and eosin staining. The hepatic malondialdehyde level was measured spectrophotometrically. Hepatic TXNIP and PI3K levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunsorbent assay (ELISA). Tissue expression of IRS‐1 and phospho‐IRS‐1 (Ser 616) was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Quercetin, liraglutide and their combination effectively decreased blood glucose levels, improved lipid profile, upregulated albumin and total protein serum levels and reduced hepatic oxidative stress with the combination being most effective. Moreover, the combination group showed enhanced wound‐healing effects and almost normalized hepatic and pancreatic histopathology. Quercetin and/or liraglutide significantly decreased TXNIP levels and serine phosphorylation of IRS‐1 and increased PI3K levels compared to the diabetic untreated group. Interestingly, only the combination therapy normalized hepatic IRS‐1 expression. The combination of quercetin and liraglutide showed enhanced antidiabetic effects, possibly through lowering hepatic TXNIP levels, with the resultant up‐regulation of the IRS‐1/PI3K pathway.
Optimized extraction of Pb (II) and Co (II) with glycolamide mono and di‐ionic liquids using response surface methodology
Authors: Mehmood Tahir , Iqbal Mudassir
Published: December 2021

This study investigates the extraction of lead (Pb (II)) and cobalt (Co (II)) from waste water through glycolamide based functionalized ionic liquids (ILs) having imidazolium cations mono (LI) and di (LII) ionics. Four factors that influence the selective extraction of Pb (II) and Co (II) including the choice of IL (LI and LII), pH value (2, 6, and 10), contact time (15, 45, and 75 min), and metal ionic concentrations (50, 150, and 250 ppm) were analyzed. Results from central composite design (CCD) show that all considered four factors significantly influenced (p value <0.001) the Pb (II) and Co (II) extraction. Moreover pH values and contact time significantly influences (p value <0.05) the Pb (II) and Co (II) at both levels of ILs. The response surface methodology is used to optimize the extraction efficiency of these ILs. Moreover, the Pb extraction can be optimized to 96.819% by choosing temperate 84.9°C, pH value 4.448, and metal concentration 92.5 ppm. Similarly, Co extraction can be optimized to 95.754% by choosing temperate 68.40°C, pH value 3.768, and metal concentration 34.70 ppm. Moreover, the interaction between ILs and Pb (II) and Co (II) has been proven via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) qualitative analysis.
Bioinspired Artificial Photosynthetic Systems
Authors: Wang Chen , O'Hagan Michael P. , Willner Bilha , Willner Itamar
Published: December 2021

Mimicking photosynthesis using artificial systems, as a means for solar energy conversion and green fuel generation, is one of the holy grails of modern science. This perspective presents recent advances towards developing artificial photosynthetic systems. In one approach, native photosystems are interfaced with electrodes to yield photobioelectrochemical cells that transform light energy into electrical power. This is exemplified by interfacing photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII) as an electrically contacted assembly mimicking the native Z‐scheme, and by the assembly of an electrically wired PSI/glucose oxidase biocatalytic conjugate on an electrode support. Illumination of the functionalized electrodes led to light‐induced generation of electrical power, or to the generation of photocurrents using glucose as the fuel. The second approach introduces supramolecular photosensitizer nucleic acid/electron acceptor complexes as functional modules for effective photoinduced electron transfer stimulating the subsequent biocatalyzed generation of NADPH or the Pt‐nanoparticle‐catalyzed evolution of molecular hydrogen. Application of the DNA machineries for scaling‐up the photosystems is demonstrated. A third approach presents the integration of artificial photosynthetic modules into dynamic nucleic acid networks undergoing reversible reconfiguration or dissipative transient operation in the presence of auxiliary triggers. Control over photoinduced electron transfer reactions and photosynthetic transformations by means of the dynamic networks is demonstrated.
Druckluft sicher nutzen
Authors: Lorenz Nadine
Published: December 2021

Mit sicherheitstechnischen Produkten können Risiken durch Druckluft vermieden werden. Der Technische Handel berät, welche Anwendungen Sicherheit für die Mitarbeiter garantierenaller Unfälle bzw. Erkrankungen am Arbeitsplatz verantwortlich: beispielsweise durch platzende und entkoppelte Schläuche, die durch die Luft peitschen, oder durch Blaspistolen, deren Luftstoß die Haut verletzt und mit eingetragenen Partikeln zur Blutvergiftung führen kann.
Impact of calcification modeling to improve image fusion accuracy for endovascular aortic aneurysm repair
Authors: McLennan Stewart , Soulez Gilles , Mongrain Rosaire , Mohammadi Hossein , Pfister Marcus , Lessard Simon , Jabbour Gilbert , Therasse Eric
Published: December 2021

Since the 1990s, endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) has become a common alternative to open surgery for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). To aid the deployment of stent‐grafts, fluoroscopic image guidance can be enhanced using preoperative simulation and intraoperative image fusion techniques. However, the impact of calcification (Ca) presence on the guidance accuracy of such techniques is yet to be considered. In the present work, we introduce a guidance tool that accounts for patient‐specific Ca presence. Numerical simulations of EVAR were developed for 12 elective AAA patients, both with (With‐Ca) and without (No‐Ca) Ca consideration. To assess the accuracy of the simulations, the image results were overlaid on corresponding intraoperative images and the overlay error was measured at selected anatomical landmarks. With this approach we gained insight into the impact of Ca presence on image fusion accuracy. Inclusion of Ca improved mean image fusion accuracy by 8.68 ± 4.59%. In addition, a positive correlation between the relative Ca presence and the image fusion accuracy was found (R = .753, p < .005). Our results suggest that considering Ca presence in patient‐specific EVAR simulations increases the reliability of EVAR image guidance techniques that utilize numerical simulation, especially for patients with severe aortic Ca presence.
NGOs, corporate social responsibility and sustainable development trajectories in a new reformative spectrum: ‘New wine in old bottles or old wine in new bottles?’
Authors: Esposito Paolo , Antonucci Gianluca
Published: December 2021

Non‐governmental organisations (NGOs) have the potential to combine social objectives with trading activities, while social reporting represents a tool for disclosing NGOs' peculiarities. Although the number of NGOs adopting social reporting is increasing, research is still lacking on the relationships between firms and NGOs and their impacts at the government level, at which policy makers must both favour social/environmental commitments and ensure that NGOs pursue their core objectives, also when carrying out trading activities. This paper investigates the challenges of policy making in this field by analysing NGOs in Italy, the first country to make social reporting compulsory. We randomly selected 20 social reports from the Italian NGO register to analyse eight components regarding the disclosure of their impact. The results show that a compulsory requirement leads to a paradox, given the trade‐off between stakeholder engagement principles on the one hand and disciplinary power and accounting as action at a distance principles on the other, leading NGOs to account for their output rather than for their impact. We thus contribute to the literature about NGOs and corporate social responsibility (CSR), delineating the relevance of a paradox perspective. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only study to apply this perspective to the analysis of CSR and sustainable development trajectories in NGOs.
Test of theory of foraging mode: Goldcrests, Regulus regulus, forage by high‐yield, energy‐expensive hovering flight when food is abundant but use low‐yield, low‐cost methods when food is scarce
Authors: Norberg Rolf Åke
Published: December 2021

Here, I describe foraging behavior of goldcrests, Regulus regulus, based on eight years of field observation in a coniferous forest dominated by Norway spruce Picea abies in southwestern Sweden. The aim was to test predictions from theory on the choice of optimal foraging modes in relation to food availability.

Mortality from early November to early March amounts to 70–86% among goldcrests in the resident population, suggesting they are food‐limited in winter. Food‐limitation manifests itself as a shortage of time for foraging. It promotes the use of foraging methods that minimize the daily foraging time by maximizing the rate of net energy gain. It increases both individual survival and competitiveness. Elimination of competitors by exploitation occurs when an individual is able to support itself, while food density in the habitat is reduced to levels at which others cannot.

Theory shows that when food is abundant, high‐efficiency energy‐expensive search and capture methods give shorter daily foraging times than low‐efficiency low‐cost methods, whereas the latter gives shorter daily foraging times at food shortages (Norberg 2021). Hovering flight is extremely expensive in energy but results in high foraging efficiency. Hover‐foraging should therefore be used when food is abundant.

In autumn, there were 85.3 arthropods per kilogram of branch mass, as opposed to 12.9 in spring. The numerical decline of arthropods, their fat metabolism, and size‐biased predation by birds reduced the spring density of food for goldcrests to less than 15.1% of the autumn density.

Hover‐foraging occurred 5.29 times per minute in autumn but only 0.23 times per minute in spring, which is 4.4% of the autumn frequency.

Foraging conditions are favorable at midsummer because of long days, high temperatures, and an abundance of arthropod prey. Parent birds that were feeding fledglings gathered food at a high rate and hovered 5.42 times per minute. But adults with no young to feed were not compelled to maximize the rate of net energy gain and only hover‐foraged 0.52 times per minute, which is 10% of that of providers.

These results are highly consistent from year to year and in qualitative agreement with theory.
Body composition and maximal exercise capacity after heart transplantation
Authors: Regamey Julien , Monney Pierre , Yerly Patrick , Favre Lucie , Kirsch Matthias , Tozzi Piergiorgio , Lamy Olivier , Hullin Roger
Published: December 2021

Aims

Maximal exercise capacity as measured by peak oxygen consumption (pVO2) in cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) of heart transplant recipients (HTR) is limited to a 50–70% level of healthy age‐matched controls. This study investigated the relationship between body composition and pVO2 during the first decade post‐transplant.

Methods and results

Body composition was determined by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) and pVO2 by CPET in 48 HTR (n = 38 males; mean age 51 ± 12 years). A total of 95 assessments were acquired 1–9 years post‐transplant, and the results of four consecutive periods were compared [Period 1: 1–2 years (n = 25); 2: 3–4 years (n = 23); 3: 5–6 years (n = 23); 4: 7–9 years (n = 24)]. Linear regression analysis analysed the correlation between pVO2 and pairs of appendicular lean mass (ALM) and fat mass (FM). The relation between ALM and daily dose of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) was explored using partial correlation controlling for age, gender, and height. pVO2 increased from 0.98 (0.34) to 1.35 (0.35) L/min (P < 0.01) between Periods 1 and 4 corresponding to 54.5–63.3% of predicted value. Peak heart rate (HR) raised from 115 ± 19 to 131 ± 23 b.p.m. (P = 0.05), and anaerobic threshold (AT = VO2 achieved at AT) increased from 0.57 (0.18) to 0.83 (0.35) L/min (P < 0.01) between Periods 1 and 3. Median FM normalized to height2 (FMI) always remained elevated (>8.8 kg/m2). ALM normalized to body mass index increased from 0.690 (0.188) to 0.848 (0.204) m2 (P = 0.02) between Periods 1 and 4, explaining 45% of the variance of pVO2 (R2 = 0.455; P < 0.001). Eighty‐one per cent of the variance of pVO2 (R2 = 0.817; P < 0.001) in multiple regression was explained by AT (β = 0.488), ALM (β = 0.396), peak HR (β = 0.366), and FMI (β = −0.181). ALM was negatively correlated with daily CNI dose (partial R = −0.258; P = 0.01).

Conclusions

After heart transplantation, the beneficial effect of peripheral skeletal muscle gain on pVO2 is opposed by increased FM. Our findings support lifestyle efforts to fight adiposity and CNI dose reduction in the chronic stable phase to favour positive adaptation of peripheral muscle mass.
Exploring filamentous fungi depolymerization of corn stover in the context bioenergy queuing operations
Authors: Wendt Lynn M. , Wahlen Bradley D. , Walton Michelle R. , Nguyen Jason A. , Lin Yingqian , Brown Rebecca M. , Zhao Haiyan
Published: December 2021

Recalcitrance of lignocellulosic feedstocks to depolymerization is a significant barrier for bioenergy production approaches that require conversion of monomeric carbohydrates to renewable energy sources. This study assesses how low‐cost modifications in the supply chain can be transformed into targeted pretreatments in the context of the entire bioenergy supply chain. This research aims to overcome the physiochemical barriers in corn stover that necessitate increased severity in downstream conversion in terms of chemical loading, temperature, and residence time. Corn stover samples were inoculated with a selective (Ceriporiopsis subvermispora) and nonselective (Phanerochaete chrysosporium) lignin‐degrading filamentous fungal strains, then stored aerobically to determine the working envelope for fungal pretreatment to achieve lignin degradation. Dry matter loss and gross chemical makeup of corn stover varied by the length of treatment (2 and 4 weeks) and by the moisture content of the treated corn stover samples (40% and 60%, wet basis). Dry matter loss in P. chrysosporium inoculated biomass was elevated compared to C. subvermispora inoculated biomass; however, treatment also induced additional chemical composition changes suggestive of depolymerization. These results highlight that fungal treatment approaches must balance the loss of convertible material with the potential for reduction in recalcitrance. Techno‐economic assessment (TEA) of fungal pretreatment in a short‐term queuing system indicated the viability of this approach compared to conventional queuing operations. Total queuing system cost was estimated at $1.65/ton of biomass stored. After applying the credit of $1.48/ton from energy savings in the conversion phase using fungal pretreated biomass, the total system cost was $0.80 lower than traditional biomass queuing approach. While the TEA results suggested that treating biomass with C. subvermispora is the most economically viable storage method in the designed fungal‐assisted queuing system, future research should focus on additional fungal depolymerization such as those observed in the P. chrysosporium inoculated biomass.