bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Filament Formation in TaOx Thin Films for Memristor Device Application: Modeling Electron Energy Loss Spectra and Electron Transport
Authors: Jiang Jie , Pachter Ruth , Mahalingam Krishnamurthy , Ciston Jim , Dhall Rohan , Bondi Robert J. , Marinella Matthew J. , Telesca Donald A. , Ganguli Sabyasachi
Published: October 2022

Although understanding filament formation in oxide‐based memristive devices by theory has emerged, there are still fundamental unanswered questions. Importantly, for practical application of thin films the material in its amorphous state is to be considered, but mostly lacking so far, and details on sub‐stoichiometry are also scarce. To gain insight into the optical and electronic properties of sub‐stoichiometric amorphous tantalum oxide (TaOx), the electron energy loss spectrum (EELS) of model systems is characterized theoretically and electron transport characteristics are analyzed in detail. Calculated blue‐shifts by increasing sub‐stoichiometry explained the measurements, potentially suggesting estimation of oxygen vacancy concentrations through EEL spectra. Electron transport results based on TaOx material models validated by EELS measurements show that oxygen vacancy filamentary paths are initiated at low bias upon increasing sub‐stoichiometry yet noting an interplay with the local amorphous structure. Contact resistances at interfaces of the TaOx switching layer and a tantalum scavenging layer or titanium nitride electrode are quantified, indicating the possibility for either oxygen vacancy‐ or metal cluster‐based conduction mechanisms at the interface. The computational work, combined with experimental characterization for validation, provides a basis for investigating effects of sub‐stoichiometry on filament formation in TaOx thin film memristive devices.
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in patients with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia in the era of third generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors: A retrospective study by the chronic malignancies working party of the EBMT
Authors: Chalandon Yves , Sbianchi Giulia , Gras Luuk , Koster Linda , Apperley Jane , Byrne Jenny , Salmenniemi Urpu , Sengeloev Henrik , Aljurf Mahmoud , Helbig Grzegorz , Kinsella Francesca , Choi Goda , Reményi Péter , Snowden John A. , Robin Marie , Lenhoff Stig , Mielke Stephan , Passweg Jakob , Broers Annoek E. C. , Kröger Nicolaus , Yegin Zeynep Arzu , Tan Sen Mui , Hayden Patrick J. , McLornan Donal P. , Yakoub‐Agha Ibrahim ,   the Chronic Malignancies Working Party of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT)
Published: October 2022

Following the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), the number of patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo‐HCT) for chronic phase (CP) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has dramatically decreased. Imatinib was the first TKI introduced to the clinical arena, predominantly utilized in the first line setting. In cases of insufficient response, resistance, or intolerance, CML patients can subsequently be treated with either a second or third generation TKI. Between 2006 and 2016, we analyzed the impact of the use of 1, 2, or 3 TKI prior to allo‐HCT for CP CML in 904 patients. A total of 323‐, 371‐, and 210 patients had 1, 2, or 3 TKI prior to transplant, respectively; imatinib (n = 778), dasatinib (n = 508), nilotinib (n = 353), bosutinib (n = 12), and ponatinib (n = 44). The majority had imatinib as first TKI (n = 747, 96%). Transplants were performed in CP1, n = 549, CP2, n = 306, and CP3, n = 49. With a median follow‐up of 52 months, 5‐year OS for the entire population was 64.4% (95% CI 60.9–67.9%), PFS 50% (95% CI 46.3–53.7%), RI 28.7% (95% CI 25.4–32.0%), and NRM 21.3% (95% CI 18.3–24.2%). No difference in OS, PFS, RI, or NRM was evident related to the number of TKI prior to allo‐HCT or to the type of TKI (p = ns). Significant factors influencing OS and PFS were > CP1 versus CP1 and Karnofsky performance (KPS) score > 80 versus ≤80, highlighting CP1 patients undergoing allo‐HCT have improved survival compared to >CP1 and the importance of careful allo‐HCT candidate selection.
Metal‐like Charge Transport in PEDOT(OH) Films by Post‐processing Side Chain Removal from a Soluble Precursor Polymer
Authors: Ponder James F. , Gregory Shawn A. , Atassi Amalie , Advincula Abigail A. , Rinehart Joshua M. , Freychet Guillaume , Su Gregory M. , Yee Shannon K. , Reynolds John R.
Published: October 2022

Herein, a route to produce highly electrically conductive doped hydroxymethyl functionalized poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) films, termed PEDOT(OH) with metal‐like charge transport properties using a fully solution processable precursor polymer is reported. This is achieved via an ester‐functionalized PEDOT derivative [PEDOT(EHE)] that is soluble in a range of solvents with excellent film‐forming ability. PEDOT(EHE) demonstrates moderate electrical conductivities of 20–60 S cm−1 and hopping‐like (i.e., thermally activated) transport when doped with ferric tosylate (FeTos3). Upon basic hydrolysis of PEDOT(EHE) films, the electrically insulative side chains are cleaved and washed from the polymer film, leaving a densified film of PEDOT(OH). These films, when optimally doped, reach electrical conductivities of ≈1200 S cm−1 and demonstrate metal‐like (i.e., thermally deactivated and band‐like) transport properties and high stability at comparable doping levels.
Anion Storage Chemistry of Organic Cathodes for High‐Energy and High‐Power Density Divalent Metal Batteries
Authors: Xiu Yanlei , Mauri Anna , Dinda Sirshendu , Pramudya Yohanes , Ding Ziming , Diemant Thomas , Sarkar Abhishek , Wang Liping , Li Zhenyou , Wenzel Wolfgang , Fichtner Maximilian , Zhao‐Karger Zhirong
Published: October 2022

Multivalent batteries show promising prospects for next‐generation sustainable energy storage applications. Herein, we report a polytriphenylamine (PTPAn) composite cathode capable of highly reversible storage of tetrakis(hexafluoroisopropyloxy) borate [B(hfip)4] anions in both Magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) battery systems. Spectroscopic and computational studies reveal the redox reaction mechanism of the PTPAn cathode material. The Mg and Ca cells exhibit a cell voltage >3 V, a high‐power density of ∼∼3000 W kg−1 and a high‐energy density of ∼∼300 Wh kg−1, respectively. Moreover, the combination of the PTPAn cathode with a calcium‐tin (Ca−Sn) alloy anode could enable a long battery‐life of 3000 cycles with a capacity retention of 60 %. The anion storage chemistry associated with dual‐ion electrochemical concept demonstrates a new feasible pathway towards high‐performance divalent ion batteries.
Increasing the Distance of Adjacent Palladium Atoms for Configuration Matching in Selective Hydrogenation
Authors: Ge Xiaohu , Cao Yueqiang , Yan Kelin , Li Yurou , Zhou Lihui , Dai Sheng , Zhang Jing , Gong Xueqing , Qian Gang , Zhou Xinggui , Yuan Weikang , Duan Xuezhi
Published: October 2022

Precisely tailoring the distance between adjacent metal sites to match adsorption configurations of key species for the targeted reaction pathway is a great challenge in heterogeneous catalysis. Here, we report a proof‐of‐concept study on the atomically sites‐tailored pathway in Pd‐catalyzed acetylene hydrogenation, i.e., increasing the distance of adjacent Pd atoms (dPd‐a‐Pd) for configuration matching in acetylene semi‐hydrogenation against coupling.dPd‐a‐Pdis identified as a structural descriptor for describing the competitiveness for reaction pathways, and the increaseddPd‐a‐Pdprefers the semi‐hydrogenation pathway due to simultaneously promoted C2H4desorption and the destabilized transition state of the C2H3* coupling. Spectroscopic, kinetics and electronic structure studies reveal that increasingdPd‐a‐Pdto 3.31 Å delivers superior selectivity and stability due to energy matching and appropriate hybridization of Pd 4d with In 2s and, especially, 2p orbitals.
Effect of crumb rubber addition on the deformation and fracture behavior of ductile epoxy matrix
Authors: Tiwari Sudhendu N. , Agnihotri Prabhat K.
Published: October 2022

A strategy is demonstrated to utilize the waste crumb rubber in ductile epoxy for low‐strength structural applications. The crosslink density is reduced to improve the ductility of epoxy by increasing the hardener concentration more than its stoichiometric composition. The ductile epoxy (Ep) is blended with 5, 10, and 20 wt% of crumb rubber particles. The rubber/epoxy (EpR) composites are characterized through quasi‐static and dynamic testing to quantify the effect of crumb rubber addition in a ductile epoxy matrix. Quasi‐static compression results show that energy absorption is enhanced after adding 5–10 wt% of crumb rubber in epoxy. Furthermore, it is found that crumb rubber modification markedly increased the energy of fracture. Crumb rubber inclusion also improves the storage modulus () and glass transition temperature (Tg) of Ep. While crumb rubber particles do not enhance the compressive response of Ep under high strain rate loading, their addition significantly reduces the intensity of the transmitted wave. Subsequently, it suggests dual advantages, that is, Ep can be effectively toughened with 5–10 wt% of crumb rubber, and the resulting EpR may be used as an interlayer/backing plate in impact‐resistant panels to mitigate adverse effects of the transmitted stress waves.
Re‐Dichalcogenides: Resolving Conflicts of Their Structure–Property Relationship
Authors: Hasan Md. Nur , Sorgenfrei Felix , Pan Nivedita , Phuyal Dibya , Abdel‐Hafiez Mahmoud , Pal Samir Kumar , Delin Anna , Thunström Patrik , Sarma D. D. , Eriksson Olle , Karmakar Debjani
Published: October 2022

ReX2 (X = S, Se) remains a copious source of controversies and unanswered questions due to its widely contrasting experimental and theoretical results. With the help of comparative first‐principles electronic structure and phonon calculations, the correct structures for both systems are established, which minimize the apparent divergence of different experimental results. It is demonstrated that ReS2 and ReSe2 are neither iso‐structural nor iso‐electronic. The contributions of the in‐plane and out‐of‐plane orbitals at the band‐edges of the bulk and monolayers are coordinated with their anisotropic optical response. Under moderately high pressure, both of these systems are observed to undergo a semiconductor to metal transition. With the help of a combined full‐potential density functional theory and multiplet ligand field theory (DFT+MLFT) approach, the X‐ray spectral properties of these two systems are analyzed in the light of their intricate differences of optimized structures and electronic correlations.
Change and growth in open access journal publishing and charging trends 2011–2021
Authors: Morrison Heather , Borges Luan , Zhao Xuan , Kakou Tanoh Laurent , Shanbhoug Amit Nataraj
Published: October 2022

This study examines trends in open access article processing charges (APCs) from 2011 to 2021, building on a 2011 study by Solomon and Björk. Two methods are employed, a modified replica and a status update of the 2011 journals. Data are drawn from multiple sources and datasets are available as open data. Most journals do not charge APCs; this has not changed. The global average per‐journal APC increased slightly, from 906 to 958 USD, while the per‐article average increased from 904 to 1,626 USD, indicating that authors choose to publish in more expensive journals. Publisher size, type, impact metrics and subject affect charging tendencies, average APC, and pricing trends. Half the journals from the 2011 sample are no longer listed in DOAJ in 2021, due to ceased publication or publisher de‐listing. Conclusions include a caution about the potential of the APC model to increase costs beyond inflation. The university sector may be the most promising approach to economically sustainable no‐fee OA journals. Universities publish many OA journals, nearly half of OA articles, tend not to charge APCs and when APCs are charged, the prices are very low on average.
Hierarchical time‐series analysis of dynamic bioprocess systems
Authors: Alinaghi Masoumeh , Surowiec Izabella , Scholze Steffi , McCready Chris , Zehe Christoph , Johansson Erik , Trygg Johan , Cloarec Olivier
Published: October 2022

Background

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are leading types of ‘blockbuster’ biotherapeutics worldwide; they have been successfully used to treat various cancers and chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Biotherapeutics process development and manufacturing are complicated due to lack of understanding the factors that impact cell productivity and product quality attributes. Understanding complex interactions between cells, media, and process parameters on the molecular level is essential to bring biomanufacturing to the next level. This can be achieved by analyzing cell culture metabolic levels connected to vital process parameters like viable cell density (VCD). However, VCD and metabolic profiles are dynamic parameters and inherently correlated with time, leading to a significant correlation without actual causality. Many time‐series methods deal with such issues. However, with metabolic profiling, the number of measured variables vastly exceeds the number of experiments, making most of existing methods ill‐suited and hard to interpret.

Methods and Major Results

Here we propose an alternative workflow using hierarchical dimension reduction to visualize and interpret the relation between evolution of metabolic profiles and dynamic process parameters. The first step of proposed method is focused on finding predictive relation between metabolic profiles and process parameter at all time points using OPLS regression. For each time point, the p(corr) obtained from OPLS model is considered as a differential metabogram and is further assessed using principal components analysis (PCA).

Conclusions

Compared to traditional batch modeling, applying proposed methodology on metabolic data from Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) antibody production characterized the dynamic relation between metabolic profiles and critical process parameters.
Intraosseous administration into the skull: Potential blood–brain barrier bypassing route for brain drug delivery
Authors: Kang Ji Hee , Ko Young Tag
Published: October 2022

Progress in treating central nervous system (CNS) disorders is retarded owing to a limited understanding of brain disease pathology. Additionally, the blood–brain barrier (BBB) limits molecular entry into the brain. Many approaches for brain drug delivery to overcome the BBB, such as BBB permeability enhancement, transient BBB disruption, and direct surgical administration have been explored with limited success. Recent research has shown that direct vascular channels exist between the skull bone marrow and the meninges, allowing myeloid and lymphoid cells to migrate. We hypothesized that these direct channels may also allow brain drug delivery from the skull bone marrow to the brain. In this study, for the first time we propose intraosseous administration of drugs into the skull (intracalvariosseous [ICO]) as a novel approach for brain drug delivery via BBB bypassing routes. We tested the feasibility of the approach by applying nine representative compounds over thinned mouse skulls to simulate ICO and measuring the compound entry level in the brain compared to that after systemic administration. Surprisingly, we found that the skull is not completely impermeable to drug penetration into the brain and the tested compounds reached the brain tissue several tens‐to‐hundred times higher by ICO than systemic application. These findings suggest a role for the BBB bypassing route from skull to brain, apart from the systemic route, in the drug entry into the brain after ICO. This approach should be applicable to other CNS drugs and even BBB impermeable drugs. Overall ICO provides an innovative and advantageous pathway for effective treatment of brain diseases.
Examination of sinus tympani, subtympanic sinus, and facial sinus with MicroCT
Authors: Geneci Ferhat , Ocak Mert
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to determine sinus tympani, subtympanic sinus (STS), facial sinus (FS) morphologies, and type distributions. Type distributions were based on their relations with the facial nerve (FN). A total of 20 right and 20 left temporal dry bones without physical deformation were scanned with a MicroCT device. All measurements were made using MicroCT programs from sections in the axial plane. For the FS, the average depth was measured as 3.485 mm without any classification, and 29 of the 40 bones had Type C radiological morphology. The mean depth for all sinus tympanicus was 2.646 mm, and 22 of the 40 bones had Type B morphology. For the STS, 29 out of 40 samples had no contact with the FN; regardless of the classification, the average depth was measured as 2.376 mm. We reveal the depths of the tympanic cavities and their relationship with the FN. The results of this study may benefit clinicians performing retrotympanum surgeries.
Minimally invasive tunneling of a de‐epithelialized connective tissue graft to improve gingival phenotype of lingual recession defects: A case report
Authors: Danskin Yoonah , Chu Stephanie , Simmonds Trevor
Published: October 2022

Background

This case report describes a minimally invasive technique to increase the functional resistance of mandibular anterior lingual recession defects to inflammation. There are only a few case reports that describe the soft tissue augmentation of lingual gingival recession, of which none describe a tunneling technique without coronal advancement of the flap to treat a long span of multiple recession defects. Soft tissue augmentation of lingual recession defects is challenging due to the proximity to the tongue, frenum, vital structures, pre‐existing thin phenotype, and limited access during surgery.

Methods and Results

A 30‐year‐old male was referred for the treatment of gingival recession on the lingual surfaces of teeth #22–27, with a diagnosis of recession type 2 (RT2). Mucogingival surgery included the preparation of the recipient site with a tunneling protocol, where apical muscular attachment was left undisturbed to isolate the flap from the movement of the tongue during normal function. As the goal was to not coronally advance the tunneled flap, the interdental papillae were not elevated and left intact, further optimizing blood supply. A free gingival graft was harvested, de‐epithelialized extra‐orally, and the resulting connective tissue graft (CTG) was fed through the tunnel and stabilized with sling sutures. Partial root coverage was achieved ranging from 50% to 90% at 4 months, consistent with the initial diagnosis of RT2. There was also a visually appreciable increase in gingival thickness and in the vestibular depth.

Conclusion

A de‐epithelialized CTG via tunneling without disturbing the deeper muscular attachment is a conservative method to improve phenotype of lingual recession defects.

Key points

Why is this case new information?

There are only a few case reports that describe soft tissue augmentation of lingual recession defects, of which none describe a tunneling technique without coronal advancement of the flap to treat a long span of multiple recession defects. This case report introduces a minimally invasive technique to increase the functional resistance of mandibular anterior lingual recession defects to plaque and calculus.

What are the keys to successful management of this case?

Control of gingival inflammation before and after surgery, with regular maintenance visits and oral hygiene instructions.

Precise tunneling, leaving deeper muscular attachment on the floor of the mouth undisturbed.

Connective tissue graft of even thickness that is fibrous in quality.

What are the primary limitations to success in this case?

A shallow lingual vestibule will not allow the clinician to leave deeper muscular attachment apical to tunneling undisturbed.
Evidence for the Involvement of Cytokines Modulation and Prokinetic Properties in Gastric Ulcer Healing Effects of Helicteres sacarolha A. St.‐Hil. A. Juss.
Authors: Olaitan Balogun Sikiru , Sabino Damazo Amilcar , Pavan Eduarda , de Freitas Figueiredo Fabiana , Arunachalam Karuppusamy , de Souza Mesquita Leonardo M. , Vilegas Wagner , Tabajara de Oliveira Martins Domingos
Published: October 2022

Preparations of Helicteres sacarolha (Malvaceae) leaves and roots are used in the form of decoction, infusion or maceration, to treat gastrointestinal disturbances, among others. Studies supporting some of its ethnomedicinal uses are still incipient. The present study aimed to investigate it potential effect on chronic ulcer, ulcerative colitis and possible prokinetic activities as part of its mechanism of action. The powdered leaves of Helicteres sacarolha (HEHs) was prepared by maceration in 70 % hydroethanolic solution. Its qualitative phytochemical constituents were investigated by direct flow injection analysis coupled to atmospheric pressure chemical ionization ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (FIA‐APCI‐IT‐MSn). The gastric ulcer healing effect was evaluated in acetic acid induced chronic ulcer in mice and the lesions were evaluated, including analysis of blood plasma cytokine levels. The prokinetic properties (gastric emptying and intestinal transit) were carried out in mice. Potential anti‐ulcerative colitis activity was evaluated in rats using 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (5 % TNBS) ‐induced colitis. All animal experiments were carried out at the doses of 20, 50 and 250 mg/kg (p.o.). Eight compounds were putatively identified, specifically lariciresinol, and its derivatives, kaempferol derivatives and Tricin‐O‐Glc. The extract promoted increased gastric ulcer healing at all doses tested. Modulation of the cytokines involved inhibition of some key pro‐inflammatory cytokines with maximum effect on IL‐1β (70 %, 50 mg/kg, p<0.05), TNF‐α (79 %, 20 mg/kg, p<0.01), and in the anti‐inflammatory cytokines, namely IL‐10 (57 %, 50 mg/kg, p<0.05) and IL‐17 (79 %, only at 50 mg/kg, p<0.05). Histological findings demonstrated a mitigated inflammatory activity, and tissues undergoing regeneration. HEHs treatment caused delayed gastric emptying, and increased intestinal transit, but had no effect in the experimentally induced ulcerative colitis. We report for the first time putatively the presence of Lariciresinol and tricin derivatives from the hydroethanolic leaves extract of H. sacarolha. Its possible mechanism of actions of gastric ulcer healing involves cytokines modulation, mitigation of inflammatory response and tissue regeneration and provoked opposing effect in the gastrointestinal system. The present study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of H. sacarolha leaves used in Brazilian ethnomedicine in the treatment of chronic gastric ulcer.
Successful rechallenge with cisplatin following cisplatin induced ischemic cerebrovascular accident in a patient with small cell lung cancer
Authors: Rashid Farah , Omar Nabil E. , Aaekl Hassan , Al Homsi Ussama , Shablak Alaaeldin
Published: October 2022

Cisplatin is a widely used platinum‐based chemotherapy agent. Its common adverse effects are neuropathy, nephrotoxicity, electrolyte abnormality, and rarely causing thrombotic vascular toxicity. We present a patient known to have small‐cell lung cancer who developed ischemic cerebrovascular accident (CVA) after receiving chemotherapy regimen including cisplatin.
Nonadherence to lipid‐lowering therapy and strategies to improve adherence in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Authors: Desai Nihar R. , Farbaniec Michael , Karalis Dean G.
Published: October 2022

Despite the availability of effective therapies that lower low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, many eligible patients are inadequately treated and their LDL‐C levels remain suboptimal. Patient nonadherence to lipid‐lowering therapy (LLT) is a major contributor to the failure of LDL‐C goal attainment. Several factors have been identified as contributing to LLT nonadherence, including healthcare disparities due to socioeconomic status, age, race, sex, and cost; limited access to healthcare; perceived side effects associated with LLT; health literacy; and the presence of comorbidities. Suboptimal LLT use has also been associated with clinician factors, including failure to identify patients who require LDL‐C reassessment, insufficient LDL‐C monitoring, and clinical inertia such as a lack of therapy intensification. Several strategies to enhance LLT adherence have been shown to be effective, including the implementation of educational initiatives and tools for both patients and physicians, the use of clinical protocols and algorithms to identify patients at risk and optimize treatment, and improvements in electronic healthcare records. Pharmacy‐based programs designed to help patients with prescription refills, including reminders or the use of prescription delivery by mail, have also proven effective. Drugs requiring frequent administration can represent a barrier to treatment adherence; therefore, newer, more effective LLTs with lower frequency of administration and lower potential for polypharmacy may improve patient adherence to LLT. Implementation of strategies to identify patients at risk for LLT nonadherence and the use of flexible tools such as telemedicine to overcome geographical barriers may improve LLT adherence.
Late effects and treatment related morbidity associated with treatment of neuroblastoma patients in a tertiary paediatric centre
Authors: Yeung Veronica , Gabriel Melissa , Padhye Bhavna D.
Published: October 2022

Background

Survival of neuroblastoma patients has improved over recent decades, but chronic health issues and treatment related late effects cause significant morbidity in survivors.

Aims

We aimed to describe late effects and long‐term toxicity in neuroblastoma patients treated at a tertiary, paediatric institution in Australia.

Methods & Results

Patients with neuroblastoma treated primarily at The Children's hospital at Westmead were eligible for inclusion. Retrospective analysis of 65 (45 with high‐risk and 20 with non‐high‐risk disease) neuroblastoma patients were performed via medical record review. Approximately 60% of patients were >5 years from diagnosis and termed the “full effects cohort” who had a range of medical and psychosocial late effects analysed through descriptive means. The remaining 26 patients who had not yet reached 5 years post treatment had audiometry analysis only. Of the 65 patients, 72% were alive at last follow‐up. The median length of follow‐up was 7 years from diagnosis amongst survivors. Therapy was according to contemporary protocols for neuroblastoma and ranged from standard cytotoxic therapies to intensive multimodal regimens and/or experimental therapy depending on risk group/relapse status. Of the 39 full effects cohort, 85% suffered from at least one late effect. Late effects were common in the endocrine, dental and audiometry domains with 38%, 49% and 72% of patients affected in these areas, respectively. Neuro‐cognitive domains were also notably affected with 46% of patients suffering a deficit. Two thirds of survivors were disease free at last follow‐up.

Conclusion

Survivors of high‐risk neuroblastoma suffer from a range of chronic illnesses, which lead to morbidity and affect quality of life of survivors.
Polyphosphazene‐Functionalized Microspheres as Efficient Catalysts for the Knoevenagel Reaction under Mild Conditions
Authors: Chen Shisen , Li Zhongwei , Yuan Wenbo , Duan Wensheng , Qiao Congde , Yao Jinshui , Zhang Changbin , Zhao Hui , Li Mei , Yang Guihua
Published: October 2022

Inspired by the formation of microspheres by hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene and 4, 4′‐sulfonyldiphenol, polyphosphazene‐functionalized microspheres were developed. Benefits from the supported supper basic phosphazene, the yield exceeded 99 % at room temperature in the manner of second‐order reaction kinetics toward Knoevenagel reaction and was still maintained at 99 % after 16 runs. In the experimental temperature from 0 °C to 90 °C, the yield increased from 92 % to 99 %, reflecting that the catalyst had strong applicability under mild conditions. This behavior was conducive to energy conservation. Meanwhile, simple separation and recovery further enhanced this advantage. In addition, the catalyst was also found to be insensitive to aqueous solution or organic solvents such as toluene, THF, EtOH and CH3CN. This property gave the Knoevenagel reaction a vast choice. All these features exhibit that this novel catalyst is an attractive and applicable alternative in organic synthesis.
Communicating corporate social responsibility: How fit, specificity, and cognitive fluency drive consumer skepticism and response
Authors: Lim Rachel Esther , Lee Wei‐Na
Published: October 2022

This research examined consumer responses to a company's communication of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Two prestudies verified the impact of company‐cause fit and message specificity on consumer skepticism toward CSR initiatives. These studies also showed that the resulting skepticism mediated the consumer responses. The main study explored how company‐cause fit and message specificity jointly influenced consumer skepticism and how this could be mediated by cognitive fluency. The results demonstrate that company‐cause fit and message specificity interacted and influenced consumer skepticism. In addition, cognitive fluency was found to be the key factor that explained this joint impact. These results explain how skepticism influences consumer responses to CSR. Theoretical and practical suggestions for effective CSR communication are provided.
Sex differences in body composition in youth with type 1 diabetes and its predictive value in cardiovascular disease risk assessment
Authors: Brener Avivit , Hamama Sandy , Interator Hagar , Ben Simon Asaf , Laurian Irina , Dorfman Anna , Chorna Efrat , Yackobovitch‐Gavan Michal , Oren Asaf , Eyal Ori , Lebenthal Yael
Published: October 2022

Background

Women with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are more susceptible than men to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Signs of increased risk may already appear among adolescent girls.

Objectives

We explored the contribution of body composition to the development of CVD risk factors among youth with T1D.

Methods

One hundred and eighty nine subjects with T1D (mean age 15.3 ± 5.1 years, 55% boys) followed between January 2018–January 2022 were included in this observational study. Sociodemographic and clinical data were extracted from medical files. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and muscle‐to‐fat ratio (MFR) z‐scores were calculated. Logistic regression model assessed the association between body composition (MFR z‐scores) and evidence of CVD risk factors.

Results

Females were characterised by higher median BMI z‐scores (0.47 vs. 0.04, p = 0.012), higher fat and truncal fat percentage levels (p ≤ 0.001) and lower median MFR z‐scores (−0.64 vs. −0.25, p ≤ 0.001), higher median triglyceride (TG) levels (71 vs. 61 mg/dl, p = 0.05), longer disease duration to initiation of insulin pump therapy (p = 0.041), and more time spent in marked hypoglycemia (1 vs. 0.2%, p = 0.007) than males. Males' MFR z‐scores were associated with several diabetes‐related parameters (age at diagnosis, CGM metrics, HbA1c and insulin dose), while the females'' MFR z‐scores were linked to the atherogenic dyslipidemia index (TG:HDL ratio). The odds for CVD risk factors were doubled for every 1 SD decrease in MFR z‐score (OR = 0.50, CI [0.30–0.84], p = 0.009) and also increased with age (OR = 1.07, CI [1.004–1.148], p = 0.038).

Conclusions

Body composition measurement has a predictive value in CVD risk assessment in youth with T1D, with unique characteristics and influences in each sex.
Does interception evaporation occur from both sides of leaves at the wet Japanese cypress canopy during and after rainfall?
Authors: Jiao Linjie , Kosugi Yoshiko , Sempuku Yuichi , Chang Ting‐Wei , Chen Siyu
Published: October 2022

The interception by the lower (abaxial) side of needle leaves not only contributes to the forest evapotranspiration but will also cause a diffusion barrier of CO2 over the stomata and depresses the plant gas exchange. This study combined the eddy covariance (EC) technique and leaf wetness measurement with a soil–vegetation–atmosphere transfer (SVAT) multilayer model to examine the occurrence of interception evaporation from both sides of leaves at a Japanese cypress forest canopy relating to rainfall intensity and different wetting periods. We compared the measured latent heat flux (λE) with the simulated wet canopy λE with two models that interception evaporation only happens from the upper (adaxial) side of leaves and both sides of leaves. Both models showed a low λE during the rainfall as the EC data did. The simulated λE at the wet period after rainfall indicates that the interception evaporation from both sides of leaves is more likely to happen after heavy rainfall (>15 mm/12 h). However, for the most frequent small rainfall events (0–5 mm/12 h) at this site, interception evaporation is more likely to occur only from the adaxial side than both sides, which helps the wet leaves to maintain stomata opening and process CO2 uptake after rainfall.
Efficient photocatalytic degradation of emerging pollutants by green synthesized Prussian blue analogue nanocomposite
Authors: Yadav Jyoti , Rani Manviri , Shanker Uma , Sillanpää Mika
Published: October 2022

Worldwide consumption, toxicity, and bioaccumulation of paracetamol (PCM) and atenolol (ATL) has drawn attention of researchers over last decades. A small portion of these drugs is absorbed by human body and rest of them is excreted through urine and feces to the environment (water bodies and soil) which might result in negative impacts. Nanocomposite of chromium oxide coupled with zinc hexacyanocobaltates (Cr2O3@ZnHCC) was synthesized by a green‐method using Sapindus mukorossi seed‐extract for the removal of targeted drugs. Microscopic and spectroscopic analysis of Cr2O3@ZnHCC showed uniformly incorporated prisms into cubic structure having ~75 nm particle size. Well‐characterized Cr2O3@ZnHCC and individuals (Cr2O3 & ZnHCC) were utilized for the degradation of PCM and ATL under direct sunlight and dark conditions. Highest degradation of targeted drugs (91%–94%) resulted at 20 mg L−1 concentration of pollutant, 25 mg of catalyst dose, and pH ~ 7 under daylight exposure (5 h). First‐order kinetics followed with a high adsorption capacity, Xm (13.4–14.5 mg g−1) value was obtained to confirm the strong binding with the pollutants. Moreover, Cr2O3@ZnHCC substantially suppressed the half‐life of targeted drugs (PCM: 0.6 h; ATL: 2.9 h) and converted them into safer‐small metabolites as confirmed by liquid chromatography‐mass‐spectrometry analysis, and the reduction of carbon content was confirmed by total organic carbon analysis. The charge separation mechanism was assisted by UV reflectance and photoluminescence data. The synthesized green‐nano photocatalyst displayed high reproducibility (up to 10th cycle), sensitivity, and stability during the degradation process which makes this a suitable candidate for industrial applications.
Empowering the search for pleasure, health and well‐being outside heteronormative definitions: The role of evaluation in shaping structurally sensitive programming for 2SGBTQ+ men who Party and Play in Ontario
Authors: Ismail Yasser , Griffiths Dane , Bond‐Gorr Jordan
Published: October 2022

Sexualized drug use, also known as Party and Play (PnP, chemsex) is a phenomenon that is increasingly pervasive among 2SGBTQ+ communities in Canada and has been epidemiologically linked to increased risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted and blood‐borne illnesses (STBBI). The phenomenon is highly stigmatized even within 2SGBTQ+ communities, perpetuating discrimination against individuals who PnP. Consequently, such individuals often remain invisible to formal care systems. Even as public health efforts seek to reduce the harms associated with PnP, narrowly epidemiological understandings of the phenomenon without understanding it from the perspectives of those with living experience of it, and—without attention to how historical, socio‐structural, and cultural factors shape the phenomenon—contribute to the stigmatization, disempowerment, and marginalization of people who PnP from healthcare access. In this chapter, we describe how an evaluation‐driven program design process grounded in the transformative evaluation paradigm and the principles of LGBTQ+ evaluation supported a paradigm shift for one public health agency in how they re‐conceptualized a more empowering approach for engaging people who PnP in dignified, meaningful care.
LGBTQ+ human rights evaluation in the global South: Lessons from evaluating Project ACT
Authors: Miller Robin Lin , Tohme Johnny
Published: October 2022

This chapter explores considerations for evaluators who work in countries and regions where LGBTQ+ acceptance is low and LGBTQ+ stigma, discrimination, and violence are pervasive. We highlight the ways in which LGBTQ+ criminalization and repressive legal restrictions impact on the task of evaluating LGBTQ+ advocacy and service provision. Drawing on our experience of evaluating a human rights advocacy initiative to reduce stigma, discrimination, and violence as barriers to access to HIV care in Africa and the Caribbean, we outline principles of practice that evaluators might observe and strategies they might draw on to support LGBTQ+ communities in advancing human rights causes and improving the availability of affirming services in hostile settings.
Psychometric evaluation of the Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia scale in an acute general hospital setting
Authors: Dunford Emma , West Emily , Sampson Elizabeth L.
Published: October 2022

Background

People with dementia are at risk of unplanned hospital admissions and commonly have painful conditions. Identifying pain is challenging and may lead to undertreatment. The psychometric properties of the Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia (PAINAD) scale, in medical inpatients with dementia have not been evaluated.

Methods

A secondary data analysis from a longitudinal study of 230 people with dementia admitted to two acute general hospitals in London, UK. Internal consistency, inter‐rater reliability, test‐retest reliability, concurrent validity, construct validity and discriminant validity of PAINAD were tested at rest and in movement.

Results

This predominantly female (65.7%) sample had a mean age of 87.2 (Standard Deviation; SD = 5.92) years. Inter‐rater reliability showed an intra‐class correlation (ICC) of 0.92 at rest and 0.98 in movement, test‐retest reliability ICC was 0.54 at rest and 0.66 in movement. Internal consistency was 0.76 at rest and 0.80 in movement (Cronbach's α). Concurrent validity was weak between PAINAD and a self‐rating level of pain (Kendall's Tau; τ = 0.29; p > 0.001). There was no correlation between PAINAD and a measure of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, suggesting no evidence of convergent validity. PAINAD scores were higher during movement than rest, providing evidence of discriminant validity (z = −8.01, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

We found good inter‐rater reliability and internal consistency. The test‐retest reliability was modest. This study raises concerns about the validity of the PAINAD in general acute hospitals. This provides an insight into pain assessment in general acute hospitals which may inform further refinements of the PAINAD.
Electroconvulsive therapy improves psychotic symptoms in patients with dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Fukatsu Takahide , Kanemoto Kosuke
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for psychotic symptoms of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and also to determine its use as an adaptive criterion.

Methods

Eight patients aged 66–83 years old (mean 75.4 ± 5.9 years) diagnosed with probable DLB based on the criteria for DLB and who received ECT between September 2013 and December 2019 at Aichi Medical University were enrolled. The efficacy and safety of ECT were retrospectively examined. Psychotic symptoms were evaluated using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), while parkinsonism was evaluated based on Hoehn‐Yahr (HY) stage, with both scores analyzed and compared statistically between before and after ECT. Additionally, a follow‐up survey after undergoing ECT was performed.

Results

Two incidents occurred during ECT sessions, arrhythmia in one patient and respiratory arrest in another, both of whom quickly recovered. Following ECT, a significant improvement in BPRS score was noted (p < 0.018, Wilcoxon signed rank test), whereas no significant difference was seen in regard to HY stage (p = 0.059). Follow‐up survey findings obtained after ECT (mean observation period 15.9 ± 16.7 months), showed that all eight patients were alive and none had a relapse of psychotic symptoms.

Conclusion

The present results suggest that ECT for patients with mild to moderate DLB and drug therapy‐resistant psychotic symptoms is safe, well tolerated and effective. We consider it worth considering as a DLB therapeutic option.
Lower brain glucose metabolism in normal ageing is predominantly frontal and temporal: A systematic review and pooled effect size and activation likelihood estimates meta‐analyses
Authors: Deery Hamish A. , Di Paolo Robert , Moran Chris , Egan Gary F. , Jamadar Sharna D.
Published: October 2022

This review provides a qualitative and quantitative analysis of cerebral glucose metabolism in ageing. We undertook a systematic literature review followed by pooled effect size and activation likelihood estimates (ALE) meta‐analyses. Studies were retrieved from PubMed following the PRISMA guidelines. After reviewing 635 records, 21 studies with 22 independent samples (n = 911 participants) were included in the pooled effect size analyses. Eight studies with eleven separate samples (n = 713 participants) were included in the ALE analyses. Pooled effect sizes showed significantly lower cerebral metabolic rates of glucose for older versus younger adults for the whole brain, as well as for the frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes. Among the sub‐cortical structures, the caudate showed a lower metabolic rate among older adults. In sub‐group analyses controlling for changes in brain volume or partial volume effects, the lower glucose metabolism among older adults in the frontal lobe remained significant, whereas confidence intervals crossed zero for the other lobes and structures. The ALE identified nine clusters of lower glucose metabolism among older adults, ranging from 200 to 2640 mm3. The two largest clusters were in the left and right inferior frontal and superior temporal gyri and the insula. Clusters were also found in the inferior temporal junction, the anterior cingulate and caudate. Taken together, the results are consistent with research showing less efficient glucose metabolism in the ageing brain. The findings are discussed in the context of theories of cognitive ageing and are compared to those found in neurodegenerative disease.
Reversal of neurovascular decoupling and cognitive impairment in patients with end‐stage renal disease during a hemodialysis session: Evidence from a comprehensive fMRI analysis
Authors: Li Peng , Ma Shaohui , Ma Xueying , Ding Dun , Zhu Xinyi , Zhang Huawen , Liu Jixin , Mu Junya , Zhang Ming
Published: October 2022

Neurovascular (NV) decoupling is a potential neuropathologic mechanism of cognitive impairment in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Hemodialysis improves cognitive impairment at 24 h post‐dialysis, which suggests a potential neuroprotective effect of hemodialysis treatment on the brain. We investigated the effects of hemodialysis treatment on the reversal of NV decoupling associated with cognitive improvement. A total of 39 patients with ESRD and 39 healthy controls were enrolled. All patients were imaged twice during a dialysis session: before hemodialysis (T1pre‐dialysis) and at 24 h after dialysis (T2post‐dialysis). The healthy controls were imaged once. NV coupling was characterized based on correlation coefficients between four types of blood oxygen level‐dependent signals and cerebral blood flow (CBF). A battery of neuropsychological and blood tests was performed before the imaging. Patients with ESRD showed improvements in memory and executive function at T2post‐dialysis compared with that at T1pre‐dialysis. At both T1pre‐dialysis and T2post‐dialysis, patients with ESRD had lower amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (ALFF)–CBF coupling than healthy controls. Additionally, patients with ESRD had higher ALFF–CBF coupling at T2post‐dialysis than at T1pre‐dialysis. Higher memory scores, higher hemoglobin level, lower total plasma homocysteine level, lower systolic blood pressure variance, and lower ultrafiltration volume were associated with higher ALFF–CBF coupling in patients with ESRD after a hemodialysis session. These findings indicate that partial correction of anemia and hyperhomocysteinemia, stable systolic blood pressure, and fluid restriction may be closely linked to the reversal of NV decoupling and improvement in cognition in patients with ESRD.
Knockdown of circGOLPH3 inhibits cell progression and glycolysis by targeting miR‐145‐5p/lysine demethylase 2A (KDM2A) axis in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Cheng Tao , Huang Feifei , Zhang Yin , Zhou Zhen
Published: October 2022

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common head and neck malignancies. The aim of this study is to explore the role of circRNA Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) (circGOLPH3) in OSCC.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and western blot were performed to detect changes in the levels of circGOLPH3, microRNA‐145‐5p (miR‐145‐5p), and lysine demethylase 2A (KDM2A). The functions of circGOLPH3 were assessed using in vitro and in vivo assays. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay detected the interaction of miR‐145‐5p with circGOLPH3 or KDM2A.

Results

circGOLPH3 expression was upregulated in OSCC. circGOLPH3 downregulation inhibited cell growth, metastasis, and glycolysis in vitro, and in vivo experiments revealed that circGOLPH3 inhibited tumor growth. In addition, circGOLPH3 bound to miR‐145‐5p and competitively inhibited KDM2A expression, thereby regulating OSCC cell behaviors as well as glycolysis.

Conclusion

circGOLPH3 exerted pro‐oncogenic effects through the miR‐145‐5p/KDM2A axis to regulate OSCC cell behaviors.