bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A POSIÇÃO DO PSICANALISTA E SEU DESDOBRAMENTO SUBJETIVO NO ESQUEMA L
Authors: Lautenchlager Alberto Ramos
Published: October 2021

O presente trabalho pretende investigar como se dá o desdobramento subjetivo do analista nos registros lacanianos do simbólico e do imaginário. Para isso, será utilizado o esquema L como um shifter, isto é, um dispositivo de análise metapsicológica, afim de situar as instâncias psíquicas moi e Je do analista, de acordo, por um lado, com o plano consciente da interação concreta entre os interlocutores, que é permeado, por outro, pela a dimensão inconsciente produzida pelo uso da linguagem entre eles. É no campo do real, porém, que se encontra o vértice entre o imaginário e o simbólico, no corpo do analista, através do qual ele paga com sua pessoa, “metabolizando” os afetos transferenciais. Como desfecho, conclui-se que os estratos simbólicos e imaginários do analista estão intimamente imbricados e se visualizam tanto pelo silêncio do analista, quanto por suas intervenções, quando sua enunciação age com propriedades interpretativas.
FORÇAS ANTAGÔNICAS EM LAVOURA ARCAICA, DE RADUAN NASSAR
Authors: Tardivo Renato
Published: October 2021

Lavoura arcaica foi o primeiro livro do escritor paulista Raduan Nassar a ser publicado. O romance reúne as memórias do narrador-protagonista, André, que após uma relação incestuosa com a irmã, Ana, foge da casa da família e parte para o exílio em um quarto de pensão interiorana. A narrativa divide-se em duas partes. A primeira, mais longa, intitula-se “A partida”; a segunda, mais curta, “O retorno”. Neste artigo, abordaremos os diferentes posicionamentos encampados pelo narrador-protagonista, bem como, por conseguinte, os elementos, por vezes antagônicos, do romance, entreeles: as condições assumidas por André – viver e evocar a tragédia –, as implicações do incesto consumado com a irmã, a temporalidade e a unidade pródiga em sentidos que compõem a narrativa.
Orienteering: What relation with visuospatial abilities, wayfinding attitudes, and environment learning?
Authors: Feraco Tommaso , Bonvento Marco , Meneghetti Chiara
Published: October 2021

Orienteering is a sport that involves navigating. As navigation skills relate to individual visuospatial factors, it is worth examining whether practicing orienteering is associated with people's visuospatial abilities and wayfinding attitudes. A sample of 51 participants comprising three groups of 17 individuals with different orienteering expertise (experts, beginners, and controls—people that do not practice sport) completed visuospatial cognitive tasks and wayfinding attitude questionnaires, and were assessed on their everyday spatial habits and map learning. Results of Bayesian analysis showed that experts scored higher than controls in most visuospatial tasks, reported more positive wayfinding attitudes (sense of direction, knowledge of cardinal points, everyday map use), and learned better from maps. Beginners generally performed better than controls and less well than experts did. These results show that orienteering relates with individual visuospatial abilities, attitudes, spatial habits, and spatial learning. They are discussed within the frame of motor activities and spatial cognition.
Prevalence of Fibromyalgia Syndrome in Active‐Duty Military Personnel
Authors: Lawrence‐Wolff Katrina M. , Higgs Jay B. , Young‐McCaughan Stacey , Mintz Jim , Foa Edna B. , Resick Patricia A. , Kelly Kevin M. , Maurer Douglas M. , Borah Adam M. , Yarvis Jeffrey S. , Litz Brett T. , Hildebrand Bernard A. , Williamson Douglas E. , Peterson Alan L. ,   for the STRONG STAR Consortium
Published: October 2021

Objective

Previous research with civilian populations has found strong associations between fibromyalgia (FM) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We undertook this study to investigate the prevalence of FM in military service members with and without PTSD.

Methods

Participants were active duty military personnel recruited into either an epidemiologic cohort study of service members before a military deployment or 1 of 3 PTSD treatment trials. Instruments used to document FM and PTSD included the PTSD Checklist–Stressor‐Specific Version, the PTSD Symptom Scale‐Interview, and the 2012 American College of Rheumatology FM questionnaire.

Results

Across the 4 studies, 4,376 subjects completed surveys. The prevalence of FM was 2.9% in the predeployment cohort, and the prevalence was significantly higher in individuals with PTSD (10.8%) compared with those without PTSD (0.8%). In the treatment trials, all of the participants met criteria for PTSD before starting treatment, and the prevalence of FM was 39.7%.

Conclusion

The prevalence of FM in active duty service members preparing to deploy is similar to that reported for the general population of the US but is higher than expected for a predominantly male cohort. Furthermore, the prevalence of FM was significantly higher in service members with comorbid PTSD and was highest among those seeking treatment for PTSD. Further investigation is needed to determine the factors linking PTSD and FM.
An adaptive model predictive control strategy for a class of discrete‐time linear systems with parametric uncertainty
Authors: Hu Yingjie , Gou Linfeng , Fan Ding , Iu Herbert Ho‐Ching , Fernando Tyrone , Zhang Xinan
Published: October 2021

In this study, an adaptive model predictive control (MPC) strategy is proposed for a class of discrete‐time linear systems with parametric uncertainty. In the presented adaptive MPC, an updating law is firstly designed to update the estimated parameters online. By utilizing the estimated parameters, a standard MPC optimization problem for unconstrained systems is established. Then, to deal with constrained systems, the min–max MPC technique is developed under the set‐based approach for the estimated parameters. Furthermore, it is shown theoretically that the recursive feasibility and closed‐loop stability can be rigorously proved, respectively. Finally, numerical simulations and comparative analysis are presented to illustrate the superiority of the proposed algorithms in control performance.
Access to Triazolopiperidine Derivatives via Copper(I)‐Catalyzed [3+2] Cycloaddition/Alkenyl C−N Coupling Tandem Reactions
Authors: Xiao Guorong , Wu Kaifu , Zhou Wei , Cai Qian
Published: October 2021

A copper‐catalyzed [3+2] cylcoaddition/ alkenyl C−N coupling tandem reaction was demonstrated. It provided a method for the formation of triazolopiperidine skeletons.

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Detektion und Visualisierung der Pflanzen‐Pathogen‐Response durch Nah‐Infrarot‐fluoreszente Polyphenolsensoren
Authors: Nißler Robert , Müller Andrea T. , Dohrman Frederike , Kurth Larissa , Li Han , Cosio Eric G. , Flavel Benjamin S. , Giraldo Juan Pablo , Mithöfer Axel , Kruss Sebastian
Published: October 2021

Pflanzen nutzen Sekundärmetabolite, wie Polyphenole, zur chemischen Verteidigung gegenüber Pathogenen und Herbivoren. Trotz ihrer wichtigen Rolle bei der Reaktion von Pflanzen auf Pathogene bleibt die Detektion von Polyphenolen in komplexen Pflanzengeweben eine Herausforderung. Hier berichten wir vom Aufbau molekularer Sensoren zur Visualisierung pflanzlicher Polyphenole, basierend auf Nah‐Infrarot (NIR)‐fluoreszenten Kohlenstoff‐Nanoröhren (SWCNTs). Dabei identifizierten wir Oberflächenmodifikationen mit Polyethylenglycol‐Phospholipiden, die (6,5)‐SWCNTs sensitiv (Kd=90 nM) gegenüber pflanzlichen Polyphenolen machen und die Emission (ca. 1000 nm) quenchen und bathochrom (bis zu 20 nm) verschieben. Diese Sensoren detektieren Unterschiede im Gesamtphenolgehalt nach Herbivor‐ oder Pathogenstimulus im Nutzpflanzensystem und in Blattextrakten. Ferner erlauben sie die Bildgebung der Pathogen‐induzierten Polyphenolausschüttung (24 h). Dieser Ansatz ermöglicht die In‐situ‐Visualisierung und Charakterisierung der chemischen Pflanzenverteidigung in Echtzeit und ebnet den Weg zur Phänotyp‐basierten Optimierung der Polyphenolsekretion.
Divergent Reactivity of an Isolable Nickelacyclobutane
Authors: Sansores‐Paredes María L. G. , van der Voort Storm , Lutz Martin , Moret Marc‐Etienne
Published: October 2021

Nickelacyclobutanes are mostly invoked as reactive intermediates in the reaction of nickel carbenes and olefins to yield cyclopropanes. Nevertheless, early work suggested that other decomposition routes such as β‐hydride elimination and even metathesis could be accessible. Herein, we report the isolation and characterization of a stable pentacoordinated nickelacyclobutane incorporated in a pincer complex. The coordination of different coligands to the nickelacyclobutane determines its selective decomposition along cyclopropanation, metathesis or apparent β‐hydride elimination pathways. DFT calculations shed light on the mechanism of these different pathways.
Promoting CO2 Electroreduction Kinetics on Atomically Dispersed Monovalent ZnI Sites by Rationally Engineering Proton‐Feeding Centers
Authors: Chen Jiayi , Li Zhongjian , Wang Xinyue , Sang Xiahan , Zheng Sixing , Liu Shoujie , Yang Bin , Zhang Qinghua , Lei Lecheng , Dai Liming , Hou Yang
Published: October 2021

Electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 (CO2RR) to value‐added chemicals is of great significance for CO2 utilization, however the CO2RR process involving multi‐electron and proton transfer is greatly limited by poor selectivity and low yield. Herein, We have developed an atomically dispersed monovalent zinc catalyst anchored on nitrogenated carbon nanosheets (Zn/NC NSs). Benefiting from the unique coordination environment and atomic dispersion, the Zn/NC NSs exhibit a superior CO2RR performance, featuring a high current density up to 50 mA cm−2 with an outstanding CO Faradaic efficiency of ≈95 %. The center ZnI atom coordinated with three N atoms and one N atom that bridges over two adjacent graphitic edges (Zn‐N3+1) is identified as the catalytically active site. Experimental results reveal that the twisted Zn‐N3+1 structure accelerates CO2 activation and protonation in the rate‐determining step of *CO2 to *COOH, while theoretical calculations elucidate that atomically dispersed Zn‐N3+1 moieties decrease the potential barriers for intermediate COOH* formation, promoting the proton‐coupled CO2RR kinetics and boosting the overall catalytic performance.
Preparation of galactomannan based viscosifiers using bifunctional crosslinker: Case studies using 2‐(chloromethyl)oxirane
Authors: Dangi Deepika , Sharma Pradeep , Kumar Vineet
Published: October 2021

Galactomannans are functionalized biopolymers and possess diverse applications in various fields due to a wide range of inherent properties such as thickening, emulsifying, binding, gelling, film forming, and so on. In the present study, highly viscous solutions were obtained by the treatment of 1,2 galactomannan (Guar gum) with 2‐(chloromethyl)oxirane leading to the formation of new 1,3‐diethereal linkages of propanetriol (ROCH2CHOHCH2OR) between the galactomannans backbone. The reaction was studied by varying the amount of 2‐(chloromethyl)oxirane in aqueous methanol (methanol: water; 80:20) under alkaline conditions. The 0.5% solution of modified cross‐linked galactomannan (MGM) using the least amount of 2‐(chloromethyl)oxirane (0.06 × 10−3 mol) formed a highly viscous (1031 cps) solution in comparison to native GM (440 cps). Intriguingly, the decreasing amount of 2‐(chloromethyl)oxirane led to significant improvement in rheological properties whereas a gradual increase resulted in insoluble products. These observations have so far not been reported for galactomannans. The formation of new 1,3‐diethereal linkages (ROCH2CHOHCH2OR) introduced between the galactomannan backbone was analyzed by NMR (1D and 2D) and FT‐IR. Additionally, thermal analysis (TGA and DSC), swelling behavior, the effect of salt, acid, and alkali on MGM were studied. The modified products were resistant to acid, salt, and alkali and can be used for diverse end‐use applications.
Multi‐response optimization of shrinkage, clamp force, and part weight in simulated injection molding process of a dialysis micro‐filter
Authors: Shiroud Heidari Behzad , Bappoo Nikhilesh , Kelsey Lachlan J. , Davachi Seyed Mohammad , Doyle Barry
Published: October 2021

Air traps play a critical role in controlling air bubbles and clots in hemodialysis systems. The quality of the micro‐filter, an injection molded part inside the air trap, influence the potential risk of passing emboli to the patient, which can result in serious complications. The aim of this work is optimizing the simulated injection molding process of a dialysis micro‐filter based on minimizing the shrinkage, part weight, and clamping force to maximize the part quality. First, micro‐computed tomography is used to diagnose defects of a typical micro‐filter due to the molding process. Next, the injection molding of micro‐filter is simulated via Autodesk Moldflow Adviser (AMA) to obtain the responses, and the interactions of the process factors are then determined by central composite design (CCD). The injection time is the most significant influence on the responses. Multi‐response optimization results for the equal weights of the responses show the minimum shrinkage, part weight, clamp force of 8.84%, 0.744 g and 0.625 tonne, respectively, with composite desirability of 0.61. Finally, the predicted values using regression models are successfully validated via AMA, offering the optimal process settings to produce high quality dialysis micro‐filter to reduce the risk of passing emboli to patients.
Observer‐based distributed control of large‐scale systems under gossip communication protocol
Authors: Yu Tao , Yu Lanlin , Xiong Junlin
Published: October 2021

This note is concerned with the observer‐based distributed control problem of large‐scale systems under gossip communication protocol. Random binary variables that satisfy a certain conditional probability distribution are introduced to model gossip communication protocol. In such a protocol, each subcontroller receives information from only one randomly chosen neighbor at each instant. Novel observer‐based distributed controllers are proposed for large‐scale systems. Based on Lyapunov stability theory and stochastic matrix manipulations, sufficient conditions are established such that the closed‐loop system is exponentially mean square stable and the prescribed‐gain performance is satisfied. Then these conditions are transformed into linear matrix inequalities. The observer gains and controller gains can be obtained by solving a set of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, two numerical examples are used to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed theoretical results.
Cardamonin Presents in Vivo Activity against Schistosoma mansoni and Inhibits Potato Apyrase
Authors: de Carvalho Lara Soares Aleixo , Silva Lívia Mara , de Souza Vinícius Carius , da Silva Marcos Paulo Nascimento , Capriles Priscila V. S. Z. , de Faria Pinto Priscila , de Moraes Josué , Da Silva Filho Ademar Alves
Published: October 2021

Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by Schistosoma species, harms over 250 million people in several countries. The treatment is achieved with only one drug, praziquantel. Cardamonin, a natural chalcone with in vitro schistosomicidal activity, has not been in vivo evaluated against Schistosoma. In this work, we evaluated the in vivo schistosomicidal activities of cardamonin against Schistosoma mansoni worms and conducted enzymatic apyrase inhibition assay, as well as molecular docking analysis of cardamonin against potato apyrase, S. mansoni NTPDase 1 and S. mansoni NTPDase 2. In a mouse model of schistosomiasis, the oral treatment with cardamonin (400 mg/kg) showed efficacy against S. mansoni, decreasing the total worm load in 46.8 % and reducing in 54.5 % the number of eggs in mice. Cardamonin achieved a significant inhibition of the apyrase activity and the three‐dimensional structure of the potato apyrase, obtained by homology modeling, showed that cardamonin may interact mainly through hydrogen bonds. Molecular docking studies corroborate with the action of cardamonin in binding and inhibiting both potato apyrase and S. mansoni NTPDases.
Visible‐Light Removable Photocaging Groups Accepted by MjMAT Variant: Structural Basis and Compatibility with DNA and RNA Methyltransferases
Authors: Peters Aileen , Herrmann Eric , Cornelissen Nicolas V. , Klöcker Nils , Kümmel Daniel , Rentmeister Andrea
Published: October 2021

Methylation and demethylation of DNA, RNA and proteins constitutes a major regulatory mechanism in epigenetic processes. Investigations would benefit from the ability to install photo‐cleavable groups at methyltransferase target sites that block interactions with reader proteins until removed by non‐damaging light in the visible spectrum. Engineered methionine adenosyltransferases (MATs) have been exploited in cascade reactions with methyltransferases (MTases) to modify biomolecules with non‐natural groups, including first evidence for accepting photo‐cleavable groups. We show that an engineered MAT from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii (PC‐MjMAT) is 308‐fold more efficient at converting ortho‐nitrobenzyl‐(ONB)‐homocysteine than the wildtype enzyme. PC‐MjMAT is active over a broad range of temperatures and compatible with MTases from mesophilic organisms. We solved the crystal structures of wildtype and PC‐MjMAT in complex with AdoONB and a red‐shifted derivative thereof. These structures reveal that aromatic stacking interactions within the ligands are key to accommodating the photocaging groups in PC‐MjMAT. The enlargement of the binding pocket eliminates steric clashes to enable AdoMet analogue binding. Importantly, PC‐MjMAT exhibits remarkable activity on methionine analogues with red‐shifted ONB‐derivatives enabling photo‐deprotection of modified DNA by visible light.
Utilizing NPWT improving skin graft taking in reconstruction for extended breast skin defects following mastectomy
Authors: Kuo Chia‐Yu , Kan Jung‐Yu , Kao Chieh‐Ni , Ou‐Yang Fu , Wu Cheng‐Che , Shiau Jun‐ping , Li Chung‐Liang , Hou Ming‐Feng , Huang Shu‐Hung
Published: October 2021

NPWT fulfill graft taking in complex breast wounds.
Fast Detection of Entacapone by a Lanthanide–Organic Framework with Rhombic Channels
Authors: Min Hui , Wu Shuangyan , Han Zongsu , Chen Zhonghang , Sun Tiankai , Shi Wei , Cheng Peng
Published: October 2021

Entacapone (ENT) is a powerful catechol‐O‐methyl transferase inhibitor that is used for the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson's syndrome, but the amount used must be well controlled to avoid overtreatment and side effect. Fast and selective detection of ENT needs well‐matched energy levels and well‐designed sensor‐ENT interaction which is highly challenging. In this work, a water stable europium‐based metal‐organic framework (Eu‐TDA) was synthesized to detect ENT by luminescence with excellent reusability and selectivity in the presence of main coexisting and interference species of plasma with a limit of detection of 5.01 μM. The experimental results showed that the luminescence of Eu‐TDA can be effectively quenched by ENT via well‐designed photoinduced electron transfer mechanism and internal filtration effect mechanism in the system.
Computational Insights into the Role of External and Local Electric Fields in Macrocyclic Chemical and Biological Systems
Authors: Mukherjee Anagh , Ghule Siddharth , Vanka Kumar
Published: October 2021

The investigation of the role of the electric field in systems of widespread interest employing computational techniques is an emerging area of research. The outcome of applying an oriented external electric field (OEEF) on the geometric and electronic properties of the chemically unique π‐conjugated cyclic carbon ring compounds has been explored with density functional theory (DFT). Distinct changes in the structural and electronic features of such ring compounds are observed upon the application of OEEFs. Importantly, the calculations indicate that a mixed aliphatic‐aromatic conjugated ring converts from a singlet to a triplet after the application of an OEEF, suggesting potential applications in optoelectronics for such molecules, without the need for photochemically induced change in the spin state. Furthermore, the influence of built‐in local electric fields (LEFs) present in naturally occurring macrocyclic systems such as valinomycin has also been explored. Static andab initiomolecular dynamics (AIMD) calculations indicate that LEFs are the primary driving factor in determining the energetically favoured position of counter anions such as chloride (Cl−) in the potassium (K+) and sodium (Na+) coordinated valinomycin macrocycle structures: they exist inside the cage in the case of K+sequestration by valinomycin and outside for Na+. This divergence has been proposed to be the determining factor for the selectivity of the valinomycin macrocycle for binding a K+cation over Na+.
Compartmentalized multicellular crosstalk in lymph nodes coordinates the generation of potent cellular and humoral immune responses
Authors: Poirot Justine , Medvedovic Jasna , Trichot Coline , Soumelis Vassili
Published: October 2021

Distributed throughout the body, lymph nodes (LNs) constitute an important crossroad where resident and migratory immune cells interact to initiate antigen‐specific immune responses supported by a dynamic 3‐dimensional network of stromal cells, that is, endothelial cells and fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs). LNs are organized into four major subanatomically separated compartments: the subcapsular sinus (SSC), the paracortex, the cortex, and the medulla. Each compartment is underpinned by particular FRC subsets that physically support LN architecture and delineate functional immune niches by appropriately providing environmental cues, nutrients, and survival factors to the immune cell subsets they interact with. In this review, we discuss how FRCs drive the structural and functional organization of each compartment to give rise to prosperous interactions and coordinate immune cell activities. We also discuss how reciprocal communication makes FRCs and immune cells perfect compatible partners for the generation of potent cellular and humoral immune responses.
Metabolomic and proteomic characterization of sng and pain phenotypes in fibromyalgia
Authors: Hsu Wei‐Hsiang , Han Der‐Sheng , Ku Wei‐Chi , Chao Yen‐Ming , Chen Chih‐Cheng , Lin Yun‐Lian
Published: October 2021

Background

Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by chronic widespread pain. Its pathophysiological mechanisms remain poorly understood, and effective diagnosis and treatments are lacking. This study aimed to identify significantly changed biosignatures in FM and propose a novel classification for FM based on pain and soreness (sng) symptoms.

Methods

Urine and serum samples from 30 FM patients and 25 controls underwent metabolomic and proteomic profiling.

Results

Compared with controls, FM patients showed significant differential expression of three metabolites in urine and five metabolites and eight proteins in serum. Of them, DETP, 4‐guanidinobutanoic acid, SM(d18:1/18:0), PC(20:1(11Z)/18:0), S100A7, SERPINB3, galectin‐7 and LYVE1 were first reported as potential biomarkers for FM. Furthermore, lactate, 2‐methylmaleate and cotinine in urine and lactate, SM(d18:1/25:1), SM(d18:1/26:1) and prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) and PCYOX1, ITIH4, PFN1, LRG1, C8G, C8A, CP, CDH5 and DBH in serum could differentiate pain‐ (PG) and sng‐dominant groups (SG). Lactate, 2‐methylmaleate, cotinine, PCYOX1, ITIH4, PFN1 and DBH have a higher level in SG. SM(d18:1/25:1), SM(d18:1/26:1), PGD2, LRG1, C8G, C8A, CP and CDH5 in SG are lower than PG. The omics results indicated disordered free radical scavenging, and lipid and amino acid metabolism networks and resulting NF‐κB‐dependent cytokine generation in FM. Lactate level was altered simultaneously in urine and serum and significantly higher in sng‐dominant patients than others.

Conclusions

In this study, we identified potential biomarkers from FM patients. The selected biomarkers could discriminate sng and pain phenotypes in FM patients. These results could help elucidate the underlying pathological mechanisms for more effective diagnosis and therapy for FM.
Source parameters and scaling relations for small to moderate earthquakes in theIndo‐BurmaRanges,North‐east India, and its seismotectonic implications
Authors: Bora Dipok K. , Mukherjee Pousali , Singh Ajay P. , Borah Kajaljyoti , Biswas Rajib
Published: October 2021

The Indo‐Burma Ranges (IBRs) and its surrounding North‐east India is one of the seismotectonically active subduction systems in the world, where the Indian Plate is subducting beneath the Sunda Plate. This has resulted in major earthquakes in the past. In this study, spectral analysis of S‐wave has been used to investigate the source parameters for local earthquakes (3.3 ≤ MD ≤ 5.8) exclusively in the Indo‐Burma region fusing a network of six stations by adopting the Brune model. The corner frequencies (fc) of the events are varied from 0.6 to 3.2 Hz. The estimated source parameters lie in the range from 9 × 1013–3.7 × 1017 N m, 0.2–35.1 MPa, 410–1,956.4 m, 0.002–1.196 m, and 2.9–13.5 Hz for seismic momentM0, stress drop (Δσ), source radius, source dislocation, and maximum cut‐off frequency (fmax), respectively. The scaling relation betweenM0andfchas been derived asM0 = 1.622 × 1016 fc−5.298. The scaling relations ofM0withfmaxand stress drop have also been derived. The high‐stress drops (>10 MPa) were at a depth zone of ~40–60 km, while the stress drops were less than 4.0 MPa beyond this depth, indicating the shallow and deeper portion of the lithosphere to be relatively brittle. We postulate that this could occur due to a complex detachment process as a result of slab tearing in the region. The upper boundary of stress drop was found to have an increasing trend with the focal depth of the earthquakes. The empirical relations betweenM0 − MDandMW − MDhave also been derived for the IBRs. The estimated source parameters and scaling relations will be useful in estimations of lithospheric strength, simulation of strong ground motion in the IBRs, and calibrating the coefficient of the local earthquakes in the IBR and its surrounding region.
The syndemic burden of HIV/AIDS in Africa amidst the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Uwishema Olivier , Taylor Charles , Lawal Lukman , Hamiidah Nakyanzi , Robert Isoke , Nasir Abdulrasheed , Chalhoub Elie , Sun Jeffrey , Akin Burak T. , Adanur Irem , Mwazighe Rehema M. , Onyeaka Helen
Published: October 2021

Introduction: The human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) has long affected millions of individuals across the globe. Historically, the prevalence of this disease is particularly noted within the African continent. Before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, many African countries struggled to effectively manage the increasing burden associated with HIV/AIDS. There is now a need to reassess this in a COVID‐19 pandemic context so that the impact of COVID‐19 on HIV/AIDS healthcare within Africa can be adequately evaluated.

Methods: Data collection was performed on the PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE and Embase bibliographical databases with a predefined search strategy. Searches were performed in blind duplicate and all articles considering COVID‐19 and HIV/AIDS within African healthcare were considered.

Results: The COVID‐19 pandemic has severely exacerbated the many issues surrounding HIV/AIDS care within many African countries. These impacts are noticeable in medical, psychological, and socio‐political contexts.

Conclusions: Before efforts are made to improve the provision of HIV/AIDS and COVID‐19 care within Africa, it is important that this issue is brought to the attention of the scientific and clinical community so that the continent can receive the necessary support and aid.
The Effects of Exchange‐Rate Volatility on Commodity Trade between the United States and Mexico
Authors: Bahmani‐Oskooee Mohsen , Hegerty Scott W.
Published: October 2021

Excessive fluctuations in exchange rates often influence trade flows. Theoretically, increased uncertainty may increase or decrease the volume of trade, or leave it unchanged. Using annual export and import data for 102 industries from 1962 to 2004, we analyze both the short‐ and long‐term effects of volatility in the peso/dollar real exchange rate on Mexican trade with the United States. We also investigate the effects of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on this relationship. We find that increased volatility has short‐term effects on the trade flows of most industries but that the long‐term effects are significant (positive or negative) for only one‐third of industries. Most of the significant effects are negative rather than positive.
Increasing the sensitivity of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering detection for s‐triazine pesticides by taking advantage of interactions with soil humic substances
Authors: Rubira Rafael J. G. , Camacho Sabrina A. , Constantino Carlos J. L. , Sanchez‐Cortes Santiago
Published: October 2021

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a technique which has been well explored for detecting contaminating substances, such as pesticides. Of particular interest has been the use of SERS for quantifying trace levels of the s‐triazine compounds, unraveling the adsorption mechanisms on metallic nanoparticles. Herein, we applied silver nanoparticles (AgNP) as SERS substrates for detecting commercial samples of the pesticides prometryn (PRM) and atrazine (ATZ) and their purified samples in the presence of soil humic substances (SHS). The degrading effect of SHS was assessed through the similarities between the SERS spectra of the purchased pesticides and purified pesticides in the presence of SHS. We also evaluated the mechanisms of interaction between the purified pesticide molecules and SHS. Strong interactions of the amino groups (s‐triazine molecules) with the oxygenated groups (SHS) were confirmed via SERS spectra. Such interaction, which is favorable for purified pesticides, allowed to increase the sensitivity of SERS detection, reaching low limits of detection (LOD): 5.5 ppb and 4.0 ppb for unpurified PRM and ATZ (as purchased), respectively, against 1.3 ppb and 21 ppt for purified PRM and ATZ in the presence of the SHS, respectively.
Characterization of a recombinant 10‐linoleic acid hydratase from Lactiplantibacillus plantarumZS2058 and biosynthesis of 10‐ hydroxy‐cis‐12‐octadecenoic acid
Authors: Peng Shuyue , Zhang Yanzhen , Guo Qianwan , Wang Chenchen , Gaenzle Michael G , Zhao Meng
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

10‐Hydroxy‐cis‐12‐octadecenoic acid (10‐HOE, 10‐OH C18:1), an emerging functional fatty acid, has anti‐fungal and anti‐inflammatory effects. 10‐HOE is synthesized by bacterial 10‐linoleic acid hydratase (10‐LHT) with linoleic acid as the substate. However, the characterization of 10‐LHT and its targeted synthesis of 10‐HOE have been rarely reported. In this study, the recombinant 10‐LHT from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ZS2058 was characterized, and the biocatalysis of 10‐HOE using crude enzyme was optimized.

RESULTS

The recombinant 10‐LHT catalyzed the conversion of linoleic acid (C18:2) to 10‐HOE as identified using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC–MS). It showed a molecular weight of about 70 kDa on sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE), and was a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)‐dependent enzyme. The activity of 10‐LHT was optimal at pH 6.5 and 25 °C, and it was pH‐stable but thermo‐sensitive. The optimal condition for the 10‐HOE biosynthesis using crude enzyme was 5 g L−1 linoleic acid (C18:2), 148.0 U mL−1 10‐LHT, 0.05 mmol L−1 FAD, 2% methanol and 100 mmol L−1 sodium chloride at 25 °C and pH 6.5. A conversion yield of 47.8 ± 1.5% and the corresponding 10‐HOE concentration of 2.4 ± 0.1 g L−1 were achieved at 48 h under the optimal reaction conditions.

CONCLUSION

This work achieved the highest conversion yield of 10‐HOE with the highest substrate concentration, and provides some useful information for the industrial production of 10‐HOE. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Redefining Success After Liver Transplantation: From Mortality Toward Function and Fulfillment
Authors: Serper Marina , Asrani Sumeet , VanWagner Lisa , Reese Peter P. , Kim Minjee , Wolf Michael S.
Published: October 2021

Liver transplantation (LT), the only cure for end‐stage liver disease, is a lifesaving, costly, and limited resource. LT recipients (LTRs) are aging with an increasing burden of medical comorbidities. Patient and graft survival rates exceed 70% at 5 years; however, patient‐centered health outcomes beyond survival have received relatively little attention. LTRs must have strong self‐management skills to navigate health systems, adhere to clinical monitoring, and take complex, multidrug regimens. All of these tasks require formidable cognitive abilities for active learning and problem solving. Yet, LTRs are at higher risk for impaired cognition as a result of the high prevalence of pretransplant hepatic encephalopathy, multiple chronic conditions, alcohol use, physical frailty, sarcopenia, and older age. Cognitive impairment after transplant may persist and has been causally linked to poor self‐management skills, worse physical function, and inferior health outcomes in other health care settings, yet its impact after LT is largely unknown. There is a need to study potentially modifiable, posttransplant targets including caregiver support, physical activity, sleep, and treatment adherence to inform future health system responses to promote the long‐term health and well‐being of LTRs. Prospective, longitudinal data collection that encompasses key sociodemographic, cognitive–behavioral, psychosocial, and medical factors is needed to improve risk prediction and better inform patient and caregiver expectations. Interventions with proactive monitoring, reducing medical complexity, and improved care coordination can be tailored to optimize posttransplant care. We propose a research agenda focused on understudied, potentially modifiable risk factors to improve the long‐term health of LTRs. Our conceptual model accounts for cognitive function, caregiver and patient self‐management skills, health behaviors, and patient‐centered outcomes beyond mortality. We propose actionable health‐system, patient, and caregiver‐directed interventions to fill knowledge gaps and improve outcomes.
Osteogenic Capability of Vaterite‐Coated Nonwoven Polycaprolactone Scaffolds for In Vivo Bone Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Saveleva Mariia S. , Ivanov Alexey N. , Chibrikova Julia A. , Abalymov Anatolii A. , Surmeneva Maria A. , Surmenev Roman A. , Parakhonskiy Bogdan V. , Lomova Maria V. , Skirtach Andre G. , Norkin Igor A.
Published: October 2021

In current orthopedic practice, bone implants used to‐date often exhibit poor osteointegration, impaired osteogenesis, and, eventually, implant failure. Actively pursued strategies for tissue engineering could overcome these shortcomings by developing new hybrid materials with bioinspired structure and enhanced regenerative potential. In this study, the osteogenic and therapeutic potential of bioactive vaterite is investigated as a functional component of a fibrous polymeric scaffold for bone regeneration. Hybrid two‐layered polycaprolactone scaffolds coated with vaterite (PCL/CaCO3) are studied during their 28‐days implantation period in a rat femur defect. After this period, the study of tissue formation in the defected area is performed by the histological study of femur cross‐sections. Immobilization of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) into PCL/CaCO3 scaffolds accelerates new bone tissue formation and defect repair. PCL/CaCO3 and PCL/CaCO3/ALP scaffolds reveal 37.3% and 62.9% areas, respectively, filled with newly formed bone tissue in cross‐sections compared to unmineralized PCL scaffold (17.5%). Bone turnover markers are monitored on the 7th and 28th days after implantation and reveal an increase of osteocalcin level for both PCL/CaCO3 and PCL/CaCO3/ALP compared with PCL indicating the activation of osteogenesis. These findings indicate that vaterite, as an osteoconductive component of polymeric scaffolds, promotes osteogenesis, supports angiogenesis, and facilitates bone defect repair.
Effect of the chemical structure of a tetradentate equatorial ligand on the spin‐crossover properties of the Fe (III) complexes chain structures: Electron paramagnetic resonance study
Authors: Turanova Olga A. , Frolova Elena N. , Gafiyatullin Linar G. , Bazan Leah V. , Turanov Alexander N. , Ovchinnikov Igor V.
Published: October 2021

The effect of the chemical structure of the equatorial ligand on the spin state of the Fe (III) ion in a series of 1‐D chain complexes of the general formula [Fe(L)(tvp)]BPh4·nCH3OH, where L = dianions of Schiff base containing a different number of aromatic groups: N,N′‐ethylenebis (salicylaldimine) (salen) 1, N,N′‐ethylenebis (acetylacetone)2,2′‐imine (acen) 2, N,N′‐ethylenebis (benzoylacetylacetone)2,2′‐imine (bzacen) 3, and tvp = 1,2‐di(4‐pyridyl)ethylene, was studied by ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) methods. The values of exchange interactions, thermodynamic parameters of spin‐crossover, and electronic structure features of the Fe (III) complexes were estimated from the EPR data. The substitution of a fragment of the equatorial ligand L in the series salen–acen–bzacen changes the local symmetry of the complex in the 1‐D chain, thereby affecting the spin variable properties.
Video‐urodynamic characteristics of lower urinary tract dysfunctions in patients with chronic brain disorders
Authors: Chiang Ching‐Hsiang , Chen Sen‐Fu , Kuo Hann‐Chorng
Published: October 2021

Aims

Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) is common in patients with chronic brain disorders. This study investigated the video‐urodynamic study (VUDS) findings of LUTD in patients with chronic brain disorders, including cerebrovascular accident (CVA), Parkinson's disease (PD), and early dementia.

Methods

A total of 169 patients with a history of chronic brain disorders, including 84 with CVA, 55 with PD, and 30 with early dementia were enrolled. All patients had a comprehensive chart review, including brain disorder subtype, the period from diagnosis to VUDS, the VUDS parameters, and final LUTD.

Results

The mean age of patients was 69.2 ± 10.5 years, and the interval from brain insult to VUDS was 61.3 ± 49.7 months. Urodynamic detrusor overactivity (DO) was noted in 73.4% of patients, detrusor underactivity in 10.1%, and detrusor overactivity with detrusor underactivity in 16.6%. Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) was noted in 60.9% of patients, including bladder neck dysfunction in 21.3%, urethral sphincter dysfunction in 42%, and prostatic obstruction in 10.1% of male patients. Urethral sphincter dysfunction was noted in 60% of patients with PD, 32.1% with CVA, and 36.7% with dementia (p = 0.004). A low mean maximum flow rate increased post‐void residual volume, and poor voiding efficiency was common in these patients, without significant differences among the subgroups.

Conclusions

Real‐world VUDSs revealed that patients with chronic brain disorders not only had a high prevalence of DO but also impaired bladder contractility and a high rate of BOO at the level above the bladder neck and urethral sphincter.
Body composition of patients with neuroblastoma using computed tomography
Authors: IJpma Irene , Lequin Maarten H. , Nievelstein Rutger A. J. , Fiocco Marta , Tissing Wim J. E.
Published: October 2021

Background

Computed tomography (CT) is often used to investigate muscle and fat mass in adult patients with cancer. However, this method has rarely been used in the pediatric cancer population. The present retrospective study aimed to investigate changes in body composition using CT during treatment in children with neuroblastoma.

Procedure

CT images of 29 patients with high‐risk neuroblastoma were retrospectively analyzed at diagnosis and longitudinally during treatment. The cross‐sectional area of skeletal muscle, intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and skeletal muscle density at the level of the third lumbar vertebra were examined. To correct for height, cross‐sectional areas were divided by height in meters squared. A linear mixed model was estimated to investigate changes in body composition over time.

Results

A small increase in skeletal muscle (p = .029), skeletal muscle density (p = .002), and IMAT (p < .001) was found. Furthermore, a rapid increase in VAT (p < .001) and SAT (p = .001) was seen early during treatment with the highest volumes after six cycles of chemotherapy.

Conclusions

CT scans obtained during standard care provide insight into the direction and timing of changes in skeletal muscle and different types of adipose tissue in childhood cancer patients. Future research is needed regarding the consequences of the rapid increase of VAT and SAT early during treatment.
Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma of the bone in children and adolescents
Authors: Kuo Christopher , Warren Mikako , Malvar Jemily , Miller Joseph M. , Shah Rachana , Navid Fariba , Luu Minnelly , Anselmo Dean M. , Mascarenhas Leo
Published: October 2021

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) is a rare, locally aggressive vascular tumor that mainly occurs during infancy or early childhood. Approximately 70% of cases are complicated by Kasabach‐Merritt phenomenon. Although osseous extension of the primary lesion is relatively common, primary bone involvement by KHE is rare. Given the paucity of literature on primary KHE of the bone, we report a case series of primary KHE of the bone treated at our institution and describe the clinical presentation, radiologic and pathologic findings, management and outcomes.
Physical activity and exercise in the management of type 2 diabetes: where to start?
Authors: Harrington Deirdre , Henson Joe
Published: October 2021

Physical activity is a fundamental therapeutic aid in the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Regular engagement elicits a plethora of adaptations which leads to improvements in clinical outcomes, such as HbA1c, lipids and blood pressure as well as whole body health and physical function benefits. Those with T2D are encouraged to engage in a minimum of 150 minutes/week of moderate‐intensity physical activity (or 75 minutes/week of vigorous activity). Current recommendations also suggest that this should be supplemented with two‐to‐three resistance, flexibility and/or balance training sessions/week. The latter is particularly encouraged for older individuals or those with limited mobility/poor physical function. Those with T2D are also encouraged to break up prolonged bouts of sitting.

However, a large proportion of the general population do not meet current physical activity guidelines, with the figure even lower in those with T2D. Getting started and sustaining a physically active lifestyle is challenging. Therefore, this article aims to provide health care professionals with the information required to tailor guidance to individuals with T2D by: presenting an overview of current guidelines, terminology and benefits; discussing the risk of adverse events; precautions when exercising with complications; practical options for getting started and how to tailor advice in primary care.

Where appropriate, individual preferences and motivations should inform decision making regarding exercise modality in order to maximise compliance. That said, the overarching message is that any physical activity is better that none, but more is better especially when combined with a reduction in sitting. Copyright © 2021 John Wiley & Sons.
Half and full solar cell efficiency binning by deep learning on electroluminescence images
Authors: Buratti Yoann , Sowmya Arcot , Evans Rhett , Trupke Thorsten , Hameiri Ziv
Published: October 2021

End‐of‐line characterization of solar cells is necessary to filter out defective cells and bin cells to avoid power mismatch loss in photovoltaic modules. Current–voltage testers, used by almost any photovoltaic company and research laboratory, are costly to maintain and to adapt to recent and predicted morphological changes in solar cells: larger and thinner wafers, half or shingled cells, a wide range of busbar layouts, and more. In this study, we challenge this fundamental technique and propose to bin solar cells and detect defective cells based on a deep learning analysis of their electroluminescence images. The use of electroluminescence imaging addresses the above‐mentioned limitations of the current–voltage technique, as well as allowing faster measurements as it avoids any capacitance effects. By introducing LumiNet, a convolutional neural network end‐to‐end framework, solar cell efficiency bins can be accurately predicted from electroluminescence imaging with a mean error similar to that obtained by current–voltage measurements. The proposed framework is validated on several state‐of‐the‐art mono‐crystalline silicon solar cell structures. We show that photovoltaic modules fabricated using the proposed method would have similar mismatch loss as the traditional current–voltage binning. We then demonstrate the method on half‐cut silicon solar cells. Predicting the half‐cut cell efficiencies, from the deep learning framework, enables manufacturers to assess post‐cutting damages and reassess their binning strategy before module assembly. Furthermore, the deep learning framework is shown to work well even on datasets that have not been previously seen. The trained deep learning LumiNet models' structure and weight are shared with the community to accelerate the adaptation of deep learning for luminescence image analysis in the photovoltaic industry.
Interaction of maternal asthma history and plasma folate levels on child asthma risk in the Boston Birth Cohort
Authors: Wang You , Hong Xiumei , Yao Tsung‐Chieh , Tsai Hui‐Ju , Wang Xiaobin
Published: October 2021

Background

Previous studies on maternal folate status during pregnancy and child asthma risk yielded mixed results, and few considered maternal asthma history, a known risk factor of childhood asthma. This study examined whether the role of maternal folate in childhood asthma differs by maternal asthma history and whether there is an interaction between the two factors.

Methods

This study included 1948 mother–child dyads from the Boston Birth Cohort. Childhood asthma was defined based on physician diagnosis documented in electronic medical records, and maternal asthma was based on standard questionnaire interview. Maternal plasma folate level within a few days of delivery was measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay. Logistic regression models were applied to examine individual and joint associations of maternal asthma history and plasma folate level with childhood asthma, adjusting for other covariables.

Results

When stratified by maternal asthma history, an L‐shaped relationship between maternal folate level and child asthma was observed in children born to mothers with asthma history (pinteraction = 0.03). The highest risk was found in children having maternal asthma history and low maternal folate level (odds ratio = 5.93; 95% confidence interval: 2.86–12.3) compared with children without maternal asthma history and with sufficient maternal folate levels. Sensitivity analyses using different definitions of asthma and stratified by major covariables yielded similar findings.

Conclusion

In this US prospective high‐risk birth cohort, maternal asthma history and low folate level interactively increased the risk of child asthma. If further confirmed, optimizing maternal folate levels during pregnancy may mitigate child asthma risk in the setting of maternal asthma history.