bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychopharmacoepidemiology of antidepressant medications among homeless and unstably housed service users in the Veterans Affairs healthcare system
Authors: Tsai Jack , Szymkowiak Dorota , Iheanacho Theddeus
Published: November 2021

Objective

This study conducted a pharmacoepidemiologic examination of antidepressant prescription patterns in homeless and unstably housed (HUH) populations.

Methods

Data were analyzed on over 2.6 million veterans from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the largest provider of healthcare for HUH veterans and a system that does not require healthcare insurance.

Results

Multivariable analyses revealed that HUH veterans with depression and PTSD were less likely to receive an antidepressant Rx compared to their stably housed (SH) counterparts with these conditions (OR = 0.77, 99% CI = 0.74–0.79; and OR = 0.87, 99% CI = 0.84–0.90, respectively). Antidepressants were mostly prescribed in specialty mental health care settings, but HUH veterans were less likely to be prescribed antidepressants in primary care settings than SH veterans. In the total sample, the 40–49 age group, female sex, VA service‐connected disability, outpatient mental health visits, and emergency department visits were positively associated with any antidepressant Rx. Nearly all psychiatric diagnoses were more associated with prescription of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors/serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs/SNRIs) than tricyclic antidepressants.

Conclusion

These findings highlight socioeconomic disparities in antidepressant Rx in a healthcare system that does not rely on insurance and suggest clinical challenges with antidepressant prescriptions in HUH populations.
Source plasma deferral trends: A 3‐year analysis of 255 centers in the United States
Authors: Schmidt Amy E. , MacKercher Jaime , Youngling Barbara , Simon Toby L.
Published: November 2021

Background

Plasma contains many important proteins of therapeutic interest including albumin, clotting factors, and antibodies. Source plasma (SP) is in great demand particularly due to a shortage of immunoglobulin. To better understand how to increase supply, we examined SP donor deferrals for the previous 3 years.

Study design

This is a description of donor deferrals at 255 plasma donation centers in the United States for April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2020.

Results

A total of 4 587 923 events were evaluated for the 3‐year period 2017‐2020. There were 873 227 deferrals analyzed for 2017‐2018, 1 765 582 in 2018‐2019, and 1 949 114 for 2019‐2020. The most common deferral each year was for unacceptable blood pressure (BP) or pulse which comprised 27.9%, 28.2%, and 28.3% of deferrals in 2017‐2018, 2018‐2019, and 2019‐2020, respectively. The second most common cause of deferral was for unacceptable hematocrit which comprised 14.1% of deferrals in 2017‐2018, and 16.0% in 2018‐2019 and 2019‐2020. The majority of these deferred donors had low hematocrits and were predominately (~80%) female. Deferral for unacceptable total protein comprised a smaller percentage (~4%) of deferrals.

Discussion

Most donor deferrals were due to unacceptable screening results, particularly high BP, elevated pulse, low protein, and low hematocrit. Although rates of deferrals in other categories have been slightly increasing over time, they comprise a small percentage. Donor education regarding healthy lifestyle choices may improve overall donor health, decrease deferrals, and increase SP supply.
Infrared detection of Criegee intermediates
Authors: Wang Chia C. , Chang Yuan‐Pin , Chung Chao‐Yu
Published: November 2021

In this mini‐review article, we present the recent progress of utilizing three types of infrared (IR) spectroscopic tools to investigate the chemistry of Criegee intermediates (CIs). The first part of this article described a recent work of Wang et al., which utilized rapid‐scan FTIR to detect CIs created from ozonolysis. The second part of this article describes the advantages of quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) used as novel IR spectroscopic tools to probe CIs and the key concepts of experimental implementations. We also summarize the works of Chang and co‐workers, which utilized distributed feedback QCLs with thermal chirping to detect the simplest CI, CH2OO, and the subsequent kinetics measurements, such as reactions of CH2OO with ozone, CH3SH, and dimethyl sulfoxide. In the last part of this article, we described the key ideas of external‐cavity QCLs coupled with off‐axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy, which was proposed by Chung et al., and also the latest progress on determination of the band strength of CH2OO and its rate coefficient with O3.
Low serum interleukin‐38 levels in patients with Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Authors: Xu Jialu , Huang Guoqing , Weng Linjie , Gong Luping , Mao Yushan , Li Yan , Li Mingcai
Published: November 2021

Background

Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) mainly includes Graves’ disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), which is caused by individual genetics, autoimmune dysfunction, and a variety of external environmental factors. Interleukin (IL)‐38 is involved in a wide range of autoimmune diseases, but little is known about IL‐38 expression in AITD.

Methods

Fifty patients with GD, 50 with HT, and 50 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in this study. Basic information of the participants was obtained through a physical examination. Immunological data were obtained by an automatic chemiluminescence immunoanalyzer. C‐reactive protein (CRP) concentrations and the white blood cell count were measured. Serum IL‐38 levels were determined by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Serum IL‐38 levels were significantly lower in the GD and HT groups than in the HC group (bothp < 0.01). Serum CRP concentrations were significantly lower in the HT group than in the HC group (p < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve was 0.7736 (p < 0.01) for IL‐38 and 0.7972 (p < 0.01) for IL‐38 combined with CRP in the GD group. In the HT group, the area under the curve was 0.7276 (p < 0.01) for IL‐38 and 0.7300 for IL‐38 combined with CRP (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The results suggest that serum IL‐38 level is a potential new diagnostic biomarker in patients with GD and HT.
Effects of IL‐32 polymorphisms and IL‐32 levels on the susceptibility and severity of coronary artery disease
Authors: Jin Susu , Liu Xiujing , Wang Yingying , Yu Jian , Jiang Minghua
Published: November 2021

Background

Interleukin‐32 (IL‐32) has long been proposed as a biomarker for coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to evaluate the association between IL‐32 levels and coronary stenosis severity, IL‐32 polymorphisms rs28372698 and rs4786370, and CAD susceptibility.

Methods

A total of 362 patients with definite or suspected CAD that underwent angiography were recruited (CAD group, n = 175; nonobstructive CAD group, n = 56; control group, n = 131). The severity of coronary stenosis was assessed using the Gensini score and the number of diseased vessels. IL‐32 levels were determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Gene polymorphisms were genotyped using PCR and sequencing techniques.

Results

IL‐32 levels were significantly different at different levels of coronary artery stenosis (p < 0.05), and logIL‐32 was positively correlated with the Gensini score (r = 0.357, p < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that IL‐32 was independently associated with CAD (OR = 6.526, 95% CI: 3.344–12.739, p < 0.01). The receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed the area under the curve for discriminating the CAD and Gensini score were 0.605 and 0.613, respectively. Furthermore, IL‐32 levels were significantly higher before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) than at 7 days post‐PCI (p = 0.012). The homozygous TT genotype and T allele of rs28372698 were found to be associated with increased risk of CAD, while TT homozygosity and the T allele of rs4786370 with reduced risk of CAD (p < 0.05). However, both SNPs had no obvious effect on IL‐32 levels or coronary stenosis severity in patients with CAD.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to show that rs28372698 and rs4786370 are associated with CAD susceptibility in Chinese Han population. We also suggest that plasma IL‐32 levels may be indicative of coronary artery stenosis and the efficacy of PCI and provide guidance for risk stratification and disease management.
A novel model based on liquid‐liquid phase separation–Related genes correlates immune microenvironment profiles and predicts prognosis of lung squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhuge Lingdun , Zhang Kun , Zhang Zeliang , Guo Wentao , Li Yang , Bao Qi
Published: November 2021

Objective

The aim of the study was to construct and validate a robust prognostic model based on liquid‐liquid phase separation (LLPS)–related genes in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC).

Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset was used as the discovery set to identify the LLPS‐related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between LUSC and normal tissue. These DEGs were screened by the LASSO Cox regression analysis to identify the genes with nonzero coefficient, which were next included in the multivariate Cox regression analysis to construct the prediction model. The dataset GSE41271 was adopted as the validation set to verify the efficacy of the model. Enrichment analysis and the CIBERSORT were performed to illustrate potential immune mechanisms underlying the prediction model.

Results

A total of 48 LLPS‐related genes were aberrantly expressed in LUSC. Among them, 7 genes were selected by the LASSO Cox regression analysis to construct the prediction model. Risk index (RI) was calculated according to the model for each patient. The prognosis was significantly different between the patients with high and low RI in the discovery set and the validation set (p < 0.001 and p = 0.028, respectively). The multivariate survival analysis confirmed RI as an independent prognostic factor in LUSC (in the discovery set: p < 0.001, HR = 2.643, 95% CI = 1.986–3.518; in the validation set: p = 0.042, HR = 2.144, 95% CI = 1.026–4.480). A series of pathways involving immune cells were found to be related to RI. The distribution pattern of immune cells and chemokines varied according to the value of RI.

Conclusion

The prediction model based on LLPS‐related genes was constructed and validated as a robust prognostic tool for LUSC using multiple datasets. LLPS might have an impact on LUSC through immune pathways.
Design, synthesis, and computational explorations of novel 2‐thiohydantoin nucleosides with cytotoxic activities
Authors: Khodair Ahmed I. , Bakare Safyah B. , Awad Mohamed K. , Al‐Issa Siham A. , Nafie Mohamed S.
Published: November 2021

A novel series of S‐alkylated, N‐alkylated, and N‐glycosylated 2‐thiohydantoin derivatives were synthesized via the reaction of (E)‐5‐(arylidene)‐1‐phenyl‐2‐thiohydantoins 5a–d with alkyl halides/glycosyl bromides under aqueous, anhydrous alkaline/glycosylation conditions, respectively. The structures of the novel compounds were confirmed by elemental analyses and spectral data. Computational studies using DFT calculations with B3LYP/6‐31 + G (d,p) level were performed to study the electronic and geometric properties obtained from the stable structure of the investigated compounds. A good correlation was found between the quantum chemical parameters and experimental observations. The synthesized derivatives exhibited good binding interactions towards the cyclin‐dependent kinase 2, especially (E)‐5‐(chlorobenzylidene)‐3‐(2′0.3′0.4′0.6′‐tetra‐O‐acetyl‐β‐d‐galactopyranosyl)‐1‐phenyl‐2‐thiohydantoin (11g), which have good key interactions such as the co‐crystallized ligand. In addition, it had selective cytotoxic activities with IC50 = 12.4 μM against lung cancer A549 cells.
Profiling serum levels of glutathione reductase and interleukin‐10 in positive and negative‐PCR COVID‐19 outpatients: A comparative study from southwestern Iran
Authors: Naghashpour Mahshid , Ghiassian Hamid , Mobarak Sara , Adelipour Maryam , Piri Maghsud , Seyedtabib Maryam , Golabi Sahar
Published: November 2021

Since the outbreak of COVID‐19 in China, it has rapidly spread across many other countries. We evaluated antioxidant defense systems and inflammatory status related to the SARS‐CoV2 infection in a population from southwestern Iran. Comorbidities and clinical symptoms of 104 subjects (comprising negative and positive‐PCR COVID‐19 outpatients) were assessed. Serum concentrations of glutathione reductase (GR) and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) were measured using ELISA. In the positive‐PCR group, follow‐ups on clinical symptoms were carried out for 28 days at 7‐day intervals. In the positive‐PCR group, hypertension, diabetes, liver disease, chronic heart disease, and chronic kidney disease were the most common comorbidities. In the general category of symptoms, we found a significant difference between negative and positive‐PCR groups, except regarding runny noses. In the pulmonary category, there was a significant difference between the two groups except in terms of chest pain. We also determined a significant difference in neurologic symptoms, except for ear pain, between negative and positive‐PCR groups. We also found significantly lower levels of GR but higher levels of IL‐10 in the positive‐PCR group (p = 0.000 for both). In the positive‐PCR group, serum levels of IL‐10 (odds ratio = 0.914, p = 0.012) decreased the chances of neurological symptoms occurring over time. The antioxidant defense systems of positive‐PCR outpatients failed as demonstrated by a reduction in the serum levels of GR. We also indicated a dysregulation in the immune response against COVID‐19, characterized by changes in serum IL‐10 levels.
The Creativity Dare: Attitudes Toward Creativity and Prediction of Creative Behavior in School
Authors: Ivcevic Zorana , Hoffmann Jessica D.
Published: November 2021

In a sample of high school students (preliminary study: N = 224; main study: N = 235 and 194 at two time points in the beginning and the end of the school year), we developed and tested a self‐report measure of attitudes toward creativity. Exploratory factor analyses identified and replicated one factor of positive attitudes toward creativity—valuing creativity, and two factors describing negative attitudes—anticipating negative social consequences and anxious risk aversion. These aspects of attitudes toward creativity showed convergent and discriminant validity in relation to measures of personality and motivation (e.g., attitude of anxious risk aversion correlated with academic performance avoid goals, valuing creativity positively correlated with openness to experience, while risk aversion and anticipating negative social consequences negatively correlated with openness). Regression analyses showed that attitudes toward creativity predict creativity variables beyond openness to experience (incremental predictive validity). Lending support for the context‐specific nature of attitudes toward creativity, attitudes predicted motivation for engaging with creative challenges at school and creative behavior at school (measured through both observer and self‐reports), but not overall creative achievement (not specific to the school context).
Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis reveals factors underlying differences in fruit quality between Fragaria nilgerrensis and Fragaria pentaphylla
Authors: Shen Jincheng , Shao Wanlu , Li Junmin , Lu Hongfei
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Strawberries have become one of the most popular fruits because of their unique flavor and high nutritional value. Fruit quality and price are the most important criteria that determine consumer acceptability. Fragaria nilgerrensis and Fragaria pentaphylla are two wild Asian diploid strawberry species that differ in fruit color, taste, and aroma. To understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the formation of high‐quality strawberry fruit, we integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics research methods to compare the metabolic and biosynthetic mechanisms of the two Fragaria species.

RESULTS

F. nilgerrensis fruit has higher amino acid and lipid contents and a higher sugar‐to‐acid ratio than F. pentaphylla fruit does, underlying their superior nutritional value, aroma, firmness, and taste. Compared with F. nilgerrensis fruit, F. pentaphylla fruit contained more flavonoids, indicating its enhanced color and health benefits. In addition, candidate structural genes that regulate the biosynthesis of flavonoids, amino acids, and glycerophospholipids in the two strawberry fruit were screened.

CONCLUSIONS

The differences in aroma, firmness, and taste between F. nilgerrensis fruit and F. pentaphylla fruit are probably due to differences in their amino acid and lipid contents, as well as the difference in their sugar‐to‐acid ratios. Eight key structural genes that may play important roles in the biosynthesis of amino acids, lipids, and flavonoids were identified. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Identification of functional genes associated with the biotransformation of limonene to trans‐dihydrocarvone in Klebsiella sp. O852
Authors: Zhang Lu‐Lu , Fan Gang , Li Xiao , Ren Jing‐Nan , Huang Wen , Pan Si‐Yi , He Jin
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Natural dihydrocarvone has been widely used in the food, cosmetics, agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals industries because of its sensory properties and physiological effects. In our previous study, Klebsiella sp. O852 was shown to be capable of converting limonene to trans‐dihydrocarvone with high catalytic efficiency. Thus, it was essential to identify and characterize the functional genes involved in limonene biotransformation using genome sequencing and heterologous expression.

RESULTS

The 5.49‐Mb draft genome sequence of Klebsiella sp. O852 contained 5218 protein‐encoding genes. Seven candidate genes participating in the biotransformation of limonene to trans‐dihydrocarvone were identified by genome analysis. Heterologous expression of these genes in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) indicated that 0852_GM005124 and 0852_GM003417 could hydroxylate limonene in the six position to yield carveol, carvone and trans‐dihydrocarvone. 0852_GM002332 and 0852_GM001602 could catalyze the oxidation of carveol to carvone and trans‐dihydrocarvone. 0852_GM000709, 0852_GM001600 and 0852_GM000954 had high carvone reductase activity toward the hydrogenation of carvone to trans‐dihydrocarvone.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained in the present study suggest that the seven genes described above were responsible for converting limonene to trans‐dihydrocarvone. The present study contributes to providing a foundation for the industrial production of trans‐dihydrocarvone in microbial chassis cells using synthetic biology strategies. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
A cascade model of complex posttraumatic stress disorder centered on childhood trauma and maltreatment, attachment, and socio‐interpersonal factors
Authors: Maercker Andreas , Bernays Florence , Rohner Shauna L. , Thoma Myriam V.
Published: November 2021

The present study proposes and tests a cascade model of complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) focusing on childhood trauma and maltreatment, attachment, and socio‐interpersonal factors. Multigroup path analysis was used to examine data from 126 individuals formerly affected by compulsory social measures and placements (CSMP) in their childhood and/or adolescence (i.e., risk group [RG]; M age = 70.8 years) and an age‐matched control group (CG; n = 125; M age = 70.6 years). The final model confirmed the cascade structure, with stronger associations emerging in the RG. Childhood trauma and maltreatment were associated with attachment anxiety, β = |.20|–.30, which was related to all socio‐interpersonal factors (i.e., disclosure of trauma, social acknowledgment, and social support), β = .27–|.54|; the latter were associated with substantial aspects of the CPTSD symptoms as well as life satisfaction, β = |.21|–.42. Among participants in the CG, we observed more direct, rather than mediated, paths to CPTSD symptoms. Adulthood trauma exposure did not follow the full cascade pattern but was associated with the socio‐interpersonal factors. Nevertheless, more in‐depth clinical knowledge of CPTSD and potential targets for psychological treatment may be gained from the confirmation of this newly proposed cascade model of CPTSD.
Grief as a predictor of long‐term risk for suicidal ideation and attempts of parentally bereaved children and adolescents
Authors: Sandler Irwin , Yun‐Tien Jenn , Zhang Na , Wolchik Sharlene , Thieleman Kara
Published: November 2021

Although children who experience the death of a parent have a heightened risk of suicidality, the long‐term associations between grief and suicidality among bereaved youth have yet to be examined. Research is needed to test the specific aspects of grief associated with suicidality, after controlling for other risk factors, in this population. Grief and covariates, including age, gender, parental cause of death, time since parental death, depression, anxiety, internalizing problems, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and child treatment involvement, were assessed at baseline, 6‐year, and 15‐year follow‐ups in a sample of 244 parentally bereaved youth aged 8–16 years. Utilizing multiple grief measures, a bifactor approach was used to identify a general factor and two uncorrelated specific factors: Intrusive Grief Thoughts and Social Detachment/Insecurity. Suicidal thoughts and attempts were assessed at both follow‐ups. The Intrusive Grief Thoughts specific factor had a prospective nonlinear association with suicidality at both follow‐ups after controlling for all baseline covariates. The nonlinear relation consisted of a large effect, OR > 73 (using the rescaled scores), on the increased risk of suicidality from low to moderate levels of intrusive grief, with no association from moderate to high levels. At 6‐year follow‐up, the specific Social Detachment/Insecurity factor was significantly associated with suicidality after controlling for covariates. Specific grief factors assessed at different points were associated with suicidal thoughts or attempts among parentally bereaved youth. These findings highlight the significance of specific aspects of child and adolescent grief that have implications for the development of upstream suicide prevention services.
Posttraumatic stress disorder and relationship functioning: Examining gender differences in treatment‐seeking veteran couples
Authors: Knopp Kayla , Wrape Elizabeth R. , McInnis Rachel , Khalifian Chandra E. , Rashkovsky Katerine , Glynn Shirley M. , Morland Leslie A.
Published: November 2021

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms are robustly associated with intimate relationship dysfunction among veterans, but most existing research has focused on male veterans and their female partners. Links between PTSD and relationship functioning may differ between female‐veteran couples and male‐veteran couples. The current study used actor–partner interdependence models (APIMs) to test the associations between PTSD symptoms (i.e., veteran self‐report or significant others’ collateral‐report) and each partner's reports of six domains of relationship functioning, as well as whether these links were moderated by the gender composition of the couple. Data were from 197 mixed‐gender couples (N = 394 individuals) who completed baseline assessments for a larger randomized controlled trial of a couple‐based PTSD treatment. Significant others' collateral PTSD reports were associated with their own ratings of relationship satisfaction, negotiation, psychological aggression, sexual pleasure, and sexual desire frequency, |β|s = .19–.67, and with veterans' ratings of negotiation and sexual desire frequency, |β|s = .20–.48. In contrast, veterans' self‐reported PTSD symptoms were only associated with their own ratings of psychological aggression, β = .16. Gender moderated the associations between significant others’ collateral PTSD reports and five of the six outcome variables; findings from exploratory subgroup analyses suggested links between reported PTSD symptoms and relationship functioning were generally more maladaptive for male‐veteran couples, whereas female veterans showed more neutral or even helpful impacts of higher partner‐perceived PTSD symptoms. These findings have implications for clinicians treating relational impacts of PTSD and emphasize the need for further research with female‐veteran couples.
Three‐Dimensional Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nassimizadeh Abdul , Lancer Hannah , Hodson James , Ahmed Shahzada
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To compare participant performance and preference in the use of three‐dimensional (3D) endoscopy compared to traditional two‐dimensional (2D) endoscopy.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Medline, ClinicalKey, BMJ Case Reports, and the Cochrane library were systematically searched for English‐language articles published between 2005 and 2020. Studies reporting comparisons of outcomes between 3D and 2D endoscopes were identified. Data relating to performance‐related outcomes, as well as the participants' preferred endoscope were extracted, and pooled using meta‐analysis models.

Results

Ten studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Six studies reported results of participants completing simulated tasks with endoscopes, while four reported full procedures. Peg transfer tasks (n = 4 cohorts) were found to be completed significantly faster with the 3D versus 2D endoscope (pooled mean difference 6.8 seconds, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.3–11.3), while no significant difference in times taken was observed for touch tasks (n = 4; pooled mean difference 3.7 seconds, 95% CI: −1.9 to 9.2). The secondary outcome of participant preference was reported by five studies, in which a significant preference for the 3D endoscope was observed (P = .010), with a pooled total of 72% (95% CI: 59–83) of participants preferring this to the 2D endoscope.

Conclusions

There is a growing body of evidence in support of 3D visualization in endoscopy. We have demonstrated 3D endoscopy to be associated with a significantly shorter time to performing simulated, reproducible and controlled tasks, and to be the preference of participants. This study provides grounds for further evaluation of the technology, and the potential for a greater widespread use. Laryngoscope, 132:1895–1903, 2022
Effects of microbial inoculants on soil carbon stock, enzymatic activity, and above ground and belowground biomass in marginal lands of Northern India
Authors: Srivastava Pankaj , Singh Nandita
Published: November 2021

Restoration practices in marginal lands for food production are the most important sustainability challenge for humans at the global level. Nature‐based solutions (NBS) are among the best interventions to improve soil health, which directly enhances the soil productivity and biodiversity for improved sustainability of ecosystems. Our field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of three inoculants, two of which were bacterial: Azotobacter chroococcum (T1), Acetobacter diazotrophicus (T2), and the third fungal: Aspergillus awamori (T3) on soil properties, plant biomass, enzymatic activities (phosphatase, dehydrogenase activity), and soil carbon stock in marginal lands. The experimental results clearly revealed that the inoculations significantly enhanced plant growth and biomass (p < 0.01). The soil enzyme (dehydrogenase and phosphatase) activities increased under T3 and T2 treatments in response to inoculation. Interestingly, the significant results were observed in T3 and T1 treatment in the 4th year of observation for soil carbon stock (53.06 Mg ha−1 yr−1 and 51.41 Mg ha−1 yr−1, respectively). The total soil carbon stock was found to be 38.60 Mg ha−1 yr−1 in control plots. The inoculation enhanced (p ≤ 0.05) the soil biological properties like microbial biomass carbon as 267.62 ± 18.73 μgg−1 to 894.24 ± 41.65 μg g−1. We conclude that selected inoculations in marginal lands can provide a suitable option for eco‐restoration and can sequester more atmospheric CO2 in to stable carbon pools to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals and food security.
Comparison of Ahiflower oil containing stearidonic acid to a high‐alpha‐linolenic acid flaxseed oil at two levels on tissue omega‐3 enrichment in broilers
Authors: El‐Zenary Ahmed S. A. , Gaafar Khalid M. , Abou‐Elkhair Reham , Elkin Robert G. , Boney John W. , Harvatine Kevin J.
Published: November 2021

Enrichment of broiler meat with very long‐chain omega‐3 fatty acids (VLCn‐3 FA) is of interest because of their beneficial effects on human health. The ability of Ahiflower® (AHI) oil (Buglossoides arvensis), which naturally contains stearidonic acid (SDA), and a high‐alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA) flaxseed (FLAX) oil to enrich VLCn‐3 FA contents in broilers tissues was investigated. Fifty‐five Cobb 500 chicks were fed from days 12 to 35 of life either a control (CON) diet that contained 27.9 g/kg soybean oil or AHI or FLAX oils, each individually at 7.5 or 22.5 g/kg of the diet in substitution for soybean oil (all on an as fed basis). Total VLCn‐3 FA contents were greater in breast, thigh, liver, adipose tissue, and plasma of all n‐3 treatments compared to CON, with the greatest increase observed at the highest level of AHI and FLAX oils (p < 0.001). AHI oil at 7.5 g/kg promoted the most efficient synthesis and deposition of VLCn‐3 in broiler tissues measured as deposition of VLCn‐3 FA in tissues relative to intake of n3 FA. In conclusion, both ALA and SDA oils increased VLCn‐3 FA deposition in tissues, but there were diminishing returns when increasing dietary levels of the oils.
Electroresponsive Hydrogels for Therapeutic Applications in the Brain
Authors: Khan Zerin M. , Wilts Emily , Vlaisavljevich Eli , Long Timothy E. , Verbridge Scott S.
Published: November 2021

Electroresponsive hydrogels possess a conducting material component and respond to electric stimulation through reversible absorption and expulsion of water. The high level of hydration, soft elastomeric compliance, biocompatibility, and enhanced electrochemical properties render these hydrogels suitable for implantation in the brain to enhance the transmission of neural electric signals and ion transport. This review provides an overview of critical electroresponsive hydrogel properties for augmenting electric stimulation in the brain. A background on electric stimulation in the brain through electroresponsive hydrogels is provided. Common conducting materials and general techniques to integrate them into hydrogels are briefly discussed. This review focuses on and summarizes advances in electric stimulation of electroconductive hydrogels for therapeutic applications in the brain, such as for controlling delivery of drugs, directing neural stem cell differentiation and neurogenesis, improving neural biosensor capabilities, and enhancing neural electrode‐tissue interfaces. The key challenges in each of these applications are discussed and recommendations for future research are also provided.
Stretchable Zwitterionic Conductive Hydrogels with Semi‐Interpenetrating Network Based on Polyaniline for Flexible Strain Sensors
Authors: Chen Xiaoling , Hao Weizhen , Lu Tiao , Wang Tian , Shi Caixin , Zhao Yansheng , Liu Yongmei
Published: November 2021

Stretchable conductive hydrogels are of great significance in wearable electronic devices and tissue engineering scaffolds. In this paper, the zwitterionic polymer network hydrogels are synthesized by radical co‐polymerizing acrylic acid (AA) and methyl acryloyl oxygen ethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (DMC) in aniline (ANI) aqueous solution followed by oxidation polymerization of ANI to form semi‐interpenetrating network hydrogel. The conductive hydrogels are endowed excellent mechanical properties by synergistic effect of electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding between the interpenetrating network of PANI and P(AA‐co‐DMC). The tensile strength reaches up to 0.173 MPa at 576% and the compression strength reaches up to 0.73 MPa at 80%. Meanwhile, the zwitterions and polyaniline ensure hydrogels to obtain conductivity (0.428 s m−1). In addition, the as‐prepared conductive hydrogels can also be used as ionic skin to accurately monitor various movements of the human body, showing its potential applications in wearable devices and flexible electronic devices.
Sheaves of structures, Heyting‐valued structures, and a generalization of Łoś's theorem
Authors: Aratake Hisashi
Published: November 2021

Sheaves of structures are useful to give constructions in universal algebra and model theory. We can describe their logical behavior in terms of Heyting‐valued structures. In this paper, we first provide a systematic treatment of sheaves of structures and Heyting‐valued structures from the viewpoint of categorical logic. We then prove a form of Łoś's theorem for Heyting‐valued structures. We also give a characterization of Heyting‐valued structures for which Łoś's theorem holds with respect to any maximal filter.
Simultaneous Optimization of the Surface Hydrophobicity and Surface Charge Distribution of Insulating Materials
Authors: Liu Shuming , Liang Xidong , Wang Tianyu , Wang Qian , Liu Shuqi , Zuo Zhou
Published: November 2021

Superhydrophobic materials have great application potential in the insulation equipment of power systems because their excellent water‐repelling and self‐cleaning abilities maintain clean and dry surfaces. However, the electrical performance of superhydrophobic materials has been ignored for a long time; surface charge accumulation is a significant problem when they are used in direct‐current power systems. A scheme that concurrently optimizes the surface hydrophobic and electrical characteristics of insulating materials is urgently needed. Herein, a simple method for designing superhydrophobic coatings using zinc oxide and polydimethylsiloxane is proposed. Silicone rubber is chosen as the experimental material because of its wide application in insulators. Contact angles greater than 160° and sliding angles smaller than 2° are achieved. In addition, the coating exhibits excellent optimization of the surface charge distribution. Compared with pristine silicone rubber, the coated silicone rubber has a more uniform charge distribution, lower initial charge accumulation, and faster charge dissipation. The trap parameters and conductivity are used to explain the mechanism responsible for this phenomenon. The combination of superhydrophobicity and surface charge optimization can provide new insights for improving the performance of insulation materials in power systems.
Preoperative Levodopa Response and Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Motor Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lin Zhengyu , Zhang Chencheng , Li Dianyou , Sun Bomin
Published: November 2021

Background

The up‐to‐date literature systematically reviewing the predictive value of preoperative levodopa responsiveness after deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery in motor outcomes in Parkinson's disease (PD) is lacking.

Objective

To address this issue in patients with PD undergoing bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) or globus pallidus interna (GPi) DBS.

Methods

We used the existing PRISMA consensus statement. A comprehensive review of literature from 1993 to May 2021 retrieved from PubMed was conducted.

Results

The STN‐DBS responsiveness was significantly correlated with the preoperative levodopa responsiveness for the total score of UPDRS‐III at both 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐ups (P < 0.001). Such correlations were significant after controlling for age at time of surgery and disease duration. The significance of correlation disappeared for longer follow‐up times. For the sub‐scores of UPDRS‐III, a significant correlation between the preoperative levodopa responsiveness and STN DBS responsiveness was observed for rigidity, bradykinesia, and axial symptoms, but not for tremor (P = 0.002, 0.010, 0.007, and 0.542, respectively). The preoperative levodopa responsiveness was significantly correlated with GPi DBS responsiveness for the UPDRS‐III total score at a median follow‐up of 12 months (P = 0.030).

Conclusion

The current study confirmed the value of preoperative levodopa responsiveness for prediction of the short‐term motor outcome after DBS (for both STN and GPi). The predictive value of levodopa responsiveness in short‐term outcomes for respective cardinal motor disabilities and the loss of its predictive value after STN DBS for long‐term motor outcomes were highlighted by this study.
Gene expression of oxidative stress markers and lung function: A CARDIA lung study
Authors: Ramasubramanian Ramya , Kalhan Ravi , Jacobs David R. , Washko George R. , Hou Lifang , Gross Myron D. , Guan Weihua , Thyagarajan Bharat
Published: November 2021

Background

Circulating markers of oxidative stress have been associated with lower lung function. Our objective was to study the association of gene expression levels of oxidative stress pathway genes (ALOX12, ALOX15, ARG2, GSTT1, LPO, MPO, NDUFB3, PLA2G7, and SOD3) and lung function forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) in Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study.

Methods

Lung function was measured using spirometry and the Nanostring platform was used to estimate gene expression levels. Linear regression models were used to study association of lung function measured at year 30, 10‐year decline in lung function and gene expression after adjustment for center, smoking, and BMI, measured at year 25.

Results

The 10‐year decline of FEV1 was faster in highest NDUFB3 quartile compared to the lowest (difference = −2.09%; p = 0.001) after adjustment for multiple comparisons. The 10‐year decline in FEV1 and FVC was nominally slower in highest versus lowest quartile of PLA2G7 (difference = 1.14%; p = 0.02, and difference = 1.06%; p = 0.005, respectively). The other genes in the study were not associated with FEV1 or FVC.

Conclusion

Higher gene expression levels in oxidative stress pathway genes are associated with faster 10‐year FEV1 decline.
Most Americans unaware of looming 988 suicide prevention, MH crisis hotline
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: November 2021

In about eight months, a new national three‐digit number to connect individuals to suicide prevention and mental health crisis counselors is set to launch, yet a staggering 80% of Americans have never heard about this number. A mere 1% are familiar with it, according to new survey results released by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Meta‐analysis of wraparound services shows positive effect on BH outcomes
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: November 2021

Wraparound coordinated care — a common method for coordinating care for children and adolescents with serious emotional disorders (SEDs) — systematic review and meta‐analysis found a small but statistically significant effect across different outcome categories for wraparound‐enrolled youths. The review was published in the new issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
Massachusetts bill aims to reform MH system, enforce parity
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: November 2021

Legislation to reform mental health care in Massachusetts, remove barriers to care and bolster the behavioral health workforce has been introduced in the state Senate. Among the provisions, the bill would mandate insurers cover free annual mental health examinations the way they do physical exams. If the bill passes, Massachusetts will become the second state to mandate this, after Colorado.
APA responds to new CDC report on deaths from overdoses
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: November 2021

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that between April 2020 and April 2021, U.S. deaths from overdoses topped 100,000. This grim milestone constitutes a record, and overall, these deaths are up 29% from the prior year, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) stated in a Nov. 17 news release.
Robust non‐fragile Mittag‐Leffler synchronization of fractional order non‐linear complex dynamical networks with constant and infinite distributed delays
Authors: Aadhithiyan S. , Raja R. , Alzabut J. , Zhu Q. , Niezabitowski M.
Published: November 2021

The present article is an attempt to investigate the robust non‐fragile Mittag‐Leffler synchronization of fractional order non‐linear complex dynamical networks with uncertain parameters and mixed delays. First, we develop a generalized fractional order complex dynamical network (GFOCDN) and then derive its synchronization criteria by using certain Lemmas based on the theory of Lyapunov stability and, second, by adding parameters of uncertainty to the GFOCDN and derive the synchronization analysis by including the appropriate non‐fragile controller into the system model to achieve a non‐fragile Mittag‐Leffler synchronization. Third, we incorporate the parameter uncertainty into the inner couplings and derive as a special case to achieve its synchronization. Finally, we present two numerical simulations to show the reliability of our proposed work.
Localized kernel‐based meshless method for pricing financial options underlying fractal transmission system
Authors: Nikan Omid , Avazzadeh Zakieh , Tenreiro Machado José A.
Published: November 2021

The variation in the option pricing of the fractal transmission system is modelled by the time fractional Black–Scholes equation (TFBSE). This paper proposes an efficient local meshless method for the numerical simulation of the TFBSE. At the first step, a difference formula of L1 type is employed to get a semi‐discrete algorithm in the temporal variable with a accuracy of order 2 − α in the case of smooth solutions, where 0 < α  ≤  1 is the fractional‐order derivative. At the second step, a localized radial basis function finite difference is adopted to derive a full‐discrete scheme. Moreover, the unconditional stability and convergence of the proposed method are analyzed based on energy norm. The exact expressions for the weights of the first and second derivatives are used by imposing a multiquadric function generated by finite difference. The proposed technique produces linear systems with tridiagonal and diagonal matrices. Numerical experiments highlight the performance of the method.
Simultaneous T1, T2, and T1ρ cardiac magnetic resonance fingerprinting for contrast agent–free myocardial tissue characterization
Authors: Velasco Carlos , Cruz Gastão , Lavin Begoña , Hua Alina , Fotaki Anastasia , Botnar René M. , Prieto Claudia
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To develop a simultaneous T1, T2, and T1ρ cardiac magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) approach to enable comprehensive contrast agent–free myocardial tissue characterization in a single breath‐hold scan.

Methods

A 2D gradient‐echo electrocardiogram‐triggered cardiac MRF sequence with low flip angles, varying magnetization preparation, and spiral trajectory was acquired at 1.5 T to encode T1, T2, and T1⍴ simultaneously. The MRF images were reconstructed using low‐rank inversion, regularized with a multicontrast patch‐based higher‐order reconstruction. Parametric maps were generated and matched in the singular value domain to extended phase graph–based dictionaries. The proposed approach was tested in phantoms and 10 healthy subjects and compared against conventional methods in terms of coefficients of determination and best fits for the phantom study, and in terms of Bland‐Altman agreement, average values and coefficient of variation of T1, T2, and T1⍴ for the healthy subjects study.

Results

The T1, T2, and T1⍴ MRF values showed excellent correlation with conventional spin‐echo and clinical mapping methods in phantom studies (r2 > 0.97). Measured MRF values in myocardial tissue (mean ± SD) were 1133 ± 33 ms, 38.8 ± 3.5 ms, and 52.0 ± 4.0 ms for T1, T2 and T1⍴, respectively, against 1053 ± 47 ms, 50.4 ± 3.9 ms, and 55.9 ± 3.3 ms for T1 modified Look‐Locker inversion imaging, T2 gradient and spin echo, and T1⍴ turbo field echo, respectively.

Conclusion

A cardiac MRF approach for simultaneous quantification of myocardial T1, T2, and T1ρ in a single breath‐hold MR scan of about 16 seconds has been proposed. The approach has been investigated in phantoms and healthy subjects showing good agreement with reference spin echo measurements and conventional clinical maps.
Cerebrospinal fluid‐tissue exchange revealed by phase alternate labeling with null recovery MRI
Authors: Li Anna M. , Xu Jiadi
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To develop phase alternate labeling with null recovery (PALAN) MRI methods for the quantification of the water exchange between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and other surrounding tissues in the brain.

Method

In both T1‐PALAN and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)‐PALAN MRI methods, the cerebrospinal fluid signal was nulled, whereas the partial recovery of other tissues with shorter T1 (T1‐PALAN) or lower ADC values (ADC‐PALAN) was labeled by alternating the phase of pulses. The water exchange was extracted from the difference between the recovery curves of CSF with and without labeling.

Results

Both T1‐PALAN and ADC‐PALAN observed a rapid occurrence of CSF water exchange with the surrounding tissues at 67 ± 56 ms and 13 ± 2 ms transit times, respectively. The T1 and ADC‐PALAN signal peaked at 1.5 s. The CSF water exchange was 1153 ± 270 mL/100 mL/min with T1‐PALAN in the third and lateral ventricles, which was higher than 891 ± 60 mL/100 mL/min obtained by ADC‐PALAN. T1‐PALAN ∆S values for the rostral and caudal ventricles are 0.015 ± 0.013 and 0.034 ± 0.01 (p = 0.022, n = 5), whereas similar values in both rostral and caudal lateral ventricles were observed by ADC‐PALAN (3.9 ± 1.9 × 10−3 vs 4.4 ± 1.4 × 10−3; p = 0.66 and n = 5).

Conclusion

The PALAN methods are suitable tools to study CSF water exchange across different compartments in the brain.
A stabilized parametric level‐set XFEM topology optimization method for thermal‐fluid problem
Authors: Lin Yi , Zhu Weidong , Li Jiangxiong , Ke Yinglin
Published: November 2021

This article presents a stabilized level‐set topology optimization method for the design of a thermal‐fluid system. The steady‐state laminar Navier–Stokes equation and the convection–diffusion equation are used to model the thermal‐fluid problem. The compactly supported radial basis functions are employed to describe the fluid–solid interfaces. The extended finite element method is used to interpolate the material domain and the non‐slip interface conditions are weakly enforced by the Nitsche's method. To overcome the numerical instabilities during the optimization process, a distance‐regularized method based on adopting a modified energy potential functional is proposed and the signed distance property around the structural boundaries is obtained. In the numerical experiments, two‐dimensional numerical models considering minimizing the average or maximum temperature are used to reveal the validity and merits of the proposed method.