bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caffeine‐induced neurotoxicity mediated by Nrf2 pathway in PC12 cells and zebrafish larvae
Authors: Chian Song , Jiang Zi‐cheng , Jiang Ling‐xia , Wang Ke‐ting , Fan Yu‐xuan , Liao Tinghao , Chen Wen‐shuang , Yao Wei‐xuan
Published: September 2021

Caffeine is one of the most widely used psychostimulants in the world and possesses central excitative, anti‐depressive, and neuroprotective properties. However, excessive ingestion or abuse of caffeine can lead to intoxication. Many toxic effects are attributed to oxidative damage, and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a critical intracellular regulator of the oxidative stress response. Here, we investigated the neurotoxicity of caffeine in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells and zebrafish larvae. It was found that caffeine inhibited the viability of PC12 cells in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Furthermore, it induced PC12 cell apoptosis and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blotting revealed that caffeine also inhibited the expression levels of Nrf2 mRNA and protein and its target genes (e.g., NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 [NQO1]). Furthermore, Nrf2 silencing attenuated the toxic effects of caffeine. In addition, zebrafish larvae were treated with different doses of caffeine. Behavioral experiments showed that a low dose of caffeine (0.05 to 0.3 mM) increased the average distance of movement and promoted excitation. Survivorship curves showed that caffeine (0.2 to 1.5 mM) caused lethality. Finally, qPCR revealed that a higher dose of caffeine inhibited mRNA levels in the Nrf2 pathway. Based on these results, this study identified for the first time that overuse of caffeine can induce neurotoxicity by inhibiting the Nrf2 pathway. These results will provide a new perspective for studies on caffeine toxicity.
Simple synthesis route for fabrication of protective photo‐crosslinked poly(zwitterionic) membranes for application in non‐enzymatic glucose sensing
Authors: Olejnik Adrian , Karczewski Jakub , Dołęga Anna , Siuzdak Katarzyna , Cenian Adam , Grochowska Katarzyna
Published: September 2021

This work focuses on the fabrication of non‐enzymatic glucose sensing materials based on laser‐formed Au nanoparticles embedded in Ti‐textured substrates. Those materials possess good catalytic activity toward glucose oxidation in 0.1 × phosphate buffered saline as well as resistance to some interferants, such as ascorbic acid, urea, and glycine. The electrodes are further coated with three different polymers, that is, Nafion, photo‐crosslinked poly(zwitterions) based on sulfobetaine methacrylate, and a hybrid membrane consisting of both polymers. Both the optimal integrity of the material and its catalytic activity toward glucose oxidation were maintained by the hybrid membranes with a large excess of poly(zwitterions) (mass ratio 20:1). The chemical structures of the as‐formed membranes are confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Due to the zwitterionic nature of the coating, the electrodes are resistant to biofouling and maintain electrochemical activity toward glucose for 4 days. Moreover, due to the synergistic effect of both Nafion and poly(zwitterions), the interference from the two compounds, namely, from acetylsalicylic acid and acetaminophen, was diminished. Besides the presence of polymer membranes, the electrode possesses a sensitivity of 36.8 μA cm−2 mM−1 in the linear range of 0.4–12 mM, while the limit of detection was estimated to be 23 μM. Finally, the electrodes are stable, and their response is not altered even by 1,000 bending cycles.
Dexmedetomidine regulates sevoflurane‐induced neurotoxicity through the miR‐330‐3p/ULK1 axis
Authors: Xu Shan , Gao Ruyue , Chen Liang
Published: September 2021

Sevoflurane (Sev), a widely used volatile anesthetic, can cause long‐term neurotoxicity and learning and memory impairment. Dexmedetomidine (Dex) has been reported to exhibit neuroprotective effects in numerous neurological disorders. Our work aimed to evaluate the molecular mechanisms of Dex in Sev‐induced neurotoxicity. In this study, it was found that Dex mitigated Sev‐induced neurotoxicity. Moreover, Sev treatment upregulated the miR‐330‐3p expression in hippocampus tissues, while this effect was reversed by the Dex treatment. Additionally, microRNA‐330‐3p (miR‐330‐3p) inhibition was verified to inhibit cell apoptosis and facilitate mitophagy. ULK1 was confirmed as a downstream target of miR‐330‐3p and miR‐330‐3p could negatively regulate ULK1 expression. Finally, the effects of miR‐330‐3p inhibition on Sev‐induced neurotoxicity could be offset by ULK1 knockdown or further intensified by Dex treatment. In summary, our study demonstrated that Dex regulated cell apoptosis and mitophagy in Sev‐induced neurotoxicity through the miR‐330‐3p/ULK1 axis. These findings might provide novel insights into the treatment of Sev‐induced neurotoxicity.
Developing an ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry for detecting aldosterone in human plasma
Authors: Lin Wenbin , Yao Zhenrong , Li Yuzhe , Liao Zhihao , Xiao Jiahao , Chen Yonghong , Feng Pinning , Gan Wenjia
Published: September 2021

Background

Accurately measuring plasma aldosterone concentration is difficult but meaningful for primary aldosteronism (PA) diagnosis.

Methods

In this study, we developed an ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS) method for plasma aldosterone detection, evaluated its performance according to guidelines issued by CLSI, including detection limit, linearity, precision, and compared it with chemiluminescence immunoassay. Then, a reference range of plasma aldosterone in young people was established by using this method.

Results

The lower limit of quantitation (LOQ) was 10 pg/ml. The mean recovery rates of analyte added to serum were 100.07–102.05% in different concentrations. The linearity range was 20–2000 pg/ml. Inter‐assay CVs were 2.20–3.97% at aldosterone concentrations of 65.66–854.75 pg/ml. The regression equation of UPLC‐MS/MS (x) and chemiluminescence immunoassay (y) was y = 1.002x + 65.854 (r = 0.9456, n = 237). The reference range of plasma aldosterone detected by UPLC‐MS/MS was 11.30–363.82 pg/ml in young people in South China, and there was no statistically significant difference in plasma aldosterone concentration between two genders.

Conclusion

In conclusion, UPLC‐MS/MS can rapidly and accurately detect plasma aldosterone and is appropriate for clinical application.
Assessing influenza vaccination success to inform COVID‐19 vaccination campaign
Authors: Moreland Ashley , Gillezeau Christina , Alpert Naomi , Taioli Emanuela
Published: September 2021

Given recent downward trends in daily rates of COVID‐19 vaccinations, it is important to reassess strategies to reach those most vulnerable. The success and efficacy of vaccination campaigns for other respiratory illnesses, such as influenza, may help inform messaging around COVID‐19 vaccinations. This cross‐sectional study examines the individual‐level factors associated with, and the spatial distribution of, predictors of COVID‐19 severity, and uptake of influenza and hepatitis B (as a negative control) vaccines across NYC. Data were obtained from the 2018 Community Health Survey (CHS), including self‐reported influenza and hepatitis B vaccine uptake, diabetes, asthma, hypertension, body mass index (BMI), age, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, borough, and United Hospital Fund (UHF) neighborhood of residence. A CDC‐defined COVID‐19 severity risk score was created with variables available in the CHS, including diabetes, asthma, hypertension, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, and age ≥65 years old. After adjustment, there was a significant positive association between COVID‐19 severity risk score and influenza vaccine uptake (1: ORadj = 1.49, 95% CI 1.28–1.73; 2: ORadj = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.65–2.41; 3+: ORadj = 2.89; 95% CI: 2.32–3.60, compared to 0). Hepatitis B vaccine uptake was significantly inversely associated with COVID‐19 severity risk score (1: ORadj = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.57–0.79; 2: ORadj = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.44–0.66; 3+: ORadj = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.36–0.56, compared to 0). The influenza vaccination campaign template is effective at reaching those most at risk for serious COVID‐19 and, if implemented, may help reach the most vulnerable that have not yet been vaccinated against COVID‐19.
Detection of structural degradation of porcine bone in different marine environments with Raman spectroscopy combined with chemometrics
Authors: Garagoda Arachchige P. Samanali , Hughes Jennifer L. , Bell Lynne S. , Gordon Keith C. , Fraser‐Miller Sara J.
Published: September 2021

The investigation of time since exposure and taphonomic alteration of bone in marine environments is crucial in forensic sciences. In this study, we explored the diagenetic changes to juvenile porcine bone in two different environmental marine contexts (submerged and intertidal) and how seasonal variation at time of deposition impacted on the pattern of taphonomic alteration in bone during early stages of exposure, from 6 to 24 weeks. The analysis was conducted using Raman spectroscopy combined with chemometrics. Principal component analysis of the Raman data of the recovered bones (either summer or winter season in 2014) showed that the main chemical changes occurred in the bioapatite (phosphate band, ν1(PO43−) at 961 cm−1) and organic constituents in the bones and depended on the exposure environment. Support vector machine (SVM) classification analysis classified the samples based on bone type, exposed environment and season, with high accuracy (>80%), but exposure time was less accurate (56%), although still higher than chance. When applying a SVM regression, time since exposure could be predicted with a ±5‐week uncertainty. This study illustrated the potential and limitations of using Raman spectroscopy to detect structural degradation of bone in different marine environments for forensic purposes.
Development and application of sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra data acquisition modes on ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography triple‐quadrupole/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry for metabolic profiling of amino acids in human plasma
Authors: Ren Wenbo , Wang Tingting , Hu Xiuhong , Li Yanyan , Ji Zhengchao , Guo Haiyang , Cao Haiwei , Huang Jing
Published: September 2021

Accumulating evidence suggests that amino acids are important indicators of nutritional and metabolic status. A high‐resolution mass spectrometry method based on sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra acquisition was developed for the simultaneous determination of 16 amino acids in human plasma. Sample preparation by protein precipitation using a mixture of acetonitrile and formic acid was followed by a BEH Amide column. The superiority of this method was investigated by comparing it to time‐of‐flight scan and multiple reaction monitoring modes. The limit of detection in sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra mode for threonine, methionine, histidine, citrulline, and tryptophan is 0.1 ng on the column; for lysine and asparagine is 0.2 ng; for alanine, pyroglutamic acid, leucine, ornithine, and aspartate is 0.5 ng, for arginine is 1.0 ng; for glutamate and serine is 2.0 ng; for glutamine is 10.0 ng. This method was linear in the range 0.8–40 μg/mL for arginine, citrulline, glutamate, histidine, leucine, methionine, pyroglutamic acid, threonine, tryptophan; 2–100 μg/mL for asparagine, aspartate, lysine, ornithine, serine; and 4–200 μg/mL for alanine, glutamine with good accuracy and precision. Significantly different levels in 11 amino acids were observed between childhood and adulthood, representing the growth and development of individuals relating to the level of amino acids.
Dissolved organic compounds with synchronous dynamics share chemical properties and origin
Authors: Merder Julian , Röder Heidelinde , Dittmar Thorsten , Feudel Ulrike , Freund Jan A. , Gerdts Gunnar , Kraberg Alexandra , Niggemann Jutta
Published: September 2021

The temporal dynamics of dissolved organic matter (DOM) are inherently linked with the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. Because DOM represents a complex mixture of millions of different compounds, the statistical analysis of DOM dynamics poses a huge challenge. Here, we present a statistical approach based on hierarchical clustering of time series that groups DOM compounds with synchronous dynamics. We applied this approach to time series of Fourier‐transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry data of DOM sampled over a period of 26 months near Helgoland, an island in the Southern North Sea. We identified three DOM clusters, which represented a total of 1392 different molecular formulae and showed distinct chemical properties and noticeably compound matches within the PubChem database. Correlations of the three DOM clusters with abundance data of prokaryote and phytoplankton species and with environmental parameters provided consistent indications on the potential origin of the clustered compounds. The first cluster integrated terrestrial DOM originating from riverine discharge reaching Helgoland waters. The second cluster was attributed to DOM related to phytoplankton and microbial activity, whereas the third cluster was interpreted as representing the marine refractory DOM background. Accordingly, while further partitioning divided each of the first two clusters into five sub‐clusters with distinct temporal dynamics and molecular characteristics, the third cluster persisted as a stable feature. Applying a purely mathematical approach, we thus confirmed the differential dynamics of individual DOM compounds and compound groups and showed that temporal dynamics of dissolved molecules are linked to their origin and transformation history.
Corporate governance, working capital management, and firm performance: Some new insights from agency theory
Authors: Naz Muhammad Azeem , Ali Rizwan , Rehman Ramiz Ur , Ntim Collins G.
Published: September 2021

The role of corporate governance in performance of firms has been widely discussed in the extant literature. In contrast to examining direct relationships, this study investigates the mediating role of working capital management within these connections. Employing a large sample of nonfinancial firms listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange from 2009 to 2018, findings suggest that a corporate governance quality index and efficiency of working capital management are positively related to firm performance. Additionally, the results indicate that working capital management partially mediates the relationship between corporate governance and firm performance. These findings extend existing literature by offering new empirical and theoretical insights.
Finite‐parameter feedback stabilization of original Burgers' equations and Burgers' equation with nonlocal nonlinearities
Authors: Gumus Serap , Kalantarov Varga
Published: September 2021

We study the problem of global exponential stabilization of original Burgers' equations and the Burgers' equation with nonlocal nonlinearities by controllers depending on finitely many parameters. We investigate both equations by employing controllers based on finitely many Fourier modes and the latter equation by employing finitely many volume elements. To ensure global exponential stabilization, we have provided sufficient conditions on the control parameters for each problem. We also show that solutions of the controlled equations are steering a concrete solution of the non‐controlled system as t → ∞ with an exponential decay rate.
Socioeconomic status and depressive symptoms in older people with the mediation role of social support: A population‐based longitudinal study
Authors: Zhou Shuduo , Gao Liqun , Liu Fangjing , Tian Wenya , Jin Yinzi , Zheng Zhi‐Jie
Published: September 2021

Background

Depressive symptoms has become an increasingly important public health issue, contributing to disability and disease burden around the world. Higher socioeconomic status (SES) has been found to be associated with lower prevalence of depression, but there are few studies about the older Chinese adults with long‐term follow up and rigorous prospective design. Meanwhile, there is little conclusive evidence about the mechanisms through which SES influences the onset of depressive symptoms.

Objective

To prospectively examine the association of baseline socioeconomic factors with the risks of developing depressive symptoms during 7‐year follow up in older Chinese population, and to study the mechanism by which SES impacts the prevalence of depressive symptoms.

Methods

A total of 5677 individuals over 45 years who participated in an ongoing nationally representative prospective cohort study, China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, were free from depressive symptoms at baseline, and completed 7‐year follow‐up were included. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 10‐item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale score. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine the association of SES and the incidence of depressive symptoms in 2011 to 2018. Generalized structural equation model was used to analyze the mediation effects of social support on the relation between SES and depressive symptoms.

Results

During the 7‐year follow‐up, 2398 (42.2%) cases were identified as depressive symptoms. Compared with the lowest level of household income, participants with the highest level of household income had a 20% reduction in risk (95% CI, 0.70–0.92, P < 0.001). Participants who had junior high school or above education had a 41% lower risk of depressive disorders compared with illiterate participants (95% CI, 0.52–0.69, P < 0.001). The relationship between SES and depressive symptoms was partially mediated by the social support, where higher social support was negatively associated with depressive symptoms. The proportion of mediation effect was even larger for women compared with men.

Conclusion

Socioeconomic factors were independently associated with the development of depressive symptoms, and the relationship was partially mediated by social support. Social support could be an effective intervention to alleviate the negative effects of lower SES on mental health. Multiple‐level policies should precisely target low‐SES groups, and timely intervention to promote social support for this group should be used to reduce the influence of depression on individuals, family as well as the whole society.
High‐valent bismuth redox catalysis
Authors: Planas Oriol , Cornella Josep
Published: September 2021

In the last years, bismuth has transitioned from being considered a mere Lewis acid catalyst to being recognised as an interesting redox catalyst for organic synthesis. A rational design of a ligand scaffold for the Bi center resulted in a robust catalytic system applicable to various bismuth redox processes.
Sympathieträger für die GDCh
Authors: Kirsch Frauke
Published: September 2021

Wie das Erlenmeyerchen in die Welt kam – und was es seither erlebte.
Plastikmeinungen
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: September 2021

Verbände wollen nach einer Umfrage die Bevölkerung stärker informieren.
Seasonal Diet and Habitat Use of Large, Introduced Rainbow Trout in an Ozark Highland Stream
Authors: Rodger Anthony W. , Wolf Skylar L. , Starks Trevor A. , Burroughs Jim P. , Brewer Shannon K.
Published: September 2021

Stocking of Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss commonly provides seasonal or mitigation fisheries; however, these fish are usually small and ecosystem effects are spatially or temporally limited. Yet agencies receive requests to stock Rainbow Trout in relatively natural settings (i.e., not tailwater or mitigation fisheries), where introductions may have greater ecosystem consequences. The size of introduced fish is an important factor in determining biotic interactions with native species; therefore, our objectives were to assess the seasonal feeding ecology and microhabitat use of large (265–530 mm TL) nonnative Emmerson strain Rainbow Trout in a relatively unaltered, groundwater-influenced, warmwater stream of the Ozark Highlands. Rainbow Trout consumed a variety of prey; however, diets differed between cool (winter and spring) and warm (summer) seasons. Cool-season Rainbow Trout exhibited a mixed feeding strategy, with individual specialization on crayfishes and fishes and generalist feeding on Ephemeroptera and Diptera, but Gastropoda were the dominant prey. Feeding strategy in the warm season switched to individual specialization on numerous prey types. Overall, larger prey resources were important components of Rainbow Trout diets. Piscivory was relatively high in both seasons, and crayfishes were one of the most important prey types across seasons. Selection of coarse substrates and deeper-water microhabitats (>0.95 m) was similar between seasons. Rainbow Trout selected the lowest-velocity microhabitats available during the warm season and moderate velocities in the cool season. Rainbow Trout were five times more likely to be associated with cover in the warm season. Due to their higher temperature tolerance, Emmerson strain Rainbow Trout may persist in Ozark Highland streams, where they disrupt local food webs and occupy habitat otherwise selected by native fish, such as Neosho Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu velox. If native species conservation is a priority for agencies, then caution regarding Rainbow Trout stockings may be warranted.
From Gold Mining to Gold Medal Fishery: Evaluating the Fishery Response to Stream Restoration on the Upper Arkansas River, Colorado
Authors: Richer Eric E. , Kondratieff Matt C. , Policky Greg , Robinson Matt D. , Atwood Michael , Myers Madison R.
Published: September 2021

Over a century of metals pollution and channel disturbance associated with historical mining, land use, and water development contributed to degradation of aquatic and riparian habitat within the upper Arkansas River watershed near Leadville, Colorado. Following water quality remediation, habitat restoration was conducted for a 17.7-km reach characterized as an overwide channel that lacked velocity refuge and overwinter habitat for salmonids. The primary goals of restoration were to improve populations of Brown Trout Salmo trutta and individual fish health, with a target to increase fish metrics by 10% within 5 years after restoration. Fish metrics included Brown Trout density, biomass, quality, and relative weight, where quality was defined as the density of Brown Trout over 356 mm in length. Changes in all fish metrics were evaluated with a before-after–control-impact study design that utilized five control sites and five impact sites. Biomass was the only metric that exhibited a significant interaction between site type and period (before and after), with increases of 12% and 21% at control and impact sites, respectively. Increased density (10%) and relative weight (2.4%) were observed across all sites regardless of type. Changes at individual sites were less evident, with only one impact site showing significant increases in biomass (99%) and quality Brown Trout (306%). These results suggest that Brown Trout populations within the upper Arkansas River have continued to improve following large-scale water quality remediation and stream restoration efforts. Additional monitoring is recommended to evaluate long-term trends and inform adaptive management.
Malnutrition coding and reimbursement in the hospital setting
Authors: Shepherd Erin
Published: September 2021

Professionals responsible for the nutrition care of hospitalized patients should understand the prevalence of malnutrition, how to accurately and consistently identify and communicate a diagnosis of malnutrition in the medical record, and the sophisticated payment systems used to reimburse hospitals for patient care. Insight into healthcare payment systems and the requirements for clarity, consistency, and accuracy can improve identification, coding, and billing for malnutrition. Hospitals receive reimbursement for services based on anticipated costs for diagnosis‐based groups, and documenting the presence of a comorbidity, such as malnutrition, can increase the payment for a diagnosis. It is important to accurately document not only the supporting criteria used to diagnose malnutrition, but also the interventions used to address it during a patient's stay.
Elucidation of the accelerated sulfur vulcanization of bio oil‐extended natural rubber compounds
Authors: Hayichelaeh Chesidi , Boonkerd Kanoktip , Nun‐Anan Phattarawadee , Purbaya Mili
Published: September 2021

The elucidation of the role of bio‐oils on the accelerated sulfur vulcanization of natural rubber (NR) compounds is discussed in this study. Two types of bio‐oil, palm oil and soybean oil, were studied in direct comparison with a distillate aromatic extract oil (DAE) as a reference. The scorch and cure times of the bio‐oil‐extended NR compounds were shorter than those containing DAE. The use of bio‐oils gave a higher cure reaction rate constant along with a lower activation energy than the use of DAE. The attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed that the fatty acid segment of the bio‐oils can react with zinc oxide to give zinc carboxylate, which is then involved in and promotes the vulcanization reaction. The use of bio‐oils to increase the rate of vulcanization strongly influenced the crosslink density of the obtained NR vulcanizates, yielding NR vulcanizates with a lower crosslinking density. It is proposed here that the bio‐oils might consume the curing agent via the reaction between their own unsaturated fatty acid and sulfur. This was supported by the increased viscosity of the oils after exposure to sulfur at a high temperature. The tensile strength and elongation at break of the bio‐oil‐extended NR compounds were lower and higher, respectively, than the NR extended with DAE oil due to the lower crosslink density of the bio oil‐extended NR vulcanizates.
Increased nuchal translucency before 11 weeks of gestation: Reason for referral?
Authors: Lugthart Malou A. , Bet Bo B. , Elsman Fleur , van de Kamp Karline , de Bakker Bernadette S. , Linskens Ingeborg H. , van Maarle Merel C. , van Leeuwen Elisabeth , Pajkrt Eva
Published: September 2021

Objectives

In this era of non‐invasive‐prenatal testing (NIPT), when dating scans are usually performed around 10 weeks of gestation, an increased NT before the official established timeframe (CRL between 45 and 84 mm) may be encountered. Information on management of these pregnancies is limited. Therefore, we evaluated the relationship between an early increased NT and adverse pregnancy outcome. Secondary, we evaluated the rate of chromosomal anomalies that might have been missed in first trimester should solely NIPT be performed as first‐tier test, and the rate of adverse pregnancy outcome if NT normalizes before 14 weeks.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study that included all pregnancies between January 1, 2007 and June 1, 2020 in Amsterdam UMC locations AMC and VUmc. We included fetuses with a crown‐rump length (CRL) < 45 mm (∼11 weeks) and a nuchal translucency (NT) measurement ≥2.5 mm. Fetuses referred with an early increased NT and a major fetal anomaly at the dating scan were excluded, as were cases of parents with a family history of monogenetic disease(s) or recognized carriers of a balanced translocation.

Results

We included 120 fetuses of which 66.7% (80/120) had an adverse pregnancy outcome. Congenital anomalies were present in 56.7% (68/120), 45.8% (55/120) had a chromosomal anomaly. The prevalence of congenital anomalies was 30.3% in fetuses with NT 2.5–3.4 mm compared to 66.7% with NT ≥ 3.5 mm (p < 0.001). 16.7% (20/120) had a chromosomal anomaly that might have been missed by conventional NIPT in first trimester. We found an adverse pregnancy outcome of 24% in the group with a normalized NT compared to 78.1% in the group with a persistently increased NT (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

An early increased NT should make the sonographer alert. In this selected cohort, an early increased NT was associated with a high probability of having an adverse pregnancy outcome. Regardless of CRL, we deem that an early increased NT ≥ 3.5 mm warrants referral to a Fetal Medicine Unit for an extensive work‐up. NT normalization seems favorable, but a prospective study should define the appropriate work‐up for NT in the lower range (2.5–3.4 mm).
School dropout: The role of childhood conduct problems and depressive symptoms
Authors: Lau Marianne A. , Temcheff Caroline E. , Poirier Martine , Bégin Vincent , Commisso Melissa , Déry Michèle
Published: September 2021

School dropout can be an ongoing process of academic failure and disengagement starting as early as elementary school. Given the importance of early identification of risk factors, the present study examines (a) whether early conduct problems and depressive symptoms predict a higher risk of school dropout, (b) whether depressive symptoms moderate the association between conduct problems and risk of school dropout, and (c) the sex differences in these associations. Using data from a longitudinal study on 744 children aged 6–9 (T1), a multiple linear regression was performed to test for the effect of conduct problems and depressive symptoms (T1) and the interaction between them on the risk of school dropout (T8), as well as for sex differences in these associations. Results showed that conduct problems significantly predicted a higher risk of school dropout 7 years later, while depressive symptoms did not. Depressive symptoms significantly moderated the effect of conduct problems on the risk of dropout, with conduct problems having a stronger effect in children with higher depressive symptoms. No sex differences were found. These results suggest that recognizing and treating depressive symptoms in children with conduct problems may be an important step in reducing their risk of dropout.
Monomer‐scale design of functional protein polymers using consensus repeat sequences
Authors: Chang Marina P. , Huang Winnie , Mai Danielle J.
Published: September 2021

Protein‐based polymers possess chemically defined sequences that can encode diverse properties and functions into a new class of biopolymeric materials. However, sequence variation that emerges from evolution can obscure the sequence–function relationships of naturally derived polymers. One strategy to clarify these relationships is to identify common sequences between proteins with similar functions. These conserved sequences often emerge from repeat proteins, and “consensus repeat sequences” provide a convenient platform for systematic investigations of biopolymer sequence–property relationships. In this review, we highlight recent approaches to engineer tunable polymeric materials using monomer‐scale design of consensus repeat proteins. We explore established and emerging protein‐based materials with mechanical resilience, thermodynamic phase behavior, chemical responsiveness, biomolecular transport, and hierarchical structure. Overall, recent advances in the monomer‐scale design of repetitive protein polymers present exciting fundamental and translational opportunities for polymer scientists and engineers.
In‐situ fabrication of barium titanate@polyvinyl pyrrolidone in polyvinylidene fluoride polymer nanocomposites for dielectric capacitor applications
Authors: Prateek  , Bhunia Ritamay , Gupta Shashikant , Garg Ashish , Gupta Raju Kumar
Published: September 2021

We have demonstrated an in situ route to design barium titanate (BT)@polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) nanoparticles (NPs) in PVP/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) blends. Thus, the PVP simultaneously acted as a linker and a part of the polymer matrix. We have hydrothermally synthesized the tetragonal phase of BT NPs (~150 nm). The BT NPs content was varied from 0 to 15 vol%. The resulting polymer nanocomposites generated enormous interfaces because of homogeneously dispersed BT@PVP NPs. Furthermore, the PVP simultaneously tailored the interfacial properties surrounding the BT NPs and bulk of the polymer matrix. Therefore, we achieved an enhanced maximum polarization (Pmax) and energy density (Ud) of 27.9 μC cm−2 and 13.4 J cm−3 (2261 kV cm−1), respectively, at 7.5 vol% BT NPs loadings. At the same time, PVP/PVDF blends showed Pmax and Ud of only 3.9 μC cm−2 and 4.6 J cm−3 (3369 kV cm−1), respectively. This simple approach of in situ nanomaterials modification will lead to development of low‐cost and time‐efficient dielectric capacitors.
Secondary household transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 among children and adolescents: Clinical and epidemiological aspects
Authors: Afonso Eliane T. , Marques Solomar M. , Costa Lusmaia D. C. , Fortes Patrícia M. , Peixoto Fernanda , Bichuetti‐Silva Danielli C. , Aredes Natália D. A. , Rosso Claci F. W. , Oliveira Faétila dos S. , Fiaccadori Fabíola S. , Souza Menira B. de L. D. e , Silveira‐Lacerda Elisângela de P. , Bazilio Gabriela S. , Borges Clayton L. , Rocha Juliana A. P. , Naghettini Alessandra V. , Costa Paulo S. S. da , Guimarães Rafael A.
Published: September 2021

Objective

To evaluate the secondary attack rate (SAR) in children and adolescents, contacts of essential activities workers who were infected by SARS‐CoV‐2; and to describe associated clinical and epidemiological data.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study conducted in children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 years of age, that were household contacts of parents and other relatives who were infected by SARS‐CoV‐2 in the city of Goiânia, Central Brazil, from March to October 2020. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from all participants. Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs were collected and tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA using real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Factors associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and SAR were analyzed using Poisson regression.

Results

A total of 267 children and adolescents were investigated. The prevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA by the real‐time RT‐PCR test and/or the presence of COVID‐19 associated symptoms (anosmia/ageusia and flu syndrome) was 25.1% (95.0% Confidence Interval [95.0% CI] = 20.3‐30.6). More than half (55.1%) of the participants had sygns and symptoms. The most prevalent signs and symptoms in positive individuals were nasal congestion (62.7%), headache (55.2%), cough (50.8%), myalgia (47.8%), runny nose (47.8%), and anosmia (47.8%). The Poisson model showed that the following signs or symptoms were associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: fever, nasal congestion, decreased appetite, nausea, anosmia, and ageusia. Families that had more than one infected adult, in addition to the index case, presented greater transmissibility to children and adolescents.

Conclusions

Our results contribute to the hypothesis that children and adolescents are not important sources of transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the home environment during a period of social distancing and school closure; even though they are susceptible to infection in the household (around ¼ of our study population).
Regulatory mechanism of androgen receptor on NCAPD3 gene expression in prostate cancer
Authors: Yin Yingying , Liu Qianmei , Shao Yingying , He Xinyuan , Zhu Qingyi , Lu Shan , Liu Ping
Published: September 2021

Background

Androgen receptor (AR) is an essential transcriptional factor that contributes to the development and progression of prostate cancer (PCa). NCAPD3 is a component of the condensin II complex and plays a critical role in cell mitosis by regulating chromosome condensation; however, the relationship between NCAPD3 and AR remains unknown.

Methods

Transcriptome sequencing assay is carried out to analyze the expression of the NCAP family in clinic samples. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) sequencing, ChIP assay, and dual‐luciferase assay are used to identify the androgen‐responsive element in NCAPD3 enhancer. Immunohistochemistry, quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, and western‐blot assay are employed to check the expression of genes in PCa tissues and in PCa cells. Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy analysis is used for identifying the regulation of AR on NCAPD3‐mediated chromosome condensation. Colony formation, cell cycle assay, wound healing assay, and transwell experiments are used to explore the regulation of AR on the functions of NCAPD3. In vivo experiment is employed to identify in vitro experimental results.

Results

NCAPD3 is an androgen/AR axis‐targeted gene and is involved in AR‐induced PCa cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Androgen treatment and AR overexpression increase the expression of NCAPD3 in PCa cell lines. The canonical exist in the enhancer region of NCAPD3. Androgen/AR axis regulates NCAPD3‐invovled chromosome condensation during cell mitosis.

Conclusions

Our report demonstrated that NCAPD3 is an androgen‐responsive gene and upregulated by androgen/AR axis and involved in AR‐promoted progression of PCa, suggesting a potential role of NCAPD3 in the PCa development.
A Re-Innervated in Vitro Skin Model of Non-Histaminergic Itch and Skin Neurogenic Inflammation: PAR2-, TRPV1- and TRPA1-Agonist Induced Functionality
Authors: Lebonvallet N. , Fluhr J. W. , Le Gall-Ianotto C. , Leschiera R. , Talagas M. , Reux A. , Bataille A. , Brun C. , Oddos T. , Pennec J.-P. , Carré J.-L. , Misery L.
Published: September 2021

Background

Skin, and epidermis, is innervated by sensory nerve fibres. Interactions between them and signal transduction are only partially elucidated in physiological/pathological conditions, especially in pruritus.

Objectives

To study the mechanisms involved in pruritus in vitro, we developed a skin explant model re-innervated by sensory neurons.

Methods

This model is based on the co-culture of human skin explants and sensory neurons from dorsal root ganglia of rats. Innervation and the expression of protease activated receptor 2 (PAR2), transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and transient receptor potential ankyrin one (TRPA1) was analysed by immunostaining. The response of the model to TRPV1, PAR2 and TRPA1 agonists was analysed by patch-clamp, qPCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

After 5 days of re-innervating nerve fibres was evidenced in the epidermis. Re-innervation was correlated with decrease of epidermal thickness and the number of apoptotic cells in the tissue. The major actors of non-histaminergic itch (PAR-2, thymic stromal lymphopoietin [TSLP], TSLP-R, TRPA1 and TRPV1) were expressed in neurons and/or epidermal cells of skin explants. After topical exposure of TRPV1-(Capsaicin), TRPA1-(Polygodial) and PAR2-agonist (SLIGKV-NH2) activation of reinnervating neurons could be shown in patch-clamp analysis. The release of TSLP was increased with capsaicin or SLIGKV but decreased with polygodial. Release of CGRP was increased by capsaicin and polygodial but decreased with SLIGKV. Activation by SLIGKV showed a decrease of VEGF; polygodial induced an increase of TSLP, Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and nerve growth factor and capsaicin lead to a decrease of sema3 and TNF expression.

Conclusion

The present model is suitable for studying itch and neurogenic inflammation pathways in vitro. We observed that activation of TRPV1, TRPA1 and PAR-2 leads to different response profiles in re-innervated skin explants.
High‐Performance Bifunctional Electrocatalysts of Palladium Decoration on Carbon Nanoarchitectures for Indirect Releasing of H2 Stored in Formate
Authors: Liu Xi , Ji Yaxin , Chen Guangbo , Peng Xinxin , Yi Luocai , Chen Junxiang , Feng Xinliang , Wen Zhenhai
Published: September 2021

Formate has received tremendous research interest as one of the promising organic H2 carriers to store and transport H2 safely and economically. One paramount challenge for implementing the practical feasibility of formate as H2 carrier is how to release H2 at standard pressure and room temperature on demand. Herein, a proof‐of‐concept electrochemical strategy to indirectly release H2 stored in formate in a controlled manner is proposed, in which formate is electrocatalytically oxidized at the alkaline anode to release electrons, which is used for H2 generation at the acidic cathode. For this purpose, highly active bifunctional electrocatalysts with uniformly dispersed Pd nanoparticles supported on a conductive hollow dodecahedron N‐doped carbon network (Pd/hd‐NC), which not only shows one order of magnitude higher catalytic current density than the commercial Pd/C for alkaline formate oxidation reaction (FOR) but is comparable with the commercial Pt/C for acidic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), are developed. A hybrid alkali/acid cell is developed using Pd/hd‐NC as anode and cathode catalysts of FOR and HER, respectively; in this way, H2 stored in formate can be indirectly released in a tunable manner, which presents significant steps forward, increasing the resiliency of formate as H2 carrier.
Consistent estimation of the number of communities in stochastic block models using cross‐validation
Authors: Qin Jining , Lei Jing
Published: September 2021

The stochastic block model (SBM) and its variants constitute an important family of probabilistic tools for studying network data. There is a rich literature on methods for estimating block labels and model parameters of stochastic block models. Most of these studies require the number of communities K as an input, making the estimation of K an important problem. Cross‐validation is a natural option for this problem since it is a widely used generic method for evaluating model fitting. However, cross‐validation is known to be inconsistent and prone to overfitting unless impractical split ratios are used. Cross‐validation with confidence (CVC) is proposed with better theoretical guarantees in conventional settings. We study the properties of CVC for stochastic block models. Our theoretical studies show that CVC, unlike the standard cross‐validation, can consistently pick the optimal K under suitable conditions. We implement this method and check its performance against other established methods on both synthetic and real datasets.
Three‐dimensional printing of graphene‐based materials for energy storage and conversion
Authors: Jiang Yanqiu , Guo Fan , Liu Yingjun , Xu Zhen , Gao Chao
Published: September 2021

Developing high‐performance energy storage and conversion (ESC) device relies on both the utilization of good constituent materials and rational design of assembly structure. Graphene‐based materials, due to their superior properties like high electrical/thermal conductivity, large surface area, and unique optical properties, have been extensively reported for ESC applications. The emerging three‐dimensional (3D) printing techniques, especially extrusion‐based direct ink writing technique, have brought a revolutionary improvement in structure control accuracy and designing capability to graphene‐based macro‐assemblies, triggering a boost in functionalities and performances of graphene‐based ESC devices. In these circumstances, understanding the very recent progress of 3D‐printed graphene materials and their design philosophy to bring new concepts for material designs and address the requirements for high‐performance ESC devices are urgently important. In this review, we aim to outline recent developments in 3D printing of graphene‐based materials and their applications in ESC applications. Basic requirements and theoretical analysis for preparation printable inks are discussed, as well as feasible GO ink preparation strategies in existing literatures. The representative explorations of 3D‐printed graphene materials in ESC applications like batteries, supercapacitors, solar steam generators, and electro‐thermal conversion are also reviewed. This study attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of the progresses and limitations of present 3D printed graphene materials, and seeks to enlighten the opportunities and orientations of future research in this field.
TFBen (Benzene‐1,3,5‐triyl triformate): A Powerful and Versatile CO Surrogate
Authors: Yang Hefei , Zhang Jiajun , Chen Zhengkai , Wu Xiao‐Feng
Published: September 2021

Carbonylative reactions by the using of CO surrogates constitute a facile avenue for the assembly of valuable carbonyl‐containing compounds due to the colorless, toxic, flammable, and not easy‐handing character of carbon monoxide gas. Recent advances in the carbonylative transformations with TFBen (benzene‐1,3,5‐triyl triformate) as a safe and convenient CO precursor are systematically summarized and discussed, which can be divided into three parts based on the patterns of the obtained products. This Review focuses on the discussion of the application of TFBen in carbonylative synthesis of various carbonyl‐containing compounds.
Effect of prophylactic administration of vitamin C in chickens with staphylococcal septic arthritis
Authors: Nematollahi Fahimeh , Shomali Tahoora , Abdi‐Hachesoo Bahman , Derakhshandeh Abdollah , Khodakaram‐Tafti Azizollah , Moezzi Maryam Sadat
Published: September 2021

Background

Septic arthritis (SA) due to Staphylococcus aureus is a major cause of lameness in poultry with improper response to antimicrobial therapy.

Objectives

The study evaluates the effect of prophylactic administration of vitamin C on SA induced by methicillin resistant S. aureus in chickens.

Methods

One hundred and twenty chickens were randomly assigned into four groups: I. Negative control (NC), II. Positive control (PC) with SA induced at the age of 35 days by intra articular injection of S. aureus. III. Vehicle control (VC) and IV. Arthritic vitamin C‐treated (VitC) group (15 g/100 L of drinking water from day 25 to the end of the experiment). Samplings were performed on day 44 (sampling 1) and day 54 (sampling 2) of age.

Results

Arthritic birds showed an obvious decrease in body weight with severe clinical arthritis and lameness which were not significantly affected by vitamin C administration at both samplings. Moreover, marked increase in serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration of the PC group was observed in sampling 1. Administration of vitamin C successfully reduced MDA concentration at both samplings. In sampling 2, birds in the VitC group showed significantly higher total antioxidant capacity (TAC) than NC birds (p < 0.05). Interleukin‐6 concentration in synovial fluid of chickens remained statistically similar among groups in both samplings, while histopathological changes were ameliorated in the VitC group in sampling 2.

Conclusions

Prophylactic administration of vitamin C especially for relatively longer period can ameliorate oxidative stress and histopathological changes due to staphylococcal arthritis in chickens, although it is not associated with a significant effect on clinical manifestations of the disease.
String correlators on AdS3: four-point functions
Authors: Dei Andrea , Eberhardt Lorenz
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We propose a closed-form formula for genus 0 four-point functions in AdS3 string theory with pure NS-NS flux including arbitrary amounts of spectral flow. Our formula passes many non-trivial consistency checks and has intriguing connections to Hurwitz theory. This paper is the second in a series with several instalments.