bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘They need somebody to talk to’: Parents' and carers' perceptions of school‐based humanistic counselling
Authors: Longhurst Phaedra , Sumner Amy Louise , Smith Stephanie , Eilenberg Jon , Duncan Charlie , Cooper Mick
Published: December 2021

Parents and carers are likely to take on a significant responsibility for managing an adolescent's mental health and well‐being. Accordingly, their perceptions provide insight into the value of an intervention. This study explored parents' and carers' perceptions and expectations of school‐based humanistic counselling, as received by a socially diverse group of young people (13–16 years old) in secondary schools in Greater London, UK. Semi‐structured interviews from 17 parents and carers were analysed thematically. Two superordinate themes were identified: (a) the context of counselling, and (b) the content of counselling, the latter referring to stages of the therapeutic process and its outcomes. Schools were perceived as an ideal environment for the provision of professional mental health support, as it reaches young people in a natural, convenient setting and therefore promotes and/or widens access to universal support, as well as targeted interventions. Parents and carers further emphasised the importance of overall well‐being, academic performance and social relationships.
Primary melanoma in the bronchus
Authors: Nigi Akina , Toyoshima Hirokazu , Kondo Shigeto , Tanigawa Motoaki
Published: December 2021

Primary malignant melanoma of the lung (PMML) is an extremely rare tumor with a dismal prognosis. Distinguishing PMML from metastatic melanoma of the lung can be difficult without an established treatment protocol for advanced PMML. We present a case of immunotherapy‐treated PMML wherein the patient died 3 months after treatment.
Hierarchical porous nitrogen, oxygen, and phosphorus ternary doped hollow biomass carbon spheres for high‐speed and long‐life potassium storage
Authors: Yang Mengmeng , Kong Qingquan , Feng Wei , Yao Weitang , Wang Qingyuan
Published: December 2021

Limited lithium resources have promoted the exploration of new battery technologies. Among them, potassium‐ion batteries are considered as promising alternatives. At present, commercial graphite and other carbon‐based materials have shown good prospects as anodes for potassium‐ion batteries. However, the volume expansion and structural collapse caused by periodic K+ insertion/extraction have severely restricted further development and application of potassium‐ion batteries. A hollow biomass carbon ball (NOP‐PB) ternarily doped with N, O, and P was synthesized and used as the negative electrode of a potassium‐ion battery. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy confirmed that the hollow biomass carbon spheres were successfully doped with N, O, and P. Further analysis proved that N, O, and P ternary doping expands the interlayer distance of the graphite surface and introduces more defect sites. DFT calculations simultaneously proved that the K adsorption energy of the doped structure is greatly improved. The solid hollow hierarchical porous structure buffers the volume expansion of the potassium insertion process, maintains the original structure after a long cycle and promotes the transfer of potassium ions and electrons. Therefore, the NOP‐PB negative electrode shows extremely enhanced electrochemical performance, including high specific capacity, excellent long‐term stability, and good rate stability.
Tuning the Excited State of Tetradentate Pd(II) and Pt(II) Complexes through Benzannulated N‐Heteroaromatic Ring and Central Metal
Authors: Li Guijie , Guo Hua , Fang Xiaoli , Yang Yun‐Fang , Sun Yulu , Lou Weiwei , Zhang Qisheng , She Yuanbin
Published: December 2021

Comprehensive Summary

A series of tetradentate Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes containing fused 5/6/6 metallocycles with phenyl N‐heteroaromatic benzo[d]imidazole (pbiz), benzo[d]oxazole (pboz) or benzo[d]thiazole (pbthz)‐containing ligands was developed. Systematic studies by experiments and theoretical calculations reveal that both the central metal and the benzannulated N‐heteroaromatic ring have significant influence on the electrochemical, photophysical and excited‐state properties of the Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes. In identical condition, compared to pbiz‐based Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes, the corresponding metal complexes with pboz and pbthz‐containing ligand show significant red‐shift emission spectra. Pd(II) complexes exhibit blue‐shift emission spectra in comparison with the corresponding Pt(II) complexes. The Pt(II) complexes possess more metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (3MLCT) character in their T1 states, which enables the Pt(II) complexes to have much higher quantum efficiencies (ΦPL) and shorter excited‐state lifetimes (τ), resulting in large radiative decay rates (kr). Especially, Pt(pbiz) has a ΦPL of 94% with a τ of 4.0 μs in 5 wt% doped PMMA film at room temperature. Pt(pbiz)‐doped green organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) using 26mCPy as host demonstrated a peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 21.6% and a maximum brightness (Lmax) of 55481 cd/m2, which still maintained an EQE of 16.5% and 10.8% at 1000 and 10000 cd/m2, respectively.
Mitochondria‐Targeted Triphenylphosphonium Conjugated C‐3 Modified Betulin: Synthesis, Antitumor Properties and Mechanism of Action
Authors: Xu Geng , Xu Xiaojia , Liu Jiansong , Jia Qi , Ke Changhong , Zhang Hanyuan , Xu Chao , Ou E , Tan Wen , Zhao Yu
Published: December 2021

A series of mitochondria‐targeted triphenylphosphonium conjugated C‐3 modified betulin were synthesized and evaluated against tumor cells. As a result, a new derivative 13 i, the conjugate of 3‐O‐(3′‐acetylphenylacetate)‐betulin with triphenylphosphonium, was identified as the one with the best anti‐tumor effect. Conjugate 13 i significantly inhibited HCT116 cells with IC50 at 0.66 μM. While betulin, C‐3 modified betulin, and the triphenylphosphonium moiety showed no inhibition of HCT116 cell proliferation at 20 μM. More importantly, 13 i exhibited a more cytotoxic effect against the tumor cell HCT116 than normal cell NCM460. Mode of action studies demonstrated that 13 i induced the G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HCT116 cells through the mitochondrial pathway. Structure‐activity relationship analysis revealed that integration of triphenylphosphonium moiety into the C‐28 of betulin can greatly improve cytotoxicity. Appropriate modification on C‐3 of the conjugate would improve the selectivity.
Measuring and modeling nitrogen export from cranberry farms
Authors: Kennedy Casey D. , Hoekstra Benjamin R.
Published: December 2021

Nitrogen (N) pollution is arguably the single greatest threat to coastal water quality in the United States. In the state of Massachusetts, sustainable management of cranberry agriculture requires detailed understanding of potential sources and losses of N, which can contribute to impaired coastal waters. Given the complexity of N transport processes, models are often used to quantify the amount of N delivered from cranberry farms to coastal waters. However, ambiguities in model parameters, inconsistencies in deriving N loading rates, and inaccuracies in spatial coverages leave open questions about the contribution of cranberry agriculture to impaired coastal waters. In this study, we synthesize the methods, assumptions, and results of all N budget studies conducted in cranberry farms from 1995 to 2019. We propose a new analytical framework for measuring N fertilizer export from cranberry farms which includes our best understanding of N retention and transport in cranberry farms. We then apply our results to two watershed land‐use models (Massachusetts Estuaries Project Linked Watershed‐Embayment Model, LM; the Waquoit Bay Nitrogen Loading Model, NLM) to quantify N loads contributed by cranberry farms to the highly eutrophic Wareham River estuary. We find that the LM and NLM are in close agreement with respect to the amount of N delivered from cranberry farms to the Wareham River estuary. In our application of the LM, we estimated that 7791 kg N·yr−1 from cranberry farms, or 15% of the total N load, reached the estuary. By comparison, we found that the NLM estimated slightly higher N loads contributed by cranberry farms to the estuary: 8365 kg N·yr−1, or 16% of the total N load. However, the models gave contrasting estimates of unattenuated N loads from cranberry farms (9670 kg N·yr−1, LM; 12,870 kg N·yr−1, NLM) and the amount of N transmitted through the watershed to the estuary (81% LM; 65% NLM).
Maximum‐likelihood estimation of the geometric niche preemption model
Authors: Graffelman Jan
Published: December 2021

The geometric series or niche preemption model is an elementary ecological model in biodiversity studies. The preemption parameter of this model is usually estimated by regression or iteratively by using May's equation. This article proposes a maximum‐likelihood estimator for the niche preemption model, assuming a known number of species and multinomial sampling. A simulation study shows that the maximum‐likelihood estimator outperforms the classical estimators in this context in terms of bias and precision. We obtain the distribution of the maximum‐likelihood estimator and use it to obtain confidence intervals for the preemption parameter and to develop a preemption t test that can address the hypothesis of equal geometric decay in two samples. We illustrate the use of the new estimator with some empirical data sets taken from the literature and provide software for its use.
Variable effects of wind‐energy development on seasonal habitat selection of pronghorn
Authors: Milligan Megan C. , Johnston Aaron N. , Beck Jeffrey L. , Smith Kurt T. , Taylor Kaitlyn L. , Hall Embere , Knox Lee , Cufaude Teal , Wallace Cody , Chong Geneva , Kauffman Matthew J.
Published: December 2021

In the face of climate change, wind energy represents an important alternative to oil and gas extraction to meet increasing energy demands, but it has the potential to disrupt wildlife populations. Because behavioral adjustments, such as altered habitat selection, are a primary way that long‐lived species respond to novel disturbances, we evaluated effects of wind energy development on pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) space use and habitat selection. Using data from GPS‐collared female pronghorn in the Shirley Basin of south‐central Wyoming, USA, we tested four potential effects of wind turbines on pronghorn space use during the summer and winter: (1) displacement away from wind turbines, (2) increase in size of home ranges, (3) short‐term avoidance behavior within home ranges, and (4) changes in avoidance behavior within home ranges over time. We monitored 166 individuals over five summers (2010, 2011, 2018, 2019, and 2020) and 142 individuals over five winters (2009/2010, 2010/2011, 2011/2012, 2018/2019, and 2019/2020) and used resource selection functions to evaluate selection relative to turbines after controlling for other habitat factors, such as snow depth. Although a lack of consistent negative effects of wind turbines on pronghorn across years suggested that wind energy development may have less severe and more intermittent effects on pronghorn than oil and gas development has had on other ungulates, there was a trend toward increased displacement during the study and behavioral avoidance was apparent for individuals in close proximity to turbines. However, pronghorn were highly variable in their fine‐scale habitat selection, across both individuals and years, which could make effects of wind energy development difficult to detect. Nevertheless, some individuals, particularly those close to wind‐energy facilities, did avoid turbines, which could translate to population‐level behavioral or demographic changes over time and affect the resilience and stability of the population. Over time, the accumulation of development, including wind turbines, roads, and fences, can both limit movement and fragment habitat, potentially reaching a critical threshold beyond which populations are negatively impacted.
Constant gardeners: Endozoochory promotes repeated seedling recruitment in clonal plants
Authors: García‐Rodríguez Alberto , Selva Nuria
Published: December 2021

Paradoxically, seedlings of clonal plants are rarely observed in nature, despite many of these species producing large amounts of seeds every fruiting season. Studies about clonal plants’ recruitment strategies are usually based on experiments carried out under controlled conditions (e.g., laboratory) and rarely consider frugivores’ effects. We tested the role of endozoochory in the seedling recruitment in natural conditions of the bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus, a widely distributed clonal species and a key resource in temperate and boreal regions of Eurasia, which has been suggested to recruit at occasional windows of opportunity (unpredictable conditions in which seedling recruitment may occur within conspecific adult stands). We marked brown bear Ursus arctos, mesocarnivore (red foxes Vulpes vulpes and martens Martes spp.) and passerine feces containing bilberry seeds in the Tatra Mountains (Carpathian Mountains, Southern Poland) and followed the fate of the embedded seeds during two years. We detected bilberry germination associated with 100%, 87.5%, and 50% of brown bear, mesocarnivore, and passerine feces, and also in 43.6%, 41.2%, and 23.1% of the control plots located 5, 10, and 30 m away from the bear scats, respectively. In bear scats, investigated in more detail, 15.7% of the seedlings survived at least one year. The largest numbers of seedlings were associated with bear scats (154.4 ± 237.3 seedlings/m2), especially to those defecated upon the soil disturbances these animals create next to their resting sites. Our results demonstrate that endozoochory facilitates repeated bilberry seedling recruitment in nature, suggesting that studies on the reproductive strategies of clonal plants must consider the role of frugivores. Some frugivores’ behaviors, such as the defecation by bears in the vicinity of their resting sites, may in fact be crucial for the reproduction of clonal plants and for the adaptation of these species to the current changing climatic conditions.
A Comparative Investigation of Single Crystal and Polycrystalline Ni‐Rich NCMs as Cathodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Deng Xianming , Zhang Rui , Zhou Kai , Gao Ziyao , He Wei , Zhang Lihan , Han Cuiping , Kang Feiyu , Li Baohua
Published: December 2021

Nickel‐rich LiNi1−x−yCoxMnyO2 (NCM, 1−x−y ≥ 0.6) is known as a promising cathode material for lithium‐ion batteries since its superiority of high voltage and large capacity. However, polycrystalline Ni‐rich NCMs suffer from poor cycle stability, limiting its further application. Herein, single crystal and polycrystalline LiNi0.84Co0.07Mn0.09O2 cathode materials are compared to figure out the relation of the morphology and the electrochemical storage performance. According to the Li+ diffusion coefficient, the lower capacity of single crystal samples is mainly ascribed to the limited Li+ diffusion in the large bulk. In situ XRD illustrates that the polycrystalline and single crystal NCMs show a virtually identical manner and magnitude in lattice contraction and expansion during cycling. Also, the electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) measurement is employed in lithium‐ion battery study for the first time, and these two cathodes show huge discrepancy in the ECSA after the initial cycle. These results suggest that the single crystal sample exhibits reduced cracking, surface side reaction, and Ni/Li mixing but suffers the lower Li+ diffusion kinetics. This work offers a view of how the morphology of Ni‐rich NCM effects the electrochemical performance, which is instructive for developing a promising strategy to achieve good rate performance and excellent cycling stability.
Interface and M3+/M2+ Valence Dual‐Engineering on Nickel Cobalt Sulfoselenide/Black Phosphorus Heterostructure for Efficient Water Splitting Electrocatalysis
Authors: Liang Tingting , Lenus Syama , Liu Yaoda , Chen Ya , Sakthivel Thangavel , Chen Fuyi , Ma Fei , Dai Zhengfei
Published: December 2021

The catalyst innovation that aims at noble‐metal‐free substitutes is one key aspect for future sustainable hydrogen energy deployment. In this paper, a nickel cobalt sulfoselenide/black phosphorus heterostructure (NiCoSe|S/BP) was fabricated to realize the highly active and durable water electrolysis through interface and valence dual‐engineering. The NiCoSe|S/BP nanostructure was constructed by in‐situ growing NiCo hydroxide nanosheet arrays on few‐layer BP and subsequently one‐step sulfoselenization by SeS2. Besides the conductive merit of BP substrate, holes in p‐type BP are capable of oxidizing the Co2+ to high‐valence and electron‐accepting Co3+, benefiting the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Meanwhile, Ni3+/Ni2+ ratio in the heterostructure is reduced to maintain the electrical neutrality, which corresponds to the increased electron‐donating character for boosting hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). As for HER and OER, the heterostructured NiCoSe|S/BP electrocatalyst exhibits small overpotentials of 172 and 285 mV at 10 mA cm−2 (η10) in alkaline media, respectively. And overall water splitting has been achieved at a low cell potential of 1.67 V at η10 with high stability. Molecular sensing and density functional theory (DFT) calculations are further proposed for understanding the rate‐determine steps and enhanced catalytic mechanism. The investigation presents a deep‐seated perception for the electrocatalytic performance enhancement of BP‐based heterostructure.
Genes for Yield Stability in Tomatoes
Authors: Fisher Josef , Zamir Dani
Published: December 2021

Breeding plant varieties with adaptation to unstable environments requires some knowledge about the genetic control of yield stability. To further this goal, a meta‐analysis of 12 years of field harvest data of 76 Solanum pennellii introgression lines (ILs) is conducted. Five quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting yield stability are mapped; IL10‐2‐2 is unique as this introgression improved yield stability without affecting mean yield both in the historic data and in four years of field validations. Another dimension of the stability question is which genes when perturbed affect yield stability. For this the authors tested in the field 48 morphological mutants and found one ‘canalization’ mutant (canal‐1) with a consistent effect of reducing the stability of a bouquet of traits including leaf variegation, plant size and yield. canal‐1 mapped to a DNAJ chaperone gene (Solyc01g108200) whose homologues in C. elegans regulate phenotypic canalization. Additional alleles of canal‐1 are generated using CRISPR/CAS9 and the resulting seedlings have uniform variegation suggesting that only specific changes in canal‐1 can lead to unstable variegation and yield instability. The identification of IL10‐2‐2 demonstrates the value of historical phenotypic data for discovering genes for stability. It is also shown that a green‐fruited wild species is a source of QTL to improve tomato yield stability.
Tonian and Cryogenian 40Ar/39Ar hornblende and muscovite ages for the São Gabriel Terrane, Dom Feliciano Belt, southern Brazil
Authors: Siviero Rosemeri S. , Fernandes Luís A.D. , Koester Edinei , Jourdan Frederic
Published: December 2021

Geochronological 40Ar/39Ar investigations in the São Gabriel Terrane, Dom Feliciano Belt, Brazil, associated with previous structural geology and geochronology studies, allow for a better understanding of Neoproterozoic events in this region. The Sanga da Cachoeira Complex and metasedimentary rocks of Arroio Marmeleiro Complex (U–Pb provenance age > 1.5 Ga) show 40Ar/39Ar spectra with no successful plateau age, attributed to the alteration or excess 40Ar. Tonian (ca. 729 ± 9 Ma) 40Ar/39Ar hornblende age of metadiorites of the Cambaí Complex (U–Pb protolith age ca. 750 Ma) is interpreted to register the age of an early structure in this unit, where hornblende is a mineral of the composite banding fabric formed by remnants of original bedding, locally preserved, and added by metamorphic recrystallization. A cooling rate of at least 5°C/Ma is suggested for the Cambaí Complex, from its crystallization to its metamorphic event. The Cryogenian (<690 ± 8 Ma) 40Ar/39Ar hornblende and muscovite ages belonging to the Imbicuí Complex (protolith age ca. 869 Ma) whose ages are related to the late structure formed by a short and intense activity of the Cerro Branco Shear Zone, which experienced a rapid cooling of 12°C/Ma. The ages from the rocks belonging to such a diverse tectonic setting, including continental and intraoceanic island arc, oceanic crust low‐K amphibolites and meta‐harzburgites, and metasediments, presenting similar nature and fabric orientation, indicate that major tectonic‐magmatic–metamorphic activity was responsible for the accretion of these lithotectonic units that gave rise to the São Gabriel Terrane in southern Brazil.
Model based evaluation of long‐term efficacy of existing and alternative colorectal cancer screening offers: A case study for Germany
Authors: Heisser Thomas , Hoffmeister Michael , Brenner Hermann
Published: December 2021

For individuals willing to minimize their lifetime risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), the most effective screening approach remains unclear. Here, we sought to compare the long‐term performance of existing and alternative CRC screening offers in a case study for Germany. Applying the perspective of a perfectly adhering man or woman at average risk, we used COSIMO, a validated Markov‐based multistate model, to simulate the effects of current CRC screening offers in Germany. These include age‐ and sex‐dependent offers for fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) or screening colonoscopy, which may be used twice starting at age 50 in men and age 55 in women. For comparison, we modeled screening colonoscopies at ages 50, 60 and 70, screening colonoscopies at ages 50 and 60, followed by biennial FITs and conventional FIT‐based strategies at varying intervals. We found that the highest reductions in lifetime risks of developing (76%‐84%) and dying from CRC (82%‐90%) were achieved by three colonoscopies, followed by annual FIT screening and strategies combining both modalities. In men, additional screening from age 70 onwards reduced the risk of dying from CRC by another 9% units and resulted in 32 to 39 additional life‐years‐gained per 1000 individuals. Among women, three colonoscopies outperformed current screening offers in all outcomes, at little risk of screening‐related complications. In summary, several FIT‐ and colonoscopy‐based offers yield comparably high CRC risk reductions, including approaches combining both modalities. German screening offers may be optimized by lowering the eligibility age for screening colonoscopy for women, along with additional offers for the elderly.
Maternal mortality in Lebanon: Increased vulnerability among Syrian refugees
Authors: El Kak Faysal , Harb Hilda , Daouk Sirine , Nassar Anwar , Kabakian‐Khasholian Tamar
Published: December 2021

Objective

To compare the burden and causes of maternal deaths between Syrian and Lebanese women for the period of 2010–2018.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of maternal deaths from the national notification system at the Ministry of Public Health in Lebanon during the period of 2010–2018. Maternal deaths among Syrian refugees and Lebanese citizens were compared based on cause of death, age of the woman, and nationality. Causes of maternal deaths were categorized as direct and indirect following WHO definitions.

Results

The maternal mortality ratio among the Syrian refugee women in Lebanon was higher than that of Lebanese women in the period 2010–2018, with its highest rate of 55.1 in 2017. Hemorrhage and indirect causes of maternal deaths are more common among Syrian refugee women whereas embolism and hypertension have higher proportions among Lebanese women. Maternal deaths within 48 h after birth are more common among Syrian than Lebanese women.

Conclusion

Syrian refugee women carry an increased risk for maternal mortality in Lebanon. Improving timely access and equitable provision of appropriate care should be a priority for the health system in Lebanon.
3D‐printed bioresorbable poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) and quantum‐dot nanocomposites: Scaffolds for enhanced bone mineralization and inbuilt co‐monitoring
Authors: Nasrin Aklima , Hassan Mahbub , Mirabet Maria Montero , Windhab Norbert , Gomes Vincent G.
Published: December 2021

Multifunctional 3D‐printed nanocomposites based on poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid), that is, PLGA (RESOMER® LG857S) were developed for simultaneous monitoring of cells and scaffold as a function of time and spectral responses. These were achieved by impregnating carbon quantum dots (CQDs) on PLGA using melt‐blending, plasticating extrusion, and 3D‐printing. The nanocomposites enabled enhanced bio‐affinity and cellular interactions for bone tissue engineering (TE). PLGA (control) and PLGA‐CQD scaffolds were used for growing human adipose‐derived‐stem‐cells (ADSCs) and tested for cell biocompatibility, cellular adhesion, growth, and osteogenesis. CQDs were found to enhance the hydrophilicity of nanocomposites and promote cellular nesting. MTS assays confirmed that CQDs on PLGA act as cell anchoring sites, thereby enhancing seeding efficiency and cell proliferation. Alkaline phosphate tests showed increased osteogenesis and Alizarin assays confirmed enhanced bone mineralization on PLGA‐CQD. The qPCR tests based on selected mRNA expressions showed that the incorporation of CQDs significantly enhanced osteogenesis of ADSCs during all three phases of cell differentiation. The intrinsic luminescence of the composites allowed label‐free monitoring of cell proliferation and bone mineralization on the scaffolds. Thus, the CQDs facilitated significant enhancements in composite processability with customized fabrication of 3D printed scaffolds, bone tissue osteoconductivity, and monitoring of cell‐scaffold activities, offering multifunctional benefits for bone TE.
Dexmedetomidine protects cardiomyocytes against hypoxia/reoxygenation injury via multiple mechanisms
Authors: Cai Shunv , Liu Yixing , Cheng Yun , Yuan Junbo , Fang Jun
Published: December 2021

Background

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a serious cardiovascular disease associated with myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Dexmedetomidine (Dex), an α2‐adrenoceptor agonist, has been reported to protect against I/R injury. We examined the cardioprotective effects of Dex on cardiomyocytes under hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) conditions and explored the underlying mechanisms.

Materials and methods

A H/R model was established to mimic the MI injury. The CCK‐8 assay was performed to measure cell viability. Cellular apoptosis was measured using the Annexin V fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐propidium iodide (PI) staining. The levels of interleukin (IL)‐1α and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, and the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured using a commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using the 2'‐7’ dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH‐DA) staining assay. In addition, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and caspase‐3 were measured using a commercial kit. siRNA was used to silence Bcl‐2, catalase, or STAT3. Western blotting was used to measure the change in the levels of proteins.

Results

Dex improved the cell viability and inhibited the inflammatory response in H9c2 cells exposed to H/R treatment. In addition, Dex inhibited apoptosis and alleviated the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and oxidative stress in H9c2 cells under the H/R treatment. Mechanism investigation showed that Dex inhibited the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Moreover, Dex enhanced the activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in H/R‐treated H9c2 cells.

Conclusion

Altogether, our findings suggested Dex as a promising therapeutic agent for myocardial I/R.
Association between long‐term donepezil treatment and brain regional amyloid and tau burden among individuals with mild cognitive impairment assessed using 18F‐AV‐45 and 18F‐AV‐1451 PET
Authors: Li Jian , Zheng Chaojie , Ge Qi , Yan Shaozhen , Paranjpe Manish D , Hu Shuo , Zhou Yun ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: December 2021

This study aims to investigate the association between long‐term donepezil treatment and brain neuropathological burden and cognitive function in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients. Preprocessed 18F‐AV‐45 amyloid and 18F‐AV‐1451 tau positron emission tomography (PET) images, magnetic resonance imaging images (MRIs), demographic information, and donepezil use status were downloaded from 255 MCI participants enrolled in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database. Partial volume correction was applied to all PET images. Structural MRIs were used for PET spatial normalization. Regions of interest (ROIs) were defined in standard space, and standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) images relative to the cerebellum were computed. Multiple linear regression with the least absolute shrinkage selector operator was performed to analyze the effect of long‐term donepezil treatment on (a) the SUVR of each 18F‐AV‐45 or 18F‐AV‐1451 brain PET ROI after adjusting for age, sex, education, ApoE ε4 status, and AD‐associated disease risk factors; and (b) cognitive performance after adjusting for age, sex education, ApoE ε4 status, AD‐associated disease risk factors, and regional amyloid or tau burden. In adjusted models, long‐term donepezil treatment was associated with greater amyloid load in the orbital frontal, superior frontal, parietal, posterior precuneus, posterior cingulate, lateral temporal, inferior temporal and fusiform regions, and tau burden in the posterior cingulate, entorhinal and parahippocampal gyrus. Long‐term donepezil treatment was also associated with worse performance on the 13‐item Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐Cognitive subscale after adjusting for AD‐related risk factors and regional brain amyloid or tau load. These results indicate that long‐term donepezil treatment is associated with increased regional amyloid and tau burden and worse cognitive performance among individuals with MCI. Our study highlights the importance of using noninvasive and quantitative 18F‐AV‐45 and 18F‐AV‐1451 PET to elucidate the consequences of drug administration in AD studies.
The impact and value of a pharmacist within a persistent pain management service
Authors: Mayfield Karla , Nguyen Huong , Smith Cathy , Morris Tania
Published: December 2021

A model of a pharmacist‐led consultation clinic within a Persistent Pain Management Service (PPMS) has recently been implemented to improve accessibility to medication review, promote opioid stewardship and reduce high‐risk medication‐taking behaviours. This audit aims to determine the impact of a pharmacist on opioid de‐escalation and the perceived value of pharmacist interventions. This audit was conducted at an outpatient PPMS between 30/10/19 and 25/3/20. Pharmacist interventions and deprescribing plans from 1:1 consultation with patients were communicated in writing to general practitioners (GPs) for actioning. Opioid consumption was quantified using oral morphine equivalent daily dose (oMEDD). Self‐rated patient, GP and PPMS staff questionnaires were used to assess perception of value and impact of pharmacist service. Thirty‐five patients were included. Mean oMEDD reduced from 86.2mg to 73.4mg (p < 0.0001) after a mean of 64 days. Pharmacist consultation resulted in improved patient understanding of medication roles in chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) (self‐rated score: 6.4 increased to 8.0 on a 10‐point scale, p < 0.0001) and improved confidence to safely administer medications (7.2 increased to 8.7, p < 0.0001). There was 100% patient satisfaction. GP questionnaire data (n = 18) indicated 90% of GPs plan to implement at least one recommendation. GP’s indicated recommendations were valuable, practical and clear (rated 4.1, 4.1 & 4.4, respectively, on a 5‐point scale). Pharmacist service was associated with reduced opioid intake and improved patient understanding regarding roles and harms of medications in CNCP. Pharmacist interventions were routinely implemented and valued by GPs.
Evaluation of a 3D‐Printed Transoral Robotic Surgery Simulator Utilizing Artificial Tissue
Authors: Murr Alexander T. , Lumley Catherine J. , Feins Richard H. , Hackman Trevor G.
Published: December 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) poses challenges for operators in training, with limited robot access on a platform requiring distinct surgical skills. Few simulators exist, and current virtual reality training modules exclude head and neck simulations. This study evaluates the construct validity for a novel low‐cost TORS simulator.

Study Design

Single institution prospective observational study.

Methods

Using 3D‐printed oral cavity structures and replaceable artificial tissue components, a modular TORS simulator was constructed for short‐duration hands‐on simulations with the da Vinci SI robot. Sixteen surgeons of differing robotic skill levels, no experience (novice), prior experience, and formal robot training, participated in simulated tonsil and tongue base tumor resections. Video recordings of each participant were graded by a blinded robotically trained surgeon using a 35‐point Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Surgery (GEARS) criterion adapted for the TORS simulator.

Results

Operators reporting formal robotic training or prior robot experience achieved significantly higher mean total GEARS scores compared to novice operators (32 vs. 20.5; P < .001). Overall, mean total GEARS scores correlated with reported experience level; novice operators scored 54% of total points at 19 (4.5), operators with prior experience scored 82.3% of total points at 28.8 (2.6), and robotically trained operators scored 97.1% of total points at 34 (1.7).

Conclusion

With a GEARS criterion, our simulator successfully differentiated novice from experienced and robotically trained operators of the da Vinci SI robot during simulated tonsillectomy and base of tongue resections. These findings support the construct validity of this prototype simulator and offer a foundation for further testing of predictive validity.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 132:1588–1593, 2022
Research Progress on Multilayer‐Structured Polymer‐Based Dielectric Nanocomposites for Energy Storage
Authors: Cheng Lian , Gao Huayun , Liu Kai , Tan Hua , Fan Pengyuan , Liu Yang , Hu Yongming , Yan Zilin , Zhang Haibo
Published: December 2021

The demand for a new generation of high‐energy‐density dielectric materials in the field of capacitive energy storage is promoted by the rise of high‐power applications in electronic devices and electrical systems. Polymer‐based dielectric nanocomposites with ultrahigh charge–discharge rates and power densities play essential roles in energy storage. Recently, multilayer structure polymer‐based dielectric nanocomposites (MSPBDNs) with improved dielectric constant, breakdown constant, and discharged energy density have gained widespread interest because of their immense potential. In the present work, MSPBDNs are classified, depending on the nature of the interlayer, into those with a high insulation layer, a high dielectric layer, and a gradient structure. To further understand the breakdown process of MSPBDNs, the authors elaborate on multilayer‐structured models, analysis breakdown mechanisms, and simulations. Despite the great progress achieved, the field of developing a novel topological structure remains open to further investigation and optimization. In addition, the research prospects and directions of energy storage fields are briefly discussed and summarized.
Crown Ether‐Based Supramolecular Polymers: From Synthesis to Self‐Assembly
Authors: Duan Zhaozhao , Xu Fenfen , Huang Xiaohui , Qian Yongchao , Li Hui , Tian Wei
Published: December 2021

Supramolecular polymers not only possess many advantages of traditional polymers, but also have many unique characteristics. Supramolecular polymers can be constructed by self‐assembly of various noncovalent interactions. Host–guest interaction, as one important type of noncovalent interactions, has been widely applied to construct supramolecular polymers. From the perspective of classification of the recognition system motifs, host–guest recognition motifs mainly include crown ether, cyclodextrin, calixarene, cucurbituril, and pillararene‐based host–guest recognition pairs. Crown ethers, as the first‐generation macrocyclic hosts, have played a very important part in the development of supramolecular chemistry. Due to the easy modification of crown ethers, various crown ether derivatives have been prepared by attaching some functional groups to the edges of crown ethers, which endowed them with some interesting properties and made them ideal candidates for the fabrication of supramolecular polymers. This review gives a review of the preparation of crown ether‐based supramolecular polymers (CSPs) and summarizes crown ether‐based recognition pairs, organization methods, topological structures, stimuli‐responsiveness, and functional characteristics.
Multiple classes and isoforms of the RNA polymerase recycling motor protein HelD
Authors: Larsen Joachim S. , Miller Michael , Oakley Aaron J. , Dixon Nicholas E. , Lewis Peter J.
Published: December 2021

Efficient control of transcription is essential in all organisms. In bacteria, where DNA replication and transcription occur simultaneously, the replication machinery is at risk of colliding with highly abundant transcription complexes. This can be exacerbated by the fact that transcription complexes pause frequently. When pauses are long‐lasting, the stalled complexes must be removed to prevent collisions with either another transcription complex or the replication machinery. HelD is a protein that represents a new class of ATP‐dependent motor proteins distantly related to helicases. It was first identified in the model Gram‐positive bacteriumBacillus subtilisand is involved in removing and recycling stalled transcription complexes. To date, two classes of HelD have been identified: one in the low G+C and the other in the high G+C Gram‐positive bacteria. In this work, we have undertaken the first comprehensive investigation of the phylogenetic diversity of HelD proteins. We show that genes in certain bacterial classes have been inherited by horizontal gene transfer, many organisms contain multiple expressed isoforms of HelD, some of which are associated with antibiotic resistance, and that there is a third class of HelD protein found in Gram‐negative bacteria. In summary, HelD proteins represent an important new class of transcription factors associated with genome maintenance and antibiotic resistance that are conserved across the Eubacterial kingdom.
Containment control for fractional‐order multi‐agent systems with mixed time delays
Authors: Liu Song , Fu Xinyu , Zhao Xiao‐Wen , Pang Denghao
Published: December 2021

This paper offers a simple and reliable method to handle containment control for fractional‐order multi‐agent systems (FOMASs) with mixed time delays. Applying graph theory and fractional Razumikhin technique, some algebraic conditions are proposed by adopting non‐delayed and delayed protocols, respectively. The proposed method can deal with well the troubles and difficulties arising from time delays and fractional derivatives. Finally, an illustrative example further clarifies the reliability and validity of our results.
Colonic Delivery of α‐Linolenic Acid by an Advanced Nutrient Delivery System Prolongs Glucagon‐Like Peptide‐1 Secretion and Inhibits Food Intake in Mice
Authors: Kamakura Remi , Raza Ghulam Shere , Mäkilä Ermei , Riikonen Joakim , Kovalainen Miia , Ueta Yoichi , Lehto Vesa‐Pekka , Salonen Jarno , Herzig Karl‐Heinz
Published: December 2021

Scope

Nutrients stimulate the secretion of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), an incretin hormone, secreted from enteroendocrine L‐cells which decreases food intake. Thus, GLP‐1 analogs are approved for the treatment of obesity, yet cost and side effects limit their use. L‐cells are mainly localized in the distal ileum and colon, which hinders the utilization of nutrients targeting GLP‐1 secretion. This study proposes a controlled delivery system for nutrients, inducing a prolonged endogenous GLP‐1 release which results in a decrease food intake.

Methods and Results

α‐Linolenic acid (αLA) was loaded into thermally hydrocarbonized porous silicon (THCPSi) particles. In vitro characterization and in vivo effects of αLA loaded particles on GLP‐1 secretion and food intake were studied in mice. A total of 40.4 ± 3.2% of loaded αLA is released from particles into biorelevant buffer over 24 h, and αLA loaded THCPSi significantly increased in vitro GLP‐1 secretion. Single‐dose orally given αLA loaded mesoporous particles increased plasma active GLP‐1 levels at 3 and 4 h and significantly reduced the area under the curve of 24 h food intake in mice.

Conclusions

αLA loaded THCPSi particles could be used to endogenously stimulate sustain gastrointestinal hormone release and reduce food intake.
The association between fear of COVID‐19 and mental health: The mediating roles of burnout and job stress among emergency nursing staff
Authors: Ahorsu Daniel Kwasi , Lin Chung‐Ying , Marznaki Zohreh Hosseini , H. Pakpour Amir
Published: December 2021

Aim

This current study examined the mediation roles of burnout and job stress in the association between fear of COVID‐19 and mental health among emergency nurses.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

A total of 516 emergency nurses with a mean age of 41.18 (SD = 8.24), mostly females (76.16%) and married (78.9%) responded to measures on fear of COVID‐19, burnout, job stress and mental health between 15 September and 7 November 2020.

Results

There was a significantly direct effect between (a) fear of COVID‐19 and mental health, (b) fear of COVID‐19 and mediators (burnout and job stress) and (c) mediators (burnout and job stress) and mental health. Also, there was a significantly indirect effect between fear of COVID‐19 and mental health through job stress, burnout or both.

Conclusions

Fear of COVID‐19 directly and indirectly influenced the mental health of emergency nurses. Therefore, hospital authorities should provide sufficient resources to allay the fears of nurses during this COVID‐19 pandemic period.
Utilization of validated criteria for diagnostic assessment in nonsynchronous, allopatric populations: Role in archeologic diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and differentially distinguishing it from mimics
Authors: Rothschild Bruce M.
Published: December 2021

The origin of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been controversial, with devouée committed to either New World or Old World origins. Support for the latter was predicated on observation of isolated Old World pre‐Columbian cases of inflammatory arthritis. The hypothesis is that spectral assessment of disease characteristics can determine the likelihood that pre‐Columbian Old World claims are validly attributed to RA. Do they represent spectrum outliers or do they have a different etiology (e.g., spondyloarthropathy)? The published literature was surveyed for reports alleging pre‐Columbian, Old World cases of RA. The disease characteristics in published reports claiming presence of pre‐Columbian RA were analyzed. Spectrum of disease (manifestations as population phenomenon) was utilized to assess likelihood diagnoses, when only isolated cases are recognized. None of the accessible 41 reported cases, with adequate information to allow assessment, described/illustrated individuals with the polyarticular, marginally distributed erosions in the absence of peri‐erosional sclerosis, reactive new bone formation, or ankyloses/fusion that is typical of RA. The findings in 90% of reports were actually classic for spondyloarthropathy. The probability of valid diagnosis of RA among individuals with subchondral erosions was less than 0.0001; individuals with joint fusion/ankyloses, <0.0001; and individuals with axial joint disease, 0.0002. Observation only of outliers, without other individuals (in the same sample/population) representing the spectrum of disease that characterizes RA, provided a spectral pattern incompatible with that diagnosis. The role of spectral patterns was supported as an effective tool for generating confidence in paleopathological diagnoses. Additionally, confidently identified pre‐Columbian Old World RA removes the objection to its suggested New World Origin.
Small Systems: Put Your Wastewater and Stormwater to Use!
Authors: Macler Bruce , Bishop Samantha C. M. , Smith David
Published: December 2021

Small systems can realize many benefits by harvesting and applying traditionally nonpotable water sources to serve community, industrial, environmental, and other uses, including potable reuse.
Balancing Harmful Algal Bloom Control and Disinfection Byproduct Formation
Authors: Fiske Peter S.
Published: December 2021

In controlling microcystin in its water system, an Ohio utility experienced a spike in trihalomethanes. Adopting dual software tools helped the utility tackle both challenges.
Activin B, a new player in kidney fibrosis?†
Authors: Krepinsky Joan C
Published: December 2021

Interest has been growing in the role of activin A in both acute and chronic kidney disease. The role of other activins, however, remains relatively unexplored. In a recent issue of The Journal of Pathology, an elegant study by Sun et al identified upregulation of INHBB, the subunit of activin B, in three different models of kidney fibrosis, as well as in human kidneys with fibrosis. This increase was shown to be mediated by upregulation of the transcription factor Sox9. Using overexpression and inhibition strategies, the importance of INHBB to kidney interstitial fibroblast activation and kidney fibrosis was clearly shown. Importantly, INHBB and Sox9 are not appreciably expressed in normal tissue. These studies lay important groundwork for the further investigation of activin B targeting as a potential therapeutic approach to attenuate kidney fibrosis. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Effects of boron nitride and carbon nanotube on damping properties, thermal conductivity and compression stress relaxation behavior of BIIR
Authors: Dong Huanhuan , Zhang Guojie , Jiang Yang , Zhang Yong
Published: December 2021

As highly integrated electronic components and devices are used under high electrical power and mechanical vibration, the thermal conductivity, damping properties, and compression stress relaxation of protection materials have become critical factors which affect the long‐term durability and reliability of the materials. Damping rubbers are widely used, but their thermal conductivity and compression stress relaxation are rarely studied. Herein, the effects of boron nitride (BN) and carbon nanotube on the damping properties, thermal conductivity, and compression stress relaxation behavior of brominated butyl rubber (BIIR) are investigated. BN increases the damping factor of BIIR and widens its effective damping temperature range. The maximum damping factor of BIIR composite with 12.3 wt% BN is 0.95, and the effective damping temperature range is −41 to 60°C. Moreover, the thermal conductivity of BIIR with 12.3 wt% BN is 0.46, much higher than that of BIIR. With increasing BN content, the thermal conductivity of BIIR/BN composites increases gradually, while their stress relaxation rate decreases. Carbon nanotube can further increase the thermal conductivity of BIIR/BN composites. BIIR/BN composites with high damping properties and thermal conductivity have a great application potential in the heat dissipation and vibration reduction of electronic devices.