bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Cross-sectional Study to Assess Psychiatric Co-morbidity among Patients of Migraine and Other Headaches
Authors: Bansal Pir Dutt , Garg Deepika , Bansal Priyanka , Saini Bhavneesh
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Migraine is the most common cause of vascular headache with a one-year prevalence as high as 6-14.3%. Having various pathophysiological theories, it occurs in much co-morbidity with several medical as well as psychiatric disorders like mood disorders, phobia, anxiety spectrum, etc. Migraine, especially when co-morbid with psychiatric illness stands markedly burdensome economically, diagnostically, therapeutically and prognostically. Hence, needs even further research. Aim: To study patients with migraine versus other types of headache and to study psychiatric co-morbidity among patients with migraine. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on total 100 patients presenting with headache, meeting the criteria were taken up for the study and divided into two groups. Patients meeting International Headache Society (IHS) criteria for migraine were enrolled under group A and patients suffering from headache other than migraine under group B. Having subjected to detailed history and evaluation, patients were subjected to Symptom checklist-80, Hamilton’s Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) and Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 criteria. The data so collected was subjected to statistical analysis and association of psychiatric morbidity with migraine patients was assessed. Results: Patients with migraine (group A) and among those too, patients having psychiatric morbidity had significantly (p<0.01) longer duration of illness (≥8 years), more frequent attacks ≥5 attacks per month and had longer duration of each attack >24 hours compared to the other groups. Patients having migraine had significantly (p<0.01) higher psychiatric morbidity, more SCL-80 symptoms (mean score 83.05); more depressive symptoms (mean MADRS score was 31.9±9.2) and more anxiety with the mean Hamilton Anxiety score was 23.3 than in patients without psychiatric morbidity. Conclusion: A thorough evaluation of psychiatric disorders in migraine is important so as to propose a non segregated model of care to direct the burden and deterioration associated with psychiatric co-morbidity in migraine.
Mycotoxins in Foodstuffs: Case of Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A in Dry Okra and Cassava Chips Marketed in Daloa (Côte d’Ivoire)
Authors: Serge Ehouman Ano Guy , Clément Kouassi Kouassi , Athanase Kouassi Kra , Fréjus Ehui Edi Jean , Maxwell Beugre Grah Avit , Sory Traore Karim
Published: September 2021

The mycotoxins are toxic composites frequently found in foodstuffs causing some damages to consumers. This current study has been realised in order to estimate the content of Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A in dry okra and cassava chips frequently consumed by the population of Daloa. The analysis by chromatography in the liquid phase at high performance has shown that these foodstuffs contain Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A. These results reveal an average content of : 2.58 ± 3.65 µg/Kg and 3.08 ± 5.04  µg/Kg for the Aflatoxin B1 ; 1.06 ± 0.86 µg/Kg and 0.61±0.24 µg/Kg for the Ochratoxin A respectively in the flour of cassava chips and the powder of dry okra. These concentrations are somewhat to higher than those allowed by the norm of Codex Alimentarius. Under this form, the consumption of these foodstuffs by the population expose them at risk of diseases.
Urethral Prolapse in Prepubertal Girls in Port Harcourt, Nigeria: A Multicentre Study
Authors: Gbobo Isesoma , Bassey Goddy
Published: September 2021

Background: Urethral mucosa prolapse is a rare condition mainly seen in prepubertal girl with racial predilection for black girls.

Methodology: This was a multicenter 7-year retrospective analysis of 27 cases of urethral mucosa prolapse treated at the university of Port Harcourt teaching hospital and private health facilities in Port Harcourt from 2011-2018. Relevant information extracted from the case files include age, clinical presentation, examination findings, treatment modality and post-operative complications. Data was entered and analyse using SPSS version 25 and results were presented in simple percentages and frequency tables

Results: The institutional prevalence of urethral prolapse was 0.14%. The commonest presenting complaint was blood stains on the underwear in 23 (85.2%) patients while all patients presented with the characteristic ‘doughnut sign’ of a circumscribed fleshy mass surrounding the urethral meatus. All patients had intact hymen. Surgery was the primary treatment modality in 24 (88.9%) cases while conservative medical management was carried out in three (11.1%) patients. The success rate for surgical management was 100% and 33.3% for medical treatment. The commonest post-operative complication was dysuria reported in 7 (25.9%) cases and acute urinary retention was reported in one (3.75) patient.

Conclusion: Urethral mucosa prolapse is a rare but important condition in prepubertal girls presenting with vaginal bleeding due to the suspicion of sexual abuse. Surgical treatment offers better outcome amongst the studied population.
Effectiveness of Laparoscopy and Hysteroscopy to Optimize the Outcome of Assisted Reproductive Technology
Authors: Emam Mostafa Hussein , Elshwaikh Shereef Lotfy , Aglan Diaa Mounir , Mohamed Mostafa Zain Elabedin
Published: September 2021

Background: Identifying the cause of infertility is complex and often reveals overlapping etiologies. Because of the valuable characteristics of hysteroscopy, it has been deemed a promising surgical intervention to improve in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. The present study aimed to evaluate the role and effectiveness of combined laparoscopy and hysteroscopy in the assessment of uterine pathologies in infertile women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) after IVF, and explore whether removal of such pathologies increased the rate of pregnancy in those women.

Methods: This prospective observational cohort study included 40 infertile patients presented with either primary or secondary infertility after repeated IVF/ intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) failure. Participants were selected from Endoscopy and Assisted Reproductive units in Obstetrics and Gynecology department at Tanta University Hospital.

Results: There was a statistically significant higher rate of successful cases in the abnormal hysteroscopic findings group. There was no statistically significant difference between normal and abnormal laparoscopic findings groups as regard successful ICSI procedure.

Conclusions: Hysteroscopy is recommended to be a routine diagnostic and therapeutic tool in any case with RIF or recurrent IVF/ICSI failures before a new attempt as it increases the success rate. We can’t recommend routine laparoscopy in any case with RIF or recurrent IVF/ICSI failures.
Effect of Mental Status of Mother on Foetal Health – An Ayurvedic Point of View
Authors: Annapurna R. , Kulkarni Bhagavan G. , Dayana H.
Published: September 2021

The science of Ayurveda strongly states that the mental status of the mother has a strong influence on foetal health. This does not start from the time of conception. Instead from the time of development of the ovum itself all the mental conditions of the mother start affecting the foetal health. In this busy urban life mental health of the mother is given less importance. Most of the women, including pregnant ladies are under stress in present scenario. Hence awareness regarding the impact of the mental status of the mother on the fetus may help the society to prevent the ill effects of maternal stress on the fetus.
Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: van Ommen J. Ruud , Goulas Aristeidis , Puurunen Riikka L.
Published: September 2021

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a gas‐phase method to grow layers of solid materials with subnanometer precision. It has been invented independently in the Soviet Union in the 1960s under the name molecular layering, and in the 1970s in Finland under the name atomic layer epitaxy. ALD relies on alternatingly exposing a surface to gaseous reactants—separated by a purge step—that react in a self‐terminating manner. This article introduces the fundamentals of the surface chemistry of ideal ALD, including saturating and irreversible reactions, growth per cycle, monolayer concepts relevant to ALD, typical surface reaction mechanisms, saturation‐limiting factors, growth modes, area‐selective ALD, growth kinetics, and conformality. It also discusses typical deviations from ideal ALD. Over the years, many different ALD process chemistries have been developed. A range of reactor systems is available, depending on the type of substrate and required productivity. ALD is broadly applicable in practice since it couples nanoscale precision with a good scalability and can be used to deposit a large variety of materials. In recent years, the interest in ALD has been growing strongly. The most important sector regarding commercial applications of ALD is currently the semiconductor industry.
Clinical and Molecular Findings After Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation or Cyclophosphamide for Scleroderma: Handling Missing Longitudinal Data
Authors: Keyes‐Elstein Lynette , Pinckney Ashley , Goldmuntz Ellen , Welch Beverly , Franks Jennifer M. , Martyanov Viktor , Wood Tammara A. , Crofford Leslie , Mayes Maureen , McSweeney Peter , Nash Richard , Georges George , Csuka M. E. , Simms Robert , Furst Daniel , Khanna Dinesh , Clair E. William St , Whitfield Michael L. , Sullivan Keith M.
Published: September 2021

Objective

Among individuals with systemic sclerosis (SSc) randomized to cyclophosphamide (CYC) (n = 34) or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) (n = 33), we examined longitudinal trends of clinical, pulmonary function, and quality of life measures while accounting for the influence of early failures on treatment comparisons.

Methods

Assuming that data were missing at random, mixed‐effects regression models were used to estimate longitudinal trends for clinical measures when comparing treatment groups. Results were compared to observed means and to longitudinal trends estimated from shared parameter models, assuming that data were missing not at random. Longitudinal trends for SSc intrinsic molecular subsets defined by baseline gene expression signatures (normal‐like, inflammatory, and fibroproliferative signatures) were also studied.

Results

Available observed means for pulmonary function tests appeared to improve over time in both arms. However, after accounting for participant loss, forced vital capacity in HSCT recipients increased by 0.77 percentage points/year but worsened by –3.70/year for CYC (P = 0.004). Similar results were found for diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide and quality of life indicators. Results for both analytic models were consistent. HSCT recipients in the inflammatory (n = 20) and fibroproliferative (n = 20) subsets had superior long‐term trends compared to CYC for pulmonary and quality of life measures. HSCT was also superior for modified Rodnan skin thickness scores in the fibroproliferative subset. For the normal‐like subset (n = 22), superiority of HSCT was less apparent.

Conclusion

Longitudinal trends estimated from 2 statistical models affirm the efficacy of HSCT over CYC in severe SSc. Failure to account for early loss of participants may distort estimated clinical trends over the long term.
College students use marijuana at highest level since 1980s: MTF
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2021

The Monitoring the Future (MTF) study conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) every year shows higher‐than‐ever marijuana use by college students this year. According to the survey, released Sept. 8, the prevalence — 44% in the past year — is the highest since the 1980s. The survey also found that vaping of marijuana and nicotine leveled off after sharp increases since 2017.
Family treatment follow‐up: Love, not confrontation
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2021

Patrick Doyle, a social worker with expertise in recovery coaching, has been working with a family for four years. When we first wrote about their story in 2018, a young man with a serious alcohol use disorder (AUD) was in and out of residential treatment, doing well at times, but not at others. The mother was — and still is — pivotal to the son's recovery. This month, we talked to Doyle about a major breakthrough for the young man, in his early 40s, who finally asked for help.
SAMHSA awards $123 million to combat overdoses
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2021

Last week, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced more than $123 million in funding through six grant programs to provide multifaceted support to communities and health care providers as the nation continues to combat the overdose epidemic.
On disturbance rejection control for nonlinear three‐revolute prismatic spherical ball and plate systems
Authors: Cai Tao , Dong Zhenye , Liu Xinning
Published: September 2021

The three‐revolute prismatic spherical ball and plate system (BP) is a typical complex nonlinear uncertain system involving axial coupling, friction, and other nonlinear factors. It is difficult to identify the model for each factor and isolate its effect from other factors. In addition to such challenge, the measurement noise, which is beyond the capability of many traditional closed‐loop control methods, exists in the system. For this reason, an active disturbance‐rejection control scheme combining linear tracking differentiator is presented to tackle the problems in the BP system. The simulation and real system test are conducted in response to point‐to‐point trajectories, circular and rectangular loci. The results demonstrate that fast response with small steady error can be achieved by the proposed control method.

GTOC:The paper
provide an active disturbance‐rejection
control scheme combining linear tracking differentiator for the BP system control, The simulation and real system test demonstrate that fast response
with small steady error can be achieved by the proposed control method.
Chromium‐Based Metal–Organic Framework as A‐Site Cation in CsPbI2Br Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yuan Songyang , Xian Yeming , Long Yi , Cabot Andreu , Li Wenzhe , Fan Jiandong
Published: September 2021

Inorganic CsPbIxBr3−x perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have gained enormous interest due to their excellent thermal stabilities. However, their intrinsically poor moisture stability hampers their further development. Herein, a chromium‐based metal–organic framework group is intercalated inside the inorganic PbI framework, resulting in a new multiple‐dimensional electronically coupled CsPbI2Br perovskite. In this structurally and electronically coupled perovskite, the π‐conjugated terpyridyl can delocalize the excited valence electrons of metal Cr3+ ion, enabling multi‐interactive charge‐carrier transport channels within CsPbI2Br perovskites. The stability and efficiency of the produced devices are substantially enhanced in comparison to their counterparts with only a pristine CsPbI2Br active layer. The optimized all‐inorganic PSC yields a power conversion efficiency (PCE) as high as 17.02%. Remarkably, the stabilized device retains 80% of its PCE after 1000 h in the ambient atmosphere. This study provides a new paradigm toward addressing the stability challenge of the inorganic perovskite while enhancing its carrier transport ability.
PEDOT:PSS‐Free Polymer Non‐Fullerene Polymer Solar Cells with Efficiency up to 18.60% Employing a Binary‐Solvent‐Chlorinated ITO Anode
Authors: Sun Rui , Wang Tao , Wu Yao , Zhang Meng , Ma Yunlong , Xiao Zuo , Lu Guanghao , Ding Liming , Zheng Qingdong , Brabec Christoph J. , Li Yongfang , Min Jie
Published: September 2021

Despite the tremendous development of different high‐performing photovoltaic systems in non‐fullerene polymer solar cells (PSCs), improving their performance is still highly demanding. Herein, an effective and compatible strategy, i.e., binary‐solvent‐chlorinated indium tin oxide (ITO) anode, is presented to improve the device performance of the state‐of‐the‐art photoactive systems. Although both ODCB (1,2‐dichlorobenzene) solvent‐ and ODCB:H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) co‐solvent‐chlorinated ITO (ITO‐Cl‐ODCB and ITO‐Cl‐ODCB:H2O2) show similar optical transmittance, electrical conductivities, and work function values, ITO‐Cl‐ODCB:H2O2 exhibits higher Cl surface coverage and more suitable surface free energy close to the poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)‐buffered ITO anode (ITO/PEDOT:PSS). As a direct consequence, the performance of ITO‐Cl‐ODCB‐based PBDB‐T‐2F:BTP‐eC9:PC71BM PSCs is comparable as the bare ITO‐based devices. In contrast, the performance of ITO‐Cl‐ODCB:H2O2‐based devices with both small and the scaled‐up areas significantly surpass the ITO/PEDOT:PSS‐based devices. Furthermore, detailed experimental studies are conducted linking optical property, blend morphology, and physical dynamics to find the reasons for the performance difference. By applying the ITO‐Cl‐ODCB:H2O2 anode to six other photovoltaic systems, the device efficiencies are enhanced by 3.6–6.2% relative to those of the ITO/PEDOT:PSS‐based control devices, which validates its great application potential of co‐solvent‐modified ITO anode employed into PEDOT:PSS‐free PSCs.
Multiscale Photoacoustic Tomography of a Genetically Encoded Near‐Infrared FRET Biosensor
Authors: Li Lei , Hsu Hsun‐Chia , Verkhusha Vladislav V. , Wang Lihong V. , Shcherbakova Daria M.
Published: September 2021

Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) with genetically encoded near‐infrared probes enables visualization of specific cell populations in vivo at high resolution deeply in biological tissues. However, because of a lack of proper probes, PAT of cellular dynamics remains unexplored. Here, the authors report a near‐infrared Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensor based on a miRFP670‐iRFP720 pair of the near‐infrared fluorescent proteins, which enables dynamic functional imaging of active biological processes in deep tissues. By photoacoustically detecting the changes in the optical absorption of the miRFP670 FRET‐donor, they monitored cell apoptosis in deep tissue at high spatiotemporal resolution using PAT. Specifically, they detected apoptosis in single cells at a resolution of ≈3 µm in a mouse ear tumor, and in deep brain tumors (>3 mm beneath the scalp) of living mice at a spatial resolution of ≈150 µm with a 20 Hz frame rate. These results open the way for high‐resolution photoacoustic imaging of dynamic biological processes in deep tissues using NIR biosensors and PAT.
Prediction of cotton yield reduction after hail damage using a UAV‐based digital camera
Authors: Wang Le , Liu Yang , Wen Ming , Li Minghua , Dong Zhiqiang , He Zheng , Cui Jing , Ma Fuyu
Published: September 2021

To elucidate different performances of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) yield reduction prediction model at multiple damage stages under different hailstorm damage levels, six times (I–VI, no repeated damage) of hail damage simulation treatments with four damage levels (0, 30, 60, and 90%) for modeling and natural hailstorm tracking experiment for model verification were conducted in 2017–2019. Eleven image parameters derived from an unmanned aerial vehicle‐based digital camera were analyzed. In addition, four regression methods (traditional regression analysis, partial least squares regression (PLSR), support vector regression, and back‐propagation neural network) were employed to develop a prediction model of cotton yield reduction. The results indicate that cotton yield prediction model at each damage stage performed better than a general model developed for all damage stages. Considering the bloom stage (75 d after sowing) as a boundary, three PLSR models based on multiple image parameters were developed for pre‐bloom hail damage. For post‐bloom hail damage, a general quadratic polynomial model based on relative canopy cover performed the best among all regression models. In conclusion, for pre‐bloom hail damage, the yield prediction model for each damage stage should be developed, whereas for post‐bloom hail damage, a general yield prediction model should be developed. The results of this work might serve as a guide for farmers and agricultural insurance companies to estimate hailstorm damages quickly and accurately.
Productivity nutritive value and economic potential of irrigated fodder in two regions of Ghana
Authors: Amole T. Adegoke , Panyan Emmaunel , Adekeye Adetayo , Ayantunde Augustine , Duncan Alan , Blummel Michael
Published: September 2021

An on‐farm study was conducted in the northern and Upper East regions of Ghana to investigate the productivity and nutritive value of irrigated ruzi grass [Urochloa ruziziensis (R. Germ. and C.M. Evrard) Crins] (syn. Brachiaria ruziziensis (R. Germ. and C.M. Evrard)] and forage sorghum (Sorghum almum) grasses as options against dry season feed scarcity and to understand associated market opportunities. Sixty participating farmers each established 100‐m2 plots which were sown at 15 kg ha–1 drilled in 60‐cm rows in the dry season of 2016 and 2017. Irrigation was by flooding of soil surface every alternate day throughout the period of the trial. At both regions, herbage accumulation and nutritive value of forage species were determined at four harvesting stages: 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after planting (WAP) followed by 4‐wk intervals between harvests. At the end of the trial, fresh biomass was weighed, bundled, and sold in major livestock feed markets to estimate market price. Allowing forages to establish for only 8 wk resulted in two 4‐wk regrowth harvests with dry matter accumulation (DMA) ranging from 4.5 to 8.1 Mg DM ha–1 from both species and in both regions. Generally, herbage nutritive values in terms of crude protein, metabolizable energy (ME) concentration, and in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM) declined (P < .05) while DMA increased linearly with delay in harvest. While both grasses adapted well in the regions under irrigation, 8 WAP harvests provided the best balance between nutritive value and DMA. Irrigated fodder must be marketed more effectively since currently market prices are not closely related to nutritive value.
Hand grip strength in boys and girls from summer school camps in Spain, 1900–1925. A comparison with 21st century data
Authors: Herráez Angel , Marrodán María Dolores , González‐Montero de Espinosa Marisa
Published: September 2021

Objectives

The Spanish National Pedagogic Museum (Museo Pedagógico Nacional, MPN), founded by La Institución Libre de Enseñanza, organized the first summer school camps in Spain and their initiative was followed by other institutions in this country. MPN prepared anthropological forms for those sojourns, which included information about both metric and physiological measurements of the schoolchildren. The aim of the current work is to analyze hand grip strength data and to compare them with recent values.

Methods

The initial sample included 2418 schoolchildren from 6 to 16 years old (1467 males, 951 females) attending the camps, but after preliminary analyses, the study was restricted to 1073 boys and 818 girls in the 1900–1925 interval. Three time periods were established and 13 categories of height at camp entry, every 5 cm. Normality tests were run as well as contrasts of means, and both average values and percentiles were calculated for hand grip strength in both hands, as a function of age and height categories.

Results

The 1900–1925 interval was chosen since there were no significant differences among hand grip data within that period. Results show that children attending the camps had dynamometry values in both hands well below the current ones, both with reference to their height and to their age.

Conclusions

Camp attendees displayed very low values of height and hand grip strength in both hands. Both are significantly lower than contemporary values, manifesting a secular effect.
Uniparental origins of the admixed Argentine Patagonia
Authors: Tamburrini Camila , de Saint Pierre Michelle , Bravi Claudio Marcelo , Bailliet Graciela , Jurado Medina Laura , Velázquez Irina Florencia , Real Luciano Esteban , Holley Alfredo , Tedeschi Claudia Marcela , Basso Néstor Guillermo , Parolin María Laura
Published: September 2021

Objectives

We aimed to contribute to the understanding of the ancient geographic origins of the uniparentally inherited markers in modern admixed Argentinian populations from central Patagonia with new information provided for the city of Trelew. We attempted to highlight the importance of combining different genetic markers when studying population history.

Methods

The mtDNA control region sequence was typified in 89 individuals and 12 Y‐STR and 15 Y‐SNP loci were analyzed in 66 males. With these data, analysis of molecular variance and Network analyses were carried out. We exhaustively compared the modern data with ancient mtDNA information. Finally, we tested the differences in continental origins estimated by uniparental and previously published biparental markers.

Results

Native American mtDNAs (53.9%) increased when maternal ancestors were born in the northern (81.8%) and southern (58.5%) regions of Argentina or in Chile (77.8%). Population substructure was only observed for Y‐chromosome haplotypes. Some mtDNA haplogroups have been present in the area for at least ca. 2762–2430 and ca. 500 (D1g and D1g4 haplogroups) and ca. 6736 and ca. 6620 (C1b and C1c haplogroups) years, respectively. In contrast, haplogroups B2i2 and C1b13, frequent in modern Patagonia populations, had not been found in previous ancient DNA studies of the region.

Conclusions

The results suggest that Native American ancestry is well preserved in the region. Trelew samples had characteristic native mtDNA haplogroups previously described in Chilean and Argentine Patagonian populations, but not observed in ancient samples until now. These findings support the idea that these lineages have a recent regional origin. Finally, the estimated proportions of continental ancestry depend on the genetic marker analyzed.
Vasa nervorum of epicardial nerves and valves of small veins investigated in porcine heart by two types of vascular injections
Authors: Musil Vladimir , Stingl Josef , Vanek Tomas , Riedlova Jitka , Suchomel Zdenek , Sach Josef , Kudrna Vaclav , Patzelt Matej , Kachlik David
Published: September 2021

The morphology of the vascular supply of peripheral branches of cardiac nerves has not been systematically described until now. The aim of this study was to describe the architectonics of the vasa nervorum of epicardial nerves in porcine hearts by using two injection techniques. Twenty‐three hearts from young healthy pigs were used. In 10 hearts India ink solution was injected into the origin of the anterior interventricular branch. In another 10 hearts India ink solution was injected retrogradely through the coronary sinus. The hearts were then analyzed using a magnifying glass and light microscopy. The arterial injection showed the entirety of the rich venous components of the vasa nervorum, which often consisted of paired veins accompanying the epicardial nerves. The thickness of the nerves ranged from 50 to 815 μm. The vasa nervorum drained into larger subepicardial veins. In seven of the hearts prepared with venous injections the vasa nervorum of epicardial nerves were visualized in the same detail as in the arterial preparations and India ink solution filled the right ventricle via the smallest cardiac veins. The histological analysis of these seven hearts showed complete dehiscence and functional insufficiency of small and larger veins valves. In the other three hearts prepared with venous injections the valves were competent, which prevented retrograde filling of larger and smaller veins. The results obtained expand the current knowledge on epicardial nerves vasa nervorum and provide anatomical evidence behind the mechanism of retrograde application of cardioplegic solutions in cardiac surgery.
Biological and pharmacological activities of noscapine: Focusing on its receptors and mechanisms
Authors: Nourbakhsh Fahimeh , Askari Vahid Reza
Published: September 2021

Noscapine has been mentioned as one of the effective drugs with potential therapeutic applications. With few side effects and amazing capabilities, noscapine can be considered different from other opioids‐like structure compounds. Since 1930, extensive studies have been conducted in the field of pharmacological treatments from against malaria to control cough and cancer treatment. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that noscapine and some analogues, like 9‐bromonoscapine, amino noscapine, and 9‐nitronoscapine, can be used to treat polycystic ovaries syndrome, stroke, and other diseases. Given the numerous results presented in this field and the role of different receptors in the therapeutic effects of noscapine, we aimed to review the properties, therapeutic effects, and the role of receptors in the treatment of noscapine.
Charge transfer study for semiconductor and semiconductor/ metal composites based on surface‐enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Yang Bo , Wang Ye , Guo Shuang , Jin Sila , Park Eungyeong , Chen Lei , Jung Young Mee
Published: September 2021

With the development of the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique, new multipurpose and multiperformance SERS‐active substrates have been developed. Semiconductor and semiconductor/metal composites show versatility and SERS activity for theoretical and practical applications. Semiconductor‐based SERS substrates with different microstructures, materials and compositions have been prepared to explore the enhancement effect on Raman signals. The discovery of the SERS enhancement effect of semiconductors makes up for the gap that SERS development is limited to metal‐based materials. Semiconductor/metal composite substrates have established preparation technology that is compatible with the characteristics of different materials to form a stable and solid substrate that can regulate the SERS enhancement mechanism. These composites establish a good model for the theoretical research of SERS, which is of great significance to explore its enhancement mechanism. In this review, various semiconductor materials are introduced as SERS‐active substrates. Versatile applications of semiconductor‐based SERS and its enhancement mechanism are also presented.
Poor tumor differentiation is an independent adverse prognostic variable in patients with locally advanced oral cavity cancer––Comparison with pathological risk factors according to the NCCN guidelines
Authors: Lee Li‐Yu , Lin Chien‐Yu , Cheng Nai‐Ming , Tsai Chi‐Ying , Hsueh Chuen , Fan Kang‐Hsing , Wang Hung‐Ming , Hsieh Chia‐Hsun , Ng Shu‐Hang , Yeh Chih‐Hua , Lin Chih‐Hung , Tsao Chung‐Kan , Fang Tuan‐Jen , Huang Shiang‐Fu , Lee Li‐Ang , Kang Chung‐Jan , Fang Ku‐Hao , Wang Yu‐Chien , Lin Wan‐Ni , Hsin Li‐Jen , Yen Tzu‐Chen , Liao Chun‐Ta
Published: September 2021

Methods

We sought to compare the prognostic impact of tumor differentiation with respect to adverse risk factors (RFs) identified by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines––including extranodal extension (ENE), positive/close margins, perineural invasion, lymphatic invasion, and vascular invasion––in patients with locally advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC).

Results

Between 1996 and 2018, 1179 consecutive patients with first primary pT3–4 OCSCC were included. A three‐level grading system was adopted––in which the final classification was assigned according to the most prevalent tumor grade. We identified 382/669/128 patients with well/moderately/poorly differentiated tumors, respectively. Compared with well/moderately differentiated tumors, poorly differentiated OCSCC had a higher prevalence of the following variables: female sex (4%/6%/11%), ENE, (14%/36%/61%), positive margins (0.5%/2%/4%), close margins (10%/14%/22%), perineural invasion (22%/50%/63%), lymphatic invasion (2%/9%/17%), vascular invasion (1%/4%/10%), and adjuvant therapy (64%/80%/87%). The 5‐year rates of patients with well/moderately/poorly differentiated OCSCC were as follows: local control (LC, 85%/82%/84%, p = 0.439), neck control (NC, 91%/83%/70%, p < 0.001), distant metastases (DM, 6%/18%/40%, p < 0.001), disease‐free survival (DFS, 78%/63%/46%, p < 0.001), disease‐specific survival (DSS, 85%/71%/49%, p < 0.001), and overall survival (OS, 68%/55%/39%, p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis identified the following variables as independent prognosticators for 5‐year outcomes: ENE (LC/NC/DM/DFS/DSS/OS), poorly differentiated tumors (NC/DM/DFS/DSS/OS), positive margins (LC/DFS), lymphatic invasion (DFS/DSS/OS), perineural invasion (DM), and age ≥65 years (OS).

Conclusions

In addition to ENE, poor tumor differentiation was identified as the second most relevant adverse RF for patients with pT3–4 OCSCC. We suggest that the NCCN guidelines should include poor tumor differentiation as an adverse RF to refine and tailor clinical management.
The impact of state and federal policies on community college correctional education programs
Authors: Thouin Caroline
Published: September 2021

As interest in reducing the nation's incarceration rates grows, a shift in policy in favor of education for incarcerated individuals is occurring. This article focuses on the expansive role that community colleges have in offering educational opportunities to individuals in both jails and prisons around the country. This article provides an overview of the correctional education programs that are offered by community colleges, details the state and federal policies that impact these programs, and offers recommendations for key decision‐makers, policymakers, and community college leaders.
Left femoral vein access for transcatheter mitral valve interventions in unfavorable interatrial septal anatomy
Authors: Maisano Francesco , Russo Giulio , Tagliari Ana Paula , Gavazzoni Mara , Taramasso Maurizio
Published: September 2021

Optimal transseptal puncture (TSP) position on the interatrial septum as well as proper catheter direction and maneuverability in the left atrium (LA) are key elements for successful mitral valve (MV) interventions. TSP is usually performed from the right femoral vein being more comfortable for the operator and easier to reach the fossa ovalis. In the cases reported, TSP was performed from left femoral vein (LFV) to improve delivery system maneuverability and trajectory inside the LA in the context of MV repair with MitraClip. According to this early experience, LFV approach might be considered as first choice or as an alternative solution in patients in whom a higher position of the delivery system relative to the mitral annulus is needed.
Ligand Functionalized Iron‐Based Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Efficient Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Qi Qianglong , Tai Jun , Hu Jue , Zhang Zihan , Dai Linqing , Song Hongchuan , Shao Minhua , Zhang Chengxu , Zhang Libo
Published: September 2021

Fe‐based metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have been reported as potential catalysts for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, it is still a great challenge to rationally design robust MOF catalysts with reasonable ligands due to the lack of research on tunable structure architecture. Herein, a series of Fe‐based MOFs with tunable ligands have been designed and synthesized for OER for the first time. The functionalized Fe‐MOFs‐NHCHO and Fe‐MOFs‐NO2 derived catalysts show higher OER activity than the pristine Fe‐MOFs. Remarkably, the best‐performing Fe‐MOFs‐NHCHO shows an ultra‐low overpotential of 246 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, which is 37 mV lower than Fe‐MOFs. This research provides a new design concept based on MOFs materials, in the hope of finding excellent OER catalysts.
New chromanone derivatives containing thiazoles: Synthesis and antitumor activity evaluation on A549 lung cancer cell line
Authors: Yurttaş Leyla , Temel Halide Edip , Aksoy Mehmet Onur , Bülbül Emre Fatih , Çiftçi Gülşen Akalin
Published: September 2021

Novel 2‐[2‐(chroman‐4‐ylidene)hydrazinyl]‐4/5‐substituted thiazole derivatives (2a–i) were synthesized and investigated for their anticancer activity. Cytotoxic activity on A549 and NIH/3T3 cell lines was determined, most of the compounds exhibited high cytotoxic profile with selectivity. Selected compounds 2b, 2c, 2e, 2g, 2h, and 2i were tested to determine induction of apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and cell cycle arrest. The results showed that the compounds induced apoptosis intrinsically that they triggered loss of mitochondrial potential through increasing the accumulation of cells in G2/M. Besides, intrinsic apoptotic pathway was supported by down‐regulation of anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐2 and up‐regulation of proapoptotic protein Bax. Molecular docking study for compounds 2b, 2c, and 2g was promoted experimental outcomes.
The shrub Ephedra californica facilitates arthropod communities along a regional desert climatic gradient
Authors: Braun Jenna , Westphal Michael , Lortie Christopher J.
Published: September 2021

Arthropods underpin arid community dynamics and provide many key ecosystem services. In arid ecosystems, the key habitat components that influence arthropod community structure are relatively understudied. Ephedra californica is a locally abundant shrub now restricted to highly fragmented populations with established positive effects on plant and vertebrate animal communities within the drylands of Southern California. The capacity for these positive effects to further support ground arthropod communities has not been examined. We tested the hypothesis that the physical structure and cover vegetation enhance key measures of arthropod community assembly at nine Californian desert sites that comprise an extensive regional aridity gradient. We contrasted the effects of shrub canopies with ground‐covering vegetation on structuring ground‐active arthropod communities by surveying ground‐active arthropods with pitfall traps and collecting vegetation on the soil surface in the form of residual dry matter (RDM). We collected a total of 5820 individual arthropod specimens for a total of 159 morphospecies. Arthropod abundance and morphospecies richness and RDM biomass and cover were significantly greater beneath the canopy of E. californica throughout the region. Total biomass of RDM did not significantly influence arthropod communities, but cover of RDM on the soil surface negatively influenced arthropod abundance. Neither climatic aridity nor downscaled evaporative stress estimates were significant mediators of the arthropod‐vegetation association patterns. Vegetation thus likely has direct and indirect physical effects on arthropod communities. These canopy vs. soil surface vegetation differences will refine sampling of fine‐scale patterns of arthropod diversity in drylands. Regional land managers can support arthropod diversity by maintaining populations of foundation shrub species such as E. californica.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed [4+2] Annulation of N‐Aryl Pyrazolones with Diazo Compounds To Access Pyrazolone‐Fused Cinnolines
Authors: Lin Chih‐Yu , Huang Wan‐Wen , Huang Ying‐Ti , Dhole Sandip , Sun Chung‐Ming
Published: September 2021

An efficient synthesis of novel dinitrogen‐fused heterocycles such as pyrazolo[1,2‐a]cinnoline derivatives have been accomplished by the rhodium(III)‐catalyzed reaction of N‐arylpyrazol‐5‐ones with α‐diazo compounds. This reaction proceeds through a cascade C−H activation/intramolecular cyclization with a broad substrate scope. Furthermore, this protocol is successfully extended to the unusual phosphorus‐containing α‐diazo compounds and cyclic diazo compounds as the cross‐coupling partners to deliver the two new kinds of pyrazolo[1,2‐a]cinnolinones. The control experiments were performed to reveal insight into the mechanism of this reaction, involving reversible C−H activation, migratory insertion of the diazo compound, and cascade cyclization as the key steps of the transformation. Moreover, gram‐scale synthesis and further transformation of the target product demonstrate the synthetic utility of the present protocol.
3D Printing of Graphite Electrode for Lithium‐Ion Battery with High Areal Capacity
Authors: Zhang Fu , Wu Kaimin , Xu Xi , Wu Wenzheng , Hu Xue , Yu Kaifeng , Liang Ce
Published: September 2021

Combined with the traditional preparation method of graphite anode slurry for lithium battery and the manufacturing technology of pneumatic jet, the organic solvent‐based anode slurry is selected to explore the viscosity curve under different solid–liquid ratios. It is judged that the anode slurry is a non‐Newtonian fluid. It has printability and meets the requirements of direct writing molding technology. The slurry with a solid volume fraction of 50% is selected as the printing material, the graphite anode slurry is molded on the copper foil by a pneumatic printing device and the electrochemical performance of the coin lithium‐ion battery is analyzed. The effect of printing structure and printing interval on the electrochemical performance of lithium‐ion batteries is studied and compared with batteries prepared by traditional coating processes. Finally, the linear electrode pattern is selected to discuss the effect of printing layers on the electrochemical performance of lithium‐ion batteries. The results show that the areal specific capacity of the printed electrode is significantly higher than that of the traditional coated electrode and the shape, interval, and the number of layers of the printing electrode have a significant effect on the performance of the battery.
Novelties in Dyckia (Pitcairnioideae ‐ Bromeliaceae) from the South America dry diagonal: Two new species, a new combination and a new name
Authors: Antar Guilherme Medeiros , Faria Jair Eustáquio Quintino , Rosa Priscila Oliveira , Soares Augusto Cesar Alencar , Forzza Rafaela Campostrini
Published: September 2021

Dyckia is a South American genus mostly distributed in the Brazilian Cerrado and Caatinga domains, which are part of the South American dry diagonal where it represents an important floristic and ecological component. Following phylogenetic studies, the genus was recently expanded to include species previously placed in Encholirium and Deuterocohnia. With this new delimitation, Dyckia comprises ca. 220 species, of which some are micro‐endemic. We present novelties in the genus for the South American dry diagonal based on fieldwork, herbarium specimens and the literature. Two new micro‐endemic species are described: Dyckia avacanoeira, endemic to Chapada dos Veadeiros; and Dyckia oreadica, endemic to the Jalapão region. We provide complete descriptions, illustrations, distribution maps, photographs, preliminary conservation assessments and comments on the taxonomy and ecology of the two species. Additionally, in view of the new circumscription of Dyckia, we provide a new name, Dyckia viridiflora, to replace an illegitimate name, and a new combination, Dyckia josinoi‐narcisae, for a species previously placed in Encholirium.
Mammary tissue proteomics in a pig model indicates that dietary valine supplementation increases milk fat content via increased de novo synthesis of fatty acid
Authors: Che Long , Xu Mengmeng , Gao Kaiguo , Wang Li , Yang Xuefen , Wen Xiaolu , Xiao Hao , Li Mengyun , Jiang Zongyong
Published: September 2021

Milk fat is a major source of energy that determines the growth of neonates. Recently, studies have shown that valine is closely related to lipid metabolism. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the effects of dietary valine supplementation on milk fat synthesis using a pig model. Thirty gilts were allotted to low (LV, total valine:lysine = 0.63:1), medium (MV, total valine:lysine = 0.73:1), and high (HV, total valine:lysine = 0.93:1) valine feeding levels from Day 75 of gestation till farrowing. The results demonstrated that the concentration of milk fat at Days 1, 3, and 7 of lactation in the HV group was higher than that in the MV and LV groups. The HV group had an increased (p < .05) proportion of total saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids than the other groups. Examination of mammary tissue proteomics in the HV and LV groups revealed 121 differentially expressed proteins (68 upregulated and 53 downregulated in the HV group). The upregulated proteins in the HV group were relevant to some crucial pathways related to milk fat synthesis, including fatty acid biosynthesis and metabolism, the AMPK signaling pathway, and oxidative phosphorylation. Furthermore, the key proteins involved in fatty acid synthesis (ACACA and FASN) were identified, and their expression levels were verified (p < .05) using Western blotting. Our findings revealed that dietary valine supplementation improves milk fat synthesis by modulating the expression of fatty acid synthesis–related proteins in mammary tissues.
SRI‐42127, a novel small molecule inhibitor of the RNA regulator HuR, potently attenuates glial activation in a model of lipopolysaccharide‐induced neuroinflammation
Authors: Chellappan Rajeshwari , Guha Abhishek , Si Ying , Kwan Thaddaeus , Nabors Louis B. , Filippova Natalia , Yang Xiuhua , Myneni Anish S. , Meesala Shriya , Harms Ashley S. , King Peter H.
Published: September 2021

Glial activation with the production of pro‐inflammatory mediators is a major driver of disease progression in neurological processes ranging from acute traumatic injury to chronic neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. Posttranscriptional regulation is a major gateway for glial activation as many mRNAs encoding pro‐inflammatory mediators contain adenine‐ and uridine‐rich elements (ARE) in the 3′ untranslated region which govern their expression. We have previously shown that HuR, an RNA regulator that binds to AREs, plays a major positive role in regulating inflammatory cytokine production in glia. HuR is predominantly nuclear in localization but translocates to the cytoplasm to exert a positive regulatory effect on RNA stability and translational efficiency. Homodimerization of HuR is necessary for translocation and we have developed a small molecule inhibitor, SRI‐42127, that blocks this process. Here we show that SRI‐42127 suppressed HuR translocation in LPS‐activated glia in vitro and in vivo and significantly attenuated the production of pro‐inflammatory mediators including IL1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, iNOS, CXCL1, and CCL2. Cytokines typically associated with anti‐inflammatory effects including TGF‐β1, IL‐10, YM1, and Arg1 were either unaffected or minimally affected. SRI‐42127 suppressed microglial activation in vivo and attenuated the recruitment/chemotaxis of neutrophils and monocytes. RNA kinetic studies and luciferase studies indicated that SRI‐42127 has inhibitory effects both on mRNA stability and gene promoter activation. In summary, our findings underscore HuR's critical role in promoting glial activation and the potential for SRI‐42127 and other HuR inhibitors for treating neurological diseases driven by this activation.