bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Square Wave Voltammetry (SWV) Parameters by Design of Experiment (DoE) Methodologies for the Determination of Mifepristone at Glassy Carbon Electrode (GCE)
Authors: Makwakwa Tlou A. , Mafa Potlako J. , Nyoni Hlengilizwe , Msagati Titus A. M.
Published: December 2021

In the present study, an electroanalytical method that permits the optimization of factors affecting SWV for sensitive detection of mifepristone at glassy carbon electrode (GCE) using response surface methodology (RSM) with desirability function (DF) is presented. Factors selected for optimization after screening using full factorial design were frequency (X1), amplitude (X2), and pH (X3). The central composite design as a response surface methodology with desirability function (DF) was applied for obtaining the optimum level. The optimum conditions were obtained as follows: Frequency (X1=50 Hz), amplitude (X2=33.4 mV), and pH (X3=9.4), with an overall desirability function of 0.97. Subsequently, confirmatory experiments were performed in triplicates to validate the optimum conditions. The results obtained were satisfactory and agreed well with less only 11.9 % deviation from the values predicted by the model. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were found to be 0.54 and 1.80 ppm, respectively. The proposed method was applied for a quantitative determination of mifepristone in spiked tap water samples. The recovery tests showed that the detection of mifepristone at GC could be evaluated on environmental samples.
An electrochemical comparison of thiolated self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) formation and stability in solution on macro‐ and nanoelectrodes
Authors: Piper Andrew , Corrigan Damion K. , Mount Andrew R.
Published: December 2021

Thiolated self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) formed on metal electrodes have been a topic of interest for many decades. One of the most common applications is in the field of biosensors, where this is a growing need for functionalizing nanoelectrodes to realize more sensitive and implantable sensors. For all these applications, the SAM‐functionalized nanoelectrodes will need to make reliable and interpretable electrochemical measurements. In this work, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is used to monitor both the formation and subsequent stability of 6‐mercaptohexan‐1‐ol SAMs on macro and nanoelectrodes and compares the two. To develop effective devices, it is crucial to understand both SAM formation and the resulting signal stability on nanoscale surfaces and this is done by comparing to behaviors observed at the well‐understood macroscale. We report an initial stochastic binding event and subsequent re‐arrangement of the SAMs for both electrode types. However, this re‐arrangement takes hours on the macroscale electrodes but only seconds on the nanoelectrodes. This is proposed to be due to the different structures of the SAMs on the electrodes predominantly driven by their bulk‐to‐edge ratios. After formation, the SAMs formed on both macro‐ and nanoelectrodes exhibit significant instability over time. The reported results have practical implications for the construction of SAM‐based biosensors on macro‐ and nanoscale electrodes.
Impact of dopant ratio on the energy harvesting activity of polyaniline modified counter electrodes for Pt‐free dye‐sensitized solar cells
Authors: Farooq Shehna , Bilal Salma , Tahir Asif Ali , Shah Anwar ul Haq Ali
Published: December 2021

Counter electrode (CE) is an essential part of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) in determining their efficiency. Ultimately, the high catalytic activity and conductivity of a CE are dependent on the type of electrode material. The utilization of polyaniline (PANI) coatings for surface modification of CE has proven to be worth. Though it is a bit difficult to optimize the efficiency of a polymeric material, a proper combination of inorganic‐organic dopants can impart positive synergistic effects to the resulting PANI in terms of good conductivity, electrocatalytic activity, and low resistance. This work reports on the effect of the combination ration of an organic dopant (ammonium lauryl sulfate, ALS) and an inorganic dopant (sulfuric acid) on the catalytic activity of CEs modified with PANI for DSSCs. The results are compared with those of platinum counter electrode (Pt CE). The maximum conversion efficiency of DSSC with optimized case reaches 4.54%, which is higher than that of Pt counter electrode (4.02%). This organic–inorganic acids doped polymeric material showing an enhanced photoelectrochemical activity might be exploited in the future as a promising material for application in next‐generation solar devices.
In vitro cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of single and combined pesticides used by Bolivian farmers
Authors: Barrón Cuenca Jessika , de Oliveira Galvão Marcos Felipe , Ünlü Endirlik Burcu , Tirado Noemi , Dreij Kristian
Published: December 2021

We previously showed that farmers in Bolivia are exposed to many pesticides, some at elevated levels, and that this was associated with increased risk of genetic damage. To improve the understanding of possible mixture effects, the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of pesticides were studied in vitro using human liver HepG2 cells. The studied pesticides were 2,4‐D, chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, glyphosate, methamidophos, paraquat, profenofos, and tebuconazole. Three mixtures (U1, U2, and U3) were based on profiles of urinary pesticide metabolites and one mixture on the most frequently used pesticides (S1). The results showed that paraquat and methamidophos were the most cytotoxic pesticides (EC50 ≤0.3 mM). Paraquat, chlorpyrifos, tebuconazole, and the U1, U2, and U3 mixtures, which contained a large proportion of either chlorpyrifos or tebuconazole, significantly increased intracellular ROS levels. Most pesticides activated DNA damage signaling through proteins Chk1 and H2AX. Strongest responses were elicited by paraquat, profenofos, chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, and the S1 mixture, which contained 25% paraquat. Comet assay revealed significant increases of DNA damage in response to paraquat, cypermethrin, and U2 and S1 mixtures, which contained high levels of cypermethrin and paraquat, respectively. In summary, we showed that the tested pesticides, alone or in mixtures, in general induced oxidative stress and that most pesticides, and especially paraquat and cypermethrin, were genotoxic in HepG2 cells. We could also show that mixtures dominated by these two pesticides displayed a marked genotoxic potency, which agreed with our previous population studies.
Gut Microbiota Linked with Reduced Fear of Humans in Red Junglefowl Has Implications for Early Domestication
Authors: Puetz Lara C. , Delmont Tom O. , Aizpurua Ostaizka , Guo Chunxue , Zhang Guojie , Katajamaa Rebecca , Jensen Per , Gilbert M. Thomas P.
Published: December 2021

Domestication of animals can lead to profound phenotypic modifications within short evolutionary time periods, and for many species behavioral selection is likely at the forefront of this process. Animal studies have strongly implicated that the gut microbiome plays a major role in host behavior and cognition through the microbiome–gut–brain axis. Consequently, herein, it is hypothesized that host gut microbiota may be one of the earliest phenotypes to change as wild animals were domesticated. Here, the gut microbiome community in two selected lines of red junglefowl that are selected for either high or low fear of humans up to eight generations is examined. Microbiota profiles reveal taxonomic differences in gut bacteria known to produce neuroactive compounds between the two selection lines. Gut–brain module analysis by means of genome‐resolved metagenomics identifies enrichment in the microbial synthesis and degradation potential of metabolites associated with fear extinction and reduces anxiety‐like behaviors in low fear fowls. In contrast, high fear fowls are enriched in gut–brain modules from the butyrate and glutamate pathways, metabolites associated with fear conditioning. Overall, the results identify differences in the composition and functional potential of the gut microbiota across selection lines that may provide insights into the mechanistic explanations of the domestication process.
In vivo effectiveness of carbonated calcium‐deficient hydroxyapatite‐coated activated carbon fiber cloth on bone regeneration
Authors: Olivier Florian , Sarou‐Kanian Vincent , Fayon Franck , Bonnamy Sylvie , Rochet Nathalie
Published: December 2021

We have previously shown that activated carbon fiber cloth (ACC) either uncoated or coated with carbonated calcium‐deficient hydroxyapatite (CDA), namely ACC and ACC/CDA, were biocompatible in vitro with human osteoblasts. Here we hypothesized that ACC and ACC/CDA could be used as tissue patches in vivo to accelerate wounded bone healing. In a model of rat femoral defect, we have compared spontaneous cortical bone regeneration with regeneration in the presence of ACC and ACC/CDA patches. At Day 7, 14, and 21, bone formation was evaluated using microcomputed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and histological analysis. Our results demonstrate first that these ACC tissues are highly biocompatible in vivo, and second that ACC/CDA patches apposition results in the acceleration of bone reconstruction due to a guiding action of the ACC fibers and an osteogenic effect of the CDA phase. We guess that this approach may represent a valuable strategy to accelerate bone regeneration in human.
Association between caregivers' characteristics and older care recipients' well‐being among Vietnamese immigrant families in the United States
Authors: Miyawaki Christina E. , Liu Minhui , Markides Kyriakos S.
Published: December 2021

Aims

We examined the association between caregivers' psychological status and their older family members' (care recipients) mental health in the Vietnamese American community (N = 58 dyads).

Methods

Logistic regression models were used.

Results

Caregivers and care recipients were on average 53 and 75 years old, immigrated at ages 32 and 51, and had 10 and 6 years of formal education, respectively. Approximately two‐thirds of caregivers provided care for 20+ h/week for 7 years with the majority of care recipients reporting fair or poor health. Care recipients' physical and cognitive health had a significant association with their depressive symptoms. However, care recipients acting as burdened caregivers' “company” helped themselves and felt less depressed (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.80, 0.99).

Conclusion

Leveraging the tradition of Vietnamese multigeneration households, we should promote being a good company to each other that will help the caregiver‐care recipient dyad, as well as their family unit when planning future interventions.
Cannabinoid interventions for improving cachexia outcomes in cancer: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Simon Lucile , Baldwin Christine , Kalea Anastasia Z. , Slee Adrian
Published: December 2021

Cancer‐associated cachexia (CAC) is a wasting syndrome characterized by involuntary weight loss and anorexia. Clear definition and diagnostic criteria for CAC are lacking, which makes it difficult to estimate its prevalence, to interpret research and to compare studies. There is no standard treatment to manage CAC, but previous studies support the use of cannabinoids for cachexia in other chronic diseases including HIV and multiple sclerosis. However, only a few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one meta‐analysis of this intervention in cancer populations are available. Non‐randomized studies of interventions (NRSIs) are often excluded from reviews due to variable methodology and potential for biases. This review aimed to consider NRSIs alongside RCTs to provide a complete summary of the available evidence that clinical decision makers could use in future investigations. Literature searches were conducted using three databases for relevant RCTs or NRSIs according to Cochrane methodology. Abstract and full texts of retrieved manuscripts were selected and retrieved by two investigators based on the PRISMA‐A guidelines, and risk of bias and quality of evidence assessments were performed. Outcome data on weight, appetite, quality of life, performance status, adverse effects, and mortality were combined by narrative synthesis and meta‐analysis where possible. Ten studies were included, four of which were RCTs and six NRSIs matching the eligibility criteria. Very low‐quality evidence from meta‐analysis suggested no significant benefits of cannabinoids for appetite compared with control (standardized mean difference: −0.02; 95% confidence interval: −0.51, 0.46; P = 0.93). Patient‐reported observations from NRSIs suggested improvements in appetite. Another meta‐analysis of moderate quality evidence showed that cannabinoids were significantly less efficient than active or inactive control on quality of life (standardized mean difference: −0.25; 95% confidence interval: −0.43, −0.07; P = 0.007). The effectiveness of cannabinoids alone to improve outcomes of CAC remains unclear. Low‐quality evidence from both RCTs and NRSIs shows no significant benefits of cannabinoids for weight gain, appetite stimulation, and better quality of life, three important outcomes of cachexia. Higher quality research integrating cannabinoids into multi‐modal therapies may offer better opportunities for developing CAC‐specific treatments. This review also highlights that findings from non‐randomized studies of interventions (NRSIs) can provide evidence of the effects of an intervention and advocate for the feasibility of larger RCTs.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of some novel hetroaryl quinolinone derivatives
Authors: Abd El‐Ghani Ghada E. , El‐Sayed Magdy A. , El‐Desoky El‐Sayed I.
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study involves the synthesis of novel heterocyclic scaffolds containing quinoline moiety and studying their role as antimicrobial agents. 4‐hydroxy‐6‐phenyl‐2H‐pyrano[3,2‐c]quinoline‐2,5(6H))‐dione (1) was utilized as a precursor for the construction of new polyheterocyclic ring systems. It reacted with three aryl and (heteroaryl) aldehydes to furnish the corresponding arylidenes 2a‐c. The nucleophilic cyclization of compound 2 with hydrazine hydrate to give pyrazolyl quinolinone 3. Moreover, the reaction of 1 with HCHO/morpholine led to the formation of the adduct 7. The synthesized N‐(5–3‐formyl‐4‐hydroxy‐6‐phenyl‐2,5‐dioxo‐5,6‐dihydro‐2H‐pyrano [3,2‐c] quinoline (10) was utilized for the synthesis of 3‐(([aryl]amino)methylene)‐6‐phenyl‐2H‐pyrano[3,2‐c]quinoline‐2,4,5 (3H,6H)‐trione 11a‐c via its treatment with three types of amines. Treatment of 1 with POCl3/Et3N afforded the corresponding 4‐chloro derivative 20. Which upon treatment with thiourea lead to the formation of the corresponding 4‐mercapto derivative 21. The latter 21 was alkylated using ethylbromo acetate giving 22. All freshly synthesized scaffolds were elucidated by considering the data of both elemental and spectral analyses. The synthesized scaffolds were screened for antimicrobial activities also showed promising results. The p‐chlorobenzylidene pyrazolylquinolone derivative 3 has excellent antimicrobial properties against Proteus vulgaris compared to its mild activity against Staph aureus. While 4‐Chloro‐6‐phenyl‐2H‐pyrano[3,2‐c]quinoline‐2,5(6H)‐dione (20) exhibited good activates against Staph aureus surpassing the activity of reference antibiotic. Also, compounds 21 showed excellent antifungal activity against Candida albicans higher than fluconazole.
Normal aging, motor neurone disease, and Alzheimer’s disease are characterized by cortical changes in inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Tennakoon Anuradha , Katharesan Viythia , Musgrave Ian Francis , Koblar Simon Andrea , Faull Richard Lewis Maxwell , Curtis Maurice Anthony , Johnson Ian Paul
Published: December 2021

The role of increased brain inflammation in the development of neurodegenerative diseases is unclear. Here, we have compared cytokine changes in normal aging, motor neurone disease (MND), and Alzheimer's disease (AD). After an initial analysis, six candidate cytokines, interleukin (IL)‐ 4, 5, 6, 10, macrophage inhibitory protein (MIP)‐1α, and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐2, showing greatest changes were assayed in postmortem frozen human superior frontal gyri (n = 12) of AD patients, aging and young adult controls along with the precentral gyrus (n = 12) of MND patients. Healthy aging was associated with decreased anti‐inflammatory IL‐10 and FGF‐2 levels. AD prefrontal cortex was associated with increased levels of IL‐4, IL‐5, and FGF‐2, with the largest increase seen for FGF‐2. Notwithstanding differences in the specific frontal lobe gyrus sampled, MND patients’ primary motor cortex (precentral gyrus) was associated with increased levels of IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐10, and FGF‐2 compared to the aging prefrontal cortex (superior frontal gyrus). Immunocytochemistry showed that FGF‐2 is expressed in neurons, astrocytes, and microglia in normal aging prefrontal cortex, AD prefrontal cortex, and MND motor cortex. We report that healthy aging and age‐related neurodegenerative diseases have different cortical inflammatory signatures that are characterized by increased levels of anti‐inflammatory cytokines and call into question the view that increased inflammation underlies the development of age‐related neurodegenerative diseases.
Serum Raman spectroscopy combined with convolutional neural network for label‐free detection of echinococcosis
Authors: Wu Guohua , Chen Peng , Zheng Xiangxiang , Yin Longfei , Lü Guodong
Published: December 2021

Early disease screening is of great significance to its prevention and treatment, and serum analysis is one of the important methods for early disease screening. In this paper, a portable spectrometer was used to collect serum Raman spectra of echinococcosis patients and healthy volunteers, and a one‐dimensional convolutional neural network (CNN) was used to classify the two types of spectra. The average spectrum shows that the phenylalanine and carotene content in the serum of patients with echinococcosis is less than that in healthy volunteers, whereas the content of amino acids such as proline and tyrosine is higher. We built a CNN model to identify two types of spectra. First, the Kennard–Stone algorithm was used to divide the two types of spectra into a training set and a test set. Afterwards, the optimal hyperparameters of the model were determined by fivefold cross‐validation on the training set. Finally, the test set was used to evaluate the final effect of the model. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the test set on the model are 94.90%, 90.57%, and 97.11%, respectively. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis further confirmed the excellent performance of the CNN in the classification of serum Raman spectra. The above results show that serum Raman spectroscopy combined with a one‐dimensional CNN algorithm has great potential in the early diagnosis of echinococcosis.
Core‐shell magnetic porous organic polymer for magnetic solid‐phase extraction of fluoroquinolone antibiotics in honey samples followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection
Authors: Tian Cong , Ren Xue , He Man , Chen Beibei , Hu Bin
Published: December 2021

By monomer‐mediated in‐situ growth synthesis strategy, with hydroquinone and 1,3,5‐tris(4‐aminophenyl)benzene as monomers, a core‐shell magnetic porous organic polymer was synthesized through a simple azo reaction. Based on this, a magnetic solid‐phase extraction–high‐performance liquid chromatography–fluorescence detection method was proposed for the analysis of fluoroquinolones in a honey sample. With ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, lomefloxacin, and difloxacin as target analytes, factors affecting the extraction efficiency had been optimized. The LODs were 1.5–5.4 ng/L (corresponding to 0.23–0.81 μg/kg in honey). The linear range was 0.005–20 μg/L for difloxacin, 0.01–20 μg/L for ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and lomefloxacin, and 0.02–20 μg/L for enrofloxacin. The enrichment factor was 84.4–91.7‐fold with a high extraction efficiency of 84.4–91.7%. The method was assessed by the analysis of target fluoroquinolones in honey samples, and the recoveries for the spiked samples were 79.3–95.8%. The results indicated that the established magnetic solid‐phase extraction–high‐performance liquid chromatography–fluorescence detection method is efficient for the analysis of trace fluoroquinolones in honey.
Machine Learning‐Based Ultrasomics for Predicting Subacromial Impingement Syndrome Stages
Authors: Jiang Hao , Chen Ling , Zhao Yu‐jia , Lin Zhang‐ya , Yang Hong
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To determine the performance of machine learning (ML)‐based ultrasomic analysis of subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) stage evaluation.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 324 patients with SIS were included. The SIS stage was evaluated with a Neer test. Regions of the musculi supraspinatus were manually segmented by an experienced radiologist. Then, 5936 ultrasomic features were extracted from the Ultrasomics Platform software. The Wilcoxon test was used to identify differentially expressed radiomic features. Then, these differentially expressed features were submitted to the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) for model construction. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic was used to evaluate the performance of the ultrasonic model for SIS stage evaluation.

Results

Finally, a total of 223 early‐stage and 101 advanced‐stage SIS patients were randomly divided into a training cohort (n = 227) and a validation cohort (n = 97). After feature‐dimensionality reduction, a total of 28 radiomic features were submitted to LASSO analysis. Finally, 10 radiomic features were finally included for radiomics model construction. The AUC results showed that the ultrasomics model had moderate performance for SIS stage evaluation in both the training cohort (AUC = 0.839) and the validation cohort (AUC = 0.789).

Conclusions

ML‐derived ultrasomics can discriminate the SIS stage in patients with SIS. This noninvasive and low‐cost approach may be helpful in the preliminary screening of shoulder pain.
RETRACTED: LINC02381 aggravates breast cancer through the miR‐1271‐5p/FN1 axis to activate PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Huang Shoucheng , Huang Ping , Wu Huazhang , Wang Song , Liu Guodong
Published: December 2021

Emerging investigations have demonstrated that lncRNAs are key crucial modulators in cancer. In this study, we investigated the role of LINC02381 in breast cancer (BC). Reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction measured the LINC02381 level in BC tissues and cells. Colony formation, EdU staining, wound healing and Transwell experiments examined the impact of LINC02381 depletion on BC cell phenotypes. Relationship among miR‐1271‐5p, LINC02381, and FN1 was tested through applying RIP, luciferase reporter, and RNA pull‐down assays. We found that LINC02381 expression was elevated in BC. Functionally, LINC02381 knockdown hampered BC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. LINC02381 overexpression accelerated tumor formation in vivo. Mechanistically, LINC02381 acted as a ceRNA to increase FN1 via decoying miR‐1271‐5p. Additionally, LINC02381 activated PI3K/AKT pathway by upregulating FN1. Rescue assays indicated that FN1 upregulation or PI3K/AKT activation rescued the LINC02381 knockdown‐mediated inhibition on malignant phenotypes of BC cells. Overall, LINC02381 exerts carcinogenic effects in BC by the miR‐1271‐5p/FN1 axis to activate PI3K/AKT pathway.
Texture and shape analysis of diffusion‐weighted imaging for thyroid nodules classification using machine learning
Authors: Sharafeldeen Ahmed , Elsharkawy Mohamed , Khaled Reem , Shaffie Ahmed , Khalifa Fahmi , Soliman Ahmed , Abdel Razek Ahmed Abdel khalek , Hussein Manar Mansour , Taman Saher , Naglah Ahmed , Alrahmawy Mohammed , Elmougy Samir , Yousaf Jawad , Ghazal Mohammed , El‐Baz Ayman
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To assess whether the integration between (a) functional imaging features that will be extracted from diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI); and (b) shape and texture imaging features as well as volumetric features that will be extracted from T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can noninvasively improve the diagnostic accuracy of thyroid nodules classification.

Patients and methods

In a retrospective study of 55 patients with pathologically proven thyroid nodules, T2‐weighted and diffusion‐weighted MRI scans of the thyroid gland were acquired. Spatial maps of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were reconstructed in all cases. To quantify the nodules' morphology, we used spherical harmonics as a new parametric shape descriptor to describe the complexity of the thyroid nodules in addition to traditional volumetric descriptors (e.g., tumor volume and cuboidal volume). To capture the inhomogeneity of the texture of the thyroid nodules, we used the histogram‐based statistics (e.g., kurtosis, entropy, skewness, etc.) of the T2‐weighted signal. To achieve the main goal of this paper, a fusion system using an artificial neural network (NN) is proposed to integrate both the functional imaging features (ADC) with the structural morphology and texture features. This framework has been tested on 55 patients (20 patients with malignant nodules and 35 patients with benign nodules), using leave‐one‐subject‐out (LOSO) for training/testing validation tests.

Results

The functionality, morphology, and texture imaging features were estimated for 55 patients. The accuracy of the computer‐aided diagnosis (CAD) system steadily improved as we integrate the proposed imaging features. The fusion system combining all biomarkers achieved a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, F1‐score, and accuracy of (confidence interval [CI]: ), (CI: ), (CI: ), (CI: ), (CI: ), and (CI: ), respectively, using the LOSO cross‐validation approach.

Conclusion

The results demonstrated in this paper show the promise that integrating the functional features with morphology as well as texture features by using the current state‐of‐the‐art machine learning approaches will be extremely useful for identifying thyroid nodules as well as diagnosing their malignancy.
Habenular and mediodorsal thalamic connectivity predict persistent weight loss after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: Wang Jia , Li Guanya , Hu Yang , Zhang Wenchao , Zhang Lei , Tan Zongxin , Li Hao , Jia Zhenzhen , von Deneen Karen M. , Li Xiaohua , Yu Juan , Han Yu , Cui Guangbin , Manza Peter , Shokri‐Kojori Ehsan , Tomasi Dardo , Volkow Nora D. , Nie Yongzhan , Ji Gang , Zhang Yi , Wang Gene‐Jack
Published: December 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG)‐induced changes in connectivity between regions involved with reward/antireward and cognitive control and the extent to which these changes persist after surgery and predict sustainable weight loss.

Methods

Whole‐brain local functional connectivity density (lFCD) was studied in 25 participants with obesity who underwent resting‐state functional MRI before (PreLSG), 1 month after (PostLSG1), and 12 months after (PostLSG12) LSG and compared with 25 normal‐weight controls. Regions with significant time effects of LSG on functional connectivity density were identified for subsequent seed‐based connectivity analyses and to examine associations with behavior.

Results

LSG significantly increased lFCD in the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus (MD) and in the habenula (Hb) at PostLSG12 compared with PreLSG/PostLSG1, whereas it decreased lFCD in the posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus (PCC/PreCun) at PostLSG1/PostLSG12, and these changes were associated with reduction in BMI. In contrast, controls had no significant lFCD differences between baseline and repeated measures. MD had stronger connectivity with PreCun and Hb at PostLSG12 compared with PreLSG/PostLSG1, and the increased MD‐left PreCun and Hb‐MD connectivity correlated with decreases in hunger and BMI, respectively. PCC/PreCun had stronger connectivity with the insula at PostLSG1‐12.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the importance of reward and interoceptive regions as well as that of regions mediating negative emotions in the long‐term therapeutic benefits of LSG.
Humidity effect on the transport properties of per‐fluorinated sulfonic acid/PTFE proton exchange membranes: Positron annihilation study
Authors: Elsharkawy Mohamed R. M. , Mohamed Hamdy F. M. , Hassanien Mohamed H. M. , Gomaa Mahmoud M.
Published: December 2021

The positron annihilation lifetime (PAL) technique was used to investigate the yield and lifetime of positronium (Ps) in three different samples of per‐fluorinated sulfonic acid/polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) proton exchange membranes. The high probability of Ps formation enables the study of the hole volume size by the PAL technique and explains the mechanism of both methanol permeation and proton conductivity of the membranes in relation to the relative humidity (RH). The influence of various membrane parameters, including water uptake, proton conductivity, and mechanical properties, was studied. The concentration of water molecules and SO3−–H3O+groups is correlated with the ion exchange capacity (IEC) of the membranes where higher IEC leads to high absorbance of water. The proton conductivity is enhanced by increasing the IEC value of the membrane. The activation energies of decomposition temperature for the F‐950 membrane are the lowest (Eb = 2.856 and 1.030 eV for the 1st and 2nd decomposition peaks, respectively, implying that the membrane with high IEC is thermally less stable. With increasing the IEC of the membranes, the concentration of the water molecules/SO3 group increases. In addition, the proton conductivity of the membrane is positively influenced by increasing water content at high RH. The fact that the variations in hole volume size and both methanol permeability and proton conductivity are highly dependent on RH suggests that hole volume size plays an important role in many parameters of hydrated perfluorinated sulfonic acid/PTFE proton exchange membranes. The outcomes data were introduced and interpreted appropriately with a theoretical model and compared with the literature.
NLRP3 inflammasome as a key molecular target underlying cognitive resilience in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Banerjee Poulomi , Elliott Elizabeth , Rifai Olivia M , O’Shaughnessy Judi , McDade Karina , Abrahams Sharon , Chandran Siddharthan , Smith Colin , Gregory Jenna M
Published: December 2021

Up to 50% of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients present with cognitive deficits in addition to motor dysfunction, but the molecular mechanisms underlying diverse clinical and pathological presentations remain poorly understood. There is therefore an unmet need to identify molecular drivers of cognitive dysfunction to enable better therapeutic targeting and prognostication. To address this, we employed a non‐biased approach to identify molecular targets using a deeply phenotyped, clinically stratified cohort of cognitively affected and unaffected brain regions from three brain regions of 13 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients with the same cognitive screening test performed during life. Using NanoString molecular barcoding as a sensitive mRNA sequencing technique on post‐mortem tissue, we profiled a data‐driven panel of 770 genes using the Neuropathology Panel, followed by region and cell type‐specific validation using BaseScope in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry. We identified 50 significantly dysregulated genes that are distinct between cognitively affected and unaffected brain regions. Using BaseScope in situ hybridisation, we also demonstrate that macromolecular complex regulation, notably NLRP3 inflammasome modulation, is a potential, therapeutically targetable, pathological correlate of cognitive resilience in ALS. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Experimental analysis of the warm stamping of metal/thermoplastic polymer nanocomposite laminates
Authors: Boroumand Farzad , Seyedkashi Seyed Mohammad Hossein , Pol Mohammad Hossein
Published: December 2021

The effects of matrix type, temperature, and weight percentage of nano‐reinforcement on maximum drawing force and drawing depth have been studied in warm stamping of reinforced metal/nanocomposite laminates. The laminates were composed of two thermoplastic polymers of glass fibers‐reinforced polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride, two reinforcements of nanoclay and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes as the core layer, and aluminum 1050‐O as the skin layer. Change of the matrix type from polyvinyl chloride to polypropylene increased the maximum drawing force and decreased the drawing depth. Besides, the drawing depth in most samples was decreased by increasing the weight percentage of the nano reinforcement. Increase of the temperature led to increasing the drawing depth and decreasing the maximum drawing force. Temperature had the greatest effect on the output parameters, especially the drawing depth.
Comparison of the incidence of bleeding between baloxavir marboxil and other anti‐influenza drugs among outpatients with influenza virus infection: A retrospective cohort study using an employment‐based health insurance claims database in Japan
Authors: Hara Azusa , Hara Kanae , Komeda Takuji , Ogura Eriko , Miyazawa Shogo , Kobayashi Chiduru , Fujiwara Masakazu , Yoshida Manami , Urushihara Hisashi
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Alerts for bleeding events are included in the Japanese package inserts of some anti‐influenza drugs, including baloxavir marboxil and oseltamivir. However, there are few reports on the incidence of bleeding events during treatment with anti‐influenza drugs. This large‐scale quantitative assessment compared the incidence of bleeding events in influenza patients treated with baloxavir and other anti‐influenza drugs and in untreated patients.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used a large‐scale Japanese employment‐based health insurance claims database provided by JMDC Inc. and included outpatients diagnosed with influenza between October 1, 2018 and April 11, 2019. Bleeding events were identified by International Classification of Diseases 10th revision codes. Incidences were compared between patients treated with baloxavir or neuraminidase inhibitors and untreated patients. Odds ratios were calculated after exact matching to adjust for potential confounders.

Results

Among 529 201 influenza episodes, 30 964 were untreated and 498 237 were treated with anti‐influenza drugs: baloxavir, 207 630; oseltamivir, 143 722; zanamivir, 28 208; peramivir, 5304; laninamivir, 113 373. Crude incidence proportions for total bleeding up to 20 days after influenza diagnosis were similar among treated groups, with a slightly higher value for peramivir (0.21% vs. 0.19% for baloxavir, oseltamivir, zanamivir, and laninamivir), and 0.30% in untreated patients. After exact matching, the incidence of bleeding for baloxavir was similar to that for other anti‐influenza treatments (odds ratios for baloxavir were 0.90–0.99 compared to other therapies).

Conclusions

Based on real‐world observation using a large‐scale claims database, a similar incidence of bleeding events was observed in recipients of the different anti‐influenza drugs.
Fault‐tolerant finite‐time adaptive higher order sliding mode control with optimized parameters for attitude stabilization of spacecraft
Authors: Amrr Syed Muhammad , Sarkar Rajasree , Banerjee Arunava , Saidi Abdelaziz Salah , Nabi Mashuq un
Published: December 2021

This article considers the problem of attitude regulation of rigid spacecraft under the effect of inertial ambiguity, exogenous disturbances, input saturation, and actuator uncertainties. In this regard, an adaptive second‐order sliding mode control (ASOSMC) is designed to provide robustness against the lumped disturbances (the combination of uncertainties and faults). The ASOSMC presents a two‐fold advantage over conventional SMC. The use of adaptive law eliminates the assumption of a priori knowledge on the upper bounds of the disturbances. Further, the SOSMC methodology alleviates the high‐frequency chattering in the input without compromising robustness. The theoretical analysis under the proposed strategy guarantees the convergence of sliding surface and system states to the origin in a finite‐time. Besides, this work also resolves the inbuilt problem of unwinding in the quaternion‐based attitude representation. Further, the nominal parameters of the proposed control law are optimized offline using an ant lion optimization method. The numerical simulation validates the effectiveness of the proposed controller by comparing its performance with the other existing controllers.
Finite‐time tracking control for nonaffine nonlinear pure‐feedback systems with a prescribed performance
Authors: Zhang Faxiang , Chen Yang‐Yang
Published: December 2021

This article investigates the finite‐time tracking control problem of nonlinear pure‐feedback systems with nonaffine input signals. By using a low‐pass filter, the nonaffine system is transformed into a pure‐feedback system with an affine input. To characterize the dynamic and steady‐state performance, a new performance function is defined, which is intergraded into adaptive fuzzy rules to design a novel fractional‐power‐based output tracking controller. It is shown that the tracking error converges to a predefined range at a settling time according to the traditional finite‐time stability theory. Simulation results obtained for two examples reveal the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Discovery of Robust Ferroelectricity in 2D Defective Semiconductor α‑Ga2Se3
Authors: Xue Wuhong , Jiang Qitao , Wang Fakun , He Ri , Pang Ruixue , Yang Huali , Wang Peng , Yang Ruilong , Zhong Zhicheng , Zhai Tianyou , Xu Xiaohong
Published: December 2021

2D ferroelectrics with robust polar order in the atomic‐scale thickness at room temperature are needed to miniaturize ferroelectric devices and tackle challenges imposed by traditional ferroelectrics. These materials usually have polar point group structure regarding as a prerequisite of ferroelectricity. Yet, to introduce polar structure into otherwise nonpolar 2D materials for producing ferroelectricity remains a challenge. Here, by combining first‐principles calculations and experimental studies, it is reported that the native Ga vacancy‐defects located in the asymmetrical sites in cubic defective semiconductor α‑Ga2Se3 can induce polar structure. Meanwhile, the induced polarization can be switched in a moderate energy barrier. The switched polarization is observed in 2D α‑Ga2Se3 nanoflakes of ≈4 nm with a high switching temperature up to 450 K. Such polarization switching could arise from the displacement of Ga vacancy between neighboring asymmetrical sites by applying an electric field. This work removes the point group limit for ferroelectricity, expanding the range of 2D ferroelectrics into the native defective semiconductors.
Phenyl Extended Naphthalene‐Based Covalent Triazine Frameworks as Versatile Metal‐Free Heterogeneous Photocatalysts
Authors: Fuerte-Díez Beatriz , Valverde-González Antonio , Pintado-Sierra Mercedes , Díaz Urbano , Sánchez Félix , Maya Eva M. , Iglesias Marta
Published: December 2021

Two new covalent triazines frameworks (CTFs) containing phenyl extended naphthalene units (with and without methoxy groups in the naphthalene core) are prepared by thermal and microwave activation. Both procedures yield similar chemical structures combining triazine acceptor units with donor aromatic groups, but they generate some differences in the morphology, structural organization, CO2 adsorption capacity, and thermal and optical properties. Besides, the methoxy groups of the naphthalene core have also influence in some of these properties. The resulting phenyl extended naphthalene CTFs are efficiently utilized as metal‐free heterogeneous photocatalyst for the selective aerobic oxidation of sulfides and the dehydrogenative cross‐coupling reactions under visible‐light irradiation, showing a high chemical stability.
Nanoepitaxy Growth of Sb2Se3 Nanorod Arrays on Mixed‐Oriented Transparent Conducting Oxide‐Coated Glass for Efficient and Quasiomnidirectional Solar Cells
Authors: Liang Xiaoyang , Li Zhiqiang , San Xingyuan , Liu Tao , Liu Yufan , Shen Kai , Wang Shufang , Schropp Ruud E. I. , Mai Yaohua
Published: December 2021

Low‐symmetric and structurally anisotropic materials are of widespread research interest. Antimony selenide and analogues from group V2−VI3 metal chalcogenides, have emerged recently due to their distinctive crystalline symmetries, highly anisotropic electronic and physical properties, Earth abundance, and environmentally friendly characteristics. Its intrinsic quasi‐1D crystal structure leads to much easier and efficient carrier transport along the [hk1] orientation than in other directions. Effective manipulation of the growth orientation and concomitant natural features of the anisotropic materials, which are crucial for the device performance based on the anisotropic Sb2Se3, is still poorly developed. Herein, the growth of monocrystalline Sb2Se3 nanorod arrays (NRAs) along the [hk1] orientation on polycrystalline and mixed‐oriented fluorine‐doped tin oxide (SnO2:F, FTO) glass is carried out under different growth conditions. The thermodynamic and kinetic processes behind the growth of Sb2Se3 NRAs on polycrystalline surfaces are discussed. Solar cells based on the [hk1]‐oriented Sb2Se3 NRAs achieve a power conversion efficiency of 9.0%, comparable with the conversion efficiency of the state‐of‐the‐art Sb2Se3 solar cells. Moreover, these Sb2Se3 NRA solar cells exhibit quasiomnidirectional light absorption characteristics, showing high potential as solar cells with high output power over extended daytime operating hours.
Full‐Scale Large Eddy Simulation of a 185 t Ladle Optimizing a Hybrid Eulerian Grid and a Discrete Bubble Mapping Approach
Authors: Haas Tim , Schubert Christian , Eickhoff Moritz , Pfeifer Herbert
Published: December 2021

Numerical simulation is a vital tool for the continuous improvement of all steelmaking processes. In previous works, the authors have dedicated different approaches to optimize modeling of fluid flow in the ladle. This includes a sensitivity analysis of validation techniques, assembling of a validation database, and a model optimization on the water model scale. Herein, the final part of this project is presented at which the optimized model is scaled to the real process. Associated problems are identified and solutions are proposed. To achieve a tradeoff between large eddy simulation (LES) grid requirements and current computational capacities, a hybrid meshing strategy is optimized. To overcome the intrinsic drawbacks of the Euler–Lagrange model, a mapping approach for phase decoupling is implemented and made publicly available on GitHub. The upscaling of semi‐empiric submodels is discussed. Good agreement with experimental mixing time measurements is found, indicating the success of upscaling. A first time‐averaged flow field of a full‐scale 185 t ladle with the LES model is presented. Due to the extreme computing requirements, these results may currently be used as a benchmark, but the trend toward increasing computing capacities may make LES models state of the art in the future.
Dementia risk reduction: why haven't the pharmacological risk reduction trials worked? An in‐depth exploration of seven established risk factors
Authors: Peters Ruth , Breitner John , James Sarah , Jicha Gregory A. , Meyer Pierre‐Francois , Richards Marcus , Smith A. David , Yassine Hussein N. , Abner Erin , Hainsworth Atticus H. , Kehoe Patrick G. , Beckett Nigel , Weber Christopher , Anderson Craig , Anstey Kaarin J. , Dodge Hiroko H.
Published: December 2021

Identifying the leading health and lifestyle factors for the risk of incident dementia and Alzheimer's disease has yet to translate to risk reduction. To understand why, we examined the discrepancies between observational and clinical trial evidence for seven modifiable risk factors: type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, estrogens, inflammation, omega‐3 fatty acids, and hyperhomocysteinemia. Sample heterogeneity and paucity of intervention details (dose, timing, formulation) were common themes. Epidemiological evidence is more mature for some interventions (eg, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]) than others. Trial data are promising for anti‐hypertensives and B vitamin supplementation. Taken together, these risk factors highlight a future need for more targeted sample selection in clinical trials, a better understanding of interventions, and deeper analysis of existing data.
Anti‐cancer potentials of Gynura procumbens leaves extract against two canine mammary cancer cell lines
Authors: Jermnak Usuma , Supsavhad Wachiraphan , Kunakornsawat Sunee , Jaroensong Tassanee , Watcharasit Piyajit , Visitnonthachai Daranee , Pairor Selapoom , Phaochoosak Napasorn
Published: December 2021

Background

The anti‐cancer effects of Gynura procumbens leaves extract (GPE) have been reported in various human cancers. However, the anti‐cancer effects and molecular mechanisms of this extract on canine mammary cancer (CMC) have not yet been elucidated.

Objectives

The main goal of this study was to investigate the anti‐cancer properties of GPE against two CMC cell lines (CHMp‐13a and CHMp‐5b).

Methods

The GP leaves were extracted with 80% ethanol. Anti‐cancer potentials of GPE on CHMp‐13a and CHMp‐5b cancer cell lines using dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT), wound healing, transwell migration, and caspase 3/7 activity assays were evaluated. The mRNA expression levels of two oncogenes: epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and twist family bHLH transcription factor 1 (TWIST) and one tumour suppressor gene: phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in these cell lines were determined by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). In addition, The EGFR and PTEN protein levels as well as protein kinase B (AKT) and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation levels expression were also evaluated by western blot analysis.

Results

The results showed that GPE caused a significant concentration‐ and time‐dependent reduction in cell proliferation of both CHMp‐13a and CHMp‐5b cells, detected by MTT assays. This extract also significantly suppressed cancer cell migration in both cell lines, tested by wound healing and transwell migration assays. Additionally, the increase in caspase 3/7 activity observed in both CMC cell treated with GPE suggests that GPE induced caspase 3/7 dependent apoptosis. Moreover, GPE significantly decreased EGFR mRNA and protein expression levels compared to control in both cell lines in a dose‐dependent manner.

Conclusion

These findings emphasized that GPE has an in vitro anti‐cancer activity against CMC by inhibiting EGFR signalling pathway. Thus, GPE may serve as an alternative therapy in CMC with high EGFR expression.