bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationships among Physical Activity, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Weight Stigma in Children in Hong Kong
Authors: Ruckwongpatr Kamolthip , Fung Xavier C. C. , Lin Chung-Ying , Latner Janet D. , O'Brien Kerry S.
Published: November 2021

Objectives: Our objective in this study was to establish the relationships among active and inactive physical activity, HRQoL, and weight stigma in children. Additionally, we investigated weight stigma as a mediator of the relationship between physical activity and HRQoL.Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted in Hong Kong (June 2017-July 2018). Participants were 437 children in elementary school (2 primary schools and 2 non-governmental organizations) and their parents (dyads). Participants completed questionnaires containing items assessing demographic
characteristics, physical activity level, and several HRQoL measures.Results: We found a statistically significant difference between a higher physically activity group (exercise > 2 hours/week) in all measures of HRQoL. Weight stigma had a significant mediating effect on the relationship
between physical activity and child-rated HRQoL (Coefficient = -0.37; SE=0.05; t = 8.21; p < .001), parent-rated HRQoL (Coefficient = -0.16; SE = 0.04; t = 4.21; p < .001), and child-rated weight-related QoL (Coefficient = -0.56; SE = 0.04; t = 14.92; p < .001). Conclusions:
Physical activity was associated with better HRQoL and lower weight stigma. Weight stigma appears to affect how physical activity is related to better HRQoL, but the association is somewhat weak.
Positive Affect and Multiple-tobacco Product Use among Youth: A 3-year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Mantey Dale S. , Clendennen Stephanie L. , Sumbe Aslesha , Wilkinson Anna V. , Harrell Melissa B.
Published: November 2021

Objectives: Multiple-tobacco product (MTP) use is common among adolescent tobacco users. Low positive affect is a risk factor for e-cigarette use and combustible tobacco smoking. In this study, we examine the longitudinal relationship between positive affect and MTP use in a
diverse cohort of adolescents in Texas. Methods: We analyzed 6 waves of biennial data (fall 2014-spring 2017) from the Texas Adolescent Tobacco and Marketing Surveillance (TATAMS) system. Participants were 3868 sixth-, eighth-, and tenth-grade students in urban Texas, at enrollment.
Multinomial logistic regression models examined the longitudinal relationship between positive affect and categories of MTP use, controlling for sex, race/ethnicity, past 30-day alcohol use, cohort, survey wave, and peer tobacco use. Results: The sample was comprised of 4.6% single-product
users, 1.7% dual-users, and 0.7% poly-users. Each unit decrease in positive affect was associated with increased risk for single- (RRR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.16-1.44), dual- (RRR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.11-1.64), and poly- (RRR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.54-2.54) use, relative to non-use. Similarly, each unit decrease
in positive affect was also associated with increased risk for poly-tobacco use relative to single- (RRR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.19-1.97) and dual- (RRR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.11-1.95) use. Positive affect did not differentiate between single- and dual-use. Conclusion: We observed a gradient relationship
between low positive affect and greater number of tobacco products used. Findings reinforce the association between poor mental health and tobacco use during adolescence. Prevention efforts may need to incorporate methods of addressing low positive affect.
Vertical Line Array-level Signal-to-noise Ratio Varying with Source Depths in the Presence of Surface Noise
Authors: 李明杨  , 赵航芳  , 孙超
Published: November 2021

Surface noise due to breaking waves is ubiquitous in ocean environments and highly influences the passive sonar performance. Since it is originated by sources near the ocean surface, one of its physical features is it largely only represents the intermediate- and high-order modes. The array-level signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), incorporating array-sampled sound intensity, background noise power, and array gain, is the essential quantity accounting for the array performance. This work investigates how the array-level SNR of the vertical line array (VLA) varies with the source depth in downward-refracting shallow water, contributed by the modal structure of the surface noise. Based on the assumption that modes are well sampled, it is theoretically demonstrated that the SNR varying with the source depth can be approximated as a linear combination of the lower-order mode-amplitude intensities varying with the water depth. Particularly, when the surface noise especially dominates and the water channel is highly downward refractive, this variation can be nearly represented by the 1st-order mode-amplitude intensity varying with the depth. The structure is meaningful in practice. It suggests the SNR will be inherently larger when the source is submerged than it is near the ocean surface and will be maximized at a source depth lightly below the 1st-order mode’s peak across different source ranges. The above assertions are demonstrated in a typical downward-refracting shallow-water channel and the effects from the dominant degree of the surface noise, sound speed gradient in water column, and array aperture are numerically investigated. The results suggest that: 1) Under certain circumstances, how the SNR varies with the source depth is nearly irrelevant to the source range; 2) when the surface noise is more significant, the largest SNR at a certain source range will be more significantly larger than the SNR for the source being placed near the surface, the corresponding source depth will be closer to that presenting the 1st-order mode’s peak, and how the SNR varies with the source depth is increasingly irrelevant to the source range ; 3) a stronger downward-refracting sound speed also enhances this SNR superiority, as well as the irrelevance to the source range, but causes the source depth presenting the largest SNR to be more deviated from the 1st-order mode’s peak; 4) although the structure is unraveled assuming the VLA spans the full water column, it can be seen when the VLA does not but covers the main part of the low-order modes, while when the array aperture is insufficiently large it will become approximately periodic with the source range, with the source depth presenting the largest SNR fluctuating lightly and nearly periodically around the 1st-order mode’s peak.
Opioid antagonism modulates wanting-related frontostriatal connectivity
Authors: Soutschek Alexander , Weber Susanna C , Kahnt Thorsten , Quednow Boris B , Tobler Philippe N
Published: November 2021

Theoretical accounts distinguish between motivational (‘wanting’) and hedonic (‘liking’) dimensions of rewards. Previous animal and human research linked wanting and liking to anatomically and neurochemically distinct brain mechanisms, but it remains unknown how the different brain regions and neurotransmitter systems interact in processing distinct reward dimensions. Here, we assessed how pharmacological manipulations of opioid and dopamine receptor activation modulate the neural processing of wanting and liking in humans in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Reducing opioid receptor activation with naltrexone selectively reduced wanting of rewards, which on a neural level was reflected by stronger coupling between dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the striatum under naltrexone compared with placebo. In contrast, reducing dopaminergic neurotransmission with amisulpride revealed no robust effects on behavior or neural activity. Our findings thus provide insights into how opioid receptors mediate neural connectivity related to specifically motivational, not hedonic, aspects of rewards.
Prevalence of depression and its associated factors among adolescents in China during the early stage of the COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Qi Han , Liu Rui , Feng Yuan , Luo Jia , Lei Si Man , Cheung Teris , Ungvari Gabor S. , Chen Xu , Xiang Yu-Tao
Published: November 2021

Background

The outbreak of the 2019 coronavirus disease outbreak (COVID-19) had a detrimental impact on adolescents’ daily life and studying, which could increase the risk of depression. This study examined the prevalence of depressive symptoms (depression hereafter) among Chinese adolescents and its associated factors.

Methods

An online survey was conducted during the COVID-19 outbreak in China. Adolescents aged 11–20 years who currently lived in China were invited to participate in the study. Data were collected with the “SurveyStar” platform using the Snowball Sampling method. Depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D).

Results

A total of 9,554 adolescents participated in the study. The prevalence of depression was 36.6% (95% CI [35.6%–37.6%]); the prevalence of mild and moderate-severe depression was 9.2% (95% CI [8.9%–9.5%]) and 27.4% (95% CI [26.9%–27.9%]), respectively. Female gender (OR = 1.235, P < 0.001), senior secondary school grade (OR = 1.513, P < 0.001), sleep duration of <6 h/day (OR = 2.455, P < 0.001), and living in Hubei province (total number of infected cases > 10,000) (OR = 1.245, P = 0.038) were significantly associated with higher risk of depression. Concern about COVID-19 (OR = 0.632, P < 0.001), participating in distance learning (OR = 0.728, P = 0.001), sleep duration of >8 h/day (OR = 0.726, P < 0.001), exercise of >30 min/day, and study duration of ≥4 h/day (OR = 0.835, P < 0.001) were associated with lower risk of depression.

Conclusion

Depression was common among adolescents in China during the COVID-19 outbreak. Considering the negative impact of depression on daily life and health outcomes, timely screening and appropriate interventions are urgently needed for depressed adolescents during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Hypertension care cascade in the Ingwavuma rural community, uMkhanyakude District, KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa
Authors: Chikafu Herbert , Chimbari Moses
Published: November 2021

Background

Treatment and control of hypertension are associated with a substantial reduction in adverse cardiovascular disease outcomes. Although South Africa aims to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases, there is limited evidence on the hypertension care cascade (HCC) performance in rural areas where stroke and hypertension are high. This study estimated HCC performance and identified predictors of hypertension screening among adults in the Ingwavuma community of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study. Data were collected using the WHO STEPwise approach to surveillance (STEPS) questionnaire from 400 adult participants, excluding pregnant women and those with physical or cognitive impairments. Three hundred and ninety-three participants had complete data, and 131 had high blood pressure. We calculated progression rates for screening, diagnosis, treatment and control of hypertension from the sub-sample of participants with high blood pressure and assessed the bivariate association between HCC stages and participant characteristics and their effect sizes. We used binary and multivariable logistic regression to identify predictors of hypertension screening.

Results

Eighty-eight per cent of participants reported prior screening for hypertension. However, only 53.5% of patients under pharmacological treatment for hypertension had controlled blood pressure. In bivariate regression, employed participants were 80.3% (COR = 0.197, 95% CI [0.042–0.921]) more likely to be screened. In multivariable regression, the likelihood of hypertension screening was 82.4% (AOR = 0.176, 95% CI [0.047–0.655]) lower among participants in a cohabiting union than single participants. Similarly, employed participants were 87.4% (AOR = 0.129, 95% CI [0.017–0.952]) less likely to be screened than their unemployed counterparts.

Conclusions

The considerable attrition from the HCC across socio-demographic categories indicates a need for community-wide interventions. Empowering health care workers for community-based health promotion and hypertension management through point-of-care diagnostic tools could improve HCC performance. Efforts to improve the HCC should also focus on social determinants of health, notably gender and formal educational attainment.
Adding pieces to the puzzle: insights into diversity and distribution patterns of Cumacea (Crustacea: Peracarida) from the deep North Atlantic to the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Uhlir Carolin , Schwentner Martin , Meland Kenneth , Kongsrud Jon Anders , Glenner Henrik , Brandt Angelika , Thiel Ralf , Svavarsson Jörundur , Lörz Anne-Nina , Brix Saskia
Published: November 2021

The Nordic Seas have one of the highest water-mass diversities in the world, yet large knowledge gaps exist in biodiversity structure and biogeographical distribution patterns of the deep macrobenthic fauna. This study focuses on the marine bottom-dwelling peracarid crustacean taxon Cumacea from northern waters, using a combined approach of morphological and molecular techniques to present one of the first insights into genetic variability of this taxon. In total, 947 specimens were assigned to 77 morphologically differing species, representing all seven known families from the North Atlantic. A total of 131 specimens were studied genetically (16S rRNA) and divided into 53 putative species by species delimitation methods (GMYC and ABGD). In most cases, morphological and molecular-genetic delimitation was fully congruent, highlighting the overall success and high quality of both approaches. Differences were due to eight instances resulting in either ecologically driven morphological diversification of species or morphologically cryptic species, uncovering hidden diversity. An interspecific genetic distance of at least 8% was observed with a clear barcoding gap for molecular delimitation of cumacean species. Combining these findings with data from public databases and specimens collected during different international expeditions revealed a change in the composition of taxa from a Northern Atlantic-boreal to an Arctic community. The Greenland-Iceland-Scotland-Ridge (GIS-Ridge) acts as a geographical barrier and/or predominate water masses correspond well with cumacean taxa dominance. A closer investigation on species level revealed occurrences across multiple ecoregions or patchy distributions within defined ecoregions.
Current state of infection and prevalence of giardiasis in Malaysia: a review of 20 years of research
Authors: Roshidi Norhamizah , Mohd Hassan Nur Hassanah , Abdul Hadi Asma , Arifin Norsyahida
Published: November 2021

Background

Giardiasis is a neglected parasitic zoonotic disease caused byGiardia duodenalisthat is often overlooked despite the damage inflicted upon humans and domestic/wild animals. Lack of surveillance studies, low sensitivity of diagnostic tools, and resistance to giardiasis treatment add to the challenge in managing giardiasis, leaving a gap that continues to render giardiasis a silent threat to public health worldwide. This situation is not much different in Malaysia, where giardiasis remains a public health problem, especially in the indigenous communities. Realizing the existence of gaps in the literature and information on giardiasis in Malaysia, this review aims to revisit and update the situation of giardiasis in Malaysia based on articles published in 20 years from 2000 to 2020, providing estimates on the incidence of giardiasis in humans, animals, and the environment, which may inform efforts to prevent and control the impact of giardiasis in the country.

Methodology

We searched PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus using MeSH terms and text keywords “Giardia duodenalisORGiardia intestinalisORGiardia lambliaOR intestinal protozoa AND Malaysia”. Information was collected from all giardiasis reports published between 2000 and 2020.

Results

Giardiasis in Malaysia is more prevalent among the poorest segments of the population, namely the indigenous communities and people living in densely populated areas such as slums and prisons, due to low standard of personal hygiene, unsafe water resources, and improper sanitation. While the prevalence data is hugely dependent on microscopic fecal examination in epidemiological studies of giardiasis, current studies mostly focused on species identification and genotype distribution by multilocus genotyping. Thus far, the outbreak of giardiasis has not been reported in the country, but the disease was found to be significantly associated with stunting, wasting, and malnutrition among children of the indigenous communities. Surveillance studies also discovered the simultaneous presence ofGiardiain the animal-environments, including wild animals, ruminants, and treated and untreated water. The data collected here will be a useful addition to the literature body on giardiasis in Malaysia, which can be exploited in efforts to prevent and control the impact of giardiasis in the country.

Conclusions

The last 10 years have shown that the overall mean rate of giardiasis in Malaysia is quite encouraging at 13.7%. While this figure appears to be declining, there has been a slight increase in the prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting among rural children in 2019. The fact that giardiasis is linked to long-term childhood developmental problems, indicates that addressing and providing better disease control against giardiasis should be a priority in supporting the national agenda to achieve Malaysia Global Nutrition Targets by 2025.
Akulturasi Budaya Pada Interior Gereja Katolik (Studi Kasus: Gereja Gemma Galgani Ketapang, Kalimantan Barat)
Authors: Oscarina Karin , Tulistyantoro Lintu , Kattu Grace Setiati
Published: November 2021

Gereja Gemma Galgani Ketapang adalah gereja katolik yang sangat unik. Gereja ini mencerminkan sebuah akulturasi budaya lokal yang tampak pada ornamen dan elemen yang diaplikasikan pada interiornya. Budaya lokal yang diterapkan pada elemen dan ornamen adalah budaya Dayak. Ornamen Dayak tidak hanya sekedar memenuhi estetika, elemen tersebut tentunya memiliki makna yang dalam sesuai dengan konteks masyarakatnya.  Permasalahan muncul apakah elemen dekoratif tersebut sejalan dengan kepercayaan agama Katolik? Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah kualitatif deskriptif dengan pendekatan komparasi.  Data dicapai dengan cara melakukan observasi, dokumentasi dan wawancara dengan pakar. Analisa dilakukan dengan cara membandingkan antara data lapangan, literatur dan pendapat pakar melalui pentabelan. Percampuran budaya Dayak dengan Katolik terlihat baik fisik maupun non fisik, seperti pada pola organisasi ruang yang sama dengan struktur Batang Garing yang merupakan kepercayaan agama Kaharingan. Penggunaan warna dan ornamen elemen pembentuk ruang dan perabot terdapat motif Dayak yang memiliki persamaan makna dengan kepercayaan Katolik. Kesamaan tidak hanya pada visualisasi tetapi lebih menekankan kepada makna dari ornamen tersebut.
Complex Processing of Adsorbent Used in the Purification of Hydrogen-Containing Gas
Authors: Ibodullaev Sukhrob , Isaeva Nurkhon , Khodjiev Rustam , Mirzaeva Elena , Turdieva Dilnoza , Gulomov Shukhrat , Mamatkulov Shavkat
Published: November 2021

The problems of processing spent adsorbents with a high concentration of chemisorbed chlorine-containing compounds for their reuse are studied in this article. The genesis of the phase composition and morphology at all technological stages of thermochemical regeneration of the spent adsorbent - Axstrap-860 by means of alkaline modification with a combined solution of sodium and potassium hydroxides has been tested by diffractometry and elemental analysis. The results show that the formation of a layer with an increased concentration of alkali metals in the form of the corresponding carbonates and NaOH on the surface of the granules and in the volume of sodium and potassium aluminates provides adsorption of HCl, which are slightly inferior to the fresh adsorbent. The conditions for the removal of halogen-containing substances from technogenic raw materials with the subsequent isolation of useful products have been optimized: (1) crystalline NaCl intended for the preparation of electrolyte for electrode boilers and steam generators; (2) a mixture of chlorides and hydroxochlorides of aluminum tested in the process of coagulation purification of turbid natural and waste waters; (3) pseudoboehmite for the production of an adsorbent-desiccant and the synthesis of magnesium-aluminum spinel using the technology of destruction-epitaxial transformation, and a promising carrier for catalysts for steam reforming of hydrocarbons. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Internet of Things (IoT): An Introduction
Authors: Xu Li D.
Published: November 2021

Internet of Things (IoT) has provided a promising opportunity to build powerful industrial systems and applications by leveraging the growing ubiquity of radio‐frequency identification (RFID), wireless, mobile, and sensor devices. IoT integrates various devices equipped with identification, sensing, networking, communication, and processing capabilities as a complex cyber‐physical system. A wide range of industrial IoT applications has been developed and deployed in recent years. Industries have a strong interest in deploying more IoT devices to develop industrial applications. In an effort to understand the development of IoT in industries, this article introduces the recent research on IoT from the industrial perspective. We firstly introduce the background and the fundamental enabling technologies that are used in IoT. Next, we present some key industrial applications of IoT. Afterward, we introduce the future trends associated with IoT, including research in 5G and 6G and their implications to IoT in the future. The current trend is the widespread adoption of 5G; meanwhile, 6G emerges. IoT of Everything will be realized when 6G comes. Due to the rapid advances in technology and improved industrial infrastructure, IoT is expected to be widely implemented in industries.
Functional Reconstitution of Dopamine D2 Receptor into a Supported Model Membrane in a Nanometric Confinement
Authors: Nagai Rurika , Sugimachi Ayane , Tanimoto Yasushi , Suzuki Kenichi G. N. , Hayashi Fumio , Weikert Dorothee , Gmeiner Peter , Kasai Rinshi S. , Morigaki Kenichi
Published: November 2021

Dopamine D2 receptor (D2R), a G‐protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR), plays critical roles in neural functions and represents the target for a wide variety of drugs used to treat neurological diseases. However, its fundamental physicochemical properties, such as dimerization and affinity to different lipid environments, remain unknown. Here, reconstitution and characterization of D2R in a supported model membrane in nanometric confinement are reported. D2R is expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and transferred into the supported model membrane as cell membrane blebs. D2R molecules are reconstituted with an elevated density in the cleft between the substrate and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) elastomer. Reconstituted D2R retains the physiological functions, as evaluated from its binding to an antagonist and dimerization lifetime. The transient dimer formation of D2R, similar to the live cell, suggests that it is an innate property that does not depend on the cellular structures such as actin filaments. Although the mechanism of this unique reconstitution process is currently not fully understood, the finding points to a new possibility of using a nanometric space (<100 nm thick) as a platform for reconstituting and studying membrane proteins under the quasi‐physiological conditions, which are difficult to be created by other methods.
Unleash the Capacity Potential of LiFePO4 through Rocking‐Chair Coordination Chemistry
Authors: Ma Zhong , Zuo Zhijun , Li Lin , Li Yuning
Published: November 2021

There is still a considerable gap between the actual and theoretical capacities of the commercial cathode material LiFePO4 (LFP) for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Here, a new strategy to release the full capacity of LFP through the rocking‐chair coordination chemistry is reported. Specifically, the zinc acetate‐diethanolamine complex (Zn(OAc)2·DEA) is used as a functional binder for the LFP cathode, where the N atom of DEA can coordinate with Zn2+, Fe2+, or Fe3+. The bond strength sequence is Fe3+–N > Zn2+–N > Fe2+–N, which makes the N atom swing between Fe3+ on the surface of FePO4 in the charged state and Zn2+ of Zn(OAc)2 in the discharged state. Density functional theory simulations reveal that the adsorption of DEA reduces the surface bandgap and the energy barriers of Li+ diffusion along the [010] direction of LFP, which promotes electronic conduction and Li+ diffusion, respectively. The Zn(OAc)2·DEA‐based LFP electrode achieves a high capacity of 169 mAh g−1 at 0.2C, which approaches the theoretical value of 170 mAh g−1. The electrode also has excellent cycling performance, showing a low capacity decay rate of 0.03% per cycle over 1500 cycles at 5C.
Strain Engineering of Magnetic Anisotropy in Epitaxial Films of Cobalt Ferrite
Authors: Onoda Hiroshige , Sukegawa Hiroaki , Inoue Jun‐Ichiro , Yanagihara Hideto
Published: November 2021

Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) energy up to Ku = 6.1 ± 0.8 MJm−3 is demonstrated in this study by inducing large lattice distortion exceeding 3% at room temperature in epitaxially distorted cobalt ferrite Co0.73Fe2.18O4 (001) thin films. Although the thin film materials include no rare‐earth elements or noble metals, the observed Ku is larger than that of the neodymium‐iron‐boron compounds for high‐performance permanent magnets. The large PMA is attributed to the significantly enhanced magneto‐elastic effects, which are pronounced in distorted films with epitaxial lattice structures upon introducing a distortion control layer of composition Mg2−xSn1+xO4. Surprisingly, the induced Ku can be quantitatively explained in terms of the agreement between the local crystal field of Co2+ and the phenomenological magneto‐elastic model, indicating that the linear response of induced Ku is sufficiently valid even under lattice distortions as large as 3.2%. Controlling tetragonal lattice deformation using a non‐magnetic spinel layer for ferrites could be a promising protocol for developing materials with large magnetic anisotropies.
Oriented Catalytic Oxidation Induced Fabrication of CuO/Mn3O4 Hierarchical Arrays as Binder‐Free Electrodes for High‐Performance Supercapacitor
Authors: Huang Mengqiu , Shi Kun , Xu Zhengjie , Lin Yuping , Jiang Miaomiao , Yang Zeheng , Wu Guoqing , Chen Huayong , Zhang Weixin
Published: November 2021

Herein, the authors report the fabrication of copper oxide/manganese oxide (CuO/Mn3O4) hierarchical arrays on Cu substrate via an oriented catalytic oxidation combined with subsequent annealing. Based on an ingenious oriented catalytic oxidation process, abundant CuO/Mn3O4 nanosheets are directionally modified on the surface of Cu(OH)2 nanorod arrays which are uniformly grown on the Cu substrate. Through subsequent annealing treatment in an N2 atmosphere, CuO/Mn3O4 nanorod arrays are fabricated with tuned oxygen vacancies. The 3D hybrid nanoarray structure with advantages of enhanced electron transfer, a large exposed surface area, and robust structure stability can address the drawbacks associated with bare CuO electrodes. As a result, the as‐prepared CuO/Mn3O4 nanoarray electrode demonstrates excellent electrochemical performance, delivering a high specific capacitance of 433 mF cm−2 at 5 mA cm−2 (1732 F g−1 at 20 A g−1), and achieving a long cycling lifespan with 144% capacitance retention at 20 mA cm−2 after 20 000 cycles. Interestingly, this facile oriented catalytic oxidation strategy can be extended to prepare other metal oxides/hydroxides (Ni2+, Co2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, or mixed ions based) on the surface of Cu(OH)2 nanorod templates respectively, manifesting its versatility for preparing CuO‐based hybrid nanorod arrays on the Cu substrate.
Multi‐Element Surface Coating of Layered Ni‐Rich Oxide Cathode Materials and Their Long‐Term Cycling Performance in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Dreyer Sören L. , Kretschmer Katja R. , Tripković Đorđije , Mazilkin Andrey , Chukwu Richard , Azmi Raheleh , Hartmann Pascal , Bianchini Matteo , Brezesinski Torsten , Janek Jürgen
Published: November 2021

The energy density of layered oxide cathode materials increases with their Ni content, while the stability decreases and degradation becomes more severe. A common strategy to mitigate or prevent degradation is the application of protective coatings on the particle surfaces. In this article, a room‐temperature, liquid‐phase reaction of trimethylaluminum (TMA) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) with adsorbed moisture on either LiNi0.85Co0.10Mn0.05O2 or LiNiO2, yielding a hybrid coating that shows synergetic benefits compared to coatings from TMA and TEOS individually, is reported. The surface layer is investigated in long‐term pouch full‐cell studies as well as by electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and differential electrochemical mass spectrometry, demonstrating that it prevents degradation primarily by a fluorine‐scavenging effect, and by reducing the extent of rock salt‐type phase formation.
Multilayered Adsorption of Commensal Microflora on Implant Surfaces: an Unconventional and Innovative Method to Prevent Bacterial Infections Associated with Biomaterials
Authors: Rahim Muhammad Imran , Doll Katharina , Stumpp Nico S. , Eisenburger Michael , Stiesch Meike
Published: November 2021

Biomaterials may be colonized with infectious biofilms and this frequently leads to progressive loss of tissue. Bacteria encased within biofilms resist antibiotics and the host immune system. With life‐threatening complications and the antibiotic resistance crisis, novel therapeutic approaches are essentially required to treat biofilm infections. Commensal microflora—particularly streptococci—modulate the immune system's ability to protect from pathogens. In imitation of this natural phenomenon, the present study describes a novel method of applying the commensal, Streptococcus oralis, as a coating on implants to prevent infectious biofilms. Implants are coated with a simple thermal process to circumvent sepsis persuaded by live microflora and for a stable multilayered coating. Titanium discs coated with S. oralis antagonize the biofilm‐making capabilities of single, dual, or multispecies periodontal pathogens: Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Veillonella dispar, and Actinomyces naeslundii—under both static and flow conditions. The bacterial adhesion force measured with atomic force microscopy (AFM) reduces on coated titanium suggesting that electrostatic interactions are mainly responsible for the decrease in maximum adhesion peak. Importantly, S. oralis coated implants are compatible with human gingival fibroblasts. S. oralis coating may provide a potent novel approach to prevent potentially fatal biofilm infections on biomaterials.
Photoresponsive Superhydrophobic Membrane Crosslinked by Bipedal Pillararenes with Patterned Wettability
Authors: Li Jinjie , Dong Jinhui , Wang He , Yang Xiaoyan , Chen Jianzhuang , Gu Jinlou , Lin Shaoliang
Published: November 2021

The facile fabrication of superhydrophobic membrane with patterned and controllable wettability is crucial to the exploitation of precise control of water flow path. Here, an azobenzene‐bridged bipedal pillararenes‐crosslinked polypseudorotaxane is used to fabricate a superhydrophobic membrane via the combination of electrospraying and breath figure approaches. Regulation of the relative humidity during electrospraying process and the trans‐cis isomerization of azobenzene provide the capability to control the water adhesion force of membrane. These rules are applied to engineer the wettability of membrane into various patterns via re‐electrospraying or light irradiation with patterned photomask. These efforts demonstrate the potential of polypseudorotaxanes for applications in smart membrane with patterned wettability.
Improving the Sensitivity of SPR Sensors with Au–Ag alloys and 2D Materials — a Simulation‐Based Approach
Authors: Das Chandreyee Manas , Guo Yan , Kang Lixing , Poenar Daniel Puiu , Xiong Jiaqing , Ramaswamy Yogambha , Martinez‐Martin David , Yong Ken‐Tye
Published: November 2021

Plasmonic‐based sensing revolves around the generation of plasmons as a result of light–matter interactions. Analytical and/or diagnostic technologies based on this principle are extremely successful and popular in the bio‐medical industry due to their high sensitivity as well as real‐time and label‐free sensing capabilities. Employing 2D multilayers as the main plasmonic substrate instead of pure metals is a relatively new concept that can provide advantages for the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor. In this work, the gain in sensitivity of the Au–Ag based SPR sensors is evaluated by employing 2D materials like graphene, MoS2, and WS2 in a multilayer SPR system. The simulations calculate the sensitivity of such multi‐layered SPR structures and indicate that the use of WS2 in the modified system can lead to an increased sensitivity (1.53 times) as compared to the standard Au‐based Kretschmann configuration.
Stunting is the natural condition of human height
Authors: Scheffler Christiane , Hermanussen Michael
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Human body height differs within a wide range and has conventionally been associated with genetic, nutritional, and environmental conditions. In this study, we try to broaden this perspective and add the evolutionary aspect of height differences.

Sample and Method

We revisited height from archeological data (10 000–1000 BC), and historical growth studies (1877–1913). We analyzed height, weight, and skinfold thickness of 1666 Indonesian schoolchildren from six representative rural and urban elementary schools in Bali and West Timor with a stunting prevalence of up to 50%.

Results

Stature in the Holocene prehistory of the Near East and Europe varied with maxima for women usually ranging below 160 cm, and maxima for men between 165 and 170 cm. Stature never rose above 170 cm. European and white US‐American schoolchildren of the 19th and 20th century were generally short with average height ranging between −1.5 and −2.2 hSDS, yet in the absence of any evidence of chronic or recurrent undernutrition or frequent illness, poverty, or disadvantageous living conditions. The same is found in contemporary Indonesian schoolchildren.

Conclusion

Stunting is frequently observed not only in the poor, but also in affluent and well‐nourished social strata last 10 000 years. Only in very recent history, and only in a few democratic, modern societies, stature has increased beyond the long‐lasting historic height average. Viewed from an evolutionary perspective, and considering adaptive plasticity of and community effects on growth, competitive growth and strategic growth adjustments, stunting appears to be the natural condition of human height.
Silylative Cyclization with Dehydrogenation Leading to Benzosilole‐Fused Azulenes Showing Unique Stimuli‐Responsive Fluorescence
Authors: Murai Masahito
Published: November 2021

Use of an iridium precatalyst with a pyridine‐based bidentate ligand allowed the efficient synthesis of benzosilole‐fused azulene derivatives via intramolecular dehydrogenative silylation of C−H bonds of azulene. Unique stimuli‐responsive fluorescence occurred upon acid treatment by appropriate fusing direction of the azulene ring. TD‐DFT calculations suggested that the major radiative decay pathway switched from S2→S0 to S1→S0 upon protonation, and the fusing mode greatly affected the degree of orbital overlap between the two related states that determine emissions of azulene.
General Synthesis of Multiple‐Cores@Multiple‐Shells Hollow Composites and Their Application to Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhao Jilu , Wang Jiangyan , Bi Ruyi , Yang Mei , Wan Jiawei , Jiang Hongyu , Gu Lin , Wang Dan
Published: November 2021

Rational nanostructure design has proved fruitful in addressing the bottlenecks of diverse fields. Especially hollow multi‐shelled structures (HoMS) have stood out due to their temporal–spatial ordering mass transfer and buffering effect. Localizing multiple cores in a HoMS is highly desired, which could endow it with more fascinating properties. However, such a structure has been barely reported due to the highly challenging fabrication. Here, we develop a controllable synthesis strategy to realize such a structure, which is applicable for diverse cores and shells. Additionally, cores and shells could be tuned to be homogeneous or heterogeneous, with the core and shell number well controlled. In situ TEM analysis verifies that the inner shell confines the expansion orientation of cores, while the outer shell maintains a stable interface. In addition to energy storage, such structure is also promising for multi‐drug co‐delivery and sequential responsive release as well as tandem catalysis applications.
Substratinspirierte Fragment‐Fusion und ‐Erweiterung führt zu wirksamen LasB‐Inhibitoren
Authors: Kaya Cansu , Walter Isabell , Yahiaoui Samir , Sikandar Asfandyar , Alhayek Alaa , Konstantinović Jelena , Kany Andreas M. , Haupenthal Jörg , Köhnke Jesko , Hartmann Rolf W. , Hirsch Anna K. H.
Published: November 2021

Extrazelluläre Virulenzfaktoren haben sich als attraktive Ziele in der aktuellen Antibiotikaresistenzkrise erwiesen. Der Gram‐negative Erreger Pseudomonas aeruginosa sezerniert den Virulenzfaktor Elastase B (LasB), der eine wichtige Rolle im Infektionsprozess spielt. Hier berichten wir über einen submikromolaren, nicht‐peptidischen, fragmentartigen Inhibitor von LasB, der durch sorgfältige visuelle Analyse von Strukturdaten entdeckt wurde. In Anlehnung an das natürliche LasB‐Substrat wurde das ursprüngliche Fragment erfolgreich fusioniert und vergrößert. Der optimierte Inhibitor ist durch einfache Chemie zugänglich und behält seine Selektivität bei, wobei die Aktivität erheblich verbessert wird, was durch die Kristallstruktur von LasB im Komplex mit dem Inhibitor erklärt werden kann. Wir zeigen auch eine verbesserte in vivo‐Wirksamkeit des optimierten Hits in Galleria mellonella‐Larven, was die Bedeutung dieser Klasse von Verbindungen als vielversprechende Arzneimittelkandidaten unterstreicht.
A Bivalent Activatable Fluorescent Probe for Screening and Intravital Imaging of Chemotherapy‐Induced Cancer Cell Death
Authors: Barth Nicole D. , Mendive‐Tapia Lorena , Subiros‐Funosas Ramon , Ghashghaei Ouldouz , Lavilla Rodolfo , Maiorino Laura , He Xue‐Yan , Dransfield Ian , Egeblad Mikala , Vendrell Marc
Published: November 2021

The detection and quantification of apoptotic cells is a key process in cancer research, particularly during the screening of anticancer therapeutics and in mechanistic studies using preclinical models. Intravital optical imaging enables high‐resolution visualisation of cellular events in live organisms; however, there are few fluorescent probes that can reliably provide functional readouts in situ without interference from tissue autofluorescence. We report the design and optimisation of the fluorogenic probe Apotracker Red for real‐time detection of cancer cell death. The strong fluorogenic behaviour, high selectivity, and excellent stability of Apotracker Red make it a reliable optical reporter for the characterisation of the effects of anticancer drugs in cells in vitro and for direct imaging of chemotherapy‐induced apoptosis in vivo in mouse models of breast cancer.
Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio is not related to carotid atherosclerosis progression and cardiovascular events in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: Results from the IMPROVE study
Authors: Mannarino Massimo R. , Bianconi Vanessa , Gigante Bruna , Strawbridge Rona J. , Savonen Kai , Kurl Sudhir , Giral Philippe , Smit Andries , Eriksson Per , Tremoli Elena , Veglia Fabrizio , Baldassarre Damiano , Pirro Matteo ,   IMPROVE study group
Published: November 2021

Inflammation is a component of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a possible inflammation metric for the detection of ASCVD risk, although results of prospective studies are highly inconsistent on this topic. We investigated the cross‐sectional relationship between NLR and carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT) in subjects at moderate‐to‐high ASCVD risk. The prospective association between NLR, cIMT progression, and incident vascular events (VEs) was also explored. In 3341 subjects from the IMT‐Progression as Predictors of VEs (IMPROVE) study, we analyzed the association between NLR, cIMT, and its 15‐month progression. The association between NLR and incident VEs was also investigated. NLR was positively associated with cross‐sectional measures of cIMT, but not with cIMT progression. The association between NLR and cross‐sectional cIMT measures was abolished when adjusted for confounders. No association was found between NRL and incident VEs. Similarly, there were no significant differences in the hazard ratios (HRs) of VEs across NLR quartiles. NLR was neither associated with the presence and progression of carotid atherosclerosis, nor with the risk of VEs. Our findings do not support the role of NLR as a predictor of the risk of atherosclerosis progression and ASCVD events in subjects at moderate‐to‐high ASCVD risk, in primary prevention. However, the usefulness of NLR for patients at a different level of ASCVD risk cannot be inferred from this study.
Mechanistic discoveries and simulation‐guided assay optimization of portable hormone biosensors with cell‐free protein synthesis
Authors: Hunt John Porter , Galiardi Jackelyn , Free Tyler J. , Yang Seung Ook , Poole Daniel , Zhao Emily Long , Andersen Joshua L. , Wood David W. , Bundy Bradley C.
Published: November 2021

Nuclear receptors (NRs) influence nearly every system of the body and our lives depend on correct NR signaling. Thus, a key environmental and pharmaceutical quest is to identify and detect chemicals which interact with nuclear hormone receptors, including endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), therapeutic receptor modulators, and natural hormones. Previously reported biosensors of nuclear hormone receptor ligands facilitated rapid detection of NR ligands using cell‐free protein synthesis (CFPS). In this work, the advantages of CFPS are further leveraged and combined with kinetic analysis, autoradiography, and western blot to elucidate the molecular mechanism of this biosensor. Additionally, mathematical simulations of enzyme kinetics are used to optimize the biosensor assay, ultimately lengthening its readable window by five‐fold and improving sensor signal strength by two‐fold. This approach enabled the creation of an on‐demand thyroid hormone biosensor with an observable color‐change readout. This mathematical and experimental approach provides insight for engineering rapid and field‐deployable CFPS biosensors and promises to improve methods for detecting natural hormones, therapeutic receptor modulators, and EDCs.
The roles of ferroptosis regulatory gene SLC7A11 in renal cell carcinoma: A multi‐omics study
Authors: Xu Fangshi , Guan Yibing , Xue Li , Zhang Peng , Li Mingrui , Gao Mei , Chong Tie
Published: November 2021

Background

The ferroptosis inhibitory gene Solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) provides a new strategy for anticancer treatment. However, its function in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains elusive.

Methods

The expression and somatic mutation information of SLC7A11 in RCC samples were determined using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), Oncomine, and cBioPortal databases. The prognostic value of SLC7A11 was assessed through survival analysis, Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, independent prognostic analysis, clinical subgroup analysis, and nomogram. Its prognostic value was also validated in the ICGC and GSE29607 cohorts. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was employed to investigate the effects of SLC7A11 on multiple metabolic pathways. The CIBERSORT algorithm and single‐sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) method were applied to evaluate the effects of SLC7A11 on the tumor immune microenvironment (TIM). SLC7A11’s therapeutic correlations were analyzed using the GSE87121, GSE67501, and GSDC datasets. Finally, the biofunctions of SLC7A11 in renal cancer cells and ferroptosis were ascertained by MTT, wound healing, transwell, and western blot assays.

Results

Through multiple datasets, SLC7A11 was found to be markedly upregulated in RCC. In terms of prognosis, SLC7A11 overexpression conferred a worse prognosis and was identified as an independent prognostic factor. Its prognostic value was validated in ICGC cohort. Moreover, high SL7CA11 expression could stimulate nucleotides, fatty acids, and amino acid metabolism to meet the proliferative consumption of tumor cells. As for the immune effect, SLC7A11 suppressed antitumor immunity by reducing the abundances of CD8+ T and NK cells. Regarding the therapeutic response, SLC7A11 expression was not correlated with the sensitivities of most chemotherapy and targeted drugs. Finally, SLC7A11 promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of renal cancer cells by enhancing GPX4 output, which in turn inhibits ferroptosis.

Conclusions

SLC7A11 not only deeply influences RCC prognosis and TIM, but also promotes RCC progression by inhibiting ferroptosis and inducing metabolic reprogramming. In addition, SLC7A11 weakly affects the therapeutic effect and sensitivities of multiple chemotherapy and targeted drugs.
The Modified Osseodensification Visco‐Elastic (MOVE) Sinus Protocol: A Case Series to Illustrate the Combination of Osseodensification with Viscoelastic Bone Replacement Material
Authors: Puterman Israel , Weinstein Bradley , Walton Philip , Fien Matthew
Published: November 2021

Introduction

The Modified Osseodensification Visco‐Elastic (MOVE) protocol combines two established techniques for sinus lifting: osseodensification drills to elevate the Schneiderian membrane, and the use of a viscoelastic putty to distribute forces on the membrane, a combination first described by Neiva et al. (2019). This case series elucidates the technique for combining these materials, and its possible benefits, which include reduced procedure time, less traumatic sinus elevation, and more versatility for unusual sinus anatomy, such as sloped sinus floors and immediate implant sites.

Case Series

The three cases, illustrating a single implant, adjacent implants, and an immediate implant, demonstrate various indications for using the MOVE protocol, documented with two‐ and three‐dimensional radiography. The MOVE protocol is explained in detail with supplemental photos of the steps.

Conclusion

Applying the MOVE protocol has the potential to allow for same‐day implant placement in sites that previously required preoperative bone augmentation or lateral wall sinus access, thereby reducing the extent of surgical invasiveness associated with implant placement in the posterior maxilla.
Massive vagal schwannoma in an 11‐year‐old girl
Authors: Feit Noah Z. , Fitzgerald Conall W. R. , Mclean Tim , Wong Richard J.
Published: November 2021

We describe an unusual case of a young girl presenting with a large vagal schwannoma necessitating a transcervical‐mandibulotomy approach for total tumor resection. The presentation is unique due to the size of the lesion, the patient’s age, the operative approach, and molecular pathology.
Monitoring of hemodynamic changes during huge cystic lymphangioma resection in a 91‐day‐old infant
Authors: Kim Sung Wan , Lee Kyung Hyun , Eom Deuk Won , Kim Tae Hyung , Park Sang Yoong
Published: November 2021

Cystic lymphangioma (CL) is a rare benign lesion that can be treated with surgical resection. We describe the monitoring of hemodynamic changes in a 91‐day‐old girl undergoing resection of a huge CL. Monitoring was managed through continuous central venous pressure monitoring using a central catheter in the inferior vena cava.