bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Room‐Temperature Multiferroicity and Magnetization Dynamics in Fe/BTO/LSMO Tunnel Junction
Authors: Pawlak Jakub , Skowroński Witold , Żywczak Antoni , Przybylski Marek
Published: October 2021

This article describes the static, dynamic, and temperature dependent magneto‐transport properties of the Fe/BTO/LSMO mutliferroic tunnel junction (MFTJ). The multilayer structure is grown on a high quality crystalline STO substrate by means of pulsed laser deposition, which enables epitaxial layer‐by‐layer growth. The MFTJ is patterned into micrometer‐size devices by means of the ion‐etching‐free lithography process ensuring that the properties of the oxide layers are preserved after the device fabrication. The measured static properties indicate that the MFTJ has multiferroic properties at room temperature with the tunneling electroresistance (TER) and tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) reaching 270% and 0.4%, respectively. The temperature measurements indicate the exponentially decreasing dependence of TMR with increasing temperature, whereas TER is temperature independent. The electric ferromagnetic resonance measurements based on the spin‐diode effect shows the existence of two resonance peaks, from both ferromagentic electrodes, one identified as LSMO‐derived and characterized by low magnetization damping of α = 0.002 and the other from the Fe.
Spin‐Orbit Torque and Interfacial Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya Interaction in Heavy Metal/Ferrimagnetic Insulator Deposited by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Ye Zhixiang , Chen Zhiren , Chen Zehan , Jia Wei , Gao Tenghua , Liu Lin , Zheng Hongnan , Zeng Qi , Wang Qiuning , Wang Ning , Xiang Boyuan , Lin Tao , Qiu Mingxia , Li Shunpu , Shi Ji , Hou Zhipeng , Ando Kazuya , An Hongyu
Published: October 2021

Ferrimagnetic insulators (FMIs) have abundant advantages for the application in spintronic devices, which have attracted intensive studies. However, in most previous studies on heavy metal (HM)/FMI bilayers, the FMI layers are deposited by pulsed laser deposition (PLD), and the HM layers are deposited by magnetron sputtering. This will cause the interfacial contamination due to the inevitable vacuum breaking, and then significantly affect the spin‐orbit torque (SOT) generation and the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DMI) in the HM/FMI bilayers. In this work, the SOT and DMI in the HM/FMI bilayers deposited by magnetron sputtering without vacuum breaking are studied. The successful fabrication of the Tm3Fe5O12 (TmIG) layer, a typical FMI, with good crystallinity and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) by magnetron sputtering is first demonstrated. Then by systematically varying the TmIG thickness, the SOT and DMI in the Pt/TmIG bilayers are studied. It is shown that the effective spin Hall angle in the Pt/TmIG bilayers is much larger than most previously reported values. It is further demonstrated that the DMI constant scales linearly with the inverse of the TmIG thickness, indicating the interfacial origin of the DMI. The study provides a piece of information for the basic understandings of the SOT and DMI in the HM/FMI bilayers.
Koolen‐de Vries syndrome in a 63‐year‐old woman: Report of the oldest patient and a review of the adult phenotype
Authors: Farnè Marianna , Bernardini Laura , Capalbo Anna , Cavarretta Giusy , Torres Barbara , Sanchini Mariabeatrice , Fini Sergio , Ferlini Alessandra , Bigoni Stefania
Published: October 2021

Koolen‐de Vries syndrome (KdVS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by a de novo microdeletion in chromosomal region 17q21.31 encompassing KANSL1 or by a de novo intragenic pathogenic variant of KANSL1. KdVS is typically characterized by intellectual disability (ID), variable from mild to severe, developmental psychomotor delay, especially of expressive language development, friendly disposition, and multiple systemic abnormalities. So far, most of the individuals affected by KdVS are diagnosed in infancy or in adolescence; to the best of our knowledge, only 34 (including ours) adults have been reported in literature. Here we present the adult phenotype of a 63‐year‐old Italian woman affected by KdVS, caused by a 17q21.31 microdeletion. She is, to our knowledge, the oldest affected individual reported so far. We collected her clinical history and photographs, as well as those of other 26 adult patients described so far and compared her to them. We propose that the cardinal features of KdVS in adulthood are ID (ranging from mild to severe, usually moderate), friendly behavior, musculoskeletal abnormalities (especially scoliosis), and facial dysmorphism (a long face and a pronounced pear‐shape nose with bulbous overhanging nasal tip). Therefore, we suggest considering KdVS in differential diagnosis in adult patients characterized by these features.
Profile of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Results from a Longitudinal, Prospective, Multisite Study
Authors: Capal Jamie K. , Williams Marian E. , Pearson Deborah A. , Kissinger Robin , Horn Paul S. , Murray Donna , Currans Kristn , Kent Bridget , Bebin Martina , Northrup Hope , Wu Joyce Y. , Sahin Mustafa , Krueger Darcy A. ,   TACERN Study Group
Published: October 2021

Objective

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is highly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Objectives of the study were to characterize autistic features in young children with TSC.

Methods

Participants included 138 children followed from ages 3 to 36 months with TSC from the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Autism Center of Excellence Research Network (TACERN), a multicenter, prospective observational study aimed at understanding the underlying mechanisms of ASD in TSC. Developmental and autism‐specific assessments were administered, and a clinical diagnosis of ASD was determined for all participants at 36 months. Further analyses were performed on 117 participants with valid autism assessments based on nonverbal mental age greater than 15 months.

Results

Prevalence of clinical diagnosis of ASD at 36 months was 25%. Nearly all autistic behaviors on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule‐2 (ADOS‐2) and Autism Diagnostic Interview‐Revised (ADI‐R) were more prevalent in children diagnosed with ASD; however, autism‐specific behaviors were also observed in children without ASD. Overall quality of social overtures, facial expressions, and abnormal repetitive interests and behaviors were characteristics most likely to distinguish children with ASD from those without an ASD diagnosis. Participants meeting ADOS‐2 criteria but not a clinical ASD diagnosis exhibited intermediate developmental and ADOS‐2 scores compared to individuals with and without ASD.

Interpretation

ASD is highly prevalent in TSC, and many additional individuals with TSC exhibit a broad range of subthreshold autistic behaviors. Our findings reveal a broader autism phenotype that can be identified in young children with TSC, which provides opportunity for early targeted treatments. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:874–886
Assessing how students value learning communication skills in an undergraduate anatomy and physiology course
Authors: Cline Christina , Santuzzi Alecia M. , Samonds Karen E. , LaDue Nicole , Bergan‐Roller Heather E.
Published: October 2021

Students, particularly those in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and healthcare‐related programs, should develop proficient interpersonal skills, including communication. To help students develop effective communication skills, instructors need to consider the value students give to learning these skills. The Student Attitudes Toward Communication Skills Survey (SATCSS) was developed to measure how undergraduate students value learning communication skills based on Expectancy‐Value Theory across three modes of communication (verbal, written, non‐verbal). The survey was given to students interested in healthcare professions and enrolled in an undergraduate anatomy and physiology (A&P) course (n= 233) at a Midwest research active university. The survey showed evidence of validity, measuring two components: (1) “Value to Profession” (attainment and utility value) and (2) “Value to Self” (intrinsic value and cost). There was a significant difference in sub‐scores among the four task values such that students thought that learning communication skills was important and relevant (high attainment and utility value) but not interesting (low intrinsic value) and costly. Students with high total scores valued communication skills across all four task values. As total value scores decreased, it was first due to students finding learning communication skills to be time prohibitive and then a lack of interest in learning communication skills. Based on these results, it is recommended that instructors incorporate communication skills training into content that is already part of their A&P course to reduce time concerns. Additional recommendations include using reflective activities and humor to increase student interest.
CO2‐Reduktion in der gebauten Umwelt – Von der Formulierung strategischer Leitlinien bis zur Planung und Umsetzung
Authors: Müller Sabine , Scheibstock Peter
Published: October 2021

Der Bericht beleuchtet Ansätze, Strategien und Instrumente zur CO2‐Reduktion in der gebauten Umwelt. Dabei wird hier die frühzeitige Einbindung der CO2‐Thematik in der Leistungsphase 0 bzw. Projektkonzeption betrachtet, in der die Zielsetzung eines Projekts festgelegt wird. In dieser Phase können ausschlaggebende Leitlinien zur Reduktion grauer sowie Betriebsemissionen formuliert werden, die wesentlich die Ausschreibung und Umsetzung eines Projekts beeinflussen. Ebenso wird erläutert, wie im weiteren Fortschritt das Erreichen von CO2‐Zielen unterstützt und auch gewährleistet werden kann. Dabei liegt der Fokus auf der Berechnung des globalen Erwärmungspotenzials (GWP) von Tragwerkskonstruktionen, da CO2 hier in besonderem Maße durch seine Baumasse relevant ist. Es wird diskutiert, in welcher Leistungsphase solche Berechnungen und Betrachtungen sinnvoll sind, um einen Beitrag zur CO2‐Reduktion zu leisten. Anhand eines aktuell in der Erstellung befindlichen Bürogebäudes werden Tragwerkskonzepte in Bezug auf ihre Ökobilanz gegenübergestellt. Die Bauindustrie ist verantwortlich für ca. 40 % der globalen CO2‐Emissionen. Als Ingenieur:innen haben wir die Verantwortung und Möglichkeiten, diesen Wert wesentlich zu beeinflussen. Buro Happold als interdisziplinäres Beratungs‐ und Planungsbüro kann dabei auf fachübergreifende Expertise zurückgreifen, die es erlaubt, Projekte von der ersten Idee bis zur Umsetzung zu begleiten. Somit kann ein möglichst großer positiver Einfluss hinsichtlich Nachhaltigkeit und CO2‐Fußabdruck erzielt werden. Die Autorin und der Autor mit ihrem Hintergrund aus Tragwerksplanung und Nachhaltigkeitsberatung zeigen das Potenzial dieses integrierten Ansatzes auf.
Network‐based rTMS to modulate working memory: The difficult choice of effective parameters for online interventions
Authors: Beynel Lysianne , Dannhauer Moritz , Palmer Hannah , Hilbig Susan A. , Crowell Courtney A. , Wang Joyce E‐H. , Michael Andrew M. , Wood Eleanor A. , Luber Bruce , Lisanby Sarah H. , Peterchev Angel V. , Cabeza Roberto , Davis Simon W. , Appelbaum Lawrence G.
Published: October 2021

Background

Online repetitive transcranialmagnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been shown to modulate working memory (WM) performance in a site‐specific manner, with behavioral improvements due to stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and impairment from stimulation to the lateral parietal cortex (LPC). Neurobehavioral studies have demonstrated that subprocesses of WM allowing for the maintenance and manipulation of information in the mind involve unique cortical networks. Despite promising evidence of modulatory effects of rTMS on WM, no studies have yet demonstrated distinct modulatory control of these two subprocesses. The current study therefore sought to explore this possibility through site‐specific stimulation during an online task invoking both skills.

Methods

Twenty‐nine subjects completed a 4‐day protocol, in which active or sham 5Hz rTMS was applied over the DLPFC and LPC in separate blocks of trials while participants performed tasks that required either maintenance alone, or both maintenance and manipulation (alphabetization) of information. Stimulation targets were defined individually based on fMRI activation and structural network properties. Stimulation amplitude was adjusted using electric field modeling to equate induced current in the target region across participants.

Results

Despite the use of advanced techniques, no significant differences or interactions between active and sham stimulation were found. Exploratory analyses testing stimulation amplitude, fMRI activation, and modal controllability showed nonsignificant but interesting trends with rTMS effects.

Conclusion

While this study did not reveal any significant behavioral changes in WM, the results may point to parameters that contribute to positive effects, such as stimulation amplitude and functional activation.
Oxytocin receptor polymorphism influences characterization of harm avoidance by moderating susceptibility to affectionless control parenting
Authors: Noto Keisuke , Suzuki Akihito , Shirata Toshinori , Matsumoto Yoshihiko , Muraosa Haruka , Goto Kaoru , Otani Koichi
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene polymorphism reportedly moderates effects of negative environments during childhood on mental function and behavior such as depressive symptoms and externalizing problems. This study examined OXTR gene polymorphism effects on personality traits in healthy participants, considering interaction effects of polymorphism with affectionless control (AC) parenting which is one of the dysfunctional and pathogenic parenting styles.

Methods

For 496 Japanese volunteers, personality was evaluated using the Temperament and Character Inventory. The Parental Bonding Instrument, which has subscales of care and protection, was used to assess perceived parental rearing. AC parenting was defined as low care and high protection. A/G polymorphism of the OXTR gene (rs53576) was detected using TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assay.

Results

Two‐way analysis of covariance revealed significant interaction effects between the genotype and the number of AC parents on scores of harm avoidance, with no significant main effect of genotype on any personality. Post‐hoc analysis revealed that the harm avoidance scores were increased in a stepwise manner with respect to the increase of the number of AC parents in the A allele carriers. No similar association was observed in the A allele noncarriers.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that OXTR polymorphism influences characterization of harm avoidance by moderating susceptibility to AC parenting.
Acute macular neuroretinopathy as a manifestation of coronavirus disease 2019: A case report
Authors: Masjedi Marjan , Pourazizi Mohsen , Hosseini Nastaran‐Sadat
Published: October 2021

The current findings is important in raising clinicians' awareness of the possibility of coincident acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) and COVID‐19 as a potential cause of retinal vascular damage and ischemia.
Optimization of a New Integrated Separation Process for Azeotropes Based on Genetic Programming
Authors: Wang Xiao-Hong , Ding Xin , Du Peng , Tian Zeng-Hu , Chen Jing-Xuan
Published: October 2021

A solution strategy of a distillation‐membrane separation process based on genetic programming algorithm (GP) is proposed. It can automatically match diverse membrane materials according to different azeotropic systems and generate various integrated processes. For the membrane, which is still in the experimental research stage, a theoretical prediction method of membrane cost is recommended. Taking the benzene‐cyclohexane system as an example, a GO‐AgNPs/PI membrane and polyurethane membrane were matched, respectively, and the optimal integrated processes can be obtained. The GP strategy provides a strong guidance for the comprehensive design and optimization of distillation‐membrane separation by using various new membranes.
In‐Situ Electronegativity and the Bridging of Chemical Bonding Concepts
Authors: Racioppi Stefano , Rahm Martin
Published: October 2021

One challenge in chemistry is the plethora of often disparate models for rationalizing the electronic structure of molecules. Chemical concepts abound, but their connections are often frail. This work describes a quantum‐mechanical framework that enables a combination of ideas from three approaches common for the analysis of chemical bonds: energy decomposition analysis (EDA), quantum chemical topology, and molecular orbital (MO) theory. The glue to our theory is the electron energy density, interpretable as one part electrons and one part electronegativity. We present a three‐dimensional analysis of the electron energy density and use it to redefine what constitutes an atom in a molecule. Definitions of atomic partial charge and electronegativity follow in a way that connects these concepts to the total energy of a molecule. The formation of polar bonds is predicted to cause inversion of electronegativity, and a new perspective of bonding in diborane and guanine−cytosine base‐pairing is presented. The electronegativity of atoms inside molecules is shown to be predictive of pKa.
Photoelectrochemical Biosensor for 5‐Formylcytosine Based on WS2/Bi/Bi2O2CO3 Nanocomposite and Rolling Circle Amplification
Authors: Wang Qian , Yin Huanshun , Zhou Yunlei , Cao Lulu , Yu Zhengkun , Xu Yamin , Ai Shiyun
Published: October 2021

Comprehensive Summary

As a key epigenetic modification, 5‐formylcytosine (5fC) controls many important cell functions, such as gene expression and cell differentiation. However, 5fC exists in mammalian tissues and cells with low content, and its structure is highly similar to 5‐methylcytosine (5mC), 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and 5‐carboxycytosine (5caC), which requires the detection method for detecting 5fC with high sensitivity and specificity. In this experiment, WS2/Bi/Bi2O2CO3 was used as the photoactive material, 5fC antibody was used as the target molecule recognition reagent, and rolling amplification (RCA) was employed as the signal amplification strategy to construct a novel photoelectrochemical biosensor for detecting 5‐formylcytosine deoxynucleotide (5fdCTP). Firstly, WS2/Bi/Bi2O2CO3 nanocomposite was prepared and characterized, and then modified on the ITO electrode. Then, polyacrylic acid (PAA) was immobilized by electrostatic adsorption, which was employed as the antibody capture reagent based on the covalent reaction of –COOH on PAA with –NH2 on Ab. Subsequently, 5fdCTP was recognized through immunoreaction, triggering the subsequent rolling circle amplification reaction with the aid of the crosslinker of Zr4+. Finally, positive methylene blue (MB) was adsorbed by negative ssDNA, resulting in an increased photoelectric conversion efficiency of WS2/Bi/Bi2O2CO3 and improved detection sensitivity. The linear range of the PEC biosensor for detecting 5fdCTP was 0.05—100 nmol/L, and the minimum detection concentration was 12.4 pmol/L (S/N = 3). The applicability of this method has been evaluated by studying the influence of Cd2+ and antibiotic concentration on the 5fC content in the genomic DNA of maize seedlings.
Covid19‐Mexican‐Patients' Dataset (Covid19MPD) Classification and Prediction Using Feature Importance
Authors: Almustafa Khaled Mohamad
Published: October 2021

Coronavirus disease, Covid19, pandemic has a great effect on human heath worldwide since it was first detected in late 2019. A clear understanding of the structure of the available Covid19 datasets might give the healthcare provider a better understanding of identifying some of the cases at an early stage. In this article, we will be looking into a Covid19 Mexican Patients' Dataset (Covid109MPD), and we will apply number of machine learning algorithms on the dataset to select the best possible classification algorithm for the death and survived cases in Mexico, then we will study the performance of the enhancement of the specified classifiers in term of their features selection in order to be able to predict sever, and or death, cases from the available dataset. Results show that J48 classifier gives the best classification accuracy with 94.41% and RMSE = 0.2028 and ROC = 0.919, compared to other classifiers, and when using feature selection method, J48 classifier can predict a surviving Covid19MPD case within 94.88% accuracy, and by using only 10 out of the total 19 features.
Roadmap to 2030 for Drug Evaluation in Older Adults
Authors: Liu Qi , Schwartz Janice B. , Slattum Patricia W. , Lau S.W. Johnny , Guinn Daphne , Madabushi Rajanikanth , Burckart Gilbert , Califf Robert , Cerreta Francesca , Cho Carolyn , Cook Jack , Gamerman Jamie , Goldsmith Paul , van der Graaf Piet H. , Gurwitz Jerry H. , Haertter Sebastian , Hilmer Sarah , Huang Shiew‐Mei , Inouye Sharon K. , Kanapuru Bindu , Pirmohamed Munir , Posner Phil , Radziszewska Barbara , Keipp Talbot H. , Temple Robert
Published: October 2021

Changes that accompany older age can alter the pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and likelihood of adverse effects (AEs) of a drug. However, older adults, especially the oldest or those with multiple chronic health conditions, polypharmacy, or frailty, are often under‐represented in clinical trials of new drugs. Deficits in the current conduct of clinical evaluation of drugs for older adults and potential steps to fill those knowledge gaps are presented in this communication. The most important step is to increase clinical trial enrollment of older adults who are representative of the target treatment population. Unnecessary eligibility criteria should be eliminated. Physical and financial barriers to participation should be removed. Incentives could be created for inclusion of older adults. Enrollment goals should be established based on intended treatment indications, prevalence of the condition, and feasibility. Relevant clinical pharmacology data need to be obtained early enough to guide dosing and reduce risk for participation of older adults. Relevant PK and PD data as well as patient‐centered outcomes should be measured during trials. Trial data should be analyzed for differences in PK, PD, effectiveness, and safety arising from differences in age or from the presence of conditions common in older adults. Postmarket evaluations with real‐world evidence and drug labeling updates throughout the product lifecycle reflecting new knowledge are also needed. A comprehensive plan is needed to ensure adequate evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of drugs in older adults.
Real‐World Data of Palbociclib in Combination With Endocrine Therapy for the Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer in Men
Authors: Kraus Albert L. , Yu‐Kite Michelle , Mardekian Jack , Cotter Matthew J. , Kim Sindy , Decembrino Jaclyn , Snow Tamara , Carson Kenneth R. , Motyl Rockland Jillian , Gossai Anala , Wilner Keith , Wang Diane D. , Huang Bartlett Cynthia , Oharu Norihiko , Schnell Patrick , VanArsdale Todd , Lu Dongrui R. , Tursi Jennifer M.
Published: October 2021

This report examined the benefits and risks of palbociclib plus endocrine therapy (ET) in men with hormone receptor‒positive (HR+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2−negative (HER2−) metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Palbociclib was evaluated using three independent data sources: real‐world data from pharmacy and medical claims, a de‐identified real‐world data source derived from electronic health records (EHRs), and a global safety database. From medical and pharmacy records, 1,139 men with MBC were identified; in the first‐line setting, median duration of treatment was longer with palbociclib plus ET (n = 37, 8.5 months, 95% confidence interval (CI), 4.4‒13.0) than ET alone (n = 214, 4.3 months, 95% CI, 3.0‒5.7) and specifically, was longer with palbociclib plus letrozole (n = 26, 9.4 months, 95% CI, 4.4‒14.0) than letrozole alone (n = 63, 3.0 months, 95% CI, 1.8‒4.8). In the EHR‐derived database, 59 men received treatment for MBC; real‐world response across all lines of therapy in the metastatic setting was reported in 4 of 12 patients (33.3%) in the palbociclib plus ET group vs. 1 of 8 (12.5%) patients in the ET group. Review of the global safety database did not identify any new safety signals in palbociclib‐treated men. Real‐world data indicated that men with MBC benefit from palbociclib plus ET, with a safety profile consistent with previous observations in women with MBC. Collective data on palbociclib in women and men in this report, including clinical trial data, real‐world data, and a well‐established risk/benefit profile, led to US approval of an expansion of the palbociclib indication to include men with MBC.
Probabilistic Boolean Modeling of Pre‐clinical Tumor Models for Biomarker Identification in Cancer Drug Development
Authors: Berlow Noah E.
Published: October 2021

As high‐throughput sequencing experiments become more widely used in pre‐clinical and clinical settings, pharmacogenetic and pharmacogenomic biomarker development plays an increasingly important role in oncology drug development pipelines and programs. Consequently, computer‐based learning approaches have entered into use at multiple stages in pre‐clinical and clinical pipelines. However, few approaches are available to identify interpretable and implementable biomarkers of response early in the drug development process when only small pre‐clinical data packages are available. To address the need for early‐stage biomarker development using pre‐clinical tumor models, we have adapted the previously published Probabilistic Target Inhibitor Map (PTIM) platform to the challenge of biomarker hypothesis development, and denoted this approach the Probabilistic Target Map‐Biomarker (PTM‐Biomarker). In this article, we detail the history and design philosophy of PTM‐Biomarker, and present two case studies using the biomarker discovery tool to illustrate its utility in guiding cancer drug development. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
QTL analysis of flowering‐related traits by specific length amplified fragment sequencing in melon
Authors: Wang Guichao , Dai Dongyang , Wang Ling , Sheng Yunyan , Wang Di , Li Dandan , Tian Limei , Luan Feishi
Published: October 2021

Melon (Cucumis melo L., 2n = 24) belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae and is an important vegetable crop. This study aimed to investigate the quantitative trait loci (QTL) of flowering‐related traits to understand the genetic inheritance and candidate gene of flowering‐related traits. The specific length amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF‐seq) technology was used to construct a genetic map of 115 individual plants in the melon F2 population. A total of 82.6 Gb of data were generated using SLAF‐seq. A genetic map was constructed with 10,596 specific length amplified fragment markers in 12 linkage groups, which spanned 1,383.88 cM with an average distance of 0.13 cM between markers. Ten QTL of flowering‐related traits were detected, which explained 2.16–19.34% of the phenotypic variance. The logarithm of the odds (LOD) values ranged from 3.5 to 24.9. Ninety‐four F2:3 families were used for mapping mft and fft in candidate regions by simple sequence repeat (SSR) and cleaved amplified polymorphic sequences (CAPS) markers. The mapping results showed that mft2.1 and fft2.1 were located in the same region, between CmSSR07071 and CmSSR07102. By gene annotation, 36 candidate genes were detected in this region, 26 of which were annotated. Quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed that candidate genes, including WRKY transcription factor and AP2/ERF and B3 domain‐containing transcription factor, were differentially expressed in female and male flowers in the flower budding stages. These genes may provide the theoretical foundation for gene cloning and genetic transformation in melons.
Bifunctional Janus Silica Spheres for Pickering Interfacial Tandem Catalysis
Authors: Chang Fuqiang , Vis Carolien M. , Bergmeijer Menno , Howes Stuart C. , Bruijnincx Pieter C. A.
Published: October 2021

Nature provides much inspiration for the design of multistep conversion processes, with numerous reactions running simultaneously and without interference in cells, for example. A key challenge in mimicking nature's strategies is to compartmentalize incompatible reagents and catalysts, for example, for tandem catalysis. Here, we present a new strategy for antagonistic catalyst compartmentalization. The synthesis of bifunctional Janus catalyst particles carrying acid and base groups on the particle's opposite patches is reported as is their application as acid‐base catalysts in oil/water emulsions. The synthesis strategy involved the use of monodisperse, hydrophobic and amine‐functionalized silica particles (SiO2−NH2−OSi(CH3)3) to prepare an oil‐in‐water Pickering emulsion (PE) with molten paraffin wax. After solidification, the exposed patch of the silica particles was selectively etched and refunctionalized with acid groups to yield acid‐base Janus particles (Janus A–B). These materials were successfully applied in biphasic Pickering interfacial catalysis for the tandem dehydration‐Knoevenagel condensation of fructose to 5‐(hydroxymethyl)furfural‐2‐diethylmalonate (5‐HMF‐DEM) in a water/4‐propylguaiacol PE. The results demonstrate the advantage of rapid extraction of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF), a prominent platform molecule prone to side product formation in acidic media. A simple strategy to tune the acid/base balance using PE with both Janus A–B and monofunctional SiO2−NH2−OSi(CH3)3 base catalysts proved effective for antagonistic tandem catalysis.
A call for discovery: Re‐envisioning The Cancer Genome Atlas as a blueprint for a TCGA2.0—The COVID‐19 Genome Atlas
Authors: Hargadon Kristian M.
Published: October 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has impacted the health of millions and had a myriad of devastating consequences for global societies since its emergence in 2019. Noting parallels between the impact of COVID‐19 and cancer as diseases of global health significance, and as a way of building off the successes of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) as a comprehensive, multiomics approach to understand and combat cancer, this Call For Discovery provides a vision for creating a new TCGA2.0 (The COVID‐19 Genome Atlas) as a tool that will benefit researchers, clinicians, and patients alike as the scientific community works to better understand not only the various determinants of COVID‐19 disease outcome but also the most effective ways to manage and treat COVID‐19 disease complications.
Alteration of Endogenous Fatty Acids Profile and Lipid Metabolism in Rats Caused by a High‐Colleseed Oil and a High‐Sunflower Oil Diet
Authors: Li Ruizhi , Tan Chin Ping , Xu Yong‐Jiang , Liu Yuanfa
Published: October 2021

Dietary fat has an important influence on mammalian lipid homeostasis. However, the relationship between dietary fat types and endogenous fatty acids (FAs) in organs as well as lipid homeostasis remains unclear enough. In this study, rats are randomly divided into a control group (CN), a high‐colleseed oil group (COG), and a high‐sunflower oil group (SOG). FAs profile in liver and visceral fats of rats in two high‐fat (HF) diet groups is compared with that in CN. Oleic, γ‐linolenic, eicosadienoic, and arachidonic acid accumulate in COG liver or visceral fats, but the levels of linoleic, eicosadienoic, docosanoic, and dihomo‐γ‐linolenic acid decrease in COG visceral fats. However, these FAs levels increased in SOG liver or visceral fats except dihomo‐γ‐linolenic and arachidonic acid which changed insignificantly. The trend of initial upregulation and then downregulation of lipid metabolism‐related genes expression is noted in COG liver, including stearoyl‐CoA desaturase. Upregulation of adiponectin (ADPN) expression in visceral fats and downregulation of ADPN receptor 2 (Adipo‐R2) expression in livers of both HF groups are observed. Correlation analysis revealed positive correlations between specific FAs content and ADPN expression level. Negative correlations are observed between Adipo‐R2 expression and the content of oleic, linoleic, and γ‐linolenic acid in the SOG liver.

Practical applications: Dietary fat not only provides energy but is also associated with lipid homeostasis. In this work, the authors investigate the distribution of fatty acids (FAs) in vivo and their influence on genes related to lipid metabolism induced by diets enriched in oleic acid or linoleic acid. The study suggests that dietary fats modulate lipid homeostasis not only by regulating endogenous FAs levels but also by affecting the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism. This study may support the research in lipid nutrition and rational intake of dietary fat.
Performance Comparison of single‐slope solar still loaded with various nanofluids
Authors: Dhindsa G. S. , Kumar Vijay , Mittal M. K. , Sokhal G.S. , Khalilpoor Nima , Sharifpur Mohsen , Issakhov Alibek , Tonk Ravinder
Published: October 2021

Nanofluids are great heat transfer carriers for collecting thermal energy in solar thermal applications. In the present study, a theoretical study of single‐slope solar still (passive type) has been carried out by incorporating CuO, Al2O3, Ag, Fe2O3, and SiC‐water nanofluids at different volume concentrations (0.02, 0.05, 0.08, 0.12, and 0.2). This analysis has been carried out with an optimum water depth of 0.02m as obtained from the experimental and theoretical studies. In order to validate the model, the experiments were conducted on solar still and then performance of still was compared. The analytical expression of the characteristic equation using Runga‐Kutta ODE, for passive single slope solar still was found to be in good agreement with experiments carried out in Patiala, India. The total deviation for both experimental and theoretical distillate output of a still for a day was found to be 12.24%. Daily production for Al2O3‐water‐based nanofluid was found to be (14.22%) higher than simple solar still without nanofluid, followed by CuO (10.82%), Ag (8.11%), Fe2O3 (7.63%) and SiC (7.61%).
Prevalence of iron deficiency in pregnant women: A prospective cross‐sectional Austrian study
Authors: Zeisler Harald , Dietrich Wolf , Heinzl Florian , Klaritsch Philipp , Humpel Victoria , Moertl Manfred , Obruca Christian , Wimazal Friedrich , Ramoni Angela , Tiechl Johanna , Wentzel‐Schwarz Elisabeth
Published: October 2021

The aim of the study was to determine, for the first time, in a prospective cross‐sectional multicenter study, the prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) in an Austrian pregnant population. A cohort of 425 pregnant women was classified into four groups of different weeks of gestation. Group 1 was monitored longitudinally, while groups 2–4, iron status, were sampled only once. Evaluation of the prevalence of ID was performed by comparing the diagnostic criteria of the WHO to the cutoff proposed by Achebe MM and Gafter‐Gvili A (Achebe) and the Austrian Nutrition Report (ANR). In comparison with the ANR, the prevalence of ID was lower in group 1 and higher in groups 2–4 (17.2% vs. 12.17%, 25.84%, 35.29%, and 41.76%, respectively) (p‐values < .01 except group 1). According to WHO, the prevalence in group 1 was 12.17% at inclusion, 2 months later 31.7%, and further 2 months later 65.71%, respectively. According to Achebe, the number of cases doubled; for group 1, the number of cases rose from 13 to 42 (115 patients total); for groups 2–4, we observed an increase from 112 to 230 (340 patients total). This study reported a prevalence of around 12% at the beginning of pregnancy, which increased during pregnancy up to 65%. ID can have a massive impact on quality of life, justifying screening, as iron deficiency would be easy to diagnose and treat.
Evaluation of Sustainability of a Prune Production Process from Farm to Fork Approach based on Thermodynamic Principles and Actual Operational Data
Authors: Nadi Fatemeh , Hepbasli Arif
Published: October 2021

The main objective of the present study is to investigate energy consumption, exergy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from prune production in both the garden and plant sectors. Both energy and exergy analysis methods are used while some sustainability indicators such as the cumulative degree of perfection (CDP) and the renewability indicator (RI) as well environmental aspects are considered. The analysis is based on the actual operational data. The high energy consumption, exergy and GHG emissions are related to the post‐harvest and the factory operations. Natural gas is determined to be the most effective input to energy consumption, exergy and GHG emissions in the whole process of producing prunes. Based on the sustainability indicators used, the agricultural operation of the plum production process is partially renewable while the factory operation of the prune production process is highly non‐renewable. In cases where the production process of prunes includes the use of renewable energy and plum waste, CDP increases from 0.32 to 2.88 and RI from ‐2.16 to 0.65. The use of renewable sources in producing one ton of prune annually reduces GHG emissions by 362.55 tons and energy consumption by 7.45 TJ worldwide. The use of plum waste would also produce 402.8 TJ of energy per year.
Safety and efficacy of a mucoadhesive phytomedication containing curcuminoids and Bidens pilosa L. extract in the prevention and treatment of radiochemotherapy‐induced oral mucositis: Triple‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, clinical trial
Authors: Arantes Diego Antônio Costa , da Silva Artur Christian Garcia , Freitas Nilceana Maya Aires , Lima Eliana Martins , de Oliveira Aline Carlos , Marreto Ricardo Neves , Mendonça Elismauro Francisco , Valadares Marize Campos
Published: October 2021

Background

Oral mucositis (OM) is the significant complication of radio/chemotherapy treatment. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of a mucoadhesive phytomedication containing curcuminoids and Bidens pilosa L. (FITOPROT) in the prevention/treatment of OM.

Methods

Sixty‐two patients were randomized into the group's intervention and placebo. Adverse effect assessment, OM grading, pain, and saliva collection were carried at the 1st, 15th, 21st, and final of radiotherapy (RT). Inflammatory salivary mediators were measured.

Results

FITOPROT decreased the severity of OM from the 15th to the final RT, while the placebo showed an increase in the severity (p < 0.05). Intervention group had a lower number of patients with ulcerated OM at the final RT (p < 0.05). Phytomedication prevented increases of IL‐8 levels and reduced the salivary nitrite during RT.

Conclusions

FITOPROT does not promote adverse effects, it appears to be effective at reducing the severity of OM, and it controls the concentration of pro‐inflammatory mediators.
Autophagy and cancer metabolism—The two‐way interplay
Authors: Yan Reui‐Liang , Chen Ruey‐Hwa
Published: October 2021

Autophagy is an intracellular catabolic process that degrades cytoplasmic components for recycling in response to stressed conditions, such as nutrient deprivation. Dysregulation of autophagy is associated with various diseases, including cancer. Although autophagy plays dichotomous and context‐dependent roles in cancer, evidence has emerged that cancer cells exploit autophagy for metabolic adaptation. Autophagy is upregulated in many cancer types through tumor cell‐intrinsic proliferation demands and the hypoxic and nutrient‐limited tumor microenvironment (TME). Autophagy‐induced breakdown products then fuel into various metabolic pathways to supply tumor cells with energy and building blocks for biosynthesis and survival. This bidirectional regulation between autophagy and tumor constitutes a vicious cycle to potentiate tumor growth and therapy resistance. In addition, the pro‐tumor functions of autophagy are expanded to host, including cells in TME and distant organs. Thus, inhibition of autophagy or autophagy‐mediated metabolic reprogramming may be a promising strategy for anticancer therapy. Better understanding the metabolic rewiring mechanisms of autophagy for its pro‐tumor effects will provide insights into patient treatment.
Euxanthone inhibits lipopolysaccharide‐induced injury, inflammatory response, and MUC5AC hypersecretion in human airway epithelial cells by the TLR4/MyD88 pathway
Authors: Shen Wen , Yin Yuyao , Li Tiantian , Cao Gang
Published: October 2021

Asthma progression is involved in airway epithelial dysfunction, airway inflammatory response, and mucus hypersecretion. Euxanthone has been found to exhibit cytotoxic activity on several human diseases, such as neurological disorders and cancers. Our study aimed to explore the influence of euxanthone on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced injury, inflammatory response, and mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) hypersecretion in human airway epithelial cells (AECs). Network pharmacology analysis was carried out to analyze the drug targets and key pathways of euxanthone against asthma. Cell injury was evaluated by CCK‐8, Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end‐labeling (TUNEL) assay. The production of interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), and MUC5AC was measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). MUC5AC mRNA expression was detected by qRT‐PCR. Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) protein expression was examined by western blot analysis. Venn diagram showed 14 overlapping targets between euxanthone and asthma. According to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, we focused on TLR signaling pathway. LPS exposure evoked viability reduction, increased LDH release and apoptosis, and induced production of inflammatory cytokines (IL‐6, IL‐8, and MCP‐1) and MUC5AC hypersecretion in human AECs, which were alleviated by euxanthone. Mechanistically, we validated that euxanthone attenuated LPS‐induced activation of TLR4/MyD88 pathway in AECs. Moreover, inhibition of the TLR4/MyD88 pathway enhanced the inhibitory effect of euxanthone on LPS‐induced cell injury, inflammatory response and MUC5AC expression. In conclusion, euxanthone attenuated LPS‐induced cell injury, inflammatory response, and MUC5AC expression in AECs by inhibiting the activation of TLR4/MyD88 pathway.
Movement correction method for laser speckle contrast imaging of cerebral blood flow in cranial windows in rodents
Authors: Guilbert Jérémie , Desjardins Michèle
Published: October 2021

Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) is used in clinical research to dynamically image blood flow. One drawback is its susceptibility to movement artifacts. We demonstrate a new, simple method to correct motion artifacts in LSCI signals measured in awake mice with cranial windows during sensory stimulation. The principle is to identify a region in the image in which speckle contrast (SC) is independent of blood flow and only varies with animal movement, then to regress out this signal from the data. We show that (1) the regressed signal correlates well with mouse head movement, (2) the corrected signal correlates better with independently measured blood volume and (3) it has a (59 ± 6)% higher signal‐to‐noise ratio. Compared to three alternative correction methods, ours has the best performance. Regressing out flow‐independent global variations in SC is a simple and accessible way to improve the quality of LSCI measurements.
Effect of selenium‐free parenteral nutrition on serum selenium of neonates and infants maintained on long‐term parenteral nutrition
Authors: Lee Ji Young , Shin Hyun Jung , Bae Hye Jung , Jo Yun Hee , Cho Yoon Sook , Shin Seung Han , Kim Ee‐Kyung , Kim Han‐Suk
Published: October 2021

Background

The risk of selenium deficiency increases for infants receiving long‐term parenteral nutrition (PN). This study analyzed selenium deficiency in neonates and infants requiring long‐term PN and evaluated the effect of intravenous (IV) selenium provision.

Methods

This study was a retrospective study of neonates and infants who were admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit from January 2010 to December 2019, received PN for ≥2 weeks, and had their serum selenium concentration measured. Patients were divided into two groups, depending on their serum selenium concentration, a deficient group (n = 55) and a nondeficient group (n = 47).

Results

Of the study participants, 53.9% (55 of 102) were deficient in selenium. No difference in demographic and clinical characteristics existed except bronchopulmonary dysplasia. A subgroup analysis was performed for patients (n = 29). The average dose of IV selenium administered to patients was 2.7 ± 1.0 mcg/kg/day. The average initial serum selenium concentration was 36.5 ± 18.0 mcg/L, and the serum concentration significantly increased to 52.5 ± 19.1 mcg/L after IV selenium administration (P < .001). The correlation between the average IV selenium dose and the change in serum selenium concentrations was statistically significant (r = .423; P = .022).

Conclusion

Selenium deficiency is common in neonates and infants receiving long‐term PN. Serum selenium concentration increased proportionally as the IV selenium dose increased. Therefore, it is recommended to supply a proper dose of IV selenium depending on the degree of selenium deficiency.
The application of AMSTAR2 in 32 overviews of systematic reviews of interventions for mental and behavioural disorders: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: De Santis Karina Karolina , Lorenz Robert C. , Lakeberg Meret , Matthias Katja
Published: October 2021

‘A measurement tool to assess systematic reviews, version 2’ (AMSTAR2) is a 16‐item tool to critically appraise systematic reviews (SRs) of healthcare interventions. This study aimed to assess the methods and outcomes of AMSTAR2 appraisals in overviews of SRs of interventions for mental and behavioural disorders. The cross‐sectional study was conducted using 32 overviews of SRs selected from three electronic databases in January 2021. Data items included overview and SR characteristics and AMSTAR2 appraisal methods and outcomes. Data were extracted by two authors independently and narratively synthesised using descriptive statistics (means ± SD and relative frequencies). SR characteristics were compared based on AMSTAR2 appraisal outcomes using chi‐square tests. The 32 overviews appraised SRs of predominantly non‐pharmacological interventions for mental disorders. AMSTAR2 appraisals were reported as confidence ratings in 25/32 overviews or individual item scores in 24/32 overviews. Most SRs/overview were non‐Cochrane (mean = 94%), included RCTs only (mean = 77%) and were published before AMSTAR2 release (mean = 79%). The confidence ratings derived in 25 overviews for 349 SRs were predominantly critically low (68%). Confidence ratings were similar for SRs with RCTs only versus RCTs+non‐RCTs or SRs published before versus after AMSTAR2 release, while Cochrane SRs received more high+moderate than low+critically low confidence ratings (p < 0.01). Confidence ratings derived based on AMSTAR2 do not differentiate among SRs of healthcare interventions except for Cochrane SRs that fulfil the criteria for high confidence ratings. AMSTAR2 items should be consulted to avoid common weaknesses in future SRs.