bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Systems Comparison of Simply Supported PSC Box Girder Bridge Equipped with Elastomeric Rubber Bearing and Lead Rubber Bearing
Authors: Kurniawan Santoso Alvin , Sulistyo Djoko , Awaludin Ali , Fajar Setiawan Angga , Satyarno Iman , Purnomo Sidiq , Harry Ignatius
Published: April 2022

This study compares the influence of elastomeric rubber bearing (ERB) as the regular bearing support and lead rubber bearing (LRB) as the seismic isolation device on the seismic performance of a seven-span simply supported prestressed concrete (PSC) box girder bridge, which was analyzed using nonlinear time history analysis (NLTHA) with the OpenSees software. The results showed that the maximum pier responses and damage were smaller in models with LRB than with ERB. The bridge model using ERB occurred the slightest damage at levels II, while the one using LRB was at levels I. In addition, the highest seismic performance level in the model with ERB was at the operational limit. Meanwhile, the seismic performance in the model with LRB was at the fully operational limit. Thus, LRB was a good preference for improving the seismic performance and mitigating the damage due to the seismic excitation with a slender pier.
Ets family proteins regulate the EMT transcription factors Snail and ZEB in cancer cells
Authors: Ichikawa Mai Koizumi , Endo Kaori , Itoh Yuka , Osada Asami Hotta , Kimura Yujiro , Ueki Koichiro , Yoshizawa Kunio , Miyazawa Keiji , Saitoh Masao
Published: April 2022

The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial morphological event that occurs during epithelial tumor progression. Snail and ZEB1/2 (ZEB1 and ZEB2), known as EMT transcription factors, are key regulators of this transition. ZEB1/2 are positively correlated with EMT phenotypes and the aggressiveness of cancers. On the contrary, Snail is also correlated with the aggressiveness of cancers, but is not correlated with the expression of EMT marker proteins. Snail is induced by transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), a well‐known inducer of EMT, in various cancer cells. Interestingly, Snail induction by TGF‐β is markedly enhanced by active Ras signals. Thus, cancer cells harboring an active Ras mutation exhibit a drastic induction of Snail by TGF‐β alone. Here, we found that members of the E26 transformation‐specific (Ets) transcription factor family, Ets1 and Ets2, contribute to the upregulation of both Snail and ZEB1/2. Snail induction by TGF‐β and active Ras is dramatically inhibited using siRNAs against both Ets1 and Ets2 together, but not on their own; in addition, siRNAs against both Ets1 and Ets2 also downregulate the constitutive expression of Snail and ZEB1/2 in cancer cells. Examination of several alternatively spliced variants of Ets1 revealed that p54‐Ets1, which includes exon VII, but not p42‐Ets1, which excludes exon VII, regulates the expression of the EMT transcription factors, suggesting that Ets1 is a crucial molecule for regulating Snail and ZEB1/2, and thus cancer progression is mediated through post‐translational modification of the exon VII domain.
Teens with most severe SUDs do not ‘age out’ of symptoms: NIDA
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2022

Contrary to popular belief, not all adolescents with substance use disorders (SUDs) grow out of them. Those with mild SUDs may, but those with severe SUDs are likely to continue to have them and other problems in adulthood, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open this month.
Immobilization of Antioxidant Enzyme Catalase on Porous Hybrid Microparticles of Vaterite with Mucin
Authors: Balabushevich Nadezhda G. , Kovalenko Ekaterina A. , Maltseva Liliya N. , Filatova Lyubov Yu , Moysenovich Anastasia M. , Mikhalchik Elena V. , Volodkin Dmitry , Vikulina Anna S.
Published: April 2022

Catalase is one of the crucial antioxidant enzymes with diverse applications in textile, food industries, wastewater treatment, cosmetics, and pharmaceutics, which, however, is highly sensitive to environmental challenges. Resisting the loss of activity and prolongation of formulation storage can be achieved via the catalase entrapment into insoluble carriers. Affordable and degradable vaterite is proposed as amicable material for catalase immobilization. To improve the carrier properties of the vaterite, it was co‐precipitated with mucin from the pig's stomach producing ca 5 μm hybrid mucin/vaterite microparticles. Catalase is impregnated into the crystals by means of adsorption without chemical modifications. The presence of mucin matrix partially hinders catalase penetration into the crystals and reduces the adsorption capacity (for 0.1 mg mL−1 catalase, ca 2.3 vs ca 1.5 mg g−1 for pristine and hybrid microparticles, respectively) but significantly promotes the protection of antioxidant activity upon storage and under the action of temperature, organic solvent (acetonitrile), and proteolytic enzyme (trypsin). Hybrid microcrystals are pH‐sensitive and better retain the enzyme at pH 3–5 due to catalase‐mucin complexation. Immobilized catalase can be used for 5–6 consecutive cycles until it loses catalytic activity. Altogether, these findings indicate promises of hybrid mucin/vaterite microparticles for immobilization of antioxidant enzymes.
A New WC‐Based Tool Material with High Comprehensive Mechanical Properties
Authors: Wang Limei , Liu Hanlian , Huang Chuanzhen , Su Rui , Huang Jun , Yao Peng , Liu Yang
Published: April 2022

In this article, a new WC‐ Al2O3 composite tool material is successfully fabricated by vacuum hot‐pressed sintering process with high hardness and flexural strength as well as fracture toughness, which solved the problem of mutual restriction between hardness and toughness of existing WC‐Co composite tool materials. By adding Al2O3, the hardness of WC‐based cemented carbide tool is significantly improved, the flexural strength and fracture toughness are also improved. The fracture mode of WC‐Al2O3 composites is transgranular/intergranular mixed fracture mode due to the addition of Al2O3, and more fracture energy is consumed during crack propagation, thus improving the fracture toughness of WC‐ Al2O3 composites. When Al2O3 content is 5 wt%, the comprehensive mechanical properties of WC‐based cemented carbide is the best, with a fracture toughness of 12.3 ± 1.0 MPa· m1/2, a flexural strength of 1385 ± 65 MPa, and Vickers hardness of 22.8 ± 1.6 GPa. In this article, the sintering temperature and holding time are optimized. The WC‐ Al2O3 composite tool materials with excellent comprehensive mechanical properties are fabricated at low sintering temperature of 1450 °C by using appropriate original powder particle size. The hardness is improved while maintaining high flexural strength and high fracture toughness.
Weyl Semimetal States Generated Extraordinary Quasi‐Linear Magnetoresistance and Nernst Thermoelectric Power Factor in Polycrystalline NbP
Authors: Liu Wei , Wang Zhaohui , Wang Jinhua , Bai Hui , Li Zhi , Sun Jinchang , Zhou Xingyuan , Luo Jiangfan , Wang Wei , Zhang Cheng , Wu Jinsong , Sun Yan , Zhu Zengwei , Zhang Qingjie , Tang Xinfeng
Published: April 2022

Unsaturated and extremely large magnetoresistance (MR), as well as the giant Nernst effect, are intriguing transport phenomena in Weyl semimetals, which are technically appealing for potential applications in magneto‐electric sensors and transverse thermoelectric conversion. The prominent properties are originated from Weyl semimetal states, i.e., the coexistence of electron and hole pockets combined with linear band dispersion. However, previous studies have been focused on small‐sized single crystals, rendering the practical applications of Weyl semimetals. Here, it is reported an unsaturated, quasi‐linear MR as well as a very large Nernst power factor PFxy in the prepared centimeter‐sized and polycrystalline Weyl semimetal NbP. An extraordinary MR of ≈2 × 104% is observed below 60 K with a magnetic field up to 55 T and persists to elevated temperatures. The unusual quasi‐linear MR behavior is explained by the theory of classical linear MR arising from structural disorder. The polycrystalline NbP exhibits state‐of‐the‐art PFxy that reaches a maximum value of 74.81 μW cm–1 K–2 at 9 T and 220 K, which is 1.5 times larger than its longitudinal thermoelectric power factor PFxx. Given that polycrystalline Weyl semimetal, NbP is suitable for large‐scale production, the results pave the way for its practical applications in magneto‐electric sensors and transverse thermoelectric conversion.
Programming Cellular Alignment in Engineered Cardiac Tissue via Bioprinting Anisotropic Organ Building Blocks
Authors: Ahrens John H. , Uzel Sebastien G. M. , Skylar‐Scott Mark , Mata Mariana M. , Lu Aric , Kroll Katharina T. , Lewis Jennifer A.
Published: April 2022

The ability to replicate the 3D myocardial architecture found in human hearts is a grand challenge. Here, the fabrication of aligned cardiac tissues via bioprinting anisotropic organ building blocks (aOBBs) composed of human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC‐CMs) is reported. A bioink composed of contractile cardiac aOBBs is first generated and aligned cardiac tissue sheets with linear, spiral, and chevron features are printed. Next, aligned cardiac macrofilaments are printed, whose contractile force and conduction velocity increase over time and exceed the performance of spheroid‐based cardiac tissues. Finally, the ability to spatially control the magnitude and direction of contractile force by printing cardiac sheets with different aOBB alignment is highlighted. This research opens new avenues to generating functional cardiac tissue with high cell density and complex cellular alignment.
Ultrafast Crystallization of Ordered Mesoporous Metal Oxides and Carbon from Block Copolymer Self‐Assembly and Joule Heating
Authors: Wang Leyan , Seah Geok Leng , Li Yun , Tu Wei Han , Manalastas William , Reavley Matthew J.‐H. , Corcoran Edward W. , Usadi Adam K. , Du Zehui , Madhavi Srinivasan , McConnachie Jonathan M. , Ong Hock Guan , Tan Kwan W.
Published: April 2022

Conventional heat treatments to generate well‐ordered and crystalline mesoporous oxide and carbon structures are limited by long durations and annealing temperatures that can cause mesostructural collapse. This paper describes a facile strategy coupling block copolymer‐directed self‐assembly with high‐power Joule heating to form highly crystalline and well‐ordered mesoporous oxide and carbon nanostructures within second timeframes. The combined approach is compatible with various functional self‐assembled hybrid systems with a range of crystallization temperatures, generating mesoporous composites of γ‐Al2O3‐carbon, γ‐Al2O3/MgO‐carbon, and anatase‐TiO2‐carbon with p6mm symmetry, non‐close‐packed mesoporous carbon, as well as hierarchical mesoporous α‐Fe2O3‐carbon structures. Removing the polymer/carbon gives well‐defined, highly crystalline mesoporous all‐γ‐Al2O3 and all‐anatase‐TiO2 structures. Impregnation of chloroplatinic acid followed by Joule heating yields platinum nanoparticles decorated on the channel walls of mesoporous γ‐Al2O3‐carbon structures. The resultant Joule‐heating‐induced well‐ordered crystalline mesoporous oxide and oxide‐carbon structures have high thermal and structural stabilities and exhibit better performances in CO2 adsorption capacity and lithium‐ion batteries than conventional heat‐treated counterparts. This approach represents an energy‐efficient and time‐saving route toward ordered porous materials with high surface area and pore accessibility for a wide range of environmental applications such as carbon sequestration, renewable energy storage, and environmental filtration.
A genome‐wide association study of obstructive heart defects among participants in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Authors: Rashkin Sara R. , Cleves Mario , Shaw Gary M. , Nembhard Wendy N. , Nestoridi Eirini , Jenkins Mary M. , Romitti Paul A. , Lou Xiang‐Yang , Browne Marilyn L. , Mitchell Laura E. , Olshan Andrew F. , Lomangino Kevin , Bhattacharyya Sudeepa , Witte John S. , Hobbs Charlotte A. ,   the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: April 2022

Obstructive heart defects (OHDs) share common structural lesions in arteries and cardiac valves, accounting for ~25% of all congenital heart defects. OHDs are highly heritable, resulting from interplay among maternal exposures, genetic susceptibilities, and epigenetic phenomena. A genome‐wide association study was conducted in National Birth Defects Prevention Study participants (Ndiscovery = 3978; Nreplication = 2507), investigating the genetic architecture of OHDs using transmission/disequilibrium tests (TDT) in complete case‐parental trios (Ndiscovery_TDT = 440; Nreplication_TDT = 275) and case–control analyses separately in infants (Ndiscovery_CCI = 1635; Nreplication_CCI = 990) and mothers (case status defined by infant; Ndiscovery_CCM = 1703; Nreplication_CCM = 1078). In the TDT analysis, the SLC44A2 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2360743 was significantly associated with OHD (pdiscovery = 4.08 × 10−9; preplication = 2.44 × 10−4). A CAPN11 SNP (rs55877192) was suggestively associated with OHD (pdiscovery = 1.61 × 10−7; preplication = 0.0016). Two other SNPs were suggestively associated (p < 1 × 10−6) with OHD in only the discovery sample. In the case–control analyses, no SNPs were genome‐wide significant, and, even with relaxed thresholds ( × discovery < 1 × 10−5 and preplication < 0.05), only one SNP (rs188255766) in the infant analysis was associated with OHDs (pdiscovery = 1.42 × 10−6; preplication = 0.04). Additional SNPs with pdiscovery < 1 × 10−5 were in loci supporting previous findings but did not replicate. Overall, there was modest evidence of an association between rs2360743 and rs55877192 and OHD and some evidence validating previously published findings.
Cardiofacioneurodevelopmental syndrome: Report of a novel patient and expansion of the phenotype
Authors: Abdalla Ebtesam , Alawi Malik , Meinecke Peter , Kutsche Kerstin , Harms Frederike L.
Published: April 2022

The cardiofacioneurodevelopmental syndrome (CFNDS) is characterized by craniofacial anomalies including bilateral cleft lip and palate, cardiac, skeletal, and neurodevelopmental features and additional variable manifestations. Whole‐exome sequencing revealed homozygous loss‐of‐function variants in CCDC32 (alternative name: C15orf57) in both previously described patients. ccdc32 deletion in zebrafish suggests a ciliary contribution to the pathomechanism. We report a 9‐year‐old female patient with CFNDS caused by a homozygous 32,583‐bp deletion affecting CCDC32. Independent of the affected CCDC32 transcript variant this deletion likely leads to loss of the encoded protein. The patient had intellectual disability, marked hypertelorism, bilateral cleft lip and palate, and short stature. She had bilateral conductive hearing loss, small hands and feet, and finger abnormalities. Brain imaging disclosed hypoplastic corpus callosum. We describe a core phenotype comprising developmental delay and bilateral cleft lip and palate in the three individuals with CFNDS. Variable abnormalities of the face, brain, heart, fingers, and toes and postnatal growth retardation or microcephaly can be present. Possible involvement of the uncharacterized CCDC32 protein in the adapter protein 2 (AP2) complex regulating clathrin‐mediated endocytosis has been reported. Cleft palate and cardiac defects observed in mice deficient of different AP2 subunits support a CCDC32 function in the AP2 complex.
Exploration of structural, electrostatic and photophysical behaviour of novel Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes and their utility as potent antimicrobial agents
Authors: Bala Indu , Singh Kiran , Kataria Ramesh , Sindhu Meena
Published: April 2022

In the present manuscript, a series of Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) based metal complexes were synthesized, and their molecular geometry was established using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. The surface characteristic along with the presence of various intermolecular interactions was quantified using crystal explorer. The atom‐based contribution of various molecular interactions in the overall interactions was evaluated by the decomposition of Hirshfeld surfaces into a 2D fingerprint region. DFT‐based global reactivity descriptors were calculated to gain an idea about the chemical reactivity and stability. A reduction in the energy gap on complexation along with a red shift in the absorption spectra confirms the formation of metal complexes. The presence of a small energy gap in case of Cu(II) complex reflects the presence of an efficient electronic charge transfer mechanism in this case. The photophysical properties of L2 and its metal complexes were also evaluated in different solvents. A maximum stoke shift of 6234.51 cm−1 was exhibited by M2D when its spectra were recorded in MeOH. The bio‐efficacy of L2 and its metal complexes (M2A, M2C and M2D) were evaluated using in vitro anti‐microbial assays. Maximum inhibition of both bacterial and fungal growth was exhibited by M2A with an MIC value of 32 μg mL−1 against B. cereus, X. campestris, and C. albicans. The fluorescence‐based approach was used to conduct BSA binding studies with all three metal complexes. The presence of a positive entropy change (S) value implies that protein‐ligand binding is entropy‐driven by hydrophobic interactions. Finally, in silico molecular docking and dynamics investigations were carried out to explore the most probable mode of C. albicans inhibition.
RETRACTED: Effects of newly synthesized nanocomposites containing multifunctionalized silicon nitride nanoparticles: A study on structural, thermal, electrochemical, mechanical, morphological, water repellent properties for aerospace components
Authors: Xavier Joseph Raj
Published: April 2022

The silicon nitride (Si3N4) nanoparticles modified by 2,5‐Bis‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole (BAPOD) investigated by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetry (TGA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were reinforced with polyurethane (PU). The newly synthesized formulations such as PU‐Si3N4, PU‐BAPOD, and PU‐BAPOD/Si3N4 nanocomposite coated AA7055 aluminum alloy were electrochemically studied by scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for their anticorrosion behaviors and compared with pure PU coating. EIS studies revealed excellent protection behavior for the PU‐BAPOD/Si3N4 coated AA7055 aluminum alloy in 3.5% NaCl solution. The coating resistance of PU‐BAPOD/Si3N4 nanocomposite was found to be 5995.23 kΩ.cm2 whereas lower coating resistance was observed for the pure PU coating (141.24 kΩ.cm2). It is found that the coating resistance of PU‐BAPOD/Si3N4 nanocomposite is over 42% higher than that of the PU. The measured current for aluminum ions by SECM investigation over the EP‐BAPOD/Si3N4 nanocomposite coating was very low (1.6 nA) compared with PU‐Si3N4 (7.6 nA) and pure PU coated AA7055 (14.9 nA). The surface morphological studies of the coated AA7055 by SEM/EDX analysis and XRD analysis revealed that the Si3N4 nanoparticles were enriched at the corrosion products which prevented corrosion initiation processes. The enhanced mechanical properties were noticed by mechanical analysis for the PU‐BAPOD/Si3N4 nanocomposite coating when the concentration of nanoparticles was 2 wt%. However, there was a decrease in their mechanical properties beyond 2 wt% due to the aggregation of nanoparticles in the PU coated specimen. The results showed that the newly developed PU‐BAPOD/Si3N4 nanocomposite coating possessed superior corrosion protection and enhanced hydrophobic behaviors (WCA: 149°). Therefore, it was concluded that the newly synthesized PU‐BAPOD/Si3N4 nanocomposite provided excellent barrier, hydrophobic, and mechanical properties due to the addition of BAPOD/Si3N4 nanoparticles to the PU resin which prevented the degradation of materials and helped to prolong the life of the coated AA7055 aluminum alloy.
Theoretical Study on Reaction Mechanisms of Dinitrogen Activation and Coupling by Carbene‐Stabilized Borylenes in Comparison with Intramolecular C−H Bond Activation
Authors: You Feiying , Zeng Jie , Rouf Alvi Muhammad , Dong Shicheng , Zhu Jun
Published: April 2022

Dinitrogen (N2) activation is particularly challenging due to the significantly strong N≡N bond, let alone the catenation of two N2 molecules. Recent experimental study shows that cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene (CAAC)‐stabilized borylenes are able to tackle N2 activation and coupling below room temperature. Here we carry out density functional theory calculations to explore the corresponding reaction mechanisms. The results indicate that the reaction barrier for the dinitrogen activation by the first borylene is slightly higher than that by the second borylene. In addition, replacing the CAAC moiety of the borylenes with cyclic diaminocarbenes (CDACs) could make such dinitrogen activation and coupling more favorable thermodynamically. The reaction mechanisms of the intramolecular C−H bond activation of borylene have also been discussed, which is found to be favorable both thermodynamically and kinetically in comparison with N2 activation. Thus, adequate attention should be paid to the design of borylenes aiming at N2 activation. In addition, our calculations suggest that the CDAC moiety of the borylene could lead to a different product in terms of intramolecular C−H bond activation. All these findings could be useful for the development of dinitrogen activation as well as C−H bond activation by main group species.
Synthesis, Photophysical, Electrochemical, and Non‐linear Optical Properties of Triaryl Pyrazole‐based B‐N Coordinated Boron Compounds
Authors: Mukundam Vanga , Sa Shreenibasa , Kumari Anupa , Teja Ponduru Tharun , Das Ritwick , Venkatasubbaiah Krishnan
Published: April 2022

We report here a set of triaryl pyrazole based B−N coordinated boron compounds (11‐17) synthesized by electrophilic aromatic borylation strategy. All the pyrazole boron compounds were thoroughly characterized using multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, LC–MS, and single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis (for 12–17). The photoluminescence measurements of 11–17 revealed that the emission peak maxima were tuned based on the substitution on N‐phenyl. The photophysical and electrochemical properties were further supported by theoretical calculations. Z‐scan based investigations at 515 nm pump wavelength showed that B−N coordination led to enhancement of nonlinear absorption (two‐photon absorption (TPA)) in these compounds if an electron deficient moiety is attached. It has also been observed that an appropriate choice of moiety allows to optimally maneuver the molecular polarizability of the π‐system and consequently, assists in controlling the third‐order nonlinear optical response.
The possible effect of lactoferrin on the epigenetic characteristics of early mammalian embryos exposed to bisphenol A
Authors: Postnikova Liubov A. , Patkin Eugene L.
Published: April 2022

Background

The main objective of this review was to state a hypothetical mechanism of the antitoxic effect of lactoferrin (Lf) on embryos exposed to bisphenol A (BPA). On this basis, it is possible to suggest Lf as a potential protective health component before conception upon toxic effects and viral infections.

Methods

The narrative review was performed using systematic review methods to identify relevant literature. The resources required for this study were obtained by searching the electronic database PubMed (MEDLINE). Articles were searched using the keywords “BPA,” “lactoferrin,” “DNA‐methylation,” “epigenetic,” “mammals,” “human,” and “mouse.” The inclusion criteria were as follows: (a) primary or original research; (b) study of epigenetic modification; and (c) study focuses on early mammalian development.

Results

Presented data demonstrate that Lf can modulate epigenetical characteristic, such as DNA methylation and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and, thereby, may serve as a potential readily available pharmaceutical product.

Conclusion

Suggested hypothesis is based on the important interrelated role of changes in epigenetic modifications and oxidative stress in early embryogenesis under the influence of BPA and virus infection as a cause of the development of pathologies in the adult organism.
Motility, viscosity and field: A portrayal of migrant teachers' professional mobility and ethical conflicts in American and Australian faith‐based schools
Authors: Finefter‐Rosenbluh Ilana
Published: April 2022

International migration is attaining new records, diversifying nations' cultural–social landscapes. The number of international migrants is estimated to be about 272 million globally, with nearly two‐thirds being labour migrants, surpassing historic projections. Concomitantly, migrant teachers are becoming more prevalent in educational markets; spaces that may serve as institutional vehicles promoting social cohesion and tolerance. Acknowledging that such spaces have an increasing share of faith‐based schools—settings that foreground particular groups' cultural and social values—this critical analysis seeks to identify how migrant teachers' aspirations are shaped and ethically negotiated in seemingly exclusive educational sites. Drawing upon migrant teacher interviews from American and Australian faith‐based schools, and utilising concepts of motility and institutional viscosity, this paper captures the schools' ‘viscous’ conditions and complex facilitation through which educators professionally move and ethically navigate their practice. Bourdieu's thinking tools of field, habitus, capital and symbolic violence provided a supplementary theoretical framework that draws attention to the evolving discourse of the subordinate ‘invisible foreign educator’ in the faith‐based educational setting. The paper portrays strategies of initial institutional welcoming; enabling migrant educators a smooth spatial mobility into the field but challenging them to work against their social mobility aspirations. It illustrates the educators' failed attempts to negotiate intra‐institutional transitions; experiencing feelings of trepidation about future professional moves and ethical conflicts between their obligation to adhere to institutional procedures and commitment to operate from an ethic of care. The paper argues for education policies that enable motility over time and empower ethical skilled migration.
Prevalence of migraine headaches and their impact on the academic performance of Sudanese medical students using ID‐Migraine test as a screening tool: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Osman Ali Moaid Mohamed , Abbasher Hussien Mohamed Ahmed Khabab , Omer Mohammed Eltahier Abdalla
Published: April 2022

Background

Migraine—and episodic headache—is one of the most common types of primary headache. Migraine is considered a serious health problem that affects the quality of life. During university life, students often report increased levels of stress, depression, anxiety, and irregular sleep, all of which are associated with migraines. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of migraine headaches among medical campus students at the University of Khartoum, Sudan. Based on available data, migraine is on the rise in both general populations as well as in university students.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study. The study population was composed of students registered to the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy at Khartoum University in the academic years of 2020–2021. Out of these, 318 of them accepted to participate. Participants who had two or more headaches in the last 3 months formed the headache group. Afterwards, two preliminary questions were applied to the headache group and participants with at least one affirmative response were asked to perform the validated ID‐Migraine™ test.

Results

The mean age of 318 students participating in the study was 19.23 ± 1.84 (17–39 years), with adolescents:adult ratio being 2.5:1. A total of 1613 students (43.7%) had at least two headaches in the last 3 months. Migraine‐type headache was detected in 266 subjects (7.2%) based on the ID‐Migraine™ test. Of the migraine group, 72 were male (27.1%) and 194 were female (72.9%). There was no significant difference in migraine prevalence between adolescent and adult age groups.

Conclusions

With prevalence similar to adults, primary care physicians should be aware of the probability of migraine headaches in university students in order to maintain a successful school performance.
The discourse of being ‘triggered’: Uses and meanings among counselling students
Authors: Bonilla Sara , Natarajan Madison , Koven Julie , White Lindsey , Lamb Sharon
Published: April 2022

Despite the initial understanding of the word ‘triggered’ as relating to the clinical phenomenon of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), this language has become a common part of the vernacular today, used by many people to apply to a wide variety of experiences and events. Counselling students are particularly sensitised to trauma, as well as identity politics, and are familiar with trigger warnings at college. They themselves have experienced trauma at high rates. Therefore, we were interested to understand how they might be using the word and interpreting the experience of being ‘triggered’, whether different sources of being triggered are related to emotional reactions, and whether a discourse analysis might indicate how and why the term has become useful and for what other experiences it might be serving as a stand‐in. In this mixed‐methods study, 79 counselling students from around the country shared their definitions and experiences of being ‘triggered’. Participants completed surveys and wrote narratives, which, via thematic qualitative analysis, were coded into five themes. The quantitative analysis focused on the relationship of feelings to themes and the relationship between anger suppression and coping with each theme. Discourse analysis explored how individuals wrote about responsibility and anger. It was discovered that those who wrote about being triggered from a past sexual assault did not discuss anger, nor the responsibility of others to protect them (as those who wrote about microaggressions did), but positioned themselves as overreactors. Results are discussed with regard to training and practice.
Accuracy of echocardiographic estimations of right heart pressures in adult heart transplant recipients
Authors: Sridharan Aadhavi , Dehn Monica M. , Cooper Craig , Madineedi Vidya S. , Ordway Linda J. , DeNofrio David , Patel Ayan R.
Published: April 2022

Background

Accurate assessment of right atrial pressure (RAP) and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) is critical in the management of heart transplant recipients. The accuracy of echocardiography in estimating these pressures has been debated.

Objective

To assess the correlation and agreement between echocardiographic estimations of right heart pressures with those of respective invasive hemodynamic measurements by right heart catheterization (RHC) in adult heart transplant recipients.

Methods

This is a prospective evaluation of 84 unique measurements from heart transplant recipients who underwent RHC followed by standard echocardiographic evaluation within 159 ± 64 min with no intervening medication changes. The relationship between noninvasive pressure estimations and invasive hemodynamic measurements was examined.

Results

Mean RAP was 7 ± 5 mmHg and mean PASP was 33 ± 8 mmHg by RHC. There was no significant correlation between echocardiographic estimation of RAP and invasive RAP (Spearman's rho = −0.05, p = .7), and no significant agreement between these two variables (weighted kappa = −0.1). There was a modest correlation between echocardiographic estimation of PASP and invasive PASP (r = .39, p = .002). Bland‐Altman analysis showed a mean bias of 2.1 ± 9 mmHg (limits of agreement = −15 to 20 mmHg).

Conclusion

In heart transplant recipients, there is no significant correlation or agreement between echocardiographic RAP estimation and invasively determined RAP. Noninvasive PASP estimation correlates significantly but modestly with invasively measured PASP. Further refinement of echocardiographic methods for assessment of RAP is warranted in this unique patient population.
Human gut microbiome in human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome‐related diseases: Clinically relevant observations
Authors: Higgs Jordan A. , Seely Kevin D. , Brooks Amanda E.
Published: April 2022

The implications of recent discoveries pertaining to immune‐mediated disease and the human gut microbiome are vast. In a symbiotic relationship, the immune system modulates the maintenance of host‐microbe normobiosis, and the gut microbiome plays a critical role in developing and maintaining the host's innate and adaptive immune systems. The cutting edge of microbiome research and personalized medicine targets the clinical application and exploitation of gut microbiota modulation in the setting of specific diseases. For example, prebiotic/probiotic supplementation, microbiome enhancing diets, and fecal microbiota transplant have been studied as potential ameliorative supplemental interventions to combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) in human immunodeficiency virus‐positive (HIV+) individuals. Furthermore, recent evidence shows a positive correlation between improved CD4+ cell counts in HIV+ individuals and improved gut microbiota profile after cART. We supplement this finding with data and supporting evidence from recent studies to aid in the clinical application of these findings in this commentary. Preliminary data support the consideration of the gut microbiota in the proactive management of HIV‐associated comorbidities.
Exploring disease interrelationships in patients with lymphatic disorders: A single center retrospective experience
Authors: Rockson Stanley G. , Zhou Xin , Zhao Lan , Hosseini Davood K. , Jiang Xinguo , Sweatt Andrew J. , Kim Dongeon , Tian Wen , Snyder Michael P. , Nicolls Mark R.
Published: April 2022

Background

The lymphatic contribution to the circulation is of paramount importance in regulating fluid homeostasis, immune cell trafficking/activation and lipid metabolism. In comparison to the blood vasculature, the impact of the lymphatics has been underappreciated, both in health and disease, likely due to a less well‐delineated anatomy and function. Emerging data suggest that lymphatic dysfunction can be pivotal in the initiation and development of a variety of diseases across broad organ systems. Understanding the clinical associations between lymphatic dysfunction and non‐lymphatic morbidity provides valuable evidence for future investigations and may foster the discovery of novel biomarkers and therapies.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed the electronic medical records of 724 patients referred to the Stanford Center for Lymphatic and Venous Disorders. Patients with an established lymphatic diagnosis were assigned to groups of secondary lymphoedema, lipoedema or primary lymphovascular disease. Individuals found to have no lymphatic disorder were served as the non‐lymphatic controls. The prevalence of comorbid conditions was enumerated. Pairwise co‐occurrence pattern analyses, validated by Jaccard similarity tests, was utilised to investigate disease–disease interrelationships.

Results

Comorbidity analyses underscored the expected relationship between the presence of secondary lymphoedema and those diseases that damage the lymphatics. Cardiovascular conditions were common in all lymphatic subgroups. Additionally, statistically significant alteration of disease–disease interrelationships was noted in all three lymphatic categories when compared to the control population.

Conclusions

The presence or absence of a lymphatic disease significantly influences disease interrelationships in the study cohorts. As a physiologic substrate, the lymphatic circulation may be an underappreciated participant in disease pathogenesis. These relationships warrant further, prospective scrutiny and study.
Extracellular vesicle‐packaged mitochondrial disturbing miRNA exacerbates cardiac injury during acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Sun Ping , Wang Chao , Mang Ge , Xu Xiangli , Fu Shuai , Chen Jianfeng , Wang Xiaoqi , Wang Weiwei , Li Hairu , Zhao Peng , Li Yifei , Chen Qi , Wang Naixin , Tong Zhonghua , Fu Xin , Lang Ying , Duan Shasha , Liu Dongmei , Zhang Maomao , Tian Jiawei
Published: April 2022

Mounting evidence suggests that extracellular vesicles (EVs) are effective communicators in biological signalling in cardiac physiology and pathology. However, the role of EVs in cardiac injury, particularly in ischemic myocardial scenarios, has not been fully elucidated. Here, we report that acute myocardial infarction (AMI)‐induced EVs can impair cardiomyocyte survival and exacerbate cardiac injury. EV‐encapsulated miR‐503, which is enriched during the early phase of AMI, is a critical molecule that mediates myocardial injury. Functional studies revealed that miR‐503 promoted cardiomyocyte death by directly binding to peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator‐1β (PGC‐1β) and a mitochondrial deacetylase, sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), thereby triggering mitochondrial metabolic dysfunction and cardiomyocyte death. Mechanistically, we identified endothelial cells as the primary source of miR‐503 in EVs after AMI. Hypoxia induced rapid H3K4 methylation of the promoter of the methyltransferase‐like 3 gene (METTL3) and resulted in its overexpression. METTL3 overexpression evokes N6‐methyladenosine (m6A)‐dependent miR‐503 biogenesis in endothelial cells. In summary, this study highlights a novel endogenous mechanism wherein EVs aggravate myocardial injury during the onset of AMI via endothelial cell‐secreted miR‐503 shuttling.
Endoscopic therapy for recurrent pancreatitis complicated with pancreatolithiasis in a case of annular pancreas
Authors: Mizutani Saori , Okano Naoki , Nakagawa Hiroki , Watanabe Koji , Yamada Yuto , Kimura Yusuke , Yoshimoto Kensuke , Iwasaki Susumu , Hara Seiichi , Takuma Kensuke , Kishimoto Yui , Ito Ken , Matsuda Takahisa , Igarashi Yoshinori
Published: April 2022

Annular pancreas is a congenital abnormality in which part of the pancreatic head completely or partially surrounds the duodenum in a ring‐like manner. The condition is thought to be an abnormality of the ventral pancreatic bud. While pancreatitis is a common complication of the annular pancreas, its recurrence may be prevented by improving the outflow of pancreatic juice. The present case report describes a 23‐year‐old woman who had been referred to our hospital for recurrent pancreatitis since childhood. An endoscopic incision was made on the orifice of the annular pancreas, after which pancreatitis of the annular pancreas did not recur for 6 years. The patient subsequently exhibited pancreatolithiasis in the dorsal pancreatic duct, which was successfully treated with endoscopic treatment. Endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy may prevent the recurrence of pancreatitis and avoid further surgical interventions by improving the flow of pancreatic juice.
Versatility of the Amino Group in Hydrazone‐Based Molecular and Supramolecular Systems
Authors: Betancourth Jolaine Galindo , Castaño Jorge A. , Visbal Renso , Chaur Manuel N.
Published: April 2022

Hydrazone‐based systems have been, and continue to be, widely studied in the field of supramolecular chemistry due to the chemical versatility of their triatomic C=N‐N structure, whose amino nitrogen commonly bears a methyl group or a hydrogen atom. Herein we review the conformational, configurational, and constitutional dynamics of these systems, focusing on the particularly important role of the N−H group of the hydrazone framework in each of those processes observed in molecular and supramolecular systems published in recent decades. Due to the enormous diversity of supramolecular architectures and molecular entities, the most representative synthetic methodologies to obtain them are described.
Limited prognostic value of pain duration in non‐specific neck pain patients seeking chiropractic care
Authors: Guillén David , Guekos Alexandros , Graf Nadia , Humphreys Barry Kim , Peterson Cynthia , Schweinhardt Petra
Published: April 2022

Background

Pain chronicity is considered an important prognostic factor for outcome. Here, it was investigated whether pain duration influences outcome when only chronic patients (pain >3 months) are considered. Secondary aims were to determine, in patients of any pain duration, how much variance in outcome is explained by pain duration and whether pain duration truly predicts outcomes, that is out‐of‐sample prediction in independent data.

Methods

Secondary analysis of a cohort study of neck pain patients. Patients were assessed before start of treatment and at 1‐week, 1‐, 3‐, 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up. Outcomes were patient global impression of change (PGIC) and percent change in patients' perceived pain intensity, rated on a numerical rating scale (NRS). Regression analyses (linear and logistic) and supervised machine learning were used to test the influence of pain duration on PGIC and percent NRS change at 1‐week, 1‐, 3‐, 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up within sample and out‐of‐sample. Separate analyses were performed for the full sample (n = 720) and for chronic patients (n = 238) only.

Results

No relationship between pain duration and outcome was found for chronic patients only. For the full sample, statistical relationships between pain duration and outcomes were observed at all tested follow‐up time points. However, the amount of variance in outcome explained by pain duration was low and no out‐of‐sample prediction was possible.

Conclusions

Pain duration did not emerge as an important predictor of outcome in this database of 720 neck pain patients receiving chiropractic treatment.

Significance statement

The relatively large dataset of neck pain patients challenges the widely accepted wisdom that pain duration is an important predictor of pain outcomes and that very chronic patients might only have a small likelihood of getting better. It is postulated that these results are important for the attitude of the first encounter between healthcare professionals and chronic patients.
Clemizole and trazodone are effective antiseizure treatments in a zebrafish model of STXBP1 disorder
Authors: Moog Maia , Baraban Scott C.
Published: April 2022

CRISPR‐Cas9–generated zebrafish carrying a 12 base‐pair deletion in stxbpb1b, a paralog sharing 79% amino acid sequence identity with human, exhibit spontaneous electrographic seizures during larval stages of development. Zebrafish stxbp1b mutants provide an efficient preclinical platform to test antiseizure therapeutics. The present study was designed to test antiseizure medications approved for clinical use and two recently identified repurposed drugs with antiseizure activity. Larval homozygous stxbp1b zebrafish (4 days postfertilization (dpf)) were agarose‐embedded and monitored for electrographic seizure activity using a local field recording electrode placed in midbrain. Frequency of ictal‐like events was evaluated at baseline and following 45 min of continuous drug exposure (1 mM, bath application). Analysis was performed on coded files by an experimenter blinded to drug treatment and genotype. Phenytoin (PHT), valproate (VPA), ethosuximide (ESX), levetiracetam (LEV), and diazepam (DZP) had no effect on the ictal‐like event frequency in stxbp1b mutant zebrafish. Clemizole and trazodone decreased ictal‐like event frequency in stxbp1b mutant zebrafish by 80% and 83%, respectively. These results suggest that repurposed drugs with serotonin receptor–binding affinities could be effective antiseizure treatments. Clemizole and trazodone were previously identified in a larval zebrafish model for Dravet syndrome. Based primarily on these preclinical zebrafish studies, compassionate‐use and double‐blind clinical trials with both drugs have progressed. The present study extends this approach to a preclinical zebrafish model representing STXBP1 (syntaxin‐binding protein 1)‐related disorders and suggests that future clinical studies may be warranted.
Effects of Microplastic on the Population Dynamics of a Marine Copepod: Insights from a Laboratory Experiment and a Mechanistic Model
Authors: Everaert Gert , Vlaeminck Karel , Vandegehuchte Michiel B. , Janssen Colin R.
Published: April 2022

Microplastic is ubiquitously and persistently present in the marine environment, but knowledge of its population-level effects is limited. In the present study, to quantify the potential theoretical population effect of microplastic, a two-step approach was followed. First, the impact of microplastic (polyethylene, 0.995 g cm−3, diameter 10–45 µm) on the filtration rate of the pelagic copepod Temora longicornis was investigated under laboratory conditions. It was found that the filtration rate decreased at increasing microplastic concentrations and followed a concentration–response relationship but that at microplastic concentrations <100 particles L−1 the filtration rate was not affected. From the concentration–response relationship between the microplastic concentrations and the individual filtration rate a median effect concentration of the individual filtration rate (48 h) of 1956 ± 311 particles L−1 was found. In a second step, the dynamics of a T. longicornis population were simulated for realistic environmental conditions, and the effects of microplastics on the population density equilibrium were assessed. The empirical filtration rate data were incorporated in an individual-based model implementation of the dynamic energy budget theory to deduct potential theoretical population-level effects. The yearly averaged concentration at which the population equilibrium density would decrease by 50% was 593 ± 376 particles L−1. The theoretical effect concentrations at the population level were 4-fold lower than effect concentrations at the individual level. However, the theoretical effect concentrations at the population level remain 3–5 orders of magnitude higher than ambient microplastic concentrations. Because the present experiment was short-term laboratory-based and the results were only indirectly validated with field data, the in situ implications of microplastic pollution for the dynamics of zooplankton field populations remain to be further investigated. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1663–1674. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.