bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pigs in Between: Pig Husbandry in the Late Neolithic in Northern Mesopotamia
Authors: Price Max
Published: April 2022

Stuck between the agricultural and urban revolutions, the Late Neolithic (LN; seventh and sixth millennia BC) often receives less attention from zooarchaeologists than other periods. However, recent data suggest that this period was defined by agricultural intensification and new forms of livestock management. Data from pigs and wild boar—both referred to in this paper as Sus scrofa—add to the developing picture of dynamic agricultural systems in northern Meso- potamia and southern Anatolia. Survivorship data indicate a diversity of pig slaughter strategies. Meanwhile, increasing rates of linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH) and the continued reduction in dental size, which follows a different pattern than postcranial metrics, are argued to be evidence of pig husbandry becoming more intensive in the LN. That is, pigs were increasingly penned, foddered, and kept away from wild boar, although wild boars were still used as a stocking resource. These patterns represent a shift from the more extensive “free-range” pig husbandry systems that likely domi- nated the region in the Pre-Pottery Neolithic. Alongside other forms of agricultural changes, the shifts in pig husbandry in the LN may have been connected to evolving foodways, agricultural expansion, and incipient forms of social complexity in the LN period.
Nuevas reflexiones para viejos espacios: la almunia nazarí de Darabenaz y su relación con los Palacios de don Nuño (s. XIII)
Authors: Martín Quirantes Alberto
Published: April 2022

La revisión de los textos que narran la rebelión nobiliaria de 1272 contra Alfonso X y el asentamiento de las huestes militares de don Nuño González de Lara en la vega de Granada ha permitido conocer la imposibilidad actual de identificar los Palacios de don Nuño. Durante el siglo XIX dos corrientes históricas han buscado su ubicación en dos espacios diferentes; de un lado el palacio de Alcázar Genil, de otro la almunia de Darabenaz. Ninguna de las dos se basa en documentación coetánea. La adjudicación a la almunia del siglo XIII, que hoy se sigue dando por válida, procede de un autor interesado que escribió más de trescientos cincuenta años después. El repaso a las fuentes ha permitido conocer que los Palacios de don Nuño subsistían todavía a finales del siglo XIV o principios el XV. Se esboza la posibilidad de que las construcciones encontradas junto a la carretera de La Zubia pudieran formar parte de estos desconocidos palacios
Satis admiror de irreverentia vestra. El caso de la ocupación de conventos en la Toscana a inicios del siglo XIV
Authors: Castillo Paula
Published: April 2022

A inicios del siglo XIV algunos integrantes de la Orden de los Frailes Menores ocuparon sin autorización conventos en la región de Toscana. El objetivo de este artículo es realizar un análisis de una situación excepcional en el marco de las instituciones eclesiásticas en el bajo Medioevo. Nos detendremos en la construcción que nos presentan las diversas fuentes sobre un hecho de marcada conflictividad. Por esto, es importante reconstruir cómo se despliegan los discursos que refieren a las diversas acciones llevadas a cabo por los frailes. Partiremos de repensar cuáles son los elementos que recolectamos en las fuentes que refieren a las faltas cometidas por los hermanos y a las situaciones de conflictividad extrema, y qué vocabulario se utiliza en este sentido; al mismo tiempo que se buscará establecer un diálogo concreto con las diversas legislaciones normativas que se vinculen con la situación aquí abordada.
Okužba s citomegalovirusom v nosečnosti
Authors: Vodopivec Sara , Petrovec Miroslav , Steblovnik Lili
Published: April 2022

Citomegalovirus (CMV) je najpogostejši virusni vzrok okužbe ploda v maternici. Virus je nevrotropen, zato povzroča predvsem nevrološke zaplete. Je najpogostejši negenetski vzrok senzorinevralne naglušnosti, nevroloških nepravilnosti in umske zaostalosti, hkrati je vzrok tudi za nedonošenost, smrt ploda v maternici in umrljivost novorojenčkov. Okužbo s CMV potrjujemo z dokazom za CMV specifičnih protiteles IgM in IgG. Prisotnost virusa dokazujemo s PCR. Za časovno opredelitev okužbe s CMV določamo avidnost protiteles IgG. Prirojena okužba je posledica viremije ob primarni ali sekundarni okužbi nosečnice. Ob znotrajmaternični okužbi so lahko prisotni značilni ultrazvočni znaki. Prenatalna diagnoza prirojene okužbe s CMV se postavi z amniocentezo. Simptome ob rojstvu ima do 15 % otrok mater s potrjeno okužbo v nosečnosti. Pri novorojenčkih s simptomi pride v 40–60 % do trajnih posledic, od katerih je najpogostejša senzorinevralna naglušnost. Svetovanje nosečnici s primarno okužbo s CMV je težavno, saj po doslej razpoložljivih podatkih in izsledkih raziskav izida za plod še ne znamo natančno napovedati. Ocene resnosti okužbe in možnih posledic temeljijo predvsem na časovni opredelitvi okužbe nosečnice, prisotnosti in vrsti nepravilnosti pri plodu in laboratorijskih parametrih. Rutinsko zdravljenje nosečnic s potrjeno okužbo s CMV z virostatikom valaciklovirjem ali s hiperimunimi globulini se zaradi pomanjkanja zadostnih dokazov o učinkovitosti ne priporoča. Vse nosečnice bi morale biti seznanjene o nevarnostih okužbe s CMV in preventivnih ukrepih za zaščito pred okužbo s CMV v nosečnosti. Pregledni članek povzema znana dejstva glede presejanja, diagnosticiranja in zdravljenja okužbe s CMV v nosečnosti z navajanjem najnovejših spoznanj in dokazov ter predstavlja prilagoditev tujih priporočil za dobro klinično prakso v Sloveniji.
Testa QuantiFERON TB in TB Plus v Sloveniji v obdobju 2008–2019
Authors: Skamen Urška , Sodja Eva , Žolnir-Dovč Manca
Published: April 2022

Izhodišča: Test QuantiFERON TB (QFT TB) je prvenstveno namenjen za odkrivanje latentne (LTBI) okužbe z bacili tuberkuloze (TB). Članek obsega retrospektivno analizo rezultatov testa QFT TB v Sloveniji med letoma 2008 in 2019, opozarja na vplive predanalitskih dejavnikov na rezultate testa ter govori o razlogih za nastanek nejasnih rezultatov in o občutljivosti testa pri bolnikih z aktivno obliko TB.

Metode: V obdobju 2008–2019 smo v Laboratoriju za mikobakterije Klinike Golnik s testom QFT TB testirali 29.352 vzorcev krvi bolnikov iz različnih zdravstvenih ustanov v Sloveniji. Na rezultatih testa QFT TB smo izvedli retrospektivno analizo.

Rezultati: Delež pozitivnih rezultatov testa QFT TB se z leti postopno znižuje. V letu 2008 je znašal 20,8 %, v letu 2019 pa 10,7 %, kar pomeni, da je v zadnjih dvanajstih letih upadel za 48,6 %. Največjo težavo predstavljajo nejasni rezultati (letno povprečno 4,3 %), saj so za zdravnika nepovedni. Občutljivost testa QFT TB pri bolnikih z aktivno obliko TB je 82,9 %, kar je primerljivo s podatki iz tujine.

Zaključek: Pomembno je, da pri odvzemu in pošiljanju krvi dosledno sledimo navodilom, saj je test QFT TB zelo občutljiv na predanalitske dejavnike in klinično stanje preiskovancev. Delež pozitivnih rezultatov testa QFT TB z leti pospešeno upada, kar je povezano z napori za omejitev širjenja TB in upadom primerov aktivne TB v naši državi.
Umetna inteligenca v obravnavi bolnika z boleznijo mrežnice
Authors: Koce Maša , Jaki Mekjavič Polona , Urbančič Mojca , Tekavčič Pompe Manca , Globočnik Petrovič Mojca
Published: April 2022

Umetna inteligenca predstavlja zaradi možnosti podpore pri odkrivanju in spremljanju bolezni ter napovedovanju izida novi mejnik v sodobni medicinski tehnologiji. Njena klinična uporabnost se je v zadnjih letih dramatično povečala predvsem na račun uvedbe konvolucijskih nevronskih mrež v modeliranje računalniško podprtih sistemov umetne inteligence. Celotna oftalmologija, zlasti pa področje bolezni mrežnice, pri kateri diagnosticiranje sloni na slikovnih preiskavah, se vodi izrazito tehnološko. Zato je edinstvena stroka pri vpeljavi novosti s področja umetne inteligence v klinično uporabo. Kljub temu pa je integracija umetne inteligence v presejanje, diagnosticiranje in zdravljenje oftalmoloških bolezni predvsem zaradi prevelikega posploševanja pri zaznavanju sprememb in slabih zmožnosti sočasnega prepoznavanja različnih kliničnih entitet zaenkrat še omejena. V članku se osredinjamo na nedavno predstavljene algoritme umetne inteligence, ki so prvenstveno namenjeni odkrivanju najpogostejših bolezni mrežnice in so, ali se še bodo, z morebitnimi izboljšavami, pridobljeno višjo občutljivostjo in specifičnostjo, vendarle uvedli v klinično prakso.
An update on halal slaughter: Current methods and ongoing research on halal meat production techniques and their implications for animal welfare
Authors: Fuseini A , Teye M , Lever J
Published: April 2022

The ethical and economic significance of slaughtering animals for consumption by people of faith cannot be underestimated. On one hand, there are concerns for the welfare of animals during rearing, transport and slaughter, on the other, the market for halal meat products continues to grow at an exponential rate which has attracted the attention of independent and mainstream retailers. This paper considers the slaughter methods approved for the main animal species slaughtered for consumption by Muslims: beef, lamb, goats and poultry. It further examines the rationale for approving and rejecting certain methods of stunning and the implications this has for the welfare of animals. Areas where further research is needed to improve animal welfare during halal slaughter are also highlighted, and the authors have argued why a dialogue between animal welfare researchers, Islamic scholars and halal certification or accreditation bodies is vital in creating knowledge exchange between key stakeholders with a view to improving animal welfare during halal meat production.
Profylaksens "pædagogik"
Authors: Agerholm Frank Juul
Published: April 2022

En af de vigtigste lektier, vi kan lære af coronapandemien, er muligvis, at det gør en forskel, hvilken normativitet, der normerer måden, vi lever på. Det gør således ingen ringe forskel for menneske- og samfundsliv, om den normativitet er profylaktisk eller pædagogisk. Sygdom, usikkerhed og død er pandemiens tro følgesvend; og den profylaktiske fornuft har kronede dage i forbindelse med den slags kritiske hændelser. Herunder kan det hænde, at pædagogikken så at sige kommer i hænderne på den profylaktiske fornuft og bliver til profylaksens ”pædagogik”. Essayet problematiserer dette gennem et usamtidigt fyrstespejl med rødder i antikkens læge- og livskunst.
Reformationen – og dens ideers betydning for udviklingen af den danske skole
Authors: Winther-Jensen Thyge
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on how the Corona pandemic might influence human understanding of our position of being in the world. In the first part of the paper, we present how a pandemic can be under- stood in relation to our society and our educational system. Then, we will present problems and questions highlighted by the pandemic and the kind of transformations needed to address these problems. The core ele- ments that require transformation are the understanding of the essence of man or the human condition, the understanding of what caring for nature and even a pandemic means, and how to measure human action and values.
2022, vuelven los eventos presenciales
Authors:   Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Estanyol i Casals Elisenda
Published: April 2022

Dos años después del confinamiento para frenar la COVID-19, vuelven los grandes eventos, para alegría de un sector que se ha visto forzado en los últimos tiempos a adaptarse a un contexto muy complejo, que en un primer momento lo abocó a una paralización total. El espectáculo de la final de la Super Bowl y la gala de los Óscar nos han mostrado que vuelven los grandes espectáculos presenciales retransmitidos en directo a nivel mundial.
The Potential Application of the GNSS Leveling Method in Local Areas by Means of Sector Analysis
Authors: Fedorchuk Alina
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this work is to perform the comparison of heights of global geoid models EGM08, EIGEN-6C4, GECO, and XGM2019e based on sector analysis that are obtained relative to the ellipsoid WGS84 and GRS80 in order to implement the method of GNSS leveling in local areas. The heights of the global geoid models determined from the ellipsoid WGS84 should be reduced by −41 cm (“zero-degree term”) in order to scale them to the calculated geoid by GNSS leveling. Heights determined from the ellipsoid GRS80 should be increased by +52 cm. Spatial analysis of the heights of geoid models in the relative system for the northern territory shows that the standard deviation of the heights of geoid models is 13.6 cm, and for the southern territory it is 36.5 cm. The elevation errors of the geoid models in the relative system were estimated to be standard deviations of 2.9 cm within the northern area and 2.3 cm within the southern one. The root mean square values of initial errors of the models EGM08, EIGEN-6C4, GECO, and XGM2019e are 8.6 cm, 4.6 cm, 4.4 cm, and 3.8 cm, respectively, and standard deviation values are 2.0 cm, 2.2 cm, 3.2 cm, and 2.4 cm. The paper also performs a sector analysis of the geoid model errors in order to correct them for the application of the GNSS leveling method within the research area. The standard deviations of the residual error of the corrected model heights are 1.8 cm, 1.9 cm, 2.5 cm, and 2.0 cm for EGM08, EIGEN-6C4, GECO, and XGM2019e. The root mean square values of these residual errors for the geoid models are 1.9 cm, 2.0 cm, 2.5 cm, and 2.0 cm, respectively.
The Use of Patient Simulations to Teach and Assess Clinical Competencies in Colleges of Podiatric Medicine: A Survey of US Podiatric Medical Schools
Authors: Errichetti Anthony , Eckles Robert , Beto Judith , Gross Gretta A. , Lorion Amy E.
Published: April 2022

Human and mechanical simulations are used to teach and assess clinical competencies in medical education. In 2014, the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners implemented the Clinical Skills Patient Encounter, an examination using standardized patients. Similar clinical skills examinations already existed as part of medical and osteopathic licensure examinations. The purpose of this study was to assess the use of simulation-based education in the nine colleges of podiatric medicine in the United States to inform podiatric clinical faculty and other stakeholders about current trends within the podiatric education system. In 2019, the Clinical Skills Patient Encounter committee of the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners developed a survey and contacted each podiatric school to voluntarily participate. The mailed survey instrument gathered information on patient simulation modalities, years used, clinical content application, simulation program administration, facilities and equipment available, and the role of simulation educators. All nine schools participated anonymously. The survey showed that simulation modalities were used in all of the schools during the first 3 years, although there was considerable variance in their use.
Impact of Helicobacter pylori Eradication on the Risk of Incident Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Cohort Study
Authors: Kim Ji Won , Kim Tae Jun , Kim Ji Eun , Na Ji Eun , Lee Hyuk , Min Byung-Hoon , Lee Jun Haeng , Rhee Poong-Lyul , Kim Jae J
Published: April 2022

Background/Aims: Previous studies have reported an association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Our study examined whether eradication for H. pylori infection reduces the risk of incident NAFLD.Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study examined 3,780 adults who had no NAFLD at baseline but were infected with H. pylori. The study population was followed from January 1995 until January 2020. H. pylori infection was determined by an H. pylori-specific IgG antibody test. Fatty liver was diagnosed by ultrasound.Results: During a median follow-up of 7.9 years, 1,294 participants developed NAFLD. In a multivariable model adjusted for age, sex, BMI, smoking status, alcohol intake, and metabolic variables, the uneradicated (for H. pylori) group exhibited a higher risk of incident NAFLD than the eradicated group (hazard ratio [HR], 1.36; 95% CI, 1.18~1.56). The multivariable analysis also demonstrated that higher BMI, current smoking and several metabolic abnormalities were significant risk factors for NAFLD. Subgroup analyses revealed that persistent H. pylori infection correlated with an increased risk of NAFLD. H. pylori eradication was associated with a decreased risk of NAFLD development.Conclusions: H. pylori infection may have a pathophysiological role in NAFLD development. Hence, successful eradication of H. pylori decreases the risk of incident NAFLD.
Genetic polymorphisms in the IFNL4, MxA, and MxB genes were associated with biochemical index of chronic HBV patients from Yunnan, China
Authors: Zheng Kexi , Shen Yunsong , Xia Xueshan , Song Yuzhu , Zhang A-Mei
Published: April 2022

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection causes Hepatitis B, which is one of the most common causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the host immune genes could impact HBV infection, viral clearance, and treatment effect. However, the contradictory roles of several studies suggest further analysis of various populations. The whole blood and biochemical indexes of 448 HBV patients and matched controls were collected from the Yunnan population to investigate the genetic roles of IFNL4 and the downstream genes (MxA and MxB). The genotypes, alleles, and haplotypes frequencies of the seven SNPs (rs11322783, rs117648444, rs2071430, rs17000900, rs9982944, rs408825, and rs2838029) from the HBV patients and controls were analyzed. However, no association was identified between the SNPs and HBV infection. Then, biochemical index levels were evaluated among the HBV patients with different genotypes of the seven SNPs. The results indicated that the liver function index levels (including alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), indirect bilirubin (IBIL), and albumin (ALB)) were influenced by the genotypes of the SNPs in HBV patients. Moreover, when the HBV patients were divided into HBsAg-positive and -negative groups, the association between the SNP genotypes and the biochemical indexes still existed. In addition, although the genetic polymorphisms in the IFNL4, MxA, and MxB genes were not significantly associated with HBV infection in the Yunnan population, these genes could indirectly influence disease progression by associating with the biochemical index levels of Yunnan HBV patients.
Determine the Effect of Lime and Boron Interaction on Nutrient Availability and Acidity Parameters in Soil
Authors: Nagar Rohitashv , Kumar Manoj
Published: April 2022

Field experiment was conducted to examine the determine the effect of lime and boron interaction on nutrient availability and acidity parameters in soil. The experiment was carried out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) in field with four levels of lime (L0 – No lime, L0.3 – Furrow application @ 300 kg ha-1, L2.0 – Broadcasting @ 2 t ha-1, L5.0 – Broadcasting @ 5 t ha-1) and four levels of boron (B0 – No Boron, B0.5 – Broadcasting @ 0.5 kg ha-1, B1.0– Broadcasting @ 1 kg ha-1, B1.5 – Broadcasting @ 1.5 kg ha-1), respectively. B fertilization is therefore important to improve soil B availability and crop growth in the region. Availability of applied B in soil may be affected due to its possible interaction with lime which is usually recommended as an ameliorative measure in acidic soils. In this view, a field experiment was undertaken to evaluate the effect of lime and B application on growth, yield and quality of soybean, as well as their effect on nutrient availability and acidity parameters in soil. The crop was grown with four doses of lime (0, 0.3, 2.0 and 5.0 t ha-1) and as many doses of B application (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 kg ha-1). The experiment was taken in RBD design with factorial arrangements of the treatments. Seed yield of soybean increased with increasing doses of lime and Boron application with the highest yield being observed at 5tha-1 lime and 1 kg ha-1 B application; lime and B interaction was not significant Application of B @ 1 kg ha-1 increased seed yield by 18.6%, while lime application @ 5 t ha-1. Increased yield by 36%.The positive effect of lime and B application on soybean yield was mediated through improved growth and pod formation in the crop.
Antibiotic Resistance Pattern and Plasmid Curing of Escherichia coli Isolated from Soil Samples in Girei, Nigeria
Authors: Ijabani Emmanuel , Salihu Aishatu , Pola Bristone James
Published: April 2022

In this study, seventy five (75) soil samples were collected from farmlands, riverbanks and dumpsites and screened for the presence of Escherichia coli via inoculation on EMB, Gram’s staining and some biochemical tests. Overall, 15 E. coli isolates were identified. Dumpsite has the highest number of isolates with 9(60%), followed by farmland with four 4(26.7%) isolates, and lastly riverbank with two 2(13.3%) isolates. Subculture on Sorbitol-MacConkey agar revealed that 2 isolates from dumpsite were EHEC O157:H7. Most of the isolates were resistant to Amoxicillin and Augmentin (66.7% and 73.3% respectively). One of the EHEC strains was found to be resistant to Pefloxacin. Multidrug resistant isolates later became susceptible to previously resisted antibiotics after plasmid curing using 10% sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). The outcome of this study suggests that EHEC O157:H7 is not common in the soil environment in comparison with other E. coli strains and it is found to be associated with dumpsites. Resistance to some of the antibiotics was plasmid-borne; therefore, indiscriminate use of antibiotics should be avoided to minimize rapid development of resistant bacterial strains. Dumping of refuse close to households should also be avoided so as to minimize the risk of infection with EHEC O157:H7.
Role of Gabanergic and, or Serotonergic in the Anti-seizure Activity of Methanol Extract of Crinum jagus (J. Thomps) in Experimental Mice
Authors: Wakeel O. K. , Adebayo-Moggaji R. A. , Wakeel D. O. , Abiodun O. O. , Kolawole O. T. , Onaolapo A. Y. , Onaolapo O. J. , Subbair H. G.
Published: April 2022

Objective: Crinum jagus is used in traditional African medicine in the treatment of epilepsy, pain and inflammations.

Methods: Anticonvulsant activity was investigated using picrotoxin (PCT) and strychnine (STR) tests in experimental paradigm.

Results: Crinum jagus leaf methanol extract (200, 400, and 800 mg kg−1) potentiated hexobarbitone-induced sleeping time and significantly (p<0.05) shortened the duration of convulsions in PCT-induced seizures. Delay in the onset of convulsions in PCT-induced seizure were very significant (p<0.05). Reduction in the frequency of seizures was also significant (p<0.05) in the test. Diazepam (5 mg kg−1) was used as reference anticonvulsant drugs in the experimental models. While, CJB failed to protect the animals against picrotocin-induced convulsion. Neither the extract of CJL nor CJB confer significant effect on STR-induced convulsion. Flumazenil (GABA receptor antagonist) and cyproheptadine (5-HT2 receptor antagonist) blocked the effect of CJL extract in the PCT tests significantly suggesting that Crinum jagus may be acting by enhancing the effects of the GABAergic and serotonergic systems.

Conclusion: The data obtained suggest that methanol leaf extract of C. jagus possessed significant anticonvulsant effect, thereby confirming the traditional uses of C. jagus in the treatment of epilepsies; mechanisms of which may involve interaction with GABAergic and serotonergic pathway.
Impact of Mulches on Water Dynamics for Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora l.) Crop under Drip Irrigation System in India
Authors: Jawaharlal D. , Kumar G. Manoj , Rao A. Manohar
Published: April 2022

A field experiment was conducted at Precision Farming Development Center, college farm, college of agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during kharif, The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three drip irrigation levels as main plot treatments (viz., I1- Drip irrigation at 1.0 E pan, I2- Drip irrigation 0.8 E pan, I3- Drip irrigation 0.6E pan) and four mulches (viz., M1-No mulch, M2- Paddy straw, M3- Black plastic mulch, M4- Dried leaves) as sub treatments and were replicated thrice. The experimental soil was sandy clay loam in texture with low in available nitrogen and high in available phosphorus and potassium. Moisture content was estimated under all three main plot treatments and four subplot treatments. Higher moisture was observed below black plastic mulch and lowest moisture observed below the no mulch condition. Drip irrigation scheduled at 0.6 E pan recorded higher water use efficiency (111.09 kg ha-1 mm-1). The least WUE was observed in drip irrigation at 1.0 E pan. On the other hand maximum WUE was recorded with application of polythene mulch (113.5 kg ha-1 mm-1), While the least was recorded with no mulch (90.43 kg ha-1 mm-1). The results of soil moisture content in the present study indicated that, application of black plastic mulch would reduce the soil moisture evaporation which will enhance the uniform distribution availability of soil moisture for longer days, compare to other mulches namely no mulch, paddy straw and dried leaves.
Interrelationships between Leptin and Thyroid Profile in Overweight/Obese Urban Population of Manipur
Authors: Singh Loushambam Samananda , Govindaraj Y. , Devi Ksh. Gomti , Kanan W.
Published: April 2022

Aims: The goal of this study was to determine the relationship between leptin and thyroid profile in overweight/obese Manipur individuals.

Materials and Methods: A total of 250 people (of either gender) between the ages of 20 and 65 were included in the study. The body mass index (BMI) was computed using the height and weight of the individual. Blood samples were used to assess serum leptin, thyroxine (T4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Significant variations between the groups were examined, as well as leptin and thyroid associations with various BMIs.

Findings: Leptin levels were significantly higher in the overweight/obese group (12.73 ± 9.93 ng/ml) than in the control group (6.85 ± 6.49 ng/ml), (P <0.01). T4 levels did not differ significantly between normal (7.83 ± 1.51 µg/dl) and overweight/obese individuals (8.49 ± 2.00 µg/dl) whereas, TSH levels differed significantly between normal (2.79 ± 2.72 µIU/ml) and overweight/obese subjects (2.32 ± 1.54 µIU/ml), (P <0.05). A positive significant correlation was found between BMI and leptin (r = 0.38; P = 0.00) as well as between BMI and T4 (r = 0.14; P = 0.02). BMI and TSH did not have any correlations. Furthermore, there were no significant relationships between leptin and T4 or TSH. 

Conclusion: The leptin and thyroid hormone are strongly linked in those who are overweight/obese.
Novel de novo POLR3B mutations responsible for demyelinating Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease in Japan
Authors: Ando Masahiro , Higuchi Yujiro , Yuan Jun‐Hui , Yoshimura Akiko , Kitao Ruriko , Morimoto Takehiko , Taniguchi Takaki , Takeuchi Mika , Takei Jun , Hiramatsu Yu , Sakiyama Yusuke , Hashiguchi Akihiro , Okamoto Yuji , Mitsui Jun , Ishiura Hiroyuki , Tsuji Shoji , Takashima Hiroshi
Published: April 2022

Background

Biallelic POLR3B mutations cause a rare hypomyelinating leukodystrophy. De novo POLR3B heterozygous mutations were recently associated with afferent ataxia, spasticity, variable intellectual disability, and epilepsy, and predominantly demyelinating sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy.

Methods

We performed whole‐exome sequencing (WES) of DNA samples from 804 Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) cases that could not be genetically diagnosed by DNA‐targeted resequencing microarray using next‐generation sequencers. Using WES data, we analyzed the POLR3B mutations and confirmed their clinical features.

Results

We identified de novo POLR3B heterozygous missense mutations in two patients. These patients presented with early‐onset demyelinating sensorimotor neuropathy without ataxia, spasticity, or cognitive impairment. Patient 1 showed mild cerebellar atrophy and spinal cord atrophy on magnetic resonance imaging and eventually died of respiratory failure in her 50s. We classified these mutations as pathogenic based on segregation studies, comparison with control database, and in silico analysis.

Conclusion

Our study is the third report on patients with demyelinating CMT harboring heterozygous POLR3B mutations and verifies the pathogenicity of POLR3B mutations in CMT. Although extremely rare in our large Japanese case series, POLR3B mutations should be added to the CMT‐related gene panel for comprehensive genetic screening, particularly for patients with early‐onset demyelinating CMT.
Synergetic Horizontal Dipole Orientation Induction for Highly Efficient and Spectral Stable Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence White Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Peng Xiaomei , Qiu Weidong , Li Wenqi , Li Mengke , Xie Wentao , Li Wei , Lin Jianying , Yang Jiaji , Li Xin , Su Shi‐Jian
Published: April 2022

Radiative exciton generation and light out‐coupling are two crucial factors for highly efficient organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). Herein, a thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) material DspiroS‐TRZ with high horizontal dipole ratio (HDR, Θ// = 82%) is utilized as the blue emitter as well as the host for an orange‐red TADF emitter TPA‐AQ to fabricate white OLEDs. A synergetic horizontal dipole orientation induction on the transition dipole moment of TPA‐AQ is achieved by the highly orientated DspiroS‐TRZ, resulting in high HDR (Θ// = 96%) of the orange‐red emitter. Owing to the simultaneous efficient triplet exciton utilization and highly orientated binary system, a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 29.3% is achieved for single emission layer (EML) white OLED, with an excellent white light out‐coupling efficiency of 34%. In addition, the carrier recombination in the EML is further regulated by inserting an exciton regulation emission layer, which can relieve the trapping effect of the orange‐red emitter and guarantee stable Langevin recombination and energy transfer processes for improved electroluminescence spectral stability. An EQEmax of 31.2% is ultimately achieved for the double‐EML white OLED, highlighting the key role of horizontal dipole orientation induction and carrier recombination modulation for highly efficient and spectral stable white OLEDs.
The Technological Advancement to Engineer Next‐Generation Stent‐Grafts: Design, Material, and Fabrication Techniques
Authors: Vahabli Ebrahim , Mann James , Heidari Behzad Shiroud , Lawrence‐Brown Michael , Norman Paul , Jansen Shirley , De‐Juan‐Pardo Elena , Doyle Barry
Published: April 2022

Endovascular treatment of aortic disorders has gained wide acceptance due to reduced physiological burden to the patient compared to open surgery, and ongoing stent‐graft evolution has made aortic repair an option for patients with more complex anatomies. To date, commercial stent‐grafts are typically developed from established production techniques with simple design structures and limited material ranges. Despite the numerous updated versions of stent‐grafts by manufacturers, the reoccurrence of device‐related complications raises questions about whether the current manfacturing methods are technically able to eliminate these problems. The technology trend to produce efficient medical devices, including stent‐grafts and all similar implants, should eventually change direction to advanced manufacturing techniques. It is expected that through recent advancements, especially the emergence of 4D‐printing and smart materials, unprecedented features can be defined for cardiovascular medical implants, like shape change and remote battery‐free self‐monitoring. 4D‐printing technology promises adaptive functionality, a highly desirable feature enabling printed cardiovascular implants to physically transform with time to perform a programmed task. This review provides a thorough assessment of the established technologies for existing stent‐grafts and provides technical commentaries on known failure modes. They then discuss the future of advanced technologies and the efforts needed to produce next‐generation endovascular implants.
Studying Complex Evolution of Hyperelastic Materials under External Field Stimuli using Artificial Neural Networks with Spatiotemporal Features in a Small‐Scale Dataset
Authors: Yu Songlin , Chai Haiyang , Xiong Yuqi , Kang Ming , Geng Chengzhen , Liu Yu , Chen Yanqiu , Zhang Yaling , Zhang Qian , Li Changlin , Wei Hao , Zhao Yuhang , Yu Fengmei , Lu Ai
Published: April 2022

Deep‐learning (DL) methods, in consideration of their excellence in dealing with highly complex structure–performance relationships for materials, are expected to become a new design paradigm for breakthroughs in material performance. However, in most cases, it is impractical to collect massive‐scale experimental data or open‐source theoretical databases to support training DL models with sufficient prediction accuracy. In a dataset consisting of 483 porous silicone rubber observations generated via ink‐writing additive manufacturing, this work demonstrates that constructing low‐dimensional, accurate descriptors is the prerequisite for obtaining high‐precision DL models based on small experimental datasets. On this basis, a unique convolutional bidirectional long short‐term memory model with spatiotemporal features extraction capability is designed, whose hierarchical learning mechanism further reduces the requirement for the amount of data by taking full advantage of data information. The proposed approach can be expected as a powerful tool for innovative material design on small experimental datasets, which can also be used to explore the evolutionary mechanisms of the structures and properties of materials under complex working conditions.
Targeted Drug/Gene/Photodynamic Therapy via a Stimuli‐Responsive Dendritic‐Polymer‐Based Nanococktail for Treatment of EGFR‐TKI‐Resistant Non‐Small‐Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Huang Jinxing , Zhuang Cheng , Chen Jie , Chen Xuanming , Li Xiaojie , Zhang Ting , Wang Bing , Feng Qiyi , Zheng Xiuli , Gong Meng , Gong Qiyong , Xiao Kai , Luo Kui , Li Weimin
Published: April 2022

Yes‐associated protein (YAP) has been identified as a key driver for epidermal growth factor receptor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR‐TKI) resistance. Inhibition of YAP expression could be a potential therapeutic option for treating non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Herein, a nanococktail therapeutic strategy is proposed by employing amphiphilic and block‐dendritic‐polymer‐based nanoparticles (NPs) for targeted co‐delivery of EGFR‐TKI gefitinib (Gef) and YAP‐siRNA to achieve a targeted drug/gene/photodynamic therapy. The resulting NPs are effectively internalized into Gef‐resistant NSCLC cells, successfully escape from late endosomes/lysosomes, and responsively release Gef and YAP‐siRNA in an intracellular reductive environment. They preferentially accumulate at the tumor site after intravenous injection in both cell‐line‐derived xenograft (CDX) and patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) models of Gef‐resistant NSCLC, resulting in potent antitumor efficacy without distinct toxicity after laser irradiation. Mechanism studies reveal that the cocktail therapy could block the EGFR signaling pathway with Gef, inhibit activation of the EGFR bypass signaling pathway via YAP‐siRNA, and induce tumor cell apoptosis through photodynamic therapy (PDT). Furthermore, this combination nanomedicine can sensitize PDT and impair glycolysis by downregulating HIF‐1α. These results suggest that this stimuli‐responsive dendritic‐polymer‐based nanococktail therapy may provide a promising approach for the treatment of EGFR‐TKI resistant NSCLC.
Metal–Organic Nanosheets (MONs): Exfoliation by Mechanical Grinding and Iodine Capture
Authors: Tamuly Parag , Sama Farasha , Moorthy Jarugu Narasimha
Published: April 2022

An electron‐rich π‐conjugated organic linker H4BPDP (BPDP = biphenyl dipyrrole tetracarboxylic acid) is designed and subjected to metal‐assisted self‐assembly to afford a layered metal–organic framework (MOF), i.e., Cd‐BPDP. Single crystal X‐ray structure determination and analysis show that two corrugated layers of the MOF are intertwined to yield thick strands of porous 2D metal–organic nanosheets (MONs). It is shown that the latter can be delaminated by ultrasonication‐induced liquid‐phase exfoliation and mechanical grinding techniques, as evidenced by Tyndall light scattering and comprehensive microscopy investigations that include field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscopy, and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. The MONs accessed by grinding permit notable capture of iodine when compared to the bulk layered MOF, i.e., Cd‐BPDP; the extent of iodine capture can be correlated with the magnitude exfoliation, which is essentially determined by the duration of grinding. The observed notable iodine capture is attributed to i) a large increase in surface area with exfoliation, ii) ability of the e‐rich π‐conjugated organic linker to form a charge‐transfer complex with iodine, and iii) the presence of free and uncoordinated carboxylic acids of the linker that reinforce binding of iodine through charge transfer. Thus, a notable capture of iodine by 2D MONs generated by mechanical exfoliation of a layered MOF constructed from an e‐rich π‐extended organic linker is compellingly demonstrated.
Plasma Focused Ion Beam Tomography for Accurate Characterization of Black Silicon Validated by Full Wave Optical Simulation
Authors: Zhang Yu , Veeken Tom , Wang Shaozhou , Scardera Giuseppe , Abbott Malcolm , Payne David , Polman Albert , Hoex Bram
Published: April 2022

Black silicon (BSi) is a branch of silicon material whose surface is specially processed to a micro/nanoscale structure, which can achieve ultra‐low reflectance or ultra‐high electrochemical reactivity. The diversity and complex surface structures of BSi make it challenging to commercialize BSi devices. Modeling and simulation are commonly used in the semiconductor industry to help in better understanding the material properties, predict the device performance, and provide guidelines for fabrication parameters’ optimization. The biggest challenge for BSi device modeling and simulation is obtaining accurate input surface morphological data. In this work, the 3D models of challenging BSi textures are compared as obtained by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and plasma focused ion beam (PFIB) tomography techniques. In previous work, the PFIB tomography workflow toward the application of surface topography is optimized. In this work, the 3D models obtained from both AFM and PFIB are comprehensively compared, by using the surface models as inputs for finite‐difference time‐domain‐based optical simulation. The results provide strong evidence that PFIB tomography is a better choice for characterizing highly roughened surface such as BSi and provides surface 3D models with better reliability and consistency.
Directly Printed Interconnection Wires between Layers for 3D Integrated Stretchable Electronics
Authors: Sun Peng , Zhang Jinbao , Zhu Xiaoyang , Li Hongke , Li Yang , Yang Jianjun , Peng Zilong , Zhang Guangming , Wang Fei , Lan Hongbo
Published: April 2022

Multilayer circuits, especially in stretchable electronic devices, are considered to be an effective way to integrate various components and modules for complex functions. However, the existing manufacturing methods for multilayer flexible and stretchable electronics have problems such as complex technology, expensive equipment, and low production efficiency. Here, a direct ink writing 3D printing method is proposed to fabricate multilayer stretchable electronic devices by using high‐viscosity stretchable silver paste as the material for interconnecting wires, and stretchable polydimethylsiloxane as the dielectric layer. The optimal range of printing parameters is explored to realize the stable and repeatable manufacturing of wires. A protective layer is printed on the interconnection wires and rigid components to connect the soft substrate and the rigid electronic components. The results show that stress concentration is reduced and stable electrical response of the device is achieved under more than 49% tensile deformation. Vertical interconnect accesses and arc‐shaped wires are applied to a multilayer flexible thermal imaging display device and a NE555 timer device, and the outcomes prove that the direct ink writing 3D printing method provides an efficient, simple, and low‐cost manufacturing method for fabricating multilayer stretchable electronics.
Empowering Electrochemical Biosensing through Nanostructured or Multifunctional Nucleic Acid or Peptide Biomaterials
Authors: Campuzano Susana , Pedrero María , Barderas Rodrigo , Pingarrón José M.
Published: April 2022

Electrochemical biosensors continue to evolve at an astonishing pace, consolidating as competitive tools for determining a wide range of targets and relentlessly strengthening their attributes in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, simplicity, response time, and antifouling ability, making them suitable for getting a foothold in real‐world applications. The design and exploitation of nanostructured or multifunctional nucleic acid or peptide biomaterials are playing a determinant role in these achievements. With the aim of highlighting the potential and opportunities of these biomaterials, this perspective article critically discusses and overviews the electrochemical biosensors reported since 2019 involving nanostructured and multifunctional DNA biomaterials, multifunctional aptamers, modern peptides, and CRISPR/Cas systems. The use of these biomaterials as recognition elements, electrode modifiers (acting as linkers or creating scaffolds with antifouling properties), enzyme substrates, and labeling/carrier agents for signal amplification is discussed through rationally and strategically selected examples, concluding with a personal perspective about the challenges to be faced and future lines of action.
Surface Coupling between Mechanical and Electric Fields Empowering Ni‐Rich Cathodes with Superior Cyclabilities for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Dai Zhongsheng , Wang Jianhang , Zhao Huiling , Bai Ying
Published: April 2022

Ni‐rich cathodes with high energy densities are considered as promising candidates for advanced lithium‐ion batteries, whereas their commercial application is in dilemma due to dramatic capacity decay and poor structure stability stemmed from interfacial instability, structural degradation, and stress–strain accumulation, as well as intergranular cracks. Herein, a piezoelectric LiTaO3 (LTO) layer is facilely deposited onto Li[NixCoyMn1−x−y]O2 (x = 0.6, 0.8) cathodes to induce surface polarized electric fields via the intrinsic stress–strain of Ni‐rich active materials, thus modulating interfacial Li+ kinetics upon cycling. Various characterizations indicate that the electrochemical performances of LTO‐modified cathodes are obviously enhanced even under large current density and elevated temperature. Intensive explorations from in situ X‐ray diffraction technique, finite element analysis, and first‐principle calculation manifest that the improvement mechanism of LTO decoration can be attributed to the enhanced structural stability of bulk material, suppressed stress accumulation, and regulated ion transportation. These findings provide deep insight into surface coupling strategy between mechanical and electric fields to regulate the interfacial Li+ kinetics behavior and enhance structure stability for Ni‐rich cathodes, which will also arouse great interest from scientists and engineers in multifunctional surface engineering for electrochemical systems.
Modulation Doping Enables Ultrahigh Power Factor and Thermoelectric ZT in n‐Type Bi2Te2.7Se0.3
Authors: Chen Cheng‐Lung , Wang Te‐Hsien , Yu Zih‐Gin , Hutabalian Yohanes , Vankayala Ranganayakulu K. , Chen Chao‐Chih , Hsieh Wen‐Pin , Jeng Horng‐Tay , Wei Da‐Hua , Chen Yang‐Yuan
Published: April 2022

Bismuth telluride‐based thermoelectric (TE) materials are historically recognized as the best p‐type (ZT = 1.8) TE materials at room temperature. However, the poor performance of n‐type (ZT≈1.0) counterparts seriously reduces the efficiency of the device. Such performance imbalance severely impedes its TE applications either in electrical generation or refrigeration. Here, a strategy to boost n‐type Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 crystals up to ZT = 1.42 near room temperature by a two‐stage process is reported, that is, step 1: stabilizing Seebeck coefficient by CuI doping; step 2: boosting power factor (PF) by synergistically optimizing phonon and carrier transport via thermal‐driven Cu intercalation in the van der Waals (vdW) gaps. Theoretical ab initio calculations disclose that these intercalated Cu atoms act as modulation doping and contribute conduction electrons of wavefunction spatially separated from the Cu atoms themselves, which simultaneously lead to large carrier concentration and high mobility. As a result, an ultra‐high PF ≈63.5 µW cm−1 K−2 at 300 K and a highest average ZT = 1.36 at 300–450 K are realized, which outperform all n‐type bismuth telluride materials ever reported. The work offers a new approach to improving n‐type layered TE materials.
Chirality‐Dependent Magnetoelectric Responses in a Magnetic‐Field‐Induced Ferroelectric Phase of Pb(TiO)Cu4(PO4)4
Authors: Kimura Kenta , Katsuyoshi Tsukasa , Miyake Atsushi , Tokunaga Masashi , Kimura Shojiro , Kimura Tsuyoshi
Published: April 2022

Magnetoelectric multiferroic materials can exhibit a variety of functional properties such as electric field control of magnetization and nonreciprocal electromagnetic responses. Such a magnetoelectric response may be further enriched by the combination of the magnetoelectric order and a peculiar crystallographic order, such as crystal chirality. Recently, it was reported that a chiral‐lattice magnet Pb(TiO)Cu4(PO4)4 showing a magnetoelectric quadrupole order in its ground state exhibits anomalous chirality‐induced tilt of magnetization vector with respect to an applied magnetic field. In this progress report, additional results that advance the understanding of chirality‐induced tilt of magnetization vector are presented. It is found that chirality‐induced tilt of the magnetization vector also exists in a magnetic‐field‐induced ferroelectric (FI‐FE) phase of this compound that is stabilized in magnetic fields higher than 16 tesla. The resulting transverse component of the magnetization can be switched with an applied electric field through a polarization reversal. The analysis indicates that this transverse component is as large as ≈0.014 μB per f.u, suggesting that the tilting angle of the magnetization in the FI‐FE phase is much larger than that in the low‐field phase. Also, as another research progress, electric field control of nonreciprocal directional dichroism in the FI‐FE phase is demonstrated.