bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Cross Sectional Study on Prevalence of Anaemia and its Determinant Factors among Pregnant Mothers in a Rural Community
Authors: Abiselvi A.
Published: August 2021

Anemia is the greatest common nutritional deficiency disorders affecting the pregnant women in the developing countries and determine the prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women in a rural community and determine the       socio demographic factors and obstetric factors associated with anaemia. The objective of the study was to evaluation the prevalence of anemia between pregnant women and to regulate its association with maternal and fetal consequences. The care given by the health care provider to a pregnant woman during her pregnancy period (a period of 280 days) is known as antenatal care. This research was carried out in rural field practicing area, Sripuram Kanchepuram district of Tamilnadu. The pregnant mothers residing in this area were taken as the study subject. This study was conducted for a period of four month from June 2014 to September 2014. Anaemia is considered a severe public health problem by World Health Organization when anaemia prevalence is equal to or greater than 40% in the population.  Iron deficiency is highest population subgroups that are at peak growth rates that is infant, children and pregnant mothers. Anaemia in pregnancy, the most common micro nutritional deficiency (disorder). It  is  estimated  that  more  than  50%  of  pregnant women  are  anaemic  and  majority  (90%)  belongs  to  iron deficiency. The great incidence of anemia in pregnant women speciously increases the maternal and fetal risks. To increase maternal and fetal effect, it is suggested that the primary health care has to be strengthened, prevention, initial diagnosis, and treatment of anemia in pregnancy to be given priority.
Reliability evaluation of functional movement screen for prevention of military training injury: A prospective study in China
Authors: Zeng Jing , Zhang Rong-Bing , Ke Jing-Jiu , Wu Xiang , Chen Li-Hua , Wang Yan-Yan , Xiao Jun
Published: August 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of functional movement screen (FMS) evaluation system and individualized intervention measures in preventing military training injuries.

Methods

A total of 420 recruits from a unit of the People’s Liberation Army of China were included as the research object. According to random grouping method, they were divided into observation group (Group A) and control group (Group B), with 210 patients in each group. Before recruit training, individual FMS was performed, and functional correction training was performed in the observation group according to the test scores, while no intervention measures were applied in the control group. After 3 months of training, the tests were repeated. Age, body mass index (BMI), and incidence of military training injuries were recorded during the training period.

Results

There was no statistical difference between the two groups in age, BMI, FMS score before the training (P > .05). After receiving functional correction training, the FMS score of the Group A was higher than that of the Group B, and the difference was statistically significant (P < .05). The incidence of military training injury in Group A and Group B was 20.95% and 44.02%, respectively (P < .05), and the difference was statistically significant.

Conclusion

The evaluation system of FMS and individualized intervention measures are feasible and effective in predicting and reducing the occurrence of military training injuries.
Factors Associated With Hospitalization and Death After COVID‐19 Diagnosis Among Patients With Rheumatic Disease: An Analysis of Veterans Affairs Data
Authors: Schmajuk Gabriela , Montgomery Anna D. , Leonard Samuel , Li Jing , Gianfrancesco Milena , Seet Andrea , Izadi Zara , Yazdany Jinoos , Keyhani Salomeh
Published: August 2021

Objective

Individuals with autoimmune rheumatic disease (RD) are considered to be at increased risk for infection. However, few US population‐based studies have assessed whether these patients are at increased risk of hospitalization or death due to COVID‐19 compared with those without RD.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study using national Veterans Affairs Health Care System data for individuals who tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2. Outcomes of interest were hospitalization or death due to any cause within 30 days of COVID‐19 diagnosis. Outcomes were compared among veterans with RD and those without RD by using propensity score matching (PSM) and mixed‐effects multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Of 26,116 veterans with COVID‐19, 501 (1.9%) had an underlying RD. Prior to matching, patients with RD were more likely to have poor outcomes compared with controls (37.7% vs. 28.5% hospitalized; 6.4% vs. 4.5% died). In the PSM analysis, RD was not a significant predictor for poor outcomes; however, patients with prescriptions for glucocorticoids had increased odds of poor outcomes in a dose‐dependent manner (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] for hospitalization or death: 1.33 [1.20‐1.48] for doses >0 and ≤10 mg/day; 1.29 [1.09‐1.52] for doses >10 mg/day).

Conclusion

Among US veterans with COVID‐19, we did not find a significant association between RD and hospitalization or death. Poor outcomes appear to be mostly driven by age and other comorbidities, similar to the general veteran population. However, we observed an increased risk for poor outcomes among patients who received glucocorticoids, even at daily doses less than or equal to 10 mg.
Poor Prognosis of COVID‐19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Lupus Erythematosus: Nationwide Cross‐Sectional Population Study Of 252 119 Patients
Authors: Bertoglio Isabela Maria , Valim Juliana Miranda de Lucena , Daffre Danielle , Aikawa Nádia Emi , Silva Clovis Artur , Bonfá Eloisa , Ugolini‐Lopes Michelle Remião
Published: August 2021

Objective

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has progressed rapidly around the world, reaching a lethality of up to 20% due to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This latter condition is a relevant concern for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); however, data on this topic are limited to few case series. Our objective was to evaluate in hospitalized patients with SLE and with COVID‐19–associated ARDS (confirmed by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction) the risk of mortality and combined poor outcomes (death, intensive care unit [ICU] admission, and/or mechanical ventilation [MV] use) and to compare with that of patients without SLE.

Methods

This is a nationwide cross‐sectional study of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 nested in the national Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System (Sistema de Informação de Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe [SIVEP‐gripe]). Mortality rates, frequencies of ICU admissions, and MV use for 319 patients with SLE and 251 800 patients without SLE were calculated as well as relative risks (RRs). A fully adjusted multiple logistic regression was performed to adjust factors, such as age and well‐known comorbidities, that might impact worse outcomes.

Results

Patients with SLE had an increased risk of death and combined poor outcome compared with patients without SLE (RR = 1.738, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.557‐1.914, and RR = 1.391, 95% CI: 1.282‐1.492, respectively). Among all investigated comorbidities, SLE yielded the higher risk of death and combined poor outcomes (RR = 2.205, 95% CI: 1.780‐2.633, and RR = 1.654, 95% CI: 1.410‐1.88, respectively).

Conclusions

This study provides novel evidence that patients with SLE hospitalized because of COVID‐19 have significantly higher risks of death and poor outcomes compared with patients without comorbidities and patients with other comorbidities.
Stretchable and Highly Permeable Nanofibrous Sensors for Detecting Complex Human Body Motion
Authors: Horev Yehu David , Maity Arnab , Zheng Youbin , Milyutin Yana , Khatib Muhammad , Yuan Miaomiao , Suckeveriene Ran Yosef , Tang Ning , Wu Weiwei , Haick Hossam
Published: August 2021

Wearable strain sensors have been attracting special attention in the detection of human posture and activity, as well as for the assessment of physical rehabilitation and kinematics. However, it is a challenge to fabricate stretchable and comfortable‐to‐wear permeable strain sensors that can provide highly accurate and continuous motion recording while exerting minimal constraints and maintaining low interference with the body. Herein, covalently grafting nanofibrous polyaniline (PANI) onto stretchable elastomer nanomeshes is reported to obtain a freestanding ultrathin (varying from 300 to 10 000 nm) strain sensor that has high gas permeability (10–33 mg h–1). The sensor demonstrates a low weight and can be directly laminated onto the dynamic human skin for long periods of time. The sensor, which produces an intimate connection with solid or living objects, has a stable performance with excellent sustainability, linearity, durability, and low hysteresis. It exibits excellent performance for continuous interrogation of complex movements, mimicking muscle activities, and resembling brain activity. This includes a very precise discrimination of bending and twisting stimuli at different angles (1–180°) and speeds (3–18 rpm) and very low exertion of counter‐interference. These results imply the utility of this appraoch for advanced developments of robotic e‐skins or e‐muscles.
A Powerful One‐Step Puffing Carbonization Method for Construction of Versatile Carbon Composites with High‐Efficiency Energy Storage
Authors: Shen Shenghui , Huang Lei , Tong Xili , Zhou Rongfan , Zhong Yu , Xiong Qinqin , Zhang Lingjie , Wang Xiuli , Xia Xinhui , Tu Jiangping
Published: August 2021

Carbon materials play a critical role in the advancement of electrochemical energy storage and conversion. Currently, it is still a great challenge to fabricate versatile carbon‐based composites with controlled morphology, adjustable dimension, and tunable composition by a one‐step synthesis process. In this work, a powerful one‐step maltose‐based puffing carbonization technology is reported to construct multiscale carbon‐based composites on large scale. A quantity of composite examples (e.g., carbon/metal oxides, carbon/metal nitrides, carbon/metal carbides, carbon/metal sulfides, carbon/metals, metal/semiconductors, carbon/carbons) are prepared and demonstrated with required properties. These well‐designed composites show advantages of large porosity, hierarchical porous structure, high conductivity, tunable components, and proportion. The formation mechanism of versatile carbon composites is attributed to the puffing‐carbonization of maltose plus in situ carbothermal reaction between maltose and precursors. As a representative example, Li2S is in situ implanted into a hierarchical porous cross‐linked puffed carbon (CPC) matrix to verify its application in lithium–sulfur batteries. The designed S‐doped CPC/Li2S cathode shows superior electrochemical performance with higher rate capacity (621 mAh g–1 at 2 C), smaller polarization and enhanced long‐term cycles as compared to other counterparts. The research provides a general way for the construction of multifunctional component‐adjustable carbon composites for advanced energy storage and conversion.
Antibacterial Gel Coatings Inspired by the Cryptic Function of a Mussel Byssal Peptide
Authors: Fichman Galit , Andrews Caroline , Patel Nimit L. , Schneider Joel P.
Published: August 2021

Although the adhesive and cohesive nature of mussel byssal proteins have long served to inspire the design of materials embodying these properties, their characteristic amino acid compositions suggest that they might also serve to inspire an unrelated material function not yet associated with this class of protein. Herein, it is demonstrated that a peptide derived from mussel foot protein‐5, a key protein in mussel adhesion, displays antibacterial properties, a yet unreported activity. This cryptic function serves as inspiration for the design of a new class of peptide‐based antibacterial adhesive hydrogels prepared via self‐assembly, which are active against drug‐resistant Gram‐positive bacteria. The gels exert two mechanisms of action, surface‐contact membrane disruption and oxidative killing affected by material‐produced H2O2. Detailed studies relating amino acid composition and sequence to material mechanical adhesion/cohesion and antibacterial activity affords the MIKA2 adhesive gel, a material with a superior activity that is shown to inhibit colonization of titanium implants in mice.
All Paper‐Based, Multilayered, Inkjet‐Printed Tactile Sensor in Wide Pressure Detection Range with High Sensitivity
Authors: Lee Taehoon , Kang Yunsung , Kim Kwanhun , Sim Sangjun , Bae Kyubin , Kwak Yeunjun , Park Wonkeun , Kim Minhyeong , Kim Jongbaeg
Published: August 2021

Paper has attracted considerable interest as a promising pressure‐sensing element owing to its foldability/bendability and deformability due to its high porosity. However, paper‐based tactile sensors reported hitherto cannot achieve high sensitivity and a wide sensing range simultaneously. In this study, a resistive tactile sensor using carbon nanotube‐ and silver nanoparticle‐printed mulberry paper as a pressure‐sensing element and electrodes, respectively, is developed. The rough surface and high inner porosity of mulberry paper induce a significant change in the contact area when a multilayer‐stacked structure is used, resulting in increased sensitivity to pressure. Moreover, the enhanced mechanical robustness of mulberry paper originating from the highly bonded network of long and thick fibers affords a wide pressure‐sensing range. The sensor exhibits a high sensitivity exceeding 1 kPa−1 in an applied pressure range of 0.05–900 kPa; this achievement has not been reported among paper‐based tactile sensors. Furthermore, the sensor exhibits a fast response/relaxation time, low detection limit, high resolution, high durability, and high flexibility. The advantages of the sensor afford several applications, including a crosstalk‐free pressure sensor array, a three‐axis pressure sensor, and wearable devices for measuring signals from a user.
Multifunctional Chemical Sensing Platform Based on Dual‐Resonant Infrared Plasmonic Perfect Absorber for On‐Chip Detection of Poly(ethyl cyanoacrylate)
Authors: Li Dongxiao , Zhou Hong , Hui Xindan , He Xianming , Huang He , Zhang Jiajia , Mu Xiaojing , Lee Chengkuo , Yang Ya
Published: August 2021

Multifunctional chemical sensing is highly desirable in industry, agriculture, and environmental sciences, but remains challenging due to the diversity of chemical substances and reactions. Surface‐enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy can potentially address the above problems by ultra‐sensitive detection of molecular fingerprint vibrations. Here, a multifunctional chemical sensing platform based on dual‐resonant SEIRA device for sensitive and multifunctional on‐chip detection of poly(ethyl cyanoacrylate) (PECA) is reported. It is experimentally demonstrated that the SEIRA sensing platform achieves multiple functions required by the PECA glue industry, including vibrational detection, thickness measurement, and in situ observation of polymerization and curing, which are usually realized by separately using a spectrometer, a viscometer, and an ellipsometer in the past. Specifically, the all‐in‐one sensor offers a dual‐band fingerprint vibration identification, sub‐nm level detection limit, and ultrahigh sensitivity of 0.76%/nm in thickness measurement, and second‐level resolution in real‐time observation of polymerization and curing. This work not only provides a valuable toolkit for ultra‐sensitive and multifunctional on‐chip detection of PECA, but also gives new insights into the SEIRA technology for multi‐band, multi‐functional, and on‐chip chemical sensing.
Evaluating salinity tolerance in progeny of domestic and wild barley crosses at germination stage
Authors: Mohammed Abdullah Hassn , Morrison Jesse I. , Baldwin Brian S.
Published: August 2021

Salinity is one of the most important challenges facing future global barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) productivity, as it causes major reduction in germination, growth, grain yield, and quality. Screening germplasm for salinity tolerance at germination is vital to breeding programs because germination is the first stage of plant growth and occurs near the soil surface where salt can accumulate in high concentrations. This experiment was conducted to assess salinity tolerance of 249 genotypes (64 diploid (2×) H. vulgare crosses; 174 tetraploid (4×) H. vulgare crosses; and 11 parents) at the seed germination stage. Salinity treatments applied at imbibition included concentrations of 0, 100, 200, and 300 mM salinity and were maintained for 10 d. Analysis of variance of all families indicated significant (P ≤ .001) genotype × salinity interaction for final germination percentage (FG%), corrected germination percentage (CG%), and germination index (GI) at all treatment levels, indicating high genetic variation for salinity tolerance among screened genotypes. The mean of all measured parameters (FG%, CG%, and GI) decreased as salinity concentration increased. These responses can be used to identify genotypes with salinity tolerance at germination. At 300 mM salinity, progenies in 2× Families 1 and 2 were 14.3 and 12.5% saline tolerant, respectively. A total of 29 progenies from 4× families were tolerant to 300 mM treatment at germination. These progenies would have an economic value for improving barley tolerance for salinity.
Perspectives of Region XI Head Start Federal, Research, and Program Partners in Carrying out a National Study of American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start Children, Families, and Programs
Authors: Sarche Michelle , Malone Lizabeth M. , Hoard Laura , Barnes‐Najor Jessica , Cameron Ann , West Jerry , Barofsky Meryl ,   The AIAN FACES Workgroup
Published: August 2021

The American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey (AIAN FACES) 2015 was the first national study of children served by Region XI Head Start programs, which are those operated by federally recognized AIAN tribes. Until 2015, Region XI programs had not been included in national studies of Head Start children’s experiences and development, leaving them without this critical source of data to inform policy and practice as is available to other Head Start regions. To address this gap, four groups of stakeholders gathered to plan for a study that put the needs of Region XI Head Start at the forefront, was informed by the historical context of research with AIAN communities, and was guided by community psychology and community‐based and tribal participatory approaches. Engaged partnership is a common practice in research with AIAN communities, but rarely on a national scale across diverse communities. The study’s success speaks to the success of the unique national partnership between the Region XI Head Start, research, and federal stakeholders who formed the AIAN FACES Workgroup. This first‐person account documents the perspective of each group as they undertook this seminal effort and reviews connections with, and lessons learned for, the broader field of community psychology.
Toward better characterization of restricted and repetitive behaviors in individuals with germline heterozygous PTEN mutations
Authors: Uljarević Mirko , Frazier Thomas W. , Rached Gaëlle , Busch Robyn M. , Klaas Patricia , Srivastava Siddharth , Martinez‐Agosto Julian A. , Sahin Mustafa , Eng Charis , Hardan Antonio Y. ,   Developmental Synaptopathies Consortium
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to further our understanding of restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRB) among individuals with germline pathogenic mutations in PTEN by providing multimethod characterization and comparison of key RRB subdomains across individuals with PTEN mutations with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (PTEN‐ASD), with PTEN mutations without ASD (PTEN‐No ASD) and with ASD and macrocephaly but without PTEN mutations (Macro‐ASD). Of 86 total research participants, 38 had PTEN‐ASD (Mage = 8.93 years, SDage = 4.75), 25 Macro‐ASD (Mage = 11.99 years; SDage = 5.15), and 23 PTEN‐No ASD (Mage = 8.94 years; SDage = 4.85). The Repetitive Behavior Scale‐Revised (RBS‐R) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview‐Revised (ADI‐R) were used as measures of distinct RRB domains. There were significant group differences in the RBS‐R repetitive motor behaviors (RMB; F = 4.52, p = 0.014, ω2 = 0.08), insistence on sameness (IS; F = 4.11, p = 0.02, ω2 = 0.05), and circumscribed interests (CI; F = 7.80, p = 0.001, ω2 = 0.14) scales. Post hoc comparisons showed that the PTEN‐No ASD group had significantly lower RMB, IS, and CI scores compared to both PTEN‐ASD and Macro‐ASD groups. Importantly, PTEN‐No ASD group still showed elevated RRB levels. Furthermore, there was a portion of individuals in PTEN‐No ASD group whose Full‐Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) was >70 that did not show floor level scores in the RMB domain. After adjusting for age and FSIQ scores, group differences were no longer statistically significant. RMB, IS, and CI domains showed distinct association patterns with sex, age, and FSIQ. This investigation provides the largest and most comprehensive characterization of distinct RRB domains in individuals with PTEN mutations to date. Despite the limitations, our findings have important assessment and treatment implications.
Preparation and performance of poly (vinyl alcohol)/polylactic acid/hydroxyapatite composite scaffolds based on 3D printing
Authors: Peng Biyou , Li Jiawen , Wu Jintian , Chen Ning , Chen Gang
Published: August 2021

Preparation of biological scaffolds with complex shapes and controllable internal structures is a significant development direction for the tissue engineering field. Due to its simplicity, low‐cost and cost‐effectiveness, fused deposition molding (FDM) is one of the most popular 3D printing technologies. In this paper, polyvinyl alcohol/polylactic acid/hydroxyapatite composites were fabricated successfully. On this basis, composite scaffolds with different pore structures were designed and constructed by using FDM technology. The material structure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic thermomechanical analyzer. The results showed that the cross‐sectional morphology of the system presented a “sea‐island” structure. The introduction of PLA and HA significantly increased the modulus of the material, which was beneficial to achieve its FDM processing. The compressibility, mineralization behavior, and biocompatibility of the viscoelastic characteristics to natural cartilage subjected to the condition of filling angle of 45° was systemically invesitgated. Notably, the concentrations of Ca2+and PO43−in simulated body fluid were reduced by 34.7% and 58.2% on 8th day, indicating a good bone formation and mineralization ability, which was further corroborated by SEM and fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results. Biotoxicity test showed that the scaffold presented excellent biocompatibility.
Gold Nanoparticle‐based “Mix and Measure” Fluorimetric Assays to Quantify Antibody Titer
Authors: Sutarlie Laura , Siak‐Wie Ow Dave , Kong Ng Say , Yang Yuansheng , Su Xiaodi
Published: August 2021

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for treatment of human diseases are typically human or humanized Immunoglobulin G (IgG) produced in mammalian cell lines. A rapid, less tedious, and high throughput method to quantify mAbs is in demand to accelerate mAb production efficiency. To quantify mAb titer, we developed gold nanoparticle (AuNPs)‐based “mix and measure” fluorimetric assays by exploiting AuNPs’ fluorescence quenching ability. The AuNPs are functionalized by an Fc binding protein, i. e. protein G, which binds human IgG and fluorescently labeled rat IgG (Alexa Fluor 488‐rat IgG) with differential affinity. The assays can be in competition or displacement format. The competitive binding of human IgG drug and the labelled rat IgG to protein G‐coated AuNP lead to varied fluorescent intensity that is proportional to the amount of human IgG analte; or the displacement of the labelled rat IgG from protein G‐coated AuNP by human IgG can lead to fluorescent recovery that is also proportionally related to human IgG concentration. The assays can quantify therapeutic mAbs in the range of 10–1,000 mg/L, demonstrated for Herceptin, Avastin, and Humira in cell culture media. The assays have fast turn over time (within 15 min). They can be performed in microplates and are suitable for high throughput “on‐line” or “at‐line” measurement in mAbs production lines.
Quarter‐Wave Plates to Improve Rotational Misalignment Robustness in Medical Telemetry
Authors: Blauert John , Kiourti Asimina
Published: August 2021

A major challenge in developing robust wireless links to implanted/ingestible antennas is the potential for rotational misalignment. In this paper, we present an artificially anisotropic quarter‐wave plate (QWP) capable of developing a circularly polarized wave from a linearly polarized wave. Without loss of generality, our QWP is composed of plastic and hydrogel, while the linearly polarized wave is developed by a bio‐matched antenna—a high gain, broadband antenna with a dielectric engineered to match to biological tissues. Using a basic implanted patch antenna, we demonstrate a 1.00 dB (1.26) variance in transmission coefficient over a 90° variance, with a remarkable average measured transmission coefficient of −34.4 dB (3.63 × 10−4) at 2.4 GHz. Without the QWP, the rotational variance is 12.52 dB (17.9). Notably, the QWP increases the maximum input power to comply with specific absorption rate limitations. In our case, this allows for −15.0 dBm (31.6 µW) of power to be received by the implant, which is comparable to the −15.7 dBm (26.9 µW) received without the QWP. Additionally, we demonstrate that with the QWP, the standard deviation from the mean transmission for rotational misalignments remains below 3 dB (2.00) from 2 to 3.62 GHz, resulting in a simulated 57.7% fractional bandwidth. © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
Modulation of H3.3 chromatin assembly by PML: A way to regulate epigenetic inheritance
Authors: Delbarre Erwan , Janicki Susan M.
Published: August 2021

Although the promyelocytic leukemia (PML) protein is renowned for regulating a wide range of cellular processes and as an essential component of PML nuclear bodies (PML‐NBs), the mechanisms through which it exerts its broad physiological impact are far from fully elucidated. Here, we review recent studies supporting an emerging view that PML's pleiotropic effects derive, at least partially, from its role in regulating histone H3.3 chromatin assembly, a critical epigenetic mechanism. These studies suggest that PML maintains heterochromatin organization by restraining H3.3 incorporation. Examination of PML's contribution to H3.3 chromatin assembly in the context of the cell cycle and PML‐NB assembly suggests that PML represses heterochromatic H3.3 deposition during S phase and that transcription and SUMOylation regulate PML's recruitment to heterochromatin. Elucidating PML’ s contributions to H3.3‐mediated epigenetic regulation will provide insight into PML's expansive influence on cellular physiology and open new avenues for studying oncogenesis linked to PML malfunction.
Prospective observational study of young adult ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Shihmanter Renata , Friedman Joshua , Kushner Natali , Miller Edward B. , Schattner Ami
Published: August 2021

Objective

Ischemic stroke (IS) in young patients may differ in etiology and prognosis from later‐life IS, which is much more common. A number of single‐center and population‐based cohorts of affected individuals have been published, but information on the long‐term prognosis of these patients is limited.

Methods

IS patients (≤55 years), discharged over a 10‐year period, were evaluated and prospectively followed. Subgroups were evaluated for type of stroke, antecedent risk factors (RF), long‐term outcomes, and occupational status over several years of follow‐up.

Results

178 IS individuals from 2001–2010 were divided into older (46–55, n = 118) and younger (18–45, n = 60) age groups. Traditional RF—hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia—were significantly associated with IS, and increased with age. The distribution and type of IS were similar in both groups, except for an increase in small vessel IS among the older subgroup (p = .003).

Of the evaluable patients at 5.1 ± 2.5 years of follow‐up (n = 138), a similar proportion of patients in both subgroups had a recurrent IS, but no significant differences were found in most disability indices. Approximately one third of patients suffered from moderate to severe disability, and were unable to return to their prior work.

Conclusions

Younger and older IS patients are generally predisposed from the same traditional RF which progress with age. Long‐term disabilities tend to worsen over time due to recurrent vascular events. These data emphasize the need for a strategy for early identification of the already well‐known stroke RF in younger stroke patients.
Prognostic significance of programmed cell death‐ligand 1 expression on circulating tumor cells in various cancers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ouyang Yushu , Liu Wendao , Zhang Ningning , Yang Xiaobing , Li Jinwei , Long Shunqin
Published: August 2021

Background

The prognostic significance of programmed cell death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) has been explored but is still in controversy. We performed, for the first time, a meta‐analysis to systematically evaluate its prognostic value in human cancers.

Methods

Literature databases were searched for eligible studies prior to June 30, 2021. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated for the associations of pre‐treatment and post‐treatment PD‐L1+ CTCs with progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Subgroup analyses with regards to cancer type, treatment, CTC enrichment method, PD‐L1 detection method, cut‐off, and specifically the comparison model were performed.

Results

We included 30 eligible studies (32 cohorts, 1419 cancer patients) in our analysis. Pre‐treatment PD‐L1+ CTCs detected by immunofluorescence (IF) tended to predict better PFS (HR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.28–1.08, p = 0.084) and OS (HR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.36–1.04, p = 0.067) for immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment, but were significantly associated with unfavorable survival for non‐ICI therapies (PFS: HR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.21–2.85, p = 0.005; OS: HR = 2.44, 95% CI 1.69–3.51, p < 0.001). Post‐treatment PD‐L1+ CTCs predicted markedly worse PFS and OS. The prognostic value was obviously modulated by comparison models. Among patients with detectable CTCs, PD‐L1+ individuals had comparable survival to PD‐L1− individuals, except ICI treatment for which PD‐L1+ may predict better PFS (HR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.17–1.06, p = 0.067). Patients with PD‐L1+ CTCs had worse survival prognosis compared to those without PD‐L1+ CTCs in overall analysis (PFS: HR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.59–2.77, p < 0.001; OS: HR = 2.55, 95% CI 1.70–3.81, p < 0.001) and in most subgroups.

Conclusions

Our analysis demonstrated that PD‐L1 positive expression on CTCs predicted better survival prognosis for ICI treatment but worse survival for other therapies, which thus can be potentially used as a prognostic marker of malignant tumor treatment. However, the prognostic value of PD‐L1+ CTCs for ICI treatment needs validation by more large‐scale studies in the future.
A novel biallelic LMNB2 variant in a patient with progressive myoclonus epilepsy and ataxia: A case of laminopathy
Authors: Farajzadeh Valilou Saeed , Karimzad Hagh Javad , Salimi Asl Mohammad , Abdi Rad Isa , Edizadeh Masoud , Pooladi Arash
Published: August 2021

The report of LMNB2‐related progressive myoclonus epilepsy and ataxia due to missense homozygous c.473G>T variant.
Complexation in situ of 1‐methylpiperidine, 1,2‐dimethylpyrrolidin, and 1,2‐dimethylpiperidine with rhodium(II) tetracarboxylates: Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, chiral recognition, and density functional theory studies
Authors: Sadlej Agnieszka , Jaźwiński Jarosław
Published: August 2021

Complexation in situ of 1‐methylpiperidine, racemic 1,2‐dimethylpyrrolidin, and racemic 1,2‐dimethylpiperidine with rhodium(II) tetracarboxylates in chloroform was studied by 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) methods. As substrates, three dirhodium(II) compounds were applied, tetraacetate, tetrakistrifluoroacetate, and a derivative of optically pure Mosher's acid. Due to conformational flexibility, free and complexed ligands can adopt potentially various conformations. The NMR titration experiments revealed the subsequent formation of 1:1 and 1:2 complexes, depending on the molar ratio of substrate to ligand. Conformations of free and complexed ligands were examined by the comparison of experimental and DFT gauge‐independent atomic orbital (GIAO) calculated chemical shifts and by the analysis of the internal energy of the compounds. For some ligand and substrate combinations, a mixture of complexes differing in ligand conformations was formed. Complexes of Mosher's acid derivative of rhodium(II) with racemic 1,2‐dimethylpyrrolidin and 1,2‐dimethylpiperidine exhibited NMR chiral recognition phenomenon, manifested by splitting of signals in 13C NMR and 1H,13C HSQC spectra.
A test for independence via Bayesian nonparametric estimation of mutual information
Authors: Al‐Labadi Luai , Fazeli Asl Forough , Saberi Zahra
Published: August 2021

Mutual information is a well‐known tool to measure the mutual dependence between variables. In this article, a Bayesian nonparametric estimator of mutual information is established by means of the Dirichlet process and thek‐nearest neighbour distance. As a result, an easy‐to‐implement test of independence is introduced through the relative belief ratio. Several theoretical properties of the approach are presented. The procedure is illustrated through various examples and is compared with its frequentist counterpart.
Population screening to identify women at risk for hereditary breast cancer syndromes: The path forward or the road not taken?
Authors: Henderson Vida , Ganschow Pam , Wang Catharine , Hoskins Kent F.
Published: August 2021

Population screening of family cancer history to identify women at risk for a hereditary breast cancer syndrome is feasible and effectively identifies high‐risk women who are eligible for genetic counseling referral. However, uptake of counseling is low among referred women, and there is a critical need to develop multilevel interventions that promote uptake of genetic counseling in diverse groups of patients identified through population‐based screening.
Primary breast cancer biomarkers based on glycosylation and extracellular vesicles detected from human serum
Authors: Terävä Joonas , Verhassel Alejandra , Botti Orsola , Islam Md. Khirul , Leivo Janne , Wittfooth Saara , Härkönen Pirkko , Pettersson Kim , Gidwani Kamlesh
Published: August 2021

Background

Breast cancer is a very common cancer that can be severe if not discovered early. The current tools to detect breast cancer need improvement. Cancer has a universal tendency to affect glycosylation. The glycosylation of circulating extracellular vesicle‐associated glycoproteins, and mucins may offer targets for detection methods and have been only explored in a limited capacity.

Aim

Our aim was to develop an approach to detect the aberrant glycosylation of mucins and extracellular vesicle‐associated glycoproteins from human sera using fluorescent nanoparticles, and preliminarily evaluate this approach for the differential diagnosis of breast cancer.

Methods and results

The assay involved immobilizing glycosylated antigens using monoclonal antibodies and then probing their glycosylation by using lectins and glycan‐specific antibodies coated on Eu+3‐doped nanoparticles. Detection of mucin 1 and mucin 16 glycosylation with wheat germ agglutinin, and detection of the extracellular vesicle‐associated CD63 were found to have better diagnostic ability for localized breast cancer than the conventional assays for mucin 1 and mucin 16 based tumor markers when the receiver operating characteristics were compared.

Conclusions

These results indicate that successful differential diagnosis of primary breast cancer may be aided by detecting cancer‐associated glycosylation of mucin 1 and mucin 16, and total concentration of CD63, in human serum.
Defect Passivation for Perovskite Solar Cells: from Molecule Design to Device Performance
Authors: Wu Tianhao , Li Xing , Qi Yabing , Zhang Yiqiang , Han Liyuan
Published: August 2021

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are a promising third‐generation photovoltaic (PV) technology developed rapidly in recent years. Further improvement of their power conversion efficiency is focusing on reducing the non‐radiative charge recombination induced by the defects in metal halide perovskites. So far, defect passivation by the organic small molecule has been considered as a promising approach for boosting the PSC performance owing to their large structure flexibility adapting to passivating variable kinds of defect states and perovskite compositions. Here, the recent progress of defect passivation toward efficient and stable PSCs was reviewed from the viewpoint of molecular structure design and device performance. To comprehensively reveal the structure‐performance correlation of passivation molecules, it was separately discussed how the functional groups, organic frameworks, and side chains affect the corresponding PV parameters of PSCs. Finally, a guideline was provided for researchers to select more suitable passivation agents, and a perspective was given on future trends in development of passivation strategies.
The effects of early weaning on Pavlovian fear conditioning in young rats
Authors: Kreiker Malaz , Perez Katelyn , Brown Kevin L.
Published: August 2021

Early life stress enhances memory for Pavlovian fear conditioning. Stress enhancements on fear conditioning following early weaning, however, have yet to be studied in periweaning rats. Early weaning is a relevant animal model for human early life trauma, and Pavlovian fear conditioning is useful for identifying links between stress‐induced developmental changes and behavior. We hypothesized that early weaning—on postnatal day (P)15—would lead to higher levels of conditional freezing relative to rats weaned later in life. Periweaning rats were trained with a discrete conditional stimulus (CS) and a shock unconditional stimulus (US), and tested 1 or 15 days later. Enhanced retention was observed in early weaned rats receiving forward paired CS–US training in Experiment 1, though this did not replicate in the second experiment. Despite overall enhancements in early weaned rats in Experiment 1, infantile amnesia effects were not overcome in young rats tested 15 days after training. Enhanced freezing levels in early weaned rats were not observed in subjects receiving unpaired CS, US training, and sensitivity to the US was not different due to age at weaning. Potential mechanisms underlying weaning‐related enhancements and considerations for future studies including the role of social transmission of fear information are discussed.
TheTale‐TellHeart: Evolutionary tetrapod shift from aquatic to terrestrial life‐style reflected in heart changes in axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)
Authors: Olejnickova Veronika , Kolesova Hana , Bartos Martin , Sedmera David , Gregorovicova Martina
Published: August 2021

Background

During amphibian metamorphosis, the crucial moment lies in the rearrangement of the heart, reflecting the changes in circulatory demands. However, little is known about the exact shifts linked with this rearrangement. Here, we demonstrate such myocardial changes in axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) from the morphological and physiological point of view.

Results

Micro‐CT and histological analysis showed changes in ventricular trabeculae organization, completion of the atrial septum and its connection to the atrioventricular valve. Based on Myosin Heavy Chain and Smooth Muscle Actin expression we distinguished metamorphosis‐induced changes in myocardial differentiation at the ventricular trabeculae and atrioventricular canal. Using optical mapping, faster speed of conduction through the atrioventricular canal was demonstrated in metamorphic animals. No differences between the groups were observed in the heart rates, ventricular activation times, and activation patterns.

Conclusions

Transition from aquatic to terrestrial life‐style is reflected in the heart morphology and function. Rebuilding of the axolotl heart during metamorphosis was connected with reorganization of ventricular trabeculae, completion of the atrial septum and its connection to the atrioventricular valve, and acceleration of AV conduction.
Conformity to Bergmann's rule in birds depends on nest design and migration
Authors: Mainwaring Mark C. , Street Sally E.
Published: August 2021

Ecogeographical rules attempt to explain large‐scale spatial patterns in biological traits. One of the most enduring examples is Bergmann's rule, which states that species should be larger in colder climates due to the thermoregulatory advantages of larger body size. Support for Bergmann's rule, however, is not consistent across taxonomic groups, raising questions about what factors may moderate its effect. Behavior may play a crucial, yet so far underexplored, role in mediating the extent to which species are subject to environmental selection pressures in colder climates. Here, we tested the hypothesis that nest design and migration influence conformity to Bergmann's rule in a phylogenetic comparative analysis of the birds of the Western Palearctic, a group encompassing dramatic variation in both climate and body mass. We predicted that migratory species and those with more protected nest designs would conform less to the rule than sedentary species and those with more exposed nests. We find that sedentary, but not short‐ or long‐distance migrating, species are larger in colder climates. Among sedentary species, conformity to Bergmann's rule depends, further, on nest design: Species with open nests, in which parents and offspring are most exposed to adverse climatic conditions during breeding, conform most strongly to the rule. Our findings suggest that enclosed nests and migration enable small birds to breed in colder environments than their body size would otherwise allow. Therefore, we conclude that behavior can substantially modify species’ responses to environmental selection pressures.
Genome‐wide analysis reveals demographic and life‐history patterns associated with habitat modification in landlocked, deep‐spawning sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)
Authors: Samad‐zada Farida , van Poorten Brett T. , Harris Shannon , Godbout Lyse , Russello Michael A.
Published: August 2021

Human‐mediated habitat fragmentation in freshwater ecosystems can negatively impact genetic diversity, demography, and life history of native biota, while disrupting the behavior of species that are dependent on spatial connectivity to complete their life cycles. In the Alouette River system (British Columbia, Canada), dam construction in 1928 impacted passage of anadromous sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), with the last records of migrants occurring in the 1930s. Since that time, O. nerka persisted as a resident population in Alouette Reservoir until experimental water releases beginning in 2005 created conditions for migration; two years later, returning migrants were observed for the first time in ~70 years, raising important basic and applied questions regarding life‐history variation and population structure in this system. Here, we investigated the genetic distinctiveness and population history of Alouette Reservoir O. nerka using genome‐wide SNP data (n = 7,709 loci) collected for resident and migrant individuals, as well as for neighboring anadromous sockeye salmon and resident kokanee populations within the Fraser River drainage (n = 312 individuals). Bayesian clustering and principal components analyses based on neutral loci revealed five distinct clusters, largely associated with geography, and clearly demonstrated that Alouette Reservoir resident and migrant individuals are genetically distinct from other O. nerka populations in the Fraser River drainage. At a finer level, there was no clear evidence for differentiation between Alouette Reservoir residents and migrants; although we detected eight high‐confidence outlier loci, they all mapped to sex chromosomes suggesting that differences were likely due to uneven sex ratios rather than life history. Taken together, these data suggest that contemporary Alouette Reservoir O. nerka represents a landlocked sockeye salmon population, constituting the first reported instance of deep‐water spawning behavior associated with this life‐history form. This finding punctuates the need for reassessment of conservation status and supports ongoing fisheries management activities in Alouette Reservoir.
Single‐Molecule Magnetic, Catalytic and Photoluminescence Properties of Heterometallic 3d–4f [Ln{PZn2W10O38(H2O)2}2]11− Tungstophosphate Nanoclusters
Authors: Das Vivek , Khan Imran , Hussain Firasat , Sadakane Masahiro , Tsunoji Nao , Ichihashi Katsuya , Kato Chisato , Inoue Katsuya , Nishihara Sadafumi
Published: August 2021

A series of eleven lanthanide containing di‐Zinc (II) substituted heterometallic 3d–4f sandwich‐type tungstophosphate nanoclusters [Ln{PZn2W10O38(H2O)2}2]11− (Ln=NdIII, SmIII, EuIII, GdIII, TbIII, DyIII, HoIII, ErIII, TmIII, YbIII, and LuIII) have been synthesized by a single step reaction procedure. These clusters were characterized by various analytical techniques such as single crystal X‐ray diffraction (SC‐XRD), fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, high‐resolution electro‐spray ionization mass spectrometry (HR‐ESI‐MS), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP‐AES), solid UV/Vis, photoluminescence spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction (P‐XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). All the polyanions are isostructural and consists of a lanthanide ion sandwiched between two units of (1,5) isomer of di‐Zn substituted α‐Keggin type tungstophosphate. The complexes Sm‐2 a, Eu‐3 a, Tb‐5 a, and Dy‐6 a show good photoluminescence behavior. The catalytic properties were examined for the oxidation of thioethers. The catalyst is stable with a high turn over frequency (TOF) of 6250 h−1 and can be recovered even after 5 consecutive cycles. Furthermore, magnetic properties revealed that Gd‐4 a, Tb‐5 a, Dy‐6 a, Er‐8 a, and Yb‐10 a show single‐molecule magnetic properties.
Sepsis‐associated purpura fulminans caused by emphysematous cystitis
Authors: Fukuta Kyotaro , Shiozaki Keito , Nakanishi Ryoichi , Inai Tohru , Izaki Hirofumi , Yamamura Rie , Nakataki Emiko , Kudo Eiji , Kanda Kazuya
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Emphysematous cystitis is a rare pathology characterized by gas bubbles within the bladder wall and lumen from gas‐producing bacteria. Sepsis‐associated purpura fulminans is also rare and shows poor clinical outcomes.

Case presentation

A 73‐year‐old man was hospitalized at a nearby hospital due to chronic subdural hematoma, symptomatic epilepsy, and diabetes mellitus. He was transferred to our hospital with fever, low blood pressure, and cyanosis of the legs, and was diagnosed with septic shock due to emphysematous cystitis with purpura fulminans. He underwent intensive treatment, including retroperitoneal drainage. Urine culture was positive for Citrobacter freundii. His general condition gradually improved and diffuse air decreased after surgery, but progressive purpuric skin necrosis became evident on the legs, which could not be salvaged. He died on the 25th hospital day.

Conclusion

Sepsis‐associated purpura fulminans caused by emphysematous cystitis shows a very poor prognosis irrespective of intensive treatment, including retroperitoneal drainage.