bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Observational Study on Coping and Quality of Life among Perimenopausal Women
Authors: Jayamalli N. , Priya D. Joanie , Sailatha .
Published: December 2021

Background: Perimenopause is a natural phenomenon signaling the reduction of ovarian function. Worldwide, the age at which natural menopause occurs is between 45 to55 years. Many women during the premenopausal age group may experience menopausal symptoms such as physiological changes, psychological changes, urogenital changes, sexual changes and vasomotor changes. These changes and symptoms the women may have negative impact on Quality of Life among perimenopausal women. The main aim of the study was to assess the coping and quality of life among perimenopausal women.

Materials and Methods: The researcher has used a quantitative research approach and convenient sampling technique was adapted to select 165 perimenopausal women with the age group of 40 to 55 years. Researcher assessed the perimenopausal symptoms, observed the coping and quality of life among perimenopausal women by Greene climacteric scales, modified cope inventory scale and Utian quality of life scale respectively. The study was conducted in Poonjeri, Kadampadi, and Perumalari villages from Chengalpattu District, for the period of four weeks.

Results: There was a positive correlation between cope and quality of life among perimenopausal women. There is  no association was observed between the monthly income and quality of life of the perimenopausal women, as the Chi-square test was statistically significant at p<0.05.

Conclusion: The study concludes that the perimenopausal women who are participated in this study have moderate symptoms, moderate coping, and moderate quality of life. The monthly income was effective in influencing the perimenopausal women’s quality of life.
Synthesis of Porous N-doped TiO2 by Using Peroxo Sol-Gel Method for Photocatalytic Reduction of Cd(II)
Authors: Wellia Diana Vanda , Nofebriani Dina , Pratiwi Nurul , Safni Safni
Published: December 2021

Porous N-doped TiO2 photocatalyst was successfully synthesized by an environmentally friendly peroxo sol-gel method using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a templating agent. Here, the effect of PEG addition to the aqueous peroxotitanium solutions on the structure, pore properties and photocatalytic activity of the obtained photocatalysts was systematically studied. The prepared photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). It was found that the doping of nitrogen narrows the band gap of TiO2 leading to enhance its visible-light response. The BET analysis shows that the prepared photocatalysts have a typical mesoporous structure with pore sizes of 3–6 nm. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared photocatalysts was evaluated by photocatalytic reduction of Cd(II) in an aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. The results show that porous N-doped TiO2 with the optimal PEG addition had the highest Cd(II) reduction of 85.1% after 2.5 h irradiation in neutral aqueous solution. This significant improvement in photocatalytic activity of the prepared photocatalysts was mainly attributed to the synergistic combination of N doping and porous structure, which could actively increase the catalytic active site of this photocatalysts. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Copy number profiling of circulating free DNA predicts transarterial chemoembolization response in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Dong Xiuqing , Chen Geng , Huang Xinghui , Li Zhenli , Peng Fang , Chen Hengkai , Zhou Yang , He Lei , Qiu Liman , Cai Zhixiong , Liu Jingfeng , Liu Xiaolong
Published: December 2021

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the most commonly used treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but still lacks accurate real‐time biomarkers for monitoring its therapeutic efficacy. Here, we explored whether copy number profiling of circulating free DNA (cfDNA) could be utilized to predict responses and prognosis in HCC patients with TACE treatment. In total, 266 plasma cfDNA samples were collected from 64 HCC patients, 57 liver cirrhosis (LC) patients and 32 healthy volunteers. We performed low‐depth whole‐genome sequencing (LD‐WGS) on cfDNA samples to conduct copy number variant (CNV) analysis and tumour fraction (TFx) quantification. Then, the correlation between TFx/CNVs and therapeutic efficacy, treatment outcomes and lipiodol deposition were explored. The change in TFx during TACE treatment was associated with patients' tumour burden, and could accurately and earlier predict treatment response and prognosis, providing an alternative strategy other than mRECIST. Meanwhile, the chromosomal 16q/NQO1 amplification indicated worse therapeutic response; in patients who underwent multiple TACE sessions, TFx change during their first TACE treatment reflected the long‐term survival; additionally, the copy number amplification of chromosome 1q, 3p, 6p, 8q, 10p, 12q, 18p or 18q affected lipiodol deposition. Overall, we have provided a new liquid biopsy approach for future TACE management of HCC patients.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosomes and Cancer: Controversies and Prospects
Authors: Yassine Sirine , Alaaeddine Nada
Published: December 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have displayed a novel therapeutic strategy for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Their secretome and exosome‐based paracrine activity are considered as the main processes harboring their diverse therapeutic properties. Several investigations have examined the effects of MSC‐derived exosomes on cancer growth, yet, controversial results have always emerged. Although MSC‐derived exosomes are able to rigorously enforce the repression of cancer proliferation and progression, it is shown that MSCs exosomal activity displays numerous protumorigenic effects. This discrepancy over the dual effects of MSCs on cancer growth may be mediated by many factors including experimental design, stem cells origins, culture conditions, in addition to cancer‐MSCs cross‐talks. Despite the controversial effects of MSCs on carcinogenesis, scientists are able to overcome a number of obstacles by modifying MSCs to deliver antioncogenic miRNAs, anticancer drugs, and oncolytic viruses into tumor sites. This review discusses the controversial effects of MSC‐derived exosomes on tumorigenesis, investigates the main causes that underlie this discrepancy, summarizes the pattern of engineered‐MSCs, and finally highlights how future studies should advance the research in the field of MSCs‐based cancer therapies in order to accelerate the transition from preclinical studies to clinical practice.
Single‐Cell Sequencing to Unveil the Mystery of Embryonic Development
Authors: Li Zida , Lin Feng , Zhong Chu‐Han , Wang Shue , Xue Xufeng , Shao Yue
Published: December 2021

Embryonic development is a fundamental physiological process that can provide tremendous insights into stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. In this process, cell fate decision is highly heterogeneous and dynamic, and investigations at the single‐cell level can greatly facilitate the understanding of the molecular roadmap of embryonic development. Rapid advances in the technology of single‐cell sequencing offer a perfectly useful tool to fulfill this purpose. Despite its great promise, single‐cell sequencing is highly interdisciplinary, and successful applications in specific biological contexts require a general understanding of its diversity as well as the advantage versus limitations for each of its variants. Here, the technological principles of single‐cell sequencing are consolidated and its applications in the study of embryonic development are summarized. First, the technology basics are presented and the available tools for each step including cell isolation, library construction, sequencing, and data analysis are discussed. Then, the works that employed single‐cell sequencing are reviewed to investigate the specific processes of embryonic development, including preimplantation, peri‐implantation, gastrulation, and organogenesis. Further, insights are provided on existing challenges and future research directions.
Nanostructured Materials and Architectures for Advanced Optoelectronic Synaptic Devices
Authors: Ilyas Nasir , Wang Jinyong , Li Chunmei , Li Dongyang , Fu Hao , Gu Deen , Jiang Xiangdong , Liu Fucai , Jiang Yadong , Li Wei
Published: December 2021

Neuromorphic photonics system based on the principle of biological brain is emerging as one of the potential solutions to the bottleneck inherent in classical von Neumann computing system. Optoelectronic synaptic devices, used to mimic the visual function of bio‐synapse by adapting synaptic weights, can construct a highly efficient brain‐inspired computing system, in which the nanostructured materials and device architectures are attracting extensive interests, giving many potential benefits in confined light‐matter interaction, fast carrier dynamics, and photocarriers trapping. Moreover, the conjunction of traditional nanostructured photodetectors and newly realized electronic synapses also exhibit appealing performance for many practical applications including information processing and computing. This review focuses and summarizes on recent achievement in developing advanced optoelectronic synaptic devices based on nanostructured materials as 0D (quantum dots), 1D, and 2D materials, as well as, the rapidly evolving hybrid heterostructures. In addition, challenges and promising prospects in this research field are also discussed.
Thermal Diodes Based on Fractal Structures with Tunable Thermal Threshold
Authors: Li Tian , Jiang Weitao , Zhang Yue , Li Baotong , Wang Lanlan , Niu Dong , Liu Hongzhong , Yin Lei , Shi Yongsheng , Chen Bangdao , Chen Jinju , Liu Xiaokang , Peng Donglin
Published: December 2021

The asymmetry of heat conduction in thermal diodes is attributed to the thermal regulation in thermal logic circuits, thermal control devices, etc. Currently, thermal rectification devices, however, are constrained by either specific on/off switching thresholds, or low sensitivity to manufacturing errors, as well as the restrictions for specific roughness and material characteristics. Here, a thermal diode based on fractal structures (inverted tapered branch channel, 5.7 mm branch length, and 4 branches) with liquid metal/insulator interface is proposed to avoid these existing constraints. The thermal rectification coefficient reaches 0.4704 (16.43 times larger than that of the basic structures) when the filling fraction only increases 1.33 times. The maximum temperature difference for the optimized thermal diodes is 18.31 °C when the heating temperature is 80 °C. By different arrangements of two thermal diodes mounted on chambers’ surfaces, the interior temperatures range from 16.06 to 52.34 °C in the same ambient conditions (23.49 °C), indicating the excellent thermal regulation effect of the thermal diodes. These controlled temperature chambers can be applied in greenhouses or cold chain storage devices, more combinations with higher degree of thermal‐threshold tunability offer possibilities in solving complicated thermal management problems and promote the energy utilization efficiency.
Hive‐Inspired Multifunctional Wood‐Nanotechnology‐Derived Membranes with a Double‐Layer Conductive Network Structure for Flexible Electronics
Authors: Zhang Weiye , Wang Beibei , Sun Jingmeng , Li Yanchen , Zhao Junqi , Liu Yi , Guo Hongwu
Published: December 2021

Next‐generation flexible electronics must achieve multifunctionality, environmental friendliness and antibacterial activity. Accordingly, organisms in nature are interconnected. Inspired by the honeycomb multilayer porous structure, a wood‐nanotechnology‐derived flexible membrane circuit is created to meet the abovementioned requirements. The flexible wood (FW) matrix is made of natural balsa wood that underwent a simple top‐down chemical treatment. The multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) acts as a “bridge” between the FW matrix with a porous array structure and the active material (silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). Due to the three‐dimensional porous microstructure and highly conductive surface inherited by the wood‐nanotechnology‐derived flexible membrane (FW/MWCNT/Ag/PEDOT:PSS), it shows a high area capacitance (266.7 mF cm−2 at 20 mV s−1) and a good long‐term cycling stability 84.3% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles at 5 mA cm−2 when used as a supercapacitor electrode. In addition, it shows an excellent specific electromagnetic shielding efficiency (up to 970 dB cm2 g−1), proving its application potential in the field of electromagnetic shielding. Because of the biocidal property of Ag NPs, the FW/MWCNT/Ag/PEDOT:PSS shows a remarkable antibacterial effect on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This strategy provides a new opportunity for researchers to design biomass‐based integrated electronic materials.
Charge Manipulation Based Selective Functionalization of 3D Printed Structures for Functional Devices
Authors: Chen Yang , Xiao Ting , Hu Minghui , Wang Nan , Pan Likun , Ling Xiaofeng , Gao Yang
Published: December 2021

As a rapid prototyping technology, digital light processing (DLP)‐based 3D printing has prospect in electronics for its excellent molding speed and accuracy. Although complex and precise models can be obtained by the DLP‐based 3D printing, the functionalization of the printed models is still a challenge. Herein, a cost‐effective, efficient, and scalable approach based on the electrostatic interaction for the selective deposition of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on structures printed by DLP technique is reported. The structures are fabricated by alternatively DLP 3D printing of neutrally and positively charged resins, with positively charged resin for attracting MWCNTs with negative charges. The positive and negative charges come from the cationic groups incorporated into the polymer matrix and the anionic dispersant on the MWCNTs, respectively. By controlling the pH and concentration of the functional material dispersion, as well as the deposition time, the characteristics of the deposited functional materials, including thickness and conductivity, can be modulated. In addition, an all‐solid‐state supercapacitor is developed by this method, delivering a capacitance of 30 µF cm−2 and a good electrochemical stability.
Direction‐ and Polarization‐Resolved Radiation of Coupled Plasmon Modes on Silver Nanowires
Authors: Sun Zhiguang , Käll Mikael , Fang Yurui
Published: December 2021

By modulating the propagation of surface plasmons on metal nanowires, it is possible to build integrated nanophotonic circuits for optical information processing. However, the applicability of this emerging technology is complicated by the fact that several plasmon modes with different propagation behavior can be launched by the same excitation source. Herein, it is shown that it is possible to distinguish such modes by polarization‐resolved Fourier‐space leakage radiation microscopy. Mode assignment of coupled plasmon modes on silver nanowires is achieved by establishing a one‐to‐one correspondence between experimental Fourier patterns and electrodynamics simulations of leakage radiation directionality and polarization orientation. The work highlights the complicated coupling and interference of plasmon modes on nanowire waveguides and presents a convenient methodology for on‐chip analysis of their mode‐specific excitation and propagation characteristics.
Synthesis of SCF3‐Substituted Sulfonium Ylides from Sulfonium Salts or α‐Bromoacetic Esters
Authors: Xiao Yushan , Jia Yimin , Huang Jinfeng , Li Xiangyu , Zhou Zhiwen , Zhang Jing , Jiang Mou , Zhou Xin , Jiang Zhong‐Xing , Yang Zhigang
Published: December 2021

A metal‐free direct trifluoromethylthiolation of sulfonium ylides with an electrophilic trifluoromethylthiolating reagent has been established, in which sulfonium salt or α‐bromoacetic ester is employed as sulfonium ylide precursors. This trifluoromethylthiolation enables the straightforward construction of SCF3‐substituted sulfonium ylides from a wide range of substrates, including ketones, esters, and even PEGylated substrates. Moreover, the application of this approach in large‐scale preparation and the fluorescence and fluorine‐19 magnetic resonance imaging capabilities of the product are also explored.

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Hydrogenation of Esters by Manganese Catalysts
Authors: Li Xiao‐Gen , Li Fu , Xu Yue , Xiao Li‐Jun , Xie Jian‐Hua , Zhou Qi‐Lin
Published: December 2021

The hydrogenation of esters catalyzed by a manganese complex of phosphine‐aminopyridine ligand was developed. Using this protocol, a variety of (hetero)aromatic and aliphatic carboxylates including biomass‐derived esters and lactones were hydrogenated to primary alcohols with 63–98% yields. The manganese catalyst was found to be active for the hydrogenation of methyl benzoate, providing benzyl alcohol with turnover numbers (TON) as high as 45,000. Investigation of catalyst intermediates indicated that the amido manganese complex was the active catalyst species for the reaction.

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Memristor Circuits for Colloidal Robotics: Temporal Access to Memory, Sensing, and Actuation
Authors: Yang Jing Fan , Liu Albert Tianxiang , Berrueta Thomas A. , Zhang Ge , Brooks Allan M. , Koman Volodymyr B. , Yang Sungyun , Gong Xun , Murphey Todd D. , Strano Michael S.
Published: December 2021

Micrometer‐scale robots capable of navigating enclosed spaces and remote locations are approaching reality. However, true autonomy remains an open challenge despite substantial progress made with externally supervised and manipulated systems. To accelerate the development of autonomous microrobots, alternatives to conventional top‐down lithography are sought. Such additive technologies like printing, coating, and colloidal self‐assembly allow for rapid prototyping and access to novel materials, such as polymers, bio‐ and nanomaterials. On the basis of recent experimental findings that memristive networks can be rapidly printed and lifted off as electronic microparticles, an alternative design paradigm is introduced based on arrays of two‐terminal memristive elements, which enables real‐time use of memory, sensing, and actuation in microrobots. Several memristor‐based designs are validated, each representing a key building block toward robotic autonomy: tracking elapsed time, timestamping a rare event, continuously cataloguing time‐indexed data, and accessing the collected information for a feedback‐controlled response as in a robotic glucose‐responsive insulin. The computational results establish an actionable framework for microrobotic design—tasks normally requiring complex circuits can now be achieved with self‐assembled and printed memristor arrays within microparticles.
Hetero‐Lattice Intergrown and Robust MOF Membranes for Polyol Upgrading
Authors: Wang Yuecheng , Ban Yujie , Hu Ziyi , Zhao Yang , Zheng Mingyuan , Yang Weishen , Zhang Tao
Published: December 2021

Metal–organic framework membranes are frequently used in gas separations, but rare in pervaporation for liquid chemical upgrading, especially for separating water from polyols, due to lack of highly compact and robust micro‐architecture. Here, we report hetero‐lattice intergrown membranes in which amino‐MIL‐101 (Cr) particles embedded into the micro‐gaps of MIL‐53 (Al) rod arrays after secondary growth. By means of high‐resolution TEM and two‐dimensional topologic simulation, the connection between these two distinct MOF lattices at the molecular‐level and their crystallographic geometry harmony is identified, which leads to a close‐knit structure at the crystal boundaries of membranes. Typically, the membrane shows a separation factor as high as 13 000 for a 90/10 ethanediol/water solution in pervaporation, yields polymer‐grade ethanediol, and saves ca. 32 % of energy consumption vs. vacuum distillation. It has a highly robust micro‐architecture, with great tolerance to high pressure, durability against ultrasonic therapy and long‐term separation stability over 600 h.
Copper‐Catalyzed Covalent Dimerization of Near‐Infrared Fluorescent Cyanine Dyes: Synergistic Enhancement of Photoacoustic Signals for Molecular Imaging of Tumors
Authors: Maji Dolonchampa , Oh Donghyeon , Gautam Krishna Sharmah , Zhou Mingzhou , Zhang Haini , Kao Jeff , Giblin Daryl , Smith Matthew , Lim Junha , Lee Seunghyun , Kang Youngnam , Kim Won Jong , Kim Chulhong , Achilefu Samuel
Published: December 2021

Invited for this month's cover is the group of Prof. Samuel Achilefu at the Washington University School of Medicine and colleagues at the Pohang University of Science and Technology. The cover picture shows copper (the hammer) catalyzing the assembly of monomeric near‐infrared fluorescent dye molecules, cypate (yellow glow), into covalently‐linked dimeric molecules (merged red balls). More information can be found in the Communication at 10.1002/anse.202100045.
Preparation and properties of green UV‐curable itaconic acid cross‐linked modified waterborne polyurethane coating
Authors: Dong Xiangbin , Ren Jingyu , Duan Yanjie , Wu Dandan , Lin Lin , Shi Jichao , Jia Runping , Xu Xiaowei , He Xinyao
Published: December 2021

Waterborne polyurethane (WPU) coating, as a kind of green product, can replace solvent polyurethane coating, but its application in the field of coating is limited since its defects such as slow curing efficiency, low strength, and water resistance. In this study, a trifunctional itaconic acid‐based crosslinking agent (IHA) was synthesized from itaconic acid and hydroxyethyl acrylate. A series of green UV‐curable WPU coatings were prepared by introducing IHA into WPU prepolymer in different proportions (2.5 ~ 10 wt.%). IHA posed as crosslinking agent in WPU, which can not only enhance strength, but also accelerate curing rate in WPU coatings. The results demonstrated that the gel content and hydrophobic angle of the modified WPU coating (WPU‐IHA) are increased by 25.6% and 34.8°, respectively, indicating a good water resistance. Most notably, due to the increase of crosslinking degree and the decrease of chain mobility, the UV‐curable WPU coating shows excellent mechanical properties with 21.9 MPa in tensile strength and a pencil hardness of 5H, which is substantially higher than that of pure WPU coatings. Therefore, the IHA shows great potential to substitute petroleum‐based crosslinking agents in the preparation of environmentally friendly UV‐curable WPU coatings with high strength and good surface scratch hardness.
Experiences of student and trainee autism researchers during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Kaku Sowmyashree Mayur , McVey Alana J. , Gerber Alan H. , Pretzsch Charlotte M. , Jones Desiree R. , Kodakkadan Fathima Muhsina , Lei Jiedi , Singer Lauren , Chitehwe Lucy , Poulsen Rebecca Elizabeth , Coffman Marika
Published: December 2021

Circumstances surrounding the COVID‐19 pandemic have resulted in significant personal and professional adjustments. Students and trainees, including those in autism research, face unique challenges to accomplishing their training and career goals during this unprecedented time. In this commentary, we, as members of the International Society for Autism Research Student and Trainee Committee, describe our personal experiences, which may or may not align with those of other students and trainees. Our experiences have varied both in terms of the ease (or lack thereof) with which we adapted and the degree to which we were supported in the transition to online research and clinical practice. We faced and continue to adjust to uncertainties about future training and academic positions, for which opportunities have been in decline and have subsequently negatively impacted our mental health. Students and trainees' prospects have been particularly impacted compared to more established researchers and faculty. In addition to the challenges we have faced, however, there have also been unexpected benefits in our training during the pandemic, which we describe here. We have learned new coping strategies which, we believe, have served us well. The overarching goal of this commentary is to describe these experiences and strategies in the hope that they will benefit the autism research community moving forward. Here, we provide a set of recommendations for faculty, especially mentors, to support students and trainees as well as strategies for students and trainees to bolster their self‐advocacy, both of which we see as crucial for our future careers.

Lay Summary

The COVID‐19 pandemic has affected students and trainees, including those in autism research, in different ways. Here, we describe our personal experiences. These experiences include challenges. For example, it has been difficult to move from in‐person to online work. It has also been difficult to keep up with work and training goals. Moreover, working from home has made it hard to connect with our supervisors and mentors. As a result, many of us have felt unsure about how to make the best career choices. Working in clinical services and getting to know and support our patients online has also been challenging. Overall, the pandemic has made us feel more isolated and some of us have struggled to cope with that. On the other hand, our experiences have also included benefits. For example, by working online, we have been able to join meetings all over the world. Also, the pandemic has pushed us to learn new skills. Those include technical skills but also skills for well‐being. Next, we describe our experiences of returning to work. Finally, we give recommendations for trainees and supervisors on how to support each other and to build a strong community.
Investigation of the Anode‐Electrolyte Interface in a Magnesium Full‐Cell with Fluorinated Alkoxyborate‐Based Electrolyte
Authors: Roy Ananyo , Bhagavathi Parambath Vinayan , Diemant Thomas , Neusser Gregor , Kranz Christine , Behm R. Jürgen , Li Zhenyou , Zhao‐Karger Zhirong , Fichtner Maximilian
Published: December 2021

Magnesium (Mg) anode‐electrolyte interaction is not trivial and investigation of the interfacial process can be helpful for the development of Mg batteries. In this work, we studied the Mg metal anode cycled in a chloride (Cl)‐free magnesium tetrakis (hexafluoroisopropyloxy) borate electrolyte using a full‐cell configuration with TiS2 model cathode. Electrochemical measurements and structural analysis of the cathode showed reversible de‐/magnesiation of TiS2 with some entrapment of irreversibly bound Mg2+. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was applied to analyze the Mg‐electrolyte interaction in a three‐electrode system. The results showed a rapid increase in charge transfer resistance on the anode side with increasing resting time. In contrast, we observed a significant drop in the charge transfer impedance upon cycling along with the appearance of an additional semi‐circle, which suggested to the development of a solid interphase. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) corroborated the EIS results and confirmed the solid interphase layer formation, in which MgF2 was identified as the primary species contributing to its formation. The current study provides fundamental insights into the interfacial phenomena between the metallic Mg anode and Cl‐free electrolyte by highlighting the role played by the formed interphase on the reversible Mg stripping and plating in a Mg full‐cell.
Cardiovascular‐specific PSEN1 deletion leads to abnormalities in calcium homeostasis
Authors: Song Xiao‐Wei , Zhao Feng , Yang Jing , Yuan Qing‐Ning , Zeng Zhen‐Yu , Shen Ming , Tang Ying , Cao Mi , Shen Ya‐Feng , Li Song‐Hua , Yang Yong‐Ji , Wu Hong , Zhao Xian‐Xian , Hu Shu‐Ting
Published: December 2021

Mutations of PSEN1 have been reported in dilated cardiomyopathy pedigrees. Understanding the effects and mechanisms of PSEN1 in cardiomyocytes might have important implications for treatment of heart diseases. Here, we showed that PSEN1 was downregulated in ischemia‐induced failing hearts. Functionally, cardiovascular specific PSEN1 deletion led to spontaneous death of the mice due to cardiomyopathy. At the age of 11 months, the ratio of the heart weight/body weight was slightly lower in the Sm22a‐PSEN1‐KO mice compared with that of the WT mice. Echocardiography showed that the percentage of ejection fraction and fractional shortening was significantly reduced in the Sm22a‐PSEN1‐KO group compared with the percent of these measures in the WT group, indicating that PSEN1‐KO resulted in heart failure. The abnormally regulated genes resulted from PSEN1‐KO were detected to be enriched in muscle development and dilated cardiomyopathy. Among them, several genes encode Ca2+ ion channels, promoting us to investigate the effects of PSEN1 KO on regulation of Ca2+ in isolated adult cardiomyocytes. Consistently, in isolated adult cardiomyocytes, PSEN1‐KO increased the concentration of cytosolic Ca2+ and reduced Ca2+ concentration inside the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) lumen at the resting stage. Additionally, SR Ca2+ was decreased in the failing hearts of WT mice, but with the lowest levels observed in the failing hearts of PSEN1 knockout mice. These results indicate that the process of Ca2+ release from SR into cytoplasm was affected by PSEN1 KO. Therefore, the abnormalities in Ca2+ homeostasis resulted from downregulation of PSEN1 in failing hearts might contribute to aging‐related cardiomyopathy, which might had important implications for the treatment of aging‐related heart diseases.
Emergence of Concentration Effects in the Variational Analysis of theN‐Clock Model
Authors: Cicalese Marco , Orlando Gianluca , Ruf Matthias
Published: December 2021

We investigate the relationship between theN‐clock model (also known as planar Potts model or‐model) and theXYmodel (at zero temperature) through a Γ‐convergence analysis of a suitable rescaling of the energy as both the number of particles andNdiverge. We prove the existence of rates of divergence ofNfor which the continuum limits of the two models differ. With the aid of Cartesian currents we show that the asymptotics of theN‐clock model in this regime features an energy that may concentrate on geometric objects of various dimensions. This energy prevails over the usual vortex‐vortex interaction energy. © 2022 The Authors.Communications on Pure and Applied Mathematicspublished by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Sensitivity of tidal hydrodynamics to varying bathymetric configurations in a multi‐inlet rapidly eroding salt marsh system: A numerical study
Authors: Deb Mithun , Abdolali Ali , Kirby James T. , Shi Fengyan , Guiteras Susan , McDowell Conor
Published: December 2021

We describe the development of a high‐resolution, two‐dimensional hydrodynamic model for a multi‐inlet rapidly eroding tidal wetland on the western shore of Delaware Bay, using the finite‐volume, primitive equation community ocean model (FVCOM). Topo‐bathymetric surveys, together with water surface and current velocity measurements during calm and stormy conditions, have been conducted to support model validation. The tested model is then used to quantify the tide‐induced residual transport and asymmetry at major inlet entrances to determine the governing hydrodynamics. We chose a skewness method to calculate the tidal asymmetry and serve as a proxy for sediment transport estimates. The effects of the dredging of an artificial entrance channel and progressive channel deepening in shifting wetland hydrodynamics are shown by developing a scenario analysis. Model results show that the artificially dredged channel has altered the volume exchange at other inlet entrances and increased the net seaward export. The changes in the characteristic frequency of the frictional dissipation in the channel and the system's natural frequency are investigated using a simple ocean–inlet–bay analytical model. Subsequently, we have compared the channel friction scale to the inertia scale and observed that the new connection and gradual channel deepening reduce the overall frictional dominance. Ultimately, the study has shown how the short‐ and long‐term channel bathymetry changes, mainly the artificially dredged channel and progressive channel deepening, can affect the connected system's net circulation and trigger internal marsh erosion.
Female body mass index and the selection of a long‐acting reversible contraception for the first time
Authors: Frederico Giulia , Silva dos Santos Priscilla N. , Ferreira Jéssica M. , Bahamondes Luis , Fernandes Arlete
Published: December 2021

Objective

To evaluate Brazilian women with different body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) values who were switching from a short‐acting reversible contraceptive (SARC) to a long‐acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) method in relationship to the reasons reported for switching and the LARC method chosen.

Method

We analyzed retrospective data from 1508 women aged 18–49 years who chose a LARC for the first time. The variables were sociodemographic, BMI, SARC in use, the reason given for switching, the chosen LARC (copper intrauterine device, levonorgestrel (52 mg) intrauterine system or ethyl norgestrel implant), and expectations of the LARC. We used χ2, Mann‐Whitney, and Kruskal‐Wallis tests to compare BMI groups. The significance level adopted was 5%.

Results

The obesity group, 320 women (21.2%), reported weight gain (P < 0.000) and fear of pregnancy (P = 0.004) as the most frequent reasons for switching, whereas the normal weight group, 637 women (42.2%), reported more loss of libido (P < 0.000) and other personal complaints (P = 0.002). The IUD was chosen by 851 women (56.6%) and significantly by the largest number of obese women.

Conclusion

Women in different BMI categories report different reasons for switching from SARC methods and elect different LARC methods for contraception.
Possible protective effects of CO Q10 against vincristine‐induced peripheral neuropathy: Targeting oxidative stress, inflammation, and sarmoptosis
Authors: Elshamy Amira M. , Salem Ola M. , Safa Mohamed A. E. , Barhoma Ramez A. E. , Eltabaa Eman F. , Shalaby Amany M. , Alabiad Mohamed A. , Arakeeb Heba M. , Mohamed Hoda A.
Published: December 2021

Vincristine is a chemotherapy drug that belongs to the vinca alkaloids group. It is used for treatment of hematologic malignancies and several solid tumors. Vincristine‐induced peripheral neuropathy is a major dose‐limiting side effect. Coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10), an essential component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, participates in energy production. It is a powerful fat‐soluble antioxidant and also exerts anti‐inflammatory effects. Therefore, this study was aimed to focus on the mechanistic insights of vincristine‐induced peripheral neuropathy in addition to shedding the light on the modulatory effect of Co Q10. Twenty‐eight rats were randomly divided into four groups. Peripheral neuropathy was induced by intraperitoneal injection of vincristine (0.1 mg/kg body weight). Co Q10 was injected intraperitoneally (10 mg/kg body weight) for 24 days. Sciatic nerve MDA, TAC, GSH, 8‐OHdG, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and NF‐κB levels were assessed. Gene expression of SARM1 and Nrf2 was also assessed. Serum neurofilament light chain was immunoassayed, in addition to the behavioral assessment. Co Q10 significantly improved oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers. It also decreased serum NFL levels. It enhanced Nrf2 and decreased SARM1 gene expression. Histopathological findings proved the biochemical and molecular findings. Our results support Co Q10 as a potential protective agent against vincristine‐induced peripheral neuropathy.
The combination of dapagliflozin and statins ameliorates renal injury through attenuating the activation of inflammasome‐mediated autophagy in insulin‐resistant rats
Authors: Thongnak Laongdao , Pengrattanachot Nattavadee , Promsan Sasivimon , Phengpol Nichakorn , Sutthasupha Prempree , Chatsudthipong Varanuj , Lungkaphin Anusorn
Published: December 2021

Long‐term use of a high‐fat diet with high‐fructose (HFF) intake could promote insulin resistance and induce lipid accumulation leading to kidney injury possibly via impairment of the autophagy process and enhancement of the inflammasome pathway. We investigated whether dapagliflozin as a monotherapy or combined with atorvastatin could restore kidney autophagy impairment and reduce inflammasome activation associated with kidney injury induced by HFF consumption. Male Wistar rats were given an HFF for 16 weeks and then treated with dapagliflozin with or without atorvastatin for 4 weeks. Impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, renal lipid accumulation along with impaired renal autophagy and activated inflammasome pathway promoted renal injury were exhibited in HFF rats. Dapagliflozin with or without atorvastatin treatment could partially restore disrupted metabolic parameters and reduce kidney injury. In particular, the combination treatment group showed significant amelioration of inflammasome activation and autophagy impairment. In conclusion, the combination therapy of dapagliflozin and atorvastatin has a positive effect on renal injury associated with autophagy and inflammasome activation induced by HFF in insulin‐resistant rats. This study is the first report demonstrating the underlying mechanism associated with a combination treatment of dapagliflozin and atorvastatin on autophagy and inflammasome pathways in an insulin‐resistant condition. Therefore, dapagliflozin in combination with atorvastatin may be a further preventive or therapeutic strategy for chronic kidney disease in an insulin‐resistant or diabetic condition.
Histomorphological and inflammatory changes of white adipose tissue in gastrointestinal cancer patients with and without cachexia
Authors: Molfino Alessio , Carletti Raffaella , Imbimbo Giovanni , Amabile Maria Ida , Belli Roberta , di Gioia Cira R.T. , Belloni Elena , Spinelli Francesco , Rizzo Veronica , Catalano Carlo , Nigri Giuseppe , Muscaritoli Maurizio
Published: December 2021

Background

During cancer cachexia, several alterations occur in peripheral tissues, and the adipose tissue may be involved during the catabolic state. We aimed at investigating histological rearrangement and infiltration of inflammatory cells in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) of patients with cancer undergoing surgery, according to the presence/absence of cachexia.

Methods

We considered gastrointestinal cancer patients and controls with non‐malignant diseases undergoing surgery. We collected SAT samples and performed histomorphological analyses [cross‐sectional area (CSA) and per cent of fibrosis] and immunohistochemistry to characterize the inflammatory cells. By computed tomography (CT) scan, we calculated SAT and visceral adipose tissue (VAT).

Results

We enrolled 51 participants (31 gastrointestinal cancer patients and 20 controls). In cancer patients, cachexia was present in 13/31 (42%). The CSA (μm2) of the adipocytes from SAT was reduced in cancer patients vs. controls (3148, inter‐quartile range 2574–3755 vs. 4474, inter‐quartile range 3654–5183) (P < 0.001), in particular in cachectic patients vs. non‐cachectic (median 2518 vs. median 3470) (P = 0.03) and in cachectic vs. controls (P < 0.001), as well as in non‐cachectic vs. controls (P = 0.04). The median per cent of fibrosis was higher in cancer patients vs. controls (9 vs. 3) (P = 0.0001), in particular in cachectic vs. non‐cachectic (13.35 vs. 7.13) (P = 0.03). We observed a higher number of macrophages (CD68) (P = 0.0001) and T lymphocytes (CD3) (P = 0.002) in SAT of cancer patients vs. controls, and the number of T lymphocytes was higher in cachectic vs. non‐cachectic patients (P = 0.025). Anorexic cancer patients showed in SAT a higher number of macrophages and T lymphocytes with respect to controls (P < 0.0001), whereas no difference was present between anorexic and non‐anorexic patients. At CT scan, cachectic patients showed lower VAT and SAT vs. non‐cachectic (VAT: 97.64 ± 40.79 vs. 212.53 ± 79.24, P = 0.0002; SAT: 126.27 ± 87.92 vs. 206.27 ± 61.93, P = 0.01, respectively). Cancer patients with low CSA, high degree of fibrosis, and high number of T lymphocytes presented with lower body mass index and lower SAT and VAT at CT scan (P ≤ 0.01).

Conclusions

We found histological alterations of SAT among gastrointestinal cancer patients and in particular significant changes in CSA, fibrosis, and inflammation when cachexia was present; the changes in histomorphological parameters of the adipocytes reflected alterations in adiposity at body composition analysis.
Imaging of fetal precordial venous system by four‐dimensional ultrasound with spatiotemporal image correlation technology
Authors: Leung Kwok‐yin
Published: December 2021

Despite the use of two‐ and three‐ dimensional color Doppler ultrasonography, the prenatal sonographic evaluation of precordial venous system remains difficult. Spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) technology has been well described for the assessment of the fetal heart, but not of precordial venous system. As demonstrated in this report, it is feasible to use four‐dimensional ultrasound with STIC rendered volume in glass‐body mode and tomographic ultrasound imaging to image this system including the connection and drainage of the ductus venosus, hepatic veins and inferior vena cava to the fetal heart. This novel approach can increase the understanding of this venous system.
Recent advances and current trends in brain‐computer interface research and their applications
Authors: Zabcikova Martina , Koudelkova Zuzana , Jasek Roman , Lorenzo Navarro José Javier
Published: December 2021

Brain‐computer interface (BCI) provides direct communication between the brain and an external device. BCI systems have become a trendy field of research in recent years. These systems can be used in a variety of applications to help both disabled and healthy people. Concerning significant BCI progress, we may assume that these systems are not very far from real‐world applications. This review has taken into account current trends in BCI research. In this survey, 100 most cited articles from the WOS database were selected over the last 4 years. This survey is divided into several sectors. These sectors are Medicine, Communication and Control, Entertainment, and Other BCI applications. The application area, recording method, signal acquisition types, and countries of origin have been identified in each article. This survey provides an overview of the BCI articles published from 2016 to 2020 and their current trends and advances in different application areas.
Assessment of homegarden agroforestry for sustainable land management intervention in a degraded landscape in South Africa
Authors: Musvoto Constansia , Kgaphola Juniet , Kahinda Jean‐Marc Mwenge
Published: December 2021

Agroforestry‐based sustainable land management (SLM) interventions provide opportunities for tackling land degradation and its associated socio‐economic issues. Agroforestry is not a guaranteed SLM fix as every agroforestry practice is not automatically relevant to each context. It is critical to identify key considerations for ensuring a good fit between agroforestry and the receiving environment. This study identifies and analyses key factors for assessing the context‐specific suitability of an agroforestry practice for SLM using a case‐study of homegarden agroforestry in a degraded catchment. An analysis of biophysical and socio‐economic characteristics of the catchment covering land degradation, SLM aspirations of residents, agriculture and agroforestry activities was conducted through literature review, field observations, GIS and remote sensing, stakeholder engagement and a questionnaire survey. Considerations in agroforestry practice assessment for SLM include agricultural and SLM objectives, which at our study site were increased crop production and arresting soil erosion. Availability of requisite resources, namely land, water and fencing; stakeholder interest in the tree and/or crop planting, species of interest and suitability of the species for the biophysical conditions should also be assessed. We propose a framework for systematically working through the relevant factors and assessing the suitability of an agroforestry practice for SLM intervention in a specific context. Based on the framework, homegarden agroforestry is an appropriate SLM intervention as it could meet stakeholders' SLM and agricultural objectives. Identification and systematic assessment of relevant factors are critical for ensuring the acceptability of agroforestry practice in a locality and the sustainability of associated SLM interventions.
Structural and Dielectric Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol‐TiO2 Doped Thin Films
Authors: Dhokne(Pathare) Ragini , More(Jadhav) Shital , Pathare Nilesh
Published: December 2021

Polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)‐titanium dioxide(TiO2) polymer composite films are synthesized by well‐recognized and low cost method of solvent casting. The prepared composite films are characterized by FTIR, XRD, and FESEM. The real electric modulus (M’) spectra show large increment with frequency for 5wt% of TiO2 as compared to other compositions. The appearance of peaks for each concentration of TiO2 in M” spectra specifies that strong coupling in the movement of polymer motion and ions. The impedance plots of real impedance (Z’) versus imaginary impedance (Z”) shows semicircles, which diameter and thereby bulk resistance (Rb) is decreased with the loading of TiO2. AC conductivity (σAC) obeys the universal power law. The prepared PVA/TiO2 films can be used in a direct methanol fuel cell, and in optoelectronic devices.
Morphology, Characterization, and Gas Sensor Properties of Sr Doped WO3 Thin Film Nanostructures
Authors: Adimule Vinayak , Bhowmik Debdas , Gowda Adarsha H. J.
Published: December 2021

A set of novel nanostructures (NS) of Sr (5 wt. %, 10 wt. %, 15 wt. % and 25 wt. %) doped WO3 (STO) are synthesized by co‐precipitation method and coated on glass substrate as a thin film using electron beam deposition. NS are characterized by UV‐Visible, scanning electron microscopic method (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), cyclic voltammetry (CV), x‐ray diffractometer (XRD) and photoluminescence spectroscopic (PL) analytical techniques. Gas sensitivity of the NS reveals that the 25 wt. % of Sr doped WO3 NS exhibits better sensitivity and selectivity towards 100 ppm concentration of chloroform with better response and recovery time exhibited in presence of other volatile gases and obtained values show comparatively fast selectivity (18 s/14 s at 200 °C). Enhanced selectivity, quick response time and stability towards other volatile gases are tested for 25 wt. % Sr doped WO3 NS. The Sr doped WO3 is able to deliver its role in the biomedical, food industries as a promising candidate for chloroform detection and other related applications.
Structural and Magnetic Properties of Co0.9Zn0.1Fe2O4 Ferrite Nanoparticles Synthesized by Chemical Co‐Precipitation Method
Authors: Kore Ekanath K. , Shahane Guruling S. , Mulik Ramesh N.
Published: December 2021

In this study, the structural and magnetic properties of Co0.9Zn0.1Fe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles are prepared by using chemical co‐precipitation method and characterized with X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The structural results show that the particles have a formation of single‐phase cubic spinel structure and that the particles have a nano scale, with a clear agglomeration between the particles. The crystallite size of the sample is found 6.21 nm by using Scherer's formula, while the lattice parameters is 8.38 Å. The VSM study shows the saturation magnetization (Ms) 30.18 emu g‐1 and coercivity (Hc) 500 Oe along with hysteresis and to calculate the Ms values the Law of approach to saturation is used. The dried sample of ferrite is characterized with an FTIR‐spectrophotometer in wave number range of 4200–800 cm−1.