bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of human adipose‐derived stem‐cell behavior using a cell‐instructive polydopamine‐coated gelatin–alginate hydrogel
Authors: Pacelli Settimio , Chakravarti Aparna R. , Modaresi Saman , Subham Siddharth , Burkey Kyley , Kurlbaum Cecilia , Fang Madeline , Neal Christopher A. , Mellott Adam J. , Chakraborty Aishik , Paul Arghya
Published: July 2021

Hydrogels can be fabricated and designed to exert direct control over stem cells' adhesion and differentiation. In this study, we have investigated the use of polydopamine (pDA)‐treatment as a binding platform for bioactive compounds to create a versatile gelatin–alginate (Gel–Alg) hydrogel for tissue engineering applications. Precisely, pDA was used to modify the surface properties of the hydrogel and better control the adhesion and osteogenic differentiation of human adipose‐derived stem cells (hASCs). pDA enabled the adsorption of different types of bioactive molecules, including a model osteoinductive drug (dexamethasone) as well as a model pro‐angiogenic peptide (QK). The pDA treatment efficiently retained the drug and the peptide compared to the untreated hydrogel and proved to be effective in controlling the morphology, cell area, and osteogenic differentiation of hASCs. Overall, the findings of this study confirm the efficacy of pDA treatment as a valuable strategy to modulate the biological properties of biocompatible Gel–Alg hydrogels and further extend their value in regenerative medicine.
Fabrication of multifunctional mucoadhesive buccal patch for drug delivery applications
Authors: Rohani Shirvan Anahita , Hemmatinejad Nahid , Bahrami S. Hajir , Bashari Azadeh
Published: July 2021

Mucoadhesive buccal patch is a promising dosage form for a successful oral drug delivery, which provides unique advantages for various applications such as treatment of periodontal disease and postdental surgery disorders. The aim of this study is to synthesize a novel multifunctional mucoadhesive buccal patch in a multilayer reservoir design for therapeutic applications. The patches were fabricated through simultaneous electrospinning of chitosan/poly(vinylalcohol) (PVA)/ibuprofen and electrospraying of phenylalanine amino acid nanotubes (PhNTs) containing metronidazole into the electrospun mats through a layer‐by‐layer process. An electrospun poly(caprolactone) (PCL) was used as an impermeable backing layer to protect the mucoadhesive component from tongue movement and drug loss. Buccal patches were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and also evaluated in terms of physicomechanical parameters such as pH, weight, thickness, tensile strength, folding endurance, and mucoadhesive properties. The swelling index of the patches was examined with respect to the PVA/chitosan ratio. The effect of genipin addition to the electrospinning solution was also studied on mucoadhesive and swelling properties. The cell viability of buccal patches was assessed by methylthiazolydiphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide test on L929 fibroblast cell line. The patch with an optimal amount of mucoadhesive polymers (PVA/chitosan 80:20) and crosslinking agent (0.05 g) indicated an ideal hemostatic activity along with antibacterial properties against Streptococcus mutans bacteria. The synthesized multifunctional mucoadhesive patch with a novel composition and design has a great potential for oral therapeutic applications.
Silencing of AFAP1‐AS1 lncRNA impairs cell proliferation and migration by epigenetically promoting DUSP5 expression in pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Zou Yanfen , Tang Xiaotong , Zhang Yuanyuan , Yang Nana , Xu Kun , Xu Yetao
Published: July 2021

As a unique and common obstetric complication of pregnant women, pre‐eclampsia (PE) has been the first leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in the world. Mounting studies have demonstrated that an abnormality of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) expression was related to the pathological process of PE. Here, we showed that lncRNA AFAP1‐AS1 was markedly downregulated in pre‐eclamptic placentas. We further investigated the mechanism underlying the regulatory role of AFAP1‐AS1 in PE using human trophoblast cells. In vitro functional assays revealed that AFAP1‐AS1 knockdown inhibited trophoblast proliferation, migration, and invasion. Moreover, AFAP1‐AS1 interacts with EZH2 and inhibits DUSP5 expression through modulating H3K27m3 in the DUSP5 promoter of trophoblast cells, thus being involved in PE pathogenesis. Overall, these findings suggest that AFAP1‐AS1 could potentially become a prognostic biomarker as well as a new therapeutic target for PE.
From everyday life predictions to suicide prevention: Clinical and ethical considerations in suicide predictive analytic tools
Authors: Luk Jeremy W. , Pruitt Larry D. , Smolenski Derek J. , Tucker Jennifer , Workman Don E. , Belsher Bradley E.
Published: July 2021

Advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning have fueled growing interest in the application of predictive analytics to identify high‐risk suicidal patients. Such application will require the aggregation of large‐scale, sensitive patient data to help inform complex and potentially stigmatizing health care decisions. This paper provides a description of how suicide prediction is uniquely difficult by comparing it to nonmedical (weather and traffic forecasting) and medical predictions (cancer and human immunodeficiency virus risk), followed by clinical and ethical challenges presented within a risk‐benefit conceptual framework. Because the misidentification of suicide risk may be associated with unintended negative consequences, clinicians and policymakers need to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of using suicide predictive analytics across health care populations. Practical recommendations are provided to strengthen the protection of patient rights and enhance the clinical utility of suicide predictive analytics tools.
The longitudinal contribution of attachment models and interpersonal factors to posttraumatic growth among suicide‐loss survivors
Authors: Levi‐Belz Yossi , Rotem Noa
Published: July 2021

Objective

This study aimed to deepen our understanding of the interpersonal facilitators of posttraumatic growth (PTG) among suicide‐loss survivors (SLSs) by focusing on the effects of attachment models on PTG in a 4‐year longitudinal design.

Method

One‐hundred and fity‐two SLSs completed a series of questionnaires tapping attachment models, self‐disclosure, social support and PTG in a three‐wave study design.

Results

Attachment models, self‐disclosure, and perceived social support at T1 were found to predict PTG levels at T2. Self‐disclosure alone predicted PTG at T3. Structural equation modeling analysis revealed that interpersonal factors served as mediators of the relationship between attachment models and PTG beyond the PTG trajectory.

Conclusions

Attachment models play an important role in facilitating PTG among SLSs. Thus, therapeutic interventions based on attachment models of self and other specifically designed to promote a sense of self‐worth and confidence in others may be valuable in facilitating growth among SLSs.
Septin 4 controls CCNB1 stabilization via APC/CCDC20 during meiotic G2/M transition in mouse oocytes
Authors: Chen Li , Ouyang Ying‐Chun , Li Jian , Qiao Jing‐Yi , Gu Lin ‐Jian , Wang Zhen‐Bo , Hou Yi , Schatten Heide , Sun Qing‐Yuan
Published: July 2021

In mammals, oocytes are arrested at G2/prophase for a long time, which is called germinal vesicle (GV) arrest. After puberty, fully‐grown oocytes are stimulated by a gonadotropin surge to resume meiosis as indicated by GV breakdown (GVBD). CCNB1 is accumulated to a threshold level to trigger the activation of maturation promoting factor (MPF), inducing the G2/M transition. It is generally recognized that the anaphase‐promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) and its cofactor CDH1 (also known as FZR1) regulates the accumulation/degradation of CCNB1. Here, by using small interfering RNA (siRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) microinjection, immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy, immunoprecipitation, time‐lapse live imaging, and immunoblotting analysis, we showed that Septin 4 regulates the G2/M transition by regulating the accumulation of CCNB1 via APC/CCDC20. Depletion of Septin 4 caused GV arrest by reducing CCNB1 accumulation. Unexpectedly, the expression level of CDC20 was higher in Septin 4 siRNA‐injected oocytes than in control oocytes, but there was no significant change in the expression level of CDH1. Importantly, the reduced GVBD after Septin 4 depletion could be rescued not only by over‐expressing CCNB1 but also could be partially rescued by depleting CDC20. Taken together, our results demonstrate that Septin 4 may play a critical role in meiotic G2/M transition by indirect regulation of CCNB1 stabilization in mouse oocytes.
Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling for Selumetinib to Evaluate Drug‐Drug Interactions and Pediatric Dose Regimens
Authors: Cohen‐Rabbie Sarit , Zhou Li , Vishwanathan Karthick , Wild Martin , Xu Sherrie , Freshwater Tomoko , Jain Lokesh , Schalkwijk Stein , Tomkinson Helen , Zhou Diansong
Published: July 2021

Selumetinib (ARRY‐142886), an oral, potent and highly selective allosteric mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 inhibitor, is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of pediatric patients aged ≥2 years with neurofibromatosis type 1 with symptomatic, inoperable plexiform neurofibromas. A physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was constructed to predict plasma concentration–time profiles of selumetinib, and to evaluate the impact of coadministering moderate cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4/2C19 inhibitors/inducers. The model was also used to extrapolate pharmacokinetic exposures from older children with different body surface area to guide dosing in younger children. This model was built based on physiochemical data and clinical in vivo drug‐drug interaction (DDI) studies with itraconazole and fluconazole, and verified against data from an in vivo rifampicin DDI study and an absolute bioavailability study. The pediatric model was updated by changing system‐specific input parameters using the Simcyp pediatric module. The model captured the observed selumetinib pharmacokinetic profiles and the interactions with CYP inhibitors/inducers. The predictions from the PBPK model showed a DDI effect of 30% to 40% increase or decrease in selumetinib exposure when coadministered with moderate CYP inhibitors or inducers, respectively, which was used to inform dose management and adjustments. The pediatric PBPK model was applied to simulate exposures in specific body surface area brackets that matched those achieved with a 25 mg/m2 dose in SPRINT clinical trials. The pediatric PBPK model was used to guide the dose for younger patients in a planned pediatric clinical study.
Mechanography assessment of fall risk in older adults: the Vietnam Osteoporosis Study
Authors: Hoang Duy K. , Le Nhan M. , Vo‐Thi Uyen P. , Nguyen Huy G. , Ho‐Pham Lan T. , Nguyen Tuan V.
Published: July 2021

Background

Jumping mechanography is a technology for quantitatively assessing muscular function and balance in older adults. This study sought to define the association between jumping mechanography parameters and fall risk in Vietnamese individuals.

Methods

The study involved 375 women and 244 men aged 50 years and older, who were recruited from the general population in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam). The individuals had been followed for 2 years. At baseline, Esslinger Fitness index (EFI), jumping power, force, velocity of lower limbs, and the ability to maintain balance were measured by a Leonardo Mechanograph Ground Reaction Force system (Novotec Medical, Pforxheim, Germany). The incidence of falls during the follow‐up period was ascertained from self‐report. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the association between jumping mechanography parameters and fall risk.

Results

The average age of participants at baseline was 56.7 years (SD 5.85). During the 2 year follow‐up, 92 falls were reported, making the incidence of fall at ~15% [95% confidence interval (CI), 12.1 to 18.2]. The incidence of fall increased with advancing age, and women had a higher incidence than men (17.6% vs. 10.7%; P = 0.024). In univariate analysis, maximal velocity [odds ratio (OR) 0.65; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.82], maximal force (OR 0.83; 95% CI, 0.65 to 1.04), and maximal power (OR 0.68; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.88) were each significantly associated with fall risk. EFI was not significantly associated with fall risk (OR 1.09; 95% CI, 0.86 to 1.39). However, in a multiple logistic regression model, greater maximum velocity was associated with lower odds of fall (OR 0.38; 95% CI, 0.16 to 0.92).

Conclusions

These data suggest that jumping mechanography is a useful tool for assessing fall risk in older adults of Vietnamese background.
The continuing role of communities affected by HIV in sustained engagement in health and rights
Authors: Caswell Georgina , Dubula Vuyiseka , Baptiste Solange , Etya’ale Helen , Syarif Omar , Barr David
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The meaningful involvement of persons affected by a disease is a unique aspect of the HIV response that places people living with (PLHIV) and those directly affected by HIV (peers) at the centre of the design, development and implementation of service delivery and research and policy making. The principle of greater involvement of PLHIV (GIPA) has and will increasingly ensure equitable access to services and engagement of marginalized groups in the HIV response, and to health services more broadly. This paper describes the history, current place in the HIV response and potential future role of PLHIV and communities in health responses.

Discussion

Historically, the role of communities of PLHIV and peers in service delivery, research and drug development, advocacy, social and political accountability, resource mobilization and social and human rights protection is well documented. Their leadership and engagement have contributed directly to improved outcomes in access to HIV treatment, prevention, support and care services around the world. Their continued and expanded role is especially important for the future success of HIV responses in sub‐Saharan Africa, where the HIV burden remains the greatest. The lessons learned from the leadership and involvement of communities of PLHIV and peers in the HIV response hold value beyond HIV responses. The models and approaches they have efficiently and effectively utilized have relevant applications in addressing shortfalls in health systems in the COVID‐19 era, as well as broader, more integrated health challenges as countries move to develop and operationalize universal health coverage (UHC). However, neither HIV nor other health and development targets can be met if their contributions are not adequately recognized, valued and funded.

Conclusions

The past three decades have demonstrated that communities of PLHIV and their peers are instrumental in sustaining engagement and advocacy for health equity and financing for health and ensuring that the human rights of all people are recognized and upheld. Quality and effective integration of health systems and UHC can be more effectively designed, implemented and sustained with communities of PLHIV and peers at the centre.
Evaluation of the climate change impact on the extreme rainfall amounts using modified method of fragments for sub‐daily rainfall disaggregation
Authors: Rafatnejad Ava , Tavakolifar Hamed , Nazif Sara
Published: July 2021

Climate change has a dramatic effect on the hydrologic variables including extreme rainfall amounts. To evaluate the climate change effects, general circulation models (GCMs) have been developed. However, due to the daily temporal scale of GCM outputs which could be insufficient for some hydrological studies, disaggregation models are introduced. The available disaggregation models which are almost useful in producing time series of finer scale than a day, cannot accurately estimate some statistical characteristics such as extreme events. The method of fragments (MOF) is one of the disaggregation models which considers daily rainfall as the only input. In the present study, in addition to daily rainfall, other influential factors on the rainfall distribution during a day such as weather variables and sub‐daily characteristics have been considered to improve the disaggregation results especially extreme events estimation in the MOF model. The two introduced approaches have been examined for a case study in Tehran, Iran and indicated that weather variables and sub‐daily characteristics are effective in the daily rainfall disaggregation during the dry and wet seasons, respectively. These approaches seem to be much better than the basic MOF in sub‐daily rainfall disaggregation. Hence, the modified disaggregation approaches have been used to evaluate the climate change impacts on the sub‐daily rainfall distribution. The obtained results indicated an increase in the extreme value statistics such as mean and standard deviation of the 95th percentile data compared with the historical ones.
A Survey of Demographic, Professional, and Clinical Characteristics of Clinicians in University Counseling Centers
Authors: Newhart Sean , Pohto Paul , Mullen Patrick R.
Published: July 2021

Examining trends in mental health services through periodic surveys can provide a useful overview of a variety of data that can supply researchers, administrators, and practitioners with information that contributes to the building of theoretical frameworks, the creation of practical operating models, and the means to address overarching problems in the field. We collected data on the demographic, professional, and clinical characteristics of a random sample of 205 counselors at U.S. university counseling centers. Findings indicated that participants use diverse clinical approaches and spend the majority of their time providing direct treatment to clients. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
A Pilot Mindfulness Intervention to Reduce Heavy Episodic Drinking
Authors: Cotter Elizabeth W. , Hawthorne David J. , Gerker Colin , Norman Marianne , Fotang Jenny P.
Published: July 2021

Approximately one third of college students report heavy episodic drinking (HED; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2019), defined as four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men on a single occasion. This mixed‐methods study examined the feasibility of a mindfulness intervention intended to reduce HED. Thirty‐six students were assigned to either (a) a 4‐week mindfulness intervention or (b) a personalized email. The mindfulness group reported fewer weekend night drinks postintervention. Adaptations that can reduce barriers to attendance will be needed.
A Mixed‐Methods Examination of Counselors' Social Class and Socioeconomic Status Perceptions
Authors: Cook Jennifer M. , Ong Lee Za , Zavgorodnya Olga
Published: July 2021

We investigated how counselors (N = 157) perceived social class and socioeconomic status (SES) via a mixed‐methods design. Among other findings, the results revealed participants provided limited or SES‐only responses when they defined social class. We describe counseling practice and training implications from a culturally informed, humanistic perspective.
Transgender College Student Identity Development: A Narratology of Intermediating Experiences
Authors: Cavanaugh Kellin M. , Luke Melissa M.
Published: July 2021

Using a narratological framework, we examined how gender roles and stereotypes affect experiences of transgender and gender‐nonconforming college students. Six participants were interviewed about navigating their gender identity throughout college and adulthood. Four themes emerged: gendered attributes, within‐group differences, identity development, and experiences in counseling. Themes are discussed in light of humanistic literature, and implications are discussed.
Oligometastasis scoring system for predicting survival of patients with colorectal liver metastasis after hepatectomy
Authors: Inoue Hiroyuki , Kawaguchi Tsutomu , Ikoma Hisashi , Morimura Ryo , Yamamoto Yusuke , Ochiai Toshiya , Shimizu Hiroki , Arita Tomohiro , Konishi Hirotaka , Shiozaki Atsushi , Kuriu Yoshiaki , Kubota Takeshi , Fujiwara Hitoshi , Okamoto Kazuma , Takahashi Hideo , Takabe Kazuaki , Tsung Allan , Otsuji Eigo
Published: July 2021

Background

Oligometastasis, the presence of a small number of resectable metastatic tumors, usually has favorable outcomes. Here we examined whether the novel oligometastatic score (OLGS), which divides the number of colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) by the time from colorectal resection to liver recurrence, better predicts CRLM patient survival than the commonly used clinical risk score.

Methods

A total of 143 patients who underwent curative hepatectomy for CRLMs between 2007 and 2018 were analyzed. We investigated their clinical characteristics and outcomes using OLGS.

Results

Of the 143 CRLM patients, 70 had synchronous CRLMs and 73 had metachronous CRLMs. Patients with metachronous CRLMs were divided into OLGS‐low (n = 59) and OLGS‐high (n = 14) subgroups. The 5‐year overall survival (OS) rates after hepatectomy differed significantly between the subgroups (p < .001). In the multivariate Cox model, a high OLGS was an independent predictor of 5‐year OS (p < .001), and the hazard ratio (HR) of the OLGS‐high group (HR = 7.171) was higher than that of the high clinical risk score group (HR = 4.337).

Conclusion

The OLGS, a simple and handy scoring system, better predicts the 5‐year OS of patients with CRLMs after hepatectomy and warrants prospective validation.
Analyzing the role of knowledge management process to enhance sustainable corporate performance: A mediation moderation model
Authors: Hussain Zahid , Jusoh Ahmad , Jamil Khalid , Rehman Ahmad Ur , Gul Rana Faizan
Published: July 2021

In the contemporary world, green innovation (GI) is the most discussed area to enhance corporate sustainable performance (CSP) in manufacturing firms. The knowledge management (KM) process is also a key determinant of GI. Existing literature is limited to KM and its impact on CSP. This study aims to determine the effect of the KM process on sustainable corporate performance with the association of GI and absorptive capacity. The survey method was used to collect data from 250 respondents of manufacturing firms in Pakistan. Structure equation modeling was applied to collected data to obtain the results. Results show that all three dimensions of KM have a significant impact on GI. Furthermore, GI also has a significant and positive impact on sustainable corporate performance. Results further show that GI partially mediates the relationship of the KM process and sustainable corporate performance, and absorptive capacity moderates the relationship of the KM process and GI, but there was no moderating effect of absorptive capacity between the relationship of the KM process and CSP. The findings of this study will provide useful insights for experts and manufacturers. It will help to understand the role of KM in their organizational behavior by being an eco‐innovative ecological, economic, and social organization.
Sleep Performance and Chronotype Behavior in Unilateral Vestibular Hypofunction
Authors: Micarelli Alessandro , Viziano Andrea , Pistillo Rossella , Granito Ivan , Micarelli Beatrice , Alessandrini Marco
Published: July 2021

Objective

To evaluate sleep behavior and its relation to otoneurological parameters in a group of patients with chronic unilateral vestibular hypofunction (UVH) without self‐reported sleep disturbances when compared with healthy subjects serving as a control group (CG).

Methods

Fifty‐one patients affected by UVH underwent a retrospective clinical and instrumental otoneurological examination, a 1‐week actigraphy sleep analysis, and a series of self‐report and performance measures (SRM/PM). A CG of 60 gender‐ and age‐matched healthy subjects was also enrolled. A between‐group analysis of variance was performed for each variable, while correlation analysis was performed in UVH patients between otoneurological, SRM/PM, and actigraphy measure scores.

Results

When compared with CG subjects, UVH patients were found to be spending less time sleeping and taking more time to go from being fully awake to asleep, based on actigraphy‐based sleep analysis. Also, SRM/PM depicted UVH patients to have poor sleep quality and to be more prone to an evening‐type behavior. Correlations were found between vestibular‐related functionality indexes and subjective sleep quality, as well as between longer disease duration and reduced sleep time.

Conclusion

For the first time, a multiparametric sleep analysis was performed on a large population‐based sample of chronic UVH patients. While a different pattern in sleep behavior was found, the cause is still unclear. Further research is needed to expand the extent of knowledge about sleep disruption in vestibular disorders.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:2341–2347, 2021
FADS1 gene polymorphism(s) and fatty acid composition of serum lipids in adolescents
Authors: Metelcová Tereza , Vaňková Markéta , Zamrazilová Hana , Hovhannisyan Milena , Staňková Barbora , Tvrzická Eva , Hill Martin , Hainer Vojtěch , Včelák Josef , Kunešová Marie
Published: July 2021

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) influence many physiological functions. Associations have been found between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the FADS1 (Fatty acid desaturase 1) gene and the relative abundance of PUFA in serum lipids. This study examines the relationship between two SNPs in the FADS1 gene (rs174546, rs174537) and the fatty acid (FA) composition of serum lipids in adolescents (13–18 years). We used DNA samples (670 children; 336 girls and 334 boys) from the Childhood Obesity Prevalence and Treatment (COPAT) project. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes in whole blood samples. For genotype analysis, TaqMan SNP Genotyping assays (Applied Biosystems) were used. Fatty acid composition of serum lipids was assessed using gas chromatography. The T‐statistic and regression were used for statistical evaluations. Minor allele T carriers in both SNPs had significant lower level of palmitic acid (16:0, phospholipids) and arachidonic acid (20:4[n‐6], phospholipids) in both sexes. In girls, we found a significant positive association between minor allele T carriers and eicosadienoic acid (20:2[n‐6], cholesteryl esters) in both SNPs. Being a minor allele T carrier was significantly positively associated with dihomo‐γ‐linolenic acid (20:3[n‐6], phospholipids) in boys in both SNPs. SNPs (including rs174546, rs174537) in the FADS gene cluster should have impacted desaturase activity, which may contribute to different efficiency of PUFA synthesis.
SLC10A2 deficiency‐induced congenital chronic bile acid diarrhea and stunting
Authors: Qie Di , Zhang Yulin , Gong Xue , He Yunru , Qiao Lina , Lu Guoyan , Li Yifei
Published: July 2021

Background

Diarrhea is a common occurrence in children below the age of 5 years. In chronic cases, it induces malnutrition that severely stunts growth. Bile acid diarrhea (BAD), caused by malabsorption of bile acid (BA), is a rare form of chronic diarrhea seldom observed in pediatric patients. Here, we present a clinical report on a novel case of chronic BAD, with severe stunting in an infant, induced by a homozygous mutation of SLC10A2.

Methods

We performed DNA extraction, whole‐exome sequencing analysis, and mutation analysis of SLC10A2 to obtain genetic data on the patient. We subsequently analyzed the patient's clinical and genetic data.

Results

The patient's clinical manifestations were chronic diarrhea with increased BAs in the feces and extreme stunting, which was diagnosed as BAD. A homozygous mutation of SLC10A2 at the c.313T>C (rs201206937) site was detected.

Conclusion

Our report reveals the youngest case illustrating the characteristics of BAD induced by genetic variant at 313T>C, and the second case entailing a clear association between a SLC10A2 genetic mutation and the onset of BAD. Our findings expand the mutant spectrum of the SLC10A2 gene and contribute to the refinement of the genotype–phenotype mapping of severe stunting induced by pediatric BAD. Moreover, they highlight the value of molecular genetic screening for diagnosing BAD in young patients.
Low‐profile compact metasurface‐loaded patch antenna with enhanced bandwidth
Authors: Wan Weikang , Xue Mei , Cao Liqiang , Ye Tianchun , Wang Qidong
Published: July 2021

In this article, a low‐profile wideband metasurface‐loaded patch antenna is proposed. The antenna utilizes a compact structure of square ring type metasurface loaded patch to increase the bandwidth of traditional microstrip patch antenna. By introducing a patch‐induced metasurface mode at higher frequency combined with the fundamental patch mode at lower frequency in the band of interest, a dual‐mode operation is revealed with the aid of characteristic mode analysis. Compared with conventional metasurface antenna fed by a long radiating slot, the proposed antenna can achieve a 30% reduction in aperture size with a simpler configuration, clear dual‐mode operation and significant improvement of backward radiation. To validate the concept, a 1 × 4 array prototype of proposed antenna is manufactured under a low profile of 0.04λ0 (λ0 is the free space wavelength at 27.5 GHz). The measured results indicate the antenna array achieves a wide impedance bandwidth of 22.8% with a peak realized gain of 13.1 dBi and a high front‐to‐back ratio over 20 dB.
35Cl–1H Heteronuclear correlation magic‐angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance experiments for probing pharmaceutical salts
Authors: Iuga Dinu , Corlett Emily K. , Brown Steven P.
Published: July 2021

Heteronuclear multiple‐quantum coherence (HMQC) pulse sequences for establishing heteronuclear correlation in solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) between 35Cl and 1H nuclei in chloride salts under fast (60 kHz) magic‐angle spinning (MAS) and at high magnetic field (a 1H Larmor frequency of 850 MHz) are investigated. Specifically, recoupling of the 35Cl–1H dipolar interaction using rotary resonance recoupling with phase inversion every rotor period or the symmetry‐based SR421 pulse sequences are compared. In our implementation of the population transfer (PT) dipolar (D) HMQC experiment, the satellite transitions of the 35Cl nuclei are saturated with an off‐resonance WURST sweep, at a low nutation frequency, over the second spinning sideband, whereby the WURST pulse must be of the same duration as the recoupling time. Numerical simulations of the 35Cl–1H MAS D‐HMQC experiment performed separately for each crystallite orientation in a powder provide insight into the orientation dependence of changes in the second‐order quadrupolar‐broadened 35Cl MAS NMR lineshape under the application of dipolar recoupling. Two‐dimensional 35Cl–1H PT‐D‐HMQC MAS NMR spectra are presented for the amino acids glycine·HCl and l‐tyrosine·HCl and the pharmaceuticals cimetidine·HCl, amitriptyline·HCl and lidocaine·HCl·H2O. Experimentally observed 35Cl lineshapes are compared with those simulated for 35Cl chemical shift and quadrupolar parameters as calculated using the gauge‐including projector‐augmented wave (GIPAW) method: the calculated quadrupolar product (PQ) values exceed those measured experimentally by a factor of between 1.3 and 1.9.
Improving deuterium metabolic imaging (DMI) signal‐to‐noise ratio by spectroscopic multi‐echo bSSFP: A pancreatic cancer investigation
Authors: Peters Dana C. , Markovic Stefan , Bao Qingjia , Preise Dina , Sasson Keren , Agemy Lilach , Scherz Avigdor , Frydman Lucio
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Deuterium metabolic imaging (DMI) maps the uptake of deuterated precursors and their conversion into lactate and other markers of tumor metabolism. Even after leveraging 2H’s short T1s, DMI’s signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) is limited. We hypothesize that a multi‐echo balanced steady‐state free precession (ME‐bSSFP) approach would increase SNR compared to chemical shift imaging (CSI), while achieving spectral isolation of the metabolic precursors and products.

Methods

Suitably tuned 2H ME‐bSSFP (five echo times [TEs], ΔTE = 2.2 ms, repetition time [TR]/flip‐angle = 12 ms/60°) was implemented at 15.2T and compared to CSI (TR/flip‐angle = 95 ms/90°) regarding SNR and spectral isolation, in simulations, in deuterated phantoms and for the in vivo diagnosis of a mouse tumor model of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (N = 10).

Results

Simulations predicted an SNR increase vs. CSI of 3‐5, and that the peaks of 2H‐water, 2H6,6’‐glucose, and 2H3,3’‐lactate can be well isolated by ME‐bSSFP; phantoms confirmed this. In vivo, at equal spatial resolution (1.25 × 1.25 mm2) and scan time (10 min), 2H6,6’‐glucose’s and 2H3,3’‐lactate’s SNR were indeed higher for bSSFP than for CSI, three‐fold for glucose (57 ± 30 vs. 19 ± 11, P < .001), doubled for water (13 ± 5 vs. 7 ± 3, P = .005). The time courses and overall localization of all metabolites agreed well, comparing CSI against ME‐bSSFP. However, a clearer localization of glucose in kidneys and bladder, the detection of glucose‐avid rims in certain tumors, and a heterogeneous pattern of intra‐tumor lactate production could only be observed using ME‐bSSFP’s higher resolution.

Conclusions

ME‐bSSFP provides greater SNR per unit time than CSI, providing for higher spatial resolution mapping of glucose uptake and lactate production in tumors.
Bilanzen der Laborzulieferer ‐ Nachfrage und Nachschub
Authors: Zbikowski Frauke
Published: July 2021

Anders als in der Gesamtwirtschaft lief es im Jahr 2020 bei den Laborzulieferern: Für einige gehörte es zu den erfolgreichsten der Unternehmensgeschichte. Die große Nachfrage – vor allem nach Verbrauchsmaterialien – konnten die Hersteller allerdings oft nicht bedienen. Aufgrund der Pandemie stockten die Lieferketten.
Nachruf: Bernhard Fell (1929 – 2021)
Authors: Cornely Wolfgang , Liauw Marcel , Offermanns Heribert
Published: July 2021

Bernhard Fell (hier mit seiner Frau, gemalt von seiner Tochter) war „Mann der ersten Stunde“ beim Aufbau des Aachener Instituts für Technische Chemie.
Trojaner vom Verlag
Authors: Zbikowski Frauke
Published: July 2021

Lesende Wissenschaftler geben mehr von sich preis, als sie denken.
Initial experience using a novel nerve stimulator for the management of pudendal neuralgia
Authors: Hoang Roberts Ly , Vollstedt Annah , Volin Joshua , McCartney Teresa , Peters Kenneth M.
Published: July 2021

Aims

In patients with pudendal neuralgia, prior studies have shown efficacy in chronic stimulation with Interstim® (Medtronic, Inc.). This feasibility study reports on the initial experience of using a wireless system to power an implanted lead at the pudendal nerve, StimWave®, to treat pudendal neuralgia.

Methods

Retrospective chart review identified patients with a lead placed at the pudendal nerve for neuralgia and powered wirelessly. Clinical outcomes were assessed at Postoperative visits and phone calls. Administered non‐validated follow‐up questionnaire evaluated the Global Response Assessment, percentage of pain improvement, satisfaction with device, and initial and current settings of the device (h/day of stimulation).

Results

Thirteen patients had the StimWave® lead placed at the pudendal nerve, 12 (92%) female and 1 (7.6%) male. Mean age was 50 years (range: 20–58). Failed prior therapies include medical therapy (100%), pelvic floor physical therapy (92%), pudendal nerve blocks (85%), pelvic floor muscle trigger point injections (69%), neuromodulation (30.7%), or surgeries for urogenital pain (23.1%). After the trial period, 10/13 (76.9%) had >50% improvement in pain with 6/13 (46.1%) reporting 100% pain improvement. Nine underwent permanent lead placement. At last postoperative visit (range, 6–83 days), 5/9 patients reported >50% pain improvement. Seven patients reached for phone calls (22–759 days) reported symptoms to be “markedly improved” (n = 2), “moderately improved” (n = 4), or “slightly improved” (n = 1). At follow up, complications included lead migration (n = 2), broken wire (n = 1), or nonfunctioning antenna (n = 2).

Conclusion

Complex patients with pudendal neuralgia may benefit from pudendal nerve stimulation via StimWave®.
Body composition measures may help target fundamental nutritional nursing efforts in rehabilitating patients with acquired brain injury
Authors: Aadal Lena , Odgaard Lene , Feldbæk Nielsen Jørgen , Rasmussen Henrik Højgaard , Holst Mette
Published: July 2021

Aim

To illuminate using body composition measurements for malnutrition measured by Bio Impedance Analysis (BIA), as opposed to body mass index (BMI), and discuss benefits and burdens for fundamental nursing care.

Design

A second analysis of a prospective, descriptive cohort study, targeting fundamental nursing care elements.

Methods

This postevaluation study explored data from a prospective, descriptive cohort study, which consecutively included 92 patients admitted for neurorehabilitation care. Measures of nutritional status were BMI and FFMI. Chi‐Square test and Multivariable logistic regression were used.

Results

Body composition measures rather than BMI contributed to target individual nutritional nursing care as this measure detected more patients at potential risk of malnutrition and indicated minor changes in the nutritional state. Transitions from being malnourished to a normal nutritional status occurred in 29% using the BMI definition while it was the case in 40% of individuals with malnutrition defined by the body composition.
Sleep fragmentation and the risk of obesity: The Sleep Heart Health Study
Authors: Zhao Binbin , Sun Shuliu , He Xiaoyan , Yang Jian , Ma Xiancang , Yan Bin
Published: July 2021

Objective

Sleep disturbances have been recognized as a risk factor for obesity. This study used polysomnography records to investigate associations between sleep fragmentation and obesity.

Methods

Objectively measured sleep fragmentation data recorded by in‐home polysomnography, including total arousal index (ArI‐total), ArI in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (ArI‐REM), ArI in non‐REM sleep (ArI‐NREM), sleep fragmentation index, sleep efficiency (SE), and wake after sleep onset (WASO), were based on the Sleep Heart Health Study (2,835 men and 2,888 women with a mean [SD] age of 63.2 [11.2] years). Multivariable regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between sleep fragmentation and obesity.

Results

Multinomial logistic regression showed that participants with obesity have a significantly higher ArI‐total (odds ratio [OR] 1.018; 95% CI: 1.010‐1.026, p < 0.001), ArI‐REM (OR 1.010; 95% CI: 1.002‐1.018, p = 0.009), ArI‐NREM (OR 1.017; 95% CI: 1.009‐1.024, p < 0.001), and WASO (OR 1.003; 95% CI: 1.001‐1.005, p = 0.007) compared with those with normal weight. Furthermore, multiple linear regression analyses showed an obvious correlation between ArI‐total, ArI‐REM, ArI‐NREM, SE, WASO, and BMI.

Conclusions

The results revealed that ArI‐total, ArI‐REM, ArI‐NREM, SE, and WASO were associated with obesity. The improvement of sleep fragmentation may contribute to decreasing the risk of obesity.
Guaranteed cost control for semi‐Markovian jump systems by a conditionally mode‐dependent controller
Authors: Wang Guoliang , Song Ge , Wang Xiaoqiang
Published: July 2021

This article considers the guaranteed cost control problem of continuous‐time semi‐Markovian jump system. First, a conditionally mode‐dependent controller is proposed, which includes mode‐dependent and ‐independent controllers as special cases. Via exploiting a Lyapunov function method and enlarging techniques, sufficient LMI conditions are presented for solving such a controller directly. All the features such as conditional probability, sojourn time, and transition probability are involved. More extensions about general conditional probabilities such as uncertain and partially unknown cases are considered. Finally, a practical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed methods.
Synergistic toughening of poly(lactic acid)/poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) (PLA/EVA) by dynamic vulcanization and presence of hydrophobic nanoparticles
Authors: Lohrasbi Pardis , Yeganeh Jafar Khademzadeh
Published: July 2021

The presented research reports a successful preparation of a super toughened poly(lactic acid)/poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) (PLA/EVA) blend using simultaneous dicumyl peroxide (DCP)‐induced dynamic vulcanization and addition of hydrophobic spherical silica nanoparticles (NPs). The torque evolution during melt mixing of the samples was assessed to track the dynamic vulcanization process. NPs were localized mainly in the EVA droplets and at the interface where a layer of particles was formed with a small amount dispersed in the PLA matrix. The incorporation of NPs or DCP induced compatibilization, causing a drastic decline in the size of EVA droplets in addition to improving the interfacial adhesion. On the other hand, simultaneous dynamic vulcanization and NPs incorporation synergistically affected the compatibilization of EVA and PLA phases. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was employed to analyze the thermal transition and crystallization behavior of the samples. Simultaneous incorporation of silica nanoparticles and DCP at an optimum content significantly improved the tensile toughness, elongation at break, and impact strength, giving rise to super toughened PLA/EVA blend. The elongation at break and impact strength of the dynamically vulcanized PLA/EVA blend containing 5% nanosilica showed an increase from 7% to 175% and 5.1 to more than 77 kJ/m2, respectively as compared to the neat sample. Based on SEM analysis of the fractured surface of the tensile samples, cavitation in combination with intensive shear yielding of the matrix were dominating toughening mechanisms. Finally, the effect of DCP and NPs on the microstructural properties of the sample was investigated through rheological evaluations.
Immobilization of cobalt‐loaded laponite/carboxymethyl chitosan on polycaprolactone nanofiber for improving osteogenesis and angiogenesis activities
Authors: Arab‐Ahmadi Samira , Irani Shiva , Bakhshi Hadi , Atyabi Fatemeh , Ghalandari Behafarid
Published: July 2021

Designing scaffolds with therapeutic potential to stimulate angiogenesis and osteogenesis is considered a promising strategy in the regeneration of large skeletal defects. In this study, the cobalt ions (Co2+) were incorporated in laponite (LAP) nanodiscs (0.65, 1.3, and 2.6 g/L) and, in combination with carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC), were immobilized on the electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofiber to fabricate scaffolds for simultaneous enhancing osteogenesis and angiogenesis inductions to human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. The Fourier transform infrared, energy dispersive X‐ray, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometries confirmed the Co2+‐loading on the LAP nanodiscs and the chemical immobilization on the surface of PCL nanofibers. The result of MTT assay, scanning electron microscopy, and fluorescence staining displayed that Co2+‐loaded scaffolds were biocompatible. Furthermore, the incorporation of Co2+ ions into LAP nanodiscs had significant effects on the calcium deposition and expression of osteogenic markers, alkaline phosphatase and osteonectin, as well as, the expression of angiogenic markers, hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α and vascular endothelial growth factor of the cells seeded on the scaffolds (p ≤ 0.05). These results suggested that the combination of Co2+ ions with CMC/LAP could result in a synergetic effect on the osteogenesis and angiogenesis stimulations.
Factors that affect protein abundance of a positive regulator of abscisic acid signalling, the basic leucine zipper transcription factor ABRE‐binding factor 2 (ABF2)
Authors: Linden Katrina J. , Chen Yi‐Tze , Kyaw Khin , Schultz Brandan , Callis Judy
Published: July 2021

Most members of basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor (TF) subgroup A play important roles as positive effectors in abscisic acid (ABA) signaling during germination and/or in vegetative stress responses. In multiple plant species, one member, ABA insensitive 5 (ABI5), is a major TF that promotes seed maturation and blocks early seeding growth in response to ABA. Other members, referred to as either ABRE‐binding factors (ABFs), ABRE‐binding proteins (AREBs), or D3 protein‐binding factors (DPBFs), are implicated as major players in stress responses during vegetative growth. Studies on the proteolytic regulation of ABI5, ABF1, and ABF3 in Arabidopsis thaliana have shown that the proteins have moderate degradation rates and accumulate in the presence of the proteasome inhibitor MG132. Exogenous ABA slows their degradation and the ubiquitin E3 ligase called KEEP ON GOING (KEG) is important for their degradation. However, there are some reported differences in degradation among subgroup A members. The conserved C‐terminal sequences (referred to as the C4 region) enhance degradation of ABI5 but stabilize ABF1 and ABF3. To better understand the proteolytic regulation of the ABI5/ABFs and determine whether there are differences between vegetative ABFs and ABI5, we studied the degradation of an additional family member, ABF2, and compared its in vitro degradation to that of ABI5. As previously seen for ABI5, ABF1, and ABF3, epitope‐tagged constitutively expressed ABF2 degrades in seedlings treated with cycloheximide and is stabilized following treatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG132. Tagged ABF2 protein accumulates when seedlings are treated with ABA, but its mRNA levels do not increase, suggesting that the protein is stabilized in the presence of ABA. ABF2 is also an in vitro ubiquitination substrate of the E3 ligase KEG and recombinant ABF2 is stable in keg lysates. ABF2 with a C4 deletion degrades more quickly in vitro than full‐length ABF2, as previously observed for ABF1 and ABF3, suggesting that the conserved C4 region contributes to its stability. In contrast to ABF2 and consistent with previously published work, ABI5 with C terminal deletions including an analogous C4 deletion is stabilized in vitro compared to full length ABI5. In vivo expression of an ABF1 C4 deletion protein appears to have reduced activity compared to equivalent levels of full length ABF1. Additional group A family members show similar proteolytic regulation by MG132 and ABA. Altogether, these results together with other work on ABI5 regulation suggest that the vegetative ABFs share proteolytic regulatory mechanisms that are not completely shared with ABI5.
Quest of Schiff bases as corrosion inhibitors: A first principle approach
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Kaur Kulwinder , Kaur Harminder
Published: July 2021

In the present work, the corrosion inhibition activity of three Schiff bases benzylidene‐pyridine‐2‐yl‐amine (BPA), (4‐methylbenzylidene)‐pyridine‐2‐ylamine (4CH3‐BPA), and (4‐chloro‐benzylidene)‐pyridine‐2‐yl‐amine (4Cl‐BPA) was investigated using density functional theory (DFT) to study the relationship between electronic parameters and the corrosion inhibition activity. The global energy parameters such as EHOMO, ELUMO, ΔEgap, and Dipole moment (μ), electron involved between inhibitor and the metal atom (ΔN), and total energy of the inhibitor (T.E.) parameters were examined. A good correlation is observed between experimental and theoretical calculations. A new Schiff base with OH functional group (OH‐BPA) is designed, and all theoretical calculations were performed to study its potential to act as an anticorrosive material. The effect of the presence of OH functional group at different positions on corrosion inhibition activity is also investigated. The best corrosion inhibition activity is achieved by Schiff base with OH functional group at para position.