bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La promoción del deporte a través de la felicidad del deportista federado en Kárate
Authors: Cuesta-Valiño Pedro , Loranca-Valle Cristina , Núñez-Barriopedro Estela
Published: January 2020

Purpose: The main objective of the present work is first to analyze the causes of the scarce variation in the number of sports licenses in the last 10 years and consequently contribute strategies to attract and retain the affiliated member. One of the novelties of this work is that the main variables that affect consumer happiness are analyzed. Thus, organizations can correctly manage these variables in order to make their members happier. Happier people are more likely to continue in the federation and attract new members.

Design/methodology: Firstly, an exploratory study was carried out with a review of the information, followed by a correlational study with primary information through a survey. For this, the variables that influence athletes´ happiness are analyzed, obtaining a sample of 601 affiliated athletes. The fieldwork was carried out in the various autonomous karate federations in Spain.

Research limitations/implications: One of the main limitations is that this research has been carried out on a specific sport discipline, karate. So in future lines of research you can extrapolate to other federations that generate new perspectives.

Originality/value: One of the main objectives sports federations have is the promotion and dissemination of sport in society. However, the real situation is that the number of federated athletes has increased scarcely in recent years. As a result of this situation, this study aims to contribute to explaining to the managers of sports federations how they can develop more creative and effective communication campaigns in hope of obtaining loyal consumers along with a more considerable increase in members.
Distinct roles for innexin gap junctions and hemichannels in mechanosensation
Authors: Walker Denise S , Schafer William R
Published: January 2020

Mechanosensation is central to a wide range of functions, including tactile and pain perception, hearing, proprioception, and control of blood pressure, but identifying the molecules underlying mechanotransduction has proved challenging. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the avoidance response to gentle body touch is mediated by six touch receptor neurons (TRNs), and is dependent on MEC-4, a DEG/ENaC channel. We show that hemichannels containing the innexin protein UNC-7 are also essential for gentle touch in the TRNs, as well as harsh touch in both the TRNs and the PVD nociceptors. UNC-7 and MEC-4 do not colocalize, suggesting that their roles in mechanosensory transduction are independent. Heterologous expression of unc-7 in touch-insensitive chemosensory neurons confers ectopic touch sensitivity, indicating a specific role for UNC-7 hemichannels in mechanosensation. The unc-7 touch defect can be rescued by the homologous mouse gene Panx1 gene, thus, innexin/pannexin proteins may play broadly conserved roles in neuronal mechanotransduction.
Bacterial interspecies interactions modulate pH-mediated antibiotic tolerance
Authors: Aranda-Díaz Andrés , Obadia Benjamin , Dodge Ren , Thomsen Tani , Hallberg Zachary F , Güvener Zehra Tüzün , Ludington William B , Huang Kerwyn Casey
Published: January 2020

Predicting antibiotic efficacy within microbial communities remains highly challenging. Interspecies interactions can impact antibiotic activity through many mechanisms, including alterations to bacterial physiology. Here, we studied synthetic communities constructed from the core members of the fruit fly gut microbiota. Co-culturing of Lactobacillus plantarum with Acetobacter species altered its tolerance to the transcriptional inhibitor rifampin. By measuring key metabolites and environmental pH, we determined that Acetobacter species counter the acidification driven by L. plantarum production of lactate. Shifts in pH were sufficient to modulate L. plantarum tolerance to rifampin and the translational inhibitor erythromycin. A reduction in lag time exiting stationary phase was linked to L. plantarum tolerance to rifampicin, opposite to a previously identified mode of tolerance to ampicillin in E. coli. This mechanistic understanding of the coupling among interspecies interactions, environmental pH, and antibiotic tolerance enables future predictions of growth and the effects of antibiotics in more complex communities.
Forekomst, variasjon og kjønnsforskjeller av depressive symptomer blant barn og unge som deltar i ulike fritidsaktiviteter, en tverrsnittstudie
Authors: Juul Else Marie Lysfjord , Hjemdal Odin , Aune Tore
Published: January 2020

Prevalence, variation and gender differences of depressive symptoms among children and adolescents participating in various leisure activities, a cross-sectional study

Depressive symptoms among children and adolescents pose a significant health challenge, yet little is known about gender differences, incidence and variation of depressive symptoms. A population-based sample of children and adolescents aged 11-14, (N = 1748) was mapped for the occurrence of depressive symptoms across various leisure activities. The results show that those who participate in sports, either exclusively or in combination with cultural activities, report lower levels of depressive symptoms compared to those who only participate in cultural activities. The study confirms a considerable incidence of depressive symptoms among children and adolescents and provide new knowledge of variation in the incidence of depressive symptoms. The findings suggest that special attention should be paid to children and adolescents neither participate in sports, nor a range of leisure activities.
Nordiske sundhedsfremmende perspektiver på ældre menneskers deltagelse og tryghed
Authors: Mahler Marianne , Clancy Anne , Johannessen Aud , Lind Johanne , Liveng Anne , Sarvimäki Anneli , Stenbock-Hult Bettina , Simonsen Nina
Published: January 2020

Nordic Health Promotion Perspectives on Older Adults Participation and Sense og Security
Demographic changes and the growing elderly population in Scandinavia provide an incentive to study Health Ageing in the Nordic Countries. The chosen Nordic perspective takes into account commonalities and differences in socio-economic status, welfare systems, gender, history and culture. It also involves focusing on the health of individuals and populations. The Nordic perspective and the authors’ understanding of health and health promotion provide a backdrop for the essay. The authors are part of the Nordic Health Promotion Network (NHPRN), which is grounded in an ethics of health and well-being. This understanding highlights key values such as participation, justice and equality (freedom from discrimination), autonomy (independence). The authors focus mainly on the importance of participation and on the older person’s sense of security in this paper. We seek answers to what prevents and in which way Healthy Ageing can be promoted in the Northern countries. Concepts such as discrimination, retirement, dementia, nursing home residents’ access to nature and the elements, and the importance of relationships are illuminated.
Post-treatment of hyaluronan to decrease the apoptotic effects of carprofen in canine articular chondrocyte culture
Authors: Nganvongpanit Korakot , Euppayo Thippaporn , Siengdee Puntita , Buddhachat Kittisak , Chomdej Siriwadee , Ongchai Siriwan
Published: January 2020

A major concern associated with the use of drugs is their adverse side effects. Specific examples of the drugs of concern include antibiotic agents and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Despite the presence of a high degree of efficacy for specific conditions, these drugs may deteriorate the surrounding tissues that are exposed to them. Often, carprofen is used for joint inflammation; however, it may stimulate cartilage degradation which can then lead to osteoarthritis progression. In this study, hyaluronan was combined with carprofen treatment in three different applications (pre-treatment, co-treatment and post-treatment) on normal canine chondrocytes to determine whether Hyaluronan (HA) is capable of mitigating the degree of chondrotoxicity of carprofen. Our findings revealed that carprofen at IC20(0.16 mg/mL) decreased viability and increased nitric oxide (NO) production. Importantly, carprofen induced the apoptosis of canine chondrocytes via the up-regulation ofBax,Casp3,Casp8,Casp9andNOS2as compared to the control group. Although the co-treatment of HA and carprofen appeared not to further alleviate the chondrotoxicity of carprofen due to the presence of a high number of apoptotic chondrocytes, post-treatment with HA (carprofen treatment for 24 h and then changed to HA for 24 h) resulted in a decrease in chondrocyte apoptosis by the down-regulation ofBax,Casp3,Casp8,Casp9,NOS2, along with NO production when compared with the treatment of carprofen for 48 h (P< 0.05). These results suggest that HA can be used as a therapeutic agent to mitigate the degree of chondrotoxicity of carprofen.
Paper‐Based Cell Cryopreservation
Authors: Alnemari Roaa , Sukumar Pavithra , Deliorman Muhammedin , Qasaimeh Mohammad A.
Published: January 2020

The continuous development of simple and practical cell cryopreservation methods is of great importance to a variety of sectors, especially when considering the efficient short‐ and long‐term storage of cells and their transportation. Although the overall success of such methods has been increased in recent years, there is still need for a unified platform that is highly suitable for efficient cryogenic storage of cells in addition to their easy‐to‐manage retrieval. Here, a paper‐based cell cryopreservation method as an alternative to conventional cryopreservation methods is presented. The method is space‐saving, cost‐effective, simple and easy to manage, and requires no additional fine‐tuning to conventional freezing and thawing procedures to yield comparable recovery of viable cells. It is shown that treating papers with fibronectin solution enhances the release of viable cells post thawing as compared to untreated paper platforms. Additionally, upon release, the remaining cells within the paper lead to the formation and growth of spheroid‐like structures. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the developed method works with paper‐based 3D cultures, where preformed 3D cultures can be efficiently cryopreserved.
Plasmonic Cell‐Derived Nanocomposites for Light‐Controlled Cargo Release inside Living Cells
Authors: Soprano Enrica , Alvarez Aitor , Pelaz Beatriz , del Pino Pablo , Polo Ester
Published: January 2020

Translating the potential of thermoplasmonics to cell‐derived nanomaterials offers exciting opportunities to fabricate beyond state‐of‐art artificial biomimetic nanocomposites that upon illumination perform active tasks such as delivery of cargo in complex, dynamic media such as the cytosol of cells. Cell‐derived nanoparticles have shown stunning potential to implement cell‐specific functions, such as long blood circulation or targeting capabilities, into advanced drug delivery nanosystems. The biomimicry nanotechnology has now advanced to offer new and exciting opportunities to improve the commonly poor in vivo performance of most current nanomedicines, including evading the immune system and targeting specific tissues such as tumors, the latest remaining among the most wanted breakthroughs in nanomedicine. However, the use of cell‐derived nanocomposites as stimulus‐controlled drug delivery agents remains virtually unexplored. This study reports the fabrication of a plasmonic cell‐derived nanocomposite by integrating near‐infrared active gold nanorods in its structure. As a proof of concept, the plasmonic nanomembranes are loaded with cell non‐permeant antibodies, which upon near‐infrared stimulation can be released from the plasmonic nanomembranes into the cytosol of living cells, without impairing cell viability or the antibodies' function. These results set the stage for the development of photoactive cell‐derived nanocarriers, which in addition to cell‐specific functions promise straightforward access to spatiotemporal‐controlled intracellular delivery of antibodies.
Fine‐Tuning Intrinsic Strain in Penta‐Twinned Pt–Cu–Mn Nanoframes Boosts Oxygen Reduction Catalysis
Authors: Qin Yuchen , Zhang Wenlong , Guo Kai , Liu Xiaobiao , Liu Jiaqi , Liang Xiaoyu , Wang Xiaopeng , Gao Daowei , Gan LiYong , Zhu Yating , Zhang Zhicheng , Hu Wenping
Published: January 2020

Tuning the intrinsic strain of Pt‐based nanomaterials has shown great promise for improving the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance. Herein, reported is a tunable surface strain in penta‐twinned ternary Pt–Cu–Mn nanoframes (NFs). Pt–Cu–Mn ultrafine NFs (UNFs) exhibit ≈1.5% compressive strain compared to Pt–Cu–Mn pentagonal NFs (PNFs) and show the superior activity toward ORR in an alkaline environment. Specifically, the specific and mass activity of Pt–Cu–Mn UNFs are 3.38 mA cm−2 and 1.45 A mg−1, respectively, which is 1.45 and 1.71 times higher than that of Pt–Cu–Mn PNFs, demonstrating that compressive strain in NFs structure can effectively enhance the catalytic activity of ORR. Impressively, Pt–Cu–Mn UNFs exhibit 8.67 and 9.67 times enhanced specific and mass activity compared with commercial Pt/C. Theoretical calculations reveal that compression on the surface of Pt–Cu–Mn UNFs can weaken the bonding strengths and adsorption of oxygen‐containing intermediates, resulting in an optimal condition for ORR.
Evolving Magnetically Levitated Plasma Proteins Detects Opioid Use Disorder as a Model Disease
Authors: Ashkarran Ali Akbar , Olfatbakhsh Tina , Ramezankhani Milad , Crist Richard C. , Berrettini Wade H. , Milani Abbas S. , Pakpour Sepideh , Mahmoudi Morteza
Published: January 2020

There are several methods (e.g., enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy) that already use human plasma to detect a variety of possible diseases. However, this paper introduces the capabilities of magnetic levitation (Maglev) to detect disease (Opioid Use Disorder, used here as a model disease) by using levitation of human plasma proteins. The presented proof‐of‐concept findings revealed that the optical images of magnetically levitated plasma proteins carry important information about the health spectrum of plasma donors. In addition, the liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy analysis of the magnetically levitated plasma proteins demonstrated remarkable differences between the plasma of healthy individuals and patients with opioid use disorders. Overall, the presented method provides diagnostic value for disease detection using optical images of evolving magnetically levitated plasma proteins and/or proteomic information.
Enhanced Low‐Frequency Monopole and Dipole Acoustic Antennas Based on a Subwavelength Bianisotropic Structure
Authors: Jia Yurou , Luo Yanchun , Wu Dajian , Wei Qi , Liu Xiaojun
Published: January 2020

High‐efficiency sound emission is crucial in practical scenarios, such as sonar system and acoustic communication. However, the efficient emission of the low‐frequency sound source is difficult because of the large acoustic radiation reactance from the ambient medium. Here, a subwavelength bianisotropic hybrid Mie resonator (BHMR) is proposed, which has shown excellent capability in converting a central monopole source into the enhanced monopole and dipole acoustic antennas at low frequency. The simulated acoustic field distributions and far‐field radiations of the BHMR demonstrate that the enhanced omnidirectional and directional antennas are induced by the monopole and dipole resonances, respectively. A BHMR sample is further fabricated and the enhancements of the monopole and dipole acoustic antennas by the BHMR are experimentally verified. The miniature BHMR offers an alternative way to achieve the enhanced low‐frequency monopole and dipole antennas that are highly desirable for loudspeaker design and acoustic communication.
Manganese‐Catalysed Dehydrogenative Coupling – An Overview
Authors: Rohit K. R. , Radhika Sankaran , Saranya Salim , Anilkumar Gopinathan
Published: January 2020

Manganese‐catalysed reactions have attracted great attention recently due to the high relative abundance and cheap and eco‐friendly behaviour. Applications of manganese catalysis in cross‐dehydrogenative coupling are among the hottest areas since 90% of the contributions are very recent. Dehydrogenation of alcohols using Mn‐pincer systems is highly explored nowadays for cross‐coupling to synthesise a variety of products and Mn‐catalysed C−H activation, and radical reactions are applied in dehydrogenative couplings of various synthons. This review focuses on the synthesis of synthetically as well as biologically important motifs such as carbonyl compounds, olefins, nitrogen heterocycles, amines, imines, etc. using manganese‐catalysed dehydrogenative cross‐coupling reactions.

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Ultra‐Sharp Circular Dichroism Induced by Twisted Layered C4 Oligomers
Authors: Yang Younghwan , Kim Minkyung , Mun Jungho , Rho Junsuk
Published: January 2020

Chiral metamaterials consisting of sub‐wavelength asymmetric unit cells exhibit different optical responses on circularly polarized states of incident light. Chiral metamaterials with strong chiroptical activities provide sensitive sensors, finer spectrometers, and high‐performance encryption techniques. With these advantages, many types of chiral metamaterials have been researched; twisted layered metamaterials and oligomers that consist of nanoparticles have been reported for engineered chiral properties. C4 chiral metamaterials minimize conversion of polarized states and oligomers support exotic resonant modes to enable chiral encoding. Twisted‐layered chiral metamaterials to connect optical properties between C4‐chirality and oligomers are described. These twisted‐layered chiral metamaterials have both properties of non‐conversion efficiencies from C4‐chirality and encodable circular dichroism spectra that are caused by relative positions of oligomers. They exhibit ultra‐sharp circular dichroism in the near‐infrared region. The sharp circular dichroism is induced by interactions among layers in the metamaterials. Characteristics of the interactions are analyzed by considering electric field distribution profiles. These chiroptical properties of the twisted layered chiral metamaterials may have wide applications, including spectroscopy, thermal detector, and biochemical distributors.
Synergistic Interface Energy Band Alignment Optimization and Defect Passivation toward Efficient and Simple‐Structured Perovskite Solar Cell
Authors: Huang Like , Zhang Danli , Bu Shixiao , Peng Ruixiang , Wei Qiang , Ge Ziyi
Published: January 2020

Efficient electron transport layer–free perovskite solar cells (ETL‐free PSCs) with cost‐effective and simplified design can greatly promote the large area flexible application of PSCs. However, the absence of ETL usually leads to the mismatched indium tin oxide (ITO)/perovskite interface energy levels, which limits charge transfer and collection, and results in severe energy loss and poor device performance. To address this, a polar nonconjugated small‐molecule modifier is introduced to lower the work function of ITO and optimize interface energy level alignment by virtue of an inherent dipole, as verified by photoemission spectroscopy and Kelvin probe force microscopy measurements. The resultant barrier‐free ITO/perovskite contact favors efficient charge transfer and suppresses nonradiative recombination, endowing the device with enhanced open circuit voltage, short circuit current density, and fill factor, simultaneously. Accordingly, power conversion efficiency increases greatly from 12.81% to a record breaking 20.55%, comparable to state‐of‐the‐art PSCs with a sophisticated ETL. Also, the stability is enhanced with decreased hysteresis effect due to interface defect passivation and inhibited interface charge accumulation. This work facilitates the further development of highly efficient, flexible, and recyclable ETL‐free PSCs with simplified design and low cost by interface electronic structure engineering through facile electrode modification.
Pressure‐Induced Superconductivity in Topological Semimetal Candidate TaTe4
Authors: Yuan Yifang , Wang Weike , Zhou Yonghui , Chen Xuliang , Gu Chuanchuan , An Chao , Zhou Ying , Zhang Bowen , Chen Chunhua , Zhang Ranran , Yang Zhaorong
Published: January 2020

Quasi‐1D transition metal tetrachalcogenide TaTe4 exhibits charge‐density waves (CDW), large anisotropic magnetoresistance, and nontrivial Berry phase at ambient pressure. Pressure‐induced superconductivity is reported in pristine TaTe4 via electrical transport experiments. It is shown that the superconductivity, first observed at Pc ≈ 8.0 GPa, is robust up to 50.6 GPa. No structural transition is detected up to 21.4 GPa, which indicates the tetragonal structure of TaTe4 is stable across Pc. Hall resistivity measurements reveal that both electron and hole densities increase sharply upon compression up to Pc and level off at higher pressures, suggesting that the emergent superconductivity of pressurized TaTe4 can be attributed to the enhancement of the charge carrier density. This finding may provide a new platform to investigate the interplay among superconducting, CDW, and topological orders.
Fast‐Charging and Ultrahigh‐Capacity Lithium Metal Anode Enabled by Surface Alloying
Authors: Xu Tianhui , Gao Peng , Li Peirong , Xia Kai , Han Na , Deng Jun , Li Yanguang , Lu Jun
Published: January 2020

Li metal anodes are going through a great revival but they still encounter grand challenges. One often neglected issue is that most reported Li metal anodes are only cyclable under relatively low current density (<5 mA cm−2) and small areal capacity (<5 mAh cm−2), which essentially limits their high‐power applications and results in ineffective Li utilization (<1%). Herein, it is reported that surface alloyed Li metal anodes can enable reversible cycling with ultrafast rate and ultralarge areal capacity. Low‐cost Si wafers are used and are chemically etched down to 20–30 µm membranes. Simply laminating a Si membrane onto Li foil results in the formation of LixSi alloy film fused onto Li metal with mechanical robustness and high Li‐ion conductivity. Symmetric cell measurements show that the surface alloyed Li anode has excellent cycling stability, even under high current density up to 25 mA cm−2 and unprecedented areal capacity up to 100 mAh cm−2. Furthermore, the surface alloyed Li anode is paired with amorphous MoS3 cathode and achieves remarkable full‐cell performance.
A Lithium Oxythioborosilicate Solid Electrolyte Glass with Superionic Conductivity
Authors: Kaup Kavish , Bazak J. David , Vajargah Shahrzad Hosseini , Wu Xiaohan , Kulisch Joern , Goward Gillian R. , Nazar Linda F.
Published: January 2020

As potential next‐generation energy storage devices, solid‐state lithium batteries require highly functional solid state electrolytes. Recent research is primarily focused on crystalline materials, while amorphous materials offer advantages by eliminating problematic grain boundaries that can limit ion transport and trigger dendritic growth at the Li anode. However, simultaneously achieving high conductivity and stability in glasses is a challenge. New quaternary superionic lithium oxythioborate glasses are reported that exhibit high ion conductivity up to 2 mS cm−1 despite relatively high oxygen: sulfur ratios of more than 1:2, that exhibit greatly reduced H2S evolution upon exposure to air compared to Li7P3S11. These monolithic glasses are prepared from vitreous melts without ball‐milling and exhibit no discernable XRD pattern. Solid‐state NMR studies elucidate the structural entities that comprise the local glass structure which dictates fast ion conduction. Stripping/plating onto lithium metal results in very low polarization at a current density of 0.1 mA cm−2 over repeated cycling. Evaluation of the optimal glass composition as an electrolyte in an all‐solid‐state battery shows it exhibits excellent cycling stability and maintains near theoretical capacity for over 130 cycles at room temperature with Coulombic efficiency close to 99.9%, opening up new avenues of exploration for these quaternary compositions.
Fabrication and Patterning Methods of Flexible Sensors Using Carbon Nanomaterials on Polymers
Authors: da Costa Tallis Huther , Choi Jin‐Woo
Published: January 2020

Flexible sensors composed of carbon nanostructures and elastic materials have been developed for healthcare monitoring, environmental monitoring, disposable biochemical or electrochemical sensors, and many other applications. Fabrication approaches for such sensors and their advantages and current issues related to patterning high‐performance flexible sensors are reviewed. A focus is placed on patterning techniques for carbon‐based flexible sensors including carbon nanotubes, graphene, and other carbon nanostructures. First, novel patterning techniques for nanomaterials are described, along with their current challenges. Next, emerging flexible sensors including humidity, temperature, strain, and pressure sensors are discussed. Finally, the challenges and perspectives for flexible sensors are addressed.
Birth weight, birth order, and age at first solid food introduction influence child growth and body composition in 6‐ to 8‐year‐old Maya children: The importance of the first 1000 days of life
Authors: Sanchez‐Escobedo Samantha , Azcorra Hugo , Bogin Barry , Hoogesteijn Almira L. , Sámano Reyna , Varela‐Silva Maria I. , Dickinson Federico
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To analyze the relationship of birth weight, birth order, breastfeeding duration, and age of introduction of solid foods with height, fat mass, and fat‐free mass in a sample of Maya children when aged 6 to 8 years old.

Methods

We collected data on anthropometry, body composition, children's birth weight, birth order, early feeding practices, and household socioeconomic characteristics in a sample of 260 Maya children aged 6 to 8 years living in Merida and Motul, two cities in Yucatan, Mexico. Multiple regression models were performed to identify variables associated with height‐for‐age (HAZ), fat mass index (FMI), and fat‐free mass index (FFMI). The predictors included in the models were birth weight (kg), birth order, duration of breastfeeding (months), age at introduction of solid foods (months), maternal age (years), and height (cm). Models were adjusted for the influence of children's age and sex, maternal educational level, and household overcrowding.

Results

HAZ was positively associated with child birthweight and maternal height and age, but inversely associated with birth order and age of introduction of solid foods. FMI was positively associated with birth weight, maternal age, and height, and negatively associated with birth order. FFMI was positively associated with maternal age and birth weight.

Conclusions

These results are evidence of the importance of the first 1000 days of life for the growth and body composition of Maya children and contributed to understand the development of nutritional dual burden in this population.
Natural History of Adult Patients with GM2 Gangliosidosis
Authors: Masingue Marion , Dufour Louis , Lenglet Timothée , Saleille Lisa , Goizet Cyril , Ayrignac Xavier , Ory‐Magne Fabienne , Barth Magali , Lamari Foudil , Mandia Daniele , Caillaud Catherine , Nadjar Yann
Published: January 2020

Objective

GM2 gangliosidoses are lysosomal diseases due to biallelic mutations in the HEXA (Tay–Sachs disease [TS]) or HEXB (Sandhoff disease [SD]) genes, with subsequent low hexosaminidase(s) activity. Most patients have childhood onset, but some experience the first symptoms during adolescence/adulthood. This study aims to clarify the natural history of adult patients with GM2 gangliosidosis.

Methods

We retrospectively described 12 patients from a French cohort and 45 patients from the literature.

Results

We observed 4 typical presentations: (1) lower motoneuron disorder responsible for proximal lower limb weakness that subsequently expanded to the upper limbs, (2) cerebellar ataxia, (3) psychosis and/or severe mood disorder (only in the TS patients), and (4) a complex phenotype mixing the above 3 manifestations. The psoas was the first and most affected muscle in the lower limbs, whereas the triceps and interosseous were predominantly involved in the upper limbs. A longitudinal study of compound motor action potentials showed a progressive decrease in all nerves, with different kinetics. Sensory potentials were sometimes abnormally low, mainly in the SD patients. The main brain magnetic resonance imaging feature was cerebellar atrophy, even in patients without cerebellar symptoms. The prognosis was mainly related to gait disorder, as we showed that beyond 20 years of disease evolution, half of the patients were wheelchair users.

Interpretation

Improved knowledge of GM2 gangliosidosis in adults will help clinicians achieve correct diagnoses and better inform patients on the evolution and prognosis. It may also contribute to defining proper outcome measures when testing emerging therapies. ANN NEUROL 2020;87:609–617
Independent Functional Outcomes after Prolonged Coma following Cardiac Arrest: A Mechanistic Hypothesis
Authors: Forgacs Peter B. , Devinsky Orrin , Schiff Nicholas D.
Published: January 2020

Objective

Survivors of prolonged (>2 weeks) post–cardiac arrest (CA) coma are expected to remain permanently disabled. We aimed to investigate 3 outlier patients who ultimately achieved independent functional outcomes after prolonged post‐CA coma to identify electroencephalographic (EEG) markers of their recovery potential. For validation purposes, we also aimed to evaluate these markers in an independent cohort of post‐CA patients.

Methods

We identified 3 patients with late recovery from coma (17–37 days) following CA who recovered to functionally independent behavioral levels. We performed spectral power analyses of available EEGs during prominent burst suppression patterns (BSP) present in all 3 patients. Using identical methods, we also assessed the relationship of intraburst spectral power and outcomes in a prospectively enrolled cohort of post‐CA patients. We performed chart reviews of common clinical, imaging, and EEG prognostic variables and clinical outcomes for all patients.

Results

All 3 patients with late recovery from coma lacked evidence of overwhelming cortical injury but demonstrated prominent BSP on EEG. Spectral analyses revealed a prominent theta (~4–7Hz) feature dominating the bursts during BSP in these patients. In the prospective cohort, similar intraburst theta spectral features were evident in patients with favorable outcomes; patients with BSP and unfavorable outcomes showed either no features, transient burst features, or decreasing intraburst frequencies with time.

Interpretation

BSP with theta (~4–7Hz) peak intraburst spectral power after CA may index a recovery potential. We discuss our results in the context of optimizing metabolic substrate availability and stimulating the corticothalamic system during recovery from prolonged post‐CA coma. ANN NEUROL 2020;87:618–632
Simple surface functionalization of magnetic nanoparticles with methotrexate‐conjugated bovine serum albumin as a biocompatible drug delivery vehicle
Authors: Azizi Sedigheh , Nosrati Hamed , Danafar Hossein
Published: January 2020

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) functionalized with methotrexate (MTX)‐conjugated bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a biocompatible drug delivery vehicle were synthesized using a facile method. Characterization of the functionalized MNPs (Fe3O4@BSA‐MTX NPs) was performed using various techniques including UV–visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, vibrating sample magnetometry and X‐ray diffraction. The particle size and zeta potential of Fe3O4@BSA‐MTX NPs were 105.7 ± 3.81 nm (mean ± SD) and −18.2 mV, respectively. MTX release from Fe3O4@BSA‐MTX NPs showed an enzyme‐dependent release pattern. Hemo‐biocompatibility of Fe3O4@BSA‐MTX NPs was confirmed using hemolysis test. In addition, the cytotoxicity of functionalized MNPs and free MTX against MCF‐7 cell line was investigated using MTT assay. The results of experiments revealed that the Fe3O4@BSA‐MTX NPs as a biocompatible carrier could improve the therapeutic effect of MTX.
Metal‐Organic Gel‐Derived Co/CoO/Co3O4 Composite for the Electrochemical Detection of Diethylstilbestrol
Authors: Cao Zhengmao , Li Yang , Huang Chengzhi , Li Yuanfang
Published: January 2020

A novel three‐phase composite of Co/CoO/Co3O4 is synthesized through straightforward calcination treatment towards cobalt‐based metal‐organic gel (Co MOG) precursor, which is constructed with the metal source of cobalt chloride and organic ligand of 4, 4', 4”‐((1, 3, 5‐triazine‐2, 4, 6‐triyl) tris (azanediyl)) tribenzoic acid at room temperature. The morphology, structure and composition of the derived Co/CoO/Co3O4 is confirmed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray photoelectron spectrums (XPS). Furthermore, the composite of Co/CoO/Co3O4 is employed as electrode modified material with the excellent electrochemical performances of accelerating the electron transfer and boosting the electrode interface reaction. As a proof of concept, the electrochemical redox behaviors of diethylstilbestrol (DES) have been systemically investigated at the modified electrode interface and the established analytical approach for DES with the broad linear range and satisfied recovery. This work not only provided a facile approach to obtain electrode material with excellent electrochemical performance but also enriched the application of MOG materials in the electrochemical field.
Some novel hexa‐coordinated cadmium Schiff base complexes: X‐ray structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis, antimicrobial and thermal analysis
Authors: Mousavi S.A. , Montazerozohori M. , Naghiha R. , Masoudiasl A. , Mojahedi S. , Doert Th.
Published: January 2020

A series of cadmium (II) complexes with the general formula of CdLX2, where X = Cl−, Br−, I−, SCN− and N3− and L is a tetradentate N4‐donor Schiff base ligand; were synthesized by a sonochemical process as a simple, cost effective and environmentally friendly method. The organic ligand was obtained by condensation reaction of triethylenetetraamine (trien) and cinnamaldehyde. The characterization of coordination compounds was carried out by FT‐IR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, UV–visible spectroscopies and then conductivity measurements. The crystal structure of the cadmium azide complex was determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. This complex crystallizes in the monoclinic space group of C2/c. The cadmium ion is hexa‐coordinated by four nitrogen atoms from the tetradendate Schiff base ligand and two terminal azide nitrogen atoms. The crystal packing and Hirshfeld surface analysis of the CdL(N3)2 complex indicates the essential role of intermolecular interactions related to azido groups in the formation of supramolecular structure. The thermal behavior of complexes was studied by TG/DTG analysis. Moreover, an antibacterial bioassay of the cadmium complexes has been performed in vitro against two gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and two gram‐negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacterial strains. Furthermore antifungal activities of the compounds against two fungal strains of Aspergilus niger and Candida albicans were also investigated.
Internal and interfacial structure analysis of graft‐type fluorinated polymer electrolyte membranes by small‐angle X‐ray scattering in the high‐q range
Authors: Tap Tran D. , Nguyen La L. , Hasegawa Shin , Sawada Shin‐ichi , Luan Le Q. , Maekawa Yasunari
Published: January 2020

The hierarchical structures of poly(styrenesulfonic acid)‐grafted poly(ethylene‐co‐tetrafluoroethylene) polymer electrolyte membranes (ETFE‐PEMs) with different scale ranges including lamellar spacing, interfacial thickness, and intra‐structure of conducting layers were evaluated by small‐angle X‐ray scattering in terms of background scattering (I
B(q)). First, I
B(q) was roughly estimated by modifying Ruland's method and then optimized to avoid overestimation using a “contribution factor,” which is defined as the contribution of I
B(q) to the observed scattering intensities over the entire q range. Then, I
B(q) was optimized again by using the model for the deviation from Porod's law also proposed by Ruland to select proper q‐range for interfacial thickness evaluation. The lamellar spacing, which is observed in the low‐q range, was not altered by background correction. In contrast, in the high‐q range, the interfacial thickness and the internal structures can be estimated only after correction for the background scattering data. The interfacial thickness of the final membranes (ETFE‐PEMs) is affected by both the graft‐polymerization and sulfonation processes and because the change in membrane structures is observed during propagation steps at lower ion exchange capacity (IEC) range (IECs < 2.4 mmol/g), which should affect the mechanical strength of graft‐type PEMs.
Historical Aspects of Gene Therapy and Stem Cell Therapy in the Treatment of Hearing and Balance Disorder
Authors: Van De Water Thomas R.
Published: January 2020

This review presents many but not all the major historical events that have led to our current understanding of gene and stem cell therapies for the treatment of hearing and balance disorders in animal models of these disorders. In order to better understand the application of these emerging therapies to the treatment of inner ear disorders in a clinical setting, it has been necessary to provide some genetic and pathobiology backgrounds from both animal models and clinical disorders. The current focus and goal of gene and stem cell therapies are directed toward understanding the effective treatment of animal models that mimic human disorders of hearing and balance. This approach not only addresses the most effective ways to deliver the gene or stem cell therapies to affected inner ears, it also provides an assessment of the efficacy of the applied therapy(s) in achieving either partial or full restoration of either hearing and/or balance within the animal models receiving these therapeutic interventions. This review also attempts to present a realistic assessment of how close the research fields of gene and stem cell therapies are to application for the treatment of human disorders in a clinical setting. Progress made in developing these novel therapies toward clinical applications would not have been possible without the many pioneering studies and discoveries achieved by the investigators cited in this review. There were also many other excellent studies performed by gifted investigators that were not able to be included within this review. Anat Rec, 303:390–407, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Transverse momentum and rapidity dependence of collective flow harmonics of protons and deuterons in Au + Au reactions at 1.23 AGeV
Authors: Hillmann Paula , Steinheimer Jan , Reichert Tom , Gaebel Vincent , Bleicher Marcus , Sombun Sukanya , Herold Christoph , Limphirat Ayut
Published: January 2020

We explore the rapidity and transverse momentum dependence of collective flow harmonics of deuterons and protons in Au + Au reactions at a beam energy of 1.23 AGeV within the UrQMD approach. These investigations are of direct relevance for the high acceptance di electron spectrometer (HADES) experiment at the GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt, Germany, that has recently presented first data on the flow of light clusters in Au + Au collisions at 1.23 AGeV. To address the deuteron flow, UrQMD has been extended by a phase‐space coalescence approach. We find that this ansatz provides a very good description of the measured deuteron and proton flow data, if a hard equation of state is used for the simulation. The results show a strong impact of cluster formation on the observable collective flow and agree well with the data obtained by the HADES collaboration.
Transposable Elements Cross Kingdom Boundaries and Contribute to Inflammation and Ageing
Authors: Chalmers Timothy J. , Wu Lindsay E.
Published: January 2020

The de‐repression of transposable elements (TEs) in mammalian genomes is thought to contribute to genome instability, inflammation, and ageing, yet is viewed as a cell‐autonomous event. In contrast to mammalian cells, prokaryotes constantly exchange genetic material through TEs, crossing both cell and species barriers, contributing to rapid microbial evolution and diversity in complex communities such as the mammalian gut. Here, it is proposed that TEs released from prokaryotes in the microbiome or from pathogenic infections regularly cross the kingdom barrier to the somatic cells of their eukaryotic hosts. It is proposed this horizontal transfer of TEs from microbe to host is a stochastic, ongoing catalyst of genome destabilization, resulting in structural and epigenetic variations, and activation of well‐evolved host defense mechanisms contributing to inflammation, senescence, and biological ageing. It is proposed that innate immunity pathways defend against the horizontal acquisition of microbial TEs, and that activation of this pathway during horizontal transposon transfer promotes chronic inflammation during ageing. Finally, it is suggested that horizontal acquisition of prokaryotic TEs into mammalian genomes has been masked and subsequently under‐reported due to flaws in current sequencing pipelines, and new strategies to uncover these events are proposed.
Estimating treatment effects with partially observed covariates using outcome regression with missing indicators
Authors: Blake Helen A. , Leyrat Clémence , Mansfield Kathryn E. , Tomlinson Laurie A. , Carpenter James , Williamson Elizabeth J.
Published: January 2020

Missing data is a common issue in research using observational studies to investigate the effect of treatments on health outcomes. When missingness occurs only in the covariates, a simple approach is to use missing indicators to handle the partially observed covariates. The missing indicator approach has been criticized for giving biased results in outcome regression. However, recent papers have suggested that the missing indicator approach can provide unbiased results in propensity score analysis under certain assumptions. We consider assumptions under which the missing indicator approach can provide valid inferences, namely, (1) no unmeasured confounding within missingness patterns; either (2a) covariate values of patients with missing data were conditionally independent of treatment or (2b) these values were conditionally independent of outcome; and (3) the outcome model is correctly specified: specifically, the true outcome model does not include interactions between missing indicators and fully observed covariates. We prove that, under the assumptions above, the missing indicator approach with outcome regression can provide unbiased estimates of the average treatment effect. We use a simulation study to investigate the extent of bias in estimates of the treatment effect when the assumptions are violated and we illustrate our findings using data from electronic health records. In conclusion, the missing indicator approach can provide valid inferences for outcome regression, but the plausibility of its assumptions must first be considered carefully.
Condensation of heptaminol hydrochloride for its spectrofluorimetric determination in pure form and tablets: application in human plasma
Authors: Halim Monica E. , Omar Mahmoud A. , Nagy Dalia M.
Published: January 2020

A sensitive, simple, accurate and less expensive fluorimetric method was designed and validated for analysis of heptaminol HCl in both its pure and dosage forms, as well as in human plasma. The main principle used in the proposed approach was the condensation reaction between heptaminol's primary amino moiety and ethyl acetoacetate/formaldehyde reagents, giving a derivative that was highly fluorescent at 416 nm after excitation at 350 nm. Various experimental parameters that affected either the product's development or its stability were evaluated and optimized. The constructed calibration curve was linear over the range 0.2–2 μg/ml, with a good correlation coefficient (0.9996). Both the calculated limit of detection and limit of quantitation were 0.06 and 0.18 μg/ml, respectively. The presented approach was a success when used to determine Corasore® tablets and was validated according to International Council for Harmonisation guidelines.
Thrombosis among 1537 patients with JAK2V617F‐mutated myeloproliferative neoplasms: Risk factors and development of a predictive model
Authors: Zhang Yuhui , Zhou Yuan , Wang Yingshao , Teng Guangshuai , Li Dapeng , Wang Yan , Du Chenxiao , Chen Yafang , Zhang Huiqin , Li Yanqi , Fu Lixia , Chen Kangyin , Bai Jie
Published: January 2020

To explore the risk factors of thrombosis in patients with JAK2V617F‐mutated myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), a cohort of 1537 Chinese patients with JAK2V617F‐mutated MPN was retrospectively analyzed. The Kaplan‐Meier method and multivariate Cox analysis were used to study the risk factors of thrombosis in patients with JAK2V617F‐mutated MPN. Among the 1537 MPN patients, 931, 468, and 138 had polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF), respectively. The median follow‐up time was 7 years (range 1‐47), and 12.8% of patients (197/1537) died during this period. A total of 16.8% (259/1399) of PV and ET patients had secondary myelofibrosis, and 2.5% (38/1537) of patients developed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Thrombotic events occurred in 43.9% (675/1537) of patients, among which 91.4% (617/675) were arterial thrombosis and 16.6% (112/675) were venous thrombosis. The number of thrombotic events in PV, ET, and PMF patients was 439 (47.2%), 197 (42.1%) and 39 (28.2%), respectively. The multivariate analysis indicated that age ≥60 years old, HCT ≥48%, at least one cardiovascular risk factor, a history of thrombosis, and JAK2V617F allele burden (V617F%) ≥50% are risk factors for thrombosis in JAK2V617F‐mutated MPN. According to the results of the multivariate analysis, a risk model of thrombosis was established and comprised low‐risk (0 points), intermediate‐risk (1 points) and high‐risk (≥2 points) groups, among which the incidence of thrombosis was 9.1%, 33.7% and 72.9%. For elderly patients with JAK2V617F‐mutated MPN and a history of thrombosis, reducing the V617F%, controlling HCT and preventing cardiovascular risk factors are necessary measures to prevent thrombosis.
Meckel‐gruber syndrome: About an evocative case in French Guiana—When ultrasound is insufficient for accurate diagnosis in a complex syndrome
Authors: Leneuve‐Dorilas Malika , Ahounkeng Nanda Patrick , Deshayes Jean‐Luc
Published: January 2020

In modern medicine, prenatal diagnosis can no longer be sufficient by ultrasound examination.

The genetic technical progress and its contribution may remain a challenge in isolated sites with the consequences that this implies in perinatal health.
Crop Production and Environmental Impacts under Organic Management with Reduced Tillage and Diversified Cropping
Authors: Fernandez Myriam R. , Zentner Robert P. , Schellenberg Michael P. , Aladenola Olanike , Leeson Julia Y. , St. Luce Mervin , McConkey Brian G. , Cutforth Herb
Published: January 2020

In the Canadian Prairies, organic agriculture has traditionally relied on summer fallow and mechanical tillage for nutrient and pest management. More recently, there has been a substantial increase in the use of legume green manure, diversified crop rotations, and reduced tillage. The objectives of this study were to determine if diversified crop rotations and reduced tillage under organic management can maintain soil fertility and quality at adequate levels, keep weed populations at low levels, and foster healthy plants for sustainable and profitable production of annual crops. Earn 1.5 CEUs in Crop Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/692.