bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of an Educational Program based on the Collective Games in Treating the High Selfishness Behaviour among the Kindergarten Children
Authors: Al-Darabah Intisar Turki , Alkouri Zaid A , Hamadin Khaled M , Nusser Tamara
Published: March 2022

This research aimed effectiveness of an educational program based on the collective games in treating the high selfishness behaviour among the kindergarten children. study sample consisted of (52) male and female children at Al-Husein Ben Talal University Kindergarten, and distributed to two groups, the control group its individuals’ number reached (26) and the experimental group its individual number reached (26) child, they were selected by the purposeful method. Study instruments consisted of the selfishness behaviour scale among the children and the educational program based on the collective games. Validity and reliability of the instruments were confirmed and using (ANCOVA) to study the differences in the arithmetic means between the two groups at the post-test degree, since the results showed the presence of differences with statistical significance at significance level (𝛼≤0.05) in the means between the experimental and control groups individuals at the total degree. And to know the differences between the degrees means of the experimental group individuals after applying the program and degrees means of the same group after two months of the follow-up on the selfishness behaviour scale (Eta square) was used to know the effect size caused by the educational program at the selfishness behaviour scale. Results showed that effect of the educational program lasted for two months after monitoring their degrees at the post-scale. The study recommended necessity for interest in equipping the kindergarten children with the appropriate social interaction Behaviours, in addition to raise the awareness of the families about teaching their children the participation and cooperation with the others, and introducing programs and activities to train the children on the collective work.
Análise físico-química e atividades antifúngica e antioxidante do óleo essencial da flor de Curatella americana L.
Authors: Menezes Filho Antonio Carlos Pereira de , Castro Carlos Frederico de Souza
Published: March 2022

Introdução: A espécie vegetal Curatella americana produz anualmente inflorescências com aroma adocicado rica em óleo essencial. Objetivo: avaliar as características físico-químicas, e atividades antifúngica e antioxidante do óleo essencial da flor de Curatella americana. Metodologia: as flores foram coletadas em quatro áreas de Cerrado no estado de Goiás; o rendimento de óleo essencial foi obtido através de hidrodestilação; as características físicas foram determinadas para densidade e solubilidade, a atividade antioxidante foi determinada pela redução do radical livre DPPH; a atividade antifúngica foi determinada por inibição das cepas de Candida, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides e Aspergillus flavus. Resultados: o rendimento de óleo foi de 0,18%, densidade de 0,907 g mL-1, solubilidade positiva para EtOH 70%, atividade antioxidante de IC50 µL mL-1 1,95. Atividade de inibição fúngica apenas para Candida tropicalis na concentração de 8% com halo de antibiose de 10 mm. Sensibilidade discreta nas maiores concentrações de 25, 50 e 100 µL-1 para Aspergillus flavus e Sclerotinia sclerotiorum e baixa atividade de inibição para Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Conclusão: O óleo essencial da flor de Curatella americana apresentou baixo rendimento, entretanto, alta eficiência na redução do radical livre DPPH. As atividades antifúngicas apresentaram bons resultados de inibição, entretanto, torna-se necessário a adição de outros óleos essenciais para aumento das taxas de inibição micelial.Palavras-chave: Curatella. Candida albicans. Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Aspergillus flavus.
Associação entre ingestão de bebida alcoólica e estado antropométrico de universitários
Authors: Farias Manuela Santos , Fonseca Maria da Conceição Pereira da , Nascimento de Lira Carlos Rodrigo
Published: March 2022

Introdução: objetivamos avaliar associação entre ingestão de bebida alcoólica e estado antropométrico em estudantes que frequentam Restaurante Universitário. Metodologia: estudo transversal com 155 universitários em que foi avaliado o consumo de bebida alcoólica, frequência do consumo, tempo de consumo, quantidade e hábitos adotados enquanto bebiam. As medidas antropométricas realizadas foram estatura, peso, circunferência da cintura, circunferência do quadril e quatro dobras cutâneas (tricipital, bicipital, subescapular e suprailíaca). Para análise, realizamos estatística descritiva, o teste de qui-quadrado de independência para as proporções entre os grupos e a diferença entre as médias das medidas antropométricas de acordo a quantidade de bebida alcoólica consumida foi avaliada pelo teste ANOVA. Foram considerados significantes valores de p<0,05. Resultados: dos universitários, 63,87% eram bebedores, 23,2% dos bebedores estavam com excesso de peso, 21,2% apresentaram circunferência da cintura com risco elevado e percentualde gordura em excesso em ambos os grupos (77,8% vs. 73,2). Identificamos diferença estatisticamente para a circunferência da cintura entre o tempo de consumo (p=0,003) e entre o percentual de gordura corporal de acordo com a quantidade de bebida alcoólica consumida (p=0,001). Conclusão: o estado antropométrico dos universitários que consumiam bebida alcoólica apresentou alta frequência de excesso de peso e risco de complicações metabólicas associadas à obesidade, mesmo que sem significações estatísticas para as associações testadas.
Avaliação do uso de psicofármacos por universitários
Authors: Tavares Thaynná Rodrigues , Coimbra Marla Brenda Pires , Oliveira Caroline  Karem de Resende , Bittencourt Bárbara Fortunato , Lemos Patrícia de Lima , Lisboa Helen Cristina Fávero
Published: March 2022

Introdução: depressão e ansiedade têm sido observadas entre universitários, sendo apontado como desencadeadores a sobrecarga de tarefas, cobranças pessoais e familiares entre outros fatores que podem resultar na necessidade de uso de psicofármacos. Objetivo: avaliar o uso de psicofármacos por universitários. Metodologia: estudo transversal, utilizando questionário contendo informações sociodemográficas, econômicas e sobre uso de psicofármacos. Foi realizada análise bivariada com teste qui-quadrado de Pearson para verificar associação entre as variáveis utilização de antidepressivos/ansiolíticos e sociodemográficas e econômicas. Resultados: dos 408 entrevistados, 22,3% afirmaram fazer uso de ansiolíticos/antidepressivos, tendo iniciado após o ingresso na universidade e em uso diário. A maioria relata ter alterado a dosagem sem consultar o médico, asseguraram conhecimento sobre os efeitos adversos do medicamento, sabe que a remoção do medicamento deve ser feita de maneira gradual, mas afirmam ter interrompido otratamento sem consultar o médico. Permaneceram associadas a utilização de psicofármacos, no modelo final, ser do sexo feminino (p=0,013), idade maior que 29 anos (p=0,009) e possuir plano de saúde (p=0,020). Conclusão: verificou-se a necessidade de alertar a comunidade acadêmica e gestão sobre a necessidade de acolhimento dos universitários em sofrimento mental e propor ações que visem orientar sobre o uso racional dos psicofármacos.
Avaliação da qualidade do sono de gestantes em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde de Campina Grande – PB
Authors: Moura Kelvin Leite , Santos Araújo Gonçalves Cinthia , Flávio dos Santos Damião
Published: March 2022

Introdução: distúrbios do sono são comuns na gravidez e decorrem de modificações anatômicas, fisiológicas e hormonais. A atenção primária à saúde encontra-se em posição singular no reconhecimento de tais desordens. Nesse contexto, esta pesquisa tem como objetivo avaliar a qualidade do sono de gestantes em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde e correlacioná-la com parâmetros analisados durante o acompanhamento pré-natal. Metodologia: trata-se de um estudo observacional, transversal e analítico, desenvolvido por meio de pesquisa de campo, com gestantes acompanhadas em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde. Os dados foram obtidos utilizando uma ficha de questionário que associava algumas variáveis com a qualidade do sono, mensurada pelo Índice de Qualidade do sono de Pittsburgh, em sua versão brasileira (PSQI-BR). Resultados e Discussão: foram entrevistadas 83 gestantes, com 76 preenchendo os critérios de inclusão. A maioria das pacientes possuía idade inferir a 26 anos (64,4%), era multípara (59,2%), com peso inadequado (72,4%), não tinha distúrbio hipertensivo na gestação (76,3%) e estava no primeiro trimestre (40,8%). Após a aplicação do teste qui-quadrado de Pearson e a razão de chances, verificou-se que as três últimas variáveis citadas tinham relação com a qualidade do sono, apresentando significância estatística (p<0,05). Além disso, 34,2% das gestantes tinha má qualidade do sono. Conclusão: a qualidade do sono deve ser avaliada durante o acompanhamento pré-natal, visto que seu comprometimento é frequente, sobretudo diante de certos fatores de risco, e pode resultar em desfechos maternos adversos. Assim, o reconhecimento precoce possibilita melhora do prognóstico gestacional.
Working hours, on-call shifts, and risk of occupational injuries among hospital physicians: A case-crossover study
Authors: Ropponen Annina , Koskinen Aki , Puttonen Sampsa , Ervasti Jenni , Kivimäki Mika , Oksanen Tuula , Härmä Mikko , Karhula Kati
Published: March 2022

Objective

To investigate the association of hospital physicians’ working hours and on-call shifts with the risk of occupational injuries.

Methods

In this nested cohort study of 556 Finnish hospital physicians, we linked electronic records from working-hour and on-call duty payroll data to occupational injury data obtained from the Finnish Workers’ Compensation Center for the period 2005–2019. We used a case-crossover design with matched intervals for a 7-day ‘case window’ immediately prior to occupational injury and a ‘control window’ 7 days prior to the beginning of the case window, and analyzed their associations using conditional logistic regression models.

Results

We noted 556 occupational injuries, 281 at the workplace and 275 while commuting. Having three to four long (>12 h) work shifts on the preceding 7 days was associated with a higher probability of an occupational injury (odds ratio [OR] 2.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11, 4.09), and the OR for three to four on-call shifts was 3.54 (95%CI 2.11, 5.92) in comparison to having none of these work shift types. A higher number of several consecutive working days was associated with a higher probability of injury in a dose-response manner. Moreover, increasing weekly working hours was associated with an increased likelihood of injury (OR 1.03, 95%CI 1.01, 1.04), whereas the number of normal (≤12 h) work shifts reduced this likelihood (OR 0.79, 95%CI 0.64, 0.98).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that accumulated working-hour load, as opposed to single, very long (>24 h) work shifts, may increase the risk of occupational injury among hospital physicians.
Novel CAPN1 missense variants in complex hereditary spastic paraplegia with early‐onset psychosis
Authors: Alecu Julian E. , Saffari Afshin , Jumo Hellen , Ziegler Marvin , Strelko Oleksandr , Brownstein Catherine A. , Gonzalez‐Heydrich Joseph , Rodan Lance H. , Gorman Mark P. , Sahin Mustafa , Ebrahimi‐Fakhari Darius
Published: March 2022

CAPN1‐associated hereditary spastic paraplegia (SPG76) is a rare and clinically heterogenous syndrome due to loss of calpain‐1 function. Here we illustrate a translational approach to the case of an 18‐year‐old patient who first presented with psychiatric symptoms followed by spastic gait, intention tremor, and neurogenic bladder dysfunction, consistent with a complex form of HSP. Exome sequencing showed compound‐heterozygous missense variants in CAPN1 (NM_001198868.2: c.1712A>G (p.Asn571Ser)/c.1991C>T (p.Ser664Leu)) and a previously reported heterozygous stop‐gain variant in RCL1. In silico analyses of the CAPN1 variants predicted a deleterious effect and in vitro functional studies confirmed reduced calpain‐1 activity and dysregulated downstream signaling. These findings support a diagnosis of SPG76 and highlight that the psychiatric symptoms can precede the motor symptoms in HSP. Our results also suggest that multiple genes can potentially contribute to complex neuropsychiatric diseases.
Power training alters somatosensory cortical activity of youth with cerebral palsy
Authors: Bergwell Hannah , Trevarrow Mike , Corr Brad , Baker Sarah , Reelfs Heidi , Wilson Tony W. , Moreau Noelle G. , Kurz Max J.
Published: March 2022

Objective

Our prior magnetoencephalographic (MEG) investigations demonstrate that persons with cerebral palsy (CP) have weaker somatosensory cortical activity than neurotypical (NT) controls, which is associated with reduced muscular strength and mobility. Power training can improve lower extremity isokinetic strength, muscular power, and walking performance of youth with CP. Potentially, these clinically relevant improvements are partially driven by changes in somatosensory processing. The objective of this investigation was to determine if power training has complementary changes in muscular function and somatosensory cortical activity in youth with CP.

Methods

A cohort of youth with CP (N = 11; age = 15.90 ± 1.1 years) and NT controls (N = 10; Age = 15.93 ± 2.48 years) participated in this investigation. Youth with CP underwent 24 power training sessions. Pre‐post bilateral leg press 1‐repetition maximum (1RM), peak power production, 10‐m walking speed, and distance walked 1‐min were used as outcome measures. MEG neuroimaging assessed the changes in somatosensory cortical activity while at rest. NT controls only underwent a baseline MEG assessment.

Results

Youth with CP had a 56% increase in 1RM (p < 0.001), a 33% increase in peak power production (p = 0.019), and a 4% improvement in 1‐min walk (p = 0.029). Notably, there was a 46% increase in somatosensory cortical activity (p = 0.02).

Interpretation

These results are the first to show that power training is associated with improvements in muscular function, walking performance, and the resting somatosensory cortical activity in individuals with CP. This treatment approach might be advantageous due to the potential to promote cortical and muscular plasticity, which appear to have carryover effects for improved walking performance.
High‐Precision Micropatterning of Polydopamine by Multiphoton Lithography
Authors: Topolniak Ievgeniia , Elert Anna Maria , Knigge Xenia , Ciftci Goksu Cinar , Radnik Jörg , Sturm Heinz
Published: March 2022

Mussel‐inspired polydopamine (PDA) initiates a multifunctional modification route that leads to the generation of novel advanced materials and their applications. However, existing PDA deposition techniques still exhibit poor spatial control, have a very limited capability of micropatterning, and do not allow local tuning of the PDA topography. Herein, PDA deposition based on multiphoton lithography (MPL) is demonstrated, which enables full spatial and temporal control with nearly total freedom of patterning design. Using MPL, 2D microstructures of complex design are achieved with pattern precision of 0.8 µm without the need of a photomask or stamp. Moreover, this approach permits adjusting the morphology and thickness of the fabricated microstructure within one deposition step, resulting in a unique tunability of material properties. The chemical composition of PDA is confirmed and its ability for protein enzyme immobilization is demonstrated. This work presents a new methodology for high‐precision and complete control of PDA deposition, enabling PDA incorporation in applications where fine and precise local surface functionalization is required. Possible applications include multicomponent functional elements and devices in microfluidics or lab‐on‐a‐chip systems.
In Situ Inorganic Ligand Replenishment Enables Bandgap Stability in Mixed‐Halide Perovskite Quantum Dot Solids
Authors: Wang Ya‐Kun , Singh Kamalpreet , Li Jiao‐Yang , Dong Yitong , Wang Xue‐Qi , Pina Joao M. , Yu You‐Jun , Sabatini Randy , Liu Yang , Ma Dongxin , Liu Jun , Liu Zeke , Gao Yiyuan , Voznyy Oleksandr , Ma Wanli , Fung Man‐Keung , Liao Liang‐Sheng , Sargent Edward H.
Published: March 2022

Instability in mixed‐halide perovskites (MHPs) is a key issue limiting perovskite solar cells and light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). One form of instability arises during the processing of MHP quantum dots using an antisolvent to precipitate and purify the dots forming surface traps that lead to decreased luminescence, compromised colloidal stability, and emission broadening. Here, the introduction of inorganic ligands in the antisolvents used in dot purification is reported in order to overcome this problem. MHPs that are colloidally stable for over 1 year at 25 °C and 40% humidity are demonstrated and films that are stable under 100 W cm−2 photoirradiation, 4× longer than the best previously reported MHPs, are reported. In LEDs, the materials enable an EQE of 24.4% (average 22.5 ± 1.3%) and narrow emission (full‐width at half maximum of 30 nm). Sixfold‐enhanced operating stability relative to the most stable prior red perovskite LEDs having external quantum efficiency >20% is reported.
In Situ Investigation of Lithium Metal–Solid Electrolyte Anode Interfaces with ToF‐SIMS
Authors: Otto Svenja‐K. , Riegger Luise M. , Fuchs Till , Kayser Sven , Schweitzer Pascal , Burkhardt Simon , Henss Anja , Janek Jürgen
Published: March 2022

Solid‐state batteries with a lithium metal anode (LMA) are promising candidates for the next generation of energy storage systems with high energy and power density. However, successful implementation of the LMA requires deeper insight into the lithium metal–solid electrolyte (Li|SE) interface. Since lithium is highly reactive, reaction products form when it comes into contact with most solid electrolytes (SEs) and the resulting interphase can have detrimental effects on cell performance. To better understand the formation of interphases, Li|SE interfaces are studied with time‐of‐flight secondary‐ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS), which provides chemical information with high sensitivity in 2D as well as 3D and is a valuable complement to commonly used techniques. To investigate the interphase, lithium is deposited in situ on SE pellets either through lithium vapor deposition or electrochemical lithium plating. Subsequent depth profiling provides information about the stability of the Li|SE interface and about the microstructure of the formed interphase. At the Li|Li6PS5Cl interface of lithium metal with argyrodite‐type Li6PS5Cl, an apparently covering Li2S‐rich layer is found as major part of the interphase. Independent of the deposition method, a combination of ToF‐SIMS and atomic force microscopy indicates a thickness of about 250 nm for the Li2S‐rich interlayer.
Ultra‐Fast Click Modification of Self‐Assembled Zwitterionic Copolymer Membranes for Enhanced Ion Selectivity
Authors: Mondal Abhishek N. , Lounder Samuel J. , Mazzaferro Luca , Asatekin Ayse
Published: March 2022

Membranes that can separate small molecules and ions are of immense interest in various separations. Self‐assembling zwitterionic amphiphilic copolymers (ZACs) are extremely promising as exceptionally fouling‐resistant membrane selective layers with narrow size cut‐offs. However, it is difficult to tune their effective pore size within time frames compatible with roll‐to‐roll manufacturing. We report a novel, ultra‐fast approach for tuning the pore size of ZAC‐based membranes through thiol‐ene click chemistry that brings the needed post‐modification time from tens of minutes to only 10–40 s, making its integration feasible in large scale manufacturing systems. Resultant membranes have enhanced organic molecule and salt rejections, resulting in tunable mono‐/divalent ion selectivity. For instance, cross‐linking increases Na2SO4 rejections from <20% to up to 83%, while NaCl rejection remains below 30%. Furthermore, these membranes completely resist fouling by oil and proteins, outperforming commercial membranes. These results suggest that our cross‐linked membranes have the potential to be used in separations in the food industry, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and wastewater treatment.
Dystrophic Muscle Affects Motoneuron Axon Outgrowth and NMJ Assembly
Authors: Fornetti Ersilia , Testa Stefano , De Paolis Francesca , Fuoco Claudia , Bernardini Sergio , Pozo Devoto Victorio , Stokin Gorazd Bernard , Giannitelli Sara Maria , Rainer Alberto , Bigot Anne , Zoccali Carmine , Baldi Jacopo , Sandonà Doriana , Rizzi Roberto , Bearzi Claudia , Forte Giancarlo , Cannata Stefano , Gargioli Cesare
Published: March 2022

The Neuromuscular Junction (NMJ) is a chemical synapse localized between the terminal branches of the spinal motor neurons and myofibers. In the past two decades coculture systems to generate the NMJ in culture are developed to address concerns about animal models, despite the complexity of its highly specialized structure makes the in vitro modeling a challenging task. Microfluidics, unlike mass cocultures, allow spatial and temporal control over different microenvironment by manipulating either neural cells or muscle cell populations independently. Therefore, exploiting an organ‐on‐a‐chip approach, the aim is to obtain a reliable and predictive in vitro human model of NMJ in physiological and pathological conditions, to investigate the occurrence of synapse detriment in α‐sarcoglycanopathy, a subtype of limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy. For this purpose, motor neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and either healthy or α‐sarcoglycan mutant human myogenic progenitors are seeded in two separated chambers of a microfluidic device. Differentiated myotubes and hiPSCs‐derived motor neurons on‐chip are able to establish points of interaction where pre‐ and postsynaptic structures colocalize. Moreover, the attraction of motor neurons axons by muscle fibers and the NMJ maturation appear to be affected by the muscular compartment, being impaired by the dystrophic cellular component.
Photocurable Printed Piezocapacitive Pressure Sensor Based on an Acrylic Resin Modified with Polyaniline and Lignin
Authors: Arias‐Ferreiro Goretti , Ares‐Pernas Ana , Lasagabáster‐Latorre Aurora , Dopico‐García M. Sonia , Ligero Pablo , Pereira N. , Costa P. , Lanceros‐Mendez S. , Abad María‐José
Published: March 2022

The design of suitable materials for the manufacture of pressure sensors with high sensitivity and flexibility in wearable electronics is still a challenge. In this study, a flexible and portable pressure sensor is developed based on a photopolymeric formulation of polyaniline (PANI)/Lignin/acrylate. The amount of photoinitiator and the presence of lignin within the filler are investigated to obtain the best printability and capacitive response. Low PANI contents drastically increase the dielectric constant and 4 wt% photoinitiator improves the signal and sensitivity. A sensitivity of 0.012 kPa–1 is achieved in a linear range (0–10 kPa) with only 3.5 wt% PANI. Lignin improves both the dispersion of the filler within the matrix and the printability of the resin, due to lower absorptivity at the UV wavelength of the 3D printer. Thus, the PANI‐Lignin filler is selected for the fabrication of a piezocapacitive prototype transducer. The pressure transducer demonstrate its practical application by responding to a human footfall and transmitting its corresponding electrical signal. This study shows the enhanced properties of lignin modified PANI acrylate composites. Based on lignin, an abundant natural waste, a sustainable photocurable cost‐effective polymer is proposed for the fabrication of printable, wearable electronics.
Use of artificial intelligence as a didactic tool to improve ejection fraction assessment in the emergency department: A randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Dadon Ziv , Butnaru Adi , Rosenmann David , Alper‐Suissa Liat , Glikson Michael , Alpert Evan A.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into echocardiography operated by clinicians working in the emergency department to accurately assess left‐ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) may lead to better diagnostic decisions. This randomized controlled pilot study aimed to evaluate AI use as a didactic tool to improve noncardiologist clinicians’ assessment of LVEF from the apical 4‐chamber (A4ch) view.

Methods

This prospective randomized controlled pilot study tested the feasibility and acceptability of the incorporation of AI as a didactic tool by comparing the ability of 16 clinicians who work in the emergency department to assess LVEF before and after the introduction of an AI‐based ultrasound application. Following a brief didactic course, participants were randomly equally divided into an intervention and a control group. In each of the first and second sessions, both groups were shown 10 echocardiography A4ch clips and asked to assess LVEF. Following each clip assessment, only the intervention group was shown the results of the AI‐based tool. For the final session, both groups were presented with a new set of 40 clips and asked to evaluate the LVEF.

Results

In the “normal‐abnormal” category evaluation, as related to own baseline accuracy assessment, the intervention group had an improvement in accuracy on 50 consecutive clip assessments compared with a decline in the control group (0.10 vs. −0.12, respectively, p = 0.038). In the “significantly reduced LVEF” category, the intervention group showed significantly less decline in clip assessment as compared to the control group (−0.03 vs. −0.12, respectively, p = 0.050).

Conclusions

A study involving AI incorporation as a didactic tool for clinicians working in the emergency department appears feasible and acceptable. The introduction of an AI‐based tool to clinicians working in the emergency department improved the assessment accuracy of LVEF as compared to the control group.
Daytime napping and Alzheimer's dementia: A potential bidirectional relationship
Authors: Li Peng , Gao Lei , Yu Lei , Zheng Xi , Ulsa Ma Cherrysse , Yang Hui‐Wen , Gaba Arlen , Yaffe Kristine , Bennett David A. , Buchman Aron S. , Hu Kun , Leng Yue
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Daytime napping is frequently seen in older adults. The longitudinal relationship between daytime napping and cognitive aging is unknown.

Methods

Using data from 1401 participants of the Rush Memory and Aging Project, we examined the longitudinal change of daytime napping inferred objectively by actigraphy, and the association with incident Alzheimer's dementia during up to 14‐year follow‐up.

Results

Older adults tended to nap longer and more frequently with aging, while the progression of Alzheimer's dementia accelerates this change by more than doubling the annual increases in nap duration/frequency. Longer and more frequent daytime naps were associated with higher risk of Alzheimer's dementia. Interestingly, more excessive (longer or more frequent) daytime napping was correlated with worse cognition a year later, and conversely, worse cognition was correlated with more excessive naps a year later.

Discussion

Excessive daytime napping and Alzheimer's dementia may possess a bidirectional relationship or share common pathophysiological mechanisms.
Waning locus coeruleus integrity precedes cortical tau accrual in preclinical autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Jacobs Heidi I.L. , Becker John Alex , Kwong Kenneth , Munera Diana , Ramirez‐Gomez Liliana , Engels‐Domínguez Nina , Sanchez Justin S , Vila‐Castelar Clara , Baena Ana , Sperling Reisa A. , Johnson Keith A. , Lopera Francisco , Quiroz Yakeel T.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Autopsy studies recognize the locus coeruleus (LC) as one of the first sites accumulating tau in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent AD work related in vivo LC magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) integrity to tau and cognitive decline; however, relationships of LC integrity to age, tau, and cognition in autosomal dominant AD (ADAD) remain unexplored.

Methods

We associated LC integrity (3T‐MRI) with estimated years of onset, cortical amyloid beta, regional tau (positron emission tomography [PET]) and memory (Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) Word‐List‐Learning) among 27 carriers and 27 non‐carriers of the presenilin‐1 (PSEN1) E280A mutation. Longitudinal changes between LC integrity and tau were evaluated in 10 carriers.

Results

LC integrity started to decline at age 32 in carriers, 12 years before clinical onset, and 20 years earlier than in sporadic AD. LC integrity was negatively associated with cortical tau, independent of amyloid beta, and predicted precuneus tau increases. LC integrity was positively associated with memory.

Discussion

These findings support LC integrity as marker of disease progression in preclinical ADAD.
Kinetics of catalyzed dehydrocondensation of hydrogen functionalized siloxane
Authors: Rebane Ingrid , Mäeorg Uno , Johanson Urmas , Ilisson Mihkel , Piirimägi Peeter , Tamm Tarmo
Published: March 2022

The kinetics of the platinum‐catalyzed dehydrocondensation reaction for five different mono‐alcohols and water is studied in order to identify the ones with the highest effectiveness in releasing gaseous H2 from the SiH groups of poly(methylhydrosiloxane) (PMHS). Our results show that the most common logic rules of alcohol reactivity do not apply in such reactions and that a set of aspects need to be considered together to understand or predict the outcome and the possible applications. In dehydrocondensation of PMHS, the use of Lamoreaux’ catalyst may be considered to be a cost‐effective alternative, a novel approach in characterizing catalyzed reaction kinetics under mild conditions. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first article describing the use of Lamoreaux’ in this approach.
Voltage stabilizer and nanofiller in enhancement of insulation properties of cross‐linked polyethylene
Authors: Chen Xiangrong , Hong Zelin , Dai Chao , Awais Muhammad , Meng Fan‐Bo , Paramane Ashish , Li Hao
Published: March 2022

This paper investigates the influence of voltage stabilizer and nanofiller addition on the insulation performance of the cross‐linked polyethylene (XLPE). The test samples of XLPE/stabilizer blends consisting of 1 wt% m‐aminobenzoic acid, XLPE nanocomposites consisting of 0.5 wt% nano MgO and XLPE hybrid composite consisting of both voltage stabilizer and nanofillers were prepared. Various physicochemical and electrical properties were measured to analyze the performance of prepared samples. The obtained results show that the addition of nanofillers deteriorates the electrical insulation performance of the XLPE. On the other hand, the voltage stabilizer addition proves to be suitable for enhancing the electrical insulation performance of the XLPE. Meanwhile, the hybrid XLPE composites have shown medium behavior. The voltage stabilizer addition reduces, but the nanofillers increase the space charge density inside the XLPE compared to pure XLPE. It is also found that the dispersion of the voltage stabilizer in the material is uniform, whereas the nanofillers are aggregated. Furthermore, both additives slightly improve the thermal stability of the XLPE. The trap level theory based on quantum chemical calculation is proposed to explain the influence mechanism of the additives on the XLPE.
Subject‐performed task effect on working memory performance in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Wang Lijuan , Xie Tingting , Ma Huan , Xu Miao , Xie Xiaochun
Published: March 2022

A previous study found that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have better recall when they perform instructions (subject‐performed task [SPT]) than when they passively hear instructions (verbal task [VT]) in a working memory task for instructions, an effect that is called the SPT effect. This study explored whether the SPT effect exhibited by ASD children is caused by the movement component or by processing materials twice. More importantly, this study explored whether intelligence influences the SPT effect exhibited by ASD children. ASD children with three levels of intelligence (N = 56) and a control group, children with intellectual disability (ID) who had low intelligence but did not have ASD (N = 21), were asked to perform working memory tasks for instructions under VT, SPT and repeated (hearing the instruction twice) conditions. No significant difference in performance was observed between the VT and repeated conditions, regardless of the child's level of intelligence. ASD children with lower‐middle intelligence exhibited a smaller SPT effect than ASD children with upper‐middle intelligence. Critically, while ASD children with low intelligence did not exhibit the SPT effect, an ID group with equivalent low intelligence did show this effect. Therefore, these results show that the SPT effect for ASD children is caused by the movement component and is uniquely associated with a certain level of intelligence, namely, lower middle and higher levels of intelligence.

Lay Summary

In ASD children, the benefit of physically performing instructions for working memory performance is uniquely associated with a certain level of intelligence. Only ASD children with lower‐middle intelligence (and higher) benefit from physically performing instructions, and higher intelligence increases this benefit; ASD children with low intelligence do not show this benefit. This benefit in ASD children is attributed to the additional motoric code generated by physical performance.
Patient, physician, and policy factors underlying variation in use of telemedicine for radiation oncology cancer care
Authors: De Brian , Fu Shuangshuang , Chen Ying‐Shiuan , Das Prajnan , Ku Kimberly , Maroongroge Sean , Woodhouse Kristina D. , Hoffman Karen E. , Nguyen Quynh‐Nhu , Reed Valerie K. , Chen Aileen B. , Koong Albert C. , Smith Benjamin D. , Smith Grace L.
Published: March 2022

Background

Oncology telemedicine was implemented rapidly after COVID‐19. We examined multilevel correlates and outcomes of telemedicine use for patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) for cancer.

Methods

Upon implementation of a telemedicine platform at a comprehensive cancer center, we analyzed 468 consecutive patient RT courses from March 16, 2020 to June 1, 2020. Patients were categorized as using telemedicine during ≥1 weekly oncologist visits versus in‐person oncologist management only. Temporal trends were evaluated with Cochran‐Armitage tests; chi‐squared test and multilevel multivariable logistic models identified correlates of use and outcomes.

Results

Overall, 33% used telemedicine versus 67% in‐person only oncologist management. Temporal trends (ptrend < 0.001) correlated with policy changes: uptake was rapid after local social‐distancing restrictions, reaching peak use (35% of visits) within 4 weeks of implementation. Use declined to 15% after national “Opening Up America Again” guidelines. In the multilevel model, patients more likely to use telemedicine were White non‐Hispanic versus Black or Hispanic (odds ratio [OR] = 2.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–4.72; p = 0.04) or receiving ≥6 fractions of RT versus 1–5 fractions (OR = 4.49, 95% CI 2.29–8.80; p < 0.001). Model intraclass correlation coefficient demonstrated 43% utilization variation was physician‐level driven. Treatment toxicities and 30‐day emergency visits or unplanned hospitalizations did not differ for patients using versus not using telemedicine (p > 0.05, all comparisons).

Conclusion

Though toxicities were similar with telemedicine oncology management, there remained lower uptake among non‐White patients. Continuing strategies for oncology telemedicine implementation should address multilevel patient, physician, and policy factors to optimize telemedicine's potential to surmount—and not exacerbate—barriers to quality cancer care.
The prognostic value of prognostic nutritional index in advanced cancer receiving PD‐1/L1 inhibitors: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Pengfei , Lai Yutian , Tian Long , Zhou Qinghua
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To study the prognostic value of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in advanced cancers receiving programmed death‐1/programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐1/L1) inhibitors.

Methods

Online electronic databases were comprehensively searched and available literature was retrieved. We extracted available data from included researches and pooled the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to learn the prognostic value of PNI on overall survival (OS) or progression‐free survival (PFS); and meanwhile calculated the relative risk (RR) with 95% CI to study the relationship between PNI and treatment efficacy (objective response rate [ORR] or disease control rate [DCR]) in late staged cancer receiving PD‐1/L1 inhibitors.

Results

Nine studies were finally selected for this meta‐analysis. We obtained data regarding PNI on OS from all nine studies, and the pooled HR was 2.31 (95% CI 1.81–2.94, p = 0.000), showing a correlation between low PNI and worse OS. Eight studies reported a relationship between PNI and PFS, and combined results revealed shorter PFS in patients with lower PNI, with an HR of 1.75 (95% CI 1.40–2.18, p = 0.000). Four studies explored the association between PNI and ORR and two studies explored the influence of PNI on DCR. An association between PNI and ORR (RR = 0.47, p = 0.003) was observed, while no association between PNI and DCR (RR = 0.49, p = 0.103) was observed by pooling these studies.

Conclusion

In summary, this meta‐analysis indicated that a lower PNI was significantly correlated with decreased OS and PFS and played adverse roles in ORR in advanced cancer patients receiving PD‐1/L1 inhibitors. Therefore, PNI could be promising for predicting prognosis and treatment response in advanced malignancies treated with PD‐1/L1 inhibitors.
Comorbidities rather than older age define outcome in adult patients with tumors of the Ewing sarcoma family
Authors: Striefler Jana Käthe , Schmiester Maren , Brandes Franziska , Dörr Anne , Pahl Stefan , Kaul David , Rau Daniel , Dobrindt Eva‐Maria , Koulaxouzidis Georgios , Bullinger Lars , Märdian Sven , Flörcken Anne
Published: March 2022

Background

Ewing family of tumors (EFT) is rarely diagnosed in patients (pts) over the age of 18 years (years), and data on the clinical course and the outcome of adult EFT pts is sparse.

Methods

In this retrospective analysis, we summarize our experience with adult EFT pts. From 2002 to 2020, we identified 71 pts of whom 58 were evaluable for the final analysis.

Results

Median age was 31 years (18–90 years). Pts presented with skeletal (n = 26), and extra‐skeletal primary disease (n =32). Tumor size was ≥8 cm in 20 pts and 19 pts were metastasized at first diagnosis. Between the age groups (≤25 vs. 26–40 vs. ≥41 years) we observed differences of Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), tumor origin, as well as type and number of therapy cycles. Overall, median overall survival (OS) was 79 months (95% confidence interval, CI; 28.5–131.4 months), and median progression‐free survival (PFS) 34 months (95% CI; 21.4–45.8 months). We observed a poorer outcome (OS, PFS) in older pts. This could be in part due to differences in treatment intensity and the CCI (<3 vs. ≥3; hazard ratio, HR 0.334, 95% CI 0.15–0.72, p = 0.006). In addition, tumor stage had a significant impact on PFS (localized vs. metastasized stage: HR 0.403, 95% CI 0.18–0.87, p = 0.021).

Conclusions

Our data confirms the feasibility of intensive treatment regimens in adult EFT pts. While in our cohort outcome was influenced by age, due to differences in treatment intensity, CCI, and tumor stage, larger studies are warranted to further explore optimized treatment protocols in adult EFT pts.
Wnt signaling pathway: A comprehensive review
Authors: Hayat Rabia , Manzoor Maleeha , Hussain Ali
Published: March 2022

Wnt signaling is an evolutionary cell‐to‐cell coordination mechanism and it is highly critical for a variety of physiological processes of an organism's body, including stem cell regeneration, proliferation, division, migration, polarity of a cell, determining fate of the cell and specification of neural crest, neural symmetry and morphogenesis. Wnts are extracellular secreted glycol proteins, consisted of a family of 19 human proteins that represent the complex nature of the regulatory structure and physiological efficiency of signaling. Moreover, a Wnt/β‐catenin‐dependent pathway and the β‐catenin‐independent pathway that is further classified into the Planar Cell Polarity and Wnt/Ca2+ pathways have been established as key signaling nodes downstream of the frizzled (Fz/Fzd) receptor, and these nodes are extensively analyzed at biochemical and molecular levels. Genetic and epigenetic activities that ultimately characterize the pathway and its subsequent responses contribute to Wnt‐β‐catenin signaling pathway hypo or hyper‐activation and is associated with the variety of human disorders progression most significantly cancers. Recognizing how this mechanism operates is crucial to the advancement of cancer prevention therapies or regenerative medicine methods.
Endoscopic fenestration of a giant frontal arachnoid cyst: Operative technique and anatomical nuances
Authors: Dimentberg Ryan , Borja Austin J. , Glauser Gregory , Brem Steven , Choudhri Omar A.
Published: March 2022

Endoscopic fenestration is best as it is minimally invasive and does not require hardware in the surgical site (Figure 1). This case shows the safety of endoscopic fenestration and the utility of operative adjuncts (J Korean Med Sci. 1999;14:443; Neurosurg Focus. 2005;19:E7).
Pemphigus herpetiformis in a 4‐year‐old child: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Hayder Faten , Bahloul Emna , Sellami Khadija , Jerbi Ameni , Masmoudi Hatem , Zghal Mouna , Ayedi Lobna , Aounallah Amina , Turki Hamida
Published: March 2022

Pemphigus herpetiformis (PH) is a rare form of pemphigus, especially when occurring in childhood. Misdiagnosis is common in this age group. The disease exhibits diverse clinical and histological aspects. Further immunological investigations should be performed in order to make the right diagnosis with a correct management strategy.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Chromans Through Bifunctional Enamine‐Metal Lewis Acid Catalysis
Authors: Davis Jacqkis , Gharaee Mojgan , Karunaratne Chamini V. , Cortes Vazquez Jose , Haynes Mikayla , Luo Weiwei , Nesterov Vladimir N. , Cundari Thomas , Wang Hong
Published: March 2022

Cooperative enamine‐metal Lewis acid catalysis has emerged as a powerful tool to construct carbon‐carbon and carbon‐heteroatom bond forming reactions. A concise synthetic method for asymmetric synthesis of chromans from cyclohexanones and salicylaldehydes has been developed to afford tricyclic chromans containing three consecutive stereogenic centers in good yields (up to 87 %) and stereoselectivity (up to 99 % ee and 11 : 1 : 1 dr). This difficult organic transformation was achieved through bifunctional enamine‐metal Lewis acid catalysis. It is believed that the strong activation of the salicylaldehydes through chelating to the metal Lewis acid and the bifunctional nature of the catalyst accounts for the high yields and enantioselectivity of the reaction. The absolute configurations of the chroman products were established through X‐ray crystallography. DFT calculations were conducted to understand the mechanism and stereoselectivity of this reaction.
Evaluation of chiral N,N‐dimethyl‐sphingosine for the interaction between nerve growth factor and tropomyosin receptor kinase A
Authors: Murai Yuta , Sekiguchi Akihiro , Hirakawa Taeko , Usuki Seigo , Igarashi Yasuyuki , Monde Kenji
Published: March 2022

Neuropathic pain is an unbearable condition caused by nervous system damage. As distinct acute pain, neuropathic pain is chronic, and it severely influences quality of life. N,N‐Dimethyl‐d‐erythro‐sphingosine (DMS), a neuropathic pain inducer, is metabolited de novo from sphingosine. In a recent study, metabolomics showed an increased concentration level of DMS in the spinal cord in mice with neuropathic pain. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is one of the peripheral nervous system targeted pain factors that interact with tropomyosin receptor kinase A (trkA). On the basis of this information, we were interested in the possibility that DMS may induce neuropathic pain‐like behavior through an increase of NGF activity. In this study, we showed that DMS can enhance the binding of NGF to trkA, followed by neurite outgrowth of epidermal nerve fibers and phosphorylation of trkA. In addition, a stereoisomer, N,N‐dimethyl‐l‐erythro‐sphingosine, did not any show such biological activities. The results suggest that DMS can enhance the binding of NGF to trkA and that its stereochemistry is an essential factor for exhibiting its activity.
Should We Sample More than Required by the European Water Framework Directive? Case study: Emscher Catchment
Authors: Seidel Michael , Li Fengqing , Winking Caroline , Sommerhäuser Mario , Lüderitz Volker
Published: March 2022

Measurement of restoration success is a challenge, especially in multiple‐stressed urban systems. Standard indicators for ecological assessment may be too robust to indicate small but continuous improvements. Thus, a standardized method of the European Water Framework Directive (EU WFD) is extended by additional samplings of macroinvertebrates in the urban Emscher catchment. The aim is to prove whether additional sampling adds value to interpretate restoration success. According to the EU WFD, the Emscher's ecological status and potential are mainly identified as good to moderate regarding biological components of macrophytes and macroinvertebrates, whereas bad regarding fish communities. The additional sampling improves the quality of the biological dataset, because twice as many species of macroinvertebrates are found compared to the WFD method. Hence, the additional sampling allows a stronger indication for community ordination, and community metrics describing diversity, dispersal, and feeding preferences as well as by disentangling the roles of environmental variables. Nevertheless, it is concluded that the standardized and simple WFD method is sufficient to capture the most relevant effects. However, if the budget is allowed and information on the species pool, nature conservation, or aspects of early indication are needed, it may be useful to implement an additional sampling of macroinvertebrates.