bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of binder‐free spherical submicron‐sized platinum particles using laser melting in liquids
Authors: Tsuji Takeshi , Suzuki Yuuta , Sakaki Shota , Ishikawa Yoshie , Koshizaki Naoto
Published: October 2021

Spherical‐shaped submicron‐sized particles (SMPs) of noble metals are an ideal material to prepare electronic wires using ink‐jet printing. Platinum SMPs (PtSMPs) must be a better material than gold SMPs (AuSMPs) used in high temperature conditions, because of the higher melting point of platinum than that of gold. However, differing from AuSMPs, no convenient PtSMP preparation method have been developed so far. In the present study, we have applied the laser melting in liquids method (LML), which has been used to prepare SMPs of various materials, on the preparation of PtSMPs. The results showed that PtSMPs were successfully obtained by laser irradiation at 266 nm for platinum nanoparticles stabilized by a small amount of sodium citrate via the laser‐induced agglomeration. It was also found that PtSMPs of the similar size were obtained when laser wavelength was changed to 355 nm, although the irradiation time necessary to induce NP agglomeration using 355 nm laser irradiation became longer than that using 266 nm laser irradiation. This laser wavelength dependence was explained in terms of the size‐dependent heating efficiency of platinum particles.
Spectroscopic measurement of water using an electrostatic transducer with near‐infrared absorber
Authors: Suzuki Takamasa , Nakafuji Kota , Uesugi Akio , Sugano Koji , Isono Yoshitada
Published: October 2021

The widespread of near‐infrared spectroscopes in the consumer field is expected to create new demand, such as the detections of fruit and vegetable rot and the easy measurement of the amount of water in the skin. Conventional cooled photodiodes using compound semiconductor materials such as InGaAs have problems with cost reduction and miniaturization. Therefore, we proposed an electrostatic Si microresonator device for the realization of a near‐infrared optical sensor. This device measures the resonance frequency shift caused by the thermal stress generated in the resonator due to light absorption depending on the light intensity. The purpose of this study is to apply the device to near‐infrared spectroscopy of water as a photodetector. We proposed an evaluation method based on a theoretical equation and confirmed that the device could detect the near‐infrared absorption spectrum of water. The measurement results of the developed device matched well with that of the commercially available photodiode intensity sensor. In the future, it is expected that a compact near‐infrared spectrometer with high sensitivity and low cost will be realized by arranging devices that integrate absorbers with different wavelength dependencies.
Differential habitat use and recruitment facilitate coexistence in a community with intraguild predation
Authors: Goldberg Joshua F. , Fraser Douglas F. , Lamphere Bradley A. , Reznick David N.
Published: October 2021

Theory predicts that species engaged in intraguild predation (IGP) can only coexist under limited conditions, yet IGP is common in nature. Habitat complexity can promote coexistence by reducing encounter rates, but little information is known about the contribution of differential habitat use. We hypothesized that differential use of alternative habitats promotes coexistence of an intraguild (IG) predator and prey. We evaluated predictions of this hypothesis with an experimental introduction of an IG predator fish into four natural stream communities that previously contained only the IG prey fish. We monitored the development of this IGP over the course of four years to determine how each species used alternative stream habitats. The introduced species preferred pool habitats while the resident species was more evenly distributed across pools and riffles. The density of the resident decreased in the pool habitat preferred by the invader, accompanied by a local increase in the mean of the resident size distribution. Selective predation by the invader on hatchling residents appears to impact the residents’ demographic response. The continued recruitment of resident juveniles in riffles, where the introduced species is rare, facilitated the persistence of the resident. This differential use of habitats was not accompanied by a change in the resident’s growth rates in either habitat. Our results showed that differential habitat selection and recruitment promoted persistence during an invasion involving IGP, which helps to bridge the gap between theory and observation in explaining coexistence in IGP systems.
Five dimensions of climate governance: a framework for empirical research based on polycentric and multi‐level governance perspectives
Authors: Heinen Deborah , Arlati Alessandro , Knieling Jörg
Published: October 2021

Governance of climate mitigation and adaptation has been discussed within polycentric and multi‐level governance perspectives. Both perspectives on climate governance are intimately related but yet in some regards are distinctly different ‐ as one perspective has evolved from empirical research within the United States and the other in the European Union. Within an increasingly global discourse on climate governance, there is a need in the literature to bring both discourses together. The findings are based on a systematic literature review of 42 climate governance papers published since 2000. This paper discusses how multi‐level and polycentric climate governance perspectives converge and diverge along five dimensions. The five dimensions provide insights for applying a multi‐level or polycentric governance perspective to empirical research.
Sex differences in prognosis of significant secondary mitral regurgitation
Authors: Namazi Farnaz , van der Bijl Pieter , Vo N. Mai , van Wijngaarden Suzanne E. , Ajmone Marsan Nina , Delgado Victoria , Bax Jeroen J.
Published: October 2021

Aims

Secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) is more frequent in men than in women. However, little is known about differences in prognosis between men and women with secondary MR. The objective of this study is to investigate the sex distribution of secondary MR and the prognostic differences between sexes.

Methods

Patients with significant secondary MR, of both ischaemic and non‐ischaemic aetiologies, were identified through the departmental electronic patient files and retrospectively analysed. The primary endpoint was all‐cause mortality.

Results

A total of 698 patients (mean age 66 ± 11 years) with significant secondary MR were included: 471 (67%) men and 227 (33%) women. Ischaemic heart failure was significantly more common in men (61%), whereas non‐ischaemic heart failure was more prevalent in women (63%). Women had significantly smaller left ventricular (LV) volumes when compared with men and more preserved LV systolic function when assessed with LV global longitudinal strain (GLS; 8.5 ± 4.1% vs. 7.5 ± 3.6%; P = 0.004). Women more often underwent surgical mitral valve repair (34%) when compared with men (26%), although no differences were observed for transcatheter mitral valve repair. During a median follow‐up of 57 [interquartile range 29–110] months, 373 (53%) patients died. Women showed significantly lower mortality rates at 1‐, 2‐ and 5‐year follow‐up (9%, 16% and 33% vs. 10%, 20% and 42%) when compared with men (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Significant secondary MR is more frequently observed in men as compared with women and is associated with worse prognosis.
Chronic exogenous ketone supplementation blunts the decline of cardiac function in the failing heart
Authors: Takahara Shingo , Soni Shubham , Phaterpekar Kiran , Kim Ty T. , Maayah Zaid H. , Levasseur Jody L. , Silver Heidi L. , Freed Darren H. , Ferdaoussi Mourad , Dyck Jason R.B.
Published: October 2021

Aims

Recent evidence has demonstrated that ketone bodies, particularly β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB), are beneficial to the failing heart due to their potential as an alternative energy substrate as well as their anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative properties. Exogenous supplementation of ketones also helps prevent heart failure (HF) development in rodent models, but whether ketones can be used to treat HF remains unexplored. Herein, we investigated whether chronic supplementation of ketones is beneficial for the heart in a mouse model of established HF.

Methods and results

To elevate circulating ketone levels, we utilized (R)‐3‐hydroxybutyl‐(R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate [ketone ester (KE)]. C57Bl/6N male mice were subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) surgery. After developing HF, mice were treated with either 20% KE or vehicle via drinking water for 2 weeks. In another cohort, mice 3–4 weeks post‐TAC received acute intravenous infusions of BHB or saline for 1 h and their cardiac function was measured. 20% KE significantly elevated blood BHB in mice (P < 0.01) without inducing ketoacidosis or altering other metabolic parameters. Mice with overt HF (30–45% ejection fraction) treated with 20% KE displayed significantly elevated circulating ketone levels compared with vehicle‐treated mice (P < 0.05). The significant cardiac dysfunction in mice with HF continued to worsen after 2 weeks of vehicle treatment, whereas this decline was absent in KE‐treated mice (mean difference 4.7% ejection fraction; P < 0.01). KE treatment also alleviated TAC‐induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy (P < 0.05) and reduced the TAC‐induced elevated cardiac periostin (P < 0.05), a marker of activated fibroblasts. Cardiac fibrosis was also significantly reduced with KE treatment in TAC mice (P < 0.01). In another cohort, acute BHB infusion significantly increased the cardiac output of mice with HF (P < 0.05), providing further support that ketone therapy can be used to treat HF.

Conclusions

We show that chronic treatment of exogenous ketones is of benefit to the failing heart and that chronic ketone elevation may be a therapeutic option for HF. Further investigations to elucidate the underlying mechanism(s) are warranted.
Radical‐Mediated Approaches for the Synthesis of Thiolactones
Authors: McCourt Ruairí O. , Scanlan Eoin M.
Published: October 2021

In this review we discuss the diverse synthetic approaches and methodologies which have been utilized for the preparation of small and medium ring thiolactones via radical‐mediated processes. We provide a brief overview of the major current applications and uses of thiolactones in disparate fields of study and outline a selection of representative methods which have been employed for the preparation of compounds containing this structural motif, with a concise consideration of the conditions employed, the key intermediates formed and the mechanism of the transformations, where pertinent. Reaction classification has been broadly divided into two distinct classes: those in which the key bond forming step is an intermolecular radical process, and those in which it is an intramolecular process (radical cyclization). Both of these reaction classes may be further subdivided into processes that proceed via a carbon‐centered (C‐centered) radical, and those that proceed through a thiyl/sulfur‐centered (S‐centered) radical.
An Environmentally Benign, Catalyst‐Free N−C Bond Cleavage/Formation of Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Unactivated Amides
Authors: Kumar Vishal , Dhawan Sanjeev , Girase Pankaj Sanjay , Singh Parvesh , Karpoormath Rajshekhar
Published: October 2021

Herein, we report an operationally simple, cheap, and catalyst‐free method for the transamidation of a diverse range of unactivated amides furnishing the desired products in excellent yields. This protocol is environmentally friendly and operates under extremely mild conditions without using any promoter or additives. Significantly, this strategy has been implied in the chemoselective synthesis of a pharmaceutical molecule, paracetamol, on a gram‐scale with excellent yield. We anticipate that this universally applicable strategy will be of great interest in drug discovery, biochemistry, and organic synthesis.
Pain catastrophizing mediates rapid benefits of accessing in‐person chiropractic care during the COVID‐19 lockdown
Authors: Gevers‐Montoro Carlos , Deldar Zoha , Conesa‐Buendía Francisco Miguel , Lazar Eric Arthur , Mahillo‐Fernandez Ignacio , Khatibi Ali , Ortega de Mues Arantxa
Published: October 2021

Background

In March 2020, the COVID‐19 pandemic forced the Spanish government to declare a state of emergency. A stringent lockdown was enforced, restricting access to healthcare services, including chiropractic. Reduced access to care provision in combination with psychological stress, social isolation and physical inactivity during the lockdown were shown to negatively influence pain conditions. However, data on strategies to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on these conditions are lacking.

Methods

Upon easing of restrictions in May 2020, 51 chiropractic clinics throughout Spain pseudo‐randomly invited patients, recruiting a total of 385 participants. During a 14‐day period, participants were exposed to in‐person chiropractic care in either one (n = 177) or multiple encounters (n = 109) or to no care (n = 99). The effects of access to chiropractic care on patients’ pain‐related and psychological outcomes were assessed online through validated self‐reported questionnaires before and after the period of care. Coprimary outcomes included pain intensity, pain interference and pain cognitions.

Results

When comparing to participants without access to care, pain intensity and interference were significantly decreased at follow‐up, irrespective of the number of encounters. Kinesiophobia was also significantly reduced at follow‐up, though only after multiple encounters. The relationship between fear of movement, changes in pain intensity and interference was mediated by catastrophizing.

Conclusion

Access to in‐person chiropractic care may provide pain relief, associated with reductions in interference and pain cognitions. Prioritizing in‐person care for patients with maladaptive pain cognitions may help dampen the detrimental consequences of the pandemic on physical and psychological well‐being.
Graphene Quantum Dot‐poly(L‐lysine)‐gold Nanoparticles Nanocomposite for Electrochemical Determination of Dopamine and Serotonin
Authors: Şimşek Nazlı , Tığ Gözde Aydoğdu
Published: October 2021

A nanocomposite consists of AuNPs, GQD, and poly(L‐lysine) was prepared for highly sensitive electrochemical determination of dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5‐HT) neurotransmitters which are of vital importance in neurological disorders. The P(L‐Lys) GQD was successfully obtained a one‐step co‐electrodeposition of GQD and L‐Lys on the PGE. The electrochemical behaviors of DA and 5‐HT were analyzed via DPV and CV. LOD values for DA and 5‐HT were calculated as 0.03 μM and 0.017 μM, respectively. Also, the DA and 5‐HT contents were determined at the PGE/AuNPs/P(L‐Lys)‐GQD in fetal bovine serum samples and pharmaceutical formulations, and high recovery values were obtained.
ZnS Nanoparticles‐decorated Composite Graphene Paper: A Novel Flexible Electrochemical Sensor for Detection of Dopamine
Authors: Erçarıkcı Elif , Aksu Zeriş , Topçu Ezgi , Kıranşan Kader Dağcı
Published: October 2021

Dopamine (DA) is a significant catecholamine neurotransmitter in human metabolism, and DA is related to several critical illnesses. Accurate detection of DA is important to diagnose these diseases. Here, we demonstrated a flexible electrochemical sensor, ZnS nanoparticles decorated composite graphene paper electrode (CGPE), for the detection of DA. CGPE was prepared via mold‐casting method using ZnS/graphene oxide dispersion followed by thermal reduction treatment. The characterization of the flexible CGPE was investigated through various techniques. The electrochemical tests were carried out to study the electrocatalytic properties of CGPE against DA oxidation. Compared to graphene paper electrode (GPE), the oxidation of DA occurred at about 250 mV lower potential on CGPE, and peak current density increased about 2 times. Our sensor exhibited high sensitivity in linear range of 0.1–2300 μM of DA with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.0042 μM. Furthermore, CGPE has selectively detected DA even in the medium containing AA and UA which are biologically active interfering molecules. Besides, the sensor showed many attractive properties such as high durability, stability, and reproducibility and it was successfully applied for the determination of DA in real samples for practical applications.
Self‐Sacrifice Template Fabrication of Graphene‐like Nitrogen‐Doped Porous Carbon Nanosheets for Applications in Lithium‐Ion Batteries and Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Mao Suhua , Chen Xiaodong , Li Junhao , Li Qi , Zeng Huahua , Chen Rongjia , Li Haixiang , Wu Ming , Shi Kaixiang , Nan Haoxiong , Liu Quanbing , Dang Haifeng
Published: October 2021

Graphene‐like nitrogen‐doped porous carbon nanosheets (NPCN) with high specific surface area are successfully prepared via selecting glucose as a carbon precursor and simultaneously, g‐C3N4 as a self‐sacrifice template and nitrogen source. Benefiting from its large porosity, high specific surface area, and nitrogen doping properties (mainly pyridinic nitrogen), the as‐obtained NPCN‐800 shows multifunctional applications as electrode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and catalyst for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR). For LIBs application, the NPCN‐800 delivers the high reversible capacity of 1286 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, rate capability of 258 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1, and cycle stability of 818 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 after 200 cycles. In addition, NPCN‐800 exhibits good ORR catalytic activity. Therefore, these attributes make NPCN an auspicious candidate for LIBs and ORR. This simple strategy for preparing nitrogen‐doped carbon‐based materials provides an efficient way to exploit cost‐effective electrode materials for LIBs and catalysts for ORR.
Bedload infilling and depositional patterns in chute cutoffs channels of a gravel‐bed river: The Ain River, France
Authors: Szewczyk Leo , Grimaud Jean‐Louis , Cojan Isabelle , Piegay Herve
Published: October 2021

Although abandoned channels are common and identifiable features in alluvial plains, their detailed internal architecture remains overlooked, particularly their coarse permeable compartment, with implications for underground water flow. The actively shifting gravel‐bed Ain River (France) provides an opportunity to study the geometry and architecture of bedload deposits (plug) during channel disconnection, in relation to river discharge and planform evolution. In this study, combined geomorphic and grain‐size surveys were conducted on the bedload deposits associated with the closure phase of four cutoff channels. We find that bedload accumulates mainly through (i) the initiation of a bar at the mouth of the abandoned channel in the flow separation zone, which reduces flow connectivity; (ii) lateral accretion of coarse‐grained bars, resulting in channel narrowing downstream of the initial upstream bar; and (iii) merging of coarse‐grained longitudinal bars—anchored to the initial plug bar. The channel plug progrades downstream until occupying ca. 0.5–0.7 times the channel surface and then starts thickening. We also find that channel plug volume is controlled by sediment supply and channel inherited topography, which are partially controlled by the dynamics of neighbouring channel bends.
Efficient and anonymous multi‐message and multi‐receiver electronic health records sharing scheme without secure channel based on blockchain
Authors: Yang Xiaodong , Li Xixi , Li Ting , Wang Xiuxiu , Wang Caifen , Li Baohui
Published: October 2021

The sharing of electronic health records (EHR) helps the patients increase the accuracy of treatment, while promoting the development of the hospital and the research of medical field compared to traditional paper‐based medical records. However, due to the sensitivity of medical data and the difference of the standard about EHR, it is likely to lead to some security problems such as the leakage of patient's privacy and the difficulty of data sharing. To accomplish the secure storage and effective sharing of EHR, we propose an efficient and anonymous multi‐message and multi‐receiver EHR sharing scheme without secure channel based on blockchain (BEAMMRS). We use blockchain technology and cloud server to store EHR together, which ensures the security and immutability. Moreover, we combine certificateless public key cryptography and elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) to solve the certificate management burden and key escrow problems. Our scheme utilizes multi‐message and multi‐receiver signcryption algorithm to enable medical data providers to send different messages to multiple data requesters by executing one signcryption operation, which satisfies the multi‐message sending requirements of the data providers in the communication environment. Meanwhile, the key generation center (KGC) sends the pseudo partial private key to the data user through the public channel. Only the authorized data user can successfully find out the real partial private key, which avoids the key leakage and economic cost caused by the secure channel. Security analysis and performance evaluation demonstrate that the proposed BEAMMRS scheme meets stronger security and higher computational efficiency than other similar schemes.
A large chromosomal inversion shapes gene expression in seaweed flies (Coelopa frigida)
Authors: Berdan Emma L. , Mérot Claire , Pavia Henrik , Johannesson Kerstin , Wellenreuther Maren , Butlin Roger K.
Published: October 2021

Inversions often underlie complex adaptive traits, but the genic targets inside them are largely unknown. Gene expression profiling provides a powerful way to link inversions with their phenotypic consequences. We examined the effects of the Cf-Inv(1) inversion in the seaweed fly Coelopa frigida on gene expression variation across sexes and life stages. Our analyses revealed that Cf-Inv(1) shapes global expression patterns, most likely via linked variation, but the extent of this effect is variable, with much stronger effects in adults than larvae. Furthermore, within adults, both common as well as sex-specific patterns were found. The vast majority of these differentially expressed genes mapped to Cf-Inv(1). However, genes that were differentially expressed in a single context (i.e., in males, females, or larvae) were more likely to be located outside of Cf-Inv(1). By combining our findings with genomic scans for environmentally associated SNPs, we were able to pinpoint candidate variants in the inversion that may underlie mechanistic pathways that determine phenotypes. Together the results of this study, combined with previous findings, support the notion that the polymorphic Cf-Inv(1) inversion in this species is a major factor shaping both coding and regulatory variation resulting in highly complex adaptive effects.
Tropical forests are home to over half of the world’s vertebrate species
Authors: Pillay Rajeev , Venter Michelle , Aragon‐Osejo Jose , González‐del‐Pliego Pamela , Hansen Andrew J , Watson James EM , Venter Oscar
Published: October 2021

Tropical forests are renowned for their astonishing diversity of life, but the fundamental question of how many species occur in tropical forests remains unanswered. Using geographic range maps and data on species habitat associations, we determined that tropical forests harbor 62% of global terrestrial vertebrate species, more than twice the number found in any other terrestrial biome on Earth. Up to 29% of global vertebrate species are endemic to tropical forests, with more than 20% of these species at risk of extinction. Humid tropical forests (also known as tropical rainforests) and the Neotropics dominate as centers of species diversity, harboring more than 90% and nearly half of all tropical forest vertebrates, respectively. To maintain the biodiversity that underpins the ecosystem functions and services essential for human well‐being, we emphasize the critical importance of environmental policies aimed at reducing tropical deforestation and mitigating deleterious anthropogenic pressures on these imperiled ecosystems.
Green tea aqueous extract (GTAE) prevents high‐fat diet‐induced obesity by activating fat browning
Authors: Li Jie , Chen Qiyang , Zhai Xiuming , Wang Dan , Hou Yujia , Tang Min
Published: October 2021

Adipose browning leads to increased energy expenditure and reduced adiposity and has, therefore, become an attractive therapeutic strategy for obesity. In this study, we elucidated the effect of green tea aqueous extract (GTAE) on the browning of inguinal white adipose tissue (Ing‐WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed mice. The main phytochemical components identified in GTAE through high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) included (−)‐gallocatechin, (−)‐epigallocatechin, (−)‐catechin, (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate, caffeine, (−)‐epicatechin, (−)‐gallocatechin gallate, and (−)‐epicatechin‐3‐gallate. Daily supplementation with 1% GTAE for 12 weeks markedly reduced bodyweight gain, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and improved insulin resistance. Additionally, histological analysis revealed that dietary supplementation with 1% GTAE reversed HFD‐induced adipocyte size and hepatic steatosis. These effects were associated with activation of browning in the Ing‐WAT and BAT, which mediate systemic metabolic dysfunction in HFD‐fed mice. Taken together, our data support the use of GTAE, a natural product, for the attenuation of obesity through the activation of fat browning.
The effects of Cynara scolymus and Silybum marianum on growth, carcass and organ characteristics, immunity, blood constitutes, liver enzymes, jejunum morphology, and fatty acid profile of breast meat in broilers
Authors: Zaker‐Esteghamati Hossein , Seidavi Alireza , Bouyeh Mehrdad
Published: October 2021

To investigate the effects of adding Cynara scolymus (CS) and Silybum marianum (SM) dry extract to the diet of broiler chickens, a 2 × 2 factorial experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 4 replicates. Ten one‐day‐old male broiler chicks of Ross 308 strain were used in each replicate. Experimental treatments included two levels of supplemental CS and MS, 250 and 500 mg/kg of dry extract of CS and SM, which were used in combination with a basal diet for 42 days. The 42‐day trial was divided into 3 periods, 1–10 days, 11–24 days, and 25–42 days of age. The data were statistically analyzed using SAS software and means differences were tested for significance using Duncan's multiple‐range test. The results showed that the effect of the experimental treatments was not significant on growth performance in the entire period (1–42 days), carcass characteristics, and weight of immunity organs. Feed cost per kilogram of live weight increased with supplemental of CS and SM (p < .01). Significant effects of CS and SM supplements were observed on antibody titer against influenza virus at 28 and 42 days and also on antibody titer against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) at 35 and 42 days. Feeding 500 mg/kg of both CS and SM in the diet of broilers resulted in the highest villus height and width, crypt depth, and percentage of oleic and linolenic acids. The results of the present study suggest that feeding 250 and 500 mg/kg of dry extract of CS and SM in the diet may have positive effects on the traits studied, but to save feed costs, only250 mg/kg is recommended.
Associations between depressive symptom clusters and care utilization and costs among community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Lu Shiyu , Zhang Yan , Liu Tianyin , Leung Dara K. Y. , Kwok Wai‐Wai , Luo Hao , Tang Jennifer , Wong Gloria H. Y. , Lum Terry Y. S.
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Whether and how symptom clusters are associated with care utilization remains understudied. This study aims to investigate the economic impact of symptom clusters.

Methods

We conducted cross‐sectional analyses of data collected from 3255 older adults aged 60 years and over in Hong Kong using the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 and the Client Service Receipt Inventory to measure depressive symptoms and service utilization to calculate 1‐year care expenditure. Based on Research Domain Criteria framework, we categorized depressive symptoms into four clusters: Negative Valance Systems and Externalizing (NVSE; anhedonia and depression), Negative Valance Systems and Internalizing (guilt and self‐harm), Arousal and Regulatory Systems (sleep, fatigue, and appetite), and Cognitive and Sensorimotor Systems (CSS; concentration and psychomotor). Two‐part models were used with four symptom clusters to estimate economic impacts on care utilization.

Results

Core affective symptoms had the largest economic impact on non‐psychiatric care expenditure; a one‐point increase in NVSE was associated with USD$ 571 additional non‐psychiatric care expenditure. The economic impacts of CSS on non‐psychiatric care expenditure was attenuated when the severity level of NVSE was higher.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the importance of understanding economic impacts on care utilization based on symptom profiles with a particular emphasis on symptom combinations. Policymakers should optimize care allocation based on older adults' depressive symptom profiles rather than simply considering their depression sum‐score or the severity defined by cut‐off points.
Bmal1 regulates production of larger lipoproteins by modulating cAMP‐responsive element‐binding protein H and apolipoprotein AIV
Authors: Pan Xiaoyue , Hussain M. Mahmood
Published: October 2021

Background and Aims

High plasma lipid/lipoprotein levels are risk factors for various metabolic diseases. We previously showed that circadian rhythms regulate plasma lipids and deregulation of these rhythms causes hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis in mice. Here, we show that global and liver‐specific brain and muscle aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator‐like 1 (Bmal1)‐deficient mice maintained on a chow or Western diet developed hyperlipidemia, denoted by the presence of higher amounts of triglyceride‐rich and apolipoprotein AIV (ApoAIV)‐rich larger chylomicron and VLDL due to overproduction.

Approach and Results

Bmal1 deficiency decreased small heterodimer partner (Shp) and increased microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP), a key protein that facilitates primordial lipoprotein assembly and secretion. Moreover, we show that Bmal1 regulates cAMP‐responsive element‐binding protein H (Crebh) to modulate ApoAIV expression and the assembly of larger lipoproteins. This is supported by the observation that Crebh‐deficient and ApoAIV‐deficient mice, along with Bmal1‐deficient mice with knockdown of Crebh, had smaller lipoproteins. Further, overexpression of Bmal1 in Crebh‐deficient mice had no effect on ApoAIV expression and lipoprotein size.

Conclusions

These studies indicate that regulation of ApoAIV and assembly of larger lipoproteins by Bmal1 requires Crebh. Mechanistic studies showed that Bmal1 regulates Crebh expression by two mechanisms. First, Bmal1 interacts with the Crebh promoter to control circadian regulation. Second, Bmal1 increases Rev‐erbα expression, and nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group D member 1 (Nr1D1, Rev‐erbα) interacts with the Crebh promoter to repress expression. In short, Bmal1 modulates both the synthesis of primordial lipoproteins and their subsequent expansion into larger lipoproteins by regulating two different proteins, MTP and ApoAIV, through two different transcription factors, Shp and Crebh. It is likely that disruptions in circadian mechanisms contribute to hyperlipidemia and that avoiding disruptions in circadian rhythms may limit/prevent hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.
New Access Routes to Privileged and Chiral Ligands for Transition‐Metal Catalyzed Hydrogen Autotransfer (Borrowing Hydrogen), Dehydrogenative Condensation, and Alkene Isomerization Reactions
Authors: Koller Sebastian , Klein Philippe , Reinhardt Katja , Ochmann Lukas , Seitz Antonia , Jandl Christian , Pöthig Alexander , Hintermann Lukas
Published: October 2021

A group of transition‐metal catalyzed hydrogen moving reactions, encompassing hydrogen autotransfer (HAT; also called borrowing hydrogen, BH), dehydrogenative condensation (DHC) and alkene isomerization, displays high atom economy and relies on widely available starting materials. Such reactions have considerable potential for clean reaction design and application in sustainable synthesis. With the aim to develop and study synthetic applications of the title reactions, we have set up synthetic access routes to a toolbox of structurally varied ligands for and pincer complexes of some transition metals (cobalt, ruthenium, iridium) that are well established for the title reactions. Ligand target structures, for which often improved syntheses have been found, encompass 6,6’‐dihydroxy‐2,2’‐bipyridine, 2(3‐hydroxyphenyl)pyridines (as backbones for PCN pincers), 2(6‐methylpyridine‐2‐yl)pyridines (as backbones for PNN pincers) and 2(3‐tolyl)pyridines (as backbones for PCN pincers). To support research towards asymmetric versions of the title reactions, we have prepared asymmetrically modified versions of well‐established catalysts, including chiral, enantiopure versions of Milstein’s PNN‐ruthenium pincer, Kempe’s triazinyl‐diaminophosphanyl PNP‐iridium‐ or ‐cobalt pincers, Huang’s PCN‐iridium pincers, and Grotjahn’s alkene zipper complex. The strategy applied to ‘chiral switching’ relied on replacing symmetric dialkylphosphine donor‐groups by dimenthylphosphine or aryl(menthyl)phosphine donor units. The resulting ligands or complexes have been structurally characterized, and the catalytic potential of the catalysts has been established in exploratory model reactions (transfer hydrogenation; diol to lactone dehydrogenative condensation; alkene isomerization). Several model reactions have been designed which will allow to study asymmetric catalytic hydrogen moving reactions.
The Influence of Supersaturation and the Presence of Biuret on the Nucleation, Growth and Morphology of Urea Crystallised from Ethanolic Solutions
Authors: Rizvi Aatika K. , Roberts Kevin J. , Izumi Toshiko
Published: October 2021

The influence of biuret, a degradation impurity, on the crystallisability, nucleation, growth and morphology of urea, is examined as a function of supersaturation in ethanolic solutions, through a combination of polythermal turbidometry assessment and optical microscopy measurements, complemented by molecular modelling.

The inclusion of a small amount of impurity is found to increase the stability of supersaturated solutions through widening the metastable zone width. Polythermal analysis of crystallisation and dissolution on‐sets as a function of cooling and heating rate, respectively, is found to be concentration‐dependent associated with both the pure and doped systems, with the nucleation mechanism changing from progressive to instantaneous with increasing solute concentration. The addition of biuret significantly increases nucleation rate when compared to the pure system, from 9.2–20.5 to 9.3–67.7 nm−3 s−1, along with a decrease in the critical nucleus size, as would be consistent with the impurity promoting nucleation i. e. resulting in more nuclei and smaller crystals.

The crystal habit of urea in ethanolic solutions is found to be dominated by the prismatic {110} faces, and smaller polar {111} capping faces. The mean crystal growth rates of these faces are found to increase with respect to supersaturation, with the {111} faces exhibiting a greater level of increase than {110}, consistent with stronger solvent binding which restricts the growth of the {110} face. The addition of biuret is found to have a greater effect on retarding the growth of {111} compared to {110}, resulting in a more compact and equant morphology. These results are rationalised with computational visualisation and modelling of the surface chemistry of the crystal habit planes together with the energetics of the impurity binding to them.
Efficacy of myo‐inositol and d‐chiro‐inositol combination on menstrual cycle regulation and improving insulin resistance in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized open‐label study
Authors: Kachhawa Garima , Senthil Kumar Krithika V. , Kulshrestha Vidushi , Khadgawat Rajesh , Mahey Reeta , Bhatla Neerja
Published: October 2021

Objective

To compare the effect of myo‐inositol and d‐chiro‐inositol in combination (MI + DCI) with combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) on menstrual cycle regulation in young Indian women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

Seventy young women with PCOS aged 15–24 years with delayed cycles were randomized into two groups and were treated for 6 months with MI + DCI (550 + 150 mg, 3.6:1 ratio) twice a day and CHC (ethinyl estradiol 20 µg + drospirenone 3 mg) once a day.

Results

Spontaneous menses resumed in 28 (84.85%) young women on MI + DCI, compared with withdrawal bleeding in 34 (100%) on CHC. The mean cycle length reduced with both MI + DCI (124.54 ± 8.08 to 57.75 ± 3.00 days, P < 0.001) and CHC (105.88 ± 7.96 to 30.53 ± 2.95 days, P < 0.001). Regular menstrual cycles were established in 9 (27.27%) young women with MI + DCI (P = 0.001) and 30 (88.23%) with CHC (P < 0.001). Three months after stopping the treatment, 24 young women (85.71%) on MI + DCI and 25 (73.53%) on CHC continued to have spontaneous cycles. Anti‐Müllerian hormone decreased with both the drugs (P = 0.001), whereas luteinizing hormone (P = 0.001) and testosterone (P = 0.04) decreased with CHC and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (P < 0.001) with MI + DCI.

Conclusion

Myo‐inositol and d‐chiro‐inositol in combination (3.6:1 ratio) are effective in regularizing menstrual cycles and improving insulin resistance.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI/2018/03/012643). http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?trialid=20969&EncHid=&userName=myo‐inositol
Integrity of cell‐free DNA in maternal plasma extracellular vesicles as a potential biomarker for non‐invasive prenatal testing
Authors: Pan Min , Lu Jiafeng , Liu Zhiyu , Shi Huajuan , Bai Yunfei , Chen Pingsheng , Ge Qinyu
Published: October 2021

Objective

Large proportions of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) in plasma are localized in extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are secreted from placental cells. This study was conducted to reveal the integrity pattern of cfDNA in maternal plasma EVs (evcfDI) across gestation, and explore if evcfDI could be a potential biomarker in screening for aneuploid fetus in non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT).

Methods

A total of 180 maternal plasma samples were collected during NIPT. Both evcfDNA and fetal evcfDNA (evcffDNA) were measured by quantitative PCR of LINE1 and SRY gene amplicons with different sizes. The evcfDI was calculated as the ratio of long to short fragments.

Results

evcfDI is not affected by gestational age; whereas evcffDI has a mild decreasing trend with increasing gestational age (P = 0.048). evcfDI is significantly and negatively correlated with maternal body mass index (BMI; calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters: ≤18.5, 18.5–25, and ≥25) (P < 0.01) and age (<35 and ≥35 years) (P < 0.01). Mean evcfDI decreases from 2.113 in euploid controls to 0.681 in those with an aneuploid fetus in NIPT (P = 0.003).

Conclusion

Maternal clinical characteristics such as BMI and age could be innovative biomarkers to calibrate evcfDI, which was shown to be a potential indicator of an aneuploid fetus. Analysis of evcfDI based on quantitative PCR could serve as a novel, rapid, and low‐cost NIPT strategy, which might facilitate testing at earlier gestations.
A survey of pharmacists' roles in gastroenterology and hepatology
Authors: Choi David , Patel Shivani , Trivedi Itishree , Rubin David T. , Moss Alan , Bhat Shubha
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Pharmacists' roles have evolved over time to include direct patient care and optimization of medication related outcomes. However, one therapeutic area lacking an evaluation of pharmacist involvement is gastroenterology and hepatology (GI/liver). This area utilizes biologics and other treatment options with considerable cost and safety, thus pharmacists can have a significant impact in caring for patients with GI/liver conditions.

Objectives

Identify the background training of pharmacists practicing in GI/liver and characterize their current practice landscape.

Methods

A survey was developed and disseminated through the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) GI/Liver/Nutrition and Ambulatory Practice and Research Networks (PRN) groups and through the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) Section of Specialty Pharmacy Practitioners from November 30, 2020 to January 16, 2021.

Results

Of 42 unique responses received, respondents primarily practiced at an academic medical center in the ambulatory setting. Although respondents reported completing various types of post‐graduate training (residency and fellowship), 55% of respondents endorsed prior exposure to GI/liver during training. Common disease states managed were inflammatory bowel disease, hepatitis B and C, and cirrhosis. Half of respondents reported having a collaborative practice agreement and 67% reported independently seeing patients in clinic, developing therapy plans, and ordering/monitoring labs. Approximately 69% do not have dedicated time for research. Only 23% of respondents reported billing for clinical services.

Conclusion

In this survey, pharmacists are involved in caring for patients with GI/liver conditions under collaborative practice agreements and primarily based in an outpatient clinic. Future growth of pharmacists in this therapeutic space will require increased formalized training of GI/liver conditions and strategies to optimize reimbursement.
Impact of a pharmacist‐led pneumococcal vaccination outreach program in a primary care setting
Authors: Goldsworthy Jessica , Benzer Jessica , Salvati Lisa , Tomlin Charles Ryan , Jenkins Tiffany , Jameson Andrew , Dumkow Lisa E.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of bacterial infections and leads to 1.5 million hospitalizations annually. Vaccinations are one of the most important and cost‐effective tools available in healthcare to prevent infectious diseases. However, gaps still exist between what is recommended and actual vaccination rates in the United States.

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of a newly implemented pharmacist‐led pneumococcal vaccination outreach program on overall PPSV23 rates in the primary care setting.

Methods

This was a retrospective, quasi‐experimental study conducted following the implementation of a newly developed, pharmacist‐led, vaccination outreach program as part of a novel standard of care practice implemented in two primary care offices. Pharmacists provided direct patient outreach through telephone calls to all patients deemed eligible for PPSV23 that met inclusion criteria. Pharmacists provided counseling on PPSV23 and action steps to receive the vaccine at the office through appointment. The primary outcome of change in vaccination rates was assessed 90 days after patient outreach. Secondary outcomes assessed feasibility, common barriers to vaccination, coadministration with influenza vaccination, and revenue changes.

Results

A total of 762 patients were contacted under the outreach program. Overall PPSV23 vaccination rates significantly increased following the implementation of the pharmacist‐led vaccination outreach program (54.1% vs 60.5%, P < 0.001). Of the 398 patients reached, 38.9% accepted the recommendation for PPSV23 and 66.5% of those patients had confirmed administration. Approximate revenue generation secondary to the program was $5568.85.

Conclusion

A pharmacist‐led PPSV23 vaccination outreach program significantly increased the rate of PPSV23 vaccination in two primary care offices, leading to improved compliance with national vaccination recommendations and revenue generation.
Microstructure, corrosion rate, and mechanical properties of unidirectionally and cross‐rolled Mg‐0.375Ga and Mg‐0.750Ga alloys
Authors: Hernández‐Cortés Anabel A. , Escobedo‐Bocardo José C. , Cortés‐Hernández Dora A. , Vazquez‐Montiel Ricardo H. , Peralta‐Montes J. Salomón , Almanza‐Robles José M.
Published: October 2021

The effect of unidirectional and cross rolling on the corrosion rate, texture, tensile properties and hemolysis of the Mg‐0.375Ga and Mg‐0.750Ga alloys was evaluated. Pure Mg and as‐cast alloys were processed by unidirectional and cross rolling at 400°C to obtain a total thickness reduction of 50%. The corrosion rate was measured by the weight loss method in simulated body fluid. Determination of the hemolysis percentage was carried out by direct contact of specimens with diluted blood. After hot rolling, the mechanical properties of the alloys were improved. The cross‐rolled Mg‐0.750Ga alloy showed the highest grain refinement (55 μm) and the highest ultimate tensile strength (240 MPa), however, lower elongation (13.9%) than the rolled Mg‐0.375Ga alloy. While unidirectional rolling creates a strong basal texture, cross rolling weakens considerably this texture. The Ga addition weakens the basal texture. Corrosion rate of the Mg‐Ga alloys was significantly reduced (<1 mm/yr) after heat treatment and hot rolling due the homogenization of the microstructure and the presence of gallium as alloying element. The cross‐rolled samples showed higher corrosion than the heat‐treated and unidirectionally rolled samples. After rolling, alloys showed hemolysis percentages between 7.1 and 9.3%, values lower than those presented by pure magnesium (>22.7%) and as‐cast alloys (>24.2%); however, the alloys are still hemolytic (>5%).
Advances in electrospun scaffolds for meniscus tissue engineering and regeneration
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Ding Yangfan , Li Haiyan , Mo Xiumei , Wu Jinglei
Published: October 2021

The meniscus plays a critical role in maintaining the homeostasis, biomechanics, and structural stability of the knee joint. Unfortunately, it is predisposed to damages either from sports‐related trauma or age‐related degeneration. The meniscus has an inherently limited capacity for tissue regeneration. Self‐healing of injured adult menisci only occurs in the peripheral vascularized portion, while the spontaneous repair of the inner avascular region seems never happens. Repair, replacement, and regeneration of menisci through tissue engineering strategies are promising to address this problem. Recently, many scaffolds for meniscus tissue engineering have been proposed for both experimental and preclinical investigations. Electrospinning is a feasible and versatile technique to produce nano‐ to micro‐scale fibers that mimic the microarchitecture of native extracellular matrix and is an effective approach to prepare nanofibrous scaffolds for constructing engineered meniscus. Electrospun scaffolds are reported to be capable of inducing colonization of meniscus cells by modulating local extracellular density and stimulating endogenous regeneration by driving reprogramming of meniscus wound microenvironment. Electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds with tunable mechanical properties, controllable anisotropy, and various porosities have shown promises for meniscus repair and regeneration and will undoubtedly inspire more efforts in exploring effective therapeutic approaches towards clinical applications. In this article, we review the current advances in the use of electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds for meniscus tissue engineering and repair and discuss prospects for future studies.