bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cervical Cancer Knowledge and Prevention Practices among Female Civil Servants in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State
Authors: Obiechina Georgy O. , Euphemia Muo Chiamaka
Published: February 2021

Background: Cervical cancer is a potentially preventable disease if appropriate screening and prophylactic strategies are employed. However, the lack of knowledge and prevention practices can result in the underutilization of preventive strategies.

Objective: The objectives of this study were to determine the cervical cancer knowledge and prevention practices among female civil servants in Awka South Local Government Area.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional research survey design was used to accomplish the purpose of the study. A self-structured and validated questionnaire was used to collect data from the sample of 335 female civil servants, while313 returned rate of female civil servants was used to analyze the data. Percentage, mean and standard deviation were used to analyze the research questions, while Chi-Square and ANOVA were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level.

Results:  Findings revealed that 194 (61.98%)  of the respondents had no knowledge of cervical cancer while 119 (38.02%)  had knowledge of cervical cancer, however, an average  weighted mean score of  x 2.63 and ± 0.95  had a positive response that using pap smear as a procedure to test for cervical cancer is the best screening method while most of the respondents revealed that it is advisable  to go for treatment once there is a sign of STDs. Chi-Square value of difference in mean knowledge of cervical cancer among female civil servants in Awka South Local Government Area revealed that the calculated X2-value yielded 257, with significant value of 0.000 is less than P-value (P<0.05).

Conclusion: It was concluded that when knowledge about cervical cancer and its prevention is consistently communicated through difference media, relatively high number of females may be aware. Based on the conclusion, it was recommended, among others, the need for more sensitization campaigns to bridge the identified knowledge gaps and scale up cervical cancer screening services to all women to increase service uptake.
Experiences of Ghanaian Student Nurses’ and Midwives’ during Clinical Practice in the Kumasi Metropolis: An Ethnographic Study
Authors: Mensah Olivia Nyarko , Ani-Amponsah Mary , Opoku Albert , Sumaila Yussif Issah , Oduro-Kwarteng Veronica , Eshun Egya Gyanzah , Lampinley Ajaratu , Duku Faisal Adomako , Mensah Ransford Sarfo- , Avuglah Bright K.
Published: February 2021

Background: The clinical practice component in nursing and midwifery education is a neglected area of research. There is far ranging evidence that clinical exposure and skills acquisition is not equitable in Ghana. Researchers have focused mostly on clinical supervision with students’ needs still not prioritized. Therefore, this research sought to explore students’ views and stories about their clinical practicum experiences and to help gain a deeper understanding into their knowledge, competency acquisition, clinical learning, and transition to practice.

Methods: We utilized focused ethnography design with Roper & Shapira’s methods on 12 students during their intra-practicum period in a tertiary hospital situated in the Kumasi Metropolis of the Ashanti-Region of Ghana. Within the period of 4 weeks intra practicum, participants were conveniently and purposively sampled and with an interview guide with a grand tour question participants’ were involved in conversation to elicit information through focus group discussions (FGD) in their natural setting. The FGDs were conducted on weekly basis during debrief sessions for 3 weeks until participants repeated what they have already said in the previous weeks indicating data saturation.

Results: Nursing and midwifery students’ face diverse realities in the clinical sites, and are least supported in their skills and competency acquisitions, leading to theory practice confusion and inconsistencies, as students face challenges with the clinical component of their training. It was found that there were lack of preceptors and limited ward nurses’ preparedness to support students during clinical sessions hence students were subjected to excessive unproductive errands during the periods of practicum. It was also found that there is lack of collaboration between tutors and practicing nurses in the students training further exacerbating the theory-practice confusion. Conclusion and Recommendations: The identified gap is calling for a collaboration between clinicians and tutors to strengthen the clinical practice component of student nurse training. This will address the challenge of “theory-practice confusion and inconsistencies” among others.
Performance Characteristics and Nutrient Utilization by Meat Type Chicken Fed Fusarium oxysporum Degraded Brewer Dried Grain
Authors: Lawal T. E. , Aderemi F. A. , Alabi O. M. , Oguntunji O. A. , Ayoola M. O. , Olanipekun T. P. , Ademola S. G.
Published: February 2021

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Fusarium oxysporum degraded Brewer dried grain (BDG) on the performance and nutrient utilization ofbroiler chicken at starter and finisher phases. Undegraded and degraded (BDG) werewas used to compound rations for broiler birds for 8 weeks. The undegraded BDG was used at 7% inclusion level and the degraded BDG was used at 3, 5, and 7%. A total of 150 day old chicks were randomly selected and allocated for 5 treatments. Thirty 30 birds were allocated to each treatment with three replicates each. Fusarium oxysporum was inoculated into BDG through Solid State Fermentation for a period of 7 days. This was used as degraded sample. There was improvement in the crude protein, ash, and gross energy after biodegradation. Biodegradation led to reduction in crude fibre, cellulose, hemicellulose, and detergent fibre content. At  starter phase, there were significant (P<0.05) (P=0.05) differences in feed consumption and body weight gain and the highest feed consumption (FC) and body weight gain  (BWG) were found in treatment 5, which contained 7% degraded BDG (DBDG) and the FC and BWG they were 88.93 and 41.07g/bird/day, respectively. At the finisher phase, there were significant (P=0.05) differences in both the average feed intake and the average body weight gain by the birds. The highest feed intake was found in treatment 5 (140 g/b/d) and the highest body weight gain was also observed in treatment 5 (78.21g/b/d). Significant differences (P=0.05) were also observed for the feed conversion ratio at the finisher phase. The best value (1.64) was recorded at the control treatment and this was followed by the value recorded for treatment 5 (1.79). The relative cost benefits revealed that it is profitable to feed broilers with F. oxysporum degraded BDG. The results showed that F. oxysporum was able to enhance the feeding value of BDG and this impacted positively on the feed consumption and body weight gain by the birds.
Effect of Heroin on Liver and Kidney Functions
Authors: Abohamar Aalaa Desoky Ahmad , Ghareeb Wesam Abd El Salam , Attia Gihan Farouk , Gad El Sayed Abd El Hamied
Published: February 2021

Background and Aim: Drug use disorders are serious health issues with a significant burden for individuals affected and their families. There are also significant costs to society including lost productivity, security challenges and crime. Heroin has the highest dependence, tolerance and withdrawal score. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of heroin on liver and renal functions.

Materials and Methods: This comparative case - control study was carried out on 60 males aged from 15 to 45 years old at the Department of Neuropsychiatry and the Center of Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Tanta University, Egypt from March 2019 through April 2020. Patients group: 30 patients with heroin use disorders diagnosed according to DSM-5 criteria with history of smoking. Control group: thirty smoker persons were taken as a control group matching with patients group. All participants were subjected to: History taking, physical examination and investigations including liver and renal function tests, urine drug screening and psychometry by the addiction severity index scale.

Results: Heroin addicts had significant elevation in liver enzyme (Aspartate and Alanine transaminase) and alkaline phosphatase (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between heroin group and control regarding Albumin/Globulin ratio, Prothrombin Time, International Normalized Ratio and bilirubin level. Heroin addicts had significant elevation in blood urea, serum creatinine and Albumin/Creatinine ratio (P <0.001). There was significant decrease in Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate in heroin group in comparison to control group (p<0.001). Positive correlation with statistical significance between (dose of heroin in grams, duration of use of heroin and severity index of addiction) and (liver functions and renal functions) in patient group.

Conclusion: In heroin addicts, there was significant elevation in liver enzymes, ALP, Albumin/creatinine ratio, Urea and Creatinine and significant decrease in eGFR. The higher the dose of heroin use, the more the impairment of liver and renal functions. The longer the duration of heroin use,the more the deterioration of liver and renal functions. The more the severity index of addiction, the more the impairment of liver and renal functions.
Licit and Illicit Drugs Consumption among Students of the Federal University of Rondonia, Porto Velho Campus: A Cross Sectional Analysis 2011-2017
Authors: Rodrigues Rosely Valéria , Silva Cleitiane de Jesus Gomes , Tavernard Giovanna Lorena Nery , Filho Sérgio Valério Escobar , Maia Úrsula Melo de Souza
Published: February 2021

Aim: To perform a comparative analysis of the pattern of illicit drug consumption among students at the Porto Velho campus of the Federal University of Rondônia in 2011 and 2017. Study design: This is a cross-sectional and longitudinal study. Place and Duration of Study: Federal University of Rondonia Foundation (UNIR) campus José Ribeiro Filho, Porto Velho – Rondonia (Brazil), 2017. Methodology: The sample in 2017 comprised 352 students divided by knowledge centers, to tabulate and consolidate statistical data the software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and Microsoft Excel were used, it was considered a 95.0% CI and 0.5% standard deviation. Results: 54.1% of the students are female, the average age is 23 years old, drug intake in 2017 increased when compared to 2011, alcohol (from 72.3% to 75.9%), tobacco (from 23.0% to 32.2%), marijuana (from 10.7% to 24.7%), there was a similar effect on cocaine and/or crack, amphetamines and/or ecstasy, inhalants, hallucinogen use, opioids, antipsychotics and antidepressants.

Conclusion: In the comparison between the years 2011 and 2017, there was an increase in drug usage by college students, it is expected that the results found in this study may promote strategies of action to prevent and combat drug consumption among academics.
Cocoa Farmers’ Perceptions of the Contribution of Tree Diversity and Abundance to Soil Fertility in Cocoa-Based (Theobroma cacao) Agroforestry Systems in the Littoral Region of Cameroon
Authors: Tsufac Azembouh Roshinus , Awazi Nyong Princely , Yerima Bernard Palmer Kfuban , Enang Roger Kogge
Published: February 2021

Tree diversity and abundance within an agroforestry system plays a crucial role in the provision of different ecosystem services. It was within this framework that this study sought to examine the contribution of tree diversity and abundance to soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. A mixed research approach was adopted during data collection and data analysis was done through the use of descriptive and inferential statistical tools. From the findings of the study, it was revealed that most cocoa farmers perceive tree diversity in cocoa-based agroforestry systems to be between average (50%), high (15%) and very high (20%), while tree abundance was between average (40%), and low (30%). The main types of tree species integrated by cocoa farmers in cocoa-based agroforestry systems were fruit trees (100%), fuelwood trees (70%), trees for shade (52.7%) and trees for building materials (40%). A statistically significant direct relationship (p<0.05) existed between different levels of tree diversity (very high tree diversity, high tree diversity, average tree diversity, low tree diversity, and very low tree diversity) and soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems, implying that the greater the diversity of tree species the greater the levels of soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. Different levels of tree abundance in cocoa agroforests such as average tree abundance, low tree abundance and very low tree abundance had a statistically significant direct relationship (p<0.05) with soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems, implying that the lower the level of tree abundance, the greater the level of soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. Meanwhile levels of tree abundance in cocoa agroforests such as very high tree abundance and high tree abundance had a statistically significant inverse relationship (p<0.05) with soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems, implying that the higher the tree abundance, the lesser the level of soil fertility. Thus, it is recommended that more diverse tree species should be integrated in cocoa-based agroforestry systems while tree abundance should be kept to an average level in order to sustain the level of soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems.
Financial Inclusion in Developing Countries: Applying Financial Technology as a Panacea
Authors: Isukul Araniyar , Tantua Ben
Published: February 2021

Traditional banking methods of addressing the problem of financial inclusion in developing countries is not working efficiently. As it is becoming obvious, opening operational and functional banking business offices in many developing countries is not a financially viable option. Banking offices need enormous amounts of resources, equipment and personnel to run efficiently. In most developing countries were low income is the norm rather than the exception, it is not possible to sustain a policy objective that employs the use of banking business offices to address the problem of financial inclusion. Such initiative could start out well, however the possibility of sustainability is called into question. Thus, whatever meaningful gains have been garnered from such policy will be reversed or lost overtime. This research employs the use of quantitative methods and it sets out to test whether the usage of financial technology has had any meaningful impact in improving financial inclusion in the developing countries selected in the study. The findings of the research reveal that financial technology offers the instrument, tools and mechanism for drive financial inclusion in ways traditional methods of banking cannot. Financial technology offers, cost effective and cheaper means of driving financial development. This research suggests that financial technology should be used as a means of driving financial development in developing countries as it offers a more sustainable and cost-effective solution to the problem of financial inclusion. Developing countries, should embrace, adopt and adapt financial technologies to address their financial development issues.
Supporting Chronic Disease Healthcare Through Remote Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Treatment and Self-care: An Evaluation Using the WHO Determinants of Health
Authors:   Monash University, Australia, Kalla Mahima
Published: February 2021

Abstract: The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) defines determinants that influence people’s health, such as income, education, social support, physical environment, access to health services, personal behaviors, and gender. This study explores delivery of a therapeutic intervention called Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and self-administration of EFT in chronic disease patients from the perspective of the WHO determinants of health. Sixteen participants, including eight EFT practitioners and eight chronic disease patients, described their experiences of EFT in semi-structured interviews. Data was analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) methodology. Four major themes were identified: practitioner and client experiences of online EFT therapy, experiences of telephone EFT therapy, experiences in online support groups, and the use of EFT for self-care. Participant accounts illustrated EFT’s value in alleviating barriers to access to health services and facilitating self-care in chronic disease patients. Online and telephone delivery of EFT offered a useful alternative for residents of remote and rural areas without access to mental health services. EFT is effective in groups using online videoconferencing platforms to provide a social support network. Additionally, EFT is favored by the study’s participants for selfcare, maintaining positive mood, and for general well-being.
New Hydrogen Bonding Enhanced Polyvinyl Alcohol Based Self‐Charged Medical Mask with Superior Charge Retention and Moisture Resistance Performances
Authors: Wang Nannan , Feng Yange , Zheng Youbin , Zhang Liqiang , Feng Min , Li Xiaojuan , Zhou Feng , Wang Daoai
Published: February 2021

The water vapor exhaled by the human body can severely accelerate the charge dissipation of a polypropylene (PP)‐based medical mask, thereby reducing the electrostatic adsorption efficiency to cause infection. To solve this problem, a new type of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)‐based medical mask through electrostatic spinning to replace the PP melt‐blown layer, which has self‐charging and charge retention performance in a high humidity environment is fabricated. The PVA is rich in hydroxyl groups, which can spontaneously form hydrogen bonds with water vapor molecules exhaled by the human body and fix water molecules to increase the triboelectricity. By analyzing the electrical output performance of PVA‐based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), it is shown that the short circuit current is ≈26 times larger than that of PP‐based TENG in 95% relative humidity (RH). Moreover, PVA has a strong charge storage capacity and self‐charging performance, as determined by hand touching under a high humidity environment. The static dissipation rate of PVA is 1.4 times lower than that of PP at a 95% RH. In comparison with PP‐based medical masks, PVA‐based medical masks have a high humidity resistance and self‐charging performance and can be easily recharged in situ by hand slapping without taking it off for many times.
A Multifunctional Origami Patch for Minimally Invasive Tissue Sealing
Authors: Wu Sarah J. , Yuk Hyunwoo , Wu Jingjing , Nabzdyk Christoph S. , Zhao Xuanhe
Published: February 2021

For decades, bioadhesive materials have garnered great attention due to their potential to replace sutures and staples for sealing tissues during minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, the complexities of delivering bioadhesives through narrow spaces and achieving strong adhesion in fluid‐rich physiological environments continue to present substantial limitations to the surgical translation of existing sealants. In this work, a new strategy for minimally invasive tissue sealing based on a multilayer bioadhesive patch, which is designed to repel body fluids, to form fast, pressure‐triggered adhesion with wet tissues, and to resist biofouling and inflammation is introduced. The multifunctional patch is realized by a synergistic combination of three distinct functional layers: i) a microtextured bioadhesive layer, ii) a dynamic, blood‐repellent hydrophobic fluid layer, and iii) an antifouling zwitterionic nonadhesive layer. The patch is capable of forming robust adhesion to tissue surfaces in the presence of blood, and exhibits superior resistance to bacterial adhesion, fibrinogen adsorption, and in vivo fibrous capsule formation. By adopting origami‐based fabrication strategies, it is demonstrated that the patch can be readily integrated with a variety of minimally invasive end effectors to provide facile tissue sealing in ex vivo porcine models, offering new opportunities for minimally invasive tissue sealing in diverse clinical scenarios.
Direct Growth of Highly Conductive Large‐Area Stretchable Graphene
Authors: Han Yire , Park Byeong‐Ju , Eom Ji‐Ho , Jella Venkatraju , Ippili Swathi , Pammi S. V. N. , Choi Jin‐Seok , Ha Hyunwoo , Choi Hyuk , Jeon Cheolho , Park Kangho , Jung Hee‐Tae , Yoo Sungmi , Kim Hyun You , Kim Yun Ho , Yoon Soon‐Gil
Published: February 2021

The direct synthesis of inherently defect‐free, large‐area graphene on flexible substrates is a key technology for soft electronic devices. In the present work, in situ plasma‐assisted thermal chemical vapor deposition is implemented in order to synthesize 4 in. diameter high‐quality graphene directly on 10 nm thick Ti‐buffered substrates at 100 °C. The in situ synthesized monolayer graphene displays outstanding stretching properties coupled with low sheet resistance. Further improved mechanical and electronic performances are achieved by the in situ multi‐stacking of graphene. The four‐layered graphene multi‐stack is shown to display an ultralow resistance of ≈6 Ω sq−1, which is consistently maintained during the harsh repeat stretching tests and is assisted by self‐p‐doping under ambient conditions. Graphene‐field effect transistors fabricated on polydimethylsiloxane substrates reveal an unprecedented hole mobility of ≈21 000 cm2 V−1 s−1 at a gate voltage of −4 V, irrespective of the channel length, which is consistently maintained during the repeat stretching test of 5000 cycles at 140% parallel strain.
Highly Selective Detection of Benzene and Discrimination of Volatile Aromatic Compounds Using Oxide Chemiresistors with Tunable Rh‐TiO2 Catalytic Overlayers
Authors: Moon Young Kook , Jeong Seong‐Yong , Jo Young‐Moo , Jo Yong Kun , Kang Yun Chan , Lee Jong‐Heun
Published: February 2021

Volatile aromatic compounds are major air pollutants, and their health impacts should be assessed accurately based on the concentration and composition of gas mixtures. Herein, novel bilayer sensors consisting of a SnO2 sensing layer and three different xRh‐TiO2 catalytic overlayers (x = 0.5, 1, and 2 wt%) are designed for the new functionalities such as the selective detection, discrimination, and analysis of benzene, toluene, and p‐xylene. The 2Rh‐TiO2/SnO2 bilayer sensor shows a high selectivity and response toward ppm‐ and sub‐ppm‐levels of benzene over a wide range of sensing temperatures (325–425 °C). An array of 0.5Rh‐, 1Rh‐, and 2Rh‐TiO2/SnO2 sensors exhibits discrimination and composition analyses of aromatic compounds. The conversion of gases into more active species at moderate catalytic activation and the complete oxidation of gases into non‐reactive forms by excessive catalytic promotion are proposed as the reasons behind the enhancement and suppression of analyte gases, respectively. Analysis using proton transfer reaction‐quadrupole mass spectrometer (PTR‐QMS) is performed to verify the above proposals. Although the sensing characteristics exhibit mild moisture interference, bilayer sensors with systematic and tailored control of gas selectivity and response provide new pathways for monitoring aromatic air pollutants and evaluating their health impacts.
Polyaniline‐Coated MOFs Nanorod Arrays for Efficient Evaporation‐Driven Electricity Generation and Solar Steam Desalination
Authors: Li Zhuoyi , Ma Xu , Chen Danke , Wan Xinyi , Wang Xiaobin , Fang Zhou , Peng Xinsheng
Published: February 2021

Though evaporation‐driven electricity generation has emerged as a novel eco‐friendly energy and attracted intense interests, it is typically demonstrated in pure water or a very low salt concentration. Integrating evaporation‐driven electricity generation and solar steam desalination simultaneously should be more promising. Herein, a polyaniline coated metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) nanorod arrays membrane is synthesized which inherits the merits of both polyaniline and MOFs, demonstrating nice stability, good interfacial solar steam desalination, and evaporation‐driven electricity generation. Moreover, an integrated system based on this hybrid membrane achieves good interfacial solar‐heating evaporation and prominently enhanced evaporation‐driven electricity generation under one sun. Notably, the realization of effective seawater desalination and efficient evaporation‐driven electricity generation simultaneously by the non‐carbon‐based materials is reported for the first time, which provides a new alternative way for cogenerating both freshwater and electricity by harvesting energy from seawater and solar light.
The Quality of the Food Retail Environment When Consumers May Be Mobile
Authors: Wilde Parke , Ismail Mehreen , Ver Ploeg Michele
Published: February 2021

Using USDA's National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey (FoodAPS), we estimated block group‐level spending‐weighted mean distance to the retailers where consumers actually shop (3.9 miles overall; 7.0 miles in rural areas and 3.0 miles in urban areas). Holding constant retailer type, every 10% increase in travel distance was associated with a 3.5% decrease in the food‐at‐home spending share. If consumers travel farther to get food, it may signal that they lack satisfactory options at closer distances. Spending‐weighted mean travel distance could support measures of food retail gaps that are consistent both with consumers' revealed preferences and retailers' incentives.
Opportunities and challenges in reducing personal inhalation exposure to air pollution among electronic waste recovery workers in Ghana
Authors: Laskaris Zoey , Batterman Stuart A. , Arko‐Mensah John , Mukherjee Bhramar , Fobil Julius N. , O'Neill Marie S. , Robins Thomas G.
Published: February 2021

Background

Informal sector electronic waste (e‐waste) recovery produces toxic emissions resulting from burning e‐waste to recover valuable metals.

Objectives

To identify high‐risk worker groups by measuring relative levels of personal inhalation exposure to particulate matter (PM) of fine (≤2.5 µm) and coarse (2.5–10 µm) fractions (PM2.5 and PM2.5–10, respectively) across work activities among e‐waste workers, and to assess how wind conditions modify levels of PM by activity and site location.

Methods

At the Agbogbloshie e‐waste site, 170 partial‐shift PM samples and time‐activity data were collected from participants (N = 105) enrolled in the GeoHealth cohort study. Personal sampling included continuous measures of size‐specific PM from the worker's breathing zone and time–activity derived from wearable cameras. Linear mixed models were used to estimate changes in personal PM2.5 and PM2.5–10 associated with activities and evaluate effect modification by wind conditions.

Results

Mean (±standard deviation) personal PM2.5 and PM2.5–10 concentrations were 80 (±
 81) and 123 (± 139) µg m−3, respectively. The adjusted mean PM2.5 concentration for burning e‐waste was 88 µg m−3, a 28% increase above concentrations during non‐recovery activities (such as eating). Transportation‐related and burning activities were associated with the highest PM2.5–10 concentrations. Frequent changes in wind direction were associated with higher PM2.5 concentrations when burning, and high wind speeds with higher PM2.5–10 concentrations when dismantling e‐waste downwind of the burning zone.
Phenotypic expansion of the BPTF‐related neurodevelopmental disorder with dysmorphic facies and distal limb anomalies
Authors: Glinton Kevin E. , Hurst Anna C. E. , Bowling Kevin M. , Cristian Ingrid , Haynes Devon , Adstamongkonkul Dusit , Schnappauf Oskar , Beck David B. , Brewer Carole , Parikh Aditi Shah , Shinde Deepali N. , Donaldson Alan , Brautbar Ariel , Koene Saskia , van Haeringen Arie , Piton Amélie , Capri Yline , Furlan Margherita , Gardella Elena , Møller Rikke Steensbjerre , van de Beek Irma , Zuurbier Linda , Lakeman Phillis , Bayat Allan , Martinez Julian , Signer Rebecca , Torring Pernille M. , Engelund Morten Buch , Gripp Karen W. , Amlie‐Wolf Louise , Henderson Lindsay B. , Midro Alina T. , Tarasów Eugeniusz , Stasiewicz‐Jarocka Beata , Moskal‐Jasinska Diana , Vos Paul , Boschann Felix , Stoltenburg Corinna , Puk Oliver , Mero Inger‐Lise , Lossius Kristine , Mignot Cyril , Keren Boris , Acosta Guio Johanna C. , Briceño Ignacio , Gomez Alberto , Yang Yaping , Stankiewicz Pawel
Published: February 2021

Neurodevelopmental disorder with dysmorphic facies and distal limb anomalies (NEDDFL), defined primarily by developmental delay/intellectual disability, speech delay, postnatal microcephaly, and dysmorphic features, is a syndrome resulting from heterozygous variants in the dosage‐sensitive bromodomain PHD finger chromatin remodeler transcription factor BPTF gene. To date, only 11 individuals with NEDDFL due to de novo BPTF variants have been described. To expand the NEDDFL phenotypic spectrum, we describe the clinical features in 25 novel individuals with 20 distinct, clinically relevant variants in BPTF, including four individuals with inherited changes in BPTF. In addition to the previously described features, individuals in this cohort exhibited mild brain abnormalities, seizures, scoliosis, and a variety of ophthalmologic complications. These results further support the broad and multi‐faceted complications due to haploinsufficiency of BPTF.
Early prenatal diagnosis of alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins due to a 16q24.1 deletion
Authors: Puisney‐Dakhli Chloé , Gubana Francesca , Petit François , Bouchghoul Hanane , Gautier Valérie , Martinovic Jelena , Tachdjian Gérard , Receveur Aline
Published: February 2021

First trimester ultrasound screening is an essential fetal examination performed generally at 11–13 weeks of gestation (WG). However, it does not allow for an accurate description of all fetal organs, partly due to their development in progress. Meanwhile, increased nuchal translucency (INT) is a widely used marker known to be associated with chromosomal deleterious rearrangements. We report on a 14 WG fetus with an association of INT and univentricular congenital heart malformation (CHM) leading to chorionic villous sampling (CVS). Cytogenetic investigations performed using array‐Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) demonstrated a 1.17 Mb deletion in 16q24.1 encompassing FOXF1 arisen de novo on maternal inherited chromosome. Fetopathological study confirmed CHM with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) associating aortic atresia, mitral stenosis, and left ventricular hypoplasia and revealed in addition specific lung lesions corresponding to alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins (ACDMPV). This is so far the first case of first trimester prenatal diagnosis of ACDMPV due to the deletion of FOXF1 gene. An interpretation of the complex genomic data generated by ultrasound markers is facilitated considerably by the genotype–phenotype correlations on fetopathological examination.
Dithiophene‐Fused Oxadiborepins and Azadiborepins: A New Class of Highly Fluorescent Heteroaromatics
Authors: Crumbach Merian , Bachmann Jonas , Fritze Lars , Helbig Andreas , Krummenacher Ivo , Braunschweig Holger , Helten Holger
Published: February 2021

Access to dithiophene‐fused oxadiborepins and the first azadiborepins attained via a modular synthesis route are presented. The new compounds emit intense blue light, some of which demonstrate fluorescence quantum yields close to unity. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) revealed electrochemically reversible one‐electron reduction processes. The weak aromatic character of the novel 1,2,7‐azadiborepin ring is demonstrated with in‐depth theoretical investigations using nucleus‐independent chemical shift (NICS) scans and anisotropy of the induced current density (ACID) calculations.
Histone H4 Tails in Nucleosomes: a Fuzzy Interaction with DNA
Authors: Rabdano Sevastyan O. , Shannon Matthew D. , Izmailov Sergei A. , Gonzalez Salguero Nicole , Zandian Mohamad , Purusottam Rudra N. , Poirier Michael G. , Skrynnikov Nikolai R. , Jaroniec Christopher P.
Published: February 2021

The interaction of positively charged N‐terminal histone tails with nucleosomal DNA plays an important role in chromatin assembly and regulation, modulating their susceptibility to post‐translational modifications and recognition by chromatin‐binding proteins. Here, we report residue‐specific 15N NMR relaxation rates for histone H4 tails in reconstituted nucleosomes. These data indicate that H4 tails are strongly dynamically disordered, albeit with reduced conformational flexibility compared to a free peptide with the same sequence. Remarkably, the NMR observables were successfully reproduced in a 2‐μs MD trajectory of the nucleosome. This is an important step toward resolving an apparent inconsistency where prior simulations were generally at odds with experimental evidence on conformational dynamics of histone tails. Our findings indicate that histone H4 tails engage in a fuzzy interaction with nucleosomal DNA, underpinned by a variable pattern of short‐lived salt bridges and hydrogen bonds, which persists at low ionic strength (0–100 mM NaCl).
Lipopolysaccharide from Gut‐Associated Lymphoid‐Tissue‐Resident Alcaligenes faecalis: Complete Structure Determination and Chemical Synthesis of Its Lipid A
Authors: Shimoyama Atsushi , Di Lorenzo Flaviana , Yamaura Haruki , Mizote Keisuke , Palmigiano Angelo , Pither Molly D. , Speciale Immacolata , Uto Tomoya , Masui Seiji , Sturiale Luisa , Garozzo Domenico , Hosomi Koji , Shibata Naoko , Kabayama Kazuya , Fujimoto Yukari , Silipo Alba , Kunisawa Jun , Kiyono Hiroshi , Molinaro Antonio , Fukase Koichi
Published: February 2021

Alcaligenes faecalis is the predominant Gram‐negative bacterium inhabiting gut‐associated lymphoid tissues, Peyer's patches. We previously reported that an A. faecalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) acted as a weak agonist for Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor‐2 (MD‐2) receptor as well as a potent inducer of IgA without excessive inflammation, thus suggesting that A. faecalis LPS might be used as a safe adjuvant. In this study, we characterized the structure of both the lipooligosaccharide (LOS) and LPS from A. faecalis. We synthesized three lipid A molecules with different degrees of acylation by an efficient route involving the simultaneous introduction of 1‐ and 4′‐phosphates. Hexaacylated A. faecalis lipid A showed moderate agonistic activity towards TLR4‐mediated signaling and the ability to elicit a discrete interleukin‐6 release in human cell lines and mice. It was thus found to be the active principle of the LOS/LPS and a promising vaccine adjuvant candidate.
Natural cyclic polypeptides as vital phytochemical constituents from seeds of selected medicinal plants
Authors: Dahiya Rajiv , Dahiya Sunita , Shrivastava Jyoti , Fuloria Neeraj K. , Gautam Hemendra , Mourya Rita , Fuloria Shivkanya
Published: February 2021

Cyclopolypeptides are among the most predominant biomolecules in nature, especially those derived from plant seeds. This category of compounds has gained extraordinary attention due to remarkable variety of structures and valuable biofunctions. These congeners display enormous variation in terms of both structure and function and are the most significant biomolecules due to their widespread bioproperties. The estrogenic activity, immunosuppressive activity, cytotoxicity, vasorelaxant activity, and other properties possessed by cyclic peptides from seeds of plants make these congeners attractive leads for the drug discovery process. The current study covers the important structural features, structure–activity relationship, synthesis methods, and bioproperties of plant seeds‐originated bioactive peptides from Vaccaria segetalis, Linum usitatissimum, and Goniothalamus leiocarpus, which may prove vital for the development of novel therapeutics based on a peptide skeleton.
Moderate intensity aerobic exercise during pregnancy and 1‐month infant Morphometry
Authors: McDonald Samantha M. , Isler Christy , Haven Kelley , Newton Edward , Kuehn Devon , Kelley George , Chasan‐Taber Lisa , May Linda E.
Published: February 2021

Objective

Assess the effects of supervised, prenatal aerobic exercise intervention on 1‐month‐old neonatal morphometry.

Methods

Secondary data analyses of a 24+ week, randomized controlled exercise intervention trial in pregnant women between 2015 and 2018 were performed. Eligibility criteria included pregnant women: <16 weeks of gestation, singleton pregnancy, aged 18–40 years, and body mass index of 18.5–35.00 kg∙m2. Eligible pregnant women (n = 128) were randomly assigned a moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise group (n = 68) or a nonexercising group (n = 60) consisting of light stretching and breathing techniques. Neonatal weight, skinfold thickness, circumferences, and fat‐free mass were measured at 1‐month of age. Covariates included weight gain, gestational diabetes mellitus, and neonatal sex. ANCOVAs for intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and per protocol were performed.

Results

ITT and per protocol analyses included 74 and 56 participants, respectively. Adjusted regression results showed significant between‐group differences for neonatal skinfold thickness (ITT: 20.0 mm vs. 22.2 mm; p = .04; per protocol: 19.8 mm vs. 22.3 mm; p = .03) and body fat (per protocol 13.2% vs. 15.1%; p = .05). No between‐group differences for weight (p = .36, .25), abdominal (p = .08, .35) and mid‐upper arm circumferences (p = .30, .26), or fat‐free mass (p = .83, .69).

Conclusion

The study findings suggest that aerobic exercise has a beneficial impact on neonatal skinfold thickness and percent body fat at 1 month of age. Participation in the recommended levels of aerobic exercise (150 min, moderate‐intensity per week) throughout the prenatal period may serve as an effective strategy to reduce the risk of overweight or obesity in the early postnatal period.
Photoluminescence and mechanoluminescence of solid‐state zirconocene dichlorides
Authors: Tukhbatullin Adis A. , Kovyazin Pavel V. , Sharipov Glyus L. , Parfenova Lyudmila V. , Ivchenko Pavel V. , Nifant'ev Ilya E.
Published: February 2021

Spectral‐luminescence properties of 23 samples of zirconium complexes were studied. Mechanoluminescence spectra of 10 complexes were obtained. The solid‐state component of the mechanoluminescence spectrum, that is the luminescence of the crystal itself, coincided with the photoluminescence spectra of these complexes, which indicated identical emission from the same excited states in mechanoluminescence and photoluminescence, despite the different ways of excitation. The luminescence maximum was red shifted as substituents appeared in the ligand, in particular in the presence of a bridging group connecting π‐ligands (ansa‐complexes) and also for a substituted bis‐indenyl complex rac‐Me2Si(2‐Me‐4‐Ph‐5‐OMe‐6‐But‐Ind)2ZrCl2). It was found that mechanical destruction of the rac‐isomer of complex Mе2С(2‐Me‐4‐But‐C5H2)2ZrCl2, unlike that of the meso‐isomer, was accompanied by a more than a 10‐fold increase in intensity and by a shift in the mechanoluminescence spectrum to longer wavelengths.
Management of peri‐device leak following left atrial appendage closure: A systematic review
Authors: Sleiman Jose R. , Lewis Antonio J. , Perez Eduardo J. , Sanchez Alexandra M. , Baez‐Escudero Jose L. , Navia Jose L. , Asher Craig R. , Cubeddu Robert J.
Published: February 2021

Objective

This study aimed to examine the cumulative experience of peri‐device leak (PDL) closure following left atrial appendage (LAA) closure.

Background

The management of PDL following LAA closure remains controversial. While PDL closure has been proposed, procedural features and clinical outcomes have not been well established.

Methods

A systematic review of all published cases of PDL closure with available anatomical, procedural, and clinical outcomes was performed.

Results

We identified 18 indexed publications and 110 cases between April 2013 and March 2020. 71 patients (mean age 72 ± 8 yrs), met study criteria and were included. PDL closure was most common in males, bilobar LAA morphology, and after Watchman procedures. The mean PDL size was 7.6 ± 5.8 mm (range 2–26 mm). Leaks were classified according to size: small (<5 mm; 45%), moderate (≥5–9 mm; 25%), and large (≥10 mm; 30%). Endovascular coils and endovascular plugs were used to close both small and moderate sized leaks, and second LAA closure devices were exclusively used for large PDLs. Successful PDL closure occurred in 90%, and was similar between PDL sizes and types of occluder used. Procedural complication rates were uncommon (2.8%). No strokes were reported following PDL closure at 6 months.

Conclusions

In patients with PDL for whom discontinuation of OAC may be considered unsafe, percutaneous closure using a tailored approach with either endovascular coils, plugs, or second occluder represents a safe, and feasible alternative associated with favorable clinical outcomes.
Engineered Bifunctional Luminescent Pillared‐Layer Frameworks for Adsorption of CO2 and Sensitive Detection of Nitrobenzene in Aqueous Media
Authors: Su Chun‐Hao , Tsai Meng‐Jung , Wang Wei‐Kai , Li Yi‐Yun , Wu Jing‐Yun
Published: February 2021

Through a dual‐ligand synthetic approach, five isoreticular primitive cubic (pcu)‐type pillared‐layer metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), [Zn2(dicarboxylate)2(NI‐bpy‐44)]⋅x DMF⋅y H2O, in which dicarboxylate=1,4‐bdc (1), Br‐1,4‐bdc (2), NH2‐1,4‐bdc (3), 2,6‐ndc (4), and bpdc (5), have been engineered. MOFs 1–5 feature twofold degrees of interpenetration and have open pores of 27.0, 33.6, 36.8, 52.5, and 62.1 %, respectively. Nitrogen adsorption isotherms of activated MOFs 1′–5′ at 77 K all displayed type I adsorption behavior, suggesting their microporous nature. Although 1′ and 3′–5′ exhibited type I adsorption isotherms of CO2 at 195 K, MOF 2′ showed a two‐step gate‐opening sorption isotherm of CO2. Furthermore, MOF 3′ also had a significant influence of amine functions on CO2 uptake at high temperature due to the CO2–framework interactions. MOFs 1–5 revealed solvent‐dependent fluorescence properties; their strong blue‐light emissions in aqueous suspensions were efficiently quenched by trace amounts of nitrobenzene (NB), with limits of detection of 4.54, 5.73, 1.88, 2.30, and 2.26 μm, respectively, and Stern–Volmer quenching constants (Ksv) of 2.93×103, 1.79×103, 3.78×103, 4.04×103, and 3.21×103 m−1, respectively. Of particular note, the NB‐included framework, NB@3, provided direct evidence of the binding sites, which showed strong host–guest π–π and hydrogen‐bonding interactions beneficial for donor–acceptor electron transfer and resulting in fluorescence quenching.
E7766, a Macrocycle‐Bridged Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) Agonist with Potent Pan‐Genotypic Activity
Authors: Kim Dae‐Shik , Endo Atsushi , Fang Francis G. , Huang Kuan‐Chun , Bao Xingfeng , Choi Hyeong‐wook , Majumder Utpal , Shen Young Y. , Mathieu Steven , Zhu Xiaojie , Sanders Kristen , Noland Thomas , Hao Ming‐Hong , Chen Yu , Wang John Y. , Yasui So , TenDyke Karen , Wu Jiayi , Ingersoll Christy , Loiacono Kara A. , Hutz Janna E. , Sarwar Nadeem
Published: February 2021

A strategy for creating potent and pan‐genotypic stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonists is described. Locking a bioactive U‐shaped conformation of cyclic dinucleotides by introducing a transannular macrocyclic bridge between the nucleic acid bases leads to a topologically novel macrocycle‐bridged STING agonist (MBSA). In addition to substantially enhanced potency, the newly designed MBSAs, exemplified by clinical candidate E7766, exhibit broad pan‐genotypic activity in all major human STING variants. E7766 is shown to have potent antitumor activity with long lasting immune memory response in a mouse liver metastatic tumor model. Two complementary stereoselective synthetic routes to E7766 are also described.
A numerical study on the effects of spatial and temporal discretization in cardiac electrophysiology
Authors: Woodworth Lucas A. , Cansız Barış , Kaliske Michael
Published: February 2021

Millions of degrees of freedom are often required to accurately represent the electrophysiology of the myocardium due to the presence of discretization effects. This study seeks to explore the influence of temporal and spatial discretization on the simulation of cardiac electrophysiology in conjunction with changes in modeling choices. Several finite element analyses are performed to examine how discretization affects solution time, conduction velocity and electrical excitation. Discretization effects are considered along with changes in the electrophysiology model and solution approach. Two action potential models are considered: the Aliev‐Panfilov model and the ten Tusscher‐Noble‐Noble‐Panfilov model. The solution approaches consist of two time integration schemes and different treatments for solving the local system of ordinary differential equations. The efficiency and stability of the calculation approaches are demonstrated to be dependent on the action potential model. The dependency of the conduction velocity on the element size and time step is shown to be different for changes in material parameters. Finally, the discrepancies between the wave propagation in coarse and fine meshes are analyzed based on the temporal evolution of the transmembrane potential at a node and its neighboring Gauss points. Insight obtained from this study can be used to suggest new methods to improve the efficiency of simulations in cardiac electrophysiology.
Iron deficiency impacts prognosis but less exercise capacity in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Barandiarán Aizpurua Arantxa , Sanders‐van Wijk Sandra , Brunner‐La Rocca Hans‐Peter , Henkens Michiel T.H.M. , Weerts Jerremy , Spanjers Mireille H.A. , Knackstedt Christian , van Empel Vanessa P.M.
Published: February 2021

Aims

Whether and how iron deficiency (ID) impacts patients with heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remain unclear. The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of ID on functional status, exercise capacity, and prognosis in HFpEF.

Methods and results

The study population consisted of 300 HFpEF patients. ID was defined as serum ferritin <100 μg/L or 100–300 μg/L and transferrin‐saturation <20%. Baseline functional status, quality of life (HADS score and EQ 5D index), 6 min walking test, echocardiography, and outcome (all‐cause mortality and combined all cause‐mortality and HF hospitalization) were evaluated. ID was found in 159 (53%) patients. Patients with ID had a worse prognosis with a higher combined endpoint of all‐cause mortality and HF hospitalization after 4 years of follow‐up (log rank = 0.008). Pulmonary hypertension, depression, and thyroid disease were more prevalent in the ID group. Multivariable analysis showed that ID was independently associated with body mass index (P = 0.003), pulmonary hypertension (P = 0.008), and thyroid disease (P = 0.01). Although patients with ID had a lower exercise capacity compared with patients without ID (393 m [294–455] vs. 344 m [260–441], P = 0.008), there was no significant correlation after multivariable correction for age, BMI, NT‐proBNP, DM, and depression.

Conclusions

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction patients with ID have a worse prognosis and impaired exercise capacity compared with those without ID. However, although a trend was observed, after multivariable correction ID was no longer significantly associated with a reduced exercise capacity. This reflects that impaired exercise capacity in HFpEF is complex and seems multifactorial. Interestingly, pulmonary hypertension was an independent predictor of both ID and exercise capacity.