bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transition Metal and Nitrogen Co‐Doped Carbon‐based Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction: From Active Site Insights to the Rational Design of Precursors and Structures
Authors: Wang Dan , Pan Xiaona , Yang Peixia , Li Ruopeng , Xu Hao , Li Yun , Meng Fan , Zhang Jinqiu , An Maozhong
Published: October 2020

Considering the urgent requirement for clean and sustainable energy, fuel cells and metal‐air batteries have emerged as promising energy storage and conversion devices to alleviate the worldwide energy challenges. The key step in accelerating the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics at the cathode is to develop cost‐effective and high‐efficiency non‐precious metal catalysts, which can be used to replace expensive Pt‐based catalysts. Recently, the transition metal and nitrogen co‐doped carbon (M−Nx/C) materials with tailored morphology, tunable composition, and confined structure show great potential in both acidic and alkaline media. Herein, the mechanism of ORR is provided, followed by recent efforts to clarify the actual structures of active sites. Furthermore, the progress of optimizing the catalytic performance of M−Nx/C catalysts by modulating nitrogen‐rich precursors and porous structure engineering is highlighted. The remaining challenges and development prospects of M−Nx/C catalysts are also outlined and evaluated.
Depolymerization of Lignin into Monophenolics by Ferrous/Persulfate Reagent under Mild Conditions
Authors: Bao Hanxi , Sagues William J. , Wang Yigui , Peng Wenbo , Zhang Lin , Yang Shunchang , Xiao Dequan , Tong Zhaohui
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to use a persulfate together with transition metal ions as the reagent to effectively depolymerize lignin into monophenolic compounds under mild conditions (ambient pressure, temperature <100 °C). The Box‐Behnken experimental design in combination with the response surface methodology was applied to obtain optimized reaction conditions. The results showed that this reagent could depolymerize up to 99 % of lignin dimers to mainly veratraldehyde. This reaction also successfully depolymerized industrial lignins with a high yield of phenolic oils and monophenolic compounds. Quantum chemistry calculations using the density functional theory level indicated that the persulfate free radical attacks Cβto break the β‐O‐4 bond of lignin through a five‐membered ring mechanism. This mechanism using persulfate free radicals has a lower activation barrier than that using hydroxyl radicals. Gel permeation chromatography and 2D‐NMR spectroscopy demonstrated the effective cleavage of the β‐O‐4 bonds of lignin after depolymerization.
Emulsion Polymerizations for a Sustainable Preparation of Efficient TEMPO‐based Electrodes
Authors: Muench Simon , Gerlach Patrick , Burges René , Strumpf Maria , Hoeppener Stephanie , Wild Andreas , Lex‐Balducci Alexandra , Balducci Andrea , Brendel Johannes C. , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: October 2020

Organic polymer‐based batteries represent a promising alternative to present‐day metal‐based systems and a valuable step toward printable and customizable energy storage devices. However, most scientific work is focussed on the development of new redox‐active organic materials, while straightforward manufacturing and sustainable materials and production will be a necessary key for the transformation to mass market applications. Here, a new synthetic approach for 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐4‐piperinidyl‐N‐oxyl (TEMPO)‐based polymer particles by emulsion polymerization and their electrochemical investigation are reported. The developed emulsion polymerization protocol based on an aqueous reaction medium allowed the sustainable synthesis of a redox‐active electrode material, combined with simple variation of the polymer particle size, which enabled the preparation of nanoparticles from 35 to 138 nm. Their application in cell experiments revealed a significant effect of the size of the active‐polymer particles on the performance of poly(2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐4‐piperinidyl‐N‐oxyl methacrylate) (PTMA)‐based electrodes. In particular rate capabilities were found to be reduced with larger diameters. Nevertheless, all cells based on the different particles revealed the ability to recover from temporary capacity loss due to application of very high charge/discharge rates.
CTRP4 acts as an anti‐inflammatory factor in macrophages and protects against endotoxic shock
Authors: Cao Lulu , Tan Weifeng , Chen Wei , Huang He , He Minwei , Li Qi , Zhu Xiaoxin , Wang Lu
Published: October 2020

Despite the availability of antibiotics, current therapies to treat sepsis are still ineffective and many clinical trials aimed at neutralizing specific inflammatory cytokines have failed, suggesting the urgent need for new treatments. Using two models of LPS‐induced endotoxemia and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)–induced sepsis, we investigated the effects of C1q/TNF‐related protein 4(CTRP4) on septic lethality and sepsis‐induced inflammation. The effects of CTRP4 on survival, inflammation, organ damage, and bacterial clearance were assessed. Here, we found that CTRP4 decreased the mortalities of mice and alleviated pathological lung injury in mice model. In vivo depletion and adoptive transfer studies showed CTRP4‐expressing macrophages as the key cell type inhibiting LPS‐induced septic shock. The mechanism associated with the CTRP4 deficiency involved promoting of TLR4 internalization and activation of downstream pathways that resulted in a lethal, prolonged proinflammatory cytokine storm. Treatment of macrophages with exogenous CTRP4 abrogated proinflammatory cytokine production. Our results showed CTRP4 regulates inflammatory response and could be a promising strategy to treat septic shock.
Storm Event–Driven Occurrence and Transport of Dissolved and Sorbed Organic Micropollutants and Associated Effects in the Ammer River, Southwestern Germany
Authors: Müller Maximilian E. , Zwiener Christian , Escher Beate I.
Published: October 2020

Storm events lead to agricultural and urban runoff, to mobilization of contaminated particulate matter, and to input from combined sewer overflows into rivers. We conducted time-resolved sampling during a storm event at the Ammer River, southwest Germany, which is representative of small river systems in densely populated areas with a temperate climate. Suspended particulate matter (SPM) and water from 2 sampling sites were separately analyzed by a multi-analyte liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for 97 environmentally relevant organic micropollutants and with 2 in vitro bioassays. Oxidative stress response (AREc32) may become activated by various stressors covering a broad range of physicochemical properties and induction of aryl hydrocarbon receptor–chemical-activated luciferase gene expression (AhR-CALUX) by hydrophobic compounds such as dioxins and dioxin-like molecules. Compound numbers, concentrations, their mass fluxes, and associated effect fluxes increased substantially during the storm event. Micropollutants detected in water and on SPM pointed toward inputs from combined sewer overflow (e.g., caffeine, paracetamol), urban runoff (e.g., mecoprop, terbutryn), and agricultural areas (e.g., azoxystrobin, bentazone). Particle-facilitated transport of triphenylphosphate and tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate accounted for up to 34 and 33% of the total mass flux even though SPM concentrations were <1 g L–1. Effect fluxes attributed to SPM were similar or higher than in the water phase. The important role of SPM-bound transport emphasizes the need to consider not only concentrations but also mass and effect fluxes for surface water quality assessment and wastewater/stormwater treatment options. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:88–99. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Beneficial effects of Vigna angularis extract in osteoporosis and osteoarthritis
Authors: Lim Hyung Jin , Park Sang‐Ik , Bak Seon Gyeong , Cheong Sun Hee , Lee Soyoung , Baek Young‐Bin , Lee Chang‐Min , Lee Kang Min , Lee Seung Woong , Lee Seung‐Jae , Rho Mun‐Chual
Published: October 2020

In Asia, Vigna angularis (azuki bean) has been used as a traditional medicine to treat various diseases because of its biological properties. Osteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis (OP) are common regenerative bone diseases that are characterized by deterioration of joint and bone structure. In this study, we evaluated the effects of Vigna angularis extract (VAE) on monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)‐induced OA and ovariectomy (OVX)‐induced OP models. In the MIA‐induced OA results, severe OA was alleviated by the administration of VAE. Extensive local damage in the cartilage and hemorrhagic and edematous of surrounding tissues were decreased by VAE treatment. Articular cartilage was almost intact except for a focal mild abrasion, and the surface was glistening, similar to that of the normal joint. In the OVX‐induced OP results, bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) were recovered by VAE treatment, and it improved the microstructures of bone. These results show that VAE could inhibit OA and OP symptoms.
Rare and novel RUNX1 fusions in myeloid neoplasms: A single‐institute experience
Authors: Aypar Umut , Yao Jinjuan , Londono Dory M. , Khoobyar Rose , Scalise Angela , Arcila Maria E. , Roshal Mikhail , Xiao Wenbin , Zhang Yanming
Published: October 2020

Chromosome translocations involving the RUNX1 gene at 21q22 are recurring abnormalities in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), that is, t(8;21) and t(3;21) and in B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia with t(12;21). These translocations result in the fusion of RUNX1 with RUNX1T1, MECOM, and ETV6, respectively, and are implicated in leukemogenesis. Here we describe 10 rare RUNX1 fusion gene partners, including six novel fusions, in myeloid neoplasia. Comprehensive molecular testing revealed the partner genes and features of these fusions in all the tested patients, and detected various recurring myeloid related gene mutations in eight patients. In two patients, RUNX1 mutations were identified. Most of these fusions were detected in patients with high‐grade MDS and AML with a relatively short survival. Integration of conventional chromosome analysis, FISH testing and molecular genetic studies allow a comprehensive characterization of these rare RUNX1 fusions. Our study may help define myeloid neoplasms with rare and novel RUNX1 translocations and support appropriate patient management.
JuSpace: A tool for spatial correlation analyses of magnetic resonance imaging data with nuclear imaging derived neurotransmitter maps
Authors: Dukart Juergen , Holiga Stefan , Rullmann Michael , Lanzenberger Rupert , Hawkins Peter C. T. , Mehta Mitul A. , Hesse Swen , Barthel Henryk , Sabri Osama , Jech Robert , Eickhoff Simon B.
Published: October 2020

Recent studies have shown that drug‐induced spatial alteration patterns in resting state functional activity as measured using magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) are associated with the distribution of specific receptor systems targeted by respective compounds. Based on this approach, we introduce a toolbox (JuSpace) allowing for cross‐modal correlation of MRI‐based measures with nuclear imaging derived estimates covering various neurotransmitter systems including dopaminergic, serotonergic, noradrenergic, and GABAergic (gamma‐aminobutric acid) neurotransmission. We apply JuSpace to two datasets covering Parkinson's disease patients (PD) and risperidone‐induced changes in rsfMRI and cerebral blood flow (CBF). Consistently with the predominant neurodegeneration of dopaminergic and serotonergic system in PD, we find significant spatial associations between rsfMRI activity alterations in PD and dopaminergic (D2) and serotonergic systems (5‐HT1b). Risperidone induced CBF alterations were correlated with its main targets in serotonergic and dopaminergic systems. JuSpace provides a biologically meaningful framework for linking neuroimaging to underlying neurotransmitter information.
A numerical study of magneto‐double‐diffusive‐convection of Casson fluid over a vertical cone under nonuniform heating at surface of cone
Authors: Rajora Richa , Kumar Anand
Published: October 2020

The objective of this investigation is to determine the impact of nonuniform heating on the transient natural convection of Casson fluid past a vertical cone in the appearance of a constant magnetic field. The overall analysis has executed in the presence of viscous dissipation, chemically reactive species, and ramped concentration. The derived governing partial differential equations in the dimensionless form are evaluated numerically using the implicit Crank‐Nicolson technique of finite difference method. The obtained numerical solutions for various physical parameters on all examined profiles have been shown graphically. The major result is found that the temperature and velocity profiles have a maximum magnitude at the middle of the lateral side of the cone. Also, the concentration profile has a maximum magnitude at for ramped concentration case.
Economic fitness: How equity market returns reflect the realization of economic growth potential
Authors: Chu Ted H. , Stocker Marshall L. , Tan Brandon J.
Published: October 2020

The relative complexity of a country's economy explains relative per capita wealth. Measures of complexity have also been used to improve the estimation accuracy of gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecasts. Why complexity matters is settled in the theory of gains from trade. Not settled are the determinants of complexity and how complexity can be unleashed to facilitate economic growth. We explore how economic institutions, as measured by an index of economic freedom, and economic complexity interact and impact a country's equity market return. We find complex economies where realized per capita GDP is lower than comparably complex economies experience an acceleration in GDP growth when economic freedom is increased. Simultaneous to the gains in economic institutions and complexity, equity markets outperform, suggesting the wealth of a nation rests on the institutions that facilitate complexity.
Respiratory effects induced by occupational exposure to refractory ceramic fibers
Authors: Gu Yishuo , He Wei , Wang Yanhua , Chen Juan , Wang Hongfei , Gao Panjun , Yang Siwen , Zhu Xiaojun , Ma Wenjun , Li Tao
Published: October 2020

Refractory ceramic fibers (RCFs) are increasingly used as heating‐insulated materials in various industries. However, toxicological and epidemiological studies focusing on the adverse effects of RCFs were still insufficient, particularly in China. We conducted a cross‐sectional study to evaluate comprehensively the associations between occupational exposure to RCFs and respiratory health effects among Chinese workers. We measured and calculated cumulative RCFexposure levels of RCFs workers from the biggest RCFs factory in China. In total, 430 RCF‐exposed workers and 121 controls were enrolled in this study. Physical examinations of the respiratory system were performed and serum levels of biomarkers including Clara cell protein 16 (CC16), surfactant protein D (SP‐D), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1), and 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) were determined among all subjects. RCF exposure workers showed a higher prevalence rate of respiratory symptoms (cough: 11.9%) and lower levels of small airways function indices (V50%: 82.71 ± 20.01, maximal mid expiratory flow (MMEF)%: 81.08 ± 19.56) compared with the control group (cough: 5.0%, V50%: 90.64 ± 24.36, MMEF%: 88.83 ± 24.22). RCFs workers showed higher levels of TGF‐β1 (31.04 ng/mL) and 8‐OHdG (130.72 ng/mL) and lower levels of CC16 (3.68 ng/mL) compared with the controls (TGF‐β1: 26.63 ng/mL, 8‐OHdG: 106.86 ng/mL, CC16: 5.65 ng/mL). After adjusting for covariates, cumulative RCF exposure levels showed significant positive associations with the levels of TGF‐β1 and 8‐OHdG and negative association with the level of CC16. Occupational RCF exposure could induce adverse respiratory health effects, including cough and small airways damage, which may correlate to the altered levels of lung damage markers (CC16 and TGF‐β1) and oxidative markers (8‐OHdG).
Organophosphate‐pesticides induced survival mechanisms and APE1‐mediated Nrf2 regulation in non‐small‐cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Thakur Shweta , Sarkar Bibekananda , Dhiman Monisha , Mantha Anil K.
Published: October 2020

Epidemiological and molecular studies have indicated that environmental exposure to organophosphate pesticides (OPPs) is associated with increased cancer risk; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms still need to be explained. Increasing cancer incidence is linked to OPPs‐induced oxidative stress (OS). Our study evaluates monocrotophos (MCP) and chlorpyrifos (CP)‐induced OS responses and apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) role in human non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Our prior study has implicated OPPs‐induced base excision repair (BER)‐pathway dysregulation and APE1‐mediated regulation of transcription factor (TF) c‐jun in A549 cells. We further investigated the effects of MCP and CP on apoptosis, proliferation, and APE1's redox‐regulation of nuclear factor‐like 2 (Nrf2). Data demonstrates that MCP and CP at subtoxic concentrations induced reactive oxygen species generation and oxidative DNA base damage 8‐oxo‐dG lesions in NCI‐H1299 cells. CP moderately upregulated the apoptosis‐inducing factor (AIF) in A549 cells, however, it did not trigger other pro‐apoptotic factors viz. caspase‐9 and caspase‐3, suggesting early caspase‐independent apoptosis. However, dose‐dependent AIF‐downregulation was observed for MCP treatment. Furthermore, CP and MCP treatments upregulated proliferating cell nuclear antigen levels. Immunofluorescent confocal imaging showed the colocalization of APE1 with Nrf2 in 10 µM CP‐ and MCP‐treated NCI‐H1299 cells. Immunoprecipitation confirmed that APE1 and Nrf2 physically interacted, indicating the role of APE1‐mediated Nrf2 activation following OPPs treatment. This study suggests that low concentration MCP and CP exposure generates OS along with DNA damage, and modulates apoptosis, and APE1‐mediated Nrf2 activation, which might be considered as the possible mechanism promoting lung cancer cell survival, suggesting that APE1 may have the potential to become a therapeutic target for the treatment of NSCLC.
Negative affect interference and fear of happiness are independently associated with depressive symptoms
Authors: Jordan D. Gage , Collins Amanda C. , Dunaway Matthew G. , Kilgore Jenna , Winer E. Samuel
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Reward devaluation theory (RDT) posits that some depressed individuals avoid positivity due to its previous association with negative outcomes. Behavioral indicators of avoidance of reward support RDT, but self‐report indicators have yet to be examined discriminantly. Two candidate self‐report measures were examined in relation to depression: negative affect interference (NAI), or the experience of negative affect in response to positivity, and fear of happiness, a fear of prospective happiness.

Method

Participants completed measures assessing NAI, fear of happiness scale, and depression online via Amazon's Mechanical Turk at three time points (N = 375). Multilevel modeling examined the relationship between NAI, fear of happiness, and depressive symptoms longitudinally.

Results

NAI and fear of happiness were both positively associated with depressive symptoms. They both uniquely predicted depressive symptoms when included within the same model.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that different conceptualizations of positivity avoidance are uniquely associated with depressive symptoms.
Epigenetic regulation of angiogenesis in lung cancer
Authors: Tan Heng Wee , Xu Yan‐Ming , Qin San‐Hai , Chen Guo‐Feng , Lau Andy T. Y.
Published: October 2020

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide, in which angiogenesis is highly required for lung cancer cell growth and metastasis. Genetic regulation of this multistep process is being studied extensively, however, relatively less is known about the epigenetic regulation of angiogenesis in lung cancer. Several epigenetic alterations contribute to regulating angiogenesis, such as epimodifications of DNA, posttranslational modification of histones, and expression of noncoding RNAs. Here, we review the current knowledge of the epigenetic regulation of angiogenesis and discuss the potential clinical applications of epigenetic‐based anticancer therapy in lung cancer. Overall, epigenetic‐based therapy will likely emerge as a prominent approach to treat lung cancer in the future.
Cancer‐associated mutations in the condensin II subunit CAPH2 cause genomic instability through telomere dysfunction and anaphase chromosome bridges
Authors: Weyburne Emily , Bosco Giovanni
Published: October 2020

Genome instability in cancer drives tumor heterogeneity, undermines the success of therapies, and leads to metastasis and recurrence. Condensins are conserved chromatin‐binding proteins that promote genomic stability, mainly by ensuring proper condensation of chromatin and mitotic chromosome segregation. Condensin mutations are found in human tumors, but it is not known how or even if such mutations promote cancer progression. In this study, we focus on condensin II subunit CAPH2 and specific CAPH2 mutations reported to be enriched in human cancer patients, and we test how CAPH2 cancer‐specific mutations may lead to condensin II complex dysfunction and contribute to genome instability. We find that R551P, R551S, and S556F mutations in CAPH2 cause genomic instability by causing DNA damage, anaphase defects, micronuclei, and chromosomal instability. DNA damage and anaphase defects are caused primarily by ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3‐related‐dependent telomere dysfunction, as anaphase bridges are enriched for telomeric repeat sequences. We also show that these mutations decrease the binding of CAPH2 to the ATPase subunit SMC4 as well as the rest of the condensin II complex, and decrease the amount of CAPH2 protein bound to chromatin. Thus, in vivo the R551P, R551S, and S556F cancer‐specific CAPH2 mutant proteins are likely to impair condensin II complex formation, impede condensin II activity during mitosis and interphase, and promote genetic heterogeneity in cell populations that can lead to clonal outgrowth of cancer cells with highly diverse genotypes.
Target‐Mediated Drug Disposition—A Class Effect of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitors
Authors: An Guohua , Lee Kin Sing Stephen , Yang Jun , Hammock Bruce D.
Published: October 2020

Pharmacological target‐mediated drug disposition (TMDD) represents a special source of nonlinear pharmacokinetics, and its occurrence in large‐molecule compounds has been well recognized because numerous protein drugs have been reported to have TMDD due to specific binding to their pharmacological targets. Although TMDD can also happen in small‐molecule compounds, it has been largely overlooked. In this mini‐review, we summarize the occurrence of TMDD that we discovered recently in a series of small‐molecule soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitors. Our journey started with an accidental discovery of target‐mediated kinetics of 1‐(1‐propanoylpiperidin‐4‐yl)‐3‐[4‐(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]urea (TPPU), a potent sEH inhibitor, in a pilot clinical study. To confirm what we observed in humans, we conducted a series of mechanism experiments in animals, including pharmacokinetic experiments using sEH knockout mice as well as in vivo displacement experiments with co‐administration of another potent sEH inhibitor. Our mechanism studies confirmed that the TMDD of TPPU is due to its pharmacological target sEH. We further expanded our evaluation to various other sEH inhibitors and found that TMDD is a class effect of this group of small‐molecule sEH inhibitors. In addition to summarizing the occurrence of TMDD in sEH inhibitors, in this mini‐review we also highlighted the importance of recognizing TMDD of small‐molecule compounds and its impact in clinical development as well as using pharmacometric modeling in facilitating quantitative understanding of TMDD.
Characteristics of medical malpractice claims involving emergency medicine physicians
Authors: Myers Laura C. , Einbinder Jonathan , Camargo Carlos A. , Aaronson Emily L.
Published: October 2020

Background

Identifying characteristics of malpractice claims involving emergency medicine (EM) physicians allows leaders to develop patient safety initiatives to prevent future harm events.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed of paid/unpaid claims closed 2007 to 2016 from Comparative Benchmarking System. Claims were identified by physician specialty involved (EM, internal medicine, general surgery). Various characteristics were compared by physician specialty. Multivariable regression was performed to identify factors associated with claim payment, in which (1) physician specialty was included as a predictor and (2) only the subset involving EM physicians was analyzed.

Results

Of 54,772 claims, 2760 involved EM physicians, 5886 involved internists, and 3207 involved surgeons. Death was the most common severity among EM claims (34%). Diagnosis‐related allegations accounted for 58%, higher than 42% and 11% of claims involving internists and surgeons, respectively (P < 0.0001). Thirty‐one percent was paid. The median indemnity paid on behalf of any defendant was $206,261 (interquartile range $55,065‐527,651). The most common final diagnoses were myocardial infarction (2%), pulmonary embolus (2%), and cardiac arrest (2%). Procedure‐related claims were associated with increased payment likelihood (odds ratio 1.21, 95% confidence interval 1.10‐1.34).

Conclusion

Malpractice claims in EM are often diagnosis‐ or procedure related. Our findings suggest that diagnostic accuracy and procedural competency should shape future quality improvement work.
Impact of social distancing on incidence of vaccine‐preventable diseases, South Korea
Authors: Yun Hyo Eun , Ryu Bo Young , Choe Young June
Published: October 2020

While vaccination remains the cornerstone of controlling vaccine‐preventive diseases (VPD), little is known about the effect of social distancing on incidence of VPDs. We investigated the impact of social distancing practiced during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic on the incidence of selected VPDs in South Korea. National surveillance data on monthly incidence of hepatitis A, hepatitis B, varicella, mumps, invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), and pertussis were retrieved and compared the VPD incidences in 2020 to the average of the last 4 years (2015–2019) of the corresponding months. In 2020, there were 44% decline for mumps, 44% decline for varicella, 28% decline for pertussis, 22% decline for IPD, 14% decline in incidence of hepatitis A, and no change for hepatitis B incidences, compared to baseline years (2015–2019). The largest decline of total VPDs was in April (65%) and in May (67%), during the intensified social distancing measures. In the setting of sustained vaccination coverage, social distancing may provide additional public health benefit in controlling the VPDs.
Time‐restricted feeding prevents depressive‐like and anxiety‐like behaviors in male rats exposed to an experimental model of shift‐work
Authors: Guerrero‐Vargas Natalí N. , Zárate‐Mozo Carmen , Guzmán‐Ruiz Mara A. , Cárdenas‐Rivera Alfredo , Escobar Carolina
Published: October 2020

Individuals who regularly shift their sleep timing, like night and/or shift‐workers suffer from circadian desynchrony and are at risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases and cancer. Also, shift‐work is are suggested to be a risk factor for the development of mood disorders such as the burn out syndrome, anxiety, and depression. Experimental and clinical studies provide evidence that food intake restricted to the normal activity phase is a potent synchronizer for the circadian system and can prevent the detrimental health effects associated with circadian disruption. Here, we explored whether adult male Wistar rats exposed to an experimental model of shift‐work (W‐AL) developed depressive and/or anxiety‐like behaviors and whether this was associated with neuroinflammation in brain areas involved with mood regulation. We also tested whether time‐restricted feeding (TRF) to the active phase could ameliorate circadian disruption and therefore would prevent depressive and anxiety‐like behaviors as well as neuroinflammation. In male Wistar rats, W‐AL induced depressive‐like behavior characterized by hypoactivity and anhedonia and induced increased anxiety‐like behavior in the open field test. This was associated with increased number of glial fibrillary acidic protein and IBA‐1‐positive cells in the prefrontal cortex and basolateral amygdala. Moreover W‐AL caused morphological changes in the microglia in the CA3 area of the hippocampus indicating microglial activation. Importantly, TRF prevented behavioral changes and decreased neuroinflammation markers in the brain. Present results add up evidence about the importance that TRF in synchrony with the light–dark cycle can prevent neuroinflammation leading to healthy mood states in spite of circadian disruptive conditions.
Migraine and risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mohammadi Masoud , Taziki Balajelini Mohammad Hosein , Rajabi Abdolhalim
Published: October 2020

Objective

The pathophysiology of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the association of migraine and risk of SSNHL in a meta‐analysis of population‐based cohort studies.

Methods

A systematic literature search of studies published until December 2019 was carried out in Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using appropriate keywords. References of the retrieved articles were also examined for inclusion. Random‐effects meta‐analysis was performed by calculating pooled hazard ratio (HR) and associated 95% confidence interval (CI) using the DerSimonian and Laird method while considering conceptual heterogeneity.

Results

Three eligible cohort studies, with 282 250 participants, were included. In total, 56 450 had migraine, and 225 800 had no migraine. Of those with migraine, 0.88% had SSNHL, and among those without migraine, 0.59% had SSNHL. Pooled HR for the risk of SSNHL was 1.84 (95% CI: 1.11‐2.57; P < .001). In cohort studies on females, migraine was not significantly the risk of SSHL than no migraine. However, in male cohort studies, the migraine had a higher risk of SSHL than no migraine (HR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.17‐1.83; P < .001). The pooled HR of migraine with the risk of SSNHL was 1.37 (95% CI: 1.16‐1.58, P < .001) in people with <40 years old and 1.39 (95% CI: 1.17‐1.60; P < .001) in people >40 years old.

Conclusions

Individuals with migraine patients are at a higher risk of developing SSHL. Different age and sex migraine subgroups showed a higher proportion of SSNHL cases compared to nonmigraineurs.
Electrospinning for the manufacture of biosensor components: A mini‐review
Authors: Ahmed Jubair
Published: October 2020

One of the key modern advancements of the biomaterial's world has been the recent progress with fibre manufacturing techniques which have allowed for novel approaches to biosensor fabrication. Electrospinning is capable of producing ultrafine and highly tailored fibres that can be made from a wide variety of natural and synthetic materials to be exploited for use as medical sensors. In recent years, electrospinning has been more widely researched and great strides have been made in its ability to produce fibres with more desirable properties. In this mini‐review, the process of electrospinning is overviewed with an emphasis on its properties in producing biosensor components. It is seen how the advancements of nanotechnology allows for easier incorporation of bioreceptors to a larger range of membranes that are capable of higher sensitivity and broader applications. Furthermore, newer manufacturing techniques that are also capable of producing ultra‐thin fibres are elaborated and the future of biosensor production in taking advantage of micro‐ and nano‐scaled components are discussed.
Nonlocal study of the vibration and stability response of small‐scale axially moving supported beams on viscoelastic‐Pasternak foundation in a hygro‐thermal environment
Authors: Sarparast Hoda , Ebrahimi‐Mamaghani Ali , Safarpour Mehran , Ouakad Hassen M. , Dimitri Rossana , Tornabene Francesco
Published: October 2020

This paper aims at studying the vibrational behavior and dynamical stability of small‐scale axially moving beams resting on the viscoelastic‐Pasternak foundation in a hygro‐thermal environment, according to a nonlocal strain gradient Rayleigh beam model. The Galerkin procedure is applied to determine the eigenvalues of the dynamic system of equations together with the stability regions of the system. A comparison study of the proposed method is performed, first, against the available literature. Thus, we examine the effect of the rotary inertia, flexural stiffness, boundary conditions, scale parameters, foundation conditions, and environmental loads, on the vibrational frequencies and stability boundaries of the system. Based on the numerical results, an increased flexural stiffness and strain gradient parameter enhance the vibrational frequencies of the system. It is also demonstrated that the destructive effects of hygro‐thermal conditions can be alleviated by a fine‐tuning of the foundation characteristics. The outcomes of the present research can represent a useful benchmark for optimization design purposes of moving nanosystems in complex environmental conditions.
Free‐breathing simultaneous myocardial T1 and T2 mapping with whole left ventricle coverage
Authors: Guo Rui , Cai Xiaoying , Kucukseymen Selcuk , Rodriguez Jennifer , Paskavitz Amanda , Pierce Patrick , Goddu Beth , Thompson Richard B. , Nezafat Reza
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To develop a free‐breathing sequence, that is, Multislice Joint T1‐T2, for simultaneous measurement of myocardial T1 and T2 for multiple slices to achieve whole left‐ventricular coverage.

Methods

Multislice Joint T1‐T2 adopts slice‐interleaved acquisition to collect 10 single‐shot electrocardiogram‐triggered images for each slice prepared by saturation and T2 preparation to simultaneously estimate myocardial T1 and T2 and achieve whole left‐ventricular coverage. Prospective slice‐tracking using a respiratory navigator and retrospective image registration are used to reduce through‐plane and in‐plane motion, respectively. Multislice Joint T1‐T2 was validated through numerical simulations and phantom and in vivo experiments, and compared with saturation‐recovery single‐shot acquisition and T2‐prepared balanced Steady‐State Free Precession (T2‐prep SSFP) sequences.

Results

Phantom T1 and T2 from Multislice Joint T1‐T2 had good accuracy and precision, and were insensitive to heart rate. Multislice Joint T1‐T2 yielded T1 and T2 maps of nine left‐ventricular slices in 1.4 minutes. The mean left‐ventricular T1 difference between saturation‐recovery single‐shot acquisition and Multislice Joint T1‐T2 across healthy subjects and patients was 191 ms (1564 ± 60 ms versus 1373 ± 50 ms; P < .05) and 111 ms (1535 ± 49 ms vs 1423 ± 49 ms; P < .05), respectively. The mean difference in left‐ventricular T2 between T2‐prep SSFP and Multislice Joint T1‐T2 across healthy subjects and patients was −6.3 ms (42.4 ± 1.4 ms vs 48.7 ± 2.5; P < .05) and −5.7 ms (41.6 ± 2.5 ms vs 47.3 ± 2.7; P < .05), respectively.

Conclusion

Multislice Joint T1‐T2 enables quantification of whole left‐ventricular T1 and T2 during free breathing within a clinically feasible scan time of less than 2 minutes.
Attitudes and beliefs of nurses and physicians about managing sexual health in primary care: A multi‐site cross‐sectional comparative study
Authors: Leyva‐Moral Juan M. , Aguayo‐Gonzalez Mariela , Palmieri Patrick A. , Guevara‐Vasquez Genesis , Granel‐Grimenez Nina , Dalfó‐Pibernat Artur
Published: October 2020

Aim

To understand the attitudes and beliefs of nurses and physicians about managing the sexual health of patients during office visits in primary care centres.

Design

A questionnaire‐based, cross‐sectional multi‐centre study.

Methods

The study was performed in 15 primary care centres in Barcelona (Spain), from December 2017–February 2018. Obtained data were analysed with descriptive and bivariate statistics.

Results

Nearly half the participants believed they should manage sexual health in primary care, but a third of them disagreed this is a priority. Participants also believed patients are not comfortable speaking with them about sex. Statistically significant differences were observed between the professions as nurses more often reported receiving sexual health questions from patients and believed they had enough knowledge to appropriately respond. Most participants wanted additional education to speak with patients more comfortably and confidently about sex.
Analysis of the US FDA adverse event reporting system to identify adverse cardiac events associated with hydroxychloroquine in older adults
Authors: Nishtala Prasad S. , Gill Sakirat , Chyou Te‐yuan
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the US FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) to identify adverse cardiac events of hydroxychloroquine in older adults.

Method

A case/non‐case method was used to determine adverse events associated with hydroxychloroquine as the primary suspect drug between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2019, for older adults (≥65 years). Adverse events are preferred terms (PTs) defined in MedDRA. We used frequentist approaches, including the reporting odds ratio (ROR) and the proportional reporting ratio (PRR) to measure disproportionality. We used Bayesian approaches to derive information component (IC) value and Empirical Bayesian Geometric Mean (EBGM) score. Signals were defined as the number of reports > 3 and the lower limit of 95% confidence intervals (CI) of ROR ≥ 2, PRR ≥ 2, IC > 0, EBGM > 1.

Results

We identified 334 adverse cardiac events comprising 71 different MedDRA PTs from 2004 to 2019 for hydroxychloroquine in older adults. Strong disproportionality signals were noted for “Restrictive cardiomyopathy” (ROR = 272.43 (138.09–537.47); EBGM = 149.78 (77.34–264.67), “Right ventricular hypertrophy” (219.49 (85.32–564.70); 102.74 (39.67–222.81), “Cardiac septal hypertrophy” (226.77 (78.65–653.80); 93.82 (32.19–219.81), “Myocardial fibrosis” (57.29 (21.06–155.85); 42.99 (14.74–100.75), and “Cardiotoxicity” (43.90 (26.66–72.27); 40.28 (24.02–63.72).

Conclusions

The risk of cardiomyopathy and myocardial disorders is high following exposure to hydroxychloroquine in older adults. Due to the current lack of safety data from randomized controlled trials as well as large observational studies to confirm the risk of adverse cardiac events associated with hydroxychloroquine, findings from analyses of post‐marketing data may serve as interim guidance.
Comparison of Various Phase I Combination Therapy Designs in Oncology for Evaluation of Early Tumor Shrinkage Using Simulations
Authors: Seurat Jérémy , Girard Pascal , Goteti Kosalaram , Mentré France
Published: October 2020

There is still a lack of efficient designs for identifying the dose response in oncology combination therapies in early clinical trials. The concentration response relationship can be identified using the early tumor shrinkage time course, which has been shown to be a good early response marker of clinical efficacy. The performance of various designs using an exposure–tumor growth inhibition model was explored using simulations. Different combination effects of new drug M and cetuximab (reference therapy) were explored first assuming no effect of M on cetuximab (to investigate the type I error (α)), and subsequently assuming additivity or synergy between cetuximab and M. One‐arm, two‐arm, and four‐arm designs were evaluated. In the one‐arm design, 60 patients received cetuximab + M. In the two‐arm design, 30 patients received cetuximab and 30 received cetuximab + M. In the four‐arm design, in addition to cetuximab and cetuximab + M as standard doses, combination arms with lower doses of cetuximab were evaluated (15 patients/arm). Model‐based predictions or “simulated observations” of early tumor shrinkage at week 8 (ETS8) were compared between the different arms. With the same number of individuals, the one‐arm design showed better statistical power than other designs but led to strong inflation of α in case of misestimated reference for ETS8 value. The two‐arm design protected against this misestimation and, with the same total number of subjects, would provide higher statistical power than a four‐arm design. However, a four‐arm design would be helpful for exploring more doses of cetuximab in combination with M to better understand the interaction.
Magnetic Properties, Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, and Photoelectron Spectroscopy Studies of Nanocrystalline TiO2 Co‐Doped with Al and Fe
Authors: Yermakov Anatoly Ye. , Galakhov Vadim R. , Minin Artem S. , Mesilov Vitaly V. , Uimin Mikhail A. , Kuepper Karsten , Bartkowski Stefan , Molochnikov Leonid S. , Konev Aleksandr S. , Gaviko Vasiliy S. , Zakharova Galina S.
Published: October 2020

Electron paramagnetic resonance, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field dependence of magnetization, X‐ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy are applied for the characterization of Al‐doped TiO2 nanopowders with Fe impurities synthesized by the autoclave‐assisted hydrothermal method and annealed in vacuum or in hydrogen. The sizes of the TiO2:(Al, Fe) nanoparticles are estimated to be about 10–20 nm. It is proposed that Al ions are presumably placed in the TiO2 lattice in interstitial positions. Moreover, Fe3+ ions can occupy tetrahedral positions of Ti4+ ions as a result of Al‐doping. The results suggest that Al‐doped TiO2 nanopowders with Fe impurities annealed in vacuum or hydrogen display both intrinsic and extrinsic ferromagnetic properties.
Origin of Red Emission in β‐Ga2O3 Analyzed by Cathodoluminescence and Photoluminescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Naresh-Kumar Gunasekar , MacIntyre Hazel , Subashchandran Shanthi , Edwards Paul R. , Martin Robert W. , Daivasigamani Krishnamurthy , Sasaki Kohei , Kuramata Akito
Published: October 2020

The spectroscopic techniques of cathodoluminescence (CL) and photoluminescence (PL) are used to study the origin of red emission in β‐Ga2O3 grown using the edge‐defined film‐fed grown (EFG) method and hydride vapor phase epitaxy. Room‐temperature CL shows red emission peaks from samples doped with Fe, Sn, and Si and from unintentionally doped (UID) samples. Narrow emission lines around 690 nm are seen strongly in the Fe and UID samples. Temperature‐dependent PL analysis of the two prominent red emission lines reveals properties similar to the R lines in sapphire for all samples but with different levels of emission intensities. These lines are attributed to Cr3+ ionic transitions rather than Fe3+, as reported previously. The most likely origin of the unintentional Cr incorporation is the source material used in the EFG method.
Charge Transport Properties of Methylammonium Lead Trihalide Hybrid Perovskite Bulk Single Crystals
Authors: Maggiora Joshua , Li Feng , Zheng Rongkun
Published: October 2020

In the past decade, hybrid halide perovskites have been discovered as promising intrinsic semiconductors for applications in many optoelectronics areas such as photovoltaics, photodetectors, lasers, and transistors. Herein, the major focus is the charge transport properties of MAPbBr3 and MAPbI3 bulk single‐crystal hybrid perovskites, starting by providing the relevant historical and scientific background information and then presenting a detailed synopsis of the methods to synthesize crystals. Following this, the core properties of crystals including charge transport properties are analyzed and discussed. A small critique of the space‐charge‐limited current method, which is one of the major methods to analyze charge transport properties, is given, before the applications of hybrid perovskite crystals are discussed, largely focusing on solar cells, radiation detectors, lasers, and other thermoelectric applications. An outlook as to the future of these materials is also presented with the conclusion.
Medicinal plants for diabetes associated neurodegenerative diseases: A systematic review of preclinical studies
Authors: Khazaei Hosna , Pesce Mirko , Patruno Antonia , Aneva Ina Y. , Farzaei Mohammad H.
Published: October 2020

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic defect with many complications for the patients. Deaths due to diabetes and its complications are increasing, and one of the most serious consequences are the neurological disorders. Chemical treatments have irreversible side effect and therefore the aim of this study is to evaluate the medicinal plants used for treatment of cognitive impairments and neurodegenerative diseases associated with diabetes in 2004–2020 period. Electronic databases used were PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane library. The keywords used were “diabetes,” “plant,” “herb,” “neurodegenerative,” “neurodegeneration,” “cognitive,” “cognition,” “Alzheimer,” “dementia.” The non‐English articles, repetitive articles and review studies were excluded. From total of 3,590 results, 58 articles are included in the study. The results show that many chemical treatments considered for this disease simply control hyperglycemia, but cannot improve the complications of diabetes. Herbal medicine could be more effective due to the high antioxidant activity of some medicinal plants. Biologically active substances of medicinal plants can improve the neurological disorders caused by diabetes via several pathways. The most important pathway is related to antioxidant properties. Other pathways include antiinflammatory, anti‐apoptotic, neurotoxicity inhibition, neuronal death, increasing the uptake of glucose by cells and improve neurotransmitters levels involved in learning and memory.
Conversions related to adhesions in abdominal surgery. Robotic versus laparoscopic approach: A multicentre experience
Authors: Milone Marco , de'Angelis Nicola , Beghdadi Nassiba , Brunetti Francesco , Manigrasso Michele , De Simone Giuseppe , Servillo Giuseppe , Vertaldi Sara , De Palma Giovanni Domenico
Published: October 2020

Background

An advantage of robotic surgery over laparoscopy is the lower rate of unplanned conversion. One of the implicated reasons for conversion is adhesions from previous abdominal surgeries (PASs).

Methods

A comparative analysis of 98 patients with history of open PAS treated by laparoscopic or robotic surgery was performed. Primary endpoint was the rate of conversion to open surgery related to adhesiolysis. Secondary endpoints were short‐term outcomes and complications.

Results

Conversion rate specifically related to adhesiolysis was significantly lower in robotic group (13 for laparoscopic group vs. 2 for robotic group; p = 0.046). Conversions occurred during adhesiolysis were significantly related to severity of adhesions expressed by peritoneal adhesion index (PAI) score (p < 0.001), number of abdominal areas involved by adhesions (p < 0.001) and severity of PAI into the target area of surgical intervention (p = 0.021).

Conclusions

Benefits of robotic surgery are more noticeable in performing procedures with increasing technical difficulties.
Palladium Catalyzed Electrophilic C2‐Arylation of Azoles by Aryltriazenes in Ionic Liquid Promoted by Acidic Ionic Liquid
Authors: Sutar Suraj M. , Savanur Hemantkumar M. , Patil Chidanand , Prabhala Pavankumar , Aridoss Gopalakrishnan , Kalkhambkar Rajesh G.
Published: October 2020

A green C−H bond activation of azole based bio‐pertinent substrates such as benzoxazole, benzothiazole, benzimidazole are accomplished using readily prepared 1‐aryltriazenes as arylating agent. Under an optimized condition employing Pd(OAc)2 and CuI in either hydrophilic [Bmim][BF4] or hydrophobic [Bmim][PF6] IL medium with [BMIM(SO3H)][OTf] as a promoter, these arylation reactions proceeded smoothly to afford 2‐aryl substituted azoles in acceptable to better yields besides noticeable functional group tolerance. The prospective for recovery and re‐use of ionic liquid solvent is demonstrated.