bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lack of bidirectional association between age‐related macular degeneration and Alzheimer's disease: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Jiang Li , Li Jin‐Chen , Tang Bei‐Sha , Guo Ji‐Feng , Shen Lu 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIntroductionObservational studies have reported inconsistent results on the relationship between age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, we aimed to determine whether there is a causal association between AMD and AD.MethodsThis two‐sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) study evaluated causal associations between advanced AMD and AD using summary data from large genome‐wide association studies.ResultsGenetic liability for advanced AMD showed no statistical causal association with AD risk (odds ratio [OR] = 0.999, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.955–1.044, P = .948). Reverse MR analysis provided little support for a causal effect of AD on advanced AMD (OR = 0.973, 95%CI: 0.938–1.008, P = .133).DiscussionThis MR study found no evidence to support a bidirectional causality between advanced AMD and AD.Highlights
We evaluated the bidirectional causal relationship between advanced AMD and AD.
Advanced AMD showed no statistical causal association with risk of AD.
We found no evidence to support a causal effect of AD on advanced AMD risk.
The associations observed in epidemiological studies should not be considered causal.
Colorless poly(amide‐imide) copolymers for flexible display applications
Authors: Zhang Yuanhao , Zhou Yubo , Wang Zhen , Yan Jingling 
Published: August 2022

AbstractColorless polyimide (CPI) films showed great potential for flexible display applications due to their unique combination of excellent optical transparency, and outstanding thermal and mechanical properties. Herein, a series of colorless poly(amide‐imide)s were prepared via a conventional two‐step method, using 1,2,3,4‐cyclobutanetetracarboxylic dianhydride (CBDA), 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (6FDA), 2,2′‐bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine (TFMB), and 4,4′‐diaminobenzanilide (DABA) as the monomers. The thermal, mechanical, and optical properties of these copolymers were optimized by adjusting the molar ratios of these monomers. The amide linkages significantly improved the mechanical properties and dimensional stability of the resultant CPI films due to strong hydrogen bonding interactions. In particular, CPI‐f films with monomer compositions of TFMB (50 mol%), DABA (50 mol%), 6FDA (50 mol%), and CBDA (50 mol%) exhibited tensile strength of 177 MPa, modulus of 5.5 GPa, coefficient of thermal expansion value of 18 ppm K−1, and glass transition temperature of 394°C. Furthermore, the optical properties of these copolymers were well balanced due to the adoption of CBDA, which can suppress the formation of charge transfer complexes. Specifically, these CPI films displayed transmittance at 550 nm of >88%, b* values of <5.5, haze values of <1%. The aforementioned results revealed that copolymerization is an effective strategy to achieve CPIs with excellent comprehensive properties.
Arbitrary settling time control with prescribed performance for high‐order nonlinear systems
Authors: Qi Xuelei , Ma Hongjun , Jing Yuanwei 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThis paper studies an arbitrary convergence time tracking controller design problem for high‐order nonlinear systems. Our aim is to enhance the existing free‐will arbitrary time control (FATC), which cannot track time‐varying reference signals. To do so, a new nonautonomous equation is firstly introduced to enable an arbitrary settling time stability for one‐order systems. Then, a prescribed performance control (PPC) technology is integrated for general high order systems. By a backstepping Lyapunov analysis with iteratively contructed nonautonomous equations, it is proved that the closed‐loop system satisfies the prescribed performance and all signals of the closed‐loop system are arbitrary settling time stable (ASTS). Compared with the existing results, the tracking control problem with arbitrary convergence time is addressed by a continuous control law, which shows a better transient performance also. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed control method.
Sustainability and Technical Performance of An All‐Organic Aqueous Sodium‐Ion Hybrid Supercapacitor
Authors: Karlsmo Martin , Johansson Patrik 
Published: August 2022

AbstractDevelopment of all‐organic aqueous energy storage devices (ESDs) is a promising pathway towards meeting the needs of technically medium/low‐demanding electrical applications. Such ESDs should favour low cost, low environmental impact, and safety, and thereby complement more expensive, high voltage, and energy/power dense ESDs such as lithium‐ion batteries. Herein, we set out to assemble all‐organic aqueous Na‐ion hybrid supercapacitors, exclusively using commercial materials, with the aim to provide a truly sustainable and low‐cost ESD. Overall, the created ESD delivers adequate technical performance in terms of capacity retention, Coulombic efficiency, energy efficiency, and energy/power density. Finally, we apply a straight‐forward and qualitative biodegradability method to the ESD.
The burden of epilepsy and unmet need in people with focal seizures
Authors: Ioannou Persefoni , Foster Daniella L. , Sander Josemir W. , Dupont Sophie , Gil‐Nagel Antonio , Drogon O'Flaherty Ewa , Alvarez‐Baron Elena , Medjedovic Jasmina 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundEpilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions worldwide. As a chronic condition, epilepsy imposes a significant burden on people with epilepsy and society. We aimed to assess the burden and unmet need of individuals with epilepsy and their caregivers, focusing on focal seizures, the main type of seizure in adults and children.MethodsA targeted evidence review of the burden of epilepsy, focusing on focal seizures, was conducted to identify articles reporting: epidemiology, mortality, morbidity, quality of life (QoL), and costs.ResultsFocal seizures affect up to ∼61% of people with epilepsy. They are associated with an increased risk of injury and premature death than the general population. People with epilepsy also have high comorbidity, particularly depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairments. Higher seizure frequency, adverse treatment events, and employment concerns reduce QoL. A reduction in caregivers' QoL is also often reported. Epilepsy requires long‐term treatment accounting for high individual costs. Hospitalizations and antiseizure medications (ASMs) are the leading cost drivers of inpatient management and indirect costs with high unemployment rates, particularly in drug‐resistant populations. Despite the advent of new treatments, a high unmet need remains unaddressed; approximately 40% of people with epilepsy are drug‐resistant, further increasing the risks associated with epilepsy.ConclusionsOur findings highlight a substantial burden of illness and unmet needs in individuals with focal seizures, especially those with drug‐resistant epilepsy. Suboptimal treatment options negatively impact QoL and, consequently, a sizeable economic burden indicating the need for new treatments and prioritizing this condition
Mutational landscape of homologous recombination‐related genes in small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Wu Shuo , Zhang Yao , Zhang Yan , Chen Liz‐han , Ouyang Hai‐feng , Xu Xi , Du Ying , Ti Xin‐yu 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundHomologous recombination deficiency (HRD) is a well‐known biomarker which could predict poly‐ADP ribose polymerase 1 (PARP) inhibitor and platinum drug response. As an aggressive cancer, small‐cell lung cancer (SCLC) is sensitive to platinum drugs, but relapse occurs rapidly. Herein, we aim to illustrate the genomic alteration patterns of homologous recombination repair (HRR)‐related genes in a Chinese SCLC cohort and further analyze the relationship among HRR gene mutations and known biomarkers of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) response, including tumor mutation burden (TMB) and programmed cell death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression.MethodsNext‐generation sequencing (NGS)‐based target capture sequencing of 543 cancer‐related genes was performed to analyze the genomic profiles of 133 Chinese SCLC patients, and TMB was calculated. PD‐L1 expression was evaluated in 90 out of 133 patients using the SP142 PD‐L1 immunohistochemistry assay.ResultsAmong the 133 patients with SCLC, 47 (35.3%) had HRR gene mutations. ATM (8.3%) was the most frequently mutated HRR gene in the cohort, followed by NBN (4.5%). Pathogenic somatic and germline mutations of HRR genes were identified in 11 (23.4%) and 4 (8.5%) patients, respectively. HRR gene mutations cooccurred with KMT2D gene mutations. There were several differences in genomic alterations between patients with HRR gene mutations (HRR‐Mut) and without HRR mutations (HRR‐WT). The results revealed that TP53 and RB1 were commonly mutated genes in both groups. Mutations in the KMT2D gene and genes in the RTK‐RAS pathway occurred more frequently in the HRR‐Mut group. Furthermore, we found that mutations in HRR genes were associated with high TMB (Wilcoxon, p = 0.048), but there was no correlation of HRR gene mutation status with PD‐L1 expression.ConclusionsWe exhaustively describe the genomic alteration profile of Chinese SCLC patients and provide further evidence that HRR gene mutations are prevalent in SCLC patients.
GC/MS Composition and Resistance Modulatory Inhibitory Activities of Three Extracts of Lemongrass: Citral Modulates the Activities of Five Antibiotics at Sub‐Inhibitory Concentrations on Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kabotso Daniel E. K. , Neglo David , Kwashie Pius , Agbo Irene A. , Abaye Daniel A. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractWe investigated whether three extractable fractions of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus): aqueous and ethanol extracts and lemongrass essential oil exhibited any antimicrobial resistance modulatory effects if used in combination with selected antibiotics ampicillin, tetracycline, streptomycin, cefloxacin and amoxicillin on methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA growth inhibition (zones of inhibition) was greatest for the lemongrass oil at concentrations of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 % (wt/vol). The MIC for lemongrass oil was 0.5 mg/mL, while it was 4 mg/mL for both the aqueous and ethanol extracts. Evaluation of extracts for antibacterial resistance modifying activities when used in combination with either of the five antibiotics at sub‐inhibitory concentrations, showed that lemongrass oil highly potentiated the activities of three antibiotics; amoxicillin, streptomycin and tetracycline. The ethanol extract enhanced the activity of tetracycline and ampicillin, while the aqueous extract only increased the activity of tetracycline against MRSA. The activity of cefloxacin with the extracts was either indifferent. Analysis of the lemongrass oil by GC/MS showed the prominence of three compounds: the two isomers neral and geranial of citral and, the acetate geranyl acetate, which together made up 94 % of the composition. The compounds were also observed in the ethanol and water extracts but to a lesser extent when analyzed by HPLC‐UV (λ 233 nm). Our study confirms the antibacterial properties of the extracts especially, lemongrass oil. It also demonstrates that lemongrass oil potentiates the activities of three antibiotics against the biofilm‐forming MRSA. This biocidal, anti‐biofilm disruption and antibiotic potentiating abilities are mainly attributable to citral and geranyl acetate, further evidence of lemongrass oil as a very useful source of phytochemicals, especially citral for the fight against antibiotic resistance.
Sex‐Related Differences on Chemical Composition, Anatomy, Histochemistry, and Biological Activities of Juniperus rigida
Authors: Tian Peilin , Zhang Yujia , Wang Ziyi , Liu Shi , Chen Qian , Hu Huizhong , Li Dengwu 
Published: August 2022

AbstractSex‐related differences on phenolic profiles, chemical composition of essential oils, anatomy, histochemistry and biological activities (antioxidant and antibacterial activities) of Juniperus rigida needles collected from Yijun and Fugu region were first studied. In two regions, female and male had similar contents of total phenolic and total flavonoid. 10 phenolic compounds were analyzed by RP‐HPLC, amentoflavone content was significantly higher in female than male in Yijun, and chlorogenic acid content was significantly higher in female than male in Fugu. 30 compounds (over 0.5 %) were detected in the essential oils, and the total contents of female were lower than male in Yijun. This difference mainly comes from Germacrene D, which was about twice as high in male as in female. Male needles had significantly larger mechanical tissue and phloem in Yijun. Histochemical analysis indicated that the phenols were stored in epidermal cells, sponge tissue, endodermis cells, edge of resin duct, stomatal bands, and the flavonoids were stored in epidermal cells, endodermis cells, edge of resin duct, stomatal bands. No sex‐related differences were found in histochemical analysis, antioxidant activities (ABTS, FRAP) and antibacterial activities (9 strains). This preliminary study provided a reference for production practice and theoretical research of J. rigida.
Stereoselective Semi‐Hydrogenations of Alkynes by First‐Row (3d) Transition Metal Catalysts
Authors: Gregori Bernhard J. , Schmotz Mattis‐Ole W. S. , Jacobi von Wangelin Axel 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe chemo‐ and stereoselective semi‐hydrogenation of alkynes to alkenes is a fundamental transformation in synthetic chemistry, for which the use of precious 4d or 5d metal catalysts is well‐established. In mankind‘s unwavering quest for sustainability, research focus has considerably veered towards the 3d metals. Given their high abundancy and availability as well as lower toxicity and noxiousness, they are undoubtedly attractive from both an economic and an environmental perspective. Herein, we wish to present noteworthy and groundbreaking examples for the use of 3d metal catalysts for diastereoselective alkyne semi‐hydrogenation as we embark on a journey through the first‐row transition metals.
On trajectory and velocity measurements in fluidized beds using positron emission particle tracking (PEPT)
Authors: Leadbeater Thomas W. , Seville Jonathan P. K. , Parker David J. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractPositron emission particle tracking (PEPT) is a non‐invasive technique that can be used for following the trajectories of particles in fluidized beds, so increasing understanding of solids motion in fluidized bed processes. We describe how PEPT is applied, how its performance is optimized, and how trajectory information can be built up into instantaneous and time‐averaged measures of particle movement. Choices and pitfalls in data processing are explained and illustrated by reference to the travelling fluidized bed (TFB) collaboration initiated by Professor John Grace.
Metal‐Free Arylsulfonyl Radical Triggered Cascade Cyclization of Phenyl‐Linked 1,6‐Enynes: Synthesis of 2,3‐Dihydro‐1H‐indenes and 10a,11‐Dihydro‐10H‐benzo[b]fluorines
Authors: Hu Lin‐Ping , Zhang De‐Run , Huang Xiao‐Hong , Liu Feng‐Lin , Li Xia , Teng Ming‐Yu , Huang Guo‐Li 
Published: August 2022

Comprehensive SummaryAryl sulfonyl radical triggered cascade cyclization of phenyl‐linked 1,6‐enynes for the synthesis of biologically important indenes containing alkenyl C—X bonds and 10a,11‐dihydro‐10H‐benzo[b]fluorines is presented. In these radical cascade processes, three new chemical bonds, including C—S, C—C, and C—X bonds, and three C—C bonds are formed in one step. The method is attractive and valuable due to its metal‐free, mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance.
Supramolecular Self‐Assembled Structure of Symmetrical Dicyclopentyl Substituted Cucurbit[6]uril with Calcium and Erbium Ions
Authors: Lu Yanli , Ma Yue , Zheng Jun , Zhang Lin , Yang Xinan , Ma Peihua 
Published: August 2022

AbstractDicyclopentyl substituted cucurbit[6]uril (CyP2Q[6]) is used to construct supramolecular self‐assembly with Ca and Er ions, respectively, and the obtained crystals are characterized by the X‐ray single crystal diffraction technique, with results showing that two Ca2+ form coordination bonds with two CyP2Q[6] carbonyl oxygen atoms and ten water molecules, respectively, while Er3+ first coordinates with eight water molecules and then forms hydrogen bonds through the coordinated water with the portal carbonyl oxygen on the CyP2Q[6], thus forming a 1D supramolecular chain, and a honeycomb‐like framework between two adjacent CyP2Q[6] through [ZnCl4]2–.
Effect of Er:YAG, Co2 lasers, papain, and bromelain enzymes dentin treatment on shear bond strength of composite resin
Authors: Sharafeddin Farahnaz , Maroufi Sara 
Published: August 2022

AbstractObjectiveEffective bond strength of composite resin restoration leads to its durability, so evaluation of dentin surface treatment with enzymes and laser for higher bond strength is an important factor.Materials and MethodsSixty human molar teeth were cut at a depth of 2 mm of occlusal part and divided into six groups (n = 10). G1: etched with 37% phosphoric, G2 and G3: 10% papain or bromelain enzymes were used on the dentinal surface, G4: 10% papain and bromelain enzyme mixture were used for. Then, the specimens were washed with distilled water. In G5 and G6: Er:YAG or Co2 lasers were used on the dentin surface. An adhesive system was applied and then nanohybrid composite was placed in teflon mold and light cured. Samples were subjected to a shear bond strength (SBS) test by universal testing machines. Statistical analysis was performed, using one‐way analysis of variance and Tukey HSD tests (p < .05).ResultsThe mean SBS in G1 was significantly higher in comparison with the other groups (p < .0001). On the other hand, a comparison of mean SBS between groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 shows no significant differences (p = .221). The mean SBS in group 6 (Co2 laser) was significantly lower in comparison with the other groups (p < .0001).ConclusionResults showed that SBS of composite resin to dentin was not significantly affected, using either bromelain or papain 10% enzymes or erbium laser. Co2 laser had a negative effect on dentin and decreased the SBS. Phosphoric acid has the best result.
OMIP‐085: Cattle B‐cell phenotyping by an 8‐color panel
Authors: Roos Eduard O. , Bonnet‐Di Placido Marie , Mwangi William N. , Moffat Katy , Fry Lindsay M. , Waters Ryan , Hammond John A. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThis 8‐color panel has been optimized to distinguish between functionally distinct subsets of cattle B cells in both fresh and cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Existing characterized antibodies against cell surface molecules (immunoglobulin light chain (S‐Ig[L]), CD20, CD21, CD40, CD71, and CD138) enabled the discrimination of 24 unique populations within the B‐cell population. This allows the identification of five putative functionally distinct B‐cell subsets critical to infection and vaccination responses: (1) naïve B cells (BNaïve), (2) regulatory B cells (BReg), (3) memory B cells (BMem), (4) plasmablasts (PB), and (5) plasma cells (PC). Although CD3 and CD8α can be included as an additional dump channel, it does not significantly improve the panel's ability to separate “classical” B cells. This panel will promote better characterization and tracking of B‐cell responses in cattle as well as other bovid species as the reagents are likely to cross react.
Melatonin receptor gene polymorphisms as a risk factor in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Ocak Özgül , Silan Fatma , ŞAHİN Erkan Melih 
Published: August 2022

AbstractAimsOxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Melatonin is one of the most powerful endogenous antioxidants and has anti‐inflammatory properties. We investigated how the gene polymorphism of melatonin differs in patients with DPN compared to an healthy control group.Materials and MethodsA total of 54 diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients who applied to the Neurology outpatient clinic between 2020 and 2021, and 53 healthy controls comparable with the patient group in terms of age and gender were included in the study. Electromyography was performed and the melatonin gene polymorphism was analysed using the pyrosequencing method.ResultsMelatonin gene variants rs2119882, rs13140012, and rs10830963 were analysed in patients and controls. The rs2119882 (G allele) has a protective role, and rs13140012 polymorphism has a related 5‐fold higher risk of DPN in the recessive model.ConclusionsMelatonin gene polymorphisms have been shown to be associated with DPN. This is the first and only study investigating the relationship between melatonin gene polymorphisms and DPN. Ethnicity is very important in genetic studies, and it will give us more information on the role of melatonin gene variants in larger study groups of diabetic patients of other ethnic origin.
Divergence in host–parasite interactions during the cane toad's invasion of Australia
Authors: Schlippe Justicia Lia , Mayer Martin , Shine Richard , Shilton Cathy , Brown Gregory P. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractCoevolutionary host–parasite “arms races” can be disrupted by new evolutionary forces imposed by biological invasions, affecting both host and parasite densities, as well as their traits. The spread of cane toads (Rhinella marina) and their parasitic lungworm (Rhabdias pseudosphaerocephala) across tropical Australia provides an ideal opportunity to study a perturbed host–parasite system. We conducted a cross‐infection experiment using common‐garden‐reared toads and lungworms from three regions (comprising long‐established, intermediate, and recently invaded sites across tropical Australia) to quantify traits of the parasite (infectivity and virulence) and the host (resistance and tolerance). Specifically, we assessed whether patterns of host–parasite co‐adaptation were better explained by spatial distances versus time since the separation of host and parasite populations. Infection success was highest when toads from long‐established populations were exposed to lungworms from close to the invasion front and lowest when frontal toads were exposed to parasites from older populations. This suggests that both parasite infectivity and host resistance have increased over the course of invasion. In contrast, most virulence/tolerance traits have not consistently increased or decreased during invasion. Higher parasite burdens were associated with increased feeding performance in toads and faster growth in lungworms, counter‐intuitive results that suggest host manipulation by the parasite.