bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bayesian variable selection for the Cox regression model with spatially varying coefficients with applications to Louisiana respiratory cancer data
Authors: Mu Jinjian , Liu Qingyang , Kuo Lynn , Hu Guanyu
Published: July 2021

The Cox regression model is a commonly used model in survival analysis. In public health studies, clinical data are often collected from medical service providers of different locations. There are large geographical variations in the covariate effects on survival rates from particular diseases. In this paper, we focus on the variable selection issue for the Cox regression model with spatially varying coefficients. We propose a Bayesian hierarchical model which incorporates a horseshoe prior for sparsity and a point mass mixture prior to determine whether a regression coefficient is spatially varying. An efficient two‐stage computational method is used for posterior inference and variable selection. It essentially applies the existing method for maximizing the partial likelihood for the Cox model by site independently first and then applying an Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm for variable selection based on results of the first stage. Extensive simulation studies are carried out to examine the empirical performance of the proposed method. Finally, we apply the proposed methodology to analyzing a real dataset on respiratory cancer in Louisiana from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program.
Notch1 signaling enhances collagen expression and fibrosis in mouse uterus
Authors: Xu Qi‐Xin , Zhang Wang‐Qing , Liu Xiao‐Zheng , Yan Wan‐Kun , Lu Lei , Song Shan‐Shan , Wei Shu‐Wen , Liu Ying‐Nan , Kang Jin‐Wen , Su Ren‐Wei
Published: July 2021

Fibrosis is a pathological process characterized by abnormal activation of fibroblasts with increased synthesis of extracellular matrix components, including collagens. It may lead to loss of proper tissue architecture and organ function in clinical diseases such as systemic sclerosis and liver fibrosis. Excess accumulation of collagens is considered the primary indicator of fibrosis. Notch signaling has been reported to be involved in the fibrosis of many different organs, including the liver. Our previous study showed that the uterine‐specific over‐activation of canonical Notch1 signaling in the mouse uterus (Pgrcre/+ Rosa26N1ICD/+, OEx) results in complete infertility as a consequence of multiple developmental and physiological defects, together with increased collagen accumulation evidenced by Masson's staining. In this study, we further detected expressions of all 44 collagen genes in these Notch1 gain‐of‐function transgenic mice and found that 18 collagens have been largely affected. In another aspect, using an intrauterine adhesion model (IUA), we mimicked fibrosis in the mouse uterine. The results suggested that Notch receptors were upregulated only 3 days after induction, and most of the fibril‐forming collagen began to upregulate 6 days after the surgery. Furthermore, when induced IUA in the N1ICD‐OEx mice, the expression of collagens and fibrosis levels were significantly enhanced. At last, as a Notch signaling inhibitor, the γ‐secretase inhibitor N‐[N‐(3,5‐difl uorophenacetyl)‐L‐alanyl]‐S‐phenylglycine t‐butyl ester (DAPT) pretreatment could alleviate the expression of collagens and the symptoms of fibrosis. These results demonstrate that Notch signaling may play a role in upregulating collagens expression in endometrial fibrosis and might be a potential target of fibrosis therapy in the endometrium.
Crown‐Ether Type Chemosensor for the Determination of Fe3+/2+ by a Colorimetric Method
Authors: Chae Ju Byeong , Heo Jae Sung , Kim Cheal
Published: July 2021

A crown‐ether‐type colorimetric chemosensor EDDAJ (9,9′‐((1E,11E)‐5,8‐dioxa‐2,11‐diazadodeca‐1,11‐diene‐1,12‐diyl)bis(2,3,6,7‐tetrahydro‐1H,5H‐pyrido[3,2,1‐ij]quinolin‐8‐ol) was synthesized. EDDAJ could detect Fe3+/2+ by a color variation from colorless to dark green in aqueous media. Detection limit of iron ion was 0.43 μM. Complexation ratio of EDDAJ to Fe3+ was determined to be 1:1 with the results of Job plot and ESI‐mass. Based on Job plot, EPR, and ESI‐mass experiments, the probing mechanism of EDDAJ to Fe3+/2+ was demonstrated.
Attenuated neuronal and autonomic responses during error processing in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Suttkus Stefanie , Schumann Andy , De la Cruz Feliberto , Bär Karl‐Jürgen
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric illness with alarming mortality rates. Nevertheless, despite former and recent research results, the etiology of AN is still poorly understood. Of particular interest is that, despite exaggerated response control and increased perfectionism scores, patients with AN seem not to perform better that those unaffected in tasks that require inhibitory control. One reason might be aberrant processing of errors. The objective of our study was thus to obtain further insight into the pathopsychology of AN. We were particularly interested in neuronal and autonomic responses during error processing and their association with behavior.

Methods

We analyzed 16 acute patients suffering from restrictive type AN and 21 healthy controls using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with simultaneous physiological recordings during a Go/Nogo response inhibition task. Data were corrected for noise due to cardiac and respiratory influence.

Results

Patients and controls had similarly successful response inhibition in Nogo trials. However, in failed Nogo trials, controls had significantly greater skin conductance responses (SCR) than in correct Nogo trials. Patients did not exhibit elevated SCR to errors. Furthermore, we found significantly increased neuronal responses, especially in the amygdala and hippocampus, in controls compared to patients during error trials. We also found significant positive correlations in controls but not in patients between Nogo performance and activation in the salience network core regions after errors.

Conclusion

Acute restrictive type AN patients seem to lack neuronal and autonomic responses to errors that might impede a flexible behavior adaption.
Nafion‐Induced Reduction of Manganese and its Impact on the Electrocatalytic Properties of a Highly Active MnFeNi Oxide for Bifunctional Oxygen Conversion**
Authors: Morales Dulce M. , Villalobos Javier , Kazakova Mariya A. , Xiao Jie , Risch Marcel
Published: July 2021

Electrocatalysts for bifunctional oxygen reduction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reactions (OER) are commonly studied under hydrodynamic conditions, rendering the use of binders necessary to ensure the mechanical stability of the electrode films. The presence of a binder, however, may influence the properties of the materials under examination to an unknown extent. Herein, we investigate the impact of Nafion on a highly active ORR/OER catalyst consisting of MnFeNi oxide nanoparticles supported on multi‐walled carbon nanotubes. Electrochemical studies revealed that, in addition to enhancing the mechanical stability and particle connectivity, Nafion poses a major impact on the ORR selectivity, which correlates with a decrease in the valence state of Mn according to X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. These findings call for awareness regarding the use of electrode additives, since in some cases the extent of their impact on the properties of electrode films cannot be regarded as negligible.
Polymerization/depolymerization of chiral metallo‐supramolecular assembly induced by redox change
Authors: Marinova Maya , Bonnefont Antoine , Achard Thierry , Maisse‐François Aline , Bellemin‐Laponnaz Stéphane
Published: July 2021

We report on the polymerization/depolymerization of chiral metallo‐supramolecular assembly by CuI/CuII redox change. By combining a monotopic enantiopure ligand with a ditopic ligand of opposite configuration, ML2‐type complexes are generated with chiral self‐recognition or self‐discrimination depending on the oxidation state of copper. In presence of CuI, the formation of heterochiral complexes is favored, thus generating dinuclear species whereas CuII advocates for the formation of homochiral species, namely, a mixture of mononuclear species and metallo‐supramolecular polymeric species. Thus, cyclic voltammetry was used to study such a chirality‐induced stimulus sensitive polymerization/depolymerization process.
Comparison of prognosis and outcomes of catheter ablation versus drug therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation and stable coronary artery disease: A prospectivepropensity‐scorematched cohort study
Authors: Cui Yi‐Kai , Dong Jian‐Zeng , Du Xin , Hu Rong , He Liu , Jia Chang‐Qi , Li Xu , Wu Jia‐Hui , Yu Rong‐Hui , Long De‐Yong , Ning Man , Sang Cai‐Hua , Jiang Chen‐Xi , Bai Rong , Wen Song‐Nan , Liu Nian , Li Song‐Nan , Wang Wei , Guo Xue‐Yuan , Zhao Xin , Zuo Song , Chen Xuan , Huang Shu‐Tao , Wu Hao‐Sheng , Tang Ri‐Bo , Ma Chang‐Sheng
Published: July 2021

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) frequently coexist.

Hypothesis

To investigate the prognosis of catheter ablation versus drug therapy in patients with AF and SCAD.

Methods

In total, 25 512 patients with AF in the Chinese AF Registry between 2011 and 2019 were screened for SCAD. 815 patients with AF and SCAD underwent catheter ablation therapy were matched with patients by drug therapy in a 1:1 ratio. Primary end point was composite of thromboembolism, coronary events, major bleeding, and all‐cause death. The secondary endpoints were each component of the primary endpoint and AF recurrence.

Results

Over a median follow‐up of 45 ± 23 months, the patients in the catheter ablation group had a higher AF recurrence‐free rate (53.50% vs. 18.41%,p < .01). In multivariate analysis, there was no significant difference between the strategy of catheter ablation and drug therapy in primary composite end point (adjusted HR 074, 95%CI 0.54–1.002,p = .0519). However, catheter ablation was associated with fewer all‐cause death independently (adjusted HR 0.36, 95%CI 0.22–0.59,p < .01). In subgroup analysis, catheter ablation was an independent risk factor for all‐cause death in the high‐stroke risk group (adjusted HR 0.39, 95%CI 0.23–0.64,p < .01), not in the low‐medium risk group (adjusted HR 0.17, 95%CI 0.01–2.04,p = .17).

Conclusions

In the patients with AF and SCAD, catheter ablation was not independently associated with the primary composite endpoint compared with drug therapy. However, catheter ablation was an independent protective factor of all‐cause death
Serum proteome modulations upon treatment provides biological insight on response to treatment in relapsed mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Lokhande Lavanya , Kuci Emruli Venera , Eskelund Christian Winther , Kolstad Arne , Hutchings Martin , Räty Riikka , Niemann Carsten Utoft , Grønbæk Kirsten , Jerkeman Mats , Ek Sara
Published: July 2021

Background

The possibility to monitor patient's serum proteome during treatment can provide deepened understanding of the biology associated with response to specific drugs. Non‐invasive serum sampling provides an opportunity for sustainable repetitive sampling of patients, which allows for more frequent evaluation of the biological response and enhanced flexibility in treatment selection in contrast to tissue biopsies.

Aim

To pin‐point biologically relevant changes in pre‐ and on‐treatment serum proteome samples in relapsed mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients, leading to insight into mechanisms behind response to treatment in sub‐groups of patients.

Methods

Pre‐ and on‐treatment serum samples from relapsed MCL patients treated with a triple combination therapy of rituximab, ibrutinib and lenalidomide were available for the study, together with detailed clinicopathological information. A microarray technology targeting 158 serum proteins using 371 antibody‐fragments was used to compare the serum proteome at the two time‐points.

Results

Proteins modulated by the treatment were shown to be associated to a MCL sub‐group with ATM/TP53 alterations, which emphasizes the importance of treatment stratification. Absolute values of serum protein levels in on‐treatment samples were highly variable and showed no correlation to outcome. To circumvent the challenge of variability in absolute serum protein levels, the velocity of change of individual serum proteins was used to identify proteins associated with clinical response. Increased values of TGF‐β1, CD40 and complement component 4 comparing pre‐ and on‐treatment samples were associated with remaining minimal residual disease (MRD) and increased BTK was associated with short progression‐free survival (PFS).

Conclusion

We show that the genetic sub‐type of MCL affects the biological response to treatment in serum and that the change in defined serum proteins reveals the biology associated with clinical response.
Evidence of validity of the revised Helping Alliance Questionnaire based on the internal structure in a Brazilian clinical sample
Authors: Scholl Carolina Coelho , Soares Mariana Carret , do Nascimento Elizabeth , Trettim Jéssica Puchalski , de Matos Mariana Bonati , Stigger Rafaelle Stark , Pires Andressa Jacondino , Tabeleão Viviane Porto , da Silva Ricardo Azevedo , Souza Luciano Dias de Mattos , Quevedo Luciana de Avila , de Figueiredo Vera Lucia Marques
Published: July 2021

The revised Helping Alliance Questionnaire (HAq‐II) is among the most used instruments that measure therapeutic alliance. Despite its use in research, this instrument is not validated for the Brazilian population. The aim of this study was to explore the evidence of validity of the HAq‐II based on the internal structure in a sample of Brazilian psychiatric patients. An ambulatory convenience sample of 204 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and 81 patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) was randomized between two different types of treatment. The HAq‐II was completed by patients (patient version) and by 33 therapists who performed the interventions (therapist version) between the second and third sessions. We used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to investigate two models: (1) a one‐dimensional therapeutic alliance model and (2) a two‐dimensional model considering the factors ‘positive alliance’ and ‘negative alliance’. The internal consistency of the HAq‐II was measured by Cronbach's alpha. To investigate discriminant validity, we used the t‐test for independent samples, ANOVA and Pearson's correlation coefficient. The analysis showed that the best model of the instrument was one‐dimensional. Cronbach's alpha for both versions displayed values above 0.89. The Brazilian version of the HAq‐II presented properties similar to those found in the original version. However, studies related to the one‐dimensional model with other samples are necessary.
Supply chain environmental and social sustainability practice diffusion: Bibliometrics, content analysis and conceptual framework
Authors: Pimenta Handson Claudio Dias , Ball Peter , Salonitis Konstantinos
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this paper is to uncover how environmental and social sustainability practices are diffused across the supply chain tiers through supplier development initiatives. In particular, the work seeks to uncover the initiatives developed directly or indirectly by manufacturing firms and the factors that enhance them. A systematic literature review is used to examine the breadth of the sustainable supply chain literature. The papers obtained are screened and analysed using established procedures to produce bibliometric and thematic analyses. The findings show the evolution of this young field around key research groups with few papers looking beyond focal firms to immediate suppliers and even fewer examining multiple tiers. Whilst numerous organisational factors are identified, few works consider most of them together and none capture their interrelationships at such breadth. Within this field lacking in theory, the originality of the work is the assembly of environmental and social practices into an integrated framework for their diffusion across supply chain tiers in the design and implementation of supplier development initiatives. There is recognition of where in the supply chain these practices are applied. The implications of this research are a framework around which supply chain diffusion theory can be tested and subsequent potential for its deployment in business to guide sustainable practice adoption.
Application of the Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology for classification of thyroid nodules: A clinical and cytopathological characteristics in Bhutanese population
Authors: Choden Sonam , Wangmo Chimi , Maharjan Sushna
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The existence of baseline data on the spectrum of thyroid nodules in Bhutanese patients is unknown. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is regarded as the gold standard diagnostic test for pre‐op assessment of thyroid lesions.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective study, involving 765 patients who underwent FNAC of the thyroid gland, at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Thimphu, between January‐2018 to December‐2020. We aimed to assess the cytomorphological spectrum of thyroid nodules, classify them as per The Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology (TBSRTC), assess risk of malignancy (ROM), and evaluate the accuracy of FNAC in diagnosing thyroid malignancy.

Results

Colloid nodule (37.4%) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (4.2%) constituted the majority of benign and malignant cytological diagnoses, respectively. According to TBSRTC, majority of the cases (82.0%) fell under the Bethesda II category. Bethesda III was the least common (1.4%) category. As compared to histopathological diagnosis; the sensitivity, specificity, positive and the negative predictive values of FNAC in diagnosing thyroid malignancy were 90.0%, 93.3%, 93.10%, and 90.32% respectively. The ROM increased concurrently with the grade of the Bethesda category and was more or less close to the ROM reference range, published in the TBSRTC.

Conclusion

Benign thyroid nodules (82.0%) constituted a majority of thyroid nodules in Bhutanese patients. FNAC was found to be reliable in detecting thyroid malignancy. From the literature, TBSRTC was found to be a more convenient method for reporting thyroid cytology. Henceforth, as most institutes, we plan to implement TBSRTC for reporting thyroid cytopathology.
Data integration methods to account for spatial niche truncation effects in regional projections of species distribution
Authors: Chevalier Mathieu , Broennimann Olivier , Cornuault Josselin , Guisan Antoine
Published: July 2021

Many species distribution models (SDMs) are built with precise but geographically restricted presence–absence data sets (e.g., a country) where only a subset of the environmental conditions experienced by a species across its range is considered (i.e., spatial niche truncation). This type of truncation is worrisome because it can lead to incorrect predictions e.g., when projecting to future climatic conditions belonging to the species niche but unavailable in the calibration area. Data from citizen‐science programs, species range maps or atlases covering the full species range can be used to capture those parts of the species’ niche that are missing regionally. However, these data usually are too coarse or too biased to support regional management. Here, we aim to (1) demonstrate how varying degrees of spatial niche truncation affect SDMs projections when calibrated with climatically truncated regional data sets and (2) test the performance of different methods to harness information from larger‐scale data sets presenting different spatial resolutions to solve the spatial niche truncation problem. We used simulations to compare the performance of the different methods, and applied them to a real data set to predict the future distribution of a plant species (Potentilla aurea) in Switzerland. SDMs calibrated with geographically restricted data sets expectedly provided biased predictions when projected outside the calibration area or time period. Approaches integrating information from larger‐scale data sets using hierarchical data integration methods usually reduced this bias. However, their performance varied depending on the level of spatial niche truncation and how data were combined. Interestingly, while some methods (e.g., data pooling, downscaling) performed well on both simulated and real data, others (e.g., those based on a Poisson point process) performed better on real data, indicating a dependency of model performance on the simulation process (e.g., shape of simulated response curves). Based on our results, we recommend to use different data integration methods and, whenever possible, to make a choice depending on model performance. In any case, an ensemble modeling approach can be used to account for uncertainty in how niche truncation is accounted for and identify areas where similarities/dissimilarities exist across methods.
Limited shifts in the distribution of migratory bird breeding habitat density in response to future changes in climate
Authors: McKenna Owen P. , Mushet David M. , Kucia Samuel R. , McCulloch‐Huseby Elyssa C.
Published: July 2021

Grasslands, and the depressional wetlands that exist throughout them, are endangered ecosystems that face both climate and land‐use change pressures. Tens of millions of dollars are invested annually to manage the existing fragments of these ecosystems to serve as critical breeding habitat for migratory birds. The North American Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) contains millions of depressional wetlands that produce between 50% and 80% of the continent’s waterfowl population. Previous modeling efforts suggested that climate change would result in a shift of suitable waterfowl breeding habitat from the central to the southeast portion of the PPR, an area where over half of the depressional wetlands have been drained. The implications of these projections suggest a massive investment in wetland restoration in the southeastern PPR would be needed to sustain waterfowl populations at harvestable levels. We revisited these modeled results indicating how future climate may impact the distribution of waterfowl‐breeding habitat using up‐to‐date climate model projections and a newly developed model for simulating prairie‐pothole wetland hydrology. We also presented changes to the number of “May ponds,” a metric used by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to estimate waterfowl breeding populations and establish harvest regulations. Based on the output of 32 climate models and two emission scenarios, we found no evidence that the distribution of May ponds would shift in the future. However, our results projected a 12% decrease to 1% increase in May pond numbers when comparing the most recent climate period (1989–2018) to the end of the 21st century (2070–2099). When combined, our results suggest areas in the PPR that currently support the highest densities of intact wetland basins, and thus support the largest numbers of breeding‐duck pairs, will likely also be the places most critical to maintaining continental waterfowl populations in an uncertain future.
Temporal rarity is a better predictor of local extinction risk than spatial rarity
Authors: Wilfahrt Peter A. , Asmus Ashley L. , Seabloom Eric W. , Henning Jeremiah A. , Adler Peter , Arnillas Carlos A. , Bakker Jonathan D. , Biederman Lori , Brudvig Lars A. , Cadotte Marc , Daleo Pedro , Eskelinen Anu , Firn Jennifer , Harpole W. Stanley , Hautier Yann , Kirkman Kevin P. , Komatsu Kimberly J. , Laungani Ramesh , MacDougall Andrew , McCulley Rebecca L. , Moore Joslin L. , Morgan John W. , Mortensen Brent , Ochoa Hueso Raul , Ohlert Timothy , Power Sally A. , Price Jodi , Risch Anita C. , Schuetz Martin , Shoemaker Lauren , Stevens Carly , Strauss Alexander T. , Tognetti Pedro M. , Virtanen Risto , Borer Elizabeth T.
Published: July 2021

Spatial rarity is often used to predict extinction risk, but rarity can also occur temporally. Perhaps more relevant in the context of global change is whether a species is core to a community (persistent) or transient (intermittently present), with transient species often susceptible to human activities that reduce niche space. Using 5–12 yr of data on 1,447 plant species from 49 grasslands on five continents, we show that local abundance and species persistence under ambient conditions are both effective predictors of local extinction risk following experimental exclusion of grazers or addition of nutrients; persistence was a more powerful predictor than local abundance. While perturbations increased the risk of exclusion for low persistence and abundance species, transient but abundant species were also highly likely to be excluded from a perturbed plot relative to ambient conditions. Moreover, low persistence and low abundance species that were not excluded from perturbed plots tended to have a modest increase in abundance following perturbance. Last, even core species with high abundances had large decreases in persistence and increased losses in perturbed plots, threatening the long‐term stability of these grasslands. Our results demonstrate that expanding the concept of rarity to include temporal dynamics, in addition to local abundance, more effectively predicts extinction risk in response to environmental change than either rarity axis predicts alone.
Impact on clinical outcomes of right ventricular response to percutaneous correction of secondary mitral regurgitation
Authors: Caiffa Thomas , De Luca Antonio , Biagini Elena , Lupi Laura , Bedogni Francesco , Castrichini Matteo , Compagnone Miriam , Tusa Maurizio , Berardini Alessandra , Merlo Marco , Fabris Enrico , Popolo Rubbio Antonio , Tomasoni Daniela , Di Pasquale Mattia , Arosio Roberto , Perkan Andrea , Barbati Giulia , Saia Francesco , Adamo Marianna , Stolfo Davide , Sinagra Gianfranco
Published: July 2021

Aims

In patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR), impaired right ventricular function (RVF) may negatively influence the prognosis. Percutaneous mitral valve repair (pMVR) can promote the recovery of RVF. We sought to characterize the response of the right ventricle to pMVR in HFrEF with SMR and to assess the association between improved RVF after pMVR and outcomes.

Methods and results

Overall, 221 patients with HFrEF and SMR ≥3+ successfully treated with pMVR in four tertiary care centres for heart failure were included. Improved RVF was defined as Δ right ventricular fractional area change (ΔRVFAC) ≥5% at early follow‐up (median time 4 months). The primary endpoint was a composite of death/heart transplantation (D/HT). Mean age was 69 ± 11 years, mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 31 ± 8% and mean RVFAC was 34 ± 9%. ΔRVFAC ≥5% occurred in 88 patients (40%) and was independent of the measures of left ventricular reverse remodelling. During a median follow‐up of 29 months (interquartile range 12–46), 81 patients (37%) reached the primary endpoint. After adjustment for other significant covariates, ΔRVFAC ≥5% was significantly associated with lower risk of D/HT (hazard ratio 0.52, 95% confidence interval 0.29–0.94, P = 0.030). In the secondary outcome analysis exploring the risk of heart failure hospitalizations, ΔRVFAC ≥5% confirmed the prognostic association with the endpoint.

Conclusions

In patients with HFrEF and SMR, about 40% of patients improved RVF after pMVR. RVF improvement was associated with better long‐term survival free from HT and lower risk of heart failure hospitalization.
Reduced Amino Acid Schiff Base‐Iron(III) Complexes Catalyzing Oxidation of Cyclohexane with Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Zheng Anna , Zhou Qingqing , Ding Bingjie , Li Difan , Zhang Tong , Hou Zhenshan
Published: July 2021

The reduced amino acid Schiff base ligands have been prepared and were coordinated with ferric chloride to generate the iron(III) complexes. The ligands and complexes have been characterized using FT‐IR, UV‐vis, elemental analysis, ICP‐AES analysis, mass spectra etc. After the structural characterization, these complexes were applied for the oxidation of cyclohexane using hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant under mild conditions. The activity tests showed that the L‐phenylalanine‐derived reduced Schiff base iron(III) complex(Ph−FeCl) afforded the highest yield of cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone(total yield up to 23.2 %). Notably, the Ph−FeCl complex catalyzes the reaction via a heterogeneous approach, allowing the complex to be separated and recycled conveniently after the oxidation reaction. Besides, the Ph−FeCl catalyst can also be extended for the selective oxidation of other alkanes and aromatics into alcohols, ketones and phenols etc. Finally, the reaction mechanism of cyclohexane oxidation on the iron(III) complex was proposed as well by the free radical inhibitors and EPR study of active intermediates.
Synthesis of N‐Aryl‐ and N‐Alkenylhydrazides through C(sp2)−N Bond Construction
Authors: Lei Jian , Xie Wenqian , Li Jing , Wu Ya , Xie Xiaolan
Published: July 2021

N‐Aryl‐ and N‐alkenylhydrazides, which include a C(sp2)‐N−N motif, have attracted considerable attention not only in biologically active molecules but also because of their extensive technical applications in organic synthesis. C(sp2)−N bond construction protocols using an N‐acylhydrazine or azocarboxylic ester as the hydrazide source provide a powerful route to these compounds. These protocols exhibit different selectivity manner for the C(sp2) moiety and the regioselectivity issue of the N−N bond. This Minireview documents the available methods that have been developed based on different starting materials. The features and drawbacks of each subdivisional methodology are demonstrated.
Exploring Reusability of Disposable Face Masks: Effects of Disinfection Methods on Filtration Efficiency, Breathability, and Fluid Resistance
Authors: Teo Jye Yng , Kng Jessica , Periaswamy Balamurugan , Liu Songlin , Lim Poh‐Chong , Lee Chen Ee , Tan Ban Hock , Loh Xian Jun , Ni Xiping , Tiang Daniel , Yi Guangshun , Ong Yee Yian , Ling Moi Lin , Wan Wei Yee , Wong Hei Man , How Molly , Xin Xiaohui , Zhang Yugen , Yang Yi Yan
Published: July 2021

To curb the spread of the COVID‐19 virus, the use of face masks such as disposable surgical masks and N95 respirators is being encouraged and even enforced in some countries. The widespread use of masks has resulted in global shortages and individuals are reusing them. This calls for proper disinfection of the masks while retaining their protective capability. In this study, the killing efficiency of ultraviolet‐C (UV‐C) irradiation, dry heat, and steam sterilization against bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), fungi (Candida albicans), and nonpathogenic virus (Salmonella virus P22) is investigated. UV‐C irradiation for 10 min in a commercial UV sterilizer effectively disinfects surgical masks. N95 respirators require dry heat at 100 °C for hours while steam treatment works within 5 min. To address the question on safe reuse of the disinfected masks, their bacteria filtration efficiency, particle filtration efficiency, breathability, and fluid resistance are assessed. These performance factors are unaffected after 5 cycles of steam (10 min per cycle) and 10 cycles of dry heat at 100 °C (40 min per cycle) for N95 respirators, and 10 cycles of UV‐C irradiation for surgical masks (10 min per side per cycle). These findings provide insights into formulating the standard procedures for reusing masks without compromising their protective ability.
Effects of virtual reality cognitive training in individuals with mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhong Dongmei , Chen Liangying , Feng Yongshen , Song Rui , Huang Likui , Liu Jun , Zhang Lifeng
Published: July 2021

Background

Virtual reality (VR) is used to improve specific health needs by combining multiple technologies; it is increasingly being used in the medical field, showing satisfactory effects, especially in the management of chronic disease. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of VR cognitive training for individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods

Peer‐reviewed articles were searched from the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Science Direct, and EBSCOhost databases, as well as CNKI, Sinomed, Vip. and Wan Fang, through 23 May 2021. We only included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) enrolling participants with MCI.

Results

Seventeen RCTs were included, with a total of 744 participants. Evidence of moderate quality showed that VR cognitive training significantly enhanced MCI patients' global cognitive function, as measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.04–0.79; p = 0.03) and executive function, as measured by trail making test A (SMD = −0.58; 95% CI, −0.80 to −0.35; p < 0.001). The meta‐analysis indicated that the effects of VR cognitive training on delayed memory, immediate memory, attention and instrumental activities of daily living were not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The available data showed that VR cognitive training might be beneficial for improving global cognitive function and executive function in individuals with MCI, although the effects were short term.
Resurgence of tuberculosis amid COVID‐19 in Peru: Associated risk factors and recommendations
Authors: Khan Fatima Muhammad Asad , Kazmi Zohra , Hasan Mohammad Mehedi , dos Santos Costa Ana Carla , Ahmad Shoaib , Essar Mohammad Yasir
Published: July 2021

Peru is one of the countries with the highest incidence of tuberculosis and multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis in the world. Although public health measures adopted in the country have improved the care, diagnosis and management of patients with tuberculosis, there are still failures in the control of the disease in the country, especially of multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis and among the prison population or people living with HIV. The COVID‐19 pandemic has added a great burden to the Peruvian public health system, negatively impacting tuberculosis‐focused health programs due to the diversion of resources to control the pandemic. Consequently, combat measures, epidemiological surveillance of tuberculosis cases were affected, and data point to an increase in the number of cases, especially of multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis, and to the underdiagnosis of the disease. To deal with this problem and avoid a future catastrophe for the country's health system, multidisciplinary measures involving the population, health professionals and government bodies are needed. It is essential that education, diagnosis, contact screening and treatment programs are prioritised and given greater financial support. Furthermore, it is necessary to raise awareness in the population about the need for isolation and maintenance of treatment, especially among the most vulnerable populations.
A phase I study of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitor ceritinib in combination with gemcitabine‐based chemotherapy in patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Fountzilas Christos , Adjei Alex , Opyrchal Mateusz , Evans Rachel , Ghasemi Mohammad , Attwood Kristopher , Groman Adrienne , Bshara Wiam , Goey Andrew , Wilton John , Ma Wen Wee , Iyer Renuka
Published: July 2021

In this phase I, dose‐escalation study, we sought to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase/c‐ROS oncogene 1 receptor (ALK/ROS1) inhibitor ceritinib in combination with gemcitabine‐based chemotherapy in patients with advanced solid tumors. Secondary objectives were characterization of the safety profile, pharmacokinetics and preliminary efficacy of these combinations, and identification of potential biomarkers of efficacy. Ceritinib was combined with gemcitabine (Arm 1), gemcitabine/nab‐paclitaxel (Arm 2) or gemcitabine/cisplatin (Arm 3). Drug concentrations in plasma were measured by tandem mass spectrometric detection (LC‐MS/MS). We analyzed archival tumor tissue for ALK, ROS1, hepatocyte growth factor receptor (c‐MET) and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) expression by immunohistochemistry. Arm 2 closed early secondary to toxicity. Twenty‐one patients were evaluable for dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT). There was one DLT in Arm 1 (grade 3 ALT increase) and three DLTs in Arm 3 (grade 3 acute renal failure, grade 3 thrombocytopenia, grade 3 dyspnea). The MTD of ceritinib was determined to be 600 mg (Arm 1) and 450 mg orally daily (Arm 3). Main toxicities were hematologic, constitutional and gastrointestinal as expected by the chemotherapy backbone. The apparent clearance for ceritinib decreased substantially after repeated dosing; cisplatin did not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of ceritinib. The overall response rate was 20%; the median progression‐free survival was 4.8 months. Three out of five response‐evaluable cholangiocarcinoma patients had clinical benefit. Increased expression of c‐MET was associated with a lack of clinical benefit. Ceritinib in combination with gemcitabine and gemcitabine/cisplatin has a manageable toxicity profile. Further development of this strategy in tumors with ALK or ROS1 fusions is warranted.
Transitory and permanent shocks in the global market for crude oil
Authors: Rebei Nooman , Sbia Rashid
Published: July 2021

This paper documents the determinants of real oil price in the global market based on an empirical model embedding transitory and permanent shocks. We find evidence of significant differences in the propagation mechanisms of transitory versus permanent disturbances, pointing to the importance of disentangling their distinct effects. Permanent supply shocks are found to be very influential in driving oil price fluctuations.
Information gains from using short‐dated options for measuring and forecasting volatility
Authors: Todorov Viktor , Zhang Yang
Published: July 2021

We study the gains from using short‐dated options for volatility measurement and forecasting. Using option portfolios, we estimate nonparametrically spot volatility under weak assumptions for the underlying asset. This volatility estimator complements existing ones constructed from high‐frequency returns. We show empirically, using the market index and Dow 30 stocks, that combining optimally return and option data can lead to nontrivial gains for volatility forecasting. These gains are due to “diversification” of the measurement error in the two volatility proxies. The information content of short‐dated options, not spanned by the current spot volatility, is of limited relevance for volatility forecasting.
Exploring the moderating role of gender in the relation between emotional expressivity and posttraumatic stress disorder symptom severity among Black trauma‐exposed college students at a historically Black university
Authors: Suazo Nazaret C. , Reyes Miranda E. , Contractor Ateka A. , Thomas Emmanuel D. , Weiss Nicole H.
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized in part by negative alterations of cognition or mood, including alterations in emotional expressivity, or the extent to which one outwardly displays emotions. Yet, research in this area has relied on predominantly white samples and neglected to consider the potential role of gender, despite there being demonstrated gender differences in both PTSD symptom severity and emotional expressivity, separately. The goal of the current study was to fill a critical gap in the literature by examining the moderating role of gender in the relation between PTSD symptom severity and emotional expressivity in a sample of trauma‐exposed Black adults.

Methods

Participants were 207 Black individuals enrolled in a historically Black university in the Southern United States (68.6% female; Mage = 22.32 years).

Results

Findings provided support for the moderating role of gender in the association between PTSD symptom severity and emotional expressivity. Specifically, greater PTSD symptom severity was inversely related to emotional expressivity among trauma‐exposed Black males and positively associated with emotional expressivity among trauma‐exposed Black females.

Discussion

These results suggest the potential need for gender‐specific assessment and treatment techniques for PTSD symptom severity among trauma‐exposed Black college students.
Level of anxiety in clinical settings and coping mechanisms used by dental undergraduate students to overcome it
Authors: Malghani Palwasha G. , Abbasi Laila S. , Majeed Sareen , Saleem Tayyaba
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Dental undergraduate students encounter anxiety in their professional years of study, the impact of which is reflected on their overall performance. Various coping techniques are advocated that help individuals to deal effectively with the adverse effects of anxiety.

Objective/aims

The objectives of this study were to determine the level of anxiety encountered by dental undergraduate students during clinical rotations, the clinical procedures precipitating it and the number of different coping strategies (problem solving, social seeking support, and avoidance) used by students for anxiety management.

Methods

A descriptive, questionnaire‐based, cross‐sectional study was conducted on the third and fourth‐year undergraduate dental students from six colleges of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. A total of 353 students were included in the study, and their participation in the study was anonymous and voluntary. The administered questionnaire consisted of three parts: Part 1: Moss and McManus Scale (MMM) for anxiety‐provoking situations; part 2: Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM‐A) for the level of anxiety, and Part 3: Coping Strategy Indicator Scale (CSI scale) to determine the frequency of coping strategies used by students. The data were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 22.0.

Results

A majority of participants (96.3%) felt mild to moderate levels of anxiety in the clinical settings. Students felt more anxious about getting infected by the patient (62%), extracting the wrong tooth (46.5%), and getting a wrong diagnosis (43.1%). A significant number of participants (47%) used problem‐solving mechanisms to overcome their anxiety.

Conclusion

Mild to moderate levels of clinical anxiety prevailed in most dental undergraduate students. The top clinical situations precipitating anxiety were getting infected by patients and extracting the wrong tooth. Measures should be taken to encourage a vigorous, confidence‐enhancing environment for students. This will reduce their levels of clinical anxiety along with training and foster healthy coping strategies to deal with unavoidable anxiety.
Decreased levels of immune-regulatory cytokines in patients with immune thrombocytopenia and long-lasting overexpression of these cytokines in the splenectomized patients
Authors: Wang Xiaofeng , Li Feng , Li Yang , Sun Lihua , Meng Yahong , Fan Xiaohong , Wang Xuelian , Wu Duojiao , Cheng Yunfeng , Hua Fanli
Published: July 2021

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune-mediated disease characterized by decreased platelet counts. Cytokines play important roles in modulating the immune response and are involved in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases. This study aimed at exploring the serum levels of a core set of cytokines that exert immune-regulatory functions in newly diagnosed ITP patients (both before and after treatment) and splenectomized ITP patients. Using the Bio-Plex suspension array system and ELISA, the serum levels of IL-10, IL-21, IL-27, IL-33, IL-35, IL-37, and TGF-β1 were detected. The data showed that the serum levels of the immune regulatory cytokines IL-10, IL-35, and TGF-β1 were significantly lower in newly diagnosed ITP patients. Decreased cytokine levels could be improved in patients with a complete response or a response after steroid-based treatment(s). The serum concentrations of TGF-β1 were positively correlated with the platelet counts both before and after treatment. All the detected immune-regulatory cytokines, except IL-37, showed significantly higher levels in splenectomized ITP patients than pretreatment ITP patients and healthy controls. In conclusion, these data suggest that lower levels of immune-regulatory cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of ITP and that there is a long-lasting overexpression of immune-regulatory cytokines in ITP patients with splenectomy.
Identification of biomarkers on kidney failure by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Gulyamov Shokhid , Shamshiddinova Maftuna , Bae Woo‐Hyun , Park Yun Cheol , Kim Hyo Jin , Cho Won‐Bo , Lee Yong‐Moon
Published: July 2021

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health problem. Our study employed Raman spectroscopy for the first time to analyze potential biomarker such as tryptophan (Trp) on kidney failure and show the difference between normal and CKD groups. Adenine model of CKD characterized most of the physiological changes observed in human CKD. For that, 6‐week‐old Wistar male rats were assigned to the two groups: the control group, 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was administered; the CKD group, adenine was administered to rats at a dose 600 mg/kg for 10 days. The Raman spectra were obtained in the spectral range of 100–2500 cm−1. The excitation source was 532 nm, the laser power was ~40 mW, and the analyzed tissue area was 10.02 × 82.12 μm2. The results showed a significant reduction in the case of Raman peak intensities at 748, 1359, 1554, and 1636 cm−1, which can be assigned as Trp. Moreover, it was shown that tyrosine at 1169 cm−1 and phenylalanine at 1001 cm−1 decreased in the CKD group. Trp and kynurenine (Kyn) levels in kidney tissue and plasma were analyzed by using the high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The Trp concentrations in plasma and kidney tissue significantly decreased in CKD 7.4 μg/ml and 0.1 μg/mg, respectively. However, Kyn level was not a statistically significant change in kidney tissue. In this work, we showed that Raman spectroscopy usage in CKD model and Raman spectroscopy can be considered a promising technique for semi‐quantitative analysis of potential biomarkers such as phenylalanine, tyrosine, and Trp of renal function because of the little or no need for sample preparation, and it is easily observing several biomarkers at the same time. The utilization of multivariate analysis method, such as partial least square analysis can be considered as a promising tool for the discrimination of control and CKD groups.
365 DAYS OF LEARNING: EMBRACING LEARNING AS A SUPERPOWER
Authors: Bassey Ekpedeme “Pamay” M.
Published: July 2021

Bassey writes from her personal experience as CLO/Chief Learning Officer of the global food corporation Kraft Heinz. Noting that not everyone understands the role of the CLO, she describes it in two parts: “First, I drive the company’s global training and learning strategy, programs and initiatives, and second, I drive a culture of continuous learning, bold creativity and intellectual curiosity.” She details research from Association for Talent Development about the solid business value of having learning cultures, but that only 31% of organizations have such a culture. Within her company, she describes the initiative dubbed #LearnLikeAnOwner. This requires each employee to, in her words, (1) seek out high impact learning experiences; (2) commit to a learning practice, even if it is just a few minutes a day; (3) encourage others to do the same—whether you are encouraging your peers, your team, or the entire organization—everyone is expected to contribute to a culture of learning. While making a commitment to being a lifelong learner, she describes concepts such as, in her words, determine your searching and learning style, identify your trusted sources of learning, and reflect on and share what you are learning.