bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enantioselective Synthesis of Cassane‐Type Furanoditerpenoids: Total Synthesis of Sucutiniranes C and D
Authors: Pitsinos Emmanuel N. , Mavridis Ioannis , Tzouma Eirini , Vidali Veroniki P.
Published: June 2020

The first enantioselective total synthesis of cassane‐type furanoditerpenoids featuring an aromatic C ring and a substituted B ring is presented. The strategy employed relied on diastereoselective Diels–Alder (DA) reaction of an enantiomerically pure 1,3,3‐trisubstituted‐2‐vinyl‐cyclohexene (sterically demanding diene). It was secured in > 99 % ee through elaboration of enzymatically resolved 3‐ethoxy‐6‐(hydroxymethyl)‐6‐methyl‐cyclohex‐2‐en‐1‐one. Employing hexafluoro‐2‐propanol (HFIP) as the solvent, its DA cycloaddition onto benzo[b]furan‐4,7‐dione proceeded with exquisite endo‐selectivity under ambient temperature and pressure. Subsequent diastereo‐ and regio‐selective methyl Grignard addition provided a pivotal intermediate featuring the complete vouacapane framework. Its versatility and intriguing reactivity were demonstrated by conversion to sucutiniranes C and D.
One‐Step Synthesis of N/S Codoped “Porous Carbon Cloth” as a Sulfur Carrier for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Ma Zheng , Xiang Xia , Tian Chengxiang , Wu Juwei , Li Pengcheng , Li Bo , Zu Xiaotao , Li Sean
Published: June 2020

The porous biocarbon structure obtained from carbonized starch gel exhibits great potential in energy storage. At the same time, the 3D electrode material exhibits superiority in the field of battery energy storage. Herein, a 3D binderless N/S codoped electrode is obtained by simply carbonization and acid treatment of a carbon cloth electrode coated with a hydroxide/thiourea/starch aqueous solution thermogel. The carbon cloth@nitrogen and sulfur codoped porous carbon (CC@NS) aims at carbon‐bearing sulfur in its surface porous carbon structure. As a result, the CC@NS/S electrode achieves a high initial specific capacity of 1249.9 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C and still has a residual capacity of 752.2 mAh g−1 after 350 cycles. The N, O, and S dopants provide abundant electrocatalytic active sites in the chemical bonding of polysulfides and their accelerated redox kinetics to improve utilization of active materials. Herein, the way for the versatile sulfur‐based design of advanced lithium‐ion batteries is paved.
Properties and Structural Arrangements of the Electrode Material CuDEPP during Energy Storage
Authors: Jung Christoph Karsten , Stottmeister Daniel , Jacob Timo
Published: June 2020

Devices for electrical energy storage need to provide high energy yields and output power, guaranteeing at the same time safety, low costs, and long operation times. The porphyrin CuDEPP [5,15‐bis(ethynyl)‐10,20‐diphenylporphinato] copper(II) is a promising electrode material for various battery systems both as anode and cathode. While its functionality has been demonstrated experimentally, there is no atomistic information as to why CuDEPP expresses these interesting properties or how the incorporation of ions affects its structure so far. To answer these questions, CuDEPP is investigated using density functional theory (DFT). Starting with the smallest possible unit (i.e., a single molecule), the spatial dimensionality of the structure is successively increased by studying: 1) di‐ and trimers, 2) molecular stacking in a 1D chain, 3) extending these chains to planar CuDEPP sheets, and finally 4) a three‐dimensionally extended polymer structure. Having thoroughly investigated the isolated properties of the CuDEPP material itself, afterward the insertion (or intercalation) of different ions (including Li, Mg, and Na) is studied, to understand the energetics, diffusion barriers, and structural changes (e.g., volume expansion) within the CuDEPP host material.
Engineering Pt Nanoparticles with Fe and N Codoped Carbon to Boost Oxygen Reduction Catalytic Performance in Acidic Electrolyte
Authors: Xie Nan-Hong , Zhang Min , Xu Bo-Qing
Published: June 2020

While high cost and lack of long‐term stability of Pt‐based catalysts have been impeding their practical application in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cell technologies, iron and nitrogen codoped carbons (Fe–N–C) are appearing to be stable but unfortunately less‐active catalysts in acidic electrolyte. Herein, an in situ surfactant‐free Pt deposition approach to fabricate Pt nanoparticles (NPs) onto well‐designed Fe–N–C nanostructures for producing highly performing Pt/Fe–N–C catalyst for ORR in acidic electrolyte is reported. Physical and electrochemical characterizations uncovered that electron transfer from Fe–N–C to their supported Pt NPs would weaken the adsorption of O2 on the Pt surface, therefore improving the intrinsic activity of Pt for ORR. On optimizing the Pt loading, the intrinsic and mass‐specific activity data of Pt in Pt/Fe–N–C are maximized at ≈0.93 mA cm−2 and 0.46 A mg−1‐Pt, respectively, much higher than those for commercial Pt/C (0.21 mA cm−2, 0.19 A mg−1‐Pt). The Pt/Fe–N–C catalyst also shows an intriguing long‐term stability during the accelerated durability test. A new avenue for taking the advantages of Pt and non‐noble metal ORR catalysts is pointed for achieving much better ones to accomplish ORR in acidic electrolyte.
Production of hydrocarbon rich fuel from abandoned beehive by pyrolysis
Authors: Chowdhury Amrita R. , Sabat Gayatri , Gouda Narayan , Panda Achyut K.
Published: June 2020

This work reports the possible conversion of beeswax to fuel oil through pyrolysis to produce an alternate and renewable fuel. The kinetics and thermodynamics of the thermal decomposition of beehive wax and pure beeswax is evaluated using a thermogravimetric analyser under non‐isothermal condition at different heating rates of 05, 10, 20°C/min in the temperature range from 30 to 600°C in nitrogen atmosphere. The first order model fitting method (Coats–Redfern method) is applied on the thermogravimetric analysis data of the samples to calculate the kinetic parameters including activation energy and pre‐exponential factor, and thermodynamic parameters such as enthalpy change, entropy change, and free energy change of the reaction. The activation energy values were 80.8 and 79.7 kJ/mol of beehive wax and pure beeswax, respectively. Higher heating rate affected not only the temperature of maximum weight loss, but also the apparent activation energy. The enthalpy change and entropy change of the process is found to be in the range of 7 × 104 J/mol and −1.5 × 102 J K−1 mol−1, respectively, which infers the reaction to be endothermic and non‐spontaneous. The samples are subjected to thermal degradation in a semi‐batch reactor at different temperature from 400 to 500°C, with a maximum oil yield of 55.60% at 450°C. The oil product obtained are found to be hydrocarbon rich (88%)with few oxygenated components. The product distribution and composition is found to be significantly affected by the temperature.
Calculation of the real daily and monthly mean working temperature of a photovoltaic plant
Authors: Cui Yongqin , Sun Jiahuan , Xiao Jianhua
Published: June 2020

Accurately predicting the production of a photovoltaic (PV) plant is essential to its economic evaluation. Ambient temperature is a major environmental factor affecting how much power a PV plant generates. However, weather bureaus in most developing countries can only provide the daily or monthly mean ambient temperatures, rather than the real mean working temperature in the vicinity of the PV plant. Moreover, the difference between the real daily or monthly mean working temperature and the corresponding daily or monthly mean temperature is large in the Gobi, desert, and Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau, causing some errors in some present PV power predictive models. Using Datafit 9.0 software in this paper, regression equations were created for Beiluhe (Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau) and Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre (DKASC) (desert) data relating the difference of the real daily or monthly mean working temperature and the corresponding mean temperature (Y factor) as well as the daily or monthly temperature difference (X factor). One general equation: Td10d = 1.290 + 0.475 × Tdmm − 1.331 × Tdmm0.5 (Equation 6) could represent all of the regression equations obtained from the Beiluhe and DKASC data. These basic findings are valuable for improving accuracy of present PV power predictive model by including the daily or monthly mean air temperature. Another, the research result will be helpful for PV plant site selection and evaluation.
Synthesis of sodium titanate catalysts using a factorial design for biodiesel production
Authors: Machorro López Jonathan J. , Lázaro Ana Lilia , Rodriguez‐Valadez Francisco J. , Espejel‐Ayala Fabricio
Published: June 2020

In this work, the synthesis of sodium titanate for the biodiesel production was evaluated with emphasis on the synthesis parameters of titanates in the conversion of vegetable oil to biodiesel. Sodium titanate catalysts were synthesized via sol–gel hydrothermal method and tested as heterogeneous catalysts for biodiesel production, using a factorial design 2k. Four experimental factors were considered: NaOH concentration, hydrothermal temperature, TiO2/NaOH ratio, and calcination temperature, using as response variable the catalysts activity in soybean oil conversion to biodiesel. Titanates were characterized by XRD, SEM, and N2 physisorption techniques. The presence of tri and hexatitanate were confirmed. Trititanate was the most efficient in the conversion of soybean oil to biodiesel, achieving around 80% with an alcohol:oil molar ratio of 6:1 at 55°C for 5 hr and 300 rpm. Among the trititanate catalysts, the best performing sample showed a surface area of 217 m2/g with a porous size average of 4.8 nm related to nanotube structure with inter and intra particle mesoporosity. Conditions to prepare the efficient performing catalyst were as follows: NaOH concentration, 7.5 M; hydrothermal temperature, 130°C; TiO2/NaOH ratio, 0.06 g/mL; and calcination temperature, 600°C.
PRAXIS® Content Knowledge for Teaching: Initial Reliability and Validity Results for Elementary Reading Language Arts and Mathematics
Authors: Phelps Geoffrey , Steinberg Jonathan , Leusner Dawn , Minsky Jennifer , Castellano Karen , McCulla Laura
Published: June 2020

The primary purpose of this report is to provide preliminary evidence on the measurement properties for newly designed assessments of content knowledge for teaching (CKT) in elementary reading language arts (RLA) and mathematics. The goal is to offer the CKT tests through the PRAXIS® assessment. Additional analyses were conducted to provide initial evidence on the validity of the CKT assessments. One set of analyses investigated whether the test scores were sensitive to differences in participants' educational backgrounds that might be associated with opportunities to develop CKT. A second set of analyses involved examining score differences by the race/ethnicity of the participating candidates to provide evidence on whether the sample of participants in this study show group score differences that are comparable to what is typically observed on licensure exams. Finally, participant performance on the CKT tests was compared with performance on comparable PRAXIS assessments to examine potential differences in the difficulty of the items.
Short‐term GAA loading: Responders versus nonresponders analysis
Authors: Ostojic Sergej M.
Published: June 2020

Dietary guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) has been suggested to be advantageous for favorable changes in tissue bioenergetics in terms of responder versus nonresponder performance, yet no studies so far explored the proportion of two distinct populations following short‐term GAA intervention. A secondary analysis of previously completed guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) trials has been carried out in aim to classify individuals into responders and nonresponders using cut‐off criteria for an increase in intramuscular creatine. A total of 30 individuals (mean age = 34.5 years, women 66.7%) who were supplemented with up to 3 g/day of GAA for at least 28 days with total muscle creatine evaluated using 1.5 T magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies were included in this examination. Pre–post measures included total creatine content (creatine plus phosphocreatine) determined from the quadriceps muscle, with participants were classified by arbitrary cut‐off points in three categories, including responders (>10% increase in total creatine content at follow‐up), quasi‐responders (5%–10% increase), and nonresponders (<5% increase in total intramuscular creatine at postadministration). An average change in total creatine content after GAA supplementation was 22.9%, with 13.3% participants were categorized as nonresponders, 6.6% as quasi‐responders, and 80.0% as responders (p < .001). A fairly high prevalence of individuals sensitive to dietary GAA advances this innovative agent as a rather effective tool to improve muscle creatine levels for at least 10% or more during 28‐day loading.
Schwann cells selectively myelinate primary motor axons via neuregulin‐ErbB signaling
Authors: Lee Dong‐Won , Kim Eunmi , Jeong Inyoung , Kim Hwan‐Ki , Kim Suhyun , Park Hae‐Chul
Published: June 2020

Spinal motor neurons project their axons out of the spinal cord via the motor exit point (MEP) and regulate their target muscle fibers for diverse behaviors. Several populations of glial cells including Schwann cells, MEP glia, and perineurial glia are tightly associated with spinal motor axons in nerve fascicles. Zebrafish have two types of spinal motor neurons, primary motor neurons (PMNs) and secondary motor neurons (SMNs). PMNs are implicated in the rapid response, whereas SMNs are implicated in normal and slow movements. However, the precise mechanisms mediating the distinct functions of PMNs and SMNs in zebrafish are unclear. In this study, we found that PMNs were myelinated by MEP glia and Schwann cells, whereas SMNs remained unmyelinated at the examined stages. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that myelinated PMNs solely innervated fast muscle through a distributed neuromuscular junction (NMJ), whereas unmyelinated SMNs innervated both fast and slow muscle through distributed and myoseptal NMJs, respectively, indicating that myelinated PMNs could provide rapid responses for startle and escape movements, while unmyelinated SMNs regulated normal, slow movement. Further, we demonstrate that neuregulin 1 (Nrg1) type III‐ErbB signaling provides a key instructive signal that determines the myelination of primary motor axons by MEP glia and Schwann cells. Perineurial glia ensheathed unmyelinated secondary motor axons and myelinated primary motor nerves. Ensheathment required interaction with both MEP glia and Schwann cells. Collectively, these data suggest that primary and secondary motor neurons contribute to the regulation of movement in zebrafish with distinct patterns of myelination.
Brain structural connectome in relation to PRRT2 mutations in paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia
Authors: Li Lei , Lei Du , Suo Xueling , Li Xiuli , Yang Chen , Yang Tianhua , Ren Jiechuan , Chen Guangxiang , Zhou Dong , Kemp Graham J. , Gong Qiyong
Published: June 2020

This study explored the topological characteristics of brain white matter structural networks in patients with Paroxysmal Kinesigenic Dyskinesia (PKD), and the potential influence of the brain network stability gene PRRT2 on the structural connectome in PKD. Thirty‐five PKD patients with PRRT2 mutations (PKD‐M), 43 PKD patients without PRRT2 mutations (PKD‐N), and 40 demographically‐matched healthy control (HC) subjects underwent diffusion tensor imaging. Graph theory and network‐based statistic (NBS) approaches were performed; the topological properties of the white matter structural connectome were compared across the groups, and their relationships with the clinical variables were assessed. Both disease groups PKD‐M and PKD‐N showed lower local efficiency (implying decreased segregation ability) compared to the HC group; PKD‐M had longer characteristic path length and lower global efficiency (implying decreased integration ability) compared to PKD‐N and HC, independently of the potential effects of medication. Both PKD‐M and PKD‐N had decreased nodal characteristics in the left thalamus and left inferior frontal gyrus, the alterations being more pronounced in PKD‐M patients, who also showed abnormalities in the left fusiform and bilateral middle temporal gyrus. In the connectivity characteristics assessed by NBS, the alterations were more pronounced in the PKD‐M group versus HC than in PKD‐N versus HC. As well as the white matter alterations in the basal ganglia‐thalamo‐cortical circuit related to PKD with or without PRRT2 mutations, findings in the PKD‐M group of weaker small‐worldness and more pronounced regional disturbance show the adverse effects of PRRT2 gene mutations on brain structural connectome.
The effects of paid sick leave on worker absenteeism and health care utilization
Authors: Chen Jie , Meyerhoefer Chad D. , Peng Lizhong
Published: June 2020

We estimate the short‐term effects of paid sick leave on worker absenteeism and health care utilization in the United States using data from the 2000–2013 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. We use both parametric and matching‐based difference‐in‐differences methods to account for nonrandom selection into jobs that offer paid sick leave and estimate the treatment effect separately for workers who gained and lost sick leave benefits. We find consistent evidence of increased absenteeism among female workers who gained paid sick leave but not for other groups. Estimates for office‐based visits are mostly statistically insignificant and may not have a causal interpretation due to preexisting trends.
iRhom2 Promotes Hepatic Steatosis by Activating MAP3K7‐Dependent Pathway
Authors: Xu Minxuan , Ge Chenxu , Zhu Liancai , Qin Yuting , Du Chengjiang , Lou Deshuai , Li Qiang , Hu Linfeng , Sun Yan , Dai Xianling , Xiong Mingxin , Long Tingting , Zhan Jianxia , Kuang Qin , Li Huanhuan , Yang Qiufeng , Huang Ping , Teng Xuepeng , Feng Jing , Wu Yekuan , Dong Wei , Wang Bochu , Tan Jun
Published: June 2020

Background and Aims

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been widely recognized as a precursor to metabolic complications. Elevated inflammation levels are predictive of NAFLD‐associated metabolic disorder. Inactive rhomboid‐like protein 2 (iRhom2) is regarded as a key regulator in inflammation. However, the precise mechanisms by which iRhom2‐regulated inflammation promotes NAFLD progression remain to be elucidated.

Approach and Results

Here, we report that insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and specific macrophage inflammatory activation are significantly alleviated in iRhom2‐deficient (knockout [KO]) mice, but aggravated in iRhom2 overexpressing mice. We further show that, mechanistically, in response to a high‐fat diet (HFD), iRhom2 KO mice and mice with iRhom2 deficiency in myeloid cells only showed less severe hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance than controls. Inversely, transplantation of bone marrow cells from healthy mice to iRhom2 KO mice expedited the severity of insulin resistance and hepatic dyslipidemia. Of note, in response to HFD, hepatic iRhom2 binds to mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase kinase 7 (MAP3K7) to facilitate MAP3K7 phosphorylation and nuclear factor kappa B cascade activation, thereby promoting the activation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase/insulin receptor substrate 1 signaling, but disturbing AKT/glycogen synthase kinase 3β–associated insulin signaling. The iRhom2/MAP3K7 axis is essential for iRhom2‐regulated liver steatosis.

Conclusions

iRhom2 may represent a therapeutic target for the treatment of HFD‐induced hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance.
Direct oral anticoagulants in patients with hematologic malignancies
Authors: Serrao Alessandra , Fiori Luciano , Santoro Cristina , De Luca Maria L. , Ferretti Antonietta , De Luca Giulia , Ligia Silvio , Lapietra Gianfranco , Mohamed Sara , Breccia Massimo , Chistolini Antonio
Published: June 2020

The anticoagulant treatment for patients with hematologic malignancies is low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), which is considered the safest in this particular patients setting. Although direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have proven their efficacy and safety in patients with cancer, their use can be challenging in patients with hematologic malignancies due to the peculiarity of these neoplasms: high thrombotic risk, possible onset of thrombocytopenia and concomitant anticancer therapies. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DOACs for venous thromboembolism or atrial fibrillation in patients with hematologic malignancies and plasmatic DOACs level during anticancer therapy and at time of bleeding or thrombotic complications. We evaluated patients with hematologic malignancies treated with DOACs for venous thromboembolism or atrial fibrillation—therapy was maintained until the platelet count was ≥50 × 109/L. In case of concomitant anticancer treatment and haemorrhagic or thrombotic events, we checked DOACs plasma levels (trough and peak). The patients evaluated were 135: 104/135 were on anticancer therapy. We did not observe either thrombotic or major haemorrhagic adverse events. Minor bleedings occurred in 10 patients and clinical relevant non‐major (CRNM) in two patients. There was a statistically significant correlation between bleedings and myelodysplastic syndrome. DOACs resulted effective and safe in patients with hematologic malignancies. DOACs plasma level can be helpful in suggesting an early dose adjustment to prevent haemorrhagic adverse event in patients on concomitant anticancer therapy. Larger prospective studies including hematologic patients are warranted to confirm the safety and efficacy of DOACs.
Illuminating novel biological aspects and potential new therapeutic approaches for chronic myeloproliferative malignancies
Authors: Mughal Tariq I. , Pemmaraju Naveen , Psaila Bethan , Radich Jerald , Bose Prithviraj , Lion Thomas , Kiladjian Jean‐Jacques , Rampal Raajit , Jain Tania , Verstovsek Srdnan , Yacoub Abdulraheem , Cortes Jorge E. , Mesa Ruben , Saglio Giuseppe , van Etten Richard A.
Published: June 2020

This review reflects the presentations and discussion at the 14th post‐American Society of Hematology (ASH) International Workshop on Chronic Myeloproliferative Malignancies, which took place on the December 10 and 11, 2019, immediately after the 61st ASH Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida. Rather than present a resume of the proceedings, we address some of the topical translational science research and clinically relevant topics in detail. We consider how recent studies using single‐cell genomics and other molecular methods reveal novel aspects of hematopoiesis which in turn raise the possibility of new therapeutic approaches for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). We discuss how alternative therapies could benefit patients with chronic myeloid leukemia who develop BCR‐ABL1 mutant subclones following ABL1‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. In MPNs, we focus on efforts beyond JAK‐STAT and the merits of integrating activin receptor ligand traps, interferon‐α, and allografting in the current treatment algorithm for patients with myelofibrosis.
Core and peripheral organisations in prevention: Insights from social network analysis
Authors: Held Fabian , Hawe Penelope , Roberts Nick , Conte Kathleen , Riley Therese
Published: June 2020

Issue

Formal (eg funded) community‐level organisational collaborations are becoming more common in prevention. Rapid methods to assess organisational relationships could allow us to consider the significance of any pre‐existing relationship patterns in communities that might impact on collaboration effectiveness. Insights may identify new options for practice.

Methods

We used social network analysis to study organisations engaged in prevention but not (yet) part of a formal purposive collaboration. Within a single community, we identified organisations providing programs in chronic disease prevention. We used whole network analysis methods to describe the extent to which organisations were aware, had contact, coordinated activity and/or collaborated more intensively. We also identified the contribution made to prevention locally. Results were compared with key informant interviews.

Results

There was an identifiable network structure, with more relationships across the network than one would expect by chance. The network had a core‐periphery structure, meaning that, in terms of the relationships we measured, there were highly connected organisations who were strongly interlinked with each other (the core), alongside less connected organisations that were linked to the core but not to each other (the periphery). Core organisations were significantly more likely to have expertise in prevention and to have prevention staff.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, it is new to identify inherent or “pre‐existing” core‐periphery structures in interorganisational health promotion. Yet, core‐periphery structures are common in many social settings. They advantage entities in the core and are prone to further entrenchment.

So what?

Our results map and quantify intuitive understandings about organisational “key players”, thus enabling practitioners/organisations to critically reflect on what their role should be when it comes to activating communities ie to embed, or attempt to counterbalance, pre‐existing power structures.
Student‐driven partnerships enhancing oral health literacy
Authors: Kempster Clinton , Gray Jennifer , Burman Kyla
Published: June 2020

Issue addressed

This brief report documents teaching practice that has facilitated deeper connections between Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) students at The University of Adelaide and community support agencies to promote increased health literacy and confidence to seek care amongst marginalised populations. The aim was to increase the capacity of marginalised groups “to access, understand, appraise and apply information to make effective decisions about health and health care” (Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. Hlth Lit; 2014. Available from: https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/standards/nsqhs‐standards/partnering‐consumers‐standard/health‐literacy. Accessed January 21, 2020).

Methods

The health promotion curriculum in the BOH course at The University of Adelaide encourages students to focus on health literacy, equity and partnerships in the development of several small targeted health promotion programs. Students co‐create, implement and evaluate these programs, engaging community groups, supportive partners and industry stakeholders in a range of unique ways.

Results

Sustainable relationships have been established and are growing with partner organisations. As these relationships strengthen, so too does the trust, creative licence, innovation and promotion of the students’ involvement directly or indirectly with community. That leads to more frequent touch points with community and greater community buy‐in. As familiarity increases, so too does community health literacy and confidence to enter oral health care pathways.

Conclusion

Strategically planned activity outside of dental setting has the potential to draw community members and dental service providers together, with the enhancement of health literacy and access amongst at‐risk populations, an important by‐product.

So what?

There seems great potential for further benefits to be realised by oral health students and members of the public when there is multi‐stakeholder involvement in co‐created health promotion initiatives, that see students further engage with community outside clinical environments.
Measuring health promotion research impact – What researchers think?
Authors: Jancey Jonine , Burns Sharyn , Hendriks Jacqui , Pollard Christina Mary , Tohatoa Jennifer , Hallett Jonathan
Published: June 2020

Issues addressed

The significant investment in health research has resulted in an increased focus to determine suitable approaches to measure health promotion research impact. This research was undertaken at the request of a nationally competitive research organisation that funds health promotion research, to explore how Chief Investigators (CIs) on their funded projects understood research impact, its measurement and associated challenges.

Methods

Participants were required to be or have been a CI on an Australian competitive research (exploratory or intervention) grant focussed on health promotion. The qualitative study used thematic analysis from one‐on‐one interviews. Themes were created and descriptive quotes were selected to illustrate the main findings.

Results

The majority of participants were female (n = 13) working at a university (n = 13). Three themes emerged: a) defining health research impact; b) complexity and simplicity of measuring health research impact; c) challenges of measuring health research impact: i) differing language; ii) differing assessment; iii) attribution and timing; and iv) resourcing and skills.

Conclusion

Researchers recognised that there are significant challenges in measuring the impact of health promotion research. The most significant factors identified by participants were the disciplinary background of the researchers undertaking the measurement, their skills and experience and the resources (including time) available to assess impact.

So what?

Research impact assessment is complex, time consuming and requires specific skills to facilitate measurement of impact provision of funding for this activity in research grants and research impact training is required.
Parent–Child Interaction Therapy with Toddlers in a community‐based setting: Improvements in parenting behavior, emotional availability, child behavior, and attachment
Authors: Kohlhoff Jane , Morgan Susan , Briggs Nancy , Egan Ryan , Niec Larissa
Published: June 2020

Parent–Child Interaction Therapy with Toddlers (PCIT‐T) is a new attachment‐based parenting intervention designed to meet the needs of children aged 12–24 months presenting with challenging behaviors. This study examined outcomes of the first phase of PCIT‐T, Child Directed Interaction–Toddler (CDI‐T), 4‐months post treatment. Participants were 56 toddlers (Child Mage = 19.13 months) referred to receive CDI‐T over an 8‐week period at an Australian community‐based child behavior treatment clinic for treatment of difficult toddler behaviors. Participants completed questionnaires and observational measures at baseline (Time 1), post‐treatment (Time 2), and 4‐month follow‐up (Time 3). At both Time 2 and Time 3, there were statistically significant increases in observed positive parenting skills and emotional availability and decreases in negative parenting behaviors and child noncompliance. There were also significant improvements in parent‐reported child externalizing and internalizing behaviors, parental stress, and maternal depression. There was a pattern of a shift away from attachment insecurity and attachment disorganization. Results suggest that the CDI‐T phase of PCIT‐T is a promising intervention for toddlers presenting with behavioral issues. Future studies should be conducted to assess efficacy in other settings, using larger samples and utilizing randomized controlled designs.
Early childhood mental health consultation: Care providers’ experiences of the consultative relationship
Authors: Kniegge‐Tucker Krystal , Yuma Paula , Caplovitz‐Barrett Karen , Miles Brenda
Published: June 2020

This article presents findings from a qualitative research study exploring child care teachers’ experiences receiving early childhood mental health consultation (ECMHC). As an emerging intervention in early childhood education, ECMHC is already yielding promising results, namely in helping teachers better address challenging behaviors in their classroom and promote a more nurturing classroom environment. However, there remains a lack of personal testimony from teachers who receive this intervention. Considering that teachers are the primary focus of most ECMHC interventions, the purpose of this study was to examine child care teachers’ personal experiences receiving consultation. Eight child care teachers were interviewed for this study. Results from this study illuminate key interpersonal processes in the development of the consultant–consultee relationship, indicate what teachers consider to be the most helpful components of consultation, and speak to the challenges that teachers experience in consultation. By examining the personal testimony of child care teachers who have received ECMHC services, consultants and researchers can consider ways to expand and improve future implementation of ECMHC.
Infrared attenuated total reflection spectroscopic surface analysis of bovine‐tail intervertebral discs after UV‐light‐activated riboflavin‐induced collagen cross‐linking
Authors: Vasilikos Ioannis , Haas Julian , Teixeira Graciosa Q. , Nothelfer Julia , Neidlinger‐Wilke Cornelia , Wilke Hans‐Joachim , Seitz Andreas , Vavvas Demetrios G. , Zentner Josef , Beck Jürgen , Hubbe Ulrich , Mizaikoff Boris
Published: June 2020

The tensile strength of the intervertebral disc (IVD) is mainly maintained by collagen cross‐links. Loss of collagen cross‐linking combined with other age‐related degenerative processes contributes to tissue weakening, biomechanical failure, disc herniation and pain. Exogenous collagen cross‐linking has been identified as an effective therapeutic approach for restoring IVD tensile strength. The current state‐of‐the‐art method to assess the extent of collagen cross‐linking in tissues requires destructive procedures and high‐performance liquid chromatography. In this study, we investigated the utility of infrared attenuated total reflection (IR‐ATR) spectroscopy as a nondestructive analytical strategy to rapidly evaluate the extent of UV‐light‐activated riboflavin (B2)‐induced collagen cross‐linking in bovine IVD samples. Thirty‐five fresh bovine‐tail IVD samples were equally divided into five treatment groups: (a) untreated, (b) cell culture medium Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium only, (c) B2 only, (d) UV‐light only and (e) UV‐light‐B2. A total of 674 measurements have been acquired, and were analyzed via partial least squares discriminant analysis. This classification scheme unambiguously identified individual classes with a sensitivity >91% and specificity >92%. The obtained results demonstrate that IR‐ATR spectroscopy reliably differentiates between different treatment categories, and promises an excellent tool for potential in vivo, nondestructive and real‐time assessment of exogenous IVD cross‐linking.
Visible‐near infrared‐II skull optical clearing window for in vivo cortical vasculature imaging and targeted manipulation
Authors: Li Dong‐Yu , Zheng Zheng , Yu Ting‐Ting , Tang Ben‐Zhong , Fei Peng , Qian Jun , Zhu Dan
Published: June 2020

Skull optical clearing window permits us to perform in vivo cortical imaging without craniotomy, but mainly limits to visible (vis)‐near infrared (NIR)‐I light imaging. If the skull optical clearing window is available for NIR‐II, the imaging depth will be further enhanced. Herein, we developed a vis‐NIR‐II skull optical clearing agents with deuterium oxide instead of water, which could make the skull transparent in the range of visible to NIR‐II. Using a NIR‐II excited third harmonic generation microscope, the cortical vasculature of mice could be clearly distinguished even at the depth of 650 μm through the vis‐NIR‐II skull clearing window. The imaging depth after clearing is close to that without skull, and increases by three times through turbid skull. Furthermore, the new skull optical clearing window promises to realize NIR‐II laser‐induced targeted injury of cortical single vessel. This work enhances the ability of NIR‐II excited nonlinear imaging techniques for accessing to cortical neurovasculature in deep tissue.
On being “cool”
Authors: Phillips Sidney H.
Published: June 2020

The term “cool” likely originated in American jazz in the 1940s and was a superlative that indicated significant achievement within an aesthetic of restraint. Over the ensuing decades, the word evolved to mean a rebellious vision that breaches tradition and repudiates past versions of cool. Even though its linguistic roots are West African, the term accrued distinctly American connotations in racist, sexist, and homophobic contexts. The shimmering, mysterious indefinability of coolness—its you‐know‐it‐when‐you‐see‐it quality—helped conceal its phobic qualities. The author examines the homophobic context through the lens of an icon of cool, James Dean, who became for gay men an object both of identification and erotic desire. The essay considers whether the restraint of coolness is only masquerade, a product of disavowed bodily anxiety, or if it also represents integration and meaningful transformation. A clinical vignette and scenes from the film Rebel Without a Cause are used to exemplify these dilemmas from a psychoanalytic point of view.
Alcohol use severity, depressive symptoms, and optimism among Hispanics: Examining the immigrant paradox in a serial mediation model
Authors: Cobb Cory L. , Schwartz Seth J. , Salas‐Wright Christopher P. , Pinedo Miguel , Martinez Priscilla , Meca Alan , Isaza Alejandra G. , Lorenzo‐Blanco Elma I. , McClure Heather , Marsiglia Flavio F. , Martínez Charles R. , Cano Miguel Ángel
Published: June 2020

Objective

Hispanic immigrants exhibit more positive outcomes than U.S.‐born Hispanics across educational, psychological, and physical health indices, a phenomenon called the immigrant paradox. We examined the immigrant paradox in relation to alcohol use severity among Hispanic young adults while considering both positive (optimism) and negative (depressive symptoms) processes.

Method

Among 200 immigrant and U.S.‐born Hispanic young adults (Mage = 21.30; 49% male) in Arizona and Florida, we tested whether optimism and depressive symptoms statistically mediated the relationship between nativity and alcohol use severity. Specifically, we examined whether Hispanic immigrants reported greater optimism than their U.S.‐born counterparts, and whether such optimism was, in turn, associated with less depressive symptoms and thus lower alcohol use severity.

Results

Indirect effects were significant in hypothesized directions (nativity → optimism → depressive symptoms → alcohol use severity).

Conclusions

Both positive and negative psychological processes are important to consider when accounting for the immigrant paradox vis‐à‐vis alcohol use severity among Hispanic young adults.
Exploring the potential moderating role of self‐compassion on the relationships between event centrality and post‐assault psychological outcomes
Authors: Hamrick Lauren A. , Owens Gina P.
Published: June 2020

Objective

The present study examined whether post‐assault internal processes (i.e., present control, event centrality, and compassionate and uncompassionate self‐responding) were associated with distress and resilience among women who have experienced adult sexual assault. The authors also tested whether compassionate and uncompassionate self‐responses would moderate the relationships between event centrality and outcomes.

Method

A convenience sample of women who had experienced sexual assault during adulthood (N = 253) completed an anonymous online survey.

Results

Regression analyses showed that lower present control, higher event centrality, and higher uncompassionate responses to the self were associated with posttraumatic stress disorder. Additionally, higher present control and higher compassionate responses to the self were associated with resilience. Moderation analyses were not significant.

Conclusions

Endorsing greater levels of uncompassionate responses was associated with greater distress while engaging in greater compassionate responses was associated with greater resilience, even when accounting for levels of present control and event centrality.
Involvement of mechanosensitive ion channels in the effects of mechanical stretch induces osteogenic differentiation in mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Wu Tianyi , Yin Fuli , Wang Nan , Ma Xin , Jiang Chaolai , Zhou Lihui , Zong Yang , Shan Haojie , Xia Wenyang , Lin Yiwei , Zhou Zubin , Yu Xiaowei
Published: June 2020

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) can be induced to process osteogenic differentiation with appropriate mechanical and/or chemical stimuli. The present study described the successful culture of murine BMSCs under mechanical strain. BMSCs were subjected to 0%, 3%, 8%, 13%, and 18% cyclic tensile strain at 0.5 Hz for 8 hr/day for 3 days. The expression of osteogenic markers and mechanosensitive ion channels was evaluated with real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and western blot. The expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and matrix mineralization were evaluated with histochemical staining. To investigate the effects of mechanosensitive ion channel expression on cyclic tensile strain‐induced osteogenic differentiation, the expression of osteogenic markers was evaluated with real‐time RT‐PCR in the cells without mechanosensitive ion channel expression. This study revealed a significant augment in osteogenic marker in BMSC strained at 8% compared to other treatments; therefore, an 8% strain was used for further investigations. The ALP expression and matrix mineralization were enhanced in osteogenic induced BMSCs subjected to 8% strain after 7 and 14 days, respectively. Under the same conditions, the osteogenic marker and mechanosensitive ion channel expression were significantly promoted. However, the loss function of mechanosensitive ion channels resulted in the inhibition of osteogenic marker expression. This study demonstrated that strain alone can successfully induce osteogenic differentiation in BMSCs and the expression of mechanosensitive ion channels was involved in the process. The current findings suggest that mechanical stretch could function as efficient stimuli to induce the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs via the activation of mechanosensitive ion channels.
Absence of the MFG‐E8 gene prevents hypoxia‐induced pulmonary hypertension in mice
Authors: Wang Jun , Wu Jixing , Zhu Xianying , Chen Jinkun , Zhao Jianping , Xu Yongjian , Xie Jungang
Published: June 2020

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic vascular disease characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial resistance and vascular remodeling, and chronic hypoxia plays an important role in PH. Milk fat globule‐EGF factor 8 (MFG‐E8) is a glycoprotein that regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis, but its role in hypoxia‐induced PH is unknown. The current study aimed to determine the function and fundamental mechanisms of MFG‐E8 in hypoxia‐induced PH. Herein, we exposed mice to hypoxia for 5 weeks, and MFG‐E8 was found to be elevated in mouse lung tissues, arteries, and plasma. Compared with wild‐type littermates, mice lacking MFG‐E8 showed a significant increase in the ratio of pulmonary artery acceleration time to ejection time (PAT/PET), while they showed decreases in right ventricular systolic pressure, the Fulton's Index, percent medial wall thickness (%WT), and vascular muscularization in pulmonary arteries. In addition, MFG‐E8 protein levels were also increased in the serum of patients with chronic PH. Similarly, we observed a higher expression of MFG‐E8 in human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) in the presence of hypoxic stimulation than MFG‐E8 in cells in normoxic conditions. Furthermore, MFG‐E8 silencing resulted in partial inhibition of proliferation, migration and cell cycle progression in human PASMCs, and the possible mechanisms might involve the interaction between MFG‐E8 and the p‐Akt/cyclin D1 pathway. Collectively, our study suggests that the absence of MFG‐E8 can attenuate the development of hypoxia‐induced PH and vascular remodeling. MFG‐E8 can be a potential therapeutic target or a biomarker for PH.
Hsa_circ_001988 attenuates GC progression in vitro and in vivo via sponging miR‐197‐3p
Authors: Sun Dan , Wang Gang , Xiao Chang , Xin Yan
Published: June 2020

Hsa_circ_001988 has been identified as a tumor suppressor gene in several carcinomas. However, its expression pattern and role in gastric cancer (GC) have still remained elusive. This study aimed to explore the functions of hsa_circ_001988 in GC. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay was performed to assess the expressions of hsa_circ_001988, miR‐197‐3p, FBXW7, CCDC6, and U2AF65 in GC tissues. The correlation analysis was undertaken to find out the relationship between hsa_circ_001988 expression and clinicopathological factors. A series of cellular experiments were carried out to describe the effects of hsa_circ_001988 on GC in vivo and in vitro. Besides, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay was performed to verify the relationship among EIF4A3, U2AF65, and hsa_circ_001988. We first found that the expression of hsa_circ_001988 was decreased in 341 GC patients that was related to World Health Organization histological types, Lauren types, and tumor invasion depth (p < .05). Silencing of hsa_circ_001988 facilitated proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion of GC cells, while overexpression of hsa_circ_001988 reversed the effect on GC progression in vitro. Additionally, the results of subcutaneous xenotransplanted tumor model demonstrated that overexpressing hsa_circ_001988 significantly suppressed the subcutaneous tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, hsa_circ_001988 attenuated the miR‐197‐3p expression possibly due to its molecular sponge effect, and then, positively promoted FBXW7 expression. Afterwards, FBXW7 regulated the expressions of yes‐associated protein 1, cyclinD1, CCDC6, and EMT‐related proteins. Notably, RIP assay showed the enrichment relationship among EIF4A3, U2AF65, and hsa_circ_001988. Additionally, EIF4A3 or U2AF65 promoted cyclization of hsa_circ_001988 in GC. Hsa_circ_001988 inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of GC via modulating EIF4A3/U2AF65‐mediated hsa_circ_001988/miR‐197‐3p/FBXW7 axis.
Cx31.1 expression is modulated in HaCaT cells exposed to UV‐induced damage and scrape‐wounding
Authors: Nugent Louise , Ofori‐Frimpong Boatemaa , Martin Patricia E. , Green Colin R. , Wright Catherine S.
Published: June 2020

Connexin31.1 (Cx31.1) is a gap junction protein associated with apoptosis. In the skin, apoptosis is modulated by diabetes. A HaCaT skin model investigated whether normal (NGI) and high glucose and insulin (HGI; diabetic) conditions altered Cx31.1 expression, and if these were apoptosis linked. Cx31.1 was found in HaCaT and HeLa Ohio cells, with HaCaT Cx31.1 protein increased in HGI conditions, and around apoptotic cells. HeLa Cx31.1 channels were noncommunicative. Post scrape‐wounding, Cx31.1 increased at wound edges. Caspase 3/7 in scrape‐wounds media (containing cells) elevated in HGI. UV exposure raised Cx31.1, and caspase 3/7, in NGI and HGI. UV reduced cell viability in NGI cells, although not significantly in HGI. Cx31.1 is modulated during HaCaT cell wound closure, and associated with ‘diabetic’ conditions. Cx31.1 expression matched apoptosis levels, higher in HGI cultures. Cx31.1 is noncommunicating, modulated after wounding, linked to apoptosis, and may be associated with tissue turn‐over around diabetic wounds.
Order plus size of τ‐critical graphs
Authors: Gyárfás András , Lehel Jenő
Published: June 2020

Let be a ‐critical graph with . Erdős and Gallai proved that and the bound was obtained by Erdős, Hajnal, and Moon. We give here the sharp combined bound and find all graphs with equality.