bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
iWHELD, A Novel Digital Non‐Pharmacological Intervention with Live Virtual Coaching Reduces Antipsychotic Use in Nursing Home Residents with Dementia Compared to Usual Care in a 16‐week RCT
Authors: Ballard Clive G , McDermid Joanne , Aarsland Dag , Khan Zunera , Sweetnam Adrienne
Published: December 2022

Background

Implementation of evidence‐based training into real world practice in nursing home settings is a major challenge. Digital approaches provide real potential to addressing the barriers, particularly over the difficult period of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Method

iWHELD is a first‐of‐its‐kind digital programme evolving the principles of the WHELD intervention combining person centred care, social interaction, and antipsychotic review, combining virtual coaching with a digital resource for nursing homes. The intervention utilising a Dementia Champion model supported by live virtual coaching set within a digital resource hub and peer networking platform was compared to usual care in a 16‐week randomised control cluster study of 741 people with dementia across 149 nursing homes in the UK. The initial outcomes evaluated are the use of antipsychotic drugs and neuropsychiatric symptoms (using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory NH).

Result

36/72 (53%) of nursing homes allocated to the active treatment arm engaged successfully with the digital intervention, with 563 residents completing the treatment period. The average age of residents was 84.5 years, 71% were female, and there were no significant differences between treatment arms. There was a significant reduction in antipsychotic use in the digital iWHELD treatment group from 49% to 31% compared to no change in the group receiving usual care (p = 0.046). Initial analysis of neuropsychiatric symptoms indicates a non‐significant improvement in the intervention group compared to those receiving usual care.

Conclusion

The current RCT using an online programme with live virtual coaching delivered through a Dementia Champion achieved better than 50% engagement, which compares favourably with previous studies of digital interventions in other therapeutic areas. The intervention also achieved significant reductions in antipsychotic use without any worsening of neuropsychiatric symptoms, and provides an important potential approach to safely reducing the rise in antipsychotic use in nursing home residents with dementia that has become a major challenge during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
A Drosophila ortholog of Toll‐like receptors modulates c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase signaling and protects against tau‐mediated neurodegeneration independent of innate immune response
Authors: Sakakibara Yasufumi , Yamashiro Risa , Chikamatsu Sachie , Tsubokawa Yoko , Nishijima Risa , Takei Kimi , Sekiya Michiko , Iijima Koichi M.
Published: December 2022

Background

Innate immunity is dysregulated in aging and neurodegenerative diseases, and Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) play a central role in innate immune response. Nine Toll family receptors (Toll‐1 to Toll‐9) exist in Drosophila, and Toll‐9 is structurally most closely related to mammalian TLRs such as TLR1, 2, 6, 10. However, physiological roles of Toll‐9 in innate immunity and neurodegeneration are largely unknown. In this study, we examined roles of Toll‐9 in fly brains under neurodegenerative conditions.

Method

We systematically investigated potential roles of Toll‐9 in the maintenance of the brain integrity under neurodegenerative conditions, using Drosophila models of acute axon injury and human tau‐mediated neurodegeneration.

Result

Expression level of Toll‐9 was very low in brains under normal condition but was dramatically increased upon acute nerve injury, suggesting a potential role of Toll‐9 in neurodegeneration. Innate immune response including induction of antimicrobial peptides and glial phagocytic activity of degenerating neurons were activated by nerve injury in fly brains, though Toll‐9 knockout did not affect these responses. Interestingly, however, Toll‐9 knockout significantly impaired activation of stress signaling cascades including c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase pathway. To ask whether Toll‐9 modify severity of neurodegeneration, we employed a fly model of tauopathy and found that Toll‐9 knockdown significantly exacerbated axon degeneration accompanied by pathological tau phosphorylation.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that Drosophila Toll‐9 confers neuroprotective effects through activation of stress kinase signaling independent of induction of innate immune genes, which may provide insights into the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases.
Neuropathology of a patient with AD treated with low doses of verubecestat
Authors: Lleó Alberto
Published: December 2022

Background

BACE‐1 inhibition in humans is limited by the existence of cognitive adverse effects. Understanding the specific effects of these compounds on brain histopathology is key to refining this drug target.

Methods

neuropathological examination of a patient with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) treated for 38 months with low doses of the BACE‐1 inhibitor verubecestat.

Results

brain examination showed small plaque size, reduced dystrophic neurites around plaques and reduced synaptic‐associated Aβ compared with a group of age‐matched untreated AD cases.

Conclusion

although the overall findings were mild, our findinds suggest that BACE‐1 inhibition has an impact on synaptic soluble Aβ accumulation. We will discuss the implications for future trials.
β‐secretase inhibition prevents structural spine plasticity deficits in AppNL‐G‐F mice
Authors: Herms Jochen
Published: December 2022

Background

BACE1‐inhibitor trials for the treatment of Alzheimer´s Disease (AD) have failed due to insufficient efficacy or side effects like cognitive worsening. However, the scientific evidence to date suggests that BACE1‐inhibition could be an effective preventative measure if applied early enough and in the correct dose. Preclinical studies have associated strong BACE1‐inhibition with decreased dendritic spine density in the cerebral cortex of wildtype mice (GFP‐M) only.

Method

We investigated dose‐dependent effects of BACE1‐inhibition on hippocampal dendritic spine dynamics in the APP knock‐in mouse line for the first time. We conducted in vivo two‐photon microscopy in the stratum oriens of hippocampal CA1 neurons in 3.5‐month‐old AppNL‐G‐FGFP‐M mice over 6 weeks to monitor the effect of Bace1 inhibition (NB‐360) in low and high doses on dendritic spine plasticity.

Results

Structural spine plasticity is already impaired in CA1 neurons in untreated AppNL‐G‐F mice of this early age. Interestingly, prolonged high‐dose but not low‐dose BACE1‐inhibition was found to enhance spine formation and did not cause spine loss as observed in wildtype control mice.

Conclusion

In an early stage of amyloid pathology in a transgenic beta‐amyloid mouse model, BACE1‐inhibition successfully holds the progressive changes in dendritic spine plasticity in hippocampal CA1 neurons.
The Alzheimer's Association Appropriate Use Recommendations for Blood Biomarkers in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Hansson Oskar , Edelmayer Rebecca M. , Boxer Adam L. , Carrillo Maria C. , Mielke Michelle M , Rabinovici Gil D. , Salloway Stephen P. , Sperling Reisa A. , Zetterberg Henrik , Teunissen Charlotte E.
Published: December 2022

Background

Blood‐based markers (BBMs) have recently showed promise to revolutionize the diagnostic and prognostic work‐up of Alzheimer's disease (AD), as well as to improve the design of interventional trials.

Method

Here we discuss in detail further research needed to be performed before widespread use of BBMs.

Result

We already now recommend use of BBMs as (pre‐)screeners to identify individuals likely to have AD pathological changes for inclusion in trials evaluating disease‐modifying therapies, provided the AD status is confirmed with positron emission tomography (PET) or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing. We also encourage studying longitudinal BBM changes in ongoing as well as future interventional trials. However, BBMs should not yet be used as primary endpoints in pivotal trials. Further, we recommend to cautiously start using BBMs in specialized memory clinics as part of the diagnostic work‐up of patients with cognitive symptoms and the results should be confirmed whenever possible with CSF or PET. Additional data are needed before use of BBMs as stand‐alone diagnostic AD markers, or before considering use in primary care.

Conclusion

We recommend use of AD‐associated BBMs as (pre‐)screeners in trials and cautious introduction of BBMs in clinical practice, provided AD status in confirmed whenever possible using CSF or PET. We summarize prioritized research needed to be performed before widespread use of AD‐associated BBMs in clinical trials and practice, including different types of preanalytical, analytical and real‐world clinical studies.
Esterification of tripalmitin using calcined scallop shell as a heterogeneous basic catalyst
Authors: Maruyama Hideo , Seki Hideshi
Published: December 2022

Calcined waste scallop shell (Patinopecten yessoensis) was used as a basic heterogeneous solid catalyst for the transesterification of tripalmitin as a model triglyceride for assuming biodiesel production. The scallop shell was pulverized and calcined at 900 and 1000°C for 4 h. Calcined reagent calcium carbonate was also used as a control catalyst. The transesterification experiments were carried out at 30°C with varying catalyst dosage and calcination conditions. In the most experimental condition, the yield reached ~90% within 8–10 h. The overall reaction rate constant, k, was determined by simple first‐order reaction kinetics. The calcined catalyst was characterized using SEM, EDS, and XRD analysis. The number of basic active sites on the surface was determined by titration with benzoic acid. A linear relationship between k and the number of the basic active sites was obtained. The time course of the concentration of the products could be estimated using this relationship.
Mediation of the Same Epigenetic and Transcriptional Effect by Independent Osteoarthritis Risk–Conferring Alleles on a Shared Target Gene, COLGALT2
Authors: Kehayova Yulia S. , Wilkinson J. Mark , Rice Sarah J. , Loughlin John
Published: December 2022

Objective

Over 100 DNA variants have been associated with osteoarthritis (OA), including rs1046934, located within a linkage disequilibrium block encompassing part of COLGALT2 and TSEN15. The present study was undertaken to determine the target gene(s) and the mechanism of action of the OA locus using human fetal cartilage, cartilage from OA and femoral neck fracture arthroplasty patients, and a chondrocyte cell model.

Methods

Genotyping and methylation array data of DNA from human OA cartilage samples (n = 87) were used to determine whether the rs1046934 genotype is associated with differential DNA methylation at proximal CpGs. Results were replicated in DNA from human arthroplasty (n = 132) and fetal (n = 77) cartilage samples using pyrosequencing. Allelic expression imbalance (AEI) measured the effects of genotype on COLGALT2 and TSEN15 expression. Reporter gene assays and epigenetic editing determined the functional role of regions harboring differentially methylated CpGs. In silico analyses complemented these experiments.

Results

Three differentially methylated CpGs residing within regulatory regions were detected in the human OA cartilage array data, and 2 of these were replicated in human arthroplasty and fetal cartilage. AEI was detected for COLGALT2 and TSEN15, with associations between expression and methylation for COLGALT2. Reporter gene assays confirmed that the CpGs are in chondrocyte enhancers, with epigenetic editing results directly linking methylation with COLGALT2 expression.

Conclusion

COLGALT2 is a target of this OA locus. We previously characterized another OA locus, marked by rs11583641, that independently targets COLGALT2. The genotype of rs1046934, like rs11583641, mediates its effect by modulating expression of COLGALT2 via methylation changes to CpGs located in enhancers. Although the single‐nucleotide polymorphisms, CpGs, and enhancers are distinct between the 2 independent OA risk loci, their effect on COLGALT2 is the same. COLGALT2 is the target of independent OA risk loci sharing a common mechanism of action.
From Battery Manufacturing to Smart Grids: Towards a Metaverse for the Energy Sciences
Authors: Franco Alejandro A. , Loup‐Escande Emilie , Loiseaux Goran , Chotard Jean‐Noël , Zapata‐Dominguez Diana , Ciger Jan , Leclere Aubin , Denisart Lucie , Lelong Romain
Published: December 2022

Invited for this month's cover picture is the work from Prof. Alejandro A. Franco's group at the Université de Picardie Jules Verne. The front cover shows three screenshots of the reported virtual reality digital twin of a battery manufacturing pilot line, designed as an educative game to engage students and the general public on battery sciences. Read the full text of the Concept at 10.1002/batt.202200369.
Ten‐year outcomes of whole‐pelvic intensity‐modulated radiation therapy for prostate cancer with regional lymph node metastasis
Authors: Nakamura Kiyonao , Norihisa Yoshiki , Ikeda Itaru , Inokuchi Haruo , Aizawa Rihito , Kamoto Toshiyuki , Kamba Tomomi , Inoue Takahiro , Yamasaki Toshinari , Akamatsu Shusuke , Kobayashi Takashi , Ogawa Osamu , Mizowaki Takashi
Published: December 2022

Background

Management of pelvic node‐positive prostate cancer has been challenging and controversial. We conducted a study to evaluate the outcomes of whole‐pelvic (WP) simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) combined with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

Methods

A total of 67 consecutive patients with cT1c‐4N1M0 prostate cancer were definitively treated by WP SIB‐IMRT. Neoadjuvant ADT (median: 8.3 months) was administered in all cases. WP SIB‐IMRT was designed to simultaneously deliver 78, 66.3, and 58.5 Gy in 39 fractions to the prostate plus seminal vesicles, metastatic lymph nodes (LNs), and the pelvic LN region, respectively. Adjuvant ADT (median: 24.7 months) was administered in 66 patients.

Results

The median follow‐up period was 81.6 months (range: 30.5–160.7). Biochemical relapse‐free, overall, and prostate cancer‐specific survival rates at 10 years were 59.8%, 79.6%, and 86.3%, respectively. Loco‐regional recurrence was not observed. Being in International Society of Urological Pathology grade group 5 and having a posttreatment detectable nadir prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level (≥0.010 ng/ml) were significantly associated with worse prostate cancer‐specific survival and progression of castration resistance. The 10‐year cumulative incidence rates of grade 2 and 3 late toxicities were, respectively, 1.5% and 0% for genitourinary, 0% and 1.5% for gastrointestinal events. No grade 4 acute or late toxicities were observed.

Conclusions

WP SIB‐IMRT can be safely administered to patients with pelvic node‐positive prostate cancer. Since grade group 5 and detectable nadir PSA levels are risks for castration resistance, we may need to increase the intensity of treatment for such cases.
IGFL2‐AS1‐induced suppression of HIF‐1α degradation promotes cell proliferation and invasion in colorectal cancer by upregulating CA9
Authors: Qin Mengdi , Liu Qiang , Yang Wei , Wang Qiaofeng , Xiang Zheng
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The lncRNA IGFL2‐AS1 is a known cancer‐promoting factor in colorectal cancer (CRC); nonetheless, the mechanism of its carcinogenic effects has not yet been elucidated. This study elaborated on the role and underlying molecular mechanism of IGFL2‐AS1 in promoting CRC cell functions.

Methods

IGLF2‐AS1 expression levels in CRC tissue/normal tissue and CRC cell line/normal colon epithelial cell line were detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Cell counting kit‐8, colony formation assay, and EdU assay were performed to assess the effect of IGFL2‐AS1 knockdown or overexpression on the proliferative capacity of CRC cells. The migration and invasion abilities of LoVo cells were measured using transwell assay. The expression relationship between IGFL2‐AS1 and carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9) and the CA9 expression level in CRC tissues and cells was verified by transcriptome sequencing, western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining. Treatment with MG132 and cycloheximide was utilized to explore the mechanism by which IGFL2‐AS1 affects the hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α)/CA9 pathway. A nude mouse xenograft model was constructed to evaluate the effect of IGFL2‐AS1 on CRC growth in vivo.

Results

We discovered that IGFL2‐AS1 was highly upregulated in CRC tumor tissues and cells. IGFL2‐AS1 can functionally promote CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and accelerate CRC occurrence in vivo. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that IGFL2‐AS1 upregulated the CA9 level by affecting the degradation pathway of HIF‐1α, which elucidates its pro‐proliferative effect in CRC. The lncRNA IGFL2‐AS1 mediated the inhibition of HIF‐1α degradation in CRC and increased CA9 expression, thereby promoting CRC progression.

Conclusion

Our findings suggested that IGFL2‐AS1 is expected to be a promising new diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for CRC.
Fat‐poor leiomyomatous angiomyolipoma arising from renal parenchyma negative for HMB‐45: A case report
Authors: Kobayashi Yasuyuki , Shimizu Shigeki , Arai Hiroki , Yoshida Kyotaro , Honda Masahito
Published: December 2022

Fat‐poor leiomyomatous angiomyolipoma, which is similar to smooth muscle tumors, is positive for smooth muscle markers and melanocytic marker human melanin black 45 (HMB‐45). We report a case of fat‐poor leiomyomatous angiomyolipoma arising from renal parenchyma negative for HMB‐45 diagnosed by combined staining with melanocytic markers HMB‐45 and Melan‐A.
Neurologic complications of breast cancer
Authors: Atkins Sarah L. P. , Zimmer Alexandra S.
Published: December 2022

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with unique neurologic complications that can arise from central nervous system (CNS) involvement or secondary to treatments themselves. As progress is made, with more targeted therapies and combinations available, particularly in the realm of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐positive disease, the role of these new agents in patients with CNS disease is gradually evolving, although intracranial efficacy itself is lagging. At the same time, both systemic and local standard therapies pose clinical challenges regarding neurologic complications, such as peripheral neuropathy and cognitive changes. The development of new agents, such as immunotherapy, and new strategies, such as incorporating systemic therapies into local therapy, unveil new presentations of neurological complications.
Cover Image
Authors: Chen Yun , Yang Jianming , Yu Luwen , Westland Stephen , Wang Haina
Published: December 2022

The cover image is based on the Research Article The multiple characteristics of specific associations from words to colors by Yun Chen et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/col.22827

image
A body‐driven rail‐to‐rail 0.3 V operational transconductance amplifier exploiting current gain stages
Authors: Della Sala Riccardo , Centurelli Francesco , Monsurrò Pietro , Scotti Giuseppe , Trifiletti Alessandro
Published: December 2022

This paper presents a novel topology of ultra‐low voltage (ULV) operational transconductance amplifier (OTA), which exploits several design techniques to achieve high efficiency, symmetrical slew rate, good linearity, and robustness in spite of ultra‐low voltage operation. Simulations in a commercial 130‐nm CMOS technology with 0.3‐V supply voltage show the best reported small‐signal figure‐of‐merit among 0.3‐V OTAs, with a dc gain of 56.2 dB, a unity‐gain frequency of 26.2 kHz over a 150‐pF load capacitor, and a power consumption of 139.5 nW. A symmetrical slew rate of about 3.2 V/ms is achieved, and results are consistent under process, supply voltage and temperature variations, and device mismatches.
Enhancing voltage regulation using 5‐level TCHB based DVR in radial secondary distribution feeder system
Authors: Manmadha Rao Singamasetty , Satputaley Rajshree Jithendra , Patne Nita R. , Raghava Bathula Venkata Surya
Published: December 2022

The voltage quality issues shows the significant effect on the performance of radial secondary distribution feeder. This paper aims to enhance the voltage regulation of radial secondary distribution feeder system using 5‐level TCHB inverter based dynamic voltage restorer. Series voltage drop is the major factor causes poor voltage regulation. A 5‐level TCHB inverter based DVR is used to inject the same amount of voltage dropped by series impedance. The DVR injects voltage with proper magnitude, phase and frequency with the proposed single phase PLL based SRF control circuitry. This enhances the voltage regulation by maintaining the load voltage at its rated value. Both the simulation and hardware results shows the enhancement of voltage regulation with mitigation using DVR.
3D technology has many uses in higher education instruction
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: December 2022

The first time I saw a computer I was 10 years old. My father was a comptroller for a wholesale distribution company. While visiting him at work, I was able to enter the computer room. The entire room was the computer. I'm sure many of you remember the old, huge mainframe computers. My dad would give us boxes of used punch cards to play office and school.
Review examples of international higher education collaboration and innovation
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: December 2022

“At a time of crisis, the need for international partnership and collaboration are all the greater to address common challenges.”

— Jan Wopking, Managing Director of German U15
Transient electrophoresis of a spherical colloidal particle with a slip surface
Authors: Ohshima Hiroyuki
Published: December 2022

We derive the general expression for the transient electrophoretic mobility of a spherical colloidal particle with a slip surface in an electrolyte solution. From the general mobility expression, we derive an analytic mobility expression, which is applicable for low particle zeta potentials and arbitrary Debye length. This expression corresponds to the time‐dependent transient Henry function.
Observations and modeling of shear stress reduction and sediment flux within sparse dune grass canopies on managed coastal dunes
Authors: Dickey John , Wengrove Meagan , Cohn Nicholas , Ruggiero Peter , Hacker Sally D.
Published: December 2022

Wind flow over coastal foredunes adapts to vegetation, resulting in spatial gradients in bed shear stresses that contribute to the formation of localized bedforms. Understanding, and having the capability to numerically predict, the distribution of sediment deposited within sparsely vegetated dune complexes is critical for quantifying the ecological, protective, and economic benefits of dune management activities. Data from wind tunnel experiments have indicated that there is a spatial lag from the canopy leading edge to a downwind location where sediment deposition first occurs. The length scale of this deposition lag is further quantified here using new field measurements of aeolian sediment transport across sparsely vegetated managed dune systems in Oregon, USA. We develop a deposition lag length scale parameter using both lab and this new field data and then incorporate this parameter into the process‐based aeolian sediment transport model, Aeolis, which also includes a new far‐field shear stress coupler. Results from numerical simulations suggest that the spatial deposition lag effect is significant for model skill in sparsely vegetated dunes. We observe with field and laboratory observations that, as canopy density increases, the length of the deposition lag decreases. As such, within the model framework the implementation of the deposition lag length does not affect the results of models of coastal dune geomorphological evolution within higher density canopies. Dune canopy density can vary due to natural (e.g., storm overwash, burial, die‐off) or anthropogenic (e.g., managed plantings, dune grading) processes.
Thermophysical studies, corrosion analysis, and discharging characteristics of lauryl alcohol/lauric acid eutectic mixture as a potential phase change material for human comfort applications
Authors: Vadakkan Sharooque , M. T. Abhijith , Sreekumar A.
Published: December 2022

Climate change has been identified as the greatest threat of the 21st century. Recently, many cities around the world recorded their highest ever temperatures as a result of heat waves, negatively impacting several communities and livelihoods. Due to this warmer environment around the world, there has been a tremendous increase in cooling energy requirements in the last decade, particularly for human thermal comfort. It is critical to accelerate studies based on latent heat storage systems for personal comfort applications such as cooling vests that can maintain the human body temperature at a comfortable level in hot climates, which will eventually reduce the dependency of fossil fuel based energy resources to a certain extent. The purpose of this study is to conduct a thorough examination of the thermophysical properties of a eutectic phase change material (PCM) developed, which is comprised of lauryl alcohol and lauric acid, as a viable contender for human cooling applications. The melting temperature and latent heat of fusion of the eutectic combination were discovered to be 13.13°C and 164.23 J g−1, respectively, via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Four important thermophysical properties: thermal cycling, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermal conductivity studies were conducted, and the results obtained ascertain the material's suitability for the intended application. Based on corrosion studies, stainless steel and aluminum are particularly suited for fabricating the metal containers for the developed PCM. The results of the discharging studies of the chosen PCM in the vapor absorption refrigeration chamber appear promising as well.
An Ecostructural Lens for Health Ethics
Authors: Eckenwiler Lisa
Published: December 2022

In this commentary, I describe an ecostructural approach to health ethics, which is grounded in a conception of people as ecological subjects and privileges place in supporting health and health justice. This approach sees people as dwelling in health ecosystems that can support or undermine health, and it situates us in social norms and processes, with a particular concern for structural health injustice. In patient care, an ecostructural approach can be operationalized by attending to conditions in the sites where birthing, healing, and dying take place and by critiquing their economic structures. For public health, relationships between people, animals, land, the built environment, and climate demand attention, as do racist norms and economic processes that thwart health justice. For global health, an ecostructural approach might envision a revolution in governance that challenges nationalism, in which health systems treat citizens while depending on human resources supplied through structures that sustain health injustice.
Stories and Shame in Front‐Line Medicine
Authors: Frank Arthur W.
Published: December 2022

This review of Jay Baruch's Tornado of Life: A Doctor's Journey through Constraints and Creativity in the ER considers the book's contributions, including its explorations of the clinical dilemma of working with patients’ stories that are fragmented, how easily clinicians can miss crucial parts of patients’ stories and how that affects care, and the “agonizing compromises” between what patients need and what institutions can provide. Baruch acknowledges, without any self‐indulgence, the shame that his work causes him, given the limitations of what he can do.
A case study of an academic‐stakeholder partnership: Evaluation of the ‘10 000 Lives’ smoking cessation health promotion program
Authors: Khan Arifuzzaman , Green Kalie , Khandaker Gulam , Lawler Sheleigh , Gartner Coral
Published: December 2022

Issue Addressed

In Australia, smoking prevalence is higher in regional areas than in metropolitan cities; Central Queensland, a central‐east district of Queensland, has substantially higher smoking rates than the state average. In November 2017, Central Queensland Public Health Unit (CQPHU) launched the ‘10 000 Lives’ initiative to reduce the smoking prevalence in the region. The initiative partnered with local hospitals and community organisations to increase the uptake of interventions like Quitline in the region. Evaluating a program like ‘10 000 Lives’ is critical for evidence‐based health promotion practice. CQPHU partnered with a large metropolitan Australian university to evaluate the ‘10 000 Lives’ through a scheme that provided a stipend for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) student.

Methods

This narrative report describes the experience of evaluating ‘10 000 Lives’ in a collaborative partnership between CQPHU and the public health academia.

Results

A PhD student was recruited to join this collaboration, and both developed a program logic model and completed a process and impact evaluation. This evaluation provided an ideal ‘living’ case study to embed in the Master of Public Health curriculum and provided the PhD student with teaching experience delivering a demonstration of public health in practice.

Conclusion

The collaboration project was highly successful, exemplifying research, learning and practical integration for all partners.

So What?

The partnership demonstrated how universities can work with government health agencies to build practice‐based evidence, and importantly give public health students authentic learning opportunities.
Retrospective multicenter registry for endovascular treatment with newer devices in over 25‐cm femoropopliteal artery disease: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Horie Kazunori , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Nakama Tatsuya , Tanaka Akiko , Tobita Kazuki , Hayakawa Naoki , Mori Shinsuke , Iwata Yo , Suzuki Kenji
Published: December 2022

Background and Aims

Endovascular therapy (EVT) is recommended in femoropopliteal (FP) lesions shorter than 25 cm by current guidelines; however, diffuse FP lesions remains challenging for EVT. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of EVT with the latest devices for FP lesions longer than 25 cm.

Methods

This retrospective multicenter registry analyzed patients presented peripheral artery disease (PAD) having FP lesions longer than 25 cm who underwent EVT using the latest devices between 2017 and 2021. The primary outcome was restenosis 1 year after EVT.

Results

The present study enrolled a total of 504 PAD patients with 614 lesions undergoing EVT for diffuse FP lesions. The Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the rates of freedom from restenosis and clinically‐driven target lesion revascularization were 79.3% and 82.4% 1 year after EVT, respectively. The multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that clinical features associated independently with restenosis risk were cilostazol use (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.49 [0.32–0.74]; p = 0.001), reference vessel diameter (RVD) (0.72 [0.58–0.89] per 1‐mm increase; p = 0.002), and P3 segment involvement (2.08 [1.33–3.26]; p = 0.001). The Kaplan–Meier analysis was conducted to compare the primary patency between cases with and without a small RVD, P3 involvement, and/or lack of cilostazol; any risk factors were related to a worse primary patency rate, compared with cases without risk factors.

Conclusion

In the current EVT era, the primary patency at 1 year was acceptable at 79.3% in patients with FP lesions longer than 25 cm. A small vessel and P3 segment involvement might be associated with a poor 1‐year patency rate after EVT, whereas cilostazol administration might contribute to reducing restenosis.
Spatiotemporal evolution of aeolian dust in China: An insight into the synoptic records of 1984–2020 and nationwide practices to combat desertification
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Xiao , Lei Jia‐Qiang , Wu Shi‐Xin , Li Sheng‐Yu , Liu Lian‐You , Wang Zi‐Fa , Huang Shuang‐Yan , Guo Yu‐Hong , Wang Yong‐Dong , Tang Xiao , Zhou Jie
Published: December 2022

Aeolian dust is closely related to land degradation, desertification, and sand and dust storm weather, and is a significant factor influencing the Earth's biogeochemical cycles. Here we present an investigation of the recent synoptic features of atmospheric dust in China and analyze its spatiotemporal change based upon meteorological observation data and satellite products. It shows that aeolian dust frequency in China has decreased gradually from 1984 to 2020. The outbreak frequency of dust storms declined significantly by 97.7%, followed by severe dust storm, dust in suspension, and blowing dust with 88.8%, 75%, and 64.3% reduction, respectively. The main dust sources influencing China are the Mongolian Gobi Desert, the Taklimakan Desert, the Hexi Corridor, the Alxa Plateau Desert, the Qaidam basin Desert, and the northeast‐southwest stretching semiarid farming‐pasture ecotone. Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) and Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) may play an important role in teleconnection with aeolian dust event occurrence in China. Their correlation coefficients are −0.6 and 0.37, respectively. For more than 40 years, China has made huge investments in ecological restoration projects, and enacted national policies and laws to mitigate desertification. Significant environmental improvement has consequently ensued in China in the early 21st century, and the aeolian dust events were reduced to a record minimum in 2020. In contrast to the growing nationwide greenness, China is now facing up to an incremental dust risk generated from extraterritorial source regions such as the Mongolian Gobi Desert and Central Asian desiccated salt lakes.
Establishing a Cystic Fibrosis Learning Network: Interventions to promote collaboration and data‐driven improvement at scale
Authors: Ong Thida , Albon Dana , Amin Raouf S. , Bailey Julianna , Bandla Srujana , Britto Maria T. , Flath Jonathan , Gamel Breck , Powers Michael , Sabadosa Kathryn A. , Saulitis Anna K. , Thomas Lacrecia K. , Thurmond Sophia , Seid Michael ,   the Cystic Fibrosis Learning Network
Published: December 2022

Introduction

A learning health network is a type of learning health system in which stakeholders use network organization to improve health and health care. Building on existing resources in the cystic fibrosis (CF) community, the Cystic Fibrosis Learning Network (CFLN) was designed to improve medical outcomes and quality of life through an intentional focus on achieving reliable evidence‐based chronic care delivery and creating a system for data‐driven collaborative learning.

Methods

We describe the development and growth of the CFLN considering six domains of a Network Maturity Grid: system leadership; governance and policy management; quality improvement (QI); engagement and community building; data and analytics; and research. We illustrate the impact of the CFLN experience on chronic care processes and indicators of collaborative infrastructure.

Results

The CFLN represents 36 accredited care centers in the CF Foundation Care Center Network caring for over 6300 patients. Of 6779 patient clinical care visits/quarter, 77% are entered into the CF Foundation Patient Registry within 30 days, providing timely means to track outcomes. Collaborative visit planning is occurring in 93% of clinical care visits to share agenda setting with patients and families. Almost all CFLN teams (94%, n = 34) have a patient/family partner (PFP), and 74% of PFPs indicate they are actively participating, taking ownership of, or leading QI initiatives with the interdisciplinary care team. In 2022, 97% of centers reported completing 1–13 improvement cycles per month, and 82% contributed to monthly QI progress reports to share learning.

Conclusion

The CFLN is a maturing, collaborative infrastructure. CFLN centers practice at an advanced level of coproduction. The CFLN fosters interdisciplinary and PFP leadership and the performance of consistent data‐driven improvement cycles. CFLN centers are positioned to respond to rapid changes in evidence‐based care and advance the practice of QI and implementation science on a broader scale.
Ex vivo 100 μm isotropic diffusion MRI‐based tractography of connectivity changes in the end‐stage R6/2 mouse model of Huntington's disease
Authors: Manivannan Ashwinee , Foley Lesley M. , Hitchens T. Kevin , Rattray Ivan , Bates Gillian P. , Modo Michel
Published: December 2022

Background

Huntington's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Brain atrophy, as measured by volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is a downstream consequence of neurodegeneration, but microstructural changes within brain tissue are expected to precede this volumetric decline. The tissue microstructure can be assayed non‐invasively using diffusion MRI, which also allows a tractographic analysis of brain connectivity.

Methods

We here used ex vivo diffusion MRI (11.7 T) to measure microstructural changes in different brain regions of end‐stage (14 weeks of age) wild type and R6/2 mice (male and female) modeling Huntington's disease. To probe the microstructure of different brain regions, reduce partial volume effects and measure connectivity between different regions, a 100 μm isotropic voxel resolution was acquired.

Results

Although fractional anisotropy did not reveal any difference between wild‐type controls and R6/2 mice, mean, axial, and radial diffusivity were increased in female R6/2 mice and decreased in male R6/2 mice. Whole brain streamlines were only reduced in male R6/2 mice, but streamline density was increased. Region‐to‐region tractography indicated reductions in connectivity between the cortex, hippocampus, and thalamus with the striatum, as well as within the basal ganglia (striatum—globus pallidus—subthalamic nucleus—substantia nigra—thalamus).

Conclusions

Biological sex and left/right hemisphere affected tractographic results, potentially reflecting different stages of disease progression. This proof‐of‐principle study indicates that diffusion MRI and tractography potentially provide novel biomarkers that connect volumetric changes across different brain regions. In a translation setting, these measurements constitute a novel tool to assess the therapeutic impact of interventions such as neuroprotective agents in transgenic models, as well as patients with Huntington's disease.
Validation of the humour styles questionnaire in healthcare professionals
Authors: Leñero‐Cirujano Miriam , Torres‐González Juan Ignacio , González‐Ordi Héctor , Gómez‐Higuera Jacinto , Moro‐Tejedor Mª Nieves
Published: December 2022

Aim

The aim of this study is to determine the reliability and validity of the Humour Styles Questionnaire (HSQ) in a sample of Spanish healthcare professionals.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The version of HSQ translated into Spanish by Cayssials and Pérez was used to validate on a sample of healthcare professionals (N = 250). The reliability analysed the Crombach's α coefficient and Pearson's correlation coefficient between the factors and the total scale score. The Exploratory Factor Analysis was carried out with Kaiser's criteria for the extraction of factors with Varimax rotation.

Results

HSQ in this study sample reproduced the similar structure of the original version with four factors (affiliative, self‐enhancing, aggressive and self‐defeating humour). These factors explained 44.46% of the total variance and Cronbach's ranged from 0.64–0.79. Global HSQ scale reliability was 0.82.

Conclusion

The HSQ is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing humour in healthcare professionals.
Risk factors for cannabis use disorders and cannabis psychosis in Japan: Second report of a survey on cannabis‐related health problems among community cannabis users using social networking services
Authors: Masataka Yuji , Sugiyama Takeshi , Akahoshi Yoshiyuki , Matsumoto Toshihiko
Published: December 2022

Aim

To determine the risk factors for cannabis use disorders and cannabis psychosis in Japan based on a 2021 online survey among Japanese users of social network services.

Methods

The 3142 respondents who had used cannabis within the preceding year were categorized into two groups based on the development of cannabis use disorder and/or cannabis psychosis. Analyses were performed to determine these conditions' risk factors.

Results

Multivariate analysis revealed that factors significantly associated with cannabis use disorders were “cannabis‐use initiation at a young age” (p = 0.004, OR: 0.951, 95% CI [0.920–0.984]), “family history of mental health problems” (p < 0.001, OR: 1.988, 95% CI [1.545–2.556]), “psychiatric disorders preceding cannabis use” (p = 0.039, OR: 1.672, 95% CI [1.026–2.722]), and “use of cannabis products other than dry flower” (p < 0.001, OR: 2.725, 95% CI [1.844–4.026]). Factors significantly associated with cannabis psychosis were “cannabis‐use initiation at a young age” (p = 0.011, OR: 0.888, 95% CI [0.811–0.973]) and “family history of mental health problems” (p = 0.002, OR: 2.531, 95% CI [1.400–4. 576]).

Conclusion

Risk factors for problematic cannabis use were cannabis initiation at a young age, pre‐cannabis psychiatric disorders, family history of mental health problems, and the use of cannabis products other than dry flower. However, the causal relationship among these factors remains ambivalent.
Key marketing takeaways from HighEdWeb 2022
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: December 2022

Fresh from Little Rock, Arkansas, for the 2022 Higher Education Web Professionals annual conference (affectionately known as HighEdWeb), I'm inspired and motivated by learning from colleagues from across the country. For this month's marketing column, I thought I'd share some highlights of what I learned at this three‐day event.
Heed OCR's guidance to prevent discrimination related to pregnancy
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: December 2022

Following a general uptick in complaints of pregnancy‐related discrimination submitted to the Office for Civil Rights, a new resource clarifies the legal responsibilities of colleges and universities in this area. The recently published document provides guidance for avoiding discrimination involving pregnancy and related conditions under Title IX (bit.ly/3TsbJHm).
Long‐term programs helped boost applications, spur enrollment
Authors: D'Orio Wayne
Published: December 2022

When Scott Verzyl joined the University of South Carolina in 2004, the school's goals were clear but wide‐ranging. The public university wanted to grow its enrollment, increase applicants from both in‐state and out of state, and improve the profile of the student body.
A conceptual density functional theory approach to substituent effects in fluorescence processes: The case of naphthalimide derivatives
Authors: Piedras Alejandro , Carmona‐Espíndola Javier , Arroyo Rubén , Gázquez José L.
Published: December 2022

The theoretical framework of conceptual density functional theory is applied to the study of molecular excitations by considering that the differences between the ground and excited state electronic densities may be treated as if they were the consequence of intramolecular charge transfer processes. Through this approach, it is found that the hardness is directly related with the absorption and emission energies, and that the dual descriptor provides a description of the regions of the molecule where charge is added or removed, that in its condensed form leads to an estimation of the effective charge involved in the excitation. All this chemically significative information is then used to analyze the effects of the substituent in the fluorescence of naphthalimide derivatives.
Radio interface protocols and radio resource management procedures for 5G new radio non‐terrestrial networks
Authors: Määttänen Helka‐Liina , Sedin Jonas , Parolari Sergio , Karlsson Robert S.
Published: December 2022

In Release 17, 3GPP introduced adaptations and enhancements to the 5G new radio (NR) specification to support non‐terrestrial networks (NTNs) operation. The main challenges were due to long propagation delays, especially in GEO deployments, and the movement of the satellites in LEO deployments. In this paper, we give an overview of the protocol adaptations to support NTNs. The main user plane protocol adaptations include changes to random access and hybrid automatic repeat request to due long propagation delays. The control plane protocol adaptations include a variety of mobility related enhancements for user equipment.
Did court dismiss student's Title IX lawsuit claiming college's deliberate indifference?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: December 2022

Spelman College and Morehouse College are distinct historically Black colleges located on the same tract of property.
Multi‐Compartmentalized Cellulose Macrobead Catalysts for In Situ Organic Reaction in Aqueous Media
Authors: Park Daehwan , Osuji Chinedum O. , Kim Jin Woong
Published: December 2022

This study reports a promising approach to fabricate bacterial cellulose (BC)‐based macrobead catalysts with improved catalytic activities and recyclability for organic reactions in aqueous media. To this end, the consecutive extrusion and gelation of BC precursor fluids is conducted using a combined micronozzle device to compartmentalize the resulting BC macrobeads in a programmed manner. The use of BCs laden with Au and Pd nanoparticles (NPs), and Fe3O4 NPs led to the production of catalytically and magnetically compartmentalized BC macrobeads, respectively. Through the model reduction reaction of 4‐nitrophenol to 4‐aminophenol using NaBH4, it is finally demonstrated that the BC macrobead catalysts not only enhance catalytic activities while exhibiting high reaction yields (>99%) in aqueous media, but also repeatedly retrieve the products with ease in response to the applied magnetic field, enabling the establishment of a useful green catalyst platform.
Development of a Periodic Laminate Structure in H13 Steel Using Laser Powder Bed Fusion: Effects of Tempering on Hardness Evolution
Authors: Miyauchi Hajime , Matsumoto Hiroaki , Yokota Kozo
Published: December 2022

H13 steel with a sub‐millimeter‐order periodic laminate structure is fabricated using the laser powder bed fusion process by changing the input energy periodically, and the effect of heat treatment on the hardness distribution of the alloy is examined. When the as‐built specimen is directly tempered at 550 °C to induce secondary hardening, the hardness values at the matrix area of the specimen, which average 638 HV under the as‐built condition, increase to an average of 685 HV, whereas those of intermediate areas, which initially average 658 HV, reach an average hardness of 722 HV, which is higher than that of the matrix area even under the tempered condition. Consequently, the hardness distribution maintains the initial trend, wherein the hardness varies periodically depending on the area, exhibiting a shift toward higher hardness values under the tempered condition. The factors affecting the hardness and tempering behavior are investigated by analyzing the phase constituents and microstructural evolution. The tempered specimen comprises α′‐martensite, indicating that retained austenite present in the as‐built microstructure is almost completely decomposed. At the nanolevel, only V segregates at the lath boundaries under the as‐built condition, while various metallic carbides are formed at the lath boundaries after tempering.
Prepare to tackle academic misconduct in all its forms
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: December 2022

LAS VEGAS — Among today's college students, there's been a shift in perspective about what actually qualifies as cheating, according to Kathy Sulentic, Associate Director of Enforcement with the NCAA.