bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two‐day low‐dose dexamethasone suppression test more accurate than overnight 1‐mg in women taking oral contraceptives
Authors: Carton Tiphaine , Mathieu Elise , Wolff Fleur , Bouziotis Jason , Corvilain Bernard , Driessens Natacha
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Late‐night salivary cortisol (LSaC) and 24‐h urinary free cortisol measurement, and overnight 1‐mg dexamethasone suppression test (1 mg‐DST) are the first‐line screening tests recommended for Cushing's syndrome. Through elevations in the level of cortisol‐binding globulin, oral contraceptive agents lead to increases in the total plasma cortisol concentration, yielding false‐positive 1 mg‐DST results.

Objective

To compare the accuracy of the overnight 1‐mg DST and two‐day low‐dose DST (2d‐DST) in female volunteers taking combined oestrogen‐progestin oral contraceptives (COCs).

Methods

This prospective study enrolled 30 healthy participants. Their plasma cortisol response levels were compared after the 1‐mg DST and 2d‐DST and classified into three categories: normal (≤50 nmol/L), doubtful (51–138 nmol/L) and abnormal (>138 nmol/L). Salivary cortisol was also measured at late night and after the DSTs.

Results

Following the 1‐mg DST and 2d‐DST, the plasma cortisol concentrations decreased to a median of 69 nmol/L and 37 nmol/L, respectively (p < 0.001). A statistically significant higher proportion of unclear or abnormal results were observed after the 1‐mg DST (63%) than after the 2d‐DST (27%) (p = 0.004). None of the values were >138 nmol/L after the 2d‐DST, while 11% of them were abnormal after the 1‐mg DST (p = 0.25). No LSaC value was abnormal.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that, when late‐night salivary cortisol is not available, the 2d‐DST could be a better screening option than the 1‐mg DST for women taking oral contraceptive agents who are reluctant to stop them. This finding requires confirmation in those with a suspicion of hypercortisolism.
Inclusion Complex of Sea Buckthorn Fruit Oil with β‐Cyclodextrin: Preparation Characterization and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Liang Dongyi , Guo Juan , Guo Rui‐Xue , Bi Yongguang
Published: May 2021

This study aims to produce an inclusion complex between β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) and sea buckthorn fruit oil (SBFO) by using the saturated aqueous solution method and then to compare the resultant solution with the crude mixtures. In this study, the SBFO is extracted by Soxhlet extraction, which is optimized through the single‐factor test. The main constituent of the SBFO is identified by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), which confirms eight fatty acids. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis‐differential scanning calorimetry, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and the result‐characterized synthesized compounds confirm the formation of stable inclusion compounds by the SBFO with β‐CD. The yield values of the inclusion complex and the SBFO loading content are 64.87 ± 2.26% and 9.2 ± 1.58%, respectively. Comparing the crude fruit oil, β‐CD–SBFO, and saponified fruit oil reveals differences in their 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐pycrylhydrazyl and 2,2′‐azinobis‐(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonate) antioxidant activities. These findings suggest that the SBFO inclusion complex after β‐cyclodextrin is stabilized and is a good antioxidant. This solution improves the inadequacy of the water solution and the instability of the SBFO. This study also implies that β‐CD is a cost‐effective and straightforward carrier for extending the applications of SBFO as a food or medicinal additive.

Practical applications: In this experiment, the SBFO is converted from oil to powder to increase its efficacy as an additive to health and food products.
Efficient Access to Arylated Aza‐ullazines by Regioselective Functionalization of their Pyridine Ring by H−Li Exchange and Electrophilic Substitution
Authors: Ibrahim Dhuaou , Boulet Pascal , Gros Philippe C. , Pierrat Philippe
Published: May 2021

The regioselective functionalization of aza‐ullazines has been successfully realized for the first time by either metalation using BuLi‐containing aggregates (BuLi‐LiDMAE) or electrophilic substitution. Mono and di‐bromo‐derivatives were obtained in good to excellent yields and further successfully converted into aryl and alkynyl azaullazine derivatives by Suzuki and Sonogashira cross‐coupling reactions.
Synthesis and Racemization Studies of Winding Vine‐Shaped Biphenyl Derivatives
Authors: Hayashi Masayasu , Cheng Jiaqiang , Hosokawa Kohei , Hatta Takumi , Wang Chi‐Hsien , Horie Masaki , Okano Kentaro , Mori Atsunori
Published: May 2021

Winding vine‐shaped biphenyl derivatives were synthesized through the annulation reaction of nosylated (2‐nitrobenzenesulfonyl) ethylenediamine and the E‐selective ring‐closing metathesis reaction. The structures of the cyclized products were confirmed by measurements of 1H and 13C NMR spectra and single crystal X‐ray analyses. The obtained cyclic product was revealed to exhibit molecular asymmetry, which was confirmed by HPLC analyses on chiral stationary phase. Compared with our previous results on the related bithiophene derivatives, the obtained vine‐shaped biphenyls were shown to hardly racemize under ambient conditions and experimental studies on racemization behaviors suggested energy barriers of 134 kJmol−1 to 211 kJmol−1. These results reasonably agreed with those of the calculated values based on DFT.
Scalable Blade Coating: A Technique Accelerating the Commercialization of Perovskite‐Based Photovoltaics
Authors: Cheng Jian , Liu Fan , Tang Zhengqiang , Li Yuelong
Published: May 2021

Since the first report in 2009 with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.8%, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have become the hot research topic in the field of photovoltaics and rapidly achieved a certified PCE of 25.5% within just a decade. Compared to its counterparts such as single‐crystalline silicon solar cells or CIGS, PSCs present the obvious advantages of low cost and solution processability. However, the most efficient PSCs are mainly based on devices with an active area of less than 0.1 cm2 by a conventional spin‐coating method in the lab. To put forward the commercialization of PSCs, it is mandatorily required to manufacture a large‐scale PSC module with practical and scalable fabrication techniques. As one of the most viable and promising scalable techniques, the blade coating process with various types available (including doctor‐blade coating, slot‐die coating, roller coating) has been widely investigated due to many attractive merits of high PCE, easy operation, low cost with cheap facilities, and high materials utilization ratio. Herein, the challenges of fabricating large‐area PSCs and manipulation of film quality for highly efficient PSCs fabricated with blade coating are introduced and discussed.
Preparation of energy platform chemicals by hydrothermal conversion of citrus peel
Authors: Xu Hao , Zhao Yuan , Guan Yingsha , Wang Chenguang , Zhu Lingjun , Xiong Shanshan , Wang Shurong
Published: May 2021

In recent years, there has been a great interest in the conversion from agricultural waste to high value‐added chemicals. Citrus peel is a low‐cost and widely available waste resource that can be derived during citrus processing. In this study, we analyzed the composition of typical citrus peel and its hydrolysate. The hydrothermal conversion of citrus peel in different reaction conditions was also studied, and the optimum conditions for the preparation of levulinic acid and furfural were obtained. The maximum yield of levulinic acid was 21.9 wt% obtained in pure water, and the maximum yield of furfural was 9.1 wt% obtained in the water‐DMSO solvent mixture. With the increase in the reaction temperature, the yield of furfural decreased while the yield of levulinic acid increased.
Comparing the Impacts of Sediment-Spiked Cadmium on Chironomidae Larvae in Laboratory Bioassays and Field Microcosms and the Implications for Field Validation of Site-Specific Threshold Concentrations
Authors: Liu Zhihong , Zhang Chi , Xin Zhuohang , Tai Peidong , Song Changchun , Deng Xin
Published: May 2021

Information on the effects of pollutants in sediments at an ecosystem level to validate current and proposed risk-assessment procedures is scarce. The most frequent criticism of these procedures is that responses of surrogate species in the laboratory are not representative of responses of natural populations. A tiered approach using both laboratory and microcosm exposures (96-h and 21-d laboratory bioassays and a 3-mo field microcosm) was conducted to compare the impacts of sediment-spiked cadmium on the mortality, development, and abundance of Chironomidae larvae. The 96-h and 21-d lethal concentrations of sediment-spiked Cd to 50% of the species Chironomus riparius were estimated to be 201.07 and 172.66 mg/kg, respectively. In the 21-d laboratory bioassay, the endpoints, including the development rate and emergence ratio, were compared, and the lowest-observed-effect concentration (LOEC) values were 325.8 and 10.7 mg/kg, respectively. The abundance, richness, and biomass of field-collected larvae were compared among the different treatments in the field microcosm, and it was found that the order of sensitivities using different endpoints was biomass (2.6/5.2 mg/kg of no-observed-effect concentration/LOEC) > diversity (10.7/21.2 mg/kg) > abundance (41.2/82.7 mg/kg). The toxicity values based on lethal/sublethal changes in the laboratory bioassays might not fully protect field organisms against damage from chemicals, such as Cd, unless an assessment factor of 5 is used. These findings highlight the need to conduct field validation of criteria/guidelines before they are introduced to protect organisms/ecosystems in the field and provide a preliminary template for future field validation of criteria elsewhere. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2450–2462. © 2021 SETAC
Relative Cost and Post-Release Performance of Hatchery Catchable Rainbow Trout Grown to Two Target Sizes
Authors: Branigan Philip R , Meyer Kevin A , Cassinelli John D
Published: May 2021

Catchable-sized hatchery trout (hereafter, catchables) have become a staple component of many fisheries management programs throughout North America. Due to their size, catchables create immediate fisheries once they are stocked, and fisheries managers have gradually shifted towards stocking fewer, larger trout. However, the cost of growing larger fish may reduce the efficiencies of catchable stocking programs overall. We grew catchable-sized Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus  mykiss to two target average sizes (254 and 305 mm total length) at a production scale, while tracking feed expenditures to examine the costs and benefits associated with increased size-at-stocking. Although larger catchables cost 31% more in feed expenditures than those reared to a smaller average size, catch (by anglers) of larger fish increased by 100% relative to smaller fish. Consequently, if target stocking size was changed from 254 to 305 mm and feed costs were held constant by reducing the total number of fish stocked, anglers would benefit by catching larger and more fish, despite the reduction in number of fish stocked. In lentic systems, larger catchables were reported by anglers more quickly than smaller fish, so managers must consider interactions between stocking size and residence time for lentic systems supported by catchables. In lotic systems, overall catch by anglers was much lower than catch at lentic waterbodies, and all catchables were either reported by anglers quickly or failed to be reported at all regardless of size-at-stocking. Producing larger catchables for hatchery-supported fisheries serves to benefit angling and would likely increase angler satisfaction while improving efficiencies associated with hatchery catchable stocking programs.
Drought, desertification and poverty: A geospatial analysis of snakebite envenoming in the Caatinga biome of Brazil
Authors: Jucá Thiago L. , Oliveira Normando Leonardo R. , Ibrahim Abdulrazak B. , Chapeaurouge Alex , Cristina de Oliveira Monteiro‐Moreira Ana , Mackessy Stephen P.
Published: May 2021

Epidemiological data on snakebite in the Brazilian state of Ceará are scarce, as the only report on this subject was last published in 1997. However, according to the Brazilian system of recording disease incidents (Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação [SINAN]), more than 13,000 snakebites have been registered since 2001 in the state of Ceará, making this disease an important public health issue. In the present study, we evaluate the influence of environmental changes, including drought and desertification, on the risk of snakebite envenoming in the Brazilian northeastern state of Ceará. We compare public data on snakebites from Brazilian Epidemiological Surveillance System (DATASUS), rainfall records, advanced desertification maps, pastures and socioeconomic information of the 184 municipals in Ceará between 2001 and 2017. During the period of investigation, 8,945 snakebites were recorded, the majority (93.8%) of which involved venomous snakes. Almost half of the municipals (48%) had 100 incidences or more per 100,000 inhabitants. Data collected also highlight month‐to‐month occurrences of snakebites, with trends to rise shortly after the onset of precipitation, peaking in July and then trending downward as rainfall decreases, reaching the lowest level in December. We deduce an inverse relationship between Human Development Index (HDI) and snakebites per area. Spearman correlation and principal component analysis support the hypothesis that water scarcity and desertification are linked to increased risk of snakebite envenoming. Our study indicates that besides poverty, dry and desertified areas represent risk factors associated with increased incidence of snakebite envenoming in the state of Ceará.
Potential role of circular RNA in cyclosporin A‐induced cardiotoxicity in rats
Authors: Zhao Yanru , Li Yang , Fan Dachuan , Hou Jinxiao , Bai Yunpeng , Dai Chenguang , Cao Xue , Qi Hai , Liu Bingchen
Published: May 2021

Cyclosporin A (CsA) is a well‐known and effective drug that is commonly used in autoimmune diseases and allotransplantation. However, kidney toxicity and cardiotoxicity limit its use. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a crucial role in disease, especially cardiovascular disease. We aimed to explore the circRNA expression profiles and potential mechanisms during CsA‐induced cardiotoxicity. Sixty male adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups. The CsA group was injected with CsA (15 mg/kg/day body weight) intraperitoneally (ip) for 2 weeks, whereas the control group was injected ip with the same volume of olive oil. We assessed CsA‐induced cardiotoxicity by light microscopy, transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and electron microscopy. Microarray analysis was used to detect the expression profiles of circRNAs deregulated in the heart during CsA‐induced cardiotoxicity. We confirmed the changes in circRNAs by quantitative PCR. Moreover, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses of the microarray data were performed. A conventional dose of CsA induced cardiotoxicity in rats. We identified 67 upregulated and 37 downregulated circRNAs compared with those in the control group. Six of 12 circRNAs were successfully verified by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). GO analyses of the differentially expressed circRNAs indicated that these molecules might play important roles in CsA‐induced cardiotoxicity. KEGG pathway analyses showed that the differentially expressed circRNAs in CsA‐induced cardiotoxicity may be related to autophagy or the Hippo signaling pathway. We identified differential circRNA expression patterns and provided more insight into the mechanism of CsA‐induced cardiotoxicity. CircRNAs may serve as potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets of CsA‐mediated cardiotoxicity in the future.
HIV self‐testing partially filled the HIV testing gap among men who have sex with men in China during the COVID‐19 pandemic: results from an online survey
Authors: Jiang Hongbo , Xie Yewei , Xiong Yuan , Zhou Yi , Lin Kaihao , Yan Yao , Tucker Joseph , Ong Jason J , Wu Dan , Yang Fan , Tang Weiming
Published: May 2021

Introduction

HIV self‐testing (HIVST) is a useful strategy to promote HIV testing among key populations. This study aimed to understand HIV testing behaviours among men who have sex with men (MSM) and specifically how HIVST was used during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) measures in China when access to facility‐based testing was limited.

Methods

An online cross‐sectional study was conducted to recruit men who have sex with men (MSM) in China from May to June of 2020, a period when COVID‐19 measures were easing. Data on socio‐demographic characteristics, sexual behaviours and HIV testing in the three months before and during COVID‐19 measures (23 January 2020) were collected. Chi‐square test and logistic regression were used for analyses.

Results

Overall, 685 MSM were recruited from 135 cities in 30 provinces of China, whose mean age was 28.8 (SD: 6.9) years old. The majority of participants self‐identified as gay (81.9%) and had disclosed their sexual orientation (66.7%). In the last three months, 69.6% ever had sex with men, nearly half of whom had multiple sexual partners (47.2%). Although the overall HIV testing rates before and during COVID‐19 measures were comparable, more MSM self‐tested for HIV during COVID‐19 measures (52.1%) compared to before COVID‐19 measures (41.6%, p = 0.038). Fewer MSM used facility‐based HIV testing during COVID‐19 measures (42.9%) compared to before COVID‐19 measures (54.1%, p = 0.038). Among 138 facility‐based testers before COVID‐19 measures, 59.4% stopped facility‐based testing during COVID‐19 measures. Among 136 self‐testers during COVID‐19 measures, 58.1% had no HIV self‐testing before COVID‐19 measures. Multivariable logistic regression showed that having sex with other men in the last three months (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.38 to 3.03), self‐identifying as gay (aOR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.31 to 3.13), ever disclosing their sexual orientation (aOR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.19 to 2.50) and tested for HIV in three months before COVID‐19 measures (aOR = 4.74, 95% CI: 3.35 to 6.70) were associated with HIV testing during COVID‐19 measures.

Conclusions

Facility‐based HIV testing decreased and HIVST increased among MSM during COVID‐19 measures in China. MSM successfully accessed HIVST as substitute for facility‐based testing, with no overall decrease in HIV testing rates.
High throughput computational evaluation of how scaffold architecture, material selection, and loading modality influence the cellular micromechanical environment in tissue engineering strategies
Authors: Page Mitchell I. , Linde Peter E. , Puttlitz Christian M.
Published: May 2021

Background

In tissue engineering (TE) strategies, cell processes are regulated by mechanical stimuli. Although TE scaffolds have been developed to replicate tissue‐level mechanical properties, it is intractable to experimentally measure and prescribe the cellular micromechanical environment (CME) generated within these constructs. Accordingly, this study aimed to fill this lack of understanding by modeling the CME in TE scaffolds using the finite element method.

Methods

A repeating unit of composite fiber scaffold for annulus fibrosus (AF) repair with a fibrin hydrogel matrix was prescribed a series of loading, material, and architectural parameters. The distribution of CME in the scaffold was predicted and compared to proposed target mechanics based on anabolic responses of AF cells.

Results

The multi‐axial loading modality predicted the greatest percentage of cell volumes falling within the CME target envelope (%PTE) in the study (65 %PTE for 5.0% equibiaxial tensile strain with 50 kPa radial‐direction compression; 7.6 %PTE without radial pressure). Additionally, the architectural scale had a moderate influence on the CME (maximum of 17 %PTE), with minimal change in the tissue‐level properties of the scaffold. Scaffold materials and architectures had secondary influences on the predicted regeneration by modifying the tissue‐level scaffold mechanics.

Conclusions

Scaffold loading modality was identified as the critical factor for TE the AF. Scaffold materials and architecture were also predicted to modulate the scaffold loading and, therefore, control the CME indirectly. This study facilitated an improved understanding of the relationship between tissue‐level and cell‐level mechanics to drive anabolic cell responses for tissue regeneration.
Featured Front Cover
Authors: Zhu Ye , Shao Tianyun , Zhou Yujie , Zhang Xun , Gao Xiumei , Long Xiaohua , Rengel Zed
Published: May 2021

The cover image is based on the Original Article Periphyton improves soil conditions and offers a suitable environment for rice growth in coastal saline alkali soil by Long Xiaohua et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.3944.

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Role of food web interactions in promoting resilience to nutrient enrichment in a brackish water eelgrass (Zostera marina) ecosystem
Authors: Gagnon Karine , Gustafsson Camilla , Salo Tiina , Rossi Francesca , Gunell Sonja , Richardson J. Paul , Reynolds Pamela L. , Duffy J. Emmett , Boström Christoffer
Published: May 2021

Understanding the ecological interactions that enhance the resilience of threatened ecosystems is essential in assuring their conservation and restoration. Top‐down trophic interactions can increase resilience to bottom‐up nutrient enrichment, however, as many seagrass ecosystems are threatened by both eutrophication and trophic modifications, understanding how these processes interact is important. Using a combination of approaches, we explored how bottom‐up and top‐down processes, acting individually or in conjunction, can affect eelgrass meadows and associated communities in the northern Baltic Sea. Field surveys along with fish diet and stable isotope analyses revealed that the eelgrass trophic network included two main top predatory fish species, each of which feeds on a separate group of invertebrate mesograzers (crustaceans or gastropods). Mesograzer abundance in the study area was high, and capable of mitigating the effects of increased algal biomass that resulted from experimental nutrient enrichment in the field. When crustacean mesograzers were experimentally excluded, gastropod mesograzers were able to compensate and limit the effects of nutrient enrichment on eelgrass biomass and growth. Our results suggest that top‐down processes (i.e., suppression of algae by different mesograzer groups) may ensure eelgrass resilience to nutrient enrichment in the northern Baltic Sea, and the existence of multiple trophic pathways can provide additional resilience in the face of trophic modifications. However, the future resilience of these meadows is likely threatened by additional local stressors and global environmental change. Understanding the trophic links and interactions that ensure resilience is essential for managing and conserving these important ecosystems and the services they provide.
Waveguide‐Coupled Colloidal Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diodes and Detectors on a Silicon Nitride Platform
Authors: Elsinger Lukas , Petit Robin , Van Acker Frederik , Zawacka Natalia K. , Tanghe Ivo , Neyts Kristiaan , Detavernier Christophe , Geiregat Pieter , Hens Zeger , Van Thourhout Dries
Published: May 2021

Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are an attractive light source for visible photonics, in particular their widely tunable emission wavelength, inexpensive wet‐chemical synthesis and straight‐forward hybrid integration can make the difference. In this work, integrated light‐emitting diodes are demonstrated based on CdSe/CdS QDs, with the emission directly coupled to a silicon nitride waveguide. The devices feature a record current density of up to 100 A cm−2 and a maximum on‐chip power density of almost 1.5 W cm−2 in a single‐mode waveguide. Operated as detectors, the photodiodes have a low dark current of 1.5 µA cm−2. It is anticipated, that the devices will find an application in chip‐based absorption spectroscopy and bio‐sensing, as they can be post‐processed on foundry‐fabricated waveguide platforms, at a low cost. In addition, this approach provides the missing low‐loss waveguide layer, necessary for building an electrically pumped laser using colloidal QDs.
In‐depth investigation of altered glycosylation in human haptoglobin associated cancer by mass spectrometry
Authors: Oh Myung Jin , Lee Sung Hyeon , Kim Unyoung , An Hyun Joo
Published: May 2021

Serum haptoglobin (Hp), a highly sialylated biomolecule with four N‐glycosylation sites, is a positive acute‐phase response glycoprotein that acts as an immunomodulator. Hp has gained considerable attention due to its potential as a signature molecule that exhibits aberrant glycosylation in inflammatory disorders and malignancies. Its glycosylation can be analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by various methods using mass spectrometry. In this review, we have provided a brief overview of Hp structure and biological function and described mass spectrometry‐based techniques for analyzing glycosylation ranging from macroheterogeneity to microheterogeneity of Hp in diseases and cancer. The sugars on haptoglobin can be a sweet bridge to link the potential of cancer‐specific biomarkers to clinically relevant applications.
A single setup approach for the MRI‐based measurement and validation of the transfer function of elongated medical implants
Authors: Stijnman Peter R. S. , Erturk M. Arcan , van den Berg Cornelis A. T. , Raaijmakers Alexander J. E.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To propose a single setup using the MRI to both measure and validate the transfer function (TF) of linear implants. Conventionally, the TF of an implant is measured in one bench setup and validated using another.

Methods

It has been shown that the TF can be measured using MRI. To validate this measurement, the implant is exposed to different incident electric fields, while the temperature increase at the tip is monitored. For a good validation, the incident electric fields that the implant is exposed to should be orthogonal. We perform a simulation study on six different methods that change the incident electric field. Afterward, a TF measurement and validation study using the best method from the simulations is performed. This is done with fiberoptic temperature probes at 1.5 T for four linear implant structures using the proposed single setup.

Results

The simulation study showed that positioning local transmit coils at different locations along the lead trajectory has a similar validation quality compared with changing the implant trajectory (ie, the conventional validation method). For the validation study that was performed, an R2 ≥ 0.91 was found for the four investigated leads.

Conclusion

A single setup to both measure and validate the transfer function using local transmit coils has been shown to work. The benefits of using the proposed validation method are that there is only one setup required instead of two and the implant trajectory is not varied; therefore, the relative distance between the leap tip and the temperature probe is constant.
Exploring Legacy Data Sets to Infer Spatial and Temporal Trends in the Ictalurid Assemblage of an Atlantic Slope River
Authors: Rachels Kyle T.
Published: May 2021

The Cape Fear River basin is located along the southeastern Atlantic Slope and is the largest river basin located within North Carolina. Historically, the ictalurid assemblage was characterized by five species of bullhead Ameiurus spp. and three species of madtom Noturus spp. Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus were introduced in the early 20th century, followed by Flathead Catfish Pylodictis olivaris in 1965 and Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus in 1966. Long-term analysis of the ictalurid assemblage has been confounded by disparate data sets in both electronic and historical paper-based document archives. The goal of this study was to merge contemporary and legacy agency data sets to elucidate spatial and temporal trends in the ictalurid assemblage of the Cape Fear River basin. Rotenone surveys conducted in the 1960s documented abundant madtoms and White Catfish Ameiurus  catus throughout the basin. Native species comprised the majority of the ictalurid assemblage through the early 1990s. Since 1990, Blue and Flathead catfish have been the dominant species observed. The largest native ictalurid, the White Catfish, has not been collected since 2008. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling suggests that native ictalurids were more prevalent in small tributaries with increasing distance from the initial adult Flathead Catfish stocking location. Despite the widespread distribution and abundance of nonnative ictalurids, several native species are still found in small tributaries in upstream watersheds. The North Carolina Catfish Management Plan prioritizes the conservation of native ictalurids in the state's Atlantic Slope rivers; however, some species may already be extirpated.
Environmental Conditions Associated with Occurrences of the Threatened Yaqui Catfish in the Yaqui River Basin, Mexico
Authors: Hafen Thomas , Taylor Andrew T. , Hendrickson Dean A. , Stewart David R. , Long James M.
Published: May 2021

The Yaqui Catfish Ictalurus pricei is an understudied species, with limited information available on its ecology, distribution, and local habitat use. Native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, Yaqui Catfish populations are declining, which has prompted listing of the species as threatened in the United States and as a species of concern in Mexico. Water overallocation, habitat degradation, invasive species introductions, and hybridization with nonnative Channel Catfish I. punctatus have caused the populations in Mexico to decline. The United States population collapsed after years of low recruitment. To better focus conservation efforts as well as define habitat associated with Yaqui Catfish occurrences, we assessed the distribution in the Yaqui River basin of Mexico by using historical data at a landscape scale. Yaqui Catfish were historically found across the watershed among a diversity of environments but were most frequently associated with small, intermittent streams. Basin land cover was dominated by forest, shrubland, and grassland, and Yaqui Catfish generally occurred in stream segments at similar proportions. However, a small number of Yaqui Catfish occurrences were associated with urban and cropland land cover types in proportions greater than the availability of those categories on the landscape. With the species facing declines in the region, this work will help to inform future conservation efforts aimed at securing the Yaqui Catfish, protecting suitable habitat, and better defining its current status in Mexico.
Evaluation of the female bladder neck and urethra using MRI with fiber tractography: Prospective study on a large cohort of continent women
Authors: Roy Catherine , Ohana Mickael , Labani Aissam , Tricard Thibault , Saussine Christian , Leyendecker Pierre
Published: May 2021

Aims

To prospectively evaluate the performance of a last generation magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device with tractography to identify the normal female urethral sphincters in terms of morphology and quantification on a large cohort of continent women.

Methods

We have recorded the data of 75 continent women who underwent a diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) sequence with fiber tractography during a pelvic MR examination. Three groups of age were analyzed in terms of color fiber tracking quality and quantitative parameters (fractional anisotropy [FA] and mean diffusibility [MD]). Statistical analysis was done for the qualitative assessment using weighted kappa statistics of Cohen and for the quantitative parameters using a non‐parametric Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results

For all cases, fiber‐tracking resulted in a satisfactory representation of the complexity of the orientation of the fibers. The interobserver concordance of qualitative data was substantial, calculated at 0.78 (confidence interval: 0.71–0.85). For FA, there was no statistically significant difference with the age between the three urethral segments (p > 0.05). However, we registered a significant difference inside each group between the different segments (p < 0.05), corresponding to different orientation of fibers. For MD, we have found a statistically significant difference both between levels inside each group and according the age, meaning a variation of the water mobility for each type of musculature and with age (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

DTI with fiber tractography performed on a recent MR unit is a robust method for the three‐dimensional visualization of the details and connections of the urethral female sphincters. Quantitative variations with age need to be considered.
What are the chances of improvement or cure from overactive bladder? A pooled responder analysis of efficacy and treatment emergent adverse events following treatment with fesoterodine
Authors: Wagg Adrian S. , Herschorn Sender , Carlsson Martin , Fernet Mireille , Oelke Matthias
Published: May 2021

Aim

This study describes patients with different degrees and combinations of symptom resolution in response to fesoterodine exposure to aid physicians in counselling patients with overactive bladder (OAB) on the likelihood of treatment success.

Methods

Data came from 12‐week fixed‐dose studies of fesoterodine. The proportions of patients experiencing symptom resolution and change in patient‐reported outcome measures (PROM) at 4, 8, and 12 weeks were calculated. Treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAE) were reported according to response in urinary urgency episodes (UUE). The relationship between PROM and response was examined.

Results

Out of 6689 patients, 81.6% female, urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) episodes/24 h were more responsive to fesoterodine than UUE; with roughly 50% of patients reporting a 50% reduction and fewer than 10% reporting absence of UUE at 12 weeks compared to approximately 40%–50% reporting absence of UUI. TEAE was numerically lower in patients with greater response. There was a statistically significant relationship between improvement in urinary urgency and associated change in OAB‐q symptom bother scores, r = 0.54, p < 0.001. At Week 4, 64.0%–76.7% of patients who had achieved a significant change in Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC) had a 50% reduction in UUI. At Week 12 this proportion was between 80% and 87.9%, with those being exposed to fesoterodine treatment reporting response in PPBC at numerically higher rates.

Conclusion

These data provide clinicians with information from which they may usefully communicate the likelihood of symptom resolution in response to pharmacotherapy for OAB and answer a key clinical question posed by many care providers. Roughly ⅓ of fesoterodine treated patients reported a 50% reduction urgency and ¾ reported 50% resolution of incontinence at 12 weeks. Total resolution of all symptoms was seldom achieved.
Differences in surgical and functional outcomes in benign prostate hyperplasia patients with only lower urinary tract symptoms versus those in retention: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Law Yu Xi Terence , Castellani Daniele , Dell'atti Lucio , Aho Tevita , Teoh Jeremy Yuen‐Chun , Gauhar Vineet
Published: May 2021

Aims

To evaluate outcomes after benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) surgery among men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) only versus those with urinary retention (UR).

Methods

The protocol was registered in PROSPERO with ID#232253. Eligible studies identified from four electronic databases. Search, data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. Studies with perioperative, functional, early and late complication outcomes included.

Results

Twenty‐five studies, 14 593 patients including 1 randomized controlled trial, 11 prospective and 13 retrospective studies included for meta‐analysis. This showed higher risk of immediate transient recatherization (risk ratio [RR]: 5.29, p < 0.00001), longer days to trial‐off‐catheter (mean difference [MD]: 0.25, p < 0.00001), longer hospitalization stay in the UR group (MD: 0.35, p < 0.00001), and higher risk of intraoperative blood transfusions (RR: 1.90, p = 0.002), postoperative urinary tract infections (RR: 1.49, p < 0.00001) and sepsis (RR: 8.15, p = 0.009) too. Failure of surgery like permanent recatheterization (RR: 5.27, p < 0.00001) was more in preoperative UR group. Negligible differences seen in long term functional outcomes between the two groups (International Prostate Symptom Score at 12 months, MD: −0.06, p = 0.68; Quality of Life at 12 months, MD: 0.20, p < 0.00001; maximum urinary flow rate at 12 months, MD: −0.33, p = 0.10; and postvoid residual volume at 12 months, MD: 4.32, p < 0.00001).

Conclusions

Preoperative UR patients undergoing surgery for BPH have higher risk of postoperative complications versus LUTS only group including the need for permanent catheterization. Both groups had similar long‐term functional outcomes. We could infer that patients with UR on whom surgery is successful, with time may recover bladder function akin to patients with LUTS alone.
Nurses' assessments of horizontal collaboration in municipal health and care services for older adults: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Skinner Marianne S. , Veenstra Marijke , Sogstad Maren
Published: May 2021

Interprofessional and interorganizational collaboration is considered key to achieving high‐quality care and positive patient outcomes, but there is limited research into how nurses working in nursing homes and home care services perceive collaboration with other municipal health and care service providers and how their assessments of collaboration vary with individual characteristics and context. The objective of this study was to map variation in nurses' assessments of horizontal collaboration with core care services for older adults, specifically nursing homes, home care services, general practitioners, the allocation office and physio‐ and occupational therapy services. The study draws on findings from a nationwide cross‐sectional survey on posthospital care for older adults, conducted among nurses working in nursing homes and home care services in Norway (N = 3717). Nurses were asked to assess collaboration with these five services. Independent variables were workplace, age, years at current workplace, part‐time work, postgraduate education, and municipality size. Statistical analyses were conducted using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance (ANOVA). A majority of nurses evaluated horizontal collaboration as good. Collaboration with the home care services was evaluated as best, while collaboration with general practitioners was evaluated as least good. The study showed that workplace and municipality size were important for nurses' assessments of collaboration. Generally, nurses in smaller municipalities evaluated collaboration as better than nurses in larger municipalities. That workplace and municipality size impact on nurses' evaluations of collaboration in municipal care services for older adults is important knowledge for leaders and policy‐makers aiming to improve patient care and teamwork.
Professional quality of life, self‐compassion, resilience, and empathy in healthcare professionals during COVID‐19 crisis in Spain
Authors: Ruiz‐Fernández María D. , Ramos‐Pichardo Juan D. , Ibáñez‐Masero Olivia , Carmona‐Rega María I. , Sánchez‐Ruiz Máximo J. , Ortega‐Galán Ángela M.
Published: May 2021

The coronavirus pandemic has exposed healthcare professionals to suffering and stressful working conditions. The aim of this study was to analyze professional quality of life among healthcare professionals and its relationship with empathy, resilience, and self‐compassion during the COVID‐19 crisis in Spain. A cross‐sectional study was conducted with 506 healthcare professionals, who participated by completing an online questionnaire. A descriptive correlational analysis was performed. A multivariate regression analysis and a decision tree were used to identify the variables associated with professional quality of life. Empathy, resilience, and mindfulness were the main predictors of compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction, and burnout, respectively.
Prognostic Factors for Overall Survival in Patients with Hormone Receptor-Positive Advanced Breast Cancer: Analyses From PALOMA-3
Authors: Rugo Hope S. , Cristofanilli Massimo , Loibl Sybille , Harbeck Nadia , DeMichele Angela , Iwata Hiroji , Park Yoon Hee , Brufsky Adam , Theall Kathy Puyana , Huang Xin , McRoy Lynn , Bananis Eustratios , Turner Nicholas C.
Published: May 2021

Background

This analysis investigated whether baseline characteristics affect the survival benefit derived from palbociclib-fulvestrant and the optimal timing of cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor therapy for advanced breast cancer (ABC) in patients from PALOMA-3.

Patients and Methods

In total, 521 patients were randomized 2:1 to receive palbociclib (125 mg/day, 3/1 schedule)–fulvestrant (500 mg, intramuscular injection, on days 1 and 15 of cycle 1, and then day 1 of each subsequent cycle) or matching placebo-fulvestrant. Median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

Multivariable analysis identified endocrine sensitivity, nonvisceral disease, no prior chemotherapy for ABC, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) of 0 as significant prognostic factors for OS. Patients without chemotherapy for ABC had fewer prior lines of treatment in any setting and in the ABC setting versus patients with prior chemotherapy for ABC (two or fewer prior systemic therapies: 69% vs. 42%; no more than one prior line for ABC: 82% vs. 33%, respectively). Median OS was prolonged with palbociclib-fulvestrant in patients without prior chemotherapy for ABC (39.7 vs. 29.5 months; hazard ratio, 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56–1.01) and was similar in patients with prior chemotherapy for ABC (25.6 vs. 26.2 months; hazard ratio, 0.91 [95% CI: 0.63–1.32]) versus placebo-fulvestrant.

Conclusion

Prognostic factors for OS included endocrine sensitivity, nonvisceral disease, ECOG PS of 0, and no prior chemotherapy for ABC. Exploratory analyses suggest improved OS with palbociclib-fulvestrant versus placebo-fulvestrant in patients with no prior chemotherapy for ABC, prior endocrine sensitivity, and fewer prior regimens of systemic therapy. (Clinical trial identification number: NCT01942135).

Implications for Practice

Prognostic factors for overall survival in HR+/HER2− advanced breast cancer (ABC) include the absence of prior chemotherapy in the advanced setting, endocrine sensitivity, nonvisceral disease, and an ECOG performance status of 0. Improved overall survival benefit was observed with palbociclib-fulvestrant versus placebo-fulvestrant in patients (regardless of menopausal status or visceral involvement) with no prior chemotherapy for ABC, with prior endocrine sensitivity, and fewer prior regimens of systemic therapy. Progression-free survival was prolonged with palbociclib across subgroups (regardless of chemotherapy exposure in ABC). These exploratory findings suggest that patients may receive greater clinical benefit from palbociclib-fulvestrant if they receive the combination before chemotherapy in the advanced setting.
Prevalence and quality of antihypertensive therapy among hypertension patients enrolled in the Ghana National Health Insurance Scheme
Authors: Donneyong Macarius M. , Chang Teng‐Jen , Pottegård Anton , Ankrah Daniel , Asenso‐Boadi Francis , Addo‐Cobbiah Vivian , Dsane‐Selby Lydia , Hallas Jesper
Published: May 2021

Background

Hypertension is a leading cause of morbidity in Ghana. However, there is insufficient data on the prevalence and quality of antihypertensive therapy.

Objectives

To describe the prevalence of use and quality of antihypertensive therapy.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study design was used to analyze the 2015 Ghana National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) electronic claims data. Hypertension diagnosis was defined using ICD‐10 codes. The primary outcomes assessed were the prevalence of use and quality of antihypertensive therapy. Quality of antihypertensive therapy was defined as the use of antihypertensive agents recommended for treating hypertension patients with comorbid heart failure, myocardial Infarction/Coronary Artery Disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease or stroke. We used multivariable logistic regression models to identify predictors of antihypertensive use and quality of therapy.

Results

Antihypertensive medication use was very high (86%) among the 161 873 hypertension patients covered under the Ghana NHIS. Only a third (32%) of hypertension patients received guideline‐concordant therapy. Angiotensin receptor blockers were consumed at the highest dosages of 120 (Interquartile Range [IQR]: 60, 180) daily defined doses over a year. Males (odds ratio [OR] = 0.60; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]:0.58, 0.61) and those with comorbid stroke (OR = 0.91, 95% CI:0.84, 0.99), diabetes (OR = 0.72; 95% CI:0.69, 0.74) and stroke (OR = 0.74, 95%CI:0.68, 0.80) were less likely to use antihypertensives, all other predictors were associated with higher use.

Conclusion

Antihypertensive medication use was very high among hypertension patients covered under the Ghana NHIS. However, there was indication of suboptimal quality of the antihypertensive therapy provided.
Avoiding the ‘survivorship abyss’: Qualitative insights from 15‐year prostate cancer survivors
Authors: Mazariego Carolyn G. , Laidsaar‐Powell Rebekah , Smith David P. , Juraskova Ilona
Published: May 2021

Objective

As many men diagnosed with prostate cancer (PC) are now living well beyond diagnosis and treatment, these survival gains necessitate improved understanding of long‐term survivorship experiences. This is the first qualitative study that aimed to provide insights into PC survivors' adjustment to diagnosis and any persisting or emerging cancer/treatment‐related issues over 15+ years.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 37 men purposively sampled from the 15‐year follow‐up phase of a population‐wide cohort study, the New South Wales Prostate Cancer Care and Outcomes Study (PCOS). Interview data were transcribed and thematically analysed applying a framework methodology.

Results

The majority of participating men (88.6%) had been diagnosed with localised disease and were treated with radical prostatectomy as primary treatment (54.1%). Four main interconnecting themes relating to men's long‐term survivorship experience with PC were identified: (1) Survivorship reflections, (2) interactions with the healthcare system, (3) personal and social relationships and (4) dominant coping strategies. Many men reported gaps along the continuum of care and a feeling of abandonment across their long‐term survivorship, encompassed by a perceived lack of psychosocial and informational support for persisting treatment side‐effects, especially sexual dysfunction. Receiving adequate survivorship care and trusting patient–clinician relationships appeared to be associated with greater resilience and positivity in the men's acceptance of cancer‐related long‐term challenges and personal limitations.

Conclusions

Long‐term PC survivors continue to experience lasting treatment impacts, with many men reporting unmet needs and a lack of continuity of multidisciplinary care. Implementation of coordinated and tailored survivorship care and shared care pathways with multidisciplinary practitioners will facilitate men's improved engagement and timely access to supportive care interventions, helping to avoid the ‘survivorship abyss’.