bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Missing and decayed teeth, oral hygiene and dental staining in relation to esophageal cancer risk: ESCCAPE case‐control study in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Authors: Mmbaga Blandina T. , Mwasamwaja Amos , Mushi Godfrey , Mremi Alex , Nyakunga Gissela , Kiwelu Ireen , Swai Remigi , Kiwelu Godwin , Mustapha Sophia , Mghase Eliawawomy , Mchome Amana , Shao Redfan , Mallya Evarista , Rwakatema Deogratias S. , Kilonzo Kajiru , Munishi Oresto Michael , Abedi‐Ardekani Behnoush , Middleton Daniel , Schüz Joachim , McCormack Valerie
Published: December 2020

In the African esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) corridor, recent work from Kenya found increased ESCC risk associated with poor oral health, including an ill‐understood association with dental fluorosis. We examined these associations in a Tanzanian study, which included examination of potential biases influencing the latter association. This age and sex frequency‐matched case‐control study included 310 ESCC cases and 313 hospital visitor/patient controls. Exposures included self‐reported oral hygiene and nondental observer assessed decayed+missing+filled tooth count (DMFT index) and the Thylstrup‐Fejerskov dental fluorosis index (TFI). Blind to this nondental observer TFI, a dentist independently assessed fluorosis on photographs of 75 participants. Odds ratios (ORs) are adjusted for demographic factors, alcohol and tobacco. ESCC risk was associated with using a chewed stick to brush teeth (OR 2.3 [95% CI: 1.3‐4.1]), using charcoal to whiten teeth (OR 2.13 [95% CI: 1.3, 4.1]) and linearly with the DMFT index (OR 3.3 95% CI: [1.8, 6.0] for ≥10 vs 0). Nondental observer‐assessed fluorosis was strongly associated with ESCC risk (OR 13.5 [95% CI: 5.7‐31.9] for TFI 5+ v 0). However, the professional dentist's assessment indicated that only 43% (10/23) of participants assessed as TFI 5+ actually had fluorosis. In summary, using oral charcoal, brushing with a chewed stick and missing/decayed teeth may be risk factors for ESCC in Tanzania, for which dose‐response and mechanistic research is needed. Links of ESCC with “dental fluorosis” suffered from severe exposure misclassification, rendering it impossible to disentangle any effects of fluorosis, extrinsic staining or reverse causality.
Thrombospondin‐4 mediates hyperglycemia‐ and TGF‐beta‐induced inflammation in breast cancer
Authors: Muppala Santoshi , Xiao Roy , Gajeton Jasmine , Krukovets Irene , Verbovetskiy Dmitriy , Stenina‐Adognravi Olga
Published: December 2020

Inflammation drives the growth of tumors and is an important predictor of cancer aggressiveness. CD68, a marker of tumor‐associated macrophages (TAM), is routinely used to aid in prognosis and treatment choices for breast cancer patients. We report that thrombospondin‐4 (TSP‐4) mediates breast cancer inflammation and growth in mouse models in response to hyperglycemia and TGF‐beta by increasing TAM infiltration and production of inflammatory signals in tumors. Analysis of breast cancers and noncancerous tissue specimens from hyperglycemic patients revealed that levels of TSP‐4 and of macrophage marker CD68 are upregulated in diabetic tissues. TSP‐4 was colocalized with macrophages in cancer tissues. Bone‐marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDM) responded to high glucose and TGF‐beta by upregulating TSP‐4 production and expression, as well as the expression of inflammatory markers. We report a novel function for TSP‐4 in breast cancer: regulation of TAM infiltration and inflammation. The results of our study provide new insights into regulation of cancer growth by hyperglycemia and TGF‐beta and suggest TSP‐4 as a potential therapeutic target.
Socioeconomic consequences of parenting a child with cancer for fathers and mothers in Sweden: A population‐based difference‐in‐difference study
Authors: Öhman Mattias , Woodford Joanne , von Essen Louise
Published: December 2020

Parents are the primary source of support for children with cancer. To inform clinical practice and health policies, the socioeconomic consequences of childhood cancer for fathers and mothers in Sweden were investigated. A total of 3865 mothers and 3865 fathers of 3865 children diagnosed with cancer in Sweden when 0 to 18 years were followed for 5 years before and 10 years after diagnosis. Socioeconomic consequences of the cancer diagnosis on earnings and employment, and mental health (number of inpatient diagnoses), were investigated exploiting variation in timing of cancer diagnosis. Data were obtained from the Swedish Childhood Cancer Registry, Intergenerational Registry and Inpatient Registry. Childhood cancer has a negative short‐term effect on fathers' and mothers' earnings; a negative long‐term effect on fathers' earnings; a positive long‐term effect on mothers' earnings; negative short‐ and long‐term effects on fathers' and mothers' employment; and no effect on the number of inpatient diagnosis of mental and behavioral disorders for fathers or mothers. Taken together, findings show that in Sweden childhood cancer has negative effects on parents' employment, a more negative impact on fathers' than mothers' earnings and no effect on inpatient diagnosis of mental and behavioral disorders. Future research should explore mechanisms possibly explaining, for example, mental health, social support and priorities regarding work and private life potentially resulting in changes from full‐time to part‐time work or vice versa. The novel findings should change clinical practice and help inform health policies for parents of children with cancer in Sweden and countries with a similar health and welfare system.
Association of prednisone and antinuclear antibodies with pregnancy outcomes in women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss
Authors: Sun Si , Li Congcong , Kou Xi , Chen Chao , Guo Feng , Zhao Aimin
Published: December 2020

Objective

To investigate the therapeutic role of prednisone in patients having unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (URPL) with positivity of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and the relationship between ANA titers, prednisone, and pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

We included 202 women diagnosed as having URPL with positive ANA at titer of 1:80 or more. Among them, 159 patients receiving prednisone plus aspirin were included as group PA and the remaining 43 patients prescribed aspirin only served as group A. Live birth rates were considered as the primary outcome. Incidence rates of pregnancy complications and outcomes of the newborns were also compared. Additionally, the association between live birth and major clinical variables was studied.

Results

Live birth rates were comparable between the two groups (93.1% versus 83.7%, P = 0.107). No significant differences were observed regarding the incidence rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes, other pregnancy complications and the fetal outcomes. Alteration of ANA titers after pregnancy compared with pre‐conception results was the only significant variable associated with live birth.

Conclusion

Prednisone plus aspirin did not show improved therapeutic effects over aspirin alone in URPL patients with positive ANA. Variation of ANA titers was found to be a prognostic indicator of pregnancy outcomes in these patients.
Assessing ICD‐11 personality trait domain qualifiers with the MMPI‐2‐RF
Authors: Anderson Jaime L. , Sellbom Martin
Published: December 2020

Objective

The current study examined the utility of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory‐2‐Restructured Form (MMPI‐2‐RF) in assessing ICD‐11 personality psychopathology trait domain qualifiers.

Method

Using a community sample (N = 217) weighted for externalizing dysfunction, this study evaluated the convergence between ICD‐11 trait domains as measured by the personality inventory for DSM‐5 (PID‐5) with hypothesized MMPI‐2‐RF scales. Particular emphasis was placed on evaluating the convergence between the ICD‐11 trait domain qualifiers and the MMPI‐2‐RF personality psychopathology‐5 (PSY‐5) scales, as the latter are meant to represent broadband domains of personality pathology.

Results

Correlation and regression analyses demonstrated expected associations between ICD‐11 domains and conceptually expected MMPI‐2‐RF scales, with some minor exceptions. Notably, the Anankastia domain showed associations with scales assessing negative affect, but did not show expected negative associations with scales related to disinhibition.

Conclusions

The findings generally supported the use of the MMPI‐2‐RF in assessing individual expressions of personality dysfunction from the ICD‐11 trait domain qualifier perspective.
Multiple vulnerabilities: The effects of neighborhood structural changes upon older residents' mental health and perceptions of the broader community
Authors: Settels Jason
Published: December 2020

Neighborhoods' structural conditions are consequential for their social circumstances and residents' well‐being. Neighborhood effects might be accentuated among older residents because their daily activities and social lives are more confined to their immediate communities. This study examines how changing neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage affects older residents' depression and stress, as well as perceptions of neighborhood context. This study employed waves 2 (2010–2011) and 3 (2015–2016) of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project survey (N = 2357) and fixed‐effects linear regression models to study these relationships. While rising neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage was associated with more depression and stress, it was negatively associated with overall neighborhood social capital and neighborhood social cohesion, and was only associated with lower perceptions of neighborhood safety among respondents who relocated to new neighborhoods. Beyond cross‐sectional associations, changing neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with changes in mental health and perceptions of neighborhood social context.
Optimization of biogas production through anaerobic digestion of municipal solid waste: a case study in the capital area of Reykjavik, Iceland
Authors: Llano Tamara , Arce Carlos , Finger David C
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Biogas is a valuable carbon‐free renewable energy source that can be produced from anaerobic digestion of organic waste. Accordingly, biogas production is promoted worldwide in efforts to reduce carbon emissions and optimize the recovery of resources from waste streams. In this paper the biogas production from bioresidues collected in the capital area of Reykjavik was modelled in Aspen Plus v10.

RESULTS

Municipal solid waste (MSW), food waste (FW) and lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) were the feedstocks used in this research. A total of 16 scenarios were simulated at thermophilic temperature conditions of 55 °C. Each scenario accounted for different inlet mass flows, varying the kind of feedstock, i.e. MSW, FW, LCB, or co‐digestion of various feedstocks, using two model approaches: (i) one digestion stage and (ii) two stages coupled in series. Sizing, costing and environmental aspects were analysed for all the scenarios. A sensitivity analysis was carried out by changing the substrate concentration and studying its effect on the methane mass flow. Simulations showed biogas yields measured in millilitres per gram of volatile solids (VS) in the range 305.5–406.4 mL g−1 VS (single‐stage approach); and biogas yields ranging from 64.78 to 358.8 mL g−1 VS (two‐stage approach). Maximum methane yields were obtained using LCB as feedstock resulting in 106.0 mL g−1 VS.

CONCLUSIONS

From a technical viewpoint the highest biogas yield is obtained when using MSW whereas optimum calorific value of biogas and electrical power potential is achieved working in co‐digestion of various feedstocks. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Pharmacological inhibition of syntenin PDZ2 domain impairs breast cancer cell activities and exosome loading with syndecan and EpCAM cargo
Authors: Leblanc R. , Kashyap R. , Barral K. , Egea‐Jimenez A.L. , Kovalskyy D. , Feracci M. , Garcia M. , Derviaux C. , Betzi S. , Ghossoub R. , Platonov M. , Roche P. , Morelli X. , Hoffer L. , Zimmermann Pascale
Published: December 2020

Exosomes support cell‐to‐cell communication in physiology and disease, including cancer. We currently lack tools, such as small chemicals, capable of modifying exosome composition and activity in a specific manner. Building on our previous understanding of how syntenin, and its PDZ partner syndecan (SDC), impact on exosome composition we optimized a small chemical compound targeting the PDZ2 domain of syntenin. In vitro , in tests on MCF‐7 breast carcinoma cells, this compound is non‐toxic and impairs cell proliferation, migration and primary sphere formation. It does not affect the size or the number of secreted particles, yet it decreases the amounts of exosomal syntenin, ALIX and SDC4 while leaving other exosomal markers unaffected. Interestingly, it also blocks the sorting of EpCAM, a bona fide target used for carcinoma exosome immunocapture. Our study highlights the first characterization of a small pharmacological inhibitor of the syntenin‐exosomal pathway, of potential interest for exosome research and oncology.
Intersectional targeting of defined neural circuits by adeno‐associated virus vectors
Authors: Weinholtz Chase A. , Castle Michael J.
Published: December 2020

The mammalian nervous system is a complex network of interconnected cells. We review emerging techniques that use the axonal transport of adeno‐associated virus (AAV) vectors to dissect neural circuits. These intersectional approaches specifically target AAV‐mediated gene expression to discrete neuron populations based on their axonal connectivity, including: (a) neurons with one defined output, (b) neurons with one defined input, (c) neurons with one defined input and one defined output, and (d) neurons with two defined inputs or outputs. The number of labeled neurons can be directly controlled to trace axonal projections and examine cellular morphology. These approaches can precisely target the expression of fluorescent reporters, optogenetic ion channels, chemogenetic receptors, disease‐associated proteins, and other factors to defined neural circuits in mammals ranging from mice to macaques, and thereby provide a powerful new means to understand the structure and function of the nervous system.
Effects of different processing steps on the flavor and colloidal properties of cloudy apple juice
Authors: Zhu Danshi , Kou Chengcheng , Shen Yusi , Xi Pushun , Cao Xuehui , Liu He , Li Jianrong
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Flavor loss is a common problem when manufacturing apple juice and is closely related to the properties of the colloidal pectin particles in cloudy juice. The flavor changes and particle properties of three varieties of apple juice (‘Ralls’, ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Fuji’) during processing were investigated.

RESULTS

Compared with manually pressed juice, juice made by industrial pulping and filtration contained larger particles, resulting in the ‘sweet and sour’ taste of the juice being relatively weak and the diversity of aromas narrower, as determined by E‐nose analysis. Pulping and filtration, however, released some important flavor esters, such as butyl butyrate, hexyl‐2‐methyl butyrate, and hexyl butyrate. The transformation of volatile compounds during apple juice processing was closely related to the apple cultivar but, in all three varieties, the content of 1‐hexanal and (E)‐2‐hexenal in the juice gradually decreased during processing. Pectinase treatment reduced the colloid particle size and increased the ζ‐potential of the juice, resulting in better uniformity and stability, as well as increasing the content of nonanal. After pasteurization, the colloidal particles tended to aggregate and the ζ‐potential decreased. Many volatile compounds decreased in concentration or disappeared after heat treatment.

CONCLUSION

The flavor and colloidal properties of cloudy apple juice changed markedly during processing and the effect of each processing step was different. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultrasound‐Guided Lateral Abdominal Wall Botulinum Toxin Injection Before Ventral Hernia Repair
Authors: Kurumety Sasha , Walker Austin , Samet Jonathan , Grant Thomas , Dumanian Gregory A , Deshmukh Swati
Published: December 2020

Preoperative ultrasound‐guided lateral abdominal wall botulinum toxin injection is a promising method for improving patient outcomes and reducing recurrence rates after ventral hernia repair. A review of the literature demonstrates variability in the procedural technique, without current standardization of protocols. As radiologists may be increasingly asked to perform ultrasound‐guided botulinum toxin injections of the lateral abdominal wall, familiarity with the procedure and current literature is necessary.
Risk Factors for Postextubation Dysphagia: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: McIntyre Melanie , Chimunda Timothy , Koppa Mayank , Dalton Nathan , Reinders Hannah , Doeltgen Sebastian
Published: December 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

To identify, describe, and where possible meaningfully synthesize the reported risk factors for postextubation dysphagia (PED) in critically ill patients.

Study Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

A systematic search of peer‐reviewed and grey literature was conducted in common scientific databases to identify previously evaluated risk factors of PED. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment used a double‐blind approach. Random effects models were used for the meta‐analyses. Meta‐analyses were conducted where sufficient study numbers allowed after accounting for statistical and clinical heterogeneity.

Results

Twenty‐five studies were included, which investigated a total of 150 potential risk factors. Of these, 63 risk factors were previously identified by at least one study each as significantly increasing the risk of PED. After accounting for clinical and statistical heterogeneity, only two risk factors were suitable for meta‐analysis, gender, and duration of intubation. In separate meta‐analyses, neither gender (RR 1.00 [0.71, 1.43], I2 = 0%) nor duration of intubation (RR 1.54 [−0.40, 3.49], I2 = 0%) were significant predictors of PED.

Conclusions

A large number of risk factors for PED have been reported in the literature. However, significant variability in swallowing assessment methods, patient populations, timing of assessment, and duration of intubation prevented meaningful meta‐analyses for the majority of these risk factors. Where meta‐analysis was possible, gender and duration of intubation were not identified as risk factors for PED. We discuss future directions in clinical and research contexts. Laryngoscope, 132:364–374, 2022
Impact of different cropping systems on the land nutrient index, microbial diversity, and soil quality
Authors: Singh Shiv Ram , Yadav Poonam , Singh Dinesh , Bahadur Lal , Singh Satyendra P. , Yadav Ambreesh S. , Mishra Aradhana , Yadav Pushpendra P.S. , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: December 2020

In the last two decades, the productivity of the rice–wheat growing system (RWGS) in the upper Indo‐Gangetic Plains of India has come to a plateau, and, as a result, farmers are now shifting to other crop growing systems (cropping sysytems) to achieve a higher net productivity. Inclusion of other cropping systems in place of the rice–wheat system affects overall crop productivity; however, there is dearth of information with respect to nutrient index (NI), microbial diversity, and soil quality. This study was carried out to assess how NI, microbial diversity, and soil quality changed after replacement of rice–wheat by a vegetable growing system (VGS), pulse growing system (PGS), potato growing system (PoGS), and a mustard growing system (MGS). An analysis of 307 soil samples from these crop growing systems revealed a soil pH range of 6.58–8.87 with 75.3% soils falling within the low category of mineralized N, and low NI (<1.67). The highest NI, enzymatic activity, and microbial diversity was recorded under PGS, which restored 34.2, 24.1, and 10.2% greater soil organic carbon (SOC) than other systems, and had a better carbon substrate oxidation rateand mineralized N than PoGS. The diversity indices peaked under PGS followed by VGS due to greater SOC, mineralized N, higher microbial counts, and more soil enzymes. Among the different crop growing systems the soil quality index (SQI) ranged from 0.647 (for PoGS) to 0.783 (for VGS) . The silt content, SOC, Zn, TN, acid phosphatase activity, available P, and total culturable fungi were the key soil indicators across all the crop growing systems. SOC is the most important and viable indicator for all the crop growing systems that affected microbial dynamics and soil quality. The greater SQI under VGS was due to the addition of organic manure and augmented SOC, P, and Zn availability. In contrast, the highest microbial and enzymatic activities, and functional diversity was recorded under PGS mainly due to greater edaphic variables. It is concluded that the pulse growing system (PGS) is the best for maintaining higher NI, and improving microbial and functional diversity.
Joint affine and deformable three‐dimensional networks for brain MRI registration
Authors: Zhu Zhenyu , Cao Yiqin , Qin Chenchen , Rao Yi , Lin Di , Dou Qi , Ni Dong , Wang Yi
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Volumetric medical image registration has important clinical significance. Traditional registration methods may be time‐consuming when processing large volumetric data due to their iterative optimizations. In contrast, existing deep learning‐based networks can obtain the registration quickly. However, most of them require independent rigid alignment before deformable registration; these two steps are often performed separately and cannot be end‐to‐end.

Methods

We propose an end‐to‐end joint affine and deformable network for three‐dimensional (3D) medical image registration. The proposed network combines two deformation methods; the first one is for obtaining affine alignment and the second one is a deformable subnetwork for achieving the nonrigid registration. The parameters of the two subnetworks are shared. The global and local similarity measures are used as loss functions for the two subnetworks, respectively. Moreover, an anatomical similarity loss is devised to weakly supervise the training of the whole registration network. Finally, the trained network can perform deformable registration in one forward pass.

Results

The efficacy of our network was extensively evaluated on three public brain MRI datasets including Mindboggle101, LPBA40, and IXI. Experimental results demonstrate our network consistently outperformed several state‐of‐the‐art methods with respect to the metrics of Dice index (DSC), Hausdorff distance (HD), and average symmetric surface distance (ASSD).

Conclusions

The proposed network provides accurate and robust volumetric registration without any pre‐alignment requirement, which facilitates the end‐to‐end deformable registration.
Individuals with schizophrenia who act violently towards others profit unequally from inpatient treatment—Identifying subgroups by latent class analysis
Authors: Kirchebner Johannes , Lau Steffen , Kling Sabine , Sonnweber Martina , Günther Moritz Philipp
Published: December 2020

Background

People with schizophrenia show a higher risk of committing violent offenses. Previous studies indicate that there are at least three subtypes of offenders with schizophrenia.

Objectives

Employing latent class analysis, the goals of this study were to investigate the presence of homogeneous subgroups of offender patients in terms of remission in psychopathology during inpatient treatment and whether or not these are related to subtypes found in previous studies. Results should help identify patient subgroups benefitting insufficiently from forensic inpatient treatment and allow hypotheses on possibly more suitable therapy option for these patients.

Methods

A series of latent class analyses was used to explore extensive and detailed psychopathological reports of 370 offender patients with schizophrenia before and after inpatient treatment.

Results

A framework developed by Hodgins to identify subgroups of offenders suffering from schizophrenia is useful in predicting remission of psychopathology over psychiatric inpatient treatment. While “early starters” were most likely to experience remission of psychopathology over treatment, “late late starters” and a subgroup including patients from all three of Hodgins' subgroups in equal proportions benefited least. Negative symptoms generally seemed least likely to remit.

Conclusion

Psychiatric treatment may have to be more tailored to offender patient subgroups to allow them to benefit more equally.
Comparison of Two Otolith Processing Methods for Estimating Age of Three Catfish Species
Authors: Sakaris Peter C. , Bonvechio Timothy F.
Published: December 2020

When performing studies that require fish age estimation, biologists must achieve a high level of accuracy and precision, as age, growth, and survival data are often used in models that inform management decisions. Otolith processing techniques vary, and no studies have assessed which methodology is more precise and cost effective. Our goal was to assess the precision, effort, and resources needed to perform the ground otolith and cut otolith methods in estimating ages of Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus, Channel Catfish I. punctatus, and Flathead Catfish Pylodictis olivaris. Readers exhibited high initial agreement rates for both aging methods with Blue Catfish (93.3–97.8%) and Flathead Catfish (88.9–96.3%). However, readers were more confident in their age estimates with the cut otolith method, and age–bias plots revealed significant bias between the techniques. The ground otolith method yielded lower age estimates compared to the cut otolith method by roughly 1 year for Flathead Catfish from age 6 through age 10 and yielded lower age estimates by about 1 year for Blue Catfish at ages 4 and 5. Conversely, for Channel Catfish, reader agreement and confidence were lower with the cut otolith method compared to the ground otolith method (66.7% and 95.7%), but no significant bias was detected between the processing techniques. The ground otolith method required lower startup costs and less effort than the cut otolith method for Blue Catfish and Channel Catfish, whereas the cut otolith method required less effort for Flathead Catfish. The cut otolith method required higher startup costs and was more expensive to perform than the ground otolith method. This study presents advantages and disadvantages of both methods, and we recommend that fishery professionals weigh the costs and benefits of each method when developing a program for applying a method to their study systems.
Survival and Movement Patterns of Rainbow Trout Stocked in a Groundwater-Influenced Warmwater Stream
Authors: Wolf Skylar L. , Brewer Shannon K.
Published: December 2020

Stocking Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss to create additional angling opportunities is common; however, the spatial and temporal dynamics of such stocking practices are unclear in groundwater-influenced, warmwater streams. Our objectives were to determine Rainbow Trout dispersal from a stocking location on Spavinaw Creek, Oklahoma and to quantify apparent survival of two cohorts of Rainbow Trout stocked in November 2018 and February 2019. Rainbow Trout were PIT-tagged prior to autumn (N = 495) and winter (N = 605) stocking and located poststocking using both an active floating array and two passive fixed arrays. We actively tracked a 6-km extent every 2–3 weeks poststocking and found that PIT-tagged Rainbow Trout dispersal ranged from 0 to 4 km with ~90% of detected tagged fish remaining within 1 km of the stocking location. Directional movement by stocked Rainbow Trout was evident with upstream movements related to increases in daily water discharge and downstream movements related to decreases in daily discharge. Estimated apparent weekly survival of Rainbow Trout was lowest during the first 2 weeks poststocking (91% and 75% for autumn and spring cohorts, respectively). Apparent weekly survival rates for both autumn and spring stocked fish increased through winter and spring when maximum water temperatures were below 25℃, reaching survival rates of 99% by the end of spring. Rainbow Trout persisted in Spavinaw Creek throughout the summer; however, the weekly apparent survival rate declined for both cohorts (93%) when maximum daily water temperatures exceeded 25°C. Our results can be used to guide stocking decisions in similar warmwater streams and suggest that Rainbow Trout persist through spring and summer poststocking under the conditions encountered during our study.
Self‐confined CoPt/Mo2C nanoparticles encapsulated in carbon cages for boosted hydrogen evolution catalysis
Authors: Zhang Wenjie , Xue Shiji , Guo Zhu , Li Jing , Xiao Shenglin , Zhou Shunfa , Liu Zhao , Yang Zehui , Cai Weiwei
Published: December 2020

Industrial application of hydrogen generation from water electrolysis is hindered by the strong dependence of cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on Pt catalyst. Herein, this study designs a facile strategy to engine heterointerfaces of Pt and Mo2C to boost the HER catalytic activity and enhance the Pt utilization by considering the catalytic ability of Mo2C toward water dissociation reaction. Co is employed to assist the stable Pt/Mo2C heterointerface engineering as self‐confinement agent. By considering the catalytic ability of metallic Co, carbon cages are in‐situ generated around the CoPt/Mo2C nanoparticles to obtain the CoPt‐Mo2C@C catalyst. Overpotential to deliver 100 mA cm‐2 alkaline HER for CoPt‐Mo2C@C is therefore low to 153 mV while Pt content in CoPt‐Mo2C@C is low to 2.8 wt.%. Pt utilization of CoPt‐Mo2C@C toward alkaline HER catalysis is therefore enhanced by 12 times compared with the commercial Pt/C catalyst, demonstrating the potential for practical applications.
Lessons learned from the implementation of a video health coaching technology intervention to improve self‐care of family caregivers of adults with heart failure
Authors: Hirschman Karen B. , Bowles Kathryn H. , Garcia‐Gonzalez Lydia , Shepard Brooke , Walser Tracie J , Thomas Gladys L. , Stawnychy Michael A. , Riegel Barbara
Published: December 2020

Individuals with heart failure (HF) typically live in the community and are cared for at home by family caregivers. These caregivers often lack supportive services and the time to access those services when available. Technology can play a role in conveniently bringing needed support to these caregivers. The purpose of this article is to describe the implementation of a virtual health coaching intervention with caregivers of HF patients (“Virtual Caregiver Coach for You”—ViCCY). A randomized controlled trial is currently in progress to test the efficacy of the intervention to improve self‐care. In this trial, 250 caregivers will be randomly assigned to receive health information via a tablet computer (hereafter, tablet) plus 10 live health coaching sessions delivered virtually (intervention group; n = 125) or health information via a tablet only (control group; n = 125). Each tablet has specific health information websites preloaded. To inform others embarking on similar technology projects, here we highlight the technology challenges encountered with the first 15 caregivers who received the ViCCY intervention and the solutions used to overcome those challenges. Several adaptations to the implementation of ViCCY were needed to address hardware, software, and network connectivity challenges. Even with a well‐designed research implementation plan, it is important to re‐examine strategies at every step to solve implementation barriers and maximize fidelity to the intervention. Researcher and interventionist flexibility in adapting to new strategies is essential when implementing a technology‐based virtual health coaching intervention.
Current Status of Advance Care Planning and End-of-life Communication for Patients with Advanced and Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Sagara Yasuaki , Mori Masanori , Yamamoto Sena , Eguchi Keiko , Iwatani Tsuguo , Naito Yoichi , Kogawa Takahiro , Tanaka Kiyo , Kotani Haruru , Yasojima Hiroyuki , Ozaki Yukinori , Noguchi Emi , Miyasita Minoru , Kondo Naoto , Niikura Naoki , Toi Masakazu , Shien Tadahiko , Iwata Hiroji
Published: December 2020

Background

Advance care planning (ACP) is a process that supports adults in understanding and sharing their personal values, life goals, and preferences regarding future medical care. We examined the current status of ACP and end-of-life (EOL) communication between oncologists and patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a survey among 41 institutions that specialize in oncology by using an online tool in October 2019. Participants (118 physicians) from 38 institutions completed a 39-item questionnaire that measured facility type and function; physicians’ background and clinical approach, education about EOL communication, and understanding about ACP; and the current situation of ACP and EOL discussions.

Results

Ninety-eight responses concerning physicians’ engagement in ACP with patients were obtained. Seventy-one (72%) answered that they had engaged in ACP. Among these, 23 (33%) physicians used a structured format to facilitate the conversation in their institutions, and only 6 (8%) settled triggers or sentinel events for the initiation of ACP. In the multivariable analysis, only the opportunity to learn communication skills was associated with physicians’ engagement with ACP (odds ratio: 2.8, 95% confidence interval: 1.1–7.0). The frequency and timing of communication about ACP and EOL care with patients substantially varied among the oncologists. Communication about patients’ life expectancy was less frequent compared with other topics.

Conclusion

The opportunity to improve EOL communication skills promoted physicians’ engagement with ACP among patients with metastatic/advanced breast cancer. However, there were still substantial variabilities in the method, frequency, and timing of ACP and EOL communication among the oncologists.

Implications for Practice

This study found that the opportunity to improve end-of-life (EOL) communication skills promoted physicians’ engagement in advance care planning (ACP) among patients with metastatic/advanced breast cancer. All oncologists who treat said patients are encouraged to participate in effective education programs concerning EOL communication skills. In clinical practice, there are substantial variabilities in the method, frequency, and timing of ACP and EOL communication among oncologists. As recommended in several clinical guidelines, the authors suggest a system that identifies patients who require conversations about their care goals, a structured format to facilitate the conversations, and continuous measurement for improving EOL care and treatment.
Utility of the Geriatric 8 for the Prediction of Therapy-Related Toxicity in Older Adults with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Oiwa Kana , Fujita Kei , Lee Shin , Morishita Tetsuji , Tsukasaki Hikaru , Negoro Eiju , Ueda Takanori , Yamauchi Takahiro
Published: December 2020

Background

The management of severe adverse events (AEs) is important in safely and effectively providing chemotherapy to older adults with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, reports on simple and DLBCL-specific predictive models for treatment-related toxicity in elderly individuals are scarce. The aim of this study was to examine the usefulness of Geriatric 8 (G8) in predicting treatment-related severe AEs, nonhematological toxicity, and febrile neutropenia in older adults with DLBCL in real-world practice.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a multicenter, retrospective study on 398 consecutive patients with DLBCL (aged ≥65 years) who received standard therapy at three centers in Japan (University of Fukui Hospital, the Fukui Prefectural Hospital, and the Japanese Red Cross Fukui Hospital), between 2007 and 2017.

Result

Multivariate logistic analysis demonstrated that the G8 score was an independent predictive factor for severe AEs. Moreover, a logistic regression model with restricted cubic spline showed a nonlinear association between the incidence of severe AEs and the G8 score. According to receiver operating characteristic analysis, the most discriminative cutoff value of the G8 for the incidence of severe AEs was 11, with an area under the curve value of 0.670. AEs occurred most often in the first course of chemotherapy and decreased as the course progressed.

Conclusion

The G8 score, an easy-to-use geriatric assessment tool, can be a useful prediction model of treatment-related severe AEs during standard therapy in older adults with DLBCL.

Implications for Practice

In older patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), to accurately predict the risk of severe adverse events (AEs) in advance is essential for safe and effective treatment. This study demonstrated that the Geriatric 8 score, a simple and established geriatric assessment tool, indicated a high predictive ability for occurrence of therapy-related severe AEs in elderly patients with DLBCL who were treated with standard treatment.
Dynamics of hepatic steatosis resolution and changes in gut microbiome with weight loss in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Behari Jaideep , Graham Lisa , Wang Renwei , Schirda Claudiu , Borhani Amir A. , Methé Barbara A. , Li Kelvin , Morris Alison , Luu Hung N. , Palmieri Sabrina , Yuan Jian‐Min
Published: December 2020

Background

Weight loss is recommended as the primary treatment for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the magnitude and velocity of hepatic steatosis resolution with weight loss is unclear, making it difficult to counsel patients seeking weight loss for treatment of NAFLD. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of hepatic steatosis improvement and stool microbiome changes associated with rapid diet‐induced weight loss in NAFLD.

Methods

Fourteen NAFLD patients (mean ± standard deviation, body mass index [BMI] 36.4 ± 4 kg/m2) enrolled in a 12‐week meal replacement program underwent frequent measurement of Fibroscan‐controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI‐Dixon method) for hepatic fat quantitation and stool microbiome analysis (16S rRNA gene sequencing) were completed in 11 subjects at baseline and Week 12.

Results

At Week 12, mean (95% confidence interval) weight loss was −13.4 (−15.2, −11.5)% and CAP score −26.6 (−35.6, −17.6)% (both Ps < 0.001). CAP scores changed at a rate of −4.9 dB/m/kg (−30.1 dB/m per unit BMI) in Weeks 1–4 and −0.6 dB/m/kg (−2.4 dB/m per unit BMI) in Weeks 8–12. MRI‐determined hepatic fat fraction decreased by −74.1% (p < 0.001) at a rate of −0.51%/kg (−3.19% per unit BMI), with complete steatosis resolution in 90% patients. BMI change was associated with decreased stool microbial diversity (coefficient = 0.17; Shannon Index), increased abundance of Prevotella_9 (Bacteroidetes; coefficient = 0.96) and decreased abundance of Phascolarctobacterium (Firmicutes; coefficient = −0.42) (both Ps < 0.05).

Conclusions

Diet‐induced intensive weight loss is associated with rapid improvement and complete resolution of hepatic steatosis and decreased stool microbial diversity. These findings highlight the dynamic nature of hepatic fat and may help clinicians to develop evidence‐based treatment goals for patients with NAFLD and obesity who undertake weight loss interventions. Further research is warranted to understand the effects of intensive weight loss and gut microbiome changes on long‐term NAFLD resolution.
Underpinning the relevancy of the NIRF rankings in higher education management institutions in India
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Tandon Urvashi , Taneja Amit
Published: December 2020

We tried to explore the connection between National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings and students' enrolments using a sample of the top 75 NIRF ranked Management Institutions in India. For this purpose, we performed six different OLS multivariate regression analyses. However, the article did not provide any evidence of linkage of NIRF rankings with students' enrolments. Moreover, the multivariate regression results also revealed that there is no statistically significant relationship between individual NIRF factor scores and the students' enrolments as well. We argue the NIRF ranking does not help an educational institution to improve their students' enrolments. Besides, institutions' fee structure, the reputation of the institute, research output, infrastructural facility (including library and modern building), and location of the institute significantly improve students enrolment in a Post Graduate Program course. The finding of this study will provide students and other stakeholders such as parents and guardians' with important implications of NIRF ranking in the best interests of the students' prospect career.
Liquid‐crystalline behavior and thermal conductivity of vinyl polymers containing benzoxazole side groups
Authors: Hasegawa Masatoshi , Nagai Shunjiro , Sokabe Seina , Ikeda Keita , Ishii Junichi
Published: December 2020

A series of methacrylamides containing benzoxazole (BO) mesogenic side groups and different lengths of alkyl units was synthesized in this study. A methacrylamide containing the n‐dodecyl group was selected as a suitable monomer to obtain beneficial thermally conductive polymeric materials because of its sufficient solubility in toluene in the subsequent radical polymerization and because of its liquid crystallinity. This methacrylamide led to a highly soluble polymer with film‐forming ability. The BO‐containing polymethacrylamide also exhibited liquid‐crystalline (LC) behavior during the heating and cooling processes. The cast film was kept at a slightly lower temperature than the clearing temperature and quenched to room temperature. This procedure afforded a film maintaining optical anisotropy at room temperature, implying that a frozen LC structure is maintained at room temperature. The quenched film also resulted in a significantly enhanced thermal conductivity (λ = 0.60 W m−1 K−1) without the aid of fillers and external fields, unlike the as‐cast counterpart without optical anisotropy. A polyacrylate containing a flexible long alkylene (C6) spacer between the main chains and a BO‐containing mesogenic side group was also investigated. The polyacrylate exhibited LC behavior during the heating and cooling processes over wide ranges. The polyacrylate film quenched from an established temperature, which contains a frozen LC structure, also exhibited a significantly enhanced λ value (0.63 W m−1 K−1) without fillers and external fields. Thus, the BO‐containing vinyl polymers studied in this work are promising candidates for novel heat‐releasing materials. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Sidearm effect in (thio)urea/alkoxide‐mediated ring‐opening polymerization of cyclic esters
Authors: Zhu Ningning , Behzadi Shabnam , Si Guifu , Tan Chen
Published: December 2020

Thiourea and urea catalysts have received much attention in the field of ring‐opening polymerization. In the (thio)urea/alkoxide catalytic system, sidearm groups can influence the catalytic performance of the organocatalyst moiety. In this work, a series of (thio)ureas bearing 2‐, 3‐ and 4‐pyridyl moieties were designed and synthesized. The (thio)ureas bearing a 2‐pyridyl group exhibited much higher catalytic activities than the (thio)ureas bearing 3‐ or 4‐pyridyl groups, suggesting a sidearm effect. Both crystal data and computational studies indicated that 2‐pyridyl can form an intramolecular hydrogen bond with the NH moiety, resulting in a Brønsted base/Lewis acid bifunctional catalytic system. Furthermore, the catalyst was stimuli‐responsive in Lewis acid/base‐modulated ring‐opening polymerization. Coordination between the Lewis acid BEt3 and the catalyst was found to terminate the polymerization. Subsequently, the coordinated species was cleaved using the Lewis base bicyclo[2.2.2]‐1,4‐diazaoctane, resulting in the reactivation of the catalyst. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The association between witnessing cyberbullying and depressive symptoms and social anxiety among elementary school students
Authors: Doumas Diana M. , Midgett Aida
Published: December 2020

Cyberbullying is a significant problem among school‐aged youth. Although a growing body of literature has documented the association between cyberbullying victimization and mental health risks, there is limited research examining the impact of witnessing cyberbullying, particularly among elementary school students. To address this gap, we conducted a cross‐sectional study with elementary school students (N = 122). Students completed questionnaires assessing witnessing cyberbullying, witnessing school bullying, bullying victimization, depressive symptoms, and social anxiety. Regression analyses revealed that witnessing cyberbullying was positively associated with depressive symptoms (β = 0.25, p < 0.04) and social anxiety (β = 0.30, p < 0.01), even after controlling for frequency of witnessing school bullying and bullying victimization. Further, the moderating effect of witnessing school bullying was significant for depressive symptoms (β = −0.44, p < 0.001) and social anxiety (β = −0.31, p < 0.01), such that students who witnessed cyberbullying only reported the highest level of depressive symptoms and social anxiety. The moderating effect of bullying victimization was not significant. Findings suggest the importance of providing programs to support elementary school students who witness cyberbullying to reduce the mental health risks associated with being a cyberbullying bystander.
Effect of Different Ionic Surfactants on the Structural, Photophysical, and Morphological Properties of Water‐Based P3HT:PCBM Nanoparticle Dispersions and Films
Authors: Bellacanzone Christian , Prosa Mario , Muccini Michele , Ruani Giampiero , Seri Mirko , Bolognesi Margherita
Published: December 2020

Aqueous suspensions of composite nanoparticles of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]‐phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) are fabricated by miniemulsion method using three different ionic surfactants. The aim is to study how the length and conformation of the surfactants alkyl chains affect the properties of the nanoparticles. While the morphology and dimensions of the nanoparticles are similar, UV–vis spectroscopy evidences that the internal aggregation and ordering of the P3HT chains varies within the three nanoparticle formulations. The surfactant with branched alkyl chains promote the highest degree of ordering of P3HT chains in the nanoparticles (leading to increased conjugation length). In contrast, the lowest ordering is found for the nanoparticles with the surfactant having the shortest linear alkyl chain. The optical/structural properties of nanoparticles are partially retained in the films. Besides, the surfactant with branched alkyl chains favors the strongest coalescence of nanoparticles in the thin film, promoting a further ordering of the polymeric chains in the most external shell of the nanoparticles as evidenced by steady‐state and time‐resolved UV–vis spectroscopy and confocal fluorescence microscopy. These findings might guide the engineering of new surfactants for composite nanoparticles for optoelectronic applications.