bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of microbial growth and lipid oxidation in beef using a Lepidium perfoliatum seed mucilage edible coating incorporated with chicory essential oil
Authors: Alizadeh Behbahani Behrooz , Falah Fereshteh , Vasiee Alireza , Tabatabaee Yazdi Farideh
Published: April 2021

In this study, chicory essential oil (CEO) was obtained by hydrodistillation‐based extraction method and it was rich in camphor (31.3%) and phenolic compounds with outstanding antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The CEO was then incorporated into Lepidium perfoliatum seed mucilage (LPSM) based aqueous solution to prepare an active CEO‐loaded LPSM edible coating. The effect of the edible coating was then investigated on the quality and shelf life of beef slices during 7 days storage at 4°C. The results revealed that beef slice coated with CEO‐loaded LPSM edible coating had a significant inhibitory effect on its lipid oxidation and microbial growth. The CEO‐LPSM coating also inhibited the weight and texture losses of beef slices during display more efficiently compared with the control and CEO‐free LPSM coating. Besides, the beef slices coated with CEO‐LPSM were the preferred samples in terms of sensory scores throughout the storage. Thus, using CEO‐rich LPSM edible coating might inhibit decay and significantly improve the shelf life of fresh beef.
Improved triplex real‐time PCR with endogenous control for synchronous identification of DNA from chicken, duck, and goose meat
Authors: Liu Guo‐Qiang , Luo Jian‐Xing , Xu Wei‐Liang , Li Chun‐Dong , Guo Yuan‐Sheng , Guo Liang
Published: April 2021

The authentication and labeling of meat products, concerning origins and species, are key to fair trade and to protect consumer interests in the market. We developed an improved triplex real‐time PCR approach to simultaneously identify chicken, duck, and goose DNA in meat, including an endogenous control to avoid false negatives. Our method specifically detected DNA from chicken, duck, and goose, and showed no cross‐reaction with DNA extracted from other meat types. The detection limits of chicken, duck, and goose DNA were 0.001–0.00025 ng, 0.0025–0.0001 ng, and 0.001–0.00001 ng, respectively, and we were able to simultaneously identify DNA from two distinct origins using as little as 0.1% of total meat weight. Our newly generated triplex real‐time PCR method with endogenous control exhibited high specificity, sensitivity, and efficiency for simultaneous identification of DNA from chicken, duck, and goose in meat.
Identification of superior jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) genotypes based on morphological and fruit characterizations
Authors: Khadivi Ali , Mirheidari Farhad , Moradi Younes , Paryan Simin
Published: April 2021

Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) is of great importance due to its medicinal properties and nutritional value. The current investigation was carried out to assess phenotypic variation of naturally grown accessions of this species. The accessions investigated exhibited meaningful variabilities based on the recorded characters. Fruit fresh weight ranged from 0.36 to 3.83 g with an average of 1.16, fruit dry weight varied from 0.21 to 3.04 g with an average of 0.80, and fruit flesh thickness varied from 1.24 to 8.51 mm. Skin color showed large variabilities among the accessions, including maroon‐yellow, light maroon, maroon, dark maroon, light brown, brown, dark brown, and maroon‐crimson. Principal component analysis (PCA) determined the characters influencing the most variation among the accessions. Cluster analysis performed with the Euclidean distance and Ward's method divided the accessions into two main clusters. The present findings provided essential data about the morphological traits of Z. jujube that can be used for the selection of superior genotypes and development of the fruit processing industry. Besides, the available results can be useful in designing conservation strategies and breeding of Z. jujube.
The effects of sudden health reductions on labor market outcomes: Evidence from incidence of stroke
Authors: Tanaka Atsuko
Published: April 2021

While increasing attention is given to how health reductions affect workers, estimating their effects is usually challenging. This paper aims to identify the causal effect of health deterioration on labor market outcomes by exploiting the incidence of stroke. Stroke, which often reduces health suddenly and unexpectedly, allows us to exploit the within‐person random variation of the timing and isolate the effects of health reduction. By applying the fixed‐effects method to a sample of stroke survivors in the University of Michigan Health and Retirement Study data, I find that stroke immediately halves the employment probability as well as hours and weeks worked 1 year after the occurrence and its effects persist for at least 3 years, while earnings reduction is relatively moderate and gradual. I also find the negative effects of stroke are larger among men with severe stroke and women with longer pre‐stroke job tenure, while the effects are mitigated for younger women. These results make a stark contrast with the studies on other health events such as cancer diagnosis, which generally find much smaller effects and significant heterogeneity by education and occupation. This analysis shows that the labor market effects largely differ by types of diseases and calls for disease‐specific studies in order to understand the social gradient in health and how workers adjust to work limitations.
One institution's experience with self‐audit of opioid prescribing practices for common cervical procedures
Authors: Wang Tiffany V. , Okose Okenwa , Abt Nicholas B. , Kamani Dipti , Emerick Kevin S. , Randolph Gregory W.
Published: April 2021

Background

We aim to audit our institution's opioid prescribing practices after common cervical procedures.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study from one medical center. Reviewed records from 2016–2019 for 472 patients who underwent one of several common cervical procedures. Data collected on demographics, perioperative details, in‐hospital pain medication use, and opioids prescribed at discharge. Multivariable logistic regression was run.

Results

In hospital, median daily milligram morphine equivalents (MME) was 4 (IQR 0–15). Median MME prescribed at discharge was 112.5 MME (IQR 75–150). 3/472 patients received NSAIDs. Predictors of decreased discharge MME were age 70 and older (OR 0.33, p = 0.037) and more recent year (compared to 2016, OR 0.23 [p = 0.031] for 2017, OR 0.13 [p = 0.001] for 2018, and OR 0.070 [p < 0.001] for 2019).

Conclusions

MME prescribed at discharge was 28 times the daily in‐hospital MME. Only 3/472 patients received postoperative NSAIDs. Self‐auditing of opioid prescribing practices identifies actionable items for change.
Adapting the determinants of implementation behavior questionnaire to evaluate implementation of a structured low back pain programme using mixed‐methods
Authors: Ris Inge , Schröder Karin , Kongsted Alice , Abbott Allan , Nilsen Per , Hartvigsen Jan , Öberg Birgitta
Published: April 2021

Background and Aims

Best‐practice low back pain (LBP) primary care programmes have been developed based on evidence‐based clinical guidelines and implemented in Sweden and Denmark. The theoretical domains framework (TDF) was utilized in the design of the implementation strategy. Based on the TDF domains, the Determinants of Implementation Behavior Questionnaire (DIBQ) has been developed to evaluate implementation determinants, but its feasibility and validity need to be tested and adapted to study specific contexts. This study aimed to tailor the DIBQ for evaluation of implementation for LBP primary care programmes. The objectives were to (a) translate the DIBQ into Swedish and Danish, (b) adapt the DIBQ into DIBQ‐tailored (DIBQ‐t) to study content validity, (c) test the DIBQ‐t for feasibility, and (d) perform validity testing of DIBQ‐t.

Methods

We used a mixed‐methods design. First, forward translation of the DIBQ, then adaptation into DIBQ‐t using qualitative face validity and quantitative content validity was done. Finally, to determine feasibility and construct validity using confirmatory factor analyses, we used data from DIBQ‐t collected after the programmes' 2‐day course.

Results

The final DIBQ‐t included 28 items describing 10 of the original 18 DIBQ domains and was considered feasible. A total of 598 clinicians out of 609 responded to the DIBQ‐t, with only 2‰ of the items missing. The confirmatory factor analyses showed a good fit after removing two items with the lowest domain loading. The DIBQ‐t maintained linkage to all domains within the Behavioral Change Wheel. The clinicians' expectations, according to the DIBQ‐t, indicate facilitating determinants outweighing barriers at the initiation of implementation processes.

Conclusions

The study resulted in a feasible and valid version of a questionnaire for evaluating clinicians' expectations regarding implementation determinants of best‐practice LBP primary care programmes.
Numerical investigation on optimization of thermal analysis due to immersion of hybrid nanostructures in a fluid of shear dependent viscosity using the finite element method
Authors: Arif Uzma , Nawaz M. , Kbiri Alaoui M.
Published: April 2021

This article considers the dispersion of hybrid and mono nanoparticles in a fluid with viscosity (Williamson) dependent on shear rate, over a heated surface moving with nonuniform velocity and exposed to a magnetic field in the presence of an applied current. Extensive modeling leads to complex coupled mathematical models that are solved numerically via the finite element method (FEM). Convergent simulations are run to investigate the role of parameters on the dynamics of flow fields. The magnetic field intensity plays a role in controlling the magnetohydrodynamic boundary layer thickness (BLT) and thermal radiation controls the thickness of thermal boundary layers (TBL). However, the magnetic field intensity is responsible for an increase in BLT. In contrast to this, thermal radiation plays a role in controlling the thickness of the TBL. The impact of shear rate dependent viscosity on velocity is remarkable for both fluids. The motion of both of the fluids slows down when viscosity varies as a function of shear rate. Viscosity depending on the shear rate has a significant impact on wall shear stress. It is observed from simulations that wall shear increases when the parameters appearing in the model for shear rate dependent viscosity are increased. However, this increase in wall shear stress associated with a hybrid nanofluid is greater than the increase in wall shear stress associated with a mono nanofluid.
Cancer statistics for the year 2020: An overview
Authors: Ferlay Jacques , Colombet Murielle , Soerjomataram Isabelle , Parkin Donald M. , Piñeros Marion , Znaor Ariana , Bray Freddie
Published: April 2021

Our study briefly reviews the data sources and methods used in compiling the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) GLOBOCAN cancer statistics for the year 2020 and summarises the main results. National estimates were calculated based on the best available data on cancer incidence from population‐based cancer registries (PBCR) and mortality from the World Health Organization mortality database. Cancer incidence and mortality rates for 2020 by sex and age groups were estimated for 38 cancer sites and 185 countries or territories worldwide. There were an estimated 19.3 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 19.0‐19.6 million) new cases of cancer (18.1 million excluding non‐melanoma skin cancer) and almost 10.0 million (95% UI: 9.7‐10.2 million) deaths from cancer (9.9 million excluding non‐melanoma skin cancer) worldwide in 2020. The most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide were female breast cancer (2.26 million cases), lung (2.21) and prostate cancers (1.41); the most common causes of cancer death were lung (1.79 million deaths), liver (830000) and stomach cancers (769000).
Boronic Acid Reagents for Transition‐Metal‐Mediated Cross‐Coupling with Proteins and Peptides
Authors: Miller Mary K. , Ball Zachary T.
Published: April 2021

Transition‐metal catalysis provides new approaches to selectivity and the activation of otherwise inert functional groups. Bioconjugation with protein and peptide substrates presents numerous challenges of functional group activation and selectivity, and transitional‐metal approaches provide important alternative solutions to these challenges. This article describes the development of boronic acid reagents for new selective approaches to modification of peptides and proteins, focusing primarily on catalytic C−X bond formation.
Nutraceuticals in fibroid management after ulipristal acetate administration: An observational study on patients’ compliance
Authors: Tinelli Andrea , Gustapane Sarah , D’Oria Ottavia , Licchelli Martina , Panese Gaetano
Published: April 2021

Objective

On May 13, 2020, the Italian government Pharmaceutical Agency (AIFA) stopped ulipristal acetate (UPA) treatments for uterine fibroids (UFs), so patients shifted to other natural treatments. The authors tested the patients’ compliance with UF natural treatments.

Methods

Thirty patients of reproductive age (30–45 years) affected by UFs stopped UPA intake and started epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) plus vitamin D3 treatment. Patients were asked to complete the Uterine Fibroid symptoms and Quality of Life (UFS‐QOL) questionnaire, divided into symptoms severity (SS) and health‐related quality of life (HRQL), after UPA suspension and to repeat it after 3 months of natural treatment. Collected data were analyzed using paired Student's t test, considering a P value less than 0.05 to be significant.

Results

The SS score was significantly lower (–12.19%) for natural treatment when compared with UPA administration. The HRQL score significantly improved (+11.79%) after shifting treatment from UPA to natural therapy. All the investigated parameters appeared improved by 10% after the natural treatment. No adverse effects were reported following the natural treatment.

Conclusion

Natural treatments showed positive compliance in patients with UFs, based on HRQL score, representing an alternative therapeutic opportunity for patients forced to stop UPA therapy.
Front Cover Image
Authors: Huang Huijuan , Luo Xiao , Yao Yu , Zhou Xuefeng , Jiang Yu , Guo Chunli , Liu Jiaqin , Wu Xiaojun , Yu Yan
Published: April 2021

Yan Yu and co‐workers (DOI: 10.1002/inf2.12176) design and develop the nitrogen‐doped porous carbon nanosheets as the multifunctional host of Se (Se@N‐HCNS). They demonstrate that this structure could absorb polyselenides and facilitate ions transport effectively. In this cover, the fishes preferring to live under the lotus mean the anchoring effect of the Se@N‐HCNS on polyselenides. The buffalo is attracted to the red lanterns, representing the great development potential of K‐Se batteries in the Year of the Ox.

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Highly efficient conversion of glucose to methyl lactate over hierarchical bimetal‐doped Beta zeolite catalysts
Authors: Yue Xiao‐Yang , Ren Hui‐Fang , Wu Chengming , Xu Jun , Li Jifan , Liu Chun‐Ling , Dong Wen‐Sheng
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

Methyl lactate is widely applied in the chemical, food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. The conversion of carbohydrates over heterogeneous catalysts to methyl lactate is a promising environmentally benign process.

RESULTS

Hierarchical Sn‐Beta zeolite (Sn‐Beta) and corresponding bimetal‐doped Beta zeolites (M‐Sn‐Beta; M = Zn, In, La, Ga, Ni) were prepared via a novel modified hydrothermal synthesis method to convert carbohydrates into methyl lactate. The introduction of Zn into Sn‐Beta considerably improved the yield of methyl lactate from glucose, while for the catalysts containing In, La, Ga and Ni, such improvements were not observed.

CONCLUSIONS

A methyl lactate yield reaching up to 66.7% was obtained over Zn‐Sn‐Beta at 220 °C for 6 h. The enhanced catalytic performance was attributed to high Lewis acid density and strength, together with synergistic effects between framework Sn4+ and Zn2+ ions of Zn‐Sn‐Beta. Additionally, Zn‐Sn‐Beta demonstrated fructose and sucrose conversion into methyl lactate with yields of 68.4% and 70.0%, respectively. The Zn‐Sn‐Beta catalyst could be re‐used at least five times with only a slight loss of methyl lactate yield. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Under‐referral of Plain community members for genetic services despite being qualified for genetic evaluation
Authors: Ehrenberg Sarah , Walsh Vockley Catherine , Nelson Erica , Baker Jennifer , Arcieri Michael , Lindenberger Jessica , Ghaloul‐Gonzalez Lina
Published: April 2021

Plain community people (Amish and Mennonites) have increased risk of having recessive genetic disorders. This study was designed to assess the rate of referral of Plain people to genetic services at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Medical records of Plain patients from a 1‐year time period were reviewed. Data collected included demographic information, clinical presentation, referral for genetic services, and diagnosis. Of the 303 patients, 102 (33.7%) had a clinical presentation suggestive of a genetic disorder, yet only 32 of those 102 patients (31.4%) had been evaluated by the division of Medical Genetics. These data indicate that less than half of Plain patients with a clinical presentation suggestive of a genetic disorder had been referred to the division of Medical Genetics for a formal evaluation. Now that under‐referral of Plain patients has been confirmed, providers can be educated in order to increase referrals for genetic services and facilitate positive healthcare outcomes for the Plain Community.
Blood group type A secretors are associated with a higher risk of COVID‐19 cardiovascular disease complications
Authors: Mankelow Tosti J. , Singleton Belinda K. , Moura Pedro L. , Stevens‐Hernandez Christian J. , Cogan Nicola M. , Gyorffy Gyongyver , Kupzig Sabine , Nichols Luned , Asby Claire , Pooley Jennifer , Ruffino Gabriella , Hosseini Faroakh , Moghaddas Fiona , Attwood Marie , Noel Alan , Cooper Alex , Arnold David T. , Hamilton Fergus , Hyams Catherine , Finn Adam , Toye Ashley M. , Anstee David J.
Published: April 2021

The SARS‐CoV‐2 virus causes COVID‐19, an infection capable of causing severe disease and death but which can also be asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic. We investigated whether ABO blood group or secretor status was associated with COVID‐19 severity. We investigated secretor status because expression of ABO glycans on secreted proteins and non‐erythroid cells are controlled by a fucosyltransferase (FUT2), and inactivating FUT2 mutations result in a non‐secretor phenotype which protects against some viral infections. Data combined from healthcare records and our own laboratory tests (n = 275) of hospitalized SARS‐CoV‐2 polymerase chain reaction positive patients confirmed higher than expected numbers of blood group A individuals compared to O (RR = 1.24, CI 95% [1.05, 1.47], p = 0.0111). There was also a significant association between group A and COVID‐19‐related cardiovascular complications (RR = 2.56, CI 95% [1.43, 4.55], p = 0.0011) which is independent of gender. Molecular analysis revealed that group A non‐secretors are significantly less likely to be hospitalized than secretors. Testing of convalescent plasma donors, among whom the majority displayed COVID‐19 symptoms and only a small minority required hospitalization, group A non‐secretors were slightly over‐represented. Our findings showed that group A non‐secretors are not resistant to infection by SARS‐CoV‐2, but are more likely to experience a less severe form of associated disease.
Brain deficits in prediabetic adults: A systematic review
Authors: Furlano Joyla A. , Horst Becky R. , Nagamatsu Lindsay S.
Published: April 2021

Previous findings on the relationship between prediabetes (the precursor stage of type 2 diabetes) and brain health in humans are inconsistent. Thus, this systematic review of cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies aimed to summarize what is currently known about brain deficits in prediabetic adults. Following the PRISMA reporting standards for systematic reviews, we conducted a comprehensive review of peer‐reviewed journal articles published from 2009 to present, focusing on studies that assessed brain volume, structural connectivity, and cerebrovascular health in prediabetic adults and older adults (i.e., 18 years or older). We systematically searched PsychINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, and EMbase databases. Quality assessment was based on the NIH Quality Assessment Tool for Observational and Cross‐sectional Studies. In total, 19 studies were included in our review. Results from these studies show that prediabetes may be associated with deficits in brain structure and pathology, however, several studies also refute these findings. Moreover, we identified clear inconsistencies in study methodologies, including diabetes measures and classification, across studies that may account for these conflicting findings.
Combined impacts of sea surface temperature in tropical Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans on the winter rainfall in southern China under decadal background
Authors: Yu Minjie , Jiang Ning , Zhu Congwen , Su Jingzhi
Published: April 2021

The sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) in the tropical Pacific (TP) and North Atlantic (NA) are both important factors regulating the winter rainfall over southern China (SC). Our results show the combined impact of SSTAs exhibits an offset effect before 1985, after a decadal transition period, the two SSTAs patterns form an additive effect on the interannual timescale after 1995. These distinct impacts of the TP and NA result in the southward shift of the winter rainfall variability, which is associated with the decadal change of the TP and NA. Both the background modes in TP and NA show a phase transition during the period 1985–1995, accompanied by the interannual variations of the SSTAs in two ocean basins before 1985 and after 1995. Before 1985, the canonical El Niño‐related southerly winds of the anticyclone over the western North Pacific transport sufficient water vapour and enhance rainfall in SC. While the concurrent dipole NA SSTA‐related wave train propagates to Eurasia, causing a cyclone and divergence of water vapour fluxes suppressing the local rainfall. After 1995, the El Niño‐related warm SSTAs move westward and strengthen the rainfall anomalies in the Yangtze River basin. Meanwhile, a tripole mode of SSTAs replaces the dipole counterpart in NA, resulting in the anomalous cyclonic circulation over South Asia with more rainfall in the south edge of SC. The decadal changes of the TP and NA mode combination could affect the seasonal distribution and prediction of China winter rainfall.
Integration of Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound Education Into the Internal Medicine Core Clerkship Experience
Authors: Lambrecht Jason E. , Zhang Kang , Tierney David M. , Millner Paul , Giovannini David , Barron Keith , Novak William , Patel Sanjay A. , Dversdal Renee , Cox Emily J. , LoPresti Charles M.
Published: April 2021

Point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) is becoming an essential skill for internists. To date, there are no professional guidelines for how POCUS skills should be taught to medical students. A panel of POCUS experts from seven academic medical centers in the United States was convened to describe the components of independently developed IM clerkship POCUS training programs, identify areas of similarity and difference, and propose recommendations for alignment.
Oral Cancer in the Indian Subcontinent‐Survival Outcomes and Risk Factors with Primary Surgery
Authors: Thakar Alok , Thakur Rishikesh , Kakkar Aanchal , Malhotra Rajeev Kumar , Singh Chirom Amit , Sikka Kapil , Kumar Rajeev , Pramanik Raja , Biswas Ahitagni , Bhalla Ashu Seith , Bhaskar Suman , Sharma Atul
Published: April 2021

Objective

To assess the oncological outcome and prognostic factors for primary Oral Squamous Cell Cancer (OSCC) staged as per AJCC 8th pTNM, and treated by the contemporary standard of primary surgery and pathology directed adjuvant radiation‐chemoradiation.

Methods

A single institution cohort from a tertiary care academic institution in North India. Case inclusion 2013 to 2016; n = 218, median follow‐up 35 months. All patients were restaged as per the AJCC 8th pTNM classification. Analysis for Overall Survival (OS), Disease‐free Survival(DFS), and factors impacting outcome (Cox proportionate model Multivariate analysis).

Results

AJCC pTNM 7th to 8th edition conversion led to upstaging in 16.5%. Stage‐II demonstrated greatest stage migration and apparent improvement in OS and DFS (P < .09).

Discordance was noted between the presurgical (clinico‐radiologic) and postsurgical (pathological) nodal status in 40.3% (88/218; 54 pathologically upstaged;34 downstaged). Pathological downstaging was particularly significant with advanced stage Gingivo‐Buccal Cancers (25/73–34.7%).

Stage‐I‐II early cancers had 3 years. OS‐86.7% and DFS‐78.8%; Stage‐III‐IV advanced cancers had 3 years. OS‐56.7% and DFS‐46.6%. Multivariate analysis identified poorer OS and DFS for age < 40 years (HR‐1.8; 2.0), skin involvement (HR‐2.1; 2.6) and pN+ status (HR‐2.4; 3.5). Bone involvement did not compromise survival in this surgically treated set of patients.

Conclusion

Age < 45 is newly identified as significantly compromising DFS and OS in Oral Cancer. Established factors of skin involvement and pN+ are confirmed as impacting DFS‐OS. An apparent improvement in survival in Stage II Cancers is noted as consequent to adoption of AJCC 8th edition staging.

Level of Evidence

2 (OCEBM 2011—Inception Cohort Study for Prognosis) Laryngoscope, 131:2254–2261, 2021
Predictive modeling of hypoxic head and neck cancers during fractionated radiotherapy with gold nanoparticle radiosensitization
Authors: Huynh Myxuan , Kempson Ivan , Bezak Eva , Phillips Wendy
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Intrinsic radioresistance and increased proliferation rates in head and neck cancers (HNCs) are associated with negative radiotherapy (RT) treatment responses. The use of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as radiosensitizers could enable total radiation dose reduction and lowered radiation toxicity. AuNP radiosensitization may overcome hypoxia‐induced radioresistance and treatment‐induced accelerated repopulation of cancer cells in HNCs, improving radiotherapy outcomes.

Methods

Tumor control was determined by considering individual cancer cell responses in probabilistic computational simulations using HYP‐RT software for clinical radiotherapy doses and fractionation schedules along with three different nanoparticle administration schedules. Antagonistic tumor hypoxia and rapid tumor regrowth due to accelerated repopulation of cancers cells were taken into consideration.

Results

Simulations indicate that tumors that are conventionally uncontrollable can be controlled with AuNP radiosensitization. In simulations where the absence of AuNPs required radiotherapy doses above standard clinical prescriptions, reoccurring AuNP administration allowed for radiation dose reductions below standard clinical dose prescriptions. For example, considering a 2 Gy per fraction radiotherapy schedule, tumor control was achieved with 57.2 ± 5.1 Gy (P = <0.0001) for weekly AuNP administration and 53.0 ± 4.0 Gy (P = <0.0001) for biweekly AuNP administration compared to 69.9 ± 5.8 Gy with no radiosensitization.

Conclusions

AuNPs decreased the predicted RT total doses required to achieve tumor control via total stem cell elimination, offering an optimistic prediction and method for which hypoxia‐induced and rapidly growing radioresistant tumors are treated more effectively. Outcomes are also shown to be sensitive to the RT schedule with data for hyperfractionated RT indicating the greatest benefits from radiosensitization.
Lipid droplet–size mapping in human adipose tissue using a clinical 3T system
Authors: Weidlich Dominik , Honecker Julius , Boehm Christof , Ruschke Stefan , Junker Daniela , Van Anh T. , Makowski Marcus R. , Holzapfel Christina , Claussnitzer Melina , Hauner Hans , Karampinos Dimitrios C.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To develop a methodology for probing lipid droplet sizes with a clinical system based on a diffusion‐weighted stimulated echo–prepared turbo spin‐echo sequence and to validate the methodology in water–fat emulsions and show its applicability in ex vivo adipose‐tissue samples.

Methods

A diffusion‐weighted stimulated echo–prepared preparation was combined with a single‐shot turbo spin‐echo readout for measurements at different b‐values and diffusion times. The droplet size was estimated with an analytical expression, and three fitting approaches were compared: magnitude‐based spatial averaging with voxel‐wise residual minimization, complex‐based spatial averaging with voxel‐wise residual minimization, and complex‐based spatial averaging with neighborhood‐regularized residual minimization. Simulations were performed to characterize the fitting residual landscape and the approaches’ noise performance. The applicability was assessed in oil‐in‐water emulsions in comparison with laser deflection and in ten human white adipose tissue samples in comparison with histology.

Results

The fitting residual landscape showed a minimum valley with increasing extent as the droplet size increased. In phantoms, a very good agreement of the mean droplet size was observed between the diffusion‐weighted MRI‐based and the laser deflection measurements, showing the best performance with complex‐based spatial averaging with neighborhood‐regularized residual minimization processing (R2/P: 0.971/0.014). In the human adipose‐tissue samples, complex‐based spatial averaging with neighborhood‐regularized residual minimization processing showed a significant correlation (R2/P: 0.531/0.017) compared with histology.

Conclusion

The proposed acquisition and parameter‐estimation methodology was able to probe restricted diffusion effects in lipid droplets. The methodology was validated using phantoms, and its feasibility in measuring an apparent lipid droplet size was demonstrated ex vivo in white adipose tissue.
Extending a 10‐node composite tetrahedral finite element for solid mechanics
Authors: Foulk III James W. , Ostien Jakob T. , Talamini Brandon , Tupek Michael R. , Crane Nathan K. , Mota Alejandro , Veilleux Michael G.
Published: April 2021

We propose to extend the composite tetrahedral finite element first introduced by Thoutireddy et al. (2002) and recently reformulated by Ostien et al. (2016). We generalize the gradient operator and mass matrix to curved domains through analytical expressions weighted by subtetrahedra Jacobians. Optimal integration weights are constructed to increase the accuracy of Gaussian quadrature. We preserve the variational structure of the formulation through a new five‐field functional with additional, independent fields for the Jacobian and the pressure. This approach not only obviates volumetric locking but also yields symmetry. A deleterious soft mode, common to both the quadratic and composite tetrahedral element with constant pressure formulations is effectively stabilized through a novel convex energy penalty function. Numerous numerical examples spanning a patch test to the impact of a Taylor bar demonstrate the accuracy, robustness, and convergence of the extended composite tetrahedral element for application to structural metals.
A multiscale reduced‐order‐model strategy for transient thermoelasticity with variable microstructure
Authors: Bhattacharyya Mainak , Dureisseix David
Published: April 2021

This article deals with thermoelastic computation of heterogeneous structures containing quasi‐periodic microstructures having variable properties (geometric and/or material) using reduced‐order modeling. Such heterogeneous structure is extremely expensive to simulate using classical finite element methods, as the level of discretization required to capture the microstructural effects, is too fine. Based on the asymptotic homogenization theory, the multiscale technique explores the micro–macro behavior for thermoelasticity. Considering each integration point of the macrostructure consists of an underlying locally periodic microstructure, the overall problem is basically separated into a homogeneous problem defined over the macrostructure and a heterogeneous problem defined over each microstructure. Even though the usage of multiscale strategy helps in the reduction of numerical expense, it still deals with a full‐order finite element solution for the macroproblem and each microproblem. Using a twofold reduced‐order modeling further accentuates the cost reduction and provides a robust solution in a reduced space: (i) as an offline precomputation stage for the microstructural problem, and (ii) as an online process that can embed adaptivity for the macroscopic problem.
Underrepresentation in Oncology: Identifying and Addressing Structural Barriers
Authors: Owoyemi Olutosin , Aakhus Erin
Published: April 2021

Underrepresentation of minority groups in the oncology physician workforce is a pressing issue that may contribute to disparities in cancer research, clinical care, and patient outcomes. To address this, we highlight the role of medical culture and institutions in perpetuating a range of barriers that lead to the persistent underrepresentation of minority medical trainees and physicians. These barriers include an exclusionary medical culture, bias in measures of merit, financial barriers to medical subspecialty training, underrecognition of achievement, and poor representation and satisfaction among underrepresented faculty. Furthermore, we suggest a more intentional approach to diversity that values both recruitment of underrepresented undergraduates and early medical students and retention of internal medicine trainees, hematology-oncology fellows, and faculty. To counteract deeply embedded structural racism that hampers diversity efforts, this multifaceted approach will require cultural transformation of our medical institutions at all levels, including increased institutional transparency, mandatory evidence-based bias training, acknowledgment of varied achievements, changes in recruitment practices, and reinvigoration of pipeline development programs with a focus on financial support. Taken in combination, programs should recognize the scope of deterrents to representation and develop program-specific, longitudinal interventions to promote more successful diversity initiatives within the field of oncology.

Implications for Practice

The medical profession recognizes the value of physician workforce diversity in improving the quality of both medical education and patient care. In return, medical schools and training programs invest in recruitment programs focused on candidates who are underrepresented in medicine. In the field of oncology, where stark racial and ethnic disparities in care and health outcomes are well-defined, measures of minority physician representation remain especially stagnant. This study clearly defines the barriers that limit the effectiveness of such programs and provides recommendations to achieve the necessary workforce diversity in oncology.
Radiosurgery, reirradiation, and brachytherapy
Authors: Prasad Dheerendra , Vern‐Gross Tamara , Wolden Suzanne
Published: April 2021

Radiosurgery and brachytherapy are potentially useful treatment techniques that are sparingly applied in pediatric oncology. They are often used in the setting of reirradiation for recurrent or metastatic tumors. Reirradiation in children with recurrent tumors is complicated by the tolerance of critical organs and the potential risks for overall long‐term dose‐dependent complications. We review the current literature available in support of reirradiation and the use of radiosurgery and brachytherapy in pediatric patients.
Supportive care for toxicities in children undergoing radiation therapy
Authors: Patel Samir , Vargo John Austin , Olson Adam , Mahajan Anita
Published: April 2021

Radiation therapy (RT) is an integral part of the management of many pediatric tumors; however, it is associated with both acute and permanent adverse events that can significantly impact a child's quality of life, lead to treatment delays, and potentially affect outcomes of cancer therapy. Prevention, early detection, and optimal management of these adverse effects will help reduce their impact on the patients’ quality of life and overall well‐being. Unfortunately, there has not been a coordinated effort to study the etiology, evaluate risk factors, and explore novel treatments for these conditions. Studies of supportive care for children undergoing RT are often small and uncontrolled. This review will focus on the impact of irradiation on the different organ systems and their current management. Further studies are required to improve our understanding of the contributing factors and explore novel treatment options for these adverse effects and to enable children and their families to better cope with some of the unavoidable toxicities following multimodality therapy.
P(MMA‐co‐HPMA)‐b‐POEGMA copolymers: synthesis, micelle formation in aqueous media and drug encapsulation
Authors: Selianitis Dimitrios , Pispas Stergios
Published: April 2021

We report the synthesis and the micellar self‐assembly in aqueous media of novel amphiphilic block copolymers. The copolymers consist of a poly[(methyl methacrylate)‐co‐(hydroxypropyl methacrylate)] statistical copolymer block and a poly[oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate] block, and were synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The amphiphilic P(MMA‐co‐HPMA)‐b‐POEGMA block copolymers contain monomers of differing polarity and in varying ratios. Furthermore, HPMA segments are chosen in order to enhance hydrogen bonding interactions within the core of spherical micelles formed by the copolymers in aqueous media, as evidenced by light scattering and fluorescence spectroscopy studies. The amphiphilic copolymers are able to encapsulate the hydrophobic drugs curcumin and indomethacin as found using light scattering and spectroscopic methods. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Translational pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic modeling of preclinical and clinical data of the oral MET inhibitor tepotinib to determine the recommended phase II dose
Authors: Xiong Wenyuan , Friese‐Hamim Manja , Johne Andreas , Stroh Christopher , Klevesath Manfred , Falchook Gerald S. , Hong David S. , Girard Pascal , El Bawab Samer
Published: April 2021

Tepotinib is a highly selective and potent MET inhibitor in development for the treatment of patients with solid tumors. Given the favorable tolerability and safety profiles up to the maximum tested dose in the first‐in‐human (FIH) trial, an efficacy‐driven translational modeling approach was proposed to establish the recommended phase II dose (RP2D). To study the in vivo pharmacokinetics (PKs)/target inhibition/tumor growth inhibition relationship, a subcutaneous KP‐4 pancreatic cell‐line xenograft model in mice with sensitivity to MET pathway inhibition was selected as a surrogate tumor model. Further clinical PK and target inhibition data (derived from predose and postdose paired tumor biopsies) from a FIH study were integrated with the longitudinal PKs and target inhibition profiles from the mouse xenograft study to establish a translational PK/pharmacodynamic (PD) model. Preclinical data showed that tumor regression with tepotinib treatment in KP‐4 xenograft tumors corresponded to 95% target inhibition. We therefore concluded that a PD criterion of sustained, near‐to‐complete (>95%) phospho‐MET inhibition in tumors should be targeted for tepotinib to be effective. Simulations of dose‐dependent target inhibition profiles in human tumors that exceeded the PD threshold in more than 90% of patients established an RP2D of tepotinib 500 mg once daily. This translational mathematical modeling approach supports an efficacy‐driven rationale for tepotinib phase II dose selection of 500 mg once daily. Tepotinib at this dose has obtained regulatory approval for the treatment of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer harboring MET exon 14 skipping.
Quantitative systems pharmacology model of thrombopoiesis and platelet life‐cycle, and its application to thrombocytopenia based on chronic liver disease
Authors: Shimizu Ryosuke , Katsube Takayuki , Wajima Toshihiro
Published: April 2021

Platelets are produced by hematopoietic stem cells via megakaryocytes in the bone marrow and play a critical role in hemostasis. The aim of this study was to develop a new platelet model based on the thrombopoiesis and platelet life‐cycle by a quantitative systems pharmacology modeling approach, which could describe changes in platelet count profiles in platelet‐related diseases and drug intervention. The proposed platelet model consists of 44 components. The model was applied to thrombopoiesis of a thrombopoietin receptor agonist, lusutrombopag. It could well describe the observed platelet count profiles after administration of lusutrombopag for both healthy subjects and patients with chronic liver disease and thrombocytopenia. This model should be useful for understanding the disease progression of platelet‐related conditions, such as thrombocytopenia and for predicting platelet count profiles in various disease situations related to platelets and drug administration in drug development.
Overview of the Phase Space Formulation of Quantum Mechanics with Application to Quantum Technologies
Authors: Rundle Russell P. , Everitt Mark J.
Published: April 2021

The phase‐space formulation of quantum mechanics has recently seen increased use in testing quantum technologies, including methods of tomography for state verification and device validation. Here, an overview of quantum mechanics in phase space is presented. The formulation to generate a generalized phase‐space function for any arbitrary quantum system is shown, such as the Wigner and Weyl functions along with the associated Q and P functions. Examples of how these different formulations are used in quantum technologies are provided, with a focus on discrete quantum systems, qubits in particular. Also provided are some results that, to the authors' knowledge, have not been published elsewhere. These results provide insight into the relation between different representations of phase space and how the phase‐space representation is a powerful tool in understanding quantum information and quantum technologies.
Navigation assisted total knee arthroplasty in 54,114 patients: No increased risk in acute complications and hospital utilisation
Authors: Kamalapathy Pramod , Hines Jeremy , Cui Quanjun
Published: April 2021

Background

The advent of navigation in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has generated interest in attempt to improve component positioning as desired and clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate 90‐day complication and cost of navigation‐assisted TKAs (NTKA) compared to conventional TKAs (CTKA) using a national database.

Methods

A retrospective review of national database was conducted on all patients who underwent TKA from 2010 and 2017. The cohort was stratified into NTKA and CTKA subcohorts, excluding cases utilizing robotics.

Results

NTKA was associated with a significant decrease in 90‐day postoperative major and minor complications. NTKA was also associated with a decrease in 90‐day hospital utilization with lower rates of emergency department visits and readmissions. The cost of hospitalization and total 90‐day costs were lower in NTKA, with an average savings of $800.

Conclusion

The adoption of navigation in TKA is safe and efficaceous compared to CTKA.

Level of Evidence

III. Retrospective cohort study.
Robust neural network‐based tracking control for unmanned surface vessels under deferred asymmetric constraints
Authors: Sun Yanchao , Li Chengpeng , Qin Hongde , Deng Zhongchao , Chen Zhe
Published: April 2021

In this article, the constraints on unmanned surface vessels are imposed after a certain time after the system operation. Based on the shift function, this article proposes an asymmetric barrier Lyapunov function and achieves the control scheme with deferred and asymmetric full‐state constraints. In addition, radial basis function neural network and an antiwindup compensator are adopted for the problems of uncertainties and input saturation. The simulation results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed control strategies.
Business orientation and sustainable development: A systematic review of sustainability orientation literature and future research avenues
Authors: Khizar Hafiz Muhammad Usman , Iqbal Muhammad Jawad , Rasheed Muhammad Imran
Published: April 2021

This study aims to systematically identify, review, and assess the progression of sustainability orientation literature and provide an agenda for future research. We employed a systematic literature review (SLR) technique to select a sample of 93 studies from five databases: Web of Sciences, Scopus, Science Direct, Wiley Online Library, and Emerald Insight. The content analysis, aided by MaxQDA, was utilized for review and analysis purposes. The findings suggest that extant research on sustainability orientation can be categorized into six key themes: drivers of sustainability orientation, consequences/outcomes of sustainability orientation, multiple strategic orientations paradigm, elements of sustainability orientation, and crowdfunding. The current study critically evaluates the existing scholarship on the topic, reveals the limitations and knowledge gaps in the current body of literature, and suggests potential avenues for further advancement of knowledge in this area. Our study offers key implications for theory and practice.
Slamming the sham: A Bayesian model for adaptive adjustment with noisy control data
Authors: Gelman Andrew , Vákár Matthijs
Published: April 2021

It is not always clear how to adjust for control data in causal inference, balancing the goals of reducing bias and variance. We show how, in a setting with repeated experiments, Bayesian hierarchical modeling yields an adaptive procedure that uses the data to determine how much adjustment to perform. The result is a novel analysis with increased statistical efficiency compared with the default analysis based on difference estimates. We demonstrate this procedure on two real examples, as well as on a series of simulated datasets. We show that the increased efficiency can have real‐world consequences in terms of the conclusions that can be drawn from the experiments. We also discuss the relevance of this work to causal inference and statistical design and analysis more generally.
Artificial Neuron and Synapse Devices Based on 2D Materials
Authors: Lee Geonyeop , Baek Ji‐Hwan , Ren Fan , Pearton Stephen J. , Lee Gwan‐Hyoung , Kim Jihyun
Published: April 2021

Neuromorphic systems, which emulate neural functionalities of a human brain, are considered to be an attractive next‐generation computing approach, with advantages of high energy efficiency and fast computing speed. After these neuromorphic systems are proposed, it is demonstrated that artificial synapses and neurons can mimic neural functions of biological synapses and neurons. However, since the neuromorphic functionalities are highly related to the surface properties of materials, bulk material‐based neuromorphic devices suffer from uncontrollable defects at surfaces and strong scattering caused by dangling bonds. Therefore, 2D materials which have dangling‐bond‐free surfaces and excellent crystallinity have emerged as promising candidates for neuromorphic computing hardware. First, the fundamental synaptic behavior is reviewed, such as synaptic plasticity and learning rule, and requirements of artificial synapses to emulate biological synapses. In addition, an overview of recent advances on 2D materials‐based synaptic devices is summarized by categorizing these into various working principles of artificial synapses. Second, the compulsory behavior and requirements of artificial neurons such as the all‐or‐nothing law and refractory periods to simulate a spike neural network are described, and the implementation of 2D materials‐based artificial neurons to date is reviewed. Finally, future challenges and outlooks of 2D materials‐based neuromorphic devices are discussed.