bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Schema Therapy on Psychological Capital and Vulnerable Attachmenin Women with Breast Cancer
Authors: Alizadeh Nasrin , Mirzaian Bahram , Abbasi Ghodratollah
Published: November 2021

Background: Cancer causes psychological problems, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, feelings of sadness, and anger, and family problems. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of schema therapy on psychological capital and vulnerable attachment in women with breast cancer. Methods: The research method was quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest design and a control group. The statistical population included all women with breast cancer admitted to the Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran, Iran, from 23/07/2019 to 20/11/2019. The total number of the patients was 51, of whom 30 were purposefully selected and randomly assigned to an experimental and a control group (15 people in each group). The experimental group was exposed to schema therapy for 11 weekly 90-minute sessions, while the control group did not receive any training. The Luthans Psychological Capital Questionnaire and the Vulnerable Attachment Questionnaire were used to collect data. The collected data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance in SPSS-21 software. Results: The results of paired t-test showed a significant difference between the mean scores of the components of psychological capital and vulnerable attachment in the two experimental and control groups. Therefore, it can be stated that the effectiveness of schema therapy was associated with increased self-efficacy (P = 0.013), hope (P = 0.001), resilience (P = 0.034), optimism (P = 0.001), and decreased vulnerable attachment (P = 0.029). Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study regarding the effect of schema therapy on improving psychological capital and reducing vulnerable attachment, it can be concluded that schema therapy can be used as an effective intervention along with other therapies to reduce the problems of women with breast cancer.
Utilização de variáveis qualitativas de localização em equações volumétricas e a seleção de modelos
Authors: Ferreira Vinicius Pizzo , Batista João Luís Ferreira
Published: November 2021

A predição de volume da floresta é essencial para diversas finalidades logísticas como o transporte, colheita entre outros fins. Portanto, a medição de tal variável é indispensável para um empreendimento florestal. Para tal medição, são utilizados modelos matemáticos para a quantificação da madeira em campo. O trabalho visa avaliar o impacto da incorporação da informação de localidade, na forma de variáveis indicadoras sobre a acurácia preditiva dos modelos de equações volumétricas, verificando se essa incorporação influencia a escolha do modelo mais apropriado. Ao todo, foram utilizados 11 modelos volumétricos divididos entre modelos de dupla entrada e locais. Para as variáveis qualitativas, foram utilizadas as informações de município, fazenda, estrato e talhão. Foram observados o coeficiente de determinação, erro padrão da estimativa e vários índices relativos aos resíduos, como o desvio absoluto médio, distância interquartil, amplitude de variação, entre outros. Além dos índices, foram analisados os gráficos de dispersão, quantil-quantil e boxplot. Para avaliar a heteroscedasticidade dos modelos, foi calculado o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman e os valores ajustados dos modelos. As variáveis qualitativas ajustadas com um intercepto diferente para cada variável dentro do modelo e em um segundo momento os modelos foram interagidos com as variáveis qualitativas.
Fire performance of upholstery materials :
Authors: Zammarano Mauro
Published: November 2021

In our previous work, the fire performance of seven upholstery materials combinations - including six barrier fabrics, one cover fabric and one flexible polyurethane foam - was assessed by (1) full-scale chair mock-up tests and (2) a newly developed bench-scale test, referred to as the Cube test . Herein, we investigate the correlation between the flaming performance observed in the Cube tests and in the full-scale chair mock-ups. Two performance parameters are adopted in the Cube test: (1) time to wetting, tw (i.e., time elapsed between test start and the time at which flammable liquid products become first visible on the bottom surface of the Cube test specimen), and (2) heat release at wetting, HRRw (i.e., value of heat release rate measured at t=tw). Three performance parameters are adopted for full scale chair mock-ups: (1) peak of heat release rate, PHRR, (2) time to PHRR, tPHRR, and (3) average heat release rate measured between test start and the so-called bottom ignition , AHRRBI, where bottom ignition is defined as the appearance of prolonged and localized flaming underneath the chair mock-up. Data analysis revels that there is a strong linear correlation (coefficient of determination R2 > 0.9) between tPHRR and tw, PHRR and tw and AHRRBI and HRRw.
Professores não licenciados na Educação Básica: sentidos de docência no Ensino Médio Integrado
Authors: Ferreira Felipe , Barreto da Cruz Giseli
Published: November 2021

O artigo discute questões de docência de professores não licenciados que atuam nos cursos técnicos que se articulam em integração com a Educação Básica, constituindo o Ensino Médio Integrado. Teve por referência uma pesquisa, cujo objetivo consistiu em analisar sentidos de docência que se inscrevem nas práticas de professores não licenciados que atuam no Ensino Médio Integrado do Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica Celso Suckow da Fonseca (Cefet-RJ). O percurso metodológico se deu por meio da pesquisa narrativa, à luz de Clandinin e Connely (2000) e Galvão (2005), tendo sido entrevistados oito sujeitos. A sua base teórica se encontra em Kuenzer (2010), Oliveira (2008, 2017); Altet (2001), Formosinho (2009), Formosinho e Araújo (2011), Roldão (2007); Gauthier et al. (1998) e Shulman (1987). As análises indicam que as principais fontes de saberes mobilizados pelos sujeitos remetem a experiências vividas em diferentes momentos. Os sentidos de docência atribuídos por eles à sua prática indicam preocupação com o conhecimento do conteúdo a ser ensinado e com a formação para a cidadania; necessidade de estabelecimento de vínculo afetivo com os estudantes; reconhecimento de diferencial da formação específica para a docência; e a percepção de que a prática docente contribui para o aperfeiçoamento da atuação do professor.
Pedagogias de (re)existência: narrativas da docência na educação profissional técnica com/na diversidade
Authors: Ninck Dias Menezes Graziela
Published: November 2021

O artigo discute como professores/as vêm construindo pedagogias que insurgem como modos de (re)existência (WALSH, 2013) ao silenciamento de sujeitos da diversidade e da ausência de políticas de integração com a comunidade. Aponta no debate como a diversidade se constitui enquanto campo de disputa e de luta por direitos e como isso reverbera no cenário educacional e tensiona os/as docentes a atuarem em direção às demandas advindas desse contexto. O trabalho resulta de uma pesquisa que cartografou a profissão docente na educação profissional técnica a partir de experiências educativas com/na diversidade. Produzido em dois campi do Instituto Federal da Bahia, inscreve-se como pesquisa narrativa, tendo como dispositivos as rodas de conversa e as cartas pedagógicas, como espaços narrativos que propiciaram revelar as interpretações de uma realidade, mapeada pelas experiências e pelos modos como os sujeitos que nela habitam dão significados aos acontecimentos e como estes reverberam na profissão docente. A cartografia produzida revela como experiências educativas com a diversidade colocam os/as docentes na condição de escuta, de compreensão sobre como seus/suas estudantes vivem e enfrentam situações de discriminação e preconceito. Ainda revelam como em suas práticas de (re)existência favorecem a integração com a comunidade ou promovem na escola a cultura que dela emerge e geram construção de relações mais horizontais tendo-os/as como atores/atrizes, copartícipes e corresponsáveis pelo processo de ensino-aprendizagem.
A formação docente para educação profissional por meio de um curso de extensão com tecnologias emergentes e escolarização aberta
Authors: Okada Alexandra , Da Matta Cláudia Eliane
Published: November 2021

Este artigo explora a “escolarização aberta” promovida pela União Europeia cujo foco é a coaprendizagem formal, não-formal e informal por meio da cooperação entre estudantes, cientistas e comunidades para resolver problemas reais da vida visando educação profissional sociocientífica e cidadania responsável. O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender as práticas, estratégias e necessidades de professores interessados em inovação educacional com tecnologias emergentes e escolarização aberta. Este estudo de métodos mistos foi apoiado por um instrumento reflexivo semiestruturado do projeto CONNECT de escolarização aberta. Este projeto visa empoderar jovens apoiados em pesquisa e inovação responsáveis, ciência-ação e “diversão emancipatória" – prazer intrínseco de aprender. Os participantes foram 34 professores de escolas de ensino médio, incluindo educação profissional, técnica e vocacional no Brasil, que concluíram um curso de extensão sobre o uso de tecnologias emergentes. Os resultados destacam vários desafios para professores ainda centrados no ensino tradicional transmissivo: ensinar habilidades de pesquisa com problemas da vida real; ajudar os estudantes a gerar perguntas com visões baseadas em evidências; avaliar o quão bem os estudantes usam as evidências para formar um argumento e elaborar narrativas científicas e promover discussão sobre ciência na sociedade em sala de aula. Além disso, quatro estratégias de ensino e aprendizagem dos professores precisam tornar-se mais frequentes para que estudantes possam: elaborar questões científicas sobre o tópico abordado; desenvolver projeto de investigação colaborativa; usar jogos colaborativos com divisão de papéis e dialogar sobre questões científicas atuais.
Da eficácia das normas previstas na Nova Lei de Licitações (Lei 14.133/2021): análise do PNCP, do SRP e do Registro Cadastral
Authors: Zockun Carolina Zancaner , Cabral Flávio Garcia
Published: November 2021

O artigo investiga a questão da eficácia das normas da nova lei de licitações, a Lei nº 14.133/2021, com ênfase na análise do Portal Nacional de Contratações Públicas (PNCP), do Sistema de Registro de Preços (SRP) e do registro cadastral. Por ser uma legislação nova, que ainda gera dúvidas quanto a sua interpretação e aplicação, aliado ao fato de possuir muitas remissões à necessidade de regulamentação, há na doutrina e no exercício da função pública diversas indagações sobre sua eficácia. Assim, pretende-se discorrer sobre se a Lei já teria eficácia plena ou não, estando pendente a implementação do PNCP, bem como se já seria possível utilizar o SRP e o registro cadastral nela previstos. Para a realização do artigo, utiliza-se o método de abordagem indutivo, possuindo natureza descritiva e exploratória quanto aos fins e bibliográfica em relação aos meios. Ao final, conclui-se que, no que tange à realização das licitações e consequentes contratos administrativos, enquanto não estiver em funcionamento o PNCP, a Lei nº 14.133/2021 não possui eficácia técnica. Além disso, mesmo após a implementação do PNCP, há normas que ainda dependem de regulamentação, por serem de eficácia limitada, como as relativas ao sistema de registro de preços. Há, entretanto, outros dispositivos que poderão ser aplicados após a implantação do PNCP, por veicularem norma de eficácia contida, tal qual a hipótese prevista no artigo 70, II, da nova lei.
A 15-Year Analysis of Surgical Resident Operative Autonomy Across All Surgical Specialties in Veterans Affairs Hospitals
Authors: Anjaria Devashish J. , Kunac Anastasia , McFarlane Jamal L. , Oliver Joseph B.
Published: November 2021

This cross-sectional study uses data from the Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Project to examine changes in the autonomy of resident physicians in the operating room over the past 15 years.
Bioinspired Stochastic Design: Tough and Stiff Ceramic Systems
Authors: Yazdani Sarvestani Hamidreza , Aranguren van Egmond Derek , Esmail Ilhan , Genest Marc , Paquet Chantal , Ashrafi Behnam
Published: November 2021

Ceramics possess desirable stiffness, compressive strength, and thermal properties compared to alternative material classes. Despite this, the adoption of ceramics into advanced industries has been hindered by their inherent brittleness. Using a state‐of‐the‐art manufacturing platform, the authors incorporate disordered microstructural features inspired by those found in natural, impact‐resistant organisms using tessellated ceramic cells. To precisely mimic these natural patterns, a disorder parameter is introduced to modulate the stochasticity of the ceramic architectures. By modifying simple geometrical features such as cut depth and the disorder parameter, the energy absorption is dramatically improved, and the stiffness of the system can be tailored. It is found that the stochastic designs exhibit elevated damage tolerance, denoted by higher dynamic energy absorption (up to 330% for the 3rd impact) and stiffness (up to 200% for the 3rd impact) than both monolithic and perfectly hexagonal architectures. The results show a superior multi‐hit resistance owing to optimal cut depth and stochasticity which give access to extrinsic toughening mechanisms that can be influenced through design parameters. This highly‐scalable, digital manufacturing platform for creating numerically programmable architectures propels the automated production of intelligent, high‐performance, and tailorable ceramic systems for industrial applications in aerospace, protective devices, and medicine.
A Reanalysis of the Diverse Sodium Species in Carbon Anodes for Sodium Ion Batteries: A Thermodynamic View
Authors: Tian Zhihong , Zhang Yu , Zhu Jixin , Li Qiuye , Liu Tianxi , Antonietti Markus
Published: November 2021

Sodium ion batteries (SIBs) have been extensively investigated as a promising alternative for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) owing to the readily available character of sodium, lower costs of battery systems, as well as a similar working mechanism to LIBs. However, this view turns out to be oversimplified; countless reviews especially in the last years contradict each other, and it is still a challenging task to design highly performing electrode materials for SIBs. Due to the larger radius of Na+, its lower covalent character, and the resulting changes in intercalation chemistry, sodium is far from being only the bigger relative of lithium, and the difference leads to altered loading curves, and the occurrence of a multiplicity of binding sites. An in‐depth holistic understanding of the sodium storage mechanisms is needed to resolve the controversial discussions in the research community, ideally starting with unquestionable thermodynamic points. Here, taking a tutorial perspective, first the recent discussions on the storage mechanism of sodium in carbons are reviewed from an unorthodox viewpoint, namely addressing sodium uptake as a multifaceted adsorption process with an added electrochemical binding potential. This model is based on literature data. Afterward, challenges and perspectives revealed by such a model are discussed.
Recycling of Rechargeable Batteries: Insights from a Bibliometrics‐Based Analysis of Emerging Publishing and Research Trends
Authors: Lin Jiao , Zhang Xiaodong , Cai Li , Fan Ersha , Wu Shumeng , Ma Su , Wu Feng , Chen Renjie , Li Li
Published: November 2021

Recycling rechargeable batteries while addressing environmental burden requires the conversion to scrap materials into high added‐value products. Statistical analysis can help to understand hot spots and difficulties in recycling technologies, to develop breakthrough recycling technologies. Herein, a bibliometrics‐based analysis is applied to mine the patents and scientific literature from 1999 to 2020 and identifies the research trends of rechargeable battery recycling globally. The investigations demonstrate that the recycling of batteries experiences three important stages. Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) recycling has dominated the number of patent applications and articles published, followed by lead‐acid batteries, nickel–metal hydride (Ni‐MH) batteries, and nickel–cadmium (Ni–Cd) batteries. Recycling enterprises have more distributed over patents, while universities or research institutions contribute more to literary publications. Technology distribution of electrical/metallurgy/chemistry/environmental protection and other fields, with strong interdisciplinary characteristics, occurs. With the countries from the policy aspect of strict control of environmental protection and the improvement on resource demands, recycling technology still has great room for improvements. Industrial policies, especially pollution prevention norms, and standards provide important support for the research and application of related technologies. The “5M” and “3S” principles should be implemented in technology and policy for next‐generation recycling technology, respectively.
Bimetallic Copper/Ruthenium/Osmium Complexes: Observation of Conformational Differences Between the Solution Phase and Solid State by Atomic Pair Distribution Function Analysis
Authors: Xie Zhu‐Lin , Liu Xiaolin , Valentine Andrew J. S. , Lynch Vincent M. , Tiede David M. , Li Xiaosong , Mulfort Karen L.
Published: November 2021

High‐energy X‐ray scattering and pair distribution function analysis (HEXS/PDF) is a powerful method to reveal the structure of materials lacking long‐range order, but is underutilized for molecular complexes in solution. We demonstrate the application of HEXS/PDF with 0.26 Å resolution to uncover the solution structure of five bimetallic CuI/RuII/OsII complexes. HEXS/PDF of each complex in acetonitrile solution confirms the pairwise distances in the local coordination sphere of each metal center as well as the metal⋅⋅⋅metal distances separated by over 12 Å. The metal⋅⋅⋅metal distance detected in solution is compared with that from the crystal structure and molecular models to confirm that distortions to the metal bridging ligand are unique to the solid state. This work presents the first example of observing sub‐Ångström conformational differences by direct comparison of solution phase and solid‐state structures and shows the potential for HEXS/PDF in the determination of solution structure of single molecules.
Exploiting Cooperative Catalysis for the On‐Surface Synthesis of Linear Heteroaromatic Polymers via Selective C–H Activation
Authors: Liu Xunshan , Matej Adam , Kratky Tim , Mendieta‐Moreno Jesús I. , Günther Sebastian , Mutombo Pingo , Decurtins Silvio , Aschauer Ulrich , Repp Jascha , Jelinek Pavel , Liu Shi‐Xia , Patera Laerte L.
Published: November 2021

Regiospecific C−H activation is a promising approach to achieve extended polymers with tailored structures. While a recent on‐surface synthetic approach has enabled regioselective homocoupling of heteroaromatic molecules, only small oligomers have been achieved. Herein, selective C−H activation for dehydrogenative C−C couplings of hexaazatriphenylene by Scholl reaction is reported for the first time. By combining low‐temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), we revealed the formation of one‐dimensional polymers with a double‐chain structure. The details of the growth process are rationalized by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, pointing out a cooperative catalytic action of Na and Ag adatoms in steering the C−H selectivity for the polymerization.
Enhancement of functional properties by blending cocoon extracted Antheraea mylitta silk fibroin with polyvinyl alcohol for applications in biomedical field
Authors: Batra Radhika , Bansal Priya , Yadav Reetu , Purwar Roli , Kulanthaivel Senthilguru , Mishra Prashant
Published: November 2021

In this study, regenerated Antheraea mylitta silk fibroin (ASF) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) dissolved in formic acid were blended together in variable ratios to prepare blend films. The blend films presented homogeneous morphology with no visible phase separation as observed in scanning electron microscope (SEM). The structural analysis of blend films through fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction indicated the formation of co‐crystals due to interaction of fibroin with PVA molecular chains. The thermal properties assessed using thermogravimetric analyzer and differential scanning calorimeter supported the molecular interactions with altered thermal stability of blend films. Incorporation of PVA into ASF enhanced the mechanical properties of blend films. The water uptake capacity, biocompatibility and biodegradability were analyzed. The L929 fibroblast skin cells seeded on blend films were found to have attached the film surface and started attaining their conventional morphology after 48 h, as observed under SEM. Alamar blue assay confirmed the cytocompatibility of blend films with more than 95% cells being viable. Based on the aforementioned encouraging results, we can assert the utility of these blend films in biomedical field for tissue regeneration applications.
Maytansinol Derivatives: Side Reactions as a Chance for New Tubulin Binders
Authors: Marzullo Paola , Boiarska Zlata , Pérez‐Peña Helena , Abel Anne‐Catherine , Álvarez‐Bernad Beatriz , Lucena‐Agell Daniel , Vasile Francesca , Sironi Maurizio , Altmann Karl‐Heinz , Prota Andrea E. , Díaz J. Fernando , Pieraccini Stefano , Passarella Daniele
Published: November 2021

Maytansinol is a valuable precursor for the preparation of maytansine derivatives (known as maytansinoids). Inspired by the intriguing structure of the macrocycle and the success in targeted cancer therapy of the derivatives, we explored the maytansinol acylation reaction. As a result, we were able to obtain a series of derivatives with novel modifications of the maytansine scaffold. We characterized these molecules by docking studies, by a comprehensive biochemical evaluation, and by determination of their crystal structures in complex with tubulin. The results shed further light on the intriguing chemical behavior of maytansinoids and confirm the relevance of this peculiar scaffold in the scenario of tubulin binders.
Absolute configuration assignment of stigmasterol oxiranes
Authors: Fuentes‐Figueroa Miguel Á. , Joseph‐Nathan Pedro , Burgueño‐Tapia Eleuterio
Published: November 2021

Diastereoisomeric stigmasterol oxiranes 4, 5, 8, and 9 are known phytosterol oxidation products (POPs) that have been evaluated for their cytotoxicity, although the results are of limited significance since, in most cases, they were evaluated as mixtures. Consequently, to establish biological activity hierarchy of these oxides, it is critical to evaluate individual pure POPs. Therefore, we now describe the obtention of individual molecules and their absolute configuration (AC) determination. The two acetylated C‐5−C‐6 oxiranes 6 and 7; the two acetylated C‐22−C‐23 oxides 10 and 11, obtained by means of Δ5 double bond protection‐deprotection; and the four C‐5−C‐6, C‐22−C‐23 diepoxystigmasteryl acetates 19–22 were now individually gained and their AC determined by vibrational circular dichroism. Vibrational modes associated with the C‐5−C‐6 and the C‐22−C‐23 bonds were identified in dioxiranes 19–22 and used to assign the AC of monoepoxides 6, 7, 10, and 11. The AC of biological active non‐acetylated molecules follows immediately. Due to the scarce spectroscopic information available for these POPs, the 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts of 3–22 were assigned using 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR experiments.
Diagnosis of scar endometriosis on aspiration cytology and cellblock: Myth or reality
Authors: Varshney Bharti , Bharti Jyotsna Naresh , Satyendra Boddeda Tulasi , Singh Pratibha
Published: November 2021

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. It can occur both in the pelvic and extra pelvic regions. Abdominal scar endometriosis is a rare type of extra pelvic endometriosis that occurs after surgery involving the uterus. In the post‐cesarean section, the development of scar endometriosis is a rare event and the diagnosis of scar endometriosis is usually confirmed after surgical excision and histopathological examination. We present a case of an abdominal lump in a 26‐year‐old female with a myriad of clinical differential diagnoses, which was rendered a confirmed diagnosis of scar endometriosis with the help of fine‐needle aspiration cytology and cell block aided with immunohistochemistry.
Tree genotypes affect rock lichens and understory plants: examples of trophic‐independent interactions
Authors: Reese Næsborg Rikke , Lau Matthew K. , Michalet Richard , Williams Cameron B. , Whitham Thomas G.
Published: November 2021

Genetic variation in foundation tree species can strongly influence communities of trophic‐dependent organisms, such as herbivorous insects, pollinators, and mycorrhizal fungi. However, the extent and manner in which this variation results in unexpected interactions that reach trophic‐independent organisms remains poorly understood, even though these interactions are essential to understanding complex ecosystems. In pinyon–juniper woodland at Sunset Crater (Arizona, USA), we studied pinyon (Pinus edulis) that were either resistant or susceptible to stem‐boring moths (Dioryctria albovittella). Moth herbivory alters the architecture of susceptible trees, thereby modifying the microhabitat beneath their crowns. We tested the hypothesis that this interaction between herbivore and tree genotype extends to affect trophic‐independent communities of saxicolous (i.e., growing on rocks) lichens and bryophytes and vascular plants beneath their crowns. Under 30 pairs of moth‐resistant and moth‐susceptible trees, we estimated percent cover of lichens, bryophytes, and vascular plants. We also quantified the cover of leaf litter and rocks as well as light availability. Four major findings emerged. (1) Compared to moth‐resistant trees, which exhibited monopodial architecture, the microhabitat under the shrub‐like susceptible trees was 60% darker and had 21% more litter resulting in 68% less rock exposure. (2) Susceptible trees had 56% and 87% less cover, 42% and 80% less richness, and 38% and 92% less diversity of saxicolous and plant communities, respectively, compared to resistant trees. (3) Both saxicolous and plant species accumulated at a slower rate beneath susceptible trees, suggesting an environment that might inhibit colonization and/or growth. (4) Both saxicolous and plant communities were negatively affected by the habitat provided by susceptible trees. The results suggest that herbivory of moth‐susceptible trees generated litter at high enough rates to reduce rock substrate availability, thereby suppressing the saxicolous communities. However, our results did not provide a causal pathway explaining the suppression of vascular plants. Nonetheless, the cascading effects of genetic variation in pinyon appear to extend beyond trophic‐dependent moths to include trophic‐independent saxicolous and vascular plant communities that are affected by specific tree–herbivore interactions that modify the local environment. We suggest that such genetically based interactions are common in nature and contribute to the evolution of complex communities.
The influence of comorbidities on achieving an N‐terminal pro‐b‐type natriuretic peptide target: a secondary analysis of the GUIDE‐IT trial
Authors: Ezekowitz Justin A. , Alemayehu Wendimagegn , Rathwell Sarah , Grant Andrew D. , Fiuzat Mona , Whellan David J. , Ahmad Tariq , Adams Kirkwood , Piña Ileana L. , Cooper Lawton S. , Januzzi James L. , Leifer Eric S. , Mark Daniel , O'Connor Christopher M. , Felker G. Michael
Published: November 2021

Aims

N‐terminal pro‐b‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) values may be influenced by patient factors beyond the severity of illness, including atrial fibrillation (AF), renal dysfunction, or increased body mass index (BMI). We hypothesized that these factors may influence the achievement of NT‐proBNP targets and clinical outcomes.

Methods

A total of 894 patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction were enrolled in The Guiding Evidence‐Based Therapy Using Biomarker Intensified Treatment trial. NT‐proBNP was analysed every 3 months.

Results

Forty per cent of patients had AF, the median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 59 mL/min/1.73 m2 [interquartile range (IQR) 43–76], and median BMI was 29 kg/m2 (IQR 25–34). Patients with AF, eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, or a BMI < 29 kg/m2 had a higher level of NT‐proBNP at randomization and over all study visits (all P values < 0.001). Over 18 months, the rate of change of NT‐proBNP was less for patients with AF (compared with those without AF, P = 0.037) and patients with an eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (compared with eGFR > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, P < 0.001). The rate of change of NT‐proBNP was similar for patients with a BMI above or below the median value. Using the 90 day NT‐proBNP, patients with AF, lower eGFR, or lower BMI were less likely to achieve the target NT‐proBNP < 1000 pg/mL than patients without AF, higher eGFR, or higher BMI, respectively. None of these differed between the Usual Care or Guided Care arm for AF, eGFR, or BMI (Pinteractions all NS).

Conclusions

Patients with AF, a lower BMI, or worse renal function are less likely to achieve a lower or target NT‐proBNP. Clinicians should be aware of these factors both when interpreting NT‐proBNP levels and making therapeutic decisions about heart failure therapies.
Thromboembolism and bleeding in systemic amyloidosis: a review
Authors: Nicol Martin , Siguret Virginie , Vergaro Giuseppe , Aimo Alberto , Emdin Michele , Dillinger Jean Guillaume , Baudet Mathilde , Cohen‐Solal Alain , Villesuzanne Camille , Harel Stephanie , Royer Bruno , Arnulf Bertrand , Logeart Damien
Published: November 2021

The assessment of both thromboembolic and haemorrhagic risks and their management in systemic amyloidosis have been poorly emphasized so far. This narrative review summarizes main evidence from literature with clinical perspective.

The rate of thromboembolic events is as high as 5–10% amyloidosis patients, at least in patients with cardiac involvement, with deleterious impact on prognosis. The most known pro‐thrombotic factors are heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and atrial myopathy. Atrial fibrillation could occur in 20% to 75% of systemic amyloidosis patients. Cardiac thrombi are frequently observed in patients, particularly in immunoglobulin light chains (AL) amyloidosis, up to 30%, and it is advised to look for them systematically before cardioversion. In AL amyloidosis, nephrotic syndrome and the use of immunomodulatory drugs also favour thrombosis. On the other hand, the bleeding risk increases because of frequent amyloid digestive involvement as well as factor X deficiency, renal failure, and increased risk of dysautonomia‐related fall.
Worsening renal function in acute heart failure in the context of diuretic response
Authors: Emmens Johanna E. , ter Maaten Jozine M. , Matsue Yuya , Figarska Sylwia M. , Sama Iziah E. , Cotter Gad , Cleland John G.F. , Davison Beth A. , Felker G. Michael , Givertz Michael M. , Greenberg Barry , Pang Peter S. , Severin Thomas , Gimpelewicz Claudio , Metra Marco , Voors Adriaan A. , Teerlink John R.
Published: November 2021

Background

For patients with acute heart failure (AHF), substantial diuresis after administration of loop diuretics is generally associated with better clinical outcomes but may cause creatinine to rise, suggesting renal function decline. We investigated the interaction between diuretic response and worsening renal function (WRF) on clinical outcomes in patients with AHF.

Methods and results

In two AHF cohorts (PROTECT, n = 1698 and RELAX‐AHF‐2, n = 5586 in current analysis), the prognostic impact of WRF (creatinine ≥0.3 mg/dl increase baseline—day 4; sensitivity analyses incorporated baseline renal function) by diuretic response (kg weight loss/40 mg furosemide equivalent baseline—day 4) was investigated with regard to (cardiovascular) death or cardiovascular/renal hospitalization using subpopulation treatment effect pattern plots (STEPP) and survival analyses. WRF occurred in 286 (16.8%) and 1031 (18.5%) patients in PROTECT and RELAX‐AHF‐2, respectively. Patients with WRF had higher left ventricular ejection fraction and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate at baseline (p < 0.05), and received higher doses of loop diuretics and had a worse diuretic response (p < 0.001). In patients with a poor diuretic response (≤0.35 kg weight loss/40 mg furosemide equivalent as identified by STEPP), WRF was associated with higher risk of (cardiovascular) death or cardiovascular/renal hospitalization (p < 0.001 both cohorts), but this was not the case for patients with a good diuretic response (p = 0.900 both cohorts).

Conclusion

In two large cohorts of patients with AHF, WRF in the first 4 days was not associated with worse outcomes when patients had a good diuretic response. The occurrence of WRF in patients with AHF should therefore be considered in the context of diuretic response.
A framework for assessing impaired seismic performance as a trigger for repair
Authors: Murray Polly B. , Liel Abbie B. , Elwood Kenneth J.
Published: November 2021

Uncertainty about when post‐earthquake repairs are needed delays decision making, and can lead either to unnecessary demolition or repair, or to inadequate repair actions. This study proposes a framework for assessing the effect of earthquake damage on the future seismic performance of a building. In this framework, we first assess drift demands during a maximum considered earthquake (MCER) level ground motion in an undamaged building, and then compare the drift demands in the same building during the same motion when it has been damaged by a prior shaking. We assess each building for a range of prior shaking events and 15 MCER‐level motions. From these analyses, we determine the relationship between damage in the first motion—quantified as peak story drift demand—and the MCER‐level motion drift demands—quantified as the ratio of peak drift demands in the damaged building to those in the undamaged building. This trend is used to indicate the level of damage at which performance is impaired, and repair is needed due to structural safety concerns. We apply this framework to a set of single‐degree‐of‐freedom structures and reinforced concrete moment frame buildings representative of construction in the United States. The results show that code‐conforming structures do not see significant drift amplifications in the damaged building when story drifts in the damaging motion do not exceed 2%, indicating they would not require major repairs for structural safety. Structures with less deformation capacity saw larger amplifications, and were affected when story drift demands in the damaging motion were lower. We also found that stiffer structures tend to see larger amplifications of drift demands.
Experimental and simulation study of the interaction characteristics of nano‐MgO and smoke in the fire of a ship engine room
Authors: Wu Zhongzheng , Wang Liang , Su Shichuan , Liu Wei
Published: November 2021

The engine room of ships with poor ventilation has high concentrations of accumulated smoke during the fires. In some ways, the existing forced ventilation and water mist fire extinguishing can aggravate the occurrence of back‐burning and flame strengthening. In this article, a novel way to control smoke is proposed. Based on nano‐MgO particles, the adsorption mechanism of MgO at different temperatures (300–500 K) was simulated and analyzed using the Monte Carlo method. And the macroscopic adsorption effects of smoke at different angles (30°, 80°, and 110°) of nano‐MgO vertical spray were studied in a closed confined space of 1.5 × 1.5 × 1 m3, where the diesel oil was used as a fire source. The results show that the nano‐MgO have a good dissipation effect on the fire smoke through the analysis of the temperature, smoke concentration and adsorption amount in the confined space, which can effectively reduce the smoke concentration and improve the visibility in the space. The adsorption effect of nano‐MgO is the best when the spray angle is 30°, the adsorption effect of nano‐MgO is the largest when the pressure is 300 KPa and the temperature is 300 K. Besides, the adsorption of nano‐MgO and carbon smoke particles changed from single‐layer to multilayer adsorption in the process of interaction. The research results provide a theoretical basis for the application of nano‐MgO particles in smoke control of the fire in the ship engine room.
Covid‐19, Free Exercise, and the Changing Constitution
Authors: Capron Alexander Morgan
Published: November 2021

The Covid‐19 pandemic has brought bioethics back to five topics—justice, autonomy, expert authority, religion, and judicial decisions—that were central during its formative period but has cast a new light on each, while also tangling public health policy in the current, rather radical, reshaping of the role of organized religion in society.
Rationing of a scarce life‐saving resource: Public preferences for prioritizing COVID‐19 vaccination
Authors: Luyten Jeroen , Tubeuf Sandy , Kessels Roselinde
Published: November 2021

In the face of limited COVID‐19 vaccine supply, governments have had to identify priority groups for vaccination. In October 2020, when it was still uncertain whether COVID‐19 vaccines would be shown to work in trials, we conducted a discrete choice experiment and a best‐worst ranking exercise on a representative sample of 2060 Belgians in order to elicit their views on how to set fair vaccination priorities. When asked directly, our respondents prioritized the groups that would later receive priority: essential workers, the elderly or those with pre‐existing conditions. When priorities were elicited indirectly, through observing choices between individuals competing for a vaccine, different preferences emerged. The elderly were given lower priority and respondents divided within two clusters. While both clusters wanted to vaccinate the essential workers in the second place, one cluster (N = 1058) primarily wanted to target virus spreaders in order to control transmission whereas the other cluster (N = 886) wanted to prioritize those who were most at risk because of a pre‐existing health condition. Other strategies to allocate a scarce resource such as using a “lottery”, “first‐come, first‐served” approach or highest willingness‐to‐pay received little support.
Enterprise financial management and trend prediction based on time series analytics and edge computing
Authors: Chen Min
Published: November 2021

In order to improve the prediction accuracy and reliability of long‐term financial trend, a financial time series prediction framework is proposed by combining empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and reduced support vector regression (SVR). Through the empirical mode decomposition, the framework can eliminate the disturbance caused by the multi band information of error sequence. The financial time series processed by EMD are used to train a reduced support vector regression model. Compared with classical support vector regression, the reduced support vector regression can discarded the samples, which would not become support vectors, to reduce the scale of problem. Therefore, the reduced support vector regression is much faster than support vector regression and is more suitable for edge computing. The experiments on benchmark dataset show that empirical mode decomposition plus reduced support vector regression can reach the close performance of empirical mode decomposition plus support vector regression, meanwhile running time only costs less than one fortieth of empirical mode decomposition plus support vector regression's.
Evaluation of human coronavirus OC43 and SARS‐COV‐2 in children with respiratory tract infection during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Keshavarz Valian Nasrin , Pourakbari Babak , Asna Ashari Kosar , Hosseinpour Sadeghi Reihaneh , Mahmoudi Shima
Published: November 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic is an overwhelming crisis across the world. Human Coronavirus OC43 (HCoV‐OC43) is a Betacoronavirus responsible mostly for mild respiratory symptoms. Since the presentations of HCoV‐OC43 and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐COV‐2) are believed to resemble a lot, the aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and characteristics of HCoV‐OC43 in the current pandemic and the rate of coinfection for the two viruses. One hundred and seventeen patients referred to Children's Medical Center, Tehran, Iran with respiratory symptoms were included. Real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) methods were performed for the detection of HCoV‐OC43 and SARS‐COV‐2. Totally, 23 (20%) had a positive RT‐PCR for HCoV‐OC43 and 25 (21%) were positive for SARS‐COV‐2. Two patients (2%) had a positive PCR for both HCoV‐OC43 and SARS‐COV‐2. The two groups showed significant differences in having contact with family members with suspected or confirmed COVID‐19 (p = 0.017), fever (p =  0.02), edema (p = 0.036), vomiting (p < 0.001), abdominal complaints (p = 0.005), and myalgia (p = 0.02). The median level of lymphocyte count in patients with HCoV‐OC43 was significantly lower than patients with SARS‐COV‐2 infection (p =  0.039). The same frequency of SARS‐COV‐2 and HCoV‐OC43 was found in children with respiratory symptoms during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The rate of coinfection of SARS‐COV‐2 with HCoV‐OC43 in our study was 0.08. Further research into the cocirculation of endemic coronaviruses, such as HCoV‐OC43 and SARS‐CoV2, in different regions, is highly recommended. Attempts to determine the geographic distribution and recruit more flexible test panel designs are also highly recommended.
Prevalence and risk indicators of midfacial peri‐implant soft tissue dehiscence at single site in the esthetic zone: A cross‐sectional clinical and ultrasonographic study
Authors: Tavelli Lorenzo , Barootchi Shayan , Majzoub Jad , Chan Hsun‐Liang , Stefanini Martina , Zucchelli Giovanni , Kripfgans Oliver D. , Wang Hom‐Lay , Urban Istvan A.
Published: November 2021

Background

Esthetic complications of dental implants in the esthetic zone can have a major negative impact on patients’ quality of life and perception of implant therapy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of peri‐implant soft tissue dehiscence (PSTD) and the clinical and ultrasonographic risk indicators for this condition.

Methods

Subjects with ≥1 healthy single dental implants in the esthetic area were identified and recruited. Clinical and ultrasonographic measurements, including PSTD class and subclass, probing depth, keratinized mucosa width (KMW), mucosal thickness (MT) at 1 mm and 3 mm, buccal bone distance (BBD) and buccal bone thickness, were evaluated in healthy implants and implants with PSTD.

Results

A total of 153 subjects with a total of 176 dental implants were included. The prevalence of PSTD was 54.2% and 56.8% on a patient and implant level, respectively. The most frequent type of PSTD was the one characterized by having both an implant‐supported crown longer than the clinical crown of the homologous tooth and a visible abutment/implant fixture exposed to the oral cavity. The multivariate analysis showed that the presence of an adjacent implant, a longer time of the implant in function, limited MT, reduced KMW, and increased BBD were significantly associated with the presence of PSTD.

Conclusions

PSTDs are common findings in the esthetic region. Several risk indicators for this condition, such as presence of an adjacent implant, increased time in function of the implant, higher BBD, lower KMW, and MT were identified.
Salinomycin as a potent anticancer stem cell agent: State of the art and future directions
Authors: Qi Dan , Liu Yunyi , Li Juan , Huang Jason H. , Hu Xiaoxiao , Wu Erxi
Published: November 2021

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subpopulation of cells within a tumor that can both self‐renew and differentiate into other cell types forming the heterogeneous tumor bulk. Since CSCs are involved in all aspects of cancer development, including tumor initiation, cell proliferation, metastatic dissemination, therapy resistance, and recurrence, they have emerged as attractive targets for cancer treatment and management. Salinomycin, a widely used antibiotic in poultry farming, was identified by the Weinberg group as a potent anti‐CSC agent in 2009. As a polyether ionophore, salinomycin exerts broad‐spectrum activities, including the important anti‐CSC function. Studies on the mechanism of action of salinomycin against cancer have been continuously and rapidly published since then. Thus, it is imperative for us to update its literature of recent research findings in this area. We here summarize the notable work reported on salinomycin's anticancer activities, intracellular binding target(s), effects on tumor microenvironment, safety, derivatives, and tumor‐specific drug delivery; after that we also discuss the translational potential of salinomycin toward clinical application based on current multifaceted understandings.
Acute‐onset polyradiculoneuropathy after SARS‐CoV2 vaccine in the West and North Midlands, United Kingdom
Authors: Loo Lay Khoon , Salim Omar , Liang Di , Goel Aimee , Sumangala Salini , Gowda Ashwin S. , Davies Brendan , Rajabally Yusuf A.
Published: November 2021

Introduction/Aims

We aimed to determine whether specific severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV2) vaccines may be associated with acute‐onset polyradiculoneuropathy and if they may result in particular clinical presentations.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed records of all persons presenting with acute‐onset polyradiculoneuropathy from January 1, 2021, to June 30, 2021, admitted to two Neuroscience centers, of the West and North Midlands, United Kingdom. We compared subjects with previous SARS‐CoV2 vaccine exposure with a local cohort of persons with acute‐onset polyradiculoneuropathy admitted between 2005 and 2019 and compared admission numbers for the studied time frame with that of the previous 3 years.

Results

Of 24 persons with acute‐onset polyradiculoneuropathy, 16 (66.7%) presented within 4  weeks after first SARS‐CoV2 vaccine. Fourteen had received the AstraZeneca vaccine and one each, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. The final diagnosis was Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) in 12 and acute‐onset chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy in 4. Among AstraZeneca vaccine recipients, facial weakness in nine persons (64.3%), bulbar weakness in seven (50%), and the bifacial weakness and distal paresthesias GBS variant in three (21.4%), were more common than in historical controls (P = .01; P = .004, and P = .002, respectively). A 2.6‐fold (95% confidence interval: 1.98–3.51) increase in admissions for acute‐onset polyradiculoneuropathy was noted during the studied time frame, compared to the same period in the previous 3 years.

Discussion

Despite a low risk, smaller than that of SARS‐CoV2 infection and its complications, exposure to the first dose of AstraZeneca SARS‐CoV2 vaccine may be a risk factor for acute‐onset polyradiculoneuropathy, characterized by more common cranial nerve involvement.