bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vibrant soundbridge implantation prior to auricular reconstruction with unilateral microtia‐atresia
Authors: Yoshimura Hidekane , Takahashi Masahiro , Iwasaki Satoshi , Shinagawa Jun , Takashimizu Ikkei , Nagai Fumio , Yotsuyanagi Takatoshi , Usami Shin‐ichi
Published: August 2021

We presented the first successful application of VSB implantation prior to auriculoplasty, which can provide hearing improvement in safe conditions and open new strategies for earlier hearing rehabilitation in unilateral microtia‐atresia children.
Plasma amino acids in patients with essential tremor
Authors: Miura Shiroh , Kamada Takashi , Fujioka Ryuta , Yamanishi Yoshihiro
Published: August 2021

Essential tremor (ET) is one of the most common movement disorders. However, there are currently no accepted biomarkers for ET. This report suggested that concentration of plasma glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and taurine could be biomarkers for ET.
An old friend turned foe: Metformin‐induced diarrhea with resultant symptomatic hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, and hypophosphatemia
Authors: Sharma Avirale , Walsh David
Published: August 2021

Metformin is known for gastrointestinal side effects, but has rarely been associated with diarrhea severe enough to cause symptomatic electrolyte abnormalities and hospitalization. This case illustrates such that occurred despite multiple outpatient encounters for diarrhea. Additionally, this case highlights the importance of a comprehensive medical reconciliation as part of a thorough medical evaluation.
A case report of toxic leukoencephalopathy induced by metronidazole in a woman with surgical site infection
Authors: Faraji Dana Hoorvash , Shojaei Arani Lida , Faraji Ali , Bahmani Kiumars
Published: August 2021

Metronidazole may rarely cause encephalopathy and neuropathy. In this study, we report a 30‐year‐old post‐partum, ex‐addicted female with leukoencephalopathy due to metronidazole.
Cutaneous ulcers in association with sprue‐like enteropathy secondary to Losartan
Authors: Essien Francis , Wassem Juakiem , Tate Joshua , Roberts Jared
Published: August 2021

Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) which may cause severe sprue‐like enteropathy (SLE) with skin manifestation. Clinicians should be informed of this side effect and its reversibility after cessation of the drug.
Tension pneumomediastinum and diffuse subcutaneous emphysema with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection requiring operative management for impending airway collapse: A case report
Authors: Lin Kevin P. , Stefaniak Christopher , Bunch Connor M. , March Robert , Zamlut Mahmud , Raza Syed , Osorio Walter , Korzan Josh , Show Jeffery , Mjaess Nicolas , Patel Shivani , Zackariya Sufyan , Sualeh Ali , Wiarda Grant , Al‐Fadhl Hamid , Thomas Anthony V. , Khan Rashid Z. , Gillespie Laura , Walsh Mark M.
Published: August 2021

Tension pneumomediastinum is a rare complication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection that has increased in incidence with the novel coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Although traditionally managed with conservative measures, we present the indications and methods for the first operative management of tension pneumomediastinum with concomitant SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Catalytic Fluoroalkylation Reactions of Alkoxy‐substituted (Hetero)Arenes
Authors: Yerien Damian E. , Lantaño Beatriz , Barata‐Vallejo Sebastián , Postigo Al
Published: August 2021

Electron‐rich alkoxy‐substituted (hetero)arenes and electrophilic fluoroalkyl moieties represent advantageous partners for substitution reactions due to their electronic match. Fluoroalkylation strategies of alkoxy‐substituted (hetero)arenes are herein presented which depict photocatalytic and thermal methods. Photocatalytic methods rely on the use of diverse photocatalysts such as Ru(bpy)3Cl2, tetrabutylammonium decatungstate TBADT, N‐doped carbon nanodots NCNDs, and vitamin derivatives which can partner with the Langlois reagent NaSO2CF3, CF3CO2H, and perfluoroalkyl iodides RF‐I as fluoroalkylating reagents. Also, electrocatalytic methods that make use of the cathodic reduction of CF3SO2Cl to generate CF3 radicals can achieve trifluoromethylation reactions of alkoxy‐substituted (hetero)arenes. On the other hand, thermal methodologies comprising Pd(OAc)2 catalysis and using CF3Br as trifluoromethylating source have been implemented.
Asymmetric Catalytic Synthesis of Hexahydropyrrolo‐isoquinolines via Three‐Component 1,3‐Dipolar‐Cycloaddition
Authors: Li Zhaojing , Xu Nian , Guo Ning , Zhou Yuqiao , Lin Lili , Feng Xiaoming
Published: August 2021

An asymmetric three‐component 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of 3,4‐dihydroisoquinolines, bromoacetates and α,β‐unsaturated pyrazole amide is realized by using a chiral N,N’‐dioxide‐Y(OTf)3 complex as the catalyst. The process includes a base‐promoted formation of dihydroisoquinolium ylides in situ, and a chiral Lewis acid‐catalyzed asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition with α,β‐unsaturated pyrazole amides. A series of hexahydropyrrolo‐isoquinolines are obtained in moderate to good yields with excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivities.
Post‐traumatic stress symptomatology and adjustment of medical oncology practice during the COVID‐19 pandemic among adult patients with cancer in a day care hospital
Authors: Joly Florence , Rigal Olivier , Guittet Lydia , Lefèvre‐Arbogast Sophie , Grellard Jean‐Michel , Binarelli Giulia , Lange Marie , Rieux Chantal , Fernette Marie , Tron Laure , Gernier François , Travers Romain , Morel Adeline , Richard Doriane , Griffon Bénédicte , Leconte Alexandra , Bastien Etienne , Quilan Florian , Pépin Louis‐Ferdinand , Jardin Fabrice , Leheurteur Marianne , Clarisse Bénédicte , Lequesne Justine , Faveyrial Audrey
Published: August 2021

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic may induce post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among patients with cancer, who also face adaptations to their treatment. The authors assessed the occurrence of PTSD symptoms, investigated pandemic‐induced adjustments in medical oncology practice in patients with cancer, and explored risk factors for PTSD and the association between PTSD symptoms, insomnia, and quality of life (QoL).

Methods

This prospective French study was conducted in patients with solid/hematologic tumors who were receiving medical treatment in the day care departments of 2 cancer centers during the lockdown. Adjustments to medical oncology practice were collected from medical records. PTSD (measured using the Impact of Event Scale‐Revised), insomnia (measured using the Insomnia Severity Index), QoL (measured using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐General instrument), and cognitive complaints (measured using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Cognitive Function instrument) were collected through validated questionnaires.

Results

Clinical data and questionnaires were available for 734 and 576 patients, respectively. The median patient age was 64 years, and 69% of patients were women. Twenty‐one percent of patients had PTSD. Twenty‐seven percent (95% CI, 23%‐30%) had an adjustment in their medical oncology program, including adjournments (29%), treatment interruptions (16%), modified treatment plans (27%), or adapted monitoring (27%). Women and patients experiencing an adjustment in oncology practice had a higher odds of PTSD (odds ratio= 2.10 [95% CI, 1.07‐4.14] and 1.65 [95% CI, 1.03‐2.63]; P < .05). PTSD symptoms were correlated with worse scores for QoL, cognition, and insomnia.

Conclusions

Twenty‐one percent of patients with cancer experienced PTSD symptoms associated with poor QoL during the first COVID‐19–induced lockdown. Medical oncology practice was adjusted in approximately one‐quarter of patients and was associated with the occurrence of PTSD symptoms. Psychosocial support should be offered in cancer centers to promote emotional resilience and avoid PTSD symptoms in patients.
Discovering influential users in social network using weighted cumulative centrality
Authors: Jain Somya , Sinha Adwitiya
Published: August 2021

The sharing of information is an inherent tendency of human beings that helps in content dissemination as it cascades to the larger networked audience. In this article, we have proposed a novel weighted cumulative measure for discovering influential users in such networked structures. Our method generically combines the impact of multiple structural features of the network, along with local and global information to produce weighted cumulative centrality (WCC) score. Local information internments nodes direct neighborhood influence whereas global information scrutinizes network structure as a whole via propagating shortest paths. To assess the performance of our innovated measure, a benchmark diffusion model is employed as an artificial stochastic model to track the rate of information spread. The resultant outcome is verified on five different networks including scale‐free and random, and real‐world networks, namely, Facebook, BlogCatalog, and Twitter network. Furthermore, a comparative study is conducted to justify the spreading ability of proposed multifeature based WCC against existing single‐feature based approaches using relative performance ratio. Simulation with single and multiple triggering nodes endorse the efficacy of our proposed method over existing counterparts in terms of the coverage rate, thus showing support for early adoption phenomena in proposed WCC to infest a social network.
Impact of Multimeric Ferrocene‐containing Cyclodecapeptide Scaffold on Host‐Guest Interactions at a β‐Cyclodextrin Covered Surface
Authors: Sanchez Perez Enrique , Toor Ritu , Bruyat Pierrick , Cepeda Céline , Degardin Mélissa , Dejeu Jérôme , Boturyn Didier , Coche‐Guérente Liliane
Published: August 2021

Among non‐covalent bonds, the host‐guest interaction is an attractive way to attach biomolecules to solid surfaces since the binding strength can be tuned by the nature of host and guest partners or through the valency of the interaction. For that purpose, we synthesized cyclodecapeptide scaffolds exhibiting in a spatially controlled manner two independent domains enabling the multimeric presentation of guest molecules on one face and the other face enabling the potential grafting of a biomolecule of interest. In this work, we were interested in the β‐cyclodextrin/ferrocene inclusion complex formed on β‐CD monolayers functionalized surfaces. By using surface sensitive techniques such as quartz crystal microbalance and surface plasmon resonance, we quantified the influence of the guest valency on the stability of the inclusion complexes. The results show a drastic enhancement of the affinity with the gradual increase of guest valency. Considering that the sequential binding events are equal and independent, we applied the multivalent model developed by the Huskens group to extract intrinsic binding constants and an effective concentration of host.
A double hollow rectangular‐shaped patch and with the slotted ground plane monopole wideband antenna for microwave head imaging applications
Authors: Samsuzzaman Md , Fakeeh Khalid A. , Talukder Md Siam , Hasan Md Mahedi , Rahman Md Hasanur , Alam Md Mottahir , Shaik Mahaboob Sharief , Islam Mohammad Tariqul
Published: August 2021

This paper introduces a lightweight wideband planar antenna with an antenna array configuration for microwave head imaging. The designed antenna is composed of a double hollow rectangular‐shaped patch and with the slotted ground. Its measurements are small: 0.28λ × 0.24λ × 0.006λ, whereλis the lowest operating frequency's wavelength. The design process has been completed using CST and then fine‐tune the parameters of the architecture structure to accomplish the ideal bandwidth. The antenna is manufactured and measured in order to test antenna properties. The prototype was being used for brain screening than with the Hugo‐head model. With adequate impedance matching, the antenna meets an operational bandwidth of 1.82 GHz (1.22–3.04 GHz) with an overall peak gain of 5 dBi with a stable radiation property. Fidelity factors both for face‐to‐face and side by side alignment are 92.7% and 83.75%, respectively, indicating that the antenna had a little signal interruption. To determine the backscattered signals of the antenna with Hugo‐head phantom, a nine‐antenna array‐based setup is assumed, with one antenna serving as a transmitter and the remaining eight receiving the dispersed signals.
Organocatalysis Meets Hydrocarbon Oxyfunctionalization: the Role of N‐Hydroxyimides
Authors: Andrade Marta A. , Martins Luísa M. D. R. S.
Published: August 2021

The merging of organocatalysis and C−H bond oxyfunctionalization has demonstrated to be a powerful approach towards the development of new efficient and selective synthetic protocols. Both research areas have witnessed a tremendous growth over the past two decades, with a high number of studies mainly reporting the use of N‐hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) and related compounds in the selective oxyfunctionalization of hydrocarbons. Additionally, heterogeneous NHPI‐based systems can provide a green and sustainable perspective for oxidation reactions. Nevertheless, reports related to this latter approach are still scarce and need further scouting in terms of types of supports used. This short review accounts for relevant contributions from 2010 onwards on the use of NHPI‐based systems for hydrocarbon oxyfunctionalization.
The effects of attentional and interpretation biases on later pain outcomes among younger and older adults: A prospective study
Authors: Chan Frederick H. F. , Suen Hin , Chan Antoni B. , Hsiao Janet H. , Barry Tom J.
Published: August 2021

Background

Studies examining the effect of biased cognitions on later pain outcomes have primarily focused on attentional biases, leaving the role of interpretation biases largely unexplored. Also, few studies have examined pain‐related cognitive biases in elderly persons. The current study aims to fill these research gaps.

Methods

Younger and older adults with and without chronic pain (N = 126) completed an interpretation bias task and a free‐viewing task of injury and neutral scenes at baseline. Participants’ pain intensity and disability were assessed at baseline and at a 6‐month follow‐up. A machine‐learning data‐driven approach to analysing eye movement data was adopted.

Results

Eye movement analyses revealed two common attentional pattern subgroups for scene‐viewing: an “explorative” group and a “focused” group. At baseline, participants with chronic pain endorsed more injury‐/illness‐related interpretations compared to pain‐free controls, but they did not differ in eye movements on scene images. Older adults interpreted illness‐related scenarios more negatively compared to younger adults, but there was also no difference in eye movements between age groups. Moreover, negative interpretation biases were associated with baseline but not follow‐up pain disability, whereas a focused gaze tendency for injury scenes was associated with follow‐up but not baseline pain disability. Additionally, there was an indirect effect of interpretation biases on pain disability 6 months later through attentional bias for pain‐related images.

Conclusions

The present study provided evidence for pain status and age group differences in injury‐/illness‐related interpretation biases. Results also revealed distinct roles of interpretation and attentional biases in pain chronicity.

Significance

Adults with chronic pain endorsed more injury‐/illness‐related interpretations than pain‐free controls. Older adults endorsed more illness interpretations than younger adults. A more negative interpretation bias indirectly predicted pain disability 6 months later through hypervigilance towards pain.
When one suffers less, all suffer less: Individual pain ratings are more effective than group ratings in producing placebo hypoalgesia
Authors: Bajcar Elżbieta Anita , Wiercioch‐Kuzianik Karolina , Brączyk Justyna , Farley Dominika , Bieniek Helena , Bąbel Przemysław
Published: August 2021

Background

Placebo hypoalgesia can be induced by observing a person (model) whose pain relief is the result of the use of an inert substance or procedure. This study examined whether verbal modelling, that is, showing pain ratings provided by other people, is sufficient to induce placebo hypoalgesia.

Methods

Participants from the experimental groups were acquainted with pain ratings (presented on VASs) derived from a single person (groups 1 and 3) or a group of people (groups 2 and 4) that were allegedly subjected to the same painful procedure. The ratings of pain stimuli that were allegedly applied with placebo were lower than the ratings of stimuli applied without placebo. In two of the experimental groups (group 3 and 4), participants also watched a video recording showing individuals who allegedly provided pain ratings; however, they did not observe them undergoing pain stimulation. The control group did not undergo any manipulation. Then, the participants received a series of the same thermal pain stimuli that were applied either with or without placebo and rated their intensity.

Results

Placebo hypoalgesia was induced only in participants presented with pain ratings provided by a single person, regardless of whether this person was previously seen. However, the pain ratings presented to the participants generally decreased individual pain sensations, regardless of whether they came from a group of people or a single person.

Conclusions

Verbal modelling can produce placebo hypoalgesia and reduce pain sensations. It may be effectively used in clinical practice to modify patients' responses to pain treatment.

Significance

This study shows that knowledge about pain ratings provided by another person is sufficient to induce placebo hypoalgesia; thus, neither direct nor indirect observation of a person experiencing pain is necessary to induce this effect. Pain ratings derived from a group of people can decrease pain sensations but they do not produce placebo hypoalgesia.
Firstly Electrochemical Examination of Myosmine at Glassy Carbon Electrode: Sensitive Determination in Tobacco Leaves by Differential Pulse Voltammetry
Authors: Aral Tarık , Önal Günay , Keskin Ertuğrul , Levent Abdulkadir
Published: August 2021

In this study, the electrochemical properties of myosmine, one of the tobacco alkaloids, were investigated for the first time using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) techniques on glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Using GCE with CV technique, it gave an irreversible reduction peak with diffusion control at about −1.38 V in Britton‐Robinson (BR, pH 12.0) medium. A good linear relationship between concentration and current in the range of 0.5 μM–3.5 μM in BR (pH 12.0) medium on GCE with DPV technique [Ip(μA)=0.847 C(μM)+0.114, r=0.995, n=7] has been observed. The proposed method has been successfully applied to tobacco leaves.
Characterization and kinetic modeling for pyrolytic conversion of cotton stalks
Authors: Fawzy Samer , Osman Ahmed I. , Farrell Charlie , Al‐Muhtaseb Ala'a H. , Harrison John , Al‐Fatesh Ahmed S. , Fakeeha Anis H. , Doran John , Yang Haiping , Rooney David W.
Published: August 2021

Herein, cotton stalk biomass was initially characterized to understand its physicochemical properties as a raw material for biochar production. Furthermore, thermal analysis was conducted using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the results were further utilized to evaluate the cotton stalk's kinetic behavior under thermal decomposition in an inert environment. Advanced kinetics and technology solutions (AKTS) software was for the first time employed to compute the kinetic parameters of cotton stalk pyrolysis, as well as provide kinetic predictions under isothermal conditions. Three methods were used to compute the activation energy (Ea) value, namely ASTM‐E698, Flynn‐Wall‐Ozawa (FWO), and Friedman's differential iso‐conversional model. The results obtained using the ASTM‐E698 method indicate an activation energy of 127.23 kJ·mol−1. Furthermore, the FWO method presented an Ea value ranging 35‐250 kJ·mol−1. The differential iso‐conversional method is the most robust approach as it adequately represents the complex nature of lignocellulosic biomass decomposition, showing an Ea range between 4 and 250 kJ·mol−1. Based on the differential iso‐conversional method, kinetic predictions under isothermal conditions were provided. The predictions offer valuable insight for industrial‐scale biochar project developers in relation to production throughput optimization. Furthermore, the kinetic parameters obtained can be utilized in process modeling.
Enrichment of dimerumic acid in Monascus‐fermented rice and its in vivo antioxidant activity
Authors: Khan Washim , Regmi Omkar , Panda Bibhu Prasad
Published: August 2021

Monascus‐fermented rice (MFR) has been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for the revitalization of blood, digestion problems, and cardiovascular disorders. Through a biotechnological approach, MFR is produced by the solid‐state fermentation of rice by Monascus spp. MFR has remarkable therapeutic properties as it contains several bioactive compounds, and dimerumic acid is one of the important siderophore‐based antioxidant fermentative metabolites found in it. This study aimed to screen out the medium composition for the production of dimerumic acid (DMA) and evaluate its antioxidant potential. Different strains of Monascus purpureus Microbial Type Culture Collection & Gene Bank (MTCC) 410, 369, 1090 and Monascus ruber MTCC 1880, 2326 and Monascus pilosus CBS 286.34, CBS 290.34 with different solid substrate were screened for maximum yield of DMA. Solid‐state fermentation of long‐grain rice (Oryza sativa) by Monascus pilosus CBS 290.34 was the best for DMA production. The optimized medium parameters in rice for the highest yield of DMA were glucose (75.13 mg/g), soya extract (19.33 mg/g), malt extract (35.14 mg/g), and calcium carbonate (0.29 mg/g). The predicted values for medium parameters were in good agreement with the experimental data. MFR enriched with DMA showed potent antioxidant and lipid lowering capacity in both in vitro and in vivo. It can be explored further for the development of nutraceuticals as a natural antioxidant.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors withBRAFgene fusions. A report of two cases showing low or absentKITexpression resulting in diagnostic pitfalls
Authors: Torrence Dianne , Xie Ziyu , Zhang Lei , Chi Ping , Antonescu Cristina R.
Published: August 2021

Although most gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) exhibit activating mutations in eitherKITorPDGFRA, rare cases have shown to be driven by gene fusions involving kinases, mainly involvingNTRK3, and rarelyBRAForFGFR1.BRAFgene rearrangements have been described in only two patients to date, as separate case reports. In addition,BRAFV600E mutation is an uncommon but established oncogenic pathway in GIST. In this report, we describe two new GIST cases harboring novelBRAFfusion genes, arising in two young‐adult women (37 and 40 years of age) in the small bowel and distal esophagus, both with a spindle cell phenotype. The small bowel GIST measured 2.8 cm and showed a high cellularity and a mitotic rate of 20/50 HPFs, while the esophageal lesion measured 7 cm and 1/50 HPFs. Immunohistochemically, both tumors showed diffuse reactivity for DOG1, while KIT/CD117 was weakly positive in the small bowel GIST and completely negative in the esophageal tumor. Based on these findings, the latter case was misinterpreted as a low‐grade myxoid leiomyosarcoma, as it showed a myxoid stroma, reactivity for SMA and focal positivity for desmin. Archer FusionPlex revealed a fusion betweenBRAFwith eitherAGAP3orMKRN1gene partners. Moreover, MSK‐IMPACT DNA targeted sequencing confirmed both fusions but did not identify additional mutations. In one case with available material, theBRAFgene rearrangement was also validated by FISH. The recognition ofBRAFfusion‐positive GISTs is critical as it may be associated with a low level of KIT expression and may result in diagnostic challenges with significant impact on therapeutic management. The clinical benefit with KIT inhibitors, such as imatinib, remains to be determined.
Lower incidence of clinical allergy with PEG‐asparaginase upfront versus the sequential use of native E. coli asparaginase followed by PEG‐ASP in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Mesegué Montserrat , Alonso‐Saladrigues Anna , Pérez‐Jaume Sara , Comes‐Escoda Ariadna , Dapena José Luís , Faura Anna , Conde Nuria , Català Albert , Ruiz‐Llobet Anna , Zapico‐Muñiz Edgar , Camós Mireia , Rives Susana
Published: August 2021

Asparaginase (ASP) is an essential component for the acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment, but toxicities, such as allergy, frequently limit its use. Although the potentially lower PEG‐ASP formulation immunogenicity, few studies with conflicting results have compared the allergy incidence between Escherichia coli‐ASP and PEG‐ASP in the same protocol. We aimed at comparing the allergy incidence in children receiving native E. coli‐ASP versus PEG‐ASP within the same clinical protocol (Spanish Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology ALL‐SEHOP‐PETHEMA 2013). One hundred and twenty‐six children (1–19 years) diagnosed with ALL from 2013 to 2020 were included. Patients in group 1 received a sequential scheme of native E. coli‐ASP 10,000 IU/m2 intramuscularly (IM) followed by PEG‐ASP 1000 IU/m2 IM. Patients in group 2 received PEG‐ASP 1000 IU/m2 IM upfront. Clinical allergy incidence was compared between both groups. Serum ASP activity (SAA) was measured in a subgroup of patients, and silent inactivation was recorded. The cumulative incidence of clinical allergy was significantly higher in group 1 (native followed by PEG‐ASP) than in group 2 (PEG‐ASP upfront), 24.7% versus 4.1% (p = 0.0085). Adequate ASP activity was achieved with PEG‐ASP 1000 IU/m2 dose in most patients (median SAA 412.5 and 453.0 IU/L at days 7 and 14). The incidence of silent inactivation in PEG‐ASP upfront patients was very low. PEG‐ASP‐used upfront was associated with a lower incidence of clinical allergy than that observed in the sequential use of native E. coli‐ASP followed by PEG‐ASP. PEG‐ASP at 1000 IU/m2 was effective in achieving enough ASP activity in most patients.
A kiosk survey of perception, attitudes and knowledge (PAK) of Australians concerning microbes, antibiotics, probiotics and hygiene
Authors: DeSalle Rob , Wikins Jared , Kennett Rod
Published: August 2021

Issues addressed

To obtain a baseline of public perception, attitudes and knowledge (PAK) of Australians about microbes, antibiotics and hygiene like hand washing and use of probiotics.

Methods

Using a kiosk‐based survey method at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), we remotely assayed PAK of Australians through their interaction with the kiosk. The surveys we used had five and seven multiple answer questions and were analysed using standard comparative approaches. We also made comparisons based on gender and on age group for many of the questions.

Results

Our analyses indicate that there is a lack of general understanding of the role of microbes in everyday life among Australians. In addition, we detected some basic misunderstandings about antibiotics. While 80% of the respondents identified penicillin as an antibiotic, up to 30% of the respondents wrongly identified aspirin, Tylenol, valium and Benadryl as antibiotics. We also detected a general lack of knowledge about hand washing hygiene and probiotic use.

Conclusions

Our results from around 700 Australian respondents can serve as a baseline for further PAK assessment of Australians. PAK of Australians with respect to microbes and hand washing hygiene is poor therefore public education is needed. This study should stimulate a better roadmap for public education about microbes, antibiotics, probiotics and hygiene.

So what?

With the recent spread of SARS‐Cov2 and the ensuing Covid19 pandemic and the continuing rise in antimicrobial resistance, the need for assessment PAK of microbes and infectious disease has become acute.
Finite element Soret Dufour effects on an unsteady MHD heat and mass transfer flow past an accelerated inclined vertical plate
Authors: Bejawada Shankar Goud , Yanala Dharmendar Reddy
Published: August 2021

The present study is focused on the Soret and Dufour effects on magnetohydrodynamics unsteady fluid flow over an accelerated inclined vertical plate with thermal radiation and heat source. Solution of the nondimensional governing differential equations are worked out by the efficient Galerkin finite element method. The influence of several relevant flow parameters on velocity, temperature, and concentration distributions, as well as the numerical results, are studied and graphically displayed. The nondimensional skin friction and the rate of heat and mass transfer parameters are presented in the Tables 1‐3 below. Raising the Soret number results in growing concentrations, but the converse is true for the Schmidt number. Skin friction reduces when Soret and Dufour numbers increase. The present simulations apply to the processing of magnetic materials in the chemical and metallurgical industries.
Analysis of multilayer convective flow of a hybrid nanofluid in porous medium sandwiched between the layers of nanofluid
Authors: Manjunatha S. , Puneeth V. , Anandika Rajeev , Gireesha B. J.
Published: August 2021

AgBr acts as a good sensitizer for titanium oxide, hence TiO2–AgBr nanoparticles exhibit high photocatalytic activity which helps decompose methyl orange under visible light irradiation. Methyl orange is a chemical compound that is hard to degrade and has high stability. It is photoreactive and can capture photons from the sun and is highly used as a light harvester in solar cells, hence, it is used in solar applications. In view of this, the present article deals with the analysis of heat transfer in a multilayer flow of two immiscible nanofluids in a vertical channel that finds application in the fields of solar reactors, electronic cooling, and so on. The mathematical model involving the effect of thermal radiation and the presence of heat source is in the form of a system of ordinary differential equations. This system of equations is simplified using the differential transform method‐Padé approximant and the resulting equations are solved algebraically. It is observed that the temperature of the coolant does not reach its saturation point faster due to the presence of different base fluids that differ in their thermal conductivity. This helps in maintaining the optimum temperature of the system.
Realistic exposure of the fungicide bixafen in soil and its toxicity and risk to natural earthworm populations after multiyear use in cereal
Authors: Ernst Gregor , Agert Jutta , Heinemann Oliver , Hellpointner Eduard , Gladbach Anja
Published: August 2021

A comprehensive multiyear monitoring program was conducted to assess the exposure, effects, and long-term risk of the fungicide bixafen to earthworms in cereal fields. The realistic exposure of bixafen in soil was assessed at 10 representative field sites in Germany after a period of up to 8 years of use with five different products containing bixafen, followed by annual measurements from 2017 to 2019. The measured exposure concentrations were compared with modeled predicted environmental concentrations in soil (PECsoil) that are derived in the context of the European risk assessment of plant protection products. It was shown that the model assumptions, in particular the kinetic parameters describing the background accumulation, provided a conservative description of the observed residue data. This demonstrates that the exposure modeling tools are adequate for use in soil risk assessment. Laboratory and field ecotoxicological studies were performed to provide a comprehensive risk assessment on the long-term use of bixafen-based fungicides in cereals. While a laboratory reproduction study with the earthworm Eisenia fetida indicated a potential risk at the Tier 1 risk assessment for the end-use product Skyway XPro®, a 2.5-year field study showed no unacceptable long-term effects on natural earthworm populations. The exposure in this study exceeded the maximum recommended field rate of Skyway XPro® by a factor of 3 and the maximum measured bixafen concentrations from exposure monitoring study by a factor of 5.2. Hence, an acceptable long-term risk of bixafen-based cereal fungicides is concluded for earthworms. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:734–747. © 2021 Bayer AG. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

KEY POINTS

The model assumptions for estimating the bixafen exposure in soil, in particular the kinetic parameters describing the background accumulation, provided a conservative description of the observed residue data in the exposure monitoring. A 2.5 year earthworm field study showed no unacceptable long-term effects on natural earthworm populations up to three times the recommended field application rate of the end-use product Skyway XPro® or 5.2 times the maximum measured bixafen concentrations from the exposure monitoring. An acceptable long-term risk of bixafen-based cereal fungicides is concluded for earthworms.
Early life physical activity and risk of ovarian cancer in adulthood
Authors: Wang Tianyi , Jake‐Schoffman Danielle E. , Townsend Mary K. , Vinci Christine , Willett Walter C. , Tworoger Shelley S.
Published: August 2021

Emerging data suggest that exposures in early life may affect ovarian development and contribute to ovarian cancer risk. We evaluated the association between early life physical activity and risk of ovarian cancer in adulthood in two large prospective cohorts, the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and NHSII. In total, analyses included 28 232 NHS participants (followed from 2004 to 2016) and 56 553 NHSII participants (followed from 1997 to 2017). Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for risk of ovarian cancer overall and by early life body mass index (BMI). Neither physical activity at ages 12‐13, 14‐17 or 18‐22 years nor average physical activity across these three periods was associated with ovarian cancer risk overall (≥78 vs <24 MET‐h/wk, HRs = 1.34, 1.21, 1.08 and 1.24, respectively), or by categories of early life BMI (Pheterogeneity ≥ .44). No association was observed with the risk of high‐grade serous or poorly differentiated tumors or postmenopausal ovarian cancer. Overall, early life physical activity was not clearly related to ovarian cancer risk during adulthood.
Epidemiology, genetics and treatment of multiple myeloma and precursor diseases
Authors: Hemminki Kari , Försti Asta , Houlston Richard , Sud Amit
Published: August 2021

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy caused by the clonal expansion of plasma cells. The incidence of MM worldwide is increasing with greater than 140 000 people being diagnosed with MM per year. Whereas 5‐year survival after a diagnosis of MM has improved from 28% in 1975 to 56% in 2012, the disease remains essentially incurable. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of MM including its epidemiology, genetics and biology. We will also provide an overview of MM management that has led to improvements in survival, including recent changes to diagnosis and therapies. Areas of unmet need include the management of patients with high‐risk MM, those with reduced performance status and those refractory to standard therapies. Ongoing research into the biology and early detection of MM as well as the development of novel therapies, such as immunotherapies, has the potential to influence MM practice in the future.
Endometrial cancer in Lynch syndrome
Authors: Zhao Shuangshuang , Chen Lingli , Zang Yuqin , Liu Wenlu , Liu Shiqi , Teng Fei , Xue Fengxia , Wang Yingmei
Published: August 2021

Lynch syndrome (LS) is an autosomal dominant inherited disease caused by germline pathogenic variants (PVs) in mismatch repair (MMR) genes. LS‐associated endometrial cancer (LS‐EC) is the most common extraintestinal sentinel cancer caused by germline PVs in MMR genes, including MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2. The clinicopathologic features of LS‐EC include early age of onset, lower body mass index (BMI), endometrioid carcinoma and lower uterine segment involvement. There has been significant progress in screening, diagnosis, surveillance, prevention and treatment of LS‐EC. Many studies support universal screening for LS among patients with EC. Screening mainly involves a combination of traditional clinical criteria and molecular techniques, including MMR‐immunohistochemistry (MMR‐IHC), microsatellite instability (MSI) testing, MLH1 promoter methylation testing and gene sequencing. The effectiveness of endometrial biopsy and transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) for clinical monitoring of asymptomatic women with LS are uncertain yet. Preventive strategies include hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy (BSO) as well as chemoprophylaxis using exogenous progestin or aspirin. Recent research has revealed the benefits of immunotherapy for LS‐EC. The NCCN guidelines recommend pembrolizumab and nivolumab for treating patients with advanced or recurrent microsatellite instability‐high (MSI‐H)/mismatch repair‐deficient (dMMR) EC.
Resource stratified guidelines for cancer: Are they all the same? Interguideline concordance for systemic treatment recommendations
Authors: Wilson Brooke E. , Elliott Mitchell J. , Pearson Sallie‐Anne , Amir Eitan , Barton Michael B.
Published: August 2021

A number of organizations are producing resource stratified guidelines (RSGs) for cancer. Despite using similar definitions of resource levels, systemic treatment recommendations often differ between organizations. We systematically searched for RSGs focusing on solid tumors. We qualitatively compared the methods used to generate guidelines using the AGREE‐II appraisal tool. We extracted systemic treatment recommendations and assessed interguideline concordance using the Gwet AC1 coefficient, stratified by resource level, treatment setting and cancer type. We identified 69 RSGs cancer covering 15 solid tumors produced by four organizations. Despite using common resource‐level definitions (Basic, Core/Limited, Enhanced and Maximal), recommendations differed between organizations. Concordance for chemotherapy recommendations was poor in Basic (58.3%, Gwet 0.20), fair in Core (58.3%, Gwet 0.32) and excellent in Enhanced (92.4%, Gwet 0.92) and Maximal settings (95.4%, Gwet 0.95). Concordance rates for endocrine therapy were good in Basic (80% Gwet 0.61), and excellent in Core (90%, Gwet 0.87), Enhanced (90%, Gwet 0.89) and Maximal settings (90%, Gwet 0.89). There was moderate to excellent concordance in targeted therapy recommendations across all resource levels. Differences in recommendations appeared driven by different opinions among the chosen panel of experts regarding what is resource appropriate. Overall, we found that countries looking to base treatment and health‐policy on RSGs will find conflicting information depending on which guidelines are used, particularly for chemotherapy in Basic and Core settings. Improved transparency regarding the methods used to determine the value of a therapy for a given resource level is needed.
Incidence trends and risk factors of lung cancer in never smokers: Pooled analyses of seven cohorts
Authors: Rissanen Emilia , Heikkinen Sanna , Seppä Karri , Ryynänen Heidi , Eriksson Johan G. , Härkänen Tommi , Jousilahti Pekka , Knekt Paul , Koskinen Seppo , Männistö Satu , Rahkonen Ossi , Rissanen Harri , Malila Nea , Laaksonen Maarit A , Pitkäniemi Janne ,   METCA Study Group
Published: August 2021

The trends in incidence of lung cancer in never smokers are unclear as well as the significance of risk factors. We studied time trends in the incidence and risk factors of lung cancer in never smokers in Finland in a large, pooled cohort. We pooled data from seven Finnish health cohorts from the period between 1972 and 2015 with 106 193 never smokers. The harmonised risk factors included education, alcohol consumption, physical activity, height and BMI. We retrieved incident lung cancers from the nation‐wide Finnish Cancer Registry. We estimated average annual percent change (AAPC) and the effects of risk factors on cause‐specific hazard ratios (HRs) of lung cancer using Poisson regression. We detected 47 lung cancers in never smoking men (n = 31 859) and 155 in never smoking women (n = 74 334). The AAPC of lung cancer incidence was −3.30% (95% confidence interval [CI]: −5.68% to −0.88%, P = .009) in never smoking men and 0.00% (95% CI: −1.57% to 1.60%, P = .996) in never smoking women. Of the five studied risk factors only greater height in women had a statistically significant increased risk of lung cancer (multivariate HR = 1.84, 95%CI: 1.08 to 3.12). It is plausible that tobacco control measures focused on working places have reduced passive smoking among men more than among women, which could explain the declining trend in lung cancer incidence in never smoker men but not in never smoker women. As tobacco control measures have not been targeted to domestic environments, it is likely that women's exposure to passive smoking has continued longer.
Implementation and providers' views of a pharmacist clinician on an inpatient infectious diseases consult service at an academic medical center
Authors: Cabanilla Maria Gabriela , Anselmo Lisa M. , Sosa Nestor R. , Ryan Keenan L.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

With the ongoing physician shortage in the field of infectious diseases (ID), innovative models to care are needed to satisfy health care requirements, especially as we face the growing demand of the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. In New Mexico, Pharmacist Clinicians (PhC) are uniquely fitted to aid ID physicians through additional training and licensing that allows for a collaborative practice model.

Objectives

The primary objective of this study is to describe the integration of a PhC with a rounding ID attending, utilizing an innovative practice model at an academic medical center, and report providers' views as related to this new position.

Methods

This was a survey study directed toward primary treating teams and ID attendings, conducted after six months of the creation of the PhC position. One survey was designed specifically for primary treating teams and another survey for ID attendings only. Primary team providers were identified through a log kept by the PhC for every patient intervention. All providers were contacted via e‐mail using the REDCap system to evaluate the PhC's communication and ID knowledge by answering three to five multiple choice questions. A quantitative method was used for data analysis.

Results

Sixty‐one (56.5%) providers responded to the surveys. Overall, primary team respondents gave a positive valuation of the position. ID attendings also generally approved of the position and had a similar view to that of the primary teams. The PhC was found to be effective by 92.5% of respondents. The lowest scoring area was the physical exam. There was no significant difference when comparing responses between primary teams and ID attendings.

Conclusion

An inpatient pharmacist clinician is able to manage complex ID patients to the satisfaction of both ID physicians and members of the primary treating teams in an academic medical center.
Development and validation of a flexible DNA extraction (PAN) method for liquid biopsy of multiple sample types
Authors: Chen Xiao‐Xia , Chen Wei , Liu Yi‐Long , Lin Can‐Xiang , Li Mengmeng , Chen Wen‐Jie , Xie Shang‐Hang , Lin Dong‐Feng , Cao Su‐Mei
Published: August 2021

Background

Liquid biopsy is gaining increasing popularity in cancer screening and diagnosis. However, there is no relatively mature DNA isolation method or commercial kit available that is compatible with different LB sample types. This study developed a PAN‐sample DNA isolation method (PAN method) for liquid biopsy samples.

Methods

The PAN method has two key steps, including biosample‐specific pretreatments for various LB sample types and high concentration guanidine thiocyanate buffer for lysis and denaturation procedure. Subsequently, the performance of PAN method was validated by a series of molecular analyses.

Results

The PAN method was used to isolate DNA from multiple sample types related to LB, including plasma, serum, saliva, nasopharyngeal swab, and stool. All purified DNA products showed good quality and high quantity. Comparison of KRAS mutation analysis using DNA purified using PAN method versus QIAamp methods showed similar efficiency. Epstein‐Barr virus DNA was detected via Q‐PCR using DNA purified from serum, plasma, nasopharyngeal swab, and saliva samples collected from nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients. Similarly, methylation sequencing of swab and saliva samples revealed good coverage of target region and high methylation of HLA‐DPB1 gene. Finally, 16S rDNA gene sequencing of saliva, swab, and stool samples successfully defines the relative abundance of microbial communities.

Conclusions

This study developed and validated a PAN‐sample DNA isolation method that can be used for different LB samples, which can be applied to molecular epidemiological research and other areas.
Maternal Exposure and Neonatal Effects of Drugs of Abuse
Authors: Barry Jessica M. , Birnbaum Angela K. , Jasin Lisa R. , Sherwin Catherine M.
Published: August 2021

The public health crisis of pregnant women being exposed to drugs of abuse and of its impact on their unborn children continues to grow at an alarming rate globally. The state of pregnancy is unique, with physiological changes that can lead to changes in the way drugs are handled by the body in both pharmacokinetics and response. These changes place the pregnant woman, fetus, and newborn infant at risk, as many of these drugs can cross the placenta and into breast milk. The substances most commonly linked to harmful effects include alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, stimulants, and opioids. The pharmacological and toxicological changes caused by in utero exposure or breastfeeding exposure are difficult to study, and the full extent of the mechanisms involved are not fully understood. However, these changes can significantly affect the risks of substance abuse and influence optimal treatment of pregnant women with a substance use disorder. In addition, newborns who were exposed to drugs of abuse in utero can experience withdrawal syndromes. Pharmacological management in infants is used to guide and treat withdrawal symptoms, with the goal being to improve the infant's sleep, eating, and comfort. Several barriers may prevent pregnant women from seeking help for substance use, including stigma and interactions with the legal system. Understanding changes in pharmacology, including pharmacokinetic changes that happen during pregnancy, is essential for anticipating the extent of maternal exposure and neonatal adverse effects.
Prenatal diagnosis of type A fetal interrupted aortic arch by four‐dimensional echocardiography with HD‐flow STIC: A case report
Authors: Yang Shui‐hua , He Gui‐dan , Li Xin‐yan , Wei Hong‐wei
Published: August 2021

Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a rare complex congenital heart disease characterized by interrupted continuity between ascending aorta and descending aorta. Prenatal diagnosis of IAA by echocardiography is not uncommonly reported despite its rarity. However, employing four‐dimensional ultrasound HD‐flow imaging and spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) in diagnosis of this condition has seldom been reported. We report a case of fetal IAA prenatally diagnosed by two‐dimensional echocardiography and HD‐flow STIC.