bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liquid‐phase oxidation of olefins with rare hydronium ion salt of dinuclear dioxido‐vanadium(V) complexes and comparative catalytic studies with analogous copper complexes
Authors: Maurya Abhishek , Haldar Chanchal
Published: February 2021

Homogeneous liquid‐phase oxidation of a number of aromatic and aliphatic olefins was examined using dinuclear anionic vanadium dioxido complexes [(VO2)2(salLH)]− (1) and [(VO2)2(NsalLH)]− (2) and dinuclear copper complexes [(CuCl)2(salLH)]− (3) and [(CuCl)2(NsalLH)]− (4) (reaction of carbohydrazide with salicylaldehyde and 4‐diethylamino salicylaldehyde afforded Schiff‐base ligands [salLH4] and [NsalLH4], respectively). Anionic vanadium and copper complexes 1, 2, 3, and 4 were isolated in the form of their hydronium ion salt, which is rare. The molecular structure of the hydronium ion salt of anionic dinuclear vanadium dioxido complex [(VO2)2(salLH)]− (1) was established through single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. The chemical and structural properties were studied using Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis), 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). In the presence of hydrogen peroxide, both dinuclear vanadium dioxido complexes were applied for the oxidation of a series of aromatic and aliphatic alkenes. High catalytic activity and efficiency were achieved using catalysts 1 and 2 in the oxidation of olefins. Alkenes with electron‐donating groups make the oxidation processes easy. Thus, in general, aromatic olefins show better substrate conversion in comparison to the aliphatic olefins. Under optimized reaction conditions, both copper catalysts 3 and 4 fail to compete with the activity shown by their vanadium counterparts. Irrespective of olefins, metal (vanadium or copper) complexes of the ligand [salLH4] (I) show better substrate conversion(%) compared with the metal complexes of the ligand [NsalLH4] (II).
Facile synthesis of coral cauliflower‐like polypyrrole hemispheres toward screening electromagnetic interference pollution
Authors: Kulkarni Gopal , Kandesar Priyanka , Velhal Ninad , Kim Haekyoung , Puri Vijaya
Published: February 2021

In this study, coral cauliflower‐like polypyrrole (PPy) hemispheres are synthesized on an alumina substrate via a simple chemical oxidative polymerization route. The stony coral‐like morphology of PPy hemispheres acts as a conducting trap in absorbing electromagnetic (EM) radiation via multiple internal reflections. A PPy thin film deposited at 0.2 M pyrrole concentration shows a minimum reflection loss (RL) of −30.80 dB (99.9% microwave absorption) at the frequency of 14.2 GHz, and the highest total shielding effectiveness achieved is −18.3 dB at 16.8 GHz at 4.38 μm film thickness. The thin films exhibit excellent microwave absorption ability at low thicknesses, and the effective absorption bandwidth (RL < –10 dB) attains a high value of 2.2 GHz in the frequency range of 13–15.2 GHz. These findings can help researchers to enhance the EM wave absorption characteristics in a broad frequency region using lightweight intrinsically conducting polymers.
Polyimide hollow glass microspheres composite films with low dielectric constant and excellent thermal performance
Authors: Cao Xianwu , Wen Jiangwei , Song Laihua , Liu Xin , He Guangjian
Published: February 2021

Nowadays, polyimide (PI) with low dielectric constant is expected to be widely applied in microelectronics. For this reason, hollow glass microspheres (HGM) modified by silane coupling agent KH‐550 (K‐HGM), a series of HGM/PI and K‐HGM/PI composite films with excellent thermal performance, hydrophobic and low dielectric constant were fabricated by in situ polymerization. The effect of HGM/K‐HGM content on the properties of composite films was studied. The superior heat resistance of HGM can improve the thermal performance of composite films. Due to silane coupling agent KH‐550, K‐HGM exhibits a good interfacial compatibility with PI matrix and forms an interfacial adhesion region. With the HGM loading of 6%, comparing with pure PI films, the glass transition temperatures (Tg) of composite films were dramatically increased by 32.3°C. Especially, the low dielectric constant of 2.21 and dielectric loss of 0.0059 at 1 MHz were obtained for the PI/K‐HGM composite film with addition of 8 wt%. Thus, PI/K‐HGM composite films show more excellent performance. The current work provides a promising solution for fabrication of PI with low dielectric constant and superior thermal performance that may be applied in microelectronics industry.
Characterization of multifunctional PAN/ZnO nanofibrous composite filter for fine dust capture and photocatalytic activity
Authors: Aamer Hanaa , Heo Sujeong , Jo Young‐Min
Published: February 2021

The multifunctional air filter, which can provide low resistance to airflow, was prepared from polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers (NFs) by impregnating zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) with photocatalytic activity. Incorporation of ZnO NPs improved the surface roughness and electrostatic charge of electrospun NFs. The PAN/ZnO composite filter with 12 wt%‐ZnO showed a filtration efficiency of 98.8% and a pressure drop of 48 Pa for 300 nm aerosol particles, resulting in a quality factor of 0.092 Pa−1. In addition, PAN/ZnO composite exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity in methylene blue (MB) decomposition at 100 and 70.2% efficiencies, respectively, under UV and visible light.
Tracing trophic pathways through the marine ecosystem of Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
Authors: Zapata‐Hernández Germán , Sellanes Javier , Letourneur Yves , Harrod Chris , Morales Naiti A. , Plaza Paula , Meerhoff Erika , Yannicelli Beatriz , Carrasco Sergio A. , Hinojosa Ivan , Gaymer Carlos F.
Published: February 2021

The structure of food webs provides important insight into biodiversity, organic matter (OM) pathways, and ecosystem functioning.

Stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) was used to characterize the trophic structure and the main OM pathways supporting food webs in the Rapa Nui coastal marine ecosystem.

The trophic position of consumers and isotopic niche metrics were estimated for different assemblages (i.e. mesozooplankton, emergent zooplankton, reef invertebrates, reef fishes, pelagic fishes, and seabirds). Furthermore, the relative importance of different OM sources (i.e. macroalgae, zooxanthellate corals, and particulate OM [POM]) was assessed for heterotrophic consumers using Bayesian mixing model (MixSIAR).

Results show a clear pattern of 13C and 15N enrichment from small‐sized pelagic and benthic invertebrates, to reef and pelagic fishes, and seabirds. Most invertebrates were classified as primary consumers, reef fishes as secondary consumers and pelagic predators and seabirds as tertiary and quaternary consumers.

Isotopic niche metrics indicate a low trophic diversity for pelagic assemblages (mesozooplankton and pelagic fishes), in contrast to reef fauna (invertebrates and fishes), whose higher trophic diversity suggest the exploitation of a wider range of trophic resources. Overlapping of standard ellipses areas between reef invertebrates and reef fishes indicates that both assemblages could be sharing trophic resources.

Mixing models results indicate that POM is the main trophic pathway for mesozooplankton, macroalgae (Rhodophyta) for emergent zooplankton, and a mix of coral‐derived OM and Rhodophyta for coral reef assemblages such as macrobenthos and reef invertebrates. In contrast, POM contribution was notably more important for some pelagic fishes and seabirds from upper trophic levels.

This study provides key elements for conservation efforts on coral reefs, management planning and full‐implementation of the recently created Rapa Nui Multiple Use Marine Protected Area.
Stewardship and management of freshwater ecosystems: From Leopold's land ethic to a freshwater ethic
Authors: Cooke Steven J. , Lynch Abigail J. , Piccolo John J. , Olden Julian D. , Reid Andrea J. , Ormerod Steve J.
Published: February 2021

In 1949, Aldo Leopold formalized the concept of the ‘land ethic’, in what emerged as a foundational and transformational way of thinking about natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, and stewardship in terrestrial systems. Yet, the land ethic has inherent linkages to aquatic ecosystems; Leopold himself conducted research on rivers and lakes, and freshwater ecosystems figured widely in his writing.

We reflect on the land ethic and other aspects of Leopold's scholarship to identify key messages that provide insight into the stewardship and management of freshwater ecosystems around the globe. We also frame what we call the ‘freshwater ethic’ around Leopold's legacy. Although Leopold could not have envisaged the stressors affecting modern aquatic ecosystems, his core principles remain salient. These apply not only to ecosystem protection, but also to the ethics of modern conservation economics, sustainability, and the protection of natural capital, in which lakes, rivers, and wetlands now figure prominently.

We identify key ‘Aldo‐inspired’ recommendations for protecting and restoring freshwater ecosystems in the Anthropocene that emanate directly from his writings (e.g. adopt an ecosystem approach, identify win–win–win scenarios, recognize the irreplaceability of wild waters, and strive for freshwater optimism).

In an epoch where links between people and nature are becoming more explicit in environmental management, policy, and governance, we suggest that Aldo Leopold's work illustrates how inspirational, seminal thinkers have offered leadership in this domain. We contend that today there is still much that can be learned from Leopold, especially by the next generation of environmental practitioners, to ensure the effective stewardship of our aquatic ecosystems.

We submit that the adoption of a freshwater ethic in parallel with Leopold's land ethic will enhance the stewardship of the world's increasingly threatened fresh waters by raising the profile of the plight of fresh waters and identifying enduring actions that, if embraced, will help conserve and restore biodiversity.
Protective Role of Collectin 11 in a Mouse Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Wang Na , Wu Weiju , Qiang Cui , Ma Ning , Wu Kunyi , Liu Dan , Wang Jia‐Xing , Yang Xiao , Xue Li , Diao Teng‐Yue , Liu Jia‐Yu , Li Ang , Zhang Baojun , Li Zong‐Fang , Farrar Conrad A. , Banda Nirmal K. , Bayarri‐Olmos Rafael , Garred Peter , Zhou Wuding , Li Ke
Published: February 2021

Objective

Collectin 11 (CL‐11) is a soluble C‐type lectin, a mediator of innate immunity. Its role in autoimmune disorders is unknown. We undertook this study to determine the role of CL‐11 in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

A murine collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) model was used and combined two approaches, including gene deletion of Colec11 and treatment with recombinant CL‐11 (rCL‐11). Joint inflammation and tissue destruction, circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines, and adaptive immune responses were assessed in mice with CIA. Splenic CD11c+ cells were used to examine the influence of CL‐11 on antigen‐presenting cell (APC) function. Serum CL‐11 levels in RA patients were also examined.

Results

Colec11−/− mice developed more severe arthritis than wild‐type mice, as determined by disease incidence, clinical arthritis scores, and histopathology (P < 0.05). Disease severity was associated with significantly enhanced APC activation, Th1/Th17 responses, pathogenic IgG2a production and joint inflammation, as well as elevated circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines. In vitro analysis of CD11c+ cells revealed that CL‐11 is critical for suppression of APC activation and function. Pharmacologic treatment of mice with rCL‐11 reduced the severity of CIA in mice. Analysis of human blood samples revealed that serum CL‐11 levels were lower in RA patients (n = 51) compared to healthy controls (n = 53). Reduction in serum CL‐11 was inversely associated with the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C‐reactive protein level (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate a novel role of CL‐11 in protection against RA, suggesting that the underlying mechanism involves suppression of APC activation and subsequent T cell responses.
Synthesis andL2‐gain analysis for switched systems under event‐triggered switching
Authors: Li Dandan , Zuo Zhiqiang , Fu Minyue , Wang Yijing
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we solve the stabilization problem of linear switched systems subject to external disturbances via an event‐based state‐dependent switching strategy. The proposed event‐triggered switching rule can relax the conditions which guarantee the stability of switched systems so as to attain more feasible solutions than the previous work. As a result, a better bound ofL2gain performance of the system is obtained over the set of admissible disturbances. The elimination of Zeno behavior for state‐dependent switched system is also proven. Finally, numerical simulations illustrate the validity of the proposed theoretical results.
Distributed Nash equilibrium seeking for noncooperative games in nonlinear multi‐agent systems: An event‐triggered neuro‐adaptive approach
Authors: Zhang Kaijie , Wang Peijun , Zhou Jialing
Published: February 2021

This paper proposes a distributed Nash equilibrium seeking strategy for noncooperative games over strongly connected topologies, where the players suffer from unmodeled nonlinearities and external disturbances. By using the neural network (NN) universal approximation theorem, a neuro‐adaptive seeking controller is proposed. Besides, the event‐triggered mechanism is introduced to reduce communication costs of the players. Furthermore, by developing a Lyapunov function, it is shown that the states of the players asymptotically converge to the Nash equilibrium. Finally, a simulation is conducted to show the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Platelet‐rich plasma‐hyaluronic acid/chondrotin sulfate/carboxymethyl chitosan hydrogel for cartilage regeneration
Authors: KhaliliJafarabad Nadieh , Behnamghader Aliasghar , Khorasani Mohammad Taghi , Mozafari Masoud
Published: February 2021

In this study, the chondrogenic potential of hyaluronic acid/chondrotin sulfate/carboxymethyl chitosan hydrogels with adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) was evaluated. Here, hyaluronic acid, chondrotin sulfate, and carboxymethyl chitosan were used as the substrate for cartilage tissue engineering in which the hydrogel is formed due to electrostatic and hydrogen bonds through mixing the polymers. Because of the instability of this hydrogel in the biological environment, 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl‐carbodiimide hydrochloride/N‐hydroxy‐succinimide was used as a crosslinker to increase the hydrogel stability. The hydrogels showed reasonable stability due to the combined effect of self‐crosslinking and chemical crosslinking. The cells were treated with the prepared hydrogel samples for 14 and 21 days in nondifferentiation medium for evaluation of the cellular behavior of ADMSCs. Gene expression evaluation was performed, and expression of specific genes involved in differentiation was shown in the crosslinked hydrogel with platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) (H‐EN‐P) had increased the gene expression levels. Quantification of immunofluorescence intensity indicated the high level of expression of SOX9 in H‐EN‐P hydrogel. Based on the results, we confirmed that the presence of PRP and the similarity of the hydrogel constituents to the cartilage extracellular matrix could have positive effects on the differentiation of the cells, which is favorable for cartilage tissue engineering approaches.
Self‐control and investment choices
Authors: Sekścińska Katarzyna , Rudzinska‐Wojciechowska Joanna , Jaworska Diana
Published: February 2021

Three studies (N1 = 799, N2 = 359, and N3 = 310) investigating the role of self‐control in investment decisions are reported. Study 1 focused on links between trait self‐control, the propensity to invest, and the propensity to make risky investment decisions. Study 2 investigated whether reflecting on one's prior successes and failures in exercising self‐control has an impact on subsequent investment decisions. Study 3 considered the joint effect of both self‐control factors considered in the first two studies. The results indicated that self‐control plays a significant role in explaining investment decisions. Specifically, self‐control level was positively related to the propensity to invest but negatively related to the propensity to take investment risks. Paralleling these findings, participants reflecting on situations in which they resisted temptation allocated more money to investments than control group members but were less willing to make risky decisions when creating investment portfolios. Finally, an interplay was observed between trait self‐control and factors modifying the situational level of this variable: Among participants recalling successes in self‐control, higher levels of trait self‐control were linked to investment decisions, but this was untrue for participants reflecting on failures in self‐control.
Nervonic acid level in cerebrospinal fluid is a candidate biomarker for depressive and manic symptoms: A pilot study
Authors: Kageyama Yuki , Deguchi Yasuhiko , Hattori Kotaro , Yoshida Sumiko , Goto Yu‐ichi , Inoue Koki , Kato Tadafumi
Published: February 2021

Objective

Our previous metabolomics study showed that the plasma nervonic acid levels were higher in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) than those in healthy controls and patients with bipolar disorder (BD). To examine whether the nervonic acid levels differ in the central nervous system, we investigated the levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with MDD, BD, and healthy controls.

Methods

Nervonic acid levels in CSF were measured by gas chromatography time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The participants included 30 patients with MDD, 30 patients with BD, and 30 healthy controls.

Results

In contrast to our previous study, no significant differences were found in the nervonic acid level in the CSF among the patients with MDD, BD, and the healthy controls. Though no significant state‐dependent changes were found among the three groups, we did observe a significant negative correlation between the nervonic acid levels and depressive symptoms in the depressive state of patients with MDD and BD (r = −0.38, p = .046). Further, a significant positive correlation was found between the nervonic acid levels and manic symptoms in the manic state of patients with BD (r = 0.79, p = .031).

Conclusion

The nervonic acid levels in the CSF did not differ among the patients with MDD, BD, and the healthy controls; however, a significant negative correlation with depressive symptoms and a positive correlation with manic symptoms was observed. Thus, the nervonic acid levels in the CSF may be a candidate biomarker for mood symptoms.
Did court dismiss student's Title IX suit?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: February 2021

The plaintiff, a female VanderCook College of Music student, reported to the college's Title IX office that she had been sexually assaulted by a male classmate. On the same day, a dean met with the plaintiff and discussed immediate accommodations, including a no‐contact order and a potential alteration of the plaintiff's class schedule. The dean then met with the accused student and ordered him to have no further contact with the plaintiff.
Suppression of optineurin impairs the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma through regulating mitophagy
Authors: Inokuchi Shoichi , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Toshima Takeo , Itoh Shinji , Yugawa Kyohei , Harada Noboru , Mori Hiroyuki , Fukuhara Takasuke , Matsuura Yoshiharu , Mori Masaki
Published: February 2021

Autophagy removes damaged organelles to inhibit malignant transformation during tumor initiation. Once a cancer matures, it uses the autophagic pathway as an energy source. Optineurin (OPTN) is an autophagy adaptor protein that recruits microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3, an autophagosome marker, to the autophagosome. Despite studies of the relation between cancer progression and autophagy adaptor proteins, there are no reports to our knowledge of a correlation between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and OPTN. We aimed here to investigate the effects of OPTN expression on HCC progression through autophagy. Immunohistochemistry was used to measure the OPTN expression in the tissues of 141 Japanese patients with HCC. The effects of OPTN expression on HCC progression and mitophagy were assessed using an OPTN knockout (KO) cell line in vitro. We used this KO cell line to establish and exploit a mouse model of HCC to determine the effects of OPTN expression on tumor progression. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that patients with elevated expression of OPTN experienced shorter overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS). OPTN KO cells proliferated relatively slower versus wild‐type (WT) cells in vitro. Western blot analysis showed that mitophagy was suppressed in OPTN KO cells, and ATP synthesis and beta‐oxidation were reduced. The mouse model of HCC showed that OPTN KO cells formed smaller tumors versus WT cells less 10 weeks after implantation. Overall, the present findings suggest that OPTN is a key mediator of mitophagy that contributes to HCC progression through mitochondrial energy production.
Molecular response and quality of life in chronic myeloid leukemia patients treated with intermittent TKIs: First interim analysis of OPTkIMA study
Authors: Malagola Michele , Iurlo Alessandra , Abruzzese Elisabetta , Bonifacio Massimiliano , Stagno Fabio , Binotto Gianni , D’Adda Mariella , Lunghi Monia , Crugnola Monica , Ferrari Maria Luisa , Lunghi Francesca , Castagnetti Fausto , Rosti Gianantonio , Lemoli Roberto M. , Sancetta Rosaria , Coppi Maria Rosaria , Corsetti Maria Teresa , Rege Cambrin Giovanna , Romano Atelda , Tiribelli Mario , Russo Rossi Antonella , Russo Sabina , Aprile Lara , Bocchia Monica , Gandolfi Lisa , Farina Mirko , Bernardi Simona , Polverelli Nicola , Roccaro Aldo M. , De Vivo Antonio , Baccarani Michele , Russo Domenico
Published: February 2021

Background

Intermittent treatment with TKIs is an option for the great majority (70%–80%) of CML patients who do not achieve a stable deep molecular response and are not eligible for treatment discontinuation. For these patients, the only alternative is to assume TKI continuously, lifelong.

Methods

The Italian phase III multicentric randomized OPTkIMA study started in 2015, with the aim to evaluate if a progressive de‐escalation of TKIs (imatinib, nilotinib, and dasatinib) is able to maintain the molecular response (MR3.0) and to improve Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL).

Results

Up to December 2018, 166/185 (90%) elderly CML patients in stable MR3.0/MR4.0 completed the first year of any TKI intermittent schedule 1 month ON and 1 month OFF. The first year probability of maintaining the MR3.0 was 81% and 23.5% of the patients who lost the molecular response regained the MR3.0 after resuming TKI continuously. Patients’ HRQoL at baseline was better than that of matched peers from healthy population. Women was the only factor independently associated with worse baseline HRQoL (p > 0.0001). Overall, global HRQoL worsened at 6 (p < 0.001) but returned to the baseline value at 12 months and it was statistically significantly worse in women (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

De‐escalation of any TKI by 1 month ON/OFF schedule maintains the MR3.0/MR4.0 in 81% of the patients during the first 12–24 months. No patients progressed to accelerated/blastic phase, all the patients (23.5%) losing MR3.0 regained the MR3.0 and none suffered from TKI withdrawn syndrome. The study firstly report on HRQoL in elderly CML patients moving from a continuous daily therapy to a de‐escalated intermittent treatment.
The combined analgesic effect of pregabalin and morphine in the treatment of pancreatic cancer pain, a retrospective study
Authors: Dai Junzhu , Teng Lei , Zhao Liuyuan , Zou Huichao
Published: February 2021

Background

Pregabalin is commonly used to relieve neuropathic pain. However, data are lacking on its efficacy for the treatment of chronic cancer pain. The purpose of this study was to determine the analgesic efficacy of pregabalin combined with morphine in the management of pancreatic cancer pain.

Methods

This study reviewed patients who were prescribed morphine and 150 mg/d pregabalin between 1 January 2017 and 10 November 2018 in our institute. The primary outcomes of this study were the average pain score and dose of morphine. Secondary outcomes included characters of breakthrough cancer pain, functional interference related to pain, anxiety/depression status, and incidence of treatment‐related adverse events during the study.

Results

A total of 240 patients with pain related to pancreatic cancer were included in the study. The results showed that patients of both combination therapy group (pregabalin+morphine) and monotherapy group (morphine) achieved similar analgesic efficacy, demonstrated by NRS (2.4 ± 0.9 vs. 2.6 ± 0.9; combination vs. monotherapy) at the end of the study. Mean daily dose of morphine used in the combination group was significant lower compared to monotherapy group (39.5 ± 16.0 mg vs. 61.5 ± 19.3 mg, net difference 23.5, 95% CI: 18.4–28.6, p <  0.001). The change of functional interference score related to pain was significantly different between combination and monotherapy group (12.0 ± 0.4 vs. 9.8 ± 4.9; net difference, 2.3; 95% CI: 1.1–3.3; p < 0.001). Patients in combination therapy group had experienced shorter duration of breakthrough cancer pain than those in monotherapy group (X2 p < 0.001, Cramer's V:0.36). The incidence of somnolence, dizziness, and cognitive dysfunction were significantly higher in the combination group compared to monotherapy group. No serious treatment‐related side effects were observed.

Conclusions

The findings of this study supported the use of pregabalin with morphine to relieve pain in patients of pancreatic cancer.
What Helps? Mothers' and Children's Experiences of Community‐Based Early Intervention Programmes for Domestic Violence
Authors: McCarry Melanie , Radford Lorraine , Baker Victoria
Published: February 2021

Early help or early intervention is increasingly recommended for safeguarding children living with domestic violence, but little is known about what is effective. This article discusses findings from an evaluation of a pioneering early help service in North West England. This new service aimed to improve the safety and wellbeing of families (mothers and children) who were assessed as below the level of ‘high risk’ domestic violence and below the threshold for a child protection order. Between January 2014 and March 2015, families (473 mothers and 541 children) were identified within multiagency safeguarding hubs and referred to the early help service. The service that emerged was somewhat different to the service expected. This article discusses findings from qualitative data gathered from 39 participants (mothers, children and service providers) involved in the programme. Three main issues emerged as themes from the interviews: the benefits of having any service at all for children living with domestic violence who slip off the agendas of professionals working with child protection and high‐risk domestic violence; the importance of flexibility of key worker‐led service delivery; and the suitability of current group work and therapeutic models for meeting the varied needs of families affected by domestic violence.

Key Practitioner Messages

Children, mothers and service providers reported both a perceived need for early help and a positive impact from domestic violence early help services on child health and emotional wellbeing.

The ability of services to flex their delivery model in response to the needs of families is important for supporting engagement of, and fostering a sense of control for, families receiving support.

Confidentiality, reliability, respect and trust are key factors in developing an effective key worker‐family relationship.

‘Discusses findings from an evaluation of a pioneering early help service in North West England’
Report finds that in‐school violence has long‐ranging consequences
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: February 2021

Students who experienced a school shooting, even those where no one was killed or injured, are less likely to graduate from college and more likely to earn lower income than their peers by their mid‐20s. Those findings come from a study posted as a National Bureau of Economic Research working paper that analyzed data from all 33 Texas public schools that experienced a shooting over the past 20 years.
Sociability and interdependent self‐construal on consumer choice for group: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Li Zhen , Choi Soochan , Forrest Jeffrey Yi‐Lin
Published: February 2021

In joint consumptions, people often make consumption decisions for their respective groups, where chosen products or services are jointly shared by the members of their groups. Although the phenomena of joint consumptions appear commonly in real life, the literature of consumer behaviors has mainly focused on choices for the self instead of choices for others. This paper focuses on identifying the influence of personality on consumer choices for others. Specifically, it studies the relationship between sociability and consumption choice for a group by examining the mediation role of sensemaking process (i.e., information and feedback seeking) and the moderated mediation role of interdependent self‐construal. Our results show that individuals high on sociability are more likely to engage in group‐oriented consumption decision making, while obtaining social satisfaction; such effects tend to be achieved via information and feedback seeking, as a channel of sensemaking. And, the influence of sensemaking is stronger for individuals who are low in interdependent self‐construal. This research contributes to the consumer‐behavior literature by examining individual differences and provides practical insights for managers, decision makers and marketers.
Addressing the issue of “frequent flyers” post‐PCI
Authors: Vetrovec George W.
Published: February 2021

Key Points

The frequency of multiple readmissions increase between 30 and180 days post‐index PCI associated with significant patient morbidity and cost.

Factors associated with multiple readmissions include patient clinical attributes and social factors.

Detailed assessment of clinical management coupled with addressing social risk represent future opportunities to improve patient outcomes and reduce cost.
Epitaph for bare‐metal stents: Unlearning is hard to do
Authors: Gilchrist Ian C.
Published: February 2021

Key Points

Use of bare metal stents (BMS) saw a significant decline between 2013 and 2017 across 18 medical centers in Italy.

Indications for BMS most frequently included perceived risk of thrombosis during STEMI therapy or bleeding in the elderly or others from prolonged antiplatelet therapy despite information that was available to the contrary.

Persistent use of BMS represents an example of the problem of unlearning old information so that new and better practice patterns can be incorporated into practice.
PCI in TAVR patients: Timing isn't everything
Authors: Reilly John P. , Parikh Puja B.
Published: February 2021

Key Points

Approximately 10% of patients referred for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), with over 85% receiving pre‐TAVR PCI and the remaining undergoing PCI either at the time of or following TAVR.

In patients undergoing TAVR and PCI, adverse events were higher in patients on warfarin and lower in patients with prior coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, higher body mass index, or those taking a statin.

No significant difference in rates of MACCE, mortality, or stroke at follow‐up were noted between patients who received PCI prior to TAVR and those who received PCI on day of or following TAVR in both the matched and unmatched populations.
Nine‐monthangiographic and2‐yearclinical outcomes of theRECOVERYtrial: A randomized study of the biodegradable polymersirolimus‐eluting COMBO dual‐therapystent versus apolymer‐free sirolimus‐elutingstent in Chinese patients
Authors: Tao Ling , Li Zhanquan , Yin Zhiyong , Lin Wenhua , Liu Yin , Li Hui , Yu Bo , Li Wei , Xu Bo ,   The RECOVERY Trial Investigators
Published: February 2021

Objectives

We evaluated the safety and efficacy of the novel dual‐therapy sirolimus‐eluting and endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) capture COMBO stent.

Background

(Very) late stent thrombosis (ST) and neo‐atherosclerosis limit the performance of drug‐eluting stents. The capture of EPCs accelerates stent re‐endothelialization, thereby potentially decreasing the risk of restenosis and ST.

Methods

In total, 440 patients with de novo lesions in native coronary arteries were randomized (1:1) to either receive the COMBO stent (n = 220) or Nano polymer‐free sirolimus‐eluting stent (n = 220). The primary endpoint was the 9‐month angiographic in‐segment late lumen loss (LLL). Secondary endpoints included target lesion failure (TLF), a patient‐oriented composite endpoint (PoCE), and ST.

Results

At 9 months, the COMBO in‐segment LLL (0.29 ± 0.46 mm) was non‐inferior to that of the Nano comparator stent (0.31 ± 0.44 mm;pnon‐inferiority < .0001). Clinical outcomes were also similar between the COMBO and Nano stents, with TLF rates of 9.3% and 7.9% (p= .61) at 12 months, and 9.4% and 8.0% (p= .62) at 24 months, respectively. The PoCE rate was 14.8% and 10.6% (p= .19) at 12 months, and 16.0% and 11.3% (p= .16) at 24 months, respectively. Ischemia‐driven target lesion revascularization rates were 6.0% and 3.7% (p= .26) at 12 months, and 6.2% and 3.8% (p= .26) at 24 months, respectively. No case of ST occurred in either group.

Conclusions

The RECOVERY trial has shown the COMBO stent was effective, meeting the primary non‐inferiority angiographic endpoint, and safe, with an overall low rate of clinical events in both stent groups, including no ST for up to 2 years.
IQR CUSUM charts: An efficient approach for monitoring variations in aquatic toxicity
Authors: Hussain Shahid , Sun Mei , Mahmood Tahir , Riaz Muhammad , Abid Muhammad
Published: February 2021

Toxicant testing is a major component of the environmental solution testing program. This test system aims to evaluate the sensitivity of the test species, evaluate comparability between laboratory test results, and classify possible variability sources such as healthy organisms, organism batches, laboratory water, and food quality changes. For the continuous assessment of sensitivity and accuracy of laboratory toxicity tests, control charts are often used. The cumulative sum (CUSUM) charting structure is a popular monitoring tool that is often used due to its outstanding ability in recognizing small‐to‐moderate unusual changes in process parameters. The CUSUM control charts have now been widely accepted/applied for monitoring the process dispersion under the assumption that the process does not have outliers. In practice, most of the processes have outliers. Therefore, the use of the interquartile range (IQR) as a plotting statistic is an attractive choice for dispersion monitoring. Hence, in this study, the CUSUM control chart with auxiliary information‐based IQR estimators is proposed and employed to monitor dispersion or variation in the variable LC50 by using quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) aquatic toxicity data set. The proposed IQR‐CUSUM charts are compared to its counterparts by using a variety of main output run‐length functions, such as average run length (ARL), standard deviation of run length (SDRL), and extra quadratic loss (EQL), derived from the distribution of run‐length. Further, results revealed that the proposed CUSUM charts have better detection ability as compared to existing counterpart charts, both in theoretical and practical considerations.
A grouped beta process model for multivariate resting‐state EEG microstate analysis on twins
Authors: Hart Brian , Malone Stephen , Fiecas Mark
Published: February 2021

EEG microstate analysis investigates the collection of distinct temporal blocks that characterize the electrical activity of the brain. Brain activity within each microstate is stable, but activity switches rapidly between different microstates in a nonrandom way. We propose a Bayesian nonparametric model that concurrently estimates the number of microstates and their underlying behaviour. We use a Markov switching vector autoregressive (VAR) framework, where a hidden Markov model (HMM) controls the nonrandom state switching dynamics of the EEG activity and a VAR model defines the behaviour of all time points within a given state. We analyze the resting‐state EEG data from twin pairs collected through the Minnesota Twin Family Study, consisting of 70 epochs per participant, where each epoch corresponds to 2 s of EEG data. We fit our model at the twin pair level, sharing information within epochs from the same participant and within epochs from the same twin pair. We capture within twin‐pair similarity, using an Indian buffet process, to consider an infinite library of microstates, allowing each participant to select a finite number of states from this library. The state spaces of highly similar twins may completely overlap while dissimilar twins could select distinct state spaces. In this way, our Bayesian nonparametric model defines a sparse set of states that describe the EEG data. All epochs from a single participant use the same set of states and are assumed to adhere to the same state switching dynamics in the HMM model, enforcing within‐participant similarity.
Nodal staging convergence for HPV− and HPV+ oropharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Ho Allen S. , Luu Michael , Kim Sungjin , Tighiouart Mourad , Mita Alain C. , Scher Kevin S. , Mallen‐St. Clair Jon , Walgama Evan S. , Lin De‐Chen , Nguyen Anthony T. , Zumsteg Zachary S.
Published: February 2021

Background

Modern disease staging systems have restructured human papillomavirus (HPV)‐negative (HPV−) and HPV‐positive (HPV+) oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC) into distinct pathologic nodal systems. Given that quantitative lymph node (LN) burden is the dominant prognostic factor in most head and neck cancers, we investigated whether HPV− and HPV+ OPC warrant divergent pathologic nodal classification.

Methods

Multivariable Cox regression models of OPC surgical patients identified via U.S. cancer registry data were constructed to determine associations between survival and nodal characteristics. Nonlinear associations between metastatic LN number and survival were modeled with restricted cubic splines. Recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) was used to derive unbiased nodal schema.

Results

Mortality risk escalated continuously with each successive positive LN in both OPC subtypes, with analogous slope. Survival hazard increased by 18.5% (hazard ratio [HR], 1.19 [95% CI, 1.16‐1.21]; P < .001) and 19.1% (HR, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.17‐1.21]; P < .001), with each added positive LN for HPV− and HPV+ OPC, respectively, up to identical change points of 5 positive LNs. Extranodal extension (ENE) was an independent predictor of HPV− OPC (HR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.20‐1.99]; P < .001) and HPV+ OPC (HR 1.73 [95% CI, 1.36‐2.20]; P < .001) mortality. In RPA for both diseases, metastatic LN was the principal nodal covariate driving survival, with ENE as a secondary determinant. Given the similarities across analyses, we propose a concise, unifying HPV−/HPV+ OPC pathologic nodal classification schema: N1, 1‐5 LN+/ENE−; N2, 1‐5 LN+/ENE+; N3, >5 LN+.

Conclusion

HPV− and HPV+ OPC exhibit parallel relationships between nodal characteristics and relative mortality. In both diseases, metastatic LN number represents the principal nodal covariate governing survival, with ENE being an influential secondary element. A consolidated OPC pathologic nodal staging system that is based on these covariates may best convey prognosis.

Lay Summary

The current nodal staging system for oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC) has divided human papillomavirus (HPV)‐negative (HPV−) and HPV‐positive (HPV+) OPC into distinct systems that rely upon criteria that establish them as separate entities, a complexity that may undermine the core objective of staging schema to clearly communicate prognosis.

Our large‐scale analysis revealed that HPV− and HPV+ pathologic nodal staging systems in fact mirror each other. Multiple analyses produced conspicuously similar nodal staging systems, with metastatic lymph node number and extranodal extension delineating the highest risk groups that shape prognosis.

We propose unifying HPV− and HPV+ nodal systems to best streamline prognostication and maximize staging accuracy.
SARS‐CoV‐2 nosocomial infection: Real‐world results of environmental surface testing from a large tertiary cancer center
Authors: Shah Mansi R. , Jan Imraan , Johns Jeremy , Singh Kuldip , Kumar Pallavi , Belarmino Norma , Saggiomo Kara J. , Hayes Carolyn , Washington Kimyatta , Toppmeyer Deborah L. , Haffty Bruce G. , Libutti Steven K. , Evens Andrew M.
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Despite consensus guidelines, concern about severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) transmission has dissuaded patients with cancer from seeking medical care. Studies have shown that contaminated surfaces may contain viable virus for up to 72 hours in laboratory settings. The purpose of this study was to investigate contamination of SARS‐CoV‐2 on commonly used environmental surfaces in a tertiary cancer care center.

METHODS

This study evaluated the incidence of SARS‐CoV‐2 viral RNA in high‐touch outpatient and inpatient cancer center spaces. Surfaces were tested over a 2‐week period after patient or staff exposure but before scheduled disinfection services according to the World Health Organization protocols for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) surface sampling. Samples were analyzed via reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction for the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA.

RESULTS

Two hundred four environmental samples were obtained from inpatient and outpatient oncology clinics and infusion suites, and they were categorized as 1) public areas, 2) staff areas, or 3) medical equipment. One hundred thirty surfaces from 2 outpatient hematology and oncology clinics and 36 surfaces from an inpatient leukemia/lymphoma/chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell unit were examined, and all 166 samples were negative for SARS‐CoV‐2. One of 38 samples (2.6%) from COVID‐19+ inpatient units was positive. Altogether, the positive test rate for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA across all surfaces was 0.5% (1 of 204).

CONCLUSIONS

This prospective, systematic quality assurance investigation of real‐world environmental surfaces, performed in inpatient and outpatient hematology/oncology units, revealed overall negligible detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA when strict mitigation strategies against COVID‐19 transmission were instituted.

LAY SUMMARY

The potential risks of nosocomial infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) have deterred patients with cancer from seeking timely care despite consensus guidelines.

This study has found negligible rates of environmental contamination with SARS‐CoV‐2 across a multitude of commonly used surfaces in outpatient and inpatient hematology/oncology settings with adherence to strict infection control protocols.
Sharing and caring: The impact of social support on quality of life and health outcomes in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Amonoo Hermioni L. , Johnson P. Connor , Dhawale Tejaswini M. , Traeger Lara , Rice Julia , Lavoie Mitchell W. , Ufere Nneka N. , Longley Regina M. , Harnedy Lauren E. , Clay Madison A. , Topping Carlisle E. W. , DeFilipp Zachariah , Chen Yi‐Bin A. , El‐Jawahri Areej
Published: February 2021

Background

Social support is crucial for successful recovery after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and has the potential to affect patient quality of life (QOL) and health outcomes. However, there are limited data on the relationship between a patient's perception of his or her social support and these outcomes.

Methods

The authors conducted a secondary analysis of 250 autologous and allogeneic HSCT recipients enrolled in 2 supportive care trials at Massachusetts General Hospital from April 2011 through February 2016. They assessed social support as a patient's perception of his or her social well‐being via the social well‐being subscale of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy. The authors used multivariate regression analyses to examine the relationship between pretransplant social well‐being and QOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Treatment Outcome Index), psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD] symptoms (PTSD Checklist), fatigue (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Fatigue), and health care utilization (hospitalizations and days alive and out of the hospital) 6 months after HSCT.

Results

Participants were on average 56.4 years old (SD, 13.3 years); 44% (n = 110) and 56% (n = 140) received autologous and allogeneic HSCT, respectively. Greater pre‐HSCT social well‐being was associated with higher QOL (B = 0.10; 95% CI, 0.06‐0.13; P < .001), lower psychological distress (B = –0.21; 95% CI, –0.29 to –0.12; P < .001), and lower PTSD symptoms (B = –0.12; 95% CI, –0.19 to –0.06; P < .001). Pre‐HSCT social well‐being was not significantly associated with fatigue or health care utilization 6 months after HSCT.

Conclusions

Patients with higher pre‐HSCT perceptions of their social support reported better QOL and lower psychological distress 6 months after HSCT. These findings underscore the potential for social support as a modifiable target for future supportive care interventions to improve the QOL and care of HSCT recipients.