bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomic recurrence score improves recurrence prediction for surgically treated patients with intermediate‐risk clear cell kidney cancer
Authors: Patel Neal , Hakansson Alexander , Ohtake Shinji , Muraki Peter , Proudfout James A. , Liu Yang , Webber Lisa , Ibarra Arkaitz , Liu Vinnie Y. T. , Davicioni Elai , Chamie Karim , Pantuck Allan , Shuch Brian
Published: November 2022

Background

Risk stratification of kidney cancer patients after nephrectomy may tailor surveillance intensity and selection for adjuvant therapy. Transcriptomic approaches are effective in predicting recurrence, but whether they add value to clinicopathologic models remains unclear.

Methods

Data from patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Clinicopathologic variables were used to calculate SSIGN (stage, size, grade, and necrosis) scores. The 16 gene recurrence score (RS) signature was generated using RNA‐seq data. Transcriptomic risk groups were calculated using the original thresholds. SSIGN groups were divided into low, intermediate, and high risk. Disease‐free status was the primary endpoint assessed.

Results

SSIGN and RS were calculated for 428 patients with non‐metastatic ccRCC. SSIGN low‐, intermediate‐, and high‐risk groups demonstrated 2.7%, 15.2%, and 27.5%, 3‐year recurrence risk, respectively. On multivariable analysis, the RS was associated with disease‐free status (sub‐distribution hazard ratio (sHR) 1.43 per 25 RS [95% CI (1.00–1.43)], p = 0.05). By risk groups, RS further risk stratified the SSIGN intermediate‐risk group (sHR 2.22 [95% CI 1.10–4.50], p = 0.03). SSIGN intermediate‐risk patients with low and high RS had a 3‐year recurrence rate of 8.0% and 25.2%, respectively. Within this risk group, the area under the curve (AUC) at 3 years was 0.69 for SSIGN, 0.74 for RS, and 0.78 for their combination.

Conclusions

Transcriptomic recurrence scores improve risk prediction even when controlling for clinicopathologic factors. Utility may be best suited for intermediate‐risk patients who have heterogeneous outcomes and further refinement for clinical utility is warranted.
Five‐year survival and clinical correlates among patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer, melanoma and renal cell carcinoma treated with immune check‐point inhibitors in Australian tertiary oncology centres
Authors: Brown Lauren J , da Silva Ines Pires , Moujaber Tania , Gao Bo , Hui Rina , Gurney Howard , Carlino Matteo , Nagrial Adnan
Published: November 2022

Aims

There is robust trial evidence for improved overall survival (OS) with immunotherapy in advanced solid organ malignancies. The real‐world long‐term survival data and the predictive variables are not yet known. Our aim was to evaluate factors associated with 3‐year and 5‐year OS for patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of patients who received ICIs as management of advanced solid organ malignancies in two tertiary Australian oncology centres from 2012–2017. Data pertaining to clinical characteristics, metastatic disease burden, immune‐related adverse events (IRAEs) and tumour responses were collected and their relationship to survival examined.

Results

In this analysis of 264 patients, 202 (76.5%) had melanoma, 46 (17.4%) had non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), 12 (4.5%) had renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and 4 (1.5%) had mesothelioma. The 5‐year OS rates were 42.1% in patients with melanoma, 19.6% with NSCLC, 75% with RCC, and none of the mesothelioma patients were alive at 5 years.

In multivariate analysis, an ECOG score of 0 (Hazard ratio [HR] 0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23–0.66; p < 0.001) and the occurrence of IRAE's of any grade (HR 0.61; 95% CI 0.37–0.95; p = 0.05) were associated with better 5‐year survival. The presence of bone metastases (HR 1.62; 95% CI 1.03–2.82; p = 0.05) and liver metastases (HR 1.76; 95% CI 1.07–2.89; p = 0.03) were associated with worse 5‐year survival.

Conclusions

These results support the long‐term benefits of immunotherapy that in some patients, extend to at least 5 years. ECOG performance status of 0 and the occurrence of irAEs are associated with better long‐term survival. Survival is significantly influenced by metastatic site and cancer type. These predictive clinical correlates aid discussions and planning in the delivery of ICIs to patients.
Threat assessments and higher education public safety
Authors: Zacarese Lawrence M.
Published: November 2022

While many of us can link the historical discussions about behavioral threat and risk assessments on college campuses to the tragic events at Virginia Tech in 2007, recent events elsewhere have surfaced the issue yet again. In her October 13, 2022, article in Inside Higher ED, Colleen Flaherty discussed the history in light of the recent murder of a faculty member by a former student that took place at the University of Arizona on October 5, 2022 (read the article at https://bit.ly/3N7ULeP).
Vast experience, professional development leads to chief appointment
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: November 2022

Lesley Wiete graduated from Purdue University in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in psychology and was hired by the university police department in 1999, where she started as a patrol officer and rose through the ranks, holding a variety of positions including patrol sergeant, patrol lieutenant, and captain of investigations and events, before becoming deputy chief in 2020. “I've been here almost 23 years now,” Wiete said.
Hiring independent contractors can insulate Title IX proceedings
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: November 2022

Colleges and universities frequently find themselves on the receiving end of accusations of gender bias in internal Title IX proceedings. Many cases alleging gender bias highlight public pressure on the institution (typically from the student body or a government entity) to respond aggressively to complaints of sexual assault by male students.
Reaction Pathways for the Enzymatic Degradation of Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate): What Characterizes an Efficient PET‐Hydrolase?
Authors: Schubert Sune , Schaller Kay , Bååth Jenny Arnling , Hunt Cameron , Borch Kim , Jensen Kenneth , Brask Jesper , Westh Peter
Published: November 2022

Bioprocessing of polyester waste has emerged as a promising tool in the quest for a cyclic plastic economy. One key step is the enzymatic breakdown of the polymer, and this entails a complicated pathway with substrates, intermediates, and products of variable size and solubility. We have elucidated this pathway for poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and four enzymes. Specifically, we combined different kinetic measurements and a novel stochastic model and found that the ability to hydrolyze internal bonds in the polymer (endo‐lytic activity) was a key parameter for overall enzyme performance. Endo‐lytic activity promoted the release of soluble PET fragments with two or three aromatic rings, which, in turn, were broken down with remarkable efficiency (kcat/KM values of about 105 M−1s−1) in the aqueous bulk. This meant that approximatly 70 % of the final, monoaromatic products were formed via soluble di‐ or tri‐aromatic intermediates.
Gambling and crime: An exploration of gambling availability and culture in an English prison
Authors: Smith Lauren Rebecca , Sharman Steve , Roberts Amanda
Published: November 2022

Background

There is evidence that prisoners have the highest rate of problem gambling in any population, but little is known about the nature of in‐prison gambling, the motives for it or how it relates to prior gambling behaviour.

Aims

To investigate the prevalence and type of gambling prior to prison and the prevalence, type, and reasons for gambling in prison.

Methods

Two hundred and eighty‐two male volunteers in a Category B male prison in England completed a questionnaire which included the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI).

Results

One hundred and twenty‐six (45%) reported gambling in prison, with eighty‐one (30%) of participants reporting that gambling was a normal part of prison life. Pre‐prison behaviour, whether type of index offence or prior gambling, had little relationship to in‐prison gambling. Frequency of gambling in prison increased with increasing PGSI risk category. The most common types of gambling in prison were card/dice games, sports and ball games, while the most common motives were entertainment, excitement or sense of challenge and to win prizes, with significant differences in motive between PGSI risk categories. Prison canteen items formed the most common currency gambled. People within the higher PGSI risk category were more likely to have borrowed items from other prisoners.

Conclusions

Our research has added to existing literature by identifying high rates of gambling in prison and showing that prisoners' perceptions of gambling are as a normal part of prison life. Findings suggest that screening and support should be available to manage gambling in prison, including support to reduce gambling‐related debt, particularly given associations between debt and violence in prison. Relief from boredom and need for excitement were among the most common reasons for gambling in prison, indicating that there is a need to provide a more appropriately stimulating prison environment.
Creating sanctuary: A programmatic approach for trauma integration in counselor education
Authors: Felter Jeanne M. , DiDonato Stephen , Johnson Nicole , Moh Yoon Suh , Richardson Angelle , Czerny Astra
Published: November 2022

Most individuals receiving mental health treatment have trauma histories, yet counselors and counselor educators trained in traditional counseling programs have insufficient background in trauma and trauma‐informed care. Here, we describe the literature‐supported approach we use to integrate trauma knowledge and competencies across the graduate clinical mental health counseling program.
Individual scale factor approach for the vibrational circular dichroism similarity‐guided spectral and conformational analysis of perezone and dihydroperezone
Authors: Muñoz Marcelo A. , Burgueño‐Tapia Eleuterio , Joseph‐Nathan Pedro
Published: November 2022

Evaluation of DFT calculated vibrational parameters for the IR and VCD spectra similarity of perezone (1) and dihydroperezone (2) was undertaken. Conformational sets were obtained using different search engines, and the parameters needed for spectra prediction were obtained using several combinations of commonly employed functionals and basis sets, and then weighted spectra were generated and compared with observed traces to provide infrared similarity (SIR) and enantiomeric similarity index (ESI) values. These values evidenced a poor performance of the evaluated levels of theory that were overcome when using the individual scaling factors approach, providing 16% to 139% increases of theESIvalues. The best performing level of theory was the B3LYP/DGDZVP2 withESIvalues of 0.722 and 0.792 for1and2. Moreover, a correlation analysis showed that the irregular DFT performance arises from rotational strength deviations, which suggests to discard conformational abundance accuracy as the main source of differences. Furthermore, a similarity guided conformational analysis showed that conformations with highESIvalues prefer particular orientations of the CC bonds directly attached to the stereogenic carbon atom, with more distant dihedral angles having less influence. Additionally, folded and extended conformers appear to be equally capable to yield high individualESIvalues, although abundances of folded conformers just account for 16% of the total population. Nevertheless, abundance optimization showed that a highESIsimilarity value of 0.834, is possible when the population of these conformers is increased to 26%, suggesting that a larger abundance of these conformers might be present in solution.
Research article classification with text mining method
Authors: Gürbüz Tuğba , Uluyol Çelebi
Published: November 2022

In this article, it is aimed to classify research articles according to their subjects by using text mining method. The data set used for the study consists of research articles that are obtained by writing Python code with a state‐of‐the‐art web mining method. The collection of texts includes articles from the “Medicine”, “Social Sciences”, “Basic Sciences” and “Engineering” topics on the DergiPark‐Academic website. The data set consists of articles written in English and Turkish. In the first phase of text mining, text preprocessing and feature selection steps were applied to text data. Then the articles are classified according to their subject areas by employing Naive Bayes (NB), Random Forest (RF), and Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms. In the final phase of text mining, the performance of the algorithms is evaluated with respect to the machine learning performance criteria. The results show that the working times of the algorithms were close to each other. The fastest running algorithm is NB, while the slowest running algorithm is SVM. On the other hand, SVM dominates with the best accuracy results among others. Algorithm performances in both Turkish and English languages do not differ remarkably in terms of accuracy and speed.
A Gemini‐Type Superwettable Separator for Consecutive Purification of Water and Oil Phases from Oil‐Water Mixtures and Emulsions
Authors: Wang Deqi , Huang Haikang , Lv Yongli , Chen Kai , Zhong Yanlei , Chen Peisheng , Min Fan , Xie Ganhua , Dong Zhichao , Chu Zonglin
Published: November 2022

Oil pollution results from daily activities and a variety of industries have caused not only severe environmental problems but also wastage of valuable petrochemical resources. Separation based on superwettable materials holds promise; however, practical applications of a single type of superwettable materials were often limited due to their ability in treatment of complicated oil‐water systems. Herein, a Gemini‐type separator was created through the cooperation of two kinds of superwettable sand particles with opposite wettability, i. e., one is superhydrophobic whereas the other is superhydrophilic. Cooperatively by the two types of superwettable sand, consecutive separation and purification of both water and oil phases from complicated oil‐water systems (e. g., water mixed with a lighter or denser oil, water emulsified in oil, oil emulsified in water, and/or a combination of them in one batch) could be achieved with high flux and superior efficiency just in one single operation unit.
Immunosenescence: an unexplored role in glomerulonephritis
Authors: Van Laecke Steven , Van Damme Karel , Dendooven Amélie
Published: November 2022

Immunosenescence is a natural ageing phenomenon with alterations in innate and especially adaptive immunity and contributes to reduced antimicrobial defence and chronic low‐grade inflammation. This is mostly reflected by an increase in organ‐directed and/or circulating reactive and cytolytic terminally differentiated T cells that have lost their expression of the costimulatory receptor CD28. Apart from being induced by a genetic predisposition, ageing or viral infections (particularly cytomegalovirus infection), immunosenescence is accelerated in many inflammatory diseases and uraemia. This translates into an enhancement of vascular inflammation and cardiovascular disease varying from endothelial dysfunction to plaque rupture. Emerging data point to a mechanistic role of CD28null T cells in glomerulonephritis, where they initiate and propagate local inflammation in concordance with dendritic cells and macrophages. They are suitably equipped to escape immunological dampening by the absence of homing to lymph nodes, anti‐apoptotic properties and resistance to suppression by regulatory T cells. Early accumulation of senescent CD28null T cells precedes glomerular or vascular injury, and targeting these cells could open avenues for early treatment interventions that aim at abrogating a detrimental vicious cycle.
Is it time for a new job or career?
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: November 2022

By the time I was 20, I knew I wanted a career in higher education. I met with a dean at my junior college and thought that his job was something I'd like to do. And much later, I became a dean and then a chief academic officer. I changed jobs and colleges several times during my career but couldn't imagine leaving higher education. I told people often, “It's the only thing I know how to do.”
Supporting the university provost: Tips for AVPs and assistant/associate/vice provosts
Authors: Sanford Amy Aldridge
Published: November 2022

For the better part of the past decade, I have served as a direct report to a university provost — first as an associate vice president, then as the associate provost, and today as the vice provost for academic programs. During that time, I worked for four provosts (one who served in an interim capacity) at two different institutions.
Make online content accessible
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: November 2022

When you're creating social media graphics, downloadable lead magnets, new academic program pages for your website, and email newsletters, are you keeping accessibility in mind? I certainly hope so. It's not only required by federal law for many colleges and universities, but it's simply the right thing to do — and will most likely lead to a better experience for all, not just for students with disabilities.
Take a fresh look at the role of career services
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: November 2022

After several years working as an interior designer and then teaching design at two universities, a seemingly unlikely career change almost eight years ago led Carol Brown, M.S., to her current role as Associate Dean of Life Calling and Career at Indiana Wesleyan University, a Christian institution.
Regulatory T‐cell‐derived interleukin‐15 shapes cytotoxic T cell memory
Authors: Geginat Jens , Granucci Francesca
Published: November 2022

It is well known that regulatory T‐cells (Tregs) are required to prevent autoimmunity, but they may also have some less‐well understood immune‐stimulatory effects. In particular, in CD8+ T‐cell responses Tregs select high‐affinity clones upon priming and promote memory by inhibiting inflammation‐dependent generation of short‐lived effector cells. In the current issue of the European Journal of Immunology [Eur. J. Immunol. 2023. 53: 2149400], Madi et al. report the surprising finding that human and murine FOXP3+ Tregs are a physiologically relevant source of IL‐15, a homeostatic cytokine that promotes antigen‐independent maintenance of CD8+ memory T‐cells. In mice that lack IL‐15 selectively in FOXP3+Tregs the authors show that the composition of the CD8+ T‐cell memory pool is altered in the absence of Treg‐derived IL‐15, since a subset of terminally effector memory cells is drastically reduced. Otherwise Treg‐derived IL‐15 is dispensable for antiviral immune responses and the generation of anti‐viral CD8+ memory T‐cells. These findings add to our understanding of the multifaceted role of Tregs in immune responses, and how IL‐15 derived from different cellular sources maintains anti‐viral T‐cell memory.
Enhanced Electrochemical Response of Isoniazid Electrocatalytic Oxidation on RGO‐PPD‐SiW Modified Electrode
Authors: Pisarevskaya E. Yu. , Klyuev A L. , Shapagin A V. , Efimov O N.
Published: November 2022

The electroactive composites based on reduced graphene oxide (RGO), poly‐o‐phenylenediamine (PPD) and heteropolyacids – H4SiW12O40nH2O (SiW) and H3[PW12O40] ⋅ nH2O (PW) was applied to a screen‐printed carbon electrode (SPCE) as a planar three‐electrode cell as the first step to creating various devices, in particular, sensors and catalysts. We studied potential use of the modified and unmodified SPCE planar electrode in determining the concentration of antitubercular antibiotic isoniazid (isonicotinic acid hydrazide C6H7N3O or INH). The best result was observed for SPCE+RGO‐PPD‐SiW. CV of normal saline with various concentrations of C6H7N3O demonstrated linear dependence of the relevant anodic peak current either in the bulk solution upon immersion of the modified electrode or in a droplet on the electrode surface.
Separation of unsaturated C18 fatty acids using perfluorinated‐micellar electrokinetic chromatography: I. Optimization and separation process
Authors: Ta Hai Yen , Perquis Lucie , Balayssac Stéphane , Déjugnat Christophe , Wodrinski Alexandre , Collin Fabrice , Gilard Véronique , Couderc François
Published: November 2022

Ammonium perfluorooctanoate (APFOA) was used as a surfactant for the separation of free unsaturated C18 fatty acids by micellar electrokinetic chromatography. A simple background electrolyte of 50 mM APFOA water/methanol (90:10, v/v) at pH = 10 enabled the repeatable separation of oleic acid, elaidic acid, linoleic acid, and alpha‐linolenic acid in less than 20 min. Separation conditions were optimized regarding various parameters (organic solvent, counterion, APFOA concentration, and pH). Because the repulsive interactions between fluorocarbon chains and hydrogenated chains are known to lead to segregation and phase separation, the choice of perfluorinated micelles to separate such perhydrogenated long‐chain acids could appear astonishing. Therefore, the critical micelle concentration, the charge density, and the mobility of the micelles have been determined, resulting in a first description of the separation process.
Li4Ti5O12‐Based Battery Energy Storage System with Dual‐Phase Cathode
Authors: Yang Weijing , Zhang Maohui , Ma Shangde , Luo Ying , Zhang Bangling , Wang Shen , Yan Liqin , Tong Zhiming , Lu Taolin , Zhou Yong-Ning , Mao Samuel S. , Sui Sheng , Zhang Yixiao , Xie Jingying
Published: November 2022

Lithium‐ion batteries with spinel Li4Ti5O12 materials as anode, which can offer fast charge times, high power output, superior safety, and long life, are considered to be a competitive choice for grid‐scale energy storage systems (ESS). Herein, a 10 Ah lithium–titanate battery with lithium cobalt oxide–lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide dual‐phase cathode is developed and its application in 100 kWh‐level ESS is investigated. The 10 Ah single battery demonstrates a specific capacity of 79 Wh kg−1 with a high‐capacity retention rate of 91.8% after 1000 cycles at 55 °C and >80% capacity retention at 15 Ccell. The 125 kWh ESS shows an energy efficiency of 97.82% and 89.97% at 0.2 and 1.5 CSystem, respectively. Self‐discharge and constant power tests indicate that the battery system is stable, thus suitable for storing intermittent power from renewable sources such as solar and wind. The system's ability of smoothing the fluctuated power is confirmed by coordinating with a wind power system.
A Bayesian framework for studying climate anomalies and social conflicts
Authors: Mukherjee Ujjal Kumar , Bagozzi Benjamin E. , Chatterjee Snigdhansu
Published: November 2022

Climate change stands to have a profound impact on human society, and on political and other conflicts in particular. However, the existing literature on understanding the relation between climate change and societal conflicts has often been criticized for using data that suffer from sampling and other biases, often resulting from being too narrowly focused on a small region of space or a small set of events. These studies have likewise been critiqued for not using suitable statistical tools that () address spatio‐temporal dependencies, () obtain probabilistic uncertainty quantification, and () lead to consistent statistical inferences. In this article, we propose a Bayesian framework to address these challenges. We find that there is a strong and substantial association between temperature anomalies on aggregated material conflicts and verbal conflicts globally. Going deeper, we also find significant evidence to suggest that positive temperature anomalies are associated with social conflict primarily through government‐civilian and government‐rebel material conflicts, as in civilian protests, rebel attacks against government resources, or acts of state repression. We find that majority of the conflicts associated with climate anomalies are triggered by rebel actors, and others react to such acts of conflict. Our results exhibit considerably nuanced relationships between temperature deviations and social conflicts that have not been noticed in previous studies. Methodologically, the proposed Bayesian framework can help social scientists explore similar domains involving large‐scale spatial and temporal dependencies. Our code and a synthetic dataset has been made publicly available.
‘Mindful eating’ for reducing emotional eating in patients with overweight or obesity in primary care settings: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Morillo‐Sarto Héctor , López‐del‐Hoyo Yolanda , Pérez‐Aranda Adrián , Modrego‐Alarcón Marta , Barceló‐Soler Alberto , Borao Luis , Puebla‐Guedea Marta , Demarzo Marcelo , García‐Campayo Javier , Montero‐Marin Jesús
Published: November 2022

Objective

The primary aim of this study was to analyse the efficacy of a ‘mindful eating’ programme for reducing emotional eating in patients with overweight or obesity.

Method

A cluster randomized controlled trial (reg. NCT03927534) was conducted with 76 participants with overweight/obesity who were assigned to ‘mindful eating’ (7 weeks) + treatment as usual (TAU), or to TAU alone. They were assessed at baseline, posttreatment and 12‐month follow‐up. The main outcome was ‘emotional eating’ (Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire, DEBQ); other eating behaviours were also assessed along with psychological and physiological variables.

Results

‘Mindful eating’ + TAU reduced emotional eating both at posttreatment (B = −0.27; p = 0.006; d = 0.35) and follow‐up (B = −0.53; p < 0.001; d = 0.69) compared to the control group (TAU alone). ‘External eating’ (DEBQ) was also significantly improved by the intervention at both timepoints. Significant effects at follow‐up were observed for some secondary outcomes related to bulimic behaviours, mindful eating, mindfulness, and self‐compassion. Weight and other physiological parameters were not significantly affected by ‘mindful eating’ + TAU.

Conclusions

These findings support the efficacy of the ‘mindful eating’ + TAU programme for reducing emotional and external eating, along with some other secondary measures, but no significant changes in weight reduction were observed.
A hybrid prediction model with time‐varying gain tracking differentiator in Taylor expansion: Evidence from precious metals
Authors: Luo Zhidan , Guo Wei , Liu Qingfu , Tse Yiuman
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we propose a modified hybrid prediction model to capture both linear and nonlinear patterns in time‐series data by incorporating autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models and Taylor expansions. We introduce a time‐varying gain in the tracking differentiator to reduce the peaking value that occurs in a constant high‐gain design. The models are tested with gold and silver futures prices. The results show that the hybrid model with time‐varying high gain tracking differentiator outperforms other hybrid models.
Effect of vitamin D supplementation on depression in older Australian adults
Authors: Rahman Sabbir T. , Waterhouse Mary , Romero Briony Duarte , Baxter Catherine , English Dallas R. , Almeida Osvaldo P. , Berk Michael , Ebeling Peter R. , Armstrong Bruce K. , McLeod Donald S. A. , Hartel Gunter , O’Connell Rachel L. , Pham Hai , Scott James G. , van der Pols Jolieke C. , Venn Alison J. , Webb Penelope M. , Whiteman David C. , Neale Rachel E.
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To investigate whether vitamin D supplementation reduces depressive symptoms and incidence of antidepressant use.

Methods

We used data from the D‐Health Trial (N = 21,315), a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial of monthly vitamin D3 for the prevention of all‐cause mortality. Participants were Australians aged 60–84 years. Participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ–9) at 1, 2 and 5 years after randomization to measure depressive symptoms; national prescribing records were used to capture antidepressant use. We used mixed models and survival models.

Results

Analyses of PHQ‐9 scores included 20,487 participants (mean age 69·3 years, 46% women); the mean difference (MD) in PHQ‐9 score (vitamin D vs. placebo) was 0·02 (95% CI −0·06, 0·11). There was negligible difference in the prevalence of clinically relevant depression (PHQ‐9 score ≥10) (odds ratio 0·99; 95% CI 0·90, 1·08). We included 16,670 participants in the analyses of incident antidepressant use (mean age 69·4 years, 43% women). Incidence of antidepressant use was similar between the groups (hazard ratio [HR] 1·04; 95% CI 0·96, 1·12). In subgroup analyses, vitamin D improved PHQ‐9 scores in those taking antidepressants at baseline (MD −0·25; 95% CI −0·49, −0·01; p‐interaction = 0·02). It decreased risk of antidepressant use in participants with predicted 25(OH)D concentration <50 nmol/L (HR 0·88; 95% CI 0·75, 1·02; p‐interaction = 0·01) and increased risk in those with predicted 25(OH)D ≥ 50 nmol/L (HR 1·10; 95% CI 1·01, 1·20).

Conclusion

Monthly supplementation with high‐dose vitamin D3 was not of benefit for measures of depression overall, but there was some evidence of benefit in subgroup analyses.

Clinical Trial Registration

The trial is registered on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12613000743763. https://www.anzctr.org.au/.
Implementation of a “Patient Blood Management” program in medium sized hospitals: Results of a survey among German hemotherapists
Authors: Frietsch Thomas , Wittenberg Gerhard , Horn Audrey , Steinbicker Andrea U.
Published: November 2022

Background and aims

Germany uses more blood transfusions than the majority of other countries. The objective of this study was to detect the degree of Patient Blood Management (PBM) implementation within Germany and to identify obstacles to establishing PBM programs.

Methods

An electronical questionnaire containing 21 questions and 4 topics was sent in 2018 to the members of the German interdisciplinary hemotherapy (IAKH) society in Germany. The degree of PBM (described as pre‐, intra‐, postoperative period) was established via questions within the topics “management of preoperative anemia” (PA) (n = 5), “preoperative management and transfusion preparation” (n = 3), PBM organization and structure (n = 5), coagulation management (n = 3), perioperative transfusion performance and habits (n = 3), best practices and problems (n = 2).

Results

533 German hospitals with transfusion activity received the questionnaire with a 32.5% response rate to the survey. A dedicated PBM program had not been established in a quarter of all small and medium sized institutions. Red blood cell transfusion was the only therapeutic option in a third of institutions. Approximately half of the hospitals did not use knowledge of PA rates or transfusion needs of surgical procedures. Institutions failed to implement PBM because of a lack of profit, workload, personnel shortage, and administrative support.

Conclusion

PBM was not present in at least a quarter of the hospitals interrogated. Factors for improvement were the relationship between health care disciplines and sectors, economic incentives, inclusion of relevant disciplines, and the structure of the blood industry. To improve BPM implementation, hospitals need support to implement top‐down PBM projects.
Clinical Utility of Thigh and Mid‐Thigh Dual‐Energy x‐Ray Absorptiometry to Identify Bone and Muscle Loss
Authors: Vogrin Sara , Bani Hassan Ebrahim , Munandar Putra Fernan , Pasco Julie A , Kotowicz Mark A , Duque Gustavo
Published: November 2022

Sarcopenia and osteoporosis are highly prevalent syndromes in older people, characterized by loss of muscle and bone tissue, and related to adverse outcomes. Previous reports indicate mid‐thigh dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) is well suited for the simultaneous assessment of bone, muscle, and fat mass in a single scan. Using cross‐sectional clinical data and whole‐body DXA images of 1322 community‐dwelling adults from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study (57% women, median age 59 years), bone and lean mass were quantified in three unconventional regions of interest (ROIs): (i) a 2.6‐cm‐thick slice of mid‐thigh, (ii) a 13‐cm‐thick slice of mid‐thigh, and (iii) the whole thigh. Conventional indices of tissue mass were also calculated (appendicular lean mass [ALM] and bone mineral density [BMD] of lumbar spine, hip, and femoral neck). The performance of thigh ROIs in identifying osteoporosis, osteopenia, low lean mass and strength, past falls, and fractures was evaluated. All thigh regions (especially whole thigh) performed well in identifying osteoporosis (area under the receiver‐operating characteristic [ROC] curve [AUC] > 0.8) and low lean mass (AUC >0.95), but they performed worse in the diagnosis of osteopenia (AUC 0.7–0.8). All thigh regions were equivalent to ALM in discrimination of poor handgrip strength, gait speed, past falls, and fractures. BMD in conventional regions was more strongly associated with past fractures than thigh ROIs. In addition to being faster and easier to quantify, mid‐thigh tissue masses can be used for identifying osteoporosis and low lean mass. They are also equivalent to conventional ROIs in their associations with muscle performance, past falls, and fractures; however, further validation is required for the prediction of fractures. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
DFT mechanistic study on nickel/IPr‐catalyzed aldehyde–alkyne reductive couplings with trialkylsilane/dialkylsilane
Authors: Ma Xuexiang , Feng Aili , Zhang Dongju
Published: November 2022

Density functional theory calculations were carried out to reveal the mechanistic details of aldehyde–alkyne reductive couplings with trialkylsilane/dialkylsilane. The reaction with trialkylsilane is found to proceed through oxidative cyclization, Si‐H/Ni‐O σ‐bond metathesis, and C(sp2)‐H reductive elimination, leading to silylated allylic alcohols. The steric hindrance between the n‐pent group of alkyne and iPr group of the NHC ligand determines the regioselectivity. While for the reaction with dialkylsilane, the present calculations propose a new mechanism, which consists of oxidative cyclization, Si−H/Ni−O σ‐bond metathesis, Ni−C/Si−H σ‐bond metathesis, and dehydrogenation, resulting in oxasilacyclopentenes. The calculated energy profiles rationalize the experimentally observed chemodivergence.
Ivermectin's Role in the Prevention of COVID‐19: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Hu Gong‐Yi , Liang Chun‐An , Lin Pei‐Chin , Lin Chih‐Yang
Published: November 2022

This systematic review was performed to determine the population that benefited from prophylactic ivermectin. Seven databases of health‐related studies were searched for eligible trials without language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies investigating ivermectin for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) prevention were included. Data were pooled using a random‐effects model, and subgroups were analyzed by study type and the pre‐ or postexposure population. The certainty of the evidence was determined by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Furthermore, 4 RCTs and 4 cohort studies with a moderate to high risk of bias were included in the analysis. The prophylactic use of ivermectin significantly decreased the overall incidence of COVID‐19 (odds ratio [OR], 0.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16‐0.44). Nevertheless, the positive result was not supported by the RCT. Ivermectin was associated with a lower risk of COVID‐19 (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.12‐0.40) in the preexposure population, whereas no protective effect was observed in the postexposure population (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.09‐1.67). In summary, prophylactic ivermectin did not prevent COVID‐19 in the postexposure population. Although the protective effect of ivermectin was shown in the overall and preexposure populations, the results were unreliable owing to poor‐quality evidence.
Utility of serum autotaxin levels for predicting post hepatectomy liver failure in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Uemoto Yusuke , Taura Kojiro , Kimura Yusuke , Yoh Tomoaki , Nishio Takahiro , Koyama Yukinori , Seo Satoru , Okazaki Kazuyuki , Nagao Miki , Igarashi Koji , Hatano Etsuro
Published: November 2022

Background/Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of serum autotaxin, a novel liver fibrosis marker, for predicting post hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) in patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Autotaxin was measured in sera from 269 patients undergoing hepatectomy for HCC. Correlations between autotaxin level, liver fibrosis stage (METAVIR F0–F4), and PHLF, as assessed by the International Study Group of Liver Surgery criteria, were analyzed.

Results

Median autotaxin concentrations correlated significantly with fibrosis stage (F0, 0.93; F1, 0.96; F2, 1.18; F3, 1.40; and F4, 1.47 mg/l; P < .0001). Autotaxin levels were significantly higher in female patients and hepatitis C virus antibody‐positive patients compared with male or antibody‐negative patients (P < .0001). PHLF grade ≥ B occurred in 25 patients (9.3%). A PHLF prediction model was constructed from four variables (autotaxin, resection rate, sex, and hepatitis C virus antibody positivity) and gave an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.8 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.69–0.87), which was superior to models based on ALPlat and resection rate (0.75, 95% CI: 0.64–0.83) or indocyanine green retention test and resection rate (0.72, 95% CI: 0.61–0.81).

Conclusion

Serum autotaxin has utility for predicting liver fibrosis and PHLF in patients with HCC.
Effect of different stunning methods on rigor mortis, shape, energetic status and physical characteristics of Salmo carpio fillets
Authors: Pulcini Domitilla , Pulido‐Rodríguez Lina Fernanda , de Medeiros Adja Cristina Lira , Faccenda Filippo , Martini Arianna , Martinoli Marco , Tonachella Nicolò , Secci Giulia , Parisi Giuliana
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

Consumer interest in safeguarding animal welfare and increased demand for fresh aquatic products support the need to understand the effects of stunning methods used in aquaculture on the biochemical process affecting fish fillet quality.

The present paper aimed at comparing electrical stunning (ES) and cold shock (ICE) in Salmo carpio, an Italian endemic under‐investigated species. Rigor mortis evolution, fillet adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP), shape, colour, pH and water holding capacity were assessed by integrating chemical and image analyses.

RESULTS

Seventy‐two fish (24 fish per treatment) were stunned by ES, ICE or anaesthesia (AN, used as control), then percussively slaughtered. ES and ICE hastened rigor mortis onset and resolution (21 and 28 h post mortem) compared to AN. This was confirmed by the faster ATP degradation in ES and ICE. Fillet shape features varied during rigor mortis, according to the stunning method, with the perimeter showing irreversible variation in ES and ICE groups. Initial circularity was recovered only in AN, while ICE and ES fillets showed significantly different values, between 0 and 192 h.

CONCLUSION

ES is a promising stunning technique for S. carpio, but parameters should be optimized, because of the adverse effect on muscle activity which caused a fast pH drop, and the presence of blood spots in the fillets. Further studies are needed to understand whether fillet shape changes can interfere with filleting or fillet processing and consumer appreciation. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Synergism of selective thermal denaturation and glycosylation improves quality characteristics of green soybean tofu
Authors: Liu Yue , Sun Dongxue , Ma Yue , Mu Sinan , Li Hongyu , Zhang Minghan , Liu Xianqi , Wei Xuan , Bilawal Akhunzada , Tian Bo , Jiang Zhanmei
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

Tofu is rich in nutrients and contains high‐quality protein. However, commercial tofu products usually have weak gel strength and low water holding capacity (WHC). In the present study, the effects of selective thermal denaturation (STD) time (0–20 min, 5‐min interval; 85 °C) and glycosylation (100 °C; 0, 10 and 20 g kg−1 glucose) on the quality characteristics of green soybean tofu were studied through by the evaluation method of the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) model for the best synergism condition of STD and glycosylation.

RESULTS

Compared to STD or glycosylation, combination treatment of STD and glycosylation improved hardness, WHC, yield, protein and fat contents of green soybean tofu. Furthermore, the gel strength, WHC, yield, protein and fat contents of tofu was increased by 135.21%, 20.18%, 12.21%, 24.91%, 44.15% compared to untreated tofu. Meanwhile, synergistic treatment of STD and glycosylation significantly improved microstructure network structure of green soybean tofu and made it more homogeneous and denser. However, the green soybean tofu was faded and turned yellow under the combination of the STD and glycosylation.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained through TOPSIS showed that the combination of thermal treatment (85 °C for 15 min) and glycosylation (20 g kg−1 glucose at 100 °C) had the greatest improvement in the characteristics of green soybean tofu. Hence, the combination treatment of STD and glycosylation should be useful for improving the quality characteristics of green soybean tofu and providing the technical references for industrial processing of tofu. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Legume biological nitrogen fixation improves but chemical nitrogen fertilizer suppresses soil nematode communities in a Camellia oleifera plantation
Authors: Wang Jiachen , Wang Hailun , Lin Qinqin , Wu Yuanqun , He Xinxin , Chen Xiaoyong , Yan Wende , Zhao Jie
Published: November 2022

Legume intercropping by biological nitrogen (N) fixation is supposed as a more sustainable way than chemical N addition to enhance soil N availability in agronomy, however, the effects of the two types of N input on soil food web are scarcely determined. To fill the knowledge gap, we conducted a field experiment with randomized block design in an oil‐tea (Camellia oleifera) plantation, which included five N manipulation treatment: legume intercropping (Arachis hypogaea and Cassia tora), chemical N fertilizer application (84 and 168 kg N ha−1 yr−1), and the control (no N addition). The soil nematode communities and physicochemical properties were monitored in the seedling, heading, and mature stages of the legumes respectively. The results showed that the legume intercropping significantly increased the abundances of bacterivores and omnivore‐predators compared with the N fertilizations. Weighted nematode fauna analysis showed that N fertilization treatments were mainly located in the degraded plot (quadrat IV), and legume treatments were located in the structure plot (quadrat III). Structural equation model revealed that the legume intercropping positively correlated with the abundance of bacterivores and omnivore‐predators while N fertilization rate negatively correlated with the abundance of bacterivores and fungivores. Our results suggest that the legume biological N fixation was more conducive to providing N sources to soil organisms than the chemical N fertilizer, which resulted in an enhanced and a degraded soil food web respectively. Thus, legume intercropping is a more sustainable N management practice for the cultivation of C. oleifera plantations.
The ‘long and winding road’ for digital accessibility
Authors: Scott Stacy
Published: November 2022

Key points

Accessibility is not binary, as easy as flipping a switch, it is closer to a web of interconnected elements, each of which can have serious implications on the accessibility of any content.

Publishers need to be mindful of legislations, tools and the imminent arrival of European Accessibility Act requirements to build accessibility into workflows now.

The future of accessibility format is EPUB.

Authors respond well to requirements to provide alt text for images—so they should be encouraged to do so.
Are we there yet? The state of accessible publishing in 2022
Authors: Alexander Huw
Published: November 2022

Key points

The main hurdle for publishers wishing to implement accessibility policies is staffing problems—including technical knowledge, experience, and time availability.

The publishing industry is investing in accessibility, but often fails to communicate what investment has been made—they are just not telling their story.

Over half of surveyed publishers included image descriptions in less than 10% of their content—not one publisher included it in more three‐quarters of their titles.

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) will require compliance with accessibility and all publishers need to ensure they have systems in place for front and backlist titles by June 2025.
Do you still need to make that trip?
Authors: Hart Chris
Published: November 2022

Key points

People remain conflicted about the need to travel, ranging from the moral imperative to curtail travel to acceptance of travel and confusion about when travel is acceptable.

There is a need to focus on alternatives to flying and take a balanced approach to the desire for zero carbon goals and the business and staff needs for travel.

Decision trees and other tools help individuals and companies to set clear guidelines for when travel is acceptable or desirable.

Investment in online meeting tools should be balanced with the need for face‐to‐face meetings and conferences.
Sediment organic carbon stocks were similar among four species compositions in a tropical seagrass meadow
Authors: Samper‐Villarreal Jimena , Mazarrasa Inés , Masqué Pere , Serrano Oscar , Cortés Jorge
Published: November 2022

Seagrass meadows composed of larger species are assumed to store larger sediment organic carbon (Corg) stocks, storing more Corg in their tissues and larger leaves promoting greater burial of seagrass and non‐seagrass Corg. However, the influence of species composition on sediment Corg stocks remains poorly understood mainly from challenges in isolating it from confounding factors. We assessed Corg stocks in seagrass biomass and sediment of four species compositions in a tropical Caribbean meadow. We hypothesized that larger species would lead to higher sediment Corg stocks, within a limited geomorphic setting and time frame. Seagrass biomass and surficial and sediment profiles were collected to measure seagrass morphometrics, δ13C and δ15N, dry bulk density, Corg and inorganic carbon (Cinorg) stocks, and grain size. Seagrass biomass Corg stocks ranged from 0.04 to 3.7 Mg ha−1, with higher biomass Corg stocks in compositions with larger species. Surficial sediment Corg and Cinorg stocks (to 1.5 cm) averaged 2.6 ± 0.6 Mg Corg ha−1 and 68.8 ± 14.6 Mg Cinorg ha−1, respectively, and did not vary among species compositions. Isotopic analyses revealed a ~ 50% contribution of seagrasses to surficial sediment Corg in compositions with larger species, compared to a contribution of ~ 35% for those of smaller species. This study provides novel blue carbon data from an understudied region and contributes to understanding the role of seagrass species composition on sediment carbon storage.