bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlations between imatinib plasma trough concentration and adverse reactions in Chinese patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Xia Yanzhe , Chen Sile , Luo Meijuan , Wu Jingjing , Cai Shirong , He Yulong , Chen Xiao , Zhang Xinhua
Published: April 2020

Background

Imatinib is the standard treatment for patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), but there is significant variation in imatinib plasma trough concentrations (Cmin) among patients. The imatinib Cmin distribution at different doses and the correlation of adverse reactions with Cmin in Chinese patients with GIST from a high‐volume center were evaluated.

Methods

From July 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018, patients who were receiving imatinib treatment for GIST were prospectively enrolled. Steady‐state blood samples were obtained from patients who had received same‐dose imatinib treatment for ≥1 month with good compliance. Adverse reactions were recorded during regular follow‐up, and blood samples were collected 24 ± 2 hours after dosing. Liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure drug concentrations.

Results

In total, 307 patients who received 367 dose levels were investigated. The imatinib Cmin was 1315 ± 716 ng/mL, 2117 ± 597 ng/mL, and 3844 ± 987 ng/mL in patients who were receiving imatinib 400 mg, 600 mg, and 800 mg daily, respectively. The Cmin was significantly correlated with periorbital and limb edema (P < .001), anemia (P < .001), and rash (P = .037). Nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and conjunctival hemorrhage also were correlated, but not significantly. A much higher Cmin was observed with severe adverse reactions. There was no correlation between the imatinib Cmin and leukopenia, muscle cramps, or hepatobiliary dysfunction.

Conclusions

In Chinese patients with GIST, the imatinib Cmin was higher than that reported for Western populations, especially at higher doses. The Cmin was correlated with periorbital and limb edema, anemia, and rash, suggesting that monitoring the imatinib Cmin should be considered when patients develop severe adverse reactions caused by excessive imatinib plasma concentrations.
Clinical outcomes of 168 Chinese patients after local surgery for bone metastases arising from advanced renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Dong Yi , Wang Zheng , Lu Xin , Wu Zhenjie , Zhang Zongqin , Yu Yongwei , Peng Fei , Liu Bing , Wang Linhui
Published: April 2020

Background

The effectiveness of local surgery for bone metastases (BM) arising from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains uncertain. Herein, the authors performed what to the best of their knowledge is the first investigation of the outcomes of Chinese patients with RCC and BM.

Methods

Data were collected for 168 patients with RCC and BM who were treated at Changzheng Hospital in Shanghai, China, between March 2009 and December 2018. All patients underwent local surgery for BM arising from RCC. Overall survival (OS) was defined as the interval between the date of local surgery and death or last follow‐up and was estimated using the Kaplan‐Meier method. Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses were used to identify significant prognostic factors.

Results

The median OS in the study cohort was 43 months (range, 0‐113 months). The 1‐year, 3‐year, and 5‐year survival rates after surgery were 77.4%, 55.9%, and 31.8%, respectively. Univariate analyses demonstrated significant survival differences associated with sex (P = .003), the number of preoperative metastatic sites (BM alone or BM with concomitant metastasis; P < .001), and the number of BM (single or multiple; P = .008). OS also did not appear to differ regardless of whether the patients received postsurgical targeted therapy. Multivariable Cox regression demonstrated that the following characteristics were independent predictors of OS: the number of preoperative metastatic sites, International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium risk score, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center score.

Conclusions

Careful patient selection for local surgery is of paramount importance. The prognoses of patients in the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center–based and International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium–based poor‐risk groups were much worse than those of the intermediate‐risk groups. In current clinical practice, “stratified treatment” can be performed according to these criteria.
The Affordable Care Act improved health insurance coverage and cardiovascular‐related screening rates for cancer survivors seen in community health centers
Authors: Angier Heather E. , Marino Miguel , Springer Rachel J. , Schmidt Teresa D. , Huguet Nathalie , DeVoe Jennifer E.
Published: April 2020

Background

This study assessed the impact of Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansion on health insurance rates and receipt of cardiovascular‐related preventive screenings (body mass index, glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c], low‐density lipoproteins, and blood pressure) for cancer survivors seen in community health centers (CHCs).

Methods

This study identified cancer survivors aged 19 to 64 years with at least 3 CHC visits in 13 states from the Accelerating Data Value Across a National Community Health Center Network (ADVANCE). Via inverse probability of treatment weighting multilevel multinomial modeling, insurance rates before and after the ACA were estimated by whether a patient lived in a state that expanded Medicaid, and changes between a pre‐ACA time period and 2 post‐ACA time periods were assessed.

Results

The weighted estimated sample size included 409 cancer survivors in nonexpansion states and 2650 in expansion states. In expansion states, the proportion of uninsured cancer survivors decreased significantly from 20.3% in 2012‐2013 to 4.5%in 2016‐2017, and the proportion of those with Medicaid coverage increased significantly from 38.8% to 55.6%. In nonexpansion states, there was a small decrease in uninsurance rates (from 33.6% in 2012‐2013 to 22.5% in 2016‐2017). Cardiovascular‐related preventive screening rates increased over time in both expansion and nonexpansion states: HbA1c rates nearly doubled from the pre‐ACA period (2012‐2013) to the post‐ACA period (2016‐2017) in expansion states (from 7.2% to 12.8%) and nonexpansion states (from 9.3% to 16.8%).

Conclusions

This study found a substantial decline in uninsured visits among cancer survivors in Medicaid expansion states. Yet, 1 in 5 cancer survivors living in a state that did not expand Medicaid remained uninsured. Several ACA provisions likely worked together to increase cardiovascular‐related preventive screening rates for cancer survivors seen in CHCs.
Stabilized hybrid discontinuous Galerkin finite element method for the cardiac monodomain equation
Authors: Rocha Bernardo Martins , dos Santos Rodrigo Weber , Igreja Iury , Loula Abimael F. D.
Published: April 2020

Numerical methods for solving the cardiac electrophysiology model, which describes the electrical activity in the heart, are proposed. The model problem consists of a nonlinear reaction‐diffusion partial differential equation coupled to systems of ordinary differential equations that describes electrochemical reactions in cardiac cells. The proposed methods combine an operator splitting technique for the reaction‐diffusion equation with primal hybrid methods for spatial discretization considering continuous or discontinuous approximations for the Lagrange multiplier. A static condensation is adopted to form a reduced global system in terms of the multiplier only. Convergence studies exhibit optimal rates of convergence and numerical experiments show that the proposed schemes can be more efficient than standard numerical techniques commonly used in this context when preconditioned iterative methods are used for the solution of linear systems.
An improved artificial bee colony algorithm based on elite search strategy with segmentation application on robot vision system
Authors: Lu Rong , Yang Zeyu , Gao Chuyi , Xi Maolong , Zhang Yang , Xiong Jian , Pun Chi‐Man , Gao Hao
Published: April 2020

Aiming at accelerating the convergence speed and enhancing relative poor local search ability of the traditional artificial bee colony algorithm (ABC), this article introduces an ABC with a new elite search strategy. First, we propose a strategy of recording individuals with high performance. Then bees have more chances to learn from a real elite. In the onlooked bee phase, its updating equation is changed for having more opportunities to search in a valuable area. Furthermore, for saving the value of function evaluations, a new learning equation for the best onlooked bee is proposed. The image segmentation of a robot binocular stereo vision system is a key problem in mechanical robot vision system, but the computation time limits its application. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm achieves better performance on 10 benchmark functions and the image segmentation problem of mechanical robot in comparison with several other state of the art algorithms.
Bis(α‐hydroxycycloalkyl)phosphine Oxides Obtained from White Phosphorus via Phosphine Oxide H3PO: Synthesis, Molecular Structure, Coordination Properties and Biological Activity
Authors: Gorbachuk Elena , Badeeva Elena , Gubaidullin Aidar , Samigullina Aida , Voloshina Alexandra , Sapunova Anastasiia , Hey‐Hawkins Evamarie , Sinyashin Oleg , Yakhvarov Dmitry
Published: April 2020

Reaction of the electrochemically in situ from elemental white phosphorus generated phosphine oxide H3PO in a single electrochemical cell, supplied with lead cathode and aluminium anode, with cyclic ketones (cyclopentanone and cyclohexanone) results in formation of secondary phosphine oxides (bis(α‐hydroxycyclopentyl)phosphine oxide 2 a, isolated yield 15 %, and bis(α‐hydroxycyclohexyl)phosphine oxide 2 b, isolated yield 12 %) with two α‐hydroxycycloalkyl substituents at the phosphorus atom. Bis(α‐hydroxycyclopentyl)phosphine oxide reacts with [PdCl2(COD)] (COD=1,5‐cyclooctadiene) to give a new palladium complex trans‐[PdCl2{P(OH)(cyclo‐C5H8‐1‐OH)2}2] (3 a, isolated yield 11 %) bearing phosphinous acid as a ligand formed via tautomerization of the phosphine oxide. Finally, the cytotoxicity of the synthesized secondary phosphine oxides on tumor and healthy human cell lines was studied. It was found that at a concentration of 10−6–10−4 M, phosphine oxides 2 a,b exhibit similar IC50 values for the M‐Hela cell line (ca. 50 mM), but are non‐toxic for MCF‐7 cells. For human alveolar adenocarcinoma cells (A‐549), only 2 a is active (ca. 35 mM), while 2 b is not toxic.
Chemisorption‐Induced and Plasmon‐Promoted Photofixation of Nitrogen on Gold‐Loaded Carbon Nitride Nanosheets
Authors: Wu Shiqun , Chen Ziyu , Liu Kaida , Yue Wenhui , Wang Lingzhi , Zhang Jinlong
Published: April 2020

Photocatalytic fixation of nitrogen is a promising method for green conversion of solar light, but has been substantially limited by inefficient activation of the nonpolar N≡N bond and the poor utilization of visible light. In this study, carbon nitride nanosheet composites with abundant nitrogen vacancies and strong plasmonic resonance absorption of visible light have been fabricated through the combination of hydrogen treatment and loading of Au nanoparticles. Ammonia yields of 184 μmol g−1and 93 μmol g−1are obtained without any sacrificial agent under full‐light and visible‐light irradiation, respectively. In particular, the visible‐light activity is enhanced tenfold with the help of Au. Combining the experimental results and theoretical calculations, both the hydrogen treatment and Au loading help form nitrogen vacancies on the carbon nitride nanosheets, which promote N2activation by enhancing the chemisorption. Furthermore, the Au loading further improves the nitrogen reduction efficiency through charging the excited hot electrons formed from the surface plasmonic resonance to the adsorbed N2molecules.
A mathematical framework for effective routing over low power and lossy networks
Authors: Damaj Issam W. , Mardini Wail E. , Mouftah Hussein T.
Published: April 2020

With the rapid advancement in the Internet of things, protocols are challenged to perform routing with low power over lossy networks (RPLs). Performance analysis of RPL attracted many researchers in the field. However, to the best of our knowledge, limited or no studies have been made to develop heterogeneous analytical models that aim at the classification and ranking of RPL deployments based on combinations of desired properties. In this paper, we develop an analytical framework that captures the effectiveness of RPL and enables its sound evaluation and classification. Performance metrics include power consumption, churn in, received packets, and duty cycle, to name but a few. The obtained results based on our analytical framework confirms its effectiveness compared to the simulation results obtained in the literature. The best performance is noted for the deployments with 50 m of range and for different number of nodes.
Microtubule dynamics in healthy and injured neurons
Authors: Rolls Melissa M. , Thyagarajan Pankajam , Feng Chengye
Published: April 2020

Most neurons must last a lifetime and their microtubule cytoskeleton is an important contributor to their longevity. Neurons have some of the most stable microtubules of all cells, but the tip of every microtubule remains dynamic and, although requiring constant GTP consumption, microtubules are always being rebuilt. While some ongoing level of rebuilding always occurs, overall microtubule stability can be modulated in response to injury and stress as well as the normal developmental process of pruning. Specific microtubule severing proteins act in different contexts to increase microtubule dynamicity and promote degeneration and pruning. After axon injury, complex changes in dynamics occur and these are important for both neuroprotection induced by injury and subsequent outgrowth of a new axon. Understanding how microtubule dynamics is modulated in different scenarios, as well as the impact of the changes in stability, is an important avenue to explore for development of strategies to promote neuroprotection and regeneration.
Ecological drivers of female lion (Panthera leo) reproduction in the Kruger National Park
Authors: Maruping‐Mzileni Nkabeng T. , Ferreira Sam , Young Kim , Funston Paul J.
Published: April 2020

The role of social cues in the reproduction of social mammals, particularly carnivores, has been thoroughly studied and documented in literature. However, environmental cues such as resources of water, food, and shelter have been identified to a lesser extent. Pregnant lions (Panthera leo) are notoriously secretive during the final stages of pregnancy and postpartum. Behavioral indicators depicted by movement patterns obtained by remote detection of collared female lions in the Kruger National Park were necessary for the monitoring of birth timing. Over the study period, eight plus a potential three parturition incidences of collared females were recorded. Of the variables measured (step length, range size, duration, prey biomass, and rainfall), range size during the month of parturition was the most indicative movement pattern of a successful birth. By backdating the potential birth month of the litters, date of conception was calculated and our results revealed a correlation between the birthing peaks of preferred prey during the month of conception. Birth timing in conjunction with remote sensing and ecological factors were thus identified behaviors associated with denning.
Humans shape the year‐round distribution and habitat use of an opportunistic scavenger
Authors: Ramírez Francisco , Afán Isabel , Bouten Willem , Carrasco Josep Lluís , Forero Manuela González , Navarro Joan
Published: April 2020

Research focused on evaluating how human food subsidies influence the foraging ecology of scavenger species is scarce but essential for elucidating their role in shaping behavioral patterns, population dynamics, and potential impacts on ecosystems. We evaluate the potential role of humans in shaping the year‐round distribution and habitat use of individuals from a typical scavenger species, the yellow‐legged gull (Larus michahellis), breeding at southwestern Spain. To do this, we combined long‐term, nearly continuous GPS‐tracking data with spatially explicit information on habitat types and distribution of human facilities, as proxied by satellite imagery of artificial night lights. Overall, individuals were mainly associated with freshwater habitats (mean proportion, 95% CI: 40.6%, 36.9%–44.4%) followed by the marine‐related systems (40.3, 37.7%–42.8%), human‐related habitats (13.5%, 13.2%–13.8%), and terrestrial systems (5.5%, 4.6%–6.5%). However, these relative contributions to the overall habitat usage largely changed throughout the annual cycle as a likely response to ecological/physiological constraints imposed by varying energy budgets and environmental constraints resulting from fluctuations in the availability of food resources. Moreover, the tight overlap between the year‐round spatial distribution of gulls and that of human facilities suggested that the different resources individuals relied on were likely of anthropogenic origin. We therefore provide evidence supporting the high dependence of this species on human‐related food resources throughout the annual cycle. Owing to the ability of individuals to disperse and reach transboundary areas of Spain, Portugal, or Morocco, international joint efforts aimed at restricting the availability of human food resources would be required to manage this overabundant species and the associated consequences for biodiversity conservation (e.g., competitive exclusion of co‐occurring species) and human interests (e.g., airports or disease transmission).
Trends in prevalence of comorbidities in heart failure clinical trials
Authors: Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Samman Tahhan Ayman , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Greene Stephen J. , Alrohaibani Alaaeddin , Anker Stefan D. , Vardeny Orly , Fonarow Gregg C. , Butler Javed
Published: April 2020

Aims

The primary objective of this systematic review was to estimate the prevalence and temporal changes in chronic comorbid conditions reported in heart failure (HF) clinical trials.

Methods and results

We searched MEDLINE for HF trials enrolling more than 400 patients published between 2001 and 2016.Trials were divided into HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), or trials enrolling regardless of ejection fraction. The prevalence of baseline chronic comorbid conditions was categorized according to the algorithm proposed by the Chronic Conditions Data Warehouse, which is used to analyse Medicare data. To test for a trend in the prevalence of comorbid conditions, linear regression models were used to evaluate temporal trends in prevalence of comorbidities. Overall, 118 clinical trials enrolling a cumulative total of 215 508 patients were included. Across all comorbidities examined, data were reported in a mean of 35% of trials, without significant improvement during the study period. Reporting of comorbidities was more common in HFrEF trials (51%) compared with HFpEF trials (27%). Among trials reporting data, hypertension (63%), ischaemic heart disease (44%), hyperlipidaemia (48%), diabetes (33%), chronic kidney disease (25%) and atrial fibrillation (25%) were the major comorbidities. The prevalence of comorbidities including hypertension, atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease increased over time while the prevalence of smoking decreased in HFrEF trials.

Conclusion

Many HF trials do not report baseline comorbidities. A more rigorous, systematic, and standardized framework needs to be adopted for future clinical trials to ensure adequate comorbidity reporting and improve recruitment of multi‐morbid HF patients.
Dipyrrin Complexes of Borasiloxane Silanols with Adaptive Hydrogen‐Bonded Conformations in the Crystal and in Solution States
Authors: Morisue Mitsuhiko , Kusukawa Takahiro , Watase Seiji
Published: April 2020

Dipyrrin complexes of boradisiloxane disilanol 1 and borasiloxane silanol 2 were synthesized as a novel family of BODIPY–siloxane molecular hybrids. Compound 1 formed a self‐complementary dimer through quadruple hydrogen bond in single crystal, while adopting a monomeric form with an intramolecular hydrogen bond in solution. Thus, the hydrogen‐bonded conformations were adaptive in the crystalline and solution states. Borasiloxane silanol 2 was isolated as a methyl boronate ester, which also displayed conformational adaptation behaviour in the crystal and solution states. The characteristic features of borasiloxane silanols, such as the flexibility of the borasiloxane linkage and excellent hydrogen‐bonding ability of the silanol, adaptively equilibrate the intra‐ and intermolecularly hydrogen‐bonded conformations between the solid and solution states. The adaptive hydrogen‐bonded conformations of these dipyrrin complexes of boradisiloxanes in crystals and in solution were rationally interpreted in the context of the effective molarity (EM): the entropic advantage of the intramolecular interaction governs the hydrogen‐bonded conformations in solution. However, the entropic advantage no longer remains when the concentration exceeding EM, and intermolecular multiple hydrogen‐bonded conformations become predominant.
Cooperative Silver‐ and Base‐Catalyzed Diastereoselective Cycloaddition of Nitrones with Methylene Isocyanides: Access to 2‐Imidazolinones
Authors: Chen Yan , Wu Yijing , Shatskiy Andrey , Kan Yuhe , Kärkäs Markus D. , Liu Jian‐Quan , Wang Xiang‐Shan
Published: April 2020

A protocol involving cooperative silver‐ and base‐catalyzed diastereoselective cycloaddition of nitrones with isocyanides is described, providing access to a wide range of 2‐imidazolinone derivatives with various functional groups as single diastereomers. Varying the base and temperature of the reaction allowed selective access to both diastereomers of the product. A plausible reaction mechanism is proposed and supported by DFT calculations.
What they think of us: Meta‐beliefs and solidarity‐based collective action among the advantaged
Authors: Adra Aya , Li Mengyao , Baumert Anna
Published: April 2020

Collective action researchers have recently started investigating solidarity‐based collective action by advantaged groups. This literature, however, has overlooked intergroup meta‐beliefs (MBs, i.e., beliefs about the outgroup's beliefs), which we argue are crucial, since solidarity inherently involves protesting for the outgroup. In the context of racial inequality in the U.S., we focused on three MBs White Americans could hold: responsibility, inactivity, and allyship. In two studies (Ntotal = 648), we found that inactive and responsible MBs predicted higher collective action tendencies among low White identifiers via guilt and obligation to act. Conversely, we found that both predicted lower collective action tendencies among high White identifiers, via perceived unfairness. Finally, we found that ally MB was positively associated with collective action tendencies, regardless of identification. We highlight the importance of the meta‐perspective in understanding solidarity‐based collective action, and discuss conceptual and practical implications of these findings.
Core–Shell Structure and X‐Doped (X = Li, Zr) Comodified O3‐NaNi0.5Mn0.5O2: Excellent Electrochemical Performance as Cathode Materials of Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ren Jing , Dang Rongbin , Yang Yuqiang , Wu Kang , Lee Yulin , Hu Zhongbo , Xiao Xiaoling , Wang Min
Published: April 2020

O3‐NaNi0.5Mn0.5O2 is one of the most promising materials for sodium‐ion batteries, which holds advantages of high cost efficiency and environmental friendliness. However, poor cycle stability and inferior rate performance impede their further development because of complex phase transitions. Herein, the successful synthesis of O3‐Na0.98X0.02Ni0.5Mn0.5O2@5%Na–Mn–O (X = Li, Zr) ensured excellent rate performance, superior cycle stability by a method of forming and comodifying a core–shell structure with elemental doping. First, a core–shell structure with high‐nickel in the core, and high‐manganese on the surface improve cycle stability. Second, doping Li and Zr into Na sites allow them to serve as pillars to suppress phase change according to ex situ X‐ray diffraction (XRD) observations. Specifically, the capacity retention rates of Na0.98Li0.02Ni0.5Mn0.5O2@5%Na–Mn–O and Na0.98Zr0.02Ni0.5Mn0.5O2@5%Na–Mn–O samples are 61% and 67%, respectively, whereas the pristine (NaNi0.5Mn0.5O2) sample is 52% cycling at a high current density of 3 C. A double modification method is proposed to ensure excellent electrochemical performance of cathode materials.
The double‐tree method: An O(n) unsteady aerodynamic lifting surface method
Authors: Jones Bryn , Dunning Peter , Maheri Alireza
Published: April 2020

Two new methods for reducing the computational cost of the unsteady vortex lattice method are developed. These methods use agglomeration to construct time‐saving tree structures by approximating the effect of either a group of vortex rings or query points. A case study shows that combining the two new O(n·log n) tree methods together results in an O(n) method, called the double‐tree method. Other case studies show that the trade‐off between accuracy and speed can be easily and reliably controlled by the agglomeration cutoff distance. For a flat plate with 5 × 200 panels analyzed over 20 time steps, the double‐tree method is 7 times faster than the unsteady vortex lattice method with a <5% difference in the force distribution and total lift coefficient. The case studies suggest that the computational benefit will increase for the same level of accuracy if the size of the problem is increased, making the method beneficial for full‐aircraft analysis within optimization or dynamic load analysis, where the computational cost of the unsteady vortex lattice method can be large.
Synthesis of fumed silica supported Ni catalyst for carbon dioxide conversion to methane
Authors: Mohammed Ahmed Aheed Ali , Saad Mohammed Ali H Saleh , Kumar Anand , Al‐Marri Mohammed J
Published: April 2020

In this study, we report the synthesis of a fumed silica supported Ni‐based catalyst for carbon dioxide conversion to methane. Ni/fumed‐SiO2 was prepared by loading the active agent precursor solution on the high surface area fumed SiO2 through the wet impregnation technique. Thereafter, the resulting powder was dried and reduced under hydrogen flow at 750°C for 3 h to get the desired active agent. The CO2 catalytic hydrogenation was performed using a flow reactor between 50 and 650°C temperature, where it showed good catalytic activity and selectivity for methane. In addition, it is found to be highly stable under reaction conditions for 16 h time on stream. Fresh and used (after the stability test) catalyst samples were characterized using different techniques, such as XRD, TEM, SEM/EDX, to investigate the structural and morphological properties, and effect of exposure to reaction conditions on the catalysts. Furthermore, the reaction mechanism was investigated using in‐situ DRIFT in the temperature range 50–450°C. The results revealed the formation of formate species at early reaction stages, followed by CO that was detected as linearly adsorbed on Ni surface, and lastly methane formation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determinants of nursing home choice: Does reported quality matter?
Authors: Schmitz Hendrik , Stroka‐Wetsch Magdalena A.
Published: April 2020

Quality report cards addressing information asymmetry in the health care market have become a popular strategy used by policymakers to improve the quality of care for older people. Using individual level data from the largest German sickness fund merged with institutional level data, we examine the relationship between reported nursing home quality, as measured by recently introduced report cards, nursing home prices, nursing home's location, and the individual choice of nursing homes. Report cards were stepwise introduced as of 2009, and we use a sample of 2010 that includes both homes that had been evaluated at that time and that had not yet been. Thus, we can distinguish between institutions with above and below average ratings as well as nonrated nursing homes. We find that the probability of choosing a nursing home decreases in distance and price. However, we find no economically significant effect of reported quality on individuals' choice of nursing homes.
Four Biomarkers Linked to Activation of Cluster of Differentiation 8–Positive Lymphocytes Predict Clinical Outcomes in Pediatric Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Leonis Mike A. , Miethke Alexander G. , Fei Lin , Maynor Sean , Chapin Catherine A. , Bleesing Jacob J.H. , Alonso Estella M. , Squires Robert H. ,   for the Pediatric Acute Liver Failure Study Group
Published: April 2020

Background and Aims

Immune dysregulation contributes to the pathogenesis of pediatric acute liver failure (PALF). Our aim was to identify immune activation markers (IAMs) in PALF that are associated with a distinct clinical phenotype and outcome.

Approach and Results

Among 47 PALF study participants, 12 IAMs collected ≤6 days after enrollment were measured by flow cytometry and IMMULITE assay on blood natural killer and cluster of differentiation 8–positive (CD8+) lymphocytes and subjected to unsupervised hierarchical analyses. A derivation cohort using 4 of 12 IAMs which were available in all participants (percent perforin‐positive and percent granzyme‐positive CD8 cells, absolute number of CD8 cells, soluble interleukin‐2 receptor level) were sufficient to define high (n = 10), medium (n = 15), and low IAM (n = 22) cohorts. High IAM was more frequent among those with indeterminate etiology than those with defined diagnoses (80% versus 20%, P < 0.001). High IAM was associated with higher peak serum total bilirubin levels than low IAM (median peak 21.7 versus 4.8 mg/dL, P < 0.001) and peak coma grades. The 21‐day outcomes differed between groups, with liver transplantation more frequent in high IAM participants (62.5%) than those with medium (28.2%) or low IAM (4.8%) (P = 0.002); no deaths were reported. In an independent validation cohort (n = 71) enrolled in a prior study, segregation of IAM groups by etiology, initial biochemistries, and short‐term outcomes was similar, although not statistically significant. High serum aminotransferases, total bilirubin levels, and leukopenia at study entry predicted a high immune activation profile.

Conclusion

Four circulating T‐lymphocyte activation markers identify a subgroup of PALF participants with evidence of immune activation associated with a distinct clinical phenotype and liver transplantation; these biomarkers may identify PALF participants eligible for future clinical trials of early targeted immunosuppression.
A quarter‐century review of HRM in small and medium‐sized enterprises: Capturing what we know, exploring where we need to go
Authors: Harney Brian , Alkhalaf Hadeel
Published: April 2020

Despite the proliferation of HRM research, only a small fraction explores the context of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Where HRM in SMEs has received attention, the literature base remains fragmented and variable, comprising a plurality of definitions, explanations, and methods. To advance understanding, this paper uses a quarter‐century systematic review drawing on an evidence base of 137 peer‐reviewed articles. A cumulative framework is presented capturing key developments and synthesizing existing areas of research focus. Analysis of limitations and knowledge‐gaps finds a failure to differentiate across various types of SMEs, limited appreciation of SME characteristics and contextual conditions, and a dominance of managerial perspectives. An agenda for future research on HRM in SMEs is outlined with respect to definitional parameters, HR practices, HRM–performance, key determinants, and presenting issues. The paper concludes that SMEs offer a unique, fruitful, and timely context for investigations of HRM.
As Smart as a Human? Leveraging Models of Human Intelligence to Assess the Intelligence of Systems
Authors: Brown Barclay R.
Published: April 2020

As we evolve artificial and machine intelligence concepts, and consider their extension into intelligent systems, it becomes important to be able to assess the system's intelligence level. This assessment serves several important needs in systems engineering. First, it enables the tradeoff of system design alternatives based on a system's intelligence, along with other factors including cost and performance. Second, it influences system verification and validation methods. Lastly, it will help stakeholders specify the required system intelligence. Assessing or specifying the system's intelligence presents many challenges and difficulties similar to those faced by psychologists and neurologists in measuring the intelligence of human beings and animals. This article explores some human and animal intelligence assessment concepts and shows their application to assessing a system's intelligence.
A novel frameshift variant in SON causes Zhu‐Tokita‐Takenouchi‐Kim Syndrome
Authors: Tan Ya , Duan Ling , Yang Kai , Liu Qian , Wang Jing , Dong Zhe , Li Zhi , He Yiwen , Yan Yousheng , Lin Li
Published: April 2020

Background

Zhu‐Tokita‐Takenouchi‐Kim syndrome is a severe multisystem developmental disorder characterized by intellectual disability, developmental delay, malformations of the cerebral cortex, epilepsy, vision problems, musculoskeletal abnormalities, and congenital malformations. This syndrome is caused by heterozygous pathogenic variants in the SON gene at chromosome 21q22.1.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the pathogenesis of a 4‐year‐old Chinese child who displayed severe intellectual disability, delayed psychomotor development, and facial dysmorphism.

Methods

A sequential detection including chromosome karyotyping, chromosome microarray analysis (CMA), and whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was performed on this child. The familial verification of WES result was conducted by Sanger sequencing.

Results

A de novo frameshift variant SON: c.5230delC (p.Arg1744ValfsTer29) was identified in the proband. The identical variant was not found in his family members. The frequencies of this variant in gnomAD/gnomAD_EAS databases were both none.

Conclusions

This study substantiates that SON: c.5230delC (p.Arg1744ValfsTer29) is a pathogenic variant of Zhu‐Tokita‐Takenouchi‐Kim syndrome and it is the first time to report Zhu‐Tokita‐Takenouchi‐Kim syndrome in China.
Professional development perspectives across gender and age groups of under‐qualified rural NEETs
Authors: de Almeida Amanda Nunes , Simões Francisco
Published: April 2020

Our study explored how self‐efficacy perceptions are associated with Perceived Barriers (PB), meaning beliefs about constraints on current/future vocational development, and Professional Expectations (PE) among rural, under‐qualified youths Not in Employment, nor in Education or Training (NEET). We also analyzed how the connections between these factors varied across gender and age groups. One hundred and eighty‐eight NEETs participated in this study (58.20% female; (M = 23.05; standard deviation = 1.96). Through linear regression analysis using PROCESS macros, we found that higher self‐efficacy was associated with stronger PB, after accounting for the effects of training offers and income. Moreover, men showing stronger self‐efficacy also displayed stronger PB, while men depicting weaker self‐efficacy presented weaker PB, compared with women in similar conditions. Being offered more training opportunities resulted in stronger perceptions of professional barriers for these NEETs. Thus, rural, under‐qualified NEETs require person‐centered approaches from employment services, to support their transition to employment/training.
A road map for the future: An exploration of attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs among African Americans to tailor health promotion of cancer‐related genetic counseling and testing
Authors: Lumpkins Crystal Y. , Philp Alisdair , Nelson Katherine L. , Miller Lynn M. , Greiner Keith Allen
Published: April 2020

African Americans (AA), the second largest racial/ethnic minority group in the United States (US), carry the largest mortality burden of cancer compared with other racial/ethnic groups (Cancer Facts & Figures for African Americans, 2019–2021, American Cancer Society).One solution to address this disparity is through cancer‐related genetic counseling and testing (CGT). Although CGT is utilized among the general population, it remains underutilized among AA populations. Community‐engaged and community‐driven health promotion programs within faith‐based organizations (FBOs) have been successfully implemented and delivered among AA populations (Israel et al., American Journal of Public Health, 100, 2010, 2094). FBOs are well positioned for cancer‐related health promotion and equipped as conduits of health education and information distribution for cancer prevention. In the present pilot study, a community‐based participatory approach (CBPR) was used to collect exploratory data on attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs toward CGT and uptake among an AA sample in the Midwest. Focus groups were conducted in two churches where respondents (N=34) answered a pre‐focus group survey prior to a discussion. Respondents were largely unaware of CGT and thought of testing as primarily for ancestral discovery and not for an inheritable disease. Themes identified through qualitative analysis included emotional experiences with cancer; perception of cancer risk; different pictures of genetic testing; other things to worry about; trust in the healthcare system/faith in God and the healthcare system; and ideas and insights regarding promotion of CGT. These primary themes showed participants’ perceptions of CGT were shaped by their experiences with cancer, faith, faith communities/FBOs, and cost and access to CGT. Overall, participants within these organizations had positive perceptions about the church as a conduit of genetic testing information but had mixed opinions about the rationale for completing CGT. These findings have implications for genetic counselors, medical providers, and health promotion personnel as to how AA faith populations view CGT and the utility of FBOs as promoters of CGT information.
The impact of COPD and smoking history on the severity of COVID‐19: A systemic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhao Qianwen , Meng Meng , Kumar Rahul , Wu Yinlian , Huang Jiaofeng , Lian Ningfang , Deng Yunlei , Lin Su
Published: April 2020

Comorbidities are associated with the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). This meta‐analysis aimed to explore the risk of severe COVID‐19 in patients with pre‐existing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and ongoing smoking history. A comprehensive systematic literature search was carried out to find studies published from December 2019 to 22 March 2020 from five databases. The languages of literature included English and Chinese. The point prevalence of severe COVID‐19 in patients with pre‐existing COPD and those with ongoing smoking was evaluated with this meta‐analysis. Overall 11 case series, published either in Chinese or English language with a total of 2002 cases, were included in this study. The pooled OR of COPD and the development of severe COVID‐19 was 4.38 (fixed‐effects model; 95% CI: 2.34‐8.20), while the OR of ongoing smoking was 1.98 (fixed‐effects model; 95% CI: 1.29‐3.05). There was no publication bias as examined by the funnel plot and Egger's test (P = not significant). The heterogeneity of included studies was moderate for both COPD and ongoing smoking history on the severity of COVID‐19. COPD and ongoing smoking history attribute to the worse progression and outcome of COVID‐19.
Using Photovoice to Promote Body Image Resilience in College Women
Authors: Trepal Heather , Cannon Yuliya , Garcia Jessenia
Published: April 2020

Photovoice methodology was used to examine and promote body image resilience. Fourteen female college students participated in a 2‐part group series. Photovoice projects and other artifacts were analyzed. Three themes related to body image resilience emerged from the data analysis: connection, social gender norms, and self. This study contributes to the growing body of literature by examining photovoice as a creative approach for critically discussing body image resilience. Implications for college counselors are provided.
Algorithm based automatic templating is less accurate than manual digital templating in total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Seaver Thomas , McAlpine Kenneth , Garcia Enrique , Niu Ruijia , Smith Eric L.
Published: April 2020

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of a commercial automatic digital templating algorithm compared to manual digital templating in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The study also evaluated if race and the presence of a standardized calibration marker on preoperative radiographs effect the accuracy of digital templating. One hundred twenty‐five consecutive patients undergoing primary TKA were included in the study. Patient demographics, etiology of arthritis, and the presence of a standardized calibration marker on preoperative anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs was recorded. Manual digital templating and the use of the “auto‐knee” templating algorithm with “Traumacad” software was performed and recorded. Intraoperative sizes of the actual implants used were recorded. Pearson χ2 test was used to evaluate the accuracy of auto versus manual templating. Manual templating was within 1 size of the implant used intraoperatively for femoral and tibial implants 97.6% and 94.2% of the time, respectively. The “auto‐knee” algorithm was within one size of the implant used for femoral and tibial implants 51.2% and 71.2% of the time, respectively. The presence of a standardized calibration marker on the AP view did not change accuracy of templating for both components. There was no difference in accuracy of templating between races. We caution surgeons from exclusively using an automatic algorithm as it is less accurate than manual templating for TKA.
Protective effects of desipramine on alveolar bone in experimental periodontitis
Authors: Branco‐de‐Almeida Luciana S. , Franco Gilson C. N. , Castro Myrella L. , Vieira Mayana S. , Galvão‐Moreira Leonardo V. , Cortelli Sheila C. , Anbinder Ana L. , Kawai Toshihisa , Rosalen Pedro L.
Published: April 2020

Background

Desipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant with immune‐modulatory activity, whose effects on ligature‐induced periodontitis are yet to be investigated. Hence, its actions on alveolar bone resorption, gingival collagen content and key inflammatory mediators were herewith analyzed.

Methods

A total of 60 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into three groups: 1) control: rats without ligature treated with vehicle (saline); 2) ligature: rats with ligature‐induced periodontitis treated with vehicle; 3) ligature + desipramine: rats with ligature‐induced periodontitis treated with desipramine (20 mg/kg/d in vehicle). Mandibles and gingival tissues were collected 3 or 15 days after ligature insertion (or no ligature insertion for controls) and treatments. Alveolar bone resorption and gingival collagen fibers were histologically analyzed using either HE or picrosirius red staining. Gingival mRNA expressions of interleukin (IL)‐1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1 were obtained through reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. MMP‐9 activity was analyzed by zymography.

Results

Alveolar bone loss was significantly reduced in the ligature + desipramine group (P < 0.05), whereas gingival collagen degradation was like the ligature group (P > 0.05). Desipramine administration downregulated mRNA expressions of IL‐1β, iNOS, COX‐2, and TIMP‐1 when compared to vehicle alone in the ligature group (P < 0.05). MMP‐9 expression and MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 ratio were similar among rats with ligature‐induced periodontitis (P > 0.05); however, MMP‐9 activity was lower in the group treated with desipramine (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Desipramine administration reduced alveolar bone loss as histologically observed, and modulated key bone remodeling and inflammatory mediators in rats with ligature‐induced periodontitis.
The Role of Cytokines in Modulating Vocal Fold Fibrosis: A Contemporary Review
Authors: Xu Haoyuan , Fan Guo‐Kang
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Vocal fold (VF) scarring and laryngeal stenosis are a significant clinical challenge. Excessive scar formation causes low voice quality or even life‐threatening obstructions. Cytokines are thought to modulate multiple steps of the establishment of VF fibrosis, but there is no systematic report regarding their role in modulating VF fibrosis. This review aims to investigate the role of cytokines in modulating vocal fold fibrosis.

Study Design

Literature review.

Methods

This review searched for all relevant peer publications in English for the period 2009 to 2019 in the PubMed database using search terms: “laryngeal stenosis,” “vocal fold scarring,” and “cytokines.” A thorough investigation of the methods and results of the reviewed studies was performed.

Results

Comprehensive research in various studies, including analyses of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), transforming growth factor‐β3 (TGF‐β3), and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), supports cytokine therapy for VF scarring and laryngeal stenosis to some extent. A few clinical studies on this topic support the conclusion that HGF and bFGF can be selected as effective drugs, and no serious side effects were found.

Conclusions

This review describes the potential of cytokines for modulating the process of VF fibrogenesis, although cytokines are still an unproven treatment method. As no ideal drugs exist, cytokines may be considered the candidate treatment for preventing VF fibrogenesis. Laryngoscope, 131:139–145, 2021
Systemic Effects of Cryolipolysis in Central Obese Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Abdel‐Aal Nabil M. , Elerian Ahmed E. , Elmakaky Ayman M. , Alhamaky Dina M. A.
Published: April 2020

Background and Objectives

To investigate the adding effect of Cryolipolysis to a low‐calorie diet program on lipid profile, liver enzymes, body mass index, waist‐to‐hip ratio, and volume reduction of subcutaneous fat tissue in central obese women.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Sixty central obese women were randomly divided into two equal groups. Women in the control group received prescribed low‐calorie diet regimen only, while women in the study group received three Cryolipolysis sessions plus the same dietary regimen for 3 months. Assessment of women in each group for weight, height to obtain the body mass index, waist‐to‐hip ratio, and abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness as well as evaluation of lipid profile and liver enzymes was done just before starting the treatment procedures and immediately after ending the study duration.

Results

There were statistically significant improvements of waist‐to‐hip ratio, body mass index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low‐ and high‐density lipoprotein, as well as liver enzymes in favor of the study group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Women who underwent Cryolipolysis and diet program had better improvement in components of lipid profile and liver enzymes than women who were maintained over diet program alone. Measures to decrease waist circumference, associated with abdominal subcutaneous fat reduction, enhanced the systemic effects of Cryolipolysis. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.