bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Luminescent High‐Mobility 2D Organic Semiconductor Single Crystals
Authors: Fedorenko Roman S. , Kuevda Alexey V. , Trukhanov Vasiliy A. , Konstantinov Vladislav G. , Sosorev Andrey Yu. , Sonina Alina A. , Kazantsev Maxim S. , Surin Nikolay M. , Grigorian Souren , Borshchev Oleg V. , Ponomarenko Sergey A. , Paraschuk Dmitry Yu.
Published: March 2022

2D organic semiconductor single crystals comprising one or a few molecular layers of macroscopic lateral sizes are ideal materials for ultrathin, flexible, and transparent field‐effect devices—a platform for transistors and sensors. In recent years, these 2D materials have demonstrated high performance not inferior to their 3D counterparts. However, light emissive properties of 2D organic semiconductor single crystals have not yet been reported, and a combination of high charge‐carrier mobility and bright luminescence in one material is still a challenge for 2D organic optoelectronics. Emissive high‐mobility 2D organic semiconductor based on a [1]benzothieno[3,2‐b]benzothiophene (BTBT)‐derivative, 2,7‐bis(4‐decylphenyl)[1]benzothieno[3,2‐b][1]benzothiophene (DPBTBT), is presented here. DPBTBT molecules self‐organize in large‐area ultrathin single‐crystalline films consisting of one or a few molecular layers. These 2D single crystals perfectly suit as an active layer of organic field‐effect transistors in full accordance with Shockley's model and uniquely combine the high charge‐carrier mobility reaching 7.5 cm2 V–1 s–1 with prominent light emissive properties, which allow a demonstration of the first 2D organic light‐emitting transistor. The high charge‐carrier mobility and thermal stability of the crystalline phases, pronounced luminescence, and good shelf‐life stability suggest that emissive BTBT‐type molecules are a promising avenue for 2D organic optoelectronics.
Community‐led digital literacy training: Toward a conceptual framework
Authors: Detlor Brian , Julien Heidi , La Rose Tara , Serenko Alexander
Published: March 2022

An exploratory study investigated the factors affecting digital literacy training offered by local community organizations, such as public libraries. Theory based on the educational assessment and information literacy instruction literatures, community informatics, and situated learning theory served as a lens of investigation. Case studies of two public libraries and five other local community organizations were carried out. Data collection comprised: one‐on‐one interviews with administrators, instructors, and community members who received training; analysis of training documents; observations of training sessions; and a survey administered to clients who participated in these training sessions. Data analysis yielded the generation of a holistic conceptual framework. The framework identifies salient factors of the learning environment and program components that affect learning outcomes arising from digital literacy training led by local community organizations. Theoretical propositions are made. Member checks confirmed the validity of the study's findings. Results are compared to prior theory. Recommendations for practice highlight the need to organize and train staff, acquire sustainable funding, reach marginalized populations, offer convenient training times to end‐users, better market the training, share and adopt best practices, and better collect and analyze program performance measurement data. Implications for future research also are identified.
Extended alone and ignore assessments: A novel examination of factors that influence determination of an automatic function
Authors: Bottini Summer , Stremel J. Meredith , Scheithauer Mindy , Morton Hannah E.
Published: March 2022

When targeted behaviors are hypothesized to be automatically maintained, an extended assessment is often necessary to evaluate the impact of social contingencies and guide intervention selection. Elements that may be related to determining assessment outcome include observed characteristics of the behavior, type of sessions conducted, and the topography of targeted behavior. The present retrospective chart review analyzed these variables in 51 clients with developmental disabilities who were exposed to extended alone or ignore evaluations as part of a clinical admission. Findings indicate clinicians may conduct more sessions during extended assessments than previously reported. Level of behavior and pica as the presenting topography primarily drove determination of an automatic function. Session type and other topographies were not statistical predictors of assessment outcome. We discuss these findings with respect to balancing internal and social validity. We also present exploratory and statistically derived cut offs to consider when assessment length is constrained.
Understanding the effects of aerodynamic and hydrodynamic shear forces on Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm growth
Authors: Zhang Ye , Silva Dina M. , Young Paul , Traini Daniela , Li Ming , Ong Hui Xin , Cheng Shaokoon
Published: March 2022

Biofilms are communities of bacterial cells encased in a self‐produced polymeric matrix and exhibit high tolerance towards environmental stress. Despite the plethora of research on biofilms, most biofilm models are produced using mono‐interface culture in static flow conditions, and knowledge of the effects of interfaces and mechanical forces on biofilm development remains fragmentary. This study elucidated the effects of air–liquid (ALI) or liquid–liquid (LLI) interfaces and mechanical shear forces induced by airflow and hydrodynamic flow on biofilm growing using a custom‐designed dual‐channel microfluidic platform. Results from this study showed that comparing biofilms developed under continuous nutrient supply and shear stresses free condition to those developed with limited nutrient supply, ALI biofilms were four times thicker, 60% less permeable, and 100 times more resistant to antibiotics, while LLI biofilms were two times thicker, 20% less permeable, and 100 times more resistant to antibiotics. Subjecting the biofilms to mechanical shear stresses affected the biofilm structure across the biofilm thickness significantly, resulting in generally thinner and denser biofilm compared to their controlled biofilm cultured in the absence of shear stresses, and the ALI and LLI biofilm's morphology was vastly different. Biofilms developed under hydrodynamic shear stress also showed increased antibiotic resistance. These findings highlight the importance of investigating biofilm growth and its mechanisms in realistic environmental conditions and demonstrate a feasible approach to undertake this study using a novel platform.
Cyclic l‐lactide synthesis from lignocellulose biomass by biorefining with complete inhibitor removal and highly simultaneous sugars assimilation
Authors: He Niling , Jia Jia , Qiu Zhongyang , Fang Chun , Lidén Gunnar , Liu Xiucai , Bao Jie
Published: March 2022

Cyclic chiral lactide is the monomer chemical for polymerization of high molecular weight polylactic acid (PLA). The synthesis of cyclic l‐lactide starts from poly‐condensation of
l‐lactic acid to a low molecular weight prepolymer and then depolymerized to cyclic
l‐lactide. Lignocellulose biomass is the most promising carbohydrate feedstock for lactic acid production, but the synthesis of cyclic
l‐lactide from
l‐lactic acid produced from lignocellulose has so far not been successful. The major barriers are the impurities of residual sugars and inhibitors in the crude cellulosic
l‐lactic acid product. Here we show a successful cyclic
l‐lactide synthesis from cellulosic
l‐lactic acid by lignocellulose biorefining with complete inhibitor removal and coordinated sugars assimilation. The removal of inhibitors from lignocellulose pretreatment was accomplished by biodetoxification using a unique fungus Amorphotheca resinae ZN1. The nonglucose sugars were completely and simultaneously assimilated at the same rate with glucose by the engineered
l‐lactic acid bacterium Pediococcus acidilactici. The
l‐lactic acid production from wheat straw was comparable to that from corn starch with high optical pure (99.6%), high
l‐lactic acid titer (129.4 g/L), minor residual total sugars (~2.2 g/L), and inhibitors free. The cyclic
l‐lactide was successfully synthesized from the regularly purified
l‐lactic acid and verified by detailed characterizations. This study paves the technical foundation of carbon‐neutral production of biodegradable PLA from lignocellulose biomass.
Board development in 2022: How the past year is impacting key decisions
Authors: Oglesbee Shawn
Published: March 2022

Shawn Oglesbee is a partner in the board services practice of retained executive search firm ON Partners. In this article, he discusses developments in corporate board rooms as organizations look to move beyond the current challenges facing them.
Green human resource management practices and millennial employees' retention in small and medium enterprises: The moderating impact of creativity climate from a developing country perspective
Authors: Islam Md Asadul , Mendy John , Haque A. K. M. Ahasanul , Rahman Mahfuzur
Published: March 2022

Drawing on social exchange theory (SET), this paper examines the gap in the application of green human resource management practices and its effectiveness on millennial employees' retention. This study employed quantitative analysis based on surveys using a sample of 389 respondents from different small and medium enterprises (SMEs) located in the Dhaka Division of Bangladesh. The results show a positive relationship between green training and development and green reward and millennial employees' retention. However, the results show a negative relationship between green recruitment and selection, green involvement, green performance management and millennial employees' retention. Additionally, we found that applying green training and development and green reward are most beneficial both individually and organisationally. This study's contribution to SET is referred to as ‘green creativity climate’ as we have found it to be a significant moderator that helps business leaders and HR practitioners understand which green practices are most effective in retaining the services of an elusive part of the workforce such as millennial employees. Our proposed model highlights how a green creativity climate can foster a new social exchange bond between SMEs and millennials and thereby mitigate against the resource difficulties and performance deficits partly triggered by millennial turnovers.
Smad4 and p53 synergize in suppressing autochthonous intestinal cancer
Authors: Park Jun Won , Seo Min‐Jung , Cho Kye Soo , Kook Myeong‐Cherl , Jeong Jong Min , Roh Seul‐Gi , Cho Soo Young , Cheon Jae Hee , Kim Hark Kyun
Published: March 2022

Background

Smad4 and p53 mutations are the most common mutations in human colorectal cancers (CRCs). We evaluated whether and how they are synergistic in intestinal carcinogenesis using novel autochthonous mouse models.

Method

To recapitulate human CRCs, we generated Villin‐Cre;Smad4F/F;Trp53F/F mice. We then compared the intestinal phenotype of Villin‐Cre;Smad4F/F;Trp53F/F mice (n = 40) with Villin‐Cre;Smad4F/F (n = 30) and Villin‐Cre;Trp53F/F mice (n = 45).

Results

Twenty‐week‐old Villin‐Cre;Smad4F/F;Trp53F/F mice displayed spontaneous highly proliferative intestinal tumors, and 85% of mice developed adenocarcinomas. p21 was downregulated in the intestinal mucosa in Villin‐Cre;Smad4F/F;Trp53F/F mice than in Villin‐Cre;Smad4F/F and Villin‐Cre;Trp53F/F mice. Villin‐Cre;Smad4F/F;Trp53F/F mice displayed multistep intestinal tumorigenesis and Wnt activation. Long‐term CWP232291 (small‐molecule Wnt inhibitor) treatment of Villin‐Cre;Smad4F/F;Trp53F/F mice suppressed intestinal tumorigenesis and progression. CWP232291 treatment downregulated cancer stem cell (CSC) tumor markers including CD133, Lgr‐5, and Sca‐1. CWP232291 treatment reduced the CSC frequency. Small‐molecule Wnt inhibitors reduced intestinal CSC populations and inhibited their growth, along with Bcl‐XL downregulation. Furthermore, BH3I‐1, a Bcl‐XL antagonist, increasingly inhibited intestinal CSCs than bulk tumor cells.

Conclusion

Smad4 loss and p53 loss are synergistic in autochthonous intestinal carcinogenesis, by downregulating p21 and activating Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.
The prognostic effect of residual tumor for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy or primary debulking surgery
Authors: Yang Shi‐Ping , Chen Jian‐Xian , Xu Jing‐Ying , Lei Jian , Wu San‐Gang , Zhou Juan
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and primary debulking surgery (PDS) in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the prognosis between NACT and PDS in advanced EOC. We also investigated the prognostic effect of the residual tumor (RT) after NACT and PDS.

Methods

Patients with stage III‐IV EOC diagnosed between 2010 and 2017 were included from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Chi‐square test, multivariate logistic regression analysis, Kaplan–Meier curves, and Cox proportional hazards model were used for statistical analyses.

Results

A total of 5522 women patients were identified, 2017 (36.5%) and 3505 (63.5%) patients received NACT and PDS, respectively. There were 2971 (53.8%), 1637 (29.6%), and 914 (16.6%) patients who had no residual tumor, RT ≤1 cm, and RT >1 cm, respectively. There were 25.5% of patients receiving NACT in 2010 and 48.4% in 2017 (p < 0.001). Women treated with NACT were not related to a higher chance of complete resection than the PDS group (p = 0.098). Patients receiving PDS had significantly better cancer‐specific survival (CSS) than those receiving NACT (p < 0.001). The 5‐year CSS was 35.3% and 51.1% in those receiving NACT and PDS, respectively. In patients receiving NACT, those who had no residual tumor had significantly better CSS compared to those who had RT ≤1 cm (p < 0.001), while comparable CSS was found between those who had RT ≤1 cm and RT >1 cm (p = 0.442). In those receiving PDS, the CSS was decreased with a RT increase (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that PDS may be the optimal procedure for the majority of advanced EOC patients. Complete resection of all residual diseases should be the goal with the increased utilization of NACT.
Novel N‐(1H‐Pyrazol‐5‐yl)nicotinamide Derivatives: Design, Synthesis and Antifungal Activity
Authors: Wang Wei , Liu Xiang‐Jia , Lin Guo‐Tai , Wu Ji‐Peng , Xu Gong , Xu Dan
Published: March 2022

To discover more effective antifungal agents, twenty N‐(1H‐pyrazol‐5‐yl)nicotinamide derivatives were designed, synthesized, and structurally confirmed by 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and ESI‐MS. All target compounds were evaluated for their antifungal activities by mycelia growth inhibition. Preliminary screening results displayed that many of these compounds had good fungicidal activity to S. sclerotiorum and V. mali. Compound B4 exhibited antifungal activity against S. sclerotiorum and V. mali with EC50 values of 10.35 and 17.01 mg/L, respectively. The experiment in vivo identified that compound B4 was effective for suppressing rape sclerotinia rot caused by S. sclerotiorum at 50 mg/L. The molecular docking study and scanning electron microscopy preliminary clarified the possible antifungal mechanism of compound B4.
Inferior epigastric artery pseudoaneurysm following abdominal paracentesis in a patient with chronic kidney failure: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Kian Behnam , Teimouri Arash
Published: March 2022

Inferior epigastric artery (IEA) pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication following abdominal wall procedures near the artery. This is a case of inferior epigastric artery pseudoaneurysm after therapeutic paracentesis for large‐volume ascites caused by chronic kidney failure. The patient was operated on, and the artery was ligated.
Efficacy of metacognitive training for depression as add‐on intervention for patients with depression in acute intensive psychiatric inpatient care: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hauschildt Marit , Arlt Sönke , Moritz Steffen , Yassari Amir H. , Jelinek Lena
Published: March 2022

Background

Metacognitive training for depression (D‐MCT) is a novel low‐intensity group training for economic treatment of depression. Previous studies demonstrate its efficacy in moderately depressed outpatients. The present study evaluated efficacy and patients' perspective of the D‐MCT in severely depressed psychiatric inpatients.

Methods

In a randomized‐controlled trial, 75 individuals with a major depressive disorder (MDD) were allocated to D‐MCT versus euthymic therapy as add‐on (twice a week) to cognitive‐behavioural‐based (CBT) inpatient‐care. Depressive symptoms (HDRS, BDI), dysfunctional (meta)cognition (DAS, MCQ‐30) and subjective appraisal were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks (post) and 3 months (follow‐up).

Results

Participants in both conditions showed a large decline in depression at post and follow‐up‐assessment. No superior add‐effect of D‐MCT versus active control emerged for depression severity on top of the inpatient care. However, among patients with a diagnosis of MDD with no (vs. at least one) comorbidity, D‐MCT participants showed a larger decline in depressive (meta‐)cognition at follow‐up with medium‐to‐large effect sizes. D‐MCT was evaluated as superior in overall appraisal, treatment preference, motivation and satisfaction.

Limitations

The follow‐up time interval of 3 months may have been too short to detect long‐term effects. There is emerging evidence that modification of (meta)cognition unfolds its full effects only with time. Effects of CBT inpatient‐care on outcome parameters cannot be differentiated.

Conclusions

Although D‐MCT as an add‐on was not superior in complete case analyses, results suggest greater benefit for patients with MDD and no comorbidity. D‐MCT proved feasible in acute‐psychiatric inpatient‐care and was highly accepted by patients. Future studies should investigate the role of modified (meta)cognition on long‐term treatment outcome, including dropout and relapse rates.
Deaths by intentional overdoses increase among young people
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: March 2022

Intentional drug overdose deaths – suicides – have increased in young people aged 15–24 years. The study also found women were more likely to die from intentional drug overdoses.
Long noncoding RNA polymorphisms and colorectal cancer risk: Progression and future perspectives
Authors: Abdi Esmat , Latifi‐Navid Saeid , Latifi‐Navid Hamid
Published: March 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers causing death worldwide. Many long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have possible carcinogenic or tumor suppressor functions. Some lncRNA polymorphisms are useful for predicting cancer risk, and may help advance personalized therapy management. While the use of lncRNAs as biomarkers is promising, there are still drawbacks, and further studies are needed to verify the consistency of current outcomes in large‐scale populations and different ethnicities. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can disrupt a lncRNAs' function, thus enhancing or hindering disease occurrence. SNPs can directly influence the lncRNA expression by interfering with transcription factor binding or affecting indirectly a regulatory factors' expression. Moreover, the association between lncRNAs and other RNAs or proteins may be disrupted by SNPs. This research sought to assess the association between lncRNA polymorphisms and CRC risk, as well as clinical and therapeutic consequences in certain cases.
An explicit‐implicit numerical scheme for time fractional boundary layer flows
Authors: Nawaz Yasir , Arif Muhammad Shoaib , Abodayeh Kamaleldin
Published: March 2022

This contribution is concerned with constructing a fractional explicit‐implicit numerical scheme for solving time‐dependent partial differential equations. The proposed scheme has the advantage over some existing explicit in providing better stability region. But it has one of its limitations of being conditionally stable, even having one implicit stage. For spatial discretization, a fourth‐order compact scheme is considered. The stability and convergence of the proposed scheme for respectively the scalar parabolic equation and system of parabolic equations are given. For the sake of application of the scheme, fractional models of flow between parallel plates and mixed convection flow of Stokes' problems under the effects of viscous dissipation and thermal radiation are constructed. The proposed scheme for the classical model is also compared with built‐in Matlab solver pdepe for solving parabolic and elliptic equations and existing numerical schemes. It is found that Matlab solver pdepe is failed to find the solution of the considered flow problem with larger values of Eckert number or coefficient of the nonlinear term. But, the proposed scheme successfully finds the solution for classical and fractional models and shows faster convergence than the existing scheme. We provide illustrative computer simulations to show the principal computational features of this approach.
Effect of oligonol, a lychee‐derived polyphenol, on skeletal muscle in ovariectomized rats by regulating body composition, protein turnover, and mitochondrial quality signaling
Authors: Kim Jeong Hun , Lee Hyangkyu , Kim Ji Min , Lee Byung‐Joo , Kim In‐Joo , Pak Kyoungjune , Jeon Yun Kyung , Kim Keunyoung
Published: March 2022

Oligonol is a low‐molecular‐weight polyphenol product derived from lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) fruits. This study was focused on the effects of oligonol on the skeletal muscle of ovariectomized rats. We randomly divided female Sprague–Dawley rats into three groups: a sham surgery control group (Sham), an ovariectomy (OVX) group, and an OVX group treated with oligonol (OVX + Oligonol). Oligonol was intraperitoneally administrated at 30 mg/kg daily for 6 weeks. Oligonol treatment after OVX decreased body weight and fat mass, regulated lipid metabolism in skeletal muscle, without loss of lean mass and bone. Bone turnover was not affected by oligonol. In protein synthesis and degradation, oligonol increased the levels of the mammalian target of rapamycin and its downstream targets, eukaryotic initiation factor 4E‐binding protein 1 and 70‐kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase, and it stimulated the expression of ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway proteins, the forkhead box transcription factors of the class O and the muscle ring‐finger protein‐1. Moreover, oligonol treatment enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics. Thus, our results indicated that oligonol treatment had beneficial effects on the skeletal muscle in an estrogen‐deficiency rat model.
Ground‐penetrating radar investigations of the Asaviec 2 archaeological site, Northern Belarus
Authors: Tšugai‐Tsyrulnikova Alina , Charniauski Maxim , Khrustaleva Irina , Plado Jüri , Kriiska Aivar
Published: March 2022

Asaviec 2 in the Kryvina wetland is one of the best known and the most thoroughly investigated Stone and Bronze Age lake settlement sites in Northern Belarus. Previously, research on the site used excavations and coring, typological analysis and radiocarbon dating of the find material, as well as stratigraphic, lithological and palynological analyses. However, geophysical methods were not used. This study was carried out to test the use of ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) both at this particular site and in peaty sediments generally. The main goal was to determine the lateral spread of the occupation layer and traces of ancient habitation activity. The GPR reflection profiles have been correlated with coring data and previously excavated archaeological profiles. The chaotic pattern in the GPR reflection profiles has been interpreted as disturbed peat, thereby indicating human activity. The areas of disturbed peat and the lower boundary of the peat body were traced and mapped. The occupation layer and signs of human activity are irregularly distributed and largely coincide with the high and intermediate forms of the subsoil relief, but not with the low forms. As a result, we have concluded that GPR is a valuable tool for determining occupational layers in wetlands when verified by excavations and coring.
Genetics of Ataxias in Indian Population: A Collative Insight from a Common Genetic Screening Tool
Authors: Sharma Pooja , Sonakar Akhilesh Kumar , Tyagi Nishu , Suroliya Varun , Kumar Manish , Kutum Rintu , Asokchandran Vivekananda , Ambawat Sakshi , Shamim Uzma , Anand Avni , Ahmad Ishtaq , Shakya Sunil , Uppili Bharathram , Mathur Aradhana , Parveen Shaista , Jain Shweta , Singh Jyotsna , Seth Malika , Zahra Sana , Joshi Aditi , Goel Divya , Sahni Shweta , Kamai Asangla , Wadhwa Saruchi , Murali Aparna , Saifi Sheeba , Chowdhury Debashish , Pandey Sanjay , Anand Kuljeet Singh , Narasimhan Ranganathan Lakshmi , Laskar Sanghamitra , Kushwaha Suman , Kumar Mukesh , Shaji Cheruvallill Velayudhan , Srivastava Madakasira Vasantha Padma , Srivastava Achal K. , Faruq Mohammed ,   GOMED‐Ataxia study group
Published: March 2022

Cerebellar ataxias (CAs) represent a group of autosomal dominant and recessive neurodegenerative disorders affecting cerebellum with or without spinal cord. Overall, CAs have preponderance for tandem nucleotide repeat expansions as an etiological factor (10 TREs explain nearly 30–40% of ataxia cohort globally). The experience of 10 years of common genetic ataxia subtypes for ≈5600 patients’ referrals (Pan‐India) received at a single center is shared herein. Frequencies (in %, n) of SCA types and FRDA in the sample cohort are observed as follows: SCA12 (8.6%, 490); SCA2 (8.5%, 482); SCA1 (4.8%, 272); SCA3 (2%, 113); SCA7 (0.5%, 28); SCA6 (0.1%, 05); SCA17 (0.1%, 05), and FRDA (2.2%, 127). A significant amount of variability in TRE lengths at each locus is observed, we noted presence of biallelic expansion, co‐occurrence of SCA‐subtypes, and the presence of premutable normal alleles. The frequency of mutated GAA‐FRDA allele in healthy controls is 1/158 (0.63%), thus an expected FRDA prevalence of 1:100 000 persons. The data of this study are relevant not only for clinical decision making but also for guidance in direction of genetic investigations, transancestral comparison of genotypes, and lastly provide insight for policy decision for the consideration of SCAs under rare disease category.
A multi‐component evaluation framework of a state‐wide preventive health program: My health for life
Authors: Parkinson Joy , McDonald Nicole , Seib Charrlotte , Moriarty Stephanie , Anderson Debra
Published: March 2022

Issue

Chronic disease is a growing problem affecting approximately half of all Australian adults. In response to growing calls for action on chronic disease, the My health for life program was created, aimed at improving the health of individuals at high risk of developing preventable chronic disease. The preventive health program is multi‐modal, cross‐culturally tailored and contains complex social marketing, community engagement, risk assessment and health promotion components. Therefore, a multi‐component evaluation framework is essential to understand the effectiveness of the My health for life program. This brief report details the evaluation.

Methods

The evaluation design uses non‐randomised, longitudinal analysis using repeated measures, observational, program goal‐based and pretest‐posttest design features to assess the program, its specific modalities and its program adaptations. To ensure timely and credible evaluation, different evaluative implementation frameworks and methods are considered. Quantitative and qualitative methods collect an array of program data at differing levels to assess the processes, outcomes and impacts of My health for life.

Discussion

The implemented evaluation framework has allowed measurement of: (i) process impacts including uptake, retention and attrition, participant satisfaction, fidelity and program stakeholder engagement and (ii) outcomes relating to individual participant level changes in health behaviours.

So what?

This evaluation is an example of an integrated evaluation approach in a large successful preventive health program. Findings from the evaluation will ultimately inform the applicability and transferability of the program and inform policy makers, stakeholders and other health professionals in preventive health practice.
Mobile phone usage behavior: A longitudinal study of university students in Oman
Authors: Belwal Rakesh , Hoque Shah Md. Safiul , Belwal Shweta
Published: March 2022

Mobile phones have emerged as ubiquitous devices beyond simple means of communication. Students studying at tertiary‐level educational institutions are one of the major target groups for mobile companies. Notwithstanding, the educators and the marketers of mobile phones and services do not know much about their needs and mobile phone usage behavior. This study aims to determine the mobile phone needs and usage behavior of university students in Oman. The study delves upon longitudinal data collected over three different points of time in a decade and analyzes the changes in students' needs and mobile usage behavior. The findings suggest that students' preferences over time for mobile phones have changed not only for brands but also the way they patronize mobile phones and associated services. The study gives a vital lead to educators and the marketers of mobile phones and services. By understanding the mobile phone needs and usage behavior of students, educators can target their content and deliveries and marketers can target their features, apps, and services innovatively to this emerging segment.
Multicenter performance evaluation and reference range determination of a new one‐stage factor VIII assay
Authors: Lowe Anna E. , Jones Robert , Kitchen Steve , Geisen Ulrich , Rozsnyai Gergely , Jilma Petra , Quehenberger Peter
Published: March 2022

Introduction

We conducted a multicenter evaluation of a new one‐stage factor VIII (FVIII) assay (Roche Diagnostics), intended for the quantitative assessment of FVIII activity. We evaluated the analytical performance of the FVIII assay on the cobas t 711 analyzer.

Methods

Experiments performed at three laboratories used 3.2% citrated residual or commercially purchased plasma samples. Five human plasma pools and two controls were used to determine assay within‐run and within‐laboratory precision, and total reproducibility; coefficients of variation (CVs) and/or standard deviations (SDs) were calculated. Lot‐to‐lot variability and method comparison (vs Coagulation FVIII Deficient Plasma/Dade Actin FS Activated PTT reagent/Standard Human Plasma Calibrator on the Sysmex CS‐5100 analyzer; Siemens Healthineers) were evaluated by Passing–Bablok and Deming regression, respectively, and Pearson's r calculated. Assay‐specific reference range was determined using 199 fresh plasma samples from healthy adults, not receiving anticoagulants.

Results

Across sites, SDs for repeatability were 0.016–0.046 for samples with ≤1.0 international units (IU)/dL FVIII activity; CVs were 0.9%–3.8% for samples with >1.0 IU/dl activity. Among samples with mean FVIII activity 0.344–133 IU/dl, good intermediate precision (SD 0.020 for samples with 0.344 IU/dl activity; CV 1.8%–4.7%) and good total reproducibility (CV 2.0%–13.3%) were observed. The FVIII assay showed excellent lot‐to‐lot variability (Pearson's r = .999) and good correlation with the comparator assay (Pearson's r = .993–.996). The reference range for FVIII activity was 82.2−218.0 IU/dl.

Conclusion

The one‐stage FVIII assay demonstrated robust analytical performance on the cobas t 711 analyzer, supporting its use in routine laboratory practice.
Survival of the hospitalized patients with COVID‐19 receiving atorvastatin: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Ghafoori Majid , Saadati Hassan , Taghavi Mohammadreza , Azimian Amir , Alesheikh Peiman , Mohajerzadeh Mina Sadat , Behnamfar Morteza , Pakzad Marzieh , Rameshrad Maryam
Published: March 2022

As statins decrease the progression of sepsis and its related mortality, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of atorvastatin on survival and symptom improvement in hospitalized patients with COVID‐19. This randomized controlled trial was performed on 156 hospitalized patients with COVID‐19 in Bojnourd city in 2021. Patients were randomly divided into comparison (standard therapy: hydroxychloroquine + Kaletra®) and intervention groups (atorvastatin 20 mg, SD, plus standard therapy). The main outcomes were the rate of symptom improvement, duration of hospitalization, need for intubation, and mortality rate. In this study, seven patients died, two patients (2.6%) in the comparison group and five (6.6%) in the intervention group. The mean hospitalization days (p = 0.001), the pulse rate (p = 0.004), and the frequency of hospitalization in the ICU ward (18.4% vs. 1.3%) were longer and greater in the intervention group. The remission probability in the comparison group was greater (p = 0.0001). The median hospitalization days in the intervention group was longer (p < 0.001) and remission in the comparison group occurred 1.71 times sooner (hazard ratio = 1.70, 95% confidence interval = 1.22–2.38, p = 0.002). Totally, adding atorvastatin to the standard regime in this study increased hospitalization days and imposed negative effects on symptom improvement in hospitalized patients with COVID‐19.
Characterization of rotavirus strains isolated from children with acute gastroenteritis in Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Authors: Fatima Munazza , Khan Dilshad A. , Amraiz Deeba , Lodhi Munir A. , Ghani Eijaz , Niazi Saifullah K. , Ali Sakhawat
Published: March 2022

Diarrhea is the leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality particularly in developing countries and rotavirus has been identified as the major pathogen associated with diarrheal infections. This study was conducted to detect genotypic distribution of predominant rotavirus strains circulating in children suffering from acute gastroenteritis in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Stool specimens were collected from children ≤5 years of age, visiting Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, with signs and symptoms of acute gastroenteritis. Two hundred and eighty‐four specimens were collected during the period from April 2017 to March 2018. Enzyme immunoassay was performed for detection of rotavirus and reverse transcription‐PCR (RT‐PCR) was carried out for amplification of VP7 and VP4 gene segments followed by multiplex PCR using genotype‐specific primers. Out of 284 children, 71 were found rotavirus positive and among them, 54% were females and 46% males. Our findings showed 92% of infection among children ≤2 years of age, while, the peak age of rotavirus incidence was found to be 6–12 months. Although, rotavirus infection was observed throughout the year but frequency increased in winter. Subtype G1P[8] was more prevalent followed by G2P[4], G3P[8], and G4P[6] subtypes. The results of this study provide insight into the disease burden as well as information on rotavirus diversity which will be useful to develop future strategies to control and prevent diarrheal infections among children.
Enteral nutrition in critically ill patients under vasoactive drug therapy: The NUTRIVAD study
Authors: Flordelís Lasierra José Luis , Montejo González Juan Carlos , López Delgado Juan Carlos , Zárate Chug Paola , Martínez Lozano‐Aranaga Fátima , Lorencio Cárdenas Carolina , Bordejé Laguna María Luisa , Maichle Silmary , Terceros Almanza Luis Juan , Trasmonte Martínez María Victoria , Mateu Campos Lidón , Servià Goixart Lluís , Vaquerizo Alonso Clara , Vila García Belén ,   and the NUTRIVAD Study Group
Published: March 2022

Background

Enteral nutrition (EN) in critically ill patients requiring vasoactive drug (VAD) support is controversial. This study assesses the tolerability and safety of EN in such patients.

Methods

This prospective observational study was conducted in 23 intensive care units (ICUs) over 30 months. Inclusion criteria were a need for VADs and/or mechanic circulatory support (MCS) over a minimum of 48 h, a need for ≥48 h of mechanical ventilation, an estimated life expectancy >72 h, and ≥72 h of ICU stay. Patients with refractory shock were excluded. EN was performed according to established protocols during which descriptive, daily hemodynamic and efficacy, and safety data were collected. An independent research group conducted the statistical analysis.

Results

Of 200 patients included, 30 (15%) required MCS and 145 (73%) met early multiorgan dysfunction criteria. Mortality was 24%. Patients needed a mean dose of norepinephrine in the first 48 h of 0.71 mcg/kg/min (95% CI, 0.63–0.8) targeting a mean arterial pressure of 68 mm Hg (95% CI, 67–70) during the first 48 h. EN was started 34 h (95% CI, 31–37) after ICU admission. Mean energy and protein delivered by EN/patient/day were 1159 kcal (95% CI, 1098–1220) and 55.6 g (95% CI, 52.4–58.7), respectively. Daily energy balance during EN/patient/day was −432 (95% CI, −496 to −368). One hundred and fifty‐four (77%) patients experienced EN‐related complications. However, severe complications, such as mesenteric ischemia, were recorded in only one (0.5%) patient.

Conclusion

EN in these patients seems feasible, safe, and unrelated to serious complications. Reaching the energy target only through EN is difficult.
Air‐assisted in situ deep eutectic solvent decomposition followed by the solidification of floating organic droplets‐liquid‐liquid microextraction method for extraction of azole antifungal drugs in biological samples prior to high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Ezoddin Maryam , Abdi Khosrou , Behnamipour Somaye , Javadi Mahdiyeh H. S.
Published: March 2022

A free dispersive method, air‐assisted in situ deep eutectic solvent decomposition followed by the solidification of floating organic droplets liquid‐liquid microextraction was indicated in this study. This technique was utilized to simultaneously ascertain some azole antifungal drugs prior to high‐performance liquid chromatography. In this research, a quasi‐hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent was formed from tetrabutylammonium bromide and 1‐dodecanol as an organic solvent at a 1:2 molar ratio. The synthesized deep decomposition in the sample solution caused in situ dispersion of extraction solvent and analytes. Air‐assisted enhanced a dispersion condition in the sample solution. 1‐Dodecanol as a green option was replaced with typical extraction solvents providing the advantages of a suitable freezing point near room temperature and low density. The effect of important analytical parameters on the extraction recovery of analytes was assessed. Under these optimal conditions, the limits of detection and the limits of quantitation determined were in the range of 0.5–2.8 and 1.5–9 μg/L, for water, urine and plasma samples, respectively. The intra‐day and inter‐day relative standard deviations (n = 5) were calculated to be 2.9–4.6 and 4.2–8.9%, respectively. The results represented the effectiveness of the developed method for the extraction and determination of analytes in biological samples.
2‐Arachidonoyl glycerol suppresses gastric emptying via the cannabinoid receptor 1‐cholecystokinin signaling pathway in mice
Authors: Ochiai Keita , Hirooka Rina , Sakaino Masayoshi , Takeuchi Shigeo , Hira Tohru
Published: March 2022

2‐Monoacylglycerol (2‐MAG) is one of the digestion products of dietary lipids. We recently demonstrated that a 2‐MAG, 2‐arachidonoyl glycerol (2‐AG) potently stimulated cholecystokinin (CCK) secretion via cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) in a murine CCK‐producing cell line, STC‐1. CCK plays a crucial role in suppressing postprandial gastric emptying. To examine the effect of 2‐AG on gastric emptying, we performed acetaminophen and phenol red recovery tests under oral or intraperitoneal administration of 2‐AG in mice. Orally administered 2‐AG (25 mg/kg) suppressed the gastric emptying rate in mice, as determined by the acetaminophen absorption test and phenol red recovery test. Intraperitoneal administration of a cholecystokinin A receptor antagonist (0.5 mg/kg) attenuated the gastric inhibitory emptying effect. In addition, both oral (10 mg/kg) and intraperitoneal (0.5 mg/kg) administration of a CB1 antagonist counteracted the 2‐AG‐induced gastric inhibitory effect. Furthermore, intraperitoneal 2‐AG (25 mg/kg) suppressed gastric emptying. These results indicate that 2‐AG exhibits an inhibitory effect on gastric emptying in mice, possibly mediated by stimulating both CCK secretion via CB1 expressed in CCK‐producing cells and acting on CB1 expressed in the peripheral nerves. Our findings provide novel insights into the 2‐MAG‐sensing mechanism in enteroendocrine cells and the physiological role of 2‐MAG.
New blueprint created to address youth suicide prevention
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2022

Increasing rates of attempted suicide and suicidal thoughts among youth have prompted national health and suicide prevention organizations to produce a comprehensive document released March 2 to support pediatric health clinicians to identify and support adolescents and young adults at risk for suicide in any type of clinical setting.
Fujita exponents for an inhomogeneous parabolic equation with variable coefficients
Authors: Sun Xizheng , Liu Bingchen , Li Fengjie
Published: March 2022

This paper deals with a Cauchy problem of the inhomogeneous parabolic equation
in
), where constants
, and
. The Japanese brackets
;
and the initial data are continuous functions in
. We determine the Fujita exponent for global and non‐global solutions of the problem, depending strictly on
and
, which complete the ones for the nonnegative solutions in J. Math. Anal. Appl. 251 (2000) 624–648 for
. It is so interesting that the inhomogeneous term leads to the discontinuity of this critical exponent with respect to
at zero.
Patterns of Live Baitfish Use and Release among Recreational Anglers in a Regulated Landscape
Authors: McEachran Margaret C. , Hofelich Mohr Alicia , Lindsay Thomas , Fulton David C. , Phelps Nicholas B. D.
Published: March 2022

The release of live baitfish by anglers has been identified as a high-risk pathway for the introduction of aquatic invasive species due to the potential for invasive fish, invertebrates, or pathogens to be released simultaneously with the baitfish. Consequently, the release of live baitfish is illegal in many jurisdictions, but little is known about compliance rates or angler motivations for illegal release. To assess the incidence of live baitfish release in Minnesota, a state with significant live baitfish use and substantial recreational fisheries, we administered a mail survey to a random sample of 4,000 anglers who held a 2018–2019 annual fishing license and received 671 completed responses. To mitigate potential recall bias, we also administered 345 intercept surveys at water body access sites around the state to ask anglers about their current day’s behaviors. A total of 481 (72%) of the mail survey respondents reported that they used live baitfish, and of those, 98 (20%) reported that they release their leftover live baitfish into the water at least some of the time. Of the anglers surveyed at water body access sites, 59 (19%) were using live baitfish on the day they were surveyed, and of those, 11 (18%) released their leftover baitfish into the water. The reasons anglers provided for releasing their baitfish included convenience and their mistaken understanding that released baitfish benefit the recipient ecosystem. The potential for invasive species introductions through contaminated baitfish releases is high given the reported release rates. However, there is also significant opportunity for management interventions aimed at changing perceptions and providing convenient disposal alternatives to illegal release to reduce the risk presented by this pathway.
Estimating Walleye and Saugeye Gill-Net Encounter Probability in a Reservoir with Simple Morphometry
Authors: Kinter Bryan T.
Published: March 2022

Proper interpretation of gill-net survey data requires knowledge of gill-net encounter probabilities for target species, including understanding how variation in habitat use and movement rate affects encounter probability. However, few estimates of encounter probability exist. Further, previous studies have hypothesized that gill-net encounter probability is proportional to swimming speed, which increases with fish size. However, potential swimming speed may not be reflective of movement rates and encounter probability due to species-specific biology and behaviors. I used a large telemetry data set consisting of 483,169 fine-scale positions (<5-m resolution) of Walleye Sander vitreus and saugeye (Walleye × Sauger S. canadensis) to simulate daily North American standard gill-net surveys. I tagged and tracked 42 fish (340–614 mm) during both 2013 and 2014 and determined whether each fish position from April to November was within 24.8 m of shore (the length of the North American standard net). I also determined fish movement rate (m/h) during simulated gill-net surveys and whether each fish track during each survey crossed 24.8-m “virtual” gill nets. I then used Bayesian multi-level models to evaluate how nearshore habitat use, movement rate, and gill-net encounter probability varied with fish length, species, and month. Movement rate (m/h) and gill-net encounter probability were greatest for both Walleye and saugeye during April, May, and June, but neither movement rate nor encounter probability increased with fish length during most months. Walleye used nearshore habitats less frequently than saugeye, especially during September and November, resulting in lower gill-net encounter probabilities for Walleye. These results show that gill-net encounter probability varies across species, months, and occasionally fish lengths due to variation in both habitat use and movement rate. These outcomes also indicate that total gill-net selectivity may change throughout the year due to changes in the relationship between fish length and gill-net encounter probability.
Multi‐objective optimization of mechanically stabilized earth retaining wall using evolutionary algorithms
Authors: Kashani Ali R. , Camp Charles V. , Azizi Koorosh , Rostamian Mehdi
Published: March 2022

This paper uses evolutionary optimization algorithms to study the multi‐objective optimization of mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) retaining walls. Five multi‐objective optimization algorithms, including the non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA‐II), strength Pareto evolutionary algorithm II (SPEA‐II), multi‐objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO), multi‐objective multi‐verse optimization (MVO), and Pareto envelope‐based selection algorithm II (PESA‐II), are applied to the design procedure. MSE wall design requires two major requirements: external stability and internal stability. In this study, the optimality criterion is to minimize cost and its trade‐off with the factor of safety (FOS). To this end, two objectives are defined: (1) minimum cost, (2) maximum FOS. Three different strategies are considered for reinforcement combinations in the numerical simulations. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis was conducted on the variation of significant parameters, including backfill slope, wall height, horizontal earthquake coefficient, and surcharge load. The efficiency of the utilized algorithms was assessed through three well‐known coverage set measures, diversity, and hypervolume. These measures were further examined using basic statistical measures (i.e., min, max, standard deviation) and the Friedman test with a 95% confidence level.