bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro histomorphometric comparison of dental pulp tissue in different teeth
Authors: Guerrero-Jiménez Marytere , Nic-Can Geovanny I. , Castro-Linares Nelly , Aguilar-Ayala Fernando Javier , Canul-Chan Michel , Rojas-Herrera Rafael A. , Peñaloza-Cuevas Ricardo , Rodas-Junco Beatriz A.
Published: December 2019

Background

Dental pulp (DP) represents an accessible and valuable source promising of stem cells for clinical application. However, there are some disadvantages associated with the isolation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), which include the size and weight of the pulp tissue needed to yield sufficient cells for culturing in vitro. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare in vitro histomorphometry of DP from permanent (premolars, third molar), supernumerary and deciduous teeth of patients between 5 and 25 years old with regards to weight, length, width and the cell density in the four regions of the DP in order to obtain quantitative parameters in a tissue that represents a valuable source of stem cells.

Methods

DPs were obtained from 10 central incisors deciduous, 20 permanent teeth (10 premolars, 10 third molars) and 10 supernumeraries (six mesiodents and four inferior premolar shapes). The pulps were carefully removed, and the entire tissue was weighed. The pulp length and the width were measured with a digital Vernier caliper. The cellular density analysis was performed according to the four regions of the DP (coronal, cervical, medial and apical) in histological slides using photography and the ImageJ® program for quantification.

Results

The Pearson correlation test revealed that DP weight among different types of teeth is correlated with age in male patients. A significant positive correlation was noted between length and width of the DP with age in both genders. The mean DP weight for supernumerary and third molar teeth was greater than deciduous and premolar teeth. Finally, the histological analysis showed that the coronal and apical portions of DP in supernumerary and premolar teeth have the highest cell density.

Conclusions

The DP of supernumerary teeth has quantitatively the best morphometric parameters and cell density comparable with the quality of DP obtained from deciduous teeth.
Farmers’ Knowledge in Quality Seed Production Needed for Rice-A Test Development
Authors: Bhavani Gottemukkula , Sreenivasulu M. , Naik Ravinder
Published: December 2019

Aims: Aim of the study is to develop a Farmers’ Knowledge test for the rice seed production farmers in order to assess their knowledge in rice seed production.

Study Design:  Expost facto research design was adopted.

Methodology: Sample: Pretesting was done on 100 rice production farmers in central zone of Telangana state using multistage random sampling procedure with identifying the dimension, collection of items followed by item analysis and checking the reliability and validity for precision and consistency of the results. Test was conducted on October 2019.

Results The process of developing and standardizing of knowledge test was started. A Total of 57 statements were framed.

Conclusion: 32 statements were finally retained which has practical applicability in ascertaining the knowledge of farmers towards rice seed production.

Implications: This standardized test tests the knowledge of rice farmers on rice seed production. This test thereby it facilitates to take the right decisions by farmers, Government officials under rice seed production and policy makers. It can be used extensively by future validating the test.
Variation in Leaf Constituents and Biochemical Indices of Rats given Psidium guajava from Two Different Areas
Authors: Ekpo Grace , Eze Adindu , Benjamin Amadi , Michael Odey , Sunday Ogar Ishade , Princewill Dasimeokuna
Published: December 2019

Variation in leaf (heavy metal) constituents and biochemical indices of rats given leaf samples of Psidium guajava from two different areas were evaluated. Results obtained for heavy metal constituents the leaf samples showed the presence of mercury (0.14±0.01 mg/100 g), lead (2.90±0.10 mg/100 g), cadmium (0.05±0.01 mg/100 g), copper (5.01±0.17 mg/100 g), chromium (0.40±0.01 mg/100 g), and cobalt (5.64±0.64 mg/100 g) in P. guajava leaf sample from crude oil polluted area. Only copper (0.80±0.20 mg/100 g) was observed in P. guajava leaf sample from non-crude oil polluted area. The biochemical studies on the leaf samples were carried out using standard methods. Thirty-six rats were distributed in six subgroups with six rats each, under three main groups (I-III). Three of the subgroups were placed on P. guajava leaves from crude oil polluted area (designated Ia, IIa and IIIa) while the other three subgroups were placed on P. guajava leaves from non-crude oil polluted area (designated Ib, IIb and IIIb). The haematological parameters of rats placed on P. guajava from crude oil polluted area such as RBC, Hb, PCV, MCV, and MCH were significantly affected (p<0.05) when compared to those of rats  placed on P. guajava from non-crude oil polluted area. AST and ALT liver enzymes significantly increased in rats placed on P. guajava leaves from crude oil polluted area against rats placed on P. guajava leaves from non-crude oil pollute area. Since data obtained with animals become more severe when translated to humans, it therefore becomes pertinent for those that use medicinal plants from crude oil polluted areas to become aware of the possible effects of using such plants. This study has evaluated the variation in leaf constituents and biochemical indices of rats given leaf samples of Psidium guajava from two different areas were evaluated.
Evaluation of the accuracy of deformable image registration on MRI with a physical phantom
Authors: Wu Richard Y. , Liu Amy Y. , Yang Jinzhong , Williamson Tyler D. , Wisdom Paul G. , Bronk Lawrence , Gao Song , Grosshan David R. , Fuller David C. , Gunn Gary B. , Ronald Zhu X. , Frank Steven J.
Published: December 2019

Background and purpose

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has gained popularity in radiation therapy simulation because it provides superior soft tissue contrast, which facilitates more accurate target delineation compared with computed tomography (CT) and does not expose the patient to ionizing radiation. However, image registration errors in commercial software have not been widely reported. Here we evaluated the accuracy of deformable image registration (DIR) by using a physical phantom for MRI.

Methods and materials

We used the “Wuphantom” for end‐to‐end testing of DIR accuracy for MRI. This acrylic phantom is filled with water and includes several fillable inserts to simulate various tissue shapes and properties. Deformations and changes in anatomic locations are simulated by changing the rotations of the phantom and inserts. We used Varian Velocity DIR software (v4.0) and CT (head and neck protocol) and MR (T1‐ and T2‐weighted head protocol) images to test DIR accuracy between image modalities (MRI vs CT) and within the same image modality (MRI vs MRI) in 11 rotation deformation scenarios. Large inserts filled with Mobil DTE oil were used to simulate fatty tissue, and small inserts filled with agarose gel were used to simulate tissues slightly denser than water (e.g., prostate). Contours of all inserts were generated before DIR to provide a baseline for contour size and shape. DIR was done with the MR Correctable Deformable DIR method, and all deformed contours were compared with the original contours. The Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and mean distance to agreement (MDA) were used to quantitatively validate DIR accuracy. We also used large and small regions of interest (ROIs) during between‐modality DIR tests to simulate validation of DIR accuracy for organs at risk (OARs) and propagation of individual clinical target volume (CTV) contours.

Results

No significant differences in DIR accuracy were found for T1:T1 and T2:T2 comparisons (P > 0.05). DIR was less accurate for between‐modality comparisons than for same‐modality comparisons, and was less accurate for T1 vs CT than for T2 vs CT (P < 0.001). For between‐modality comparisons, use of a small ROI improved DIR accuracy for both T1 and T2 images.

Conclusion

The simple design of the Wuphantom allows seamless testing of DIR; here we validated the accuracy of MRI DIR in end‐to‐end testing. T2 images had superior DIR accuracy compared with T1 images. Use of small ROIs improves DIR accuracy for target contour propagation.
Alcohol: Prominent role in shorter lives of Americans
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2019

Alcohol‐related liver disease is claiming the lives of more and more Americans, a recent study has found. From 1999–2017, death rates for alcoholic liver disease increased by 40.6% (from 6.4 deaths/100,000 to 8.9 deaths/100,000), according to “Life Expectancy and Mortality Rates in the United States, 1959–2017,” which focused on midlife (ages 25 to 64 years), published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Nov. 26. Data for the study came from the National Center for Health Statistics, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a literature review.
Supervised injection's positive impact transcends reduced OD risk alone
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: December 2019

Not only do the supervised injection facilities (SIFs) that have not yet made it to the United States reduce harms directly associated with injection drug use, but they also appear to decrease the risk of mortality from any cause, results of a new cohort study from Canada suggest. The study title is Supervised injection facility use and all‐cause mortality among people who inject drugs in Vancouver, Canada: A cohort study and the authors are Mary Clare Kennedy and colleagues.
3D Scaffold‐Based Macrophage Fibroblast Coculture Model Reveals IL‐10 Dependence of Wound Resolution Phase
Authors: Ullm Franziska , Riedl Philipp , Machado de Amorim Alexandrina , Patzschke Aline , Weiß Ronald , Hauschildt Sunna , Franke Katja , Anderegg Ulf , Pompe Tilo
Published: December 2019

Persistent inflammation and impaired repair in dermal wound healing are frequently associated with cell–cell and cell–matrix miscommunication. A direct coculture model of primary human myofibroblasts (MyoFB) and M‐CSF‐differentiated macrophages (M‐Mɸ) in fibrillar three‐dimensional Collagen I (Coll I) matrices is developed to study intercellular interactions. The coculture experiments reveal the number of M‐Mɸ regulated MyoFB dedifferentiation in a dose‐dependent manner. The amount of MyoFB decreases in dependence of the number of cocultured M‐Mɸ, even in the presence of MyoFB‐inducing transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1). Gene expression analysis of matrix proteins (collagen I, collagen III, ED‐A‐fibronectin) confirms the results of an altered MyoFB phenotype. Additionally, M‐Mɸ is shown to be the main source of secreted cytokine interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), which is suggested to affect MyoFB dedifferentiation. These findings indicate a paracrine impact of IL‐10 secretion by M‐Mɸ on the MyoFB differentiation status counteracting the TGF‐β1‐driven MyoFB activation. Hence, the in vitro coculture model simulates physiological situations during wound resolution and underlines the importance of paracrine IL‐10 signals by M‐Mɸ. In sum, the 3D Coll I‐based matrices with a MyoFB–M‐Mɸ coculture form a highly relevant biomimetic model of late stages of wound healing.
Low‐Iridium‐Content IrNiTa Metallic Glass Films as Intrinsically Active Catalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wang Zi‐Jian , Li Ming‐Xing , Yu Ji‐Hao , Ge Xing‐Bo , Liu Yan‐Hui , Wang Wei‐Hua
Published: December 2019

Although various catalytic materials have emerged for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), it remains crucial to develop intrinsically effective catalysts with minimum uses of expensive and scarce precious metals. Metallic glasses (MGs) or amorphous alloys show up as attractive HER catalysts, but have so far limited to material forms and compositions that result in high precious‐metal loadings. Here, an Ir25Ni33Ta42 MG nanofilm exhibiting high intrinsic activity and superior stability at an ultralow Ir loading of 8.14 µg cm−2 for HER in 0.5 m H2SO4 is reported. With an overpotential of 99 mV for a current density of 10 mA cm−2, a small Tafel slope of 35 mV dec−1, and high turnover frequencies of 1.76 and 19.3 H2 s−1 at 50 and 100 mV overpotentials, the glassy film is among the most intrinsically active HER catalysts, outcompetes any reported MG, representative sulfides, and phosphides, and compares favorably with other precious‐metal‐containing catalysts. The outstanding HER performance of the Ir25Ni33Ta42 MG film is attributed to the synergistic effect of the novel alloy system and amorphous structure, which may inspire the development of multicomponent alloys for heterogeneous catalysis.
Biocatalytic Aza‐Michael Addition of Aromatic Amines to Enone Using α‐Amylase in Water
Authors: Dutt Sunil , Goel Vanshita , Garg Neha , Choudhury Diptiman , Mallick Dibyendu , Tyagi Vikas
Published: December 2019

The Michael addition of amines with enones for synthesizing β‐amino carbonyls constitutes a valuable transformation in organic chemistry. While various catalyst have been made available for catalyzing the Michael addition of aromatic amines to enones but there is no report of using α‐amylase enzyme to catalyze this transformation. The α‐amylase from Aspergillus oryzae was found to catalyze the Michael addition of various aryl (hetero) amines to methyl vinyl ketone with high catalytic efficiency (63–83% yield). A hybrid of α‐amylase with copper nanoparticle (α‐amylase@CuNPs) has been prepared and used to catalyze this transformation as a reusable catalyst. Further, an application of α‐amylase catalyzed aza‐Michael addition in the cascade reactions has been exhibited by synthesizing biologically important 3‐acetyl quinoline. In addition, molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies are carried out to get insight into the key interactions of the substrates with the amino acid residues near the active site and the probable reaction mechanism, which reveals Glu230 and Asn295 play a crucial role in the substrate activation process.

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Interrupted Carbonyl‐Alkyne Metathesis
Authors: McFarlin Austin T. , Watson Rebecca B. , Zehnder Troy E. , Schindler Corinna S.
Published: December 2019

Carbonyl‐olefin metathesis and carbonyl‐alkyne metathesis represent established reactivity modes between carbonyls, alkenes, and alkynes under Lewis and Brønsted acid catalysis. Recently, an interrupted carbonyl‐olefin metathesis reaction has been reported that results in tetrahydrofluorenes via a distinct fragmentation of the reactive intermediate. We herein report the development of an analogous transformation interrupting the carbonyl‐alkyne metathesis reaction path resulting in dihydrofluorene products relying on Lewis acidic superelectrophiles as active catalytic species.

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Faculty‐lead Opinions on Workplace‐based Methods for Graduated Managerial Teaching (FLOW MGMT): A National Cross‐sectional Survey of Canadian Emergency Medicine Lead Educators
Authors: Chorley Alexander , Welsher Arthur , Pardhan Alim , Chan Teresa M.
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Patient volumes are increasing in emergency departments (ED), causing issues with long wait times and overcrowding. One strategy to cope with this phenomenon is to focus on improving patient flow through the ED. Building on earlier work that identified how staff physicians manage flow and what techniques they employ to teach managerial skills to residents, we aimed to determine when it was most appropriate to implement these teaching strategies in a resident’s training.

Methods

We employed a Canada‐wide cross‐sectional survey of experienced emergency medicine (EM) teaching faculty to determine when they felt our previously identified teaching strategies would be appropriate to implement. The survey was piloted with local educational experts.

Results

A total of 21 EM (38% female, 62% male) educators from 11 programs responded to the survey. The respondents provided an average of 42.5 endorsements per participant for specific teaching techniques across the stages of training. The core of discipline (35.9%) and transition to practice (39.7%) were the stages of training that received the most endorsement. The top two teaching techniques included the observational teaching technique “attitudinal role modeling (i.e. a strong work ethic)” and the conversational teaching technique “teacher provides clinical pearls, tips, pointers.” The participants showed fairly high agreement, with the advanced in situ techniques showing fairly high reliability as measured by intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.88 to 0.90.

Conclusions

Our results show a trend toward faculty utilizing more didactic and observational teaching techniques early in residency and then progressing toward more experiential techniques in the senior stages of training. This is consistent with a graduated increase in responsibility as residents demonstrate competency and progress through their training. The results of this study will help inform faculty development around teaching managerial skills in the area of competency‐based medical education.
Reproductive suppression and longevity in human birth cohorts
Authors: Saxton Katherine B. , Gemmill Alison , Casey Joan A. , Elser Holly , Karasek Deborah , Catalano Ralph
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Reproductive suppression refers to, among other phenomena, the termination of pregnancies in populations exposed to signals of death among young conspecifics. Extending the logic of reproduction suppression to humans has implications for health including that populations exposed to it should exhibit relatively great longevity. No research, however, has tested this prediction.

Methods

We apply time‐series methods to vital statistics from Sweden for the years 1751 through 1800 to test if birth cohorts exposed in utero to reproductive suppression exhibited lifespan different from expected. We use the odds of death among Swedes age 1 to 9 years to gauge exposure. As the dependent variable, we use cohort life expectancy. Our methods ensure autocorrelation cannot spuriously induce associations nor reduce the efficiency of our estimates.

Results

Our findings imply that reproductive suppression increased the lifespan of 24 annual birth cohorts by at least 1.3 years over the 50‐year test period, and that 12 of those cohorts exhibited increases of at least 1.7 years above expected.

Conclusions

The best available data in which to search for evidence of reproductive suppression in humans support the argument that populations subjected to environments dangerous for children yield birth cohorts that exhibit unexpectedly great longevity.
Status, kinship, and place of burial at Early Bronze Age Bab adh‐Dhra': A biogeochemical comparison of charnel house human remains
Authors: Gregoricka Lesley A. , Ullinger Jaime , Sheridan Susan G.
Published: December 2019

Objectives

The Early Bronze Age (EBA; ca. 3,600–2000 BCE) of the southern Levant underwent considerable transformation as agro‐pastoral communities began to utilize their land more intensively, constructing larger, fortified towns prior to site abandonment at the end of the third millennium. At the site of Bab adh‐Dhra' in Jordan, the dead of the Early Bronze (EB) II–III (ca. 3,100–2,500 BCE) period were communally interred within charnel houses, but important disparities between these structures and their contents may be reflective of ownership and use by particular extended kin groups whose activity patterns, subsistence strategies, and even social status may have differed from one another. Subsequently, we hypothesized that differences in mobility and dietary intake may differentiate tomb groups from one another.

Materials and Methods

Dental enamel from 31 individuals interred in three different Early Bronze Age charnel houses (A56, A22, A55) at Bab adh‐Dhra', Jordan were analyzed for strontium, oxygen, and carbon isotope values.

Results

Strontium isotope ratios (range: 0.70793–0.70842) possessed medians that did not differ statistically from one another, but had ranges that exhibited significant differences in variance. Carbon isotope values (= −13.2 ± 0.5‰, 1σ) were not significantly different.

Discussion

General similarities in human isotopic signatures between EB II–III charnel houses A22 and A55 suggest that their activities were likely similar to one another and agree with findings from excavated domestic spaces with little archaeological evidence for economic, social, or political differentiation. More variable strontium isotope ratios and lower carbon isotope values from A22 could reflect a greater involvement with pastoralist practices or regional trade, including the consumption of more13C‐depleted foods, while those in A55 may have led a more sedentary lifestyle with greater involvement in cultivating orchard crops. All charnel houses contained nonlocal individuals likely originating from other Dead Sea Plain sites with no EB II–III cemeteries of their own, supporting the idea that extended kin groups throughout the region returned to Bab adh‐Dhra' to bury their dead.
Clinical outcomes of urinary tract infection caused by extended spectrum beta‐lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae: a retrospective observational study comparing patients with and without systemic inflammatory response syndrome
Authors: Kitano Yuka , Wakatake Haruaki , Saito Hiroki , Tsutsumi Ken , Yoshida Hideki , Yoshida Minoru , Takita Mumon , Yoshida Toru , Masui Yoshihiro , Taira Yasuhiko , Fujitani Shigeki
Published: December 2019

Aim

In severe urinary tract infection (UTI), susceptible antibiotics should be given. With the recent increase of multidrug‐resistant bacteria, especially extended spectrum beta‐lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL‐E), broad‐spectrum antibiotics, such as carbapenems, are used more frequently, which could lead to a further increase of multidrug‐resistant bacteria. We aimed to analyze the relationship between initial empirical antibiotic appropriateness and clinical outcomes in UTI, especially in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and ESBL‐E.

Methods

A retrospective observational study from 2012 to 2017.

Results

Among urine culture‐positive cases with ≥105 colony‐forming units/mL (n = 1,880), true UTI cases were extracted (n = 844) and divided into the SIRS group (n = 336 [ESBL‐E12.8% (43/336)]) and non‐SIRS group (n = 508 [ESBL‐E12.6% (64/508)]). In the SIRS ESBL‐E group, the initial antibiotics were susceptible in 55.8% (24/43), among which 91.7% (22/24) improved and 8.3% (2/24) deteriorated or died. The initial antibiotics were resistant in 44.2% (19/43), among which 47.4% (9/19) improved with the initial antibiotics, 47.4% (9/19) improved after escalating antibiotics, and 5.3% (1/19) deteriorated or died. In the SIRS group, 14 cases had true bacteremia with ESBL‐E. Seven cases were initiated with inappropriate antibiotics; four cases showed improvement before or without antibiotic change and three cases improved after antibiotic escalation.

Conclusion

Initiation of narrow‐spectrum antibiotics in septic UTI with ESBL‐E might not deteriorate the clinical outcome if promptly escalated on clinical deterioration or with ESBL‐E culture results. Further investigation is warranted to guide judicious use of initial antibiotics.
Selective oxidation of alcohols by porphyrin‐based porous polymer‐supported manganese heterogeneous catalysts
Authors: Chen Jian , Zhang Yan , Zhu Dajian , Li Tao
Published: December 2019

A series of porphyrin‐based porous polymers to support Mn heterogeneous catalysts (Mn/TFP‐DPM, Mn/TFP‐DPM‐2, Mn/TFP‐DPM‐3, and Mn/TFP‐DPM‐4) in the selective oxidation of alcohols were designed. TFP‐DPM and TFP‐DPM‐2 demonstrated micro/nanoscale spherical morphology, whereas TFP‐DPM‐3 and TFP‐DPM‐4 exhibited nanosheets structure. According to surface area and porosity analysis results, the specific surface areas of these catalysts were less than 300 m2 g–1. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the synthesized catalysts maintain their stability even at 300 °C. Catalysts Mn/TFP‐DPM and Mn/TFP‐DPM‐3, which had the smallest and largest specific surface area among the four catalysts, respectively, were used to perform selective oxidation reaction of alcohols, with experimental results indicating that both have excellent catalytic performance. As these catalysts possess good catalytic performance despite their low specific surface area, we suggest that porphyrin‐based porous polymer‐supported Mn heterogeneous catalysts are promising materials for selective oxidation of alcohols.
Changes of concurrent drought and heat extremes in the arid and semi‐arid regions of China during 1961–2014
Authors: Xu Feng , Luo Ming
Published: December 2019

Arid and semi‐arid regions of China (ASRC) are increasingly threatened by drought. Especially when drought and heat extremes coincide, the resultant impact would be even more harmful to human society and the natural environment. This study investigates the spatio‐temporal changes in concurrent drought and heat extremes in ASRC during 1961–2014. Summer heat extremes quantified by hot day (HD), warm night (WN), daytime (DHW), and nighttime heatwave (NHW) are examined. On average, the concurrent nighttime events (concurrent drought‐WN and drought‐NHW) increases by 2.7 times faster than daytime ones (concurrent drought‐HD and drought‐DHW), and they appear more frequently in eastern than western ASRC. We also find that all four types of concurrent events have been significantly increased over the past decades. Compared to daytime (i.e., HD and DHW), the concurrent events at nighttime (i.e., WN and NHW) increased even more rapidly. During the study period, concurrent drought‐DHW (drought‐NHW) climbed up at the rate of 0.03 (0.08) events decade−1 and concurrent drought‐HD (drought‐WN) increased by 0.17 (0.45) days decade−1. Geographically, eastern ASRC exhibited a more pronounced increasing trend than the west. Given the increasing threats of concurrent events, we suggest that more attention should be paid to these compound events in future climate change studies.
Validation of an analytical method using HPLC–MS/MS to quantify osimertinib in human plasma and supplementary stability results
Authors: van Veelen Ard , van Geel Robin , de Beer Yvo , Dingemans Anne‐Marie , Stolk Leo , ter Heine Rob , de Vries Frank , Croes Sander
Published: December 2019

A new method for quantification of osimertinib (OSIM) in human plasma using a high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated. Methanol was used for protein precipitation and pazopanib as internal standard. Separation was performed on a HyPURITY®C18 analytical column (50 × 2.1 mm; 3 μm) using a gradient elution of ammonium acetate in water and ammonium acetate in methanol, both acidified with formic acid 0.1%. Detection and quantification of OSIM and pazopanib was performed using a triple quadruple mass spectrometer after electrospray ionization. This method led to robust results, as the selectivity, carryover, precision and accuracy all met pre‐specified requirements. OSIM was stable in human serum when stored at −80°C. Reduced stability was found when stored at 2–4°C or room temperature. Degradation of OSIM slowed down in EDTA–plasma and acidified human serum. The limited stability of OSIM at room temperature should be considered for transport and sample preparation. Plasma samples should be frozen as soon as possible and sample preparation should be performed on dry‐ice. In the future, EDTA–plasma and sample acidification may be used to improve OSIM stability at room temperature. However, more research and validation of such an approach are required.
Keep Your Eye On…
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2019

The effectiveness of parent training in treating autism

The incidence rates of mental disorders

The risks of vaping
Warning to parents: Unproven CBD products won't help your child
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2019

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is cracking down on marketing of cannabidiol (CBD). There is one medication — Epidiolex — that is approved for rare epilepsy in children (seizures associated with Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome in patients 2 years of age and older). Beyond that, no CBD products have been approved by the FDA.
Clinical outcomes after TAVR with heparin or bivalirudin as periprocedural anticoagulation in patients with and without peripheral arterial disease: Results from the BRAVO‐3 randomized trial
Authors: Zilberszac Robert , Chandiramani Rishi , Hengstenberg Christian , Sartori Samantha , Cao Davide , Chandrasekhar Jaya , Schafer Ulrich , Tchetche Didier , Violini Roberto , Jeger Raban , Van Belle Eric , Boekstegers Peter , Hambrecht Rainer , Tron Christophe , Dumenteil Nicolas , Linke Axel , ten Berg Jurriën M. , Deliargyris Efthymios N. , Anthopoulos Prodromos , Mehran Roxana , Dangas George
Published: December 2019

Objectives

This study sought to investigate the clinical outcomes of patients with and without peripheral artery disease (PAD) in the BRAVO‐3 trial with respect to the effect of bivalirudin versus unfractionated heparin (UFH).

Background

PAD is found frequently in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and is reported to confer an increased risk of adverse events. It is unknown whether patients with and without PAD may demonstrate a differential response to bivalirudin versus UFH.

Methods

BRAVO‐3 was a randomized multicenter trial comparing transfemoral TAVR with bivalirudin versus UFH (31 centers, n = 802). Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were a composite of 30‐day death, myocardial infarction, or cerebrovascular accidents (CVA). Net adverse cardiovascular events (NACE) were a composite of major bleeding or MACE.

Results

The total cohort included 119 patients with PAD. Vascular complications occurred significantly more frequently in patients with PAD both in‐hospital (25.2 vs. 16.7%; OR 1.68) and at 30 days (29.4 vs. 17.3%; OR 1.99). No significant differences were observed regarding mortality, NACE, MACE, major bleeding or CVA with bivalirudin versus UFH among patients with or without PAD. In patients with PAD, bivalirudin was associated with an increased risk of minor vascular complications at 30 days.

Conclusions

Patients with PAD undergoing transfemoral TAVR did not exhibit an increased risk of any major adverse events, according to the procedural anticoagulant randomization. However, patients treated with Bivalirudin had significantly higher rates of minor vascular complications.
Introduction to the Special Issue ‐ The Brave New World: How shopping and consumption is evolving with technology
Authors: Goode Miranda , Main Kelley
Published: December 2019

This special issue of the Canadian Journal of Administrative Sciences features four articles using various methodologies to explore the interplay of technology and consumption. Through an exploration of identity expression in virtual reality to the consumption of fashion media and culture to inspiring the use of wearables, we learn that although new technologies may change traditional consumption patterns, fundamental human needs persist. From this special issue, it is evident the so‐called brave new world will require companies, and marketers especially, to not lose sight of the human when using and experimenting with technologies to streamline and enhance consumption and marketplace experiences.
Facile Synthesis of α‐Haloketones by Aerobic Oxidation of Olefins Using KX as Nonhazardous Halogen Source
Authors: Luo Zhibin , Meng Yunge , Gong Xinchi , Wu Jie , Zhang Yulan , Ye Long‐Wu , Zhu Chunyin
Published: December 2019

Summary of main observation and conclusion

An operationally simple and safe synthesis of α‐haloketones using KBr and KCl as nonhazardous halogen sources is reported. It involves an iron‐catalysed reaction of alkenes with KBr/KCl using O2 as terminal oxidant under the irradiation of visible‐light. This strategy avoids the risks associated with handling halo‐contained electrophiles (Cl2, Br2, NCS, NBS). The process is tolerant to several functional groups, and extended to a range of substituted styrenes in up to 89% yield. A radical reaction pathway is proposed based on control experiments and spectroscopy studies.
Stroke impact on mortality and psychologic morbidity within the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study
Authors: Mueller Sabine , Kline Cassie N. , Buerki Robin A. , Chen Yan , Yasui Yutaka , Howell Rebecca , Oeffinger Kevin C. , Leisenring Wendy M. , Robison Leslie L. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Fullerton Heather J. , Krull Kevin R.
Published: December 2019

Background

Poor socioeconomic and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes in survivors of childhood cancer can lead to distress and overall negatively impact the lives of these individuals. The current report has highlighted the impact of stroke and stroke recurrence on mortality, psychological HRQOL, and socioeconomic outcomes within the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS).

Methods

The CCSS is a retrospective cohort study with longitudinal follow‐up concerning survivors of pediatric cancer who were diagnosed between 1970 and 1986. Mortality rates per 100 person‐years were calculated across 3 periods: 1) prior to stroke; 2) after first stroke and before recurrent stroke; and 3) after recurrent stroke. Socioeconomic outcomes, the standardized Brief Symptoms Inventory–18, the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey, and the CCSS–Neurocognitive Questionnaire also were assessed.

Results

Among 14,358 participants (median age, 39.7 years), 224 had a stroke after their cancer diagnosis (single stroke in 161 patients and recurrent stroke in 63 patients). Based on 2636 deaths, all‐cause late mortality rates were 0.70 (95% CI, 0.68‐0.73) prior to stroke, 1.03 (95% CI, 0.73‐1.46) after the first stroke, and 2.42 (95% CI, 1.48‐3.94) after the recurrent stroke. Among 7304 survivors, those with stroke were more likely to live with a caregiver (single stroke odds ratio [OR], 2.3 [95% CI, 1.4‐3.8]; and recurrent stroke OR, 5.3 [95% CI, 1.7‐16.8]) compared with stroke‐free survivors. Stroke negatively impacted task efficiency (single stroke OR, 2.4 [95% CI, 1.4‐4.1] and recurrent stroke OR, 3.3 [95% CI, 1.1‐10.3]) and memory (single stroke OR, 2.1 [95% CI, 1.2‐3.7]; and recurrent stroke OR, 3.5 [95% CI, 1.1‐10.5]).

Conclusions

Stroke and stroke recurrence are associated with increased mortality and negatively impact HRQOL measures in survivors of pediatric cancer.
Trajectories of returning to work and its impact on survival in survivors with oral cancer: A 5‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Chen Yuan‐Yuei , Wang Chung‐Ching , Wu Wei‐Te , Lai Ching‐Huang , Ho Ching‐Liang , Hsu Ya‐Yuan , Chen Wei‐Liang
Published: December 2019

Background

A return to work (RTW) is a challenge for survivors of oral cancer. Further light could be shed on the RTW of patients with oral cancer, which remains largely uninvestigated. The objective of this study was to investigate the trajectories of RTW and their impact on survival in workers with oral cancer.

Methods

In total, 12,222 workers who were newly diagnosed with oral cancer were identified during the period from 2004 to 2015 and were included in this cohort study. The associations between independent variables and RTW were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

Overall, 8793 workers returned to work in the first years after a diagnosis of oral cancer. Chemotherapy (hazard ratio [HR], 0.88; 95% CI, 0.78‐0.99) and radiation therapy (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.75‐0.92) were inversely associated with RTW. Patients who had received surgical treatment (HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.53) were more likely to RTW. Employees with stage I (HR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.47‐1.87), stage II (HR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.35‐1.72), and stage III (HR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.16‐1.51) disease were associated with an increased likelihood of RTW in the fifth year after diagnosis. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis demonstrated better survival for the RTW group versus the non‐RTW group in patients with stage III and IV oral cancer (P < .001). The fully adjusted HR indicated that the RTW group had significantly better outcomes than the non‐RTW group in all‐cause mortality (P < .001; HR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.33‐0.39).

Conclusions

Sociodemographic and medical factors affect the RTW of cancer survivors. RTW may have a beneficial effect on survival of patients with oral cancer.
Numerical simulation of the blood oxygenation level–dependent functional magnetic resonance signal using finite element method
Authors: Mangini Fabio , DiNuzzo Mauro , Maugeri Laura , Moraschi Marta , Mascali Daniele , Cedola Alessia , Frezza Fabrizio , Giove Federico , Fratini Michela
Published: December 2019

Since the introduction of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), several computational approaches have been developed to examine the effect of the morphology and arrangement of blood vessels on the blood oxygenation‐level dependent (BOLD) signal in the brain. In the present work, we implemented the original Ogawa's model using a numerical simulation based on the finite element method (FEM) instead of the analytical models. In literature, there are different works using analytical methods to analyse the transverse relaxation rate (
), which BOLD signal is related to, modelling the vascular system with simple and canonical geometries such as an infinite cylinder model (ICM) or a set of cylinders. We applied the numerical simulation to the extravascular BOLD signal as a function of angular vessel distribution (perpendicular vs parallel to the static magnetic field) relevant for anatomical districts characterized by geometrical symmetries, such as spinal cord. Numerical simulations confirmed analytical results for the canonical ICM. Moreover, the perturbation to the magnetic field induced by blood deoxyhaemoglobin, as quantified assuming Brownian diffusion of water molecules around the vessel, revealed that vessels contribute the most to the variation of the
when they are preferentially perpendicular to the external magnetic field, regardless of their size. Our results indicate that the numerical simulation method is sensitive to the effects of different vascular geometry. This work highlights the opportunity to extend
simulations to realistic models of vasculature based on high‐resolution anatomical images.
Telehealth and telemedicine applications for the diabetic foot: A systematic review
Authors: Hazenberg Constantijn E. V. B. , aan de Stegge Wouter B. , Van Baal Sjef G. , Moll Frans L. , Bus Sicco A.
Published: December 2019

The aim of this systematic review is to assess the peer‐reviewed literature on the psychometric properties, feasibility, effectiveness, costs, and current limitations of using telehealth and telemedicine approaches for prevention and management of diabetic foot disease. MEDLINE/PubMed was searched for peer‐reviewed studies on telehealth and telemedicine approaches for assessing, monitoring, preventing, or treating diabetic foot disease. Four modalities were formulated: dermal thermography, hyperspectral imaging, digital photographic imaging, and audio/video/online communication. Outcome measures were: validity, reliability, feasibility, effectiveness, and costs. Sixty‐one studies were eligible for analysis. Three randomized controlled trials showed that handheld infrared dermal thermography as home‐monitoring tool is effective in reducing ulcer recurrence risk, while one small trial showed no effect. Hyperspectral imaging has been tested in clinical settings to assess and monitor foot disease and conflicting results on its diagnostic use show that this method is still in an experimental stage. Digital photography is used to assess and monitor foot ulcers and pre‐ulcerative lesions and was found to be a valid, reliable, and feasible method for telehealth purposes. Audio/video/online communication is mainly used for foot ulcer monitoring. Two randomized controlled trials show similar healing efficacy compared with regular outpatient clinic visits, but no benefit in costs. In conclusion, several technologies with good psychometric properties are available that may be of benefit in helping to assess, monitor, prevent, or treat diabetic foot disease, but in most cases, feasibility, effectiveness, and cost savings still need to be demonstrated to become accepted and used modalities in diabetic foot care.
Invasive Phragmites australis management outcomes and native plant recovery are context dependent
Authors: Rohal Christine B. , Cranney Chad , Hazelton Eric L. G. , Kettenring Karin M.
Published: December 2019

The outcomes of invasive plant removal efforts are influenced by management decisions, but are also contingent on the uncontrolled spatial and temporal context of management areas. Phragmites australis is an aggressive invader that is intensively managed in wetlands across North America. Treatment options have been understudied, and the ecological contingencies of management outcomes are poorly understood. We implemented a 5‐year, multi‐site experiment to evaluate six Phragmites management treatments that varied timing (summer or fall) and types of herbicide (glyphosate or imazapyr) along with mowing, plus a nonherbicide solarization treatment. We evaluated treatments for their influence on Phragmites and native plant cover and Phragmites inflorescence production. We assessed plant community trajectories and outcomes in the context of environmental factors. The summer mow, fall glyphosate spray treatment resulted in low Phragmites cover, high inflorescence reduction, and provided the best conditions for native plant recruitment. However, returning plant communities did not resemble reference sites, which were dominated by ecologically important perennial graminoids. Native plant recovery following initial Phragmites treatments was likely limited by the dense litter that resulted from mowing. After 5 years, Phragmites mortality and native plant recovery were highly variable across sites as driven by hydrology. Plots with higher soil moisture had greater reduction in Phragmites cover and more robust recruitment of natives compared with low moisture plots. This moisture effect may limit management options in semiarid regions vulnerable to water scarcity. We demonstrate the importance of replicating invasive species management experiments across sites so the contingencies of successes and failures can be better understood.
Selenium and outcome in heart failure
Authors: Bomer Nils , Grote Beverborg Niels , Hoes Martijn F. , Streng Koen W. , Vermeer Mathilde , Dokter Martin M. , IJmker Jan , Anker Stefan D. , Cleland John G.F. , Hillege Hans L. , Lang Chim C. , Ng Leong L. , Samani Nilesh J. , Tromp Jasper , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Touw Daan J. , Voors Adriaan A. , van der Meer Peter
Published: December 2019

Aims

Severe deficiency of the essential trace element selenium can cause myocardial dysfunction although the mechanism at cellular level is uncertain. Whether, in clinical practice, moderate selenium deficiency is associated with worse symptoms and outcome in patients with heart failure is unknown.

Methods and results

BIOSTAT‐CHF is a multinational, prospective, observational cohort study that enrolled patients with worsening heart failure. Serum concentrations of selenium were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Primary endpoint was a composite of all‐cause mortality and hospitalization for heart failure; secondary endpoint was all‐cause mortality. To investigate potential mechanisms by which selenium deficiency might affect prognosis, human cardiomyocytes were cultured in absence of selenium, and mitochondrial function and oxidative stress were assessed. Serum selenium concentration (deficiency) was <70 μg/L in 485 (20.4%) patients, who were older, more often women, had worse New York Heart Association class, more severe signs and symptoms of heart failure and poorer exercise capacity (6‐min walking test) and quality of life (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire). Selenium deficiency was associated with higher rates of the primary endpoint [hazard ratio (HR) 1.23; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–1.42] and all‐cause mortality (HR 1.52; 95% CI 1.26–1.86). In cultured human cardiomyocytes, selenium deprivation impaired mitochondrial function and oxidative phosphorylation, and increased intracellular reactive oxygen species levels.

Conclusions

Selenium deficiency in heart failure patients is independently associated with impaired exercise tolerance and a 50% higher mortality rate, and impaired mitochondrial function in vitro, in human cardiomyocytes. Clinical trials are needed to investigate the effect of selenium supplements in patients with heart failure, especially if they have low plasma concentrations of selenium.
Type 1 diabetes linked PTPN22 gene polymorphism is associated with the frequency of circulating regulatory T cells
Authors: Valta Milla , Gazali Ahmad Mahfuz , Viisanen Tyyne , Ihantola Emmi‐Leena , Ekman Ilse , Toppari Jorma , Knip Mikael , Veijola Riitta , Ilonen Jorma , Lempainen Johanna , Kinnunen Tuure
Published: December 2019

Dysfunction of FOXP3‐positive regulatory T cells (Tregs) likely plays a major role in the pathogenesis of multiple autoimmune diseases including type 1 diabetes (T1D). Whether genetic polymorphisms associated with the risk of autoimmune diseases affect Treg frequency or function is currently unclear. Here, we analysed the effect of T1D‐associated major HLA class II haplotypes and seven single nucleotide polymorphisms in six non‐HLA genes [INS (rs689), PTPN22 (rs2476601), IL2RA (rs12722495 and rs2104286), PTPN2 (rs45450798), CTLA4 (rs3087243), and ERBB3 (rs2292239)] on peripheral blood Treg frequencies. These were determined by flow cytometry in 65 subjects who had progressed to T1D, 86 islet autoantibody‐positive at‐risk subjects, and 215 islet autoantibody‐negative healthy controls. The PTPN22 rs2476601 risk allele A was associated with an increase in total (p = 6 × 10−6) and naïve (p = 4 × 10−5) CD4+CD25+CD127lowFOXP3+ Treg frequencies. These findings were validated in a separate cohort comprising ten trios of healthy islet autoantibody‐negative children carrying each of the three PTPN22 rs2476601 genotypes AA, AG, and GG (p = 0.005 for total and p = 0.03 for naïve Tregs, respectively). In conclusion, our analysis implicates the autoimmune PTPN22 rs2476601 risk allele A in controlling the frequency of Tregs in human peripheral blood.
Attachments in the workplace: How attachment security in the workplace benefits the organisation
Authors: Luke Michelle A. , Carnelley Katherine B. , Sedikides Constantine
Published: December 2019

In four studies, we tested if workplace secure attachment entails organisational benefits, given that such relationships are associated with increased positive relationship emotions. In Study 1, employees rated the extent to which colleagues, supervisors, and other individuals fulfil the attachment functions. In Study 2, employees listed up to 10 individuals before completing the same rating task as Study 1. In the remaining studies, employees rated their attachment security with their supervisors (Study 3) or colleagues (Study 4), and completed measures of positive relationship emotions with these individuals, proactive behaviour, organisational allure, and organisational deviance. We found that supervisors and colleagues fulfil attachment functions (Studies 1–2), and that workplace attachment security confers organisational allure and proactive behaviour due to its association with positive relationships emotions. However, workplace attachment security directly lowers organisational deviance (Studies 3–4). Thus, supportive and trusting work environments may encourage workplace relationships that could bestow organisational benefits.