bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of social media on self‐evaluations of men striving for a muscular ideal
Authors: Piatkowski Timothy M. , White Katherine M. , Hides Leanne M. , Obst Patricia L.
Published: December 2020

This paper describes an innovative approach combining a content analysis of commentary and images on a Facebook page with a thematic analysis of the subjective experience expressed in interviews of those impacted by the text and images. Interview participants were asked about their perceptions of the representation of the muscularity‐focused identity on social media, including the specific Facebook page. Content analysis of the Facebook page comments showed that very muscular male images attracted predominantly negative feedback from the public, a trend supported by the interview participants. Thematic analysis of the interviews indicated that a negative social media representation and commentary can affect young men's self‐esteem and increase body concern. Some men represented on the Page found it humorous, which could serve as a form of bonding for the muscularity‐focused online community. Other young men acknowledged how harmful such negative feedback can be on their self‐evaluations and body image, consistent with the sociocultural framework whereby negative representations can lead to increased body dissatisfaction.
An intact membrane is essential for small extracellular vesicle‐induced modulation of α‐synuclein fibrillization
Authors: Ugalde Cathryn L. , Gordon Shane E. , Shambrook Mitch , Nasiri Kenari Amirmohammad , Coleman Bradley M. , Perugini Matthew A. , Lawson Victoria A. , Finkelstein David I. , Hill Andrew F.
Published: December 2020

The misfolding and fibrillization of the protein, α‐synuclein (αsyn), is associated with neurodegenerative disorders referred to as the synucleinopathies. Understanding the mechanisms of αsyn misfolding is an important area of interest given that αsyn misfolding contributes to disease pathogenesis. While many studies report the ability of synthetic lipid membranes to modulate αsyn folding, there is little data pertaining to the mechanism(s) of this interaction. αSyn has previously been shown to associate with small lipid vesicles released by cells called extracellular vesicles (EVs) and it is postulated these interactions may assist in the spreading of pathological forms of this protein. Together, this presents the need for robust characterisation studies on αsyn fibrillization using biologically‐derived vesicles. In this study, we comprehensively characterised the ability of lipid‐rich small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) to alter the misfolding of αsyn induced using the Protein Misfolding Cyclic Amplification (PMCA) assay. The biochemical and biophysical properties of misfolded αsyn were examined using a range of techniques including: Thioflavin T fluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, analytical centrifugation and western immunoblot coupled with protease resistance assays and soluble/insoluble fractionation. We show that sEVs cause an acceleration in αsyn fibrillization and provide comprehensive evidence that this results in an increase in the abundance of mature insoluble fibrillar species. In order to elucidate the relevance of the lipid membrane to this interaction, sEV lipid membranes were modified by treatment with methanol, or a combination of methanol and sarkosyl. These treatments altered the ultrastructure of the sEVs without changing the protein cargo. Critically, these modified sEVs had a reduced ability to influence αsyn fibrillization compared to untreated counterparts. This study reports the first comprehensive examination of αsyn:EV interactions and demonstrates that sEVs are powerful modulators of αsyn fibrillization, which is mediated by the sEV membrane. In doing so, this work provides strong evidence for a role of sEVs in contributing directly to αsyn misfolding in the synucleinopathy disorders.
The use of Kampo medications that may cause heart failure in hospitalized acute heart failure patients in a Japanese hospital
Authors: Komagamine Junpei , Kaminaga Miho , Omori Toshikazu , Tatsumi Shinpei
Published: December 2020

Background

The use of Kampo medications (Japanese traditional herbal medications) is common in Japan. However, some Kampo medications may cause heart failure. Given that the incidence of heart failure has increased in past decades, investigating the prevalence of the use of Kampo medications that may cause heart failure in patients with acute heart failure is important.

Method

A retrospective cross‐sectional study was conducted. All 437 consecutive hospitalized patients with acute heart failure from April 2017 to October 2019 were included. The primary outcome was the use of Kampo medications, including ephedra, licorice, aconite, or ginseng, which were defined as those that may cause heart failure. The causality between these medications and the index of acute heart failure was determined by clinical pharmacists based on the Naranjo criteria.

Results

The mean patient age was 81.1 years old, and 199 (54.5%) were women. Kampo medications that may cause heart failure were used in 30 patients (6.9%), and in four of these patients, acute heart failure was judged to be caused by Kampo medications. In the multivariable analysis, the number of non‐Kampo medications used regularly (OR 1.13) and female sex (OR 2.23) were the only independent predictive factors for the use of Kampo medications that may cause heart failure.

Conclusions

A substantial proportion of acute heart failure patients in Japanese hospitals use Kampo medications that may cause heart failure. Further study is warranted to investigate the causal link between the incidence of acute heart failure and the use of these herbal medications.
Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping of the Hippocampal Fimbria in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Au Chun Ki Franklin , Abrigo Jill , Liu Chunlei , Liu Wanting , Lee Jack , Au Lisa Wing Chi , Chan Queenie , Chen Sirong , Leung Eric Yim Lung , Ho Chi Lai , Ko Ho , Mok Vincent Chung Tong , Chen Weitian
Published: December 2020

Background

The fimbria is a small white matter bundle that connects the hippocampus to the rest of the brain. Damage to the hippocampal gray matter is established in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the hippocampal fimbrial status in the pathogenesis of AD is unclear. AD‐related demyelination and iron deposition alter the diamagnetic and paramagnetic composition of tissues, which can be measured by quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM).

Hypothesis

AD is associated with microstructural changes in the fimbria that might be detected by QSM.

Study type

Retrospective cross‐sectional study.

Subjects

In all, 53 adults comprised of controls (n = 30), subjects with early stage AD (n = 13), and late stage AD (n = 10) who were classified according to their amyloid and tau status and presence of hippocampal atrophy.

Field Strength / Sequence

3T; 3D fast‐field echo sequence for QSM analysis and 3D T1‐weighted MP‐RAGE sequence for anatomical analysis.

Assessment

Segmentation of the left hippocampal fimbria subfield was performed on T1‐weighted images and was applied to the coregistered QSM map for extraction of the mean, median, minimum, and maximum values of QSM.

Statistical tests

Group comparison of QSM values using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post‐hoc Tukey's test, accuracy of binary differentiation using receiver operating characteristic (ROC), and individual classification using discriminant analysis.

Results

QSMmean and QSMmedian values were significantly different among the three groups (P < 0.05) and showed a shifting from negative in the control group to positive in the AD group. The control and early AD subjects, who have normal hippocampal volumes, were differentiated by the QSMmean value (area under the curve [AUC] 0.744, P < 0.05) and the QSMmedian value (AUC 0.782, P < 0.05). Up to 76% of subjects (inclusive of 26 controls and six with early AD) were correctly classified using a model incorporating clinical and radiologic data.

Data Conclusion

The fimbria showed higher magnetic susceptibility in AD compared with controls.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

3
Aerobic exercise prescription in heart failure patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Tedjasukmana Deddy , Triangto Kevin , Radi Basuni
Published: December 2020

Exercise for heart failure patients had been shown to be beneficial in improving functional status, and was reviewed to be safe. In cases of advanced heart failure, Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) is a promising medical option before being a heart transplant candidate. CRT itself is a biventricular pacing device, which could detect electrical aberrance in the failing heart and provide a suitable response. Studies have shown that exercise has clear benefits toward improving an overall exercise capacity of the patients. Despite its impacts, these randomized clinical trials have varying exercise regime, and until now there has not been a standardized exercise prescription for this group of patients. The nature of CRT as a pacemaker, sometimes with defibrillator, being attached to a heart failure patient, each has its own potential exercise hazards. Therefore, providing detailed exercise prescription in adjusting to the medical condition is very essential in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Being classified as a high‐risk patient group, exercise challenges for the complex heart failure with CRT patients will then be discussed in this literature review, with a general aim to provide a safe, effective, and targeted exercise regime.
Evidence‐Based Practices Reduce Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Improve Nutrition Outcomes in Very Low‐Birth‐Weight Infants
Authors: Chandran Suresh , Anand Amudha Jayanthi , Rajadurai Victor Samuel , Seyed Ehsan Saffari , Khoo Poh Choo , Chua Mei Chien
Published: December 2020

Background

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common gastrointestinal emergency in preterm infants. Survivors may suffer both short‐ and long‐term morbidities. Current evidence suggests that the incidence of NEC can be reduced by standardizing the care delivery in addressing key risk factors including an altered gut microbiome, use of formula milk, hyperosmolar feeds, and unrestricted use of high‐risk medications

Methods

Since 2014, the department has a workgroup who analyzed all cases of NEC within a month of diagnosis to identify preventable risk factors. Existing evidence‐based quality improvement strategies were revised and new ones were implemented sequentially over the next 4 years. These strategies include (1) a standardized feeding protocol, (2) early initiation of enteral feeding using human milk, (3) optimization of the osmolality of preterm milk feeds using standardized dilution guidelines for additives, and (4) promotion of healthy microbiome by use of probiotics, early oral care with colostrum and by restricting high‐risk medications and prolonged use of empirical antibiotics

Results

Baseline characteristics of the patients including sex, gestational age, and birth weight were similar during the study period. After implementing the evidence‐based practices successively over 4 years, the incidence of NEC in very‐ low birth‐weight (VLBW) infants dropped from 7% in 2014 to 0% (P < .001) in 2018. The duration of parenteral nutrition, use of central line, and days to full feeds were also reduced significantly (P < .05)

Conclusion

Adopting evidence‐based best practices resulted in a significant decrease in the incidence of NEC and improved the nutrition outcomes in VLBW infants.
The effect of place personality on resident welcoming tourist through positive and negative impacts of tourism
Authors: Unurlu Çiğdem
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study is to identify residents' place personality attitudes regarding the place in which they live and to determine the effects of this attitude on attitudes to positive and negative impacts of tourism and residents' welcoming of tourists. Results of the analysis reveal that the sincerity and excitement dimensions of place personality affected residents welcoming tourists through attitudes to positive impacts of tourism; however, the sophistication dimension affected residents welcoming tourists through attitudes to negative impacts of tourism. Additionally, the influence of the sophistication dimension on attitudes to negative impacts of tourism is relatively higher.
Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation: Outcomes in Veterans with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Common Comorbid Post‐traumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Dhanda Patil Reena , Sarber Kathleen M. , Epperson Madison V. , Tabangin Meredith , Altaye Mekibib , Mesa Franklin , Ishman Stacey L.
Published: December 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Veterans have an increasing prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and high levels of intolerance to positive airway pressure (PAP). The hypoglossal nerve stimulator (HNS) is a promising alternative surgical treatment for OSA in these patients, many of whom suffer from mental health conditions such as post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that may negatively affect their ability to use PAP. Our aims were: 1) to assess postoperative changes in OSA severity and sleepiness in a veteran only population after HNS; 2) to compare postoperative changes in OSA severity, sleepiness and HNS adherence between veterans with and without PTSD; and 3) to compare HNS adherence in our population to HNS adherence in the current literature as well as published PAP adherence data.

Study Design

Retrospective and prospective case series.

Methods

Clinical data on consecutive patients undergoing HNS in a Veterans Affairs hospital were examined for demographic data as well as medical, sleep, and mental health comorbidities. The overall cohort as well as subsets of patients with and without PTSD were examined for postoperative changes in OSA severity (apnea hypopnea index [AHI], lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT]), and sleepiness (Epworth sleepiness scale [ESS]), as well as for device adherence. PTSD and depression symptomatology were measured using the PTSD Checklist 5 (PCL‐5) and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ‐9).

Results

Forty‐six veterans were included. Forty‐four patients were male (95.6%), 45 were white (97.8%), and the mean age was 61.3 years. Twenty‐six patients met PCL‐5 criteria for PTSD and 17 did not. OSA severity and sleepiness improved significantly in the overall cohort after HNS; median (IQR) AHI decreased from 39.2 (24.0, 63.0) to 7.4 (1.2, 20.8) events/hour (P < .0001), mean LSAT increased from 81% to 88% (P < .0001) and mean ESS decreased from 10.9 to 6.7 (P < .0001). These improvements were similar between patients with and without PTSD (P = .434–.918). Overall device adherence was 6.1 hours/night for the overall cohort and was not significantly different between patients with and without PTSD (P = .992).

Conclusions

HNS is an efficacious therapy in a veteran population, providing patients with significant improvements in OSA severity and sleepiness. Veterans with and without PTSD benefited similarly from HNS when comparing improvements in sleep apnea severity and sleepiness as well as device usage. Adherence was similar to previously published HNS adherence data and better than PAP adherence reported in the literature.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:S1–S11, 2021
From forests to fish: Mercury in mountain lake food webs influenced by factors at multiple scales
Authors: Chiapella Ariana M. , Eagles‐Smith Collin A. , Strecker Angela L.
Published: December 2020

Mountain lakes, while seemingly pristine, have been subjected to historical fish stocking practices and exposure to atmospherically deposited contaminants like mercury. Mercury bioaccumulation in these ecosystems varies widely due to strong environmental gradients, and there are complex, hierarchical factors that affect mercury transport and loading, methylmercury production, and food web biomagnification. We sought to assess how representative variables associated with watershed, lake, and food web‐scale processes—specifically, catchment tree cover, lake benthic primary production, and fish diet, respectively—are associated with mercury concentrations in mountain lake fish. Mean fish mercury concentrations varied threefold between lakes, with nearshore tree cover and fish diet accounting for the most variance in fish mercury. Tree cover was likely positively correlated to fish Hg due to its contributions to local deposition and its effect on lake biogeochemistry. Fish with benthic diets tended to have higher mercury concentrations, illustrating that food web processes are an important consideration when investigating drivers of contaminant bioaccumulation. Our results suggest that both landscape and ecological factors are determinants of fish mercury bioaccumulation, and thus variables at multiple scales should be considered when managing mountain lake food webs for mercury exposure risk.
Effects of Pressure from High‐Pressure Homogenization on the Performance of Soybean Flour Based‐Adhesive
Authors: Zhang Yi , Shi Ruiqing , Zhan Xianxu , Zhang Jieyu , Li Jianzhang , Luo Jing , Gao Qiang , Shi Sheldon Q.
Published: December 2020

A green and sustainable soybean flour (SF) adhesive is considered as a potential alternative to toxic formaldehyde‐based resins. Nevertheless, poor bond stability and low bonding strength is caused by the uneven size distribution and low reactivity of SF. Herein, SF adhesives with excellent and stable performance are synthesized via the synergistic action of high‐pressure homogenization (HPH) treatment by incorporating a green crosslinker. Specifically, an even distribution of the SF particles is obtained after the HPH treatment, from which large soy protein molecules are broken to several small and even single protein molecules. In this way, the adhesion stability is improved. Additionally, more active groups buried in proteins are exposed after the HPH treatment due to the unfolding of the protein molecules. Therefore, a more reactive SF is obtained and thus forms a denser crosslinking structure of resultant the adhesive, providing an increase in bonding strength. Particularly, the effects of homogenizing pressure on the adhesive performance are investigated. The results show that a 215.6% increase of wet bonding strength (1.01 MPa) is obtained after the HPH treatment with a homogenizing pressure of 20 MPa, meeting the standards (GB/T 9846‐2015) for interior applications.
Visualized analysis of trends and hotspots in global oral microbiome research: A bibliometric study
Authors: Liao Ga , Wu Jinyun , Peng Xian , Li Yuqing , Tang Li , Xu Xin , Deng Dongmei , Zhou Xuedong
Published: December 2020

The oral microbiome contains numerous bacteria, which directly or indirectly participate in various human functions and continuously exchange signals and substances with the human body, significantly affecting human life cycle, health, and disease. This study aimed to conduct bibliometric studies on the scientific outputs of global oral microbiome research by Citespace software. The data were obtained from the Thomson Reuters' Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC), from the first relevant literature published until December 31st, 2019, and a total of 2225 articles and reviews were identified. The top country and institutions are the United States and Harvard University. Keywords analysis showed that periodontal disease, oral microbes, and dental plaque are research hotspots. The burst word analysis indicates that early childhood caries, squamous cell carcinoma, gut microbiome, Helicobacter pylori, Candida albicans, and dysbiosis are likely to become the research hotspots of the next era. We also recommend the use of knowledge mapping methods to track specific knowledge areas efficiently and objectively regularly, which can accurately identify hotspots and frontiers and provide valuable information for practitioners in the field, including related scientists, students, journals, and editors.
Hydroxytyrosol Acetate Improves the Cognitive Function of APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice in ERβ‐dependent Manner
Authors: Qin Chuan , Hu Shaoqin , Zhang Shuangxi , Zhao Daina , Wang Yongyao , Li Hua , Peng Yunhua , Shi Le , Xu Xiaohong , Wang Changhe , Liu Jiankang , Cheng Ying , Long Jiangang
Published: December 2020

Scope

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia in the aging population; however, no effective therapy has been established. It has been previously demonstrated that daily intake of hydroxytyrosol (HT), a polyphenol in olive oil, at a daily dietary level mildly improves cognition in AD mice. In the present study, HT acetate (HT‐ac), which is a natural derivative of HT in olive oil that exhibits better bioactivity than HT improves cognition.

Methods and Results

HT‐ac to APP/PS1 is orally administered to transgenic mice and used Aβ‐treated neuronal cultures to explore the neuroprotective effects of HT‐ac in preventing AD progression. It is found that HT‐ac remarkably improved the escape latency, escape distance, and the number of platform crossings of AD mice in the water maze test by ameliorating neuronal apoptosis and decreasing inflammatory cytokine levels. It is further demonstrated that HT‐ac stimulated the transcription of ERβ and enhanced neuronal viability and electrophysiological activity in primary neurons but that these beneficial effects of HT‐ac are abolished upon ERβ deficiency.

Conclusions

This study suggests that as the bioactive component of olive oil, HT‐ac is a promising neuroprotective nutrient that may be used to alleviate AD‐related cognitive dysfunction.
Reduced plasmablast frequency is associated with seronegative myasthenia gravis
Authors: Guptill Jeffrey T. , Barfield Richard , Chan Cliburn , Russo Melissa A. , Emmett Doug , Raja Shruti , Massey Janice M. , Juel Vern C. , Hobson‐Webb Lisa D. , Gable Karissa L. , Gonzalez Natalia , Hammett Alex , Howard James F. , Chopra Manisha , Kaminski Henry J. , Siddiqi Zaeem A. , Migdal Mattingly , Yi John S.
Published: December 2020

Background

The immunopathology of autoimmune seronegative myasthenia gravis (SN MG) is poorly understood. Our objective was to determine immune profiles associated with a diagnosis of SN MG.

Methods

We performed high‐dimensional flow cytometry on blood samples from SN MG patients (N = 68), healthy controls (N = 46), and acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR+) MG patients (N = 27). We compared 12 immune cell subsets in SN MG to controls using logistic modeling via a discovery‐replication design. An exploratory analysis fit a multinomial model comparing AChR+ MG and controls to SN MG.

Results

An increase in CD19+CD20−CD38hiplasmablast frequencies was associated with lower odds of being a SN MG case in both the discovery and replication analyses (discoveryP‐value = .0003, replicationP‐value = .0021). Interleukin (IL) ‐21 producing helper T cell frequencies were associated with a diagnosis of AChR+ MG (P= .004).

Conclusions

Reduced plasmablast frequencies are strongly associated with a SN MG diagnosis and may be a useful diagnostic biomarker in the future.
Minimizing echo and repetition times in magnetic resonance imaging using a double half‐echo k‐space acquisition and low‐rank reconstruction
Authors: Bydder Mark , Ali Fadil , Ghodrati Vahid , Hu Peng , Yao Jingwen , Ellingson Benjamin M.
Published: December 2020

Sampling k‐space asymmetrically (ie, partial Fourier sampling) in the readout direction is a common way to reduce the echo time (TE) during magnetic resonance image acquisitions. This technique requires overlap around the center of k‐space to provide a calibration region for reconstruction, which limits the minimum fractional echo to ~60% before artifacts are observed. The present study describes a method for reconstructing images from exact half echoes using two separate acquisitions with reversed readout polarity, effectively providing a full line of k‐space without additional data around central k‐space. This approach can benefit sequences or applications that prioritize short TE, short inter‐echo spacing or short repetition time. An example of the latter is demonstrated to reduce banding artifacts in balanced steady‐state free precession.
Measured vs Predicted Energy Expenditure in Mechanically Ventilated Adults With Acute, Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries
Authors: Pelekhaty Stacy L. , Ramirez Christine L. , Massetti Jennifer M. , Gaetani Dino , Riggin Karen , Schwartzbauer Gary , Stein Deb M.
Published: December 2020

Background

Research regarding the impact of acute spinal cord injury (aSCI) on energy expenditure is limited. Patients with aSCI are prone to complications of both over‐ and under‐feeding, making appropriate nutrition support pivotal to patient care. The purpose of this study was to describe energy expenditure and assess the performance of predictive equations in mechanically ventilated adults with aSCI.

Methods

Adult patients admitted to a single trauma center from March 2017 through June 2018 with aSCI and a documented indirect calorimetry (IC) within 6 weeks of injury were included for analysis. Predictive equations evaluated included Penn State 2003b (PS 2003b), the derived Weir equation, 25 kcal/kg and 30 kcal/kg. Sub‐set analysis was performed for patients with and without obesity, isolated aSCI, and concomitant traumatic injuries.

Results

On hundres fifteen IC studies in 51 patients were included for analysis. Median energy expenditure was 1747 kcal/day (interquartile range [IQR], 1492–2099 kcal/day), or 22.7 kcal/kg (IQR, 19.3–25.9 kcal/kg). When stratified by hospital day, energy expenditure ranged from 20 to 25 kcal/kg. PS 2003b and the derived Weir equation had similar correlation coefficients (r = 0.81 and 0.82, respectively). The 25 and 30 kcal/kg performed unacceptably (r = 0.61). PS 2003b predicted within 10% of measured energy expenditure most frequently. All equations were biased towards overfeeding, except for PS 2003b in the obese subset.

Conclusion

In the absence of IC, PS 2003b or the derived Weir equation may be acceptable predictive equations in this population. However, bedside clinicians should monitor carefully for signs and symptoms of overfeeding.
Mesh sampling and weighting for the hyperreduction of nonlinear Petrov–Galerkin reduced‐order models with local reduced‐order bases
Authors: Grimberg Sebastian , Farhat Charbel , Tezaur Radek , Bou‐Mosleh Charbel
Published: December 2020

The energy‐conserving sampling and weighting (ECSW) method is a hyper‐reduction method originally developed for accelerating the performance of Galerkin projection‐based reduced‐order models (PROMs) associated with large‐scale finite element models, when the underlying projected operators need to be frequently recomputed as in parametric and/or nonlinear problems. In this paper, this hyper‐reduction method is extended to Petrov–Galerkin PROMs where the underlying high‐dimensional models can be associated with arbitrary finite element, finite volume, and finite difference semi‐discretization methods. Its scope is also extended to cover local PROMs based on piecewise‐affine approximation subspaces, such as those designed for mitigating the Kolmogorov n‐width barrier issue associated with convection‐dominated flow problems. The resulting ECSW method is shown in this paper to be robust and accurate. In particular, its offline phase is shown to be fast and parallelizable, and the potential of its online phase for large‐scale applications of industrial relevance is demonstrated for turbulent flow problems with O(107) and O(108) degrees of freedom. For such problems, the online part of the ECSW method proposed in this paper for Petrov–Galerkin PROMs is shown to enable wall‐clock time and CPU time speedup factors of several orders of magnitude while delivering exceptional accuracy.
Examining the measurement invariance of the Practice Environment Scale–Nursing Work Index in the United States
Authors: Nunez Franchesa E. , Wambach Karen , Cramer Emily
Published: December 2020

The increasingly diverse nursing workforce in the United States often creates challenges for researchers in meaningfully interpreting survey data from large samples of nurses with heterogeneous cultural backgrounds. Considering this, the purpose of this study was to determine the measurement invariance of the Practice Environment Scale–Nursing Work Index (PES‐NWI) between registered nurses (RNs) reporting as Asian/Pacific Islander and those reporting as White. Data from the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators®, collected in 2018 from RNs (N = 27,619) providing direct patient care, were used in this study. Multi‐group confirmatory factor analysis was used to determine measurement invariance. Interpretation of the fit indices across models (configural, metric, and scalar) provides support for measurement invariance of the PES‐NWI across the two groups. There is empirical support for pooling PES‐NWI data and comparing it across these two groups.
An empirical investigation of knowledge management, organizational innovation, organizational learning, and organizational culture: Examining a moderated mediation model of social media technologies
Authors: Hussain Iftikhar , Mujtaba Ghulam , Shaheen Imrab , Akram Sabahat , Arshad Adeel
Published: December 2020

This study investigates the direct impact of knowledge management on organizational innovation and indirect impact through organizational learning and organizational culture, using diffusion of innovation theory. Moreover, these relationships were also empirically tested in the presence of social media technologies as potential moderator. Simple random sampling was used to select 380 respondents from small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in Pakistan. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to measure the fitness of the proposed model via LISREL 8.8. Our results show that knowledge management positively influences organizational learning and organizational culture. Moreover, organizational culture and learning significantly influence organizational innovation. Similarly, knowledge management has a significant indirect impact on organizational innovation through organizational learning and culture. Furthermore, the moderating impact of social media technologies in the relationship between organizational learning and organizational innovation is also found significant. The present study offers novel and interesting insights by indicating that the management of SMEs realizing the importance of knowledge management and inspiring workers to practice organizational learning, organizational culture, and social media technologies can facilitate organizational innovation in SMEs.
A new black bean with resistance to bean rust: Registration of ‘ND Twilight’
Authors: Osorno Juan M. , Vander Wal Albert J. , Posch John , Simons Kristin , Grafton Kenneth F. , Pasche Julie S. , Valentini Giseli , Pastor‐Corrales Marcial
Published: December 2020

‘ND Twilight’ (Reg. no. CV‐332, PI 693268; PVP‐202000258) is a new black bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar developed by the Dry Edible Bean Breeding Program at North Dakota State University and released by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. ND Twilight was developed using a modified pedigree method (F1–F5), followed by pure line selection based on agronomic, disease, and quality traits, along with specific DNA markers. With ∼24% of the total dry bean production in the United States, black bean is the second most important market class after pinto. Accounting for ∼35% of the total production, North Dakota is the largest producer of dry bean in the United States. However, both biotic and abiotic stresses are the main factors responsible for seed yield reductions. Between 2014 and 2019, ND Twilight was tested across more than 21 environments in North Dakota, where seed yield was significantly different from ‘Zorro’ and similar to ‘Eclipse’ and ‘Loreto’. ND Twilight is resistant to the most common race (20‐3) of the bean rust pathogen and Bean common mosaic virus. It also has intermediate resistance to common bacterial blight and to soybean cyst nematode (HG Type 0). ND Twilight has desirable upright architecture (Type IIa). Under North Dakota conditions, ND Twilight shows an average plant height of 49 cm, has a 100‐seed weight of 19.7 g, and matures in ∼99 d. Canning quality was rated as acceptable. Other traits of agronomic and economic importance are within acceptable commercial ranges.
Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Global Protein Acetylation in PRRSV‐Infected Pulmonary Alveolar Macrophages
Authors: Fang Jianyu , Qiao Songlin , Wang Keling , Li Rui , Wang Lei , Li Haili , Zhang Gaiping
Published: December 2020

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), caused by PRRS virus (PRRSV), is a serious viral disease affecting global swine industry. Due to the lack of effective vaccines, new antiviral strategies to compensate for the inefficacy of available vaccines are urgently required. Lysine acetylation, as an important post‐translational modification during infection, plays a key regulatory role in host antiviral responses. In this study, the global acetylome is profiled using acetylation specific antibody‐based enrichment and tandem mass tag label high‐affinity purification liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry in PRRSV‐infected pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAMs). As a result, 3731 lysine acetylation sites on 1421 cellular proteins are identified. Bioinformatics analysis of the different acetylated proteins revealed their involvement in various biological processes, including the host immune response and energy metabolism. These findings will contribute to the understanding of PRRSV pathogenesis and identify new cellular targets for anti‐PPRSV therapeutics.
Elucidating mechanisms of quality‐of‐life disparities in Hispanic women with breast cancer: An examination of disease stage, coping, and affect
Authors: Ream Molly E. , Pester Mollie S. , Goodman Zachary T. , Bainter Sierra A. , Antoni Michael H.
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Compared to non‐Hispanic white (NHW) women, Hispanic women with breast cancer (BCa) are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages of disease and experience reduced quality of life (QOL) following diagnosis. We hypothesized that the demands of later‐stage disease results in a perceived inability to cope and greater distress for Hispanic women, resulting in decreased QOL.

Methods

Hispanic (51%) and NHW (49%) women (N = 198) with newly diagnosed stage 0–3 BCa in Miami were enrolled in two trials between 2006 and 2019. In this cross‐sectional analysis, a multiple‐group structural equation modeling approach was applied to baseline measures of coping confidence (Measure of Current Status Scale), negative and positive affect (Affect Balance Scale), QOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Breast), and disease stage.

Results

In our model, later‐stage disease was not associated with worse QOL for Hispanic or NHW women. However, there were differences between Hispanic and NHW women on the path from disease stage to (1) coping confidence, (2) positive affect, and (3) negative affect, such that later disease stage was associated with lower coping confidence (b[SE] = −1.75[0.59], p = 0.002), less positive affect (b[SE] = −0.21[0.10], p = 0.026), and greater negative affect (b[SE] = 0.15[0.08], p = 0.052) among Hispanic, but not NHW, women. In addition, an indirect effect was found from greater stage to poorer QOL via less positive affect among Hispanic women only (b[SE] = −0.49[0.24], p = 0.041).

Conclusions

This data supports our theory that Hispanic women experience worse emotional distress at later‐stage disease than do NHW women, in turn impacting QOL.
Magnetic Nanowires toward Authentication
Authors: Zamani Kouhpanji Mohammad Reza , Stadler Bethanie
Published: December 2020

Magnetic nanowires (MNWs) have been shown to be promising candidates for nanobarcoding and biolabeling over decades. However, surprisingly, they have never been realized successfully for these applications due to the lack of a reliable encoding strategy that allows reliable decoding of readout signatures. Here, a novel encoding/decoding approach is reported by tailoring the MNWs remanence spectrum that makes decoding the magnetic nanobarcodes feasible even though there is no prior knowledge regarding the readout remanence spectrum. The remanence spectra of several MNWs is tuned by varying their composition, dimensions, and arrangements to generate several distinct nanobarcodes. Furthermore, a simple automated decoding algorithm is illustrated to identify and verify the type and number of MNWs in unknown remanence spectra. The experimental and analytical approaches show that the remanence spectrum is a strong probe for reliable encoding/decoding because it employs three authentication factors that significantly enhance their security performance in nanobarcoding and biolabeling.
A pediatric high‐flow nasal cannula protocol standardizes initial flow and expedites weaning
Authors: Wiser Robert K. , Smith Ashlee C. , Khallouq Bertha B. , Chen Jerome G.
Published: December 2020

Objective

Respiratory illnesses compose the most common diagnoses of patients admitted to pediatric intensive care units. In pediatrics, high‐flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy is an intermediate level of respiratory support with variability in practice. We conducted a pre‐post intervention study of patients placed on HFNC therapy before and after the implementation of an HFNC protocol.

Methods

This was a quality improvement/pre‐post intervention study of pediatric patients who received HFNC therapy in our teaching, tertiary care children's hospital between January 2015 and April 2019. Patients were evaluated before and after the implementation of a protocol that promoted initiation of higher flow and rapid weaning. Our primary outcomes were initial flow and rate of weaning pre‐ and post‐protocol; our secondary outcomes were HFNC failure rate (defined as escalation to noninvasive ventilation or mechanical ventilation) and length of hospital stay. Propensity matching was used to account for differences in age and weight pre‐ and post‐protocol.

Results

In total, 584 patients were included, 292 pre‐protocol, and 292 post‐protocol. The median age was 20 months, and the indication for HFNC therapy was bronchiolitis in 29% of patients. Post‐protocol patients compared to pre‐protocol patients had significantly a higher initial flow (median 14.5 L/min vs. 10 L/min, p < .001) and a higher weaning rate of flow (median 4.1 L/min/h vs. 2.4 L/min/h, p < .001). Post‐protocol patients also had a lower HFNC failure rate (10% vs. 17%, p = .015) and a shorter length of stay (5.97 days vs. 6.80 days, p = .006).

Conclusion

Among pediatric patients, the implementation of an HFNC protocol increases initial flow, allows for more rapid weaning, and may decrease the incidence of escalation to noninvasive ventilation or mechanical ventilation.
Molecular mechanisms of anticancer effect of rutin
Authors: Imani Amir , Maleki Nasim , Bohlouli Sepideh , Kouhsoltani Maryam , Sharifi Simin , Maleki Dizaj Solmaz
Published: December 2020

Because of the extensive biological functions of natural substances such as bioflavonoids, and their high safety and low costs, they could have high priority application in the health care system. The antioxidant properties of rutin, a polyphenolic bioflavonoid, have been well documented and demonstrated a wide range of pharmacological applications in cancer research. Since chemotherapeutic drugs have a wide range of side effects and rutin is a safe anticancer agent with minor side effects so recent investigations are performed for study of mechanisms of its anticancer effect. Both in‐vivo and in‐vitro examinations on anticancer mechanisms of this natural agent have been widely carried out. Regulation of different cellular signaling pathways such as Wnt/β‐catenin, p53‐independent pathway, PI3K/Akt, JAK/STAT, MAPK, p53, apoptosis as well as NF‐ĸB signaling pathways helps to mediate the anticancer impacts of this agent. This study tried to review the molecular mechanisms of rutin anticancer effect on various types of cancer. Deep exploration of these anticancer mechanisms can facilitate the development of this beneficial compound for its application in the treatment of different cancers.
The human bone marrow harbors a CD45− CD11B+ cell progenitor permitting rapid microglia-like cell derivative approaches
Authors: Bruzelius Andreas , Hidalgo Isabel , Boza-Serrano Antonio , Hjelmér Anna-Giorgia , Tison Amelie , Deierborg Tomas , Bengzon Johan , Ramos-Moreno Tania
Published: December 2020

Microglia, the immune sentinel of the central nervous system (CNS), are generated from yolk sac erythromyeloid progenitors that populate the developing CNS. Interestingly, a specific type of bone marrow-derived monocyte is able to express a yolk sac microglial signature and populate CNS in disease. Here we have examined human bone marrow (hBM) in an attempt to identify novel cell sources for generating microglia-like cells to use in cell-based therapies and in vitro modeling. We demonstrate that hBM stroma harbors a progenitor cell that we name stromal microglial progenitor (STR-MP). STR-MP single-cell gene analysis revealed the expression of the consensus genetic microglial signature and microglial-specific genes present in development and CNS pathologies. STR-MPs can be expanded and generate microglia-like cells in vitro, which we name stromal microglia (STR-M). STR-M cells show phagocytic ability, classically activate, and survive and phagocyte in human brain tissue. Thus, our results reveal that hBM harbors a source of microglia-like precursors that can be used in patient-centered fast derivative approaches.
Study on the Thermal Stability of Octogen and other Energetic Materials (RDX, TNT, NQ, PBT, TDI and HTPB)
Authors: Yu Cunjuan , Xu Yabei , Yu Shuo , Qiu Shanshan , Jiao Fengyuan , Xu Sen , Cao Weiguo
Published: December 2020

The Octogen (HMX) and other energetic materials, such as Hexogen (RDX), Trinitrotoluene (TNT), Nitroguanidine (NQ), Polybutylene terephthalate Glycol Ester (PBT), Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI), and Hydroxy‐Terminated Polybutadiene (HTPB) were subjected to linear heating tests by a Microcalorimeter (C600), to obtain thermal decomposition curves. Based on this data, the thermal stability was studied experimentally and theoretically. The decomposition peak and melting peak of RDX were coupled, and the time to reach the maximum weight loss increased with the increase of heating rates. Within a certain experimental error range, the apparent activation energy calculated by different methods was basically consistent in a larger conversion rate range. The thermal stability of other energetic materials, such as RDX, TNT, NQ, PBT, TDI and HTPB in the mixed system of HMX were explored. The results revealed that HMX had salient thermal stability with RDX, PBT and TDI. However, the thermal stability of HMX mixed with TNT, NQ, HTPB and other substances was poor, which promoted the thermal decomposition of each other, resulting in the decrease of thermal decomposition temperature and further decrease of thermal safety of the mixed system. Therefore, HMX should not be placed in the same place as TNT, NQ and HTPB in the actual application process.
Antimicrobial Hydrogels: Promising Soft Biomaterials
Authors: Kundu Rajen , Payal Priyanka
Published: December 2020

Hydrogel is a three‐dimensional, hydrophilic network of cross‐linked monomer or polymer units. A modified version of the hydrogel which exhibits antimicrobial properties is known as antimicrobial hydrogel. Antimicrobial properties of the antimicrobial hydrogel are due to the inheritance of antimicrobial monomers/polymers or due to the installation by the incorporation of antimicrobial agents such as a metal nanoparticle, metal oxide, antibiotics, and any other synthetic drug molecule. More attention has been taken towards antimicrobial hydrogel as the pharmaceutical and biomedical field facing the problem of drug resistance. Antimicrobial hydrogel provides a suitable alternative for antibiotic drugs and also successful to replace many antibiotic drugs which cause a serious side effect on the human body. Antimicrobial hydrogel targets the cell membrane of the microorganism and destroys them. Due to this unique type of cell lysis mechanism, microbes are rarely able to develop resistance towards antimicrobial hydrogel. The hydrogel is porous, highly flexible, and holds a particular amount of water. These properties impart a moist and living body tissue‐like environment and hence make it a suitable biomaterial to use in biomedical applications. The present article focused on the recent development of bio‐based antimicrobial hydrogels and their applications in drug delivery, wound healing and dressing, tissue engineering, and agriculture.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Propyl‐Sulfonic Phosphotungstic Dual‐Acid Functionalized Mesoporous Silica in Non‐Hydrochloric Acid Solution: Reusable Catalyst for Efficient Biodiesel Production
Authors: Yu Zhengfei , Zhang Yibo , Duan Jinchen , Chen Xifeng , Piao Mingjun , Hu Jianglei , Shi Fengwei
Published: December 2020

Ordered mesoporous silica molecular sieve (HPW/OMS‐SO3H), functionalized by phosphotungstic acid (HPW) and propyl sulfonic acid, was successfully synthesized using the green and efficient one‐pot co‐condensation method in a non‐hydrochloric acid solution. The materials, making HPW and propyl sulfonic acid successfully immobilized on the OMS supports, have ordered 2D hexagonal mesoporous structure. The catalyst showed excellent catalytic activity in the esterification of oleic acid with methanol due to the synergistic effect between the HPW and propyl sulfonic acid group. The catalytic performance not reduced significantly after five recycling reflected that the catalyst has excellent stability. The activation energy of esterification was calculated by detailed kinetic studies.
On the Dynamic Mechanical Behavior and Importance of Weak Interactions in PS/PVME Blends
Authors: Huang He , Wang Chang‐Jun , Peng Yong‐Jin
Published: December 2020

In this work, the dynamic mechanical behavior and weak interactions in a miscible blend of polystyrene/poly (vinyl methyl ether) (PS/PVME) with a mass ratio of 3 : 1 (PS/PVME 75/25) were studied using DMA detection and solid‐state NMR methods. The results showed the miscibility of the blend and the evidence of the weak C−H to O hydrogen bonding between the aromatic H in PS and O of the methoxyl group in PVME. The 1H‐13C correlation spectrum indicated the diffusion time between 13C in OCH/OCH3 of PVME and Aromatic 1H of PS was at about millisecond level which confirmed the space affinity between the Aromatic 1H and OCH/OCH3 group in this mixture. Quantum calculations were made with four model systems in solutions by comparing the solvent toluene with CHCl3. In this way it was shown that the binding energy between PVME and CHCl3 was larger than the one between PVME and toluene, explaining why PVME and PS were miscible when using toluene as a solvent but not in CHCl3. The detailed components of the binding energy between PVME and solvent molecules were also analyzed with different methods which showed the similar result. These results reported here allows opportunities for finding new blend dependent on this kind of weak interaction or design of special polymers to enhance such weak interactions.