bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of individual and food characteristics on food retrieval and food sharing in captive Guinea baboons (Papio papio)
Authors: Dell'Anna Fabrizio , Llorente Miquel , Weiß Brigitte M. , von Fersen Lorenzo , Amici Federica
Published: December 2019

Access to food is of major importance to the fitness and survival of every individual, particularly in group‐living animals, in which individual characteristics and food distribution can affect food intake. Additionally, several species of primates are known to share food under certain conditions. Such unresisted transfer of food from one individual to another appears to be adaptive, for instance as a tool to maintain and reinforce social bonds. In this study, we aimed to test how food retrieval and food sharing varies depending on the social relationship between individuals, and on the characteristics of the food. In six different test conditions, we provided a captive group of Guinea baboons (Papio papio,N = 23) with multiple food items, differing in quality, quantity, density, monopolizability, and effort required to obtain it. We further used behavioral observations to assess individual relationships and possible variations in grooming exchanges linked to food sharing events. Out of 424 events in which food items were retrieved by the subjects, we detected no instances of active food sharing and only 17 of passive food sharing. The way food was retrieved was affected by individual and food characteristics (i.e., quantity, quality, and monopolizability of food): Males and central individuals (i.e., those connected to many partners, and/or having partners with many connections in the social network) were more likely to retrieve food during test conditions. In particular, events of passive food sharing mostly happened when the quality of food was low, and between individuals belonging to the same community (i.e., having close relationships). No other food characteristics affected the probability to share food, and the occurrence of food sharing had no immediate effect on grooming exchanges. Overall, our findings suggest that food sharing is relatively rare in Guinea baboons unless the food has a low quality and individuals form close social bonds.
Photoacoustic Imaging Quantifies Drug Release from Nanocarriers via Redox Chemistry of Dye‐Labeled Cargo
Authors: Jeevarathinam Ananthakrishnan Soundaram , Lemaster Jeanne E. , Chen Fang , Zhao Eric , Jokerst Jesse V.
Published: December 2019

We report a new approach to monitor drug release from nanocarriers via a paclitaxel–methylene blue conjugate (PTX‐MB) with redox activity. This construct is in a photoacoustically silent reduced state inside poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (PTX‐MB@PLGA NPs). During release, PTX‐MB is spontaneously oxidized to produce a concentration‐dependent photoacoustic signal. An in vitro drug‐release study showed an initial burst release (25 %) between 0–24 h and a sustained release between 24–120 h with a cumulative release of 40.6 % and a 670‐fold increase in photoacoustic signal. An in vivo murine drug release showed a photoacoustic signal enhancement of up to 649 % after 10 hours. PTX‐MB@PLGA NPs showed an IC50 of 78 μg mL−1 and 44.7±4.8 % decrease of tumor burden in an orthotopic model of colon cancer via luciferase‐positive CT26 cells.
An Intrinsically Non‐flammable Electrolyte for High‐Performance Potassium Batteries
Authors: Liu Sailin , Mao Jianfeng , Zhang Qing , Wang Zhijie , Pang Wei Kong , Zhang Lei , Du Aijun , Sencadas Vitor , Zhang Wenchao , Guo Zaiping
Published: December 2019

Potassium‐ion batteries are promising for low‐cost and large‐scale energy storage applications, but the major obstacle to their application is the lack of safe and effective electrolytes. A phosphate‐based fire retardant such as triethyl phosphate is now shown to work as a single solvent with potassium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide at 0.9 m, in contrast to previous Li and Na systems where phosphates cannot work at low concentrations. This electrolyte is optimized at 2 m, where it exhibits the advantages of low cost, low viscosity, and high conductivity, as well as the formation of a uniform and robust salt‐derived solid‐electrolyte interphase layer, leading to non‐dendritic K‐metal plating/stripping with Coulombic efficiency of 99.6 % and a highly reversible graphite anode.
Stabilization of the Oxidation State +IV in Siloxide‐Supported Terbium Compounds
Authors: Willauer Aurélien R. , Palumbo Chad T. , Scopelliti Rosario , Zivkovic Ivica , Douair Iskander , Maron Laurent , Mazzanti Marinella
Published: December 2019

The synthesis of lanthanides other than cerium in the oxidation state +IV has remained a desirable but unmet target until recently, when two examples of TbIV with saturated coordination spheres were isolated. Here we report the third example of an isolated molecular complex of terbium(IV), where the supporting siloxide ligands do not saturate the coordination sphere. The fully characterized six‐coordinate complex [TbIV(OSiPh3)4(MeCN)2], 2‐TbPh, shows high stability and the labile MeCN ligands can be replaced by phosphinoxide ligands. Computational studies suggest that the stability is due to a strong π(O−Tb) interaction which is stronger than in the previously reported TbIV complexes. Cyclic‐voltammetry experiments demonstrate that non‐binding counterions contribute to the stability of TbIV in solution by destabilizing the +III oxidation state, while alkali ions promote TbIV/TbIII electron transfer.
Enhancing the photocatalytic activity of Ga2O3–TiO2 nanocomposites using sonication amplitudes for the degradation of Rhodamine B dye
Authors: Amdeha Enas , El‐Salamony Radwa A. , Al‐Sabagh Ahmed M.
Published: December 2019

A Ga2O3–TiO2 photocatalyst was synthesized by a mechanomixing method followed by a sonication technique using different amplitudes of sonication (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% of 20 kHz). The prepared photocatalysts were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area (SBET), zeta potential, and optical techniques. Ga2O3–TiO2 exhibited an excellent photocatalytic activity for Rhodamine B (RhB) dye degradation under UV irradiation. The RhB degradation rate rose linearly with the increase of sonication amplitude. The photodegradation rate (k) of the synthesized samples was calculated according to the Langmuir–Hinshelwood kinetic expression. It reached a maximum of 5.25 × 10−2 min−1 with R2 of 0.99 for Ga2O3–TiO2 (75%) photocatalysts. The main reactive species were detected through radical scavenging experiments. The formation of hole reactive species is the rate‐determining step in the case of Ga2O3–TiO2 (75%) photocatalysts.
Ordered mesoporous Pt/Fe3O4–CeO2 heterostructure gel particles with enhanced catalytic performance for the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol
Authors: Zheng Ren‐rong , Feng Da‐wei , Yu Hui
Published: December 2019

The unique physicochemical properties of ordered mesoporous transition metal oxides have attracted more and more attention. The hydrolysis process of metal oxide precursors is difficult to control, and it is difficult to synthesize an ordered mesoporous transition metal oxide material using the conventional template method. Ordered mesoporous Pt/Fe3O4–CeO2 heterostructure gel materials with excellent catalytic properties were successfully prepared using aerogel technology and the chemical deposition method. The Pt/Fe3O4–CeO2 material was an n–n combined heterostructured semiconductor material which consisted of a magnetic Fe3O4 layer, a CeO2 core and Pt noble metal doped nanoparticles. A layer of Fe3O4 thin film was formed on the surface of ordered mesoporous Pt/CeO2 gel matrix material using the chemical deposition method. The intriguing heterostructural features could facilitate reactant diffusion and exposure of active sites which could enhance synergistic catalytic effects between the Pt nanoparticles and CeO2 nanoparticles. Compared with Pt/CeO2, the prepared Pt/Fe3O4–CeO2 showed enhanced catalytic activity in the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol at room temperature. The catalytic activity of the heterostructure catalysts was systematically investigated using 4‐nitrophenol reduction as a model reaction. The results showed that the Pt (0.1%)/Fe3O4–CeO2 sample exhibited the optimal catalytic performance toward catalytic reduction of 4‐nitrophenol to 4‐aminophenol. The study provided a method for the preparation of heterostructure nanocatalysts with high efficiency, which would be effective for application in various catalytic reactions.
Antibacterial and antioxidant properties of phyto‐synthesized silver nanoparticles using Lavandula stoechas extract
Authors: Mahmoudi Reza , Aghaei Saeed , Salehpour Zeinab , Mousavizadeh Ali , Khoramrooz Seyed Sajjad , Taheripour Sisakht Marzie , Christiansen Gunna , Baneshi Marzieh , Karimi Bahman , Bardania Hassan
Published: December 2019

Due to environmentally friendly and cost‐ effective issues, biological methods for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesis are advantageous over chemical and physical ones. In this study, AgNPs synthesized using Lavandula stoechas extract as a reductant and its antioxidant capacity, antibacterial property and cytotoxicity effect were investigated. The phyto‐synthesized AgNPs were characterized using various analyses such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x‐ray diffraction (XRD) as well as Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR). The prepared nanoparticles were spherical on shape with the size about 20–50 nm. Antibacterial studies through agar disk diffusion method confirmed the antibacterial potential of phyto‐synthesized AgNPs toward two clinical Staphylococus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, although MTT assay demonstrated that S. aureus (MIC = 125 μg/ml) was more susceptible to AgNPs than P. aeruginosa (MIC = 250 μg/ml). Moreover, the cytotoxicity assay of phyto‐synthezied AgNPs showed a low cytotoxic effect on RAW264 cell line at 62.5 μg/ml as an effective concentration. Also the considerable antioxidant capacity of the AgNPs confirmed through DPPH assay. Great antibacterial and antioxidant properties along with biocompatibility make the suggested phyto‐synthesized AgNPs a great candidate for different biomedical applications including wound healing.
Design, synthesis, antileishmanial, and antifungal biological evaluation of novel 3,5‐disubstituted isoxazole compounds based on 5‐nitrofuran scaffolds
Authors: Trefzger Ozildéia S. , Barbosa Natália V. , Scapolatempo Renata L. , das Neves Amarith R. , Ortale Maria L. F. S. , Carvalho Diego B. , Honorato Antônio M. , Fragoso Mariana R. , Shuiguemoto Cristiane Y. K. , Perdomo Renata T. , Matos Maria F. C. , Chang Marilene R. , Arruda Carla C. P. , Baroni Adriano C. M.
Published: December 2019

Nineteen 3,5‐disubstituted‐isoxazole analogs were synthesized based on nitrofuran scaffolds, by a [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction between terminal acetylenes and 5‐nitrofuran chloro‐oxime. The compounds were obtained in moderate to very good yields (45–91%). The antileishmanial activity was assayed against the promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. Alkylchlorinated compounds 14p–r were active on both the promastigote and amastigote forms, with emphasis on compound 14p, which showed strong activity against the amastigote form (IC50 = 0.6 μM and selectivity index [SI] = 5.2). In the alkyl series, compound 14o stands out with an IC50 = 8.5 μM and SI = 8.0 on the amastigote form. In the aromatic series, the most active compounds were those containing electron‐donor groups, such as trimethoxy isoxazole 14g (IC50 = 1.2 μM and SI = 20.2); compound 14h, with IC50 = 7.0 μM and SI = 6.1; and compound 14j containing the 4‐SCH3 group, with IC50 = 5.7 μM and SI = 10.2. In addition, the antifungal activity of 19 nitrofuran isoxazoles was evaluated against five strains of Candida (C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei, C. tropicalis, and C. glabrata). Eleven isoxazole derivatives were active against C. parapsilosis, and compound 14o was found to be the most active (minimal inhibitory concentration [MIC] = 3.4 μM) for this strain. Compound 14p was active against all the strains tested, with an MIC = 17.5 μM for C. glabrata, lower than that of the fluconazole used as the reference drug.
Insulin‐Resistant Pathways Are Associated With Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Are Subject to Disease Modification Through Metabolic Reprogramming: A Potential Novel Therapeutic Approach
Authors: Gallagher Lorna , Cregan Sian , Biniecka Monika , Cunningham Clare , Veale Douglas J. , Kane David J. , Fearon Ursula , Mullan Ronan H.
Published: December 2019

Objective

To investigate a role for insulin‐resistant pathways in inflammation and therapeutic targeting for disease modification in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

RA disease activity and cardiovascular risk factors, including insulin resistance and body mass index (BMI), were assessed in an Irish RA cohort. Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT‐1) and GLUT‐4 activity in RA and osteoarthritis (OA) synovial tissue was examined using immunohistochemistry. Spontaneous release of proinflammatory mediators from ex vivo RA synovial explants and primary synovial fibroblast (SF) cell culture supernatants was quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Phosphorylated AMP‐activated protein kinase (p‐AMPK) and GLUT‐1 protein expression was analyzed by Western blotting. Cellular glycolytic and oxidative phosphorylation was assessed using extracellular flux analysis.

Results

Insulin resistance was independently associated with both BMI (unstandardized coefficient B 0.113 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.059–0.167]; P < 0.001) (n = 61) and swollen joint count in 28 joints (SJC28) (B 0.114 [95% CI 0.032–0.197]; P = 0.008) (n = 61). Increased GLUT‐1 expression in RA synovium (n = 26) versus OA synovium (n = 16) was demonstrated (P = 0.0003), with increased expression in the lining, sublining, and vascular regions. In contrast, decreased GLUT‐4 expression in the RA lining layer (n = 21) versus the OA lining layer (n = 8) was observed (P = 0.0358). Decreased GLUT‐1 protein expression was observed in parallel with increased p‐AMPK protein expression in SFs in the presence of metformin (n = 4). Metformin increased glycolytic activity and decreased oxidative phosphorylation in RASFs (n = 7) (P < 0.05 for both). Metformin or aminoimidazole carboxamide ribonucleotide presence decreased spontaneous production of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), IL‐8, and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 in RA synovial explants and SFs (n = 5–7).

Conclusion

Insulin resistance is significantly associated with BMI and synovitis in RA, suggesting distinct interplay between glucose availability and inflammation in RA. Furthermore, the effect of metformin on proinflammatory mechanisms suggests a role for AMPK‐modifying compounds in the treatment of RA.
Dynamic analysis of a novel time‐lag four‐dimensional fractional‐order financial system
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Zhang Jing , Cheng Fanyong , Liu Feng , Ding Can
Published: December 2019

In this paper, a novel four‐dimensional fractional‐order financial system (FFS) with time delay is presented. Unlike traditional bifurcation analysis of financial systems, the selection rules of two bifurcation points within the system are discussed. In addition, the motion state of the system in the vicinity of two bifurcation points are analyzed separately, such that the dynamic analysis of this novel nonlinear fourth‐dimensional FFS is more comprehensive. The detailed dynamical behaviors of this financial system, such as oscillation, stability, and bifurcation points, are deduced via rigorous mathematical analysis. Finally, some simulations are performed to verify the dynamic characteristics of the FFS around the two bifurcation points which satisfy the selection conditions of the bifurcation point.
Maternal surgery and anesthesia during pregnancy and risk of birth defects in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997–2011
Authors: Fisher Sarah C. , Siag Kamalnain , Howley Meredith M. , Van Zutphen Alissa R. , Reefhuis Jennita , Browne Marilyn L. ,   the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: December 2019

Background

There is little recent research on the teratogenicity of maternal anesthesia exposure. We used National Birth Defects Prevention Study data to describe surgical procedures conducted during pregnancy and to estimate the risk of birth defects associated with periconceptional anesthesia exposure.

Methods

We used logistic regression to assess associations between general and local anesthesia for surgery during the periconceptional period and specific birth defects. We calculated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for 25 birth defects with at least five exposed cases (11,501 controls, 24,337 cases), adjusted for maternal race/ethnicity, age, body mass index, periconceptional exposure to X‐ray, CT, or radionuclide scans, and study site.

Results

The most commonly reported procedures were dental, dermatologic, and cervical cerclage procedures, regardless of gestational timing. Overall, 226 case and 73 control women reported periconceptional general anesthesia; 230 case and 89 control women reported periconceptional local anesthesia. Women who reported general or local anesthesia were disproportionately non‐Hispanic white and were more likely to report periconceptional opioid use and at least one periconceptional X‐ray/CT/radionuclide scan. Women who reported general anesthesia were also more likely to report periconceptional injury. We did not observe any significant associations between either type of anesthesia exposure and the birth defects studied. Odds ratios were generally close to null and imprecise.

Conclusions

Our study population reported a wide range of surgical procedures during pregnancy, requiring both general and local anesthesia. Our findings suggest that periconceptional anesthesia is not strongly associated with the birth defects assessed in this study.
Exploration of highly selective fluorogenic ‘on–off' chemosensor for H2PO4− ions: ICT‐based sensing and ATPase activity profiling
Authors: Wagh Yogesh B. , Tayade Kundan C. , Kuwar Anil , Sahoo Suban K. , Mayank  , Singh Narinder , Dalal Dipak S.
Published: December 2019

Abstract

In this study, the recognition contour of Chemosensor 1 was investigated using semiaqueous methanol (XH, mole fraction = 0.31) for a range of anions and bioactive species. Host–receptor signalling based on the internal charge transfer mechanism for Chemosensor 1 was explored and reported. Structure of Chemosensor 1 and its plausible anion coordination based on hydrogen bonding is complemented with density functional theory. Consequently, we investigated the applicability of the synthesized probe in blood plasma, urine, tap water samples, and for monitoring of ATP in lysosomes by apyrase enzyme.
Methods for Estimating the Probability of Clonality in Cell Line Development
Authors: Chen Chun , Le Kim , Le Huong , Daris Kristi , Soice Neil , Stevens Jennitte , Goudar Chetan T.
Published: December 2019

Mammalian cell banks for biopharmaceutical production are usually derived from a single progenitor cell. Different methods to estimate the probability that the cell banks are clonally derived, or the probability of clonality (PoC), associated with various cloning workflows have been reported previously. In this review, a systematic analysis and comparison of the methods used to calculate the PoC are provided. As the single cell deposition and high‐resolution imaging technologies continue to advance and the cloning workflow evolves, an aligned understanding and best practice on estimating the PoC is necessary to compare different cloning workflows adopted across the biopharmaceutical industry and it will help to accelerate regulatory acceptance.
Cell‐free protein synthesis: The transition from batch reactions to minimal cells and microfluidic devices
Authors: Ayoubi‐Joshaghani Mohammad H. , Dianat‐Moghadam Hassan , Seidi Khaled , Jahanban‐Esfahalan Ali , Zare Peyman , Jahanban‐Esfahlan Rana
Published: December 2019

Thanks to the synthetic biology, the laborious and restrictive procedure for producing a target protein in living microorganisms by biotechnological approaches can now experience a robust, pliant yet efficient alternative. The new system combined with lab‐on‐chip microfluidic devices and nanotechnology offers a tremendous potential envisioning novel cell‐free formats such as DNA brushes, hydrogels, vesicular particles, droplets, as well as solid surfaces. Acting as robust microreactors/microcompartments/minimal cells, the new platforms can be tuned to perform various tasks in a parallel and integrated manner encompassing gene expression, protein synthesis, purification, detection, and finally enabling cell‐cell signaling to bring a collective cell behavior, such as directing differentiation process, characteristics of higher order entities, and beyond. In this review, we issue an update on recent cell‐free protein synthesis (CFPS) formats. Furthermore, the latest advances and applications of CFPS for synthetic biology and biotechnology are highlighted. In the end, contemporary challenges and future opportunities of CFPS systems are discussed.
Real‐time dissolved carbon dioxide monitoring II: Surface aeration intensification for efficient CO2 removal in shake flasks and mini‐bioreactors leads to superior growth and recombinant protein yields
Authors: Chopda Viki R. , Holzberg Timothy , Ge Xudong , Folio Brandon , Wong Lynn , Tolosa Michael , Kostov Yordan , Tolosa Leah , Rao Govind
Published: December 2019

Mass transfer is known to play a critical role in bioprocess performance and henceforth monitoring dissolved O2 (DO) and dissolved CO2 (dCO2) is of paramount importance. At bioreactor level these parameters can be monitored online and can be controlled by sparging air/oxygen or stirrer speed. However, traditional small‐scale systems such as shake flasks lack real time monitoring and also employ only surface aeration with additional diffusion limitations imposed by the culture plug. Here we present implementation of intensifying surface aeration by sparging air in the headspace of the reaction vessel and real‐time monitoring of DO and dCO2 in the bioprocesses to evaluate the impact of intensified surface aeration. We observed that sparging air in the headspace allowed us to keep dCO2 at low level, which significantly improved not only biomass growth but also protein yield. We expect that implementing such controlled smart shake flasks can minimize the process development gap which currently exists in shake flask level and bioreactor level results.
Na2Mg1−xZnxSiO4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1): Noncentrosymmetric Sodium Metal Silicate Solid Solutions with Ultraviolet Nonlinear Optical Properties
Authors: Lee Hyeshin , Ok Kang Min
Published: December 2019

Stoichiometrically equivalent noncentrosymmetric (NCS) sodium metal silicates, Na2MgSiO4 and Na2ZnSiO4, and their solid solutions have been synthesized via solid‐state reactions. The structures of the reported materials were determined by powder X‐ray diffraction using the Rietveld method. A careful structural analysis indicates that the unit cell volumes of Na2Mg1−xZn
xSiO4 solid solutions decrease as more Zn2+ cations are doped into the site of Mg2+. Also, the synthesized silicate solid solutions revealed three‐dimensional frameworks consisting of highly distorted yet well‐aligned MgO4 (or ZnO4) and SiO4 tetrahedra. The title compounds exhibit very large band gaps ranging from 5.57 to 6.05 eV. Second‐harmonic generation (SHG) measurements indicate that the solid solutions are phase‐matchable and the SHG efficiencies increase as more d10 cation, Zn2+, is added to the backbone. A complete characterization is presented along with the explanation of the structure‐SHG property relationship.
Size, shape, and flexibility influence nanoparticle transport across brain endothelium under flow
Authors: Nowak Maksymilian , Brown Tyler D. , Graham Adam , Helgeson Matthew E. , Mitragotri Samir
Published: December 2019

Nanoparticle‐based therapeutic formulations are being increasingly explored for the treatment of various ailments. Despite numerous advances, the success of nanoparticle‐based technologies in treating brain diseases has been limited. Translational hurdles of nanoparticle therapies are attributed primarily to their limited ability to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which is one of the body's most exclusive barriers. Several efforts have been focused on developing affinity‐based agents and using them to increase nanoparticle accumulation at the brain endothelium. Very little is known about the role of fundamental physical parameters of nanoparticles such as size, shape, and flexibility in determining their interactions with and penetration across the BBB. Using a three‐dimensional human BBB microfluidic model (μHuB), we investigate the impact of these physical parameters on nanoparticle penetration across the BBB. To gain insights into the dependence of transport on nanoparticle properties, two separate parameters were measured: the number of nanoparticles that fully cross the BBB and the number that remain associated with the endothelium. Association of nanoparticles with the brain endothelium was substantially impacted by their physical characteristics. Hard particles associate more with the endothelium compared to soft particles, as do small particles compared to large particles, and spherical particles compared to rod‐shaped particles. Transport across the BBB also exhibited a dependence on nanoparticle properties. A nonmonotonic dependence on size was observed, where 200 nm particles exhibited higher BBB transport compared to 100 and 500 nm spheres. Rod‐shaped particles exhibited higher BBB transport when normalized by endothelial association and soft particles exhibited comparable transport to hard particles when normalized by endothelial association. Tuning nanoparticles' physical parameters could potentially enhance their ability to cross the BBB for therapeutic applications.
Insurance impacts survival for children, adolescents, and young adults with bone and soft tissue sarcomas
Authors: Penumarthy Neela L. , Goldsby Robert E. , Shiboski Stephen C. , Wustrack Rosanna , Murphy Patricia , Winestone Lena E.
Published: December 2019

Background

While racial/ethnic survival disparities have been described in pediatric oncology, the impact of income has not been extensively explored. We analyzed how public insurance influences 5‐year overall survival (OS) in young patients with sarcomas.

Methods

The University of California San Francisco Cancer Registry was used to identify patients aged 0‐39 diagnosed with bone or soft tissue sarcomas between 2000 and 2015. Low‐income patients were defined as those with no insurance or Medicaid, a means‐tested form of public insurance. Survival curves were computed using the Kaplan‐Meier method and compared using log‐rank tests and Cox models. Causal mediation was used to assess whether the association between public insurance and mortality is mediated by metastatic disease.

Results

Of 1106 patients, 39% patients were classified as low‐income. Low‐income patients were more likely to be racial/ethnic minorities and to present with metastatic disease (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.35‐2.86). Low‐income patients had significantly worse OS (61% vs 71%). Age at diagnosis and extent of disease at diagnosis were also independent predictors of OS. When stratified by extent of disease, low‐income patients consistently had significantly worse OS (localized: 78% vs 84%, regional: 64% vs 73%, metastatic: 23% vs 30%, respectively). Mediation analysis indicated that metastatic disease at diagnosis mediated 15% of the effect of public insurance on OS.

Conclusions

Low‐income patients with bone and soft tissue sarcomas had decreased OS regardless of disease stage at presentation. The mechanism by which insurance status impacts survival requires additional investigation, but may be through reduced access to care.
Rectal NETs and rectosigmoid junction NETs may need to be treated differently
Authors: Cai Wen , Ge Weiting , Hu Hanguang , Mao Jianshan
Published: December 2019

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are heterogeneous, and the incidence of NETs is rapidly increasing. We observed different survival in patients with rectal NETs and rectosigmoid junction NETs, which are treated similarly. We included patients with rectal and rectosigmoid junction NETs from the SEER database. The 5‐year survival was set as the end‐point. 6675 patients with rectal NETs and 329 patients with rectosigmoid junction NETs, were eligible for the analysis. Initially, the survival analyses suggested that the 5‐year survival significantly differed between the patients with rectal and rectosigmoid junction NETs (HR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.70‐0.95; P = .01). Tumor differentiation, an invasion deeper than T2, and lymph node and distant metastases were still important risk factors affecting survival for both location. While, the males showed better survival (HR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.55‐0.88; P < .01) and primary tumor surgery had no benefits (P = .56) for patients with rectosigmoid junction NETs. The factors that predict regional lymph node metastases varied by location. In rectal NETs, invasion deeper than T1 and a tumor larger than 1 cm could significantly increase the risk of regional lymph node metastases (all OR > 5, P < .01). In rectosigmoid junction NETs, the risk of regional lymph node metastases was considered significantly higher with invasion deeper than T1 (all OR > 5, P < .01) and a tumor larger than 2 cm (OR = 31.32, 95% CI 2.53‐387.57; P < .01). We advocate a clear and consistent definition of the rectosigmoid junction for future studies, and more studies are needed to determine the reason underlying differences between rectum and rectosigmoid junction.
Patient expectations of benefit from systemic treatments for metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Oswald Laura B. , Kasimer Rachel , Rappazzo Katherine , Fought Angela J. , Penson David F. , Morgans Alicia K.
Published: December 2019

Background

Metastatic prostate cancer is incurable, but systemic therapies can improve quality of life and prolong survival. Accurate perceptions of treatment risks and benefits are vital as patients with metastatic disease make treatment decisions. We assessed treatment‐related expectations for benefit among patients with metastatic prostate cancer and explored associated sociodemographic characteristics.

Methods

Men with metastatic prostate cancer (N = 100) completed surveys assessing their treatment‐related expectations for cancer cure, symptom relief, and prolonged life expectancy. Frequencies were used to describe the proportions of reported expectations. Fisher's exact tests were used to assess the associations of sociodemographic characteristics with treatment expectations.

Results

One third (33%) of participants believed treatment was at least a little likely to cure their metastatic cancer. Most participants believed treatment could provide symptom relief (76%) and extend life expectancy (95%). Among participants reporting that cancer cure was at least a little likely vs not at all, more men identified as non‐white (24% vs 5%; P = .01), self‐reported good health (90% vs 58%; P < .01), and had greater optimism (78% vs 47%; P < .01). Among participants reporting that symptom relief was at least a little likely vs not at all, more men were less than 70 years old (62% vs 0%; P = .01).

Conclusion

A large proportion of patients with metastatic prostate cancer reported beliefs inconsistent with understanding that treatment was not curative. Race, better self‐reported health, and greater optimism were related to unrealistic expectations. Efforts to ensure alignment of patient and clinician expectations may facilitate more effective shared decision‐making for treating metastatic disease.
Considering methodological integrity in counselling and psychotherapy research
Authors: Levitt Heidi M. , Morrill Zenobia , Collins Kathleen M.
Published: December 2019

Within the field of counselling and psychotherapy research, qualitative methods have been a longstanding tradition of inquiry due to the mutual interest of therapists and researchers in both internal experiences and intersubjective processes. Methodological integrity is a conceptual framework that has been advanced to increase the rigor of these methods. In this paper, we consider the value of this concept for counselling and psychotherapy researchers and reviewers. This framework guides investigators and reviewers to consider how procedures can be adapted to meet the goals of specific studies, given their characteristics and approach to inquiry. In this brief article, we exemplify the relevance and application of this concept to this field by describing the decision‐making process within the designing of a qualitative research project to investigate clients' needs within rape crisis counselling. Through this exemplar, we also provide guidance to counselling and psychotherapy researchers on considerations during the process of research review and reporting.
Gain a better understanding of how to apply NCAA interpretations philosophy, process
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: December 2019

Most college athletics administrators would appreciate some extra guidance on how to best apply the NCAA's Division I interpretations philosophy. And that's why a panel convened to offer such guidance at the annual convention of the National Association for Athletics Compliance. The panel included Aaron Aaker, Associate Athletics Director of Compliance and Strategic Planning at Boston University; Marra Hvozdovic, Director of Compliance for the Atlantic Coast Conference; and Jen Vining‐Smith, Senior Associate AD for Compliance and Governance/SWA at the University of Delaware.
Choose guiding over disciplining staff members
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: December 2019

Only the worst employees need to be disciplined. Everyone else needs your guidance. My father taught me that principle, not in so many words but in the way he lived. It's the way he raised his children, and it's the way he treated those whom he supervised in the workplace. I know because I observed him at his job many, many times.
The perception of makeup for the elderly and the makeup behavior of new seniors
Authors: Baek Kyoung J.
Published: December 2019

With the rapid aging of the world population and the tendency to focus on appearances, the demand for cosmetics for the elderly is likely to keep rising. Therefore, it is necessary to develop cosmetics for the elderly. In this study, we aimed at studying the perception and attitude toward makeup of New Seniors at the pre‐elderly stage, assessing a strategy to approach them and evaluating their needs through the analysis of their effective behaviors related to makeup. We conducted in‐depth interviews and participant observation through video recording. The results showed that New Seniors had a prejudice against makeup in the elderly, their generation did not enjoy using makeup, and they tend to wear makeup to look younger rather than prettier. Also, they need training in how to apply makeup and use products that meet their needs, are easy to use, and produce effects that stand out.
Ambient Electrochemical N2 Reduction to NH3 on Nitrogen and Phosphorus Co‐doped Porous Carbon with Trace Iron in Alkaline Electrolytes
Authors: Song Pengfei , Wang Hao , Cao Xuemei , Liu Na , Wang Qian , Wang Rongmin
Published: December 2019

The electrocatalytic N2 reduction reaction (NRR) provides an environmentally benign approach for NH3 production that can be powered by renewable energy. It remains a challenge to understand the NRR mechanism and develop highly chemically active and selective yet low‐cost electrocatalysts. Herein, we report that N, P co‐doped porous carbon (NPC) with trace Fe (0.028 wt%) (Fe‐NPC) can serve as an electrocatalyst for the NRR in NaOH aqueous solution under ambient conditions. The Fe‐NPC catalyst exhibits significantly enhanced NRR activity compared with NPC, owing to the N, P co‐doped effect and trace Fe species active sites in the carbon material. The highest faradaic efficiency and ammonia yield of Fe‐NPC at −0.1 V vs. RHE reached 5.3 % and 4.36 μg h−1 mg−1cat. Furthermore, the electrochemical reaction mechanism on the Fe‐NPC electrode was investigated by electrochemical in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and suggested an associative pathway.
Hollow Spheres Consisting of SnS Nanosheets Conformally Coated with S‐Doped Carbon for Advanced Lithium‐/Sodium‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Guo Weiyuan , Ding Kang , Mei Shixiong , Li Xingxing , Feng Xiaoyu , Guo Siguang , Fu Jijiang , Zhang Xuming , Gao Biao , Huo Kaifu , Chu Paul K.
Published: December 2019

Although tin sulfide is a promising anode material for lithium‐ and sodium‐ion batteries due to the layered structure and high theoretical capacity, the large volume expansion and poor kinetics have seriously hindered further development and application. In this work, hollow spheres consisting of in situ generated SnS nanosheets (SnS@C HSs) conformally coated with S‐doped carbon are fabricated using polystyrene spheres as the self‐sacrifice template and carbon source. The SnS@C HSs with a large SnS interlayer distance, S‐doped carbon matrix, and hollow structure not only relieve the pressure caused by volume expansion during cycling, but also promote fast transfer of lithium/sodium ions leading to a high pseudocapacitance. The SnS@C HSs have excellent electrochemical properties in both LIBs and SIBs such as high capacity, high rate, and outstanding cycling stability. The use of a self‐sacrifice template is demonstrated to be a convenient and efficient strategy to design and prepare carbon‐coated metal hollow spheres for efficient energy storage and conversion.
Direct Asymmetric Hydrogenation and Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of Aryl Ketones Catalyzed by an Iridium‐NHC Exhibiting High Enantio‐ and Diastereoselectivity
Authors: Ayya Swamy P Chinna , Varenikov Andrii , de Ruiter Graham
Published: December 2019

A chiral iridium carbene‐oxazoline catalyst is reported that is able to directly and efficiently hydrogenate a wide variety of ketones in excellent yields and good enantioselectivity (up to 93 % ee). Moreover, when using racemic α‐substituted ketones, excellent diastereoselectivities were obtained (dr 99:1) by dynamic kinetic resolution of the in situ formed enolate. Overall, the herein described hydrogenation occurs under ambient conditions using low hydrogen pressures, providing a direct and atom efficient method towards chiral secondary alcohols.
Simultaneous Spin‐Crossover Transition and Conductivity Switching in a Dinuclear Iron(II) Coordination Compound Based on 7,7′,8,8′‐Tetracyano‐p‐quinodimethane
Authors: Ishikawa Ryuta , Ueno Shuya , Nifuku Shoei , Horii Yoji , Iguchi Hiroaki , Miyazaki Yuji , Nakano Motohiro , Hayami Shinya , Kumagai Shohei , Katoh Keiichi , Li Zhao‐Yang , Yamashita Masahiro , Kawata Satoshi
Published: December 2019

Invited for the cover of this issue are Ryuta Ishikawa and Satoshi Kawata at Fukuoka University and co‐workers at Osaka University, Tohoku University, and Kumamoto University, Japan, collaborating within the research project “SOFT CRYSTALS”. The image depicts the thermally induced simultaneous switching of magnetism and electrical conductivity in a two‐dimensional supramolecular architecture composed of dinuclear FeII spin‐crossover complexes and partially charged 7,7′,8,8′‐tetracyano‐p‐quinodimethanide radicals. 10.1002/chem.201903934.
Hydrogen Isotope Exchange Catalyzed by Ru Nanocatalysts: Labelling of Complex Molecules Containing N‐Heterocycles and Reaction Mechanism Insights
Authors: Pfeifer Viktor , Certiat Marie , Bouzouita Donia , Palazzolo Alberto , Garcia‐Argote Sébastien , Marcon Elodie , Buisson David‐Alexandre , Lesot Philippe , Maron Laurent , Chaudret Bruno , Tricard Simon , del Rosal Iker , Poteau Romuald , Feuillastre Sophie , Pieters Grégory
Published: December 2019

Ruthenium nanocatalysis can provide effective deuteration and tritiation of oxazole, imidazole, triazole and carbazole substructures in complex molecules using D2 or T2 gas as isotopic sources. Depending on the substructure considered, this approach does not only represent a significant step forward in practice, with notably higher isotope uptakes, a broader substrate scope and a higher solvent applicability compared to existing procedures, but also the unique way to label important heterocycles using hydrogen isotope exchange. In terms of applications, the high incorporation of deuterium atoms, allows the synthesis of internal standards for LC‐MS quantification. Moreover, the efficacy of the catalyst permits, even under subatmospheric pressure of T2 gas, the preparation of complex radiolabeled drugs owning high molar activities. From a fundamental point of view, a detailed DFT‐based mechanistic study identifying undisclosed key intermediates, allowed a deeper understanding of C−H (and N−H) activation processes occurring at the surface of metallic nanoclusters.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement over age 90: Risks vs benefits
Authors: Galatas Christos , Afilalo Jonathan
Published: December 2019

As the population ages, clinicians will encounter a growing number of nonagenarians suffering from severe aortic stenosis who may be candidates for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). By virtue of a healthy survivor effect or a referral bias, these patients may paradoxically have greater resilience and fewer comorbidities than their octogenarian counterparts. They tend to, on average, tolerate the TAVR procedure quite well with low in‐hospital and 1‐year mortality rates of 5.5% and 23%, respectively. Appropriate patient selection should consider individualized estimates of procedural risk, potential for functional recovery and for improved quantity and quality of life. Frailty is much more revealing than chronological age, and it can be measured by brief tools such as the Essential Frailty Toolset. Ultimately, the process of shared decision‐making is paramount to ensure that the course of action is patient‐centered and balances the procedure's expected risks and benefits with the nonagenarian's preferences and values.
Causes of death after breast cancer diagnosis: A US population‐based analysis
Authors: Afifi Ahmed M. , Saad Anas M. , Al‐Husseini Muneer J. , Elmehrath Ahmed Osama , Northfelt Donald W. , Sonbol Mohamad Bassam
Published: December 2019

Background

The focus on noncancer causes of death in patients with breast cancer (BC) remains superficial. The objective of the current study was to assess and quantify causes of death after BC diagnosis.

Methods

In total, 754,270 women with BC in the United States who were diagnosed during 2000 through 2015 and retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program were studied. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for causes of death were calculated.

Results

Of the included patients, 183,002 (24.3%) died during the follow‐up period. The greatest proportion of deaths (46.2%) occurred within 1 to 5 years after diagnosis. Most deaths occurred from BC itself or from other cancers, and the number of BC deaths decreased as more years passed after diagnosis. The most common noncancer causes of death within <10 years after diagnosis were heart diseases followed by cerebrovascular diseases. However, >10 years after diagnosis, the most common noncancer causes of death were heart diseases followed by Alzheimer disease. Patients had a statistically significant higher risk of death from chronic liver diseases within 5 to 10 years after diagnosis compared with the general population (SMR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.09‐1.38) and had statistically significant higher risks of death from Alzheimer disease (SMR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.14‐1.29) and from diseases of the heart (SMR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02‐1.09) >10 years after diagnosis.

Conclusions

Although BC remains the most common cause of death after BC diagnosis, other non‐BC causes of death (mainly heart and cerebrovascular diseases) represent a significant number of deaths among patients with BC. These findings provide important insight into how BC survivors should be counselled regarding future health risks.
Can linguistic analysis be used to identify whether adolescents with a chronic illness are depressed?
Authors: Jones Lauren Stephanie , Anderson Emma , Loades Maria , Barnes Rebecca , Crawley Esther
Published: December 2019

Comorbid depression is common in adolescents with chronic illness. We aimed to design and test a linguistic coding scheme for identifying depression in adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME), by exploring features of e‐consultations within online cognitive behavioural therapy treatment. E‐consultations of 16 adolescents (aged 11–17) receiving FITNET‐NHS (Fatigue in teenagers on the interNET in the National Health Service) treatment in a national randomized controlled trial were examined. A theoretically driven linguistic coding scheme was developed and used to categorize comorbid depression in e‐consultations using computerized content analysis. Linguistic coding scheme categorization was subsequently compared with classification of depression using the Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale published cut‐offs (t‐scores ≥65, ≥70). Extra linguistic elements identified deductively and inductively were compared with self‐reported depressive symptoms after unblinding. The linguistic coding scheme categorized three (19%) of our sample consistently with self‐report assessment. Of all 12 identified linguistic features, differences in language use by categorization of self‐report assessment were found for “past focus” words (mean rank frequencies: 1.50 for no depression, 5.50 for possible depression, and 10.70 for probable depression; p < .05) and “discrepancy” words (mean rank frequencies: 16.00 for no depression, 11.20 for possible depression, and 6.40 for probable depression; p < .05). The linguistic coding profile developed as a potential tool to support clinicians in identifying comorbid depression in e‐consultations showed poor value in this sample of adolescents with CFS/ME. Some promising linguistic features were identified, warranting further research with larger samples.
Diagnostic utility of urine cytology in detection of decoy cells in renal transplant patients: Report of five cases and review of literature
Authors: Tummidi Santosh , Kothari Kanchan , Agnihotri Mona , Naik Leena , Rojekar Amey
Published: December 2019

BK polyoma virus (PV) is one of the commonest post‐transplant viral infections, affecting approximately 15% of renal transplantation recipients, leading to graft failure in more than half of cases. The epithelial cells with polyoma viral inclusions in urine cytology specimens are termed “decoy cells” to caution pathologists not to misdiagnose these cells as cancer cells. The infected cells in urinary sediments are characterized by enlarged nucleus, basophilic intranuclear homogenous inclusions, and ground glass chromatin, which may cause diagnostic error in urine cytology. We report five cases of renal transplant patients, in which urine sample was positive for decoy cells. Routine urine cytology of post renal transplant patients with worsening renal function is a useful screening procedure to rule out PV reactivation, before ascertaining transplant rejection. Its cost‐effectiveness in addition to the short processing time makes it an invaluable tool in the evaluation of transplant recipients with symptoms suggestive of graft rejection.