bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Home‐ and community‐level predictors of social connection in nursing home residents: A scoping review
Authors: Clemens Sara , Aelick Katelynn , Babineau Jessica , Bretzlaff Monica , Edwards Cathleen , Gibson Josie‐Lee , Hewitt Colborne Debbie , Iaboni Andrea , Lender Dee , Schon Denise , Snowball Ellen , McGilton Katherine S. , Bethell Jennifer
Published: July 2022

Background and Aims

Social connection is associated with better physical and mental health and is an important aspect of the quality of care for nursing home residents. The primary objective of this scoping review was to answer the question: what nursing home and community characteristics have been tested as predictors of social connection in nursing home residents? The secondary objective was to describe the measures of social connection used in these studies.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE(R) ALL (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), APA PsycINFO (Ovid), Scopus, Sociological Abstracts (ProQuest), Embase and Embase Classic (Ovid), Emcare Nursing (Ovid), and AgeLine (EBSCO) for research that quantified associations between nursing home and/or community characteristics and resident social connection. Searches were limited to English‐language articles published from database inception to search date (July 2019) and update (January 2021).

Results

We found 45 studies that examined small‐scale home‐like settings (17 studies), facility characteristics (14 studies), staffing characteristics (11 studies), care philosophy (nine studies), and community characteristics (five studies). Eight studies assessed multiple home or community‐level exposures. The most frequent measures of social connection were study‐specific assessments of social engagement (11 studies), the Index of Social Engagement (eight studies) and Qualidem social relations (six studies), and/or social isolation (five studies) subscales. Ten studies assessed multiple social connection outcomes.

Conclusion

Research has assessed small‐scale home‐like settings, facility characteristics, staffing characteristics, care philosophy, and community characteristics as predictors of social connection in nursing home residents. In these studies, there was no broad consensus on best approach(es) to the measurement of social connection. Further research is needed to build an evidence‐base on how modifiable built environment, staffing and care philosophy characteristics—and the interactions between these factors—impact residents' social connection.
Palovarotene for Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP): Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Phase 2 Trial
Authors: Pignolo Robert J. , Baujat Geneviève , Hsiao Edward C. , Keen Richard , Wilson Amy , Packman Jeff , Strahs Andrew L. , Grogan Donna R. , Kaplan Frederick S.
Published: July 2022

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an ultra-rare genetic disorder characterized by progressive heterotopic ossification (HO), often heralded by flare-ups, leading to reduced movement and life expectancy. This placebo-controlled, double-blind trial (NCT02190747) evaluated palovarotene, an orally bioavailable selective retinoic acid receptor gamma agonist, for prevention of HO in patients with FOP. Patients experiencing a flare-up were enrolled in two cohorts: (1) patients ≥15 years were randomized 3:1 to palovarotene 10/5 mg (weeks 1–2/3–6) or placebo; (2) patients ≥6 years were randomized 3:3:2 to palovarotene 10/5 mg, palovarotene 5/2.5 mg (weeks 1–2/3–6), or placebo. Cohort data were pooled. The primary endpoint was the proportion of responders (no/minimal new HO at flare-up body region by plain radiograph) at week 6. Change from baseline in HO volume and new HO incidence were assessed by computed tomography (CT) at week 12. Tissue edema was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound. Forty patients (aged 7–53 years) were enrolled (placebo: n = 10; palovarotene 5/2.5 mg: n = 9; palovarotene 10/5 mg: n = 21). Disease history was similar between groups. In the per-protocol population, the proportion of responders at week 6 by plain radiograph was 100% with palovarotene 10/5 mg; 88.9% with palovarotene 5/2.5 mg; 88.9% with placebo (Cochran-Armitage trend test: p = 0.17). At week 12, the proportions were 95.0% with palovarotene 10/5 mg; 88.9% with palovarotene 5/2.5 mg; 77.8% with placebo (Cochran-Armitage trend test: p = 0.15). Week 12 least-squares mean (LSmean) new HO volume, assessed by CT, was 3.8 × 103 mm3 with palovarotene 10/5 mg; 1.3 × 103 mm3 with palovarotene 5/2.5 mg; 18.0 × 103 mm3 with placebo (pairwise tests versus placebo: p ≤ 0.12). Palovarotene was well-tolerated. No patients discontinued treatment or required dose reduction; one patient had dose interruption due to elevated lipase. Although these findings were not statistically significant, they support further evaluation of palovarotene for prevention of HO in FOP in larger studies. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Multiscale segmentation‐ and error‐guided iterative convolutional neural network for cerebral neuron segmentation in microscopic images
Authors: You Zhenzhen , Jiang Ming , Shi Zhenghao , Zhao Minghua , Shi Cheng , Du Shuangli , Hérard Anne‐Sophie , Souedet Nicolas , Delzescaux Thierry
Published: July 2022

This article uses microscopy images obtained from diverse anatomical regions of macaque brain for neuron semantic segmentation. The complex structure of brain, the large intra‐class staining intensity difference within neuron class, the small inter‐class staining intensity difference between neuron and tissue class, and the unbalanced dataset increase the difficulty of neuron semantic segmentation. To address this problem, we propose a multiscale segmentation‐ and error‐guided iterative convolutional neural network (MSEG‐iCNN) to improve the semantic segmentation performance in major anatomical regions of the macaque brain. After evaluating microscopic images from 17 anatomical regions, the semantic segmentation performance of neurons is improved by 10.6%, 4.0%, 1.5%, and 1.2% compared with Random Forest, FCN‐8s, U‐Net, and UNet++, respectively. Especially for neurons with brighter staining intensity in the anatomical regions such as lateral geniculate, globus pallidus and hypothalamus, the performance is improved by 66.1%, 23.9%, 11.2%, and 6.7%, respectively. Experiments show that our proposed method can efficiently segment neurons with a wide range of staining intensities. The semantic segmentation results are of great significance and can be further used for neuron instance segmentation, morphological analysis and disease diagnosis. Cell segmentation plays a critical role in extracting cerebral information, such as cell counting, cell morphometry and distribution analysis. Accurate automated neuron segmentation is challenging due to the complex structure of brain, the large intra‐class staining intensity difference within neuron class, the small inter‐class staining intensity difference between neuron and tissue class, and the unbalanced dataset. The proposed multiscale segmentation‐ and error‐guided iterative convolutional neural network (MSEG‐iCNN) improve the segmentation performance in 17 major anatomical regions of the macaque brain.

Highlights

Cell segmentation plays a critical role in extracting cerebral information, such as cell counting, cell morphometry and distribution analysis.

Accurate automated neuron segmentation is challenging due to the complex structure of brain, the large intra‐class staining intensity difference within neuron class, the small inter‐class staining intensity difference between neuron and tissue class, and the unbalanced dataset.

The proposed multiscale segmentation‐ and error‐guided iterative convolutional neural network (MSEG‐iCNN) improve the segmentation performance in 17 major anatomical regions of the macaque brain.
Role of endoscopic evaluation prior to diagnostic transesophageal echocardiography: Is it necessary?
Authors: Sandhu Sunny , Alhankawi Dhuha , Roytman Marina , Jain Ratnali , Prajapati Devang
Published: July 2022

Background and Aim

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is often performed prior to transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) to evaluate for esophageal pathologies. Although TEE is a safe procedure, some contraindications exist, such as esophageal varices. The incidence of bleeding with TEE is <0.01%, which questions the need for this routine invasive procedure prior to TEE. We sought to characterize patients in whom pre‐TEE endoscopy was requested to determine its clinical utility and identify those that would most benefit.

Methods

We retrospectively studied patients who underwent EGD for TEE clearance between January 2014 and October 2019. We assessed how often EGD changed management and complications after TEE in those with EGD abnormalities.

Results

Eighty‐three patients were included. Twenty‐three percent had prior GI bleed, 63% had cirrhosis, 18% had known varices, and 7% had prior variceal bleed. The most common EGD findings were varices (33%). Eighty‐one percent proceeded with TEE. Reasons for TEE deferral included varices (12.5%), high‐risk bleeding lesion (12.5%), and mechanical abnormality (12.5%). In the majority (37.5%), TEE was deemed no longer indicated. No patient undergoing TEE had significant hemoglobin drop or overt bleeding. The most common reason for not performing TEE was unrelated to EGD findings: lack of ongoing indication for TEE.

Conclusion

Based on our study, EGD is likely not needed for TEE clearance in patients with varices or prior GI bleed. Given that data are limited in patients with abnormalities such as strictures, EGD may still be warranted for these patients. Further studies to identify which patients will benefit from pre‐TEE endoscopy are warranted.
Targeting TRPV1 activity via high‐dose capsaicin in patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Glaros Alexander K. , Callaghan Michael U. , Smith Wally R. , Zaidi Ahmar U.
Published: July 2022

Evidence suggests neuropathic pain (NP) develops over time in sickle cell disease (SCD), contributing to a complex, difficult‐to‐treat phenotype, with management based on scant evidence. One characteristic of NP found is hyperalgesia caused by nervous system sensitization, but risk factors for this have not been identified within the SCD population, as exact mechanisms leading to its development are not well defined. The SPICE (Sickle cell Pain: Intervention with Capsaicin Exposure) trial was a pilot safety and feasibility trial of high‐dose (8%) topical capsaicin for patients with SCD and recurrent/chronic pain with neuropathic features, aimed at exploring capsaicin's utility as a mechanistic probe and adjunctive pain treatment for this population. Ten participants identifying “target” sites of pain with NP‐type qualities consented to treatment. The primary endpoint was safety/tolerability. The novel Localized Peripheral Hypersensitivity Relief score (LPHR) was developed to determine improvement in sensitivity attributable to TRPV1 neutralization. There were no severe treatment‐related adverse events. Higher baseline pain sensitivity at a given body site was associated with self‐reported history of more frequent localized vaso‐occlusive pain episodes at that site. There was a statistically significant improvement in the mean LPHR, evidencing TRPV1's importance to the development of hypersensitivity and a potential therapeutic benefit of capsaicin for SCD.
The impact of Chinese aid on political trust
Authors: Atitianti Philip Akrofi
Published: July 2022

This paper examines whether Chinese aid impacts citizens' trust in government by matching geocoded data on Chinese aid projects located in sub‐Sahara Africa (SSA) between 2000 and 2014 to respondents from rounds 3 to 6 of Afrobarometer survey. Implementing an instrumental variable (IV) estimation to control for the potential endogeneity of aid, this paper finds robust evidence that Chinese aid reduces trust in government. The decline in trust seems to be because the aid projects stimulate poor assessments of government performance and perceptions that government officials are involved in corrupt activities. Replication analysis reveals that World Bank projects are no different and also reduce trust in government. Consequently, these findings reignite concerns about the unintended consequences of aid and the need to adopt implementation approaches that mitigate unintended adverse outcomes.
City connectivity via global intra‐firm linkages: An analysis of Indian cities
Authors: Das Swayam Prava
Published: July 2022

This paper analyses the global connectivity of Indian cities to understand the varying pace of city growth in the context of Indian Urban Development. Using Globalisation and World City (GaWC) network's 2016 data, this paper examines each city's connectivity via their intra‐firm–office transactions. First, Mumbai, New Delhi and Bangalore were identified as the top‐most group strongly linked with the advanced economies in North America and Europe. Second, India's second category cities—Chennai, Calcutta, Hyderabad, Pune and Ahmedabad—had dominant connectedness with South Asian cities growing at a moderate pace. Third, the lowest‐tier cities—Allahabad, Nagpur and Nashik—were fast catching up with their global service activities, demonstrating India's emerging South–South multilateral cooperation. Confirming to the global urban literature, the above pattern reflects those greater intra‐firm linkages that contributed to higher connectivity between cities, being leveraged through the ICT infrastructure growing beyond the primary (X) citiesto engage smart (Y) cities. This finding provides evidence against postcolonial critiques that argued for place‐specific history of colonial cities explaining emerging geographies.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation preserves muscle strength early after total knee arthroplasty: Effects on muscle fiber size
Authors: Cheuy Victor A. , Dayton Michael R. , Hogan Craig A. , Graber Jeremy , Anair Bradley M. , Voigt Thomas B. , Nelms Nathaniel J. , Stevens‐Lapsley Jennifer E. , Toth Michael J.
Published: July 2022

Loss of quadriceps strength after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is most pronounced acutely but persists long‐term, negatively impacting physical function in daily activities. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) early after surgery is an effective adjuvant to standard of care rehabilitation (SOC) for attenuating strength loss following TKA, but the mechanisms whereby NMES maintains strength are unclear. This work aimed to determine the effects of early NMES on quadriceps strength and skeletal muscle fiber size 2 weeks after TKA compared to SOC. Patients scheduled for primary, unilateral TKA were enrolled and randomized into SOC (n = 9) or NMES plus SOC (n = 10) groups. NMES was started within 48 h of TKA, with 45‐min sessions twice a day for 2 weeks. Isometric quadriceps strength was assessed preoperatively and 2 weeks following TKA. Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies of the involved leg were performed at the same time points and immunohistochemistry conducted to assess muscle fiber cross‐sectional area and distinguish fiber types. Groups did not differ in age, body mass index, sex distribution, or preoperative strength. Both groups got weaker postoperatively, but the NMES group had higher normalized strength. After 2 weeks, the group receiving NMES and SOC had significantly greater MHC IIA and MHC IIA/IIX fiber size compared to SOC alone, with no group differences in MHC I fiber size. These results suggest that NMES mitigates early muscle weakness following TKA, in part, via effects on fast‐twitch, type II muscle fiber size. This investigation advances our understanding of how adjuvant, early postoperative NMES aids muscle strength recovery.
Exploiting the anaerobic fermentation of alfalfa as a renewable source of squalene
Authors: Zong Cheng , Wu Qifeng , Shao Tao , Dong Zhihao , Liu Qinhua
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

The use of alfalfa is a promising response to the increasing demand for squalene. Ensiling could enhance the squalene content of fresh alfalfa and silage. To investigate and exploit the anaerobic fermentation of forage as a new squalene source, alfalfa was ensiled without (CON) or with molasses (ML) and sunflower seed oil (SSL) for 10, 40, and 70 days.

RESULTS

Naturally ensiled alfalfa was of poor quality but had up to 1.93 times higher squalene content (P < 0.001) than fresh alfalfa. The squalene‐producing bacteria were found to be cocci lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Adding ML and SSL decreased squalene content (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001) by 6.89% and 11.6%, respectively. Multiple linear regression models and correlation analysis indicated that squalene synthase was the key enzyme for squalene synthesis. The addition of ML and SSL altered the structure of LAB communities, mainly decreasing the relative abundance of cocci LAB, which was responsible for squalene synthesis, and changing the fermentation products (lactic acid, propionic acid, and ammonia‐N) influencing the squalene‐related enzymes, thereby decreasing squalene production. Compared with squalene production from the reference bacteria (Pediococcus acidilactici Ch‐2, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Bacillus subtilis, engineered Escherichia coli), alfalfa silage had the potential to be a new squalene source.

CONCLUSION

Natural ensiled alfalfa was a promising source for squalene, and ensiling was a potential pathway to obtain novel high‐yield squalene bacteria. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Risk factors associated with 30‐day complications following lower extremity sarcoma surgery: A national surgical quality improvement project analysis
Authors: Hudson Todd , Burke Connor , Mullner Donna , Herrera Fernando A.
Published: July 2022

Background

Our study aims to identify risk factors associated with complications in lower extremity (LE) sarcoma surgery, as well as the prevalence and complications associated with concurrent plastic surgery procedures (CPSP).

Methods

ACS‐NSQIP database was accessed to identify patients treated for LE sarcoma (2010−2019). Patient demographics, preoperative lab, comorbidities, tumor type, location, principle procedure, and presence/characteristics of CPSPs were recorded. Thirty‐day soft tissue complications were analyzed. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed on IBM SPSS.™

Results

Nine hundred eighteen patients were included (483 males and 435 females), average age and body mass index (BMI) of 57 and 27.4 kg/m,2 respectively. Comorbidities included smoking (13.9%, 128), hypertension (37.3%, 342), and insulin‐dependent diabetes (3.7%, 34). Preoperative lab values included albumin <3.5 (6.8%, 63), hematocrit <30% (8.2%, 75), and platelet count <150 000 (5.9%, 54). Thirty‐day soft tissue complication rate was 5.7% (52 of 918). On multivariate logistic regression, increased age (p = 0.039), higher BMI (p = 0.017), and longer operative times (p = 0.002) were significant risk factors independently associated with soft tissue complications.

Conclusions

Soft tissue complications within 30 days occur in 6% of patients. Graft procedures carry a 20% risk of complications. Risk factors independently associated with complications include increased age, increased BMI, and longer operative times.
Long‐term experience with intraoperative electron radiation therapy boost in extremity sarcoma
Authors: Laughlin Brady S. , Golafshar Michael A. , Lin Keldon , Goulding Krista , Roesler Kimberly , Vern‐Gross Tamara , Seetharam Mahesh , Zaniletti Isabella , Ashman Jonathan B.
Published: July 2022

Background

In patients with extremity soft tissue sarcoma (eSTS), we describe outcomes of preoperative external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), limb‐sparing surgery (LSS), and intraoperative electron radiation therapy (IOERT).

Methods

One hundred and eighteen patients with eSTS treated between October 17, 2002 and July 28, 2021 were identified. EBRT was delivered preoperatively followed by LSS and IOERT.

Results

The median follow‐up was 24.9 months. The presentation was primary in 102 (94%) patients and recurrent in 6 (6%) patients. Tumor location was lower extremity in 82 (76%) patients and upper extremity in 26 (24%) patients. Stage distribution was as follows: 3 (3%) IA, 24 (22%) IB, 31 (29%) II, 24 (22%) IIIA, and 25 (23%) IIIB. Final surgical margins were negative in 96 (89%) patients. The 5‐year local control, failure‐free survival, and overall survival were 94%, 75%, and 64%, respectively. Univariate analysis identified age >50, lower extremity, and higher grade as significant negative prognostic factors for overall survival. Grade 3 fracture or osteoradionecrosis requiring surgical fixation, neuropathy, and lymphedema occurred in 7 (6%), 1 (1%), and 0 patients, respectively.

Conclusions

This study represents one of the largest series using preoperative EBRT, LSS, and IOERT for eSTS, with high local control and a low rate of late severe toxicity.
Highly Reliable Sensitive Capacitive Tactile Sensor with Spontaneous Micron‐Pyramid Structures for Electronic Skins
Authors: Zhao Le , Yu Shihui , Li Junjun , Song Zichen , Wang Xiuyu
Published: July 2022

In recent years, it is still challenging to develop a capacitive tactile sensor with low cost, high sensitivity, and controllable morphology. Herein, the flexible capacitive pressure sensor (FCPS) with high sensitivity is fabricated via a one‐step template method to produce spontaneous micron‐pyramid structured polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) by releasing a four‐way stretched PDMS film treated with ultraviolet ozone exposure. The capacitive sensor is composed of two silver nanowire electrodes coated on polyimide substrate and a patterned PDMS dielectric layer sandwiching in the middle, exhibits an ultrahigh sensitivity of 15.66 kPa−1, an ultralow limit of detection of 0.2 Pa, a fast response time of 42.4 ms, and excellent cycling stability. The finite‐elemental analysis suggests that the uniform micro‐pyramid structures are vital to obtain ultrahigh sensitivity, low detection limit, and fast response. In particular, the FCPS can keep the tactile performance unchanged after 4000 repeated tests, reflecting the high robustness. In conclusion, the significant advantages of the sensor enable it to be well applied in the fields of sign language detection, spatial pressure distribution, and physiological signal monitoring, indicating that FCPS has a potential application prospect in the fields of flexible wearable electronic devices and electronic skins.
Deep Eutectic Solvent‐Based Ultra‐Stretchable, Anti‐Freezing, and Ambient‐Stable Supramolecular Ionogel for Wearable Sensor
Authors: Yang Jia , Fan Jianghuan , Liu Zhuangzhuang , Zhang Bin , Qin Gang , Liu Shuzheng , Shi Xinlei , Zhu Lin , Sun Gengzhi , Chen Qiang
Published: July 2022

Hydrogels are widely used in electronic devices due to their excellent properties. However, traditional hydrogels have problems such as freezing at low temperature and loss of water. Herein, a super‐stretchable, tough, self‐healing, and transparent supramolecular ionogel is fabricated by polymerizing N‐hydroxyethyl acrylamide in deep eutectic solvent (DES) without chemical cross‐linkers. The ionogel shows good self‐recovery and excellent fatigue resistance. Due to the use of DES without water, the prepared ionogel has low‐temperature resistance and environmental stability. Furthermore, the ionogel can be used as a strain sensor to monitor human movement, even at low temperatures. Therefore, this work provides a simple and promising strategy for designing DES‐based ionogels with freeze resistance and environmental stability.
Enhanced Barrier Property for Polyethylene Terephthalate–Polyethylene Naphthalate Copolymer by In Situ Polymerization with Graphene Oxide Nanosheets
Authors: Quan Li‐Jun , Liu Zhen‐Guo , Zhang Qiu‐Yu , Li Zhong‐Ming , Chen Yan‐Hui
Published: July 2022

In this paper, a series of polyethylene terephthalate‐polyethylene naphthalate copolymer (PETN) composites with high oxygen barrier properties are prepared by introducing trace of graphene oxide (GO) during the in situ polymerization. The single‐layer GO nanosheets with large lateral size (≈1.8 µm) and abundant functional groups are prepared by a combination of chemical exfoliation and solvent exchange. During the in situ polymerization process, some surface region of GO is grafted by PETN molecular chains with the grafting rate being 80%, which enhanced the interfacial interaction between GO and PETN matrix. Furthermore, the ungrafting surface region of GO is thermally reduced to the complete graphene. Due to the in‐plane stacking of grafted GO and reduced GO, and the increased crystallinity of PETN matrix, the oxygen transport path of the PETN film is greatly prolonged, which endowed the PETN nanocomposite films with highly improved oxygen barrier performance. When the GO content is only 0.1 wt%, the oxygen permeability coefficient of the nanocomposite films is as low as 38.9 cc mil m−2 d−1 0.1 MPa−1, which is ≈4.5 times lower than that of the pure PETN film. This work provides a new idea for the preparation of polyester materials with high oxygen barrier performance.
Influence of Block Copolymer Concentration and Resin Crosslink Density on the Properties of UV‐Curable Methacrylate Resin Systems
Authors: Demleitner Martin , Schönl Florian , Angermann Jörg , Fässler Pascal , Lamparth Iris , Rist Kai , Schnur Thomas , Catel Yohann , Rosenfeldt Sabine , Retsch Markus , Ruckdäschel Holger , Altstädt Volker
Published: July 2022

Additive manufacturing is on the verge of replacing established processes in dentistry, as it offers the possibility of manufacturing individual parts simply and cost‐effectively. Due to its suitability for a wide variety of materials and, above all, its high precision, the focus is currently on stereolithographic processes. Intrinsic brittleness of the used multifunctional acrylic monomers remains however one of the major challenges. One promising concept is the use of block copolymers (BCPs) guaranteeing minor effects on 3D‐printing processing and UV‐curing due to initially at least partial solubility, and hence low viscosity impact. A polycaprolactone‐polysiloxane (PCL‐PDMS‐PCL) triblock copolymer is synthesized via ring‐opening polymerization of caprolactone and used in radical UV‐cured methacrylic resin systems. Small angle X‐ray scattering measurements reveal the self‐assembly of the BCPs to objects of around 20 nm prior to curing. Subsequently, thermo‐mechanical characterization is carried out by dynamic mechanical analysis, flexural testing, and fracture toughness measurements (KIC). Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy micrographs show a homogenous distribution of the BCPs and effective toughening via cavitation and shear yielding. The influence of the crosslink density on the toughness and the high effectiveness of block copolymers for improving fracture toughness is clearly shown.
Diketoenamine‐Based Vitrimers via Thiol‐ene Photopolymerization
Authors: Dugas Logan D. , Walker William D. , Shankar Rahul , Hoppmeyer Keely S. , Thornell Travis L. , Morgan Sarah E. , Storey Robson F. , Patton Derek L. , Simon Yoan C.
Published: July 2022

Likened to both thermosets and thermoplastics, vitrimers are a unique class of materials that combine remarkable stability, healability, and reprocessability. Herein, this work describes a photopolymerized thiol‐ene‐based vitrimer that undergoes dynamic covalent exchanges through uncatalyzed transamination of enamines derived from cyclic β‐triketones, whereby the low energy barrier for exchange facilitates reprocessing and enables rapid depolymerization. Accordingly, an alkene‐functionalized β‐triketone, 5,5‐dimethyl‐2‐(pent‐4‐enoyl)cyclohexane‐1,3‐dione, is devised which is then reacted with 1,6‐diaminohexane in a stoichiometrically imbalanced fashion (≈1:0.85 primary amine:triketone). The resulting networks exhibit subambient glass transition temperature (Tg = 5.66 °C) by differential scanning calorimetry. Using a Maxwell stress‐relaxation fit, the topology‐freezing temperature (Tv) is calculated to be −32 °C. Small‐amplitude oscillatory shear rheological analysis enables to identify a practical critical temperature above which the vitrimer can be successfully reprocessed (Tv,eff). Via the introduction of excess primary amines, this work can readily degrade the networks into monomeric precursors, which are in turn reacted with diamines to regenerate reprocessable networks. Photopolymerization provides unique spatiotemporal control over the network topology, thereby opening the path for further investigation of vitrimer properties. As such, this work expands the toolbox of chemical upcycling of networks and enables their wider implementation.
Precursor Customized Assembly of Wafer‐Scale Polymerized Aniline Thin Films for Ultrasensitive NH3 Detection
Authors: Yang Dongzi , Sheng Guan , Lu Jie , Tong Xiaoling , Li Shuo , Jiang Xingyu , Zhang Liang , Luo Jinrong , Shao Yanyan , Xia Zhou , Huang Lizhen , Chi Lifeng , Shao Yuanlong
Published: July 2022

2D conducting polymer thin film recently has garnered numerous interests as a means of combining the molecular aggregate ordering and promoting in‐plane charge transport for large‐scale/flexible organic electronics. However, it remains far from satisfactory for conducting polymer chains to achieve desirable surface topography and crystallinity due to lack of control over the precursor‐involved interfacial assembly. Herein, wafer‐size polyaniline (PANI) and tetra‐aniline thin films are developed via a controlled interfacial synthesis with customized surface morphology and crystallinity through two typical aniline precursors selective polymerization. Two crucial competing assembly mechanisms, a) direct interfacial polymerization, b) solution polymerization and subsequent interfacial assembly, are investigated to play a vital role in determining elemental chain length and aggregate architecture. The optimal PANI thin film manifests ultraflat surface topography and unambiguous crystalline domains, which also enabling fascinating ammonia sensing capability with 31.4% ppm−1 sensitivity, fast response time (88 s) with astonishing selectivity, repeatability, and recovery capability. The thus‐demonstrated strategy with wafer‐scale processing potential and flexible microdevice offers a promising route for large‐scale manufacturing thin‐film organic electronics.
Psychological support and demand for death education among Chinese college students during the COVID‐19 pandemic: The mediating role of neutral death attitude
Authors: Jiang Qi
Published: July 2022

Aim

This study aimed to explore the mediating role of neutral death attitude between psychological support and demand for death education among college students during COVID‐19.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted with 1800 college students selected by convenience and snowball sampling from 20 provinces and municipalities.

Methods

A questionnaire survey (The Psychological Support Scale, Demand for Death Education Scale and Neutral Death Attitude Scale) was distributed to 1800 college students.

Results

Psychological support had a significant positive predictive effect on demand for death education and neutral death attitude, with neutral death attitude partially regulating the demand for death education of college students after receiving psychological support.
Coparenting‐focused preventive intervention reduces postnatal maternal BMI and buffers impact of cortisol
Authors: Moran Lisa J. , Lee Jin‐Kyung , Jones Damon , Fronberg Kaitlin , Feinberg Mark E.
Published: July 2022

Objective

The postpartum period is a key life stage, contributing to increased maternal obesity risk. Current lifestyle interventions do not consider the role of a woman's partner in reducing stress and supporting lifestyle change. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of an intervention that seeks to enhance coparenting relationship quality on maternal BMI from before conception to 12 months post partum and whether the intervention moderated the association of changes in cortisol and BMI.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was used to assess an intervention (eight classes: four during and four following pregnancy) focusing on enhancing couple coparenting relationships during pregnancy and post partum (n = 57) compared with standard care (n = 53).

Results

The main outcome measures were changes in maternal BMI and cortisol. There was a smaller increase in BMI for mothers in intervention compared with control groups (mean [SE], −1.03 [0.42] kg/m2, p = 0.015). There was an interaction between intervention status and cortisol change predicting BMI change (p = 0.026), such that cortisol change significantly predicted BMI change among mothers in the control (p = 0.049) but not the intervention groups (p = 0.204).

Conclusions

A coparenting intervention improved maternal postpartum BMI, with this effect potentially related to ameliorating the negative effect of stress, as measured by cortisol, on BMI. The role of enhanced coparenting in improving maternal anthropometry warrants urgent attention.
Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Four years evaluation of protocols 2013 and 2016 in a single center in Indonesia, a lower‐middle‐income country
Authors: Sutaryo Sutaryo , Widjajanto Pudjo Hagung , Mulatsih Sri , Ardianto Bambang , Pangarso Alexandra Widita Swipratami , Supriyadi Eddy , Purwanto Ignatius , Adelin Claudia Priska , Lestari Rahmadani Puji , Sagoro Lintang , Christian Scholastika Dita , Sabrina Dea Sella , Verena Natasha , Kors Wijnanda Adriana , Kaspers Gertjan J. L. , Veerman Anjo J. P.
Published: July 2022

Background

The prognosis of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in Indonesia, a lower‐middle‐income country (LMIC), is lower than in high income countries (HICs). The Indonesian ALL2013 protocol resulted in too many toxic deaths (21%) and abandonments (11%). Therefore, we drafted an adapted protocol, ALL2016. Main changes: no anthracyclines in standard risk (SR), prednisone replaced dexamethasone at induction in high risk (HR), and anthracyclines and cyclophosphamide were rescheduled in HR.

Procedure

Patients (aged: 1–18 years) were stratified into SR and HR. HR was defined as age over 10 years, leucocyte count over 50 × 109/L, central nervous system (CNS) involvement, mediastinal mass, T‐cell phenotype, testicular involvement, or poor prednisone response.

Results

ALL2013 included 174 patients (106 SR and 68 HR) and ALL2016 188 (91 SR and 97 HR). Although the number of HR patients was significantly higher in ALL2016 (51.6% vs. 39.1%; p = .017), the outcome of ALL2016 improved over ALL2013 (4‐year‐probable overall survival (pOS) 60.1% vs. 50.0%; p = .042 and 4‐year‐probable event‐free survival (pEFS) 49.5% vs. 36.8%; p = .018). ALL2016 showed a nonsignificant advantage for SR patients (4‐year‐pEFS 56.0% vs. 47.2%; p = .220 and 4‐year‐pOS 70.3% vs. 61.3%; p = .166), but less toxic deaths (7% vs. 20%; p = .011). In HR group, the outcomes were significantly better in ALL2016 (4‐year‐pEFS 43.3% vs. 20.6%; p = .004; 4‐year‐pOS 50.5% vs. 32.4%; p = .014) especially due to less relapses (31% vs. 62%; p = .001). Isolated CNS relapses went down from 18 to 8% in HR (p = .010) and 11 to 5% in SR (p = .474). Both SR and HR showed lower numbers of abandonment in ALL2016 (6% vs. 14%; p = .039).

Conclusions

Overall ALL2016 results improved over ALL2013. Modest changes in protocol resulted in less initial toxicity and abandonments.
Pediatric hematology providers’ contraceptive practices for female adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease: A national survey
Authors: Askew Megan A. , Smaldone Arlene M. , Gold Melanie A. , Smith‐Whitley Kim , Strouse John J. , Jin Zhezhen , Green Nancy S.
Published: July 2022

Background

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) women with sickle cell disease (SCD) have increased pregnancy‐related health risks and are prescribed potentially teratogenic medications, yet limited data are available regarding pediatric SCD provider contraceptive practices. We aimed to assess pediatric hematology providers’ beliefs, practices, motivators, and barriers for providing contraceptive care to female AYAs with SCD.

Methods

Guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM), we developed a 25‐question, web‐based survey to assess practices. Survey links were distributed nationwide to pediatric SCD and/or general hematology providers through their publicly available emails and by request to directors of U.S.‐accredited Pediatric Hematology‐Oncology fellowship programs for distribution to their SCD providers. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi‐square analysis, and logistic regression.

Results

Of 177 respondents, 160 surveys meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed. Most providers reported counseling (77.5%) and referring female AYA patients for contraception (90.8%), but fewer reported prescribing contraception (41.8%). Proportionally fewer trainees provided counseling compared with established providers (54% vs. 85%, p < .001), with a similar trend for prescribing (p = .05). Prescription practices did not differ significantly by provider beliefs regarding potential teratogenicity of hydroxyurea. Key motivators included patient request and disclosure of sexual activity. Key barriers included inadequate provider training, limited visit time, and perceived patient/parent interest.

Conclusion

Provider contraceptive practices for female AYAs with SCD varied, especially by provider status. Health beliefs regarding teratogenic potential of hydroxyurea did not correlate with contraceptive practices. Clinical guidelines, provider training, and patient/parent decision‐making tools may be tested to assess whether provider contraceptive practices could be improved.
Rivaroxaban treatment among children with cancer‐associated thromboembolism: Real‐world data
Authors: Barg Assaf Arie , Levy‐Mendelovich Sarina , Gilad Oded , Yacobovich Joanne , Tamarin Ilia , Budnik Ivan , Golan Hana , Toren Amos , Kenet Gili
Published: July 2022

This is the first study examining real‐life data of pediatric cancer patients treated with rivaroxaban. Children with thrombocytopenia and high bleeding risk were excluded from previous clinical trials. Data regarding the safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban in pediatric cancer‐associated thrombosis are scarce. Our case series included 16 children aged 7.5–17 years. Thrombus resolution rate in our study was comparable to results of previous studies. However, higher rates of thrombotic and bleeding complications were seen in our study as compared to previous reports, especially among patients with relapsed or refractory disease.
Thermal and acoustic properties of silane and hydrogen peroxide treated oil palm/bagasse fiber based biophenolic hybrid composites
Authors: Ramlee Nor Azlina , Jawaid Mohammad , Zainudin Edi Syams , Yamani Shaikh Abdul Karim , Alamery Salman , Fouad Hassan , Santulli Carlo , Sarmin Siti Noorbaini
Published: July 2022

The consequence of 2% v/v silane‐treated and 4% v/v H2O2‐treated upon thermal and acoustic behavior of hybrid oil palm EFB (OPEFB) and sorghum stalks bagasse fiber (SCB) reinforced phenolic composites for wall thermal insulation application is discussed in this paper. Hand lay‐up approach was adopted to manufacture plain and hybrid composites with diverse formulation ratios such as 70:30 (7OPEFB:3SCB), 50:50 (5OPEFB:5SCB), and 30:70 (3OPEFB:7SCB). The experimental samples were manufactured with a purpose density of 0.5 g/cm3. Plain and hybrid composites were investigated for thermal analysis and thermal conductivity testing. Impedance tubes were used for acoustic behavior analysis of composites. Hybridization of H2O2 treated HT 50:50 (5OPEFB:5SCB) showed greater thermal cohesion with a final residual of 58.69%, followed by hybridization of silane‐treated ST 50:50 (5OPEFB:5SCB) with a residual of 45.10%. This study looks at four distinct air gap thicknesses (0 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, and 30 mm). The results reveal that silane‐treated ST 50:50 (5OPEFB:5SCB) hybrid composites and H2O2‐treated HT 50:50 (5OPEFB:5SCB) hybrid composites improved sound absorption coefficients more than 0.50. Thus, we concluded that thermal and sound absorption performances of hybrid composites from agro waste promise an environmentally friendly alternative solution in wall building material production.
Critical strain energy release rate of woven carbon/epoxy composites subjected to thermal cyclic loading
Authors: Sabaghi Mohammad , Taheri‐Behrooz Fathollah , Salamat‐Talab Mazaher
Published: July 2022

In the current study, experimental and numerical approaches were adopted to investigate the effect of thermal cyclic load on the delaminated beam behavior of woven carbon/epoxy laminated composites. For this purpose, composite specimens were prepared according to ASTM standard and subjected to 175 thermal cycles in the range of −30 to 60°C before conducting the mode I and mode II interlaminar fracture tests. Experimental results revealed that thermal cycles lead to a drop in maximum loading capacity of the delaminated beam as well as the interlaminar fracture toughness of the woven carbon/epoxy composites. The beam fracture toughness at initiation and propagation decreased by 8% and 12% under mode I loading and by 13.84% and 15.64% under mode II loading, respectively. In the numerical analysis, the cohesive zone model was utilized in order to predict the global response of the delaminated beams. The micro and scanning electron microscope images of fracture surfaces provide efficient insights into the identification of the main mechanisms contributing to decreasing fracture toughness under cyclic thermal load. These images show that specimens subjected to cyclic thermal load exhibited smoother surfaces, which could be due to weaker bonding between matrix and fibers after cyclic thermal loading.
Improving bonding strength of injection Overmolded composites
Authors: Akpınar Serkan , Metin Merve , Koçoğlu Hürol , Kodal Mehmet , Sezen Meltem , Özkoç Güralp , Altan M. Cengiz
Published: July 2022

The overmolding of short fiber reinforced polymer compounds onto continuous fiber reinforced composite substrates provides design flexibility and the ability to tailor stiffness, strength, and damage tolerance for structural applications. In this work, a novel molding approach that enhances the bonding strength by mechanical interlocking is presented. The effectiveness of the proposed approach was validated by characterization of the bonding strength between a short glass fiber PP (SGFPP) composite overmolded onto a continuous glass fiber reinforced PP (CGFRPP) prepreg. Enhancement of the bonding strength was achieved by judiciously drilling tapered holes on the CGFRPP substrate before molding, which facilitated better interlocking with the injection molded SGFPP composite. The overmolding of preheated composites with tapered holes yielded up to 60% improvement in bonding strength. In general, having multiple holes helped improve bonding up to certain hole diameter. Similarly, preheating of the substrate over a short time improved the interfacial adhesion, while extended  preheating resulted in a reduction of bonding quality. SEM analysis of the fracture surfaces after the tensile debonding test revealed that the SGFPP filled the holes on the substrate during overmolding.
The Arabidopsis T‐DNA mutant SALK_008491 carries a 14‐kb deletion on chromosome 3 that provides rare insights into the plant response to dynamic light stress
Authors: Lopez Laura S. , Völkner Carsten , Day Philip M. , Lewis Chance M. , Lewis Chase L. , Schneider Dominik , Correa Galvis Viviana , Cruz Jeffrey A. , Armbruster Ute , Kramer David M. , Kunz Hans‐Henning
Published: July 2022

In nature, plants experience rapid changes in light intensity and quality throughout the day. To maximize growth, they have established molecular mechanisms to optimize photosynthetic output while protecting components of the light‐dependent reaction and CO2 fixation pathways. Plant phenotyping of mutant collections has become a powerful tool to unveil the genetic loci involved in environmental acclimation. Here, we describe the phenotyping of the transfer‐DNA (T‐DNA) insertion mutant line SALK_008491, previously known as nhd1‐1. Growth in a fluctuating light regime caused a loss in growth rate accompanied by a spike in photosystem (PS) II damage and increased non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ). Interestingly, an independent nhd1 null allele did not recapitulate the NPQ phenotype. Through bulk sequencing of a backcrossed segregating F2 pool, we identified an ~14‐kb large deletion on chromosome 3 (Chr3) in SALK_008491 affecting five genes upstream of NHD1. Besides NHD1, which encodes for a putative plastid Na+/H+ antiporter, the stromal NAD‐dependent D‐3‐phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase 3 (PGDH3) locus was eradicated. Although some changes in the SALK_008491 mutant's photosynthesis can be assigned to the loss of PGDH3, our follow‐up studies employing respective single mutants and complementation with overlapping transformation‐competent artificial chromosome (TAC) vectors reveal that the exacerbated fluctuating light sensitivity in SALK_008491 mutants result from the simultaneous loss of PGDH3 and NHD1. Altogether, the data obtained from this large deletion‐carrying mutant provide new and unintuitive insights into the molecular mechanisms that function to protect the photosynthetic machinery. Moreover, our study renews calls for caution when setting up reverse genetic studies using T‐DNA lines. Although second‐site insertions, indels, and SNPs have been reported before, large deletion surrounding the insertion site causes yet another problem. Nevertheless, as shown through this research, such unpredictable genetic events following T‐DNA mutagenesis can provide unintuitive insights that allow for understanding complex phenomena such as the plant acclimation to dynamic high light stress.
Multi‐omics analysis reveals expression complexity and functional diversity of mouse kinome
Authors: Huang Xin , Li Ling , Zhou Suiping , Kong Dehui , Luo Jie , Lu Lu , Xu Hai‐Ming , Wang Xusheng
Published: July 2022

Protein kinases are a crucial component of signaling pathways involved in a wide range of cellular responses, including growth, proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Systematic investigation of protein kinases is critical to better understand phosphorylation‐mediated signaling pathways and may provide insights into the development of potential therapeutic drug targets. Here we perform a systems‐level analysis of the mouse kinome by analyzing multi‐omics data. We used bulk and single‐cell transcriptomic data from the C57BL/6J mouse strain to define tissue‐ and cell‐type‐specific expression of protein kinases, followed by investigating variations in sequence and expression between C57BL/6J and DBA/2J strains. We then profiled a deep brain phosphoproteome from C57BL/6J and DBA/2J strains as well as their reciprocal hybrids to infer the activity of the mouse kinome. Finally, we performed phenome‐wide association analysis using the BXD recombinant inbred (RI) mice (a cross between C57BL/6J and DBA/2J strains) to identify any associations between variants in protein kinases and phenotypes. Collectively, our study provides a comprehensive analysis of the mouse kinome by investigating genetic sequence variation, tissue‐specific expression patterns, and associations with downstream phenotypes.