bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pretreatment anxious depression as a predictor of side effect frequency and severity in escitalopram and aripiprazole adjunctive therapy
Authors: Espinola Caroline W. , Khoo Yuelee , Parmar Roohie , Demchenko Ilya , Frey Benicio N. , Milev Roumen V. , Ravindran Arun V. , Parikh Sagar V. , Ho Keith , Rotzinger Susan , Lou Wendy , Lam Raymond W. , Kennedy Sidney H. , Bhat Venkat ,   the CAN‐BIND Investigator Team
Published: March 2022

Objective

To report side effect frequency and severity in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) receiving escitalopram and aripiprazole adjunctive therapy and to examine whether pretreatment anxious depression is associated with the number and presence of specific side effects.

Methods

188 of the 211 trial participants provided information on side effects during treatment with escitalopram (10–20 mg) for 8 weeks, and nonresponders received further augmentation on aripiprazole (2–10 mg) adjunctive therapy for another 8 weeks, whereas responders remained on escitalopram. Participants completed the Toronto Side Effects Scale at weeks 2, 4, 10, and 12. Covariate‐adjusted negative binomial regression and Wilcoxon tests examined the association between anxious depression (GAD‐7 ≥ 10) and number of side effects. Covariate‐adjusted logistic regression and chi‐square tests explored the association between anxious depression and specific side effects.

Results

For both therapies, the most frequent side effects were also the most severe. They mostly related to the central nervous system (CNS) (i.e., drowsiness and nervousness). Between baseline and week 2, the number of side effects participants experienced (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.38, p = .010) or had trouble with (IRR = 1.34, p = .026) was significantly higher among those with anxious depression for escitalopram but not adjunctive aripiprazole. Further, odds of experiencing and having trouble with nervousness and agitation were also significantly higher in anxious depression for escitalopram only (p < .05).

Conclusion

Patients on escitalopram and aripiprazole adjunctive therapy may experience and have trouble with CNS side effects. Pretreatment anxious depression may predispose escitalopram recipients with MDD to developing side effects, especially those related to anxiety.
Smaller femoral neck anteversion in varus knees than in healthy and valgus knees
Authors: Kawahara Shinya , Hara Daisuke , Murakami Koji , Hamai Satoshi , Akasaki Yukio , Tsushima Hidetoshi , Banks Scott A. , Nakashima Yasuharu
Published: March 2022

It is important to investigate anatomical differences of the femur and tibia three‐dimensionally between varus and valgus knees to enhance surgical approaches and better understand structural factors related to specific patterns of osteoarthritis progression. Three‐dimensional femoral and tibial bone models were reconstructed from transverse computed‐tomography scans in varus osteoarthritis (43 knees), valgus osteoarthritis (40 knees), and healthy (32 knees) groups. Different coordinate systems were defined in each femoral bone model (“Knee” and “Hip” Coordinate System). Femoral neck inclination, lateral bowing, anterior bowing, and neck anteversion were measured and compared between knee and hip coordinate systems. Those parameters were also compared between varus, valgus, and healthy groups. The tibial anterior and lateral bowing, external torsion and the fibular axis relative to the tibial mechanical axis were measured and compared between varus and valgus groups. Femoral neck anteversion was significantly 1–2° greater in the hip coordinate system compared to the knee coordinate system. Femoral neck anteversion was significantly smaller in varus knees than in healthy or valgus knees, with average difference of approximately 5°. The knee and hip joint are often rotated externally relative to the trunk axis in patients with varus osteoarthritis, perhaps maintaining the geometric relations between pelvis and proximal femur (including peripheral hip muscles) regardless of knee deformities. The fibular axis was inclined slightly valgus and posteriorly in two groups. The results may inform hypotheses on, and future studies of, skeletal morphologic development and factors contributing to the progression of knee osteoarthritis.
Different Oligomeric States of the Tumor Suppressor p53 Show Identical Binding Behavior towards the S100β Homodimer
Authors: Wei Alan An Jung , Iacobucci Claudio , Schultze Wiebke , Ihling Christian H. , Arlt Christian , Sinz Andrea
Published: March 2022

The tumor suppressor protein p53 is a transcription factor that is referred to as the “guardian of the genome” and plays an important role in cancer development. p53 is active as a homotetramer; the S100β homodimer binds to the intrinsically disordered C‐terminus of p53 affecting its transcriptional activity. The p53/S100β complex is regarded as highly promising therapeutic target in cancer. It has been suggested that S100β exerts its oncogenic effects by altering the p53 oligomeric state. Our aim was to study the structures and oligomerization behavior of different p53/S100β complexes by ESI‐MS, XL‐MS, and SPR. Wild‐type p53 and single amino acid variants, representing different oligomeric states of p53 were individually investigated regarding their binding behavior towards S100β. The stoichiometry of the different p53/S100β complexes were determined by ESI‐MS showing that tetrameric, dimeric, and monomeric p53 variants all bind to an S100β dimer. In addition, XL‐MS revealed the topologies of the p53/S100β complexes to be independent of p53’s oligomeric state. With SPR, the thermodynamic parameters were determined for S100β binding to tetrameric, dimeric, or monomeric p53 variants. Our data prove that the S100β homodimer binds to different oligomeric states of p53 with similar binding affinities. This emphasizes the need for alternative explanations to describe the molecular mechanisms underlying p53/S100β interaction.
Enhancing Oxygen Reduction Reaction Activity Using Single Atom Catalyst Supported on Tantalum Pentoxide
Authors: Back Seoin , Bagherzadeh Mostaghimi Amir Hassan , Siahrostami Samira
Published: March 2022

Transition metal oxides have emerged as promising cost‐effective alternatives to Pt catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cell applications. However, their low stability under harsh electrochemical conditions hinders their widespread applications. Tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) has proven to be a stable material under ORR conditions, but its activity is limited. In this work, we incorporate single atom catalysts (SACs) in Ta2O5 to resolve the limited ORR activity of this material by altering the electronic structures of surface Ta atoms. We use density functional theory (DFT) calculations to identify the most promising SACs with enhanced ORR activity. Pt, Rh, and Ir, are found to be the most promising SACs with improved ORR activity and high stability. This work suggests that SACs are effective in enhancing Ta2O5 catalytic activities for ORR.
A Quantitative Method for Determining Uptake of Silica Nanoparticles in Macrophages by Single Particle Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Rogers Keegan L. , Cruz‐Hernandez Angela , Brown Jared M.
Published: March 2022

Engineered nanomaterials are becoming increasingly ubiquitous in our society, with numerous applications in medicine, consumer products, bioremediation, and advanced materials. As these nanomaterials increase in variety, analyzing their characteristics is of great importance. Single particle inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (SP‐ICP‐MS) is a high‐throughput, sensitive, and robust instrumental analysis method used to simultaneously characterize and quantify nanoparticles in a variety of matrices. One such type of nanoparticle of interest is amorphous silica nanoparticles (SiNPs). SiNPs have widespread use in consumer products such as food and cosmetics and are prime candidates for novel medical applications and uses in environmental bioremediation. Despite their increased use, SiNPs have been shown to have toxicological properties in vitro and in vivo, particularly with regard to the immune system. Because of the potential for increased SiNP exposure in the general public and in occupational settings, examining the relationship that SiNPs have with immune cells such as macrophages to elucidate mechanisms of toxicity is vital. To effectively determine the toxicity of nanoparticles, it is critical to examine dosimetry and the amount of nanoparticles taken up by the cell of interest. Different cell types have different uptake profiles, and varying physicochemical properties govern nanoparticle dosimetry and uptake in cells. Here, we describe a protocol using SP‐ICP‐MS to quantify and characterize the size, size distribution, and amount of SiNPs present in a cell and medium sample. We use a single‐step digestion, which allows for the digestion of biological matrices while simultaneously keeping the SiNPs intact for SP‐ICP‐MS analysis. Clinically, this approach has the potential to be used as a method for analyzing SiNPs in other biological matrices, potentially as a way of defining SiNP uptake as a biomarker in immune‐mediated diseases. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Treatment of cells with silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) and digestion of biological matrices

Support Protocol 1: Culturing RAW 264.7 cells for SiNP uptake assay

Support Protocol 2: Determination of SiNP size via dynamic light scattering

Support Protocol 3: Optimization of sample and ICP‐MS parameters for SP‐ICP‐MS analysis of cells and medium

Basic Protocol 2: Analysis and quantification of SiNP uptake in macrophages with SP‐ICP‐MS
Methods for Enhanced Fluorescence Detection of Proteins by using Entrapped Gold Nanoparticles in Membranes
Authors: Momenbeitollahi Nikan , van der Zalm Joshua , Chen Aicheng , Li Huiyan
Published: March 2022

Measuring protein levels from biofluids can provide important insight into human health and disease during various physiological and pathological conditions. In many situations, sensitive methods are required for protein quantification because at the early stages of many diseases, proteins in biofluids are present at very low concentrations. Here, a new and simple method is presented in the form of Basic and Alternative Protocols for an immunoassay performed on a nitrocellulose membrane, followed by the addition of gold nanoparticles prior to measuring fluorescence with a microscope. The assay protocol was optimized to achieve 3D metal‐enhanced fluorescence (MEF) with increased antibody‐binding capacity and enhanced fluorescence signals, improving assay sensitivity. Using different concentrations of spiked fluorescently labeled IgGs in pooled normal human plasma, a lower detection limit of 29 ng/ml was achieved. This limit of detection was found to be a thousand‐fold lower than the conventional 2D assay and one order of magnitude lower than when the assay was performed on a 3D membrane without MEF. This method provides an easy way to improve immunoassay sensitivity, and it can be simply transferred to other labs. It also can extend to fluorescence detection of other analytes beyond proteins. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: Assay in nitrocellulose membrane with entrapped AuNPs using commercially available AuNPs

Alternative Protocol: Assay in nitrocellulose membrane with entrapped AuNPs using lab‐made AuNPs
Blood‐brain barrier dysfunction and reduced cerebrospinal fluid levels of soluble amyloid precursor protein‐β in patients with subcortical small‐vessel disease
Authors: Kettunen Petronella , Bjerke Maria , Eckerström Carl , Jonsson Michael , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Svensson Johan , Wallin Anders
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Subcortical small‐vessel disease (SSVD) is the most common vascular cognitive disorder. However, because no disease‐specific cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers are available for SSVD, our aim was to identify such markers.

Methods

We included 170 healthy controls and patients from the Gothenburg Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) study clinically diagnosed with SSVD dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), or mixed AD/SSVD. We quantified CSF levels of amyloid‐β (Aβ)x‐38, Aβx‐40, Aβx‐42, as well as soluble amyloid precursor protein (sAPP)‐α and sAPP‐β.

Results

sAPP‐β was lower in SSVD patients than in AD patients and controls. Receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) analyses showed that sAPP‐β moderately separated SSVD from AD and controls. Moreover, the CSF/serum albumin ratio was elevated exclusively in SSVD and could moderately separate SSVD from the other groups in ROC analyses.

Discussion

SSVD has a biomarker profile that differs from that of AD and controls, and to some extent also from mixed AD/SSVD, suggesting that signs of blood‐brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction and sAPP‐β could be additional tools to diagnose SSVD.

Highlights

Patients with subcortical small‐vessel disease (SSVD) exhibited reduced levels of sAPP‐β and disturbances of the blood‐brain barrier (BBB).

This biochemical pattern is different from that of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to some degree from that of mixed AD/SSVD.

Our findings are speaking in favor of the concept that SSVD is a distinct vascular cognitive disorder (VCD) form.
Cortical surface variation in individuals with excessive smartphone use
Authors: Hirjak Dusan , Henemann Gudrun M. , Schmitgen Mike M. , Götz Larissa , Wolf Nadine D. , Kubera Katharina M. , Sambataro Fabio , Leménager Tagrid , Koenig Julian , Wolf Robert Christian
Published: March 2022

Excessive smartphone use has been repeatedly related to adverse effects on mental health and psychological well‐being in young adults. The continued investigation of the neurobiological mechanism underlying excessive smartphone use—sometimes also referred to as “smartphone addiction”(SPA)—is considered a top priority in system neuroscience research. Despite progress in the past years, cortical morphology associated with SPA is still poorly understood. Here, we used structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3 T to investigate two cortical surface markers of distinct neurodevelopmental origin such as the complexity of cortical folding (CCF) and cortical thickness (CTh) in individuals with excessive smartphone use (n = 19) compared to individuals not fulfilling SPA criteria (n‐SPA; n = 22). SPA was assessed using the Smartphone Addiction Inventory (SPAI). CCF and CTh were investigated using the Computational Anatomy Toolbox (CAT12). SPA individuals showed lower CCF in the right superior frontal gyrus as well as in the right caudal (cACC) and rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) compared to n‐SPA individuals (TFCE, uncorrected at p < 0.001). Following a dimensional approach, across the entire sample, CCF of the right cACC was significantly associated with SPAI total score, as well as with distinct SPAI subdimensions, particularly time spent with the device, compulsivity, and sleep interference in all participants (n = 41; p < 0.05, FDR‐corrected). Collectively, these findings suggest that SPA is associated with aberrant structural maturation of regions important for cognitive control and emotional regulation.
Rapid refeeding in anorexia nervosa: A dialectic balance
Authors: Staab Randolf , Campagna Julia , Ma Julia , Sengar Anjana
Published: March 2022

Objective

To examine the impact of our new rapid refeeding protocol on patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) in our Eating Disorders Program. We hypothesize that the new protocol would lead to a more rapid weight gain and a shorter length of stay, with no effect on medical complications or program completion.

Method

This cohort design included consecutive inpatients and day hospital patients admitted to the program with a BMI <18 kg/m2 and a diagnosis of AN between 2007 and 2020; N = 326 patients. Main outcomes measured were rate of weight gain and length of stay. Safety indicators included electrolyte disturbances and supplementation required, complications including refeeding syndrome and completion of the program. A p value <.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Total length of stay was 21 days shorter for patients on the rapid refeeding protocol compared to the traditional refeeding protocol. Patients on the new protocol gained 0.21 more kg/week compared to patients on the old protocol. There was no difference in completion rates between programs. Electrolyte imbalances were mild to moderate and easily treated with oral electrolyte supplementation. There were no deaths or cases of refeeding syndrome with either protocol.

Discussion

This is the first Canadian study to assess the effectiveness and safety of rapid refeeding in an adult population. Rapid refeeding protocols can be safely administered and are cost effective. Shorter hospital admissions are desirable to minimize possible regression and dependency on inpatient services and positively impacts patients' quality of life.

Public Significance

This study advances the idea that rapid refeeding in patients with anorexia nervosa can be administered safely and effectively with close medical monitoring. In addition, rapid refeeding leads to shorter hospital stays, with a cost‐savings to the health system. Shorter admissions are desirable to minimize possible regression and dependency on inpatient services and also positively impacts patients' quality of life.
Removing climbers more than doubles tree growth and biomass in degraded tropical forests
Authors: Finlayson Catherine , Roopsind Anand , Griscom Bronson W. , Edwards David P. , Freckleton Robert P.
Published: March 2022

Huge areas of tropical forests are degraded, reducing their biodiversity, carbon, and timber value. The recovery of these degraded forests can be significantly inhibited by climbing plants such as lianas. Removal of super‐abundant climbers thus represents a restoration action with huge potential for application across the tropics. While experimental studies largely report positive impacts of climber removal on tree growth and biomass accumulation, the efficacy of climber removal varies widely, with high uncertainty as to where and how to apply the technique. Using meta‐analytic techniques, we synthesize results from 26 studies to quantify the efficacy of climber removal for promoting tree growth and biomass accumulation. We find that climber removal increases tree growth by 156% and biomass accumulation by 209% compared to untreated forest, and that efficacy remains for at least 19 years. Extrapolating from these results, climber removal could sequester an additional 32 Gigatons of CO2 over 10 years, at low cost, across regrowth, and production forests. Our analysis also revealed that climber removal studies are concentrated in the Neotropics (N = 22), relative to Africa (N = 2) and Asia (N = 2), preventing our study from assessing the influence of region on removal efficacy. While we found some evidence that enhancement of tree growth and AGB accumulation varies across disturbance context and removal method, but not across climate, the number and geographical distribution of studies limits the strength of these conclusions. Climber removal could contribute significantly to reducing global carbon emissions and enhancing the timber and biomass stocks of degraded forests, ultimately protecting them from conversion. However, we urgently need to assess the efficacy of removal outside the Neotropics, and consider the potential negative consequences of climber removal under drought conditions and for biodiversity.
Synthesis of Chiral Ionic Liquids from Natural Monosaccharides
Authors: Ghirardello Mattia , Costantini Maira , Vecchi Alessandra , Pacifico Salvatore , Pazzi Daniele , Castiglione Franca , Mele Andrea , Marra Alberto
Published: March 2022

Three series of new ionic liquids (ILs), namely imidazolium‐, pyrazolium‐, and bis‐benzimidazolium‐containing ILs, were prepared from low‐cost, unprotected carbohydrates. Information on anion‐cation interactions and solvation shell were obtained via diffusion NMR and heteronuclear Overhauser correlation maps (HOESY), respectively.
Visible‐Light‐Promoted Metal‐Free Photocatalytic Direct Aromatic C−H Oxygenation
Authors: Bhuyan Samuzal , Gogoi Abhijit , Basumatary Joneswar , Gopal Roy Biswajit
Published: March 2022

Aromatic C−O bond is ubiquitous in natural product and pharmaceuticals, and their formation have significant importance in organic synthesis. A mild atom‐economic visible‐light photocatalytic approach has been developed for single‐step synthesis of diverse aryl alcohols, ethers and esters through direct C−H functionalization of aromatic ring at ambient condition. This approach uses DDQ as photocatalyst and TBN as co‐catalyst to facilitate the substitution of aromatic C−H by neutral nucleophile oxygen of water, alcohols and carboxylic acids and it uses aerobic oxygen as the terminal oxidant to produce water as the only by‐product.
Plant communities in veredas: distribution of native tree/shrubby regeneration and of the invasive species Pinus caribaea Morelet
Authors: Soares Danúbia Magalhães , Nascimento André R. Terra , Silva Lorena Cunha , Oliveira Cláudio Henrique Eurípedes de , Morais Isa Lucia de
Published: March 2022

This work aimed to identify: (1) heterogeneity patterns in veredas, considering tree/shrubby regeneration and chemical and physical characteristics of the soil; (2) how the vereda zones (edge, intermediate and core) can influence the tree/shrubby regeneration and (3) which microenvironmental characteristics determine the distribution of native tree/shrubby regenerants and of the invasive species Pinus caribaea Morelet. For this, we collected environmental and biophysical data and sampled the regeneration of tree/shrubby species in 30 plots in two different veredas. The moisture and chemical characteristics of the soil, and regeneration composition were similar among the vereda zones, but showed important variations among sample units. In addition to soil moisture, soil chemical elements and canopy coverage characteristics also formed environmental gradients. The native tree/shrubby species occupied different positions along the environmental gradient of the veredas. The invasive species P. caribaea was more concentrated in less declined sites, in more basic and more humid soils, together with most native species. In general, the results demonstrate the absence of clear zoning, as well as the importance of environmental heterogeneity and the control of biological invasion for the maintenance of native tree/shrub regeneration.
Implementation of routine first‐trimester combined screening for preeclampsia based on the Gaussian algorithm: A clinical effectiveness study
Authors: Mendoza Manel , Bonacina Erika , Serrano Berta , Ricart Marta , Martin Lourdes , Lopez‐Quesada Eva , Vives Angels , Maroto Anna , Garcia‐Manau Pablo , De Antonio Clementina , Tusquets Cristina , Moreano Gabriela , Armengol‐Alsina Mireia , Carreras Elena
Published: March 2022

Objective

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the routine first‐trimester screening for preeclampsia (PE) after being implemented in six Catalan maternities.

Methods

Participants in the reference group were recruited prospectively between October 2015 and September 2017. Participants in the study group were recruited retrospectively between November 2018 and May 2019, after implementing the screening program. PE risk was assessed between 11 + 0 and 13 + 6 weeks of gestation using the Gaussian algorithm combining maternal characteristics, mean arterial blood pressure, uterine artery pulsatility index, and maternal serum pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A. Women with a risk ≥1/137 were prescribed daily salicylic acid (150 mg) until 36 weeks of gestation.

Results

Preterm PE occurred in 30 of 2641 participants (1.14%) in the reference group, as compared with 18 of 2848 participants (0.63%) in the study group (OR: 0.55; 95% CI, 0.31–0.99; P = 0.045). In the reference group, 37 participants (1.40%) were admitted to ICU, as compared with 23 participants (0.81%) in the study group (OR: 0.57; 95% CI, 0.34–0.96; P = 0.035).

Conclusion

The routine first‐trimester PE screening can be implemented in a public healthcare setting, leading to a significant reduction in the incidence of preterm PE and of maternal ICU admission.
Average maternal hemoglobin decline after first elective cesarean section compared to higher order cesarean sections
Authors: Michaan Nadav , Madar Dotan , Kern Guy , Cohen Aviad , Many Ariel , Yogev Yariv , Grisaru Dan , Laskov Ido
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Lower uterine segment scarring after cesarean section can decrease intraoperative bleeding during subsequent surgery. We examined whether first elective cesarean section is associated with greater average blood loss compared to repeated surgery.

Methods

Decrease in maternal hemoglobin and hematocrit after surgery was retrospectively compared between three study groups, women in their first, second and third or more cesarean section. Surgery length and need for blood transfusion were also compared.

Results

Out of 9401 cases reviewed between January 2010 November 2020, 3917 had a first cesarean section, 3159 s cesarean section and 2325 had a third or more cesarean section. Hemoglobin and hematocrit drops were highest after first cesarean section (1.1 vs 1.0 vs 1.0 mg/dL, P < 0.001 and 3.3 vs 3.0, vs 2.9%, P < 0.001, respectively). Surgery length was significantly longer and more patients after third cesarean section required blood transfusions (2.5% vs 1.4% vs. 0.8%, P < 0.001). First cesarean section, younger age and BMI >35 were associated with increased hemoglobin drop in univariate and multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Although repeated cesarean section is associated with longer surgery and higher need for blood transfusion, average hemoglobin drop after first cesarean section is higher. Scarring of the lower uterine segment can explain this paradoxical finding.
Domesticating native grasses in New Zealand
Authors: Stewart Alan V.
Published: March 2022

New Zealand produces no commercial seed of any native grass species. All grasses used in agriculture and turf have evolved on other continents, and most natives fail to compete in mown turf or grazed pasture. Is this simply because of a lack of research or the lack of native grazing animals, or is there something fundamentally different about the New Zealand flora? New Zealand has many indigenous species within genera containing known turf species such as Festuca, Poa, Agrostis, Deschampsia, and Zoysia, but most are rare in the modern landscape. After collecting and screening over 50 native species for potential use in turf or pasture, it was apparent that most lacked vigor; were unable to form a turf; had slow establishment, extended flowering periods, poor seed yields, seeds with long awns, or seed that shattered readily; or had other difficulties with harvesting. One of the native grasses that showed promise was Poa imbecilla Spreng., which formed a very fine turf and had seed production characteristics suitable for development as a commercial species. It established readily but was usually dominated by introduced species within a few years. A cultivar was developed from local material, ‘Stewarts’, which is suitable for fine turf and for native grass revegetation and is now in limited commercial production.
Diagnostic accuracy of glycogen phosphorylase BB for myocardial infarction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ghimire Anup , Giri Subarna , Khanal Niharika , Rayamajhi Shivani , Thapa Anjila , Bist Anil , Devkota Surya
Published: March 2022

Purpose

We tried to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of glycogen phosphorylase BB as a cardiac marker for myocardial infarction.

Methods

We searched through different electronic databases (PubMed, Google‐scholar, Embase, and Cochrane Library) to locate relevant articles. Studies, with sufficient data to reconstruct a 2 × 2 contingency table, met our inclusion criteria were included. Three reviewers independently screened the articles. Discrepancies were resolved by other reviewers. Unpublished data were requested from the authors of the study via email. Subsequently, data extraction was done using a standardized form and quality assessment of studies using the QUADAS‐2 tool. Meta‐analysis was done using a bivariate model using R software.

Results

Fourteen studies were selected for the final evaluation, which yielded the summary points: pooled sensitivity 87.77% (77.52%–93.72%, I2 = 86%), pooled specificity 88.45% (75.59%–94.99%, I2 = 88%), pooled DOR 49.37(14.53–167.72, I2 = 89%), and AUC of SROC was 0.923. The lambda value of the HSROC curve was 3.670. The Fagan plot showed that GPBB increases the pretest probability of myocardial infarction from 46% to 81% when positive, and it lowers the same probability to 12% when negative.

Conclusion

With these results, we can conclude that GPBB has modest accuracy in screening myocardial infarction, but the limitations of the study warrant further high‐quality studies to confirm its usefulness in predicting myocardial infarction (MI).
Patient experiences and reported effectiveness of a multimodal short‐term pilot therapy group for veteran men with military sexual trauma
Authors: Yahalom Jonathan , Yarns Brandon C. , Clair Kimberly , Cloitre Marylene , Lang Ariel J. , Hamilton Alison B.
Published: March 2022

Objective

Despite recognition of its prevalence and impact, little is known about treatment for veteran men with a history of military sexual trauma (MST). While research suggests that such veterans may suffer from gender‐based distress that poses unique treatment challenges, MST‐focused treatment draws upon contemporary PTSD best practices that may overlook gender. The current initial pilot study evaluated a multimodal, time‐limited men's MST group therapy that integrated exposure‐ and mindfulness‐based, psychoeducational, and psychodynamic group interventions.

Method

This study examined pre‐ and posttreatment data from patients who completed group treatment (n = 24). Three‐fourths of patients were 60 years or older, over 80% Black, Indigenous, People of Color. Assessment data were collected using the PTSD Checklist (PCL‐5), an adaptation of the Recovery Assessment Scale, and open‐ended written responses. Paired‐samples t tests and effect sizes (Hedge's g) were calculated. Indictive thematic analysis was used for qualitative analysis.

Results

Qualitative and quantitative data showed improvements in shame, self‐forgiveness, and belonginess. There were significant reductions from pre‐ to posttreatment in total PCL‐5 score (g = −0.69) and all 4 symptom clusters (g = −0.51–−0.71), and significant improvements in 8 out of 10 recovery items (g = 0.44–2.46).

Conclusions

More research is needed to assess whether veteran men with a history of MST benefit from treatment that provides multimodal, multitheoretical interventions that address gender‐based symptoms in addition to PTSD. The results of this study support future research in a randomized controlled study.
Dental student's perceptions and experience treating adults with developmental disabilities
Authors: Cassim Nashat , Mylopoulos Maria , Campbell Karen , Dempster Laura
Published: March 2022

Objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate the perceptions and experiences of dental students with regards to treating adults with developmental disabilities (AWDDs).

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with three groups of participants: experts who extensively work with AWDDs (n = 3), students who had no clinical training to treat AWDDs (n = 3), and students who had completed their clinical training to treat AWDDs (n = 8). One‐on‐one interviews were conducted in‐person or via video call with each participant. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed for themes.

Results

Experts described their motivations for working with AWDDs. Students in both groups identified the challenges of working with AWDDs and highlighted the impact of the informal curriculum as well as the increased importance of clinical training. Students who had received clinical training described the clinical rotation as a transformative learning experience that instilled a sense of health advocacy. There was alignment of themes between all three groups in terms of skills desired, acquired, and required to work with AWDDs; however, the students who had received clinical training and the experts differed on their opinion of the relative importance of the skills they developed.

Conclusions

The alignment of perceptions between students and experts is promising and demonstrates the successes of the existing curriculum. The misalignment between students and experts highlights areas in the curriculum that can be improved through adjustments and augmentation.
Effect of the response to preoperative treatment for hepatorenal syndrome on the outcome of recipients of living‐donor liver transplantation
Authors: Takahashi Ryugen , Akamatsu Nobuhisa , Nakazawa Akiko , Nagata Rihito , Ichida Akihiko , Kawaguchi Yoshikuni , Ishizawa Takeaki , Kaneko Junichi , Arita Junichi , Hasegawa Kiyoshi
Published: March 2022

Background

The effect of pretransplant hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) on the outcomes of living‐donor liver transplantation (LDLT) recipients with special reference to the recovery of HRS before LDLT was investigated.

Methods

The rate of HRS was 43.9% (125/285) among the cohort, and the subjects were divided into three groups: those without HRS (No‐HRS group, n = 160), those with HRS but recovered following pretransplant renal function restoration treatment (Responders group, n = 55), and those with persistent HRS (Non‐responders group, n = 70).

Results

While the 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year patient survival rates were comparable between those with and without HRS (89.6%, 84.7%, and 84.7% vs 95.6%, 92.2%, and 87.5%), the cumulative incidence of the development of posttransplant chronic kidney disease (CKD) was significantly higher in those with HRS (P < .001). In addition, there was a significant difference between Responders and Non‐responders in the development of CKD (P = .01). In the Cox regression model, Non‐responders (P = .032, HR 1.79 [95% C.I. 1.05‐3.03]) and recipient age (P = .014, HR 1.62 [95% C.I. 1.10‐2.37]) were independent predictors for the development of CKD after LDLT.

Conclusion

Living‐donor liver transplantation is safe and effective for patients with HRS, and CKD progression could be reduced among those with HRS who responded to renal restoration treatment.
Comparative analyses of small molecule and antibody inhibition on glycoprotein‐mediated entry of Měnglà virus with other filoviruses
Authors: Cooper Laura , Galvan Achi Jazmin , Rong Lijun
Published: March 2022

The ability of viruses in the Filoviridae family (Ebola virus [EBOV] and Marburg virus [MARV]) to cause severe human disease and their pandemic potential makes all emerging filoviral pathogens a concern to humanity. Měnglà virus (MLAV) belonging to the new genus Dianlovirus was recently discovered in the liver of bats from Měnglà County, Yunnan Province, China. The capacity of MLAV to utilize NPC1 as an endosomal receptor, to transduce mammalian cells, and suppress IFN response suggests that this potential pathogen could cause human illness. Despite great effort by researchers, only the viral genome has been recovered and isolation of live MLAV had been unsuccessful. Here using a pseudovirus model baring the MLAV glycoprotein (GP), we studied the protease dependence of the MLAV‐GP, and the ability of small molecules and antibodies to inhibit MLAV viral entry. Like EBOV and MARV, the MLAV‐GP requires proteolytic processing but like MARV it does not depend on cathepsin B activity for viral entry. Furthermore, previously discovered small‐molecule inhibitors and antibodies are MLAV inhibitors and show the possibility of developing these inhibitors as broad‐spectrum filovirus antivirals. Overall, the findings in the study confirmed that MLAV viral entry is biologically distinct but has similarities to MARV.
KRAS mutation allele frequency threshold alters prognosis in right‐sided resected pancreatic cancer
Authors: Nauheim David , Moskal David , Renslo Bryan , Chadwick Matthew , Jiang Wei , Yeo Charles J. , Nevler Avinoam , Bowne Wilbur , Lavu Harish
Published: March 2022

Background

Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) provides information on genetic mutations and mutant allele frequency in tumor specimens. We investigated the prognostic significance of KRAS mutant allele frequency in patients with right‐sided pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) treated with surgical resection.

Methods

A retrospective study reviewed patients who underwent surgical resection for PDAC and analyzed tumors with an in‐house mutational panel. Microdissected samples were studied using an NGS‐based assay to detect over 200 hotspot mutations in 42 genes (Pan42) commonly involved in PDAC.

Results

A total of 144 PDAC right‐sided surgical patients with a Pan42 panel were evaluated between 2015 and 2020; 121 patients (84%) harbored a KRAS mutation. Detected mutant allele frequencies were categorized as less than 20% (low mKRAS, n = 92) or greater than or equal to 20% (high mKRAS, n = 29). High mKRAS (KRAS ≥ 20%) patients were noted to have shorter disease‐free survival after surgery (11.5 ± 2.1 vs. 19.5 ± 3.5 months, p = 0.03), more advanced tumor stage (p = 0.02), larger tumors (3.6 vs. 2.7 cm, p = 0.001), greater tumor cellularity (26% vs. 18%, p = 0.001), and higher rate of distant recurrence (p = 0.03) than low mKRAS patients.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the importance of KRAS mutant allele frequency on pathological characteristics and prognosis in right‐sided PDAC treated with surgery.
“Looking sharp”: Price typeface influences awareness of spending in mobile payment
Authors: Park Jaewoo , Velasco Carlos , Spence Charles
Published: March 2022

We investigate whether the typeface used to display the purchase amount in the context of mobile payment influences consumers' awareness of spending. The evidence suggests that prices displayed in angular (vs. round) typeface increase the awareness of spending in the context of mobile payment via the perceived harshness of the typeface and the experienced pain of payment (Studies 1–3, 5, and 6). Angular (vs. round) typeface also has downstream consequences for payment behavior, indicating that the amount displayed with the angular typeface increases the hesitation to press the “pay” button (Studies 2 and 6). Our results also demonstrate that the typeface effect on the awareness of spending is moderated by the purchase amount (Study 3). The robust typeface effect documented for Japanese participants (Studies 1–3) is not observed in North Americans (Studies 4 and 5), highlighting the role of culture. Finally, we replicate the price typeface effect (Studies 1–3) in a situation that is closer to the context of real mobile shopping and demonstrate that price typeface impact people's willingness to spend on the next grocery shop (Study 6). Our research contributes to the scarce literature on addressing the profligacy issues associated with mobile payments and broadly cashless payments.
A picture says more than a thousand words: Using consumer neuroscience to study instagram users' responses to influencer advertising
Authors: Pozharliev Rumen , Rossi Dario , De Angelis Matteo
Published: March 2022

Companies are increasingly relying on influencer marketing as a relevant pillar of their marketing communication strategy. It is therefore of vital importance to practitioners to understand better under what conditions a larger number of followers can trigger more positive responses in consumers than a smaller number and vice versa. Through a laboratory study, the authors recorded simultaneously eye‐tracking and electroencephalogram data from 109 participants to test the research question with a 2 (type of influencer: micro vs. meso) × 2 (argument quality: weak vs. strong) between‐subject design using mediated moderated linear regression analysis. The results highlight that the photo of the influencer using the product attracts more attention (i.e., fixation percentage) in the weak (vs. strong) argument quality only for micro‐ and not for meso‐influencers. Moreover, we found a statistically significant index of moderated mediation through the level of attention, which suggests that the percentage of fixations on the photo mediates the joint effect of influencer type and argument quality on behavioral activation system (BAS). Specifically, we found that when the advertising post presents weak argument quality the enhanced attention to the photo of the micro‐influencer leads to an increase in the BAS, with possible implications on advertising effectiveness and online message design. Our findings offer important theoretical and practical contributions to the influencer marketing domain by showing how the different verbal and visual elements of influencer posts affect Instagram users' responses to such posts.
Regulating datafication and platformization: Policy silos and tradeoffs in international platform inquiries
Authors: Popiel Pawel
Published: March 2022

A key concern in international policy debates about articulating oversight of digital platform markets involves policy silos, arising from the scope of platformization and datafication, and the challenges in defining their policy boundaries and coordinating a comprehensive policy response. This article examines how policymakers grapple with the problem by looking at a growing number of expert inquiries on digital platforms—a proxy for the international policy debate—that focus on policy problems ranging from market dominance and privacy risks to the spread of disinformation. Specifically, the article develops a schema of related policy silos and tradeoffs that arise in these debates: (1) policy area silos, (2) market/sectoral silos, (3) temporal silos, and (4) normative tradeoffs. Then, it critically examines the implications of these silos and tradeoffs for policy interventions aimed at addressing concerns related to datafication and platformization, raising key questions about the scope of and assumptions underlying platform regulation internationally and noting the way they constrain policy design and thwart more holistic policy solutions.
Greener extraction‐chemical modification‐polymerization pipeline of vernolic acid from Ethiopian ironweed plant
Authors: d'Almeida Gameiro Mariana , Jacob Philippa L. , Kortsen Kristoffer , Ward Thomas , Taresco Vincenzo , Stockman Robert A. , Chebude Yonas , Howdle Steven M.
Published: March 2022

Epoxidized oils are commonly used in the plastics industry as additives in the formulation of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and as monomers in the coating industry. They are produced from petrochemical feedstocks or by chemical epoxidation of natural oils. Currently, the synthesis processes of these materials are expensive, utilize volatile organic solvents and hazardous oxidants, which are unfavorable for the environment. There is a need to find natural epoxidized oils. Vernonia galamensis (ironweed) is a plant found in abundance in Ethiopia with no commercial value, but its seeds contain 40 wt% epoxide rich triglycerides. V. galamensis oil contains up to 80 wt% of vernolic acid (VA), a mono‐unsaturated fatty acid with an additional epoxide functionality. The presence of alkene and epoxide(oxirane) groups offers excellent opportunities to synthesize new building blocks for polymerisations. Here, we report a green and efficient extraction methodology (up to 80% of extraction‐efficiency) of the triglyceride vernonia oil from V. galamensis using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). We then report the synthesis of a series of polymerisable monomers (conversion in monomers 64%–99%) based on the VA obtained from the saponification process. Finally, the novel monomers are polymerized into different polymers through polycondensation using a mixture of metal‐based and enzyme catalysts.
The exact statistical properties of a signed‐rank‐based adaptive exponential weighted moving average chart
Authors: Tang Anan , Ma Yuanman , Hu Xuelong , Huang Weidong
Published: March 2022

The adaptive exponential weighted moving average (AEWMA) monitoring technique has recently received increasing attention as a robust alternative requiring no knowledge of the actual shift magnitudes. In this paper, we develop a discrete state nonparametric AEWMA chart based on the Wilcoxon signed‐rank statistics. The major characteristic of this monitoring scheme is that it takes into account the discrete nature in terms of the statistics being used as well as the chart structure design. Moreover, an accurate evaluation of the chart's statistical properties is provided using an appropriate Markov chain approach. Simulation results show that this AEWMA signed‐rank scheme performs robustly across a diverse variety of distributions, and it can also provide an effective performance for detecting both small and large shifts. Finally, a real data example is cited for showing practical implications of our monitoring scheme.
Controllable Triboelectric Series Using Gradient Positive and Negative Charge‐Confinement Layer with Different Particle Sizes of Mesoporous Carbon Materials
Authors: Cha Seokjun , Cho Yujang , Kim Jong Gyeong , Choi Hyeongsub , Ahn Dahye , Sun Jingzhe , Kang Dong‐soo , Pak Chanho , Park Jong‐Jin
Published: March 2022

As a method to maximize the energy efficiency of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), high‐voltage charge injection (HVCI) on the surface is a simple and effective method for increasing surface charge densities. In this study, positive and negative triboelectric series are controlled using a 3‐layer gradient charge‐confinement wherein the particle sizes of the mesoporous carbon spheres (mCSs) are sequentially arranged depending on the external surface area of the mCSs. In the gradient charge‐confinement layers of this study, the mCS with different sizes perform charge transport from the surface to a deep position during HVCI while mitigating the charge loss through charge confinement to induce the high space charge densities. Through this process, the output voltage—which is initially 15.2 V—is measured to be 600 V after HVCI, thus representing an increase of about 40 times. Further, to amplify the low output current, which is a disadvantage of triboelectric energy, two types of electrical energy—triboelectric and electromagnetic energy—are produced in single mechanical motion. As a result, the output current produced by the cylindrical TENG and electromagnetic generator is recorded as being 1300 times higher, increasing from 12.8 µA to 17.5 mA.
Modeling Study of Steel–Slag–Inclusion Reactions During the Refining of Si–Mn Killed Steel
Authors: Podder Angshuman , Coley Kenneth. S. , Phillion André B.
Published: March 2022

Complex deoxidation by Si and Mn is beneficial for certain steel long products since it leads to the formation of low‐temperature melting manganese silicates. However, the introduction of Al via steel–slag reactions can lead to unwanted inclusion formation, which can cause nozzle clogging down the process line. To simulate steel–slag–inclusion reactions during the refining of steel, a kinetic model based on the mass transfer of steel species has been developed for inclusions and integrated with a previously developed steel/slag coupled reaction model. Using the model, the rate‐determining step for inclusion transformation is clarified, and the effect of slag–metal reactions on inclusions is investigated. The model calculations are validated using experimental data reported in the literature. Subsequently, the influence of slag compositions on the chemistry of inclusions and the effect of mass transfer coefficient on deoxidation characteristics is examined through a parametric study. The results are helpful for understanding inclusion dynamics during ladle refining of Si–Mn killed steel.