bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing integrative cognitive‐affective therapy and guided self‐help cognitive‐behavioral therapy to treat binge‐eating disorder using standard and naturalistic momentary outcome measures: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Peterson Carol B. , Engel Scott G. , Crosby Ross D. , Strauman Timothy , Smith Tracey L. , Klein Marjorie , Crow Scott J. , Mitchell James E. , Erickson Ann , Cao Li , Bjorlie Kayla , Wonderlich Stephen A.
Published: June 2020

Objective

Innovative treatments and outcome measures are needed for binge‐eating disorder (BED). This randomized controlled trial compared Integrative Cognitive‐Affective Therapy (ICAT‐BED), an individual psychotherapy targeting momentary behavioral and emotional precipitants of binge eating, with an established cognitive‐behavioral guided self‐help (CBTgsh) treatment using standard and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) outcome measures.

Method

A total of 112 participants were randomized to 17 weeks of treatment (21 sessions for ICAT‐BED and 10 sessions for CBTgsh). Binge‐eating frequency was assessed with the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) as well as EMA using cell phone‐based real‐time, naturalistic assessment at end of treatment (EOT) and 6‐month follow‐up. Hypothesized maintenance mechanisms were assessed using self‐report questionnaires.

Results

Binge‐eating frequency as measured by the EDE and real‐time assessment showed significant reductions at EOT and follow‐up, with no significant differences between treatments. Hypothesized maintenance mechanisms, including emotion regulation, cognitive self‐discrepancy, self‐directed style, as well as measures of associated eating disorder psychopathology, depression, anxiety, impulsivity, and negative affect, showed similar improvement at EOT and follow‐up with no differences between treatments. Abstinence rates at EOT (ICAT‐BED: 57.1%; CBTgsh: 42.9%) and 6‐month follow‐up (ICAT‐BED: 46.4%; CBTgsh: 42.9%) were not significantly different. Treatment retention was significantly higher for ICAT‐BED (87.5%) than CBTgsh (71.4%).

Discussion

These findings suggest that ICAT‐BED and CBTgsh were associated with similar improvements in binge eating, psychopathology, and putative maintenance mechanisms as measured by traditional self‐report and momentary, naturalistic assessments and that these changes were generally sustained at 6‐month follow‐up.
LIPS method for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies to spike and nucleocapsid proteins
Authors: Haljasmägi Liis , Remm Anu , Rumm Anna Pauliina , Krassohhina Ekaterina , Sein Hanna , Tamm Anu , Kisand Kai , Peterson Pärt
Published: June 2020

Profiling antibodies to SARS‐CoV‐2 can help to assess potential immune response after COVID‐19 disease. Luciferase IP system (LIPS) assay is a sensitive method for quantitative detection of antibodies to antigens in their native conformation. We here describe LIPS to detect antibody responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins in COVID‐19 patients. The antibodies targeted both S and N fragments and gave a high assay sensitivity by identifying 26 out of 26 COVID‐19 patients with N antigen or with three protein fragments when combined into a single reaction. The assay correlated well with ELISA method and was specific to COVID‐19 as we saw no reactivity among uninfected healthy controls. Our results show that LIPS is a rapid and measurable method to screen antibody responses against SARS‐CoV‐2 antigens.
Chalcogen Bonding of SO2 and s‐Block Metal Iodides Near Room Temperature: A Remarkable Structural Diversity
Authors: Dankert Fabian , Feyh Anne , von Hänisch Carsten
Published: June 2020

In this contribution we have systematically explored the coordination chemistry of the iodide anion towards SO2. While employing large organocations like s‐block metal complexes of crown‐ethers, we discovered a remarkable structural diversity within the herein characterized compounds together with novel architectures of SO2 solvates. The observed O2S···I– interactions are observed to be strong enough to determine the crystal packing and dimensionality. In the light of chalcogen bonding, the small molecule SO2 is introduced as a supramolecular synthon. In the light of a chemistry in non‐aqueous solutions, the ISO2– anion is revisited. Chalcogen bonding was established to form one‐dimensional networks in the compounds [Li([12]crown‐4)H2O]I·SO2 (1), [Na([15]crown‐5)(SO2)I] (2), [K([18]crown‐6)(SO2)I] (4), [NH4([18]crown‐6)]I·SO2 (5), [Rb([18]crown‐6)I(SO2)]·2SO2 (6) and [Cs([18]crown‐6)(SO2)2I] (7) all of which were obtained by 1:1 complexation of the respective iodide salt and respective crown‐ether in SO2 solution. Two‐dimensional networks were obtained within the alkaline earth metal compounds [Mg([12]crown‐4)2]I2·4SO2 (9) and [Ba2([18]crown‐6)2(SO2I)(SO2)2I3]·SO2 (11). The iodosulfite ion ISO2– was obtained either by shielding Na+ ions with [12]crown‐4, conversion of MgI2 with [15]crown‐5, conversion of CaI2 with [18]crown‐6 or conversion of BaI2 with [18]crown‐6 (11, as aforementioned). [Na([12]crown‐4)2]ISO2 (3), [Mg([15]crown‐5)(ISO2)2] (8) and [Ca2([18]crown‐6)(SO2I)3]I3 (10) were characterized. In these respective compounds the S···I atom distances are considerably shorter than those previously reported. Experimental data around the chemistry of halosulfites is provided. Besides network structures and the iodosulfite formation, an SO2‐rich aggregate could be observed. An SO2 adduct of the composition [I2(SO2)5]2– was found to be present in [Na([12]crown‐4)2]I·2.75SO2 (3a).
Tunable active inductor based VCO and BPF in a single integrated design for wireless applications in 90 nm CMOS process
Authors: Faruqe Omar , Lim Aniqa Ibnat , Amin Md Tawfiq
Published: June 2020

This article proposes a tunable active inductor (AI)‐based voltage‐controlled oscillator (VCO) andbandpass filters (BPF) on a single integrated design in 90 nm CMOS process for wireless applications. By exploiting component sharing technique through single pole double throws switching method, a common AI is shared between VCO and BPFs. As the passive inductor is replaced by the AI and shared, silicon area consumption is significantly reduced. Transforming the inductor in tunable mode benefits to eliminate MOS varactors for tuning purposes; one step forward to reduce silicon area consumption. Operating as VCO, its frequency ranges from 1.93 to 6.22 GHz (tuning scope is 105%) for tuning voltage of 0.2 ∼ 1 V. The DC power consumption varies from 1.83 to 3.84 mW, and differential output power is 3.39 to − 2.99 dBm. The phase noise varies from − 81.32 to − 76.89 dBc/Hz, and the figure of merit has a value of − 148.74 dBc/Hz at 5.03 GHz frequency. While acting as BPF, two approaches of center frequency tuning are applied. The voltage tuning yields center frequency of 8.43 ∼ 7.08 GHz along with the maximum gain of 10.29 dB at 7.81 GHz. The capacitive tuning outputs frequency tuning of 7.64 ∼ 7.06 GHz. The BPF consumes DC power of 2.56 to 2.27 mW (voltage tuning) and 2.40 mW (capacitive tuning). The proposed design occupies a layout area of 1215.6 μm2. All the simulations have been performed considering parasitic elements evolved from the extraction of layout. Finally, a quantitative comparison and justification of the proposed design are made with respect to other published works.
Development of an efficient wetting and drying treatment for shallow‐water modeling using the quadrature‐free Runge‐Kutta discontinuous Galerkin method
Authors: Li Longxiang , Zhang Qinghe
Published: June 2020

To develop a robust, well‐balanced and quadrature‐free Runge‐Kutta discontinuous Galerkin (RKDG) shallow water solver, we introduce an efficient wetting and drying (WD) treatment in this paper. The main feature of this WD treatment is the use of vertex‐based linear reconstructed solutions in transition (partially wet) regions and high‐order solutions in smooth wet areas. To preserve the positivity of water depth, we also propose a modified time step size with the quadrature‐free scheme. The advantages of the WD treatment include robustness and the capability to address arbitrary high‐order RKDG methods in wet regions, thus making the quadrature‐free scheme more accurate and applicable to various flooding and drying problems. Two numerical test cases are used to validate the numerical method, and the results indicate that the WD method is accurate and robust for different flow regimes with dry areas.
Thermal convection of fluid‐saturated granular medium in acoustic field
Authors: Sorokin Konstantin E. , Perepechko Yuri V.
Published: June 2020

This article presents the results of numerical analysis of acoustic impact generated by small finite source on heat and mass transfer of fluid‐saturated granular medium in a cavity heated from below. Thermodynamically consistent model of two‐phase medium is obtained by the method of conservation laws suggesting no equilibrium in pressure between the phases. The transition from diffusive to convective regime of heat and mass transfer in fluid‐saturated granular medium as a consequence of acoustic impact is shown. Effect of source frequency and initial flow pattern on the intensity of convective instability and configuration of dissipative structure is studied. Formation of stable and symmetric convective structure by choosing the source frequency is illustrated.
Genome‐Wide Association Study of Liver Fat: The Multiethnic Cohort Adiposity Phenotype Study
Authors: Park S. Lani , Li Yuqing , Sheng Xin , Hom Victor , Xia Lucy , Zhao Kechen , Pooler Loreall , Setiawan V. Wendy , Lim Unhee , Monroe Kristine R. , Wilkens Lynne R. , Kristal Bruce S. , Lampe Johanna W. , Hullar Meredith , Shepherd John , Loo Lenora L. M. , Ernst Thomas , Franke Adrian A. , Tiirikainen Maarit , Haiman Christopher A. , Stram Daniel O. , Le Marchand Loïc , Cheng Iona
Published: June 2020

The global rise in fatty liver is a major public health problem. Thus, it is critical to identify both global and population‐specific genetic variants associated with liver fat. We conducted a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of percent liver fat and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) assessed by magnetic resonance imaging in 1,709 participants from the population‐based Multiethnic Cohort Adiposity Phenotype Study. Our participants comprised older adults of five U.S. racial/ethnic groups: African Americans (n = 277), Japanese Americans (n = 424), Latinos (n = 348), Native Hawaiians (n = 274), and European Americans (n = 386). The established missense risk variant rs738409 located in patatin‐like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3) at 22q13 was confirmed to be associated with percent liver fat (P = 3.52 × 10−15) but more strongly in women than men (P heterogeneity = 0.002). Its frequency correlated with the prevalence of NAFLD across the five ethnic/racial groups. Rs738409 was also associated with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) (beta = 0.028; P = 0.009) and circulating levels of insulin (beta = 0.022; P = 0.020) and alanine aminotransferase (beta = 0.016; P = 0.030). A novel association of percent liver fat with rs77249491 (located at 6q13 between limb region 1 domain containing 1 [LMBRD1] and collagen type XIX alpha 1 chain [COL19A1] (P = 1.42 × 10−8) was also observed. Rs7724941 was associated with HOMA‐IR (beta = 0.12; P = 0.0005), insulin (beta = 0.11; P = 0.0003), triglycerides (beta = 0.059; P = 0.01), high‐density lipoprotein (beta = −0.046; P = 0.04), and sex hormone binding globulin (beta = −0.084; P = 0.0012). This variant was present in Japanese Americans (minor allele frequency [MAF], 8%) and Native Hawaiians (MAF, 2%). Conclusion: We replicated the PNPLA3 rs738409 association in a multiethnic population and identified a novel liver fat risk variant in Japanese Americans and Native Hawaiians. GWASes of percent liver fat in East Asian and Oceanic populations are needed to replicate the rs77249491 association.
Neurobiological successor features for spatial navigation
Authors: de Cothi William , Barry Caswell
Published: June 2020

The hippocampus has long been observed to encode a representation of an animal's position in space. Recent evidence suggests that the nature of this representation is somewhat predictive and can be modeled by learning a successor representation (SR) between distinct positions in an environment. However, this discretization of space is subjective making it difficult to formulate predictions about how some environmental manipulations should impact the hippocampal representation. Here, we present a model of place and grid cell firing as a consequence of learning a SR from a basis set of known neurobiological features—boundary vector cells (BVCs). The model describes place cell firing as the successor features of the SR, with grid cells forming a low‐dimensional representation of these successor features. We show that the place and grid cells generated using the BVC‐SR model provide a good account of biological data for a variety of environmental manipulations, including dimensional stretches, barrier insertions, and the influence of environmental geometry on the hippocampal representation of space.
Efficacy of interventions to improve psychological adjustment for parents of infants with or at risk of neurodevelopmental disability: A systematic review
Authors: Dickinson Corrine , Whittingham Koa , Sheffield Jeanie , Wotherspoon Jane , Boyd Roslyn N
Published: June 2020

Background

Supportive and targeted interventions for families are required to optimize parental adjustment and the parent–infant relationship in line with earlier diagnosis of neurodevelopmental risk for infants.

Aims

The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the efficacy of interventions in improving psychological adjustment and well‐being for parents who have an infant diagnosed with or at risk of neurodevelopmental disability.

Methods

The Cochrane Review Group search strategy was followed with search of The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Embase between July and December 2017. Methodological quality of included articles was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) Scale by two independent reviewers.

Results

Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. A small number of high‐quality trials demonstrated moderate to large effectiveness of reducing adverse parent psychological symptoms of trauma and stress. Significant improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms emerged at longer‐term (6 months to 8 years) follow‐up postinterventions.

Conclusions

There is promising support for the effectiveness of some interventions to reduce maladaptive psychological symptoms in parents with infants diagnosed at risk of neurodevelopmental disability. Further quality RCTs of psychological interventions addressing broader neurodevelopmental risk conditions for infants are required.
Effectiveness of an attachment‐based intervention for the assessment of parenting capacities in maltreating families: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: van der Asdonk Sabine , de Haan Whitney D. , van Berkel Sheila R. , van IJzendoorn Marinus H. , Rippe Ralph C. A. , Schuengel Carlo , Kuiper Chris , Lindauer Ramon J. L. , Overbeek Mathilde , Alink Lenneke R. A.
Published: June 2020

Even though Parenting Capacity Assessments (PCAs) are essential for child protection services to support placement decisions for maltreating families, presently no evidence‐based PCA protocols are available. In this randomized controlled trial, we tested the quality of an attachment‐based PCA protocol based on Video‐feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting and Sensitive Discipline (VIPP‐SD). We recruited 56 parent‐child dyads (Mage children = 3.48 years) in Dutch family residential clinics that conduct PCAs to support placement decisions. After pretest, families were randomized to receive the Regular Assessment Procedure (RAP) (n = 28), or an additional assessment based on VIPP‐SD (n = 28). An immediate post‐test and a 10‐month follow‐up were conducted. Multilevel models showed that therapists felt equally confident about their recommendations regarding child placement for both groups and that they equally often modified their initial placement recommendations. Moreover, children in the VIPP‐SD group did not show fewer behavior problems and did not experience recurring child maltreatment less often than children in the RAP group. Thus, we found no evidence that PCAs incorporating the VIPP‐SD protocol outperformed PCAs as usual. We discuss possible explanations why in the current study VIPP‐SD did not seem to add to the quality of the RAP.
CircPDE4B inhibits retinal pathological angiogenesis via promoting degradation of HIF‐1α though targeting miR‐181c
Authors: Deng Yan , Li Shurong , Li Shuanglian , Yu Chunhong , Huang Dan , Chen Hongping , Yin Xiaolong
Published: June 2020

Retinopathy of prematurity is a major cause of childhood blindness worldwide. Hence, exploring the proper treatment methods is a must in tacking this disease. qRT‐PCR and western blot were used to detect the expression of genes and proteins, respectively. The proliferation of human retinal vascular endothelial cells (HRECs) was ensured by MTT assay. The luciferase activity was measured through luciferase assay. The inverted phase‐contrast light microscope was used to observe the formation of a vascular tube. In the present study, our data demonstrated that circPDE4B was downregulated, while hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and VEGFA were upregulated in the retinopathy of prematurity model in vitro and in vivo. CircPDE4B increasing remarkably inhibited the expression of HIF‐1α and VEGFA in hypoxia‐induced HRECs and subsequent repressed cell proliferation and pathological angiogenesis. We further found that miR‐181c suppressed the expression of von Hippel–Lindau (VHL), while circPDE4B could promote VHL expression via binding to miR‐181c. Finally, our results revealed that circPDE4B inhibited the expression of VEGFA and pathological angiogenesis via facilitating VHL‐mediated ubiquitin degradation of HIF‐1α. In conclusion, circPDE4B suppressed the expression of VEGFA and pathological angiogenesis via promoting VHL‐mediated ubiquitin degradation of HIF‐1α through binding to miR‐181c. Our study indicated that circPDE4B might be an effective therapeutic target of retinopathy of prematurity.
Periplocin induces apoptosis and inhibits inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast‐like synoviocytes via nuclear factor kappa B pathway
Authors: Zhang Xin , Nan He , Guo Jialong , Yang Shoujun , Liu Jinyu
Published: June 2020

Apoptotic resistance and excessive proliferation of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (RA‐FLSs) stimulated by inflammation could lead to distal joint destruction and bone damage. Periplocin could promote apoptosis, resist proliferation, and reduce inflammation. However, the effect and mechanism toward periplocin in proliferation and inflammation of RA‐FLSs remain unclear. The role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α induced proliferation and expression of inflammatory cytokines in RA‐FLSs was established. Our studies noted that cell viability of TNF‐α‐induced RA‐FLSs was inhibited in periplocin treatment via dose–response, whereas cell apoptosis of RA‐FLSs was triggered by dose‐dependent effect of periplocin. Bcl‐2 protein, one of the apoptotic regulators, was downregulated, while other regulators of apoptosis, including BAX, cleaved caspase‐3, and cleaved caspase‐9, were upregulated in RA‐FLSs under periplocin treatment. In addition, periplocin decreased the TNF‐α‐induced mRNA and protein expression levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐6 in RA‐FLSs in a dose‐dependent way. Finally, the increased levels of phospho (p)‐inhibitor of kappa B (IκBα)/IκBα and p‐NF (nuclear factor)‐κB/nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) ratio of RA‐FLSs stimulated by TNF‐α were decreased by periplocin treatment. Taken together, periplocin treatment decreased cell viability and cytokines expression and promoted cell apoptosis of TNF‐α‐induced RA‐FLSs through inhibition of NF‐κB signaling pathway, providing a potential therapeutic approach for RA.
Diels‐Alder reaction mechanisms of substituted chiral anthracene: A theoretical study based on the reaction force and reaction electronic flux
Authors: Hernández Mancera Jennifer Paola , Núñez‐Zarur Francisco , Gutiérrez‐Oliva Soledad , Toro‐Labbé Alejandro , Vivas‐Reyes Ricardo
Published: June 2020

Quantum chemical calculations were used to study the mechanism of Diels‐Alder reactions involving chiral anthracenes as dienes and a series of dienophiles. The reaction force analysis was employed to obtain a detailed scrutiny of the reaction mechanisms, it has been found that thermodynamics and kinetics of the reactions are quite consistent: the lower the activation energy, the lower the reaction energy, thus following the Bell‐Evans‐Polanyi principle. It has been found that activation energies are mostly due to structural rearrangements that in most cases represented more than 70% of the activation energy. Electronic activity mostly due to changes in σ and π bonding were revealed by the reaction electronic flux (REF), this property helps identify whether changes on σ or π bonding drive the reaction. Additionally, new global indexes describing the behavior of the electronic activity were introduced and then used to classify the reactions in terms of the spontaneity of their electronic activity. Local natural bond order electronic population analysis was used to check consistency with global REF through the characterization of specific changes in the electronic density that might be responsible for the activity already detected by the REF. Results show that reactions involving acetoxy lactones are driven by spontaneous electronic activity coming from bond forming/strengthening processes; in the case of maleic anhydrides and maleimides it appears that both spontaneous and non‐spontaneous electronic activity are quite active in driving the reactions.
Discovery of a more potent anticancer agent than C4‐benzazole 1,8‐naphthalimide derivatives against murine melanoma
Authors: Tung Chi‐Hua , Lu Yen‐Ta , Kao Wei‐Ting , Liu Jen‐Wei , Lai Yi‐Hsuan , Jiang Shinn‐Jong , Chen Hao‐Ping , Shih Tzenge‐Lien
Published: June 2020

Three novel naphthalimide‐based derivatives were synthesized and tested in vitro as anticancer agents. Our previous report of the C4‐benzazole 1,8‐naphthalimide derivatives showed good inhibition against murine melanoma. We aimed to synthesize more potent agents and found that compound 5 reported in this article behaved 5‐ to 10‐fold potency than our previous best results. The unique structure of compound 5 consisted of a naphthalimide framework in which C4 position was linked with an ethylenediamine group where the amino group was coupled with a 2‐piconic acid moiety. Compound 5 exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity toward human DNA topoisomerase II proteins with IC50 value (2.6 ± 0.1 μM) against murine B16F10 melanoma cells among the three target compounds synthesized in this study. In accordance with this finding, the results of molecular docking also revealed that compound 5 has the highest affinity with human DNA topoisomerase II among the selected compounds. Compound 5, therefore, has high potential for becoming a lead compound.
Routinized categorization of suicide risk into actionable strata: Establishing the validity of an existing suicide risk assessment framework in an outpatient sample
Authors: Gallyer Austin J. , Chu Carol , Klein Kelly M. , Quintana Jazmine , Carlton Corinne , Dougherty Sean P. , Joiner Thomas E.
Published: June 2020

Objective

The Suicide Risk Assessment and Management Decision Tree (DT) is a clinician‐administered assessment that leads to risk categorizations that correspond with actionable strata. This study investigated the construct validity and test–retest reliability of the DT risk categories across two time points.

Method

Outpatients (N = 731) completed a battery of self‐report measures. Spearman's correlations were used to examine the relationships between DT suicide risk level and suicidal symptoms, theory‐based risk factors, psychiatric correlates, and DT suicide risk level at Timepoint 2. Correlations were analyzed for significant differences to examine the divergent validity of the DT.

Results

Results, overall, were in line with hypotheses, with the exception of depression and thwarted belongingness.

Conclusions

Findings provide evidence for the reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity of the DT. This clinician‐administered suicide risk assessment may be useful for standardization of the assessment and management of suicide risk in outpatient clinical settings.
Working collaboratively across schools to promote oral health education through interprofessional education
Authors: Padilla Ricardo , Kowlowitz Vicki , Quinonez Rocio B. , Ciarrocca Katharine , Gilchrist Michael J. , Gilliland Kurt O. , Koonce Thomas F. , Lampiris Lewis , Beck Dallaghan Gary L.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The Association of American Medical Colleges and American Dental Education Association have identified oral health knowledge, skills, and attitudes shared by both medical and dental professionals. Although oral health was deemed an essential competency for medical practitioners, our state struggled to ensure learners received proper training. This training deficit resulted in conducting a needs assessment and implementing an oral health interprofessional module at our schools.

Methods

First‐year medical students and clinical faculty were emailed surveys in 2016 to obtain baseline information. A team of faculty and students from the Schools of Medicine and Dentistry reviewed the curriculum to determine where to augment oral health content. An oral health module to teach a basic head, neck, and oral examination to first‐year medical students during their patient‐centered care small‐group sessions was implemented and evaluated.

Results

Only 13.6% of faculty respondents were aware of national oral health competency recommendations, and <50% rated oral health important for primary care physicians (PCPs) to include in history, physical exam, or oral health counseling. On baseline, ≤25% of PCP respondents reported integrating the listed skills in their practice, and most indicated lacking expertise to teach oral health. Teaching sessions were rated helpful by students and faculty. After the teaching sessions, ratings on the importance of including oral health significantly increased from baseline.

Conclusion

Collaboration between Schools of Dentistry and Medicine successfully integrated oral health into medical school curriculum and improved the tutors’ attitudes of its importance.
Physicians' prediction for the assessment of atypical pathogens in respiratory tract infections
Authors: Suzuki Satoshi , Ishimaru Naoto , Akashi Yusaku , Takeuchi Yuto , Ueda Atsuo , Ushiki Akihito , Kinami Saori , Suzuki Hiromichi , Tokuda Yasuharu , Maeno Tetsuhiro
Published: June 2020

Background

Patients with acute respiratory tract infections are frequently prescribed antimicrobials despite high rates of virus detection. Physicians may overprescribe antimicrobials owing to the concern of bacterial infections, including those because of atypical pathogens. We investigated the accuracy of clinical predictions concerning atypical pathogen infections.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled adult patients who presented with a fever and cough in outpatient clinics between December 2016 and August 2018. After taking a history and performing physical examinations, physicians predicted the possibility of respiratory infections because of atypical pathogens. Disease probabilities were categorized into 3 grades (high: ≥50%, intermediate: 20% ≥ and <50%, and low: <20%) and were judged by physicians who were taking care of the patients. Confirmation of atypical pathogens was performed by comprehensive molecular analyses of respiratory samples.

Results

Atypical pathogens were detected in 21 of 210 patients. A close contact history (odds ratio [OR]: 11.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.4‐53.5) and the presence of pneumonia (OR: 12.9, CI: 4.3‐39.2) were associated with the detections. Atypical pathogens were detected in 32.3% of high‐probability cases (10/31), while atypical pathogens were only detected in 8.8% of intermediate‐probability cases (8/91) and 3.4% of low‐probability cases (3/88) (P < .001).

Conclusions

The current study indicates that physicians’ predictions were associated with the detection of atypical pathogens; however, overestimation was observed.
Factors influencing decision‐making ability of the patient receiving home medical care
Authors: Akiyama Akiko , Fukuyama Yumi
Published: June 2020

Background

Patients' decision‐making ability is a substantial barrier to end‐of‐life conversations with doctors. This study aimed to examine factors influencing this ability.

Methods

Altogether, 914 doctors from Japanese home care supporting clinics providing home medical care as of February 2019 participated in this study. Data were collected through an anonymous mailed survey between April and May 2019.

Results

Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis of factors influencing patients’ decision‐making ability revealed the following significant factors: (a) independence level in the daily life of older adults with dementia (B: −0.52), (b) disease name (B: 0.20), and (c) family structure (B: 0.12).

Conclusions

Patients' decision‐making ability regarding conducting end‐of‐life conversations with doctors was characterized; thus, (a) they did not have cognitive impairment, (b) they had cancer, and (c) they lived with a spouse.
miR‐877‐5p alleviates chondrocyte dysfunction in osteoarthritis models via repressing FOXM1
Authors: Zhu Shaobo , Deng Yu , Gao Hui , Huang Kaiyuan , Nie Zhongjie
Published: June 2020

Background

The present study aimed to investigate whether forkhead box M1 (FOXM1), as a putative target of miR‐877‐5p, participated in interleukin (IL)‐1β‐induced cartilage degeneration in experimental osteoarthritis (OA) models in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

In vitro and in vivo models of OA were established using IL‐1β treated primary mouse chondrocytes and anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) operation in mice. miR‐877‐5p mimics or agomir‐miR‐877‐5p were used as therapeutic agents in both in vitro and in vivo models of OA. Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated using cell counting kit‐8 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining, respectively. A quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to measure gene and protein expression, respectively.

Results

FOXM1 was up‐regulated in IL‐1β‐stimulated chondrocytes and the proximal tibia of ACLT‐operated mice. Bioinformatics algorithms deduced a highly conserved sequence in the 3'‐UTR of FOXM1 that could be bound with miR‐877‐5p. A luciferase assay indicated that miR‐877‐5p directly targeted the 3'‐UTR of FOXM1. Overexpression of miR‐877‐5p could reduce protein expression of FOXM1 in chondrocytes. Concurrently, IL‐1β‐evoked up‐regulation of FOXM1 protein expression was neutralized in chondrocytes following transfection with miR‐877‐5p mimics. miR‐877‐5p mimics or agomir‐miR‐887‐5p could inhibit IL‐1β‐induced inflammation in both in vitro and in vivo models of OA. miR‐877‐5p might have beneficial effects on the synthesis of cartilage matrix via the promotion of SRY‐box transcription factor 9 and type II collagen expression and inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression.

Conclusions

miR‐877‐5p can improve chondrocyte function in both in vivo and in vitro models of OA, based on post‐transcriptional repression of FOXM1 as a postulated molecular mechanism.
6‐(Hetero)arylindolizino[1,2‐c]quinolines as highly fluorescent chemical space: Synthesis and photophysical properties
Authors: Singh Dileep K. , Kim Suzi , Lee Jeong Hwa , Lee Na Keum , Kim Jinwoo , Lee Jeeyeon , Kim Ikyon
Published: June 2020

A highly fluorescent indolizino[1,2‐c]quinoline with a substituent at the C6 position was designed and synthesized as a new indolizine‐quinoline hybrid structure via a tetracyclic lactam. Various (hetero)aryl groups were introduced at the C6 site of this basic skeleton to display intriguing photophysical properties.
Associations between schistosomiasis and HIV‐1 acquisition risk in four prospective cohorts: a nested case‐control analysis
Authors: Bochner Aaron F , Baeten Jared M , Secor W Evan , van Dam Govert J , Szpiro Adam A , Njenga Sammy M , Corstjens Paul L A M , Newsam Austin , Mugo Nelly R , Celum Connie , Mujugira Andrew , McClelland R Scott , Barnabas Ruanne V
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Globally, schistosomes infect approximately 200 million people, with 90% of infections in sub‐Saharan Africa. Schistosomiasis is hypothesized to increase HIV‐1 acquisition risk, and multiple cross‐sectional studies reported strong associations. We evaluated this hypothesis within four large prospective cohorts.

Methods

We conducted nested case‐control analyses within three longitudinal cohorts of heterosexual HIV‐1 serodiscordant couples and one female sex worker (FSW) cohort from Kenya and Uganda. The serodiscordant couples studies were conducted between 2004 and 2012 while the FSW cohort analysis included participant follow‐up from 1993 to 2014. Cases HIV‐1 seroconverted during prospective follow‐up; three controls were selected per case. The presence of circulating anodic antigen in archived serum, collected prior to HIV‐1 seroconversion, identified participants with active schistosomiasis; immunoblots determined the schistosome species. Data from serodiscordant couples cohorts were pooled, while the FSW cohort was analysed separately to permit appropriate confounder adjustment.

Results

We included 245 HIV‐1 seroconverters and 713 controls from the serodiscordant couples cohorts and 330 HIV‐1 seroconverters and 962 controls from the FSW cohort. The prevalence of active schistosomiasis was 20% among serodiscordant couples and 22% among FSWs. We found no association between schistosomiasis and HIV‐1 acquisition risk among males (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.99, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.67) or females (aOR = 1.21, 95% CI 0.64 to 2.30) in serodiscordant couples. Similarly, in the FSW cohort we detected no association (adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) = 1.11, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.50). Exploring schistosome species‐specific effects, there was no statistically significant association between HIV‐1 acquisition risk andSchistosoma mansoni(serodiscordant couples: aOR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.44; FSW: aIRR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.20) orSchistosoma haematobium(serodiscordant couples: aOR = 1.06, 95% CI 0.46 to 2.40; FSW: aIRR = 1.64, 95% CI 0.93 to 2.87) infection.

Conclusions

Schistosomiasis was not a strong risk factor for HIV‐1 acquisition in these four prospective studies.S. mansoniwas responsible for the majority of schistosomiasis in these cohorts, and our results do not support the hypothesis thatS. mansoniinfection is associated with increased HIV‐1 acquisition risk.S. haematobiuminfection was associated with a point estimate of elevated HIV‐1 risk in the FSW cohort that was not statistically significant, and there was no trend towards a positive association in the serodiscordant couples cohorts.
MRI‐Based Quantitative Osteoporosis Imaging at the Spine and Femur
Authors: Sollmann Nico , Löffler Maximilian T. , Kronthaler Sophia , Böhm Christof , Dieckmeyer Michael , Ruschke Stefan , Kirschke Jan S. , Carballido‐Gamio Julio , Karampinos Dimitrios C. , Krug Roland , Baum Thomas
Published: June 2020

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease with a high prevalence worldwide, characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration, predisposing an individual to fragility fractures. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) has been the clinical reference standard for diagnosing osteoporosis and for assessing fracture risk for decades. However, other imaging modalities are of increasing importance to investigate the etiology, treatment, and fracture risk. The purpose of this work is to review the available literature on quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods and related findings in osteoporosis at the spine and proximal femur as the clinically most important fracture sites. Trabecular bone microstructure analysis at the proximal femur based on high‐resolution MRI allows for a better prediction of osteoporotic fracture risk than DXA‐based bone mineral density (BMD) alone. In the 1990s, T2* mapping was shown to correlate with the density and orientation of the trabecular bone. Recently, quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM), which overcomes some of the limitations of T2* mapping, has been applied for trabecular bone quantifications at the spine, whereas ultrashort echo time (UTE) imaging provides valuable surrogate markers of cortical bone quantity and quality. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and chemical shift encoding‐based water–fat MRI (CSE‐MRI) enable the quantitative assessment of the nonmineralized bone compartment through extraction of the bone marrow fat fraction (BMFF). Furthermore, CSE‐MRI allows for the differentiation of osteoporotic vs. pathologic fractures, which is of high clinical relevance. Lastly, advanced postprocessing and image analysis tools, particularly considering statistical parametric mapping and region‐specific BMFF distributions, have high potential to further improve MRI‐based fracture risk assessments at the spine and hip.

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
Experimental study on HCl uptake by MgCl2 and sea salt under humid conditions
Authors: Ivanov Andrey V. , Molina Mario J. , Park Jong‐Ho
Published: June 2020

We studied HCl uptake by MgCl2 and sea salt over a relative humidity (RH) range from 0% to 34% at 278–313 K using a differential bead‐filled flow tube coupled to a high‐pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometer. The results showed that dry MgCl2 and sea salt are essentially inert to gaseous HCl with a probability of less than 10−6. However, under humid conditions, HCl was found to be efficiently taken up by wet inorganic surfaces. The HCl uptake coefficient for MgCl2 and sea salt increased squarely with RH, reaching a value of 0.00123 and 0.00171, respectively, at 29% RH and 298 K. Such wetting behavior is even enhanced at elevated temperatures, with the coefficient reaching 0.00208 and 0.00239, respectively, at 313 K. Based on the study of the dependence of γHCl on the initial HCl concentration, we estimate γHCl as 0.012 at 24% RH at a typical HCl concentration in the troposphere. In addition, the observation of the remarkable enhancement in the OH uptake by the HCl‐treated salts agrees with the results of our previous investigation, which suggested that water absorption on salts enhances γOH by lowering the surface pH. The proposed mechanism of HCl uptake by sea salt aerosol has implications for ozone production in the marine boundary layer.
Creativity Assessment over Time: Examining the Reliability of CAT Ratings
Authors: Barth Philipp , Stadtmann Georg
Published: June 2020

Theconsensual assessment technique(CAT) is a reliable and valid method to measure (product) creativity and often consideredthegold standard of creativity assessment. The reliability measure traditionally applied in CAT studies—inter‐rater reliability—cannot capture time‐sampling error, which is a particular relevant source of error for specific applications of the CAT. Therefore, the present study intended to investigate the test–retest reliability of CAT ratings. We asked raters (N = 61) for their creativity assessment of the same set of 90 fashion outfits at an initial rating session and a follow‐up session either 2 or 4 weeks later. We found that mean product ratings—the actual focus of interest in the CAT—were highly stable over time, as evidenced by consistency and agreement ICCs clearly exceeding levels of .90. However, individual raters (partially) lacked temporal stability, indicating a drift in rater tendencies over time. Our findings support the CAT’s reputation as a highly reliable measurement method, but question the temporal rating stability of the CAT’s actual “measurement instrument,” namely individual judges.
Mesozooplankton taurine production and prokaryotic uptake in the northern Adriatic Sea
Authors: Clifford Elisabeth L. , De Corte Daniele , Amano Chie , Paliaga Paolo , Ivančić Ingrid , Ortiz Victor , Najdek Mirjana , Herndl Gerhard J. , Sintes Eva
Published: June 2020

Dissolved free taurine, an important osmolyte in phytoplankton and metazoans, has been shown to be a significant carbon and energy source for prokaryotes in the North Atlantic throughout the water column. However, the extent of the coupling between taurine production and consumption over a seasonal cycle has not been examined yet. We determined taurine production by abundant crustacean zooplankton and its role as a carbon and energy source for several prokaryotic taxa in the northern Adriatic Sea over a seasonal cycle. Taurine concentrations were generally in the low nanomolar range, reaching a maximum of 22 nmol L−1 in fall during a Pseudonitzschia bloom and coinciding with the highest zooplankton taurine release rates. Taurine accounted for up to 5% of the carbon, 11% of the nitrogen, and up to 71% of the sulfur requirements of heterotrophic prokaryotes. Members of the Roseobacter clade, Alteromonas, Thaumarchaeota, and Euryarchaeota exhibited higher cell‐specific taurine assimilation rates than SAR11 cells. However, cell‐specific taurine and leucine assimilation were highly variable in all taxa, suggesting species and/or ecotype specific utilization patterns of taurine and dissolved free amino acids. Copepods were able to cover the bulk taurine requirements of the prokaryotic communities in fall and winter and partly in the spring–summer period. Overall, our study emphasizes the significance of taurine as a carbon and energy source for the prokaryotic community in the northern Adriatic Sea and the importance of crustacean zooplankton as a significant source of taurine and other organic compounds for the heterotrophic prokaryotic community.
Amides and Heparin‐Like Polymer Co‐Functionalized Graphene Oxide Based Core @ Polyethersulfone Based Shell Beads for Bilirubin Adsorption
Authors: He Chao , Li Mingyuan , Zhang Jue , Yan Bingqing , Zhao Weifeng , Sun Shudong , Zhao Changsheng
Published: June 2020

Excessive bilirubin in the body of patient with liver dysfunction or metabolic obstruction may cause jaundice with irreversible brain damage, and new type of adsorbent for bilirubin is under frequent investigation. Herein, graphene oxide based core @ polyethersulfone‐based shell beads are fabricated by phase inversion method, amides and heparin‐like polymer are introduced to functionalize the core‐shell beads. The beads are successfully prepared with obvious core‐shell structure, adequate thermostability and porous shell. Clotting times and protein adsorption are investigated to inspect the hemocompatibility property of the beads. The adsorption of bilirubin is systematically investigated by evaluating the effects of contacting time, initial concentration and temperature on the adsorption, which exhibits improved bilirubin adsorption amount for the beads with amides contained cores or/and shells. It is worth believing that the amides and heparin‐like polymer co‐functionalized core‐shell beads may be utilized in the field of hemoperfusion for bilirubin adsorption.
One‐pot fluorine‐free superhydrophobic surface towards corrosion resistance and water droplet bouncing
Authors: Zhang Binbin , Wang Jia , Zhang Jie
Published: June 2020

The drawbacks of artificial fabrication methods of superhydrophobic surface including multistep operations, time‐consuming and fluorine‐containing chemicals employment lead to inefficient preparation, severe environmental pollution, and safety concerns, restricting the large‐scale manufacturing and promising applications. Herein, a fluorine‐free stearic acid‐based one‐pot hydrothermal strategy was employed to simultaneously achieve surface roughness and low surface energy, transforming the surface wettability from hydrophilicity to superhydrophobicity. The as‐fabricated superhydrophobic 5083 Al alloy surface exhibits excellent water‐droplet bouncing, ultralow surface adhesion force, and repeatable self‐cleaning ability. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results reveal that the impedance modulus value |Z|0.01 Hz was remarkably improved, demonstrating a high‐efficiency corrosion resistance. We believe that the one‐pot fluorine‐free hydrothermal‐fabricated superhydrophobic surface can be considered as an efficient barrier against corrosive environments, and being beneficial for the functional applications of metallic materials.
Photocatalytic Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling Reactions over Palladium Anchored on 8‐Hydroxyquinoline‐Based Polymers
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhang Xiaoli , Gao Ju , Du Cheng , Xie Mingjiang , Au Chaktong , Chen Jian , Wan Liu
Published: June 2020

Through a one‐pot Friedel–Crafts polymerization method, a series of 8‐hydroxyquinoline‐based polymers with excellent light capturing ability is synthesized to support palladium for light‐driven Suzuki–Miyaura reactions (SMRs). The results of X‐ray powder diffractometer and transmission electron microscopy analyses suggest that the 8‐hydroxyquinoline‐based polymers are amorphous in structure and irregular in morphology. According to the data of thermogravimetric analysis and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller gas absorption, they are thermally stable up to 340 °C and are large in specific surface area. With palladium anchored securely on the 8‐hydroxyquinoline units of the polymer skeleton, the obtained photocatalysts exhibit excellent activity and reusability in SMRs under blue‐light irradiation.
Effect of Halloysite Nanotubes on the Rheological and Phase Separation Behaviors in a Poly(ethylene oxide)/Ionic Liquid Mixture
Authors: Luo Huan , Liu Gang , Chen Yunlei , Niu Yanhua , Li Guangxian
Published: June 2020

A series ternary composites of poly(ethylene oxide)/ionic liquid 30/70 (P30) with uniformly dispersed halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are investigated in the homogeneous and two‐phase regions. For P30/HNTs composites, a relatively lower percolation threshold about 3 wt% of HNTs loading is observed in the single‐phase region of P30. Beyond the percolation threshold, the steady shear flow exhibits two shear‐thinning regions due to the coupled relaxation of HNTs network and polymer entanglement. In the two‐phase region of P30, the mobility of ionic liquids (ILs) can be impeded accounting for the filler network forming. Not only the phase recovery during cyclic heating–cooling treatment near the phase boundary is accelerated, but also the phase separation kinetics is significantly retarded owing to HNTs dispersed in the PEO‐rich phase impeding the escaping of ILs from PEO phase. The lower storage modulus G′ for P30/HNTs‐4wt% compared to P30/HNTs‐3wt% in a two‐phase region is connected with the competition between the filler contribution and additional elasticity induced by phase separation.
Luminescent Copolymer‐Rhenium(I) Hybrid Materials via Picolylamine‐Modified Poly(pentafluorophenyl acrylate)
Authors: Fantini Gregorio , Dallerba Elena , Massi Massimiliano , Lowe Andrew B.
Published: June 2020

The synthesis and photophysical properties of well‐defined polymer‐rhenium(I) hybrid materials is described. Reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of pentafluorophenyl acrylate yields a parent homopolymer that serves as a reactive scaffold for the preparation of a series of new statistical copolymers containing pendent pyridyl functional groups in conjunction with various other repeat unit species. Attachment of [Re(CO)3(phen)]+ fragments via coordination through the pendent pyridyl groups yields the hybrid metal‐copolymer materials. Photophysical studies confirm successful rhenium coordination as judged from the absorption and emission profiles of the hybrid materials and further verify that the polymeric scaffold has no discernable effect on the luminescent properties of the coordinated rhenium species.