bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poland's foreign policy since 1989: the challenges of independence
Authors: Terry Sarah Meiklejohn
Published: July 2002

In its first decade of post-communist independence, Poland achieved far more than most dared believe in 1989. Despite domestic political and economic turmoil, it has joined Europe as a new member of NATO and a prospective member of the EU. This article traces the evolution of Polish foreign policy since 1989 over four time periods: First, the early uncertainties from 1989 to 1992 when Warsaw — caught between a reunifying Germany and a collapsing USSR — was intent on solidifying its relations with Central European neighbors. Second, the watershed year of 1993, which witnessed changes in every aspect of Poland's external relations — the demise of Visegrad, first moves toward NATO and EU enlargement, the emergence of serious tensions in Warsaw's relations with the East, especially Russia. Third, the years in the anterooms of Europe from 1994 to 1996, when Poland and its central European neighbors lobbied for early accession to the EU and NATO, while relations with Russia remained in the deep freeze. And fourth, the period since 1997, in which Warsaw has been negotiating its “return to Europe”, joining NATO in 1999 and actively pursuing membership in the EU. These gains have not come quickly or easily; rather, they demonstrate a hard earned consistency in Poland's foreign policy agenda, despite numerous changes in domestic politics, as well as an increasingly realistic vision of the country's place in post-Cold War Europe.
Biopolymer Immune Implants’ Sequential Activation of Innate and Adaptive Immunity for Colorectal Cancer Postoperative Immunotherapy
Authors: Ji Guofeng , Zhang Yu , Si Xinghui , Yao Haochen , Ma Sheng , Xu Yudi , Zhao Jiayu , Ma Chong , He Chaoliang , Tang Zhaohui , Fang Xuedong , Song Wantong , Chen Xuesi
Published: December 2020

Surgical resection is the first‐line therapy for colorectal cancer (CRC). However, for advanced CRC, the curative effect of surgical resection is limited due to either local recurrence or distal metastasis. Postoperative in situ immunotherapy, presents a promising option for preventing tumor recurrence and metastasis, owing to the fact that surgeons have unique opportunities and direct access to the surgical site. Herein, a designed biopolymer immune implant for CRC post‐surgical therapy, characterized with tissue adhesion, sustained drug release, and sequential elicitation of innate immunity, adaptive immunity, and immune memory effects, is reported. With gradual release of the loaded resiquimod (R848) and anti‐OX40 antibody (aOX40), the immune implant can eradicate residual tumors post‐surgery (with no tumor recurrence in 150 days), inhibit the growth of distal tumors and elicit immune memory effects to resist tumor re‐challenge. Immunological analysis reveal that the biopolymer immune plant treatment leads to a two‐stage action, with enhanced natural killer cells (NK cells) infiltration and activation of dendritic cells (DCs) in the first several days, then a greatly increased population of infiltrating T cells, and finally immune memory effects are established. The reported biopolymer immune implants provide a valuable and clinically‐relevant option for post‐surgical CRC management.
Highly Stretchable, Conductive Polymer Electrodes with a Mixed AgPdCu and PTFE Network Interlayer for Stretchable Electronics
Authors: Yoon Sunyoung , Sim Hyeong‐Min , Cho Seungse , Ko Hyunhyub , Park Yeehyun , Kim Yunseok , Kim Han‐Ki
Published: December 2020

A highly stretchable, conductive polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) electrode consisting of a mixed AgPdCu (APC) and PTFE network interlayer on a polyurethane substrate is fabricated at room temperature. The PTFE/APC‐PTFE/PTFE multilayer deposited through continuous sputtering of carbon nanotubes of the mixed PTFE and APC targets, and the resulting material exhibit a sheet resistance of 33.6 ± 6.17 Ohm per square and a stretchability of 40%. The metallic APC‐PTFE network interlayer provides a conducting path for the PTFE/APC‐PTFE/PTFE multilayer, and it maintains a reversible conductivity until the electrode has been stretched up to 40%. In addition, the sputtered PTFE/APC‐PTFE/PTFE multilayer shows semi‐transparency about 47% in the visible wavelength region. The multilayered material shows a minimal change in resistance after 10 000 cycles of repeated stretching under a constant 20% strain. In addition, the stretchable PTFE/APC‐PTFE/PTFE electrode is confirmed to be resilient outer/inner bending, folding, rolling, and twisting tests. Through successful operation of stretchable interconnectors, stretchable film heaters, and stretchable electroluminescent devices, it is confirmed that sputtered PTFE/APC‐PTFE/PTFE films can be promising stretchable electrodes for next‐generation stretchable electronics.
Narrow Stimulated Resonance Raman Scattering and WGM Lasing in Small Conjugated Polymer Particles for Live Cell Tagging and Tracking
Authors: Haehnle Bastian , Lamla Markus , Sparrer Konstantin M. J. , Gather Malte C. , Kuehne Alexander J. C.
Published: December 2020

Conjugated polymer particles are brightly fluorescing and stable materials for live cell imaging. Combination of conjugated polymers with a whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonator allows laser emission from microscale particles. Once internalized by cells, the mode pattern of the laser emission can be used for tagging and tracking, as each laser spectrum represents a bar code to identify individual cells. However, currently these particle systems are limited by their large size, which might interfere with cellular functions. Here, stimulated resonance Raman scattering (SRRS) in small conjugated polymer microparticles is presented as a new method for generating narrow emission as an alternative to WGM‐based laser emission. This opens up spectral range for multiplexing optical readout and multicolor imaging of live cells. The synthesis of monodisperse micrometer‐sized poly(fluorene‐co‐divinylbenzene) particles is discussed and their WGM and SRRS emission are characterized. Finally, how these particles and their emission can be employed in live cell imaging and tagging is showcased.
Series Photothermoelectric Coupling Between Two Composite Materials for a Freely Attachable Broadband Imaging Sheet
Authors: Li Kou , Suzuki Daichi , Kawano Yukio
Published: December 2020

As flexible wearable sensors and imagers are receiving attention from diverse social sectors, the freely attachable photothermoelectric (PTE) conversion technique should be evaluated to develop a highly usable safety sensor network. Although carbon nanotube (CNT)‐related materials should be effective, the key parameters/structures that maximize PTE conversion have not been clarified, thus hindering optimum device design and practical use. Herein, the flexible, sensitive broadband photodetection operation based on a coupling configuration between the CNT film photo/heat/electron channel and metal electrode is evaluated. Experimental PTE measurements and steady‐state thermal distribution simulations reveal that a series coupling of a p‐type CNT film channel and a highly negative Seebeck coefficient counter metal electrode facilitate superior photodetection performances than those of a parallel coupling configuration. Furthermore, subsequent device designs provide sensitive broadband photodetection from the millimeter‐wave to visible light wavelength regions with a minimum noise equivalent power of 5 pWHz−1/2 in an uncooled nonvacuum condition. Simultaneously, the mechanical flexibility of the proposed photodetector allows for its use in freely attachable sheet imager applications on curvilinear objects, and the nondestructive 3D photomonitoring of a defective intricately bent sample is demonstrated.
Cross‐linked polymers increase nutrient sorption in degraded soils
Authors: Lentz Rodrick D. , Ippolito James A.
Published: December 2020

Cross‐linked polymer hydrogels, polyacrylamide co‐polymer (XPAM) or polyacrylate (XPAA) offer potential solutions for soil degradation, declines in soil resilience, and poor productivity in marginal soils. However, little is known about their long‐term effect on soil nutrient availability. This 9‐yr, irrigated, outdoor, cropped pot study evaluated a single, one‐time addition of XPAM or XPAA at 0.25 or 0.5% dry wt. (5.6 or 11.2 Mg ha–1) in a degraded (artificially eroded) soil. Controls included an unamended degraded soil and an unamended, non‐degraded soil (i.e., topsoil). We measured nutrients in soil and leachate water each year, and in the first 5 yr, crop yields and nutrient uptake. Both hydrogels increased average soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC), soil extractable K, Na, and total organic carbon (TOC), and decreased soil extractable Mg relative to the control. Unlike XPAM, XPAA produced a greater increase in soil extractable K, increased extractable Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu, increased Olsen P, and decreased total inorganic carbon (TIC). Neither hydrogel affected crop yields but XPAA increased K and Zn and decreased Mg and Na uptake in crops compared to controls. Relative to the control, both hydrogels decreased cumulative Ca, Mg, and S leaching mass losses and increased mean EC of leachate. Unlike XPAM, XPAA increased cumulative leaching mass losses of K, P, NO3–N, and NH4–N relative to the control. The hydrogels’ soil effects persisted for ≥7 yr, differing as a function of the quantity of included counterions and the stability of the gel structure after soil placement.
Magnetically Controlled Soft Robotics Utilizing Elastomers and Gels in Actuation: A Review
Authors: Chung Hyun‐Joong , Parsons Andrew M. , Zheng Lelin
Published: December 2020

A magnetic field has unique advantages in controlling soft robotics inside of an enclosed space, such as surgical catheters or untethered drug‐delivering robots operating in the human body. Soft actuators, made of elastomers and gels functionalized with magnetically active materials, are natural choices to drive magnetically controlled motions of soft robots. Recent innovations in soft material technologies, including 3D printing, origami/kirigami, tough hydrogels, mechanical metamaterials, and liquid metal‐injected elastomers, offer technological foundations to develop soft actuators and robots with significantly enhanced performance. Herein, an overview of magnetic soft actuators and robots from a materials engineer's perspective is provided. First, the historical background and recent trends of magnetic soft actuators are discussed. Second, the motions of tethered or untethered magnetic soft robotics are classified into aquatic swimmers, terrestrial locomotors, and grippers. Herein, preprogrammed motion under patterned magnetic stimuli is achieved by controlled magnetization of elastomeric materials containing hard magnetic particles. Finally, the applications of magnetically controlled soft robotics in surgical and therapeutic medical devices are discussed.
Context Matters: Home‐level But Not Individual‐Level Recovery Social Capital Predicts Residents’ Relapse
Authors: Jason Leonard A. , Guerrero Mayra , Salomon‐Amend Meghan , Stevens Ed , Light John M. , Stoolmiller Mike
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study is to contribute to the literature on the prediction of substance use relapse, using sophisticated systems’ approaches to individuals and their contexts. In the current study of 42 recovery homes, we investigated the construct of social capital from the perspective of both recovery home residents and the house level. A confirmatory factor analysis found a latent recovery factor (including elements of recovery capital, comprising resources such as wages, self‐efficacy, stress, self‐esteem, quality of life, hope, sense of community, and social support) at both the individual and the recovery house level. Next, using longitudinal data from homes, an individual’s probability of relapse was found to be related to house rather than individual‐level latent recovery scores. In other words, an individual’s probability of relapse was primarily related to the average of the “recoveries” of his or her recovery home peers, and not of his or her own personal “recovery” status. The finding that resident relapse is based primarily upon the total recovery capital available in the homes highlights the importance of the social environment for recovery.
Influence of Remote Picolinyl and Picoloyl Stereodirecting Groups for the Stereoselective Glycosylation
Authors: Khanam Ariza , Kumar Mandal Pintu
Published: December 2020

Sugar compounds generally consist of several hydroxyl groups, responsible for the generation of complex oligosaccharides and are discriminated against or manipulated by using protecting groups. The protecting groups in carbohydrate chemistry adopt a central position in controlling stereoselectivity of glycosylation reaction. In all, picoloyl (Pico) and picolinyl (Pic) group are scrutinize as admirable protecting groups for the evaluation of efficient and convenient glycosyl donors which in turn, synthesize both 1,2‐cis‐ and 1,2‐trans‐linked complex and challenging oligosaccharides stereoselectively either through hydrogen bond mediated aglycone delivery (HAD) or by neighbouring group participation. This review explores the recent advances in the use of picoloyl (Pico) and picolinyl (Pic) as stereo‐directing groups for high facial α‐ or β‐stereoselectivity and its applications in the synthesis of biologically important oligosaccharides.
DNA Nanostructures in the Fight Against Infectious Diseases
Authors: Smith David M. , Keller Adrian
Published: December 2020

Throughout history, humanity has been threatened by countless epidemic and pandemic outbreaks of infectious diseases, from the Justinianic Plague to the Spanish flu to COVID‐19. While numerous antimicrobial and antiviral drugs have been developed over the last 200 years to face these threats, the globalized and highly connected world of the 21st century demands for an ever‐increasing efficiency in the detection and treatment of infectious diseases. Consequently, the rapidly evolving field of nanomedicine has taken up the challenge and developed a plethora of strategies to fight infectious diseases with the help of various nanomaterials such as noble metal nanoparticles, liposomes, nanogels, and virus capsids. DNA nanotechnology represents a comparatively recent addition to the nanomedicine arsenal, which, over the past decade, has made great progress in the area of cancer diagnostics and therapy. However, the past few years have seen also an increasing number of DNA nanotechnology‐related studies that particularly focus on the detection and inhibition of microbial and viral pathogens. Herein, a brief overview of this rather young research field is provided, successful concepts as well as potential challenges are identified, and promising directions for future research are highlighted.
A Short Method for the Synthesis of Hydroxyoleic Acids
Authors: Imperio Daniela , Morelli Laura , Panza Luigi
Published: December 2020

Enzymatic or microbiological oxidation of oleic acid can afford azelaic acid as a building block for bioplastics. However, during the oxidation, the formation of hydroxylated byproducts is observed. To better follow the oxidation reaction, the availability of reference compounds is of great importance. To this aim, the synthesis of a series of oleic acids hydroxylated at ω ‐ 1, ω ‐ 2, ω ‐ 3 positions is described without the use of protecting groups. The final products are obtained by partial lactone reduction to hydroxyaldehyde followed by Grignard addition, selective oxidation of the primary hydroxyl group, and Wittig reaction.
Mass transfer study in eductor liquid–liquid extractor: Dimensional analysis and response surface methodology modeling
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Mostafa , Shirvani Mansour , Ghaemi Ahad , Esmaeeli Bahare
Published: December 2020

In this work, the mass transfer performance of a new eductor liquid–liquid extractor is investigated experimentally and modeled by dimensional analysis and response surface methodology (RSM) with the utilization of water/acetic acid/toluene system. A correlation is derived for the overall mass transfer coefficient versus the Reynolds number, throat to nozzle area ratio, projection ratio, and the two phases of flow rates ratio. Based on the obtained results, the Reynolds number is known as the most effective parameter. Also, different hydrodynamic and geometrical parameters, giving the same Sauter mean diameter, have different mass transfer coefficients due to differences in droplet size distribution. In addition, the RSM studies show that the effects of the parameters are in the order of the two phases of flow rates ratio, the venturi throat to nozzle tip distance, nozzle diameter, and venturi throat diameter. The maximum overall mass transfer coefficient obtained equals to 0.000278 m/s for the studied system.
PVA/PMMA polymer blended composite electrospun nanofibers mat and their potential use as an anti‐biofilm product
Authors: Singh Manvi , Chauhan Deepika , Das Ayan K. , Iqbal Zeenat , Solanki Pratima R.
Published: December 2020

Bacterial infections have increased dramatically due to microbial biofilm formation resulting in chronic pathological conditions in human subjects. Microbial biofilm causes poor drug penetration and antibiotic resistance, which has made site‐specific sustained drug delivery the most appropriate option. Our work entails fabrication of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CPX) loaded nanofibers using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and poly(meth) methacrylate (PMMA) employing electrospinning method to form PVA:PMMA:CPX nanofibers mat. These nanofibers mat were optimized, characterized, and further subjected to anti‐biofilm activity. Microscopic images revealed average nanofibers diameter of 243 ± 80 nm with smooth surface morphology. Analytical graphs and thermal analysis confirmed drug encapsulation and drug‐polymer compatibility. In vitro studies demonstrated sustained release of CPX for 22 days displaying Hixon Crowell and two‐stage desorption kinetics. Anti‐biofilm activity showed zones of inhibition 3.0 ± 0.5 cm, 2.8 ± 0.1 cm, 2.9 ± 0.2 cm for Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, respectively which was well above the minimum inhibitory concentration levels of the bacteria forming biofilm. Conclusively, these nanofibers mat have potential to be used as an anti‐biofilm product.
Temporal changes in seabird assemblage structure and trait diversity in the Rapa Nui (Easter Island) multiple‐use marine protected area
Authors: Plaza Paula , Serratosa Juan , Gusmao Joao B. , Duffy David C. , Arce Paulina , Luna‐Jorquera Guillermo
Published: December 2020

For Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and its largest islet, Motu Nui, the change of the species assemblage over time was analysed, and a trait‐based approach to evaluate the potential losses in seabird function across the past centuries was applied. At a finer scale, the seasonal changes in seabird species composition in the current seabird assemblage was assessed to better understand the dynamics of the long‐term inferred patterns.

For Rapa Nui, the composition of the seabird assemblage between the prehistorical, historical, and current time has changed significantly. The most critical change, probably associated with human colonization, was observed between prehistoric and current times. The current diminished number of nesting seabird species was probably the result of local extirpation without evidence of colonization by new species.

For Motu Nui, changes in species composition were also followed by changes in trait structure, which were smaller than observed in Rapa Nui. This is probably due to the presence of a relatively high number of related species (i.e. Procellariids) with high similarities in their foraging behaviour.

The nesting seabird assemblages in Rapa Nui and Motu Nui differ in exposure to risk; thus, conservation strategies applied to the islands should be planned on a fine spatial scale. For Rapa Nui, which is an urban wildlife area with several invasive species and a low number of remaining native seabird species, management should focus on fencing and pets control. For Motu Nui, management should instead focus on the establishment of quarantine and other biosecurity tools to avoid both the entry and proliferation of new invasive species.
A review of the cognitive and sensory cues impacting taste perceptions and consumption
Authors: Krishna Aradhna , Elder Ryan S.
Published: December 2020

Food has a daily impact on all consumers, requiring frequent evaluations and decisions pre‐consumption, during, and post‐consumption. Given the number of consumer interactions and the complexity of the food consumption process, researchers have increasingly studied food from both a sensory standpoint and cognitive standpoint. In this review, we create a framework for this existing research. Specifically, we discuss research addressing the key sensory drivers of taste perceptions and consumption, including all five senses: vision, olfaction, audition, haptic, and/or taste. We also identify key cognitive contextual drivers of taste perception and consumption within a marketing context, including social cues, atmospherics, branding, and advertising. Building from the extant literature, we generate and propose areas for future food‐related research.
Motor Impairment Increases in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder as a Function of Social Communication, Cognitive and Functional Impairment, Repetitive Behavior Severity, and Comorbid Diagnoses: A SPARK Study Report
Authors: Bhat Anjana N.
Published: December 2020

Eighty‐seven percent of a large sample of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at risk for motor impairment (Bhat, Physical Therapy, 2020, 100, 633–644). In spite of the high prevalence for motor impairment in children with ASD, it is not considered among the diagnostic criteria or specifiers within DSM‐V. In this article, we analyzed the SPARK study dataset (n = 13,887) to examine associations between risk for motor impairment using the Developmental Coordination Disorder‐Questionnaire (DCD‐Q), social communication impairment using the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), repetitive behavior severity using the Repetitive Behaviors Scale – Revised (RBS‐R), and parent‐reported categories of cognitive, functional, and language impairments. Upon including children with ASD with cognitive impairments, 88.2% of the SPARK sample was at risk for motor impairment. The relative risk ratio for motor impairment in children with ASD was 22.2 times greater compared to the general population and that risk further increased up to 6.2 with increasing social communication (5.7), functional (6.2), cognitive (3.8), and language (1.6) impairments as well as repetitive behavior severity (5.0). Additionally, the magnitude of risk for motor impairment (fine‐ and gross‐motor) increased with increasing severity of all impairment types with medium to large effects. These findings highlight the multisystem nature of ASD, the need to recognize motor impairments as one of the diagnostic criteria or specifiers for ASD, and the need for appropriate motor screening and assessment of children with ASD. Interventions must address not only the social communication and cognitive/behavioral challenges of children with ASD but also their motor function and participation.

Lay Abstract

Eighty‐eight percent of the SPARK sample of children with ASD were at risk for motor impairment. The relative risk for motor impairment was 22.2 times greater in children with ASD compared to the general population and the risk increased with more social communication, repetitive behavior, cognitive, and functional impairment. It is important to recognize motor impairments as one of the diagnostic criteria or specifiers for ASD and there is a need to administer appropriate motor screening, assessment, and interventions in children with ASD.
In situ tracking of microbeads for the detection of biofilm formation
Authors: Boudarel Héloïse , Mathias Jean‐Denis , Blaysat Benoît , Grédiac Michel
Published: December 2020

In this study, we utilize the free motion of beads incorporated in bacterial suspension to investigate the behavior of the medium surrounding the beads during biofilm formation. The use of imaging techniques such as digital image correlation enables tracking of the movement of beads, which serve as markers in the processed images. This method is applied to detect and characterize biofilm formation. The main originality of this study lies in characterizing the evolution of the typology of bead movements during biofilm formation. The aim is to identify bead behaviors that represent the start of biofilm formation. By observing inert bead movements introduced into the bacterial environment, changes in trajectory typologies are detected and appear to be related to sessile bacterial activity, bacterial hindrance, and adhesion or formation of extracellular material. We use our approach to discriminate between the presence or absence of antibiotics mixed with bacteria and to assess their effectiveness. The results highlight the potential of our approach as nondestructive tracking of biofilm dynamics over time based on optical microscope images.
Organ‐ and Age‐Specific Differences ofDioscorea polystachyaCompounds Measured by UPLC‐QTOF/MS
Authors: Yu Yan‐Ge , Guo Xiao‐Yang , Li Xiang‐Yang , Dai Dan‐Dan , Xu Xin‐Ran , Ge Xiao‐Jin , Li Yan‐Jun , Yang Tie‐Gang
Published: December 2020

Dioscorea polystachya, named Chinese yam, is widely cultivated as a functional food and natural medicine in China. There is currently little information about the chemical characteristics ofDioscorea polystachyain different organs (tuber cortex and tuber flesh) and at various ages. In this study, an ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC‐QTOF/MS) was used to profile chemical compounds inDioscorea polystachya. As a result, thirty‐eight compounds were detected in yam tuber cortex and tuber flesh. More compounds were detected in yam tuber cortex than in tuber flesh. Compounds such as dehydroepiandrosterone, allantoin and flavonoids were selected as biomarker candidates. Dehydroepiandrosterone was found more abundant in tuber flesh, while allantoin and flavonoids showed higher levels in tuber cortex. Furthermore, the levels of dioscin, malvalic acid and sucrose differed significantly among age groups and were highest in the tubers at 2 years. While the levels of allantoin, adenosine and glutamine increased with the growing years and were highest at 4 years. Thus, 2‐year oldDioscorea polystachyatubers could be harvested to prepare dioscin, malvalic acid and sucrose supplements. The 4‐year‐oldDioscorea polystachyatubers would be the best choice for obtaining a large amount of allantoin and adenosine in industrial production.
Relationship between predicting bleeding complication in patients undergoing stent implantation and subsequent dual antiplatelet therapy (PRECISE‐DAPT) score and mortality among patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Asif Anum , Sezer Ahmet , Thoma Floyd , Toma Catalin , Schindler John , Fowler Jeffrey , Smith Conrad , Marroquin Oscar C. , Mulukutla Suresh R.
Published: December 2020

Background

The predicting bleeding complication in patients undergoing stent implantation and subsequent dual antiplatelet therapy, PRECISE‐DAPT (P‐DAPT) score has been validated in large cohorts as an effective tool in predicting bleeding complication after dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) as well as in predicting in‐hospital mortality. The implication of using this score to predict outcomes, including mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing PCI is unknown.

Objective

Role of P‐DAPT score to study clinical outcomes, including mortality, hospitalization, and major bleeding, particularly among patients with AF.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study of 18,850 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) across a large multihospital healthcare system from 2010 to 2019. Patients were stratified into four groups depending on the presence or absence of AF and P‐DAPT score, with score ≥ 25 defined as high risk. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality. The secondary outcomes evaluated were hospitalization and major bleeding.

Results

In the unadjusted analyses, a P‐DAPT score ≥ 25, in both AF and non‐AF population, was associated with increased mortality, hospitalization, and bleeding. After adjusting for baseline covariates, no significant differences in major bleeding risk were found across the four groups. However, a P‐DAPT score of ≥25 in AF patients was associated with a higher risk for hospitalizations related to cardiovascular causes (HR: 2.15 95% CI 2.00–2.3, p < .0001). Among AF patients, P‐DAPT score ≥ 25 was found to be strongly associated with mortality (HR 3.5; 95% CI 2.95–4.25, p < .0001) as compared with AF patients with score < 25 (HR 1.18, 95% CI 0.88–1.54, p = .26).

Conclusion

In this large cohort of patients undergoing PCI, the P‐DAPT score can help to identify patients at high risk for long‐term mortality, particularly among those with atrial fibrillation.
Effects of processing methods of rice gel on starch digestibility and textural properties
Authors: Sasaki Tomoko , Matsuki Junko , Tokuyasu Ken
Published: December 2020

Background and objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of rice variety, rice material such as flour or cooked grain, and preparation conditions on starch digestibility and textural properties of gels.

Findings

Rice gels were prepared from cooked‐rice grain via high‐speed shear homogenization or rice flour using five high‐amylose rice varieties. Rice‐flour gels formed a harder and more brittle gel structure than did cooked‐rice gels of the same rice variety. Starch digestion of gels was evaluated using both gels of fixed size and ground gels. The extent of starch digestion for cooked‐rice gels of fixed size negatively correlated with the peak area ratio of DP13‐24 of amylopectin. Starch digestibility was higher in rice‐flour gels compared to cooked‐rice gels of the same rice variety. When using gels of fixed size, a significant correlation was observed between the extent of starch digestion and textural properties.

Conclusions

Both rice variety and processing conditions strongly influenced the textural properties of gels, resulting in the formation of a stronger gel structure and suppression of the extent of starch digestion in rice gels.

Significance and novelty

The combination of both rice variety and processing condition significantly suppresses starch digestibility of rice gels.
Bell’s palsy as a possible neurological complication of COVID‐19: A case report
Authors: Bastola Anup , Sah Ranjit , Nepal Gaurav , Gajurel Bikram Prasad , Rajbhandari Sagar Kumar , Chalise Bimal Sharma , Shrestha Bikesh , Nepal Richa , Maharjan Kijan , Dhama Kuldeep , Rodríguez‐Morales. Alfonso J.
Published: December 2020

COVID‐19 has been associated with several neurological complications. We presented a case of Bell's palsy as a possible neurological complication of COVID‐19 infection. Further research should be conducted to clarify the association, correlation, or causality between COVID‐19 and neuroimmunological diseases.
Reaction Pathway Discrimination in Alkene Oxidation Reactions by Designed Ti‐Siloxy‐Polyoxometalates
Authors: Zhang Teng , Solé‐Daura Albert , Fouilloux Hugo , Poblet Josep M. , Proust Anna , Carbó Jorge J. , Guillemot Geoffroy
Published: December 2020

Titanium complexes of silanol functionalized polyoxometalates (THA)3[SbW9O33(RSiO)3Ti(OiPr)] (Ti‐SiloxPOMs) catalyze alkene oxidation with tert‐butyl hydrogen peroxide (TBHP). However catalytic activity and product distribution in the oxidation of allylic alcohols are shown to depend on the steric surrounding generated by the SiloxPOM (R=tBu, iPr, nPr). Combined experimental and computational studies clarify how steric repulsions between the oxidant (tBu group) and the surrounding SiloxPOM govern the reaction pathways leading either to oxidation of the alcohol function (R=tBu) or to alkene epoxidation (R=nPr). Moreover, another consequence of this steric repulsive interactions is that outer‐sphere mechanisms become competitive with the inner‐sphere ones (coordination of allylic alcohol), whether for the oxidative dehydrogenation reaction or for the epoxidation reaction. In the case of unfunctionalized olefins (linear and cyclic), we show that reducing the bulkiness surrounding the active site leads to higher conversion to epoxide, emphasizing that these Ti‐SiloxPOMs may behave as structural and functional models for metal single‐site in Ti‐Silicates.
Clinical significance of left atrial geometry in dilated cardiomyopathy patients: A cardiovascular magnetic resonance study
Authors: Yazaki Mayu , Nabeta Takeru , Inomata Takayuki , Maemura Kenji , Oki Takumi , Fujita Teppei , Ikeda Yuki , Ishii Shunsuke , Naruke Takashi , Inoue Yusuke , Ako Junya
Published: December 2020

Background

Clinical significance of left atrial (LA) function and geometry in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) remains uncertain.

Hypothesis

LA geometric parameters assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) predict the prognosis in patients with DCM.

Methods

The present study included patients with DCM and sinus rhythm who underwent CMR between December 2007 and April 2018. LA volume was measured using CMR. LA sphericity index was computed as the ratio of the measured maximum LA volume by the volume of a sphere with maximum LA length diameter.

Results

We included 255 patients in this study. During the mean follow‐up of 3.92 years, hospitalization for HF occurred in 37 patients. The LA sphericity index was significantly higher in patients with hospitalization for HF than in those without (0.78 ± 0.35 vs. 0.58 ± 0.18, p < .001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified a higher LA sphericity index as an independent predictor of hospitalization for HF. Patients were categorized based on the median of LA sphericity index. The Kaplan–Meier curve showed that patients with a high LA sphericity index (≥0.57) had a significantly higher risk of hospitalization for HF than those with a low LA sphericity index (<0.57).

Conclusion

LA sphericity index was an independent predictor of hospitalization for HF. Assessment of LA geometric parameters might be useful for risk stratification in patients with DCM.
Racial disparities in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 infection and gynecologic malignancy
Authors: Lara Olivia D. , Smith Maria J. , Wang Yuyan , O’Cearbhaill Roisin , Blank Stephanie V. , Kolev Valentin , Carr Caitlin , Knisely Anne , McEachron Jennifer , Gabor Lisa , Chapman‐Davis Eloise , Jee Justin , Fehniger Julia , Lee Yi‐Chun , Isani Sara , Liu Mengling , Wright Jason D. , Pothuri Bhavana
Published: December 2020

Background

Mounting evidence suggests disproportionate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) hospitalizations and deaths because of racial disparities. The association of race in a cohort of gynecologic oncology patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 infection is unknown.

Methods

Data were abstracted from gynecologic oncology patients with COVID‐19 infection among 8 New York City area hospital systems. A multivariable mixed‐effects logistic regression model accounting for county clustering was used to analyze COVID‐19–related hospitalization and mortality.

Results

Of 193 patients who had gynecologic cancer and COVID‐19, 67 (34.7%) were Black, and 126 (65.3%) were non‐Black. Black patients were more likely to require hospitalization compared with non‐Black patients (71.6% [48 of 67] vs 46.0% [58 of 126]; P = .001). Of 34 (17.6%) patients who died from COVID‐19, 14 (41.2%) were Black. Among those who were hospitalized, compared with non‐Black patients, Black patients were more likely to: have ≥3 comorbidities (81.1% [30 of 37] vs 59.2% [29 of 49]; P = .05), to reside in Brooklyn (81.0% [17 of 21] vs 44.4% [12 of 27]; P = .02), to live with family (69.4% [25 of 36] vs 41.6% [37 of 89]; P = .009), and to have public insurance (79.6% [39 of 49] vs 53.4% [39 of 73]; P = .006). In multivariable analysis, among patients aged <65 years, Black patients were more likely to require hospitalization compared with non‐Black patients (odds ratio, 4.87; 95% CI, 1.82‐12.99; P = .002).

Conclusions

Although Black patients represented only one‐third of patients with gynecologic cancer, they accounted for disproportionate rates of hospitalization (>45%) and death (>40%) because of COVID‐19 infection; younger Black patients had a nearly 5‐fold greater risk of hospitalization. Efforts to understand and improve these disparities in COVID‐19 outcomes among Black patients are critical.
Quality of life and factors affecting it in adult cancer patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Ramasubbu Saravana Kumar , Pasricha Rajesh K. , Nath Uttam K. , Rawat Vikram Singh , Das Biswadeep
Published: December 2020

Background

Cancer is the second most common cause of deaths worldwide. Likewise, in India, it is a major health problem, and disease burden is escalating every year. Cancer chemotherapy produces unfavorable effects on the well‐being of an individual. Since the past few years, quality of life (QoL) is considered as the main goal of cancer treatment in the survival of a patient.

Aim

This current study aimed to assess the QoL and factors affecting it in adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Methods and Results

An analytical, cross‐sectional study was conducted to achieve the objectives, employing the consecutive sampling method. A total of 120 adult (>19 years) patients were recruited from daycare chemotherapy unit of a tertiary care hospital. The data were collected using patient record form and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐General (FACT‐G), a quality of life (QoL) questionnaire. The overall mean score of quality of life (QoL) was 61.933 ± 5.85502. The domains of functional well‐being and emotional well‐being were most negatively affected after cancer chemotherapy. Education (illiteracy) and occupation (unemployment) were negatively associated with overall quality of life (QoL) of cancer patients on chemotherapy. Adverse drug reactions due to cancer chemotherapy negatively affect the quality of life (QoL) of cancer patients. Education (illiteracy) affects social well‐being domain of cancer patients. Working in the government/private sector has a positive impact on functional well‐being domain of quality of life (QoL).

Conclusion

The study findings suggest an overall low quality of life (QoL) among adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at our setup. It has been identified as a stressful therapy, also affecting both psychological and physical well‐being. Poor infrastructure, illiteracy, poverty, and lack of proper treatment facilities at most centres often lead to poor survival outcomes and hence focus has always been on achieving quantity of life rather than quality of life (QoL). This is further complicated due to nonavailability of validated tools in local vernacular, apathy of the treating physicians in the context of QoL aspects and social and cultural factors that are unique to this society. Psycho‐oncology needs to become an integral entity of comprehensive cancer care.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of the EXTREME regimen for treating recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in older and younger adult patients
Authors: Fukuda Naoki , Yunokawa Mayu , Fujiwara Yu , Wang Xiaofei , Ohmoto Akihiro , Hayashi Naomi , Urasaki Tetsuya , Sato Yasuyoshi , Nakano Kenji , Ono Makiko , Tomomatsu Junichi , Mitani Hiroki , Takahashi Shunji
Published: December 2020

Background

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a geriatric cancer. However, older adult patients are frequently underrepresented in large clinical trials.

Aims

The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of the EXTREME regimen (platinum + fluorouracil + cetuximab) in older and younger adult patients with HNSCC.

Methods and results

Patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC treated with the EXTREME regimen were retrospectively analyzed. We compare the efficacy and safety in older (aged ≥70 years) younger (aged <70 years) adult patients. Of the 86 patients examined in this study, 21 (24.4%) were older adults. There was no difference in overall response rate (46.9% vs 38.5%, P = .76), median progression‐free survival [5.7 months vs 5.8 months, hazard ratio (HR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.52‐1.51, P = .66] and overall survival (OS) (14.6 months vs 15.2 months, HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.43‐1.43, P = .44) in younger vs older patients. There was also no difference in the incidence of grade 3/4 adverse events between groups. The exploratory analysis for geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) showed the association with lower GNRI (≤98) and poor OS in older adult patients (37.7 months vs 7.0 months, HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.31‐0.89, P = .002).

Conclusions

The EXTREME regimen with optimal dose modification is safe and effective for both older and younger adult patients with HNSCC. The GNRI can be an indicator to select the older adult patients who can get benefit from the EXTREME regimen.
On Admissible Locations of Transonic Shock Fronts for Steady Euler Flows in an Almost Flat Finite Nozzle with Prescribed Receiver Pressure
Authors: Fang Beixiang , Xin Zhouping
Published: December 2020

This paper concerns the existence of transonic shock solutions to the 2‐D steady compressible Euler system in an almost flat finite nozzle (in the sense that it is a generic small perturbation of a flat one), under physical boundary conditions proposed by Courant‐Friedrichs in [14], in which the receiver pressure is prescribed at the exit of the nozzle. In the resulting free boundary problem, the location of the shock front is some of the most desirable information one would like to determine. However, the location of the normal shock front in a flat nozzle can be anywhere in the nozzle so that it provides little information on the possible location of the shock front when the nozzle's boundary is perturbed. So one of the key difficulties in looking for transonic shock solutions is to determine the shock front. To this end, a free boundary problem for the linearized Euler system will be proposed, whose solution will be taken as an initial approximation for the transonic shock solution. Once an initial approximation is obtained, a further nonlinear iteration can be constructed and proved to lead to a transonic shock solution. In this paper, a sufficient condition in terms of the geometry of the nozzle and the given exit pressure is derived that yields the existence of the solutions to the proposed free boundary problem. By this condition, it will be shown that, for the proposed linear free boundary problem, if the nozzle is either strictly expanding or contracting, there exists only one solution as long as the given pressure at the exit lies within a certain interval; while if the nozzle is generic with both expanding and contracting portions, there may exist more than one solution for the same given receiver pressure, which implies the existence of more than one initial approximating shock front. This nonuniqueness of the initial approximations will lead to the nonuniqueness of the transonic shock solutions for generic nozzles with the same given receiver pressure, which shows the instability of the unperturbed normal shock solution under general perturbations of the nozzle boundary and how this instability may behave. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Efficient and secure routing protocol based on Blockchain approach for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Lazrag Hilmi , Chehri Abdellah , Saadane Rachid , Rahmani Moulay Driss
Published: December 2020

Embedded systems and wireless sensor networks (WSN) are found today in increasingly critical areas of applications. They have become integrated and embedded in nearly all aspects of everyday life, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, critical infrastructure, and entertainment. The number of connected devices continues to grow, and due to the insecure nature of these devices, the amount of risk continues to grow as well. These risks, however, can be mitigated with the creation and adoption of WSN security standards developed to create an environment of safety, security, and confidence in the technology. Designing the security policy for WSNs requires asking some preliminary questions. These questions are particularly important in the case of WSNs because their use is highly decentralized. Blockchain's ability on governing decentralized networks makes it especially suitable for designing a self‐managing system on WSN devices. This article proposes a routing protocol that uses Blockchain technology to offer a shared memory between the network's nodes. The simulation results have shown that this solution could be applicable and could resolve the issues cited above.
Transferability of Ancestry‐Specific and Cross‐Ancestry CYP2A6 Activity Genetic Risk Scores in African and European Populations
Authors: El‐Boraie Ahmed , Chenoweth Meghan J. , Pouget Jennie G. , Benowitz Neal L. , Fukunaga Koya , Mushiroda Taisei , Kubo Michiaki , Nollen Nicole L. , Sanderson Cox Lisa , Lerman Caryn , Knight Jo , Tyndale Rachel F.
Published: December 2020

The Nicotine Metabolite Ratio (NMR; 3‐hydroxycotinine/cotinine), a highly heritable index of nicotine metabolic inactivation by the CYP2A6 enzyme, is associated with numerous smoking behaviors and diseases, as well as unique cessation outcomes. However, the NMR cannot be measured in nonsmokers, former smokers, or intermittent smokers, for example, in evaluating tobacco‐related disease risk. Traditional pharmacogenetic groupings based on CYP2A6 * alleles capture a modest portion of NMR variation. We previously created a CYP2A6 weighted genetic risk score (wGRS) for European (EUR)‐ancestry populations by incorporating independent signals from genome‐wide association studies to capture a larger proportion of NMR variation. However, CYP2A6 genetic architecture is unique to ancestral populations. In this study, we developed and replicated an African‐ancestry (AFR) wGRS, which captured 30–35% of the variation in NMR. We demonstrated model robustness against known environmental sources of NMR variation. Furthermore, despite the vast diversity within AFR populations, we showed that the AFR wGRS was consistent between different US geographical regions and unaltered by fine AFR population substructure. The AFR and EUR wGRSs can distinguish slow from normal metabolizers in their respective populations, and were able to reflect unique smoking cessation pharmacotherapy outcomes previously observed for the NMR. Additionally, we evaluated the utility of a cross‐ancestry wGRS, and the capacity of EUR, AFR, and cross‐ancestry wGRSs to predict the NMR within stratified or admixed AFR‐EUR populations. Overall, our findings establish the clinical benefit of applying ancestry‐specific wGRSs, demonstrating superiority of the AFR wGRS in AFRs.