bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning English as Second Language (ESL): The Experiences of Tagakaulo Students in Focus
Authors: Sanico Analou T. , Alo Meliza P.
Published: July 2020

Aims: To investigate the struggles, coping mechanisms, and significant experiences of Grade 10 Tagakaulo students, an Indigenous Peoples (IP) group, in learning English.

Study Design: Qualitative method specifically phenomenological approach.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Dalamuan Integrated School in Lutay, Malungon, Sarangani Province. It was conducted during the school year 2019-2020.

Methodology: The Tagakaulo students were purposively chosen. Twelve Grade 10 Tagakaulo students participated in the focus group discussions. Validated researcher-made questionnaire was used to obtain information from the participants. Information obtained were data analyzed.

Results: Seven themes emerged from the data analysis: Consideration in learning English; considerations of good experiences; complication in learning English; dealing with difficulties; combination of teaching strategies; variations of preferred strategies; and meaningful experiences. In particular, all the participants believed that learning English was difficult but interesting; majority found encountering difficult words to be a good experience; having no academic resource such as library added to their difficulties; they developed different learning styles and coping mechanisms; they preferred performance, group activities, and discovery learning; and they realized that what might be a meaningful experience to one might not be essential to others. Each theme was discussed thoroughly.

Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, several concepts are formulated. First, Tagakaulo students’ struggles in learning English are not different from other non-tribal learners. It implies that in learning second language, indigenous and non-indigenous students experience similar difficulties. This may due to the similarity of their native languages and the target language they want to learn. Second, culture and upbringing of learners may affect students’ motivation in learning English. Filipino students have the drive to learn English because it will give them more opportunities than not learning it. Third, English teachers need to enhance and strengthen their corrective feedback knowledge and skills in order for them to practice the concept effectively. Fourth, students remember those teaching strategies which challenge them more. Fifth, the students’ prefer teaching strategies which are outcomes and performance-based. Sixth, students find meaningful experiences in learning English in spite of their challenges conditions.
Ameliorated Class of Estimators of Finite Population Variance
Authors: Muili J. O. , Agwamba E. N. , Odeyale A. B. , Adebiyi A.
Published: July 2020

A class of ratio estimators of finite population variance is proposed in this study. The properties of the proposed estimators have been derived using Taylor’s Series method up to first order of approximation. The efficiency conditions which are the mean square errors (MSEs) and percentage relative efficiency (PRE) of the proposed estimators over existing estimators have been established. The analytical illustration was also conducted to affirm the theoretical results. The results of the empirical study revealed that the proposed estimators are more efficient than the existing estimators considered in the study.
An Assessment of Educators’ Level of Concern on the Adoption of Education 5.0: A Case of One University in Zimbabwe
Authors: Muzira Dumisani Rumbidzai , Muzira Robert
Published: July 2020

Background: This study was an assessment of educators’ levels of concern on the adoption of Education 5.0: A case of a State University in Zimbabwe. Education 5.0 being a new curriculum reform in Zimbabwe which focuses on five pillars namely, research, teaching, community service, innovation and industrialisation. Educators are directly involved in implementing education reforms hence the importance of an assessment of their stages of concern towards the adoption of Education 5.0.

Methodology: A survey using 35 questionnaire items adapted from the Concerns-Based Adoption model was used to collect data from a sample of 28 lecturers derived from a population of 30. The researcher completed a score sheet using the responses from the questionnaires. Data on stages of concern was coded using Likert scale of 0 to 3. Data was analysed to measure stages of concern among the educators who are implementors of Education 5.0. by averaging the five items per stage to determine the level of concern among the educators. Standard deviation for each stage of concern was also calculated to determine variations among the educators’ level of concern.

Results: The study revealed that the educators had their highest intensity of concern under stage 2 (personal), followed by stage 5 (collaboration), and their least concern on stage 6 (refocusing), followed by stage 3 (management). These findings indicate that these educators are on the self-level of concern, much concerned about how they would personally be affected by Education 5.0 and least concerned about the task at hand, which is the implementation of Education 5.0.

Conclusion: The high intensity scores of educators’ concern at the personal and collaboration stages suggest that educators are more worried about how Education 5.0 adoption would affect them personally and also their significant others, students being part of this group. It is expected of educators to be concerned about how their students will be affected because students are part of lecturers’ most valued clients.
Fatigue Behaviour Study of a Cement Matrix Composite Reinforced by Sugar Cane Bagasse Short Fibers
Authors: Pamphile Acodji V. , Valery Doko K. , Emmanuel Olodo E. T.
Published: July 2020

This work is devoted to the study of the fatigue behaviour of a cement matrix composite reinforced by sugar cane bagasse short fibers. The objective is analysis of the fatigue behaviour in order to assess its ability to withstand use on wall structures, in bracing, false ceiling of this material. Some series of tests carried out in compression and flexion characterized the material mechanical properties, the tests in monotonic and cyclic three-point bending showed the material behaviour in use. For the composite, another fairly conventionally used representation is to visualize the variations in material properties as a function of the number of cycles. The Wöhler curves is plotted from the strain stresses and the number of cycles for the end of test criteria. It shows the influence of increase in stress on the material service life face of breaking. The Fatigue limit corresponds to the line s =26.40 MPa, stress for which no breaking is observed after an infinite number of cycles, and the Endurance limit corresponds to the line of stress 26.79 MPa, the limit value towards which the stress amplitude tends when the number of cycles becomes very large.
Hemoglobin Level as a Prognostic Factor for Locally Advanced Bladder Cancer Patients Treated with Radical Radiotherapy
Authors: Zahi Mohamed S. , Abozeed Waleed N. , Elazab Skoukri H.
Published: July 2020

Anemia is a common symptom in cancer patients and usually associated with poor prognosis. Urinary bladder cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in the urological tract with anemia being one the most common presenting symptom. Radical radiotherapy is the treatment of choice for advancer disease with many factors could influence the prognosis.

Aim: To identify pre-treatment hemoglobin level as prognostic factor for advanced bladder cancer treated with radiotherapy.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective study reviewed the data of 88 patients with advanced bladder cancer, treated with radical radiotherapy from 2013 to 2018.

Results: Median follow-up was 45 months. The median PFS was 26.87 months but when comparing anemic to non–anemic patient there was significant difference (17.25 and 40.02 months) respectively. Also as regards overall survival the median was 28.98 months but 20.24 and 40.47 months in anemic and non-anemic patients respectively with significant difference. Local or distant progression detected in 36 out of 50 anemic patients compared to only 4 out of 38 non-anemic patients. In multivariate analysis anemia was proved to be the strongest predictor of mortality.

Conclusion: Pre-treatment Hb level is an important factor affecting the prognosis of advanced bladder cancer patients treated with radical radiotherapy. Low HB level could be considered as a good biological marker for aggressive disease.
Assessment of Reservoir Based Hydropower System, a Case Study: Dwangwa River, Malawi
Authors: Chisale Sylvester William , Chikabvumbwa Sylvester Richard , Chisanu Lackson
Published: July 2020

Unreliable power in Malawi mainly results from fluctuating water levels in most run-of-river hydropower plants. These power outages worsen during the dry season making it difficult to accommodate the existing demand of electricity. The best solution to ensure reliability of the hydropower system is to incorporate reservoir storage. This study aimed at designing a reservoir based hydropower system to ensure reliability and maximum generation of power at a low cost. The system was designed to export all the energy to national grid for distribution. The monthly average design flow was 29.129 m3/s. Reservoir storage capacity of 536.998 Mm3 was estimated using mass flow curve in MS-Excel while potential head of 100 m was deduced using Google Earth. RETScreen software was used to calculate hydropower potential and determine financial viability of the project. The results showed that the hydropower potential was 22.70 MW and the initial capital cost was $79,434,044 with payback period of 4.8 years. This paper’s levelised cost of energy (LCoE) was 0.099 $/kWh which relatively smaller than grid cost of 0.155 $/kWh. Therefore, this paper presents part of the solution for the persistent power outages and also overcomes the serious power problems during dry season in Malawi.
Predictors of worsening neuropathy and neuropathic pain after 12 years in people with HIV
Authors: Ellis Ronald J. , Diaz Monica , Sacktor Ned , Marra Christina , Collier Ann C. , Clifford David B. , Calcutt Nigel , Fields Jerel A. , Heaton Robert K. , Letendre Scott L. ,   for the CNS Antiretroviral Therapy Effects Research (CHARTER) Study Group
Published: July 2020

Objective

Distal sensory polyneuropathy (DSP) and neuropathic pain are important clinical concerns in virally suppressed people with HIV. We determined how these conditions evolved, what factors influenced their evolution, and their clinical impact.

Methods

Ambulatory, community‐dwelling HIV seropositive individuals were recruited at six research centers. Clinical evaluations at baseline and 12 years later determined neuropathy signs and distal neuropathic pain (DNP). Additional assessments measured activities of daily living and quality of life (QOL). Factors potentially associated with DSP and DNP progression included disease severity, treatment, demographics, and co‐morbidities. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated for follow‐up neuropathy outcomes.

Results

Of 254 participants, 21.3% were women, 57.5% were non‐white. Mean baseline age was 43.5 years. Polyneuropathy prevalence increased from 25.7% to 43.7%. Of 173 participants initially pain‐free, 42 (24.3%) had incident neuropathic pain. Baseline risk factors for incident pain included unemployment (OR [95% CI], 5.86 [1.97, 17.4]) and higher baseline body mass index (BMI) (1.78 [1.03, 3.19] per 10‐units). Participants with neuropathic pain at follow‐up had significantly worse QOL and greater dependence in activities of daily living than those who remained pain‐free.

Interpretation

HIV DSP and neuropathic pain increased in prevalence and severity over 12 years despite high rates of viral suppression. The high burden of neuropathy included disability and poor life quality. However, substantial numbers remained pain‐free despite clear evidence of neuropathy on exam. Protective factors included being employed and having a lower BMI. Implications for clinical practice include promotion of lifestyle changes affecting reversible risk factors.
Preparation and characterization of a novel DABCO‐based ionic liquid supported on Fe3O4@TiO2 nanoparticles and investigation of its catalytic activity in the synthesis of quinazolinones
Authors: Bakhshali‐Dehkordi Raziyeh , Ghasemzadeh Mohammad Ali , Safaei‐Ghomi Javad
Published: July 2020

In this study, quinazolinone derivatives have been synthesized via a suitable and efficient procedure by one‐potmulti‐component reactions of 3‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole or 2‐aminobenzimidazole, dimedone and aromatic aldehydes in the presence of Fe3O4@TiO2‐IL as nanocatalyst under solvent‐free condition. The products were prepared in good to excellent yields using Fe3O4@TiO2‐IL magnetic nanocatalyst. The Fe3O4@TiO2 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were prepared using beet juice extract and functionalized with IL based on DABCO. Moreover, the core‐shell structured magnetic Fe3O4@TiO2‐IL has been characterized by different techniques such as 1H‐NMR, FT‐IR, VSM, XRD, SEM, TGA, TEM and EDX. To the best of our knowledge, the prepared ionic liquid displayed a good protective and activator agent for magnetic nanocatalyst.
Anti‐inflammatory and analgesic effect of LD‐RT and some novel thiadiazole derivatives through COX‐2 inhibition
Authors: El‐Hazek Reham M. M. , El‐Sabbagh Walaa A. , El‐Hazek Rania M. , El‐Gazzar Marwa G.
Published: July 2020

Generally, highly selective COX‐2 inhibitors cause cardiovascular side effects. Celecoxib is the highly marketed coxib, so there is still a need for the synthesis of COX‐2 inhibitors with less adverse effects. Moreover, low‐dose radiotherapy (LD‐RT) is clinically used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the analgesic and anti‐inflammatory activity of a novel series of 1,3,4‐thiadiazole derivatives alone or combined with LD‐RT with a single dose of 0.5 Gy. Initially, in vitro COX‐1/COX‐2 inhibition assays were performed, identifying the sulfonamide‐containing compounds5–10as the most potent candidates, with IC50values in the range of 0.32–0.37 µM and the highest selectivity indices. These compounds and celecoxib were subjected to in vivo examination after their safety was assessed through the acute toxicity test. Treatment with compounds5–10inhibited carrageenan‐induced edema by nearly 47–56%, which was nearly equivalent to celecoxib. Compounds7and8and celecoxib showed an analgesic activity of 64.15%, 49.05%, and 84.90%, respectively, whereas compounds5,6,9, and10did not show any analgesic activity unless combined with LD‐RT. Ulcerogenic activity, histological paw examination, and docking studies were performed. Compounds5–10were nearly similar to celecoxib, showing normal histological features with no ulcerogenic activity.
Enhanced recovery after surgery pathway in patients with soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Lyu H G , Saadat L V , Bertagnolli M M , Wang J , Baldini E H , Stopfkuchen-Evans M , Bleday R , Raut C P
Published: July 2020

Background

Patients undergoing surgery for soft tissue sarcoma have high morbidity rates, particularly after preoperative radiation therapy (RT). An enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programme may improve perioperative outcomes in abdominal surgery. This study reported outcomes of an ERAS programme tailored to patients with soft tissue sarcoma.

Methods

A prospective ERAS protocol was implemented in 2015 at a high-volume sarcoma centre. Patients treated within the ERAS programme from 2015 to 2018 were case-matched retrospectively with patients treated between 2012 and 2018 without use of the protocol, matched by surgical site, surgeon, sarcoma histology and preoperative RT treatment. Postoperative outcomes, specifically wound complications and duration of hospital stay, were reported.

Results

In total, 234 patients treated within the ERAS programme were matched with 237 who were not. The ERAS group had lower wound dehiscence rates overall (2 of 234 (0·9 per cent) versus 31 of 237 (13·1 per cent); P < 0·001), after preoperative RT (0 of 41 versus 11 of 51; P = 0·004) and after extremity sarcoma surgery (0 of 54 versus 6 of 56; P = 0·040) compared with the non-ERAS group. Rates of postoperative ileus or obstruction were lower in the ERAS group (21 of 234 (9·9 per cent) versus 40 of 237 (16·9 per cent); P = 0·016) and in those with retroperitoneal sarcoma (4 of 36 versus 15 of 36; P = 0·007). Duration of hospital stay was shorter in the ERAS group (median 5 (range 0–36) versus 6 (0–67) days; P = 0·003).

Conclusion

Treatment within an ERAS protocol for patients with soft tissue sarcoma was associated with lower morbidity and shorter hospital stay.
Geriatric assessment domains to predict overall survival in older cancer patients: An analysis of functional status, comorbidities, and nutritional status as prognostic factors
Authors: Morishima Toshitaka , Sato Akira , Nakata Kayo , Miyashiro Isao
Published: July 2020

Cancer treatments for older patients must account for heterogeneity in health and functional status. Guidelines advocate the use of geriatric assessments (GAs), but comprehensive assessments are laborious and the utility of specific GA domains remains unclear. The identification of specific domains as prognostic factors may support survival predictions and treatment decisions. We aimed to evaluate the associations between several GA domains and overall survival in older cancer patients. We linked cancer registry data and administrative claims data from cancer patients residing in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. The subjects were patients aged ≥70 years who received a diagnosis of gastric, colorectal, or lung cancer between 2010 and 2014 at 36 designated cancer care hospitals. The following three GA domains were assessed at cancer diagnosis: functional status through activities of daily living (ADL), comorbidities, and nutritional status through body mass index. Cox proportional hazards models were constructed for the three cancer types to estimate each domain's prognostic effect while adjusting for gender, age, and cancer stage. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for all‐cause mortality were calculated. We identified 5,559, 4,746, and 4,837 patients with gastric, colorectal, and lung cancer respectively. ADL impairment (HRs: 1.39‐3.34, 1.64‐2.86, and 1.24‐3.21 for gastric, colorectal, and lung cancer, respectively), comorbidities (1.32‐1.58, 1.33‐1.97, and 1.19‐1.29 for gastric, colorectal, and lung cancer, respectively), and underweight (1.36, 1.51, and 1.54 for gastric, colorectal, and lung cancer, respectively) were significantly associated with poorer overall survival. In contrast, overweight was significantly associated with improved overall survival (HRs: 0.82 and 0.89 for gastric and lung cancer respectively). The addition of the three domains increased the models’ C‐statistics (0.816 to 0.836, 0.764 to 0.787, and 0.759 to 0.783 for gastric, colorectal, and lung cancer respectively). Incorporating these factors into initial patient evaluations during diagnosis may aid prognostic predictions and treatment strategies in geriatric oncology.
Research in counselling and psychotherapy Post‐COVID‐19
Authors: Bell Chance A. , Crabtree Sarah A. , Hall Eugene L. , Sandage Steven J.
Published: July 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic brings to light many areas the field of counselling and psychotherapy may need to address in future research. We outline several issues stemming from or exacerbated by the pandemic and offer suggestions for future research to address the mental health needs of those impacted. Our suggestions focus on five domains: (a) the health and well‐being of helping professionals, (b) the infodemic, (c) discrimination and minority stress, (d) spiritual and existential dynamics in mental health and (e) couple and family stress and resilience. We aim to provide a multi‐systemic perspective of mental health and well‐being in the time of COVID‐19, as well as encourage current and future studies to incorporate these suggestions to advance the health and well‐being of our communities through evidence‐based treatment approaches.
Unravelling the Role of Water in Ultrafast Excited‐State Relaxation Dynamics within Nano‐Architectures of Chlorophyll a
Authors: Silori Yogita , Chawla Sakshi , De Arijit K.
Published: July 2020

Water plays a pivotal role in structural stability of supramolecular pigment assemblies designed for natural light harvesting (for example, chlorosome antenna complex) as well as their artificial analogs. However, the dynamic role of water in the context of excite‐state relaxation has not been explored till date, which we report here. Using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, we investigate the excited‐state dynamics of two types of nano‐scale assemblies of chlorophyll a with different structural motifs, rod‐shaped and micellar assemblies, that depend on the water content. We show how water participates in excess energy dissipation by vibrational cooling of the non‐thermally populated Qy band at different rates in different types of clusters but exhibits no polar solvation dynamics. For the micelles, we observe a bifurcation of stimulated emission line shape, whereas a positive‐to‐negative switching of differential absorption is observed for the rods; both these observations are correlated with their specific structural aspects. Density functional theory calculations reveal two possible stable ground state geometries of dimers, accounting for the bifurcation of line shape in micelles. Thus, our study elucidates water‐mediated structure–function relationship within these pigment assemblies.
Soybean Cyst Nematode Management in the Corn Belt
Authors: Winsor Susan
Published: July 2020

This is the first installment of a four‐part series on soybean cyst nematode management. This article focuses specifically on the Corn Belt. Subsequent articles will address the Western Corn Belt, the South, and the Mid‐Atlantic States. Earn 1 CEU in Integrated Pest Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/841.
Osteocrin attenuates inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cardiac dysfunction in doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity
Authors: Hu Can , Zhang Xin , Zhang Ning , Wei Wen‐Ying , Li Ling‐Li , Ma Zhen‐Guo , Tang Qi‐Zhu
Published: July 2020

Background

Inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis contribute to the evolution of doxorubicin (DOX)‐induced cardiotoxicity. Osteocrin (OSTN) is a novel secretory peptide mainly derived from the bone and skeletal muscle, and plays critical roles in regulating bone growth and physical endurance. Inspiringly, OSTN was also reported to be abundant in the myocardium that functioned as a therapeutic agent against cardiac rupture and congestive heart failure in mice after myocardial infarction. Herein, we investigated the role and potential mechanism of OSTN in DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity.

Methods

Cardiac‐restrict OSTN overexpression was performed by the intravenous injection of a cardiotropic AAV9 vector, and subsequently the mice received 15 mg/kg DOX injection (i.p., once) to induce acute cardiac injury. Besides, H9C2 cell lines were used to assess the possible role of OSTN in vitro by incubating with recombinant human OSTN or small interfering RNA against Ostn (siOstn). To clarify the involvement of protein kinase G (PKG), KT5823 and siPkg were used in vivo and in vitro. Mice were also administrated intraperitoneally with 5 mg/kg DOX weekly for consecutive 3 weeks at a cumulative dose of 15 mg/kg to mimic the cardiotoxic effects upon chronic DOX exposure.

Results

OSTN treatment notably attenuated, whereas OSTN silence exacerbated inflammation, oxidative stress, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in DOX‐treated H9C2 cells. Besides, cardiac‐restrict OSTN‐overexpressed mice showed an alleviated cardiac injury and malfunction upon DOX injection. Mechanistically, we found that OSTN activated PKG, while PKG inhibition abrogated the beneficial effect of OSTN in vivo and in vitro. As expected, OSTN overexpression also improved cardiac function and survival rate in mice after chronic DOX treatment.

Conclusions

OSTN protects against DOX‐elicited inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cardiac dysfunction via activating PKG, and cardiac gene therapy with OSTN provides a novel therapeutic strategy against DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity.
Spirooxazoline Synthesis by an Oxidative Dearomatizing Cyclization
Authors: Tariq M. Umair , Moran Wesley J.
Published: July 2020

Spirocyclic compounds are of increasing importance owing to their potential applications in the development of new pharmaceuticals. Herein, we describe a new, rapid access to rarely seen spirooxazolines utilizing an I(I)/I(III) reaction manifold. The scope of the cyclization using phenols and naphthols is described along with the stereoselective functionalization of the spirocycles. The application of this method to the formation of dihydrooxazines is also demonstrated.
Parental (non‐)pain attending verbalizations moderate the relationship between child attention and memory bias for pain
Authors: Wauters Aline , Noel Melanie , Van Ryckeghem Dimitri M. L. , Sanchez‐Lopez Alvaro , Vervoort Tine
Published: July 2020

Background

Children's negatively biased pain‐related memories (i.e. recalling pain as being more intense or fearful than initially reported) have been recognized as a key factor in explaining child pain development. While mechanisms underlying children's pain memory development remain poorly understood, attention biases and parent language have been implicated in conceptual models. This study examined the association between child pain‐related attention and memory biases and the moderating role of parental pain and non‐pain attending verbalizations.

Methods

Participants were 51 school children and one of their parents. Probability of initial fixation and gaze duration to pain were assessed using eye tracking methodology. Children performed a cold pressor task (CPT) and reported on experienced pain intensity and pain‐related fear. A 3‐minute parent–child interaction upon CPT completion allowed measurement of parental pain and non‐pain attending verbalizations. Children's pain‐related memories were elicited 2 weeks later.

Results

Findings indicated that the relationship between maintained attention to pain and fear memory bias was moderated by parental non‐pain attending verbalizations such that higher gaze duration bias was positively associated with fear memory bias but only among children whose parents demonstrated low levels of non‐pain attending verbalizations. The opposite pattern was observed for children whose parents showed high levels of non‐pain attending verbalizations. No such effects were observed for child initial attention bias to pain, memory bias for pain and parental pain attending verbalizations.

Conclusions

Findings highlight the importance of parental and child pain‐related variables as well as their interaction in understanding negatively biased pain‐related memories.

Significance

This study on child pain memories is the first to highlight that characteristics of the social context, such as parental (non‐)pain‐related verbalizations, as well as factors related to the intra‐individual experience of pain, such as child attention bias to pain, should be studied jointly, as they interact with each other in their effect on the emergence of negatively biased memories of painful events.
Night trading and market quality: Evidence from Chinese and US precious metal futures markets
Authors: Jiang Ying , Kellard Neil , Liu Xiaoquan
Published: July 2020

Given a dominant exchange, how should other exchanges set their trading hours? We examine the introduction of a night session by the Shanghai Futures Exchange, allowing trading concurrently with daytime trading at the Commodity Exchange in the United States. After developing hypotheses, results for gold and silver show: trading activity has increased; liquidity in Shanghai has risen and prices are less volatile at market opening; the price discovery share of Chinese gold futures has fallen but this is not a sign of weakening market quality; and volatility spillovers increase bidirectionally. Longer trading hours have decreased market segmentation and increased information flow.
Proper E‐cadherin membrane location in colon requires Dab2 and it modifies by inflammation and cancer
Authors: Vazquez‐Carretero María D. , García‐Miranda Pablo , Balda María S. , Matter Karl , Ilundáin Anunciación A. , Peral María J.
Published: July 2020

We reported that Disabled‐2 (Dab2) is located at the apical membrane in suckling rat intestine. Here, we discovered that, in colon of suckling and adult mouse and of adult human, Dab2 is only at lateral crypt cell membrane and colocalized with E‐cadherin. Dab2 depletion in Caco‐2 cells led to E‐cadherin internalization indicating that its membrane location requires Dab2. In mice, we found that 3 days of dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis increased Dab2/E‐cadherin colocalization, which was decreased as colitis progressed to 6 and 9 days. In agreement, Dab2/E‐cadherin colocalization increased in human mild and severe ulcerative colitis and in polyps, being reduced in colon adenocarcinomas, which even showed epithelial Dab2 absence and E‐cadherin delocalization. Epithelial Dab2 decrement preceded that of E‐cadherin. We suggest that Dab2, by inhibiting E‐cadherin internalization, stabilizes adherens junctions, and its absence from the epithelium may contribute to development of colon inflammation and cancer.
Morphology controlled NiCo2O4 as anode materials for high electrochemical performance lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Huo Jiaofei , Zhang Guangpeng , Wang Yinwei
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Due to the high energy density of lithium‐ion batteries, they have become the main power sources for electric vehicles. However, lithium‐ion batteries suffer from severe capacity fading during their electrochemical cycles. Therefore, it is significant to develop perfect electrode materials for lithium‐ion batteries. It is known that the traditional anode materials have low specific capacity value and poor cycle performance. To overcome this problem, a novel anode material is designed in our work.

RESULTS

In electrochemical tests, the initial specific capacity of the NiCo2O4 spheres/nanosheets (NCOs/n) electrode is as high as 1426 mAh g−1 at the current density of 0.2 C. The capacity of the NCOs/n electrode can maintain at 1020 mAh g−1 at the current density of 1C after 1000 cycles.

CONCLUSIONS

The as‐prepared NCOs/n electrodes exhibit high specific capacity value and superior cycle stability in high current densities. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The effects of force requirements on microstructure: Subcriterion responses and the mismeasurement of bouts
Authors: Pinkston Jonathan W. , Moore Alyssa
Published: July 2020

The effects of response force on microstructure were evaluated. A strain‐gauge operandum permitted the manipulation of the force required to produce reinforcers (criterion responses) independently from the force defining response threshold. Thus, we could detect subcriterion forces that fell short of the force criterion. Eight rats earned food according to variable‐interval (VI) 30‐ and 120‐s schedules. The force requirements were set to 5.6 or 32.0 g; the response threshold was fixed at 5.6 g. Interresponse times were computed when subcriterion responses were both included and omitted from the analysis. Log‐survivor functions of interresponse times showed that increasing force requirements elevated the mean between‐bout interval of the VI 120‐s schedule, but only if subcriterion behavior was excluded. Omitting subcriterion responses thus leads to overestimation of intervals separating response bouts. Increasing force requirements also increased the skewness of the between‐bout distribution. A subsequent analysis found that subcriterion responses are most plentiful following reinforcer delivery, which helps to explain why their omission might inflate between‐bout intervals, as this period is an important transition from reinforcer consumption to engagement in operant activity. The data suggest caution interpreting the effects of force on microstructure when subcriterion behavior is not or cannot be measured.
Urinary neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin determines short‐term mortality and type of acute kidney injury in cirrhosis
Authors: Udgirkar Suhas , Rathi Pravin , Sonthalia Nikhil , Chandnani Sanjay , Contractor Qais , Thanage Ravi , Jain Samit
Published: July 2020

Background and Aim

Acute kidney injury increases mortality in cirrhotic patients by four fold. This study aimed to determine the usefulness of urinary neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (uNGAL) for differential diagnosis for acute kidney injury and for predicting short‐term mortality in cirrhotic patients.

Methods

We enrolled 94 patients of decompensated cirrhosis. uNGAL was measured upon hospital admission in all patients. Patients with urinary tract infection and anuria were excluded. Patients were followed for 30 days or until death.

Results

Ten (9%) patients had normal kidney function, 9 (11.37%) stable chronic kidney disease, 32 (29.50%) prerenal azotemia, 33 (36.37%) hepatorenal syndrome (HRS), and 10 (13.64%) intrinsic acute kidney injury (iAKI). Prerenal azotemia had lower median uNGAL values compared to HRS and iAKI (95.50 vs 465.00 vs 1217.50, P < 0.001). uNGAL levels were significantly higher in patients who died within 30 days (717.17 ± 494.26 vs 331.65 ± 313.65 ng/mL, P −0.0017). On univariate analysis, serum creatinine (sCr), uNGAL, Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score on admission, and length of stay were significant, and on multivariate analysis, uNGAL and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) were significant in predicting mortality.

Conclusions

uNGAL at baseline serves as an early marker in differentiating HRS, prerenal AKI, and iAKI in cirrhotic patients, where sCr values are not useful. Patients with higher uNGAL levels had higher transplant‐free mortality at 30 days.
Characteristics and clinical outcomes of COVID‐19 patients in an underserved‐inner city population: A single tertiary center cohort
Authors: Salacup Grace , Lo Kevin Bryan , Gul Fahad , Peterson Eric , De Joy Robert , Bhargav Ruchika , Pelayo Jerald , Albano Jeri , Azmaiparashvili Zurab , Benzaquen Sadia , Patarroyo‐Aponte Gabriel , Rangaswami Janani
Published: July 2020

There is limited information describing the characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) especially those in underserved urban area with minority population in the United States. This is a retrospective single‐center study for patients who were admitted with COVID‐19 infection. Data collection was from 1 March through 24 April 2020. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment data were presented using descriptive statistics and frequencies. The χ2 test and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine association of risk factors and clinical outcomes. A total of 242 inpatients were included with a mean age of 66 ± 14.75 (±standard deviation). A total of 50% were female and 70% were African American. Comorbidities included hypertension (74%), diabetes mellitus (49%), and 19% had either COPD or asthma. Older age was associated with higher risk of inpatient death odds ratio (OR): 1.056 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.023‐1.090; P = .001). Inpatient mortality occurred in 70% who needed mechanical ventilation (OR: 29.51; 95% CI: 13.28‐65.60; P < .0001), 58% who required continuous renal replacement therapy/hemodialysis (CRRT/HD) (OR: 6.63; 95% CI: 2.74‐16.05; P < .0001), and 69% who needed vasopressors (OR: 30.64; 95% CI: 13.56‐69.20; P < .0001). Amongst biomarkers of disease severity, only baseline CRP levels (145 ± 116 mg/L) were associated with mortality OR: 1.008 (95% CI: 1.003‐1.012; P = .002). Majority of hospitalized patients had hypertension and diabetes. Older age was an independent risk factor for inpatient mortality. Requirement of mechanical ventilation, vasopressor use, and CRRT/HD was associated significantly with inpatient mortality. Higher baseline CRP was significantly associated with inpatient death.
Neonatal Ear Molding
Authors: Gulati Rahul D. , Faraci Nick , Butts Sydney C.
Published: July 2020

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Mood, Anxiety and Olfactory Dysfunction in COVID‐19: Evidence of Central Nervous System Involvement?
Authors: Speth Marlene M. , Singer‐Cornelius Thirza , Oberle Michael , Gengler Isabelle , Brockmeier Steffi J. , Sedaghat Ahmad R.
Published: July 2020

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the burden of depressed mood and anxiety in COVID‐19, and associated disease characteristics.

Materials and Methods

This is a prospective, cross‐sectional study of 114 COVID‐19 positive patients diagnosed using RT‐PCR‐based testing over a 6‐week period. The two‐item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐2) and the two‐item Generalized Anxiety Disorder questionnaire (GAD‐2) were used to measure depressed mood and anxiety level, respectively, at enrollment and for participants' baseline, pre‐COVID‐19 state. Severity of smell loss, loss of taste, nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea/mucus production, fever, cough, and shortness of breath (SOB) during COVID‐19 were assessed.

Results

PHQ‐2 and GAD‐2 significantly (P < .001) increased from baseline to enrollment. PHQ‐2 was associated with smell loss (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] = 1.40, 95% CI, 1.10–1.78, P = .006), age (aIRR = 1.02, 95% CI, 1.01–1.04, P = .006), and baseline PHQ‐2 score (aIRR = 1.39, 95% CI, 1.09–1.76, P = .007). GAD‐2 score was associated with smell loss (aIRR = 1.29, 95% CI, 1.02–1.62, P = .035), age (aIRR = 1.02, 95% CI, 1.01–1.04, P = .025) and baseline GAD‐2 score (aIRR = 1.55, 95% CI, 1.24–1.93, P < .001). Loss of taste also exhibited similar associations with PHQ‐2 and GAD‐2. PHQ‐2 and GAD‐2 scores were not associated with severities of any other symptoms during the COVID‐19 course.

Conclusions

Despite the occurrence of symptoms—such as SOB—associated with severe manifestations of COVID‐19, only the severities of smell and taste loss were associated with depressed mood and anxiety. These results may raise the novel possibility of emotional disturbance as a CNS manifestation of COVID‐19 given trans‐olfactory tract penetration of the central nervous system (CNS) by coronaviruses.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 130:2520–2525, 2020
Application of a BIlinear Rotation Decoupling (BIRD) filter in combination with J‐difference editing for indirect 13C measurements in the human liver
Authors: Veeraiah Pandichelvam , Brouwers Kim , Wildberger Joachim E. , Schrauwen‐Hinderling Vera B. , Lindeboom Lucas
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Recently, we introduced a quantum coherence based method (ge‐HSQC) for indirect 13C‐MRS in the liver to track 13C‐labeled lipids into the hepatic lipid pool in vivo. This approach is more robust in case of respiratory motion, however, inherently leads to a signal loss of 50% when compared with a conventional J‐difference editing technique (JDE). Here, we intend to improve the robustness of a regular JDE (STEAM‐ACED) with the use of a BIlinear Rotation Decoupling (BIRD) filter to achieve 100% higher signal gain when compared with ge‐HSQC.

Methods

To determine the efficiency of the BIRD filter 1H‐[13C] lipid spectra were acquired on 3T from a peanut oil phantom, with three different MR sequences: ge‐HSQC, STEAM‐ACED, and the BIRD filter together with STEAM‐ACED (BIRD‐STEAM‐ACED). Finally, our proposed method is tested in vivo in five healthy volunteers with varying liver fat content. In these subjects we quantified the 1H‐[13C]‐signal from the hepatic lipid pool and determined 13C enrichment, which is expected to be 1.1% according to the natural abundance of 13C.

Results

The application of the proposed BIRD filter reduces the subtraction artifact of 1H‐[12C] lipid signal efficiently in JDE experiments, which leads to a signal gain of 100% of 1H‐[13C]‐lipid signals when compared with the ge‐HSQC. Phase distortions in vivo were minimal with the use of BIRD compared with STEAM‐ACED, which enabled us to robustly quantify the 13C‐enrichment in all five subjects.

Conclusion

The BIRD‐STEAM‐ACED sequence is an efficient and promising tool for 13C‐tracking experiments in the human liver in vivo.
Differential Effects of Early Energy and Protein Inadequacies on the Outcome of Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Amartya , Tan Ze Ying , Cheong Samantha Hui Ling , Remani Deepa , Tai Bee Choo
Published: July 2020

Background

Differential effects of energy and protein inadequacies of intensive care unit (ICU) patients in first 72 hours are unknown.

Methods

We included all adult patients receiving mechanical ventilation (MV) > 72 hours between August 2012 and December 2014. Energy and protein doses were 25 kcal/kg/day and 1.5 g/kg/day, respectively. We used multivariable Cox regression analysis for 28‐day mortality and competing risks regression analysis for post‐ICU length of stay (LOS) in hospital survivors.

Results

In 421 patients (male 63.4%, mean age 62 ± 15.1 years) the energy and protein adequacies at 72 hours were 70% and 56%, respectively. Non‐survivors by day 28 were started on feeding significantly later (median, 14.13 (5.48‐33.78) versus 9.25 (5.45‐16.58) hours, P = .003) and received lower energy (mean, 0.57 ± 0.36 versus 0.76 ± 0.29, P < 0.001) and protein (median, 0.51 (0.13‐0.74) versus 0.61 (0.40‐0.84), P < 0.001) adequacies at day 7 (same effect seen at 72 hours, P < 0.001). Higher energy adequacy at 72 hours was associated with lower mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.39 (95% CI 0.20‐0.75), P = 0.004); the lowest mortality was seen between 61% and 70% energy adequacies. No such association was seen with protein adequacy. In 280 hospital survivors, higher energy adequacy at 72 hours (subdistribution HR 1.63; 95% CI, 1.06‐2.50, P = 0.025) was significantly associated with shorter post‐ICU LOS. No such effect was seen with protein adequacy.

Conclusion

Higher energy but not protein adequacy at 72 hours of MV was associated with improved patient‐centric outcomes.
Temper justice with mercy: A public perception of the use of plea bargain in the fight against corruption in Nigeria
Authors: Aniche Ernest T. , Alumona Ikenna M. , Obiwulu Ugochukwu S.
Published: July 2020

Plea bargain has been adopted as a strategy of fighting corruption in Nigeria. The objective of this study is to determine if the misuse of plea bargain has eroded public confidence in the fight against corruption in Nigeria. To achieve this, the study essentially adopts mixed methods or a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. Thus, the study relies on both primary and secondary sources of data such as questionnaire and documentary studies, respectively. The study concludes that the misapplication of plea bargain has eroded public confidence in the fight against corruption in Nigeria. Thus, the study recommends the amendment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act pertaining to the use of plea bargain in order to avert arbitrariness and abuse as well as ensure transparency in the application of plea bargain.
Solitary myofibroma preceding the development of multicentric myofibromatosis: A report of two cases with surveillance recommendations
Authors: Todd Kevin , Kim Hee Kyung , Szabo Sara , Johnson Sheryl , Pressey Joseph , Nagarajan Rajaram , Sorger Joel , Dasgupta Roshni , Turpin Brian
Published: July 2020

Infantile myofibroma is the most common fibrous tumor of infancy. Despite the frequency of these tumors, the natural history is incompletely understood. We present two cases with a unique pattern of disease: solitary myofibromas with subsequent progression to diffuse myofibromatosis. Given the variable spectrum of disease and the corresponding difference in morbidity and potential mortality based on the extent of disease, we propose surveillance recommendations.
The annual incidence of Langerhans cell histiocytosis among adults living in Greece
Authors: Makras Polyzois , Stathi Dimitra , Yavropoulou Maria , Tsoli Marina , Kaltsas Gregory
Published: July 2020

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare inflammatory myeloid neoplasia with a variable clinical course and outcome. Although there are some data regarding its incidence in children, such information in adults is lacking. To address the actual annual LCH incidence among adults, we prospectively recorded, during a 12‐month period, any new case with a definitive histological diagnosis of LCH, among persons aged 18 and older living in Greece. Fourteen new cases were recorded corresponding to an annual incidence of 1.58 per million population. Female to male ratio was 1.34, and mean age at diagnosis was 43.5 years.
Antenatal corticosteriods decrease forced vital capacity in infants born fullterm
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Anuja , Slaven James E. , Evrard Cindy , Tiller Christina , Haas David M. , Tepper Robert S.
Published: July 2020

Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) administration to pregnant women for threatened preterm labor is standard obstetric care to reduce neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and the associated respiratory morbidity. While ACS stimulates surfactant production in the fetal lung, the effects of ACS upon the subsequent growth and development of the lung are unclear. Follow‐up studies outside of the neonatal period have been primarily limited to spirometry, and most subjects evaluated were born prematurely. To our knowledge, no study has assessed both airway and parenchymal function in infants or adults following ACS exposure. We hypothesized that ACS impairs lung growth and performed infant pulmonary function testing, which included spirometry, alveolar volume (VA) and lung diffusion (DL). As a pilot study, we limited our assessment to infants whose mothers received ACS for threatened preterm labor, but then proceeded to full term delivery. This approach evaluated a more homogenous population and eliminated the confounding effects of preterm birth. We evaluated 36 full‐term infants between 4 to 12 months of age; 17 infants had ACS exposure and 19 infants had no ACS exposure. Infants exposed to ACS had a significantly lower forced vital capacity compared with non‐ACS exposed infants (250 vs 313 mL; P = .0075). FEV0.5 tended to be lower for the ACS exposed group (205 vs 237 mL; P = .075). VA and DL did not differ between the two groups. These findings suggest that ACS may impair subsequent growth of the lung parenchyma.
On the Design of Multimaterial Honeycombs and Structures with T‐Shaped Joints Having Tunable Thermal and Compressibility Properties
Authors: Cauchi Reuben , Attard Daphne , Grima-Cornish James N. , Grima Joseph N.
Published: July 2020

Honeycombs made from more than one material are proposed and analyzed with the help of finite element simulations. It is shown that such honeycombs are designed to change their shape when subjected to a change in temperature or pressure and can be tailor‐made to exhibit particular thermomechanical properties. It is also shown that the anomalous properties of negative thermal expansion/compressibility can be manifested from honeycombs built from common everyday conventional materials. Applications of such constructs are discussed including their role in the manufacture of smart grips which tighten upon heating.