bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computed tomography derived predictors of permanent pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Maier Oliver , Piayda Kerstin , Afzal Shazia , Polzin Amin , Westenfeld Ralf , Jung Christian , Zeus Tobias , Antoch Gerald , Kelm Malte , Veulemans Verena
Published: June 2021

Objectives

This meta‐analysis sought to assess predictors of permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with focus on preprocedural multi‐slice computed tomography (MSCT) derived data.

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has expanded to a well‐established treatment for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis at high and intermediate surgical risk. PPI after TAVR remains one of the most frequent procedure‐related complications and appears to be influenced by several factors.

Methods

The authors conducted a literature search in PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases to identify studies that investigated preprocedural MSCT data and the rate of PPI following TAVR with new‐generation devices.

Results

Ten observational studies (n = 2707) met inclusion criteria for the final analysis. PPI was performed in 387 patients (14.3%) after TAVR. Patients requiring PPI had a larger annulus perimeter (MD: 1.66 mm; p < .001) and a shorter membranous septum length (MD: −1.1 mm; p < .05). Concerning calcification distribution, patients with requirement for new pacemaker implantation showed increased calcification of the left coronary cusp (MD: 47.6 mm3; p < .001), and the total left ventricular outflow tract (MD: 24.42 mm3; p < .01). Lower implantation depth (MD: 0.95 mm; p < .05) and oversizing (MD: 1.52%; p < .05) were procedural predictors of PPI following TAVR.

Conclusions

Besides the well‐known impact of electrocardiographic and procedure‐related factors on conduction disturbances, MSCT derived distribution of the aortic valve and left ventricular outflow tract calcification, as well as membranous septum length, are associated with an increased risk of PPI following TAVR.
A Call for Radical Reflexivity in Counseling Qualitative Research
Authors: Smith Elyssa B. , Luke Melissa M.
Published: June 2021

In this article, we provide an interdisciplinary overview of reflexive practice within qualitative research and discuss dominant views on reflexivity within qualitative counseling literature. We propose a new way to frame the reflexive process called radical reflexivity. Finally, we offer examples from our research experience and discuss implications.
Copper‐Photocatalyzed Hydrosilylation of Alkynes and Alkenes under Continuous Flow
Authors: Zhong Mingbing , Pannecoucke Xavier , Jubault Philippe , Poisson Thomas
Published: June 2021

Herein, the photocatalytic hydrosilylation of alkynes and alkenes under continuous flow conditions is described. By using 0.2 mol % of the developed [Cu(dmp)(XantphosTEPD)]PF6 under blue LEDs irradiation, a large panel of alkenes and alkynes was hydrosilylated in good to excellent yields with a large functional group tolerance. The mechanism of the reaction was studied, and a plausible scenario was suggested.
A cost‐utility analysis comparing CT surveillance, PET‐CT surveillance, and planned postradiation neck dissection for advanced nodal HPV‐positive oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Fu Terence S. , Scheffler Patrick , Forner David , Noel Christopher W. , Huang Shao Hui , Gilbert Ralph W. , Goldstein David P. , O’Sullivan Brian , Mehanna Hisham M. , Waldron John , de Almeida John R.
Published: June 2021

Background

The cost utility of image‐guided surveillance using computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET)‐CT to planned postradiation neck dissection (PRND) was compared for the management of advanced nodal human papillomavirus‐positive oropharyngeal cancer following chemoradiation.

Methods

A universal payer perspective was adopted. A Markov model was designed to simulate four treatment approaches with 3‐month cycles over a lifetime horizon: 1) CT surveillance, 2) standard PET‐CT surveillance, 3) a novel PET‐CT approach with repeat PET at 6 months postchemoradiation for equivocal responders, and 4) PRND. Parameters including probabilities of CT nodal progression/resolution, PET avidity, recurrence, and survival were obtained from the literature. Costs were reported in 2019 Canadian dollars and utilities were expressed in quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs). Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate model uncertainty.

Results

PET‐CT surveillance dominated CT surveillance and PRND in the base case scenario, and the novel PET‐CT approach was the most cost‐effective strategy across a wide range of variables tested in one‐way sensitivity analysis. On probabilistic sensitivity analysis, novel PET‐CT surveillance was the most cost‐effective strategy in 78.1% of model iterations at a willingness‐to‐pay of $50,000/QALYs. Novel PET‐CT surveillance resulted in a 49% lower rate of neck dissection compared with traditional PET‐CT, and yielded an incremental benefit of 0.14 QALYs with average cost savings of $1309.

Conclusions

Image‐guided surveillance including PET‐CT and CT are more cost effective than PRND. The novel PET‐CT approach with repeat PET for equivocal responders was the dominant strategy and yielded both higher benefit and lower costs compared with standard PET‐CT surveillance.
Is Milan for kids?: The Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytology in pediatric patients at an academic children's hospital with cytologic‐histologic correlation
Authors: Satturwar Swati P. , Fuller Maren Y. , Monaco Sara E.
Published: June 2021

Background

The Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC) provides a useful framework for the diagnosis of salivary gland fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies. In this study, the MSRSGC was applied to salivary gland FNAs in pediatric patients to assess its usefulness and look at pitfalls.

Methods

The laboratory information system was queried over a 15‐year period for all salivary gland FNAs in patients 18 years old or younger. Patient demographics, FNA diagnosis categorized according to the MSRSGC, and follow‐up surgical pathology diagnoses were examined and correlated.

Results

Thirty‐two cases were identified, with an average age of 12 years (range, 0.6‐18 years). A majority of the cases (84.4%) were from the parotid region. Twenty of 32 cases (62.5%) had follow‐up resection. MSRSGC recategorization diagnoses of the 32 FNA cases were 34% benign neoplasm, 31% nonneoplastic, 16% nondiagnostic, 9% atypia of undetermined significance, 3% salivary neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential, 3% suspicious for malignancy, and 3% malignant. Overall, the sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 80%, respectively. On follow‐up resection, 55% were neoplastic: pleomorphic adenomas (n = 6; 55%), pilomatricoma (n = 3; 28%), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (n = 1; 9%), schwannoma (n = 1; 9%), and myofibroma (n = 1; 9%).

Conclusions

The MSRSGC performed fairly well in the pediatric population with a low overall risk of malignancy (6%) and high sensitivity. Although the majority of pediatric salivary gland FNAs were benign, 55% of resected cases were positive for a neoplasm, with benign neoplasms outnumbering malignancy. Challenging entities included inflammatory conditions, like immunoglobulin G4‐related sialadenitis, and skin and soft tissue lesions near the salivary gland.
Effects of pre‐analytical procedures on blood biomarkers for Alzheimer's pathophysiology, glial activation, and neurodegeneration
Authors: Ashton Nicholas J. , Suárez‐Calvet Marc , Karikari Thomas K. , Lantero‐Rodriguez Juan , Snellman Anniina , Sauer Mathias , Simrén Joel , Minguillon Carolina , Fauria Karine , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik
Published: June 2021

Introduction

We tested how tube types (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [EDTA], serum, lithium heparin [LiHep], and citrate) and freeze–thaw cycles affect levels of blood biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology, glial activation, and neuronal injury.

Methods

Amyloid beta (Aβ)42, Aβ40, phosphorylated tau181 (p‐tau181), glial fibrillary acidic protein, total tau (t‐tau), neurofilament light, and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy protein were measured using single molecule arrays.

Results

LiHep demonstrated the highest mean value for all biomarkers. Tube types were highly correlated for most biomarkers (r > 0.95) but gave significantly different absolute concentrations. Weaker correlations between tube types were found for Aβ42/40 (r = 0.63–0.86) and serum t‐tau (r = 0.46–0.64). Freeze–thaw cycles highly influenced levels of serum Aβ and t‐tau (P < .0001), and minor decreases in EDTA Aβ40 and EDTA p‐tau181 were found after freeze–thaw cycle 4 (P < .05).

Discussion

The same tube type should be used in research studies on blood biomarkers. Individual concentration cut‐offs are needed for each tube type in all tested biomarkers despite being highly correlated. Serum should be avoided for Aβ42, Aβ40, and t‐tau. Freeze–thaw cycles > 3 should be avoided for p‐tau181.
Rhodium Encapsulated within Silicalite‐1 Zeolite as Highly Efficient Catalyst for Nitrous Oxide Decomposition: From Single Atoms to Nanoclusters and Nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Shiwei , Yan Bo , Chai Juan , Li Tianhao , Yu Hongbo , Li Tong , Cao Peng , Yang Fan , Yuan Xuemin , Yin Hongfeng
Published: June 2021

The size of metal species plays a pivotal role in governing catalytic performance of supported metal catalysts. In this work, a series of Rh encapsulated within silicalite‐1 catalysts with different sizes were prepared by one‐pot hydrothermal method and employed to catalyze the decomposition of N2O. Detailed structure determinations by HAADF‐STEM, XPS and CO‐DRIFTS demonstrate that subtle modulation of the encapsulated Rh species were achieved easily from single‐atom to nanoclusters and nanoparticles by controlling the loading and reduction conditions of Rh. The turnover frequency (TOF) of N2O decomposition showed a typical volcano‐type dependence on Rh size. Kinetic studies revealed that this structure‐sensitive catalysis was related to the difference in N2O and O2 adsorption/desorption for various Rh species. Furthermore, a Rh@S‐1 catalyst with a proper Rh size (ca. 1.6 nm) was identified as the best‐performing catalyst with a maximum TOF (ca. 95 h−1), showing much superior activity than other reported Rh‐based catalysts.
Enhancing the Oxidase‐like Performances of CoxMn3‐xO4 Nanoparticles by Tuning the Mn Content and Decorating Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Li Yanfang , Yan Jiawei , Shen Wenzhuo , Zhong Min , Zhang Jiali
Published: June 2021

Binary transition‐metal oxides nanomaterials as oxidase‐mimic have attracted great attention, but their catalytic activity and stability remain to be improved, and the underneath mechanism needs to be debated. In this work, CoxMn3‐xO4 nanoparticles were prepared in‐situ on reduced graphene oxide sheets through a hydrothermal procedure. The morphologies, compositions, and oxidase‐like activities of the CoxMn3‐xO4 nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide (CoxMn3‐xO4 NPs/rGO) were studied systematically. It is demonstrated that the oxidase‐like catalytic activities can be regulated by tuning not only the ratio of Co to Mn but also the content of rGO. It is illustrated that the CoMn2O4 NPs/rGO4 with the rGO content of 80 % exhibits over all better oxidase‐like catalytic performance. We constructed the oxidase‐like catalysis mechanism of CoxMn3‐xO4 NPs/rGO composites. It is found that the oxidase‐like activity of the composites mainly depends on Co−Mn synergy effect, including the cooperation of Co2+/Co3+, Mn2+/Mn3+ and Mn3+/Mn4+ redox pairs. More importantly, Mn3+ was indispensable for the activation of Co2+/Co3+ couples. Based on the decent oxidase‐like activity of the CoMn2O4 NPs/rGO composite, a proof‐of concept colorimetric sensing system for L‐cysteine detection was developed, which show low detection limit of 0.08 μM (S/N=3), as well as excellent selectivity and anti‐interference ability.
Research Advances on the Adverse Effects of Nanomaterials in a Model Organism, Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Li Yimeng , Zhong Lishi , Zhang Lili , Shen Xiaobing , Kong Lu , Wu Tianshu
Published: June 2021

Along with the rapid development of nanotechnology, the biosafety assessment of nanotechnology products, including nanomaterials (NMs), has become more and more important. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a valuable model organism that has been widely used in the field of biology because of its excellent advantages, including low cost, small size, short life span, and highly conservative genomes with vertebral animals. In recent years, the number of nanotoxicological researchers using C. elegans has been growing. According to these available studies, the present review classified the adverse effects of NMs in C. elegans into systematic, cellular, and molecular toxicity, and focused on summarizing and analyzing the underlying mechanisms of metal, metal oxide, and nonmetallic NMs causing toxic effects in C. elegans. Our findings provide insights into what further studies are needed to assess the biosafety of NMs in the ecosystem using C. elegans. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2406–2424. © 2021 SETAC
Valuation of bitcoin options
Authors: Cao Melanie , Celik Batur
Published: June 2021

We propose an equilibrium valuation model for bitcoin options by extending Cao. Bitcoin is interpreted as a foreign currency in a small open economy where money supply and aggregate dividend are exogenous. The equilibrium bitcoin prices increase with diffusive and jump risks of these two exogenous factors. Analytical option pricing formulas are obtained with Merton's model as a special case. Static analysis reveals that a bitcoin call (put) option value increases (decreases) with the money supply growth rate. Numerical analysis shows that all risks lead to a positive premium in option prices relative to the Black–Scholes model.
Survival in differentiated thyroid carcinoma: Comparison between the 7th and 8th editions of the AJCC/UICC TNM staging system and the ATA initial risk stratification system
Authors: Cavalheiro Beatriz Godoi , de Matos Leandro Luongo , Leite Ana Kober Nogueira , Kulcsar Marco Aurelio Vamondes , Cernea Claudio Roberto , Kowalski Luiz Paulo
Published: June 2021

Background

The AJCC/UICC TNM staging system evaluates the risk of death from cancer. Its 8th edition aimed to increase its accuracy. In turn, the American Thyroid Association proposed an initial risk stratification system (IRSS) focusing on the risk of recurrence in differentiated thyroid carcinoma. The present study intended to analyze their prediction abilities.

Methods

Six hundred and eighty‐five consecutive surgical patients (mean follow‐up 71.6 months) were staged. Correlations with disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were carried out.

Results

IRSS was discriminative for DFS but not for OS. Applying TNM 8th, 36.9% of the cohort was downstaged. Their DFS was shorter, compared with other patients in the same stage, but with no impact on OS. However, all those who died of the disease had been downstaged.

Conclusions

IRSS was more effective to predict DFS, but not OS. TNM 8th was more appropriate for OS analysis than TNM 7th and IRSS.
Low‐ and middle‐income country abstract representation at the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine Annual Pregnancy Meeting
Authors: Kazma Jamil M. , Saleeb Monica , Potarazu Savita , Stringer Elizabeth , Ahmadzia Homa K. , Gimovsky Alexis C.
Published: June 2021

Synopsis

The representation of LMICs in SMFM meetings is limited. Most abstracts presented are retrospective analyses.
Thromboembolic events in pregnant and puerperal women after COVID‐19 lockdowns: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Gabrieli Dana , Cahen‐Peretz Adva , Shimonovitz Tzvika , Marks‐Garber Keren , Amsalem Hagai , Kalish Yosef , Lavy Yuval , Walfisch Asnat
Published: June 2021

Objective

To explore the indirect impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on patterns of pregnancy‐related venous thromboembolism (VTE) events, mediated by population mobility restrictions during lockdown periods.

Methods

Pregnancy‐related VTE hospitalizations were identified through a code‐targeted search of the Hadassah Medical Center's computerized database. A manual analysis of relevant medical records was performed, and cases diagnosed throughout the year 2020 were compared to those diagnosed during 2019 and 2018. Statistical analyses studied obstetrical outcomes, as well as the extent and treatment of VTE events during the COVID‐19 pandemic compared to those of preceding years, stratified by pre‐, intra‐, and post‐lockdown periods.

Results

The incidence of pregnancy‐related thromboembolic events during 2020 was 0.16% of all deliveries, significantly higher than in 2018 and 2019 (0.06% and 0.1%, respectively; P < 0.05). Higher rates of VTE events were found during post‐lockdown periods in 2020, compared with corresponding time periods in 2019 and 2018.

Conclusion

The present data suggest that lockdown periods impact pregnancy‐related VTE hospitalizations, possibly as a result of restricted population mobility. Increased awareness of this undesirable outcome may aid health policymakers in the continuing struggle with epidemics.
Automated measurement of sulcus angle on axial knee magnetic resonance images
Authors: Ridhma  , Kaur Manvjeet , Sofat Sanjeev , Chouhan Devendra K. , Prakash Mahesh
Published: June 2021

Patellar dislocation is a disorder in the human knee where patella slips out of its expected position. The orthopedic experts need to manually measure the parameters indicating patellar instability from knee scans, which is a laborious and time‐consuming task. An automated method for measuring these parameters can resolve the issue of inter‐observer and intra‐observer variations and significantly lessen the burden of the experts. Therefore, in this work, a two‐step approach has been proposed for the automated measurement of the sulcus angle from knee magnetic resonance (MR) images to assist the experts in the diagnosis of patellar dislocation. Firstly, a variant of U‐Net architecture has been proposed harnessing the capabilities of the residual network to segment the region of interest (ROI) from the axial knee MR images. Secondly, the contour of ROI is used for the detection of key points required to compute sulcus angle. A T2‐weighted knee magnetic resonance imaging dataset of 50 patients obtained from Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, has been used. Out of 50 patients, the randomly selected knee MR images of 25 patients have been used to train the segmentation model. The intersection over union and dice similarity coefficient values of 94.71% and 97.28%, respectively, were achieved for the proposed segmentation model. The automated measurement of the sulcus angle resulted in a mean error of 2.52 ± 1.52° when tested on another set of axial knee MR images of 25 patients. The proposed framework produced results comparable to the manual expert measurements.
Gene Therapy Using Adeno-Associated Virus Serotype 8 Encoding TNAP-D10 Improves the Skeletal and Dentoalveolar Phenotypes in Alpl−/− Mice
Authors: Kinoshita Yuka , Mohamed Fatma F , Amadeu de Oliveira Flavia , Narisawa Sonoko , Miyake Koichi , Foster Brian L , Millán José Luis
Published: June 2021

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the ALPL gene that encodes tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP), whose deficiency results in the accumulation of extracellular inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi), a potent mineralization inhibitor. Skeletal and dental hypomineralization characterizes HPP, with disease severity varying from life-threatening perinatal or infantile forms to milder forms that manifest in adulthood or only affect the dentition. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) using mineral-targeted recombinant TNAP (Strensiq/asfotase alfa) markedly improves the life span, skeletal phenotype, motor function, and quality of life of patients with HPP, though limitations of ERT include frequent injections due to a short elimination half-life of 2.28 days and injection site reactions. We tested the efficacy of a single intramuscular administration of adeno-associated virus 8 (AAV8) encoding TNAP-D10 to increase the life span and improve the skeletal and dentoalveolar phenotypes in TNAP knockout (Alpl−/−) mice, a murine model for severe infantile HPP. Alpl−/− mice received 3 × 1011 vector genomes/body of AAV8-TNAP-D10 within 5 days postnatal (dpn). AAV8-TNAP-D10 elevated serum ALP activity and suppressed plasma PPi. Treatment extended life span of Alpl−/− mice, and no ectopic calcifications were observed in the kidneys, aorta, coronary arteries, or brain in the 70 dpn observational window. Treated Alpl−/− mice did not show signs of rickets, including bowing of long bones, enlargement of epiphyses, or fractures. Bone microstructure of treated Alpl−/− mice was similar to wild type, with a few persistent small cortical and trabecular defects. Histology showed no measurable osteoid accumulation but reduced bone volume fraction in treated Alpl−/− mice versus controls. Treated Alpl−/− mice featured normal molar and incisor dentoalveolar tissues, with the exceptions of slightly reduced molar enamel and alveolar bone density. Histology showed the presence of cementum and normal periodontal ligament attachment. These results support gene therapy as a promising alternative to ERT for the treatment of HPP. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
The first pediatric case of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis secondary to Crimean‐Congo haemorrhagic fever successfully treated with therapeutic plasma exchange accompanying ribavirin and intravenous immunoglobulin
Authors: Gayretli Aydin Zeynep Gokce , Yesilbas Osman , Reis Gokce Pinar , Guven Burcu
Published: June 2021

Although Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is mild and self‐limited in children, some patients may develop excessive bleeding, massive liver necrosis, and multiple organ failure associated with secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) induced by cytokine storm. Treatment of CCHF is mainly symptomatic and supportive. The efficacy of ribavirin, which is the only antiviral drug in the treatment of CCHF, remains controversial. Although therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has been shown to beneficial in small case series with primary and secondary HLH, there is no pediatric patient with HLH secondary to CCHF treated with TPE in the literature. In this report, we describe the first pediatric patient who was successfully recovered from HLH secondary to CCHF with ribavirin, intravenous immunoglobulin, and TPE.
Leukocyte cell population data from the blood cell analyzer as a predictive marker for severity of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Wang Yihui , Xu Zhihong , Zhou Yuhua , Xie Mengqi , Qi Xing , Xu Zhiwei , Cai Qi , Sheng Huiqiu , Chen Erzhen , Zhao Bing , Mao Enqiang
Published: June 2021

Background

The prediction for severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is the key to give timely targeted treatment. Leukocyte cell population data (CPD) have been widely applied in early prediction and diagnosis of many diseases, but their predictive ability for SAP remains unexplored. We aim to testify whether CPD could be an indicator of AP severity in the early stage of the disease.

Methods

The prospective observational study was conducted in the emergency department ward of a territory hospital in Shanghai. The enrolled AP patients should meet 2012 Atlanta guideline.

Results

Totally, 103 AP patients and 62 healthy controls were enrolled and patients were classified into mild AP (n = 30), moderate SAP (n = 42), and SAP (n = 31). Forty‐two CPD parameters were examined in first 3 days of admission. Four CPD parameters were highest in SAP on admission and were constantly different among 3 groups during first 3 days of hospital stay. Eighteen CPD parameters were found correlated with the occurrence of SAP. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis identified a scoring system of 4 parameters (SD_LALS_NE, MN_LALS_LY, SD_LMALS_MO, and SD_AL2_MO) with a sensitivity of 96.8%, specificity of 65.3%, and AUC of 0.87 for diagnostic accuracy on early identification of SAP. AUC of this scoring system was comparable with MCTSI, SOFA, APACHE II, MMS, BISAP, or biomarkers as CRP, PCT, and WBC in prediction of SAP and ICU transfer or death.

Conclusions

Several leukocyte CPD parameters have been identified different among MAP, MSAP, and SAP. They might be ultimately incorporated into a predictive system marker for severity of AP.
Developing strategies to improve the community readiness level to prevent drug abuse in adolescents: Based on the community readiness model, Eghlid City, Iran, 2019
Authors: Ghahremani Leila , Eskandari Esmaeil , Nazari Mahin , Karimi Masoud , Khalan Yousef A.
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the level of readiness of Eghlid city community for adolescents’ substance abuse prevention programs, and to develop strategies to improve community readiness levels based on the community readiness model (CRM). In this two‐stage qualitative study, a 36‐item semi‐structured CRM questionnaire, was used to interview 11 key informants in Eghlid city, Iran, 2019. The interviews were analyzed and scored by two independent researchers. Strategies for increasing the level of readiness were developed and prioritized by participants using the nominal group method. The readiness levels to prevent substance abuse in community efforts and leadership dimensions were at stabilization and preparation stage. In terms of community awareness of efforts, community space, and public awareness of the issue, the readiness level was at the pre‐planning stage, and in the resources for prevention efforts dimension, it was at the vague awareness level. In the strategy development section, the key participants focused on using traditional methods such as holding face‐to‐face training programs and festivals, using IRIB platform, local media, and lectures. The general level of readiness is at a moderate level. It seems necessary to focus on resources and areas related to public information.
Phosphorylated mTOR expression as a predictor of survival after liver resection for colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Konishi Takanori , Yoshidome Hiroyuki , Shida Takashi , Furukawa Katsunori , Takayashiki Tsukasa , Kuboki Satoshi , Takano Shigetsugu , Miyazaki Masaru , Ohtsuka Masayuki
Published: June 2021

Background

Phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p‐mTOR) plays a crucial role in the process of cancer progression. Common gene mutations of colorectal cancer lead to the activation of the PI3k/Akt/mTOR pathway. In this study, we determined whether p‐mTOR expression in colorectal liver metastases is a predictive marker of prognosis following liver resection.

Methods

Eighty‐one patients with colorectal liver metastases who had undergone curative resection were evaluated using immunohistochemistry of p‐mTOR. Data regarding clinicopathological features and patient survival were analyzed.

Results

The p‐mTOR expression in colorectal liver metastases was detected in 55 (67.9%) patients. Patients whose metastases had high p‐mTOR expression showed a significantly lower overall survival rate after resection as compared to patients with low p‐mTOR expression (p = 0.016), while there was no significant difference in the disease‐free survival between the two groups. Repeat resection for recurrence was performed more frequently in patients with p‐mTOR positive than others (p = 0.024). Multivariate analysis showed that p‐mTOR expression was an independent prognostic factor of overall survival after liver resection (p = 0.019).

Conclusions

mTOR was frequently activated in colorectal liver metastases, and the p‐mTOR expression was a biological marker for predicting the overall survival of patients with colorectal liver metastases following liver resection.
Fecal Glucocorticoid Metabolites as Biomarkers in Equids: Assay Choice Matters
Authors: Hinchcliffe Danielle L. , Lea Jessica M. D. , Palme Rupert , Shultz Susanne
Published: June 2021

Free ranging animals are exposed to environmental, demographic, and ecological challenges over time, which can affect their health and fitness. Non‐invasive biomarkers can provide insight into how animals cope with these challenges and assess the effectiveness of conservation management strategies. We evaluated how free ranging ponies (Equus ferus caballus) on the Carneddau Mountain range, North Wales respond to 2 stimuli: an acute stressor of an annual roundup event in November 2014, and spatial and temporal variation in ecological factors in 2018. We evaluated fecal glucocorticoid metabolites using 2 enzyme immunoassays (EIAs): an 11‐oxoetiocholanolone EIA (measuring 11,17‐dioxoandrostanes [11,17‐DOAs]) and a corticosterone EIA. The former assay has been validated in equids, whereas there is limited evidence for the suitability of the latter. We used an additional parent testosterone EIA to measure fecal androgen metabolites in response to the ecological challenges. Following the roundup, the metabolite concentrations measured by the 2 glucocorticoid EIAs were not correlated. The 11,17‐DOAs were elevated from the second day following the roundup and then slowly returned to pre‐round levels over the next 2 weeks. In contrast, the metabolites measured by the corticosterone assay showed no response to the roundup. For the ecological data, all 3 assays detected a positive correlation between metabolites and social group size in males but not in females. The metabolite concentrations measured by the testosterone and corticosterone assays were highly correlated and were temporally associated with the onset of the breeding season, whereas the 11,17‐DOAs were not. The co‐variance of metabolites measured by the corticosterone and testosterone assays, and the lack of an acute response in the corticosterone assay to the roundup, suggests that metabolites detected by the corticosterone assay were not primarily associated with increased glucocorticoid production. We recommend using well‐validated fecal biomarker assays of hypothalamus‐pituitary‐adrenal axis activity to evaluate and compare the effect of different management interventions and environmental change. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Wildlife Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
Evaluating the congruence between DNA‐based and morphological taxonomic approaches in water and sediment trap samples: Analyses of a 36‐month time series from a temperate monomictic lake
Authors: Gauthier Joanna , Walsh David , Selbie Daniel T. , Bourgeois Alyssa , Griffiths Katherine , Domaizon Isabelle , Gregory‐Eaves Irene
Published: June 2021

Paleolimnological studies are central for identifying long‐term changes, yet many studies rely on bioindicators that deposit detectable subfossils in sediments, such as diatoms and cladocerans. Emerging DNA‐based approaches are expanding the taxonomic diversity that can be investigated. However, as sedimentary DNA‐based approaches are expanding rapidly, calibration work is required to determine the advantages and limitations of these techniques. In this study, we assessed the congruence between morphological and DNA‐based approaches applied to sediment trap samples for diatoms and crustaceans using both intracellular and extracellular DNA. We also evaluated which taxa are deposited in sediment traps from the water column to identify potential paleolimnological bioindicators of environmental variations. Based on 18S rRNA gene amplicons, we developed and analyzed a micro‐eukaryotic, monthly time series that spanned 3 years and was comprised of paired water column and sediment trap samples from Cultus Lake, British Columbia, Canada. Comparisons of assemblages derived from our genetic and morphological analyses using RV coefficients revealed significant correlations for diatoms, but weaker correlations for crustaceans. Intracellular DNA reads correlated more strongly with diatom morphology, while extracellular DNA reads correlated more strongly with crustacean morphology. Additional analyses of amplicon sequence variants shared between water and sediment trap samples revealed a wide diversity of taxa to study in paleolimnology, including Ciliophora, Dinoflagellata, Chytridiomycota, Chrysophyceae, and Cryptophyceae. Partial RDAs identified significant environmental predictors of these shared assemblages. Overall, our study demonstrates the effectiveness of DNA‐based approaches to track community dynamics from sediment samples, an essential step for successful paleolimnological studies.
miR‐506‐loaded gelatin nanospheres target PENK and inactivate the ERK/Fos signaling pathway to suppress triple‐negative breast cancer aggressiveness
Authors: Liu Xin‐Li , Liu Wen‐Jing , Chen Qiang , Liu Jie , Yang Chang‐Qing , Zhang Ge , Zhang Shi‐Long , Guo Wei‐Hong , Li Jing‐Bao , Zhao Gang , Yin Da‐Chuan , Zhang Chen‐Yan
Published: June 2021

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most malignant subtype of breast cancer. Some microRNAs (miRNAs) were abnormally expressed in TNBC, and they are closely related to the occurrence and progression of TNBC. Here, we found that miR‐506 was significantly downregulated in TNBC and relatively lower miR‐506 expression predicted a poorer prognosis. Moreover, we found that miR‐506 could inhibit MDA‐MB‐231 cell viability, colony formation, migration, and invasion, and suppress the ERK/Fos oncogenic signaling pathway through upregulating its direct target protein proenkephalin (PENK). Therefore, miR‐506 was proposed as a nucleic acid drug for TNBC therapy. However, miRNA is unstable in vivo, which limiting its application as a therapeutic drug via conventional oral or injected therapies. Here, a gelatin nanosphere (GN) delivery system was applied for the first time to load exogenous miRNA. Exogenous miR‐506 mimic was loaded on GNs and injected into the in situ TNBC animal model, and the miR‐506 could achieve sustained and controlled release. The results confirmed that overexpression of miR‐506 and PENK in vivo through loading on GNs inhibited in situ triple‐negative breast tumor growth and metastasis significantly in the xenograft model. Moreover, we indicated that the ERK/Fos signaling pathway was intensively inactivated after overexpression of miR‐506 and PENK both in vitro and in vivo, which was further validated by the ERK1/2‐specific inhibitor SCH772984. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that miR‐506‐loaded GNs have great potential in anti‐TNBC aggressiveness therapy.
Exploring competition efficiency of automobile brands: An extensional data envelopment analysis‐metafrontier framework
Authors: Chou Han‐Chung , Hung Shiu‐Wan , Lu Wen‐Min
Published: June 2021

This study integrates metafrontier with bootstrapping to investigate automobile vehicle efficiency. The results are as follows: (1) general cars exhibited the most favorable performance in terms of price, costs, and mileage. (2) Metafrontier efficiency was the highest for general cars, which may be because this automobile type has the highest prevalence. Sports cars had the most favorable group frontier. (3) General cars had the most favorable performance in terms of miles‐per‐gallon. The conclusions could enhance consumers' green cognition and serve as a reference in purchase decision‐making; they can provide manufacturers with directions regarding future product designs to mitigate technology gaps.
Succession, political resources, and innovation investments of family businesses: Evidence from China
Authors: Yang Baili , Nahm Abraham , Song Zengji
Published: June 2021

This paper empirically tests the impact of the succession of family businesses on corporate innovation investments and examines the two different types of political resources, political connection and state ownership, in the moderating role of the relationship between succession and enterprise innovation investments. The results show succession hinders the innovation investment of family firms, and political connection has a negative moderating effect on the relationship, while state ownership has a positive moderating effect. Further research shows that in areas with poor institutional environment, the negative adjustment effect of political connections is more significant, and in areas with better institutional environment, the positive adjustment effect of state ownership is more significant.
Prognostic Role of Circulating Tumor Cells in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Large, Multicenter, Prospective Trial
Authors: Basso Umberto , Facchinetti Antonella , Rossi Elisabetta , Maruzzo Marco , Conteduca Vincenza , Aieta Michele , Massari Francesco , Fraccon Anna Paola , Mucciarini Claudia , Sava Teodoro , Santoni Matteo , Pegoraro Cristina , Durante Emilia , Nicodemo Maurizio , Perin Alessandra , Bearz Alessandra , Gatti Carlo , Fiduccia Pasquale , Diminutto Alberto , Barile Carmen , De Giorgi Ugo , Zamarchi Rita , Zagonel Vittorina
Published: June 2021

Background

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) correlate with adverse prognosis in patients with breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer. Little data are available for renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Materials and Methods

We designed a multicenter prospective observational study to assess the correlation between CTC counts and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with metastatic RCC treated with an antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitor as a first-line regimen; overall survival (OS) and response were secondary objectives. CTC counts were enumerated by the CellSearch system at four time points: day 0 of treatment, day 28, day 56 and then at progression, or at 12 months in the absence of progression.

Results

One hundred ninety-five eligible patients with a median age of 69 years were treated with sunitinib (77.5%) or pazopanib (21%). At baseline, 46.7% of patients had one or more CTCs per milliliter (range, 1 to 263). Thirty patients had at least three CTCs, with a median PFS of 5.8 versus 15 months in the remaining patients (p = .002; hazard ratio [HR], 1.99), independently of the International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium score at multivariate analysis (HR, 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16–3.14). Patients with at least three CTCs had a shorter estimated OS of 13.8 months versus 52.8 months in those with fewer than three CTCs (p = .003; HR, 1.99; multivariate analysis HR, 1.67; 95% CI, 0.95–2.93). Baseline CTC counts did not correlate with response; neither did having CTC sequencing counts greater than or equal to one, two, three, four, or five.

Conclusion

We provide prospective evidence that the presence of three or more CTCs at baseline is associated with a significantly shorter PFS and OS in patients with metastatic RCC.

Implications for Practice

This prospective study evaluated whether the presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the peripheral blood correlates with activity of first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitors in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This study demonstrated that almost half of patients with metastatic RCC have at least one CTC in their blood and that those patients with at least three CTCs are at increased risk of early progressive disease and early death due to RCC. Studies incorporating CTC counts in the prognostic algorithms of metastatic RCC are warranted.
Tisagenlecleucel for treatment of children and young adults with relapsed/refractory B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Si Lim Stephanie J. , Grupp Stephen A. , DiNofia Amanda M.
Published: June 2021

The treatment landscape for cancer therapy has changed drastically over the past decade. Tisagenlecleucel, the first genetically engineered adoptive cellular therapy approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, has revolutionized this field by demonstrating impressive clinical success in children and young adults with relapsed/refractory B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (r/r B‐ALL). Now 3 years since its approval, we have gained a deeper understanding on the basic immunobiology and clinical efficacy of this drug. This review will provide an updated summary of tisagenlecleucel in childhood and young adults with r/r B‐ALL, common side effects and their associated management strategies, as well as barriers that remain to be addressed in order to realize the maximum potential of this drug.
The price of punishment: Days missed due to suspension in U.S. K‐12 public schools
Authors: Fabes Richard A. , Catherine Evandra , Quick Matthew , Blevins Darielle , Musgrave Aryn
Published: June 2021

The number of days missed due to suspensions (DMS) was analyzed in a national sample of K‐12 public schools in the U.S. In the 2017–2018 national sample, about 11 million days of school were missed due to suspension. Rates of DMS varied across the regions of the U.S., from state to state, and from school to school (greater in nonelementary and non‐charter public schools). Additionally, disparities were found with higher rates found for boys relative to girls and for Black children relative to White children. Regression analyses revealed that school characteristics explained the greatest amount of variance in rates of DMS, although enrollment characteristics also accounted for a significant amount of the variance. It was concluded that there is a need to for more research to better understand the factors that predict DMS and its adverse outcomes for students and to help develop effective prevention and intervention efforts to reduce its use, especially to reduce disparities in its use.
Assessment of thePETaseconformational changes induced by poly(ethylene terephthalate) binding
Authors: da Costa Clauber Henrique Souza , dos Santos Alberto M. , Alves Cláudio Nahum , Martí Sérgio , Moliner Vicent , Santana Kauê , Lameira Jerônimo
Published: June 2021

Recently, a bacterium strain ofIdeonella sakaiensiswas identified with the uncommon ability to degrade the poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). The PETase fromI. sakaiensisstrain 201‐F6 (IsPETase) catalyzes the hydrolysis of PET converting it to mono(2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalic acid (MHET), bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐TPA (BHET), and terephthalic acid (TPA). Despite the potential of this enzyme for mitigation or elimination of environmental contaminants, one of the limitations of the use ofIsPETase for PET degradation is the fact that it acts only at moderate temperature due to its low thermal stability. Besides, molecular details of the main interactions of PET in the active site ofIsPETase remain unclear. Herein, molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were applied to analyze structural changes ofIsPETase induced by PET binding. Results from the essential dynamics revealed that the β1‐β2 connecting loop is very flexible. This loop is located far from the active site ofIsPETase and we suggest that it can be considered for mutagenesis to increase the thermal stability ofIsPETase. The free energy landscape (FEL) demonstrates that the main change in the transition between the unbound to the bound state is associated with the β7‐α5 connecting loop, where the catalytic residue Asp206 is located. Overall, the present study provides insights into the molecular binding mechanism of PET into theIsPETase structure and a computational strategy for mapping flexible regions of this enzyme, which can be useful for the engineering of more efficient enzymes for recycling plastic polymers using biological systems.
Does sustainability performance impact financial performance? Evidence from Indian service sector firms
Authors: Jyoti Gaurav , Khanna Ashu
Published: June 2021

The present scenario of growth and development is focused on sustainable development. It can be sustainable only if it does not focus on profit maximization at any cost but also maximizes the interests and value addition of various stakeholders by not affecting the environment and natural resources. This paper examines the impact of the firm's sustainable performance on the financial performance of service sector companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange. The study outcomes indicate a significant negative relationship between the Environment score with Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on capital employed (ROCE) of the selected companies. In contrast, only the Social score shows a significant negative association with the Return on equity. Environmental, social, and governance combined score is also negatively significant with the ROA and ROCE. The practical implications of the study would help academicians, business entities, corporates, policymakers, regulatory authorities, and governments to understand the relationship better. It can also help and motivate organizations to operate more efficiently and implement sustainable approaches, especially in rapidly emerging economies like India.
Digital multimodal composing as authentic assessment in discipline‐specific English courses: Insights from ESP learners
Authors: Kohnke Lucas , Jarvis Andrew , Ting Adrian
Published: June 2021

In recent years, the advent of educational technology has made digital multimodal composing (DMMC) increasingly common among tertiary students. The current small‐scale study explored the perceptions of DMMC of 12 undergraduate students enrolled in a discipline‐specific English course at an English‐medium university in Hong Kong. In particular, the study focussed on the use of infographics as a digital reflective assessment to communicate the students’ learning process. Using semistructured interviews to explore students’ perceptions, the study found the infographics motivating and helpful in enabling them to feel more confident while communicating with peers and clients in their fields. Participants also indicated that infographics empowered them to demonstrate their discipline‐specific language skills and facilitated communication of their learning processes. This study highlights pedagogical directions for future discipline‐specific courses to move with the advancement of technology and incorporate DMMC to prepare students for their professions.
Measuring L1 and L2 Productive Derivational Knowledge: How Many Derivatives Can L1 and L2 Learners with Differing Vocabulary Levels Produce?
Authors: Iwaizumi Emi , Webb Stuart
Published: June 2021

Derivational knowledge, the ability to understand and produce derivatives of a word, is essential for vocabulary learners to expand their lexical knowledge. Earlier research (e.g., Schmitt & Zimmerman, 2002) has shown that L2 learners may have limited ability to produce derivatives compared to L1 speakers. However, the degree to which productive derivational knowledge differs between L1 and L2 learners, and among learners at different levels of vocabulary knowledge has yet to be examined. The present study investigated the extent to which L1 English speakers (n = 23) and L2 English learners (n = 107) at varying vocabulary levels (1000‐5000) could produce the derivatives of 90 headwords in a decontextualized derivative recall test. A generalized linear mixed model indicated that L1 and L2 productive derivational knowledge significantly differed, and L2 productive derivational knowledge differed among learners with different vocabulary levels. However, the results revealed that the L1 speakers and the learners who had mastered the higher vocabulary levels (3000–5000) produced a similar number of derivatives in the decontextualized recall test. The findings suggest that learners’ vocabulary levels could be indicative of L2 productive derivational knowledge to some degree. Lastly, the results are discussed to provide pedagogical implications for teaching and assessing L2 productive derivational knowledge.