bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teaching Driving Literacies in a Community Language School
Authors: Lorimer Leonard Rebecca , Gear Caroline
Published: October 2021

This case study describes the dynamics of a literacy curriculum that was collaboratively designed at a community language school. The curriculum teaches participants how to get a driver’s license in Massachusetts, focusing on the English language literacies necessary for passing the written and road tests. This case study describes the curriculum’s context, framework, and goals, and then details how the curriculum was designed and experienced by its students and teachers. Participants’ insights show that literacies as seemingly incidental as those required for driving can be deeply meaningful, requiring attention to how literacy is experienced by bodies, in motion.
Immigration Stories to Reveal Funds of Knowledge and Brave Spaces in Literacy Curriculum
Authors: McNeill Erin
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this practitioner inquiry study was to learn from students as they shared their life experiences, drawing from their stories to develop curriculum and instruction in an English learner classroom. The project argues that when relationships are prioritized with diverse students using a pedagogy of acompañamiento, classrooms become spaces where students can share family stories, life experiences, and funds of knowledge. In this article, year one of the study, Rabia’s immigration story focused on her father’s journey to America while a classmate created a presentation about the same journey from Rabia’s perspective. Data was coded for accompaniment and funds of knowledge, then classified into emerging themes. Recommendations for literacy practice include projects focused on family and community in literacy curriculum, a need for brave spaces, where courage and understanding may be necessary when sharing sensitive information with new audiences and a recognition of how immigration shapes lives.
Designing Classroom Practices for Teaching Online Inquiry: Experiences from the Field
Authors: Kiili Carita , Lakkala Minna , Ilomäki Liisa , Toom Auli , Coiro Julie , Hämäläinen Elina , Sormunen Eero
Published: October 2021

Students face several challenges when asked to locate relevant and credible information from the internet. This article introduces three principles for designing online inquiry lessons and documents what we learned from five language arts teachers from Finland who implemented and provided feedback on a learning unit framed in those design principles. Teachers implemented a researcher‐designed online inquiry unit in nine upper secondary school classrooms. The unit included four 75‐minute lessons sequenced to support the location, evaluation, and synthesis of information students encountered in an online inquiry task. Teachers’ diaries revealed their impressions of the unit, problems encountered, and exceptions made to the designed plan. Follow‐up interviews revealed additional insights about appropriate time allocation, clear instruction, and areas where students benefit from explicit guidance in strategy use. Findings suggest a researcher‐teacher collaboration can be a fruitful endeavor to assist in advancing the design of productive online inquiry activities.
Common factors of commodity prices
Authors: Delle Chiaie Simona , Ferrara Laurent , Giannone Domenico
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we extract latent factors from a large cross‐section of commodity prices, including fuel and non‐fuel commodities. We decompose each commodity price series into a global (or common) component, block‐specific components, and a purely idiosyncratic component. We find that the bulk of the fluctuations in commodity prices are well summarized by a single global factor. This global factor is closely related to fluctuations in global economic activity and, since the early 2000s, has become more important in explaining variations in commodity prices.
Three‐dimensional bioprinting of polysaccharide‐based self‐healing hydrogels with dual cross‐linking
Authors: Kim Hyun Seung , Kim Chunggoo , Lee Kuen Yong
Published: October 2021

Three‐dimensional (3D) bioprinting technique is useful to fabricate constructs with functional and biological structures for various biomedical applications. Oxidized hyaluronate (OHA) and glycol chitosan (GC) can form autonomous self‐healing hydrogels when adipic acid dihydrazide (ADH) is used. We demonstrate that hyaluronate–alginate hybrid (HAH) polymers can be used for secondary physical cross‐linking of OHA/GC/ADH hydrogel with calcium ions after 3D printing. The molecular weight of hyaluronate can be varied while keeping the molecular weight of alginate in HAH. The mechanical stiffness and stability of gels after 3D printing are strongly dependent on the molecular weight of HAH at the same cross‐linking density. In vitro chondrogenic differentiation of ATDC5 cells encapsulated in 3D‐printed constructs is dependent on the molecular weight of HAH in gels. This dual cross‐linking system consisting of naturally occurring biocompatible polysaccharides may have potential in the 3D bioprinting of custom‐made scaffolds for tissue engineering applications.
Long non‐coding RNA NEAT1 and its targets (microRNA‐21 and microRNA‐125a) in rheumatoid arthritis: Altered expression and potential to monitor disease activity and treatment outcome
Authors: Yang Junfeng , Wang Shanfu , Liu Lei , Wang Jianwei , Shao Yang
Published: October 2021

Background

The present study aimed to explore the association of long non‐coding RNA nuclear‐enriched abundant transcript 1 (lnc‐NEAT1) with inflammation, disease activity, treatment outcome, and its targets (microRNA [miR]‐21 and miR‐125a) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were sampled from 130 RA patients at baseline, week (W) 6, and W12, as well as from 60 healthy controls (HCs) after enrollment. Meanwhile, the expressions of lnc‐NEAT1, miR‐21, and miR‐125a were detected by reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

lnc‐NEAT1 was elevated, but miR‐21 and miR‐125a were declined in RA patients compared with HCs (all p < 0.001); meanwhile, lnc‐NEAT1 was negatively correlated with miR‐21 and miR‐125a (both p < 0.05) in RA patients. Besides, elevated lnc‐NEAT1 but declined miR‐21 and miR‐125a were correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C‐reactive protein and the 28‐joint Disease Activity‐ESR score (all p < 0.05) in RA patients. Moreover, lnc‐NEAT1 was declined from baseline to W12 in RA patients (p < 0.001). Additionally, lnc‐NEAT1 at W12 was declined in response patients compared with non‐response patients (p = 0.006), and also decreased in remission patients compared with non‐remission patients (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

lnc‐NEAT1 and its targets (miR‐21 and miR‐125a) correlate with RA risk and disease activity, and declined lnc‐NEAT1 associates with better treatment outcome to some extent in RA patients, suggesting that lnc‐NEAT1 might be a potential biomarker to monitor disease activity and treatment outcome in RA.
A longitudinal investigation of the meaning‐making model in midlife adults who have experienced trauma
Authors: Fitzke Reagan E. , Marsh Dylan R. , Prince Mark A.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Park and Folkman's (1997) meaning‐making model posits that distress from traumatic events stems from discrepancies between one's global meaning framework and appraised situational meaning of the traumatic event, with meaning making diminishing these discrepancies and thus bolstering well‐being. The current study investigates this supposition over a 19‐year span in mid‐life adults.

Methods

We selected participants from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study who had indicated the experience of a negatively impactful traumatic event (N = 1687). We hypothesized that increased positive reappraisal (a type of meaning making) would have an indirect effect on positive and negative affect through the three dimensions of meaning in life (significance, coherence, and purpose).

Results

All direct and indirect effects were significant and supported hypotheses.

Conclusion

Results suggest that the assertions of the meaning‐making model hold true over a period of nearly two decades among mid‐life adults who have experienced traumatic events.
A unique sarcopenic progression in the mouse rotator cuff
Authors: Meyer Gretchen A. , Shen Karen C.
Published: October 2021

Background

In response to chronic injury, the muscles of the rotator cuff (RC) experience a unique degeneration characterized by extensive fatty infiltration and loss of contractile function. Human studies suggest this degeneration is also a feature of RC sarcopenia and may precede RC injury. In this study, we investigated whether RC muscles exhibit a similar unique sarcopenia in the mouse.

Methods

Male and female mice were subdivided into four age groups: 3, 9, 18, and 24 months. The supraspinatus (SS) and infraspinatus muscles of the RC and the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle of the hindlimb were assessed. Muscle mass, contractile function, fibre cross‐sectional areas and numbers, fatty infiltration, and fibrosis were assessed at each time point. Targeted transcriptional analyses were performed to assess the role of metabolic and inflammatory derangement in the pathology.

Results

The 24‐month‐aged female mice exhibited decreased mass (25% lower than at 9 and 18 months, P < 0.01) in all muscles tested. However, only RC muscles also exhibited decreased contractile tension at this time point (20% lower than at 18 months, P < 0.005). Similarly, only female RC muscles exhibited increased fatty infiltration at 24 months (20% higher than 9 months, P < 0.05) and had elevated transcriptional markers of adipogenesis (2.4‐fold higher Pparg and 3.8‐fold higher Adipoq expression compared with 9 months, P < 0.001). Unbiased metabolic transcriptional profiling identified up‐regulation of the antigen presentation (Z scores of 2.3 and 1.9 for SS and TA, respectively) and cytokine and chemokine signalling (Z scores of 3.1 and 2.4 for SS and TA, respectively) pathways in 24 month female muscle compared with 9. Further transcriptional analysis supported increased expression of pro‐adipogenic inflammatory signals (6.3‐fold increase in Il6 and 5.0‐fold increase in Anxa2, P < 0.01) and increased presence of fibro‐adipogenic progenitors (2.5‐fold) in the 24‐month‐aged female RC compared with 9 months that together exacerbate fatty infiltration.

Conclusions

These data indicate that female mice replicate the unique sarcopenic pathology in the ageing human RC. Furthermore, they suggest that the exacerbated fatty infiltration is due to an interaction between higher resident fibro‐adipogenic progenitor numbers and an elevated systemic inflammation in aged female mice. We conclude that female mouse RC muscle is a novel system to study both human RC degeneration and the signals that regulate sarcopenic fatty infiltration in general, which is prevalent in humans but largely absent from the rodent hindlimb.
Associations between inflammatory markers, body composition, and physical function: the Copenhagen Sarcopenia Study
Authors: Kamper Rikke S. , Alcazar Julian , Andersen Lars L. , Haddock Bryan , Jørgensen Niklas Rye , Hovind Peter , Suetta Charlotte
Published: October 2021

Background

Chronic low‐grade inflammation has been suggested as one of the key elements in the development of sarcopenia, but in contrast to disease‐related loss of muscle mass, the role of chronic low‐grade inflammation in age‐related (primary) sarcopenia is still not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate low‐grade inflammation in relation to age and the potential association between inflammatory biomarkers and body composition, muscle strength and physical performance in a healthy Danish cohort.

Methods

There were 1160 generally healthy men and women (range: 22–93 years) included. Appendicular lean mass (ALM) and visceral fat normalized to height (kg/m2) was assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (iDXA, GE Lunar). Muscle strength and physical performance were evaluated by handgrip strength (HGS), 30 s sit‐to‐stand performance, and maximal gait speed (GS). Systemic levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐13, and IFN‐γ were measured using multiplex bead‐based immunoassays (Bio‐Rad). hsCRP was assessed using latex particle‐enhanced immunoturbidimetric assays (Roche Diagnostics).

Results

With age, ALM/h2, HGS, sit‐to‐stand performance and GS decreased, whereas visceral fat/h2 increased in both men and women (P < 0.05). Systemic levels of hsCRP, TNF‐α, IL‐4, and IFN‐γ increased with age in men and women (P < 0.05), while IL‐1β increased in women only (P < 0.01). Higher levels of hsCRP were associated with lower ALM/h2 in elderly (≥65 years) men and women (P < 0.001). Higher levels of hsCRP were associated with lower handgrip strength in elderly women (P < 0.05) whereas higher levels of hsCRP was not associated with lower HGS in elderly men (P = 0.056). Higher levels of hsCRP were associated with lower GS (P < 0.05), whereas IFN‐γ was positively associated with GS in elderly women (P < 0.05), but not elderly men. Visceral fat index was positively associated with hsCRP in elderly men and women (P < 0.001). Compared with elderly with normal HGS, elderly men and women with low HGS displayed higher levels of TNF‐α and hsCRP (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

With age, systemic levels of hsCRP, TNF‐α, IL‐4, and IFN‐γ increased, with hsCRP and TNF‐α being especially elevated in more physically frail elderly supporting the association between low‐grade systemic inflammation and poor physical function. In contrast, only high levels of hsCRP were weakly associated with low muscle mass and positively associated with visceral fat and low physical function, suggesting that chronic low‐grade inflammation is not the main driver of age‐related loss of muscle mass as previously suggested.
Subcutaneous fat area at the upper thigh level is a useful prognostic marker in the elderly with femur fracture
Authors: Kim Youn‐Jung , Seo Dong‐Woo , Ko Yousun , Hong Seok‐In , Kim Kyung Won , Kim Won Young
Published: October 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate prognostic value of body tissue composition at the upper thigh level for 1 year mortality in elderly patients with proximal femur fracture.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included consecutive elderly (aged ≥65) patients diagnosed with proximal femur fracture based on the findings of pelvic bone computed tomography (CT) performed at the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital and treated with surgery between 2010 and 2017. The cross‐sectional area of subcutaneous fat and skeletal muscle at the upper thigh level was measured using CT. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for 1 year mortality were estimated using a Cox proportional hazards model. Survival based on the SFA quartiles was assessed using nonparametric Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and compared used log‐rank tests.

Results

Among 876 elderly patients included in this study, the median age was 79.0 years, and 646 (73.7%) patients were female. A total of 93 (10.6%) died within 1 year after admission to the emergency department. Survivors had a significantly higher median subcutaneous fat area (SFA) than non‐survivors (170.2 vs. 133.0 cm2, P < 0.001), but no significant difference was observed between the skeletal muscle area (median, 156.7 vs. 160.3 cm2, P = 0.504) and muscle density (median, 19.0 vs. 19.1 HU, P = 0.861) of both groups. After adjustment of other clinical characteristics and body compositions, the multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that SFA (adjusted HR, 0.987; 95% CI, 0.982–0.992; P < 0.001) was independently associated with 1 year mortality. With 384 deaths during 51 322 person‐months of follow‐up, the median estimated survival duration of all the patients was 92.8 months (95% CI, 80.8–104.7 months). The patients with SFA in the third (165.6–195.0 cm2) and fourth (>195.0 cm2) quartiles showed significantly longer survival duration than those with SFA in the first (<131.4 cm2; median survival time, 51.3 months) and second (131.4–165.5 cm2; median survival time, 88.7 months) quartiles (P < 0.001 by log‐rank test).

Conclusions

The SFAs measured at the upper thigh level and 1 year mortality are positively associated in elderly patients with proximal femur fracture. SFA may be an independent prognostic biomarker for 1 year mortality of femur fracture.
Alpha‐fetoprotein and focal nodular hyperplasia: An unconventional couple
Authors: Carrier Paul , Guyot Anne , Debette‐Gratien Marilyne , Fredon Fabien , Teissier Marie‐Pierre , Labrousse François , Loustaud‐Ratti Véronique
Published: October 2021

We report the case of a 36‐year‐old patient who was initially managed for gynecomastia. The first biological analyses showed a moderately elevated alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) level. After an endocrine etiology was excluded, an abdominal computed tomography scan showed typical focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) proven by biopsy and showing expression of AFP in FNH cells. After follow‐up for 24 months, the serum AFP and liver radiology remained unchanged. The association between an elevated AFP and FNH is rarely described in the medical literature.
Treating depression and improving adherence in HIV care with task‐shared cognitive behavioural therapy in Khayelitsha, South Africa: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Safren Steven A. , O'Cleirigh Conall , Andersen Lena S. , Magidson Jessica F. , Lee Jasper S. , Bainter Sierra A. , Musinguzi Nicholas , Simoni Jane , Kagee Ashraf , Joska John A.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Major depressive disorder, highly prevalent among people with HIV (PWH) globally, including South Africa, is associated with suboptimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Globally, there are insufficient numbers of mental health providers and tested depression treatments. This study's aim was to test task‐shared cognitive‐behavioural therapy for adherence and depression (CBT‐AD) in HIV, delivered by clinic nurses in South Africa.

Methods

This was a two‐arm randomized controlled effectiveness trial (recruitment: 14 July 2016 to 4 June 2019, last follow 9 June 2020). One‐hundred‐sixty‐one participants with clinical depression and virally uncontrolled HIV were recruited from primary care clinics providing HIV care, in Khayelitsha, South Africa. Arm 1 was task‐shared, nurse‐delivered CBT‐AD; and arm 2 was enhanced treatment as usual (ETAU). Primary outcomes (baseline to 4 months) were blinded Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM‐D) scores, and weekly adherence via real‐time monitoring (Wisepill). Secondary outcomes were adherence and depression over 4‐, 8‐ and 12‐month follow‐ups, proportion of participants with undetectable viremia and continuous CD4 cell counts at 12 months. Additional analyses involved viral load and CD4 over time.

Results

At 4 months, the HAMD scores in the CBT‐AD condition improved by an estimated 4.88 points more (CI: –7.86, –1.87, p = 0.0016), and for weekly adherence, 1.61 percentage points more per week (CI: 0.64, 2.58, p = 0.001) than ETAU. Over follow‐ups, CBT‐AD had an estimated 5.63 lower HAMD scores (CI: –7.90, –3.36, p < 0.001) and 23.56 percentage points higher adherence (CI: 10.51, 34.21, p < 0.001) than ETAU. At 12 months, adjusted models indicated that the odds of having an undetectable viremia was 2.51 greater at 12 months (CI: 1.01, 6.66, p = 0.047), and 3.54 greater over all of the follow‐ups (aOR = 3.54, CI: 1.59, 20.50; p = 0.038) for those assigned CBT‐AD. CD4 was not significantly different between groups at 12 months or over time.

Conclusions

Task‐shared, nurse‐delivered, CBT‐AD is effective in improving clinical depression, ART adherence and viral load for virally unsuppressed PWH. The strategy of reducing depression to allow patients with self‐care components of medical illness to benefit from adherence interventions is one to extend. Implementation science trials and analyses of cost‐effectiveness are needed to translate findings into clinical practice.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02696824 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02696824
Prolonged corticosteroid therapy and cytomegalovirus infection in patients with severe COVID‐19
Authors: Yamamoto Yuji , Shiroyama Takayuki , Hirata Haruhiko , Kuge Tomoki , Matsumoto Kinnosuke , Yoneda Midori , Yamamoto Makoto , Uchiyama Akinori , Takeda Yoshito , Kumanogoh Atsushi
Published: October 2021

Systemic corticosteroid therapy is frequently used to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). However, its maximum duration without secondary infections remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the utility of monitoring cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in patients with COVID‐19 and estimate the maximum duration of systemic corticosteroid therapy without secondary infections. We included 59 patients with severe COVID‐19 without CMV infection on admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). All patients received systemic corticosteroid therapy under invasive mechanical ventilation, with examination for plasma CMV‐deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) levels during the ICU stay. We analyzed the correlations among patient characteristics, CMV infection, diseases, and patient mortality. CMV infections were newly identified in 15 (25.4%) patients; moreover, anti‐CMV treatment was administered to six (10.2%) patients during the ICU stay. Four (6.8%) patients had secondary infection‐related mortality. The cumulative incidences of CMV infection and anti‐CMV treatment during the ICU stay were 26.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 15.8%–39.0%) and 12.3% (95% CI, 4.8%–23.4%), respectively. Furthermore, the median duration of systemic corticosteroid therapy without CMV infection was 15 days (95% CI, 13–16 days). The presence of CMV infection was associated with mortality during the ICU stay (p = 0.003). Monitoring plasma CMV‐DNA levels could facilitate the detection of secondary CMV infection due to prolonged systemic corticosteroid therapy. The duration of systemic corticosteroid therapy for COVID‐19 should be limited.
Appreciation that inspires: The impact of leader trait gratitude on team innovation
Authors: Li Chenwei , Dong Yuntao , Wu Chia‐Huei , Brown Michael E. , Sun Li‐Yun
Published: October 2021

Although a leader's affective characteristics are believed to influence team processes and outcomes, the impact of leaders' discrete affective traits on team innovation remains unclear. This study addresses this issue by developing a multistage team‐level model that explains how team leaders' trait gratitude enhances team innovation. Specifically, we draw on the other‐praising perspective of gratitude to predict that leaders with trait gratitude tend to demonstrate humble behavior, which, in turn, promotes team voice and ultimately enhances team innovation. We also incorporate trait activation theory to theorize that leaders' perception of organizational support enhances the impact of trait gratitude on the leaders' humble behavior and its indirect effect on team innovation (via humble behavior and team voice). We found support for our research model using data of 71 teams collected from three sources in four phases. This study offers important insights into how and when leaders with high trait gratitude can foster team innovation and advances the existing gratitude research in the team context.
Tonsillectomy as a risk factor of periodontitis: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Ma Kevin Sheng‐Kai , Wu Meng‐Che , Thota Eshwar , Wang Yu‐Hsun , Alqaderi Hend E. , Wei James Cheng‐Chung
Published: October 2021

Background

To determine whether patients who had undergone tonsillectomy would have higher risks of postoperative periodontitis.

Methods

Data were collected from the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Dataset from 1999 to 2013, a population‐based cohort study consisting of cases of newly‐onset sleep apnoea, chronic diseases of tonsils and adenoids, peritonsillar abscess, and periodontal diseases. A total of 1482 tonsillectomy cases and 14,796 non‐tonsillectomy controls were selected. Propensity score matching37 between the tonsillectomy group and the non‐tonsillectomy group was conducted to exclude the confounding effect resulting from indications of tonsillectomy. Cox proportional hazard model and subgroup analyses were conducted to identify subpopulations at risk of tonsillectomy‐associated periodontitis, and a sub‐outcome analysis was applied to identify the subtype of tonsillectomy‐associated periodontitis.

Results

A total of 648 patients who had undergone tonsillectomy and 648 out of 6509 propensity score‐matched controls were retrieved, among which 230 cases in the tonsillectomy group were associated with post‐surgical periodontitis (adjusted HR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.08 to 1.59). The association persisted in a subpopulation of patients with periodontitis who received mechanical and surgical treatments for periodontitis (adjusted HR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.09 to 1.63). The incidence of periodontitis was significantly high in the individuals who underwent tonsillectomy and was particularly high in those that were below 12 years of age (HR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.10 to 2.27). The risk of periodontitis increased 4 years after tonsillectomy (HR = 1.82; 95% CI = 1.29 to 2.59). The majority of post‐tonsillectomy periodontitis was aggressive and acute periodontitis (HR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.10 to 1.71).

Conclusions

Tonsillectomy performed in pediatric patients of < 12 years old, increased the risk of developing periodontitis. Aggressive and acute periodontitis as a long‐term, postoperative adverse event took place at 4 years or longer after tonsillectomy.
Treatment of residual pockets using an oscillating chitosan device versus regular curettes alone—A randomized, feasibility parallel‐arm clinical trial
Authors: Hussain Badra , Karaca Ebru Ozkan , Kuru Bahar Eren , Gursoy Hare , Haugen Håvard Jostein , Wohlfahrt Johan Caspar
Published: October 2021

Background

A brush made of chitosan has shown to be an effective and harmless device for non‐surgical treatment of mild to moderate peri‐implantitis. To date, no study has evaluated the use of a chitosan brush in the non‐surgical treatment of residual pockets in periodontal treatment.

Methods

Seventy‐eight patients with periodontitis were included in this multicenter, randomized, examiner‐blind clinical trial of 6 months duration. Patients with residual probing pocket depth (PPD) of ≥5 mm and ≤7 mm following previous active periodontal treatment were included. Patients were assigned either subgingival treatment with curettes (control) or an oscillating chitosan brush (test). Changes in bleeding on probing (BoP) and PPD between baseline and terminal evaluation at 6 months were evaluated.

Results

A significant reduction in both PPD and BoP was seen within both groups. There was no significant difference in BoP between test and control groups after 6 months, but the reduction in PPD was significantly improved in the test group (P ≤ 0.01). The combined outcome of no BOP and PPD ≤4 mm was significantly better in the test group (P ≤ 0.01). No adverse reactions were seen.

Conclusion

Treatment of residual periodontal pockets (PPD = 5 to 7 mm) with a chitosan brush disclosed equal or better clinical results as compared to regular curettes. This study supports that a chitosan brush can be used for subgingival biofilm removal and soft tissue curretage in the treatment of periodontitis.
Combining mercapto‐functionalized palygorskite with zinc affect cadmium phytoavailability and soil microbial activity in rhizosphere soil
Authors: Li Yulong , Gao Chao , Rong Sashuang , Gu Jialin , Zhao Huiwei , Su Shiming , Liu Wei
Published: October 2021

Cadmium (Cd) pollution in soil poses a grave threat to human health. Combining various approaches to reduce Cd accumulation in crops is an active area of research to remediate farmlands with medium‐high levels of Cd contamination. The Mercapto‐functionalized palygorskite (PGS‐SH) and zinc (Zn) application alone or in combination were investigated to explore the reduction of Cd uptake by B. chinensis L and transformation of Cd in soil. The sole application of Zn or PGS‐SH increased the biomass of B. chinensis L. and decreased the concentration of Cd in plants, but more improvements were observed from the combined application of Zn and PGS‐SH. Low concentration of exogenous Zn (50 mg·kg‐1) significantly increased the soil respiration rate (SRR) and the soil dehydrogenase activity (sDHA), while promoted B. chinensis L. growth while inhibiting Cd uptake. However, excessive exogenous Zn (≥ 200 mg·kg‐1) significantly inhibited B. chinensis L. growth and soil microbial activity. The combined application of PGS‐SH and Zn had the highest sDHA (145.59%) and lowest transport factor (TF) (27.59%) compared with the CK. The combination of PGS‐SH and Zn fertilizer is a safe and effective means to reduce the accumulation of Cd in plants and restore microbial activity.
HER2‐Targeted, Degradable Core Cross‐Linked Micelles for Specific and Dual pH‐Sensitive DOX Release
Authors: Bayram Nazende Nur , Ulu Gizem Tuğçe , Topuzoğulları Murat , Baran Yusuf , Dinçer İşoğlu Sevil
Published: October 2021

Here, a targeted, dual‐pH responsive, and stable micelle nanocarrier is designed, which specifically selects an HER2 receptor on breast cancer cells. Intracellularly degradable and stabilized micelles are prepared by core cross‐linking via reversible addition−fragmentation chain‐transfer (RAFT) polymerization with an acid‐sensitive cross‐linker followed by the conjugation of maleimide–doxorubicin to the pyridyl disulfide‐modified micelles. Multifunctional nanocarriers are obtained by coupling HER2‐specific peptide. Formation of micelles, addition of peptide and doxorubicin (DOX) are confirmed structurally by spectroscopical techniques. Size and morphological characterization are performed by Zetasizer and transmission electron microscope (TEM). For the physicochemical verification of the synergistic acid‐triggered degradation induced by acetal and hydrazone bond degradation, Infrared spectroscopy and particle size measurements are used. Drug release studies show that DOX release is accelerated at acidic pH. DOX‐conjugated HER2‐specific peptide‐carrying nanocarriers significantly enhance cytotoxicity toward SKBR‐3 cells. More importantly, no selectivity toward MCF‐10A cells is observed compared to HER2(+) SKBR‐3 cells. Formulations cause apoptosis depending on Bax and Caspase‐3 and cell cycle arrest in G2 phase. This study shows a novel system for HER2‐targeted therapy of breast cancer with a multifunctional nanocarrier, which has higher stability, dual pH‐sensitivity, selectivity, and it can be an efficient way of targeted anticancer drug delivery.
A Graphical Pressure Sensor Array with Multilayered Structure Based on Graphene and Paper Substrate
Authors: Ji Chao , Zhang Qiang , Li Qiang , Pei Zhen , Zhao Dong , Yuan Zhongyun , Wang Jie , Cheng Yongqiang , Zhang Wendong , Sang Shengbo
Published: October 2021

Paper‐based flexible pressure sensors have received extensive attention owing to their recoverability and accessibility. This study, proposes a graphical pressure sensor array with a multilayered structure. A simple writing method is adopted to realize the adsorption of sensitive materials on the fiber structure of cellulose paper. Pressure sensors with 1, 3, 5, and 7 stacked layers are fabricated and compared. The results show that the seven‐layer sensor achieves a high sensitivity (44 kPa–1) and fast time response (less than 150 ms). The highly sensitive stacked paper‐based sensor array realizes the pressure detection in objects and special‐shaped surfaces. A pressure sensor based on a commercial corrugated box is also fabricated for comparison. The corrugated carton array is used to switch the reminder devices for convenience and accessibility. Because many scenarios require a safe distance to be maintained, particularly under the influence of COVID‐19, the writable paper‐based sensor array is used to realize graphical distance perception and provide warnings.
How brand self‐disclosure helps brands create intimacy with customers: The role of information valence and anthropomorphism
Authors: Huaman‐Ramirez Richard , Lunardo Renaud , Vasquez‐Parraga Arturo
Published: October 2021

Although the notion of self‐disclosure has received wide attention since the new millennium, most studies on this topic focus on consumer disclosure, leaving unexamined if brands could benefit from self‐disclosure. Therefore, the question remains unanswered if the positive effects of brand self‐disclosure on important relational and transactional variables observed in other contexts than consumer–brand relationships would be observed if self‐disclosure was made by brands. This study addresses this question, specifically discussing if brand self‐disclosure can enhance brand trust and willingness‐to‐buy (WTB) through the mediating effect of brand intimacy. Results from two scenario‐based experiments indicate that engaging in self‐disclosure—that is, disclosing some information that was kept unknown so far—helps brands create intimacy and trust with consumers, leading these individuals to exhibit higher WTB. Further, results show that all self‐disclosures are not equal, and it is when the brand engages in the disclosure of positive (vs. negative) information that consumers perceive more brand intimacy, and this even more when such information is disclosed in an anthropomorphic manner. These findings thus provide consistent empirical evidence showing that brand self‐disclosure—if providing positive information in an anthropomorphic manner—can serve as a critical tool for brands in their relationships with customers.
Circularly Polarized Light‐Driven Supramolecular Chirality
Authors: Kang Jun Su , Kim Namhee , Kim Taehyung , Seo Myungeun , Kim Byeong‐Su
Published: October 2021

Introduction of asymmetry into a supramolecular system via external chiral stimuli can contribute to the understanding of the intriguing homochirality found in nature. Circularly polarized light (CPL) is regarded as a chiral physical force with right‐ or left‐handedness. It can induce and modulate supramolecular chirality due to preferential interaction with one enantiomer. Herein, this review focuses on the photon‐to‐matter chirality transfer mechanisms at the supramolecular level. Thus, asymmetric photochemical reactions are reviewed, and the creation of a chiral bias upon CPL irradiation is discussed. Furthermore, the possible mechanisms for the amplification and propagation of the bias into the supramolecular level are outlined based on the nature of the photochromic building block. Representative examples, including azobenzene derivatives, polydiacetylene, bicyclic ketone, polyfluorenes, Cn‐symmetric molecules, and inorganic nanomaterials, are presented.
Indirect taxation, quality choice, and social welfare
Authors: Wang Xingtang , Wang Leonard F. S.
Published: October 2021

This paper takes into account the quality of the products in an oligopolistic framework to examine the superiority of a specific tax versus an ad valorem tax. We find that the government can get more tax revenues by adopting ad valorem tax compared with specific tax. In the case of fixed marginal cost, the consumer surplus and social welfare is higher (lower) under specific tax than ad valorem tax if the marginal cost gap is small (large). When the marginal cost is related to product quality, we find that the consumer surplus and social welfare is higher under specific tax.
Ergodic property, extinction, and density function of an SIRI epidemic model with nonlinear incidence rate and high‐order stochastic perturbations
Authors: Zhou Baoquan , Jiang Daqing , Dai Yucong , Hayat Tasawar
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we investigate an SIRI epidemic model with nonlinear incidence rate and high‐order stochastic perturbation. First, we obtain a stochastic threshold
related to the basic reproduction number
. A key contribution of our paper is to derive the existence and uniqueness of an ergodic stationary distribution of the stochastic model if
. Next, by solving the corresponding Fokker‐Planck equation, the exact expression of probability density function of the stochastic model is obtained. Moreover, we establish the sufficient condition
for disease extinction in a long term. Finally, several empirical examples and numerical simulations are provided to verify the above theoretical results.
Ground‐state solution of a nonlinear fractional Schrödinger–Poisson system
Authors: Liu Haidong , Zhao Leiga
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we study the nonlinear fractional Schrödinger–Poisson system

where (− Δ)s is the fractional Laplacian of order s,
, and
is a potential function exhibiting a mixed behavior; that is, V is periodic in some directions while tends to a positive constant in other directions. Using the method of Nehari manifold and a concentration compactness argument of P.‐L. Lions, we establish the existence of a signed ground‐state solution for subcritical problem and for critical problem.
Demographics, clinical characteristics, and prognostic factors of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Midwest
Authors: Yamakawa Mai , Dwyer Sally , Song Xing , Statland Jeffrey
Published: October 2021

Introduction/Aims

The Midwest has the highest regional prevalence of self‐reported amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the United States, but with limited epidemiological studies. We aimed to explore the characteristics of patients with ALS in the Midwest.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of participants with ALS deceased between January, 2010, and September, 2020, registered with the ALS Association Mid‐America Chapter. Demographics and clinical variables included gender, race/ethnicity, military status, site of onset, interventions (gastrostomy, non‐invasive ventilation, tracheostomy), and visits to ALS Association‐registered clinics. Disease characteristics were compared to the National ALS Registry, and survival analysis was performed followed by sample augmentation with historical data to estimate survival with hypothetical censoring.

Results

The database included 1447 participants with a mean age at diagnosis of 65.7 ± 11.9 y (>60 y at diagnosis: 72%). The median survival from symptom onset was 28.0 mo (95% confidence limit: 26.3, 29.7); sample augmentation increased this to 41.0 mo (38.5, 43.5). Bulbar onset disease and older age at diagnosis were associated with shorter survival. Participants not followed in ALS‐Association registered clinics were more frequently male, had familial onset and tracheostomy. Veterans (N = 298) were older at diagnosis but had similar survival after adjustment for age.

Discussions

Our cohort had an older age at onset and more frequent bulbar onset than the National ALS Registry, perhaps reflecting ascertainment biases in each registry. Prospective cohort studies with more clinical and functional data are needed to better characterize ALS in Midwest, veterans, and non‐clinic populations, and to optimize care.
Time and frequency co‐movement between economic policy uncertainty and inflation: Evidence from Japan
Authors: Athari Seyed Alireza , Kirikkaleli Dervis , Yousaf Imran , Ali Shoaib
Published: October 2021

This study examines the time‐frequency causal link between economic policy uncertainty and inflation in Japan while answering the following questions: (i) is there any causal link between economic policy uncertainty and inflation in Japan? (ii) if yes, in which direction(s)? To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that conducts this nexus. To do so, this study employs the wavelet coherence causality test and focuses on the wide range period from 2003:03 to 2021:03, in which Japan was experienced the specific Quantitative and Qualitative Monetary Easing Policies. Overall, the findings mirror that economic policy uncertainty is an essential predictor of inflation in Japan, and economic policy uncertainty leads to inflation at different periods and frequencies. The results of this study are crucial for policy decision‐making, monetary authorities, and central banks, and Japan should reduce uncertainty about economic policies to curb the possible risk of inflation rises. The policymakers in Japan can control the inflation rate fluctuation if they can ensure a more reliable prediction of economic policies.
Is a passivated back contact always beneficial for Cu (In,Ga)Se2solar cells?
Authors: Tu Ye , Li Yong , Klenk Reiner , Yin Guanchao , Schmid Martina
Published: October 2021

Ultrathin CIGSe solar cells on TCOs (transparent conductive oxides) have many promising potential applications due to their transparency. However, their performance is strongly constrained due to the back contact, often referred to acting as a Schottky junction. In this work, we show that the current limitation due to a back Schottky junction can be responsible for the apparent photocurrent loss and suppression of the forward current, which deteriorates cell performance and leads to the S‐shapedJ‐Vcharacteristics, respectively. However, due to the non‐negligible photocurrent in the back Schottky diode and the current amplification effect of a transistor, cells with a reduced absorber thickness overall exhibit a relieved current suppression, resulting in a lightJ‐Vcurve closer to the one with an Ohmic back contact. Notably, a higher back interface recombination velocity is capable of increasing the forward current of the Schottky diode by recombination, which mitigates the limitation of current flow through the back Schottky junction and thus improves the cell performance. The results show strong implications that introducing high density defects at the back interface is favorable for CIGSe solar cells on TCOs, rather than employing point‐contact structures for interface passivation. This suggests a different path to improve ultrathin CIGSe solar cells on TCOs compared to the devices on Mo with an Ohmic back contact.
Toward defining plasma treatment dose: The role of plasma treatment energy of pulsed‐dielectric barrier discharge in dictating in vitro biological responses
Authors: Lin Abraham , Biscop Eline , Gorbanev Yury , Smits Evelien , Bogaerts Annemie
Published: October 2021

The energy dependence of a pulsed‐dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment on chemical species production and biological responses was investigated. We hypothesized that the total plasma energy delivered during treatment encompasses the influence of major application parameters. A microsecond‐pulsed DBD system was used to treat three different cancer cell lines and cell viability was analyzed. The energy per pulse was measured and the total plasma treatment energy was controlled by adjusting the pulse frequency, treatment time, and application distance. Our data suggest that the delivered plasma energy plays a predominant role in stimulating a biological response in vitro. This study aids in developing steps toward defining a plasma treatment unit and treatment dose for biomedical and clinical research.
Modeling restoration of gefitinib efficacy by co‐administration of MET inhibitors in an EGFR inhibitor‐resistant NSCLC xenograft model: A tumor‐in‐host DEB‐based approach
Authors: Tosca Elena M. , Gauderat Glenn , Fouliard Sylvain , Burbridge Mike , Chenel Marylore , Magni Paolo
Published: October 2021

MET receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) can restore sensitivity to gefitinib, a TKI targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and promote apoptosis in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) models resistant to gefitinib treatment in vitro and in vivo. Several novel MET inhibitors are currently under study in different phases of development. In this work, a novel tumor‐in‐host modeling approach, based on the Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) theory, was proposed and successfully applied to the context of poly‐targeted combination therapies. The population DEB‐based tumor growth inhibition (TGI) model well‐described the effect of gefitinib and of two MET inhibitors, capmatinib and S49076, on both tumor growth and host body weight when administered alone or in combination in an NSCLC mice model involving the gefitinib‐resistant tumor line HCC827ER1. The introduction of a synergistic effect in the combination DEB‐TGI model allowed to capture gefitinib anticancer activity enhanced by the co‐administered MET inhibitor, providing also a quantitative evaluation of the synergistic drug interaction. The model‐based comparison of the two MET inhibitors highlighted that S49076 exhibited a greater anticancer effect as well as a greater ability in restoring sensitivity to gefitinib than the competitor capmatinib. In summary, the DEB‐based tumor‐in‐host framework proposed here can be applied to routine combination xenograft experiments, providing an assessment of drug interactions and contributing to rank investigated compounds and to select the optimal combinations, based on both tumor and host body weight dynamics. Thus, the combination tumor‐in‐host DEB‐TGI model can be considered a useful tool in the preclinical development and a significant advance toward better characterization of combination therapies.
The effects of herbal medicines on cancer therapy‐induced oral mucositis: A literature review
Authors: Safarzadeh Saba , Shirban Farinaz , Bagherniya Mohammad , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: October 2021

Cancer therapy‐induced oral mucositis (OM) is one of the most troublesome morbidities after radio‐chemotherapy. Age, nutritional status, tumor type, oral hygiene, and treatment method are the determinants for OM incidence. In addition, oxygen‐free radicals can act as a trigger for an inflammatory milieu that causes OM. Based on the debilitating nature of OM, finding a safe and inexpensive agent with anti‐inflammatory, anti‐microbial, and antioxidative properties can be valuable for this situation. Considering the harmful effects of some chemical agents, herbal medicine has been suggested as a potential alternative owing to unique properties such as safety, availability and low cost. Many studies have illustrated several pharmacological properties of herbal medicines in recent years, such as anti‐inflammatory, anti‐microbial, and antioxidative activities, which are essential factors in the palliation of cancer therapy‐induced OM. This review aimed to evaluate herbal medicines' effects on cancer therapy‐induced OM. According to this comprehensive review, it is concluded that medicinal plants and phytochemicals can be used as practical agents in the palliation of cancer therapy‐induced OM without any serious side effects.
18β‐glycyrrhetinic acid improves high‐intensity exercise performance by promoting glucose‐dependent energy production and inhibiting oxidative stress in mice
Authors: Ma Xuan , Chen Hui , Cao Lixing , Zhao Shuang , Zhao Chong , Yin Shutao , Hu Hongbo
Published: October 2021

It has been shown that 18β‐glycyrrhetinic acid (18β‐GA), the main bioactive compound of licorice, can modulate oxidative stress and metabolic processes in liver and skin. Given the critical role of oxidative stress and energy metabolism in exercise‐induced fatigue, we hypothesized that 18β‐GA could exert an ergogenic action by inhibiting excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction and promoting energy production in muscles. Mice were gavage‐fed with 18β‐GA for four consecutive days. Running ability was assessed based on the exhaustive treadmill test with high‐ and moderate‐intensity. Western blot analysis, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and immunofluorescence staining were used to measure the changes of muscle fatigue‐related markers, oxidative stress status, and energy metabolism in response to 18β‐GA exposure. Treatment with 18β‐GA significantly increased the exhaustive running distance (~37%) in the high‐intensity exercise, but not in the moderate‐intensity exercise. Mechanistically, reduction of oxidative stress and induction of antioxidants (SOD, CAT, and GSH) by 18β‐GA were observed. Moreover, 18β‐GA treatment caused an improved preservation of muscle glycogen (12%), which was associated with upregulation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) (91%) and increased insulin level (17%). The findings of the present study clearly suggest that 18β‐GA holds excellent potential as a novel bioactive agent against high‐intensity exercise‐induced fatigue.