bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age-Related Change in Heart Rate Variability at Resting in Thai Professional Athletes
Authors: Thabsuwan Maninthorn , Chawrai Therdtham , Boonsri Chaladol , Bupha-Intr Tepmanas
Published: September 2020

Background: Although regular exercise is beneficially acknowledged in promoting general health status, the cardiovascular risk of sudden cardiac death in highly training athletes has been reported. Unfortunately, the primary key factor in inducing cardiac problems in athletic populations is still questioned. Objectives: In the present study, we aim to determine factors that could affect the relationship between physical activity level and cardiac autonomic function in the Thai population. Methods: Forty participants were recruited and classified into three groups based on their physical activity level and sport profession, including sedentary men, elite handball players, and professional futsal players. In all participants, we measured predicted maximal oxygen consumption, time- and frequency- domain heart rate variability (HRV) variables at rest. Results: Results demonstrated a positive correlation between time-domain HRV and estimated maximal oxygen consumption, but not with frequency-domain HRV, in which athletes aged lower than 25 years old (18 - 25 years old) had a significantly higher in the standard deviation of normal RR intervals (SDNN) and root mean square of the successive differences (RMSSD) than that in age-matched sedentary subjects. Interestingly, athletes aged above 25 years old (25 - 32 years old) had lower SDNN and RMSSD with higher low frequency/high-frequency ratio than those athletes aged under 25. Since all athletes aged above 25 years old were world-class national futsal players, stress due to the competitive level might be another factor influencing cardiac autonomic activity in athletes. Conclusions: In conclusion, the study suggested the importance of age and stress exposure on cardiac autonomic regulation in elite athletes. The observed correlation also reinforced HRV as a potential marker in detecting abnormal changes in cardiac health even in an athletic population.
Imaging Findings of Multiphase CT Angiography of Acute Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion Within 6-Hour Time-Window After Thrombectomy and Its Clinical Implication
Authors: Huang Chun-Chao , Chou Chao-Liang , Huang Wei-Ming , Jhou Zong-Yi , Hwang Yung-Pin , Lin Hsin-Yao , Tsai Yuan-Hsiung , Lin Chun-Hsien
Published: September 2020

Background: Intra-arterial thrombectomy (IAT) is one of the mainstream treatments for acute ischemic stroke. As relatively little evidence on extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusions exists in the literature, we share our experiences after using IAT for intracranial and extracranial ICA occlusions. We further clarify the imaging characteristics of multiphase computed tomography angiography (CTA) and share the experience of balloon angioplasty in acute ICA occlusion. Objectives: To investigate the imaging findings of multiphase CTA and the clinical conditions and outcomes of acute ICA occlusions at different segments after IAT. Patients and Methods: All participants receiving IAT for acute stroke with isolated ICA occlusions were included, obtained from three hospitals between June 2016 and November 2018. An imaging review for non-enhanced computed tomography (CT), multiphase CTA, and angiography was conducted. Epidemiological and clinical data were reviewed. Further comparisons were evaluated between the occlusion side from the C6 to C7 segments and C1 to C5 segments of the ICA. Results: The average age of the patients was 73.0 years, and the initial National Institutes of Health Stroke scale (NIHSS) score was 18.6. Nineteen percent of cases had good outcomes. Good reperfusion results were achieved in 50% of cases. Compared to the group with occlusion from C6-C7, the group with occlusion from C1-C5 had a relatively good Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score (ASPECTS) in the A1 phase of the multiphase CTA, and more patients had a good collateral. Three cases received a balloon angioplasty for a concurrent proximal cervical ICA tight stenosis, and all cases had good reperfusion results. Conclusion: Distal occlusion of the ICA demonstrates lower ASPECTS and a worse collateral on multiphase CTA. A multiphase CTA with an extended scan range in the A2 and A3 phases is able to exclude pseudo-occlusion of the ICA. Balloon angioplasty is helpful for concurrent proximal cervical ICA tight stenosis.
Teknologiforståelse i skolens praksis
Authors: Caeli Elisa Nadire , Dybdal Martin
Published: September 2020

Denne artikel er et fagdidaktisk bidrag til det fagområde, der i grundskolekontekst kaldes teknologiforståelse. Teknologiforståelse forstås i denne kontekst som en faglighed, der indebærer udvikling af kompetencer inden for datalogisk tænkning, designtænkning og kritisk tænkning om brug af datalogi i samfundet.

I artiklen formidles og analyseres resultaterne af et eksperiment, gennemført i foråret 2019 i en 8. klasse. Formålet var at undersøge undervisning i datalogisk tænkning og designtænkning i dansk almendannede grundskole gennem udvikling af et datalogisk design til autentisk problemløsning og derved udlede fagdidaktiske henholdsvis muligheder og udfordringer i en sådan undervisning.

Eksperimentet tog udgangspunkt i to primære hypoteser: en forventet modstand fra eleverne mod at ville lave om på deres design efter brugerfeedback, samt at eleverne ville have et snævert syn på datalogi som det samme som programmering. Disse hypoteser blev delvist bekræftet, men også andre henholdsvis muligheder og udfordringer blev identificeret, herunder ændrede opfattelser af og nye muligheder for succes med datalogi, succes med kreative afbræk og vekslende arbejdsmåder, en positiv betydning af autenticitet for elevernes forståelse og ønske om flere frihedsgrader, end de fik i dette projekt.
Myeloid Sarcoma Involving Kidneys: From Diagnosis to Treatment. Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Guidotti Francesca , Gardellini Angelo , Feltri Maddalena , Zancanella Michelle , Saccà Vittoria , Ambrosiani Luciana , Turrini Mauro
Published: September 2020

Myeloid sarcomas (MS) are rare extramedullary hematological tumors which generally occur during the natural course of acute myeloid leukemia or chronic myeloid leukemia. Rarely, their onset precedes peripheral blood and bone marrow manifestations of disease. Common sites of involvement are skin, bone, soft tissue, lymph nodes, reproductive or digestive organs, and central nervous system.Herein, we report the case of a 72-year-old man affected by JAK2 V617F mutated myeloproliferative neoplasm who developed MS involving collecting system of both kidneys. MS and MS-related obstructive nephropathy were the first signs of the acute evolution of a known chronic hematological malignancy, preceding by some weeks the onset of leukocytosis.
Air Canada, l’impartition de l’entretien et le déclin de la citoyenneté au travail dans la grande entreprise : un regard sociojuridique
Authors: Coutu Michel , Bourgault Julie
Published: September 2020

Prenant comme point de départ la thèse récente de Harry W. Arthurs qui conclut au déclin inéluctable de la citoyenneté au travail au Canada, les auteurs adoptent à titre heuristique une position inverse selon laquelle la grande entreprise, tout comme le secteur public, demeure un site privilégié d’exercice de cette citoyenneté, vu la forte présence syndicale, la longue pratique de la négociation collective ainsi que l’expérience et la sensibilité des employeurs à l’égard de la gestion des ressources humaines. Faisant partie d’une équipe financée par le Conseil de recherches en sciences humaines (CRSH), qui réunit des juristes et des sociologues du travail, les auteurs livrent un premier pan de la recherche effectuée sur ce thème, concernant le transporteur Air Canada. Plus précisément, ils ont étudié, sur la base d’une analyse jurisprudentielle et de contenu, la sous-traitance par Air Canada de la fonction d’entretien lourd de ses appareils à Aveos en 2007. Ce sous-traitant, acculé à la faillite, a cessé ses activités en 2012, et l’entretien lourd a été délocalisé par Air Canada. Basée sur une étude longitudinale au sujet d’Air Canada comme employeur depuis sa privatisation survenue en 1988, la recherche met en lumière les transformations de l’entreprise, passant d’une logique de service public à une logique, purement économique, de maximalisation des profits. Dans une perspective relevant du pluralisme juridique et de la sociologie compréhensive du droit, les auteurs s’attachent aux interactions entre les ordres juridiques empiriques en présence, qu’il soit question de l’entreprise Air Canada, de l’acteur syndical, des créanciers externes, du sous-traitant ou des salariés licenciés eux-mêmes, se regroupant dans une association informelle pour défendre leurs droits. Leur étude fait ressortir le contournement du droit par certains de ces acteurs, facilité par l’intervention des autorités publiques, fédérale ou provinciale. Se vérifie ainsi, d’après les auteurs, la proposition voulant que l’impact de l’économie sur le droit (à la faveur, par exemple, de la crise financière de 2008) soit rarement direct et immédiat, et généralement sujet à la médiation du politique. En définitive, les auteurs estiment que l’étude du cas d’Aveos valide la thèse d’Arthurs relative au déclin de la citoyenneté, plutôt que la position contraire, formulée au point de départ à titre heuristique et seulement quant à la grande entreprise. Toutefois, des études plus approfondies seront nécessaires, et ce, en vue de confronter l’historique d’autres grandes entreprises sur le mode comparatif — de même que l’attitude d’Air Canada à l’endroit des employés demeurés à son service — avant qu’une thèse aussi générale puisse être adoptée concernant ce type d’entreprise.
Paul-André Crépeau : un personnage
Authors: Jobin Pierre-Gabriel
Published: September 2020

Paul-André Crépeau avait l’âme d’un universitaire. Ses abondantes publications révèlent une personne animée par le désir d’enrichir le droit, souvent en s’inspirant du droit français, qu’il admirait. C’était un homme de convictions, engagé dans la défense de l’autonomie du droit québécois. Descendant de l’école nationaliste, il y révèle son côté romantique. Parfois polémiste, il n’a pas hésité à critiquer vigoureusement législateur, gouvernement, juges et auteurs quand, à ses yeux, ils étaient dans l’erreur. Il s’était donné comme mission d’être le gardien de l’orthodoxie. Il avait un esprit indépendant, qui l’a amené parfois à s’opposer à certaines initiatives de sa propre faculté. Il était habité par un leadership intellectuel ; il s’est constamment employé à influencer l’évolution du droit québécois, cherchant à faire accepter des interprétations, des règles et des concepts, comme l’intensité des obligations. Véritable entrepreneur universitaire, désireux de servir le monde juridique et la société, il a dirigé en maître la réforme duCode civil du Québecet a oeuvré dans les institutions du savoir au niveau national, fondant des collections de traités et de dictionnaires ainsi qu’un centre de recherche, et au niveau international, comme Unidroit et l’Académie internationale de droit comparé.
Use of Social Media Platforms for Purchasing Fashion Items: A Comparison of US and Chinese Consumers
Authors: Shen Li
Published: September 2020

This paper develops a conceptual connection between the Revised Technology Acceptance Model and Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions in explicating the adoption by customers of a social media platform in the fashion industry in the context of the US and China. This study shows that the trustworthiness of Facebook is positively related to US customers’ intention to purchase fashion items and the trustworthiness of WeChat is positively related to Chinese customers’ intention to purchase fashion items. Also, US customers’ perceived usefulness is not positively related to the intention of using Facebook to buy fashion items. However, their Chinese counterparts had the opposite result. The findings enhance our understanding of the factors that influence customers’ adoption of social media platforms for purchasing fashion items and provides suggestions for marketing managers as to how they can utilize social media platforms to market fashion items. The paper concludes with a discussion of possible future research in this field.
Democracy and Social Policy in Southeast Asia: A Comparative Process Tracing Analysis
Authors: Putra Fadillah , Aminuddin Muhammad Faishal
Published: September 2020

The relationship between democracy and social policy in Southeast Asia is a critical topic that has received insufficient attention. In general, trends in improving social policy as part of the government’s responsibility for citizens do not follow the trend of democratization. Even in autocratic countries, improving the quality of social policy is always a priority. This study answers the following question: what can the trend of improvement in social policy explain in relation to democratization at the state level? Through the comparative process tracing analysis method, this study demonstrated a discriminatory treatment factor in providing access to public services to certain groups related to the political forces that had been controlling the government. In addition, this study reveals several factors that have not been widely explained from the periodization of social policy changes in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
The Role of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Chronic Disease: A Narrative Review
Authors: Asahi Masumi G. , Briganti David , Cam Eric , Seffinger Michael A.
Published: September 2020

Chronic diseases and musculoskeletal conditions are responsible for a significant portion of the global disease burden and are frequently comorbid, such as with low back pain in patients who also have chronic organ disease. Low back pain is the leading cause of long-term disability and is the most common reason adults seek adjunctive treatment, including osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). OMT has been shown to be effective in relieving low back pain and improving back-specific functioning. In this narrative review, the authors summarize literature published in the last decade and analyze the relationship between musculoskeletal disorders and systemic medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus; they also discuss the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of OMT in managing somatic dysfunction in patients with chronic diseases.
Assessment of the Health Quality Related to the Presence of Ochratoxin A, Fumonisin B1 and Zearalenone in Maize (Zea mays l.) Produced in Côte D’ivoire
Authors: Bamba Sira , Biego Henri Marius Godi , Ake Assi Yolande , Coulibaly Adama
Published: September 2020

Aims : The aim of this work is to take stock of the level of ochratoxin A (OTA), fumonisin B1 (FB1) and zearalenone (ZEA) contamination in maize produced in Cote d'Ivoire in order to help improve its quality.

Study Design: Maize samples (375) were taken in five producing regions (Poro, Hambol, Gontougo, Gbêkê, Indénié-Djuablin).

Place and Duration of Study: the collection was carried out on maize in grain, on the cob and in spathe from February 2016 to January 2017. Then, the analyzes were carried out at the Biotechnology Laboratory, Agriculture and Development of Biological Resources of the Félix HOUPHOUËT-BOIGNY University.

Methodology: The determination of ochratoxin A, fumonisin B1 and zearalenone was carried out according to the methods of regulation No. 401/2006/EC, AFNOR, Miraglia and Brera.

Results: The results indicate the presence of ochratoxin A, fumonisin B1 and zearalenone in all forms of maize (grains, cob, spathes) and the five regions visited. However, the average concentrations of fumonisin B1 and zearalenone are respectively 27.46 µg/kg-1999.22 µg/kg and 8.48 µg/kg-341.84 µg/kg and are lower than the prescribed reference standards (2000 µg/kg ; 500 µg/kg). For ochratoxin A, the average concentrations vary from 0.83 µg/kg to 14.38 µg/kg ; 1.92 µg/kg to 18.60 µg/kg and 2.21 µg/kg to 134.89 µg/kg respectively for grains, cob and spathes.

Samples from the Regions of Poro, Gbêkê and Hambol have mean concentrations below the maximum reference limit of 5µg/kg. Thus, variability in the sanitary quality of maize was demonstrated from one region to another, regardless of the form of the maize. Based on the principal component analysis, spathes represent the form of maize most prone to high contamination regardless of mycotoxin and région.

Conclusion: The searching alternative storage methods and the right form of maize storage could be a solution to the high mycotoxin contamination of marketed maize.
Depression and Subsequent Risk for Incident Rheumatoid Arthritis Among Women
Authors: Sparks Jeffrey A. , Malspeis Susan , Hahn Jill , Wang Jiaqi , Roberts Andrea L. , Kubzansky Laura D. , Costenbader Karen H.
Published: September 2020

Objective

To investigate the association of depression with subsequent risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by serologic phenotype.

Methods

We performed a cohort study using pooled data from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS; 1992–2014) and the NHSII (1993–2015). Depression was defined according to the following composite definition: diagnosis by clinician, regular antidepressant use, or a 5‐question Mental Health Inventory score of <60 using time‐updated questionnaires during follow‐up. Incident RA cases met research criteria by medical record review. Information on covariates, including smoking, diet, and body mass index, was obtained using questionnaires. Cox regression estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for RA risk (overall and by serologic phenotype) according to depression status and adjusted for potential confounders. All analyses included a time separation between assessments of depression and the window for RA risk of at least 4 years to lower the possibility that depressive symptoms due to early RA prior to diagnosis explained any associations.

Results

Among 195,358 women, we identified 858 cases of incident RA (65% seropositive) over 3,087,556 person‐years (median 17.9 years per participant). Compared to women without depression, those with depression had multivariable HRs as follows: 1.28 (95% CI 1.10–1.48) for all RA; 1.12 (95% CI 0.93–1.35) for seropositive RA; and 1.63 (95% CI 1.27–2.09) for seronegative RA. When analyzing components of the composite depression exposure variable, regular antidepressant use was not associated with subsequent seropositive RA (HR 1.21 [95% CI 0.97–1.49]) and was associated with seronegative RA (HR 1.75 [95% CI 1.32–2.32]).

Conclusion

Indicators of depression, specifically antidepressant use, were associated with subsequent increased risk for seronegative RA, and this finding was not explained by measured lifestyle factors prior to clinical presentation.
Association of Dietary Quality With Risk of Incident Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in the Nurses’ Health Study and Nurses’ Health Study II
Authors: Barbhaiya Medha , Tedeschi Sara , Sparks Jeffrey A. , Leatherwood Cianna , Karlson Elizabeth W. , Willett Walter C. , Lu Bing , Costenbader Karen H.
Published: September 2020

Objective

Knowledge remains scarce regarding diet and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) risk. Our objective was to investigate 4 dietary quality scores and SLE risk overall and by anti–double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) positive versus negative subtypes.

Methods

We studied 79,568 women in the Nurses’ Health Study (1984–2014) and 93,554 in the Nurses’ Health Study II (1991–2013). Using validated food frequency questionnaires, we calculated 4 dietary scores: the 2010 Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI‐2010), the Alternative Mediterranean Diet Score (aMed), the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and the Empirical Dietary Inflammatory Pattern (EDIP). Incident SLE was confirmed by medical record review. Time‐varying Cox regression models estimated pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of SLE risk, overall and by anti‐dsDNA, for cumulative average dietary quality score tertiles and individual AHEI‐2010 components.

Results

We identified 194 incident SLE cases. SLE risk was similar in women with the highest (versus lowest) dietary scores (AHEI‐2010 HR 0.78 [95% CI 0.54–1.14], aMed HR 0.82 [95% CI 0.56–1.18], DASH HR 1.16 [95% CI 0.81–1.66], EDIP HR 0.83 [95% CI 0.57–1.21]). No association was demonstrated for anti‐dsDNA+ or anti‐dsDNA– SLE risk. Women in the highest (versus lowest) AHEI‐2010 tertile of nut/legume intake had a decreased SLE risk (HR 0.59 [95% CI 0.40–0.87]). No association was demonstrated for other AHEI‐2010 components and SLE risk.

Conclusion

We observed no association between long‐term adherence to the AHEI‐2010, aMed, DASH, or EDIP scores with SLE risk, suggesting a large effect of dietary quality on SLE risk is unlikely. However, potential reduction in overall SLE risk with high nut/legume intake warrants further investigation.
Significant Gains in Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality Measures Among RISE Registry Practices
Authors: Izadi Zara , Schmajuk Gabriela , Gianfrancesco Milena , Subash Meera , Evans Michael , Trupin Laura , Yazdany Jinoos
Published: September 2020

Objective

Using the American College of Rheumatology Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness (RISE) registry, our objective was to examine performance on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) quality measures and to assess the association between practice characteristics and changes in performance over time among participating practices.

Methods

We analyzed data from practices enrolled in RISE between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2017. Eight quality measures in the areas of RA disease management, cardiovascular risk reduction, and patient safety were examined. Variability in performance was evaluated at the practice level. Multivariate linear models were used to predict change in measure performance by year and to determine the effect of practice characteristics on change in performance over time.

Results

Data from 59,986 patients from 54 practices were examined. The mean ± SD age was 62 ± 14 years, 77% were female, 69% were Caucasian, and most patients were seen in a single‐specialty group practice (46%). The average performance on measures related to RA treatments was consistently high (>90%) across the study period. Measures related to RA functional status and disease activity assessment had the greatest improvements over time (8.4% and 13.0% increase per year, respectively; P < 0.001). Single‐specialty group practices had the fastest rates of improvement over time across all measures.

Conclusion

Among practices participating in RISE between 2015 and 2017, performance on most RA quality measures improved. Single‐specialty group practices saw the fastest rates of improvement over time. Identification of workflow patterns leading to dramatic improvements in quality of care will help guide process redesign to address gaps in priority areas, such as tuberculosis screening and blood pressure control.
Quality of Care for Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Data From the American College of Rheumatology RISE Registry
Authors: Schmajuk Gabriela , Li Jing , Evans Michael , Anastasiou Christine , Kay Julia L. , Yazdany Jinoos
Published: September 2020

Objective

Although multiple national quality measures focus on the management and safety of rheumatoid arthritis, few measures address the care of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Our objective was to apply a group of quality measures relevant to the care of patients with SLE, and we used the American College of Rheumatology's Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness (RISE) registry to assess nationwide variations in care.

Methods

The data derived from RISE and included patients who had ≥2 visits with SLE codes ≥30 days apart in 2017–2018. We calculated performance on 5 quality measures: renal disease screening, blood pressure assessment and management, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) prescribing, safe dosing for HCQ, and prolonged glucocorticoid use at doses of >7.5 mg/day. We reported performance on these measures at the practice level. We used logistic regression to assess independent predictors of performance after adjusting for sociodemographic and utilization factors.

Results

We included 27,567 unique patients from 186 practices; 91.7% were female and 48% White, with a mean age of 53.5 ± 15.2 years. Few patients had adequate screening for the development of renal manifestations (39.5%). Although blood pressure assessment was common (94.4%), a meaningful fraction of patients had untreated hypertension (17.7%). Many received HCQ (71.5%), but only 62% at doses of ≤5.0 mg/kg/day. Some received at least moderate‐dose steroids for ≥90 days (18.5%). We observed significant practice variation on every measure.

Conclusion

We found potential gaps in care for patients with SLE across the US. Although some performance variation may be explained by differences in disease severity, dramatic differences suggest that developing quality measures to address important health care processes in SLE may improve care.
Polymer‐Based Low‐Temperature Thermoelectric Composites
Authors: Yusupov Khabib , Vomiero Alberto
Published: September 2020

Thermoelectric materials allow direct conversion of waste heat energy into electrical energy, thus contributing to solving energy related issues. Polymer‐based materials have been considered for use in heat conversion in the temperature range from 20 to 200 °C, within which conventional materials are not efficient enough, whereas polymers due to their good electronic transport properties, easy processability, non‐toxicity, flexibility, abundance, and simplicity of adjustment, are considered as promising materials. Due to the large variety of available polymers and the almost unlimited combinations of possible modifications, the field of polymer‐based thermoelectrics is very rapidly developing, already reaching efficiency values close to those of inorganic systems. In the current progress report, the most recent advances in the field are discussed. New approaches to improve thermoelectric performance are described, with a focus on revising the mechanisms to improve the thermoelectric properties of the three most investigated polymer matrixes: poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonat, poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl), and polyaniline, alongside the three main paths of optimizing properties: incorporation of carbon‐based material and inorganic substances, and treatment with chemical agents. The most promising research in the field is highlighted and thoroughly analyzed. The path toward a lab‐to‐fab transition for thermoelectric polymers is suggested in perspective.
Bioencapsulated MXene Flakes for Enhanced Stability and Composite Precursors
Authors: Krecker Michelle C. , Bukharina Daria , Hatter Christine B. , Gogotsi Yury , Tsukruk Vladimir V.
Published: September 2020

Here it is shown that Ti3C2Tx MXene flakes can be co‐assembled with recombinant silk fibroin in aqueous suspensions with silk fibroin nanolayers uniformly covering individual flakes. These bioencapsulated flakes evolve with time due to the gradual growth of silk bundles having β‐sheet secondary organization with unique nanofibrillar morphologies extending across flake edges and forming long fringes around individual MXene flakes. This spontaneous reorganization of recombinant silk suggests surface template‐initiated formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonding of silk backbones assisted by intermolecular electrostatic and hydrogen bonding with the MXene flake. The formation of dense and hydrophobic β‐sheets results in development of a protective shell that hinders the surface oxidation of Ti3C2Tx in colloidal solution in water and significantly extends the storage life of the individual MXene flakes. Moreover, assembly into organized laminated composites with individual bioencapsulated flakes tightly interconnected via biopolymer bundles and hairs produces robust freestanding electrically conductive membranes with enhanced transport properties.
Programmable Multiple Plasmonic Resonances of Nanoparticle Superlattice for Enhancing Photoelectrochemical Activity
Authors: Xu Rui , Wen Liaoyong , Wang Zhijie , Zhao Huaping , Mu Guannan , Zeng Zhiqiang , Zhou Min , Bohm Sebastian , Zhang Huanming , Wu Yuhan , Runge Erich , Lei Yong
Published: September 2020

Building nanoparticle (NP) superlattices formed in a complex fashion by subsets that can be explored separately presents a promising approach to realize the next generation of superlattices for different applications. Here, by incorporating self‐aligned and geometrically different subsets of Au NPs into one matrix with the assistance of multi‐pore anodic alumina oxide templates, scaled‐up NP superlattices are constructed with programmable multiple plasmonic resonances. The inter‐peak spectral distance is tailored in a broad wavelength range from less than 50 nm up to about 1000 nm through altering not only the size and height of each subset, but also the number and nature of the NP subset. Importantly, a mechanical oscillator model is developed to elucidate the microscopic origin of the spectral programmability and to reproduce the parameter dependence of the multiple plasmonic resonances. A photoelectrochemical cell using Au NP superlattice embedded photoanodes is investigated as a proof‐of‐concept, demonstrating a high photoresponse improvement of about 260% compared to that of bare film reference. In light of the compatibility of this technique with other plasmonic materials and the geometrical tunability, these findings enable systematic optical controlling toward optical devices with multimodal plasmonics.
Polarization‐Independent Wavefront Manipulation of Surface Plasmons with Plasmonic Metasurfaces
Authors: Chen Lin , Ren Tangxuan , Zhao Yang , Yu Qiang , Huang Zengli , Zhang Kai , Wen Jing , Lin Feng , Chen Shuqi
Published: September 2020

Plasmonic metasurfaces show great potential to manipulate the wavefront of surface plasmons (SPs) and enable realization of various chip‐level photonic devices. However, the current configurations can merely operate under specific incident polarization state and/or have limitation in independently tuning the phase and amplitude of SPs, although arbitrary incident polarization state is allowed. There is still the lack of a metasurface scheme that not only can couple spatial light waves into SPs under arbitrary polarization states, but also can independently modulate the amplitude and phase of the generated SPs. Here, it is proposed and experimentally demonstrated that double‐lined metallic nanoslits can be well designed to overcome these limitations. Practical metadevices are designed and fabricated for generating polarization‐independent plasmonic Airy beams, near‐field focusing, and intensity‐preserved “lossless” beams, and their excellent performances at 633 nm are characterized with near‐field scanning optical microscope. The presented results will offer opportunities for the practical plasmonic devices and applications based on the plasmonic metasurfaces.
Multicenter randomized phase II trial of prophylactic right‐half dissection of superior mesenteric artery nerve plexus in pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic head cancer
Authors: Yamada Suguru , Satoi Sohei , Takami Hideki , Yamamoto Tomohisa , Yoshioka Isaku , Sonohara Fuminori , Yamaki So , Shibuya Kazuto , Hayashi Masamichi , Hashimoto Daisuke , Ando Masahiko , Murotani Kenta , Sekimoto Mitsugu , Kodera Yasuhiro , Fujii Tsutomu
Published: September 2020

Aim

Right‐half dissection of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) nerve plexus in pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer was initiated to accomplish R0 resection; however, subsequent refractory diarrhea was a major concern. This study aimed to evaluate the necessity of this technique.

Methods

From April 2014 to June 2018, 74 patients with pancreatic head cancer were randomly allocated to either Group A, in which right‐half dissection of the SMA nerve plexus was performed (n = 37), or Group B, in which total preservation of the nerve plexus was performed (n = 37). Short‐term, long‐term, and survival outcomes were prospectively compared between the groups.

Results

The patient demographics, including the R0 resection rate, were not significantly different between the groups. Postoperative diarrhea occurred in 26 (70.3%) patients in Group A and 18 (48.6%) patients in Group B. There was a tendency for the development of severe diarrhea in Group A within 1 year postoperatively, and the frequency of diarrhea gradually decreased within 2 years, although that did not affect tolerance to adjuvant chemotherapy. There was no difference in either locoregional recurrence (27.0% vs 32.4%) or systemic recurrence (46.0% vs 46.0%). The median overall survival time in Groups A and B was 37.9 and 34.6 months, respectively (P = 0.77).

Conclusion

We did not demonstrate a clinical impact of right‐half dissection of the SMA nerve plexus on locoregional recurrence or survival. Therefore, the prophylactic dissection of the SMA nerve plexus is unnecessary given that refractory diarrhea could be induced by this technique (UMIN000012241).
Clinical characteristics of individuals with Down syndrome deceased with CoVID‐19 in Italy—A case series
Authors: Villani Emanuele Rocco , Carfì Angelo , Di Paola Antonella , Palmieri Luigi , Donfrancesco Chiara , Lo Noce Cinzia , Taruscio Domenica , Meli Paola , Salerno Paolo , Kodra Yllka , Pricci Flavia , Tamburo de Bella Manuela , Floridia Marco , Onder Graziano ,   The Italian National Institute of Health CoVID‐19 Mortality Group
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Persons with Down syndrome (DS) are presumed to be at high risk of severe CoVID‐19, due to immune dysregulation and often compromised cardiopulmonary function. Aim of the present study is to assess epidemiological and clinical characteristics of individuals with DS deceased in Italian hospitals with CoVID‐19.

METHODS

We used a nationwide database of 3,438 patients deceased with RT‐PCR‐confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in Italy (10.4% of all deaths with CoVID‐19 in the country at the time of analysis). Data on demographics, pre‐existing comorbidities and in‐hospital complications leading to death were extracted from medical charts obtained from hospitals. Data on individuals with DS deceased with CoVID‐19 were obtained from this sample.

RESULTS

Sixteen cases of death in individuals with DS (0.5% of all charts analyzed) were identified. Acute respiratory distress syndrome occurred in all 16 cases. Compared with individuals without DS, those with DS deceased with CoVID‐19 were younger (52.3 ± 7.3 vs. 78.1 ± 10.6 years, p < .001) and presented a higher incidence of superinfections (31.2 vs. 13.0%, p = .029). Autoimmune diseases (43.8 vs. 4%, p < .001), obesity (37.5 vs. 11%, p = .009), and dementia (37.5 vs. 16.3%, p = .012) were more prevalent in individuals with DS. ICU admissions was similar in both groups (25 vs. 18.8%, p = .129).

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with DS deceased with CoVID‐19 are younger than individuals without DS. Comorbidity burden and increased risk of complications (i.e., bacterial superinfections) can influence CoVID‐19 prognosis in individuals with DS. Specific strategies to prevent and mitigate the effects of CoVID‐19 in the population with DS are needed.
Leveraging genetic ancestry to study health disparities
Authors: Batai Ken , Hooker Stanley , Kittles Rick A.
Published: September 2020

Research to understand human genomic variation and its implications in health has great potential to contribute in the reduction of health disparities. Biological anthropology can play important roles in genomics and health disparities research using a biocultural approach. This paper argues that racial/ethnic categories should not be used as a surrogate for sociocultural factors or global genomic clusters in biomedical research or clinical settings, because of the high genetic heterogeneity that exists within traditional racial/ethnic groups. Genetic ancestry is used to show variation in ancestral genomic contributions to recently admixed populations in the United States, such as African Americans and Hispanic/Latino Americans. Genetic ancestry estimates are also used to examine the relationship between ancestry‐related biological and sociocultural factors affecting health disparities. To localize areas of genomes that contribute to health disparities, admixture mapping and genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) are often used. Recent GWAS have identified many genetic variants that are highly differentiated among human populations that are associated with disease risk. Some of these are population‐specific variants. Many of these variants may impact disease risk and help explain a portion of the difference in disease burden among racial/ethnic groups. Genetic ancestry is also of particular interest in precision medicine and disparities in drug efficacy and outcomes. By using genetic ancestry, we can learn about potential biological differences that may contribute to the heterogeneity observed across self‐reported racial groups.
Superior turbinate management and olfactory outcome after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma: a propensity score‒matched cohort study
Authors: Li Pu , Luo Kai , Zhang Qiuhang , Wang Zhenlin
Published: September 2020

Background

Surgical management of the superior turbinate (ST) is required to access the sella in endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS) for pituitary adenoma. Two common ST management techniques include partial resection of the ST (PRST) and intentional lateralization of the ST (ILST). Given the concentrated distribution of the olfactory nerve fibers on the medial surface of the ST, in this study we aimed to ascertain whether PRST worsens the objective olfactory outcome when compared with ILST.

Methods

A retrospective, propensity score‒matched cohort study was performed at a tertiary referral center. A total of 232 adult patients undergoing EETS for pituitary adenoma were analyzed. The threshold test (STT) and the 12‐item identification test (SIT‐12) from “Sniffin’ Sticks” were administered for separate nostrils preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively.

Results

Of 232 patients, 109 had right‐sided PRST and 123 received right‐sided ILST. Propensity score matching—controlling for olfactory‐related confounding factors, including gender, age, medical comorbidities, surgical technique, and preoperative olfaction—resulted in 74 matched pairs. When comparing the 6‐month postoperative olfactory performance of the right nostril, the STT score was significantly lower in the PRST group than the ILST group (p = 0.036, η2 for effect size estimate = 0.030), but the SIT‐12 scores were similar in the 2 groups (p = 0.325). Overall, the olfactory outcomes for the right nostril did not qualitatively differ between the PRST and ILST groups (p = 0.401).

Conclusion

Despite its association with threshold impairment, PRST in EETS does not seem to carry an additional risk of postoperative olfactory dysfunction.
Cu Nano particles immobilized on silk‐fibroin as a green and biodegradable catalyst for copper catalyzed azide‐terminal, internal alkynes cycloaddition
Authors: Mirzaei Hakimeh , Eshghi Hossein , Seyedi Seyed Mohammad
Published: September 2020

Copper immobilized on silk fibroin was successfully prepared and fully characterized using powder X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy–energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform‐infrared, CHN elemental analysis, and inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectroscopy. Catalytic activity of this catalyst was examined in the azide‐alkyne cycloaddition reaction with internal and terminal alkynes at room temperature under mild conditions. The reusability of the heterogeneous supported Cu catalyst was examined four times without significant loss of catalytic activity.
“Reading the Mind in the Eyes” in Autistic Adults is Modulated by Valence and Difficulty: An InFoR Study
Authors: Baltazar Matias , Geoffray Marie‐Maude , Chatham Christopher , Bouvard Manuel , Martinez Teruel Axelle , Monnet David , Scheid Isabelle , Murzi Eleonora , Couffin‐Cadiergues Sandrine , Umbricht Daniel , Murtagh Lorraine , Delorme Richard , Ly Le‐Moal Myriam , Leboyer Marion , Amestoy Anouck
Published: September 2020

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are heterogeneous and complex neurodevelopmental conditions that urgently need reliable and sensitive measures to inform diagnosis properly. The Reading the Mind in the Eyes Task (or Eyes Test from now on) is widely used for this purpose. A recent study showed that subcategories of items of the children version of the Eyes Test could be especially discriminative to distinguish ASD and control children. Here, we analyzed the performance on the Eyes Test of 30 high functioning (IQ > 70) adults with ASD and 29 controls from the InFoR cohort multicentric study, using a Generalized Linear Mixed Model. We found that valence and difficulty modulate the performance on the Eyes Test, with easy and positive items being the most discriminative to distinguish ASD and controls. In particular, we suggest this result might be actionable to discriminate ASD patients from controls in subgroups where their overall scores show less difference with controls. We propose for future research the computation of two additional indexes when using the Eyes Test: the first focusing on the easy and positive items (applying a threshold of 70% of correct responses for these items, above which people are at very low risk of having ASD) and the second focusing on the performance gain from difficult to easy items (with a progression of less than 15% showing high risk of having ASD). Our findings open the possibility for a major change in how the Eyes Test is used to inform diagnosis in ASD.

Lay Summary

The Eyes Test is used worldwide to inform autism spectrum disorders (ASD) diagnosis. We show here that ASD and neurotypical adults show the most difference in performance on subgroups of items: ASD adults do not improve as expected when comparing easy and difficult items, and they do not show an improvement for items displaying a positive feeling. We advise clinicians to focus on these comparisons to increase the property of the test to distinguish people with ASD from neurotypical adults.
Prenatal diagnosis of Proteus syndrome: Diagnosis of an AKT1 mutation from amniocytes
Authors: Abell Katherine , Tolusso Leandra , Smith Nicki , Hopkin Robert , Vawter‐Lee Marissa , Habli Mounira , Riddle Stefanie , Calvo‐Garcia Maria A. , Guan Qiaoning , Bierbrauer Karin , Hwa Vivian , Saal Howard M.
Published: September 2020

Proteus syndrome is a mosaic genetic overgrowth disorder caused by a postzygotic, mosaic activating mutation in AKT1. Rare prenatal presentations include segmental tissue overgrowth, and skeletal and CNS anomalies. We present the first report of prenatally diagnosed and molecularly confirmed Proteus syndrome. Prenatal imaging identified megalencephaly, brain and eye malformations, focal soft tissue enlargement, and ambiguous genitalia. Exome sequencing performed on cultured amniocytes demonstrated an AKT1 pathogenic variant consistent with Proteus syndrome, and postnatal examination confirmed the diagnosis. Postnatal Sanger sequencing could not identify the AKT1 pathogenic variant. This case underscores the importance of prenatal exome sequencing on cultured amniocytes for mosaic overgrowth disorders, as well as provides additional information on the prenatal phenotype of Proteus syndrome, and highlights the impact of prenatal diagnosis on postnatal management.
A four‐gene signature associated with clinical features can better predict prognosis in prostate cancer
Authors: Yuan Penghui , Ling Le , Fan Qing , Gao Xintao , Sun Taotao , Miao Jianping , Yuan Xianglin , Liu Jihong , Liu Bo
Published: September 2020

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most deadly urinary tumors in men globally, and the 5‐year over survival is poor due to metastasis of tumor. It is significant to explore potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and personalized therapy of PCa. In the present study, we performed an integrated analysis based on multiple microarrays in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset and obtained differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between 510 PCa and 259 benign issues. The weighted correlation network analysis indicated that prognostic profile was the most relevant to DEGs. Then, univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses were conducted and four prognostic genes were obtained to establish a four‐gene prognostic model. And the predictive effect and expression profiles of the four genes were well validated in another GEO dataset, The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Human Protein Atlas datasets. Furthermore, combination of four‐gene model and clinical features was analyzed systematically to guide the prognosis of patients with PCa to a largest extent. In summary, our findings indicate that four genes had important prognostic significance in PCa and combination of four‐gene model and clinical features could achieve a better prediction to guide the prognosis of patients with PCa.
Advice seeking and loaning of money related to relapse in recovery homes
Authors: Jason Leonard A. , Guerrero Mayra , Salomon‐Amend Meghan , Lynch Gabrielle , Stevens Ed , Light John M. , Stoolmiller Mike
Published: September 2020

Recovery homes help individuals who have completed substance use treatment programs re‐integrate back into the community. However, it is unclear what factors determine who will succeed in these settings and how these factors may be reinforced or undermined by the social interactions and social networks between residents living in the Oxford House recovery homes. In an effort to better understand these factors, the current study evaluated (a) the extent to which the density of social networks (i.e., friendship, willingness to loan money, and advice‐seeking relationships) is associated with social capital (i.e., sense of community, quality of life, hopefulness, self‐efficacy), and (b) whether the density of social networks predicts relapse over time. Among the findings, willingness to loan money was positively associated with all four individual‐level social capital variables, suggesting that availability of instrumental resources may be important to ongoing recovery. To test whether these house‐level social network factors then support recovery, a survival analysis was conducted, finding associations between relapse risk and the network densities over a 28‐month span. In particular, more dense advice‐seeking networks were associated with higher rates of relapse, suggesting that the advice‐seeking might represent a sign of organisational house problems, with many residents unsure of issues related to their recovery. In contrast, more dense loaning networks were associated with less relapse, so willingness to lend money could be measuring a willingness to help those in need. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Counterfeit luxury consumption: A review and research agenda
Authors: Khan Sameeullah , Fazili Asif Iqbal , Bashir Irfan
Published: September 2020

This article captures the present state of research on counterfeit luxury consumption by providing a critical review of the existing body of knowledge. The article proposes a novel conceptualization of counterfeit luxury consumption from a consumer perspective. Based on predetermined inclusion criteria, the paper provides a systematic review of the growing yet still fragmented scholarship on counterfeit luxury consumption. It provides a historical overview of the extant counterfeiting research, synthesizes the existing body of knowledge, and provides propositions for future research and practice. In our pursuit towards building a robust counterfeiting theory, this study identifies the key perspectives that seek to explain the consumption of counterfeit luxury brands through different lenses. The article reviews key theories and constructs, identifies inconsistencies in findings, and provides explanations towards a common understanding. To this pursuit, a synthesis of three counterfeiting research domains is presented; moreover, an integrated model, which captures their interrelationships, is proposed. Finally, the implications for theory and practice are spelled out. The resultant five key tenets are, therefore, proposed to guide the future of research in counterfeit luxury consumption.