bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser surface treatment on Yttria‐stabilized zirconia dental implants: Influence on cell behavior
Authors: da Cruz Mariana Brito , Marques Joana Faria , Fernandes Beatriz Ferreira , Pinto Paulo , Madeira Sara , Carvalho Óscar , Silva Filipe Samuel , Caramês João Manuel Mendez , da Mata António Duarte Sola Pereira
Published: July 2021

Yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is being proposed as an alternative material to Titanium for dental implants due to its aesthetic and biocompatibility properties. However, is it yet to define the optimal surface treatment to improve YSZ bioactivy. Texturization is a promising approach, but the biological role of patterned YSZ surfaces in cell cultures is yet to be determined. Thus, cellular behavior of osteoblasts and fibroblasts in contact with groove‐texturized YSZ surfaces was investigated. YSZ discs were groove‐textured by conventional milling and Nd:YAG laser. All samples including control were sandblasted and acid‐etched. Human osteoblasts and fibroblasts were cultured on discs for 14 days. Morphology and cellular adhesion were observed. Cell viability, interleukin‐1β, osteopontin, collagen type I prodution, alkaline phosphatase activity, and interleukin‐8 were measured. YSZ texturization by conventional milling improved osteoblasts viability and differentiation when compared to laser texturization. Fibroblasts behavior did not seem to be influenced by the texturing technique. Compared to sandblasting and acid etching currently used as gold standard for zirconia dental implants no superiority of macrotexturization was found.
Osteal macrophages support osteoclast-mediated resorption and contribute to bone pathology in a postmenopausal osteoporosis mouse model
Authors: Batoon Lena , Millard Susan M. , Raggatt Liza J. , Wu Andy C. , Kaur Simranpreet , Sun Lucas W.H. , Williams Kyle , Sandrock Cheyenne , Ng Pei Ying , Irvine Katharine M. , Bartnikowski Michal , Glatt Vaida , Pavlos Nathan J. , Pettit Allison R.
Published: July 2021

Osteal macrophages (osteomacs) support osteoblast function and promote bone anabolism, but their contribution to osteoporosis has not been explored. Although mouse ovariectomy (OVX) models have been repeatedly used, variation in strain, experimental design and assessment modalities have contributed to no single model being confirmed as comprehensively replicating the full gamut of osteoporosis pathological manifestations. We validated an OVX model in adult C3H/HeJ mice and demonstrated that it presents with human postmenopausal osteoporosis features with reduced bone volume in axial and appendicular bone and bone loss in both trabecular and cortical bone including increased cortical porosity. Bone loss was associated with increased osteoclasts on trabecular and endocortical bone and decreased osteoblasts on trabecular bone. Importantly, this OVX model was characterized by delayed fracture healing. Using this validated model, we demonstrated that osteomacs are increased post-OVX on both trabecular and endocortical bone. Dual F4/80 (pan-macrophage marker) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining revealed osteomacs frequently located near TRAP+ osteoclasts and contained TRAP+ intracellular vesicles. Using an in vivo inducible macrophage depletion model that does not simultaneously deplete osteoclasts, we observed that osteomac loss was associated with elevated extracellular TRAP in bone marrow interstitium and increased serum TRAP. Using in vitro high-resolution confocal imaging of mixed osteoclast-macrophage cultures on bone substrate, we observed macrophages juxtaposed to osteoclast basolateral functional secretory domains scavenging degraded bone byproducts. These data demonstrate a role for osteomacs in supporting osteoclastic bone resorption through phagocytosis and sequestration of resorption byproducts. Overall, our data expose a novel role for osteomacs in supporting osteoclast function and provide the first evidence of their involvement in osteoporosis pathogenesis. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Durability and delayed treatment effects of zoledronic acid on bone loss after spinal cord injury: a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Edwards W. Brent , Haider Ifaz T. , Simonian Narina , Barroso Joana , Schnitzer Thomas J.
Published: July 2021

A single infusion of zoledronic acid (ZOL) after acute spinal cord injury (SCI) attenuates bone loss at the hip (proximal femur) and knee (distal femur and proximal tibia) for at least 6 months. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of timing and frequency of ZOL over 2 years. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we randomized 60 individuals with acute SCI (<120 days of injury) to receive either ZOL 5-mg infusion (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30). After 12 months, groups were again randomized to receive ZOL or placebo, resulting in four treatment groups for year 2: (i) ZOL both years; (ii) ZOL year 1, placebo year 2; (iii) placebo year 1, ZOL year 2; and (iv) placebo both years. Our primary outcome was bone loss at 12 months; compared to placebo, a single infusion of ZOL attenuated bone loss at the proximal femur, where median changes relative to baseline were −1.7% to −2.2% for ZOL versus −11.3% to −12.8% for placebo (p < 0.001). Similarly, the distal femur and proximal tibia showed changes of −4.7% to −9.6% for ZOL versus −8.9% to −23.0% for placebo (p ≤ 0.042). After 24 months, differences were significant at the proximal femur only (−3.2% to −6.0% for ZOL vs. −16.8% to −21.8% for placebo; p ≤ 0.018). Although not statistically significant, median bone density losses suggested some benefit from two annual infusions compared to a single baseline infusion, as well as from a single infusion 12 months after baseline compared to 2 years of placebo; therefore, further investigation in the 12-month to 24-month treatment window is warranted. No unanticipated adverse events associated with drug treatment were observed. In summary, ZOL 5-mg infusion after acute SCI was well-tolerated and may provide an effective therapeutic approach to prevent bone loss in the first few years following SCI. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Adapting genetic counseling operations amidst the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Mauer Caitlin , Zimmerman John , Lahiri Sayoni , Watson Elise , Parsi Lily , Berg Jordan , Pirzadeh‐Miller Sara
Published: July 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic caused significant disruptions to the delivery of genetic counseling services and clinical operations. Understanding how these pivots in practice affected patient care across both a county hospital system and academic medical center can help provide models of clinical operations for other genetic counselors. Programmatic data were analyzed between March 18, 2020 and September 18, 2020, including visit completion rates and genetic testing completion outcomes for genetic counseling services during the COVID‐19 pandemic. In addition to analyzing the effects on patient care, we provide commentary on technological adaptations that aided our operations, billing practices, onboarding and engaging new and existing staff, and coordination of education and outreach opportunities. Through this work, we highlight barriers encountered and successful adaptations that will influence future clinical practices and may guide other providers in the development of strategies to meet their clinical and operational needs.
No evidence of SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission through transfusion of human blood products: A systematic review
Authors: Mawalla William Frank , Njiro Belinda J. , Bwire George M. , Nasser Ahlam , Sunguya Bruno
Published: July 2021

The presence of viral nucleic material in the circulation poses a theoretical risk of transmission through transfusion. However, little is known about the possibility of the actual transmission through transfusion or transplantation of blood products. A PROSPERO registered systematic review pooled evidence from PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar and CINAHL. The search included studies on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) transmission through human blood products. In total 537 studies were extracted, and only eight articles (1.5%) were eligible for the final analysis. A total of 14 patients received blood products from coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) virus‐positive donors, and six (42.9%) tested negative for COVID‐19 RT‐PCR for up to 14 days post‐transfusion/transplantation. There were no documented clinical details on the COVID‐19 test for eight (57.1%) blood products recipients. Of the eight patients, none of them developed any COVID‐19‐related symptoms. In conclusion, there is limited evidence of transfusion transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 via human blood products. Consolidation of further evidence, as it emerges, is warranted.
Formulation and stability evaluation of an extemporaneously prepared baclofen suspension (1 mg/mL)
Authors: Purohit Trusha J. , Thakur Sachin S. , Carruth Jonathan , Dean Farhan , Kim Darin , Lee Seunghyun , Liu Colin , Sharma Manisha , Hanning Sara M.
Published: July 2021

Background

Baclofen is prescribed for both adults and children as a muscle relaxant, but no data exists to support an appropriate lower‐dose extemporaneously compounded oral liquid suitable for young children in New Zealand.

Aim

This study aimed to determine the stability of 1 mg/mL baclofen oral suspension over 30 days.

Method

Baclofen suspensions were compounded (n = 6 per formulation) using suspending vehicles Ora‐Blend® (OB) or Ora‐Blend sugar‐free® (OB SF) and stored at either 25°C/60% relative humidity or 2–8°C for 30 days. Organoleptic properties, sedimentation volume ratio, ease of redispersion, pH and baclofen content were determined.

Results

Formulations required 2–3 inversions to redisperse at each time point. A colour change was observed from day 14 in the OB suspensions stored at both temperatures, likely due to the Maillard reaction, whereas no colour change was observed in any OB SF suspensions. The pH of all formulations remained between 4.5 and 4.6. Both OB and OB SF suspensions retained >90% of the initial baclofen concentration over 30 days.

Conclusion

Although baclofen 1 mg/mL suspensions prepared in both OB and OB SF retained sufficient baclofen to be considered chemically stable in both storage conditions over the study period, OB SF is recommended as a preferred vehicle over OB formulations due to the colour change observed.
NIR surface enhanced Raman spectra of biological hemes: Solvation and plasmonic metal effects
Authors: Ingraham Harrison M. , Premasiri W. Ranjith , Ziegler Lawrence D.
Published: July 2021

Surface enhanced Raman spectra (SERS) excited at 785 nm are reported for hemoglobin, myoglobin, two heme B proteins, and cytochrome c, a heme C protein, solubilized in a variety of solvent systems and then placed on Au and Ag substrates. These solvent environments include H2O pH 7.4, HCl/water pH 2, HCl/50% ethanol pH 2, 50% acetic acid and the organic layer of a pH 2 HCl/butanone mixture. To obtain the most intense SERS spectra of heme B proteins (Mb and Hb) it is not sufficient to be in a low pH (pH ~ 2) denaturing environment. A hydrophobic solvent component is additionally required in order to efficiently solubilize the cleaved heme moiety and consequently observe intense SERS spectra indicative of these heme B proteins. Although both heme B proteins exhibit virtually identical, metal (Au, Ag) specific SERS spectra, Cyt c is much weaker in the low pH environments and only displays a Ag‐like SERS spectrum on both metals indicating that this heme C protein is not cleaved in any of these solvation environments. The strong SERS signals of hemoglobin and myoglobin are due to hemin and ferric acetate heme formed in pH 2 HCl/ethanol and pH 2/50% acetic acid solutions respectively. SERS vibrational features confirm oxidation state, coordination number and ligands. SERS signals due to globin protein aggregation effects are reduced in low pH solvent systems with polarities lower than pure water. These results confirm the mechanism of a successful acetic acid protocol previously developed for the highly sensitive SERS detection of dried blood for forensic applications and indicate how it may be further improved to achieve even higher SERS sensitivity for heme protein detection.
Oil palm agroforestry shows higher soil permanganate oxidizable carbon than monoculture plantations in Eastern Amazonia
Authors: Gomes Mila Façanha , Vasconcelos Steel Silva , Viana‐Junior Arleu Barbosa , Costa Alessa Nayhara Mendanha , Barros Priscila Castro , Ryohei Kato Osvaldo , Castellani Debora Cristina
Published: July 2021

The expansion of oil palm(Elaeis guineensisJacq.) cultivation in degraded areas has increased in the Brazilian Amazon. Cultivation of oil palm in diversified agroforestry systems may be a relatively sustainable alternative to monocultures for crop expansion. Here, we evaluated the effect of oil palm cultivation systems on soil C, an important indicator of the soil quality of production systems. We assessed: (1) whether these systems of oil palm cultivation alter the potassium permanganate oxidizable C content (POx‐C) and the carbon management index (CMI); and (2) how the POx‐C varied among management zones (harvest path, leaf pile, weeded circle, and diversified strip). The soil C indices of the oil palm cultivation systems were also compared with those of secondary forests. POx‐C varied consistently based on the pattern agroforestry > secondary forest = monoculture, ranging from 0.95 ± 0.14 (agroforestry) to 0.66 ± 0.10 g·kg−1(monoculture). The POx‐C pattern among management zones was pile > diversified strip = weeded circle > harvest path. The CMI was higher in agroforestry than in monoculture. We found that these indices are sensitive to land‐use systems and management practices that affect organic matter input. Organic fertilization and species diversity likely drive the improvement of soil quality in agroforestry systems than in monocultures through C input to the soil directly and indirectly, by creating favorable conditions for the action of root and fauna that in turn positively affect soil C. Therefore, we postulate that soil quality improves through oil palm agroforestry than through oil palm monocultures.
Biofilm pigments in temporary streams indicate duration and severity of drying
Authors: Colls Miriam , Timoner Xisca , Font Carme , Acuña Vicenç , Sabater Sergi
Published: July 2021

Increased duration and frequency of droughts under global change may affect both temporary and formerly permanent watercourses. Streambed desiccation, cooccurring solar radiation, and high temperature all may affect the composition and metabolism of photoautotrophic organisms in benthic biofilms. To test these effects, we characterized the composition of pigments when biofilms were exposed to dry conditions, and compared this to pigments measured after flow resumed, as well as to others measured from permanent streams in the same region. This comparison revealed important differences in pigmentary composition based on flow conditions. Active chlorophylls decreased exponentially with the duration and severity of the nonflow period, while chlorophyll degradation products and protective carotenoids increased. Streams experiencing longer and more severe nonflow periods showed the highest dissimilarities in their biofilm pigmentary composition, and this pattern was maintained after flow resumed. Our results pointed to duration of nonflowing periods as the major driver of pigmentary composition, regardless of whether these were interrupted or not by short intervals of water flows. Multivariate changes in pigmentary composition between sampling periods highlighted the influence of the long‐term hydrological history on the relative abundance of different taxonomic groups and their associated pigments. Overall, pigmentary fingerprints are informative of the biofilm capacity to resist water flow interruption and of their ability to recover after water flow returns.
Active microbial ecosystem in glacier basal ice fuelled by iron and silicate comminution‐derived hydrogen
Authors: Toubes‐Rodrigo Mario , Potgieter‐Vermaak Sanja , Sen Robin , Oddsdóttir Edda S. , Elliott David , Cook Simon
Published: July 2021

The basal zone of glaciers is characterized by physicochemical properties that are distinct from firnified ice due to strong interactions with underlying substrate and bedrock. Basal ice (BI) ecology and the roles that the microbiota play in biogeochemical cycling, weathering, and proglacial soil formation remain poorly described. We report on basal ice geochemistry, bacterial diversity (16S rRNA gene phylogeny), and inferred ecological roles at three temperate Icelandic glaciers. We sampled three physically distinct basal ice facies (stratified, dispersed, and debris bands) and found facies dependent on biological similarities and differences; basal ice character is therefore an important sampling consideration in future studies. Based on a high abundance of silicates and Fe‐containing minerals and, compared to earlier BI literature, total C was detected that could sustain the basal ice ecosystem. It was hypothesized that C‐fixing chemolithotrophic bacteria, especially Fe‐oxidisers and hydrogenotrophs, mutualistically support associated heterotrophic communities. Basal ice‐derived rRNA gene sequences corresponding to genera known to harbor hydrogenotrophic methanogens suggest that silicate comminution‐derived hydrogen can also be utilized for methanogenesis. PICRUSt‐predicted metabolism suggests that methane metabolism and C‐fixation pathways could be highly relevant in BI, indicating the importance of these metabolic routes. The nutrients and microbial communities release from melting basal ice may play an important role in promoting pioneering communities establishment and soil development in deglaciating forelands.
Novel Approach to Movement Disorder Society–Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Monitoring in Clinical Trials: Longitudinal Item Response Theory Models
Authors: Luo Sheng , Zou Haotian , Goetz Christopher G. , Choi Dongrak , Oakes David , Simuni Tanya , Stebbins Glenn T.
Published: July 2021

Background

Although nontremor and tremor Part 3 Movement Disorder Society–Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale items measure different impairment domains, their distinct progression and drug responsivity remain unstudied longitudinally. The total score may obscure important time‐based and treatment‐based changes occurring in the individual domains.

Objective

Using the unique advantages of item response theory (IRT), we developed novel longitudinal unidimensional and multidimensional models to investigate nontremor and tremor changes occurring in an interventional Parkinson's disease (PD) study.

Method

With unidimensional longitudinal IRT, we assessed the 33 Part 3 item data (22 nontremor and 10 tremor items) of 336 patients with early PD from the STEADY‐PD III (Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy Assessment of Isradipine for PD, placebo vs. isradipine) study. With multidimensional longitudinal IRT, we assessed the progression rates over time and treatment (in overall motor severity, nontremor, and tremor domains) using Markov Chain Monte Carlo implemented in Stan.

Results

Regardless of treatment, patients showed significant but different time‐based deterioration rates for total motor, nontremor, and tremor scores. Isradipine was associated with additional significant deterioration over placebo in total score and nontremor scores, but not in tremor score. Further highlighting the 2 separate latent domains, nontremor and tremor severity changes were positively but weakly correlated (correlation coefficient, 0.108).

Conclusions

Longitudinal IRT analysis is a novel statistical method highly applicable to PD clinical trials. It addresses limitations of traditional linear regression approaches and previous IRT investigations that either applied cross‐sectional IRT models to longitudinal data or failed to estimate all parameters simultaneously. It is particularly useful because it can separate nontremor and tremor changes both over time and in response to treatment interventions.
Sub‐nanosecond, single longitudinal mode laser based on a VBG‐coupled EOQ Nd:YVO4 oscillator for remote sensing
Authors: Jiang Yewen , Li Peilin , Fu Xing , Liu Qiang
Published: July 2021

High energy, sub‐nanosecond, single longitudinal mode (SLM) pulse is especially preferred for LiDAR application. In this paper, a kHz‐level sub‐nanosecond electro‐optical Q‐switched Nd:YVO4 laser of SLM operation for remote sensing was demonstrated. By utilizing a compact resonator with a Volume Bragg Grating as output coupler, maximum SLM output power of 1.08 W and pulse width of 919 ps was obtained at 10 kHz. Moreover, we proposed a theoretical model to calculate the multimode threshold of the VBG‐coupled cavity. The longitudinal mode characteristics at four different cavity lengths were investigated experimentally and the results match well with the numerical simulations, which validates the theory. We expected the method could help to guide VBG‐coupled cavity design and construction.
Optimized bias and signal inference in diffusion‐weighted image analysis (OBSIDIAN)
Authors: Kuczera Stefan , Alipoor Mohammad , Langkilde Fredrik , Maier Stephan E.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Correction of Rician signal bias in magnitude MR images.

Methods

A model‐based, iterative fitting procedure is used to simultaneously estimate true signal and underlying Gaussian noise with standard deviation on a pixel‐by‐pixel basis in magnitude MR images. A precomputed function that relates absolute residuals between measured signals and model fit to is used to iteratively estimate . The feasibility of the method is evaluated and compared to maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) for diffusion signal decay simulations and diffusion‐weighted images of the prostate considering 21 linearly spaced b‐values from 0 to 3000 s/mm2. A multidirectional analysis was performed with publically available brain data.

Results

Model simulations show that the Rician bias correction algorithm is fast, with an accuracy and precision that is on par to model‐based MLE and direct fitting in the case of pure Gaussian noise. Increased accuracy in parameter prediction in a low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) scenario is ideally achieved by using a composite of multiple signal decays from neighboring voxels as input for the algorithm. For patient data, good agreement with high SNR reference data of diffusion in prostate is achieved.

Conclusions

OBSIDIAN is a novel, alternative, simple to implement approach for rapid Rician bias correction applicable in any case where differences between true signal decay and underlying model function can be considered negligible in comparison to noise. The proposed composite fitting approach permits accurate parameter estimation even in typical clinical scenarios with low SNR, which significantly simplifies comparison of complex diffusion parameters among studies.
Experiencing the Real World and Beyond
Authors: Atwood Stephen P.
Published: July 2021

Welcome to the July/August issue of ID! It's the middle of summer for most of us, and I hope you are enjoying yours with plenty of outdoor time and opportunities to get away from your desk, lab, factory, home office, or other work environment.
Digital Pass‐Through Head‐Mounted Displays for Mixed Reality
Authors: Larroque Stan
Published: July 2021

Mixed reality is a man‐machine interface that will blur the lines between our virtual worlds and the real one. This article focuses on the technical challenges and innovations needed to enable this new paradigm, from optics to applications.
Impact of palliative care simulation on nursing students’ learning outcomes and reported use in hospital placement
Authors: Valen Kristin , Simonsen Morten , Holm Anne Lise , Jensen Kari Toverud , Grov Ellen Karine
Published: July 2021

Aim

Nursing students report emotional distress and feelings of inadequacy to the complexity of palliative care. This study aimed to examine nursing students’ attainment of learning outcomes in palliative care through simulation and hospital placement.

Design

A longitudinal, intervention study.

Methods

Fifty‐five second‐year bachelor nursing students participated. Three waves of assessments were performed: (1) pretest; (2) postsimulation test and (3) postplacement test after the completion of the placement. Non‐parametric Wilcoxon's signed‐rank test for paired samples was used to test for differences between assessments of knowledge, skills and competence before and after simulation, and between postsimulation and post hospital placement.

Results

The results showed positive differences between pre‐ and postsimulation, indicating that learning outcomes were attained through simulation. However, negative differences between the postplacement test and postsimulation test scores indicated that the participants had practiced learning outcome from the simulation to a small degree during placement.
On the application of a Krylov subspace spectral method to poroacoustic shocks in inhomogeneous gases
Authors: Lambers James V. , Jordan Pedro M.
Published: July 2021

Poroacoustic shocks in inhomogeneous gases are numerically simulated using Krylov subspace spectral (KSS) methods; specifically, existing KSS methods are modified to use basis functions tailored to the assumed density profile of the gas, and to handle the nonhomogeneous boundary condition used to insert the shock‐inducing signal. The simulations presented demonstrate that KSS methods are effective at capturing the features of the solution, consistent with theoretical expectations, even when using a time step that greatly exceeds the CFL limit.
Reflexology and meditative practices for symptom management among people with cancer: Results from a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial
Authors: Wyatt Gwen , Lehto Rebecca , Guha‐Niyogi Pratim , Brewer Sarah , Victorson David , Pace Thaddeus , Badger Terry , Sikorskii Alla
Published: July 2021

Optimal sequencing of complementary therapies can help improve symptom management through nonpharmacological approaches. A 12‐week sequential multiple assignment randomized trial comparing home‐based reflexology and meditative practices on severity of fatigue and other symptoms was conducted among patients with cancer and their informal caregivers. Dyads were initially randomized to reflexology (N = 150), meditative practices (N = 150), or control (N = 47). If patient's fatigue did not improve (nonresponse) after 4 weeks of reflexology or meditative practices, the dyad was rerandomized to either add the other therapy or continue with the original therapy for weeks 5–8. Four decision rules (DRs) were compared: (1) Initiating reflexology, and if nonresponse on fatigue after 4 weeks, continue with reflexology for another 4 weeks, thus providing a higher dose; (2) Initiating reflexology, and if nonresponse on fatigue after 4 weeks, add meditative practices for the next 4 weeks; (3) Initiating meditative practices, and if nonresponse on fatigue after 4 weeks, continue meditative practices for another 4 weeks, thus providing a higher dose; and (4) Initiating meditative practices, and if nonresponse on fatigue after 4 weeks, add reflexology for the next 4 weeks. Symptoms were evaluated weekly using the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI). Clinically, nurses can recommend either therapy since no differences were found among the 4 DRs, with the exception of lower severity for summed MDASI symptoms at week 8 for the use of reflexology only (DR‐1) versus DR‐2 (sequencing reflexology to meditative practices). Adding the other therapy for nonresponders after 4 weeks may not be warranted.
Acceptability, Utility, and Cost of a Mobile Health Cancer Screening Education Application for Training Primary Care Physicians in India
Authors: Subramanian Sujha , Jose Regi , Lal Anoop , Augustine Paul , Jones Madeleine , Gopal Bipin K. , Swayamvaran Shinu Krishnan , Saroji Veena , Samadarsi Resmi , Sankaranarayanan Rengaswamy
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Mobile health (mHealth)–based oncology education can be a powerful tool for providing cancer screening knowledge to physicians, as mobile technology is widely available and inexpensive. We developed a mobile application (M-OncoED) to educate physicians on cancer screening and tested the acceptability, utility, and cost of two different approaches to recruit physicians.

Methods

M-OncoED was designed to perform pre- and postlearning assessments through the in-built quizzes; present case studies and educational materials for cervical, breast, and oral cancer screening; collect responses to interactive queries; document module completion; send reminders and alerts; and track user metrics, including number of sessions to complete each module and time spent per session. We tested two recruitment approaches: a broad-scale recruitment group, for which we relied on e-mails, messaging apps (e.g., WhatsApp), and phone calls, and the targeted recruitment group, for which we conducted a face-to-face meeting for the initial invitation.

Results

Overall, about 35% of those invited in the targeted group completed the course compared with about 3% in the broad-based recruitment group. The targeted recruitment approach was more cost-efficient ($55.33 vs. $109.43 per person). Cervical cancer screening knowledge increased by about 30 percentage points, and breast cancer screening knowledge increased by 10 percentage points. There was no change in knowledge for oral cancer scorings.

Conclusion

This study has demonstrated the feasibility and utility of using an mHealth app to educate physicians. A more intensive hands-on recruitment approach is likely required to engage physicians to download and complete the app. Future studies should assess the impact of mHealth tools on physician behavior and patient outcomes.

Implications for Practice

Mobile health (mHealth)–based oncology education can be a powerful tool for providing cancer screening knowledge to physicians, as mobile technology is widely available and inexpensive. This study has demonstrated the feasibility and utility of using an mHealth app to educate physicians and illustrates the type of recruitment approach (face-to-face) that is likely required to incentivize physicians to download the app and complete the training.
Immunotherapy for Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Real-World Data from an Academic Central and Eastern European Center
Authors: Ivanović Marija , Knez Lea , Herzog Ana , Kovačević Mile , Cufer Tanja
Published: July 2021

Background

Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) recently became the standard treatment for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we present the first results of a real-world observational study on the effectiveness of ICI monotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC treated at a single academic center in a Central and Eastern European (CEE) country.

Materials and Methods

Overall, 66 consecutive patients with advanced NSCLC treated with ICIs in everyday clinical practice, either with first-line pembrolizumab (26 patients) or second-line atezolizumab, nivolumab, or pembrolizumab (40 patients), from August 2015 to November 2018, were included. All data were retrieved from a hospital lung cancer registry, in which the data is collected prospectively.

Results

Included patients had a median age of 64 years, most were male (55%), 6% were in performance status ≥2, and 18% had controlled central nervous system metastases at baseline. In first-line, the median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 9.3 months, while the median overall survival (mOS) was not reached. The 1-year overall survival (OS) was 62%. In second-line, the mPFS and mOS were 3.5 months and 9.9 months, respectively, with a 1-year OS of 35%. In the overall population, adverse events of any grade were recorded in 79% of patients and of severe grade (3–4) in 12% of patients.

Conclusion

The first real-world outcomes of NSCLC immunotherapy from a CEE country suggest comparable effectiveness to those observed in clinical trials and other real-world series, mainly coming from North America and Western European countries. Further data to inform on the real-world effectiveness of immunotherapy worldwide are needed.

Implications for Practice

Immunotherapy is a standard treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The real-world data on immunotherapy are still limited. This article presents the first data on the effectiveness of mono-immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors for patients with advanced NSCLC treated at a single academic center in a Central and Eastern European country. The survival rates and toxicity are comparable to those achieved in randomized clinical trials and other real-world series, coming mainly from North American and Western European countries. There is a pressing need to gather further data on the effectiveness of immunotherapy in everyday practice worldwide.
Rebuilding active public participation after the COVID‐19 era: The South African case
Authors: Buccus Imraan
Published: July 2021

The consequences of COVID‐19 have impacted the poor and vulnerable populations of the world significantly, particularly in countries like South Africa. State institutions have been prioritising mitigating the impacts of the pandemic. And in the academy, there has been an influx of recent scholarship contending with the psychological and physical repercussions of the pandemic. This article focuses on South Africa's rebuilding of public participation in governance in the country post‐pandemic. The article is based on a qualitatively rooted methodology consisting of a wide range of primary and secondary sources, including official state documents, academic books and articles, and reports from non‐governmental organisations and think tanks. The article further draws on the findings of global and continental research and proposes steps for rebuilding public participation in South Africa in a manner that ensures accessible governance for all, especially the poor and vulnerable populations. An exposition of the legislative measures enhancing public participation in South Africa is accompanied by a brief social and economic picture before and during COVID‐19, and a comparative synopsis of old and new direction of the processes and realities of the phenomenon in society. The research‐based key steps leading to successfully rebuilding political and social engagement after COVID‐19 were identified as being founded on a number of steps. The first related to the process of moving from community diversity to communal unity through the continuous development of trust between community and leadership, the processes of community developmental empowerment, the active participation of women in political leadership and the active role of the ward committees in community governance.
The loss of histone deacetylase 4 in macrophages exacerbates hepatic and adipose tissue inflammation in male but not in female mice with diet‐induced non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Kang Hyunju , Lee Yoojin , Kim Mi‐Bo , Hu Siqi , Jang Hyungryun , Park Young‐Ki , Lee Ji‐Young
Published: July 2021

Epigenetic regulation in macrophages plays a crucial role in the inflammatory response of cells. We investigated the role of macrophage histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) in diet‐induced obesity and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis using macrophage‐specific Hdac4 knockout mice (Hdac4MKO). Hdac4 floxed control (Hdac4fl/fl) and Hdac4MKO mice were fed a regular chow diet or an obesogenic high‐fat/high‐sucrose/high‐cholesterol (HF/HS/HC) diet for 12 weeks. The loss of macrophage Hdac4, compared with Hdac4fl/fl control, aggravated the diet‐induced inflammation in the liver and white adipose tissue only in male mice. Splenic monocytes isolated from male mice fed the HF/HS/HC diet showed increased lipopolysaccharide (LPS) sensitivity and decreased Ly6C–/Ly6C+ ratios in male Hdac4MKO mice, but not in females. Bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMMs) from male Hdac4MKO mice had a lesser efferocytotic capacity but higher proinflammatory gene expression upon LPS stimulation than male Hdac4fl/fl mice. However, female Hdac4MKO BMMs exhibited the opposite responses. The induction of estrogen receptor α (ERα, Esr1) expression by LPS was less in male but more in female Hdac4MKO BMMs than Hdac4fl/fl BMMs. Moreover, overexpression of human HDAC4 decreased basal expression of Esr1 and abolished its induction by LPS. Inhibition of ERα increased Hdac4 with induction of inflammatory genes, whereas activation of ERα decreased Hdac4 with reduction of inflammatory genes in male and female Hdac4fl/fl BMMs treated with LPS. However, regardless of the inhibition or activation of ERα, proinflammatory genes were induced by LPS more in male Hdac4MKO BMMs than Hdac4fl/fl cells, whereas cells in females showed opposite responses. In conclusion, this study suggests that the lack of macrophage Hdac4 aggravates hepatic and white adipose inflammation in male mice with diet‐induced obesity and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis, and not in female mice. HDAC4 and ERα appear to counteract each other, but ERα may not be a major player in sex‐dependent inflammatory responses in macrophages deficient in HDAC4. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brg1 is required to maintain colorectal cancer stem cells
Authors: Yoshikawa Takaaki , Fukuda Akihisa , Omatsu Mayuki , Namikawa Mio , Sono Makoto , Fukunaga Yuichi , Masuda Tomonori , Araki Osamu , Nagao Munemasa , Ogawa Satoshi , Masuo Kenji , Goto Norihiro , Hiramatsu Yukiko , Muta Yu , Tsuda Motoyuki , Maruno Takahisa , Nakanishi Yuki , Kawada Kenji , Takaishi Shigeo , Seno Hiroshi
Published: July 2021

Tumor cells capable of self‐renewal and continuous production of progeny cells are called tumor stem cells (TSCs) and are considered to be potential therapeutic targets. However, the mechanisms underlying the survival and function of TSCs are not fully understood. We previously reported that chromatin remodeling regulator Brg1 is essential for intestinal stem cells in mice and Dclk1 is an intestinal TSC marker. In this study, we investigated the role of Brg1 in Dclk1+ intestinal tumor cells for the maintenance of intestinal tumors in mice. Specific ablation of Brg1 in Dclk1+ intestinal tumor cells reduced intestinal tumors in ApcMin mice, and continuous ablation of Brg1 maintained the reduction of intestinal tumors. Lineage tracing in the context of Brg1 ablation in Dclk1+ intestinal tumor cells revealed that Brg1‐null Dclk1+ intestinal tumor cells did not give rise to their descendent tumor cells, indicating that Brg1 is essential for the self‐renewal of Dclk1+ intestinal tumor cells. Five days after Brg1 ablation, we observed increased apoptosis in Dclk1+ tumor cells. Furthermore, Brg1 was crucial for the stemness of intestinal tumor cells in a spheroid culture system. BRG1 knockdown also impaired cell proliferation and increased apoptosis in human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Microarray analysis revealed that apoptosis‐related genes were upregulated and stem cell‐related genes were downregulated in human CRC cells by BRG1 suppression. Consistently, high BRG1 expression correlated with poor disease‐specific survival in human CRC patients. These data indicate that Brg1 plays a crucial role in intestinal TSCs in mice by inhibiting apoptosis and is critical for cell survival and stem cell features in human CRC cells. Thus, BRG1 represents a new therapeutic target for human CRC. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) profiling reveals substantial metabolome diversity in seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) berries originating from different geographical regions in the Indian Himalayas
Authors: Singh Sugandh , Sharma Prakash Chand
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is a high‐altitude plant with immense medicinal, nutritional, and therapeutic value. Earlier studies have documented the presence of various useful bioactive substances in this species; however, comprehensive metabolome profiling of seabuckthorn berries originating from different regions of the Indian Himalayas has not been undertaken.

Objective

Metabolomic profiling of seabuckthorn berries originating from different geographical sites in the Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir regions of the Indian Himalayas was performed by using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.

Materials and methods

The GC–MS metabolome profiles of seabuckthorn berries collected from different sites (altitude 1,400–4,270 m; average temperature 8°C–27°C) were subjected to multivariate analysis following principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis.

Results

The GC–MS results showed substantial variability for berry metabolites, including fatty acids, alkyl ethers, and alkyl esters. Fatty acids and their esters were mainly responsible for the variation in the berry metabolome. The metabolite expression profile heat map revealed two distinct groups of seabuckthorn berries originating from Himachal Pradesh (Lahaul and Spiti) and Jammu & Kashmir (Leh, Nubra, and Kargil), the former showing higher expression of metabolites. Interestingly, a strong negative association existed between altitude and the amounts of metabolites such as amides, alkyl esters, alcohols, sugars, and sugar esters. In contrast, temperature showed a strong positive association with ketone and alkyl ether levels.

Conclusion

GC–MS profiling provides important phytochemical indicators to distinguish between seabuckthorn berries from different geographical sites. Our metabolome profiling analysis generated valuable information that will be useful in the formulation of various seabuckthorn products, benefiting farmers and industries.
A qualitative study of mechanisms influencing social inequality in cancer communication
Authors: Dencker Annemarie , Tjørnhøj‐Thomsen Tine , Pedersen Pia Vivian
Published: July 2021

Objective

To understand and describe mechanisms influencing social inequality in cancer communication between patients, companions and healthcare professionals.

Methods

The study was based on observations of 104 encounters and 30 semi‐structured interviews with nurses and medical doctors on three Danish oncology wards. Observations, interviews and subsequent analysis were guided by the theoretical framework of cultural health capital developed by Shim to investigate mechanisms that may generate social inequality in cancer communication. The analysis addressed both interactive processes and interpretative meanings.

Results

Information exchange was affected by (1) patient insight and preparation, (2) the presence of companions, and (3) communicating on patients' “home ground.” Patients who, on the basis of language and hygiene, were assessed to have low capacity, received less information. Lack of mutual exchange of information left healthcare professionals and patients with fewer opportunities to provide—or receive—the best treatment.

Conclusion

Exchange of information between patients, companions and healthcare professionals is co‐constructed in a mutual dynamic. To avoid social inequality in cancer communication, it is crucial that questions and answers allow proportionate insight into disease and treatment both for patients and for healthcare professionals.
Diffusion of Anisotropic Colloidal Microparticles Fabricated Using Two‐Photon Lithography
Authors: Doan David , Kulikowski John , Gu X. Wendy
Published: July 2021

Polymeric particles with complex shapes are required for biomedical therapies, colloidal self‐assembly, and micro‐robotics. It has been challenging to synthesize particles beyond simple shapes (e.g., spheres, cubes) with high structural accuracy using existing methods. Here, a method for fabricating polymeric microparticles of complex 3D shapes is reported using two‐photon lithography, and dispersing the particles in an aqueous solution on a glass substrate. The fabrication of polyhedrons (e.g., tetrahedron, pyramid), polypods (e.g., tetrapod, hexapod), and other shapes of 5–10 µm in size is demonstrated. Confocal microscopy is used to track the motion of the sphere, tetrahedron, tetrapod, and screw‐shaped particles near the substrate, and determine their translational diffusion coefficients. HYDRO++ is used to simulate the motion of the particles far from the substrate. The influence of particle size and substrate effects on diffusion in the spherical particles is determined and finds that the non‐spherical particles have increased hindrance at the substrate compared to the spherical particles.
Laser‐Induced Graphitic Carbon with Ultrasmall Nickel Nanoparticles for Efficient Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Lam Do Van , Nguyen Van‐Toan , Roh Euijin , Ngo Quang‐Tung , Choi Wanuk , Kim Jae‐Hyun , Kim Hyunuk , Choi Ho‐Suk , Lee Seung‐Mo
Published: July 2021

Metal nanoparticles encapsulated in graphitic carbon can show high catalytic efficiency and stability, yet the production method remains improved. Herein, it is demonstrated that a Ni‐based metal–organic framework [EG‐MOF‐74(Ni)] can be rapidly transformed into ultrasmall Ni‐nanoparticles with different sizes (4–11 nm) encapsulated in graphitic carbon via the laser‐scribing method. The synthesized sample shows the best electrocatalytic performances with excellent stability in alkaline electrolyte for oxygen/hydrogen evolution reactions with overpotentials of 0.35/0.18 V at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 when the Ni particle size is ≈6 nm. This is because of its well‐developed micro/mesoporous structure, high electronic transport, and large electrochemical active surface area. An electrolyzer with Ni‐nanoparticles encapsulated in the graphitic carbon shows a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at a voltage of 1.6 V, which is comparable to the Pt/C and RuO2 counterparts. The laser‐based synthesis can serve as a powerful tool for the size‐controlled synthesis of various catalysts out of MOFs.
An overview of diagnosis and management of drug‐induced hypomagnesemia
Authors: Liamis George , Hoorn Ewout J. , Florentin Matilda , Milionis Haralampos
Published: July 2021

Magnesium (Mg) is commonly addressed as the “forgotten ion” in medicine. Nonetheless, hypomagnesemia should be suspected in clinical practice in patients with relevant symptomatology and also be considered a predisposing factor for the development of other electrolyte disturbances. Furthermore, chronic hypomagnesemia has been associated with diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Hypomagnesemia as a consequence of drug therapy is relatively common, with the list of drugs inducing low serum Mg levels expanding. Culprit medications linked to hypomagnesemia include antibiotics (e.g. aminoglycosides, amphotericin B), diuretics, antineoplastic drugs (cisplatin and cetuximab), calcineurin inhibitors, and proton pump inhibitors. In recent years, the mechanisms of drug‐induced hypomagnesemia have been unraveled through the discovery of key Mg transporters in the gut and kidney. This narrative review of available literature focuses on the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying drug‐induced hypomagnesemia in order to increase the insight of clinicians toward early diagnosis and effective management.
Can fish oils help to prevent cardiovascular disease?
Authors: Laight David
Published: July 2021

Omega‐3 fish oils have attracted much interest in light of their anticipated cardiovascular protective effects, but the actual clinical evidence base for their efficacy has been equivocal. This article gives an overview of the clinical trial findings to date, and discusses their current and potential place in therapy.
Clinical Pharmacy Congress: highlights from CPC Live! 2021
Authors: Ogden Joy
Published: July 2021

A wide range of experts lined up in May to speak at the three‐day Clinical Pharmacy Congress: CPC Live! 2021, covering subjects including: the ongoing challenges in managing chronic pain; the use of structured medication reviews to optimise asthma care; the role of CGRP inhibitors in treating migraine; and an update on long COVID. Joy Ogden reports on some of the conference highlights.