bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assembly of α‐(Hetero)aryl Nitriles via Copper‐Catalyzed Coupling Reactions with (Hetero)aryl Chlorides and Bromides
Authors: Chen Ying , Xu Lanting , Jiang Yongwen , Ma Dawei
Published: December 2020

α‐(Hetero)aryl nitriles are important structural motifs for pharmaceutical design. The known methods for direct synthesis of these compounds via coupling with (hetero)aryl halides suffer from narrow reaction scope. Herein, we report that the combination of copper salts and oxalic diamides enables the coupling of a variety of (hetero)aryl halides (Cl, Br) and ethyl cyanoacetate under mild conditions, affording α‐(hetero)arylacetonitriles via one‐pot decarboxylation. Additionally, the CuBr/oxalic diamide catalyzed coupling of (hetero)aryl bromides with α‐alkyl‐substituted ethyl cyanoacetates proceeds smoothly at 60 °C, leading to the formation of α‐alkyl (hetero)arylacetonitriles after decarboxylation. The method features a general substrate scope and is compatible with various functionalities and heteroaryls.
Dehydration of a Dilute Acetic Acid‐Water Mixture via Batch Heteroazeotropic Distillation
Authors: Gao Hao , Zhao Fei , Zhu Lingyan , Yang Fan , Wang Yaqian , Li Dongbing
Published: December 2020

Dehydration via batch heteroazeotropic distillation emerges as a promising technology for the recovery of acetic acid (HAc) from dilute aqueous solutions. In this preliminary work, this process was studied with the aid of Aspen Batch Modeler®, using an acetic acid aqueous solution as the model feed instead of wood vinegar from biorefineries andn‐butyl acetate as the azeotropic entrainer. The non‐random two liquids (NRTL)‐virial Hayden‐O'Connell model (HOC) model was chosen to calculate the thermodynamic properties. The response surface methodology with Box‐Behnken design was successfully applied to obtain optimum process conditions, providing a dehydrated HAc product from the pot with high purity and recovery.
Vertically Oriented Graphene Nanosheets for Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: He Pingge , Chen Shaowei
Published: December 2020

Vertically oriented graphene (VG) nanosheets exhibit unique structural characteristics, such as large accessible surface area, rich edges, high electrical conductivity, open network channels, and agglomeration resistance, for electrochemical energy‐storage applications (e. g., supercapacitors, lithium‐ion batteries, etc.). In this Review article, we summarize recent progress in the design and engineering of VG‐based electrodes for high‐performance electrochemical energy technologies within the context of energy‐storage mechanisms and charge‐transfer kinetics, and include a perspective to highlight the challenges and promises in the exploitation of vertically oriented two‐dimensional carbon nanostructures for further enhancement of the performance of electrochemical energy‐storage devices.
Ultrasonic‐triggered Surface Morphological Reconstruction of MoS2 for Enhanced Ultrasensitive Humidity Sensing
Authors: Zhou Quan , Wu Haodi , Wang Chao , Zhang Shaohui , Zhang Long , Zhang Haifeng , Chen Jiafan , Pan Gebo
Published: December 2020

Defects on a surface can improve response activities in a humidity sensor. A novel preparation process of sonication‐triggered morphological evolution of additional defect was reported in this work. Herein, an ultra‐responsive humidity sensor prepared by defect‐rich MoS2 nanospheres has been demonstrated. The morphology, element distribution and the abundant defects of MoS2 NSs were characterized by SEM, TEM, EDS, XRD, Raman and XPS. There are many defects which act as active adsorption sites on the surface of MoS2 NSs. Profiting by surface defects and fast charge transfer, the defect‐rich MoS2 NSs delivered remarkably ultrasensitive humidity sensing with a response as high as 5560 and ultrafast response‐recovery behaviors, and excellent repeatability. Moreover, the humidity sensing mechanism of the sensor was discussed summarily.
Caries arrest and lesion appearance using two different silver fluoride therapies on primary teeth with and without potassium iodide: 12‐month results
Authors: Turton Bathsheba , Horn Rithvitou , Durward Callum
Published: December 2020

Background

Globally, has been an increase in the use of silver fluoride products to arrest carious lesions and a variety of products are available.

Objectives

To examine differences in caries arrest and lesion colour of primary tooth carious lesions.

Material and Methods

A four‐armed, parallel‐design cluster‐randomised controlled trial which investigated four protocols for caries arrest at 6m and 12m. Children in Group 1 and Group 2 received Rivastar Silver Diammine Fluoride (SDF), and children in Group 3 and Group 4 received a stabilised aqueous silver fluoride solution (AgF). Children in Group 2 and Group 4 received an additional application of KI immediately after the fluoride. Differences in caries arrest and lesion appearance were examined at 6m and 12m using two level logistic regression modelling.

Results

The arrest rate varied by group membership; group 1 and group 3 had higher arrest rates (77.3% and 75.3% respectively) than group 2 and group 4 (65.4% and 51.2% respectively). The use of KI was also associated with lower odds of arrest (12m OR 0.25; CI 0.19, 0.34) and higher odds of avoiding black discolouration (12m OR 6.08; 2.36, 15.67).

Conclusions

Globally, has been an increase in the use of silver fluoride products to arrest carious lesions and a variety of products are available. This study demonstrated that both AgF and SDF can effectively arrest carious lesions on primary teeth. The use of KI is associated with poorer caries control but better aesthetic outcomes.
Preparing culturally literate citizens through dialogue and argumentation: Rethinking citizenship education
Authors: Rapanta Chrysi , Vrikki Maria , Evagorou Maria
Published: December 2020

Cultural literacy, as a set of values and dispositions developed through dialogue and constructive argumentation with people representing different cultural identities, is an essential skillset of a twenty‐first‐century citizen in any part of today's world. Especially within the current European landscape of continuous immigration and change, the fluidity and rhetoricity of identity construction require a notion of citizenship education that can adapt to this dynamic process. Moreover, the practical aspects of being a citizen in its authentic, global, democratic sense are not sufficiently emphasized within current curricula. In this paper, we present an innovative citizenship education curriculum based on dialogic, argumentative and cultural literacy skills, which addresses this gap through proposing discursive practices of cultural identity construction at a collaborative level (small group or whole class) inspired by wordless texts (picture books and animated films) on core civic cultural values such as tolerance, empathy and inclusion. Through applying a design‐based research methodology with teachers from three education levels and four European countries, we conclude that dialogic lesson plans aiming at the development of cultural literacy dispositions can act as an innovative and adaptive citizenship education curriculum in diverse contexts.
Combined use of different antibody clones improves the efficiency of human leukocyte antigen B27 detection by flow cytometry
Authors: Baráth Sándor , Mezei Zoltán A. , Száraz‐Széles Marianna , Hevessy Zsuzsanna
Published: December 2020

Background

Human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA‐B27) is an major histocompatibility complex Class I cell surface antigen that shows strong association with spondylarthropathies. Although polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the gold standard method for HLA‐B27 detection, monoclonal antibodies, and flow cytometric analysis is also frequently used. We aimed to compare the efficiency of two commercially available monoclonal antibody clones and the DuraClone kit that uses simultaneously these clones.

Methods

Blood samples drawn from 63 patients were analyzed by flow cytometry and PCR. For flow cytometry analysis ABCm3 and FD705 clones were used for flow cytometry as well as the DuraClone Reagent Kit. Results of flow cytometric analysis were confirmed by PCR.

Results

Numbers of false‐positive and equivocal samples were high when ABCm3 or FD705 clones were used separately: 34 out of 63 and 27 out of 63, respectively. Simultaneous use of the two antibody clones and pre‐selection of CD3+ T cells, in the DuraClone kit, significantly decreased the number of these samples. Using the DuraClone kit, only 11 out of 63 samples were inconclusive. Influence of HLA‐B7 expression was detectable in some cases when ABCm3 and FD705 were used separately.

Conclusions

Our results show that simultaneous use of HLA‐B27 monoclonal antibodies and pre‐selection of T cells significantly increased the specificity of the flow cytometric assay, however it did not reach the specificity of PCR. Nevertheless, based on our results, performing the PCR test exclusively in equivocal cases by DuraClone kit reduces the burden of PCR assays and the turn‐around time.
Emotion regulation strategy usage explains links between institutional caregiving and elevated internalizing symptoms
Authors: Waizman Yael H. , Méndez Leal Adriana S. , Guassi Moreira João F. , Saragosa‐Harris Natalie M. , Ninova Emilia , Silvers Jennifer A.
Published: December 2020

Early adversity, including institutional orphanage care, is associated with the development of internalizing disorders. Previous research suggests that institutionalization can disrupt emotion regulation processes, which contribute to internalizing symptoms. However, no prior work has investigated how early orphanage care shapes emotion regulation strategy usage (e.g., cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression) and whether the said strategy usage contributes to internalizing symptoms. This study probed emotion regulation strategy usage and internalizing symptoms in a sample of 36 previously institutionalized and 58 comparison youth. As hypothesized, previously institutionalized youth exhibited higher rates of internalizing symptoms than comparison youth, and more frequent use of suppression partially accounted for the relationship between early institutional care and elevated internalizing symptoms. Contrary to our initial hypotheses, reappraisal use did not buffer previously institutionalized or comparison youth against internalizing symptoms. Our findings highlight the potential utility of targeting emotion regulation strategy usage in adversity‐exposed youth in future intervention work.
Arene‐Immobilized Ru(II)/TsDPEN Complexes: Synthesis and Applications to the Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Ketones
Authors: Doherty Simon , Knight Julian G. , Alshaikh Hind , Wilson James , Waddell Paul G. , Wills Corinne , Dixon Casey M.
Published: December 2020

The Noyori‐Ikariya (arene)Ru(II)/TsDPEN precatalyst has been anchored to amorphous silica and DAVISIL through the η6‐coordinated arene ligand via a straightforward synthesis and the derived systems, (arene)Ru(II)/TsDPEN@silica and (arene)Ru(II)/TsDPEN@DAVISIL, form highly efficient catalysts for the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of a range of electron‐rich and electron‐poor aromatic ketones, giving good conversion and excellent ee's under mild reaction conditions. Moreover, catalyst generated in situ immediately prior to addition of substrate and hydrogen donor, by reaction of silica‐supported [(arene)RuCl2]2 with (S,S)‐TsDPEN, was as efficient as that generated from its preformed counterpart [(arene)Ru{(S,S)‐TsDPEN}Cl]@silica. Gratifyingly, the initial TOFs (up to 1085 h−1) and ee's (96–97 %) obtained with these catalysts either rivalled or outperformed those previously reported for catalysts supported by either silica or polymer immobilized through one of the nitrogen atoms of TsDPEN. While the high ee's were also maintained during recycle studies, the conversion dropped steadily over the first three runs due to gradual leaching of the ruthenium.
Mechanistic Vistas of Trivalent Nitrogen Compound Reduction by Samarium Diiodide
Authors: Maity Sandeepan , Hoz Shmaryahu
Published: December 2020

In trivalent nitrogen compounds, the nitrogen lone pair is highly amenable to bind to samarium iodide prior to electron transfer. As SmI2 is more azaphilic than oxophilic, its affinity to the nitrogen lone pair is more pronounced in aza substrates than in the analogous carbonyl compounds. The impact of this binding is very large in terms of reaction rate and at the same time gives rise to unique mechanistic phenomena, which include unusual kinetic rate orders, catalysis by quantum dots, and remote functionalization. Even reduction of nitriles was found to be affected by this coordination to SmI2. This review focuses on the reduction mechanisms of three groups of compounds: imines, azobenzene, and nitriles.
The Riveting Chemistry of Poly‐aza‐heterocycles Employing Microwave Technique: A Decade Review
Authors: Soni Jay Prakash , Joshi Swanand Vinayak , Chemitikanti Krishna Sowjanya , Shankaraiah Nagula
Published: December 2020

The application of microwave technique in chemical laboratory rooted back in 1986 and found advantageous over conventional approaches. On the other side, poly‐aza‐heterocycles are influencing organic frameworks with a fascinating chemistry and well explored by employing microwave‐assisted organic reactions. In the present review, we have thoroughly updated rousing literatures of microwave‐assisted synthesis and reactions of various poly‐aza‐heterocycles viz., triazole, tetrazole, triazine, and tetrazine from the past decade (2010–2020). The expedient chemistry and enabling role of microwave heating for adequate chemical transformations of such heterocycles, which were more challenging using classical approaches, are appropriately elucidated. This review also highlights the potential applications of these heterocyclic scaffolds and their derivatives in different scientific domains. Remarkably, such chemical architects possess wide applications as crucial building blocks in synthesis of biologically relevant compounds, agrochemicals, and compounds of interest in material science.
Cortico‐striato‐thalamo‐cerebellar networks of structural covariance underlying different epilepsy syndromes associated with generalized tonic–clonic seizures
Authors: Xu Qiang , Zhang Qirui , Yang Fang , Weng Yifei , Xie Xinyu , Hao Jingru , Qi Rongfeng , Gumenyuk Valentina , Stufflebeam Steven M , Bernhardt Boris C. , Lu Guangming , Zhang Zhiqiang
Published: December 2020

Generalized tonic–clonic seizures (GTCS) are the severest and most remarkable clinical expressions of human epilepsy. Cortical, subcortical, and cerebellar structures, organized with different network patterns, underlying the pathophysiological substrates of genetic associated epilepsy with GTCS (GE‐GTCS) and focal epilepsy associated with focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizure (FE‐FBTS). Structural covariance analysis can delineate the features of epilepsy network related with long‐term effects from seizure. Morphometric MRI data of 111 patients with GE‐GTCS, 111 patients with FE‐FBTS and 111 healthy controls were studied. Cortico‐striato‐thalao‐cerebellar networks of structural covariance within the gray matter were constructed using a Winner‐take‐all strategy with five cortical parcellations. Comparisons of structural covariance networks were conducted using permutation tests, and module effects of disease duration on networks were conducted using GLM model. Both patient groups showed increased connectivity of structural covariance relative to controls, mainly within the striatum and thalamus, and mostly correlated with the frontal, motor, and somatosensory cortices. Connectivity changes increased as a function of epilepsy durations. FE‐FBTS showed more intensive and extensive gray matter changes with volumetric loss and connectivity increment than GE‐GTCS. Our findings implicated cortico‐striato‐thalamo‐cerebellar network changes at a large temporal scale in GTCS, with FE‐FBTS showing more severe network disruption. The study contributed novel imaging evidence for understanding the different epilepsy syndromes associated with generalized seizures.
Long noncoding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 15 deteriorates liver cancer via microRNA‐18b‐5p/LIM‐only 4 axis
Authors: Chen Wei , Huang Li , Liang Junhua , Ye Yingjian , Yu Sihao , Zhang Yijing
Published: December 2020

Extensive studies have explored the involvements of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in liver cancer. Limitedly, the concrete function of lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 15 (SNHG15) is still elusive. Therefore, the work was initiated to unearth SNHG15‐oriented mechanism in liver cancer. Liver cancer tissues were resected. The connection between SNHG15 expression with prognosis and clinicopathological traits of liver cancer patients was evaluated. Liver cancer cells SMMC‐7721 were transfected with restored microRNA (miR)‐18b‐5p or depleted SNHG15 to discover their effects on the proliferation, migration, invasion, cycle arrest, and apoptosis of SMMC‐7721 cells. The transfected SMMC‐7721 cells were injected into nude mice for further investigation. SNHG15, miR‐18b‐5p, and LIM‐only 4 (LMO4) expressions in tissues and cells were tested. The regulatory connections among SNHG15, miR‐18b‐5p, and LMO4 were detected. SNHG15 and LMO4 were overexpressed while miR‐18b‐5p was downregulated in liver cancer tissues and cells. Up‐regulated SNHG15 was connected with inferior prognosis and aggressive behaviors of liver cancer patients. SNHG15 knockdown or miR‐18b‐5p restoration depressed SMMC‐7721 cell growth in vivo and in vitro. SNHG15 bound to miR‐18b‐5p and miR‐18b‐5p targeted LMO4. The work has illuminated that silencing SNHG15 represses liver cancer progression by modulating miR‐18b‐5p and LMO4, indicating the therapeutic potency of SNHG15/miR‐18b‐5p/LMO4 axis in liver cancer.
Gallic acid‐gold nanoparticles enhance radiation‐induced cell death of human glioma U251 cells
Authors: Jing Zhou , Li Minghe , Wang Hongyuan , Yang Zhuo , Zhou Shaolong , Ma Jian , Meng Enping , Zhang Hengwei , Liang Wulong , Hu Weihua , Wang Xinjun , Fu Xudong
Published: December 2020

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is among the most common adult brain tumors with invariably fatal character. Following the limited conventional therapies, almost all patients, however, presented with symptoms at the time of recurrence. It is dire to develop novel therapeutic strategies to improve the current treatment of GBM. Gallic acid is a well‐established antioxidant, presenting a promising new selective anti‐cancer drug, while gold nanoparticles (GNPs) can be developed as versatile nontoxic carriers for anti‐cancer drug delivery. Here, we prepared gallic acid‐GNPs (GA‐GNPs) by loading gallic acid onto GNPs, reduction products of tetrachloroauric acid by sodium citrate, through physical and agitation adsorption. GA‐GNPs, rather than GNPs alone, significantly inhibited the survival of U251 GBM cells, as well as enhanced radiation‐induced cell death. Moreover, GA‐GNPs plus radiation arrested the cell cycle of U251 at the S and G2/M phases and triggered apoptotic cell death, which is supported by increased BAX protein levels and decreased expression of BCL‐2. Thus, GA‐GNPs have great potential in the combination with radiation therapy in future studies for GBM treatment.
N6‐methyladenosine modification of circular RNA circ‐ARL3 facilitates Hepatitis B virus‐associated hepatocellular carcinoma via sponging miR‐1305
Authors: Rao Xi , Lai Lingling , Li Xiaopeng , Wang Liang , Li Ai , Yang Qian
Published: December 2020

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), whether circular RNA (circRNA) is involved in this process remains unknown. In this study, we performed circRNA microarray profile and found an HBV‐related circRNA, circ‐ARL3 (hsa_circ_0092493). Stable knockdown of circ‐ARL3 inhibited the proliferation and invasion of HBV+ HCC cells. High circ‐ARL3 was positively correlated with malignant clinical features and poor prognosis. In terms of mechanism, HBx protein upregulated N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferases METTL3 expression, increasing the m6A modification of circ‐ARL3; then, m6A reader YTHDC1 bound to m6A‐modified of circ‐ARL3 and favored its reverse splicing and biogenesis. Furthermore, circ‐ARL3 was able to sponge miR‐1305, antagonizing the inhibitory effects of miR‐1305 on a cohort of target oncogenes, thereby promoting HBV+ HCC progression. Importantly, depletion of circ‐ARL3 significantly retarded HBV+ HCC cell growth in vivo, whereas this effect was evidently blocked after silencing of miR‐1305. Collectively, our data suggest that circ‐ARL3 is a critical regulator in HBV‐related HCC, targeting the axis of circ‐ARL3/miR‐1305 may be a promising treatment for HBV+ HCC patients.
Vibrio cholerae biofilm scaffolding protein RbmA shows an intrinsic, phosphate‐dependent autoproteolysis activity
Authors: Maestre‐Reyna Manuel , Huang Wei‐Cheng , Wu Wen‐Jin , Singh Praveen K. , Hartmann Raimo , Wang Po‐Hsun , Lee Cheng‐Chung , Hikima Takaaki , Yamamoto Masaki , Bessho Yoshitaka , Drescher Knut , Tsai Ming‐Daw , Wang Andrew H.‐J.
Published: December 2020

Vibrio cholerae is the causative agent of the diarrheal disease cholera, for which biofilm communities are considered to be environmental reservoirs. In endemic regions, and after algal blooms, which may result from phosphate enrichment following agricultural runoff, the bacterium is released from biofilms resulting in seasonal disease outbreaks. However, the molecular mechanism by which V. cholerae senses its environment and switches lifestyles from the biofilm‐bound state to the planktonic state is largely unknown. Here, we report that the major biofilm scaffolding protein RbmA undergoes autocatalytic proteolysis via a phosphate‐dependent induced proximity activation mechanism. Furthermore, we show that RbmA mutants that are defective in autoproteolysis cause V. cholerae biofilms to grow larger and mechanically stronger, correlating well with the observation that RbmA stability directly affects microbial community homeostasis and rheological properties. In conclusion, our biophysical study characterizes a novel phosphate‐dependent breakdown pathway of RbmA, while microbiological data suggest a new, sensory role of this biofilm scaffolding element.
Changes in left ventricular function induced by carboplatin combined with paclitaxel in patients with ovarian cancer identified using three‐dimensional spot tracking imaging technology
Authors: Zhai Zijing , Qin Wenjuan , Wang Zhen , Dong Shanshan , Guo Xueting , Zhang Caiyun , Wang Zhong , Lu Guilin , Huang Lei
Published: December 2020

Objective

To investigate the clinical value of three‐dimensional speckle tracking imaging (3D‐STI) in evaluating left ventricular (LV) systolic function in patients with ovarian cancer (OC) treated with paclitaxel and carboplatin.

Method

We studied 30 patients with OC treated with paclitaxel combined with carboplatin chemotherapy. Two‐dimensional echocardiography and 3D‐STI were performed in the patients before they underwent 2‐ and 6‐cycle chemotherapies, and in 30 normal control subjects. Were measured LV end‐diastolic volume (EDV), end‐systolic volume (ESV), three‐dimensional LV ejection fraction (3D‐LVEF), stroke volume (SV), spherical index (SPI), LV end‐diastolic mass (LV EDmass), LV end‐systolic mass (LV ESmass), LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global radial strain (GRS), global area strain (GAS) and cardiac troponin T(cTnT). At the end of chemotherapy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was also performed.

Result

The 3D conventional strain values (3D‐LVEF, SV, LV EDV) after the 2‐ and 6‐cycle chemotherapy were lower than before chemotherapy. LV Edmass, LV ESmass and cTnT were higher while LV GLS, GCS, GRS, GAS were lower after 2‐ and after 6‐cycle chemotherapy than before chemotherapy. There was no significant difference in ESV and EDV between the 3D‐STI and MRI parameters. GAS showed a significant negative correlation with cTnT. MRI and 3D‐STI variables were significantly correlated, and the receiver operating characteristic curves showed the greater area under the curve for GAS after 2‐ and after 6‐cycle chemotherapy. After 2‐cycle chemotherapy, the highest specificity for GAS was 93.3%, and the highest sensitivity for GLS was 70.0%. After 6‐cycle chemotherapy, the highest specificity for GAS was 96.7%, and the highest sensitivity for GLS was 96.7%.

Conclusion

The LV systolic function decreased in OC patients treated with paclitaxel and carboplatin, showing that 3D‐STI may detect early LV systolic dysfunction.
Conventional peritoneal cytology lacks the prognostic significance of detecting local or peritoneal recurrence in colorectal cancer: An Egyptian experience
Authors: Shalaby Mohamed , El Baradie Tarek S , Salama Mohamed , Shaaban Hebat A M , Allam Rasha M , Hafiz Ehab O.A. , Abdelhamed Mohamed Aly , Attia Amr
Published: December 2020

Background and Aim

Colorectal cancer (CRC) accounts for over 8% of all deaths each year, with 1.2 million new cases diagnosed annually worldwide. It represents the seventh most common cancer in Egypt. Early detection of peritoneal metastasis is a major challenge in such cases. It helps with the decision of the immediate application of intraperitoneal chemotherapy after resection. Meta‐analysis studies reported contrast evidence for a possible prognostic role of intraperitoneal free cancer cells (IPCCs) in peritoneal recurrence and survival after curative resection. In this work, we aim to evaluate the prevalence and impact of detecting free malignant cells in peritoneal fluid on survival and local recurrence and to estimate the incidence of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) during follow up.

Methods

Design: This was a prospective cohort study. Settings: From June 2016 to December 2018, samples were collected from 104 patients who underwent abdominal surgery for colorectal cancer in the Egyptian National Cancer Institute. A total of 96 Egyptian CRC patients who underwent curative resection were enrolled. Intraoperative peritoneal lavage was performed to detect IPCC by conventional cytology. Patients with no residual tumor after surgery and no evidence of PC were followed up for a median 14 months. The cumulative 12‐month overall survival rate for patients with IPCC was 100% versus 86% for patients with negative cytology.

Results

Our results demonstrated that the prevalence of IPCC in the peritoneal lavage was 11.5%. Peritoneal and local recurrence occurred at a higher rate in patients with cytology positive lavage (9.1% vs 6.3% and 9.1% vs 3.8%, respectively), although this was statistically insignificant. Distant metastasis occurred significantly in patients with positive cytology (45.5% vs 8.9%) with P‐value <0.001.The conventional cytology technique has a high specificity but less sensitivity.

Conclusions

The presence of IPCC using conventional cytology was not an independent prognostic factor for the development of PC or survival.
Approaches to transitioning women into and out of prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV services for continued ART: a systematic review
Authors: Phillips Tamsin K , Teasdale Chloe A , Geller Amanda , Ng'eno Bernadette , Mogoba Pheposadi , Modi Surbhi , Abrams Elaine J
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Women living with HIV are required to transition into the prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) services when they become pregnant and back to ART services after delivery. Transition can be a vulnerable time when many women are lost from HIV care yet there is little guidance on the optimal transition approaches to ensure continuity of care. We reviewed the available evidence on existing approaches to transitioning women into and out of PMTCT, outcomes following transition and factors influencing successful transition.

Methods

We searched PubMed and SCOPUS, as well as abstracts from international HIV‐focused meetings, from January 2006 to July 2020. Studies were included that examined three points of transition: pregnant women already on ART into PMTCT (transition 1), pregnant women living with HIV not yet on ART into treatment services (transition 2) and postpartum women from PMTCT into general ART services after delivery (transition 3). Results were grouped and reported as descriptions of transition approach, comparison of outcomes following transition and factors influencing successful transition.

Results & discussion

Out of 1809 abstracts located, 36 studies (39 papers) were included in this review. Three studies included transition 1, 26 transition 2 and 17 transition 3. Approaches to transition were described in 26 studies and could be grouped into the provision of information at the point of transition (n = 8), strengthened communication or linkage of data between services (n = 4), use of transition navigators (n = 12), and combination approaches (n = 4). Few studies were designed to directly assess transition and only nine compared outcomes between transition approaches, with substantial heterogeneity in study design, setting and outcomes. Four themes were identified in 25 studies reporting on factors influencing successful transition: fear, knowledge and preparedness, clinic characteristics and the transition requirements and process.

Conclusions

This review highlights that, despite the need for women to transition into and out of PMTCT services for continued ART in many settings, there is very limited evidence on optimal transition approaches. Ongoing operational research is required to identify sustainable and acceptable transition approaches and service delivery models that support continuity of HIV care during and after pregnancy.
Evolution of adrenoleukodystrophy model systems
Authors: Montoro Roberto , Heine Vivi M. , Kemp Stephan , Engelen Marc
Published: December 2020

X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a neurometabolic disorder affecting the adrenal glands, testes, spinal cord and brain. The disease is caused by mutations in the ABCD1 gene resulting in a defect in peroxisomal degradation of very long‐chain fatty acids and their accumulation in plasma and tissues. Males with ALD have a near 100% life‐time risk to develop myelopathy. The life‐time prevalence to develop progressive cerebral white matter lesions (known as cerebral ALD) is about 60%. Adrenal insufficiency occurs in about 80% of male patients. In adulthood, 80% of women with ALD also develop myelopathy, but adrenal insufficiency or cerebral ALD are very rare. The complex clinical presentation and the absence of a genotype‐phenotype correlation are complicating our understanding of the disease. In an attempt to understand the pathophysiology of ALD various model systems have been developed. While these model systems share the basic genetics and biochemistry of ALD they fail to fully recapitulate the complex neurodegenerative etiology of ALD. Each model system recapitulates certain aspects of the disorder. This exposes the complexity of ALD and therefore the challenge to create a comprehensive model system to fully understand ALD. In this review, we provide an overview of the different ALD modeling strategies from single‐celled to multicellular organisms and from in vitro to in vivo approaches, and introduce how emerging iPSC‐derived technologies could improve the understanding of this highly complex disorder.
Changes in plasma concentrations of edoxaban and coagulation biomarkers according to thromboembolic risk and atrial fibrillation type in patients undergoing catheter ablation: Subanalysis of KYU‐RABLE
Authors: Shinohara Tetsuji , Takahashi Naohiko , Mukai Yasushi , Kimura Tetsuya , Yamaguchi Keita , Takita Atsushi , Origasa Hideki , Okumura Ken ,   the KYU‐RABLE Investigators
Published: December 2020

Background

Catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) can be associated with a risk of thromboembolism and bleeding. We recently demonstrated that uninterrupted edoxaban with one dose delayed on the CA procedural day is associated with a low risk of periprocedural complications. Previous reports have indicated that some specific subgroups of patients undergoing CA have an increased risk of bleeding and thromboembolic complications. This subanalysis of the KYU‐RABLE study assessed the changes in plasma concentrations of edoxaban and coagulation biomarkers during the periprocedural period of CA in subgroups stratified by the risk of thromboembolism assessed by CHADS2 score (<2 or ≥2) and AF type (paroxysmal AF [PAF] or non‐PAF).

Methods

We evaluated changes in plasma concentrations of edoxaban and coagulation biomarkers (D‐dimer and prothrombin fragment F1+2), by subgroup, during the periprocedural period of CA. Measurements were made prior to CA (procedure day).

Results

This subanalysis evaluated data from 343 patients with CHADS2 score <2 and 134 patients with CHADS2 score ≥2, and from 280 patients with PAF and 197 patients with non‐PAF. Plasma edoxaban concentration decreased with time on the day of CA, while plasma concentrations of coagulation biomarkers remained unchanged. No significant differences were observed according to CHADS2 score or type of AF.

Conclusions

The changes in plasma concentrations of edoxaban and coagulation biomarkers in each subgroup were similar to those of the whole analysis, regardless of the thromboembolic risk (CHADS2 <2 or ≥2) or AF type (PAF or non‐PAF).
Is a large award truly attractive to solvers? The impact of award size on crowd size in innovation contests
Authors: Liu Zhongzhi , Hatton M. Ryan , Kull Thomas , Dooley Kevin , Oke Adegoke
Published: December 2020

Firms increasingly use human crowds to solve their innovation related needs. Innovation sourcing managers who sponsor innovation contests seek to maximize crowd size to increase the chance of creative outcomes. One strategy they use is to set an award size. Although many studies have examined the influence of award size on crowd size in innovation contests, the empirical findings are inconsistent and suggest further empirical study is needed. Drawing from expectancy‐value theory, we propose that award size and crowd size are related to one another in the form of an inverted U‐shape, namely that moderate awards maximize crowd size. Additional propositions cover contingencies around the number of awards and task difficulty of an innovation contest. Based on data representing 5342 programming innovation contests, our empirical analyses confirm the inverted U‐shaped relationship and indicate that the number of awards and task difficulty steepen the inverted U‐shaped relationship. These results add nuanced, theoretical understanding of how innovation contests work. The findings indicate that innovation sourcing managers should set award sizes at moderate levels, and that they should experiment with slightly larger or smaller awards to see if it impacts crowd size in their context.
Recent trends in sorbents for bioaffinity chromatography
Authors: Kip Cigdem , Hamaloğlu Kadriye Özlem , Demir Cihan , Tuncel Ali
Published: December 2020

Isolation or enrichment of biological molecules from complex biological samples is mostly a prerequisite in proteomics, genomics, and glycomics. Different techniques have been used to advance the efficiency of the purification of biological molecules. Bioaffinity chromatography is one of the most powerful technique that plays an important role in the isolation of target biological molecules by the specific interactions with ligands that are immobilized on different support materials. This review examines the recent developments in bioaffinity chromatography particularly over the past 5 years in the literature. Also properties of supports, immobilization techniques, types of binding agents, and methods used in bioaffinity chromatography applications are summarized.
Associations Between Service Members’ Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Partner Accommodation Over Time
Authors: Allen Elizabeth , Renshaw Keith , Fredman Steffany J. , Le Yunying , Rhoades Galena , Markman Howard , Litz Brett
Published: December 2020

When service members manifest symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), intimate partners may engage in behaviors to accommodate their partners’ experiences (e.g., helping service members avoid situations that could make them uncomfortable, not expressing own thoughts and feelings to minimize PTSD‐related conflict), which may inadvertently serve to maintain or increase PTSD symptoms over time. In a sample of 274 male service member/female civilian couples, we evaluated hypothesized bidirectional pathways between self‐reported service member PTSD symptoms and partner accommodation, assessed four times over an approximately 18‐month period. A random‐intercept cross‐lagged panel model disaggregating between and within effects revealed that, on average, couples in which the service member had higher levels of total PTSD symptoms also scored higher in partner accommodation, between‐couple correlation, r = .40. In addition, at time points when service members’ PTSD symptoms were higher relative to their own average symptom level, their partners’ level of accommodation was also higher than their personal average, within‐couple correlation r = .22. Longitudinally, service member PTSD symptom scores higher than their personal average predicted subsequent increases in partner accommodation, β = .19, but not vice versa, β = .03. Overall, the findings indicate both stable and time‐specific significant associations between service member PTSD symptoms and partner accommodation and suggest that higher levels of PTSD symptoms are a significant driver of later increases in partner accommodation. These findings add further support for treating PTSD in an interpersonal context to address the disorder and concomitant relational processes that can adversely impact individual and relational well‐being.
3D printing of polymeric Coatings on AZ31 Mg alloy Substrate for Corrosion Protection of biomedical implants
Authors: Adarkwa Eben , Kotoka Ruben , Desai Salil
Published: December 2020

Magnesium (Mg) alloys show promise in biomedical implants due to their excellent mechanical strength, biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, their rapid degradation rates in vivo induce toxicity and reduce their mechanical strength thereby, limiting their widespread usage. Our group employs a 3D inkjet printing technique for polymeric surface modification of bioresorbable AZ31 Mg alloy towards corrosion control. Thin films of three proprietary formulations of elastomeric poly (ester urethane) urea (PEUU) embedded with an anti‐proliferative drug paclitaxel (Taxol) were coated on biodegradable AZ31 Mg coupons. Multilayer coatings of 5 and 20 layers were deposited for virgin (PEUU‐V), PEUU with phosphorylcholine (PEUU‐PC) and PEUU with sulfobetaine (PEUU‐SB). Coating thicknesses of 8 µm and 19 µm were observed for 5‐layer and 20‐layer coatings, respectively. Surface morphology results depicted the presence of Taxol beads on PEUU‐V and PEUU‐SB coatings due to precipitation. An equivalent circuit model was used to calculate the polarization resistance values and revealed that the polymeric coatings provided a significant protective effect on the corrosion rate of AZ31 Mg alloy. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements indicated that PEUU‐SB offered the least resistance to corrosion and had the highest porosity (35.6%) among all the polymeric coatings. PEEU‐V polymeric coatings offered the greatest polarization resistance with the least porosity (10.5%). Statistical analysis confirmed that the 20‐layer coating thickness had a significantly higher polarization resistance than the 5‐layer coatings. This research lays the foundation for developing corrosion control drug‐eluting coatings for cardiovascular and other medical device applications via surface modification using 3D inkjet printing.
Single experiment measurement of residual dipolar couplings in aqueous solution using a biphasic bisperylene imide chromonic liquid crystal
Authors: da Silva Danilo G. B. , Hallwass Fernando , Navarro‐Vázquez Armando
Published: December 2020

The use of the biphasic isotropic/nematic region in a bisperylene imide‐based lyotropic liquid crystal system allows the extraction of proton‐carbon 1DCH residual dipolar couplings in aqueous solution from a single F1‐coupled HSQC experiment. The method was successfully applied to the RDC‐based conformational analysis of sucrose.
Field‐stepped ultra‐wideline NMR at up to 36 T: On the inequivalence between field and frequency stepping
Authors: Hung Ivan , Altenhof Adam R. , Schurko Robert W. , Bryce David L. , Han Oc Hee , Gan Zhehong
Published: December 2020

Field‐stepped NMR spectroscopy at up to 36 T using the series‐connected hybrid (SCH) magnet at the U.S. National High Magnetic Field Laboratory is demonstrated for acquiring ultra‐wideline powder spectra of nuclei with very large quadrupolar interactions. Historically, NMR evolved from the continuous‐wave (cw) field‐swept method in the early days to the pulsed Fourier‐transform method in the modern era. Spectra acquired using field sweeping are generally considered to be equivalent to those acquired using the pulsed method. Here, it is shown that field‐stepped wideline spectra of half‐integer spin quadrupolar nuclei acquired using WURST/CPMG methods can be significantly different from those acquired with the frequency‐stepped method commonly used with superconducting magnets. The inequivalence arises from magnetic field‐dependent NMR interactions such as the anisotropic chemical shift and second‐order quadrupolar interactions; the latter is often the main interaction leading to ultra‐wideline powder patterns of half‐integer spin quadrupolar nuclei. This inequivalence needs be taken into account to accurately and correctly determine the quadrupolar coupling and chemical shift parameters. A simulation protocol is developed for spectral fitting to facilitate analysis of field‐stepped ultra‐wideline NMR spectra acquired using powered magnets. A MATLAB program which implements this protocol is available on request.
Equilibrium return policies under manufacturer competition
Authors: Lan Yongquan , He Simai , Li Yanzhi
Published: December 2020

We study return policies in the presence of supplier competition. Consider a supply chain consisting of a retailer and competing manufacturers. The retailer has a limited ordering capacity. The manufacturers compete for the retailer's orders by offering return policies. We show that in equilibrium, the manufacturers always offer full‐credit return policies to the retailer. This result explains the inconsistency between the popular practice of full‐credit returns and the theoretical argument that full‐credit return policies are suboptimal. Compared with wholesale price contracts, return policies may cause fiercer competition between manufacturers and thus make the manufacturers worse off and the retailer better off. The manufacturers and the channel always benefit from an increase in the retailer's ordering capacity. However, the retailer's profit may decrease when its ordering capacity increases. Numerical studies reveal that when manufacturers can first commit to their contract types, wholesale price contracts can be their equilibrium choices when the retailer's ordering capacity is below a threshold; otherwise, full‐credit return policies will be their unique equilibrium choice. This partially explains the coexistence of wholesale price contracts and return policies in practice.
Risk of catheter‐related bloodstream infection associated with midline catheters compared with peripherally inserted central catheters: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Lu Huapeng , Hou Yeru , Chen Jiejie , Guo Yan , Lang Lan , Zheng Xuemei , Xin Xia , Lv Yi , Yang Qinling
Published: December 2020

Background

Both midline catheters (MCs) and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) can cause catheter‐related bloodstream infection (CRBSI), but the prevalence associated with each is not clear.

Objective

To compare the risk of CRBSI between MCs and PICCs with a meta‐analysis.

Methods

The Web of Science Core Collection, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, The Cochrane Library and ProQuest were searched. All studies comparing the risk of CRBSI between MCs and PICCs were included. Selected studies were assessed for methodological quality using the Downs and Black checklist. Two authors independently assessed the literature and extracted the data. A fixed effects model was used to generate estimates of CRBSI risk in patients with MCs versus PICCs. Publication bias was evaluated, and meta‐analyses were conducted with RevMan 5.3.

Results

A total of 167 studies were identified. Ten studies were collected, involving 33,322 patients. The prevalence of CRBSI with MCs and PICCs was 0.58% (40/6,900) and 0.48% (127/26,422), respectively. Meta‐analysis showed that the prevalence of CRBSI was not significantly different between MCs and PICCs (RR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.50–1.17, p = .22). While the result showed that the prevalence of CRBSI with MCs was lower than that with PICCs (RR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.33–0.92, p = .02) after poor‐quality studies were removed. The sensitivity analysis shows that the results from this meta‐analysis are fair in overall studies and non‐poor‐quality studies. All studies have no significant publication bias.

Conclusions

This study provides the first systematic assessment of the risk of CRBSI between MCs and PICCs and provides evidence for the selection of appropriate vascular access devices for intravenous infusion therapy in nursing. The prevalence of CRBSI was not significantly different between them.
Collaboration and guidelines for the coordination of health care for frail older persons with intellectual disability: A national survey of nurses working in municipal care
Authors: Ahlström Gerd , Hansson Jan‐Åke , Kristensson Jimmie , Runesson Ingrid , Persson Magnus , Bökberg Christina
Published: December 2020

Aims

To describe and compare perceptions of collaboration between care providers on the part of three groups of Registered Nurses working in municipal care and having particular responsibility concerning the care of frail older people with intellectual disability (ID); and, furthermore, to investigate the presence of and compliance with guidelines for the coordination of care.

Design

National survey study with cross‐sectional design.

Methods

Nurses (N = 110) with key positions concerning people with ID answered a national questionnaire about collaboration, guidelines and coordinated individual plans. Descriptive and comparative statistical analyses were applied.

Results

The meetings on cooperation and coordination of interventions were attended most frequently by nurses, and least frequently by social workers. The nurses were overall satisfied with the collaboration but perceived shortcomings in the case of inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care. Only in about half of the meetings for making care plans participated the people with intellectual disability and next of kin.