bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between backbone and pyridine dynamics in poly(2‐vinyl pyridine)/silica polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Bailey Eric J. , Tyagi Madhusudan , Winey Karen I.
Published: October 2020

Polymer segmental dynamics in polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) can be significantly perturbed from bulk and underlie macroscopic mechanical and transport properties, but fundamental studies are necessary to build correlations between dynamics and properties. To elucidate a mechanistic description of this perturbation and isolate different molecular motions, we present quasi‐elastic neutron scattering (QENS) measurements on PNCs with attractive interactions comprised of colloidal silica nanoparticles (NPs) uniformly dispersed in poly(2‐vinyl pyridine) (P2VP) with and without backbone deuteration. Measurements of fully‐protonated P2VP probe the dynamics of both the polymer backbone and pyridine pendant group; whereas measurements of backbone‐deuterated P2VP isolate the dynamics of only the pyridine ring. On the small length scales (~1 nm) and fast time scales (~1 ns) captured by QENS, we show that the backbone and pyridine ring dynamics are highly coupled at high temperatures and both are slowed by about 35% relative to neat polymer in 25 vol% PNCs. This observation implies that the backbone and pendant interfacial dynamics are perturbed similarly in PNCs, which further develops our fundamental understanding of microscopic properties in PNCs.
Cross‐polarization with magic‐angle spinning kinetics and impedance spectroscopy study of proton mobility, local disorder, and thermal equilibration in hydrogen‐bonded poly(methacrylic acid)
Authors: Dagys Laurynas , Klimkevičius Vaidas , Klimavicius Vytautas , Balčiūnas Sergejus , Banys Jūras , Balevicius Vytautas
Published: October 2020

The 1H–13C cross‐polarization with magic‐angle spinning (CP MAS) kinetics was studied in poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) having the purpose to track the links between the local order in the main chain and the proton dynamics in peripheral hydrogen bond networks. The experimental CP MAS kinetic curves were analyzed applying the models of isotropic and anisotropic spin‐diffusion with thermal equilibration. The fractal dimension Dp ≈ 3 was deduced that indicates that PMAA behaves as an isotropic 3D‐system. No proton conductivity in the neat PMAA was deduced from the impedance spectroscopy data analyzing the frequency dependences of the complex dielectric permittivity. The value of local order parameter S = 0.70 for CH2 in PMAA occupies an intermediate position between 0.63 and 0.85 deduced for CH2 sites in the main chains of poly(vinyl phosphonic acid) and poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate), that is, the true proton conductor and the polymer that contains the H‐bond network, however, no proton conductivity, respectively.
Spine metastasis in patients with prostate cancer: Survival prognosis assessment
Authors: Amelot Aymeric , Terrier Louis‐Marie , Le Nail Louis‐Romée , Cristini Joseph , Cook Ann‐Rose , Buffenoir Kévin , Pascal‐Moussellard Hugues , Carpentier Alexandre , Dubory Arnaud , Mathon Bertrand
Published: October 2020

Background

Patients presenting spine metastasis (SpM) from prostate cancer (PC) form a heterogeneous population, through this study, we aimed to clarify and update their prognostic assessment.

Methods

The patient data used in this study was obtained from a French national multicenter database of patients treated for PC with SpM between 2014 and 2017. A total of 72 patients and 365 SpM cases were diagnosed.

Results

The median overall survival time for all patients following the event of SpM was 28.8 months. First, we identified three significant survival prognostic factors of PC patients with SpM: good Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group/World Health Organization personnel status (Status 0 hazard ratio [HR]: 0.031, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.008–0.127; p < .0001) or (Status 1 HR: 0.163, 95% CI: 0.068–0.393; p < .0001) and SpM radiotherapy (HR: 2.923, 95% CI: 1.059–8.069; p < .0001). Secondly, the presence of osteolytic lesions of the spine (vs. osteoblastic) was found to represent an independent prognosis factor for longer survival [HR: 0.424, 95% CI: 0.216–0.830; p = .01]. Other factors including the number of SpM, surgery, extraspinal metastasis, synchrone metastasis, metastasis‐free survival, and SpM recurrence were not identified as being prognostically relevant to the survival of patients with PC.

Conclusion

Survival and our ability to estimate it in patients presenting PC with SpM have improved significantly. Therefore, we advocate the relevance of updating SpM prognostic scoring algorithms by incorporating data regarding the timeline of PC as well as the presence of osteolytic SpM to conceive treatments that are adapted to each patient.
Effects of sugar sources on adult longevity, survival and related gene expression in an endoparasitoid, Pteromalus puparum (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)
Authors: Xiong Shijiao , Yu Kaili , Yao Hongwei , Wang Fang , Fang Qi , Song Qisheng , Ye Gongyin
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Adult parasitic wasps take sugars to meet their energy needs and display different lifespans and fertility in response to different sugar sources. Pteromalus puparum is an endoparasitoid with a wide range of hosts, including many lepidopteran pests. As a potential natural enemy resource, the availability of sugar sources has profound effects for wasp applications and host populations dynamics.

RESULTS

We assessed the effect of feeding sucrose and honey on the lifespan of P. puparum in the range 0–40% (w/v). The results indicated a statistically significant positive effect of sucrose and honey solutions on the lifespan of P. puparum female adults. Correlation analyses confirmed a strong positive correlation between high concentrations of sugar and extended lifespan. The optimum concentration of sucrose solution for wasps was 20%, while 10% for honey. Then, we examined the expression patterns of 15 lifespan‐related genes. The results showed that the relative expression levels of 14 genes were significantly correlated with the mean lifespan of sucrose‐fed wasps, and six genes correlated with the mean lifespan of honey‐fed wasps. In addition, the models for lifespan prediction were constructed.

CONCLUSION

We elaborated the quantitative effects of two sugar sources (sucrose and honey) on P. puparum lifespan, investigated the expression patterns of lifespan‐related genes when fed different sugar sources, and developed round lifespan prediction models accordingly. This study provides a novel tool for studying the longevity regulating mechanisms of parasitic wasps, and may be instructive for mass‐production of parasitoids as biological control agents. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
First‐Principles Study of the Structure and Electronic Properties of Ti‐Doped LiCoO2
Authors: Xu HuiHui , Zhu Juxia , Ke Xiaoxia , He Huihui , Zhang Huaxin , Li Huili
Published: October 2020

Herein, the structure and electronic properties of Ti‐doped LiCoO2 have been studied systematically using the first‐principles projector augmented wave (PAW) method based on density functional theory (DFT). The structure is distorted due to the presence of Co2+ after Ti doping. When the concentration of dopant Ti is less than 5.6%, the volume change of unit cell is independent of the Ti‐doped concentration, but at higher dopant Ti concentration, the volume of unit cell increases with increase of dopant Ti concentration. Meanwhile, it is also found that the Li‐ion diffusion rate and electronic conductivity are improved, and the concentration of dopant Ti has little effect on the redox potential. These results can promote Ti‐doped layered Li transition metal oxide cathode materials’ studies and improve layered Li transition metal oxide cathode materials design for Li‐ion batteries (LIBs).
Mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma with isolated endobronchial involvement
Authors: Liao Ting‐Yu , Lin Chien‐Chin , Yuan Chang‐Tsu , Lin Ching‐Kai , Ho Chao‐Chi
Published: October 2020

Primary pulmonary lymphoma is an uncommon disease, and extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) is the most common type of pulmonary lymphoma. The most frequent pattern observed in chest computed tomography (CT) is consolidation, followed by nodules and mass. The differentiation of pulmonary MALT lymphoma from other lung diseases is critical for disease management and treatment. However, pulmonary MALT lymphoma with isolated endobronchial manifestation has seldomly been reported. Here, we report a case of an elderly woman who presented with a four‐month history of cough, dyspnoea, and haemoptysis. Chest CT scan revealed left main bronchus narrowing without lung parenchymal lesion. Bronchoscopic examination was performed, and the diagnosis of primary pulmonary MALT lymphoma with isolated endobronchial involvement was made. She has been successfully treated with rituximab.
Almost fast finite‐time adaptive tracking control for a class of full‐state constrained pure‐feedback nonlinear systems
Authors: Liu Jidong , Niu Ben , Zhao Ping , Li Xiaodi , Qi Wenhai
Published: October 2020

In this article, a novel almost fast finite‐time adaptive tracking control scheme is proposed for a class of full‐state constrained pure‐feedback nonlinear systems based on barrier Lyapunov functions (BLFs). First, by employing the mean value theorem, the pure‐feedback systems are converted to the strict‐feedback structure with nonaffine terms. Then, by fusing adaptive backstepping technique and BLFs, the design difficulties caused by the nonaffine terms and full‐state constraints are overcome. Furthermore, according to the predeveloped almost fast finite‐time stability criterion, it is proved that the tracking error can converge to a small compact set and all signals of the closed‐loop system can be bounded in an almost fast finite time. Finally, a simulation example of a single‐link robot is presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Model predictive control for nonlinear systems with time‐varying dynamics and guaranteed Lyapunov stability
Authors: Wan Ruoxiao , Li Shaoyuan , Zheng Yi
Published: October 2020

This article focuses on model predictive control (MPC) of nonlinear systems in the case that the system parameters are inaccurate due to equipment wear or environmental changes. An MPC where the parameters of the predictive model are recursive estimated is proposed for nonlinear continuous time systems. The range of initial state that is able to guarantee the state always bounded in an allowable stability region, even when there does not exist any robust control law designed based on the mismatched initial model, is deduced. The corresponding optimization problem is designed based on Lyapunov controller techniques and includes parameter estimation parts. By this method, the state will eventually converge to a small neighborhood of the desired set‐point. Stability analysis is performed and an application of the proposed method to the chemical process is presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Synthesis of Macrocyclic β‐Peptidomimetics by Ring‐Closing Metathesis
Authors: Hieu Tran Dinh , Tu Nguyen Xuan , Minh Chau Tran Thi , Quynh Le Thuy , Ho Oh Chang , Hung Mac Dinh
Published: October 2020

The synthesis of a series of conformationally constrained peptidomimetics containing a 9‐to‐13‐atom‐membered ring by ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) is described. The second‐generation Grubbs catalyst proved to be the most effective in producing the desired cyclic β‐peptidomimetics with moderate to good yields. Reaction characteristics such as the influence of alkene chain length in the precursors, position of double bond and ring size of products were also discussed.
Oxygen Vacancies Engineering–Mediated BiOBr Atomic Layers for Boosting Visible Light‐Driven Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Wang Lin , Liu Gaopeng , Wang Bin , Chen Xin , Wang Chongtai , Lin Zixia , Xia Jiexiang , Li Huaming
Published: October 2020

CO2 photoreduction into valuable chemicals is a sustainable and prospective technology to alleviate greenhouse effects and the energy crisis. However, the photocatalytic efficiency is impeded by undesirable recombination of photogenerated carriers and poor CO2 activation performance. Herein, oxygen vacancies (OVs) are introduced into BiOBr atomic layers by ultraviolet light assisting to increase the efficiency of carrier separation and CO2 adsorption–activation performance, enhancing the CO2 reduction activity. The introduction of OVs can effectively enhance the visible light absorption, boost the photogenerated carrier separation migration, and tune the adsorption/desorption process for CO2 and products on the surface of photocatalysts. The optimized OVs engineering–mediated photocatalyst achieves a high CO generation rate of 10.15 μmol g−1 under visible light irradiation for 5 h in pure water, which is 1.99 times compared with that of pristine BiOBr atomic layers. The possible photocatalytic mechanism is investigated by in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (in situ FT‐IR) spectrometry. Also, an opportunity to design OVs‐rich ultrathin semiconductors for high‐performance CO2 reduction is offered.
A Numerically Efficient Method for the Prediction of Nitrogen Oxide Emissions in Industrial Furnaces
Authors: Spijker Christoph , Swaminathan Senthilathiban , Raupenstrauch Harald
Published: October 2020

Nitrogen oxides emissions are a concern in industrial furnaces, due to constantly increasing environmental requirements. A cost‐effective way to reduce emissions is an optimization of the burners in the furnace using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods. Still, state of the art approaches are computationally too expensive for real scale geometries such as industrial furnaces, or can not predict the nitrogen concentrations with sufficient accuracy. Therefore, the development of nitrogen oxides post‐processors was defined in K1‐Met projects in 2012. Currently, there are three different variations available, where the generation 2.0+ is the latest development.
Effects of the Removal of Lipids and Surface Proteins on the Physicochemical and Structural Properties of Green Wheat Starches
Authors: Zhang Kangyi , Zhao Di , Zhang Xun , Qu Lingbo , Zhang Yayuan , Huang Qingrong
Published: October 2020

Green wheat starch and its isolated A‐ and B‐type starch granules are physically modified by deproteinization and defatting treatments. After these treatments, the morphology of the starch granules is changed as the aggregation disappears and the partial starch granule structure is disrupted. The birefringence and X‐ray diffraction patterns of all the starch samples are not changed by these treatments, while the relative crystallinity of the starch samples increases on deproteinization and decreases on defatting treatment. 13C nuclear magnetic resonance reveals that deproteinization and defatting cause an increase and decrease in the double helix content of the starch samples. These changes lead to different effects on the physicochemical properties of the various starch samples. Deproteinization increases the gelatinization temperature (To, Tp, Tc) and the derivative peak temperature (TPeak) of green wheat starch and its isolated A and B‐type starch granules, which is related to the increase in the relative crystallinity. Overall, the deproteinization treatment has a more obvious effect on the physiochemical and structural properties of starch granules than the defatting treatment.
Multicomponent Reactions for Integrating Multiple Functional Groups into an Antioxidant
Authors: Liu Zai‐Qun
Published: October 2020

A large number of convincing evidences has revealed the correlation of the pathogeny of diseases with the oxidative damages of DNA, protein, biomembrane, and other biological species, while supplementation of antioxidants is demonstrated to be a promising way to avoid, at least, rectify the unbalance redox status in vivo. Although many endeavors have focused on synthesis of antioxidants, a main hurdle still hinders the wide usages of synthetic antioxidants because of low bioavailability and potential cytotoxicity. The search for antioxidants with multiple functional groups being recognized by different receptors becomes a much sought by researchers, and multicomponent reactions (MCRs) provide with powerful tools for the construction of multifunctional antioxidants. Presented herein is a personal account on the application of MCRs for the synthesis of multifunctional antioxidants, while radical‐induced oxidation of DNA acts as the experimental system for evaluating antioxidative effect. Concretely, the Biginelli three‐component reaction (3CR) affords such a dihydropyrimidine scaffold that the tautomerization between C=S and C−SH leads to antioxidative effect. The Povarov 3CR is able to integrate multiple antioxidative groups, i. e., ferrocenyl and −N(CH3)2, into a quinoline scaffold, while the Groebke 3CR provides with imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine skeleton for inhibiting DNA oxidation. Additionally, the Knoevenagel‐related MCRs also become efficient strategies for achieving radical‐scavengers. On the other hand, the Ugi 4CR and Passerini 3CR result in the dipeptide and α‐acyloxycarboxamide, respectively, with the benefit for the integration of antioxidative features by aliphatic chains. Therefore, MCRs have emerged as efficient tools for integrating multiple antioxidative features into one molecule in order to meet with complicated requirements from various biological surroundings.
Proliferation of Transnational Labour Standards: The Role of the ILO
Authors: Chen Yifeng
Published: October 2020

The article examines the institutional history of the ILO in the aftermath of the Cold War, and in particular how the ILO has transformed itself into a global actor in terms of labour governance through coining the normative concept of fundamental labour rights in the 1990s, as well as the ongoing struggle in which the ILO has engaged to promote greater coherence of labour standards in the post-national era. The proliferation of transnational labour standards and decentralized standard-setting is a recognizable trend in international labour protection today. International regulation of labour has become a crowded field, as labour standards are increasingly set and enforced outside the ILO framework. The mushrooming of transnational labour standards also leads to fragmentation, conflicts and competition between norms, values and visions. In the face of proliferating labour standards, the ILO has to endeavour to reinstate itself as the central institution for innovative economic and social theories as well as for labour standards. The ILO needs to exercise its leadership not just in defending normative coherence but also in advancing a humanitarian vision of the economy and society.
Postscript
Authors: Stiglitz Joseph E.
Published: October 2020

The Covid-19 epidemic has unveiled inequalities and instabilities in national and global economic and social systems of many countries, even rich and powerful ones such as the United States. The major economic and social crises that have followed signal that it is now time to reflect on their causes, namely poorly managed globalization and lack of global cooperation before the pandemic. Looking to the ILO as a model, the article calls for an imperative to construct a post-pandemic world marked by more global cooperation, with better social governance.
Repurposing mesalazine against cardiac fibrosis in vitro
Authors: Hoffmann Maximilian , Kant Theresa A. , Emig Ramona , Rausch Johanna S. E. , Newe Manja , Schubert Mario , Künzel Karolina , Winter Luise , Klapproth Erik , Peyronnet Rémi , Ravens Ursula , El-Armouche Ali , Künzel Stephan R.
Published: October 2020

Cardiovascular diseases are exacerbated and driven by cardiac fibrosis. TGFβ induces fibroblast activation and differentiation into myofibroblasts that secrete excessive extracellular matrix proteins leading to stiffening of the heart, concomitant cardiac dysfunction, and arrhythmias. However, effective pharmacotherapy for preventing or reversing cardiac fibrosis is presently unavailable. Therefore, drug repurposing could be a cost- and time-saving approach to discover antifibrotic interventions. The aim of this study was to investigate the antifibrotic potential of mesalazine in a cardiac fibroblast stress model. TGFβ was used to induce a profibrotic phenotype in a human cardiac fibroblast cell line. After induction, cells were treated with mesalazine or solvent control. Fibroblast proliferation, key fibrosis protein expression, extracellular collagen deposition, and mechanical properties were subsequently determined. In response to TGFβ treatment, fibroblasts underwent a profound phenoconversion towards myofibroblasts, determined by the expression of fibrillary αSMA. Mesalazine reduced differentiation nearly by half and diminished fibroblast proliferation by a third. Additionally, TGFβ led to increased cell stiffness and adhesion, which were reversed by mesalazine treatment. Collagen 1 expression and deposition—key drivers of fibrosis—were significantly increased upon TGFβ stimulation and reduced to control levels by mesalazine. SMAD2/3 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, along with reduced nuclear NFκB translocation, were identified as potential modes of action. The current study provides experimental pre-clinical evidence for antifibrotic effects of mesalazine in an in vitro model of cardiac fibrosis. Furthermore, it sheds light on possible mechanisms of action and suggests further investigation in experimental and clinical settings.
Delta Neutrophil Index and Neutrophil‐to‐Lymphocyte Ratio in the Differentiation of Thyroid Malignancy and Nodular Goiter
Authors: Bozan Mehmet Buğra , Yazar Fatih Mehmet , Kale İlhami Taner , Yüzbaşıoğlu Mehmet Fatih , Boran Ömer Faruk , Azak Bozan Ayşe
Published: October 2020

Background

It was aimed to evaluate the relationship between delta neutrophil index (DNI) and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in the preoperative differentiation of nodular goiter and thyroid malignancy.

Methods

Patients over the age of 18 who underwent thyroid surgery between November 2014 and November 2019 were evaluated in this retrospective cohort study. Patients were divided into two groups according to their pathology results: malignant (Group M) and benign (Group B) thyroid disorders. White blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, IG count and DNI were measured using an automated hematological analyzer from blood samples obtained at the preoperative period and postoperative 6th month of the follow‐up. Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) values were manually calculated. Numerical data are expressed as means ± standard deviations (minimum–maximum values) or medians (minimum–maximum values) according to the normal distribution. Categorical values are expressed as percentages (%).

Results

A total of 243 patients (190 patients in Group B and 53 patients in Group M) who met the inclusion criteria were evaluated. The male/female ratio was 49/194. A statistically significant difference between Group M and Group B in terms of preoperative NLR, DNI and IG count was observed (p = 0.001, < 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively). No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of the control values performed in the postoperative period in terms of the NLR, DNI and IG count (p = 0.711, 0.333 and 0.714, respectively). A significant decrease was observed in the preoperative and postoperative DNIs, IG counts and NLRs in Group M (p = 0.009, < 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively). For the diagnosis of malignant thyroid diseases, the cut‐off value of DNIs was ≥0.35%, and DNI sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 79.2%, 78.9%, 79.2% and 77.9%, respectively (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.847; confidence interval [CI]: 0.784–0.911). The cut‐off value of the IG count was ≥25/mm3, and its sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 83%, 72.1%, 83%, and 72.1%, respectively (AUC: 0.847; CI: 0.784–0.911).

Conclusion

DNI and IG counts are cheap and easily accessible tests that can be automatically calculated from automated systems without additional cost in differentiation of thyroid malignancies from benign disorders in the preoperative period.
Incisional hernia after liver transplantation: mesh-based repair and what else?
Authors: Perrakis Aristotelis , Knüttel Dagmar , Rahimli Mirhasan , Andric Mihailo , Croner Roland S. , Vassos Nikolaos
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Incisional hernia (IH) is not uncommon after liver transplantation (LT). We investigated the long-term outcome of mesh-based hernia repair using an inlay-onlay technique.

Methods

Our analysis was based on a prospective collected database of all LT recipients from our hospital over a period of 15 years. We analyzed clinical data including the period between LT and hernia development, the size and localization of the hernia, the length of in-hospital stay, immunosuppression, and postoperative morbidity, as well as follow-up data. The median follow-up period was 120 (range 12–200) months.

Results

Among a total of 220 patients who underwent a collective 239 LTs, 29 (13%) were found to have an IH after a median period of 27.5 months (range 3–96 months). There were 12 (41%) men and 17 (59%) women, with a median age of 51 years. The median size of the IH was 13 cm (range 2–30 cm) and the median in-hospital stay was 6 days. Mild postoperative complications developed in seven patients, including two onlay mesh infections. One patient (3.4%) suffered recurrence.

Conclusion

Mesh-based hernia repair using the inlay/onlay technique represents an effective and safe method for patients with an IH after LT, without additional risk from continuous immunosuppression.
Climate change and the future of endemic flora in the South Western Alps: relationships between niche properties and extinction risk
Authors: Dagnino Davide , Guerrina Maria , Minuto Luigi , Mariotti Mauro Giorgio , Médail Frédéric , Casazza Gabriele
Published: October 2020

Climate change seriously threatens biodiversity, particularly in mountain ecosystems. However, studies on climate change effects rarely consider endemic species and their niche properties. Using species distribution models, we assessed the impact of climate change on the endemic flora of the richest centre of endemism in the Alps: the South-Western Alps. We projected the potential distributions of 100 taxa under both an optimistic (RCP2.6) and a pessimistic (RCP8.5) climate scenario, analysing the relationships between range dynamics and several predictors (dispersal abilities, vegetation belts, niche marginality, niche breadth, altitudinal range and present range). The negative impact ranged from weak to severe according to the scenario, but the extinction risk was low. The dispersal abilities of species strongly affected these range dynamics. Colline and subalpine species were the most threatened and the relationship between range dynamics and predictors varied among vegetation belts. Our results suggest that the rough topography of the SW Alps will probably buffer the climate change effects on endemics, especially if climate will remain within the limits already experienced by species during the Holocene. The presence of the Mediterranean-mountain flora, less affected by climate change than the alpine one, may explain the lower number of species threatened by extinction in the SW Alps than in other European mountains. These results suggest that the relationship between plants’ sensitivity to climate change, and both niche properties and vegetation belts, depends on the difference between the current climate in which species grow and the future climate, and not just on their niche breadth.
A population-based comparison of treatment patterns, resource utilization, and costs by cancer stage for Ontario patients with hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer
Authors: Brezden-Masley Christine , Fathers Kelly E. , Coombes Megan E. , Pourmirza Behin , Xue Cloris , Jerzak Katarzyna J.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To update and expand on data related to treatment, resource utilization, and costs by cancer stage in Canadian patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2−) breast cancer (BC).

Methods

We analyzed data for adult women diagnosed with invasive HR+/HER2− BC between 2012 and 2016 utilizing the publicly funded health care system in Ontario. Baseline characteristics, treatment received, and health care use were descriptively compared by cancer stage (I–III vs. IV). Resource use was multiplied by unit costs for publicly funded health care services to calculate costs.

Results

Our study included 21,360 patients with stage I–III plus 813 with stage IV HR+/HER2− BC. Surgery was performed on 20,510 patients with stage I–III disease (96.0%), with the majority having a lumpectomy, and radiation was received by 15,934 (74.6%). Few (n = 1601, 7.8%) received neoadjuvant and most (n = 15,655, 76.3%) received adjuvant systemic treatment. Seven hundred and fifty eight patients with metastatic disease (93.2%) received systemic therapy; 542 (66.7%) received endocrine therapy. Annual per patient health care costs were three times higher in the stage IV vs. stage I–III cohort with inpatient hospital services representing nearly 40% of total costs.

Conclusion

The costs associated with metastatic HR+/HER2− BC reflect a significant disease burden. Low endocrine treatment rates captured by the publicly funded system suggest guideline non-adherence or that a fair portion of Ontarian patients may be incurring out-of-pocket drug costs.
R-sulforaphane modulates the expression profile of AhR, ERα, Nrf2, NQO1, and GSTP in human breast cell lines
Authors: Licznerska Barbara , Szaefer Hanna , Krajka-Kuźniak Violetta
Published: October 2020

Our previous study showed remarkable differences in the effect of R-sulforaphane (R-SFN) on the expression of CYPs 19, 1A1, 1A2, and 1B1 in ER(+) MCF7, ER( −) MDA-MB-231, and non-tumorigenic immortalized MCF10A (8). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of R-SFN on phase II enzymes induction and expression of AhR, Nrf2, and ERα in the same breast cell lines. The results showed increased expression of GSTP as a result of treatment with R-SFN in breast cancer cells. An increased NQO1 transcript and protein levels were found in all breast cells, with the most significant increase in MCF7 cells. Similarly, the enhancement of Nrf2 expression was noticed in all tested cells. AhR gene transcript and protein were decreased in MCF7 cells. In MDA-MB-231, increased AhR mRNA was not confirmed at the protein level. No differences were found in the expression of ERα. Overall, the results of the present study extended our earlier suggestions on the possible interference of R-SFN with estrogens homeostasis in breast cancer cells differing in ERα status, as well as in non-tumorigenic immortalized breast epithelial cells. While some of R-SFN effects might be beneficial and useful in breast cancer prevention, the others, particularly GSTP induction, may lead to adverse effects.
A turn to arts-based research methodology in psychodrama research
Authors: Skar Siri
Published: October 2020

A tendency in psychodrama research is the focus on proving effectiveness. This article in the Zeitschrift für Psychodrama und Soziometrie aims to propose arts-based research (ABR) methodology through a theoretical approach by a brief literature review of psychodrama research, a glimpse into discourses in applied theatre research and an introduction to arts-based research (ABR) methodology. How moments of participation and self-identified significant experiences by the participants from a psychodrama group can be investigated through ABR methodology will be exemplified through performative inquiry (Fels 2012), inspired by poetic inquiry (Faulkner 2018). In this way, the article aims to shed light on the question:How might arts-based research methodology in combination with qualitative research methodology contribute to the psychodrama research field?The article also presents empirical and ontological perspectives relating to the pilot study and give a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of applying ABR methodology exemplified in the article. This way, the paper aims to illuminate how ABR methodologies can be applied together with qualitative research methodology to contribute to psychodrama research.
Role development in psychodrama training—Findings and challenges
Authors: Fürst Jutta
Published: October 2020

Moreno considered the roles in which one operates as the “tangible aspect of what is known as ‘ego’” (zit. in Leutz 1974, p. 43). Although the role concept is one of the main concepts in psychodrama there exist only a few attempts to invent handy measurements for the development of roles. This pilot study published in the Zeitschrift für Psychodrama und Soziometrie is an attempt to systematically analyse the roles of psychodrama students in their training; based on role descriptions suggested by Clayton (1994) and Daniel (2007) combined with the five dimensions of the five-factor model of the BIG FIVE. The analysis was conducted at two measurement points: after the first period of the self-awareness training (120 h) and at the end of training (240 h). The training sessions were accurately documented, including a description of all roles the students had taken. The roles were assigned to one of the five dimensions and counted. The findings suggest a notable development after each period. Although the results are promising there are still several questions waiting for answers.
Characterization of the Interface Between α and β Titanium Alloys in the Diffusion Couple
Authors: Motyka Maciej , Nowak Wojciech J. , Wierzba Bartek , Chrominski Witold
Published: October 2020

The aim of the research was to investigate the microstructural changes caused by diffusion through interface between α and β titanium solid solutions. For this purpose, a diffusion couple composed of two single-phase titanium alloys—α type commercially pure (CP) titanium Grade 2 and near-β Ti-15V-3Al-3Cr-3Sn—was made by annealing at a temperature of 850 °C in an inert atmosphere. The performed heat treatment caused partial diffusion bonding (DB) where the α/β-interface was clearly visible. Based on the results of microscopic (light microscope (LM), scanning electron microscope/electron backscatter diffraction (SEM/EBSD), and transmission electron microscope (TEM)) examination, a significant microstructure evolution of near-β alloy in the region near the interface (diffusion-affected zone) was revealed. It was found that needlelike phases were formed both in α and β solid solutions. Moreover, in the near-β titanium alloy, pores aligned in the Frenkel plane were found. The latter finding indicated that the diffusion of alloying elements of near-β alloy is the most probable reason for the observed microstructural changes. Additionally, the “grooving” phenomenon at the α/β interface was found and it was correlated with faster diffusion through grain boundaries, rather than volume diffusion. Finally, the pore size was measured and numerically modeled. The calculated values were in good agreement with the experimental ones.
A multi-criteria decision analysis for groundwater potential evaluation in parts of Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Osinowo Olawale Olakunle , Arowoogun Kolawole Isaac
Published: October 2020

Multi-criteria decision analysis based on Saaty’s analytical hierarchy processing technique has been used to establish groundwater potential distribution pattern across some highly populated parts of Ibadan metropolis in southwestern Nigeria. The technique weighted and ranked seven sets of thematic hydrological parameters derived from Landsat 8 OLI satellite imagery, 143 vertical electrical sounding (VES) geophysical data, and geological and topographical data. Filtered and enhanced Landsat 8 OLI satellite imagery, quality-checked and inverted VES data, and categorized geological and other ancillary data were analyzed and used to generate lineaments, subsurface geoelectric parameters and other terrain information employed to extract thematic hydrogeological parameters used to characterize the subsurface in terms of groundwater potential. Weighted, normalized and ranked derived thematic hydrogeological parameters (lineament density, drainage density, coefficient of anisotropy, aquifer thickness, overburden thickness, aquifer resistivity and lithology) were employed to generate groundwater resource potential map. The map delineates the study area into very low (6.5%), low (41.0%), medium (38.1%), high and very high (14.4%) groundwater resource potential zones. Regions underlain by quartzite/quartz schist rocks present medium-to-high groundwater resource potential, while regions underlain by migmatite and granite gneiss rocks mostly have very low–low groundwater resource potential. This study indicates that variation in groundwater resource potential across Ibadan situated within the basement complex terrain is mostly influenced by the heterogeneity of subsurface geology which varies rapidly in terms of rock distribution and associated hydrogeological indices.
Feasibility of Enhanced Recovery in Emergency Colorectal Operation
Authors: Fischer Chelsea P. , Knapp Leandra , Cohen Mark E. , Ko Clifford Y. , Reinke Caroline E. , Wick Elizabeth C.
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND:

Emergency colorectal operations account for considerable surgical morbidity, leading to increased recognition of the importance of standardized care. Enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs) have successfully provided a framework to standardize elective surgical care, with some ERP elements spreading to emergency procedures. This study aims to characterize the degree of spread and demonstrate feasibility of ERP extension to emergency colorectal operations.

STUDY DESIGN:

Patients undergoing colorectal operations were identified from a national ERP collaborative. Adherence to ERP process measures—multimodal pain control, early Foley removal, postoperative venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, early mobilization, early feeding, and 30-day clinical outcomes—was analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate association between process measure adherence and 30-day clinical outcomes.

RESULTS:

A total of 31,511 patients underwent colorectal operations at 235 hospitals; 3,086 were emergencies and 28,425 were elective. For emergency cases, rates of early Foley removal (92.0%) and venous thromboembolism prophylaxis (75.7%) were highest. Rates of multimodal pain control (55.9%), early mobilization (37.1%), and early liquid intake (33.4%) were modest. Nonadherence was more common in patients younger than 65 years (43.4%), with independent functional status (94%), American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification 1 to 3 (62.5%), and without physiologic derangement (39.9%). Lack of mobilization or liquid intake was independently associated with increased odds of ileus (odds ratio [OR] 1.43; 95% CI, 1.18 to 1.75 and OR 2.41; 95% CI, 1.96 to 2.95) and prolonged length of stay (OR 2.29; 95% CI, 1.85 to 2.83 and OR 2.05; 95% CI, 1.70 to 2.47).

CONCLUSIONS:

Although the unplanned nature of emergency colorectal operations historically excluded patients from ERPs, our findings suggest ERPs have observable diffusion beyond elective surgical procedures. Deliberate implementation with adherence auditing can improve ERP uptake and outcomes in emergency colorectal operations.
Unnecessary antibiotic prescribing in pediatric ambulatory care visits for bronchitis and bronchiolitis in the United States, 2006–2015
Authors: Snyder Rachel L. , King Laura M. , Hersh Adam L. , Fleming-Dutra Katherine E.
Published: October 2020

Antibiotics are not indicated for the treatment of bronchitis and bronchiolitis. Using a nationally representative database from 2006–2015, we found that antibiotics were prescribed in 58% of outpatient visits for bronchitis and bronchiolitis in children, serving as a possible baseline for the expanded HEDIS 2020 measure regarding antibiotic prescribing for bronchitis.
Spatial distributions of plasma parameters in conventional magnetron discharges in presence of nanoparticles
Authors: Chami A. , Arnas C.
Published: October 2020

Two-dimensional spatial measurements of magnetic field and plasma parameters have been performed in conventional magnetron DC discharges during the formation of metallic nanoparticles. Correlations between the electron density and temperature distributions, and the magnetic field geometry and strength have been established. A sharp increase of the plasma potential is found on the edge of the last magnetic arch followed by a decrease towards the anode plate and edges. It is shown that the spatial variation of the plasma potential is at the origin of a potential well that can trap negatively charged nanoparticles.
Patterns of older Australians’ engagement in health-promoting activities: a latent profile analysis
Authors: Pettigrew Simone , Dana Liyuwork Mitiku , Jongenelis Michelle I. , Jackson Ben
Published: October 2020

Being active in later life is key to remaining physically and mentally healthy, and health in turn influences individuals’ ability to remain active. Activity prevalence figures can disguise the existence of clusters of older people who are very active due to regular participation in multiple categories of activity versus those who are sedentary. The aim of this study was to conduct segmentation analyses based on retired seniors’ engagement in various activities (walking, active sport/exercise, gardening and volunteering) to identify groups characterised by varying patterns of participation. The sample comprised 746 Western Australians aged 60+ years (range 60–95 years, average age 71.66 years, standard deviation = 6.57), 61 per cent of whom were female. Using latent profile analysis, four distinct segments emerged. Those respondents classified as belonging to the most active group exhibited moderate to high levels of participation across all four forms of activity, and tended to be older and more educated than other respondents. Those allocated to the least active group had very low levels of participation across most of the assessed activities and the least favourable physical and mental health scores. Overall, the results indicate the existence of highly divergent segments within the older population in terms of participation across various combinations of health-promoting activities. Segment membership appears to be more closely associated with physical and psychological factors than socio-demographic characteristics.
The split of a fricative merger due to dialect contact and societal changes: A sociophonetic study on Andalusian Spanish read-speech
Authors: Regan Brendan
Published: October 2020

In line with a growing body of literature suggesting that mergers are reversible given the adequate dialect contact and social context, the present study examines the phonetic split of the Andalusian Spanish merger of ceceo into the Castilian Spanish feature of distinción. Specifically, the study analyzes 19,420 coronal fricatives produced by 80 Western Andalusian speakers from the city of Huelva and the nearby town of Lepe using a reading passage and wordlist. The analyses find that leaders of this change are younger speakers, women, those with more educational attainment, those of service and professional occupations, and those from Huelva. The implications are that large-scale societal changes have allowed for the split of the ceceo merger into distinción in both speech communities, albeit at different rates of change due to their unique socioeconomic histories, demonstrating that a split is possible given the right social context.
Dynamiques à l’œuvre dans le nivellement des voyelles nasales à Marseille
Authors: Courdès-Murphy Léa , Eychenne Julien
Published: October 2020

RESUME

La réalisation des voyelles nasales constitue l’un des traits les plus saillants de la phonologie des variétés méridionales, ces voyelles étant généralement réalisées comme des voyelles orales ou partiellement nasalisées suivies d’un appendice nasal. S’il existe un certain nombre d’études qui ont documenté la variation sociale, certains paramètres linguistiques ou encore l’influence du substrat occitan dans la genèse de ces voyelles dans le Midi, les dynamiques à l’œuvre dans le nivellement de ces voyelles vers des réalisations plus proches du français septentrional sont encore assez mal comprises. À partir d’une étude statistique détaillée basée sur un corpus de 22 locuteurs enregistrés à Marseille, le principal centre urbain de la moitié sud de la France, nous montrons l’importance de plusieurs facteurs socio-situationnels (tâche, âge, sexe et positionnement attitudinal vis-à-vis de l’accent méridional), ainsi que de plusieurs facteurs linguistiques (timbre de la voyelle, position dans le mot, contexte droit et fréquence lexicale du mot hôte).
Chinggis Khan Defeated: Plano Carpini, Jūzjānī and the Symbolic Origins of the Mongol Empire
Authors: BERGER SIMON
Published: October 2020

This article aims to clarify an obscure passage in Plano Carpini's text, and subsequently in C. de Bridia's one, referring to a crushing defeat of Chinggis Khan, which has so far not been identified with certainty. The record of such a defeat is found in identical terms under the pen of Jūzjānī, and it actually appears that this strange narrative follows the pattern of the Mongol myth of origin, which is also common to the myths of the Türks, of the Kimeks and others. Here the argument is made that these accounts written outside the Mongol territory are therefore not only the result of confusion and distortion, contrary to what has long been thought. They testify to the existence of a legend of Chinggis Khan, built in an imperial propaganda effort directed at all the nomadic subjects of the Mongol Empire, and which placed the birth of the empire and the story of the origins contained in the myth on the same symbolic level.
Psychische Störungen im Säuglings-‍, Kleinkind- und Vorschulalter – DC: 0 – 5
Authors: von Gontard Alexander , Bolten Margarete , Equit Monika , In-Albon Tina
Published: October 2020

Zusammenfassung. Psychische Störungen sind bei Säuglingen, Klein- und Vorschulkindern mit einer Prävalenz von 10 – 15 % häufig. Sie sind vielfältig und umfassen sowohl externalisierende Störungen (wie ADHS und Störung des Sozialverhaltens) als auch internalisierende (wie Depression und Angststörungen). Sie weisen hohe Komorbiditätsraten auf und können langfristig persistieren und chronifizieren. Darüber hinaus können viele seltene Störungen junge Kinder betreffen und beeinträchtigen. Manche Störungen sind sogar spezifisch für das junge Alter. Ferner spielen die Beziehung zur Bezugsperson – und die Identifizierung von Beziehungsstörungen – eine besondere Rolle. Da die diagnostischen Kriterien der bisherigen Klassifikationssysteme ICD-10 und DSM-5 für junge Kinder nicht sensibel genug sind, wurde das Klassifikationssystem DC: 0 – 5 für das Alter von 0 bis 5 Jahren entwickelt. Das Ziel dieses Sonderheftes ist es, einen Überblick über die DC: 0 – 5 zu vermitteln. In der ersten Übersichtsarbeit wird der diagnostische Prozess aufgezeigt. Die zweite Übersichtsarbeit widmet sich dem Aufbau und den Neuerungen der DC: 0 – 5. Eine dritte Übersichtsarbeit untersucht die Diagnosen nach ICD-10 und DC: 0 – 5 im Vergleich in einem naturalistischen Setting. Eine letzte Originalarbeit untersucht die psychometrischen Eigenschaften des strukturierten Interviews SIVA 0 – 6, das auch für DC: 0 – 5 kodiert. Zusammengefasst ist die DC: 0 – 5 das zurzeit genaueste Klassifikationssystem zur Diagnose psychischer Störungen bei jungen Kindern in der Praxis und in der Forschung.