bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gastrostomy tube dependence and patient‐reported quality of life outcomes based on type of treatment for human papillomavirus‐associated oropharyngeal cancer: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Quan Daniel L. , Sukari Ammar , Nagasaka Misako , Kim Harold , Cramer John D.
Published: July 2021

We examined the impact of treatment modality on gastrostomy tube dependence and patient‐reported outcomes in human papillomavirus‐associated oropharyngeal cancer (HPV‐OPSCC). We performed systematic review and meta‐analysis of functional outcomes 1–3 years after treatment. Twenty‐three studies were included, reporting on 3127 patients treated for HPV‐OPSCC. Gastrostomy tube dependence failed to show statistically significant difference between surgery with adjuvant therapy and chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin at 12 months (8.3% [95% CI: 3.1–15.9] vs. 4.2% [1.1–9.2], p = 0.37) and 24–36 months (10.5% [95% CI: 3.2–21.5] vs. 3.3% [2.0–4.9], p = 0.06). Surgery with adjuvant therapy was associated with worse University of Washington Quality of Life (UW‐QOL) Swallowing (84 [95% CI: 80–88] vs. 89 [87–90], p = 0.03) and UW‐QOL Overall scores (76 [95% CI: 72–80] vs. 84 [81–86], p = 0.001) compared to chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin at 12 months. Surgery with adjuvant therapy was associated with worse performance on certain measures of patient‐reported swallow and overall function compared to chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to directly compare functional outcomes after treatment for HPV‐OPSCC.
Malignancy detection on mammograms by integrating modified convolutional neural network classifier and texture features
Authors: George Melekoodappattu Jayesh , Sahaya Dhas Anto , Kumar K. Binil , Adarsh K. S.
Published: July 2021

Breast cancer is detected by identifying malignancy on breast tissue. Emerging technologies in medical image processing are used to interpret histopathology images. For analyzing medical imaging and pathological data, modified deep neural networks are being used. Automatic detection of malignancy is usually achieved in deep learning by capturing features from a convolutional neural network (CNN) and then categorizing them using a fully connected network. A framework to automatically diagnose malignancy using an ensemble approach, including CNN and extraction of image texture features, is implemented in this research. In the CNN phase, the nine‐layer modified CNN is used to classify images. Texture features are derived and their dimension is minimized using maximum variance unfolding to enhance the efficiency of classification in the extraction‐based phase. The results of each phase were then merged to obtain the final decision. The testing specificity and accuracy of our ensemble method on MIAS repository are 98.9% and 99%, respectively and for the DDSM repository are 98.3% and 98.1%. The ensemble approach increases the measurement metrics compared to each phase separately, as per the experimental findings.
Patient perceptions of astudent‐ledremote hypertension education program
Authors: Kieck Danielle , Ostir Stephanie , Blair Jaycee , Yenser Emily , Chapin Maryann , Lovett Sydney , Pezzino Nicole
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The COVID‐19 pandemic has drastically changed healthcare, promoting a shift to remote services. Managing long‐term therapy conditions, like hypertension, became increasingly difficult due to limited access to care. During these unprecedented times, two community pharmacies collaborated with a school of pharmacy to develop a new remote program to encourage patient centered disease state management.

Objectives

The primary objective was to describe patient perceptions of participating in a student‐led, remote hypertension education program. The secondary objective was to gain insight on perceptions of the program's impact on current lifestyle.

Methods

Second‐ and third‐year pharmacy students worked with faculty preceptors to develop and remotely deliver an 8‐week curriculum. During each call, students educated on a topic and set S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely) goals. After completing the program, participants were interviewed regarding their experience.

This study was a qualitative design using semi‐structured interviews. Participants in the program were interviewed by trained investigators. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically coded to address study outcomes.

Results

A total of 12 participant interviews were conducted with all participants 50 years of age or older and a majority having a diagnosis of hypertension for greater than 20 years. From the interviews, six dominant themes were identified. Themes were: (a) students were knowledgeable, professional, and engaged; (b) participants felt comfortable communicating with the students and developed a positive relationship; (c) participants expressed having a positive impact on the students' education; (d) the program was organized; (e) participants reported positive lifestyle changes or reinforced habits that they plan to continue, and (f) the remote nature of the program was convenient, but face‐to‐face interaction was missed.

Conclusion

Participants had an overwhelmingly positive experience completing the program. Utilizing students for development and implementation allowed the pharmacies to offer an additional clinical service and was a factor that impacted patient engagement and participation.
Establishment of an in vitro method of rabbit embryo toxicity with toxicokinetics study
Authors: Zhu Qiuyang , Jia Yuling , Guo Jun , Meng Xiang , Chong Liming , Xu Li , Zhou Li , Sun Zuyue
Published: July 2021

This report introduces a novel method, rabbit whole embryo culture (WEC) combined with toxicokinetics (TK), for toxicity testing. Rodent WEC has been extensively used for in vitro screening of developmental toxicity. To improve the reliability of in vitro data, it is important to consider TK and species specificity. To test the utility and effectiveness of this method, we investigated the toxic effect of thalidomide on rabbit embryos and its behavior in test systems both in vitro and in vivo under the same experimental condition. The data showed that thalidomide induced embryo malformations such as embryonic brain hypoplasia, short limb buds, and declined embryonic growth both in vitro and in vivo. The toxic effect increased with the increasing exposure of the embryo to thalidomide. In addition, we observed similar toxic effects and exposure–effect relationships in vivo and in vitro. Therefore, we preliminarily conclude that this new method can effectively predict and explain thalidomide toxicity. Furthermore, we investigated the behavior of test compounds in the WEC system for the first time, and this method is expected to be an important technique for in vitro toxicity study after extensive verification.
Tissue response, macrophage phenotype, and intrinsic calcification induced by cardiovascular biomaterials: Can clinical regenerative potential be predicted in a rat subcutaneous implant model?
Authors: Cramer Madeline , Chang Jordan , Li Hongshuai , Serrero Aurelie , El‐Kurdi Mohammed , Cox Martijn , Schoen Frederick J. , Badylak Stephen F.
Published: July 2021

The host immune response to an implanted biomaterial, particularly the phenotype of infiltrating macrophages, is a key determinant of biocompatibility and downstream remodeling outcome. The present study used a subcutaneous rat model to compare the tissue response, including macrophage phenotype, remodeling potential, and calcification propensity of a biologic scaffold composed of glutaraldehyde‐fixed bovine pericardium (GF‐BP), the standard of care for heart valve replacement, with those of an electrospun polycarbonate‐based supramolecular polymer scaffold (ePC‐UPy), urinary bladder extracellular matrix (UBM‐ECM), and a polypropylene mesh (PP). The ePC‐UPy and UBM‐ECM materials induced infiltration of mononuclear cells throughout the thickness of the scaffold within 2 days and neovascularization at 14 days. GF‐BP and PP elicited a balance of pro‐inflammatory (M1‐like) and anti‐inflammatory (M2‐like) macrophages, while UBM‐ECM and ePC‐UPy supported a dominant M2‐like macrophage phenotype at all timepoints. Relative to GF‐BP, ePC‐UPy was markedly less susceptible to calcification for the 180 day duration of the study. UBM‐ECM induced an archetypical constructive remodeling response dominated by M2‐like macrophages and the PP caused a typical foreign body reaction dominated by M1‐like macrophages. The results of this study highlight the divergent macrophage and host remodeling response to biomaterials with distinct physical and chemical properties and suggest that the rat subcutaneous implantation model can be used to predict in vivo biocompatibility and regenerative potential for clinical application of cardiovascular biomaterials.
Urinary bladder augmentation with acellular biologic scaffold—A preclinical study in a large animal model
Authors: Pokrywczynska Marta , Jundzill Arkadiusz , Tworkiewicz Jakub , Buhl Monika , Balcerczyk Daria , Adamowicz Jan , Kloskowski Tomasz , Rasmus Marta , Mecinska‐Jundzill Kaja , Kasinski Damian , Frontczak‐Baniewicz Malgorzata , Holysz Marcin , Skopinska‐Wisniewska Joanna , Bodnar Magdalena , Marszalek Andrzej , Antosik Paulina , Grzanka Dariusz , Drewa Tomasz
Published: July 2021

Current strategies in urinary bladder augmentation include use of gastrointestinal segments, however, the technique is associated with inevitable complications. An acellular biologic scaffold seems to be a promising option for urinary bladder augmentation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of bladder acellular matrix (BAM) for reconstruction of clinically significant large urinary bladder wall defects in a long‐term porcine model. Urinary bladders were harvested from 10 pig donors. Biological scaffolds were prepared by chemically removing all cellular components from urinary bladder tissue. A total of 10 female pigs underwent hemicystectomy and subsequent bladder reconstruction with BAM. The follow‐up study was 6 months. Reconstructed bladders were subjected to radiological, macroscopic, histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular evaluations. Six out of ten animals survived the 6‐month follow‐up period. Four pigs died during observation due to mechanical failure of the scaffold, anastomotic dehiscence between the scaffold and native bladder tissue, or occluded catheter. Tissue engineered bladder function was normal without any signs of postvoid residual urine in the bladder or upper urinary tracts. Macroscopically, graft shrinkage was observed. Urothelium completely covered the luminal surface of the graft. Smooth muscle regeneration was observed mainly in the peripheral graft region and gradually decreased toward the center of the graft. Expression of urothelial, smooth muscle, blood vessel, and nerve markers were lower in the reconstructed bladder wall compared to the native bladder. BAM seems to be a promising biomaterial for reconstruction of large urinary bladder wall defects. Further research on cell‐seeded BAM to enhance urinary bladder regeneration is required.
Characterization of bacteria type strain Bacillus. spp isolated from extracellular polymeric substance harvested in seafood wastewater
Authors: Tran Thi Ngoc Thu , Nguyen Thi Dong Phuong , Dinh Ha Thuong , Bui Thi Tho , Ho Le Han , Nguyen‐Phan Truc Xuyen , Khoo Kuan Shiong , Chew Kit Wayne , Show Pau Loke
Published: July 2021

Bacillus species have been well‐documented as bacteria isolated from soil with primary characteristics that were identified and applied to agriculture, wastewater treatment, pharmaceutic, and human life. This study focuses on the characterization of Bacillus strains isolated from a particular resource, which is seafood wastewater, and to list which correlating and different properties with those coming from soil. Of the 15 isolates obtained by positive Gram (+) screening, 14 sequenced Bacillus genomes type strain B. subtilis (B. subtilis) and Bacillus cereus (B. cereus), which were analyzed by the phylogenetic tree, were chosen for further investigation due to their majority. For antagonistic activity against E.coli ATCC 85922, no visible inhibitory zones were directly observed to isolates type strain B. cereus. On the other hand, out of the four B. subtilis exploited in this activity with AU > 200, only one exhibited a strong AU of 327. In the case of antibiotic susceptibility, B. subtilis was sensitive to most of the five antibiotics investigated in this study, particularly to the high coefficient of cell's susceptibility over 0.8 against penicillin and tetracyclin. Additionally, the critical property in biofilm production (elucidated isolates) was amplified with two genes abrB and spo0A, and was exhibited through SEM visualization. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Engineering integration in elementary science classrooms: Effects of disciplinary language scaffolds on English learners' content learning and engineering identity
Authors: Aguirre‐Muñoz Zenaida , Pantoya Michelle , Pando Magdalena , Loria Garro Elias S.
Published: July 2021

Background

Limited research examines the effects of integrated science and engineering (SE) instruction emphasizing disciplinary literacy and language activities on engineering identity and content understanding. Far fewer studies target English learners (ELs).

Purpose

The impact of an SE intervention on the development of science, engineering, and technology knowledge as well as engineering identity was examined. To address ELs' learning needs, the curricular design was built on a validated SE model by integrating (1) developmental, (2) language scaffolds, and (3) culturally based accommodations.

Design/Method

Separate analysis of variance examined the effects of the intervention on science, engineering, and technology knowledge as well as engineering identity. The relationship among engineering identity and content outcomes was also examined. ELs from kindergarten to second grade classrooms were randomly assigned to the integrated SE group or control group.

Results

Integrated SE instruction significantly increased ELs' science, engineering, and technology knowledge as well as a substantially developed engineering identity. Overall, ELs' engineering identity is associated with an increase in science, engineering, and technology content knowledge. However, second grade girls' identity development was not associated with learning measures. These correlations suggest the context of the engineering activity may have reinforced gendered stereotypes and reduced the effects for girls' engineering attitudes.

Conclusions

Integrated SE instruction emphasizing disciplinary literacy and cultural accommodations increases early elementary ELs' learning and engineering identity. Future studies should examine the unique effects of language scaffolds and cultural modifications on student learning and the impact of gender stereotypes on girls' engineering attitudes.
Ultrastructural characterization of the intestine of the Eurasian common moorhen using scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy
Authors: Hanafy Basma G. , Abumandour Mohamed M. A. , Kandyle Ramadan , Bassuoni Naglaa F.
Published: July 2021

The present investigation focused on the morphological features of the intestine of Eurasian common moorhen by the aid of scanning electron microscopy and histological, morphometric, and statistical examinations. The intestinal villi were varied in shape along the intestinal tract; the duodenal villi were elongated and twisted, the jejunal villi were tongue‐like, the ileal villi were cuboidal, and the cecal villi were tongue‐like and finger‐like at the base and body of the cecum. While at the apex of the cecum, it appeared as corrugated longitudinal folds and the rectal villi appeared as columns. The microvilli were present as projections on the surface of villi of the small intestine and the base of the cecum. While at the body and the apex of the cecum, the microvilli appeared as threads and as brush hairs on the rectal villi. The duodenal, jejunal, ileal, cecal, and rectal villi were lined by simple columnar epithelium with goblet cells. The submucosal layer of small intestine consisted of connective tissue fibers along the intestinal tract, but it was absent at the base of the cecum. The tunica musculosa consisted of single longitudinal layer of smooth muscle fibers in the duodenum and rectum. While in the jejunum, ileum, and cecum, it was composed of single circular layer of smooth muscle fibers. The thickness of the tunics differed among the intestinal parts.
Turán and Ramsey numbers for 3‐uniform minimal paths of length 4
Authors: Han Jie , Polcyn Joanna , Ruciński Andrzej
Published: July 2021

We determine Turán numbers for the family of 3‐uniform minimal paths of length four for all . We also establish the second‐ and third‐order Turán numbers and use them to compute the corresponding Ramsey numbers for up to four colors.
Divisible subdivisions
Authors: Alon Noga , Krivelevich Michael
Published: July 2021

We prove that for every graph of maximum degree at most 3 and for every positive integer there is a finite such that every ‐minor contains a subdivision of in which every edge is replaced by a path whose length is divisible by . For the case of cycles we show that for every ‐minor contains a cycle of length divisible by , and observe that this settles a recent problem of Friedman and the second author about cycles in (weakly) expanding graphs.
Frequent lower respiratory tract disease in hematological patients with parainfluenza virus type 3 infection
Authors: Lefeuvre Caroline , Salmona Maud , Bondeelle Louise , Houdouin Véronique , Feghoul Linda , Jacquier Hervé , Mercier‐Delarue Séverine , Bergeron Anne , LeGoff Jérôme
Published: July 2021

Human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV‐3) may cause lower respiratory tract infection disease (LRTI‐D) after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Most previous have studies focused on recipients of HSCT whereas data on characteristics and outcomes in patients with hematological malignancies (HMs) compared to non‐hematological patients are limited. The prognostic value of viral load in respiratory specimens remains elusive. In a 2‐year retrospective study, we determined the frequencies of LRTI‐D in HM, HSCT, and in non‐hematological patients, and HPIV‐3 levels in respiratory tract secretions. Among 98 patients with HPIV‐3 infection, including 31 HSCT and 40 HM, 36 had a diagnosis of LRTI‐D. LRTI‐D was significantly more frequent in patients with HM or HSCT (n = 32, 45.1%) than in non‐hematological patients (n = 4, 14.8%) (p = 0.006). The median HPIV‐3 loads were high in upper respiratory tract secretions regardless of the presence or absence of LRTI‐D (8.3 log10 vs. 7.6 log10 TCID50/106 cells). HPIV‐3 loads in respiratory tract samples in HM were not significantly higher than those found in HSCT but significantly higher than in non‐hematological patients (p = 0.007). In conclusion, LRTI‐D was frequent in HM patients who were diagnosed with HPIV‐3 infection.
Trigeminal neuropathy causes hypomyelination in the anterior cingulate cortex, disrupts the synchrony of neural circuitry, and impairs decision‐making in male rats
Authors: Murugappan Suresh K. , Hasan Mahadi , Lei Zhuogui , Iqbal Zafar , Ramkrishnan Aruna S. , Wong Heung Y. , Li Ying
Published: July 2021

Infraorbital nerve‐chronic constriction injury (ION‐CCI) has become the most popular chronic trigeminal neuropathic pain (TNP) injury animal model which causes prolonged mechanical allodynia. Accumulative evidence suggests that TNP interferes with cognitive functions, however the underlying mechanisms are not known. The aim of this study was to investigate decision‐making performance as well as synaptic and large‐scale neural synchronized alterations in the spinal trigeminal nucleus (SpV) circuitry and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) neural circuitry in male rats with TNP. Rat gambling task showed that ION‐CCI led to decrease the proportion of good decision makers and increase the proportion of poor decision makers. Electrophysiological recordings showed long‐lasting synaptic potentiation of local field potential in the trigeminal ganglia‐SpV caudalis (SpVc) synapses in TNP rats. In this study, TNP led to disruption of ACC spike timing and basolateral amygdala (BLA) theta oscillation associated with suppressed synchronization of theta oscillation between the BLA and ACC, indicating reduced neuronal communications. Myelination is critical for information flow between brain regions, and myelin plasticity is an important feature for learning. Neural activity in the cortical regions impacts myelination by regulating oligodendrocyte (OL) proliferation, differentiation, and myelin formation. We characterized newly formed oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, and mature OLs are reduced in TNP and are associated with reduced myelin strength in the ACC region. The functional disturbances in the BLA‐ACC neural circuitry is pathologically associated with the myelin defects in the ACC region which may be relevant causes for the deficits in decision‐making in chronic TNP state.
Strength and physical activity in osteoarthritis: The mediating role of kinesiophobia
Authors: Aydemir Burcu , Huang Chun‐Hao , Foucher Kharma C.
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between muscle strength and physical activity level in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA), and determine whether this association is mediated by pain‐related fear of movement (kinesiophobia) and self‐reported pain. Cross‐sectional data from 37 subjects (age 58.8 ± 8.6 years, 25F/12M, BMI 33.5 ± 6.4 kg/m2) with OA of the knee were used. Isometric knee extensor and flexor muscle strength were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Physical activity, kinesiophobia, and pain were assessed by self‐report using the University of California, Los Angeles activity rating scale, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, and The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score pain subscale, respectively. The associations between strength measures, physical activity, kinesiophobia, and pain scores, were modeled by performing a parallel multiple mediation analysis and the significance of mediational effects (kinesiophobia and pain) were tested using a bootstrap approach. Lower knee flexion and extension strength were associated with lower physical activity scores and these relationships were mediated by higher kinesiophobia scores (more fear) but not pain scores. Knee extension strength was directly associated with physical activity scores after controlling for kinesiophobia and pain scores. These results suggest that muscle strength can influence physical activity directly and indirectly through fear of movement. Assessing these measures together in this population may help clinicians identify patients that are more likely to avoid physical activities due to not only muscle weakness but also fear of movement.
Isolation, screening and identification of key components having intense insect repellent activity against Plodia interpunctella from four different medicinal plant materials
Authors: Lee Jung‐Soo , Lee Junhyuk , Choi Inyoung , Chang Yoonjee , Yoon Chan Suk , Han Jaejoon
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Global warming and the indiscriminate use of pesticides have increased the propagation of the stored‐product insect pests, leading to enormous losses in the agriculture and food industries. The most used insect repellents are synthetic derivatives; however, these have an adverse effect on human health as well as on the environment. Therefore, we attempted to find materials with insect repellent activity in natural products. The present study aimed to identify the single chemical component with intense insect repellent activity in extracts from four different Oriental medicinal plant materials: (i) Anethum graveolens L. (dill) seeds; (ii) Artemisia capillaris Thunb. (capillary wormwood) leaves; (iii) smoked Prunus mume Siebold & Zucc. (mume) fruits; and (iv) Rhus javanica L. (galls).

RESULTS

As a result of the bioassay‐guided fractionation of each extract against the Plodia interpunctella, stored‐product insect, the n‐hexane fraction of dill seeds extract was confirmed as the optimal fraction between all of the fractions. In total, 32 chemical components were identified from the n‐hexane fraction of dill seeds by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis, and the two main components were dillapiole (47.51%) and carvone (26.76%). Of the two components, dillapiole was confirmed as the key component playing an essential role in insect repellent activity.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that dillapiole has the potential to be used as a natural insect repellent for the control of P. interpunctella infestation in agricultural and food products during distribution and storage. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Bioactive compounds of mango (Mangifera indica): a review of extraction technologies and chemical constituents
Authors: Quintana Somaris E , Salas Stephanie , García‐Zapateiro Luis A
Published: July 2021

Mango (Mangifera indica) has been recognized as a rich source of bioactive compounds with potential pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications and has attracted increasing interest from research. Phytochemistry studies have demonstrated that phenolic compounds are one of the most important biologically active components of M. indica extracts. Ultrasound‑ and microwave‐assisted extractions and supercritical fluids have been employed to obtain bioactive molecules, such as phenolic acids, terpenoids, carotenoids, and fatty acids. These phytochemicals exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, and anticancer activity, and depending on the source (bark, leaves, seeds, flowers, or peel) and extraction method there will be differences in the structure and bioactivity. This review examines the bioactive compounds, extraction techniques, and biological function of different parts of M. indica of great importance as nutraceuticals and functional compounds with potential application as therapeutic agents and functional foods. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
The effect of neoadjuvant imatinib therapy on outcome and survival in rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumors: A multiinstitutional study
Authors: Yang Wenchang , Liu Qian , Lin Guole , Zhang Bo , Cao Hui , Zhao Yan , Xia Lijian , Feng Fan , Xiong Zhiguo , Hu Junbo , Ye Yingjiang , Tao Kaixiong , Zhang Peng
Published: July 2021

Background and Objectives

This study aimed to characterize the efficacy of neoadjuvant imatinib in rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and the prognostic characteristics of patients after surgery.

Methods

Patients with rectal GISTs who received neoadjuvant imatinib between 2000 and 2019 were selected from 11 large‐scale tertiary hospitals in China. The best response to neoadjuvant imatinib was assessed. Propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted to reduce confounders. Recurrence free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Of the 100 patients, 75, 18, and 7 had a partial response (PR), stable disease (SD), and progressive disease (PD), respectively. The median tumor size decreased from 5 cm before treatment to 4 cm after treatment (p < 0.001). A total of 31 patients underwent genetic testing after surgery; 23 of patients with exon 11 mutation had PR and 2 had SD. One of the patients with exon 9 mutation had PR, 2 had SD, and 1 had PD. Two patients with the wild type GIST had PD. A total of 86 patients underwent surgery of which 85 underwent complete resection; 72 underwent anal preservation and 40 underwent local excision (LE). After PSM, patients who received neoadjuvant therapy had higher rates of LE (p = 0.001) and anal preservation (p = 0.033) than those of patients without neoadjuvant therapy. The median follow‐up time was 37 months. Nine patients experienced recurrence and one patient died. The 3‐year RFS and OS rates were 95.0% and 100%, respectively. After PSM, we found that there was no significant difference in RFS between patients who received or did not receive neoadjuvant therapy (p = 0.623). Univariate analysis showed postneoadjuvant tumor size (p = 0.469) and mitotic count (p = 0.294) were not associated with the RFS in patients who received neoadjuvant imatinib.

Conclusions

Neoadjuvant imatinib can shrink rectal GIST size, increasing the possibility of complete resection and anal preservation. Further studies are warranted to understand the long‐term outcomes of rectal GISTs in patients receiving neoadjuvant imatinib.
Outcomes of the keystone perforator island flap for oncologic reconstruction of the back
Authors: Yan Maria , Rose Peter S. , Houdek Matthew T. , Moran Steven L.
Published: July 2021

Background

Coverage of posterior trunk defects after tumor resection can be challenging due to the intricate anatomy. The keystone perforator island flap (KPIF) provides coverage of the defect without the need for distant flap coverage or microsurgery, matches the recipient's skin color and contour, and requires a short operative time.

Methods

A retrospective review of all oncological back reconstructions with KPIF was performed at our institution. The patient comorbidities and surgical outcomes were collected.

Results

A total of 17 patients underwent 20 KPIF (15 single and 2 double) for back reconstruction. Surgical indications were sarcoma (n = 12) and melanoma (n = 5). The mean age at surgery was 47.3 years (SD 23.3). The flaps were located in the upper back (n = 8), paraspinal (n = 4), middle back (n = 6), and lower back (n = 2). The average wound size after sarcoma and melanoma excision were 231.6 ± 297.4 and 156.7 ± 269.7 cm2, respectively. Four patients required an additional planned skin graft and one patient underwent a simultaneous myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap. The mean operative time, including tumor resection, was 256 min (SD 118). The median length‐of‐hospital stay was 3 days (Q1–3: 1–6.5) and the median follow‐up time was 35.3 months (Q1–3: 13.3–53.1). All flaps survived with minor surgical complications which included hematoma (n = 1), surgical site infection requiring debridement (n = 1), superficial wound dehiscence (n = 1), cellulitis (n = 1), and seroma (n = 1). The reconstructions were successful in 100% of patients.

Conclusions

The KPIF is a reliable and safe option for reconstruction of oncological back defects with minimal perioperative complications. This flap option avoids the use of free flaps and myocutaneous flaps for moderate‐sized back defects.
Influence of Landscape Characteristics on Hunter Space Use and Success
Authors: Rowland Mary M. , Nielson Ryan M. , Wisdom Michael J. , Johnson Bruce K. , Findholt Scott , Clark Darren , Didonato Guy T. , Hafer Jennifer M. , Naylor Bridgett J.
Published: July 2021

Sport hunting of ungulates is a predominant recreational pursuit and the primary tool for managing their populations in North America and beyond, given its influence on ungulate distributions, social organization, and population performance. Similarly, land management, such as motorized vehicle access, influences ungulate distributions during and outside hunting seasons. Although research on ungulate responses to hunting and land use is widespread, knowledge gaps persist about space use of hunters and what landscape features discriminate among hunt types and between successful and unsuccessful hunters. We used telemetry location data from hunters (n = 341) to estimate space use from 2008–2013 during 3 types of controlled, 5‐day hunts for antlered mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and elk (Cervus canadensis) in northeastern Oregon, USA: archery elk, rifle deer, and rifle elk. To evaluate space use, we developed utilization distributions for each hunter, created core areas (50% contours) for groups of hunters, and derived several metrics of space‐use overlap between successful and unsuccessful hunters. We also modeled predictors of space use using resource utilization functions with beta regression and stepwise model building. Hunter space use was compressed, with even the largest core area (unsuccessful rifle elk hunters) encompassing <16% (1,178 ha) of the area. We found strong similarities in space use of rifle hunters compared to archers, and core areas of successful hunters were markedly smaller than those of unsuccessful hunters (e.g., = 104 ha vs. 681 ha, respectively, for archers). Percentage cover and distance from open roads were the most consistent covariates in the 6 final models (successful vs. unsuccessful for each of 3 hunts) but with different signs. For example, predicted use of archery and rifle elk hunters increased with cover but decreased for rifle deer hunters. Although the same covariates were in the final models for unsuccessful and successful rifle elk hunters, their negligible spatial overlap suggested they sought those features in different locales, a pattern also documented for rifle deer hunters. Our models performed well (Spearman's rank correlation coefficients = 0.99 for 5 of 6 models), reflecting their utility for managing hunters and landscapes. Our results suggest that strategic management of open roads and forest cover can benefit managers seeking to balance hunter opportunity and satisfaction with harvest objectives, especially for species of special concern such as mule deer, and that differences in space use among hunter groups should be accounted for in hunting season designs. © 2021 The Wildlife Society. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Honorific authorship and approval of the ICMJE criteria: A survey with a convenience sample
Authors: Ashkenazi Itamar , Olsha Oded
Published: July 2021

A 10‐question survey was distributed by email to 382 academic professionals involved in biomedical research in order to evaluate their experience with honorific authorship, author displacement, and the perceived validity of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) requirements. 104 (27%) responded to the survey collected without identifiers. 92% (95/104) were physicians, and 75% (78/104) reported ≥11 publications as co‐authors. 68% (69/101) thought honorific authorship was commonly (>20% of the publications) practiced in their workplace and/or research environment. Honorific authorship was perceived as commonly awarded to superiors by 63% (65/104) and to peers by 50% (51/103). Only 36% (37/104) reported rarely (≤5 of the publications) or never being a co‐author in a manuscript in which honorific authorship was awarded. 33% (34/103) reported that they commonly experienced co‐authors being displaced from their appropriate rank in the sequence of authors due to honorific authorship. Only 31% (32/104) condemned honorific authorship and only 36% (37/104) agreed all four authorship criteria set by the ICMJE should be complied with. Those who condemned honorific authorship more commonly accepted complying with all four ICMJE criteria (18/32 vs. 19/72; p = 0.004). Increasing experience with author displacement was not associated with the condemnation of honorific authorship (p = 0.35).
Neurotrauma investigation through spatial omics guided by mass spectrometry imaging: Target identification and clinical applications
Authors: Mallah Khalil , Zibara Kazem , Kerbaj Coline , Eid Ali , Khoshman Nour , Ousseily Zahraa , Kobeissy Abir , Cardon Tristan , Cizkova Dasa , Kobeissy Firas , Fournier Isabelle , Salzet Michel
Published: July 2021

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents one of the major public health concerns worldwide due to the increase in TBI incidence as a result of injuries from daily life accidents such as sports and motor vehicle transportation as well as military‐related practices. This type of central nervous system trauma is known to predispose patients to several neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, chronic trauamatic encephalopathy, and age‐related Dementia. Recently, several proteomic and lipidomic platforms have been applied on different TBI studies to investigate TBI‐related mechanisms that have broadened our understanding of its distinct neuropathological complications. In this study, we provide an updated comprehensive overview of the current knowledge and novel perspectives of the spatially resolved microproteomics and microlipidomics approaches guided by mass spectrometry imaging used in TBI studies and its applications in the neurotrauma field. In this regard, we will discuss the use of the spatially resolved microproteomics and assess the different microproteomic sampling methods such as laser capture microdissection, parafilm assisted microdissection, and liquid microjunction extraction as accurate and precise techniques in the field of neuroproteomics. Additionally, we will highlight lipid profiling applications and their prospective potentials in characterizing molecular processes involved in the field of TBI. Specifically, we will discuss the phospholipid metabolism acting as a precursor for proinflammatory molecules such as eicosanoids. Finally, we will survey the current state of spatial neuroproteomics and microproteomics applications and present the various studies highlighting their findings in these fields.
A rohitukine derivative IIIM‐290 induces p53 dependent mitochondrial apoptosis in acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells
Authors: Mintoo Mubashir , Khan Sameer , Wani Abubakar , Malik Sumera , Bhurta Deendyal , Bharate Sandip , Malik Fayaz , Mondhe Dilip
Published: July 2021

Rohitukine, a chromone alkaloid extracted from Dysoxylum binectariferum, has a propitious anticancer activity. Our previous study shows that a new Rohitukine derivative IIIM‐290 restricts the growth of pancreatic cancer in vivo and in vitro. In the present findings, we report the mechanism of cell death induced by IIIM‐290 in MOLT‐4 cells (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) and its anticancer potential against various murine leukemic tumor models in vivo. We found that IIIM‐290 induced apoptosis through upregulation of different apoptotic proteins like PUMA, BAX, cytochrome c, cleaved (active) caspase‐3, and cleaved PARP in MOLT‐4 cells. Moreover, IIIM‐290 abated mitochondrial membrane potential, elevated calcium levels, reactive oxygen species, and arrested growth of MOLT‐4 cells in the synthesis (S) phase of the cell cycle. Interestingly, the elevation in proapoptotic markers was p53 dependent—the silencing of p53 abrogated apoptosis (programmed cell death) triggered by IIIM‐290 in MOLT‐4 cells. Furthermore, IIIM‐290 significantly enhanced the survival of animals with P388 and L1210 leukemia. Thus, our results put IIIM‐290 as a potential candidate for the anticancer lead.
Power divider with wideband harmonic suppression for center‐fed antenna arrays
Authors: Shanmugam Bhaskar Vignesh , Tan Eng Leong
Published: July 2021

In this paper, a center‐fed four‐way power divider with wideband harmonic suppression is proposed. A distinguishing feature is the use of sectorially modified Gielis curves (SMGCs) for open stubs, shorted stubs, and stub‐loaded coupled‐line structures, providing more degrees of freedom in the designs to suppress the wideband harmonics. The expressions for the SMGCs, along with the ABCD matrix elements of the stub‐loaded coupled‐line structure having different even and odd mode electrical lengths (θec ≠ θoc) are another distinguishing features presented in this work. The novelty is to use two stages (first and second) with a combination of open, shorted, coupled‐line stubs and tapered transmission lines to achieve good impedance matching and wideband harmonic suppression for center‐fed antenna arrays. The proposed center‐fed four‐way power divider achieves a wideband harmonic suppression of up to 4fo and a relatively wide −10 dB impedance bandwidth of 52%. The proposed power divider is used in a horizontally‐polarized antenna array for wireless L‐band applications.
An ultra‐wideband bandstop filter with circularly etched stub resonator
Authors: Rajput Anil , Chauhan Monika , Mukherjee Biswajeet
Published: July 2021

In this letter, an ultra‐wide band bandstop filter (BSF) with three transmission zeros and one reflection zero is presented. The role of the circular etched shaped stub as a notch pass response is investigated. Further, a compact size of 13 mm × 24.30 mm (0.219λg× 0.410λg) is achieved by employing an interdigital capacitor to increase coupling between the lines. Furthermore, the transmission line model of the filter is proposed, and consequently even and odd mode impedance is calculated analytically. The proposed filter offers an ultra‐wide bandwidth of 6.1 GHz (3.7 GHz‐9.8 GHz) with a rejection depth of 20 dB over the entire rejection band. Moreover, the upper skirt factor of 47.2 dB per GHz is achieved. A prototype of the proposed BSF is fabricated and measured. Simulated and measured results are in good agreement which validates the proposed design.
Adult Sockeye Salmon Responses to Transplanting Upstream of an Impassable Dam
Authors: Kock Tobias J. , Evans Scott D. , Saluskin Brian P. , Matala Andrew P. , Visser Richard , Johnston Mark V. , Galbreath Peter F. , Pope Adam C.
Published: July 2021

The Yakama Nation manages a program for reintroducing Sockeye Salmon Oncorhynchus nerka upstream of Cle Elum Dam in the Yakima River basin. The program involves transplanting of a mix of adult Sockeye Salmon from two middle Columbia River donor stocks, Lake Wenatchee (WEN) and Osoyoos Lake (OSO), with the goal of establishing a self-sustaining population in the basin. In 2017, a subset of the transplanted population was radio-tagged and monitored to assess stock-specific responses to transplanting, including downstream entrainment at Cle Elum Dam (“fallback”) and prespawn mortality. Tagged fish were active during the first 2 weeks after release. Some fish moved upstream into the Cle Elum River and then returned to the reservoir; other fish moved downstream and passed Cle Elum Dam. Movement within the study area diminished during August but increased in September when fish began migrating up the Cle Elum River for spawning. A greater proportion of WEN fish (76.3%) was detected entering the river compared to OSO fish (53.9%). The hazard ratio from a multistate analysis of fish behavior indicated that WEN fish were nine times more likely to enter the river than OSO fish. The WEN fish also initiated upstream movement 3 weeks earlier than OSO fish. We found that 27.0% of all tagged fish were lost to the spawning population through fallback (20.7%) and prespawn mortality (6.3%). Fallback and prespawn mortality occurred for a greater percentage of OSO fish (26.9% and 7.7%) than WEN fish (15.3% and 5.1%), but these differences were not statistically different. These results provide foundational information from the early phase of a reintroduction effort. Continued monitoring will be required as Sockeye Salmon evolve to conditions upstream of Cle Elum Dam, and results from these efforts will provide valuable insights for this reintroduction effort and others in river systems with similar characteristics.
The anti‐money laundering and counter financing of terrorism policy in Pakistan: Is it truly combating or just a high‐level desk work bureaucracy?
Authors: Sultan Nasir , Mohamed Norazida , Bashir Muhammad Adnan , Bashir Muhammad Farhan
Published: July 2021

To combat money laundering (ML)/terrorist financing (TF), Pakistan has joined the Asia Pacific Group in May 2000. Pakistan has ratified and adopted twenty United Nations conventions and resolutions on organized and related crimes. However, these efforts were futile due to deficient legislation and insubstantial implementation caused by a lack of political commitment and will. Although a multi‐agency approach for investigation and enforcement is in place to fight against ML/TF, the geographical location and variety of Pakistan's borders are natural obstacles in implementing a sustainable anti‐money laundering (AML)/counter financing of terrorism regime. Further, the mutual evaluation report stated that Anti‐money Laundering Act (AMLA) 2010's development demonstrates many inconsistencies and deficiencies, resulting in a feeble AML regime. FTAF has endorsed flaws in AMLA and related laws pointed by APG. Pakistan has convicted only one launderer on the implementation front, and assets confiscation is also negligible under AMLA. Moreover, without clarity and harmonization in AMLA, Pakistan finds it difficult to secure a stable position in financial action task force (FATF).
Utilization of opioid versus non‐opioid analgesics in Medicaid and CHIP enrolled children with current asthma
Authors: Nair Abhishek A. , Farber Harold J. , Chen Hua
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Opioid analgesics are frequently dispensed in children despite its known risk in children with a compromised airway function. The objectives of the study were to assess the prevalence of opioid analgesic dispensing in children with current asthma and to identify patient and prescriber factors associated with the dispensing of opioid versus non‐opioid analgesics.

Methods

Children <18 years of age, having current asthma and receiving an incident analgesic prescription were identified from a large Medicaid Managed Care Plan during years 2013 through 2018. Current asthma was defined as both receiving an asthma diagnosis and filling an anti‐asthmatic medication during the 12‐month period prior to the analgesic medication initiation. A scoring algorithm was applied to associate analgesic prescription with procedures and diagnoses according to perceived need for analgesia and time proximity.

Results

Of the 9529 children meeting the inclusion criteria, 2681 (28.1%) received an opioid prescription. Opioid analgesic dispensing was most common among children who had an outpatient surgery/procedure (29.4%), trauma (19.4%) dental procedure (18.4%), and respiratory infection (10.6%). Multivariable analysis indicated that non‐Hispanic Black (AOR: 0.39[0.3–0.5]) and Hispanic (AOR: 0.51[0.4–0.6]) children were less likely to receive an opioid analgesic compared to their non‐Hispanic White counterparts. Children with prior history of asthma‐related emergency department visit (AOR: 1.24[1.0–1.5]) and short acting beta agonist overuse (AOR: 1.33[1.1–1.7]) were more likely to fill an opioid analgesic prescription than those without.

Conclusion

Opioid analgesics are frequently dispensed to children with asthma. A higher dispensing rate was observed among non‐Hispanic White children and among those with a history of uncontrolled asthma.
Research on a strengthening method and mechanism of expanding polypropylene pipe
Authors: Ji Huajian , Wang Yu , Zhu Huihao , Ni Hui , Ma Yulu , Xie Linsheng
Published: July 2021

The expansion of deformation‐induced crystallization of polypropylene (PP) pipes was studied. The crystal structure and melting characteristics of the samples after expanding at different expansion strains and expansion temperatures were analyzed. The results showed that the crystallinity was improved when the PP pipes were expanded, and the expansion effect made the crystal structure more perfect while the expanding temperature did not exceed the crystallization temperature. However, once expanding temperature exceeded crystallization temperature, some β lamellae crystal were stretched and transformed into α crystals structure. It showed that the expansion effect could cause the crystal phase transformation of the sample. In addition, when the expanding strain was less than 15%, the β crystal diffraction peak intensity of the sample decreased, but the α crystal diffraction peak intensity increased, and the original sparse distribution lamellae structure gradually became compact. With the expanding strain continued to increase, the oriented molecular chains underwent stress relaxation, which hindered the conversion of β crystals to α crystals. The oriented crystal structure formed by the crystal phase transformation made the PP pipe have excellent tensile and impact strength. As a result, the hoop tensile strength is increased by 13%, and the impact strengths are increased by 36%.