bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pushing boundaries: Advocacy evaluation and real‐time learning in an HIV prevention research advocacy coalition in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Dasmariñas Jules , Schlangen Rhonda
Published: September 2021

Evaluation processes that facilitate learning among advocates must be nimble, creative, and meaningful while transcending putative performance and accountability management. This article describes the experience, lessons, and trajectory of one such approach, Simple, Participatory Assessment of Real Change (SPARC), that a transnational HIV prevention research advocacy coalition pilot‐tested in sub‐Saharan Africa. Inspired by the pioneering work of the outcome harvesting (OH) and participatory evaluation community, we recuperate advocates' centrality as storytellers, sense‐makers, and strategists in advocacy evaluation and describe how we recalibrated SPARC to meet their evaluation and learning needs. This article highlights the normative value of deliberative discourse in evaluation as it contributes to the interpretation of OH and the enrichment of the theory and practice of advocacy evaluation.
Who puts the value in Evaluation? The need for self‐reflection and transparency in advocacy and policy change evaluation
Authors: Taylor‐Schiro ‐ Biidabinikwe Elizabeth , Cram Aneta
Published: September 2021

Advocacy and policy change evaluators navigate uniquely complex environments, made up of layers with many moving parts, and are actors typically in highly political spaces. Evaluators bring their unique components to the evaluation in the form of values, biases, and belief systems that are continually constructing the identities they take on within these environments. In turn, those identities influence which roles evaluators will take, such as collaborator or advocate, and bring biases that have the potential to impact their behavior and decision‐making as they evaluate advocacy and policy change endeavors. The authors of this article discuss how evaluator identity, role, and bias can impact advocacy and policy change evaluation; as well as describe how power and privilege may show up in advocacy and policy change evaluation praxis. The authors then challenge the reader to engage with teachings from Indigenous Evaluation practices that are naturally grounded in advocacy principles and employ reflexivity as a means of ensuring that their work is culturally responsive and supports the minimization of unintended harm. Finally, the authors present a reflexivity framework with the hope that this will support advocacy and policy change evaluation practitioners to be more intentional in how they critically reflect on their work, the layers of complexity in advocacy and policy change, and how their values and biases might be impacting their evaluation practice. The reflexivity framework serves to support the practice and incite further discussion on the use of reflexivity as a normal part of advocacy and policy change evaluation.
Recession forecasting with high‐dimensional data
Authors: Nevasalmi Lauri
Published: September 2021

In this paper, a large amount of different financial and macroeconomic variables are used to predict the U.S. recession periods. We propose a new cost‐sensitive extension to the gradient boosting model, which can take into account the class imbalance problem of the binary response variable. The class imbalance, caused by the scarcity of recession periods in our application, is a problem that is emphasized with high‐dimensional datasets. Our empirical results show that the introduced cost‐sensitive extension outperforms the traditional gradient boosting model in both in‐sample and out‐of‐sample forecasting. Among the large set of candidate predictors, different types of interest rate spreads turn out to be the most important predictors when forecasting U.S. recession periods.
Firm dynamics and bankruptcy processes: A new theoretical model
Authors: Çelik Şaban , Aktan Bora , Burton Bruce
Published: September 2021

This paper introduces a theoretical model that relates firm dynamics to bankruptcy processes on both univariate and multivariate bases. The distinctiveness of the study lies in the estimation of default using a framework where firm dynamics are linked to the bankruptcy process itself. The structure builds on theoretical relations among the constructs viewed from a perspective sufficiently wide to demonstrate value addition and dilution. The univariate‐based estimation results indicate that the variables determined via the model successfully differentiate distressed firms from non‐distressed and other firms, although the evidence from the multivariate analysis facilitate a 90%+ correct distressed/non‐distressed classification rate for both 1‐ and 2‐year periods. The findings provide a road map for selecting the most appropriate default prediction variables and identifying the role of each in the prediction process. The prediction accuracy of the model does not depend solely upon statistical techniques but also reflects each variable's theoretical underpinning. The model is shown to be useful for firm rating in general and credit approval decisions in particular.
A novel deep learning model based on convolutional neural networks for employee churn prediction
Authors: Pekel Ozmen Ebru , Ozcan Tuncay
Published: September 2021

Employees are one of the most important resources of a company. The churn of valuable employees significantly affects a company's performance. The design of systems that predict employee churn is critical importance for companies. At this point, machine learning algorithms offer important opportunities for the diagnosis of employee churn. Nowadays, traditional classification algorithms have been replaced by deep learning models. In this study, firstly, a convolutional neural network (CNN) model was applied on a numerical data set for employee churn prediction in retailing. Later, because the data loss is too much in data transformations, a new hybrid extended convolutional decision tree model (ECDT) was proposed by improving the CNN algorithm. Finally, a novel model (ECDT‐GRID) was developed by applying grid search optimization to improve the classification accuracy of ECDT. Numerical results showed that the developed ECDT‐GRID model outperformed the CNN and ECDT models and basic classification algorithms in terms of classification accuracy, and this model provided an efficient methodology for prediction of employee churn.
Mixed data sampling regression: Parameter selection of smoothed least squares estimator
Authors: Toker Selma , Özbay Nimet , Månsson Kristofer
Published: September 2021

We investigate mixed data sampling (MIDAS) regression models, which include time series data sampled at different frequencies. MIDAS framework introduced by Ghysels et al. (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007) comprises diverse lag structures that are employed for parameterizing the regression model. Since some specific parametric functions are utilized, MIDAS is a parametric approach and thus nonlinear least squares (NLS) technique is used to estimate the parameters. In this parametric approach, the shape of the lag distribution is controlled by an arbitrary class of parametric functions, but unfortunately, inaccurate approximations of the lag distribution may arise under such a circumstance. Breitung and Roling (2015) suggested a nonparametric approach as a solution to this complication. The product of this approach is smoothed least squares (SLS) estimator which depends on a smoothing parameter. The main objective of this paper is to solve the complexity of selecting this parameter. We offer various selection methods for the smoothing parameter to enhance the performance of the SLS estimator. A Monte Carlo simulation is conducted to test the effect of different choices of the smoothing parameter on the performance of the SLS estimator by means of both in‐sample and out‐of‐sample forecasting. Additionally, we carry out a data analysis where future values of gross domestic product are forecasted by unemployment rate.
Fundamental index aligned and excess market return predictability
Authors: Ze‐To Samuel YM
Published: September 2021

We document the significant predictive power of an aligned fundamental index for aggregate excess stock market returns. The index incorporates the major financial indicators used by Piotroski (2000) and eliminates the idiosyncratic error components of individual indicators using the partial least squares approach modified by Kelly and Pruitt (2015). Our proposed fundamental index outperforms the aggregate financial score index of Piotroski (2000) and the equally weighted financial index in predicting returns for both in‐sample and out‐of‐sample tests. The aligned financial index also provides significant forecasting power for future market returns after controlling for the major economic variables. The proposed index persistently exhibits strong return forecasting power for longer time horizons and generates higher certainty equivalent gain for risk‐averse investors. The positive relations between the proposed index and future returns of portfolios sorted by momentum, book‐to‐market ratio, and company size are all significant.
Fossil Pagiophyllum from the Lower Cretaceous of Jiuquan Basin, Gansu Province, and its palaeoenvironmental implications
Authors: Li Ai‐Jing , Lei Xiang‐Tong , Ma Guo‐Rong , Hui Jian‐Guo , Zhang Jing , Jin Pei‐Hong , Du Bao‐Xia
Published: September 2021

Pagiophyllum compressum (Deng and Lu) was described based on the leaf morphological and cuticular features from the Lower Cretaceous (late Aptian—early Albian) Zhonggou Formation of Jiuquan Basin, Gansu Province, North‐west China. P. compressum has helically and tightly arranged leaves appressed on the ultimate shoots, which are imbricated shapes. The epidermal cells are square or rectangular, without papillae on the periclinal walls. The stomatal apparatus is elliptic and composed of 4–7 subsidiary cells arranged in two or three longitudinal rows on the middle part of the leaves. The present specimens may be related to Araucariaceae based on the cluster analysis of morphological features. By summarizing the global distribution of the Pagiophyllum in the Late Jurassic and Cretaceous, it has been found that Pagiophyllum can live in both tropical‐equatorial hot arid belt and humid climate zone of middle and high latitudes, confirming that Pagiophyllum has an extensive habitat.
Connectivity gradients on tractography data: Pipeline and example applications
Authors: Blazquez Freches Guilherme , Haak Koen V. , Beckmann Christian F. , Mars Rogier B.
Published: September 2021

Gray matter connectivity can be described in terms of its topographical organization, but the differential role of white matter connections underlying that organization is often unknown. In this study, we propose a method for unveiling principles of organization of both gray and white matter based on white matter connectivity as assessed using diffusion magnetic ressonance imaging (MRI) tractography with spectral embedding gradient mapping. A key feature of the proposed approach is its capacity to project the individual connectivity gradients it reveals back onto its input data in the form of projection images, allowing one to assess the contributions of specific white matter tracts to the observed gradients. We demonstrate the ability of our proposed pipeline to identify connectivity gradients in prefrontal and occipital gray matter. Finally, leveraging the use of tractography, we demonstrate that it is possible to observe gradients within the white matter bundles themselves. Together, the proposed framework presents a generalized way to assess both the topographical organization of structural brain connectivity and the anatomical features driving it.
Flexible Bayesian longitudinal models for cost‐effectiveness analyses with informative missing data
Authors: Mason Alexina J. , Gomes Manuel , Carpenter James , Grieve Richard
Published: September 2021

Cost‐effectiveness analyses (CEA) are recommended to include sensitivity analyses which make a range of contextually plausible assumptions about missing data. However, with longitudinal data on, for example, patients' health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), the missingness patterns can be complicated because data are often missing both at specific timepoints (interim missingness) and following loss to follow‐up. Methods to handle these complex missing data patterns have not been developed for CEA, and must recognize that data may be missing not at random, while accommodating both the correlation between costs and health outcomes and the non‐normal distribution of these endpoints. We develop flexible Bayesian longitudinal models that allow the impact of interim missingness and loss to follow‐up to be disentangled. This modeling framework enables studies to undertake sensitivity analyses according to various contextually plausible missing data mechanisms, jointly model costs and outcomes using appropriate distributions, and recognize the correlation among these endpoints over time. We exemplify these models in the REFLUX study in which 52% of participants had HRQoL data missing for at least one timepoint over the 5‐year follow‐up period. We provide guidance for sensitivity analyses and accompanying code to help future studies handle these complex forms of missing data.
Pharmaceutical opioid marketing and physician prescribing behavior
Authors: Beilfuss Svetlana , Linde Sebastian
Published: September 2021

Physicians' relationships with the pharmaceutical industry have recently come under public scrutiny, particularly in the context of opioid drug prescribing. This study examines the effect of doctor‐industry marketing interactions on subsequent prescribing patterns of opioids using linked Medicare Part D and Open Payments data for the years 2014–2017. Results indicate that both the number and the dollar‐value of marketing visits increase physicians' patented opioid claims. Furthermore, direct‐to‐physician marketing of safer abuse‐deterrent formulations of opioids is the primary driver of positive and persistent spillovers on the prescribing of less safe generic opioids ‐ a result that we show appears to be driven by insurance coverage policies. These findings suggest that pharmaceutical marketing efforts may have unintended public health implications.
Generation of neutrophil extracellular traps in patients with acute liver failure is associated with poor outcome
Authors: von Meijenfeldt Fien A. , Stravitz R. Todd , Zhang Jingwen , Adelmeijer Jelle , Zen Yoh , Durkalski Valerie , Lee William M. , Lisman Ton
Published: September 2021

Background and Aims

Acute liver failure (ALF) is characterized by significant changes in the hemostatic system and by systemic inflammation. The formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), in which an activated neutrophil expels its DNA, histones, and granular enzymes, such as myeloperoxidase (MPO), has been associated with immune‐mediated and thrombotic diseases. We hypothesized that formation of NETs in patients with ALF contributes to progression of disease.

Approach and Results

A total of 676 patients with ALF (international normalized ratio [INR], ≥1.5) or severe acute liver injury (ALI; INR, ≥2.0) were recruited from the U.S. ALF Study Group Registry between 2011 and 2018, of whom 308 patients (45.6%) had acetaminophen‐induced ALF. Up to 21 days after admission, 483 patients (71.5%) survived without liver transplantation (LT). Levels of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) and the specific NET marker MPO‐DNA complexes were measured in plasma samples obtained on admission and compared to levels in healthy controls. In addition, liver tissue obtained at transplantation of 20 ALF patients was stained for NETs. Levels of cfDNA were 7.1‐fold, and MPO‐DNA complexes 2.5‐fold, higher in patients with ALF compared to healthy controls. cfDNA levels were not associated with 21‐day transplant‐free survival, but were higher in those patients with more‐severe disease on admission, as reflected by various laboratory and clinical parameters. MPO‐DNA levels were 30% higher in patients with ALF who died or required urgent LT. Liver tissue of ALF patients stained positive for NETs in 12 of 18 evaluable patients.

Conclusions

Here, we provide evidence for NET formation in patients with ALF. Elevated plasma levels of MPO‐DNA complexes in patients with ALF were associated with poor outcome, which suggests that NET formation contributes to disease progression.
Multiple slip effects on nanofluid dissipative flow in a converging/diverging channel: A numerical study
Authors: Bég O. Anwar , Bég Tasveer , Khan W. A. , Uddin M. J.
Published: September 2021

A mathematical model is developed for viscous slip flow and heat transfer in water/Ethylene glycol‐based nanofluids containing metallic oxide nanoparticles, through a converging/diverging channel. We adopt the single‐phase Tiwari–Das model. The governing equations are transformed to a set of similarity differential equations with the help of similarity transformation, before being solved numerically using Maple 20. Validation of the velocity gradient and temperature solutions is achieved with the second‐order implicit finite difference Keller Box method. Further validation is included for the special case of no‐slip nanofluid flow in the absence of viscous heating. The effects of the parameters, namely velocity slip, thermal jump, channel apex angle, Eckert number, Prandtl number, Reynolds number, and nano‐particle volume fraction on velocity, temperature, skin friction, and heat transfer rate are investigated in detail. It is found that with increasing velocity slip, for water‐TiO2 and ethylene glycol‐TiO2 nanofluids, the channel bulk flow is decelerated whilst with greater solid (nanoparticle) volume and in the presence of momentum slip, the flow is also retarded. With the increasing semivertex angle, the channel flow is generally accelerated. An increase in divergent semiangle leads to decelerate the flow from the centerline for the core flow region, whereas near and at the channel wall, it results in a weak acceleration. Higher temperatures are achieved with greater thermal slip values, for both water‐TiO2 and ethylene glycol‐TiO2 nanofluids, whereas for greater nanoparticle volume fraction, temperatures are weakly decreased for water‐TiO2 whereas a more significant decrease is observed for ethylene glycol‐TiO2 nanofluid. With a greater diverging channel angle, a substantial decrease in temperatures is caused by greater Reynolds numbers, and the reverse effect is computed for the converging channel. The novelty of the current work is that it extends previous studies to include multiple slip effects and viscous heating (Eckert number effects), which are shown to exert a significant influence on heat and momentum transfer characteristics. The study is relevant to certain pharmaco‐dynamics devices (drug delivery), next‐generation 3D nanotechnological printers, and also nano‐cooling systems in energy engineering where laminar flows in diverging/converging channels arise
Revised runoff curve number for runoff prediction in the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Shi Wenhai , Wang Ni , Wang Miaomiao , Li Donghao
Published: September 2021

The soil conservation service (now Natural Resources Conservation Service) Curve Number (SCS‐CN), one of the most commonly used methods for surface runoff prediction. The runoff calculated by this method was very sensitive to CN values. In this study, CN values were calculated by both arithmetic mean (CN_C) and least square fit method (CN_F) using observed rainfall‐runoff data from 43 sites in the Loess Plateau region, which are considerably different from the CN2 values obtained from the USDA‐SCS handbook table (CN_T). The results showed that using CN_C instead of CN_T for each watershed produce little improvement, while replacing CN_T with CN_F improves the performance of the original SCS‐CN method, but still performs poorly in most study sites. This is mainly due to the SCS‐CN method using a constant CN value and discounting of the temporal variation in rainfall‐runoff process. Therefore, three factors—soil moisture, rainfall depth and intensity—affecting the surface runoff variability are considered to reflect the variation of CN in each watershed, and a new CN value was developed. The reliability of the proposed method was tested with data from 38 watersheds, and then applied to the remaining five typical watersheds using the optimized parameters. The results indicated that the proposed method, which boosted the model efficiencies to 81.83% and 74.23% during calibration and validation cases, respectively, performed better than the original SCS‐CN and the Shi and Wang (2020b) method, a modified SCS‐CN method based on tabulated CN value. Thus, the proposed method incorporating the influence of the temporal variability of soil moisture, rainfall depth, and intensity factors suggests an accurate runoff prediction for general applications under different hydrological and climatic conditions on the Loess Plateau region.
Determining transition reaches between torrents and downstream rivers using a valley morphology index in a mountainous landscape
Authors: Kuo Cheng‐Wei , Tfwala Samkele , Chen Su‐Chin , An Hsuan‐Pei , Chu Fang‐Yi
Published: September 2021

Dividing rivers into homogeneous reaches is key for river processes and watershed management. In contrast to downstream fluvially dominated rivers, upstream debris‐flow dominated torrents have steeper channel slopes and smaller valley width/depth ratios. Investigating transition reaches between torrents and fluvially dominated rivers, not only explores the structure of the landscape, but also contributes to hazard management. This study proposed a valley morphology index combining two variables, channel slope and valley width/depth ratio, to determine transition reaches between torrents and rivers. The methodology was applied to 41 mountain streams in Taiwan using a Geographic Information System (GIS)‐based topographic analysis. Plots of valley width/depth ratio versus channel slope were used to determine boundary values of the valley morphology index (Iv) separating torrents from rivers. The plots showed that about 80% of the river basins present “L‐shaped” curves, which indicate sharp decreases in slope for upstream sections and dramatic increases of valley width/depth ratio for downstream sections. Results further demonstrated an average value ofIv0.0047 across the study sites. Spatial comparison between geographic regions indicated that transition reaches in eastern rivers tend to occur lower in the drainage basin due, in part, to higher terrain. Local factors, such as tributary confluences and landslides promote the transition from torrents to fluvially dominated rivers. Satellite images verified that the approach correctly identified transition reaches, suggesting that it may provide a useful reference for river management.
The Biscuit Brook and Neversink Reservoir watersheds: Long‐term investigations of stream chemistry, soil chemistry and aquatic ecology in the Catskill Mountains, New York, USA, 1983–2020
Authors: Murdoch Peter S. , Burns Douglas A. , McHale Michael R. , Siemion Jason , Baldigo Barry P. , Lawrence Gregory B. , George Scott D. , Antidormi Michael R. , Bonville Donald B.
Published: September 2021

This data note describes the Biscuit Brook and Neversink Reservoir watershed long‐term monitoring data that includes: 1) stream discharge, (1983–2020 for Biscuit Brook and 1937–2020 for the Neversink Reservoir watershed), 2) stream water chemistry, 1983–2020, at 4 stations, 3) fish survey data from 16 locations in the watershed 1990–2019, 4) soil chemistry data from 2 headwater sub‐watersheds, 1993–2012 and 5) periodic stream water chemistry sampling data from 364 locations throughout the watershed, 1983–2020. The Neversink Reservoir watershed in the Catskill Mountains of New York, USA drains an area of 172.5 km2. The watershed feeds one of six reservoirs in New York City's West of Hudson water supply, which accounts for about 90% of the city's water supply. Biscuit Brook is a 9.63 km2 tributary sub‐watershed within the Neversink Reservoir watershed.
Estimation of anisotropic hydraulic conductivity using geophysical data in a coastal aquifer of Karnataka, India
Authors: Bangalore Nagaraj Priyanka , Mandalagiri Subbarayappa Mohan Kumar , Jean‐Michel Vouillamoz , Hoareau Johan
Published: September 2021

Estimation of hydraulic parameters is essential to understand the interaction between groundwater flow and seawater intrusion. Though several studies have addressed hydraulic parameter estimation, based on pumping tests as well as geophysical methods, not many studies have addressed the problem with clayey formations being present. In this study, a methodology is proposed to estimate anisotropic hydraulic conductivity and porosity values for the coastal aquifer with unconsolidated formations. For this purpose, the one‐dimensional resistivity of the aquifer and the groundwater conductivity data are used to estimate porosity at discrete points. The hydraulic conductivity values are estimated by its mutual dependence with porosity and petrophysical parameters. From these estimated values, the bilinear relationship between hydraulic conductivity and aquifer resistivity is established based on the clay content of the sampled formation. The methodology is applied on a coastal aquifer along with the coastal Karnataka, India, which has significant clayey formations embedded in unconsolidated rock. The estimation of hydraulic conductivity values from the established correlations has a correlation coefficient of 0.83 with pumping test data, indicating good reliability of the methodology. The established correlations also enable the estimation of horizontal hydraulic conductivity on two‐dimensional resistivity sections, which was not addressed by earlier studies. The inventive approach of using the established bilinear correlations at one‐dimensional to two‐dimensional resistivity sections is verified by the comparison method. The horizontal hydraulic conductivity agrees with previous findings from inverse modelling. Additionally, this study provides critical insights into the estimation of vertical hydraulic conductivity and an equation is formulated which relates vertical hydraulic conductivity with horizontal. Based on the approach presented, the anisotropic hydraulic conductivity of any type aquifer with embedded clayey formations can be estimated. The anisotropic hydraulic conductivity has the potential to be used as an important input to the groundwater models.
Risk factors for immune‐related adverse events from anti‐PD‐1 or anti‐PD‐L1 treatment in an Asian cohort of nonsmall cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Huang Yiqing , Soon Yu Yang , Aminkeng Folefac , Tay Sen Hee , Ang Yvonne , Kee Adrian C. L. , Goh Boon Cher , Wong Alvin S. C. , Soo Ross A.
Published: September 2021

Immune‐related adverse events (IrAEs) of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can be serious and unpredictable. We examine the incidence rate and risk factors for IrAEs in an Asian cohort of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with immunotherapy. Between June 2014 and August 2020, we retrospectively analysed IrAEs in NSCLC patients treated with anti‐PD‐1 or anti‐PD‐L1 inhibitors at the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore. A Poisson regression model was used to estimate the effect of risk factors on incidence rate of any grade IrAEs. One hundred and forty‐one patients were enrolled. Median age was 63. Majority were male (67%) with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) PS 0‐1 (77%). More than half (56%) received pembrolizumab. Eleven percent harboured epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. Eighteen percent received concomitant chemotherapy. Median number of cycles was 4, and median duration of treatment was 2.1 months. IrAEs were seen in 71 (50.4%) patients, with an incidence rate of 99 events per 1000 person‐months. Fatigue (25%), rash (10.5%) and pneumonitis (7.9%) were the most common IrAEs. Twenty out of 152 IrAEs (13.2%) were Grade 3 or higher in severity: most common being pneumonitis (5.3%), fatigue (3.3%) and transaminitis (1.3%). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that concomitant chemotherapy use, higher BMI and presence of EGFR mutation are significant predictors for IrAEs (P < .0001; P = .016; P = .007). Our findings can help guide risk stratification and monitoring of IrAEs among NSCLC patients on immunotherapy.
Treatment of 120 adult osteosarcoma patients with metachronous and synchronous metastases: A retrospective series of the French Sarcoma Group
Authors: Lavit Elise , Aldea Mihaela , Piperno‐Neumann Sophie , Firmin Nelly , Italiano Antoine , Isambert Nicolas , Kurtz Jean‐Emmanuel , Delcambre Corinne , Lebrun Valérie , Soibinet‐Oudot Pauline , Chevreau Christine , Bompas Emmanuelle , Le Maignan Christine , Boudou‐Rouquette Pascaline , Le Cesne Axel , Mancini Julien , Blay Jean‐Yves , Duffaud Florence
Published: September 2021

Treatment options for metastatic osteosarcomas are scarce. Following failure of standard first line therapy, patients who relapse present a challenging treatment dilemma, and have a poor prognosis. Surgical removal of all metastases is essential. A retrospective analysis of patients with metastatic osteosarcomas was conducted in 15 French Sarcoma Group centers. From January 2009 to December 2018, we identified 120 adult patients; 36 with synchronous and 84 with metachronous metastases with 74 males and 46 females. Mean age was 30 years (18‐53). Metastatic sites were lung, bone and other in 91, 11 and 24 patients, respectively. Mean time to first metachronous metastases was 22 months (4‐97). All patients except 13 (10.8%) with metachronous metastases received a first line systemic treatment for relapse, and 39 patients (32.5%) were included in a clinical trial. Eighty‐one patients (67.5%) had local treatment of distant metastases. Median progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 5.5 (95% CI 4.6‐6.4) and 20.5 months (95% CI 13.2‐27.7) respectively for the overall group. In multivariate analysis, more than five metastases, time to first metastases <24 months, were statistically significant negative prognostic factors for OS and PFS (P = .002, ≤.001 and P = .006, ≤.001, respectively). Surgery of metastases was associated with better prognosis on OS and PFS (P = .001 and .037, respectively). The presence of bone metastases was a negative prognostic factor on OS but not on PFS (P = .021). In reference sarcoma centers, relapsed osteosarcoma patients with more than one metastasis commonly receive more than one line of systemic therapy, and are included in clinical trial if available.
A Beginner's Guide to Organic Semiconductor Photoelectrodes for the Reduction of Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Apaydin Dogukan H.
Published: September 2021

Organic semiconductors (OSCs) have been utilized in many applications like organic light emitting diodes, transistors, solar cells and biosensors. Their conjugated structure allows the transportation of electrons and holes through chain and between chains. Their band gap can be engineered to match certain parts of the absorption spectrum. OSCs also possess functional moieties that allow them to attach to certain surfaces or capture certain molecules like carbon dioxide. All these properties make OSCs ideal candidates to be utilized in catalytic applications. However, to this date OSCs have been seldomly exploited in photoelectrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide. This review aims to give insights to basics of photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction and shows examples of OSCs that are utilized for CO2RR as photoelectrocatalysts.
Mechanically Responsive Organic Crystals by Light
Authors: Koshima Hideko , Hasebe Shodai , Hagiwara Yuki , Asahi Toru
Published: September 2021

Mechanically responsive molecular crystals that exhibit macroscopic motions such as bending, twisting, and locomotion by light and heat have been studied intensively over the past decade. Photoisomerization has been applied to induce various motions, especially the bending of typical photochromic crystals, e. g., diarylethene and azobenzene. Phase transition is another mechanism underlying crystal actuation. Moreover, photothermal effect is a promising mechanism that has the potential to actuate any crystals that absorb light, including those for which actuation cannot be achieved by photoisomerization or phase transitions. Molecular crystals have an advantage over polymers and gels in terms of having a higher elastic modulus and stronger output force. However, previous studies of mechanical crystals have been limited mostly to basic research. There is a need to address the practical application of such mechanically responsive crystals in sensors, switches, actuators, and soft robots.
Incidence and disability‐adjusted life years of maternal disorders at the global, regional, and national levels from 2007 to 2017: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017
Authors: Huang Hui , Ma Junrong , Ling Shiliang , Han Liyuan , Jiang Guozhi , Xu Wenjie
Published: September 2021

Objective

To report the global burden of maternal disorders and their main subcategories in 195 countries and territories between 2007 and 2017.

Methods

The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2017 estimated maternal disease burden at global, regional, and country levels. Maternal disorders were disaggregated into 10 categories, and estimated incidence and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) of maternal disorders were reported separately. Indicators were estimated in different geographic settings and different sociodemographic index (SDI) regions. Based on GBD 2017 estimates, we systematically examined the incidence and DALYs of maternal disorders and their main subcategories at the global, regional, and national levels during the period from 2007 to 2017 by age and SDI.

Results

Globally, a total of 7.98 million maternal disorders occurred in 2017, with a 4.33% (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 3.24%–5.60%) decrease in age‐standardized incidence rate and a more significant decrease (30.26%) in the age‐standardized rate of DALYs. Most incidences and DALYs were found in low‐income and middle‐income countries, especially in the sub‐Saharan region. The greatest incidence of maternal disorders was found to be in maternal abortion and miscarriage (2.00 million), and the highest disease burden was in maternal hemorrhage (2.23 million).

Conclusion

A slight increase in the incidence of maternal disorders and substantial reductions in DALYs of overall maternal disorders and their main subcategories were found from 2007 to 2017, especially in low‐income countries and the sub‐Saharan region. Maternal hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, and indirect maternal death were the top three causes of maternal disorders disease burden.
Simultaneous use of high‐volume Foley catheter (60 ml) and misoprostol for labor induction in nulliparous women: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Soni Anjali , Sharma Aarti , Sharma Chanderdeep , Verma Suresh
Published: September 2021

Objective

To examine the simultaneous effect of high‐volume Foley catheter (HVFC) (60 ml) and vaginal misoprostol on labor induction in nulliparous women.

Methods

A randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial was conducted among nulliparous post‐date (>40 weeks) pregnant women between June and December 2019. At enrollment 100 women were randomized into each group (either HVFC and vaginal misoprostol or low‐volume Foley catheter [LVFC] [30 ml] and vaginal misoprostol), for labor induction. Demographic and clinical data were collected at enrollment and delivery.

Results

Women in the HVFC group had statistically significantly shorter induction to delivery interval (median 860 min, interquartile range [IQR] 840–940 min vs. 1160 min, IQR 1080–1320 min, P < 0.001) and duration of labor (median 615 min, IQR 600–680 min vs. 750, IQR 692.5–800 min, P < 0.001). Mode of vaginal delivery (n = 94 vs. n = 78, P = 0.002), number of doses of misoprostol required (median 2, IQR 1–2 vs. 2, IQR 1–3), and need of oxytocin augmentation (n = 22 vs. n = 39, P = 0.014 and P < 0.001), was significantly better in the HVFC group. However, there was no significant difference with respect to other maternal or neonatal outcomes.

Conclusion

Simultaneous use of HVFC and vaginal misoprostol for labor induction significantly shortens the induction to delivery interval and duration of labor in nulliparous women.

Trial Registration

Clinical Trial Registry of India CTRI/2019/05/019394 (http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?trialid=31554&EncHid=&userName=Foley%20catheter).
Predictive value of peripheral blood α1‐acid glycoprotein in medical abortion outcomes with mifepristone and relativity of concentration
Authors: Li Fuyao , Shou Yueyao , Zhu Ruru , Chen Xiue , Shi Beibei
Published: September 2021

Objective

To illustrate the predictive value of peripheral blood α1‐acid glycoprotein (AAG) in abortion outcomes with mifepristone and the relativity of concentration.

Methods

A total of 134 patients who met the criteria were enrolled. The AAG and mifepristone concentrations were determined, and Student's t‐test was used to assess significant differences in the levels of AAG between the complete and incomplete abortion groups.

Results

The decrease in AAG concentration was associated with incomplete abortion, whereas the increase in AAG concentration was related to complete abortion (P < 0.01). In addition, the concentration of AAG was correlated with the concentration of mifepristone (r = 0.7375, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our preliminary results suggest that AAG may serve as a biomarker for the prediction of incomplete abortions.
Gene expression network related to DNA methylation and miRNA regulation during the process of aflatoxin B1‐induced malignant transformation of L02 cells
Authors: Zhao Ji , Chen Hong‐Qiang , Yang Hui‐Fang , Li Xiao‐Yu , Liu Wen‐Bin
Published: September 2021

Aflatoxin is a secondary metabolite secreted by Aspergillus flavus, parasitic Aspergillus, and other fungi through the polyketone pathway, and it can be detected in many foods. Aflatoxin has strong toxicity and carcinogenicity, and many studies have shown that aflatoxin is highly associated with liver cancer. In the present study, malignant transformation of L02 cells was induced by aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), and the gene expression, miRNA expression, and methylation level were detected by high‐throughput sequencing. The gene and miRNA expression results showed that 2547 genes and 315 miRNAs were changed in the AFB1‐treated group compared with the DMSO group. Among them, RSAD2 and SCIN were significantly upregulated, whereas TRAPPC3L and UBE2L6 were significantly downregulated. Has‐miR‐33b‐3p was significantly upregulated, whereas Has‐miR‐3613‐5p was significantly downregulated. The methylation results showed that 2832 CpG sites were methylated on the promoter or coding DNA sequence (CDS) of the gene, whereas the expression of DNMT3a and DNMT3b was significantly upregulated. Moreover, hypermethylation occurred in TRAPPC3L, CDH13, and SPINK13. The results of GO and KEGG pathway analyses showed that significantly changed genes and miRNAs were mainly involved in tumor formation, proliferation, invasion, and migration. The results of network map analysis showed that Hsa‐miR‐3613‐5p, Hsa‐miR‐615‐5p, Hsa‐miR‐615‐3p, and Hsa‐miR‐3158‐3p were the key miRNAs for malignant transformation of L02 cells induced by AFB1. In addition, the expression of ONECUT2, RAP1GAP2, and FSTL4 was regulated by DNA methylation and miRNAs. These results suggested that the gene expression network regulated by DNA methylation and miRNAs may play a vital role in AFB1‐induced hepatocellular carcinoma.
Efficacy of peripheral arterial access for peripheral blood stem cells collection
Authors: Tian Min , Li Xiangmin , Liu Feng , Xu Dongmei , Sun Lanlan , Li Qiuhuan , Ling Yue , Bai Yingxue , Wu Xiaoling , Liu Yun , Qiao Jianhong
Published: September 2021

Background

Transplantation of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) mobilized by cytokines is increasingly applied to treat patients with hematologic diseases, such as lymphoma, multiple myeloma, leukemia, etc. Successful hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) increasingly depends on the collection of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from peripheral blood. Peripheral vein (PV) is the most common type of blood access. When the blood vessels are not well filled and the blood flow is insufficient, the machine will appear repeated low pressure alarm or pipeline coagulation, which seriously affects the collection efficiency. A peripheral artery (PA) is utilized for drawing blood, while a peripheral vein is used for blood return, that is a way to perform apheresis. The advantages of PA are that it ensures adequate extracorporeal circulation blood flow, stable blood flow rate, simple operation, and relatively low price. However, there are very few studies on the efficacy of peripheral arterial access for HSCs collection. Therefore, this retrospective study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of PA and PV access for PBSCs collection.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 150 apheresis procedures on 26 patients and 95 healthy donors collected by PV or PA access from March 1, 2020 to March 1, 2021. We compared the CD34+ cell count, collection efficiency (CE), duration of processing a single blood volume, number of low‐pressure alarms, average blood flow rate and number of punctures between the two groups. Also, we analyzed adverse events.

Results

There was no significant difference in the quality of apheresis blood components between the PA group and the PV group. The CD34+ cells collected was 274.16 ± 216.31 × 106 in the PV group and 246.63 ± 127.94 × 106 in the PA group. The CE in the PA group was 49.50 ± 9.88%, higher than 42.39 ± 14.62% in the PV group. The duration of processing a single blood volume was 90.67 ± 15.35 min in the PV group and 79.68 ± 10.28 min in the PA group. The number of low‐pressure alarms in the PA group was 0.38 ± 0.98, <2.42 ± 1.76 in the PV group, and the average blood flow rate in the PA group was 59.27 ± 2.18, higher than 54.21 ± 3.41 in the PV group. The difference was statistically significant (P < .05). The Number of punctures was 1.35 ± 0.75 in the PA group and 1.41 ± 1.01 in the PV group. There was no statistically significant difference.

Conclusion

Peripheral artery is a safe, reliable, economical, convenient, and fast vascular access, which opens a new way to the establishment of vascular access for PBSCs collection.
Quick screening of true tyrosinase inhibitors from natural products using tyrosinase‐immobilized magnetic nanoparticles and a magnetic microplate: Part II melanogenesis bioactivity
Authors: Tsai Hwei‐yan , Hsieh Chih‐Chung , Chang Yun‐Ching , Lin Yi‐ching , Chen Sung‐Fang
Published: September 2021

We previously reported a rapid method for screening true tyrosinase inhibitors. Here, the identified active component from litchi flower extract was further confirmed using a tyrosinase inhibitory assay and inhibitory effects on melanogenesis of murine melanoma B16‐F1 cell to prove its bioactivity. This is the first report regarding the inhibitory effect of abscisic acid on melanogenesis. The crude extraction of litchi flower showed some degree of cell toxicity. This report would also like to remind people who want to use crude extraction of herbs to carefully check their toxicological test reports.
N‐6 methylation‐related lncRNA is potential signature in lung adenocarcinoma and influences tumor microenvironment
Authors: Zheng Jian , Zhao Zhuochen , Wan Junhu , Guo Manman , Wang Yangxia , Yang Zhengwu , Li Zhuofang , Ming Liang , Qin Zhaobing
Published: September 2021

Background

N‐6 methylation (m6A) pushes forward an immense influence on the occurrence and development of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, the methylation on non‐coding RNA in LUAD, especially long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA), has not been received sufficient attention.

Methods

Spearman correlation analysis was used to screen lncRNA correlated with m6A regulators expression from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) repositories, respectively. Then, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was applied to build a risk signature consisting m6A‐related lncRNA. Univariate and multivariate independent prognostic analysis were applied to evaluate the performance of signature in predicting patients' survival. Next, we applied Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to conduct pathway enrichment analysis of 3344 different expression genes (DEGs). Finally, we set up a competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) network to this lncRNA.

Results

A total of 85 common lncRNAs were selected to acquire the components related to prognosis. The final risk signature established by LASSO regression contained 11 lncRNAs: ARHGEF26‐AS1, COLCA1, CRNDE, DLGAP1‐AS2, FENDRR, LINC00968, TMPO‐AS1, TRG‐AS1, MGC32805, RPARP‐AS1, and TBX5‐AS1. M6A‐related lncRNA risk score could predict the prognostic of LUAD and was significantly associated with clinical pathological. And in the evaluation of lung adenocarcinoma tumor microenvironment (TME) by using ESTIMATE algorithm, we found a statistically significant correlation between risk score and stromal/immune cells.

Conclusion

M6A‐related lncRNA was a potential prognostic and therapy target for lung adenocarcinoma.
Expression of fatty acid‐binding protein‐4 in gastrointestinal stromal tumors and its significance for prognosis
Authors: Zang Wei‐Jie , Wang Zi‐Niu , Hu Yi‐Lin , Huang Hua , Ma Peng
Published: September 2021

Background

Fatty acid‐binding proteins (FABPs) have been found to be involved in tumorigenesis and development. However, the role of FABP4, a member of the FABPs, in GISTs (Gastrointestinal stromal tumors) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the expression of FABP4 and its prognostic value in GISTs.

Methods

FABP4 expression in 125 patients with GISTs was evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis of tissue microarrays. The relationship between FABP4 expression and clinicopathological features and prognosis of GISTs was analyzed.

Results

Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that expression of FABP4 correlated with tumor size and mitotic index. Furthermore, FABP4 level, tumor size, mitotic index, and high AFIP‐Miettinen risk were independent prognostic factors in GISTs. The Kaplan‐Meier survival curve showed that the 5‐year survival rate of patients with high‐FABP4 expression GISTs was lower.

Conclusions

These results suggested that high‐FABP4 expression might be a marker of malignant phenotype of GISTs and poor prognosis.
Utilizing the couple relationship to prevent suicide: A preliminary examination of Treatment for Relationships and Safety Together
Authors: Khalifian Chandra E. , Leifker Feea R. , Knopp Kayla , Wilks Chelsey R. , Depp Colin , Glynn Shirley , Bryan Craig , Morland Leslie A.
Published: September 2021

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility, preliminary effects, and acceptability of the first comprehensive couple‐based treatment for suicide, called Treatment for Relationships and Safety Together (TR&ST).

Method

In a preliminary examination, five couples (N = 10) participated in 10 weekly sessions of TR&ST. All couples included a veteran who reported active suicidal ideation at baseline and their partner. Couples completed measures of relationship functioning, perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belonging, and suicidal ideation at baseline, mid‐treatment, and posttreatment.

Results

TR&ST was feasible to deliver. Veteran and partner relationship functioning improved and veteran perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belonging, and suicidal ideation decreased. There were no suicide related behaviors, hospitalizations, or crisis line calls during the study. TR&ST seemed acceptable to couples (100% retention and high satisfaction ratings).

Conclusion

Couple‐based suicide prevention may provide an additional avenue for suicide prevention in veterans.