bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy‐efficient compressive sensing for multi‐target tracking in wireless visual sensor networks
Authors: Najimi Maryam , Sadeghi Vahideh Sadat
Published: July 2022

Wireless visual sensor networks (WVSN) have vital roles in surveillance applications. In these networks, wireless visual sensors include camera and transceiver module and collect visual information. However, energy consumption and coverage of the tracked targets are important challenges in WVSNs since increasing the coverage leads to increasing energy consumption. Therefore, energy optimization and satisfying the quality of experience (QoE) of the tracked targets are essential issues in these networks. In fact, the appropriate focal length setting leads to increasing the target coverage and quality of the captured targets' images and energy consumption. Therefore, selection of the suitable visual sensors and setting their focal length can overcome the energy consumption challenges and improve QoE of the tracked targets. In this case, compressive sensing is also expected to overcome the battery constraints of the WVSN resources. In this paper, the problem is to minimize the energy consumption of the multi‐target tracking with high reliability, while the coverage and also the quality of the received image of the targets are satisfied by selection of the proper visual sensors and the focal length adjustment. The convex optimization method is used to solve the problem. Also, based on the Karush‐Kuhn‐Tucker conditions, the optimal solution for the problem is obtained. Simulation results validate the efficiency of the proposed method in comparison with the other bench mark algorithms.
Biogeographic features mediate marine subsidies to island food webs
Authors: Obrist Debora S. , Hanly Patrick J. , Brown Norah E. M. , Ernst Christopher M. , Wickham Sara B. , Fitzpatrick Owen T. , Kennedy Jeremiah C. , Nijland Wiebe , Reshitnyk Luba Y. , Darimont Chris T. , Starzomski Brian M. , Reynolds John D.
Published: July 2022

Although marine subsidies often enrich terrestrial ecosystems, their influence is known to be context‐dependent. Additionally, the multitrophic impact of marine subsidies has not been traced through food webs across physically diverse islands. Here, we test predictions about how island characteristics can affect marine enrichment of food web constituents and how nutrients flow through island food webs. To evaluate enrichment and trace marine nutrients across food webs, we used stable isotopes of soil, flora, and fauna (n = 4752 samples) collected from 97 islands in British Columbia, Canada. Island area was the strongest predictor of enrichment across taxa; we found that samples were more 15N‐rich on smaller islands. Enrichment declined with distance from shore but less so on small islands, implying a higher per‐unit‐area subsidy effect. These area and distance‐to‐shore effects were taxon‐specific, and nearly twice as strong in basal food web groups. We also found that increases in δ15N correlated with increases in %N in basal trophic groups, as well as in songbirds, implying biologically relevant uptake of a potentially limiting nutrient. Path analysis demonstrated that subsidies in soil flow through plants and detritivores, and into upper‐level consumers. Our results reveal an interplay between island biogeography and marine subsidies in shaping island food webs through bottom‐up processes.
Wildfire extends the shelf life of elk nutritional resources regardless of fire severity
Authors: Snobl Lauren A. , Proffitt Kelly M. , Millspaugh Joshua J.
Published: July 2022

Large‐scale, high‐severity wildfires are increasingly frequent across the western United States. Fire severity affects the amount of vegetation removed and helps dictate what, where, and how many plants regenerate postfire, potentially altering the available habitat and nutritional landscape for wildlife. To evaluate the effects of fire severity on summer nutritional resources for elk (Cervus canadensis), we collected field data and remotely sensed information in Years 2 and 3 after a large‐scale wildfire to compare forage quality and quantity across forest types and fire severities within the summer range of one elk population in west‐central Montana. To understand the landscape‐level effects of fire severity on nutritional resources, we developed predictive forage quality and quantity models. We used these models to predict nutritional resources across the landscape for four landscape scenarios representing different fire severity patterns (i.e., an unburned landscape, a landscape burned only at low severity, a landscape burned only at high severity, and the observed landscape burned at mixed severity). Shortly after the wildfire, summer forage quality and herbaceous forage quantity increased in both burned mesic and dry mixed‐conifer forests regardless of fire severity. Summer shrub forage quantity was greater in unburned mesic and dry forests, and there was no difference between fire severities in dry forests. Low‐severity burned mesic forests had significantly greater shrub forage quantity compared with high‐severity burned mesic forests. The three predicted burned landscape scenarios had the highest percentage of the summer range with adequate forage quality, which increased throughout the summer. By contrast, the predicted unburned landscape had the lowest percentage of summer range with adequate forage quality, which decreased throughout the summer. Wildfire extended the duration in which elk can access high‐quality forage in the summer in Years 2 and 3 postfire. Therefore, shortly after a large‐scale wildfire, elk may be better able to meet their nutritional requirements, which may positively impact elk body condition, reproductive performance, and survival.
Three Proton‐Conductors Based on Keggin‐Type Polyoxometalates Well‐Arranged in the Networks of Dinuclear‐Cu(II)‐Mixed‐Organic‐Ligand Clusters
Authors: Zhang Guang‐Guang , Duan Xian‐Ying , Zhao Yan , Wei Mei‐Lin
Published: July 2022

Three proton‐conductors, [Cu(5‐H2L)(IN)(H2O)]2H2[SiW12O40] ⋅ 2CH3CN ⋅ 2.5H2O (1), [Cu(4‐HL)(HIN)(H2O)]2H2[SiW12O40] ⋅ 7H2O (2) and [Cu(4‐HL)(HIN)(CH3CN)]2[HIN]2H4[PMo12O40]2 ⋅ 2CH3CN ⋅ 12H2O (3) (where 5‐H2L/4‐H2L is 5,5’/4,4’‐bis(hydroxymethyl)‐2,2’‐bipyridine and HIN is isonicotinic acid), were synthesized at room temperature. Interestingly, three dinuclear‐Cu(II)‐mixed‐organic‐ligand clusters, [Cu(5‐H2L)(IN)(H2O)]22+ cluster for 1, [Cu(4‐HL)(HIN)(H2O)]22+ for 2 and [Cu(4‐HL)(HIN)(CH3CN)]22+ for 3, are in situ synthesized under the coexistence of Keggin‐type polyoxometalates. More interestingly, in 1–3, the global Keggin‐type anions are well‐arranged in the hydrogen‐bonding networks of double‐Cu(II)‐mixed‐organic‐ligand clusters to give different spatial arrangement patterns. The [SiW12O40]4− anions in 1 display two dimensional layer pattern. The [SiW12O40]4− anions in 2 act as single bidentate O,O bridge ligands. The [PMo12O40]3− anions in 3 form the pair pattern. The AC impedance measurement results reveal 3 gives a high conductivity value over 10−3∼10−2 S ⋅ cm−1 in a wide temperature range from 25 to 100 °C under a wide relative humidity range from 35 to 98 %, while 1 and 2 give a middle conductivity value over 10−5∼10−4 S ⋅ cm−1 under the same conditions.
Polyazaacene and Cyclazaacene Precursors Synthesized by Dehydration Condensation from a Versatile Bis‐α‐diketone Unit Having an Anthracene Skeleton
Authors: Chan Yee Seng , Hayashi Hironobu , Sato Shizuka , Kasahara Shoma , Matsuo Kyohei , Aratani Naoki , Yamada Hiroko
Published: July 2022

Azaacenes are acene analogs containing nitrogen atoms in their carbon‐based molecular skeletons and are attracting significant attention because of their potential application in organic electronics. However, polyazaacenes have solubility and stability issues. In this study, we report a modular approach employing 8,11‐dihydro‐1,4 : 8,11‐diethanopentacene‐2,3,9,10(1H,4H)‐tetraone (1) as a key compound for π‐extension with commercially available materials to synthesize a series of polytetraazaacene thermal precursors. Exploiting this strategy, tetraazaheptacene, tetraazanonacene, and tetraazaundecacene precursors were successfully synthesized. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the tetraazanonacene precursor can be converted to its corresponding tetraazanonacene in a nitrogen atmosphere. To extend the applicability of this method, compound1was also used to synthesize the cyclazaacene precursor at 0.8 % yield. This approach provides a new perspective for exploring the synthesis of polyazaacene and cyclazaacene precursors by using a crucial key compound via dehydration condensation reactions.
Visible‐Light‐Mediated Photocatalytic Synthesis of 2‐Substituted Oxazole‐5‐carbaldehydes Promoted by Benzeneseleninic Acid
Authors: Abenante Laura , Quadros Gabriela Trisch , Perin Gelson , Santi Claudio , Penteado Filipe , Lenardão Eder João
Published: July 2022

Benzeneseleninic acid was used under visible light irradiation (white LEDs) to promote the oxidative cyclization of N‐propargyl amides to the respective 2‐substituted oxazole‐5‐carbaldehydes. A total of twelve 2‐aryl oxazole‐5‐carbaldehydes, six of them so far unprecedented, were prepared in 30–90 % yield in just 1 hour of reaction at room temperature. No metal catalysts, nor strong oxidants or heating were necessary, making this a mild method to access a valuable class of compounds. The only co‐products are water and diphenyl diselenide, that can be recovered and converted to new benzeneseleninic acid for a new reaction.
Performance enhancement of constructed wetlands for wastewater remediation by modifications and integration of technologies: A review
Authors: Patyal Vandana , Jaspal Dipika , Khare Kanchan
Published: July 2022

Constructed wetland (CW) has gained popularity as an eco‐friendly technology for ease of operation and maintenance. This article critically reviews and summarizes the research carried out to date on several approaches for integration of CW with other methods of treatment, exploring several novel modes of operation and factors, to improve the remediation capacity of the CW system. The study shows that the use of different modes of aeration, recirculation of the effluent, hydraulic retention time, and organic loading rate not only improves the removal efficiency of the treatment system but also helps in reducing the surface area required for the system in the treatment of emerging contaminants. The integrated approach analysis gives an insight into the different technologies, which can be coupled with CW for fast, sustainable, and eco‐efficient treatment systems for different types of wastewater. Anaerobic technologies and microbial fuel cell (MFC) have the added advantage of energy generation apart from wastewater treatment, which helps in reducing carbon footprints. Optimization of pollutant treatment in wastewater and electricity generation by CW‐MFC has emerged to be an upcoming area of research. The study disseminates knowledge about the latest developments in the field of intensified CW technology with a focus on modifications and integrated systems, which help in identifying the potential areas of research worth addressing in the future.
Seismic reliability assessment of bridge networks considering travel time and connectivity reliabilities
Authors: Chen Mengdie , Mangalathu Sujith , Jeon Jong‐Su
Published: July 2022

Transportation networks play a vital role in transporting goods and casualties immediately after an earthquake. Thus, identifying the most reliable and shortest path is critical for ensuring efficient emergency response and recovery after an earthquake; consequently, it is important to compute the reliability of transportation networks by simultaneously accounting for connectivity and travel time. In this regard, this paper proposes a novel seismic reliability indicator termed as the travel time and connectivity reliability (TTCR), which combines the travel time and connectivity reliabilities. Additionally, a novel framework for computing theTTCRof transportation networks is proposed. The proposed methodology is applied to a bridge network in California. Furthermore, a retrofit plan based on theTTCRis proposed to help risk managers make appropriate and timely decisions for reducing the seismic risk of transportation networks.
Bioaccumulation Screening of Neutral Hydrophobic Organic Chemicals in Air-Breathing Organisms Using In Vitro Rat Liver S9 Biotransformation Assays
Authors: Lee Yung-Shan , Cole Talia R. , Jhutty Manpreet S. , Cantu Mark A. , Chee Beatrice , Stelmaschuk Stephanie C. , Gobas Frank A. P. C.
Published: July 2022

To advance methods for bioaccumulation assessment of organic substances in air-breathing organisms, the present study developed an in vitro approach for screening neutral hydrophobic organic substances for their bioaccumulation potential in air-breathing organisms consisting of (1) depletion assays for chemicals in rat liver S9 subcellular fractions, (2) in vitro–in vivo extrapolation, and (3) whole-organism bioaccumulation modeling to assess the biomagnification potential of neutral organic substances in the rat. Testing of the in vitro method on 14 test chemicals of potentially biomagnifying substances showed that the bioassays could be conducted with a high level of reproducibility and that in vitro–derived elimination rate constants were in good agreement with in vivo–determined elimination rate constants in the rat. Exploring the potential of the in vitro approach for screening organic chemicals for bioaccumulation in air-breathing organisms indicated that chemical substances that exhibit a depletion rate constant in the S9 in vitro bioassay ≥0.3 h−1 are not expected to biomagnify in rats independent of their octanol–water partitioning coefficient (KOW) or octanol–air partitioning coefficient (KOA). The high level of reproducibility achieved in the test, combined with the good agreement between in vitro–derived and in vivo–determined depuration rates, suggests that the in vitro approach in combination with a KOA- and KOW-based screening approach has good potential for screening chemicals in commerce for their bioaccumulation potential in air-breathing organisms in a cost-effective and expedient manner, especially if the bioassay can be automated. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2565–2579. © 2022 SETAC
The role of textual analysis in oil futures price forecasting based on machine learning approach
Authors: Gong Xu , Guan Keqin , Chen Qiyang
Published: July 2022

This paper offers an innovative approach to capture the trend of oil futures prices based on the text‐based news. By adopting natural language processing techniques, the text features obtained from online oil news catch more hidden information, improving the forecasting accuracy of oil futures prices. We find that the textual features are complementary in improving forecasting performance, both for LightGBM and benchmark models. Besides, event studies verify the asymmetric impact of positive and negative emotional shocks on oil futures prices. The generated text‐based news features robustly reduce forecasting errors, and the reduction can be maximized by incorporating all features.
The Early Permian assembly of the Jiamusi Massif and Khanka Massif: Evidence from sediment sources
Authors: Xu Zhong Jie , Sun Ning Chen , Zhou Jian Bo , Kong Jin Tao , Cheng Ri Hui , Li Zhang
Published: July 2022

The Jiamusi‐Khanka Massif is an important tectonic unit of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt in North‐east China. Its Late Palaeozoic tectonic properties and the timing of assembly have restricted the understanding of the tectonic evolution process at the eastern segment of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt for a long time. Based on the study of clastic rock petrology and zircon U–Pb chronology of the Early Permian Erlongshan Formation in Mishan, it is clear that the zircon age of the Early Permian Erlongshan Formation in Mishan is mainly Late Palaeozoic, with a major age peak at 300 ± 3 Ma and secondary age peaks at 356 ± 7 Ma and 475 ± 10 Ma. The provenance mainly comes from the magmatic arc source area, and Early Palaeozoic (500–420 Ma) detrital zircons mainly come from the south‐east margin of Jiamusi Massif, Late Palaeozoic (400–270 Ma) detrital zircons mainly come from the eastern margin of Jiamusi Massif and the northern margin of Khanka Massif. Among them, detrital zircons of a special age group 330–310 Ma come from the north of Khanka Massif, while 490–470 Ma detrital zircons which are common in the Early‐Middle Permian strata of Khanka Massif come from Jiamusi Massif. Combined with the evidence of petrology and palaeontology, this paper believes that the Early Permian Jiamusi Massif and Khanka Massif should be a unified Massif, that is, Jiamusi‐Khanka Massif.
Effects of an essential amino acid mixture on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia and executive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease: A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled exploratory clinical trial
Authors: Takada Michihiro , Tanaka Shin , Tanaka Koh , Tsukie Tamao , Tsukamoto‐Yasui Masako , Suzuki Katsuya , Noguchi Yasushi , Imaizumi Akira , Ishii Makoto , Ikeuchi Takeshi
Published: July 2022

Background

The increasing number of dementia patients has become a global social problem. Amino acids are known to be used as precursors of neurotransmitters in the brain. Amino acid mixtures as a supplement may be used as a solution to Alzheimer's symptoms. This exploratory study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a mixture containing nine essential amino acids on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Design

We conducted a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial to evaluate the intervention effects of nine essential amino acid mixture for 28 days. A total of 36 patients with AD were enrolled in Japan. BPSD and cognitive function were evaluated by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory‐12 item (NPI‐12; the primary endpoint), Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), Trail Making Test A (TMT‐A), Trail Making Test B (TMT‐B), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), and Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR).

Results

Compared with placebo, the amino acid mixture did not improve NPI‐12, MMSE, TMT‐A and B or CDR scores. However, the analysis of covariance revealed improved FAB scores in the amino acid mixture group as a secondary endpoint. There were four subjects with adverse events in each group.

Conclusions

Our results did not show a beneficial effect of the mixture containing nine essential amino acids on BPSD as a primary endpoint; however, it may improve executive function in patients with AD.
Brain microstructural alterations of depression in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review of diffusion tensor imaging studies
Authors: Salehi Mohammad Amin , Mohammadi Soheil , Gouravani Mahdi , Javidi Arian , Dager Stephen R.
Published: July 2022

Depression, a leading cause of disability worldwide, is also the most prevalent psychiatric problem among Parkinson disease patients. Both depression and Parkinson disease are associated with microstructural anomalies in the brain. Diffusion tensor imaging techniques have been developed to characterize the abnormalities in cerebral tissue. We included 11 studies investigating brain microstructural abnormalities in depressed Parkinson's disease patients. The included studies found alterations to essential brain structural networks, including impaired network integrity for specific cortical regions, such as the temporal and frontal cortices. Additionally, findings indicate that microstructural changes in specific limbic structures, such as the prefronto‐temporal regions and connecting white matter pathways, are altered in depressed Parkinson's disease compared to non‐depressed Parkinson's disease and healthy controls. There remain inconsistencies between studies reporting DTI measures and depression severity in Parkinson disease participants. Additional research evaluating underlying neurobiological relationships between major depression, depressed Parkinson's disease, and non‐depressed Parkinson's disease is required to disentangle further mechanisms that underlie depression and related somatic symptoms, in Parkinson disease.
Multimodal fusion analysis of functional, cerebrovascular and structural neuroimaging in healthy aging subjects
Authors: Liu Xulin , Tyler Lorraine K. ,   Cam‐CAN, Rowe James B. , Tsvetanov Kamen A.
Published: July 2022

Brain aging is a complex process that requires a multimodal approach. Neuroimaging can provide insights into brain morphology, functional organization, and vascular dynamics. However, most neuroimaging studies of aging have focused on each imaging modality separately, limiting the understanding of interrelations between processes identified by different modalities and their relevance to cognitive decline in aging. Here, we used a data‐driven multimodal approach, linked independent component analysis (ICA), to jointly analyze magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of grey matter volume, cerebrovascular, and functional network topographies in relation to measures of fluid intelligence. Neuroimaging and cognitive data from the Cambridge Centre for Ageing and Neuroscience study were used, with healthy participants aged 18–88 years (main dataset n = 215 and secondary dataset n = 433). Using linked ICA, functional network activities were characterized in independent components but not captured in the same component as structural and cerebrovascular patterns. Split‐sample (n = 108/107) and out‐of‐sample (n = 433) validation analyses using linked ICA were also performed. Global grey matter volume with regional cerebrovascular changes and the right frontoparietal network activity were correlated with age‐related and individual differences in fluid intelligence. This study presents the insights from linked ICA to bring together measurements from multiple imaging modalities, with independent and additive information. We propose that integrating multiple neuroimaging modalities allows better characterization of brain pattern variability and changes associated with healthy aging.
Secondary infections worsen the outcome of COVID‐19 in patients with hematological malignancies: A report from the ITA‐HEMA‐COV
Authors: Zappasodi Patrizia , Cattaneo Chiara , Valeria Ferretti Virginia , Mina Roberto , José María Ferreri Andrés , Merli Francesco , Oberti Margherita , Krampera Mauro , Romano Alessandra , Zerbi Caterina , Ferrari Jacqueline , Cavo Michele , Salvini Marco , Bertù Lorenza , Stefano Fracchiolla Nicola , Marchesi Francesco , Massaia Massimo , Marasco Vincenzo , Cairoli Roberto , Maria Scattolin Anna , Maria Vannucchi Alessandro , Gambacorti‐Passerini Carlo , Musto Pellegrino , Gherlinzoni Filippo , Cuneo Antonio , Pinto Antonello , Trentin Livio , Bocchia Monica , Galimberti Sara , Coviello Elisa , Chiara Tisi Maria , Morotti Alessandro , Falini Brunangelo , Turrini Mauro , Tafuri Agostino , Billio Atto , Gentile Massimo , Massimo Lemoli Roberto , Venditti Adriano , Giovanni Della Porta Matteo , Lanza Francesco , Rigacci Luigi , Tosi Patrizia , Mohamed Sara , Corso Alessandro , Luppi Mario , Giuliani Nicola , Busca Alessandro , Pagano Livio , Bruno Raffaele , Antonio Grossi Paolo , Corradini Paolo , Passamonti Francesco , Arcaini Luca ,   ITA‐HEMA‐COV Investigators
Published: July 2022

The impact of secondary infections (SI) on COVID‐19 outcome in patients with hematological malignancies (HM) is scarcely documented. To evaluate incidence, clinical characteristics, and outcome of SI, we analyzed the microbiologically documented SI in a large multicenter cohort of adult HM patients with COVID‐19. Among 1741 HM patients with COVID‐19, 134 (7.7%) had 185 SI, with a 1‐month cumulative incidence of 5%. Median time between COVID‐19 diagnosis and SI was 16 days (IQR: 5–36). Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and lymphoma/plasma cell neoplasms (PCN) were more frequent diagnoses in SI patients compared to patients without SI (AML: 14.9% vs. 7.1%; lymphoma/PCN 71.7% vs. 65.3%). Patients with SI were older (median age 70 vs. 66 years, p = 0.002), with more comorbidities (median Charlson Comorbidity Index 5 vs. 4, p < 0.001), higher frequency of critical COVID‐19 (19.5% vs. 11.5%, p = 0.046), and more frequently not in complete remission (75% vs. 64.7% p = 0.024). Blood and bronchoalveolar lavage were the main sites of isolation for SI. Etiology of infections was bacterial in 80% (n = 148) of cases, mycotic in 9.7% (n = 18) and viral in 10.3% (n = 19); polymicrobial infections were observed in 24 patients (18%). Escherichia coli represented most of Gram‐negative isolates (18.9%), while coagulase‐negative Staphylococci were the most frequent among Gram‐positive (14.2%). The 30‐day mortality of patients with SI was higher when compared to patients without SI (69% vs. 15%, p < 0.001). The occurrence of SI worsened COVID‐19 outcome in HM patients. Timely diagnosis and adequate management should be considered to improve their prognosis.
A comparison of face‐to‐face and fully online problem‐based learning: Student results and staff experiences, 2014–2020
Authors: Leavy Justine E. , Della Bona Malena , Nelson Brody , Leaversuch Francene
Published: July 2022

Issue addressed

Problem‐based learning (PBL) is a student‐directed pedagogy that promotes critical thinking, self‐directed learning and communication skills essential for health promotion students and practitioners. This paper reports on student results, student evaluation and staff experience of PBL in the face‐to‐face and fully online environment in an undergraduate health sciences unit in an Australian university.

Methods

A single time‐point study using quantitative and qualitative administrative student data (2014–2020) and narrative reflection from teaching academics (n = 5) was undertaken. Descriptive, independent t test and bivariate analyses for student results data were conducted; an inductive approach was used to analyse qualitative data and create codes.

Results

Student sample (n = 472) consisted face‐to‐face (n = 358, 75.8%) and online (n = 114, 24.2%) enrolments. Final Unit Mark was significantly higher for fully online students compared with face‐to‐face students in 2018 (P = .007) and 2019 (P = .001). Final Unit Achievement was significantly higher for fully online students compared with face‐to‐face students in 2018 (P = .017) and 2019 (P = .043). Three themes emerged: The PBL approach; Evolution of PBLs; Student skills and competencies.

Discussion

PBL allows students to learn through facilitated problem solving and strong collaborative skills. The face‐to‐face and fully online PBLs improved the student and academic staff experience, while supporting the development of critical thinking and self‐directed research. Further, it supported students to develop their core health promotion competencies; and enhanced the online student learning experience.

So what?

Vital for contemporary, global graduates, the fully online PBL approach allows students to build critical academic and professional skills utilising current information technology relevant for collaborative professional practice.
Licensure and citations among nail salons in Michigan from 2017 to 2021: A cross‐sectional study of an overlooked and vulnerable industry
Authors: Le Aurora B. , Rosemberg Marie‐Anne S. , Sturgis Anna C. , Siracuse Brianna M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Nail salon workers (NSW) in the United States (U.S.) are predominantly immigrant women who face a number of occupational hazards, such as biological, ergonomic, and chronic chemical exposures. Additionally, there are challenges to keeping up with the latest practices in this evolving small business industry. Licensure requirements are intended to keep not only consumers but also workers safe, however licensure requirements vary between states creating little skill, education, and occupational health and safety knowledge and practice consistency among the nail salon workforce. The current state of nail salons and licensure of workers in the State of Michigan—an overlooked state and region (Midwest) in NSW research—was determined to better characterize this workforce.

Methods

A Freedom of Information Act request was submitted to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs regarding nail salon establishments and their workers, formally termed manicurists, and citation data for breaches. Data were provided on the number of licensed cosmetologists and cosmetology businesses from January 2017 to March 2021. From there, the total number of licensed manicurists was determined, and the cosmetology establishment list was analyzed to see if the businesses exclusively or predominantly provided nail services.

Results

As of Mach 2021, there were 1372 nail salons that exclusively provided nail services and over 12,000 licensed manicurists. Over half of the disciplinary actions cited were for salons not officially licensed. Michigan has reduced licensure requirements compared to other states and no continuing education (CE) requirements for license renewals.

Conclusion

There is a need for industry educational and training standardization, across the nation, as well as heightened licensure requirements for these vulnerable workers. CE not only keeps workers abreast of the latest practices in the industry, but also provides them the skills and knowledge to enhance their worker health, safety, and wellbeing.
Patient activation for self‐management among adult patients with multimorbidity in primary healthcare settings
Authors: Paukkonen Leila , Oikarinen Anne , Kähkönen Outi , Kaakinen Pirjo
Published: July 2022

Background and Aims

Multimorbidity is a major public health and healthcare challenge around the world, including in Finland. As multimorbidity necessitates self‐management in everyday life, the effects of patient activation – a patient's knowledge, skills, and confidence in managing own health – on the capacity for self‐management warrant study, especially in primary healthcare settings. This study aimed to assess patient activation among multimorbid primary healthcare patients, identify factors associated with patient activation, and determine whether patients with low and high activation differ in terms of health and self‐management behavior, related perceptions, and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among multimorbid patients who attended Finnish primary healthcare consultations (November 2019 to May 2020). The main outcome, patient activation, was assessed using the patient activation measure, PAM‐13®. Responses from 122 patients were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t‐tests, analysis of variance, linear modeling, the χ2 test, and binary regression analysis.

Results

The mean score of patient activation was 56.12 (SD 12.82) on a scale 0–100 where ≤55.1 indicate low activation. The lower activation scores were significantly associated with old age, obesity, loneliness, and lower perceived health, functional ability, and vitality. Patients with low activation (47%) had significantly poorer physical activity, diets, adherence to care, and HRQoL, and significantly worse perceptions related to self‐management including motivation and energy, sense of normality, and support from physicians, nurses, and close people.

Conclusion

Patient activation among multimorbid outpatients was rather low. Findings indicate that patients' perceptions of their health and psychosocial factors may be important for activation and that patients with low and high activation differ with respect to several health variables. Determining patient activation in multimorbid patients may facilitate adaptation of care to better meet patient capabilities and needs in clinical settings. Knowledge of a patient's activation level may also be useful when developing interventions and care strategies for this patient group.
Immunohistochemical expression of angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 in superficial and deep maxillofacial tissues: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Allawi Noor , Abdullah Bashar
Published: July 2022

Background and Aims

The involvement of maxillofacial tissues in SARS‐CoV‐2 infections ranges from mild dysgeusia to life‐threatening tissue necrosis, as seen in SARS‐CoV‐2‐associated mucormycosis. Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) which functions as a receptor for SARS‐CoV‐2 was reported in the epithelial surfaces of the oral and nasal cavities; however, a complete understanding of the expression patterns in deep oral and maxillofacial tissues is still lacking.

Methods

The immunohistochemical expression of ACE2 was analyzed in 95 specimens from maxillofacial tissues and 10 specimens of pulmonary alveolar tissue using a semiquantitative immunohistochemical scoring procedure, taking into account all superficial and deep maxillofacial tissue cells. We also explored the associations of age, gender, and anatomical site with expression scores.

Results

ACE2 was detected in keratinized epithelia (57.34%), non‐keratinized epithelia (46.51%), nasal respiratory epithelial cells (73.35%), pulmonary alveolar cells (82.54%), fibroblasts (63.69%), vascular endothelial cells (58.43%), mucous acinar cells (59.88%), serous acinar cells (79.49%), salivary duct cells (86.26%) skeletal muscle fibers (71.01%), neuron support cells (94.25%), and bone marrow cells (72.65%). Age and gender did not affect the expression levels significantly in epithelial cells (p = 0.76, and p = 0.7 respectively); however, identical cells expressed different protein levels depending on the site from which the specimens were obtained. For example, dorsal tongue epithelia expressed significantly lower ACE2 scores than alveolar epithelia (p < 0.001). A positive correlation was found between ACE2 expression in fibroblasts and epithelial cells (r = 0.378, p = 0.001), and between vascular endothelial and epithelial cells (r = 0.395, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

ACE2 is expressed by epithelial cells and subepithelial tissues including fibroblasts, vascular endothelia, skeletal muscles, peripheral nerves, and bone marrow. No correlation was detected between ACE2 expression and patient age or sex while the epithelial expression scores were correlated with stromal scores.
The impact of health status on attitudes toward COVID‐19 vaccination
Authors: Mustafa Ashraf , Safi Mohammed , Opoku Maxwell P. , Mohamed Ahmed M.
Published: July 2022

Background and Aims

The COVID‐19 outbreak has had an overwhelming effect on societies' access to essential services. Human‐to‐human transmission facilitates the spread of the disease, as do other conditions, such as temperature. Individuals with underlying health conditions are at increased risk of acquiring and suffering the devastating effects of COVID‐19. Consequently, vaccine manufacturing was envisaged as a milestone toward “normalizing” the world. While scholarly attention has focused on attitudes toward vaccination, the relationship between health status and attitudes toward vaccination is understudied. This study attempted to fill this knowledge gap by assessing the impact of health status on attitudes toward the COVID‐19 vaccine.

Methods

We developed a 26‐item questionnaire titled “Attitudes toward COVID‐19 Vaccination Scale” for data collection. A total of 1047 school or university staff members from 22 countries completed the questionnaire. The data were initially validated using exploratory factor analysis to determine its structure and subsequently analyzed using SPSS version 28. Two‐way factorial analysis of variance and multiple regression analysis were performed to understand the influence of health status on attitudes toward vaccination.

Results

The results showed a direct effect of health status on attitudes toward COVID‐19 vaccination, (Step 1; β = 0.11, p = 0.001; Step 2: β = 0.10, p = 0.001). In Step 2 also, vaccination status (β = 0.22, p = 0.001) and place of residence (β = −0.08, p = 0.04) also influenced attitudes towards vaccination. Health status also moderated the relation between attitude and education level (F[3, 1038] = 3.04) of participants.

Conclusion

Results show possible fear and hesitancy toward COVID‐19 vaccination among those with underlying health conditions. Therefore, expeditious sensitization programs may be needed to promote the importance of vaccination for developing resistance against COVID‐19 and vaccine acceptance. However, such initiatives should target vulnerable groups in society. Policymakers could focus on improving sensitization toward COVID‐19 vaccination among those living with underlying health conditions.
Peritoneal invasion of prostate cancer directly confirmed during robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Ohyama Takehiro , Shimbo Masaki , Komatsu Kenji , Endo Fumiyasu , Kanomata Naoki , Hattori Kazunori
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Several studies have been published on direct rectal invasion in patients with advanced metastatic prostate cancer, but few have directly confirmed intraoperative invasion of prostate cancer into the peritoneum.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 73‐year‐old man with prostate cancer who exhibited peritoneal invasion during robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy. His prostate‐specific antigen level fell to 0.38 ng/mL after surgery; he was therefore prescribed radiation and androgen‐deprivation therapies that controlled the cancer for more than 1 year.

Conclusions

We encountered a case showing direct peritoneal invasion of prostate cancer during robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy. If invasion of the seminal vesicle is suspected, the vesicorectal fossa should be examined during robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy. Preoperative confirmation by diffusion magnetic resonance imaging of the peritoneum is also useful.
Evaluation of pharmacy residency recruitment and interview processes during the COVID‐19 pandemic (2020‐2021 application cycle)
Authors: Wingler Mary Joyce B. , Cretella David A. , Wagner Jamie L. , Barber Katie E. , Bookstaver P. Brandon , Freeman Lauren , Covington Elizabeth W. , Bland Christopher M. , Jones Bruce M. , Tran Maicuc , Stramel Stefanie A. , Turner Michelle , Childress Darrell , Stover Kayla R.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, most pharmacy residency programs changed to an all‐virtual format for recruitment and interviews for the 2020 to 2021 application cycle. There are no data evaluating the experiences and perceptions of these changes from the perspective of pharmacy residency programs and applicants.

Methods

An electronic cross‐sectional survey was distributed via email to postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) and postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) pharmacy residency programs and applicants across the Southeastern United States. Results have been reported according to the Checklist for Reporting of Survey Studies (CROSS) guidelines (Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research [EQUATOR] Network).

Results

Exactly, 142 residency applicants and 104 residency programs responded to the survey. Most respondents participated in virtual recruitment and interviews. In 2020 to 2021, less residency programs participated in local/regional showcases and personal placement services, but social media engagement increased. Of the applicants who responded, over half felt the need to apply to more programs during this application cycle, and a corresponding increase in applications were seen by residency programs. Residency interviews appeared shorter than previous years, and less programs offered an informal time to get to know the applicants. Overall, applicants and residency programs preferred on‐site interviews, but both parties reported feeling confident creating rank lists after virtual interviews.

Conclusion

These results highlight the impact of COVID‐19 on residency recruitment and the interview process. Residency programs should implement feedback for improving the virtual experience, as able. The ongoing pandemic may affect the 2022 to 2023 application cycle, and pharmacy leadership organizations should consider developing guidance for applicants and residency programs on navigating another year of virtual events.
Disruption of vitamin A homeostasis by the biocide tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium sulphate in pregnant rabbits
Authors: Estrada‐Ortiz Natalia , Starokozhko Viktoriia , van Steenwijk Hidde , van der Heide Cor , Permentier Hjalmar , van Heemskerk Lisanne , Prins Grietje Harmanna , Heegsma Janette , Faber Klaas Nico , Bressers Steffi , Steiblen Guy , de Groot Antoinette , Groome Steve , van Miert Erik , Groothuis Geny , de Graaf Inge Anne Maria
Published: July 2022

The biocide tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium sulphate (THPS) and other members of the tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium salts (THPX) family are associated with liver toxicity in several mammalian species and teratogenicity in rabbits. Malformations include skeletal changes and abnormalities in eye development and are very similar to those seen with vitamin A deficiency or excess. For this reason, it was hypothesized that teratogenicity of THPS(X) might be attributed to disturbances in retinol availability and/or metabolism as a result of maternal toxicity, for example, either due to insufficient dietary intake by the mothers or due to liver toxicity. Therefore, in the present study, liver toxicity and vitamin A homeostasis were studied in pregnant rabbits that were exposed to 13.8 or 46.0 mg/kg THPS during organogenesis and in precision‐cut liver slices of rats and rabbits exposed to 0–70 μM THPS. Results show that in vivo exposure to THPS leads to a marked reduction of food intake, increased plasma concentrations of γ‐glutamytransferase, degenerative changes in the liver and to changes in retinoid content in liver and plasma in the rabbits during organogenesis. In addition, THPS, both in vivo and ex vivo, caused a change in expression of proteins related to vitamin A metabolism and transport. Together, these observations could explain the birth defects observed in earlier teratogenicity studies.
Effects of the uremic toxin indoxyl sulphate on human microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Colombo Graziano , Astori Emanuela , Landoni Lucia , Garavaglia Maria L. , Altomare Alessandra , Lionetti Maria C. , Gagliano Nicoletta , Giustarini Daniela , Rossi Ranieri , Milzani Aldo , Dalle‐Donne Isabella
Published: July 2022

Indoxyl sulphate (IS) is a uremic toxin accumulating in the plasma of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. IS accumulation induces side effects in the kidneys, bones and cardiovascular system. Most studies assessed IS effects on cell lines by testing higher concentrations than those measured in CKD patients. Differently, we exposed a human microvascular endothelial cell line (HMEC‐1) to the IS concentrations measured in the plasma of healthy subjects (physiological) or CKD patients (pathological). Pathological concentrations reduced cell proliferation rate but did not increase long‐term oxidative stress level. Indeed, total protein thiols decreased only after 24 h of exposure in parallel with an increased Nrf‐2 protein expression. IS induced actin cytoskeleton rearrangement with formation of stress fibres. Proteomic analysis supported this hypothesis as many deregulated proteins are related to actin filaments organization or involved in the endothelial to mesenchymal transition. Interestingly, two proteins directly linked to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in in vitro and in vivo studies underwent deregulation: COP9 signalosome complex subunit 9 and thrombomodulin. Future experiments will be needed to investigate the role of these proteins and the signalling pathways in which they are involved to clarify the possible link between CKD and CVD.
Impact of sarcopenia on outcomes of patients undergoing liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yang Jinhuan , Chen Kaiwen , Zheng Chongming , Chen Kaiyu , Lin Jian , Meng Qishan , Chen Ziyan , Deng Liming , Yu Haitao , Deng Tuo , Bo Zhiyuan , He Qikuan , Wang Yi , Chen Gang
Published: July 2022

Background

Previous studies have indicated that sarcopenia is associated with poor post‐operative outcomes in liver cancer patients, but the studies are limited by confounding from mixed diseases, retrospective data, and non‐standardized measurement methods. At present, there is no research with both muscle mass and strength as predictors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) outcomes. We studied the impact of sarcopenia on post‐operative outcomes in HCC patients in a cohort study designed according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People standards.

Methods

A total of 781 consecutive patients admitted to our centre were registered from May 2020 to August 2021. All participants submitted questionnaires and underwent handgrip strength, chair stand test, physical performance, and computed tomographic evaluation. Then, they were divided into three groups according to muscle mass and strength: Group A (reduced muscle mass and strength), Group B (reduced muscle strength or reduced muscle mass), and Group C (normal muscle mass and strength). The baseline data and post‐operative outcomes were compared and analysed. The primary outcome variable in this study was the presence of a major post‐operative complication, and the secondary outcome was the 90‐day re‐admission rate.

Results

A total of 155 patients [median age, 60.00 (IQR, 51.00–66.00) years; 20 females (12.90%)] were included after strict exclusion. The mean (SD) BMI was 23.37 ± 0.23 kg/m2. The mean (SD) SMI of all participants was 47.05 ± 0.79 cm2/m2, and the mean (SD) handgrip strength was 32.84 ± 0.69 kg. Among them, 77 (49.68%) patients underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy, and 73 (47.10%) patients received major hepatectomy. Regarding the post‐operative results, Group A had a higher rate of major complications [40.91% (9 of 22) vs. 11.94% (8 of 67) in Group B and 6.06 (4 of 66) in Group C; P = 0.001], higher rate of blood transfusion (77.27% vs. 46.27% in Group B and 42.42% in Group C; P = 0.015), higher hospitalization expenses (P = 0.001), and longer hospital stay (P < 0.001). There was no difference in 90‐day re‐admission rates among the three groups. Sarcopenia (hazard ratio, 10.735; 95% CI, 2.547–45.244; P = 0.001) and open surgery (hazard ratio, 4.528; 95% CI, 1.425–14.387; P = 0.010) were independent risk factors associated with major complications.

Conclusions

Sarcopenia is associated with adverse outcomes after liver resection for HCC. It should be evaluated upon admission to classify high‐risk patients and reduce the risk of major complications.
Identification and clinical significance of nodular regenerative hyperplasia in primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Ozturk Nazli Begum , Fiel Maria Isabel , Schiano Thomas D.
Published: July 2022

Background and Aim

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. PSC is frequently associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) can occur in IBD with the use or even in the absence of thiopurine treatment. We aimed to study the significance of the presence of NRH and obliterative portal venopathy (OPV), both causes of non‐cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH), in patients having PSC.

Methods

Patients with PSC and concurrent NRH on liver biopsy were identified from the digital pathology database covering the period 2003–2019. Evaluation of liver biopsy and the original diagnoses were confirmed on review based on standard histological features diagnostic for NRH and OPV. Clinical and laboratory data were obtained from electronic medical records.

Results

Thirty‐one patients (21 male, 10 female; median age at biopsy 40.1 years) were included in the study. Twelve (38.7%) patients had OPV in addition to NRH on the liver biopsy. Nineteen (61.2%) patients had IBD including 11 with Crohn's disease (CD), 7 with ulcerative colitis (UC), and 1 with indeterminate colitis. Thirteen (41.9%) patients had evidence of portal hypertension, 10 (32.2%) with esophageal varices, 4 (12.9%) with history of variceal bleeding, 6 (19.3%) with ascites, and 14 (12.9%) with splenomegaly. Eleven (35.4%) patients had a cirrhotic‐appearing liver on imaging. Twelve (38.7%) patients had a history of prior or current thiopurine use.

Conclusions

The current study suggests that NRH with or without OPV independently occurs in patients having PSC and may lead to NCPH, even in the absence of concurrent IBD and/or thiopurine therapy.