bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations between cancer diagnosis and patients’ responses to an inpatient tobacco treatment intervention
Authors: Palmer Amanda M. , Rojewski Alana M. , Nahhas Georges J. , Michael Cummings K. , Warren Graham W. , Toll Benjamin A.
Published: July 2021

Background

Diagnosis of a chronic illness, such as cancer may influence health behavior changes, such as smoking cessation. The present analyses examine associations between a cancer diagnosis (i.e., yes or no) and response to an opt‐out smoking cessation bedside intervention provided to hospitalized patients. It was hypothesized that patients with a past or present cancer diagnosis would report higher motivation and engagement with quitting smoking, and higher rates of smoking abstinence after hospital discharge, compared to those without a cancer diagnosis.

Methods

Chart review was conducted on 5287 inpatients who accepted bedside treatment from a counselor and opted‐in to automated follow‐up calls from July 2014 to December 2019.

Results

At the time of inpatient assessment, those with a past or present cancer diagnosis (n = 419, 7.9%) endorsed significantly higher levels of importance of quitting than those without a cancer diagnosis (3.92/5 vs. 3.77/5), and were more likely to receive smoking cessation medication upon discharge (17.9% vs. 13.3%). Follow‐up data from 30‐days post‐discharge showed those with a cancer diagnosis endorsed higher rates of self‐reported abstinence (20.5%) than those without a cancer diagnosis (10.3%; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Being hospitalized for any reason provides an opportunity for smokers to consider quitting. Having a previous diagnosis of cancer appears to increase intention to quit and lead to higher rates of smoking cessation in patients who are hospitalized compared to patients without cancer. Future research needs to work toward optimizing motivation for smoking cessation while admitted to a hospital and on improving quit rates for all admitted patients, regardless of diagnosis.
Exosomes from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells inhibit ROS production and cell apoptosis in human articular chondrocytes via the miR‐100‐5p/NOX4 axis
Authors: Li Xiang , Wang Yuanyuan , Cai Zhuyun , Zhou Qi , Li Lexiang , Fu Peiliang
Published: July 2021

Cyclic strain‐induced chondrocyte damage is actively involved in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and arthritis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) carried by exosomes have been implicated in various diseases. However, the role of miR‐100‐5p in cyclic strain‐induced chondrocyte damage remains to be elucidated. miR‐100‐5p and NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) were silenced or overexpressed in human primary articular chondrocytes. PKH‐67 Dye was used to trace exosome endocytosis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was monitored using DCFH‐DA. Cell apoptosis was measured using a flow cytometer. Quantitative RT‐PCR and Western blots were used to evaluate gene expression. Cyclic strain promoted ROS production and apoptosis in primary articular chondrocytes in a time‐dependent manner. HucMSCs‐derived exosomal miR‐100‐5p inhibited cyclic strain‐induced ROS production and apoptosis in primary articular chondrocytes. miR‐100‐5p directly targeted NOX4. Overexpressing NOX4 attenuated hucMSCs‐derived exosomes‐mediated protective effects in primary articular chondrocytes. Cyclic strain promotes ROS production and apoptosis in primary articular chondrocytes, which was abolished by hucMSCs‐derived exosomal miR‐100‐5p through its target NOX4. The findings highlight the importance of miR‐100‐5p/NOX4 axis in primary articular chondrocytes injury and provide new insights into therapeutic strategies for articular chondrocytes injury and osteoarthritis.
Scalable Synthesis of Ga2O3/N‐Doped C Nanopapers as High‐Rate Performance Anode for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xu Zhen , Li Daobo , Zhang Dongmei , Xu Jie , Lu Junlin , Ni Shibing
Published: July 2021

Ga2O3 is a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) owing to its high theoretical capacity and low lithiation potential. However, its performance improvement has been seriously hindered by the sluggish reaction kinetics. Herein, Ga2O3/N doped C nanopapers (Ga2O3/NC NPs) are firstly designed and synthesized via a scalable biomass‐aided approach. The as‐prepared Ga2O3/NC NPs deliver high reversible capacity and prominent rate capability as anode for LIBs, owing to its excellent reaction kinetics. It shows high discharge capacity of 477 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.2 A g−1, without obvious capacity attenuation upon cycling. After 3 periodic rate performance testing ranging from 0.1 to 1.6 A g−1, the reversible capacity of the Ga2O3/NC NPs still retains to 517 mAh g−1 when the current is reverting to 0.1 A g−1. The low and safe working potential, the prominent electrochemical performance and the scalable synthesis method for the Ga2O3/NC NPs endow it with great promising toward practical application.
Size‐Controlled Hapticity Switching in [Ln(C9H9)(C8H8)] Sandwiches
Authors: Tricoire Maxime , Münzfeld Luca , Moutet Jules , Mahieu Nolwenn , La Droitte Léo , Moreno‐Pineda Eufemio , Gendron Frédéric , Hilgar Jeremy D. , Rinehart Jeffrey D. , Ruben Mario , Le Guennic Boris , Cador Olivier , Roesky Peter W. , Nocton Grégory
Published: July 2021

Sandwich complexes of lanthanides have recently attracted a considerable amount of interest due to their applications as Single Molecule Magnet (SMM). Herein, a comprehensive series of heteroleptic lanthanide sandwich complexes ligated by the cyclononatetraenyl (Cnt) and the cyclooctatetraenyl (Cot) ligand [Ln(Cot)(Cnt)] (Ln=Tb, Dy, Er, Ho, Yb, and Lu) is reported. The coordination behavior of the Cnt ligand has been investigated along the series and shows different coordination patterns in the solid‐state depending on the size of the corresponding lanthanide ion without altering its overall anisotropy. Besides the characterization in the solid state by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and in solution by 1H NMR, static magnetic studies and ab initio computational studies were performed.
“Snapshot” Trapping of Multiple Transient Azolyllithiums in Batch
Authors: Inoue Kengo , Feng Yuxuan , Mori Atsunori , Okano Kentaro
Published: July 2021

Invited for the cover of this issue is Kentaro Okano and co‐workers at Kobe University. The image depicts that the ‘dancing’ transient organolithiums in the ′halogen dance’ are successfully trapped in a batch reactor as if their individual snapshots were taken. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202101256.
Dual Layer Hollow Fiber Membranes with Functionalized Separation Layer for Improved Hydrophilicity
Authors: Grünig Lara Elena , Handge Ulrich Alexander , Koll Joachim , Gronwald Oliver , Weber Martin , Hankiewicz Birgit , Scharnagl Nico , Abetz Volker
Published: July 2021

Polyethersulfonbasierte Hohlfasermembranen mit einer hydrophil funktionalisierten Trennschicht wurden hergestellt und untersucht. In die Trennschicht wurde ein amphiphiles Triblockcopolymer mit verschiedenen Konzentrationen integriert. Um eine gesteigerte Hydrophilie und damit assoziiertes verringertes Fouling zu erreichen, bestehen die Blockcopolymere aus zwei äußeren Poly(ethylenoxid)‐Blöcken. Diese flankieren den inneren Polyethersulfonblock, welcher der Verankerung des Additivs in die Membran dient. Gesteigerte Hydrophilie, gepaart mit Permeanzen von 2000 L m−2h−1bar−1 und einem Rückhalt von 100 kDa, kennzeichnete die vielversprechendste Membran dieser Studie.
Why performance status? A case for alternative functional assessments in pediatric oncology clinical trials
Authors: Steineck Angela , Rosenberg Abby R.
Published: July 2021

Clinician‐determined performance status is widely used to determine pediatric clinical trial eligibility; however, the study by Maurer et al suggests that clinicians' (and parents') assessments are discordant with children's own reports. This editorial outlines the conundrum of if and how to proceed with performance assessments in pediatric clinical research.
Chirogenesis in Zinc Porphyrins: Theoretical Evaluation of Electronic Transitions, Controlling Structural Factors and Axial Ligation
Authors: Osadchuk Irina , Aav Riina , Borovkov Victor , Clot Eric
Published: July 2021

In the present work, sixteen different zinc porphyrins (possessing different meso substituents) with and without a chiral guest were modelled using DFT and TD‐DFT approaches in order to understand the influence of various controlling factors on electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Two major aspects are influenced by these factors: excitation energy of the electronic transitions and their intensity. In the case of excitation energy, the influence increases in the following order: orientation of the peripheral substituents<substituent's nature<axial ligation. However, the deformation of the porphyrin plane does not affect the excitation energies. In the case of intensity, the influence increases as follows: substituent's nature<conrotatory orientation of the peripheral substituents<deformation of the porphyrin plane<disrotatory orientation of the peripheral substituents<axial ligation.
A Highly‐Efficient Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalyst Derived from a Metal‐Organic Framework and Ketjenblack Carbon Material
Authors: Öztürk Seçil , Moon Gun‐hee , Spieß Alex , Budiyanto Eko , Roitsch Stefan , Tüysüz Harun , Janiak Christoph
Published: July 2021

The composite of the metal‐organic framework (MOF) Ni(Fe)‐MOF‐74 and the highly conductive carbon material ketjenblack (KB) could be easily obtained from the in‐situ MOF synthesis in a one‐step solvothermal reaction. The composite material features a remarkable electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance where the overpotential at 10 mA/cm2 and the current density at 1.7 VRHE are recorded as 0.274 VRHE and 650 mA/cm2, respectively, in 1 mol/L KOH. In particular, the activation of nickel‐iron clusters from the MOF under an applied anodic bias steadily boosts the OER performance. Although Ni(Fe)‐MOF‐74 goes through some structural modification during the electrochemical measurements, the stabilized and optimized composite material shows excellent OER performance. This simple strategy to design highly‐efficient electrocatalysts, utilizing readily available precursors and carbon materials, will leverage the use of diverse metal‐organic complexes into electrode fabrication with a high energy conversion efficiency.
An Argument for Reinterpreting the Benign Behavioral Intervention Exemption
Authors: Tully Ian
Published: July 2021

Recent changes to the Common Rule have helped reduce regulatory burden on researchers conducting minimal risk research. However, in this paper, I propose a way of minimizing burden further within the existing confines of the current regulations. I focus my discussion on the newly created “benign behavioral interventions” category of exempt research, arguing that this exemption from the federal regulations governing research with human subjects should be more expansively interpreted by the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Human Research Protections (SACHRP) than is currently the case. Specifically, I argue against the restriction, advocated by SACHRP, that the exemption exclude “physical (bodily) tasks” unless they are “incidental to the behavioral intervention.” This restriction, I argue, is problematically vague and does no significant moral work. Acceptance of my proposed reinterpretation of “benign behavioral interventions” would, I hope, result in a significant reduction in regulatory burden for minimal risk research.
The Inevitability and Ethics of Inaccurate Screening in Clinical Trials: A Call for Research and Guidance
Authors: Wendler David
Published: July 2021

Accurate screening of potential research participants is vital to ensuring the scientific, regulatory, and ethical appropriateness of clinical trials. Yet there are no definitive screening tests for many conditions, and many screening tests, even when implemented correctly, yield some inaccurate results. Sponsors, researchers, and review committees thus routinely face the question of when it is acceptable to approve and conduct clinical trials that rely on screening measures that are known to exclude some eligible individuals and to include some ineligible ones. This article calls attention to and proposes preliminary guidance to address this important issue.
Sensitive, Accurate and Selective Determination of Cd(II) Using Anodic Stripping Voltammetry with in‐situ Hg‐Bi Film Modified Pencil Graphite Electrode After Magnetic Dispersive Solid Phase Microextraction
Authors: Yaman Burcu , Zaman Buse Tuğba , Bakırdere Sezgin , Dilgin Yusuf
Published: July 2021

This paper describes a novel approach to detect Cd(II) using the combination of the differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry and magnetic nanoparticle based dispersive solid phase microextraction as an efficient, green and accurate method. Currents of Cd(II) increased linearly in the range from 75 to 2000 ng L−1 Cd(II) with a detection limit of 21.6 ng L−1. The RSD values of 2.6 and 6.0 % for 1.00 and 0.10 μg L−1 respectively showed that proposed method has an acceptable repeatability. Recovery values between 92.3 and 98.6 % showed that this approach can be successfully used for determination of Cd(II) in water samples.
Selection of Sodium Salt Electrolyte Compatible with Na0.67Ni0.15Fe0.2Mn0.65O2 Cathode for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Shimin , Li Chunlei , Fan Xiaoqi , Wen Shuxiang , Lu Hongli , Dong Hong , Wang Jie , Quan Yin , Li Shiyou
Published: July 2021

The construction of an optimized electrolyte system compatible with layered transition metal (TM) oxides is of great importance to advanced sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, a low‐cost iron‐containing manganese‐based layered cathode material of Na0.67Ni0.15Fe0.2Mn0.65O2 (N‐NFM) is prepared through an improved coprecipitation method. Then, the chemical properties of interfaces between the N‐NFM cathode and organic liquid electrolytes based on NaClO4 and NaPF6 are investigated, respectively. Results show that the cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) film formed in the NaPF6‐based electrolyte is dense and uniform, which inhibits the dissolution of TM ions effectively and provides a low energy barrier for the transport of Na+. Apart from that the CEI film formed in the NaClO4‐based electrolyte contains more organic but less inorganic compounds, resulting in an increase in impedance. In addition, it is believed that the stability of the CEI film is susceptible to the perchlorate with strong oxidizing property. In this role, a small part of the CEI film falls from the cathode surface, accelerating the dissolution of TM ions and leading to the reactivation of electrolyte decomposition.
PdAg Nanoparticles Supported on Bipyridine‐Based Porous Organic Polymers: An Effective Bimetallic Catalyst for the Hydrodeoxygenation of Vanillin
Authors: Yue Xiaokang , Shang Ningzhao , Gao Wei , Cheng Xiang , Gao Shutao , Wang Chun , Wang Zhi
Published: July 2021

Upgrading renewable biomass into high‐valued biofuels and chemicals is highly desirable, however, still remains a challenging task. Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) is regarded as an effective and promising approach for biorefinery. Herein, the bipyridine ligand with strong metal anchoring capacity is used as a monomer to fabricate porous organic framework (POF) materials. The bipyridine‐based POF (named as N‐BB) serves as an HDO catalyst support to stabilize PdAg bimetallic nanoparticles. Due to the abundant porous structure of the N‐BB support, good dispersity of PdAg nanoparticles, large specific surface area, and synergetic effect of Pd and Ag, the prepared Pd9Ag1/N‐BB catalyst exhibits high activity and stability for the HDO of lignin‐derived molecules. In addition, the kinetic studies of the hydrogenation of vanillin over Pd9Ag1/N‐BB are also carried out, providing strong evidence for the excellent performance of the Pd9Ag1/N‐BB catalyst. The Pd9Ag1/N‐BB displays a great application prospect in catalytic HDO of lignin‐derived compounds.
Enhanced Cyclic Stability of Sulfur Electrode by a Li‐Nafion‐Supported Encapsulated Configuration
Authors: Li Zhong , Yang Peiyue , Pan Qiyun , Jiang Shan , Jiang Linjie , Liu Yisi , Xu Guodong , Chen Yazhou
Published: July 2021

Lithium–sulfur batteries are deemed to have the opportunity to replace lithium‐ion batteries because of their high energy density. Nonetheless, the shuttling of soluble long‐chain polysulfides severely deteriorates the cyclic performances of the batteries. Herein, an encapsulated sulfur electrode to tackle the shuttle effect is designed. This high‐performance electrode is fabricated by encapsulating the active sulfur inside a sealing configuration composed of lithiated Nafion (Li‐Nafion), carbon black (BP2000), and a binder of polytetrafluoroethylene. The dense surface of the encapsulated configuration can physically obstruct the mobility of soluble polysulfides. Meanwhile, the sulfonic acid groups fixed on the Li‐Nafion backbone provide a robust electrostatic repulsion to inhibit the negatively charged polysulfides from migrating into the electrolyte. Therefore, the encapsulated sulfur electrode delivers 522.6 mAh g−1 at the 600th cycle with a retention of 80.36%, exhibiting a more competitive cyclic stability than the pristine sulfur electrode.
Loneliness mediates the relationships between perceived neighborhood characteristics and cognition in middle‐aged and older adults
Authors: Yu Xiaohui , Yang Jiulong , Yin Zhenhua , Jiang Wenjie , Zhang Dongfeng
Published: July 2021

Objectives

We aimed to examine whether loneliness mediates these associations between perceived neighborhood characteristics and cognition among middle‐aged and older adults.

Methods

Data from wave 10 (2010–2012) to wave 13 (2016–2017) of the Health and Retirement Study were analyzed. Perceived neighborhood characteristics were self‐reported. Loneliness was measured by Revised University of California Los Angeles (R‐UCLA) Loneliness Scale. Cognition was evaluated by the modified version of Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. Baron and Kenny’s causal steps and multiple linear regression models based on Karlson/Holm/Breen (KHB) method were used to examine the mediating effect.

Results

At baseline, 15,142 participants had no cognitive impairment, and 11,413 individuals were finally included in our analysis after 6‐year follow‐up. Multiple linear regression models suggested that lower perceived neighborhood physical disorder (β = 0.073, p = 0.033) and greater perceived neighborhood safety (β = 0.350, p = 0.009) were associated with better cognition. KHB test identified the significant mediating effect of loneliness on the relationships between perceived neighborhood physical disorder (β = 0.011, p = 0.016) and perceived neighborhood safety (β = 0.023, p = 0.026) and cognition.

Conclusions

Perceived neighborhood characteristics are associated with cognition among middle‐aged and older American adults. Loneliness mediated associations between perceived neighborhood physical disorder and perceived neighborhood safety and cognition.
Re‐evaluating expanding intravenous catheters in medical practice
Authors: Vazquez Rigoberto , Tennankore Rishabh , Shikanov Ariella , Mermel Leonard A. , Love Brian , Burns Michael L.
Published: July 2021

Background

Intravenous catheters are common and essential devices within medical practice. Their placement can be difficult, leading to application of several technologies to improve success. Functionally expanding catheters were once an exciting technology, derailed clinically by hypersensitivity reactions. The exact cause of reactions, attributed to Aquavene catheter materials, remains unknown.

Aims

To reinvestigate functionally expanding intravenous catheters.

Materials and Methods

The history of the functionally expanding intravenous catheter is presented here along with its utility in current medical practice, potential for further investigation, and possible redesign of these once promising devices.

Results

This review demonstrates clinical utility and a lack of definitive cause for failure of the previous functionally expanding intravenous catheter design. As Aquavene materials themselves are commonly considered the cause of hypersensitivity reactions which removed expanding intravenous catheters from the market, this review found several possible substitutes for this material for use in any redesign.

Discussion and Conclusion

The functionally expanding intravenous catheter failed due to hypersensitivity reactions in patients. Alternative materials exist for a possible redesign on this once promising clinical product.
Axillary response according to neoadjuvant single or dual human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) blockade in clinically node‐positive, HER2‐positive breast cancer
Authors: Cha Chihwan , Ahn Sung Gwe , Kim Dooreh , Lee Janghee , Park Soeun , Bae Soong June , Kim Jee Ye , Park Hyung Seok , Park Seho , Kim Seung Il , Park Byeong‐Woo , Jeong Joon
Published: July 2021

Incorporating dual human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) blockade into neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST) led to higher response in patients with HER2‐positive breast cancer. However, axillary response to treatment regimens, including single or dual HER2 blockade, in patients with clinically node‐positive breast cancer remains uncertain. Our study aimed to examine the pathologic axillary response according to the type of NST, that is, single or dual HER2 blockade. In our study, 546 patients with clinically node‐positive, HER2‐positive breast cancer who received NST followed by axillary surgery were retrospectively selected and divided into three groups: chemotherapy alone, chemotherapy + trastuzumab and chemotherapy + trastuzumab with pertuzumab. The primary outcome was the axillary pathologic complete response (pCR). Among 471 patients undergoing axillary lymph node dissection, the axillary pCR rates were 43.5%, 74.5% and 68.8% in patients who received chemotherapy alone, chemotherapy + trastuzumab and chemotherapy + trastuzumab with pertuzumab, respectively. There was no difference in axillary pCR rates between patients who received single or dual HER2 blockade (P = .379). Among patients receiving chemotherapy + trastuzumab, patients without breast pCR had the greatest risk for residual axillary metastases (relative risk, 9.8; 95% confidence interval, 3.2‐14.9; P < .0001). In conclusion, adding trastuzumab to chemotherapy increased the axillary pCR rate in patients with clinically node‐positive, HER2‐positive breast cancer; furthermore, dual HER2‐blockade with trastuzumab and pertuzumab did not elevate the axillary response compared with trastuzumab alone. Breast pCR could be a strong predictor for axillary pCR in clinically node‐positive patients treated with HER2‐targeting therapy.
Factors associated with missing strings and expulsion after postplacental insertion of copper T380A intrauterine devices
Authors: da Silva Nóbrega Aureliana Barboza , Pitangui Ana Carolina Rodarti , Vieira Carolina Sales
Published: July 2021

Objective

To identify clinical and demographic factors associated with missing strings and expulsion after postplacental insertion of copper T380A intrauterine devices (TCu380A IUD).

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of an implementation study. We followed participants who had a postplacental TCu380A IUD insertion, at two postpartum visits: 45–90 days (visit 1) and 6–9 months (visit 2). We used multiple log‐binomial regression models to evaluate the demographic and clinical variables associated with missing strings and with IUD expulsion.

Results

We included 705 participants who had a postplacental IUD insertion. We observed missing strings in 275 (47.9%) participants at visit 1, and in 127 (34.2%) participants at visit 2. We identified 61 expulsions (8.9%) by visit 2. In the multiple regression models, only the delivery type was associated with missing strings and expulsion. Compared with vaginal delivery, cesarean delivery increased the risk of missing strings (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 6.21; 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.29–8.99) but reduced the risk of IUD expulsion (aRR 0.24; 95% CI 0.13–0.43).

Conclusion

The delivery mode was the only factor associated with missing strings and expulsion after postplacental IUD insertion. Cesarean section was associated with an increased risk of missing strings but decreased risk of expulsion after postplacental TCu380A IUD insertion.
Erosive vulvo–vaginal lichen planus treated with rituximab: A case report
Authors: Lagerstedt Maria , Kotaniemi‐Talonen Laura , Antonen Jaakko , Vaalasti Annikki
Published: July 2021

Synopsis

Rituximab is an effective treatment for erosive vulvo–vaginal and oral lichen planus.
PyUNIxMD: A Python‐based excited state molecular dynamics package
Authors: Lee In Seong , Ha Jong‐Kwon , Han Daeho , Kim Tae In , Moon Sung Wook , Min Seung Kyu
Published: July 2021

Theoretical/computational description of excited state molecular dynamics is nowadays a crucial tool for understanding light‐matter interactions in many materials. Here we present an open‐source Python‐based nonadiabatic molecular dynamics program package, namely PyUNIxMD, to deal with mixed quantum‐classical dynamics for correlated electron‐nuclear propagation. The PyUNIxMD provides many interfaces for quantum chemical calculation methods with commercial and noncommercial ab initio and semiempirical quantum chemistry programs. In addition, the PyUNIxMD offers many nonadiabatic molecular dynamics algorithms such as fewest‐switch surface hopping and its derivatives as well as decoherence‐induced surface hopping based on the exact factorization (DISH‐XF) and coupled‐trajectory mixed quantum‐classical dynamics (CTMQC) for general purposes. Detailed structures and flows of PyUNIxMD are explained for the further implementations by developers. We perform a nonadiabatic molecular dynamics simulation for a molecular motor system as a simple demonstration.
Identification of the most indicative and discriminative features from diagnostic instruments for children with autism
Authors: Stroth Sanna , Tauscher Johannes , Wolff Nicole , Küpper Charlotte , Poustka Luise , Roepke Stefan , Roessner Veit , Heider Dominik , Kamp‐Becker Inge
Published: July 2021

Background

Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complex and time‐consuming. The present work systematically examines the importance of items from the Autism Diagnostic Interview‐Revised (ADI‐R) and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) in discerning children with and without ASD. Knowledge of the most discriminative features and their underlying concepts may prove valuable for the future training tools that assist clinicians to substantiate or extenuate a suspicion of ASD in nonverbal and minimally verbal children.

Methods

In two samples of nonverbal (N = 466) and minimally verbal (N = 566) children with ASD (N = 509) and other mental disorders or developmental delays (N = 523), we applied random forests (RFs) to (i) the combination of ADI‐R and ADOS data versus (ii) ADOS data alone. We compared the predictive performance of reduced feature models against outcomes provided by models containing all features.

Results

For nonverbal children, the RF classifier indicated social orientation to be most powerful in differentiating ASD from non‐ASD cases. In minimally verbal children, we find language/speech peculiarities in combination with facial/nonverbal expressions and reciprocity to be most distinctive.

Conclusion

Based on machine learning strategies, we carve out those symptoms of ASD that prove to be central for the differentiation of ASD cases from those with other developmental or mental disorders (high specificity in minimally verbal children). These core concepts ought to be considered in the future training tools for clinicians.
Smartphones addiction associated with academic achievement among dental students: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Mafla Ana C. , Herrera‐López Harvey M. , Eraso Thanya Fernanda , Melo Marilyn Alexandra , Muñoz Natalia , Schwendicke Falk
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The study sought to examine the association between dental students’ smartphone addiction and academic achievement.

Methods

Study participants were 374 dental students from the Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia school of dentistry. Smartphone addiction was assessed using the short version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS‐SV), an instrument that was validated a priori using item response theory, information function test, and confirmatory factor analysis. Students’ semester grade point average (GPA) served as a measure of academic performance. The association between SAS‐SV scores and GPA was tested using generalized linear modeling adjusting for covariates.

Results

The prevalence of smartphone addiction was low (4.8%) in this sample of dental students. Smartphone use was significantly and positively associated with GPA (b = 0.012; 95% confidence interval = 0.005–0.020; P = 0.001) while accounting for students’ age and year of study.

Conclusions

Smartphone usage was positively associated with dental students’ academic performance. Importantly, a small number of students were identified as suffering from smartphone addiction. Future research should help clarify the mechanisms underlying this association, identify students at risk for smartphone addiction, and further elucidate the relevance of these findings in dental education.
Evaluation of the protective effect on enamel demineralization of CPP‐ACP paste and ROCS by vibrational spectroscopy and SAXS: An in vitro study
Authors: Akgun Ozlem Marti , Haman Bayari Sevgi , Ide Semra , Guven Polat Gunseli , Yildirim Ceren , Orujalipoor Ilgar
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate human dental enamel surfaces using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) techniques concerning differences between the demineralized enamel surface and remineralized enamel surface by casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate, Tooth mousse® (CPP‐ACP) and remineralizing oral care systems (ROCS®) agents within the same tooth. For this purpose, 20 freshly extracted human maxillary central incisors without caries and defects were used. Labial surfaces of each of the teeth were divided into four sections, which were marked as follows: Group 1, normal enamel; Group 2, demineralized enamel with demineralization solution; Group 3, demineralized enamel + remineralization agent (ROCS for 10 teeth, CPP‐ACP for 10 teeth); and Group 4, remineralization agent (ROCS for 10 teeth, CPP‐ACP for 10 teeth). To describe the changes in tooth enamel, the phosphate group concentration within enamel was used as an indicator of the degree of mineralization. The phosphate and carbonate bands in the FTIR and Raman spectra were used to investigate the structural changes in the demineralized and remineralized enamel. Spectroscopic data were statistically analyzed in terms of CPP‐ACP and ROCS using one‐way analysis of variance. The carbonate content of demineralized enamel was higher than the carbonate content in the other groups (p < .03). The apatite carbonate‐phosphate balance in the samples with only remineralizing agent—especially ROCS applied—changed significantly (p < .05) compared to the normal group. The average FTIR spectra of the groups were subjected to multivariate hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) conducted with the use of the OPUS 5.5 software. Nanosized surface morphologies of the samples were compared using pair distance distributions obtained through SAXS analyses. According to the SAXS analyses, applications of CCP + ACP and ROCS agents were effective on nanostructures for all groups.
Association between cycle threshold (Ct) values and clinical and laboratory data in inpatients with COVID‐19 and asymptomatic health workers
Authors: Ramirez‐Hinojosa Juan Pablo , Rodriguez‐Sanchez Yunuen , Romero‐Gonzalez Angel Kaleb , Chavez‐Gutierrez Marisol , Gonzalez‐Arenas Nelly Raquel , Ibarra‐Arce Aurora , Arroyo‐Escalante Sara , Zavaleta‐Villa Beatriz , Leon‐Juarez Moises , Cruz‐Holguin Victor Javier , Espinosa de los Monteros‐Perez Luz Elena , Olivo‐Diaz Angelica , Hernandez‐Castro Rigoberto , Suarez‐Roa Lourdes , Prado‐Calleros Hector , Sierra‐Martinez Octavio , Avila‐Ramirez Guillermina , Flisser Ana , Maravilla Pablo , Romero‐Valdovinos Mirza
Published: July 2021

In‐house assays for the diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), are feasible alternatives, particularly in developing countries. Cycle threshold (Ct) values obtained by qRT‐PCR were compared with clinical and laboratory data from saliva of inpatients with COVID‐19 and asymptomatic health workers (AHW) were studied. Saliva specimens from 58 inpatients confirmed by qRT‐PCR for SARS‐CoV‐2 using nasopharyngeal specimens, and 105 AHW were studied by qRT‐PCR using three sets of primers for the N (N1, N2, and N3) gene of SARS‐CoV‐2, according to the CDC Diagnostic Panel protocol, showing a positivity of 88% for inpatients and 8% for AHW. Bivariate analysis revealed an association between Ct < 38.0 values for N2 and mechanical ventilation assistance among patients (p = .013). In addition, values of aspartate‐transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, and ferritin showed significant correlations with Ct values of N1 and N3 genes in inpatients. Therefore, our results show that Ct values correlate with some relevant clinical data for inpatients with COVID‐19.
AMPA induced cognitive impairment in rats: Establishing the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor, 4‐PBA
Authors: Bhardwaj Ankita , Bhardwaj Rishi , Sharma Shweta , Sharma Suresh Kumar , Dhawan Devinder Kumar , Kaur Tanzeer
Published: July 2021

Glutamate excitotoxicity and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) recently have been found to be instrumental in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases. However, the paucity of literature deciphering the inter‐linkage among glutamate receptors, behavioral alterations, and ER demands thorough exploration. Reckoning the aforesaid concerns, a prospective study was outlined to delineate the influence of ER stress inhibitionvia4‐phenylbutyric acid (PBA) on α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) excitotoxicity‐induced behavioral aspects and possible ER stress‐glutamate linkage. Male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups namely sham (surgical control+vehicle, group 1), AMPA‐induced excitotoxic group 2 receive a single intra‐hippocampal injection of 10 mM AMPA, group 3 received AMPA along with PBA (i.p, 100 mg/kg body weight) for 15 days, and group 4 received PBA alone. Behavioral analyses were performed prior to the sacrifice of animals and hippocampus was extracted thereafter for further analysis. AMPA‐induced excitotoxicity exhibited significant impairment of locomotion as well as cognitive functions. The levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, homo vanillic acid (HVA), norepinephrine, and serotonin were reduced accompanied by reduced expression of GLUR1 and GLUR4 (glutamate receptor) as well as loss of neurons in different layers of hippocampus. ER stress markers were upregulated upon AMPA excitotoxicity. However, chemical chaperone PBA supplementation remarkably mitigated the behavioral alterations along with expression of glutamate and ER stress intermediates/markers in AMPA excitotoxic animals. Therefore, the present exploration convincingly emphasizes the significance of ER stress and its inhibitionviaPBA in combating cognitive impairment as well as improving locomotion in excitotoxic animals.
Preceptoring, proctoring, mentoring, and coaching in surgery
Authors: Sachdeva Ajit K.
Published: July 2021

Contemporary models of surgical education that are founded on sound educational theories and constructs need to be used across the continuum of professional development of surgeons starting with the first day of medical school, through surgery residency and fellowship training, to the last day of surgical practice. The highly learner‐centered and individually‐focused special interventions of preceptoring, proctoring, mentoring, and coaching should be linked to innovative competency‐based education models to address the educational needs of learners at all levels, and especially of surgeons in practice to continually improve their knowledge, skills, and performance, with the aspirational goal of achieving expertise and mastery. Each of these interventions is distinct with its own unique characteristics, applications, and anticipated impact, which must be clearly recognized for the interventions to be used most effectively. Broad acceptance and adoption of the aforementioned special interventions require recognition of the value each brings to the learner and the educational program. Professional organizations should play a key role in designing innovative educational programs that include these interventions, supporting their integration into surgical education and surgical practice, and influencing changes in the cultures in surgery to facilitate broad adoption of these interventions.
Development and validation of ultra‐high performance supercritical fluid chromatography method for quantitative determination of six compounds in Guizhi Fuling capsule and tablet samples
Authors: Li Bao Qiong , Li Xin Kang , Lin Yuan , Li Ze Ying , Zhang Xiang‐Zhi , Feng Na , Ma Ai‐Jun , Chen Chao Yang , Tan Lin Fan
Published: July 2021

A fast and simple ultra‐high performance supercritical fluid chromatography method has been developed for the determination of six analytes, namely (paeonol, coumarin, cinnamic alcohol, cinnamic acid, paeoniflorin, and amygdalin) in Guizhi Fuling capsule and tablet samples. The influence of the key chromatographic parameters for the separation purposes was evaluated. The optimal column was Trefoil CEL1 column. The optimal mobile phase was a gradient mixture of carbon dioxide and methanol at flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The back pressure of the system was set to 1.38 × 107 Pa and the temperature to 45°C. The six compounds were separated within 11 min by the proposed ultra‐high performance supercritical fluid chromatography method with satisfactory resolution. Method validation confirmed that the procedure is accurate with the recovery rates from 87.04 to 104.30%, intraday precision values less than 4.81% and interday precision less than 5.22%, and linear with R2 higher than 0.9967. Therefore, this work provides a simple and novel method for the simultaneous analysis of six compounds in Guizhi Fuling capsule and tablet samples.
Prospective Evaluation of the Ultrasound Signs Proposed for the Description of Uterine Niche in Nonpregnant Women
Authors: Feldman Noa , Maymon Ron , Jauniaux Eric , Manoach Danielle , Mor Matan , Marczak Ewa , Melcer Yaakov
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the new ultrasound‐based signs for the diagnosis of post‐cesarean section uterine niche in nonpregnant women.

Methods

We investigated prospectively a cohort of 160 consecutive women with one previous term cesarean delivery (CD) between December 2019 and 2020. All women were separated into two subgroups according to different stages of labor at the time of their CD: subgroup A (n = 109; 68.1%) for elective CD and CD performed in latent labor at a cervical dilatation (≤4 cm) and subgroup B (n = 51; 31.9%); for CD performed during the active stage of labor (>4 cm).

Results

Overall, the incidence of a uterine niche was significantly (P < .001) higher in women who had an elective (20/45; 44.4%) compared with those who had an emergent (21/115; 18.3%) CD. Compared with subgroup B, subgroup A presented with a significantly (P = .012) higher incidence of uterine niche located above the vesicovaginal fold and with a significantly (P = .0002) lower proportion of cesarean scar positioned below the vesicovaginal fold. There was a significantly (P < .001) higher proportion of women with a residual myometrial thickness (RMT) > 3 mm in subgroup A than in subgroup B and a significant negative relationship was found between the RMT and the cervical dilatation at CD (r = −0.22; P = .008).

Conclusions

Sonographic cesarean section scar assessment indicates that the type of CD and the stage of labor at which the hysterotomy is performed have an impact on the location of the scar and the scarification process including the niche formation and RMT.
Science and Knowledge of Free‐Roaming Donkeys—A Critical Review
Authors: Clancy Cara L. , Kubasiewicz Laura M. , Raw Zoe , Cooke Fiona
Published: July 2021

The emergence of free‐roaming donkey (Equus asinus) populations globally has brought novel challenges for conservationists, land managers, and those concerned about animal welfare. We provide a review of the scientific literature pertaining to the place and role of free‐roaming donkeys from 1950 until 2020. Using quantitative and qualitative techniques, namely categorical and thematic analysis and critical discourse analysis, to review >100 articles, we critically examine the logics and rationales that are used to either support or denounce donkey presence in particular landscapes and discuss their place and role in different ecological contexts. Free‐roaming donkeys are largely understudied and clouded by dichotomous points of view, different conservation agendas, and the presence of other species in donkey habitat. There is an important need for more in‐depth, site‐specific studies on free‐roaming donkeys that draw on tools and techniques from across the social and natural sciences. Such efforts would offer a richer, more holistic, and comprehensive picture of free‐roaming donkeys that consider both human and animal perspectives and the wider environment. This has important implications for generating long‐term sustainable management solutions for free‐roaming donkeys. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Wildlife Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
Evolution of systemic treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wu Tsung‐Che , Shen Ying‐Chun , Cheng Ann‐Lii
Published: July 2021

Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was considered an inherently refractory tumor in the chemotherapy era (1950–2000). However, systemic therapy has evolved to molecular targeted therapy and immunotherapy, and nine treatment regimens have been approved worldwide during the past 20 years. The approved regimens target tumor angiogenesis or tumor immunity, the two cancer hallmarks. Recently, the combination of atezolizumab (antiprogrammed cell death ligand 1) and bevacizumab (anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor) has improved the efficacy of systemic therapy in treating advanced HCC without excessive toxicities or deterioration of quality of life. This review summarizes the major advances in systemic therapy and provides future perspectives on the next‐generation systemic therapy for advanced HCC.
Free Volumes and Grüneisen Parameters in Mixed‐Tacticity Polyhydroxybutyrates
Authors: Van Opdenbosch Daniel , Klotz Moritz , Haslböck Maria , Zollfrank Cordt
Published: July 2021

Recently, nonlinear progressions of mechanical and thermal properties of mixed‐tacticity polyhydroxybutyrates have been discovered with their fraction of meso diads . Characteristic is traced by a measure of polymer chain segment length disturbance, due to the inclusion of S enantiomers in chains consisting otherwise of R monomers. In this article, the material compositions' thermal expansion coefficients are reported on as determined by X‐ray diffraction and connect the qualitative to their free volume fractions. Further, it is demonstrate that the previously determined Einstein oscillator modes correlate to Grüneisen parameters determined for a range of mixed‐tacticity polyhydroxybutyrates.
Investigation of flow velocity in recipient perforator artery for a reliable indicator for the flap transfer with perforator to perforator anastomosis
Authors: Yoshida Shuhei , Koshima Isao , Imai Hirofumi , Uchiki Toshio , Sasaki Ayano , Nagamatsu Shogo , Yokota Kazunori
Published: July 2021

Introduction

In flap transfer with perforator to perforator anastomosis (FTPPA), encountering poor pulsation and blood flow in a recipient perforator intraoperatively often makes FTPPA impossible. This study sought to identify color and spectral Doppler ultrasonography (CSDUS) parameters that can aid reliable preoperative selection of a recipient perforator artery.

Patients and Methods

The study enrolled 38 patients with lower extremity lymphedema who underwent vascularized lymphatic tissue transfer with perforator to perforator anastomosis for physiological lymphatic flow reconstruction. In all cases, three candidate recipient perforators were searched in each lower extremities, and vessel diameter and peak systolic flow velocity (PSFV) were measured. The inclusion criteria for candidates were a vessel diameter of >0.5 mm and a PSFV of >10 cm/s. These measures were compared with intraoperative findings, diameters and if there was pulsation and visible spurting evident.

Results

A total of 114 candidates were selected, and 52 of the candidates were dissected until suitable perforators were found. PSFV (cm/s) on CSDUS was ≥20.0 in 32 perforators (84.2%) and was 15.0–19.9 in 6 perforators (15.8%) in the group with pulsation and visible spurting evident, and 15.0–19.9 in one perforator (7.1%) and ≤ 14.9 in 13 perforators (92.9%) in the group without pulsation and visible spurting evident. There was a statistically significant correlation between preoperative PSFV and intraoperative pulsation and visible spurting evident after dissection (P = 0.021 × 10−3). The flap survival rate was 92.1%.

Conclusion

PSFV is an important preoperative determinant of the suitability of a recipient perforator artery for FTPPA.
Utility of radiomic zones for risk classification and clinical outcome predictions using supervised machine learning during simultaneous 11C‐choline PET/MRI acquisition in prostate cancer patients
Authors: Tu Shu‐Ju , Tran Vuong T. , Teo Jian M. , Chong Wen C. , Tseng Jing‐Ren
Published: July 2021

Purpose

In most radiomic studies related to cancer research, the traditional tumor‐centric view has predominated. In this retrospective study, we go beyond the single‐tumor region and investigate the utility of proposed radiomic zones for risk classification and clinical outcome predictions using radiomic features extracted from 11C‐choline positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and supervised machine learning in prostate tumors.

Materials and Methods

Seventy‐seven prostate tumors were selected and delineated. The prostate organ was divided into three radiomic zones, with zone‐1 being the metabolic tumor zone, zone‐2 the proximal peripheral tumor zone, and zone‐3 the extended peripheral tumor zone. LIFEx was used for PET‐radiomic feature extraction. Risk groups were created using Gleason scores (GS), prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels, clinical TNM staging, and progression‐free survival (PFS). Random forest (RF) and AdaBoost advanced machine learning algorithms were used for supervised machine learning. Accuracy, positive predictive value, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AreaROC), and other metrics were calculated for comparisons of predictive performance between zones.

Results

For the GS risk classification group, the accuracies of risk classification predictions were 71%, 71%, and 67% using RF and 65%, 64%, and 63% using AdaBoost for zones −1, −2, and −3, respectively. For the PSA group, the accuracies of risk classification predictions were 74%, 65%, and 64% using RF and 76%, 66%, and 67% using AdaBoost for zones −1, −2, and −3, respectively. For the TNM group, the accuracies of risk classification predictions were 68%, 76%, and 78% using RF and 66%, 75%, and 80% using AdaBoost for zones −1, −2, and −3, respectively. For the PFS group, the accuracies of clinical outcome predictions were 77%, 75%, and 83% using RF and 77%, 74%, and 83% using AdaBoost in zones −1, −2, and −3, respectively.

Conclusions

We proposed three radiomic zones with different standard uptake value characteristics and created four risk groups of prostate cancer patients for testing this idea. We showed that these radiomic zones have different predicting strengths in classifying risk groups and might allow us to identify a radiomic zone with higher accuracy for patient outcome prediction.