bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self‐perceived clinical competence, gender and workplace setting predict burnout among psychotherapists
Authors: Spännargård Åsa , Fagernäs Simon , Alfonsson Sven
Published: April 2022

Work‐related stress, or burnout, is elevated among healthcare staff but the specific risk factors for psychotherapists are not clear, which makes it difficult to design interventions to target this population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate a set of background variables and work‐related risk factors for burnout among psychotherapists. Potential protective factors such as level of education, number of years in the profession and access to clinical supervision were investigated. Symptoms of burnout were measured with the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, and data were collected from 327 psychotherapists. In this group, 62% reported moderate or high levels of burnout symptoms, with significantly higher levels of personal‐ and work‐related burnout than client‐related burnout. Being female, having low self‐perceived competence and working in the public sector were associated with higher levels of burnout. Other factors, such as age, work experience, level of education or having clinical supervision, were not associated with burnout after controlling for gender, perceived competence and workplace setting. These results confirm previous research that underlines the importance of perceived competence and control over one's work environment, and that women are at higher risk of burnout, possibly because of factors outside of work. The importance of perceived competence as a protective factor suggests that methods that increase therapeutic competence may play an important role in countering work‐related stress. In conclusion, there may be a need to continue to develop and integrate specific burnout prevention interventions for psychotherapists.
Teaching chemometrics in short course format
Authors: Wise Barry M.
Published: April 2022

The author reviews his experiences teaching chemometrics for 25+ years, primarily in short course format. Teaching to live classes and also via remote learning are discussed. Challenges to learning are elucidated. Tips for successful classes are shared.
Ein Gartenpool im kalten Sommer – wie wird er warm?
Authors: Epple Matthias , Fischer Carola , Loza Kateryna
Published: April 2022

Die erhebliche thermische Energie, die benötigt wird, um einen kalten Gartenpool aufzuheizen, wird gewöhnlich unterschätzt. Auch in der Werbung wird meist von idealisierten oder sogar unrealistischen Bedingungen ausgegangen. Das Aufheizen durch die tägliche Sonneneinstrahlung, verbunden mit einer thermischen Isolierung der Unterseite, um das nächtliche Abkühlen zu vermeiden, ist die umweltfreundlichste Option. Alle anderen Optionen, den Pool bei kühlem Wetter aufzuheizen, sind mit einem erheblichem Energieaufwand und einem nicht zu vernachlässigenden Kohlendioxid‐Fußabdruck verbunden. Zu bedenken ist auch, dass dieser Heizaufwand in einem kühlen Sommer unter Umständen täglich anfällt. Dies führt zu einem mehr‐ und vielfachen Anfall der abgeschätzten Kosten für Portemonnaie (in Euro) und Umwelt (in Kohlendioxid).
Hippocampal interneurons are direct targets for circulating glucocorticoids
Authors: Kraus Kimberly L. , Chordia Arihant P. , Drake Austin W. , Herman James P. , Danzer Steve C.
Published: April 2022

The hippocampus has become a significant target of stress research in recent years because of its role in cognitive functioning, neuropathology, and regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. Despite the pervasive impact of stress on psychiatric and neurological disease, many of the circuit‐ and cell‐dependent mechanisms giving rise to the limbic regulation of the stress response remain unknown. Hippocampal excitatory neurons generally express high levels of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) and are therefore positioned to respond directly to serum glucocorticoids. These neurons are, in turn, regulated by neighboring interneurons, subtypes of which have been shown to respond to stress exposure. However, GR expression among hippocampal interneurons is not well characterized. To determine whether key interneuron populations are direct targets for glucocorticoid action, we used two transgenic mouse lines to label parvalbumin‐positive (PV+) and somatostatin‐positive (SST+) interneurons. GR immunostaining of labeled interneurons was characterized within the dorsal and ventral dentate hilus, dentate cell body layer, and CA1 and CA3 stratum oriens and stratum pyramidale. While nearly all hippocampal SST+ interneurons expressed GR across all regions, GR labeling of PV+ interneurons showed considerable subregion variability. The percentage of PV+, GR+ cells was highest in the CA3 stratum pyramidale and lowest in the CA1 stratum oriens, with other regions showing intermediate levels of expression. Together, these findings indicate that, under baseline conditions, hippocampal SST+ interneurons are a ubiquitous glucocorticoid target, while only distinct populations of PV+ interneurons are direct targets. This anatomical diversity suggests functional differences in the regulation of stress‐dependent hippocampal responses.
Integrated age‐related immunohistological changes occur in human olfactory epithelium and olfactory bulb
Authors: Fitzek Mira , Patel Parthkumar K. , Solomon Peter D. , Lin Brian , Hummel Thomas , Schwob James E. , Holbrook Eric H.
Published: April 2022

Olfactory epithelium (OE) is capable of lifelong regeneration due to presence of basal progenitor cells that respond to injury or neuronal loss with increased activity. However, this capability diminishes with advancing age and a decrease in odor perception in older individuals is well established. To characterize changes associated with age in the peripheral olfactory system, an in‐depth analysis of the OE and its neuronal projections onto the olfactory bulb (OB) as a function of age was performed. Human olfactory tissue autopsy samples from 36 subjects with an average age of 74.1 years were analyzed. Established cell type‐specific antibodies were used to identify OE component cells in whole mucosal sheets and epithelial sections as well as glomeruli and periglomerular structures in OB sections. With age, a reduction in OE area occurs across the mucosa progressing in a posterior‐dorsal direction. Deterioration of the olfactory system is accompanied with diminution of neuron‐containing OE, mature olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) and OB innervation. On an individual level, the neuronal density within the epithelium appears to predict synapse density within the OB. The innervation of the OB is uneven with higher density at the ventral half that decreases with age as opposed to stable innervation at the dorsal half. Respiratory metaplasia, submucosal cysts, and neuromata, were commonly identified in aged OE. The finding of respiratory metaplasia and aneuronal epithelium with reduction in global basal cells suggests a progression of stem cell quiescence as an underlying pathophysiology of age‐related smell loss in humans.

Key points

A gradual loss of olfactory sensory neurons with age in human olfactory epithelium is also reflected in a reduction in glomeruli within the olfactory bulb.

This gradual loss of neurons and synaptic connections with age occurs in a specific, spatially inhomogeneous manner.

Decreasing mitotically active olfactory epithelium basal cells may contribute to age‐related neuronal decline and smell loss in humans.
Top‐down self‐regulation processes as determinants of oral hygiene self‐care behaviour: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Rogers Adam A. , Willumsen Tiril , Strømme Hilde , Johnsen Jan‐Are K.
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Understanding the psychological mechanisms that moderate oral hygiene self‐care behavior is anticipated to benefit efforts to change such behavior. Top‐down self‐regulatory (TSR) processes represent one group of relatively unexplored, yet potentially influential, moderating factors. This systematic scoping review aims to explore whether there is evidence that TSR processes moderate oral hygiene self‐care engagement within the current literature.

Methods

CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched up to April 2020 for articles that compared measures of TSR processes (such as self‐monitoring, inhibitory control, and task switching) to oral hygiene self‐care behavior, or tested interventions that aimed to change or support TSR processes.

Results

The search returned 6626 articles, with 25 included in the final sample. Weak evidence supported both the role of TSR processes as moderators of interdental cleaning and the value of interventions targeting self‐monitoring of interdental cleaning behavior. Overall, methodological limitations rendered the findings somewhat inconclusive, with an absence of objective assessments of TSR capacity, and little focus on TSR processes as moderators of intervention effects.

Conclusions

The inconclusive, but reasonably promising, findings point to the value of continuing to apply TSR processes within studies of oral hygiene behavior. Exploring why interdental cleaning appears more reliant on TSR processes than toothbrushing, employing objective neuropsychological assessment, and measuring TSR constructs within interventions targeting TSR processes, are encouraged. As a scoping review, the study hopes to generate interest and serve as a starting point for further investigation.
Design of memory Alias Table based on the SRAM 8T‐Cell
Authors: Abdel‐Hafeez Saleh , Otoom Sanabel , Quwaider Muhannad
Published: April 2022

A memory Alias Table holds a major role in Register Renaming Unit (RRU), which is responsible for maintaining the translation between logical registers to physical registers under the given instruction(s). This work presents the design of the memory Alias Table based on the SRAM‐based 8T‐Cell with multiport write, read, and content‐address operations for two‐way three operands machine cycle. The design of the memory Alias Table of size 32‐row × 6‐bit has SRAM‐based CAM cell of type 21T‐Cell that comprises four‐read ports, two‐write ports, and two‐content‐address ports. The content‐address examines the register under‐test against all contents of the memory Alias Table in parallel and releases the associated match index address. Results show that the four read ports operate simultaneously within the half‐cycle, while the two write ports operate simultaneously within the other half‐cycle. The operation of the two content‐address ports is managed during the half‐cycle of the read phase. Thus, the three operations occur within a single cycle without latency. HSPICE simulations using 90 nm/1 V CMOS process reveal that the memory Alias Table provides the three operations within a one‐cycle of 1 GHz consuming an average power of 0.13 mW.
Soil Heating in Fire (SheFire): A model and measurement method for estimating soil heating and effects during wildland fires
Authors: Brady Mary K. , Dickinson Matthew B. , Miesel Jessica R. , Wonkka Carissa L. , Kavanagh Kathleen L. , Lodge Alexandra G. , Rogers William E. , Starns Heath D. , Tolleson Doug R. , Treadwell Morgan L. , Twidwell Dirac , Hanan Erin J.
Published: April 2022

Fire has transformative effects on soil biological, chemical, and physical properties in terrestrial ecosystems around the world. While methods for estimating fire characteristics and associated effects aboveground have progressed in recent decades, there remain major challenges in characterizing soil heating and associated effects belowground. Overcoming these challenges is crucial for understanding how fire influences soil carbon storage, biogeochemical cycling, and ecosystem recovery. In this paper, we present a novel framework for characterizing belowground heating and effects. The framework includes (1) an open‐source model to estimate fire‐driven soil heating, cooling, and the biotic effects of heating across depths and over time (Soil Heating in Fire model; SheFire) and (2) a simple field method for recording soil temperatures at multiple depths using self‐contained temperature sensor and data loggers (i.e., iButtons), installed along a wooden stake inserted into the soil (i.e., an iStake). The iStake overcomes many logistical challenges associated with obtaining temperature profiles using thermocouples. Heating measurements provide inputs to the SheFire model, and modeled soil heating can then be used to derive ecosystem response functions, such as heating effects on microorganisms and tissues. To validate SheFire estimates, we conducted a burn table experiment using iStakes to record temperatures that were in turn used to fit the SheFire model. We then compared SheFire predicted temperatures against measured temperatures at other soil depths. To benchmark iStake measurements against those recorded by thermocouples, we co‐located both types of sensors in the burn table experiment. We found that SheFire demonstrated skill in interpolating and extrapolating soil temperatures, with the largest errors occurring at the shallowest depths. We also found that iButton sensors are comparable to thermocouples for recording soil temperatures during fires. Finally, we present a case study using iStakes and SheFire to estimate in situ soil heating during a prescribed fire and demonstrate how observed heating regimes would influence seed and tree root vascular cambium survival at different soil depths. This measurement‐modeling framework provides a cutting‐edge approach for describing soil temperature regimes (i.e., soil heating) through a soil profile and predicting biological responses.
New approach for butterfly conservation through local field‐based vegetational and entomological data
Authors: Piccini Irene , Pittarello Marco , Di Pietro Viviana , Lonati Michele , Bonelli Simona
Published: April 2022

In mountain ecosystems, it is crucial to identify conservation strategies to avoid local extinctions mainly due to agropastoral abandonment. For this purpose, identifying appropriate system indicators is required, for example, butterflies, which respond precisely and quickly to environmental changes.Zerynthia polyxenais an ecotonal species of butterfly, and thus, through its conservation it could be possible to protect clearing and ecotonal species. To develop conservation measures, we set up a hierarchical investigation that characterizes the ecological preferences of the adult and larvalZ. polyxena, and host plant—Aristolochia pallida—by collecting data on the butterfly abundance (adult and larvae), tree cover, and litter plant features and by phytosociological surveys. Adult preferences change along an altitudinal gradient; the highest butterfly presence is at sites with medium elevation (1100 m above sea level [asl]) with high presence of forest, but even sites at low elevation (975 m asl), a high presence of forest favors butterfly abundance. Larvae prefer partially shaded ecotone plots with abundant host plants and low management intensity (corresponding to abundant litter) and with heterogeneous tree cover. High tree cover (70%) at low altitude and low tree cover (<20%) at high altitude favor larval presence. Larvae prefer plants with large leaves. Host plants were more abundant at low elevation where tree cover was low (<20%). We found that the optimal ecological niches of host plant and larvae have a spatial mismatch. By analyzing vegetation dynamics and butterfly monitoring during one field season, we are able to describe current and past (about 10–50 years ago) management pressures, in order to identify butterfly ecological preferences in relation to local features and therefore to suggest local conservation actions that might supportZ. polyxena, as well as other butterflies and insects. Specifically, management measures should prevent afforestation (e.g., through irregular mowing) and favor the presence of small clearings and of ecotonal habitats in relation to elevation. Our study suggests that a new multifunctional approach that combines local entomological and vegetational surveys could be applied to define species optimal habitat features and, thus, to address appropriate conservation measures.
Pathogenic fungus causes density‐ and trait‐mediated trophic cascades in an aquatic community
Authors: Harjoe Carmen C. , Buck Julia C. , Rohr Jason R. , Roberts Claire E. , Olson Deanna H. , Blaustein Andrew R.
Published: April 2022

Pathogens can alter species composition and ecosystem function by causing direct and indirect effects on communities. Zoospores of the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (hereafter, Bd), a pathogen implicated in worldwide amphibian declines, can be consumed by filter‐feeding zooplankton and can damage mouthparts of infected amphibian larvae. Consequently, we hypothesized that this pathogen would affect the abundance of zooplankton and survival and feeding abilities of larval amphibian hosts. In turn, this could affect the algal food resources of zooplankton and tadpoles, which can include phytoplankton and periphyton. We tested these hypotheses by manipulating the presence of western toad (Anaxyrus boreas) larvae and Bd in outdoor mesocosms and quantifying the densities of amphibians, zooplankton, phytoplankton, and periphyton. Bd infections reduced amphibian larval densities, but this only weakly benefitted periphyton (a density‐mediated indirect effect). After controlling for larval densities, mesocosms with Bd‐exposed larvae had significantly more periphyton biomass than mesocosms with larvae but no Bd, consistent with infection‐induced mouthpart damage reducing larval feeding rates on attached algae (a trait‐mediated indirect effect). In fact, the estimated trait‐mediated effect of Bd on periphyton biomass was larger than the density‐mediated effect. However, we did not find evidence that Bd exposure triggered a switch to filter‐feeding phytoplankton. The presence of Bd was associated with increased copepod abundance, consistent with zooplankton consuming chytrid zoospores. These results suggest that Bd has the potential to cause both trait‐ and density‐mediated indirect effects that can alter community composition and perhaps the primary productivity of freshwater ecosystems.
Priority effects alter the colonization success of a host‐associated parasite and mutualist
Authors: Burr Audrey A. , Woods Kamron D. , Cassidy Steven T. , Wood Corlett W.
Published: April 2022

Priority effects shape the assembly of free‐living communities and host‐associated communities. However, the current literature does not fully incorporate two features of host–symbiont interactions, correlated host responses to multiple symbionts and ontogenetic changes in host responses to symbionts, leading to an incomplete picture of the role of priority effects in host‐associated communities. We factorially manipulated the inoculation timing of two plant symbionts (mutualistic rhizobia bacteria and parasitic root‐knot nematodes) and tested how host age at arrival, arrival order, and arrival synchrony affected symbiont colonization success in the model legume Medicago truncatula. We found that host age, arrival order, and arrival synchrony significantly affected colonization of one or both symbionts. Host age at arrival only affected nematodes but not rhizobia: younger plants were more heavily infected than older plants. By contrast, arrival order only affected rhizobia but not nematodes: plants formed more rhizobia nodules when rhizobia arrived before nematodes. Finally, synchronous arrival decreased colonization both symbionts, an effect that depended on host age. Our results demonstrate that priority effects compromise the host's ability to control colonization by two major symbionts and suggest that the role of correlated host responses and host ontogeny in the assembly of host‐associated communities deserve further attention.
Homogeneous Systems Containing Earth‐Abundant Metal Complexes for Photoactivated CO2 Reduction: Recent Advances
Authors: Bizzarri Claudia
Published: April 2022

Photo‐driven reduction of CO2 into advantageous chemicals is a noteworthy pathway to close the carbon cycle and decrease carbon footprint. The use of visible light and ultimately solar radiation is extremely interesting in managing energy issues. Similarly, the employment of cost‐effective materials guides to environmentally friendly applications. This Review addresses the homogeneous systems used for photoactivated the CO2 reduction in the last years, highlighting the earth‐abundant metal‐based components. Besides those systems composed only of noble metal‐free units, hybrid systems, also containing a noble metal‐based complex, are also examined, revealing that research needs to increase the attention on more sustainable alternatives.
Quinazoline‐Assisted ortho‐Halogenation with N‐Halosuccinimides through Pd(II)‐Catalyzed C(sp2)−H Activation
Authors: Wang Yong , Wang Hui , Yang Qifan , Xie Shihua , Zhu Hongjun
Published: April 2022

An efficient quinazoline‐assisted ortho‐halogenation of 2‐arylquinazolines has been developed using N‐halosuccinimides as halogen sources with Pd(II)‐catalyzed C−H bond activation. No additional ligand and oxidant are required. This protocol is highly regioselective and applicable to a broad range of quinazoline substrates bearing different functional groups, giving yields of up to 98 %. The mechanism of the quinazoline ortho‐halogenation was investigated by comprehensive experimentation.
Global strategy collections: Emerging market multinational enterprises
Authors: Pedersen Torben , Tallman Stephen
Published: April 2022

Research Summary

This first collection of articles for global strategy focuses on the relatively new phenomenon of Emerging Market Multinational Enterprises (EMNEs). The first topic to draw real attention to articles in Global Strategy Journal, the study of EMNEs challenges many assumptions about what characteristics make a firm a successful MNE and forces a reconsideration of fundamental questions in strategic management. The articles in the collection provide a good introduction to the topic, but there is much more research on the topic in a variety of journals for those scholars considering the EMNE as a topic for their own research.

Managerial summary

In the last couple of decades, we have seen the emergence of EMNEs that are competing globally. This primer on EMNEs points at the specificities of EMNEs including their ownership‐specific advantages, their pattern of internationalization, their innovation strategies for catching‐up, and not least how their ownership and the home conditions in less developed countries alter their behavior. These are important factors that serve to help scholars to understand the strategies and actions of EMNEs and how they gain their competitive strengths on the global scene.
Mutation‐related magnetization‐transfer, not axon density, drives white matter differences in premanifest Huntington disease: Evidence from in vivo ultra‐strong gradient MRI
Authors: Casella Chiara , Chamberland Maxime , Laguna Pedro L. , Parker Greg D. , Rosser Anne E. , Coulthard Elizabeth , Rickards Hugh , Berry Samuel C. , Jones Derek K. , Metzler‐Baddeley Claudia
Published: April 2022

White matter (WM) alterations have been observed in Huntington disease (HD) but their role in the disease‐pathophysiology remains unknown. We assessed WM changes in premanifest HD by exploiting ultra‐strong‐gradient magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This allowed to separately quantify magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) and hindered and restricted diffusion‐weighted signal fractions, and assess how they drove WM microstructure differences between patients and controls. We used tractometry to investigate region‐specific alterations across callosal segments with well‐characterized early‐ and late‐myelinating axon populations, while brain‐wise differences were explored with tract‐based cluster analysis (TBCA). Behavioral measures were included to explore disease‐associated brain‐function relationships. We detected lower MTR in patients' callosal rostrum (tractometry: p = .03; TBCA: p = .03), but higher MTR in their splenium (tractometry: p = .02). Importantly, patients' mutation‐size and MTR were positively correlated (all p‐values < .01), indicating that MTR alterations may directly result from the mutation. Further, MTR was higher in younger, but lower in older patients relative to controls (p = .003), suggesting that MTR increases are detrimental later in the disease. Finally, patients showed higher restricted diffusion signal fraction (FR) from the composite hindered and restricted model of diffusion (CHARMED) in the cortico‐spinal tract (p = .03), which correlated positively with MTR in the posterior callosum (p = .033), potentially reflecting compensatory mechanisms. In summary, this first comprehensive, ultra‐strong gradient MRI study in HD provides novel evidence of mutation‐driven MTR alterations at the premanifest disease stage which may reflect neurodevelopmental changes in iron, myelin, or a combination of these.
Reliability of quantitative multiparameter maps is high for magnetization transfer and proton density but attenuated for R1 and R2* in healthy young adults
Authors: Wenger Elisabeth , Polk Sarah E. , Kleemeyer Maike M. , Weiskopf Nikolaus , Bodammer Nils C. , Lindenberger Ulman , Brandmaier Andreas M.
Published: April 2022

We investigate the reliability of individual differences of four quantities measured by magnetic resonance imaging‐based multiparameter mapping (MPM): magnetization transfer saturation (MT), proton density (PD), longitudinal relaxation rate (R1), and effective transverse relaxation rate (R2*). Four MPM datasets, two on each of two consecutive days, were acquired in healthy young adults. On Day 1, no repositioning occurred and on Day 2, participants were repositioned between MPM datasets. Using intraclass correlation effect decomposition (ICED), we assessed the contributions of session‐specific, day‐specific, and residual sources of measurement error. For whole‐brain gray and white matter, all four MPM parameters showed high reproducibility and high reliability, as indexed by the coefficient of variation (CoV) and the intraclass correlation (ICC). However, MT, PD, R1, and R2* differed markedly in the extent to which reliability varied across brain regions. MT and PD showed high reliability in almost all regions. In contrast, R1 and R2* showed low reliability in some regions outside the basal ganglia, such that the sum of the measurement error estimates in our structural equation model was higher than estimates of between‐person differences. In addition, in this sample of healthy young adults, the four MPM parameters showed very little variability over four measurements but differed in how well they could assess between‐person differences. We conclude that R1 and R2* might carry only limited person‐specific information in some regions of the brain in healthy young adults, and, by implication, might be of restricted utility for studying associations to between‐person differences in behavior in those regions.
Change in parathyroid hormone levels from baseline predicts hypocalcemia following total or completion thyroidectomy
Authors: Swift William M. , Iorio Caitlin B. , Hamdi Osama A. , Mallawaarachchi Indika , Wages Nolan A. , Shonka David C.
Published: April 2022

Background

This study aims to identify the strongest predictor of postoperative hypocalcemia following thyroid surgery.

Methods

Study of patients who underwent total/completion thyroidectomy. No patients received postoperative calcium supplementation. Demographic and perioperative data were collected including preoperative baseline parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, PTH levels at 30 min and 6 h post‐excision, and 18 h post‐excision calcium levels.

Results

Of 124 patients studied, 20.2% developed temporary hypocalcemia (Ca <8.5 mg/dL at 18 h post‐excision). In multivariate analyses, absolute PTH levels at 30 min and 6 h post‐excision as well as change in PTH from baseline at 30 min and 6 h post‐excision were statistically significantly associated with postoperative hypocalcemia. Per 10 units decrease in PTH from baseline at 30 min post‐excision, the risk of developing temporary hypocalcemia increases by 17%.

Conclusion

Absolute PTH levels and change in PTH from baseline at 30 min and 6 h post‐excision predict hypocalcemia after total or completion thyroidectomy.
Implementation of guidelines about women with previous cesarean section through educational/motivational interventions
Authors: Monari Francesca , Menichini Daniela , Bertucci Emma , Neri Isabella , Perrone Enrica , Facchinetti Fabio
Published: April 2022

Objective

To investigate the effect of a quality improvement project with an educational/motivational intervention in northern Italy on the implementation of the trial of labor after cesarean section (CS).

Method

A pre‐post study design was used. Every birth center (n = 23) of the Emilia‐Romagna region was included. Gynecologist opinion leaders were first trained about Italian CS recommendations. Barriers to implementation were discussed and shared. Educational/motivational interventions were implemented. Data of multipara with previous CS, with a single, cephalic pregnancy at term, were collected during two periods, before (2012–2014) and after (2017–2019) the intervention (2015–2016). The primary outcome was the rate of vaginal birth after CS (VBAC) and perinatal outcomes.

Results

A total of 20 496 women were included. The VBAC rate increased from 18.1% to 23.1% after intervention (P < 0.001). The likelihood of VBAC—adjusted for age 40 years or older, Caucasian, body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) at least 30, previous vaginal delivery, and labor induction—was increased by the intervention by 42% (odds ratio 1.42, 95% confidence interval 1.31–1.54). Neonatal well‐being was improved by intervention; neonates requiring resuscitation decreased from 2.1% to 1.6% (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Educating and motivating gynecologists toward the trial of labor after CS is worth pursuing. Health quality improvement is demonstrated by increased VBAC even improving neonatal well‐being.
Bonding character of intermediates in on‐surface Ullmann reactions revealed with energy decomposition analysis
Authors: Luy Jan‐Niclas , Henkel Pascal , Grigjanis Daniel , Jung Jannis , Mollenhauer Doreen , Tonner‐Zech Ralf
Published: April 2022

On‐surface synthesis has become a thriving topic in surface science. The Ullmann coupling reaction is the most applied synthetic route today, but the nature of the organometallic intermediate is still under discussion. We investigate the bonding nature of prototypical intermediate species (phenyl, naphthyl, anthracenyl, phenanthryl, and triphenylenyl) on the Cu(111) surface with a combination of plane wave and atomic orbital basis set methods using density functional theory calculations with periodic boundary conditions. The surface bonding is shown to be of covalent nature with a polarized shared‐electron bond supported by π‐back donation effects using energy decomposition analysis for extended systems (pEDA). The bond angle of the intermediates is determined by balancing dispersion attraction and Pauli repulsion between adsorbate and surface. The latter can be significantly reduced by adatoms on the surface. We furthermore investigate how to choose computational parameters for pEDA of organic adsorbates on metal surfaces efficiently and show that bonding interpretation requires consistent choice of the density functional.
Circular RNA hsa_circ_0011298 enhances Taxol resistance of non‐small cell lung cancer by regulating miR‐486‐3p/CRABP2 axis
Authors: Wu Yihong , Xie Jieyun , Wang Han , Hou Shufang , Feng Jiuhuan
Published: April 2022

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) serve as critical regulators in the chemoresistance of human cancers, including non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We aimed to explore the role of hsa_circ_0011298 (circ_0011298) and its mechanism in Taxol resistance of NSCLC.

Methods

Circ_0011298, microRNA‐486‐3p (miR‐486‐3p), and CRABP2 mRNA expression were determined using qRT‐PCR. EdU and MTT assays were used to detect cell proliferation. Cell cycle distribution and cell apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. Cell migratory and invasive abilities were detected using transwell assay. Cellular glycolysis was determined by specific kits. Protein levels were examined by western blot. Dual‐luciferase reporter and RIP assays were performed to confirm the relationship between miR‐486‐3p and circ_0011298 or CRABP2. Xenograft mice model was established to confirm the function of circ_0011298 in vivo.

Results

Circ_0011298 was overexpressed in Taxol‐resistant NSCLC cells and tissues. Circ_0011298 knockdown enhanced Taxol sensitivity by decreasing cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and glycolysis and inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in Taxol‐resistant NSCLC cells. Circ_0011298 was a sponge of miR‐486‐3p, and the impact of circ_0011298 silencing on Taxol resistance was rescued by miR‐486‐3p inhibition. Moreover, miR‐486‐3p directly targeted CRABP2, and miR‐486‐3p inhibited Taxol resistance by targeting CRABP2. Furthermore, circ_0011298 regulated CRABP2 expression through targeting miR‐486‐3p. Importantly, circ_0011298 interference elevated Taxol sensitivity of NSCLC in vivo.

Conclusion

Circ_0011298 elevated Taxol resistance of NSCLC by sponging miR‐486‐3p and upregulating CRABP2, providing a possible circRNA‐targeted therapy for NSCLC.
Drug‐Drug Interactions and Disease Status Are Associated With Irinotecan‐Induced Hepatotoxicity: A Cross‐Sectional Study in Shanghai
Authors: Li Juan , Chen Bing , Xi Wen‐qi , Jia Wan , Zhang Wei‐xia , Bian Xiao‐lan
Published: April 2022

Irinotecan‐induced hepatotoxicity can cause severe clinical complications in patients; however, the underlying mechanism and factors affecting hepatotoxicity have rarely been investigated. In this cross‐sectional study, we screened all clinical, demographic, medication, and genetic variables among 126 patients receiving irinotecan and explored potential associations with the incidence and time to onset of irinotecan‐induced hepatotoxicity. Approximately 38.9% of the patients suffered from hepatotoxicity after irinotecan administration. The presence of cardiovascular diseases increases the incidence of hepatotoxicity ≈2.9‐fold and doubles the hazard of time to hepatotoxicity. Patients with liver metastasis had a >4‐fold higher risk of hepatotoxicity and a 3.5‐fold increased hazard of time to hepatotoxicity compared to those without liver metastasis. Patients who took cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A inducers had a 4.4‐fold increased incidence of hepatotoxicity, and furthermore, concomitant use of platinum‐based antineoplastics revealed 4.2 times the hazard of time to hepatotoxicity compared to those receiving antimetabolites. The cumulative dose of irinotecan (5‐9 cycles) increased hepatotoxicity by 8.5 times. However, the genotypes and phenotypes of UGT1A1*28/*6 failed to be predictive factors of hepatotoxicity. The findings of this study suggest that irinotecan‐induced hepatotoxicity is not directly associated with genetic variables but is mostly related to concomitant use of CYP3A4 inducers and platinum, as well as the presence of liver metastasis and cardiovascular disease. Thus, close monitoring of liver function is recommended, especially in patients with liver impairment or using CYP3A inducers and platinum antineoplastic drugs, which may be the best way to prevent hepatotoxicity.
Formation of algal flocs from activated sludge in synthetic medium and secondary treated wastewater
Authors: Biliani Styliani E , Manariotis Ioannis D
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Photogranules seem to be an alternative solution for wastewater treatment and biomass harvesting. The aim of our work was to investigate the formation of algal flocs as an efficient method for the treatment of wastewater and separation of algal cells.

RESULTS

The progressive change of activated sludge to algal flocs was evaluated under static and stirring conditions using a synthetic substrate (modified Blue Green‐11 medium) and the secondary effluent from an activated sludge wastewater treatment plant. Algal flocs were observed in all cultures by day 10 and a high chlorophyll concentration was detected in all cases reaching values up to 610–630 μg L−1 at the end of the experiment after 30 days. The size of flocs in all cultures at either static or mixing conditions ranged from 330 to 994 μm, resulting in biomass concentration from 330 to 660 mg L−1. The cultures in secondary effluent at static conditions presented the greatest size, and the mean diameter on days 10 and 30 was 250 and 994 μm, respectively. The cultures were efficient in nutrient removal and, by the end of the experiment, nitrates and phosphates were completely consumed.

CONCLUSIONS

Algal flocs were developed from activated sludge without adding any other flocculant and a highly efficient biomass was developed, which can easily settle and remove nutrients from the medium. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Association of alkaptonuria and low dose nitisinone therapy with cataract formation in a large cohort of patients
Authors: Ahmad Mohammad S. Z. , Ahmed Mahmoud , Khedr Milad , Borgia Alfredo , Madden Andrea , Ranganath Lakshminarayan R. , Kaye Stephen
Published: April 2022

Homogentisic acid (HGA) lowering, disease modifying off‐label nitisinone therapy has been used in the United Kingdom National Alkaptonuria Centre (NAC) since 2012. This study evaluated the serendipitous observation of cataract in a large cohort of patients with the very rare disease alkaptonuria (AKU), over a 5‐year period. Patients with AKU who attended the NAC since 2012. Standard physical examination and ocular assessment, including photographs of the crystalline lens were taken before commencement of nitisinone 2 mg daily and annually over 5 years. Photographs were randomised and graded by two independent observers using the WHO cataract classification. AKU patients who did not receive nitisinone were included as a control group. HGA was measured on acidified 24 h urine (u‐HGA24) and HGA and tyrosine in fasting acidified serum samples (sHGA, sTYR) at each visit. Patients without suitable lens images were excluded. Cataract (mean grade 1) was noted at baseline in 47 out of 62 (76%) with a mean (SD) age of 44 (14) years. In nitisinone‐treated patients, there were significant increases in the mean grade of nuclear (0.18, p < 0.01) and cortical (0.38, p < 0.01) lens opacities over the mean duration of 4.93 years of the study. Worsening of the nuclear cataract and cortical lens opacities by at least 1 grade was noted in 14 out of 46 (30%) and 11 out of 46 (24%) patients, respectively. There is an increased prevalence and progression of cataract in AKU and a possible association of nitisinone with cataract progression.
Investigation of the Inter‐ and Intrascanner Reproducibility and Repeatability of Radiomics Features in T1‐Weighted Brain MRI
Authors: Mitchell‐Hay Rosalind Nina , Ahearn Trevor S. , Murray Alison D. , Waiter Gordon D.
Published: April 2022

Background

Radiomics is the high throughput analysis of medical images using computer algorithms, which specifically assess textural features. It has increasingly been proposed as a tool for the development of imaging biomarkers. However, an important acknowledged limitation of radiomics is the lack of reproducibility of features produced.

Purpose

To assess reproducibility and repeatability of radiomics variables in brain MRI through a multivisit, multicenter study.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Fourteen individuals visiting three institutions twice, 10 males with the mean age of 36.3 years and age range 25–51.

Field Strength

3D T1W inversion recovery on three 1.5‐T General Electric scanners.

Assessment

Radiomics analysis by a consultant radiologist performed on the T1W images of the whole brain on all visits. All possible radiomics features were generated.

Statistical Test

Concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and dynamic range (DR) for all variables were calculated to assess the test–retest repeatability. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to investigate the reproducibility of features across centers.

Results

Of 1596 features generated, 57 from center 1, 15 from center 2, and 22 from center 3 had a CCC > 0.9 and DR > 0.9. Eight variables had CCC > 0.9 and DR > 0.9 in all centers. Forty‐one variables had an ICC of >0.9. No variables had CCC > 0.9, DR > 0.9, and ICC > 0.9.

Data Conclusion

Repeatability and reproducibility of variables is a significant limitation of radiomics analysis in 3DT1W brain MRI. Careful selection of radiomic features is required.

Level of Evidence

4

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
Cerebrovascular Reactivity Mapping Using Resting‐State Functional MRI in Patients With Gliomas
Authors: Yeh Mei‐Yu , Chen Henry S. , Hou Ping , Kumar Vinodh A. , Johnson Jason M. , Noll Kyle R. , Prabhu Sujit S. , Ferguson Sherise D. , Schomer Donald F. , Peng Hsu‐Hsia , Liu Ho‐Ling
Published: April 2022

Background

Recently, a data‐driven regression analysis method was developed to utilize the resting‐state (rs) blood oxygenation level–dependent signal for cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) mapping (rs‐CVR), which was previously optimized by comparing with the CO2 inhalation‐based method in health subjects and patients with neurovascular diseases.

Purpose

To investigate the agreement of rs‐CVR and the CVR mapping with breath‐hold MRI (bh‐CVR) in patients with gliomas.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Twenty‐five patients (12 males, 13 females; mean age ± SD, 48 ± 13 years) with gliomas.

Field Strength/Sequence

Dynamic T2*‐weighted gradient‐echo echo‐planar imaging during a breath‐hold paradigm and during the rs on a 3‐T scanner.

Assessment

rs‐CVR with various frequency ranges and resting‐state fluctuation amplitude (RSFA) were assessed. The agreement between each rs‐based CVR measurement and bh‐CVR was determined by voxel‐wise correlation and Dice coefficient in the whole brain, gray matter, and the lesion region of interest (ROI).

Statistical Tests

Voxel‐wise Pearson correlation, Dice coefficient, Fisher Z‐transformation, repeated‐measure analysis of variance and post hoc test with Bonferroni correction, and nonparametric repeated‐measure Friedman test and post hoc test with Bonferroni correction were used. Significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

Compared with bh‐CVR, the highest correlations were found at the frequency bands of 0.04–0.08 Hz and 0.02–0.04 Hz for rs‐CVR in both whole brain and the lesion ROI. RSFA had significantly lower correlations than did rs‐CVR of 0.02–0.04 Hz and a wider frequency range (0–0.1164 Hz). Significantly higher correlations and Dice coefficient were found in normal tissues than in the lesion ROI for all three methods.

Data Conclusion

The optimal frequency ranges for rs‐CVR are determined by comparing with bh‐CVR in patients with gliomas. The rs‐CVR method outperformed the RSFA. Significantly higher correlation and Dice coefficient between rs‐ and bh‐CVR were found in normal tissue than in the lesion.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
Future changes in mean and extreme precipitation over the Mediterranean and Sahara regions using bias‐corrected CMIP6 models
Authors: Babaousmail Hassen , Hou Rongtao , Ayugi Brian , Sian Kenny Thiam Choy Lim Kam , Ojara Moses , Mumo Richard , Chehbouni Abdelghani , Ongoma Victor
Published: April 2022

This study examines the projected changes in mean and extreme precipitation over the Mediterranean (MED) and Sahara (SAH) regions based on the multi‐model ensemble mean of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) global climate model (GCM) datasets. The study employs robust statistical analyses to investigate future changes during 2015–2100 relative to a baseline period (1995–2014), under two Shared Socio‐economic Pathways (SSP) scenarios: SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5. Selected indices from the Expert Team on Climate Change and Detection Indices are used in this study. They include those that represent maximum daily precipitation (RX1day), simple daily precipitation intensity (SDII), heavy precipitation days (R10mm), consecutive dry days (CDD), and consecutive wet days (CWD). Historical and projected daily precipitation is first bias‐adjusted using a quantile mapping approach before employing them to compute mean and extreme precipitation changes. The results demonstrate that the bias adjustment largely reduces the biases in the modelled mean and extreme precipitation over MED and SAH regions. Projections show a reduction in mean precipitation over most parts of the study region by the end of the 21st century. The areas encompassing Morocco and Algeria, and the Mediterranean area will experience the highest drying. The projected pattern agrees with the “wet gets wetter, dry gets drier” paradigm. The number of consecutive dry days and wet‐day intensity are also projected to increase and decrease, respectively. Under SSP5‐8.5, significant changes and the largest decrease in SDII attributed to global warming are projected in both regions. The reduction in mean precipitation, coupled with an increase in dry days, is likely to exacerbate the region's droughts and aridity situation and worsen the water scarcity status. Although there are uncertainties in the CMIP simulations, the findings support earlier studies based on varying datasets. This increases confidence in the output for decision‐making.
Ordered structures in liquid water: Is cold water a genuine liquid?
Authors: Hamaguchi Hiro‐o
Published: April 2022

Ordered structures in liquid water are discussed. Raman spectral changes of water in the temperature range −23°C to 45°C are analyzed with multivariate curve resolution with alternate least squares (MCR‐ALS) and hypothetical addition multivariate analysis with numerical differentiation (HAMAND). Three forms of water, destructured hydrogen bonded (DH) water, structured hydrogen bonded (SH) water, and nano‐ice, are identified. Formation of nano‐ice is shown to cause the density maximum anomaly of water at 4°C. The size of nano‐ice at −13°C is estimated to be 2–4 nm. SH water corresponds to one unit cell of hexagonal ice structure. The SH/DH ratio is an indicator of “structurality,” which is useful for microscopic understanding of liquid water. The existence of nano‐ice in cold water raises a fundamental question “Is cold water a genuine liquid?” Further study on the size of nano‐ice will give a clue to understand how water freezes or does not freeze.