bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Workplace improvements to support safe and sustained return to work: Suggestions from a survey of workers with permanent impairments
Authors: Sears Jeanne M. , Edmonds Amy T. , MacEachen Ellen , Fulton‐Kehoe Deborah
Published: July 2021

Background

Roughly 10% of occupational injuries result in permanent impairment. After initial return to work (RTW), many workers with permanent impairments face RTW interruption due to reinjury, unstable health, disability, and layoff. This study used open‐ended survey data to: (1) explore workplace factors identified by workers as important levers for change, some of which may previously have been unrecognized; and (2) summarize workers' suggestions for workplace improvements to promote sustained RTW and prevent reinjury.

Methods

This study included data from workers' compensation claims and telephone surveys of 582 Washington State workers who had RTW after a work‐related injury involving permanent impairment. The survey was conducted in 2019, about a year after claim closure. We used qualitative content analysis methods to inductively code open‐ended survey responses.

Results

The most frequent themes were: safety precautions/safer workplace (18.1%), adequate staffing/appropriate task distribution (16.2%), and safety climate (14.1%). Other frequent themes included ergonomics, rest breaks, job strain, predictability and flexibility in work scheduling practices, employer response to injury, social support, communication, and respect. Many workers reported that they were not listened to, or that their input was not sought or valued. Workers often linked communication deficiencies to preventable deficiencies in safety practices, safety climate, and RTW practices, and also to lack of respect or distrust. In counterpoint, nearly one‐third of respondents reported that no change was needed to their workplace.

Conclusions

Policies and interventions targeting worker‐suggested workplace improvements may promote safe and sustained RTW, which is essential for worker health and economic stability.
Investment in science can mitigate the negative impacts of land use on declining primate populations
Authors: Zhao Xumao , Li Xinrui , Garber Paul A. , Qi Xinzhang , Xiang Zuofu , Liu Xiang , Lian Zhongmin , Li Ming
Published: July 2021

Changes in land use and the conversion of natural forests to agricultural fields and cattle pastures are threatening the survival of many species of wild animals, including nonhuman primates. Given its almost 1.4 billion people, China faces a difficult challenge in balancing economic development, human well‐being, environmental protection, and animal conservation. We examined the effects of poverty, anthropogenic land use (cropland and pasture/grazing), human population growth, government investment in science and public attention to primates during the period from the 1980s to 2015 on primate population persistence in China. We analyzed these data using generalized mixed‐effects models, structural equation models (SEM) and random forests (a machine learning technique). We found that 16 of 21 (76%) primate species in China, for which data are available, have experienced a population decline over the past 35 years. Factors contributing most to primate population decline included human poverty and the conversion of natural habitat to cropland. In contrast, the five species of primates that were characterized by recent population increases were the subjects of substantial government research funding and their remaining distribution occurs principally in protected areas (PAs). We argue that increased funding for research, the establishment and expansion of PAs, a national policy focused on reducing poverty, and educational programs designed to inform and encourage local people to participate in scientific investigation and wildlife protection, can mitigate the negative impacts of historical patterns of land conversion on primate population survival in China.
Reproductive endocrinology of wild female woolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha poeppigii) during puberty, ovarian cyclicity, and pregnancy
Authors: Abondano Laura A. , Ziegler Toni E. , Di Fiore Anthony
Published: July 2021

Behavioral observations can provide clues about female reproductive status. However, the study of the endocrine dynamics that underlie processes such as puberty, ovulation, conception, and gestation, may help increase our understanding of female reproductive biology. We used noninvasive methods to study female reproductive endocrinology in wild woolly monkeys (genus Lagothrix). We extracted ovarian steroid hormones from fecal samples collected non‐invasively to examine changes in the concentrations of progesterone and estrogen metabolites (pregnanediol‐3‐glucuronide and estrone‐3‐glucuronide, respectively) during periods of female puberty, ovarian cyclicity, and pregnancy. The two subadult females in our study showed significant increases in ovarian hormone concentrations before disappearing and presumably dispersing, suggesting that they might reach the onset of puberty before emigrating from their natal groups. Ovarian cycle length in adult females was, on average, ~22 days (N = 21). Of the 10 cycling females, five conceived and four gave birth to offspring, with an average gestation period of ~214 days, but the infant born to the female with the shortest estimated gestation period (182 days) disappeared within a month after parturition. The fact that less than half of all cycling females conceived, and that only three out of five of those females gave birth to offspring that survived past the first month, suggests that reproduction is energetically costly for female woolly monkeys. Ovarian cycle length and gestation period among woolly monkeys are similar to those in their closest relatives, spider monkeys and muriquis suggesting that reproductive physiology may be highly conserved among females within the Tribe Atelini.
High‐Throughput Computational Evaluation of Low Symmetry Pd2L4Cages to Aid in System Design**
Authors: Tarzia Andrew , Lewis James E. M. , Jelfs Kim E.
Published: July 2021

Unsymmetrical ditopic ligands can self‐assemble into reduced‐symmetry Pd2L4metallo‐cages with anisotropic cavities, with implications for high specificity and affinity guest‐binding. Mixtures of cage isomers can form, however, resulting in undesirable system heterogeneity. It is paramount to be able to design components that preferentially form a single isomer. Previous data suggested that computational methods could predict with reasonable accuracy whether unsymmetrical ligands would preferentially self‐assemble into single cage isomers under constraints of geometrical mismatch. We successfully apply a collaborative computational and experimental workflow to mitigate costly trial‐and‐error synthetic approaches. Our rapid computational workflow constructs unsymmetrical ligands and their Pd2L4cage isomers, ranking the likelihood for exclusively formingcis‐Pd2L4assemblies. From this narrowed search space, we successfully synthesised four new, low‐symmetry,cis‐Pd2L4cages.
Discharge‐Induced Enhancement of the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Hao Jinhui , Luo Wei , Wang Shuaishuai , Zhao Kun , Hou Jianwen , Li Longhua , Ge Baoxin , Yang Wenshu , Shi Weidong
Published: July 2021

The fundamental understanding of the surface reconstruction induced by the applied potential is of great significance for enhancing the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Here, we show that a previously overlooked discharge current in the low applied potential region also leads to in situ electrochemical activation of a nitrogen‐doped nickel oxyhydroxide surface. We exploit the fact that doping of heteroatoms weakens the surface structure, and hence, a weak discharge current originating from the capacitive nature of nickel oxyhydroxide has a strong structure‐reforming ability to promote the formation of nitrogen and oxygen vacancies. The current density at 1.4 V (vs. Hg/HgO) can dramatically increase by as much as 31.3 % after discharge in the low applied potential region. This work provides insight into in situ enhancement of the OER and suggests that the low applied potential region must be a primary consideration in evaluating the origin of the activity of electrocatalysts.
Mass Spectrometry Imaging Reveals In Situ Behaviors of Multiple Components in Aerosol Particles
Authors: Jiang Yuming , Sun Jie , Xiong Caiqiao , Liu Huihui , Li Yuze , Wang Xiao , Nie Zongxiu
Published: July 2021

The inhalation of atmospheric particles is deleterious to human health. However, as a complex mixture, tracing the behaviors of multiple components from real aerosol particles is crucial but unachievable by the existing methods. Here, taking advantage of the intrinsic fingerprints of elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC) in carbonaceous aerosol (CA) upon laser irradiation, we proposed a label‐free mass spectrometry imaging method to visualize and quantify the deposition, translocation and component variation of CA in organs. With this method, the heterogeneous deposition, clearance and release behavior of CA in lung, that more OC was released in parenchyma and OC was cleared faster than EC, was observed. The translocation of CA to extrapulmonary organs including kidney, liver, spleen and even brain was also verified and quantified. By comparing the ratio of OC to EC, an organ‐specific release behavior of OC from CA during circulation was revealed. In orthotopic lung and liver tumor, OC was found to penetrate more into tumor foci than EC. This technique provides deeper information for understanding the systemic health effects of aerosol particles.
Antimicrobial activities of cadmium (II) and nickel (II) complexes containing pyridine ring: Investigation of crystallographic, spectroscopic, Hirshfeld surface analysis, and TD/DFT calculations
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Fang , Li Cheng‐Guo , Chai Yong‐Mei , Chai Lan‐Qin
Published: July 2021

Two complexes [Cd(L)2(NO3)2] (1) and [Ni(L)2(OH)2][Ni(L)2(CH3OH)2](NO3)2·CH3OH (2) (L = 2‐[2‐pyridyl]‐4‐methyl‐1,2‐dihydroquinazolin 3‐oxide) were gained via complexation an amount of the new ligand L with different nitrate salts. The obtained complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopy, and X‐ray crystallographic. In the crystal structure, centrosymmetric 1 adopted slightly distorted octahedral geometry. On the other hand, the independent unit of 2 contained two half Ni (II) complex located on a center of symmetry, differing for the axial ligand, two uncoordinated nitrate ions, and one lattice methanol molecule. Both the crystal structures formed a 3‐D supramolecular architecture through different interactions (H‐bonds, π···π, etc). X‐ray crystallography revealed that complexes 1 and 2 had 2:1 ligand‐to‐metal ratios. Most strikingly, 1 performed different fluorescence behaviors in diverse solvents, whereas 2 exhibited fluorescence quenching. When 1 was dissolution in N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) solvent system, it has better fluorescence properties. The geometry optimization and HOMOs and LUMOs energies of both complexes were calculated by density functional theory (DFT) methods, and the nucleophilic and electrophilic attack sites were confirmed with electrostatic potential (ESP) calculations. Preliminary investigation of antimicrobial activities of all compounds against Gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) and Gram‐positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis) was reported. Additionally, CrystalExplorer program was used to quantify the noncovalent interactions in complexes 1 and 2 through Hirshfeld surface analysis.
Highly flexible and thermal conductive films of graphene/poly(naphthylamine) and applications in thermal management of LED devices
Authors: Qiu Hanxun , Zhao Xiaowei , Li Haoliang , Li Ying , Li Jing , Yang Junhe
Published: July 2021

In 5G era, integration and miniaturization of electronic components lead to increasing challenges in thermal management. Materials with high thermal conductivity and flexibility are strongly desired for dissipating heat locally generated in such devices. Due to its extraordinary thermal conducting performance, graphene has been exhibiting great potential in thermal management. In this work, composite films based on graphene oxide and poly‐naphthylamine (gGO/PNA) with enhanced thermal conducting performance have been achieved by employing poly (naphthylamine) (PNA) as repairing additives to restore topological defects of graphene oxide (GO). Specifically, gGO/PNA films are prepared with a facile operation of vacuum filtration followed by an elevated temperature treatment. The optimal thermal conductivity (κ) of gGO/PNA reaches to 1016.03 W m−1 K−1, 31.3% enhancement over that of the pristine graphene one. The thermal conducting performance test demonstrates the film an efficient heat‐dissipation ability from a heat‐generating LED bulb. Furthermore, the film exhibits excellent flexibility, making it survival from a 1000‐cycle bending test. This finding may promote the development of heat‐spreading materials and their applications in thermal management of highly integrated electronics.
Phase structure and adhesion properties of acrylic block copolymer/tackifier blends as nanocomposite‐like pressure‐sensitive adhesives
Authors: Sasaki Mariko , Kashihara Yusuke , Okada Shun , Shibamoto Kazuma , Kubo Yuka , Hirata Yumi , Urahama Yoshiaki , Kishi Hajime , Sakurai Shinichi , Hirai Tomoyasu , Fujii Syuji , Nakamura Yoshinobu
Published: July 2021

In a blend of acrylic block copolymer consisting of poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(n‐butyl acrylate) blocks and a special rosin ester resin (RE) tackifier as a model pressure‐sensitive adhesive (PSA), RE exists in two states: as nm‐sized agglomerated particles (A) and as dissolved molecules (B). The effect of A and B ratio on the PSA properties were investigated using REs with four different weight‐average molecular weights (Mws) in the range from 680 to 1700. The formation of A increased with increasing of Mw because of lowering of miscibility. The glass transition temperature increased with increasing of Mw. The tack at lower temperatures and the fracture energy were improved by B, whereas the tack at higher temperatures was improved by A. A and B enhanced the cohesive strength and the wettability of PSA, respectively. However, the improvement of cohesive strength by the RE with highest Mw was remarkably low. This seems to be caused by the larger size of agglomerated particles. 1H pulse nuclear magnetic resonance analysis was useful for estimating the degree of A formation. The model PSA investigated in this study was nanocomposite‐like.
Trinuclear Organometallic Pt−Ir−Pt Complexes: Insights into Photophysical Properties, Amino Acid Binding and Protein Sensing
Authors: Das Bishnu , Gupta Parna
Published: July 2021

The rational synthesis of trinuclear emissive organometallic complexes with two equivalent platinum(II) centres appended to the ancillary substituted 2,2′‐bipyridyl ligand of the cyclometalated iridium(III) centre is reported here. The alkynyl‐platinum moiety and cyclometalated iridium(III) centres have been separated through a non‐conjugated CH2−O−CH2 linkage. The emission titration with amino acids reveals that the complexes sense free amino acids. The luminescence sensing of BSA is thus attributed to the amino acid sensing ability of the complexes and confirmed by emission anisotropy and Far‐UV CD spectral study. The decrease in α‐helix in the CD spectra signifies the changes in the secondary structure of protein in presence of the complexes.
Assurance in vaccine efficacy clinical trial design based on immunological responses
Authors: Callegaro Andrea , Zahaf Toufik , Tibaldi Fabian
Published: July 2021

The assurance of a future clinical trial is a key quantitative tool for decision‐making in drug development. It is derived from prior knowledge (Bayesian approach) about the clinical endpoint of interest, typically from previous clinical trials. In this paper, we examine assurance in the specific context of vaccine development, where early development (Phase 2) is often based on immunological endpoints (e.g., antibody levels), while the confirmatory trial (Phase 3) is based on the clinical endpoint (very large sample sizes and long follow‐up). Our proposal is to use the Phase 2 vaccine efficacy predicted by the immunological endpoint (using a model estimated from epidemiological studies) as prior information for the calculation of the assurance.
Comorbidity, lifestyle factors, and sexual satisfaction among Chinese cancer survivors
Authors: Wang Jingya , Zhao Jie , Zhang Chenggang , Zhang Yuxin , Jiang Nan , Wei Xiaomin , Wang Jiwei , Yu Jinming
Published: July 2021

Objectives

This study aims to explore the prevalence of sexual satisfaction among Chinese cancer survivors, and explore the association of sexual satisfaction with comorbidity and lifestyle factors.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed among 3996 Chinese cancer survivors recruited at Shanghai Cancer Rehabilitation Club from March to April 2017. Data were collected through self‐reported questionnaires. The questionnaire includes information about demographic, cancer characteristics, comorbidities, lifestyle factors, and sexual satisfaction. Sexual satisfaction was measured by a single‐item scale. The distribution of sexual satisfaction among different demographic and cancer characteristics was compared using the chi‐squared test. Logistic regression models were conducted to assess the effects of lifestyle factors, comorbidities on sexual satisfaction after adjustment for demographic and cancer characteristics.

Results

More than 40% of male and female cancer survivors reported no sexual satisfaction. Sexual satisfaction of cancer survivors is significantly associated with both the number and the type of comorbidities. Heart disease, musculoskeletal system disease, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia are the comorbidities significantly associated with sexual satisfaction of cancer survivors. Lifestyle factors other than smoking, including exercise or fitness, drinking alcohol, and eating fruits and vegetables are significantly correlated with sexual satisfaction. Besides, all of the above associations show gender differences. In addition, demographic characteristics include sex, age, marital status, living status, and average monthly income are also significantly associated with sexual satisfaction of cancer survivors.

Conclusion

Comorbidity and lifestyle factors are associated with sexual satisfaction of cancer survivors, and the associations show gender differences. Improving the lifestyles of cancer survivors, and controlling and reducing their comorbidities are important for improving their sexual satisfaction.
The role of sex and rurality in cancer fatalistic beliefs and cancer screening utilization in Florida
Authors: Guo Yi , Szurek Sarah M. , Bian Jiang , Braithwaite Dejana , Licht Jonathan D. , Shenkman Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2021

Background

People's fatalistic beliefs about cancer can influence their cancer prevention behaviors. We examined the association between fatalistic beliefs and breast and colorectal cancer screening among residents of north‐central Florida and tested whether there exists any sex or rural–non‐rural disparities in the association.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional, random digit dialing telephone survey of 895 adults residing in north‐central Florida in 2017. Using weighted logistic models, we examined the association between (1) respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics and cancer fatalistic beliefs and (2) cancer fatalistic beliefs and cancer screening utilization among screening eligible populations. We tested a series of sex and rurality by fatalistic belief interactions.

Results

Controlling for sociodemographics, we found the agreement with “It seems like everything causes cancer” was associated with a higher likelihood of having a mammogram (odds ratio [OR]: 3.34; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17–9.51), while the agreement with “Cancer is most often caused by a person's behavior or lifestyle” was associated with a higher likelihood of having a blood stool test (OR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.12–3.05) or a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy among women (OR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.09–6.44). We did not observe any rural–non‐rural disparity in the association between fatalistic beliefs and cancer screening utilization.

Conclusions

Some, but not all, cancer fatalistic beliefs are associated with getting breast and colorectal cancer screening in north‐central Florida. Our study highlights the need for more research to better understand the social and cultural factors associated with cancer screening utilization.
Continuous Production of Lipid Nanoparticles by Ultrasound‐Assisted Microfluidic Antisolvent Precipitation
Authors: Bolze Holger , Riewe Juliane , Bunjes Heike , Dietzel Andreas , Burg Thomas P.
Published: July 2021

Microfluidic processes are of interest for the production of pharmaceutical nanoparticles due to the uniform characteristics attainable by such devices. However, precipitation processes in microfluidic systems incur a high risk of fouling, which compromises their reliability for continuous operation. A robust ultrasound‐assisted process is established for the precipitation of lipid nanoparticles in a microfluidic mixer. The results indicate that nanoparticles can be produced over several hours without clogging. An analysis of the products reveals a small number of micron‐sized particles, but these did not disturb the process. Thus, in‐process ultrasonication is effective at improving the reliability of microfluidic precipitation and preventing buildup of precipitates in the channels.
Corn yield response to phosphorus and potassium fertilization in Arkansas
Authors: Drescher Gerson L. , Slaton Nathan A. , Roberts Trenton L. , Smartt Alden D.
Published: July 2021

Phosphorus and potassium are key nutrients for plant physiological processes and are required in large amounts for adequate corn (Zea mays L.) production. Corn is a major row crop, and up‐to‐date soil test‐based fertilizer recommendations are required to enhance production and profitability. The results from 32 P and 42 K field trials evaluating irrigated corn response to fertilizer P and K rates were used to (i) correlate corn's relative yield response to Mehlich‐3 soil test P and K, (ii) determine the frequency and magnitude of the yield response to fertilization, and (iii) calibrate fertilizer P and K rates to soil test P and K. The quadratic and linear models identified 36 parts per million (ppm) P (r2 = .68, P < .0001) and 110 ppm K (r2 = .36, P < .0001) as the Mehlich‐3 soil test P and K values needed to produce 95% of maximum yield without fertilization. Additional research is needed on soils with P < 15 and > 35 ppm and K < 60 and > 120 ppm to enhance the scope of data in the analyses and improve our understanding of corn's response to P and K fertilization. The current thresholds defining soil test K levels perform well in interpreting soil K availability and corn's response to K fertilization. Mehlich‐3 soil test P level definitions should be modified to improve the accuracy of soil test‐based decisions for irrigated corn. The calibration results suggest the recommended P2O5 and K2O rates are greater than needed to maximize yield.
Surface Modification of Ready‐to‐Use Hollow Fiber Ultrafiltration Modules for Oil/Water Separation
Authors: Idrees Hasan , ElSherbiny Ibrahim M. A. , Hecket Meagan , Ke Qirong , Staaks Christian , Khalil Ahmed S. G. , Ulbricht Mathias , Panglisch Stefan
Published: July 2021

Reusing wastewater from oil‐related industries is becoming increasingly important, especially in water‐stressed oil‐producing countries. Before oily wastewater can be discharged or reused, it must be properly treated, e.g., by membrane‐based processes like ultrafiltration. A major issue of the applied membranes is their high fouling propensity. This paper reports on mitigating fouling inside ready‐to‐use ultrafiltration hollow‐fiber modules used in a polishing step in oil/water separation. For this purpose, in‐situ polyzwitterionic hydrogel coating was applied. The membrane performance was tested with oil nano‐emulsions using a mini‐plant system. The main factors influencing fouling were systematically investigated using statistical design of experiments.
Predicting mortality and no‐reflow in STEMI patients using epicardial adipose tissue
Authors: Mohamed Amr
Published: July 2021

Background

Acute myocardial infarction is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It occurs when irreversible myocardial cell damage or death occurs. ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is the most serious presentation of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. STEMI results from the occlusion of a major coronary artery. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the preferred reperfusion strategy. It should be performed by an experienced team within the shortest time possible from the first medical contact.

Hypothesis

Increased mortality risk and no‐reflow in STEMI patients with epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EAT) more than 5 mm compared to STEMI patients with EAT less than 5 mm.

Methods

This study was conducted on 113 patients who presented to the cardiology department of Ain Shams university hospital with the first STEMI and underwent primary PCI. Medical treatment for STEMI was given to all subjects as per the guidelines. All patients underwent an echocardiographic evaluation of epicardial adipose tissue and left ventricular ejection fraction. Patients were divided into two groups using epicardial adipose tissue thickness of 5 mm as a cutoff point; this number was derived from the ROC curve. Group I: Included patients with EAT thickness less than 5 mm, including 44 patients (38.9%). Group II: Included patients with EAT thickness greater than 5 mm, including 69 patients (61.1%).

Results

The current study showed that epicardial fat thickness significantly correlated with the no‐reflow phenomenon in the cath lab and overall prognosis in patients with STEMI.

Conclusion

Increased EAT thickness may be an independent predictor of the no‐reflow phenomenon and mortality. Therefore, our study emphasizes that EAT thickness measured by echocardiography may provide additional and substantial information on the risk of no‐reflow and mortality in STEMI patients.
Overall survival and secondary malignant neoplasms in children receiving passively scattered proton or photon craniospinal irradiation for medulloblastoma
Authors: Paulino Arnold C. , Ludmir Ethan B. , Grosshans David R. , Su Jack M. , McGovern Susan L. , Okcu M. Fatih , McAleer Mary Frances , Baxter Patricia A. , Mahajan Anita , Chintagumpala Murali M.
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Both intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (RT) and passively scattered proton therapy have a risk of secondary malignant neoplasm (SMN) in children. To determine the influence of RT modality on the incidence of SMN after craniospinal irradiation (CSI), the authors compared the incidence of SMN in children who had medulloblastoma treated with either photon CSI plus an intensity‐modulated RT boost (group I) or passively scattered proton CSI plus a boost (group II).

METHODS

From 1996 to 2014, 115 children with medulloblastoma (group I, n = 63; group II, n = 52) received CSI followed by a boost to the tumor bed. Most patients had standard‐risk disease (63.5%). The median follow‐up was 12.8 years for group I and 8.7 years for group II.

RESULTS

The 5‐year and 10‐year overall survival (OS) rates were 88.8% and 85.1%, respectively, for standard‐risk patients and 63.1% and 57.3%, respectively, for high‐risk patients, with no OS difference by RT modality (P = .81). Six SMNs were identified (4 in group I, 2 in group II). The 5‐year and 10‐year SMN incidence rates were 1.0% and 6.9%, respectively (0.0% and 8.0%, respectively, in group I; 2.2% and 4.9%, respectively, in group II; P = .74). Two SMNs occurred in the clinical target volume in the brain, 2 occurred in the exit dose region from the photon spinal field, 1 occurred in the entrance path of a proton beam, and 1 occurred outside the radiation field. There were no reported cases of secondary leukemia.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis demonstrates no difference in OS or SMN incidence between patients in groups I and II 10 years after RT.

LAY SUMMARY

One hundred fifteen children with medulloblastoma received radiotherapy (RT) with either photon craniospinal irradiation (CSI) and an intensity‐modulated RT boost (group I; n = 63) or passively scattered proton CSI and a boost (group II;, n = 52).

The majority of children had standard‐risk disease (63.5%).

The 5‐year and 10‐year overall survival rates were 88.8% and 85.1% for standard‐risk patients, respectively, and 63.1% and 57.3% for high‐risk patients, respectively, with no difference in overall survival by RT group (P = .81).

The 5‐year and 10‐year second malignant neoplasm incidence rates were 1.0% and 6.9%, respectively, with no difference in second malignant neoplasm incidence according to RT group (P = .74).
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of infants compared with children diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma: Analysis of surveillance, epidemiology and end results data from 2000 to 2016
Authors: Rees Hannah D. , Hills Nancy K. , Sabnis Amit J. , Tulpule Asmin B. , Shimotake Tom K. , Goldsby Robert E.
Published: July 2021

Background

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft‐tissue sarcoma of childhood, but occurs infrequently in infants (<1 year). Historically, infants with RMS have worse overall survival compared to other pediatric age groups.

Aim

This study aims to assess the clinical features and treatment factors associated with survival comparing infants to children aged 1–9 years diagnosed with RMS.

Methods

Children aged <10 years diagnosed with RMS between 2000 and 2016 were identified using the SEER database. Descriptive statistics were used to assess demographic, clinical, and treatment characteristics of infants and children with RMS. Kaplan–Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazards regression were performed to assess for factors associated with survival.

Results

Age <1 year was independently associated with an increased risk of mortality. Compared to children aged 1–9 years, fewer infants received standard of care therapy, that is, chemotherapy combined with local control (surgery and/or radiation; 86.8 vs. 75.7%; p = .009). In comparing the frequency of specific treatment modalities (used alone or in combination with other modalities), infants were less likely to receive radiation therapy (34.0 vs. 66.4%; p < .001) and more likely to receive surgery (68.9 vs. 57.5%; p = .02) than children aged 1–9 years. Across age groups, chemotherapy combined with local control was significantly associated with reduced mortality. Alveolar histology, metastatic disease, and Hispanic ethnicity were negatively associated with survival.

Conclusions

Age of <1 year was an independent risk factor for increased mortality from RMS compared to ages 1–9 years. Fewer infants were treated with chemotherapy combined with local control, the therapy associated with best survival in all age groups. Other factors contributing to differences in survival should be further explored.
AGFT: Adaptive entries aggregation scheme to prevent overflow in multiple flow table environment
Authors: Nallusamy Priyanka , TR Reshmi , Krishnan Murugan
Published: July 2021

The revolutionary architecture termed Software‐Defined Network provides flexible network management by detaching the control logic from the underlying data plane. The flow table resides in Ternary Content Addressable Memory imparts rules for the incoming flows with a limitation of high cost, limited storage, and consumes high power. In data center networks, when the traffic rate is high the overflow occurs due to storage limitation with high packet drop, frequent rule miss, and severe controller overhead. To overcome these challenges and to provide Quality of Service to the current network design sketch‐based entry reduction scheme is proposed. It incorporates three concurrent modules integrated to function sequentially where (1) Periodical analysis in Multiple Flow Tables is performed to ensure the availability of redundant entries using the robust data mining algorithm called Term Frequency. (2) Recurrent entries are further classified and clustered using the Boyer–Moore pattern matching algorithm to facilitate the forthcoming aggregation process. (3) A compact flow table is achieved with a customized multibit trie using Huffman coding compression technique. The experimental outcomes prove that this work prevents overflow by 99.98% with 98.99% enhanced flow table space and provides a significant reduction of controller overhead than the existing schemes.
Does age matter? Initial treatment goals of older adults with major depression in outpatient cognitive behavioural therapy
Authors: Sittler Mareike C. , Lechner‐Meichsner Franziska , Wilz Gabriele , Kessler Eva‐Marie
Published: July 2021

Background

Personal treatment goals (PTG) are important means to tailor psychotherapy to the needs of the patient, leading to increased engagement and greater improvement in relevant outcomes. According to lifespan developmental research, motivational goals in old age differ from goals of younger people, with management of losses rather than growth becoming more prevalent. However, this study is the first to systematically investigate age‐specific differences in PTGs.

Method

We used routine data from patients with major depression assessed at the beginning of outpatient cognitive behavioural therapy. Initial high‐priority PTGs were assessed using the Bern Inventory of Treatment Goals (BIT‐C). Older patients (≥60 years, n = 52) were matched to younger patients (<60 years, n = 52) with regard to severity of depression, number of comorbidities, gender and level of education.

Results

Using a mixed method approach, high‐priority PTGs of both age groups were focused most strongly on reducing depressive symptoms and, subsequently, anxiety. At the same time, older patients focused more strongly on PTGs related to well‐being and functioning, while younger patients' emphasis was on personal growth. Furthermore, better coping with the ageing process and physical losses emerged as important PTGs for some older patients.

Conclusion

Initial PTG themes are specific to diagnosis, but also seem to differ in regard to age. Thus, it is important to develop age‐sensitive measures that allow appropriate and efficient tailoring of psychotherapy to meet older patients' needs and preferences.
Brief coping strategy enhancement for the treatment of distressing voices in the context of borderline personality disorder: A comparison with outcomes in the context of psychosis
Authors: Morrice Frankie , Jones Anna‐Marie , Burgio Vincenzo , Strauss Clara , Hayward Mark
Published: July 2021

Background

Voice hearing in the context of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) has traditionally been regarded as transient and an experience that lacks legitimacy. Consequently, there are no evidence‐based treatments for the voices reported by BPD patients. Contrary to the traditional view, there is a growing literature suggesting that voice hearing in the context of BPD can be an enduring and distressing experience which shares similarities with voice hearing in the context of psychosis. Given these similarities, the aim of this study was to explore whether brief Coping Strategy Enhancement developed in the context of psychosis can be used to treat distressing voice hearing in the context of BPD.

Method

This was a service evaluation carried out in a specialist NHS service delivering psychological therapies for distressing voices. Patients with either a BPD (n = 46) or a psychosis diagnosis (n = 125) received four sessions of Coping Strategy Enhancement (CSE). The primary outcome was voice‐related distress. The pre‐post outcomes for BPD patients were explored and compared with those achieved by the psychosis patients.

Results

Both the BPD and psychosis groups experienced a significant reduction in voice‐related distress after CSE compared with baseline. The interaction between diagnosis group and time was small and statistically non‐significant.

Conclusion

These findings suggest a brief CSE intervention developed in the context of psychosis can be an effective starting point in the treatment of distressing voice hearing in the context of BPD. Such interventions have the potential to be integrated into broader BPD treatment programmes for those who hear voices.
Capacity and BER performance improvement in integrated MIMO‐OFDM system using optimal power allocation, channel estimation, and turbo coding
Authors: Pyla Srinu , K Padma Raju , N Bala Subrahmanyam
Published: July 2021

Among communication systems, multiple input multiple output (MIMO) system has the capability of providing spectral efficiency, high data rates, diversity gain, and improved reliability. Suitably designed orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) transmits the signal without inter symbol interference and multipath fading. Hence, MIMO‐OFDM is a strong candidate for 4G and 5G wireless systems. However, variations in signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) due to the random nature of the channel and poor capacity at low SNR are critical issues in conventional MIMO‐OFDM system. This paper explains how optimal power allocation (OPA), channel estimation, and coding improve the capacity and bit error rate (BER) performance of MIMO‐OFDM system. In OPA, the transmitter power is distributed adaptively to the channels based on the SNR statistics using singular value decomposition and water filling algorithm. In case of low SNR, less number of channels are selected for power allocation. Least squares (LS), minimum mean square error (MMSE), and least mean square (LMS) estimators are considered in comb type pilot channel estimation while turbo code is used with code rates of 1/2 and 1/3. From the simulation results, capacity improvement of 5 b/s/Hz and 11 b/s/Hz is observed for MIMO‐OFDM systems with four antennas and eight antennas, respectively. It is also found that performance of LMS estimator improved by 3.5‐dB SNR over LS and 1 dB SNR over MMSE. In this paper is shown how LMS estimator and 1/3 turbo code have been integrated with MIMO‐OFDM, and this has resulted in around 4‐dB SNR improvement over conventional MIMO‐OFDM.
Emerging role of Piezo ion channels in cardiovascular development
Authors: Shah Vandit , Patel Sandip , Shah Jigna
Published: July 2021

Mechanical cues are crucial for vascular development and the proper differentiation of various cell types. Piezo1 and Piezo2 are mechanically activated cationic channels expressed in various cell types, especially in vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells. It is present as a transmembrane homotrimeric complex, regulating calcium influx. Local blood flow associated shear stress, in addition to blood pressure associated cell membrane stretching are key Piezo channel activators. There is rising proof, showcasing Piezo channels significance in myocytes, cardiac fibroblast, vascular tone maintenance, atherosclerosis, hypertension, NO generation, and baroreceptor reflex. Here, we review the role of Piezo channels in cardiovascular development and its associated clinical disorders. Also, emphasizing on Piezo channel modulators which might lead to novel therapies for cardiovascular diseases.
“Compulsive exercise is a socially acceptable prison cell”: Exploring experiences with compulsive exercise across social media
Authors: Hallward Laura , Duncan Lindsay R.
Published: July 2021

Objective

Investigations into online eating disorder (ED) communities have allowed for a rich exploration of lived experiences focused on a number of aspects, such as recovery and support groups. There is a lack of understanding around compulsive exercise (CE), which is often a characterizing condition of EDs. Exploring the lived experiences of CE as discussed online could provide helpful insight towards a better understanding of CE. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore experiences around CE and EDs shared on social media sites.

Method

Social media posts related to CE and EDs from Reddit, Twitter, Instagram, and forums were collected for 12 months. A thematic analysis of 881 posts was used to identify common themes among individuals' lived experiences with CE.

Results

Five themes (and three subthemes) were identified across the social media posts: (1) seeking control, but ultimately CE takes hold, (2) burning off binges, but at what expense?, (3) recovery is a battle, but worth it, (4) is my exercise healthy?, and (5) frustration with comments about CE.

Discussion

The lived experiences of CE among individuals with EDs have provided support for current definitions of CE and shared novel insight into the recovery experience. Individuals online also highlighted the need for improvement in treatment around CE specifically, and greater awareness around CE for the general public and healthcare providers.
Cross‐continental comparison of parasite communities in a wide‐ranging carnivore suggests associations with prey diversity and host density
Authors: Stronen Astrid V. , Molnar Barbara , Ciucci Paolo , Darimont Chris T. , Grottoli Lorenza , Paquet Paul C. , Sallows Tim , Smits Judit E. G. , Bryan Heather M.
Published: July 2021

Parasites are integral to ecosystem functioning yet often overlooked. Improved understanding of host–parasite associations is important, particularly for wide‐ranging species for which host range shifts and climate change could alter host–parasite interactions and their effects on ecosystem function.

Among the most widely distributed mammals with diverse diets, gray wolves (Canis lupus) host parasites that are transmitted among canids and via prey species. Wolf–parasite associations may therefore influence the population dynamics and ecological functions of both wolves and their prey. Our goal was to identify large‐scale processes that shape host–parasite interactions across populations, with the wolf as a model organism.

By compiling data from various studies, we examined the fecal prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in six wolf populations from two continents in relation to wolf density, diet diversity, and other ecological conditions.

As expected, we found that the fecal prevalence of parasites transmitted directly to wolves via contact with other canids or their excreta was positively associated with wolf density. Contrary to our expectations, the fecal prevalence of parasites transmitted via prey was negatively associated with prey diversity. We also found that parasite communities reflected landscape characteristics and specific prey items available to wolves.

Several parasite taxa identified in this study, including hookworms and coccidian protozoans, can cause morbidity and mortality in canids, especially in pups, or in combination with other stressors. The density–prevalence relationship for parasites with simple life cycles may reflect a regulatory role of gastrointestinal parasites on wolf populations. Our result that fecal prevalence of parasites was lower in wolves with more diverse diets could provide insight into the mechanisms by which biodiversity may regulate disease. A diverse suite of predator–prey interactions could regulate the effects of parasitism on prey populations and mitigate the transmission of infectious agents, including zoonoses, spread via trophic interactions.
A framework for understanding how biodiversity patterns unfold across multiple spatial scales in urban ecosystems
Authors: Swan Christopher M. , Brown Bryan , Borowy Dorothy , Cavender‐Bares Jeannine , Jeliazkov Alienor , Knapp Sonja , Lososová Zdeňka , Padullés Cubino Josep , Pavoine Sandrine , Ricotta Carlo , Sol Daniel
Published: July 2021

Whether cities are more or less diverse than surrounding environments, and the extent to which non‐native species in cities impact regional species pools, remain two fundamental yet unanswered questions in urban ecology. Here we offer a unifying framework for understanding the mechanisms that generate biodiversity patterns across taxonomic groups and spatial scales in urban systems. One commonality between existing frameworks is the collective recognition that species co‐occurrence locally is not simply a function of natural colonization and extinction processes. Instead, it is largely a consequence of human actions that are governed by a myriad of social processes occurring across groups, institutions, and stakeholders. Rather than challenging these frameworks, we expand upon them to explicitly consider how human and non‐human mechanisms interact to control urban biodiversity and influence species composition over space and time. We present a comprehensive theory of the processes that drive biodiversity within cities, between cities and surrounding non‐urbanized areas and across cities, using the general perspective of metacommunity ecology. Armed with this approach, we embrace the fact that humans substantially influence β‐diversity by creating a variety of different habitats in urban areas, and by influencing dispersal processes and rates, and suggest ways how these influences can be accommodated to existing metacommunity paradigms. Since patterns in urban biodiversity have been extensively described at the local or regional scale, we argue that the basic premises of the theory can be validated by studying the β‐diversity across spatial scales within and across urban areas. By explicitly integrating the myriad of processes that drive native and non‐native urban species co‐occurrence, the proposed theory not only helps reconcile contrasting views on whether urban ecosystems are biodiversity hotspots or biodiversity sinks, but also provides a mechanistic understanding to better predict when and why alternative biodiversity patterns might emerge.
Urine DNA (uDNA) as a non‐lethal method for endoparasite biomonitoring: Development and validation
Authors: Duval Eloïse , Blanchet Simon , Quéméré Erwan , Jacquin Lisa , Veyssière Charlotte , Lautraite Armand , Garmendia Laurent , Yotte Allan , Parthuisot Nathalie , Côte Jessica , Loot Géraldine
Published: July 2021

Changes in environmental conditions alter host–parasite interactions, raising the need for effective epidemiological surveillance. Developing operational, accurate, and cost‐effective methods to assess individual infection status and potential for pathogen spread is a prerequisite to anticipate future disease outbreaks in wild populations. For endoparasites, effective detection of infections usually relies on host‐lethal approaches, which are barely compatible with wildlife conservation objectives. Here, we used the brown trout (Salmo trutta)—Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae host–parasite system to develop a non‐lethal method for endoparasite infection detection, hereafter called “uDNA” for urine DNA. The uDNA diagnostic test is based on the amplification of endoparasite DNA from host urine. We sampled wild fish (N = 111) from eight sites, let them excrete in individual buckets filled with mineral water and performed parasite DNA amplification from water filtration. We compared the results of the uDNA diagnostic test for host infection status and parasite load to those from kidney samples (the current standard method). uDNA was sensitive in determining host infection status (even for infected hosts showing no sign of the disease), since up to 90% of fish individuals were correctly assigned to their infection status. The quantity of uDNA detected from the hosts depended on the sampling sites, suggesting a spatial variation in the parasite spread. uDNA was positively, but weakly correlated with parasite load in the kidney. This correlation depended on the severity of macroscopic lesions caused by the disease and was negative in fish with severely damaged kidney, likely due to impaired urine excretion. The uDNA approach provides novel avenues to non‐lethally infer infection parameters from wildlife populations at large spatial scales. By targeting parasite transmission stage, uDNA is also valuable to get insights on the parasite fitness and the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of this host–parasite interaction.