bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Impedance, and Current–Voltage Characteristics of Strontium‐Manganese Titanate Hybrid Nanoparticles
Authors: Suryavanshi Anusha , Adimule Vinayak , Nandi Santosh S.
Published: August 2020

A polycrystalline hybrid nanocomposite of strontium‐manganese titanate nanocomposites (NCs) is prepared by co‐precipitation technique using cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide as capping compound. Formation of the NC powders in desired phase is confirmed by powdered X‐ray diffraction characterization. The barrier oxidation and reduction potentials and band gap of the crystalline nanocomposites are measured by cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscopy. Images of the materials show irregular grains with an average size of 50 nm. The absorption maxima of the NCs is shown at 580 nm using UV–vis spectrophotometer. Electrical properties impedance and current–voltage characteristics of Sr‐MnTiO3 powders are investigated. The real part of impedance increases linearly with the filler loading of the strontium (obtained for each uplift of 0.2 V). The IV characteristics show variable conductivity with increase in the impedance of the nanocomposites (nonlinear relationship). The filler loading up to 50% IV characteristics and also 40% are nonlinear which show the ohmic nature of the NCs and the electrodes. The impedance increases linearly as the applied voltage is increased. The IV behavior of NCs depends largely on the Sr content in the NCs of titanate. The NCs of 50% filler loaded TiO3 show better efficiency in IV related characteristics (conductance, admittance, and power dissipation factor) than the rest.
Synthesis and Characterization of New Organosoluble and Thermally Stable Aromatic Polyamides Containing Flexible Ether, Ketone, and Methylene Linkages
Authors: Diwate Arati , Ghodake Shivaji , Tamboli Asalam , Patil Kiran , Gurame Mahesh , Maldar Noormahammad
Published: August 2020

A new aromatic diacid monomer, namely, 1,4‐phenylene‐bis‐[[4′‐(4″‐carboxy methylene) phenoxy phenyl] methanone] (PBCPPM) is successfully synthesized and characterized by physical constant, FT‐IR, NMR (1H and 13C) spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. Synthesis of new series of polyamides with high thermal stability and improved solubility are performed by Yamazaki's direct phosphorylative polycondensation method from new PBCPPM with different aromatic diamines. The inherent viscosity of these polyamides is in the range 0.47–0.81 dL g−1. All these polyamides are amorphous or partly crystalline and reveal good solubility in polar aprotic solvents and exhibit glass transition temperatures between 201 and 232 °C. Initial decomposition temperatures are in the range 300–367 °C and T10 is in the range of 376–414 °C indicating good thermal stability of these polyamides. The present observations suggest that these polyamides can find potential applications as high performance polymers.
Bitter melon juice intake with gemcitabine intervention circumvents resistance to gemcitabine in pancreatic patient‐derived xenograft tumors
Authors: Dhar Deepanshi , Raina Komal , Kumar Dileep , Wempe Michael F. , Bagby Stacey M. , Pitts Todd M. , Orlicky David J. , Agarwal Chapla , Messersmith Wells A. , Agarwal Rajesh
Published: August 2020

Chemoresistance to gemcitabine (GEM)—a frontline chemotherapeutic, resulting from its dysfunctional uptake and metabolism in cancer cells, is a major contributing factor for failed therapy in pancreatic cancer (PanC) patients. Therefore, there is an urgent need for agents that could reverse GEM resistance and allow continued chemosensitivity to the drug. We employed natural nontoxic agent (with anti‐PanC potential) bitter melon juice (BMJ) and GEM to examine their combinatorial benefits against tumorigenesis of PanC patient‐derived xenograft (PDX)—pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas explants PDX272 (wild‐type KRAS), PDX271 (mutant KRAS and SMAD4), and PDX266 (mutant KRAS). Anti‐PanC efficacy of single agents vs combination in the three tumor explants, both at the end of active dosing regimen and following a drug‐washout phase were compared. In animal studies, GEM alone treatment significantly inhibited PDX tumor growth, but effects were not sustained, as GEM‐treated tumors exhibited regrowth posttreatment termination. However, combination‐regimen displayed enhanced and sustained efficacy. Mechanistic assessments revealed that overcoming GEM resistance by coadministration with BMJ was possibly due to modulation of GEM transport/metabolism pathway molecules (ribonucleotide reductase regulatory subunit M1, human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1, and deoxycytidine kinase). Study outcomes, highlighting significantly higher and sustained efficacy of GEM in combination with BMJ, make a compelling case for a clinical trial in PanC patients, wherein BMJ could be combined with GEM to target and overcome GEM resistance. In addition, given their specific effectiveness against KRAS‐mutant tumors, this combination could be potentially beneficial to a broader PanC patient population.
Interference of miR‐107 with Atg12 is inhibited by HULC to promote metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Haiming , Li Shipeng , Xu Haixu , Sun Liying , Zhu Zhijun , Yao Zhi
Published: August 2020

Highly upregulated in liver cancer (HULC) had a significant predictive effect on tumor growth and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, the mechanisms of HULC on HCC still need to be clarified. We attempted to determine the roles of HULC and miR‐107 in autophagy and invasion of HCC. HULC siRNA reduced the level of autophagy. The impact of HULC siRNA on invasion can be reversed by activating autophagy in HCC cell lines. Further studies on HULC and autophagy were conducted. An interacting sequence between HULC and miR‐107, as well as miR‐107 and Atg12, was predicted by software. The relationship of each pair of molecules was confirmed by luciferase reporter assays. The negative impacts of miR‐107 on autophagy and invasion were proved in HCC cell lines. The inhibitor of miR‐107‐promoted invasion can also be reversed by Atg12 siRNA. The changes of miR‐107, Atg12, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, and autophagy in transplanted tumors of mouse models also confirmed the results in HCC cell lines. Finally, we find that HULC acts as an endogenous sponge, which abolishes the binding of miR‐107 on the Atg12 3′‐UTR and promotes autophagy and metastasis of HCC.
Can Autonomic Testing and Imaging Contribute to the Early Diagnosis of Multiple System Atrophy? A Systematic Review and Recommendations by the Movement Disorder Society Multiple System Atrophy Study Group
Authors: Pellecchia Maria Teresa , Stankovic Iva , Fanciulli Alessandra , Krismer Florian , Meissner Wassilios G. , Palma Jose‐Alberto , Panicker Jalesh N. , Seppi Klaus , Wenning Gregor K. ,   Members of the Movement Disorder Society Multiple System Atrophy Study Group
Published: August 2020

Background

In the current consensus diagnostic criteria, the diagnosis of probable multiple system atrophy (MSA) is based solely on clinical findings, whereas neuroimaging findings are listed as aid for the diagnosis of possible MSA. There are overlapping phenotypes between MSA‐parkinsonian type and Parkinson's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, and dementia with Lewy bodies, and between MSA‐cerebellar type and sporadic adult‐onset ataxia resulting in a significant diagnostic delay and misdiagnosis of MSA during life.

Objectives

In light of an ongoing effort to revise the current consensus criteria for MSA, the Movement Disorders Society Multiple System Atrophy Study Group performed a systematic review of original articles published before August 2019.

Methods

We included articles that studied at least 10 patients with MSA as well as participants with another disorder or control group for comparison purposes. MSA was defined by neuropathological confirmation, or as clinically probable, or clinically probable plus possible according to consensus diagnostic criteria.

Results

We discuss the pitfalls and benefits of each diagnostic test and provide specific recommendations on how to evaluate patients in whom MSA is suspected.

Conclusions

This systematic review of relevant studies indicates that imaging and autonomic function tests significantly contribute to increasing the accuracy of a diagnosis of MSA.
Low‐molecular mimetics of nerve growth factor and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor: Design and pharmacological properties
Authors: Gudasheva Tatiana A. , Povarnina Polina Y. , Tarasiuk Aleksey V. , Seredenin Sergey B.
Published: August 2020

To overcome the limitations of the clinical use of neurotrophins nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), scientists have been trying to create their low‐molecular‐weight mimetics having improved pharmacokinetic properties and lacking side effects of full‐sized proteins since the 90s of the last century. The efforts of various research groups have led to the production of peptide and nonpeptide mimetics, being agonists or modulators of the corresponding Trk or p75 receptors that reproduced the therapeutic effects of full‐sized proteins. This review discusses different strategies and approaches to the design of such compounds. The relationship between the structure of the mimetics obtained and their action mechanisms and pharmacological properties are analyzed. Special attention is paid to the dipeptide mimetics of individual NGF and BDNF loops having different patterns of activation of Trk receptors signal transduction pathways, phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/protein kinase B and mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, which allowed to evaluate the contribution of each pathway to different pharmacological effects. In conclusion, data on therapeutically promising compounds being at different stages of preclinical and clinical studies are summarized.
Cerebrolysin in the therapy of mild cognitive impairment and dementia due to Alzheimer's disease: 30 years of clinical use
Authors: Gavrilova Svetlana I. , Alvarez Anton
Published: August 2020

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurocognitive disorder and a global health problem. The prevalence of AD is growing dramatically, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries, and will reach 131.5 million cases worldwide by 2050. Therefore, developing a disease‐modifying therapy capable of delaying or even preventing the onset and progression of AD has become a world priority, and is an unmet need. The pathogenesis of AD, considered as the result of an imbalance between resilience and risk factors, begins many years before the typical clinical picture develops and involves multiple pathophysiological mechanisms. Since the pathophysiology of AD is multifactorial, it is not surprising that all attempts done to modify the disease course with drugs directed towards a single therapeutic target have been unsuccessful. Thus, combined modality therapy, using multiple drugs with a single mechanism of action or multi‐target drugs, appears as the most promising strategy for both effective AD therapy and prevention. Cerebrolysin, acting as a multitarget peptidergic drug with a neurotrophic mode of action, exerts long‐lasting therapeutic effects on AD that could reflect its potential utility for disease modification. Clinical trials demonstrated that Cerebrolysin is safe and efficacious in the treatment of AD, and may enhance and prolong the efficacy of cholinergic drugs, particularly in moderate to advanced AD patients. In this review, we summarize advances of therapeutic relevance in the pathogenesis and the biomarkers of AD, paying special attention to neurotrophic factors, and present results of preclinical and clinical investigations with Cerebrolysin in AD.
In a search for efficient treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Old drugs for new approaches
Authors: Kukharsky Michail S. , Skvortsova Veronika I. , Bachurin Sergey O. , Buchman Vladimir L.
Published: August 2020

Recent progress in understanding the pathological changes in the nervous system and in certain other body systems (e.g., immune system) that lead to the development and progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) revealed a number of molecular and cellular processes that can potentially be used as therapeutic targets. Many of these processes are compromised not only in ALS but also in other diseases and a repertoire of drugs able to restore, at least partially, their functionality has been developed. In this review, we briefly describe current approaches to the repurposing of such “old” drugs for treatment of patients with ALS.
Nicotinamide‐induced mouse embryo developmental defect rescued by resveratrol and I‐CBP112
Authors: Yuan Yu‐Guo , Wang Jia‐Lin , Mesalam Ayman , Li Ling , Choi Yun‐Jung , Talimur Reza Abu Musa Md , Zhou Dongjie , Chen Li , Qian Chen
Published: August 2020

Cell cycle of mouse embryo could be delayed by nicotinamide (NAM). Histone H3 lysine 56 (H3K56ac) acetylation plays an important role in mammalian genomic stability and the function of this modification in mouse embryos is not known. Hence, we designed to study the effects of NAM‐induced oxidative stress on the developmental ability of mouse embryos, on the acetylation of H3K56ac and the possible functions of this modification related to mouse embryo development. Treatment with NAM (10, 20, or 40 mmol/L for 24 or 48 hr) during in vitro culture significantly decreased developmental rate of blastocyst (24 hr: 90.2 vs. 81.2, 43.2, and 18.2, with p > .05, p < .01, respectively; 48 hr: 89.3 vs. 53.2%, 12.1%, and 0% with p < .05, respectively). NAM treatment (20 mmol/L) for 6 and 31 hr resulted in increased intracellular reactive oxygen species levels in two‐cell embryos, and apoptotic cell numbers in blastocysts. Resveratrol (RSV) and I‐CBP112 rescued the 20 mmol/L NAM‐induced embryo developmental defects. RSV and I‐CBP112 increased the level of Sirt1 and decreased the level of H3K56ac induced by NAM in two‐cell embryos (p < .05). These data suggest that NAM treatment decreases the expression of Sirt1, which induces high levels of H3K56 acetylation that may be involved in oxidative stress‐induced mouse embryo defects, which can be rescued by RSV and I‐CBP112.
Extracting diffusion tensor fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity from 3‐direction DWI scans using deep learning
Authors: Aliotta Eric , Nourzadeh Hamidreza , Patel Sohil H.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To develop and evaluate machine‐learning methods that reconstruct fractional anisotropy (FA) values and mean diffusivities (MD) from 3‐direction diffusion MRI (dMRI) acquisitions.

Methods

Two machine‐learning models were implemented to map undersampled dMRI signals with high‐quality FA and MD maps that were reconstructed from fully sampled DTI scans. The first model was a previously described multilayer perceptron (MLP), which maps signals and FA/MD values from a single voxel. The second was a convolutional neural network U‐Net model, which maps dMRI slices to full FA/MD maps. Each method was trained on dMRI brain scans (N = 46), and reconstruction accuracies were compared with conventional linear‐least‐squares (LLS) reconstructions.

Results

In an independent testing cohort (N = 20), 3‐direction U‐Net reconstructions had significantly lower absolute FA error than both 3‐direction MLP (U‐Net3‐dir: 0.06 ± 0.01 vs. MLP3‐dir: 0.08 ± 0.01, P < 1 × 10−5) and 6‐direction LLS (LLS6‐dir: 0.09 ± 0.03, P = 1 × 10−5). The MD errors were not significantly different among 3‐direction MLP (0.06 ± 0.01 × 10−3 mm2/s), 3‐direction U‐Net (0.06 ± 0.01 × 10−3 mm2/s), and 6‐direction LLS (0.07 ± 0.02 × 10−3 mm2/s, P > .1).

Conclusion

The proposed U‐Net model reconstructed FA from 3‐direction dMRI scans with improved accuracy compared with both a previously described MLP approach and LLS fitting from 6‐direction scans. The MD reconstruction accuracies did not differ significantly between reconstructions.
MUNIX in children with spinal muscular atrophy: An unexpected journey
Authors: Neuwirth Christoph , Weber Markus
Published: August 2020

See article on pages 633–637 in this issue.
The influence of coupled physical swelling and chemical reactions on deformable geomaterials
Authors: Ma Yue , Chen Xiao‐Hui , Hosking Lee J. , Yu Hai‐Sui , Thomas Hywel R. , Norris Simon
Published: August 2020

Coupled thermo‐hydro‐mechanical‐chemical modelling has attracted attention in past decades due to many contemporary geotechnical engineering applications (e.g., waste disposal, carbon capture and storage). However, molecular‐scale interactions within geomaterials (e.g., swelling and dissolution/precipitation) have a significant influence on the mechanical behaviour, yet are rarely incorporated into existing Thermal‐Hydro‐Mechanical‐Chemical (THMC) frameworks. This paper presents a new coupled hydro‐mechanical‐chemical constitutive model to bridge molecular‐scale interactions with macro‐physical deformation by combining the swelling and dissolution/precipitation through an extension of the new mixture‐coupling theory. Entropy analysis of the geomaterial system provides dissipation energy, and Helmholtz free energy gives the relationship between solids and fluids. Numerical simulation is used to compare with the selected recognized models, which demonstrates that the swelling and dissolution/precipitation processes may have a significant influence on the mechanical deformation of the geomaterials.
Side‐chain engineering of perylene diimide dimers: Impact on morphology and photovoltaic performance
Authors: Tintori Francesco , Laventure Audrey , El‐Berjawi Rayane , Cieplechowicz Edward , Umer Lareeb , Hudhomme Piétrick , Welch Gregory C.
Published: August 2020

Morphology evolution of conjugated organic molecular materials in the solid state has important implications for optoelectronic applications. Two aspects that have a large impact on materials self‐assembly in the film are the nature of the side‐chains and the processing conditions. Films of N‐annulated perylene diimide (PDI) dimer derivatives with different side‐chains at the pyrrolic and imide N‐positions are herein studied after solution processing using the solvent additives 1,8‐diiodooctane (DIO) or diphenyl ether (DPE). Branched or cyclohexyl side‐chains are investigated at the imide position (compounds 1 vs. 2) while linear, cyclic or branched alkyl side‐chains are investigated at the pyrrolic position (compounds 1 vs. 3 vs. 4). Film morphology of the four materials were examined using polarized light, fluorescence, and atomic force microscopy (POM, FM, and AFM, respectively). Organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices using the donor polymer PTB7‐Th with each PDI dimer as a non‐fullerene acceptor (NFA) were fabricated and tested to correlate morphology to electronic performances. Cyclohexyl side‐chains at the imide position reduced PDI dimer (2) solubility, gave flower like crystals in the film, and overall poor OPV performance regardless of processing. Cyclic alkyl side‐chains at the pyrrolic position impeded PDI dimer (3) crystallization and lead to moderate OPV performance. A combination of branched and linear side‐chains on the PDI dimer (compounds 1 and 4) provided sufficient solubility in non‐halogenated solvents and best OPV performance without the use of processing additives. For 1 with linear side‐chains at the pyrrolic position, processing with additives lead to moderate crystallization and improved OPV performance. For 4 with branched‐side chains, processing with additives lead to major crystallization and poor OPV performance. Side‐chain engineering is critical for controlling the self‐assembly of N‐annulated PDI dimers and it was shown that the choice and volume of processing additive must be evaluated systematically for maximizing electronic performance.
Sporadic compared to recurrent urinary tract infections: Considerations for urogynecologic patients
Authors: Bradley Megan S. , Cabrera Camila , Clark Stephanie Glass , Sassani Jessica , Venuti Kristen , Ackenbom Mary F.
Published: August 2020

Aims

To describe the uropathogens and antimicrobial resistance patterns in women with singular, sporadic urinary tract infection (UTI) vs those with recurrent UTI (rUTI) in a urogynecologic population.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional analysis of women treated for a UTI by a urogynecologic provider in a 1‐year timeframe. Subjects were divided into two groups: (a) sporadic UTI—no history of rUTI and a single infection in the study timeframe and (b) rUTI—history of rUTI and ≥2 UTIs in the study timeframe. Our primary outcome was the difference in uropathogens between groups. Secondary aims were to investigate host characteristics associated with recurrent Escherichia coli infections and resistant uropathogens in the rUTI cohort.

Results

We had 265 women with 163 (61.5%) in the sporadic UTI group and 102 (38.5%) in the rUTI group. The most common uropathogens were E. coli (57.3%) and Klebsiella (11.7%). In the rUTI group, only 27 of 102 (26.5%) had all E. coli infections. There were differences between groups regarding age (P = .03) and proportion of neurogenic bladder (P = .01), intermittent self‐catheterization (P < .01), antibiotic suppression (P < .01), and vaginal estrogen therapy (P < .01). In the rUTI cohort, there were no risk factors that were significantly associated with recurrent E.coli UTIs and vaginal estrogen therapy was associated with a higher odds of sensitive uropathogens (adjusted odds ratio, 3.12; confidence interval, 1.28‐7.56).

Conclusions

In those with rUTI, it was uncommon to have recurring E. coli UTIs and consistently sensitive uropathogens. Pretreatment urine cultures are important to verify causative uropathogens in this population.
Can abdominal hypropressive technique improve stress urinary incontinence? an assessor‐blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jose‐Vaz Luciene A. , Andrade Carine L. , Cardoso Laura C. , Bernardes Bruno T. , Pereira‐Baldon Vanessa S. , Resende Ana Paula M.
Published: August 2020

Aim

To verify which one improves better stress urinary incontinence (SUI) symptoms: abdominal hypopressive technique (AHT) or pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT).

Methods

Randomized controlled trial. Women with SUI who had not participated of physiotherapy program before were invited. The outcome measures were 7‐day bladder diary, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form (ICIQ‐SF) and pelvic floor muscles (PFM) function measured by Modified Oxford grading System with vaginal palpation and manometry with Peritron. Intervention consisted by 12 weeks of exercises program including PFMT or AHT program, in groups of maximum three women, twice a week, with physiotherapist supervision.

Results

AHT and PFMT groups reduced urinary leakage episodes in 7 days, −0.64 and −1.91, respectively, but PFMT was superior, whit mean difference −1.27 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −1.92 to −0,62) and effect size was 0.94 in favor to PFMT. Regarding to total score of ICIQ‐SF, both groups improved, with mean difference between groups −4.7 (95% CI: −6.90 to −2.50) and effect size was 1.04 in favor to PFMT. Manometry also presented improvement after treatment for both groups with mean difference between them of 11 (95% CI: 6.33‐15.67) and effect size was 1.15 also in favor to PFMT.

Conclusion

Regarding to SUI symptoms, quality of life impact and PFM function both groups presented improvement, however, PFMT was superior to AHT among all of them.
A Tutorial Introduction to Inverse Problems in Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Spencer Richard G. , Bi Chuan
Published: August 2020

There has been a tremendous increase in applications of the inverse problem framework to parameter estimation in magnetic resonance. Attempting to capture both the basics of this formalism and modern developments would require an article of inordinate length. Therefore, in the following, we provide basic material as a practical introduction to the topic and an entree to the literature. First, we describe the formulation of linear and nonlinear inverse problems, with an emphasis on signal equations arising in magnetic resonance. We then describe the Fredholm equation of the first kind as a paradigm for these problems. This is followed by much more detailed considerations for determining solutions in the linear case, including central concepts such as condition number, regularization, and stability. Solution methods for nonlinear inverse problems are described next, followed by a treatment of their stability and regularization. Finally, we provide an introduction to compressed sensing, with signal reconstruction formulated as the solution to an inverse problem, making use of much of the previous material. Throughout, the emphasis is on outlines of the theory and on numerical examples, rather than on mathematical rigor and completeness.
Weighted Hermite–Hadamard–Mercer type inequalities for convex functions
Authors: İşcan İmdat
Published: August 2020

In this paper, first, we prove the weighted Hermite–Hadamard–Mercer inequalities for convex functions, after we establish some new weighted inequalities connected with the right‐sides of weighted Hermite–Hadamard–Mercer type inequalities for differentiable functions whose derivatives in absolute value at certain powers are convex. The results presented here would provide extensions of those given in earlier works.
Effects of hospital nurses' internalized dominant values, organizational silence, horizontal violence, and organizational communication on patient safety
Authors: Doo Eun‐Young , Kim Miyoung
Published: August 2020

Recent studies have identified common problems with patient safety in hospitals and medical institutions have responded, prioritizing service quality and performance, including patient safety. However, the factors influencing safety for hospital patients are still being examined and clarified. We aimed to investigate how hospital nurses' internalized dominant values, organizational silence, horizontal violence, and organizational communication satisfaction can affect patient safety and to construct and verify a hypothetical model describing the relationships between these factors. The participant sample included 301 hospital nurses from four large (≥500 beds) general hospitals in Gyeonggi‐do, South Korea. Data were collected through questionnaires from October to November 2018 and analyzed using SPSS 25.0 and AMOS 22.0. Factors that had direct effects on patient safety were organizational silence (β = −.130, p < .05) and organizational communication satisfaction (β = .209, p < .001). Factors that had indirect effects on patient safety were internalized dominant values and horizontal violence. The explanatory power of these variables for patient safety was 7.9%. The results indicate that organizational silence, horizontal violence, and organizational communication satisfaction fully mediated the relationship between nurses' internalized dominant values and patient safety. Our findings may be useful to hospital administrators and managers in identifying and analyzing these organizational characteristics in their institutions. Further, the model described in the results may be used to inform the development of educational programs and strategies to improve patient safety by reducing organizational silence and horizontal violence and improving organizational communication.
Feasibility and acceptability of intensive, real‐time biobehavioral data collection using ecological momentary assessment, salivary biomarkers, and accelerometers among middle‐aged African Americans
Authors: Nam Soohyun , Dunton Genevieve F. , Ordway Monica R. , Ash Garrett I. , Jeon Sangchoon , Vlahov David , Whittemore Robin , Nelson LaRon E. , Sinha Rajita , Nunez‐Smith Marcella , Granger Douglas A.
Published: August 2020

Perceived racial discrimination is linked to unhealthy behaviors and stress‐related morbidities. A compelling body of research indicates that perceived racial discrimination may contribute to health disparities among African Americans (AAs). The purposes of this study were to describe the study protocol including data collection procedures and study measures and to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of intensive biobehavioral data collection using ecological momentary assessment (EMA), salivary biomarkers, and accelerometers over 7 days among middle‐aged AAs with a goal of understanding the relationships between perceived racial discrimination and biobehavioral responses to stress. Twelve AA men and women participated in the feasibility/acceptability study. They completed surveys, anthropometrics, and received in‐person training in EMA and saliva sample collection at baseline. Participants were asked to respond to the random prompt text message‐based EMA five times a day, wear an accelerometer daily for 7 days, and to self‐collect saliva samples four times a day for 4 consecutive days. The EMA surveys included perceived racial discrimination, affective states, lifestyle behaviors, and social and physical contexts. The mean EMA response rate was 82.8%. All participants collected saliva samples four times a day for 4 consecutive days. About 83% of participants wore the accelerometer on the hip 6 out of 7 days. Despite the perception that the intensive nature of assessments would result in high participant burden, the acceptability of the study procedures was uniformly favorable.
The Medical Outcome Study‐HIV Health Survey: A systematic review and reliability generalization meta‐analysis
Authors: Alcocer‐Bruno Cristian , Ferrer‐Cascales Rosario , Rubio‐Aparicio María , Ruiz‐Robledillo Nicolás
Published: August 2020

The Medical Outcome Study‐HIV Health Survey (MOS‐HIV) is one of the most used questionnaires for the evaluation of the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in people living with HIV (PLWHIV) in both medical settings and research studies. This study aimed to estimate the average reliability of the MOS‐HIV scores and to evaluate the characteristics of the studies that could explain the variability between reliability estimates. Furthermore, the study aimed to estimate the induction rate of the reliability of the MOS‐HIV. A systematic review of the previous literature, including studies that reported α and/or test–retest coefficients with the data at hand for the total score of the MOS‐HIV and the subscales, was conducted. Fifty studies (52 samples; N = 14,132) were included in the reliability generalization meta‐analysis. The average α coefficient for the total score of MOS‐HIV was .91 and above .80 for all of the subscales, except for role functioning, which had an average coefficient of .76. Different study dimensions were related to the heterogeneity of reliability between studies. Reliability induction was found to be 76.1%. The results obtained in the present study indicate that the MOS‐HIV is a reliable instrument for HRQoL evaluation in PLWHIV, for clinical and research purposes. In the clinical practice of health services, nurses could employ this gold standard for reliable evaluations of HRQoL in PLWHIV.
Development of modified polyacrylonitrile fibers for improving tribological performance characteristics of thermoplastic polyurethane material in water‐lubricated sliding bearings
Authors: Liang Xiang , Guo Zhiwei , Tian Jun , Yuan Chengqing
Published: August 2020

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is one of the most popular marine bearing materials because of its excellent characteristics. However, severe wear often occurs under some extreme conditions. In order to improve the service life of bearing material, this work introduced the polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber as a reinforcement material to further enhance TPU tribological properties. Considering that the bearing material does not process self‐lubricating or cannot form a stable water film under some working conditions, the PAN fiber was hydrophilically modified to alleviate this problem. The effects of fiber addition, operation speed, and applied load on the tribological properties of the composites were examined by using a tribo‐tester. The friction coefficient of the samples, the surface morphology after rubbing, and the wear loss, and so on, were also comprehensively analyzed. It was found that the friction coefficient of 30% modified PAN fiber at 500 r/min and 0.8 MPa load was 0.08, and its friction coefficient was 81.8% lower than the pure sample under the same working condition, this is mainly due to the high hydrophilicity of the modified PAN fiber, which makes it easier to form a water film between the composite material and the copper disc. Furthermore, adhesive wear occurred in unmodified samples, while modified samples contained abrasive wear. This new material modification method and design idea can be used for improving the performance of water‐lubricated bearing materials.
Extremely high birth prevalence of sickle cell disease in rural Tanzania
Authors: Eastburg Luke , Peckham Andrew , Kawira Esther , Chirangi Bwire , Adler David , Akungo Brian Dee , Smart Luke R. , Ambrose Emmanuela E.
Published: August 2020

Background/objectives

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an important, hidden cause of childhood mortality worldwide. It is most prevalent in sub‐Saharan Africa where national newborn screening programs remain unavailable and most children in rural areas are never diagnosed. We conducted a study at a rural district hospital in northern Tanzania to determine the birth prevalence and community awareness of SCD and to determine the feasibility of using point‐of‐care testing to enroll newborns in a new SCD clinic for ongoing treatment.

Design/methods

We screened infants at Shirati KMT hospital for SCD using HemoTypeSC, an inexpensive point‐of‐care test. Infants who screened positive were enrolled in the SCD clinic and instructed to return at 6‐12 weeks for confirmatory testing, counseling, and preventive care.

Results

A total of 999 newborns were screened from February to September 2019. Among these, 31.6% (315/999) had sickle cell trait and 3.9% (39/999) had SCD. No hemoglobin C was detected. Very few parents knew their own sickle cell status (0.3%). At 5 months after completion, 12 infants from the screening study and 30 additional children had been seen at the SCD clinic for ongoing counseling and care.

Conclusions

Birth prevalence of SCD in rural Tanzania is extremely high and community awareness is low. Newborn point‐of‐care testing enhances case finding and enables early enrollment in preventive care for SCD, even in rural sub‐Saharan Africa with minimal laboratory capacity. SCD‐specific clinical services implemented at the district hospital level could expand access to many children and significantly reduce early SCD morbidity and mortality.
Experimental investigation of sandwich panels with hybrid composite face sheets and embedded shape memory alloy wires under low velocity impact
Authors: Masoudi Moghaddam Seyed A. , Yarmohammad Tooski Mehdi , Jabbari Mohsen , Khorshidvand Ahmad R.
Published: August 2020

This experimental study was conducted to investigate the behavior of hybrid composite sandwich panels with superelastic shape memory alloy (SMA) wires under low velocity impact (LVI). Square‐shaped sandwich panels were made few of a foam core and hybrid composite structures with carbon fiber and glass fiber, in which prestrained superelastic SMA wires were embedded between the layers. The sandwich panels had symmetrical and asymmetrical lay‐ups and SMA wires were placed between the layers with different states. LVI tests were performed by drop weight impact testing machine. Moreover, damaged areas of the panels were estimated using thermography. The experimental results showed that the impact performance of the panels improved after embedding SMA wires. The presence of the SMA within the composite sandwich structure prevented the full perforation of the samples and reduced the internal delamination area. The utilization of SMA wires embedded in front face sheet, which is subject to the direct impact, is more effective than the utilization of wire in the back face layer. It was also found that increasing the layers of the back face and asymmetrication of the structure were more effective than the use of SMA wires in the symmetric structure in improving the panel impact resistance.
Enhancement of the cryogenic‐interfacial‐strength of carbon fiber composites by chemical grafting of graphene oxide/attapulgite on T300
Authors: Yan Meiling , Jiao Weicheng , Li Jun , Huang Yifan , Chu Zhenming , Chen Xiaodan , Shen Feng , Wang Yong , Wang Rongguo , He Xiaodong
Published: August 2020

A mismatch between the expansion coefficients of carbon fiber (CF, T300) and resin causes thermal deterioration at the interface of composite cryotanks. This study presents an effective method to enhance the cryogenic interfacial properties of a T300/epoxy (EP) composite, in which graphene oxide (GO)/attapulgite (ATP) hierarchical structures are chemically grafted onto the surface of T300. GO and ATP were sequentially assembled on the T300 surface, which changed the morphology of T300 and optimized the interfacial wettability of T300/EP. Surface topography and chemical bonding of grafted T300 fibers (T300‐GO‐ATP) were evaluated by SEM and XPS, respectively. Considering the functioning conditions of composite cryotanks, three cryogenic interfacial testing conditions were designed for the T300‐GO‐ATP/EP composites: −196°C, cryogenic cycling (from RT to −196°C), and immersion in liquid nitrogen (LN2). The interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of T300‐GO‐ATP/EP composite at −196°C was 88.3 MPa, 53.1% stronger than that of T300/EP (57.6 MPa). Likewise, the IFSS of T300‐GO‐ATP/EP composites was tested under cryogenic cycling/immersion in LN2, which increased remarkably comparing to those of T300/EP under the same conditions. Results shows that GO/ATP suppress interfacial cracking and enhances the interfacial bonding of T300/EP at cryogenic temperatures through chemical bonding and nanointerlocking.
Insight in the safety profile of antidiabetic agents glucagon‐like peptide‐1 agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors in daily practice from the patient perspective
Authors: van Gorp Anne‐Marie , Rolfes Leàn , Härmark Linda , van der Horst Petra , Hendriks Judith , Vorstenbosch Saskia
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The primary aim of this study was to gain insight in the safety profile of the new antidiabetic agents glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors in daily practice. The secondary aim was to compare reported adverse drug reactions (ADRs) with information described in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) and to generate knowledge about characteristics, like time to onset and outcome of ADRs. This knowledge is important for drug regulators and clinical practice to understand and manage ADRs better.

Methods

A prospective, observational web‐based cohort event monitoring study among first‐time users of GLP‐1 agonists and DPP‐4 inhibitors. Patients were recruited through community pharmacies from 2008 to 2016. Participants were invited to complete six web‐based questionnaires over a 1‐year periods after start of the antidiabetic agent. Questions were posed about patient characteristics, drug use, and ADRs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Then, 743 patients were included. Also 62% of all GLP‐1 agonist users (total n = 119) and 33% of DPP‐4 inhibitor users (total n = 624) experienced an ADR. Of the 10 most reported ADRs, for GLP‐1 agonist all, and for DPP‐4 inhibitors 8 were described in the drug's SPC. For 45 (91%) ADRs, the patients recovered without discontinuation of the GLP‐1 agonist and 79 (73%) ADRs without discontinuation of the DPP‐4 inhibitor therapy.

Conclusions

This study gives insight in the safety profile and ADR characteristics of the new antidiabetic agents. This study provides important knowledge for healthcare professionals in managing ADRs and can be directly applied in consultations in daily practice.
A study on the aromaticity and conjugation pathways of diheterodiazuliporphyrins and their dications
Authors: Tuerhong Mireguli , Kerim Ablikim
Published: August 2020

The aromaticity of a series of diheterodiazuliporphyrins, both in the neutral and the dicationic states, has been investigated using the topological resonance energy (TRE) method. Our TRE results show that in each of the dicationic states, all the diheterodiazuliporphyrin isomers have greater aromaticity than when in their corresponding neutral states. An evaluation of the local aromaticity and of the main aromatic conjugation pathways has been carried out through the use of the bond resonance energy (BRE) and circuit resonance energy (CRE) indices, both in the neutral and dicationic states. Our BRE and CRE results show that the local aromaticity arising from the small rings is much larger and is a greater contributor to global aromaticity than the aromaticity which arises from the main aromatic conjugation pathway. In their neutral states, the azulene units are the main contributors to global aromaticity and the compounds themselves are stabilized primarily by their 10π‐electron peripheral structures. In their dicationic states however, it is the 6π‐electron tropylium unit structures which are the main contributors to the global aromaticity. The strength of the magnetically induced ring current (RC) has been calculated using the Hückel‐London model. The RC results show that current strength and the direction of the induced RC of the macrocyclic circuit play a crucial role in determining the paratropicity or diatropicity of the compound. The correlation between the observed 1H NMR chemical shift and the RC strength is discussed, and good correlation is obtained. Finally, the main impact factors upon aromaticity and the RCs are clarified.
Development and validation of the Fatalistic Causal Attributions of Cancer Questionnaire: A three‐phase study
Authors: Cohen Miri , Rosenfeld Michal , Greenblatt‐Kimron Lee
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Tools have been developed to assess the existence and intensity of fatalistic beliefs. Causal attributions of cancer, referring to the foundation for fatalistic views of cancer as being predetermined or reflecting an unavoidable death, are lacking. The aim was to develop and validate the Fatalistic Causal Attributions of Cancer Questionnaire, a measurement tool for studying the causal attributions of cancer.

Methods

Three‐phase study. Phase I: Item extraction and development based on focus groups (N = 30) and assessment of content validity. Phase II: Assessment of quality of items and construct validity (exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and convergent validity) of data from 252 participants (aged 50–75). Phase III: Confirmatory factor analysis and assessment of the discriminant validity and reliability of the questionnaire with 127 online respondents (aged 20–70).

Results

In Phase I, an initial questionnaire was constructed. In Phase II, four factors were identified: Belief in divine providence, belief in personal resilience as a protective factor, belief in chance or luck, and belief in inevitable environmental or genetic factors. The factorial structure of an 18‐item version that emerged in the confirmatory factor analysis had good fit indexes and reliability measures. In Phase III, the 18‐item questionnaire and its factorial structure and reliability were confirmed.

Conclusion

The findings show acceptable psychometric properties for the questionnaire. We suggest that this questionnaire should be used with an existing questionnaire that assesses the intensity of fatalistic perceptions for a more comprehensive assessment of fatalism in research and in promoting adherence to screening.
Sleep‐disordered breathing in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Jagpal Sugeet K. , Jobanputra Aesha M. , Ahmed Omar H. , Santiago Teodoro V. , Ramagopal Maya
Published: August 2020

Sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) is an under recognized comorbidity in the cystic fibrosis (CF) population across the lifespan. Nocturnal hypoxemia, obstructive sleep apnea, and nocturnal hypoventilation are respiratory abnormalities that occur commonly during sleep in patients with lung disease, and have deleterious consequences to the quality of life in people with CF. Effective screening for these abnormalities is needed to allow for timely initiation of treatment, which has been reported to be efficacious. Lack of treatment leads to worsened pulmonary, cardiovascular, and metabolic outcomes in patients. In this review, we give an overview of SDB for the CF clinician, including prevalence, treatment, and suggestions for future research. We strongly encourage the CF community to incorporate evaluation for SDB in CF clinical care so that outcomes for the subset of the CF patients with comorbid SDB improve.
Validation of a prostate cancer polygenic risk score
Authors: Black Mary H. , Li Shuwei , LaDuca Holly , Lo Min‐Tzu , Chen Jefferey , Hoiness Robert , Gutierrez Stephanie , Tippin‐Davis Brigette , Lu Hsiao‐Mei , Gielzak Marta , Wiley Kathleen , Shi Zhuqing , Wei Jun , Zheng Siqun Lilly , Helfand Brian T. , Isaacs William , Xu Jianfeng
Published: August 2020

Background

Genome‐wide association studies have identified over 100 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with prostate cancer (PrCa), and polygenic risk scores (PRS) based on their combined genotypes have been developed for risk stratification. We aimed to assess the contribution of PRS to PrCa risk in a large multisite study.

Methods

The sample included 1972 PrCa cases and 1919 unaffected controls. Next‐generation sequencing was used to assess pathogenic variants in 14 PrCa‐susceptibility genes and 72 validated PrCa‐associated SNPs. We constructed a population‐standardized PRS and tested its association with PrCa using logistic regression adjusted for age and family history of PrCa.

Results

The mean age of PrCa cases at diagnosis and age of controls at testing/last clinic visit was 59.5 ± 7.2 and 57.2 ± 13.0 years, respectively. Among 1740 cases with pathology data, 57.4% had Gleason score ≤ 6, while 42.6% had Gleason score ≥ 8. In addition, 39.6% cases and 20.1% controls had a family history of PrCa. The PRS was significantly higher in cases than controls (mean ± SD: 1.42 ± 1.11 vs 1.02 ± 0.76; P < .0001). Compared with men in the 1st quartile of age‐adjusted PRS, those in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quartile were 1.58 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.31‐1.90), 2.36 (95% CI: 1.96‐2.84), and 3.98 (95% CI: 3.29‐4.82) times as likely to have PrCa (all P < .0001). Adjustment for family history yielded similar results. PRS predictive performance was consistent with prior literature (area under the receiver operating curve = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.62‐0.66).

Conclusions

These data suggest that a 72‐SNP PRS is predictive of PrCa, supporting its potential use in clinical risk assessment.