bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Historical and current usage of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): A literature review
Authors: Gaines Linda G. T.
Published: May 2022

Background

Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have uniquely useful chemical and physical properties, leading to their extensive industrial, commercial, and consumer applications since at least the 1950s. Some industries have publicly reported at least some degree of information regarding their PFAS use, while other industries have reported little, if any, such information publicly.

Methods

Publicly available sources were extensively researched for information. Literature searches were performed on key words via a variety of search mechanisms, including existing PFAS use and synthesis literature, patent databases, manufacturers' websites, public government databases, and library catalogs. Additional searches were conducted specifically for suspected or known uses.

Results

PFAS have been used in a wide variety of applications, which are summarized into several industries and applications. The expanded literature search yielded additional references as well as greater details, such as concentrations and specific PFAS used, on several previously reported uses.

Conclusions

This knowledge will help inform which industries and occupations may lead to potential exposure to workers and to the environment.
Managerialism: A workforce health hazard in human service settings
Authors: Zelnick Jennifer R. , Abramovitz Mimi , Pirutinsky Steven
Published: May 2022

Background

This study assesses the relationship between managerialism and health among human service workers.

Methods

A total of 2154 New York City human service workers participated in an electronic survey that included validated measures of a system of work organization (the Organizational Commitment to Managerialism scale [OCTM]) and a work stressor (the Effort Reward Imbalance scale [ERI]), and single items about physical, mental, and behavioral health. Controlling for demographic variables, logistic regression models were used to predict health outcomes assess the potential role of ERI as a mediator.

Results

Managerialism was associated with increased risk of high blood pressure, neck and back pain, gastrointestinal difficulties, sleeping disorders, anxiety, and depression. Mediation analyses suggested that the effects of managerialism on health were partially explained by ERI.

Conclusions

Managerialism in human service agencies significantly increased the risk of adverse physical and mental health. Increased levels of a work stressor helped to explain part of this association.
Photoelectrochemical Clothianidin Detection Based on a WO3/CdS Heterostructure Coated with a Molecularly Imprinted Thin Film
Authors: Liu Lei , Guo Jiawei , Liu Xiuli , Wang Aizhu , Yu Xin , Ding Longhua
Published: May 2022

Clothianidin is an effective neonicotinoid insecticide and is harmful to human health. It is urgent to develop convenient analytical methods to determine clothianidin. In this study, a label‐free photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor for clothianidin was proposed. A type‐II WO3/CdS heterojunction was prepared by chemical bath deposition method to enhance the photoelectric response. As a recognition element, the molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) film was formed on WO3/CdS by electropolymerization of o‐phenylenediamine functional monomer in the presence of clothianidin template. Owing to the high photoelectric conversion efficiency of WO3/CdS heterostructure and the specific recognition ability of MIP, the as‐prepared PEC sensor exhibits desirable analysis performance for clothianidin with high sensitivity and selectivity. This MIP‐PEC sensor offers a wide linear detection range from 1.0 nM to 5.0 μM with a detection limit of 0.4 nM. The proposed sensor combines the merits of MIP and semiconductor heterojunction, presenting a promising prospect in the field of analysis.
Guidelines in Practice: Moderate Sedation and Analgesia
Authors: Williams Katherine
Published: May 2022

Moderate sedation and analgesia (MSA) can help patients experience less anxiety and discomfort, tolerate procedures that do not require general anesthesia, and maintain the ability to respond to verbal commands. Nurses administer MSA in a variety of clinical areas, and facility leaders may have difficulty creating a single standard of care for this task. Completion of a presedation assessment that includes the patient in the decision‐making process is an important aspect of care. When administering MSA, nurses should have immediate unrestricted patient access and no competing responsibilities that could distract them from monitoring and assessing the patient. Nurses should complete education and competency verification activities before administering MSA. AORN recently revised the “Guideline for care of the patient receiving moderate sedation/analgesia,” and this article addresses the standard of care, the presedation assessment, patient monitoring, and competency; it also includes scenarios describing specific concerns in two patient care areas.
Oil spill remediation: Selectivity, sorption, and squeezing capacity of silicone composite foams filled with clinoptilolite
Authors: Calabrese Luigi , Piperopoulos Elpida , Jovanovic Vesna Stankov , Mitic Violeta , Mitic Milan , Milone Candida , Proverbio Edoardo
Published: May 2022

Due to the enormous use of oil worldwide, accidental spills occur relatively often, threatening sea ecosystem. A remediation strategy, usually, includes materials of macroporous structure, flexibility, and low cost. Furthermore, they need to have oleophilic and hydrophobic characteristics. All these demands fulfill siloxane matrix foams. The addition of a natural zeolite, clinoptilolite, as filler, can improve their sorption characteristics and reusability. Silicone composite foams at different clinoptilolite content (35, 40, and 45 wt%) have been structurally characterized and evaluated by determining the sorption capacity in several liquids (naphtha, kerosene, pump oil, and water). The squeezing efficiency tests were performed to estimate the foams reusability. Compared with the unfilled one, the clinoptilolite filled foams shown lower sorption capacities with very high oil/water selectivity. The squeezing capacity of the foam with 40 wt% of clinoptilolite is equal to the unfilled foam for pump oil. In contrast, the squeezing capacity of 35 wt% clinoptilolite filled foam for naphtha oil is even higher. Compared to the foams, filled with other types of filler, the high effective oil selectivity of the foam with 35 wt% of clinoptilolite was proven, implying its superior suitability for light and heavy oils sorption.
Luminescence studies of a Li2Ca1−xSiO4:xSm3+ phosphor for the generation of white light under NUV‐excited phosphor converting LEDs
Authors: Parimala Mocharla Purna Durga , Rao M. C. , Suresh K. , Anil Dai Ch. Vijay , Murthy K. V. R. , Dubey Vikas
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we present new aspects of Sm3+‐doped pure Li2CaSiO4 as a suitable candidate for white light emitting diode (WLED) applications. The samples were mainly prepared using a conventional modified solid‐state synthesis technique. The structural studies were done using X‐ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement. Instruments such as a scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to obtain information about the morphology of the as‐prepared samples. Photoluminescence (PL) analysis of phosphor samples for variable concentrations of doping ions with variable excitations were presented. When doped with Sm3+ in host Li2CaSiO4 it emitted intense blue, green and red emissions and a more intense red emission peak (605 nm) under 408 nm excitation (near‐UV–blue). Our study shows that the as‐prepared phosphor may be useful for optical devices and mainly for WLEDs. The corresponding transitions of doping ions and concentration quenching effect were studied in detail. The 1931 Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (x, y) chromaticity coordinates showed the distribution of spectral regions calculated from PL emission spectra and this was found (0.63, 0.36) in the red region, so the phosphor may be useful for near‐UV–blue excited WLED applications.
Green intellectual capital and ambidextrous green innovation: The impact on environmental performance
Authors: Asiaei Kaveh , O'Connor Neale G , Barani Omid , Joshi Mahesh
Published: May 2022

This study relies on a unique synthesis of ambidexterity theory and the natural resource orchestration approach to investigate how green intellectual capital elements, namely green human, structural, and relational capital, along with ambidextrous green innovation, trigger a synergy in favor of environmental performance. In particular, this paper primarily aims to test the mediating role of ambidextrous green innovation in the relationship between green intellectual capital and environmental performance. Based on a survey of 105 Iranian public listed companies, the results indicate that green intellectual capital elements are not directly associated with environmental performance. Instead, they influence environmental performance only through the channel of ambidextrous green innovation as a mediating variable. This is the first study to simultaneously embed the resource orchestration theory in the green intellectual capital and ambidexterity literature. The findings of the current study offer new insights into the issue of how organizations gain maximum benefit from the orchestration of their various green assets and capabilities, including green intellectual capital and ambidextrous green innovation.
Crosstalk between IL‐15Rα+tumor‐associated macrophages and breast cancer cells reduces CD8+T cell recruitment
Authors: Zhang Wenlong , Zhang Qing , Yang Nanfei , Shi Qian , Su Huifang , Lin Tingsheng , He Zhonglei , Wang Wenxin , Guo Hongqian , Shen Pingping
Published: May 2022

Background

Interleukin‐15 (IL‐15) is a promising immunotherapeutic agent owing to its powerful immune‐activating effects. However, the clinical benefits of these treatments are limited. Crosstalk between tumor cells and immune cells plays an important role in immune escape and immunotherapy drug resistance. Herein, this study aimed to obtain in‐depth understanding of crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment for providing potential therapeutic strategies to prevent tumor progression.

Methods

T‐cell killing assays and co‐culture models were developed to determine the role of crosstalk between macrophages and tumor cells in breast cancer resistant to IL‐15. Western blotting, histological analysis, CRISPR‐Cas9 knockout, multi‐parameter flow cytometry, and tumor cell‐macrophage co‐injection mouse models were developed to examine the mechanism by which IL‐15Rα+tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) regulate breast cancer cell resistance to IL‐15.

Results

We found that macrophages contributed to the resistance of tumor cells to IL‐15, and tumor cells induced macrophages to express high levels of the α subunit of the IL‐15 receptor (IL‐15Rα). Further investigation showed that IL‐15Rα+TAMs reduced the protein levels of chemokine CX3C chemokine ligand 1 (CX3CL1) in tumor cells to inhibit the recruitment of CD8+T cells by releasing the IL‐15/IL‐15Rα complex (IL‐15Rc). Administration of an IL‐15Rc blocking peptide markedly suppressed breast tumor growth and overcame the resistance of cancer cells to anti‐ programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) antibody immunotherapy. Interestingly, Granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GMCSF) induced γ chain (γc) expression to promote tumor cell‐macrophage crosstalk, which facilitated tumor resistance to IL‐15. Additionally, we observed that the non‐transcriptional regulatory function of hypoxia inducible factor‐1alpha (HIF‐1α) was essential for IL‐15Rc to regulate CX3CL1 expression in tumor cells.

Conclusions

The IL‐15Rc‐HIF‐1α‐CX3CL1 signaling pathway serves as a crosstalk between macrophages and tumor cells in the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer. Targeting this pathway may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for enhancing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
“It's something I'll do until I die”: A qualitative examination into why older women in the U.S. continue screening mammography
Authors: Brotzman Laura E. , Shelton Rachel C. , Austin Jessica D. , Rodriguez Carmen B. , Agovino Mariangela , Moise Nathalie , Tehranifar Parisa
Published: May 2022

Background

Professional guidelines in the U.S. do not recommend routine screening mammography for women ≥75 years with limited life expectancy and/or poor health. Yet, routine mammography remains widely used in older women. We examined older women's experiences, beliefs, and opinions about screening mammography in relation to aging and health.

Methods

We performed thematic analysis of transcribed semi‐structured interviews with 19 women who had a recent screening visit at a mammography clinic in New York City (average age: 75 years, 63% Hispanic, 53% ≤high school education).

Results

Three main themes emerged: (1) older women typically perceive mammograms as a positive, beneficial, and routine component of care; (2) participation in routine mammography is reinforced by factors at interpersonal, provider, and healthcare system levels; and (3) older women do not endorse discontinuation of screening mammography due to advancing age or poor health, but some may be receptive to reducing screening frequency. Only a few older women reported having discussed mammography cessation or the potential harms of screening with their providers. A few women reported they would insist on receiving mammography even without a provider recommendation.

Conclusions

Older women's positive experiences and views, as well as multilevel and frequently automated cues toward mammography are important drivers of routine screening in older women. These findings suggest a need for synergistic patient, provider, and system level strategies to reduce mammography overuse in older women.
Using buckwheat starch to produce slowly digestible biscuits with good palatability
Authors: Yu Shiyao , Prakash Alok , Pora Bernard L. R. , Hasjim Jovin
Published: May 2022

Background and Objective

Due to the rapid digestibility, cooked starch can cause a high postprandial blood glucose response (hyperglycemia), one of the risk factors for metabolic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes. The objective was to understand the properties of starch that provided slow digestibility in low‐moisture baked goods. Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) starch was used to prepare biscuits with slowly digestible starch and was compared with wheat (Triticum aestivum) starch.

Findings

Buckwheat starch had higher gelatinization temperature and smaller breakdown viscosity (in pasting curve) than wheat starch. Slower starch digestion rate and higher amount of undigested starch were observed when 60% (w/w) wheat flour in biscuits was substituted by buckwheat starch than by wheat starch. The biscuits containing buckwheat starch or wheat starch also showed a structure with lower firmness than the control biscuits.

Conclusion

Buckwheat starch was more resistant to gelatinization and breakage during baking, and thus was less susceptible to enzyme digestion in biscuits than wheat starch.

Significance and Novelty

This is the first study utilizing a starch having a normal amylose content without any modification, except partial gelatinization during baking, as a source of slowly digestible starch in biscuits. Buckwheat starch not only provided slow digestibility, but also improved the palatability of the biscuits, creating a smoother and less firm texture than those made using whole grain flour.
Chemistry of wheat gluten proteins: Qualitative composition
Authors: Wieser Herbert , Koehler Peter , Scherf Katharina A.
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives

Wheat gluten proteins make up one of the most complex protein aggregates in nature. Their qualitative and quantitative composition is determined by genetic and environmental factors as well as technological processes.

Findings

Gluten proteins comprise ω5‐, ω1,2‐, α‐, and γ‐gliadins as well as high‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunits (HMW‐GS) and low‐molecular‐weight (LMW) GS. About 50% of gluten proteins are monomeric gliadins with MWs from 28,000 to 55,000, while about 15% are present as disulfide‐linked oligomeric proteins with MWs between 70,000 and 700,000, called HMW‐gliadins. The remaining 35% are disulfide‐linked polymeric glutenins with MWs from 700,000 to more than 10 million. Intrachain disulfide bonds, present in all types except ω‐gliadins, stabilize the three‐dimensional structure, while interchain disulfide bonds, mainly linking HMW‐GS and LMW‐GS, generate oligomers and polymers.

Conclusions

In this review, we provide an updated and detailed insight into the chemistry of wheat gluten proteins with a focus on the qualitative composition.

Significance and Novelty

An enhanced understanding of gluten protein structure and how it is affected will be essential to select and breed more resilient wheat varieties with favorable processing properties to help ensure nutrition and food security worldwide.
Targeted Metabolomics Using LC‐MS in Neurospora crassa
Authors: Carrillo Alexander J. , Halilovic Lida , Hur Manhoi , Kirkwood Jay S. , Borkovich Katherine A.
Published: May 2022

The filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa has historically been a model for understanding the relationship between genes and metabolism—auxotrophic mutants of N. crassa were used by Beadle and Tatum to develop the one‐gene‐one‐enzyme hypothesis for which they earned the Nobel Prize in 1958. In the ensuing decades, several techniques have been developed for the systematic analysis of metabolites in N. crassa and other fungi. Untargeted and targeted approaches have been used, with a focus on secondary metabolites over primary metabolism. Here, we describe a pipeline for sample preparation, metabolite extraction, Liquid Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry (LC‐MS), and data analysis that can be used for targeted metabolomics of primary metabolites in N. crassa. Liquid cultures are grown with shaking in a defined minimal medium and then collected using filtration. Samples are lyophilized for 2 days at –80°C, pulverized, and mixed with a solution to extract polar metabolites. The metabolites are separated and identified using LC‐MS, with downstream analysis using Skyline interpretive software. Relative levels of hundreds of metabolites can be detected and compared across strains. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: Metabolite extraction and detection from Neurospora crassa cell cultures using Liquid Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry
Cardiorenal syndrome and the association with fitness: Data from a telerehabilitation randomized clinical trial
Authors: Langlo Knut Asbjørn Rise , Lundgren Kari Margrethe , Zanaboni Paolo , Mo Rune , Ellingsen Øyvind , Hallan Stein Ivar , Aksetøy Inger‐Lise Aamot , Dalen Håvard
Published: May 2022

Aims

To investigate the associations of cardiorespiratory fitness with cardiac, vascular, renal and cardiorenal characteristics in chronic heart failure in a telerehabilitation randomized clinical trial. Secondly, to evaluate the associations of cardiorenal syndrome with the effects of exercise.

Methods and results

Sixty‐nine heart failure patients attended baseline examination, and 61 patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to 3‐month telerehabilitation or control. Data were collected at baseline and 3‐month post‐intervention, including echocardiography and vascular ultrasound, laboratory tests, exercise test with peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) measurement and 6‐min walk test (6MWT). Baseline VO2peak and 6MWT distance was 0.85 mL*min−1*kg−1 lower and 20 m shorter per 10 mL/min/1.73m2 lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (both P < 0.001). Heart failure patients with cardiorenal syndrome had 3.5 (1.1) mL*min−1*kg−1 lower VO2peak and diastolic dysfunction grade 2–3, and elevated filling pressure was >50% more common compared with those without (all P < 0.05). At the 3‐month post‐intervention follow‐up, only the non‐CRS patients in the intervention group increased VO2peak (0.73 (0.51) mL*min−1*kg−1), whereas VO2peak in the CRS subpopulation of controls decreased (−1.34 (0.43) mL*min−1*kg−1). Cardiorenal syndrome was associated with a decrease in VO2peak in CRS patients compared with non‐CRS patients, −0.91 (0.31) vs. 0.39 (0.35) mL*min−1*kg−1 respectively, P = 0.013.

Conclusions

Cardiorenal syndrome was negatively associated with VO2peak and 6MWT distance in chronic HF, and the associations were stronger than for heart failure phenotypes and other characteristics. The effect of exercise was negatively associated with cardiorenal syndrome. Exercise seems to be as important in heart failure patients with cardiorenal syndrome, and future studies should include CRS patients to reveal the most beneficial type of exercise.
Designing of high‐performance dye‐sensitized solar cells by using a new electrolyte based on deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Ahmadi Raheleh , Heydari Dokoohaki Maryam , Tashkhourian Javad , Zolghadr Amin R. , Safavi Afsaneh
Published: May 2022

The present research is aimed to develop an efficient electrolyte based on deep eutectic solvents (DESs) for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this regard, the performance of the propylene carbonate (PC) and tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI) based DES (PC/TBAI‐DES) as a new electrolyte solvent for DSSCs is evaluated for the first time. Herein, the effects of various electrolyte components, namely the amount of acetonitrile (AN), iodine, and 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium iodide (EmimI), are investigated. The optimal conditions are achieved with an electrolyte composition of 0.1 M of iodine and EmimI in a binary mixture of PC/TBAI‐DES and AN (volume ratio 80:20). The DSSCs based on this electrolyte attained a significant conversion efficiency of 10.04% (Jsc = 21.94 mA cm2, Voc = 0.78 V, and FF = 0.58) under 1 sun (AM 1.5) illumination. Moreover, a detailed view of the molecular arrangement of PC/TBAI‐DES solution near the titanium dioxide and platinum solid surfaces as electrodes of DSSCs is investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. Besides, the interaction parameters between TBAI ion pair and PC molecule are determined through density functional theory.
The prognostic impact of preoperative body composition in perihilar and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Lurje Isabella , Czigany Zoltan , Eischet Sarah , Bednarsch Jan , Ulmer Tom Florian , Isfort Peter , Strnad Pavel , Trautwein Christian , Tacke Frank , Neumann Ulf Peter , Lurje Georg
Published: May 2022

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare but highly aggressive malignancy of the biliary system. Although it is amenable to surgical resection in early disease, outcomes are frequently dismal. Here, we investigated the prevalence of body composition (BC) alterations and their prognostic role for surgical patients with intrahepatic (iCCA) and perihilar (pCCA) disease. Patients undergoing curative‐intent surgery for iCCA or pCCA between 2010 and 2019 at University Hospital Aachen were included. Axial computed tomography images were retrospectively assessed with a segmentation tool (3D Slicer) at the level of the third lumbar vertebra to determine lumbar skeletal muscle (SM) index, mean SM radiation attenuation, and visceral fat area. The related BC pathologies sarcopenia, myosteatosis, visceral obesity, and sarcopenic obesity were determined using previously described cutoffs. A total of 189 patients (86 with iCCA, 103 with pCCA) were included. Alterations of BC were highly prevalent in iCCA and pCCA, respectively: sarcopenia, 33% (28/86) and 39% (40/103); myosteatosis, 66% (57/86) and 66% (68/103); visceral obesity, 56% (48/86) and 67% (69/103); sarcopenic obesity, 11% (9/86) and 17% (17/103). Sarcopenia and myosteatosis did not have a significant prognostic role for disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Patients with iCCA with sarcopenic obesity (n = 9) had significantly shorter OS than patients without sarcopenic obesity (n = 7; log‐rank p = 0.002; median OS, 11 months and 31 months; 1‐year mortality, 55.6% [5/9] and 22% [17/77]; 5‐year mortality, 88.9% [8/9] and 61% [47/77], respectively). In multivariable analysis, only tumor‐related risk factors remained prognostic for DFS and OS. Sarcopenic obesity may affect clinical outcomes after curative‐intent surgery for iCCA, indicating that imaging‐based analysis of BC may hold prognostic value for long‐term survival and could aid preoperative patient selection.
Calibration and validation of three evapotranspiration models in a tea field in the humid region of south‐east China
Authors: Zhang Chuan , Li Lanlan , Yan Haofang , Ou Mingxiong , Akhlaq Muhammad , Zhang Wencheng , Huang Song
Published: May 2022

Evapotranspiration (ETc) is the most important part of agricultural water consumption. Accurate determination of the ETc of tea trees is important in the water management of tea fields. In this study, three models, the Penman–Monteith (PM), Priestley–Taylor (PT) and crop coefficient (KC) models, were applied and calibrated using meteorological data of 2017 in a tea field. The calibrated models were validated using the Bowen ratio energy balance (BREB) method with the data of 2018 and 2019 in the tea field. The canopy resistance of the PM model was calibrated by the inverse method with the BREB‐measured ETc using the Katerji and Perrier (KP) submodel with R2 equal to 0.80. The annual mean value of the coefficient in the PT model (α = 1.03) was determined based on the BREB results and meteorological data. In addition, the crop coefficients of tea trees based on the measured ETc and reference evapotranspiration (ET0) were comprehensively evaluated, with values of 0.86, 1.19 and 0.96 at the three growth stages, showing a cyclical evolution within a year. The PT model performed best, with a root mean square error (RMSE) equal to 0.82 mm day−1 and a Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) equal to 0.90. The PM model underestimated ETc with RMSE equal to 0.79 mm day−1 and NSE equal to 0.84, while the KC method overestimated ETc.
A primer on Post‐COVID‐19 conditions and implications for clinical pharmacists
Authors: Cluck David , Covert Kelly L. , Wagner Jamie L. , Chastain Daniel B.
Published: May 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and is largely viewed as an acute illness involving multiple organ systems. In the wake of the acute illness, many survivors fully recover and return to baseline, while others suffer from a wide range of lingering symptoms collectively known as “post‐COVID conditions”. The recognition of these conditions as a clinical entity represents the first step in developing a targeted plan for recovery and symptom mitigation. While interventions to directly minimize or reduce new, recurrent, or persistent symptoms are currently unknown, pharmacists can play a key role in optimizing management of these patients.
Pharmacist‐led inhaler training for nurses on an acute care pulmonary unit
Authors: Johnson Blake R. , Franks Andrea S. , Bullock Laura N. , Dennis Danielle L. , Heidel R. Eric , Self Timothy H.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Appropriate inhaler technique is important for optimizing treatment of pulmonary conditions, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Nurses often administer inhaled medications in the acute care setting, providing an opportunity to educate patients on appropriate inhaler technique. To date, no published study has evaluated the impact of pharmacist‐led training on skill improvement and retention among acute care pulmonary nursing staff regarding their ability to instruct a patient on inhaler technique.

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate both the immediate and sustained impact of pharmacist‐led inhaler technique for acute care pulmonary nurses using hands‐on training for instructing on appropriate inhaler use.

Methods

This prospective study used a one group pre‐test, posttest design for an educational intervention. Pharmacists conducted a brief in‐service followed by an individualized simulation where the nurse participant instructed a standardized patient on how to use a placebo metered dose inhaler (MDI) and dry powder inhaler (DPI) before and after receiving individual technique training by a pharmacist. Participant inhaler counseling technique was assessed via standardized checklist. Nurses then received individual coaching from a pharmacist regarding proper inhaler technique. After the pharmacist intervention, the nurse again counseled the standardized patient on how to use the devices. Measures included investigator rating on inhaler technique at baseline, after training, and 2 months later.

Results

After the interventions, participant performance significantly improved for MDI and DPI technique. At the 2‐month follow‐up, there was a statistically significant increase for MDI and DPI technique from baseline.

Conclusion

Brief, pharmacist‐led inhaler technique education results in sustained improvements in inhaler administration skills among pulmonary nursing staff.
Worldwide characteristics and trends of pharmacist interventions contributed to minimize health disparities
Authors: Ozaki Aya F. , Cadiz Christine L. , Hurley‐Kim Keri , Wisseh Cheryl , Knox Erin D. , Lee Joyce Y. , Wang Ashley , Patel Sakhi G. , Chan Alexandre
Published: May 2022

Health disparities in outcomes are ubiquitous and must be addressed. Pharmacist‐led clinical services have been shown to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. However, their involvement in addressing health disparities has not been well documented. We conducted a literature review to summarize worldwide pharmacist‐involved interventions that contributed to reducing health disparities. The overarching goal is to provide guidance on future directions to advance health equity. PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and CINAHL were searched from inception to October 2021. Studies included were those that evaluated pharmacist‐involved interventions contributing to the mitigation of health disparities. Pilot or preliminary studies and those published in non‐English languages were excluded. Study characteristics, clinical areas, targeted patient population, types of interventions, and outcomes were evaluated. A total of 151 studies were included, of which 27% were randomized controlled trials. The majority of studies (82%) conducted in high‐income countries targeted cardiometabolic conditions (49%). Infectious diseases were commonly managed conditions among studies (56%) conducted in low‐/middle‐income countries. Most pharmacist‐involved interventions were delivered to rural communities (45%), followed by patients with low income (33%) and racial/ethnic minorities (24%). A minimal number of studies (1%) addressed gender‐ or disability‐related interventions. Multidisciplinary team care (70%) and medication management (64%) were the most prevalent care models reported among the studies, followed by education (49%) and screenings/health fairs (21%). Commonly reported outcome measures included laboratory values (38%), medication utilization (29%), and medication adherence (16%). Only 7% and 9% of the studies reported humanistic and economic outcomes, respectively. Pharmacists have been involved in a variety of clinical interventions targeting a diverse range of patient populations, which unveiled pharmacists' roles in contributing to reducing health disparities. Variability of implemented interventions exists geographically and in certain groups for whom few interventions have been implemented, highlighting the need for further efforts to achieve equity in health care.
LGBTQ+ cultural sensitivity in pharmacy education: A co‐curricular training event to improve pharmacy students' knowledge and motivation in caring for sexual and gender minorities
Authors: Phan Tam C. , Singson Grace Marielle S. , Pamintuan Claire Gabrielle N. , Francisco Janelle R. , Chau Brandon , Do Allison M. , Lou Mimi , Church Terry
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals continue to show disproportionate prevalence of health disparities despite an increase in visibility in recent years. Educational endeavors in professional programs have been proven to increase awareness of culturally inclusive care.

Objectives

This study assessed self‐reported knowledge and motivation for change of pharmacy students toward providing affirming care for LGBTQ+ patients after attending LGBTQ+ cultural sensitivity training. The second objective of this study is to assess whether first‐ (P1) or second‐year (P2) students would gain greater benefit from the training from their survey responses.

Methods

Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) students at a large metropolitan area in California were provided LGBTQ+ cultural sensitivity training as part of a co‐curricular initiative. Anonymous surveys were administered via pre‐ and post‐training to assess perception of knowledge gained and motivation to adopt LGBTQ+ inclusive practices. Perception and motivation questions were graded on a Likert Scale with 1 being no knowledge and 5 being extensive knowledge, or 1 being strongly disagree and 5 being strongly agree. Results of surveys before and after the training were analyzed with Wilcoxon Signed Rank Sum Test. Chi‐square analysis was conducted to compare survey results for P1 and P2 students.

Results

Of the 168 students who completed the competency training and both surveys, 70% were P1 students and 30% were P2 students. After the cultural competency training, students reported a statistically significant improvement in their knowledge and motivation to provide affirming care for LGBTQ+ patients (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The two‐hour co‐curricular LGBTQ+ cultural competency training demonstrated improvements in the knowledge and attitude of students toward providing inclusive and competent care to gender and sexual minorities. LGBTQ+ related content should be integrated into Pharm.D. education early in the curriculum to address several objectives in cultural sensitivity.
The unusual stability of H‐bonded complexes in solvent caused by greater solvation energy of complex compared to those of isolated fragments
Authors: Lo Rabindranath , Mašínová Anna , Lamanec Maximilián , Nachtigallová Dana , Hobza Pavel
Published: May 2022

Here, the effect of solvent on the stability of non‐covalent complexes, was studied. These complexes were from previously published S22, S66, and X40 datasets, which include hydrogen‐, halogen‐ and dispersion‐bonded complexes. It was shown that the charge transfer in the complex determines whether the complex is stabilized or destabilized in solvent.
Surface characterization of NiO thin films deposited by RF‐magnetron sputtering at different thickness: Statistical and multifractal approach
Authors: Astinchap Bandar , Awrang Seyed Mohaiuddin , Norian Erfan
Published: May 2022

Fractal and multifractal are the most important processes and concepts in describing and examining surface morphology, and for this reason, these concepts are an important approach for analyzing the properties and surface geometry of thin films. In this article, multifractal analysis was performed on images, prepared using atomic force microscopy (AFM), of the surface morphology of nickel oxide thin films deposited by RF‐Magnetron sputtering at different thicknesses on the glass substrate. The effect of thickness on the surface properties of the layers was studied by applying multifractal and statistical methods on AFM images. The results obtained from the multifractal spectrum show that the surface of the nickel oxide thin films deposited at different thicknesses are multifractal. The multifractal analysis demonstrated that multifractality and complexity of the surface of nickel oxide thin films changes and decrease with thicknesses. We also used statistical parameters to better examine AFM images to study the effects of layers thickness on the deposited NiO thin films. The results indicated that the statistical parameters are a function of the layer's thickness of NiO thin films. Hence, the isotropic properties and functional parameters changed with changing surface thickness.

Research Highlights

Multifractal analysis was applied to the AFM images to study the surface morphology of NiO thin films.

The multifractal nature of the surface of NiO thin films is observed.

The layers have become more isotropic with increasing thickness.

The results illustrated that deposition masses occurred more at the highest sites on the surface.

Multifractality of the surface of the sample decreased with increasing layer thickness.
Emissions of hydrogen sulfide from a western open‐lot dairy
Authors: Grant Richard H. , Boehm Matthew T. , Hagevoort G. Robert
Published: May 2022

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) emissions are considered hazardous to the environment. Animal agriculture operations must therefore report emissions exceeding a threshold to the National Response Center. Estimating the emissions from operations is needed because monitoring at all operations is not possible. However, little is known about H2S emissions from open‐lot dairy operations commonly found in dry regions. Daily mean H2S emissions from a Texas open‐lot dairy were relatively uniform over the year. Emissions were greatest during the fall when air temperatures were relatively high and vapor pressure deficits were low. Higher air temperatures and wind speeds and lower surface wetness corresponded with higher mean hourly emissions in winter, spring, and summer. Hourly mean emissions in the fall differed substantially from those of the other seasons. These high fall emissions appear to have been associated with unreported producer activity of hauling manure from the manure windrow storage onto the surrounding fields. Mean annual live animal basis emissions were 3.6 g d–1 hd–1. Annual mean emissions for the entire 3,400 head dairy were 12 kg d–1. The maximum measured daily emissions for this 3,492‐cow dairy were 33.1 kg d–1.
Cross‐sectional clinical cancer genomics community of practice survey analysis of provider attitudes and beliefs regarding the use of deceased family member tissue to guide living family member genetic cancer risk assessment
Authors: Nehoray Bita , Slavin Thomas P. , Sun Can‐Lan , Hurley Karen , King Elisabeth , Tsang Kevin K. , Cervantes Aleck , Mokhnatkin Janet V. , Sand Sharon , Mejia Rosa , Reb Anne , Samimi Goli , Gray Stacy , Blazer Kathleen R. , Weitzel Jeffrey N.
Published: May 2022

Next‐generation tumor tissue sequencing techniques may result in the detection of putative germline pathogenic variants (PVs), raising the possibility that germline cancer predisposition could be identified from archival medical tissue samples of deceased relatives. The approach, termed traceback, is designed to inform risk management recommendations for living family members. Provider perspectives regarding traceback testing have not yet been explored, so we conducted a cross‐sectional survey of Clinical Cancer Genomics Community of Practice providers regarding their attitudes and beliefs toward traceback testing. Self‐reported demographics, provider characteristics, attitudes and perceived barriers were collected. We evaluated responses in the context of whether providers had previous experience with traceback testing. Data were analyzed using chi‐square and Fisher's exact testing. Among 207 respondents (of 816 eligible), most were women (89.4%), white (85.5%), and not Hispanic or Latino (89.7%). US‐based providers represented the majority of respondents (87.4%). Relatively, few providers 32 of 207 (15.5%) had previous experience with traceback. Among the individuals without experience in traceback, 84.0% thought there would be barriers to implementation; however, only 68.8% of individuals with previous traceback experience agreed (p = .04). Respondents in both groups thought that traceback would be valuable in their practice (82.6%, p = .22) and that they would feel comfortable discussing the concept (83.6%, p = .83), interpreting the results (72.2%, p = .24), and discussing the results with their patients (80.7%, p = .38). Patient interest and cost were seen as less of a barrier by those with experience with traceback testing. Recurrent themes obtained in open‐ended responses are also presented. Overall, providers believe that traceback would be a valuable tool in their practice. Individuals with previous experience identified less barriers with implementation of this testing, highlighting an area for future research and education.
Terrain sensitive climate mapping for the Arequipa Department in Peru
Authors: Moraes André Geraldo de Lima , Bowling Laura Christine , Zeballos‐Velarde Carlos Renzo , Daneshvar Fariborz , Watkins Alec Hale , Cherkauer Keith Aric
Published: May 2022

Climate is a powerful driver of agricultural and natural systems, and spatial climate datasets are currently in great demand. This is especially true in the Arequipa Department of Peru, a region with low seasonal precipitation, remarkable topographic variability, and significant water demand in a highly managed water system. This paper presents the Arequipa Climate Maps (ACM) datasets, a high resolution (1 km) spatial 30‐year (1988–2017) climate dataset for the Arequipa Region, in Peru. Four interpolation methods, and combinations of those methods, were tested to produce 30 years of daily precipitation, maximum and minimum air temperature: Ordinary Kriging (OK), Thin Plate Splines (TPS), Regression Kriging (RK), and Regression Thin Plate Splines (RTPS). The mixed method RTPS‐TPS and RTPS using locally fitted polynomial and potential regressions were found to best represent the spatial variability of precipitation and daily extreme temperatures, respectively, and helped compensate the bias resulting from the lack of weather stations at higher elevations. These methods were then selected to create the ACM dataset, which contains climate maps of 30‐year annual and monthly climate normals (ACM–Normals) and 30 years of annual, monthly, and daily climate maps (ACM–YMD). In addition, insights on weather station gap filling in mountainous areas and bias corrections for avoidance of anomalous precipitation and to assure consistency between annual, monthly and daily data are presented, together with discussion about the quality and limitations of the dataset, and its comparison with other datasets.
Current practices in lipid emulsion utilization in the prevention and treatment of intestinal failure–associated liver disease: A survey of pediatric intestinal rehabilitation and transplant centers
Authors: Raghu Vikram K. , Sevilla Wednesday M. A. , King Dale E. , Alissa Feras , Rothenberger Scott , Smith Kenneth J. , Horslen Simon P. , Rudolph Jeffrey A.
Published: May 2022

Background

Newer intravenous lipid emulsions (ILEs), such as fish oil–based intravenous lipid emulsions (FO‐ILEs) and soybean oil, medium‐chain triglycerides, olive oil, and fish oil–based intravenous lipid emulsions (SMOF‐ILEs), provide alternatives to soybean oil–based intravenous lipid emulsions (SO‐ILEs). We explored current ILE practice patterns among intestinal rehabilitation and transplant centers.

Methods

A survey was developed addressing ILE availability, ILE preference in clinical scenarios, and factors influencing ILE choice. This survey was reviewed locally and by the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Intestinal Rehabilitation Special Interest Group, the Intestinal Rehabilitation and Transplant Association scientific committee, and the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition pediatric intestinal failure section research committee. We recruited providers nationally and internationally from centers with and without intestinal transplant programs.

Results

We included 34 complete responses, 29 from the United States. Sixteen centers performed intestinal transplants. All centers had access to SMOF‐ILEs, 85% had access to FO‐ILEs, and 91% had access to SO‐ILEs. In new patients, 85% use SMOF‐ILEs as the first choice ILE. In those with new intestinal failure–associated liver disease (IFALD), FO‐ILE was preferred to SMOF‐ILE (56% vs 38%). In those developing IFALD on SMOF‐ILE, 65% switched to FO‐ILE, whereas 24% remained on SMOF‐ILE.

Conclusions

Centers have routine access to alternative ILEs, and these are quickly replacing SO‐ILEs in all circumstances. Future work should focus on how this shift in practice affects outcomes to provide decision support in specific clinical scenarios.
Effects of grazing exclusion on soil infiltrability and preferential flow in savannah livestock grazing systems
Authors: Chen Chunfeng , Zou Xin , Singh Ashutosh Kumar , Zhu Xiai , Jiang Xiaojin , Wu Junen , Liu Wenjie
Published: May 2022

Although the establishment of grazing exclosures is often considered an important strategy of reducing soil degradation, their effect on hydrological functions is still poorly understood, particularly in dry‐hot savanna systems with heavy livestock grazing. In addition, the different roles played by the herb roots and the niche differentiation of woody plant roots induced by the grazing and exclosure in soil hydrological functions are still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of exclosure management on hydrological functions and services and assess the role of different functional vegetation types in improving these functions and services. The experiments were conducted in the continuous grazing areas and exclosure areas in a savanna ecosystem in Yuanjiang, southwest China. The root biomass of herb and woody plants, soil physical properties, water infiltration, and preferential water flow were measured in each study site. The results showed a significant improvement in soil physical properties with more termite holes, lower soil bulk density, and higher total and non‐capillary soil porosity in exclosure areas compared with grazing ones. As a result, the initial and average water infiltration, and preferential flow significantly increased by 132.76%, 185.31%, and 30.29%, respectively, in exclosure areas compared with the grazing ones. The results also showed that the exclosure significantly improved the soil surface water content by increasing the root biomass of herb and woody plants in the shallow soil layers. Herb plants probably improved water infiltration and insulated evaporation, while woody plants improved lateral preferential water flow paths and accelerated the water exchange between vertical and horizontal soil layers, thereby improving the water availability for different plants. This study demonstrated that the exclosure‐induced restoration and niche differentiation of herb and woody plants, coupled with improved soil structure in exclosures, could promote hydrological function and services and improve water management in savanna systems. Therefore, the grazing exclosures could be expanded periodically and cautiously to prevent soil degradation in the present savanna systems.