bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ready Biodegradability Ring Testing of 4-Isopropylphenol in Different Laboratories for Critical Evaluation of a Biodegradable Reference Substance
Authors: Gu Wen , Zhou Linjun , Wang Zhen , Lin Chunjun , Liu Jining , Ge Haihong , Shi Lili
Published: September 2020

Ready biodegradability is a key property for studying the environmental and ecological risks posed by chemicals, and a reference substance is used to check the reliability of the test results. Traditional reference substances such as aniline, sodium benzoate, and ammonium acetate rapidly degrade even in test systems without inoculum. In this study, 4-isopropylphenol was investigated as a reference candidate. Aerobic biodegradation of 4-isopropylphenol was studied using different methods, and repeatability tests were performed in multiple laboratories. 4-Isopropylphenol met the ready biodegradability passing level in a closed bottle test (OECD 301D) and manometric respirometry test (OECD 301F). No obvious toxicity was found in activated sludge respiration inhibition and biodegradable toxicity control tests. The results of 301F tests performed in 15 Chinese laboratories were compared using statistical robustness analyses and Z-scores. The robust average 28-d biodegradability rate for 4-isopropylphenol was 80.3%, and the relative standard deviation was 9.20%. The data from the 15 laboratories consistently indicated that 4-isopropylphenol was readily biodegradable, except for an “unsatisfactory” outlier result from 1 laboratory. The degradation kinetics of 4-isopropylphenol were derived from a logistic model, which had a good fit for the degradation curve. The biodegradation lag phase was 2.3 d (range 2–5 d), and the pass level was attained at 6.5 d on average (range 2–9 d), which met the 10-d window requirement. The biodegradation rate at 28 d was 75.3% (range 64.0%–95.1%). The ready biodegradability of 4-isopropylphenol indicates that it will be more appropriate as a reference chemical than other reference compounds used for investigating the biodegradability of chemicals. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:562–572. © 2020 SETAC

KEY POINTS

Provided critical assessment for the improvement of the best practices when conducting biodegradable studies globally due to regulatory and product stewardship drivers. Provide sufficient ring test data for the evaluation of new potential biodegradable reference material 4-isopropylphenol.
Human Activities Impact Prediction in Vegetation Diversity of Lar National Park in Iran Using Artificial Neural Network Model
Authors: Jahani Ali , Saffariha Maryam
Published: September 2020

The effects of livestock and tourism on vegetation include loss of biodiversity and in some cases species extinction. To evaluate these stressor–effect relationships and provide a tool for managing them in Iran's Lar National Park, we developed a multilayer perceptron (MLP) artificial neural network model to predict vegetation diversity related to human activities. Recreation and restricted zones were selected as sampling areas with maximum and minimum human impacts. Vegetation diversity was measured as the number of species in 210 sample plots. Twelve landform and soil variables were also recorded and used in model development. Sensitivity analyses identified human intensity class and soil moisture as the most significant inputs influencing the MLP. The MLP was strong with R2 values in training (0.91), validation (0.83), and test data sets (0.88). A graphical user interface was designed to make the MLP model accessible within an environmental decision support system tool for national park managers, thus enabling them to predict effects and develop proactive plans for managing human activities that influence vegetation diversity. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:42–52. © 2020 SETAC

KEY POINTS

Human activities endanger the sustainability of national parks, and the multilayer perceptron (MLP) model with R2 = 0.88 revealed the most accurate results in prediction of vegetation diversity. According to the results of the trained networks, the MLP model with 6 neurons in 2 hidden layers and logarithmic sigmoid (logsig) function results in the best prediction of vegetation diversity. Human activities class and soil moisture are the most influential factors affecting vegetation diversity in national parks. This research was designed with an applicable graphical user interface tool as an environmental decision support system, which is a shortcoming in most of the recent modeling for predicting changes in vegetation.
A novel risk score to predict cardiovascular complications in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19): A retrospective, multicenter, observational study
Authors: Huang Dong , Yang Huan , Yu He , Wang Ting , Yao Rong , Liang Zongan
Published: September 2020

Background

We conducted this study to explore a novel risk score to predict cardiovascular complications in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19).

Methods

The current study was a retrospective, multicenter, observational study. The clinical data of COVID‐19 patients at admission were collected. Patients were randomly divided into training set and testing set (70% vs. 30% of patients). Independent risk factors were identified via logistic regression analysis.

Results

Finally, 1207 patients were included. Ten independent risk factors associated with cardiovascular complications were identified in training set: male (odds ratio [OR]: 1.84; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18, 2.85), age ≥ 60 years old (OR: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.3, 3.2), cough (OR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.16, 3), chronic heart disease (OR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.19, 4.46), lymphocyte count ≤1.1 × 109/L at admission (OR: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.47), blood urea nitrogen ≥7 mmol/L at admission (OR: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.27, 3.62), estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤90 ml/min/1.73 m2 at admission (OR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.13, 3.83), activated partial thromboplastin time ≥37 s (OR: 3.07; 95% CI: 1.37, 6.86), D‐dimer ≥ 0.5 mg/L (OR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.33, 3.36) and procalcitonin ≥0.5 μg/L (OR: 3.58; 95% CI: 1.40, 9.14). The area under curve of ROC curve was 0.773 (95% CI: 0.723, 0.822; p < .01). The risk score had robustness and generalizability after validation. Cardiovascular complications were significantly associated with poorer survivals (log‐rank test: p < .001).

Conclusions

We developed and validated a novel risk score, which has a promising predictive capacity for cardiovascular complications in COVID‐19 patients.
Impact of chronic endometritis on endometrial receptivity analysis results and pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Kuroda Keiji , Horikawa Takashi , Moriyama Azusa , Nakao Kazuki , Juen Hiroyasu , Takamizawa Satoru , Ojiro Yuko , Nakagawa Koji , Sugiyama Rikikazu
Published: September 2020

Background

The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between chronic endometritis (CE) and a personalized window of implantation (WOI), identified by results of endometrial receptivity analysis (ERA), and pregnancy outcomes following embryo transfer (ET) based on the ERA outcomes.

Methods

The single‐center, cross‐sectional study was designed. The study population consisted of 101 infertile women who underwent endometrial sampling between June 2018 and February 2020. We recruited 88 patients who underwent ERA testing and immunohistochemistry of the plasma cell marker CD138 to diagnose CE within 3 months of testing. Subjects were divided into three groups as follows: 33 without CE (non‐CE group); 19 with untreated CE at ERA testing (CE group); and 36 successfully treated for CE before ERA testing (cured‐CE group). CE diagnosis was defined as ≥5 CD138‐positive plasma cells per 10 random stromal areas at ×400 magnification.

Results

In non‐CE, CE, and cured‐CE groups, the numbers of CD138‐positive cells were 0.7 ± 1.0, 28.5 ± 30.4, and 1.3 ± 1.3, respectively (p < .001). The rates of “receptive” endometrium in non‐CE and cured‐CE groups were 57.6% (19 women) and 50.0% (18 women), respectively; however, in the CE group, this rate was significantly lower than the other two groups (p = .009) at only 15.8% (3 women). After CE were treated prior or posterior to the ERA test in cured‐CE or CE groups, the clinical pregnancy rates at the first ET in non‐CE, CE, and cured‐CE groups were 77.8% (21/27 cycles), 22.2% (4/18 cycles), and 51.7% (15/29 cycles), respectively (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

CE had detrimental effects on the individual WOI, leading to embryo–endometrial asynchrony; therefore, diagnosis and treatment of CE should be done before ERA testing.
“It only takes two minutes to ask”—a qualitative study with women on using the FIGO Nutrition Checklist in pregnancy
Authors: Killeen Sarah Louise , Callaghan Shauna L. , Jacob Chandni Maria , Hanson Mark A. , McAuliffe Fionnuala M.
Published: September 2020

Objective

To gain an in‐depth understanding of how the FIGO Nutrition Checklist could work in clinical practice, from the perspective of pregnant women.

Methods

This qualitative study was part of a pilot study of the FIGO Nutrition Checklist in the antenatal department of a tertiary‐level university maternity hospital in Dublin, Ireland. Individual semistructured phone interviews were conducted with pregnant women who had completed the FIGO Nutrition Checklist as part of the pilot. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content analysis after manual coding of transcripts. Themes and subthemes are described.

Results

Ten interviews were completed. Subthemes related to the FIGO Nutrition Checklist emerged including ease of use and comprehension. Participants discussed how the tool could add value to their appointment by supporting initiation of nutrition conversations and highlighting nutritional issues. The first trimester was identified as the highest priority for using the FIGO Nutrition Checklist. The convenience of having nutrition addressed as part of standard care, rather than a separate appointment, also emerged.

Conclusion

Women in this study had a desire for nutrition and weight to be addressed by clinicians during routine antenatal appointments. The findings support using the FIGO Nutrition Checklist to address this.
Prevalence of metabolic disturbances among women with polycystic ovary syndrome in different regions of Brazil
Authors: Maffazioli Giovana D.N. , Lopes Caroline P. , Heinrich‐Oliveira Vanessa , Lobo Rogerio A. , Hayashida Sylvia A.Y. , Soares José Maria , Maciel Gustavo A.R. , Baracat Edmund C.
Published: September 2020

Objective

To describe the prevalence of metabolic disturbances in a large cohort of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in southeastern Brazil and to compare the findings with other cohorts of Brazilian women with PCOS.

Methods

A retrospective study analyzing clinical and laboratory data of 462 women with PCOS treated at an outpatient clinic in a tertiary hospital in southeastern Brazil. Prevalence of insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, central obesity, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome was compared to that of other cohorts of age and body mass index‐matched Brazilian women with PCOS.

Results

Women with PCOS had a median age of 25.0 (21.0–29.0) years and BMI of 28.7 (23.9–34.0) kg/m2. Prevalence of insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and type 2 diabetes varied from 39.6% to 55.0%, 7.2% to 28.1%, and 2.0% to 4.1%, respectively. Prevalence of central obesity, dyslipidemia due to decreased high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia, and metabolic syndrome ranged from 57.8% to 66.4%, 54.1% to 70.4%, 22.9% to 35.1%, and 27.4% to 38.3%, respectively, which did not differ among regions in Brazil.

Conclusion

Prevalence of metabolic disturbances was high among Brazilian women with PCOS. This study suggests that, from a public health perspective, authorities in Brazil should be aware of and encourage screening for metabolic dysfunction in women with PCOS in all regions of the country.
Specific expression of survivin, SOX9, and CD44 in renal tubules in adaptive and maladaptive repair processes after acute kidney injury in rats
Authors: Matsushita Kohei , Toyoda Takeshi , Yamada Takanori , Morikawa Tomomi , Ogawa Kumiko
Published: September 2020

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is thought to be a reversible condition; however, growing evidence has suggested that AKI may be associated with subsequent development of chronic kidney disease. Although renal tubules have intrinsic regeneration capacity, disruption of the regeneration mechanisms leads to irreversible interstitial fibrosis. In this study, we investigated immunohistochemical markers of renal tubules in adaptive and maladaptive repair processes to predict AKI reversibility. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that regenerative tubules and dilated tubules were observed in the kidneys of AKI model rats after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Regenerative tubules gradually redifferentiated after I/R, whereas dilated tubules exhibited no tendency for redifferentiation. In fibrotic areas of the kidney in renal fibrosis model rats subjected to I/R, renal tubules were dilated or atrophied. There results suggested that the histopathological features of renal tubules in the maladaptive repair were dilation or atrophy. From microarray data of regenerative tubules, survivin, SOX9, and CD44 were extracted as candidate markers. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that survivin and SOX9 were expressed in regenerative tubules, whereas SOX9 was also detected in renal tubules in fibrotic areas. These findings indicated that survivin and SOX9 contributed to renal tubular regeneration, whereas sustained SOX9 expression may be associated to fibrosis. CD44 was expressed in dilated tubules in the kidneys of AKI model rats and in the tubules of fibrotic areas of renal fibrosis model rats, suggesting that CD44 was expressed in renal tubules in maladaptive repair. Thus, these factors could be useful markers for detecting disruption of the regenerative mechanisms of renal tubules.
The deleterious effect of stress‐induced depression on rat liver: Protective role of resveratrol and dimethyl fumarate via inhibiting the MAPK/ERK/JNK pathway
Authors: Kortam Mona A. , Ali Bassam Mohamed , Fathy Nevine
Published: September 2020

This study aimed to uncover the protective potentiality of resveratrol and dimethyl fumarate (DMF) in the liver of a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)‐induced depression animal model. Resveratrol and DMF significantly alleviated CUMS‐induced behavioral abnormalities in stressed rats through improving sucrose preference in sucrose preference test and decreasing immobility time in a forced swimming test. They also mitigated serum corticosterone levels and elevated serum serotonin levels, which were formerly disturbed in CUMS rats. The hepatoprotective effect is evidenced by improvement in hepatic histopathological examinations, as well as normalized serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities. Molecular signaling of resveratrol and DMF was estimated by diminishing hepatic expression of phosphorylated p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular signal‐regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2), and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK). Consequently, they improved the hepatic antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities as elaborated by the normalization of total antioxidant capacity, glutathione, malondialdehyde, nuclear factor‐κB, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and myeloperoxidase levels. In addition, they inhibited hepatocyte apoptosis as evidenced by the increased expression of B‐cell lymphoma 2, the decreased expression of Bax, as well as the suppressed activity of caspase‐3. In conclusion, resveratrol and DMF purveyed a significant anti‐depressant effect, which may be mediated, at least in part, via inhibiting the MAPK/ERK/JNK pathway in the CUMS rat model.
Charge distributions for molecular dynamics simulations from self‐consistent polarization method
Authors: Stachowicz‐Kuśnierz Anna , Korchowiec Beata , Korchowiec Jacek
Published: September 2020

Partial atomic charges are important force field parameters. They are usually computed by applying quantum‐chemical calculations and the assumed population scheme. In this study polarization consistent scheme of deriving a charge distribution inside solute molecule is proposed. The environment effect is explicitly taken into account by distributing solvent molecules around the solute target. The performed analysis includes a few computational schemes (HF, MP2, B3LYP, and M026X), basis sets (cc‐pvnz,n= 2, 3, …, 6), and electrostatically derived charge distributions (KS, CHELP, CHELPG, and HLY). It is demonstrated that the environment effect is very important and cannot be disregarded. The second solvation shell should be included to achieve the charge convergence. Huge corrections to charge distribution are due to induction and dispersion. The B3LYP/cc‐pvqz level of theory is recommended for deriving the charges within self‐consistent polarization scheme.
Analysis of age‐associated alternation of SCSA sperm DNA fragmentation index and semen characteristics of 1790 subfertile males in China
Authors: Lu Ruijing , Chen Xian , Yu Weijian , Jiang Fan , Zhou Xiyou , Xu Yang , Wang Feng
Published: September 2020

Background

It has been identified that incidence of infertility was about 20% among couples worldwide, about 50% caused by male elements. However, conventional semen laboratory detections could not handle clinical needs, which led to more comprehensive parameters for male fertility evaluation. We aimed to investigate the clinical relationship of age‐linked changes and the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), and routine semen characteristics among subfertile Chinese males.

Methods

1790 clinical semen specimens were enrolled from February 2018 to October 2019. Clinical and laboratory data including routine semen analyses, sperm DFI, and sperm morphology were collected and showed age‐related alterations in semen parameters.

Results

Our results, displayed an increase in sperm DFI with age, were demonstrated in three age‐groups, particularly within the ≥35‐year cohort. There were positive and inverse correlations of sperm DFI with abnormal semen characteristics and with normal morphological parameters, respectively. Furthermore, age, sperm morphology, concentration, and progressive motility, immotile sperm percentage, semen volume, sperm survival, and high acridine orange DNA stainability (indicating immature forms) were found to be independent risk factors affecting sperm DNA integrity. Likewise, men aged ≥35 years had a higher sperm DFI than did normozoospermic men in the overall cohort. Routine semen characteristics, sperm DFI, and morphology tended to alter with age.

Conclusions

The SCSA sperm DFI showed the greatest clinical application in the assessment of male fertility in this study, which should help infertility clinics decide on reproductive options for the treatment of older infertile couples.
Ammonia predicts poor outcomes in patients with hepatitis B virus‐related acute‐on‐chronic liver failure
Authors: Zhang JinFei , Liu XiaoLu , Ye Bo , Chen Hui
Published: September 2020

Background

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common feature of acute liver failure and has been reported to be associated with poor outcomes. Ammonia is thought to be central to the pathogenesis of HE, but its role in hepatitis B virus‐related acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (HBV‐ACLF) is unclear. The present study aimed to assess the prognostic role of ammonia level for patients with HBV‐ACLF.

Methods

We retrospectively recruited 127 patients diagnosed with HBV‐ACLF for the present study.

Results

Ammonia levels at the time of admission were higher among non‐surviving participants than in survivors. Increased ammonia level was found to be associated with severe liver disease and was identified as an independent predictor for mortality in patients with HBV‐ACLF.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that high ammonia level at admission is an independent factor for predicting short‐term mortality in patients with HBV‐ACLF. Therefore, ammonia levels may represent a therapeutic target for this condition.
Evaluation of conductivity‐based osmolality measurement in urine using the Sysmex UF5000
Authors: Yoo Dong‐Won , Lee Sun Min , Moon Soo Young , Kim In‐Suk , Chang Chulhun L.
Published: September 2020

Background

Automated flow cytometry‐based urine analyzer is increasingly being used to identify and enumerate cells and particles in urine specimens. It measures electrical conductivity which could be transformed to osmolality. Using this machine, all urine specimens could be screened for osmolality without requiring a separate dedicated device. We evaluated the performance of the new instrument, the UF‐5000 (Sysmex Corporation), in the measurement of urine osmolality.

Methods

The precision of urine osmolality measurement by the UF‐5000 was evaluated for 20 days and 4 times a day for 2 concentrations. The linearity and detection capability were evaluated according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. For comparison, 270 random urine specimens from patients were tested simultaneously using the UF5000 and the OsmoPro micro‐osmometer (Advanced instruments).

Results

The laboratory‐based coefficient variations were less than 5%. Urine osmolality using the UF‐5000 has a verified linear range (y = 1.097x + 16.91,R2 = .997). Within the comparison analysis, the mean difference was not large (−7.72%) but each differences were largely dispersed with 95% limits of agreement (LoA) from −70.5 to 55.06%, and the mean absolute difference −28.3 mOsm/kg with 95% LoA from −295.13 to 238.45 mOsm/kg. Cohen's kappa value was 0.54 (95% CI, 0.45‐0.63).

Conclusions

The UF‐5000 measured conductivity and generated an acceptable quantitative analysis of urine osmolality. When compared with the results of the freezing point depression method used by the OsmoPro, a percentage of the measured urine osmolality by the UF‐5000 was outside the allowable limit.
Health‐related quality of life in Chinese rural‐to‐urban migrants: Investigating the roles of working conditions and job satisfaction
Authors: Liang Dekuo , Xu Dawei
Published: September 2020

The existing research aims to explore the relationships between working conditions, job satisfaction and health‐related quality of life (HRQL) of Chinese rural‐to‐urban migrants. Both probability and nonprobability sampling methods were done in four randomly chosen jurisdictions of Nanjing (N = 712). Results reveal that the working environment has the strongest and positive correlation with job satisfaction. In addition, job satisfaction is negatively correlated with the number of working days per week, and affects the physical and psychological health status of Chinese rural‐to‐urban migrants. This study highlights the importance to improve working conditions for migrants and their HRQL and recommends government policies to provide services to Chinese migrants and protect their human rights, as well as promote awareness of their working conditions and HRQL.
Institutional commitment to combating sexual violence: The practices and policies of U.S. universities
Authors: Schulze Corina , Budd Lindsey
Published: September 2020

By presenting institution‐level variables of 118 universities across 50 states and the District of Columbia, we provide a descriptive overview of the types of programs and sexual assault‐related data. Specifically, we examine correlations between policies and practices related to sexual assault prevention and reports of rape. As expected, we found that universities with policies pertaining to affirmative consent, alcohol, and inclusive definitions of assault, combined with practices like mandatory training and transparency with campus climate survey findings, also have higher reports of sexual assault.
Piloting a first‐year resident‐as‐teacher workshop to foster evidence‐based teaching
Authors: Wolcott Michael D. , Kornegay Elizabeth C. , Brame Jennifer L.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Residents function as important educators of dental students; however, they often have limited training in educational best‐practices. Resident‐as‐teacher programs have been designed and implemented in other health professions to prepare residents to teach in clinic and classroom settings. In this research, we describe the design, implementation, and evaluation of a 2‐day workshop for first‐year advanced dental residents.

Methods

The program engaged residents in techniques to: (1) foster psychological safety, (2) use the cognitive apprenticeship framework, (3) deliver quality feedback, and (4) conduct effective didactic instruction. Nineteen first‐year residents attended 2 four‐hour workshops in July 2019. The impact of the program was evaluated using Kirkpatrick's model, which included participant reactions, learning, and self‐reported behaviors.

Results

Most residents (at least 83.3%) reported the value and quality of the workshop was high or very high. With regard to knowledge, residents had statistically significant higher scores after the workshop on knowledge questions about cognitive apprenticeship (P < 0.01), feedback strategies (P < 0.05), and classroom instruction techniques (P < 0.05). Resident reported self‐efficacy had a statistically significantly increase (P < 0.05) after the workshop in psychological safety, cognitive apprenticeship, and most items related to providing feedback; there were few changes in self‐efficacy on classroom instruction strategies.

Conclusion

Overall, a workshop to prepare residents as teachers can improve knowledge and self‐efficacy in evidence‐based educational practices.
Adaptation and validation of the Work Experience Questionnaire for investigating engineering students' internship experience
Authors: Luk Lillian Yun Yung , Chan Cecilia Ka Yuk
Published: September 2020

Background

Given the well‐documented benefits of internship experience to the training of future engineers in the literature, internship courses have become an integral part of the engineering curriculum in many universities around the world. Current evaluation of engineering internship courses in higher education relies mainly on surveys developed independently by the internship coordinator which are seldom validated.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to validate a newly adapted version of the Work Experience Questionnaire (WEQ), which can be used for evaluating engineering students' perception of their internship experience.

Design/Method

The questionnaire was administered to 271 engineering students from one university in Hong Kong. To provide evidence on reliability and validity, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were performed to examine the psychometric properties of the instrument.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis resulted in four factors: clear goals, workplace support, university support, and generic competencies. Confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated that the correlated four‐factor model provided an acceptable fit with the data. Cronbach's alpha indicated that the four scales were reliable. The four‐factors are also pragmatic in the engineering context.

Conclusions

This study reviewed and provided reliability and validity evidence of key constructs in the WEQ in a single disciplinary (i.e., engineering) context and also in the Hong Kong context. Use of the questionnaire to evaluate engineering students' internship experience and to investigate the relationship between their perception of the learning environment and their learning outcomes can help to inform the design and implementation of engineering internship program for student learning and quality assurance.
Self‐directed information literacy scale: A comprehensive validation study
Authors: Douglas Kerrie A. , Fernandez Todd , Fosmire Michael , Van Epps Amy S. , Purzer Senay
Published: September 2020

Background

Engineering and technology students need to acquire, evaluate, apply, and document information to solve complex ill‐defined problems. However, there are few assessment tools to evaluate how these students approach information.

Purpose

The authors integrated information literacy standards with self‐directed learning theory to create the self‐directed information literacy (SIL) scale as an assessment of students' self‐directedness using high‐quality information skills in engineering projects. The purpose of this research is to examine the measurement properties of SIL to inform the use and interpretation of SIL's scores among diverse learners.

Method

The authors administered SIL to first‐year engineering and technology students (n = 1,603). To test three hypotheses about SIL scores related to validity, reliability, and fairness, we conducted a series of psychometric analyses, including confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and measurement invariance between groups.

Results

The results of the CFA were acceptable for the proposed higher‐order factor structure of SIL and a separate Beginner Behavior factor. Measurement models for male and female scores were found invariant; however, there were measurement differences between groups of students based on their experience with instruction in the English language.

Conclusions

SIL can be scored to assess engineering and technology students' specific SIL subfactors (Recognize, Seek, Evaluate, Apply, Document, and Reflect) or scored as an overall broader measure of self‐directedness with information. A separate factor, Beginner Behavior, can be used to moderate ceiling effects. SIL scores can be used for gender comparisons but should be carefully evaluated when the sample includes students who are new to curriculum and instruction in the English language.
Genetic counseling for advanced paternal age: A survey of genetic counselors' current practice
Authors: Quirin Kayla , Hines Karrie A. , Wetherill Leah
Published: September 2020

Advanced paternal age (APA) has no formal definition, though many publications utilize the cutoff of fathers >40 years of age. The literature demonstrates an association between APA and certain conditions including de novo autosomal dominant disorders, birth defects, and neuropsychiatric conditions. This study surveyed 165 genetic counselors within the National Society of Genetic Counselors to assess their current approach to APA. t Tests, analysis of variance, logistic regression, and chi‐squared tests were performed on quantitative data, and content analysis was applied to qualitative data. Although most respondents have discussed APA with a patient (88%), there was no consensus on what age cutoff constitutes APA: >40 (N = 53, 37.9%), >45 (N = 61, 43.6%), >50 (N = 24, 17.1%), or >55 (N = 2, 1.4%). Those who discussed APA were more likely to be prenatal counselors, see more patients per week, be board certified, or be familiar with current APA guidelines. Respondents agreed the literature supports the association of APA with deleterious outcomes (mean agreement = 8.2, median = 8 on a 1 = strongly disagree to 10 = strongly agree). Individuals who discussed APA and were board certified had higher agreement. Content analysis confirmed agreement that the literature supports an association between APA and deleterious outcomes (documented in responses from 31.5% of prenatal respondents, 17.8% others) but noted that available testing and screening options for associated conditions are limited (34.4% of prenatal respondents, 17.4% others). Prenatal and non‐prenatal respondents reported similar agreement with the statement that APA is associated with deleterious outcomes. However, most non‐prenatal respondents were unfamiliar with current guidelines (80%), and presumably as a result, were also less likely to discuss APA with their patients. Our study identified a need to disseminate information regarding APA and current guidelines to genetic counselors, particularly non‐prenatal and those with less experience.
On the mean subtree order of graphs under edge addition
Authors: Cameron Ben , Mol Lucas
Published: September 2020

For a graph , the mean subtree order of is the average order of a subtree of . In this note, we provide counterexamples to a recent conjecture of Chin, Gordon, MacPhee, and Vincent, that for every connected graph and every pair of distinct vertices and of , the addition of the edge between and increases the mean subtree order. In fact, we show that the addition of a single edge between a pair of nonadjacent vertices in a graph of order can decrease the mean subtree order by as much as asymptotically. We propose the weaker conjecture that for every connected graph which is not complete, there exists a pair of nonadjacent vertices and , such that the addition of the edge between and increases the mean subtree order. We prove this conjecture in the special case that is a tree.
What is a precise anatomic resection of the liver? Proposal of a new evaluation method in the era of fluorescence navigation surgery
Authors: Nishino Hiroto , Seo Satoru , Hatano Etsuro , Nitta Takashi , Morino Koshiro , Toda Rei , Fukumitsu Ken , Ishii Takamichi , Taura Kojiro , Uemoto Shinji
Published: September 2020

Background/Purpose

Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence navigation has been adapted for anatomic liver resection (AR) but an objective method for evaluation of its validity is required. This pilot study aimed to propose a new method to evaluate the accuracy of parenchymal division along the plane between hepatic segments and estimate the real‐time navigation efficacy for AR by the Medical Imaging Projection System (MIPS), which continuously demonstrates the transection plane using projection mapping with ICG fluorescence.

Methods

Ten patients who underwent open AR using liver segmentation with ICG fluorescence technique between August 2016 and July 2019 were included: six patients under MIPS guidance (MIPS group), while four using only conventional ICG fluorescence technique before parenchymal resection (non‐MIPS group). Densitometry of the captured fluorescence image was performed to evaluate the fluorescence area ratio of each transection plane. The accurate fluorescence area ratio was calculated by subtracting the fluorescence area rate on the resected side from that on the remnant side.

Results

The accurate fluorescence area ratio of the MIPS group and the non‐MIPS group was 23.0 ± 12.6% and 5.6 ± 9.5%, respectively (P = .038).

Conclusions

Based on the results of our new method, real‐time navigation using the MIPS may facilitate performing AR along the plane between hepatic segments.
One‐pot three‐component 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of azomethineylides to nitrofuran containing acetylenic ketones and molecular docking studies of the cycloadducts
Authors: Kadambar Anish Kumar , Kalluraya Balakrishna , Kumar S. Madan
Published: September 2020

One‐pot three‐component 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction of azomethineylides generated from various combinations of isatin and ninhydrin with α‐aminoacids to 5‐nitrofurancontaining acetylenic ketones was carried out under thermal and microwave methods. The study of the regiochemical trend during the cycloaddition suggested that the nitrofuran ring exert no effect on the regiochemistry of the reaction as observed in the case of nitrofuran containing chalcones. The reason for the nil influence of the nitrofuran group is attributed to the increased electron density due to the triple bond. The newly synthesized compounds were docked to the active site of human anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) to know the cancer cell toxicity in silico. The compounds 4b and 5a showed good binding interactions with the target in the active site.
Baicalin protects mice from infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus via alleviating inflammatory response
Authors: Shi Ting , Li Tiantian , Jiang Xinru , Jiang Xin , Zhang Qingwen , Wang Yuli , Zhang Yaxing , Wang Lixin , Qin Xiangyang , Zhang Weidong , Zheng Yuejuan
Published: September 2020

Sepsis was redefined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection in 2016. One of its most common causes is Staphylococcus aureus, especially methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which leads to a significant increase in morbidity and mortality. Therefore, innovative and effective approaches to combat MRSA infection are urgently needed. Recently, host-directed therapy (HDT) has become a new strategy in the treatment of infectious diseases, especially those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Baicalin (BAI) is the predominant flavonoid and bioactive compound isolated from the roots of Radix Scutellariae (Huang Qin), a kind of traditional Chinese medicine. It has been reported that BAI exhibits multiple biological properties such as anti-oxidant, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the therapeutic role of BAI in MRSA infection is still unknown. In this study, it is found that BAI treatment inhibited the production of IL-6, TNF-α, and other cytokines from MRSA- or bacterial mimics-stimulated Mϕs and dendritic cells (DCs). BAI played an anti-inflammatory role by inhibiting the activation of ERK, JNK MAPK, and NF-κB pathways. Moreover, the serum level of TNF-α was decreased, whereas IL-10 was increased, in mice injected with MRSA. Furthermore, the bacterial load in livers and kidneys were further decreased by the combination of BAI and vancomycin (VAN), which might account for the amelioration of tissue damage. BAI reduced the high mortality rate caused by MRSA infection. Collectively, the results suggested that BAI may be a viable candidate of HDT strategy against severe sepsis caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as MRSA.
Intra‐puparial development in the hoverflies Eristalinus aeneus and Eristalis tenax (Diptera: Syrphidae)
Authors: Campoy Andrés , Pérez‐Bañón Celeste , Rojo Santos
Published: September 2020

The intra‐puparial development of 150 pupae of Eristalinus aeneus (Scopoli, 1763) and Eristalis tenax (Linnaeus, 1758) was analyzed. Individuals were obtained from the sixth laboratory generation kept under artificial rearing conditions at the facilities of the University of Alicante (Spain). The experiment was conducted at 25 ± 1°C temperature, 50 ± 5% relative humidity, and 12:12 hr (L:D) of photoperiod. Groups of 10 pupae were collected every 6 hr over 48 hr, after that period, pupae were collected daily until the adult emergence. They were fixed in 5% formic acid and preserved in 70% ethanol. Fixed pupae were dissected and photographed. The chronology and morphological changes that take place during the intra‐puparial development in both species were analyzed and compared. Five phases were observed: prepupa, before 6 hr; cryptocephalic pupa, between 6 and 24 hr; phanerocephalic pupa, between 24 and 30 hr; pharate adult, after 30 hr; and the adult imago, restricted to the very end of the development process just before adult emergence. In total, the intra‐puparial development lasted 189 ± 4 hr in E. aeneus and 192 ± 3 hr in E. tenax, with the pharate adult the longest phase (some 81% of the total developmental time). These data can be used to develop accurate cold storage protocols during artificial rearing of both pollinator species, avoiding critical events during the development and increasing survival.
Characterization of the human intervertebral disc cartilage endplate at the molecular, cell, and tissue levels
Authors: Lakstins Katherine , Arnold Lauren , Gunsch Gilian , Flanigan David , Khan Safdar , Gadde Nikhit , Jones Blain , Agarwal Gunjan , Purmessur Devina
Published: September 2020

Given the importance of the cartilage endplate (CEP) in low back pain (LBP), there is a need to characterize the human CEP at the molecular, cell, and tissue levels to inform treatment strategies that target it. The goal of this study was to characterize the structure, matrix composition, and cell phenotype of the human CEP compared with adjacent tissues within the intervertebral joint: the nucleus pulposus (NP), annulus fibrosus (AF), and articular cartilage (AC). Isolated CEP, NP, AF, and AC tissues and cells were evaluated for cell morphology, matrix composition, collagen structure, glycosaminoglycan content, and gene and protein expression. The CEP contained elongated cells that mainly produce a collagen‐rich interterritorial matrix and a proteoglycan‐rich territorial matrix. The CEP contained significantly fewer glycosaminoglycans than the NP tissue. Significant differences in matrix and cell marker gene expression were observed between CEP and NP or AF, with the greatest differences between CEP and AC. We were able to distinguish NP from CEP cells using collagen‐10 (COLX), highlighting COLX as a potential CEP marker. Our findings suggest that at the cell and tissue levels, the CEP demonstrates both similarities and differences when compared with NP, AF, and hyaline AC. This study highlights a unique structure, matrix composition, and cell phenotype for the human CEP and can help to inform regenerative strategies that target the intervertebral disc joint in chronic LBP.
Trichostatin A regulates fibro/adipogenic progenitor adipogenesis epigenetically and reduces rotator cuff muscle fatty infiltration
Authors: Liu Xuhui , Liu Mengyao , Lee Lawrence , Davies Michael , Wang Zili , Kim Hubert , Feeley Brian T.
Published: September 2020

Rotator cuff (RC) muscle fatty infiltration (FI) is an important factor that determines the clinical outcome of patients with RC repair. There is no effective treatment for RC muscle FI at this time. The goal of this study is to define the role Trichostatin A (TSA), a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor in regulating muscle fibro/adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) adipogenesis and treating muscle fatty degeneration after massive RC tears in a mouse model. We hypothesize that TSA reduces muscle FI after massive RC tears. HDAC activity was measured in FAPs in RC muscle after tendon/nerve transection or sham surgery. FAPs were treated with TSA for 2 weeks and FAP adipogenesis was evaluated with perilipin and Oil Red O staining, as well as reverse transcript‐polymerase chain reaction for adipogenesis‐related genes. About 0.5 mg/kg TSA or dimethyl sulfoxide was administered to C57B/L6 mice with massive rotator cuff tears through daily intraperitoneal injection for 6 weeks. Supraspinatus muscles were harvested for biochemical and histology analysis. We found that FAPs showed significantly higher HDAC activity after RC tendon/nerve transection. TSA treatment significantly reduced HDAC activity and inhibited adipogenesis of FAPs. TSA also abolished the role of bone morphogenetic protein‐7 in inducing FAP adipogenesis and promoted FAP brown/beige adipose tissue (BAT) differentiation. TSA injection significantly increased histone H3 acetylation and reduced FI of rotator cuff muscles after massive tendon tears. Results from this study showed that TSA can regulate FAP adipogenesis and promote FAP BAT differentiation epigenetically. HDAC inhibition may be a new treatment strategy to reduce muscle FI after RC tears and repair.
Effect of a Preoperative Home‐Delivered, Protein‐Rich Meal Service to Improve Protein Intake in Surgical Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: IJmker‐Hemink Vera E. , Wanten Geert J. A. , de Nes Lindsey C. F. , van den Berg Manon G. A.
Published: September 2020

Background

The preoperative period likely provides an important opportunity to improve postoperative recovery, as suggested by the finding that low nutrition status is a predictor of increased postoperative complications and longer length of stay (LOS). It was investigated whether a home‐delivered, protein‐rich meal service improves protein intake relative to requirements within 3 weeks prior to surgery compared to usual care (UC).

Methods

This randomized controlled trial included adults (n = 126) with planned surgery performed at the orthopedics, urology, gynecology, or general surgery departments. The intervention group received 6 protein‐rich dishes per day for 3 weeks, and the control group sustained their usual diet. Dietary intake, nutrition status, hand grip strength, physical performance, and quality of life were assessed at baseline and after 3 weeks. Patient satisfaction was reported after 3 weeks, and data on complications and LOS were reported 30 days after surgery.

Results

Protein intake relative to requirements significantly improved by 16%, and energy intake relative to requirements increased by 19% for the meal service, as compared with UC. The intervention group experienced significantly less stress with preparing meals and were more satisfied with the presentation of the meals than the control group. No significant effects of the intervention were detected on other secondary outcomes.

Conclusion

The home‐delivered, protein‐rich meal service was successfully implemented before surgery and improved protein and energy intake relative to requirements within 3 weeks while patient satisfaction maintained. The preoperative period serves as a window of opportunity to prepare patients before hospitalization.
Citric acid, but not tetracycline, improves the microscopic pattern of healing of particulate autogenous bone grafts in critical‐size defects
Authors: Rojas‐Paulús Jefrey E. , Manfredi Gustavo G. P. , Salmeron Samira , Consolaro Alberto , Sant'Ana Adriana C. P. , Zangrando Mariana S. R. , Damante Carla A. , Greghi Sebastião L. A. , Rezende Maria L. R.
Published: September 2020

Background

Bone demineralization has shown to be advantageous in autogenous onlay bone grafts and in pre‐osteoblasts cultures, but such procedure has never been evaluated in particulate bone grafts. This study aimed to investigate the role of two demineralizing agents in the repair of the 8‐mm critical‐size defects in rats’ calvaria.

Methods

Eighty adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of eight groups as follows: particulate autogenous bone demineralized with citric acid for 15 seconds (CA15), 30 seconds (CA30), or 60 seconds (CA60); particulate autogenous bone demineralized with tetracycline hydrochloride for 15 seconds (TCN15), 30 seconds (TCN30), or 60 seconds (TCN60); blood clot (NC), and non‐demineralized autogenous bone (PC). The calvariae were harvested at 30 and 60 postoperative days (n = 5) for blinded histological and histometric analysis of the percentage area of newly formed bone within the defects.

Results

In the NC and TCN groups, bone formation was limited to the margins of the defects at 30 postoperative days, whereas complete closure was present in all the specimens from CA15 group. Both at 30 and 60 postoperative days, histomorphometry showed significant higher area of newly formed bone in specimens demineralized with CA than in those demineralized with TCN or non‐demineralized (P < 0.05). TCN appeared to impair bone neoformation, as its use produced similar or inferior results compared to blood clot.

Conclusions

Demineralization of particulate bone grafts with CA during 15s enhanced the regeneration of critical‐size defects and may be a promising adjuvant in regenerative procedures. TCN seems to be improper for this purpose.