bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protocatechuic acid ameliorates testosterone‐induced benign prostatic hyperplasia through the regulation of inflammation and oxidative stress in castrated rats
Authors: Akanni Olubukola O. , Owumi Solomon E. , Olowofela Olusegun G. , Adeyanju Adebukola A. , Abiola Olusoji J. , Adaramoye Oluwatosin A. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractProtocatechuic acid (PA) is a polyphenol—recognized for its efficacy as an antioxidant—possesses anticancer, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant properties. The efficacy of PA in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has not been investigated. Forty‐two castrated rats (n = 7) were treated as follows: control (corn oil), BPH only received testosterone propionate (TP) (TP 3 mg/kg intraperitoneally), BPH + PA (TP 3 mg/kg + PA 40 mg/kg), BPH + finasteride (Fin) (TP 3 mg/kg + Fin 10 mg/kg), PA only (40 mg/kg: by gavage), and Fin only (10 mg/kg: by gavage) for 4 weeks. In BPH rats, there were significant (P < .05) increases in prostatic (250%) and organosomatic (280%) weights compared with controls. Cotreatment decreased prostatic weights by 19% (PA) and 21% (Fin). Markers of inflammation: myeloperoxidase activities increased in serum (148%) and prostate (70%), as well as nitric oxide levels serum (92%) and prostatic (95%). Proinflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐α increased by 3.6‐ and 2.8‐fold. Furthermore, prostatic malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and serum total acid phosphatase increased by 97%, 25%, and 48%, respectively. Histology revealed poor architecture and severe proliferation of the prostate in BPH rats. Inflammation and oxidative stress markers, as well as the histological alteration in BPH rats, was attenuated (P < .05) upon cotreatment with PA and comparable with Fin cotreatment. These results suggest that PA mitigates oxido‐inflammatory responses and restored prostatic cytoarchitecture to levels comparable with control in rats induced with BPH.
Investigating the (in)visible: Piloting an integrated methodology to explore multiple forms of violence
Authors: Flynn Kalen , Mathias Brenda , Wiebe Douglas J. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractTraditional research methods typically utilize singular forms of data to conceptualize and measure violence. Methodologies designed to examine the impact of violence have been structured to primarily examine the interpersonal. However, scholars in community psychology, anthropology, and social work, and so forth, have recognized additional dimensions of violence that impact marginalized populations by restricting agency and negatively affecting physical and mental health, such as structural violence. Given growing interest in multiple forms of violence, new methodologies are required to holistically capture the full impact of violence on individuals. This article will discuss a unique methodology designed to investigate multiple forms of violence by melding semi‐structured place‐based interviews, family history interviews, walking interviews, and physiological data on heart rate coordinated with GPS data. This novel combination of methods allowed the researcher to deepen understanding of the relationship between place and violence while also highlighting the voices and experiences of young adults. Challenges to data collection, limitations of technology, and insights gained from the methodology will be discussed.
The home‐self and out‐of‐home placement: The home concept among adults educated in their childhood at a residential care setting
Authors: Frantsman‐Spector Alin , Shoshana Avihu 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis study proposes to examine the phenomenology of home among 46 Israeli adults who had been deemed "at‐risk children" and removed from their home by court order in their childhood on the grounds of parental mistreatments, such as abuse and neglect. For a comprehensive understanding of the long‐term impact of out‐of‐home placement, adults of different ages were interviewed. The research findings reflect the close connection between home concept and self‐concept, a long‐standing internal dialectic between the home that did not exist and the home (as an internal‐emotional space) that the adults would have liked to have. Furthermore, our findings reveal what we term the life career of the home concept, that is, the various diachronic phenomenological definitions that adults grant to the home‐self in childhood, anchored in the family home, during their time in a residential care setting, their adolescence, and their adulthood. The discussion addresses the unique self‐concept and home concept of care leavers.
Associations of sociodemographic and clinical factors with gastrointestinal cancer risk assessment appointment completion
Authors: Ebrahimzadeh Jessica E. , Long Jessica M. , Wang Louise , Nathanson John T. , Siddique Shazia Mehmood , Rustgi Anil K. , Goldberg David S. , Katona Bryson W. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCancer risk assessment services are important for patient care; effective use requires appropriate provider referral, accurate scheduling processes, and completed attendance at booked appointments. Sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with gastrointestinal cancer (GIC)‐specific risk assessment appointments remain unstudied; therefore, we aimed to identify factors associated with appointment completion in a GIC risk assessment program at a tertiary academic center. Retrospective chart review was conducted on all patients scheduled for an appointment in the Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk Evaluation Program (GI‐CREP) between January 2016 and December 2017. Data collected included demographic and clinical factors. Chi‐square and Wilcoxon's rank‐sum tests compared variables among patients based on the study outcome of whether a GI‐CREP appointment was completed; marginal standardization was used to predict the standardized percentage of patients that had appointment completion. A total of 676 patients had a scheduled GI‐CREP appointment; 32 individuals were excluded due to incomplete information or scheduling error, resulting in 644 patients available for final analysis. Our study population was predominantly female (61%), White (77%), and married (64%), had private healthcare insurance (76%), and lacked a personal history of cancer (60%). Referrals internal to the healthcare system were most common (77%), with gastroenterologists as the most frequent referring provider (42%). Seventy‐five percent of scheduled individuals had appointment completion, while 25% of individuals did not. Independent predictors for an incomplete GI‐CREP appointment included Medicaid insurance (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.21–4.28, p = .01), self‐identified Black race (OR 1.97, 95% CI: 1.20–3.25, p = .008), and personal history of cancer (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.11–2.31, p = .01). These data highlight existing disparities in GIC risk assessment appointment completion associated with race, health insurance coverage, and medical status. Further studies of these areas are necessary to ensure equitable access to important GIC risk assessment services.
Increasing diversity in the genetic counseling profession: Development of recruitment tools for African American undergraduate students
Authors: Price Erica , Robbins Steven J. , Valverde Kathleen 
Published: March 2020

AbstractLack of diversity in the genetic counseling profession has been a concern for over 20 years, with the National Society of Genetic Counselors identifying increasing diversity and inclusion as a strategic focus in 2019. Previous research has revealed potential barriers that could explain the low number of diverse applicants to genetic counseling graduate programs. The aims of this pilot study were to test strategies for participation and site recruitment methods for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and to evaluate the effectiveness of a brief presentation tailored to African American students. Recruitment emails were sent to career services and 124 biology/psychology department chairs from HBCUs and one predominately white institution with over 10% black student population. There was a 16% response rate through career services and a 25% response rate from department chairs. Different sections of a single biology class at one HBCU were randomly assigned to either attend a class presentation by an African American second‐year genetic counseling student and given a brochure detailing the same information (presentation group), or receive a brochure only (brochure group). Ninety students participated in the study: 65 in the presentation group and 25 in the brochure group. All students completed a 10‐question knowledge test and were given an email address for further student‐initiated contact about genetic counseling. In the presentation group, 65% (42/65) completed the knowledge test with a mean score of 7.59/10. Only one student from the brochure group completed the knowledge test. No students initiated contact to receive additional information about genetic counseling. This study highlights the difficulties in reaching African American students, even through HBCUs. Strategies beyond the use of brochures and presentations will be necessary to attract African American students into the genetic counseling profession.
Identifying factors influencing delays in breast cancer treatment in Kentucky following the 2014 Medicaid expansion
Authors: Bhutiani Neal , Hicks Adam C. , Huang Bin , Chen Quan , Tucker Thomas C. , McMasters Kelly M. , Ajkay Nicolás 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesA previous analysis of breast cancer care after the 2014 Medicaid expansion in Kentucky demonstrated delays in treatment despite a 12% increase in insurance coverage. This study sought to identify factors associated with treatment delays to better focus efforts for improved breast cancer care.MethodsThe Kentucky Cancer Registry was queried for adult women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 2010 and 2016 who underwent up‐front surgery. Demographic, tumor, and treatment characteristics were assessed to identify factors independently associated with treatment delays.ResultsAmong 6225 patients, treatment after Medicaid expansion (odds ratio [OR] = 2.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.874‐2.535, P < .001), urban residence (OR = 1.362, 95% CI = 1.163‐1.594, P < .001), treatment at an academic center (OR = 1.988, 95% CI = 1.610‐2.455, P < .001), and breast reconstruction (OR = 3.748, 95% CI = 2.780‐5.053, P < .001) were associated with delay from diagnosis to surgery. Delay in postoperative chemotherapy was associated with older age (OR = 1.155,95% CI = 1.002‐1.332, P = .0469), low education level (OR = 1.324, 95% CI = 1.164‐1.506, P < .001), hormone receptor positivity (OR = 1.375, 95% CI = 1.187‐1.593, P < .001), and mastectomy (OR = 1.312, 95% CI = 1.138‐1.513, P < .001). Delay in postoperative radiation was associated with younger age (OR = 1.376, 95% CI = 1.370‐1.382, P < .001), urban residence (OR = 1.741, 95% CI = 1.732‐1.751, P < .001), treatment after Medicaid expansion (OR = 2.007, 95% CI = 1.994‐2.021, P < .001), early stage disease (OR = 5.661, 95% CI = 5.640‐5.682, P < .001), and mastectomy (OR = 1.884, 95% CI = 1.870‐1.898, P < .001).ConclusionsPatient, tumor, and socioeconomic factors influence the timing of breast cancer treatment. Improving timeliness of treatment will likely require improvements in outreach, education, and healthcare infrastructure.
CE and asymmetrical flow‐field flow fractionation studies of polymer interactions with surfaces and solutes reveal conformation changes of polymers
Authors: Witos Joanna , Karjalainen Erno , Tenhu Heikki , Wiedmer Susanne K. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAmphiphilic diblock copolymers consisting of a hydrophobic core containing a polymerized ionic liquid and an outer shell composed of poly(N‐isoprolylacrylamide) were investigated by capillary electrophoresis and asymmetrical flow‐field flow fractionation. The polymerized ionic liquid comprised poly(2‐(1‐butylimidazolium‐3‐yl)ethyl methacrylate tetrafluoroborate) with a constant block length (n = 24), while the length of the poly(N‐isoprolylacrylamide) block varied (n = 14; 26; 59; 88). Possible adsorption of the block copolymer on the fused silica capillary, due to alterations in the polymeric conformation upon a change in the temperature (25 and 45 °C), was initially studied. For comparison, the effect of temperature on the copolymer conformation/hydrodynamic size was determined with the aid of asymmetrical flow‐field flow fractionation and light scattering. To get more information about the hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties of the synthesized block copolymers, they were used as a pseudostationary phase in electrokinetic chromatography for the separation of some model compounds, that is, benzoates and steroids. Of particular interest was to find out whether a change in the length or concentration of the poly(N‐isoprolylacrylamide) block would affect the separation of the model compounds. Overall, our results show that capillary electrophoresis and asymmetrical flow‐field flow fractionation are suitable methods for characterizing conformational changes of such diblock copolymers.
Plasma levels of osteopontin from birth to adulthood
Authors: Nourkami‐Tutdibi Nasenien , Graf Norbert , Beier Rita , Zemlin Michael , Tutdibi Erol 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAimOsteopontin (OPN) has been investigated as a biomarker for cancer and nonmalignant diseases during the last decades. Data about OPN as a potential biomarker in childhood diseases are still sparse, and reference values are not available in children. We aimed to establish reference values for children from birth to young adulthood and evaluate whether there are age‐, gender‐, and weight‐specific differences.MethodUmbilical cord blood and blood plasma samples of 117 children were collected in the Children's Hospital of Saarland University in Homburg/Saar. OPN levels were measured by ELISA, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.ResultsNeonates, infants, toddlers, young children, adolescents, and adults were divided into the following six age groups: newborns (birth), infancy and toddlers (0‐24 months), early childhood (3‐6 years), middle childhood (7‐11 years), adolescence (12‐18 years), and adults (> 18 years). Highest blood OPN levels were found in the group of 0‐1 years of age. OPN blood levels declined significantly with age (Spearman r = −0.874; P < 0.001).ConclusionOur work is the first prospective and systematic study analyzing OPN cord blood and blood plasma levels in children of all ages. It is the first study yielding reference values for different age groups from birth to young adulthood. Our data give insight on how OPN in umbilical cord blood and OPN in blood plasma are physiologically influenced during childhood development and growth with high OPN levels after birth and a constant age‐related decline until the age of 14, when OPN levels reach similar values to those measured in adults.
Interphase engineering in carbon fiber/epoxy composites: Rate sensitivity of interfacial shear strength and interfacial fracture toughness
Authors: Bedi Harpreet S. , Billing Beant K. , Agnihotri Prabhat K. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractDesigning the interface in polymer composites is fundamentally a challenging task. Here, we demonstrate a strategy to engineer the interphase microstructure in carbon fiber/epoxy composites (CFRPs) using carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The incorporation of CNT modifies the interfacial mechanics and interfacial chemistry in conventional CFRPs by creating concentrated, dispersed and mixed type interphase. Therefore, a detailed study is warranted to establish the interfacial microstructure‐property relationship in CNT modified CFRPs. Experimental results show that the relative improvement in interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and interfacial fracture toughness (Gic) depends on the microstructure of interphase. It is shown that simultaneous improvement in IFSS and Gic is possible with certain types of microstructural designs. Moreover, it is observed that IFSS and Gic are not constant material parameters but both of them show a power‐law type dependence on the applied loading rate. The range of rate sensitivity parameters as a function of interphase type suggests that while concentrated and mixed interphase is more suited to maintain the interfacial integrity, dispersed interphase is beneficial for energy dissipating applications of CFRPs. In addition, IFSS and Gic exhibit negative rate sensitivity for certain cases. Finally, it is shown that interphase designing using CNT is an excellent tool to accurately tailor the average interfacial properties of CFRP in a broad range of 16‐79 MPa and 100‐453 J m−2 for IFSS and Gic, respectively.
School psychologists and suicide risk assessment: Role perception and competency
Authors: Erps Kristen H. , Ochs Sarah , Myers Carl L. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAs the second leading cause of death for adolescents, suicide is a major concern for school personnel. School psychologists' training in mental health makes them well‐positioned to lead in suicide prevention efforts; however, studies have shown a lack of preparedness in crisis intervention and, more specifically, suicide risk assessment. This study surveyed practicing school psychologists (N = 92) to explore their perception of both their role and competency in suicide risk assessment. Suicide risk assessment was defined as a broad term pertaining to any measures taken in suicide prevention, intervention, or postvention. The majority of school psychologists reported having a primary role at the tertiary level (i.e., intervening with a student identified as needing help). Participants indicated lacking adequate graduate preparation; however, most participants were confident in their knowledge of suicide and suicide risk assessment and were comfortable identifying and intervening with a student who is suicidal. Implications for practice and directions for future research are discussed.
Use of remote atmospheric mass spectrometry in atmospheric plasma polymerization of hydrophilic and hydrophobic coatings
Authors: Mertens Jeremy , Nisol Bernard , Hubert Julie , Reniers François 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis paper shows that, to a certain extent, remote atmospheric mass spectrometry can be used to identify signature fragments, which are able to predict the final surface chemistry of plasma‐deposited organic hydrophilic or hydrophobic coatings, to propose polymerization mechanisms and to predict coating contamination. Examples are given for the plasma polymerization of anhydrides and organic acids for polar coatings and for the polymerization of fluorinated precursors for hydrophobic coatings. To predict the final surface chemistry of hydrophilic coatings, we show that by tracking the evolution of the CO+ and CO2+ fragments in the plasma phase, one can deduce the relative amount of polar functions on the final coating surface. Similarly, the change in intensities of the various CFx+ fragments during the plasma polymerization of hydrophobic coatings is correlated with the relative amount of such CFx groups in the coating. For the same coatings, when CO2+, COF+, and COF2+ fragments are detected in the gas phase, the final coating will be contaminated. The possibilities, as well as some limits of this approach, are discussed.
How Are Practice and Performance Related? Development of Reading From Age 5 to 15
Authors: van Bergen Elsje , Vasalampi Kati , Torppa Minna 
Published: March 2020

AbstractDoes reading a lot lead to better reading skills, or does reading a lot follow from high initial reading skills? The authors present a longitudinal study of how much children choose to read and how well they decode and comprehend texts. This is the first study to examine the codevelopment of print exposure with both fluency and comprehension throughout childhood using autocorrelations. Print exposure was operationalized as children’s amount of independent reading for pleasure. Two hundred children were followed from age 5 to age 15. Print exposure was assessed at ages 5, 7, 8, 9, and 13. Prereading skills were tested at age 5 and reading skills at ages 7, 8, 9, 14, and 15 (the latter with the Programme for International Student Assessment [PISA]). Before children learned to read (i.e., age 5), prereading skills and print exposure were not linked. Path analyses showed that children’s print exposure and reading skills reciprocally influence each other. During the early school years, the effects run from reading fluency to comprehension and print exposure, so from skills to amount. The effect of accumulated practice only emerged in adolescence. Reading fluency, comprehension, and print exposure were all important predictors of age 15 PISA reading comprehension. These findings were largely confirmed by post hoc models with random intercepts. Because foundational reading skills predicted changes in later reading comprehension and print exposure, the authors speculate that intervening decoding difficulties may positively impact exposure to and comprehension of texts. How much children read seems to matter most after the shift from learning to read to reading to learn.
In Situ Growth of MAPbBr3 Nanocrystals on Few‐Layer MXene Nanosheets with Efficient Energy Transfer
Authors: Zhang Zhipeng , Li Ying , Liang Chao , Yu Guannan , Zhao Jiafu , Luo Shaojuan , Huang Yang , Su Chenliang , Xing Guichuan 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe performance of perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) in optoelectronics and photocatalysis is severely limited by the presence of large amounts of crystal boundaries in NCs film that greatly restricts energy transfer. Creating heterostructures based on perovskite NCs and 2D materials is a common approach to improve the energy transport at the perovskite/2D materials interface. Herein, methylamine lead bromide (MAPbBr3, MA: CH3NH3+) perovskite NCs are homogeneously deposited on highly conductive few‐layer MXene (Ti3C2Tx) nanosheets to form heterostructures through an in situ solution growth method. An optimal mixed solvent ratio is essential to realize the growth of perovskite NCs on Ti3C2Tx nanosheets. Time‐resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy, transient absorption spectroscopy, and the photoresponse of electron‐ and hole‐only photoelectric conversion devices reveal the interfacial energy transfer behavior within MAPbBr3/Ti3C2Tx heterostructures. The present investigation may provide a useful guide toward use of halide perovskite/2D material heterostructures in applications such as photocatalysis as well as optoelectronics.
Polycarbonate Heat Molding for Soft Lithography
Authors: Sonmez Utku M. , Coyle Stephen , Taylor Rebecca E. , LeDuc Philip R. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSoft lithography enables rapid microfabrication of many types of microsystems by replica molding elastomers into master molds. However, master molds can be very costly, hard to fabricate, vulnerable to damage, and have limited casting life. Here, an approach for the multiplication of master molds into monolithic thermoplastic sheets for further soft lithographic fabrication is introduced. The technique is tested with master molds fabricated through photolithography, mechanical micromilling as well as 3D printing, and the results are demonstrated. Microstructures with submicron feature sizes and high aspect ratios are successfully copied. The copying fidelity of the technique is quantitatively characterized and the microfluidic devices fabricated through this technique are functionally tested. This approach is also used to combine different master molds with up to 19 unique geometries into a single monolithic copy mold in a single step displaying the effectiveness of the copying technique over a large footprint area to scale up the microfabrication. This microfabrication technique can be performed outside the cleanroom without using any sophisticated equipment, suggesting a simple way for high‐throughput rigid monolithic mold fabrication that can be used in analytical chemistry studies, biomedical research, and microelectromechanical systems.