bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tumor Stiffness Measurements on MR Elastography for Single Nodular Hepatocellular Carcinomas Can Predict Tumor Recurrence After Hepatic Resection
Authors: Park Sae‐Jin , Yoon Jeong Hee , Lee Dong Ho , Lim Woo Hyeon , Lee Jeong Min 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundTumor stiffness (TS), measured by magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), could be associated with tumor mechanical properties and tumor grade.PurposeTo determine whether TS obtained using MRE is associated with survival in patients with single nodular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after hepatic resection (HR).Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationIn all, 95 patients with pathologically confirmed HCCs.Field Strength/Sequence1.5T/3D spin‐echo echo‐planar imaging MRE.AssessmentTS values of the whole tumor (TS‐WT) and of a solid portion of the tumor (TS‐SP) after excluding the necrotic area were measured on stiffness maps. Known imaging prognostic factors of HCC were also analyzed. After surgery, pathologic findings were evaluated from resected pathology specimens.Statistical TestsFisher's exact test and the Mann–Whitney U‐test were performed to determine the significance of differences according to the tumor grade. Overall survival (OS) / recurrence‐free survival (RFS) analyses were performed using Kaplan–Meier analyses and Cox multivariable models.ResultsThe average TS‐WT was 2.14 ± 0.74 kPa, and the average TS‐SP was 2.51 ± 1.07 kPa. The cumulative incidence of RFS was 73.1%, 63.1%, and 57.3% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. The TS‐WT, TS‐SP, and tumor size (≥5 cm) were significant prognostic factors for RFS (P < 0.001; P < 0.001; P = 0.017, respectively). The estimated overall 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year survival rates were 95.7%, 86.9%, and 80.8%, respectively. The alpha‐fetoprotein changes, platelets, tumor size (≥5 cm), and vascular invasion in pathology were significant predictive factors for overall survival (all P < 0.05). Tumor necrosis, TS‐WT, TS‐SP, and vascular invasion in pathology were significantly correlated with poorly differentiated HCC (all P < 0.05).Data ConclusionThe TS‐WT, TW‐SP, and tumor size (≥5 cm) were significant predictive factors of RFS after HR in patients with HCC.Level of EvidenceTechnical Efficacy Stage 5J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2021;53:587–596.
Evolution of SARS‐CoV‐2 genome from December 2019 to late March 2020: Emerged haplotypes and informative Tag nucleotide variations
Authors: Safari Iman , InanlooRahatloo Kolsoum , Elahi Elahe 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) causes serious disease in humans. First identified in November/December 2019 in China, it has rapidly spread worldwide. We analyzed 2790 SARS‐CoV‐2 genome sequences from 56 countries that were available on April 2, 2020, to assess the evolution of the virus during this early phase of its expansion. We aimed to assess sequence variations that had evolved in virus genomes, giving the greatest attention to the S gene. We also aimed to identify haplotypes that the variations may define and consider their geographic and chronologic distribution. Variations at 1930 positions that together cause 1203 amino acid changes were identified. The frequencies of changes normalized to the lengths of genes and encoded proteins were relatively high in ORF3a and relatively low in M. A variation that causes an Asp614Gly near the receptor‐binding domain of S were found at a high frequency, and it was considered that this may contribute to the rapid spread of viruses with this variation. Our most important findings relate to haplotypes. Sixty‐six haplotypes that constitute thirteen haplotype groups (H1–H13) were identified, and 84.6% of the 2790 sequences analyzed were associated with these haplotypes. The majority of the sequences (75.1%) were associated with haplotype groups H1–H3. The distribution pattern of the haplotype groups differed in various geographic regions. A few were country/territory specific. The location and time of emergence of some haplotypes are discussed. Importantly, nucleotide variations that define the various haplotypes and Tag/signature variations for most of the haplotypes are reported. The practical applications of these variations are discussed.
Comparison of the Efficacy of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition Criteria, Subjective Global Assessment, and Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 in Diagnosing Malnutrition and Predicting 5‐Year Mortality in Patients Hospitalized for Acute Illnesses
Authors: Balci Cafer , Bolayir Başak , Eşme Mert , Arik Güneş , Kuyumcu Mehmet Emin , Yeşil Yusuf , Varan Hacer Doğan , Kara Özgür , Güngör A. Evrim , Doğu Burcu Balam , Cankurtaran Mustafa , Halil Meltem 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) has developed new criteria for diagnosing patients with malnutrition. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of malnutrition according to the GLIM criteria, Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), and Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 (NRS‐2002) and their association with long‐term mortality in patients hospitalized for acute illnesses.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed in a sample of 231 patients with different comorbidities hospitalized for acute illnesses in medical or surgical wards. Nutrition status was retrospectively assessed with GLIM criteria using patients’ records at admission in addition to SGA and NRS‐2002. The agreement between the tools was calculated using κ statistics, and the association of malnutrition according to each tool and mortality were analyzed using Cox regression analysis.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 62.2 ± 18.2 years, and 56.7% were women. The prevalence of malnutrition was 35.9% with GLIM criteria, 37.2% with SGA, and 38% with NRS‐2002. The agreement between tools was good (GLIM‐SGA, κ = 0.804; GLIM–NRS‐2002, κ = 0.784). During a median follow‐up period of 63.2 months, 79 deaths occurred. The sensitivity in predicting 5‐year mortality was 59.49%, 58.23%, and 58.23%, and specificity was 76.32%, 73.68%, and 72.37% for GLIM criteria, SGA, and NRS‐2002, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, GLIM criteria best predicted 5‐year mortality (hazard ratio, 3.09; 95% CI, 1.96–4.86; P < .001).ConclusionsOur findings support the effectiveness of GLIM in diagnosing malnutrition and predicting all‐cause mortality among patients hospitalized for acute illnesses.
Effects of pre‐cutting treatments and combination drying with different orders on drying characteristics and physicochemical properties of Lentinula edodes
Authors: Hou Hui , Lu Xiaoshuo , Du Hengjun , Chen Xin , Fang Donglu , Fan Xia , Hu Qiuhui , Zhao Liyan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDCombination drying is recognized as an energy‐efficient method utilized for dry product processing, and proper order of combination is a critical factor determining the effectiveness of the technique. In this study, hot air drying (HD), vacuum freeze‐drying (VFD), and combination drying with different orders (HD–VFD and VFD–HD) are performed on whole Lentinula edodes and pre‐cut (half‐cut and quarter‐cut) L. edodes. The effects of various cutting and drying approaches on drying characteristics, physicochemical properties, and microstructures of dried L. edodes were investigated.RESULTSThe longest processing time required to dry the whole L. edodes by VFD was 25 h. In contrast, the pre‐cutting treatment and combination drying certainly shortened the drying time. Compared with HD, use of VFD–HD and VFD significantly decreased the shrinkage ratio, hardness, and discoloration of dried products but increased the rehydration capacity, nutrient retention, and porous microstructure. Interestingly, switching the order of combination drying provoked entirely different drying effects. Specifically, HD–VFD triggered negative effects on the shrinkage and color of dried mushrooms, and its appearance color was similar to HD‐treated samples. Moreover, pre‐cutting dramatically enhanced the protein content of HD‐treated mushrooms, and the quarter‐cut samples obtained the highest level (21.69 g kg−1 dry basis) among the three types of cutting.CONCLUSIONSThe dried L. edodes processed through pre‐cutting and combination drying (VFD–HD) have optimal industrial quality, accompanied by shorter processing time. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Outcomes of neoadjuvant therapy for cholangiocarcinoma: A review of existing evidence assessing treatment response and R0 resection rate
Authors: Le Viet H. , O'Connor Victoria V. , Li Daneng , Melstrom Laleh G. , Fong Yuman , DiFronzo Andrew L. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAdjuvant chemotherapy for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) has not been shown to gain significant improvements in survival. Factors contributing to suboptimal treatment response include aggressive disease biology and late clinical presentation. When feasible, surgical resection is the first line of treatment. Yet, recurrence remains high and long‐term survival is rare. Neoadjuvant therapy is an appealing approach, with oncologic advantages in allowing the treatment of occult systemic disease and selection of patients most likely to benefit from radical surgery. However, given the surgery‐first treatment paradigm for CCA, there is a paucity of data supporting neoadjuvant therapy. This review summarizes the current evidence on treatment response and margin‐negative (R0) resection rate associated with neoadjuvant therapy for CCA.
An empirical study on anthropomorphism and engagement with disembodied AIs and consumers' re‐use behavior
Authors: Moriuchi Emi 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the human race has gradually become a norm. AI entails technology assemblages such as machine learning, natural language processing, and reasoning. The influence of AI systems has intensified in consumers' daily lives. Many consumers have interacted with the notions of AI through advertisements or having personal experiences. Many consumers are curious about the use of AI. This paper reports three studies conducted to determine whether anthropomorphism (ANTH) and engagement play a role in consumers' intention to re‐use a voice assistant (VA; a machine‐learning AI). The second study will determine if ANTH and engagement play a role when consumers are using the VAs for different activities (task completion vs. information gathering). In addition, in Study 2, actual re‐use behavior was also tested in the model, which encouraged a stronger overall model fit. The results show that in general effort expectation (EE) has a strong positive impact on consumers' usage experience of the VA. However, between the two types of activities, EE has a stronger impact on consumers' usage experience for information‐gathering activities, whereas performance expectation has a stronger impact on usage experience when consumers use the VA for task‐completion purposes. The third study used internet usage experience as a moderating variable to determine the boundaries of the mediating effects in the study. The results show that the mediators yield results similar to prior studies.
Multifunctional Synthetic Protein Nanoparticles via Reactive Electrojetting
Authors: Quevedo Daniel F. , Habibi Nahal , Gregory Jason V. , Hernandez Yazmin , Brown Tyler D. , Miki Rikako , Plummer Bradley N. , Rahmani Sahar , Raymond Jeffery E. , Mitragotri Samir , Lahann Joerg 
Published: September 2020

AbstractProtein nanoparticles are a promising approach for nanotherapeutics, as proteins combine versatile chemical and biological function with controlled biodegradability. In this work, the development of an adaptable synthesis method is presented for synthetic protein nanoparticles (SPNPs) based on reactive electrojetting. In contrast to past work with electrohydrodynamic cojetting using inert polymers, the jetting solutions are comprised of proteins and chemically activated macromers, designed to react with each other during the processing step, to form insoluble nanogel particles. SPNPs made from a variety of different proteins, such as transferrin, insulin, or hemoglobin, are stable and uniform under physiological conditions and maintain monodisperse sizes of around 200 nm. SPNPs comprised of transferrin and a disulfide containing macromer are stimuli‐responsive, and serve as markers of oxidative stress within HeLa cells. Beyond isotropic SPNPs, bicompartmental nanoparticles containing human serum albumin and transferrin in two distinct hemispheres are prepared via reactive electrojetting. This novel platform provides access to a novel class of versatile protein particles with nanoscale architectures that i) can be made from a variety of proteins and macromers, ii) have tunable biological responses, and iii) can be multicompartmental, a prerequisite for controlled release of multiple drugs.
Knowledge and attitudes about the use of pangolin scale products in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) within China
Authors: Wang Yifu , Turvey Samuel T. , Leader‐Williams Nigel 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

All eight pangolin species are threatened with extinction, largely through demand for their products including scales, meat and body parts. The demand for pangolin scales has gained attention from many conservation groups due to the large volumes involved in illegal trade. Market demand in China is one of the major drivers for international illegal trade according to confiscation reports, and many conservation interventions have been attempted to reduce this demand.

The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) community plays a key role in regulating legal trade and combating illegal trade in pangolin scales. However, this community has been largely overlooked by previous conservation interventions directed at the pangolin scale trade. There has also been little research into the involvement of the TCM community in pangolin scale trade in China.

To fill these knowledge gaps, we interviewed TCM doctors from 41 hospitals, shop owners/assistants from 90 TCM shops, two TCM wholesalers, and 2,168 members of the general public in Henan and Hainan provinces, China. Respondents' knowledge of and attitudes towards the pangolin scale trade were investigated using semi‐structured and structured questionnaires, with a total of 2,301 respondents.

Our results show that TCM practitioners generally have poor awareness of the illegal nature of their behaviours and pangolin scale products involved. Awareness is particularly poor among participants at the end of the trade chain (i.e. end sellers). The public also generally lacked understanding of pangolin products in markets.

Results also show that 20 (71%) of 28 doctors believed that the use of pangolin scales in at least some, if not all, treatments could be substituted by other ingredients.

These findings suggest that raising awareness of the legality of pangolin scale products and petitioning TCM communities to use alternative substitutes for these products could constitute feasible and effective pangolin conservation interventions.

This study provides the first insights into the knowledge of and attitudes towards the pangolin scale trade from the perspective of TCM practitioners, and suggests that collaborating with the TCM community is necessary to combat this illegal trade.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Effect of micro‐/nano‐scale aramid fibrillated fibers on the tensile properties of styrene‐butadiene latex
Authors: Zhong Aixin , Luo Junrong , Wang Yi , Xu Guilong , Hu Jian 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMicro−/nanofibers attract extensive attention of being used as reinforcing agents in polymer composites. Fibrillated fibers have a hierarchical network structure, and a larger specific surface area. Thus, they provide additional anchorage sites in the composite, enhancing the bonding strength between different constituents. In this work, aramid fibrillated micro−/nanofibers (AFMNs) were prepared by a refining process. Styrene‐butadiene latex (SBL) was used as the matrix, and it was mixed with AFMNs, formed AFMN/SBL composites. The mass fractions of AFMNs in the matrix are adjusted to 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%. The microstructure of AFMNs and the fracture surfaces of AFMN/SBL composites were investigated by microscopical techniques. The results showed that the elastic modulus and tensile strength of AFMN/SBL composites are higher than that of the pure styrene‐butadiene latex film, except tensile strain. With the increase of fiber content, the elastic modulus and tensile strength of AFMN/SBL composites increased from 5.15 MPa to 19.66 MPa and 2.35 MPa to 4.23 MPa, respectively. However, the tensile strain decreased from 101% to 35%. The calculated elastic modulus of Halpin‐Tsai equation is close to the experimental values when the mass fractions of AFMNs is less than 6%.
Preparation of thermally conductive polycarbonate/boron nitride composites with balanced mechanical properties
Authors: Zhou Shengtai , Shi You , Bai Yang , Liang Mei , Zou Huawei 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this study, thermally conductive polycarbonate/boron nitride (PC/BN) composites were prepared by masterbatch dilution and direct melt mixing methods, respectively. A comparative study of both microstructure and rheological properties of corresponding composites suggests an improved filler distribution is achieved by masterbatch dilution, which is advantageous to the enhancement of both thermal conductivity and tensile properties at a medium filler loading range. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis indicated that thermal stability of masterbatch diluted PC/BN composites is superior to that of direct melt compounded counterparts. However, the char residue of PC in subsequent composites decreases with increasing filler content, which is believed to be related to the incompatibility between fillers and the matrix, as well as the enhancement of thermal conductivity. This work provides a facile method to prepare thermally conductive composites with balanced mechanical properties.
Polyamide 6 and polyamide 66 blends with functionalized polyolefins: Effect of phenomenal increase in viscosity and melt strength of polyamide 66‐based materials
Authors: Krivoguz Yuri , Pesetskii Stepan , Makarenko Olga 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe effect of adding blends of linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) and ethylene‐octene copolymer (EOC) functionalized by grafting (in the course of reactive extrusion) of trans‐ethylene‐1,2‐dicarboxylic acid (TEDA) onto polyamide 6 (PA6) and polyamide 66 (PA66) on rheological and elastic properties of their melts, structural morphology, and mechanical properties has been studied. It is shown that PA66/functionalized polyolefins (fPO) blends are characterized by more significant changes in the characteristics being analyzed as compared to PA6/fPO blends. A phenomenally sharp increase (by more than two decimal orders of magnitudes) in the melt viscosity of PA66/fPO blend as compared to the initial PA66 was established. At the same time, the melt strength may increase more than 50‐fold. The degree of TEDA grafting (β) onto PO macromolecules is the most important parameter determining the level of the values of property indices, as well as the structural features of PA/fPO blends. Only when particular β values (varying in a relatively narrow range) are reached, a quasi‐homogeneous morphology is formed in PA/fPO blends and their deformation capacity as well as the impact strength of materials increase dramatically. The observed effects are caused by the influence of TEDA grafting on interphase interactions in PA/fPO and PA66/fPO blends.
Fear of cancer recurrence in patients with multiple myeloma: Prevalence and predictors based on a family model analysis
Authors: Hu Xiaochun , Wang Weida , Wang Ye , Liu Ke 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveFear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a common psychosocial sequela among cancer survivors, but data on patients with multiple myeloma are scarce. This study calculated the prevalence of FCR and identified family and social factors that predict FCR in the study population.MethodsWe recruited 127 myeloma patients and their partners to participate in a cross‐sectional survey from a regional tertiary cancer centre in China. The questionnaires included items on demographic characteristics and from the fear of disease progression simplified scale, family hardiness index and Social Support Scale. Univariate and multivariate regression was used to identify predictors of FCR.ResultsOf the participants, 56.4% patients reported high‐level FCR, which was similar to the partner‐reported proportion. The partners' FCR was positively associated with the patients' FCR, while family hardiness and social support were statistically significant, negative predictors.ConclusionsInterventions to mitigate partners' FCR and improve family hardiness and social support may help with the psychological adjustment and well‐being of myeloma patients.
Novel Mechanistic PBPK Model to Predict Renal Clearance in Varying Stages of CKD by Incorporating Tubular Adaptation and Dynamic Passive Reabsorption
Authors: Huang Weize , Isoherranen Nina 
Published: September 2020

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has significant effects on renal clearance (CLr) of drugs. Physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models have been used to predict CKD effects on transporter‐mediated renal active secretion and CLr for hydrophilic nonpermeable compounds. However, no studies have shown systematic PBPK modeling of renal passive reabsorption or CLr for hydrophobic permeable drugs in CKD. The goal of this study was to expand our previously developed and verified mechanistic kidney model to develop a universal model to predict changes in CLr in CKD for permeable and nonpermeable drugs that accounts for the dramatic nonlinear effect of CKD on renal passive reabsorption of permeable drugs. The developed model incorporates physiologically‐based tubular changes of reduced water reabsorption/increased tubular flow rate per remaining functional nephron in CKD. The final adaptive kidney model successfully (absolute fold error (AFE) all < 2) predicted renal passive reabsorption and CLr for 20 permeable and nonpermeable test compounds across the stages of CKD. In contrast, use of proportional glomerular filtration rate reduction approach without addressing tubular adaptation processes in CKD to predict CLr generated unacceptable CLr predictions (AFE = 2.61–7.35) for permeable compounds in severe CKD. Finally, the adaptive kidney model accurately predicted CLr of para‐amino‐hippuric acid and memantine, two secreted compounds, in CKD, suggesting successful integration of active secretion into the model, along with passive reabsorption. In conclusion, the developed adaptive kidney model enables mechanistic predictions of in vivo CLr through CKD progression without any empirical scaling factors and can be used for CLr predictions prior to assessment of drug disposition in renal impairment.