bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cu(II)‐supported graphene quantum dots modified NiFe2O4: A green and efficient catalyst for the synthesis of 4H‐pyrimido[2,1‐b]benzothiazoles in water
Authors: Khazenipour Khatereh , Moeinpour Farid , Mohseni‐Shahri Fatemeh S. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractNiFe2O4 nanoparticles are modified by graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and utilized to stabilize the Cu(II) nanoparticles as a novel magnetically retrievable catalytic system (Cu(II)/GQDs/NiFe2O4) for green formation of 4H‐pyrimido[2,1‐b]benzothiazoles. The prepared catalyst can be isolated assisted by an outer magnet and recovered for five courses without significant reduction in its efficiency. The as‐prepared magnetic heterogeneous nanocomposite was characterized by UV–Vis, FT‐IR, XRD, EDS, VSM, TEM, and ICP. Performing the reactions in environmentally friendly and affordable conditions (water), the low catalyst percentage, high yield of products, short reaction times, and easy workup are the merits of this protocol.
Pilot‐scale microalgae harvesting with ceramic microfiltration modules: evaluating the effect of operational parameters and membrane configuration on filtration performance and membrane fouling
Authors: Bamba Bio SB , Lozano Paul , Ouattara Allassane , Elcik Harun 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDMembrane fouling is one of the major drawbacks in microalgae harvesting that prevents the widespread application of membrane filtration. This study investigates the effects of operating parameters on the filtration performance and the fouling phenomenon of a pilot‐scale microfiltration (MF) system equipped with different ceramic membranes for Chlorella vulgaris culture harvesting.RESULTSA higher permeate flux was obtained with increasing the transmembrane pressure, resulting in lower irreversible and reversible filtration resistances. On the other hand, at a higher crossflow velocity above 4 m s−1, a high amount of extracellular organic matter (EOM) released by microalgal cells led to a higher irreversible resistance which, in turn, caused severe membrane fouling and a lower filtration flux. Furthermore, the membrane configuration and pore size have also significantly affected the permeate flux. Compared to the tubular membranes, and regardless of pore sizes, the multichannel MF membrane (pore size: 0.2 μm) exhibited a higher permeate flux that resulted in lower membrane resistances due to the lower release of EOM by microalgae cells. Moreover, the tubular membrane (pore size: 0.8 μm) showed a higher flux reduction with higher pore size because of the increase in the irreversible resistance with a high amount of EOM release.CONCLUSIONThe results revealed that the amount of EOM significantly associated with filtration conditions plays an important role in membrane fouling control. Considering the membrane configurations, the multichannel ceramic MF membrane (pore size: 0.2 μm) demonstrated a higher permeate flux due to its lower fouling property. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Self‐reported dental student stressors and experiences during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Agius Anne‐Marie , Gatt Gabriella , Vento Zahra Ethel , Busuttil Adrienne , Gainza‐Cirauqui Maria Luisa , Cortes Arthur R. G. , Attard Nikolai J. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the influence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic on the student reported outcomes among dental students reading/studying different courses offered in the only dental school in Malta.Materials and methodsAn anonymous questionnaire consisting of 13 closed‐ended and open‐ended questions was sent to all students (n = 97) at the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the University of Malta. Emergent themes from open‐ended questions were identified and tallied. Since data were classified as categorical ranks, nonparametric tests were used to compare variables among the different courses, years of study, preclinical/clinical students, and gender categories.ResultsDental technology students were significantly less stressed about contracting COVID‐19 (P = 0.005) and regarding lack of preparation due to inability to physically go to the library (P = 0.019). Female students reported significantly more anxiety for the following factors: “feeling anxious all the time” (P = 0.033), “worried about contracting COVID‐19′” (P = 0.012), “worried that a family member may contract COVID‐19′” (P = 0.048), “more anxious about exams this year because of the challenges we are facing” (P = 0.029), and “concern about losing manual dexterity skills” (P = 0.038). Qualitative data gathered show considerable stress reported by students regarding changes in examination processes and formats and lack of timely communication.ConclusionStudents were greatly affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic and this caused fear of losing their manual dexterity skills, anxiety related to its consequences on their long‐term plans, and anxiety related to the examinations. Dental schools in turn should adapt rapidly and customize changes that are specific to the individual student cohort and their stage of training.
Adaptation and validation of the Genetic Counseling Outcome Scale for autism spectrum disorders and related conditions
Authors: Yusuf Afiqah , Peltekova Iskra , Savion‐Lemieux Tal , Frei Jennifer , Joober Ridha , Howe Jennifer , Scherer Stephen W. , Elsabbagh Mayada 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe genetics care pathway experienced by families affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) around the time of diagnosis is currently uncharacterized and potentially variable across contexts. The lack of consensus on outcome measures to capture the impact of genetic services for these families shows a gap in understanding and optimizing this genetics care pathway. The Genetic Counseling Outcome Scale (GCOS‐24) is a validated outcome measure of clinical genetics services. The current study aims to adapt and validate the GCOS‐24 as an outcome measure in the context routine genetic testing in ASD and related conditions. Families seen for their child’s developmental evaluation for ASD and related conditions were invited to participate in a genomics cohort between 2016 and 2018. Families (n = 111) completed the mGCOS‐24 (modified GCOS‐24), adapted from the original GCOS‐24 by clinicians working in the target population’s routine care pathway. The mGCOS‐24 has acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.84) and high test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.88). It also inversely correlates with stress as measured by Perceived Stress Scale (PSS‐10) and distress, as measured by the Distress Thermometer, rs ≥ 0.39, ps < 0.001. The mGCOS‐24 had adequate readability, as supported by cognitive interviews completed by a sub‐sample of five mothers of a child with ASD. Together, our findings show that the mGCOS‐24 has good validity for the target population. Preliminary characterization of the genetics care pathway in this population revealed remarkable variability in pre‐test counseling and limited post‐test counseling. The use of the mGCOS‐24 as an outcome measure is useful in filling some of these gaps by offering a way to assess, and in the future, optimize the genetics care pathway for families affected by autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions.
Fatal renal diseases among patients with hematological malignancies: A population‐based study
Authors: Li Sen , Yu Kaixu , Chen Ying , Luo Wenjing , Zheng Yongqiang , Yang Yun , Yang Xue , Wang Xi , Gao Xiaolan , Wang Xindi , Wu Bian 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPatients with hematological malignancies might be at high risk for renal diseases as evidenced by earlier studies. We aim to investigate the mortality and risk factors of deaths due to renal diseases in this population. A total of 831 535 patients diagnosed with hematological malignancies in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database in the United States from 1975 to 2016 were identified. Standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was evaluated based on the general population's mortality data gathered by the National Center for Health Statistics. The mortality rate associated with renal diseases was 94.22/100 000 person‐years among patients with hematological malignancies (SMR = 3.59; 95% CI, 3.48‐3.70]). The highest mortality rate of dying from renal diseases was observed among multiple myeloma (MM) patients (307.99/100 000 person‐years; SMR = 7.98; 95% CI, 7.49‐8.50), followed by those with chronic myeloid leukemia (142.57/100 000 person‐years; SMR = 6.54; 95% CI, 5.63‐7.60) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (103.66/100 000 person‐years; SMR = 2.51; 95% CI, 2.27‐2.77). The SMRs increased with time and were found to be the highest 10 years after cancer diagnosis. Independent predictors associated with death from renal diseases were found to be older age, male gender, blacks, unmarried, and MM, using the Cox proportional hazards model. We call for enhanced coordinated multidisciplinary care between hematologists and nephrologists to reduce the mortality rate of renal diseases among patients with hematological malignancies.
Comparative conventional and microwave assisted synthesis of heterocyclic oxadiazole analogues having enzymatic inhibition potential
Authors: Javid Jamila , Aziz‐ur‐Rehman  , Abbasi Muhammad A. , Siddiqui Sabahat Z. , Iqbal Javed , Virk Naeem A. , Rasool Shahid , Ali Hira A. , Ashraf Muhammad , Shahid Wardah , Hussain Safdar , Ali Shah Syed A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA comparative microwave assisted and conventional synthetic strategies were applied to synthesize heterocyclic 1,3,4‐oxadiazole analogues as active anti‐enzymatic agents. Green synthesis of compound 1 was achieved by stirring 4‐methoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride (a) and ethyl piperidine‐4‐carboxylate (b). Compound 1 was converted into respective hydrazide (2) by hydrazine and then into 1,3,4‐oxadiazole (3) by CS2 on reflux. The electrophiles, N‐alkyl/aralkyl/aryl‐2‐bromopropanamides (6a–p) were synthesized and converted to N‐alkyl/aralkyl/aryl‐2‐propanamide derivatives (7a–p) by reaction with 3 under green chemistry. Microwave assisted method was found to be effective relative to conventional method. 13C‐NMR, 1H‐NMR and IR techniques were availed to corroborate structures of synthesized compounds and then subjected to screening against lipoxygenase (LOX), α‐glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes. A number of compounds presented better potential against these enzymes. The most active compounds against LOX and α‐glucosidase enzymes were subjected to molecular docking study to explore their interactions with the active sites of the enzymes.
Review on the molecular epidemiology of sexually acquired hepatitis C virus infection in the Asia‐Pacific region
Authors: Chan Chin Pok , Uemura Haruka , Kwan Tsz Ho , Wong Ngai Sze , Oka Shinichi , Chan Denise Pui Chung , Lee Shui Shan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionSexual acquisition has emerged as a transmission route for hepatitis C virus (HCV) of growing importance among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive populations. In Western countries, HCV epidemics have been increasingly detected among men who have sex with men (MSM). This review describes the molecular epidemiology of sexually acquired HCV infection in the Asia‐Pacific region.MethodsA systematic search was performed on PubMed in March 2019. Either abstract or full‐text of each publication in the search results was screened for eligibility. Studies from different countries/cities involving eligible cases, who acquired HCV sexually with identified subtype, were synthesized for the evaluation of molecular epidemiology in the Asia‐Pacific region. Two large‐scale systematic reviews on the genotype distribution of HCV at a population level and among PWID were used as references for comparison.Results and discussionOverall, 13 full‐text articles with 549 subjects originating from nine countries/cities were reviewed. A total of five genotypes and 14 subtypes were identified, dominated by subtypes 1b (23.0%), 2a (19.1%) and 3a (29.5%). A majority of the infected cases occurred in HIV‐positive MSM. In some places, notably Hong Kong, India and Indonesia, the predominant subtype in sexually acquired HCV infection in MSM was different from that circulating in the general population. Shared transmission networks between people who inject drugs (PWID) and MSM were shown in Australia and New Zealand, whereas overlapping risk elicited from a small number of subjects existed in Tokyo, Taipei and Guangxi. MSM‐specific clusters were identified in Hong Kong, Taipei and Hubei.ConclusionsThe distribution of sexually acquired HCV was sparsely scattered across countries/cities in the Asia‐Pacific region. The threat of overlapping risk differed by locations, whereas transnational outbreaks remained uncommon. The paucity of information has hindered progress with comprehensive assessment in the Asia‐Pacific region, where seroprevalence of HCV among HIV‐positive MSM was relatively high.
Genomic and proteomic mutation landscapes of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Badua Christian Luke D. C. , Baldo Karol Ann T. , Medina Paul Mark B. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe ongoing pandemic caused by a novel coronavirus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), affects thousands of people every day worldwide. Hence, drugs and vaccines effective against all variants of SARS‐CoV‐2 are crucial today. Viral genome mutations exist commonly which may impact the encoded proteins, possibly resulting to varied effectivity of detection tools and disease treatment. Thus, this study surveyed the SARS‐CoV‐2 genome and proteome and evaluated its mutation characteristics. Phylogenetic analyses of SARS‐CoV‐2 genes and proteins show three major clades and one minor clade (P6810S; ORF1ab). The overall frequency and densities of mutations in the genes and proteins of SARS‐CoV‐2 were observed. Nucleocapsid exhibited the highest mutation density among the structural proteins while the spike D614G was the most common, occurring mostly in genomes outside China and United States. ORF8 protein had the highest mutation density across all geographical areas. Moreover, mutation hotspots neighboring and at the catalytic site of RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase were found that might challenge the binding and effectivity of remdesivir. Mutation coldspots may present as conserved diagnostic and therapeutic targets were found in ORF7b, ORF9b, and ORF14. These findings suggest that the virion's genotype and phenotype in a specific population should be considered in developing diagnostic tools and treatment options.
Cancer care in a Western Indian tertiary center during the pandemic: Surgeon's perspective
Authors: Gautam Pratik , Gandhi Vidhyachandra , Naik Shailesh , Mane Anupama , Kanitkar Gajanan , Hegde Sujai , Deshmukh Sanjay 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionFollowing the nationwide lockdown in India, most hospitals shut down elective surgeries including cancer surgeries. We continued operating on patients with cancer at a tertiary referral center in Western India, which also served as a COVID care center. We also constructed a questionnaire, exclusive to surgeons, to determine the changes in treatment strategies as well as the response to the pandemic.MethodsThe complications of all cases operated in the study period (March 22, 2020–June 30, 2020) were graded using the Clavien–Dindo classification. Also, an anonymous structured questionnaire was constructed and e‐mailed to all surgical oncologists working at our institute.ResultsOf the 118 patients having an operation, 18 had complications. There were 12 Grade I/II and 6 Grade III complications but none of our patients had Grade‐IV/V complications. When the staff of the main operating theater tested COVID positive, the complex was shut down. However surgical oncology work continued at an affiliated institute about 10 km away from the main hospital.ConclusionWe had favorable outcomes while operating on cancer patients in a COVID care center. The results of our questionnaire proved that surgeons were willing to risk their personal safety to provide surgical oncology care.
A Latent Class Analysis of Mental Health Beliefs Related to Military Sexual Trauma
Authors: Hahn Christine K. , Turchik Jessica , Kimerling Rachel 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMilitary veterans with histories of military sexual trauma (MST) are at risk for several negative mental health outcomes and report perceived barriers to treatment engagement. To inform interventions to promote gender‐sensitive access to MST‐related care, we conducted an exploratory, multiple‐group latent class analysis of negative beliefs about MST‐related care. Participants were U.S. veterans (N = 1,185) who screened positive for MST within the last 2 months and reported a perceived need for MST‐related treatment. Associations between class membership, mental health screenings, logistical barriers, difficulty accessing care, and unmet need for MST‐related care were also examined. Results indicated a four‐class solution, with classes categorized as (a) low barrier, with few negative beliefs; (b) high barrier, with pervasive negative beliefs; (c) stigma‐related beliefs; and (d) negative perceptions of care (NPC). Men were significantly less likely than women to fall into the low barrier class (27.9% vs. 34.5%). Relative to participants in the low barrier class, individuals in all other classes reported more scheduling, ps < .001; transportation, p < .001 to p = .014; and work‐related barriers, p < .001 to p = .031. Participants in the NPC class reported the most difficulty with access, p < .001, and those in the NPC and high barrier classes were more likely to report unmet needs compared to other classes, ps < .001. Brief cognitive and behavioral interventions, delivered in primary care settings and via telehealth, tailored to address veterans’ negative mental health beliefs may increase the utilization of mental health treatment related to MST.
Accuracy of Emergency Physicians for Detection of Regional Wall Motion Abnormalities in Patients With Chest Pain Without ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Sağlam Caner , Ünlüer Erden Erol , Yamanoğlu Nalan Gökçe Çelebi , Kara Pınar Hanife , Ediboğlu Emek , Bektaşlı Rami , Tandon Shikha , Gönüllü Hayriye 
Published: September 2020

ObjectivesOur aim was to evaluate the accuracy of emergency physicians (EPs) in the detection of regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMAs) using focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS) in patients suspected of non–having ST‐elevation myocardial infarction.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled patients with chest pain. Three EPs underwent didactics and hands‐on‐training, of 3 hours each, by an experienced cardiologist, on detecting RWMAs using 2‐dimensional echocardiography. They performed a FOCUS examination to evaluate for RWMAs and recorded the echo images. Our reference standard for the detection of RWMAs was accepted as a blinded cardiologist review of the prerecorded video clips. We calculated the corrected sample size and inter‐rater agreement between the EPs (82 and 0.83, respectively). The analysis of the study was performed on 89 patients.ResultsEighty‐nine patients with chest pain were screened. Emergency physicians demonstrated the detection of RWMAs with good sensitivity and even excellent specificity: 76.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 56.4%– 91.0%) and 92.1% (95% CI, 82.4%–97.4%), respectively. The accuracy of FOCUS was 87.6% (95% CI, 79.0%–93.7%). The area under the curve from a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, which evaluated the EPs' rate of detecting the presence or absence of RWMAs, was 0.845 (95% CI, 0.753–0.913).ConclusionsOur study results suggest that EPs with training in bedside echocardiography can accurately rule in patients with RWMAs in suspected non–ST‐elevation myocardial infarction cases.
Relevance of Intraparotid Metastases in Head and Neck Skin Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Dür Cilgia , Salmina Cinzia , Borner Urs , Giger Roland , Nisa Lluís 
Published: September 2020

ObjectivesParotid lymph node metastases are common in head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCCHN). Here we evaluate the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications of intraglandular lymph node (IGLN) metastases in cSCCHN.Study DesignRetrospective study in a tertiary referral university cancer institute.MethodsWe included patients with cSCCHN who underwent parotidectomy and neck dissection (ND), with or without synchronous resection of the skin primary, between January 1999 and January 2018. The characteristics of cSCCHN with or without IGLN involvement were compared.ResultsAltogether, 68 patients were included. Of the 29 (42.6%) patients classified as cN0, eight were upstaged pN+ and had concomitant IGLN involvement. Of 21 patients with pN0 disease, IGLN metastases were absent in only three cases, resulting in a specificity and sensitivity of parotid metastases to diagnose occult nodal neck metastases of 14.29% and 100%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 14.29% and 100%, respectively. Univariate analyses only displayed a significantly higher rate of moderately and poorly differentiated primaries in patients with IGLN metastases (P = .015). Only advanced T‐stages were significantly associated with neck recurrences.ConclusionIGLN status in advanced cSCCHN is potentially predictive for occul nodal neck metastases. Our results suggest that ND in patients with histopathologically negative IGLNs and clinically negative neck lymph nodes may not be necessary given the high negative predictive value of IGLN status in this group of patients. Therefore, accurate diagnostic evaluation of IGLN involvement is mandatory.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:788–793, 2021
Correlation of Glottic Gap and Voice Impairment in Presbyphonia
Authors: McGarey Patrick O. , Bitar Ryan , Hughes Charlotte K. , Hodson Noah , Harris Edward A. , Dominguez Laura M. , Dion Gregory R , Simpson C. Blake 
Published: September 2020

Objective/HypothesisThe objective of this study was to investigate the glottic gap area as a significant marker for the severity of presbyphonia as it relates to patient‐reported outcome measures (Voice Handicap Index‐10 [VHI‐10]) and stroboscopic findings.Study DesignRetrospective case‐control study conducted in an academic tertiary voice center.MethodsPatients seen at a tertiary voice clinic who were diagnosed with presbyphonia without other organic laryngeal pathology from January 2014 to December 2017 were included. Clinical data and laryngeal videostroboscopy videos were collected. Still images at the point of vocal process approximation during adduction were captured, and the glottic gap area was measured using ImageJ. These were compared to a control cohort. Correlations were made using Wilcoxon rank sum test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Pearson correlation coefficients.ResultsThirty‐three patients were included. Inter‐rater reliability of glottic area measurement was strong (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.73, P < .001). Compared to controls, presbyphonia patients had a larger glottic gap area (P < .001) and greater open‐phase quotient on laryngeal videostroboscopy (P < .001). Larger glottic gap area did not correlate with patient‐reported vocal function as measured by VHI‐10 (P = .79) and did not correlate with presence of secondary muscle tension dysphonia (P = .99). In the presbyphonia cohort, the glottic gap area did not correlate with age (P = .29).ConclusionsGlottic gap area at the point of vocal process approximation during phonation can be reliably measured. Patients with presbyphonia have a larger glottic gap area and greater open‐phase quotient on stroboscopy, but these do not correlate with patient‐reported voice impairment or the presence of secondary muscle tension dysphonia (MTD). These data suggest that dysphonia severity in presbyphonia is not fully explained by a glottic gap or secondary MTD alone.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:1594–1598, 2021