bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multifunctional stratified composite coatings by electrophoretic deposition and RF co-sputtering for orthopaedic implants
Authors: Nawaz Qaisar , Fastner Steffen , Rehman Muhammad Atiq Ur , Ferraris Sara , Perero Sergio , di Confiengo G. Gautier , Yavuz Emre , Ferraris Monica , Boccaccini Aldo R. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this study, multifunctional stratified antibacterial and bioactive coatings were deposited and characterised. Initially, PEEK/bioactive glass (BG)/ mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticle (MBGN) layers with a thickness of 110–120 μm were deposited on stainless steel substrates using electrophoretic deposition (EPD). Thin silver nanocluster-silica composite layers with a thickness of 70–155 nm were then deposited by radio frequency (RF) co-sputtering on the previously deposited EPD coatings. The deposition was carried for two different sputtering times (20 min and 40 min), which led to different layer thicknesses. PEEK/BG/MBGNs coatings were also deposited via single-step EPD. A comparison between the physicomechanical and biological characteristics of single layer PEEK/BG/MBGNs composite coating and bilayer Ag-PEEK/BG/MBGNs is presented. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) indicated that silver nanoclusters were homogeneously distributed in the multilayered EPD/RF coatings. An apatite-like structure was formed on the surface of the coatings upon immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) after 1 day. Silver nanoclusters embedded in the silica matrix as a top layer provided controlled release of silver ions which led to a potent antibacterial effect against E. coli and S. carnosus. Single layer coatings exhibited a burst release of Ag ions, which led to antibacterial effects but were toxic to osteoblast cells. Finally, the results of WST-8 assays confirmed that the multi-structured coatings allow osteoblast-like cells to proliferate and attach strongly on the surface of the coatings.
Synchronized interdecadal variations behind regime shifts in the Pacific Decadal Oscillation
Authors: Hamamoto Masaki , Yasuda Ichiro 
Published: February 2021

AbstractInterdecadal climate variability over the North Pacific is investigated using a reconstructed 298-year-long annual Pacific Decadal Oscillation Index during 1700–1997. Here, we show that its interdecadal component can be decomposed into the bi-decadal (~ 20 years), the tri-decadal (~ 30 years), and the multi-decadal variations (~ 60 years) through bandpass filtering. The phase reversals of the bi-decadal and the tri-decadal variations were synchronized throughout the data, while the synchronization of the bi-decadal and the multi-decadal variations was maintained during 1780–1880 and 1920–1997. Monte Carlo simulation reveals that this synchronous temporal structure is statistically significant and could not occur from random processes. We further demonstrate that these three phase-locked variations play an important role in the regime shifts in the North Pacific, both during the data period (1700–1997) and thereafter. The bi-decadal variation, which is self-sustained through the North Pacific mid-latitude air–sea interaction, is also found to be possibly linked to the lunar nodal cycle. Moreover, the tri-decadal and the multi-decadal variations, whose periods are approximately 1.5 and 3 times longer than that of the bi-decadal variation, may be linked to the bi-decadal variation through nonlinear process. This simple relationship could largely contribute to understanding and predicting the interdecadal climate variability.
Kwak Transform and Inertial Manifolds revisited
Authors: Kostianko Anna , Zelik Sergey 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe paper gives sharp spectral gap conditions for existence of inertial manifolds for abstract semilinear parabolic equations with non-self-adjoint leading part. Main attention is paid to the case where this leading part have Jordan cells which appear after applying the so-called Kwak transform to various important equations such as 2D Navier–Stokes equations, reaction-diffusion-advection systems, etc. The different forms of Kwak transforms and relations between them are also discussed.
Gambling at Work: A Qualitative Study of Swedish Elite Athletes, Coaches, and Managers
Authors: Vinberg Maria , Wetterborg Dan , Enebrink Pia 
Published: February 2021

AbstractConsidering the financial connections between sport and the gambling industry, more should be learned about gambling and problem gambling in this setting. This study explores how male athletes, coaches, and sports managers experience gambling activities and problems in their sports. Interviews were conducted with 30 male elite athletes, coaches, and managers in four sports. The interviews were analysed using content analysis, and the results indicated two main themes: 1) desire for and concerns with money and 2) in the shadow of performance, and three categories. The first main theme emerged as a result of the respondents recurring reference to money as the reason to different actions: It is important to win money,’too little’ or ‘too much’ money is described as reason for gambling, athletes status is affected by money and sponsor money from the gambling companies are considered important. ‘In the shadow of the performance’ captures the reason to and value of performance: The thrill and money are rewards for the gambling performance, everyday sporting life emphasizes performance both in training and matches. Lack of successful performance is perceived as a threat and evokes a fear of being seen as weak and being ejected from the team. This study identifies gambling as normalized within male elite sport. Preventing gambling problems calls for action at all levels of the involved socio-ecological framework. Management, coaches, and athletes need more knowledge of gambling and how to create a sustainable framework to prevent gambling problems.
Getting the Message Right: Evidence-Based Insights to Improve Organizational Return-to-Work Communication Practices
Authors: Jetha Arif , Le Pouésard Morgane , Mustard Cameron , Backman Catherine , Gignac Monique A. M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPurpose There is an absence of evidence-based guidance to support workplace stakeholders in the effective delivery of return-to-work (RTW) messages. Our study examines the specific RTW communication practices and their impact on the management of work disability. Methods Within two large and complex healthcare organizations, semi-structured interviews were conducted with workplace stakeholders (e.g., supervisors, union representatives, disability management professionals and workers’ compensation representatives) and workers who had previously experienced sickness absence related to an occupational injury or illness. For workplace stakeholders interview questions asked about their roles and responsibilities in the RTW process, and specific communication strategies and messages that were used at different phases of the RTW process. For worker participants, interview questions explored RTW experiences and the impact of communication on work re-integration. An interpretative descriptive approach was used to inductively examine themes from interviews to create ways of understanding phenomena that yielded applied findings. Results Forty participants were interviewed including workplace stakeholders and workers. Participants frequently described effective RTW communication as messages that were delivered by a workplace stakeholder that included the content required by an injured worker to navigate the organizational disability management process and utilized specific strategies to address the perceived attitudes and perceptions held by an injured worker regarding work re-integration. Workplace stakeholders described five specific communication strategies including relaying messages of support, optimizing the timing of communication, careful word choice, framing messages, and tailoring communication to the injured worker. Conclusion RTW communication is an active process that requires a strategic approach. Effective communication practices represent an important strategy for workplace stakeholders to address the barriers held by injured workers and foster early and sustained RTW.
Developmental Cascades from Aggression to Internalizing Problems via Peer and Teacher Relationships from Early to Middle Adolescence
Authors: Murray Aja Louise , Obsuth Ingrid , Speyer Lydia , Murray George , McKenzie Karen , Eisner Manuel , Ribeaud Denis 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPrevious research has provided evidence for developmental cascades between externalizing and internalizing problems via mechanisms such as peer and academic problems; however, there remains a need to illuminate other key mediating processes that could serve as intervention targets. This study, thus, evaluated whether developmental associations between aggression and internalizing are mediated by teacher—as well as peer—relationships. Using data from z-proso, a longitudinal study of Swiss youth (n = 1523; 785 males), an autoregressive latent trajectory model with structured residuals (ALT-SR) was fit over ages 11, 13, and 15 to examine within-person developmental links between aggression, internalizing problems, and the mediating role of peer and teacher relationships, while disaggregating between- and within-person effects. Teacher and peer relationships did not play a role in the progression of externalizing to internalizing problems or vice versa, however, teacher and peer relationships showed a protective effect against developing internalizing problems at ages 13. The results suggest that good quality relationships with teachers in early adolescence can help prevent internalizing problems from developing.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Diabetes Shared Medical Appointments (SMAs) as Implemented in Five Veterans Affairs Health Systems: a Multi-site Cluster Randomized Pragmatic Trial
Authors: Heisler Michele , Burgess Jennifer , Cass Jeffrey , Chardos John F. , Guirguis Alexander B. , Strohecker Lorrie A. , Tremblay Adam S. , Wu Wen-Chih , Zulman Donna M. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objective
To examine whether diabetes shared medical appointments (SMAs) implemented as part of usual clinical practice in diverse health systems are more effective than usual care in improving and sustaining A1c improvements.

Research Design and Methods
A multi-site cluster randomized pragmatic trial examining implementation in clinical practice of diabetes SMAs in five Veterans Affairs (VA) health systems was conducted from 2016 to 2020 among 1537 adults with type 2 diabetes and elevated A1cs. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to either: (1) invitation to participate in a series of SMAs totaling 8–9 h; or (2) continuation of usual care. Relative change in A1c (primary outcome) and in systolic blood pressure, insulin starts, statin starts, and anti-hypertensive medication classes (secondary outcomes) were measured as part of usual clinical care at baseline, at 6 months and at 12 months (~7 months after conclusion of the final SMA in four of five sites). We examined outcomes in three samples of SMA participants: all those scheduled for a SMA, those attending at least one SMA, and those attending at least half of SMAs.

Results
Baseline mean A1c was 9.0%. Participants scheduled for an SMA achieved A1c reductions 0.35% points greater than the control group between baseline and 6-months follow up (p = .001). Those who attended at least one SMA achieved reductions 0.42 % points greater (p < .001), and those who attended at least half of scheduled SMAs achieved reductions 0.53 % points greater (p < .001) than the control group. At 12-month follow-up, the three SMA analysis samples achieved reductions from baseline ranging from 0.16 % points (p = 0.12) to 0.29 % points (p = .06) greater than the control group.

Conclusions
Diabetes SMAs as implemented in real-life diverse clinical practices improve glycemic control more than usual care immediately after the SMAs, but relative gains are not maintained. Our findings suggest the need for further study of whether a longer term SMA model or other follow-up strategies would sustain relative clinical improvements associated with this intervention.

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT02132676
Liver damage favors the eliminations of HBV integration and clonal hepatocytes in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Hu Gang , Huang Ming X. , Li Wei Y. , Gan Chong J. , Dong Wen X. , Peng Xiao M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundHBV integration is suspected to be an obstinate risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the era of antiviral therapy. Integration events start to occur in the immunotolerance phase, but their fates in the immune clearance phase have not yet been clarified. Here, we report the influences of liver damage on HBV integration and clonal hepatocyte expansion in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).MethodsHBV integration breakpoints in liver biopsy samples from 54 CHB patients were detected using a modified next-generation sequencing assay.ResultsA total of 3729 (69 per sample) integration breakpoints were found in the human genome, including some hotspot genes and KEGG pathways, especially in patients with abnormal transaminases. The number of breakpoint types, an integration risk parameter, was negatively correlated with HBV DNA load and transaminase levels. The average, maximum and total frequencies of given breakpoint types, parameters of clonal hepatocyte expansion, were negatively correlated with HBV DNA load, transaminase levels and liver inflammation activity grade score. The HBV DNA load and inflammation activity grade score were further found to be positively correlated with transaminase levels. Moreover, nucleos(t)ide analog (NUC) treatment that normalized transaminases nonsignificantly reduced the types, but significantly increased the average frequency and negated the enrichments of integration breakpoints.ConclusionLiver damage mainly removed the inventories of viral integration and clonal hepatocytes in CHB. NUC treatment may have reduced HBV integration but clearly increased clonal hepatocyte expansion, which may explain why HCC risk cannot be ruled out by NUC treatment.
Therapeutic regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in chronic inflammatory diseases
Authors: Seok Jin Kyung , Kang Han Chang , Cho Yong-Yeon , Lee Hye Suk , Lee Joo Young 
Published: February 2021

AbstractInflammasomes are cytosolic pattern recognition receptors that recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) derived from invading pathogens and damaged tissues, respectively. Upon activation, the inflammasome forms a complex containing a receptor protein, an adaptor, and an effector to induce the autocleavage and activation of procaspase-1 ultimately culminating in the maturation and secretion of IL-1β and IL-18 and pyroptosis. Inflammasome activation plays an important role in host immune responses to pathogen infections and tissue repair in response to cellular damage. The NLRP3 inflammasome is a well-characterized pattern recognition receptor and is well known for its critical role in the regulation of immunity and the development and progression of various inflammatory diseases. In this review, we summarize recent efforts to develop therapeutic applications targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome to cure and prevent chronic inflammatory diseases. This review extensively discusses NLRP3 inflammasome-related diseases and current development of small molecule inhibitors providing beneficial information on the design of therapeutic strategies for NLRP3 inflammasome-related diseases. Additionally, small molecule inhibitors are classified depending on direct or indirect targeting mechanism to describe the current status of the development of pharmacological inhibitors.
BIO FOr CARE: biomarkers of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy development and progression in carriers of Dutch founder truncating MYBPC3 variants—design and status
Authors: Jansen M. , Christiaans I. , van der Crabben S. N. , Michels M. , Huurman R. , Hoedemaekers Y. M. , Dooijes D. , Jongbloed J. D. H. , Boven L. G. , Lekanne Deprez R. H. , Wilde A. A. M. , Jans J. J. M. , van der Velden J. , de Boer R. A. , van Tintelen J. P. , Asselbergs F. W. , Baas A. F. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most prevalent monogenic heart disease, commonly caused by truncating variants in the MYBPC3 gene. HCM is an important cause of sudden cardiac death; however, overall prognosis is good and penetrance in genotype-positive individuals is incomplete. The underlying mechanisms are poorly understood and risk stratification remains limited.

Aim
To create a nationwide cohort of carriers of truncating MYBPC3 variants for identification of predictive biomarkers for HCM development and progression.

Methods
In the multicentre, observational BIO FOr CARe (Identification of BIOmarkers of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy development and progression in Dutch MYBPC3 FOunder variant CARriers) cohort, carriers of the c.2373dupG, c.2827C > T, c.2864_2865delCT and c.3776delA MYBPC3 variants are included and prospectively undergo longitudinal blood collection. Clinical data are collected from first presentation onwards. The primary outcome constitutes a composite endpoint of HCM progression (maximum wall thickness ≥ 20 mm, septal reduction therapy, heart failure occurrence, sustained ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death).

Results
So far, 250 subjects (median age 54.9 years (interquartile range 43.3, 66.6), 54.8% male) have been included. HCM was diagnosed in 169 subjects and dilated cardiomyopathy in 4. The primary outcome was met in 115 subjects. Blood samples were collected from 131 subjects.

Conclusion
BIO FOr CARe is a genetically homogeneous, phenotypically heterogeneous cohort incorporating a clinical data registry and longitudinal blood collection. This provides a unique opportunity to study biomarkers for HCM development and prognosis. The established infrastructure can be extended to study other genetic variants. Other centres are invited to join our consortium.
Förderung der körperlichen Aktivität von Mädchen im Sportunterricht
Authors: Renninger Denise , Sturm David J. , Krieger Claus , Demetriou Yolanda 
Published: February 2021

ZusammenfassungDie Förderung eines aktiven und gesunden Lebensstils ist eine wichtige Aufgabe der Schule und des Sportunterrichts. Interventionsprogramme in diesem Setting besitzen zudem einen hohen Stellenwert zur Förderung körperlicher Aktivität von Kindern und Jugendlichen. Um die Wirksamkeit dieser Interventionsprogramme zu erfassen, ist eine umfangreiche Evaluation notwendig. Ziel der vorliegenden Untersuchung ist die qualitative Bewertung der Implementierungsqualität des CReActivity-Interventionsprogrammes, welches, basierend auf der Selbstbestimmungstheorie, die Förderung der körperlichen Aktivität von Schülerinnen durch den Sportunterricht zum Ziel hat. Zu diesem Zweck wurden leitfadenorientierte Interviews mit Lehrerinnen und Schülerinnen der Interventionsklassen des Projekts durchgeführt. Anschließend wurden die Interviews mithilfe der thematischen Analyse deduktiv-induktiv untersucht, um Erkenntnisse zu gewinnen, wie die Teilnehmerinnen die Intervention erleben und deuten. Die Analyse der Interviews der Lehrerinnen ergab insgesamt acht Themen, in denen die Einhaltung der Programmvorgaben, die Häufigkeit der Implementierung, die Qualität der Programmweitergabe, das Sich-Involvieren der Teilnehmer, die Anwendbarkeit der Intervention und die Akzeptanz aufgegriffen werden. Aus den Interviews mit den Schülerinnen konnten Informationen hinsichtlich der Qualität der Programmweitergabe und des Sich-Involvierens der Teilnehmer gewonnen werden. Insgesamt lassen die Ergebnisse eine von den Lehrerinnen wahrgenommene Wirksamkeit der Maßnahme erkennen, die auf eine hohe Implementierungsqualität verweist. Dennoch lassen die Ergebnisse eine schwankende Implementierungsqualität der einzelnen Lehrerinnen erkennen.
Persistent COVID-19-associated neurocognitive symptoms in non-hospitalized patients
Authors: Hellmuth Joanna , Barnett T. Allen , Asken Breton M. , Kelly J. Daniel , Torres Leonel , Stephens Melanie L. , Greenhouse Bryan , Martin Jeffrey N. , Chow Felicia C. , Deeks Steven G. , Greene Meredith , Miller Bruce L. , Annan Wesley , Henrich Timothy J. , Peluso Michael J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAs cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mount worldwide, attention is needed on potential long-term neurologic impacts for the majority of patients who experience mild to moderate illness managed as outpatients. To date, there has not been discussion of persistent neurocognitive deficits in patients with milder COVID-19. We present two cases of non-hospitalized patients recovering from COVID-19 with persistent neurocognitive symptoms. Commonly used cognitive screens were normal, while more detailed testing revealed working memory and executive functioning deficits. An observational cohort study of individuals recovering from COVID-19 (14 or more days following symptom onset) identified that among the first 100 individuals enrolled, 14 were non-hospitalized patients reporting persistent cognitive issues. These 14 participants had a median age of 39 years (interquartile range: 35–56), and cognitive symptoms were present for at least a median of 98 days (interquartile range: 71–120 following acute COVID-19 symptoms); no participants with follow-up evaluation reported symptom resolution. We discuss potential mechanisms to be explored in future studies, including direct viral effects, indirect consequences of immune activation, and immune dysregulation causing auto-antibody production.
Development of palladium catalysts modified by ruthenium and molybdenum as anode in direct ethanol fuel cell
Authors: Fornazier Filho Yonis , da Cruz Ana Caroliny Carvalho , Pedicini Rolando , Salgado José Ricardo Cezar , Luz Priscilla Paiva , Ribeiro Josimar 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPhysical and electrochemical properties of Pd catalysts combined with Ru and Mo on carbon support were investigated. To this end, Pd, Pd1.3Ru1.0, Pd3.2Ru1.3Mo1.0 and Pd1.5Ru0.8Mo1.0 were synthesized on Carbon Vulcan XC72 support by the method of thermal decomposition of polymeric precursors and then physically and electrochemically characterized. The highest reaction yields are obtained for Pd3.2Ru1.3Mo1.0/C and Pd1.5Ru0.8Mo1.0/C and, as demonstrated by thermal analysis, they also show the smallest metal/carbon ratio compared the other catalysts. XRD (X-ray Diffraction) and Raman analyses show the presence of PdO and RuO2 for the Pd/C and the Pd1.3Ru1.0/C catalysts, respectively, a fact not observed for the Pd3.2Ru1.3 Mo1.0 /C and the Pd1.5Ru0.8Mo1.0/C catalysts. The catalytic activities were tested for the ethanol oxidation in alkaline medium. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) shows Pd1.3Ru1.0/C exhibiting the highest peak of current density, followed by Pd3.2Ru1.3Mo1.0/C, Pd1.5Ru0.8Mo1.0/C and Pd/C. From, chronoamperometry (CA), it is possible to observe the lowest rate of poisoning for the Pd1.3Ru1.0/C, followed by Pd3.2Ru1.3Mo1.0/C, Pd1.5Ru0.8Mo1.0/C and Pd/C. These results suggested that catalytic activity of the binary and the ternary catalysts are improved in comparison with Pd/C. The presence of RuO2 activated the bifunctional mechanism and improved the catalytic activity in the Pd1.3Ru1.0/C catalyst. The addition of Mo in the catalysts enhanced the catalytic activity by the intrinsic mechanism, suggesting a synergistic effect between metals. In summary, we suggest that it is possible to synthesize ternary PdRuMo catalysts supported on Carbon Vulcan XC72, resulting in materials with lower poisoning rates and lower costs than Pd/C.
Graphic abstract