bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“Don't be afraid to speak up”: Communication advice from parents and clinicians of children with cancer
Authors: Sisk Bryan A. , Keenan Megan A. , Blazin Lindsay J. , Kaye Erica , Baker Justin N. , Mack Jennifer W. , DuBois James M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundParents and clinicians of children with cancer can provide advice to improve communication that reflects lessons learned through experience. We aimed to identify categories of communication advice offered to parents of children with cancer from clinicians and other parents.Procedure(1) Semi‐structured interviews with 80 parents of children with cancer at three sites; (2) single‐item, open‐ended survey administered following 10 focus groups with 58 pediatric oncology clinicians at two sites. We asked participants for communication advice to parents, and analyzed responses using semantic content analysis.ResultsParents provided five categories of communication advice to other parents. Advocacy involved asking questions, communicating concerns, and speaking up for the child. Support involved pursuing self‐care, seeking and accepting help, and identifying supportive communities. Managing information involved taking and organizing notes, remaining open to difficult truths, and avoiding inaccurate information. Partnership involved establishing open lines of communication with clinicians, making the family's values and priorities known, and trusting the clinical team. Engaging and supporting the child involved, understanding and incorporating the child's preferences and values, and creating a loving environment. Clinicians’ advice addressed similar categories, although only one clinician described engaging and supporting the child. Furthermore, parental advice expanded beyond interactions with the clinical team, whereas clinician advice focused more on the role of clinicians.ConclusionsParents and clinicians of children with cancer provided five categories of communication advice. With these data, clinicians, health care organizations, support groups, and patient advocates could offer experience‐informed advice to parents who are seeking information and support.
An experimental study of the dynamic molecular state of transient moisture in damaged polymer composites
Authors: Idolor Ogheneovo , Guha Rishabh Debraj , Berkowitz Katherine , Grace Landon 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPolymeric composites absorb measurable amounts of moisture from their environment in almost all operating conditions. This absorbed moisture exists either in the “free” state, without any interactions, or in the “bound” state—interacting with the polymer matrix via secondary bonding mechanisms. The ratio and distribution of these water states within a moisture‐contaminated polymer composite are sensitive to physical damage. However, the water state distribution is also affected by variations in total water content resulting from humidity or precipitation‐driven fluctuations in the ambient environment, which could confound the ability to detect damage within the polymer matrix using this technique. To understand the effect of moisture content variations on water state distribution, low levels of barely visible impact damage were induced in epoxy/glass fiber composites. Spatial variations in polymer–water interactions were identified by their characteristic dielectric properties, measured using a split post dielectric resonator operating at 5 GHz. Gravimetric moisture uptake and relative permittivity were monitored during the absorption and desorption processes. Results indicate moisture absorption/desorption history has a significant effect on the sensitivity of damage detection using water state variations. Damage‐dependent hysteresis was observed in relative permittivity, highlighting an avenue by which the confounding effects of moisture absorption/desorption history may be mitigated.
Achievement of goal anti‐Xa activity with weight‐based enoxaparin dosing for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in trauma patients
Authors: Taylor Ashley , Huang Ellen , Waller Jennifer , White Cassandra , Martinez‐Quinones Patricia , Robinson Tim 
Published: April 2021

AbstractStudy ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of routine anti‐Xa peak monitoring for trauma patients initiated on weight‐based enoxaparin for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis and identify patient populations where monitoring is necessary.DesignRetrospective study.SettingAugusta University (AU) Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia, a level 1 trauma center.PatientsAdult patients admitted to the trauma surgery service requiring chemical VTE prophylaxis.InterventionAt least three consecutive doses of enoxaparin 0.5 mg/kg subcutaneously every 12 hour for VTE prophylaxis prior to an anti‐Xa peak as the initial chemical VTE prophylaxis strategy.MeasurementsThe primary end point was the percentage of patients who achieved goal anti‐Xa peak of 0.2–0.6 unit/ml. The incidence of newly diagnosed VTE and clinically significant bleeding were assessed as secondary end points.Main ResultsFrom January 1, 2018, through February 28, 2019, 300 patients met inclusion criteria. Anti‐Xa peaks were within goal in 91% of all patients, 7.7% were below goal, and 1.3% were above goal. For patients who did not meet the goal, dose adjustments were made in 70.4% of patients. New levels were obtained in 73.7% of those patients, and all repeat levels was within goal. Clinically significant bleeding occurred in 5.3% of patients. Newly diagnosed VTE occurred in 1.7% of patients.ConclusionsThe use of initial weight‐based enoxaparin dosing in trauma patients routinely achieved the prespecified target anti‐Xa goal. In conclusion, anti‐Xa levels are not necessary for routine monitoring of weight‐based enoxaparin for VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients. Incidence of clinically significant bleeding and newly diagnosed VTE were similar to previous studies.
Adapting an empirical clinic‐based organizational skills training program for use in schools: Iterative development and pilot assessment
Authors: Di Bartolo Christina A. , Abikoff Howard , McDonald Margaret , Gallagher Richard 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEffective organizational skills (e.g., time management, materials management, and task planning) are associated with academic success, yet some children struggle to gain these skills without intervention. While evidence‐based organizational skills interventions for pediatric clinical populations exist, none target organizationally impaired general populations in a primary school setting. In Organizational Skills Training‐School (OST‐S), school professionals teach small groups of 4th–5th grade organizationally impaired elementary school students skills associated with tracking assignments, managing materials, time management, and planning. This open pilot study of 33 students examined: a. the feasibility of adapting and implementing an established clinic‐based, individualized treatment (OST‐C) to a group format in a school setting, b. the program's acceptability among children, parents, and school partners, and c. whether participating children improved in the same functional areas that OST‐C positively influenced. Results indicated that we could adapt the intervention, school partners could implement it, and participants could accept it. Pre‐post improvements in organizational skills (as rated by parents, teachers, and children), homework problems, and academic performance demonstrated the potential effectiveness of OST‐S, suggesting the need for further efficacy work.
Understanding the crystallization process of a diketopyrrolopyrrole‐based conjugated polymer in blend films
Authors: Cao Xinxiu , Hu Yibo , Wang Ruiyuan , Lu Yi , Ou Baoli , Liao Bo , Fan Hui , Guo Yan , Liu Qingquan 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe film morphology of fullerene and diketopyrrolopyrrole‐based conjugated polymers (PDPPs) blends largely influences the device performance in organic solar cells. It is critical to control the morphology of blend films, which usually requires investigations of the crystallization of PDPP‐based thin films. Here, we study the influence of marginal solvent additive 1,2‐dichlorobenzene (ODCB) and non‐solvent additive 1,8‐diiodooctane (DIO) on the crystallization of poly[2,5‐bis(2‐octyldodecyl)pyrrolo‐[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐1,4(2H,5H)‐dione‐alt‐2,2′: 5′,2″: 5″,2″′‐quaterthiophene] (PDQT). The blends formed fibril structures in thin films, as revealed by transmission electron microscopy. The fibril density increased and the width decreased with the ODCB amount. The critical ODCB content to achieve constant fibril width is almost proportional to the concentration of PDQT. Higher ODCB content also results in higher fibril density in pure PDQT films. In contrast, the amount of DIO has a negligible influence on the fibril width and density of thin films. Moreover, novel dendritic fibrils were formed in PDQT films upon addition of ODCB. A model based on nucleation and growth is proposed to explain these findings. The heterogeneous nucleation was dominant with the presence of ODCB, while the homogeneous nucleation was prevailing when DIO was used. The results show that initial nucleation density and growth direction are key factors determining the fibril width.
Prognostic awareness in advanced cancer patients and their caregivers: A longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Loučka Martin , Vlčková Karolína , Tučková Anna , Poláková Kristýna , Houska Adam , Matějů Martin , Donátová Zuzana 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyse longitudinal development of prognostic awareness in advanced cancer patients and their families.MethodsThis was a longitudinal cohort study, involving 134 adult cancer patients, 91 primary family caregivers and 21 treating oncologists. Key eligibility criterion for patients was life expectancy less than 1 year (estimated by their oncologists using the 12‐month surprised question). Structured interviews, including tools to measure prognostic awareness, health information needs, and demographics were conducted face to face or via phone three times over 9 months. Forty‐four patients completed all three phases of data collection.ResultsOnly 16% of patients reported accurate prognostic awareness, 58% being partially aware. Prognostic awareness of both patients and family caregivers remained stable over the course of the study, with only small non‐significant changes. Gender, education, type of cancer, spirituality or health information needs were not associated with the level of prognostic awareness. Family caregivers reported more accurate prognostic awareness, which was not associated with patients' own prognostic awareness (agreement rate 59%, weighted kappa 0.348, CI = 0.185–0.510).ConclusionsPrognostic awareness appears to be a stable concept over the course of the illness. Clinicians must focus on the initial patients' understanding of the disease and be able to communicate the prognostic information effectively from the early stages of patients' trajectory.
Psychometric evaluation of the brief RCOPE and relationships with psychological functioning among caregivers of children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: McGrady Meghan E. , Mara Constance A. , Geiger‐Behm Karen , Ragsdale Judith , Davies Stella M. , Schwartz Lisa A. , Phipps Sean , Pai Ahna L. H. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectiveSpiritual and religious (S/R) coping is a relevant yet understudied domain of coping among caregivers of children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT). The aims of this manuscript are to: (1) conduct the first psychometric evaluation of the Brief RCOPE in this population; (2) examine levels of and changes in S/R coping over time; and (3) explore the relationship between S/R coping trajectories and psychological functioning post‐HCT.MethodsCaregivers (n = 170) of children (ages ≤12 years, n = 170) undergoing HCT completed the Brief RCOPE and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) pre‐ and at multiple time points post‐HCT discharge. Factor structure, internal consistency, and validity were examined. Growth mixture models were used to identify subgroups with similar S/R coping trajectories, with group memberships added to mixture models to explore relationships between group membership and caregiver psychological functioning trajectories.ResultsThe Brief RCOPE exhibited the previously‐supported two factor structure and each subscale demonstrated strong internal consistency (α = 0.85 and 0.92). Validity was supported by significant correlations with BSI scores. There were distinct subgroups of caregivers with different patterns of positive (n = 4 subgroups) and negative (n = 3 subgroups) S/R coping, with negative coping subgroup membership predicting changes in psychological functioning.ConclusionsThe Brief RCOPE is a promising measure for assessing S/R coping among caregivers of children undergoing HCT and has the potential to identify caregivers at risk for poorer long‐term psychological functioning.
Facile Synthesis of Manganese Tellurite Nanoparticles for Magnetic Resonance Imaging‐Guided Photothermal Therapy
Authors: He Yu , Guo Yating , Yu Yanbin , Luo Peifu , Qiu Honglong , Huang Guoming 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this study, manganese tellurite (MnTeO3) nanoparticles are developed as theranostic agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐guided photothermal therapy of tumor. MnTeO3 nanoparticles are synthesized via a simple one‐step method. The as‐synthesized MnTeO3 nanoparticles with uniform size show good biocompatibility. In particular, MnTeO3 nanoparticles exhibit a high photothermal conversion efficiency (η = 26.3%), which is higher than that of gold nanorods. Moreover, MnTeO3 nanoparticles also have high MRI performance. The longitudinal relaxivity (r1) value of MnTeO3 nanoparticles is determined to be 8.08 ± 0.2 mm−1 s−1, which is higher than that of clinically approved T1‐contrast agents Gd‐DTPA (4.49 ± 0.1 mm−1 s−1). The subsequent MnTeO3 nanoparticles‐mediated photothermal therapy displays a highly efficient ablation of tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo with negligible toxicity. It is demonstrated that MnTeO3 nanoparticles can serve as promising theranostic agents with great potentials for MRI‐guided photothermal therapy.
Plasma proteomics analysis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients revealed by Quadrupole‐Orbitrap mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Qi , Wang Chi , Liu Jiayu , Sun Jingru , Wang Chengbin , Zhang Xuesong 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectiveWe aim to investigate the changes of plasma proteome among mild, severe adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients and healthy controls.MethodsIn this retrospective study, there were 84 individuals including 56 confirmed AIS patients (27 follow‐up AIS patients and 29 surgical AIS patients) and another 28 healthy teenagers. Plasma samples were obtained and Quadrupole‐Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer was performed to identify proteins in AIS patients and control group. T‐test and ANOVA were performed to screen for differential proteins. GO and KEGG pathway, Pearson's correlation analysis and PLS model were applied to identify enriched proteins, investigate correlation between proteins and Cobb angles. ELISA was performed to further verify the quantitative proteomics results.ResultsA total of 349 proteins were identified, among which 55 protein levels changed significantly in AIS group, compared with control group. Post hoc test indicated 36 proteins were significantly different between surgical and control group, 35 proteins between follow‐up and control group. Fibronectin, fibrinogen and calmodulin were statistically different among three groups through mass spectrometry and were positively correlated with the Cobb angle.ConclusionsWe performed the proteomic study and revealed that fibronectin, fibrinogen and calmodulin might not only be considered as biomarkers for AIS but could be correlated with curve severity.
Exploratory assessment of pineal gland volume, composition, and urinary 6‐sulfatoxymelatonin levels on prostate cancer risk
Authors: Bazzi Latifa A. , Sigurdardottir Lara G. , Sigurdsson Sigurdur , Valdimarsdottir Unnur , Torfadottir Johanna , Aspelund Thor , Czeisler Charles A. , Lockley Steven W. , Jonsson Eirikur , Launer Lenore , Harris Tamara , Gudnason Vilmundur , Mucci Lorelei A. , Markt Sarah C. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIntroductionMelatonin levels are partially driven by the parenchyma volume of the pineal gland. Low urinary levels of 6‐sulfatoxymelatonin have been associated with increased risk of advanced prostate cancer, but the relationship between pineal gland volume and composition and prostate cancer risk has not been examined.Materials and MethodsWe utilized data from 864 men from the AGES‐Reykjavik Study with complete pineal gland volumes and urinary 6‐sulfatoxymelatonin measurements. Pineal parenchyma, calcification, and cyst volumes were calculated from brain magnetic resonance imaging. Levels of 6‐sulfatoxymelatonin were assayed from prediagnostic urine samples. We calculated Pearson correlation coefficients between parenchyma volume and urinary 6‐sulfatoxymelatonin levels. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to calculate multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) comparing prostate cancer risk across parenchyma volume tertiles and across categories factoring in parenchyma volume, gland composition, and urinary 6‐sulfatoxymelatonin level.ResultsParenchyma volume was moderately correlated with urinary 6‐sulfatoxymelatonin level (r = .24; p < .01). There was no statistically significant association between parenchyma volume tertile and prostate cancer risk. Men with high parenchyma volume, pineal cysts and calcifications, and low urinary 6‐sulfatoxymelatonin levels had almost twice the risk of total prostate cancer as men with low parenchyma volume, no pineal calcifications or cysts, and low urinary 6‐sulfatoxymelatonin levels (HR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.02, 3.84; p: .04).ConclusionsAlthough parenchyma volume is not associated with prostate cancer risk, pineal gland composition and other circadian dynamics may influence risk for prostate cancer. Additional studies are needed to examine the interplay of pineal gland volume, composition, and melatonin levels on prostate cancer risk.
M2a macrophage can rescue proliferation and gene expression of benign prostate hyperplasia epithelial and stroma cells from insulin‐like growth factor 1 knockdown
Authors: Qian Qiaofeng , He Weixiang , Liu Daoquan , Yin Jing , Ye Linpeng , Chen Ping , Xu Deqiang , Liu Jianmin , Li Yan , Zeng Guang , Li Mingzhou , Wu Zhonghua , Zhang Yingao , Wang Xinghuan , DiSanto Michael E. , Zhang Xinhua 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundBenign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease in elderly men and is often accompanied by chronic inflammation. Macrophages (several subtypes) are the main inflammatory cells that infiltrate the hyperplastic prostate and are found to secrete cytokines and growth factors. The current study aims to explore the effect of M2a macrophages on the development of BPH via insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1).MethodsHuman prostate tissues, prostate, and monocyte cell lines (WPMY‐1, BPH‐1, and THP‐1) were used. THP‐1 was polarized into several subtypes with cytokines. The expression and localization of IGF‐1 and M2 macrophages were determined via immunofluorescent staining, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analysis. Flow cytometry and 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays were used to investigate the effects of different subtypes of macrophages on prostate cells. IGF‐1 in WPMY‐1 and BPH‐1 cells was silenced and cocultured with or without M2a macrophages. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and fibrosis processes were examined.ResultsThe polarized subtypes of macrophages were verified by amplifying their specific markers. M2a macrophages enhanced prostate cell proliferation more significantly and CD206 was more expressed in hyperplastic prostate. IGF‐1 was localized in both epithelial and stromal components of prostate and upregulated in BPH tissues. M2a macrophages expressed more IGF‐1 than other subtypes. Knockdown of IGF‐1 in WPMY‐1 and BPH‐1 cells attenuated cell proliferation, promoted cell apoptosis, retarded cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase, and suppressed the EMT process in BPH‐1 cells as well as the fibrotic process in WPMY‐1 cells, which was reversible when cocultured with M2a macrophages.ConclusionThese data demonstrated that knockdown of IGF‐1 expression in cultured BPH epithelial and stromal cells reduces proliferation and increases apoptosis. These effects are reversed by coculture with M2a macrophages.
Inferring metal binding sites in flexible regions of proteins
Authors: Garg Aditi , Pal Debnath 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMetal ions are central to the molecular function of many proteins. Thus their knowledge in experimentally determined structure is important; however, such structures often lose bound metal ions during sample preparation. Identification of these metal‐binding site(s) becomes difficult when the receptor is novel and/or their conformations differ in the bound/unbound states. Locating such sites in theoretical models also poses a challenge due to the uncertainties with side‐chain modeling. We address the problem by employing the Geometric Hashing algorithm to create a template library of functionally important binding sites and match query structures with the available templates. The matching is done on the structure ensemble obtained from coarse‐grained molecular dynamics simulation, where metal‐specific amino acids are screened to infer the true site. Test on 1347 non‐redundant monomer protein structures show that Ca2+, Zn2+, Mg2+, Cu2+, and Fe3+ binding site residues can be classified at 0.92, 0.95, 0.80, 0.90, and 0.92 aggregate performance (out of 1) across all possible thresholds. The performance for Ca2+ and Zn2+ is notably superior in comparison to state‐of‐the‐art methods like IonCom and MIB. Specific case studies show that additionally predicted metal‐binding site residues in proteins have features necessary for ion binding. These include new sites not predicted by other methods. The use of coarse‐grained dynamics thus provides a generalized approach to improve metal‐binding site prediction. The work is expected to contribute to improving our ability to correctly predict protein molecular function where knowledge of metal binding is a key requirement.