bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation of P/N/Si‐containing covalent organic framework‐based flame retardants and their application in epoxy resins
Authors: Liu Jian , Yu Yongxin , Ji Xiaoli 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBalancing the enhancement of flame retardancy of epoxy resin while maintaining its mechanical capacities intact poses a significant challenge in the realm of flame‐retardant epoxy resins. To reach the above objectives, a COF‐based synergistic flame retardant with phosphorus, nitrogen, and silicon (PA‐COF@MT) was synthesized using phytic acid (PA), montmorillonite (MT), and covalent organic framework (COF). When PA‐COF@MT was added at 4 wt%, EP/PA‐COF@MT exhibited a reduction of 42.1% in peak heat release rate (PHRR), 45.84% in total heat release (THR), and 59.8% in total smoke production (TSP) compared with the pure EP. LOI increased by 30.5% and UL‐94 tested to V‐0 grade. flame‐retardant index (FRI) value of 3.03, achieving a “good” rating. Fire growth indices and mean effective combustion heat were increased while mechanical properties also improved. These findings suggest that the flame retarding mechanism of PA‐COF@MT is mainly through vapor phase and condensed phase actions. The combined effects of phosphorus, nitrogen, and silicon make the surface of carbon residue solid and dense, resulting in excellent heat insulation and smoke suppression effects. In simple terms, this study provides new insights into COF‐based flame retardants. Combining low‐cost and simple preparation methods, PA‐COF@MT has broad application prospects in flame‐retardant epoxy resin systems.
Frontal sinus size in South African Later Stone Age Holocene Khoe‐San
Authors: Grine Frederick E. , Post Nicholas W. , Greening Victoria , Crevecoeur Isabelle , Billings Brendon K. , Meyer Anja , Holt Sharon , Black Wendy , Morris Alan G. , Veeramah Krishna R. , Mongle Carrie S. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractFrontal size variation is comparatively poorly sampled among sub‐Saharan African populations. This study assessed frontal sinus size in a sample of Khoe‐San skeletal remains from South African Later Stone Age contexts. Volumes were determined from CT scans of 102 adult crania; individual sex could be estimated in 82 cases. Sinus volume is not sexually dimorphic in this sample. The lack of frontal sinus aplasia is concordant with the low incidences recorded for other sub‐Saharan African and most other global populations save those that inhabit high latitudes. There is considerable variation in frontal sinus size among global populations, and the Khoe‐San possess among the smallest. The Khoe‐San have rather diminutive sinuses compared to sub‐Saharan Bantu‐speaking populations but resemble a northern African (Sudanese) population. Genetic studies indicate the earliest population divergence within Homo sapiens to have been between the Khoe‐San and all other living groups, and that this likely occurred in Africa during the span of Marine Isotope Stages 8–6. There is scant information on frontal sinus development among Late Quaternary African fossils that are likely either closely related or attributable to Homo sapiens. Among these, the MIS 3 cranium from Hofmeyr, South Africa, exhibits distinct Khoe‐San cranial affinities and despite its large size has a very small frontal sinus. This raises the possibility that the small frontal sinuses of the Holocene South African Khoe‐San might be a feature retained from an earlier MIS 3 population.
Evaluation of the temperature adaptation of three rubber tree pest mites based on their two‐sex life table
Authors: Wang Weihua , Wan Sanlian , Zheng Lijiu , Zhang Fangping , Chen Junyu 
Published: August 2024

AbstractTo determine the optimal temperature range for the development and reproduction of three spider mites (Eotetranychus sexmaculatus, Eotetranychus orientalis, and Oligonychus biharensis), this study investigated their developmental period, survival rate, lifespan, and reproduction under five temperatures, 21, 24, 27, 30, and 33°C, to predict and control in the field. With the gathered data, a two‐sex life table was constructed for each of them. The results revealed that as the temperature increased, both O. biharensis and E. orientalis displayed a gradual reduction in their generation period. Furthermore, an inverse relationship was observed between lifespan and temperature for all three spider mite species. When examining the survival rates at varying temperatures, E. sexmaculatus exhibited the highest rate (98%) at 33°C, while E. orientalis and O. biharensis demonstrated their highest survival rates at 24°C, reaching 90% and 100% respectively. Regarding reproduction, O. biharensis displayed the highest oviposition rates at 30°C with an average of 17.45 eggs per individual. Conversely, E. sexmaculatus and E. orientalis exhibited the highest oviposition rates at 33°C, averaging at 15.22 and 21.38 eggs per individual respectively. Significantly higher intrinsic growth rates were observed for O. biharensis and E. orientalis at 33°C, with rates of 0.22 and 0.26 respectively. In contrast, E. sexmaculatus demonstrated the highest intrinsic growth rate at 27°C. The temperature of 27°C was more suitable for the growth of the E. sexmaculatus, while 33°C was the optimal temperature for the E. orientalis and O. biharensis. The current findings provide valuable guidance for the control and prevention of these three spider mites.
All for one and one for all: The good inclusion game
Authors: Graham Scott , Keenan Mickey , Dillenburger Karola 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe Good Inclusion Game (GIG) is a class‐wide education intervention employing interdependent group contingencies to increase inclusive behaviors between pupils with and without special educational needs (SEN). While previous research provided evidence of effectiveness when the class of children was split into two groups, it did not assess the effects of the GIG for one whole‐class group or in the long term. The present study addresses both of these issues. Using an ABAB design, results show a one‐team version of the GIG to be effective in increasing inclusive behaviors between pupils with and without SEN. Gains were maintained across time. Implications for inclusive education interventions and teacher training are discussed.
Truncation of a novel C‐terminal domain of a β‐glucanase improves its thermal stability and specific activity
Authors: Klemanska Anastasia , Dwyer Kelly , Walsh Gary 
Published: August 2024

AbstractEnzymes that degrade β‐glucan play important roles in various industries, including those related to brewing, animal feed, and health care. Csph16A, an endo‐β‐1,3(4)‐glucanase encoded by a gene from the halotolerant, xerotolerant, and radiotrophic black fungus Cladosporium sphaerospermum, was cloned and expressed in Pichia pastoris. Two isoforms (Csph16A.1 and Csph16A.2) are produced, arising from differential glycosylation. The proteins were predicted to contain a catalytic Lam16A domain, along with a C‐terminal domain (CTD) of unknown function which exhibits minimal secondary structure. Employing PCR‐mediated gene truncation, the CTD of Csph16A was excised to assess its functional impact on the enzyme and determine potential alterations in biotechnologically relevant characteristics. The truncated mutant, Csph16A‐ΔC, exhibited significantly enhanced thermal stability at 50°C, with D‐values 14.8 and 23.5 times greater than those of Csph16A.1 and Csph16A.2, respectively. Moreover, Csph16A‐ΔC demonstrated a 20%–25% increase in halotolerance at 1.25 and 1.5 M NaCl, respectively, compared to the full‐length enzymes. Notably, specific activity against cereal β‐glucan, lichenan, and curdlan was increased by up to 238%. This study represents the first characterization of a glucanase from the stress‐tolerant fungus C. sphaerospermum and the first report of a halotolerant and engineered endo‐β‐1,3(4)‐glucanase. Additionally, it sheds light on a group of endo‐β‐1,3(4)‐glucanases from Antarctic rock‐inhabiting black fungi harboring a Lam16A catalytic domain and a novel CTD of unknown function.
The survival outcomes of localized low‐risk prostate cancer, a population‐based study using NCDB
Authors: Mao Shifeng , Samiei Arash , Yin Yue , Wegner Rodney E. , Sanguino Angela , Lyne John , Miller Ralph , Cohen Jeffrey 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe optimal treatment approach for low‐risk prostate cancer (LRPC) remains controversial. While active surveillance is an increasingly popular option, definitive local treatments, including radical prostatectomy (RP), external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), and prostate seed implantation (PSI), are also commonly used. This study aimed to evaluate the survival outcomes of patients with LRPC using a large patient population from the National Cancer Database (NCDB).MethodsWe analyzed data from 195,452 patients diagnosed with LRPC between 2004 and 2015 using the NCDB. Patients were classified based on their treatment modalities, including RP, EBRT, PSI, or no local treatment (NLT). Only patients with Charlson–Deyo comorbidity scores of 0 or 1 were included to ensure comparability. Propensity score analysis was used to balance the treatment groups, and the accelerated failure time model was used to analyze the survival rates of the treatment groups.ResultsAfter a median follow‐up of 70.8 months, 24,545 deaths occurred, resulting in an all‐cause mortality rate of 13%. RP demonstrated a survival benefit compared with NLT, particularly in patients younger than 74 years of age. In contrast, radiation treatments (EBRT and PSI) did not improve survival in the younger age groups, except for patients older than 70 years for EBRT and older than 65 years for PSI. Notably, EBRT in patients younger than 65 years was associated with inferior outcomes.ConclusionThis study highlights the differences in survival outcomes among LRPC treatment modalities. RP was associated with improved survival compared to NLT, especially in younger patients. In contrast, EBRT and PSI showed survival benefits primarily in the older age groups. NLT is a reasonable choice, particularly in younger patients when RP is not chosen. These findings emphasize the importance of individualized treatment decisions for LRPC management.
Causes of death analysis and the prognostic model construction in neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix: A SEER‐based study
Authors: Yu Haijuan , Lin Yongtian , Lin Jie , Xie Ning , Liu Linying , Deng Sufang , Sun Yang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPurposeNeuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix (NECC) is rare but results in poor prognosis. The causes of death (CODs) in NECC patients are rarely reported. Our study aimed to explore the distributions of death causes of NECC patients compared with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (ADC) and to develop a validated survival prediction model.MethodsPatients diagnosed with NECC, SCC, or ADC were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program database from 1975 to 2019. We analyzed the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) to determine each cause of death for each survival time category. The Kaplan–Meier method was used for survival analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to establish a nomogram model.ResultsA total of 358 NECC patients were included in this study, and 270 (75.4%) died during the follow‐up period. Patients with NECC had 5.55 times (95% CI, 4.53–6.79, p < 0.0001) higher risk of death compared with patients with SCC and 10.38 times (95% CI, 8.28–13.01, p < 0.0001) higher compared with ADC. Cervical cancer is the main cause of death in NECC. As the diagnosis time increased, the risk of death from all causes and cervix cancer gradually decreased. While after at least 10 years of follow‐up time, the highest and most dramatical SMR values were observed for metastasis (SMR, 138.81; 95% CI, 37.82–355.40; p < 0.05) and other cancers as the reason for death has an over 7‐fold higher SMR (SMR: 7.07; 95% CI: 2.60–15.40, p < 0.05) more than 5 years after the cancer diagnosis. Race, FIGO stage, and surgery were independent risk factors for the overall survival (OS) of NECC patients. For the predictive nomogram, the C‐index was 0.711 (95% CI: 0.697–0.725) and was corrected to 0.709 (95% CI: 0.680, 0.737) by bootstrap 1000 resampling validation.ConclusionCompared with SCC and ADC, NECC patients have an elevated risk of mortality due to cervical cancer and metastasis. We successfully constructed a prognostic nomogram for patients with NECC. Based on refractoriness and high mortality of NECC, targeted treatment strategies and follow‐up plans should be further developed according to the risk of death and distribution characteristics of CODs.
Impact of intra‐tumoral immunity on predicting response and survival after neoadjuvant cisplatin‐based chemotherapy in patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Mendoza‐Valderrey Alberto , Choe Jane , Kessler Daria M. , Jimenez Gianna , Li Xinmin , Kolker Steven , Allen Warren , Linehan Jennifer A. , Twardowski Przemyslaw W. , Ascierto Maria Libera 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundNeoadjuvant cisplatin‐based chemotherapy (NAC) followed by cystectomy is the standard of care for patients with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Pathologic complete response (pCR) is associated with favorable outcomes, but only 30%–40% of patients achieve that response. The aim of this study is to investigate the role played by the Tumor and Immune Microenvironment (TIME) in association with the clinical outcome of patients with MIBC undergoing NAC.MethodsNineteen patients received NAC and were classified as pCR (n = 10) or non‐pCR (n = 9). Bulk RNA‐seq and immune protein evaluations using Digital Spatial Profiling (DSP) were performed on formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tumor biopsies collected before NAC (baseline). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) evaluation focused on CD3 and CD20 expression was performed on baseline and end‐of‐treatment (EOT) FFPEs. Baseline peripheral blood was assessed for lymphocyte and neutrophil counts. Kaplan–Meier analyses and Cox PH regression models were used for survival analyses (OS).ResultsIn the periphery, pCR patients showed lower neutrophil counts, and neutrophil/ lymphocyte ratio (NLR) when compared to non‐pCR patients. In the tumor microenvironment (TME), gene expression analysis and protein evaluations highlighted an abundance of B cells and CD3+ T cells in pCR versus non‐pCR patients. On the contrary, increased protein expression of ARG1+ cells, and cells expressing immune checkpoints such as LAG3, ICOS, and STING were observed in the TME of patients with non‐pCR.ConclusionsIn the current study, we demonstrated that lower NLR levels and increased CD3+ T cells and B cell infiltration are associated with improved response and long‐term outcomes in patients with MIBC receiving NAC. These findings suggest that the impact of immune environment should be considered in determining the clinical outcome of MIBC patients treated with NAC.
Complex evaluation of serum immunoglobulin levels in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Significant increase in IgA after first‐line chemoimmunotherapy
Authors: Vodárek Pavel , Écsiová Dominika , Řezáčová Vladimíra , Souček Ondřej , Šimkovič Martin , Vokurková Doris , Belada David , Žák Pavel , Smolej Lukáš 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe impact of chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) on immunoglobulin (Ig) quantities in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has not been extensively studied.MethodsWe analyzed Ig levels in 45 stable patients with indolent CLL (without indication for treatment) and 87 patients with progressive disease before first‐line treatment. Fifty‐five patients were evaluated again after the treatment with CIT.ResultsWe observed significantly lower levels of all Ig classes and subclasses in patients with progressive disease compared to patients with indolent disease. After treatment, median IgA increased from 0.59 g/L to 0.74 g/L (p = 0.0031). In stable patients, lower IgA2 was associated with shorter time to first treatment, although it did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.056). Shorter overall survival was observed in patients with progressive disease and lower IgG2 (p = 0.043). Surprisingly, among the patients with progressive CLL, unmutated IGHV genes were associated with higher levels of IgG, IgG1 and IgM, while TP53 mutation and/or 17p deletion were associated with higher levels of IgA and IgA1.ConclusionsCIT may lead to increase in IgA levels. Hypogammaglobulinemia is more common in patients with progressive CLL and unmutated IGHV or TP53 dysfunction.
Examining inequities associated with incarceration among breast cancer patients
Authors: Iwai Yoshiko , Yu Alice Yunzi L. , Thomas Samantha M. , Jones Tyler , Westbrook Kelly E. , Knittel Andrea K. , Fayanju Oluwadamilola M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIntroductionBreast cancer treatment patterns and quality of care among patients experiencing incarceration are underexplored. This study examined associations between incarceration and breast cancer disease and treatment characteristics.MethodsThis retrospective analysis was conducted at a tertiary center in the Southeastern United States that serves as the state's safety‐net hospital and primary referral site for the state's prisons. All patients ≥18 years diagnosed with breast cancer between 4/14/2014–12/30/2020 were included. Incarceration status was determined through electronic health record review. Linear regression was used to estimate the association of incarceration with time to treatment. Unadjusted overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method with log‐rank tests to compare groups.ResultsOf the 4329 patients included, 30 (0.7%) were incarcerated at the time of diagnosis or treatment (DI) and 4299 (99.3%) had no incarceration history (NI). Compared to patients who were NI, patients who were DI were younger (p < 0.001), more likely to be unmarried (p < 0.001), and more likely to have family history of breast cancer (p = 0.02). Patients who were DI had an increased time from diagnosis to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (+47.2 days on average, 95% CI 3.9–90.5, p = 0.03) and from diagnosis to surgery (+20 days on average, 95% CI 6.5–33.5, p = 0.02) compared to NI patients. No difference in OS was observed (log‐rank p = 0.70).ConclusionsPatients who are incarcerated experienced significant delays in breast cancer care. While no differences in mortality were appreciated, these findings are concerning, as they indicate poorer care coordination for patients who are incarcerated. Further research is necessary to understand the full scope of these disparities and elucidate factors that contribute to them.
A multivariate retrospective analysis of high‐grade gliomas: Survival and prognostic factors
Authors: Shi Weiyan , Wang Xuanzhong , Liu Shiyu , Zheng Zhuangzhuang , Dong Lihua , Jiang Xin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectivesHigh‐grade gliomas (HGGs) are highly malignant, aggressive, and have a high incidence and mortality rate. The aim of this study was to investigate survival outcomes and prognostic factors in patients with HGGs.MethodsIn this retrospective study, a total of 159 patients with histologically confirmed HGGs were included. The recruitment period was from January 2011 to December 2019. We evaluated patient demographic data, tumor characteristics, treatment methods, immunocytochemistry results, overall survival (OS) time, and progression‐free survival (PFS) time using Kaplan–<>Meier survival analysis with log‐rank testing. Additionally, we employed Cox regression analysis to identify independent factors associated with survival outcomes.ResultsKaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed that the 1‐, 2‐, and 5‐years OS rates were 81.8%, 50.3%, and 12.6%, respectively. Similarly, the 1‐, 2‐, and 5‐years PFS rates were 50.9%, 22.4%, and 3.1%, respectively. The median OS duration was 35.0 months. The univariate analysis indicated that postoperative pathological classification, grade, and age were significantly associated with patient outcomes (p < 0.01). Among the patients, 147 received concurrent chemoradiotherapy, while 12 did not. The immunohistochemical markers of ki‐67, MGMT, IDH1R132H, and p53 demonstrated statistically significant differences in their prognostic impact (p = 0.001, p = 0.020, p = 0.003, and p = 0.021, respectively). In conclusion, we found that grades, age, pathological classification, ki‐67, MGMT, and IDH1R132H expression were statistically significantly associated with PFS (p < 0.01, p = 0.004, p = 0.003, p = 0.001, p = 0.036, and p = 0.028). Additionally, immunohistochemical expressions of TRIB3 and AURKA were significantly higher in patients with shorter survival (p = 0.015 and p = 0.023).ConclusionsTumor grade and the use of concurrent chemoradiotherapy after surgery were independent prognostic factors that significantly influenced patient survival. Additionally, tumor grade and MGMT expression were found to be independent factors affecting progression‐free survival (PFS). Notably, the expression of TRIB3 and AURKA was higher in patients with poor survival outcomes.
Bringing ‘care’ back into locked residential institutions: What can we learn from adolescents' experiences of secure care?
Authors: Turcotte Mathilde , Fenchel François 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn Canada and elsewhere, efforts have been made to regulate the use of secure care on welfare grounds. Yet, studies raise questions about its usefulness as a psychosocial intervention since it appears to be mostly experienced as a punishment. The main objective of the current study was therefore to explore adolescents' experiences of secure care. We conducted qualitative interviews with 25 adolescents aged 14 to 17 years old while they were placed in secure care units in the province of Quebec, Canada. Uncertainty regarding how to exit secure care was the most important theme that emerged. Participants did not always understand the words used by practitioners to frame their expectations. Adolescents were also uncertain about how to prove they no longer presented a risk to others or themselves while being in locked settings. This uncertainty generated a lot of anger and distress. To get some control back, adolescents chose to just comply and pretend to agree with practitioners. The present paper questions the utility and even legitimacy of secure care as it is currently used. However, we argue that if an ethic of care predominated our conceptualisation of secure care, rather than an ethic of justice, adolescents could feel both secure and cared for.