bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors of early thyroid dysfunction after definitive radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients
Authors: Lian Chen‐Lu , Zhuo Ren‐Gong , Zhou Rui , Yu Yi‐Feng , Zhou Ping , Lin Qin , Wu San‐Gang 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundTo explore the patterns and risk factors of early thyroid dysfunction in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients within 1 year after intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).MethodsPatients with NPC who received definitive IMRT between April 2016 and April 2020 were included. All patients had normal thyroid function before definitive IMRT. The chi‐square test, Student's T‐test, Mann–Whitney U test, Kaplan–Meier method, receiver operating characteristics curve, and Cox proportional hazard analysis were used for statistical analysis.ResultsA total of 132 NPC patients were identified. Of these patients, 56 (42.4%) had hypothyroidism and 17 (12.9%) had hyperthyroidism. The median time to hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism was 9 months (range, 1–12 months) and 1 month (range, 1–6 months) after definitive IMRT, respectively. In patients with hypothyroidism, 41 (73.2%) had subclinical hypothyroidism and 15 (26.8%) had clinical hypothyroidism. In those with hyperthyroidism, 12 patients (70.6%) had subclinical hyperthyroidism, and five patients (29.4%) had clinical hyperthyroidism. Age, clinical stage, thyroid volume, and V45 were independent risk factors for early radiation‐induced hypothyroidism within 1 year after IMRT. Patients aged <47 years, stage III/IV disease, or pre‐irradiation thyroid volume < 14 cm3 had higher risks of developing hypothyroidism.ConclusionPrimary subclinical hypothyroidism was the most common subtype of early thyroid dysfunction in NPC patients within 1 year after IMRT. Age, clinical stage, thyroid volume, and V45 were independent risk factors for early radiation‐induced hypothyroidism in NPC patients.
Prolonged second stage of labor: Predictors of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in a sub‐Saharan setting
Authors: Hyredin Tofike , Urgie Tadesse , Sium Abraham Fessehaye 
Published: July 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the predictors of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes among parturients with prolonged second stage of labor.MethodsThis study is a cross‐sectional study of women with prolonged second stage of labor from January 1 to June 30, 2021, in four tertiary hospitals in Ethiopia. Data were collected prospectively using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze baseline characteristics. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to determine predictors of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.ResultsA total of 406 women were included in the study. More than half (25/46, 54%) of the women with a prolonged second stage of 4 h or longer had vaginal delivery, which was lower than the 73% (140/190) of women who had a second stage of 2–3 h and the 63.4% (64/101) of women with a second stage duration of 3–4 h. Duration of second stage of labor was not a predictor of composite adverse maternal outcomes nor was it a predictor of adverse perinatal outcome. Operative vaginal delivery (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 6.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.41–14.9) and nulliparity (aOR 4.1, 95% CI 1.58–10.41) were predictors of adverse maternal outcome, but nulliparity (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.05–3.04) and duration of rupture of membranes greater than 18 h (aOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.21–4.93) were predictors of adverse perinatal outcomes.ConclusionUnder strict fetal and maternal well‐being monitoring, women with a prolonged second stage of labor can labor for an additional 2 h (up to a total of 4 h) without increasing adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.
An assessment of CMIP6 climate signals and biases in temperature, precipitation and soil moisture over Europe
Authors: Ossó Albert , Craig Philip , Allan Richard P. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe CMIP6 projections constitute the basis of our latest understanding of the climate response to anthropogenic forcing. However, there is still considerable uncertainty in the projections, especially at the regional scale. One way to constrain the uncertainty is by comparing the models historical climate change signals against observations and investigate the physical reasons for divergences. Here, we assess the signal‐to‐noise ratio (S/N) of surface air temperature (SAT), precipitation (PREC) and soil moisture (SM) over Europe for a set of CMIP6 historical simulations and compare them against the E‐OBS observational product and the ERA5 reanalysis. We found considerable divergences between the CMIP6 ensemble mean S/N and that of E‐OBS and ERA5, as well as between ERA5 and E‐OBS. The latter indicates that the S/N is affected by data coverage. We show that the differences among model signals are associated with different atmospheric circulation responses. We also investigate the potential relationships between the models' signals and climatological biases, and we found evidence that the models with a warm climatological bias in southern Europe tend to have smaller SAT signals (warm less). Finally, we found no apparent relationship between SM biases and the warming signal, suggesting that the mechanism by which SM–atmosphere interactions affect climate variability does not explain the mean changes. However, there is a tendency for models with higher SM to dry faster than models with lower SM.
In parenteral nutrition–fed piglets, fatty acids vary by lipid emulsion and tissue sampled
Authors: Pauline Mirielle L. , Huynh Caitlin , Wizzard Pamela R. , Nation Patrick N. , Field Catherine J. , Wales Paul W. , Turner Justine M. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundChildren with intestinal failure without liver disease may be given soy‐based lipid emulsion (SLE) or mixed lipid emulsion (MLE; containing soy, medium‐chain triglyceride, olive, and/or fish oils). Both differ in essential fatty acid content: MLE has added arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The aim of this study, in neonatal piglets, was to compare serum and tissue fatty acid composition when the emulsions were given at unrestricted doses.MethodsWe compared SLE (n = 15) and MLE (n = 15) at doses of 10–15 g/kg/day in parenteral nutrition (PN). On day 14 we collected serum and tissues. Using gas‐liquid chromatography, percentage fatty acids were measured in serum, brain, and liver phospholipid. Comparisons were made to reference values from litter‐matched controls (n = 8).ResultsComparing median values, linoleic acid (LA) was lower for MLE vs SLE in serum (−27%), liver (−45%), and brain (−33%) (P < 0.001). AA was lower for MLE in serum (−25%), liver (−40%), and brain (−10%). DHA was higher for MLE in serum (+50%), liver (+200%), and brain (+10%). AA levels were lower for MLE vs control piglets in serum (−81%), liver (−63%), and brain (−9%). DHA levels were higher in serum (+41%), liver (+38%), and brain (+19%).ConclusionThis study in piglets has shown that, at unrestricted doses, MLE treatment is associated with low serum and tissue AA compared with SLE and healthy litter‐matched controls. Although not yet proven, low tissue AA levels may have functional consequences, and these data support current practice avoiding MLE dose restriction.
Economic policy uncertainty and enterprise strategic change: Evidence from China
Authors: Li Chao , Huo Mengjun , Li Chun , Li Guodong , Liu Renhuai 
Published: July 2023

AbstractA consensus in the field of strategic management is that the external environment plays a role in shaping corporate strategy. However, as an important part of the enterprise's external environment, the relationship between economic policy uncertainty and enterprise strategic change has not received due attention. Based on real options theory, principal‐agent theory, and resource‐based view (RBV), this paper empirically analyzes the impact of economic policy uncertainty on enterprise strategic change by taking A‐share listed companies in the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges from 2002 to 2020 as research samples, as well as the moderating roles of precipitation organizational slack and ownership property. The authors found that economic policy uncertainty has a restraining effect on enterprise strategic change. When economic policy uncertainty is higher, enterprises will stop and wait, and be less inclined to initiate strategic change. Precipitation organizational slack negatively moderates the relationship between economic policy uncertainty and enterprise strategic change. When enterprises have more precipitation organizational slack, it will further enhance the inhibition of economic policy uncertainty on enterprise strategic change. Ownership property positively moderates the relationship between economic policy uncertainty and enterprise strategic change. When the enterprise is a state‐owned enterprise, it will further weaken the inhibition effect of economic policy uncertainty on enterprise strategic change.
Significant tortuosity of the internal carotid artery encountered during neck dissection
Authors: Takaoka Shohei , Uchida Fumihiko , Fukuzawa Satoshi , Ishibashi‐Kanno Naomi , Yamagata Kenji , Bukawa Hiroki 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe internal carotid artery (ICA) is one of the vital structures of the head and neck region to be preserved during neck dissection. It may present several unusual forms of tortuousness, and surgeons should be mindful of these variations while performing surgeries.Case presentationThe patient is an 80‐year‐old woman presented with a T2N0M0 squamous cell carcinoma affecting the left side of the tongue. During neck dissection, significant tortuosity of the ICA was observed. With careful surgical manipulation, the surgery was a success, avoiding any potential damage.ConclusionSurgeons must avoid the potentially fatal complication through a detailed preoperative imaging evaluation and careful intraoperative observation.
Escaping social–ecological traps through ecological restoration and socioeconomic development in China's Loess Plateau
Authors: Wang Zhuangzhuang , Fu Bojie , Wu Xutong , Li Yingjie , Wang Shuai , Lu Nan 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

The social–ecological trap is an emerging concept that describes situations in which self‐reinforcing social and ecological feedbacks maintain or push a social–ecological system towards an undesirable state and threaten the sustainability of human societies. Understanding a system's feedback loops and identifying the leading factors of such traps is essential to develop effective management strategies to warn, avoid and escape traps.

To better understand the dynamics of social–ecological traps, we developed a quantitative diagnostic framework that combines the social–ecological network approach and composite system state index. We demonstrated the effectiveness of the framework by examining the rural social–ecological evolution in China's Loess Plateau (LP) from 1949 to 2020, an area once faced with severe social–ecological challenges such as soil erosion, land degradation and poverty.

Our analysis identified three stages of trap dynamics in LP: locked in the trap (1949–1981), reacting to the trap (1981–2003) and escaping the trap (2003–2020). In the first stage, LP was locked into an undesirable trajectory where reinforcing feedback occurs between rapid population growth, limited livelihood opportunities, excessive reliance on agriculture and severe soil erosion. Our results also found that the LP has made significant progress in escaping this social–ecological trap during the 21st century through ecological restoration practices and socioeconomic development.

Similar social–ecological traps are also observed in many other regions of the world, particularly in developing countries. Our analysis recommends three pathways for addressing social–ecological traps in the LP: (1) promoting urbanization and livelihood diversity, (2) implementing site‐specific engineering measures (e.g. terraces and check dams in the LP) and (3) investing in ecological restoration programs. Escaping the trap is not the end of the story, but could be an early stage of another trap. Policymakers and managers should keep assessing and monitoring the policy practices and outcomes to avoid entering new trap situations.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
A review on fungal pullulan as a natural polymer focusing on targeted therapy for colon cancer and other pharmaceutical applications
Authors: Hazra Ahana , Chatterjee Sohini , Mohanta Abhishek , Paul Pankaj , Samanta Amalesh 
Published: July 2023

AbstractColon cancer is the second most invasive cancer and fourth most common malignant neoplasm worldwide. Targeted oral colonic drug delivery systems have attracted considerable attention in the treatment of colon cancer due to their superior properties. However, the delivery of drugs safely and effectively to the target site of the colon tumor is a hindrance due to the complexity of the gastrointestinal structure. Herein, to achieve an effective delivery system specifically targeting the colon, we have taken concern by using natural polymer such as pullulan, signifying its flexibility and relevance in biomaterials science to design antineoplastic approaches. Here, we summarize the physicochemical properties, different pullulan derivatives and their biomedical application, several colon cancer‐related treatment, and pullulan and its derivatives‐based delivery systems towards colonic tissue.
A novel mobile health application to support cancer surveillance needs of patients and families with cancer predisposition syndromes
Authors: Alvarez Santiago J. Arconada , Pencheva Bojana , Westfall Eleanor , Mwalija Comfort , Parsell Maren , Greenleaf Morgan , Porter Christopher C. , Lam Wilbur A. , Mannino Robert G. , Mitchell Sarah G. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundAt least 5%–10% of malignancies occur secondary to an underlying cancer predisposition syndrome (CPS). For these families, cancer surveillance is recommended with the goal of identifying malignancy earlier, in a presumably more curable form. Surveillance protocols, including imaging studies, bloodwork, and procedures, can be complex and differ based on age, gender, and syndrome, which adversely affect adherence. Mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) have been utilized in oncology and could help to facilitate adherence to cancer surveillance protocols.MethodsApplying a user‐centered mobile app design approach, patients with a CPS and/or primary caregivers were interviewed to identify current methods for care management and barriers to compliance with recommended surveillance protocols. Broad themes from these interviews informed the design of the mobile app, HomeTown, which was subsequently evaluated by usability experts. The design was then converted into software code in phases, evaluated by patients and caregivers in an iterative fashion. User population growth and app usage data were assessed.ResultsCommon themes identified included general distress surrounding surveillance protocol scheduling and results, difficulty remembering medical history, assembling a care team, and seeking resources for self‐education. These themes were translated into specific functional app features, including push reminders, syndrome‐specific surveillance recommendations, ability to annotate visits and results, storage of medical histories, and links to reliable educational resources.ConclusionsFamilies with CPS demonstrate a desire for mHealth tools to facilitate adherence to cancer surveillance protocols, reduce related distress, relay medical information, and provide educational resources. HomeTown may be a useful tool for engaging this patient population.
Mixed‐methods analysis of decisional regret in parents following a child's death from cancer
Authors: Feifer Deborah , Broden Elizabeth G. , Xiong Niya , Mazzola Emanuele , Baker Justin N. , Wolfe Joanne , Snaman Jennifer M. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackground and objectivesDecisional regret is common in bereaved parents. We aimed to identify factors associated with and to explain patterns of parental decisional regret.MethodsWe used a convergent mixed‐methods design including quantitative items and free‐text responses from a survey of parents 6–24 months from their child's death from cancer. Parents expressed whether they had regrets about decisions during the end of their child's life (Yes/No/I don't know) and elaborated with free text. Results of qualitative content analysis of free‐text responses guided development and interpretation of quantitative multinomial models.ResultsParents (N = 123 surveys, N = 84 free text) primarily identified as White (84%), mothers (63%), and primary caregivers (69%) for their children. Forty‐seven (38%) parents reported decisional regret, 61 (49%) indicated no regret, and 15 (12%) were unsure. Mothers (relative risk [RR]: 10.3, 95%CI: [1.3, 81.3], p = .03) and parents who perceived greater suffering at the end of their child's life (RR = 3.8, 95%CI: [1.2, 11.7], p = .02) were at increased risk of regret; qualitative evaluation revealed elements of self‐blame and difficulty reconciling treatment choices with the ultimate outcome. Preparation for symptoms was associated with decreased risk of regret (RR = 0.1, 95%CI: [0, .3], p < .01) with qualitative reflections focused on balanced teamwork that alerted parents for what to expect and how to make meaningful final memories.ConclusionsThough decisional regret is common among cancer‐bereaved parents, mothers and those who perceive more suffering in their children may be at particular risk. Close collaboration between families and clinicians to prepare for symptoms and proactively attend to and minimize suffering may help alleviate decisional regret.
A novel electrochemical ion imprinting sensor modified with carbon nanocomposites and its high selectivity for cadmium ion detection in real samples
Authors: Zhang Yi , Xu Wanzhen , Liu Yanmeng , Huang Weihong , Yang Wenming 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDue to their high toxicity, potential for bioaccumulation and carcinogenicity, heavy metal pollutants have harmed the environment. Cadmium is a dangerous heavy metal that can accumulate easily in the human body. Long‐term exposure to cadmium‐contaminated environments can result in numerous diseases. A novel electrochemical sensor based on multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)–imprinted polymer and reduced graphene oxide–titanium oxide (rGO@TiO2) is reported which was used to detect cadmium ions in actual samples in a highly sensitive and precise method. By using the surface imprinting technique to adhere the imprinted polymer to the surface of the MWCNTs, the template removal rate and cavity utilization rate are increased. At the same time, the electron transfer rate is increased by the MWCNTs’ superior electrochemical performance and higher conductivity. Transmission electron microscopy was used to characterize the composite's morphology. Cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to describe the imprinted polymer's electrochemical behavior. The findings demonstrate the sensor's excellent cadmium ion selectivity. Under ideal experimental conditions, the electrochemical sensor has a good linear relationship in the range of 10−9 to 10−6 mol L−1, and the detection limit is 1.12 × 10−9 mol L−1. The novel sensor offers outstanding repeatability and stability in addition to good selectivity and sensitivity. Eventually, real samples were successfully used to apply the electrochemical sensor for the detection of trace Cd(II) (river water, tap water and rice). © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Teacher–student relationships, stress, and psychosocial functioning during early adolescence
Authors: Keane Kevin , Evans Retta R. , Orihuela Catheryn A. , Mrug Sylvie 
Published: July 2023

AbstractEarly adolescence is a time of increased stress and risk for poorer psychosocial functioning, but few studies have explored the relationship between stress and psychosocial functioning in the context of teacher–student relationships during early adolescence. This study used a two‐wave longitudinal design to investigate the unique and interactive effects of stress and teacher–student relationships on anxiety/depression, aggression, and rule‐breaking behaviors. The sample included 288 sixth‐ and seventh‐grade students (Mage = 12.01; 54% females; 47% Black, 36% White, 9% Hispanic) and their parents and teachers. Student‐perceived stress and teacher‐reported teacher–student conflict were related to more aggressive and rule breaking behaviors at Wave 1; perceived stress also predicted more anxiety/depression symptoms at Wave 1. Further, teacher‐reported teacher–student closeness predicted less aggressive behaviors over time. The findings suggest that interventions that promote stress management and positive teacher–student relationships may reduce adjustment problems concurrently and over time among early adolescents.
Status of genome function annotation in model organisms and crops
Authors: Xue Bo , Rhee Seung Y. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractSince the entry into genome‐enabled biology several decades ago, much progress has been made in determining, describing, and disseminating the functions of genes and their products. Yet, this information is still difficult to access for many scientists and for most genomes. To provide easy access and a graphical summary of the status of genome function annotation for model organisms and bioenergy and food crop species, we created a web application (https://genomeannotation.rheelab.org) to visualize, search, and download genome annotation data for 28 species. The summary graphics and data tables will be updated semi‐annually, and snapshots will be archived to provide a historical record of the progress of genome function annotation efforts. Clear and simple visualization of up‐to‐date genome function annotation status, including the extent of what is unknown, will help address the grand challenge of elucidating the functions of all genes in organisms.
Binding and transport of LPS occurs through the coordinated combination of an array of sites across the entire Escherichia coliLPS transport protein LptA
Authors: Schultz Kathryn M. , Schneider John R. , Fischer Matthew A. , Cina Nicholas P. , Riegert Molly O. , Frank Dara W. , Klug Candice S. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe outer leaflet of the outer membrane (OM) of bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and other important pathogens is largely composed of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is essential to nearly all Gram‐negative bacteria. LPS is transported to the outer leaflet of the OM through a yet unknown mechanism by seven proteins that comprise the LPS transport system. LptA, the only entirely periplasmic Lpt protein, bridges the periplasmic space between the IM LptB2FGC and the OM LptDE complexes. LptA is postulated to protect the hydrophobic acyl chains of LPS as it crosses the hydrophilic periplasm, is essential to cell viability, and contains many conserved residues distributed across the protein. To identify which side chains are required for function of E. coli LptA in vivo, we performed a systematic, unbiased, high‐throughput screen of the effect of 172 single alanine substitutions on cell viability utilizing an engineered BL21 derivative with a chromosomal knockout of the lptA gene. Remarkably, LptA is highly tolerant to amino acid substitution with alanine. Only four alanine mutants could not complement the chromosomal knockout; CD spectroscopy showed that these substitutions resulted in proteins with significantly altered secondary structure. In addition, 29 partial loss‐of‐function mutants were identified that led to OM permeability defects; interestingly, these sites were solely located within β‐strands of the central core of the protein and each resulted in misfolding of the protein. Therefore, no single residue within LptA is responsible for LPS binding, supporting previous EPR spectroscopy data indicating that sites across the entire protein work in concert to bind and transport LPS.