bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The VRAC blocker DCPIB directly gates the BK channels and increases intracellular Ca2+ in melanoma and pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma cell lines
Authors: Zuccolini Paolo , Ferrera Loretta , Remigante Alessia , Picco Cristiana , Barbieri Raffaella , Bertelli Sara , Moran Oscar , Gavazzo Paola , Pusch Michael 
Published: February 2022

Background and purposeThe volume regulated anion channel (VRAC) is known to be involved in different aspects of cancer cell behaviour and response to therapies. For this reason, we investigated the effect of DCPIB, a presumably specific blocker of VRAC, in two types of cancer: pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and melanoma.Experimental approachWe used patch‐clamp electrophysiology, supported by Ca2+ imaging, gene expression analysis, docking simulation and mutagenesis. We employed two PDAC lines (Panc‐1 and MiaPaCa‐2), as well as a primary (IGR39) and a metastatic (IGR37) melanoma line.Key resultsDCPIB markedly increased whole‐cell currents in Panc‐1, MiaPaca2 and IGR39, but not in IGR37 cells. The currents were mostly mediated by KCa1.1 channels, commonly known as BK channels. We confirmed DCPIB activation of BK channels also in HEK293 cells transfected with α subunits of this channel. Further experiments showed that in IGR39, and to a smaller degree also in Panc‐1 cells, DCPIB induced a rapid Ca2+ influx. This, in turn, indirectly potentiated BK channels and, in IGR39 cells, additionally activated other Ca2+‐dependent channels. However, Ca2+ influx was not required for activation of BK channels by DCPIB, as such activation involved the extracellular part of the protein and we have identified a residue crucial for binding.Conclusion and implicationsDCPIB directly targeted BK channels and, also, acutely increased intracellular Ca2+. Our findings extend the list of DCPIB effects that should be taken into consideration for future development of DCPIB‐based modulators of ion channels and other membrane proteins.
Mood symptoms, neurodevelopmental traits, and their contributory factors in X-linked ichthyosis, ichthyosis vulgaris and psoriasis
Authors: Wren Georgina H. , Humby Trevor , Thompson Andrew R. , Davies William 
Published: February 2022

SummaryBackgroundHigh rates of adverse mood/neurodevelopmental traits are seen in multiple dermatological conditions, and can significantly affect patient quality of life. Understanding the sex-specific nature, magnitude, impact and basis of such traits in lesser-studied conditions like ichthyosis, is important for developing effective interventions.AimTo quantify and compare relevant psychological traits in men with X-linked ichthyosis (XLI, n = 54) or in XLI carrier women (n = 83) and in patients with ichthyosis vulgaris (IV, men n = 23, women n = 59) or psoriasis (men n = 30, women n = 122), and to identify factors self-reported to contribute most towards depressive, anxious and irritable phenotypes.MethodsParticipants recruited via relevant charities or social media completed an online survey of established questionnaires. Data were analysed by sex and skin condition, and compared with general population data.ResultsCompared with the general population, there was a higher rate of lifetime prevalence of mood disorder diagnoses across all groups and of neurodevelopmental disorder diagnoses in the XLI groups. The groups exhibited similarly significant elevations in recent mood symptoms (Cohen d statistic 0.95–1.28, P &lt; 0.001) and neurodevelopmental traits (d = 0.31–0.91, P &lt; 0.05) compared with general population controls, and self-reported moderate effects on quality of life and stigmatization. There were strong positive associations between neurodevelopmental traits and recent mood symptoms (r &gt; 0.47, P &lt; 0.01), and between feelings of stigmatization and quality of life, particularly in men. Numerous factors were identified as contributing significantly to mood symptoms in a condition or sex-specific, or condition or sex-independent, manner.ConclusionWe found that individuals with XLI, IV or psoriasis show higher levels of mood disorder diagnoses and symptoms than matched general population controls, and that the prevalence and severity of these is similar across conditions. We also identified a number of factors potentially conferring either general or condition-specific risk of adverse mood symptoms in the three skin conditions, which could be targeted clinically and/or through education programmes. In clinical practice, recognizing mood/neurodevelopmental problems in ichthyosis and psoriasis, and addressing the predisposing factors identified by this study should benefit the mental health of affected individuals.
Changing Educational Assessments in the Post‐COVID‐19 Era: From Assessment of Learning (AoL) to Assessment as Learning (AaL)
Authors: Yang Li‐Ping , Xin Tao 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe upgrade educational information technology triggered by COVID‐19 has shaped a new educational order and new educational forms. As a result, traditional educational measurement is now facing a systematic transformation, that is, from the Assessment of Learning (AoL) to Assessment for Learning (AfL), and finally to Assessment as Learning (AaL). By showing the initiative and the flexibility of large‐scale online learning during the COVID‐19 pandemic, this paper examines the evolution from AoL to AaL from four aspects: participants, test form, multivariate data for process‐based measurement, and measurement models for multivariate data. We propose multidisciplinary corporations in the field, which integrate education, psychology, and information technology into the theories and methods of educational measurement. Further, we emphasize that the validity, ethics, and fairness of the measurement should also be considered the critical issues. Researchers and practitioners of educational measurement must persist in pursuing the substantive significance of measurement and provide unique experience and guidance for the theoretical and practical development of educational assessment in this great revolution.
Comparing humoral immune response to SARS‐CoV2 vaccines in people with multiple sclerosis and healthy controls: An Austrian prospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Bsteh Gabriel , Hegen Harald , Traxler Gerhard , Krajnc Nik , Leutmezer Fritz , Di Pauli Franziska , Kornek Barbara , Rommer Paulus , Zulehner Gudrun , Dürauer Sophie , Bauer Angelika , Kratzwald Sarah , Klotz Sigrid , Winklehner Michael , Deisenhammer Florian , Guger Michael , Höftberger Romana , Berger Thomas 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackground and purposeSARS‐CoV2 vaccination is recommended for patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), but response may be limited by disease‐modifying‐treatments (DMTs). The aim of this study was to compare the rates of humoral immune response and safety of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines in pwMS and healthy controls (HCs).MethodsIn this multicenter prospective study on 456 pwMS and 116 HCs, SARS‐CoV‐2‐IgG response was measured 3 months after the first vaccine dose. The primary endpoint was defined as proportion of patients developing antibodies (seroconversion). Secondary endpoints included antibody level, safety and efficacy.ResultsCompared to 97.4% in HCs, seroconversion occurred in 96.7% (88/91) untreated pwMS, 97.1% of patients (135/139) on immunomodulatory DMTs and 61.1% (138/226; p < 0.001) on immunosuppressive DMTs. Seroconversion was lowest in patients on antiCD20 monoclonal antibodies (CD20 mAbs; 52.6%) followed by sphingosine‐1‐phosphate‐receptor‐modulators (S1PMs; 63.6%). In the S1PM subgroup, seroconversion increased with lymphocyte count (odds ratio [OR] 1.31 per 0.1 G/L; p = 0.035). In pwMS on CD20 mAbs, B‐cell depletion decreased seroconversion (OR 0.52; p = 0.038), whereas time since last DMT did not. Safety of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines in pwMS was excellent.ConclusionsHumoral response to SARS‐CoV2 vaccines in pwMS is generally excellent. While reduced by immunosuppressive DMTs, most importantly by B‐cell‐depleting CD20 mAbs and S1PMs, seroconversion is still expected in the majority of patients. SARS‐CoV2 vaccination should be offered to every MS patient.
Unusual dermoscopic patterns of basal cell carcinoma mimicking melanoma
Authors: Di Matteo Eleonora , Pampena Riccardo , Pizzichetta Maria A. , Cinotti Elisa , Chester Johanna , Kaleci Shaniko , Manfredini Marco , Guida Stefania , Dika Emi , Moscarella Elvira , Lallas Aimilios , Apalla Zoe , Argenziano Giuseppe , Perrot Jian L , Tognetti Linda , Lai Michela , Cantisani Carmen , Roberti Vincenzo , Fiorani Diletta , Baraldi Carlotta , Veneziano Leonardo , Papageorgiou Chryssoula , Ciardo Silvana , Rubegni Pietro , Zalaudek Iris , Patrizi Annalisa , Longo Caterina , Bianchi Luca , Pellacani Giovanni , Farnetani Francesca 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundBasal cell carcinoma can simulate melanoma and specific dermoscopic criteria have not yet been defined in a large cohort.ObjectiveTo identify dermoscopic “trump” characteristics for differential diagnosis, identify cluster groups and assess the clinical impact of this study's findings.MethodsRetrospective, multicentric comparative study of atypical, non‐facial basal cell carcinoma (≥1 seven‐point checklist criteria) and melanoma (with at least one BCC criteria) at dermoscopy. Observed dermoscopic features were used to develop a proposed score. Lesion clusters were defined with hierarchical analysis. Clinical impact was assessed with a blinded reader study following this study's results.ResultsA total of 146 basal cell carcinoma and 76 melanoma were included. Atypical vascular pattern was common to most lesions (74.5%). Twelve trump features were included in the proposed score (sensitivity 94.1% and specificity 79.5%). Cluster analysis identified 3 basal cell carcinoma and 3 melanoma clusters. Findings improved overall diagnostic accuracy and confidence (26.8% and 13.8%, respectively; p < 0.001).ConclusionsThese findings support the notion that atypical vascular pattern should be considered a shared feature of both melanoma and atypical basal cell carcinoma. Our proposed score improves diagnostic accuracy and confidence. Absence of pigmented features was associated with lower diagnostic accuracy and confidence.
Hospital Frailty Risk Score predicts adverse events in older patients with vertebral compression fractures: Analysis of data in a nationwide in‐patient database in Japan
Authors: Shimizu Akio , Maeda Keisuke , Fujishima Ichiro , Kayashita Jun , Mori Naoharu , Okada Kiwako , Uno Chiharu , Shimizu Miho , Momosaki Ryo 
Published: February 2022

AimsThis study investigated the usefulness of frailty for predicting adverse events in patients with vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) during hospitalization using data obtained from the Japanese health insurance system.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study of patients with VCFs aged ≥65 years was conducted using a nationwide database in Japan. We examined the relationships between frailty risk, classified using the Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS), in‐hospital mortality, and complications such as pressure ulcers and pneumonia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between the HFRS and the outcomes of patients with VCFs.ResultsIn this study, the data of 30 980 in‐patients with VCFs were analyzed. Of these patients, 76.8%, 21.3%, and 1.9% had low, intermediate, and high risks of frailty, respectively. The higher the risk of frailty, the higher the rate of in‐hospital mortality and the occurrence of all complications (P < 0.001 for trend). An intermediate risk of frailty was independently associated with in‐hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.421; P < 0.001), whereas a high risk of frailty did not show statistical significance (OR, 1.385; P = 0.150). Each frailty risk was independently associated with the occurrence of all complications during hospitalization.ConclusionsThe HFRS, which can assess the risk of frailty based on routinely collected medical records, was predictive of adverse events in older patients with VCFs based on a nationwide database in Japan. Future studies need to assess approaches to preventing adverse events in frail VCF patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 233–239.
Using financial incentives to support service engagement of adults experiencing homelessness and mental illness: A qualitative analysis of key stakeholder perspectives
Authors: Reid Nadine , Brown Rebecca , Pedersen Cheryl , Kozloff Nicole , Sosnowski Alexandra , Stergiopoulos Vicky 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIntroductionHomelessness and mental illness are associated with poor service engagement, health and health service use outcomes. Existing literature suggests that financial incentives may effectively support service engagement of this population, but studies investigating key stakeholder perspectives are lacking. This study aimed to elicit, using qualitative methods, nuanced service user and provider experiences by using financial incentives to support service engagement among adults experiencing homelessness and mental illness.MethodsThis qualitative study is part of a larger mixed‐methods pragmatic trial of financial incentives (Coordinated Access to Care for the Homeless—Financial Incentives [CATCH‐FI]) within a community‐based brief case management programme (CATCH) in Toronto, Ontario. Twenty‐two CATCH‐FI participants were purposefully recruited to participate in in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews; five CATCH service providers participated in a focus group and seven key informants in individual interviews. Data collection occurred between April 2019 and December 2020. All interviews and the focus group were audio‐recorded and transcribed. Topic guides prompted participant perspectives on and experiences of using financial incentives to support engagement, health and well‐being. Grounded theory and inductive thematic analysis guided coding and interpretation of transcripts. Triangulation and member‐checking enhanced the analytical rigour and validity of findings.ResultsCATCH service providers, key informants and subgroup of CATCH‐FI participants perceived financial incentives to directly facilitate service engagement. The majority of CATCH‐FI participants however highlighted that intrinsic motivation and service quality may be relatively more important facilitators of engagement. Most study participants across stakeholder groups perceived that financial incentives have direct positive influences on health and well‐being in enabling access to basic needs and simple pleasures.ConclusionsOur data suggest that for some adults experiencing homelessness and mental illness, financial incentives can directly support service engagement. In addition, financial incentives may positively impact health and well‐being by easing financial stress and enabling deeper attention to individual health needs. Further research on the effectiveness and acceptability of financial incentives is needed to improve understanding and uptake of a promising intervention to support health and health service use outcomes in an underserved population.Patient or Public ContributionStudy participants provided input into the study research questions, study design, interview guides and interpretation of findings.
Controlling factors of the particle size of spherical silica synthesized by a dry process
Authors: Saiki Keiji , Ishikawa Toshihiro 
Published: February 2022

AbstractSilica is an important inorganic compound used in many materials, including quartz products and resin fillers. To synthesize silica by a dry process, combustion methods using organosilicon compounds as raw monomers have been extensively studied. However, few studies have considered mass production or compared preparation methods using different types of organosilicon compounds and the same equipment. In this study, we used six starting materials in a dry process and examined the effect of monomer species on particle shape and size. The amount of raw monomer supplied was adjusted so that the calorific value of combustion was the same for all the raw monomers. We focused on the calorific value because it affects the construction cost of industrial‐scale production plants. For example, when the calorific value is high, the manufacturing plant is large and costly because the heat generated after the reaction must be removed. We obtained spherical silica particles by a dry process using six monomers. The particle size depended on both the basic unit of the monomer and the required oxygen (RO) ratio of the primary burner gas. This combination was essential in determining the speed of the initial reaction, number of nuclei, and residence time. Consequently, we established a factor that determines the size of spherical silica particles and successfully adjusted the particle size.
Utilization of gold tailings for the construction of foamed ceramics used in external insulation buildings
Authors: Duan Xuchen , Meng Fantao , Li Zhanchong , Mu Qinglin , Liu Zhekun , Zhang Haoxiang , Li Shuang 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe utilization of gold tailings and bentonite as raw materials for prepared foamed ceramic was studied. The effects of boric acid and titanium dioxide content on the properties and microstructures of foamed ceramic were studied from the aspects of bulk density, compressive strength, bending strength, phase composition, and micromorphology. These results show that the synergistic effect of boric acid and titanium dioxide leads to the crystallization of quartz, which enhanced the compressive strength and bending strength and decreased the thermal conductivity of foamed ceramics, while the bulk density increases gradually with the addition of titanium dioxide. Taking into account all of these properties, the optimal results are as follows: bending strength of 1.111 MPa, compressive strength of 1.165 MPa, bulk density of 0.258 g/cm3, the porosity of 81.89%, the thermal conductivity of 0.088 (W/(m⋅K)). This study indicated that gold tailings are a promising candidate for the preparation of foamed ceramics used as external insulation building materials.
Presence of CD133‐positive circulating tumor cells predicts worse progression‐free survival in patients with metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer
Authors: Yang Yunjie , Liu Zheng , Wang Qifeng , Chang Kun , Zhang Junyu , Ye Dingwei , Kong Yunyi , Dai Bo 
Published: February 2022

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical significance of the expression of the stemness marker CD133 in circulating tumor cells of newly diagnosed metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer patients.MethodsFor this study, 104 metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer patients treated at the Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center from September 2015 to February 2017 were considered. After enrollment, the patients received androgen deprivation therapy (bicalutamide + goserelin). Circulating tumor cells were isolated and identified using the CanPatrol system, which can identify not only traditional epithelial markers but also mesenchymal markers in cells that have undergone epithelial mesenchymal transition. CD133 was used to characterize the circulating tumor cells. The primary endpoint of this research was to evaluate progression to castration resistance.ResultsAmong the 104 patients enrolled, 89 patients were circulating tumor cell positive at baseline, and the median circulating tumor cell count was four. The median follow‐up was 24 months, and at the end of follow‐up, the proportion of patients who progressed to castration‐resistant prostate cancer in the CTC+CD133+ group was 93.3%, which was significantly higher than that of the circulating tumor cell negative group (73.3%) and the CTC+CD133− group (75.0%), with P = 0.043. After follow‐up, progression‐free survival for CTC+CD133+, CTC+CD133−, and circulating tumor cell patients was 10.0, 13.0, and 14.0 months, respectively, with P = 0.022. Univariate and multivariate analyses also confirmed that the characterization of circulating tumor cells using CD133 can independently predict progression‐free survival in metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer patients after receiving androgen deprivation therapy (P = 0.042; hazard ratio 1.396).ConclusionBaseline CTC+CD133+ was a poor independent prognostic factor for metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer patients to progress to castration‐resistant prostate cancer after receiving androgen deprivation therapy.
Founding family ownership and firm performance: Evidence from the evolution of family ownership and firm policies
Authors: Li Huimin , Ryan Harley E. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWe use a novel dataset to follow the evolution of family ownership, firm value and firm policies for up to 25 years post initial public offering (IPO). Firm value, measured by Tobin's Q, increases as family ownership decreases over time. Firms with higher family ownership invest less in research and development (R&D) and have greater R&D sensitivity to internal cash flow. A path analysis reveals the lower R&D investment as a mechanism through which firm value relates negatively to family ownership. Firms with higher family ownership rely more on debt financing, and firms with higher levels of family ownership at the IPO are less likely to conduct seasoned equity offerings. Altogether, the valuation, investment and financing patterns are consistent with the premise that firms with higher levels of family ownership are unwilling to issue equity and dilute family ownership. A reluctance to issue equity creates financing constraints that limit the firms’ abilities to fully exploit their investment opportunities and contributes to lower firm value among firms with more concentrated family ownership.
Metabolomics analysis of placental tissue obtained from patients with fetal growth restriction
Authors: Karaer Abdullah , Mumcu Akın , Arda Düz Senem , Tuncay Görkem , Doğan Berat 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to determine whether there was a difference in placental metabolite profiles between patients with fetal growth restriction (FGR) and healthy controls.MethodsThe study included 10 patients with FGR diagnosis with 14 healthy controls with both matched maternal age and body mass index. 1H HR‐MAS NMR spectroscopy data obtained from placental tissue samples of patients with FGR and healthy control group were analyzed with bioinformatics methods. The obtained results of metabolite levels were further validated with the internal standard (IS) quantification method.ResultsPrincipal component analysis (PCA) and the partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) score plots obtained with the multivariate statistical analysis of preprocessed spectral data shows a separation between the samples from patients with FGR and healthy controls. Bioinformatics analysis results suggest that the placental levels of lactate, glutamine, glycerophosphocholine, phosphocholine, taurine, and myoinositol are increased in patients with FGR compared to the healthy controls.ConclusionsPlacental metabolic dysfunctions are a common occurrence in FGR.