bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain perfusion during manic episode and at 6‐month follow‐up period in bipolar disorder patients: Correlation with cognitive functions
Authors: Estudillo‐Guerra Maria Anayali , Pacheco‐Barrios Kevin , Cardenas‐Rojas Alejandra , Adame‐Ocampo Gloria , Camprodon Joan A. , Morales‐Quezada Leon , Gutiérrez‐Mora Doris , Flores‐Ramos Mónica
Published: May 2020

Background

Patterns of altered cerebral perfusion and cognitive dysfunction have been described in Bipolar Disorder (BD) acute episodes and euthymia. Knowledge of the relationship between cognitive function and perfusion in a manic state and status when followed up is still limited.

Objective

To describe brain perfusion alterations and its relationship with cognitive impairment in patients with BD during manic episodes and after 6 months.

Methods

Observational‐prospective study in 10 type I BD adults during moderate‐severe manic episodes. We assessed sociodemographic data and clinical variables as well as cognitive function through Screening for Cognitive Impairment in Psychiatry (SCIP‐S). Finally, we performed a Brain Perfusion SPECT using a Tc99m‐ethyl cysteine dimer.

Results

During manic episodes, patients showed cognitive impairment with a mean SCIP‐S score of 63.8 ± 17.16. This was positively correlated with perfusion measured as relative reuptake index (RRI) at the right temporal pole (ρ = 0.65 p = .0435) and negatively correlated with right the orbitofrontal cortex (ρ = −0.70 p = .0077) and the right subgenual cingulate cortex (ρ = −0.70 p = .0256). Episode severity measured by the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) positively correlated with RRI at the right temporal pole (ρ = 0.75, p = .01). At follow‐up, six patients were taking treatment and were euthymic, we found a negative correlation with the YMRS and RRI at the bilateral orbitofrontal cortex (ρ = −0.8827, p = .019). They did not show significant improvement in cognitive performance at SCIP‐S, and there was negative correlation with the following of the SCIP‐S subscales; processing speed with the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal, the bilateral medial prefrontal, the left temporal pole cortex RRI, and verbal fluency with the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex RRI.

Conclusion

Cognitive impairment was correlated with brain perfusion patterns at baseline and follow‐up. Large sample size studies with longer follow‐up are needed to describe the changes in perfusion and cognitive functions in BD.
Challenges in Drug Development Posed by the COVID‐19 Pandemic: An Opportunity for Clinical Pharmacology
Authors: Venkatakrishnan Karthik , Yalkinoglu Oezkan , Dong Jennifer Q. , Benincosa Lisa J.
Published: May 2020

The unprecedented challenges posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic highlight the urgency for applying clinical pharmacology and model‐informed drug development in (i) dosage optimization for COVID‐19 therapies, (ii) approaching therapeutic dilemmas in clinical trial settings, and (iii) maximizing value of information from impacted non–COVID‐19 trials. More than ever, we have a responsibility for adaptive evidence synthesis with a Totality of Evidence mindset in this race against time across biomedical research, clinical practice, drug development, and regulation.
Understanding Soil Erosion by Water to Improve Soil Conservation
Authors: Grigar Jerry , Duiker Sjoerd W. , Flanagan Dennis C.
Published: May 2020

Soil erosion by water is still the number one threat to sustainable crop production on upland soils while flooding caused by excessive runoff from uplands threatens lowland soils. High rainfall in recent years exposed cropping practices that do not provide sufficient protection, leading to visible soil erosion. In this article, we discuss the different types of soil erosion by water, the significance of visible soil erosion, and conservation practices used to treat different types of erosion. Earn 1.5 CEUs in Soil & Water Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/805.
Recent Development in Composite Membranes for Flow Batteries
Authors: Wu Jine , Dai Qing , Zhang Huamin , Li Xianfeng
Published: May 2020

Flow batteries (FBs) are one of the most attractive candidates for stationary energy storage and vital in realizing the wide application of renewable energies. Membranes play an important role in isolating redox couples while transporting ions to close the internal electrical circuit. Therefore, membranes with high selectivity and conductivity are highly important. Among different membranes, a composite membrane with independent design of support layer and thin selective top layer becomes one of the most promising candidates to break the trade‐off between selectivity and conductivity. In this Review, recent studies on composite membranes for FBs and the principles of membrane design in different systems are discussed and summarized. Finally, the future direction on membrane design for different FBs is presented, which will provide an extensive, comprehensive reference to design and construct high‐performance composite membranes for FBs.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with cardiovascular disease in subjects with different glucose tolerance
Authors: Fiorentino Teresa Vanessa , Succurro Elena , Sciacqua Angela , Andreozzi Francesco , Perticone Francesco , Sesti Giorgio
Published: May 2020

Abstarct

Introduction

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with type 2 diabetes; nonetheless, it is unknown whether the relationship between NAFLD and CVD occurs also in subjects with prediabetes. Herein, we evaluated whether NAFLD is associated with prevalent CVD in subjects with different glucose tolerance states independently of cardiovascular risk factors.

Materials and methods

Presence of NALFD, defined by liver ultrasound, and its association with prevalent composite and individual CVD, including coronary artery disease (CAD) and cerebrovascular disease, was assessed in a cohort of 1254 Caucasian subjects classified as having normal glucose tolerance (NGT, n = 517), prediabetes (n = 397) or type 2 diabetes (n = 340).

Results

Prevalence of NAFLD in the study population was 47.9%. Presence of NAFLD was linked to an augmented prevalence of composite CVD and individual CAD in all the three glucose tolerance groups. In a logistic regression model adjusted for several cardio‐metabolic risk factors, subjects with NGT and NAFLD exhibited a 3.2‐ and 3.4‐fold increased risk of having CVD or CAD, respectively, as compared with those without NAFLD. Similarly, subjects with prediabetes and NAFLD showed an increased risk of having CVD or CAD by 2.3‐ and 2.0‐fold, respectively, in comparison to their counterpart without NAFLD. Within the group with type 2 diabetes, subjects having NAFLD displayed a 2.3‐ and 2.0‐fold higher risk of having CVD or CAD, respectively, in comparison to those without NAFLD.

Conclusion

Ultrasonography‐defined NAFLD is independently associated with an increased risk of having CVD in individuals with different glucose tolerance.
The value of local habitat heterogeneity and productivity when estimating avian species richness and species of concern
Authors: Cooper W. Justin , McShea William J. , Forrester Tavis , Luther David A.
Published: May 2020

As the quality and quantity of natural habitats decrease, pressure increases to better understand species–habitat interactions and how animal communities respond to habitat changes. We assessed the relative importance of local habitat heterogeneity and productivity measures as predictors of avian species richness and compared these results to models for species of conservation concern (SCC). We derived three‐dimensional habitat heterogeneity and productivity measures from light detection and ranging data and hyperspectral imagery, and then used a Bayesian multi‐species hierarchical framework to model avian species richness and occupancy. We found both habitat heterogeneity and productivity were important factors for determining avian community richness. Three‐dimensional habitat heterogeneity and productivity metrics accurately predicted species richness at a local scale and were especially important to use within habitat guilds (i.e., alpha diversity). When scaling up to community richness across multiple habitat types (i.e., gamma diversity), two‐dimensional (surface level) productivity and heterogeneity metrics became important additions to the three‐dimensional metrics when estimating total avian richness. We also tested the utility of these metrics for predicting occupancy of SCC and compared community‐level relationships to species‐specific relationships. Species of conservation concern differed from the broader avian community with regard to local habitat heterogeneity and productivity measures. Species of conservation concern had different relationship habitat metrics than the greater avian community. Three‐dimensional measures of habitat heterogeneity and productivity predicted avian richness across the landscape, yet also highlighted the different habitat structure needs of SCC compared with the greater avian community.
Complex interactions among stressors evolve over time to drive shifts from short turfs to macroalgae on tropical reefs
Authors: Fong Caitlin R. , Gaynus Camille J. , Carpenter Robert C.
Published: May 2020

Multiple stressors acting simultaneously on ecological communities are the new normal state. Stressor number and strength will increase with rising anthropogenic activity, making it critical to understand both stressor effects and interactions. Stressor temporal regimes vary in intensity, frequency, and duration, ranging from press to pulse. While stressors with different temporal regimes likely have divergent effects, this remains mostly unexplored, though there is some evidence communities are more resistant to pulse than press stressors. Coral reefs are among the most impacted marine communities, and degradation from coral to algal dominance has been attributed to increases in both local and global stressors. Overfishing, nutrient pollution, and increased sedimentation are all local stressors that have been implicated in shift dynamics. Nutrients and sediments are anthropogenically derived stressors to reefs that can have press and pulse temporal regimes. We conducted a 6‐month fully crossed factorial field experiment on algal turf communities in Moorea, French Polynesia, manipulating access by herbivores, enrichment regime, and sedimentation regime and tracked changes in benthic community composition. We found complex interactions among stressors and stressor regimes drove a series of transitions from healthy, short algal turf communities to degraded, long algal turfs, and ultimately to macroalgal‐dominated communities. While herbivory controlled final community composition after 6 months, 2‐ and 3‐way interactions among nutrient and sediment temporal stressor regimes over time drove transition dynamics, and matching of stressor temporal regimes accelerated shifts. Some stressors cryptically eroded the resilience of the community, which was only evident when the strong ecological processes that masked these effects were disrupted. Our research highlights the need to consider temporal stressor regime as well as stressor interactions, particularly in light of predicted increases in both local and global stressors and alterations to stressor temporal regimes. Our understanding of the impacts of local stressor temporal regimes is in its infancy. Here, we provide a novel demonstration that the effects of stressor temporal regime varied and multiple stressors interacted to exhibit complex, emergent interaction effects, demonstrating the need to explicitly contrast stressor temporal regimes under multiple conditions to understand how communities will respond to future challenges.
Synthesis and Characterization of A[W2O2F9] (A = Li – Cs)
Authors: Stene Riane E. , Scheibe Benjamin , Karttunen Antti J. , Petry Winfried , Kraus Florian
Published: May 2020

Herein, we report upon the in situ formation of WOF4 and its subsequent reaction with AF (A = Li – Cs) in aHF to produce A[W2O2F9] (A = Li – Cs). Structural analysis of the obtained compounds was performed using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. A comparison of the single‐crystal structures obtained here to the previously reported A[Mo2O2F9] (A = Li – Cs) and H3O[W2O2F9] salts is given. Additionally, IR and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize each salt. These spectra were compared to calculated ones for the solid‐state structure of each salt using the DFT‐PBE0 density functional method. The calculated spectra were used to assign bands in the experimental spectra. Both MoOF4 and WOF4 gave similar reaction products under similar reaction conditions. It was concluded that the oxyfluorides show similar Lewis acid‐base reactions with the alkali metal fluorides in aHF solutions.
Effect of Pore Former on Carbon Black–Polytetrafluoroethylene‐Based Monolithic Gas Diffusion Media for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Kattamanchi Sruthi , Palakurthi Karthik , Haridoss Prathap
Published: May 2020

Herein, carbon fiber gas diffusion media are replaced by carbon black (CB) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite diffusion media. Uniformly thick monolithic layers are synthesized by a novel die‐cast process. They are evaluated for electrical conductivity, contact resistance, hydrophobicity, porosity, and mechanical integrity. Monolithic layers possess combined properties of a microporous layer and gas diffusion layer with a mixed tri‐modal pore structure. The monolithic layers are further improved by inducing pores with pore formers. These layers are characterized for use in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Pore formers increase the porosity and pore volume, and their effects on performance are revealed. The effect of porous structure on catalyst utilization is assessed by cyclic voltammetry. The power density of monolithic layers is on par with standard layers, whereas the pore‐induced monolithic layers achieve 27% higher power density compared with standard layers. The synthesized composite gas diffusion media are significantly insensitive to changes in humidity and represent an excellent alternative for use in fuel cells.
Evaluation of Scalable Porous Si‐Rich Si/C Composites with Low Volume Expansion in Coin Cells to Prismatic Cell Formats
Authors: Müller Verena , Bernhard Rebecca , Wegener Jennifer , Pfeiffer Jürgen , Rössler Stefan , Scurtu Rares-George , Memm Michaela , Danzer Michael A. , Wohlfahrt-Mehrens Margret
Published: May 2020

Li‐ion battery cells on the basis of Si‐containing anodes suffer from their large volume expansion of up to 300%, impeding their extensive application in the automotive field. Herein, the synthesis of a Si‐rich Si/C composite is introduced. The implemented porosity of the composite has a buffering effect on the Si volume changes during cycling. The scalability of the material from lab‐scale to industrial‐scale batch sizes as well as from coin cell (<5 mAh), to pouch cell (≈0.75 Ah), and to prismatic (PHEV) cells (≈26 Ah) is demonstrated. The performance of the pouch cells and PHEV cells is further improved by cycling under an external mechanical pressure. The irreversible swelling of the pouch and the PHEV cells stays below 6% during cycling. Reproducible aging and swelling behavior of different cell types is observed and investigated in detail. The low irreversible volume increase is confirmed by X‐ray computer tomography (CT) measurements of the PHEV cells before and after cycling.
Ultrafine grinding of wheat flour: Effect of flour/starch granule profiles and particle size distribution on falling number and pasting properties
Authors: Guan Erqi , Yang Yuling , Pang Jinyue , Zhang Tingjing , Li Mengmeng , Bian Ke
Published: May 2020

In the present paper, the properties of different ultrafine flour samples, including particle size distribution, damaged starch content, falling number, and pasting properties, were examined. The results indicated that the particle size decreased significantly after jet milling, as the rotation speed and grinding time increased, and the damaged starch content significantly increased as the size of the flour/starch decreased; this is in contrast to the significant decrease in falling number. Significant differences in pasting temperature were observed between straight‐grade flour (68.6°C) and five ultrafine flour samples (from 86.3 to 87.9°C). We also observed significant increases in peak viscosity, trough, breakdown viscosity, final viscosity, and setback as the flour particle size decreased from 43.07 µm to 25.81 µm (D50). The same parameters significantly decreased as the flour particle size decreased from 25.81 µm to 10.15 µm (D50). Correlation analysis identified a significant negative correlation between flour particle size (D50) and damaged starch content and pasting temperature, while a significant positive correlation was found with the falling number values. The results of this work may have an important impact on the quality of processed foods.
Structural elucidation of high‐molecular‐weight alkaline degradation products of hexoses
Authors: Luo Wen‐Jing , Lu Hai‐Qin , Lei Fu‐Hou , Cheng Li‐Yun , Li Kai , Li Wen
Published: May 2020

High‐molecular‐weight alkaline degradation products of hexoses (HMWHADPs) are colored substances in sugar solutions formed during sugar manufacturing process. These products may be occluded within sugar crystals and impart yellow or brown color to sucrose, thereby negatively affecting the quality of white sugar. Thus, the structural properties of HMWHADPs pose a significant scientific problem in the sugar industry. In the present study, the structural properties of HMWHADPs were investigated using nuclear magnetic resonance, zeta potential analyzer, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry, ultraviolet–visible spectra, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Results showed that HMWHADPs mainly contain carboxyl, aldehyde, alcoholic hydroxyl, conjugated double bonds, and saturated alkanes. Possible mechanisms of HMWHADP formation were proposed on the basis of structural property investigation. This study can be used as reference for future research and practice in developing effective methods for the removal of HMWHADPs from sugar solutions and prevention of their further formation in subsequent steps.
Applying hybrid support vector regression and genetic algorithm to water alternating CO2gas EOR
Authors: Amar Menad Nait , Zeraibi Noureddine , Jahanbani Ghahfarokhi Ashkan
Published: May 2020

Water alternating CO2gas injection (WAG CO2) is one of the most promising enhanced oil recovery techniques. The optimization of this process requires performing many time‐consuming simulations. In this paper, an intelligent hybridization based on support vector regression (SVR) and genetic algorithm (GA) is introduced for the WAG process optimization in the presence of time‐dependent constraints. Multiple SVRs are used as dynamic proxy to mimic numerical simulator behavior in real time. Latin hypercube design (LHD) is applied to generate the proper runs to train the proxy and ten supplementary runs are randomly chosen to validate it. The goal of GA in this study is twofold. First, it is employed during the training of multiple SVRs to find their appropriate hyper‐parameters. Second, once the training and validation of the dynamic proxy are done, the GA is coupled with it to find the optimum WAG parameters which maximize field oil production total (FOPT) subject to time‐dependent water‐cut constraint and some domain constraints. The task is formulated as a non‐linear constrained optimization problem. A semi‐synthetic WAG CO2case is used to examine the reliability of the approach. The results show that the established dynamic proxy is fast and accurate in reproducing the simulator outputs. The hybridization proxy‐GA is demonstrated to be reliable for the real‐time optimization of the formulated WAG process. © 2020 The Authors.Greenhouse Gases: Science and Technologypublished by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Health Inequalities
Authors: Gostin Lawrence O. , Friedman Eric A.
Published: May 2020

Health inequalities are embedded in a complex array of social, political, and economic inequalities. Responding to health inequalities will require systematic action targeting all the underlying (“upstream”) social determinants that powerfully affect health and well‐being. Systemic inequalities are a major reason for the rise of modern populism that has deeply divided polities and infected politics, perhaps nowhere more so than in the United States. Concerted action to mitigate shocking levels of inequality could be a powerful antidote to nationalist populism. A basic yet critical start to addressing health inequalities is to recognize them, which demands improving data collection and analysis. Certainly, global indicators show vast progress in reducing poverty and extending life. Yet aggregate health data mask a deeper reality: health gains have disproportionately benefited the well‐off, leaving the poor and middle‐class behind.
Changes in head and neck oncologic practice during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Brody Robert M. , Albergotti William Greer , Shimunov David , Nicolli Elizabeth , Patel Urjeet A. , Harris Brianna N. , Bur Andrés M.
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The COVID‐19 pandemic has raised controversies regarding safe and effective care of patients with head and neck cancer. It is unknown how much the pandemic has changed surgeon practice.

Methods

A questionnaire was distributed to head and neck surgeons assessing opinions related to treatment and concerns for the safety of patients, self, family, and staff.

Results

A total of 88 head and neck surgeons responded during the study period. Surgeons continued to recommend primary surgical treatment for oral cavity cancers. Respondents were more likely to consider nonsurgical therapy for patients with early glottic cancers and HPV‐mediated oropharynx cancer. Surgeons were least likely to be concerned for their own health and safety and had the greatest concern for their resident trainees.

Conclusions

This study highlights differences in the willingness of head and neck surgeons to delay surgery or alter plans during times when hospital resources are scarce and risk is high.
Reduction of emissions in a biodiesel‐fueled compression ignition engine using exhaust gas recirculation and selective catalytic reduction techniques
Authors: Suresh Kumar P. , Joshi Swapnil , Prasanthi Kumari N. , Sharma Amit , Nair Sathyajit , Chatterjee Suman
Published: May 2020

This paper analyzes the emissions of a single‐cylinder diesel engine fueled with biodiesel, using selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) techniques. The aim of this paper is to compare both EGR and SCR techniques, which were studied under different brake powers. Grape seed biodiesel was used as a test fuel. Experiments were performed by both techniques at different loads and rates to find out the performance change in the engine and the change in the emission rates using both the techniques. Then the observations from both the techniques were compared, concluding that both the techniques show a sufficient reduction in NOx. Using the abovementioned techniques, a reduction in hydrocarbon (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and smoke was observed. The EGR technique is more suitable for low‐load engine vehicles, as it affects the efficiency of the engine with an increase in the fuel consumption, whereas the SCR technique is suitable for high‐load engines, which do not affect the efficiency of the engine with a decrease in the fuel consumption.
A demonstration of automated visual evaluation of cervical images taken with a smartphone camera
Authors: Xue Zhiyun , Novetsky Akiva P. , Einstein Mark H. , Marcus Jenna Z. , Befano Brian , Guo Peng , Demarco Maria , Wentzensen Nicolas , Long Leonard Rodney , Schiffman Mark , Antani Sameer
Published: May 2020

We examined whether automated visual evaluation (AVE), a deep learning computer application for cervical cancer screening, can be used on cervix images taken by a contemporary smartphone camera. A large number of cervix images acquired by the commercial MobileODT EVA system were filtered for acceptable visual quality and then 7587 filtered images from 3221 women were annotated by a group of gynecologic oncologists (so the gold standard is an expert impression, not histopathology). We tested and analyzed on multiple random splits of the images using two deep learning, object detection networks. For all the receiver operating characteristics curves, the area under the curve values for the discrimination of the most likely precancer cases from least likely cases (most likely controls) were above 0.90. These results showed that AVE can classify cervix images with confidence scores that are strongly associated with expert evaluations of severity for the same images. The results on a small subset of images that have histopathologic diagnoses further supported the capability of AVE for predicting cervical precancer. We examined the associations of AVE severity score with gynecologic oncologist impression at all regions where we had a sufficient number of cases and controls, and the influence of a woman's age. The method was found generally resilient to regional variation in the appearance of the cervix. This work suggests that using AVE on smartphones could be a useful adjunct to health‐worker visual assessment with acetic acid, a cervical cancer screening method commonly used in low‐ and middle‐resource settings.
6TiSCH minimal scheduling function: Performance evaluation
Authors: Chang Tengfei , Vučinić Mališa , Guillén Xavier V. , Dujovne Diego , Watteyne Thomas
Published: May 2020

6TiSCH is a standardization group within the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) that works on IPv6‐enabled Time‐slotted Channel Hopping (TSCH) networks. The 6TiSCH protocol stack, designed by the standardization work at the IETF, has direct applicability to low‐power Internet of Things (IoT) use cases, including smart factory, building, infrastructure and home applications. A key component of the 6TiSCH stack is the Minimal Scheduling Function (MSF). MSF implements a traffic adaptation algorithm which allocates link‐layer resources, that is, cells in the TSCH schedule, according to the traffic load. MAX_NUMCELL is an important parameter defined in the MSF draft standard which determines the length of the running window used to measure cell usage. MSF draft standard does not recommend a value of MAX_NUMCELL to use. This paper provides recommendations on how to choose the value of MAX_NUMCELL, validated through simulation. For periodic traffic, setting MAX_NUMCELL to at least four times the traffic load is recommended to increase efficiency. For bursty traffic, we show that setting MAX_NUMCELL to a small value achieves a low end‐to‐end latency but at high communication overhead. In addition, an improved version of MSF is implemented and tested, which shows a 44% reduction in the communication overhead, considering MAX_NUMCELL = 4, while maintaining the same end‐to‐end latency.
Interaction of Plasmodium falciparum casein kinase 1 with components of host cell protein trafficking machinery
Authors: Batty Mitchell B. , Schittenhelm Ralf B. , Dorin‐Semblat Dominique , Doerig Christian , Garcia‐Bustos Jose F.
Published: May 2020

A pool of Plasmodium falciparum casein kinase 1 (PfCK1) has been shown to localize to the host red blood cell (RBC) membrane and be secreted to the extracellular medium during trophozoite stage of development. We attempted to identify mechanisms for secretion of PfCK1 and its appearance on the RBC membrane. We found that two host proteins with established functions in membrane trafficking in higher eukaryotes, GTPase‐activating protein and Vps9 domain‐containing protein 1 (GAPVD1), and Sorting nexin 22, consistently co‐purify with PfCK1, suggesting that the parasite utilizes trafficking pathways previously thought to be inactive in RBCs. Furthermore, reciprocal immunoprecipitation experiments with GAPVD1 identified parasite proteins suggestive of a protein recycling pathway hitherto only described in higher eukaryotes. Thus, we have identified components of a trafficking pathway involving parasite proteins that act in concert with host proteins, and which we hypothesize mediates trafficking of PfCK1 to the RBC during infection.
Utility of point‐of‐care ultrasound in patients with suspected diverticulitis in the emergency department
Authors: Shokoohi Hamid , Nasser Sigrid , Pyle Matthew , Earls James P. , Liteplo Andrew , Boniface Keith
Published: May 2020

In emergency department (ED) cases with clinically suspected diverticulitis, diagnostic imaging is often needed for diagnostic confirmation, to exclude complications, and to direct patient management. Patients typically undergo a CT scan in the ED; however, in a subset of cases with suspected diverticulitis, point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) may provide sufficient data to confirm the diagnosis and ascertain a safe plan for outpatient management.We review the main sonographic features of diverticulitis and discuss the diagnostic accuracy and potential benefits of a POCUS First model.
The relationship between the commensal microbiota levels and Crohn's disease activity
Authors: de Alencar Junior Hagamenon , Paiotti Ana Paula Ribeiro , de Araújo Filho Humberto Bezerra , Oshima Celina Tizuko Fujiyama , Miszputen Sender Jankiel , Ambrogini‐Júnior Orlando
Published: May 2020

Background and aim

Human gut microbiota play an important role in metabolism and host physiology. Perturbations of the gut microbial communities lead to the development of various diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, allergic diseases, and metabolic diseases. Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by periods of remission and relapse. Several studies suggest that intestinal inflammation arises due to an abnormal response of the intestinal immune system to the fecal microbiota. The goal of the study was to evaluate the relative amount of four bacterial groups in fecal samples of Crohn's disease patients and their relation to the inflammatory activity.

Methods

We studied stool samples of 105 individuals, 54 with Crohn's disease and 51 as a control group. The DNA extracted from the stool samples was subjected to real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for quantification of the Bacteroidetes phylum, class Bacilli, and Bifidobacteriaceae and Enterobacteriaceae families.

Results

We found a significant increase in Bacteroidetes in Crohn's disease samples when compared to the control group (14 650 and 2060 CFU/ng DNA, respectively) (P = 0.014). On the other hand, we observed a significant reduction in Bacilli and Bifidobacteriaceae (13 and 58 CFU/ng DNA, respectively) (P < 0.0001). In contrast, patients without any drug treatment presented an increase of Bacilli and Bifidobacteriaceae (102 521 and 6235 CFU/ng DNA, respectively) (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The commensal bacteria were decreased in fecal samples of participants with Crohn's disease when compared to the control group. There was no relation between the disease location and/or disease activity with the microbiota.
Prophylactic drain management after pancreaticoduodenectomy without focusing on the drain fluid amylase level: A prospective validation study regarding criteria for early drain removal that do not include the drain fluid amylase level
Authors: Taniguchi Koichi , Matsuyama Ryusei , Yabushita Yasuhiro , Homma Yuki , Ota Yohei , Mori Ryutaro , Morioka Daisuke , Endo Itaru
Published: May 2020

Background/Purpose

Early drain removal (EDR) based on drain fluid amylase level (DFA) after pancreaticoduodenectomy excluded 15%‐40% patients from EDR because of inappropriate DFA.

Methods

Of 198 pancreatoduodenectomy cases, we used the first 105 cases as an exploration cohort to construct the optimal criteria for EDR on postoperative day (POD)4 that were applied to the subsequent 93 cases used as the validation cohort. After that, we examined another 142 patients to further assess the efficacy of the new EDR criteria.

Results

Of the four independent predictors of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR‐POPF) ([1] soft pancreas, [2] positive drain fluid culture on POD1, and [3] serum C‐reactive protein [CRP] ≥13 mg/dL on POD4) in the exploration cohort, EDR was applied to cases in the validation cohort meeting the [2] and/or [3], enabling 96% (89/93) applicability of EDR. Outcomes were improved in the validation cohort compared to the exploration cohort; CR‐POPF: 8.6% vs 25.7%, P = .005; Dindo‐Clavien grade ≥ 3 complications: 23.7% vs 41.9%, P = .007; and median hospital stay (day): 21 vs 27, P = .005. The subsequent 142 patients showed 92% (131/142) applicability of EDR and 5.6% (8/142) incidence of CR‐POPF.

Conclusions

Our new criteria for EDR, without DFA, enabled ≥ 90% applicability of EDR and reduced CR‐POPF.
Facial and gill musculature of polynemid fishes, with notes on their possible relationships with sciaenids (Percomorphacea: Perciformes)
Authors: Presti Paulo , Johnson G. David , Datovo Aléssio
Published: May 2020

The Polynemidae is a family of primarily marine fishes with eight genera and 42 extant species. Many aspects of their morphology are largely unknown, with few reports about their osteology and barely any information on their myology. This paper describes and illustrates in detail all facial and branchial muscles of representative species of polynemids. Our analysis demonstrates the existence of several remarkable and previously unknown specializations in the polynemid musculature. The aponeurotic and completely independent origin of the pars promalaris of the adductor mandibulae is apparently unique among percomorphs. The differentiation of this section into lateral and medial subsections; the total separation of the promalaris from the retromalaris; the differentiation of the pars primordialis of the levator arcus palatini into external and internal subsections are also uncommon features of polynemids that are shared by sciaenids, thus supporting the hypothesis of a closer relationship between these families.
Convalescent plasma transfusion for the treatment of COVID‐19: Systematic review
Authors: Rajendran Karthick , Krishnasamy Narayanasamy , Rangarajan Jayanthi , Rathinam Jeyalalitha , Natarajan Murugan , Ramachandran Arunkumar
Published: May 2020

The recent emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has reassessed the usefulness of historic convalescent plasma transfusion (CPT). This review was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of CPT therapy in COVID‐19 patients based on the publications reported till date. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review on convalescent plasma on clinically relevant outcomes in individuals with COVID‐19. PubMed, EMBASE, and Medline databases were searched upto 19 April 2020. All records were screened as per the protocol eligibility criteria. We included five studies reporting CPT to COVID‐19 patients. The main findings from available data are as follows: (a) Convalescent plasma may reduce mortality in critically ill patients, (b) Increase in neutralizing antibody titers and disappearance of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA was observed in almost all the patients after CPT therapy, and (c) Beneficial effect on clinical symptoms after administration of convalescent plasma. Based on the limited scientific data, CPT therapy in COVID‐19 patients appears safe, clinically effective, and reduces mortality. Well‐designed large multicenter clinical trial studies should be conducted urgently to establish the efficacy of CPT to COVID‐19 patients.
TUDCA inhibits HSV‐1 replication by the modulating unfolded protein response pathway
Authors: Su Airong , Wang Huanru , Zheng Datong , Wu Zhiwei
Published: May 2020

Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), an endogenous bile acid, was used to protect liver function through antiapoptosis or reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress). Previous studies showed that ER stress was modulated by herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV‐1) infection to facilitate viral replication. Here, we investigated the effect of TUDCA on HSV‐1 infection of HEC‐1‐A cells and showed that both replication and multiplication of the virus were inhibited by TUDCA in a dose dependent manner. Unfolded protein response was induced to deliver stress signals from ER to nucleus. We found that TUDCA alleviated activating transcription factor 6 branch inhibition, partially enhanced protein kinase RNA‐like ER kinase pathway activation, and repressed inositol‐requiring protein 1α arm activation significantly in infected cells. The findings of this study suggest that TUDCA inhibits HSV‐1 replication through ER stress pathway, which may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for HSV‐1 infection.
Commercial fish ELISA kits have a limited capacity to detect different fish species and their products
Authors: Ruethers Thimo , Taki Aya C , Khangurha Jasmit , Roberts James , Buddhadasa Saman , Clarke Dean , Hedges Claire E , Campbell Dianne E , Kamath Sandip D , Lopata Andreas L , Koeberl Martina
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Fish is a major food and allergen source, requiring safety declarations on packages. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are often used to ensure that the product meets the required standards with regard to the presence of allergens. Over 1000 different fish species are traded and consumed worldwide, and they are increasingly provided by aquaculture. Up to 3% of the general population is at risk of sometimes fatal allergic reactions to fish, requiring strict avoidance of this commodity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the capacity of three commercially available ELISA tests to detect a wide variety of bony and cartilaginous fish and their products, which is essential to ensure reliable and safe food labeling.

RESULTS

The detection rates for 57 bony fish ranged from 26% to 61%. Common European and North American species, including carp, cod, and salmon species, demonstrated a higher detection rate than those from the Asia‐Pacific region, including pangasius and several mackerel and tuna species. Among the 17 canned bony fish products, only 65% to 86% were detected, with tuna showing the lowest rate. None of the cartilaginous fish (n = 9), other vertebrates (n = 8), or shellfish (n = 5) were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that three commercial fish ELISA kits had a limited capacity to detect fish and their products. The complexity of fish as a protein source that is increasingly utilized means that there is an urgent need for improved detection methods. This is crucial for the food industry to provide safe seafood products and comply with international legislation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The effects of variable nitrogen fertilization on amino acid content in sweet potato tubers (Ipomoea batatas L. [Lam.]) cultivated in central and eastern Europe
Authors: Sawicka Barbara , Pszczółkowski Piotr , Krochmal‐Marczak Barbara , Barbaś Piotr , Özdemir Fethi Ahmet
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

The weakest link in the whole cycle of chemical quality testing of sweet potato tubers for both food and feed purposes, where the main determinant of their nutritional value is the level of protein and its nutritional value, is the effect of nitrogen fertilization. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the effect of differentiated nitrogen fertilization on protein content and its amino acid composition, biological value, and the possibility of modification of these features.

RESULTS

Changes in total nitrogen content in sweet potato tubers were accompanied by changes in amino acid composition of protein. The consequence of intensified nitrogen fertilization was a decrease in the sum of exogenous amino acids and sum of endogenous amino acids. The amino acid limiting the biological value of sweet potato protein was mainly lysine, followed by arginine and methionine. The ratio of essential to total amino acids indicated high usefulness of sweet potato tubers in human nutrition and their high nutritional value.

CONCLUSION

The consequence of nitrogen fertilization was a decrease in the sum of exogenous amino acids and the sum of endogenous amino acids. Fertilization of sweet potato with a nitrogen dose of 100 kg ha−1, due to the content of crude and true protein, turned out to be beneficial and sufficient under the conditions in central–eastern Europe. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultrasound Morphologic Features of Steatocystoma Multiplex With Clinical Correlation
Authors: Arceu Montserrat , Martinez Guisella , Alfaro Daniela , Wortsman Ximena
Published: May 2020

The ultrasound features of 87 steatocytoma multiplex (SCM) lesions detected in 9 patients are reported. Steatocytoma multiplex is a hamartomatous condition derived from the pilosebaceous duct junction that generates multiple cutaneous cystic lesions. It appeared as clusters of well‐defined hypoechoic nodules with mild posterior enhancement in 100% of cases, with both dermal and subcutaneous locations in 67%. No calcification foci were detected within or at the periphery of the lesions. Fifty‐six percent of the cases showed signs of hypervascularity in the edge of the nodules, and 44% of the lesions were associated with another dermatologic condition, most frequent being hidradenitis suppurativa (75%), followed by vellus hair cysts (25%). Steatocytoma multiplex shows ultrasound features that allow discrimination from other common cutaneous entities.
How effective is vegetation in reducing gravity erosion on loess gully sidewall under intense rainfalls?
Authors: Gao Hang , Xu Xiangzhou , Zhang Hongwu , Jiang Yunzhong , Zhao Tianqing
Published: May 2020

Vegetation has long been recognized as an efficient way of preventing soil erosion; however, the effects of plants on gravity erosion are still broadly unknown, especially under heavy rain conditions. In order to evaluate their influences on gravity erosion, a series of rainfall simulation experiments were performed on a model of the loess gully sidewall, with a height of 1.5 m anda slope gradient of 70°. The experiments were divided into two groups––bare land models (BLMs) and shrub land models (SLMs)––for inter‐ and intragroup comparison, respectively. The experimental results reveal that shrubs had different influences on the varied types of gravity erosion on the gully sidewall. The average landslide volume was 42% greater in the SLMs than in the BLMs, while the average avalanches and mudslide volumes in the SLMs were 50 and 36% less, respectively. Additionally, the average amount of erosion after rain in the SLMs was 33.17 × 103 cm3 more than that in the BLMs, indicating that the vegetation may increase the occurrence of mass failure after a heavy rainfall. Compared with the anchoring effect of vegetation root, the change in soil water resulted from vegetation on the slope had a relatively great effect on aggravating the gravity erosion under heavy rainfalls. The experimental results suggest that the shrub restoration measures can be used to mitigate erosion in the areas experiencing frequent debris flows and hydraulic movements on the Loess Plateau, China.
Are annual nitrous oxide fluxes sensitive to warming and increasing precipitation in the Gurbantunggut Desert?
Authors: Yue Ping , Cui Xiaoqing , Wu Wenchao , Gong Yanming , Li Kaihui , Misselbrook Tom , Liu Xuejun
Published: May 2020

Temperate desert soils are an important source of atmospheric nitrous oxide (N2O). However, it is uncertain how N2O emissions respond to warming, increased rainfall and nitrogen (N) addition in such soils. A multifactorial field manipulation study was carried out in the Gurbantunggut Desert, China's second largest desert, to investigate how these factors influence desert soil N2O emissions and to assess inter‐year variation. In our 3‐year study, under current climatic conditions, the annual flux of N2O in this temperate desert soil was 0.13 ± 0.02 kg N ha−1 yr−1, with the period of no plant growth contributing 43% of the annual emission. Surprisingly, there was no significant change in annual N2O flux under warming (+1°C) or increased precipitation (30%, +60 mm yr−1). In contrast, N2O emissions were significantly affected by extreme drought followed by precipitation. Additional N input, at 30 or 60 kg N ha−1 yr−1, greatly elevated annual N2O emission by 55–133%. The combined impact of N deposition and increasing rainfall on N2O emission was greater than that of any single factor, except for N deposition. This suggests that N2O emissions in this desert are driven primarily by soil available N content and are less sensitive to variations in soil temperature and moisture.
How Do I Examine Patients With Functional Tremor?
Authors: Lidstone Sarah C. , Lang Anthony E.
Published: May 2020

Functional tremor is the most common presentation of functional movement disorders and can occur in isolation or together with other functional symptoms, including other abnormal movements. The diagnosis of functional tremor is based on positive features on history, examination, and, if necessary, neurophysiological studies. Historical features include: sudden onset, a preceding physical event or injury, variability in severity with or without remission, variability in affected body parts, the presence of other somatic symptoms, and a history of failed therapeutic trials. Positive signs on examination include: variability in the frequency, direction, and distribution of the tremor; clear coherence in the different body parts affected; reduction or elimination of the tremor with distraction; and tremor amplification with attention, entrainability, suggestibility, and the presence of co‐contraction. Neurophysiological studies include electromyography and accelerometry and can be helpful to make a laboratory‐supported diagnosis when the clinical picture is less clear.
Shared Metabolic Profile of Caffeine in Parkinsonian Disorders
Authors: Takeshige‐Amano Haruka , Saiki Shinji , Fujimaki Motoki , Ueno Shin‐Ichi , Li Yuanzhe , Hatano Taku , Ishikawa Kei‐Ichi , Oji Yutaka , Mori Akio , Okuzumi Ayami , Tsunemi Taiji , Daida Kensuke , Ishiguro Yuta , Imamichi Yoko , Nanmo Hisayoshi , Nojiri Shuko , Funayama Manabu , Hattori Nobutaka
Published: May 2020

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine comprehensive metabolic changes of caffeine in the serum of patients with parkinsonian disorders including Parkinson's disease (PD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and multiple system atrophy (MSA) and to compare this with healthy control serum.

Methods

Serum levels of caffeine and its 11 downstream metabolites from independent double cohorts consisting of PD (n = 111, 160), PSP (n = 30, 19), MSA (n = 23, 17), and healthy controls (n = 43, 31) were examined by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The association of each metabolite with clinical parameters and medication was investigated. Mutations in caffeine‐associated genes were investigated by direct sequencing.

Results

A total of 9 metabolites detected in more than 50% of participants in both cohorts were decreased in 3 parkinsonian disorders compared with healthy controls without any significant association with age at sampling, sex, or disease severity (Hoehn and Yahr stage and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor section) in PD, and levodopa dose or levodopa equivalent dose in PSP and MSA. Of the 9 detected metabolites, 8 in PD, 5 in PSP, and 3 in MSA were significantly decreased in both cohorts even after normalizing to daily caffeine consumption. No significant genetic variations in CYP1A2 or CYP2E1 were detected when compared with controls.

Conclusion

Serum caffeine metabolic profiles in 3 parkinsonian diseases show a high level of overlap, indicative of a common potential mechanism such as caffeine malabsorption from the small intestine, hypermetabolism, increased clearance of caffeine, and/or reduced caffeine consumption. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.