bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical neurophysiology and cerebrospinal liquor analysis to detect Guillain‐Barré syndrome and polyneuritis cranialis in COVID‐19 patients: A case series
Authors: Manganotti Paolo , Bellavita Giulia , D'Acunto Laura , Tommasini Valentina , Fabris Martina , Sartori Arianna , Bonzi Lucia , Buoite Stella Alex , Pesavento Valentina
Published: July 2020

We report a case series of five patients affected by SARS‐CoV‐2 who developed neurological symptoms, mainly expressing as polyradiculoneuritis and cranial polyneuritis in the 2 months of COVID‐19 pandemic in a city in the northeast of Italy. A diagnosis of Guillain‐Barré syndrome was made on the basis of clinical presentation, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and electroneurography. In four of them, the therapeutic approach included the administration of intravenous immunoglobulin (0.4 g/kg for 5 days), which resulted in the improvement of neurological symptoms. Clinical neurophysiology revealed the presence of conduction block, absence of F waves, and in two cases a significant decrease in amplitude of compound motor action potential compound muscle action potential (cMAP). Four patients presented a mild facial nerve involvement limited to the muscles of the lower face, with sparing of the forehead muscles associated to ageusia. In one patient, taste assessment showed right‐sided ageusia of the tongue, ipsilateral to the mild facial palsy. In three patients we observed albuminocytological dissociation in the cerebrospinal fluid, and notably, we found an increase of inflammatory mediators such as the interleukin‐8. Peripheral nervous system involvement after infection with COVID‐19 is possible and may include several signs that may be successfully treated with immunoglobulin therapy.
Performance of model‐based network meta‐analysis (MBNMA) of time‐course relationships: A simulation study
Authors: Pedder Hugo , Boucher Martin , Dias Sofia , Bennetts Margherita , Welton Nicky J.
Published: July 2020

Time‐course model‐based network meta‐analysis (MBNMA) has been proposed as a framework to combine treatment comparisons from a network of randomized controlled trials reporting outcomes at multiple time‐points. This can explain heterogeneity/inconsistency that arises by pooling studies with different follow‐up times and allow inclusion of studies from earlier in drug development. The aim of this study is to explore using simulation: (a) how MBNMA model parameters are affected by the quantity/location of observed time‐points across studies/comparisons, (b) how reliably an appropriate MBNMA model can be identified, (c) the robustness of model estimates and predictions under different dataset characteristics. Our results indicate that model parameters for a given treatment comparison are estimated with low mean bias even when no direct evidence was available, provided there was sufficient indirect evidence to estimate the time‐course. A staged model selection strategy that selects time‐course function, then heterogeneity, then covariance structure, identified the true model most reliably and efficiently. Predictions and parameter estimates from selected models had low mean bias even in the presence of high heterogeneity/correlation between time‐points. However, failure to properly account for heterogeneity/correlation could lead to high error in precision of the estimates. Time‐course MBNMA provides a statistically robust framework for synthesizing direct and indirect evidence to estimate relative effects and predicted mean responses whilst accounting for time‐course and incorporating correlation and heterogeneity. This supports the use of MBNMA in evidence synthesis, particularly when additional studies are available with follow‐up times that would otherwise prohibit their inclusion by conventional meta‐analysis.
Investigating the utility of extended mutation analysis in gastrointestinal peritoneal metastasis
Authors: Foster Jason M. , Patel Asish , Zhang Chunmeng , Shostrom Valerie , Brown Krista , Cushman‐Vokoun Allison M.
Published: July 2020

Background and Objectives

Outcomes for gastrointestinal peritoneal metastases (GI‐PM) are worse compared to systemic metastases, with a paucity of data exploring extended mutation profiling. An exploratory mutation analysis in GI‐PMs was performed as a “proof of concept” of potential predictive values of profiling in GI‐PM and rates of actionable mutations.

Methods

The study included 40 GI‐PM patients: 14 low‐grade mucinous carcinoma peritonei and 26 HG‐PM (12 colons, 10 appendix, 4 small bowels). Demographics, histologies, peritoneal cancer indexes, cytoreduction scores, and survival data were collected. NGS 50‐gene mutation profiling was performed on 38 specimens. The association of mutations with survival was evaluated in high‐grade PM.

Results

KRAS, TP53, and SMAD4 mutations were observed in 61%, 29%, and 8% of cases across all tumor histologies. In 66% cases >1 mutations occurred, associated with decreased survival in HG‐PM: 32 vs 73 months, P = .03. TP53 or SMAD4 mutations were associated with decreased survival in HG‐PM: 22 vs 48 months, P = .02. Actionable mutations were detected in 70%.

Conclusion

Actionable mutations were detected at high rates. GI‐PMs have similar mutational profiles and TP53, SMAD4, and/or >1 mutation were associate with decreased survival in HG‐PM. This data supports the concept of the extended mutation profiling utility in GI‐PM warranting further investigation.
Prolonged Exposure and Sertraline Treatments for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Also Improve Multiple Indicators of Social Functioning
Authors: Graham Belinda , Garcia Natalia M. , Bergman Hannah E. , Feeny Norah C. , Zoellner Lori A.
Published: July 2020

Trauma survivors with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequently also suffer from difficulties in social functioning that range across emotional, cognitive, and environmental domains. A detailed evaluation of the differential impacts of effective PTSD treatments on social functioning is needed. Men and women (N = 200) with chronic PTSD received 10 weeks of prolonged exposure (PE) or sertraline in a randomized clinical trial and were followed for 24 months. A secondary data analysis examined changes in social functioning with regard to fear of intimacy; receipt of social support; and distress, avoidance, and negative cognitions in social situations. Effects were examined between treatments over time, controlling for baseline functioning. There were large, durable improvements across all indices. Compared to sertraline, PE was more efficient at reducing fear of intimacy and distress from negative social cognitions by posttreatment, ds = 0.94–1.14. Patients who received sertraline continued to improve over the course of follow‐up, ds = 0.54–1.17. The differential speed of therapeutic effects may argue for more direct mechanisms in cognitive behavioral interventions versus cascade effects in serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Notably, both treatments produced substantial social benefits for trauma survivors with social functioning difficulties, and effect sizes were comparable to typical reductions in PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
The impact of attractiveness on employability: Gender differences in peer effects
Authors: Shtudiner Zeev
Published: July 2020

In this study, we examine if there are peer effects on the influence of external appearance on employability. We presented participants with a series of male and female photos and asked them to rate the attractiveness, employability, and other characteristics of the people portrayed. Candidates who were rated as more attractive were also deemed more likely to be invited for an interview. However, male candidates were judged relatively such that a candidate's chance of being interviewed decreased when his image was presented with that of other handsome men. This relative effect was not found to be significant for women.
Idiopathic Non‐task‐Specific Upper Limb Dystonia, a Neglected Form of Dystonia
Authors: Defazio Giovanni , Ercoli Tommaso , Erro Roberto , Pellicciari Roberta , Mascia Marcello Mario , Fabbrini Giovanni , Albanese Alberto , Lalli Stefania , Eleopra Roberto , Barone Paolo , Marchese Roberta , Ceravolo Roberto , Scaglione Cesa , Liguori Rocco , Esposito Marcello , Bentivoglio Anna Rita , Bertolasi Laura , Altavista Maria Concetta , Bono Francesco , Pisani Antonio , Girlanda Paolo , Berardelli Alfredo ,   Italian Dystonia Registry Participants
Published: July 2020

Objective

The objective of this study was to describe the clinical and demographic features of idiopathic non‐task‐specific upper limb dystonia compared with the task‐specific form.

Methods

In this retrospective study, adult patients with idiopathic upper limb dystonia, either focal or as part of a segmental/multifocal dystonia, from the Italian Dystonia Registry were enrolled. In patients with focal upper limb dystonia, dystonia spread was estimated by survival analysis.

Results

Of the 1522 patients with idiopathic adult‐onset dystonia included in the Italian Dystonia Registry, we identified 182 patients with upper limb dystonia. Non‐task‐specific dystonia was present in 61.5% of enrolled cases. Women predominated among non‐task‐specific patients, whereas men predominated in the task‐specific group. Peak age of upper limb dystonia onset was in the sixth decade in the non‐task‐specific group and in the fourth decade in the task‐specific group. In both groups, upper limb dystonia started as focal dystonia or as part of a segmental dystonia. Segmental onset was more frequent among non‐task‐specific patients, whereas focal onset predominated among task‐specific patients. Dystonic action tremor was more frequent among non‐task‐specific patients. No significant differences between groups emerged in terms of sensory trick frequency, rest tremor, or family history of dystonia. In patients with focal upper limb dystonia, dystonia spread was greater in the non‐task‐specific group.

Conclusion

Novel information on upper limb dystonia patients suggests that non‐task‐specific and task‐specific upper limb dystonia have different demographic and clinical features. However, it remains to be determined whether these differences also reflect pathophysiological differences. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Generalized Jacobi spectral Galerkin method for fractional pantograph differential equation
Authors: Yang Changqing , Lv Xiaoguang
Published: July 2020

This work is concerned with the extension of the Jacobi spectral Galerkin method to a class of nonlinear fractional pantograph differential equations. First, the fractional differential equation is converted to a nonlinear Volterra integral equation with weakly singular kernel. Second, we analyze the existence and uniqueness of solutions for the obtained integral equation. Then, the Galerkin method is used for solving the equivalent integral equation. The error estimates for the proposed method are also investigated. Finally, illustrative examples are presented to confirm our theoretical analysis.
Derivation of formulae and optimal design for Owen's resistive power divider
Authors: Kim In‐Seon , Kim Ghiback , Park Jin Tae , Jang Yeon Soo , Park Beom Jun
Published: July 2020

A modified resistive power divider (RPD) was proposed by Owen and this structure has been shown to have higher isolation than a conventional RPD. However, it has a large insertion loss, which is a disadvantage. No theoretical studies have been published since Owen proposed this unique structure with specific resistor values. Thus far, the improvement of insertion loss has been achieved by trial and error to optimize performance by varying the resistor values. In this study, we perform a circuit analysis of the Owen's RPD and derive formulae to calculate performance. From the measured results, we demonstrate the validity of the derived formulae and show that the insertion loss could be improved by trade‐offs between performance.
Sacral nerve stimulation for refractory OAB and idiopathic urinary retention: Can phenotyping improve the outcome for patients: ICI‐RS 2019?
Authors: Malde Sachin , Marcelissen Tom , Vrijens Desiree , Apostolidis Apostolos , Rahnama'I Sajjad , Cardozo Linda , Lovick Thelma
Published: July 2020

Aims

Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is widely used to treat refractory idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB) and idiopathic urinary retention. However, clinical outcomes are variable and understanding predictive factors for success or side‐effects would enable personalization of therapy and optimization of outcomes. At the International Consultation on Incontinence‐Research Society meeting 2019, a Think Tank was convened to discuss how advances in the basic science study of SNS may be translatable into clinical practice to improve outcomes of patients undergoing SNS treatment.

Methods

We conducted a literature review and expert consensus meeting focusing on current methods of phenotyping patients and specifically, how advances in basic science research of the mechanism of action of SNS can be translated into clinical practice to improve patient selection for therapy.

Results

The terms “Idiopathic OAB” and “idiopathic urinary retention” encompass several underlying pathophysiological phenotypes. Commonly, phenotyping is based on clinical and urodynamic factors. Animal studies have demonstrated that high‐frequency stimulation can produce rapid onset, reversible conduction block in peripheral nerves. Altering stimulation parameters may potentially enable personalization of therapy depending upon the clinical indication in the future. Similarly, advances in conditional and closed‐loop stimulation may offer greater efficacy for certain patients. Phenotyping based on psychological comorbidity requires further study to potentially optimize patient selection for therapy.

Conclusions

Idiopathic OAB and idiopathic urinary retention are heterogenous conditions with multiple potential underlying phenotypes. Tailoring stimulation parameters to the needs of each individual according to phenotype could optimize outcomes. Assessing psychological comorbidity may improve patient selection. Areas for further research are proposed.
A better buy‐one‐give‐one business model
Authors: Yen Pi‐Ying , Chen Ying‐Ju , He Qiao‐Chu
Published: July 2020

Buy‐one‐give‐one is a prevailing business model among social enterprises nowadays. Under this model, for every product sold, a social enterprise will donate the same or a similar product to a person in need. However, two questions arise: Should the social enterprise stick to donating the same product? Should the social enterprise stick to donating one product? In this paper, we explore different formats of buy‐one‐give‐one and compare buy‐one‐give‐one with cross‐subsidy with regard to social welfare, including both financial payoff and social payoff. The findings show that the social enterprise can generate more social welfare by differentiating its products into high‐end products for purchasers (the rich) and low‐end products for recipients (the poor) instead of providing these two segments products of the same quality. Also, giving more than just one product to the poor when one product is sold is an effective way to increase social welfare. We find that buy‐one‐give‐one results in higher social welfare than cross‐subsidy when either the social enterprise is highly socially responsible or the social gap between the rich and the poor is significant. However, when the size of the rich population is negligible, the buy‐one‐give‐one business model no longer pays. The social welfare under cross‐subsidy is at least the same as that under buy‐one‐give‐one in this case.
Evaluation of the wound healing process in rat skin using a hexanoyl group‐modified alkaline‐treated gelatin porous film
Authors: Koga Takashi , Kibe Toshiro , Taguchi Tetsushi , Fuchigami Takao , Nishihara Kazuhide , Ishihata Kiyohide , Nakamura Norifumi
Published: July 2020

The present study investigated the wound healing process in a rat skin wound model dressed with a hexanoyl group‐modified alkaline‐treated gelatin porous (HxAlGltn) film with angiogenesis‐inducing and strong bioadhesive properties or a collagen sponge (CS). A circular 10‐mm full‐thickness skin defect was created on the backs of 8‐week‐old rats and then dressed with a HxAlGltn film (HxAlGltn group), collagen sponge (CS group), and no dressing (control group). Wound distances and areas were assessed macroscopically at specific time points after surgery, the lengths and thicknesses of the neo‐epithelium histologically, and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), collagen type I, and fibronectin immunohistochemically. Wound distances and areas were significantly greater in the HxAlGltn group than in the CS and control groups. The expression of α‐SMA in myofibroblasts was significantly weaker in the HxAlGltn group than in the other groups on day 7. Furthermore, angiogenesis was prominent on days 4 and 7 in the HxAlGltn group. No significant differences were observed in the length of the neo‐epithelium between all groups, whereas the thickness of the neo‐epithelium was greater in the HxAlGltn group than in the CS group. The present results suggest the potential of the HxAlGltn film as a dressing material in the wound healing process of full‐thickness skin defects because it reduces scar contraction and promotes angiogenesis more than CS.
Impact of positivity and empathy on social entrepreneurial intention: The moderating role of perceived social support
Authors: Younis Amna , Xiaobao Peng , Nadeem Muhammad Athar , Kanwal Shamsa , Pitafi Abdul Hameed , Qiong Gui , Yuzhen Duan
Published: July 2020

Social entrepreneurship is a growing area of interest among practitioners. Social entrepreneurship meets and satisfies social needs and brings social change through innovative ideas. This study aims to investigate the impact of positivity and empathy of individuals on social entrepreneurial intention. This study considers the mediating role of social entrepreneurial self‐efficacy between the relationship of positivity, empathy, and social entrepreneurial intention. In addition, this study investigates perceived social support as a boundary condition between the relationship of social entrepreneurial self‐efficacy and social entrepreneurial intention. Findings show that positivity and empathy positively influence social entrepreneurial self‐efficacy, which subsequently positively influences social entrepreneurial intention. Furthermore, results show that high perceived social support strengthens the relationship between social entrepreneurial self‐efficacy and social entrepreneurial intention. Discussions and implications based on the study findings are reported.
Screen pattern simulation for an improved front‐side Ag‐electrode metallization of Si‐solar cells
Authors: Tepner Sebastian , Ney Linda , Linse Michael , Lorenz Andreas , Pospischil Maximilian , Masuri Kenji , Clement Florian
Published: July 2020

Flatbed screen printing proves to be the dominant metallization approach for mass production of silicon (Si)‐solar cells because of its robust and cost‐effective production capability. However, the ongoing demand of the PV industry to further decrease the width of printed Ag‐electrodes (contact fingers) requires new optimizations. This study presents the latest results on Si‐solar cell metallization using fine‐line screens down to screen opening widths of wn = 15 μm. The best experimental group achieved a record finger geometry with a mean finger width of wf = 19 μm and a mean finger height of hf = 18 μm. Furthermore, solar cell performance using a front‐side grid with a screen opening width of wn = 24 μm is investigated, reporting cell efficiencies up to 22.1% for Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact (PERC) solar cells. Finally, a novel screen pattern simulation is presented, revealing a correlation between the measured lateral finger resistance and the novel dimensionless parameter screen utility index (SUI). It describes the ratio between the average size of individual openings defined by the screen mesh angle and the chosen underlying mesh type. For SUI < 1, the printing result will strongly depend on the screen configuration, whereas for values of SUI > 1, the impact of the screen on the overall printability diminishes.
Over‐Expression of RNA Processing, Heat Shock, and DNA Repair Proteins in Breast Tumor Compared to Normal Tissue
Authors: Yen Ten‐Yang , Wong Richard , Pizzo Donald , Thein Moe , Macher Bruce A. , Timpe Leslie C.
Published: July 2020

This study identifies the main changes in protein expression in human breast tumors compared to normal breast tissue. Malignant tumors (32) and normal breast tissue samples (23), from formaldehyde‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded specimens are subjected to discovery proteomics using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry, with spectral counts for quantitation. The dataset contains 1406 proteins. Differential expression is measured using a method that takes advantage of estimates of the percentage of tumor on a slide. This analysis shows that the major classes of proteins over‐expressed by tumors are RNA‐binding, heat shock and DNA repair proteins. RNA‐binding proteins, including heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (HNRNPs), SR splice factors (SRSF) and elongation factors form the largest group. Comparison with results from another study demonstrates that the RNA‐binding proteins are associated specifically with malignant transformation, rather than with cell proliferation. HNRNP and SRSF proteins help define splice sites in normal cells. Their over‐expression may dysregulate splicing, which in turn has the potential to promote malignant transformation.
Combining bacteriophages with cefiderocol and meropenem/vaborbactam to treat a pan‐drug resistant Achromobacter species infection in a pediatric cystic fibrosis patient
Authors: Gainey Andrew B. , Burch Anna‐Kathryn , Brownstein Michael J. , Brown David E. , Fackler Joseph , Horne Bri'Anna , Biswas Biswajit , Bivens Brittany N. , Malagon Francisco , Daniels Robert
Published: July 2020

Cystic fibrosis is associated with significant morbidity and early mortality due to recurrent acute and chronic lung infections. The chronic use of multiple antibiotics without pathogen eradication increases the possibility of extensive drug resistance or even pan‐drug resistance (PDR). It is imperative that new or alternative treatment options be explored. We present a clinical case of a 10‐year‐old female cystic fibrosis patient, infected with a PDR Achromobacter spp. She was treated with cefiderocol, meropenem/vaborbactam, and bacteriophage therapy (Ax2CJ45ϕ2) during two separate admissions in an attempt to clear her infection and restore baseline pulmonary function. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed antibiotic susceptibilities, which showed resistance to both cefiderocol and meropenem/vaborbactam. However, after using all three agents concomitantly during the second treatment course, our patient's pulmonary function improved dramatically, and the Achromobacter spp. could not be isolated from sputum samples obtained 8 and 16 weeks after completion of therapy. Overall, the treatment regimen consisting of cefiderocol, meropenem/vaborbactam, and bacteriophage was safe and well‐tolerated in our patient.
A simple open source bioinformatic methodology for initial exploration of GPCR ligands’ agonistic/antagonistic properties
Authors: Panagiotopoulos Athanasios A. , Papachristofi Christina , Kalyvianaki Konstantina , Malamos Panagiotis , Theodoropoulos Panayiotis A. , Notas George , Calogeropoulou Theodora , Castanas Elias , Kampa Marilena
Published: July 2020

Drug development is an arduous procedure, necessitating testing the interaction of a large number of potential candidates with potential interacting (macro)molecules. Therefore, any method which could provide an initial screening of potential candidate drugs might be of interest for the acceleration of the procedure, by highlighting interesting compounds, prior to in vitro and in vivo validation. In this line, we present a method which may identify potential hits, with agonistic and/or antagonistic properties on GPCR receptors, integrating the knowledge on signaling events triggered by receptor activation (GPCRs binding to Gα,β,γ proteins, and activating Gα, exchanging GDP for GTP, leading to a decreased affinity of the Gα for the GPCR). We show that, by integrating GPCR‐ligand and Gα‐GDP or ‐GTP binding in docking simulation, which correctly predicts crystallographic data, we can discriminate agonists, partial agonists, and antagonists, through a linear function, based on the ΔG (Gibbs‐free energy) of liganded‐GPCR/Gα‐GDP. We built our model using two Gαs (β2‐adrenergic and prostaglandin‐D2), four Gαi (μ‐opioid, dopamine‐D3, adenosine‐A1, rhodopsin), and one Gαo (serotonin) receptors and validated it with a series of ligands on a recently deorphanized Gαi receptor (OXER1). This approach could be a valuable tool for initial in silico validation and design of GPRC‐interacting ligands.
Nuances to precision dosing strategies of targeted cancer medicines
Authors: Hopkins Ashley M. , Menz Bradley D. , Wiese Michael D. , Kichenadasse Ganessan , Gurney Howard , McKinnon Ross A. , Rowland Andrew , Sorich Michael J.
Published: July 2020

Selecting the dose of a targeted cancer medicine that is most appropriate for a specific individual is a rational approach to maximize therapeutic outcomes and minimize toxicity. There are many different options for optimizing the dose of targeted cancer medicines and the purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive comparison of the main options explored in prospective studies. Precision initial dose selection of targeted cancer therapies has been minimally explored to date; however, concentration, toxicity, and therapeutic outcome markers are used to guide on‐therapy dose adaption of targeted cancer therapies across several medicines and cancers. While a specific concentration, toxicity, or therapeutic outcome marker commonly dominates an investigated precision on‐therapy dose adaption strategy, greater attention to simultaneously account for exposure, toxicity, therapeutic outcomes, disease status, time since treatment initiation and patient preferences are required for optimal patient outcomes. To enable successful implementation of precision dosing strategies for targeted cancer medicines into clinical practice, future prospective studies aiming to develop strategies should consider these elements in their design.
The diabatic contour‐advective semi‐Lagrangian algorithms for the dynamical core of global models in terrain‐following isentropic and pressure vertical coordinates
Authors: Laghaeizadeh Reza , Joghataei Mohammad , Yazgi Daniel , Mohebalhojeh Ali R.
Published: July 2020

Design, development and assessment of numerical algorithms based on Rossby–Ertel potential vorticity (PV) for the dynamical core of global models are of particular importance in atmospheric and oceanic modelling for improving representation of both balanced and unbalanced flows. The general circulation models are usually developed in various vertical coordinates and horizontal grids. The Diabatic Contour‐Advective Semi‐Lagrangian (DCASL) algorithm based on contour representation of an approximate form of PV is further developed by (a) inclusion of a form of arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian method for the hybrid –
vertical coordinate, and (b) extension to the –p vertical coordinate with both Charney–Phillips (CP) and Lorenz (L) grids. Using a baroclinic instability test case, the working of DCASL in the newly developed – is compared with two other forms of DCASL in –p developed with CP and L grids. These comparisons show that the initialisation problem present in – vertical coordinate is removed and the solutions become close to the numerically convergent solutions of four other dynamical cores, within the range of their uncertainties, when the –p vertical coordinate is used. Results also show the usefulness of DCASL in –p, even though the prognostic variable representing vortical flow is less materially conservative than that of the –.
Simple and Effective Preparation of Zwitterionic Anti‐Fouling Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Ultrafiltration Membrane by In Situ Cross‐Linking Polymerization Technology
Authors: Song Hai‐Ming , Li Chen , Wang Yong‐Xin , Zhu Li‐Jing , Zeng Zhi‐Xiang
Published: July 2020

Here, we successfully fabricated antifouling zwitterionic polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes based on the in situ cross‐linking polymerization of sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) in the casting solutions with the non‐solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) technique. The structure and performance of zwitterionic PVDF membranes were characterized by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic water contact angle measurement and filtration experiments. The producing of zwitterion chains anchored on the membrane surfaces and resulted in enhanced hydrophilicity and the separation performance of the membrane has a noticeable improvement. The flux recovery of the membrane increased significantly from ∼ 45.1 to ∼ 90%, reversible fouling (Rr) increased from ∼ 22.2 to ∼ 40.5%, irreversible fouling (Rir) decreased from ∼ 54.9 to ∼ 10% and the bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection increased from ∼ 9.9 to ∼ 81.5%, indicating the prepared PVDF/PSBMA membranes have excellent anti‐fouling property and high separation efficiency.
Electrofabrication of the Ternary NiCuFe Alloy Nanoparticles/ERGO Nanocomposite: Effective Electrooxidation of the Glucose and Glycerol in Alkaline Media
Authors: Rahmani Kaveh , Habibi Biuck
Published: July 2020

In this work, a facile and straightforward approach was developed to fabricate a ternary NiCuFe alloy nanoparticles (ANPs) on/in the electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) nanocomposite at the carbon‐ceramic electrode (CE); NiCuFe‐ANPs/ERGO/CE, through a two‐step electrochemical deposition method. After physicochemical characterization of the fabricated nanocomposite, it was found that the NiCuFe‐ANPs/ERGO/CE has high electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of glucose and glycerol in alkaline media. The obtained results showed that the NiCuFe‐ANPs/ERGO/CE has excellent electrocatalytic activity in comparison with binary alloy nanoparticles including NiCu and NiFe in the same conditions. Moreover, the achieved results also indicated that the electrocatalytic activity of the NiCuFe‐ANPs/ERGO/CE has high value in comparison with NiCuFe‐ANPs/CE (without ERGO layers on the CE). The best results for electrooxidation of glucose (Jp=163.14 mA/cm2) and glycerol (Jp=170.35 mA/cm2) were in 0.1 M KOH and 5 mM fuels concentration. Chronoamperometry and chronopotentiometry results showed that the NiCuFe‐ANPs/ERGO/CE has significant toxic tolerance and stability. Finally, to evaluate the capacity of active sites located on the surface of the NiCuFe‐ANPs/ERGO/CE, high concentrations of glucose and glycerol were used and it was found that the prepared electrocatalyst has a high capacity towards high concentrations of these fuels.
Clays as Effective Solid Acid Catalysts for the Preparation of Sugar Esters with Surfactant Properties
Authors: Pappalardo Valeria M. , Cavuoto Denise , Sangiorgio Sara , Speranza Giovanna , Cappelletti Giuseppe , Ravasio Nicoletta , Zaccheria Federica
Published: July 2020

Sugar fatty acid esters are a relevant class of surfactants. Base catalyzed transesterification of lower esters may be carried out on an industrial level. Direct esterification of fatty acids with sugars over heterogeneous catalysts should be more environmental friendly, however this approach is quite challenging. The activity of montmorillonites has been investigated in the acylation of d‐glucose with palmitic acid and the number of Lewis acid sites on the catalyst surface measured through FTIR of adsorbed pyridine. The use of a ketone, namely acetylacetone, as solvent allows the formation of an acetal between the sugar and the solvent itself, increasing the solubility of the substrate, with a maximum of conversion when using FeIII exchanged montmorillonite K10 as the catalyst. The main reaction product was the dipalmitate ester with an acetal group at the 1,2 position of d‐glucose. This product with a hydrophilic lipophilic balance (HLB) of 4.9 shows interesting properties as surfactant with a CMC value close to 0.036% wt/v measured in sunflower oil.
Thin Chemisorbed Polyaniline Film on Cobalt Oxide as an Electrode for Hybrid Energy Storage Devices
Authors: Izwan Misnon Izan , Krishnan Syam G. , Jose Rajan
Published: July 2020

Electrical charge storing electrodes and their surface modification are intensively investigated to improve the charge storability indicators in electrochemical energy storage devices. Here, the effects of a thin chemisorbed polyaniline (PANI) film on the charge storage behavior of rod‐shaped spinal‐type cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanorods (PANI@Co3O4) are detailed for fabrication of battery–supercapacitor hybrid (BSH) devices. The PANI@Co3O4 showed larger surface area and optimum porosity properties, which contributed to ∼50 % enhanced specific charge than that in the Co3O4. The deconvoluted total charge storage gain showed more contribution to the bulk‐diffusion controlled process (battery‐type), lower ion transport resistance and Warburg impedance in the PANI@Co3O4 electrode than that in the Co3O4. Two‐sets of BSH devices are fabricated using PANI@Co3O4 as a positive electrode and mesoporous carbon (MC) and activated carbon (AC) negative electrodes in an aqueous electrolyte and benchmarked with symmetric supercapacitors fabricated using the two carbons. The PANI@Co3O4//MC device showed nearly two‐fold higher specific energy (ES) than that of PANI@Co3O4//AC. Interestingly, AC//AC symmetric supercapacitors showed two‐fold higher ES than the MC//MC device. Origin of differences in the charge storage behavior of the two types of devices are systematically analyzed and reported.
Comparative assessment of neurotoxicity impacts induced by alkyl tri‐n‐butyl phosphate and aromatic tricresyl phosphate in PC12 cells
Authors: Chang Yeqian , Cui Haiyan , Jiang Xiaofeng , Li Mei
Published: July 2020

Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) have become a growing concern due to their potential environmental and health risk. However, limited studies have described the toxicity, particularly neurotoxicity of alkyl and aromatic OPFRs. This study investigated the neurotoxicity of alkyl tri‐n‐butyl phosphate (TnBP) and aromatic tricresyl phosphate (TCP) to rat adrenal pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells for 24 h. Viability detection showed dose‐response toxicity effect of TCP and TnBP to PC12 cells. The half‐maximal inhibitory concentration of 24 h (24 h‐IC50) of TCP and TnBP were 2415.61 and 338.09 μM, respectively. Both TnBP and TCP significantly changed the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and TnBP is more likely to cause neurotoxicity to PC12 cells compared to TCP. Also, The results of LDH and caspase‐3 activity detection as well as Hoechst staining suggested that cell apoptosis induced by TCP and TnBP may be the primary pathway. These findings provide a toxicity data of aromatic and alkyl‐substituted OPFRs to PC12 cells, and a new insight into the toxicity of OPFRs on health risk assessment.
Urban stormwater characterization, control, and treatment
Authors: Rodak Carolyn M. , Jayakaran Anand D. , Moore Trisha L. , David Ray , Rhodes Emily R. , Vogel Jason R.
Published: July 2020

This review summarizes over 280 studies published in 2019 related to the characterization, control, and management of urban stormwater runoff. A summary of quantity and quality concerns is provided in the first section of the review, serving as the foundation for the following sections which focus on the control and treatment of stormwater runoff. Finally, the impact of stormwater control devices at the watershed scale is discussed. Each section provides a self‐contained overview of the 2019 literature, common themes, and future work. Several themes emerged from the 2019 literature including exploration of substrate amendments for improved water quality effluent from stormwater controls, the continued study of the role of vegetation in green infrastructure practices, and a call to action for the development of new models which generate reliable, computationally efficient results under the physical, chemical, biological, and social complexity of stormwater management.

Practitioner points

Over 280 studies were published in 2019 related to the characterization, control, and treatment of urban stormwater.

Studies on bioretention and general stormwater characteristics represented the two most common subtopics in 2019.

Trends in 2019 included novel substrate amendments, studies on the role of vegetation, and advancements in computational models.
Preventing COVID‐19 Amid Public Health and Urban Planning Failures in Slums of Indian Cities
Authors: Patel Amit
Published: July 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic has brought renewed attention to the lack of urban planning and its public health implications in developing countries. Slum communities face the dual challenges of chronically poor residential environments and the acute effects of a pandemic and the preventive measures that follow. In this paper, I assess the effectiveness and implications of social distancing, frequent handwashing, and lockdown in the context of slums in Indian cities, where overcrowding, lack of access to water and sanitation, and dependence on daily wages for sustenance and livelihood are common. Using data from multiple sources, I demonstrate that not only will these measures be hard to achieve in slums in the short term due to specific characteristics of these habitats, but they will bring new challenges in the long term due to disproportionate impacts on the urban poor. Lessons learned from this pandemic will require us to rethink public health responses and urban planning practices that could better prepare our cities for future pandemics.
Impacts of Global Warming on West African Monsoon Rainfall
Authors: Gbode Imoleayo E. , Ajayi Vincent O. , Ogunjobi Kehinde O. , Dudhia Jimy , Liu Changhai
Published: July 2020

The impacts of global warming on rainfall in West Africa were examined using a numerical framework for 5 monsoon years (2001, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2011). Rainfall characteristics over the three climatic zones, Guinea coast, Savannah, and Sahel, were analyzed. The potential changes associated with global warming were assessed by the pseudo-global warming (PGW) downscaling method. Multiple PGW runs were conducted using climate perturbation from the 40-member ensemble of the Community Earth System Model version 1 (CESM1) coupled with Community Atmospheric Model version 5.2 (CAM5.2) component large ensemble project. The model output was compared with Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission and Global Precipitation Climatology Project rainfall alongside surface temperature from the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecast Reanalysis. Results show that the estimated rainfall amount from the future climate in the 2070s increases slightly compared with the current climate. The total rainfall amount simulated for the current climate is 16% and 63% less than that of the PGW runs and observations, respectively. Also found is an increase (decrease) in heavy (light and moderate) rainfall amount in the PGW runs. These results are, however, contingent on the global circulation model (GCM), which provides the boundary conditions of the regional climate model. CESM1.0-CAM5.2, the GCM employed in this study, tends to provide a greater surface temperature change of about 4 °C. This projected temperature change consequently caused the increase in the simulated precipitation in the PGW experiments, thus highlighting the advantage of using the PGW method to estimate the likely difference between the present and future climate with reduced large-scale model differences and computational resources. The findings of this study are, however, useful to inform decision-making in climate-related activities and guide the design of climate change adaptation projects for the West African region.
Wie informieren sich die Menschen in Deutschland zum Thema Gesundheit? Erkenntnisse aus der ersten Welle von HINTS Germany
Authors: Baumann Eva , Czerwinski Fabian , Rosset Magdalena , Seelig Markus , Suhr Ralf
Published: July 2020

Hintergrund

Die dynamischen Entwicklungen im Gesundheitssystem gehen mit einer aktiveren und stärker partizipativen Patientenrolle einher, in der Patient*innen als informierte Entscheider*innen ihre Versorgung mitgestalten. In diesem Zuge gewinnt das gesundheitsbezogene Informationshandeln an Bedeutung, jedoch wird es bislang nicht systematisch erfasst. Der Health Information National Trends Survey Germany (HINTS Germany) schließt diese Lücke.

Methodik

HINTS Germany wurde als telefonische Befragung einer Stichprobe von N = 2902 Personen durchgeführt. Der Fragebogen beinhaltet diverse Aspekte der Suche nach und Nutzung von Gesundheitsinformationen, der Versorgung, des Gesundheitszustands und -verhaltens.

Ergebnisse

Die ersten Erkenntnisse belegen, dass es regionale und geschlechtsspezifische Unterschiede im Gesundheitsinformationshandeln gibt. Etwa jede vierte befragte Person berichtet von Problemen bei der Informationssuche. Die meistgenutzten Informationsquellen sind Ärzt*innen und anderes medizinisches Fachpersonal sowie das Internet, wobei Ärzt*innen das mit Abstand größte Vertrauen entgegengebracht wird.

Diskussion

Der eher seltene Zugriff auf das Internet als primäre Quelle korrespondiert mit dem geringeren Vertrauen, das die Befragten in das Internet als Quelle für Gesundheitsinformationen legen, was auch aus anderen Studien bekannt ist. Dies sollte jedoch nicht darüber hinwegtäuschen, dass das Internet als ergänzende Quelle einen hohen Stellenwert haben kann, also in Kombination mit anderen Informationen genutzt wird, beispielsweise nach einem Arztbesuch. HINTS Germany bietet eine für die erwachsene Bevölkerung in Deutschland repräsentative Datengrundlage, mit der die Bedeutung der Gesundheitsinformationssuche für gesundheitsbezogene Einstellungen und Verhaltensweisen differenziert analysiert werden kann.
Neurodevelopmental outcomes after moderate to severe neonatal hypoglycemia
Authors: Rasmussen Annett Helleskov , Wehberg Sonja , Pørtner Fani , Larsen Anna-Marie , Filipsen Karen , Christesen Henrik Thybo
Published: July 2020

The long-term consequences of transient neonatal hypoglycemia are sparsely studied. We performed a follow-up of a cohort of neonates with blood glucose recordings < 1.7 mmol/L (< 30 mg/dL), treated with > 2.5 mmol/L (> 45 mg/dL), compared with healthy siblings. Exclusion criteria were gestational age < 35 weeks, severe asphyxia, head injury, and other cerebral diseases. In 71 children with neonatal hypoglycemia and 32 control siblings, Wechsler IV cognitive test, Movement ABC-2 test, and Child Behavior Checklist were performed at mean age 7.75 and 9.17 years, respectively. No significant changes were detected for cognitive function by using Wechsler IV or for behavior by using Child Behavior Checklist. In univariate analysis, the hypoglycemia group had lower age-adjusted fine motor scores by using the Movement ABC-2 test compared with control siblings, 42.6 ± 31.2 vs. 57.2 ± 30.8 percentile (p = 0.03). In the sibling-paired analysis, the decrease in total motor score was highly significant, p = 0.009, driven by a decrease in fine motor score, p = 0.008. In the hypoglycemia group, adjusted analysis showed a lower fine motor function for boys, β = − 16.4, p = 0.048.

Conclusion: Neonatal hypoglycemia treated with > 2.5 mmol/L was associated with lower fine motor scores within the normal range, particularly in boys. No associations with cognitive function or behavior were detected.

What is Known:• Transient neonatal hypoglycemia is associated with acute neurologic dysfunction and long-term neurodevelopment impairment in 18 months of age.

What is New:• Neonatal hypoglycemia treated with > 2.5 mmol/L is associated with lower fine motor function within the normal range, particularly in boys, but not to changes in cognitive function or behavior.
Sensitivity of Ixodes ricinus (L., 1758) and Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabr., 1794) ticks to entomopathogenic fungi isolates: preliminary study
Authors: Szczepańska Anna , Kiewra Dorota , Plewa-Tutaj Kinga , Dyczko Dagmara , Guz-Regner Katarzyna
Published: July 2020

Entomopathogenic fungi of the genus Beauveria and Metarhizium play an important role in controlling the population of arthropods. However, the data on their effectiveness against ticks focus mainly on species that do not occur in Europe. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of entomopathogenic fungi against two of the most important tick species in Europe: Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus. In our study, the majority of tested entomopathogenic fungi strains showed potential efficacy against both tick species; however, D. reticulatus was less susceptible in comparison to I. ricinus. The observed mortality of ticks was up to 100% by using all commercial strains as well as three out of nine of the environmental strains. Among all tested fungi, the most effective against both tick species was environmental strain Metarhizium anisopliae LO4(1) with LC50 values: 2.6 × 103 cfu/ml–5.7 × 105 cfu/ml. Botanigard proved to be more effective than MET52 with LC50 values: 6.8 × 103 cfu/ml–3.3 × 106 cfu/ml. The conducted bioassays indicate the potential possibility of using the environmental isolates of entomopathogenic fungi, as well as commercial strains in control of local populations of I. ricinus and D. reticulatus; however, the possibility of using them in vivo requires more research.
Outcome of a novel modified endoscopic papillectomy for duodenal major papilla adenoma
Authors: Wang Pin , Jiang Chengfei , Wang Yi , Zhou Lin , Zhang Shu , Ding Xiwei , lv Ying , Wang Lei , Zou Xiaoping
Published: July 2020

Background and aims

In recent years, with the development of endoscopic techniques, endoscopic resection is widely used for duodenal papillary adenomas, but conventional endoscopic resection has a high rate of incomplete resection and recurrence. On this basis, we have employed a novel modified endoscopic papillectomy (ESP). In this study, we evaluated the feasibility and advantages of this ESP for the treatment of duodenal major papilla adenoma.

Methods

A total of 56 patients with duodenal major papilla adenoma confirmed by endoscopic ultrasonography, intraluminal ultrasound and gastroscopic biopsy from October 2007 to June 2017 were collected in the Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. The diameter of the adenoma ranged from 1.41 to 2.02 cm. 16 cases were given the conventional method and 40 cases underwent the modified ESP procedure in which a small incision was made by cutting current when anchoring the snare tip on the distal side of the adenoma.

Results

En bloc resection rate was significantly higher in the modified group (100%, 40/40) than that in the conventional group (81.3%, 13/16; P = 0.02). However, no significance was seen between the modified group and the conventional group in complete resection rate (92.5%, 37/40 vs 93.8%, 15/16; P = 1.00). There was no significant difference in the number and difficulty of postoperative pancreatic and biliary stents placement between the two groups (P = 0.20). Total bleeding occurrence was much lower in the modified group (37.5%, 15/40 vs 87.5%, 14/16; P = 0.001), and no significant differences were found in other short-term complications and the 3, 6, 12 and 24 months recurrences rate between the conventional and modified ESP groups.

Conclusions

The modified ESP improves the treatment outcome of duodenal major papilla adenoma with higher en bloc resection rate and lowering bleeding rate.
Some generalizations of p-semisimple BCI algebras and groups
Authors: Walendziak Andrzej
Published: July 2020

We introduce and investigate the strong p-semisimple property for some generalizations of BCI algebras. For BCI algebras, the strong p-semisimple property is equivalent to the p-semisimple property. We describe the connections of strongly p-semisimple algebras and various generalizations of groups (such as, for example, involutive moons and goops). Moreover, we present some examples of proper strongly p-semisimple algebras.