bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A two element MIMO antenna for sub‐6 GHz and mmWave 5G systems using characteristics mode analysis
Authors: Kumar Naveen , Khanna Rajesh
Published: September 2020

In this article, a two‐element multiband multi‐input multi‐output (MIMO) antenna for 5G communication devices is presented. Characteristics mode analysis is used to develop the proposed antenna. The planar inverted‐F antenna (PIFA) structure is used as an antenna element operating at 3.5, 4.3, 28, and 35 GHz bands. The shape of the PIFA is L‐shaped patch with an L slot placed which is positioned above the ground plane at 4 mm height. The proposed antenna covers more than 400 MHz bandwidth at 3.5, 4.3 GHz bands, and wideband coverage of more than 12 GHz covering many millimeter Wave (mmWave) bands between 24 and 38 GHz. The use of complementary metamaterial unit cell resulted in a minimum of 21 dB isolation in 3.5 GHz band and a minimum of 24 dB in mmWave bands. The simulated and measured results are presented for the proposed MIMO antenna system, which is in good agreement with each other.
Design of multioctave power amplifier using multi‐harmonic bilateral pull technique
Authors: Xuan Xuefei , Wang Yang , Zhao Ziming , Liu Guohua , Cheng Zhiqun
Published: September 2020

In this letter, the design, implementation and measurements of a multioctave bandwidth high‐efficiency GaN HEMT power amplifier (PA) based on a novel systematic design methodology are presented. To achieve bandwidth expansion while maintaining a high level of efficiency, the multi‐harmonic bilateral pull technique has been employed to acquire the optimum fundamental and second harmonic impedance regions. Especially, the impedance region of the second harmonic is analyzed to conclude that the second harmonic impedance can be expanded to a resistive‐reactive with complex load impedances. Therefore, multioctave bandwidth can be achieved by combining low‐pass lumped circuit (LC) matching network. For experimental verification, the wideband PA is achieved with a 10‐W GaN device. The measurement results manifest that the implemented PA has a drain efficiency (DE) of 54% to 71% and a saturated output power of 38.2 to 42.3 dBm for the entire intended frequency range between 0.5 to 3.1 GHz with a relative bandwidth of 144.4%, while providing a gain larger than 8.2 dB. Measurement results confirm the theoretical findings.
Simultaneous Multiple Resonance Frequency imaging (SMURF): Fat‐water imaging using multi‐band principles
Authors: Bachrata Beata , Strasser Bernhard , Bogner Wolfgang , Schmid Albrecht Ingo , Korinek Radim , Krššák Martin , Trattnig Siegfried , Robinson Simon Daniel
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To develop a fat‐water imaging method that allows reliable separation of the two tissues, uses established robust reconstruction methods, and requires only one single‐echo acquisition.

Theory and Methods

The proposed method uses spectrally selective dual‐band excitation in combination with CAIPIRINHA to generate separate images of fat and water simultaneously. Spatially selective excitation without cross‐contamination is made possible by the use of spatial‐spectral pulses. Fat and water images can either be visualized separately, or the fat images can be corrected for chemical shift displacement and, in gradient echo imaging, for chemical shift‐related phase discrepancy, and recombined with water images, generating fat‐water images free of chemical shift effects. Gradient echo and turbo spin echo sequences were developed based on this Simultaneous Multiple Resonance Frequency imaging (SMURF) approach and their performance was assessed at 3Tesla in imaging of the knee, breasts, and abdomen.

Results

The proposed method generated well‐separated fat and water images with minimal unaliasing artefacts or cross‐excitation, evidenced by the near absence of water signal attributed to the fat image and vice versa. The separation achieved was similar to or better than that using separate acquisitions with water‐ and fat‐saturation or Dixon methods. The recombined fat‐water images provided similar image contrast to conventional images, but the chemical shift effects were eliminated.

Conclusion

Simultaneous Multiple Resonance Frequency imaging is a robust fat‐water imaging technique that offers a solution to imaging of body regions with significant amounts of fat.
A systematic scoping review of patient health outcomes and perceptions following management of low back pain via care pathways in primary health care
Authors: Boyle Eileen M. , Fary Robyn E. , Kang Kwangil , Evans Kerrie , Rebbeck Trudy , Beales Darren J.
Published: September 2020

Background

Emerging evidence suggests that although care pathways for people with low back pain (LBP) improve health outcomes, there is a limited adoption/uptake of these pathways in primary care. To help identify and/or explain barriers and facilitators to implementation, research study designs applying a mixed methods approach including robust qualitative methodology may provide a more comprehensive understanding of patient health outcomes and patient perceptions of care.

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE, OVID EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and Scopus (1980–2020) was conducted to identify relevant mixed methods, quantitative and qualitative studies.

Results

Three hundred and sixteen articles were screened for inclusion, with a total of 12 articles (1 mixed methods and 11 quantitative) included in the review. No solely qualitative studies were found. Broadly, patients reported overall improved health outcomes and higher satisfaction using the care pathway. In the mixed methods study, engaging patients in aspects of care were reported to be challenging. Further, while patient health outcomes (quantitative) and patient experiences of the care pathway (qualitative—free‐text survey responses) were presented separately, a lack of detailed convergence/triangulation of the data limits conclusions that could inform implementation into clinical settings.

Conclusion

Data supported the positive effect of care pathways on patient health outcomes, yet investigation of the patient experience was limited. Only one study used a mixed methods design and then only used free‐text survey responses for the qualitative component. Future efforts to integrate LBP care pathways into primary care may benefit from using mixed methods design with an emphasis on robust qualitative methodology.
Effective Anesthetic Dosage and Recovery from Specialized Surgical Methods in Shortnose Gar
Authors: King Sarah M. , Stein Jeffrey A.
Published: September 2020

A general assumption in the use of biotelemetry is that tags do not affect the animal’s behavior. There is general agreement that internal implantation of transmitters is the preferred method for affixing a tag to a fish relative to external and intragastric transmitters because internal tags have minimal negative impacts on growth and can be used for long-term research. Internal transmitter attachment methods have only recently been explored for the family Lepisosteidae due to the inability to breach ganoid scales with traditional surgical procedures developed for teleost fishes. In this study, we used a recently developed specialized surgical technique to conduct sham surgeries on Shortnose Gar Lepisosteus platostomus to document short- and long-term recovery and wound healing rates. Shortnose Gar were successfully sedated for surgical purposes with AQUI-S 20E at a concentration of 250 mg/L, although we discovered that it is necessary to prevent facultative air breathing to ensure sufficient induction. Despite a longer sedation time relative to other species, fish recovered quickly and showed no adverse effects. Surgical wounds closed within approximately 2 weeks, and monofilament sutures were retained long enough to promote healing. On average, fish lost 0.34% body weight per day over the first 7–19 d postsurgery but gained 0.26% body weight per day over the remainder of the 478-d study. Our study is the first to test the effective dosage of AQUI-S 20E in Shortnose Gar and to evaluate recovery from surgery using a specialized surgical technique in a controlled setting. Methods used in our study were designed to be directly applied in the field, will allow researchers to safely utilize internal implantation of transmitters in primitive fishes with ganoid scales, and will enable studies that expand our knowledge of the spatial ecology and habitat use in this ancient lineage of fish.
Lack of rewarding effects of a soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor TPPU in mice: Comparison with morphine
Authors: Wan Xiayun , Fujita Yuko , Chang Lijia , Wei Yan , Ma Li , Wuyun Gerile , Pu Yaoyu , Hammock Bruce D. , Hashimoto Kenji
Published: September 2020

Aim

Although opioids have been used as treatment of neuropathic pain, opioids have abuse potential in humans. Since soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) in the metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids plays a key role in the pain, sEH inhibitors would be promising new therapeutic drugs for neuropathic pain. In this study, we examined the effect of the sEH inhibitor TPPU on rewarding effects in mice using the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm.

Methods

The rewarding effects of morphine (10 mg/kg) and TPPU (3, 10, or 30 mg/kg) in mice were examined using CPP paradigm. Furthermore, the effect of TPPU (30 mg/kg) on morphine‐induced rewarding effects was examined.

Results

TPPU (3, 10, or 30 mg/kg) did not increase CPP scores in the mice whereas morphine significantly increased CPP scores in the mice. Furthermore, pretreatment with TPPU did not block the rewarding effects of morphine in the mice, suggesting that sEH does not play a role in the rewarding effect of morphine.

Conclusion

This study suggests that TPPU did not have rewarding effects in rodents. This would make sEH inhibitors potential therapeutic drugs without abuse potential for neuropathic pain.
An integrative review and theoretical examination of chronic illness mHealth studies using the Middle‐Range Theory of Self‐care of Chronic Illness
Authors: Buck Harleah G. , Shadmi Efrat , Topaz Maxim , Sockolow Paulina S.
Published: September 2020

Self‐management, or self‐care, by individuals and/or families is a critical element in chronic illness management as more care shifts to the home setting. Mobile device‐enhanced health care, or mHealth, is being touted as a means to support self‐care. Previous mHealth reviews examined the effect of mHealth on patient outcomes, however, none used a theoretical lens to examine the interventions themselves. The aims of this integrative review were to examine recent (e.g., last 10 years) chronic illness mHealth empiric studies and (1) categorize self‐care behaviors engaged in the intervention according to the Middle‐Range Theory of Self‐care of Chronic Illness, and (2) conduct an analysis of gaps in self‐care theory domains and behaviors utilized. Methods included: (1) Best practice study identification, collection, and data extraction procedures and (2) realist synthesis techniques for within and across case analysis. From a pool of 652 records, 33 primarily North American clinical trials, published between 2010 and 2019 were examined. Most mHealth interventions used apps, clinician contact, and behavioral prompts with some wireless devices. Examination found self‐care maintenance behaviors were supported in most (n = 30) trials whereas self‐care monitoring (n = 12) and self‐care management behaviors (n = 8) were less so. Few trials (n = 2) targeted all three domains. Investigation of specific behaviors uncovered an overexamination of physical activity and diet behaviors and an underexamination of equally important behaviors. By examining chronic illness mHealth interventions using a theoretical lens we have categorized current interventions, conducted a gap analysis uncovering areas for future study, and made recommendations to move the science forward.
A Laboratory‐Based Study of the Priming Effects of Food Cues and Stress on Hunger and Food Intake in Individuals with Obesity
Authors: Chao Ariana M. , Fogelman Nia , Hart Rachel , Grilo Carlos M. , Sinha Rajita
Published: September 2020

Objective

This study aimed to assess the effects of exposures to food cues and stress on hunger and food intake and examine whether cue responses differ by weight status.

Methods

In a laboratory‐based experimental study, participants (n = 138) were exposed to stress, neutral, and food cues delivered using an individualized script‐driven imagery task on three separate days. After each cue exposure, participants ate high‐ and low‐calorie snack foods ad libitum (Food Snack Test). Hunger was measured by visual analog scales.

Results

Food cues elicited significantly greater increases in hunger compared with neutral and stress stimuli. Cue‐induced hunger did not differ by weight status. Participants consumed a similar number of total calories across stimuli. In response to food cue provocation, participants with obesity consumed [mean (SE)] 81.0% (4.0%) of calories from high‐calorie foods, which was significantly greater than participants with normal weight (63.5%  [3.6%]; P = 0.001). After the stress cue, participants with obesity consumed 81.4% (4.0%) of calories from high‐calorie foods, which was significantly more than participants with normal weight (70.2% [3.6%]; P = 0.04). Energy intake from high‐calorie foods did not differ by weight status after the neutral cue.

Conclusions

Among individuals with obesity, exposure to food and stress cues shifted consumption to high‐calorie snack foods within a well‐controlled experimental setting.
Effectiveness of behavioral interventions and behavior change techniques for reducing soft drink intake in disadvantaged adolescents: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shagiwal S. S. , Groenestein E. , Schop‐Etman A. , Jongerling J. , van der Waal J. , Noordzij G. , Denktas S.
Published: September 2020

Reducing sugar‐sweetened beverage (SSB) intake is an important dietary target, especially among socioeconomically disadvantaged ethnic minority adolescents. This review and meta‐analysis evaluated the effectiveness of behavioural interventions aiming to reduce SSB intake in socioeconomically disadvantaged ethnic minority adolescents and examined which behaviour change techniques (BCTs) were most effective. A systematic search was conducted using the PRISMA criteria. Quality assessments were done using the Cochrane criteria. In a narrative synthesis, studies were divided into effective and non‐effective, and relative effectiveness ratios of individual BCTs were calculated. Pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) and their 95% confidence intervals were estimated with random‐effects models using cluster robust methods. Twenty‐two studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. A meta‐analysis (n = 19) revealed no significant between‐group differences in reduction of SSB intake. Five self‐regulatory BCTs had an effectiveness ratio >50%: feedback, goal‐setting, action planning, self‐monitoring and problem‐solving/barrier identification. The risk of bias assessments were judged to be moderate to high risk for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studies and low to moderate for pre–post studies. There was no indication of publication bias. In conclusion, self‐regulatory BCTs may be effective components to change SSB behaviour. However, high‐quality research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of behavioural interventions and identify BCTs effective for reducing SSB intake among disadvantaged adolescents with ethnic minority backgrounds.
Implementing Taguchi method to analyze electrospinning parameters influence on Mg‐doped fluorapatite nanoparticles‐poly (ε‐caprolactone) nanocomposite scaffold (Mg‐FA NPs/PCL) properties
Authors: Fereshteh Zeinab , Fathi Mohammadhossein , Kargozar Saeid , Samadikuchaksaraei Ali
Published: September 2020

The present study focused on an investigation of significant electrospinning parameters on Mg‐doped fluorapatite nanoparticles‐poly (ε‐caprolactone) fibrous nanocomposite scaffold (Mg‐FA NPs/PCL). Since there are many factors that could have an influence on electrospinning process, Taguchi experimental design approach was used to reduce the number of experiments. The selected parameters included the concentration of polymer, solvent system, ceramic concentration, applied voltage, and the distance between nozzle and collector. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that, among the studied parameters, polymer concentration and type of solvent had the most significant effect on the consistency of the solution which played a major role in producing uniform non‐beaded fibers. In order to maximize performance of electrospun scaffold, the surface tension should be kept minimizing by decreasing concentration, applying a high dielectric solvent system, increasing voltage, and declining distance in a very stable electrical field. Eventually, the optimum condition to fabricate Mg‐FA NPs/PCL fibrous scaffold was electrospinning 10 wt% PCL with 1 wt% Mg‐FA NPs solution in chloroform by applying 20 kV into 20 cm distance. According to the bioactivity and cell attachment results, the electrospun Mg‐FA NPs/PCL is suggested as a promising candidate for tissue engineering, especially for bone tissue.
Synthesis and characterization of furosemide‐loaded sericin/alginate beads subjected to thermal or chemical cross‐linking for delayed and sustained release
Authors: Bezerra Iêda Cecília Saldanha , de Freitas Emanuelle Dantas , da Silva Meuris Gurgel Carlos , Vieira Melissa Gurgel Adeodato
Published: September 2020

Modified‐release systems have been evaluated as an option to formulations that employ the conventional delivery system and, therefore, may present side effects and reduced therapeutic efficacy. In general, it is more convenient to modify the release of existing drugs to overcome their drawbacks, since developing a new drug can be a quite expensive and time‐consuming process. Furosemide, a drug for hypertension treatment, when administered in the conventional form, can cause inconvenience to patients due to short and intense periods of diuresis and the need for multiple daily administrations due to its short half‐life. In order to modify its release, in the present work, furosemide was successfully incorporated into sericin/alginate matrix prepared by ionic gelation and modified by thermal or covalent cross‐linking, through the addition of proanthocyanidin, achieving high incorporations rates. This polymeric matrix provided a delayed and sustained release form for furosemide, which could improve patients' compliance to treatment and decrease its side effect. Furosemide release study demonstrated that the cross‐linking method affects the amount of dosage release and does not affect the release time, but the presence of sericin does. scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and FT‐IR analyses confirmed furosemide incorporation. The drug thermal stability was not affected by its incorporation and the particle size was considered suitable for multiparticulate system.
Exploring the role of chitinase‐3‐like protein 1 in recurrence patterns among patients with differentiated thyroid cancer†
Authors: Greenberg Jacques , Zarnegar Rasa
Published: September 2020

Our understanding of the oncogenic drivers involved in thyroid cancers continues to expand. In a recent issue of this journal, Cheng et al explore the role of chitinase‐3‐like protein 1 (CHI3L1) in the development of thyroid cancer and its recurrence. They show increased levels of CHI3L1 in papillary and anaplastic thyroid malignancies (PTC and ATC, respectively) but baseline expression of the protein in benign thyroid pathologies. These were most pronounced in PTCs with BRAF mutations. High levels of CHI3L1 were shown to be associated with a higher likelihood of extrathyroidal extension and lymph node metastasis, more advanced TNM stage, a higher frequency of harboring a BRAFV600E mutation, and a higher risk of disease recurrence. Pathologic features, including clonogenicity, migratory, invasive and angiogenic properties, were reduced in a CHI3L1‐knockdown thyroid cancer cell line. The cysteine‐rich angiogenic inducer 61 (CYR61) pathway was identified as a potential mediator of CHI3L1 pathogenesis, but a full mechanistic pathway was not delineated. Findings regarding CHI3L1‐associated pathogenicity are in line with published data available for a number of other cancers. © 2020 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of treatments on gonadal function in long‐term survivors of pediatric hematologic malignancies: A cohort study
Authors: Felicetti Francesco , Castiglione Anna , Biasin Eleonora , Fortunati Nicoletta , Dionisi‐Vici Margherita , Matarazzo Patrizia , Ciccone Giovannino , Fagioli Franca , Brignardello Enrico
Published: September 2020

Background

Potentially gonadotoxic protocols are currently used for the treatment of childhood hematologic malignancies. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of gonadal dysfunction and the most important associated risk factors in a cohort of hematologic malignancy survivors.

Procedure

We considered all patients referred to our long‐term follow‐up clinic for childhood cancer survivors, between November 2001 and December 2017. Inclusion criteria were: (a) previous diagnosis of hematologic malignancy; (b) age at hematologic malignancy diagnosis < 18 years; (c) at least five years after the end of anticancer treatments; (d) at least one evaluation of gonadal function after the 18th birthday. Patients diagnosed before January 1, 1990, were excluded.

Results

Three hundred twenty‐seven survivors (males = 196) were included. Isolated spermatogenesis damage was found in 58/196 (29.6%) of males, whereas 18/196 (9.2%) had Leydig cell failure. In females, 35/131 (26.7%) experienced premature ovarian insufficiency. In both sexes, abdominopelvic irradiation and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were strongly associated with the risk of gonadal dysfunction. For every 1000 mg/m2 increase in cyclophosphamide‐equivalent dose exposure, the risk of spermatogenesis damage increased 1.52‐fold and that of Leydig cell failure increased 1.34‐fold, whereas the risk of premature ovarian insufficiency increased 1.80‐fold. About 30% of those males who developed Leydig cell failure did so more than five years after the end of treatments.

Conclusions

Gonadal dysfunction is still a significant late effect of therapies for pediatric hematologic malignancies. In males, the reevaluation of Leydig cell function may be useful even several years after the exposure to gonadotoxic treatments.
Efficient extraction and purification of benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids from Macleaya cordata (Willd) R. Br. by combination of ultrahigh pressure extraction and pH‐zone‐refining counter‐current chromatography with anti‐breast cancer activity in vitro
Authors: Ali Iftikhar , Li Jingchao , Cui Li , Zhao Hongwei , He Qiuxia , Wang Daijie
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Macleaya cordata (Willd) R. Br. (Papaveraceae family) is a well‐known traditional Chinese medicine used to treat muscle pain, inflamed wounds, and bee bites. Benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids are the main active ingredients in M. cordata. In this work, sanguinarine and chelerythrine were efficiently extracted and purified by ultrahigh‐pressure extraction (UHPE) technique and pH‐zone‐refining counter‐current chromatography (PZRCCC) from M. cordata.

Objective

To develop an efficient UHPE method followed by an efficient separation technique using PZRCCC for benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids from the study plant species, and to evaluate the study samples for anti‐breast cancer activity.

Methodology

The optimal extraction conditions were optimised as extraction pressure 200 MPa, extraction solvent 95% ethanol, solid–liquid ratio 1:30 (g/mL) and extraction time 2 min. A two‐phase n‐hexane/ethyl acetate/i‐propanol/water (1:3:1.5:4.5, v/v) solvent system was optimised with 10 mmol triethylamine in the upper phase and 10 mmol trifluoroacetic acid in lower phase in PZRCCC. The sample loading was optimised as 2.50 g. Moreover, the samples were evaluated for anti‐breast cancer activity later on.

Results

The 2.50 g sample loading yielded 0.45 g of sanguinarine and 0.59 g chelerythrine in one‐step separation using PZRCCC. The anti‐breast cancer activities of sanguinarine and chelerythrine were found stronger than positive control (vincristine 5.04 μg/mL) with half‐maximal inhibitory concentration values of 0.96 and 3.00 μg/mL, respectively.

Conclusion

This study showed that the established methods were efficient in extraction (UHPE) and separation (PZRCCC) of the sanguinarine and chelerythrine from M. cordata.
Challenges and opportunities for managing pediatric central nervous system tumors in China
Authors: Pak‐Yin Liu Anthony , Moreira Daniel C. , Sun Chenchen , Krull Lisa , Gao Yijin , Yang Bo , Zhang Chenran , He Kejun , Yuan Xiaojun , Chi‐Fung Chan Godfrey , Sun Xiaofei , Ma Xiaoli , Qaddoumi Ibrahim A.
Published: September 2020

Central nervous system (CNS) tumors represent the most deadly cancer in pediatric age group. In China, thousands of children are diagnosed with CNS tumors every year. Despite the improving socioeconomic status and availability of medical expertise within the country, unique challenges remain for the delivery of pediatric neuro‐oncology service. In this review, we discuss the existing hurdles for improving the outcome of children with CNS tumors in China. Need for precise disease burden estimation, lack of intra‐ and inter‐hospital collaborative networks, high probability of treatment abandonment, along with financial toxicities from treatment represent the key challenges that Chinese healthcare providers encounter. The tremendous opportunities for advancing the status of pediatric neuro‐oncology care in and beyond the country are explored.
Diagnosis and treatment of infantile malignant solid tumors in beijing, China: A multicenter 10‐year retrospective study
Authors: Jin Mei , Tian Zhi , Xie Yao , Zhang Zhaoxia , Li Miao , Yu Yaxiong , Zhang Weiling , Zhao Junyang , Wang Huanmin , Zeng Qi , Li Long , Ge Ming , Sun Ning , Zhang Xiaolun , Gong Jian , Wu Wanshui , Liu Rong , Zhao Weihong , Huang Dongsheng , Ma Xiaoli
Published: September 2020

Importance

Cancer is the main cause of death by disease in children. Children experience the highest incidence of cancer in the first year of life. However, there is no comprehensive registration system for children with tumors in China.

Objective

To summarize the diagnosis and treatment of infant cancer and analyze the status of standardized diagnosis and management among several treatment centers in Beijing, China, thereby providing evidence to guide further clinical research.

Methods

From January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2019, patients with newly diagnosed infantile malignant solid tumors were admitted to six large tertiary pediatric solid tumor diagnosis and treatment centers in Beijing. The epidemiology, clinical features, and therapeutic effects of tumors in these patients were analyzed retrospectively. All patients were followed up until March 31, 2020.

Results

In total, 938 patients were enrolled in this study. There were 530 boys (56.5%) and 408 girls (43.5%); the median age was 6.0 months (range, 0–12.0 months). The three most common tumors were retinoblastoma in 366 patients (39.0%), neuroblastoma in 266 patients (28.4%), hepatoblastoma in 133 patients (14.2%), and central nervous system tumors in 52 patients (5.5%). The estimated 5‐year overall survival rate was 81.3% ± 1.8%, and the 5‐year event‐free survival rate was 71.8% ± 2.9%. The 5‐year overall survival rates of non‐rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma, neuroblastoma, and retinoblastoma were 100%, 88% ± 2.2%, and 86.9% ±2.1%, respectively. The 5‐year event‐free survival rates were 81.1% ± 2.7% for neuroblastoma, 81.6% ± 9.8% for non‐rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma, and 72.7% ± 14.1% for extracranial malignant germ cell tumors.

Interpretation

The three most common infantile malignant solid tumors were retinoblastoma, neuroblastoma, and hepatoblastoma. Multidisciplinary combined diagnosis and treatment is needed for infantile tumors.
Upfront consolidation treatment with 131I‐mIbG followed by myeloablative chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in high‐risk neuroblastoma
Authors: Feng Jianhua , Cheng Frankie WT , Leung Alex WK , Lee Vincent , Yeung Eva WM , Ching Lam Hoi , Cheung Jeanny , Lam Grace KS , Chow Terry TW , Yan Carol LS , Kong Li Chi
Published: September 2020

Importance

131I‐metaiodobenzylguanidine (131I‐mIBG) has a significant targeted antitumor effect for neuroblastoma. However, currently there is a paucity of data for the use of 131I‐mIBG as a “front‐line” therapeutic agent in those patients with newly diagnosed high‐risk neuroblastoma as part of the conditioning regimen for myeloablative chemotherapy (MAC).

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of upfront consolidation treatment with 131I‐mIBG plus MAC and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in high‐risk neuroblastoma patients.

Methods

A retrospective, single‐center study was conducted from 2003–2019 on newly diagnosed high‐risk neuroblastoma patients without progressive disease (PD) after the completion of induction therapy. They received 131I‐mIBG infusion and MAC followed by HSCT.

Results

A total of 24 high‐risk neuroblastoma patients were enrolled with a median age of 3.0 years at diagnosis. After receiving this sequential consolidation treatment, 3 of 13 patients who were in partial response (PR) before 131I‐mIBG treatment achieved either complete response (CR) (n = 1) or very good partial response (VGPR) (n = 2) after HSCT. With a median follow‐up duration of 13.0 months after 131I‐mIBG therapy, the 5‐year event‐free survival and overall survival rates estimated were 29% and 38% for the entire cohort, and 53% and 67% for the patients who were in CR/VGPR at the time of 131I‐mIBG treatment.

Interpretation

Upfront consolidation treatment with 131I‐mIBG plus MAC and HSCT is feasible and tolerable in high‐risk neuroblastoma patients, however the survival benefit of this 131I‐mIBG regimen is only observed in the patients who were in CR/VGPR at the time of 131I‐mIBG treatment.
Acute myeloid leukemia following a primary mediastinal germ cell tumor
Authors: Hong Huimin , Su Yan , Chen Chenghao , He Lejian , Zhu Shuai , Lin Wei , Jin Mei , Wang Xisi , Zhang Ruidong , Zheng Huyong , Zeng Qi , Ma Xiaoli
Published: September 2020

Introduction

There is a known association between primary mediastinal germ cell tumor (PMGCT) and hematologic malignancy that is not linked to treatment. They are exceptionally rare entities with a low morbidity and a poor prognosis.

Case presentation

An 11‐year‐old boy presented with an anterior mediastinal mass diagnosed as a malignant germ cell tumor on the basis of an excisional biopsy. He was found to have acute myeloid leukemia (AML) two years after the chemotherapy for his germ cell tumor. The clinical course was very aggressive with a survival time of only 1 week after diagnosis of AML associated with PMGCT.

Conclusion

AML associated with PMGCT needs to be diagnosed correctly. Relevant examinations should be carried out in patients with PMGCTs during and after chemotherapy, and long‐term follow‐up is still necessary to reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality.
Clinical characteristics and prognosis of pulmonary inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor: An over 10‐year retrospective analysis
Authors: Zhang Na , Zeng Qi , Chen Chenghao , Yu Jie , Yan Dong , Xu Changqi , Liu Dingyi , Zhang Qian , Zhang Xu
Published: September 2020

Importance

Pulmonary inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (PIMTs) are primary lung tumors in children. Misdiagnosis easily occurs because of the nonspecific clinical manifestations, laboratory examination results, and imaging findings in affected patients.

Objective

To summarize the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and prognosis of children with PIMTs.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included 23 children with PIMTs who received treatment in our hospital from January 2008 to January 2019. The clinical manifestations, laboratory examination results, and computed tomography findings were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

The population included 13 boys and 10 girls, with a median age at onset of 78 months (range, 10–126 months). Fourteen patients had PIMT lesions in the right lung and nine patients had PIMT lesions in the left lung. The surgical procedures included pulmonary wedge resection, pulmonary lobectomy, and total pneumonectomy. The median operation time was 115 min (range, 45–235 min); the median intraoperative blood loss volume was 30 mL (range, 3–500 mL). During the operation, one patient each had pulmonary hemorrhage, vena cava hemorrhage, and thoracic duct injury. Postoperative complications included pulmonary embolism in one patient and tumor recurrence in two patients; neither of these complications recurred after reoperation. The median follow‐up period was 49 months (range, 2–127 months).

Interpretation

Children with PIMTs exhibited good prognoses and primarily underwent surgical resection as treatment. Complete preoperative evaluation should be performed in affected patients.
Non‐invasive home ventilation using the average volume assured pressure support feature in an infant with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia and chronic respiratory failure
Authors: Saddi Vishal , Thambipillay Ganesh , Teng Arthur
Published: September 2020

Introduction

While majority of infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) can be discharged home without low flow oxygen or on supplemental low flow oxygen, some require long term home mechanical ventilation.

Case presentation

We present a case of an extremely premature infant with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia who was successfully managed at home on a new feature of non‐invasive ventilation called average volume assured pressure support (AVAPS) without the need for tracheostomy. The AVAPS feature enables the machine to deliver a consistent tidal volume by automatically adjusting the inspiratory pressure within a set range.

Conclusion

The use of AVAPS feature in our case improved ventilation as indicated by a more stable gas exchange profile, making home non‐invasive ventilation a more practicable method of managing severe BPD in this infant.
Comparative study on the morphology and mechanical strength of induction welding joint of polyetheretherketone under different currents
Authors: Wang Feiyun , Ma Wanping , Zhan Xiaohong , Zhang Pingze , Bu Hengchang
Published: September 2020

There is an increasing need for joining technologies of polyetheretherketone (PEEK), in which induction welding technique is one of the most promising methods. The induction welding experiment of PEEK thin plates was conducted under different input currents in this research, while metal meshes were selected as induction components. The analysis of morphology, microstructure, and elemental composition of welding joints was performed by optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Moreover, the mechanical strength of the induction‐welding joint was investigated by tensile test. The results indicate that the PEEK can be joined effectively when the metal mesh is selected as an induction component, and the welding joints with good appearance are formed under the appropriate process parameters. The more induced joule heat produced by the higher input current promotes the resin fusion at the interface, which is propitious to reduce the generation of defects. However, the excessive heat input results in the extreme melting and thermal decomposition of PEEK resin, which will deteriorate the morphology and property of the welding joints. When the input current is 5.2A, the induction‐welding joint can reach a maximum mechanical strength of 125.63 MPa, which increases by almost 60.55% through the optimization of welding parameters.
Registration of ‘GEORGIA‐19HP’ peanut
Authors: Branch W. D. , Brenneman T. B.
Published: September 2020

‘Georgia‐19HP’ (Reg. no. CV‐141, PI 693908) is a new high‐yielding, high‐protein (HP), high‐oleic, Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) resistant, root‐knot nematode (RKN) and leafspot resistant, virginia‐type peanut (Arachis hypogaea L. ssp. hypogaea var. hypogaea) cultivar released by the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station in 2019. It was developed at the University of Georgia Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, GA. Georgia‐19HP originated from a cross made between an advanced Georgia breeding line, GA 072515 × ‘Tifguard’. Pedigree selection was practiced within the early segregating generations. Performance testing began in the F4:6 generation with the advanced pure‐line selection GA 132724, the experimental designation of Georgia‐19HP. During 3 yr (2016–2018) averaged across 30 tests at three locations in Georgia, Georgia‐19HP had significantly less TSWV and total disease incidence and higher pod yield, total sound mature kernels grade, and dollar value return per hectare than the widely popular virginia‐type cultivar ‘Bailey’. Georgia‐19HP was also found to have a similar percentage of extra large kernels but a smaller percentage of fancy pods compared with ‘Georgia‐11J’. Georgia‐19HP combines high yield, grade, and dollar value with TSWV resistance, leafspot resistance, RKN resistance, and the high‐protein and high‐oleic trait for longer shelf life and improved protein and oil quality of peanut and peanut products.
Reaction for the preparation of unique cyclic polysiloxanes with large size and narrow distribution
Authors: Ge Mengyuan , Li Guangwen , Ni Zibo , Liu Ning , Liu Yushan , Liu Yuzhou
Published: September 2020

Utilizing collective forces between reactant and multiple catalyst molecules has been unprecedented due to the difficulty in realizing high order catalysis. Inspired by the power of collective forces in enzymes and organic catalysts, herein we report a rare example of high order catalysis for ring opening reaction (ROR) of strained rings by methanol. ROR is an important way to produce various polysiloxanes, but usually suffers from serious side reactions especially at high conversion, and currently there is a need to design new reaction pathway to achieve low molecular dispersity. In our study, the judiciously designed strained spiral cyclosiloxanes enable a high order catalysis by methanol, and this new methodology leads to a cyclic polysiloxane with high molecular weight and low dispersity even at full conversion of reactants. Kinetic study indicates an extremely unusual high‐order reaction involving multiple methanol molecules per reaction, also confirmed by quantum calculation which reveals the presence of zwitterionic ions stabilized by collecting force of hydrogen bonds by methanol molecules. The inherent driving force for this unusual phenomenon is dominated by enthalpy stabilization of the reactive intermediates through hydrogen bonding. The selective formation of SiOSi bonds, instead of silanol products, reflects the power of scientific design.
Thermal cross‐link between 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid‐based polyimides and bismaleimide via Diels–Alder reaction
Authors: Ma Kai , Chen Guofei , Zhang Yonggang
Published: September 2020

A series of cross‐linked polyimides (PIs) were prepared via two‐step solution polycondensation from 2,2‐bis[4‐(3,4‐dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl]propane dianhydride (BPADA) and 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid‐based diamines, N,N′‐bis(4‐amino‐2‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)furan‐2,5‐dicarboxamide (TFFDA) and N,N′‐bis(4‐aminophenyl)furan‐2,5‐dicarboxamide (p‐FDDA), followed by thermal crosslinking reaction with bismaleimide. The thermal crosslinking reaction and its mechanism were studied by FTIR spectra and model reaction analysis, which showed Diels–Alder reaction between furan group and maleimide group played a main role in the thermal treatment. The properties of cross‐linked PIs were characterized using dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analyses, tensile testing, ultraviolet‐visible spectra, and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction. The cross‐linked polyimide film showed improved solvent‐resistance, thermal and mechanical properties with Tg values of 234–306oC, tensile strengths of 82–98 MPa and moduli of 2.3–3.0 GPa.
Persistent recovery of pancreatic function in patients with cystic fibrosis after ivacaftor
Authors: Munce Danielle , Lim Meerana , Akong Kathryn
Published: September 2020

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), which leads to malabsorption and poor weight gain, is seen in 85% of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). EPI is treated with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy taken with each meal. The highly effective cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator, ivacaftor, restores CFTR function in patients with responsive mutations. It is a widely held view that EPI in CF is irreversible due to the complete destruction of pancreatic ducts and acinar cells. We describe three pediatric CF patients with EPI who were started on ivacaftor, and subsequently showed evidence of restored exocrine pancreatic function with clinical and biochemical parameters.
Physiotherapy students' self‐assessment of performance—Are there gender differences in self‐assessment accuracy?
Authors: Støve Morten Pallisgaard
Published: September 2020

Background and Purpose

The ability to critically appraise one's performance is paramount in physiotherapy and, although there is a paucity of research in this area, factors such as gender have been suggested to moderate the self‐assessment accuracy of healthcare students. The purpose of this study was to determine a posteriori self‐assessment accuracy of first‐year physiotherapy students following a multiple‐choice anatomy examination and to determine the specific influence of gender as a potential moderator of self‐assessment accuracy.

Method

One‐hundred‐and‐forty‐two students (n = 72 female) enrolled in their second semester of a three‐and‐a‐half‐year physiotherapy programme participated in the study. A purpose‐made self‐assessment questionnaire was used to measure the students' self‐assessment ability, estimating their performance on 11 different anatomical categories following the examination. This was then compared with a criterion measure matched with the questionnaire. The accuracy of the students' self‐assessment was investigated by the relation between self‐assessment and objective performance.

Results

The study showed low‐to‐moderate self‐assessment accuracy (rho ranging from 0.318 to 0.675) with the students underestimating their performance in six out of 11 categories (p < 0.019). Gender did not contribute significantly to differences in accuracy between students' self‐assessment and the criterion measure (p = 0.474).

Conclusion

According to the results, the students demonstrated low‐to‐moderate self‐assessment accuracy when compared to their performance. Notably, the results clearly showed that gender did not function as a moderator of self‐assessment accuracy among first‐year physiotherapy students.
Covid‐19.bioreproducibility.org: A web resource for SARS‐CoV‐2‐related structural models
Authors: Brzezinski Dariusz , Kowiel Marcin , Cooper David R. , Cymborowski Marcin , Grabowski Marek , Wlodawer Alexander , Dauter Zbigniew , Shabalin Ivan G. , Gilski Miroslaw , Rupp Bernhard , Jaskolski Mariusz , Minor Wladek
Published: September 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic has triggered numerous scientific activities aimed at understanding the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus and ultimately developing treatments. Structural biologists have already determined hundreds of experimental X‐ray, cryo‐EM, and NMR structures of proteins and nucleic acids related to this coronavirus, and this number is still growing. To help biomedical researchers, who may not necessarily be experts in structural biology, navigate through the flood of structural models, we have created an online resource, covid19.bioreproducibility.org, that aggregates expert‐verified information about SARS‐CoV‐2‐related macromolecular models. In this article, we describe this web resource along with the suite of tools and methodologies used for assessing the structures presented therein.
An analysis of the trends, characteristics, scope, and performance of the Zimbabwean pharmacovigilance reporting scheme
Authors: Masuka Josiah Tatenda , Khoza Star
Published: September 2020

We aimed to determine the reporting trends and characteristics of Individual Case Safety Reports (ICSRs) from the Zimbabwean national pharmacovigilance system. ICSRs submitted to VigiBaseTM, the World Health Organisation's ICSR database between January 1993 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed with respect to the suspected medicine, System Organ Class (SOC), adverse drug reaction (ADR) type and seriousness, Anatomic Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) group, age, and gender. In total, 4071 ICSRs were submitted to VigiBaseTM from targeted spontaneous reporting (n = 2909; 71.5%), vaccine surveillance (n = 679; 16.7%), and passive spontaneous reporting (n = 483; 11.9%), respectively. The median age, ICSR completeness score and timeliness of reporting were 34.0 years (IQR: 14.0; 43.0), 0.90 (IQR: 0.70; 1.00), and 548.0 days (IQR: 266:1131), respectively. More than half of the ICRS were from female patients (n = 2233; 54.9%). Antiretrovirals, antibiotics, vaccines, and anti‐tubercular medicines were reported in 62.9%, 27.9%, 16.7%, and 13.3% of submitted ICSRs, respectively. The most frequent ADRs involved the skin and subcutaneous systems (n = 1111; 20.5%), nervous system (n = 733; 13.5%), and gastrointestinal disorders system (n = 654; 12.1%). The number of ADRs reported for each patient was significantly related to the reported medicine's ATC category (P = .001. The number of ADRs was significantly related to the use of antiretroviral agents. In conclusion, Zimbabwe has made significant progress in establishing a functional pharmacovigilance system. However, the present system reports on a limited therapeutic spectrum of medicines and potentially underestimates the national ADR burden. Further work is required to strengthen the more sustainable spontaneous reporting system which potentially captures a variety of therapeutic classes.
The spinosyns, spinosad, spinetoram, and synthetic spinosyn mimics ‐ discovery, exploration, and evolution of a natural product chemistry and the impact of computational tools
Authors: Sparks Thomas C , Crouse Gary D , Benko Zoltan , Demeter David , Giampietro Natalie C , Lambert William , Brown Annette V
Published: September 2020

Natural products (NPs) have long been a source of insecticidal crop protection products. Like many macrolide NPs, the spinosyns originated from a soil inhibiting microorganism (Saccharopolyspora spinosa). More than 20 years after initial registration, the spinosyns remain a unique class of NP‐based insect control products that presently encompass two insecticidal active ingredients, spinosad, a naturally occurring mixture of spinosyns, and spinetoram, a semi‐synthetic spinosyn product. The exploration and exploitation of the spinosyns has, unusually, been tied to an array of computational tools including artificial intelligence (AI)‐based quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) and most recently computer‐aided modeling and design (CAMD). The AI‐based QSAR directly lead to the discovery of spinetoram, while the CAMD studies have recently resulted in the discovery and building of a series of synthetic spinosyn mimics. The most recent of these synthetic spinosyn mimics show promise as insecticides targeting lepidopteran insect pests as demonstrated by field studies wherein the efficacy has been shown to be comparable to spinosad and spinetoram. These and a range of other aspects related to the exploration of the spinosyns over the past 30 years are reviewed herein. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry