bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of embryonic propofol exposure on axonal growth and locomotor activity in zebrafish
Authors: He Lin , Wang Xuan , Zheng Shan
Published: January 2020

Prenatal propofol exposure induced neurotoxicity in the developing brains and led to persistent learning deficits in the offspring. Our goal was to use zebrafish to explore whether the decline in learning and memory was correlated with inhibition of neuronal growth after propofol exposure. Zebrafish embryos at 6 hours postfertilization (hpf) were exposed to control or 1, 2 or 4 μg/mL propofol until 48 hpf. Spontaneous locomotor activity and swimming behavior in response to dark‐to‐light photoperiod stimulation were studied in zebrafish larvae at 6 days postfertilization (dpf). The adaptability to repeated stimulation was used to indicate learning and memory function of larvae. Transgenic NBT line zebrafish was used to quantitate the effect of propofol on motor neuronal growth of embryos in vivo. Six dpf transgenic zebrafish larvae went through photoperiod stimulation after their neuronal length had been analyzed during the embryonic period. Our data indicate that embryonic exposure to 1, 2 and 4 μg/mL propofol had no adverse effect on spontaneous movement in zebrafish larvae, but 2 and 4 μg/mL propofol significantly impaired the learning and memory function of larvae. Moreover, propofol significantly inhibited axonal growth of motor neurons during the embryonic stage, which was correlated with learning and memory deficiency in larvae. Our findings demonstrate that the neuronal growth was correlated with learning and memory function, indicating the relevance of zebrafish as a new model to explore the mechanisms through which propofol induces long‐term learning and memory impairment.
A Pooled Analysis of Fall Incidence From Placebo-Controlled Trials of Denosumab
Authors: Chotiyarnwong Pojchong , McCloskey Eugene , Eastell Richard , McClung Michael R , Gielen Evelien , Gostage John , McDermott Michele , Chines Arkadi , Huang Shuang , Cummings Steven R
Published: January 2020

Recent studies suggest that the RANK/RANKL system impacts muscle function and/or mass. In the pivotal placebo-controlled fracture trial of the RANKL inhibitor denosumab in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis, treatment was associated with a lower incidence of non-fracture-related falls (p = 0.02). This ad hoc exploratory analysis pooled data from five placebo-controlled trials of denosumab to determine consistency across trials, if any, of the reduction of fall incidence. The analysis included trials in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis and low bone mass, men with osteoporosis, women receiving adjuvant aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer, and men receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer. The analysis was stratified by trial, and only included data from the placebo-controlled period of each trial. A time-to-event analysis of first fall and exposure-adjusted subject incidence rates of falls were analyzed. Falls were reported and captured as adverse events. The analysis comprised 10,036 individuals; 5030 received denosumab 60 mg subcutaneously once every 6 months for 12 to 36 months and 5006 received placebo. Kaplan–Meier estimates showed an occurrence of falls in 6.5% of subjects in the placebo group compared with 5.2% of subjects in the denosumab group (hazard ratio = 0.79; 95% confidence interval 0.66–0.93; p = 0.0061). Heterogeneity in study designs did not permit overall assessment of association with fracture outcomes. In conclusion, denosumab may reduce the risk of falls in addition to its established fracture risk reduction by reducing bone resorption and increasing bone mass. These observations require further exploration and confirmation in studies with muscle function or falls as the primary outcome. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by American Society for Bone and Mineral Research..
High prevalence of breastmilk‐acquired cytomegalovirus infection in jaundiced infants
Authors: Hou Juanjuan , Liu Juan , Fan Yingfang , Zheng Hongjun , Zhao Haiyan , Yang Jianmin , Yan Jiamin , Ma Yi , Liu Xia , Li Juan , Jia Xiaoni , Chen Peisong
Published: January 2020

Background

Our objective was to evaluate the prevalence and different diagnostic methods of breastmilk (BM)‐acquired cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in a pathologically jaundiced cohort.

Methods

A total of 400 infants confirmed with pathological jaundice at The People's Hospital of Qingyang City were screened for BM‐acquired CMV infection between February 2018 and February 2019. A total of 300 infants were finally enrolled in our study. CMV infection was confirmed by detecting both CMV‐DNA in various samples using FQ‐PCR and CMV‐IgM with chemiluminescence. Clinical and other laboratory data were collected from these infants during their hospitalization or regular visits.

Results

Ninety‐eight (32.67%) subjects were confirmed to be BM CMV‐DNA–positive, and 18 (18.37%) were diagnosed with a BM‐acquired CMV infection. All 18 (100%) infants with a BM‐acquired CMV infection were CMV‐DNA–positive in urine, while 5 (27.78%) cases and 11 (61.11%) cases were confirmed in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), respectively. Only 6 (33.33%) infants were CMV‐IgM–positive. Birthweight, direct bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, and the viral load in BM of the BM‐acquired CMV group were higher than those in the non‐infected group (P < .05). Low birthweight and viral load in BM were risk factors for BM‐acquired CMV infection. Detecting CMV‐DNA in urine samples exhibited better performance than the other methods for screening BM‐acquired CMV infections.

Conclusions

Our study found a high prevalence of BM‐acquired CMV infection in jaundiced infants, and detecting CMV‐DNA in a urine sample was the most sensitive method for disease screening.
Patients' interpersonal problems as moderators of depression outcomes in a randomized controlled trial comparing mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy and a group version of the cognitive‐behavioral analysis system of psychotherapy in chronic depression
Authors: Probst Thomas , Schramm Elisabeth , Heidenreich Thomas , Klein Jan‐Philipp , Michalak Johannes
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Interpersonal problems were examined as moderators of depression outcomes between mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and cognitive behavioral analysis system of psychotherapy (CBASP) in patients with chronic depression.

Methods

Patients received treatment‐as‐usual and, in addition, were randomized to 8‐weeks of MBCT (n = 34) or 8‐weeks of CBASP (n = 34). MBCT and CBASP were given in a group format. The Hamilton depression rating scale (HAM‐D) was the primary and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI‐II) the secondary outcome. The subscales of the Inventory of interpersonal problems (IIP‐32) were moderators. Multilevel models were performed.

Results

Higher scores on the “vindictive/self‐centered” subscale were associated with a better outcome in MBCT than in CBASP (HAM‐D: p < .01; BDI‐II: p < .01). Higher scores on the “nonassertive” subscale were associated with a better outcome in CBASP than in MBCT (HAM‐D: p < .01; BDI‐II: p < .01).

Conclusions

If these results can be replicated in larger trials, MBCT should be preferred to CBASP in chronically depressed patients being vindictive/self‐centered, whereas CBASP should be preferred to MBCT in chronically depressed patients being nonassertive.
Comprehensive geriatric intervention in community‐dwelling older adults: a cluster‐randomized controlled trial
Authors: Watanabe Yuya , Yamada Yosuke , Yoshida Tsukasa , Yokoyama Keiichi , Miyake Motoko , Yamagata Emi , Yamada Minoru , Yoshinaka Yasuko , Kimura Misaka ,   for Kyoto‐Kameoka Study Group
Published: January 2020

Background

In longevity societies, one of the most serious social issues is sarcopenia and/or frailty. Preventing them is important for maintaining independence and quality of life in the older population. This study investigated the effect of a self‐monitoring comprehensive geriatric intervention programme (CGIP) on physical function and muscle size in community‐dwelling older adults. We compared the effects of a CGIP using weekly class‐styled (CS) sessions and a home‐based (HB) programme.

Methods

The 526 participants were randomized into one of two groups (CS 251, HB 275) based on their residential districts. We conducted a 12 week CGIP, which consisted of low‐load resistance exercise, physical activity increments, oral function improvements, and a nutritional guide. All participants were encouraged to attend two 90 min lectures that included instructions on the CGIP. They were provided with exercise materials (triaxial‐accelerometers/pedometers, ankle weights, and elastic bands) and diary logs. The CS group attended 90 min weekly sessions and independently executed the programme on other days, whereas the HB group only received instructions on how to execute the programme. Physical functions, such as knee extension strength (KES), normal and maximum walking speed, the timed up‐and‐go test, and anterior thigh muscle thickness (MT), were measured and analysed using intention‐to‐treat analysis before and after the 12 week intervention.

Results

Of the 526 participants identified, 517 (CS 243 age 74.0 ± 5.4 women 57.2%, HB 274 age 74.0 ± 5.6 women 58.8%) were enrolled. Nine (CS 8, HB 1) were excluded from the analysis because they did not participate in the pre‐intervention measurements. Both interventions significantly improved KES (CS 18.5%, HB 10.6%), normal walking speed (CS 3.7%, HB 2.8%), and MT (CS 3.2%, HB 3.5%). Greater improvement of KES was observed in the CS group (P = 0.003). Maximum walking speed (CS 4.7%, HB 1.8%; P = 0.001) and timed up‐and‐go (CS −4.7%, HB −0.2%; P < 0.001) significantly improved in the CS group only.

Conclusions

The intervention was effective in preventing sarcopenia and/or frailty. Most physical functions and MT improved after both interventions. The HB intervention is cost‐effective and may help prevent sarcopenia and/or frailty in the large older population.
Adsorption of fluorinated greenhouse gases on activated carbons: evaluation of their potential for gas separation
Authors: Sosa Julio E , Malheiro Carine , Ribeiro Rui PPL , Castro Paulo J , Piñeiro Manuel M , Araújo João MM , Plantier Frédéric , Mota José PB , Pereiro Ana B
Published: January 2020

Background

The increasing awareness of the release of fluorinated gases (F‐gases) into the atmosphere is instigating the development of techniques to capture them from refrigerants. In this work, the adsorption of difluoromethane (R‐32), pentafluoroethane (R‐125), and 1,1,1,2‐tetrafluoroethane (R‐134a) on four different activated carbons (ACs) is studied. Additionally, the selectivity of the ACs for the components of commercial refrigerants, R‐410A and R‐407F, is evaluated.

Results

The estimation of the density of the adsorbed phase as a function of temperature allows the experimental fractional loading of each F‐gas on any of the ACs to be correlated as a temperature‐independent function of its reduced pressure, which is described by Tóth or dual‐site Langmuir equations or as an exponential function of the adsorption potential under the framework of the Adsorption Potential theory (APT). It is shown that the APT can be generalized with excellent accuracy to the systems studied if an adsorbate‐dependent affinity coefficient is used as a shifting factor to bring the characteristic curves of all F‐gases into a single one for each AC. R‐32 is the F‐gas most adsorbed by all adsorbents, followed by R‐134a, and by R‐125. All ACs are selective for R‐125 in R‐410A commercial refrigerants, especially at lower pressures. Additionally, all ACs are selective for R‐125 and R‐134a over R‐32 in R407‐F commercial refrigerant.

Conclusion

The utilization of ACs for adsorption of the three most used F‐gases is promising. By selecting ACs with different porous characteristics, it is possible to evaluate their influence on the selectivity for the components of different commercial refrigerants. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Behavioural and brain ultrastructural changes following the systemic administration of propionic acid in adolescent male rats. Further development of a rodent model of autism
Authors: Lobzhanidze Giorgi , Japaridze Nadezhda , Lordkipanidze Tamar , Rzayev Fuad , MacFabe Derrick , Zhvania Mzia
Published: January 2020

Short chain fatty acids, produced as gut microbiome metabolites but also present in the diet, exert broad effects in host physiology. Propionic acid (PPA), along with butyrate and acetate, plays a growing role in health, but also in neurological conditions. Increased PPA exposure in humans, animal models and cell lines elicit diverse behavioural and biochemical changes consistent with organic acidurias, mitochondrial disorders and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). ASD is considered a disorder of synaptic dysfunction and cell signalling, but also neuroinflammatory and neurometabolic components. We examined behaviour (Morris water and radial arm mazes) and the ultrastructure of the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex (electron microscopy) following a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of PPA (175 mg/kg) in male adolescent rats. PPA treatment showed altered social and locomotor behaviour without changes in learning and memory. Both transient and enduring ultrastructural alterations in synapses, astro‐ and microglia were detected in the CA1 hippocampal area. Electron microscopic analysis showed the PPA treatment significantly decreased the total number of synaptic vesicles, presynaptic mitochondria and synapses with a symmetric active zone. Thus, brief systemic administration of this dietary and enteric short chain fatty acid produced behavioural and dynamic brain ultrastructural changes, providing further validation of the PPA model of ASD.
The labile fractions of metals and arsenic in mining‐impacted soils are explained by soil properties and metal source characteristics
Authors: Guzman‐Rangel Georgina , Martínez‐Villegas Nadia , Smolders Erik
Published: January 2020

Isotopically exchangeable metals in soil, also termed labile metals, are reversibly bound to soil surface and are a better index of the environmental risk of the metals than are their total concentrations. In this study, labile fractions of potentially toxic elements were surveyed in metal mining‐impacted soils of Mexico to test the relative importance of soil properties (pH, effective cation exchange capacity, organic matter, etc.) or attributes of the mines (ore type and lithology, metal mineralogy, etc.) on the fractions of labile elements. Mining waste‐impacted soils, corresponding uncontaminated soils and mining waste were collected around 11 metal mines in Mexico presenting contrasting ore types. Pseudo‐total concentrations and labile fractions of Cd, Ni, Zn, Pb, Cu, and As were determined by aqua regia digestion and isotope dilution, respectively. Pseudo‐total concentrations of these elements ranked: waste > contaminated soil > uncontaminated soils, and Zn and As dominated the concentrations of toxic elements. The labile fractions (% of total) in the soils ranked, with median values in brackets, Pb (22) > Cd (18) > Cu(15) > Ni∼Zn(13) > As(9). The labile fractions of waste samples were slightly higher than those of soil samples suggesting either a high weathering of mining wastes or the stabilization of heavy metals by soil. Stepwise multiple regression showed that soil properties rather than source attributes primarily explained the %E of most elements, except for Zn and As for which the ore lithology was the dominant factor. This study showed that earlier generic models explain metal lability adequately in mining waste‐impacted soils.
Synthesis of some 5‐arylidene‐2‐(4‐acetamidophenylimino)‐thiazolidin‐4‐one derivatives and exploring their breast anticancer activity
Authors: Abumelha Hana M. A. , Saeed Ali
Published: January 2020

Ten 2‐(4‐acetamidophenylimino)‐5‐arylidenethiazolidin‐4‐one derivatives 6a‐k were synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer activity against MCF‐7 cell line (breast adenocarcinoma). The synthetic approach involves cyclocondensation of N,N′‐bis(4‐acetamidophenyl)‐thiourea (3) with ethyl bromoacetate in ethanol and sodium acetate to furnish the 2‐(4‐acetamidophenylimino)‐4‐thiazolidinone derivative 4, which underwent Knoevenagel condensation reaction with some substituted aldehydes to afford the targeted 2‐(4‐acetamidophenylimino)‐5‐arylidenethiazolidin‐4‐ones 6a‐k. The 4‐chlorobenzylidene‐thiazolidin‐4‐one compound 6h exhibited strong inhibitory effect on the growth of breast cancer cell with IC50 (58.33 ± 1.74μM), very close to that of the reference drug doxorubicin (IC50 48.06 ± 0.36μM).
NGLY1 deficiency: Novel patient, review of the literature and diagnostic algorithm
Authors: Lipiński Patryk , Bogdańska Anna , Różdżyńska‐Świątkowska Agnieszka , Wierzbicka‐Rucińska Aldona , Tylki‐Szymańska Anna
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Together with the lysosomal storage diseases, NGLY1 deficiency is a congenital disorder of deglycosylation (NGLY1‐CDDG). Since the first report in 2012, 26 patients have been described. All but one were diagnosed by exome or genome sequencing; the remaining one was identified by finding an increased concentration of an urinary marker.

The aim of this study was to describe the clinical, biochemical, and molecular features of the first Polish patient diagnosed with NGLY1‐CDDG, to provide an overview of the literature and to propose a diagnostic algorithm.

Results

A Polish patient presented with global developmental delay, hyperkinetic movement disorder, stagnation of head growth, hypolacrimia, elevated serum transaminases, and hypolipidemia in infancy. Whole exome sequencing revealed two heterozygous nonsense variants in the NGLY1 gene (a novel and an unreported). Literature review revealed global developmental disability in all reported patients, and hyperkinetic movements as well as alacrima/hypolacrima in nearly all.

Conclusions

NGLY1‐CDDG should be considered in patients with developmental disability associated with a hyperkinetic movement disorder and alacrimia/hypolacrima. Absence of the latter two symptoms does not rule out this diagnosis.
Targeting microglia L‐type voltage‐dependent calcium channels for the treatment of central nervous system disorders
Authors: Hopp Sarah C.
Published: January 2020

Calcium (Ca2+) is a ubiquitous mediator of a multitude of cellular functions in the central nervous system (CNS). Intracellular Ca2+is tightly regulated by cells, including entry via plasma membrane Ca2+permeable channels. Of specific interest for this review are L‐type voltage‐dependent Ca2+channels (L‐VDCCs), due to their pleiotropic role in several CNS disorders. Currently, there are numerous approved drugs that target L‐VDCCs, including dihydropyridines. These drugs are safe and effective for the treatment of humans with cardiovascular disease and may also confer neuroprotection. Here, we review the potential of L‐VDCCs as a target for the treatment of CNS disorders with a focus on microglia L‐VDCCs. Microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, have attracted recent attention for their emerging inflammatory role in several CNS diseases. Intracellular Ca2+regulates microglia transition from a resting quiescent state to an “activated” immune‐effector state and is thus a valuable target for manipulation of microglia phenotype. We will review the literature on L‐VDCC expression and function in the CNS and on microgliain vitroandin vivoand explore the therapeutic landscape of L‐VDCC‐targeting agents at present and future challenges in the context of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, neuropsychiatric diseases, and other CNS disorders.
Adjuvant antibiotic‐loaded bone cement: Concerns with current use and research to make it work
Authors: Schwarz Edward M. , McLaren Alex C. , Sculco Thomas P. , Brause Barry , Bostrom Mathias , Kates Stephen L. , Parvizi Javad , Alt Volker , Arnold William V. , Carli Alberto , Chen Antonia F. , Choe Hyonmin , Coraça‐Huber Débora C. , Cross Michael , Ghert Michelle , Hickok Noreen , Jennings Jessica Amber , Joshi Manjari , Metsemakers Willem‐Jan , Ninomiya Mark , Nishitani Kohei , Oh Irvin , Padgett Douglas , Ricciardi Benjamin , Saeed Kordo , Sendi Parham , Springer Bryan , Stoodley Paul , Wenke Joseph C. ,   Hospital for Special Surgery 2019 Biofilm Symposium Workgroup
Published: January 2020

Antibiotic‐loaded bone cement (ALBC) is broadly used to treat orthopaedic infections based on the rationale that high‐dose local delivery is essential to eradicate biofilm‐associated bacteria. However, ALBC formulations are empirically based on drug susceptibility from routine laboratory testing, which is known to have limited clinical relevance for biofilms. There are also dosing concerns with nonstandardized, surgeon‐directed, hand‐mixed formulations, which have unknown release kinetics. On the basis of our knowledge of in vivo biofilms, pathogen virulence, safety issues with nonstandardized ALBC formulations, and questions about the cost‐effectiveness of ALBC, there is a need to evaluate the evidence for this clinical practice. To this end, thought leaders in the field of musculoskeletal infection (MSKI) met on 1 August 2019 to review and debate published and anecdotal information, which highlighted four major concerns about current ALBC use: (a) substantial lack of level 1 evidence to demonstrate efficacy; (b) ALBC formulations become subtherapeutic following early release, which risks induction of antibiotic resistance, and exacerbated infection from microbial colonization of the carrier; (c) the absence of standardized formulation protocols, and Food and Drug Administration‐approved high‐dose ALBC products to use following resection in MSKI treatment; and (d) absence of a validated assay to determine the minimum biofilm eradication concentration to predict ALBC efficacy against patient specific micro‐organisms. Here, we describe these concerns in detail, and propose areas in need of research.
Role of pharmacists in reducing antibiotic prescribing errors in an emergency department
Authors: Amiri Jabalbarez Farzin , Dabaghzadeh Fatemeh , Oghabian Zohreh
Published: January 2020

Background

Clinical pharmacists and clinically trained pharmacists can detect and correct prescribing errors by reviewing physicians' orders. In addition, prescribing errors related to antibiotics occur frequently in emergency departments (EDs).

Aim

This study evaluated the role of pharmacists in reducing antibiotic prescribing errors in an ED.

Methods

One clinically trained pharmacist spent 4 h/day in the ED for 30 days. The pharmacist attended the ward rounds and reviewed medical records to identify prescribing errors related to antibiotics, and corrected these errors in consultation with emergency physicians. The types and severity of antibiotic prescribing errors were determined. The corrected errors were also classified.

Results

Antibiotics had been prescribed for 110 of 267 patients (41.20%). In all, 180 antibiotic prescriptions were identified for 57 patients, of which 78 had prescribing errors. The most common types of errors were incorrect drug selection (48/78; 61.50%) and wrong dose (19/78; 24.40%), and the most common actual severities were Type B (30/78; 38.46%) and Type C (35/78; (44.87%). In addition, 41 of 78 antibiotic prescribing errors were accepted as errors by emergency physicians. The corrected prescribing errors were categorised as two (4.88%) intercepted potential adverse drug events (ADEs), 35 (85.36%) mitigated ADEs and four (9.76%) ameliorated ADEs.

Conclusion

Pharmacists have a significant role in the identification and correction of antibiotic prescribing errors. In addition, collaboration between physicians and pharmacists can lead to more appropriate antibiotic use in hospitals.
Reminders for medication adherence in Type 2 diabetes management apps
Authors: Jimenez Geronimo , Lum Elaine , Huang Zhilian , Theng Yin Leng , Boehm Bernard O. , Car Josip
Published: January 2020

Medication adherence is important for glycaemic control. However, less than half of those with Type 2 diabetes take medications as prescribed. One of the known barriers to medication adherence is forgetfulness. Given the current ubiquity of smartphones, diabetes self‐management apps represent a valuable avenue for providing medication reminders to help users adhere to their medication treatments and improve health outcomes. We assessed 181 diabetes management apps for the presence of medication reminder features and compared their characteristics with the evidence provided in studies showing the effectiveness of SMS reminders. We found that only 55.8% of the apps had a basic medication reminder function, although those that had them conformed to the characteristics of SMS reminders shown to be effective. This is an important missed opportunity for diabetes management apps to contribute not only to improving medication adherence, but also in having a positive effect on the health outcomes of this population.
Prevalence of symptoms and medication use among female medical students and pharmacy clients with premenstrual syndrome: a cross‐sectional study in Iran
Authors: Shahbazi Foroud , Eslampanah Zahra , Niaparast Mehrdad
Published: January 2020

Background

Affective and somatic symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may adversely affect many school‐aged females. Different treatment modalities may be used to help alleviate PMS symptoms.

Aim

This study documented the prevalence and nature of PMS, as well as medication use, among female pharmacy students and pharmacy clients in Iran.

Methods

A cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based study was conducted among university students and pharmacy clients in Kermanshah Province, eastern Iran, from October 2017 to May 2018. Participants were invited to complete a questionnaire about their PMS symptoms, use of medications, natural remedies and supplements for PMS, and the role of the pharmacist in their medication selection.

Results

Among the 208 female students and clients who participated in the study, the overall prevalence of PMS was 73.6%. Back pain (59.1%) and mood swings (64.9%) were the most frequently reported physical and affective symptoms, respectively. More than three‐quarters of participants (76.9%) used at least one medication (either prescribed or self‐medicated) during menstruation. Self‐medication was reported by 70.2% of participants, mostly (66.3%) involving over‐the‐counter medications. Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (for analgesia) were used by 49.0% of participants, whereas the oral contraceptive pill was used by only 6.4%. Traditional remedies were used by 42.8% of participants. Overall, community pharmacist involvement in PMS management was reported by only 27.9% of participants.

Conclusion

Self‐medication for PMS, especially the use of analgesics, was very common among participants. The use of natural remedies was also significant, highlighting the need for studies to further evaluate the ability of such remedies to relieve PMS symptoms. Overall, community pharmacists were not substantially involved in treatment selection.
Dietary betaine supplementation improves meat quality of transported broilers through altering muscle anaerobic glycolysis and antioxidant capacity
Authors: Chen Rui , Wen Chao , Gu Yunfeng , Wang Chao , Chen Yueping , Zhuang Su , Yanmin Zhou
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

To investigate the effect of dietary betaine supplementation on growth performance, meat quality, muscle anaerobic glycolysis and antioxidant capacity of transported broilers, 1‐day‐old partridge‐shank‐broiler‐chickens (n = 192) were randomly divided into three groups for a 50‐day feeding trial. The broilers in the control group were fed a basal diet, and experienced 0.75‐h transport before slaughter. The broilers in the other three groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 500 or 1000 mg kg−1 betaine, respectively, and experienced 3‐h transport before slaughter (T, T + BET500 or T + BET1000 groups).

RESULTS

Dietary betaine supplementation increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain of broilers, and feed conversion ratio was also improved (P < 0.05) by 500 mg kg−1 betaine supplementation. Compared with the control group, 3‐h transport increased (P < 0.05) live weight loss, serum corticosterone and cortisol concentrations, as well as muscle lactate and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, and decreased (P < 0.05) muscle pH24h, glycogen content and total superoxide dismutase activity. Compared with the T group, betaine supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) serum corticosterone and cortisol concentrations and muscle MDA content, and increased (P < 0.05) muscle a*24 h. In addition, 1000 mg kg−1 betaine supplementation further decreased (P < 0.05) muscle drip loss, lactate content and lactate dehydrogenase activity, and increased (P < 0.05) muscle glutathione content and glutathione peroxidase activity.

CONCLUSION

Betaine supplementation not only improved growth performance of broilers, but also alleviated meat quality deterioration of transported broilers through altering muscle anaerobic glycolysis and antioxidant capacity. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Numerical investigation on the high‐speed wheel/rail adhesion under the starved interfacial contaminations with surface roughness
Authors: Wu Bing , Wu Tao , An Boyang
Published: January 2020

This paper presents a new numerical model of wheel/rail in rolling contact to study the adhesion mechanism under the starved interfacial contaminations at high speed considering surface roughness. A thermal starved mixed elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) theory is hired in the model. The empirical equations for analysing the contact force of rough surfaces that are based on amount of accurate finite element analysis (FEA) of an elastic‐plastic single‐asperity contact over a rigid flat are proposed. Multilevel method is used to solve the modified Reynolds equations, and sweeping column method is used to solve energy and heat conduction equations. The pressure field, the fractional film content, and the temperature field are obtained through the present model. In addition, the influences of train speed, surface roughness amplitudes, and inlet film thickness on the adhesion coefficient are investigated. The results from the present model have been compared with those from flooded analyses for water and oil‐contamination cases. The numerical results show that the inlet film thickness and the train speed had a significant effect on the wheel/rail adhesion ability.
A comparative study of the corrosion stability of dental amalgams with electrochemical impedance measurements
Authors: Liu Dan , Xie Xuan , Roscher Jessica , Holze Rudolf
Published: January 2020

The corrosion susceptibility of a selection of amalgams used in dentistry has been examined with the electrochemical impedance method. The results are compared with data derived from cyclic voltammetry performed with these materials before. Most examined materials including a conventional amalgam show similar corrosion resistance; however, only one product shows a significantly higher corrosion resistance.
Effect of the temperature of cerium nitrate–NaCl solution on corrosion inhibition of mild steel
Authors: Boudellioua Hichem , Hamlaoui Youcef , Tifouti Lakhdar , Pedraza Fernando
Published: January 2020

In this study, the effect of temperature on corrosion inhibition is studied in the absence and presence of an optimal concentration of cerium nitrate (600 mg/L) as an inhibitor of mild steel in sodium chloride. Corrosion tests are carried out through electrochemical techniques such as impedance spectroscopy and d.c. polarization measurements. The surface morphology of the films is investigated by optical microscopy, white‐light interferometry, and scanning electronic microscopy, coupled with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy analysis for chemical composition. The results obtained show that the activation energy for the corrosion inhibition process to occur increases in the presence of a cerium nitrate inhibitor. However, the corrosion resistance of mild steel is somewhat lost upon increasing the solution temperature up to 55°C, which leads to more cracked films. The enthalpy and entropy values suggest a mixed mechanism of chemisorption and physisorption inhibition, with a major dominance of physisorption control.
Effects of cooling rate on the precipitation behavior of grain boundary carbide and corrosion resistance of 5Cr15MoV stainless steel
Authors: Yan Han , He Zhijun , Lü Nan , Wei Chongyi , Xu Taixu , Liu Jihui
Published: January 2020

High‐carbon and high‐chromium alloy steels are prone to pitting and intergranular corrosion, which reduces corrosion resistance. The precipitation behavior of the carbides of high‐carbon and high‐chromium alloy steels is one of the main factors affecting pitting and intergranular corrosion of stainless steel. In this study, 5Cr15MoV stainless steel was heated to 1,200℃ and then cooled by cooling rates varying from 25 to 150°C/min. The precipitation behavior of grain boundary carbides of 5Cr15MoV steel at different cooling rates, and its effect on the corrosion resistance of materials was studied. The results show that the carbides of 5Cr15MoV steel mainly precipitate along the grain boundaries, which leads to the formation of chromium‐depleted zones near the grain boundaries and reduces resistance to intergranular corrosion. It has been found that a higher cooling rate shortens the width of the Cr‐depleted zone near the boundary from 0.871 to 0.569 μm, reduces the Cr‐concentration gradient near the grain boundary from 36.422% to 12.667%, and suppresses the nucleus growth rate of grain boundary carbides. As the cooling rate increases, the corrosion current density decreases from 13.29 to 2.42 μA/cm2. The corrosion rate is the lowest, while the cooling rate is 150°C/min. The corrosion rate decreases from 218.339 to 158.488 mm/a. The phenomenon of intergranular corrosion and pitting corrosion was found to be weakened; and thereby, it is shown that an intensive cooling rate can improve the corrosion resistance of 5Cr15MoV steel.
Capital, labor, and derived demand for information: Evidence from China
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Lu Tingjie
Published: January 2020

In this paper, information capital is considered as a separate input of production along with noninformation capital and labor. The substitution possibility among information capital, noninformation capital and labor has been estimated by nonlinear iterative algorithm using Chinese data for 1995–2017. The empirical results from the study imply that estimates of Chinese input substitution degree and productivity are underestimated without including information capital as an input separate from noninformation capital. When information capital and labor are combined, the contribution ratio of labor force may increase. Information capital interacts with noninformation capital and labor to promote economic development and production efficiency.
RETRACTED: Population genetic data from 23 autosomal STR loci of Huaxia Platinum system in the Jining Han population
Authors: Dang Zhen , Liu Qi , Zhang Guoan , Li Shuyue , Wang Dan , Pang Qianqian , Yang Da , Li Changzheng , Cui Wen , Wang Yequan
Published: January 2020

Background

Genetic polymorphisms at 23 short tandem repeat (STR) loci were investigated in 1,215 Jining Han individuals from Jining city, Shandong province, eastern China.

Methods

We used population genetic data of 23 autosomal STR loci included in the Huaxia Platinum system to evaluate 1,215 unrelated Chinese Han individuals in the Jining Han population. Allele frequencies and forensic parameters of the STR loci were determined and genetic relationships among the Jining Han and other Chinese populations were evaluated.

Results

In total, we observed 321 alleles, with frequencies ranging from 0.00041 to 0.52222. The combined discrimination power and probability of excluding paternity were 0.99999999999999999999999999919 and 0.99999999962, respectively. No deviations from HWE were observed at any loci. Population comparisons showed that the Xinjiang groups (Uyghur and Kazakh) and the Mongolian and Tibetan groups were isolated, while the Jining Han population clustered together with other populations, except the Guizhou Han population.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that 23 autosomal STR loci included in the Huaxia Platinum system are highly polymorphic and suitable for personal forensic identification and paternity testing in this population.
Identification of the derivative order in fractional differential equations
Authors: El Hamidi Abdallah , Tfayli Ali
Published: January 2020

It is currently established that for general heterogeneous media, the classical Fick law must be replaced by a nonlocal fractional differential operator. In such situations where anomalous diffusion occurs, the crucial difficulty is the identification of the correct orders of fractional differential operators. In the present paper, order identification of fractional differential operators is studied in the case of stationary and evolution partial differential equations. The novelty of our work is the determination of the exact problem satisfied by the derivative of the solution with respect to the differential order. More precisely, if the solution of our boundary value problem, with a fractional differential order
, is denoted by
, we show that
satisfies the same problem but with other source terms. Our new result allows to carry out an exact computation of the cost functional derivative with respect to
to perform more accurate and efficient steepest descent minimization algorithms. It can also be applied in optimal control theory and for sensitivity analysis frameworks. Our method is illustrated in two situations: Fractional Poisson equation and Taylor‐Couette flow problem with fractional time derivative.
Benchtop 19F NMR spectroscopy as a practical tool for testing of remedial technologies for the degradation of perfluorooctanoic acid, a persistent organic pollutant
Authors: Heerah Kavi , Waclawek Stanislaw , Konzuk Julie , Longstaffe James G.
Published: January 2020

The development of effective remedial technologies for the destruction of environmental pollutants requires the ability to clearly monitor degradation processes. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful tool for understanding reaction progress; however, practical considerations often restrict the application of NMR spectroscopy as a tool to better understand the degradation of environmental pollutants. Chief among these restrictions is the limited access smaller environmental research labs and remediation companies have to suitable NMR facilities. Benchtop NMR spectroscopy is a low‐cost and user‐friendly approach to acquire much of the same information as conventional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, albeit with reduced sensitivity and resolution. This paper explores the practical application of benchtop NMR spectroscopy to understand the degradation of perfluorooctanoic acid using sodium persulfate, a common reagent for the destruction of groundwater contaminants. It is found that Benchtop 19F NMR spectroscopy is able to monitor the complete degradation of perfluorooctanoic acid into fluoride; however, the observation of intermediate degradation products formed, which can be observed using a conventional NMR spectrometer, cannot be readily distinguished from the parent compound when measurements are performed using the benchtop instrument. Under certain reaction conditions, the formation of fluorinated structures that are resistant to further degradation is readily observed. Overall, it is shown that benchtop 19F NMR spectroscopy has potential as a quick and reliable tool to assist in the development of remedial technologies for the degradation of fluorinated contaminants.
An edge‐based strain smoothing particle finite element method for large deformation problems in geotechnical engineering
Authors: Jin Yin‐Fu , Yuan Wei‐Hai , Yin Zhen‐Yu , Cheng Yung‐Ming
Published: January 2020

To solve large deformation geotechnical problems, a novel strain‐smoothed particle finite element method (SPFEM) is proposed that incorporates a simple and effective edge‐based strain smoothing method within the framework of original PFEM. Compared with the original PFEM, the proposed novel SPFEM can solve the volumetric locking problem like previously developed node‐based smoothed PFEM when lower‐order triangular element is used. Compared with the node‐based smoothed PFEM known as “overly soft” or underestimation property, the proposed SPFEM offers super‐convergent and very accurate solutions due to the implementation of edge‐based strain smoothing method. To guarantee the computational stability, the proposed SPFEM uses an explicit time integration scheme and adopts an adaptive updating time step. Performance of the proposed SPFEM for geotechnical problems is first examined by four benchmark numerical examples: (a) bar vibrations, (b) large settlement of strip footing, (c) collapse of aluminium bars column, and (d) failure of a homogeneous soil slope. Finally, the progressive failure of slope of sensitive clay is simulated using the proposed SPFEM to show its outstanding performance in solving large deformation geotechnical problems. All results demonstrate that the novel SPFEM is a powerful and easily extensible numerical method for analysing large deformation problems in geotechnical engineering.
On the acquisition of the water signal during water suppression: High‐speed MR spectroscopic imaging with water referencing and concurrent functional MRI
Authors: Posse Stefan , Sa De La Rocque Guimaraes Bruno , Hutchins‐Delgado Troy , Vakamudi Kishore , Fotso Tagne Kevin , Moeller Steen , Dager Stephen R.
Published: January 2020

This study evaluated the utility of concurrent water signal acquisition as part of the water suppression in MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI), to allow simultaneous water referencing for metabolite quantification, and to concurrently acquire functional MRI (fMRI) data. We integrated a spatial‐spectral binomial water excitation RF pulse and a short spatial‐spectral echo‐planar readout into the water suppression module of 2D and 3D proton‐echo‐planar‐spectroscopic‐imaging (PEPSI) with a voxel size as small as 4 x 4 x 6 mm3. Metabolite quantification in reference to tissue water was validated in healthy controls for different prelocalization methods (spin‐echo, PRESS and semi‐LASER) and the clinical feasibility of a 3‐minute 3D semi‐Laser PEPSI scan (TR/TE: 1250/32 ms) with water referencing in patients with brain tumors was demonstrated. Spectral quality, SNR, Cramer‐Rao‐lower‐bounds and water suppression efficiency were comparable with conventional PEPSI. Metabolite concentration values in reference to tissue water, using custom LCModel‐based spectral fitting with relaxation correction, were in the range of previous studies and independent of the prelocalization method used. Next, we added a phase‐encoding undersampled echo‐volumar imaging (EVI) module during water suppression to concurrently acquire metabolite maps with water referencing and fMRI data during task execution and resting state in healthy controls. Integration of multimodal signal acquisition prolongated minimum TR by less than 50 ms on average. Visual and motor activation in concurrent fMRI/MRSI (TR: 1250–1500 ms, voxel size: 4 x 4 x 6 mm3) was readily detectable in single‐task blocks with percent signal change comparable with conventional fMRI. Resting‐state connectivity in sensory and motor networks was detectable in 4 minutes. This hybrid water suppression approach for multimodal imaging has the potential to significantly reduce scan time and extend neuroscience research and clinical applications through concurrent quantitative MRSI and fMRI acquisitions.
Finding multiple solutions to elliptic systems with polynomial nonlinearity
Authors: Zhang Xuping , Zhang Jintao , Yu Bo
Published: January 2020

Elliptic systems with polynomial nonlinearity usually possess multiple solutions. In order to find multiple solutions, such elliptic systems are discretized by eigenfunction expansion method (EEM). Error analysis of the discretization is presented, which is different from the error analysis of EEM for scalar elliptic equations in three aspects: first, the choice of framework for the nonlinear operator and the corresponding isomorphism of the linearized operator; second, the definition of an auxiliary problem in deriving the relation between the L2 norm and H1 norm of the Ritz projection error; third, the bilinearity/nonbilinearity of the linearized variational forms. The symmetric homotopy for the discretized equations preserves not only D4 symmetry, but also structural symmetry. With the symmetric homotopy, a filter strategy and a finite element Newton refinement, multiple solutions to a system of semilinear elliptic equations arising from Bose–Einstein condensate are found.
Flexible and stretchable polyaniline supercapacitor with a high rate capability
Authors: Huang Zhixuan , Ji Zhenyuan , Feng Yuping , Wang Panpan , Huang Yan
Published: January 2020

Flexible electronics are currently highly favored because of their promising applications in flexible displays, artificial electronic skin, wearable devices etc. Exploiting flexible energy storage systems, which are supercapacitors, that have a decent electrochemical performance as well as flexibility and stretchability is essential to promote the development of flexible electronic products. In this work, a flexible and stretchable polyaniline (PANI) supercapacitor based on a conductive stainless steel mesh was developed via a simple electrodeposition route with an elastic gel polyvinyl alcohol polymer (PVA)/phosphoric acid (H3PO4) electrolyte, which exhibits a considerable rate capability and mechanical properties. The as‐prepared capacitor delivers a specific capacitance of 282 F g−1 under a specific current of 2.5 A g−1. Meanwhile, the PANI capacitor exhibits perfect pseudocapacitance behavior at low scan rates (up to 50 mV s−1) and great capacitive characteristics at high scan rates up to 5000 mV s−1. More impressively, this supercapacitor displays excellent tolerance against mechanical deformation, including bending, folding and stretching, even to 20%, with a well‐maintained capacitance. This stretchable PANI supercapacitor with a high rate capability provides a facile and cost‐effective route for the design of flexible energy storage devices. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhanced mechanical properties of epoxy‐matrix nanocomposites reinforced with graphene synthesized in atmospheric plasmas
Authors: Nakahara Kevin , Knego Jacob , Sloop Taylor , Bisquera Chance , Subler Nicole , Dato Albert
Published: January 2020

Graphene can be synthesized in the gas phase using atmospheric plasmas. Gas‐phase‐synthesized graphene (GSG) possesses features that make it a promising filler material for enhancing the properties of polymers. In this study, epoxy‐matrix nanocomposites reinforced with GSG were investigated. Mixing GSG with epoxy showed that the nanomaterial effectively disperses and resists aggregation in polymer resins. Significant increases in both strength and strain at break were revealed through the tensile testing of GSG‐filled nanocomposites. In contrast, nanocomposites containing graphene nanoplatelets exhibited enhanced strength but diminished strain at break. Imaging of nanocomposite fracture surfaces by scanning electron microscopy indicated considerable matrix reinforcement by GSG. These results show that unique strengthening mechanisms exist in polymers reinforced with graphene synthesized in atmospheric plasmas.