bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of Genetic Variability for Yield and Component Traits through Recombination followed by Induced Mutagenesis in Greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]
Authors: Majhi Prasanta Kumar , Mogali Suma C. , Abhisheka L. S.
Published: August 2020

Aim: Greengram is a self-pollinated crop which show very less variability to develop improved varieties through only hybridization or induced mutation breeding. Therefore, we have taken a new pace to create more variability by combining both recombinations with induced mutation through gamma rays irradiation. For this purpose, the F2 seeds were irradiated with gamma rays at BARC, Mumbai and sown to grow the F2M1 generation and subsequently the superior mutant lines with high degree variability with high GCV and genetic advances were selected from F2M2 generation of the mutant population.

Methodology: The present investigation was carried out during kharif-2017 and rabi-summer 2017-18 at the experimental plot, All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRP) on MULLaRP, main Agricultural Research Station, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka, India. The experiment was laid out in an augmented design.

Results: The mutant progenies obtained from the crosses DGGV-2 × IPM-410-3 and DGGV-2 × SML-1815 in F2M2 generation have shown high PCV and GCV for the characters like plant height, number of clusters per plant and number of seeds per pod etc. when irradiated with 100 kR gamma rays. The mutant breeding lines derived from the crosses DGGV-7 × V-02-709 and DGGV-7 × V-02-802 with irradiation dose of 20 kR, have shown higher number of pods per cluster and higher number of pods per plant with high heritability. More variability was observed with higher dose (100 kR) of mutation even though it showed higher mortality rate.

Conclusion: Irradiation of F2 progeny (DGGV-2 × SML-1815) with 100 kR has generated more genetic variability for seed yield per plant (10.8 g), when compared to the check DGGV-2 (4.7 g) and SML-1815 (9.8 g). So, priority should be given to those characters which are having high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent mean to get better selection gains. The breeding lines which showed higher degree of variability can be utilized in the future breeding programme for development of high yielding genotypes.
Evaluation of Liver Fibrosis by FibroScan in β-Thalassemia Children Infected with Hepatitis C Virus Before and After Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir Therapy
Authors: Yosef Aya Lotfy , Soliman Hanan Hamed , Shiha Gamal El-Sayed , Awad Mohiee El-Deen AbdEl-Aziz , El-Hawary Eslam El-Sayed
Published: August 2020

Background: Thalassemic children develop liver fibrosis because of liver iron overload and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Transient elastography (FibroScan) can be a reliable non-invasive method for evaluating liver fibrosis in thalassemic patients. Treatment with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LED/SOF) direct acting antiviral agents can significantly affect liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by FibroScan.

Aims: To assess liver fibrosis by non-invasive FibroScan through LSM before and after generic LED/SOF therapy in multi-transfused β-thalassemic children infected with HCV.

Place and Duration of Study: Pediatric Hematology Unit, Tanta University Hospital, from November 2017 to May 2019.

Methodology: Fifty multi-transfused β-thalassemic treatment-naϊve children (aged 12-18 years and weighing ≥35kg) with chronic HCV infection were subjected to clinical evaluation, quantitative HCV PCR assay, FibroScan examination, and calculation of APRI, FIB4 index and AST/ ALT ratio. In addition to standard therapy, generic LED/SOF (90/400 mg) treatment was given for 12 weeks’ duration with follow up for further 12 weeks after end of treatment.

Results: A positive HCV PCR was changed into negative for all studied patients starting from week 4 after treatment. There was highly significant reduction in the LSM values by FibroScan in the studied patients after therapy (p-value <0.001) with median reduction of 19.4 %. The significant reduction in LSM values was particularly prominent in patients with significant (F2) and advanced (F3) liver fibrosis stages as well as cirrhotic patients (F4). There was significant reduction in the values of other non-invasive liver fibrosis markers FIB-4 index, APRI score and AST/ ALT ratio (p-value <0.001, <0.001 and 0.020 respectively) after therapy.

Conclusion: Generic LED/SOF therapy for 12 weeks’ duration resulted in eradication of HCV infection that was associated with significant decrease in LSM by FibroScan particularly those with higher baseline liver fibrosis stages.
Prevalence of Waterborne Diseases in Bade, Nguru and Machina Local Government Areas of Yobe State-Nigeria
Authors: Ahmed Abubakar Alhaji , Kafayos Yahaya
Published: August 2020

Waterborne diseases are mainly caused by consuming food or water tainted with faecal matter or urine of human or animal which contains pathogens. Records have shown that Yobe State is one of the states in Nigeria that have recorded mortalities due to waterborne infections. This study is aimed at identifying common waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, infectious hepatitis, giadiasis, amoebiasis, and dracunculiasis between 2017 and 2019 in three local Government Areas (L.G.As) of Yobe State. Personal interview was employed to generate information from the local people on sources of drinking water in three sampled geo – political wards (Bade, Nguru and Machine L.G.As). Results revealed that most of the dwellers in the study area drink from non – potable water sources such as faucets, hand pump, wash boreholes, wells, rivers, pools and creeks. Results also show that people from the study area do not drink potable water. A total of 1204 cholera cases were reported between 2017 and 2019 in the study areas with Machina L.G.A having the highest number of cases (446) representing 37.04% of the total cases. Mortality due to cholera outbreak in all the surveyed LG.As was 124 with Bade L.G.A having the highest number (43) constituting 34.68% of total mortalities in the study areas. A total of 11,938 persons were infected with typhoid during the study period and Nguru L.G.A recorded the highest number of infections (4,438) representing 37.18% of total infections. Gender based percentage prevalence of typhoid in the study is higher in males (52.83%) than females (47.18%). Recommendations on how to overcome the menace have been highlighted.
Global Disease Outbreaks and Effects on Maternal, Newborn & Child Health in Global South, a Systematic Review
Authors: Orjingene O. , Akondeng N. L. , Kone-Coulibaly A. , Ogojah T. , Ganama M.
Published: August 2020

Background/Aim: The world has witnessed several disease outbreaks both in the past and in recent times. Apart from loss of lives as a result of such outbreaks, there are also disruptions in health care provision and utilization due to certain measures aimed at curtailing the spread of such outbreaks. This study aimed to seek evidence from existing literature on the effects of disease outbreaks on maternal, newborn and child health care in Global South.

Methods: A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was used and 14 literatures met the inclusion criteria.

Results: HIV/AIDS pandemic affected the Maternal Newborn and Child Health since increased cases of anaemia, hospital admissions, still births in HIV positive pregnant and cases of foetal anaemia reported in infants born from HIV positive pregnant women were reported. No COVID-19 pandemic related-effects on MNCH observed since no maternal deaths and transmission from infected pregnant women to their newborns reported. Indirect effects of pandemics on MNHC include reduced service delivery and demand/utilization as well as inaccessibility due to diverse reasons.

Discussion: The Government should put in place palliative measures for low-income citizens; engage and sensitize women, pregnant women and their children on available health care services and mitigation measures in place to access with minimal or no risk of being infected in a secure environment.
Assessment of Pathological Features and Molecular Profiling of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Study at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-thoubaity Fatma Khinaifis
Published: August 2020

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a hostile sub-type consisting of nearly 10-20 % of breast cancer patients. TNBC has been known to have a poor prognosis and overall survival (OS) compared to many other breast cancer tumors categories. These tumors are highly aggressive and have a higher risk of early recurrence. Nevertheless, no evidence exists to date and this is also the situation in Saudi Arabia. Recently, it was found to be a heterogeneous disease.

Objective: To subtype breast cancer (BC) following the recent advance molecular classification, and to ascertain the correlation of those sub-types with pathological parameters and to study triple-negative breast cancer and its correlation with other subtypes and its association with recurrence and poor prognosis.

Methods: The study was performed on 740 breast cancer patients at the Department of Pathology, King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia diagnosed between 2005 to 2018. The parameters like Estrogen receptor (ER), Progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor immunostaining were analyzed semi-quantitatively to establish the HER-2, triple-negative, molecular subtypes of luminal A and B in paraffin-embedded sections of BC. We review the histopathology report, tumor invasion, grade, margin, type of surgery, recurrence, metastases, and survival rate.

Results: The most common sub-types were luminal B (19.7%), followed by triple-negative breast cancer (10.9%) and HER2-positive (9.5%), whereas luminal A was the least common subtype (8.1 %). In luminal A majority of their age less than or equal to 50 years, most of these subtypes have tumor invasion, 59.2% of triple-negative breast cancer had positive axillary lymph node involvement. 63.4 % of triple-negative breast cancer had grade 3 tumors most of the recurrence in luminal B.

Conclusion: The biological behaviors of each molecular subtype is likely to be with characteristic pathological features. In addition to molecular sub-typing and further prognostic indicators, might be useful in investigating the prognosis and management of BC patients. The early diagnosis and screening of BC are recommended in our population.
Awareness on Botox Injection among Dental College Students in Chennai
Authors: Uthayasankar Danisca , Priya V. Vishnu , Gayathri R.
Published: August 2020

Ever Changing perception of beauty from childhood to old age is changing with the revolution in cosmeceuticals science. Aesthetics are an individual’s perception since time immemorial. Standards of beauty have changed through the centuries with increased awareness about aesthetics. The youthfulness despite advancing age includes smooth, charming skin without skin folds, volume loss, and skin laxity, all these are possible only due to these cosmetic procedures mainly due to Botox treatment. The aim of the study is to assess the awareness of Botox injection among college students. The survey questionnaire consisted of 20 questions and was circulated among the college students. The sample size of the study was 100 and the results were tabulated accordingly. The results show that around 65.7% of the college students are unaware that  Botox injection should be used only after the age of 25 whereas the remaining 34.3% of the college students are aware of this fact. Around 45.4% of the college students are unaware of the risks associated with cosmetic procedures whereas the remaining 38% of the population are aware of the problem associated with cosmetic procedures and the remaining 18% of the population comes under other categories. Around 54.8% of the population is aware that using Botox may cause side effects like infection, inflammation, and swelling and the rest of the population that is 45.2% are unaware of these effects. From this study, it is very much evident that college students are not much aware of the age limits and the risks associated with the usage of Botox treatment.
Evaluation of Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Effect of Selenium Nanoparticles Synthesised Using Capparis decidua
Authors: Lakshme P. S. Thana , S Preetha , Jeevitha M. , Rajeshkumar S.
Published: August 2020

Background: Among the nanoparticles, selenium nanoparticles (SeNP) are one of the most extensively studied as Selenium has zero oxidation state, non toxic and biologically inert material. This is the reason why Selenium is considered as a major nanoparticulate. In this study SeNPs were extracted from the fruit of Capparis decidua which is a xerophytic small herb.

Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the cytotoxic effect and antioxidant capacity of selenium nanoparticles.

Materials and Methods: In this study SeNPs were extracted from the fruit of Capparis decidua which is a xerophytic small herb. The cytotoxic effect of SeNPs was evaluated using Brine Shrimp assay and the antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH assay considering ascorbic acid as the standard.

Results: From the study of this assay the shrimps introduced  into the well were almost alive in different concentrations and this indicates that there is no cytotoxicity in selenium nanoparticles. The percentage inhibition of Selenium nanoparticles in 10 µl was 15.4 0.1, 20 µl was 38.36 0.15, 30 µl was 45.3 0.1, 40 µl was 59.6 0.15 and 50 µl was 65.6  0.1. It can be inferred that percentage inhibition increases with increase in concentration but it was less when compared to the percentage inhibition of the standard.

Conclusion: The selenium nanoparticles extracted from Capparis decidua do not have any cytotoxic effect on shrimps. The SeNPs possessed significant antioxidant activity in increasing concentrations compared to the standard used. Thus SeNPs are biologically useful and can be used as eco-friendly, cost effective and efficient biomedical agents and therapeutics.
Self Assembling Peptide P11-4 for Enamel Remineralization: A Biomimetic Approach
Authors: Gulzar Rukhsaar Akbar , Ajitha P. , Subbaiyan Haripriya
Published: August 2020

Treatment of caries through conventional modalities involves an invasive approach of excavation of the carious lesion followed by a restoration. This compromises on the strength and integrity of the tooth structure. Minimal invasive dentistry aims at early detection of the carious lesion and their remineralization. Self assembling peptides find its application in the medical field due to its ability to form a scaffold through a process of hierarchical organization into nano structures. Self-assembling peptide P11-4 is a novel technology for enamel remineralization through a biomimetic approach. The technology simulates normal enamel histogenesis. It induces de novo precipitation of hydroxyapatite crystals by forming a three dimensional scaffold matrix. The formation of the scaffold involves the conversion of the peptide from a low viscosity fluid to a nematic gel under low pH conditions. This scaffold matrix further attracts calcium ions and leads to formation of hydroxyapatite crystals. Being minimally invasive, it helps in preserving the strength and integrity of the tooth structure. The aim of the article is to review the technology of self assembling peptides for enamel regeneration and its potential as a material for successful treatment of early carious lesions through a minimally invasive approach.
Contribution of InvA Gene PCR to Recovery of Salmonella spp. Strains
Authors: Souleymane Bakayoko , Bernadette Goualie Gblossi , Amandze Kofi Kobina Adams , Julien Coulibaly Kalpy , Rene Yao Kouame , Solange N’Gazoa , Hortense Kette Faye , Mireille Dosso
Published: August 2020

Aims: Salmonella infection remains a major public health concern worldwide, contributing the economic burden of both industrialized and developing countries through the costs associated with surveillance, prevention, and treatment of disease. This zoonosis has a harmful health and economic impact in terms of death, hospitalization, and destruction of livestock on farms. To adapts the means of control and prevention against this threat, the phenotypical characterization of Salmonella strains, both those recently identified and those which have been conserved for a long time, is necessary. So, the aim of this study was to check quality of the salmonella strains first stored in storage tubes in NRC of salmonella of Institute Pasteur of Côte d'Ivoire.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was done in Institute Pasteur of Côte d’Ivoire between July 2019 and October 2019.

Methodology: A total of 56 tubes used to store salmonella strains with few or no agar were analyzed to assess presence of Salmonella. The strains were first cultured in broth and then on selective agar (Hecktoen) medium and nutrient agar. Then, the Salmonella-specific InvA gene was directly detected in the tubes.

Results: The results obtained showed that the quality of the Salmonella strains initially conserved for at least 10 years had clearly deteriorated because none of them had been cultured after enrichment and culture on agar media. However, 73.21% of tubes not containing storage agar have traces of Salmonella DNA followed by molecular identification.

The preponderant contaminating bacterial flora was represented by Gram positive.

Conclusion: These results should encourage all laboratories to proceed immediately with the quality control of their strain collections for excellent biobanking.
LMTK3 promotes tumorigenesis in bladder cancer via the ERK/MAPK pathway
Authors: Jiang Tao , Lu Xinxing , Yang Feiya , Wang Mingshuai , Yang Hua , Xing Nianzeng
Published: August 2020

Lemur tyrosine kinase 3 (LMTK3) is a key member of the serine–threonine tyrosine kinase family. It plays an important role in breast cancer tumorigenesis and progression. However, its biological role in bladder cancer remains elusive. In this study, we demonstrated that LMTK3 was overexpressed in bladder cancer and was positively correlated with bladder cancer malignancy. High LMTK3 expression predicted poor overall survival. Knockdown of LMTK3 in bladder cancer cells triggered cell‐cycle arrest at G2/M phase, suppressed cell growth, and induced cell apoptosis in bladder cancer cells. Furthermore, Transwell assays revealed that reduction of LMTK3 decreased cell migration by regulating the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition pathway. Conversely, LKTM3 overexpression was shown to promote proliferation and migration of bladder cancer cells. We assessed phosphorylation of MEK and ERK1/2 in bladder cancer cells depleted of LMTK3 and demonstrated a reduced phosphorylation status compared with the control group. Using an MAPK signaling‐specific inhibitor, U0126, we could rescue the promotion of proliferation and viability in LMTK3‐overexpressing cells. In conclusion, we extend the status of LMTK3 as an oncogene in bladder cancer and provide evidence for its function via the activation of the ERK/MAPK pathway. Thus, targeting LMTK3 may hold potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and as a possible future treatment for bladder cancer.
Observer‐based finite time adaptive fault tolerant control for nonaffine nonlinear systems with actuator faults and disturbances
Authors: Wu Yang , Zhang Guoshan , Wu Libing , Hu Wei
Published: August 2020

This paper studies the problem of observer‐based finite time adaptive fault tolerant control for nonaffine nonlinear systems with actuator faults and disturbances. Based on mean value theorem and convex combination method, a adaptive neural observer with virtual control coefficients is designed to estimate the systems states. Then, by using funnel Lyapunov function and backstepping method, a finite time control scheme is designed in the presence of disturbances and actuator faults. The stability analysis proves that tracking errors can converge to the prescribed performance bound in a finite time and all signals are uniformly ultimately bounded. Finally, simulation results verify efficiency of the studied approach.
In Situ Forming, Silanized Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels with Fine Control Over Mechanical Properties and In Vivo Degradation for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Flegeau Killian , Toquet Claire , Rethore Gildas , d'Arros Cyril , Messager Léa , Halgand Boris , Dupont Davy , Autrusseau Florent , Lesoeur Julie , Veziers Joëlle , Bordat Pascal , Bresin Anthony , Guicheux Jérôme , Delplace Vianney , Gautier Hélène , Weiss Pierre
Published: August 2020

In situ forming hydrogels that can be injected into tissues in a minimally‐invasive fashion are appealing as delivery vehicles for tissue engineering applications. Ideally, these hydrogels should have mechanical properties matching those of the host tissue, and a rate of degradation adapted for neo‐tissue formation. Here, the development of in situ forming hyaluronic acid hydrogels based on the pH‐triggered condensation of silicon alkoxide precursors into siloxanes is reported. Upon solubilization and pH adjustment, the low‐viscosity precursor solutions are easily injectable through fine‐gauge needles prior to in situ gelation. Tunable mechanical properties (stiffness from 1 to 40 kPa) and associated tunable degradability (from 4 days to more than 3 weeks in vivo) are obtained by varying the degree of silanization (from 4.3% to 57.7%) and molecular weight (120 and 267 kDa) of the hyaluronic acid component. Following cell encapsulation, high cell viability (> 80%) is obtained for at least 7 days. Finally, the in vivo biocompatibility of silanized hyaluronic acid gels is verified in a subcutaneous mouse model and a relationship between the inflammatory response and the crosslink density is observed. Silanized hyaluronic acid hydrogels constitute a tunable hydrogel platform for material‐assisted cell therapies and tissue engineering applications.
Solution‐Processable Pure Green Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitter Based on the Multiple Resonance Effect
Authors: Ikeda Naoya , Oda Susumu , Matsumoto Ryuji , Yoshioka Mayu , Fukushima Daisuke , Yoshiura Kazuki , Yasuda Nobuhiro , Hatakeyama Takuji
Published: August 2020

Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials based on the multiple resonance (MR) effect are applied in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), combining high color purity and efficiency. However, they are not fabricated via solution‐processing, which is an economical approach toward the mass production of OLED displays. Here, a solution‐processable MR‐TADF material (OAB‐ABP‐1), with an extended π‐skeleton and bulky substituents, is designed. OAB‐ABP‐1 is synthesized from commercially available starting materials via a four‐step process involving one‐shot double borylation. OAB‐ABP‐1 presents attractive photophysical properties, a narrow emission band, a high photoluminescence quantum yield, a small energy gap between S1 and T1, and low activation energy for reverse intersystem crossing. These properties are attributed to the alternating localization of the highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals induced by the boron, nitrogen, and oxygen atoms. Furthermore, to facilitate charge recombination, two novel semiconducting polymers with similar ionization potentials to that of OAB‐ABP‐1 are synthesized for use as interlayer and emissive layer materials. A solution‐processed OLED device is fabricated using OAB‐ABP‐1 and the aforementioned polymers; it exhibits pure green electroluminescence with a small full‐width at half‐maximum and a high external quantum efficiency with minimum efficiency roll‐off.
Optomechanically Actuated Microcilia for Locally Reconfigurable Surfaces
Authors: Li Meng , Kim Taehoon , Guidetti Giulia , Wang Yu , Omenetto Fiorenzo G.
Published: August 2020

Artificial microcilia structures have shown potential to incorporate actuators in various applications such as microfluidic devices and biomimetic microrobots. Among the multiple possibilities to achieve cilia actuation, magnetic fields present an opportunity given their quick response and wireless operation, despite the difficulty in achieving localized actuation because of their continuous distribution. In this work, a high‐aspect‐ratio (>8), elastomeric, magnetically responsive microcilia array is presented that allows for wireless, localized actuation through the combined use of light and magnetic fields. The microcilia array can move in response to an external magnetic field and can be locally actuated by targeted illumination of specific areas. The periodic pattern of the microcilia also diffracts light with varying diffraction efficiency as a function of the applied magnetic field, showing potential for wirelessly controlled adaptive optical elements.
Electron‐Deficient Cu Sites on Cu3Ag1 Catalyst Promoting CO2 Electroreduction to Alcohols
Authors: Lv Ximeng , Shang Longmei , Zhou Si , Li Si , Wang Yuhang , Wang Zhiqiang , Sham Tsun‐Kong , Peng Chen , Zheng Gengfeng
Published: August 2020

Copper‐based catalysts electrochemically convert CO2 into multicarbon molecules. However, the selectivity toward alcohol products has remained relatively low, due to the lack of catalysts favoring the adsorption of key intermediates in the alcohol pathways. Herein, a Cu3Ag1 electrocatalyst is developed using galvanic replacement of an electrodeposited Cu matrix. The Cu3Ag1 electrocatalyst enables a 63% Faradaic efficiency for CO2‐to‐alcohol production and an alcohol partial current density of −25 mA cm−2 at −0.95 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, corresponding to a 126‐fold enhancement in selectivity and 25‐fold increase in activity compared to the bare electrodeposited Cu matrix. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the interphase electron transfer from Cu to Ag generates electron‐deficient Cu sites and favors the adsorption of CO2 reduction intermediates in the alcohol pathway, such as CH3CHO* and CH3CH2O*. Thus, for this electron‐deficient catalyst, the C2H5OH pathway is more preferable than the ethylene (C2H4) pathway, endowing the catalyst with an alcohol/ethylene ratio of 38:1. These findings suggest both experimental approaches and theoretical insights for exploring highly selective CO2‐to‐alcohol conversion.
Using a Simulated Model and Mastery Learning Approach to Teach the Ultrasound‐guided Serratus Anterior Plane Block to Emergency Medicine Residents: A Pilot Study
Authors: Rider Ashley C. , Miller Danielle T. , Ashenburg Nicholas , Duanmu Youyou , Lobo Viveta , Schertzer Kimberly , Sebok‐Syer Stefanie S.
Published: August 2020

Background

The serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) is a safe, single‐injection alternative for pain control in patients with rib fractures. This pilot study aims to teach the ultrasound‐guided SAPB to emergency medicine (EM) residents using a mastery learning approach.

Methods

A 19‐item checklist was created and mastery was determined to be 17 of 19 items correct. This pass score was established using a Mastery Angoff standard‐setting exercise with a group of EM experts. Learners participated in baseline testing on a simulated model and performance was assessed by two raters. Learners then watched an instructional video and participated in an individualized teaching session. Learners underwent deliberate practice followed by posttesting until mastery was achieved. Score differences in baseline testing and posttesting were analyzed using a paired t‐test. Pre‐ and posttesting surveys were also completed by participants.

Results

Twenty‐eight PGY‐1 to ‐4 residents volunteered to participate in the study. The range of reported SAPBs seen previously was 0 to 5. The mean (±SD) number of items correct on the checklist for initial testing was 8.5 of 19 (±2.7), while the mean (±SD) final score was 18 of 19 (±0.6; p < 0.001). All participants met mastery standards after the curriculum intervention. Median self‐reported procedural confidence was 2 out of 5 on a 5‐point Likert scale before the session and 5 out of 5 after the session (Z = −4.681, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Using a mastery learning approach and simulated model, we were able to successfully train EM residents to perform the SAPB at a level of mastery and increase their overall confidence in executing this procedure.
Bilingual family communication and the impact of language anxiety on cortisol reactivity
Authors: Legatzke Hannah , Gettler Lee T.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The effects of socially evaluated tasks on stress‐related behavior and physiology are often studied under artificial experimental conditions, such as contrived public speaking. Less is known about these behavioral and physiological dimensions under more routine conditions, such as family interactions. Here, we tested whether language anxiety during bilingual family conversations correlated to cortisol reactivity and speech patterns and whether family members' ages moderated this effect.

Methods

Individuals (N = 34) from Spanish‐English bilingual families participated in prompted conversations in both languages with their family members and provided saliva that we assayed for cortisol. Participants responded to a survey about language anxiety, and we analyzed their conversations for code switching. We tested whether higher reported anxiety was correlated with increased cortisol reactivity and if participants' age moderated this effect.

Results

Participants' reported language anxiety was not significantly correlated with cortisol reactivity after conversations in either language. However, age significantly moderated the effect of English language anxiety. Among younger individuals, higher English language anxiety was correlated with greater cortisol reactivity after the English conversations. Older individuals did not demonstrate this same pattern. Individuals who code‐switched during the English conversations had higher English language anxiety than individuals who did not. Similar patterns were not observed for the Spanish conversations.

Conclusions

The physiological and verbal responses to English language anxiety may be reflective of the high pressure placed on English use among bilingual families in the U.S., and the greater cortisol reactivity of younger individuals suggests they may face more identity challenging acculturation pressure.
Erector spinae plane block for multiple rib fracture done by an Emergency Physician: A case series
Authors: Kumar Gaurav , Kumar Bhoi Sanjeev , Sinha Tej Prakash , Paul Shubhankar
Published: August 2020

The erector spinae plane block is a novel ultrasound‐guided technique that has recently been described for the management of rib fracture pain in the emergency department. This block has been used in the post‐operative period and chronic thoracic pain and is usually done by experts of anaesthesia or critical care. Erector spinae plane block is an unexplored domain for rib fracture pain management in emergency department. We highlight the use of this block is a safe and effective block that can be performed by emergency physician in the emergency department settings with point of care ultrasound.
Investigation on curing reaction of phthalonitrile resin with nanosilica and the properties of their glass fiber‐reinforced composites
Authors: Ren Dengxun , Li Bo , Chen Sijing , Xu Mingzhen , Liu Xiaobo
Published: August 2020

In this work, Phthalonitrile containing benzoxazine (BA‐ph) and Bisphenol A based cyanate ester (CE) were chosen as the matrix resin. Various amount of nano‐SiO2 was incorporated into BA‐ph/CE and their glass fiber‐reinforced composite laminates were fabricated. Curing reaction and processability of BA‐ph/CE/SiO2 blends were studied by differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic rheological analysis. Results showed that BA‐ph and CE exhibited good processability and curing reaction of BA‐ph/CE was not obviously affected by SiO2. Scanning electron microscope images of the composites showed that SiO2 particles were well dispersed in BA‐ph/CE matrix. Moreover, SiO2 could act as physical crosslinking points and diluent in matrix as well as between the glass fibers to improve the mechanical properties of composite laminates. As the results of dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetry analysis, composite laminates possessed satisfactory Tg and good thermal stability. With incorporation SiO2 particles into matrix resin, dielectric constant and dielectric loss of BA‐ph/CE/SiO2/GF composites were increased and showed frequency dependence.
Confinement effects at nanoscale in natural rubber composites: Influence on macroscopic properties
Authors: Patanair Bindu , Thomas Sabu , Abitha V K , Saiter‐Fourcin Allisson
Published: August 2020

The study of molecular level interactions in elastomer composites has got very scant attention even though a large number of studies are going on in this topic. This work embodies the understanding of confinement effects in natural rubber (NR)/ ZnO composites from micro to nano length scales, and their influence on macroscopic properties of the composites. The interactions between fillers and matrix are characterized from the Donth's approach, which allows estimating the cooperativity size Nα at the glass transition, Nα being directly related to the filler‐matrix interactions. The improved properties of NR‐nano ZnO composites can be attributed to microstructural and morphological changes due to nano ZnO in the NR matrix. A correlation between Nα, the constrained volume Cv and the thickness of immobilized polymer chains χm at the glass transition has also been established. Thus, this work proves that the Donth's approach is a powerful probe to estimate the enhance of mechanical properties in nanocomposites from calorimetric investigations.
The third vascular route of the inner ear or the canal of Cotugno: Its topographical anatomy, fetal development, and contribution to ossification of the otic capsule cartilage
Authors: Honkura Yohei , Hayashi Shogo , Abe Hiroshi , Murakami Gen , Rodríguez‐Vázquez José F. , Shibata Shunichi
Published: August 2020

Three vascular routes to the inner ear are known: (a) through the internal acoustic meatus with the vestibulocochlear nerve; (b) from the endolymphatic duct aperture; and (c) along the canal of Cotugno (CC) inserted into the vestibular part of the ear from the superior or brain side. The third is believed to contain only veins. Examinations of 33 human embryos and fetuses at 6–40 weeks demonstrated that (a) the CC appeared as a recess of epidural mesenchymal tissues at the superior aspect of the otic capsule cartilage in embryos and it was inserted deeply to issue multiple peripheral divisions inferolaterally and posteriorly at midterm; (b) the CC consistently passed through a ring of the superior or anterior semicircular canal and contained both, the arteries from the vestibulocochlear nerve origin at the midbrain and the vein draining into the sigmoid sinus or petrosal sinuses; and (c) the CC appeared not to contribute to ossification of the otic capsule cartilage but, after endochondral ossification of the internal ear, woven bone development occurred along a smooth interface of the CC with the ossified ear. In contrast, another interface between the developing bone and the residual cartilage of the otic capsule was rough and wavy with many short bony columns, called osseous globules. In addition, the endolymphatic duct accompanied veins but no arteries. Our results show that the CC is a major vascular route to the vestibular part of the otic capsule cartilage, but its role appears to be limited after ossification.
Applications of Metal Nanocrystals with Twin Defects in Electrocatalysis
Authors: Li Mengfan , Yuan Yuliang , Yao Zhaoyu , Gao Lei , Zhang Jiawei , Huang Hongwen
Published: August 2020

Electrocatalytic energy conversion is one of the most promising pathways to develop clean and renewable energy technologies, and the development of high‐performance electrocatalysts to improve the energy conversion efficiency is of paramount importance. Metal nanocrystals with twin defects possess unique features, including lattice strain and high density of low‐coordinated atoms at the twin boundary, endowing them with excellent catalytic performance in various electrocatalytic reactions. Herein, we briefly summarize recent advances in the synthesis of metal nanocrystals with various twin structures, recent breakthroughs related to electrocatalytic applications of twin metal nanocrystals are also overviewed. Finally, the major challenges and perspectives for future development of twin metal nanocrystals in electrochemical applications are proposed.
Associations between cumulative environmental quality and ten selected birth defects in Texas
Authors: Krajewski Alison K. , Rappazzo Kristen M. , Langlois Peter H. , Messer Lynne C. , Lobdell Danelle T.
Published: August 2020

Background

Causes of most birth defects are largely unknown. Genetics, maternal factors (e.g., age, smoking) and environmental exposures have all been linked to some birth defects, including neural tube, oral cleft, limb reduction, and gastroschisis; however, the contribution of cumulative exposures across several environmental domains in association with these defects is not well understood.

Methods

The Environmental Quality Index (EQI) and its domains (air, water, land, sociodemographic, built) were used to estimate county‐level cumulative environmental exposures from 2006–2010 and matched to birth defects identified from Texas Birth Defects Registry and live birth records from births in years 2007–2010 (N = 1,610,709). Poisson regression models estimated prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between 10 birth defects and the EQI.

Results

We observed some positive associations between worst environmental quality and neural tube, anencephaly, spina bifida, oral cleft, cleft palate, cleft lip with and without cleft palate, and gastroschisis [PR range: 1.12–1.55], but near null associations with limb reduction defects. Among domain specific results, we observed the strongest positive associations with the sociodemographic domain across birth defects but varied positive associations among the air and water domains, and negative or null associations with the land and built domains. Overall, few exposure‐response patterns were evident.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the complexities of cumulative, simultaneous environmental exposures in the prevalence rates of 10 selected birth defects. We were able to explore the impact of overall and domain specific environmental quality on birth defects and identify potential domain specific drivers of these associations.
Evaluating three methods of the presentation of target stimuli when teaching receptive labels
Authors: Wong Elizabeth , Ferguson Julia L. , Milne Christine M. , Cihon Joseph H. , Leaf Justin B. , McEachin John , Leaf Ronald , Schulze Kim , Rudrud Eric
Published: August 2020

Practice recommendations related to using discrete trial teaching (DTT) to teach receptive labels (i.e., auditory–visual conditional discriminations) for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have included the use of counterbalancing. Counterbalancing involves two major components: (a) ensuring that each stimulus in the set is targeted an equal number of times within each trial block and (b) rotating the stimuli in the array in a manner that evenly distributes the stimuli within the array in each position across a trial block. The purpose of the present study was to compare three varying approaches to the order and number of presentations of target stimuli (i.e., predetermined, constrained, and unconstrained) during a receptive language task using an adapted alternating treatment design with three individuals diagnosed with ASD. The results indicated that, for the three participants, the unconstrained condition was the most efficacious, followed by the constrained condition, and the predetermined condition was the least efficacious with respect to average sessions to reach the mastery criterion. The implications of the results with respect to best practices using DTT to teach receptive language are discussed.
Integration of partners of young women with cancer in oncofertility evidence‐based informational resources
Authors: Gonçalves Vânia , Ferreira Pedro L. , Quinn Gwendolyn P.
Published: August 2020

Oncofertility has evolved over the years, with a prodigious amount of research documenting the importance of fertility for young patients with cancer, and the potential impact that fertility impairments due to cancer treatments has on their Quality of Life (QoL). Multiple professional bodies and scientific societies have included fertility as an integral part of clinical management. Clinical guidelines advocate that health professionals have the duty to discuss the risk of infertility and fertility preservation options as early as possible and refer to fertility specialists when appropriate. Collectively, fertility decisions are regarded as difficult for both patients and providers. Since providing fertility‐related information is vital for better decision making, researchers and policy makers have concentrated their efforts in developing educational tools to aid decisions and guidelines to optimize the delivery of this information, focusing mainly on patients‐providers and largely neglecting the role and influence that partners play in this process. Here, we reflect on the importance of partners in fertility decisions, with a focus on the provision of fertility‐related information that is also geared towards partner. We highlight the need to involve partners in fertility discussions, and that their needs should be taken into account in both clinical guidelines and in the development of educational tools, for an optimal decision‐making process.
Densely connected GCN model for motion prediction
Authors: Li Yanran , Qiu Lingteng , Wang Li , Liu Fangde , Wang Zhao , Iulian Poiana Sebastian , Yang Xiaosong , Zhang Jianjun
Published: August 2020

Human motion prediction is a fundamental problem in understanding human natural movements. This task is very challenging due to the complex human body constraints and diversity of action types. Due to the human body being a natural graph, graph convolutional network (GCN)‐based models perform better than the traditional recurrent neural network (RNN)‐based models on modeling the natural spatial and temporal dependencies lying in the motion data. In this paper, we develop the GCN‐based models further by adding densely connected links to increase their feature utilizations and address oversmoothing problem. More specifically, the GCN block is used to learn the spatial relationships between the nodes and each feature map of the GCN block propagates directly to every following block as input rather than residual linked. In this way, the spatial dependency of human motion data is exploited more sufficiently and the features of different level of scale are fused more efficiently. Extensive experiments demonstrate our model achieving the state‐of‐the‐art results on CMU dataset.
A Triterpene Lactone from Callistemon citrinus Inhibits the PANC‐1 Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells Viability through Suppression of Unfolded Protein Response
Authors: Tawila Ahmed M. , Sun Sijia , Kim Min Jo , Omar Ashraf M. , Dibwe Dya Fita , Awale Suresh
Published: August 2020

Human pancreatic tumor cells such as PANC‐1 are known for their ability to tolerate nutrient starvation and thrive under the hypovascular tumor microenvironment, a phenomenon termed as ‘austerity’. A search of agents that preferentially inhibit the cancer cell viability under the starvation condition without toxicity in the nutrient‐rich condition is a promising approach in anticancer drug discovery. In this study, a triterpene lactone, 3β‐hydroxy‐13,28‐epoxyurs‐11‐en‐28‐one (ursenolide), isolated from a Callistemon citrinus extract has shown strong preferential cytotoxicity against PANC‐1 cells under nutrient starvation with PC50 value of 0.4 μm. Ursenolide‐induced rounding of PANC‐1 cell morphology followed by rupture of the cell membrane leading to cell death. In a real‐time cell migration study, ursenolide was found to inhibit PANC‐1 cell migration significantly. Mechanistically, it inhibited GRP78 and GRP94 under the starvation condition suggesting inhibition of unfolded protein response (UPR), an adaptive process of cell survival during starvation. It also inhibited the phosphorylation of the key survival protein Akt and mTOR. Overall results suggested that ursenolide is a potential anticancer agent against pancreatic cancer.
Breaking the deadlock of calcified coronary artery lesions: A contemporary review
Authors: Fan Lampson M , Tong David , Mintz Gary S. , Mamas Mamas A. , Javed Ahmed
Published: August 2020

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of severely calcified lesions is known to result in lower procedural success rates, higher complication rates, and worse long‐term clinical outcomes compared to noncalcified lesions. Adequate lesion preparation through calcium modification is crucial in ensuring procedural success and reducing adverse cardiovascular outcomes. There are numerous calcium modification devices currently available whose usefulness depends on the nature of the calcific disease and its anatomical distribution. It can be challenging for the interventionists to decide which device is best suited for their patient. There is also emerging evidence for intravascular imaging in guiding selection of calcium modification devices using parameters such as calcium distribution and depth that directly impact on procedural success and clinical outcomes. In this review we aim to discuss the pathophysiology of coronary calcification, evaluate strategies and technologies of calcium modification and propose an A‐M‐A‐S‐A algorithm in managing calcified coronary lesions.
Medial‐to‐lateral plantar loop technique for retrograde transcollateral recanalization of the lateral plantar artery in patients with type 3 plantar arch
Authors: Testi Gabriele , Ceccacci Tanja , Maioli Filippo , Grotti Simone
Published: August 2020

A 89‐year‐old male presented with severe untreatable pain and ischemic non‐healing ulcer in the left forefoot. The pre‐procedural angiograms showed multiple stenosis of the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries, occlusion of anterior tibial artery, tibio‐peroneal trunk (TTP) and distal posterior tibial artery (PTA), stenosis of the peroneal artery, and the patency of the medial plantar artery (MPA) as a single pedal artery, with very poor perfusion of the lateral aspect of the forefoot. The TTP and PTA were recanalized, and balloon angioplasty of superficial femoral artery and popliteal artery and peroneal artery was carried out. After unsuccessful antegrade attempts, the lateral plantar artery (LPA) was retrogradely recanalized performing the medial‐to‐lateral plantar loop, navigating from the deep branch of MPA to the plantar arch and reentering back in the common plantar artery through the LPA. Balloon angioplasty of LPA was performed though the retrograde and antegrade route. When the MPA is the single pedal artery, and the antegrade recanalization of the dorsalis pedis artery (DPA) and the LPA is not possible, the medial‐to‐lateral plantar loop is a feasible technique to recanalize the LPA retrogradely through the plantar arch.