bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiosynthesis, radiochemical, and biological characterization of 177Lu‐labeled diethylenetriamine penta‐acetic acid
Authors: Akbar Muhammad U. , Bokhari Tanveer H. , Ahmad Muhammad R. , Zia Khalid M. , Roohi Samina , Ayub Nimra , Sohaib Muhammad
Published: April 2019

Diethylenetriamine penta‐acetic acid (DTPA), when complexed with a gamma (γ)‐emitter radioisotope like 99mTc, is used for renal function diagnosis and many other diagnostic applications. The main aim of this study was to develop a novel and versatile single‐step methodology for the synthesis of a new 177Lu‐labeled radiopharmaceutical with high radiochemical yield, which can be used for diagnostic purposes and therapeutic purposes also. The single and well‐defined 177Lu‐DTPA complex was radiochemically characterized by paper chromatography, thin‐layer chromatography, high‐performance liquid chromatography, and electrophoresis techniques. Dependence of the labeling yield of 177Lu‐DTPA complex on different factors was studied in detail. Biological evaluation was also performed in a normal rabbit by developing images under a γ camera at various time intervals. More than 99% labeling yield was obtained by reacting DTPA with 177Lu at specific conditions (pH 7.0, 15 minutes reaction time at 100 °C). 177Lu‐DTPA complex showed high stability both at room temperature and in vitro. Biodistribution studies in normal mice indicated the fractional renal uptake of intravenously administered 177Lu‐DTPA complex, which reached in the kidneys within 2‐3 minutes. Scintigraphy showed rapid clearance from the body. Based on these results, we propose that 177Lu‐DTPA complex might be used as an ideal candidate for functional evaluation of kidneys and the urinary tract, especially when needed to be transported to long‐range consumer sites, because of its suitable half‐life.
GLP‐1 induces alpha cell proliferation and overrides leptin suppression induced by negative energy balance in vagotomized rats
Authors: Morais Tiago , Patrício Barbara , Pereira Sofia Silva , Andrade Sara , Carreira Marcos , Casanueva Felipe F. , Monteiro Mariana P.
Published: April 2019

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) influences energy balance by exerting effects on food intake and glucose metabolism, through mechanisms that are partially dependent on the vagal pathway. The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of chronic GLP‐1 stimulation on energy homeostasis and glucose metabolism in the absence of vagal innervation

Truncal vagotomized (VGX) and sham operated rats (SHAM) received an intraperitoneal GLP‐1 infusion (3.5 pmol/kg/min) trough mini‐osmotic pumps. To dissect the effects derived from vagal denervation on food intake, an additional group was included consisting of sham operated rats that were PAIR FED to VGX. Food intake and body weight were recorded throughout the experimental period, while the percentage of white and brown adipose tissue, fasting glucose, insulin, gastro‐intestinal hormonal profile, hypothalamic, and BAT gene expression were assessed at endpoint.

VGX rats had significantly lower food intake, body weight gain, and leptin levels when compared with SHAM rats. Despite having similar body weight, PAIR‐FED rats had lower fasting leptin, insulin and insulin resistance, while having higher ghrelin levels than VGX. GLP‐1 infusion did not influence food intake or body weight, but was associated with lower leptin levels in VGX and lower pancreatic α‐cells ki‐67 staining in SHAM.

Concluding, this study corroborates that the vagus nerve may modulate whole body energy homeostasis by acting in peripheral signals. Our data suggest that in the absence of vagal or parasympathetic tonus, GLP‐1 mediated inhibition of cell proliferation markers in α‐cells is prevented, meanwhile leptin suppression, associated with a negative energy balance, is partially overridden.
Investigating the diagnostic performance of HOTTIP, PVT1, and UCA1 long noncoding RNAs as a predictive panel for the screening of colorectal cancer patients with lymph node metastasis
Authors: Gharib Ehsan , Anaraki Fakhrosadat , Baghdar Kaveh , Ghavidel Pegah , Sadeghi Hossein , Nasrabadi Parinaz Nasri , Peyravian Noshad , Aghdaei Hamid Asadzadeh , Zali Mohammad Reza , Mojarad Ehsan Nazemalhosseini
Published: April 2019

Like other noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), dysregulation of long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) has been associated with various clinicopathological features of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients such as lymph node metastasis (LNM). Recently, three aberrant expressed oncogenic lncRNA (onco‐lncRNAs), including HOXA transcript at the distal tip (HOTTIP), plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1), and urothelial carcinoma associated 1 (UCA1) have been reported in LNM. Herein, we compared the diagnostic performance of these lncRNAs as individual biomarkers and as a discriminating panel between LNM CRC patients, nonmetastatic lymph nodes (NLN) and normal healthy subjects. The lncRNAs expression level was measured by quantitative real‐time PCR and analyzed by the Mann‐Whitney U test. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was applied to evaluate the diagnostic power. The Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis was performed to outline the overall survival (OS) of CRC patients with an abnormal level of lncRNAs. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the overexpressed HOTTIP (0.7817; 95% CI, 0.6809‐0.8824), PVT1 (0.8559; 95% CI, 0.7737‐0.9382), and UCA1 (0.8135; 95% CI, 0.722‐0.9051) introduced them as individual CRC biomarkers. As a predictive panel, the AUC values of the HOTTIP, PVT1, and UCA1 for training set were 0.9256 (95% CI, 0.8634‐0.9879; all CRCs), 0.8708 (95% CI, 0.7709‐0.9378; NLN) and 0.9804 (95% CI, 0.9585‐0.9998; LNM), and for validation set were 0.9286 (95% CI, 0.8752‐0.9820; all CRCs), 0.8911 (95% CI, 0.8238‐0.9585; NLN), and 0.9833 (95% CI, 0.9642‐1.002; LNM), respectively. Also, HOTTIP/PVT1/UCA1 panel dysregulation had a marked correlation with patient's OS in training set (logrank test P = 0.0121; hazard ratio [HR], 0.1225; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02376‐0.6312), and in validation set (logrank test P < 0.0001, HR, 0.2003; 95% CI, 0.08942‐0.4486). These data showed that the combination of HOTTIP, PVT1, and UCA1 as a predictive panel, has a better diagnostic performance than each of these lncRNAs individually, and could be used for the screening of patients with advanced CRC.
Two‐stage algorithms for covering array construction
Authors: Sarkar Kaushik , Colbourn Charles J.
Published: April 2019

Modern software systems often consist of many different components, each with a number of options. Although unit tests may reveal faulty options for individual components, functionally correct components may interact in unforeseen ways to cause a fault. Covering arrays are used to test for interactions among components systematically. A two‐stage framework, providing a number of concrete algorithms, is developed for the efficient construction of covering arrays. In the first stage, a time and memory efficient randomized algorithm covers most of the interactions. In the second stage, a more sophisticated search covers the remainder in relatively few tests. In this way, the storage limitations of the sophisticated search algorithms are avoided; hence, the range of the number of components for which the algorithm can be applied is extended, without increasing the number of tests. Many of the framework instantiations can be tuned to optimize a memory‐quality trade‐off, so that fewer tests can be achieved using more memory.
Downregulation of lysyl oxidase‐like 4 LOXL4 by miR‐135a‐5p promotes lung cancer progression in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zhang Ying , Jiang Wan‐Li , Yang Jun‐Yuan , Huang Jie , Kang Ganjun , Hu Hai‐Bo , Xie Songpig
Published: April 2019

Aberrant microRNAs are widely identified in multiple cancers, including lung cancer. miR‐135a‐5p can function as a significant tumor regulator in diverse cancers via impacting multiple genes in oncogenic pathways. Nevertheless, the biological role of miR‐135a‐5p in lung cancer is poorly known. Here, we investigated its function in lung cancer. As exhibited, miR‐135a‐5p was elevated in lung cancer cells in contrast to BEAS‐2B cells. Then, we inhibited miR‐135a‐5p expression by transfecting LV‐anti‐miR‐135a‐5p into lung cancer cells. As displayed, miR‐135a‐5p was obviously reduced in A549 and H1299 cells. Knockdown of miR‐135a‐5p repressed lung cancer cell growth and cell proliferation. Meanwhile, cell colony formation capacity was depressed, cell apoptosis was enhanced and cell cycle progression was blocked in G1 phase by inhibition of miR‐135a‐5p in vitro. Additionally, the migration and invasion of A549 and H1299 cells was strongly depressed by LV‐anti‐miR‐135a‐5p. For another, by using informatics analysis, lysyl oxidase‐like 4 (LOXL4) was speculated as the downstream target of miR‐135a‐5p. We validated their direct correlation and moreover, overexpression of miR‐135a‐5p restrained LOXL4 levels in lung cancer cells. Subsequently, we proved that miR‐135a‐5p promoted lung cancer development via targeting LOXL4 by carrying out the in vivo assays. Taken these together, our study revealed miR‐135a‐5p might be indicated as a perspective for lung cancer via targeting LOXL4.
Long noncoding RNA PTPRG‐AS1 acts as a microRNA‐194‐3p sponge to regulate radiosensitivity and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells via PRC1
Authors: Yi Liang , Ouyang Lei , Wang Shuang , Li Shi‐Sheng , Yang Xin‐Ming
Published: April 2019

Protein regulator of cytokinesis 1 (PRC1) has been reported in correlation with various malignancies. Functionality of PRC1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) was investigated, in perspective of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) regulatory circuitry. Aberrant expressed messenger RNA and lncRNA were screened out from the Gene Expression Omnibus microarray database. NPC cell line CNE‐2 was adopted for in vitro study and transfected with mimic or short hairpin RNA of miR‐194‐3p and PTPRG‐AS1. The radioactive sensitivity, cell viability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were detected. PTPRG‐AS1 and PRC1 were upregulated in NPC, whereas miR‐194‐3p was downregulated. PTPRG‐AS1 was found to specifically bind to miR‐194‐3p as a competing endogenous RNA and miR‐194‐3p targets and negatively regulates PRC1. Overexpressed miR‐194‐3p or silenced PTPRG‐AS1 resulted in enhanced sensitivity to radiotherapy and cell apoptosis along with suppressed cell migration, invasion and proliferation in NPC. Furthermore, impaired tumor formation was also caused by miR‐194‐3p overexpression or PTPRG‐AS1 suppression through xenograft tumor in nude mice. In our study, PTPRG‐AS1/miR‐194‐3p/PRC1 regulatory circuitry was revealed in NPC, the mechanism of which can be of clinical significance for treatment of NPC.
Administration of dexamethasone disrupts endometrial receptivity by alteration of expression of miRNA 223, 200a, LIF, Muc1, SGK1, and ENaC via the ERK1/2‐mTOR pathway
Authors: Shariati Mohammad Bakhtiar Hesam , Niknafs Behrooz , Seghinsara Abbas Majdi , Shokrzadeh Naser , Alivand Mohammad Reza
Published: April 2019

Successful implantation of embryos requires endometrial receptivity. Glucocorticoids are one of the factors influencing the implantation window. In this study, 40 female BALB/c mice were used to study the impacts of dexamethasone administration on endometrial receptivity markers during implantation window. The mice mated and were randomly divided into four groups: control (vehicle), dexamethasone (100 μg/kg, IP), PP242 (30 mg/kg, IP), and dexamethasone + PP242 (Dex + PP242). On the Day 4th and 5th of gestation, mice received their respective treatments and were killed on the 5th day. To assess the expression of Muc1, leukemia inflammatory inhibitor (LIF), serum/glucocorticoid‐inducible kinase 1 (SGK1), epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC), miRNA 200a, and miRNA 223‐3p in the endometrium real‐time polymerase chain reaction was performed. Furthermore, using Western blot analysis protein expressions of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and euk皓aryotic translation initiation factor 4E‐binding protein 1 (4E‐BP1) were evaluated. Periodic Acid‐Schiff staining was used to examine the histomorphological changes of the uterus. According to the results dexamethasone declined the expression of LIF, whereas upregulated expression of Muc1, SGK1, ENaC mRNA, miRNA 200a, and miRNA 223‐3p in the endometrium. In addition, PP242, an mTOR inhibitor, induced mRNA expression of Muc1, miRNA200a, and miRNa223‐3p whereas it declined the expression of LIF. Moreover, activity of the ERK1/2‐mTOR pathway in the endometrial cells was deterred by dexamethasone and PP242. Nonstop epithelium proliferation and elevated surface glycoproteins layer on epithelium of dexamethasone and/or PP242‐received groups were divulged through histochemical analysis. According to the above mentioned results, uterine receptivity during implantation period was declined by dexamethasone, at least in part, through modulation of involved genes in endometrial receptivity and inhibition of the ERK1/2‐mTOR pathway.
Sarcopenia and its association with falls and fractures in older adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yeung Suey S.Y. , Reijnierse Esmee M. , Pham Vivien K. , Trappenburg Marijke C. , Lim Wen Kwang , Meskers Carel G.M. , Maier Andrea B.
Published: April 2019

Sarcopenia is a potentially modifiable risk factor for falls and fractures in older adults, but the strength of the association between sarcopenia, falls, and fractures is unclear. This study aims to systematically assess the literature and perform a meta‐analysis of the association between sarcopenia with falls and fractures among older adults. A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and CINAHL from inception to May 2018. Inclusion criteria were the following: published in English, mean/median age ≥ 65 years, sarcopenia diagnosis (based on definitions used by the original studies' authors), falls and/or fractures outcomes, and any study population. Pooled analyses were conducted of the associations of sarcopenia with falls and fractures, expressed in odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were performed by study design, population, sex, sarcopenia definition, continent, and study quality. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistics. The search identified 2771 studies. Thirty‐six studies (52 838 individuals, 48.8% females, and mean age of the study populations ranging from 65.0 to 86.7 years) were included in the systematic review. Four studies reported on both falls and fractures. Ten out of 22 studies reported a significantly higher risk of falls in sarcopenic compared with non‐sarcopenic individuals; 11 out of 19 studies showed a significant positive association with fractures. Thirty‐three studies (45 926 individuals) were included in the meta‐analysis. Sarcopenic individuals had a significant higher risk of falls (cross‐sectional studies: OR 1.60; 95% CI 1.37–1.86, P < 0.001, I2 = 34%; prospective studies: OR 1.89; 95% CI 1.33–2.68, P < 0.001, I2 = 37%) and fractures (cross‐sectional studies: OR 1.84; 95% CI 1.30–2.62, P = 0.001, I2 = 91%; prospective studies: OR 1.71; 95% CI 1.44–2.03, P = 0.011, I2 = 0%) compared with non‐sarcopenic individuals. This was independent of study design, population, sex, sarcopenia definition, continent, and study quality. The positive association between sarcopenia with falls and fractures in older adults strengthens the need to invest in sarcopenia prevention and interventions to evaluate its effect on falls and fractures.
Disinfection and surface changes of gutta‐percha cones after immersion in sodium hypochlorite solution containing surfactant
Authors: Vitali Filipe C. , Nomura Lincon H. , Delai Débora , Henriques Dilma H. N. , Alves Ana M. H. , da Fonseca Roberti Garcia Lucas , Bortoluzzi Eduardo A. , Teixeira Cleonice S.
Published: April 2019

In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of 1 and 5.25% NaOCl solutions, with or without surfactant, in disinfecting gutta‐percha cones. Surface changes of the gutta‐percha cones after disinfection were also assessed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). One‐hundred and eight gutta‐percha cones previously contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis were left in contact for 30 s or 1 min with the following solutions (n = 12): 1% NaOCl; 1% NaOCl + 2% cetrimide; 5.25% NaOCl; 5.25% NaOCl + 2% cetrimide. Positive control group was composed by the remaining contaminated cones (n = 12), and the negative control group by noncontaminated cones (n = 12). The cones were kept in Eppendorf tubes containing Trypticase Soy Broth at 37°C for 24 hr, and then, the presence of turbidity was analyzed. Ten additional cones (n = 2) were observed under SEM to evaluate surface changes after 1 min of disinfection. The data analysis (Kruskal–Wallis test, α = 5%) demonstrated that regardless the presence of surfactant, the NaOCl solutions used were effective in the disinfection when cones were immersed for 1 min. However, at the 30‐s period, only the 5.25% NaOCl solution was effective. SEM analysis demonstrated that NaOCl solutions promoted the formation of sodium chloride crystals on cones surface, less visible when the 1% NaOCl associated to surfactant was used. The addition of surfactant did not affect the disinfection capacity of NaOCl solutions. However, the surfactant has apparently inhibited the sodium chloride crystals deposition on the cones surface when associated to 1% NaOCl solution.
A pilot study to examine the association between human gut microbiota and the host's central obesity
Authors: Koo Seok Hwee , Chu Collins Wenhan , Khoo Joan Joo Ching , Cheong Magdalin , Soon Gaik Hong , Ho Eliza Xin Pei , Law Ngai Moh , De Sessions Paola Florez , Fock Kwong Ming , Ang Tiing Leong , Lee Edmund Jon Deoon , Hsiang John Chen
Published: April 2019

Background and Aim

Perturbance in the composition of human gut microbiota has been associated with metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, and insulin resistance. The objectives of this study are to examine the effects of ethnicity, central obesity, and recorded dietary components on potentially influencing the human gut microbiome. We hypothesize that these factors have an influence on the composition of the gut microbiome.

Methods

Subjects of Chinese (n = 14), Malay (n = 10), and Indian (n = 11) ancestry, with a median age of 39 years (range: 22–70 years old), provided stool samples for gut microbiome profiling using 16S rRNA sequencing and completed a dietary questionnaire. The serum samples were assayed for a panel of biomarkers (interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, adiponectin, cleaved cytokeratin 18, lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein, and limulus amebocyte lysate). Central obesity was defined by waist circumference cut‐off values for Asians.

Results

There were no significant differences in Shannon alpha diversity for ethnicity and central obesity and no associations between levels of inflammatory cytokines and obesity. The relative abundances of Anaerofilum (P = 0.02), Gemellaceae (P = 0.02), Streptococcaceae (P = 0.03), and Rikenellaceae (P = 0.04) were significantly lower in the obese group. From principle coordinate analysis, the effects of the intake of fiber and fat/saturated fat were in contrast with each other, with clustering of obese individuals leaning toward fiber.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that there were differences in the gut microbiome in obese individuals. Certain bacterial taxa were present in lower abundance in the group with central obesity. Fiber and fat/saturated fat diets were not the key determinants of central obesity.
Gastrointestinal complications in acute and chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Bansal Akash , Gupta Pankaj , Singh Harjeet , Samanta Jayanta , Mandavdhare Harshal , Sharma Vishal , Sinha Saroj K , Dutta Usha , Kochhar Rakesh
Published: April 2019

Pancreatitis is one of the important medical conditions. Gastrointestinal (GI) complications of pancreatitis are important and lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis of these complications is difficult and may require a strong clinical suspicion coupled with various imaging features. This review provides an extensive update of the whole spectrum of GI complication of pancreatitis, both acute and chronic, from inflammation, ischemia, and necrosis to obstruction, perforation, and GI fistulae. The focus is on the clinical and imaging features of this less commonly described aspect of pancreatitis.
Vessel wall and lumen characteristics with age in healthy participants using 3T intracranial vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Cogswell Petrice M. , Lants Sarah K. , Davis L. Taylor , Donahue Manus J.
Published: April 2019

Background

Intracranial vessel wall imaging (VWI) at a clinical field strength of 3T has become more widely available. However, how vessel measurements change with age and sex, over an age range spanning a typical lifespan, are needed.

Purpose/Hypothesis

To assess for identifiable changes in arterial wall thickness, outer vessel wall diameter, and lumen diameter with age cross‐sectionally in healthy controls without cerebrovascular disease risk factors at the spatial resolution afforded by currently recommended 3T VWI approaches.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population/Subjects

Healthy subjects (n = 82; age = 8–79 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

3T intracranial VWI, angiography, and T1‐weighted anatomical imaging.

Assessment

Two readers measured lumen and outer wall diameters of the supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) and distal basilar artery. Wall thickness and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated.

Statistical Tests

Separate linear regressions were performed to understand the relationship between wall measurements (lumen diameter, outer vessel wall diameter, and wall thickness) and age, gender, side (left or right); significance: two‐sided P < 0.05.

Results

Readers showed excellent agreement for lumen and outer wall diameters (ICC 0.83–094). Linear regression of supraclinoid ICA wall measurements showed a statistically significant increase in wall thickness (P = 0.00051) and outer vessel wall diameter (P = 0.030) with age. ICA lumen and outer vessel wall diameters were statistically greater in males vs. females (lumen diameter 3.69 ± 0.41 vs. 3.54 ± 0.35 mm, P = 0.026; outer wall diameter 5.78 ± 0.52 vs. 5.56 ± 0.44 mm, P = 0.0089) with a trend toward increase in wall thickness (1.05 ± 0.12 vs. 1.01 ± 0.10 mm, P = 0.055). No significant difference was found in basilar artery wall thickness (P = 0.45, P = 0.72), lumen diameter (P = 0.15, P = 0.42), or outer vessel wall diameter (P = 0.34, P = 0.41) with age or gender, respectively.

Data Conclusion

Intracranial vessel wall measurements were shown to be consistent between readers. At the available spatial resolution of 3T intracranial VWI sequences, supraclinoid ICA vessel wall thickness and outer vessel wall diameter appear to mildly increase with age. There was no detectable change in basilar artery vessel wall characteristics with age.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1452–1460.
Do not like it when you need it the most: Examining the effect of manager ego depletion on managerial voice endorsement
Authors: Li Junchao (Jason) , Barnes Christopher M. , Yam Kai Chi , Guarana Cristiano L. , Wang Lin
Published: April 2019

This paper advances the understanding of managerial voice endorsement based on a self‐regulation perspective. We suggest that although managers might potentially benefit more from employees' upward voice when they are more depleted, they are paradoxically less likely to diligently process or endorse such voice under ego depletion. We draw from ego depletion theory and argue that when managers are more depleted of their self‐control resources, they will spend less cognitive effort in processing voice. In turn, they tend to reject employee voice due to status quo bias and confirmation bias. We further suggest that the detrimental effect of ego depletion on voice endorsement is stronger when the voicing employee is perceived as having low expertise. We conducted an experience sampling study surveying 62 managers about voice events they encounter at work over 10 days (Study 1) and an experiment with 198 managers (Study 2). These two studies support our hypotheses. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings.
Climate process chains: Examples from southern Africa
Authors: Daron Joseph , Burgin Laura , Janes Tamara , Jones Richard G. , Jack Christopher
Published: April 2019

The climate system comprises multiple components, primarily the atmosphere, ocean and cryosphere, each incorporating physical processes that interact across scales. To help understand the behaviour of this complex system, and evaluate climate model simulations, researchers typically take a reductionist approach, focusing on individual climate processes and studying their relationships with weather and climate in different regions. While more holistic approaches, such as climate networks, have been developed to explicitly address the complexity of the climate, here we argue for the use of a new approach that accounts for multiple cross‐scale process interactions, framed with respect to specific climate outcomes of societal importance. We introduce and explore the concept of “climate process chains” (CPCs), describing their potential application using examples determined for southern Africa. Building on related theoretical concepts, and through reviewing literature on climate processes and teleconnections to southern Africa, we identify candidate CPCs for two outcomes of societal interest; a regional‐scale drought and local‐scale heavy rainfall. Focusing on such outcomes means that CPC investigations have more relevance to climate risk management contexts, as well as providing a constraint on the exploration of climate uncertainties for a region. We argue that CPCs may help to articulate relationships amongst regionally relevant climate processes across temporal and spatial scales, and discuss their potential utility in climate research, including in the evaluation of climate models and their simulations.
The potential impact of an electronic medication management system on safety‐critical prescribing errors in an emergency department
Authors: Raban Magdalena Z. , Walter Scott R. , Pont Lisa G. , Cheung Louis , Strumpman Dana , Westbrook Johanna I.
Published: April 2019

Background

Medication errors in hospitals are common. Although electronic medication management systems (eMMS) have the potential to reduce errors during inpatient care, little is known about their effect in emergency departments (ED).

Aim

The aims of this study were to report on the types of prescribing errors in an ED prior to implementation of an eMMS, to assess the risk the errors pose to patient safety and to evaluate whether safety‐critical errors were potentially preventable with a newly implemented eMMS.

Methods

Medication orders on paper charts were assessed for prescribing errors by a clinical hospital pharmacist. Error severity was rated using a five‐point scale. Errors of moderate or higher severity, and all errors involving defined high‐risk medicines were considered safety‐critical errors. The potential for safety‐critical errors to be prevented by the eMMS was rated (likely, possibly or unlikely).

Results

Across 239 medication orders, 208 errors (27 clinical, 181 legal or procedural) were identified. The overall prescribing error rate was 0.87 errors/order. There were 67 safety‐critical errors (53 legal or procedural, 14 clinical). Overall, 82.1% of errors were likely preventable by eMMS. However, of the clinical safety‐critical errors, only 2 (14.3%) were considered likely preventable.

Conclusion

Although eMMS has the capacity to prevent a high proportion of safety‐critical legal or procedural errors in the ED, clinical prescribing errors in this category were unlikely to be prevented by using eMMS. Further investigation of these more severe error types could guide the design of eMMS decision support to improve system effectiveness.
Interventions to improve the continuity of medication management upon discharge of patients from hospital to residential aged care facilities
Authors: Fredrickson Brodie‐Anne , Burkett Ellen
Published: April 2019

Aim

The aim of this study was to undertake a systematic review of the literature and evaluate interventions used to improve continuity of medication management upon transition of care from an acute hospital setting to a residential aged care facility (RACF).

Data sources

Embase, PubMed, The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Google Scholar, Informit Health Collection, grey literature and reference mining of included studies (from inception to March 2018).

Study selection

Interventions aimed at improving the continuity of medication management upon discharge of patients from hospital to an RACF or similar facility were included. Interventions were defined as a communication tool or a service initiated by any healthcare professional. Studies were excluded if they were not available in English, had certain study designs (i.e. qualitative, observational and systematic review) and if no abstract and full‐text article could be obtained.

Results

Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. All interventions involved a multidisciplinary approach to discharge facilitation including the provision of discharge medication information. Six studies included pharmacist‐led medication reconciliation. Two studies used an RACF‐specific medication chart. Although positive findings were shown for most interventions, critical analysis of the studies included identified many limitations.

Conclusion

Interventions involving a multidisciplinary team, pharmacist‐led medication reconciliation and the provision of accurate discharge information have been identified as improving continuity of medication management during transitions of care from hospital to RACF. Importantly, this systematic review has identified an ongoing need for development of a comprehensive intervention that addresses all barriers to optimal continuity of medications encountered during this high‐risk transition.
Selenium‐enriched Coriolus versicolor mushroom biomass: potential novel food supplement with improved selenium bioavailability
Authors: Miletić Dunja , Turło Jadwiga , Podsadni Piotr , Pantić Milena , Nedović Viktor , Lević Steva , Nikšić Miomir
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

The ability of Coriolus versicolor medicinal mushroom to accumulate and transform selenium from selenourea and sodium selenite into an organic form – l‐selenomethionine – during growth in liquid medium is examined in this paper. Additionally, the impact of supplementation on biological activity of the selenated mushroom methanol extracts, as well as their chemical composition, is studied.

RESULTS

Selenium accumulation was more efficient with sodium selenite application, but biomass yield was significantly lower (1.89 g DW L−1) compared to samples enriched with selenourea (4.48 g DW L−1). Mushroom sample obtained after growing in liquid medium with selenourea had significantly higher l‐selenomethionine content compared to the sample grown in medium with sodium selenite. Selenium‐enriched methanol extracts of C. versicolor mushroom showed improved antimicrobial and antioxidant activities compared to non‐enriched extract.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that C. versicolor mushroom cultivated in liquid culture enriched with selenourea can be used for the production of novel food supplements with improved selenium bioavailability. More than 30% of total accumulated selenium from selenourea is transformed into l‐selenomethionine. Differences in biological activity of methanol extracts can be explained not only by different selenium content but also by the differences in chemical composition of extracts. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Does drug‐induced sleep endoscopy affect surgical outcome? A multicenter study of 326 obstructive sleep apnea patients
Authors: Pang Kenny P. , Baptista Peter M. , Olszewska Ewa , Braverman Itzhak , Carrasco‐Llatas Marina , Kishore Srivinas , Chandra Sudipta , Yang Hyung Chae , Wang Cybil Mei Zhi , Chan Yiong Huak , Pang Kathleen A. , Pang Edward B. , Rotenberg Brian
Published: April 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Our objective was to determine whether drug‐induced sleep apnea (DISE) affects the successfulness of the surgical outcome.

Study Design

Prospective, seven‐country, nonrandomized trial.

Methods

There were 326 consecutive obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients who had nose, palate, and/or tongue surgery included in the study. DISE was performed in only one group.

Results

There were 170 patients in the DISE group and 156 patients in no‐DISE group. The mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) for the DISE group was 27.6 ± 4.6, whereas in the no‐DISE group it was 28.1 ± 3.9 (P = .23). The mean preoperative systolic blood pressure (SBP) for the DISE group was 130.4 ± 16.7, whereas in the no‐DISE group it was 142.9 ± 15.5 (P < .001). The mean preoperative diastolic blood pressure (DBP) for the DISE group was 81.4 ± 9.7, whereas in the no‐DISE group it was 89.1 ± 9.7 (P < .001). The mean preoperative apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) for the DISE group was 32.6 ± 18.8, whereas in the no‐DISE group it was 33.7 ± 19.6 (P = .61). The mean postoperative AHI for the DISE group was 15.9 ± 12.6, whereas in the no‐DISE group it was 13.2 ± 8.8 (P = .023). The age‐, gender‐, BMI‐adjusted percentage change in AHI for the DISE group was −48.4 ± 31.9, whereas in the no‐DISE group it was −59.8 ± 18.6 (P < .001). The age‐, gender‐, and BMI‐adjusted success rate for the DISE group was 66.5%, whereas in the no‐DISE group it was 80.8% (P = .004). The age‐, gender‐, and BMI‐adjusted change in SBP for the DISE group was −6.1 ± 8.6, whereas in the no‐DISE group it was −13.3 ± 11.1 (P < .001). The age‐, gender‐, and BMI‐adjusted change in DBP in the DISE group was −5.2 ± 12.1, whereas in the no‐DISE group it was −12.4 ± 11.7 (P < .001). The mean age‐ and gender‐adjusted change in BMI for the DISE group was −4.6 ± 12.9, whereas in the no‐DISE group it was −6.3 ± 18.5 (P = .34). The Cohen effect of BMI on the overall AHI, lowest oxygen saturation, and blood pressure changes was 0.08.

Conclusions

DISE may not significantly affect surgical success in OSA.

Level of Evidence

2c Laryngoscope, 130:551–555, 2020
Syringomyelia‐Associated Dystonia: Case Series, Literature Review, and Novel Insights
Authors: Mulroy Eoin , Balint Bettina , Latorre Anna , Schreglmann Sebastian , Menozzi Elisa , Bhatia Kailash P.
Published: April 2019

Background

Syringomyelia has previously been suggested as a potential trigger of secondary dystonia. However, a definite causal relationship between the conditions remains to be established. We describe 4 cases of syrinx‐associated dystonia, review past literature on the subject, and propose novel pathophysiological insights into this association.

Methods

We reviewed demographic, clinical, and neuroradiological features in 4 cases of syrinx‐associated dystonia. A retrospective review of previously published literature on the subject was also conducted.

Results

Patients with syrinx‐associated dystonia were younger than those with primary dystonia. None had sensory gestes. Syringomyelia frequently involved the cervical cord. Arnold‐Chiari type 1 malformation was a common finding. Some patients responded to botulinum toxin and syrinx decompression.

Conclusion

Further work is needed to clearly establish the correlation between syringomyelia and dystonia. However, plausibly, syrinx‐related disruption of the dystonia network (through alterations in sensory inputs, loss of inhibition and cerebellar abnormalities) could explain the association.
Three‐dimensional internal gravity‐capillary waves in finite depth
Authors: Nilsson Dag
Published: April 2019

We consider three‐dimensional inviscid‐irrotational flow in a two‐layer fluid under the effects of gravity and surface tension, where the upper fluid is bounded above by a rigid lid and the lower fluid is bounded below by a flat bottom. We use a spatial dynamics approach and formulate the steady Euler equations as an infinite‐dimensional Hamiltonian system, where an unbounded spatial direction x is considered as a time‐like coordinate. In addition, we consider wave motions that are periodic in another direction z. By analyzing the dispersion relation, we detect several bifurcation scenarios, two of which we study further: a type of 00(is)(iκ0) resonance and a Hamiltonian Hopf bifurcation. The bifurcations are investigated by performing a center‐manifold reduction, which yields a finite‐dimensional Hamiltonian system. For this finite‐dimensional system, we establish the existence of periodic and homoclinic orbits, which correspond to, respectively, doubly periodic travelling waves and oblique travelling waves with a dark or bright solitary wave profile in the x direction. The former are obtained using a variational Lyapunov‐Schmidt reduction and the latter by first applying a normal form transformation and then studying the resulting canonical system of equations.
Improvement of bioactive metabolite production in microbial cultures—A systems approach by OSMAC and deconvolution‐based 1HNMR quantification
Authors: Selegato Denise Medeiros , Freire Rafael Teixeira , Pilon Alan César , Biasetto Carolina Rabal , de Oliveira Haroldo Cesar , de Abreu Lucas Magalhães , Araujo Angela Regina , da Silva Bolzani Vanderlan , Castro‐Gamboa Ian
Published: April 2019

Traditionally, the screening of metabolites in microbial matrices is performed by monocultures. Nonetheless, the absence of biotic and abiotic interactions generally observed in nature still limit the chemical diversity and leads to “poorer” chemical profiles. Nowadays, several methods have been developed to determine the conditions under which cryptic genes are activated, in an attempt to induce these silenced biosynthetic pathways. Among those, the one strain, many compounds (OSMAC) strategy has been applied to enhance metabolic production by a systematic variation of growth parameters. The complexity of the chemical profiles from OSMAC experiments has required increasingly robust and accurate techniques. In this sense, deconvolution‐based 1HNMR quantification have emerged as a promising methodology to decrease complexity and provide a comprehensive perspective for metabolomics studies. Our present work shows an integrated strategy for the increased production and rapid quantification of compounds from microbial sources. Specifically, an OSMAC design of experiments (DoE) was used to optimize the microbial production of bioactive fusaric acid, cytochalasin D and 3‐nitropropionic acid, and Global Spectral Deconvolution (GSD)‐based 1HNMR quantification was carried out for their measurement. The results showed that OSMAC increased the production of the metabolites by up to 33% and that GSD was able to extract accurate NMR integrals even in heavily coalescence spectral regions. Moreover, GSD‐1HNMR quantification was reproducible for all species and exhibited validated results that were more selective and accurate than comparative methods. Overall, this strategy up‐regulated important metabolites using a reduced number of experiments and provided fast analyte monitor directly in raw extracts.
Exploring thoughts about pain and pain management: Interviews with South Asian community members in the UK
Authors: Burton Amy E. , Hissey Laura , Milgate Sarah
Published: April 2019

Objective

This research sought to explore the pain management beliefs of members of the South Asian community living in the UK. In particular, their understanding of the key components of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) informed pain management programmes (PMPs) was explored.

Methods

Snowball sampling was used to recruit 10 participants from a South Asian background for interview. Interviews were guided by a semi‐structured interview schedule and explored pain history, specific pain experiences, community member expressions of, and reactions to, pain, treatment expectations and perceptions of self‐management. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to descriptive thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes were developed: impacts of chronic pain, within‐group variations in responses to chronic pain, personal responsibility vs. paternalistic care, and the acceptability of pain management concepts (relaxation and meditation, exercise and physical activity, and thoughts and beliefs: the dangers of pain healers).

Conclusions

This work highlights how discourses around the impacts of chronic pain; beliefs about, and preferences for, approaches to care; and the acceptability of pain management concepts fit with existing PMP content. Recommendations are made regarding opportunities for social prescribing; consideration of the incorporation of acceptable forms of physical activity, including yoga and walking, within PMPs; and the potential benefit of highlighting role models and creating social opportunities for these activities. Some beliefs and practices in this area are under‐researched, and further work that explores gender and generational differences in pain perceptions, and the potential dangers of the use of pain healers is needed.
Achieving and Maintaining Perceptual Intent with HDR Imaging
Authors: Kunkel Timo , Wanat Robert
Published: April 2019

Though displays have undergone dramatic shifts in the last 30 years, many of the imaging pipeline elements needed to create a compelling visual experience have only started to catch up as HDR becomes more prominent. Here, a look at how those new elements are being incorporated and what the changes mean for the industry.
Understanding RGB Color Spaces for Monitors, Projectors, and Televisions
Authors: Sharma Abhay
Published: April 2019

Color imaging has many exciting new advances related to gamut, luminance, color spaces, quantum dots, and high dynamic range (HDR). In this short primer—the first of a two‐part series—we examine three color‐space specifications: Recommendation (Rec.) 709, Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI)‐P3, and Rec. 2020.
Colloidal liquid crystal type assemblies of spheroidal polystyrene core/polyglycidol‐rich shell particles (P[S/PGL]) formed at the liquid‐silicon‐air interface by a directed dewetting process
Authors: Mickiewicz Damian , Basinska Teresa , Gosecka Monika , Gadzinowski Mariusz , Slomkowski Stanislaw
Published: April 2019

A method for the preparation of stripe‐like monolayers of microspheroids is described. The particles were obtained from polystyrene core/polyglycidol‐rich shell microspheres by stretching poly (vinyl alcohol) films that contain embedded particles. The stretching was performed under controlled conditions at temperatures above the Tg of the films and particles. The elongated films were dissolved in water, and the microspheroids were subsequently removed and purified from the poly (vinyl alcohol). The aspect ratio (AR) of the particles, which denotes the ratio of the lengths of the longer to shorter particle axes, was determined by the film elongation. The AR values were in the range of 2.9‐7.7. Spheroidal particles with various ARs were deposited onto silicon wafers from an ethanol (EtOH) suspension. The particle concentration and volume of the suspension were the same in each experiment. Evaporation of the EtOH yielded stripes of spherical particles packed into nematic‐type colloidal crystals and assembled into monolayers. The orientation of the stripes after ethanol evaporation was perpendicular to the triphasic (silicon‐ethanol‐air) interface along the silicon substrate. The adsorbed stripes on the wafers were characterized in terms of their interstripe distance (ID), stripe width, and crystal domain size. Nematic‐type spheroid arrangements in the stripes were the dominant structure, which enabled denser packing of the particles into colloidal crystals than that allowed by the smectic‐type arrangements. Furthermore, the number of spheroids adsorbed per surface unit of the silicon wafers was similar for all ARs, but the width and frequency of the spheroid stripes adsorbed on the wafers were different.
Qualitative analysis of patient responses to the ABCD FreeStyle Libre audit questionnaire
Authors: Overend Louise , Simpson Emma , Grimwood Tom
Published: April 2019

The Abbott FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system is a novel sensor‐based, factory‐calibrated device that allows individuals with diabetes to monitor their interstitial glucose levels, capture up to 8 hours of interstitial glucose data, and predict future changes in interstitial glucose by scanning a temporary implantable glucose sensor with a reader device or compatible mobile phone.

The study aim was to determine whether use of a flash glucose monitoring system had an impact on quality of life and to explore why this was the case.

Raw data were collected as part of a brief semi‐structured interview supported by the ABCD FreeStyle Libre Follow‐Up Visit Data Collection form. Data were collected pragmatically at outpatient clinic follow‐up visits, and the first 40 patients to complete six months of continuous use were included in the study.

Feedback on use of the device was overwhelmingly (although not unanimously) positive. A number of basic themes were identified independently by the investigators, which were then grouped into four organising themes: Contrast with capillary blood glucose monitoring; Impact on hypoglycaemia experience; Glycaemic control and complications; and Improved wellbeing and quality of life. These themes are analysed and illustrated in the article. Copyright © 2019 John Wiley & Sons.
Determining the excited‐state substituent constants of ortho‐substituents from 2,4’‐disubstituted stilbenes
Authors: Cao Chao‐Tun , Yuan Hua , Zhu Qian , Cao Chenzhong
Published: April 2019

There are mainly three kinds of substituent electronic effects derived from aromatic rings: ground‐state, radical‐state, and excited‐state effect. However, excited‐state substituent constants of ortho‐substituents have not been reported up to now. In this paper, a method for extracting the excited‐state substituent constant
of ortho‐substituents was provided. Forty‐nine 2,4’‐disubstituted stilbenes were synthesized, and the ultraviolet absorption spectra of the synthesized stilbenes were determined. The
values of ortho‐substituents involving MeO, Me, F, Cl, Br, CF3, and CN were quantified by curve fitting method based on the measured ultraviolet absorption spectra. The rationality of the
values were further experimentally confirmed by measuring the ultraviolet absorption spectra of other 10 samples of synthesized 2,3’‐disubstituted stilbenes and by applying these
values in regression analysis of the ultraviolet absorption spectra for a complicated data set of 284 organic compounds.
Pressure‐Enhanced Superconductivity in EuSr2Bi2S4−xSexF4 and Eu2SrBi2S4−x SexF4 (x = 1.5, 2)
Authors: Nallathambi Subbulakshmi , Ganesan Kalaiselvan , Haque Zeba , Gupta Laxmi Chand , Ganguli Ashok Kumar , Sonachalam Arumugam
Published: April 2019

The dc magnetization of Se‐doped Eu2SrBi2S4−xSexF4 and EuSr2Bi2S4−xSexF4 (x = 1.5 and 2) superconductors is measured under external hydrostatic pressure. All the samples exhibit an enhanced superconducting transition temperature (Tc) upto ≈1 GPa. There is a possible crystallographic transformation by the application of pressure from a structure of low Tc to a structure corresponding to high Tc. The maximum Tc of ≈3.4 K is observed in EuSr2Bi2S2Se2F4 (positive pressure coefficient 1.08 K GPa−1). Critical current density Jc = 0.38 × 104 A cm−2 at 2 K (1 GPa) upto 0.05 T is estimated using Bean's model. EuSr2Bi2S2Se2F4 has lower critical field (Hc1) ≈100 Oe. To our knowledge, this is the first report of pressure‐dependent critical current density with application of magnetization studies in Eu‐3244‐based superconducting materials. This work devotes the effort to establish the commonality of pressure effect on the BiS2‐based superconductors, and also uncovers the importance of electron carrier density in the high‐Tc phase.
Did court allow Title IX complaint to proceed to trial?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: April 2019

The plaintiff, a Columbia University student, claimed she was sexually assaulted on campus in October and December of 2015.