bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The aptitude of commercial yeast strains for lowering the ethanol content of wine
Authors: Puškaš Vladimir S. , Miljić Uroš D. , Djuran Jovana J. , Vučurović Vesna M.
Published: February 2020

The high alcohol content in wine usually has a negative impact on its sensory properties, but can also affect the general health of the consumers. The possibility to reduce ethanol production in wines during fermentation involves the use of different yeast strains characterized by the increased production of fermentation by‐products (glycerol, 2,3‐butanediol, etc.) from the available sugar. The activity of these strains should not impair the sensory properties of the wine. In general, the use of genetically and evolutionarily (non‐GM) engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains is still not close enough to commercial application, and therefore, it is unavailable for wine producers. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the possibility of reducing the production of ethanol in wines using different selected yeast strains (S. cerevisiae, Saccharomyces bayanus, Torulaspora delbrueckii, and Metschnikowia pulcherrima) available at the market. The application of individual yeast and sequential inoculation for wine alcoholic fermentation was examined. The achieved effects were evaluated by determining the content of ethanol, as well as fermentation by‐products (glycerol and volatile acids) and aromatic components in wine samples. Depending on the strain/s used, a decrease in ethanol content of up to 0.9% v/v was recorded in comparison with fermentation by S. cerevisiae alone. The sensory analysis of produced wine showed significant differences in taste and flavor. The results of the experiment conducted at the laboratory level and with the use of sterile must were compared to the ones from the scale‐up experiment in real vinification conditions. The observed differences in the alcohol content of produced wines were significantly lower.
Cost‐effectiveness of an in‐home respite care program to support informal caregivers of persons with dementia: A model‐based analysis
Authors: Vandepitte Sophie , Putman Koen , Van Den Noortgate Nele , Verhaeghe Nick , Annemans Lieven
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To evaluate cost‐effectiveness of an in‐home respite care program in addition to standard community‐based dementia care to support informal caregivers of persons with dementia compared with standard community‐based dementia care.

Methods

An age‐dependent decision‐analytic Markov model was applied from a third‐party payer and a societal perspective projecting results of a quasi‐experimental study over a time horizon of 5 years assuming a repetition of the program every 6 months. Additionally, to deal with uncertainty and to test robustness of the model scenario, one‐way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted.

Results

Implementing the program resulted in a quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) gain of 0.14 in favor of the invention group compared with controls and an incremental cost of 1270€ from the third‐party payer perspective and of 1220€ from the societal perspective. Next, an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of 9042€/QALY and of 8690€/QALY was found in the base case, from the third‐party payer perspective and the societal perspective, respectively. The scenario, one‐way sensitivity, and probabilistic analyses demonstrated robustness of the base‐case results.

Conclusion

This cost‐effectiveness analysis suggests that an in‐home respite care program in addition to standard community‐based dementia care is a cost‐effective approach compared with standard community‐based dementia care only. These findings provide more insight into the value of such services for the patient, the caregiver, and for society.
MAIT Cells Are Enriched and Highly Functional in Ascites of Patients With Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Niehaus Christian E. , Strunz Benedikt , Cornillet Martin , Falk Christine S. , Schnieders Ansgar , Maasoumy Benjamin , Hardtke Svenja , Manns Michael P. , Kraft Anke R.M. , Björkström Niklas K. , Cornberg Markus
Published: February 2020

Background and Aims

Patients with advanced liver cirrhosis have an increased susceptibility to infections. As part of the cirrhosis‐associated immune dysfunction, mucosal‐associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, which have the capacity to respond to bacteria, are severely diminished in circulation and liver tissue. However, MAIT cell presence and function in the peritoneal cavity, a common anatomical site for infections in cirrhosis, remain elusive. In this study, we deliver a comprehensive investigation of the immune compartment present in ascites of patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis, and focus especially on MAIT cells.

Approach and Results

To study this, matched peripheral blood and ascites fluid were collected from 35 patients with decompensated cirrhosis, with or without spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). MAIT cell phenotype and function were analyzed using high‐dimensional flow cytometry, and the obtained data were compared with the blood samples of healthy controls (n = 24) and patients with compensated cirrhosis (n = 11). We found circulating MAIT cells to be severely decreased in patients with cirrhosis as compared with controls. In contrast, in ascites fluid, MAIT cells were significantly increased together with CD14+CD16+ monocytes, innate lymphoid cells, and natural killer cells. This was paralleled by elevated levels of several pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in ascites fluid as compared with plasma. Peritoneal MAIT cells displayed an activated tissue‐resident phenotype, and this was corroborated by increased functional responses following stimulation with E. coli or interleukin (lL)‐12 + IL‐18 as compared with circulating MAIT cells. During SBP, peritoneal MAIT cell frequencies increased most among all major immune cell subsets, suggestive of active homing of MAIT cells to the site of infection.

Conclusions

Despite severely diminished MAIT cell numbers and impaired phenotype in circulation, peritoneal MAIT cells remain abundant, activated, and highly functional in decompensated cirrhosis and are further enriched in SBP. This suggests that peritoneal MAIT cells could be of interest for immune‐intervention strategies in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis and SBP.
Inadequate Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Are Independent Predictors of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Kim Donghee , Vazquez‐Montesino Luis Miguel , Li Andrew A. , Cholankeril George , Ahmed Aijaz
Published: February 2020

Background and Aims

In general, physical activity (PA) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have an inverse association. However, studies assessing the impact of the widely accepted Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (PA Guidelines) on NAFLD are lacking.

Approach and Results

We performed a serial, cross‐sectional analysis among adults by using the 2007‐2016 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. NAFLD and advanced fibrosis were defined by using various noninvasive panels. A PA questionnaire assessed the leisure‐time PA, occupation‐related PA, transportation‐related PA, and total sitting time as sedentary behavior. PA was categorized according to the PA Guidelines. Of the 24,588 individuals (mean age, 47.4 years; 47.9% males), leisure‐time PA (≥150 minutes per week) demonstrated 40% lower odds of NAFLD, whereas transportation‐related PA was associated with a 33% risk reduction in NAFLD. Analysis of total PA and sitting times simultaneously showed a dose‐response association between sitting time and NAFLD (P for trend < 0.001). Compliance with the PA Guidelines was lower in individuals with NAFLD versus those without NAFLD. The trends in compliance with the PA Guidelines for any type of PA remained stable in individuals with NAFLD except for a downtrend in transportation‐related PA. In contrast, an improvement in compliance with the PA Guidelines for leisure time was noted in the cohort without NAFLD. Although PA demonstrated a 10% stronger association with risk reduction of NAFLD in women, women showed a lower tendency of meeting the PA Guidelines. Trends in total sitting time increased significantly regardless of NAFLD status.

Conclusions

Sedentary behavior emerged as an independent predictor of NAFLD. Overall compliance with the PA Guidelines was lower in the cohort with NAFLD, with sex‐ and ethnicity‐based differences. Implementation of these observations in clinical practice may improve our understanding as well as clinical outcomes.
Characterizing Hepatitis C Virus–Specific CD4+ T Cells Following Viral‐Vectored Vaccination, Directly Acting Antivirals, and Spontaneous Viral Cure
Authors: Hartnell Felicity , Esposito Ilaria , Swadling Leo , Brown Anthony , Phetsouphanh Chansavath , de Lara Catherine , Gentile Chiara , Turner Bethany , Dorrell Lucy , Capone Stefania , Folgori Antonella , Barnes Eleanor , Klenerman Paul
Published: February 2020

Background and Aims

Induction of functional helper CD4+ T cells is the hallmark of a protective immune response against hepatitis C virus (HCV), associated with spontaneous viral clearance. Heterologous prime/boost viral vectored vaccination has demonstrated induction of broad and polyfunctional HCV‐specific CD8+ T cells in healthy volunteers; however, much less is known about CD4+ T‐cell subsets following vaccination.

Approach and Results

We analyzed HCV‐specific CD4+ T‐cell populations using major histocompatibility complex class II tetramers in volunteers undergoing HCV vaccination with recombinant HCV adenoviral/modified vaccinia Ankara viral vectors. Peptide‐specific T‐cell responses were tracked over time, and functional (proliferation and cytokine secretion) and phenotypic (cell surface and intranuclear) markers were assessed using flow cytometry. These were compared to CD4+ responses in 10 human leukocyte antigen–matched persons with HCV spontaneous resolution and 21 chronically infected patients treated with directly acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. Vaccination induced tetramer‐positive CD4+ T cells that were highest 1‐4 weeks after boosting (mean, 0.06%). Similar frequencies were obtained for those tracked following spontaneous resolution of disease (mean, 0.04%). In addition, the cell‐surface phenotype (CD28, CD127) memory subset markers and intranuclear transcription factors, as well as functional capacity of peptide‐specific CD4+ T‐cell responses characterized after vaccination, are comparable to those following spontaneous viral resolution. In contrast, helper responses in chronic infection were infrequently detected and poorly functional and did not consistently recover following HCV cure.

Conclusions

Helper CD4+ T‐cell phenotype and function following HCV viral vectored vaccination resembles “protective memory” that is observed following spontaneous clearance of HCV. DAA cure does not promote resurrection of exhausted CD4+ T‐cell memory in chronic infection.
Quantifying the effects of plant litter in the topsoil on the soil detachment process by overland flow in typical grasslands of the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Liu Jia‐Xin , Li Pan‐Pan , Liu Guo‐Bin , Flanagan Dennis C.
Published: February 2020

Plant litter can be incorporated into topsoil by a natural process, affecting the soil erosion process. This is a widespread phenomenon in erosion‐prone areas. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of litter incorporation on the process of soil detachment on the Loess Plateau, China. Four common plant litters (Bothriochloa ischaemum L. Keng., Artemisia sacrorum Ledeb., Setaria viridis L. Beauv., and Artemisia capillaris Thunb.) were collected, then incorporated into the silt loam soil at five rates (0.1, 0.4, 0.7, 1.0, and 1.3 kg m−2) on the basis of our field investigation. Twenty litter–soil treatments and one bare soil control were prepared. After 50 days of natural stabilization, 30 soil samples of each treatment were collected. We used a flume test to scour the soil samples under six flow shear stress conditions (5.66, 8.31, 12.21, 15.55, 19.15, and 22.11 Pa). The results showed that the different incorporated litter masses and morphological characteristics, such as litter tissue density (ranging from 0.52 to 0.68 g cm−3), length density (2.34 to 91.00 km m−3), surface area density (LSAD; 27.9 to 674.2 m2 m−3), and volume ratio (0.003 to 0.050 m3 m−3), caused varied soil detachment capacities (0.043 to 4.580 kg·m−2·s−1), rill erodibilities (0.051 to 0.237 s m−1), and critical shear stresses (2.02 to 6.83 Pa). The plant litter incorporated within the soil reduced the soil detachment capacities by 38%–59%, lowered the rill erodibilities by 32%–46%, and increased the critical shear stresses by 98%–193% compared with the bare soil control. The soil containing B. ischaemum (L.) Keng. litter was more resistant to erosion. By comparing different parameters, we found that the contact area between the litter and soil was the main factor affecting the soil detachment process. The soil erosion resistance increased with the increasing contact area between the soil and litter. Furthermore, the litter incorporation effect on rill erodibility can be comprehensively reflected by LSAD (R2 = .93; Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency = 0.79), which could be used to adjust the rill erodibility parameter in physical process‐based soil erosion models.
Cdc6 as a novel target in cancer: Oncogenic potential, senescence and subcellular localisation
Authors: Lim Nicholas , Townsend Paul A.
Published: February 2020

Cdc6 is a key replication licencing factor with a pivotal role in regulating the process of DNA replication, rendering it an important investigatory focus in tumourigenesis. Indeed, Cdc6 overexpression has been found to be a feature in certain tumours and has been associated as an early event in malignancies. With a focus on pancreatic cancer, there are evidence of its convergence in downstream pathways implicated in major genetic alterations found in pancreatic cancer, primarily KRAS. There is also data of its direct influence on protumourigenic processes as a transcriptional regulator, repressing the key tumour suppressor loci CDH1 (E‐Cadherin) and influencing epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, gene amplification of Cdc6 as well as of E2F (an upstream regulator of Cdc6) have also been found to be a key feature in tumours overexpressing Cdc6, further highlighting this event as a potential driver of tumourigenesis. In this review, we summarise the evidence for the role of Cdc6 overexpression in cancer, specifically that of pancreatic cancer. More importantly, we recapitulate the role of Cdc6 as part of the DNA damage response and on senescence—an important antitumour barrier—in the context of pancreatic cancer. Finally, recent emerging observations suggest that the potential of the subcellular localisation of Cdc6 in inducing senescence. In this regard, we speculate and hypothesise potentially exploitable mechanisms in the context of inducing senescence via a novel pathway involving cytoplasmic retention of Cdc6 and Cyclin E.
Molecule Based Materials for Quantum Cellular Automata: A Short Overview and Challenging Problems
Authors: Tsukerblat Boris , Palii Andrew , Aldoshin Sergey
Published: February 2020

In this review we shortly summarize in an accessible way the physical and nanoscale material science aspects of the promising field of molecular quantum cellular automata (QCA). QCA is a revolutionary paradigm in quantum electronics with promising application in the conceptually new computing scheme which can be referred to as “computing with molecules”. This scheme of devices have vitally important advantages compared with conventional schemes of quantum computing in which the binary information is stored in the eigenvectors of a two‐level quantum system and therefore their practical application is strongly limited by the requirement of coherence. Molecular QCA promise nanometer‐scale units with ultra‐high device densities, as well as room temperature operation with extremely small heat release. Molecular materials provide at the same time options to control the key properties of the active molecules by chemical means. Hereunder we summarize the background of the electronic and vibronic problems in QCA cells represented by the tetrameric mixed‐valence (MV) complexes and organic molecules proposed for implementation as four‐site molecular QCA. We discuss the basic model of the molecular cell that include the following ingredients: 1) intracell Coulomb repulsion energy of the electrons in different electronic distributions among the redox sites; 2) electron transfer between redox sites which changes electronic distributions; 3) interaction of the itinerant electrons with molecular vibrations which is referred to as the vibronic interactions; 4) intercell Coulomb interaction by mean of which the binary information is transmitted from cell to cell. On the basis of this model we will study the cell polarization, adiabatic picture of the switching cycle describing interaction between the “input” and “output” molecular cells, non‐linear cell‐cell response function whose shape describes the action of molecular logic gates. Along with developed and current problems, we discuss new challenging trends of research in this fascinating area.
The RESPECT Study for consensus on global bereavement care after stillbirth
Authors: Shakespeare Clare , Merriel Abi , Bakhbakhi Danya , Blencowe Hannah , Boyle Frances M. , Flenady Vicki , Gold Katherine , Horey Dell , Lynch Mary , Mills Tracey A. , Murphy Margaret M. , Storey Claire , Toolan Miriam , Siassakos Dimitrios ,   RESPECT (Research of Evidence based Stillbirth care Principles to Establish global Consensus on respectful Treatment) working group
Published: February 2020

Objective

To develop global consensus on a set of evidence‐based core principles for bereavement care after stillbirth.

Methods

A modified policy‐Delphi methodology was used to consult international stakeholders and healthcare workers with experience in stillbirth between September 2017 and October 2018. Five sequential rounds involved two expert stakeholder meetings and three internet‐based surveys, including a global internet‐based survey targeted at healthcare workers in a wide range of settings.

Results

Initially, 23 expert stakeholders considered 43 evidence‐based themes derived from systematic reviews, identifying 10 core principles. The global survey received 236 responses from participants in 26 countries, after which nine principles met a priori criteria for inclusion. The final stakeholder meeting and internet‐based survey of all participants confirmed consensus on eight core principles. Highest quality bereavement care should be enabled through training of healthcare staff to reduce stigma and establish respectful care, including acknowledgement and support for grief responses, and provision for physical and psychologic needs. Women and families should be supported to make informed choices, including those concerning their future reproductive health.

Conclusion

Consensus was established for eight principles for stillbirth bereavement care. Further work should explore implementation and involve the voices of women and families globally.
Sexual and reproductive health and rights of refugee and migrant women: gynecologists’ and obstetricians’ responsibilities
Authors: Endler Margit , Al Haidari Taghreed , Chowdhury Sameena , Christilaw Jan , El Kak Faysal , Galimberti Diana , Gutierrez Miguel , Ramirez‐Negrin Atziri , Senanayake Hemantha , Sohail Rubina , Temmerman Marleen , Danielsson Kristina Gemzell ,   the FIGO Committee for Human Rights, Refugees and Violence Against Women
Published: February 2020

Ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services is Target 3.7 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Refugee and migrant women and children are at particular risk of being forgotten in the global momentum to achieve this target. In this article we discuss the violations of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of particular relevance to the refugee and migrant reality. We give context‐specific examples of denial of health services to vulnerable groups; lack of dignity as a barrier to care; the vulnerability of adolescents; child marriage; weaponized rape; gender‐based violence; and sexual trafficking. We discuss rights frameworks and models that are being used in response to these situations, as well as what remains to be done. Specifically, we call for obstetricians and gynecologists to act as individual providers and through their FIGO member societies to protect women's health and rights in these exposed settings.
Rare‐earth‐incorporated low‐dimensional chalcogenides: Dry‐method syntheses and applications
Authors: Zhang Zheshan , Zhao Hongyang , Zhang Chao , Luo Feng , Du Yaping
Published: February 2020

Chalcogenide thin films incorporating rare‐earth (RE) elements with applications in optics, electronics, and magnetics have received considerable attention. Aiming at growing pure chalcogenides, dry‐method syntheses have been developed. In this review, we summarize the progress thus far on low‐dimensional RE‐based chalcogenides (RECs), covering fabrication methods, structures, and applications. This review also provides the summary and perspectives of the challenges of fabrication and opportunities on the application of RECs in the future.

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Big data tools for Islamic financial analysis
Authors: Mnif Emna , Jarboui Anis , Hassan M. Kabir , Mouakhar Khaireddine
Published: February 2020

Behavioural science states that emotions, principles and the manner of thinking can affect the behaviour of individuals and even investors in their decision making on financial markets. In this paper, we have tried to measure the investor sentiment by three means of big data. The first is based on a search query of a list of words related to Islamic context. The second is inferred from the engagement degree on social media. The last measure of sentiment is built, based on the Twitter API classified into positive and negative directions by a machine learning algorithm based on the naive Bayes method. Then, we investigate whether these sensations and emotions have an impact on the market sentiment and the price fluctuations by means of a vector autoregression model and Granger causality analysis. In the final step, we apply the agent‐based simulation by means of the sequential Monte Carlo method with the control of our Twitter measure on Islamic index returns. We show, then, that the three social media sentiment measures present a remarkable impact on the contemporaneous and lagged returns of the different Islamic assets studied. We also give an estimation of the parameters of the latent variables relative to the agent model studied.
Front Cover: Label‐free spectroscopic tissue characterization using fluorescence excitation‐scanning spectral imaging (J. Biophotonics 2/2020)
Authors: Favreau Peter F. , Deal Joshua A. , Harris Bradley , Weber David S. , Rich Thomas C. , Leavesley Silas J.
Published: February 2020

A false‐colored and merged image of fresh, ex vivo rat kidney acquired using an excitation‐scanning hyperspectral imaging system. The spectral image was acquired using excitation wavelengths from 360 to 550 nm. Colors represent principal components extracted from a spectral image cube featuring no added labels or markers.

Further details can be found in the article by Peter F. Favreau, Joshua A. Deal, Bradley Harris, et al. (e201900183).

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miR‐497‐5p mediates starvation‐induced death in colon cancer cells by targeting acyl‐CoA synthetase‐5 and modulation of lipid metabolism
Authors: Gharib Ehsan , Nasri Nasrabadi Parinaz , Reza Zali Mohammad
Published: February 2020

Modulation of fatty acids metabolism is an appropriate strategy for starvation‐induced death in tumor cancers. Colon cancer cells express a high level of acyl‐CoA synthetase‐5 (ACSL5), and as yet no therapeutic approach has been achieved. Herein, ACSL5‐related microRNAs (miRNAs) were identified via TargetScan, and their impacts on ACSL5 and lipid content along with metabolic activity, cell cycle, migration, and invasion of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells were examined, and subsequently compared with transcriptome for better visualization of intracellular‐signaling networks. In vivo analysis was performed using BALB/c mice xenograft model of CRC injected with target miRNA. Clinical significances were also evaluated in 80 CRC tumors and matched adjacent normal tissues. There was a reverse correlation between ACSL5 and miR‐497‐5p, which miR‐497‐5p overexpression modulated CRC cell proliferation and development. A similar observation was received from the in vivo examination in which intratumoral injection of miR‐497‐5p reversed the tumor growth in the CRC xenograft model. Downregulation of miR‐497‐5p correlated with tumor differentiation, tumor, node, and metastasis staging, lymph node metastasis, and poor survival in patients with CRC. These results suggested that miR‐497‐5p upregulation could be considered as a therapeutic strategy for modulation of lipid metabolism in colon cancer.
Impact of systematic segmentectomy for small hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kaibori Masaki , Yoshii Kengo , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Ariizumi Shunichi , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Kamiyama Toshiya , Kudo Atsushi , Yamaue Hiroki , Kokudo Norihiro , Yamamoto Masakazu
Published: February 2020

Background

We compared survival after resection by systematic segmentectomy (SS) versus non‐anatomic resection (NAR) in patients with small, solitary hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs).

Methods

To control for variables, we used 1‐to‐1 propensity score matching to compare outcomes after surgery among 615 patients in Japan between 2003 and 2007 with primary solitary HCCs ≤3 cm in diameter who received SS (n = 114) or NAR (n = 114) of one Couinaud segment with complete removal of the portal territory containing the tumor.

Results

We successfully matched SS and NAR patients with primary HCC tumors ≤3.0 cm and similar liver function and tumor characteristics. The SS group had significantly longer recurrence‐free survival (RFS; hazard ratio [HR] 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10‐2.21, P = .013) and overall survival (OS; HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.07‐2.60, P = .025) than the NAR group. Among patients who lost >400 mL of blood during surgery, had chronic hepatitis, or had cirrhosis, the RFS and OS were better in the SS group than in the NAR group. In Cox proportional hazard analysis, SS offered a better prognosis than NAR.

Conclusions

Systematic segmentectomy decreases the risk of recurrence and improves OS in patients with primary, solitary HCC tumors of ≤3 cm in diameter.
So You Want to Image Myelin Using MRI: An Overview and Practical Guide for Myelin Water Imaging
Authors: Lee Jongho , Hyun Jae‐Won , Lee Jieun , Choi Eun‐Jung , Shin Hyeong‐Geol , Min Kyeongseon , Nam Yoonho , Kim Ho Jin , Oh Se‐Hong
Published: February 2020

Myelin water imaging (MWI) is an MRI imaging biomarker for myelin. This method can generate an in vivo whole‐brain myelin water fraction map in approximately 10 minutes. It has been applied in various applications including neurodegenerative disease, neurodevelopmental, and neuroplasticity studies. In this review we start with a brief introduction of myelin biology and discuss the contributions of myelin in conventional MRI contrasts. Then the MRI properties of myelin water and four different MWI methods, which are categorized as T2‐, T2*‐, T1‐, and steady‐state‐based MWI, are summarized. After that, we cover more practical issues such as availability, interpretation, and validation of these methods. To illustrate the utility of MWI as a clinical research tool, MWI studies for two diseases, multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica, are introduced. Additional topics about imaging myelin in gray matter and non‐MWI methods for myelin imaging are also included. Although technical and physiological limitations exist, MWI is a potent surrogate biomarker of myelin that carries valuable and useful information of myelin.

Evidence Level: 5

Technical Efficacy: 1

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2021;53:360‐373.
Comparison of 3D printed nose bolus to traditional wax bolus for cost‐effectiveness, volumetric accuracy and dosimetric effect
Authors: Albantow Christine , Hargrave Catriona , Brown Amy , Halsall Christopher
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Three‐dimensional printing technology has the potential to streamline custom bolus production in radiotherapy. This study evaluates the volumetric, dosimetric and cost differences between traditional wax and 3D printed versions of nose bolus.

Method

Nose plaster impressions from 24 volunteers were CT scanned and planned. Planned virtual bolus was manufactured in wax and created in 3D print (100% and 18% shell infill density) for comparison. To compare volume variations and dosimetry, each constructed bolus was CT scanned and a plan replicating the reference plan fields generated. Bolus manufacture time and material costs were analysed.

Results

Mean volume differences between the virtual bolus (VB) and wax, and the VB and 18% and 100% 3D shells were −3.05 ± 11.06 cm3, −1.03 ± 8.09 cm3 and 1.31 ± 2.63 cm3, respectively. While there was no significant difference for the point and mean doses between the 100% 3D shell filled with water and the VB plans (P> 0.05), the intraclass coefficients for these dose metrics for the 100% 3D shell filled with wax compared to VB doses (0.69–0.96) were higher than those for the 18% and 100% 3D shell filled with water and the wax (0.48–0.88). Average costs for staff time and materials were higher for the wax ($138.54 and $20.49, respectively) compared with the 3D shell prints ($10.58 and $13.87, respectively).

Conclusion

Three‐dimensional printed bolus replicated the VB geometry with less cost for manufacture than wax bolus. When shells are printed with 100% infill density, 3D bolus dosimetrically replicates the reference plan.
Passion at work: A meta‐analysis of individual work outcomes
Authors: Pollack Jeffrey M. , Ho Violet T. , O'Boyle Ernest H. , Kirkman Bradley L.
Published: February 2020

Academic research on passion is much more complex than the extant literature or popular press portray. Although research on work‐related passion has progressed rapidly over the last decade, much remains unknown. We are now just beginning to recognize the different theoretical underpinnings and empirical operationalizations that work passion research has adopted, and the confusion this has generated hampers our understanding of the construct and its relationship to workplace outcomes. Accordingly, we use a meta‐analytic examination to study the work‐related outcomes of three dominant literature streams of work passion: general passion, dualistic passion (i.e., harmonious passion and obsessive passion), and role‐based passion (i.e., passion for developing, passion for founding, and passion for inventing). We employ meta‐analytic techniques using random effects modeling summarizing 106 distinct samples across 87 manuscripts totaling 384 effect sizes (total unique N = 38,481; 43.54% women, average age is 38.04). Importantly, we highlight how each of the three streams of passion relates to various outcomes differently, illuminate several important heretofore undetected nuances in passion research, and provide a roadmap for future inquiry on passion at work.
Review of Outcomes Used in Nutrition Trials in Pediatric Critical Care
Authors: Gadhvi Kunal R. , Valla Frédéric V. , Tume Lyvonne N.
Published: February 2020

Background

Generating robust evidence within pediatric intensive care (PIC) can be challenging because of low patient numbers and patient heterogeneity. Systematic reviews may overcome small study biases but are limited by lack of standardization in outcome measures and their definition. Trials of nutrition interventions in PIC are increasing; thus, we wanted to examine the outcome measures being used in these trials.

Objective

Our objective was to systematically describe outcome measures used when a nutrition intervention has been evaluated in a PIC randomized controlled trial.

Methods

A systematic literature review of all studies involving a PIC trial of a nutrition intervention was undertaken from January 1, 1996, until February 20, 2018.

Results

Twenty‐nine trials met the criteria and were reviewed. They included a total of 3226 patients across all trials. Thirty‐seven primary outcomes and 83 secondary outcomes were found. These were categorized into PIC‐related outcomes (infection, intensive care dependency, organ dysfunction, and mortality) and nutrition outcomes (energy targets, nutrition parameters, and feeding tolerance). We found large variation in the outcome measures used. Outcome domains of energy targets, feeding tolerance, and infection were not adequately defined.

Conclusions

Considerable variation in the outcome measures chosen and their definitions exist within PIC nutrition trials. Optimal nutrition outcomes for PIC must be agreed upon and defined, specifically domains of nutrition efficiency, nutrition tolerance, and non‐nutrition PIC outcomes. The next step is to conduct an international Delphi study to gain expert consensus and develop a core outcome set to be reported in future pediatric nutrition trials.
Evaluation of recurrence of periodontal disease after treatment in obese and normal weight patients: Two‐year follow‐up
Authors: Zuza Elizangela C. , Pires Juliana R. , de Almeida Ana Alice , Toledo Benedicto E. C. , Guimaraes‐Stabili Morgana R. , Junior Carlos Rossa , Barroso Eliane M.
Published: February 2020

Background

Obesity may represent a chronic low‐grade inflammation, but there is a lack of long‐term longitudinal studies. The aim of this longitudinal study was to evaluate the recurrence of periodontal disease in obese and normal weight patients submitted to scaling and root planing.

Methods

The study included 22 patients who had received periodontal treatment 2 years previously, 13 obese and nine non‐obese. The patients were evaluated for anthropometric measurements of body mass index, waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio, and fat percentage through bioimpedance. The following periodontal parameters were recorded: visible plaque index (VPI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP). The immunological evaluation analyzed the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF).

Results

Obese and normal weight patients did not differ in relation to the periodontal parameters of VPI, GBI, PD, CAL, or BOP 2 years after completion of the periodontal therapy. Sites with periodontitis in obese individuals showed higher levels of IL‐6 and TNF‐α in the gingival fluid (P <0.05).

Conclusion

Obese and normal weight individuals had similar periodontal behaviors, with low recurrence of the periodontal disease; however, obesity was related to increased inflammatory activity in gingival fluid, which may become a risk indicator for future greater recurrence of the disease in the presence of inadequate plaque control.
Elevated viscosities in a simulated moving bed for γ‐aminobutyric acid recovery
Authors: Schultze‐Jena A. , Boon M.A. , Vroon R.C. , Bussmann P.J.Th. , Janssen A.E.M. , van der Padt A.
Published: February 2020

Process streams of agro‐food industries are often large and viscous. In order to fractionate such a stream the viscosity can be reduced by either a high temperature or dilution, the former is not an option in case of temperature sensitive components. Such streams are diluted prior to chromatographic fractionation, resulting in even larger volumes and high energy costs for sub‐sequential water removal. The influence of feed viscosity on the performance of simulated moving bed chromatography has been investigated in a case study of the recovery of a γ‐aminobutyric acid rich fraction from tomato serum. This work addresses the chromatographic system design, evaluates results from a pilot scale operation, and uses these to calculate the productivity and water use at elevated feed concentration. At the two higher feed viscosities (2.5 and 4 mPa·s) water use is lower and productivity higher, compared to the lowest feed viscosity (1 mPa·s). The behavior of the sugars for different feed viscosities can be described well by the model using the ratio of feed to eluent as dilution factor. The behavior of γ‐aminobutyric acid is highly concentration dependent and the recovery could not be accurately predicted.
Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents Can Accurately Classify Benign Ovarian Tumors Using the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis Rules
Authors: Sebajuri Jean Marie Vianney , Magriples Urania , Small Maria , Ntasumbumuyange Diomede , Rulisa Stephen , Bazzett‐Matabele Lisa
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Recognition of benign versus malignant tumors is essential in gynecologic ultrasound (US). The International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) rules have been proposed as part of resident US training. The objective of this study was to examine whether they could be accurately used by obstetrics and gynecology residents in Rwanda.

Methods

Patients undergoing explorative laparotomy for adnexal masses at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali were included. Before the study, a didactic lecture on the IOTA rules for classifying adnexal masses was performed. Preoperative transabdominal US examinations were performed by residents at different levels of training, who were blinded to the results of prior US examinations. The IOTA classification was compared to the final pathologic diagnosis.

Results

There were 72 patients who underwent 116 US examinations. Only 15.5% of US examinations were considered inconclusive. First‐year residents (12) correctly diagnosed 18 of 20 masses (90%) as benign and 4 of 4 as malignant. Second‐year residents (9) classified 29 of 29 masses correctly. Third‐year residents (10) accurately identified 21 of 22 (95.5%) as benign and 5 of 5 as malignant. Fourth‐year residents (13) accurately identified 11 of 12 (91.7%) as benign and 6 of 6 as malignant. Therefore, 74 of 78 tumors (94.9%) considered benign by IOTA rules were confirmed by histologic results. Similarly, all 20 tumors classified as malignant were confirmed. Overall, the sensitivities to diagnose benign and malignant tumors by the IOTA rules were 83.3% and 100%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 100% and 94.9%. There were no significant differences noted between residency years.

Conclusions

All levels of Rwandan obstetrics and gynecology residents were able to use the IOTA rules to accurately distinguish benign from malignant tumors.
Mental Health and Academia: Q&A with Dr. Andrea Bonior
Authors: Sponberg Adrienne
Published: February 2020

Headlines abound with news of the mental health crisis in academia. In this article, best‐selling author, speaker, professor, and licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Andrea Bonior discusses some challenges such as imposter syndrome, toxic labs, and the post‐tenure slump.
Compliance of clinical microbiology laboratories with recommendations for the diagnosis of bloodstream infections: Data from a nationwide survey in Italy
Authors: Arena Fabio , Argentieri Marta , Bernaschi Paola , Fortina Giacomo , Kroumova Vesselina , Pecile Patrizia , Rassu Mario , Spanu Teresa , Rossolini Gian Maria , Fontana Carla
Published: February 2020

In 2014, the Italian Working Group for Infections in Critically Ill Patient of the Italian Association of Clinical Microbiologists updated the recommendations for the diagnostic workflow for bloodstream infections (BSI). Two years after publication, a nationwide survey was conducted to assess the compliance with the updated recommendations by clinical microbiology laboratories. A total of 168 microbiologists from 168 laboratories, serving 204 acute care hospitals and postacute care facilities, were interviewed during the period January–October 2016 using a questionnaire consisting of nineteen questions which assessed the level of adherence to various recommendations. The most critical issues were as follows: (a) The number of sets of blood cultures (BC) per 1,000 hospitalization days was acceptable in only 11% of laboratories; (b) the minority of laboratories (42%) was able to monitor whether BCs were over or under‐inoculated; (c) among the laboratories monitoring BC contamination (80%), the rate of contaminated samples was acceptable in only 12% of cases;(d) the Gram‐staining results were reported within 1 hr since BC positivity in less than 50% of laboratories. By contrast, most laboratories received vials within 2–4 hr from withdrawal (65%) and incubated vials as soon as they were received in the laboratory (95%). The study revealed that compliance with the recommendations is still partial. Further surveys will be needed to monitor the situation in the future.
Mutual fund performance: The decision quality and capital magnet efficiencies
Authors: Hsieh H. Pierre , Tebourbi Imen , Lu Wen‐Min , Liu Nai‐Yu
Published: February 2020

This study employs a two‐stage network data envelopment analysis model to analyze the decision quality and capital magnet efficiencies of 155 mutual funds in Taiwan during the period 2007–2016. The empirical results show that fund managers improved their decision quality; however, their capital magnet efficiency declined. This study also found 10 mutual funds performing in decision quality and capital magnet efficiencies, from which practical suggestions are provided to investors. Finally, this study constructs a market competition matrix to help fund managers (and investors) improve their operating and portfolio performance, plus resource allocation.
On some generalized deferred Cesàro means of order β
Authors: Et Mikail
Published: February 2020

In this study, using the generalized difference operator
, we introduce the concept of strong
‐deferred Cesàro summability of order
of real sequences and investigate some topological properties its. Additionally, we give some inclusion relations about this concept.
Center‐out EPI (COEPI): A fast single‐shot imaging technique with a short TE
Authors: Chen Xudong , Zhu Ante , Du Yiping P.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To develop a center‐out echo planar imaging (COEPI) acquisition technique to increase SNR through minimizing the TE.

Methods

In single‐shot COEPI, the phase‐encoding starts from the center (ky = 0) toward both sides of k‐space to substantially shorten the TE compared to the conventional single‐shot EPI. The phase‐encoding gradient waveform is partially overlapped with the frequency‐encoding gradient waveform to keep the echo spacing constant during the echo train readout. A reconstruction pipeline was developed to correct for phase and off‐resonance errors in COEPI. Gradient‐recalled echo (GRE), spin echo (SE), and DWI COEPI were obtained in phantoms and healthy brains at 1.5 tesla (T) and 3.0T. The SNR in COEPI and single‐shot partial ky EPI was compared.

Results

Acquisition matrix of 128 × 80 (16 overscan lines) was obtained in both COEPI and EPI. At 1.5T/3.0T, a minimum TE of 3 ms/4 ms in GRE‐COEPI, 11 ms/12 ms in SE‐COEPI, and 40 ms in DWI‐COEPI (3.0T only, maximum b value = 2000 s/mm2) was achieved, compared to a minimum TE of 18 ms/16 ms in GRE‐EPI, 37 ms/34 ms in SE‐EPI, and 66 ms in DWI‐EPI, respectively. Image blurring and Nyquist ghost appear in COEPI and were substantially reduced after corrections. At 1.5T/3.0T, a SNR increase of 27.7% ± 6.9%/20.7% ± 7.0% in GRE‐COEPI and 37.7% ± 5.7%/28.2% ± 1.3% in SE‐COEPI was observed in white matter of human brains, compared to GRE‐EPI and SE‐EPI, respectively. At 3.0T, a SNR increase of 41.2% ± 4.1% in DWI‐COEPI was observed in white matter of 5 subjects at 5 b values (0~2000 s/mm2), compared to DWI‐EPI.

Conclusion

The feasibility of COEPI and its SNR benefit were demonstrated in this study.
Occupational balance and its association with life satisfaction in men and women with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wagman Petra , Ahlstrand Inger , Björk Mathilda , Håkansson Carita
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Despite improved treatments and reduced disability, people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) experience difficulties in daily life, which may negatively affect their balance of everyday life activities (occupational balance). The aim of this study was to describe occupational balance and its association with self‐rated life satisfaction in men and women with RA.

Methods

A survey, including demographic and health‐related questions, was sent to 1,277 people who met the following criteria: with RA >4 years, aged 18–80 years, included in the Swedish Rheumatology Quality Register (SRQ), and had at least one registered visit to the participating rheumatology units in the year before inclusion. The 682 who answered all items in the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ) were included in the study. Their answers were analysed with descriptive statistics, and logistic regression analyses were conducted on men and women separately.

Results

Significantly higher occupational balance was identified in those participants who were >65 years, had no children at home, had a lower disease activity score, were not continuously stressed and reported low pain intensity. The results of the logistic regression analyses of both genders showed that higher occupational balance was significantly associated with a higher probability for rating themselves as being satisfied with life as a whole.

Conclusion

Occupational balance was identified as related to satisfaction with life as a whole, which is valuable information for health professionals. Enhanced occupational balance may be achieved in people with RA by working towards reducing their stress and pain.
Sonoanatomy of the deep branch of the ulnar nerve
Authors: Choi Hanboram , Yoon Joon Shik
Published: February 2020

Introduction

This study evaluated the sonoanatomy of the deep motor branch of the ulnar nerve (DBUN) using high‐resolution ultrasonography (HRUS).

Methods

In 60 wrists of 30 healthy adults, the gross course, cross‐sectional area (CSA), and diameter of the DBUN were observed by HRUS (frequency band 3–16 MHz). Its course was assessed by using the distance from anatomical landmarks and depth from the skin.

Results

The DBUN was found in all subjects with HRUS, and it branched off from the ulnar nerve before reaching the hamate bone. At the hook‐of‐hamate level, the mean DBUN CSA was 1.5 ± 0.2 mm2, and the mean diameter was 1.5 ± 0.2 mm. The mean distance from the hamate hook to the DBUN was 5.4 ± 1.0 mm, and the mean depth from the skin was 8.6 ± 1.6 mm.

Discussion

Sonoanatomy of the DBUN obtained from HRUS may be useful in detecting or preventing DBUN lesions.