bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient safety attitudes among critical care nurses: A case study in North Cyprus
Authors: Al‐Mugheed Khalid , Bayraktar Nurhan
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Patient safety has become a crucial priority in quality healthcare. Adverse events and serious errors involving critically ill patients are common and can be potentially life‐threatening. Thus, this study aimed to examine patient safety attitudes among critical care nurses.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted in two hospitals in North Cyprus. Eighty nurses working in critical care units participated in the study. Following ethical approval, data were collected between September and October 2018, using the Demographic Characteristics Questionnaire and Safety Attitudes Questionnaire.

Findings

Nurses' overall scores regarding patient safety attitudes were found to be negative. The highest positive rate was for safety climate, followed by perception of management, teamwork, working conditions, job satisfaction, and stress recognition, respectively. There were significant differences among working conditions, perception of management, and stress recognition based on participants' positions and event reporting.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate safety culture needs to be improved in the hospitals included in the study. Healthcare managers and decision‐makers should foster patient safety culture through in‐service education, management support, institutional regulations, and updated guidelines.
Low‐dose aspirin and risk of gastric and oesophageal cancer: A population‐based study in the United Kingdom using The Health Improvement Network
Authors: García Rodríguez Luis A. , Soriano‐Gabarró Montse , Vora Pareen , Cea Soriano Lucía
Published: April 2020

There is increasing interest regarding potential protective effects of low‐dose aspirin against various gastrointestinal cancers. We aimed to quantify the association between use of low‐dose aspirin and risk of gastric/oesophageal cancer using a population‐based primary care database in the UK. Between January 2005 and December 2015, we identified a cohort of 223 640 new users of low‐dose aspirin (75‐300 mg/day) and a matched cohort of nonusers at the start of follow‐up from The Health Improvement Network. Cohorts were followed to identify incident cases of gastric/oesophageal cancer. Nested case‐control analyses were conducted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for current vs nonuse of low‐dose aspirin using logistic regression. Current use was defined as when low‐dose aspirin lasted 0 to 90 days before the index date (event date for cases, random date for controls) and previous duration was ≥1 year. We identified 727 incident cases of gastric cancer and 1394 incident cases of oesophageal cancer. ORs (95% CIs) were 0.46 (0.38‐0.57) for gastric cancer and 0.59 (0.51‐0.69) for oesophageal cancer. The effect remained consistent with no clear change seen between previous duration of low‐dose aspirin use of 1‐3, 3‐5 or >5 years. The reduced risks was seen with 75 mg/day, and effects were consistent in lag‐time analyses. In conclusion, our results indicate that use of low‐dose aspirin is associated with a 54% reduced risk of gastric cancer and a 41% reduced risk of oesophageal cancer as supported by mechanistic data.
A systematic scoping review of COVID‐19 during pregnancy and childbirth
Authors: Elshafeey Farida , Magdi Rana , Hindi Nader , Elshebiny Mohamed , Farrag Nourhan , Mahdy Shahd , Sabbour Mohamed , Gebril Sara , Nasser Mohamed , Kamel Menna , Amir Abdelrahman , Maher Emara Moataz , Nabhan Ashraf
Published: April 2020

Background

Clinical presentation and outcomes of COVID‐19 infection during pregnancy remain limited and fragmented.

Objectives

To summarize the existing literature on COVID‐19 infection during pregnancy and childbirth, particularly concerning clinical presentation and outcomes.

Search strategy

A systematic search of LitCovid, EBSCO MEDLINE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus electronic databases. The references of relevant studies were also searched.

Selection criteria

Identified titles and abstracts were screened to select original reports and cross‐checked for overlap of cases.

Data collection and analysis

A descriptive summary organized by aspects of clinical presentations (symptoms, imaging, and laboratory) and outcomes (maternal and perinatal).

Main results

We identified 33 studies reporting 385 pregnant women with COVID‐19 infection: 368 (95.6%) mild; 14 (3.6%) severe; and 3 (0.8%) critical. Seventeen women were admitted to intensive care, including six who were mechanically ventilated and one maternal mortality. A total of 252 women gave birth, comprising 175 (69.4%) cesarean and 77 (30.6%) vaginal births. Outcomes for 256 newborns included four RT‐PCR positive neonates, two stillbirths, and one neonatal death.

Conclusion

COVID‐19 infection during pregnancy probably has a clinical presentation and severity resembling that in non‐pregnant adults. It is probably not associated with poor maternal or perinatal outcomes.
Optimization of irrigation and fertilization of drip‐irrigated corn in the chernozem area of north‐east China based on the CERES‐Maize model
Authors: Fu Chunxiao , Wang Jiandong , Gong Shihong , Zhang Yanqun , Wang Chuanjuan , Mo Yan
Published: April 2020

To improve water and nitrogen utilization efficiency, and reduce nitrogen leaching in the chernozem area of north‐east China, field trial data and the CERES‐Maize model were used to optimize irrigation and fertilization management of drip‐irrigated corn. In this study field trial data for drip‐irrigated corn from 2014 and 2015 were used to calibrate and validate the CERES‐Maize model. Results show that yield and nitrogen leaching declined with decrease in the nitrogen fertilizer amount applied. Compared with the traditional nitrogen fertilizer amount applied in the study area (330 kg ha¯¹), yield was decreased with nitrogen fertilizer amounts of ≤170 kg ha¯¹, and nitrogen leaching was decreased with nitrogen fertilizer amounts of ≤240 kg ha¯¹. Yield was decreased in the absence of or reduced topdressing at the jointing stage, and nitrogen leaching was increased by topdressing at the jointing stage. Based on the results of simulations, it is suggested that drip‐irrigated corn in the chernozem area should be irrigated three or four times during the entire growth period. A total nitrogen fertilizer amount of 240 or 230 kg ha¯¹, and topdressing ratios at the jointing, tasseling and grain‐filling stages of 2/5–0‐3/5 or 1/3–1/3–1/3 were recommended. Eight optimal irrigation and fertilization schedules were identified. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Melatonin: An atypical hormone with major functions in the regulation of angiogenesis
Authors: Mirza‐Aghazadeh‐Attari Mohammad , Reiter Russel J. , Rikhtegar Reza , Jalili Javad , Hajalioghli Parisa , Mihanfar Ainaz , Majidinia Maryam , Yousefi Bahman
Published: April 2020

Melatonin (N‐acetyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine), a pleotropic molecule with a wide distribution, has received considerable attention in recent years, mostly because of its various major effects on tissues or cells since it has both receptor‐dependent and receptor‐independent actions over a wide range of concentrations. These biological and physiological functions of melatonin include regulation of circadian rhythms by modulating the expression of core oscillator genes, scavenging the reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species, modulating the immune system and inflammatory response, and exerting cytoprotective and antiapoptotic effects. Given the multiple critical roles of melatonin, dysregulation of its production or any disruption in signaling through its receptors may have contributed in the development of a wide range of disorders including type 2 diabetes, aging, immune‐mediated diseases, hypertension, and cancer. Herein, we focus on the modulatory effects of melatonin on angiogenesis and its implications as a therapeutic strategy in cancer and related diseases.
Functional Characterization of PHEX Gene Variants in Children With X-Linked Hypophosphatemic Rickets Shows No Evidence of Genotype–Phenotype Correlation
Authors: Zheng Bixia , Wang Chunli , Chen Qiuxia , Che Ruochen , Sha Yugen , Zhao Fei , Ding Guixia , Zhou Wei , Jia Zhanjun , Huang Songming , Chen Ying , Zhang Aihua
Published: April 2020

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLHR) is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the phosphate regulating endopeptidase homolog X-linked (PHEX) gene. Considerable controversy exists regarding genotype–phenotype correlations in XLHR. The present study describes the clinical features and molecular genetic bases of 53 pediatric patients with XLHR. Overall, 47 different mutations were identified, of which 27 were not previously described in the literature or entered in the Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD). A high prevalence (72.34%) of truncating variants was observed in XLHR patients. The clinical presentation and severity of XLHR did not show an evident correlation between the truncating and non-truncating mutation types in our cohort. To further delineate the characteristics of PHEX variants underlying this nonsignificant trend, we assessed the effects of 10 PHEX variants on protein expression, cellular trafficking, and endopeptidase activity. Our results showed that the nonsense mutations p.Arg567*, p.Gln714*, and p.Arg747* caused a reduction of protein molecular weight and a trafficking defect. Among seven non-truncating mutations, the p.Cys77Tyr, p.Cys85Ser, p.Ile281Lys, p.Ile333del, p.Ala514Pro, and p.Gly572Ser mutants were not secreted into the medium and remained trapped inside cells in an immature form, whereas the p.Gly553Glu mutant was terminally glycosylated and secreted into the medium. We further assessed the endopeptidase activity of the p.Gly553Glu mutant using a quenched fluorogenic peptide substrate and revealed that the activity of p.Gly553Glu significantly reduced to 13% compared with the wild type, which indicated disruption of catalytic function. These data not only support the clinical results showing no correlation between disease severity and the type of PHEX mutation but also provide helpful molecular insights into the pathogenesis of XLHR. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
A long non‐coding RNA OLBC15 promotes triple‐negative breast cancer progression via enhancing ZNF326 degradation
Authors: Deng Chao , Zhang Bojuan , Zhang Yao , Xu Xiaogang , Xiong Deming , Chen Xiaoyan , Wu Jiaojiao
Published: April 2020

Background

The long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been involved in various processes, including cancer. However, the function of many lncRNAs is still elusive in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Methods

LncRNA profiling was used to screen for novel lncRNAs related to TNBC. OLBC15 expression was measured via qRT‐PCR. In vitro migration and viability assays were conducted to determine the oncogenic role of OLBC15. Xenograft and metastatic models were performed to further investigate effects in vivo. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), mass spectrometry (MS), and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) strategies were designed to identify the interaction between ZNF326 and OLBC15.

Results

In the current study, we have identified a novel oncogenic lncRNA termed OLBC15 via lncRNA profiling. OLBC15 is highly expressed especially in triple‐negative breast cancer. OLBC15 promoted viability and migration in breast cancer cells. Moreover, OLBC15 could accelerate metastasis and xenograft tumor growth. Mechanistic study suggested that OLBC15 could bind a well‐characterized tumor suppressor ZNF326 and OLBC15‐ZNF326 interaction resulted in ZNF326 destabilization. OLBC15 induced proteasomal ZNF326 degradation through enhanced ubiquitination. OLBC15 and ZNF326 protein expression is also negatively correlated in clinical specimens.

Conclusions

Collectively, OLBC15 may serve as an oncogenic lncRNA to facilitate TNBC progression and a putative target for therapeutic anti‐breast cancer intervention.
Point‐of‐care HIV maternal viral load and early infant diagnosis testing around time of delivery at tertiary obstetric units in South Africa: a prospective study of coverage, results return and turn‐around times
Authors: Kufa Tendesayi , Mazanderani Ahmad H , Sherman Gayle G , Mukendi Aurélie , Murray Tanya , Moyo Faith , Technau Karl‐Günter , Carmona Sergio
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Maternal viral load monitoring (mVL) and early infant diagnosis (EID) are necessary to achieve elimination of mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV. Point‐of‐care testing can achieve better outcomes compared to centralized laboratory testing (CLT). We describe the first implementation of point‐of‐care (POC) mVL and EID testing around delivery at four high volume tertiary obstetric units (TOUs) in Gauteng, South Africa.

Methods

Prospective study of pregnant women living with HIV (WLHIV) and their infants. During the period 1 June 2018 to 31 March 2019, routine staff collected blood specimens from women and their infants around delivery. Specimen collection occurred throughout the week while dedicated POC operators, conducted testing during working hours on weekdays. Descriptive statistics and multivariable Poisson regression with robust error variance were used to describe outcomes and associated factors. Outcomes determined were (i) coverage of mVL and EID testing defined as a proportion of live births to WLHIV admitted at each facility (ii) results returned prior to discharge (iii) turn‐around time (TAT) and iv) performance of POC testing compared to CLT.

Results

In total, 8147 live births to pregnant WLHIV were recorded in the implementation period. Of these, 2912 mVL and 5074 EID specimens were included in the analysis, with 131 (4.5%) mVL and 715 (14.1%) EID specimens having initial invalid/error results. Overall coverage of POC mVL and EID testing was 35.6% (range 20.9% to 60.1%) and 61.9% (range 47.0% to 88.0%) respectively. Proportions of POC tested mothers and infants with results returned prior to discharge were 74.3% (range 39.0% to 95.7%) and 73.0% (range 50.0 to 97.9%). Return of results was independently associated with TOU, after‐hours specimen collection, having an initial invalid or error result and period of implementation. Overall TAT for specimens collected from mother‐infant pairs where both had POC testing, during weekdays was longer for EID compared to mVL testing (median 3.3 hours vs. 2.9 hours, p‐value sign test <0.001). POC results were comparable to those from laboratory testing.

Conclusion

Accurate and timely POC mVL and EID testing around delivery was implemented with variable success across TOUs. Further scale up would need to address health system factors at facility level and high analytical error rates.
Development and application of a solid‐phase microextraction gas cromatography mass spectrometry method for analysing volatile organic compounds produced during cooking
Authors: Scortichini Serena , Boarelli Maria Chiara , Castello Mauro , Chiavarini Francesco , Gabrielli Serena , Marcantoni Enrico , Fiorini Dennis
Published: April 2020

In the last decades, there is more awareness on the impact on human health of pollutants emitted during cooking processes, both from commercial and from domestic activities. In this study, a new method exploiting solid‐phase microextraction and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (SPME‐GC–MS) was developed to analyse the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted during cooking. The air above the cooking plate was sampled using a polyethylene terephthalate olfactometric bag that allows to transport the sample to the instrument location and to perform the SPME extraction of the sampled air. The efficiency of different extraction systems and different extraction times (1, 8, 16, and 24 h) was evaluated in order to obtain sufficient sensitivity. Thus, the proposed system, combining the use of olfactometric bags and SPME‐GC–MS, was applied for the first time to study VOCs emitted during cooking allowing to perform the analysis, even on samples produced in sites far from the instrument location, in an easy way and with instrumentations available in most of laboratories. Then, the method was applied to assess the efficiency of odour filters used in common kitchen hoods, using deep frying of potatoes in sunflower oil as cooking model system. VOCs were analysed in the air before and after passage through the filter, calculating then percentages of dejection for the different classes of VOCs that resulted to be in the range 31–77%.
Disease reciprocity between gingivitis and obesity
Authors: Goodson J. Max
Published: April 2020

Background

Many diseases seem to affect each other. This is particularly true of periodontal diseases that relate to many systemic diseases. For this reason, this study investigated the relationship between obesity and gingivitis in children by focusing on plasma and salivary metabolomic biochemicals.

Methods

Whole saliva and plasma samples were taken from each of sixty‐eight 11‐year‐old children afflicted by different degrees of both gingivitis and obesity. Gingivitis was evaluated as the percent of sites considered erythematous. Obesity was determined by waist circumference. Untargeted metabolomic analysis defined 29 biochemicals significantly correlated between saliva and plasma, which included the collagen breakdown amino acid hydroxyproline (Hyp). Two‐sided t‐tests and regression analysis were performed to compare these data from children with obesity alone, gingivitis alone, both, and neither.

Results

Obese children exhibited signs of increased collagen turnover by being taller (14.4 cm) and having more permanent teeth (5.7). Analysis indicated a significant impact of obesity on gingivitis. Children with both diseases had 41.02% of gingival sites red whereas children with only obesity had 5.2% and children with only gingivitis had 19.16%. Hyp was increased in saliva by the combined presence of both diseases. The effects of gingivitis on obesity were in the same direction but generally not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Obesity clearly augments gingivitis. Data suggest that interaction between gingivitis and obesity may exhibit disease reciprocity in which activated neutrophils are mutually shared to create collagen destruction and Hyp release into both saliva and plasma.
Investigation of amino acids and minerals in Chinese breast milk
Authors: Wei Meng , Deng Zeyuan , Liu Biao , Ye Wenhui , Fan Yawei , Liu Rong , Li Jing
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

The nutrients in human milk, particularly amino acids and minerals, are important for infant growth and development. Since there are few reports of amino acids and minerals in Chinese breast milk, we conducted this study to establish a representative preliminary database of breast milk nutrients in Chinese breast milk. In this study, we collected breast milk from healthy mothers in seven cities in western, southern and central China. The composition, content and proportion of total amino acids and ten elements (potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, selenium and phosphorus) in human milk in different lactation stages were investigated.

RESULTS

In this study, it was found that the content of total essential amino acids (671.47 mg 100 mL−1) in Chinese breast milk was higher compared with the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) (574 mg 100 mL−1), but the content of leucine (LEU) (129.01 mg 100 mL−1) and cysteine (CYS) (20.31 mg 100 mL−1) was much lower than that recommended by ESPGHAN. Moreover, it was found that the content of most of these ten elements decreased during lactation, and the content of calcium in Chinese breast milk was lower compared with ESPGHAN. In addition, the content of selenium (7.23–20.55 mg 1000 mL−1) in breast milk from the three cities Nanchang, Shanghai and Guangzhou in China was much higher than that recommended by ESPGHAN.

CONCLUSIONS

In a word, amino acids and minerals in Chinese human milk showed a significant difference from other countries. Human milk meal or infant food should be regulated to meet the requirements of the infant and to maintain the balance of the amino acids and minerals. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of fish freshness using impedance spectroscopy based on the characteristic parameter of orthogonal direction difference
Authors: Sun Jian , Zhang Rongbiao , Zhang Yecheng , Liang Qiufang , Zhang Fei , Xu Peifeng , Li Guoxiao
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

As a nondestructive testing technology, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) has been applied to evaluate food quality because of its features of rapidity, low cost, nondestructiveness and portability. However, fish freshness evaluation based on existing EIS technology is affected by the differences of individual biological samples. In this study, the difference of electrical properties between two orthogonal directions was extracted to develop a new freshness indicator. A real part orthogonal direction difference parameter set (RODDS) was used to establish a prediction model for total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N).

RESULTS

Compared with the traditional parameter of EIS, coefficient of determination between RODDS and TVB‐N increased from 0.55 to 0.71 for the calibration group, and root mean squared error between predicted and measured values of TVB‐N decreased from 5.46 to 3.81 for the test group.

CONCLUSIONS

The results implied that RODDS could effectively offset individual differences in basic electrical properties and improve the TVB‐N prediction accuracy in practical application scenarios with samples from multiple origins. The proposed method may provide a new idea for the development and improvement of EIS‐based portable testing devices for fish and meat. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Failure to follow up on a medically actionable finding from direct to consumer genetic testing: A case report
Authors: Garmany Ramin , Lee Christopher J. , Sharp Richard R. , Kullo Iftikhar J.
Published: April 2020

Background

A 61‐year‐old woman underwent direct to consumer genetic testing and was found to be homozygous for the C282Y HFE variant (c.845G>A :p.Cys282Tyr) which is classified as pathogenic/likely pathogenic for hereditary hemochromatosis. However, no action was taken by the individual.

Methods

The individual took part in the Mayo Clinic Return of Actionable Variants Empiric (RAVE) study and the actionable finding was confirmed and results disclosed in person by a genetic counselor with subsequent referral to a hepatologist.

Results

Further testing revealed iron overload with an elevated ferritin level (560 ng/ml) and increased ferritin saturation (74%). Phlebotomy was initiated with subsequent normalization of the ferritin levels (252 ng/ml).

Conclusion

This case highlights that actionable genetic results may not be acted on after direct to consumer testing and the need for effective genetic counseling after such testing.
Survey: BH organizations closing programs, reducing staff amid pandemic
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: April 2020

Behavioral health organizations have canceled, rescheduled and even turned away patients, according to results of a new survey on the economic impact of COVID‐19 — an impact felt even more among smaller organizations. The survey of 880 community behavioral health organizations (CBHOs) around the country served to clarify the impact of the virus on patients, employment safety and financial viability.
Telemedicine and COVID‐19: 6 tips to ace your first visit
Authors: Claypool Bo
Published: April 2020

The COVID‐19 crisis has seen some dramatic changes to health care as we know it. In particular, one area that has seen rapid changes is the area of telemedicine. Telemedicine is not a new phenomenon. Quite the opposite. For some time now, telemedicine has been used to connect those in rural areas to providers for both medical care and behavioral health care services. Unfortunately, the conditions surrounding it have been fairly stringent and have even gone so far as to require that specific audiovisual equipment be used in order for it to qualify for reimbursement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and other health insurers.
Quantitative imaging performance of MARS spectral photon‐counting CT for radiotherapy
Authors: Simard Mikaël , Panta Raj Kumar , Bell Stephen T. , Butler Anthony P.H. , Bouchard Hugo
Published: April 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the quantitative imaging performance of a spectral photon‐counting computed tomography (SPCCT) scanner for radiotherapy applications. An experimental comparison of the quantitative performance of a Siemens dual‐energy CT (DECT) and a MARS SPCCT scanner is performed to estimate physical properties relevant to radiotherapy of human substitute materials and contrast agent solutions. In human substitute materials, the accuracy of quantities relevant to photon therapy, proton therapy, and Monte‐Carlo simulations, such as the electron density, proton stopping power, and elemental composition is evaluated. For contrast agent solutions, the accuracy of the contrast agent concentrations and the virtual non‐contrast (VNC) electron density is evaluated.

Methods

Human tissue substitute phantoms (Gammex 467 and 472) as well as diluted solutions of contrast agents (iodine and gadolinium based) are scanned with two commercial systems: a Siemens dual‐source CT (SOMATOM Definition Flash, Siemens Healthineers, Forchheim, Germany) and a MARS spectral photon‐counting micro‐CT (MARS V5.2, MARS Bioimaging Ltd., Christchurch, New Zealand). Material decomposition is performed in a maximum a posteriori framework with an optimized material basis tailored to characterize either human substitute materials or contrast agents in the context of experimental multi‐energy CT data.

Results

The root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) of the electron density calculated over all Gammex inserts is reduced from 1.09 to 0.89% when going from DECT to SPCCT. For the proton stopping power, the RMSE is reduced from 1.92 to 0.89%. Elemental mass fractions of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and calcium are more accurately estimated with the MARS scanner. The RMSE on the iodine‐based contrast agents concentration is reduced from 0.27 to 0.12 mg/mL with SPCCT, and the VNC electron density from 0.40 to 0.22%.

Conclusion

In the present phantom study, a MARS photon‐counting scanner provides superior accuracy compared to a Siemens SOMATOM Definition Flash DECT scanner to quantify physical parameters relevant to radiotherapy. This work experimentally demonstrates the benefits of using more energies to characterize human tissue equivalent materials. This highlights the potential of SPCCT for particle therapy, where more accurate tissue characterization is needed, as well as for Monte‐Carlo based planning, which requires accurate elemental mass fractions.
Automating in vivo cardiac diffusion tensor postprocessing with deep learning–based segmentation
Authors: Ferreira Pedro F. , Martin Raquel R. , Scott Andrew D. , Khalique Zohya , Yang Guang , Nielles‐Vallespin Sonia , Pennell Dudley J. , Firmin David N.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

In this work we develop and validate a fully automated postprocessing framework for in vivo diffusion tensor cardiac magnetic resonance (DT‐CMR) data powered by deep learning.

Methods

A U‐Net based convolutional neural network was developed and trained to segment the heart in short‐axis DT‐CMR images. This was used as the basis to automate and enhance several stages of the DT‐CMR tensor calculation workflow, including image registration and removal of data corrupted with artifacts, and to segment the left ventricle. Previously collected and analyzed scans (348 healthy scans and 144 cardiomyopathy patient scans) were used to train and validate the U‐Net. All data were acquired at 3 T with a STEAM‐EPI sequence. The DT‐CMR postprocessing and U‐Net training/testing were performed with MATLAB and Python TensorFlow, respectively.

Results

The U‐Net achieved a median Dice coefficient of 0.93 [0.92, 0.94] for the segmentation of the left‐ventricular myocardial region. The image registration of diffusion images improved with the U‐Net segmentation (P < .0001), and the identification of corrupted images achieved an F1 score of 0.70 when compared with an experienced user. Finally, the resulting tensor measures showed good agreement between an experienced user and the fully automated method.

Conclusion

The trained U‐Net successfully automated the DT‐CMR postprocessing, supporting real‐time results and reducing human workload. The automatic segmentation of the heart improved image registration, resulting in improvements of the calculated DT parameters.
Teamwork really does make the dream work
Authors: Sinz Elizabeth , Pauli Eric M.
Published: April 2020

See article on pages 70–75 in this issue.
Technical note: Finite‐time regret analysis of Kiefer‐Wolfowitz stochastic approximation algorithm and nonparametric multi‐product dynamic pricing with unknown demand
Authors: Hong L. Jeff , Li Chenghuai , Luo Jun
Published: April 2020

We consider the problem of nonparametric multi‐product dynamic pricing with unknown demand and show that the problem may be formulated as an online model‐free stochastic program, which can be solved by the classical Kiefer‐Wolfowitz stochastic approximation (KWSA) algorithm. We prove that the expected cumulative regret of the KWSA algorithm is bounded above by where κ1, κ2 are positive constants and T is the number of periods for any T = 1, 2, …. Therefore, the regret of the KWSA algorithm grows in the order of , which achieves the lower bounds known for parametric dynamic pricing problems and shows that the nonparametric problems are not necessarily more difficult to solve than the parametric ones. Numerical experiments further demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our proposed KW pricing policy by comparing with some pricing policies in the literature.
Predictors of Weight Loss in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Receiving Radiation or Concurrent Chemoradiation Treated at a Tertiary Cancer Center
Authors: Pandit Prakash , Patil Roshankumar , Palwe Vijay , Yasam Venkata Ramesh , Nagarkar Rajnish
Published: April 2020

Background

Radiation therapy (RT) has remained the mainstay treatment approach for head and neck cancers. Weight loss due to tumor or tumor‐related factors remains a major health issue among head and neck cancer patients.

Methods

A total of 357 patients were identified for the study. Possible weight‐loss predictors were determined in the patients undergoing RT based on the patient demographics, tumor site, and treatment characteristics.

Results

The mean age of patients was 52 years, whereas the median age was 51 years (range, 18–87). Two hundred and thirteen (66%) patients had oral cavity cancers, 43 (14%) had oropharyngeal cancer, 26 (8%) had hypopharyngeal cancer, 13 (6%) had larynx cancer, and 19 (6%) had other site involvement. A total of 192 patients received 3‐dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT), whereas 127 patients received intensity modulated radiation therapy–image guided radiation therapy (IMRT‐IGRT), 212 (66%) received concurrent chemotherapy, and 107 (34%) patients did not receive concurrent chemotherapy. A total of 127 (40%) of the patients gained weight during the first week of RT; on the other hand, maximum weight loss among patients was occurred during the third and fourth weeks of RT.

Conclusion

Analysis by logistic regression determined there is significant weight loss (>10%) in patients receiving radical RT as compared with adjuvant RT. Better outcomes were observed in patients receiving RT by IMRT‐IGRT technique as compared with 3DCRT technique.
Early‐Life Gut Microbiome—The Importance of Maternal and Infant Factors in Its Establishment
Authors: Kapourchali Fatemeh Ramezani , Cresci Gail A. M.
Published: April 2020

The early‐life microbiome is gaining appreciation as a major influencer in human development and long‐term health. Multiple factors are known to influence the initial colonization, development, and function of the neonatal gut microbiome. In addition, alterations in early‐life gut microbial composition is associated with several chronic health conditions such as obesity, asthma, and allergies. In this review, we focus on both maternal and infant factors known to influence early‐life gut colonization. Also reviewed is the important role of infant feeding, including evidence‐based strategies for maternal and infant supplementation with the goal to protect and/or restore the infant gut microbiome.
Background risk and nonprofit endowment portfolio volatility
Authors: Qu Heng
Published: April 2020

This article focuses on endowed operating public charities that receive income not only from sources such as donations, grants, and service fees but also from endowment portfolios. Using the Form 990 data between 2009 and 2016, this study examines if the risk from nonendowment income sources, namely background risk, is relevant to endowment portfolio volatility, and if there are any differences across four types of nonprofits where endowment assets are the most concentrated, including museums, universities and colleges, K‐12 schools, and hospitals. The results show that the association between background risk and endowment portfolio volatility is significant and negative for universities; however, it is either nonsignificant or significantly positive for other types of organizations. This study extends research on university endowments to other types of endowed nonprofits. The findings imply different endowment objectives and reflect different asset allocation strategies across types of organizations.
Influence of processing and particle morphology on final properties of polypropylene/talc nanocomposites
Authors: Castillo Luciana A. , Barbosa Silvia E.
Published: April 2020

The influence of different processing operations as well as particle morphology and concentration on microstructure and final mechanical properties of polypropylene/talc nanocomposites was studied, performing not only a comparative but also a combined analysis. Two continuous manufacturing process (injection molding and blown film extrusion) and two talc particle morphologies (macro and microcrystalline) were selected. Neat polypropylene and their nanocomposites containing different talc contents (1 and 5 wt%) were previously prepared in a twin‐screw extruder and then they were processed using both processing operations. For injected nanocomposites, tensile behavior was strongly dependent on talc morphology. Tensile strength as well as ductility of nanocomposites containing macrocrystalline talc were higher than the corresponding to polypropylene/microcrystalline talc ones. Meanwhile, talc morphology influenced slightly on tensile behavior of nanocomposite films. These results allow selecting the appropriate particle morphology for each processing operation in order to obtain the best mechanical properties.
BdGT43B2 functions in xylan biosynthesis and is essential for seedling survival in Brachypodium distachyon
Authors: Petrik Deborah L. , Tryfona Theodora , Dupree Paul , Anderson Charles T.
Published: April 2020

Xylan is the predominant hemicellulose in the primary cell walls of grasses, but its synthesis and interactions with other wall polysaccharides are complex and incompletely understood. To probe xylan biosynthesis, we generated CRISPR/Cas9 knockout and amiRNA knockdown lines of BdGT43B2, an ortholog of the wheat TaGT43‐4 xylan synthase scaffolding protein in the IRX14 clade, in Brachypodium distachyon. Knockout of BdGT43B2 caused stunting and premature death in Brachypodium seedlings. Immunofluorescence labeling of xylans was greatly reduced in homozygous knockout BdGT43B2 mutants, whereas cellulose labeling was unchanged or slightly increased. Biochemical analysis showed reductions in digestible xylan in knockout mutant walls, and cell size was smaller in knockout leaves. BdGT43B2 knockdown plants appeared morphologically normal as adults, but showed slight reductions in seedling growth and small decreases in xylose content in isolated cell walls. Immunofluorescence labeling of xylan and cellulose staining was both reduced in BdGT43B2 knockdown plants. Together, these data indicate that BdGT43B2 functions in the synthesis of a form of xylan that is required for seedling growth and survival in Brachypodium distachyon.
Energy stores and mercury concentrations in a common minnow (spottail shiner, Notropis hudsonius) associated with a peaking hydroelectric dam
Authors: Green Derek J. , Jardine Timothy D. , Weber Lynn P. , Janz David M.
Published: April 2020

Peaking hydroelectric facilities release water from dams to match energy production with demand, often on a daily cycle. These fluctuating flows downstream can exert several potential stressors on organisms that may inhibit their growth, indirectly causing higher contaminant concentrations through reduced growth dilution. We collected spottail shiner (Notropis hudsonius) at two sites upstream and two sites downstream of a peaking hydroelectric dam in east‐central Saskatchewan, Canada, and compared their body condition, triglyceride concentrations, and mercury concentrations. Condition decline was observed in one of two downstream sites from August to September, and the lowest triglyceride concentrations were consistently found downstream of the dam where hydropeaking had the most perceptible effects on the shoreline. Mercury concentrations were significantly greater at both downstream sites relative to upstream. Despite these results, inconsistencies in response parameters across sites and time limited our ability to isolate the effects of hydropeaking as a causative agent and suggest indirect effects such as shifts in algal and macroinvertebrate communities may be responsible for our observations. These results suggest that hydroelectric power generation may indirectly increase mercury concentrations in downstream fish, but more research will be required to determine the specific mechanisms by which this occurs. The results and data also provide useful insights into the physiology of wild spottail shiner populations, which can help to inform the development of these fish as a North American sentinel species.
Metal‐Free Synthesis of Pyrazoles and Chromenopyrazoles from Hydrazones and Acetylenic Esters
Authors: Bhaskaran Rasmi P. , Janardhanan Jith C. , Babu Beneesh P.
Published: April 2020

An efficient, metal‐free synthesis of pyrazoles and chromenopyrazoles from aldehyde hydrazones and acetylenic esters has been developed. A library of molecules with diverse functional groups has been synthesized using substituted hydrazones and alkynes, both symmetrical and unsymmetrical ones. The derivatives were isolated in moderate to good yields.
Active Delivery of VLPs Promotes Anti‐Tumor Activity in a Mouse Ovarian Tumor Model
Authors: Wang Chao , Fernández de Ávila Berta Esteban , Mundaca‐Uribe Rodolfo , Lopez‐Ramirez Miguel Angel , Ramírez‐Herrera Doris E. , Shukla Sourabh , Steinmetz Nicole F. , Wang Joseph
Published: April 2020

Virus‐like nanoparticles (VLPs) have been used as an attractive means in cancer immunotherapy because of their unique intrinsic immunostimulatory properties. However, for treating metastatic tumors in the peritoneal cavity, such as ovarian cancer, multiple injections of therapy are needed due to the large peritoneal space and fast excretion of therapy. Here, it is reported on the development of active VLP delivery vehicles for the treatment of peritoneal ovarian tumors using biocompatible Qβ VLPs‐loaded Mg‐based micromotors. The autonomous propulsion of such Qβ VLPs‐loaded Mg‐micromotors in the peritoneal fluid enables active delivery of intact immunostimulatory Qβ VLPs to the peritoneal space of ovarian tumor bearing mice, greatly enhancing the local distribution and retention of Qβ VLPs. Such improved distribution and longer retention time of Qβ in the peritoneal cavity leads to enhanced immunostimulation and therefore increased survival rate of tumor‐bearing mice compared to a passive Qβ treatment. For clinical translation, the active delivery of VLPs holds great promise for tumor immunotherapy toward the treatment of different types of primary and metastatic tumors in the peritoneal cavity.
Human‐on‐Leaf‐Chip: A Biomimetic Vascular System Integrated with Chamber‐Specific Organs
Authors: Mao Mao , Bei Ho Pan , Lam Chun Hei , Chen Pengyu , Wang Shuqi , Chen Ying , He Jiankang , Zhao Xin
Published: April 2020

The vascular network is a central component of the organ‐on‐a‐chip system to build a 3D physiological microenvironment with controlled physical and biochemical variables. Inspired by ubiquitous biological systems such as leaf venation and circulatory systems, a fabrication strategy is devised to develop a biomimetic vascular system integrated with freely designed chambers, which function as niches for chamber‐specific vascularized organs. As a proof of concept, a human‐on‐leaf‐chip system with biomimetic multiscale vasculature systems connecting the self‐assembled 3D vasculatures in chambers is fabricated, mimicking the in vivo complex architectures of the human cardiovascular system connecting vascularized organs. Besides, two types of vascularized organs are built independently within the two halves of the system to verify its feasibility for conducting comparative experiments for organ‐specific metastasis studies in a single chip. Successful culturing of human hepatoma G2 cells (HepG2s) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) shows good vasculature formation, and organ‐specific metastasis is simulated through perfusion of pancreatic cancer cells and shows distinct cancer encapsulation by MSCs, which is absent in HepG2s. Given good culture efficacy, study design flexibility, and ease of modification, these results show that the bioinspired human‐on‐leaf‐chip possesses great potential in comparative and metastasis studies while retaining organ‐to‐organ crosstalk.
A Multiligand Architectural Photosensitizer That Targets Hemagglutinin on Envelope of Influenza Virus for Photodynamic Inactivation
Authors: Jeong Hayoon , Lee Jeong‐Ju , Lee Jangsu , Na Kun
Published: April 2020

The efficacy of current antiviral drugs used to treat influenza has been declining because of mutations and resistance of the virus. Herein, a light‐sensitive multiligand architecture is developed consisting of chitosan conjugated to a photosensitizer and 6'‐sialyllactose (SL) to develop an antiviral agent against influenza with a different mechanism of action (SL‐chitosan‐Chlorin e6, SCC). Saturation transfer difference‐nuclear magnetic resonance determined that the ability of SCC to bind to viral hemagglutinin is stronger than that of the monomeric substance. Virus recognition is confirmed by immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscope imaging. SCC induces viral inactivation by causing permanent membrane damage through its photoactivity. Viral membrane is oxidized by the photoactivity of SCC, thus, the virus membrane collapses. Furthermore, using the plaque reduction assay to evaluate the inhibitory effect of SCC on influenza A and B, it is found that its antiviral effects are 23% and 50% higher than the conventional antiviral drug. Additionally, SCC prevents infection by influenza in 100% of mice subjected to laser irradiation. These results indicate that this photodynamic multiligand structure can overcome the limitations of existing antiviral agents and suggest a pertinent methodology of prophylaxis and treatment by preemptively attacking the virus before it enters the host cell.
The Serbian Lake System: a stepping stone for freshwater molluscs in the middle Miocene
Authors: Neubauer Thomas A. , Mandic Oleg , Jovanović Gordana , Harzhauser Mathias
Published: April 2020

The first in‐depth revision of a lacustrine freshwater mollusc fauna of the Serbian Lake System (SLS) is carried out. We describe and discuss well‐preserved faunas from two localities in central and southern Serbia (Mađere and Medoševac), along with the reinvestigation of type material of several species described in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Our revision yields 14 species of gastropods, with the families Hydrobiidae (six species) and Planorbidae (four species) being most abundant, along with one species each of Neritidae, Melanopsidae, Bithyniidae and Bulinidae, as well as two dreissenid bivalve species. Three of the hydrobiid gastropods are new to science,Prososthenia milosevicisp. nov.,Prososthenia?naissensissp. nov., andPrososthenia rundicisp. nov., and so is the bivalveTrigonipraxis madjerensissp. nov. The present study results in 12 lectotype designations, 10 new generic combinations, and 10 new junior synonyms. About four‐fifths (81.3%) of the species are endemic to theSLS, which is slightly higher than the overallSLSendemism (71.4%). The composition at the genus and family level overlaps strongly with the slightly older faunas of the Dinaride Lake System in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as that of the late Miocene Lake Pannon. Its stratigraphically intermediate position and geographical proximity suggest that theSLSwas a stepping stone for many of the mollusc lineages, some of which are found only in those systems.
An Exploration of Language Teacher Reflection, Emotion Labor, and Emotional Capital
Authors: Gkonou Christina , Miller Elizabeth R.
Published: April 2020

In this article the researchers explore the notion of emotional capital in relation to language teachers’ emotion labor and the role of reflection in understanding their emotional experiences. They draw on interview narratives with teachers (N = 25) working in higher education institutions in the United States and United Kingdom. During these interview conversations, the researchers elicited accounts of teachers’ emotionally charged experiences that arise as part of their ongoing, mundane teaching practice and how they respond to these situations. The researchers argue that as language teachers struggle to orient to the feeling rules of their institutions, they develop the capacity to perform the emotions that they believe are expected of them. This capacity is further shaped through their reflective practice, as both individual reflection and collaborative reflection with colleagues. The researchers thus analyze how language teachers’ accruing emotional capital, developed through emotion labor and reflective activity, can be converted into social and cultural capital. The authors also point to how language teachers’ emotional capital is entangled in power relations and thus requires careful scrutiny.
Molecular mechanism of nanoparticulate TiO2 induction of axonal development inhibition in rat primary cultured hippocampal neurons
Authors: Mu Xu , Li Wuyan , Ze Xiao , Li Lingjuan , Wang Guoqing , Hong Fashui , Ze Yuguan
Published: April 2020

Numerous studies have demonstrated the in vitro and in vivo neurotoxicity of nanoparticulate titanium dioxide (nano‐TiO2), a mass‐produced material for a large number of commercial and industrial applications. The mechanism of nano‐TiO2‐induced inhibition of axonal development, however, is still unclear. In our study, primary cultured hippocampal neurons of 24‐hour‐old fetal Sprague‐Dawley rats were exposed to 5, 15, or 30 μg/mL nano‐TiO2 for 6, 12, and 24 hours, and the toxic effects of nano‐TiO2 exposure on the axons development were detected and its molecular mechanism investigated. Nano‐TiO2 accumulated in hippocampal neurons and inhibited the development of axons as nano‐TiO2 concentrations increased. Increasing time in culture resulted in decreasing axon length by 32.5%, 36.6%, and 53.8% at 6 hours, by 49.4%, 53.8%, and 69.5% at 12 hours, and by 44.5%, 58.2%, and 63.6% at 24 hours, for 5, 15, and 30 μg/mL nano‐TiO2, respectively. Furthermore, nano‐TiO2 downregulated expression of Netrin‐1, growth‐associated protein‐43, and Neuropilin‐1, and promoted an increase of semaphorin type 3A and Nogo‐A. These studies suggest that nano‐TiO2 inhibited axonal development in rat primary cultured hippocampal neurons and this phenomenon is related to changes in the expression of axon growth‐related factors.