bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Malvidin induces hepatic stellate cell apoptosis via the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway and mitochondrial pathway
Authors: Ma Yanhong , Li Yahui , Zhang Hongzhi , Wang Ying , Wu Caie , Huang Wuyang
Published: August 2020

Blueberries have great beneficial effects due to high level of anthocyanins, especially malvidin. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) can be activated and increase excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) components, which play a central role in liver fibrogenesis. Therefore, activated HSC’s apoptosis can be induced to recover liver fibrosis. Malvidin's effects on apoptosis in rat activated hepatic stellate T6 cells (HSC‐T6) in vitro were investigated here. High concentration of malvidin was found to significantly induce apoptosis, activate caspase‐3, increase malondialdehyde, upregulate Bax, but downregulate Bcl‐2. Moreover, malvidin upregulated the protein levels of some endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)‐typical markers, including caspase‐12, glucose‐regulated protein 78 (GRP78), and CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein (C/EBP) homologous protein (CHOP), suggesting that malvidin induced HSC apoptosis by the ERS apoptosis pathway as well as the mitochondrial‐dependent pathway. These findings indicated that blueberry anthocyanins, especially malvidin, could induce activated hepatic stellate cell apoptosis and might act as one kind of functional food ingredient or a novel nutraceutical beneficial for liver health.
Bauvorhaben FOUR: Deckelbauweise mit einer Kombinierten Schlitzwand‐Pfahl‐Plattengründung
Authors: Meißner Simon , Michael Joachim , Kies Maximilian , Cronen Bernd
Published: August 2020

Im Zentrum von Frankfurt am Main wird aktuell an der Wiederbelebung des Deutsche‐Bank‐Areals gearbeitet. Auf dem Areal werden vier Hochhäuser realisiert. Diese vier Hochhäuser stehen auf einer gemeinsamen Bodenplatte. Die Baugrube weist eine Fläche von ca. 15.000 m2 und eine Tiefe von 20 m auf und wird umringt von bestehenden Hochhäusern. Zur Herstellung der vier Untergeschosse wurde eine Deckelbauweise geplant, diese ist jetzt in Ausführung. Zur Optimierung der geplanten Kombinierten Pfahl‐Plattengründung (KPP) wird zusätzlich die Schlitzwand zum Lastabtrag herangezogen. Insgesamt wurden 370 Gründungspfähle hergestellt. Die Verbauwand wurde in der Innenstadt von Frankfurt zum ersten Mal im Schlitzwandverfahren ausgeführt. Für die komplexe Bemessung der Verbauwand in Verbindung mit der großmaßstäblichen Deckelbauweise und der KPP‐Gründung wurden detaillierte Nachweisstrategien erfolgreich entwickelt.
Seismic stratigraphy and sedimentology of a Miocene carbonate platform in Luconia, South China Sea
Authors: Makhankova Adelya , Sautter Benjamin , Mathew Manoj , Menier David , Poppelreiter Michael
Published: August 2020

The internal architecture and evolution of isolated carbonate buildups rely on multiple forcing factors, including tectonics and eustatic fluctuations. These parameters control the developmental phases of carbonate buildups such as initiation, growth, and termination stages, and give insights into other morphologic patterns such as backstepping and exposure events. The current study shows the evolution of a Middle Miocene isolated carbonate buildup of Central Luconia in the southern South China Sea, and describes it from large‐scale to very fine detail (km to mm) utilizing newly acquired (2016) 3D seismic data along with core lithofacies and thin sections. The buildup morphology and seismic facies are linked to core facies that can help to uncover the complex development of the carbonate platform. Core‐seismic calibration was used to create maps illustrating carbonate depositional settings for each stratigraphic unit. Here, we identified five seismic units that constitute the main stratigraphic stages of buildup development: (a) initiation as several isolated buildups, (b) coalescence, progradation, and aggradation, (c) aggradation and retrogradation associated with minor backstepping events and major karstification events, (d) retrogradation associated with major backstepping events, and (e) drowning stage. Our results demonstrate that Miocene reefal evolution and buildup architecture in Central Luconia were distinctly affected by diverse endogenic and exogenic processes. The initiation of localized carbonate growth appears to be strongly controlled by the morphology of the pre‐carbonate basement of Central Luconia where the SSW–NNE horst and graben structures were inherited from the poly‐stage opening of the South China Sea during the Early Miocene. Furthermore, sea‐level fluctuations, local and regional tectonic events during the Middle Miocene controlled the rates of accommodation changes, which directly impacted the stratigraphic architecture of the platform. The detailed seismic and sedimentological study documented in this work will benefit the understanding of the paleogeographic and stratigraphic evolution of carbonate buildups in the Luconia region of SE Asia, and in the current and future exploration for substantial conventional resources.
Where are biomedical research plain‐language summaries?
Authors: FitzGibbon Hannah , King Karen , Piano Claudia , Wilk Carol , Gaskarth Mary
Published: August 2020

Background and Aims

Plain‐language summaries (PLS) are being heralded as a tool to improve communication of scientific research to lay audiences and time‐poor or nonspecialist healthcare professionals. However, this relies on PLS being intuitively located and accessible. This research investigated the “discoverability” of PLS in biomedical journals.

Methods

The eLIFE list of journals/organizations that produce PLS was consulted on July 12, 2018, for biomedical journals (based on title). Internet research, primarily focusing on information provided by the journal websites, explored PLS terminology (what do the journals call PLS), requirements (what articles are PLS generated for, who writes/reviews them, and at what stage), and location and sharing mechanisms (where/how the PLS are made available, are they free to access, and are they visible on PubMed).

Results

The methodology identified 10 journals from distinct publishers, plus eLIFE itself (N = 11). Impact factors ranged from 3.768 to 17.581. Nine different terms were used to describe PLS. Most of the journals (8/11) required PLS for at least all research articles. Authors were responsible for writing PLS in 9/11 cases. Seven journals required PLS on article submission; of the other four, one required PLS at revision and three on acceptance. The location/sharing mechanism for PLS varied: within articles, alongside articles (separate tab/link), and/or on separate platforms (eg, social media, dedicated website). PLS were freely available when they were published with articles; however, PLS were only included within conventional abstracts on PubMed for 2/11 journals.

Conclusion

Across the few biomedical journals producing PLS, our research suggests there is wide variation in terminology, location, sharing mechanisms, and PubMed visibility. We advocate a more consistent approach to ensure that PLS have appropriate prominence and can be easily found by their intended audiences.
Analysing time difference and volatility linkages between China and theUnited Statesduring financial crises and stable period usingVARX‐DCC‐MEGARCHmodel
Authors: Shehzad Khurram , Liu Xiaoxing , Tiwari Aviral , Arif Muhammad , Rauf Abdul
Published: August 2020

The study implies VARX‐DCC‐MEGARCH model to investigate the returns transmission, volatility spillovers, asymmetry effect and the dynamic correlation between China and U.S. stock markets, as well as their local stock markets. We found that daytime returns of U.S. stock markets affect the overnight returns of Chinese stock markets. However, overnight returns transmission from the United States to China (daytime) was insignificant. Returns transmissions from Chinese stock markets to the United States are not significant. Daytime volatility of U.S. stock markets significantly spillovers the overnight volatility of Chinese stock markets and daytime volatility of Chinese stock markets spillovers the overnight volatility of U.S. stock markets. Moreover, during financial crises period, negative daily returns of Chinese stock markets significantly transmit to U.S. stock markets. Additionally, returns and volatility spillovers between local markets of the United States was also significant. During the financial crisis, the volatility spillovers between local stocks market of China was significant on one hand and leverage effect for U.S. and Chinese stock markets were also significant on the other hand.
Systemic risk in the Chinese financial system: A copula‐based network approach
Authors: Zhang Zhiwei , Zhang Dayong , Wu Fei , Ji Qiang
Published: August 2020

This article examines the systemic risk in the Chinese financial system by combining copula and graph theory approaches. We start from identifying the interdependence amongst financial institutions based on static and dynamic copula functions. A minimum spanning tree is then generated to analyse the network structure in the financial system in both static and dynamic contexts. Evidence from both static and dynamic analysis verifies the systemic importance of Industrial Bank Co., Ltd. Some others, Shanghai Pudong Development Bank and Huaxia Bank Co., Limited, occasionally show systemic importance in the dynamic setting. We further examine the stability of the network structure and find that whilst the dependence structure exhibits time‐varying patterns, certain relationships appear to be more stable than others. Our findings hold important policy and investment implications.
Analysis of macro‐prudential and ex post financial crisis interventions: Relevance of the fiscal‐policy setup
Authors: Vargas Carmiña O. , Parra‐Polania Julian A.
Published: August 2020

In the analysis of financial crises from the pecuniary externality perspective, it is common to assume that (a) lenders overlook the effect of lump‐sum taxes/subsidies on borrowers' debt repayment capacity and (b) there is a balanced‐budget fiscal policy. By modifying the first assumption (i.e., the financial constraint) we find a significant result for the debate on ex‐ante vs. ex post crisis interventions: the latter could be completely ineffective to manage crises and, instead, macro‐prudential policies are still able to correct the externality that stems from the underestimation of the social costs of decentralized debt decisions. By modifying both assumptions (i.e., with the modified financial constraint and counter‐cyclical fiscal policy) we find that some combinations of policy interventions could completely avoid crises, but under restrictive conditions.
Asymmetric volatility spillovers between world oil prices and stock markets of theG7countries in the presence of structural breaks
Authors: Kartsonakis‐Mademlis Dimitrios , Dritsakis Nikolaos
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this paper is to examine the volatility transmission between oil prices and the seven major stock markets (G7) using symmetric and asymmetric bivariate GARCH models incorporating structural breaks. Since these countries play a crucial role in the international economy, it is important for financial market participants to understand the volatility transmission process for designing optimal portfolio allocations. We examine weekly data over the period 1998–2017 and endogenously detect structural breaks in variance using an iterated algorithm in order to estimate the volatility dynamics with greater accuracy. The models were estimated using the maximum likelihood method, and the BFGS algorithm was employed to obtain the variance–covariance estimation and the corresponding standard errors. Overall, we find volatility spillovers between markets together with the fact that the oil market has a leading role. More importantly, we show that neglecting structural changes in variance and/or asymmetries may lead to biased volatility spillover effects. Furthermore, the results highlight that models ignoring structural breaks are significantly overestimating the effect of their own past volatility on the current volatility. In addition, we find that disregarding asymmetries could also lead to erroneous estimates of these effects. Finally, we compute dynamic risk‐minimizing hedge ratios and optimal portfolio weights, however, no significant discrepancies are found among the models considered.
The contagion phenomena of the Brexit process on main stock markets
Authors: Escribano Ana , Íñiguez Cristina
Published: August 2020

This paper studies the impact of the Brexit process in the main global financial markets by investigating the effect of financial contagion between series of stock index returns. The importance of the United Kingdom, not only at the European level but also at the international level, is the main reason for developing this analysis. We study the response on global financial markets to the Brexit process during the period that covers January 1, 2016 to November 30, 2018. We apply joint tests of contagion where the contagion channels are the conditional correlation, the coskewness and the covolatility between the United Kingdom as a source of contagion and the remaining recipient markets. Our results reveal financial contagion on the main European and international economies consistent with the effect of the Brexit referendum results and the subsequent increasing uncertainty.
International trade and income convergence: Sorting out the nature of bilateral trade
Authors: Darku Alexander B.
Published: August 2020

The paper argues that the dynamics of trade induced income convergence depend on the nature of bilateral trade between nations. To justify this argument, the paper presents a comprehensive approach that explicitly accounts for trade among OECD countries (north–north trade), trade between OECD and SSA countries (north–south trade) and trade among SSA countries (south–south trade). The approach also allows for the identification of the direct and indirect effects of bilateral trade on income convergence. The results show that bilateral trade among OECD countries accelerates income convergence both directly and indirectly. This result appears to be consistent with the new trade theories by Krugman, Journal of International Economics, 1979, 9, 469–479; Krugman, American Economic Review, 1980, 70, 950–959. and the intuitions of Heckscher, The effect of foreign trade on the distribution of income 1919, 1950, 1–32 and Ohlin, Interregional and international trade, 1933. The trade‐convergence relationship for OECD to SSA trade is the strongest both directly and indirectly. This is the empirical evidence that the nature of this bilateral trade, promotes one directional knowledge spillover from developed to developing countries, which enables developing countries to adopt new technologies and grow faster than their rich counterparts. However, bilateral trade among SSA countries does not have any significant effect on income convergence.
Trade policy and return on capital: An empirical analysis based on China's antidumping
Authors: Wang Xiaosong , Wu Huan , Li Le
Published: August 2020

This paper examines that how China's antidumping actions against other counties affect the returns to capital of involved industries. Using CSMAR from 1997 to 2015, we estimate the excess returns of a firm's equity by three different methods. Then combining with the Global Antidumping Database, we conduct an empirical analysis. Our empirical results show that China's antidumping investigation in specific industries promotes the return on equity of listed companies in the industry, meaning antidumping has positive impact on returns to capital. Antidumping promotes the marginal and average market value of firms' investment, thus showing excess returns on their equity, and then firms invest. As the investment stock increases, firms tend to be in equilibrium and excess returns fall. Furthermore, this paper conducts a series of heterogeneity analyses from the perspectives of capital intensity, capital specificity, and corporate ownership, and proves that antidumping measures can significantly increase the rate of return on capital in the industries involved.
Breast cancer diagnosis from mammographic images using optimized feature selection and neural network architecture
Authors: Shivhare Ekta , Saxena Vineeta (Nigam)
Published: August 2020

Breast cancer is one of the deadly diseases in women that have raised the mortality rate of women. An accurate and early detection of breast cancer using mammogram images is still a complex task. Hence, this article proposes a novel breast cancer detection model, which included five major phases: (a) preprocessing, (b) segmentation, (c) feature extraction, (d) feature selection, and (e) classification. The input mammogram image is initially preprocessed using contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) and median filtering. The preprocessed image is then subjected to segmentation via the region growing algorithm. Subsequently, geometric features, texture features and gradient features are extracted from the segmented image. Since the length of the feature vector is large, it is essential to select the optimal features. Here, the selection of optimal features is done by a hybrid optimization algorithm. Once the optimal features are selected, they are subjected to the classification process involving the neural network (NN) classifier. As a novelty, the weight of NN is selected optimally to enhance the accuracy of diagnosis (benign and malignant). The optimal feature selection as well as the weight optimization of NN is accomplished by merging the Lion algorithm (LA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO), named as velocity updated lion algorithm (VU‐LA). Finally, a performance‐based evaluation is carried out between VU‐LA and the existing models like, whale optimization algorithm (WOA), gray wolf optimization (GWO), firefly (FF), PSO, and LA.
Characterization of adipose‐derived stromal/stem cell spheroids versus single‐cell suspension in cell survival and arrest of osteoarthritis progression
Authors: Ko Ji‐Yun , Park Jeong‐Won , Kim Juyoung , Im Gun‐Il
Published: August 2020

The current study evaluated the hypothesis that the administration of spheroidal adipose‐derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs) promotes cell survival and arrests the progression of surgically induced osteoarthritis (OA) in a rat model. We also tested the optimal conditions for spheroid production from ASCs using microwell methods. The formation of ASC spheroids was optimized at a well diameter of 600 μm under cell concentrations of 106cell/ml. When ASC spheroids cultured in 3D were compared with ASCs cultured in 2D monolayer, the cell survival and chondrogenic potential were enhanced while the apoptosis was reduced in ASC spheroids compared with ASCs in 2D monolayer culture. In vivo tracking of fluorescently labeled ASCs in the knee joints of rats with surgically induced OA showed longer fluorescent activity at a higher intensity in ASC spheroids than in ASC single‐cell suspension. When OA‐induced rats treated with ASC injection were sacrificed after 8 weeks, the OARSI score was enhanced in both ASC single‐cell suspension and ASC spheroids compared with negative control, spheroid treatment resulting in a better score than single‐cell treatment. However, injected cells were not detectable from the joints. These finding altogether suggests that ASC spheroids have better in vitro and in vivo survival and chondrogenic potential and exert greater regenerative effects for articular cartilage and arrest the progression of surgically induced OA better than ASCs in single‐cell suspension by the paracrine mode of action. The study findings support the notion of developing cell therapeutics to treat OA based on ASC spheroid forms.
Simultaneous linear release of folic acid and doxorubicin from ethyl cellulose/chitosan/g‐C3N4/MoS2core‐shell nanofibers and its anticancer properties
Authors: Nouri Arezo , Faraji Dizaji Babak , Kianinejad Nazanin , Jafari Rad Azadeh , Rahimi Seyedhamidreza , Irani Mohammad , Sharifian Jazi Fariborz
Published: August 2020

The folic acid (FA) and doxorubicin (DOX) have been doped into the g‐C3N4/MoS2incorporated‐chitosan/ethyl cellulose (EC) core‐shell nanofibers for targeted delivery of FA and DOX against HeLa and MCF‐7 cell lines. The g‐C3N4/MoS2nanosheets and core‐shell nanofibers were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and UV–Vis tests. The drug loading factor, the degradation rate, and the DOX and FA release behavior from core‐shell nanofibers have been investigated. The pharmacokinetic results revealed the linear release with non‐Fickian diffusion of the both anticancer drugs from nanofibers during 7 days. The DAPI staining and MTT assays of the nanofibers immersed in MCF‐7 and HeLa cell lines were studied to determine the potential of DOX and FA doped‐core‐shell nanofibrous matrix for MCF‐7 and HeLa cells death in vitro. The maximum MCF‐7 and HeLa cells death percentages were found to be 89 and 85%, respectively, using EC/chitosan/g‐C3N4/MoS2/DOX/FA core‐shell nanofibers after 7 days. The high activity of g‐C3N4/MoS2/DOX/FA loaded‐core‐shell nanofibers for studied cancer cells killing was achieved.
PDGF Receptor Signaling in Osteoblast Lineage Cells Controls Bone Resorption Through Upregulation of Csf1 Expression
Authors: Brun Julia , Andreasen Christina Møller , Ejersted Charlotte , Andersen Thomas Levin , Caverzasio Joseph , Thouverey Cyril
Published: August 2020

The physiological functions of platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRs) α and β in osteoblast biology and bone metabolism remain to be established. Here, we show that PDGFRA and PDGFRB genes are expressed by osteoblast-lineage canopy and reversal cells in close proximity to PDGFB-expressing osteoclasts within human trabecular bone remodeling units. We also report that, although removal of only one of the two PDGFRs in Osterix-positive cells does not affect bone phenotype, suppression of both PDGFRs in those osteoblast lineage cells increases trabecular bone volume in male mice as well as in female gonad-intact and ovariectomized mice. Furthermore, osteoblast lineage-specific suppression of PDGFRs reduces Csf1 expression, bone marrow level of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), number of osteoclasts, and, therefore, bone resorption, but does not change bone formation. Finally, abrogation of PDGFR signaling in osteoblasts blocks PDGF-induced ERK1/2-mediated Csf1 expression and M-CSF secretion in osteoblast cultures and calcitriol-mediated osteoclastogenesis in co-cultures. In conclusion, our results indicate that PDGFR signaling in osteoblast lineage cells controls bone resorption through ERK1/2-mediated Csf1 expression. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Adverse Effects of High-Dose Vitamin D Supplementation on Volumetric Bone Density Are Greater in Females than Males
Authors: Burt Lauren A , Billington Emma O , Rose Marianne S , Kremer Richard , Hanley David A , Boyd Steven K
Published: August 2020

Three years of high-dose vitamin D supplementation (400 IU, 4000 IU, 10,000 IU) in healthy vitamin D–sufficient individuals aged 55 to 70 years (serum 25(OH)D 30–125 nmol/L at baseline), resulted in a negative dose-response relationship for bone density and strength. This study examined whether response differed between males and females. A total of 311 participants (53% male) were randomized to 400 IU (male = 61, female = 48), 4000 IU (male = 51, female = 49), or 10,000 IU (male = 53, female = 49) daily vitamin D3. Participants were scanned with high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) to measure total volumetric BMD (TtBMD) at baseline, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. Finite element analysis estimated bone strength. Balance, physical function, and clinical biochemistry parameters were also assessed. Constrained linear mixed effects models determined time-by-treatment group-by-sex interactions. Baseline, 3-month, and 3-year levels of 25(OH)D were 76.3, 76.7, and 77.4 nmol/L (400 IU); 81.3, 115.3, and 132.2 (4000 IU); and 78.4, 188.0, and 144.4 (10,000 IU), respectively. There were significant time-by-treatment group-by-sex interactions for TtBMD at the radius (p = .002) and tibia (p = .005). Treatment with 4000 IU or 10,000 IU compared to 400 IU resulted in TtBMD losses in females, but this was not observed with males. After 3 years, females lost 1.8% (400 IU), 3.8% (4000 IU), and 5.5% (10,000 IU), whereas males lost 0.9% (400 IU), 1.3% (4000 IU), and 1.9% (10,000 IU) at the radius. At the tibia, losses in TtBMD were smaller, but followed a similar trend. There were no significant bone strength interactions. Vitamin D supplementation with 4000 IU or 10,000 IU, compared with 400 IU daily, resulted in greater losses of TtBMD over 3 years in healthy vitamin D–sufficient females, but not males. These results are clinically relevant, because vitamin D supplementation is widely administered to postmenopausal females for osteoporosis prevention. Our findings do not support a benefit of high-dose vitamin D supplementation for bone health, and raise the possibility of harm for females. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Sclerostin Regulation, Microarchitecture, and Advanced Glycation End-Products in the Bone of Elderly Women With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Piccoli Alessandra , Cannata Francesca , Strollo Rocky , Pedone Claudio , Leanza Giulia , Russo Fabrizio , Greto Valentina , Isgrò Camilla , Quattrocchi Carlo Cosimo , Massaroni Carlo , Silvestri Sergio , Vadalà Gianluca , Bisogno Tiziana , Denaro Vincenzo , Pozzilli Paolo , Tang Simon Y , Silva Matt J , Conte Caterina , Papalia Rocco , Maccarrone Mauro , Napoli Nicola
Published: August 2020

Increased circulating sclerostin and accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are two potential mechanisms underlying low bone turnover and increased fracture risk in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Whether the expression of the sclerostin-encoding SOST gene is altered in T2D, and whether it is associated with AGEs accumulation or regulation of other bone formation-related genes is unknown. We hypothesized that AGEs accumulate and SOST gene expression is upregulated in bones from subjects with T2D, leading to downregulation of bone forming genes (RUNX2 and osteocalcin) and impaired bone microarchitecture and strength. We obtained bone tissue from femoral heads of 19 T2D postmenopausal women (mean glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] 6.5%) and 73 age- and BMI-comparable nondiabetic women undergoing hip replacement surgery. Despite similar bone mineral density (BMD) and biomechanical properties, we found a significantly higher SOST (p = .006) and a parallel lower RUNX2 (p = .025) expression in T2D compared with non-diabetic subjects. Osteocalcin gene expression did not differ between T2D and non-diabetic subjects, as well as circulating osteocalcin and sclerostin levels. We found a 1.5-fold increase in total bone AGEs content in T2D compared with non-diabetic women (364.8 ± 78.2 versus 209.9 ± 34.4 μg quinine/g collagen, respectively; p < .001). AGEs bone content correlated with worse bone microarchitecture, including lower volumetric BMD (r = −0.633; p = .02), BV/TV (r = −0.59; p = .033) and increased trabecular separation/spacing (r = 0.624; p = .023). In conclusion, our data show that even in patients with good glycemic control, T2D affects the expression of genes controlling bone formation (SOST and RUNX2). We also found that accumulation of AGEs is associated with impaired bone microarchitecture. We provide novel insights that may help understand the mechanisms underlying bone fragility in T2D. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Enhancing Pediatric Adverse Drug Reaction Documentation in the Electronic Medical Record
Authors: Tillman Emma M. , Suppes Sarah L. , Feldman Keith , Goldman Jennifer L.
Published: August 2020

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) often go unreported or are inaccurately documented in the electronic medical recorded (EMR), even when they are severe and life‐threatening. Incomplete reporting can lead to future prescribing challenges and ADR reoccurrence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the documentation of ADRs within the EMR and determine specific factors associated with appropriate and timely ADR documentation. Retrospective data were collected from a pediatric hospital system ADR reports from October 2010 to November 2018. Data included implicated medication, type, and severity of reaction, treatment location, the presence or absence of ADR documentation in the EMR alert profile within 24 hours of the ADR hospital or clinic encounter discharge, ADR identification method, and the presence or absence of pharmacovigilance oversight at the facility where the ADR was treated. A linear regression model was applied to identify factors contributing to optimal ADR documentation. A total of 3065 ADRs requiring medical care were identified. Of these, 961 ADRs (31%) did not have appropriate documentation added to the EMR alert profile prior to discharge. ADRs were documented in the EMR 87% of the time with the presence of pharmacovigilance oversight and only 61% without prospective pharmacovigilance (P < .01). Severity of ADR was not a predictor of ADR documentation in the EMR, yet the implicated medication and location of treatment did impact reporting. An active pharmacovigilance service significantly improved pediatric ADR documentation. Further work is needed to assure timely, accurate ADR documentation.
Point of care ultrasound and ocular injuries: A case of lens dislocation and a comprehensive review of the literature
Authors: Pyle Matthew , Gallerani Christina , Weston Christopher , Frasure Sarah E , Pourmand Ali
Published: August 2020

Point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) can help the clinician diagnose different ocular pathologies including retinal detachment, vitreous detachment, lens dislocation, and intraocular foreign bodies. Ocular pathologies such as blurry vision, double vision, loss of vision, and eye trauma are common chief complaints and require a comprehensive evaluation in order to determine the etiology and choose the correct treatment. Specifically ultrasound can help the clinician decide whether an urgent ophthalmology consult is appropriate. We present a case in which a lens dislocation was diagnosed using POCUS and review the available literature.
AnMRI‐Based Radiomic Nomogram for Discrimination Between Malignant and Benign Sinonasal Tumors
Authors: Zhang Han , Wang Hexiang , Hao Dapeng , Ge Yaqiong , Wan Guangyao , Zhang Jun , Liu Shunli , Zhang Yu , Xu Deguang
Published: August 2020

Background

Preoperative discrimination between malignant and benign sinonasal tumors is important for treatment plan selection.

Purpose

To build and validate a radiomic nomogram for preoperative discrimination between malignant and benign sinonasal tumors.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

In all, 197 patients with histopathologically confirmed 84 benign and 113 malignant sinonasal tumors.

Field Strength/Sequences

Fast‐spin‐echo (FSE) T1‐weighted and fat‐suppressed FSE T2‐weighted imaging on a 1.5T and 3.0T MRI.

Assessment

T1and fat‐suppressed T2‐weighted images were selected for feature extraction. The least absolute shrinkage selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was applied to establish a radiomic score. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to determine independent risk factors, and the radiomic score was combined to build a radiomic nomogram. The nomogram was assessed in a training dataset (n =138/3.0T MRI) and tested in a validation dataset (n =59/1.5T MRI).

Statistical Tests

Independentt‐test or Wilcoxon's test, chi‐square‐test, or Fisher's‐test, univariate analysis, LASSO, multivariate logistic regression analysis, area under the curve (AUC), Hosmer–Lemeshow test, decision curve, and the Delong test.

Results

In the validation dataset, the radiomic nomogram could differentiate benign from malignant sinonasal tumors with an AUC of 0.91. There was no significant difference in AUC between the combined radiomic score and radiomic nomogram (P > 0.05), and the radiomic nomogram showed a relatively higher AUC than the combined radiomic score. There was a significant difference in AUC between each two of the following models (the radiomic nomogram vs. the clinical model, allP < 0.001; the combined radiomic score vs. the clinical model,P= 0.0252 and 0.0035, respectively, in the training and validation datasets). The radiomic nomogram outperformed the radiomic scores and clinical model.

Data Conclusion

The radiomic nomogram combining the clinical model and radiomic score is a simple, effective, and reliable method for patient risk stratification.

Level of Evidence

4

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
Ocular findings in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in an outbreak hospital
Authors: Öncül Hasan , Öncül Fatma Y. , Alakus Mehmet F. , Çağlayan Mehtap , Dag Umut
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the ocular findings observed in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and to present the relationship between ocular involvement, systemic findings, and laboratory results.

Material and Methods

This cross‐sectional study was carried out between 1 May and 30 June 2020. The study included 359 patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 and assessed by clinical evaluation, nasopharyngeal polymerase chain reaction, and lung computed tomography.

Results

One hundred ninety‐seven (54.9%) of the patients were male and 162 (45.1%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 58.5 years (20‐91). Two hundred ninety‐four (81.9%) patients were treated in the inpatient clinic and 65 (18.1%) patients were treated in the intensive care unit. Various ocular diseases were observed in 16 (4.5%) of the patients. Although the rate of ocular disease was 12 out of 294 (4.1%) in patients followed up in the inpatient clinic, this rate was 4 out of 65 (6.2%) in intensive care patients. There was no systemic problem in one patient, in whom conjunctival hyperemia was the first and only reason for admission to the hospital. Four patients followed up in the inpatient clinic had conjunctivitis at the time of admission, and conjunctivitis occurred in three patients during hospitalization. Subconjunctival hemorrhage occurred in five patients and vitreous hemorrhage in one patient.

Conclusion

Ocular diseases are uncommon in COVID‐19 patients but may occur during the first period of the disease or during follow‐up. Ocular diseases may be the initial or only sign of COVID‐19 infection.
Nutrition During Critical Care: An Audit on Actual Energy and Protein Intakes
Authors: Rougier Loïc , Preiser Jean‐Charles , Fadeur Marjorie , Verbrugge Anne‐Marie , Paquot Nicolas , Ledoux Didier , Misset Benoit , Rousseau Anne‐Françoise
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Oral nutrition is delivered frequently in intensive care units (ICUs) but rarely studied. The primary objective of this study was to quantify nutrition intakes in patients exclusively orally fed (OF) and in those receiving medical nutrition solutions or both.

Methods

Adults who stayed in a mixed ICU for ≥3 days were studied. Nutrition deficits were calculated as the difference between estimated energy or protein targets (determined by weight‐based formulas) and actual intakes (recorded on a daily basis by nurses). Total volumes of enteral or parenteral nutrition solutions, propofol, and glucose infused over 24 hours were collected and energy and protein amounts were calculated. In OF patients, food intake at each meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) was estimated using the “one‐quarter portion” method.

Results

Among the 289 included patients aged 67 (57–75.5) years, 253 were fed and received, on average, 14.3 (7.8–19) kcal/kg/d and 0.53 (0.27–0.8) g/kg/d protein. In OF patients (n = 126), intakes were 9.7 (5.8–19) kcal/kg/d and 0.35 (0.17–0.57) g/kg/d protein. In the subset of OF patients with ICU stay ≥ 7 days (n = 37), respectively, 51% and 94% never received ≥80% of their energy and protein targets.

Conclusion

Nutrition intakes were lower by oral feeding compared with other exclusive or combined medical nutrition. Compared with the prescribed amounts, the deficit was larger for proteins than for energy.
Clinical Characteristics of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Requiring Long‐Term Parenteral Support in the Present Era of Highly Effective Biologic Therapy
Authors: Kurin Michael , Anderson Alyce , Ramos Rivers Claudia , Koutroumpakis Filippos , Centa Patricia , Bender‐Heine Juliette , Kozak Gina , Kramer Elisabeth , O'Keefe Stephen J. , Whitcomb David C. , Levinthal David J. , Koutroubakis Ioannis E. , Dunn Michael A. , Hashash Jana G. , Binion David G.
Published: August 2020

Background

Despite advances in the medical management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a subset of patients may require extensive surgery, leading to short‐bowel syndrome/intestinal failure requiring long‐term home parenteral nutrition (PN) or customized intravenous fluid (IVF) support. Our aim was to further define the characteristics of IBD patients requiring home PN/IVF.

Methods

This is an observational study from a prospective IBD research registry. Patients receiving long‐term home PN/IVF support during 2009–2015 were identified and compared with remaining IBD patients. Demographics, surgical history, smoking, narcotic use, IBD treatment, healthcare charges, and presence of biomarkers were reviewed. The IBD‐PN group was stratified into 3 groups based on median healthcare charges.

Results

Of 2359 IBD patients, there were 25 (1%, 24 with Crohn's disease) who required home PN/IVF, and 250 randomly selected IBD patients matched for disease type formed the control population. Median duration of PN use was 27 months (interquartile range, 11–66). PN use was significantly associated with smoking, narcotic use, IBD‐related operations, and lower quality‐of‐life scores. Among IBD‐PN patients, 7 of 25 (28%, 3 after use of teduglutide) were able to successfully discontinue this modality. Median healthcare charges in the IBD‐PN group were $51,456 annually. Median charges in the controls were $3427. Period prevalence mortality was 11.5% in IBD‐PN and 3.8% in controls.

Conclusions

IBD patients requiring long‐term home PN/IVF support are a small minority in the present era of immunomodulator/biologic therapy. These refractory patients have a 15‐fold increase in annual median healthcare charges compared with control IBD patients.
Salt hydration and drop drying of two model calcium salts: Implications for foliar nutrient absorption and deposition
Authors: Fernández Victoria , Pimentel Carlos , Bahamonde Héctor A.
Published: August 2020

Background:Hygroscopic salts are often applied as foliar fertilizers and calcium (Ca) salts have been used as model for cuticular permeability studies, with focus on their Point of Deliquescence (POD).

Aim:This study was aimed at characterizing water sorption and desorption processes at 20, 30, and 40°C temperature (T), of two model Ca salts commonly used as foliar sprays.

Methods:Trials were developed with pure Ca‐chloride and Ca‐nitrate salts in addition to 2 M and 150 mM Ca solutions. Salts were analyzed by Dynamic Vapour Sorption (DVS) and climate chamber experiments.

Results:For both Ca salts, water sorption and desorption processes followed hysteresis curves which varied with T. Salt POD was T‐dependent and generally decreased with increasing T. For both Ca salts, the process of efflorescence began at or below 10% RH, at a certain level of water desorption Ca‐salts becoming highly concentrated solutions (HCS).

Conclusions:Owing to the low point of efflorescence (POE) of both salts, drops of Ca‐chloride and Ca‐nitrate supplied as foliar sprays will not fully dry under normal RH and T conditions in most world areas. Both Ca salts have a similarly high foliar penetration potential despite their different POD. The significance of the results for the potential absorption of foliar fertilizers and salts by the foliage is discussed under an agronomic and eco‐physiological viewpoint.
Lipid Composition Differences of Periphyton, Crustaceans, and Small Fishes in Response to Eutrophication and Management in the Florida Everglades,USA
Authors: Bellinger Brent J. , Cook Mark I. , Hagerthey Scot E. , Newman Susan , Kobza Robert M.
Published: August 2020

Eutrophication of the Florida Everglades, USA, has altered the characteristics of the ecosystem, but management strategies are being implemented to accelerate recovery. In this study, we described lipid compositional similarities and differences between periphyton, fish, and crustaceans, and explored if eutrophication and creation of new open‐water sloughs in phosphorus (P)‐impacted regions of a Northern Everglades impoundment resulted in changes in periphyton biomass and lipid composition, and the lipid composition of a ubiquitous omnivore,Gambusia holbrooki. Lipid biomarker analysis provided insight into microbial community composition, quality of basal resources, and potential resources utilized by consumers. Periphyton biomass and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) composition differed in response to eutrophication, but not between P‐impacted control and treatment plots. Shifts in relative abundances of lipids indicative of diatoms and green algae mirrored known taxonomic shifts due to eutrophication. For fauna, PLFA were a small and relatively distinct component of the overall total lipid make‐up, and profiles were similar between control and treatment plots. However, the PLFA profile ofG. holbrookidiffered between oligotrophic and eutrophic regions. Fish and crustacean lipids contained significantly greater relative abundances of polyunsaturated fatty acids than were found in periphyton, and profiles differed between fish and crustaceans, suggesting organisms were selectively accumulating or elongating and desaturating lipidsde novo, to meet physiological needs. This study builds on findings of microbial responses to eutrophication and recent observations that consumer PLFA profiles can also shift with P‐enrichment.
Influence of Alkyl Substitution Position on Wide‐Bandgap Polymers in High‐Efficiency Nonfullerene Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Guo Qing , Li Wanbin , Li Guangda , Wang Kun , Guo Xia , Zhang Maojie , Li Yongfang , Wong Wai‐Yeung
Published: August 2020

Two wide‐bandgap (WBG) conjugated polymers (PBPD‐p and PBPD‐m) based on phenyl‐substituted benzodithiophene (BDT) with the different substitution position of the alkyl side chain and benzodithiophene‐4,8‐dione (BDD) units are designed and synthesized to investigate the influence of alkyl substitution position on the photovoltaic performance of polymers in polymer solar cells (PSCs). The thermogravimetric analysis, absorption spectroscopy, molecular energy level, X‐ray diffraction, charge transport and photovoltaic performance of the polymers are systematically studied. Compared with PBPD‐p, PBPD‐m exhibits a slight blue‐shift but a deeper highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level, a tighter alkyl chain packing and a higher hole mobility. The PBPD‐m‐based PSCs blended with acceptor IT‐4F shows a higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 11.95% with a high open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.88 V, a short‐circuit current density (Jsc) of 19.76 mA cm−2 and a fill factor (FF) of 68.7% when compared with the PCE of 6.97% with a Voc of 0.81 V, a Jsc of 15.97 mA cm−2 and an FF of 53.9% for PBPD‐p. These results suggest that it is a feasible and effective strategy to optimize photovoltaic properties of WBG polymers by changing the substitution position of alkyl side chain in PSCs.
Visible Light—Responsive Drug Delivery Nanoparticle via Donor–Acceptor Stenhouse Adducts (DASA)
Authors: Yap Jeaniffer E. , Zhang Lin , Lovegrove Jordan T. , Beves Jonathon E. , Stenzel Martina H.
Published: August 2020

Stimuli‐responsive drug release from a nanocarrier triggered by light enables the control of the amount of drug locally. Here, block copolymer micelles based on poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMEMA) as the hydrophilic block and a polymer with pendant donor–acceptor Stenhouse adducts (DASA) are used as a means to trigger the release of drugs under green light. The micelles are loaded with ellipticine to yield light‐responsive nanoparticles with sizes of around 35 nm according to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. Two micelles with a drug loading content of 4.75 and 7.4 wt% are prepared, but the micelle with the higher drug loading content leads to substantial protein adsorption. The release of ellipticine from the micelle, which is monitored using the polarity‐sensitive fluorescence of ellipticine, can be switched on by light and off by thermal recovery of DASA in the dark. The micelles are readily taken up by Michigan Cancer Foundation‐7 breast cancer cells. Subsequent light irradiation leads to enhanced drug release inside the cell as seen by the enhanced fluorescence.
Cryogelation of Human Hair Keratins
Authors: Chua Huei Min , Zhao Zhitong , Ng Kee Woei
Published: August 2020

Human hair keratins (HHK) are known for their biocompatibility and potential to regulate cell response, possibly due to the presence of the leucine‐aspartic‐valine cell adhesion and signaling motifs. Together with the abundance of cysteine residues in HHK, 3D HHK scaffolds are fabricated through cryogelation based on spontaneous disulfide crosslinks and noncovalent interactions. Herein, the molecular mechanism of HHK self‐assembly during cryogelation is interrogated and the influence of cryogelation parameters on the properties of the resultant scaffolds is studied. With successive freeze–thaw cycles, the storage modulus (G′) of HHK cryogels substantially improves from 116.4 Pa at freeze–thaw cycle 3 (FT3) to 1908.7 Pa at freeze–thaw cycle 10 (FT10). Meanwhile, it is found that complete thiol‐capping of HHK samples significantly inhibits cryogel formation as compared to partially or uncapped HHK samples, suggesting the dominant role of disulfide stabilization in cryogelation. Finally, uniaxial compression tests on HHK sponges demonstrate that FT cycling, from 0 to 10, is able to improve the compression modulus of sponges by ≈12‐folds. These findings show that macroscale properties of HHK cryogels can be conveniently modulated by physical parameters of cryogelation and that disulfide bonding is the main stabilizing force in HHK cryogels.
Photo‐Degradable Micelles Capable of Releasing of Carbon Monoxide under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Zhang Mingyang , Cheng Jian , Huang Xuming , Zhang Guoying , Ding Shenggang , Hu Jinming , Qiao Ruirui
Published: August 2020

Carbon monoxide (CO) has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of many diseases. However, the therapeutic outcome is highly dependent on the dosages and administration sites. Hence, there is mounting interest in the development of CO‐releasing materials to accomplish site‐specific and dose‐controlled delivery of CO. Herein, a micellar nanoparticle platform for the photo‐mediated release of CO by using amphiphilic triblock copolymers bearing CO‐releasing moieties of 3‐hydroxylflavone (3‐HF) derivatives within the middle blocks is developed. These micelles are relatively stable without CO leakage but undergo visible light‐mediated CO release and simultaneous main chain scission. Moreover, these micellar nanoparticles are cytocompatible regardless of light irradiation, which shows unique anti‐inflammatory performance only after light irradiation as a result of photo‐triggered CO release. This work may represent the first example of main‐chain degradable micellar nanocarriers with controlled CO‐releasing performance for potential anti‐inflammatory applications.