bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impulse für den Aufschwung
Authors: Rübberdt Kathrin
Published: September 2020

Vom 14. bis 18. Juni 2021 wird die Weltleitmesse für die Prozessindustrie in Frankfurt ihre Pforten öffnen, mit Hygienekonzept und neuen digitalen und hybriden Elementen.
Effect of virtual error sensor location for active sound quality control in a car cabin
Authors: Ryu Seokhoon , Kim Seonghyeon , Lee Young‐Sup
Published: September 2020

A virtual error microphone‐based active sound quality control (VEM‐ASQC) algorithm is proposed to make engine sound quality better inside a car cabin in this study. In a single‐input and single‐output system, if a VEM is installed at either left or right ear, the sound pressure level (SPL) at the other ear can be fluctuated, and this leads the excessive SPL difference between the two ears when previous methods were applied. In this paper, an uncomplicated method that can make engine sounds at both left and right ears track the target engine sound levels with less errors and reduces the left‐right tracking error (TE) (in SPL) difference was investigated. The suggested VEM‐ASQC algorithm was implemented in an actual car for real‐time control experiment, and target profiles of nine engine orders were designed to control the sound quality actively. The control experiment showed that the proposed approach reduces the errors to track the target levels and the left‐right TE differences more compared to those by the previous methods.
p.P476S mutation of RBPJL inhibits the efficacy of anti‐PD‐1 therapy in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma by blunting T‐cell responses
Authors: Miao Lei , Wei Xiao‐Li , Zhao Qi , Qi JingJing , Ren Chao , Wu Qi‐Nian , Wei Da‐Liang , Liu Jia , Wang Feng‐Hua , Xu Rui‐Hua
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Anti‐PD‐1 immune checkpoint blockade represents the onset of a new era in cancer immunotherapy. However, robust predictors are necessary for screening patients with immune checkpoint‐responsive oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods

We obtained biopsy samples from an ESCC patient with mixed responses. The expression of CD4, CD8, CD68, PD‐L1, RBPJL and IL‐16 was analysed by immunohistochemistry, and the correlation with prognostic value was obtained from the GEPIA portal. T‐cell functions were examined by flow cytometry, MTS and transwell assays. The secreted cytokines were identified using an Inflammation Array Kit. The concentration of soluble IFN‐γ was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The clinical benefit of RBPJL was examined in a PBMC xenograft mouse model.

Results

The patient had an exceptional clinical response with shrinkage of the primary oesophageal and lung metastatic lesions as well as enlargement of liver metastatic lesions after toripalimab monotherapy. Four liver‐specific gene mutations were identified. RBPJL showed better response to toripalimab in the PBMC cell‐derived xenograft (CDX) ESCC model. Conditional medium from RBPJL overexpression induced chemotaxis and proliferation of T lymphocytes, as well as Th2/Th1 differentiation through the RBPJL‐NF‐κB‐IL‐16 axis in vitro. These functions were all inhibited by the p.P476S mutation of RBPJL (RBPJL (p.P476S)).

Conclusions

We report for the first time that RBPJL (p.P476S) promotes tumor growth in ESCC and inhibits the efficacy of anti‐PD‐1 therapy through blunting T‐cell responses. Our findings provide a potential new predictor for evaluating the efficacy of anti‐PD‐1 therapy in ESCC patients.
Effectiveness of internet‐based guided self‐help for binge‐eating disorder and characteristics of completers versus noncompleters
Authors: Jensen Esben Skov , Linnet Jakob , Holmberg Trine Theresa , Tarp Kristine , Nielsen Jakob Hyldig , Lichtenstein Mia Beck
Published: September 2020

Objective

Binge‐eating disorder (BED) is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating, accompanied by a lack of control and feelings of shame. Online intervention is a promising, accessible treatment approach for BED. In the current study, we compared completers with noncompleters in a 10‐session guided internet‐based treatment program (iBED) based on cognitive behavioral therapy.

Methods

Adults (N = 75) with mild to moderate BED participated in iBED with weekly written support from psychologists. Participants were compared on the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE‐Q), diagnostic criteria for BED (BED‐Q), major depression inventory (MDI), quality of life (EQ‐5D‐5L), body mass index (BMI) and sociodemographic variables.

Results

Minor differences were observed between completers and noncompleters on depression. No differences were found in BED‐symptoms, BMI, and sociodemographic variables. Participants who completed treatment showed large reductions in eating disorder pathology.

Discussion

More research is needed to determine risk factors for attrition or treatment outcome in internet‐based interventions for BED. It is suggested that iBED is an efficient intervention for BED. However, more studies of internet‐interventions are needed.
Mimicry and mitonuclear discordance in nudibranchs: New insights from exon capture phylogenomics
Authors: Layton Kara K. S. , Carvajal Jose I. , Wilson Nerida G.
Published: September 2020

Phylogenetic inference and species delimitation can be challenging in taxonomic groups that have recently radiated and where introgression produces conflicting gene trees, especially when species delimitation has traditionally relied on mitochondrial data and color pattern. Chromodoris, a genus of colorful and toxic nudibranch in the Indo‐Pacific, has been shown to have extraordinary cryptic diversity and mimicry, and has recently radiated, ultimately complicating species delimitation. In these cases, additional genome‐wide data can help improve phylogenetic resolution and provide important insights about evolutionary history. Here, we employ a transcriptome‐based exon capture approach to resolve Chromodoris phylogeny with data from 2,925 exons and 1,630 genes, derived from 15 nudibranch transcriptomes. We show that some previously identified mimics instead show mitonuclear discordance, likely deriving from introgression or mitochondrial capture, but we confirm one “pure” mimic in Western Australia. Sister–species relationships and species‐level entities were recovered with high support in both concatenated maximum likelihood (ML) and summary coalescent phylogenies, but the ML topologies were highly variable while the coalescent topologies were consistent across datasets. Our work also demonstrates the broad phylogenetic utility of 149 genes that were previously identified from eupulmonate gastropods. This study is one of the first to (a) demonstrate the efficacy of exon capture for recovering relationships among recently radiated invertebrate taxa, (b) employ genome‐wide nuclear markers to test mimicry hypotheses in nudibranchs and (c) provide evidence for introgression and mitochondrial capture in nudibranchs.
The role of sacubitril/valsartan in the management of cardiac resynchronization therapy non‐responders: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Chun Kyeong‐Hyeon , Oh Jaewon , Yu Hee Tae , Lee Chan Joo , Kim Tae‐Hoon , Uhm Jae Sun , Pak Hui‐Nam , Lee Moon‐Hyoung , Joung Boyoung , Kang Seok‐Min
Published: September 2020

Aims

Optimal medical therapy after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implantation is important in heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients. Although sacubitril/valsartan (SV) is a mainstay in the treatment of HFrEF, its efficacy in the management of CRT non‐responders has not been emphasized. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of SV in CRT non‐responders.

Methods and results

We analysed 175 HFrEF patients who received CRT implantation between January 2010 and January 2019. CRT responder was defined as a decrease in left ventricular (LV) end‐systolic volume > 15% on echocardiography 6 months after implantation. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Patients underwent follow‐up for HF rehospitalization, heart transplantation (HT), implantation of a LV assistant device (LVAD), cardiac death, and all‐cause death. Among the study population, 164 patients were evaluated for CRT response; 54 (33%) were CRT non‐responders. Four patients (6%) who received SV before CRT implantation were excluded, leaving 50 patients for analysis. Twenty‐two non‐responders (44%) received SV. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between SV users and non‐users (n = 28). During follow‐up, SV users had significantly lower incidence of all‐cause death [1 (5%) vs. 10 (36%), P = 0.022] and tended to have lower HF rehospitalization [6 (27%) vs. 16 (57%), P = 0.068] and cardiac death (including HT and LVAD implant) [2 (9%) vs. 10 (36%), P = 0.064]. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed that SV use was associated with a lower risk of cardiac death (including HT and LVAD implant) (log‐rank P = 0.029).

Conclusions

SV treatment was related to a lower incidence of cardiac death including HT and LVAD implant in CRT non‐responders. The optimization of HF management, including SV, should be considered in CRT non‐responders.
Prognostic value of Mini Nutritional Assessment—Short Form with aortic valve stenosis following transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Doi Shunichi , Ashikaga Kohei , Kida Keisuke , Watanabe Mika , Yoneyama Kihei , Suzuki Norio , Kuwata Shingo , Kaihara Toshiki , Koga Masashi , Okuyama Kazuaki , Kamijima Ryo , Tanabe Yasuhiro , Takeichi Naoya , Watanabe Satoshi , Izumo Masaki , Ishibashi Yuki , Akashi Yoshihiro J.
Published: September 2020

Aims

Older adults at risk for malnutrition are known to have a high mortality rate. This study aimed to investigate whether the Mini Nutritional Assessment—Short Form (MNA‐SF) could predict midterm mortality in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Methods and results

We applied the MNA‐SF in 288 patients who had undergone TAVI from January 2016 to June 2019 at the St. Marianna University School of Medicine hospital. Using the MNA‐SF cut‐off value to indicate the risk of malnutrition, patients were divided into two groups, namely, those with an MNA‐SF score ≤11 (impaired MNA‐SF group) and those with an MNA‐SF score ≥12 (maintained MNA‐SF group). We used this value to investigate the association between the MNA‐SF and all‐cause mortality. Overall, 188 (65%) and 100 (35%) patients comprised the impaired MNA‐SF and maintained MNA‐SF groups, respectively, and 41 patients died after TAVI (mean follow‐up duration, 458 ± 315 days). Kaplan–Meier analyses showed that patients in the impaired MNA‐SF group had a significantly higher incidence of all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio 2.67; 95% confidence interval 1.29–6.21; P = 0.01). Multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that the MNA‐SF score was an independent predictor of all‐cause mortality after adjusting for the Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk score, Katz Index, and brain natriuretic peptide test results (hazard ratio 1.14; 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.28; P = 0.04).

Conclusions

The MNA‐SF was useful to screen for the risk of malnutrition in patients with TAVI and in predicting midterm prognoses in patients undergoing TAVI and could predict patient mortality after the procedure.
Stay focused and reduce stress while working from home, meeting virtually
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: September 2020

One of the major challenges almost all sectors have faced during the COVID‐19 pandemic has been the adjustment to working from home and conducting business virtually. The transition, along with seemingly endless virtual conference meetings and the anxiety and stress over the pandemic, might have made it difficult to focus over the last few months or to feel productive.
Claiming credit and avoiding blame: political accountability in Greek and Turkish responses to the COVID‐19 crisis
Authors: Zahariadis Nikolaos , Petridou Evangelia , Oztig Lacin Idil
Published: September 2020

Using a framework developed by Hood and adapting it to crises, we explore the factors behind the use of three types of political accountability strategies— presentational, policy, and agency—during responses to the COVID‐19 crisis in Greece and Turkey. We situate the comparison in the current political context and conclude with implications for political survival as leaders attempt to balance public accountability, political expediency, and national health.
The Combined Algae Test for the Evaluation of Mixture Toxicity in Environmental Samples
Authors: Glauch Lisa , Escher Beate I.
Published: September 2020

The combined algae test is a 96-well plate-based algal toxicity assay with the green algae Raphidocelis subcapitata that combines inhibition of 24-h population growth rate with inhibition of photosynthesis detected after 2 and 24 h with pulse-amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometry using a Maxi-Imaging PAM. The combined algae test has been in use for more than a decade but has had limitations due to incompatibilities of the measurements of the 2 biological endpoints on the same microtiter plates. These limitations could be overcome by increasing growth rates and doubling times on black, clear-bottom 96-well plates by application of dichromatic red/blue light-emitting diode illumination. Different robotic dosing approaches and additional data evaluation methods helped to further expand the applicability domain of the assay. The combined algae test differentiates between nonspecifically acting compounds and photosynthesis inhibitors, such as photosystem II (PSII) herbicides. The PSII herbicides acted immediately on photosynthesis and showed growth rate inhibition at higher concentrations. If growth was a similar or more sensitive endpoint than photosynthesis inhibition, this was an indication that the tested chemical acted nonspecifically or that a mixture or a water sample was dominated by chemicals other than PSII herbicides acting on algal growth. We fingerprinted the effects of 45 chemicals on photosynthesis inhibition and growth rate and related the effects of the single compounds to designed mixtures of these chemicals detected in water samples and to the effects directly measured in water samples. Most of the observed effects in the water samples could be explained by known photosystem II inhibitors such as triazines and phenylurea herbicides. The improved setup of the combined algae test gave results consistent with those of the previous method but has lower costs, higher throughput, and higher precision. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2496–2508. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

The combined algae test (CAT) allows cost-efficient high-throughput monitoring of chemicals and water samples for their algae toxicity with a diagnostic component to differentiate between the mixture effects of photosynthesis inhibitors and other chemicals.
Q‐learning based flexible task scheduling in a global view for the Internet of Things
Authors: Ge Junxiao , Liu Bin , Wang Tian , Yang Qiang , Liu Anfeng , Li Ang
Published: September 2020

With billions of sensor‐based devices connected to the Internet of Things (IoT), it is a pivotal issue to design an effective task scheduling scheme when the resource of sensor nodes is limited. In the past, Q‐learning based task scheduling scheme which only focuses on the node angle led to poor performance of the whole network. Thus, a Q‐learning based flexible task scheduling with global view (QFTS‐GV) scheme is proposed to improve task scheduling success rate, reduce delay, and extend lifetime for the IoT. First, the Q‐learning framework, including state set, action set, and rewards function is defined in a global view so as to forms the basis of the QFTS‐GV scheme. Then, a task scheduling policy is established with distinguishing rewards for nodes in different areas of the network, so the energy‐strained nodes can be protected to ensure a high lifetime, and the energy‐relaxed nodes can increase their transmission power to promote the benefits of the whole network. Finally, experimental results demonstrate that the QFTS‐GV scheme can achieve a higher task scheduling success rate, lower delay, and less energy consumption. Compared with the Q‐learning based task scheduling scheme, the QFTS‐GV improves the task scheduling success rate by 1.42% to 7.13%, reduces the delay by 24.60% to 42.56%, and saves energy by 21.18% to 36.60%.
Effect of Maillard reaction conditions on the solubility and molecular properties of wheat gluten–maltose conjugates
Authors: Song Yongling , Yang Shaoming , Li Jianghe
Published: September 2020

In this experiment, the conjugation reaction between gluten and maltose via Maillard reaction under dry‐heated condition was studied. The process conditions for the preparation of protein–maltose conjugates with optimum solubility were optimized by using Box‐Behnken model. The conjugation reaction and the structure changes of the protein–maltose conjugates were confirmed by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the process conditions for the preparation of protein–maltose conjugates with optimum solubility were as follows: temperature 50.72°C, time 1.92 days, and gluten/maltose (W/W) 267.36%. The infrared spectroscopy showed that the structure of the modified protein had a very obvious change, including the decrease in β‐fold and β‐turn and the increase in α‐helix at a certain degree. But the conjugation reaction has little effect on the irregular coiled structure. The scanning electron microscopy showed that the microstructure of gluten is small grainy, but gluten–maltose conjugate looks sheet with bigger volume.
Antimicrobial activity of Satureja Khuzestanica Jamzad and Satureja bachtiarica Bunge essential oils against Shigella flexneri and Escherichia coli in table cream containing Lactobacillus plantarum LU5
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Mohammad Bagher , Khodaei Diako
Published: September 2020

The essential oils (EOs) from Marzeh khuzestani (Satureja Khuzestanica Jamzad) and Marzeh bakhtiari (Satureja bachtiarica Bunge) were analyzed and their antibacterial activities on Shigella flexneri and Escherichia coli in probiotic table cream containing Lactobacillus plantarum LU5 were evaluated. Carvacrol (86.5%) was the main component of Marzeh khuzestani, but thymol (33.5%), carvacrol (14.2%), borneol (13.4%), and linalool (11.5%) were the major constituents of Marzeh Bakhtiari EOs. Marzeh khuzestani exhibited the highest antibacterial/bactericidal activity on the tested bacteria. EOs combination showed no interaction on the L. plantarum but a synergism effect to inhibit the pathogen strains observed. Agar diffusion assay showed the highest inhibitory effect on S. flexneri (32.7 mm), E. coli (28.4 mm), and L. plantarum (24.7 mm) for the combination 2:1 Marzeh khuzestani:Marzeh Bakhtiari (p ≤ .05). The antibacterial activity of mixture of EOs in creams was evaluated and the sample contained of 1%k + 1%b showed the highest antibacterial activity after day 10 of storage (by lowering the number of E. coli, S. flexneri, and L. plantarum to 2.3, 1.9, and 1.4 log CFU/g compared to control sample). Overall acceptability of creams slightly decreased by the increase in EOs addition and the highest acceptability score of 7.9 observed for the sample contained 0.5%k + 0.5%b EOs. However, all treatments exhibited a high acceptance level that it confirms that the addition of EOs mixture had no effect on the sensorial attributes of the creams. The combination of tested EOs can be used as an antimicrobial agent in probiotic food products containing L. plantarum.
Experimental investigation of CO2–brine–rock interactions in relation with CO2 sequestration in an Iranian oil reservoir
Authors: Akbari Rozita , Khodapanah Elnaz , Tabatabaei‐Nezhad Seyyed Alireza
Published: September 2020

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of geologic CO2 sequestration in terms of CO2‐brine‐rock interactions in Ramin oil field, Iran. Static experiments were conducted with carbonate rocks at 70°C and atmospheric pressure for 14, 30, and 60 days. CO2‐brine‐rock interactions were inferred from the evaluation of Ca2+, Mg2+, , and concentrations and a thorough characterization of the carbonate rocks before and after treatment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs revealed the formation of dissolution pits and the growth of new structures. Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) indicated these minerals to be calcite. Porosity of the carbonate rocks increased from an initial value of 4.72% to the maximum value of 11.83%. Then, it decreased to a value of 5.48% until the end of the experiments, that is, 60 days. Chemical analysis of brine suggested the precipitation and dissolution of calcium sulfate. In addition, dolomite dissolution and halite precipitation/dissolution were inferred. Calcite precipitation and porosity reduction suggested that CO2 can be stored via mineral entrapment in the Ramin oil field, which is desired from the perspective of CO2 geologic sequestration. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk Prediction Models for Post‐Operative Mortality in Patients With Cirrhosis
Authors: Mahmud Nadim , Fricker Zachary , Hubbard Rebecca A. , Ioannou George N. , Lewis James D. , Taddei Tamar H. , Rothstein Kenneth D. , Serper Marina , Goldberg David S. , Kaplan David E.
Published: September 2020

Background and Aims

Patients with cirrhosis are at increased risk of postoperative mortality. Currently available tools to predict postoperative risk are suboptimally calibrated and do not account for surgery type. Our objective was to use population‐level data to derive and internally validate cirrhosis surgical risk models.

Approach and Results

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the Veterans Outcomes and Costs Associated with Liver Disease (VOCAL) cohort, which contains granular data on patients with cirrhosis from 128 U.S. medical centers, merged with the Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program (VASQIP) to identify surgical procedures. We categorized surgeries as abdominal wall, vascular, abdominal, cardiac, chest, or orthopedic and used multivariable logistic regression to model 30‐, 90‐, and 180‐day postoperative mortality (VOCAL‐Penn models). We compared model discrimination and calibration of VOCAL‐Penn to the Mayo Risk Score (MRS), Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD), Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease‐Sodium MELD‐Na, and Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh (CTP) scores. We identified 4,712 surgical procedures in 3,785 patients with cirrhosis. The VOCAL‐Penn models were derived and internally validated with excellent discrimination (30‐day postoperative mortality C‐statistic = 0.859; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.809‐0.909). Predictors included age, preoperative albumin, platelet count, bilirubin, surgery category, emergency indication, fatty liver disease, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, and obesity. Model performance was superior to MELD, MELD‐Na, CTP, and MRS at all time points (e.g., 30‐day postoperative mortality C‐statistic for MRS = 0.766; 95% CI, 0.676‐0.855) in terms of discrimination and calibration.

Conclusions

The VOCAL‐Penn models substantially improve postoperative mortality predictions in patients with cirrhosis. These models may be applied in practice to improve preoperative risk stratification and optimize patient selection for surgical procedures (www.vocalpennscore.com).
Technological Hazard Vulnerability: A GIS-Based Approach for Supporting Environmental Zoning
Authors: Possantti Iporã , Silva Tatiana
Published: September 2020

Technological hazard assessments are extremely rare in Brazil, despite their importance for planning. Aquatic systems are of particular concern, since they are the endpoint of every process occurring in the watershed, including technological disasters. Thus, our goal is to map the technological hazard vulnerability in lagoon systems though a geographic information systems (GIS) model. The technological hazard vulnerability model consists of the spatial overlapping of technological pressure and fragility, having environmental systems as spatial units. The methodology was applied to the lagoon systems of the Rio Grande do Sul State, Southern Brazil, as a case study. The very high vulnerability of the Northern Guaíba Lake is due to the high concentration of technological infrastructures combined with high fragilities of wetland systems. In the Patos Lagoon Estuary, highly vulnerable systems consist mostly in shallow waters. The Mirim Lagoon was less vulnerable compared to other systems, due to a much smaller occurrence of elements of technological pressure. The proposed methodology allowed for the identification of environmental systems particularly vulnerable to technological hazards, where management efforts must be more intense. The results were used for the Ecological-Economic Zoning of the Rio Grande do Sul, as well as to revise the water quality framework of the Patos Lagoon estuary, currently underway. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:445–454. © 2020 SETAC

KEY POINTS

The technological hazard vulnerability (THV) model offers a simple tool to support environmental management and planning, and at the same time, advances in terms of technological hazard assessments, which are extremely rare in Brazil. A considerably large and commonly available set of variables is used as pressure elements and the results are aggregated in only 5 classes, making the impact of a possible wrong choice in terms of how the model was structured very low, and the model per se easily reproducible. Guaíba Lake and Patos Lagoon Estuary presented an increasing pattern of THV in the North-South direction. While in the first it is mostly related to the basin outfall points, in the second it is due to the presence of the Rio Grande port, industrial pole, and urban area. The Mirim Lagoon was much less vulnerable when compared with the other 2 areas. The results presented here were used for the Ecological-Economic Zoning of the Rio Grande do Sul, as well as to revise the water quality framework of the Patos Lagoon estuary, currently underway.
Temporal Trends of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Delaware River Fish, USA
Authors: MacGillivray A Ronald
Published: September 2020

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are found in a variety of industrial and household products. Human and wildlife exposure to PFAS is widespread. Increasing evidence suggests adverse effects of PFAS to human health and the environment. Human health risks from exposure through drinking water and fish consumption are areas of concern. Therefore, understanding occurrence and exposure risk is important to protect water resources. PFAS was investigated in fish fillet from the Delaware River over a 15-y period (2004–2018). The sample period coincided with actions to reduce or eliminate the release of certain PFAS to the environment. Elevated levels of perfluorononanoate (PFNA) and perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnA) were initially observed in tidal fish fillet. While significant decreases in PFNA and PFUnA concentrations were observed in fish fillet from the tidal river during the timeframe of the study, changes in concentrations of other PFAS in tidal and nontidal fish were less substantial. In 2018, fish fillet continued to be contaminated with perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) at levels exceeding recommended regional risk advisory limits on fish consumption. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:411–421. © 2020 SETAC

KEY POINTS

Significant decreases in PFNA and PFUnA concentrations in fish fillet were observed during a period of actions to reduce local releases. The PFOS concentrations declined more slowly and are estimated to trigger fish consumption advisories. Further evaluations of initiatives to manage PFAS exposure and risk to human health and wildlife are warranted.
Serotonin receptor type 2B activation augments TNF‐α‐induced matrix mineralization in murine valvular interstitial cells
Authors: Fong Felicia , Xian Joshua , Demer Linda L. , Tintut Yin
Published: September 2020

Calcification, fibrosis, and chronic inflammation are the predominant features of calcific aortic valve disease, a life‐threatening condition. Drugs that induce serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine [5‐HT]) are known to damage valves, and activated platelets, which carry peripheral serotonin, are known to promote calcific aortic valve stenosis. However, the role of 5‐HT in valve leaflet pathology is not known. We tested whether serotonin mediates inflammation‐induced matrix mineralization in valve cells. Real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that murine aortic valve interstitial cells (VICs) expressed both serotonin receptor types 2A and 2B (Htr2a and Htr2b). Although Htr2a expression was greater at baseline, Htr2b expression was induced several‐fold more than Htr2a in response to the pro‐calcific tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) treatment. 5‐HT also augmented TNF‐α‐induced osteoblastic differentiation and matrix mineralization of VIC, but 5‐HT alone had no effects. Inhibition of serotonin receptor type 2B, using specific inhibitors or lentiviral knockdown in VIC, attenuated 5‐HT effects on TNF‐α‐induced osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization. 5‐HT treatment also augmented TNF‐α‐induced matrix metalloproteinase‐3 expression, which was also attenuated by Htr2b knockdown. Htr2b expression in aortic roots and serum levels of peripheral 5‐HT were also greater in the hyperlipidemic Apoe−/− mice than in control normolipemic mice. These findings suggest a new role for serotonin signaling in inflammation‐induced calcific valvulopathy.
Potential interventions for SARS‐CoV‐2 infections: Zinc showing promise
Authors: Brewer Joseph , Gomez Marti Juan Luis , Brufsky Adam
Published: September 2020

Highlights

Zinc (Zn) inhibits SARS‐CoV‐2 in vitro by several different mechanism. Zn deficiency may increase the risk for severity of COVID‐19 infection. The addition of Zn, particularly with a Zn ionophore, shows substantial promise as a treatment regimen.
Performance Improvement of Cleaning Formulations for the Exterior Surface of High‐Speed Trains
Authors: Zhang Liangliang , Liu Chenyu , Li Fugui , Qiao Weihong
Published: September 2020

With the development of high‐speed railways, there is an increasing demand for high‐efficiency and environmentally friendly high‐speed rail exterior surface cleaning agents. Based on emulsification experiment, contact angle experiment, solvent solubility experiment, and decontamination effect, this article provides the initial formulation for basic high‐speed rail surface cleaner and a variety of improved formulations for special environments. The initial formulation uses cetostearyl alcohol ethoxylate C16‐18‐EO10 (O‐10) and 2‐propyl‐1‐heptano ethoxylate i‐C10‐EO5 (XP‐50) as surfactants, dipropylene glycol butyl ether as solvent, citric acid as chelating agent, benzotriazole (BTA), sodium benzoate (SB), and triethanolamine (TEOA) as corrosion inhibitors. Then it is confirmed that adding 3% sodium percarbonate to the initial formula can effectively clean stubborn dirt. Increasing the BTA mass fraction to 3%, TEOA to 12%, add linoleic acid 2%, aluminum corrosion inhibitor (CIA) 3%, and Antirust 316 3%, can significantly improve the high‐temperature corrosion‐resistant detergent. Controlling BTA concentration not exceed than 0.5%, and adding an appropriate amount of hydrotrope (such as sodium xylenesulfonate), can ensure that the detergent will not delaminate within 6 h at 60°C, which effectively prolong its high temperature stability. The performance test results show that both initial formula and the improved formula meet the basic requirements, but the improved formula shows better performance in terms of cleaning ability, high‐temperature corrosion resistance or high‐temperature stability.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy is associated with increased cost in higher risk thin melanoma
Authors: Aiken Taylor J. , Stahl Christopher C. , Schwartz Patrick B. , Barrett James , Acher Alexandra W. , Lemaster Deborah , Leverson Glen , Weber Sharon , Neuman Heather , Abbott Daniel E.
Published: September 2020

Introduction

National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommend that sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) be discussed with patients with thin melanoma at higher risk for lymph node metastasis (T1b or T1a with positive deep margins, lymphovascular invasion, or high mitotic index). We examined the association between SLNB and resource utilization in this cohort.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients that underwent wide local excision for higher risk thin melanomas from 2009 to 2018 at a tertiary care center. Patients who underwent SLNB were compared to those who did not undergo SLNB with regard to resource utilization, including total hospital cost.

Results

A total of 70 patients were included in the analysis and 50 patients (71.4%) underwent SLNB. SLNB was associated with increased hospital costs ($6700 vs. $3767; p < .01) and increased operative time (68.5 vs. 36.0 min; p < .01). This cost difference persisted in multivariable regression (p < .01). Of patients who underwent successful SLN mapping, 3 out of 49 patients had a positive SLN (6.1%). The cost to identify a single positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) was $47,906.

Conclusion

In patients with a higher risk of thin melanoma, SLNB is associated with increased cost despite a low likelihood of SLN positivity. These data better inform patient‐provider discussions as the role of SLNB in thin melanoma evolves.
Senior's travel constraint, negotiation strategy and travel intention: Examining the role of social support
Authors: Chen Fangfang , Dai Shanshan , Xu Honggang , Abliz Abdulla
Published: September 2020

This paper explores how travel constraints influence seniors' travel decision. By including social support for travel as a moderator in the hierarchical constraint model, we examined the effects of travel constraints, social support, and negotiation strategies on seniors' travel intentions. Face‐to‐face questionnaire interviews were conducted with Chinese seniors. The results were in accordance with the hierarchical constraint model in general, but also revealed some interesting findings: (a) for Chinese seniors, intrapersonal constraint (health constraint, habit constraint) and interpersonal constraint played a vital role in influencing travel intentions; (b) the negative effect of structural constraint was negotiable, but the negative impacts of intrapersonal and interpersonal constraints were hard to negotiate; (c) the effects of sub‐constraints at the same level were heterogeneous, for example, the effects of cost constraint were insignificant, while those of time and transportation constraints were significant; (d) social support for travel had a negative moderating role on the relationship between habit constraint and negotiation but a positive moderating role on the relationship between interpersonal constraint and negotiation. Both theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Metastatic Disease of the Temporal Bone: A Contemporary Review
Authors: Jones Alexander J. , Tucker Brady J. , Novinger Leah J. , Galer Chad E. , Nelson Rick F.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To identify the frequency and primary site of metastatic pathologies to the temporal bone and characterize the associated symptomatology.

Methods

The MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases were systematically reviewed according to the PRISMA guidelines to identify all cases of pathologically confirmed distant temporal bone metastases published with English translation until October 2019. Descriptive statistics were performed.

Results

Out of 576 full‐length articles included for review, 109 met final criteria for data extraction providing 255 individual cases of distant temporal bone metastases. There was a male predominance (54.9%) with median age of 59.0 years (range 2–90). The most common locations of primary malignancy included the breasts (19.6%), lungs (16.1%), and prostate (8.6%). Most tumors were carcinomas of epithelial origin (75.3%) and predominantly adenocarcinoma (49.4%). The commonest metastatic sites encountered within the temporal bone were the petrous (72.0%) and mastoid (49.0%) portions. Bilateral temporal bone metastases occurred in 39.8% of patients. Patients were asymptomatic in 32.0% of cases. Symptomatic patients primarily reported hearing loss (44.3%), facial palsy (31.2%), and otalgia (16.6%) for a median duration of 1 month. Petrous lesions were associated with asymptomatic cases (P= .001) while mastoid lesions more often exhibited facial palsy (P= .026), otalgia (P < .001), and otorrhea (P < .001). Non‐carcinomatous tumors were associated with petrosal metastasis (P= .025) and asymptomatic cases (P= .109). Carcinomatous metastases more often presented with otalgia (P= .003).

Conclusions

Temporal bone metastasis is uncommon but should be considered in patients with subacute otologic symptoms or facial palsy and history of distant malignancy.Laryngoscope, 131:1101–1109, 2021
Spontaneous Emission of Plasmon‐Exciton Polaritons Revealed by Ultrafast Nonradiative Decays
Authors: Shan Hangyong , Liu Zhixin , Wang Xingli , Lin Feng , Liu Zheng , Shen Bo , Lou Jun , Zhu Xing , Ajayan Pulickel M. , Fang Zheyu
Published: September 2020

Spontaneous emission can be altered by external electromagnetic environment with the bridge of local density of optical states. Microcavities have been widely integrated to accelerate the irreversible spontaneous decay, known as the Purcell effect. However, the Purcell effect breaks down in the strong coupling regime, where the light‐matter interaction is not a perturbation to Fermi's golden rule. Here, it is found that the emission intensity of plasmon–exciton polaritons is asymmetrically dependent on the spectral detuning, confirming the collapse of Purcell effect in strongly coupled systems. Ultrafast nonradiative decays of polaritons play a significant role in revealing the polariton emission intensity. The nonradiative effect is not affected by the coherent energy exchange since final states of nonradiative decays are optically dark and decoupled from Rabi oscillations. Moreover, the nonradiative effect is still valid under intermediate coupling and agrees with the Purcell effect, which suggests its universality at a variety of coupling regimes. This study opens up a successful approach to investigate spontaneous emission in cavity quantum electrodynamics, which is insightful to photonic and opto‐electronic applications based on exciton‐polaritons.
On Moisil‐Theodoresko system in a complex form
Authors: Soldatov A. P.
Published: September 2020

A
‐linear problem is considered for the Moisil‐Theodorescu system written in a complex form. The Fredholm theorem for this problem is proved, and the index formula obtained.
Dietary Milk Fat Globule Membrane Restores Decreased Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Development and Alterations of Intestinal Flora in Infant‐Formula‐Fed Rat Pups
Authors: Gong Han , Yuan Qichen , Pang Jinzhu , Li Tiange , Li Jufang , Zhan Biyuan , Chang Rui , Mao Xueying
Published: September 2020

Scope

Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), which contains abundant polar lipids and glycoproteins, can narrow the gap in growth and development between breast‐fed and infant‐formula‐fed babies. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of MFGM supplementation in infant formula on intestinal epithelium maturation, tight junctions, and gut colonization in rat pups.

Methods and results

Sprague Dawley rat pups consume one of the five diets from postnatal day 8, including rat breastfeeding (BF), infant formula (IF), and infant formula containing MFGM at 260 mg kg−1 body weight (BW), 520 mg kg−1 BW, or 1040 mg kg−1 BW. Results show that MFGM supplementation in infant formula can facilitate intestinal mucosal barrier maturation via promoting intestinal proliferation and differentiation, and increasing tight junction proteins. In addition, compared with that of the IF pups, the intestinal flora composition of MFGM‐supplemented pups is more similar to that of BF pups.

Conclusion

MFGM supplementation in infant formula can restore the intestinal development in infant‐formula‐fed pups, which suggests that the supplementation of MFGM in infant formula can better mimic breast milk.
Rehabilitation following rotator cuff repair: A survey of current practice (2020)
Authors: Littlewood Chris , Mazuquin Bruno , Moffatt Maria , Bateman Marcus
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Approaches to rehabilitation following rotator cuff repair are variable but typically include 4–6 weeks of immobilisation followed by a gradual introduction of movement and activity. However, research has questioned whether such an approach is optimal. The aim of this study was to undertake an updated survey to understand whether practice has evolved in line with contemporary research.

Methods

An electronic survey was developed describing three case scenarios (medium‐sized rotator cuff repair [2 cm], large‐sized rotator cuff repair [4 cm] and large‐sized rotator cuff repair with biceps tenodesis). Clinicians involved with rehabilitation following rotator cuff repair were invited to participate.

Results

129 responses were received (United Kingdom = 87, other regions [ORs] = 42). Respondents would most commonly recommend four to six weeks of immobilisation for all case scenarios. Passive movement would commence during this period, with active movement recommended from four to six weeks. Resisted exercise would commence between seven to 12 weeks along with return to driving. There were some minor differences in recommendations between respondents from the United Kingdom and ORs, including a greater proportion from the United Kingdom recommending sling immobilisation rather than abduction brace immobilisation.

Conclusion

For many respondents to this survey, rehabilitation for the three case scenarios was similar and has not evolved in line with contemporary research evidence. The reasons behind this need to be explored and incorporated into the design of future research evaluating rehabilitation following rotator cuff repair.
Ganglioside complex antibodies in an Indian cohort of Guillain‐Barré syndrome
Authors: Wahatule Rahul , Dutta Debprasad , Debnath Monojit , Nagappa Madhu , Mahadevan Anita , Sinha Sanjib , Sundaravadivel Pandarisamy , Rao Umamaheswara , Periyavan Sundar , Binu VS , Rao Shivaji , Taly Arun B
Published: September 2020

Background

Antibodies against ganglioside complexes (GSCs) are associated with various clinical features and subtypes of Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS).

Methods

One‐hundred patients were evaluated for antibodies to GSCs formed by combination of GM1, GM2, GD1a, GD1b, GT1b, and GQ1b using manual enzyme linked immuno‐sorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Twenty‐six patients were GSC antibody‐positive, most frequent being against GM1‐containing GSC (76.9%). Gender distribution, mean age, symptom‐duration, antecedent events, electrophysiological subtypes, requirement for mechanical ventilation, and median duration of hospital stay were comparable between the GSC antibody‐positive and negative groups. There was no association between specific GSC antibody and electrophysiological subtypes or clinical variants. After controlling for false discovery rate (FDR) using the Benjamini‐Hochberg method, the number of subjects who improved in overall disability sum score, modified Erasmus GBS outcome score, and neuropathy symptom score at discharge was significantly higher in the GSC antibody‐positive group. Improvements in Medical Research Council sum scores and Hughes Disability Scale during the hospital stay between the GSC antibody‐positive and negative groups were not significantly different after controlling for FDR.

Conclusions

The GSC antibody‐positive group had better outcome at hospital discharge in some of the disability scores. Pathophysiological pathways among patients without GSC antibodies may be different and this requires further evaluation.
Inkjet‐based microreactor for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles on plasmonic paper decorated with chitosan nano‐wrinkles for efficient on‐site Surface‐enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS)
Authors: Thuy Truong Thi , Sharipov Mirkomil , Lee Youngil , Huy Bui The , Lee Yong‐Ill
Published: September 2020

Here we report a synthesis approach that is simple, surfactant free, and green, and which is additionally cost effective in terms of its material requirements. The approach entails the use of an inkjet microreactor for the deposition of silver nanoparticles on the surface of office paper decorated with chitosan nano‐wrinkles for the preparation of a reproducible and sensitive paper‐based surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized directly in the head nozzles of the inkjet printer via the reduction of silver nitrate (AgNO3) by ascorbic acid. Pre‐modification of the paper with chitosan allowed the formation of randomly oriented nano‐wrinkles on the surface, thus enabling the formation of silver nanoparticles with good hotspots. The novel paper‐based SERS substrate showed outstanding sensitivity and spot‐to‐spot reproducibility for on‐site detection using a portable Raman spectrometer with a limit of detection (LOD) of 10.7 pM. Moreover, our paper‐based SERS substrate has an excellent enhancement factor (EF) of 7.4 × 108, which is difficult to achieve on a paper substrate because of the microporous nature of paper. Finally, the batch‐to‐batch reproducibility and long‐term stability of the SERS substrate under ambient conditions make this substrate a good candidate for point‐of‐care test applications.
Resettled Syrian refugees in Jordan: Survival or health promotion
Authors: Alzoubi Fatmeh Ahmad , Ali Reem Ahmad , Al‐Gharaibeh Abduljawad Hasan
Published: September 2020

Aim

To assess the health promotion practices of Syrian refugees in the north of Jordan and to determine their correlation with some socio‐demographic variables.

Design

Cross‐sectional descriptive correlational.

Methods

Health‐Promotion Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP‐II) was used to measure health promotion practices of Syrian refugees. Data were collected from a convenient sample of 250 Syrian refugees who lived in the North of Jordan. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse data.

Results

The results showed that Syrian refugees in Jordan had low scores of total health promotion scale (mean = 2.28) with a cut score of 2.5, which indicated that they minimally adopted health promotion practices in general. The higher score was found on the interpersonal relation domain (mean = 2.89, SD 0.52). While the stress management domain (mean = 2.48, SD 0.43), spiritual growth domain (mean = 2.38, SD 0.39) and nutrition domain (mean = 2.34, SD 0.37) were lower than 2.5, the scores on responsibility and physical activity domains (mean = 2.20, SD 0.62), (mean = 1.35, SD 0.18) respectively, were the lowest. Women, married and unemployed, have more healthy behaviours than their counterparts.
Addressing the challenges of COVID‐19 pandemic outbreak: Pakistan's preparations and response
Authors: Meo Muhammad S. , Sabir Samina , Chaudhry Imran S. , Batool Saima , Farooq Fatima
Published: September 2020

This study examines the challenges faced by Pakistan during COVID‐19 pandemic and the policies taken by the Government of Pakistan to contain and control the spread of the pandemic. Pakistan is considered among those countries that have been severely affected by COVID‐19 due to insufficient health infrastructure. Moreover, the pandemic has affected the country socially and economically, which has slashed down GDP and overall wellbeing. However, the government has taken effective policy measures that enhanced the recovery rate of infected patients, for instance, out of 276,288 confirmed cases, 244,883 cases have been recovered. Currently, only 26,421 cases are active; it shows 88.6% recovery. Since the implementation of consistent plans, policies, and effective actions, the recovery rate has been ramping up, and infected cases have been getting down.