bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive Role of Cardiac Troponin I, Creatine Kinase-Mb and Electrocardiogram in Early Assessment of Acute Cardiotoxicity in Patients Poisoned by Cardiotoxic Drugs and Toxins
Authors: Hilal Maha A. , Mahmoud Sharaf E. D. , Shokry Meray M. , Said Ahmed M.
Published: June 2020

Background: In spite speedy development of clinical toxicology researches and protocols cardiovascular failure in severe acute intoxication remains a leading cause of death. Early cardiovascular risk assessment in acutely intoxicated patients is a must nowadays.

This study aims to evaluate the role of ECG, serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and creatine kinase myocardial band (CK-MB) for early detection of cardio-toxicity in acutely poisoned patients.

Methods: Prospective study was carried on100 patients with acute cardiotoxicity by drugs and toxins known to cause cardiac injury admitted to Sohag University hospitals, informed written consent has been obtained from each patient; ECG and biochemical analysis of serum cTnI and CK-MB were estimated in all studied patients.

Results: (90%) of studied patients had complete free recovery, (4%) discharged with complications and (6%) of patients died. ECG test can be used as a predictor of mortality and had sensitivity 100%, specificity 46.8% and negative predictive value (NPV) 100%. Serum cTnI was highly significantly increased with death hence could be used as predictors of outcome. While serum CK-MB couldn't be used as an outcome predictor. ROC curve analysis to assess serum cTnI as a predictor of mortality of acute cardiovascular toxicity with cut off > 1.0 ng/ml had sensitivity 100%, specificity 89.4% and NPV 100% with excellent diagnostic characteristic (accuracy rate 96.4%). There is no significant difference of serum CK-MB and serum cTnI among cardiac drugs toxicity patients and non-cardiac toxins patients.

Conclusion: the study concluded that ECG and serum cTnI can be used as a predictor of mortality. Also, the protocol of management will be same in acute cardiotoxicity by cardiac drugs and non-cardiac drugs and toxins.

Recommendation: the study recommends combining of ECG changes and serum cTnI as they can early detect acute cardiovascular effects in acutely poisoned patients.
Platelet Volume Indices in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Paramjit Ekta , Sudhamani S. , Sharan Anita , Pitale Sonali , Roplekar Prakash
Published: June 2020

Background & Aims: Acute coronary syndrome is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world and platelet hyperactivity with local platelet activation plays a crucial role in its genesis. As there is discrepancy regarding the significance of deranged platelet parameters, we aimed to study the role of platelet volume indices in the spectrum of coronary artery syndrome and to correlate them clinically.

Study Design: The study was conducted by collecting the data of patients with Myocardial infarction from the Cardiac care unit registry along with their clinical history and investigations. Stable coronary artery cases were collected from the Catheterization Lab and compared with Age and Sex matched controls. All CBCs of the above groups were processed by a 5-part counter and the data generated was transferred to a master chart for statistical analysis.

Place and Duration of study: The study was conducted in the Central Laboratory & Department of Pathology at D.Y. Patil Hospital, Navi Mumbai, India in collaboration with the Cardiac Care Unit and Catheterisation Lab of the hospital for a period of two years.

Methods: A total of 122 cases were studied and grouped into 5 groups according to presentation and the platelet volume indices of these were compared with 38 matched controls and statistically analysed.

Results: Mean Platelet Volume and Platelet Distribution Width of patients with ST elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) and Non ST elevation Myocardial Infarction(NSTEMI) were increased marginally in number when compared to Stable Coronary Artery Disease(SCAD) and Control group, however this was not statistically significant. Platelet Large Cell Ratio (PLCR) was significantly raised in STEMI cases only (P = 0.09), so it may prove to be a better marker for the disease (P = 0.09). Platelet counts in various groups when compared with controls gave inconsistent results i.e SCAD vs Control significantly decreased (P = 0.07) and STEMI vs Control significantly increased (P = 0.01).

Conclusion: The platelet volume indices in suspected acute coronary syndrome cases showed various changes, but present data failed to be diagnostically significant. However this data may later help to characterise further relationship between Acute coronary syndrome and platelet function in subsequent studies.
Prophylactic Effect of Ethanol Extract of Azadirachta indica Leaf in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Ezeigwe O. C. , Ononamadu C. J. , Onuegbu M. E. , Ikpeogu O. R. , Agugom I. C. , Ejiofor F. A. , Ezeokoye U. E. , Cornel-Ilokolobia U. H.
Published: June 2020

Background: Medicinal plants are now becoming indispensable in the treatment and management of many ailments. The unaffordability, unavailability and adverse effects of conventional therapy in the treatment and management of many diseases have geared keen interest in the use of herbal medicine. This work was carried out to investigate the prophylactic effect of the ethanol extract of Azadirachta indica leaf in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.  

Methods: A total of one hundred (100) rats were randomized into four (4) groups (n=25) and used for the study. Each group of 25 rats was sub-divided into five (5) groups (n=5). The sub-groups comprise: Group A-normal control that was not treated, group B-100 mg/kg body weight of metformin and groups C to E - graded doses (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight) of the ethanol leaf extracts of A. indica leaves. The standard drug and the extracts were consecutively administered to groups B-E for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days before the induction of diabetes. Diabetes was induced intraperitoneally using 50 mg/kg bodyweight of streptozotocin.

Results: The groups that were administered 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg bw of ethanol extract of A. indica showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in their weight after 21 and 28 days of pre-treatment compared with the control group that was not treated. The graded doses of the extract also have a remarkable effect in the fasting blood glucose levels which was made visible by the significant (p<0.05) reduction recorded in the fasting blood glucose levels compared with the control group that was not pre-treated and the group pre-treated with metformin.

Conclusion: The results obtained in this research suggest that ethanol extract of A. indica has the potential to protect against diabetes by delaying its onset. However, the longer the period of pre-treatment, the better the condition of the animals pre-treated as well as the protection as can be seen from the results of the weight and fasting blood glucose levels.
Characterization of Biochars Derived from Different Organic Wastes
Authors: Hossin Md. Shahin , Mukta Morsheda Akter , Talukder Md. Abdur Rouf , Rahman Md. Mustafizur , Majumder Md. Sagirul Islam , Uddin Md. Rafiq
Published: June 2020

Biochar is widely recognized as an efficient tool for soil fertility and carbon sequestration. The understanding of its physical and chemical properties is strongly related to the type of used material, is crucial to identify the most suitable application of biochar in soil. A selection of organic wastes (e.g., rice straw, rice husk and saw dust) with different characteristics were pyrolyzed at 350 0C in order to optimize the physical and chemical properties of biochar as a soil amendment. Bulk density of biochar samples in this study varied from 0.18 mg/m3 to 0.22 mg/m3. Moisture content was in the order of saw dust (8.41%) > rice straw (7.21%) > rice husk (6.74%). Rice straw biochar had highest pH (8.80) and electrical conductivity, EC (3.45 ds/m). The organic carbon was highest in rice straw biochar (46.50%) followed by with rice husk (39.3%) and saw dust (25.3%). The total nitrogen contents of the rice straw, rice husk and saw dust were 1.78%, 1.59% and 1.11%, respectively. The rice straw biochar contents higher available P, as compared to rice husk and saw dust biochar. The rice straw biochar had higher exchangeable Ca (5.60 meq/100 g), Mg (1.70 meq/100 g). This study suggested that the rice straw biochar has a great potential as soil amendment among the three biochars for sustainable soil management.
Performance of Trickle Irrigation System on Growth and Yield of Garlic in Case Rabi and Kharif Seasons, Wonkakebele, Ethiopia
Authors: Amare Dessie Gieta
Published: June 2020

Trickle irrigation is one and only of the water saving, progressive and advanced irrigation methods over gravity irrigation. In the point view of this, the research was lead to study the efficiency of Trickle irrigation over gravity irrigation in growth and yield of garlic in case Rabi & Kharif periods, wonka kebele, Ethiopia. The results indicated that trickle irrigation was well achieved greater over gravity irrigation method in terms of greater crop morphology, yield and quality of bulb. Trickle irrigation method documented maximum crop height (67.77 cm & 62.85), amount of leaves (10.25 & 8.00) and neck thickness (1.63 cm & 1.40 cm) in both Rabi and Kharif periods. The bulb equatorial and polar diameter, higher gross product in addition to marketable product achieved in trickle irrigation method. In trickle irrigation method, the gross product and marketable product improved by 12.54% and 22.63%, respectively in Rabi periods over gravity irrigation method and better water use productivity & as well saved 29.40% & 29.20% water for the period of Rabi & Kharif periods, respectively.
Preliminary Investigation of Seismicity in Parts of North Central Nigeria, Using High Resolution Aeromagnetic Data
Authors: Alkali A. , Alhassan D. U. , Akpan O. U. , Adetona A. A. , Salako K. A. , Udensi E. E.
Published: June 2020

Qualitative analysis of Aeromagnetic data of parts of north central Nigeria had been carried out with the aim to delineate seismic prone areas. The study area is bounded with latitude 9. 00o to 10. 00oN and longitude 7.00o to 9.00oE with an estimated total area of 24,200 km2. Vertical derivatives and upward continuation filters were used to enhances long wavelength anomalies which could give preliminary information about the magnetic structures present in the study area. The total magnetic intensity map shows both positive and negative anomalies with susceptibility ranging from 33487.7 nT to 33800.9 nT. The high magnetic susceptibilities dominated in the basement region around the north-eastern and north-western parts of the study area which corresponds to Naraguta, Jemma and Kafanchan area. Based on the geology of the area this is attributed to granite, schist and migmatite rocks. The low magnetic values are made of sediment deposition also dominates the south-western part of the study area, corresponding to Abuja and Gitata. The area with magnetic susceptibility values ranging between 33506.6 nT and 33653.8 nT indicates alluvium deposite around Bishini and Kachia area. Lineament from First Vertical Derivative trend in the northeast-southwest and east-west directions, which is an extension from Romanche Fracture Zone. Majority of this lineament trends in the same directions as the Romanche Fault Line which continues at 25 km and 30 km into n inferred closure within the study area which is trending along north-west direction. This, closure occurs probably because of the existence of the paleo fracture zone (Romanche Fracture Zone) within the study area. At 40 km and at 80 km a regional trend in the NE-SW direction in (porphyritic) basement rocks. At the northeast and southeastern part of the area which is made up of basement complex that corresponds to areas around Gitata, Kafanchaan and Jemma are prone to tectonic activities while the southwestern part of the area around Abuja is seismic free. It is suggested that those lineaments identified, most especially at the southeastern part could be the reason for the shaking of the subsurface which result into earth tremors.
Flexural Strength Behaviour of Apa (Afzeliabipindensis) Reinforced Stabilized Lateritic Soil Beam
Authors: OZIGI Philip Baki , TULEUN Lawrence Zahemen , JIMOH Alao Abdullahi
Published: June 2020

This paper reports on the flexural strength behaviour of Apa reinforced stabilized lateritic soil beams. The potential of using timber as a reinforcement material is because timber is abundant, cheap and locally available compared to conventional steel. Apa timber possess a tensile strength of 68.34 N/mm2. Experimental and Finite Element Analysis using ANSYS 15 were carried out to determine the flexural strength of Apa reinforced lateritic soil beams. The results showed an increase in the load-bearing capacity with increase in the percentage area of Apa reinforcement used in Lateritic soil beams. BS 8110-1:1997 requires that area of reinforcement for beams should not exceed 4%. At 4 percent area, the flexural strength of the Apa reinforced lateritic soil beams (ALB) was 0.763 N/mm2 with corresponding load capacity of 3.435 kN which is slightly higher than the steel reinforced lateritic soil beams (SLB) of 0.740 N/mm2 with corresponding load capacity of 3.329 kN obtained in the report
Digital Image Correlation for Cement-based Materials and Structural Concrete Testing
Authors: Tambusay Asdam , Suryanto Benny , Suprobo Priyo
Published: June 2020

This paper presents the application of a low-cost digital image correlation (DIC) system for automated crack mapping. The system employed makes use of a conventional digital camera, a remote image recording controller, and an open-source digital image correlation MATLAB software Ncorr. To showcase the potential of the proposed system, two case studies involving general structural and material testing were undertaken. In the first series, the DIC system was used to study the fracture processes in a reinforced concrete beam and to investigate the influence of key input parameters on the spatial quality of strain maps obtained from the DIC analysis. In the second series, the application of the DIC method was expanded to assist in the study of complex multiple micro-crack formations in ductile cement composite testing. It is shown that the strain maps obtained from the DIC technique have a close resemblance to the actual crack patterns
Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate sensitises multidrug‐resistant oral carcinoma xenografts to vincristine sulfate
Authors: Chen Li , Guo Xianwen , Hu Ye , Li Li , Liang Gang , Zhang Guo
Published: May 2020

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a very aggressive malignancy, and 50% of patients who receive curative treatment die from the disease or related complications within 5 years. Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant bioactive ingredient of tea polyphenols in green tea and has anticancer properties. Here, we evaluated the preclinical efficacy of EGCG combined with vincristine sulfate (VCR) on the growth, angiogenic activity and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in xenograft nude mice inoculated with KBV200 cells. Compared with VCR alone, the combined use of EGCG and VCR strongly inhibited tumour growth and angiogenesis (P < 0.01). VEGF mRNA and protein levels were lower in the KBV200 xenograft group treated with the combined regime (P < 0.01) than those in the VCR alone group. EGCG sensitises multidrug‐resistant OSCC to VCR, and this may occur through the inhibition of angiogenesis via VEGF down‐regulation.
Participation in Informal Caregiving Among People With Arthritis: Findings From a Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Wilfong Jessica M. , Perruccio Anthony V. , Millstone Dov B. , Badley Elizabeth M.
Published: May 2020

Objective

Despite the joint pain and significant dysfunction that characterizes arthritis, many people with arthritis continue to carry out everyday duties and responsibilities. The objective of the present study was to describe participation in informal caregiving (unpaid assistance to someone with a health issue or limitation) among people with arthritis.

Methods

Analysis of baseline data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), a nationally representative sample of people ages 45–85 years (n = 21,241), was performed. A questionnaire covering sociodemographic, health, and caregiving variables was completed by each study participant. Caregiving variables examined characteristics of the person who received the most care from the questionnaire respondent, as well as the types of caregiving (e.g., hands‐on versus hands‐off tasks) and amount of care provided (e.g., hours per week).

Results

There was no difference in the proportion of people with and without arthritis who provided informal care (46%). Individuals with arthritis reported worse health, but this did not affect the likelihood of providing care, nor the types or amount of care provided. Caregivers with and without arthritis were most likely to provide fewer than 7 hours per week of care, and the most common type of care was characterized as hands‐off, particularly transportation assistance. Men were just as likely to provide care as women but were less likely to provide high intensity care or perform hands‐on tasks.

Conclusion

Despite reporting worse health on average, people with arthritis were just as likely as people without arthritis to provide informal care. The need to provide informal care among people with arthritis may impact their ability to engage in self‐management activities for their arthritis.
Prevalence of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Drug Dispensing Patterns Among Medicaid and Medicaid–Medicare Dually Eligible Beneficiaries in Puerto Rico
Authors: Hernández-Muñoz José J. , Wei Wenfei , Sierra-Zorita Radames
Published: May 2020

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Puerto Rico, to describe disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) dispensing patterns by prescriber specialty, and to illustrate the impact of RA case definition on the estimated prevalence.

Methods

This study estimated the prevalence of RA in Puerto Rico during 2016 among Medicaid and Medicaid–Medicare dually eligible beneficiaries of the Mi Salud health care plan, a federally funded health insurance program. DMARD dispensing and cost patterns were described and stratified by provider specialty. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of RA case definition on estimated prevalence.

Results

The prevalence of RA in 2016 was estimated to be 2 cases per 1,000 beneficiaries, with 3 per 1,000 beneficiaries among females, 4.5 times that of males. In total, 44% of beneficiaries received conventional synthetic DMARDs (csDMARDs) only, 32% received biologic or targeted synthetic DMARDs (b/tsDMARDs) only, and 24% received a combination of csDMARDs and b/tsDMARDs. Rheumatologists and a combination of specialties accounted for the highest median number of dispensed DMARDs, with 14 each. A sensitivity analysis revealed that when RA cases with ≥3 medical claims were restricted to having ≥1 DMARD claim, the estimated prevalence changed from 6 to 3 cases per 1,000 beneficiaries.

Conclusion

The prevalence of RA in Puerto Rico in this study is lower than reported in the mainland US, possibly due to more stringent criteria to define RA. DMARD dispensing and cost patterns are similar to those found in other studies. Claims algorithms that identify RA have higher validity when pharmacy data is included.
Safety and Tolerability of Subcutaneous Methotrexate in Routine Clinical Practice
Authors: Li Christien K. H. , Baker Kenneth , Jones Tania , Coulson Elizabeth , Roberts Andrew , Birrell Fraser
Published: May 2020

Objective

To show the safety and efficacy of subcutaneous (SC) methotrexate (MTX) compared to oral MTX, alternative disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) monotherapy, biologic monotherapy, and combinations (conventional and biologic combination groups) in routine clinical practice.

Methods

Clinical and laboratory data were retrospectively analyzed for rheumatology clinic attendances at a large Northeast England hospital trust between January 2014 and January 2018. Rates of adverse events and stop events (transaminitis [serum alanine aminotransferase level of >80 units/liter] or neutropenia [neutrophil count of <2.0 × 109/liter]) were calculated, with adjustment for duration of DMARD exposure.

Results

In the present study, 8,394 patients received DMARDs, with 2,093 patients receiving oral MTX and 949 patients receiving SC MTX. The median dose was 15 mg (interquartile range [IQR] 10–20 mg) for oral MTX, and 20 mg (IQR 15–25 mg) for SC MTX (P < 0.0001). Continuation rates were higher for SC MTX therapy when adjusted for follow‐up duration, with a rate ratio (RR) of 1.54 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.40–1.70) (P < 0.0001). For the time period assessed, 2,382 patients experienced 4,358 adverse events, with 1,711 incidents of transaminitis and 2,647 incidents of neutropenia recorded. Significantly fewer adverse events were observed in patients who received SC MTX monotherapy versus those who received biologic and combination DMARD therapies (P < 0.01). Compared to oral MTX, SC MTX was associated with a nonsignificant trend toward lower rates of neutropenia, but only a slightly higher rate of transaminitis (RR 1.26 [95% CI 1.07–1.48]) (P = 0.006), despite significantly higher doses of MTX.

Conclusion

Subcutaneous MTX is safe in routine clinical practice. This is the largest study yet reported on SC MTX and provides observational data that SC MTX is continued longer and better tolerated in patients compared to other therapy groups, especially oral MTX.
Defining Minimum Clinically Important Changes for the Patient Activity Scale II
Authors: Baker Joshua F. , Katz Patti , Michaud Kaleb
Published: May 2020

Objective

To define the minimum clinically important improvement (MCII) and minimum clinically important worsening (MCIW) for the Patient Activity Scale II (PAS‐II; range 0–10), a recommended patient‐reported outcome measuring rheumatoid arthritis disease activity.

Methods

Data were taken from Forward, The National Databank for Rheumatic Diseases, from four 6‐month data collection periods. Both anchor‐based and distribution‐based methods were used to estimate the MCII and MCIW. Anchor‐based analyses used comparisons of pain and general health to the previous 6 months. Distribution‐based analyses used 0.5 and 0.35 SDs. We stratified analyses based on the PAS‐II score (above/below 3.7), hypothesizing that the MCII and MCIW would depend on the baseline score. To assess construct validity, we evaluated the odds of achieving the MCII in patients receiving new therapies.

Results

In the overall sample, for pain and general health anchor questions, the MCIW was 0.50 and 0.55, respectively. The MCII was defined as 0.39 and 0.45, respectively, for pain and general health. The MCIW for anchor‐based methods among participants with low disease activity was 1.10 (1.09/1.11 [pain/general health]), while the MCII for those with moderate‐to‐high disease activity was 1.09 (1.15/1.02 [pain/general health]). Distribution‐based methods for 0.5 and 0.35 SD were 1.08 and 0.76, respectively, for pain and general health. There was fair‐to‐excellent agreement with clinically important differences in assessments of pain and disability. Patients receiving new treatments had 30% greater odds of achieving the MCII.

Conclusion

The minimum important change in PAS‐II score was approximately 0.5. Among participants with a moderate‐to‐high PAS‐II score , the MCII was 1.1, and among participants with low disease activity, the MCIW was 1.1.
Development and Assessment of Novel Lung Ultrasound Interpretation Criteria for the Detection of Interstitial Lung Disease in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Fairchild Robert , Chung Melody , Yang Diana , Sharpless Laurel , Li Shufeng , Chung Lorinda
Published: May 2020

Objective

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a frequent complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc), and ILD screening, characterization, and monitoring are important for therapeutic decision‐making and prognostication. Lung ultrasonography (US) is a potential alternative imaging modality for ILD detection. In this study, our objective was to develop and test a novel lung US examination technique and interpretation criteria for detecting SSc‐ILD.

Methods

Lung US acquisition was performed by collecting short US movies at 14 lung positions. Lung US interpretation criteria for SSc‐ILD detection focused on visualized pleural changes. To assess the performance of our methodology for SSc‐ILD detection, we prospectively enrolled SSc patients with high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) imaging within 3 months of lung US. Lung US examinations were scored independently by 2 blinded readers (1 ultrasonographer and 1 nonultrasonographer). The sensitivity and specificity for SSc‐ILD detection were assessed, and agreement was measured with Cohen’s kappa statistic.

Results

To test the performance of our lung US acquisition technique and interpretation criteria, 20 SSc patients were evaluated by lung US (278 lung zones) and HRCT. HRCT confirmed ILD in 9 patients (45%). Lung US was positive for SSc‐ILD in 11 patients (55%) with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 82% versus HRCT, with perfect agreement between the 2 readers (κ = 1). Analysis by individual lung zones found excellent agreement between readers, with 93.8% concordance and κ = 0.82.

Conclusion

We developed a novel lung US examination technique and interpretation criteria that are highly sensitive and specific for SSc‐ILD detection in an SSc cohort, affording perfect agreement between ultrasonographer and nonultrasonographer readers.
Determination of Binary Interaction Parameters for Ternary Polymer–Polymer–Solvent Systems Using Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Gracia‐Medrano‐Bravo Víctor‐Alfonso , Merklein Lisa , Oberle Nikolas , Batora Manuel , Scharfer Philip , Schabel Wilhelm
Published: June 2020

Multilayer coatings and drying of polymer films are widely used to produce different applications like organic electronics or barrier foils. If the product quality requires separated layers, partial or immiscible systems can be used to avoid interdiffusion between the layers. For the prediction of a possible phase separation of a ternary polymer–polymer–solvent system, it is required to measure or obtain from a data bank the three binary interaction parameters of the system to describe its thermodynamic behavior. This poses a challenge due to the scarce data and measurement techniques for polymer–solvent interaction parameters, but even more for polymer–polymer interaction parameters. In this work, a numerical routine is developed to predict the phase separation for given interaction parameters and is validated with literature results. Subsequently, different ternary polystyrene–poly(methyl methacrylate)–toluene mixtures are prepared and the resulting composition of the phase (or phases) is measured via Raman spectroscopy. The determined equilibrium data are used to fit the binary interaction parameters, which can be used afterward as input parameters for the numerical routine in order to predict the ternary phase diagram of the system.
The associations between digit ratio, aerobic fitness, physical skills, and overall physical fitness of elite youth distance runners
Authors: Lombardo Michael P. , Otieno Sango
Published: June 2020

Objective

Lower digit ratios between the lengths of fingers 2 (2D) and 4 (4D) (2D:4D) are associated with superior distance running and athletic performance. We examined relationships between 2D:4D, aerobic fitness, physical skills, and overall physical fitness of elite adolescent boy and girl distance runners.

Methods

Subjects were top five finishers for their sex and age in 10 or more races of 10 km or longer in Michigan in 1981. We calculated 2D:4D of 15 girls and 11 boys from radiographs. Subject peak O2consumption (VO2Peak), ventilatory threshold (VT), and point of equivalent change (PEC) were collected during intermittent treadmill protocol tests. Performances on physical skills tests (flex‐arm hang, broad jump, vertical jump, figure‐8‐run, sit ups, and sit‐and‐reach test) were collected in the laboratory. We examined the interrelationships between 2D:4D, subject sex, aerobic fitness, physical skills test performance, and overall physical fitness, a composite of aerobic and physical skills performance with correlation, linear regression,ttests, and principle component analyses.

Results

Girls had significantly larger right hand (R) 2D:4D than boys. Boys had greater VO2Peakby mass than girls. Boys with lower R2D:4D had significantly greater VO2Peakand PEC. Girls with lower R2D:4D had significantly greater VT. Factors associated with aerobic fitness explained most of the variation in composite physical fitness scores. Composite aerobic fitness, physical skills, and overall physical fitness scores of boys were negatively correlated with R2D:4D.

Conclusions

These data suggest that R2D:4D may help predict distance running performance in girls and boys and overall physical fitness in boys and provide additional insights into the innate factors influencing youth physical fitness.
Benzene exposure‐response and risk of lymphoid neoplasms in Chinese workers: A multicenter case‐cohort study
Authors: Linet Martha S. , Gilbert Ethel S. , Vermeulen Rudolf , Dores Graça M. , Yin Song‐Nian , Portengen Lutzen , Hayes Richard B. , Ji Bu‐Tian , Lan Qing , Li Gui‐Lan , Rothman Nathaniel
Published: May 2020

Background

While international agreement supports a causal relationship of benzene exposure with acute myeloid leukemia, there is debate about benzene and lymphoid neoplasm risks.

Methods

In a case‐cohort study with follow‐up of 110 631 Chinese workers during 1972‐1999, we evaluated benzene exposure‐response for non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), lymphoid leukemias (LL), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), and total lymphoid neoplasms (LN). We estimated benzene exposures using state‐of‐the‐art hierarchical modeling of occupational factors calibrated with historical routine measurements and evaluated cumulative exposure‐response using Cox regression.

Results

NHL and other specified LN were increased in exposed vs unexposed workers. However, there was no evidence of exposure‐response for NHL or other specified LN. Based on a linear exposure‐response, relative risks at 100 parts per million‐years (RR at 100 ppm‐years) for cumulative benzene exposure using a 2‐year lag (exposure at least 2 years before the time at risk) were 1.05 for NHL (95 percent confidence interval (CI) = 0.97, 1.27; 32 cases), 1.11 for LL (95% CI < 0, 1.66; 12 cases), 1.21 for ALL (95% CI < 0, 3.53; 10 cases), and 1.02 for total LN (95% CI < 0, 1.16; 49 cases). No statistically significant exposure‐response trends were apparent for these LN for 2 to <10‐year or ≥10‐year lags. NHL risks were not significantly modified by sex, age, or year at first exposure, attained age, or time since exposure.

Conclusion

Given the study strengths and limitations, we found little evidence of exposure‐response for benzene and NHL, LL, ALL, or total LN, although NHL and other specified LN were increased in exposed vs unexposed individuals.
An investigation of the utility of QuEChERS for extracting acid, base, neutral and amphiphilic species from example environmental and clinical matrices
Authors: Townsend Rachel , van Keulen Geertje , Desbrow Claire , Godfrey Amy Ruth
Published: June 2020

Accurate measurement of the composition of complex samples is key for the safety and efficacy of a range of products used in daily life, with sample preparation a critical step in this workflow. QuEChERS is one such method, however published protocols do not explicitly address acidic, basic, neutral, and amphiphilic species in a single protocol and often use extra steps or an alternative preparation to recover the breadth of chemical types. Our work addresses this need by investigating the use of QuEChERS for monitoring this wide range of chemistries within environmental solids and blood plasma, using a protocol that can accommodate both milliliter and microliter sample volumes. While published methods can require significant resource and time, our approach offers a reduction in preparation time (for environmental samples), with the “micro‐QuEChERS” protocol offering a further reduction in cost. The analytical performance of these methods were assessed using reversed‐phase LC‐MS and showed good accuracy, precision, and sensitivity for the expected concentrations in the tested applications. Target analytes of variable lipophilicity/acidity were extracted and isolated from soil, with largely repeatable matrix effects < 15%RSD and recoveries of 39‐100%. An initial “proof‐of‐concept” investigation using the “micro‐QuEChERS” protocol showed reduced matrix enhancement (median value of 90%ME) for soil, and improved matrix effects and recovery (>65%) for blood plasma. This novel sample preparation method can therefore offer an improved approach with wider applicability providing “cleaner” extracts than other methods used for high‐throughput clinical analysis.
Oxygen barrier properties of polyketone/EVOH blend films and their resistance to moisture
Authors: Kim Jihun , Oh Seijin , Cho Sung Min , Jun Jaeho , Kwak Soonjong
Published: June 2020

Polyketone (PK) has excellent chemical and mechanical properties, but its use in food packaging is limited due to its oxygen barrier properties being insufficient for high‐barrier film applications. To improve its oxygen barrier properties, PK has been blended with ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), which is one of the highest oxygen barrier polymers in use today. The oxygen barrier properties under both dry and humid conditions, as well as the mechanical properties of PK/EVOH blend films were investigated in this study. These novel PK/EVOH blend films exhibited unusually low oxygen permeability values from 0.3 to 0.16 cc 20 μm m−2 day−1 atm−1 with increasing EVOH content from 30 to 70 wt%, which are even lower than those of the ideal laminar model that expresses the theoretical minimum permeability values attainable for blended barrier films. These high oxygen barrier properties of PK/EVOH blend films can conceivably be attributed to the combination of two dominant effects: a tortuous diffusion path through the EVOH domains in the PK matrix and hydrogen bonding interactions between PK and EVOH. Furthermore, in high‐humidity environments with retorting, the PK/EVOH blend films exhibited superior resistance to moisture over EVOH. Immediately after the retorting test, the oxygen permeability of the high‐barrier PK/EVOH blend films with an EVOH content of 30–40 wt% increased by less than 3× the pre‐retorting value, as opposed to 74× for EVOH. In addition, PK/EVOH blend films displayed superior stretching characteristics, with a breaking strain of over 300%, which are valuable for flexible packaging applications.
Latent Class Trajectory Modeling of 2‐Component Disease Activity Score in 28 Joints Identifies Multiple Rheumatoid Arthritis Phenotypes of Response to Biologic Disease‐Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs
Authors: Dagliati Arianna , Plant Darren , Nair Nisha , Jani Meghna , Amico Beatrice , Peek Niels , Morgan Ann W. , Isaacs John , Wilson Anthony G. , Hyrich Kimme L. , Geifman Nophar , Barton Anne ,   for the BRAGGSS Study Group
Published: May 2020

Objective

To determine whether using a reweighted disease activity score that better reflects joint synovitis, i.e., the 2‐component Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) (based on swollen joint count and C‐reactive protein level), produces more clinically relevant treatment outcome trajectories compared to the standard 4‐component DAS28.

Methods

Latent class mixed modeling of response to biologic treatment was applied to 2,991 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in whom treatment with a biologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug was being initiated within the Biologics in Rheumatoid Arthritis Genetics and Genomics Study Syndicate cohort, using both 4‐component and 2‐component DAS28 scores as outcome measures. Patient groups with similar trajectories were compared in terms of pretreatment baseline characteristics (including disability and comorbidities) and follow‐up characteristics (including antidrug antibody events, adherence to treatments, and blood drug levels). We compared the trajectories obtained using the 4‐ and 2‐component scores to determine which characteristics were better captured by each.

Results

Using the 4‐component DAS28, we identified 3 trajectory groups, which is consistent with previous findings. We showed that the 4‐component DAS28 captures information relating to depression. Using the 2‐component DAS28, 7 trajectory groups were identified; among them, distinct groups of nonresponders had a higher incidence of respiratory comorbidities and a higher proportion of antidrug antibody events. We also identified a group of patients for whom the 2‐component DAS28 scores remained relatively low; this group included a high percentage of patients who were nonadherent to treatment. This highlights the utility of both the 4‐ and 2‐component DAS28 for monitoring different components of disease activity.

Conclusion

Here we show that the 2‐component modified DAS28 defines important biologic and clinical phenotypes associated with treatment outcome in RA and characterizes important underlying response mechanisms to biologic drugs.
Anti–Citrullinated Protein Antibody Specificities, Rheumatoid Factor Isotypes, and Incident Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Westerlind Helga , Rönnelid Johan , Hansson Monika , Alfredsson Lars , Mathsson‐Alm Linda , Serre Guy , Cornillet Martin , Holmdahl Rikard , Jakobsson Per‐Johan , Skriner Karl , Klareskog Lars , Saevarsdottir Saedis , Askling Johan
Published: May 2020

Objective

To investigate the relationship between anti–citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs), specific ACPA subspecificities, rheumatoid factor (RF) isotypes, and incident cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Serum samples from Swedish patients with new‐onset RA (diagnosed within 1 year of symptom onset between 1996 and 2009) were centrally typed for anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide 2 (anti‐CCP2) antibodies, 20 ACPA subspecificities, and RF isotypes. Patients were followed up longitudinally in nationwide registers to monitor the occurrence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), stroke, CV‐related death, and major adverse CV events (MACE). The association between each serologic marker and CV outcome, and the impact of adjustment for the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28), smoking status, and income at baseline, were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models. In addition, associations of serologic markers with all‐cause mortality were explored.

Results

In total, 2,814 patients with RA were included in the study. The median follow‐up was 13 years, during which the CV end points of ACS, stroke, or CV‐related death were reported to occur in 375 patients. Occurrence and/or levels of anti‐CCP2 were associated with risk of incident ACS (hazard ratio [HR] 1.46, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.03–2.06), stroke (HR 1.47, 95% CI 1.03–2.10), CV‐related death (P = 0.024 for association with anti‐CCP2 levels), and MACE (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.06–1.70). Similarly, an association with the number of ACPA subspecificities was observed; however, this could not be attributed to any individual or group of ACPA subspecificities. Presence of IgM‐RF was associated with all CV end points except ACS, and IgA‐RF was exclusively associated with CV‐related death. Adjustment for smoking status, income, and DAS28 scores decreased most of the HRs, whereas IgA‐RF remained associated with CV‐related death (HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.05–2.48). All of the assessed serologic makers were associated with all‐cause mortality.

Conclusion

RF isotypes and ACPAs are associated with future CV events in patients with RA. ACPA levels and number of subspecificities seem more important than the occurrence of particular subspecificities, and these associations were not explained by a history of ever smoking.
Cell Survival Failure in Effector T Cells From Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Following Insufficient Up‐Regulation of Cold‐Shock Y‐Box Binding Protein 1
Authors: Meltendorf Stefan , Fu Hang , Pierau Mandy , Lindquist Jonathan A. , Finzel Stephanie , Mertens Peter R. , Gieseler‐Halbach Steffi , Ambach Andreas , Thomas Ulrich , Lingel Holger , Voll Reinhard E. , Brunner‐Weinzierl Monika C.
Published: May 2020

Objective

The importance of cold‐shock Y‐box binding protein 1 (YB‐1) for cell homeostasis is well‐documented based on prior observations of its association with certain cancer entities. This study was undertaken to explore the role of YB‐1 in T cell homeostasis and survival and the potential contribution of YB‐1 to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

In the peripheral blood from 25 SLE patients and 25 healthy donors, the expression of YB‐1 and frequency of T cell apoptosis was analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and fluorescence‐activated cell sorting of CD4+ T cells ex vivo and also analyzed in T cells in vitro after 6 days of stimulation with anti‐CD3–coupled or anti‐CD3/anti‐CD28–coupled microspheres. YB‐1 was overexpressed using lentiviral transduction with wild‐type green fluorescent protein (wtGFP) YB‐1, and knockdown of YB‐1 was achieved using specific short hairpin RNA (shRNA) (3‐fold reduction; P < 0.0001).

Results

YB‐1 expression was significantly lower in apoptosis‐prone T cells and in activated T cells from SLE patients compared to YB‐1 expression in nonapoptotic T cells and activated T cells from healthy donors (P = 0.001). Knockdown of YB‐1 in T cells consequently led to expression of proapoptotic molecules and caspase 3 activation (1.6‐fold), and subsequently, to apoptosis. Furthermore, YB‐1 promoted survival pathways involving enhanced protein expression of the kinase Akt (2‐fold) and Bcl‐2 (3‐fold), even when Fas/CD95 was triggered. YB‐1–mediated T cell survival was reversed by Akt and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) inactivation. In SLE patients, rescue of YB‐1 expression strongly promoted survival of T cells and even prevented cell death in T cells that were extremely apoptosis‐prone.

Conclusion

Our data show that failure of YB‐1 up‐regulation in T cells from SLE patients led to enhanced apoptosis. These findings imply that YB‐1 plays a crucial role in the disturbed homeostasis of activated T cells leading to hematopoietic alterations in SLE. These insights may help facilitate the development of new treatment strategies for SLE.
A Solution‐based Method for Synthesizing Pyrite‐type Ferrous Metal Sulfide Microspheres with Efficient OER Activity
Authors: Xiang Wendi , Tian Qianqiu , Zhong Cheng , Deng Yida , Han Xiaopeng , Hu Wenbin
Published: June 2020

Simple and stable synthesis of transition metal sulfides and clarification of their growth mechanisms are of great importance for developing catalysts, metal‐air batteries and other technologies. In this work, we developed a one‐step facile hydrothermal approach to successfully synthesize NiS2 microspheres. By changing the experimental parameters, the reason that affects the formation of nanostructured spheres is investigated and discussed in detail, and the formation mechanism of microspheres is proposed innovatively. Furthermore, electrochemical testing results show that the 7 h‐NiS2 catalyst exhibits a remarkable oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity with an overpotential of 311 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH, superior to precious metal RuO2. The NiS2 catalyst also exhibits a robust durability. This work will contributes to the rational design and the understanding of growth mechanism of transition metal chalcogenide electrocatalysts for diverse energy conversion technologies.
Metabolic engineering of Corynebacterium glutamicum WM001 to improve l‐isoleucine production
Authors: Zhang Yanchao , Liu Yadi , Zhang Shuyan , Ma Wenjian , Wang Jianli , Yin Lianghong , Wang Xiaoyuan
Published: May 2020

In this study, l‐isoleucine production in Corynebacterium glutamicum WM001 was improved by deleting three genes in the genome, replacing the native promoter of ilvA in the genome, and overexpression of five genes in an alr‐based auxotrophic complementation expression system. The three genes deleted in the genome are alaT, brnQ, and alr. Deletion of alaT improved l‐isoleucine production by increasing the supply of pyruvate, whereas deletion of brnQ improved l‐isoleucine production by blocking the uptake of extracellular l‐isoleucine. Exchange of the native promoter of ilvA with promoter tac or tacM could contribute to l‐isoleucine production by increasing 2‐ketobutyric acid; tac is better than tacM for improving l‐isoleucine yield. Different combinations of the genes ilvBN, ppnK, lrp, and brnFE were overexpressed in an alr‐based auxotrophic complementation expression system to further improve l‐isoleucine production, and the best yield after 72‐H flask fermentation was obtained from the strain WM005/pYCW‐1‐ilvBN2‐ppnK1. Without addition of any antibiotics, WM005/pYCW‐1‐ilvBN2‐ppnK1 could produce 32.1 g/L l‐isoleucine after 72‐H fed‐batch fermentation, which is 34.3% increase compared with the original strain WM001.
Development of novel strategies for higher fermentative biohydrogen recovery along with novel metabolites from organic wastes: The present state of the art
Authors: Rao Raman , Basak Nitai
Published: May 2020

Depletion of fossil fuels and environmental concern has compelled us to search for alternative fuel. Hydrogen is considered as a dream fuel as it has high energy content (142 kJ g−1) and is not chemically bound to carbon. At present, fossil fuel–based methods for producing hydrogen require high‐energy input, which makes the processes expensive. The major processes for biohydrogen production are biophotolysis, microbial electrolysis, dark fermentation, and photofermentation. Fermentative hydrogen production has the additional advantages of potentially using various waste streams from different industries as feedstock. Novel strategies to enhance the productivity of fermentative hydrogen production include optimization in pretreatment methods, integrated fermentation systems (sequential and combined fermentation), use of nanoparticles as additives, metabolic engineering of microorganisms, improving the light utilization efficiency, developing more efficient photobioreactors, etc. More focus has been given to produce biohydrogen in a biorefinery approach in which, along with hydrogen gas, other metabolites (ethanol, butyric acid, 1,3‐propanediol, etc.) are also produced, which have direct/indirect industrial applications. In present review, various emerging technologies that highlight biohydrogen production methods as effective and sustainable methods on a large scale have been critically reviewed. The possible future developments are also outlined.