bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
D3‐Creatine dilution and the importance of accuracy in the assessment of skeletal muscle mass
Authors: Evans William J. , Hellerstein Marc , Orwoll Eric , Cummings Steve , Cawthon Peggy M.
Published: March 2019

Sarcopenia has been described as the age‐associated decrease in skeletal muscle mass. However, virtually every study of sarcopenia has measured lean body mass (LBM) or fat free mass (FFM) rather than muscle mass, specifically. In a number of published sarcopenia studies, LBM or FFM is referred to as muscle mass, leading to an incorrect assumption that measuring LBM or FFM is an accurate measure of muscle mass. As a result, the data on the effects of changes in LBM or FFM in older populations on outcomes such as functional capacity, disability, and risk of injurious falls have been inconsistent resulting in the conclusion that muscle mass is only weakly related to these outcomes. We review and describe the assumptions for the most commonly used measurements of body composition. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) has become an increasingly common tool for the assessment of LBM or FFM and appendicular lean mass as a surrogate, but inaccurate, measurement of muscle mass. Other previously used methods (total body water, bioelectric impedance, and imaging) also have significant limitations. D3‐Creatine (D3‐Cr) dilution provides a direct and accurate measurement of creatine pool size and skeletal muscle mass. In a recent study in older men (MrOS cohort), D3‐Cr muscle mass was associated with functional capacity and risk of injurious falls and disability, while assessments of LBM or appendicular lean mass by DXA were only weakly or not associated with these outcomes. Inaccurate measurements of muscle mass by DXA and other methods have led to inconsistent results and potentially erroneous conclusions about the importance of skeletal muscle mass in health and disease. The assessment of skeletal muscle mass using the D3‐Cr dilution method in prospective cohort studies may reveal sarcopenia as a powerful risk factor for late life disability and chronic disease.
Silver release of Ag (I) doped hydroxyapatite: In vitro study
Authors: Erdem Umit , Turkoz Mustafa B.
Published: March 2019

A material is produced by doping of silver (Ag (I)) which has antibacterial property to nano hydroxyapatite (nHAp), to remove the hipersensitivity in the teeth by closing the dentine tubules or dental micro cracks of the teeth and effective against for some bacteria. The doping of Ag (I) can also produces a toxic effect. Ag (I) can be released from the structure as a result of biological, physical and chemical effects and may cause toxicity. Therefore, it is important to determine whether the presence of Ag (I) has a toxic effect. In this study, Ag (I)‐doped nHAp was synthesized by precipitation method and tried to determine the release values as a function of time compared to the doping rate by using the ICP‐OES. Also, the products we produce in simulated body fluid were kept for retention periods of 4–20 weeks to determine degradation percentages. A cytotoxicity study was performed to observe the toxic effect that may be caused by possible Ag (I) release. According to the analysis, the release values in all products were observed in ppb level. And it is concluded that the materials produced are not degraded. Cell viability values of more than 70% were obtained. It was observed that the release of Ag (I) bound to Ag (I)‐doped nHAp hexagonal structure was very low. It was concluded that the products are not degraded and Ag (I)‐doped nHAp to a certain ratio is a biocompatible material that can be used in dentistry for treatment.
Functional morphology of the mouthparts of lady beetle Coccinella transversoguttata (Coccinellidae, Coleoptera), with reference to their feeding mechanism
Authors: Hao Ya‐Nan , Sun Yuan‐Xing , Liu Chang‐Zhong
Published: March 2019

The lady beetle Coccinella transversoguttata is an important biocontrol agent of aphids. As the main the feeding apparatus, mouthparts play essential roles in feeding process, and the morphological variation of mouthparts is correlated with variation in food source and feeding behavior. To better understand the feeding behavior of C. transversoguttata, we studied the functional morphology of mouthparts, with special attention to the fine morphology of each part of mouthpart and various kinds of sensilla. The mouthpart of C. transversoguttata is typical mandibulate type that composed of labrum, mandible, maxillae, labium, and hypopharynx. Detailed descriptions were given about the fine morphology of each part, and various types of sensilla were identified and classified. In total, two types of sensilla chaetica, four types of sensilla basiconica, two types of sensilla styloconica, two types of sensilla placodea, and one type of cuticular pore were identified according to their length, morphology and distribution. Specially, the putative function of each part of mouthpart as well as each kind of sensilla and their coordinative mechanisms in feeding process were discussed. These results would lay a solid foundation for understanding the feeding mechanism of lady beetles.
An improved open‐short equivalent circuit model for CMOS transistors de‐embedding
Authors: Wang Qiuping , Wu Yunqiu , Kang Kai
Published: March 2019

In this paper, the open and short de‐embedding structures are studied. The parallel terminal coupling effect, the loss of vias, and the interconnects are considered. On this basis, the above parasitic effects are characterized by the equivalent circuit model. To validate the model, open and short test structures are manufactured and measured. By comparing the measurement data with the modeling data, the proposed model achieves high accuracy. The root‐mean‐square error of scattering parameter is less than 0.0145 for the open model and less than 0.0082 for the short model.
Biosorption of heavy metals by a lead (Pb) resistant bacterium, Staphylococcus hominis strain AMB‐2
Authors: Rahman Zeeshanur , Thomas Lebin , Singh Ved Pal
Published: March 2019

In the present study, a lead (Pb)‐resistant bacterium, Staphylococcus hominis strain AMB‐2 was isolated from Mandoli industrial area, Delhi and selected for heavy metal biosorption considering multiple heavy metal resistance. In the batch experiment, both living and dead biomasses of strain AMB‐2 showed biosorption of Pb and cadmium (Cd) in single and binary systems as analyzed through Inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry. Living biomass exhibited more biosorption of metals than dead biomass in both single and binary systems. However, in the binary system, metals competed for the attachment sites on the bacterial surface, where Pb got more preference over Cd for the same. The underlying mechanism for the biosorption was attachment of the metal ions through functional groups onto the surface of the biomass as revealed by scanning electron microscope‐energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. Conclusively, this study displayed an effective biotreatment of Pb and Cd from aqueous medium using a low‐cost biosorbent prepared from S. hominis strain AMB‐2 considering biosafety of microorganisms and an eco‐friendly approach.
Insurance status, stage of presentation, and survival among female patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Panth Neelima , Simpson Matthew C. , Sethi Rosh K.V. , Varvares Mark A. , Osazuwa‐Peters Nosayaba
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Incidence trends and outcomes of head and neck cancer (HNC) among female patients are not well understood. The objective of this study was to estimate incidence trends and quantify the association between health insurance status, stage at presentation, and survival among females with HNC.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (2007–2014) was queried for females aged ≥18 years diagnosed with a malignant primary head and neck cancer (HNC) (n = 18,923). Incidence trends for stage at presentation were estimated using Joinpoint regression analysis. The association between health insurance status and stage at presentation on overall and disease‐specific survival was estimated using Fine and Gray proportional hazards models.

Results

Incidence of stage IV HNC rose by 1.24% from 2007 to 2014 (annual percent change = 1.24, 95% CI 0.30, 2.20). Patients with Medicaid (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.45, 1.74) and who were uninsured (aOR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.47, 2.04) were more likely to be diagnosed with advanced stage (stages III/IV) HNC. Similarly, patients with Medicaid (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.47, 95% CI 1.38, 1.56) and who were uninsured (aHR =1.45, 95% CI 1.29, 1.63) were more likely to die from any cause compared to privately insured patients. Medicaid (aHR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.24, 1.44) and uninsured (aHR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.24, 1.60) patients also had a greater hazard of HNC‐specific deaths compared to privately insured patients.

Conclusions

Incidence of advanced‐stage presentation for female HNC patients in the United States has increased significantly since 2007, and patients who are uninsured or enrolled in Medicaid are more likely to present with late stage disease and die earlier.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 130:385–391, 2020
Objectively measuring social attention of thyroid neck scars and transoral surgery using eye tracking
Authors: Juarez Michelle C. , Ishii Lisa , Nellis Jason C. , Bater Kristin , Huynh Pauline P. , Fung Nicholas , Darrach Halley , Russell Jonathon O. , Ishii Masaru
Published: March 2019

Objective

Measure the social attention of thyroid neck scars and transoral surgery using eye tracking.

Methods

Observers viewed images of patients with thyroid neck scars, control patients with no scars, and patients who underwent transoral thyroidectomy as an eye‐tracking monitor recorded their eye movements. Hotelling's multivariate analysis, followed by planned posthypothesis testing, were used to compare fixation times for the central triangle (CT), peripheral face, and neck between the three groups. To assess if these gaze patterns would normalize with transoral surgery, a two‐sample t test was done to assess for differences in neck fixations between control and transoral patients and between transoral and traditional thyroidectomy.

Results

One hundred and thirty participants completed the eye‐tracking experiment (mean age 24.3 years, 65 females). Observers directed the majority of their attention to the CT in both control and scar patients. Observers paid more attention to the neck (103.72 ms, P < .0001, 95% confidence interval [CI] [55, 152] ms) and less to the peripheral face (115.50 ms, P = .01, 95% CI [19, 211] ms) in patients with neck scars than in control patients. Furthermore, transoral surgery eliminated this attentional distraction wherein there was no difference in the fixation time to the neck (−39.198 ms P = .16, 95% CI [−93.978, 15.5816] ms) between controls and those who underwent transoral surgery.

Conclusion

Observers directed their gaze away from the face and toward the neck in patients with thyroid neck scars. Furthermore, this distraction was eliminated with tranoral surgery. These findings shed light onto the altered observer perceptions of patients with thyroid neck scars.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 129:2789–2794, 2019
Reconstruction of total parotidectomy defects with a de‐epithelialized submental flap
Authors: Goyal Neerav , Deschler Daniel G. , Emerick Kevin S.
Published: March 2019

Objective

Total parotidectomy yields a large surgical defect that leads to both cosmetic and functional deficits which can be addressed with reconstruction. We evaluated the role of a pedicled submental flap for this reconstruction.

Methods

We reviewed all submental flap reconstructions that were performed for total parotidectomy defects between 2014 and 2016. Data regarding harvest technique, postoperative complications, flap survival, and adjuvant treatment details were recorded. Subjective information regarding retained volume after reconstruction was also obtained.

Results

During the time period, eight patients were identified and in all cases the patients underwent total parotidectomy with facial nerve sacrifice. All patients were discharged within 2 days of hospitalization with no complications or concerns regarding the viability of the flap. All but one patient had radiation therapy. Results with 9.9‐ to 37.5‐month follow‐up (mean 22.0 months) show limited volume loss without major contour defect or ear deformity in the follow‐up period.

Conclusions

Submental flap reconstruction is a feasible and reliable method for total parotidectomy defect. The inclusion of the mylohyoid muscle aids flap reliability and adds bulk. Inclusion of the dermis helps contour the overlying skin. The flap does not add morbidity or increased complexity intraoperatively or postoperatively.

Level of Evidence

4
Acute Severe Autoimmune Hepatitis: Corticosteroids or Liver Transplantation?
Authors: Rahim Mussarat N. , Liberal Rodrigo , Miquel Rosa , Heaton Nigel D. , Heneghan Michael A.
Published: March 2019

Acute severe presentations of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) represent a challenge for the transplant community. As a disease, it is poorly characterized, and there is a weak evidence base to guide diagnosis and treatment. Early identification of acute severe AIH is key because it determines the initiation of corticosteroids, which can be lifesaving. However, their use in this setting remains controversial. The Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score, severity of coagulopathy, and grade of encephalopathy may be predictors of outcome with corticosteroid therapy. The optimal timing of liver transplantation (LT) can be difficult to determine and, as such, the decision to proceed to transplantation should not be delayed by protracted courses of corticosteroids. The aim of this review is to better characterize this subset of patients; to differentiate them clinically, serologically, and histologically from chronic AIH and other causes of acute liver failure; and to present the role, predictors, and optimal timings of corticosteroid therapy and LT. Although this review is specific to adults, many principles hold true for the pediatric population.
EMPATHY: THE CORNERSTONE OF LEADERSHIP
Authors: Ivany Robert
Published: March 2019

Ivany has been both a US Army major general and the president of the University of St. Thomas in Houston. He writes about his firsthand experience during the 1980s, while as an Army officer he worked with President Ronald Reagan. Ivany learned right away about Reagan's “most overlooked and impressive leadership qualities: his ability to relate to everyone he met.” He writes, “As authentic leaders,we should remember that a sincere smile, kind greeting, or timely inquiry can lead to a far greater impact than we can ever imagine. We may not be able to end a Cold War, but we will enhance the lives of those we serve and improve the organizations we lead.”
Air‐Blowing‐Assisted Coaxial Electrospinning toward High Productivity of Core/Sheath and Hollow Fibers
Authors: Duan Gaigai , Greiner Andreas
Published: March 2019

Coaxial electrospinning is an attractive technology to produce core/sheath and hollow fibers. However, until now, the relatively low productivity has limited its broad applications. In this work, coaxial electrospinning with air‐blowing‐assistance is applied to improve the productivity of core/sheath and hollow fibers. Different core and shell materials are used for this electrospinning. The flow rate and air‐blowing rate during electrospinning are optimized. SEM and TEM are used to confirm the core/sheath and hollow structure of fibers. The results show that air‐blowing‐assisted electrospinning technology can be successfully applied for the large‐scale production of core/sheath and hollow fibers which open the path to new applications of this promising class of materials.
Storm naming and forecast communication: A case study of Storm Doris
Authors: Charlton‐Perez Andrew J. , Vukadinovic Greetham Danica , Hemingway Rebecca
Published: March 2019

On February 23, 2017, a significant low‐pressure system named Storm Doris crossed the Republic of Ireland and the UK causing widespread disruption. As an early example of a storm named through the Met Office and Met Eireann “Name Our Storms” project, this provided an excellent opportunity to study how information about extreme weather in the UK spread through the media. In traditional media, the forecast of Storm Doris was widely reported upon on February 21–22. On the February 23, newspaper coverage of the event rapidly switched to reporting the impact of the storm. Around three times the number of words and twice the number of articles were published on the impacts of Storm Doris in comparison with its forecast. Storm Doris rapidly became a broader cultural topic with an imprint on political news because of two by‐elections that occurred by coincidence on February 23. In the social media, the rapid growth in the number of tweets about Storm Doris closely mirrored the growth of newspaper articles about the impacts of the storm. The network structure of the tweets associated with Storm Doris revealed the importance of both the Met Office official Twitter account and newspaper and rail company accounts in disseminating information about the storm. Storm names, in addition to their benefit for forecast communication, also provide researchers with a useful and easily collected target to study the development and evolution of public understanding of extreme weather events.
Long‐term stability of meteorological temperature sensors
Authors: Kowal Aleksandra , Merlone Andrea , Sawiński Tymoteusz
Published: March 2019

This study presents the results of successive calibrations of sensors for meteorological applications consecutively exposed to particular environmental conditions. The determined sensor characteristics and measurement uncertainties were used to analyze how the environmental factors and the ageing of the sensor (impact of the time) results in the variation of characteristics in terms of the sensors’ stability and the reproducibility of the calibration curves obtained. The study consists of the regular calibrations of two temperature sensors: HMP 155 and Vaisala's HMP 45AC, after having been exposed to thermal shocks and exposure to extreme ranges of humidity. The selected measuring devices represent sensors commonly used in Stevenson Screens, compact solar shields and other meteorological applications. The investigation verifies the following impacts on characteristics’ change and reproducibility: time, high humidity, high and low temperatures, and rapid temperature changes (10 series) from −30 to −10°C typical for anticyclonal conditions. The result of the measurements is presented and discussed. The analysis is completed by fully understanding, evaluating and reporting uncertainties in the results.
Long‐term effect of climate change on groundwater recharge in the Grand Est region of France
Authors: Haidu Ionel , Nistor Mărgărit‐Mircea
Published: March 2019

Groundwater recharge depends generally on precipitation. In this study, a geographical information system (GIS) procedure was applied to assess the climate change effect on groundwater recharge in the Grand Est region of France. The analysis comprises high‐resolution climate models that reflect the long‐term climatological regime. The hydrological properties include aquifers, land‐cover and terrain morphology data, which were used to develop the potential infiltration map of the study area. Two parameters, the De Martonne aridity index and effective precipitation, were combined into a 5 × 5 matrix to assess the climate change effect on groundwater recharge during the past (1990s), present (2020s) and future (2050s) periods. The present and future intense aridization and the depletion of the effective precipitation (< 650 mm) reveal the negative effects of climate change on aquifers’ recharge in the Grand Est region. The areas with high and very high climate effects will increase in the 2020s and 2050s. These areas extend mainly in the western, north‐central and northeastern parts of the region occupying the Rhine, Aube and Marne valleys. The medium effect could be found in the central, southern and northwestern parts, while the low impact on groundwater recharge was verified in the northwestern and southeastern parts of the region. The area with low effects of climate change extends mostly in the Vosges and Ardennes mountains. These findings contribute to the long‐term hydrogeological studies in the Grand Est region.
Clinical validity assessment of genes for inclusion in multi‐gene panel testing: A systematic approach
Authors: Zion Tricia N. , Wayburn Bess , Darabi Sourat , Lamb Thrush Devon , Smith Erica D. , Johnston Tami , Martin Brissa , Hagman Kelly D. F. , Parra Melissa , Antolik Christian
Published: March 2019

Background

Advances in sequencing technology have led to expanded use of multi‐gene panel tests (MGPTs) for clinical diagnostics. Well‐designed MGPTs must balance increased detection of clinically significant findings while mitigating the increase in variants of uncertain significance (VUS). To maximize clinical utililty, design of such panels should include comprehensive gene vetting using a standardized clinical validity (CV) scoring system.

Methods

To assess the impact of CV‐based gene vetting on MGPT results, data from MGPTs for cardiovascular indications were retrospectively analyzed. Using our CV scoring system, genes were categorized as having definitive, strong, moderate, or limited evidence. The rates of reported pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants and VUS were then determined for each CV category.

Results

Of 106 total genes, 42% had definitive, 17% had strong, 29% had moderate, and 12% had limited CV. The detection rate of variants classified as pathogenic or likely pathogenic was higher for genes with greater CV, while the VUS rate showed an inverse relationship with CV score. No pathogenic or likely pathogenic findings were observed in genes with a limited CV.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate the importance of a standardized, evidence‐based vetting process to establish CV for genes on MGPTs. Using our proposed system may help to increase the detection rate while mitigating higher VUS rates.
EPA+DHA, but not ALA, Improved Lipids and Inflammation Status in Hypercholesterolemic Adults: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhou Quan , Zhang Zheqing , Wang Ping , Zhang Bo , Chen Chaogang , Zhang Caixia , Su Yixiang
Published: March 2019

Scope

To compare the effects of supplementary eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)+docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) versus α‐linolenic acid (ALA) on lipid profiles, inflammatory status, and fatty acid composition of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in hypercholesterolemic adults.

Methods and results

A randomized, controlled, double‐blind trial is conducted to examine the effects of consumption of control oil, 4.2 g/d ALA, 7.2 g/d ALA, 1.8 g/d DHA+EPA, or 3.6 g/d EPA+DHA for 12 weeks on lipid profiles, fatty acid composition of PBMCs and in vitro production of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) by PBMCs in 123 subjects with hypercholesteremia. After the intervention, subjects who receive a low and high dose of DHA/EPA experience 11.99% and 15.78% decreases in triglycerides which is significantly different from that of the control group (p < 0.05). The in vitro study indicates that supplementation of high‐dose DHA+EPA induces the greatest decrease of IL‐6 production by PBMCs relative to other groups (p = 0.046). ALA intervention significantly increases the PBMCs composition of ALA but not EPA/DHA.

Conclusion

EPA+DHA, but not ALA, improves lipids and inflammation status in hypercholesterolemic adults. Supplementation of ALA does not increase the PBMCs composition of EPA/DHA in middle‐aged to elderly Chinese.
Economic and objective burden of caregiving on informal caregivers of patients with systemic vasculitis
Authors: Nguyen Joehl T. , Roberts Courtney , Thorpe Carolyn T. , Thorpe Joshua M. , Hogan Susan L. , McGregor Julie , Geryk Lorie , Carpenter Delesha M.
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Systemic vasculitis (SV) is associated with substantial economic impact to patients and the healthcare system but little is known about the burden of SV on informal caregivers. We evaluated the objective caregiving burden experienced by informal caregivers of patients with SV.

Methods

We surveyed adult patients and their informal caregivers on the physical, emotional, social and economic impacts of SV. We asked patients about the extent to which they felt they were a burden to their identified caregivers. Caregivers reported the direct and indirect economic impact of SV, including employment disturbance, income loss and relative time investment of caregiving for their care recipient's SV. We used the Inventory of Caregiving Activities Questionnaire to compute the objective caregiving burden.

Results

We analysed data from 68 SV patient–caregiver dyads. Patients reported moderate levels of subjective burden to their caregivers. Over one‐quarter of caregivers reported ever having lost some income owing to caregiving for SV. Caregivers reported spending a median of 19 weekly hours on various caregiving tasks, including a median 17 weekly hours on household activities.

Discussion

Given the extended hours that caregivers spend caring for their care recipient, intervention targets should aim to reduce caregiver burnout in the SV population. Future research should examine the relationship between the objective burden of caregiving for SV and the overall physical health, mental health and quality of life of caregivers.
Development and reliability testing of the Scale for the Evaluation of Staff‐Patient Interactions in Progress Notes (SESPI): An assessment instrument of mental health nursing documentation
Authors: Myklebust Kjellaug K. , Bjørkly Stål
Published: March 2019

Aim

To develop and test the reliability of the Scale for the Evaluation of Staff‐Patient Interactions in Progress Notes (SESPI). Therapeutic nurse–patient interactions are fundamental in mental health nursing. However, little is known about how these interactions are recorded in nursing documentation and there is no instrument available for collecting this type of information for quantitative analysis.

Design

Instrument development and reliability testing.

Methods

The development of the SESPI was based on qualitative analyses of progress notes retrieved from patient records in two mental health services. A self psychological attunement perspective guided the analyses. SESPI was tested for internal consistency and inter‐rater reliability after 22 nurses independently scored 10 progress notes.

Results

Cronbach's alpha for the entire instrument was 0.977, indicating that the raters' scores had very high internal consistency. ICC was 0.770. The alpha and ICC values for each step were high, varying between 0.970 and 0.992.
Engaging Fathers in Early Obesity Prevention During the First 1,000 Days: Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change Strategies
Authors: Davison Kirsten K. , Gavarkovs Adam , McBride Brent , Kotelchuck Milton , Levy Raymond , Taveras Elsie M.
Published: March 2019

Objective

Fathers are critical stakeholders in childhood obesity prevention but are difficult to engage. This review presents a new approach to engaging fathers in obesity prevention during the first 1,000 days.

Methods

The review focuses on five existing health and social service programs, including prenatal care, pediatric care, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, home visiting, and Early Head Start. For each program, the obesity prevention services provided, evidence of father engagement, and barriers thereto are outlined. Subsequently, policy, systems, and environmental strategies are outlined to address the noted barriers and promote father engagement.

Results

Although the programs hold great promise in bringing obesity prevention services to fathers, barriers to their engagement are present in the inner (e.g., limited hours of operation, lack of father‐specific materials and programming) and outer (e.g., lack of model programs, best practice models, and consistent funding) settings of programs. Policy, systems, and environmental strategies to increase father engagement focus on earmarked funding, changes to national practice guidelines and practitioner training requirements, and the establishment of father‐engagement performance metrics.

Conclusions

Increasing father involvement in the specified programs will likely increase their engagement in early obesity prevention in an efficient and sustainable manner.
Meeting Report on the Conference on Fathers’ Role in Children’s Weight‐Related Behaviors and Outcomes
Authors: Peeters Mwalu , Davison Kirsten , Ma David , Haines Jess
Published: March 2019

On September 22, 2017, “Engaging the Forgotten Parent: Conference of Experts on Fathers’ Role in Children’s Weight‐Related Behaviours and Outcomes” brought researchers, students, health professionals, community stakeholders, and knowledge users from Canada, Australia, and the United States together to Toronto, Ontario, for a 1‐day gathering focused on furthering scientific understanding of effective strategies to recruit, engage, and retain fathers in family‐based obesity research. Furthermore this conference focused on identifying key knowledge gaps and opportunities for collaborative research to further our understanding of fathers’ roles in the development of their children’s behaviors and weight outcomes. The following four themes emerged from the conference: (1) underrepresentation of fathers in family‐based obesity research, (2) fathers’ engagement in children’s weight‐related behaviors and desire to participate in research, (3) best practices in recruiting, engaging, and retaining fathers in research, and (4) key lessons learned from fatherhood research in developmental science.
Meal‐Related Acyl and Des‐Acyl Ghrelin and Other Appetite‐Related Hormones in People with Obesity and Binge Eating
Authors: Hernandez Dominica , Mehta Nandini , Geliebter Allan
Published: March 2019

Objective

Potential mechanisms of abnormal food intake, such as dysregulation of meal‐related appetite hormones, including acyl ghrelin (AG) and des‐acyl ghrelin (DAG), were investigated among men and women with obesity, with and without binge eating (BE).

Methods

Participants (n = 42: 19 female, 23 male) were assigned to a liquid meal and water condition in counterbalanced order, and blood samples for measuring hormones were obtained before and after these conditions.

Results

Participants with BE had significantly lower fasting and postingestive AG concentrations than participants without BE in both conditions. During the meal condition, postprandial decreases in AG concentrations were significantly smaller for the BE group than for the non‐BE group. There were no significant differences in DAG by BE group. Leptin increased significantly less after meals for those with BE compared with those without BE. There were no differences in other hormones by BE group. Fasting and postmeal hunger ratings were significantly higher for those with BE than for those without BE.

Conclusions

In individuals with BE, lower fasting AG may be due to downregulation by habitual overeating, and a smaller postmeal decline in AG may contribute to overeating. Lower postmeal leptin concentrations may also contribute to overeating.
Rapid strep testing in children with recently treated streptococcal pharyngitis
Authors: Barakat Amin J. , Evans Coni , Gill Monica , Nelson David
Published: March 2019

Importance

The use of the rapid antigen‐detection test (RADT) has become the standard of care in the early diagnosis of group A beta‐hemolytic Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis. Concern has been expressed over increased false positives when the child had been treated recently for GAS pharyngitis, resulting in over use of antibiotics.

Objective

To determine if the false positive rate for RADT is increased in children recently treated for GAS pharyngitis.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study to evaluate 300 children from a private practice with acute pharyngitis who were treated for GAS pharyngitis within the preceding 28 days (study group) compared to 306 children of comparable age who had not been previously treated (control group). RADT and throat culture were performed on all children presenting with signs and symptoms of acute pharyngitis. The false positive and false negative rates were determined and compared in both groups.

Results

The false positive rate of 11.5% (23/200) in the study group was significantly higher than the false positive rate of 0 in the control group. False positives were more likely to occur in younger children.

Interpretation

These data would indicate that while RADT is reliable in most children, it can lead to over treatment in children who have been recently treated for GAS. In children treated in the preceding 28 days for GAS pharyngitis, the presence of infection should be determined with a throat culture only. Treatment based on a positive RADT should be reserved for children not recently treated for GAS pharyngitis.
Variant analysis of the chromodomain helicase DNA‐binding protein 7 in pediatric disorders of sex development
Authors: Zhang Beibei , Song Yanning , Li Wei , Gong Chunxiu
Published: March 2019

Importance

This study investigated the role of the chromodomain helicase DNA‐binding protein 7 (CHD7) in disorders of sex development (DSD).

Objective

We aimed to present the potential pathogenicity of CHD7 variants in pediatric patients with DSD.

Methods

Choosing cases with CHD7 variants from DSD patients in Beijing Children's Hospital to assess for the study. Prediction software tools were used to predict variant pathogenicity in these subjects.

Results

Among the 113 DSD patients, 22 cases had CHD7 variants. Twenty‐four different CHD7 variants were identified in the 22 DSD patients. Prediction software combined with ClinVar database information and their clinical manifestations revealed that, of the 18 patients with 46, XY DSD, two had CHARGE syndrome and two had Kallmann syndrome. Seven of the variants were highly categorized as “likely to be pathogenic” and seven as “suspected to be pathogenic”. Of the four patients with 46, XX DSD, three had ovotesticular DSD (c.305A>G, c.2788G>A, and c.3098G>A) and one had testicular DSD (c.2831G>A).

Interpretation

A high frequency of CHD7 variants was found in the DSD patients, especially those with 46, XY DSD. Thus, the detection of a pathogenic CHD7 variant could suggest a diagnosis of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism for 46, XY DSD patients, but pre‐pubescent patients should be reassessed in adolescence to confirm this diagnosis. This study also suggests that DNA sequencing could help to identify pre‐pubescent DSD patients. Further data are required to determine the connection between CHD7 variants and sex‐reversal in patients with 46, XX DSD, and the accumulation of these data is essential and necessary for DSD research.
Effective treatment of post‐intubation subglottic stenosis in children with holmium laser therapy and cryotherapy via flexible bronchoscopy
Authors: Jiao Anxia , Liu Fang , Lerner Andrew D. , Rao Xiaochun , Guo Yan , Meng Chenfang , Pan Yuena , Li Gan , Li Zheng , Wang Fang , Zhao Jing , Ma Yuyan , Liu Xicheng , Ni Xin , Shen Kunling
Published: March 2019

Importance

Post‐intubation subglottic stenosis (SGS) in children can be life threatening. Definitive treatment varies and lacks a universally accepted approach.

Objective

We performed a prospective study to assess the safety and feasibility of holmium laser combined with cryotherapy delivered via flexible bronchoscopy for the treatment of post‐intubation SGS in children.

Methods

This study involved all patients with post‐intubation SGS seen at the Interventional Pulmonology Department of Beijing Children's Hospital between July 2014 and December 2016. Holmium laser treatment and cryotherapy was then performed under flexible bronchoscopy, whose parents refused to accept the alternative standard treatment of tracheotomy and balloon dilation under direct laryngoscopy.

Results

Sixteen patients with post‐intubation SGS were included in this study. Ages ranged from 2 months to 12.25 years old. According to the Cotton‐Myer grading system, three cases were Grade II, 12 cases were Grade III, and one case was Grade IV. According to the McCaffrey system, eight cases were Stage 1, two cases were Stage 2, and six cases were Stage 3. The average number of procedures was 4.88. Fifteen of the 16 patients achieved clinical cure. One patient achieved clinical improvement. The average treatment course duration was 55.31 days. No severe complications were seen. Post‐treatment clinical symptoms, endoscopic findings and quality of life showed marked improvement.

Interpretation

Our study supports the conclusion that holmium laser treatment combined with cryotherapy via flexible bronchoscopy appears to be a safe and feasible treatment for post‐intubation SGS in children.
Successful spinal anesthesia in a patient with mucopolysaccharidosis type I under femoral fracture reduction and external fixation
Authors: Sun Lan , Zhang Jianmin , Zhao Xin
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) is an inherited lysosomal storage disorders with glycosaminoglycans accumulation in tissues. MPS patients undergoing intratracheal intubation anesthesia show high mortality, with serious anesthetic complications associated with airway thickness and narrow. The regional anesthesia is a useful alternative to general anesthesia, however performing spinal anesthesia in MPS patients are rarely documented.

Case presentation

We report a case of a boy with MPS type I undergoing femoral reduction and external fixation under spinal anesthesia in combination with sevoflurane inhalational induction, getting rid of difficulties associated with intubation.

Conclusion

Sevoflurane inhalational induction with spinal anesthesia without tracheal intubation is a safe choice for MPS I patient.
Possibilities of Increasing the Usability of Sputtered AZO Films as a Transparent Electrode
Authors: Novák Petr
Published: March 2019

Aluminum‐doped zinc oxide (AZO) is a suitable material for use as transparent electrode. Due to its lower price it is applied in the production of silicon solar cells. However, it is difficult to obtain suitable electrical properties at low deposition temperatures. Moreover, the AZO films with low thickness exhibit significantly higher average resistivity, which limits their usability, especially if they are prepared on flexible substrates. A lot of effort is invested to replace indium tin oxide (ITO) to a much greater extent now, since Indium is rare and its price is rising, thus the preparation of low‐thickness AZO films at low temperature is also subject of intense research. The presented paper summarizes the reported results, discusses the causes of the differences between ITO and AZO films, and suggests the direction of research and the potential solution that should lead to increased usability of AZO films and also possible replacement of ITO films.
Realizing High Photocatalytic Performance of NaBiS2 Nanopowders via the Introduction of Rare‐Earth Elements
Authors: Guo Jun , Zhong Chong‐Yuan , Ge Zhen‐Hua , Feng Jing
Published: March 2019

Rare earth (RE) elements (RE = Sm, Nd) added NaBiS2 nanoparticles are successfully synthesized by a facile one pot growth method. The photocatalytic performance of all samples are evaluated by the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under the visible light irradiation. The results show that the existence of amorphous phase and RE ions lead to both act as electron traps to capture the electron and promote the separation of photoinduced charge carriers. In addition, the midgap energy levels induced by RE ions lead to further energy transfer in the up‐conversion process to enhance the absorption of photons and boost the lifetime of photocarriers to improve the photocatalytic performance. The NaBiS2 sample with 5%Nd and 5%Sm possess the best catalytic activity in which the degradation efficiency of RhB is beyond 90% under the visible light irradiation for 60 min. Furthermore, the photocatalytic mechanism of NaBiS2 is discussed in detail.
Leakproofness of dangerous goods packagings—comparison of worst‐case limit leakage rates and sensitivity of the bubble test
Authors: Schlick‐Hasper Eva , Goedecke Thomas , Kraume Matthias
Published: March 2019

This work focuses on the question if the bubble test prescribed in the Dangerous Goods Regulations has sufficient sensitivity to detect leakage rates, which could result in the formation of explosive atmospheres during transport. The sensitivity of the bubble test is not directly comparable with other leak testing methods because of its different flow conditions. Therefore, a normalized minimum detectable leakage rate under Helium test conditions is calculated for the bubble test. This sensitivity of the bubble test under reference conditions is compared with limit leakage rates for a worst‐case transport scenario. The sensitivity of the bubble test is not sufficient to prove the limit leakage rates for 6‐L packagings. The formation of explosive vapour‐air‐mixtures cannot be excluded. Therefore, more sensitive leak testing methods should be considered for smaller packaging design types.
Tropical cyclogenesis at and near the Equator
Authors: Steenkamp Sian C. , Kilroy Gerard , Smith Roger K.
Published: March 2019

The formation of tropical cyclones within a few degrees latitude of the Equator is investigated using European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) analyses of some prominent cyclogenesis events there. The possibility of formation at the Equator is demonstrated also using idealized model simulations, starting from a prescribed, weak (maximum wind speed 5 m/s) initial counter‐clockwise vortex in an otherwise quiescent, non‐rotating environment.

In the real events investigated, vortex formation occurred within a broadscale counter‐clockwise flow that encompasses a region of predominantly positive absolute vertical vorticity typically extending more than 5° south of the Equator. Patches of enhanced vertical vorticity form within this region as a result of vorticity stretching by deep convection. These vorticity patches are organized by the convection, the collective effects of which produce an overturning circulation that fluxes vorticity at low levels towards some centre within the convective region. By Stokes' theorem, the tangential circulation about circles of fixed radius around this centre increase and the vortex spins up. This process of spin‐up is the same as that which occurs away from the Equator.
Understanding the performance of a paper‐based UV exposure sensor: The photodegradation mechanism of brilliant blue FCF in the presence of TiO2 photocatalysts in both the solid state and solution
Authors: Khiabani Parisa S. , Soeriyadi Alexander H. , Nam Ekaterina V. , Peterson Joshua R. , Webb James E.A. , Thordarson Pall , Donald William A. , Gooding J. Justin
Published: March 2019

Rationale

The decolouration of brilliant blue FCF by the action of titanium dioxide (TiO2) under ultraviolet (UV) exposure has been recently reported as the basis of a paper‐based sensor for monitoring UV sun exposure. The mechanism of brilliant blue FCF photodegradation in the presence of the photocatalyst and the resulting photoproducts are thus far unknown.

Methods

The UV‐initiated photodegradation of brilliant blue FCF in the presence of TiO2 for both the aqueous and the solid state was investigated. Degradation in the solid state was observed using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS). Decomposition of the dye in the aqueous state was analyzed using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy.

Results

After UV radiation exposure, the brilliant blue FCF base peak [M1 + NH4]+ (m/z calc. 766.194 found 766.194) decreased in the LC/MS chromatogram with a concomitant appearance of BB‐FCF decomposition products involving the sequential loss of the N‐ethyl and N‐methylbenzene sulfonate (MBSA) groups, assigned as [M2 + H]+ (‐MBSA, calc. 579.163 found 579.162), [M3 + H]+ (‐MBSA, −Et, calc. 551.131 found 551.131), [M4 + H]+ (‐2MBSA, calc. 409.158 found 409.158), [M5 + H]+ (‐2MBSA, −Et, calc. 381.127 found 381.127). Ions [M2 + H]+ and [M3 + H]+ were also identified in the photodegradation products using MALDI‐MS. Observation by UV–Vis indicated a decrease in the solution absorbance maxima and an associated blue‐shift upon UV exposure in solution.

Conclusions

The LC/MS analysis indicated two main oxidation processes. The most obvious was attack of the N‐methylene, eliminating either ethyl or MBSA groups. The presence of the hydroxylated decomposition product M13 ([M13 + H]+, calc. 595.157 found 595.157) supported this assignment. In addition, the detection of photoproduct M8, proposed to be 3‐((ethylamino)methyl)benzenesulfonic acid ([M8 + H]+, calc. 216.069 found 216.069), indicates an aryl‐oxidative elimination. The absence of the aryl‐hydroxy products normally expected to accompany the formation of M8 is proposed to be due to TiO2‐binding catechol‐like derivatives, which are then removed upon filtration.
Development and preliminary evaluation of an autonomous surgical system for oral and maxillofacial surgery
Authors: Ma Qingchuan , Kobayashi Etsuko , Wang Junchen , Hara Kazuaki , Suenaga Hideyuki , Sakuma Ichiro , Masamune Ken
Published: March 2019

Background

Human‐related factors affect the accuracy and safety of the oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS). This study proposed an autonomous surgical system aiming to conduct the OMS under the assistance and surveillance of the surgeon.

Methods

A markerless navigation module and a compact OMS robot were seamlessly integrated into this system. The specifications of each module and the working concept of the system were elaborated in this paper. A drilling experiment was conducted on five 3D‐printed mandible models to test the pose detecting capability and evaluate the operational performance.

Results

The experiment showed that this system could successfully guide the robot finishing the operation regardless of the mandible pose. The accuracy of software and hardware are acceptable and potential performance improvement can be achieved in positioning accuracy.

Conclusion

This system proposed a novel concept and a practical solution to decrease the human‐related factors on the OMS, which may change the role of the surgeon in the future operating room and finally benefit the outcomes of OMS.
Cambrian rhynchonelliform nisusioid brachiopods: phylogeny and distribution
Authors: Holmer Lars E. , Kebria‐ee Zadeh Mohammad‐Reza , Popov Leonid E. , Ghobadi Pour Mansoureh , Álvaro J. Javier , Hairapetian Vachik , Zhang Zhifei
Published: March 2019

A comprehensive review and phylogenetic analysis of genera and species presently assigned to the rhynchonelliform superfamily Nisusioidea and family Nisusiidae suggests that this short‐lived but important group of brachiopods first appeared in peri‐Gondwana during the second half of the Cambrian Series 2, before going extinct by the end of Drumian times. Nisusiides achieved their maximum morphological disparity and geographical distribution during the Wuliuan Age, and Laurentia was probably the major centre of their dispersal. A new phylogenetic analysis suggests an early separation of the lineages of spinose and non‐spinose nisusiids. The non‐spinose nisusiids probably evolved in Laurentia by the end of Cambrian Series 4. The new nisusiid genus Bellistrophia is described. The new species Nisusia multicostata represents the first documented rhynchonelliform (kutorginide) brachiopod from the Miaolingian (Drumian) of the Alborz Mountains, Iran.