bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a Torn Achilles Tendon After Surgical Repair
Authors: Ciloglu Osman , Görgülü Fatma Feride
Published: January 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the healing process of a torn Achilles tendon after surgical repair using ultrasound elastography.

Methods

This study was set in a prospective case‐control analytic design. Patients who underwent surgical repair of complete rupture of the Achilles tendon were enrolled, together with a control group. The data for the patient group were assessed at 12, 24, and 48 weeks postoperatively. All patients were evaluated by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Scale. Values for the thickness, the cross‐sectional area, strain elastography, and shear wave elastography (SWE) were compared on a high‐resolution Doppler ultrasound system.

Results

The percentage of the red‐to‐yellow code was the highest (57.7%) at the 12th‐week evaluation, and the percentage of the green code was the highest at the 24th‐week (53.8%) and 48th‐week (69.2%) evaluations. With respect to color codes on the nonruptured side, the percentage of green increased and the percentage of blue decreased over time (P = .002). The SWE values increased over time on the ruptured side and decreased on the nonruptured side. There was a positive correlation (moderate) between the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Scale and SWE values at the 24th‐ and 48th‐week evaluations.

Conclusions

The results of this study demonstrated that the Achilles tendon seems to become stiffer with the healing process. Ultrasound elastography can provide structural information about the healing process of the Achilles tendon after surgical repair and can quantify findings for follow‐up.
The Canadian Medical Student Ultrasound Curriculum
Authors: Ma Irene W. Y. , Steinmetz Peter , Weerdenburg Kirstin , Woo Michael Y. , Olszynski Paul , Heslop Claire L. , Miller Stephen , Sheppard Gillian , Daniels Vijay , Desy Janeve , Valois Maxime , Devine Luke , Curtis Heather , Romano Michael J. , Martel Patrick , Jelic Tomislav , Topping Claude , Thompson Drew , Power Barbara , Profetto Jason , Tonseth Pete
Published: January 2020

Objectives

This study sought to establish by expert review a consensus‐based, focused ultrasound curriculum, consisting of a foundational set of focused ultrasound skills that all Canadian medical students would be expected to attain at the end of the medical school program.

Methods

An expert panel of 21 point‐of‐care ultrasound and educational leaders representing 15 of 17 (88%) Canadian medical schools was formed and participated in a modified Delphi consensus method. Experts anonymously rated 195 curricular elements on their appropriateness to include in a medical school curriculum using a 5‐point Likert scale. The group defined consensus as 70% or more experts agreeing to include or exclude an element. We determined a priori that no more than 3 rounds of voting would be performed.

Results

Of the 195 curricular elements considered in the first round of voting, the group reached consensus to include 78 and exclude 24. In the second round, consensus was reached to include 4 and exclude 63 elements. In our final round, with 1 additional item added to the survey, the group reached consensus to include an additional 3 and exclude 8 elements. A total of 85 curricular elements reached consensus to be included, with 95 to be excluded. Sixteen elements did not reach consensus to be included or excluded.

Conclusions

By expert opinion‐based consensus, the Canadian Ultrasound Consensus for Undergraduate Medical Education Group recommends that 85 curricular elements be considered for inclusion for teaching in the Canadian medical school focused ultrasound curricula.
Voice and Swallowing Outcomes Following Airway Reconstruction in Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Clunie Gemma M. , Roe Justin W. G. , Alexander Caroline , Sandhu Gurpreet , McGregor Alison
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Laryngotracheal stenosis is a rare condition characterized by upper airway narrowing. Reconstructive surgical treatment aims to manage the area of stenosis to improve dyspnea and can impact voice and swallowing function. This article critically evaluates the literature about voice and swallowing outcomes in adults with laryngotracheal stenosis who undergo reconstructive surgery.

Study Design

Systematic review.

Methods

Six databases were searched for articles referring to voice and swallowing outcome measures following reconstruction procedures in adults with laryngotracheal stenosis. Screening was completed using predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria.

Results

A total of 143 abstracts were reviewed, with 67 articles selected for full‐text review. Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. Data extraction was completed with the Strengthening Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist with Oxford Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine Level of Evidence used to indicate quality. Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Non‐Randomized Studies. All studies scored a high risk of bias in at least one of the domains. Selection and timing of outcome measures was heterogenous, and there was limited information provided about rationale or reliability.

Conclusions

The literature acknowledges the importance of voice and swallowing outcomes following airway reconstruction. Studies show correlation between reconstructive surgery and deterioration in vocal function; there are no consistent data about swallowing outcomes. The lack of a core outcome measures set for adults with laryngotracheal stenosis limits the findings of this review. Further research is needed to establish clear criteria for robust and clinically relevant outcome measurement. Laryngoscope, 131:146–157, 2021
The journal publishing services agreement: A guide for societies
Authors: Clarke Michael T.
Published: January 2020

Key points

Scholarly publishing is unusual because of the substantial involvement of non‐profit organizations and the way in which they work with commercial publishers.

Publishing services agreements (PSAs) may provide predictable revenues, access to transformative agreements, and wider distribution.

The largest disadvantage of PSAs is publisher lock‐in, where revenues derived from publisher packages are not portable.

Deciding to enter a publisher services agreement should not be taken lightly and must be carefully aligned with the society's value and strategy.
Publishing at the British Institute of Radiology: A case study
Authors: Anderton Sophia
Published: January 2020

Key points

The British Institute of Radiology (BIR) receives more than 50% of its income from its publishing programme, vital to support its educational, outreach, and advocacy work.

Radiology has been very slow to adopt open access publishing, mostly because of the paucity of funding in the field – representing only c.5% of articles in the BIR flagship journal.

Small independent society publishers can be more flexible than larger publishers but rely on networks of support from associations and other societies and reliable suppliers.

Society publishers have a ready‐made community of readers and authors who value the work of the organization and its publications.
The role of learned societies in national scholarly publishing
Authors: Late Elina , Korkeamäki Laura , Pölönen Janne , Syrjämäki Sami
Published: January 2020

This study examines the role of learned societies as publishers in Finland based on bibliographic information from two Finnish databases. We studied the share of learned societies' peer‐reviewed publication channels (serials with ISSNs and book publishers with distinct ISBN roots) and outputs (journal articles, conference articles, book articles, and monographs) in Finland. We also studied the share of learned societies' open access (OA) publications. In 2018, there were 402 peer‐reviewed publication channels in Finland. In 2011–2017, the number of peer‐reviewed publications from scholars working in Finnish universities and published in Finland was 17,724. Learned societies publish around 70% of these channels and publications, mostly in the fields of humanities and social sciences. Learned societies in Finland focus on journal publishing, whereas university presses and commercial publishers focus on book publishing. In 2016–2017, 38.4% of the learned societies' outputs were OA. This study concludes that Finnish learned societies play an integral part in national scholarly publishing. They play an especially important role in journal publishing, as commercial publishers produce only 2.6% of Finnish journals and book series, and only 1.4% of the journal articles from scholars working in Finnish universities.
A report on the future of independent and scholarly publishing webinar by the Scholarly Kitchen
Authors: Jones Phill
Published: January 2020

Key points

The open access movement continues to gain pace, resulting in increasing regulatory requirements that constrain business models.

Plan S itself may only have a modest immediate effect on industry‐wide sustainability but is the clearest indication of the ‘direction of travel’ for our industry yet.

Recent negotiations between publishers and consortia represent a ‘bigger deal’ and may therefore lead to even greater economic power for large commercial publishers.

Societies have a greater role than merely allowing researchers to get credit for and disseminate their work.

A one‐size‐fits‐all model of open access may threaten the sustainability of other community services managed by learned societies.

Do not panic about Plan S! Look to the needs of your community and offer a balanced portfolio of publications and services.
Plan S, self‐publishing, and addressing unreasonable risks of society publishing
Authors: Vuong Quan‐Hoang
Published: January 2020

Key points

Societies face increasing pressure to contain costs and retain revenues, which are threatened by open access mandates.

Funders and other science publishing campaigns need to recognize the value of learned societies and work with them to sustain the production of quality knowledge.

Self‐publishing via preprint servers may threaten the quality of academic research.

Societies can reinforce their value proposition through a model of academic entrepreneurship, including research activities, media engagement, and consultancy.
GeoScienceWorld: A case study in non‐profit collaboration to drive sustainability and growth for independent societies
Authors: Segers Marc , Rubinstein Brett , FitzGerald Laura , Vance Alix
Published: January 2020

Key points

GeoScienceWorld provides an independent society‐driven collaborative publishing model that provides the benefits of scale to societies.

A mix of society oversight and business independence allows for decisions and strategies that balance mission with commerce.

Being flexible and adaptive is crucial to ensure business sustainability and continued alignment with society objectives.

Programme expansion is necessary to meet changing needs but needs to be mindful of existing in‐house and outsourced resources.

Collaborative programmes need to leverage the collective strength and expertise of partners alongside capable, agile, and entrepreneurial staff.
Long‐term trends and resilience of seagrass metabolism: A decadal aquatic eddy covariance study
Authors: Berger Amelie C. , Berg Peter , McGlathery Karen J. , Delgard Marie Lise
Published: January 2020

Seagrass meadows are valued for their ecosystem services, including their role in mitigating anthropogenic CO2 emissions through ‘blue carbon’ sequestration and storage. This study quantifies the dynamics of whole ecosystem metabolism on daily to interannual timescales for an eelgrass (Zostera marina) meadow using in situ benthic O2 flux measurements by aquatic eddy covariance over a period of 11 yr. The measurements were part of the Virginia Coast Reserve Long‐Term Ecological Research study, and covered a relatively stable period of seagrass ecosystem metabolism 6–13 yr after restoration by seeding (2007–2014), a die‐off event likely related to persistently high temperatures during peak growing season in 2015, and a partial recovery from 2016 to 2018. This unique sequence provides an unprecedented opportunity to study seagrass resilience to temperature stress. With this extensive data set covering 115 full diel cycles, we constructed an average annual oxygen budget that indicated the meadow was in metabolic balance when averaged over the entire period, with gross primary production and respiration equal to 95 and −94 mmol O2 m−2 d−1, respectively. On an interannual scale, there was a shift in trophic status from balanced to net heterotrophy during the die‐off event in 2015, then to net autotrophy as the meadow recovered. The highly dynamic and variable nature of seagrass metabolism captured by our aquatic eddy covariance data emphasizes the importance of using frequent measurements throughout the year to correctly estimate trophic status of seagrass meadows.
Learning health care systems: Highly needed but challenging
Authors: Wouters Roel H.P. , van der Graaf Rieke , Voest Emile E. , Bredenoord Annelien L.
Published: January 2020

Background

Learning health care systems (LHSs) have the potential to transform health care. However, this transformation process faces significant challenges.

Materials and methods

Based on proposals and early examples of LHSs in the literature and conceptual analysis of the LHS mission, we provide four models with distinct organizational and ethical implications that may facilitate the transformation.

Results

An LHS could be developed in the following ways: by taking away practical impediments that prevent patients and professionals from engaging in scientific research (model 1: optimization LHS); by routinely analyzing observational data from electronic health records and other sources (model 2: comprehensive data LHS); by making clinical decisions based on the outcomes of the aforementioned data analyses and directly evaluating the outcomes in order to continuously improve decision‐making (model 3: real‐time LHS); or by embedding clinical trials into routine care delivery (model 4: full LHS).

Conclusions

Each model has different ethical implications for consent and oversight. Also, the four‐model approach shows that reorganizing a health care center into an LHS is not an all‐or‐nothing decision. Rather, it is a choice from a menu of possibilities. Instead of discussing the advantages and disadvantages of the LHS menu in its entirety, the medical community should focus on the designs and ethical aspects of each of the separate options.
Corrosion behavior of austenitic 304L and 316LN stainless steel clad reinforcing bars in cracked concrete
Authors: Ogunsanya Ibrahim G. , Strong Victoria , Hansson Carolyn M.
Published: January 2020

A study has been conducted on the chloride‐induced corrosion behavior of 304L and 316LN stainless steel clad reinforcing bars (rebar) in concrete and in synthetic concrete pore solution. Metallographic examination of the as‐received clad bars confirmed a strong metallurgical bond at the core/clad interface and some grain growth interdiffusion of species at the interface. Both bars showed a wide variation in coating thickness around the rebar circumference, from a minimum of 0.32 and 0.60 mm to a maximum of 1.4 and 2.8 mm in the 304L clad and 316LN clad, respectively. The electrochemical results and visual examination after autopsy showed that active corrosion was yet initiated on either the solid and clad stainless steel or carbon steel rebar in the sound noncracked concrete specimens. In contrast, corrosion had initiated in the bars embedded in cracked concrete at the base of the crack and extended along or around the bars. In the concrete and synthetic pore solution tests, the current densities of both solid and clad stainless steel rebar exposed to ∼21% chloride brine solution for days between 400 and 1,500 were similar. This was also the case for current densities of the straight and bent stainless steel bars tested in the synthetic pore solution test.
Corrosion behavior of 2205 stainless steel in simulated flue gas condensate with different chloride concentrations in a waste incineration power plant
Authors: Wang Xiaojie , Ge Honghua , Sheng Kun , Xie Siyu , Yao Jiahui , Ge Fang , Zhao Yuzeng
Published: January 2020

The effect of Cl− on the initial corrosion behavior of 2205 duplex stainless steel (2205 DSS) in simulated flue gas condensate from a waste incineration power plant was investigated using Mott–Schottky plot, micro‐area electrochemical methods, and microscopic surface morphology observation. The results show that at 150°C, the carrier concentration of the 2205 DSS passive film was maintained at a small value and changed little when the Cl− concentration is less than 25 g/L, indicating that it has good pitting resistance. When the Cl− concentration reaches 30 g/L and above, the carrier concentration of the passive film increases remarkably, and pitting corrosion appears on the 2205 DSS surface. At 180°C, there is no obvious pitting on the surface when the Cl− concentration is not more than 15 g/L. When the Cl− concentration is 20 g/L or above, the carrier concentration of the passive film significantly increases, and pitting corrosion appears on the surface. When the Cl− concentration reaches 30 g/L, the carrier concentration of the passive film increases sharply. The passive film on a 2205 DSS surface is seriously damaged and accompanied by the occurrence of uniform corrosion.
A Dual Stimuli Responsive Supramolecular Gel Provides Insulin Hydrolysis Protection and Redox‐Controlled Release of Actives
Authors: Navarro‐Barreda Diego , Angulo‐Pachón César A. , Bedrina Begoña , Galindo Francisco , Miravet Juan F.
Published: January 2020

Two supramolecular hydrogelators containing a central disulfide moiety and terminal carboxylic acid groups are studied. On the one hand, the hydrogels are responsive to a reductive environment, which transforms the disulfide unit to the corresponding thiols. On the other hand, the hydrogels show pH response associated with the presence of carboxylic acid units. Gels are formed at pH below ≈4 while at higher pH values, ionization of the gelators provokes gel disassembly. The properties of the gel are exploited for the release, as a proof of concept, of Bromophenol Blue in the presence of the reducing species tris(2‐carboxyethyl)phosphine hydrochloride. Additionally, insulin is loaded into the hydrogels and protected from hydrolysis with simulated gastric fluid containing pepsin. Quantitative release of unaltered insulin, checked with an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay colorimetric assay, is observed upon treatment with pH 7.4 buffer. This behavior would permit the use of the new hydrogels for oral insulin delivery.
CLU rs11136000 Promotes Early Cognitive Decline in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Sampedro Frederic , Marín‐Lahoz Juan , Martínez‐Horta Saul , Pérez‐González Rocío , Pagonabarraga Javier , Kulisevsky Jaime
Published: January 2020

Background

The C allele of the rs11136000 genetic variant of the clusterin gene has been associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. However, a comprehensive characterization of the role of this genetic variant in early cognitive deterioration in PD is lacking.

Methods

Using the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative database, we compared baseline and 5‐year cognitive performance between high‐risk and low‐risk clusterin genotypes.

Results

At baseline, recently diagnosed and drug‐naive de novo PD patients with the high‐risk clusterin genotype showed lower cognitive scores in memory and executive function tests. These differences were even higher at the 5‐year follow‐up, when they showed a higher prevalence of clinically diagnosed mild cognitive impairment or dementia. They also showed cortical thinning at baseline and increased annual thinning in frontal and posterior cortical regions.

Discussion

Our results provide evidence of this clusterin genotype promoting early cognitive deterioration in PD, but further research is needed to delineate the specific neurodegenerative pathways underlying this clinical association. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Subthalamic Nucleus Stimulation Impairs Motivation: Implication for Apathy in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Vachez Yvan , Carcenac Carole , Magnard Robin , Kerkerian‐Le Goff Lydia , Salin Pascal , Savasta Marc , Carnicella Sebastien , Boulet Sabrina
Published: January 2020

Background

Apathy is one of the most disabling neuropsychiatric symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and has a higher prevalence in patients under subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation. Indeed, despite its effectiveness for alleviating PD motor symptoms, its neuropsychiatric repercussions have not yet been fully uncovered. Because it can be alleviated by dopaminergic therapies, especially D2 and D3 dopaminergic receptor agonists, the commonest explanation proposed for apathy after subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation is a too‐strong reduction in dopaminergic treatments. The objective of this study was to determine whether subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation can induce apathetic behaviors, which remains an important matter of concern. We aimed to unambiguously address this question of the motivational effects of chronic subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation.

Methods

We longitudinally assessed the motivational effects of chronic subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation by using innovative wireless microstimulators, allowing continuous stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in freely moving rats and a pharmacological therapeutic approach.

Results

We showed for the first time that subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation induces a motivational deficit in naive rats and intensifies those existing in a rodent model of PD neuropsychiatric symptoms. As reported from clinical studies, this loss of motivation was fully reversed by chronic treatment with pramipexole, a D2 and D3 dopaminergic receptor agonist.

Conclusions

Taken together, these data provide experimental evidence that chronic subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation by itself can induce loss of motivation, reminiscent of apathy, independently of the dopaminergic neurodegenerative process or reduction in dopamine replacement therapy, presumably reflecting a dopaminergic‐driven deficit. Therefore, our data help to clarify and reconcile conflicting clinical observations by highlighting some of the mechanisms of the neuropsychiatric side effects induced by chronic subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Artemisinin‐derived antimalarial endoperoxides from bench‐side to bed‐side: Chronological advancements and future challenges
Authors: Tiwari Mohit K. , Chaudhary Sandeep
Published: January 2020

According to WHO World Malaria Report (2018), nearly 219 million new cases of malaria occurred and a total no. of 435 000 people died in 2017 due to this infectious disease. This is due to the rapid spread of parasite‐resistant strains. Artemisinin (ART), a sesquiterpene lactone endoperoxide isolated from traditional Chinese herb Artemisia annua, has been recognized as a novel class of antimalarial drugs. The 2015 “Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine” was given to Prof Dr Tu Youyou for the discovery of ART. Hence, ART is termed as “Nobel medicine.” The present review article accommodates insights from the chronological advancements and direct statistics witnessed during the past 48 years (1971‐2019) in the medicinal chemistry of ART‐derived antimalarial endoperoxides, and their clinical utility in malaria chemotherapy and drug discovery.
Atypical Rett syndrome in a girl with mosaic triple X and MECP2 variant
Authors: Takahashi Satoru , Takeguchi Ryo , Kuroda Mami , Tanaka Ryosuke
Published: January 2020

Background

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that predominantly affects girls, resulting from a loss‐of‐function variant in X‐linked MECP2. Here, we report a rare case of a girl with RTT with an X chromosome mosaic karyotype (46,XX/47,XXX).

Methods

Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) was carried out to confirm the mosaic karyotype. Sanger sequencing was carried out to genetically diagnose RTT. Furthermore, we assessed the X chromosome inactivation (XCI) pattern. MECP2 expression levels were examined via RT‐PCR.

Results

The patient presented with preserved speech variant, the milder form of RTT. Genetic examination revealed a de novo, heterozygous, truncating variant of MECP2. FISH revealed mosaicism in the 47,XXX karyotype in 6% of her cells. The XCI assay revealed unbalanced inactivation with skewing in favor of the paternal X chromosome. MECP2 was downregulated to only 84% of the control, indicating that the patient's variant was probably of paternal origin. Unbalanced XCI in this patient might have contributed to the alleviation of the phenotype. However, her supernumerary X chromosome was derived from maternal X chromosome harboring the wild‐type allele and might have had no preferential effect on her RTT‐related phenotype.

Conclusion

The present results indicate that phenotypic effects of X chromosome aneuploidy depend on the nature of the supernumerary X chromosome, the pattern of mosaicism, and XCI status.
An Electronic‐structure Informatics Study on the Toxicity of Alkylphenols toTetrahymena pyriformis
Authors: Sugimoto Manabu , Manggara Algafari Bakti , Yoshida Kazuki , Inoue Takafumi , Ideo Toshihiro
Published: January 2020

Alkylphenols (APs) dissolved in water are known to be toxic to animals including humans. In this study, regression models describing the toxicity of the 33 AP molecules were investigated for reproducing and thereby making it possible to predict a quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR). For this purpose, we tried to derive regression models for the experimentalIGC50(growth inhibition concentration at 50 %) toTetrahymena pyriformisby using various descriptor sets consisting of electronic and shape descriptors. By applying the multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis, it was successful to derive a quantitative regression model for theIGC50values. In this analysis, the size parameters of the molecules were found important, suggesting that bulky molecules should be less toxic. We could also obtain, when the size descriptors were excluded, an MLR model indicating that the electron affinity (EA) should be important, which is consistent with the previous QSAR studies. Through the correlation analysis among the descriptors, it was shown that, in the present set of molecules, EA and a size parameter are highly correlated. Since EA was calculated to be negative, indicating that the related process would be energetically unfavourable, it was concluded that the size of the molecules should be a dominant factor determiningIGC50. This implies that a molecular recognition process would play a critical role in the mode of action for the toxicity.
Longitudinal assessment of recovery after spinal cord injury with behavioral measures and diffusion, quantitative magnetization transfer and functional magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Wu Tung‐Lin , Byun Nellie E. , Wang Feng , Mishra Arabinda , Janve Vaibhav A. , Chen Li Min , Gore John C.
Published: January 2020

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are a leading cause of disability and can severely impact the quality of life. However, to date, the processes of spontaneous repair of damaged spinal cord remain incompletely understood, partly due to a lack of appropriate longitudinal tracking methods. Noninvasive, multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides potential biomarkers for the comprehensive evaluation of spontaneous repair after SCI. In this study in rats, a clinically relevant contusion injury was introduced at the lumbar level that impairs both hindlimb motor and sensory functions. Quantitative MRI measurements were acquired at baseline and serially post‐SCI for up to 2 wk. The progressions of injury and spontaneous recovery in both white and gray matter were tracked longitudinally using pool‐size ratio (PSR) measurements derived from quantitative magnetization transfer (qMT) methods, measurements of water diffusion parameters using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and intrasegment functional connectivity derived from resting state functional MRI. Changes in these quantitative imaging measurements were correlated with behavioral readouts. We found (a) a progressive decrease in PSR values within 2 wk post‐SCI, indicating a progressive demyelination at the center of the injury that was validated with histological staining, (b) PSR correlated closely with fractional anisotropy and transverse relaxation of free water, but did not show significant correlations with behavioral recovery, and (c) preliminary evidence that SCI induced a decrease in functional connectivity between dorsal horns below the injury site at 24 h. Findings from this study not only confirm the value of qMT and DTI methods for assessing the myelination state of injured spinal cord but indicate that they may also have further implications on whether therapies targeted towards remyelination may be appropriate. Additionally, a better understanding of changes after SCI provides valuable information to guide and assess interventions.
Pediatric oncology provider perspectives and practices: Supporting patients and families in schooling after cancer diagnosis
Authors: Ruble Kathy , Paré‐Blagoev Juliana , Cooper Stacy , Jacobson Lisa A.
Published: January 2020

Background

Cognitive limitations are common after childhood cancer and require assessment and support in the medical and school setting. Pediatric oncology providers are tasked with educating families about the side effects of disease/treatment, and supporting families as they navigate the associated challenges. Despite this important role, little is known about the training, practice, and knowledge of providers in the domain of cognitive/school impacts.

Methods

An online survey was emailed to Children's Oncology Group (COG) member physicians in the United States. The survey consisted of 42 questions about training and practice, and 4 knowledge questions about neurocognitive impacts and school supports.

Results

Surveys were completed by 282 physicians representing 64% of COG institutions and a diverse group of experience and institution size. The pediatric oncologist was reported most frequently (93%) as the person at their institution to provide information to families on this topic, yet 54% reported receiving no specific training in this area and the majority (66%) reported to only “somewhat” understand the issues pediatric oncology patients face when returning to school. A minority reported available institutional guidelines (42%) or screening tools (19%) to assist in making referrals or assessments. Knowledge questions concerning health conditions qualifying children for school supports received the fewest correct answers. The majority (77%) thought more training would be helpful.

Conclusions

Additional training about cognitive impacts and schooling challenges associated with childhood cancer is needed to prepare providers to support parents/children. In addition, establishing policy guidelines and screening procedures may help support providers in providing care.
Effects of carbon nanotubes and interphase properties on the interfacial conductivity and electrical conductivity of polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Zare Yasser , Rhee Kyong Yop
Published: January 2020

Lc is the minimum length of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) required for efficient transfer of filler conductivity to polymer matrix in polymer CNT nanocomposites (PCNTs). In this work, Lc is correlated with the dimensions of the CNTs and the interphase thickness. Subsequently, the interfacial conductivity as well as the effective length and concentration of CNTs are expressed by CNT and interphase properties. Moreover, a simple model for the tunneling conductivity of PCNTs is developed with these effective terms. The impacts of all parameters on Lc, the interfacial conductivity, the fraction of CNTs in the networks and the conductivity of the PCNT are explained and justified. In addition, the predictions of the percolation threshold and conductivity are compared with the experimental results of several samples. The desirable values of interfacial conductivity are achieved by thin, short and super‐conductive CNTs, high waviness and a thick interphase. However, thin and long CNTs, low waviness, a thick interphase, poor tunneling resistivity due to the polymer matrix and a short tunneling distance advantageously affect the conductivity of PCNTs, because they produce large conductive networks. The predictions also show good agreement with the experimental measurements of percolation threshold and conductivity, which confirms the developed equations. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Confined crystallization, melting behavior and morphology in PEG‐b‐PLA diblock copolymers: Amorphous versus crystalline PLA
Authors: Bao Jianna , Dong Xiaolei , Chen Shichang , Lu Wangyang , Zhang Xianming , Chen Wenxing
Published: January 2020

In diblock copolymers, the constraining effects of different stereochemical structure of high‐Tm block on crystallization and melting behaviors of other constituent are supposed to be different. In this work, PEG‐b‐PDLLA and PEG‐b‐PLLA were synthesized, and crystallization kinetics, crystalline structure, melting behaviors of PEG blocks and morphology development in these systems were evaluated. Compared to those connected to PLLA, PEG‐b‐PDLLA exhibited lower crystallization rates, implying that connectivity of amorphous chain exerted more pronounced effect on crystallization rate of PEG than that of steric hindrance of PLLA crystallites. While all PEG‐b‐PDLLA samples showed a single endothermic peak during heating process, multiple melting peaks were observed in PEG‐b‐PLLA associated with composition, crystallization temperature and cooling rate of PLLA. A lamellar structure was formed by the crystallization of PEG in all PEG‐b‐PDLLA, however, when PEG‐b‐PLLA crystallized at room temperature directly, unexpected results occurred: lamellar for diblock copolymers with 31.5 and 48.0 wt% PLA or cylindrical structure for the diblock copolymers with 56.1 and 63.8 wt% PLA. Depending on composition, PEG‐b‐PLLA created one or two types of lamellar stacks after sequential crystallization of PLLA and PEG. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. 2020, 58, 455–465
Role of the surface chemistry of plasma polymer layers on their long‐term antifogging behavior
Authors: Tran Thanh Hien , Debarnot Dominique , Ortiz José , Poncin‐Epaillard Fabienne
Published: January 2020

The long‐term antifogging capability of plasma coatings obtained from a hydrophilic precursor, such as 2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate or acrylic acid, and a hydrophobic monomer, 1H,1H,2H‐perfluoro‐1‐decene (HDFD), deposited on polycarbonate is studied for two different agings. These films, when freshly prepared, show simultaneous hydrophilicity/oleophobicity for HDFD concentrations <50%. They fulfill antifogging criteria: low water contact angle (<20°), high hexadecane contact angle around 70° and preservation of optical transparency after water vapor contact. Depending on their chemical structure, only p‐AA‐co‐HDFD with 20–40% of HDFD retain their antifogging properties after thermal aging, while all of them are altered when dipped in hot water. p‐AA‐co‐HDFD is more efficient than p‐DAME‐co‐HDFD in reducing airborne contamination and improving long‐term antifogging performance.
Comparative evaluation of the virucidal effect of remote and direct cold air plasmas with UV‐C
Authors: Moldgy Ankit , Aboubakr Hamada , Nayak Gaurav , Goyal Sagar , Bruggeman Peter
Published: January 2020

Cold atmospheric pressure plasma is an emerging nonthermal processing technology for the decontamination of foodborne pathogens. This study presents a comparative evaluation of the energy efficiency of the decontamination by three different dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) setups operating in air against Feline calicivirus with a UV‐C lamp. Significant enhancement of the energy efficiency was achieved with a lab‐scale batch reactor prototype, which employed surface DBD, leading to similar energy per unit area requirements as that for UV‐C. A key advantage of plasma over UV‐based disinfection systems is that plasmas are not limited by shadowing effects. Nonetheless, unlike UV‐C, the virucidal efficacy of plasma is significantly reduced for dry samples and remote plasma treatment is only effective against wet samples.
About three‐fourths of mouse proteins unexpectedly appear at a low position of SDS‐PAGE, often as additional isoforms, questioning whether all protein isoforms have been eliminated in gene‐knockout cells or organisms
Authors: Qu Jiayuan , Zhang Ju , Zellmer Lucas , He Yan , Liu Siqi , Wang Chenguang , Yuan Chengfu , xu Ningzhi , Huang Hai , Liao Dezhong J.
Published: January 2020

Most genes in evolutionarily complex genomes are expressed to multiple protein isoforms, but there is not yet any simple high‐throughput approach to identify these isoforms. Using an oversimplified top‐down LC–MS/MS strategy, we detected, around the 26‐kD position of SDS‐PAGE, proteins produced from 782 genes in a Cdk4−/− mouse embryonic fibroblast cell line. Interestingly, only 213 (27.24%, about one‐fourth) of these 782 genes have their proteins with a theoretical molecular mass (TMM) 10% smaller or larger than 26 kD, that is, between 23 and 29 kD, the range set as allowed variation in SDS‐PAGE. These 213 proteins are considered as the wild type (WT). The remaining three‐fourths includes proteins from 66 (9.44%) genes with a TMM smaller than 23 kD and proteins from 503 (64.32%, nearly two‐thirds) genes with a TMM larger than 29 kD; these proteins are categorized into a larger‐group or a smaller‐group, respectively, for their appearance at a higher or lower position of SDS‐PAGE. For instance, at this 26‐kD position we detected proteins from the Rps27a, Snrpf, Hist1h4a, and Rps25 genes whose proteins' TMM is 8.6, 9.7, 11.4, and 13.7 kD, respectively, and detected proteins from the Plelc1 and Prkdc genes, whose largest isoform is 533.9 and 471.1 kD, respectively. We extrapolate that many of those proteins migrating unexpectedly in SDS‐PAGE may be isoforms besides the WT protein. Moreover, we also detected a Cdk4 protein in this Cdk4−/− cell line, thus wondering whether some of other gene‐knockout cells or organisms show similar incompleteness of the knockout.
Do farmers manage weeds on owned and rented land differently? Evidence from US corn and soybean farms
Authors: Frisvold George B , Albright Joshua , Ervin David E , Owen Micheal DK , Norsworthy Jason K , Dentzman Katherine E , Hurley Terrance M , Jussaume Raymond A , Gunsolus Jeffrey L , Everman Wesley
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

It has been frequently argued that growers have less incentive to manage the evolution and spread of herbicide‐resistant weeds on leased than on owned land. This is because resistance management provides long‐term rather than short‐term benefits that operators may be less assured of capturing on land they do not own. Yet, empirical evidence supporting this argument has been lacking.

RESULTS

This study reports on results from a large‐scale national survey of weed management and other crop production practices on US agricultural fields. Up to 11 weed management practices were compared across owner‐operated versus renter‐operated fields. Analysis of survey data from corn and soybean fields did not support the hypothesis that adoption of resistance management practices is lower on rented acres. In most instances, there were no statistically significant differences in herbicide use or weed management practices on rented versus owned land. This was true at both national and regional levels of analysis. Where there were significant differences, practices associated with greater herbicide resistance management were, as often as not, more prevalent on rented than owned land.

CONCLUSIONS

A useful area of future research would be to test for land tenure differences in resistance management using multivariate analysis to control for confounding effects. Unobserved farmer or land characteristics may be confounding results and masking land tenure effects. Results here, however, suggest that these other effects are dominating any obvious disincentive effects of land leasing on resistance management. Of greater concern, the adoption of key resistance management practices was low on both owned and rented land. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Annual bluegrass (Poa annua) resistance to indaziflam applied early‐postemergence
Authors: Brosnan James T , Vargas José J , Spesard Bruce , Netzband Derek , Zobel John M , Chen Jinyi , Patterson Eric L
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Indaziflam is an alkylazine herbicide used to control annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.). Several locations in the southeastern USA reported poor annual bluegrass control following treatment with indaziflam during autumn 2015. A series of controlled environment experiments were conducted to confirm putative resistance to indaziflam in annual bluegrass collected from these field locations.

RESULTS

Indaziflam (25 g ha−1) effectively controlled all putative‐resistant annual bluegrass collections when applied preemergence (PRE), but was ineffective when applied early‐postemergence (< 2.5 cm plant height; BBCH scale = 1; EPOST). In agarose‐based plate assays, EPOST I50 values for putative‐resistant collections ranged from 2424 to 4305 pm compared with 633 pm for the herbicide‐susceptible control; therefore, resistance indexes (R/S) ranged from 3.8 to 6.8. Resistant collections were not controlled by foramsulfuron, flumioxazin, glyphosate, glufosinate, metribuzin, pronamide, or simazine applied EPOST. Indaziflam content in herbicide‐susceptible annual bluegrass was greater than a resistant collection from 0 to 10 days after treatment (DAT). Susceptibility was not restored when resistant collections were treated with indaziflam plus 1‐aminobenzotriazole (10 mg L−1), tebuconazole (1510 g ha−1), or malathion (400 g ha−1).

CONCLUSIONS

This is a first report of resistance to indaziflam in any plant. Additionally, we confirm that these annual bluegrass collections are resistant to several other herbicidal modes‐of‐action. It is unclear if this multi‐herbicide resistance is due to a single resistance gene, multiple resistance genes, non‐target site mechanisms, or a combination thereof. Additional research to better understand resistance mechanisms in these annual bluegrass collections is warranted. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and herbicidal activity against barnyard grass of novel diarylmethanone O‐(2,6‐bis((4,6‐dimethoxypyrimidin‐2‐yl)oxy)benzoyl)oximes
Authors: Xiang Lanxiang , Zhang Lei , Wu Qinglai , Xu Zhihong , Li Junkai , Du Xiaoying , Qin Zhaohai
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Pyribenzoxim is an excellent herbicide that can effectively control barnyard grass. However, there are few reports of its structural analogs and structure–activity relationship (SAR), which makes pyribenzoxim an isolated case. Here, a series of diarylmethanone oxime esters characterized by pyridine heterocycles were designed and synthesized for herbicidal screening and SAR investigation against barnyard grass.

RESULTS

At greenhouse treatment concentrations of 1.17–37.5 μg mL−1, the title compounds showed a positive dose–toxicity correlation toward barnyard grass plants, with the damage becoming progressively more serious over time. At a concentration of 18.75 μg mL−1 and above, obvious damage was observed in 3 days, most plants died in 7 days, and all died in 14 days. Different degrees of damage were also seen when the concentration was lower than 9.38 μg mL−1. The selected compounds 5‐20 and 5‐21 showed excellent control against Echinochloa crusgalli (L.) Beauv., Leptochloa chinensis (L.) Nees, Cyperus difformis L. and Lindernia procumbens (Krock.) Philcox in paddy fields, which was slightly better than that of pyribenzoxim.

CONCLUSION

SAR analysis of greenhouse data revealed that the type and position of substituents on aromatic rings greatly influenced the activity of the compounds, although log P values showed no obvious correlation with activity. Combined with compounds 5‐20 and 5‐21, which showed moderate and excellent activity in greenhouse experiments, and excellent activity in controlling barnyard grass in the field, we conclude that pyribenzoxim analogs probably act as prodrugs, and this could be a focus of attention in future studies on structural optimization of the herbicide. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect of adjuvants on spray droplet size from hydraulic nozzles
Authors: Sijs Rick , Bonn Daniel
Published: January 2020

Background

When spraying simple liquids through a hydraulic nozzle, the mechanisms that affect breakup into droplets have recently been described. However, it is unknown how the droplet size distribution changes when surfactant‐based adjuvants are added to the spray.

Results

When spraying different surfactant‐based solutions containing commercial adjuvants, the breakup of the different liquids behaves in the same way as for water‐only sprays, but the droplet sizes are smaller. By replacing the equilibrium surface tension with the dynamic surface tension at a surface age of ~20 ms, the volume mean droplet size variation with the Weber number, flow rate and nozzle geometry follows the predictions established for pure water sprays. When we rescale the droplet size distribution with the mean droplet size, all distributions collapse onto a single curve and can be described by a compound Gamma function.

Conclusion

Addition of a number of surfactant‐based adjuvants to an agricultural spray is observed to lead to a slight decrease in the volume mean droplet size. We show that the effects of these adjuvants on the drop size can be understood by taking into account the nozzle geometry, the flow rate, the liquid and air densities and the dynamic surface tension of the surfactant solutions at a surface age of approximately 20 ms. © 2020 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.