bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Breast Cancer Receptor Testing at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation from December 2016 to December 2018
Authors: Solomon Sandy , Motilall Ravi
Published: November 2019

Objectives: To review the outcomes of oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in breast cancer patients at GPHC over a 2 year period from December 2016-December 2018.

Hypothesis: There is a higher incidence triple negative(ER (-), PR (-), HER2 (-)) breast cancer among patients in Guyana when compared to the Caribbean.

Secondary Objectives: To identify the patients who had hormone receptor testing done at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

To specify the current trends of ER, PR and HER2 in patients at GPHC from December 2016- December 2018.

To enumerate the percentage of BC diagnosed in the patients under 40 years.

Design and Methods: Retrospective cohort study of 90 BC patients with known receptor status from December 2016-Dcember 2018.

Results: In this study of 90 patients 46% of the patients are triple negative BC, while 38% are hormone receptor positive. Of least frequency are the triple positive BC representing 3%.

The persons 40years and under represent 16% of the population.

Conclusion: There in a high percentage of breast cancer in patients under 40 years representing 16% of the study population.

There is a higher percentage of triple negative or non-hormonal receptive breast cancer at GPHC of approximately 46% which supersedes 20% when compared to the Caribbean population.

Recommendations: Further study is needed, with screening and development of protocols. Breast receptor testing in all patients need to routinely done and a formal cancer registry and Digital database established.
Non-operative Management of High-grade Renal Injuries in Children: A Review of Two Cases Seen at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation
Authors: Kissoon Andrea , Seepersaud Marisa , Ramkoomar Pradeep
Published: November 2019

Purpose:  Blunt abdominal trauma in children results in renal injury in approximately 10 to 20% of cases. In about 20% of these patients, significant complications may arise; for example urinoma (1%) and post trauma extravasation (2-18%). Urinomas and persistent hematuria were traditionally managed surgically by partial or total nephrectomy. Today, nonoperative management is well accepted for the majority of high grade renal injuries, as organ preservation is highly desirable due to patients’ projected lifespan. We present a retrospective review of two cases of high renal injuries seen at GPHC’s Paediatric Surgical Department.

Methods: In February and April 2019, two patients met the criteria for grade four renal injury. All medical records were reviewed. Cause of injury, complications, interventions and hospital stay were analyzed. These patients were followed up post discharge, clinically and radiologically.

Results: Two males, ages 11 and 10 years, sustained blunt abdominal trauma and presented to GPHC with hematuria and abdominal tenderness. On initial assessment, they were hemodynamically stable and were diagnosed with grade four renal injuries by computed tomography. Complications developed after one week of hospitalization. One patient had persistent hematuria lasting over a week, requiring blood transfusions in excess of 4 units, and the other developed a urinoma, urinary tract infection and deep vein thrombosis. Both patients had paralytic ileus and acute hypertension. These complications were all managed non operatively. The very large urinoma was successfully treated with percutaneous drainage after 25 days. Average hospital stay was 35 days and both patients had complete resolution of their renal injuries within 90 days post trauma.

Conclusion: Non operative management of high-grade renal injury is highly successful and safe in children. Even in the presence of significant complications, preservation of renal tissue should be considered.
Evaluation of Outcomes after Implementation of Induction of Labour Protocol at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation
Authors: Hardyal Ravindra , Biala Ademola , Derkenne Ruth
Published: November 2019

Objective: To evaluate the incidence of failed induction of labour (FIOL), and determined whether this resulted from non-adherence to the induction of labour protocol.

Design and Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort analysis of all term patients who underwent induction of labour from 1st January to 30th June 2018. 

Materials: GPHC IOL protocol, inpatient charts, nurses and theatre log books, electronic handing over records, Microsoft Excel, Word and www.medcalc.org/calc/odds_ratio.php.

Results: They were 388 patients induced that met the eligibility criteria outlined, 298 were included in the study while 90 were excluded because of failure to locate the patient records.

77,5% of the term patients induced achieved spontaneous vaginal delivery and 21,8% delivered by cesarean section, the nulliparous patients had a higher incidence of cesarean delivery at 33,1% (P=0,0514), compared with the multiparous patients 10,6% (P=0,0158). The rate of FIOL was 10,4% (31 patients). 48,4% of these diagnosis were not in accordance with the labour induction protocol (P=<0,0001).

Conclusions: The incidence of FIOL was 10,4%, of which 48,4% was not in accordance to the protocol.

Standardization of management and adherence to the labour induction protocol decreases the time to delivery and cesarean section rate.

Recommendations: The diagnosis of FIOL should be made in accordance with the international guidelines adapted by GPHC’s induction protocol.
Degree of Adherence to Contact Precautions by Healthcare Workers in the Medical Laboratory
Authors: Panday Chandanie , Raghubir Karishma , Van-Veen Davon
Published: November 2019

Objective: To determine adherence to contact precautions, and trends in knowledge, attitudes, and adherence by healthcare workers in a selected medical laboratory.

Methods: The study design was quantitative, cross-sectional, and observational. Medical technologists and laboratory aides of one laboratory operating by the GYS 170 Standard were studied for twenty-four days. Firstly, compliance and supply availability were discretely observed and recorded on standardized tally charts. Secondly, thirty questionnaires were randomly distributed to determine knowledge of, attitudes to, and self-perceived compliance with contact precautions; twenty-four were returned. Data was analyzed in Microsoft Excel 2007 via percentages for observational results and averages for questionnaire results. Actual and perceived adherences were compared. Pearson’s χ2 test was used to determine association between variables.

Results: Of 2,564 events, compliance (72.4%) was greater than non-compliance (27.4%). Medical technologists were more non-compliant (74.1%) than laboratory aides (37.7%). Staff were more likely to practice hand hygiene upon leaving (84.1%) than entering (39.9%). Laboratory coats were most used (86.2%) and gloves the least (69.9%). Also, gloving was associated with hand hygiene and with laboratory coat usage. The questionnaires revealed low knowledge, positive attitudes and low perceived compliance among workers. Finally, perceived adherence was larger than actual adherence. A p-value of less than 0.05 was determined to be statistically significant.

Conclusion: Although supplies and guidelines exist and are positively received by workers, implementation is a challenge. Low knowledge and actual compliance, especially among medical technologists, is risky. Therefore, stricter initiatives and educational training are necessary.
Update on Laparoscopic Surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation
Authors: Bhudial Joshua , Ramcharran Hemraj , Rambarran Navindranauth , Ramnarine Delon
Published: November 2019

Background: Laparoscopic surgery is a pioneering technique that has metamorphosed the field of surgery in the past and is now considered the recommended surgical approach for many procedures. 1 The last published data showed an average of eight cases per month. 5 The purpose of this study was to assess an increase or decrease in the number of Laparoscopic surgeries at GPHC and if there were more advanced cases as compared to the last published data.

Methods: Data of the laparoscopic surgeries done at GPHC for the year 2018 was obtained from the records in the Main Operating theatre. Data collected will focus on the number and type of Laparoscopic surgeries.

Results: An audit of GPHC operating register shows a total of 180 cases for 2018 representing an average of 15 cases per month. There was a significant difference in the first six months of 2018 (5 cases per month) versus the last six months of 2018 (25 cases per month). A total of 19 cases were converted. Most of the advanced cases were done in latter half of 2018 and included 27 diagnostic laparoscopy, 9 inguinal hernias, 2 AP resections, 2 Graham’s patch, 2 ventral hernias, 2 rectopexy and 1 Heller’s myotomy.

Conclusion: The number of laparoscopic surgeries at GPHC has increased significantly especially in the latter half of 2018. This number has risen to three times the number in the last published data. While the majority of cases continued to be cholecystectomy and appendectomies, a greater variety of advanced cases were done in 2018 as compared to the last published data.
Enhancing Water use Efficiency of Maize under Deficit Irrigation: the Case of Moisture Deficit Areas of Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Degef Kahsay Kiflom , Welde Reda Kidane
Published: November 2019

Maize (Zea Mays L.) is one of the most important food crops worldwide. In Ethiopia, it is one of the leading food grains selected to assume a national commodity crop to support the food self-sufficiency program of the country. Maize is fairly sensitive to water stress and excessive moisture stress. This is due to variation in sensitivity of different growth stages to water stress. The study was conducted to determine the water use efficiency of maize under deficit irrigation practice without significant reduction in yield and to identify crop growth stages which can withstand water stress. The experiment was conducted at the Alamata Agricultural Research center experimental site Kara Adishabo Kebele, Raya Azebo district. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and six levels of irrigation water applications as possible treatments. Analysis was done to yield and water use efficiency of maize using R statistical software and the mean difference was estimated using the least significant difference (LSD) comparison. The highest grain (33.72qt/ha) and biomass yield (148.4qt/ha) was obtained from the 50% deficit irrigation at late growth. The maximum irrigation water use efficiency was obtained from both 50% deficit at all the four growth stages (0.5418 kg/ha) and at 50% deficit at late growth stage (0.446 kg/m3). And by comparing the grain yield obtained at the 50% deficit at late growth stage (33.72 qt/ha) and grain yield obtained at 50% deficit at all growth stages (23.34 qt/ha), the 50% deficit at late growth stage shows better result. The 50% deficit of crop water requirement did not affect the yield components (plant height & number of cobs per plant) of maze. Therefore applying irrigation water by reducing the crop water requirement by 50% at the late growth stage has a significant contribution for sustainable and efficient irrigation water utilization at moisture deficient areas without a significant loss on grain and biomass yield.
3D Printed Neural Regeneration Devices
Authors: Joung Daeha , Lavoie Nicolas S. , Guo Shuang‐Zhuang , Park Sung Hyun , Parr Ann M. , McAlpine Michael C.
Published: November 2019

Neural regeneration devices interface with the nervous system and can provide flexibility in material choice, implantation without the need for additional surgeries, and the ability to serve as guides augmented with physical, biological (e.g., cellular), and biochemical functionalities. Given the complexity and challenges associated with neural regeneration, a 3D printing approach to the design and manufacturing of neural devices can provide next‐generation opportunities for advanced neural regeneration via the production of anatomically accurate geometries, spatial distributions of cellular components, and incorporation of therapeutic biomolecules. A 3D printing‐based approach offers compatibility with 3D scanning, computer modeling, choice of input material, and increasing control over hierarchical integration. Therefore, a 3D printed implantable platform can ultimately be used to prepare novel biomimetic scaffolds and model complex tissue architectures for clinical implants in order to treat neurological diseases and injuries. Further, the flexibility and specificity offered by 3D printed in vitro platforms have the potential to be a significant foundational breakthrough with broad research implications in cell signaling and drug screening for personalized healthcare. This progress report examines recent advances in 3D printing strategies for neural regeneration as well as insight into how these approaches can be improved in future studies.
Asymmetric Strain‐Introduced Interface Effect on the Electronic and Optical Properties of the CsPbI3/SnS van der Waals Heterostructure
Authors: Cao Yong‐Hua , Li Yong‐Feng , He Jia‐Wei , Qian Chong‐Xin , Zhang Qiang , Bai Jin‐Tao , Feng Hong‐Jian
Published: November 2019

Different 2D materials can be stacked by the weak van der Waals (vdW) force, forming the vdW heterostructures and devices, which opens a new field of engineering regulation of electronic and optical properties at the atomic level. The asymmetric strain‐introduced interface effect is studied on the electronic and optical properties of CsPbI3/SnS vdW heterostructure by employing first‐principles calculations. The biaxial strains deriving from the interface mismatch reduce the work function of the monolayer SnS to a low‐energy level, and lead to monolayer SnS an indirect‐to‐direct bandgap transition. The different charge transfer behaviors in the PbI2‐ (CsI‐) surface indicate that monolayer SnS can act as the promising hole‐ (electron‐) transport material of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Moreover, the interface effect causes the absorption spectrum of the CsPbI3/SnS heterostructure an obvious redshift and enhances its absorption ability, which is more suitable for photovoltaic devices. This work suggests that the strain‐introduced interface effect plays a significant role in the interface engineering of the vdW heterostructure between perovskite and 2D materials, which provides a new way to fabricate the high performance perovskite/2D materials heterostructure‐based solar cells and optoelectronic devices.
Mn Nanoparticles Encapsulated within Mesoporous Helical N‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes as Highly Active Air Cathode for Zinc–Air Batteries
Authors: Dong Qing , Wang Hui , Ji Shan , Wang Xuyun , Liu Quanbing , Brett Daniel J. L. , Linkov Vladimir , Wang Rongfang
Published: November 2019

The practical application of clean energy conversion and storage technologies, such as fuel cells and metal–air batteries, have been significantly impeded by the high cost and scarcity of precious metal catalysts used for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Transitional metal/carbon compounds are a promising alternative to precious metal catalysts for the ORR. Herein, Mn nanoparticles encapsulated within mesoporous helical N‐doped carbon nanotubes (Mn@HNCNTs) are developed as highly active ORR catalysts. In terms of the onset potential and half‐wave potential for ORR, the optimized Mn@HNCNTs exhibit an excellent ORR performance, which is comparable to Pt/C. When the Mn@HNCNTs are assembled as air cathodes, with zinc foil as the anode in primary zinc–air cells, the obtained cell delivers a higher cell voltage and capacity than the zinc–air cell using Pt/C as the air cathode, as well as many reported cells using TM/CNT‐based air cathodes. The electrocatalytic performance in the zinc–air cell demonstrates that Mn@HNCNTs have great potential for use as ORR catalysts in metal–air batteries.
Paclitaxel‐Loaded Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Targeted Breast Cancer Therapy
Authors: Jeon Mike , Lin Guanyou , Stephen Zachary R. , Kato Frances L. , Zhang Miqin
Published: November 2019

Paclitaxel (PTX) is a potent drug for treating advanced solid carcinomas; however, its clinical utility is limited by its poor water solubility. Despite the promise of using nanoparticles to deliver hydrophobic PTX, achieving sufficient drug loading while maintaining small particle size and stability in biological media remains a challenge. Here, a PTX nanoparticle (NP) formulation with small size and great stability is presented that targets breast cancer cells and enables controlled release of PTX. This NP formulation (NP‐PTX‐FA) comprises a superparamagnetic iron oxide core coated with short‐ and long‐chain polyethylene glycol: the former for conjugation of hydrophobic PTX and folic acid (FA), and the latter as an outer layer for improved hydrophilicity. The NP‐PTX‐FA has a uniform size distribution (averaging 28.2 ± 0.64 nm) and high drug loading capacity of 22.8 wt% (vs <10 wt% normally). NP‐PTX‐FA releases the drug under conditions mimicking the acidic intracellular pH of breast cancer cells and the FA conjugation leads to higher NP uptake by target cells, enhancing the cytotoxicity to target cells compared to free PTX. This NP formulation holds great promise to improve breast cancer therapy and potential to deliver other hydrophobic drugs for treating various cancer types.
Kernel Application of the Stacked Crossbar Array Composed of Self‐Rectifying Resistive Switching Memory for Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Kim Yumin , Kim Jihun , Kim Seung Soo , Kwon Young Jae , Kim Gil Seop , Jeon Jeong Woo , Kwon Dae Eun , Yoon Jung Ho , Hwang Cheol Seong
Published: November 2019

Herein, a feasible method is provided for circuit implementation of the convolutional neural network (CNN) in neuromorphic hardware using the multiple layers‐stacked resistance switching random access memory (ReRAM). The specific ReRAM is accompanied by self‐rectification functionality. The single‐input multiple‐output (SIMO) scheme is an optimum method in the extraction of the features of a letter with a versatile selection of the intended features, whereas the multiple‐input single‐output (MISO) scheme provides a highly efficient method to extract the features from the color image, which is composed of several component color images. The Pt/HfO2−x/TiN‐based self‐rectification ReRAM that is integrated into the sidewalls of the two‐layer structure provides a sound framework for the circuit implementation of the SIMO and MISO schemes. The appropriate selection of the kernels for image compression and feature extraction greatly facilitates the CNN in neuromorphic hardware.
Multi‐objective optimization of injection molding parameters, based on the Gkriging‐NSGA‐vague method
Authors: Li Sai , Fan Xiying , Huang Haiyue , Cao Yanli
Published: November 2019

Plastic production quality, manufacturing cost, and molding efficiency are three important indices for a new product development. In addition to injection molding process parameters (IMPP), runner system also has an important role in the injection molding process. In this study, the plastic production quality, manufacturing costs, and molding efficiency are considered as the optimized objectives. The design parameters include runner diameters and IMPP. The improved Kriging surrogate model (Gkriging), nondominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA‐II), and multicriteria fuzzy decision‐making approach (vague sets) are combined, and the Gkriging‐NSGA‐vague scheme is proposed to optimize the runner diameters and the IMPP. Firstly, the Gkriging model is established to map the correlation between design parameters and optimized objectives. Based on the Gkriging model, the NSGA‐II is combined with predictive models to obtain the Pareto‐optimal solutions. Then, the optimal Pareto‐optimal solution is obtained by the vague approach. A multicavity mold with two different plastic parts is utilized as the design case. The optimization results indicate that the Gkriging‐NSGA‐vague method is a powerful method for solving the multi‐objective optimization problems. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 137, 48659.
SIMEX for correction of dietary exposure effects with Box‐Cox transformed data
Authors: Intemann Timm , Mehlig Kirsten , De Henauw Stefaan , Siani Alfonso , Constantinou Tassos , Moreno Luis A. , Molnár Dénes , Veidebaum Toomas , Pigeot Iris ,   on behalf of the I.Family consortium
Published: November 2019

Modelling dietary data, and especially 24‐hr dietary recall (24HDR) data, is a challenge. Ignoring the inherent measurement error (ME) leads to biased effect estimates when the association between an exposure and an outcome is investigated. We propose an adapted simulation extrapolation (SIMEX) algorithm for modelling dietary exposures. For this purpose, we exploit the ME model of the NCI method where we assume the assumption of normally distributed errors of the reported intake on the Box‐Cox transformed scale and of unbiased recalls on the original scale. According to the SIMEX algorithm, remeasurements of the observed data with additional ME are generated in order to estimate the association between the level of ME and the resulting effect estimate. Subsequently, this association is extrapolated to the case of zero ME to obtain the corrected estimate. We show that the proposed method fulfils the key property of the SIMEX approach, that is, that the MSE of the generated data will converge to zero if the ME variance converges to zero. Furthermore, the method is applied to real 24HDR data of the I.Family study to correct the effects of salt and alcohol intake on blood pressure. In a simulation study, the method is compared with the NCI method resulting in effect estimates with either smaller MSE or smaller bias in certain situations. In addition, we found our method to be more informative and easier to implement. Therefore, we conclude that the proposed method is useful to promote the dissemination of ME correction methods in nutritional epidemiology.
Do the ecoinnovation and ecodesign strategies generate value added in munificent environments?
Authors: García‐Sánchez Isabel‐María , Gallego‐Álvarez Isabel , Zafra‐Gómez José‐Luis
Published: November 2019

Within innovation strategies, ecodesign and ecoinnovation are becoming very relevant in recent years as they seek to reduce the environmental impact of both products and production processes by using new technologies and ways of working that contribute to sustainable development and at the same time help to promote the competitiveness of companies. In this framework, the objective of this paper is to analyze the impact that the strategies of environmental innovation in products and processes have on the profitability and the market value of the companies, considering the moderating role that the munificence of the industry has in this relationship. Using the generalized method of moments, the results obtained from a sample of 6,454 international companies during the period 2002–2017 show that although environmental innovation strategies do not entail higher returns, they are well valued by the capital market. This was especially true in environments with greater economic growth and availability of resources, that is, in munificent environments.
miR‐802 inhibits the proliferation, invasion, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition of glioblastoma multiforme cells by directly targeting SIX4
Authors: Huang Wu , Shi Yu , Han Bin , Wang Qilong , Zhang Bin , Qi Chunjian , Liu Fang
Published: November 2019

It is well known that the sine oculis homeobox 4 (SIX4) expression is very relevant to the progression of multiple cancers. Moreover, we found that miR‐802 could directly target the SIX4. However, the precise mechanism of miR‐802 in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is still unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the roles of miR‐802/SIX4 axis in GBM. Here, our results showed that the SIX4 expression was obviously increased in GBM tissues and cell lines, and the miR‐802 level was distinctly decreased. What is more, the SIX4 expression was negatively related to the miR‐802 level in GBM tissues. Furthermore, increased miR‐802 level evidently restrained the proliferation, invasion, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of GBM cells. Next, we confirmed that miR‐802 could directly target SIX4 by using luciferase reporter assay. Besides, the knockdown of SIX4 had the similar effects with miR‐802 overexpression on GBM cells. The inhibitory effects of miR‐802 mimic were partially blocked by SIX4 overexpression. Altogether, the overexpression of miR‐802 restrained cell proliferation, invasion, and EMT of GBM cells via the regulation of SIX4.

Significance of the study

An elevated expression of SIX4 has been observed in colorectal cancer and nonsmall cell lung cancer. However, the precise roles of SIX4 in GBM have not been elucidated. Our study for the first time demonstrated that SIX4 level was significantly upregulated in GBM. Additionally, the knockdown of SIX4 inhibited cell growth, invasion, and the EMT of GBM. Moreover, our data suggested a significant negative correlation between miR‐802 and SIX4 expression in GBM. MiR‐802 suppressed GBM cell proliferation, invasion, and EMT by directly targeting SIX4, which suggested important roles for miR‐802/SIX4 axis in the GBM pathogenesis and its potential application in cancer therapy.
Multiphase Stirred Tank Bioreactors – New Geometrical Concepts and Scale‐up Approaches
Authors: Böhm Lutz , Hohl Lena , Bliatsiou Chrysoula , Kraume Matthias
Published: November 2019

Mainly with respect to biotechnological cases, current developments in the field of impeller geometries and findings for multistage configurations with a specific view on aerated stirred tanks are reviewed. Although often the first choice, in the given case the 6‐straight blade disc turbine is usually not the best option. Furthermore, quantities usable for scale‐up, specifically applicable in this field are discussed. Only quantities taking local conditions into account appear to be able to actually compare different stirrer types and scales.
High‐Resolution Infrared Synchrotron Investigation of (HCN)2 and a Semi‐Experimental Determination of the Dissociation Energy D0
Authors: Mihrin D. , Jakobsen P. W. , Voute A. , Manceron L. , Wugt Larsen R.
Published: November 2019

The high‐resolution infrared absorption spectrum of the donor bending fundamental band ν
of the homodimer (HCN)2 has been collected by long‐path static gas‐phase Fourier transform spectroscopy at 207 K employing the highly brilliant 2.75 GeV electron storage ring source at Synchrotron SOLEIL. The rovibrational structure of the ν
transition has the typical appearance of a perpendicular type band associated with a Σ–Π transition for a linear polyatomic molecule. The total number of 100 assigned transitions are fitted employing a standard semi‐rigid linear molecule Hamiltonian, providing the band origin ν0 of 779.05182(50) cm−1 together with spectroscopic parameters for the degenerate excited state. This band origin, blue‐shifted by 67.15 cm−1 relative to the HCN monomer, provides the final significant contribution to the change of intra‐molecular vibrational zero‐point energy upon HCN dimerization. The combination with the vibrational zero‐point energy contribution determined recently for the class of large‐amplitude inter‐molecular fundamental transitions then enables a complete determination of the total change of vibrational zero‐point energy of 3.35±0.30 kJ mol−1. The new spectroscopic findings together with previously reported benchmark CCSDT(Q)/CBS electronic energies [Hoobler et al. ChemPhysChem. 19, 3257–3265 (2018)] provide the best semi‐experimental estimate of 16.48±0.30 kJ mol−1 for the dissociation energy D0 of this prototypical homodimer.
Prevalence and correlates of psychiatric comorbidities in children and adolescents with full and subthreshold avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder
Authors: Kambanis P. Evelyna , Kuhnle Megan C. , Wons Olivia B. , Jo Jenny H. , Keshishian Ani C. , Hauser Kristine , Becker Kendra R. , Franko Debra L. , Misra Madhusmita , Micali Nadia , Lawson Elizabeth A. , Eddy Kamryn T. , Thomas Jennifer J.
Published: November 2019

Objective

We aimed to characterize the current and lifetime prevalence of comorbid psychiatric diagnoses and suicidality in treatment‐ and nontreatment‐seeking individuals with full and subthreshold avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). We also sought to examine unique associations between the three DSM‐5 ARFID profiles (i.e., sensory sensitivity, fear of aversive consequences, and lack of interest in food or eating) and specific categories of psychiatric diagnoses and suicidality.

Method

We conducted structured clinical interviews with 74 children and adolescents with full or sub threshold ARFID to assess the presence of comorbid psychiatric diagnoses, suicidality, and the severity of each of the three ARFID profiles.

Results

Nearly half of the sample (45%) met criteria for a current comorbid psychiatric diagnosis, and over half (53%) met criteria for a lifetime comorbid diagnosis. A total of 8% endorsed current suicidality and 14% endorsed lifetime suicidality. Severity in the sensory sensitivity profile was uniquely associated with greater odds of comorbid disorders in the neurodevelopmental, disruptive, and conduct disorders category; the anxiety, obsessive–compulsive, and trauma‐related disorders category; and the depressive and bipolar‐related disorders category. Severity in the fear of aversive consequences profile was associated with greater odds of disorders in the anxiety, obsessive–compulsive, and trauma‐related disorders category.

Discussion

Our findings underscore the severity of psychopathology among individuals with ARFID and related presentations, and also highlight the potential that shared psychopathology between specific ARFID profiles and other psychiatric disorders represent transdiagnostic constructs (e.g., avoidant behavior) that may be relevant treatment targets.
An assessment of human impacts on endangered red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) living in the Himalaya
Authors: Panthi Saroj , Wang Tiejun , Sun Yiwen , Thapa Arjun
Published: November 2019

Anthropogenic factors play an important role in shaping the distribution of wildlife species and their habitats, and understanding the influence of human activities on endangered species can be key to improving conservation efforts as well as the implementation of national strategies for sustainable development. Here, we used species distribution modeling to assess human impacts on the endangered red panda (Ailurus fulgens) in high‐altitude regions of Nepal. We found that the distance to paths (tracks used by people and animals), livestock density, human population density, and annual mean temperature were the most important factors determining the habitat suitability for red pandas in Nepal. This is the first study that attempts to use comprehensive environmental and anthropogenic variables to predict habitat suitability for the red pandas at a national level. The suitable habitat identified by this study is important and could serve as a baseline for the development of conservation strategies for the red panda in Nepal.
Fabrication of Nano Flower‐shaped Platinum on Glassy Carbon Electrode as a Sensitive Sensor for Lead Electrochemical Analysis
Authors: Nguyen Thi Lieu , Cao Van Hoang , Yen Pham Thi Hai , Giang Le Truong
Published: November 2019

Platinum nanoflowers modified glassy carbon electrodes (PtNFs/GCE) was fabricated simply for lead determination in water samples. The modified electrodes were prepared by electrodeposition in hexachloroplatinic acid solution at constant potential. The influence of deposition time and potential on surface morphology, chemical composition, electrochemical properties of electrode were investigated. At −0.2 V of potential and 150 s of deposition duration, platinum developed as nanoflower shape and scattered densely all over the glassy carbon surface, producing the largest electrochemically active surface areas. The highest differential pulse stripping voltammetry (DPSV) signal of lead was obtained by using the prepared electrode. Under optimized experimental condition of electrolyte, accumulation potential and time, the peak current was found to be linear proportion to lead concentration in range of 1 to 100 μg L−1 (slope=0.371) with a limit of detection of 0.398 μg L−1. The method has good repeatability and reproducibility with relative standard deviations of 1.47 % and 4.83 %, respectively. The modified PtNFs/GCE also demonstrated an excellent long‐term stability with only 9 % decrease in Pb peak current over 30 days. Moreover, the performance of the modified PtNFs/GCE in determination of Pb(II) in two industrial wastewaters was good agreement with data obtained by a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) method.
Joint beamforming and space‐time coding in limited‐feedback cooperative networks with threshold‐based MIMO selection relaying
Authors: Shirzadian Gilan Mahsa , Olfat Ali
Published: November 2019

In this paper, a limited‐feedback decode‐and‐forward cooperative network with multiple relays is considered where each relay is equipped with multiple antennas. To combat error propagation, each multiple‐input multiple‐output relay participates in relaying phase, according to its received signal‐to‐noise ratio. In our scheme, space‐time coding is independently employed at each relay. At relay, the detected symbols are forwarded using a novel beamforming method proposed in this paper. In the proposed technique, relays employ only two‐bit quantized phase information of the channel between relay and destination, which reduces the overhead of the feedback channel. Our results highlight that using a simple maximal ratio combining at destination, the received SNR after combining the space‐time coded signals is enhanced significantly compared with other existing methods. We further investigate the bit error rate performance of the general family of M‐ary modulation schemes and show that the proposed design attains full diversity order without any rate or bandwidth cost. Also, closed form expressions are derived for optimal threshold and end‐to‐end bit error rate of the system. Numerical results illustrate a good agreement between the analytical and simulation results.
Comparison of soil moisture products from microwave remote sensing, land model, and reanalysis using global ground observations
Authors: Deng Yuanhong , Wang Shijie , Bai Xiaoyong , Wu Luhua , Cao Yue , Li Huiwen , Wang Mingming , Li Chaojun , Yang Yujie , Hu Zeyin , Tian Shiqi , Lu Qian
Published: November 2019

High‐quality soil moisture (SM) datasets are in great demand for climate, hydrology, and other fields, but detailed evaluation of SM products from various sources is scarce. Thus, using 670 SM stations worldwide, we evaluated and compared SM products from microwave remote sensing [Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for the Earth Observing System (AMSR‐E) (C‐ and X‐bands) and European Space Agency's Climate Change Initiative (ESA CCI)], land surface model [Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS)], and reanalysis data [ECMWF Re‐Analysis‐Interim (ERA‐Interim) and National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP)] under different time scales and various climates and land covers. We find that: (a) ESA CCI and GLDAS have the closest values to the in situ SM on the annual scale, whereas others overestimate the SM; ERA‐Interim (averaged R = 0.58) and ESA CCI (averaged R = 0.54) correlate best with the in situ data, while GLDAS performs worst. (b) Overall, the deviations of each product vary in seasons. ESA CCI and ERA‐Interim products are closer to the in situ SM at seasonal scales, and AMSR‐E and NCEP perform worst in December–February and June–August, respectively. (c) Except for NCEP and ERA‐Interim, others can well reflect the intermonthly variation of the in situ SM. (d) Under various climates and land covers, AMSR‐E products are less effective in cold climates, whereas GLDAS and NCEP products perform poorly in arid or temperate and dry climates. Moreover, the Bias and R of each SM product differ obviously under different forest types, especially the AMSR‐E products. In summary, SM from ESA CCI is the best, followed by ERA‐Interim product, and precipitation is an important auxiliary data for selecting high‐quality SM stations and improving the accuracy of SM from GLDAS. These results can provide a reference for improving the accuracy of the above SM products.
Capital structure adjustment and market reaction following seasoned equity offerings
Authors: Asad Faiza , Gulzar Saqib , Bangassa Kenbata , Khan Majid Jamal
Published: November 2019

This paper analyzes the market reaction towards capital structure adjustment through seasoned equity offerings in the United States. It recognizes that capital structure and equity mispricing are closely associated with seasoned equity offering. We specifically propose that if the trade‐off theory holds and firms follow target capital structures, then, firms that are overlevered would effectively exploit an overvalued equity in a cost‐effective adjustment of their capital structures through seasoned equity offerings. We also test how the market then reacts to such capital structure adjustment attempts. Controlling for other motives of seasoned equity offerings in a sample of 1,725 secondary issues by 1,016 U.S. nonfinancial firms from 2004 to 2013, we found that firms that were ex ante overlevered and overvalued were more likely to announce a seasoned equity offering. As regards the market reaction to such capital structure adjustments, it is found that the market favorably reacted in both the short term and long term, as evidenced by positive 3‐day cumulative abnormal returns and buy‐and‐hold abnormal returns, respectively. Moreover, post‐event evidence suggests that on the average, overlevered firms reduced their deviations from the target and that their leverage levels mainly stayed around the targets until at least 3 years after the secondary equity issues.
Development and initial reliability and validity of a new measure of distorted maternal representations: The Mother–Infant Relationship Scale
Authors: Newman‐Morris Vesna , Gray Kylie M. , Simpson Katrina , Newman Louise K.
Published: November 2019

Distorted maternal representations (DMRs)—mother's ideas, understanding, and feelings about the infant—shape early interaction and the emerging relationship. Distorted interactions reportedly affect infant attachment and socioemotional development and may be associated with maternal early adversity and trauma. Limited measures are available that could be used as screening tools of DMRs. The aims of this study were to (a) describe the development of the Mother–Infant Relationship Scale (MIRS) and (b) to evaluate its psychometric properties. The development and validation of the MIRS closely followed standard guidelines for the development of psychometric tests. Psychometric properties were examined across two samples: 78 adult psychiatric patients with features of borderline personality and 86 individuals from a nonclinical sample (N = 164). The scale demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = .91) for the clinical sample and adequate internal consistency (.78) for the nonclinical sample, excellent test‐retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = .81), and good concurrent validity with an observational (Pearson's correlation coefficients = −.35 to −.54) and a representational measure (.53). Factor analysis revealed three components: DMRs specific to (a) maternal hostility/rejection of the infant, (b) issues about parenting/attachment, and (c) anxiety/helplessness about infant care. Findings suggest that the MIRS is a reliable and valid screening tool of DMRs. Potential uses in clinical and research settings are discussed.
Classifying Raman spectra of extracellular vesicles based on convolutional neural networks for prostate cancer detection
Authors: Lee Wooje , Lenferink Aufried T.M. , Otto Cees , Offerhaus Herman L.
Published: November 2019

Since early 2000s, machine learning algorithms have been widely used in many research and industrial fields, most prominently in computer vison. Lately, many fields of study have tried to use these automated methods, and there are several reports from the field of spectroscopy. In this study, we demonstrate a classification model based on machine learning to classify Raman spectra. We obtained Raman spectra from extracellular vesicles (EVs) to find tumor derived EVs. The convolutional neural network (CNN) was trained on preprocessed Raman data and raw Raman data. We compare the result from CNN with results from principal component analysis that is widely used among in spectroscopy. The new model classifies EVs with an accuracy of >90%. Moreover, the new model based on CNN is also suitable for classifying the raw Raman data directly without preprocessing with a minimum accuracy of 93%.
Canola oil/candelilla wax oleogel improves texture, retards staling and reduces in vitro starch digestibility of maize tortillas
Authors: Vernon‐Carter Eduardo Jaime , Alvarez‐Ramirez Jose , Meraz Monica , Bello‐Perez Luis Arturo , Garcia‐Diaz Samuel
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Maize tortilla staling is a major drawback that affects its commercialization and consumption, and so novel methods for retarding staling are continuously being explored. The present study evaluated the effect of adding a canola oil/candelilla wax oleogel (CWO; 0. 2, 4 and 6 g 100 g−1) to a basic masa formulation (water, 60 g 100 g−1; nixtamalized maize flour, 40 g 100 g−1) on the texture, staling and in vitro starch digestibility of maize tortillas made using a hot plate (200 °C).

RESULTS

Textural analysis showed that CWO reduced hardness and increased the tensile strength of tortillas. Fourier transform infrared analysis indicated that the retrogradation of starch chains, quantified in terms of the intensity ratio 1047/1022, was reduced by oleogel incorporation. In vitro starch digestibility tests showed that tortillas containing CWO had lower readily digestible and slowly digestible starch fractions compared to the control tortilla without oleogel.

CONCLUSION

The formation of amylose–lipid inclusion complexes and the formation of an oily physical barrier around starch granules were postulated as mechanisms underlying the reduced starch digestibility. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Optimized Anti–Prostate‐Specific Membrane Antigen Single‐Chain Variable Fragment–Loaded Nanobubbles as a Novel Targeted Ultrasound Contrast Agent for the Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Ding Yu , Cao Qifeng , Qian Subo , Chen Xiaolong , Xu Yuhong , Chen Jian , Shen Haibo
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To prepare optimized prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) single‐chain variable fragment (scFv)–loaded nanobubbles (NBs) as a novel targeted ultrasound (US) contrast agent for diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer (PCa).

Methods

Prostate‐specific membrane antigen scFv‐loaded NBs were prepared by membrane hydration and biotin‐streptavidin conjugation. Flow cytometry was used to observe the binding rate of the targeted NBs to PSMA‐expressing cells. Contrast‐enhanced US was used to monitor targeted and nontargeted NBs administered to nude mice with 22RV1, LNCaP, and PC‐3 xenograft tumors. The specific binding ability of the targeted NBs was further examined by fluorescence imaging of tumor cryosections.

Results

Uniformly sized targeted NBs were successfully prepared (mean ± SD, 485.3 ± 28.4 nm). The NBs showed good stability and bound specifically to LNCaP and 22RV1 cells with high PSMA expression in vitro but did not bind to PC‐3 cells without PSMA expression. The targeted NBs presented good US enhancement, and the results of the in vivo xenograft tumor nude mouse model showed that the peak contrast intensity in LNCaP and 22RV1 cells was significantly higher for the targeted NBs than the nontargeted NBs (P < .05), whereas there was no significant difference in PC‐3 cells. Immunofluorescence results obtained from tumor sections confirmed that the targeted NBs were capable of targeting PSMA‐expressing tumor cells.

Conclusions

These novel PSMA scFv‐loaded NBs have proven to be an excellent US contrast agent for imaging PSMA‐expressing PCa and have the potential to not only enable efficient and safe molecular imaging but also to serve as a delivery system for targeted PCa therapies.
Lower Circulating Branched‐Chain Amino Acid Concentrations Among Vegetarians are Associated with Changes in Gut Microbial Composition and Function
Authors: Wang Fenglei , Wan Yi , Yin Kanhua , Wei Yaguang , Wang Beibei , Yu Xiaomei , Ni Yan , Zheng Jusheng , Huang Tao , Song Mingyang , Li Duo
Published: November 2019

Scope

Vegetarian diets confer health benefits to many cardiometabolic diseases, although whether and how gut microbiota in vegetarians contributes to host metabolism remains unclear. Thus, the aim is to explore the possible links between the gut microbiota and circulating gut microbiota–host co‐metabolites among vegetarians and omnivores.

Methods and results

Fecal and serum samples from 36 adults following a vegan, lacto‐ovo vegetarian, or omnivorous diet are collected. A 16S rRNA gene, metagenome, metatranscriptome, and metabolome integrated multi‐omics approach is adopted to profile fecal microbial composition and functionality and circulating gut microbiota–host co‐metabolites. 16S rRNA gene and metagenomic sequencing suggest a significant difference in gut microbial composition between the two vegetarian groups and the omnivorous group at the family, genus, and species level. Metabolomic analysis reveals that circulating branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs)—valine, leucine, and isoleucine—are significantly lower in the two vegetarian groups than those in the omnivorous group. In line with the lower concentrations of BCAAs, metatranscriptomic analysis shows that the gut microbial pathway for the degradation of BCAAs is significantly upregulated among vegetarians compared with the omnivores.

Conclusions

The results indicate that gut microbiota plays an important role in the modulation of circulating BCAAs among vegetarians.
Development of Smart Polymer Microparticles through Suspension Polymerization for Treatment of Schistosomiasis
Authors: Paiva Thamiris Franckini , Alves Jéssica Bentes , Melo Príamo Albuquerque , Pinto José Carlos
Published: November 2019

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that affects millions of people, especially low‐income people, and is considered a major public health problem in underdeveloped countries. The drug used most often for the treatment of the disease is praziquantel (PZQ), which has a strong and characteristic bitter taste that makes treatment of children inconvenient. For this reason, the present work investigates the development of smart pH‐sensitive polymer microparticles produced through suspension polymerizations to be used as vehicles for the controlled release of praziquantel in the body. The microparticles are produced through copolymerization of methyl methacrylate and the cationic comonomers diethylaminoethyl methacrylate or dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate. The obtained results indicate that microparticles with sizes in the range of 10–1100 µm can be formed successfully, allowing high PZQ encapsulation efficiencies (>80%). Zeta potential analyses and drug release assays confirm the pH‐sensitive responses of the cationic copolymers, leading to effective release of PZQ (around 80% in pH 1.2) in acidic media that simulate the organic fluids present in the stomach.