bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ECP as additional immunomodulation in idiopathic hyperammonemia and recurrent hypercapnic respiratory failure early post lung transplantation
Authors: Steinack Carolin , Robinson Cécile A. , Nägeli Mirjam , Inci Ilhan , Benden Christian
Published: August 2020

Extra‐corporeal photopheresis (ECP) is known as safe ultimate treatment option for chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). Here, we report the first case of ECP as “second‐line” immunomodulatory therapy early post‐transplant in an adult patient undergoing lung transplantation for severe chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, complicated by impaired consciousness due to idiopathic hyperammonemia resulting in recurrent hypercapnic respiratory failure. ECP was initiated twice weekly on post‐transplant day 25 and standard triple immunosuppression reduced. Within 2 weeks, the clinical status improved. ECP has been continued every 4 weeks after discharge. At 1 year post‐transplant, ECP was stopped as maintenance immunosuppression was reached. We recommend to consider the immunomodulatory effect of ECP as “second line” immunomodulatory therapy in cases where standard immunosuppression causes severe collateral damage. ECP is able to assist prevention of allograft rejection in conjunction with reduced levels of standard immunosuppression, even in the early period following lung transplantation.
Neonatal and Childhood Outcomes in Offspring of Pregnant Women Using Antidepressant Medications: A Critical Review of Current Meta‐Analyses
Authors: Uguz Faruk
Published: August 2020

This article reviewed the results of 21 recent meta‐analyses examining the relationship between maternal use of antidepressants during pregnancy and negative outcomes in newborns and children. PubMed was searched for meta‐analyses published in English between January 1, 2011, and November 30, 2019, by using combinations of the keywords pregnancy, antidepressants, review, meta‐analysis, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, selective serotonin‐norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, neonatal outcomes, autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), preterm birth, low birth weight, spontaneous abortion, persistent pulmonary hypertension, infant, newborn, children, and offspring. The present review included a total of 21 relevant meta‐analyses that met the inclusion criteria. Most of the meta‐analyses reported that compared to non‐users, the risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, spontaneous abortion, persistent pulmonary hypertension, autism spectrum disorders, and ADHD in offspring of antidepressant users were significantly higher. Some meta‐analyses also noted that the elevated risks were no longer statistically significant when pregnant women with psychiatric diagnoses treated with an antidepressant were compared with control patients who remained untreated. Although this review of current meta‐analyses suggests a moderately increased risk of neonatal and childhood outcomes assessed with maternal use of antidepressants, it is difficult to ascertain whether these outcomes are independent of underlying maternal psychiatric disorders.
Long non‐coding RNA SNHG6 increases JAK2 expression by targeting the miR‐181 family to promote colorectal cancer cell proliferation
Authors: Lai Fangfang , Deng Wei , Fu Chunhua , Wu Pengbo , Cao Mingwei , Tan Shiyun
Published: August 2020

Background

Long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) small nucleolar RNA host gene 6 (SNHG6) exerts a regulatory role in cancer biology, although its detailed functions and mechanisms in colorectal cancer (CRC) still remain unclear.

Methods

A quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction was implemented to investigate the expression of SNHG6, miR‐181 family and Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) in CRC tissues and cell lines. The proliferation of CRC cells was detected by a cell counting kit‐8 assay, and the apoptosis of CRC cells was determined by flow cytometry analysis. The interaction of the miR‐181 family with SNHG6 or with the 3'‐untranslated region of JAK2 was validated by the luciferase reporter gene method. The effects of SNHG6 and the miR‐181 family on JAK2 expression were analyzed by western blotting.

Results

SNHG6 was significantly up‐regulated in CRC samples. The knockdown of SNHG6 reduced the proliferation of CRC cells and promoted the apoptosis, whereas the over‐expression of SNHG6 had the opposite effect. SNHG6 could bind with all the four members of the miR‐181 family, and expression in miR‐181 family members was significantly down‐regulated in CRC samples. SNHG6 expression was negatively correlated with the miR‐181 family member expression in CRC samples. Moreover, over‐expressed SNHG6 significantly counteracted the inhibitory effect of miR‐181 mimics on CRC cell proliferation, as well as the promoting effect on apoptosis. Furthermore, SNHG6 over‐expression and knockdown can promote and inhibit JAK2 expression, respectively, and miR‐181 family member function is opposite to that of SNHG6 by repressing JAK2.

Conclusions

SNHG6 can exert a cancer‐promoting effect in CRC by targeting miR‐181 family members and up‐regulating JAK2.
Decitabine mildly attenuates MLL‐rearranged acute lymphoblastic leukemia in vivo, and represents a poor chemo‐sensitizer
Authors: Schneider Pauline , Castro Patricia Garrido , Pinhanços Sandra M. , Kerstjens Mark , van Roon Eddy H. , Essing Anke H.W. , Dolman M. Emmy M. , Molenaar Jan J. , Pieters Rob , Stam Ronald W.
Published: August 2020

MLL‐rearranged acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) represents a highly aggressive ALL subtype, characterized by aberrant DNA methylation patterns. DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, such as decitabine have previously been demonstrated to be effective in eradicating MLL‐rearranged ALL cells in vitro.

Here, we assessed the in vivo anti‐leukemic potential of low‐dose DNA methyltransferase inhibitor decitabine using a xenograft mouse model of human MLL‐rearranged ALL. Furthermore, we explored whether prolonged exposure to low‐dose decitabine could chemo‐sensitize MLL‐rearranged ALL cells toward conventional chemotherapy as well as other known epigenetic‐based and anti‐neoplastic compounds.

Our data reveal that decitabine prolonged survival in xenograft mice of MLL‐rearranged ALL by 8.5 days (P = .0181), but eventually was insufficient to prevent leukemia out‐growth, based on the examination of the MLLAF4 cell line SEM. Furthermore, we observe that prolonged pretreatment of low‐dose decitabine mildly sensitized toward the conventional drugs prednisolone, vincristine, daunorubicin, asparaginase, and cytarabine in a panel of MLL‐rearranged cell lines. Additionally, we assessed synergistic effects of decitabine with other epigenetic‐based or anticancer drugs using high‐throughput drug library screens. Validation of the top hits, including histone deacetylase inhibitor panobinostat, BCL2 inhibitor Venetoclax, MEK inhibitor pimasertib, and receptor tyrosine kinase foretinib, revealed additive and moderate synergistic effects for the combination of each drug together with decitabine in a cell line‐dependent manner.
How do Crocodylian embryos process yolk? Morphological evidence from the American alligator,Alligator mississippiensis
Authors: Blackburn Daniel G. , Barnes Madeline S. , Reimers Charles D. , Appiah Farahana A. , Lestz Luisa L. , Bonneau Laurie J. , Hanson Michael , Smith‐Paredes Daniel , Bhullar Bhart‐Anjan
Published: August 2020

Recent studies have demonstrated a mechanism of embryonic yolk processing in lizards, snakes and turtles that differs markedly from that of birds. In the avian pattern, cells that line the inside of the yolk sac take up products of yolk digestion and deliver nutrients into the vitelline circulation. In contrast, in squamates and turtles, proliferating endodermal cells invade and fill the yolk sac cavity, forming elongated strands of yolk‐filled cells that surround small blood vessels. This arrangement provides a means by which yolk material becomes cellularized, digested, and transported for embryonic use. Ultrastructural observations on late‐stageAlligator mississippiensiseggs reveal elongated, vascular strands of endodermal cells within the yolk sac cavity. The strands of cells are intermixed with free yolk spheres and clumps of yolk‐filled endodermal cells, features that reflect early phases in the yolk‐processing pattern. These observations indicate that yolk processing inAlligatoris more like the pattern of other reptiles than that of birds.
Seeking and finding justice: Why and when managers' feedback seeking enhances justice enactment
Authors: Sherf Elad N. , Gajendran Ravi S. , Posner Barry Z.
Published: August 2020

There is growing recognition that justice enactment is a complex activity and that managers face significant contextual and situational roadblocks when attempting to enact justice. However, research has not fully examined how managers, in the course of their jobs, can (a) identify and respond to justice‐related issues and (b) assemble and synthesize relevant information required to act in a manner consistent with justice rules. To begin addressing these concerns, we posit feedback seeking as a key managerial behavior that can facilitate greater justice enactment because it promotes the flow of both solicited and unsolicited information from employees to managers. Such information flows enhance the saliency of fairness goals and allow managers to learn about employees' contextualized needs in ways that facilitate increased justice enactment. However, we argue that these effects are less likely to occur when feedback‐seeking managers have lower generalized self‐efficacy. An analysis of archival data (NManagers = 8,706, NEmployees = 40,830), a study with manager–employee dyads (N = 181), and a time‐separated study of managers (N = 196) provide preliminary evidence in line with these arguments. We discuss the implications of our theory and findings with respect to the justice and feedback‐seeking literature.
Review of some adulteration detection techniques of edible oils
Authors: Salah Wael A , Nofal Mays
Published: August 2020

Edible oils have economical and nutritional benefits. These oils offer nutrients that are essential to human health because they are the primary source of mono‐ and poly‐unsaturated fats. Moreover, edible oils are used in home cooking and industrial food manufacturing. Therefore, edible oils have a considerable demand worldwide. However, some edible oils, such as olive oil, are more expensive than any other vegetable oils. Thus, oils such as olive oil are mixed with cheap edible oils as a result of the high price difference. Accordingly, adulteration in edible oils to obtain additional profit for the producer becomes a major issue of high concern for consumers. Moreover, adulteration in edible oils can cause several problems that affect consumer health. Therefore, the need for a sensitive, accurate and suitable method to detect the adulteration is highly considered. We provide a brief review of the different methods and techniques used to detect adulteration in edible oils, especially olive oil, with the aim of promoting consumer awareness of the authenticity of edible oils. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Sanitizer efficacy in reducing microbial load on commercially grown hydroponic lettuce
Authors: Dankwa Adwoa S , Machado Robson M , Perry Jennifer J
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Most hydroponic lettuce growers harvest and package their marketable‐size lettuces with an intact root ball. With a high microbial load on the peat moss substrate, there is a risk of microbial transfer onto the edible portion during packaging and throughout the product's shelf life. Since the produce is believed to have no contact with the substrate, no sanitizer wash is performed before packaging and storage.

RESULTS

Aerobic plate count (APC) results suggested that reduction in count was influenced by both sanitizer application and storage time. Peroxyacetic acid significantly reduced APC count on leaves, roots, and substrate, with a 1.8 log CFU g−1 initial reduction on the leaf. Fungi and APC levels increased with storage time, with the greatest APC increase in the roots. Leaves had the lowest coliform bacteria (CB), with chlorine slightly reducing CB count. Unlike APC, CB levels decreased during storage on the substrate and root samples. No Listeria positive was confirmed by agglutination test. Further evaluation of different commercial substrates reveals that Com4, a drier‐compacted plug, had the least ability to support growth/survival of all microbial populations enumerated relative to the spongy, wet black plugs.

CONCLUSION

The ability of peat moss substrates to host microorganisms is influenced by the physical properties of the product. Sanitizer wash efficacy is dependent on the initial microbial load and the length of storage. Chlorine and peroxyacetic acid are effective in reducing microbial populations on the leaves of hydroponically grown lettuce without affecting visual quality during shelf life. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
A new strategy of studying protein–protein interactions: Integrated strong anion exchange/reversed‐phase chromatography/immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry for large‐scale identification of proteins interact with immunoglobulin G in HeLa cells
Authors: Qin Feng , Wang Xuantang , Yan Guoquan , Gao Mingxia , Zhang Xiangmin
Published: August 2020

Recently, significant research efforts have been devoted to the development of technology for large‐scale analysis of protein–protein interactions. Herein, a comprehensive method by coupling the first‐dimension strong anion exchange chromatography with the second‐dimension reversed‐phase liquid chromatography via immunoprecipitation technique and high‐resolution mass spectrometry analysis was developed for analyzing protein–protein interactions. After two‐dimensional liquid chromatography separation, 108 fractions were obtained in one experiment. Immunoglobulin G from human serum was used as a model of an interacting protein. As a result, 919 proteins in these fractions were identified to interact with immunoglobulin G. By searching STRING database and data analysis, 27 of 919 proteins were inferred to directly interact with immunoglobulin G. Moreover, important target proteins that interacted with immunoglobulin G were mapped in the two‐dimensional liquid chromatography system, which facilitated selection of these proteins from specific fractions. These results demonstrated that the proposed method can be useful for large‐scale investigation of protein–protein interactions and as an advanced tool for the isolation of target proteins.
A simple, cost‐effective, and rapid separation process for the isolation of anticoagulant active fraction from the fruit extract of Momordica charantia: Characterization of bioactive components and anticoagulant mechanism of active fraction in a mouse model
Authors: Gogoi Debananda , Jha Shambhavi , Chattopadhyay Pronobesh , Mukherjee Ashis K.
Published: August 2020

A simple, rapid, and cost‐effective process for the separation of an active anticoagulant fraction from the aqueous fruit extract of Momordica charantia by using rice husk as adsorbed is described. The in vitro anticoagulant activity of active anticoagulant fraction was comparable to commercial anticoagulants heparin and warfarin. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, and phytols in the active anticoagulant fraction, nevertheless; it was devoid of glycosides, triterpenoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, and carbohydrates. By gas chromatography with mass spectrometry analysis, decanoic acid, 1,2,3‐propanetriyl ester (22.3%), dodecanoic acid, 1,2,3‐propanetriyl ester‐d5 (17.3%), dodecenoic acid, 1,2,3‐propanetriyl ester (12.5%), and 4‐B‐methylandrostane 2,3‐diol‐1,17‐dione (11.4%) were identified as the most abundant constituents of active anticoagulant fraction. Presence of αβ‐fibrinogenase enzyme was identified by biochemical assay but not by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry analysis suggesting presence of a novel protease enzyme in this fraction. The active anticoagulant fraction demonstrated biding to fibrinogen but not to thrombin or Factor Xa, inhibited the collagen/ADP‐induced mammalian platelet aggregation, showed in vitro thrombolytic activity, noncytotoxic to mammalian cells, showed in vivo plasma defibrinogenation and anticoagulant activities, and inhibited k‐carrageen‐induced thrombus formation in the tails of mice. Therefore, active anticoagulant fraction (an herbal drug) may find therapeutic application for the prevention and/or treatment of hyperfibrinogenemia/thrombosis‐associated cardiovascular disorders.
Effect of Ultrasound‐Guided Hydrorelease of the Multifidus Muscle on Acute Low Back Pain
Authors: Kanamoto Hirohito , Orita Sumihisa , Inage Kazuhide , Shiga Yasuhiro , Abe Koki , Eguchi Yawara , Ohtori Seiji
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To examine improvement in acute low back pain (LBP) using ultrasound‐guided hydrorelease of the multifidus muscle.

Methods

This prognostic cohort study was conducted in a private clinic on samples of 75 patients with acute LBP diagnosed based on physical and imaging findings. Hydrorelease of the multifidus muscle was performed at the L4/5 level. The LBP visual analog scale (VAS) scores (cm) before and 5 minutes after hydrorelease were statistically evaluated. We defined improvement rate (%) as {LBP VAS scores (cm) immediately before hydrorelease – LBP VAS scores (cm) 5 minutes after hydrorelease} × 100 / LBP VAS scores (cm) immediately before hydrorelease and examined the correlation of the Heckmatt score and average age with the improvement rate.

Results

LBP VAS scores (cm) before and 5 minutes after hydrorelease were 7.19 ± 1.01 (mean ± SD) and 2.85 ± 1.25, respectively (p < 0.05). No significant correlations were noted between the LBP improvement rate and the Heckmatt score or age. There were no gender variations in the improvement rate.

Conclusions

Ultrasound‐guided hydrorelease of the multifidus muscle led to considerable LBP VAS score improvement at the outpatient level. The improvement rate showed no correlations with the Heckmatt score or age, and there were no significant gender variations in the improvement rate. Therefore, fatty degeneration of muscles and change in muscle echogenicity due to age and gender may not be associated with muscular LBP. These findings suggest that multifidus muscle hydrorelease could be useful in the diagnosis and treatment of acute LBP.
Metastatic Patterns and Prognosis of de novo Metastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in the United States
Authors: Xu Yali , Huang Taoyuan , Mao Min , Zhai Jinming , Chen Jinhai
Published: August 2020

Objective

To evaluate the distant metastatic patterns and prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) in de novo metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (mNPC) using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.

Methods

Patients with de novo mNPC who had been diagnosed between 2004 and 2016 were identified from the SEER database. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to calculate OS and CSS. Log‐rank tests were employed to measure survival variation among subgroups. Individual predictors of CSS and OS were examined using Cox proportional‐hazards regression models in patients with de novo mNPC.

Results

We evaluated 224 patients with de novo mNPC who matched our inclusion criteria. Three‐year CSS and OS for the whole cohort was 29.8% and 27.9%, respectively. Univariate analysis indicated that CSS and OS were influenced by age, histology, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and liver metastasis. Neither the number of metastatic sites nor their specific location in bone, lungs, distant lymph nodes or brain significantly affected CSS or OS. The aforementioned independent prognosticators continued to significantly influence survival following multivariate analysis. Taking distant metastasis without liver involvement as a reference, liver metastasis was associated significantly with shorter OS at a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.581 (P = .021) and CSS at a HR of 1.643 (P = .016). Older age, keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma, no chemotherapy, and no radiotherapy were also prognosticators for poor OS (P < .05). Similar results were documented for CSS (P < .05).

Conclusion

For patients with de novo mNPC, liver metastasis is an independent prognosticator for inferior CSS and OS.

Level of Evidence

3a Laryngoscope, 131:E1130–E1138, 2021
Stabilizing Polymeric Interface by Janus Nanosheet
Authors: Guan Jipeng , Gui Haoguan , Zheng Yanyan , You Jichun , Li Yongjin , Liang Fuxin , Yang Zhenzhong
Published: August 2020

A strategy is proposed to stabilize the polymeric interface by using the irregular Janus nanosheet (JNS). The poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA) at 60/40 (wt/wt) with a bi‐continuous structure is selected as the model melt blend, and the PMMA/epoxy JNS is synthesized and used as the compatibilizer. The JNS is preferentially located at the interface. The interfacial coverage by the JNS reaches a saturated state forming the interconnected jamming structure at 0.5 wt% of the JNS. The interface is thus stabilized which is well preserved after annealing at high temperature. After selectively etching PLLA, the robust PVDF porous material is derived with the JNS armored at the pore skeleton surface. The porous material provides a universal scaffold to achieve stable functional materials after filling the pores.
SALL4 promotes tumor progression in breast cancer by targeting EMT
Authors: Chen Teng , Tsang Julia Y. S. , Su Xiao‐Chun , Li Peng , Sun Wen‐Qin , Wong Iris L. K. , Choy Kit‐Ying , Yang Qing , Tse Gary M. K. , Chan Tak H. , Chow Larry M. C.
Published: August 2020

Sal‐like protein 4 (SALL4) is overexpressed in breast cancer and might contribute to breast cancer progression, but the molecular mechanism remains unknown. Here, we found that within a group of 371 ethnic Chinese breast cancer patients, SALL4 was associated with lower grade (P = .002) and progesterone receptor positivity (P = .004) for overall cases; lower Ki67 (P = .045) and high vimentin (P = .007) for luminal cases. Patients with high SALL4 expression in lymph node metastasis showed a significantly worse survival than those with low expression. Knockout of SALL4 in a triple‐negative breast cancer cell line MDA‐MB‐231‐Red‐FLuc‐GFP led to suppressed ability in proliferation, clonogenic formation, migration, and mammosphere formation in vitro, tumorigenicity and lung colonization in vivo. On the other hand, overexpression of SALL4 enhanced migration and mammosphere formation in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo. Mechanistically, there was a positive correlation between SALL4 expression and mesenchymal markers including Zinc finger E‐box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), vimentin, Slug, and Snail in vivo. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiment indicated that SALL4 can bind to the promoter region of vimentin (−778 to −550 bp). Taken together, we hypothesize that SALL4 promotes tumor progression in breast cancer by inducing the mesenchymal markers like vimentin through directly binding to its promoter. Increased SALL4 level in metastatic lymph node relative to the primary site is an important poor survival marker in breast cancer.
Inverse problems for Sturm–Liouville operators on a compact equilateral graph by partial nodal data
Authors: Wang Yu Ping , Shieh Chung‐Tsun
Published: August 2020

Partial inverse nodal problems for Sturm–Liouville operators on a compact equilateral star graph are investigated in this paper. Uniqueness theorems from partial twin‐dense nodal subsets in interior subintervals or arbitrary interior subintervals having the central vertex are proved. In particular, we posed and solved a new type partial inverse nodal problems for the Sturm–Liouville operator on the compact equilateral star graph.
Unilateral versus bilateral sacral neuromodulation test in the treatment of refractory idiopathic overactive bladder: A randomized controlled pilot trial
Authors: Wagner Laurent , Alonso Sandrine , Le Normand Loïc , Faix Antoine , Kabani Sarah , Castelli Christel , Gamé Xavier , Cornu Jean‐Nicolas , Bey Elsa
Published: August 2020

Aim

To compare treatment success rate in terms of improvement of bladder overactivity between unilateral and bilateral sacral neuromodulation testing.

Methods

A multicentric, parallel, randomized, open pilot trial (October 2012‐September 2017) was conducted. Participants presented primary overactive bladder resistant to first‐line treatments. Patients were excluded in case of secondary bladder, pelvic, or neurological condition. Patients were randomized between bilateral testing (n = 28) or unilateral testing (n = 27), to determine the best functional response before final implantation. The primary outcome was the rate of patients presenting at least 50% of clinical improvement at 1 month on urinary frequency, number of urge incontinence episodes or number of urinary urgency episodes. Symptom severity, implantation success rate, uroflowmetry, device tolerance, complications, and quality of life were also assessed.

Results

Fifty‐five patients have been included. The rate of patients presenting at least one significant clinical improvement at month 1 was 62% in the bilateral group versus 84% in the unilateral group (P = .0891), RR = 0.74 (0.51; 1.07). There was no significant difference between bilateral and unilateral groups in terms of improvement of urinary frequency (0% and 17%; P = .1115), number of urge incontinence episodes (52% and 63%; P = .4929) or number of urinary urgency episodes (57% and 74%; P = .2411). More complications were reported in the bilateral group than in the unilateral group (9 [47%] vs 4 [16%], respectively; P = .0239).

Conclusion

Systematic bilateral sacral neuromodulation testing before final implantation did not appear to increase success rate compared with unilateral stimulation in the treatment of overactive bladder.
The eruption of the Laacher See volcano (~13,000 years BP) and possible fluoride poisoning amongst contemporaneous wildlife and human foragers—Outline of a hypothesis and the way to test it
Authors: Riede Felix , Kierdorf Uwe
Published: August 2020

At about 13,000 calendar years before present (BP) the Laacher See volcano, located in present‐day western Germany, erupted catastrophically. It has been argued that this eruption and its attendant ash fallout played a causal role in the demographic and cultural change documented archaeologically amongst contemporaneous human hunter–gatherer populations in northern Europe. The population displacement and subsequent changes in material culture are clearly visible in the archaeological record, especially in southern Scandinavia. A particular challenge to this scenario is the apparently paradoxical proposition that the effects of the Laacher See volcanic eruption became more pronounced with distance from the volcano itself. There are, however, several documented detrimental health effects of volcanic eruptions that, owing to the physical properties of the ash fallout, actually do become more severe with distance from the eruptive centre. Volcanic eruptions introduce large amounts of chemicals into the atmosphere and deposit these, via ash fallout, in the environment. Here, we explore the hypothesis that the deposition of tephra with a high fluoride content contributed to making the landscapes affected by Laacher See ash fallout unsuitable for wildlife and humans. We briefly describe the possible fate of the fluoride released by the Laacher See volcanic eruption and its potential effects on northern European ecosystems with particular attention to impact pathways from wildlife to humans and to humans directly. Finally, we outline possible avenues of empirically investigating fluoride toxicosis in wildlife, especially large mammalian herbivores, following this volcanic event.
Abysmal demand conditions and technological obsolescence in India's weaving machinery manufacturing
Authors: Malik Sanjaya Kumar
Published: August 2020

Weaving machinery is a sine qua non for fabric manufacturing because the former lies in the heart of the process of generation and diffusion of technological change in the latter. Nevertheless, the technological change in India's weaving machinery manufacturing, measured by patent count, is seen to be very dismal. The technological catch‐up model examines this dismal technological change. The model maps out two important building blocks—technological regimes and demand conditions—to explain the technological change in the weaving machinery manufacturing. This paper underscores that demand conditions, which is found to have relied largely on cost edge, is very crucial in explaining the entire process of technological obsolescence in the weaving machinery manufacturing. Further, it unravels that the restrictions on organised weaving mills during the mid‐1950s through the mid‐1980s and the liberal import policy since 1991 are found to have worsened the demand conditions in the domestic weaving machinery manufacturing, and thereby worsening the technological efforts and technological change in the weaving machinery manufacturing.
Does climatic risk induce labour migration? Evidence from Semi‐Arid Tropics region of India
Authors: Pradhan Kalandi Charan , Narayanan Krishnan
Published: August 2020

The paper aims to focus on climatic risk as a potential determinant of temporary labour migration in Semi‐Arid Tropics (SAT) village in India for the year 2013–2014. Specifically, we address the question of how households use temporary labour migration as a coping mechanism to minimise the risk posed by climate variables such as drought, floods, cyclone etc. In doing so, the paper uses a binary choice model (logistic regression) to examine the potential socioeconomic and demographic factors along with climatic risk that determine the probability of migration of workers in select Indian semi‐arid villages. The paper uses data from International Crops Research Institute for the Semi‐Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). The results show that among all climatic risk anomalies, maximum households in SAT villages are affected by drought risk. It is accounted that 69% of households are influenced by the drought risk. With respect to compensation of climatic risk, around 17% of non‐migrant households received government support, while only 9% of migrant households received such assistance in this study. Also, the logistic regression models predict that the probability of household having any temporary migrants is significantly determined by climatic risk along with other demographic and socio‐economic factors. To the best of the authors' knowledge, perhaps this is the first paper that makes a direct approach of linking climatic risk with temporary labour migration in semi‐arid tropics region of India.
Examining the factors affecting the use of ICT in teaching in Yemeni schools
Authors: Al‐Mamary Yaser Hasan Salem
Published: August 2020

Owing to the speedy advances in technology, keeping up with such developments and introducing the latest technology in all areas of life are important. In education, many governments have invested in information and communication technology (ICT) to enhance education. However, Yemen remains behind because of many challenges in introducing ICT in education. Thus, this study aims to examine the factors affecting the use of ICT in teaching from the perspective of Yemeni teaching. This study also proposes a model that considers crucial factors that may affect technology use in education. The researchers use the questionnaire to collect primary data and analyse the collected data by using SmartPLS software. A total of 120 teachers from two public and two private schools from Yemen participated in this study. Findings show that easy access to the ICT infrastructure, availability of support from technical support team, time availability, and training for technology use are important factors that impacted on teachers' technology use in Yemen. This study adds to the existing literature by identifying factors accurately on the basis of the tested model. The model proposed in this study may assist the government in determining the factors influencing ICT usage and in exerting efforts into reducing or overcoming the challenges in technology use in teaching amongst school and university teachers. Studies on the most important factors for the successful ICT usage in education sector in the Yemeni context are few. Nonetheless, this study identifies the important factors for the successful application of ICT in education in the Yemen.
Adhesive application on particleboard from natural fibers: A review
Authors: Owodunni Amina Adedoja , Lamaming Junidah , Hashim Rokiah , Taiwo Owolabi Folahan Abdulwahab , Hussin Mohd Hazwan , Mohamad Kassim Mohamad Haafiz , Bustami Yazmin , Sulaiman Othman , Amini Mohd Hazim Mohamad , Hiziroglu Salim
Published: August 2020

Impending health challenges in the formulations of particleboards from cellulosic‐based waste particles such as wood chips, sawdust, and veneer boards are of great concern. These wastes are majorly bonded together with synthetic resin or binder in the presence of heat and pressure to produce particleboards of various specifications and sizes depending on the end‐use. The qualities of the particleboards depend on the modification of the particle geometry, resin levels, board density, and manufacturing processes. The addition of special additives to enhance the qualitative performance of particleboards such as dimensional stability, fire retardancy enhancement, and moisture resistance is included in the manufacturing process. The milestone in the use of wood particles for particleboard manufacture is the large reduction in the environmental hazard that these abundant wastes cause. Furthermore, this review reports recent research efforts in the use of green adhesives to reduce the health threat related to utilizing formaldehyde‐based particleboard. The use of adhesives produced from natural sources has contributed toward the reduction in the impending health challenges and the cost of building construction by using such a particleboard.
Should vanishing twin pregnancies be systematically excluded from cell‐free fetal DNA testing?
Authors: Balaguer Nuria , Mateu‐Brull Emilia , Serra Vicente , Simón Carlos , Milán Miguel
Published: August 2020

Objective

To demonstrate the feasibility of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) testing in vanishing twin (VT) pregnancies in routine clinical practice.

Methods

Our study included 24 874 singleton and 206 VT consecutive pregnancies. Cell‐free DNA was analyzed by massively parallel sequencing. Both aneuploidy analysis (chromosomes 13,18, 21, X, and Y) and fetal fraction estimation were performed according to an Illumina algorithm. Contaminant DNA contribution from the demised co‐twin was studied in detail.

Results

VT pregnancies exhibited a higher prevalence of screen‐positive cases (5.8% vs 2.5%), sex discrepancies (10.2% vs 0.05%), and false positive rates (FPR) (2.6% vs 0.3%) than singleton pregnancies. However, their incidence was significantly lower in tests performed after the 14th week (screen‐positive cases: 3.1%; sex discrepancies: 7.8%; and FPR: 0.8%). Among the 12 cases in which cfDNA was performed at two time points, fading of contaminating cfDNA was observed in four cases with a sex discrepancy and in one false positive for trisomy 18, resulting in a final correct result.

Conclusions

Our data suggest VT pregnancies could be included in cfDNA testing as long as it is applied after the 14th week of pregnancy. However, future studies to validate our findings are needed before including VT cases in routine clinical practice. Once established, unnecessary invasive procedures could be avoided, mitigating negative emotional impact on future mothers.
Understanding the effects of montmorillonite and sepiolite on the properties of solution‐cast chitosan and chitosan/silk peptide composite films
Authors: Chen Pei , Xie Fengwei , McNally Tony
Published: August 2020

Blending with another biopolymer or nanomaterial can be an effective route to modify or tailor the properties of chitosan materials. In this work, we compared the effects of two nanoclays, montmorillonite (MMT) and sepiolite (SPT), on the properties of chitosan and chitosan/silk peptide (SP) films. While the solution‐cast chitosan/SP films showed no phase separation on a micron length scale, some degree of molecular‐level heterogeneity or incompatibility was evident. MMT nanoplatelets were delaminated in the chitosan‐alone matrix, resulting in enhanced mechanical properties and hydrophobicity. In comparison, inclusion of SPT nanoneedles was less effective at altering the properties of the chitosan matrix. In the chitosan/SP system, the MMT was poorly dispersed, suggesting the two biopolymers interfere with how each interacts with the nanoclay. Nonetheless, in this case, MMT disrupted biopolymer chain interactions, leading to reduced mechanical properties and increased surface hydrophilicity. In contrast, SPT was found to enhance the mechanical properties of the chitosan/SP matrix, certainly associated with it being better dispersed. Thus, this work shows the efficacy of MMT and SPT as a route to altering the structure and properties of chitosan‐based biopolymer matrices. © 2020 The Authors. Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Synthesis of new Biginelli polycondensates: renewable materials with tunable high glass transition temperatures
Authors: Windbiel Julian T , Meier Michael AR
Published: August 2020

The Biginelli reaction was applied as a simple one‐pot multicomponent polycondensation approach to efficiently synthesize a set of 15 new and fully renewable poly(3,4‐dihydropyrimidin‐2(1H)‐one)s. One of six bis‐acetoacetates or three bis‐acetoacetamides, terephthalic aldehyde and (methyl‐)urea were used as renewable starting materials in various combinations, hence significantly expanding the known set of monomers as well as polymer structures. The bis‐acetoacetates and bis‐acetoacetamides with different spacer lengths were synthesized in yields of up to 99% in a one‐step process. Thermal analysis of the obtained set of polymers revealed high glass transition temperatures (Tg) ranging from 160 to 308 °C. The Tg was tunable in small steps of 10 °C by simple variation of bis‐acetoacetate or bis‐acetoacetamide monomers as well as the choice of (methyl‐)urea. The poly(3,4‐dihydropyrimidin‐2(1H)‐one)s showed good thermal stability with Td5% values well above the respective high Tg values. © 2020 The Authors. Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Modeling recombination and contact resistance of poly‐Si junctions
Authors: Folchert Nils , Peibst Robby , Brendel Rolf
Published: August 2020

We present a semi‐analytical model for the calculation of the current through and the recombination in carrier‐selective junctions consisting of a poly‐Si/SiOx/c‐Si layer stack. We calculate the recombination parameter J0 and the contact resistance ρC after solving the band‐bending‐problem on both sides of the interfacial oxide. Comparisons with finite‐element simulations show that the current calculation is reliable at all bias conditions except for inversion and that current through pinholes is resolved adequately in the model. The model allows a coherent description of lifetime‐, current‐voltage‐ and capacitance‐voltage measurements performed on a sample with dominant tunneling. We use our model to investigate the influence of oxide thickness and pinhole density on J0 and ρC of our state‐of‐the‐art poly‐silicon‐on‐oxide (POLO) junctions and demonstrate its usefulness for the optimization of poly‐Si based junctions.
A Systematic Review of Measures of Dysarthria Severity in Stroke Patients
Authors: Chiaramonte Rita , Vecchio Michele
Published: August 2020

Objective

To define methods to measure dysarthria due to stroke and guide physicians in delineating a diagnostic protocol using the best current strategies.

Design

Systematic review.

Literature Survey

A search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify measurement methods for dysarthria severity in adults after stroke.

Methods

Two reviewers independently reviewed articles and came to a consensus about which ones to include. The authors excluded all duplicates, articles involving individuals with aphasia or other speech problems other than dysarthria, and articles unrelated to stroke. Articles were included if diagnostic measures were used to examine the effectiveness of speech rehabilitation in stroke patients.

Synthesis

The search identified 1154 articles with the keywords “stroke” OR “ictus” OR “cerebral vascular accident” AND “dysarthria” OR “Speech and Language Disorders” AND “diagnosis” OR “assessment.” The reviewers analyzed 86 full texts. There were 37 publications that met the criteria and were included in the systematic review. These articles were used to describe the main methods used for measuring the severity of stroke‐related dysarthria before and after speech rehabilitation.

Conclusion

Despite the range of diagnostic tools available, robust trials are lacking, and the diagnostic approaches are always different. More research is needed to find the best diagnostic methodologies and delineate a definitive diagnostic protocol.
Use of the Coronavirus Act 2020 for de facto psychiatric detention report
Authors: Rees Harvey , Halawa Razan , Lewis Bryony , Page Mathew
Published: August 2020

This clinical case history illustrates the legal and ethical dilemmas encountered with the first known use of the Coronavirus Act 2020 in the UK to detain a potentially infectious person to a mental health facility. The case highlights the consequences the new legislation may have for psychiatric services and the resulting challenges for clinicians.
Delirium pathway: a North Hampshire experience
Authors: Al‐Rawi Yasir A
Published: August 2020

Delirium is an acute disturbance of mind that results from a physical insult. In most cases it resolves rapidly after management of the underlying medical problem but in some cases, particularly in the elderly, it may extend for longer. Here, Dr Al‐Rawi describes how Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital collaborated with North Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group and Hampshire County Council Adult Social Services to develop a pathway that allows these patients to leave hospital early and leads to improved care of this group of patients.
Ceftaroline vs vancomycin for the treatment of acute pulmonary exacerbations in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Branstetter Joshua , Searcy Heather , Benner Kim , Yarbrough April , Crowder Carly , Troxler Brad
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Respiratory infection with methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an increasing complication in cystic fibrosis (CF) that results in accelerated lung function decline and mortality. Vancomycin is considered a first‐line intravenous treatment agent for MRSA associated acute pulmonary exacerbations (APEs); however, rates of vancomycin intolerance and resistance have been observed. These factors have led to the exploration of additional treatment options for treating MRSA associated APEs.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review conducted at a CF center including patients 0 to 21 years of age with CF admitted for an APE and treated with either vancomycin or ceftaroline between January 2016 and August 2018. The primary endpoint was to determine ceftaroline efficacy compared to vancomycin in the treatment of MRSA associated APEs.

Results

There were 180 patients included in the study with 90 patients in each antibiotic group. Admission to discharge forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) improved in the ceftaroline (66.5% vs 81.1%; P < .001) and vancomycin (65.5% vs 77.3%; P < .001) treatment groups. No difference existed in mean change in FEV1 (14.1% vs 13.5%; P = .25) or readmissions (15% vs 22; P = .27) between ceftaroline and vancomycin groups, respectively.

Discussion

In this retrospective study, no difference existed between ceftaroline and vancomycin with regard to observed improvement in lung function from admission to discharge. Additionally, no difference was observed in mean FEV1 or readmission rate between the two groups. Ceftaroline may represent an effective and safe intravenous antimicrobial option for targeting MRSA in pediatric CF patients with APEs.
Nucleation and growth inhibition of biological minerals by cementum attachment protein‐derived peptide (CAP‐pi)
Authors: Montoya Gonzalo , Lopez Kevin , Arenas Jesús , Zamora Claudia , Hoz Lía , Romo Enrique , Jiménez Karina , Arzate Higinio
Published: August 2020

Biomineralization is a highly regulated process where proteins/peptides‐crystal interactions contribute to the shaping, phasing and aggregation of minerals. We have identified and synthesized a cementum attachment protein‐derived peptide (CAP‐pi), which corresponds to amino acids 40–53 of the N‐terminal CAP domain (MASSDEDGTNGGAS) and its phosphorylated variant (MASpSpDEDGTNGGASp) (CAP‐pip). The peptide is composed of polar and negatively charged amino acids, which are disordered, according to in silico analysis. Our results show that CAP‐pi inhibits hydroxyapatite (HA) formation and growth. However, it possesses low capacity to inhibit calcium oxalate crystal growth. CAP‐pip showed a stronger inhibitory effect on the formation and growth of HA. As well as a high capacity to inhibit calcium oxalate monohydrate growth, mainly due to adsorption on specific growth faces. Small peptides have many advantages over the full‐size protein, including low‐cost production and modulation characteristics that allow for structural changes. Our findings suggest that CAP‐pip‐derived peptide could possess therapeutic potential to prevent or treat pathological calcifications such as renal stones and vascular calcification.
A hybrid ensemble adjustment Kalman filter based high‐resolution data assimilation system for the Red Sea: Implementation and evaluation
Authors: Toye Habib , Sanikommu Sivareddy , Raboudi Naila F. , Hoteit Ibrahim
Published: August 2020

A new Hybrid ensemble data assimilation system is implemented with a Massachusetts Institute of Technology general circulation model (MITgcm) of the Red Sea. The system is based on the Data Assimilation Research Testbed (DART) and combines a time‐varying ensemble generated by the Ensemble Adjustment Kalman Filter (EAKF) with a pre‐selected quasi‐static (monthly varying) ensemble as used in an Ensemble Optimal Interpolation (EnOI) scheme. The goal is to develop an efficient system that enhances the state estimate and model forecasting skill in the Red Sea with reduced computational load compared to the EAKF. Observations of satellite sea‐surface temperature (SST), altimeter sea‐surface height (SSH), and in situ temperature and salinity profiles are assimilated to evaluate the new system. The performance of the Hybrid scheme (hereafter Hybrid‐EAKF) is assessed with respect to the EnOI and the EAKF results. The comparisons are based on the daily averaged forecasts against satellite SST and SSH measurements and independent in situ temperature and salinity profiles. Hybrid‐EAKF yields significant improvements in terms of ocean state estimates compared to both EnOI and EAKF, in particular mitigating for dynamical imbalances that affect EnOI. Hybrid‐EAKF improves the estimation of SST and SSH root‐mean‐square differences by up to 20% compared to EAKF. High‐resolution mesoscale eddy features, which dominate the Red Sea circulation, are further better represented in Hybrid‐EAKF. Important reduction, by about 75%, in computational cost is also achieved with the Hybrid‐EAKF system compared to the EAKF. These significant improvements were obtained with the Hybrid‐EAKF after accounting for uncertainties in the atmospheric forcing and internal model physics in the time‐varying ensemble.