bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A computationally efficient framework for rotation dependent and rotation independent intensity measures
Authors: Vats Falak , Basu Dhiman
Published: December 2020

Orientation of a structure in a site is generally known but not the direction of maximum shaking during a future seismic event. Two different types of intensity measures (IMs) are usually used to approximately account for this directionality effect, namely, the rotation dependent such as RotDxx and GMRotDxx and the rotation independent such as RotIxx and GMRotIxx. Rotation dependent IMs are presently constructed by performing time history analysis for all possible orientation (usually @ 1 degree) of the input ground motion set followed by picking the xx‐percentile spectral ordinate. In other words, the construction of RotDxx spectrum requires a set of 180 time history analysis of an oscillator per spectral ordinate. Similarly, the construction of GMRotDxx requires time history analysis of an oscillator against 90 pairs of orthogonal components per spectral ordinate. This paper presents a framework that enables the construction of rotation dependent IMs by performing time history analysis against a pair of as‐recorded components with some nominal supplemental processing. This reduces the computational cost more than 90% when compared with the state of the art. Rotation independent IMs are defined through finding out the rotation that minimizes the error (often termed as the penalty function) with respect to the target spectra of associated rotation dependent IM as the benchmark. Resulting rotation independent IMs show somewhat sensitivity on the maximum time period used in spectral representation. This paper presents an alternate definition (involving scaling and rotation) for rotation independent IMs that nearly eliminates such sensitivity.
Past, present and future of a meandering river in the Bolivian Amazon basin
Authors: Arnez Ferrel Kattia Rubi , Nelson Jonathan Mark , Shimizu Yasuyuki , Kyuka Tomoko
Published: December 2020

Field observations on small rivers of the Amazon basin are less common due to their remote location and difficult accessibility. Here we show, through remote sensing analysis and field works, the planform evolution and riverbed topography of a small river located in the upper foreland Amazon basin, the Ichilo River. By tracking planform changes over 30 years, we identified the factors that control meander migration rates in the Ichilo River: cutoffs, climate and human interventions. The data suggest that neck cutoffs are the main controls in the Ichilo River, with an annual density of 0.022 cutoffs/km. In addition, climate controls have been identified in the form of high‐precipitation events that may have promoted cutoffs, an increase in meander migration rate and channel widening. The width distribution of the Ichilo River is well represented by general extreme value and inverse Gaussian distributions. The spatiotemporal variability of meandering migration rates in the Ichilo River is analysed in two locations where neck cutoffs are expected. Analysing the distance across the neck in these two points, we predict the occurrence of a new cutoff. The combined methodology of bathymetric surveys and structure from motion photogrammetry shows us the Ichilo riverbed topography and banks at high resolution, where two scour holes were identified. Finally, we discuss the impact of planform changes of the Ichilo River on communities that are established along its riverbanks.
The effects of expanded social health insurance on young mothers: Lessons from a pro‐choice reform in Uruguay
Authors: Balsa Ana I. , Triunfo Patricia
Published: December 2020

With the implementation of the National Integrated Health System in 2007, the Uruguayan government extended social health insurance (SHI) to groups of individuals previously covered by the public safety net (PSN) or that paid for private insurance out‐of‐pocket. The policy allowed new beneficiaries to choose care from a set of private providers. In this study, we focus on the extension of SHI to adolescent mothers previously covered by the PSN. Exploiting the gradual incorporation of children of formal workers during the 2008–2013 period, and the geographic variation in the intensity of the reform, we find suggestive evidence that the increase in choice associated to the expansion of SHI decreased adolescent fertility, improved prenatal care and birthweight, and decreased first year mortality among low birthweight infants. These effects were only observed in the medium run, suggesting initial choice frictions and input shortage. We provide evidence that families increased their choice of private providers and that market concentration decreased in certain areas of the country, supporting the hypothesis that choice, and possibly competition, were the main mechanisms behind the findings.
Muscle invasion in oropharyngeal carcinoma undergoing transoral robotic surgery
Authors: McKenzie Robert M. , Parhar Harman S. , Ng Tony L. , Prisman Eitan
Published: December 2020

Backgrounds

Pathologic features of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) treated with trans‐oral robotic surgery predict prognosis and adjuvant therapy. We hypothesized that pathologic muscle invasion (pMI) is associated with poor pathological markers.

Methods

Retrospective review of surgically treated OPSCC to identify pMI and its association with poor pathologic markers.

Results

pMI was present in 12/37 patients, and compared to non‐pMI, was associated with higher rates of lymphovascular invasion (75% vs. 36%, p = 0.03), perineural invasion (16.7% vs. 0%, p = 0.04), extranodal extension (66.7% vs. 20%, p < 0.01), and tumor stage (8.3% vs. 48% pT1, 75% vs. 52% pT2 and 16.7% vs. 0% pT3). pMI was associated with having a positive margin on main specimen (41.7% vs. 12%, p = 0.04) but not after considering additional margins.

Conclusions

Muscle invasion was associated with higher pathologic tumor staging, poor pathologic factors, and higher rates of positive margin on main specimen.
Examining Trichloroisocyanuric Acid and Oxalyl Chloride in Complementary Approaches to Fluorination of Group 15 Heteroatoms
Authors: Bornemann Dustin , Brüning Fabian , Bartalucci Niccolò , Wettstein Lionel , Pitts Cody Ross
Published: December 2020

A mild, oxidative fluorination approach to a variety of fluorinated phosphorus compounds using trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCICA) and KF was developed as a complement to a recent study on deoxygenative fluorination using oxalyl chloride. Herein, the syntheses of several fluorinated organophosphorus compounds are reported, and both TCICA/KF and oxalyl chloride/KF conditions are compared and contrasted throughout. Initial investigations of the method on other group 15 heteroatoms (i. e., As, Sb, and Bi) are also reported, with varied success. This work notably extends the known TCICA/KF reactivity series to another group of elements beyond previously studied chalcogens (S, Se, and Te) and halogens (iodine) and expands the utility of the previously reported oxalyl chloride/KF method.
“A child with sickle cell disease can't live with just anyone.” A mixed methods study of socio‐behavioral influences and severity of sickle cell disease in northern Nigeria
Authors: Iliyasu Zubairu , Borodo Awwal M. , Jibir Binta W. , Nass Nafisa S. , Aliyu Muktar H.
Published: December 2020

Background

The modulatory effects of psychosocial and biophysical environments on sickle cell disease (SCD) severity during childhood has not been well characterized in high burden settings, such as Nigeria.

Objectives

We identified socio‐demographic correlates and explored caregivers' perceptions on socio‐behavioral and environmental influences on hospitalization for pain and blood transfusion of children with SCD in Kano, Nigeria.

Methods

Using mixed methods, structured questionnaires were administered to a clinic‐based sample of caregivers of children with SCD (n = 372), complemented with eight focus group discussions. Binary logistic regression models and the framework approach were used to analyze the data.

Results

The majority (73.1%, n = 272) of the children had at least one vaso‐occlusive crisis (VOC), and 41.1% (n = 153) required hospitalization in the preceding year. A total of 170 children (45.7%) received blood transfusion. Hospitalization was predicted by the child's age (Adjusted Odds Ratio, AOR = 1.89; 95% Confidence Interval, CI: 1.18‐4.07, ≥10 vs <5 years), relationship with caregiver (AOR = 5.41; 95%CI: 1.17‐25.05, mother vs “others”), father's number of children (AOR = 2.21; 95%CI: 1.19‐5.31, ≥10 vs ≤4), and siblings with SCD (AOR = 2.36; 95%CI: 1.16‐8.80, 2 vs 0). Caregivers perceived maternal care, stable home environment, medication adherence, anti‐mosquito measures, and adequate nutrition as protective factors, whereas poverty, extreme emotions, physical exertion, and extreme temperatures were identified as detrimental to the health of the child.

Conclusions

Hospitalizations for VOC and transfusion rates among children with SCD were high. Understanding the modulatory effects of socio‐behavioral factors on SCD severity could inform preventive measures and enhance the quality of life of affected children.
Stable isotopes of water reveal differences in plant – soil water relationships across northern environments
Authors: Tetzlaff Doerthe , Buttle James , Carey Sean K. , Kohn Matthew J. , Laudon Hjalmar , McNamara James P. , Smith Aaron , Sprenger Matthias , Soulsby Chris
Published: December 2020

We compared stable isotopes of water in plant stem (xylem) water and soil collected over a complete growing season from five well‐known long‐term study sites in northern/cold regions. These spanned a decreasing temperature gradient from Bruntland Burn (Scotland), Dorset (Canadian Shield), Dry Creek (USA), Krycklan (Sweden), to Wolf Creek (northern Canada). Xylem water was isotopically depleted compared to soil waters, most notably for deuterium. The degree to which potential soil water sources could explain the isotopic composition of xylem water was assessed quantitatively using overlapping polygons to enclose respective data sets when plotted in dual isotope space. At most sites isotopes in xylem water from angiosperms showed a strong overlap with soil water; this was not the case for gymnosperms. In most cases, xylem water composition on a given sampling day could be better explained if soil water composition was considered over longer antecedent periods spanning many months. Xylem water at most sites was usually most dissimilar to soil water in drier summer months, although sites differed in the sequence of change. Open questions remain on why a significant proportion of isotopically depleted water in plant xylem cannot be explained by soil water sources, particularly for gymnosperms. It is recommended that future research focuses on the potential for fractionation to affect water uptake at the soil‐root interface, both through effects of exchange between the vapour and liquid phases of soil water and the effects of mycorrhizal interactions. Additionally, in cold regions, evaporation and diffusion of xylem water in winter may be an important process.
Significance of isotopic and geochemical methods to determine the evolution of inland brackish and bitter water: An example from the Zuli river in the upper reaches of the Yellow River, China
Authors: Liu Zihao , Tan Hongbing , Brusseau Mark L.
Published: December 2020

With the increasing demand for water resources, the utilization of marginal water resources of poor‐quality has become a focus of attention. The brackish water developed in the Loess Plateau is not only salty but also famous for its ‘bitterness’. In the present work, multi‐isotope analysis (Sr, B) was combined with geochemical analysis to gain insight into the hydrogeochemical evolution and formation mechanisms of brackish water. These results demonstrate that groundwater in the headwater is influenced by carbonate weathering. After the confluence of several tributaries in the headwater, the total dissolved solids (TDS) of water is significantly increased. The dissolution of evaporates is shown to be the main source of salinity in brackish water, which also greatly affects the strontium isotopic composition of water. This includes the dissolution of Mg‐rich minerals, which is the main cause of the bitterness. Furthermore, the release of calcium from the dissolution of gypsum may induce calcite precipitation and incongruent dissolution of dolomite, which also contributes to the enrichment of magnesium. The highly fractionated boron isotopic values observed in the upstream groundwater were explained by the absorption with clay minerals. The inflow of brackish groundwater is the source of river water. Then evaporation further aggravates the salinization of river water, with water quality evolving to saline conditions in the lower reach. When the river reaches the valley plain, the 87Sr/86Sr ratios decreases significantly, which is primarily related to erosion of the riverbanks during runoff. These results indicate that water resource sustainability could be enhanced by directing focus to mitigating salinization in the source area of the catchment.
Giving birth during the COVID‐19 pandemic: The impact on birth satisfaction and postpartum depression
Authors: Mariño‐Narvaez Carolina , Puertas‐Gonzalez Jose A. , Romero‐Gonzalez Borja , Peralta‐Ramirez Maria Isabel
Published: December 2020

Objective

To understand how giving birth during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic affected women based on birth parameters (gestational age, type of birth and body weight at birth), satisfaction with childbirth, and development of postpartum depression.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study of 162 Spanish women. They were divided into two groups: those who gave birth before the pandemic (n = 82; from September 1, 2019 to March 1, 2020) and during the pandemic (n = 75; from April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2020). They were assessed using psychological instruments for postpartum childbirth satisfaction and postpartum depression.

Results

It was found that women who gave birth during the pandemic suffered higher levels of stress during childbirth (U = 2652.50; P = 0.040) and gave a worse rating of the quality of care received (U = 2703.50; P = 0.041). In addition, the percentage of postpartum depression was much higher in women who gave birth during the pandemic (χ2 = 4.31; P  = 0.038).

Conclusion

Giving birth during the COVID‐19 pandemic could have an impact on greater dissatisfaction with childbirth, as well as increasing the risk of postpartum depression.
Journal entry anomaly detection model
Authors: Zupan Mario , Budimir Verica , Letinic Svjetlana
Published: December 2020

Although numerous scientific papers have been written on deep learning, very few have been written on the exploitation of such technology in the field of accounting or bookkeeping. Our scientific study is oriented exactly toward this specific field. As accountants, we know the problems faced in modern accounting. Although accountants may have a plethora of information regarding technology support, looking for errors or fraud is a demanding and time‐consuming task that depends on manual skills and professional knowledge. Our efforts are oriented toward resolving the problem of error‐detection automation that is currently possible through new technologies, and we are trying to develop a web application that will alleviate the problems of journal entry anomaly detection. Our developed application accepts data from one specific enterprise resource planning system while also representing a general software framework for other enterprise resource planning developers. Our web application is a prototype that uses two of the most popular deep‐learning architectures; namely, a variational autoencoder and long short‐term memory. The application was tested on two different journals: data set D, learned on accounting journals from 2007 to 2018 and then tested during the year 2019, and data set H, learned on journals from 2014 to 2016 and then tested during the year 2017. Both accounting journals were generated by micro entrepreneurs.
Gold nanoparticles regulate the antitumor secretome and have potent cytotoxic effects against prostate cancer cells
Authors: Hao Yuanyuan , Hu Jinghai , Wang Hao , Wang Chunxi
Published: December 2020

The specific cytotoxic effects of nanoparticles on tumor cells may be used in future antitumor clinical applications. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been reported to produce potent cytotoxic effects; however, the precise mechanism is unclear. In this study, AuNPs were synthesized; the average size of the particles was 62.2 ± 6 nm with smooth surface and multiple shapes, which were determined using transmission electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The selected area electron diffraction patterns suggested that the synthesized AuNPs were crystalline. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectrum of the synthesized AuNPs has presented an intense peak at 100 eV, signifying the entire composition of Au in the developed AuNPs. This synthesized AuNPs showed the most potent efficacy in prostate cancer cells, regardless of whether or not they were androgen dependent. Secretome determinations using two‐dimensional difference in‐gel electrophoresis (2D‐DIGE), followed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction validations, have identified a series of secretory proteins that were dysregulated by AuNP treatment in prostate cancer cells, many of which are highly involved in cytokine–chemokine functions, including CXCL3, interleukin‐10, CCL2, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9). Further research on molecular mechanism has indicated that AuNPs can trigger the secretion of anticancer factors and myeloid cell‐polarizing factors from tumor cells through MMP9 inhibition. These results have clearly signified the cytotoxic potential of AuNPs for treating prostate cancer and may provide a novel direction for prostate cancer therapy in the future.
Chorion and amnion/chorion membranes in oral and periodontal surgery: A systematic review
Authors: Gulameabasse Sarah , Gindraux Florelle , Catros Sylvain , Fricain Jean‐Christophe , Fenelon Mathilde
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review on the clinical applications where chorion membrane (CM) and amnion/chorion membrane (ACM) were used for oral tissue regeneration procedures. Selection of articles was carried out by two evaluators in Pubmed and Scopus databases, and Outcomes (PICO) method was used to select the relevant articles. Clinical studies reporting the use of CM or ACM for oral soft and hard tissue regeneration were included. The research involved 21 studies conducted on 375 human patients. Seven clinical applications of CM and ACM in oral and periodontal surgery were identified: gingival recession treatment, intrabony and furcation defect treatment, alveolar ridge preservation, keratinized gum width augmentation around dental implants, maxillary sinus membrane repair, and large bone defect reconstruction. CM and ACM were compared to negative controls (conventional surgeries without membrane) or to the following materials: collagen membranes, dense polytetrafluoroethylene membranes, platelet‐rich fibrin membranes, amnion membranes, and to a bone substitute. Several studies support the use of CM and ACM as an efficient alternative to current techniques for periodontal and oral soft tissue regeneration procedures. However, further studies are necessary to increase the level of evidence and especially to demonstrate their role for bone regeneration.
Applying Pb2+ to probe the dissolution of carbonated hydroxylapatite by Enterobacter sp.: A new insight into the bioerosion of tooth mineral
Authors: Wang Shujie , Zhang Jiawen , Ma Jing , Yang Hui , Shao Xiaoqing , Su Mu , Zhou Zhenlei , Li Zhen
Published: December 2020

Dental caries is one of the most common disorders in dentistry. Typically, it is caused by the dissolution of the tooth mineral due to cariogenic organisms. Bioapatite is vulnerable to acid‐etching ascribed to a variety of substitutions. This study applied Pb2+ cations to probe the dissolution of synthetic carbonated hydroxylapatite (CHAp) in the acidic environment induced by Enterobacter sp. It indicated a decreasing tendency of crystallite size (from ∼400 nm to 10–20 nm) during gradual incorporation of carbonate (from 2.5 to 13.8 wt %). Meanwhile, the shape of CHAp crystals was transformed from elongated to plate‐like. Addition of Enterobacter sp. enhanced P release from CHAp (especially for the CHAp with ∼8 wt % CO3) around 10 times. Moreover, the bacterium provided a moderately acidic environment to cause more formation of stable pyromorphite over other Pb‐minerals, for example, Pb3(PO4)2, and PbCO3. Then, transmission electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐Ray spectroscopy mapping successfully confirmed the Pb labeling on the newly formed phosphate mineral as Pb (with high‐atomic weight) has strong signal under electron microscopy. This study therefore elucidated that Pb labeling has a bright future to explore the degradation of tooth mineral by microorganisms, as well as to evaluate the resistance of calcium phosphate dental restorative materials.
Comparability of four clinical laboratory measurement methods for GGT and commutability of candidate reference materials
Authors: Zhang Rui , Wang Qingtao
Published: December 2020

Background

This study was conducted to evaluate the progress in the standardization of the gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) to achieve metrological traceability of routine in vitro diagnosis (IVD) medical devices.

Methods

We collected 25 single fresh frozen serum samples for GGT analysis. Candidate reference materials (RMs), calibrators, internal quality controls (IQC), and external quality assessment (EQA) materials from the National Center for Clinical Laboratory (NCCL), Beijing Center for Clinical Laboratory (BCCL), and College of American Pathologists (CAP) were randomly added to these serum samples. A total of 42 samples were examined using IFCC reference method and four different IVD medical devices to perform the comparability and commutability study.

Results

The four IVD medical devices achieved trueness assessment within the measurement range. Linear analysis showed the agreement of Siemens ADVIA 2400, Hitachi 7600‐020/BioSino, Beckman AU 5800, and Roche Cobas 501 with the reference method. These assay pairs were comparable at the medical decision levels. The GGT in‐house candidate RMs, and Beckmann and Roche calibrators were all within the limits of the 95% prediction intervals, the commutability of BioSino calibrators was indeterminate, and some internal and external quality controls were not commutable for comparisons of certain IVD medical devices vs the reference method.

Conclusions

By comparing with the reference method, we found that performance of GGT conventional measurement systems to be traceable to the higher order references was improved. The commutable materials for calibration and trueness controls of routine methods were significant to promote the standardization of GGT analysis.
Effect of Renal Function Impairment on the Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of the Iminosugar Sinbaglustat
Authors: Melchior Meggane , Dingemanse Jasper , Alatrach Abir , Feldkamp Thorsten , Sidharta Patricia N. , Géhin Martine
Published: December 2020

Sinbaglustat (ACT‐519276), a brain‐penetrating inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthase and nonlysosomal glucosylceramidase, is developed as a new therapy for lysosomal storage disorders. In the first‐in‐human study, sinbaglustat was primarily excreted unchanged in urine. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of mild, moderate, and severe renal function impairment on the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of sinbaglustat. In this single‐center, open‐label study, 32 subjects (8 per renal function group, assessed by the Cockcroft‐Gault formula, and 8 healthy subjects) received a single oral dose of 200 mg sinbaglustat. Plasma PK parameters of sinbaglustat were derived by noncompartmental analysis. Standard safety and tolerability evaluations were analyzed descriptively. When compared with healthy subjects, Cmax did not present clinically relevant differences in subjects with impaired renal function, but median tmax was slightly longer in subjects with moderate and severe renal function impairment. Overall, when compared with healthy subjects, exposure to sinbaglustat based on AUC0‐t (geometric mean and 90% confidence interval) increased in subjects with mild, moderate, and severe renal function impairment by 1.2‐fold (1.08‐ to 1.36‐fold), 1.8‐fold (1.47‐ to 2.17‐fold), and 2.6‐fold (2.23‐ to 3.00‐fold), respectively. There were no clinically relevant findings on electrocardiogram, vital signs, and clinical laboratory variables. Headache was reported by 2 of 24 subjects with renal function impairment and by 2 of 8 healthy subjects. In conclusion, 200 mg of sinbaglustat was well tolerated in all groups. In future studies, a 2‐ and 3‐fold dose reduction is needed for subjects with moderate and severe renal function impairment, respectively.
Dental students’ OMFS‐related experiences and interest in OMFS careers: An exploration
Authors: Marti Kyriaki C. , Tishko Grayson , Edwards Sean P. , Inglehart Marita R.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

While the numbers of oral maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) residents increased over time, women and residents from underrepresented minority backgrounds are still underrepresented. The objectives were to assess dental students’ OMFS‐related personal and educational experiences and attitudes and explore which factors correlate with their interest in future OMFS careers.

Methods

Data were collected from 493 dental students in 1 dental school and 206 students from 15 other US and Canadian dental schools.

Results

The students in the national sample were more likely to have experienced an OMFS procedure themselves (64.6% vs. 50.7%; P = 0.001), have shadowed an OMFS in an operating room (23.2% vs. 14.9%; P = 0.009) prior to coming to dental school and to be much/very much interested in an OMFS career (36.4% vs. 12%; P < 0.001) than the students at the home school.

While the majority of both groups rated their experiences with rotations in the OMFS department in the dental school (68% vs. 62.5%) and in the hospital (80.3% vs. 85.7%) as very interesting, the students in the national sample were more likely to agree/strongly agree that they were satisfied with their OMFS experiences (68.1% vs. 36.3%; P < 0.001) and had learned a lot from the OMFS faculty (57.9% vs. 30.8%) than the students in the home school. For both groups, the degree of interest in an OMFS career correlated with having had more personal OMFS experiences (home: r = 0.28; P < 0.001/other: r = 0.39; P < 0.001), more interesting OMFS experiences in the dental school (r = 0.23; P < 0.05/r = 0.40; P < 0.001) and the hospital (0.33; P < 0.05/r = 0.50; P < 0.001) and more positive attitudes toward OMFS faculty (r = 0.26; P < 0.001/r = 0.37; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Positive personal and educational OMFS experiences and positive attitudes toward OMFS faculty were associated with an interest in OMFS careers. These findings provide a basis for developing educational interventions aimed at increasing the percentage of women and residents from URM backgrounds in OMFS programs.
A multicenter study of dental curricula in Asia/Pacific nations: The views and experiences of final‐year dental students
Authors: Won John , Guan Guangzhao , Mei Li , Ma Tristan , Lai Yvonne , Zafar Sobia , Mei May Lei , Thomson William Murray
Published: December 2020

Objectives

The objective of this qualitative study was to gain greater understanding of final‐year dental students’ views on and experience of their dental curricula in 4 universities from different Asia/Pacific countries, including New Zealand, Australia, and Hong Kong (China).

Methods

A qualitative study approach was used, with semistructured interviews conducted with final‐year students from each of the 4 universities.

Results

Interviews were conducted with 60 final‐year dental students, and 5 main themes were extracted from the interviews: (1) the definition of an “ideal” dental curriculum, (2) theoretical teaching, (3) transitional tools, (4) assessment, and (5) grading.

Conclusion

The findings provide insight into final‐year students’ views of dental curricula and suggestions on possible areas of reform in the dental curriculum. Further investigations are necessary to provide a curriculum that enables students to become competent, future‐ready dental practitioners.
Clinical significance of electroencephalography power spectrum density and functional connection analysis in neonates with hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy
Authors: Zhang Qinfen , Hu Yongsu , Dong Xuan , Feng Xing
Published: December 2020

Objective

To investigate the effects of electroencephalography (EEG) power and functional connectivity analysis on cerebral cortex function in neonates with hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), and to identify the neurobiological indicators of neural development in HIE.

Methods

We recruited 20 mild HIE neonates, 15 moderate HIE neonates, and 30 controls. EEG was performed about 72 hr after birth. The power spectral density (PSD) and imaginary part of coherency (ICOH) were analyzed. Gesell developmental schedule (GDS) was used to evaluate the neural development in the mild and moderate HIE groups at 1 year of age, and the correlation between the quantitative EEG results and the state of neural development was analyzed.

Results

Compared with the controls, FP1, FP2, C3, C4, Fz, Cz, Pz , F3, and P4 of moderate HIE neonates showed that the PSD of theta, alpha and beta bands decreased significantly. In terms of the mean whole‐brain PSD, the moderate HIE group showed a significant decrease in all frequency bands. ICOH of the moderate HIE group showed that functional connectivity was significantly less than that in the controls mainly in the delta band, and the functional connectivity of the delta, theta, alpha1, and alpha2 bands was markedly reduced compared with the mild HIE. GDS test at 1 year old showed that two infants in the moderate HIE group had suspected neurological delay in gross motor and language. The developmental quotient(DQ) of gross motor, language, and personal‐social ability in the moderate HIE group were significantly lower than in the mild HIE group. And there was a significant positive correlation between PSD in each EEG frequency band and GDS score in the moderate HIE group.

Conclusion

PSD and ICOH can be used to evaluate brain function. PSD can detect the delayed neurological development in infants with moderate HIE, and can be a neurobiomarker of brain development in HIE.
Single level posterolateral lumbar fusion in a New Zealand White rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) model: Surgical anatomy, operative technique, autograft fusion rates, and perioperative care
Authors: Crowley James D. , Oliver Rema A. , Dan Michael J. , Wills Daniel J. , Rawlinson John W. , Crasto Rebekah A. , O'Connor James M. , Mitchell Gregory J. , Tan Christopher J. , Walsh William R.
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF) New Zealand White (NZW) (Oryctolagus cuniculus) rabbit model is a long‐standing surgical technique for the preclinical evaluation of materials for spinal fusion. A detailed understanding of lumbar spine anatomy and perioperative care requirements of rabbits is imperative for correct execution of the model both scientifically and ethically. This study describes the preoperative procedures and surgical techniques used in single level PLF in a NZW rabbit model as it pertains to the animal husbandry, lumbar spine anatomy, anesthesia, surgical approach, and perioperative care of rabbits in a research setting.

Materials and Methods

We describe the surgical technique and perioperative patient care for single level PLF in a NZW rabbit model. Medical records from a single research facility were retrospectively reviewed for adult NZW rabbits that underwent single level PLF (L4‐L5) between January 2016 and December 2019. The number of lumbar vertebrae per rabbit, fusion rates at 12 weeks using iliac crest autograft and complications are reported. Skeletal maturity was confirmed by preoperative fluoroscopic and radiographic documented closure of hindlimb physes.

Results

The PLF rabbit surgical model and perioperative patient care is described. PLF was performed in 868 adult female entire NZW rabbits. The majority of rabbits had seven lumbar vertebrae (620/868; 71.4%), followed by six (221/868; 25.5%), and eight (27/868; 3.1%). Fusion rates at 12 weeks for PLF using iliac crest autograft as assessed by manual palpation and radiographic assessment was 76.9% and 70.0%, respectively. Postoperative complications included occasional partial autograft site wound dehiscence due to self‐trauma.

Conclusions

For PLF rabbit models, a detailed understanding of the surgical technique, rabbit lumbar anatomy including number of lumbar vertebrae, and dietary and husbandry requirements of rabbits, is essential for execution of the model and animal welfare.
Selective extraction of perfluorooctane sulfonate in real samples by superparamagnetic nanospheres coated with a polydopamine‐based molecularly imprinted polymer
Authors: Lin Like , Guo Huiqin , Lin Sen , Chen Yanfei , Yan Liushui , Zhu Enze , Li Kexin
Published: December 2020

Superparamagnetic core−shell structured molecularly imprinted polydopamine nanospheres were constructed via self‐polymerization of dopamine to attach the template onto the surface of magnetic Fe3O4 substrate in tris–HCl solution. Then they were used for the specific recognition and extraction of perfluorooctane sulfonate from environmental water and human serum samples. The structural features and morphological characterization of the magnetic imprinting nanospheres were assessed, indicating that the magnetic polydopamine imprinted composite was successfully prepared and featured excellent magnetic separation characteristics. Adsorption experiments revealed that the magnetic adsorbents exhibited rapid adsorption kinetics and highly selective recognition properties toward perfluorooctane sulfonate. The stability and regeneration experiments indicated the materials had repeatable activity retention after repeated reuse. As a magnetic solid‐phase extraction adsorbent, it was successfully applied for the extraction and quantification of perfluorooctane sulfonate in environmental water and human serum samples combined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, with recoveries of ∼70−101.5% obtained in real samples. These results demonstrate that the prepared magnetic imprinting nanospheres are effective for the selective separation of perfluorooctane sulfonate from real samples. The synthesis technique is an effective and facile method that is conducted in aqueous solution and at ambient temperature, which is low cost, environmentally benign, and easy for scaling‐up.
68Ga DOTANOC PET/CT Scan in Primary Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma ‐ A Pilot Study
Authors: Sakthivel Pirabu , Kumar Rakesh , Arunraj Sreedharan Thankarajan , Bhalla Ashu Seith , Prashanth Arun , Kumar Rakesh , Sharma Suresh Chandra , Thakar Alok
Published: December 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) are highly expressed in neuroendocrine tumors and is exploited for its imaging and treatment. SSTRs expression is also demonstrated in diverse benign and malignant tumor cell types and proliferating peri‐tumoral vessels. Similarly, Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma (JNA) expresses different SSTRs and may be utilized for its imaging and treatment using DOTA, 1‐Nal3‐octreotide (DOTANOC)‐PET/CT scan.

Study Design

Prospective cohort.

Methods

Nineteen clinico‐radiologically diagnosed primary JNA patients underwent a 68Ga‐DOTANOC PET‐CT scan. Using a dedicated PET/CT scanner, a low‐dose head and neck spot CT scan was performed after 45 to 60 minutes of intravenous injection of 2 to 3 mCi(74–111 MBq) of DOTANOC. The primary objective was to assess the intensity and pattern of DOTANOC uptake in these patients.

Results

DOTANOC expression was noted in all cases (n = 19) of primary JNA (100%). The mean (SD) DOTANOC SUVmax ratio of tumor and background was 6.9+/−1.4(range, 3.8–9.5). Intra‐cranial extension in all 13/19 patients was prominently visualized due to the absence of DOTANOC uptake in the brain. Compared to the background all stages of JNA showed significant DOTANOC uptake (P < .0001). No difference in uptake between advanced‐stage tumors and early tumors was noted (P = .47). A statistically non‐significant negative trend was noted for decreasing uptake with increasing age (Spearman correlation coefficient, r = −0.19).

Conclusions

This first study of 68Ga‐DOTANOC‐PET/CT scan in JNA demonstrates consistent and reliable uptake activity in all patients irrespective of age and stage. This opens up possibilities to physiological diagnostic imaging with a promise of greater specificity and sensitivity and may have applications in ambivalent diagnostic situations such as the detection of recurrence.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:1509–1515, 2021
Perspectives on institutional valuing and support for academic and translational outputs in Japan and Australia
Authors: Merga Margaret K. , Mason Shannon
Published: December 2020

There is increasing expectation that research be communicated broadly to share knowledge across industry, professional, governmental, and public spheres. Scholarly publishers can benefit from the sharing of research beyond academia since the potential for societal impact encourages further support from both industry and governmental funders. This paper draws on qualitative in‐depth interview data from Australian‐ and Japanese‐based early career researchers (ECRs) to investigate how higher education institutions support the development of diverse communication skills needed by ECRs to effectively share their research both in academia and beyond. We found that sharing research for academic and other diverse audiences is often perceived as valued but may not always be supported. Output valuing was communicated in performance management, but there were compelling differences between the two nations, with Japanese‐based ECRs reporting a stronger expectation of research outputs for non‐academic audiences than their Australian counterparts. There were also indications that institutional support for both academic and translational outputs may change in response to nations' shifting research priorities.
Decoding Optical Data with Machine Learning
Authors: Fang Jie , Swain Anand , Unni Rohit , Zheng Yuebing
Published: December 2020

Optical spectroscopy and imaging techniques play important roles in many fields such as disease diagnosis, biological study, information technology, optical science, and materials science. Over the past decade, machine learning (ML) has proved promising in decoding complex data, enabling rapid and accurate analysis of optical spectra and images. This review aims to shed light on various ML algorithms for optical data analysis with a focus on their applications in a wide range of fields. The goal of this work is to sketch the validity of ML‐based optical data decoding. The review concludes with an outlook on unaddressed problems and opportunities in this emerging subject that interfaces optics, data science, and ML.
General orders for the embedded researcher: Moorings for a developing profession
Authors: Hudson Matthew F.
Published: December 2020

Learning health systems increasingly welcome embedded researchers as stakeholders poised to inform evidence‐based practice. While care systems are potentially familiar with the embedded researcher tools and techniques, care systems may less frequently consider embedded research as a vocation. This insensitivity potentially reduces embedded researchers merely to instruments, as opposed to professional partners in transdisciplinary research. This discussion outlines “general orders” for embedded researchers. The general orders outline embedded researchers' fundamental identity and guide conduct as a means to encourage a shared identity among embedded researchers and clarify embedded researchers' roles in learning health system teams. Students and embedded researchers newly engaging learning health systems may particularly benefit from this rudimentary order list.
Toward real‐time verification for MLC tracking treatments using time‐resolved EPID imaging
Authors: Zwan Benjamin J. , Caillet Vincent , Booth Jeremy T. , Colvill Emma , Fuangrod Todsaporn , O'Brien Ricky , Briggs Adam , O’Connor Daryl J. , Keall Paul J. , Greer Peter B.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

In multileaf collimator (MLC) tracking, the MLC positions from the original treatment plan are continuously modified to account for intrafraction tumor motion. As the treatment is adapted in real time, there is additional risk of delivery errors which cannot be detected using traditional pretreatment dose verification. The purpose of this work is to develop a system for real‐time geometric verification of MLC tracking treatments using an electronic portal imaging device (EPID).

Methods

MLC tracking was utilized during volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). During these deliveries, treatment beam images were taken at 9.57 frames per second using an EPID and frame grabber computer. MLC positions were extracted from each image frame and used to assess delivery accuracy using three geometric measures: the location, size, and shape of the radiation field. The EPID‐measured field location was compared to the tumor motion measured by implanted electromagnetic markers. The size and shape of the beam were compared to the size and shape from the original treatment plan, respectively. This technique was validated by simulating errors in phantom test deliveries and by comparison between EPID measurements and treatment log files. The method was applied offline to images acquired during the LIGHT Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SABR) clinical trial, where MLC tracking was performed for 17 lung cancer patients. The EPID‐based verification results were subsequently compared to post‐treatment dose reconstruction.

Results

Simulated field location errors were detected during phantom validation tests with an uncertainty of 0.28 mm (parallel to MLC motion) and 0.38 mm (perpendicular), expressed as a root‐mean‐square error (RMSError). For simulated field size errors, the RMSError was 0.47 cm2 and field shape changes were detected for random errors with standard deviation ≥ 2.5 mm. For clinical lung SABR deliveries, field location errors of 1.6 mm (parallel MLC motion) and 4.9 mm (perpendicular) were measured (expressed as a full‐width‐half‐maximum). The mean and standard deviation of the errors in field size and shape were 0.0 ± 0.3 cm2 and 0.3 ± 0.1 (expressed as a translation‐invariant normalized RMS). No correlation was observed between geometric errors during each treatment fraction and dosimetric errors in the reconstructed dose to the target volume for this cohort of patients.

Conclusion

A system for real‐time delivery verification has been developed for MLC tracking using time‐resolved EPID imaging. The technique has been tested offline in phantom‐based deliveries and clinical patient deliveries and was used to independently verify the geometric accuracy of the MLC during MLC tracking radiotherapy.
Analysis of water content in wood material through 1D and 2D 1H NMR relaxometry: Application to the determination of the dry mass of wood
Authors: Rostom Leila , Caré Sabine , Courtier‐Murias Denis
Published: December 2020

There is an increasing interest on wood as it is an environmentally sustainable product (e.g., biodegradable and renewable). Thus, an accurate characterisation of wood properties is of extreme importance as they define the kind of application for which each type of wood can be used. For instance, dry mass of wood is a key parameter itself and is needed to calculate Moisture Content (MC) of wood, which is correlated to its physical properties. Due to the limitations of commonly used drying methods, preliminary work has shown the potential of 1H NMR to measure dry mass of wood, but it has never been validated. Here, we performed a critical analysis of 1D and 2D 1H NMR relaxometry methods for obtaining the dry mass of wood, and we compared their performance to three commonly used drying methods. This showed that commonly used drying methods do not remove all water from wood. Moreover, we are able to classify them accordingly to their performance. In addition, we showed that MC values obtained by 1H NMR relaxometry methods are higher (up to 20%) than values from commonly used drying methods. This empathises the importance of accurate values of dry mass of wood and the utility of 1H NMR relaxometry on wood sciences. When comparing both NMR relaxometry methods, 2D should provide the more accurate results, but 1D measurements would also be a recommended choice as they are faster than 2D and their results clearly overcome commonly used drying methods in a noninvasive and nondestructive manner.
Exploring the impact of endometriosis on women’s lives: A qualitative study in Iran
Authors: Namazi Masoumeh , Behboodi Moghadam Zahra , Zareiyan Armin , Jafarabadi Mina
Published: December 2020

Aim

Considering the wide impact of endometriosis on various aspects of health, this study aimed to explore the impact of endometriosis on Iranian women's lives.

Design

The present study used a qualitative approach and conventional content analysis.

Methods

Twenty patients suffering from endometriosis referring to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran took part in this study. The sampling was done purposefully until data saturation. After deep semi‐structured interviews, the content analysis of the interviews was done according to the steps proposed by Zhang and Wildemuth.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 34.53 (SD: 5.81) years (range: 23–43) with duration of illness of 6.30 ± 5.86 years. Their educational level varied from high school to university, and most of them were employed. Analysis of the data from participants' experiences led to the formation of 5 categories under the titles "Physical suffering, instability of marital life, mental disorder, disruption in social life and self‐care" and 11 subcategories.

Conclusion

The findings of the present study showed that endometriosis can adversely affect women's lives including physical, sexual, psychological and social problems. Although in some cases patients adopt different strategies for self‐care, the need for more support is felt.
Animal sciences in the secondary classroom: Considering didactic strategies available through distance learning
Authors: Gomez Noe A.
Published: December 2020

The coronavirus pandemic of 2019 transformed the way that educators, across all levels and disciplines, seek to establish and provide a pedagogically sound curriculum. With the continued need to transform curriculum into an online format, secondary‐level animal science instructors have several points to consider if their applied discipline will now be rooted in a virtual format. Educators can commence with crafting a logical course structure that remains cognizant of the challenges, and opportunities, posed by teaching online. Subsequently, educators can explore different opportunities available through educational technology (i.e., digital notebooks, asynchronous discussions, guest speakers, etc.) that can then be employed to meet course objectives. For example, educators can inquire with school‐site administration and inter‐/intra‐district colleagues about technology that has already been adopted by their institution. Altogether, this communication aims to express that modern challenges can be addressed with modern solutions, which integrate past and novel pedagogical strategies. In this way, secondary‐level courses, such as those centered in the animal sciences, can thrive amid the novel upheaval to contemporary education.