bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One‐pot multi‐component synthesis of novel ethyl‐2‐(3‐((2‐(4‐(4‐aryl)thiazol‐2‐yl)hydrazono)methyl)‐4‐hydroxy/isobutoxyphenyl)‐4‐methylthiazole‐5‐carboxylate derivatives and evaluation of their in vitro antimicrobial activity
Authors: Deshineni Rajitha , Velpula Ravibabu , Koppu Suneetha , Pilli Jyothi , Chellamella Gyanakumari
Published: December 2019

A novel series of ethyl‐2‐(3‐((2‐(4‐(4‐aryl)thiazol‐2‐yl)hydrazono)methyl)‐4‐hydroxy/isobutoxyphenyl)‐4‐methylthiazole‐5‐carboxylate derivatives (4a‐f and 5a‐f) were synthesized by employing one‐pot multi‐component approach involving ethyl 2‐(3‐formyl‐4‐oxy/isobutoxyphenyl)‐4‐methylthiazole‐5‐carboxylate, thiosemicarbazide and various phenacyl bromides/3‐(2‐bromoacetyl)‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one/2‐(2‐bromoacetyl)‐3H‐benzo[f]chromen‐3‐onein ethanol in the presence of catalytic amount of acetic acid. The structures of all the synthesized compounds were confirmed with spectral analysis, ie, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectrometry, and all the compounds were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activity.
Synthesis and antifungal activity of novel 1,2,4‐triazole derivatives containing an amide moiety
Authors: Wu Wen‐Neng , Jiang Yang‐Ming , Fei Qiang , Du Hai‐Tang , Yang Mao‐Fa
Published: December 2019

A series of novel 1,2,4‐triazol derivatives containing an amide moiety were synthesized and their antifungal activities were evaluated. The results indicated that some of the target compounds possessed good antifungal activities. Among them, compounds 6a, 6g, 6k, and 6m showed excellent antifungal activities against Botrytis cinerea, with an inhibition rate of 91.8%, 90.1%, 93.6%, and 91.2% at a concentration of 50 μg/mL, which were superior to that of Pyrimethanil (82.8%). Meanwhile, compound 6b showed better antifungal activity against Phompsis sp, with an inhibition rate of 92.4%, in comparison with that of Pyrimethanil (85.1%).
Investigating the impact of measurement uncertainty in the radiographic surveillance of hip displacement in cerebral palsy: A Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Kay Rebecca Hazell , Noble Jonathan James , Keevil Stephen , Gough Martin , Shortland Adam Peter
Published: December 2019

Hip surveillance programmes have greatly improved the management of hip dysplasia in children with cerebral palsy. Reimer's migration percentage is the most common index for quantifying hip dysplasia from planar radiographs. However, measurement uncertainty could undermine the diagnostic accuracy. A Monte Carlo simulation was created to investigate the impact of measurement error on decision making in hip surveillance programmes. The simulation was designed to mimic the annual surveillance of children with cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Functional Classification System levels III‐V) between 2 and 8 years of age. Simulation parameters for the natural history of hip dysplasia and measurement error were derived from published data. At each measurement interval, the influence of uncertainty in the measurement of Reimer's migration percentage on decision‐making was investigated. The probability of a child being indicated for intervention in error during the course of the simulation was relatively high, particularly in the highest functioning cohort where the positive predictive value of Reimer's migration percentage was at best 70% and at worse less than 20%. Including a rate of progression term within the decision‐making algorithm had a negative effect on positive predictive power. This simulation suggests that hip surveillance programmes are sensitive to detecting genuine hip dysplasia but can have poor positive predictive power, potentially resulting in unnecessary indication for intervention.
Duration of symptoms prior to partial meniscectomy is not associated with the expression of osteoarthritis genes in the injured meniscus
Authors: Brophy Robert H. , Schmidt Eric J. , Cai Lei , Rai Muhammad Farooq
Published: December 2019

While there is emerging data on how duration of symptoms prior to surgery relates to outcomes of patients undergoing arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, little is known about how duration of symptoms relates to the biology of the knee in these patients. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that duration of symptoms prior to arthroscopic partial meniscectomy is associated with expression of osteoarthritis (OA)‐related genes in the meniscus. We collected resected meniscus from patients (N = 76) undergoing clinically indicated arthroscopic partial meniscectomy from knees without advanced degenerative changes. RNA from 64 patients was analyzed for 28 candidate OA transcripts by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RNA was also probed for identification of novel genes by RNA microarray in 12 patients followed by validation of selected candidates by real‐time PCR. The association of gene expression with duration of symptoms prior to surgery was tested. Additional screening was performed with known OA genetic risk alleles assembled from published literature and with gene transcripts differentially expressed between non‐OA and OA cartilage and menisci. Our data revealed that duration of symptoms did not predict expression of OA genes in the meniscus, other than limited association with CXCL3, BMP2, and HLA‐DQA1. Microarray identified new genes and pathways with unknown role(s) in meniscus injury and OA and validation of a subset of genes by real‐time PCR showed expression pattern highly concordant with the microarray data. While duration of symptoms prior to arthroscopic partial meniscectomy does not significantly alter the expression of OA related genes, the association with novel genes and pathways deserves further investigation.
Orthopaedic osseointegration: Implantology and future directions
Authors: Overmann Archie L. , Aparicio Conrado , Richards John T. , Mutreja Isha , Fischer Nicholas G. , Wade Sean M. , Potter Benjamin K. , Davis Thomas A. , Bechtold Joan E. , Forsberg Jonathan A. , Dey Devaveena
Published: December 2019

Osseointegration (OI) is the direct anchorage of a metal implant into bone, allowing for the connection of an external prosthesis to the skeleton. Osseointegration was first discovered in the 1960s based on the microscopic analysis of titanium implant placed into host bone. New bone was observed to attach directly to the metal surface. Following clinical investigations into dentistry applications, OI was adapted to treat extremity amputations. These bone anchored implants, which penetrate the skin and soft tissues, eliminate many of the challenges of conventional prosthetic sockets, such as poor fit and suspension, skin breakdown, and pain. Osseointegrated implants show promise to improve prosthesis use, pain, and function for amputees. The successful process of transcutaneous metal integration into host bone requires three synergistic systems: the host bone, the metal implant, and the skin‐implant interface. All three systems must be optimized for successful incorporation and longevity of the implant. Osseointegration begins during surgical implantation of the metal components through a complex interplay of cellular mechanisms. While implants can vary in design—including the original screw, press fit implants, and compressive osseointegration—they face common challenges to successful integration and maintenance of fixation within the host bone. Overcoming these challenges requires the understanding of the complex interactions between each element of OI. This review outlines (a) the basic components of OI, (b) the science behind both the bone‐implant and the skin‐implant interfaces, (c) the current challenges of OI, and (d) future opportunities within the field.
Effect of microencapsulated fish oil powder on selected quality characteristics of chicken sausages
Authors: Stangierski Jerzy , Rezler Ryszard , Kawecki Krzysztof , Peplińska Barbara
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Encapsulation of fish oil for use as oil powder for the human food industry offers new product design possibilities. The fat content of fish is unique in the amount of of long chain n‐3 fatty acid that it contains. It can be expected that developing innovative food products with significantly improved nutritional value can simultaneously affect their rheological and sensory qualities in different ways. The present study aimed to compared the influence of the addition of fish oil and microencapsulated fish oil on the mechanical, structural, and sensory properties of poultry sausages during 21‐day storage.

RESULTS

In comparison with other systems, sausages enriched with microencapsulated fish oil were characterized by a greater capacity to accumulate potential strain energy (G′) and by statistically significantly greater hardness measured in all the storage periods that were tested. The sausages enriched with microencapsulated fish oil were characterized by higher water activity than the other sausage variants. The analysis of cryo‐scanning electron microscopy (cryo‐SEM) images indicated the presence of a large evenly dispersed oil phase and microcapsules in the structure of the sausages. The sample with the addition of microcapsules was characterized by higher values on the smell and consistency parameters.

CONCLUSION

The better results in the sensory evaluation of the structural parameters of the sample with microcapsules were consistent with the results of instrumental assessments. The use of microencapsulated fish oil powder as an ingredient of chicken sausages therefore seems to be a promising concept. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Linoleic acid inhibits Lactobacillus activity by destroying cell membrane and affecting normal metabolism
Authors: Lv Huijuan , Ren Dayong , Yan Wei , Wang Yuhua , Liu Hongyan , Shen Minghao
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

The reason why dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) affect the activity of Lactobacillus remains unclear. In this study, linoleic acid was used to study the mechanism underlying its inhibition function against Lactobacillus activity.

RESULTS

The growth curve of Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG and the metabolite content in bacterial liquid were determined at varying linoleic acid concentration. The degree of cell membrane damage of L. rhamnosus LGG was determined by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy, and the cell structure was observed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The effect of linoleic acid on Lactobacillus activity was assessed in a simulated gut environment. Results showed that L. rhamnosus LGG grew slowly, cell metabolites leaked into the liquid, cell membrane was damaged, and the cell structure changed at a linoleic acid concentration of 50 μg mL−1.

CONCLUSION

The mechanism of action of linoleic acid on Lactobacillus showed that that linoleic acid destroyed the cell membrane of bacteria, thereby affecting the normal metabolism of the bacteria and ultimately leading to their death. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Inactivation and structural changes of polyphenol oxidase in quince (Cydonia oblonga Miller) juice subjected to ultrasonic treatment
Authors: Iqbal Aamir , Murtaza Ayesha , Marszałek Krystian , Iqbal M Amjed , Chughtai Muhammad F J , Hu Wanfeng , Barba Francisco J , Bi Jinfeng , Liu Xuan , Xu Xiaoyun
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is considered a problem in the food industry because it starts browning reactions during fruit and vegetable processing. Ultrasonic treatment is a technology used to inactivate the enzyme; however, the mechanism behind PPO inactivation is still unclear. For this reason, the inactivation, aggregation, and structural changes in PPO from quince juice subjected to ultrasonic treatments were investigated. Different intensities and times of ultrasonic treatment were used. Changes in the activity, aggregation, conformation, and structure of PPO were investigated through different structural analyses.

RESULTS

Compared to untreated juice, the PPO activity in treated juice was reduced to 35% at a high ultrasonic intensity of 400 W for 20 min. The structure of PPO determined from particle size distribution (PSD) analysis showed that ultrasound treatment caused initial dissociation and subsequent aggregation leading to structural modification. The spectra of circular dichroism (CD) analysis of ultrasonic treated PPO protein showed a significant loss of α‐helix, and reorganization of secondary structure. Fluorescence analysis showed a significant increase in fluorescence intensity of PPO after ultrasound treatment with evident blue shift, revealing disruption in the tertiary structure.

CONCLUSION

In summary, ultrasonic treatment triggered protein aggregation, distortion of tertiary structure, and loss of α‐helix conformation of secondary structure causing inactivation of the PPO enzyme. Hence, ultrasound processing at high intensity and duration could cause the inactivation of the PPO enzyme by inducing aggregation and structural modifications. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Physiological effects of thiamethoxam on Zea mays and its electrochemical detection using a silver electrode
Authors: Ajermoun Nourddine , Lahrich Sara , Bouarab Lahcen , Bakasse Mina , Saqrane Sana , El Mhammedi Moulay Abderrahim
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

The aim of this work is the detection and quantification of bioaccumulated thiamethoxam (THM) in Zea mays at a silver electrode using square‐wave voltammetry. Thiamethoxam bioaccumulation and plant development were followed for 10 days from germination to seedling growth. Germination rate, accumulation rate, root length, and plant length were used as indicators. All experiments were carried out using several concentrations of THM (5.0 × 10−4, 1.0 × 10−3, 5.0 × 10−3, 3.4 × 10−2 and 5.0 × 10−2 mol L−1).

RESULTS

The results confirm that Zea mays was sensitive to this insecticide and that germination and growth inhibition were dose dependent. The efficiency and utility of the proposed method were discussed. The current intensity increases linearly with an increase in the THM bioaccumulated in Zea mays. After 10 days,the recovery results of the extraction of THM from zea Mayes samples spiked with different concentrations were encouraging. The detection and quantification limits were found to be 9.58 × 10−6 mol L−1 (3*SD/B) and 3.13 × 10−5 mol L−1 (10*SD/B). The precision was 2.67% for eight repetitions in a solution of 3.5 × 10−4 mol L−1 THM. Histological tests were also performed to confirm the effect of THM on the plant and showed that exposure to THM induced a net histological modification in the primary root tissue of Zea mays.

CONCLUSION

The use of THM can affect the quality of the plant crop yield, and its accumulation in edible plants could pose a potential risk for human and animal health if the insecticide intake were to exceed the recommended tolerable limits. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Use of elicitation in the cultivation of Bimi® for food and ingredients
Authors: Garcia‐Ibañez Paula , Moreno Diego A , Nuñez‐Gomez Vanessa , Agudelo Agatha , Carvajal Micaela
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Cruciferous foods rich in health‐promoting metabolites are of particular interest to consumers as well as being a good source of bioactives‐enriched ingredients. Several elicitors have been used to stimulate the biosynthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites in foods; however, little is known about the response of new hybrid varieties, such as Bimi®, under field‐crop production conditions. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the effect of salicylic acid (200 μmol L−1, SA), methyl jasmonate (100 μmol L−1, MeJA), and their combination on Bimi plant organs (inflorescences and aerial vegetative tissues – stems and leaves). For this, the composition of the glucosinolates present in the tissues was evaluated. Also, aqueous extracts of the plant material, obtained with different times of extraction with boiling water, were studied.

RESULTS

The results indicate that the combined treatment (SA + MeJA) significantly increased the content of glucosinolates in the inflorescences and that MeJA was the most effective elicitor in leaves. Regarding the aqueous extracts, the greatest amount of glucosinolates was extracted at 30 min – except for the leaves elicited with MeJA, for which 15 min was optimal.

CONCLUSION

The elicitation in the field enriched leaves in glucobrassicin (GB), 4‐methoxyglucobrassicin (MGB), and neoglucobrassicin (NGB) and stems and inflorescences in glucoraphanin, 4‐hydroxyglucobrassicin, GB, MGB, and NGB. In this way, this enhanced vegetable material favored the presence of bioactives in the extracts, which is of great interest regarding enriched foods and ingredients with added value obtained from them. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Adsorption and biotransformation of anthocyanin glucosides and quercetin glycosides by Oenococcus oeni and Lactobacillus plantarum in model wine solution
Authors: Devi Apramita , Konerira Aiyappaa Anu‐Appaiah , Waterhouse Andrew L
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Anthocyanins and flavonols play a significant role in contributing to wine color and mouthfeel, and the interaction of malolactic fermentation with these compounds is not well known. Here we investigated the adsorption of these compounds by Oenococcus oeni and Lactobacillus plantarum.

RESULTS

Delphinidin‐3‐glucoside (D3G) was adsorbed the most, followed by malvidin‐3‐glucoside (M3G) and peonidin‐3‐glucoside (P3G) for both the bacterial species, while flavonols were not adsorbed. An increase in β‐glycosidase activity suggested that this enzyme breaks down the anthocyanin glucosides, providing sugars for growth. An average decline of approximately 65% in enzyme activity in the presence of substantial residual sugar was observed. The specific metabolic rates were found to be dependent on the class of anthocyanin and species / strain of the bacteria. Selective adsorption of anthocyanins and not the flavonol glycosides suggest that electrostatic interactions mediate the adsorption. Further, a breakdown of anthocyanins resulted in phloroglucinol aldehyde from the flavonoid A‐ring and corresponding phenolic acids from the B‐ring, i.e., gallic acid for D3G, syringic acid for M3G, and vanillic acid for P3G.

CONCLUSIONS

The breakdown and adsorption of the anthocyanin glucosides can help explain the color loss and aroma changes, such as the appearance of syringic and vanillic acid, associated with malolactic fermentation. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Simulation‐Based Structured Education Supports Focused Neonatal Cranial Ultrasound Training
Authors: Mohammad Khorshid , Murthy Prashanth , Aguinaga Fernando , Fajardo Carlos , Eguiguren Luis , Castro Yessi , Guzman Veronica , Scott James N. , Chan Sonny , Soraisham Amuchou , Stritzke Amelie , Al Awad Essa , Kamaluddeen Majeeda , Thomas Sumesh ,   the Sonographic Clinical Assessment of the Newborn Group
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Brain injury in preterm neonates may cause clinical deterioration and requires timeous bedside diagnosis. Teaching cranial ultrasound (US) skills using fragile preterm neonates is challenging. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness and feasibility of using task‐trainer computer‐based simulators and US‐suitable cranial phantoms in combination with teaching sessions in teaching novices to perform focused cranial US evaluations for identifying substantial intraventricular hemorrhage.

Methods

This was a prospective interventional educational study targeting participants with no prior skills in neonatal cranial US. Participants attended a 2‐day training workshop, with didactic and hands‐on interactive sessions using computer‐based and 3‐dimensional printed phantom simulators. Participants then performed a cranial US scan on a healthy neonate to assess the diagnostic quality of the images acquired. Individual precourse and postcourse knowledge tests were compared. To test recall, participants also submitted US images acquired on neonates within 3 and 6 months of attending the course.

Results

Forty‐five participants completed the training modules. Mean knowledge scores increased significantly (in brain anatomy, brain physiology, intracranial disorders, and US physics domains). Thirty‐eight cranial US scans were acquired during the course, 22 within 3 months after completion, and 34 within 6 months after completion. Thirty‐two (84%) of the initial 38 case images, 17 (77%) of 22 images submitted within 3 months, and 32 (94%) of 34 images submitted within 6 months after course completion were of diagnostic quality.

Conclusions

A structured training module with didactic and hand‐on training sessions using simulators and phantoms is feasible and supports training of clinicians to perform focused cranial US examinations.
The Utility and Feasibility of Extending Beyond Traditional Patient Descriptions in Daily Practice
Authors: Shin Jennifer J. , Carroll Thomas L. , Prince Anthony A. , Landman Adam B.
Published: December 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Institutional and national programs have endorsed the use of validated instruments in daily practice, but their utility for frontline clinicians is unknown. Our first objective was thus to determine if routinely obtained patient descriptions accurately predict disease‐specific validated instrument results. Our second objective was to assess the feasibility of deploying an electronic system to obtain and document patient‐reported descriptions of health status.

Study Design

Prospective assessment of consecutive eligible ambulatory care patients.

Methods

For the first objective, patients presenting with the same chief complaint at consecutive visits provided concurrent routine symptom descriptions and validated instrument responses. To determine whether patients’ routine descriptions predicted scores from disease‐specific instruments, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves, sensitivity/specificity, Spearman ρ correlation, and regression models were utilized. For the second objective, feasibility assessment focused on percent with successful response capture, time to questionnaire completion, and impact on physician time needed to obtain and document patient histories.

Results

For the first objective, among patients with hearing loss, eustachian tube dysfunction, nasal obstruction, and chronic rhinosinusitis, the areas under the ROC curves were 0.38 to 0.83. Spearman ρ coefficients were 0.25 to 0.46. Sensitivity and specificity ranged from 15.9% to 87.8%, with correct classification in 42.3% to 55.2% of cases. For the second objective, there was a 91% completion rate. Completion times were 7:18 to 12:37 for new patients and 3:23 to 6:41 for established patients. Physician time savings were estimated at 11 minutes per patient.

Conclusions

Using validated instruments and electronic data collection systems in daily practice has practical and clinical implications. These topics warrant further study.

Level of Evidence

2c Laryngoscope, 130:S1–S13, 2020
Relationship of Overall Cardiovascular Health and Hearing Loss in The Jackson Heart Study Population
Authors: Curti Steven A. , DeGruy Joseph A. , Spankovich Christopher , Bishop Charles E. , Su Dan , Valle Karen , O'Brien Emily , Min Yuan‐I , Schweinfurth John M.
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the relationships among the overall cardiovascular health scoring tool, Life's Simple 7 (LS7), and hearing in an African‐American cardiovascular study cohort.

Methods

Using the Jackson Heart Study's cohort of African Americans, the relationships between the LS7 scoring metric and hearing of 1314 individuals were assessed. Standard audiometric data was collected and hearing loss was defined as a four‐frequency average of 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz greater than 25 dBHL (PTA4). Measures of reported tinnitus and dizziness were also collected. The LS7 scoring tool, which consists of seven individual categories (abstinence from smoking, body mass index, physical activity, healthy diet, total cholesterol <200 mg/dL, normotension, and absence of diabetes mellitus), was used as measure of overall cardiovascular health. Each category of the LS7 was broken down into poor, intermediate, and ideal subgroups as in accordance with the American Heart Association Strategic Planning Task Force and Statistics Committee. Unadjusted and adjusted gamma regression and logistic regression models were constructed for determining relationships between LS7 and hearing loss.

Results

Higher total LS7 scores (per 1‐unit increase) were associated with lower PTA4 in gamma regression analyses (RR = 0.942, 95% CI, 0.926–0.958, P < .001). This held true even after adjustments for age, sex, education, and history of noise exposure. Using logistic regression analyses to compare LS7 scores to presence of hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo; only hearing loss showed a statically significant relationship after adjustments for age, sex, education, and history of noise exposure.

Conclusions

This study shows a significant, graded association between higher life's simple seven scores and lower incidence of hearing loss.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 2019
Gastroesophageal reflux in laryngopharyngeal reflux patients: Clinical features and therapeutic response
Authors: Lechien Jerome R. , Bobin Francois , Muls Vinciane , Eisendrath Pierre , Horoi Mihaela , Thill Marie‐Paule , Dequanter Didier , Durdurez Jean‐Pierre , Rodriguez Alexandra , Saussez Sven
Published: December 2019

Objective

To investigate the clinical features and the therapeutic response of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) patients with or without gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Methods

Patients with LPR symptoms were enrolled from three European Hospitals. The diagnosis of LPR and GERD was made through impedance‐pH monitoring (MII‐pH). A gastrointestinal endoscopy was realized in patients with digestive complaints or ≥60 years old. The 3‐ to 6‐month treatment was based on the association of diet, pantoprazole, alginate, and magaldrate regarding the MII‐pH characteristics. Reflux Symptom Score (RSS) and Reflux Sign Assessment (RSA) were used to evaluate the clinical evolution throughout treatment. The gastrointestinal endoscopy findings, clinical features, and therapeutic response were compared between patients with LPR and GERD (LPR/GERD) and patients with LPR.

Results

One hundred and eleven LPR patients were included, 54 being LPR/GERD. LPR/GERD patients had a higher number of proximal reflux episodes compared with LPR patients. The prevalence of esophagitis, hernia hiatal, and lower esophageal sphincter insufficiency did not differ between groups. The presence of GERD was strongly associated with acid LPR. Patients without GERD had a higher proportion of nonacid and mixed LPR compared with LPR/GERD patients. The pre‐ to posttreatment evolutions of RSS and RSA were quite similar in both groups, with the exception of the 3‐ to 6‐month improvement of digestive symptoms, which was better in LPR/GERD group. The therapeutic success rates were 79.6% and 77.2% in GERD/LPR and LPR group, respectively.

Conclusion

GERD is predictive of acid LPR. The clinical evolution and the therapeutic response rates were quite similar in both groups.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130: E479–E489, 2020
Biochar and manure addition influenced soil microbial community structure and enzymatic activities at eroded and depositional landscape positions
Authors: Sekaran Udayakumar , Sandhu Saroop S. , Qiu Yeyan , Kumar Sandeep , Gonzalez Hernandez Jose L.
Published: December 2019

Biochar and manure application can modify soil microbial community structure and enhance biochemical activities. However, the studies about the influence of biochar and manure on the microbial communities on different geomorphological landforms (depositional and eroded landscapes) are scarce. In this study, we investigated the responses of soil biochemical activities and microbial communities to the addition of pinewood biochar, dairy manure (DM), and the dairy manure and pinewood biochar mixture (DMP) at a rate of 10 Mg ha−1, respectively, in comparison with control (CNT) at eroded and depositional landscape positions over 5 years. Data showed that the DMP treatment significantly increased cold‐water‐soluble organic carbon and hot‐water‐soluble organic carbon at the depositional landscape than CNT soils. Application of DMP increased total phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) and bacterial PLFA by 31% and 20% compared with the CNT at the depositional landscape, respectively. At eroded landscape, total PLFAs and total bacterial PLFAs biomass concentrations were found 39% and 90% higher with DM than CNT soils. The addition of DM and DMP increased the activities of enzymes that are involved in the major nutrient cycling at depositional and eroded landscapes. At the phylum level, the proportion of Bacteroidetes was found lower in DMP, but the proportion of phylum Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria were increased. In conclusion, our study revealed that DMP influenced the labile nutrient pool, altered the microbial community structure, and increased bacterial composition and enzymatic activities at both the landscape positions.
The limitations of retraction notices and the heroic acts of authors who correct the scholarly record: An analysis of retractions of papers published from 1975 to 2019
Authors: Vuong Quan‐Hoang
Published: December 2019

While researchers with retracted papers – publications that are withdrawn because of significant errors or scientific misconduct – carry a permanent stain on their publishing records, understanding the causes and initiators of such retractions can shed a different light on the matter. This paper, based on a random sample of 2,046 retracted papers, which were published between 1975 and 2019, extracted from Retraction Watch and the websites of major publishers, shows that 53% of the retraction notices do not specify who initiated the retraction. Nearly 10% of the retraction notes either omit or do not contain information related to reasons for retractions. Furthermore, most of the retracted papers in our sample have no limitation section; those who do are commonly unhelpful or irrelevant. The results carry three implications for scientific transparency: retraction notices need to be more informative; limitation sections ought to be a required and even an open section of all published articles; and finally, promoting ‘heroic acts’ in science can positively change the current publishing culture.
IDENTIFICATION OF MHC PEPTIDES USING MASS SPECTROMETRY FOR NEOANTIGEN DISCOVERY AND CANCER VACCINE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Chen Rui , Fulton Kelly M. , Twine Susan M. , Li Jianjun
Published: December 2019

Immunotherapy with neoantigens presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is one of the most promising approaches in cancer treatment. Using this approach, cancer vaccines can be designed to target tumor‐specific mutations that are not found in normal tissues. Clinical trials have demonstrated an increased immune response and eradication of tumors after injecting synthetic peptides selected from the immunopeptidome. Although the sequence of MHC binding peptides can be predicted from genome sequencing and prediction algorithms, this approach results in large numbers of predicted peptides, requiring the confirmation by mass spectrometry (MS) analysis. Identification of MHC peptides by direct MS analysis of immunopeptidome is accurate and sensitive, with tens of thousands of unique peptides potentially identified from either cancer cell line or tumor tissue. Peptides with mutations can also be identified with patient‐specific protein databases constructed from genome or transcriptome sequencing data. MS analysis also enables the characterization of the post‐translational modifications (PTMs) of those antigens that cannot be predicted. Moreover, PTMs were found to be more efficient in triggering an immune response. In addition to reviewing recent advances in the identification of neoantigens using MS, the techniques for cancer vaccine candidate selection and formulation, vaccine delivery systems, and the potential for use in combination with other therapeutics are also discussed. It is anticipated that MS‐based techniques will play an important role in future cancer vaccine development. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Mass Spec Rev 40:110–125, 2021.
MASS SPECTROMETRY IN VIROLOGICAL SCIENCES
Authors: Milewska Aleksandra , Ner‐Kluza Joanna , Dabrowska Agnieszka , Bodzon‐Kulakowska Anna , Pyrc Krzysztof , Suder Piotr
Published: December 2019

Virology, as a branch of the life sciences, discovered mass spectrometry (MS) to be the pivotal tool around two decades ago. The technique unveiled the complex network of interactions between the living world of pro‐ and eukaryotes and viruses, which delivered “a piece of bad news wrapped in protein” as defined by Peter Medawar, Nobel Prize Laureate, in 1960. However, MS is constantly evolving, and novel approaches allow for a better understanding of interactions in this micro‐ and nanoworld. Currently, we can investigate the interplay between the virus and the cell by analyzing proteomes, interactomes, virus‐cell interactions, and search for the compounds that build viral structures. In addition, by using MS, it is possible to look at the cell from the broader perspective and determine the role of viral infection on the scale of the organism, for example, monitoring the crosstalk between infected tissues and the immune system. In such a way, MS became one of the major tools for the modern virology, allowing us to see the infection in the context of the whole cell or the organism. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Mass Spec Rev
A triple‐band dual‐polarized CRLH antenna for wireless applications
Authors: Ghosh Kalyanbrata , Das Sushrut
Published: December 2019

This paper presents an asymmetric coplanar waveguide fed triple‐band (1.99, 4.06, and 5.23 GHz) dual polarized antenna based on composite right‐ and left‐handed transmission line (CRLH‐TL) approach. The two lower bands of the antenna are linearly polarized whereas the rest is circularly polarized (CP). 20.49% 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth is achieved for the CP band which is higher than the recently reported triple band CRLH‐TL antennas. It has a compact size of 0.085 × 0.097 × 0.01λ0, where λ0 is the free space wavelength at ZOR frequency (1.99 GHz). The antenna is suitable for UMTS/WCDMA/PCS, WiMAX, and WLAN/Wi‐Fi applications.
Novel crest‐trough shaped spoof surface plasmon polaritons for low pass filtering applications
Authors: Anwar Rana Sadaf , Mao Lingfeng , Ning Huansheng
Published: December 2019

In this letter, a novel periodic crest‐trough (CT) shaped groove structure is proposed to excite and propagate spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs) at microwave frequency. Such a groove shape solves the problem of high transmission losses found in traditional microstrip transmission lines and presents tighter field confinement. Lower dispersion band is achieved by proposed CT‐SSPPs as compared to traditional structures, with 28% reduced asymptotic frequency than rectangular groove. Influence of some geometrical parameters is also explored. Further, planar low‐pass plasmonic filters with low reflection and high efficiency are investigated with compact transition circuitry for smooth and fast conversion between SSPPs and guided waves. To validate the proposed performance, two plasmonic filter structures are fabricated and measured. Full agreement is observed between the simulated and measured results for which reflection coefficient is lower than −10 dB in passband up to 3.07 and 2.52 GHz, respectively for both filters. The rejection level is higher than −15 dB in the whole stopband.
Inferior vena cava syndrome in neonates: An evidence‐based systematic review of the literature
Authors: Tieu Paul , Paes Bosco , Ahmed Afrah , Matino Davide , Chan Anthony , Bhatt Mihir
Published: December 2019

Neonatal inferior vena cava syndrome (IVCS), though uncommon, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Information on risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes is limited. This review comprised 61 neonates across 33 reports. Thrombosis occurred in 98% and 42% involved a central venous catheter. Diagnosis was mainly established by ultrasound in 82%. Therapeutically, heparin was employed in 36% and thrombolysis in 18% of the cases. The overall mortality was 23%. An algorithm of clinical signs, investigation, and management is presented. Well‐designed prospective studies are needed to establish a concrete investigational approach to neonatal IVCS and institute safe, evidence‐based treatment.
The effect of graft‐versus‐host disease on outcomes after allogeneic stem cell transplantation for refractory lymphoblastic lymphoma in children and young adults
Authors: Mitsui Tetsuo , Fujita Naoto , Koga Yuhki , Fukano Reiji , Osumi Tomoo , Hama Asahito , Koh Katsuyoshi , Kakuda Harumi , Inoue Masami , Fukuda Takahiro , Yabe Hiromasa , Takita Junko , Shimada Akira , Hashii Yoshiko , Sato Atsushi , Atsuta Yoshiko , Kanda Yoshinobu , Suzumiya Junji , Kobayashi Ryoji
Published: December 2019

Background

Patients with relapsed or refractory lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) have a poor prognosis. The efficacy of allogeneic blood stem cell transplantation for treatment of this disease remains unclear in terms of transplantation‐related toxicity. Acute and chronic graft‐versus‐host diseases (GVHD) are both harmful to patients after allogeneic transplantation, but may have some positive effects through a substitute graft‐versus‐lymphoma effect.

Methods

To investigate the effect of GVHD on the survival of patients with refractory LBL, we retrospectively studied the outcomes of 213 patients with LBL who underwent first allogeneic stem cell transplantation before the age of 18 years, between 1990 and 2015 in Japan.

Results

The five‐year overall survival (OS) and event‐free survival rates after stem cell transplantation were 50.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 43.2‐56.9) and 47.8% (95% CI, 40.8‐54.4), respectively. In univariate landmark analyses, the probability of OS was significantly better in patients with aGVHD than in those without (P = 0.002, five‐year OS 58.1% vs 39.0%). The probability of OS was also better in patients with cGVHD than in those without (P = 0.036, five‐year OS 72.2% vs 54.7%). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that only aGVHD was associated with better OS (hazard ratio, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.42‐0.94, P = 0.024). Progression and recurrence statuses at SCT were associated with poor prognosis. The patients with grade II aGVHD showed the best prognosis (five‐year OS: 65.6%).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the occurrence of aGVHD may be associated with better outcomes in patients with relapsed/refractory LBL who undergo allogeneic transplantation.
Pharmacokinetics and population pharmacokinetics in pediatric oncology
Authors: Sassen Sebastiaan D.T. , Zwaan C. Michel , van der Sluis Inge M. , Mathôt Ron A.A.
Published: December 2019

Pharmacokinetic research has become increasingly important in pediatric oncology as it can have direct clinical implications and is a crucial component in individualized medicine. Population pharmacokinetics has become a popular method especially in children, due to the potential for sparse sampling, flexible sampling times, computing of heterogeneous data, and identification of variability sources. However, population pharmacokinetic reports can be complex and difficult to interpret. The aim of this article is to provide a basic explanation of population pharmacokinetics, using clinical examples from the field of pediatric oncology, to facilitate the translation of pharmacokinetic research into the daily clinic.
The Role of Personality Profiles in the Longitudinal Relationship between Work–Related Well–Being and Life Satisfaction among Working Adults in Switzerland
Authors: Udayar Shagini , Urbanaviciute Ieva , Massoudi Koorosh , Rossier Jérôme
Published: December 2019

Drawing on the concept of spillover between work and life domains and using a person–centred approach, the present study examined the role of Big Five personality trait profiles in moderating the relationship between work–related well–being and life satisfaction over a 1–year period in a sample of working adults in Switzerland ( N = 1204). Latent profile analysis was first carried out to derive and compare alternative latent personality profile models. Subsequently, a two–wave cross–lagged structural equation model using three personality profiles (resilient, average, and oversensitive) as moderators was tested. Work stress and job satisfaction were used as negative and positive indicators of work–related well–being. The results showed that in the overall sample, only Time 1 life satisfaction predicted Time 2 job satisfaction. We found a moderating role for the personality profiles, where the effect of Time 1 work stress on Time 2 life satisfaction became salient in the oversensitive profile, while a significant effect of Time 1 life satisfaction on Time 2 work stress was found in the resilient profile. The current study showed that different combinations of personality traits may determine the way in which work–related well–being and general well–being relate to each other. © 2019 European Association of Personality Psychology
Sleep Disturbances in the Acute Stage of Concussion are Associated With Poorer Long‐Term Recovery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ludwig Rebecca , D'Silva Linda , Vaduvathiriyan Prasanna , Rippee Michael A. , Siengsukon Catherine
Published: December 2019

Objective

To examine the association between sleep during the acute stage of concussion and long‐term outcomes.

Literature Survey

Literature searches were performed 1 July 2018 to 1 August 2018 in Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Web of Science, along with hand searching for gray literature and cited references. Of the 610 search results, 359 unique references were reviewed after duplicates were removed.

Methodology

Two reviewers independently reviewed and came to consensus on which titles/abstracts met inclusion/exclusion criteria (n = 23). The 23 full‐text articles were assessed independently by the same two reviewers for eligibility. Consensus was achieved, leaving four articles for quality assessment and data extraction. One person extracted relevant data from each study using a standard data‐extraction table. The data extraction table was reviewed by two reviewers and consensus was achieved for completeness and accuracy. Quality appraisal was conducted to assess the risk for potential bias and quality of included articles.

Synthesis

Two of the articles included children younger than 16 years old and two included a wide age range. In general, poorer sleep was associated with poorer outcomes following concussion at reassessments across any age population. In addition, poorer sleep in the acute stage of concussion was associated with poorer long‐term outcomes and recovery.

Conclusions

The variability in sleep assessments used, symptoms assessed, length of time to reassessments, and comparator group included made data synthesis challenging. The use of standard valid and reliable sleep assessments is recommended. Future studies may consider if addressing sleep disturbances early following concussion will improve longer‐term outcomes.
The relationship between adult attachment and coping with brain tumour: the mediating role of social support
Authors: Trejnowska Anna , Goodall Karen , Rush Robert , Ellison Marion , McVittie Chris
Published: December 2019

Objective

A primary brain tumour diagnosis is known to elicit higher distress than other forms of cancer and is related to high depressive symptomatology. Using a cross‐sectional design, the present study explored how individuals cope with this diagnosis using an attachment theory framework. Attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance were hypothesised to be positively related to helplessness/hopelessness, anxious preoccupation, and cognitive avoidance; and negatively related to fighting spirit and fatalism coping. We proposed perceived social support to play a mediating role in those associations.

Methods

Four hundred and eighty participants diagnosed with primary brain tumours completed the Mini‐Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale (Mini‐MAC), the Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire‐Revised (ECR‐R), and the modified Medical Outcomes Study‐Social Support Scale (mMOS‐SSS) online.

Results

Lower perceived social support mediated the positive associations between both higher attachment anxiety and avoidance and higher helpless/hopeless coping. Attachment anxiety was also positively associated with anxious preoccupation. This relationship was not mediated by perceived social support. Cognitive avoidance was unrelated to both attachment dimensions and social support.

Conclusions

The findings highlight that the differences in coping repertoire are associated with social relatedness factors, specifically attachment security and its relationship to perceived social support. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Experimental measurement of initial evaporation mass flows from gasoline spills and comparison with empirical models
Authors: Zinke Ronald , Virothi Naresh , Köhler Florian , Klippel Andrea , Schalau Sebastian , Krause Ulrich
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we investigate the evaporation mass flow originating from spills of gasoline. Large spills of gasoline may form during partial or complete roof sinkings or in the case of perforations at various deck fittings at external floating roof tanks used for the storage. Additionally, spills may form in the retention area in the case of leakages at pipes or at the hull. The aim is to predict the order of magnitude of real‐scale evaporation mass flow. The determined evaporation mass flows will be used in a related project as input values for subsequent dispersion modeling in the vicinity of the tanks. This is relevant for questions of fire and explosion protection as well as for environmental protection aspects in tank farms or refineries, which use external floating roof tanks. The measurements presented in this paper were compared with predictions by empirical models and investigations of evaporations from small floor spills, round‐bottom flask, or from Petri dishes published in the literature. The main goal of this paper is to test the applicability of empirical models to provide reasonable evaporation mass flows as input for CFD dispersion simulations.
Double‐blind placebo controlled trial of the anxiolytic effects of a standardized Echinacea extract
Authors: Haller József , Krecsak Laszlo , Zámbori János
Published: December 2019

Earlier studies suggested that specific Echinacea preparations might decrease anxiety. To further study the issue, we performed a double blind, placebo controlled trial with a standardized Echinacea angustifolia root extract. Participants were volunteers scoring above 45 points on the state or on the trait subscale of the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). They were treated with 40 mg Echinacea or with placebo tablets twice daily for 7 days followed by a 3 week‐long washout period. Participants were also administered the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). In the Echinacea group, state anxiety scores decreased by approximately 11 points by the end of the treatment period, whereas the decrease was around 3‐points in the placebo group (p< 0.01). The effect maintained over the washout period. The difference from placebo was significant from the 7th day of treatment throughout. Changes were less robust with trait anxiety scores, but the preparation performed better than placebo in patients with high baseline anxiety. Neither BDI nor PSS scores were affected by the treatments. Adverse effects were rare and mild, and all were observed in the placebo group. These findings suggest that particular Echinacea preparations have significant beneficial effects on anxiety in humans.