bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of novel blood biomarkers of treatment response in cystic fibrosis pulmonary exacerbations by label-free quantitative proteomics
Authors: Dong Kang , Moon Kyung-Mee , Chen Virginia , Ng Raymond , Foster Leonard J. , Tebbutt Scott J. , Quon Bradley S.
Published: November 2019

Pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) are clinically impactful events for individuals with CF. Unfortunately, many CF individuals with PEx fail to regain their baseline lung function despite treatment. The objective of this study was to use unbiased proteomic technology to identify novel blood protein biomarkers that change following intravenous (IV) antibiotic treatment and to explore if changes correlate with clinical response by the end of treatment. Blood samples from 25 PEx events derived from 22 unique CF adults were collected within 24 hours of hospital admission, day 5, day 10, and IV antibiotic completion. Three-hundred and forty-six blood proteins were evaluated with label-free liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) quantitative proteomics and immunoassays. Forty-seven plasma proteins changed significantly following 5 days of IV antibiotic treatment (q-value ≤ 0.10). Early change in IGF2R from hospital admission to day 5 correlated with overall change in symptom score (CFRSD-CRISS) by the end of treatment (r = −0.48, p-value = 0.04). Several plasma proteins identified and quantified by label-free LC-MS/MS changed early following treatment with IV antibiotics and many of these proteins are involved in complement activation and inflammatory/immune-related pathways. Early change in IGF2R correlated with symptom response following IV antibiotic treatment and requires further validation as a predictive biomarker of symptom response.
Similar plasma lipidomic profile in people living with HIV treated with a darunavir-based or an integrase inhibitor-based antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Mena Alvaro , Clavero Elvira , Díaz-Díaz José Luis , Castro Angeles
Published: November 2019

Cardiovascular disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV (PLWH), who commonly experience lipid disturbances. The aim of this study was to determine whether the plasma lipidomic profile differs between PLWH receiving a darunavir-based ART and those receiving integrase inhibitor-based ART. This was a cross-sectional study of unselected patients for whom metabolomic analysis was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Data for the two subgroups were compared by calculating the log2 of the fold change for each metabolite and then grouping these into the main lipid families. Sixty-two PLWH aged 49.3 ± 8.6 years (82% men) were included: 12 patients (19.4%) had hypertension, 8 (12.9%) had type 2 diabetes, 25 (41.0%) had dyslipidaemia and 9 (14.5%) were taking statins, without significant differences in all these variables between the two groups. Twenty-five (40.3%) received darunavir-based ART and 37 (59.7%) integrase inhibitor-based ART. Although the differences were not statistically significant, patients treated with darunavir-based ART had higher concentrations of total cholesterol (211 mg/dL vs 194 mg/dL), LDL-cholesterol (132 mg/dL vs 117 mg/dL) and triglycerides (155 mg/dL vs 122 mg/dL), and lower HDL-cholesterol concentration (50 mg/dL vs 52 mg/dL). The main lipid families and metabolites differed slightly between groups (log2-fold change; P-value): ceramides (−0.07; 0.49), phosphatidylinositols (−0.05; 0.63), diacylglycerols (0.10; 0.64), phosphatidylethanolamines (0.03; 0.78), triacylglycerols (0.27; 0.18) and lysophosphatidylethanolamines (0.03; 0.83). In the integrase inhibitor-based group, the use of tenofovir alafenamide fumarate significantly increases the majority of lipid fractions, when compared with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. The lipidomic profile did not differ between PLWH treated with darunavir-based or integrase inhibitor-based ART. This was especially true for ceramides, which are involved in cardiovascular disease. Further studies are needed to study the impact of ART in lipidomic profile.
A novel nondestructive diagnostic method for mega-electron-volt ultrafast electron diffraction
Authors: Yang Xi , Li Junjie , Fedurin Mikhail , Smaluk Victor , Yu Lihua , Wu Lijun , Wan Weishi , Zhu Yimei , Shaftan Timur
Published: November 2019

A real-time, nondestructive, Bragg-diffracted electron beam energy, energy-spread and spatial-pointing jitter monitor is experimentally verified by encoding the electron beam energy and spatial-pointing jitter information into the mega-electron-volt ultrafast electron diffraction pattern. The shot-to-shot fluctuation of the diffraction pattern is then decomposed to two basic modes, i.e., the distance between the Bragg peaks as well as its variation (radial mode) and the overall lateral shift of the whole pattern (drift mode). Since these two modes are completely decoupled, the Bragg-diffraction method can simultaneously measure the shot-to-shot energy fluctuation from the radial mode with 2·10−4 precision and spatial-pointing jitter from the drift mode having wide measurement span covering energy jitter range from 10−4 to 10−1. The key advantage of this method is that it allows us to extract the electron beam energy spread concurrently with the ongoing experiment and enables online optimization of the electron beam especially for future high charge single-shot ultrafast electron diffraction (UED) and ultrafast electron microscopy (UEM) experiments. Furthermore, real-time energy measurement enables the filtering process to remove off-energy shots, improving the resolution of time-resolved UED. As a result, this method can be applied to the entire UED user community, beyond the traditional electron beam diagnostics of accelerators used by accelerator physicists.
The fractal characteristics of pore size distribution in cement-based materials and its effect on gas permeability
Authors: Zhu Jie , Zhang Rui , Zhang Yang , He Fa
Published: November 2019

To study the influence of the pore structure of cement-based materials on macroscopic features (gas permeability), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and nitrogen adsorption (NA) were applied to 8 groups of paste and mortar samples (including adding mineral admixtures or not and standard or sealed curing conditions). Pore size distribution has a great influence on gas permeability. By calculating pore surface fractal dimensions based on Zhang’s fractal model, the obvious fractal characteristics of micropores (<100 nm) and macropores (> 105 nm) have been found. The pore diameter of the paste is mostly distributed in the micropores, and the average critical pore diameter is 82 nm. For mortar, the pore diameter is mostly distributed in the micropores and transition pores, and the average critical pore diameter is 121 nm, which means that the seepage pore diameters of the paste and mortar are 82 nm and 121 nm, respectively. The pore surface fractal dimensions of the visible pores are larger than those of the micropores, and there is an inverse relationship between the pore surface fractal dimensions and gas permeability. An important guide for engineering production is to use standard curing and add mineral admixtures to mortar materials to improve the impermeability as much as possible, while a contrary condition exists for paste materials.
Author Correction: A New Hadrosaurine (Dinosauria: Hadrosauridae) from the Marine Deposits of the Late Cretaceous Hakobuchi Formation, Yezo Group, Japan
Authors: Kobayashi Yoshitsugu , Nishimura Tomohiro , Takasaki Ryuji , Chiba Kentaro , Fiorillo Anthony R. , Tanaka Kohei , Chinzorig Tsogtbaatar , Sato Tamaki , Sakurai Kazuhiko
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Recent innovations in artificial skin
Authors: Low Zhi Wei Kenny , Li Zibiao , Owh Cally , Chee Pei Lin , Ye Enyi , Dan Kai , Chan Siew Yin , Young David James , Loh Xian Jun
Published: November 2019

Efforts to replicate skin have resulted in remarkable developments in soft materials, flexible devices and tissue engineering. In this review, the properties of natural skin are discussed and compared with the performances of current artificial skins.
Adjuvant incorporated lipid nanoparticles for enhanced mRNA-mediated cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Lee Kyuri , Kim Soo Young , Seo Yunmi , Kim Myung Hee , Chang Jun , Lee Hyukjin
Published: November 2019

For mRNA mediated cancer immunotherapy, Pam3 was incorporated as an adjuvant within lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) with OVA mRNA.
Scope and limitation of propylene carbonate as a sustainable solvent in the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction
Authors: Czompa Andrea , Pásztor Balázs László , Sahar Jennifer Alizadeh , Mucsi Zoltán , Bogdán Dóra , Ludányi Krisztina , Varga Zoltán , Mándity István M.
Published: November 2019

The Suzuki–Miyaura reaction was carried out in propylene carbonate yielding an interesting side-product besides the biphenyl derivative.
Icariin enhances intestinal barrier function by inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathways and modulating gut microbiota in a piglet model
Authors: Xiong Wen , Ma Haoyue , Zhang Zhu , Jin Meilan , Wang Jian , Xu Yuwei , Wang Zili
Published: November 2019

This study investigated the effects of icariin on intestinal barrier function and its underlying mechanisms.
Hollow core–shell structured TS-1@S-1 as an efficient catalyst for alkene epoxidation
Authors: Wang J. , Chen Z. , Yu Y. , Tang Z. , Shen K. , Wang R. , Liu H. , Huang X. , Liu Y.
Published: November 2019

Hollow core–shell structured TS-1@S-1 with high catalytic performance was synthesized successfully owing to the formation of different titanium active centers.
Long-term stability studies of a semiconductor photoelectrode in three-electrode configuration
Authors: Vanka Srinivas , Sun Kai , Zeng Guosong , Pham Tuan Anh , Toma Francesca Maria , Ogitsu Tadashi , Mi Zetian
Published: November 2019

GaN/Si photocathode exhibits an ultrahigh stability of 3000 h under AM 1.5G one-sun illumination.
Tuning terminal aromatics of electron acceptors to achieve high-efficiency organic solar cells
Authors: Qin Ran , Wang Di , Zhou Guanqing , Yu Zhi-Peng , Li Shuixing , Li Yuhao , Liu Zhi-Xi , Zhu Haiming , Shi Minmin , Lu Xinhui , Li Chang-Zhi , Chen Hongzheng
Published: November 2019

The structural tuning of non-fullerene acceptors with extended terminal aromatics enables faster hole transfer from the acceptor to the donor at smaller energy offsets, thereby achieving high efficiency in organic solar cells.
A zinc selective oxytocin based biosensor
Authors: Mervinetsky Evgeniy , Alshanski Israel , Tadi Kiran Kumar , Dianat Arezoo , Buchwald Jörg , Gutierrez Rafael , Cuniberti Gianaurelio , Hurevich Mattan , Yitzchaik Shlomo
Published: November 2019

A Zn2+selective biosensor was developed by anchoring oxytocin to the surface through acylation of the terminal amine, which blocks the competing Cu2+binding.
Recent progress on the fabrication and applications of flexible ferroelectric devices
Authors: Yao Mouteng , Cheng Yuxin , Zhou Ziyao , Liu Ming
Published: November 2019

Ferroelectric (FE) thin films that exhibit high piezoelectric coefficients and large FE polarization have been extensively investigated.
Environment-friendly aqueous processing of [60]fullerene semiconducting films for truly green organic electronics
Authors: Novikov Artyom V. , Kuznetsova Lidiya I. , Dremova Nadezhda N. , Parfenov Aleksei A. , Troshin Pavel A.
Published: November 2019

Here we report an environmentally friendly and easy to use technique for fabrication of C60 semiconductor films suitable for different applications such as design of flexible electronic circuits or gas sensors.
Dedoping-induced interfacial instability of poly(ethylene imine)s-treated PEDOT:PSS as a low-work-function electrode
Authors: Cai Wanzhu , Österberg Thomas , Jafari Mohammad J. , Musumeci Chiara , Wang Chuanfei , Zuo Guangzheng , Yin Xiaolong , Luo Xuhao , Johansson Jim , Kemerink Martijn , Ouyang Liangqi , Ederth Thomas , Inganäs Olle
Published: November 2019

Low-work-function PEDOT:PSS electrodes, suitable for organic photovoltaic modules, were achieved by coating PEIx onto the electrode surface. We mapped the physical and chemical processes that occurred at the interface between PEIx and PEDOT:PSS during printing.
Catalyst-free large-scale synthesis of composite SiC@SiO2/carbon nanofiber mats by blow-spinning
Authors: Chen Yang , Wang Ning , Jensen Martin , Han Shan , Li Xianfeng , Li Wei , Zhang Xingxiang
Published: November 2019

A robust photocatalytic composite SiC/SiO2 nanofiber/carbon nanofiber mat is prepared via blow-spinning followed by calcination in absence of metal catalysts.
Fluorimetric naphthalimide-based polymer logic beads responsive to acidity and oxidisability
Authors: Refalo Matthew Vella , Farrugia Nicole V. , Johnson Alex D. , Klejna Sylwia , Szaciłowski Konrad , Magri David C.
Published: November 2019

Naphthalimide tagged polymer beads demonstrate two-input H+, Fe3+-driven PASS 0, PASS 1, TRANSFER(H+) and AND logic functions by a fluorescence output.
Recent advances of polymer acceptors for high-performance organic solar cells
Authors: Zhao Congcong , Wang Jiuxing , Jiao Jiqing , Huang Linjun , Tang Jianguo
Published: November 2019

Recent advances in polymer acceptors that focus on structure–property relationships, which may provide guidance for photovoltaic materials, were systematically summarized.
Realizing an impressive red-emitting Ca9MnNa(PO4)7 phosphor through a dual function based on disturbing structural confinement and energy transfer
Authors: Wang Jindi , Shang Mengmeng , Cui Min , Dang Peipei , Liu Dongjie , Huang Dayu , Lian Hongzhou , Lin Jun
Published: November 2019

A dazzling red light was achieved in the Ca9MnNa(PO4)7:Eu2+ phosphor based on disturbing structural confinement and energy transfer.
Indopolystoman. gen. (Monogenea, Polystomatidae) with the description of three new species and reassignment of eight knownPolystomaspecies from Asian frogs (Anura, Rhacophoridae)
Authors: Chaabane Amira , Verneau Olivier , Du Preez Louis
Published: November 2019

The polystomes (Monogenea, Polystomatidae) radiated across semi-aquatic tetrapods including all three amphibian orders, freshwater turtles and the hippopotamus. Prior to this study, phylogenetic analyses revealed that the most diverse and widespread genus,Polystoma, was not monophyletic; a lineage comprising four undescribed species from the bladder ofZhangixalusspp. (Rhacophoridae) in Asia occupied a deep phylogenetic position. Regarding vicariance biogeography and molecular dating, the origin of this lineage is correlated with the breakup of Gondwanaland in the Mesozoic period. Based on a Bayesian analysis of four concatenated genes (18S, 28S, COI and 12S) and morphological evidence, one new genus,Indopolystoman. gen., and three new species, sampled in Japan and China, are described here:Indopolystoma viridin. sp. fromZ. viridisof Japan,Indopolystoma elongatumn. sp. fromZ. arboreusof Japan, andIndopolystoma parvumn. sp. fromZ. omeimontisof China.Indopolystomais unique amongst polystome genera infecting anurans by possessing a small haptor relative to the body size, posteriormost marginal hooklet C1 much bigger than hooklets C2–C8 with conspicuous broad blade and guard and a pair of hamuli lacking a deep notch. Eight species of AsianPolystoma, all from rhacophorids, are transferred asIndopolystoma carvirostris(Fan, Li & He, 2008) n. comb.,I. hakgalense(Crusz & Ching, 1975) n. comb.,I. indicum(Diengdoh & Tandon, 1991) n. comb.,I. leucomystax(Zhang & Long, 1987) n. comb.,I. mutus(Meng, Song & Ding, 2010) n. comb.,I. pingbianensis(Fan, Wang & Li, 2004) n. comb.,I. rhacophori(Yamaguti, 1936) n. comb., andI. zuoi(Shen, Wang & Fan, 2013) n. comb.
Quantitative Clinical Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Reiter Ursula , Reiter Clemens , Kräuter Corina , Nizhnikava Volha , Fuchsjäger Michael H. , Reiter Gert
Published: November 2019

Background Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) represents the established reference standard method for the assessment of cardiac function and non-invasive evaluation of myocardial tissue in a variety of clinical questions, wherein quantification of cardiac parameters gains growing diagnostic and differential-diagnostic importance. This review aims to summarize established and newly emerging quantitative parameters, which are assessed in routine cardiac MRI. Interrelations and interdependencies between metrics are explained, and common factors affecting quantitative results are discussed.

Method The review is based on a PubMed literature research using the search terms “cardiac magnetic resonance” and “quantification”, “recommendations”, “quantitative evaluation/assessment”, “reference method”, “reference/normal values”, “pitfalls” or “artifacts” published between 2000–2019.

Results and Conclusion Quantitative functional, phase contrast, and perfusion imaging, as well as relaxation time mapping techniques give opportunity for assessment of a large number of quantitative cardiac MRI parameters in clinical routine. Application of these techniques allows for characterization of function, morphology and perfusion of the heart beyond visual analysis of images, either in primary evaluation and comparison to normal values or in patients’ follow-up and treatment monitoring. However, with implementation of quantitative parameters in clinical routine, standardization is of particular importance as different acquisition and evaluation strategies and algorithms may substantially influence results, though not always immediately apparent.

Key Points: 

Citation Format
Lehrfilm Facharztweiterbildung: Hemithyreoidektomie mit Neuromonitoring des N. laryngeus recurrens
Authors: Brunner Maximilian , Bleichroth Hannah , Linke Katja , Krautz Christian , Weber Georg F. , Grützmann Robert , Kersting Stephan
Published: November 2019

Einleitung Die Prävalenz von Schilddrüsenknoten im Erwachsenenalter liegt durchschnittlich bei etwa 20% und nimmt mit zunehmendem Alter zu. Bei einem Großteil der Schilddrüsenknoten handelt es sich um benigne Veränderungen, nur selten liegen maligne Befunde vor. Allerdings kann die endgültige Dignität nicht selten erst nach erfolgter Resektion bestimmt werden. Wichtig ist daher eine komplikationsarme Operationstechnik. Standard der Resektion und Weiterbildungseingriff ist bei allen publizierten minimalinvasiven Techniken die offene Operation über einen Kocher-Kragenschnitt. Diese Technik soll in diesem Lehrvideo Schritt für Schritt dargestellt werden.

Indikation Sonografisch und MIBI-szintigrafisch malignitätsverdächtiger solitärer Knoten im rechten Schilddrüsenlappen.

Prozedur Hemithyreoidektomie rechts mit Neuromonitoring des N. laryngeus recurrens.

Schlussfolgerung Bei solitärem malignitätsverdächtigen Schilddrüsenknoten stellt die Hemithyreoidektomie die adäquate primäre Therapie dar. Die Verwendung eines intraoperativen Neuromonitorings zur sicheren Identifikation und Schonung des N. laryngeus recurrens, die Darstellung und Schonung der Nebenschilddrüsen ohne Kompromittierung der Durchblutung sowie eine sorgfältige Blutstillung stellen die wichtigsten Pfeiler einer risikoarmen Operation an der Schilddrüse dar.
Recovery of coefficients in the linear Boltzmann equation
Authors: Bellassoued Mourad , Boughanja Yosra
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we treat the inverse problem of determining the scattering coefficient and the absorption coefficient appearing in the linear Boltzmann equation via boundary measurements. We show that the gauge-equivalent of the coefficients yields the same albedo operator. The albedo operator is defined as the mapping from the incoming boundary conditions to the outgoing transport solution at the boundary of a bounded and convex domain. We study the stability of the absorption coefficient up to a gauge transformation from the albedo operator, and we prove that the scattering time-dependent coefficient can be uniquely determined in a precise subset of domain, from the albedo operator.
A general strategy for the voltammetric trace determination of tellurium in geochemical and environmental matrices after arsenic coprecipitation and critical assessment of digestion schemes
Authors: Biver Marc , Filella Montserrat
Published: November 2019

Environmental contextAmong chemical elements classified as elements of strategic importance, tellurium is rapidly becoming an emergent contaminant. There is, however, no accurate and sensitive method for measuring tellurium concentrations in environmental and geological samples (e.g., soils, sediments), and thus it is not possible to determine whether an ecosystem is being polluted by human activities. This study provides a reliable answer to this problem.
AbstractA general method is proposed for the determination of tellurium in environmental and geochemical samples. Samples may be digested by any technique (acid or fusion digestion). The tellurium in the resulting solution is reductively coprecipitated with added arsenite by hypophosphorous acid, and the precipitate is redissolved and analysed by catalytic anodic stripping voltammetry. Several sample digestion techniques (acid and fusion digestions) are critically assessed. The method is applied to ore certified reference materials, with tellurium concentrations spanning three orders of magnitude, and sediment certified reference materials (ocean, lake and estuarine). An overall limit of detection (LOD) of 5 ppb is achieved. Acid digestion by H2SO4 and by HClO4 or sintering with Na2O2 in glassy carbon crucibles are shown to be the most adequate sample digestion techniques.
Childhood infection, antibiotic exposure and subsequent metabolic risk in adolescent and young adult Aboriginal Australians: practical implications
Authors: Campbell Sandra , Tracey Ella , Fagan Ruth , Pearson Kingsley , Thompson Fintan , McDermott Robyn , McDonald Malcolm
Published: November 2019

There is now evidence linking antibiotic burden in infancy and subsequent risk factors for cardiometabolic disease. In this study we assessed the metabolic health of a community-based cohort of Aboriginal Australians aged 15–25 years and retrospectively examined their early childhood antibiotic burden to identify a possible link between the two. Metabolic health data were extracted from electronic files of 433 participants in prior Young Persons Checks between 2013 and 2016. More than one-third were overweight or obese. Males had more metabolic syndrome than females (20.6% vs 10%; P=0.03). Metabolic syndrome was twice as common in the 20- to 25-year age group than in the 15- to 19-year age group (19.8% vs 9.7%; P<0.001). A subsequent medical chart review focused on childhood infections and the antibiotic burden of participants in the Young Persons Check from birth to 15 years of age. Nearly 75% were prescribed antibiotics during their first 2 years of life and 29% were exposed four or more times. Childhood antibiotic burden decreased with age. This population of Aboriginal adolescents and young adults has high rates of antibiotic exposure in childhood and metabolic abnormalities. We did not find a correlation between the two within the cohort, potentially demonstrating a ceiling effect.
Study of the physical-chemical characteristics of non-food solid waste combustion
Authors: Larionov K B , Tsibulskiy S A , Slyusarskiz K V , Tolokolnikov A A , Gubin V E
Published: November 2019

The ignition and combustion processes of six non-food municipal solid waste (MSW) samples of different type were studied. The samples of wood waste, rubber, leather, cardboard, textile and plastic were put into the combustion chamber at a temperature of 600 °C in air medium at atmospheric pressure. The observations were carried out by means of high-frequency video imaging of the combustion process. Based on the obtained results the characteristic times of the ignition delay, combustion of volatiles and carbon residue were defined. The highest values of ignition delay and combustion of the carbon residue times were obtained for rubber sample and were 11.3 and 285 s, respectively. Significant correlation was found between the time of volatiles and carbon residue combustion and the fixed carbon content of the sample: the higher the Cd content, the higher value of respective time. The concentration peaks of the gas-phase products release during combustion of non-food MSW were presented as well.
Towards the numerical assessment in solving the problem of the effectiveness of vascular anastomosis in neurosurgical operations
Authors: Kuianova Iu O , Dubovoy A V , Parshin D V
Published: November 2019

In this study we considered the effect of formation of cerebral bypass for the real clinical case. Three configurations of vessels of the circle of Willis for the real patient was constructed in the pre-operative, post-operative and the alternative (virtual--without bypass formation) treatment cases. All calculations were carried out in the commercial software ANSYS CFX 17.2. It is shown that after installation of the bypass the stagnation zone in patient`s vessel was formed with the consequent thrombus formation that required an urgent re-operation. The changes of hemodynamic parameters (blood flow velocity, WSS and viscous dissipation energy values) before and after operation as well as after alternative treatment were analysed. For the first time, a quantitative difference in hemodynamic characteristics between cases of the real and virtual (alternative) methods of the operation was shown.
Agro-industrial waste materials and wastewater as growth media for microbial bioflocculants production: a review
Authors: Siddeeg Saifeldin M , Tahoon Mohamed A , Ben Rebah Faouzi
Published: November 2019

Various microbial strains (bacteria, fungi, and microalgae) produced polymers variable in composition (protein, cellulose, polysaccharide, etc) with interesting flocculation properties such as the ability to remove large spectrum of pollutants (organic and inorganic materials, etc) from wastewater and the stability over a wide range of temperature, pHs and salt concentrations. These bioflocculants have been characterized and successfully tested in wastewater treatment and sludge dewatering. The production of microbial bioflocculants involves the culture step of the bioflocculant-producing microorganism in an appropriate medium, followed by polymer extraction. The production processing is mostly controlled by the microbial growth medium cost. Agro-industrial wastes including agricultural by-products (rice hull, rice stover potato by-products, peanut hull, corn cob, wheat bran, etc), sugar processing wastes and fermentation liquors contain nutrients such as nitrogen and carbon, which can sustain the microbial growth and bioflocculant production. Recently, the potential use of wastewater and sludge as growth media for various bioflocculant-producing microorganisms has been demonstrated. Interestingly, waste pre-treatments may be essential to enhance the microbial growth and the bioflocculant production. Bioflocculant properties (polymer yield, polymer composition, flocculating activity, etc) are controlled by the growth conditions. Moreover, the produced materials showed acceptable results for wastewater treatment and sludge dewatering. This new strategy reported in this review can decrease to some extent the environmental problems related to the disposal of agro-industrial wastes and wastewater sludges. At the same time, this could reduce the cost of microbial bioflocculant production.
Weak functoriality of Cohen-Macaulay algebras
Authors: André Yves
Published: November 2019

We prove the weak functoriality of (big) Cohen-Macaulay algebras, which controls the whole skein of “homological conjectures” in commutative algebra; namely, for any local homomorphism

R
→

R
′

R\to R’

of complete local domains, there exists a compatible homomorphism between some Cohen-Macaulay

R
R

-algebra and some Cohen-Macaulay

R
′

R’

-algebra.

When

R
R

contains a field, this is already known. When

R
R

is of mixed characteristic, our strategy of proof is reminiscent of G. Dietz’s refined treatment of weak functoriality of Cohen-Macaulay algebras in characteristic

p
p

; in fact, developing a “tilting argument” due to K. Shimomoto, we combine the perfectoid techniques of the author’s earlier work with Dietz’s result.
On the anti-Wick symbol as a Gelfand-Shilov generalized function
Authors: Amour L. , Lerner N. , Nourrigat J.
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this article is to prove that the anti-Wick symbol of an operator mapping

S

(

R

n

)

\mathcal {S}(\mathbb {R}^n)

into

S

′

(

R

n

)

\mathcal {S}’(\mathbb {R}^n)

, which is generally not a tempered distribution, can still be defined as a Gel′fand-Shilov generalized function. This result relies on test function spaces embeddings involving the Schwartz and Gel′fand-Shilov spaces. An additional embedding concerning Schwartz and Gevrey spaces is also given.
Large deviation for additive functionals of symmetric Markov processes
Authors: Chen Zhen-Qing , Tsuchida Kaneharu
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we establish a large deviation principle for pairs of continuous and purely discontinuous additive functionals of symmetric Borel right processes on Lusin spaces. We also establish compact embedding results for the extended Dirichlet spaces of symmetric Markov processes that possess Green potential kernels.
Effective training in cross-border infection prevention and response
Authors: de Rooij D , Belfroid E , Swaan C M , Raab J , Timen A
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Competent personnel at points of entry is important to prevent international spreading of disease. Education, training and exercises (ETE) are commonly used to secure this competency. We studied what effective training looks like, by conducting a literature review on effective ETE, conducting a training needs assessment.

Methodology

A systematic search in Embase, Medline, Web of Science, ERIC, Cinahl, and PsycInfo, to identify effective ETE on infectious disease control was performed. We integratively analysed effectiveness of ETE methods on different outcome levels: satisfaction, learning, behavior and organizational performance. Also, we assessed training needs and -preferences among professionals involved in infectious disease control at points of entry in Europe. They completed a digital questionnaire about previously received ETE, importance of topics, highest training needs, and their preferred ETE methodologies.

Results

We identified a range of effective ETEs in 62 studies. However, details on specific ETE methodologies are scarce, thwarting to link effectiveness to methodology. Also, long term and high level outcomes like behavioral change or public health system performance are reported less frequently than mere satisfaction or knowledge change, while these former often have higher relevance in real practice. Respondents (n = 59) had highest training needs concerning handling ill or exposed persons, and design and use of the contingency plan. Training needs correlated with importance of topics. Highest preferred training methods were presentations and e-modules.

Conclusions

We call for more extensive evaluations of education, training and exercises in infectious disease control, with measurement of high level outcomes and long term effects. Results from the current review and training needs from the field could be combined to design most effective ETE at points of entry.
A Review on the Use of Plasma During Acute Burn Resuscitation
Authors: Cartotto Robert , Callum Jeannie
Published: November 2019

The problem of fluid creep has generated renewed interest in the use of colloids during acute burn resuscitation. Currently, human albumin solution is usually chosen as the resuscitation colloid. However, human plasma was a fundamental component of numerous burn resuscitation formulas historically, but it largely fell out of favor due to concerns surrounding transmission of infectious viruses. Nevertheless, plasma is an effective volume expander which has been demonstrated to reduce overall volume requirements during burn resuscitation. Furthermore, plasma may have beneficial effects on the endothelium by diminishing the microvascular leak that follows a major burn injury. Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is now much safer from a disease transmission standpoint, and newer forms of solvent-detergent–treated plasma and lyophilized plasma offer potentially even greater safety and efficacy. The use of FFP and newer forms of plasma, which have not been extensively studied, should be investigated as potential adjuncts to acute burn resuscitation.
Stomatocyte structural color-barcode micromotors for multiplex assays
Authors: Cai Lijun , Wang Huan , Yu Yunru , Bian Feika , Wang Yu , Shi Keqing , Ye Fangfu , Zhao Yuanjin
Published: November 2019

Artificial micromotors have a demonstrated value in the biomedical area. Attempts to develop this technology tend to impart micromotors with novel functions to improve the values. Herein, we present novel structural color-barcode micromotors for the multiplex assays. We found that, by rapidly extracting solvent and assembling monodispersed nanoparticles in droplets, it could form stomatocyte colloidal crystal clusters, which not only showed striking structural colors and characteristic reflection peaks due to their ordered nanoparticles arrangement, but also provided effective cavities for the integration of functional elements. Thus, the micromotors with catalysts or magnetic elements in their cavities, as well as with the corresponding structural color coding, could be achieved by using the platinum and ferric oxide dispersed pre-gel to fill and duplicate the stomatocyte colloidal crystal clusters. We have demonstrated that the self-movement of these structural color-barcode micromotors could efficiently accelerate the mixing speed of the detection sample and greatly increase the probe–target interactions towards faster and more sensitive single or multiplex detection, and the magnetism of these barcode micromotors enables the flexible collection of the micromotors, which could facilitate the detection processes. These features make the stomatocyte structural color-barcode micromotors ideal for biomedical applications.
Detection and Characterization of Influenza B Virus with Reduced Neuraminidase Susceptibility in a Stem Cell Transplant Recipient
Authors: Kodiyanplakkal Rosy Priya L , Laplante Jennifer M , Westblade Lars F , van Besien Koen , Salvatore Mirella , St. George Kirsten
Published: November 2019

Antiviral-resistant influenza viruses in the clinical environment, especially type B, are rarely reported. A stem cell transplant recipient remained influenza B positive for two months, despite repeated antiviral treatments. Laboratory tests demonstrated the evolution and persistence of neuraminidase inhibitor-resistant influenza B virus with a substitution at codon 119.
Intermittent negative blood cultures in Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia; A retrospective study of 1071 episodes
Authors: Stewart James D , Graham Maryza , Kotsanas Despina , Woolley Ian , Korman Tony M
Published: November 2019

Background

Recommended management of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) includes follow up blood culture sets (BCs) to determine the duration of bacteremia. Duration of bacteremia is an important prognostic factor in SAB and follow up BCs have a critical role in differentiation of uncomplicated and complicated SAB. However, intermittent negative BCs occur in SAB. Clinical guidelines for SAB management do not specify an approach to follow up BCs collection or define the number of negative BCs required to demonstrate resolution of bacteremia. This study assessed the frequency of intermittent negative BCs in SAB and used these finding to formulate a recommendation for collection of follow up BCs.

Methods

This retrospective study reviewed 1071 episodes of SAB. Clinical and microbiological data including the duration of bacteremia and the occurrence of intermittent negative BCs (those preceded and followed by positive cultures) were considered.

Results

Intermittent bacteremia occurred in 13% (140/1071) of episodes. A single negative BCs on days 1-3 had a predictive value of 87-93% for resolution of bacteremia although this was improved if all BCs collected within the same day were considered.

Conclusions

Intermittent negative BCs are common in SAB. Given this we would not recommend accepting a single negative BCs as demonstrating resolution of the bacteremia. This is particularly important if a patient is to be classified as having an uncomplicated SAB.
An antimicrobial molecule mitigates signs of sepsis in vivo and eradicates infections from lung tissue
Authors: Quercini Leila , Brunetti Jlenia , Riolo Giulia , Bindi Stefano , Scali Silvia , Lampronti Ilaria , D'Aversa Elisabetta , Wronski Sabine , Pollini Simona , Gentile Mariangela , Lupetti Pietro , Rossolini Gian Maria , Falciani Chiara , Bracci Luisa , Pini Alessandro
Published: November 2019

The peptide sequence KKIRVRLSA was synthesized in a dimeric structure (SET‐M33DIM) and evaluated as a candidate drug for infections due to multidrug‐resistant (MDR) Gram‐negative pathogens. SET‐M33DIM showed significant antibacterial activity against MDR strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Escherichia coli (Minimal Inhibitory Concentration [MICs], 1.5‐11 µM), and less activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MICs, 11‐22 µM). It showed very low toxicity in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo; in cytotoxicity tests, its EC50 was as much as 22 times better than that of SET‐M33, a peptide with the same amino‐acid sequence, but synthesized in tetra‐branched form (638 vs 28 µM). In in vivo and ex vivo experiments, SET‐M33DIM cleared P. aeruginosa infection, significantly reducing signs of sepsis in animals, and restoring cell viability in lung tissue after bacterial challenge. It also quelled inflammation triggered by LPS and live bacterial cells, inhibiting expression of inflammatory mediators in lung tissue, cultured macrophages, and bronchial cells from a cystic fibrosis patient.
Neurosurgical Interventions for Neurotrauma in the Obstetric Population: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kisilevsky Alexandra E. , Addison Christie M. , Flexman Alana M.
Published: November 2019

Trauma requiring neurosurgical intervention in the obstetric population is rare. Provision of care must include consideration for both maternal and fetal well-being, and conflicts may arise. Management strategies to reduce elevated maternal intracranial pressure (ICP) and provide adequate surgical exposure, for example, may compromise uteroplacental perfusion. There is scarce literature to guide anesthetic care and few resources summarizing management of these uncommon cases. We conducted a systematic literature search for English publications of neurosurgical interventions on obstetric patients following trauma. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar from inception to May 1, 2019. We identified 18 cases from 13 publications including 9 case reports and 4 case series. Median Glasgow coma scale on presentation was 6, good maternal outcome occurred in 39% of cases, and good fetal outcome occurred in 67% of cases. Qualitative review of the articles suggests an initially low Glasgow coma scale on admission commonly resulted in worse maternal and fetal outcomes. Delivery occurred postneurosurgical intervention in the majority of viable fetuses. Few details were available regarding anesthetic management, and ICP management strategies varied widely. Our review identified only a small number of case reports and case series. Maternal outcomes were generally poor, although the majority of fetal outcomes were good. Although there seems to be a relationship between outcomes and severity of maternal injury on presentation, it is difficult to draw conclusions or make recommendations because of limited data on perioperative anesthetic and ICP management strategies. Regardless of gestational age, maternal supremacy must be upheld. Our results are limited by the quality of the available research and potential selection bias.
Accuracy of McMurray’s test, the modified version, and joint-line tenderness in diagnosing chronic meniscal tear in the knee joint: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Teh Wai Choon , Tengku Md. Shihabudin Tengku Muzaffar
Published: November 2019

Background:

Special clinical tests play an important role in physical examination and are thought to diagnose meniscal injury. Among the special tests, the original McMurray’s test, the modified version of the McMurray’s test, and joint-line tenderness are commonly used in practice. There is limited research that takes into consideration the time of injury in the diagnostic accuracy of such clinical test. Therefore, in chronic meniscal injury, the diagnostic accuracy of tests is unclear and questionable. The purpose of this study was to determine the most accurate clinical tests to diagnose a chronic meniscal injury.

Methods:

Fifty patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study from January 2016 to June 2017. The inclusion criteria were patients 16 yr old or older who had a chronic knee injury of at least 6 mo. All patients underwent physical examination then arthroscopy performed by the same surgeon. Five statistical parameters were calculated based on the formula: accuracy (%), sensitivity (%), specificity (%), positive predictive value (PPV %) and negative predictive value (NPV %).

Results:

The mean age was 25.7 yr (range, 16-44 yr; SD 6.8 yr). The modified McMurray’s test had the highest sensitivity for both medial (36.36%) and lateral lesions (35.29%). It also had the highest NPV (64.10% medial and 73.17% lateral) and PPV (72.73% medial and 66.67% lateral), as well as the highest accuracy at 66% (medial) and 72% (lateral). The original McMurray’s test had the lowest sensitivity for lateral lesions (18.75%); however, it had the highest specificity for both lesions (92.59% medial and 91.18% lateral). Joint-line tenderness had the lowest specificity at 89.29% (medial) and 87.88% (lateral), the lowest accuracy for medial lesions (60%), and the same accuracy as the original McMurray’s test (68%) for lateral lesions.

Conclusions:

The results indicate that the original McMurray’s test, the modified version, and joint-line tenderness have overall low sensitivity and high specificity in diagnosing chronic meniscal tears. This study also highlights that the modified McMurray’s test had a higher accuracy than the original McMurray’s test and joint-line tenderness. However, in clinical practice these tests should be used in combination for more accurate diagnosis of chronic meniscal tears.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.
Pediatric tibial shaft fracture with ipsilateral intraarticular distal tibial fracture: A cross sectional study of impact on management and outcomes
Authors: Hill Nina E. , Klingele Kevin E. , Samora Julie Balch
Published: November 2019

Background:

Tibial fractures are common in a pediatric population. However, this study describes a more complicated fracture pattern that has been infrequently defined in the pediatric orthopaedic literature: tibial shaft fractures with an ipsilateral intraarticular distal tibial fracture.

Methods:

One hundred and ninety patients at a large pediatric tertiary care hospital from 2006-2016 were included in this retrospective chart review, as identified by eligible Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Variables assessed included patient demographics, injury characteristics, follow-up time, weight bearing, and immobilization. Complications and secondary treatments were recorded when present.

Results:

Of 190 patients included in the study, 16 were identified with an ipsilateral tibial shaft and ankle fracture pattern. The mean age of patients with the combined fracture pattern was 15.3 yr, compared to 12.3 yr for patients who only had a tibial shaft fracture. Additionally, immobilization was employed in patients with combined fractures for 12.3 wk, significantly longer than with isolated shaft fracture (9.0 wk). The mechanism of injury for the combined shaft and ankle fractures was more likely to be described as “twisting,” compared to the isolated shaft fractures. Despite the risk of complications with fracture communication into the articular surface, patients with shaft and ankle fractures had excellent outcomes.

Conclusions:

We describe tibial shaft fractures with an ipsilateral intraarticular distal tibial fracture, an injury pattern that has not been well characterized in the literature. Patient characteristics (age, mechanism of injury) may contribute to development of this injury, and these patients may require different management than those with isolated tibial shaft fractures.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV.
Does certificate-of-need status impact lumbar microdecompression reimbursement and utilization? A retrospective database review
Authors: Ziino Chason , Bala Abiram , Cheng Ivan
Published: November 2019

Background:

Lumbar microdecompression remains an effective, highly utilized procedure. Changes in reimbursement and practice patterns have pushed for decreased costs and increased outpatient surgery. Certificate of Need (CON) programs were established in response to skyrocketing healthcare costs, although their impact on spine surgery utilization and reimbursement is not well studied. This study sought to examine the effect of CON status on utilization and reimbursement of single-level lumbar microdecompressions in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Methods:

We analyzed a combined private payer and Medicare administrative claims dataset from 2007 to 2015. All single-level lumbar microdecompressions were divided into CON and non-CON states. We further split each group into inpatient and outpatient. Reimbursement and utilization trends were analyzed using the compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Reimbursement trends were inflation-adjusted by using the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Results:

A total of 58,497 single-level lumbar decompressions were identified, with 42,595 performed in the inpatient setting and 15,902 in the outpatient setting. Utilization rates increased across all settings, but the highest growth was seen in the outpatient setting for CON states (CAGR 32.2%), with the lowest growth seen in the inpatient setting in non-CON states (12.9%). Reimbursement decreased in the inpatient setting (−4.9% CON, −4.3% non-CON), although it increased in both outpatient settings (4.4% CON, 3.4% non-CON). Non-CON outpatient had the highest average reimbursement at $2915, while non-CON inpatient reimbursement was the lowest at $812.

Conclusions:

Lumbar decompression utilization is increasing, but reimbursement in the inpatient setting is decreasing regardless of CON status. Both are increasing in the outpatient setting. CON states had higher utilization increases than non-CON states. There was no correlation with CON status and overall reimbursement. Surgeons should be aware of these trends in a value-based healthcare environment.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.