bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of an optimized method to directly identify bacteria from positive blood cultures using MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry
Authors: Yuan Youhua , Wang Junjie , Zhang Jiangfeng , Ma Bing , Gao Shanjun , Li Yi , Wang Shanmei , Wang Baoya , Zhang Qi , Jing Nan
Published: November 2019

Background

Although various methods have been developed to directly identify bacteria from positive blood cultures by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS), the necessity of using commercial kits still leads to a high cost and long assay time. Moreover, few evaluations of these methods have been conducted. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of an optimized MALDI‐TOF MS method for direct identification of bacteria in positive blood cultures.

Methods

A total of 829 non‐repeated positive cultures were collected from July 2018 to August 2019, and direct identification was performed by an optimized MALDI‐TOF MS method. The same positive blood cultures were sub‐cultivated to obtain a single bacterial colony and identified by classical biochemical BD testing, which is the gold standard to compare the accuracy of direct identification of positive blood cultures by MALDI‐TOF MS.

Results

After excluding 7 false‐positive samples from the 829 positive blood cultures, the most accurate rate of direct identification by this optimized MALDI‐TOF MS method was for gram‐negative bacteria (91.5%), followed by gram‐positive bacteria (88.3%), fungi (84.8%), anaerobic bacteria (80%), and other rare bacteria (66.67%).

Conclusion

Common bacteria in positive blood cultures can be identified directly within 1 hour by MALDI‐TOF MS, and thus, this optimized method can be used as a primary identification method by clinicians. Routine implementation of this method may significantly increase the optimal utilization rate of antibiotics and decrease mortality in bacteremia patients.
MicroRNAs in breast cancer: Roles, functions, and mechanism of actions
Authors: Abolghasemi Maryam , Tehrani Sadra Samavarchi , Yousefi Tooba , Karimian Ansar , Mahmoodpoor Ata , Ghamari Aliakbar , Jadidi‐Niaragh Farhad , Yousefi Mehdi , Kafil Hossein Samadi , Bastami Milad , Edalati Mahdi , Eyvazi Shirin , Naghizadeh Mohsen , Targhazeh Niloufar , Yousefi Bahman , Safa Amin , Majidinia Maryam , Rameshknia Vahid
Published: November 2019

Breast cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies in women in the world. Various factors are involved in the development and promotion of the malignancy; most of them involve changes in the expression of certain genes, such as microRNAs (miRNAs). MiRNAs can regulate signaling pathways negatively or positively, thereby affecting tumorigenesis and various aspects of cancer progression, particularly breast cancer. Besides, accumulating data demonstrated that miRNAs are a novel tool for prognosis and diagnosis of breast cancer patients. Herein, we will review the roles of these RNA molecules in several important signaling pathways, such as transforming growth factor, Wnt, Notch, nuclear factor‐κ B, phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase/Akt, and extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase/mitogen activated protein kinase signaling pathways in breast cancer.
Constructing the Pd/PdO/β‐Bi2O3 microspheres with enhanced photocatalytic activity for Bisphenol A degradation and NO removal
Authors: Rao Fei , Zhu Gangqiang , Wang Miaomiao , Zubairu Siyaka Mj , Peng Jianhong , Gao Jianzhi , Hojamberdiev Mirabbos
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Photocatalysis is one of the effective ways to solve the problem of water and gas pollution. An excellent photocatalyst should have the following advantages: efficient photocatalytic activity for gas and water pollutants, recyclable and stable characteristics, non‐toxic and low‐cost. Constructing heterojunctions and introducing oxygen vacancies (OVs) are two effective measures to achieve these targets.

RESULTS

It is found that the 1.0% Pd/PdO/β‐Bi2O3 exhibits the best photocatalytic activity with an efficiency of 97.4% for Bisphenol A (BPA) degradation and 47.6% for nitric oxide (NO) removal within 30 min. The 1.0% Pd/PdO/β‐Bi2O3 composite shows 23.3% efficiency in the photodegradation of BPA under 595 nm monochromatic light irradiation, while β‐Bi2O3 tends to be invalid. Moreover, the OVs promote the removal of NO without irradiation.

CONCLUSION

In this work, a novel ternary Pd/PdO/β‐Bi2O3 material as high‐performance photocatalyst for the BPA degradation and NO removal was synthesized. The presence of OVs promotes the activation of the oxygen molecule, thereby facilitating the photocatalytic process. The p‐n junction of PdO/β‐Bi2O3 and the Schottky barrier of Pd/β‐Bi2O3 significantly limit the recombination of photoinduced electron–hole pairs in the composite. Furthermore, an artifact in the electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrum obtained by spin trapping with 5,5‐dimethyl‐1‐pyrroline N‐oxide (DMPO) as adducts confirms that both hydroxyl radical (•OH) and superoxide radical (•O2−) species are involved in the photocatalytic process. The present work offers a new perspective for developing the composite photocatalysts with high efficiency through loading of metal nanoparticles and creating an heterojunction. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Naturalistic observations of metacognition in engineering: Using observational methods to study metacognitive engagement in engineering
Authors: McCord Rachel E. , Matusovich Holly M.
Published: November 2019

Background

The use of metacognition is critical to learning, especially in fields such as engineering that involve problem‐solving and difficult conceptual material. Due to limitations with current methodological approaches, new methods are needed to investigate engineering students' metacognitive engagement in learning situations that are self‐directed, such as study groups.

Purpose

Our purpose was to develop an approach to investigate the metacognitive engagement of undergraduate engineering students in self‐directed learning environments. The Naturalistic Observations of Metacognition in Engineering (NOME) Observational Protocol and Coding Strategy is a qualitative data collection method that allows researchers to observe the behaviors of students who are studying in groups to determine the student's engagement in different metacognitive practices. The NOME is intended to be used by researchers interested in studying online metacognitive behaviors without the direct interference of a methodological approach.

Design/Method

We observed three study groups where students were working on an engineering problem‐solving homework assignment. Using a taxonomic definition of metacognition, we coded episodes of observation transcripts to identify behaviors that represented key definitions in the taxonomy.

Results

We combined subcodes and descriptions of behaviors with key definitions to develop a coding strategy useful for future observational studies. Evidence of intercoder agreement and agreement in unitizing indicates that the coding strategy can reliably be used by multiple trained coders to identify metacognitive engagement.

Conclusions

The reliability evidence shows that the NOME may be a useful tool for researchers in engineering education interested in studying the metacognitive habits of engineering students in self‐directed study.
Laboratory biases hinder Eco‐Evo‐Devo integration: Hints from the microbial world
Authors: Rivera‐Yoshida Natsuko , Hernández‐Terán Alejandra , Escalante Ana E. , Benítez Mariana
Published: November 2019

How specific environmental contexts contribute to the robustness and variation of developmental trajectories and evolutionary transitions is a central point in Ecological Evolutionary Developmental Biology (“Eco‐Evo‐Devo”). However, the articulation of ecological, evolutionary and developmental processes into integrative frameworks has been elusive, partly because standard experimental designs neglect or oversimplify ecologically meaningful contexts. Microbial models are useful to expose and discuss two possible sources of bias associated with conventional gene‐centered experimental designs: the use of laboratory strains and standard laboratory environmental conditions. We illustrate our point by showing how contrasting developmental phenotypes inMyxococcus xanthusdepend on the joint variation of temperature and substrate stiffness. Microorganismal development can provide key information for better understanding the role of environmental conditions in the evolution of developmental variation, and to overcome some of the limitations associated with current experimental approaches.
One‐pot three‐component synthesis of chromeno [2,3‐d] pyrimidine derivatives: Novel, simple, and efficient electrochemical approach
Authors: Malviya Jyoti , Singh Rana Krishna Pal
Published: November 2019

An atom economical, selective, and convenient one‐pot protocol for the synthesis of the medicinally privileged novel chromeno [2,3‐d] pyrimidine scaffold, viz, multicomponent reaction of barbituric acid derivatives, 1,3 cyclic diketone, and various aldehydes in the presence of tetra n‐butyl ammonium iodide (TBAI) as an electrolyte in water media under room temperature, is reported. This ecologically sound novel concept offers environmentally benign synthetic route, short reaction times, and easy workup procedure with excellent yield (88% to 90%) and is also beneficial for diversity‐oriented large‐scale processes. The synthesized products were characterized by IR, MS, NMR, and CHN analysis.
TEMPO‐catalyzed decarboxylation reactions for the synthesis of 1,2‐unsubstituted indolizines
Authors: Zhang Yuxuan , Wang Wenhui , Sun Jinwei , Liu Yun
Published: November 2019

An efficient synthesis of 1,2‐unsubstituted indolizines was developed via 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO)–catalyzed decarboxylation reaction. A series of target products were successfully prepared with the tolerance of a variety of functional groups. This protocol features advantages such as easily available substrates, broad substituent scope, and eco‐friendly conditions.
Recent rainfall trend over Sri Lanka (1987–2017)
Authors: Nisansala W. D. S. , Abeysingha N. S. , Islam Adlul , Bandara A. M. K. R.
Published: November 2019

Rainfall trend analysis provides useful information for effective planning, and management of water resources, and gives an insight into climate change of a region. This study investigates trends in annual and seasonal rainfall over Sri Lanka using an Innovative Trend Analysis (ITA) and Mann–Kendall (MK) test with Sen's slope estimator. The MK test showed increasing trends in annual rainfall at 24 stations (65%) with five stations showing significant increasing trend. Annual rainfall at 13 locations (35%) showed decreasing trend, but none were significant (p < .05). ITA results for annual rainfall showed increasing trend at 67% stations while 33% stations showed decreasing trend. MK test results for seasonal rainfall indicated increasing trend at 76, 51, 32, and 86% of stations during First Inter‐Monsoon (FIM), Second Inter‐Monsoon (SIM), South West Monsoon (SWM), and North East Monsoon (NEM) seasons, respectively. Seasonal analysis of rainfall trend using ITA method showed increasing trend in 81, 70, 32, and 65% stations during FIM, SIM, SWM, and NEM, respectively. ITA and MK tests exhibited similar trend results for 80% of the stations. Moreover, Spearman's rho correlation coefficient between ITA and MK test trends showed significant (p < .05) positive correlation. In general, eastern, south eastern, north and north central regions of the country showed increasing rainfall trend over the last 31 years (1987–2017) while western, part of north western and central part of the country indicated a decreasing rainfall trend during the same period.
Comparison of two severe low‐temperature snowstorm and ice freezing events in China: Role of Eurasian mid‐high latitude circulation patterns
Authors: Wang Zunya , Ding Yihui , Zhou Botao , Chen Lijuan
Published: November 2019

A severe low‐temperature snowstorm and ice freezing event occurred in China in early 2018. This event was similar to that occurred in early 2008 but with a weaker intensity and salient difference in location and extent. The reason for this discrepancy was investigated in this study using station data and atmospheric reanalysis data. The results reveal that two different circulation patterns (i.e., zonal dipole pattern and meridional dipole pattern) over the mid‐high latitudes of Eurasia played an important role. The zonal dipole pattern, which is closely related to the 2018 event, is characterized by positive anomalies over the Ural Mountains and negative anomalies over Lake Baikal in the 500 hPa geopotential height field. This pattern can cause intense low temperatures in northern China through its influence on the anomalous cyclone over Northeast Asia. The meridional dipole pattern, which is highly associated with the 2008 event, is characterized by positive anomalies over Siberia and negative anomalies over Asia in the 500 hPa geopotential height field. This pattern corresponds to a strong East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) and can drive cold air to move further southward, causing nearly nationwide chilly weather, particularly in northwestern China and south of the Yangtze River valley. The two patterns, combined with the strengthened western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH), have a synergistic role in the occurrence of snowfall. However, these patterns have weak correlations with the number of icy days but provide favourable conditions for ice freezing events.
Exploring Penicillin G as an Intrawound Antibiotic Powder for Prevention of Postoperative Shoulder Infections: Does It Exhibit In Vitro Chondrotoxicity?
Authors: Nadig Nischal S. , Shaw K. Aaron , Parada Stephen A.
Published: November 2019

Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) is a significant insidious pathogen for postoperative infections in shoulder surgery. Studies have demonstrated that certain topical antibiotic powders used have the potential for chondrotoxicity. Benzylpenicillin, commonly referred to as Penicillin G (Pen G) has the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for C. acnes. There is no research regarding the topical application of Pen G during shoulder surgery, nor has its chondrocyte toxicity been previously investigated. This study sought to characterize the in vitro chondrocyte toxicity of Pen G. Culture‐derived bovine chondrocytes were exposed to serial Pen G concentrations and compared with a positive and negative control. A negative control of growth medium and positive control of 1% Triton solution. The chondrocyte viability was assessed via spectrophotometer absorbance. The treatment groups were analyzed using one‐way repeated measures analysis of variance and Pearson's correlation analysis. The chondrocyte viability was significantly higher for all Pen G concentrations as compared with the positive control (p < 0.001). All concentrations of Pen G exhibited continued chondrocyte metabolic activity over time. Analysis of variance, independent of time, demonstrated no significant decrease in chondrocyte viability for Pen G concentrations ≤6.25 mg/ml, as compared with the negative control (p > 0.05). Pen G demonstrated a significant negative correlation with its concentration and absorbance (r = 0.371, p < 0.001), however, concentrations ≤6.25 mg/ml did not demonstrate a significant decrease in chondrocyte viability (p = 0.063). Pen G in concentrations appropriate for C. acnes is not significantly chondrotoxic and may be safe for intrawound application. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:726‐730, 2020
Social capital, knowledge quality, knowledge sharing, and innovation capability: An empirical study of the Indian pharmaceutical sector
Authors: Ganguly Anirban , Talukdar Asim , Chatterjee Debdeep
Published: November 2019

Management of technology and innovation is a topic that has been subjected to a lot of discussions by the academicians and practitioners alike. Furthermore, researchers have emphasized the importance of the role that knowledge management/knowledge sharing can play in promoting innovation in an organization. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the role of social capital and knowledge sharing in achieving innovation capability of an organization. It also discusses the role that knowledge quality might play in fostering the innovation capability of an organization. The basic research model was developed based on an in‐depth review of the extant literature and subsequently tested based on survey data collected from 97 senior executives across multiple pharmaceutical organizations in India. The findings of the partial least squares structural equation modeling indicated that knowledge quality and explicit and tacit knowledge sharing had a significant effect on innovation capability of pharmaceutical organizations in India. It further highlighted that although relational and cognitive social capital play a significant role in improving the quality of shared knowledge among the employees, structural social capital did not have a significant role to play. The findings of this study are expected to aid the pharmaceutical sector to understand the role that knowledge sharing might play in achieving its innovation capability and design knowledge management strategies accordingly.
The cross‐modal interaction between sound frequency and color saturation on consumer's product size perception, preference, and purchase
Authors: Wang Lei , Qian Da , Li Ou
Published: November 2019

Extant literature has documented the direct effects of both sound frequency and color saturation on the perceived size of products. However, the cross‐modal interaction effect of the two on size perception is yet unknown. Through three studies, this paper proposes that the effect of sound frequency on the perceived size of product is moderated by that product's own color saturation, and this further had downstream effects on consumers’ product preference and purchase when they possess predetermined product usage goals toward bigger/smaller sizes. Study 1 found behavioral evidence that only when the color of the product is in high saturation can the sound frequency significantly influence the perceived size of the product, with low (vs. high) frequency leading to larger (vs. smaller) perceived size. When the product's color is in low saturation, the effect of sound frequency on perceived size disappears. Study 2 adopted the event‐related potential technique and found that high (vs. low) saturation elicited higher arousal (mirrored by P300 amplitudes). Sound frequency is first moderated by color saturation and was then mediated by arousal to affect the perceived product size. The above results were also replicated in the field (Study 3). Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Effect of yttrium addition on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of Mg−Zn−Zr alloys
Authors: Jia Q.‐g. , Han S. , Sun Y. , Zhang W. , Xu C. , Zhang J.
Published: November 2019

Microstructure evolution and bio‐corrosion behaviors of as‐cast Mg‐3Zn‐0.4Zr‐xY (x = 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 wt.%) alloys were studied by using optical microscope, x‐ray diffractometer, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscope, immersion test and electrochemical measurement. Results indicated that yttrium addition led to significant grain refinement and to the formation of I‐phase (Mg3YZn6) and W‐phase (Mg3Y2Zn3). The volume fraction of I‐phase is dramatically increased after 2 wt% yttrium addition, and the corrosion resistance is improved, while further addition reverses the effect, due to the rising W‐phase, which increases the amount of cathodic sites and accelerates the galvanic corrosion process.
Möglichkeit zur Lebensdauererhöhung von Schleifscheiben: Hier beim Schleifen von Magnesiumlegierungen
Authors: Dębkowski R. , Gołąbczak M. , Skowron M. , Urbaniak M.
Published: November 2019

The article presents and discusses a new method of grinding of magnesium alloys using conventional ceramic grinding. In this method the conditioning (cleaning) of the cutting surface of grinding wheel during grinding operation is applied. It will be shown that this method significantly increases the durability of cutting properties of grinding wheels. Moreover, the geometrical structure of surface layer of grinded workpieces in 3D configuration is assessed as well as manufactured, diamond like carbon coating on the surface is presented.
Investigation of the STOX1 polymorphism on lumbar disc herniation
Authors: Yang Xuejun , Li Feng , Xin Daqi , Huang Zhi , Xue Jianmin , Wang Bo , Da Yifeng , Xing Wenhua , Zhu Yong
Published: November 2019

Background

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common musculoskeletal disorder affliction and associated with several genes polymorphism. Storkhead box 1 (STOX1) gene is a transcriptional factor related with several signaling pathways including inflammatory pathway. However, little is known about single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of STOX1 associated with LDH risk.

Methods

We conducted a case–control study among 508 LDH cases and well‐matched 508 controls, and six candidate SNPs in STOX1 were genotyped by Agena MassARRAY. Chi‐squared test, genetic model, and haploview analysis were used to evaluate associations. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by unconditional logistic regression.

Results

In the allelic model analysis, we found the minor allele “T” of rs7903209 and “A” of rs4472827 were associated with an increased risk of LDH (p = .029, p = .016). Furthermore, in the genotype model analysis, rs7903209 polymorphism was associated with the increased susceptibility of LDH based on dominant (p = .033) and additive model (p = .024); and rs4472827 variant was found to play a harmful role in the LDH risk based on genotype (p = .014), dominant (p = .012), and additive model (p = .015). In the haplotype analysis, the haplotype “GT” in block (rs10998461 and rs10998468) decreased LDH risk (OR = 0.7, 95% CI = 0.52–0.93, p = .016). Functional assessment indicated that rs7903209 and rs4472827 polymorphisms may influence the expression of STOX1.

Conclusion

Our results provide evidence for polymorphisms of rs7903209 and rs4472827 in STOX1 associated with LDH risk in Chinese Han population.
Variant analysis of PEX11B gene from a family with peroxisome biogenesis disorder 14B by whole exome sequencing
Authors: Tian Yuan , Zhang Linlin , Li Ying , Gao Jinshuang , Yu Haiyang , Guo Yaqing , Jia Liting
Published: November 2019

Background

Peroxisome biogenesis disorder 14B (PBD14B) is an autosomal recessive peroxisome biogenesis disorder characterized clinically by mild intellectual disability, congenital cataracts, progressive hearing loss, and polyneuropathy peroxisome biogenesis disorders are genetically heterogeneous group of disorders caused by biallelic mutations in peroxin (PEX) genes.

Methodology/Laboratory Examination

DNA of the family was extracted and sequenced by whole exome sequencing. The results were validated with Sanger sequencing analyzed with Bioinformatics software.

Results

Sequencing result showed that the patient has carried a homozygous variant of c.277C>T of the PEX11B gene. The patient's brother has carried a homozygous variant of c.277C>T of the PEX11B gene and their variants of c.277C>T of the PEX11B gene were inherited, respectively, from his mother and father.

Discussion and Conclusion

The homozygous variant of c.277C>T of the PEX11B gene probably underlie the disease in this child and her brother.
Inhibitory effect of alpinetin on IL‐6 expression by promoting cytosine methylation in CpG islands in the IL‐6 promoter region
Authors: Hu Ke , Li Yuxian , Liang Minghua , Liu Lijing , Chen Yuefu , Huang Minjiang , Tan Bifeng , Luo Yingquan , Yin Huiming
Published: November 2019

Background

Alpinetin is a flavonoid which exerts antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory functions. In order to prove that the induced methylation is an important mechanism for alpinetin in regulating the expression of inflammatory factor Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), we detected the dinucleotide methylation status of CpG islands in the IL‐6 promoter region and IL‐6 level after treatment of RAW246.7 murine macrophages with alpinetin.

Methods

After RAW246.7 murine macrophages were treated with alpinetin, alpinetin + GW9662 (the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) antagonist), and alpinetin + DNA methyltransferase 3 alpha (DNMT3A) siRNA for 96 hr, CpG islands were analyzed using time‐of‐flight mass spectrophotometry (TOF‐MS) and bisulfite sequencing polymerase chain reaction (BSP). Dinucleotide methylation status of the CpG islands in the IL‐6 promoter region was analyzed by methylation‐specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). IL‐6 level was detected using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Pearson's correlation analysis was conducted to test for potential correlation between the methylation status of CpG islands in the IL‐6 promoter region and IL‐6 level in RAW 246.7 cells.

Results

Alpinetin promoted dinucleotide methylation status of two CpG islands in the IL‐6 promoter region stretching 500–2500 bp upstream of the transcriptional start site (TSS) (p < .05). This promoting effect was more significant for the CpG island stretching 500–1500 bp long. The methylation ratio of dinucleotide at this position was significantly inversely correlated with the level of IL‐6 (p < .05). PPAR antagonist GW9662 and interference of DNMT3A could reverse both the alpinetin‐induced methylation and inhibitory effects on IL‐6 expression.

Conclusion

Alpinetin could induce dinucleotide methylation status of CpG islands in the IL‐6 promoter region by activating methyltransferase, thus inhibiting IL‐6 expression in murine macrophages.
Nonoscillatory solutions of half‐linear Euler‐type equation with n terms
Authors: Pátíková Zuzana
Published: November 2019

We consider the half‐linear Euler‐type equation with n terms

in the subcritical case when 0<μ<μp and p>1. The solutions of this nonoscillatory equation cannot be found in an explicit form and can be studied only asymptotically. In this paper, with the use of the perturbation principle, modified Riccati technique, and the fixed point theorem, we establish an asymptotic formula for one of its solutions.
Asymptotic analysis of boosted ground states of boson stars
Authors: Wang Qingxuan , Li Xin
Published: November 2019

We investigate a minimization problem on the pseudo‐relativistic Hartree equation for boson stars, in which the energy functional is defined by

where
denotes travelling velocity. Two kinds of asymptotic analysis with respect to m and the L2‐norm
will be given, respectively.
An outdoor remote detection method for corona discharge based on convolution window bandpass filtering of its electromagnetic radiation mainly in microwave‐band
Authors: Wang Jian , Huang Xiangdong , Ma Jianguo
Published: November 2019

Recently, with the rapid development of railway and ultra‐high voltage widely applied in long‐distance electric power transmission in China, potentially harmful corona discharge may be evoked in cobuilt area of two types of infrastructure. In order to increase the sensitivity and detection distance of corona discharges which cover the frequency band up to 1000 MHz or above, this paper proposes a novel corona detection method based on bandpass digital filtering. Based on a deep spectral investigation on background signals and corona discharge signals, it is discovered that there exists a narrow characteristic band from 230 to 270 MHz which can be developed to improve corona detection with high signal‐noise‐ratio using helical antenna. Accordingly, a novel convolution window based digital filter design was proposed. It can not only accurately realize the mentioned bandpass filter's cut‐off frequencies but also greatly suppress the electromagnetic interference. Moreover, to enhance the proposed method's design efficiency, the filter parameter configuration for corona detection and a closed‐form formula of filter coefficients were also derived. Field experiments verified the proposed method's feasibility and high sensitivity, and showed that the maximum measurable distance of this apparatus can reach 150 m.
Volumetric multicomponent T1ρrelaxation mapping of the human liver under free breathing at 3T
Authors: Sharafi Azadeh , Baboli Rahman , Zibetti Marcelo , Shanbhogue Krishna , Olsen Sonja , Block Tobias , Chandarana Hersh , Regatte Ravinder
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To develop a 3D sequence for T1ρrelaxation mapping using radial volumetric encoding (3D‐T1ρ‐RAVE) and to evaluate the multi relaxation components in the liver of healthy controls and chronic liver disease (CLD) patients.

Methods

Fat saturation and T1ρpreparation modules were followed by a train of gradient‐echo acquisitions and T1restoration delay. The series of T1ρ‐weighted images were fitted using mono‐exponential, bi‐exponential, and stretched‐exponential models. The repeatability and reproducibility of the proposed technique were evaluated on National Institute of Standards and Technology phantom by calculating the coefficient of variation between test‐retest scans on the same scanner and between two different 3T scanners, respectively. Mann‐Whitney U‐test was performed to assess differences in T1ρcomponents among patients (n= 3) and a control group (n= 10).

Results

The phantom study showed an error of 8.9% and 11.5% in mono T2relaxation time measurement relative to the reference on 2 different scanners. The coefficient of variation for test‐retest scans performed on the same scanner was 5.7% and 2.4% for scans performed on 2 scanners. The comparison between healthy controls and CLD patients showed a significant difference (P< .05) in mono relaxation time (P= .002), stretched‐exponential relaxation parameter (P= .04). The Akaike information criteria C criterion showed 2.53 ± 0.9% (2.3 ± 0.3% for CLD) of the voxels are bi‐exponential while in 65.3 ± 5.8% (81.2 ± 0.06% for CLD) of the liver voxels, the stretched‐exponential model was preferred.

Conclusion

The 3D‐T1ρ‐RAVE sequence allows volumetric, multicomponent T1ρassessment of the liver during free breathing and can distinguish between healthy volunteers and CLD patients.
Utility and practice of electrodiagnostic testing in the pediatric population: An AANEM consensus statement
Authors: Kang Peter B. , McMillan Hugh J. , Kuntz Nancy L. , Lehky Tanya J. , Alter Katharine E. , Fitzpatrick Kevin F. , El Kosseifi Charbel , Quijano‐Roy Susana ,   The Professional Practice Committee of the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine
Published: November 2019

Nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography, collectively known as electrodiagnostic (EDX) studies, have been available for pediatric patients for decades, but the accessibility of this diagnostic modality and the approach to testing vary significantly depending on the physician and institution. The maturation of molecular diagnostic approaches and other diagnostic technologies such as neuromuscular ultrasound indicate that an analysis of current needs and practices for EDX studies in the pediatric population is warranted. The American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine convened a consensus panel to perform literature searches, share collective experiences, and develop a consensus statement. The panel found that electrodiagnostic studies continue to have high utility for the diagnosis of numerous childhood neuromuscular disorders, and that standardized approaches along with the use of high‐quality reference values are important to maximize the diagnostic yield of these tests in infants, children, and adolescents.
Quantitative sonographic evaluation of muscle thickness and fasciculation prevalence in healthy subjects
Authors: Abraham Alon , Drory Vivian E. , Fainmesser Yaara , Lovblom Leif E. , Bril Vera
Published: November 2019

Background

In the current study, we aimed to determine normative values for muscle thickness and fasciculation prevalence in healthy subjects.

Methods

We performed a prospective study from October to December 2018 in 65 healthy subjects. All subjects underwent quantitative sonographic evaluation of muscle thickness and fasciculation prevalence in the following 8 muscles: Biceps brachii, abductor pollicis brevis, first dorsal interosseous, abductor digiti minimi, quadriceps, tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum brevis, and abductor hallucis brevis.

Results

Subject ages ranged from 21 to 82 years, with 63% women. Normative values for muscle thickness were determined using the fifth percentile. Multivariate regression analysis showed that sex, age, body mass index, and hand dominance affected muscle thickness. Fasciculations were observed frequently only in distal muscles.

Conclusions

Normal values for muscle thickness were determined, and may enhance neuromuscular ultrasound sensitivity and serve as a basis for future studies. Larger series are needed to confirm these values.
Limitations of Active Removal to Manage Predatory Fish Populations
Authors: Michel Cyril J. , Smith Joseph M. , Lehman Brendan M. , Demetras Nicholas J. , Huff David D. , Brandes Patricia L. , Israel Joshua A. , Quinn Thomas P. , Hayes Sean A.
Published: November 2019

Programs to control predatory fishes have successfully increased the survival of imperiled prey fishes in some cases, but efficacy depends on the population dynamics and ecological interactions between the predators, prey, and the rest of the community. In California's Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta, extremely low survival of downstream-migrating juvenile salmonids has been ascribed in part to predation by abundant nonnative fishes that have become naturalized in the system. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of removing some of these predatory fish to increase the survival of juvenile salmonids in the San Joaquin River. In 2014 and 2015, we used predation event recorders (PERs) to estimate predation rates before and after localized, experimental predatory fish removals and additions. We also estimated survival of juvenile Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha before and after predator manipulations in 2014 using acoustic tags. We found no statistically significant evidence for an effect of predator removals or additions on survival rates of Chinook Salmon (as measured by acoustic tags) or on predation rates (as measured by PERs), despite a one-time reduction of approximately 40–70% of all predators from “removal” sites and relocation to “addition” sites. We review examples of successful predator control programs elsewhere, highlighting key differences between those programs and our study in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta.
EAU/ESPU guidelines on the management of neurogenic bladder in children and adolescent part I diagnostics and conservative treatment
Authors: Stein Raimund , Bogaert Guy , Dogan Hasan S. , Hoen Lisette , Kocvara Radim , Nijman Rien J. M. , Quadackers Josine S. L. T. , Rawashdeh Yazan F. , Silay Mesrur S. , Tekgul Serdar , Radmayr Christian
Published: November 2019

Background

In childhood, the most common reason for a neurogenic bladder is related to spinal dysraphism, mostly myelodysplasia.

Aims

Herein, we present the EAU/ESPU guidelines in respect to the diagnostics, timetable for investigations and conservative management including clean intermittent catheterization (CIC).

Material and Methods

After a systematic literature review covering the period 2000 to 2017, the ESPU/EUAU guideline for neurogenic bladder underwent an update.

Results

The EAU/ESPU guideline panel advocates a proactive approach. In newborns with spina bifida, CIC should be started as soon as possible after birth. In those with intrauterine closure of the defect, urodynamic studies are recommended be performed before the patient leaves the hospital. In those with closure after birth urodynamics should be done within the next 3 months. Anticholinergic medication (oxybutynin is the only well‐investigated drug in this age group—dosage 0.2‐0.4 mg/kg weight per day) should be applied, if the urodynamic study confirmed detrusor overactivity. Close follow‐up including ultrasound, bladder diary, urinalysis, and urodynamics are necessary within the first 6 years and after that the time intervals can be prolonged, depending on the individual risk and clinical course. In all other children with the suspicion of a neurogenic bladder due to various reasons as tethered cord, inflammation, tumors, trauma, or other reasons as well as those with anorectal malformations, urodynamics—preferable video‐urodynamics, should be carried out as soon as there is a suspicion of a neurogenic bladder and conservative treatment should be started soon after confirmation of the diagnosis of neurogenic bladder. With conservative treatment the upper urinary tract is preserved in up to 90%, urinary tract infections are common, but not severe, complications of CIC are quite rare and continence can be achieved at adolescence in up to 80% without further treatment.

Discussion and Conclusions

The transition into adulthood is a complicated time for both patients, their caregivers and doctors, as the patient wants to become independent from caregivers and treatment compliance is reduced. Also, transition to adult clinics for patients with neurogenic bladders is often not well‐established.
A characterization of ABL‐101 as a potential tracer for clinical fluorine‐19 MRI
Authors: Darçot Emeline , Colotti Roberto , Brennan David , Deuchar Graeme A. , Santosh Celestine , van Heeswijk Ruud B.
Published: November 2019

The two main challenges that prevent the translation of fluorine‐19 (19F) MRI for inflammation monitoring or cell tracking into clinical practice are (i) the relatively low signal‐to‐noise ratio generated by the injected perfluorocarbon (PFC), which necessitates long scan times, and (ii) the need for regulatory approval and a high biocompatibility of PFCs that are also suitable for MRI. ABL‐101, an emulsion of perfluoro(t‐butylcyclohexane), is a third‐generation PFC that is already used in clinical trials, but has not yet been used for 19F MRI. The objective of this study was therefore to assess the performance of ABL‐101 as a 19F MRI tracer. At magnetic field strengths of 3, 9.4 and 14.1 T, the CF3 groups of ABL‐101 generated a large well‐separated singlet with T2/T1 ratios of >0.27, >0.14 and > 0.05, respectively. All relaxation times decreased with the increase in magnetic field strength. The detection limit of ABL‐101 in a 0.25 mm3 voxel at 3 T, 37°C and with a 3‐minute acquisition time was 7.21mM. After intravenous injection, the clearance half‐lives of the ABL‐101 19F MR signal in mouse (n = 3) spleen and liver were 6.85 ± 0.45 and 3.20 ± 0.35 days, respectively. These results demonstrate that ABL‐101 has 19F MR characteristics that are similar to those of PFCs developed specifically for MRI, while it has clearance half‐lives similar to PFCs that have previously been used in large doses in non‐MRI clinical trials. Overall, ABL‐101 is thus a very promising candidate tracer for future clinical trials that use 19F MRI for cell tracking or the monitoring of inflammation.
Oral health in residential aged care: Perceptions of nurses and management staff
Authors: Patterson Norrie Tiffany , Villarosa Amy R. , Kong Ariana C. , Clark Sally , Macdonald Susan , Srinivas Ravi , Anlezark Jennifer , George Ajesh
Published: November 2019

Aim

This study aimed to explore the perceptions of residential aged care nursing and management staff regarding oral care, to develop strategies to improve the oral health of aged care residents.

Design

A qualitative approach was used.

Methods

Two focus groups were conducted with nursing and management staff at two residential aged care facilities and transcripts were thematically analysed.

Results

All staff had an awareness of the importance of oral health; however, they highlighted the significant challenges in the current system that affect implementation of oral health training and practice guidelines in the residential aged care facility. High staff turnover, time constraints, difficulties in accessing dental services and working together with residents, their families and external staff were barriers to providing oral health care. Staff highlighted the need for formalized clinical guidelines and processes and efficient dental referral pathways to create a more cohesive system of care.
The impact of total body irradiation‐based regimens on outcomes in children and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Friend Brian D. , Bailey‐Olson Mara , Melton Alexis , Shimano Kristin A. , Kharbanda Sandhya , Higham Christine , Winestone Lena E. , Huang James , Stieglitz Elliot , Dvorak Christopher C.
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Total body irradiation (TBI)‐based conditioning is the standard of care in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that requires allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, TBI is known to be associated with an increased risk of late effects, and therefore, non‐TBI regimens have also been utilized successfully. A recent study showed that patients that were next‐generation sequencing‐minimal residual disease (NGS‐MRD) negative prior to allogeneic HSCT had a very low risk of relapse, and perhaps could avoid exposure to TBI without compromising disease control. We examined outcomes at our institution in patients that received a TBI or non‐TBI regimen, as well as explored the impact of NGS‐MRD status in predicting risk of relapse post transplant.

Procedures

This retrospective analysis included 57 children and young adults with ALL that received their first myeloablative allogeneic HSCT from 2012 to 2017 at the University of California San Francisco. Our primary endpoint was the cumulative incidence of relapse at 3 years post transplant.

Results

We demonstrated similar cumulative incidence of relapse for patients treated with either a TBI or non‐TBI conditioning regimen, while NGS‐MRD positivity prior to transplant was highly predictive of relapse. The presence of acute graft‐versus‐host disease was associated with decreased relapse rates, particularly among patients that received a TBI conditioning regimen and patients that were NGS‐MRD positive prior to HSCT.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the decision to use either a TBI or non‐TBI regimens in ALL should depend on NGS‐MRD status, with conditioning regimens based on TBI reserved for patients that cannot achieve NGS‐MRD negativity prior to allogeneic HSCT.
Fabrication of a Novel Polymeric Scaffold for Amperometric Laccase Biosensor
Authors: Soylemez Saniye , Bekmezci Siddika Aybuke , Goker Seza , Toppare Levent
Published: November 2019

Present work displays the preparation of an electrochemical biosensor using a conjugated polymer and laccase enzyme for catechol quantification in samples. The biosensing system is based on an enzyme immobilization on polymer modified graphite transducer surface. For that purpose, a random conjugated polymer, thienothiophene‐benzoxadiazole‐alt‐benzodithiophene (BOTT), was coated onto a graphite electrode surface via drop casting method followed by immobilization of a biomolecule (laccase) for sensing experiments. Herein, for the first time, we proposed a BOTT polymer as an inexpensive and effective way to fabricate highly sensitive and fast response biosensors. The proposed sensing system possessed superior properties with 0.38 μM limit of detection and 110.81 μA mM−1 sensitivity. Furthermore, cyclic voltammetry and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to examine the surface modifications. The proposed system could be useful for many future studies for catechol quantification in environmental samples.© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 2333–2339
Double‐crosslinked reversible redox‐responsive hydrogels based on disulfide–thiol interchange
Authors: Che Yunjiao , Zschoche Stefan , Obst Franziska , Appelhans Dietmar , Voit Brigitte
Published: November 2019

We present novel redox‐responsive hydrogels based on poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) or poly(acrylamide), consisting of a reversible disulfide crosslinking agent N,N′‐bis(acryloyl)cystamine and a permanent crosslinking agent N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide for microfluidic applications. The mechanism of swelling/deswelling behavior starts with the cleavage and reformation of disulfide bonds, leading to a change of crosslinking density and crosslinking points. Raman and ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy confirm that conversion efficiency of thiol–disulfide interchange up to 99%. Rheological analysis reveals that the E modulus of hydrogel is dependent on the crosslinking density and can be repeatedly manipulated between high‐ and low‐stiffness states over at least 5 cycles without significant decrease. Kinetic studies showed that the mechanical strength of the gels changes as the redox reaction proceeds. This process is much faster than the autonomous diffusion in the hydrogel. Moreover, cooperative diffusion coefficient (Dcoop) indicates that the swelling process of the hydrogel is affected by the reduction reaction. Finally, this reversibly switchable redox behavior of bulky hydrogel could be proven in microstructured hydrogel dots through short‐term photopatterning process. These hydrogel dots on glass substrates also showed the desired short response time on cyclic swelling and shrinking processes known from downsized hydrogel shapes. Such stimuli‐responsive hydrogels with redox‐sensitive crosslinkers open a new pathway in exchanging analytes for sensing and separating in microfluidics applications. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 2590–2601
Potential distribution of two invasive pineapple pests under climate change
Authors: Wei Jiufeng , Peng Lingfei , He Zhiqiang , Lu Yunyun , Wang Fang
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

The number of global invasive species has significantly increased during the past two centuries due to globalization. The understanding of species invasion under climate change is crucial for sustainable biodiversity conservation, community dynamics, ecosystem function, and resource distribution. Two invasive species, Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell) and D. neobrevipes (Beardsley) have greatly expanded their ranges during recent years. These insects are now considered as extremely serious pests for various plants, especially pineapple. In addition, they are the primary vectors for pineapple wilt associated virus. However, the potential distribution range and management strategies for these pests are unclear.

RESULTS

In this study, potential risk maps were developed for these pests with MaxEnt (maximum entropy) based on occurrence data under different environmental variables. The potential distributions of these pests were projected for 2050s and 2070s under three climate change scenarios as described in the Special Report on Emissions Scenarios of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Results showed that both pests have similar potential distributions, with high environmental suitability in South America, Africa and South Asia. In addition, potential range expansions or reductions were predicted under different climate change scenarios. The annual mean temperature was the most important factor, accounting for 43.4% of D. brevipes distribution. The minimum temperature of coldest month and mean temperature of coldest quarter was found to be responsible for 90.3% of D. neobrevipes distribution.

CONCLUSION

This research provided a theoretical reference framework to develop policies in the management and control of these invasive pests. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry