bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired Dilator Reactivity of Middle Cerebral Arteries in Goto‐Kakizaki Rats with Type II Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Halvorson Brayden , Whitehead Shawn , McGuire John , Frisbee Jefferson
Published: April 2020

Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a highly prevalent disease and is associated with the development of cerebrovascular disease. The objective of the study was to determine whether alterations to the regulation of cerebral vascular tone exist in a non‐obese model of T2DM and to determine the mechanistic contributors to changes in this response. Middle cerebral arteries (MCA) from 17–18‐wk‐old male Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and Goto‐Kakizaki (GK) were isolated and cannulated with glass micropipettes. Vascular reactivity was assessed in response to challenge with acetylcholine (ACh), sodium nitroprusside (SNP), reductions in Po2, 5‐HT, and increased intraluminal pressure. Vessels were treated with the competitive nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor L‐NAME, the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin, and the cell‐permeable superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic TEMPOL to support interpretation of mechanistic contributors to changes in vessel reactivity. Similar measurements of vascular reactivity to methacholine (MCh), phenylephrine, SNP, and reductions in PO2 were measured in aortic ring preparations, along with measurements of vascular NO production and metabolites of arachidonic acid. There was an impairment of vessel dilation within the MCA and aorta of GK in response to ACh/MCh and hypoxia but not SNP. Decreased vascular NO release and ratio of PGI2/TxA2 were measured within the aorta in response to hypoxia, and increasing MCh concentration. No change was seen in the constrictor response to either 5‐HT or phenylephrine within the MCA or aorta respectively or in the myogenic activation of the MCA. Treatment with L‐NAME severely blunted the dilator reactivity of both the MCA and aorta, while TEMPOL showed mild improvements in GK, and indomethacin yielded improved dilator reactivity to MCh in GK but blunted it in WKY. These results suggest that the vasodilator reactivity of the MCA and aorta of GK in response to endothelium‐dependent dilator stimuli is impaired vs. WKY. This may be due to decreased NO bioavailability and altered arachidonic acid metabolism as a result of a pro‐oxidant pro‐inflammatory condition present in T2DM. The lack of change to the constrictor response of MCA and aorta in GK suggests a lack of structural remodeling as a result of T2DM at this age.

Support or Funding Information

American Heart Association and National Institutes of Health (USA); Canadian Institutes for Health Research and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (Canada)

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
The Effect of Stimulus Choice on an EEG-Based Objective Measure of Speech Intelligibility
Authors: Verschueren Eline , Vanthornhout Jonas , Francart Tom
Published: April 2020

Objectives:

Recently, an objective measure of speech intelligibility (SI), based on brain responses derived from the electroencephalogram (EEG), has been developed using isolated Matrix sentences as a stimulus. We investigated whether this objective measure of SI can also be used with natural speech as a stimulus, as this would be beneficial for clinical applications.

Design:

We recorded the EEG in 19 normal-hearing participants while they listened to two types of stimuli: Matrix sentences and a natural story. Each stimulus was presented at different levels of SI by adding speech weighted noise. SI was assessed in two ways for both stimuli: (1) behaviorally and (2) objectively by reconstructing the speech envelope from the EEG using a linear decoder and correlating it with the acoustic envelope. We also calculated temporal response functions (TRFs) to investigate the temporal characteristics of the brain responses in the EEG channels covering different brain areas.

Results:

For both stimulus types, the correlation between the speech envelope and the reconstructed envelope increased with increasing SI. In addition, correlations were higher for the natural story than for the Matrix sentences. Similar to the linear decoder analysis, TRF amplitudes increased with increasing SI for both stimuli. Remarkable is that although SI remained unchanged under the no-noise and +2.5 dB SNR conditions, neural speech processing was affected by the addition of this small amount of noise: TRF amplitudes across the entire scalp decreased between 0 and 150 ms, while amplitudes between 150 and 200 ms increased in the presence of noise. TRF latency changes in function of SI appeared to be stimulus specific: the latency of the prominent negative peak in the early responses (50 to 300 ms) increased with increasing SI for the Matrix sentences, but remained unchanged for the natural story.

Conclusions:

These results show (1) the feasibility of natural speech as a stimulus for the objective measure of SI; (2) that neural tracking of speech is enhanced using a natural story compared to Matrix sentences; and (3) that noise and the stimulus type can change the temporal characteristics of the brain responses. These results might reflect the integration of incoming acoustic features and top-down information, suggesting that the choice of the stimulus has to be considered based on the intended purpose of the measurement.
Advances in endocrine and targeted therapy for hormone-receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative advanced breast cancer
Authors: Shen Le-Sang , Jin Xiao-Yan , Wang Xu-Meng , Tou Lai-Zhen , Huang Jian
Published: April 2020

Nearly 70% of breast cancer (BC) is hormone-receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, and endocrine therapy is the mainstay of treatment for this subtype. However, intrinsic or acquired endocrine resistance can occur during the endocrine treatment. Based on insights of endocrine resistance mechanisms, a number of targeted therapies have been and continue to be developed. With regard to HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced BC, aromatase inhibitor (AI) is superior to tamoxifen, and fulvestrant is a better option for patients previously exposed to endocrine therapy. Targeted drugs, such as cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors, phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors, and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, play a significant role in the present and show a promising future. With the application of CDK4/6 inhibitors becoming common, mechanisms of acquired resistance to them should also be taken into consideration.
Dexmedetomidine attenuates inflammation and pancreatic injury in a rat model of experimental severe acute pancreatitis via cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway
Authors: Huang Dong-Ya , Li Qiang , Shi Chen-Yuan , Hou Chao-Qun , Miao Yi , Shen Hong-Bing
Published: April 2020

Background

Excessive inflammatory responses play a critical role in the development of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), and controlling such inflammation is vital for managing this often fatal disease. Dexmedetomidine has been reported to possess protective properties in inflammatory diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether dexmedetomidine pre-treatment exerts an anti-inflammatory effect in rats with SAP induced by sodium taurocholate, and if so, to determine the potential mechanism.

Methods

SAP was induced with sodium taurocholate. Rats received an intraperitoneal injection of dexmedetomidine 30 min before sodium taurocholate administration. α-bungarotoxin, a selective alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAchR) antagonist, was injected intra-peritoneally 30 min before dexmedetomidine administration. The role of the vagus nerve was evaluated by performing unilateral cervical vagotomy before the administration of dexmedetomidine. Efferent discharge of the vagal nerve was recorded by the BL-420F Data Acquisition & Analysis System. Six hours after onset, serum pro-inflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor α [TNF-α] and interleukin 6 [IL-6]) levels and amylase levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and an automated biochemical analyzer, respectively. Histopathological changes in the pancreas were observed after hematoxylin and eosin staining and scored according to Schmidt criteria.

Results

Pre-treatment with dexmedetomidine significantly decreased serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and amylase, strongly alleviating pathological pancreatic injury in the rat model of SAP (TNF-α: 174.2 ± 30.2 vs. 256.1±42.4 pg/ml; IL-6: 293.3 ± 46.8 vs. 421.7 ± 48.3 pg/ml; amylase: 2102.3 ± 165.3 vs. 3186.4 ± 245.2 U/L). However, the anti-inflammatory and pancreatic protective effects were abolished after vagotomy or pre-administration of α-bungarotoxin. Dexmedetomidine also significantly increased the discharge frequency and amplitude of the cervical vagus nerve in the SAP rat model (discharge frequency: 456.8 ± 50.3 vs. 332.4 ± 25.1 Hz; discharge amplitude: 33.4 ± 5.3 vs. 20.5 ± 2.9 μV).

Conclusions

Dexmedetomidine administration attenuated the systemic inflammatory response and local pancreatic injury caused by SAP in rats through the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway involving vagus- and α7nAChR-dependent mechanisms.
Nighttime Sleep Duration Is Associated With Length of Stay Outcomes Among Older Adult Survivors of Critical Illness
Authors: Elías Maya N. , Munro Cindy L. , Liang Zhan , Padilla Fortunatti Cristobal F. , Calero Karel , Ji Ming
Published: April 2020

Background

Older adults who required mechanical ventilation while in an intensive care unit (ICU) require adequate sleep throughout recovery from critical illness. Poor post-ICU sleep quality may contribute to worsening impairments in physical, cognitive, or psychological status after critical illness, known as post-ICU syndrome. Previous research has evaluated post-ICU sleep with qualitative or mixed methods (eg, interviews, questionnaires). We proposed measurement of sleep with actigraphy. We hypothesized that nighttime sleep is associated with length of stay (LOS).

Objectives

The aims of this study were to describe sleep quality of previously mechanically ventilated older adults recently transferred out of ICU and explore relationships between sleep duration and LOS outcomes.

Methods

We enrolled 30 older adults, 65 years and older, within 24 to 48 hours after ICU discharge. We collected actigraphy data on post-ICU sleep duration (total sleep time [TST]) and sleep fragmentation (wake time after sleep onset) over 2 consecutive nights. We explored associations between TST and LOS (in days) outcomes using multivariate regression.

Results

Subjects' mean TST was 7.55 ± 2.52 hours, and mean wake time after sleep onset was 2.26 ± 0.17 hours. In exploratory regression analyses, longer ICU LOS (β = 0.543, P < .001) and longer length of mechanical ventilation (β = 0.420, P = .028) were associated with greater post-ICU TST, after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Total sleep time was prospectively associated with total hospital LOS (β = 0.535, P < .001).

Discussion

Older ICU survivors demonstrate greater sleep duration and worse sleep fragmentation. Poor sleep may contribute to longer LOS, secondary to post-ICU syndrome and sequelae. We recommend nursing interventions to promote sleep consolidation throughout transitions of care in the acute post-ICU recovery period.
Implementing a Comfort Care Cart
Authors: Stolzman Kori A. , Connors Joan M.
Published: April 2020

The field of critical care nursing is multidimensional and filled with opportunities to bring change to current practice. In the United States, nearly 13% of patients (range, 8%-24%) admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) die during or after the admission (https://www.dartmouthatlas.org/interactive-apps/end-of-life-care/). Critical care nurses provide care at every stage of acute and chronic illness. Often this includes care of the patient and family at end of life, guided by palliative care principles supported by the national guidelines including the American Association of Critical Care (Dimens Crit Care Nurs 2017;36(2):110-115). While enrolled in the final registered nurse–to–bachelor of science in nursing (RN-to-BSN) course, students are challenged to complete a quality improvement (QI) project. The project leader noted a clinical problem in the ICU. The landmark Dying in America report, as well as published theories on comfort, and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Open School Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model were used as the theoretical foundation for a clinical practice change. This assignment was the impetus to provide items at the bedside using a comfort cart. Description of this nurse-driven pilot project initiative includes a replicable guide of implementing a comfort care cart, transforming the patient's room into a home-like atmosphere for the families at the bedside.
Cefotiam Treatment in Children: Evidence of Subtherapeutic Levels
Authors: Kan Min , Wu Ling , Zhou Xin-Wei , Jiang Yong-Fang , Wu Yue-E , Shi Hai-Yan , Hao Guo-Xiang , Zheng Yi , Su Le-Qun , Huang Xin , Zhao Wei
Published: April 2020

Background:

Cefotiam, a second-generation cephalosporin, is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with good antibacterial action against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. It is used widely in clinical practice, although bacterial drug resistance makes its clinical use problematic. The authors hypothesized that subtherapeutic concentrations of cefotiam leads to bacterial resistance. The present study was conducted to evaluate whether the standard cefotiam dosing regimen resulted in a subtherapeutic concentrations in children.

Method:

Data were prospectively collected from pediatric patients with suspected or confirmed community-acquired pneumonia who were receiving cefotiam at the standard dosing regimen (40–80 mg/kg, 2 or 3 times daily). A blood sample was collected after 70%–100% of the dosing interval, and plasma concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography using an ultraviolet detector.

Results:

The data from 88 patients (age, 3.0 ± 2.8 years; weight, 15.4 ± 8.3 kg) were used for analysis. The average of cefotiam concentrations was 0.06 mcg/mL (range: <0.05–0.79 mcg/mL). Most patients (n = 72, 81.8%) had concentrations below 0.1 mcg/mL; only 2 patients had concentrations higher than 0.4 mcg/mL.

Conclusions:

The standard dosing regimen for cefotiam resulted in extremely low plasma concentrations in children; such low concentrations may lead to antimicrobial drug resistance. Thus, an increase in cefotiam dosage in children to 80 mg/kg 4 times daily is recommended (maximum dose on the label).
Posterior Corneal Surface Changes After Pterygium Excision Surgery
Authors: Levinger Eliya , Sorkin Nir , Sella Sara , Trivizki Omer , Lapira Matthew , Keren Shay
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

To evaluate the effect of pterygium excision on the posterior corneal surface and analyze the factors associated with those changes.

Methods:

A prospective, interventional study including 33 eyes of 31 patients who underwent pterygium excision at the Tel Aviv Medical Center (Tel Aviv, Israel). Exclusion criteria included corneal dystrophy, pseudopterygium, corneal scarring, or previous ocular surgery in the treated eye. Data were obtained by using the Galilei dual Scheimpflug analyzer. Recorded posterior corneal data included steep keratometry, flat keratometry, mean keratometry, corneal astigmatism, best-fit sphere, and the squared eccentricity index (e2). Posterior surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) was calculated to demonstrate the astigmatic effect of surgery. Anterior-segment high resolution optical coherence tomography was used to measure pterygium dimensions (depth and horizontal/vertical size).

Results:

The mean age was 53.7 ± 16.7 years. Posterior corneal SIA was 0.9 ± 1.1 D (P < 0.001) and was significantly correlated with age (r = 0.568, P = 0.002), horizontal pterygium size (r = 0.387, P = 0.046), and preoperative posterior astigmatism (r = 0.688, P < 0.001). In a multivariable analysis, only age (coefficient = 0.010, P = 0.038) and preoperative posterior astigmatism (coefficient = 0.648, P = 0.002) remained significant. Pterygium dimensions were not significantly associated with SIA magnitude. Flat keratometry steepened by 0.5 ± 1.1 D (P = 0.019), mean keratometry steepened by 0.3 ±0.6 D (P = 0.035), posterior astigmatism was reduced by 0.4 ± 1.2 D (P = 0.072), and e2 decreased by 5.1 ± 17.3 (P = 0.021).

Conclusions:

Pterygium excision has a significant astigmatic effect on the posterior corneal surface. The astigmatic effect increases with age and with higher preoperative posterior astigmatism. Pterygium depth and size are not associated with the degree of surgical astigmatic effect.
Naloxone perspectives from people who use opioids: Findings from an ethnographic study in three states
Authors: Boeri Miriam , Lamonica Aukje K.
Published: April 2020

Background:

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that can reverse an opioid overdose. Increased opioid-related mortality rates led to greater distribution of naloxone without a prescription and administration of naloxone by laypersons. This study fills a gap in knowledge of naloxone experiences among active users of opioids living in suburban communities.

Purpose:

The purpose of this article is to provide nurse practitioners with an in-depth understanding of current naloxone use practices among people who experience overdose events. The specific aims are to compare access to naloxone in diverse suburban towns, to examine administration differences across settings, and to understand perspectives on naloxone experiences from people who are actively using opioids.

Methodological orientation:

The data for this analysis were drawn from an ethnographic study in the suburban towns around Atlanta, Georgia; Boston, Massachusetts; and New Haven, Connecticut. Short surveys and in-depth interviews were collected. Inductive methods were used to compare data across settings.

Sample:

The sample of 106 included 48% female, 62% White, 24% African American/Black, 13% more than one race, and 21% Hispanic/Latinx. The mean age was 41.35 years.

Conclusions:

Differences between study settings in access to naloxone, administration frequency, and delivery systems were found. Findings suggest more education and training is needed in overdose prevention and harm reduction intervention. Studies on delivery systems need to address the increase in fentanyl-related overdoses.

Implications for practice:

Nurse practitioners can help to target distribution of naloxone in local communities, facilitate collaboration with harm reduction services, and provide evidence-based education and training to laypersons.
Improving VA Whole-Person Health Care Using Functional Nutrition and Mindful Eating in Patients with SCI and Neurologic Disorders
Authors: Erickson Katelyn L. , Ringdahl Deborah , Kulzer Shelby R. , Marka Nicholas
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The aim of the study was to increase interprofessional functional nutrition and mindful eating education interventions that improve patient-driven/value-based Whole Health care among patients with spinal cord injury and neurologic disorders.

Design

Pilot quality improvement project, pre–post design was used in the study.

Methods

Functional nutrition and mindful eating Whole Health interventions were implemented through a preestablished education program over 6 weeks in a Veterans Affairs healthcare facility.

Findings

An increased level of participants’ self-awareness related to internal (60.6%) and external (54.5%) food environments was apparent. The evaluation of the Personal Health Inventory was indicative of value-based improvement on the “Food and Drink” component (35.7%), whereas 21.4% of participants reported a value-based improvement in “Power of the Mind.”

Conclusion

Interprofessional nutrition and mindful eating interventions, and personal health assessment tools support Whole Health care for management of chronic disease.

Clinical Relevance

Nutrition and mindfulness group education can be implemented into clinical care. The project modeled successful interprofessional collaboration.
Lactobacillus buchneri subsp. silagei subsp. nov., isolated from rice grain silage
Authors: Tanizawa Yasuhiro , Kobayashi Hisami , Nomura Masaru , Sakamoto Mitsuo , Arita Masanori , Nakamura Yasukazu , Ohkuma Moriya , Tohno Masanori
Published: April 2020

Two Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore-forming, catalase-negative bacteria, designated strains SG162T and NK01, were isolated from Japanese rice grain silage and total mixed ration silage, respectively. They were initially identified as

Lactobacillus buchneri

based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities. However, the two strains were separated into a distinct clade from

L. buchneri

DSM 20057T (=JCM 1115T) through whole-genome sequence-based characterization, forming an infraspecific subgroup together with strains CD034 and S42, whose genomic sequences were available in the public sequence database. Strains within the subgroup shared 99.4–99.7 % average nucleotide identity (ANI) and 97.5–99.0 % digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) with each other, albeit 96.9–97.0 % ANI and 76.0–76.6 % dDDH against DSM 20057T. Strains SG162T and NK01 could utilize more substrates as sole carbon sources than DSM 20057T, potentially owing to the abundance of genes involved in carbon metabolism, especially the Entner–Doudoroff pathway. The inability of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production was evidenced by the lack of glutamate decarboxylase and glutamate/GABA antiporter genes in the new subgroup strains. Strain SG162T grew at 10–45 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 3.5–8.0, and 0–8 % (w/v) NaCl. Its genomic DNA G+C content was 44.1 mol%. The predominant fatty acids were C16 : 0, C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c, and summed feature 8. On the basis of the polyphasic characterization findings, strains SG162T and NK01 represent a novel subspecies of

L. buchneri

, for which the name

Lactobacillus buchneri

subsp. silagei subsp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SG162T (=JCM 32599T=DSM 107969T), and strains CD034 and S42 are also transferred to

L. buchneri

subsp. silagei.
A case of SARS-CoV-2 carrier for 32 days with several times false negative nucleic acid tests
Authors: Song Lingjie , Xiao Guibao , Zhang Xianqin , Gao Zhan , Sun Shixia , Zhang Lin , Feng Youjun , Luan Guangxin , Lin Sheng , He Miao , Jia Xu
Published: April 2020

In 2019, a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was first discovered in Wuhan, Hubei, China, causing severe respiratory disease in humans, and has been identified as a public health emergency of international concern. With the spread of the virus, there are more and more false negative cases of RT-PCR nucleic acid detection in the early stage of potential infection. In this paper, we collected the epidemiological history, clinical manifestations, outcomes, laboratory results and images of a SARS-CoV-2 carrier with no significant past medical history. The patient was quarantined because of her colleague had been diagnosed. After the onset of clinical symptoms, chest CT results showed patchy ground-glass opacity (GGO) in her lungs, but it took a total of nine nucleic acid tests to confirm the diagnosis, among which the first eight RT-PCR results were negative or single-target positive. In addition to coughing up phlegm during her stay in the hospital, she did not develop chills, fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea and other clinical symptoms. Since initial antiviral treatment, the lung lesions were absorbed. But the sputum nucleic acid test was still positive. In combination with antiviral and immune therapy, the patient tested negative for the virus. Notably, SARS-CoV-2 was detected only in the lower respiratory tract samples (sputum) throughout the diagnosis and treatment period. This is a confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 infection with common symptoms, and her diagnosis has undergone multiple false negatives, suggesting that it is difficult to identify certain carriers of the virus and that such patients may also increase the spread of the SARS-CoV-2.
Projection of COVID-19 Pandemic in Uganda
Authors: Mbabazi Fulgensia Kamugisha
Published: April 2020

COVID–19 (Corona Virus) is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS–COV–2). The virus that was first discovered in China Wuhan Province about 3 months ago (first cases were reported in Wuhan on December 31st 2019) has spread world wide. The six (6) top countries (excluding China) most affected so far include; USA, Italy, Spain, Germany, France and Iran. With Italy showing the highest death toll.

In Uganda where it was discovered on 19/3/2020 with one (01) case has just in nine (9) days, increased to thirty (30) infected individuals. This model is a wake up call over the rate at which COVID–19 is likely to spread throughout the country. Thus it is a guide for policymakers and planners to benchmark on for solutions to this deadly virus.
Estimating Impact of Austerity policies in COVID-19 fatality rates: Examining the dynamics of economic policy and Case Fatality Rates (CFR) of COVID-19 in OECD countries
Authors: Sherpa Dawa
Published: April 2020

The paper will attempt to estimate factors which determine the variability of case fatality rates of COVID-19 across OECD countries in the recent time. The objective of the paper is to estimate the impact of government health policies on fatality rates (Case fatality rates) of COVID-19 in_OECD countries while controlling for other demographic and economic characteristics. The analysis is done using non-parametric regression method, i.e. Quantile regression. The result from quantile regression analysis shows that a policy of Austerity (health expenditure cuts) significantly increases the mortality rates of COVID-19 in OECD countries. The policy implication of the study is the need for a robust public-funded health system with wider accessibility to deal with major public health crisis like COVID-19 pandemic.
Assessment of Specimen Pooling to Conserve SARS CoV-2 Testing Resources
Authors: Abdalhamid Baha , Bilder Christopher R. , McCutchen Emily L. , Hinrichs Steven H. , Koepsell Scott A. , Iwen Peter C.
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To establish the optimal parameters for group testing of pooled specimens for the detection of SARS-CoV-2.

Methods

The most efficient pool size was determined to be 5 specimens using a web-based application. From this analysis, 25 experimental pools were created using 50 microliter from one SARS-CoV-2 positive nasopharyngeal specimen mixed with 4 negative patient specimens (50 microliter each) for a total volume of 250 microliter l. Viral RNA was subsequently extracted from each pool and tested using the CDC SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR assay. Positive pools were consequently split into individual specimens and tested by extraction and PCR. This method was also tested on an unselected group of 60 nasopharyngeal specimens grouped into 12-pools.

Results

All 25 pools were positive with Cycle threshold (Ct) values within 0 and 5.03 Ct of the original individual specimens. The analysis of 60 specimens determined that two pools were positive followed by identification of two individual specimens among the 60 tested. This testing was accomplished while using 22 extractions/PCR tests, a savings of 38 reactions.

Conclusions

When the incidence rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection is 10% or less, group testing will result in the saving of reagents and personnel time with an overall increase in testing capability of at least 69%.

Key Points

SARS CoV-2, COVID-19, Group testing
Assessment of the BWB aircraft for military transport
Authors: Kissoon Sajal , Mastropierro Francesco Saverio , Nalianda Devaiah K. , Rolt Andrew , Sethi Bobby
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The growth in air mobility, rising fuel prices and ambitious targets in emission reduction are some of the driving factors behind research towards more efficient aircraft. The purpose of this paper is to assess the application of a blended wing body (BWB) aircraft configuration with turbo-electric distributed propulsion in the military sector and to highlight the potential benefits that could be achieved for long-range and heavy payload applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Mission performance has been simulated using a point-mass approach and an engine performance code (TURBOMATCH) for the propulsion system. Payload-range charts were created to compare the performance of a BWB aircraft with various different fuels against the existing Boeing 777-200LR as a baseline.

Findings

When using kerosene, an increase in payload of 42 per cent was achieved but the use of liquefied natural gas enabled a 50 per cent payload increase over a design range of 7,500 NM. When liquid hydrogen (LH2) is used, the range may be limited to about 3,000 NM by the volume available for this low-density fuel, but the payload at this range could be increased by 137 per cent to 127,000 kg.

Originality/value

The results presented to estimate the extent to which the efficiency of military operations could be improved by making fewer trips to transport high-density and irregular cargo items and indicate how well the proposed alternatives would compare with present military aircraft. There are no existing NATO aircraft with such extended payload and range capacities. This paper, therefore, explores the potential of BWB aircraft with turbo-electric distributed propulsion as effective military transports.
Financial literacy and quality of life of consumers faced with cancer: a moderated mediation approach
Authors: Pahlevan Sharif Saeed , Naghavi Navaz , Sharif Nia Hamid , Waheed Hassam
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether financial distress explains the relationship between financial literacy and quality of life (QoL) among consumers who have faced life-threatening cancer. To extend this line of research, the moderating role of social supports in the relationship between financial distress and QoL is examined.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey was utilized to collect quantitative data through a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 223 consumers diagnosed with cancer in Iran participated in the study by means of a convenience sampling technique. Using a forward–backward method the questionnaire was translated from English into Persian.

Findings

The findings highlight the importance of financial literacy in managing direct and indirect costs of chronic diseases that in turn can improve consumers' QoL. Moreover, while perceived social support improves QoL of consumers diagnosed with cancer, it strengthens the negative association between financial distress and QoL. Consequently, solely receiving of emotional support from acquaintances with no financial support might be bothersome.

Practical implications

The findings highlight the need for interventions that target financial literacy and perceived financial distress for consumers with chronic diseases. These consumers can benefit from interventions that offer support based on accurate assessments of their needs and priorities.

Originality/value

The present study is the first of its kind to highlight the importance of financial literacy in improving the QoL of consumers with chronic diseases.
Removal of reactive black 5 dye using zero valent iron nanoparticles produced by a novel green synthesis method
Authors: Khashij Maryam , Dalvand Arash , Mehralian Mohammad , Ebrahimi Ali Asghar , Khosravi Rasoul
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze zero valent iron nanoparticles (NZVIs) by a novel green method, taken from Thymus vulgaris (TV) plant extract, were synthesized and applied to degrade reactive black 5 (RB5) azo dye.

Design/methodology/approach

The optimum conditions for the highest removal of RB5 dye were determined. Characterization of NZVIs was done by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The NZVIs were used for the removal of dye RB5, and the parameters affecting were discussed like pH, initial concentration, contact time and NZVIs dosage.

Findings

The characterization results of NZVIs by SEM, TEM, FTIR and XRD show that polyphenols, organic acids and proteins reduce not only the green synthesis of NZVIs but also the aggregation of nanoparticles. The maximum dye removal efficiency of 99.6 per cent occurred at pH 4, NZVIs dose of 600 mg/L, and contact time of 5 min. The adsorption of RB5 dye onto the NZVIs surface and scavenging of the azo bond (−N = N) by the strong reduction of NZVIs were the proposed mechanisms for dye removal. The application of NZVIs to treat wastewater containing reactive dye shows high degradation efficiency.

Research limitations/implications

The findings may greatly benefit the application of the NZVIs taken from Thymus vulgaris (TV) in the fields of dye adsorption.

Practical implications

The present study is novel because it incorporated the morphological and structural properties of the synthesized NZVIs using a native plant of Iran and studied the capability of green-synthesized NZVIs to remove RB5 as a water contaminant.

Social implications

The native plant presented here can be developed for reduced environmental pollution before discharge to accepted water.

Originality/value

The NZVIs is prepared via green-synthesized method, which is prepared with leaves of TV. There are two main innovations. One is that the novel NZVIs is prepared successfully by native plant via green-synthesized method. The other is that the optimized conditions were obtained for the removal of RB5 dye as a water contaminant. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, no study has ever investigated the removal of RB5 by NZVIs produced using a native plant in Iran.
AmNet
Authors: Harper Timothy , Norelli Barbara , Brandston Melanie , Taber Mary
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Micro organizational behavior – an individual level of analysis (i.e. motivation, personality, attitudes, learning, etc.). Meso organizational behavior – team/group level of analysis (i.e. communication, team dynamics, power, politics, etc.). Macro organizational behavior – an organizational level of analysis (i.e. strategy, structure, culture, control, etc.). Marketplace or external environment (PESTEL analysis).

Research methodology

The research was conducted by a consultant in the role of a participant-observer.

Case overview/synopsis

The focus of the case is a disguised nonprofit organization, the American-Netherlands Foundation (AmNet), based in Chicago. The organization faced leadership and organizational challenges related to conflicting strategic and operational priorities among the board of trustees, the president and staff. An unexpected contribution of $750,000 increased the salience of these differences. The case provides students an excellent opportunity to apply their analytical skills and knowledge gained in a management and business course.

Complexity academic level

Organizational behavior; organizational design; organizational development; and organizational theory. Levels – upper-level undergraduate through first-year MBA students.
Formation and stability of emulsions stabilized by Quillaja saponin–egg lecithin mixtures
Authors: Salminen Hanna , Bischoff Sonja , Weiss Jochen
Published: April 2020

Knowledge of binary emulsifiers’ influence on the formation and stability of emulsion‐based products is still limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the emulsifying properties of Quillaja saponin–egg lecithin mixtures at different concentration ratios (r = 5:0, 4:1, 3:2, 2:3, 1:4, and 0:5) with total emulsifier concentration set to 0.5% or 1.0% (w/w). For this, oil‐in‐water emulsions (10% oil, pH 7) were prepared via high‐pressure homogenization. Furthermore, emulsion stability against different environmental stresses was tested. All the binary emulsifier mixtures formed submicron sized emulsions upon homogenization. The most stable emulsions among the mixed emulsifiers were obtained at low Quillaja saponin concentration at r = 1:4 that showed similar physical stability over time to emulsions stabilized by Quillaja saponins and egg lecithin alone. The data suggested that the mixtures of Quillaja saponins and egg lecithins built mixed interfacial layers that were prone to changes over time. Emulsions stabilized by the binary mixtures were in general less stable against changes in pH and ionic strength than the emulsions stabilized by the individual emulsifiers. An exception were the emulsions at r = 1:4 that showed improved stability at pH 2 over the phase separated Quillaja saponin–stabilized emulsions at the same pH. Moreover, all the emulsions were heat stable up to 90 °C. On the other hand, none of the emulsions were stable upon freeze‐thawing. These results increase our understanding of technofunctionality of binary emulsifier systems.

Practical Application

Food‐grade and natural emulsifier mixtures composed of Quillaja saponins and egg lecithin may be used in selected emulsion‐based food or personal care product applications to replace synthetic surfactants due to issues with consumer acceptance and regulatory restrictions.
Prematurity and breastfeeding initiation: A sibling analysis
Authors: Byerly Tiffany , Buckman Cierra , Tumin Dmitry , Bear Kelly
Published: April 2020

Aim

Studies suggest breastfeeding initiation is less common for premature infants. This association may be confounded by socio‐economic characteristics that correlate with the risk of premature birth. We compared premature and term‐born children to determine whether prematurity independently predicted likelihood of breastfeeding continuation and duration.

Methods

Data were obtained from women ages 15‐44 years reporting at least two live pregnancies on the 2011‐2017 National Survey of Family Growth. Participants completed a pregnancy and breastfeeding history. Breastfeeding initiation was defined as breastfeeding for at least 1 week, and duration of exclusive breastfeeding was recorded in months. Sibling fixed effects regression models were used to evaluate the impact of prematurity.

Results

Among families with some children who were breastfed and others who were not (n = 2848 children), preterm birth was not associated with breastfeeding initiation (odds ratio = 1.11; P = .468). Among children who were ever breastfed, exclusive breastfeeding lasted 5% fewer months among children born preterm, compared with term‐born siblings (incidence rate ratio = 0.95; P = .060).

Conclusion

Using sibling‐group analysis to control for confounding, we found no independent association between prematurity and likelihood of breastfeeding initiation. This suggests interventions supporting breastfeeding for premature infants may need to address external barriers to breastfeeding not specifically preterm birth.
Enantiomer specific pharmacokinetics of ibuprofen in preterm neonates with patent ductus arteriosus
Authors: Engbers Aline G.J. , Flint Robert B. , Völler Swantje , de Klerk Johan C.A. , Reiss Irwin K.M. , Andriessen Peter , Liem Kian D. , Degraeuwe Pieter L.J. , Croubels Siska , Millecam Joske , Allegaert Karel , Simons Sinno H.P. , Knibbe Catherijne A.J.
Published: April 2020

Aims

Racemic ibuprofen is widely used for the treatment of preterm neonates with patent ductus arteriosus. Currently used bodyweight‐based dosing guidelines are based on total ibuprofen, while only the S‐enantiomer of ibuprofen is pharmacologically active. We aimed to optimize ibuprofen dosing for preterm neonates of different ages based on an enantiomer‐specific population pharmacokinetic model.

Methods

We prospectively collected 210 plasma samples of 67 preterm neonates treated with ibuprofen for patent ductus arteriosus (median gestational age [GA] 26 [range 24–30] weeks, median body weight 0.83 [0.45–1.59] kg, median postnatal age [PNA] 3 [1–12] days), and developed a population pharmacokinetic model for S‐ and R‐ibuprofen.

Results

We found that S‐ibuprofen clearance (CLS, 3.98 mL/h [relative standard error {RSE} 8%]) increases with PNA and GA, with exponents of 2.25 (RSE 6%) and 5.81 (RSE 15%), respectively. Additionally, a 3.11‐fold higher CLS was estimated for preterm neonates born small for GA (RSE 34%). Clearance of R‐ibuprofen was found to be high compared to CLS (18 mL/h [RSE 24%]), resulting in a low contribution of R‐ibuprofen to total ibuprofen exposure. Current body weight was identified as covariate on both volume of distribution of S‐ibuprofen and R‐ibuprofen.

Conclusion

S‐ibuprofen clearance shows important maturation, especially with PNA, resulting in an up to 3‐fold increase in CLS during a 3‐day treatment regimen. This rapid increase in clearance needs to be incorporated in dosing guidelines by adjusting the dose for every day after birth to achieve equal ibuprofen exposure.
Successful culture of human transition zone cells
Authors: Zhang Jie , Ahmad Amatul M. , Ng Hannah , Shi Jane , McGhee Charles N. J. , Patel Dipika V.
Published: April 2020

Background

Human corneal endothelial cells undergo very little or no proliferation and respond to cell loss by migration and cellular enlargement. Significant cell loss or damage may result in corneal oedema, opacity and loss of vision. In vitro expansion of corneal endothelial cells (CECs) is a promising strategy for corneal regeneration. The transition zone (TZ) may be an alternative source of CECs. The objective of this study was to establish a protocol for TZ cell culture, and to determine their potential to proliferate and differentiate into cells that resemble CECs in vitro.

Methods

An explant culture protocol for the human TZ was established. Cell proliferation was assessed using 5‐ethynyl‐2’‐deoxyuridine (EdU) assay. The expression of stem cell and endothelial markers was assessed using immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

TZ cells can be passaged up to 12 times; cells became polygonal 3 to 4 passages before senescence. An average of 41% of cells incorporated EdU over a 5‐day period. TZ cells expressed the corneal endothelial proteins ZO‐1 and Na+/K+ ATPase, Col8A2, the periocular mesenchyme marker PITX2, and the neural crest stem cell markers Nestin and Sox10. TZ cells expressed mRNA of a range of neural crest, periocular mesenchyme, and corneal endothelial genes.

Conclusions

TZ cells can proliferate and differentiate into cells that resemble CECs, demonstrating their potential to be an alternative cell source for corneal endothelial cell therapy.
Mutations in the voltage‐gated sodium channel gene associated with deltamethrin resistance in commercially sourced Phytoseiulus persimilis
Authors: Benavent‐Albarracín L. , Alonso M. , Catalán J. , Urbaneja A. , Davies T. G. E. , Williamson M. S. , González‐Cabrera J.
Published: April 2020

The implementation of Integrated Pest Management in current agricultural practice is a convenient and very effective strategy to keep pest populations under control. The use of biological control agents, such as Phytoseiulus persimilis, is key for the success of such an approach. This predatory mite is widely used as it is very effective for controlling Tetranychus urticae, one of the most devastating crop pests. Here, we identify several mutations located in the voltage‐gated sodium channel (VGSC) of commercially sourced P. persimilis that correlate with a reduced susceptibility to the pyrethroid deltamethrin. We found that the mites sourced from two different biocontrol product companies have intrinsic genotypic differences that correlate with their phenotype when tested with different concentrations of deltamethrin. Mites from Syngenta Bioline, carrying the mutations M918L and A1536T, were able to survive deltamethrin concentrations of up to 10 ppm, while the mites from Koppert Biological Systems, with the combination M918L, L925V and S1539T, survived treatment with 40 ppm. All of the point mutations identified in the predatory mite samples are located in a particular region of the VGSC, previously proposed as the binding site for this family of pesticides and identified as a ‘hot spot’ for resistance.
Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19): Characteristics in children and considerations for dentists providing their care
Authors: Mallineni Sreekanth Kumar , Innes Nicola P. , Raggio Daniela Procida , Araujo Mariana Pinheiro , Robertson Mark D. , Jayaraman Jayakumar
Published: April 2020

The emergence of the novel virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) causing coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) has led to a global pandemic and one of the most significant challenges to the healthcare profession. Dental practices are focal points for cross‐infection, and care must be taken to minimise the risk of infection to, from, or between dental care professionals and patients. The COVID‐19 epidemiological and clinical characteristics are still being collated but children's symptoms seem to be milder than those that adults experience. It is unknown whether certain groups, for example children with comorbidities, might be at a higher risk of more severe illness. Emerging data on disease spread in children, affected by COVID‐19, have not been presented in detail. The purpose of this article was to report current data on the paediatric population affected with COVID‐19 and highlight considerations for dentists providing care for children during this pandemic. All members of the dental team have a professional responsibility to keep themselves informed of current guidance and be vigilant in updating themselves as recommendations are changing so quickly.
Associations between adiposity indicators and hypertension among children and adolescents with intellectual disability—A case–control study
Authors: Wyszyńska Justyna , Podgórska‐Bednarz Justyna , Dereń Katarzyna , Baran Joanna , Czenczek‐Lewandowska Ewelina , Leszczak Justyna , Mazur Artur
Published: April 2020

Background

Adiposity is closely related to hypertension (HTN) in paediatric population. However, which adiposity indicator is most associated with HTN among children and adolescents with intellectual disability remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between HTN prevalence and different adiposity indicators: body mass index (BMI) percentile, body fat percentage (BFP), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist‐hip ratio (WHR) and waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR) in students with intellectual disability.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study included a sample of 568 schoolchildren with intellectual disability, aged 7–18 years. Blood pressure, BMI, body composition, WC and HC were determined using standardized equipment.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression showed that male gender, adolescence, high HC and excessive BFP were significant independent factors that increased risk of HTN occurrence in population with intellectual disability.

Conclusions

Findings indicated that HC and BFP, in particular, may be helpful tools to detect HTN in population with intellectual disability.
Closure of the left atrial appendage using percutaneous transcatheter occlusion devices
Authors: Gianni Carola , Anannab Alisara , Sahore Salwan Anu , Della Rocca Domenico G. , Natale Andrea , Horton Rodney P.
Published: April 2020

Closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) using percutaneous transcatheter occlusion devices is used for stroke prevention as an alternative for patients with a high risk and contraindications for long‐term oral anticoagulation use. In this manuscript, we will discuss the practical aspects of four among the available devices that provide percutaneous intravascular closure of the LAA: Watchman, Amulet, WaveCrest, and LAmbre.