bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An uncommon cause of early infantile liver disease and raised chitotriosidase
Authors: Sreekantam Srividya , Rizvi Hina , Brown Rachel , Santra Saikat , Raiman Julian , Vijay Suresh , Mckiernan Patrick J. , Gupte Girish L.
Published: April 2020

Our subject presented at 11 months of age, following a varicella zoster infection, with acute on chronic liver disease and was found to have raised serum chitotriosidase. White cell enzyme analysis for Gaucher, Niemann Pick A, B and lysosomal acid lipase deficiency were normal. Niemann Pick type C (NPC) disease was considered as a provisional diagnosis and liver transplantation assessment deferred until recovery from varicella and results of mutational analysis of NPC gene were available. Liver biopsy at a later date showed findings suggestive of glycogen storage disease (GSD) type IV but he was too unstable for an urgent liver transplantation and sadly passed away at the age of 13 months. The classic hepatic subtype of glycogen storage disorder type IV (GSD IV) is a rare metabolic cause of early‐onset liver disease and raised chitotriosidase. There are very few reports of raised chito in GSD IV. Liver transplantation has a favourable outcome for the hepatic subtype of GSD IV and early diagnosis in our subject could have potentially altered the outcome.
Optimal INR level in patients with atrial fibrillation with EHRA type 2 valvular heart disease receiving warfarin
Authors: Luengsupabul Sirote , Methavigul Komsing , Methavigul Ratikorn
Published: April 2020

Background

To date, there has been no study that compares the efficacy and safety of warfarin in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with Evaluated Heartvalves, Rheumatic or Artificial (EHRA) type 2 valvular heart disease (VHD). This study was conducted to determine the optimal INR in these patients.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled AF patients with EHRA type 2 VHD receiving warfarin in Central Chest Institute of Thailand between January 2016 and December 2018. The incidence density of thromboembolic or bleeding events was calculated. The International normalized ratio (INR) was classified into six groups (less than 1.50, 1.50 to 1.99, 2.00 to 2.49, 2.50 to 2.99, 3.00 to 3.49, and 3.50 or more). The optimal INR level was defined as the lowest incidence density of thromboembolic events and bleeding complications.

Results

A total of 200 AF patients with EHRA type 2 VHD receiving warfarin were enrolled, contributing to 289 patient‐years of observation period. There were 13 thromboembolic events (4.5 per 100 patient‐years) and 16 bleeding events (5.5 per 100 patient‐years). The incidence density of thromboembolic events was significantly increased in the INR level below 2.00 (P = .03), while the INR level of 3.50 or more was significantly increased in the incidence density of major bleeding events (P = .03). Total bleeding and minor bleeding were increased significantly in INR level of 2.50 or more (P = .04).

Conclusions

The INR of 2.00 to 2.49 was appeared to be associated with the lowest incidence density of thromboembolic and bleeding events in these patients.
Analysis of Personality, Suicide, and Self‐Injury in Emerging Adulthood
Authors: La Guardia Amanda C. , Cramer Robert J. , Bryson Claire N. , Emelianchik‐Key Kelly
Published: April 2020

Nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) is a maladaptive coping strategy that is of significant clinical concern for behavioral health professionals in college settings. Relationships between NSSI, acquired capability for suicide, interpersonal cognitions, and five‐factor model personality traits were assessed in a survey‐based study that included 192 young adults in a college setting. Results indicated that those with an affirmative suicide attempt history, greater acquired capability for suicide, and elevated neuroticism had an increased likelihood of lifetime NSSI.
Using the Stepped Care Model to Empower University Students With Learning Disabilities
Authors: Jacques Justin G. , Abel Nicholas R.
Published: April 2020

Students with learning disabilities face several challenges in postsecondary education settings. The authors explore the issue and shed light on the importance of self‐advocacy for academic success. The stepped care model (SCM) is suggested as an approach to assist college students with learning disabilities in developing these skills and obtaining services. A brief case example from 1 of the authors' work is shared to illustrate the use of the SCM with a student with a learning disability.
Marking axillary nodes with 4% carbon microparticle suspension before neoadjuvant chemotherapy improves sentinel node identification rate and axillary staging
Authors: Spautz Cleverton Cesar , Schunemann Junior Eduardo , Budel Lucas Roskamp , Cavalcanti Tereza Cristina Santos , Louveira Maria Helena , Junior Plinio Gasperin , Nissen Leonardo Paese , Sobreiro Bernardo Passos , Dória Maíra Teixeira , Urban Cicero Andrade , Budel Vinicius Milani
Published: April 2020

Background and Objectives

Marking positive lymph nodes (LNs) before neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) may improve the accuracy of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of marking LNs with 4% carbon microparticle suspension (CMS) before NAC and to evaluate if this technique would improve the SLNB identification rate.

Methods

A prospective study of patients with cT1‐T4, cN1‐N2 breast cancer who underwent US‐guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of suspected LNs and concomitant marking with 4% CMS was performed. After NAC, LNs marked with 4% CMS and those marked with Patent Blue V dye (PBV) were identified and resected.

Results

Of the 123 patients included, 74 (60.1%) had positive LNs at FNAB. During axillary surgery, 4% CMS was identified in 121 of 123 patients (98.3%) and blue sentinel LNs in 91% (112 of 123 patients) (P = .0103). Comparing isolated results of PBV and 4%CMS + PBV, the association was better in identifying positive LNs (72.2% vs 97.7%) (P = .02).

Conclusion

The association of 4% CMS and PBV is feasible and significantly increased the identification rate of positive LNs. 4% CMS may play an important role as a complementary technique in patients submitted to NAC.
The impact of wait times on oncological outcome in high‐risk patients with endometrial cancer
Authors: Mitric Cristina , Matanes Emad , Wissing Michel , Amajoud Zainab , Abitbol Jeremie , Yasmeen Amber , López‐Ozuna Vanessa , Eisenberg Neta , Laskov Ido , Lau Susie , Salvador Shannon , Gotlieb Walter H. , Kogan Liron
Published: April 2020

Objective

To evaluate the impact of surgical wait times on outcome of patients with grade 3 endometrial cancer.

Methods

All consecutive patients surgically treated for grade 3 endometrial cancer between 2007 and 2015 were included. Patients were divided into two groups based on the time interval between endometrial biopsy and surgery: wait time from biopsy to surgery ≤12 weeks (84 days) vs more than 12 weeks. Survival analyses were conducted using log‐rank tests and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

A total of 136 patients with grade 3 endometrial cancer were followed for a median of 5.6 years. Fifty‐one women (37.5%) waited more than 12 weeks for surgery. Prolonged surgical wait times were not associated with advanced stage at surgery, positive lymph nodes, increased lymphovascular space invasion, and tumor size (P = .8, P = 1.0, P = .2, P = .9, respectively). In multivariable analysis adjusted for clinical and pathological factors, wait times did not significantly affect disease‐specific survival (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.2, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.6‐2.5, P = .6), overall survival (HR: 1.1, 95% CI, 0.6‐2.1, P = .7), or progression‐free survival (HR: 0.9, 95% CI, 0.5‐1.7, P = .8).

Conclusion

Prolonged surgical wait time for poorly differentiated endometrial cancer seemed to have a limited impact on clinical outcomes compared to biological factors.
A novel stratification of mesenteric mass involvement as a predictor of challenging mesenteric lymph node dissection by minimally invasive approach for ileal neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Kasai Yosuke , Mahuron Kelly , Hirose Kenzo , Corvera Carlos U. , Kim Grace E. , Hope Thomas A. , Shih Brandon E. , Warren Robert S. , Bergsland Emily K. , Nakakura Eric K.
Published: April 2020

Background and Objectives

We classified the extent of mesenteric mass (MM) involvement that predicts challenging mesenteric lymph node dissection (mLND) by minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for ileal neuroendocrine tumors (i‐NETs).

Methods

Patients who underwent surgery for i‐NETs were retrospectively reviewed. MM involvement was classified as region‐0: no MM; region‐1: >2 cm from the origins of the ileocolic artery/vein; region‐2: ≤2 cm from the origins; and region‐3: more proximal superior mesenteric artery/vein. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the predictive value of MM regions for gross positive mesenteric margin (mR2) and/or conversion among the MIS cohort. The open surgery cohort was used as a reference for mR2 rates.

Results

Of 108 patients, 83 patients (77%) underwent MIS. MMs in region‐2 and region‐3 were independent risk factors for mR2 and/or conversion (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 4.25 [1.17‐16.4] and 8.51 × 107 [11.0‐], respectively, against regions‐0 and 1]. mR2 rates of MIS and open surgery cohorts per region did not differ significantly (4% and 7% for regions‐0 and 1; 17% and 25% for region‐2; and 100% and 83% for region‐3).

Conclusions

The novel stratification of MM regions was predictive of challenging mLND by MIS. Surgeons should have a low threshold for conversion for MMs in proximal regions.
The Impact of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Moral Injury on Women Veterans’ Perinatal Outcomes Following Separation From Military Service
Authors: Nillni Yael I. , Shayani Danielle R. , Finley Erin , Copeland Laurel A. , Perkins Daniel F. , Vogt Dawne S.
Published: April 2020

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been found to lead to several adverse perinatal outcomes in the general population. Preliminary research has found that women veterans with PTSD have an increased prevalence of preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia. Less research has examined the role of moral injury (MI) in perinatal outcomes. This longitudinal survey study examined the impact of PTSD symptoms and MI on prospectively assessed adverse perinatal outcomes among women who became pregnant in the first 3 years after separating from U.S. military service (N= 318). The Moral Injury Events Scale was used to assess the degree to which individuals experienced distress related to transgressions of deeply held moral beliefs, and the Primary Care PTSD Screen forDSM‐5(PC‐PTSD) was used to assess PTSD symptoms. Perinatal outcomes included experiencing an adverse pregnancy outcome (e.g., preterm birth, gestational diabetes), postpartum depression and/or anxiety, and perceived difficult pregnancy. Although both PTSD symptoms, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.16, 95% CI [1.00, 1.35]; and MI, aOR= 1.27, 95% CI [1.06, 1.41], emerged as significant predictors of adverse pregnancy outcomes, only PTSD symptoms were a significant predictor of postpartum depression and/or anxiety, aOR= 1.43, 95% CI [1.22, 1.68], and perception of a difficult pregnancy, β = .31, when controlling for lifetime trauma exposure, age, socioeconomic status, and ethnic/racial minority status. The results indicate that both PTSD symptoms and MI are associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, supporting the potential need to screen for both PTSD and MI during the perinatal period.
Prognostic Significance of Smoking in Human Papillomavirus–Positive Oropharyngeal Cancer Under American Joint Committee on Cancer Eighth Edition Stage
Authors: Chidambaram Smrithi , Nakken Erik R. , Kennedy William , Thorstad Wade L. , Chen Stephanie Y. , Pipkorn Patrik , Zevallos Jose P. , Mazul Angela L.
Published: April 2020

Objective

To determine the prognostic significance of smoking in human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) when considering American Joint Committee on Cancer eighth edition (AJCC‐8) stage.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Three hundred seventeen HPV‐positive OPSCC patients with known AJCC‐8 stage and smoking status (<10 or ≥10 pack‐years) seen at a tertiary center from 1997 to 2017 were studied. We used the Kaplan‐Meier method to compare 5‐year overall survival (OS) by smoking status and by clinical AJCC‐8 stage and smoking status combined. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated with Cox proportional hazard regression for the independent effects of smoking and AJCC‐8 stage. We also studied pathologic stage and estimated the combined effects of smoking and clinical stage.

Results

The ≥10 pack‐years smokers had worse 5‐year OS than <10 pack‐years smokers (93.6%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 89.7‐97.8 vs. 82.3%; 95% CI: 76.0%‐89.1%). When stratified by AJCC‐8 clinical stage, only stage I <10 pack‐years smokers (98.7%; 95% CI: 96.3%‐100.0%) had significantly better 5‐year OS than their ≥10 pack‐years (84.8%; 95% CI: 76.4%‐94.1%) counterparts. In a multivariable analysis, ≥10 pack‐years smoking was associated with increased hazard of death when adjusting for AJCC‐8 clinical (HR: 2.52; 95% CI: 1.16‐5.46) and pathologic (HR: 5.21; 95% CI: 1.47‐18.5) stage. In both analyses, stage III patients demonstrated worse survival than stage I, and smoking had greater impact at lower stages.

Conclusions

Smoking is a negative prognosticator in HPV‐positive OPSCC and interacts with AJCC‐8 clinical stage. It is important to understand the impact of smoking in HPV‐positive disease when considering treatment plans and deintensification trials.

Level of Evidence

2b Laryngoscope, 130: 1961–1966, 2020
Optimization of mixed silanes agent solution and curing process for composite γ‐glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane (γ‐GPS)/bis‐1.2‐(triethoxysilyl)ethane (BTSE) silane film on Q235 steel surface
Authors: Sun Z.D. , Yang Y.N. , Li Q.K. , Liu J.G. , Xu Q. , Yan C.W.
Published: April 2020

In this investigation, the mixed γ‐GPS/BTSE silane solution for preparing well adhered composite γ‐GPS/BTSE silane film on Q235 carbon steel surface has been successfully optimized by orthogonal test, and the curing process parameters of temperature and time have also been optimized. The results indicate that the optimized hydrolysis parameters for mixed silanes agent solution are as follows: Vethanol/Vwater 3 : 1, Vγ‐GPS/VBTSE 2 : 3, Vsilanes 6 vol.%, pH 4.0 and hydrolysis time 72 h. In addition, the optimized curing condition for composite γ‐GPS/BTSE silane film is 120 °C and 30 min. After immersion in the optimized mixed γ‐GPS/BTSE silanes agent solution and curing under the optimized condition, the prepared composite γ‐GPS/BTSE silane film on Q235 steel surface can have an adhesion strength of 24.52 MPa to underlying steel substrate.
R&D investment and future firm performance: The role of managerial overconfidence and government ownership
Authors: Tebourbi Imen , Ting Irene Wei Kiong , Le Hanh Thi My , Kweh Qian Long
Published: April 2020

We investigate the relationship among managerial overconfidence (MO), government ownership, and research and development (R&D) investment using data from Vietnamese public companies for the period 2007–2016. We also investigate how R&D investment, given MO and government ownership, affect future firm performance. Our results indicate that MO and government ownership are positively related to R&D investment. Conceptually, this study investigates novel factors affecting of R&D investment and their role in improving firm performance. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of R&D investment in the corporate world, improving firm performance and, ultimately, economic prosperity.
Timed Up and Go Test and the Risk of Parkinson's Disease: A Nation‐wide Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yoo Jung Eun , Jang Wooyoung , Shin Dong Wook , Jeong Su‐Min , Jung Hee‐Won , Youn Jinyoung , Han Kyungdo , Kim Bongseong
Published: April 2020

Background

If mild parkinsonian signs can be a marker for Parkinson's disease (PD) development, an impaired Timed Up and Go test (TUG) should also be a marker for prodromal PD.

Objectives

To investigate whether the Timed Up and Go test is associated with PD.

Methods

We included 1,196,614 participants at 66 years of age who underwent the National Screening Program for Transitional Ages for Koreans between 2009 and 2014. Timed Up and Go test times were classified into <10 and ≥10 seconds. Incidence of PD was defined using claims data.

Results

During the median follow‐up period of 3.5 years, participants with slow Timed Up and Go test time had significantly increased risk of developing PD compared with those with normal Timed Up and Go test time (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.28; 95% confidence interval: 1.20–1.37). Furthermore, participants with an abnormal Timed Up and Go test result, defined as ≥20 seconds, had a significantly increased risk of PD compared with those with a normal Timed Up and Go test result (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.18; 95% confidence interval: 1.63–2.92).

Conclusion

An indicator of subtle motor deficits, the Timed Up and Go test could be a prodromal marker for the risk of PD development. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
New exact solutions of a nonlinear integrable equation
Authors: Yildiz Guldem , Daghan Durmus
Published: April 2020

Analytic solutions of the partial differential equations are needed to explain many phenomena seen in thermodynamics, aerodynamics, plasma physics, and other fields. In this paper, variational principle is analyzed of the integrable nonlinear Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) typed equation. In addition, exact solutions of this equation are obtained by using various methods such as direct integration, homogeneous balance method, Exp‐function method, and Kudryashov method.
Pain Education in the Context of Non‐Specific Low Back Pain: The Lived Experience of the Physiotherapist. An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Wellman Josh , Murray Luke , Hebron Clair , Vuoskoski Pirjo
Published: April 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore the physiotherapists' lived experiences of providing pain education (PE), to people living with non‐specific low back pain (NSLBP). In previous studies, PE has been associated with positive clinical outcomes within the physiotherapeutic management of NSLBP. However, the meaning of providing PE, as experienced by physiotherapists, has not been specifically explored.

Methods

This study adopted a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to explore PE experiences. Six semi‐structured interviews were conducted, interviews were transcribed and analysed in line with the ‘interpretative phenomenological analysis’ framework.

Results

Five main thematic meaning structures emerged: Experienced significance of assessment in understanding NSLBP, PE as explaining the nature of NSLBP, Experienced challenges in providing PE, individualisation as key to PE for NSLBP and Reassurance as central to PE for people living with NSLBP.

Conclusions

The significance of subjective assessment, was a key component of PE, as experienced by participants. However, differences were noted between participants in addressing the sense of assessment; in seeking a physiotherapeutic understanding of the NSLBP, and in seeking to understand the situation of those who are in pain. Within the participant experience, the significance of ‘patient’ reassurance was highlighted, related to the individualisation and outcome of PE. Reassurance, as described by participants, was emotive and practically grounded and linked with physical activity promotion. Individualisation in PE was meaningfully related to language modification and developing positive therapeutic relationships. Physiotherapists described PE particularly challenging related to pain chronicity and psychosocial factors, which may have significant implications to practice.
Metabolic reprogramming in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Sbirkov Yordan , Burnusuzov Hasan , Sarafian Victoria
Published: April 2020

The first observations of altered metabolism in malignant cells were made nearly 100 years ago and therapeutic strategies targeting cell metabolism have been in clinical use for several decades.  In this review, we summarize our current understanding of cell metabolism dysregulation in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (cALL). Reprogramming of cellular bioenergetic processes can be expected in the three distinct stages of cALL: at diagnosis, during standard chemotherapy, and in cases of relapse. Upregulation of glycolysis, dependency on anaplerotic energy sources, and activation of the electron transport chain have all been observed in cALL. While the current treatment strategies are tackling some of these aberrations, cALL cells are likely to be able to rewire their metabolism in order to escape therapy, which may contribute to a refractory disease and relapse. Finally, here we focus on novel therapeutic approaches emerging from our evolving understanding of the alterations of different metabolic networks in lymphoblasts.
Influence of long‐term storage on the performance of polyamide‐based nanocomposites: Role of nanoclay fillers
Authors: Médéric Pascal , Aït Hocine Nourredine , Hassan Hanaya
Published: April 2020

This work deals with the effects of long‐term storage on the properties of polyamide 12 filled with nanoclay mass fractions of 0, 3, and 5%. More precisely, such nanocomposites were prepared using internal mixer, and then stored in a room under ambient conditions, for 6 years, protected from light and temperature variations. The changes in their thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties were analyzed, in relationship with the microstructure changes. Various analyses and tests were conducted, including wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction experiments, water mass loss evaluation, differential thermal analyses, strain sweep tests on solid‐state specimens, as well as time sweep and oscillatory shear measurements on melt‐state specimens. The results mainly revealed the effects of the absorbed water on the changes of the aged nanocomposite performances and highlighted the positive role of nanoclay platelets in the preservation of processability and end‐use properties.
Fluid compensation in response to disappearance of the meaning of work
Authors: Meng Liang , Ouyang Feng
Published: April 2020

This study examined one's compensatory response to the sudden disappearance of the meaning of work. In a lab experiment, the unexpected termination of a preceding task was found to enhance one's labor supply in an irrelevant ensuing task, which provided direct support for one's pursuit of meaning and the fluid compensation strategy proposed by the Meaning Maintenance Model.
Morphology and mechanical investigation of microcellular injection molded carbon fiber reinforced polypropylene composite foams
Authors: Nobe Rie , Qiu Jianhui , Kudo Makoto , Zhang Guohong
Published: April 2020

Employing microcellular injection molding technology, carbon fiber (CF)/polypropylene (PP) composite foams have been prepared. The influences of injection molding conditions and CF amounts relating to the flexural and impact performances have also been studied. X‐ray computed tomography scanning has been used for morphological observation. For the flexural specimens, although the solid skin and foamed core layers can be confirmed significantly, the intermediate layer is indistinct. Moreover, the stretched cells can be confirmed dramatically for the Charpy impact specimens. The cell density increases to 12.0 × 103 cell/cm2 when the nitrogen content is 1%. By contrast, the cell densities decrease with the injection speed and CF content increasing accordingly. Further, the maximum specific flexural modulus and Charpy impact strength of the foams can achieve 14 GPa/(g/cm3) and 6.2 kJ/m2, respectively, at the CF content of 30 wt%. Finally, the microcellular structure with the highest cell density can be confirmed with the nitrogen content of 1 wt%, the injection speed of 50 mm/s and the CF content of 10 wt%. Obviously, the CF contents have shown strong influences on the mechanical behaviors of the CF/PP composite foams compared with nitrogen contents or injection speeds.
Ultrasound‐Assisted Extraction of Fucoidan from Vietnamese Brown Seaweed Sargassum mcclurei and Testing Bioactivities of the Extract
Authors: Thao My Phan Le , Sung Vo Van , Dat Tran Do , Nam Hoang Minh , Phong Mai Thanh , Hieu Nguyen Huu
Published: April 2020

In this study, fucoidan was extracted from the Vietnamese brown seaweed Sargassum mcclurei by ultrasound – assisted extraction method (UAE) using ethanol as a solvent. The effects of single factors on total polysaccharide (TPS) content were then investigated, followed by the screening of main factors affecting TPS content based on their effect sizes and p‐values in analysis of variance. The response surface methodology using the Box‐Behnken design was applied to investigate simultaneous effects of four main factors including solvent‐to‐material ratio, extraction time, ultrasonic power, and extraction temperature. The optimal conditions for fucoidan extraction were identified with solvent‐to‐material ratio of 24 : 1 mL/g, extraction time of 49 min, ultrasonic power of 360 W, and extraction temperature of 54
. The highest yield of TPS obtained under these conditions was 7.1203 mg/g. Besides, extraction of fucoidan using hot water method was also carried out to compare with UAE method in terms of TPS content. The bioactivity tests showed the extract had the anti‐oxidation activity with the half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 0.4261
0.0008 mg/mL, cytotoxic effect on breast carcinoma cells and human lung carcinoma with IC50 values of 95.80
4.75 and 129.00 ± 0.66 μg/mL, respectively.
Tandem Oxidative Pudovik Reaction Using Fe3O4@SiO2‐Metformin‐Cu (II) as an Efficient and Recoverable Catalyst
Authors: Babazadeh Sahar , Kazemi Miraki Maryam , Pazoki Farzane , Heydari Akbar
Published: April 2020

One‐pot condensation of benzyl alcohol with di‐alkyl/ aryl phosphite under free solvent conditions was investigated in the presence of Fe3O4@SiO2‐Met‐Cu (II) as a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst and aqueous tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as the oxidant. The advantages of this protocol include good to excellent yields, easy workup, short reaction time and good reusability to 4 cycles. Also, interactions between metal and ligand in the Fe3O4@SiO2‐Metformin complex is studied by using theoretical calculations
Emission Enhancement of Perylene‐Bisimide‐Based Organogel Triggered by Ultrasound
Authors: Li Xin , Li Yajuan , Feng Guoliang , Wang Tao , Ren Jujie , Yu Xudong
Published: April 2020

Design of mechanostress controlled luminescence in supramolecular gel is still a challenge. Herein, the molecular gelators PBI1 and PBI2 based on perylene bisimide (PBI) chromophores are prepared and characterized. With additional non‐covalent hydrogen bonding interactions between acid and imidazole units, stable gelator PBI2 self‐assembles into entangled supramolecular fibers that forms fluorescent‐enhancement gels triggered by ultrasound in DMSO. Moreover, the structure variation and gelation approaches on the gel properties are also contrasted and studied with several experiments.
Aqueous‐Phased Electrospun Bioactive Glass Mineralized Gelatin‐Pectin Hybrid Composite Fiber Matrix For 7‐Dehydrocholesterol Delivery
Authors: Gupta Nidhi , Goel Himansh , Santhiya Deenan , Srivastava Chandra Mohan , Mishra Sarita , Rai Pragya
Published: April 2020

Ultrafine fibers and a bioactive glass mineralized fibrous mat of gelatin‐pectin blends were produced by electrospinning in an aqueous phase. Herein, the gelatin‐pectin blend was used as a template for the in situ mineralization of bioactive glass particles during the electrospinning of gelatin‐pectin based hybrid composite fiber matrix. Further, in situ mineralized bioactive glass along with the fibrous mat functioned as a site for 7‐dehydrocholesterol, i. e., vitamin‐D precursor. This engineered fibrous mat resulted in the sustained release of the drug, which is necessary for the strengthening of the neo regenerated bones. The fibrous mat also exhibited excellent bioactivity in simulated body fluid. Additionally, the hybrid composite fiber mat was observed to possess remarkable cytocompatibility with osteoblast cells and showed cell proliferation on the surface of the fibrous mat.
Silver Nanoparticles Supported on Mesoporous Triazine Carbon Material: A Versatile Catalyst for Reduction of Nitroaromatic Compounds
Authors: Emadi Farzaneh , Nemati Firouzeh , Elhampour Ali
Published: April 2020

In this study, a new precursor was synthesized form the reaction of melamine and chloroacetonitrile. By using this pre‐material, the new mesoporous triazine based‐carbon material was prepared during ionothermal process with the help of ZnCl2, and used as the excellent support for silver nano‐particles. The new nano‐catalyst was named Ag/mCTF(mesoporous Carbon Triazine Framework), and fully characterized by various analytical methods including Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The catalyst ability of Ag/mCTF was survived in the reduction reaction of nitroaromatic compounds. The results show that this new catalyst produced anilines in good yields in benign condition. The other merit of this heterogeneous catalyst was high recyclability without significant decrease in its performance.
Aryl Ethynylpyrene as Fluorescent Sensors for Cyanide Ions in Aqueous Media
Authors: Vongnam Kunnigar , Chansaenpak Kantapat , Sukwattanasinitt Mongkol , Rashatasakhon Paitoon
Published: April 2020

Three derivatives of aryl ethynylpyrene are successfully synthesized via a Sonogashira coupling‐Knoevenagel condensation sequence. Two of these compounds exhibit excellent selective fluorescent enhancement by CN− in aqueous media with detection limits of 0.066 and 0.087 μM. The 1H‐NMR analysis suggests that the sensing mechanism involves a nucleophilic addition of CN− to the reactive olefinic group. In the solution phase, these sensors can be used for the determination of spiked CN− in real water samples at 5 and 10 μM with relative standard deviation of below 4 %. When fabricated into paper‐based sensors, they can be used to detect CN− in aqueous media at the micromolar levels by naked eyes.
Systematic integration of extensive reading in the curriculum: Strategies and resources
Authors: Elturki Eman , Harmon Emily
Published: April 2020

Intensive reading and extensive reading (ER) are two activities that have distinct purposes and require different instructional setups. Whereas intensive reading focuses on reading skills that enable students to deconstruct text in order to find the main idea, supporting details, and discrete information, ER allows students to read for pleasure with minimal mental effort. The ultimate goal of ER is for students to read for enjoyment as many texts as possible in the second/foreign language. To achieve this goal, the readings must be enjoyable and easy to read. As a consequence of ER, students build reading speed and fluency and get exposed to contextualized vocabulary and grammar. Nonetheless, achieving a balanced reading experience by incorporating opportunities for both intensive reading and ER in the curriculum can be a challenge. Because more attention is typically given to intensive reading in reading instruction, ER is often compromised. Given the great gains and rewards of ER, how can this type of reading be systematically incorporated in reading instruction? In this article, the authors present practical strategies and resources for a more systematic integration of ER based on the principles of extensive reading (Day & Bamford, 2002).
Thermal effects
Authors: Liang Jinsong , Zhang Panyue , Cai Yajing , Wang Qingyan , Zhou Zeyan
Published: April 2020

This review paper focuses on the researches published in 2019 in the field of thermal effects in wastewater and solid waste treatment. The content of this review paper includes five parts: wastewater and sludge treatment, nutrient removal and recovery, membrane technology, heavy metal removal and immobilization, and organic waste utilization. © 2020 Water Environment Federation

Practitioner points

Thermal effect plays an important role in treatment of wastewater and sewage sludge.

Recovery of nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater and sewage sludge reduces environmental pollution and offers new products.

Temperature improves removal and recovery of heavy metals and organic wastes.
Synthesis and Characterization of the Chain Borosulfates (NH4)3[B(SO4)3] and Sr[B2(SO4)4]
Authors: Netzsch Philip , Höppe Henning A.
Published: April 2020

Two new borosulfates were obtained either by an open vessel synthesis from sulfuric acid and B(OH)3, yielding (NH4)3[B(SO4)3] or from solvothermal synthesis in oleum enriched sulfuric acid and B(OH)3, yielding Sr[B2(SO4)4]. (NH4)3[B(SO4)3] crystallizes homeotypic to K3[B(SO4)3] in space group Ibca (Z = 8, a = 728.58(3) pm, b = 1470.84(7) pm, c = 2270.52(11) pm), comprising open branched vierer single chains {1∞[B(SO4)2(SO4)2/2]3–}. Sr[B2(SO4)4] crystallizes as an ordered variant of Pb[B2(SO4)4] in space group Pnna (Z = 4, a = 1257.4(4) pm, b = 1242.1(4) pm, c = 731.9(2) pm), consisting of loop branched vierer single chains {1∞[B(SO4)4/2]2–}. Vibrational spectroscopy confirms both refined structure models. Thermal analysis of the dried powders, showed a decomposition towards the binary and ternary components, whereas a thermal treatment in the presence of the mother liquor promotes a decomposition of Sr[B2(SO4)4] towards Sr[B2O(SO4)3].
S100A4 mRNA-protein relationship uncovered by measurement noise reduction
Authors: Athanasiou Angelos-Theodoros , Nussbaumer Thomas , Kummer Stefan , Hofer Martin , Johnston Iain G. , Staltner Moritz , Allmer Daniela M. , Scott Milcah C. , Vogl Claus , Fenger Joelle M. , Modiano Jaime F. , Walter Ingrid , Steinborn Ralf
Published: April 2020

Intrinsic biological fluctuation and/or measurement error can obscure the association of gene expression patterns between RNA and protein levels. Appropriate normalization of reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) data can reduce technical noise in transcript measurement, thus uncovering such relationships. The accuracy of gene expression measurement is often challenged in the context of cancer due to the genetic instability and “splicing weakness” involved. Here, we sequenced the poly(A) cancer transcriptome of canine osteosarcoma using mRNA-Seq. Expressed sequences were resolved at the level of two consecutive exons to enable the design of exon-border spanning RT-qPCR assays and ranked for stability based on the coefficient of variation (CV). Using the same template type for RT-qPCR validation, i.e. poly(A) RNA, avoided skewing of stability assessment by circular RNAs (circRNAs) and/or rRNA deregulation. The strength of the relationship between mRNA expression of the tumour marker S100A4 and its proportion score of quantitative immunohistochemistry (qIHC) was introduced as an experimental readout to fine-tune the normalization choice. Together with the essential logit transformation of qIHC scores, this approach reduced the noise of measurement as demonstrated by uncovering a highly significant, strong association between mRNA and protein expressions of S100A4 (Spearman’s coefficient ρ = 0.72 (p = 0.006)).

Key messages

• RNA-seq identifies stable pairs of consecutive exons in a heterogeneous tumour.

• Poly(A) RNA templates for RT-qPCR avoid bias from circRNA and rRNA deregulation.

• HNRNPL is stably expressed across various cancer tissues and osteosarcoma.

• Logit transformed qIHC score better associates with mRNA amount.

• Quantification of minor S100A4 mRNA species requires poly(A) RNA templates and dPCR.
HIF-P4H-2 inhibition enhances intestinal fructose metabolism and induces thermogenesis protecting against NAFLD
Authors: Laitakari Anna , Tapio Joona , Mäkelä Kari A. , Herzig Karl-Heinz , Dengler Franziska , Gylling Helena , Walkinshaw Gail , Myllyharju Johanna , Dimova Elitsa Y. , Serpi Raisa , Koivunen Peppi
Published: April 2020

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) parallels the global obesity epidemic with unmet therapeutic needs. We investigated whether inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl 4-hydroxylase-2 (HIF-P4H-2), a key cellular oxygen sensor whose inhibition stabilizes HIF, would protect from NAFLD by subjecting HIF-P4H-2-deficient (Hif-p4h-2gt/gt) mice to a high-fat, high-fructose (HFHF) or high-fat, methionine-choline-deficient (HF-MCD) diet. On both diets, the Hif-p4h-2gt/gt mice gained less weight and had less white adipose tissue (WAT) and its inflammation, lower serum cholesterol levels, and lighter livers with less steatosis and lower serum ALT levels than the wild type (WT). The intake of fructose in majority of the Hif-p4h-2gt/gt tissues, including the liver, was 15–35% less than in the WT. We found upregulation of the key fructose transporter and metabolizing enzyme mRNAs, Slc2a2, Khka, and Khkc, and higher ketohexokinase activity in the Hif-p4h-2gt/gt small intestine relative to the WT, suggesting enhanced metabolism of fructose in the former. On the HF-MCD diet, the Hif-p4h-2gt/gt mice showed more browning of the WAT and increased thermogenesis. A pharmacological pan-HIF-P4H inhibitor protected WT mice on both diets against obesity, metabolic dysfunction, and liver damage. These data suggest that HIF-P4H-2 inhibition could be studied as a novel, comprehensive treatment strategy for NAFLD.

Key messages

• HIF-P4H-2 inhibition enhances intestinal fructose metabolism protecting the liver.

• HIF-P4H-2 inhibition downregulates hepatic lipogenesis.

• Induced browning of WAT and increased thermogenesis can also mediate protection.

• HIF-P4H-2 inhibition offers a novel, comprehensive treatment strategy for NAFLD.
Hybridbildgebung bei Lymphom
Authors: Mayerhöfer Marius E. , Haug Alexander
Published: April 2020

Die Hybridbildgebung mit dem Tracer [18F]FDG (2‑Fluor-2-desoxy-D-glucose) bildet das Rückgrat der bildgebenden Diagnostik bei Lymphomen. Egal ob für das prätherapeutische Staging oder die Beurteilung des Therapieansprechens von FDG-aviden Lymphomen: Die [18F]FDG-PET/CT (Positronenemissionstomographie/Computertomographie) wird von sämtlichen internationalen Richtlinien, allen voran der Lugano- und der Response Evaluation Criteria in Lymphoma(RECIL)-Klassifikation empfohlen. Für PET/MRT (Magnetresonanztomographie) und Ganzkörper-MRT liegen außerhalb des pädiatrischen Sektors aktuell keine Empfehlungen vor, obwohl diese Techniken gerade bei Lymphomen mit variabler FDG-Avidität klare Vorteile gegenüber der [18F]FDG-PET/CT haben. Unter den neuen spezifischeren PET-Tracern ist für Lymphome vor allem der CXCR4(CXC-Motiv-Chemokinrezeptor 4)-Tracer [68Ga]Pentixafor von Interesse, mit welchem in ersten Studien auch die Visualisierung von häufig nicht FDG-aviden Lymphomen wie dem kleinzelligen lymphozytischen Lymphom, dem MALT(Mukosa-assoziiertes lymphoides Gewebe)-Lymphom und dem lymphoplasmozytischen Lymphom gelang.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of health care professionals towards adverse drug reaction reporting in public sector primary health care facilities in a South African district
Authors: Haines H. M. , Meyer J. C. , Summers R. S. , Godman B. B.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) have an appreciable impact on patients’ health. Little is known however about ADR reporting in ambulatory care environments especially in low- and middle-income countries. Consequently, our aim was to determine knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among health care professionals (HCPs) towards ADR reporting in primary health care (PHC) facilities in South Africa. The findings will be used to direct future activities.

Methods

Descriptive, cross-sectional design using quantitative methodology among 8 public sector community health care centres and 40 PHC clinics in the Tshwane Health District, Gauteng Province. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 218 HCPs, including all key groups.

Results

A total of 200 responses were received (91.7%). Although an appropriate attitude towards ADR reporting existed, the actual frequency of ADR reporting was low (16.0%). Of the respondents, 60.5% did not know how to report, where to report or when to report an ADR and 51.5% said the level of their clinical knowledge made it difficult to decide whether or not an ADR had occurred. Over 97.5% stated they should be reporting ADRs with 89% feeling that ADR reporting is a professional obligation and over 70% that ADR reporting should be compulsory. When results were combined, the overall mean score in terms of positive or preferred practices for ADR reporting was 24.6% with pharmacists having the highest scores.

Conclusion

Under-reporting of ADRs with gaps in KAP was evident. There is a serious and urgent need for education and training of HCPs on ADR reporting in South Africa.
The Impact of Pretreatment PET/CT Nodal Status on Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation
Authors: Chen Jian‐Xun , Lu Ting‐Yu , Fang Hsin‐Yuan , Lin Yu‐Sen , Lee Jang‐Ming
Published: April 2020

Background

For advanced esophageal cancer, the clinical significance of pretreatment nodal status (cN) as determined by different examinations remains unclear.

Patients and methods

Patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiation and surgery were analyzed in this study. Pretreatment cN status assessed by CT, EUS, and PET/CT and clinicopathological features were used to evaluate tumor recurrence and long‐term survival.

Results

Two hundred and twenty‐two patients were identified in this study. Pretreatment PET/CT cN0 [odds ratio (OR) cN0 versus cN+, 5.316, p < 0.001] and pretreatment CT cN0 (OR 1.957, p = 0.032) both independently predicted ypN0. Pretreatment PET/CT cN0 was also associated with a lower recurrence rate and longer survival across the entire study group. Among patients with ypN0, pretreatment PET/CT cN+ indicated poor disease‐free survival [hazard ratio (HR) 2.777, p = 0.001] and overall survival (HR 2.211, p = 0.034) compared with pretreatment PET/CT cN0, which predicted a favorable prognosis.

Conclusions

Data from the current study suggest that pretreatment lymph node status as assessed by PET/CT is strongly correlated with survival outcomes after neoadjuvant chemoradiation and surgery in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. ypN0 patients can achieve better survival outcomes when pretreatment cN0 is assessed by PET/CT.
The adaptive potential of circular DNA accumulation in ageing cells
Authors: Hull Ryan M. , Houseley Jonathan
Published: April 2020

Carefully maintained and precisely inherited chromosomal DNA provides long-term genetic stability, but eukaryotic cells facing environmental challenges can benefit from the accumulation of less stable DNA species. Circular DNA molecules lacking centromeres segregate randomly or asymmetrically during cell division, following non-Mendelian inheritance patterns that result in high copy number instability and massive heterogeneity across populations. Such circular DNA species, variously known as extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA), microDNA, double minutes or extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA), are becoming recognised as a major source of the genetic variation exploited by cancer cells and pathogenic eukaryotes to acquire drug resistance. In budding yeast, circular DNA molecules derived from the ribosomal DNA (ERCs) have been long known to accumulate with age, but it is now clear that aged yeast also accumulate other high-copy protein-coding circular DNAs acquired through both random and environmentally-stimulated recombination processes. Here, we argue that accumulation of circular DNA provides a reservoir of heterogeneous genetic material that can allow rapid adaptation of aged cells to environmental insults, but avoids the negative fitness impacts on normal growth of unsolicited gene amplification in the young population.
Reversible Trifokalität durch das Duett-Verfahren
Authors: Khoramnia Ramin , Yildirim Timur M. , Son Hyeck-Soo , Łabuz Grzegorz , Mayer Christian S. , Auffarth Gerd U.
Published: April 2020

Funktionelle Ergebnisse und das Auftreten von Nebenwirkungen (insbesondere photischer Phänomene) können beim Einsatz multifokaler Intraokularlinsen (IOL) schwer vorhergesagt werden. Des Weiteren können Patienten im Laufe des Lebens Erkrankungen entwickeln, bei denen eine multifokale Optik von Nachteil sein kann. In diesen Fällen ist ein Austausch der IOL die einzige Therapieoption. Die Implantation einer monofokalen oder monofokal-torischen IOL in den Kapselsack und einer additiven trifokalen IOL in den Sulcus ciliaris in einer als Duett-Verfahren bezeichneten Operation ermöglicht Trifokalität, die bei Bedarf vergleichsweise einfach wieder rückgängig gemacht werden kann.
Molecular background of cadmium tolerance in Rht dwarf wheat mutant is related to a metabolic shift from proline and polyamine to phytochelatin synthesis
Authors: Szalai Gabriella , Tajti Judit , Hamow Kamirán Áron , Ildikó Denyicska , Khalil Radwan , Vanková Radomira , Dobrev Petr , Misheva Svetlana P. , Janda Tibor , Pál Magda
Published: April 2020

Plant height is among the most important agronomic traits influencing crop yield. Wheat lines carrying Rht genes are important in plant breeding due to their both higher yield capacity and better tolerance to certain environmental stresses. However, the effects of dwarf-inducing genes on stress acclimation mechanisms are still poorly understood. Under the present conditions, cadmium stress induced different stress responses and defence mechanisms in the wild-type and dwarf mutant, and the mutant with the Rht-B1c allele exhibited higher tolerance. In the wild type after cadmium treatment, the abscisic acid synthesis increased in the leaves, which in turn might have induced the polyamine and proline metabolisms in the roots. However, in the mutant line, the slight increment in the leaf abscisic acid content accompanied by relatively high salicylic acid accumulation was not sufficient to induce such a great accumulation of proline and putrescine. Although changes in proline and polyamines, especially putrescine, showed similar patterns, the accumulation of these compounds was antagonistically related to the phytochelatin synthesis in the roots of the wild type after cadmium stress. In the dwarf genotype, a favourable metabolic shift from the synthesis of polyamine and proline to that of phytochelatin was responsible for the higher cadmium tolerance observed.
Managing crisis: a qualitative lens on the aftermath of entrepreneurial failure
Authors: Omorede Adesuwa
Published: April 2020

Every entrepreneur faces barriers when they engage in entrepreneurial activities and for every entrepreneur, their utmost goal is to succeed d in their endeavors. However, some entrepreneurial ventures fail due to several factors. After the failure, the entrepreneur either relapses or seeks for new entrepreneurial opportunities. The present study conducts a qualitative research synthesis to examine what happens after the occurrence of firm failure and how entrepreneurs manage the experiences from failure. In doing so, the present study analyses already published qualitative studies on failure by conducting a literature search from several electronic databases to capture the qualitative studies published under failure. After the elimination of irrelevant data, 21 relevant articles were identified. The identified articles were analyzed using meta ethnography and grounded formal theory to elaborate on three overarching concepts – the experience and cost of failure, the impact from failure and the outcome of failure. The findings from these analyzed qualitative research offers insight into the ongoing discussions on entrepreneurial failure by identifying recurrent themes and concepts as well as by presenting a conceptual model that describes the entrepreneur’s experiences from failure and how they manage these firm failures. The findings also provide avenues on how future research can contribute to the discussion on failure.