bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A prospective observational registry evaluating clinical outcomes of Radium‐223 treatment in a nonstudy population
Authors: Badrising Sushil K. , Louhanepessy Rebecca D. , van der Noort Vincent , Coenen Jules L.L.M. , Hamberg Paul , Beeker Aart , Wagenaar Nils , Lam Marnix G.E.H. , Celik Filiz , Loosveld Olaf J.L. , Oostdijk Ad , Zuetenhorst Hanneke , Haanen John B. , Vegt Erik , Zwart Wilbert , Bergman Andries M. ,   the ROTOR investigators and the Dutch Uro‐Oncology Study group (DUOS15101)
Published: December 2019

The ALSYMPCA study established a 3.6 month Overall Survival (OS) benefit in metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC) patients treated with Radium‐223 dichloride (Ra‐223) over placebo. Here we report clinical outcomes of Ra‐223 treatment in a nonstudy population. In this prospective registry, patients from 20 Dutch hospitals were included prior to Ra‐223 treatment. Clinical parameters collected included previous treatments and Adverse Events. Primary outcome was 6 months Symptomatic Skeletal Event (SSE)‐free survival, while secondary outcomes included Progression‐Free Survival (PFS) and Overall Survival (OS). Of the 305 patients included, 300 were evaluable. The mean age was 73.6 years, 90% had ≥6 bone metastases and 74.1% were pretreated with Docetaxel, 19.5% with Cabazitaxel and 80.5% with Abiraterone and/or Enzalutamide. Of all patients, 96.7% were treated with Ra‐223 and received a median of 5 cycles. After a median follow‐up of 13.2 months, 6 months SSE‐free survival rate was 83%, median PFS was 5.1 months and median OS was 15.2 months. Six months SSE‐free survival rate and OS were comparable with those reported in ALSYMPCA. “Previous Cabazitaxel treatment” and “bone‐only metastases” were independent predictors of a shorter and longer PFS, respectively, while above‐median LDH and “bone‐only metastases” were independent predictors of shorter and longer OS, respectively. Toxicity was similar as reported in the ALSYMPCA trial. These results suggest that in a nonstudy population, Ra‐223 treatment is well‐tolerated, equally effective as in the ALSYMPCA population and that patients not previously treated with Cabazitaxel benefit most from Ra‐223.
Bayesian inference framework for bounded generalized Gaussian‐based mixture model and its application to biomedical images classification
Authors: Alroobaea Roobaea , Rubaiee Saeed , Bourouis Sami , Bouguila Nizar , Alsufyani Abdulmajeed
Published: December 2019

Biomedical image classification problem has attracted a lot of attention in medical engineering community and medicine applications. Accurate and automatic classification (eg, normal/abnormal or malignant/benign) has a variety of applications such as automatic decision making and is known to be very challenging. In this research, we address this problem by investigating the effectiveness of Bayesian inference methods for statistical bounded mixture models. Indeed, a novel approach termed as Bayesian learning for bounded generalized Gaussian mixture models is developed. The consideration of bounded mixture models is encouraged by their capability to take into account the nature of the data that is compactly supported. Furthermore, the consideration of Bayesian inference is more attractive compared to frequentist reasoning. In this work, we address main issues related to accurate data classification such as the effective estimation of the model's parameters and the selection of the optimal model complexity. Moreover, the problem of over‐ or under‐fitting is treated by taking into account the uncertainty through introducing prior information about the model's parameters. A comparative study between different Gaussian‐based models is also performed to evaluate the performance of the proposed framework. Experiments have been conducted on challenging biomedical image datasets that involve retinal images for diabetic retinopathy detection and mammograms for breast cancer detection. Obtained results are encouraging and show the benefits of our Bayesian framework.
Credentialing and privileging for clinical pharmacists
Authors: Engle Janet P. , Dick Travis B. , Bryant Ginelle , Ciolek Alana , Crismon M. Lynn , Fisher Justin D. , Lasota Sean , Newsome Andrea Sikora , Thrasher Kimberly , Vest Mary‐Haston , Ward Jessica
Published: December 2019

The American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) 2019 Certification Affairs Committee was charged with writing a white paper to provide a road map for developing initial and ongoing credentialing and privileging processes for clinical pharmacists. After extensively reviewing the literature, the committee prepared a framework to support organizations in implementing credentialing and privileging programs. This document contains definitions, principles, and a suggested process for credentialing; organizational costs of credentialing and privileging; and barriers associated with the process. Finally, resources are provided to help the reader establish a credentialing and privileging process.
The effects of different bisphenol derivatives on oxidative stress, DNA damage and DNA repair in RWPE‐1 cells: A comparative study
Authors: Kose Ozge , Rachidi Walid , Beal David , Erkekoglu Pınar , Fayyad‐Kazan Hussein , Kocer Gumusel Belma
Published: December 2019

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well‐known endocrine disruptor and it is widely used mainly in the plastics industry. Due to recent reports on its possible impact on health (particularly on the male reproductive system), bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS) are now being used as alternatives. In this study, RWPE‐1 cells were used as a model to compare cytotoxicity, oxidative stress‐causing potential and genotoxicity of these chemicals. In addition, the effects of the bisphenol derivatives were assessed on DNA repair proteins. RWPE‐1 cells were incubated with BPA, BPF, and BPS at concentrations of 0–600 μM for 24 h. The inhibitory concentration 20 (IC20, concentration that causes 20% of cell viability loss) values for BPA, BPF, and BPS were 45, 65, and 108 μM, respectively. These results indicated that cytotoxicity potentials were ranked as BPA > BPF > BPS. We also found alterations in superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities, and glutathione and total antioxidant capacity in all bisphenol‐exposed groups. In the standard and modified Comet assay, BPS produced significantly higher levels of DNA damage vs the control. DNA repair proteins (OGG1, Ape‐1, and MyH) involved in the base excision repair pathway, as well as p53 protein levels were down‐regulated in all of the bisphenol‐exposed groups. We found that the BPA alternatives were also cytotoxic and genotoxic, and changed the expressions of DNA repair enzymes. Therefore, further studies are needed to assess whether they can be used safely as alternatives to BPA or not.
Longnon‐coding RNA NEAT1 overexpression associates with increased exacerbation risk, severity, and inflammation, as well as decreased lung function through the interaction with microRNA‐124 in asthma
Authors: Li Xueying , Ye Shenglan , Lu Yang
Published: December 2019

Background

This study aimed to explore the association of long non‐coding RNA nuclear‐enriched abundant transcript 1 (lncRNA NEAT1) with exacerbation risk, lung function, and inflammatory cytokines in asthma.

Methods

A total of 170 patients with asthma in exacerbation, 170 patients with asthma in remission, and 170 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled, and their plasma samples were collected. The expressions of lncRNA NEAT1 and microRNA‐124 (miRNA‐124) in plasma were detected by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction; inflammatory cytokines in plasma were measured by the Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); and pulmonary ventilation function was detected by examination of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC).

Results

LncRNA NEAT1 expression was upregulated in asthma patients in exacerbation compared with HCs and asthma patients in remission, and receiver operating characteristic curve exhibited that it was of good value in distinguishing asthma patients in exacerbation from HCs (AUC: 0.869 (0.830‐0.908)) and asthma patients in remission (AUC: 0.775 (0.724‐0.825)). Furthermore, lncRNA NEAT1 was positively correlated with exacerbation severity, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐17, but negatively correlated with IL‐10, FEV1/FVC and FEV1%predicted in asthma patients. Additionally, lncRNA NEAT1 was negatively correlated with miR‐124, and miR‐124 was negatively associated with exacerbation risk, exacerbation severity, and inflammation, but positively associated with lung function in asthma patients.

Conclusion

Circulating lncRNA NEAT1 exhibits potential to be a new biomarker for elevated exacerbation risk and severity of asthma.
Remarkably flexible quinazolinones—synthesis and biological applications
Authors: Reddy Manne Madhava , Sivaramakrishna Akella
Published: December 2019

Even though several quinazolinone derivatives have been synthesized, still there is a constant demand for designing and synthesis of new quinazolinone derivatives by fine‐tuning the electronic and steric properties of substituents due to their interesting structure‐based biological utilities and the versatile chemistry. While many of the synthetic routes are useful as building blocks in synthetic organic chemistry, the drawbacks of some of these methods like unsatisfactory or variable yields, prolonged reaction times, inadequate tolerance to other substrates, including the use of costly catalysts/reagents. This review article is mainly focused on various synthetic routes for the preparation of quinazolinones, their important properties and applications.
Synthesis and anticancer activity of benzotriazole derivatives
Authors: Li Qiujing , Liu Guijun , Wang Ningning , Yin Huiyong , Li Zhulai
Published: December 2019

A series of benzotriazole (BTA) derivatives were synthesized as tyrosine protein kinase inhibitors using fragment‐based design strategy. All desired compounds were synthesized with the reaction of benzotriazole, chloroacetonitrile and aromatic aldehyde using Ultrasonic‐Microwave method and characterized by IR, 1H and 13C‐NMR, mass spectrometry (MS) and elemental analysis. The anticancer activity of these compounds was evaluated by CCK‐8 method against carcinoma VX2, lung cancer A549, stomach cancer cell lines MKN45 and MGC in vitro. The results showed that all compounds showed good antiproliferative activity. In particular, compound 2.1 showed the most prominent inhibition of VX2 cell lines with IC50 of 3.80 ± 0.75 μM. Compound 2.2 exhibited highly potent anticancer activity of stomach MGC cell lines with IC50 of 3.72 ± 0.11 μM. A549 and MKN45 cell lines were sensitive to compound 2.5 with IC50 of 5.47 ± 1.11 and 3.04 ± 0.02 μM, respectively.
Trinity Strikes Back: Monetary Independence And Inflation In The Caribbean
Authors: Cevik Serhan , Zhu Tianle
Published: December 2019

Monetary independence is at the core of the macroeconomic policy trilemma. This study examines the relationship between monetary autonomy and inflation in Caribbean countries over the period 1980–2017. The empirical results show that greater monetary policy independence, measured as a country's ability to conduct its own monetary policy for domestic purposes independent of external monetary influences, leads to lower consumer price inflation. This relationship—robust to alternative specifications and estimation methodologies—has clear policy implications, especially for countries that maintain pegged exchange rates relative to the US dollar with a critical bearing on monetary autonomy. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectroscopic insight into the interplay between structural disorder and oxidation degree in melt‐grown Ce0.5Zr0.5O2‐y compounds
Authors: Oliete Patricia B. , Orera Alodia , Sanjuán María Luisa
Published: December 2019

The oxygen storage capacity of CexZr1‐xO2‐y compounds arises from the mixed‐valent character of cerium, which makes the system sensitive to external factors such as temperature and oxygen partial pressure through their influence in the Ce valence, cation ordering and oxygen content. In this work, we analyze the phase relations in Ce0.5Zr0.5O2‐y compounds fabricated by the laser floating zone technique in either oxidising or reducing atmosphere. Chemical, structural, and microstructural properties are studied by X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, scanning electron microscopy (energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and electron backscatter diffraction), and Raman spectroscopy. The latter proves to be determinant to discriminate between phases arising from subtle variations of atomic distribution that are hardly distinguished by X‐ray diffraction or energy dispersive X‐ray analyses. Cation disordered, fluorite‐like phases are obtained when processing is performed in air, whereas cation‐ordered, pyrochlore‐related phases are formed when processing in Ar+5%H2 atmosphere. Processing in a low but non‐negligible pO2 yields, besides the pyrochlore and fluorite‐like phases, an intermediate state with partial disorder that may be relevant for catalysis applications. The vibrational Raman spectrum of the Ce2Zr2O7 pyrochlore has been fully interpreted through polarisation measurements at room and low temperature. Bands arising from crystal field transitions within the ground and first excited multiplets of Ce3+ ions are also identified. The electronic Raman spectrum is found to be a sensitive probe of the degree of cation and oxygen order in these compounds.
Combining Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopies with Gaussian deconvolution: An improved approach for the characterization of emeralds
Authors: Branca Caterina , Arcovito Armando , Cosio Emanuele , Interdonato Monica , Sabatino Giuseppe , Wanderlingh Ulderico , D'Angelo Giovanna
Published: December 2019

In the present work, five natural emeralds from various localities and one hydrothermal synthetic emerald were investigated by scanning electron microscopy–energy‐dispersive X‐ray technique (SEM–EDX), Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) attenuated total reflection spectroscopy. A two‐step procedure was used for this study. In the first step, the samples were analyzed by SEM–EDX to evidence differences in the chemical composition and, in particular, to estimate their different alkali contents. In the second step, a detailed vibrational analysis was made, paying a special attention to three specific vibrational bands generally related to the content of alkalis: the infrared OH (3,800–3,400 cm−1) and Si─O (1,000–1,300 cm−1) stretching bands and the Raman band around 1,066 cm−1. In particular, in order to resolve overlapped bands present in these latter two ranges, a peak finding was done by curve fitting with Gaussian functions following a minimizing procedure. This analysis was accomplished by the second and fourth derivative of the FTIR and Raman spectra. These processing procedures allowed us to capture unambiguously spectral vibrational differences related to differences in the chemical composition of the investigated emeralds and, in particular, to their alkali content.
Effects of plant growth regulator application on the malting quality of barley
Authors: McMillan Tricia , Tidemann Breanne D , OʼDonovan John T , Izydorczyk Marta S
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Lodging can negatively affect yield and quality of barley grain. Synthetic plant growth regulators (PGRs) reduce lodging by producing shorter, thicker, and stronger stems. However, the impact of applying PGRs on malting performance of barley is not known. The objective of this work was to assess the effect of application of three PGRs (ethephon, chlormequat chloride, and trinexapac‐ethyl) in combination with different seeding rates on the malting quality of barley grown in several locations and years in western Canada.

RESULTS

The kernel weight in PGR‐treated barley was reduced by 1.7% to 6.5% compared with the nontreated grain. Application of PGRs had no effect on the concentration of proteins and germination energy. Seeding rates significantly affected kernel weight, protein content, and germination index (GI), but no interactions between PGRs and seeding rates were observed. The smaller kernels of ethephon‑ and trinexapac‐treated barley showed good hydration and grain modification during malting, as indicated by high levels of starch‐converting enzymes, high Kolbach indices, and low levels of wort β‐glucans. Overall, the fine extract of malt from PGR‐treated barley was slightly lower than that of the control malt; however, the extract reduction was statistically significant only for chlormequat‑ and trinexapac‐treated barley.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of PGRs had significant effects on kernel plumpness and kernel weight, but the effects of PGR application on the malting quality were generally small and insignificant. The decision of PGRs application on malting barley needs to be considered in combination with potential benefits of PGRs in mitigating lodging and their effects on the agronomic performance of barley. © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada 2019
Development of a stir bar sorptive extraction method coupled to solidification of floating droplets dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction based on deep eutectic solvents for the extraction of acidic pesticides from tomato samples
Authors: Nemati Mahboob , Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Mohebbi Ali , Khodadadeian Fariba , Afshar Mogaddam Mohammad Reza
Published: December 2019

A stir bar sorptive extraction method coupled with deep eutectic solvent based solidification of floating organic droplets–dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction has been used for the simultaneous derivatization and extraction of some acidic pesticides in tomato samples. In this method, initially the analytes are adsorbed on a coated stir bar from tomato juice filled in a narrow tube. After extraction, the stir bar is removed and a water–miscible deep eutectic solvent is used to elute the analytes. Afterward, a derivatization agent and a water–immiscible deep eutectic solvent (as an extraction solvent) with melting point near to room temperature are added to the obtained eluant at µL–levels and the obtained mixture is rapidly injected into deionized water. Under the optimum conditions, the introduced method indicated high enhancement (1543–3353) and enrichment (2530–2999) factors, low limits of detection (7–14 ng/L) and quantification (23–47 ng/L), good linearity (r2 ≥ 0.9982), and satisfactory repeatabilities (relative standard deviation ≤12% for intra– and inter–day precisions at a concentration of 100 ng/L of each analyte). Finally, the proposed method was applied in analysis of the analytes in tomato samples.
Stakeholders in the medical trade: The case of South Korea's networks with China and the United States
Authors: Cho Heeran J. , Lee Timothy J.
Published: December 2019

This study analyzes the stakeholder networks that have developed in the medical tourism industry centered around South Korea. The network that 14 leading Korean medical tourism stakeholders have with China and the United States are investigated considering General Agreement on Trade in Services four modes and analyzed via social network analysis. The stakeholders of each mode with China and the United States depict relational structures that vary in their degree of similarity and disparity on the basis of their centralization. This study contributes to the literature by bringing order to and providing a structural framework for the network complexity of the medical trade in relation with the medical tourism industry.
Exploring participatory action research as a driver for sustainable tourism
Authors: Goebel Katharina , Camargo‐Borges Celiane , Eelderink Madelon
Published: December 2019

The constantly growing tourism sector does not only bring economic well‐being to host communities but also raises environmental and social questions. Communities increasingly experience negative impacts that strain their social, cultural, and ecological living environments. We investigate the potential of a more relational, action‐oriented research approach for tourism: Participatory Action Research (PAR). Results show that PAR has the potential to actively involve tourism‐affected communities in the decision‐making processes that impact their living environments and facilitate them in co‐creating community‐specific initiatives for sustainable change. Yet, the current role of conventional research approaches hinders PAR in developing its full potential.
The use and cost‐effectiveness of intraoperative navigation in pediatric sinus surgery
Authors: Govil Nandini , Shaffer Amber D. , Stapleton Amanda L.
Published: December 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

There are consensus statements about when to use intraoperative navigation (IN) in adult sinus surgery. However, no corresponding guidelines exist for pediatrics. Our objectives included: 1) assess the demographic and operative factors associated with IN use and 2) calculate the cost‐effectiveness of IN use.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

One hundred nineteen pediatric patients undergoing sinus surgery between 2003 and 2016 were reviewed. Demographic and surgical factors were collected from medical records. Costs associated with use of IN were gathered from billing records.

Results

Of the 119 patients, 60 underwent sinus surgery with navigation (wIN) and 59 underwent surgery without navigation (sIN). Children in the wIN group had more complex surgeries with more sinuses opened (P = .008). Individual attending surgeon and presence of trainee were associated with increased use of IN (P < .001 for both). IN resulted in a median of 31.5 minutes longer surgical time (P < .001). IN had an incremental cost/effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $22,378 for each year without revision surgery for patients with acute disease. However, for patients with chronic disease, the probability of undergoing a second surgery was the same between wIN and sIN groups, and navigation was not cost‐effective (ICER of −$3,583).

Conclusions

IN use did not decrease complications or rates of revision surgery. It was used primarily as an educational tool or to increase confidence in intraoperative identification of landmarks. However, the use of IN added surgical time and was not cost‐effective. Further research must be completed to determine when IN is indicated in pediatric sinus surgery.

Level of Evidence

4

Laryngoscope, 2019
RETRACTED: Forensic characteristics and genetic affinity analyses of Xinjiang Mongolian group using a novel six fluorescent dye‐labeled typing system including 41 Y‐STRs and 3 Y‐InDels
Authors: Liu Yanfang , Yu Tingting , Mei Shuyan , Jin Xiaoye , Lan Qiong , Zhou Yongsong , Fang Yating , Xie Tong , Huang Jiabin , Zhu Bofeng
Published: December 2019

Background

Y‐chromosomal genetic marker haplotypes of individuals can define the paternal kinship or genealogies to which they belong and further provide clues for forensic individual identifications. Studying the genetic structure of the Mongolian group will help to bring to light the Mongolian ethnic origin, and explicate the genetic affinities among the studied and compared populations. Some forensic scientists have studied the genetic background of the Mongolian group based on different molecular genetic markers. These studies were of very great reference significance for the Mongolian group genetic research, whereas the investigation of Y‐STR haplotype data in the Xinjiang Mongolian group is still insufficient.

Methods

Genetic characteristics of 182 unrelated healthy male Mongolian individuals were revealed by 41 Y‐chromosomal short tandem repeat and 3 insertion/deletion molecular genetic markers. Furthermore, analyses of molecular variance programs, multi‐dimensional scaling plots, and phylogenetic tree reconstructions were operated to explore the genetic relationships of the Xinjiang Mongolian group with comparative 23 populations from China and 33 populations from worldwide nations.

Results

The genetic diversity values ranged from 0.0641 (rs771783753) to 0.9502 (DYF387S1). A total of 165 distinct haplotypes were identified, of which 150 (90.91%) were unique. The discrimination capacity, match probability, and haplotype diversity of 44 loci were 0.9066, 0.0067, and 0.9988, respectively. Additionally, the Mongolian group had the most intimate relationship with Gansu Dongxiang (RST = 0.0165), followed by HulunBuir Mongolian (RST = 0.0187), Inner Mongolia Daur (RST = 0.0202) as well as other three minority ethnic groups from the Xinjiang region (RST < 0.05) in all compared Chinese populations, and clustered together with the majority of Asian populations in a worldwide scale.

Conclusions

Consequently, the 44 loci could be well applied in forensic applications of the Mongolian group. The haplotypes available in here made new contributions to the existing population genetic information and would be of great value in population studies.
VPS13D‐related disorders presenting as a pure and complicated form of hereditary spastic paraplegia
Authors: Koh Kishin , Ishiura Hiroyuki , Shimazaki Haruo , Tsutsumiuchi Michiko , Ichinose Yuta , Nan Haitian , Hamada Shun , Ohtsuka Toshihisa , Tsuji Shoji , Takiyama Yoshihisa
Published: December 2019

Background

Alterations of vacuolar protein sorting‐associated protein 13 (VPS13) family members including VPS13A, VPS13B, and VPS13C lead to chorea acanthocytosis, Cohen syndrome, and parkinsonism, respectively. Recently, VPS13D mutations were identified as a cause of VPS13D‐related movement disorders, which show several phenotypes including chorea, dystonia, spastic ataxia, and spastic paraplegia.

Methods

We applied whole‐exome analysis for a patient with a complicated form of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) and her unaffected parents. Then, we screened the candidate genes in 664 Japanese families with HSP in Japan.

Results

We first found a compound heterozygote VPS13D mutation and a heterozygote ABHD4 variation in a sporadic patient with spastic paraplegia. Then, we found three patients with VPS13D mutations in two Japanese HSP families. The three patients with homozygous mutations (p.Thr1118Met/p.Thr1118Met and p.Thr2945Ala/p.Thr2945Ala) in the VPS13D showed an adult onset pure form of HSP. Meanwhile, the patient with a compound heterozygous mutation (p.Ser405Arg/p.Arg3141Ter) in the VPS13D showed a childhood onset complicated form of HSP associated with cerebellar ataxia, cervical dystonia, cataracts, and chorioretinal dystrophy.

Conclusion

In the present study, we found four patients in three Japanese families with novel VPS13D mutations, which may broaden the clinical and genetic findings for VPS13D‐related disorders.
Surface electrical stimulation for facial paralysis is not harmful
Authors: Puls Wiebke C. , Jarvis Jonathan C. , Ruck Anne , Lehmann Thomas , Guntinas‐Lichius Orlando , Volk Gerd Fabian
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Does electrical stimulation (ES) of denervated muscles delay or prevent reinnervation, or increase synkinesis? In this retrospective study we evaluate the outcome, with and without ES, of patients with acutely denervated facial muscles.

Methods

The effect of ES was analyzed in two experiments. In the first experiment, 39 patients (6 with home‐based ES, median 17.5 months) underwent facial nerve reconstruction surgery. Time to recovery of volitional movements was analyzed. The second experiment involved 13 patients (7 with ES, median 19 months) during spontaneous reinnervation. Sunnybrook and eFACE scores provided functional outcome measures.

Results

No difference in time of reinnervation after facial nerve reconstruction surgery was seen between the patients with and without ES (median [interquartile range]: 4.5 [3.0‐5.25] vs 5.7 [3.5‐9.5] months; P = .2). After spontaneous reinnervation, less synkinesis was noted (Sunnybrook synkinesis score: 3.0 [2.0–3.0] vs 5.5 [4.75‐7.0]; P = .02) with ES.

Discussion

We find no evidence that ES prevents or delays reinnervation or increases synkinesis in facial paralysis.
A new parameter to discriminate amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients from healthy participants by motor cortical excitability changes
Authors: Cengiz Bülent , Kuruoğlu Reha
Published: December 2019

Introduction

We sought a combination of abnormalities to define a more sensitive measure of cortical excitability in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Methods

The automatic threshold tracking method was employed to assess the resting motor threshold, intracortical facilitation (ICF), short‐interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), and short‐interval intracortical faciilitation (SICF) in patients and controls.

Results

SICF at interstimulus intervals (ISI) between 1 and 1.8 ms and 2 and 3 ms as well as average SICI and SICI at ISIs of 1 and 2.5 ms were significantly reduced in ALS. The SICI curve was altered, displaying a solitary peak. Discriminant analysis revealed that the combination of SICI 2.5 ms and the mean SICF between 1 and 1.8 ms ISIs was the most sensitive parameter to distinguish patients with ALS from healthy participants.

Discussion

Along with the reduced SICI and its altered shape, connectivity between motor cortical circuits is changed in ALS. Combination with SICF increases the diagnostic utility of SICI in ALS.
Improvements in health status and utility associated with ataluren for the treatment of nonsense mutation Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Landfeldt Erik , Lindberg Christopher , Sejersen Thomas
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Little is known of the impact of ataluren on health status and utility in patients with nonsense mutation Duchenne muscular dystrophy (nmDMD). In this work we sought to investigate the clinical expert consensus of these topics in a Delphi panel study.

Methods

Six Swedish neuromuscular experts participated in this study. Consensus was investigated for responses to the Health Utilities Index (HUI) and a visual analog scale (VAS) for ambulatory and nonambulatory patients treated with ataluren plus best supportive care vs best supportive care alone.

Results

Consensus was obtained after three panel rounds across treatments and disease stages, except for HUI question 10 (ability to use hands and fingers) for nonambulatory patients. Utility differences between treatments were 0.31 for ambulatory patients, and 0.15 to 0.18 for nonambulatory patients, respectively. The corresponding VAS differences were 12 and 13.

Discussion

The outcomes of this study support the association of ataluren for the treatment of nmDMD with improved health status and utility.
In-Stream Egg Incubators Produce Hatchery Chinook Salmon with Similarities to and Differences from Natural Juveniles
Authors: Conley Keats R. , Ebel Jonathan D. , Hargrove John S. , Petersen Wyatt , Denny Lytle P.
Published: December 2019

Supplementing fish populations at the egg stage is a low-cost alternative to hatchery rearing that is presumed to improve adaptation to local natural conditions. The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes began supplementing Chinook Salmon Onchorynchus tschwytscha in Panther Creek, Idaho, at the eyed egg stage in 2014. The Chinook Salmon eggs were artificially fertilized and reared to eye-up in the hatchery and then planted in custom-made in-stream incubators (egg boxes) for volitional release and natural rearing. Using data from three brood years, we evaluated the efficacy of this supplementation program solely in terms of juvenile production. We related juvenile production to the placement and retrieval of the egg boxes, assessed the relative contributions of offspring (parr and emigrants) from the egg boxes (HOR) to overall juvenile abundance, and compared the performance (length, condition, dispersal distance, and survival) of HOR versus natural-origin (NOR) juveniles. Brood year and box placement within the stream (distance upstream) were the best predictors of whether or not an egg box was retrieved from its original location. Meanwhile, the condition of the box (i.e., intact, damaged, or missing) was the best single predictor of juvenile production. Supplemented eggs represented an estimated 42, 50, and 42% of the total egg deposition in Panther Creek in brood years 2014, 2015, and 2016, respectively. A parentage analysis revealed that the egg boxes accounted for 6, 22, and 35%, respectively, of the parr production for the respective brood years when the data were normalized to the estimated egg deposition—less than the egg-to-parr production that was estimated for natural redds. As fall parr, the HOR fish differed from the NOR fish in terms of their length and dispersal behavior, but they were of similar length and condition at their emigration from Panther Creek and exhibited no significant difference in downstream survival through the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS). Collectively, our results provide useful insights to fisheries managers who are interested in initiating or refining egg supplementation programs.
Nanocomposite structures of polypyrrole derivatives and poly (acrylonitrile‐co‐itaconic acid) produced by in situ polymerization as carbon nanofiber precursor
Authors: Baskan Havva , Ismar Ezgi , Karakas Hale , Sarac A. Sezai
Published: December 2019

This study aimed to produce nanoparticles of poly (acrylonitrile‐co‐itaconic acid) (P (AN‐co‐IA)) containing conjugated polymers of pyrrole, N‐Methylpyrrole, 2,5‐dimethylpyrrole, and 1‐(Triisopropylsilyl)pyrrole which were synthesized by emulsion polymerization. Nanocomposite structures of P (AN‐co‐IA)/polypyrrole and polymer of pyrrole derivatives were produced via in situ polymerization, and the nanoparticle formation were followed by morphologic and ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐Vis) spectroscopic methods. Characterizations were made by Fourier transform infrared‐attenuated total reflectance (FTIR‐ATR) and Raman spectroscopy. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used for investigating the surface characteristics of the nanoparticles. Characterization results revealed that nanoparticles containing conjugated polymers had rougher surface than P (AN‐co‐IA) nanoparticles. It was also observed that the nanoparticles were well‐distributed although having some agglomerates. Moreover, depending on the type of monomer of conjugated polymer, the shape and size of the produced nanoparticles differed by conjunction with their polymerization rate. These findings can be used as a startup information for production of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) with desired properties after oxidation and carbonization, and as a high‐performance and cost‐effective flame and heat‐resistant material (oxidized copolymers of polyacrylonitrile nanofiber).
Clinical manifestations of Pacak‐Zhuang syndrome in a male pediatric patient
Authors: Abdallah Adel , Pappo Alberto , Reiss Ulrike , Shulkin Barry L. , Zhuang Zhengping , Pacak Karel , Bahrami Armita
Published: December 2019

We report an index case of a male patient who presented with all clinical manifestations of Pacak‐Zhuang syndrome, including early‐age polycythemia, multiple pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas, duodenal somatostatinoma, and ocular findings. Sequencing analysis detected an EPAS1 mutation in all tumors tested, but not in the germline.
Improving aramid pulp dispersion in epoxy resin via the in situ preparation of SiO2 on an aramid pulp surface
Authors: Ding Haiquan , Kong Haijuan , Sun Hui , Xu Qian , Zeng Juan , Yu Muhuo
Published: December 2019

Aramid pulp (AP) is a highly fibrillated form of fiber， with excellent heat resistance, wear resistance, size stability, and other beneficial properties, that can be dispersed in rubber or resin matrix systems. Its fibrillation results in a large surface area. However, AP easily tangles and aggregates between fibers because of its large surface area. Consequently, it experiences difficulty in dispersing in matrices, especially when a relatively large amount of pulp is needed to be mixed. In this study, a SiO2 nanoparticle was synthesized on the surface of AP through the hydrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate to improve the dispersion of AP in an epoxy matrix. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy showed that SiO2 nanoparticles coated on the pulp could improve the thermal and mechanical properties. The optimum treatment concentration was 0.15 mol/L. Dynamic mechanical analysis tests indicated when AP modified by SiO2, the E' is higher due to the uniformly diffusion and enhanced interfacial adhesion for load transfer from the epoxy to AP. But Tg is lower as the flexibility chain SiOSi in epoxy. In comparison with the properties of the unmodified AP, the tensile strength and modulus of modified pulp/epoxy composites increased by 53.5% and 160.4%, respectively. Therefore, the dispersion and interface combination of AP modified by SiO2 in the epoxy improved because of the interaction of AP with SiO2 through the hydrogen bonding and crosslinking of SiO2 with epoxy.
Data‐Independent Acquisition‐Based Quantitative Proteomics Analysis Reveals Dynamic Network Profiles during the Macrophage Inflammatory Response
Authors: Li Lei , Chen Li , Lu Xinya , Huang Chenyang , Luo Haihua , Jin Jingmiao , Mei Zhuzhong , Liu Jinghua , Liu Cuiting , Shi Junmin , Chen Peng , Jiang Yong
Published: December 2019

Understanding of the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying the inflammatory response is incomplete. The present study focuses on characterizing the proteome in a model of inflammation in macrophages treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). A total of 3597 proteins are identified in macrophages with the data‐independent acquisition (DIA) method. Bioinformatic analyses reveal discrete modules and the underlying molecular mechanisms, as well as the signaling network that modulates the development of inflammation. It is found that a total of 87 differentially expressed proteins are shared by all stages of LPS‐induced inflammation in macrophages and that 18 of these proteins participate in metabolic processes by forming a tight interaction network. Data support the hypothesis that ribosome proteins play a key role in regulating the macrophage response to LPS. Interestingly, conjoint analyses of the transcriptome and proteome in macrophages treated with LPS reveal that the genes upregulated at both the mRNA and protein levels are mainly involved in inflammation and the immune response, whereas the genes downregulated are significantly enriched in metabolism‐related processes. These results not only provide a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms of inflammation mediated by bacterial infection but also provide a dynamic proteomic resource for further studies.
Solution structure of the nucleotide hydrolase BlsM: Implication of its substrate specificity
Authors: Kang Minhee , Doddapaneni Kiran , Sarni Samantha , Heppner Zach , Wysocki Vicki , Wu Zhengrong
Published: December 2019

Biosynthesis of the peptidyl nucleoside antifungal agent blasticidin S in Streptomyces griseochromogenes requires the hydrolytic function of a nucleotide hydrolase, BlsM, to excise the free cytosine from the 5′‐monophosphate cytosine nucleotide. In addition to its hydrolytic activity, interestingly, BlsM has also been shown to possess a novel cytidine deaminase activity, converting cytidine, and deoxycytidine to uridine and deoxyuridine. To gain insight into the substrate specificity of BlsM and the mechanism by which it performs these dual function, the solution structure of BlsM was determined by multi‐dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance approaches. BlsM displays a nucleoside deoxyribosyltransferase‐like dimeric topology, with each monomer consisting of a five‐stranded β‐sheet that is sandwiched by five α‐helixes. Compared with the purine nucleotide hydrolase RCL, each monomer of BlsM has a smaller active site pocket, enclosed by a group of conserved hydrophobic residues from both monomers. The smaller size of active site is consistent with its substrate specificity for a pyrimidine, whereas a much more open active site, as in RCL might be required to accommodate a larger purine ring. In addition, BlsM confers its substrate specificity for a ribosyl‐nucleotide through a key residue, Phe19. When mutated to a tyrosine, F19Y reverses its substrate preference. While significantly impaired in its hydrolytic capability, F19Y exhibited a pronounced deaminase activity on CMP, presumably due to an altered substrate orientation as a result of a steric clash between the 2′‐hydroxyl of CMP and the ζ‐OH group of F19Y. Finally, Glu105 appears to be critical for the dual function of BlsM.
Flow regimes in coastal California steelhead trout streams: Spatiotemporal patterns in magnitude, duration and timing
Authors: Hwan Jason L. , Holmes Robert W.
Published: December 2019

The magnitude, timing and duration of precipitation events can vary considerably across spatial and temporal scales. In lotic ecosystems, such differences in precipitation patterns can strongly influence water availability, which in turn affects the population dynamics of stream biota. Connectivity flow thresholds were developed for the movement of juvenile steelhead trout using hydraulic modelling for 37 coastal California streams. Spatial patterns in magnitude, and spatiotemporal patterns in duration and timing of flows meeting threshold levels were analysed using long‐term flow gaging data. Flow thresholds for the movement of juvenile steelhead through riffle sites varied from 0.06 (San Luisito Creek, Elder Creek) to 0.82 (Redwood Creek) cms (cubic meters per second). Flow thresholds increased positively with mean bankfull width, indicating that more water is required for fish movement in wider streams. Precipitation was a dominant driver of flow duration, with flows meeting thresholds longer in wetter regions of the state when compared with drier regions. On the rising limb of the hydrograph, the onset of meeting flow thresholds was influenced by stream width, with thresholds being met earlier in wider streams when compared with narrower streams. On the receding limb of the hydrograph, flow threshold timing was influenced by precipitation, with flows remaining above the threshold later in wetter regions when compared with drier regions. Based on these findings, we recommend that the management of aquatic resources for a broad range of objectives consider regional scales that account for local patterns in precipitation, channel form and prevailing water year conditions to accommodate California's wide spatiotemporal diversity of water availability.
Invertebrate response to impacts of water diversion and flow regulation in high‐altitude tropical streams
Authors: Rosero‐López Daniela , Knighton James , Lloret Pablo , Encalada Andrea C.
Published: December 2019

Water supply systems are critical infrastructure that provides food and energy security for developed societies. The operation of reservoirs (flow regulation) and water intakes (water diversion) has known negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems; however, quantification of ecological impacts and examination of these two types of flow alteration remain a developing area of research. We investigated the individual and combined impact of flow regulation and water diversion on stream ecosystem integrity, the freshwater macroinvertebrate community, and the population structure of flow‐sensitive insects. For 2 years, we monitored quarterly discharge, physical and chemical stream conditions, and benthic invertebrates of four high‐altitude tropical streams that are part of the water supply system of Quito, Ecuador. Flow regulation caused a loss of the hydrological seasonality of these streams, including a decrease in stream depth and biotic quality. Water diversion caused a decrease in dissolved oxygen and overall ecosystem integrity. Freshwater invertebrate density and richness decreased as a result of water diversion and flow regulation. The combined flow alteration in these streams decreased the density of nymphal stages of the widely distributed mayfly Andesiops peruvianus. Given the societal needs for food and energy security, water management for diversion (e.g., irrigation) and in‐line storage practices (e.g., hydroelectric dams) are anticipated to increase. This research suggests that the negative environmental impacts of flow alteration could be mitigated with discharge releases designed to approximate the natural hydrologic regime of undisturbed streams.
Seismic collapse risk assessment of super high‐rise buildings considering modeling uncertainty: A case study
Authors: Zhang Yantai , He Zheng
Published: December 2019

Based on the multiple stripes analysis method and the first‐order second‐moment method, a seismic collapse risk assessment considering the modeling uncertainty is carried out for a 118‐story super high‐rise building with a typical mega‐frame/core‐tube/outrigger resisting system. The sensitivity of the median collapse capacity of the building to eight main parameters is analyzed, and then the modeling uncertainty is determined. Both the effects of the characterization methods of bidirectional ground motion intensities and the selection of the ground motion intensity measure (IM) on the aleatory randomness are investigated. The mean estimates approach and the confidence interval method are used to incorporate both the modeling uncertainty and the aleatory randomness, and then the annual collapse probability, the collapse probability at the maximum considered earthquake (MCE) intensity level and the acceptable values of the collapse margin ratios (CMRs) with different confidence levels for the building are calculated. The results show that the influence of the modeling uncertainty on the collapse capacity of the super high‐rise structure is negligible, the aleatory randomness caused by the record‐to‐record variability is significant, and an appropriate ground motion IM can significantly reduce the aleatory randomness.
A Thematic Linguistic Analysis of TESOL Students’ Commitment to Intercultural Communication Values
Authors: Cutting Joan
Published: December 2019

This article describes a study of TESOL preservice teacher journals that used a thematic linguistic framework of analysis aimed at revealing the extent of their commitment to intercultural communication values, as evidenced by their attitude to cultural differences and stereotyping, and their stance markers. Nearly all entries showed the students’ ability to decenter, question the values of their own culture, and accept the values of the other culture. A minority of students took a nonessentialist view of culture and preferred to look at the influence of social variables such as age on language. On the other hand, a third of all entries contained polarization of overgeneralized cultural differences, juxtaposed negative words, critical intensifiers, negative hyperboles, and triple repetitions of critical hyperboles, all unconvincingly softened by expressions of weak epistemic stance. The article ends with a suggestion of how teacher educators can carry out a similar study of their preservice teachers’ discourse to understand their beliefs and help them become aware of how their attitudes can be revealed by destructive culturalist language.