bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
To Study Dermoscopic Findings in Alopecia Areata
Authors: Sneha Kovi , Thomas Jayakar
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Alopecia areata is a common chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that involves hair follicles, characterized by hair loss on the scalp and/or body without scarring. Clinically, the disease presents as smooth, patchy hair loss with various patterns - diffuse or reticulate alopecia, ophiasis, ophiasis inversus, alopecia totalis (loss of hair all the scalp), or alopecia universalis (loss of hair all over the body). Clinical diagnosis of AA is made based on typical pattern of hair loss and the presence of characteristic exclamation mark hair in microscopy. Invasive (punch biopsy) techniques are often required in some cases where the clinical diagnosis is not straight forward Biopsy shows peribulbar lymphocytic infiltrates in a “swarm of bee pattern” which is characteristic of the acute stage of the disease.

Dermoscopy is an imaging instrument that immensely magnifies surface features of skin lesions. It works on the principle of illumination and transillumination of skin with different light sources and studying it with a high magnification lens. Dry dermoscopy was done with heine delta 20 dermoscope which was followed by wet dermoscopy. Liquid paraffin was used as the immersion media. It is a noninvasive, repeatable, recordable bedside investigation.

Objective: To study dermoscopic findings in alopecia areata.

Materials and Methods: Study Design: Cross sectional study; Study Area: Skin Outpatient Department, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital; Study Population: All patients with hair loss, attending skin OPD, who are clinically diagnosed as Alopecia Areata; Study Method: Observational study; Sample Size: 30.

Results: Clinically, the disease presents as smooth, patchy hair loss with various patterns. Dermoscopy is useful for diagnosis of AA clinically by the presence of cadaverized hairs (black dots), circle hair, coudablity hair, exclamation mark hairs (tapering hairs), broken hairs, yellow dots and clustered short vellus hairs in the hair loss areas. The results wear tabulated.
E2F1‐activated SPIN1 promotes tumor growth via a MDM2‐p21‐E2F1 feedback loop in gastric cancer
Authors: Lv Bei‐bei , Ma Ran‐ran , Chen Xu , Zhang Guo‐hao , Song Lin , Wang Su‐xia , Wang Ya‐wen , Liu Hai‐ting , Gao Peng
Published: August 2020

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers around the world. Searching for specific gene expression changes during the development of GC could help identify potential therapy targets. We previously showed that the histone code reader SPIN1 may act as an oncogene in breast cancer. At present, the biological function and regulation of SPIN1 in GC remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that SPIN1 is upregulated in GC tissues, compared with nontumorous gastric tissues. Increased expression of SPIN1 is closely associated with poor prognosis for patients with GC. Increased SPIN1 expression enhances GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and promotes cell cycle progression. Mechanically, SPIN1 sustains GC cell proliferation via activation of the MDM2‐p21‐E2F1 signaling pathway by binding to H3K4me3 of the MDM2 promoter region. Interestingly, E2F1 could directly bind to the SPIN1 promoter and activate its transcription, thus forming a positive feedback loop. Our data suggest that SPIN1 plays an important role in the development of GC and could be used as a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for GC.
An integrated fault estimation and fault tolerant control method using H∞‐based adaptive observers
Authors: Fazeli S. Mahdi , Abedi Mostafa
Published: August 2020

An integrated fault estimation/fault‐tolerant control (FTC) scheme is developed in this article for nonlinear Lipschitz systems in the presence of external disturbances and actuator failures. To address this problem, coupled uncertainties between the observer error dynamics and the control system are considered, which is conveniently ignored in control approaches based on the separation principle. An H∞‐based adaptive observer is proposed to simultaneously estimate the system states and actuator faults without the restrictive strictly positive realness or persistent excitation conditions. The FTC is constructed by sliding mode control using the estimated states generated by the developed observer. A novel sufficient condition is derived in terms of linear matrix inequality (LMI) including both the system control dynamics and the estimation errors; then, the control parameters and observer gains are simultaneously obtained via solving the mentioned LMI based on the H∞ optimization. Finally, a flexible joint robot is considered to illustrate the effectiveness of the developed method.
Interface Concentrated‐Confinement Suppressing Cathode Dissolution in Water‐in‐Salt Electrolyte
Authors: Yue Jinming , Lin Liangdong , Jiang Liwei , Zhang Qiangqiang , Tong Yuxin , Suo Liumin , Hu Yong‐sheng , Li Hong , Huang Xuejie , Chen Liquan
Published: August 2020

Mass dissolution is one main problems for cathodes in aqueous electrolytes due to the strong polarity of water molecules. In principle, mass dissolution is a thermodynamically favorable process as determined by the Gibbs free energy. However, in real situations, dissolution kinetics, which include viscosity, dissolving mass mobility, and interface properties, are also a critical factor influencing the dissolution rate. Both thermodynamic and kinetic dissolving factors can be regulated by the ratio of salt to solvent in the electrolyte. In this study, concentration‐controlled cathode dissolution is investigated in a susceptible Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode whose time‐, cycle‐, and state‐of‐charge‐dependent dissolubility are evaluated by multiple electrochemical and chemical methods. It is verified that the super‐highly concentrated water‐in‐salt electrolyte has a high viscosity, low vanadium ion diffusion, low polarity of solvated water, and scarce solute−water dissolving surfaces. These factors significantly lower the thermodynamic‐controlled solubility and the dissolving kinetics via time and physical space local mass interfacial confinement, thereby inducing a new mechanism of interface concentrated‐confinement which improves the cycling stability in real aqueous rechargeable sodium‐ion batteries.
DEP1 affects rice grain weight and quality at different spikelet positions
Authors: Zhang Nan , Jiang Kunwei , Chen Hongwei , Shao Kuitian , Yan An , Liang Chengwei , Wang Shu , Huang YuanCai , Wang Yan , Jia BaoYan , Wang Yun
Published: August 2020

Grains at different positions on rice panicles differ greatly in weight and quality, but few studies have focused on the effect of dep1 that influences panicle morphology and grain number on grain weight and quality at different spikelet positions and under different backgrounds. To clarify this, we compared spikelet characteristics and grain quality in the superior spikelets (SS) and inferior spikelets (IS), as well as sink‐, source‐ and flow‐related traits between NIL‐dep1 (AKI‐dep1 and LG5‐dep1) and NIL‐DEP1 (AKI‐DEP1 and LG5‐DEP1) under the Akitakomachi (AKI) and Liaogeng5 (LG5) backgrounds. The grain weight and quality in SS did not significantly differ between NIL‐dep1 and NIL‐DEP1 under the two backgrounds. However, the effect of dep1 on grain weight and quality in IS varied with background. AKI‐dep1 significantly decreased the grain weight, processing quality, and eating and cooking quality in IS compared with AKI‐DEP1, possibly due to poor grain filling and the lack of an adequate source supply and vascular system to fully meet the increased sink size. With the exception of appearance quality, the grain weight and quality of IS of LG5‐dep1 were similar to LG5‐DEP1, mainly due to the enlarged vascular system and similar grain filling rate and source supply. We concluded that the varied effects of dep1 on grain weight and quality under the two backgrounds could be attributed to differences in grain filling and source−sink−flow relationships.
Thermal and clinker‐catalyzed pyrolyses of polystyrene waste using the Portland cement solid‐base catalyst
Authors: Hussain Zahid , Imtiaz Maria , Naz Muhammad Y. , Khan Khalid M. , AbdEl‐Salam Nasser M. , Ibrahim Khalid A.
Published: August 2020

Polystyrene is a nondegradable lightweight foamy substance that easily blows from landfills into drains and waterways. This material creates litter and water pollution and harms the wildlife who mistakenly eat it. This study investigated a cost‐effective pyrolysis approach for catalytic conversion of waste polystyrene into useful oil and gas products. The Portland cement was used as a solid base to catalyze the pyrolysis reaction for improving the product yield, lowering the reaction temperature and shortening the reaction time. Optimum reaction conditions were investigated by varying the process temperature, process time, and amount of the catalyst. The catalytic conversion of polystyrene into oil was measured about 94.98% at 400°C. In noncatalytic conversion experiments, same conversion efficiency was achieved at 600°C, which is significantly higher than the catalytic conversion. Catalytic pyrolysis produced oil with major part of volatile fractions and 42.14% styrene. The thermal pyrolysis produced oil with high styrene content (63.17%). Overall, styrene content of oil product was lower than the reported values in the literature. The noncatalytic pyrolysis produced nonreactive gases toward the copper‐I solution while catalytic pyrolysis produced highly reactive gases. The presence of olefins and acetylene in gaseous form confirmed the presence of hydrogen in the product.
Effect of the wine wastes on the thermal stability, mechanical properties, and biodegradation's rate of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate)
Authors: Nanni Alessandro , Messori Massimo
Published: August 2020

In this work, two different wine derived additives, seeds extracts (Sext) and wine lees (WL), have been tested within poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) for different purposes. First, the effect of wine seed polyphenolic extracts (Sext) on the PHB thermal stability has been investigated considering the molecular weight decrease (gel permeation chromatography), the impact on the viscosity (mass flow rate), the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) curves, and the oxidation induction times. Different stabilizers formulations have been tested and the results have been compared with unstabilized PHB. Subsequently, WL have been mixed in different concentration (10, 20, and 40 phr) within PHB by twin‐screw extrusion and the obtained biocomposites have been characterized from a thermal (differential scanning calorimetry and TGA) and mechanical (dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile test) points of view exploiting also the micromechanics models of Voigt, Halpin‐Tsai and Pukanszky. Finally, biodegradation tests in soil and in marine water have been carried out for each investigated PHB formulation in order to evaluate the effect of Sext and WL on the microbial degradation.
Differences in conservation candidate tidal rivers by cross‐taxon analysis in the Japanese temperate zone
Authors: Koyama Akihiko , Inui Ryutei , Kanno Kazuki , Eguchi Katsuhisa , Tanabe Atsushi , Nakajima Jun , Onikura Norio , Minagawa Tomoko
Published: August 2020

For effective biodiversity conservation, verifying the correspondence of conservation sites among taxa and identifying the environmental characteristics of these sites are essential; however, only a few such studies have been performed in estuaries. The aim of the present study was to verify the surrogacy of estuarine gobies and crabs, to identify tidal rivers of high conservation priority, and to describe their environmental characteristics.

Distribution data for gobies and crabs were collected from 158 tidal rivers in the Kyushu region, Japan. Three conservation scenarios were analysed based on the distribution data of gobies alone, of crabs alone, and of both taxa, in order to assess the correspondence of the conservation candidates (i.e. tidal rivers) between taxa.

The degree of correspondence was poor for the candidates selected on the basis of the distribution data of gobies or crabs separately. More efficient candidates were selected based on the data for both taxa. The environmental characteristics of tidal rivers with high irreplaceability for conservation differed between the taxa. Tidal rivers forming and maintaining large tidal flats covered with fine sediment might have high irreplaceability for goby conservation, whereas rivers with saltmarshes connected to supratidal and intertidal zones might have high irreplaceability for crab conservation.

Tidal rivers with a high priority for conservation were identified by overlapping the candidates for three scenarios. These tidal rivers are not necessarily large, but have steep basins with river mouths that are less exposed to ocean waves. Moreover, the percentage of artificial areas in these rivers was low, suggesting that these rivers have not been exposed to excessive anthropogenic disturbance that leads to loss of estuarine habitat.

These results show that gobies and crabs are not surrogates for one another.
Why the Outcome of Anti‐Tumor Immune Responses is Heterogeneous: A Novel Idea in the Context of Immunological Heterogeneity in Cancers
Authors: Wang Jing H.
Published: August 2020

The question as to why some hosts can eradicate their tumors while others succumb to tumor‐progression remains unanswered. Here, a provocative concept is proposed that intrinsic differences in the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire of individuals may influence the outcome of anti‐tumor immunity by affecting the frequency and/or variety of tumor‐reactive CD8 and/or CD4 tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes. This idea implicates that the TCR repertoire in a given patient might not provide sufficiently different TCR clones that can recognize tumor antigens, namely, “a hole in the TCR repertoire” might exist. This idea may provide a novel perspective to further dissect the mechanisms underlying heterogeneous anti‐tumor immune responses in different hosts. Besides tumor‐intrinsic heterogeneity and host microbiome, the various factors that may constantly shape the dynamic TCR repertoire are also discussed. Elucidating mechanistic differences in different individuals’ immune systems will allow to better harness immune system to design new personalized cancer immunotherapy.
Diagnostic value of HR‐MRI and DCE‐MRI in unilateral middle cerebral artery inflammatory stenosis
Authors: Wang Guo‐Chang , Chen Yu‐Jing , Feng Xu‐Ran , Feng Ping‐Yong
Published: August 2020

Purpose

High‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR‐MRI) has high spatial resolution and can simultaneously perform wall and lumen imaging. Dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) can evaluate the integrity of the blood–brain barrier. In this paper, the result of 3.0T HR‐MRI and 3.0T DCE‐MRI has been evaluated to explore the application value of unilateral middle cerebral artery inflammatory stenosis and changes in vascular permeability parameters of stroke events.

Methods

Thirty‐six cases of neurological suspicion of central nervous system vasculitis of our hospital were selected from 20 January 2018 to 1 January 2019, who were diagnosed as unilateral middle cerebral artery M1 stenosis/occlusion by 3D TOF MRA. 3.0T HR‐MRI and 3.0T DCE‐MRI has been applied.

Results

Among the 36 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 23 patients with central nervous system vasculitis were diagnosed. The 23 patients with HR‐MRI showed diffuse thickening and enhanced stenosis. The Ktrans value of 10/23 patients with acute–subacute cerebral infarction and 3/23 patients in chronic phase were significantly higher than that of the mirror side, and the Ktrans value of these patients remeasured in the same region of interest is lower than before after 6 months treatment. The Ktrans value in the target area of 10 patients without cerebrovascular events was not statistically significant compared with the mirror side. The Ktrans value of patients with acute–subacute cerebral infarction was significantly higher than that without cerebrovascular events (0.098 ± 0.038 vs. 0.007 ± 0.001, p = .000), and there was no significant difference between Ktrans in the chronic infarction group and the other two groups (0.098 ± 0.038 vs. 0.044 ± 0.012, p = .058; 0.044 ± 0.012 vs. 0.007 ± 0.001, p = .057).

Conclusion

HR‐MRI is an accurate direct imaging method and has a high value for the etiological diagnosis of central nervous system vasculitis. DCE‐MRI could be an effective way to evaluate and monitor blood–brain barrier to prevent clinical ischemic stroke.
The inter‐relationship between diet, selflessness, and disordered eating in Australian women
Authors: Collins Melissa , Quinton Stephanie
Published: August 2020

Personality traits and diet can be used to predict if a person is predisposed to disordered eating. Results of this study demonstrate a strong significant relationship between the personality trait of selflessness, diet group, and disordered eating. Vegans were most likely to display selflessness tendencies associated with disordered eating; however when selflessness was controlled for, vegans displayed substantially less disordered eating pathology than non‐vegetarians.

Objective

To explore the relationship between diet group (non‐vegetarian, semi‐vegetarian, true‐vegetarian, and vegan) and disordered eating while investigating to what extent personality trait of selflessness mediates the relationship between diet group and disordered eating.

Method

Cross‐sectional data from 634 Australian nonclinical women who completed a series of online questionnaires including measures of diet group, disordered eating, and selflessness were used to examine associations between diet, personality (selflessness), and disordered eating.

Results

Selflessness was found to be a significant positive predictor of disordered eating. Results confirm that selflessness played a suppressing role in the relationship between the vegan diet group and disordered eating, when compared to non‐vegetarians. Surprisingly, vegans displayed significantly less disordered eating than non‐vegetarians and semi‐vegetarians.

Discussion

Results of the current study imply that the role of selflessness on disordered eating, when broken down across diet group, may be more complex than first thought. If replicated, these results suggest that targeted treatment of selflessness in different diet groups may improve treatment outcomes for disordered eating. Further research should explore why diet groups differ in terms of selflessness and how this impacts disordered eating.
Impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on STEMI care: An expanded analysis from the United States
Authors: Garcia Santiago , Stanberry Larissa , Schmidt Christian , Sharkey Scott , Megaly Michael , Albaghdadi Mazen S. , Meraj Perwaiz M. , Garberich Ross , Jaffer Farouc A. , Stefanescu Schmidt Ada C. , Dixon Simon R. , Rade Jeffrey J. , Smith Timothy , Tannenbaum Mark , Chambers Jenny , Aguirre Frank , Huang Paul P. , Kumbhani Dharam J. , Koshy Thomas , Feldman Dmitriy N. , Giri Jay , Kaul Prashant , Thompson Craig , Khalili Houman , Maini Brij , Nayak Keshav R. , Cohen Mauricio G. , Bangalore Sripal , Shah Binita , Henry Timothy D.
Published: August 2020

Objective

To evaluate the impact of COVID‐19 pandemic migitation measures on of ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) care.

Background

We previously reported a 38% decline in cardiac catheterization activations during the early phase of the COVID‐19 pandemic mitigation measures. This study extends our early observations using a larger sample of STEMI programs representative of different US regions with the inclusion of more contemporary data.

Methods

Data from 18 hospitals or healthcare systems in the US from January 2019 to April 2020 were collecting including number activations for STEMI, the number of activations leading to angiography and primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), and average door to balloon (D2B) times. Two periods, January 2019–February 2020 and March–April 2020, were defined to represent periods before (BC) and after (AC) initiation of pandemic mitigation measures, respectively. A generalized estimating equations approach was used to estimate the change in response variables at AC from BC.

Results

Compared to BC, the AC period was characterized by a marked reduction in the number of activations for STEMI (29%, 95% CI:18–38, p < .001), number of activations leading to angiography (34%, 95% CI: 12–50, p = .005) and number of activations leading to PPCI (20%, 95% CI: 11–27, p < .001). A decline in STEMI activations drove the reductions in angiography and PPCI volumes. Relative to BC, the D2B times in the AC period increased on average by 20%, 95%CI (−0.2 to 44, p = .05).

Conclusions

The COVID‐19 Pandemic has adversely affected many aspects of STEMI care, including timely access to the cardiac catheterization laboratory for PPCI.
Severe hypersensitivity reaction to etoposide phosphate: A case report
Authors: Cotteret Camille , Rousseau Julia , Zribi Kaouther , Schlatter Joel
Published: August 2020

Hypersensitivity to etoposide phosphate has rarely been documented. We report a case of severe hypersensitivity reaction to etoposide phosphate in an old man. The patient experienced anaphylactic shock and has been hospitalized in intensive care unit. Vigilance is required regarding potential severe reactions with etoposide phosphate formulation.
Eosinophilic lingual tonsillitis induced by sublingual immunotherapy: A case series
Authors: Cavaliere Carlo , Luperto Paolo , Gnesutta Michele , Incorvaia Cristoforo , Rosati Davide , Masieri Simonetta
Published: August 2020

The new observation of eosinophilic lingual tonsillitis as a possible adverse reaction to sublingual immunotherapy is likely to stimulate new investigations aimed at improving the understanding of the mechanisms of biodistribution of extracts placed at the sublingual level.
Use of a kaolinitic‐illitic clay from Central African Republic and an organic waste for the production of porous ceramic materials
Authors: Serewane Deramne Rosellyne , Lecomte‐Nana Gisèle Laure , Peyratout Claire , Naït‐Ali Benoit , Tchangbedji Gado
Published: August 2020

This work aimed at investigating the use of agricultural waste for the manufacture of porous ceramic products while promoting the valorization of local clay materials. The peel of plantain (Musa paradisiaca) fruits appeared as potential porogen and source of flux during the firing of silicate ceramics. A commercial kaolin served as the reference raw clay to investigate the influence of the waste content (from 0 to 30 mass%) over the microstructure and mechanical properties upon sintering at 1000 and 1200°C (dwelling time of 1 hour). The main physical and chemical characteristics of the local clay (from Central African Republic) were analyzed. This clay appeared to be a moderately plastic silica‐rich clay material that exhibited a bimodal particle size distribution. Mixtures of this clay with 0, 10, and 15 mass% of the waste were submitted to compressive strength testing upon firing at 1100°C (dwelling times = 1 or 2 hours). In all samples, the compressive strength decreased while the open porosity rate increased with increasing waste content. When using the commercial kaolin, the open porosity could be tuned close to 53% and 40% after firing at 1000 and 1200°C, respectively, by adding 30 mass% of waste. Accordingly, firing at 1200°C for the latter sample led to higher compressive strength due to the enhanced consolidation related to flux oxides arising from the waste burnt out. For the local clay, the incorporation of 10 or 15 mass% of waste led to open porosity values in the range 36%‐40% after firing at 1100°C regardless of the dwelling time. Accordingly, the compressive strength was decreased, 60% of the initial value for the local clay without waste.
Environmental Multi‐dimensionality and Staff Localization in Multinational Enterprises: The Case of Korean Firms
Authors: Baik Youjin , Kim Hyojin , Park Young‐Ryeol
Published: August 2020

The person–environment fit theory posits that the term “environment” can be defined at different levels. This study delineates two environmental dimensions (strategic and organizational) and empirically examines the potential moderating effects of two strategic factors (intra‐ and inter‐regional diversification) on the relationship between two organizational factors (subsidiary ownership and host‐country experience) and MNE subsidiary staffing composition. The results indicate that strategic and organizational dimensions have impacts on subsidiary staffing composition. This study also finds that the interaction effects between strategic and organizational factors are significant only when there is congruence between demands from different environmental dimensions.
A modified sliding‐mode controller‐based mode predictive control strategy for three‐phase rectifier
Authors: Wang Meng , Wang Haoran , Shi Yanyan , Shen Minghui , Song Jian
Published: August 2020

In three‐phase pulse width modulation rectifiers, proportional integral (PI) has been used in voltage outer‐loop to obtain the active current reference when using the conventional model predictive control strategy. However, the performance of the dynamic response is poor as large step and longer settling time are required on the active power under the load variation. To cope with this problem, a sliding‐mode controller can be employed to replace the PI controller. Nevertheless, the sliding‐mode variable structure control is discontinuous which leads to the chattering problem. In this work, a novel control strategy which combines a simplified model predictive control and a modified sliding‐mode control is proposed and investigated. The proposed strategy is supposed to reduce the effect of unexpected disturbances such as the DC‐link voltage step and the load variation. Simulation and experiments have been conducted for validation. The results indicate that the proposed strategy is feasible and has excellent dynamic response. Furthermore, it is easy to design and implement.
Three‐phase two‐leg buck‐boost DC‐AC inverter with differential power processor unit
Authors: Hossam‐Eldin Ahmed A. , Elserougi Ahmed A. , Abdelsalam Ahmed K. , Farghly Abdelrahman M.
Published: August 2020

Renewable energy sources (RESs) need power‐electronics‐based converters to deliver the acquired power to the grid. Those converters should provide voltage‐bucking/boosting capabilities to accommodate various grid modes specially for three‐phase distorted commonly unbalanced distribution utility networks. Several power electronic‐based converters have been elaborated to fulfill this high‐demand market. Single‐stage converters are the most dominant in the market where the current source inverters (CSIs), impedance source inverters (ZSIs), and boost inverters are the high‐end candidates. The aspects of cost, footprint, and minimal numbers of active switches, in addition to simplified controllability, build the main challenges that face the evolution of robust renewable energy‐associated grid‐tied converters. This paper presents a novel three‐phase differential‐mode buck‐boost inverter based on two bidirectional buck‐boost DC/DC converters and one differential power processor (DPP) unit. The proposed topology is a single‐stage DC/AC converter offering bucking/boosting capability, with reduced hardware requirements. The proposed topology features a simplified control methodology in addition to reduced size and cost of the hardware setup which makes it more suitable for grid‐tied renewable energy applications. The operation principles, small‐signal model, and control strategy of the proposed topology are also illustrated. Simulation and experimental results are presented in details to verify the topology‐enhanced performance under various operating conditions. The deducted results elucidate the viability of the proposed configuration alongside with the claimed merits.
A double‐edged sword: How social diversity affects trust in representatives via perceived competence and warmth
Authors: Ehrke Franziska , Bruckmüller Susanne , Steffens Melanie C.
Published: August 2020

Previous research has claimed that diversity erodes trust, even though the empirical evidence is mixed and restricted to ethnic neighborhood diversity. Against the backdrop of increasing diversity within the political sphere and concurrently declining political trust, we examined the impact of social diversity on trust in groups of political representatives. In two experiments (N1 = 109,N2 = 248) we tested how the diversity of political parties affected citizens’ trust in them. In line with predictions of the stereotype content model, diverse parties were perceived as warmer and less competent than non‐diverse parties (Experiments 1–2). Additionally, party diversity was perceived as having more benefits, but also involving more threats (Experiment 2). Consequently, diversity had both positive (via warmth and benefits) and negative (via competence and threats) indirect effects on trust. These results help to untangle previously mixed, for the most part non‐experimental, findings of the relationship between diversity and trust.
Nickel Coated Graphite Microparticle Based Electrodes for Carbon Dioxide Reduction in MonoethanolamineMedium
Authors: Filotás Dániel , Asserghine Abdelilah , Nagy Tibor , Asztalos Lilla , Kovács Ferenc , Dobránszky János , Nagy Lívia , Nagy Géza
Published: August 2020

A composite electrode that contains home‐made nickel coated carbon micro‐particles as active materials and epoxy binder has been prepared. The surface morphology, elemental composition and size distribution of microparticles were investigated using SEM, EDS, AAS, micro Raman spectroscopy and appropriate seizer apparatus. The prepared micro‐particles appeared monodispers with 33 μm most numerous particle size diameter and with 10.1 w/w % Ni content. Conventional electrochemical methods like impedance spectroscopy and voltammetry as well as scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) were used for investigation the properties of the composite electrodes. It has been proved that the electrode can be well used for electro‐catalytic reduction of CO2 directly in aqueous mono‐ethanol amine (MEA) solution that frequently are applied for capturing it from power plant flue gases. SECM measurements showed that presence of dissolved CO2 hinders the hydrogen evolution in aqueous MEA solution.
Voltammetric Behavior and Reliable Method for the Determination of Coccidiostat Robenidine in Animal Feed and Poultry Meat
Authors: Ivakh S. , Dubenska L. , Rydchuk M. , Plotycya S.
Published: August 2020

The voltammetric behaviour of coccidiostat robenidine was investigated. The outcomes have revealed that reduction of robenidine causes an appearance of one diffusion‐controlled cathodic peak on a static mercury drop electrode (SMDE) and a silver solid amalgam electrode (p‐AgSAE). The influence of pH, a supporting electrolyte, a scan rate and accumulation parameters was evaluated. The mechanism of robenidine reduction involving two electrons and one proton was studied for the first time. The calibration curves with the wide linear concentration ranges (more than two concentration orders) were obtained under optimized experimental conditions and operating parameters. The reduction current linearly increases when increasing the concentration of coccidiostat. The methods of voltammetric determination of robenidine in feed and meat have been developed. The limits of quantitation of the methods of robenidine determination in feed are 9.5 mg/kg and 2.5 mg/kg on SMDE and p‐AgSAE, respectively. Calculated recoveries ranges of robenidine were between 88.8 % and 101.5 %.
Postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can successfully support patients following upper airway reconstruction
Authors: Cohen William , Mirzai Saeid , Combs Pamela , Rose Rebecca , Kagan Viktoriya , Correia Camil , Gottlieb Lawrence J. , Song Tae
Published: August 2020

Background

Patients requiring intensive upper airway reconstruction are anatomically restricted in terms of the respiratory support they can receive. While intraoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been effectively utilized, little has been shown regarding the utility of ECMO for long‐term support in these patients.

Methods

We demonstrate how a patient with tongue and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma that necessitated upper airway reconstruction was supported with veno‐venous (VV) ECMO due to postoperative respiratory failure and an inability to maintain a stable airway.

Results

By initiating VV ECMO, we were able to decrease positive pressure ventilation and FiO2, thereby minimizing ventilator‐associated trauma and irritation to facilitate wound healing. Over time, ventilatory support was increased in parallel with decreasing ECMO support, allowing discharge to rehabilitation after 74 days of ECMO.

Conclusion

ECMO can effectively support patients with ongoing respiratory requirements following upper airway reconstruction when standard ventilatory techniques are inadequate or not feasible.
Clinical Features of Patients With COVID‐19 With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Huang Rui , Zhu Li , Wang Jian , Xue Leyang , Liu Longgen , Yan Xuebing , Huang Songping , Li Yang , Yan Xiaomin , Zhang Biao , Xu Tianmin , Li Chunyang , Ji Fang , Ming Fang , Zhao Yun , Cheng Juan , Wang Yinling , Zhao Haiyan , Hong Shuqin , Chen Kang , Zhao Xiang‐an , Zou Lei , Sang Dawen , Shao Huaping , Guan Xinying , Chen Xiaobing , Chen Yuxin , Wei Jie , Zhu Chuanwu , Wu Chao
Published: August 2020

Previous studies reported that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) was likely to result in liver injury. However, few studies investigated liver injury in patients with COVID‐19 with chronic liver diseases. We described the clinical features in patients with COVID‐19 with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Confirmed patients with COVID‐19 from hospitals in 10 cities of Jiangsu Province, China, were retrospectively included between January 18, 2020, and February 26, 2020. The hepatic steatosis index (HSI) was used to defined NAFLD. A total of 280 patients with COVID‐19 were enrolled. Eighty‐six (30.7%) of 280 patients with COVID‐19 were diagnosed as NAFLD by HSI. One hundred (35.7%) patients presented abnormal liver function on admission. The median alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (34.5 U/L vs. 23.0 U/L; P < 0.001) and the proportion of elevated ALT (>40 U/L) (40.7% vs. 10.8%; P < 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with NAFLD than in patients without NAFLD on admission. The proportion of elevated ALT in patients with NAFLD was also significantly higher than patients without NAFLD (65.1% vs. 38.7%; P < 0.001) during hospitalization. Multivariate analysis showed that age over 50 years (odds ratio [OR], 2.077; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.183, 3.648; P = 0.011) and concurrent NAFLD (OR, 2.956; 95% CI, 1.526, 5.726; P = 0.001) were independent risk factors of ALT elevation in patients with COVID‐19, while the atomized inhalation of interferon α‐2b (OR, 0.402; 95% CI, 0.236, 0.683; P = 0.001) was associated with a reduced risk of ALT elevation during hospitalization. No patient developed liver failure or death during hospitalization. The complications and clinical outcomes were comparable between patients with COVID‐19 with and without NAFLD. Conclusion: Patients with NAFLD are more likely to develop liver injury when infected by COVID‐19. However, no patient developed severe liver‐related complications during hospitalization.
Youth with diabetes and their parents' perspectives on transition care from pediatric to adult diabetes care services: A qualitative study
Authors: Butalia Sonia , McGuire K. Ashlee , Dyjur David , Mercer Julia , Pacaud Daniele
Published: August 2020

Background and Aims

When youth with diabetes transition from pediatric to adult diabetes care, they are at high risk for loss to follow up and worsening glucose control. We aimed to gain insight on how to improve the transition of youth with type 1 diabetes from pediatric to adult diabetes care from the patients' and parents' perspective.

Methods

We conducted focus groups in youth with type 1 diabetes in transition from pediatric to adult diabetes care and their parents, in Calgary, Alberta, between June and August 2014. Eligibility criteria included: (a) type 1 diabetes; (b) aged 15 to 25 years; (c) have or had received care at the pediatric hospital; and, (d) either pre or post‐transfer; or, (e) parents of recently transferred youth. Purposive sampling was used, and the theoretical framework used was the Integrated Behaviour Model. Participants were asked about positive, negative, or challenging experiences related to diabetes and transition, solutions to challenges, and tools and strategies to improve and better support transition. Thematic analysis was conducted after focus groups were recorded and transcribed.

Results

Three focus groups were conducted: pre‐transfer youth with diabetes (4 females and 3 males; median age 17.5 years, IQR 1.3 years); post‐transfer young adults with diabetes (2 females and 2 males; median age 23.5 years, IQR 1.2 years); and parents of recently transferred young adults with diabetes (n = 3). Main themes were: (a) communication technology; (b) the need for more transition and diabetes education and preparation during transition; and, (c) the importance and need for social and peer support.

Conclusion

This study describes specific areas that may improve diabetes transfer and transition from pediatric to adult diabetes care. This information can help inform clinical care delivery for transition and the development of programs, strategies, and interventions to improve transition care.
The sustainability of the Turkish current account: Smooth structural break and asymmetric adjustments
Authors: Abioglu Vasif , Koc Suleyman , Bakirtas Ibrahim
Published: August 2020

In this study, we investigate the sustainability of Turkish current account to GDP ratio in the long run by testing the null hypothesis of a unit root against the alternative of the smooth structural break with sign and/or size nonlinearity. Using nonlinear unit root tests, we find strong evidence in favour of the sustainability of Turkish current account deficit after taking into account both the smooth structural break and asymmetric speed of adjustment towards mean values. The core of our conclusion is twofold: first, we find that current account deficit is sustainable for Turkey in the analysed period; and second, sustainable current account deficit increased to around 5% of GDP in Turkey after the smooth structural break. Our results point out that current account deficits about 5% of GDP are sustainable if current account deficits permit greater FDI inflows and long‐term external borrowings that much more oriented towards productive activities in the economy. However, if domestic investments are mainly financed by short‐term external borrowings, then running current account deficits around 5% of GDP in the long run may generate inherent problems.
Nutrition and Gastrointestinal Dysmotility in Critically Ill Burn Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Sierp Emma Louise , Kurmis Rochelle , Lange Kylie , Yandell Rosalie , Chapman Marianne , Greenwood John , Chapple Lee‐anne S
Published: August 2020

Background

Gastrointestinal (GI) dysmotility impedes nutrient delivery in critically ill patients with major burns. We aimed to quantify the incidence, timing, and factors associated with GI dysmotility and subsequent nutrition delivery.

Methods

A 10‐year retrospective observational study included mechanically ventilated, adult, critically ill patients with ≥15% total body surface area (TBSA) burns receiving nutrition support. Patients with a single gastric residual volume ≥250 mL were categorized as having GI dysmotility. Daily medical and nutrition data were extracted for ≤14 days in the intensive care unit (ICU). Data are mean (SD) or median (interquartile range). Factors associated with GI dysmotility and the effect on nutrition and clinical outcomes were assessed.

Results

Fifty‐nine patients were eligible; 51% (n = 30) with GI dysmotility and 49% (n = 29) without. Baseline characteristics (dysmotility vs no dysmotility) were age (48 [33–60] vs 34 [26–46] years); Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (16 [12–17] vs 13 [10–16]); sex ([men] 80% vs 86%); and TBSA (49% [35%–59%] vs 38% [26%–55%]). Older age was associated with increased probability of dysmotility (P = .049). GI dysmotility occurred 32 (19–63) hours after ICU admission but was not associated with reduced nutrient delivery. Postpyloric tube insertions were attempted in 83% (n = 25) of patients, with 72% (n = 18) being successful. Postpyloric feeding achieved higher nutrition adequacy than gastric feeding (energy: 82% [95% CI, 70–94] vs 68% [95% CI, 63–74], P = .036; protein: 75% [95% CI, 65–86] vs 61% [95% CI, 56–65], P = .009).

Conclusion

GI dysmotility occurs early in critically ill burn patients, and postpyloric feeding improves nutrition delivery.
Development of molecular markers to distinguish between morphologically similar edible plants and poisonous plants using a real‐time PCR assay
Authors: Kim Geum Sol , Oh Su Hong , Jang Cheol Seong
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

As a result of similar appearances between edible and poisonous plants, 42 patients have ingested poisonous plants from 2013 to 2017 in Korea. We have developed species‐specific primer sets of three of edible and poisonous plants sets (Ligularia fischeri & Caltha palustris, Artemisia annua & Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Hemerocallis fulva & Veratrum maackii) for distinguishing both plants using a real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay.

RESULTS

The efficiencies of the developed primer sets ranged from 87.8% to 102.0%. The developed primer sets have significant correlation coefficient values between the Ct values and the log DNA concentration for their target species (r2 > 0.99). The cut‐off lines as the crossing point values of the limit of quantitation of the target species were determined, and all non‐target species were amplified later than the cut‐off cycles. Then, the effectiveness of the developed primer sets was evaluated using commercial food products and digested samples with simulated gastric juice.

CONCLUSION

All of the developed species‐specific primer sets were able to detect target DNA successfully in commercial food products and the digested samples. Therefore, the developed species‐specific primer sets in the present study would be useful tools for distinguishing between poisonous plants and edible plants. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Physicochemical studies of nanocrystals of starches from two rice (Oryza sativa L.) types and their characteristics using various modern instrument techniques
Authors: Xiong Xiong , Huang Min , Zhou Xiaolan , Zhou Hui , Zeng Chaoxi , Zhao Zhengtao , Xiao Qian
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Starch nanocrystals have received considerable attention, due to their biodegradability, nontoxicity and renewable and abundant sources. The objective of this research is to compare the morphology, physicochemical characteristics and rheological properties of native (NSNC) and waxy rice starch nanocrystals (WSNC).

RESULTS

Both NSNC and WSNC exhibited a platelet‐like shape, and they tended to show square‐like platelet morphology with increasing initial amylopectin content. Compared to native starches, three weight loss stages of NSNC and WSNC in thermogravimetric analysis curves were observed, while the thermal depolymerization of NSNC started earlier than that of WSNC. The relative crystallinity of NSNC and WSNC was 38.6% and 48.3%, respectively, which were markedly higher than that of native starches. Fourier transform infrared spectra revealed that NSNC presented the highest ratio of 1045/1014 cm−1 bands among the tested samples, which was probably due to the re‐association of retrograded amylose to double‐helices structure in NSNC. Moreover, the introduction of sulfur atoms on the surface of NSNC and WSNC was confirmed from the results of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. At 5% (w/v) and 10% (w/v) concentration levels, all SNC suspensions exhibited a shear‐thinning behavior as the shear rate increased from 0.1 to 100 s−1.

CONCLUSIONS

Starch nanocrystals obtained from native and waxy rice starch can be potentially used as reinforcement in biodegradable nanocomposites for packaging, fat replacers, thickening agents and emulsion stabilizers. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of Insurance Status and Demographic Factors on Outcomes Following Tracheostomy
Authors: Bahethi Rohini , Park Christopher , Yang Anthony , Gray Mingyang , Wong Kevin , Iloreta Alfred , Courey Mark
Published: August 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Little data exists regarding the relationship between socioeconomic and demographic factors and tracheostomy outcomes. The goal of this study was to determine associations between socioeconomic status (SES), demographic factors, and insurance status with hospital length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit (ICU) LOS, and mortality following tracheostomy.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent tracheostomy at an urban tertiary‐care academic hospital from 2016 to 2017 was performed. Patients were aggregated into low‐, middle‐, and high‐income brackets. Other variables included age, sex, race, ethnicity, body mass index, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Outcomes included hospital and ICU LOS, in‐hospital mortality, and 30‐day mortality following tracheostomy. Outcomes were compared using Kruskal‐Wallis tests for continuous variables and χ2 or Fisher exact tests for categorical variables. The α level was set to .05.

Results

In total, 523 patients were included in the study. Patients from high‐income areas were more likely to be male (P < .01), white (P < .01), and had lower body mass index (P = .04). On multiple regression analysis, Hispanic or Latino ethnicity was associated with an increased odds of 30‐day mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 4.43, P = .020). CCI was also associated with increased odds of 30‐day mortality (OR: 1.12, P = .039).

Conclusions

Lower SES was not associated with increased morbidity or mortality after tracheostomy. Although Hispanic patients tended to have a lower CCI score, they had increased 30‐day mortality, suggesting there are factors specific to this population that may influence outcomes, and future targeted studies are warranted to study these relationships.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:1463–1467, 2021
Reconfigurable Soft Actuators with Multiple‐Stimuli Responses
Authors: Zhao Tonghui , Dou Wenchao , Hu Zhiming , Hou Wenhao , Sun Yirui , Lv Jiu‐an
Published: August 2020

Multiple‐stimuli responsive soft actuators with tunable initial shapes would have substantial potential in broad technological applications, ranging from advanced sensors, smart robots to biomedical devices. However, existing soft actuators are often limited to single initial shape and are unable to reversibly reconfigure into desirable shapes, which severely restricts the multifunctions that can be integrated into one actuator. Here, a novel reconfigurable supramolecular polymer/polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bilayer actuator exhibiting multiple‐stimuli responses is presented. In this bilayer actuator, the supramolecular polymer layer constructed of poly(5‐Norbornene‐2‐carboxylic acid‐1,3‐cyclooctadiene) (PNCCO) and azopyridine derivative (PyAzoPy) via H‐bonds provides multiple‐stimuli responses: PyAzoPy offers light response and carboxylic groups in PNCCO endow the actuator with humidity response. Meanwhile thermoplastic PET layer enables the bilayer actuators to be reconfigured into various shapes by thermal stimuli. The rationally designed actuators exhibit versatile capabilities to reversibly reconfigure into a set of initial shapes and carry out multiple functions, such as photo‐driven “foldback‐clip” and Ω‐shaped crawling robots. In addition, bio‐inspired plants constructed by reconfiguration of such actuators demonstrate reversible multiple‐stimuli responses. It is anticipated that these novel actuators with highly tunable geometries and actuation modes would be useful to develop multifunctional devices capable of performing diverse tasks.