bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visible light‐activated degradation of microcystin‐LR by ultrathin g‐C3N4 nanosheets‐based heterojunction photocatalyst
Authors: Xu Yifeng , Hu Bingkun , Liu Jining , Tao Kai , Wang Ranran , Ren Yang , Zhao Xiaofeng , Xu Jijin , Song Xuefeng
Published: August 2019

Microcystins (MCs) is a harmful toxin generated by blue‐green algae in water, which has seriously threatened the ecological safety of water and human body. It is urgent to develop new catalysts and techniques for the degradation of MCs. A feasible electrostatic self‐assembly method was carried out to synthesize BiVO4/g‐C3N4 heterojunction photocatalyst with highly efficient photocatalytic ability, where BiVO4 nanoplates with exposed {010} facets anchored to the g‐C3N4 ultrathin nanosheets. The morphology and microstructure of the heterojunction photocatalysts were identified by XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, and BET. The g‐C3N4 nanosheets have huge surface area over 200 m2/g and abundant mesoporous ranging from 2‐20 nm, which provides tremendous contact area for BiVO4 nanoplates. Meanwhile, the introduction of BiVO4 led to red‐shift of the absorption spectrum of photocatalyst, which was characterized by UV‐vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS). Compared with pure BiVO4 and g‐C3N4, the BiVO4/g‐C3N4 heterojunction shows a drastically enhanced photocatalytic activity in degradation of microcystin‐LR (MC‐LR) in water. The MC‐LR could be removed within 15 minutes under the optimal ratio of BiVO4/g‐C3N4. The outstanding performance of the photocatalyst is attributed to synergetic effect of interface Z‐scheme heterojunction and high active facets {010} of BiVO4 nanoplates, which provides an efficient transfer pathway to separate photoinduced carriers meanwhile endows the photocatalysts with strong redox ability.
Color‐tunable and white emission of Tm3+ doped transparent zinc silicate glass‐ceramics embedding ZnO nanocrystals
Authors: Zhou Jing , Song Bin , Qin Huijun , Lu Wangwei , Zhao Gaoling , Huang Zhongping , Han Gaorong
Published: August 2019

Tm3+ doped zinc silicate glass‐ceramics composed of SiO2‐Al2O3‐ZnO‐K2O‐Tm2O3 embedded with ZnO nanocrystals were successfully fabricated by melt‐quenching method with subsequent heat treatment. Tm3+ ions and ZnO nanocrystals were introduced as blue and yellow luminescence centers, respectively. The effects of heat treatment, excitation wavelength and Tm3+ doping concentration on the photoluminescence behaviors of these glass‐ceramics were studied. Short‐time (5 minutes) heat treatment was considered as the optimal heat treatment time, which facilitates simultaneously emitting narrow blue peak located at 453 nm and a broad yellow band centered at 580 nm. Blue and yellow emissions could be attributed to the 1D2 → 3F4 transition of Tm3+ and Zni/Oi‐related defect emission of ZnO nanocrystals, respectively. The combination of these two emissions allows the realization of white light emitting in the glass‐ceramic samples. Furthermore, tunable luminescent color and chromaticity coordinates, including yellow, white and blue, can be realized by varying the pumping wavelengths as well as the content of Tm3+ dopant in the glass matrix. Nearly perfect white light emission with Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage coordinate (x = 0.33, y = 0.32) was achieved for the 0.05 mol% Tm3+ doped glass‐ceramic embedding ZnO nanocrystals by heat treatment at 750°C for 5 minutes under the excitation of 360 nm. These luminescent glass‐ceramics doped with Tm3+ ion and ZnO nanocrystals could be a promising candidate for white light emitting devices under near‐ultraviolet excitation.
Formation mechanism and microstructure evolution of Ba2Ti9O20 ceramics by reaction sintering method
Authors: Luo Ting , Yang Qihang , Yu Hongtao , Liu Jingsong
Published: August 2019

Ba2Ti9O20 single‐phase ceramics were prepared by reaction sintering method using TiO2 and BaCO3 as raw materials after heat treating at 1150°C for 10 hours. Furthermore, the formation mechanism and microstructure evolution of Ba2Ti9O20 ceramics prepared by reaction sintering method were investigated. The formation behavior of Ba2Ti9O20 phase was analyzed from the perspective of diffusion, where the reaction activation energy required for the process was calculated to be about 386.17 kJ/mol. Combined with the scanning electron microscopy and the energy dispersive spectrometer, it was revealed that the pores on Ba2Ti9O20 grains in the process of reaction sintering might be caused by the absence of oxygen element. Meanwhile, the reason for the roughness of ceramic surface was that the local inhomogeneous distribution of barium on the surface of Ba2Ti9O20 grain leaded to the enrichment of titanium.
Oxidation resistance of Ti3AlC2 and Ti3Al0.8Sn0.2C2 MAX phases: A comparison
Authors: Drouelle Elodie , Brunet Veronique , Cormier Jonathan , Villechaise Patrick , Sallot Pierre , Naimi Foad , Bernard Frederic , Dubois Sylvain
Published: August 2019

Ti3AlC2 and Ti3Al0.8Sn0.2C2 MAX phase powders are densified using Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) technique to obtain dense bulk materials. Oxidation tests are then performed over the temperature range 800°C‐1000°C under synthetic air on the two different materials in order to compare their oxidation resistance. It is demonstrated that, in the case of the Ti3Al0.8Sn0.2C2 solid solution, the oxide layers consist in TiO2, Al2O3, and SnO2. The presence of Sn atoms in the A planes of the solid solution leads to an easy diffusion of Sn out of the MAX phase which promote the formation of the nonprotective and fast growing SnO2 oxide. Moreover, the small Al/Ti atom's ratio promotes the growth of a nonprotective rutile‐TiO2 scale as well. In the case of the Ti3AlC2 MAX phase, the oxide layer consists in a protective alumina scale; a few TiO2 grains being observed on the top of the Al2O3 layer. The parabolic oxidation rate constants are about 3 orders of magnitude smaller for Ti3AlC2 compared to Ti3Al0.8Sn0.2C2.
Tubular solid oxide fuel cells fabricated by a novel freeze casting method
Authors: Panthi Dhruba , Hedayat Nader , Woodson Theo , Emley Benjamin J. , Du Yanhai
Published: August 2019

Freeze casting is an established method for fabricating porous ceramic structures with controlled porosity and pore geometries. Herein, we developed a novel freeze casting and freeze drying process to fabricate tubular anode supports for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Freeze casting was performed by injecting aqueous anode slurry to a dual‐purpose freeze casting and freeze drying mold wrapped with peripheral coils for flowing a coolant. With the use of an ice barrier layer, proper control of the experimental setup, and adjustments in the drying temperature profile, complete drying of the individual anode tubes was achieved in 4 hours. The freeze‐cast anode tubes contained radially aligned columnar pore channels, thus significantly enhancing the gaseous diffusion. SOFC single cells with conventional Ni/yttria‐stabilized zirconia/strontium‐doped lanthanum manganite materials were prepared by dip coating the thin functional layers onto the anode support. Single cell tests showed that the concentration polarization was low owing to the highly porous anode support with directional pores. With H2/N2 (1:1) fuel, maximum power densities of 0.47, 0.36, and 0.27 W/cm2 were recorded at 800°C, 750°C, and 700°C, respectively. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of using freeze casting to obtain tubular SOFCs with desired microstructures and fast turn‐around times.
Quality of life outcomes in adults with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis treated with dimethylfumarate (DMF): a post hoc analysis of the BRIDGE study
Authors: van de Kerkhof P.C.M. , Loewe R. , Mrowietz U. , Falques M. , Pau‐Charles I. , Szepietowski J.C.
Published: August 2019

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with quality of life (QoL) impairment. BRIDGE was a randomized, double‐blind, phase III study comparing the efficacy and safety of dimethylfumarate (DMF) with a fixed combination of fumaric acid esters (FAE) or placebo for the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis.

Objectives

This post hoc analysis investigated treatment effect on QoL overall and by patient subgroups categorized by disease severity. Week 8 efficacy responses were also investigated as possible predictors of Week 16 Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) outcomes.

Methods

Patients were randomized to receive a maximum daily dose of 720 mg of DMF, FAE (gradual up‐titration) or placebo for 16 weeks. Psoriasis Area Severity Index, Body Surface Area, Physician's Global Assessment and DLQI were assessed at baseline, Weeks 8 and 16. DLQI 0‐1 indicated ‘no effect on patient life’. Associations between baseline severity, Week 16 DLQI and Week 8 efficacy (as observed cases) were also examined.

Results

At baseline, 671 patients were included in the full analysis set (267 randomized to DMF, 273 to FAE and 131 to placebo). DMF was superior to placebo (P < 0.001) and not significantly different to FAE regarding Week 16 DLQI outcomes (P > 0.05). Baseline disease severity did not impact DLQI outcomes at Week 16. In DMF‐ and FAE‐treated patients, Week 8 PASI 50/75 responders reported better DLQI responses at Week 16 vs non‐responders (P < 0.05). Week 8 PASI ≤ 3 and/or PGA 0‐1 responders were also more likely to report DLQI 0‐1 at Week 16 vs non‐responders (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Dimethylfumarate significantly improved DLQI outcomes vs. placebo and was not affected by baseline disease severity. Efficacy responses (PASI 50/75, PASI ≤3 and PGA 0‐1) as early as Week 8 were predictive of QoL outcomes at Week 16 in DMF‐ and FAE‐treated patients.
Identification and genotyping of Listeria monocytogenes in the chicken shredding line
Authors: Girgin Kadir E. , Çadirci Özgür
Published: August 2019

The present research was carried out to determine the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the equipment, staff, and products in the chicken shredding facilities operating in Samsun, and to serotype and genotype the isolates by PCR and PFGE analysis, respectively. Of the total of 192 samples tested, 25 were found to be L. monocytogenes positive from which 51 isolates were acquired. In serotyping of the 51 isolates; 47 (92.2%) and four isolates (7.8%) were identified as 1/2a (3a) and 1/2c (3c), respectively. Twenty‐six of the 51 isolates (51%) were resistant to at least one antibiotic, and 13 (25.5%) were resistant to more than one antibiotic. In the PFGE evaluation, at least 80% similarity was taken as a basis, and in the dendrogram, it was determined as a result of restricting with the Apal enzyme that the isolates were distributed to 25 different clusters and 45 subsets, and as a result of restricting with the AscI enzyme, they were distributed to 29 different clusters and 36 subsets.

Practical Application

Listeria monocytogenes constitutes a major problem for the food industry due to its widespread availability in nature and its role as an environmental contaminant in food processing plants.
Eugenol as an antimicrobial wash treatment reduces Campylobacter jejuni in postharvest poultry
Authors: Wagle Basanta R. , Arsi Komala , Shrestha Sandip , Upadhyay Abhinav , Upadhyaya Indu , Bhargava Kanika , Donoghue Annie , Donoghue Dan J.
Published: August 2019

The efficacy of the natural plant‐derived compound, eugenol (EG), as an antimicrobial wash treatment to reduce Campylobacter jejuni in postharvest poultry was investigated. The antimicrobial efficacy of EG was studied as a suspension, emulsion, or nanoemulsion treatment (two trials each). In each trial, chicken skin samples were inoculated with C. jejuni (∼7.2 Log CFU/sample), washed with treatments (0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, or 2% EG corresponds to 0, 7.61, 15.22, 30.45, 60.90, or 121.8 mM, respectively) for 1 min, drip dried for 2 min, and then processed at 0, 8, and 24 hr of refrigerated storage (n = 5 samples/treatment/time point). All doses of the EG suspension consistently reduced C. jejuni counts with the greatest reduction (>2.0 Log CFU/sample) for the 2% dose when compared with controls (p < .05). EG emulsions or nanoemulsions did not provide any additional reduction in C. jejuni when compared to EG suspension. Our results suggest that EG could be an effective postharvest intervention strategy for reducing C. jejuni contamination on poultry products.

Practical Applications

Campylobacter jejuni, a leading cause of foodborne illness in humans, is strongly associated with the consumption of contaminated poultry products. Interventions reducing C. jejuni contamination in poultry would reduce the risk of subsequent human infections. In this study, the antimicrobial efficacy of eugenol was studied in three different delivery systems; suspension, emulsion, or nanoemulsion. Our results demonstrated that eugenol was effective in reducing C. jejuni counts on chicken skin and can be used as a potential strategy to reduce Campylobacter on poultry products.
The Quality of Nursing Homes That Serve Patients With Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Meyers David J. , Wilson Ira B. , Lee Yoojin , Cai Shubing , Miller Susan C. , Rahman Momotazur
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

As the national population of persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) ages, they will require greater postacute and long‐term care use. Little is known about the quality of nursing homes (NHs) to which patients with HIV are admitted. In this study, we assess the association between the number of persons with HIV admitted annually to a given NH (HIV concentration) and that NH's quality outcomes.

DESIGN

A cross‐sectional comparative study.

SETTING

NHs in nine states, from 2001 to 2012.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 46 918 NH‐years accounting for 67 301 admissions by patients with HIV.

MEASUREMENTS

We used 100% Medicaid Analytic Extract, Minimum Dataset 2.0 and 3.0, and Medicare claims from 2001 to 2012 from nine states to examine the association between HIV concentration and NH quality. Persons were classified as HIV positive on the basis of all available data sources, and a NH's percentage of new admissions with HIV was calculated (HIV concentration). We then compared differences in star ratings, rehospitalization rates, NH survey deficiencies, and restraint use by a NH's percentage of admissions with HIV, using linear random effects models.

RESULTS

After adjusting for NH characteristics, zip code characteristics, and state and year fixed effects, NHs with greater than 0% to 5% of admissions with HIV had a 0.6 lower star rating (P < .001), and a 0.4% percentage point higher 30‐day rehospitalization rate (P < .01), compared to those with no HIV admissions. NHs with 5% to 50% of admissions with HIV had 7.0 more deficiencies (P < .001), a 0.1 lower star rating (P < .001), and a 1.5 percentage point higher rehospitalization rate (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Persons with HIV were generally admitted to lower‐quality NHs compared to persons without HIV. More efforts are needed to ensure that persons with HIV have access to high‐quality NHs. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2615–2621, 2019
Evaluation of SOX2 and podoplanin expression in oral epithelial dysplasia and its correlation with malignant transformation
Authors: Verma Vani , Chandrashekar Chetana
Published: August 2019

Aim

Oral carcinogenesis cascade is a complex process, characterized by variable numbers of genetic and epigenetic alterations of various genes with manifold roles that could serve as biological hallmarks. This study was undertaken to assess the protein expression of SOX2 and podoplanin in oral epithelial dysplasia and correlate the expression with clinicopathological parameters and risk of malignant transformation.

Methods

SOX2 and podoplanin expression were analyzed in 60 cases of oral epithelial dysplasia. The association between SOX2 and podoplanin expression with various clinicopathological parameters and transformation to oral cancer was analyzed.

Results

A higher Histoscore was seen in 55% of moderate and 30% of severe dysplasia. 25% of the cases showed a negative podoplanin expression and 30% of patients had higher podoplanin expression (score 2 and 3). Though there was significant association of both SOX2 and podoplanin expression with the degree of dysplasia, the association of their expression with transformation to oral squamous cell carcinoma did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

Alteration in SOX2 and podoplanin is likely an important event in head and neck carcinogenesis; however, their expression may be valuable only in a few cases of oral epithelial dysplasia to assess the risk of malignant transformation.
Effects of Tai Chi therapy on body mass index and physical index of intellectual disability
Authors: Cha Nam‐Hyun , Jeon Ga‐Eul , Cho Youngmi , Sok Sohyune R.
Published: August 2019

Aim

Continuous program development and application are necessary in order to manage the health and address the problems of secondary metabolic disorders for people with intellectual disabilities. This study examines the effects of Tai Chi therapy on body mass index (BMI) and physical index among people with intellectual disabilities.

Methods

A quasi‐experimental study using a pretest‐post‐test control group, non‐synchronized design was employed. Samples were in total 104 people with intellectual disabilities (experimental: n = 67, control: n = 37) in two facilities in South Korea. They were randomly allocated using a coin toss into the two groups. Tai Chi therapy as an experimental intervention was the Sun style Tai Chi exercise, which consists of the warm‐up (5 min), main exercise (45 min), and finishing (meditation, 10 min). Tai Chi therapy was conducted twice a week for a total of 40 sessions for 5 months (1 hour each) by one professional instructor. Measures were general characteristics of study participants, BMI as degree of obesity, and physical index. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 21.0 program (descriptive statistics, χ2 test, independent t test). A P value of less than .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

There were statistically significant differences on fasting blood glucose (t = 4.351, P < .001) and high‐density lipoprotein (t = −2.052, P = .043) in the physical index between the two groups.

Conclusions

Tai Chi therapy was an effective intervention for decreasing fasting blood glucose and for increasing high‐density lipoprotein in those with intellectual disabilities. Tai Chi therapy can be implied as a nursing intervention for intellectual disabilities in nursing practice.
Longitudinal study of physical activity using an accelerometer in Japanese pregnant women
Authors: Kawajiri Maiko , Nakamura Yasuka , Takeishi Yoko , Ito Naoko , Atogami Fumi , Yoshizawa Toyoko
Published: August 2019

Aim

To describe the characteristics of objectively measured physical activity (PA) during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy using a accelerometer.

Methods

This was a longitudinal observational study wherein PA in pregnant women in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters was measured for seven consecutive days using a accelerometer (Silmee W10, TDK, Japan).

Results

A total of 34 primiparous women were examined. There was no statistically significant difference in the amount of PA during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. Sub‐group analysis demonstrated that PA in the full‐time housewife group increased significantly from the 2nd to the 3rd trimester, while total PA and moderate and vigorous PA of the stopped‐working group, decreased significantly over that time. There was no difference in the PA of the currently working group between trimesters. In the full‐time housewife group, the amount of PA for each hour significantly increased at 12:00, 18:00, and 22:00 hr. In the currently working group, the amount of PA for each hour significantly increased at 9:00, 10:00, and 16:00 hr. In the stopped‐working group, the amount of PA for each hour significantly decreased at 7:00, 8:00, and 18:00 hr.

Conclusion

Objective measurements using an accelerometer did not identify any significant changes in PA during the different trimesters of pregnancy. Sub‐group analysis revealed clear patterns in PA change correlating with different lifestyles during pregnancy. Future research may enable the development of personalized health guidance by identifying the relationship between PA and pregnancy outcomes.
Preventing Cesarean Birth in Women with Obesity: Influence of Unit‐Level Midwifery Presence on Use of Cesarean among Women in the Consortium on Safe Labor Data Set
Authors: Carlson Nicole S. , Breman Rachel , Neal Jeremy L. , Phillippi Julia C.
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Maternal obesity is associated with slow labor progression and unplanned cesarean birth. Midwives use fewer medical interventions during labor, and the women they care for have lower cesarean birth rates, compared with low‐risk, matched groups of women cared for by physicians. The primary aim of this study was to examine associations between midwifery unit‐level presence and unplanned cesarean birth in women with different body mass index (BMI) ranges. Unit‐level presence of midwives was analyzed as a representation of a unique set of care practices that exist in settings where midwives work.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using Consortium on Safe Labor data from low‐risk, healthy women who labored and gave birth in medical centers with (n = 9795) or without (n = 13,398) the unit‐level presence of midwives. Regression models were used to evaluate for associations between unit‐level midwifery presence and 1) the incidence of unplanned cesarean birth and 2) in‐hospital labor durations with stratification by maternal BMI and adjustment for maternal demographic and pregnancy factors.

Results

The odds of unplanned cesarean birth among women who gave birth in centers with midwives were 16% lower than the odds of cesarean birth among similar women at who gave birth at centers without midwives (adjusted odds ratio, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.77‐0.93). However, women whose BMI was above 35.00 kg/m2 at labor admission had similar odds of cesarean birth, regardless of unit‐level midwifery presence. In‐hospital labor duration prior to unplanned cesarean was no different by unit‐level midwifery presence in nulliparous women whose BMI was above 35.00 kg/m2.

Discussion

Although integration of midwives into the caregiving environment of medical centers in the United States was associated with overall decrease in the incidence of cesarean birth, increased maternal BMI nevertheless remained positively associated with these outcomes.
Using continuous overnight pulse oximetry to guide home oxygen therapy in chronic neonatal lung disease
Authors: Wong Matthew D , Chung Hinfan , Chawla Jasneek
Published: August 2019

Aim

The aims of this study are: (i) to survey the knowledge of paediatric clinicians using overnight continuous pulse oximetry data to guide management of infants with chronic neonatal lung disease (CNLD); (ii) to assess the ability of paediatric clinicians to interpret overnight continuous pulse oximetry data; and (iii) to describe the overnight oximetry interpretation practices of paediatric respiratory specialists.

Methods

Paediatric clinicians from three tertiary teaching hospitals completed an anonymous survey regarding overnight continuous pulse oximetry in chronic neonatal lung disease. Using a modified Delphi technique, paediatric respiratory specialists participated in a concordance exercise and discussions to establish consensus interpretations for 25 oximetry studies. Paediatric clinicians were invited to complete the same exercise as a comparison.

Results

Self‐rated knowledge from 74 surveyed clinicians was proportional to clinical experience. Twenty paediatric clinicians and nine paediatric respiratory specialists completed the oximetry exercise with scores of 64% (κ = 0.25) and 80% (κ = 0.45), respectively. Individual parameters like a mean peripheral arterial haemoglobin saturation (SpO2) below 93% and percentage time spent below SpO2 93% correlated poorly with the consensus interpretations. Paediatric respiratory specialists instead relied on visual analysis of SpO2 waveforms, utilising the frequency and depth of desaturations to guide management.

Conclusion

Interpretation of overnight oximetry data is variable amongst both paediatric clinicians and respiratory specialists. This likely reflects inadequate evidence defining clinically significant intermittent hypoxaemia, whether in terms of desaturation duration, frequency or nadir.
Incidence of epilepsy in children born prematurely and small for gestational age at term gestation: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Chou I‐Ching , Sung Fung‐Chang , Hong Syuan‐Yu
Published: August 2019

Aim

This study assessed the incidence of epilepsy in preterm infants and those small for gestational age (SGA) at term and identified risk factors associated with higher epilepsy incidence in these children.

Methods

We enrolled children (from 2000 to 2010) who were premature (n = 21 474) or SGA (n = 2206); we then included a matched control cohort (n = 94 720). Cox regression was used to assess the epilepsy risk in preterm and SGA children. To determine the associated factors for epilepsy, the preterm and SGA infants were divided into six groups according to the common complications related to brain development and were separated into three subgroups based on birthweight (BW).

Results

The cumulative incidence of epilepsy was significantly higher in preterm or SGA children than in the control group. The overall incidence densities (per 1000 person‐years) of epilepsy were: 0.37 in the control, 2.96 in the preterm, 2.90 in the SGA, 15.9 in the preterm with cerebral haemorrhage, 14.6 in the SGA with cerebral haemorrhage, 6.92 in the preterm with asphyxia, 3.82 in the SGA with asphyxia, 14.3 in the preterm with congenital brain anomalies, and 25.4 in the SGA with congenital brain anomalies cohorts. Infants with BW < 1000 g had a higher incidence of epilepsy than those with BW ≥2500 g.

Conclusions

Preterm and SGA infants had an increased risk of epilepsy in childhood, and the incidence of epilepsy increased with decreasing BW. Several perinatal factors (e.g. intracranial haemorrhage, birth asphyxia and congenital brain anomalies) are associated with a higher incidence of later epilepsy.
Petrography, relationships, and petrogenesis of the gabbroic lithologies in Northwest Africa 773 clan members Northwest Africa 773, 2727, 3160, 3170, 7007, and 10656
Authors: Valencia S. N. , Jolliff B. L. , Korotev R. L.
Published: August 2019

The Northwest Africa (NWA) 773 clan of lunar meteorite stones are coarse‐grained breccias that provide an opportunity to examine a lunar igneous system that includes inferred intrusive and extrusive lithologies, possibly related through a common liquid line of descent from a single source region. Such extensive sampling of a single very low‐Ti (VLT) magmatic system on the Moon is unprecedented among the lunar samples. This study focuses on the olivine gabbro (OG), anorthositic gabbro (AG), and ferroan gabbro (FG) lithologies variably contained in NWA 773, NWA 2727, NWA 3160, NWA 3170, NWA 7007, and NWA 10656. Mineral compositions in the three gabbros indicate the crystallization sequence OG → AG → FG. Petrologic modeling of these three lithologies, and an olivine phyric basalt that also occurs in the NWA 773 clan, however, suggests that the relationship among the lithologies is more complex. The OG and basalt can be modeled as originating from a VLT KREEP‐bearing parental melt similar to the Apollo 14 Green Glass b1 composition through mainly equilibrium crystallization. The AG and FG, however, do not fit this simple model and require either a more complex crystallization sequence involving fractional crystallization, magma chamber recharge, or perhaps heterogeneity in the source region.
A morphologic and crystallographic comparison of CV chondrite matrices
Authors: Forman L. V. , Timms N. E. , Bland P. A. , Daly L. , Benedix G. K. , Trimby P. W.
Published: August 2019

Meteoritic matrices are commonly classified by their modal mineralogy, alteration, and shock levels. Other “textural” characteristics are not generally considered in classification schemes, yet could carry important information about their genesis and evolution. Terrestrial rocks are routinely described by grain morphology, which has led to morphology‐driven classifications, and identification of controlling processes. This paper investigates three CV chondrites—Allende (CV3.2oxA), Kaba (CV3.0oxB), and Vigarano (CV3.3red)—to determine the morphologic signature of olivine matrix grains. 2D grain size and shape, and crystallographic preferred orientations (CPOs) are quantified via electron backscatter diffraction mapping. Allende contains the largest and most elongate olivine grains, while Vigarano contains the least elongate, and Kaba contains the smallest grains. Weak but notable CPOs exist in some regions proximal to chondrules and one region distal to chondrules, and CPO geometries reveal a weak flattening of the matrix grains against the edge of chondrules within Allende. Kaba contains the least plastically deformed grains, and Allende contains the most plastically deformed grains. We tentatively infer that morphology is controlled by the characteristics of the available population of accreting grains, and aqueous and thermal alteration of the parent body. The extent of overall finite deformation is likely dictated by the location of the sample with respect to compression, the localized environment of the matrix with respect to surrounding material, and the post deformation temperature to induce grain annealing. Our systematic, quantitative process for characterizing meteorite matrices has the potential to provide a framework for comparison within and across meteorite classes, to help resolve how parent body processing differed across and between chondritic asteroids.
A network‐based variable selection approach for identification of modules and biomarker genes associated with end‐stage kidney disease
Authors: Zeng Xiaoxi , Li Chunyang , Li Yi , Yu Haopeng , Fu Ping , Hong Hyokyoung G. , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2019

Aims

Intervention for end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD), which is associated with adverse prognoses and major economic burdens, is challenging due to its complex pathogenesis. The study was performed to identify biomarker genes and molecular mechanisms for ESKD by bioinformatics approach.

Methods

Using the Gene Expression Omnibus dataset GSE37171, this study identified pathways and genomic biomarkers associated with ESKD via a multi‐stage knowledge discovery process, including identification of modules of genes by weighted gene co‐expression network analysis, discovery of important involved pathways by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses, selection of differentially expressed genes by the empirical Bayes method, and screening biomarker genes by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) logistic regression. The results were validated using GSE70528, an independent testing dataset.

Results

Three clinically important gene modules associated with ESKD, were identified by weighted gene co‐expression network analysis. Within these modules, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses revealed important biological pathways involved in ESKD, including transforming growth factor‐β and Wnt signalling, RNA‐splicing, autophagy and chromatin and histone modification. Furthermore, Lasso logistic regression was conducted to identify five final genes, namely, CNOT8, MST4, PPP2CB, PCSK7 and RBBP4 that are differentially expressed and associated with ESKD. The accuracy of the final model in distinguishing the ESKD cases and controls was 96.8% and 91.7% in the training and validation datasets, respectively.

Conclusion

Network‐based variable selection approaches can identify biological pathways and biomarker genes associated with ESKD. The findings may inform more in‐depth follow‐up research and effective therapy.
Swallowing speed is no adequate predictor of aspiration in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Pflug Christina , Niessen Almut , Buhmann Carsten , Bihler Moritz
Published: August 2019

Background

There is still a lack of a clinical test to reliably identify patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) being at risk for aspiration.

Methods

In this prospective, controlled, cross‐sectional study, we assessed if swallowing speed for water is a useful clinical test to predict aspiration proven by flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Due to this, we measured the swallowing speed for 90 mL water in 115 consecutive and unselected PD outpatients of all clinical stages and 32 healthy controls.

Key Results

Average swallowing speed was lower in patients compared with controls (6.5 ± 3.9 mL/s vs 8.5 ± 3.2 mL/s; P < .01). The disease‐independent widely used threshold of <10 mL/s showed insufficient sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 19% with high false‐positive rates of 63% for patients and 69% for controls. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was carried out to define a suitable cutoff value for detection of aspiration of water (area under the curve 0.72, P < .001) in PD patients. The optimized cutoff value was 5.5 mL/s with a sensitivity of 69% and a specificity of 64%.

Conclusion and Inferences

Measuring swallowing speed is prone to methodological errors and not suitable as a screening instrument to predict aspiration in PD patients.
Treatment of angular cheilitis: A narrative review and authors’ clinical experience
Authors: Cabras Marco , Gambino Alessio , Broccoletti Roberto , Lodi Giovanni , Arduino Paolo G.
Published: August 2019

Angular cheilitis (AC) is a clinical entity first described in the XIX century, characterized by erythema, rhagades, ulcerations, and crusting of one or both lip commissures and perilabial skin, responsible of an unpleasant and painful discomfort. Aim of this manuscript was to examine and evaluate the therapeutic options actually available for AC. Despite antifungals being the first‐line treatment for most of clinicians, very limited scientific evidence supports their reliability, with just two RCTs published between the 70’s and the 80’s. Furthermore, alternative topical treatments, various techniques of occlusal vertical dimension restoration, B‐vitamin supplementation, anti‐drooling prosthetic device, and photodynamic therapy have been experimented and proposed, mostly in the form of case reports or case series on a small number of individuals. Our group found in 1% isoconazole nitrate (ISN) and 0.1% diflucortolone valerate (DFV) ointment the most consistent AC treatment, due to the broad spectrum of ISN against many species of dermatohpytes and bacteria, and the anti‐inflammatory properties displayed by DFV. However, further and well‐designed trials on larger samples of patients are needed to assess the differential profile of consistency of the treatments outlined in literature and claimed by the authors of this paper.
Access to clean water and urinary tract infections in Haitian women
Authors: Andersen Lucy , Dowdell Elizabeth Burgess
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Access to clean water is a global concern. For women living in developing countries, the lack of clean water increases their risk of bacterial infections, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI). The purpose of this study was to examine if the location of water source has a relationship with the rate of UTIs in women who lived in the Léogâne area of Haiti.

Design

Descriptive, correlational, retrospective chart review used de‐identified data from medical intake flow sheets.

Sample

A total of 311 medical intake flowsheets with 32.4% of the sample were treated for a UTI. The majority of women were between the ages of 20 and 44 years.

Results

The youngest group, ages 10–14 years, were more likely (83.3%) to be diagnosed with a UTI (X2 = 7.956, df = 3, p < .05) when compared to the other age groups. The location of water source also had a relationship with UTI, with women who reported using pump water more likely to be treated for a UTI than those who reported using short‐well water (X2 = 4.318, df = 1, p < .05).

Conclusions

Although the study only involved Haitian women, the concepts of access to clean water, reducing bacterial infections such as a UTI, and health promotion are useful for any provider practicing in or going to a developing country.
Solar UV‐B radiation limits seedborne anthracnose infection and induces physiological and biochemical responses in Lupinus mutabilis
Authors: Falconí C. E. , Yánez‐Mendizábal V.
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study was to test whether solar UV‐B radiation and temperature have an effect on infection of lupin seeds by Colletotrichum acutatum. Samples of infected seed were placed in a solar oven and exposed on sunny days for 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 and 120 min. The degree of reduction in disease incidence and seed germination was dependent on the exposure time. Exposure times of 75 min (UV‐B 4.41 kJ m−2, ≈76 °C) and higher reduced incidence from 5% to undetectable levels, but also reduced seed germination by around 10% compared with untreated seed. Therefore, in a second experiment, infected seeds were exposed for 45 or 60 min in the solar oven (UV‐B 2.83 or 3.75 kJ m−2, respectively, ≈76 °C), for 60 min at ambient temperature (UV‐B 3.75 kJ m−2, ≈21 °C) or to dry heat for 60 min at 75 °C. Exposure for 60 min in the solar oven reduced seed infection by 99%, while UV‐B‐radiated seed at ambient temperature or dry‐heat reduced infection by 60% or 32%, respectively. To evaluate the effect of UV‐B plus high temperature on seedlings, lupin seed exposed for 45 or 60 min (UV‐B 2.83 or 3.75 kJ m−2, respectively, at ≈76 °C) were grown and physiological and biochemical responses of the seedlings were assessed. Seedlings from exposed seed had higher total concentrations of chlorophyll, protein and peroxidase activity than those grown from unexposed infected seed.
Composts promote short‐term rehabilitation in a Patagonian roadside affected by tephra deposition
Authors: Ferreiro Nicolás , Satti Patricia , Gonzalez‐Polo Marina , Mazzarino María J.
Published: August 2019

Composts are effective to promote rehabilitation after drastic disturbance. The eruption of Puyehue–Cordón Caulle complex in 2011 deposited 25–30 cm of tephra in the Argentinean area known as “De los Siete Lagos,” where soil and vegetation had been removed from many sites for the construction of National Route 40 between 2005 and 2015. Roadside revegetation is limited by the drastic disturbance, but also by depth and low nutrient content of the tephra. Our objective was to study substrate and plant rehabilitation after the application of different composts (biosolids compost, BC, and municipal waste compost, MC) and seeding (Trifolium repensandPoa domingensis). Eighteen months after the eruption the following treatments were installed: control, BC and MC, nonseeded and seeded (n = 3). Composts were applied at 60 Mg/ha and seeds were sowed at 2 g/m2. Physicochemical substrate properties (moisture, pH, electrical conductivity [EC]), nutrient content (organic C, available P, total N), and microbial activity (respiration, N mineralization, enzymatic activities) were assessed 15 months after the start of the experiment. Plant cover and biomass were estimated three times during summer–early autumn. Seeding had no effect on roadside revegetation. Composts significantly promoted substrate rehabilitation, as BC had a positive effect on moisture, nutrient content (total N, available P, N mineralization), and microbial activity (leucine‐aminopeptidase and acid phosphomonoesterase activities), while MC significantly increased EC and pH. Finally, composts significantly increased plant cover and biomass, but the community was dominated by exotics favored by harsh environmental conditions and absence of a native seed bank.
Systolic and diastolic hypertension among patients on hemodialysis: Musings on volume overload, arterial stiffness, and erythropoietin
Authors: Georgianos Panagiotis I. , Agarwal Rajiv
Published: August 2019

Hypertension among patients on hemodialysis is predominantly systolic (either isolated or combined with diastolic hypertension), whereas the scenario of isolated diastolic hypertension is rare and more common in younger patients. Uncontrolled hypertension that persists despite aggressive antihypertensive drug therapy is a reflection of the volume overload that is a prominent mediator of systolic and diastolic BP elevation. Clinical‐trial evidence supports the notion that dry‐weight probing is an effective strategy to improve BP control, even when overt clinical signs and symptoms of volume overload are not present. Accelerated arterial stiffness influences the patterns and rhythms of interdialytic ambulatory BP and is a major determinant of isolated systolic hypertension in hemodialysis. Posthoc analyses of the Hypertension in Hemodialysis patients treated with Atenolol or Lisinopril (HDPAL) trial, however, suggest that arterial stiffness does not make hypertension more resistant to therapy and is unable to predict the treatment‐induced improvement in left ventricular hypertrophy. A combined strategy of sodium restriction, dry‐weight adjustment, and antihypertensive medication use was effective in improving ambulatory BP control regardless of the severity of underlying arteriosclerosis in HDPAL. Other nonvolume‐dependent mechanisms, such as erythropoietin use, appear to be also important contributors and should be taken into consideration, particularly in younger hemodialysis patients with diastolic hypertension. In this article, we explore the role of volume overload, arterial stiffness, and erythropoietin use as causes of systolic vs diastolic hypertension in patients on hemodialysis. We conclude with clinical practice recommendations and with a call for a “volume‐first” approach when managing hemodialysis hypertension.
Co‐reactivity between related and unrelated environmental allergens in equine allergen‐specific IgE serology testing in the UK
Authors: Forsyth Johanna , Halliwell Richard E. , Harrand Robert
Published: August 2019

Background

Identification of environmental allergens in horses with allergic disease facilitates allergen avoidance and targeted immunotherapy.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To evaluate allergenic co‐reactivity between 44 environmental allergens.

Animals

Horses with suspected allergic disease (n = 344) whose sera were submitted for environmental allergen testing.

Methods and materials

Allergen‐specific IgE serological assays were performed using 44 allergens divided into six taxonomically related groups: house dust/storage mites, moulds, insects, grass, tree and weed pollens. Using pairwise comparisons, odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for each environmental pair to determine if there was increased or decreased likelihood of a positive result for one allergen, given a positive result to another. The OR significance was set (using Holm–Bonferroni correction) at P < 0.00006 for all horses (n = 344) and P < 0.00005 for horses with at least one positive reaction (n = 239). Using one‐way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc tests (significance at P < 0.05), differences in mean log e ORs between three groups, taxonomically related allergens with a statistically significant association (related‐associated), related allergens lacking a significant association (related‐nonassociated) and unrelated allergens were tested.

Results

Statistically significant associations were found between both related and unrelated allergen pairs, the former being more frequent. For all horses (n = 344) and horses with at least one positive reaction (n = 239), co‐reactivity ranged from 100% (grasses) to 0% (moulds). The weeds group was exceptional in having more co‐reactions with another group (grasses).

Conclusions and clinical importance

Co‐reactivity was shown within and between certain related allergen groups. Further studies are required to determine whether this is the result of antigenic cross‐reactivity.
Analysis of clinical presentations of allergic transfusion reactions and febrile non‐haemolytic transfusion reactions in paediatric patients
Authors: Yanagisawa Ryu , Tatsuzawa Yuka , Ono Takako , Kobayashi Jun , Tokutake Yumi , Hidaka Eiko , Sakashita Kazuo , Nakamura Tomohiko
Published: August 2019

Background and objectives

Like adults, children can have allergic transfusion reactions (ATRs) and febrile non‐haemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTRs). But published information about the incidence of paediatric ATR and FNHTR is scarce.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study was conducted from April 2002 to June 2018 on children who had ATRs and/or FNHTRs to platelet (PLT), red blood cell (RBC) or washed PLT/RBC concentrate transfusions. We analysed ATR/FNHTR clinical presentations, such as severity, time of occurrence and other features when they occurred.

Results

During the study, 2742 children received 23 444 bags of PLT and RBC concentrate (including washed products). ATRs occurred in 100 cases (3·6% of total patients), caused by 201 products (0·9% of total products). In contrast, 28 patients (1·0% of total patients) had 42 FNHTRs caused by 42 products (0·2% of total products). Upon analysis of cases with detailed clinical information, the median onset time for ATRs and FNHTRs was 2·0 h after the start of transfusion. Of the 40% of ATRs that necessitated the discontinuation of blood transfusions, 10% escalated to anaphylaxis. Compared with minor ATRs, anaphylaxis tended to develop quickly. Moreover, 96% of patients with FNHTRs had a fever less than 39°C. There were no associations between blood product types and numbers or occurrence patterns of these reactions.

Conclusion

The occurrence of ATRs and FNHTRs in children was variable, although there are common features such as severity and time of occurrence.
Update on patient blood management 2019
Authors: Pavenski Katerina
Published: August 2019

Preoperative anaemia is common and is associated with adverse outcomes. Furthermore, it puts patients at risk for allogeneic blood transfusions which in turn may be associated with adverse outcomes. Diagnosis and treatment of anaemia is one of the tenets of patient blood management (PBM), along with reduction in unnecessary transfusions and use of hemostatic agents to reduce bleeding among multiple others. Effective PBM is multi‐disciplinary, multi‐modal, timely, personalized and patient‐centred. I will discuss recent updates in PBM with emphasis on treatment of preoperative anaemia, restrictive transfusion triggers and use of tranexamic acid. I will also briefly discuss the barriers to PBM implementation and start conversation about how to improve patient engagement.
Expanding the scope for research on global English‐language advertising
Authors: Li Songqing
Published: August 2019

Language contact phenomena of English use in global advertising are usually analysed within the framework of world Englishes or linguistic hybridity for an examination of language contact and change, borrowing, hybridization, bilingual creativity, language attitudes, functions, and others. The insights of postcolonial performativity, however, suggest reconsidering the theoretical grounding for studying English use at the transnational level in diverse genres of different sociolinguistic communities around the world. This article posits a new direction for studying the use of English in global advertising. The high level of variation and complexity observable in many aspects of English use is assumed to be germane to, and constantly mediated through language ideologies that are often diverse, complex, unstable and even conflicting.