bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pilot Study of the Effect of Plant‐Based Enteral Nutrition on the Gut Microbiota in Chronically Ill Tube‐Fed Children
Authors: McClanahan Danielle , Yeh Andrew , Firek Brian , Zettle Stacey , Rogers Matthew , Cheek Richard , Nguyen Michelle V. L. , Gayer Christopher P. , Wendell Stacy G. , Mullett Steven J. , Morowitz Michael J.
Published: January 2019

Background

Dietary intake sharply impacts the structure and function of the gut microbiota, which is important for childhood health. However, little is known about the microbiota of children who cannot eat by mouth. Standard enteral formulas for supplemental nutrition are low in fiber and high in processed sugars and are commonly associated with gastrointestinal side effects. In this pilot study, we examined the effects of plant‐based enteral nutrition (PBEN) upon the gut bacteria of chronically ill children.

Methods

Ten children (median age 3.5 years, age range 2–8 years) dependent upon conventional enteral formula were transitioned to PBEN for 2 months. Microbial diversity within fecal samples collected before and after PBEN was assessed by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence analysis and was compared with rectal swabs from healthy children. Fecal short‐chain fatty acids and bile acids were measured in parallel.

Results

Relative to control samples, fecal samples from study subjects were depleted of commensals (eg, Faecalibacterium) and enriched with pathogens (eg, Enterococcus). Postintervention samples from study subjects were more similar to healthy controls. Most subjects experienced PBEN‐induced alterations in the gut microbiota, but these changes varied significantly across individuals. Clinical diaries indicated that PBEN was well tolerated, with improvement in symptoms noted in several subjects.

Conclusion

Results from this pilot study suggest that PBEN is well tolerated and could improve the health of the microbiota in chronically ill children. This trial provides a rationale for systematic evaluation of PBEN in clinical trials of children who require supplemental nutrition.
Decay dynamics of 6‐azauracil from the light absorbing S2(ππ*) state
Authors: Li Pengli , Xue Jiadan , Zheng Xuming
Published: January 2019

The initial decay dynamics of 6AU in the S2 state was investigated by using resonance Raman spectroscopy, the time‐dependent wave‐packet theory in a Brownian oscillator model, and complete‐active space self‐consistent field (CASSCF) protocol. The vibrational spectra and the ultraviolet absorption bands were assigned on the basis of the Fourier transform (FT)‐Raman, FT‐infrared measurements, the density‐functional theory computations, and the normal mode analysis. The absorption cross section and the absolute resonance Raman cross sections were simulated simultaneously by using the time‐dependent wave‐packet theory in a Brownian oscillator model. The obtained normal mode displacements of the Franck–Condon active modes were then converted to the short‐time structural dynamics in easy‐to‐visualize internal coordinates. The roles of two pathways via the S2 → S1 internal conversion and the S2 → T3 intersystem crossing were evaluated through the comparison between the short‐time structural dynamics and the CASSCF/CASTP2 calculated structural changes between FC and S2S1 or between FC and S2T3. The results indicate that the structural dynamics in the Franck–Condon region of the S2 state is mostly toward the S2/S1 conical intersection, which supports the conclusion that the S2 → S1 internal conversion dominants the initial decay pathway of 6AU as revealed by the broadband fs TA spectroscopy, whereas the barrierless S2 → T3 intersystem‐crossing process is negligible owing to weak spin‐orbital coupling and unfavorable subsequent T3 → T2 → T1 decay. The reaction coordinates towards the planar S2(ππ*)/S1(nπ*) and severely distorted S2(ππ*)/S0 conical intersection points are proposed respectively, and the solvent effect on the initial decay mechanisms of 6AU, uracil, and thymine is clarified.
Sarcomas of the paranasal sinuses: An analysis of the SEER database
Authors: Martin Elaine , Radomski Shannon , Harley Earl
Published: January 2019

Objective

To determine the demographics, treatment modalities, and overall survival of patients with sinonasal sarcoma.

Methods

All cases of primary sinonasal sarcomas diagnosed between the years of 2009 and 2014 were extracted from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Additional variables collected included age, gender, ethnicity, tumor histological subtype, tumor size, treatment modality, vitality status, and follow‐up time. Kaplan‐Meier survival curves were generated and overall survival was calculated.

Results

One hundred and four cases of sinonasal sarcoma were identified. The majority of patients were female (55%), white (76%), and non‐Hispanic (84%), and the mean age was 47 ± 22 years. The most common tumor sites were the maxillary sinus, followed by the ethmoid, sphenoid, and frontal sinus. Forty six percent of tumors were rhabdomyosarcoma type. Most patients (66%) had some type of surgery, 64% received radiation, and 58% received chemotherapy as part of their treatment. Overall 1‐ and 5‐year survival was 79% and 31%, respectively. There was no significant difference in survival based on patient gender, age, ethnicity, radiation, or chemotherapy treatment.

Conclusions

This study adds to the current literature of sinonasal sarcomas and is the first to report in detail the surgical interventions performed as well as characteristics about lymph node spread, tumor histology, and treatment outcomes since the advent of radiation and chemotherapy. As these tumors are so rare, continued study of the demographics, tumor characteristics, and long‐term outcomes of this population is necessary to guide treatment modalities and strategies for otolaryngologists.

Level of Evidence

2b
Day length as a key factor moderating the response of coccolithophore growth to elevated pCO2
Authors: Bretherton Laura , Poulton Alex J. , Lawson Tracy , Rukminasari Nita , Balestreri Cecilia , Schroeder Declan , Mark Moore C. , Suggett David J.
Published: January 2019

The fate of coccolithophores in the future oceans remains uncertain, in part due to key factors having not been standardized across experiments. A potentially moderating role for differences in day length (photoperiod) remains largely unexplored. We therefore cultured four different geographical isolates of the species Emiliania huxleyi, as well as two additional species, Gephyrocapsa oceanica (tropical) and Coccolithus braarudii (temperate), to test for interactive effects of pCO2 with the light : dark (L : D) cycle. We confirmed a general regulatory effect of photoperiod on the pCO2 response, whereby growth and particulate inorganic carbon and particulate organic carbon (PIC : POC) ratios were reduced with elevated pCO2 under 14 : 10 h L : D, but these reductions were dampened under continuous (24 h) light. The dynamics underpinning this pattern generally differed for the temperate vs. tropical isolates. Reductions in PIC : POC with elevated pCO2 for tropical taxa were largely through reduced calcification and enhanced photosynthesis under 14 : 10 h L : D, with differences dampened under continuous light. In contrast, reduced PIC : POC for temperate strains reflected increases of photosynthesis that outpaced increases in calcification rates under 14 : 10 h L : D, with both responses again dampened under continuous light. A multivariate analysis of 35 past studies of E. huxleyi further demonstrated that differences in photoperiod account for as much as 40% (strain B11/92) to 55% (strain NZEH) of the variance in reported pCO2‐induced reductions to growth but not PIC : POC. Our study thus highlights a critical role for day length in moderating the effect of ocean acidification on coccolithophore growth and consequently how this response may play out across latitudes and seasons in future oceans.
Improved MR thermometry for laser interstitial thermotherapy
Authors: Odéen Henrik , Parker Dennis L.
Published: January 2019

Objectives

To develop, test and evaluate improved 2D and 3D protocols for proton resonance frequency shift magnetic resonance temperature imaging (MRTI) of laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT). The objective was to develop improved MRTI protocols in terms of temperature measurement precision and volume coverage compared to the 2D MRTI protocol currently used with a commercially available LITT system.

Methods

Four different 2D protocols and four different 3D protocols were investigated. The 2D protocols used multi‐echo readouts to prolong the total MR sampling time and hence the MRTI precision, without prolonging the total acquisition time. The 3D protocols provided volumetric thermometry by acquiring a slab of 12 contiguous slices in the same acquisition time as the 2D protocols. The study only considered readily available pulse sequences (Cartesian 2D and 3D gradient recalled echo and echo planar imaging [EPI]) and methods (partial Fourier and parallel imaging) to ensure wide availability and rapid clinical implementation across vendors and field strengths. In vivo volunteer studies were performed to investigate and compare MRTI precision and image quality. Phantom experiments with LITT heating were performed to investigate and compare MRTI precision and accuracy. Different coil setups were used in the in vivo studies to assess precision differences between using local (such as flex and head coils) and non‐local (i.e., body coil) receive coils. Studies were performed at both 1.5 T and 3 T.

Results

The improved 2D protocols provide up to a factor of two improvement in the MRTI precision in the same acquisition time, compared to the currently used clinical protocol. The 3D echo planar imaging protocols provide comparable precision as the currently used 2D clinical protocol, but over a substantially larger field of view, without increasing the acquisition time. As expected, local receive coils perform substantially better than the body coil, and 3 T provides better MRTI accuracy and precision than 1.5 T. 3D data can be zero‐filled interpolated in all three dimensions (as opposed to just two dimensions for 2D data), reducing partial volume effects and measuring higher maximum temperature rises.

Conclusions

With the presented protocols substantially improved MRTI precision (for 2D imaging) or greatly improved field of view coverage (for 3D imaging) can be achieved in the same acquisition time as the currently used protocol. Only widely available pulse sequences and acquisition methods were investigated, which should ensure quick translation to the clinic. Lasers Surg. Med. 51:286–300, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Conducting Polymers for Flexible Supercapacitors
Authors: Han Yongqin , Dai Liming
Published: January 2019

Owing to their tunable conductivity, good processability, environmental friendliness, and unique doping–dedoping characteristics, conducting polymer (CP)‐based flexible supercapacitors have been widely investigated. Inclusion of CPs into flexible substrates has been demonstrated to be an efficient way for fabricating CP‐based flexible supercapacitors. This paper provides a focused review on recent progresses in the research and development of CP‐based flexible supercapacitors. The synthesis and electrochemical performances of CP‐based hydrogels, including the pristine CP hydrogels, hybrid hydrogels, and all in one supercapacitors, are highlighted. The latest progress in the development of flexible supercapacitors based on binary and ternary hybrid films consisting of CP/carbon nanotubes, CP/graphene, or CP/graphene/carbon nanotubes is discussed. Furthermore, a brief summary of the use of CP‐based textiles and fibers for flexible supercapacitors is also presented, along with the current challenges and future perspectives for CP‐based supercapacitors.
Direct Generation of Mn‐Doped ZnS Quantum Dots/Alginate Nanocomposite Beads Based on Gelation and In Situ Synthesis of Quantum Dots
Authors: Chen Wei , Lei Jian , Wang Yifeng , Mendes Paula M. , Zhang Zheng , Hu Qian , Xiong Yanfei , Pan Jie
Published: January 2019

Herein, a concise and novel method is developed to directly generate Mn‐doped ZnS QDs/alginate nanocomposite beads. In this method, the ionic gelation of alginate is employed to produce alginate gel beads in a solution of Zn2+ and Mn2+ ions. Subsequently, the gel beads serve as the reaction support for in situ synthesis of Mn‐doped ZnS QDs in the beads through the reaction of sodium sulfide with Zn2+ and Mn2+ ions. The method has many benefits such as the simple preparation, the environmentally friendly process, the mild conditions, and the easy post‐treatment for the beads. The resulting QDs/alginate beads are homogeneous and stable gel spheres which show clear fluorescence. TEM images demonstrate that Mn‐doped ZnS QDs are homogeneously distributed within the QDs/alginate nanocomposite, and their average size is 2.4 ± 0.3 nm. Potentially, the QDs/alginate beads can be utilized for fluorescence bioimaging, as well as fluorescence detection toward metal ions.
Analysis of the whole implementation process and optimization of a Nitinol superelastic stent
Authors: Wang X. M. , Liu P. , Liang H. , Zhang M. C. , Li L. , Yue Z. F.
Published: January 2019

Nitinol superelastic stents have been widely used to treat the vascular stenosis due to its excellent mechanical behavior and biocompatibility. However, there exist conflicts between the functional properties and mechanical properties of the stent. An optimization method has been employed to deal with the conflictions with the consideration of the whole implementation process of the stent in this paper. A straight vascular with tumor inside is considered. A commonly used NiTinol superleastic stent with diamond shape strut is employed. The vascular wall tissue and stenotic plaque are also treated as hyperelastic materials. Softwares Isight, ABAQUS and Solidworks are utilized to perform the optimization job. It can be seen that the stresses are high at the areas around the fillets of the stent due to the stress concentration from a primary analysis. Therefore, the two fillets radius, thickness and radius of the stent are chosen as four optimization variables. The optimization object is to decrease the maximum stress of stent and increase the displacement of the plaque. After the optimization, the maximum stress can be decreased by 8.2 %, which implies that the stent's work life can be increased. The stenosis of the blood vessel can be decreased from 56 % to 40.0 %.
Development and characterization of nano‐crystalline cellulose incorporated poly(lactic acid) composite films
Authors: Raza Z.A. , Aslam M. , Azeem A. , Maqsood H.S.
Published: January 2019

Development of nano‐cellulose has fascinated a substantial attention for last few decades because of their exceptional and potentially useful features. Herein, nano‐crystalline cellulose has successfully been prepared from local cotton yarn via acid hydrolysis. Both X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy showed improvement in crystallinity of nano‐crystalline cellulose on acid hydrolysis of cotton yarn. The prepared nano‐crystalline cellulose has been used for the fabrication of poly(lactic acid) composite films using solution casting approach. The prepared composite films were characterized using advanced analytical techniques. The differential scanning calorimetry analysis, moreover, showed that on incorporating nano‐crystalline cellulose in the poly(lactic acid) matrix, glass transition temperature increased; whereas, melting temperature and cold crystallization temperature decreased. The decreasing value of crystallization temperature indicated an enhancement in chain mobility of composite films. The mechanical analysis showed that the composite films were stronger and more flexible than the pure poly(lactic acid) films.
Cancer stem cells and fibroblast niche cross talk in an in‐vitro oral dysplasia model
Authors: Kulsum Safeena , Raju Nalini , Raghavan Nisheena , Ramanjanappa Ravindra D. R. , Sharma Anupam , Mehta Alka , Kuriakose Moni A. , Suresh Amritha
Published: January 2019

Understanding the cellular interactions during oral carcinogenesis has the potential to identify novel prognostic and therapeutic targets. This study aimed at investigating the cancer stem cell (CSC)‐fibroblast niche interactions using in‐vitro dysplastic cell line models developed from different stages of 4NQO‐induced oral carcinogenic mice model. The spontaneously transformed epithelial cells (DysMSCTR6, 14 and 16) were developed from three time points (mild/moderate/severe), while two fibroblast cell lines (FibroMSCTR12, 16) were developed from moderate and severe dysplastic tissue. The epithelial (Epcam+/Ck+) and the fibroblast cell lines (Vimentin+/α‐SMA+/Ck‐) were authenticated and assessment of cells representing progressive grades of dysplastic severity indicated a significant increase in dysplastic marker profile (P < 0.05). Evaluation of the CSC characteristics showed that an increase in expression of Cd133, Cd44, Aldh1a1, Notch1, and Sox2 was accompanied by an increase in migratory (P > 0.05) and colony formation capacity (P > 0.005). Targeting Notch1 (GSI inhibitor PZ0187; 30 μM), showed a significant reduction in cell proliferation capacity (P < 0.05) and in the dysplastic marker profile. Further, Notch1 inhibition resulted in down regulation of Cd133 and Aldh1a 1 (P < 0.05) and a complete abrogation of colony formation ability (P < 0.0001). The effect of niche interactions evaluated using FibroMSCTR12‐conditioned media studies, revealed an enrichment of ALDH1A1+ cells (P < 0.05), induction of spheroid formation ability (P < 0.0001) and increased proliferation capacity (3.7 fold; P < 0.005). Although PZ0187 reduced cell viability by ∼40%, was unable to abrogate the conditioned‐media induced increase in proliferation capacity completely. This study reports a Notch‐1 dependent enrichment of CSC properties during dysplastic progression and a Notch‐1 independent dysplastic cell‐fibroblast interaction during oral carcinogenesis.
On a parabolic‐elliptic chemotaxis system with periodic asymptotic behavior
Authors: Negreanu Mihaela , Tello Jose Ignacio , Vargas Antonio Manuel
Published: January 2019

We study a parabolic‐elliptic chemotactic PDEs system, which describes the evolution of a biological population “u” and a chemical substance “v” in a bounded domain
. We consider a growth term of logistic type in the equation of “u” in the form μu(1 − u + f(t,x)). The function “f,” describing the resources of the systems, presents a periodic asymptotic behavior in the sense

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma5423:mma5423-math-0002
where f ∗ is independent of x and periodic in time. We study the global existence of solutions and its asymptotic behavior. Under suitable assumptions on the initial data and f ∗, if the constant chemotactic sensitivity χ satisfies

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma5423:mma5423-math-0003
we obtain that the solution of the system converges to a homogeneous in space and periodic in time function.
Lower urinary tract symptoms 7 years after the first delivery: Correlation to the mode of delivery
Authors: Li Zhiyi , Xu Tao , Li Zhaoai , Gong Jian , Liu Qing , Zhu Lan
Published: January 2019

Objective

To investigate the extent of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) during pregnancy and 7 years after birth in primipara and their association with delivery mode history and other factors.

Methods

A longitudinal cohort study was conducted in 12 hospitals representative of the diversity of the seven administrative regions of China. Of 10 098 women recruited at the third trimester, 3862 (38.25%) responded at 1 year, and 1115 (11.04%) responded at 7 years. A modified Chinese Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms questionnaire was administered. No intervention was implemented.

Results

Among the participants, 75.4% reported nocturia during gestation, followed by frequency (58.4%), which gradually decreased after delivery. The prevalence of urge urinary incontinence (UUI) increased from 5.7% during pregnancy to 22.8% at 1 year after delivery and 10.2% at 7 years postpartum. The prevalence of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) increased from 29.9% during pregnancy to 46.4% at 1 year postpartum and 23.7% at 7 years after delivery.

The odds of storage LUTS and voiding LUTS 7 years after delivery were lower for the cesarean section (CS) group than for the vaginal delivery (VD) group (OR = 0.49, 95%CI, 0.36‐0.68; OR = 0.25, 95%CI, 0.09‐0.70). The most frequent moderately to severely bothersome LUTS after VD was SUI (19.18%), while that for CS was UUI (19.18%).

Conclusion

The incidence of storage LUTS was higher than that of voiding LUTS both during pregnancy and postpartum. The most frequently reported LUTS during pregnancy were nocturia and frequency, while the most frequent LUTS after delivery were urgency and SUI. CS was associated with a decreased prevalence of both storage and voiding LUTS after delivery.
Repeatability of tools to assist in the follow up and troubleshooting of sacral neuromodulation patients using the sensory response
Authors: Vaganée Donald , Van de Borne Sigrid , Fransen Erik , Voorham Jeroen , Voorham‐van der Zalm Petra , De Wachter Stefan
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is an established minimally invasive therapy for functional disorders of the pelvic organs in which electrodes are stimulated in proximity of the sacral spinal nerves. Reprogramming of the electrodes is regularly required and is based on the sensory response. This study assesses the repeatability of a pelvic chart and grading system to enable a more objective assessment of the sensory response upon electrode stimulation.

Material and Methods

In 26 SNM patients, with OAB or NOUR, assessment of the sensory response was done using the sensory threshold (ST) and a pelvic chart with 1 cm2 coordinates, each coordinate corresponding with a dermatome and location of sensation (LoS). A grading system was developed based upon the ST and LoS. Repeatability of ST was assessed using a two‐way mixed effects, absolute agreement, single rater/measurement intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and displayed using a correlation and Bland Altman plot. Repeatability of dermatomes, LoS, and grading system was assessed using kappa correlation coefficient.

Results

On average, 1.55 ± 0.85 coordinates were used to point out the area where the stimulation was perceived. The mean amount of coordinates between the area pointed at during the first and second measurement was 0.47 ± 0.74. ST showed excellent repeatability (ICC 0.93, 95%CI 0.90‐0.94, P < 0.001). Dermatomes, LoS and grading system showed a substantial to almost perfect agreement (κ = 0.740‐0.833, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The pelvic chart and grading system, using the sensory response upon electrode stimulation, are repeatable tools and can be used to assist in follow up and troubleshooting of SNM patients.
Diagnostic Workup and Micronutrient Deficiencies in Children With Failure to Thrive Without Underlying Diseases
Authors: Selbuz Suna , Kırsaçlıoğlu Ceyda Tuna , Kuloğlu Zarife , Yılmaz Mustafa , Penezoğlu Nilay , Sayıcı Ufuk , Altuntaş Cansu , Kansu Aydan
Published: January 2019

Objectives and study

Failure to thrive (FTT) is an interruption in the normal pattern of growth. We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, underlying etiologies, diagnostic workup, and frequency of micronutrient deficiencies (MDs) in children with FTT.

Methods

This retrospective study was done with 729 children (319 male, mean age 6.8 ± 5.5 years) with FTT (weight for age <3rd percentile) who had visited the Pediatric Gastroenterology outpatient clinic between 2011 and 2016. Children who had previously known chronic diseases, inadequate intake, or inadequate absorption were excluded. Acute malnutrition was considered if weight‐for‐age z‐scores were below −2 and height‐for‐age z‐scores were above −2, and chronic malnutrition was defined if height‐for‐age z‐scores were below −2.

Results

The malnutrition rate was 57.1% (acute: 37.8%, chronic: 19.3%). Of children, 98.7% had laboratory evaluation. We found that 1.1% of laboratory tests, 0.4% of imaging studies, 27% of endoscopic findings, and biopsy results led to a specific diagnosis, equating to a total of 1.3% of diagnostic workup leading to a diagnosis related to FTT. The causes of FTT were inadequate nutrition (61.4%), psychiatric and behavioral disorders (17.2%), endocrinologic disorders (9%), recurrent infections (6.4%), gastrointestinal diseases (1.9%), and cardiac disorders (0.1%). Vitamin A and D deficiencies were the most common MD.

Conclusion

We showed that the most common cause of FTT is “purely nutrition” FFT because of inadequate caloric intake, and extensive diagnostic workup is rarely helpful to reveal the etiology. These results implicate the importance of clinical evaluation and anthropometry to evaluate a child with FTT.
Thiamin Status in Adults Receiving Chronic Diuretic Therapy Prior to Admission to a Medical Intensive Care Unit: A Pilot Study
Authors: Gundogan Kursat , Akbudak Ismail Hakki , Bulut Kadir , Temel Sahin , Sungur Murat , Guven Muhammet , Dave Nisha J. , Griffith Daniel P. , Ziegler Thomas R.
Published: January 2019

Background

The aim of the study was to determine serum thiamin concentrations in critically ill medical patients who required chronic diuretic drug treatment before admission to a medical intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

This prospective study was performed in a medical ICU. Subjects who received diuretic drug therapy for at least 6 months prior to ICU admission constituted the diuretic group. The control group was clinically matched adults admitted to the same ICU but without a history of diuretic therapy.

Results

A total of 50 subjects were included (25 subjects in each of the diuretic and control groups). In the diuretic group, daily dose of furosemide prior to admission was 40 mg/d (range of 20–160 mg/d). In all subjects, the ICU admission baseline blood thiamin concentrations were 31.2 ± 27.1 ng/mL. In the diuretic group, the baseline whole blood thiamin level was significantly lower compared with levels in the control group (15.5 ± 10.7 vs 46.8 ± 29.5 ng/mL; P < 0.001). On day 2 after entry, thiamin levels remained low (23.2 ± 15.4 ng/mL in the diuretic group vs 49 ± 38 ng/mL in the control group; P = 0.003). Low thiamin levels were found in 96% of patients at baseline and in 72% of patients on the second day in the diuretic group.

Conclusion

Adults receiving chronic diuretic therapy and then requiring medical ICU care commonly exhibit thiamin depletion on admission to the ICU and during the initial days of ICU care.
Impact of Feeding Interval on Time to Achieve Full Oral Feeding in Preterm Infants: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Unal Sezin , Demirel Nihal , Bas Ahmet Yağmur , Arifoğlu İlter , Erol Sara , Ulubas Isik Dilek
Published: January 2019

Background

Preterm infants are scheduled to receive total feeding amount in either 3‐hour or 2‐hour intervals. A gavage feeding may be required if the scheduled amount is not completed orally. Feedings every 2 hours are one‐third smaller than feedings every 3 hours. Thus, if the volume of each feed is reduced by decreasing the feeding interval from 3 to 2 hours, the likelihood that the infant completes each volume orally increases, and the probability of requiring gavage feeding decreases. The impact of feeding with 2‐hour or 3‐hour intervals on time to achieve full oral feeding in preterm infants was investigated.

Methods

Infants on full enteral gavage feedings were randomized into 2 groups to receive feedings in either 3‐hour or 2‐hour intervals. The time to achieve full oral feeding and the duration of feeding transition from gavage to oral feedings were investigated. Data were presented as median (interquartile range).

Results

The study included 100 infants (gestational age: 29 [28–31] weeks, birth weight: 1205 [1040–1380] g) with 50 in each group. The postmenstrual age to achieve full oral feeding was 35 (35–37) weeks in the 3‐hour‐interval group and 35 (34–36) weeks in the 2‐hour‐interval group; P = 0.131. The duration of feeding transition was similar between groups.

Conclusions

Feeding every 2 hours caused no improvement in the time to achieve full oral feeding. The 3‐hour‐interval feeding is appropriate for the neonatal units, where less handling of preterms and decreased workload of nurses are valuable.
On the Barzilai‐Borwein basic scheme in FFT‐based computational homogenization
Authors: Schneider Matti
Published: January 2019

Building upon the equivalence of the basic scheme in the work of Moulinec and Suquet with gradient descent methods, we investigate the effect of using the celebrated Barzilai‐Borwein step size selection technique in this context. We provide an overview of recent convergence theory and present efficient implementations in the context of computational micromechanics, with and without globalization. In contrast to polarization schemes and fast gradient methods, no lower bound on the eigenvalues of the material tangent is necessary for the Barzilai‐Borwein scheme. We demonstrate the power of the proposed method for linear elastic and inelastic large scale problems with finite and infinite material contrast.
Manufacturing Graphene‐Encapsulated Copper Particles by Chemical Vapor Deposition in a Cold Wall Reactor
Authors: Chen Shujing , Zehri Abdelhafid , Wang Qianlong , Yuan Guangjie , Liu Xiaohua , Wang Nan , Liu Johan
Published: January 2019

Functional fillers, such as Ag, are commonly employed for effectively improving the thermal or electrical conductivity in polymer composites. However, a disadvantage of such a strategy is that the cost and performance cannot be balanced simultaneously. Therefore, the drive to find a material with both a cost efficient fabrication process and excellent performance attracts intense research interest. In this work, inspired by the core–shell structure, we developed a facile manufacturing method to prepare graphene‐encapsulated Cu nanoparticles (GCPs) through utilizing an improved chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system with a cold wall reactor. The obtained GCPs could retain their spherical shape and exhibited an outstanding thermal stability up to 179 °C. Owing to the superior thermal conductivity of graphene and excellent oxidation resistance of GCPs, the produced GCPs are practically used in a thermally conductive adhesive (TCA), which commonly consists of Ag as the functional filler. Measurement shows a substantial 74.6 % improvement by partial replacement of Ag with GCPs.
Flupirtine Analogues: Explorative Synthesis and Influence of Chemical Structure on KV7.2/KV7.3 Channel Opening Activity
Authors: Surur Abdrrahman S. , Beirow Kristin , Bock Christian , Schulig Lukas , Kindermann Markus K. , Bodtke Anja , Siegmund Werner , Bednarski Patrick J. , Link Andreas
Published: January 2019

Neuronal voltage‐gated potassium channels KV7.2/KV7.3 are sensitive to small‐molecule drugs such as flupirtine, even though physiological response occurs in the absence of ligands. Clinically, prolonged use of flupirtine as a pain medication is associated with rare cases of drug‐induced liver injury. Thus, safety concerns prevent a broader use of this non‐opioid and non‐steroidal analgesic in therapeutic areas with unmet medical needs such as hyperactive bladder or neonatal seizures. With the goal of studying influences of chemical structure on activity and toxicity of flupirtine, we explored modifications of the benzylamino bridge and the substitution pattern in both rings of flupirtine. Among twelve derivatives, four novel thioether derivatives showed the desired activity in cellular assays and may serve as leads for safer KV channel openers.
Vasoactive Agent Use in Septic Shock: Beyond First‐Line Recommendations
Authors: Sacha Gretchen L. , Bauer Seth R. , Lat Ishaq
Published: January 2019

Septic shock is a life‐threatening disorder associated with high mortality rates requiring rapid identification and intervention. Vasoactive agents are often required to maintain goal hemodynamics and preserve tissue perfusion. However, guidance regarding the proper administration of adjunct agents for the management of septic shock is limited in patients who are refractory to norepinephrine. This review summarizes vasopressor agents and describes the nuanced application of these agents in patients with septic shock, specifically focusing on clinical scenarios with limited guidance including patients who are nonresponsive to first‐line agents and individuals with mixed shock states, tachyarrhythmias, obesity, valvular abnormalities, or other comorbid conditions.
Improving reporting of meta‐ethnography: The eMERGe reporting guidance
Authors: France Emma F. , Cunningham Maggie , Ring Nicola , Uny Isabelle , Duncan Edward A.S. , Jepson Ruth G. , Maxwell Margaret , Roberts Rachel J. , Turley Ruth L. , Booth Andrew , Britten Nicky , Flemming Kate , Gallagher Ian , Garside Ruth , Hannes Karin , Lewin Simon , Noblit George W. , Pope Catherine , Thomas James , Vanstone Meredith , Higginbottom Gina M. A. , Noyes Jane
Published: January 2019

Aims

The aim of this study was to provide guidance to improve the completeness and clarity of meta‐ethnography reporting.

Background

Evidence‐based policy and practice require robust evidence syntheses which can further understanding of people's experiences and associated social processes. Meta‐ethnography is a rigorous seven‐phase qualitative evidence synthesis methodology, developed by Noblit and Hare. Meta‐ethnography is used widely in health research, but reporting is often poor quality and this discourages trust in and use of its findings. Meta‐ethnography reporting guidance is needed to improve reporting quality.

Design

The eMERGe study used a rigorous mixed‐methods design and evidence‐based methods to develop the novel reporting guidance and explanatory notes.

Methods

The study, conducted from 2015 to 2017, comprised of: (1) a methodological systematic review of guidance for meta‐ethnography conduct and reporting; (2) a review and audit of published meta‐ethnographies to identify good practice principles; (3) international, multidisciplinary consensus‐building processes to agree guidance content; (4) innovative development of the guidance and explanatory notes.

Findings

Recommendations and good practice for all seven phases of meta‐ethnography conduct and reporting were newly identified leading to 19 reporting criteria and accompanying detailed guidance.

Conclusion

The bespoke eMERGe Reporting Guidance, which incorporates new methodological developments and advances the methodology, can help researchers to report the important aspects of meta‐ethnography. Use of the guidance should raise reporting quality. Better reporting could make assessments of confidence in the findings more robust and increase use of meta‐ethnography outputs to improve practice, policy, and service user outcomes in health and other fields. This is the first tailored reporting guideline for meta‐ethnography. This article is being simultaneously published in the following journals: Journal of Advanced Nursing, Psycho‐oncology, Review of Education, and BMC Medical Research Methodology.
The social impact of early psychological maturity in adolescents with cancer
Authors: Anthony Samantha J. , Robertson Taylor , Selkirk Enid , Dix David , Klaassen Robert J. , Sung Lillian , Klassen Anne F.
Published: January 2019

Objective

There is a growing need to assess the long‐term quality of life (QOL) of pediatric oncology patients since many children now survive their disease. This paper highlights the subjective perspectives of pediatric cancer patients and specifically explores how experiencing cancer at a young age impacts adolescents in the areas of social functioning, peer relationships, and QOL. The findings emerged from a qualitative research study that explored how pediatric oncology patients ascribe meaning to their illness.

Methods

Study participants were recruited from four Canadian academic pediatric hospitals. In this study, we used an interpretative description approach. Semistructured interviews were completed, transcribed verbatim, and coded through the method of constant comparison.

Results

A total of 37 children and adolescents (n = 19 female; 51%) participated. The majority of participants were diagnosed with leukemia (n = 16; 43%) or lymphoma (n = 9; 24%). Sixty‐two percent of participants were adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18 years (n = 23). Data illustrated a unique adolescent experience, which has been reported as a subset of the original population. Adolescent participants noted an accelerated experience of maturation, which invited reflections of gratitude as well as feelings of isolation and disconnect from peers. Participants were saddened to have “missed out” on normative parts of childhood.

Conclusion

Findings highlighted experiences of accelerated maturity that prompted adverse social outcomes for adolescent participants, which impacted their QOL. Future research is needed to explore the intersection of accelerated maturity attributed to illness, social functioning, and QOL. Peer support through technology engagement is suggested for this population.
Luminescence Efficiency of Si/SiO2 Nanoparticles Produced by Laser Ablation
Authors: Cannas Marco , Camarda Pietro , Vaccaro Lavinia , Amato Francesco , Messina Fabrizio , Fiore Tiziana , Agnello Simonpietro , Gelardi Franco Mario
Published: January 2019

Photoluminescence properties of Si(core)/SiO2(shell) nanoparticles produced by pulsed laser ablation in aqueous solution are investigated with the purpose to highlight the microscopic processes that govern the emission brightness and stability. Time resolved spectra evidence that these systems emit a µs decaying band centered around 1.95 eV, that is associated with the radiative recombination of quantum‐confined excitons generated in the Si nanocrystalline core. Both the quantum efficiency and the stability of this emission are strongly dependent on the pH level of the solution, that is changed after the laser ablation is performed. They enhance in acid environment because of the H+ passivation of non radiative defects, located in the Si/SiO2 interface, which causes the growth of IR‐active SiH groups. On the basis of the reported experimental results and previous literature data, we propose that the non radiative defects are located in the suboxide interlayer between Si and SiO2 and their nature is affected by the latter.
A 3‐D bonding perspective of the factors influencing the relative stability of the S1/S0 conical intersections of the penta‐2,4‐dieniminium cation (PSB3)
Authors: Bin Xin , Momen Roya , Xu Tianlv , Kirk Steven R. , Filatov Michael , Jenkins Samantha
Published: January 2019

A balanced treatment of the covalent and ionic contributions to the ground and excited states originating from torsion about double bonds is known to be strongly dependent on the presence of dynamic electron correlation. We undertake an analysis of the minimum energy pathways corresponding to deactivation of the first excited singlet state of PSB3. In doing so we consider torsion about the three double bonds including other intramolecular degrees of freedom, such as the bond length alternation. The 3‐D bond‐path analysis provides a new ‘bond‐localized orbital‐like’ directional interpretation of bonding. Therefore, we present a more sophisticated method of determination of the degree of covalent and ionic contributions known to be responsible for altering the relative stability of the S1/S0 conical intersections. The results presented suggest that the commonly used simplified multi‐reference methodologies that often result in incorrect predictions for the excited state deactivation reaction mechanism.
Assessing the effects of hydrological and chemical stressors on macroinvertebrate community in an Alpine river: The Adige River as a case study
Authors: Giulivo Monica , Stella Elisa , Capri Ettore , Esnaola Amaiur , López de Alda Miren , Diaz‐Cruz Silvia , Mandaric Ladislav , Muñoz Isabel , Bellin Alberto
Published: January 2019

In this study, the combined effects of hydrological and chemical stressors on benthic macroinvertebrates were evaluated in order to explore the response of the biological community to multiple stressors. The Adige River, located in the south‐eastern Alps, was selected as a case study because representative of the situation of a large river in which the variety of stressors present in the Alpine region act simultaneously. As expected, streamflow showed a seasonal pattern, with high flows in the spring–summer period; however, locally, the natural hydrological regime was altered by the presence of hydropower systems, which chiefly affected low flows. Multivariate analysis showed seasonal and spatial patterns in both chemical and hydrological parameters with a clear gradient in the concentration of nitrate, personal care, and pharmaceutical products moving from headwaters to the main stem of the river. The macroinvertebrate community composition was significantly different in summer and winter and between up and downstream sites. Streamflow alteration chiefly due to water use by hydropower affected community composition but not richness or diversity. Gammarus sp., Hirudinea, and Psychomyia sp., were positively correlated with flow variability, increasing their densities in the sites with higher streamflow variability because of hydropeaking. The results obtained in this study show that the composition of the macroinvertebrate community responded to seasonality and to changes in the main stressors along the river and highlights the importance of the spatial and temporal variability of stressors in this Alpine river. Taking into account, this variability will help the decision‐making process for improving basin management.
Nanoscale imaging of hydrogen and sodium in alteration layers of corroded glass using ToF‐SIMS: Is an auxiliary sputtering ion beam necessary?
Authors: Zhang Jiandong , Zhang Yanyan , Collin Marie , Gin Stephane , Neeway James J. , Wang Tieshan , Zhu Zihua
Published: January 2019

The hydrogen (H)/sodium (Na) interface is of great interest in glass corrosion research. Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) is one of the few techniques that can provide nanoscale H and Na imaging simultaneously. However, the optimized condition for ToF‐SIMS imaging of H in glass is still unclear. In H depth profiling using ToF‐SIMS, H background control is a key, in which an analysis ion beam and a sputtering ion beam work together in an interlaced mode to minimize it. Therefore, it is of great interest to determine if an auxiliary sputtering ion beam is also necessary to control H background in ToF‐SIMS imaging of H. In this study, H imaging with and without auxiliary sputtering beams (Cs+, O2+, and Arn+) was compared on a corroded international simple glass (ISG). It was surprising that the H/Na interface could be directly imaged using positive ion imaging without any auxiliary sputtering ion beam under a vacuum of 2 to 3 × 10−8 mbar. The H+ background was about 5% atomic percent on the pristine ISG glass, which was significantly lower than the H concentration in the alteration layer (~15%). Moreover, positive ion imaging could show distributions of other interesting species simultaneously, providing more comprehensive information of the glass corrosion. If an auxiliary O2+ sputtering ion beam was used, the H+ background could be reduced but still higher than that in the depth profiling. Besides, this condition could cause significant loss of signal intensities due to strong surface charging.
An exceptionally mild synthetic strategy using cascade reaction for 3,4‐dihydronaphthyridinones having aliphatic substituent on amide nitrogen
Authors: Tazawa Aoi , Ishizawa Kohei , Ando Junki , Watanabe Masayuki , Azumaya Isao , Hikawa Hidemasa , Tanaka Minoru
Published: January 2019

A facile synthetic procedure for 3,4‐dihydronaphthyridinone derivatives is described. This synthetic route involves the cascade reaction of methyl nicotinate having an ethoxyvinyl group with various amines. The desired cyclization products were obtained using pyridylacetaldehyde formation and subsequent reductive amination/cyclization with amines. For the preparation of vinyl ether derivatives, we employed the coupling reaction, and the method would be applicable to various related substrates. Furthermore, all the reactions to N‐alkyl products proceeded rapidly at ambient temperature in good yields using simple and safe protocols. This strategy allows the generation of dihydronaphthyridinone derivatives containing various amines.
The Effect of Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) on the Au Catalyzed Reduction of p–nitrophenol: The Fundamental Role of NaBH4.
Authors: Álvarez Cerimedo María S. , Baronio Lucía Gago , Hoppe Cristina E. , Ayude María A.
Published: January 2019

The effect of polymeric ligands, like poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), on the reduction of p‐nitrophenol by NaBH4 in presence of gold nanoparticles (NPs) is systematically investigated. Distinctive trends could be identified depending on the extent of the NaBH4 excess. At rather low NaBH4 concentration excess, PVP had a deleterious effect, probably due to the steric hindrance of the PVP layer on the gold surface that acted partially blocking gold active sites. However, under a large excess of NaBH4, an enhanced catalytic performance was observed, what was attributed to the exchange of the polymer by hydride anions and other ions formed during hydrolysis of NaBH4. This exchange occurred without aggregation of NPs and without compromising recycling capability. Based on these results, the design of new routes for the synthesis of supported catalysts based on PVP stabilized metal colloids can be envisaged, as no additional steps would be necessary for removing the stabilizer prior to use.
NiCo2O4@Ni(BDC) Nano‐Porous Metal–Organic Framework as a Novel Catalyst for the Synthesis of Spiro[indene[1,2‐d]pyrimidine‐ones and Investigation of Their Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Farhadi Simin , Ghasemzadeh Mohammad Ali , Aghaei Seyyed Soheil
Published: January 2019

In this research, an efficient and simple method has been reported for the preparation of spiro[indene[1,2‐d]pyrimidine‐one derivatives through the multi‐component reactions of cyclic ketones, urea/thiourea/guanidine and 1,3‐indandion in the presence of NiCo2O4@Ni(BDC) (terephthalic acid) nanocatalyst. In this method, the products were obtained in short reaction times and excellent yields. The prepared metal‐organic frameworks have been fully analyzed by fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FT‐IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA),vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 adsorption‐desorption by Brunauer–Emmett‐Teller (BET) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD)analysis. In addition, all of the synthesized pyrimidines screened against different pathogenic bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and also their antifungal activity were investigated against Candida albicans.