bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of pharmacokinetics and safety with bioequivalence of Amlodipine in healthy Chinese volunteers: Bioequivalence Study Findings
Authors: Wang Tongtong , Wang Yannan , Lin Sisi , Fang Lu , Lou Sai , Zhao Di , Zhu Jingjing , Yang Qigang , Wang Ying
Published: February 2020

Background and Objective

Amlodipine, a main series of L‐type calcium channel blockers (CCBs), exerts potent antihypertensive effects. The aim of this trial was to explore the pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety with bioequivalence of orally administered Amlodipine provided by two sponsors in healthy volunteers (HVs).

Methods

Two separate randomized, open‐label, single‐dose, crossover‐design studies were conducted: a fasting study (n = 24) and a fed study (n = 24). In each study, HVs were randomized to Fangming Pharmaceutical Group (Test, T) followed by NORVASC® (Reference, R), or vice versa. Each study subject received a 5‐mg Amlodipine tablet with a 15‐day washout. The plasma concentrations of Amlodipine were measured using a LC‐MS/MS method, and PK parameters were determined by noncompartmental model.

Results

Forty‐eight healthy volunteers were enrolled. And overall demographics were as follows: the fasting study: female (n = 16/24), age (18‐54 years), weight (47‐76 kg), and BMI (19.5‐26.0). The fed study: female (n = 16/24), age (20‐49 years), weight (45.5‐69 kg), and BMI (19.1‐25.0). All PK endpoints met the pre‐specific criteria for PK equivalence. In fasting subjects, the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) was 3.881 ± 0.982 ng/mL at 6 hours (median) of sponsor T, and 4.042 ± 1.147 ng/mL at 6 hours (median) of sponsor R. In fed subjects, Cmax was 3.312 ± 0.789 ng/mL at 6 hours (median) of sponsor T, and 3.392 ± 0.902 ng/mL at 5 hours (median) of sponsor R. Both fasting and fed studies achieved a plausible bioequivalence.

Conclusions

Amlodipine is well tolerated and have a favorable safety profile. The observed adverse events were mild (the severity was assessed according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events [version CTCAE4.03]) and all of them were recovered without severe sequences. And the bioequivalence is achieved under fasting and fed conditions, supporting the demonstration of biosimilarity.
Eliciting information and cues to deception using a model statement: Examining the effect of presentation modality
Authors: Porter Cody Normitta , Salvanelli Giacomo
Published: February 2020

Forensic interviewing involves gathering information from a suspect or eyewitness. Administering a model statement during an interview results in greater information elicitation, which can enhance lie detection. Typically, a model statement is a highly detailed statement, on an unrelated topic to that of the interview. This study examined the effect of manipulating the modality of the MS, either by allowing participants to listen to (Audio‐MS), or read (Written‐MS) a model statement. A total of 162 (81 truth tellers, 81 liars) participants were randomly allocated to one of three interviewing conditions where they received either the Audio‐MS, Written‐MS, or No‐MS (control condition). Truth tellers honestly reported a “spy” mission, whereas liars performed a covert mission and lied about their activities. Results showed both model statements were equally more effective at eliciting information and facilitating lie detection, compared with a control condition. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Editorial for “MRI vs. CT for the Detection of Liver Metastases in Patients With Pancreatic Carcinoma: A Comparative Diagnostic Test Accuracy Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis”
Authors: Hecht Elizabeth M , Zins Marc , Tamm Eric P
Published: February 2020

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy Stage

3
Dissociation and microsolvation of bisulfate anion
Authors: Ashraf Hamad , Hua Cheng , Zhang Yun‐Hong
Published: February 2020

Bisulfate anion has vast applications in industrial and environmental chemistry. Its dissociation to sulfate anion has been studied computationally and by size‐selected clusters. In this study, Micro‐Raman spectroscopy is applied at different relative humidity (RH)% on small droplets of aqueous solutions of NaHSO4, NH4HSO4, and H2SO4 to explore the dissociation of HSO4‐ experimentally in bulk and supersaturated state. Our cumulative experimental results support the conclusion obtained from gas‐phase cluster study that HSO4‐ starts dissociating at very low number of water molecules (H2O ~ 1). However, dissociation of HSO4‐ is found dependent on the cation attached with this weak acid. The magnitude of dissociation is found as NH4HSO4 ≈ H2SO4 > NaHSO4. In addition, studying the hydration process of HSO4− in the presence of three different cations enabled us to observe various species in three systems. Theoretical values obtained from extended aerosol inorganic model supports the experimental results.
Can the ACS‐NSQIP surgical risk calculator predict postoperative complications in patients undergoing sacral tumor resection for chordoma?
Authors: Houdek Matthew T. , Hevesi Mario , Griffin Anthony M. , Yaszemski Michael J. , Sim Franklin H. , Ferguson Peter C. , Rose Peter S. , Wunder Jay S.
Published: February 2020

Background and Objectives

The ACS‐NSQIP surgical risk calculator is an online tool that estimates the risk of postoperative complications. Sacrectomies for chordoma are associated with a high rate of complications. This study was to determine if the ACS‐NSQIP calculator can predict postoperative complications following sacrectomy.

Methods

Sixty‐five (42 male, 23 female) patients who underwent sacrectomy were analyzed using the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes: 49215 (excision of presacral/sacral tumor), 63001 (laminectomy of sacral vertebrae), 63728 (laminectomy for biopsy/excision of sacral neoplasm) and 63307 (sacral vertebral corpectomy for intraspinal lesion). The predicted rates of complications were compared to the observed rates.

Results

Complications were noted in 44 (68%) patients. Of the risk factors available to input to the ACS‐NSQIP calculator, tobacco use (OR, 20.4; P < .001) was predictive of complications. The predicted risk of complications based off the CPT codes were: 49215 (16%); 63011 (6%); 63278 (11%) and 63307 (15%). Based on ROC curves, the use of the ACS‐NSQIP score were poor predictors of complications (49215, AUC 0.65); (63011, AUC 0.66); (63307, AUC 0.67); (63278, AUC 0.64).

Conclusion

The ACS‐NSQIP calculator was a poor predictor of complications and was marginally better than a coin flip in its ability to predict complications following sacrectomy for chordoma.
Metabolomics study of different parts of licorice from different geographical origins and their anti‐inflammatory activities
Authors: Bai Haiying , Bao Fang , Fan Xiaorui , Han Shu , Zheng Wenhui , Sun Lili , Yan Na , Du Hong , Zhao Haiyu , Yang Zhigang
Published: February 2020

Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., known as licorice, is one of the most famous traditional Chinese medicines. In this study, we perform a metabolome analysis using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry to assign bioactive components in different parts of licorice from different geographical origins in Gansu province of China. Sixteen potential biomarkers of taproots from different geographical origins were annotated, such as glycycoumarin, gancaonin Z, licoricone, and dihydroxy kanzonol H mainly exist in the sample of Jiuquan; neoliquiritin, 6′‐acetylliquiritin, licochalcone B, isolicoflavonol, glycyrol, and methylated uralenin mainly exist in Glycyrrhiza uralensis from Lanzhou; gancaonin L, uralenin, and glycybridin I mainly exist in licorice from Wuwei for the first time.
Method of Lateral Osteotomy to Reduce Eyelid Edema and Ecchymosis After Rhinoplasty: A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Kim Ji‐sun , Kim Sun Hong , Hwang Se Hwan
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Although lateral osteotomy is an important part of rhinoplasty, it is known to be closely associated with postoperative eyelid edema and ecchymosis after rhinoplasty. There is no consensus on which osteotomy methods are effective in reducing morbidity from rhinoplasty. This study compared the effects of different osteotomy methods on edema and ecchymosis after lateral osteotomy using a meta‐analysis.

Study Design

A literature search using MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Cochrane databases.

Methods

Two authors independently reviewed the databases published until May 2019. Randomized controlled trials that compared lateral osteotomy methods (external approach) with different methods (internal approach), for which the outcomes of interest were mucosal injury, edema, and ecchymosis on postoperative days, were included. Sufficient data for meta‐analysis was found in six studies with a total of 224 patients.

Results

In a comparison of the external approach with the internal approach, mucosal injury was significantly lower in the external approach (odds ratio = 0.41; 95% confidence interval = [0.11; 0.99], I2 = 29%). There were significant differences between the external and internal approach in eyelid ecchymosis and edema, except for eyelid ecchymosis at 7 days postoperatively. However, all significant results showed a small effect size with a standardized mean difference near 0.2.

Conclusions

The external approach during lateral osteotomy had no significant advantage in edema and ecchymosis compared to the internal approach. Further studies with good research methodology should be carried out to determine the effect on the postoperative complications of different lateral osteotomy methods. Laryngoscope, 131:54–58, 2021
Role of Autoimmunity in Patients Transplanted for Acute Liver Failure of Unknown Origin: A Clinical and Graft Biopsy Analysis
Authors: Liukkonen Ville , Nordin Arno , Arola Johanna , Färkkilä Martti , Åberg Fredrik
Published: February 2020

The etiology and prognosis of acute liver failure (ALF) remains unknown in a significant proportion of cases. Signs of autoimmunity may be present, but no consistent pattern has been observed. We aimed to analyze if pretransplant immunological findings, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotypes, and clinical features among patients with an unknown etiology differ from those of autoimmune or other known etiologies. We also analyzed whether such signs impact posttransplant biopsy findings or complications. All adult ALF patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) in Finland during 1987‐2015 were followed to 2016. Data were collected from the LT registry, pathology database, and patient records. A total of 124 patients were included in the analysis. Study subgroups were acute autoimmune hepatitis (AIH; n = 25), known non‐AIH etiology (n = 54), and unknown etiology (n = 45). The unknown etiology group differed from the known non‐AIH group with regard to the following pretransplant autoimmunity‐associated features: positive perinuclear anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (36% versus 8%; P = 0.02) and higher mean immunoglobulin A (IgA; 3.2 ± 1.7 versus 2.1 ± 1.4, P = 0.006) and immunoglobulin G (IgG; 12.7 ± 4.3 versus 8.5 ± 3.6, P = 0.001). AIH‐associated HLA haplotypes B8, DR3, and B8DR3 were more common in the AIH group (40%, 44%, and 36%, respectively) and in the unknown group (29%, 33%, and 29%, respectively) than in the known non‐AIH group (11%, 17%, and 11%, respectively) or in the Finnish general population (17%, 18%, and 8%, respectively). However, these findings had no association with protocol biopsies, extrahepatic autoimmune diseases, or survival. Patients with ≥ 1 rejection episode had higher pretransplant IgA (3.7 ± 2.3 versus 2.6 ± 1.2; P = 0.02) and IgG (16.4 ± 10.2 versus 12.4 ± 6.8; P = 0.03) than those without rejections. Autoimmunity‐associated pretransplant laboratory findings and HLA haplotypes were common in ALF of unknown etiology, but they showed minimal predictive value for posttransplant biopsy findings, clinical complications, or survival.
Design versus utility innovation: Is corruption sanding or greasing the wheels of innovation?
Authors: Goel Rajeev K. , Saunoris James W.
Published: February 2020

This paper studies whether corruption has a greasing or a sanding effect on the production of innovation. The main novelty lies in comparing the relative impacts on design versus utility innovation. On the one hand, corruption can undermine (sand) the expected returns from patents, whereas on the other hand, patent holders might be able to increase (grease) the scope and applicability of their patents. Using U.S. state‐level data and controlling for bidirectional causality, results show the sanding effect of corruption with regard to utility patents, with the negative effect on design patents occurring only with a time lag.
Neuropathological Findings in Parkinson's Disease With Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Knox Molly G. , Adler Charles H. , Shill Holly A. , Driver‐Dunckley Erika , Mehta Shyamal A. , Belden Christine , Zamrini Edward , Serrano Geidy , Sabbagh Marwan N. , Caviness John N. , Sue Lucia I. , Davis Kathryn J. , Dugger Brittany N. , Beach Thomas G.
Published: February 2020

Objective

There are few neuropathological studies on Parkinson's disease with mild cognitive impairment (PD‐MCI). Those published reveal coexisting Lewy body and Alzheimer's disease pathology. Our objective is to determine the pathology that underlies PD‐MCI.

Methods

We used data from the Arizona Study of Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders, a longitudinal clinicopathological study. Of 736 autopsied subjects with standardized movement and cognitive assessments, 25 had PD‐MCI. Neuropathological findings, including Lewy body and Alzheimer's disease pathology, were compared in PD subjects with amnestic MCI (A‐MCI) and nonamnestic MCI (NA‐MCI).

Results

Significant pathological heterogeneity within PD‐MCI was found. This included varying Lewy body stages, Alzheimer's disease pathology, and cerebral amyloid angiopathy. There was a significant increase in the severity of Lewy body pathology (meeting The Unified Staging System for Lewy Body disorders neocortical stage) in nonamnestic MCI (7/1, 63%) when compared with amnestic MCI (3/14, 21%, P = 0.032).

Conclusion

Although a small study, distinct pathological changes may contribute to PD‐MCI phenotype. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
On Fredholm properties of Toeplitz operators in Bergman spaces
Authors: Taskinen Jari , Virtanen Jani
Published: February 2020

We consider Toepliz operators with integrable symbols acting on Bergman spaces
,
, of the open unit disc of the complex plane. We combine some of the best known results on compactness of Toeplitz and Hankel operators in order to generalize the results on Fredholm properties of Toeplitz operators. We pay special attention to some concrete examples.
Compact four‐pole wideband bandpass filter with mixed electric and magnetic coupling
Authors: Guan Xuehui , Xie Shuhai , Ren Baoping , Li Xiuping
Published: February 2020

A wideband bandpass filter (BPF) based on two dual‐mode stub‐loaded stepped‐impedance resonators (SLSIRs) with mixed electric and magnetic coupling (MEMC) is proposed. Magnetic coupling is realized by using a transmission line, open end‐coupling and inter‐digital‐coupling provide a weak and a strong electric coupling, respectively. Due to the canceling effect of MEMCs, together with its harmonic effect, four transmission zeros (TZs) aside the passband are created and the selectivity of the filter is therefore highly improved. To verify the proposed design, a four‐pole wideband BPF operating at 3.35 GHz with 3 dB fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 32.96% is designed, fabricated, and measured. The measured minimum insertion loss is 0.95 dB, and the passband return loss is better than 11 dB.
Full‐time slot teleportation using unified space‐time function control
Authors: Arumona A. E. , Amiri Iraj S. , Singh G. , Yupapin Preecha
Published: February 2020

Unified space and time function can apply simultaneously by multiplexing into the same system, where the uncertainty space and time function is known as singularity can establish and use for teleportation. We proposed full‐time slot teleportation of the dark soliton in a microring system. The system consists of an integrated transmitter and a receiver circuit formed by a silicon microring arrangement system. Each microring node having two‐sided ring phase modulators offers the infinitesimal change of the space‐time uncertainty saturation and having the singularity. The dark soliton is the space function with a center wavelength of 1.50 μm fed into the system via the input port, in which the time function with the different wavelength fed into the add port simultaneously. By using suitable parameters, the space‐time function uncertainty saturation and singularity formed by the phase modulators, RL‐RR << 1, and converged. The teleport achieved after the Rabi oscillation collapsed, which is the teleport switching time. The space‐time content merged into being the homogeneous medium and teleported. By using the two entangled space functions, where the first space function (
λ
1) merged (singularized) with the second space content (
λ
2), which can transform and teleport to the required destination by teleport switching and time slot. The required teleport contents achieved.
A wideband polarization reconfigurable antenna based on optical switches and C‐shaped radiator
Authors: Jin Guiping , Li Long , Wang Wei , Liao Shaowei
Published: February 2020

A wideband polarization reconfigurable antenna based on optical switches and a C‐shaped radiator is proposed. The antenna can achieve three polarization modes, linear polarization (LP), left‐hand circular polarization (LHCP), and right‐hand circular polarization (RHCP). The proposed antenna consists of a simple C‐shaped patch, a modified ground plane, a feeding unit, and two parasitic stubs. Four slots are embedded in the C‐shaped patch properly to adjust the axial ratio (AR) performance for CP modes. And two silicon optical switches are inserted into each brand of the feeding unit. The measured results show that the proposed antenna has a 10‐dB impedance bandwidth of 86.8% (1.82‐4.61GHz) in LP mode, 81.8% (1.3‐3.1 GHz) and 14.1% (3.3‐3.81 GHz) for LHCP mode, and 81.8% (1.3‐3.1 GHz) and 19.2% (3.3‐4 GHz) for RHCP mode. The 3‐dB AR bandwidth is about 49.1% (2.38‐3.93 GHz) for LHCP and 51.4% (2.33‐3.94 GHz) for RHCP. The simulated and measured results show a pretty good agreement. Furthermore, in the range of operating bandwidth from 2.38 to 3.81 GHz, the proposed antenna can satisfy the 2.45 GHz WiFi, LTE 4G, and sub‐6 GHz 5G applications.
Bone material analogues for PET/MRI phantoms
Authors: Chandramohan Dharshan , Cao Peng , Han Misung , An Hongyu , Sunderland John J. , Kinahan Paul E. , Laforest Richard , Hope Thomas A. , Larson Peder E. Z.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To develop bone material analogues that can be used in construction of phantoms for simultaneous PET/MRI systems.

Methods

Plaster was used as the basis for the bone material analogues tested in this study. It was mixed with varying concentrations of an iodinated CT contrast, a gadolinium‐based MR contrast agent, and copper sulfate to modulate the attenuation properties and MRI properties (T1 and T2*). Attenuation was measured with CT and 68Ge transmission scans, and MRI properties were measured with quantitative ultrashort echo time pulse sequences. A proof‐of‐concept skull was created by plaster casting.

Results

Undoped plaster has a 511 keV attenuation coefficient (~0.14 cm−1) similar to cortical bone (0.10–0.15 cm−1), but slightly longer T1 (~500 ms) and T2* (~1.2 ms) MR parameters compared to bone (T1 ~ 300 ms, T2* ~ 0.4 ms). Doping with the iodinated agent resulted in increased attenuation with minimal perturbation to the MR parameters. Doping with a gadolinium chelate greatly reduced T1 and T2*, resulting in extremely short T1 values when the target T2* values were reached, while the attenuation coefficient was unchanged. Doping with copper sulfate was more selective for T2* shortening and achieved comparable T1 and T2* values to bone (after 1 week of drying), while the attenuation coefficient was unchanged.

Conclusions

Plaster doped with copper sulfate is a promising bone material analogue for a PET/MRI phantom, mimicking the MR properties (T1 and T2*) and 511 keV attenuation coefficient of human cortical bone.
Brain‐computer interfaces for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: McFarland Dennis J.
Published: February 2020

A brain‐computer interface (BCI) is a device that detects signals from the brain and transforms them into useful commands. Researchers have developed BCIs that utilize different kinds of brain signals. These different BCI systems have differing characteristics, such as the amount of training required and the degree to which they are or are not invasive. Much of the research on BCIs to date has involved healthy individuals and evaluation of classification algorithms. Some BCIs have been shown to have potential benefit for users with minimal muscular function as a result of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. However, there are still several challenges that need to be successfully addressed before BCIs can be clinically useful.
Identifying nurse managers' essential information needs in daily unit operation in perioperative settings
Authors: Siirala Eriikka , Salanterä Sanna , Lundgrén‐Laine Heljä , Peltonen Laura‐Maria , Engblom Janne , Junttila Kristiina
Published: February 2020

Aim

To identify nurse managers' essential information needs in daily unit operation in perioperative settings.

Design

Qualitative and quantitative descriptive design.

Methods

The study consisted of (I) generation of an item pool of potential information needs, (II) assessment of the item pool by an expert panel and (III) confirming the essential information needs of nurse managers in daily unit operation with a survey (N = 288). Content validity index values were calculated for the assessments by expert panel and in the survey. Internal consistency of the final item pool was explored with Cronbach's alpha. The data were collected from 2011–2015.

Results

During the study process, the number of essential information needs decreased from 92–41. The final item pool consisted of 12 subthemes, and they were categorized into four main themes: patient's care process, surgical procedure, human resources and tangible resources. The findings can be used to create a knowledge map for information system purposes.
A qualitative study of living with the burden from heart failure treatment: Exploring the patient capacity for self‐care
Authors: Nordfonn Oda Karin , Morken Ingvild Margreta , Lunde Husebø Anne Marie
Published: February 2020

Aim

To explore how patients with heart failure perceive their capacity to manage treatment and self‐care.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

Patients (N = 17) were recruited from a nurse‐led heart failure outpatient clinic from May–August 2017. Data were collected through individual semi‐structured interviews and analysed using systematic text condensation.

Results

Three main themes were identified as follows: “Personal characteristics,” “Coping strategies” and “Emotional and informative support.” The first main theme contained the subthemes “inherent strength” and “maintenance of a positive attitude.” The second main theme included the subthemes “selective denial,” “ability to adapt by setting new goals” and “careful selection of information.” The third main theme contained the subthemes “support from health professionals enhancing patient capacity,” “support from next of kin in patients' self‐care” and “practical support and hope from peers.”
Proteomic and Metabolite Profiling Reveals Profound Structural and Metabolic Reorganization of Adipocyte Mitochondria in Obesity
Authors: Schöttl Theresa , Pachl Fiona , Giesbertz Pieter , Daniel Hannelore , Kuster Bernhard , Fromme Tobias , Klingenspor Martin
Published: February 2020

Objective

Previous studies have revealed decreased mitochondrial respiration in adipocytes of obese mice. This study aimed to identify the molecular underpinnings of altered mitochondrial metabolism in adipocytes.

Methods

Untargeted proteomics of mitochondria isolated from adipocytes and metabolite profiling of adipose tissues were conducted in diet‐induced obese (DIO) and lean mice. Subcutaneous and intra‐abdominal adipose tissues were studied to depict depot‐specific alterations.

Results

In subcutaneous adipocytes of DIO mice, changes in proteins related to mitochondrial structure and function were observed. Mitochondrial proteins of the inner and outer membrane were strongly reduced, whereas proteins of key matrix metabolic pathways were increased in the obese versus lean state, as further substantiated by metabolite profiling. A pronounced decrease in the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) enzymatic equipment and cristae density of the inner membrane was identified. In intra‐abdominal adipocytes, similar systematic downregulation of the OXPHOS machinery in obesity occurred, but there was no regulation of outer membrane or matrix proteins.

Conclusions

Protein components of the OXPHOS machinery are systematically downregulated in adipose tissues of DIO mice compared with lean mice. Loss of the mitochondrial OXPHOS capacity in adipocytes may aggravate the development of metabolic disease.
Behavioural and psychosocial factors associated with 5‐year weight trajectories within the PORTAL Overweight/Obesity Cohort
Authors: Fitzpatrick Stephanie L. , Rosales Ana G. , Brown Susan D. , Arterburn David E. , Daley Matthew F. , Horberg Michael , Koebnick Corinna , Oshiro Caryn , Young Deborah R.
Published: February 2020

Objective

The purpose of this study was to model weight trajectories over a 5‐year time period (2012–2016) and their association with behavioural and psychosocial characteristics and health care–related experiences using data from the Patient Outcomes Research to Advance Learning (PORTAL) overweight/obesity cohort.

Methods

Weight trajectories for each eligible patient in the PORTAL overweight/obesity cohort (n = 2864) were identified first using growth modelling; trajectories were then grouped using a hierarchical cluster analysis. Weight trajectory clusters that emerged were compared on demographics, and predictors of cluster membership were examined. Clusters were also compared on responses to a survey assessing health behaviours, quality of life, and health care experience completed in 2015 by 49% of the total sample (n = 1391).

Results

Seven distinct weight trajectory clusters were identified: (a) significant weight loss then maintenance; (b) higher stable weight; (c) moderate stable weight; (d) steady weight loss then relapse; (e) weight gain then weight loss; (f) steady weight gain then maintenance; and (g) lower stable weight. Age, sex, race/ethnicity, and body mass index at baseline predicted patient's weight trajectory (P < .001). Over two thirds of patients maintained their weight over the 5‐year period. Significant weight loss then maintenance, weight gain then weight loss, and higher stable weight patients were more likely to report receiving weight counselling from their provider. Patients in the significant weight loss then maintenance and lower stable weight clusters were more likely to be physically active than the other clusters.

Conclusion

Findings suggest variability in patterns of weight change among adults with overweight or obesity who have access to health care and that these patterns differ on demographic, behavioural and psychosocial factors, and health care experience.
Preparation of Ag/C fiber with nanostructure through in situ thermally induced redox reaction between PVA and AgNO3 and its catalysis for 4‐nitrophenol reduction
Authors: Wang Meng , Yuan Bin , Bai Shibing
Published: February 2020

A novel synthesized Ag/C fibrous catalyst based on in situ thermally induced redox reaction of PVA/AgNO3 composite fibers was proposed. Utilizing the plasticization and complexation of AgNO3 solution, the melt spinning of PVA/AgNO3 composites was accomplished. Through the in situ thermally induced redox reaction on PVA/AgNO3 composite fibers combined with carbonization of PVA and reduction of Ag+, the synthesized Ag/C fibrous catalyst was prepared with nanosilver particles with average diameter of 130 nm immobilized on the loose microstructural carbon layers. The synthesized Ag/C fibrous catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic activity and reused for at least five cycles for the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol, which may hold great promise in effective and eco‐friendly waste water treatment.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi affect the concentration and distribution of nutrients in the grain differently in barley compared with wheat
Authors: Watts‐Williams Stephanie J. , Gilbert Sarah E.
Published: February 2020

Societal Impact Statement

Cereal crops such as wheat and barley provide key nutritional elements to the human diet. However, the distribution of nutrients within the cereal grain itself is critically important, as nutrients can be lost during the grain milling process. Mycorrhizal fungi can take up nutrients from the soil and deliver them to plants, and consequently, grain nutrient content can be modified by inoculation of the soil with mycorrhizal fungi. Here we show at the microscopic level how mycorrhizal fungi modify the concentration and distribution of nutrients within wheat and barley grain, and consider the impact of this for human nutrition.

Summary

The concentration and distribution of nutrients in cereal grains are critically important for human nutrition. Mycorrhizal fungi affect the yield and nutrition of cereal crops, but there has been little focus on the effects on the grain, particularly at the microscopic level. Although arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can modify grain nutrient concentrations relative to mock‐inoculated plants, it is not known whether this contributes to modifications to the distribution of nutrients within the grain.

Barley and bread wheat plants were grown to maturity with or without AMF (Rhizophagus irregularis) inoculation in soil amended with 20 mg added zinc kg−1. The resulting grain from matured plants was dried, fixed and sectioned to the root primordia level, then subjected to laser ablation ICP‐MS to analyse the distribution and concentration of 12 elements.

Elemental concentration and localisation in the grain samples was highly influenced by plant species, and for some elements, AMF inoculation. Heavy metals (zinc, iron, manganese, copper, cobalt and nickel) were the most highly influenced by AMF inoculation, particularly in wheat; macronutrients including phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and sulphur were also affected by AMF, particularly in barley.

Elemental concentrations, particularly of macronutrients, tended to be greater in mycorrhizal barley grain than non‐mycorrhizal, but the reverse was observed in wheat grain. Mycorrhizal plants of both species had reduced accumulation of manganese, nickel and cobalt in the grain.
Ion Migrations in Lead Halide Perovskite Single Crystals with Different Halide Components
Authors: Wang Xin , Li Yuwei , Xu Yubing , Pan Yuzhu , Wu Yao , Li Guanwen , Huang Qianqian , Zhang Qi , Li Qing , Zhang Xiaobing , Chen Jing , Lei Wei
Published: February 2020

The ion migrations in lead halide perovskite (LHP)‐based devices are complex processes due to the generation of charges and migration multipaths. The migrating ions are generated mainly from element defects and dislocation defects, and transport along paths of element vacancies and grain boundaries. In this regard, it is of interest to investigate the different influences of the two defect types and paths. Herein, the current–voltage hysteresis and X‐ray photoelectron spectra of almost‐dislocation‐free LHP single crystals (LHPSCs) with different halide components are investigated. The ions cannot migrate in iodine‐based LHPSCs. A decrease in halide vacancy content in a bromine–chlorine‐based perovskite single crystal can effectively limit the ion migration. This study provides useful insights to understand the different dominant factors determining the ion migration in LHPs.
Development of an improved model for settling velocity and evaluation of the settleability characteristics
Authors: Bakiri Zahir , Nacef Saci
Published: February 2020

The characterization of sludge settling is important in determining the operating performance of the secondary clarifier and also evaluating the purification efficiency of wastewater treatment plants. Many models have been proposed to explain the activities of settling velocity and illustrating the relationship between settleability characteristics. The aim of this research was to present a model for the settling velocity as a function of the stirred specific volume index at 3.5 g/L (SSVI3.5), based on the Vesilind function, the solids flux theory, and the experimental data. Using this model gives an important performance improvement after calibration of the different settleability parameters.

Practitioner points

Batch settling tests are some of the most interesting source of information to determine the sedimentation velocities and their characteristics.

The modeling as an optimum operation of wastewater treatment plants is widely used for design, optimization, and management of installations.

The characterization of sludge settling is important in determining the operating performance of the secondary clarifier.

The characterization of sludge settling is necessary to evaluate the purification efficiency of wastewater treatment plants.
Holographic dual to charged SYK from 3D gravity and Chern-Simons
Authors: Gaikwad Adwait , Joshi Lata Kh , Mandal Gautam , Wadia Spenta R.
Published: February 2020

Abstract

In this paper, we obtain a bulk dual to the low energy sector of the SYK model, including SYK model with U(1) charge, by Kaluza-Klein (KK) reduction from three dimensions. We show that KK reduction of the 3D Einstein action plus its boundary term gives the Jackiw-Teitelboim (JT) model in 2D with the appropriate 1D boundary term. The size of the KK radius gets identified with the value of the dilaton in the resulting near-AdS2 geometry. In presence of U(1) charge, the 3D model additionally includes a U(1) Chern-Simons (CS) action. In order to describe a boundary theory with non-zero chemical potential, we also introduce a coupling between CS gauge field and bulk gravity. The 3D CS action plus the new coupling term with appropriate boundary terms reduce in two dimensions to a BF-type action plus a source term and boundary terms. The KK reduced 2D theory represents the soft sector of the charged SYK model. The pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone modes of combined Diff/SL(2, ℝ) and U(1)local/U(1) transformations are represented by combined large diffeomorphisms and large gauge transformations. The effective action of the former is reproduced by the action cost of the latter in the bulk dual, after appropriate identification of parameters. We compute chaotic correlators from the bulk and reproduce the result that the contribution from the “boundary photons” corresponds to zero Liapunov exponent.
RIG-I aggravates interstitial fibrosis via c-Myc-mediated fibroblast activation in UUO mice
Authors: Zhou Zhuanli , Ni Jiayun , Li Jingyao , Huo Chuanbing , Miao Naijun , Yin Fan , Cheng Qian , Xu Dan , Xie Hongyan , Chen Panpan , Zheng Peiqing , Zhang Yingying , Zhou Li , Zhang Wei , Yu Chen , Liu Jun , Lu Limin
Published: February 2020

Progressive tubulointerstitial fibrosis is the common final outcome for all kidney diseases evolving into chronic kidney disease (CKD), whereas molecular mechanisms driving fibrogenesis remain elusive. Retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I), an intracellular pattern recognition receptor, is originally identified participating in immune response by recognizing virus RNA. Here, we revealed for the first time that RIG-I was induced in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and folic acid (FA) renal fibrosis models and moderate-degree renal fibrosis patients. Besides, we found RIG-I was mainly located in renal tubular epithelial cells and promoted the production and release of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 through activation of NF-κB. Inflammatory cytokines released by tubular epithelial cells activated c-Myc-mediated TGF-β/Smad signaling in fibroblasts, which in turn aggravated interstitial fibrosis by promoting fibroblast activation and production of extracellular matrix components (ECM). Deficiency of RIG-I attenuated renal fibrosis by the regulation of inflammatory responses, c-Myc expression, and fibroblast activation. Besides, gene silencing of RIG-I reduced inflammatory cytokines in cultured tubular epithelial cells treated with Angiotensin II. Knockdown of c-Myc or c-Myc inhibitor blocked IL-1β-induced fibroblast activation. Collectively, our study demonstrates that RIG-I plays a significant role in the progress of renal fibrosis via regulating c-Myc-mediated fibroblast activation.

Key messages

• RIG-I was constantly elevated in kidneys from renal fibrotic mice.

• RIG-I facilitated inflammatory cytokine production in tubular epithelial cells.

• RIG-I aggravated renal fibrosis via c-Myc-mediated TGF-β/Smad activation.
The revelation of superintelligence
Authors: Szocik Konrad , Tkacz Bartłomiej , Gulczyński Patryk
Published: February 2020

The idea of superintelligence is a source of mainly philosophical and ethical considerations. Those considerations are rooted in the idea that an entity which is more intelligent than humans, may evolve in some point in the future. For obvious reasons, the superintelligence is considered as a kind of existential threat for humanity. In this essay, we discuss two ideas. One of them is the putative nature of future superintelligence which does not necessary need to be harmful for humanity. Our key idea states that the superintelligence does not need to assess its own survival as the highest value. As a kind of intelligence that is not biological, it is not clear what kind of attitude the superintelligent entity may evolve towards living organisms. Our second idea refers to the possible revelation of superintelligence. We assume that the self-revelation of such entity cannot be random. The metaphor of God as a superintelligence is introduced here as a helpful conceptual tool.
Long-term outcome upon treatment of calcified lesions of the lower limb using scoring angioplasty balloon (AngioSculpt™)
Authors: Kronlage Mariya , Werner Carolin , Dufner Matthias , Blessing Erwin , Müller Oliver J. , Heilmeier Britta , Katus Hugo A. , Erbel Christian
Published: February 2020

Aims

In peripheral artery disease (PAD), endovascular treatment success of heavily calcified lesions is often compromised by a number of vascular complications, such as recoils, dissections and need for target vessel re-interventions. The increasing use of scoring balloon techniques has raised the hope for better periprocedural outcomes; however, the knowledge regarding the actual benefits of the scoring balloon technique in comparison to standard therapy is still limited. Thus, the aim of the current study was to determine the safety and effectiveness of scoring balloon angioplasty in a real-life patients’ collective with PAD.

Methods and Results

A total of 425 patients with moderate to severely calcified femoropopliteal lesions received interventional treatment between 2011 and 2018 at the single center; 230 received a treatment with a scoring balloon (AngioSculpt™), and 195 received a plain procedure without AngioSculpt™. Key questions of this analysis were: (1) whether AngioSculpt™ can be used as a safe and effective stand-alone treatment in heavily calcified lesions in a 24-month follow-up, as well as (2) whether target lesion preparation with scoring balloon bears additional benefits to standard treatment (PTA ± stent implantation). In terms of freedom from target lesion revascularization there were no significant differences between AngioSculpt™ and standard procedure (82.3% vs. 78.1%, P > 0.05). Vessel preparation with balloon angioplasty had no additional effects on survival and amputation rates in comparison to standard treatment without AngioSculpt™ (P > 0.05). The deployment of a scoring balloon did not reduce the subsequent need for additional stent implantations (32.6%, and 32.3%, P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Lesion preparation with AngioSculpt™ scoring balloon represents a safe and effective tool in the treatment of complex femoropopliteal lesions. In this retrospective analysis, AngioSculpt™ scoring balloon angioplasty did not significantly improve vessel patency- both when used as an adjunctive in preparation for stenting and as stand-alone treatment. A prospective study is needed to further investigate the scoring balloon treatment options.

Graphic abstract
Similar revision rates in clinical studies and arthroplasty registers and no bias for developer publications in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty
Authors: Hauer Georg , Bernhardt Gerwin A. , Hohenberger Gloria , Leitner Lukas , Ruckenstuhl Paul , Leithner Andreas , Gruber Gerald , Sadoghi Patrick
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Our aim was to assess the outcome with respect to cumulative revision rates of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) by comparing published literature and arthroplasty registry data. Our hypothesis was that there is a superior outcome of UKA described in dependent clinical studies compared to independent studies or arthroplasty registers.

Methods

A systematic review of all clinical studies on UKA in the past decade was conducted with the main endpoint revision rate. Revision rate was calculated as “revision per 100 component years (CY)”. The respective data were analysed with regard to a potential difference of the percentage of performed revision surgeries as described in dependent and independent clinical studies. Clinical data were further compared to arthroplasty registers in a systematic search algorithm.

Results

In total, 48 study cohorts fulfilled our inclusion criteria and revealed 1.11 revisions per 100 CY. This corresponds to a revision rate of 11.1% after 10 years. No deviations with regard to revision rates for UKA among dependent and independent clinical literature were detected. Data from four arthroplasty registers showed lower survival rates after 10 years compared to published literature without being significant.

Conclusions

The outcomes of UKA in dependent and independent clinical studies do not differ significantly and are in line with arthroplasty register datasets. We cannot confirm biased results and the authors recommend the use of UKAs in properly selected patients by experts in their field.
The prominent role of perceptual salience in object discrimination: overt discrimination of graspable side does not activate grasping affordances
Authors: Pellicano Antonello , Binkofski Ferdinand
Published: February 2020

Responses to object stimuli are often faster when jutting handles are aligned with responding hands, than when they are not: handle-to-hand correspondence effects. According to a location coding account, locations of visually salient jutting parts determine the spatial coding of objects. This asymmetry then facilitates same-sided responses compared to responses on the opposite side. Alternatively, this effect has been attributed to grasping actions of the left or the right hand afforded by the handle orientation and independent of its salience (affordance activation account). Our experiments were designed to disentangle the effects of pure salience from those of affordance activations. We selected pictures of tools with one salient and non-graspable side, and one graspable and non-salient side (non-jutting handle). Two experiments were run. Each experiment had two groups of participants: one group discriminated the location of the salient side of the object stimuli; the other group discriminated the location of the graspable side of them. In Experiment 1, responses were left and right button presses; in Experiment 2, they were left and right button presses plus reach-and-grasp actions. When visual salience was removed from graspable sides, no correspondence effect was observed between their orientation and the responding hands in both the experiments. Conversely, when salience depended on non-graspable portions, a correspondence effect was produced between their orientation and the responding hand. Overt attention to graspable sides did not potentiate any grasping affordance even when participants executed grasping responses in addition to button presses. Results support the location coding account: performance was influenced by the spatial coding of visually salient properties of objects.
Measuring vital signs in children with fever at the emergency department: an observational study on adherence to the NICE recommendations in Europe
Authors: van de Maat Josephine , Jonkman Hein , van de Voort Elles , Mintegi Santiago , Gervaix Alain , Bressan Silvia , Moll Henriette , Oostenbrink Rianne
Published: February 2020

Vital signs can help clinicians identify children at risk of serious illness. The NICE guideline for fever in under-fives recommends a routine measurement of temperature, heart rate, capillary refill and respiratory rate in all febrile children visiting the emergency department (ED). This study aims to evaluate the measurement of paediatric vital signs in European EDs, with specific attention to adherence to this NICE guideline recommendation. In a prospective observational study, we included 4560 febrile children under 16 years from the ED of 28 hospitals in 11 European countries (2014–2016). Hospitals were academic (n = 17), teaching (n = 10) and non-teaching (n = 1) and ranged in annual paediatric ED visits from 2700 to 88,000. Fifty-four percent were male, their median age was 2.4 years (IQR 1.1–4.7). Temperature was measured most frequently (97%), followed by capillary refill (86%), heart rate (73%), saturation (56%) and respiratory rate (51%). In children under five (n = 3505), a complete measurement of the four NICE-recommended vital signs was performed in 48% of patients. Children under 1 year of age, those with an urgent triage level and with respiratory infections had a higher likelihood of undergoing complete measurements. After adjustment for these factors, variability between countries remained.

Conclusion: Measuring vital signs in children with fever in the ED occurs with a high degree of practice variation between different European hospitals, and adherence to the NICE recommendation is moderate. Our study is essential as a benchmark for current clinical practice, in order to tailor implementation strategies to different European settings.What is Known:• Vital signs can quickly provide information on disease severity in children in the emergency department (ED), and the NICE guideline for fever in under-fives recommends to routinely measure temperature, heart rate, capillary refill and respiratory rate.• Data regarding measurement of vital signs in routine practice across European EDs is currently unavailable.What is New:• Measurement of vital signs in febrile children is highly variable across European EDs and across patient subgroups, and compliance to the NICE recommendation is <50%.• Children under 1 year of age, those with an urgent triage level and with respiratory infections had a higher likelihood of undergoing complete measurements.