bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retinal imaging in Alzheimer's and neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Snyder Peter J. , Alber Jessica , Alt Clemens , Bain Lisa J. , Bouma Brett E. , Bouwman Femke H. , DeBuc Delia Cabrera , Campbell Melanie C.W. , Carrillo Maria C. , Chew Emily Y. , Cordeiro M. Francesca , Dueñas Michael R. , Fernández Brian M. , Koronyo‐Hamaoui Maya , La Morgia Chiara , Carare Roxana O’ , Sadda Srinivas R. , van Wijngaarden Peter , Snyder Heather M.
Published: October 2020

In the last 20 years, research focused on developing retinal imaging as a source of potential biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, has increased significantly. The Alzheimer's Association and the Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment, Disease Monitoring editorial team (companion journal to Alzheimer's & Dementia) convened an interdisciplinary discussion in 2019 to identify a path to expedite the development of retinal biomarkers capable of identifying biological changes associated with AD, and for tracking progression of disease severity over time. As different retinal imaging modalities provide different types of structural and/or functional information, the discussion reflected on these modalities and their respective strengths and weaknesses. Discussion further focused on the importance of defining the context of use to help guide the development of retinal biomarkers. Moving from research to context of use, and ultimately to clinical evaluation, this article outlines ongoing retinal imaging research today in Alzheimer's and other brain diseases, including a discussion of future directions for this area of study.
Mitophagy alterations in Alzheimer's disease are associated with granulovacuolar degeneration and early tau pathology
Authors: Hou Xu , Watzlawik Jens O. , Cook Casey , Liu Chia‐Chen , Kang Silvia S. , Lin Wen‐Lang , DeTure Michael , Heckman Michael G. , Diehl Nancy N. , Al‐Shaikh Fadi S. Hanna , Walton Ronald L. , Ross Owen A. , Melrose Heather L. , Ertekin‐Taner Nilüfer , Bu Guojun , Petrucelli Leonard , Fryer John D. , Murray Melissa E. , Dickson Dennis W. , Fiesel Fabienne C. , Springer Wolfdieter
Published: October 2020

Introduction

The cytoprotective PTEN‐induced kinase 1 (PINK1)‐parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (PRKN) pathway selectively labels damaged mitochondria with phosphorylated ubiquitin (pS65‐Ub) for their autophagic removal (mitophagy). Because dysfunctions of mitochondria and degradation pathways are early features of Alzheimer's disease (AD), mitophagy impairments may contribute to the pathogenesis.

Methods

Morphology, levels, and distribution of the mitophagy tag pS65‐Ub were evaluated by biochemical analyses combined with tissue and single cell imaging in AD autopsy brain and in transgenic mouse models.

Results

Analyses revealed significant increases of pS65‐Ub levels in AD brain, which strongly correlated with granulovacuolar degeneration (GVD) and early phospho‐tau deposits, but were independent of amyloid beta pathology. Single cell analyses revealed predominant co‐localization of pS65‐Ub with mitochondria, GVD bodies, and/or lysosomes depending on the brain region analyzed.

Discussion

Our study highlights mitophagy alterations in AD that are associated with early tau pathology, and suggests that distinct mitochondrial, autophagic, and/or lysosomal failure may contribute to the selective vulnerability in disease.
Using Medicare claims in identifying Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
Authors: Jain Siddharth , Rosenbaum Paul R. , Reiter Joseph G. , Hoffman Geoffrey , Small Dylan S. , Ha Jinkyung , Hill Alexander S. , Wolk David A. , Gaulton Timothy , Neuman Mark D. , Eckenhoff Roderic G. , Fleisher Lee A. , Silber Jeffrey H.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

This study develops a measure of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) using Medicare claims.

Methods

Validation resembles the approach of the American Psychological Association, including (1) content validity, (2) construct validity, and (3) predictive validity.

Results

We found that four items—a Medicare claim recording ADRD 1 year ago, 2 years ago, 3 years ago, and a total stay of 6 months in a nursing home—exhibit a pattern of association consistent with a single underlying ADRD construct, and presence of any two of these four items predict a direct measure of cognitive function and also future claims for ADRD.

Discussion

Our four items are internally consistent with the measurement of a single quantity. The presence of any two items do a better job than a single claim when predicting both a direct measure of cognitive function and future ADRD claims.
Reliability assessment for discrete time shock models via phase‐type distributions
Authors: Eryilmaz Serkan , Kan Cihangir
Published: October 2020

In this paper, particular shock models are studied for the case when the times between successive shocks and the magnitudes of shocks have discrete phase‐type distributions. The well‐known shock models such as delta shock model, extreme shock model, and the mixed shock model which is obtained by combining delta and extreme shock models are considered. The probability generating function and recursive equation for the distribution of the system's lifetime are obtained for the cases when the interarrival times between shocks and the magnitudes of shocks are independent and when they are dependent. System reliability is computed for particular interarrival distributions such as geometric, negative Binomial and generalized geometric distributions.
Der Kühlungseffekt der personalisierten Lüftung
Authors: Alsaad Hayder , Völker Conrad
Published: October 2020

Personalisierte Lüftung (PL) kann die thermische Behaglichkeit sowie die Qualität der eingeatmeten Atemluft verbessern, indem jedem Arbeitsplatz Frischluft separat zugeführt wird. In diesem Beitrag wird die Wirkung der PL auf die thermische Behaglichkeit der Nutzer unter sommerlichen Randbedingungen untersucht. Hierfür wurden zwei Ansätze zur Bewertung des Kühlungseffekts der PL untersucht. Zum einen basierend auf der äquivalenten Temperatur und zum anderen basierend dem thermischen Empfinden. Grundlage der Auswertung sind in einer Klimakammer gemessene sowie numerisch simulierte Daten. Vor der Durchführung der Simulationen wurde das numerische Modell zunächst anhand der gemessenen Daten validiert. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass der Ansatz basierend auf dem thermischen Empfinden zur Evaluierung des Kühlungseffekts der PL sinnvoller sein kann, da bei diesem die komplexen physiologischen Faktoren besser berücksichtigt werden.
Einsatz einer diffusionsoffenen Folie für schwimmenden Estrich zur Vermeidung von Feuchteschäden
Authors: Krus Martin , Reinhold Lorentz , Tröger‐Müller Steffen
Published: October 2020

Die Problematik, dass Wasser aufgrund von Unachtsamkeit oder Rohrbrüchen bzw. kleinerer permanenter Leckagen unter den Estrich fließt und deshalb aufwendige und teure Trocknungsmaßnahmen notwendig werden, ist aufgrund der hohen Fallzahlen sicher bekannt. Auch bei kleineren Schadensfällen ist aufgrund der Verwendung der relativ diffusionsdichten Standard‐Estrichfolie eine ausreichend schnelle natürliche Abtrocknung meist nicht möglich. Es wurde untersucht, bei welchen Schadensfällen und bis zu welchem Ausmaß der Ersatz der konventionellen durch eine diffusionsoffene Folie unkritisch ist und Trocknungsmaßnahmen ersetzen kann. In die Untersuchungen werden die beiden verbreitetsten Estricharten, Zement‐Fließestrich und Calciumsulfat‐Fließestrich, einbezogen. Als Estrichdämmung kommen Polystyrol, Holzweichfaser‐ und Mineralfaserdämmung zum Einsatz und als Bodenbelag Teppich, Parkett, Kork und Laminat. Außerdem wird die Situation mit und ohne Fußbodenheizung einbezogen.

Aus den Berechnungen lässt sich schließen, dass der Einsatz einer diffusionsoffenen Estrichfolie bei schwimmendem Fließestrich aus Calciumsulfat eine deutliche Verbesserung bringt. Beim diffusionsdichteren Zement‐Fließestrich sind die Ergebnisse etwas ungünstiger und nicht in allen Fällen vorteilhaft. Ideal wäre eine Folie, welche im Ausgangszustand relativ diffusionsdicht ist und somit den hohen Eintrag durch die Baufeuchte blockieren kann und erst nach ausreichender Abtrocknung der Baufeuchte diffusionsoffen wird.
Step back, translate, extend: Addressing misconceptions relating to energy and free energy in cellular reactions via active‐learning videos
Authors: Pulukuri Surya , Abrams Binyomin
Published: October 2020

In order to succeed in biochemistry, students must transfer and build upon their understanding of general chemistry and introductory biology concepts. One such critical area of knowledge is bioenergetics. Student misconceptions around energy and free energy must be addressed prior to learning more advanced topics, such as energy flow in metabolic reactions. In this article, we present a series of active‐learning videos with embedded questions to address these crucial topics. This video module achieves the following goals: (1) review fundamental chemistry concepts, (2) introduce concepts of reaction coupling and ATP hydrolysis, and (3) foreshadow more advanced biochemical topics such as metabolism. These videos are offered free of charge as traditional videos through YouTube and as an active‐learning video module through an online platform, Edpuzzle. Access to videos is provided at chemed.bu.edu.
Effects of white noise in walking on walking time, state anxiety, and fear of falling among the elderly with mild dementia
Authors: Son Sung‐min , Kwag Sung‐won
Published: October 2020

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the effects of white noise in walking on the walking time, state anxiety, and fear of falling of the elderly with mild dementia.

Methods

Subjects were 32 elderlies with mild dementia, and they divided into experimental group and control group, respectively. In the experimental group, walking program with white noise was applied 3 times a week for 4 weeks. White noise was provided by white noise generator in walking program. In the control group, walking program only was applied. To measure the effect of white noise in walking among the subjects, the walking time, state anxiety, and fear of falling were measured. Walking time was measured by Timed Up and Go test. State anxiety related in walking was measured by Korean version of State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory. Fear of falling was used by Korean Falls Efficacy Scale.

Results

The results of walking time showed the increase in both groups, but the statistically significant difference was not shown. However, the results of state anxiety and fear of falling showed decrease and the statistically significant difference was shown (p < .01). In comparative analysis, the statistically significant difference in the results of gate velocity between groups was not shown. However, in the results of state anxiety and fear of falling the statistically significant difference between groups was shown (p < .01).

Conclusions

White noise in walking should be induced positively to decrease the state anxiety and fear of falling in walking among elderly with mild dementia. Thus, in their environment, to decrease of state anxiety and fear of falling occurring in walking, the application of white noise in walking situation should be considered to apply for them.
The MDM2 inhibitor CGM097 combined with the BET inhibitor OTX015 induces cell death and inhibits tumor growth in models of neuroblastoma
Authors: Maser Tyler , Zagorski Joseph , Kelly Shannon , Ostrander Anna , Goodyke Austin , Nagulapally Abhinav , Bond Jeffrey , Park Yeonhee , Saulnier Sholler Giselle
Published: October 2020

Background

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in infants and children, with amplification of the oncogene MYCN being a hallmark of high‐risk disease and poor prognosis. Although less frequent, overexpression of MYC is similarly an indicator of poor prognosis. Most NB tumors initially respond to chemotherapy, however, most will relapse, resulting in chemoresistant disease. After relapse, there is growing evidence of p53 inactivation. MYC/MYCN and MDM2 have been shown to interact and contribute to NB growth and disease progression. MDM2 inhibitors and Bromodomain and Extra‐Terminal domain (BET) inhibitors have both shown promise in treating NB by increasing the expression of p53 and decreasing MYC/MYCN expression, respectively. Our study focuses on the combined treatment of a MDM2 inhibitor (CGM097) with a BET inhibitor (OTX015) in neuroblastoma.

Methods

Two p53 wild‐type and two p53 mutant established neuroblastoma cells lines were used to test this combination. Ray design assays were used to test whether this combination was synergistically cytotoxic to NB cells. Western blots were performed to check signaling pathways of interest after drug treatment. IncuCyte imaging and flow cytometry were utilized to quantify the apoptotic and cytostatic effects of these drugs on NB cells. In vivo studies were carried out to test the antitumor effect of this combination in a living host.

Results

The combination of CGM097 and OTX015 resulted in p53 activation, decreased expression of MYC family proteins and a subsequent synergistic increase in NB cell death.

Conclusion

This study warrants further investigation into the combination of MDM2 inhibitors and BET inhibitors for the treatment in NB.
Identifying optimal candidates for induction chemotherapy among stage II–IVa nasopharyngeal carcinoma based on pretreatment Epstein–Barr virus DNA and nodal maximal standard uptake values of [18F]‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography
Authors: Xie Hao‐Jun , Yu Yi‐Fei , Sun Xue‐Song , Jia Guo‐Dong , Luo Dong‐Hua , Sun Rui , Liu Li‐Ting , Guo Shan‐Shan , Liu Sai‐Lan , Chen Qiu‐Yan , Tang Lin‐Quan , Mai Hai‐Qiang
Published: October 2020

Objective

This study aimed to select optimal candidates benefiting from the addition of induction chemotherapy (IC) to concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in stage II–IVa nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) based on Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) DNA and nodal maximal standardized uptake values (SUVmax‐N) of [18F]‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography.

Patients and materials

A total of 679 patients diagnosed with stage II–IVa (except N0) NPC were retrospectively included in this study. Overall survival was the primary endpoint. Survival differences between different groups were compared using the log‐rank test. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Both high levels of EBV DNA (>1500 copies/mL) and SUVmax‐N (>12.3) indicated worse survival conditions. All patients were divided into low‐ and high‐risk groups based on these two biomarkers. The risk group was an independent prognostic factor in OS, progression‐free survival (PFS), and distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS) (all p‐values<0.05). The addition of IC to CCRT was associated with survival improvement in OS, PFS, and DMFS in high‐risk patients, while no survival difference was found between CCRT and IC+CCRT in low‐risk patients.

Conclusions

Our study can help clinicians select stage II–IVa NPC patients who benefit from IC, which is important in guiding individual treatment.
Resilience to reoffending: Practice considerations for psychological therapies supporting young men to overcome adversity
Authors: Stubbs Claire , Hart Angie
Published: October 2020

Within the United Kingdom, 75% of young men aged 18–25 will reoffend within two years of being released from prison, yet we still do not know enough about how underlying protective mechanisms contribute to positive outcomes for those who have engaged in antisocial behaviour. This study explored the mechanisms that support young men's resilience to reoffending. The aim was to inform the approach of practitioners working with this population, in particular counselling psychologists, and to contribute to youth justice policy. Additionally, young people who are involved in crime are often discussed in the literature on youth offending and mental health, yet rarely given the chance to tell their story of changing their trajectory. Eight young men, aged 18–25, with previous involvement in the criminal justice system were interviewed using narrative enquiry with an emphasis on the subjective experiences that nurtured their resilient pathways. The study drew on Hart, Blincow and Thomas’ Resilience Framework (Hart, Blincow, & Thomas, 2007) to categorise the data. The young men's accounts highlighted that mechanisms within all the categories of the Resilience Therapy (Hart, Blincow & Thomas, 2007) framework were pertinent in nurturing resilient pathways: Basics, Belonging, Learning, Coping and Core Self. The study further demonstrated how the young men's contexts were significant in fostering their resilience to reoffending. The findings suggest the importance of a counselling and psychotherapy approach that targets both social and individual mechanisms to facilitate growth. In a context with significant social, economic and political challenges, the absence of a two‐pronged approach will limit the young men's resilience to surviving.
Brazilian psychotherapists and the dimension of religiosity/spirituality
Authors: da Cunha Vivian Fukumasu , Scorsolini‐Comin Fabio
Published: October 2020

Evidence indicates the absence of the topic of religiosity/spirituality (R/S) in the training of Brazilian psychologists, suggesting the invisibility of such elements in professionals in the field. However, the psychologist is also a human being who has religious/spiritual conditions that can influence the way of feeling and understanding these phenomena. This qualitative study aimed to discover how psychotherapists experience R/S in their lives, as well as their difficulties and feelings when dealing with the subject in their clinical psychology practice. Twenty‐four psychotherapists were interviewed from two medium‐sized cities in the countryside of states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais, Brazil. The psychologists' R/S follows the configuration of secularisation that has been growing throughout the world, but it does not prevent them from experiencing this dimension in their lives. For the majority, religious/spiritual beliefs and experiences permeate the psychotherapeutic relationship, and there are divergences with their patients. However, they showed interest in working on such themes, although not always with ease. We emphasise the importance of the professionals recognising themselves as human beings who are also influenced by a range of characteristics including religious/spiritual ones, and their needs, difficulties and potential regarding R/S in clinical practice and training.
State‐of‐the‐art preclinical testing of the OMEGATM left atrial appendage occluder
Authors: De Backer Ole , Hafiz Hussein , Fabre Aurelie , Lertsapcharoen Pornthep , Srimahachota Suphot , Foley David , Sondergaard Lars
Published: October 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to present a new approach of thorough preclinical testing of a novel left atrial appendage (LAA) occluder device.

Background

The development of a safe and effective LAA occluder has been shown to be challenging.

Methods

The novel OMEGATM LAA occluder (Eclipse Medical, Ireland) was tested in a porcine model and three‐dimensional (3D) human LAA models – this as a prelude to its first‐in‐human use.

Results

In a first series of in‐vivo experiments, the OMEGATM LAA occluder was shown to have a satisfactory device biocompatibility in a porcine model. The design of the OMEGATM device was further refined and optimized following three more series of in‐vivo experiments. The second generation OMEGATM device was designed with thinner wires, leading to a profile reduction. Based on in‐vitro testing of different OMEGATM device sizes implanted at different depths in human three‐dimensional (3D) LAA models, it could be determined that (1) the landing zone should be measured at a median depth of 12 mm from the LAA ostium; (2) the distal self‐retaining inverted cup should have 10%‐25% compression to minimize device embolization risk; and (3) the disc should be slightly inverted, i.e. pulled into the LAA, to promote complete LAA occlusion. The combined in‐vivo and in‐vitro testing resulted in an optimized pre‐procedural planning of the first‐in‐human case treated with the OMEGATM device.

Conclusions

This series of carefully planned in‐vivo and in‐vitro experiments allowed demonstration of the safety and efficacy of the OMEGATM LAA occluder. This approach of thorough preclinical testing of medical devices may reduce the risk of complications in first‐in‐human cases and may become the standard approach for device development and preclinical testing in the future.
Understanding laser desorption with circularly polarized light
Authors: Ristow Florian , Scheffel Jakob , Xu Xuqiang , Fehn Natalie , Oberhofer Katrin E. , Riemensberger Johann , Mortaheb Farinaz , Kienberger Reinhard , Heiz Ulrich , Kartouzian Aras , Iglev Hristo
Published: October 2020

We present aspects of emerging optical activity in thin racemic 1,1′‐Bi‐2‐naphthol films upon irradiation with circularly polarized light and subsequent resonant two‐photon absorption in the sample. Thorough analysis of the sample morphology is conducted by means of (polarization‐resolved) optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The influence of crystallization on the nonlinear probing technique (second harmonic generation circular dichroism [SHG‐CD]) is investigated. Optical activity and crystallization are brought together by a systematic investigation in different crystallization regimes. We find crystallization to be responsible for two counter‐acting effects, which arise for different states of crystallization. Measuring crystallized samples offers the best signal‐to‐noise ratio, but it limits generation of optical activity due to self‐assembly effects. For suppression of crystallization on the other hand, there is a clear indication that enantiomeric selective desorption is responsible for the generation of optical activity in the sample. We reach the current resolution limit of probing with SHG‐CD, as we suppress the crystallization in the racemic sample during desorption. In addition, intensity‐dependent measurements on the induced optical activity reveal an onset threshold (≈0.7 TW cm−2), above which higher order nonlinear processes impair the generation of optical activity by desorption with CPL.
Stress macht stärker
Authors: Strigl Stefanie
Published: October 2020

Antifragile Systeme profitieren in der Natur von Volatilität, Zufälligkeit und Stressoren. Ein Projekt an der RWTH soll diese Mechanismen auf die Produktion übertragen.
Titelstory: Vom Labor in den Produktionsmaßstab
Authors: Knapp Steffen , Enz Andreas , Epp Konstantin
Published: October 2020

Die Ekato Versuchsanlagen bieten ein breitgefächertes Portfolio bei der Verfahrensentwicklung im größeren Labor‐ und Technikumsmaßstab. Sie liefern die Grundlage für eine erfolgreiche Maßstabsvergrößerung. Durch ihre Flexibilität können die Anlagen mit ve
Prozessanbindung
Authors: Otto Peter
Published: October 2020

Eine von Postberg gemeinsam mit einem Unternehmen in der Spezialchemie entwickelte Messpunktschnittelle stellt die Prozessanbindung für die Analysemesstechnik dar.
Planen und shoppen
Authors: Weber Philipp
Published: October 2020

Kunden des Systemanbieters für mobile Industrieanwendungen Paul Vahle können über den Customer Hub Systeme konfigurieren und Komponenten für die Elektrifikation ihrer Anlagen ordern. Ein kürzliches Upgrade hat die Bedienfreundlichkeit der Benutzeroberflä
Mehrkanalrohre
Authors: Hermes Christoph
Published: October 2020

Hochwertige Industriematerialien sind für kosteneffiziente Filtrationsprozesse unerlässlich. Poröse Keramik‐Membranrohre von CeramTec werden bei der Querstromfiltration eingesetzt. Sie kombinieren wichtige Eigenschaften, die Kunden nicht nur eine verbesse
Abwasser‐ und Prozessgerüche
Authors: Hoffmann Björn ,   Pressways PR, für Fritzmeier Umwelttechnik
Published: October 2020

Stören unangenehm riechende Prozessgase, sind Rohrfilter im Abluftstrang gefragt. Wer den betrieblichen Bedarf nicht abschätzen kann, sollte ein Ausbausystem wählen. Mit den coalsi‐Filtern der Fritzmeier Umwelttechnik lassen sich Gerüche aus Prozessen und
Drahtlos auf Draht
Authors: Kraftschik Florian
Published: October 2020

Neuer IIoT‐Sensor schickt Füllstände in die Cloud Der Füllstandssensor Micropilot FWR30 ist ein kabelloses High‐End 80GHz Radar‐Messgerät, das in Echtzeit detaillierte Informationen über Anlagenbestände liefert.
Füllstandmessung nach Maß
Authors: Altmann Franz
Published: October 2020

Mit einer von Grund auf überarbeiteten neuen Generation Füllstandmessgeräten verspricht Afriso den Ansprüchen unterschiedlichster Branchen gerecht zu werden.
Nachfrage nach Wellpappe nicht von Pappe
Authors: Willis Roger
Published: October 2020

Angesichts steigenden Umweltbewusstseins wird eine effiziente, energie‐ und ressourcenschonende Herstellung von Wellpappe angestrebt. Dies beeinflusst auch die Wahl der für die Produktion genutzten Pumpentechnik, etwa für die Förderung von Stärkeleim. So
Rührend für die Umwelt
Authors: Lindner Jörg‐Peter
Published: October 2020

Das weite Feld der Biogasfermenter mit den Aspekten Rührwerksaufgaben, Rheologie, Materialhandling sowie Rührelementoptimierung stellt CITplus in einer dreiteiligen Beitragsserie vor. Dieser erste Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit den Rühraufgaben selbst sowie
Fit für Flüssiggas
Authors: Zientek‐Strietz Beate
Published: October 2020

SERO Pump Systems aus Meckesheim bietet mit den Pumpenbaureihen SRZS…LPG und NHE…LPG leistungsfähige und wirtschaftliche Lösungen zur Förderung von verflüssigtem Gas. Die selbstansaugende Seitenkanalpumpe SRZS…LPG ist auf Förderleistungen bis 35 m3/h ausg
Should cytologists diagnose clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma on cytologic material?
Authors: Renshaw Andrew A.
Published: October 2020

The criteria outlined by Griffin and Lin provide an excellent way to reach a differential diagnosis of clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma and should be part of the armamentarium of every cytologist who interprets fine needle aspirations of renal masses.
High‐Yield Purification of Giardia intestinalis Cysts from Fecal Samples
Authors: Ogbuigwe Paul , Pita Anthony B. , Knox Matthew A. , Velathanthiri Niluka , Hayman David T. S.
Published: October 2020

Giardia is an enteric protozoan parasite that causes gastroenteritis in all classes of vertebrates. It is ranked among the leading causes of death in children under 5 years of age. Giardiasis affects approximately 280 million people worldwide annually, a situation exacerbated by the low availability of effective treatments and the lack of a vaccine. In addition, the parasite is difficult to manipulate in in vitro environments, which hampers the development of effective disease management strategies. This article highlights the development of a method for the purification of viable Giardia cysts from fecal samples, verified by a trypan blue dye exclusion test. This protocol produces a 10‐fold increase in yield over current methods. By combining sucrose flotation with gated filtration, the protocol significantly reduces the amount of debris in the purified cysts suspension. Cyst viability is verified by a trypan blue dye exclusion test. The ability to purify large quantities of Giardia from fecal samples could advance the development of effective treatments to target this worldwide prevalent parasite. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: Purification of Giardia cysts from fecal samples

Support Protocol: Cyst viability test
Prepare to serve students with COVID‐19‐related long‐term disabilities
Authors: Bedrossian Louise
Published: October 2020

Due to the prevalence and seriousness of COVID‐19, colleges and universities are encountering health, safety, and educational challenges requiring rapid development of innovative on‐campus and remote learning and living conditions. In this unfamiliar environment, disability services providers must prepare by expanding their knowledge of COVID‐19 infection and its aftermath, being alert to resulting disabilities, and adapting service delivery.
Lessons on testing accommodations from the pandemic
Authors: Barefield Trisha
Published: October 2020

The rapid shift to online modes of instruction in the spring created a host of access issues and a frenzy by disability services offices to provide equal access in a rapidly changing environment. Within my office, there was one notable exception: testing accommodations.
Glean lessons learned from foster care support programs to help students succeed after pandemic‐related trauma
Authors: Hilton Warren , Mangold Susan , Generose Nicole , Suriel Joanna
Published: October 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic upended the sense of community many college students relied upon. When in‐person classes and events were suspended, feelings of anxiety and loss swelled among the student population. It's no surprise that some students needed more than just refunds for housing, meal plans, and other fees.
Unhealthy weight control behaviors among a sample of U.S. journalists
Authors: Tran Alvin , Smallidge Michele , Cadavos Bryan , Tran Vivian , Mattie Heather
Published: October 2020

Objective

Research on body image and weight control behaviors among journalists is limited. To fill this knowledge gap, we conducted a cross‐sectional study to assess the experiences of unhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCBs), binge eating, and appearance‐related pressures among a sample of journalists in the United States (U.S.).

Method

We administered an online survey to journalists assessing their roles in the news industry, engagement in UWCBs (e.g., vomiting, laxative use, dieting, fasting) and binge eating. Odds ratios of the outcomes were estimated using a series of multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

Over 68%, 19%, and 30% of participants reported they went on a diet, fasted for weight control, and binge ate, respectively. Our results suggest on‐air journalists demonstrated higher odds of dieting compared to their counterparts who do not work in front of the camera. Furthermore, some journalists reported being subjected to appearance‐related pressures in the industry.

Discussion

Our results provide a glimpse of weight control behaviors, binge eating, and appearance‐related pressures among workers in the U.S. journalism industry. Given the concerning prevalence of purging and binge eating in our sample, future studies should assess whether journalists represent an occupation group that is at high risk of developing eating disorders.
A sequential experimentation method to separate interaction effects from block effects
Authors: Ríos Armando J. , Zarco Murillo Hazael , Pantoja Yaquelin V. , Tapia Esquivias Moisés
Published: October 2020

Blocking is a basic experimentation principle that separates the variability caused by noise factors. Unless the experiment is replicated, blocking produces loss of information, particularly two‐factor interactions (2FIs) are commonly lost to blocks. Additionally, the ANOVA table does not show to what extent each blocked noise factor affects the response variable. Individual contributing percentages for noise factors can be useful to make process improvements and to understand which noise factors are most influential. This research proposes a sequential experimentation method to separate2FIsfrom blocks and assign contributing percentages to each blocked noise factor. The method is evaluated and compared to foldover, semifold, andD‐optimal augmentation.
Synthesis and simulation of a distillation columns system for the propylene glycols mixtures separation
Authors: Fendu Elena M. , Nicolae Marilena
Published: October 2020

Four sequences were synthesized and simulated for the separation process of the propylene glycols mixtures: the direct, the indirect, and two proposed sequences. The simulation of the distillation columns system was performed with PRO/II program using a complete NRTL (nonrandom two‐liquids) thermodynamic model. Two mixtures were subject of the separation: one containing only propylene glycols, and another containing in addition a significant amount of water. The disadvantage of the direct and indirect sequences is that the columns are operated at high temperatures in the bottoms this fact leading to decomposition of propylene glycols. The proposed separation sequences aim to eliminate this disadvantage by taking into account the nearest effect of inert gas that water and propylene glycols with lower molar mass have on the separation mixture. The feed is introduced directly in the reboiler of the first column, where lower glycols and water act as an inert gas on the TePG vaporization. The proposed separation sequence of the propylene glycols and water mixture has a temperature in the reboiler with approximately 13 K lower beside the direct sequence.
Nonlocal transport models for capturing solute transport in one‐dimensional sand columns: Model review, applicability, limitations and improvement
Authors: Zhang Yong , Zhou Dongbao , Yin Maosheng , Sun HongGuang , Wei Wei , Li Shiyin , Zheng Chunmiao
Published: October 2020

Modelling pollutant transport in water is one of the core tasks of computational hydrology, and various physical models including especially the widely used nonlocal transport models have been developed and applied in the last three decades. No studies, however, have been conducted to systematically assess the applicability, limitations and improvement of these nonlocal transport models. To fill this knowledge gap, this study reviewed, tested and improved the state‐of‐the‐art nonlocal transport models, including their physical background, mathematical formula and especially the capability to quantify conservative tracers moving in one‐dimensional sand columns, which represents perhaps the simplest real‐world application. Applications showed that, surprisingly, neither the popular time‐nonlocal transport models (including the multi‐rate mass transfer model, the continuous time random walk framework and the time fractional advection‐dispersion equation), nor the spatiotemporally nonlocal transport model (ST‐fADE) can accurately fit passive tracers moving through a 15‐m‐long heterogeneous sand column documented in literature, if a constant dispersion coefficient or dispersivity is used. This is because pollutant transport in heterogeneous media can be scale‐dependent (represented by a dispersion coefficient or dispersivity increasing with spatiotemporal scales), non‐Fickian (where plume variance increases nonlinearly in time) and/or pre‐asymptotic (with transition between non‐Fickian and Fickian transport). These different properties cannot be simultaneously and accurately modelled by any of the transport models reviewed by this study. To bypass this limitation, five possible corrections were proposed, and two of them were tested successfully, including a time fractional and space Hausdorff fractal model which minimizes the scale‐dependency of the dispersion coefficient in the non‐Euclidean space, and a two‐region time fractional advection‐dispersion equation which accounts for the spatial mixing of solute particles from different mobile domains. Therefore, more efforts are still needed to accurately model transport in non‐ideal porous media, and the five model corrections proposed by this study may shed light on these indispensable modelling efforts.
The effect of present‐biased preferences on revolving debts: Evidence from urban households in China
Authors: Chen Chunchun , Li Chengchun , Ren Guoying
Published: October 2020

This paper examines the role of present‐biased preferences in repayment behaviour of urban households in China. By developing a theoretical model, we suggest that there is a connection between households' present‐biased preferences and their behaviour of using revolving debts. Using the data from the 2013 China Household Finance Survey (CHFS), we find that compared with households who do not have present‐biased preferences those who have such preferences exhibit a higher probability of carrying revolving debts and tend to have more revolving debts. Our findings provide a reasonable guideline for alleviating the problem of repayment procrastination in developing countries and can also be useful for individuals cultivating good consumption and repayment habits.
Dollarization, inflation and foreign exchange markets: A cross‐country analysis
Authors: Park Hail , Son Jong Chil
Published: October 2020

This article investigates determinants of deepening dollarization and the relationship between exchange rate and inflation across foreign exchange regimes and degrees of dollarization. To this end, the fixed effect models are adopted using 28 country‐level panel incorporating countries that have experienced dollarization from 1995 to 2016. The overall estimation results show that first, high inflation, less flexible exchange rate movements, the sluggish real economy and the inadequacy of the institutional environments are contributing factors to intensify the dollarization. Secondly, the estimation results using the de‐dollarization country group indicates that real appreciation of the domestic currency is an important factor in mitigating the degree of dollarization while the increasing effects of inflation on dollarization are more pronounced in the dollarized economies. Finally, high dollarization or a high depreciation rate of the domestic currency tends to increase inflation, and those effects are found to have more significant in the dollarized economies, while real depreciation is a factor contributing to lowering inflation.
Planning and advocating for cervical cancer prevention in Kebbi State, Nigeria: Learning points for the global call to eliminate cervical cancer
Authors: Lawal Ishak K. , Suleiman Aliyu K. , Bagudu Zainab , Kanmodi Kehinde K. , Abdulsalam Ganiyu A. , Olakunle Olarewaju S.
Published: October 2020

The WHO is leading a global call for the elimination of cervical cancer by the year 2030. Although the call in itself is ambitious, the adopted strategy is realistic. The WHO is optimistic that cervical cancer will be eliminated as a disease of public health concern if 90% of girls receive the HPV vaccine by 15 years of age, 70% of women are screened by HPV testing at 35 and 45 years, and 90% of identified cases are treated. The success of the global call will significantly depend on the capacity to operationalize, finance, and implement the strategy in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC), where more than 80% of the disease burden resides. This capacity varies among and within countries. A SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat) analysis of the WHO global strategy for elimination of cervical cancer, conducted through the lens of experience in planning and advocating for a comprehensive cervical cancer prevention program in Kebbi State, Nigeria, highlights the delicate balance between evidence of efficacy and science of implementation that program managers in LMIC have to consider while rolling out or scaling up cervical cancer prevention programs.
A systematic review of physical guidance procedures as an open‐mouth prompt to increase acceptance for children with pediatric feeding disorders
Authors: Rubio Emily Kate , McMahon Meara X. H. , Volkert Valerie M.
Published: October 2020

This article reviews behavioral treatments of pediatric feeding disorders using physical guidance procedures as an open‐mouth prompt (i.e., jaw prompt, finger prompt, Nuk prompt, side deposit) to increase food acceptance. We identified 9 articles containing 35 systematic evaluations. We coded participant and study characteristics and assessed the experimental rigor, quality, and outcomes of each evaluation. Of the high‐quality research present, the finger prompt variation and side deposit reliably increased acceptance. We found mixed results on the efficacy of the jaw prompt, although it was the most widely researched procedure. Further, authors reported interobserver agreement for 100% of the participants, procedural integrity for 60%, social validity for 80%, fading for 5%, and follow‐up for 55%. Based on the invasive nature of physical guidance, we provide recommendations for researchers and clinicians to increase the quality of their treatment evaluations. We discuss limitations, implications for practice, and future research.
Liquid chromatography as candidate reference method for the determination of vitamins A and E in human serum
Authors: Pan Qingqing , Shen Min , Yu Ting , Yang Xiaodong , Li Quanle , Zhao Beibei , Zou Jihua , Zhang Man
Published: October 2020

Background

Owing to the increasing interest in public health research of antioxidant micronutrients and the inaccuracy of routine serum concentrations of the fat‐soluble vitamins A (retinol) and E (DL‐α‐tocopherol) measurements, we developed a reliable, highly sensitive, robust and rapid method for the quantification of two clinically important lipophilic antioxidants in serum using a reverse‐phase HPLC/DAD method.

Method

Sample preparation and analytical conditions that would affect extraction efficiency and quantitative results of vitamins A and E were investigated and optimized. Vitamins A and E were extracted from serum via liquid‐liquid extraction (LLE). After adequate sample preparation, the samples were injected directly into the HPLC system with diode‐array detector (DAD). Chromatographic separation was completed in 7 minutes for vitamins A and E. With vitamin A acetate and vitamin E acetate as internal standards, the method was applied to the measurement of vitamins A and E in human serum.

Results

We evaluated method linearity, accuracy (recovery rate and trueness), precision, carryover, limit of quantitation and limit of detection, and measurement uncertainty. The method was evaluated for trueness using NIST Standard Reference Material SRM 968f. The serum concentration of the studied compounds had a good linear relationship in the range of 0.05 ~ 3.0 μg/mL concentration (r ＝ 0.9998), with 0.0077 μg/mL detection limit and 0.025 μg/mL quantitative limit for vitamin A, respectively, and 1.0 ~ 60.0 μg/mL concentration (r ＝ 0.9999), with 0.40 μg/mL detection limit and 0.50 μg/mL quantitative limit for vitamin E, respectively. The intra‐ and inter‐assay coefficients of variation were calculated by using three concentrations (1, 2, and 3) of the studied compounds in human serum samples. Intra‐assay and inter‐assay precision were 1.23%‐4.97% and 0.97%‐3.79% for vitamin A, respectively, and 0.64%‐4.07% and 0.81%‐5.96% for vitamin E, respectively. The average recovery rates were 100.98% for vitamin A, and 99.21% for vitamin E, respectively. The carryover rate of vitamins A and E was below 1%. As for the evaluation of accuracy, the biases were <± 5% by comparing with NIST standard reference material SRM 968f.

Conclusion

The method is a simple sample treatment procedure for the determination of fat‐soluble vitamins A and E in human serum with high sensitivity and specificity. The proposed method could be recommended as a candidate reference method for the determination of serum concentrations of the fat‐soluble vitamins A and E in human serum.
The performance of the chemiluminescent immunoassay for measuring serum myeloperoxidase and proteinase 3 antibodies
Authors: Hou Xiuzhu , Liu Jing , Wang Tiancheng , Zhou Jiansuo , Cui Liyan
Published: October 2020

Background

Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has traditionally been used to detect myeloperoxidase (MPO) and proteinase 3 (PR3) antibodies, although it is time‐consuming and physically demanding. As a novel and highly effective immunoassay, we compared chemiluminescent immunoassay (CIA) with ELISA to verify the application value of CIA in MPO and PR3 antibodies detection.

Methods

By ELISA and CIA, serum levels of anti‐MPO and anti‐PR3 antibodies were measured in 63 anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)‐associated vasculitis (AAV) patients (AAV group), including 47 microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) patients and 16 granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) patients, in addition, 68 patients in interference control group (IC group), 19 healthy subjects in healthy control group (HC group). We compared MPO and PR3 antibodies levels and positive rates measured by these two methods among groups. Relationship and coincidence rate between ELISA and CIA were investigated. Diagnostic values for clinical outcomes for MPO and PR3 antibodies were assessed by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

In AAV patients, when detecting anti‐MPO (r = .90) and anti‐PR3 (r = .81), CIA was highly correlated with ELISA, companying with highly total (88.89%, 92.06%, respectively) and positive coincidence rates (84.78%, 77.27%, respectively). In HC group, anti‐PR3 positive rate detected by both immunoassay were 0, anti‐MPO almost were 0, which without statistically significant difference (P = .32). In IC group, the total (76.47%, 58.82, respectively) and positive coincidence rates (48.38%, 30.00%, respectively) of anti‐MPO and anti‐PR3 were the lowest, but the negative coincidence rates reached 100%. By CIA, similar to ELISA, the levels of anti‐MPO were significantly higher both in AAV patients (56.00; [4.40‐235.30]) and MPA patients (98.00; [27.90‐324.70]) compared with either IC group (3.20; [3.20‐18.55) (P < .0001) or HC group (3.20; [3.20‐3.20]) (P < .0001), yielded an area under curve (AUC) of 0.76 for AAV and 0.89 for MPA, the concentration of anti‐PR3 in GPA group (66.65; [24.43‐150.00]) was significantly higher than that in IC group (2.3; [2.3‐10.95]) (P < .0001) and HC group (2.3; [2.3‐2.3]) (P < .0001), with an AUC of 0.92.

Conclusion

Similar to ELISA, CIA was competent to detect MPO and PR3 antibodies in AAV patients and healthy population, thus distinguish AAV patients from IC group and HC group and effectively diagnose MPA and GPA.
Sorting nexins: A novel promising therapy target for cancerous/neoplastic diseases
Authors: Yang Lu , Tan Weihua , Yang Xinzhi , You Yong , Wang Jing , Wen Gebo , Zhong Jing
Published: October 2020

Sorting nexins (SNXs) are a diverse group of cytoplasmic‐ and membrane‐associated phosphoinositide‐binding proteins containing the PX domain proteins. The function of SNX proteins in regulating intracellular protein trafficking consists of endocytosis, endosomal sorting, and endosomal signaling. Dysfunctions of SNX proteins are demonstrated to be involved in several cancerous/neoplastic diseases. Here, we review the accumulated evidence of the molecular structure and biological function of SNX proteins and discuss the regulatory role of SNX proteins in distinct cancerous/neoplastic diseases. SNX family proteins may be a valuable potential biomarker and therapeutic strategy for diagnostics and treatment of cancerous/neoplastic diseases.
Maintenance and differentiation of human ES cells on polyvinylidene fluoride scaffolds immobilized with a vitronectin‐derived peptide
Authors: Park Sang Eun , Yeon Gyu‐Bum , Goo Hui‐Gwan , Seo Dong Sik , Dayem Ahmed A. , Lee Kyung Eun , Park Hyun‐Mee , Cho Ssang‐Goo , Kim Dae‐Sung
Published: October 2020

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is biocompatible, easy to fabricate, and has piezoelectric properties; it has been used for many biomedical applications including stem cell engineering. However, long‐term cultivation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and their differentiation toward cardiac lineages on PVDF have not been investigated. Herein, PVDF nanoscaled membrane scaffolds were fabricated by electrospinning; a vitronectin‐derived peptide‐mussel adhesive protein fusion (VNm) was immobilized on the scaffolds. hESCs cultured on the VNm‐coated PVDF scaffold (VNm–PVDF scaffold) were stably expanded for more than 10 passages while maintaining the expression of pluripotency markers and genomic integrity. Under cardiac differentiation conditions, hESCs on the VNm–PVDF scaffold generated more spontaneously beating colonies and showed the upregulation of cardiac‐related genes, compared with those cultured on Matrigel and VNm alone. Thus, VNm–PVDF scaffolds may be suitable for the long‐term culture of hESCs and their differentiation into cardiac cells, thus expanding their application in regenerative medicine.