bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a commercial latex agglutination test for detecting rotavirus A and human adenovirus in children's stool specimens
Authors: Xiang Wenqing , Peng Zhaoyang , Xu Jialu , Shen Hongqiang , Li Wei
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Rotavirus A and human adenovirus are the two most common causes of infantile diarrhea; thus, it is of great importance to find out a rapid and accurate diagnostic method. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic significance of latex agglutination test for detection of rotavirus A and human adenovirus.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted on 214 diarrhea children from September 2018 to March 2019 in our hospital. Fresh stool samples were collected for detection of rotavirus A and human adenovirus by latex agglutination test and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). Then, the consistency of results detected by these two methods was analyzed．

Results

With performing the latex agglutination test, it was revealed that positive rates for detecting rotavirus A virus and human adenovirus were 23.83% (51/214) and 25.24% (54/214), respectively. Meanwhile, results of RT‐qPCR showed that positive rates for detecting rotavirus A virus and human adenovirus were 58 (27.10%) and 59 (27.57%), respectively. Using RT‐qPCR as the gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of the latex agglutination test for detecting rotavirus A were 81.03% and 97.44%, and the corresponding values for detecting human adenovirus were 76.27% and 94.19%, respectively.

Conclusion

This latex agglutination test showed a satisfactory consistency with RT‐qPCR for detecting rotavirus A and human adenovirus. The mentioned commercial assay may be highly appropriate for rapid screening of rotavirus A and human adenovirus.
Goal‐focused positive psychotherapy in action: A case study
Authors: Hawley Kathryn J. , Winter Plumb Evelyn I. , Conoley Collie W.
Published: January 2020

Objective

This case study describes one client's progression through goal‐focused positive psychotherapy (GFPP), a positive psychology inspired treatment. The study aims to contribute a more nuanced understanding of GFPP by illustrating the clinical use of approach goals, hope, positive emotion, and client strengths—interventions that constitute the heart of GFPP.

Method

The case study methodology illuminates the 33‐session treatment of a self‐identified European‐American heterosexual female in her mid‐twenties, presenting with several interpersonal concerns, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. The client met the DSM 5 criteria for generalized anxiety disorder and borderline personality disorder.

Results

Processes and outcomes are documented through clinician and client perceptions, and weekly assessments of symptomatology and subjective well‐being.

Conclusions

The case study demonstrates a successful application of positive psychology consistent with GFPP's existential and humanistic psychology roots. The study should provide clinicians and theorists a greater understanding of GFPP processes and perspectives in an applied context.
Functional characterization of human myosin‐binding protein C3 variants associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy reveals exon‐specific cardiac phenotypes in zebrafish model
Authors: Da'as Sahar I. , Yalcin Huseyin C. , Nasrallah Gheyath K. , Mohamed Iman A. , Nomikos Michail , Yacoub Magdi H. , Fakhro Khalid A.
Published: January 2020

Myosin‐binding protein C 3 (MYBPC3) variants are the most common cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). HCM is a complex cardiac disorder due to its significant genetic and clinical heterogeneity. MYBPC3 variants genotype–phenotype associations remain poorly understood. We investigated the impact of two novel human MYBPC3 splice‐site variants: V1: c.654+2_654+4dupTGG targeting exon 5 using morpholino MOe5i5; and V2: c.772+1G>A targeting exon 6 using MOe6i6; located within C1 domain of cMyBP‐C protein, known to be critical in regulating sarcomere structure and contractility. Zebrafish MOe5i5 and MOe6i6 morphants recapitulated typical characteristics of human HCM with cardiac phenotypes of varying severity, including reduced cardiomyocyte count, thickened ventricular myocardial wall, a drastic reduction in heart rate, stroke volume, and cardiac output. Analysis of all cardiac morphological and functional parameters demonstrated that V2 cardiac phenotype was more severe than V1. Coinjection with synthetic human MYBPC3 messenger RNA (mRNA) partially rescued disparate cardiac phenotypes in each zebrafish morphant. While human MYBPC3 mRNA partially restored the decreased heart rate in V1 morphants and displayed increased percentages of ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and area change, it failed to revert the V1 ventricular myocardial thickness. These results suggest a possible V1 impact on cardiac contractility. In contrast, attempts to rescue V2 morphants only restored the ventricular myocardial wall hypertrophy phenotype but had no significant effect on impaired heart rate, suggesting a potential V2 impact on the cardiac structure. Our study provides evidence of an association between MYBPC3 exon‐specific cardiac phenotypes in the zebrafish model providing important insights into how these genetic variants contribute to HCM disease.
A giant atrial septal aneurysm causing tricuspid valvular obstruction
Authors: Lin Shan , Li Yuman , Xu Lingling , Lin Ling , Yang Yali , Xie Mingxing
Published: January 2020

Atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) is a rare congenital malformation consisting of redundant atrial septal tissue that bulges into either the right or the left atrium. Here, we report the case of a 45‐year‐old man with a giant ASA prolapsing into the tricuspid orifice and leading to tricuspid valvular obstruction. He was treated successfully by resection of the ASA and repair of the resulting atrial septal defect. Our case indicates the utility of transthoracic, contrast, and transesophageal echocardiography to characterize a huge ASA causing tricuspid valvular obstruction.
Pulmonary embolism caused by postpartum ovarian vein thrombophlebitis after vaginal delivery: Case report and brief review of the literature
Authors: Fei Zhengdong , Peng Aiqin , Wang Lei , Zhang Lu
Published: January 2020

Puerperal ovarian vein thrombophlebitis is a rare pathology. We present the case of a 23‐year‐old female who presented with fever and cough that occurred after vaginal delivery and persisted after several courses of antibiotics between the 2nd and 20th day postpartum. CT pulmonary angiography revealed right subsegmental pulmonary embolism. An abdominal ultrasonographic examination led to the diagnosis of ovarian vein thrombosis. She was treated with warfarin for 2 weeks with a good response. Our case highlights the importance of prompt ultrasonographic diagnosis and clinical treatment of ovarian vein thrombosis to prevent morbidity and mortality.
Dual roles of the retinal pigment epithelium and lens in cavefish eye degeneration
Authors: Ma Li , Ng Mandy , van der Weele Corine M. , Yoshizawa Masato , Jeffery William R.
Published: January 2020

Astyanax mexicanus consists of two forms, a sighted surface dwelling form (surface fish) and a blind cave‐dwelling form (cavefish). Embryonic eyes are initially formed in cavefish but they are subsequently arrested in growth and degenerate during larval development. Previous lens transplantation studies have shown that the lens plays a central role in cavefish eye loss. However, several lines of evidence suggest that additional factors, such as the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which is morphologically altered in cavefish, could also be involved in the eye regression process. To explore the role of the RPE in cavefish eye degeneration, we generated an albino eyed (AE) strain by artificial selection for hybrid individuals with large eyes and a depigmented RPE. The AE strain exhibited an RPE lacking pigment granules and showed reduced expression of the RPE specific enzyme retinol isomerase, allowing eye development to be studied by lens ablation in an RPE background resembling cavefish. We found that lens ablation in the AE strain had stronger negative effects on eye growth than in surface fish, suggesting that an intact RPE is required for normal eye development. We also found that the AE strain develops a cartilaginous sclera lacking boney ossicles, a trait similar to cavefish. Extrapolation of the results to cavefish suggests that the RPE and lens have dual roles in eye degeneration, and that deficiencies in the RPE may be associated with evolutionary changes in scleral ossification.
Children With Acute Myocarditis Often Have Persistent Subclinical Changes as Revealed by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Małek Łukasz A. , Kamińska Halszka , Barczuk‐Falęcka Marzena , Ferreira Vanessa M. , Wójcicka Jolanta , Brzewski Michał , Werner Bożena
Published: January 2020

Background

Many children presenting with myocarditis may not fully recover and have long‐term complications, including dilated cardiomyopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has a potential for early detection of persistent changes with long‐term implications, but is not performed routinely in the monitoring of myocarditis.

Purpose

To monitor adolescents who present with acute myocarditis using MRI and routine diagnostic tests over the short‐ to mid‐term.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Eighteen consecutive adolescents (median age 15.5, interquartile range 14.8–16.9 years, 78% male) with acute myocarditis.

Field Strength

A 3T scanner including cine steady‐state free precession (SSFP), dark‐blood T2‐weighted (T2W) images, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE).

Assessment

The diagnosis of acute myocarditis was based on clinical symptoms and signs and MRI criteria (cine, T2‐W images, LGE). Follow‐up MRI was performed after median 7 months (range 6–9 months). Other routine diagnostic tests included electrocardiogram (ECG), high‐sensitivity troponin levels, transthoracic echocardiography, and Holter monitoring.

Statistical Tests

Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon test for paired samples, Mann–Whitney test for independent samples, Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results

At baseline, 17 patients (94%) had elevated troponin levels and/or ST‐T changes on resting ECG; ECG showed depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF<50%) in four patients (22%). At follow‐up there was a complete recovery in 16 patients (89%) observed with routinely performed tests, with two cases of persistent ventricular arrhythmia. Despite normal left ventricular volume and LVEF, MRI disclosed ongoing active inflammation in five patients (28%), healed myocarditis with persistent scars in eight patients (44%), and complete resolution of initially observed changes in five patients (28%).

Data Conclusion

In children with acute myocarditis, despite normalization of other routinely assessed parameters (including LVEF), there is a high prevalence of persistent MRI changes showing ongoing disease or remnant scars at follow‐up. MRI may allow early detection and prevention of long‐term complications of myocarditis in the follow‐up care of children with acute myocarditis.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:488–496.
A study of current‐voltage and capacitance‐voltage characteristics of Au/n‐GaAs and Au/GaN/n‐GaAs Schottky diodes in wide temperature range
Authors: Helal Hicham , Benamara Zineb , Arbia Marwa Ben , Khettou Abderrahim , Rabehi Abdelaziz , Kacha Arslane Hatem , Amrani Mohammed
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a study of the effect of thin GaN interfacial layer (1 nm) on the electrical behavior of Au/n‐GaAs structure is investigated in wide temperature range 100 to 400 K, using Silvaco‐Atlas simulator. As a result, from I‐V characteristics, the series resistance R
s is increased with decreasing temperature for Au/GaN/n‐GaAs structure, while it is remained almost constant for Au/n‐GaAs structure. The saturation current I
s is decreased with decreasing temperature for both structures. The ideality factor n is increased, and the barrier height is decreased when temperature decreases, with important variation for Au/GaN/n‐GaAs structure. This abnormal behavior is due to the deviation of the dominant conduction mechanisms, from the thermionic emission TE current to the thermionic field emission TFE and the field emission FE. As well as, the Au/n‐GaAs structure shows a homogeneous of barrier height, while it is inhomogeneous for Au/GaN/n‐GaAs structure. In addition, from C‐V characteristics, the potential diffusion V
d and the barrier height are increased with decreasing temperature for both structures, conversely to those obtained from the TE theory. These results confirm the deviation of the TE current to the TFE and FE currents with decreasing temperature for the Au/n‐GaAs and Au/GaN/n‐GaAs Schottky diodes.
Drought risk assessment for future climate projections in the Nakdong River Basin, Korea
Authors: Kim Jong‐Suk , Park Seo‐Yeon , Hong Hyun‐Pyo , Chen Jie , Choi Si‐Jung , Kim Tae‐Woong , Lee Joo‐Heon
Published: January 2020

To prepare for the potential of extreme drought caused by climate change, both physical and socioeconomic factors need to be considered. In this study, three general circulation models were selected: IPSL‐CM5A‐LR, HadGEM2‐AO, and CanESM2 as representative scenarios for severe, moderate, and relatively weak droughts to assess the risk of droughts for future climate projections. Drought hazard was estimated using the meteorological drought index to determine drought frequency, severity, and probability. Population density, agricultural land area, and municipal, agricultural, and industrial water demand were used as drought vulnerability indicators. The Analytical Hierarchy Process technique was applied to determine the weight of each indicator, and the integrated drought risk was then estimated. HadGEM2‐AO and CanESM2 projected that drought risk would be reduced in the far future. IPSL‐CM5A‐LR projected an increased drought risk in the near and far future in the downstream area of the Nakdong River Basin. This study presented a quantitative approach to identify high drought‐risk areas that should be the focus of future extreme drought assessments and mid‐ to long‐term drought mitigation strategies.
Snow climatology in Lithuania based on the cloud‐free moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer snow cover product
Authors: Kilpys Justinas , Pipiraitė‐Januškienė Silvija , Rimkus Egidijus
Published: January 2020

Snow cover plays an important role in environmental, hydrological and climate systems. To monitor the inter‐annual and seasonal variation of snow in Lithuania, daily moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) snow cover products MOD10A1 and MYD10A1 were employed during the period from 2002 to 2018. The main disadvantage of the MODIS sensor is that it is unable to determine the surface conditions under cloud cover. In this study, a four‐step procedure was implemented to remove clouds from the MODIS snow products and estimated the annual and monthly number of snow cover days (SCDs). The steps included a combination of MODIS data from Aqua and Terra satellites, spatial and temporal filtering of cloud covered pixels. Additional daily minimum temperature control filter helped to reduce the misclassification snow errors. The final daily cloud‐free MODIS snow maps showed an overall accuracy of 89% when compared with manual ground observations. The lowest validation scores were determined on the Baltic Sea coast, where snow cover is ephemeral, and the highest scores were in the eastern part of the country where the climate is continental. The MODIS‐based SCD had larger relative errors in autumn, smaller errors in spring and very good agreement with the in situ observations in the middle of winter. Although the generated cloud‐free MODIS snow cover product tended to overestimate the annual SCD on average by 8.5 days, we consider it adequate to describe the inter‐annual and monthly variation of snow cover in Lithuania.
Within‐person Relationship between Creative Self‐efficacy and Individual Creativity: The Mediator of Creative Process Engagement and the Moderator of Regulatory Focus
Authors: Li Ci‐Rong , Yang Yanyu , Lin Chen‐Ju , Xu Ying
Published: January 2020

Integrating the dynamic self‐regulatory framework with the motivational self‐regulation perspective, we theorize and test how and when creative self‐efficacy increases individual creativity at the within‐person level. Conceptualizing creative process engagement as a self‐regulation effort, we theorize that creative process engagement mediates the within‐person effect of creative self‐efficacy on individual creativity. We further explore how creative self‐efficacy and chronic regulatory focus interact to affect the within‐person mediating effect. A sample of 145 R&D workers provided two monthly reports for their creative activities and experiences over 8 months. The findings provide empirical support for the hypothesized mediating mechanism. At the within‐person level, creative process engagement mediates the relationship between creative self‐efficacy and individual creativity. The results also show that chronic regulatory focus moderated the mediated relationship. Specifically, creative self‐efficacy is positively related to individual creativity for employees with a strong prevention focus and negatively related to individual creativity for employees with a strong promotion focus.
Characterization of a purified exosome product and its effects on canine flexor tenocyte biology
Authors: Qi Jun , Liu Qian , Reisdorf Ramona L. , Boroumand Soulmaz , Behfar Atta , Moran Steven L. , Amadio Peter C. , Gingery Anne , Zhao Chunfeng
Published: January 2020

Flexor tendon injuries and tendinopathy are very common but remain challenging in clinical treatment. Exosomes‐based cell‐free therapy appears to be a promising strategy for tendon healing, while limited studies have evaluated its impacts on tenocyte biology. The objective of this study was to characterize a novel purified exosome product (PEP) derived from plasma, as well as to explore its cellular effects on canine tenocyte biology. The transmission electron microscope revealed that exosomes of PEP present cup‐shaped structures with the diameters ranged from 80 to 141 nm, and the NanoSight report presented that their size mainly concentrated around 100 nm. The enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits analysis showed that PEP was positive for CD63 and AChE expression, and the cellular uptake of exosomes internalized into tenocyte cytoplasm was observed. The cell growth assays displayed that tenocyte proliferation ability was enhanced by PEP solution in a dose‐dependent manner. Tenogenic phenotype was preserved as is evident by that tendon‐related genes expression (SCX, COL1A, COL3A1, TNMD, DCN, and MKX) were expressed insistently in a high level, while tenocytes were treated with 5% PEP solution. Furthermore, migration capability was maintained and total collagen deposition was increased. More interesting, dexamethasone‐induced cellular apoptosis was attenuated during the incubation of tenocytes with a 5% PEP solution. These findings will provide the basic understandings about the PEP, and support the potential use of this biological strategy for tendon healing.
Preoperative frailty predicts adverse short‐term postoperative outcomes in patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy
Authors: Rosiello Giuseppe , Palumbo Carlotta , Deuker Marina , Stolzenbach Lara Franziska , Tian Zhe , Larcher Alessandro , Capitanio Umberto , Montorsi Francesco , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Kapoor Anil , Saad Fred , Briganti Alberto , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: January 2020

Background

To investigate the effect of frailty on short‐term postoperative outcomes and total hospital charges (THCs) in patients with non‐metastatic upper urinary tract carcinoma, treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU).

Methods

Within the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database we identified 11 258 RNU patients (2000‐2015). We used the Johns Hopkins frailty‐indicator to stratify patients according to frailty status. Time trends and multivariable logistic, Poisson and linear regression models were applied.

Results

Overall, 1801 (16.0%) patients were frail, 4664 (41.4%) were older than 75 years and 1530 (13.6%) had Charlson comorbidity index ≥2. Rates of frail patients increased over time, from 7.3% to 24.9% (P < .001). Frail patients exhibited higher rates (all P < .05) of overall complications (62.6% vs 50.9%), in‐hospital mortality (1.6% vs 1.0%), non‐home–based discharge (22.7% vs 12.1%), longer length of stay (LOS) (6 vs 1 day) and higher THCs ($49 539 vs $39 644). Moreover, frailty independently predicted (all P < .05) overall complications (OR, 1.46), in‐hospital mortality (OR, 1.52), non‐home–based discharge (OR, 1.36), longer LOS (RR, 1.30) and higher THCs (RR, +$11 806).

Conclusion

Preoperative frailty is important in RNU patients. One of four RNU patients is frail. Moreover, frailty predicts short‐term postoperative complications, as well as longer LOS and higher THCs after RNU.
Development of an ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry method for comparative pharmacokinetics of six triterpenoids in rat plasma and application to different forms of Phytolacca acinosa
Authors: Tao Yi , Jiang Enci , Cai Baochang
Published: January 2020

Phytolacca acinosa is an herb for treatment of ascites and tumor. Two forms of P. acinosa, i.e. raw and vinegar‐processed herb, have been used in clinic. However, pharmacokinetic difference between the two forms of P. acinosa has not been fully understood. Herein, a comparative pharmacokinetic method based on liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was developed for quantification of six bioactive triterpenoids, including esculentoside H, esculentoside T, esculentoside A, esculentoside B, phytolaccagenic acid, and phytolaccagenin in rat plasma after oral administration of different forms of P. acinosa. Separation was performed on an Acquity BEH C18 column (1.7 µm, 2.1 mm × 50 mm). The method was validated over a linear range of 2.0–5000 ng/mL. Intraday and interday bias were within ±5%. Besides, all triterpenoids were stable in plasma during different storage conditions. The described method was successfully applied to a comparative pharmacokinetic study of raw and vinegar‐processed P. acinosa in rats. Notably, double peak phenomenon for six triterpenoids of P. acinosa was observed for the first time. AUC0→t and Cmax values of esculentoside H, esculentoside T, phytolaccagenic acid, and phytolaccagenin were significantly lower in vinegar‐processed group than that of raw group, indicating the oral bioavailability of the four triterpenoids was decreased after vinegar processing.
Profiling the varietal antioxidative contents and macrochemical composition in Australian faba beans (Vicia faba L.)
Authors: Johnson Joel B. , Collins Tania , Skylas Daniel , Quail Ken , Blanchard Christopher , Naiker Mani
Published: January 2020

There is growing interest in pulses such as faba bean for the development of foods with enhanced nutrition, functionality, and health benefits. In this study, seed material from 10 faba bean varieties, grown in replicated field trials in South Australia over consecutive seasons (2016 and 2017), were analysed for ferric reducing antioxidant potential, total phenolics, and total monomeric anthocyanins. Differences in the macrochemical composition of varieties was investigated using attenuated total reflectance mid‐infrared spectroscopy. The mean ferric reducing antioxidant potential of the varieties ranged from 237 to 531 mg trolox equivalents 100 g−1; the total phenolics from 258 to 571 mg gallic acid equivalents 100 g−1; and the total monomeric anthocyanins from 12.7 to 21.0 mg cyanidin‐3‐glucoside equivalents 100 g−1. Statistically significant variances in all three measures were found between varieties. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transformed mid‐infrared spectroscopy was found to provide a rapid assessment of the phytochemical composition of the samples. Partial least squares discriminant analysis was able to classify samples by growing year with reasonable accuracy (>87%). There is significant variation in the antioxidant, phenolic, and anthocyanin contents between Australian faba bean varieties. Mid‐infrared spectroscopy may prove to be a valuable screening tool for breeders and researchers in the future.
Hydrologic controls on CO2 chemistry and flux in subtropical lagoonal estuaries of the northwestern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Yao Hongming , McCutcheon Melissa R. , Staryk Cory J. , Hu Xinping
Published: January 2020

Estuaries are generally considered a source of CO2 to the atmosphere, although with significant uncertainties in magnitude and controlling factors between and within estuaries. We studied four northwestern Gulf of Mexico estuaries that experience extreme hydrologic conditions between April 2014 and February 2017 to determine the role of dry/wet cycle on estuarine CO2 system. Annual air–water CO2 flux ranged from 2.7 to 35.9 mol·C·m−2·yr−1; CO2 flux declined by approximately an order of magnitude along with declining river discharge. Episodic flooding made CO2 flux differ between dry (−0.7 to 20.9 mmol·C·m−2·d−1) and wet (11.6–170.0 mmol·C·m–2·d–1) conditions. During wet condition, increases in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and total alkalinity (TA) significantly elevated CO2 degassing. Furthermore, ventilation of river‐borne CO2 strengthened degassing when estuaries became overwhelmingly river‐dominated. During flood relaxation, all estuaries experienced heightened productivity, evidenced by DIC and TA consumption in the mid‐salinity range (10–30). When prolonged drought led to hypersalinity (>36.5), biogeochemical and evaporative effects enhanced DIC and TA consumption and CO2 degassing. Due to flooding and high wind speeds, these estuaries were a strong CO2 source during spring and summer. Then they transitioned to a weak CO2 source or sink during the fall. Low temperatures further depressed CO2 efflux during winter except when a pulse of freshwater input occurred. This study demonstrates that changes in the hydrologic condition of estuaries, such as dry/wet cycle and river discharge gradient, will greatly alter air–water CO2 flux and estuarine contribution to the global carbon budget.
Impacts of deep‐sea mining on microbial ecosystem services
Authors: Orcutt Beth N. , Bradley James A. , Brazelton William J. , Estes Emily R. , Goordial Jacqueline M. , Huber Julie A. , Jones Rose M. , Mahmoudi Nagissa , Marlow Jeffrey J. , Murdock Sheryl , Pachiadaki Maria
Published: January 2020

Interest in extracting mineral resources from the seafloor through deep‐sea mining has accelerated in the past decade, driven by consumer demand for various metals like zinc, cobalt, and rare earth elements. While there are ongoing studies evaluating potential environmental impacts of deep‐sea mining activities, these focus primarily on impacts to animal biodiversity. The microscopic spectrum of seafloor life and the services that this life provides in the deep sea are rarely considered explicitly. In April 2018, scientists met to define the microbial ecosystem services that should be considered when assessing potential impacts of deep‐sea mining, and to provide recommendations for how to evaluate and safeguard these services. Here, we indicate that the potential impacts of mining on microbial ecosystem services in the deep sea vary substantially, from minimal expected impact to loss of services that cannot be remedied by protected area offsets. For example, we (1) describe potential major losses of microbial ecosystem services at active hydrothermal vent habitats impacted by mining, (2) speculate that there could be major ecosystem service degradation at inactive massive sulfide deposits without extensive mitigation efforts, (3) suggest minor impacts to carbon sequestration within manganese nodule fields coupled with potentially important impacts to primary production capacity, and (4) surmise that assessment of impacts to microbial ecosystem services at seamounts with ferromanganese crusts is too poorly understood to be definitive. We conclude by recommending that baseline assessments of microbial diversity, biomass, and, importantly, biogeochemical function need to be considered in environmental impact assessments of deep‐sea mining.
Influence of shallow and deep cryogenic treatment on the corrosion behavior of Ti6Al4V alloy in isotonic solution
Authors: Öteyaka Mustafa Ö. , Çakır Fatih Hayati , Çelik Osman N.
Published: January 2020

This study investigated the corrosion behavior of cryogenically treated Ti6Al4V alloys in an isotonic solution. Samples were subjected to shallow or deep cryogenic treatment, and some samples then underwent an aging procedure. They were characterized by microstructural analysis, an open circuit potential test, an electrochemical impedance method, and a potentiodynamic test. The polarization tests demonstrated that the deep cryogenic treatment shifted the corrosion potential to more anodic values compared to the untreated sample. For all treated samples, it was found that the corrosion current densities were lower than those in the untreated sample, and the lowest current densities were registered for the sample subjected to deep cryogenic treatment for 36 hr. The shallow cryogenic treated samples and the sample aged without cryogenic treatment showed semicapacitive loops with poor corrosion impedance compared to the untreated sample, whereas deep cryogenic treatment produced Warburg impedance with diffusion in the solid phase.
MASS SPECTROMETRY FOR A HOLISTIC VIEW OF NATURAL EXTRACTS OF PHYTOTHERAPEUTIC INTEREST
Authors: Moracci Laura , Traldi Pietro , Agostini Marco
Published: January 2020

In the study of natural products new strategies which favor a holistic approach, integrating the traditional reductionist methods usually employed, have been proposed. In this frame, the studies carried out by us in the last decade show that fingerprints, mainly obtained by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS), lead to the characterization of natural extracts from different botanical species but also of phytotherapeutic products constituted by mixtures of extracts from different plants. Laser desorption ionization and matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization techniques were also employed and by the use of different matrices some complementary results were achieved. Results obtained by standard spectrophotometric and liquid chromatography methods were compared with those achieved by direct infusion of the extract in ESI‐MS conditions, indicating an excellent agreement between the two approaches. The findings of these researches were considered in the frame of complex systems theory, investigating how relationships between a system's parts can give rise to its collective behaviors and how the system interacts and forms relationships with its environment. In this view, the peculiar pharmacological behavior of biologically active natural compounds can be justified by the occurrence of molecular interactions due to the high complexity of the natural matrix. Some of these interactions have been widely studied in the case of green tea extracts (GTEs) proving unequivocally the presence of caffeine/catechin complexes in GTE samples. The presence of bimolecular complexes has been observed also in the case of Ceylon tea and Mate extracts. These data indicate that the formation of complexes in natural extracts is a common behavior and their presence must be considered in the description of natural extracts and, consequently, in their biological activity. ©2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Mass Spec Rev
An efficient multistep iteration scheme for systems of nonlinear algebraic equations associated with integral equations
Authors: Seif Yaser , Lotfi Taher
Published: January 2020

The aim of this research is to present a new iterative procedure in approximating nonlinear system of algebraic equations with applications in integral equations as well as partial differential equations (PDEs). The presented scheme consists of several steps to reach a high rate of convergence and also an improved index of efficiency. The theoretical parts are furnished, and several computational tests mainly arising from practical problems are given to manifest its applicability.
The testis‐specific gene 1700102P08Rik is essential for male fertility
Authors: Wu Xiao‐Long , Yun Da‐Min , Gao Sheng , Liang A‐Juan , Duan Zheng‐Zheng , Wang Han‐Shu , Wang Gui‐Shuan , Sun Fei
Published: January 2020

Male infertility is a rising problem around the world. Often the cause of male infertility is unclear, and this hampers diagnosis and treatment. Spermatogenesis is a complex process under sophisticated regulation by many testis‐specific genes. Here, we report the testis‐specific gene 1700102P08Rik is conserved in both the human and mouse and highly expressed in spermatocytes. To investigate the role of 1700102P08Rik in male fertility, knockout mice were generated by CRISPR‐Cas9. 1700102P08Rik knockout male mice were infertile with smaller testis and epididymis, but female knockout mice retained normal fertility. Spermatogenesis in the 1700102P08Rik knockout male mouse was arrested at the spermatocyte stage, and no sperm were found in the epididymis. The deletion of 1700102P08Rik causes apoptosis in the testis but did not affect the serum concentration of testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle‐stimulating hormone or the synapsis and recombination of homologous chromosomes. We also found that 1700102P08Rik is downregulated in spermatocyte arrest in men. Together, these results indicate that the 1700102P08Rik gene is essential for spermatogenesis and its dysfunction leads to male infertility.
Does Medicare Coverage Improve Cancer Detection and Mortality Outcomes?
Authors: Myerson Rebecca M. , Tucker‐Seeley Reginald D. , Goldman Dana P. , Lakdawalla Darius N.
Published: January 2020

Medicare is a large government health insurance program in the United States that covers about 60 million people. This paper analyzes the effects of Medicare insurance on health for a group of people in urgent need of medical care: people with cancer. We used a regression discontinuity design to assess impacts of near‐universal Medicare insurance at age 65 on cancer detection and outcomes, using population‐based cancer registries and vital statistics data. Our analysis focused on the three tumor sites for which screening is recommended both before and after age 65: breast, colorectal, and lung cancer. At age 65, cancer detection increased by 72 per 100,000 population among women and 33 per 100,000 population among men; cancer mortality also decreased by nine per 100,000 population for women but did not significantly change for men. In a placebo check, we found no comparable changes at age 65 in Canada. This study provides the first evidence to our knowledge that near‐universal access to Medicare at age 65 is associated with improvements in population‐level cancer mortality.
Pattern of loco‐regional relapses and treatment in pediatric esthesioneuroblastoma: The French very rare tumors group (Fracture) contribution
Authors: Dumont Benoît , Fresneau Brice , Claude Line , Defachelles Anne‐Sophie , Couloigner Vincent , Puget Stéphanie , Brisse Hervé J , Fréneaux Paul , Lacour Brigitte , Orbach Daniel
Published: January 2020

Background

Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) is a rare neuroectodermal tumor that seldom occurs during childhood. Multimodal treatments are currently proposed, but the place of each therapy is still in debate. Our objective is to describe clinical evolution, especially the pattern of relapses and determine contributors to tumor progression.

Procedure

Medical charts of all children (≤18 years) affected by ENB treated in France from January 1990 to December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Eighteen patients were selected (10 males). Median age at diagnosis was 12.2 years (0.9‐18). Tumor extension was Kadish stage A (n = 1), B (n = 3), C (n = 10), and D (n = 4). Hyams histological grades were I (n = 1), II (n = 3), III (n = 6), and IV (n = 6) (in two cases not defined). Initial cervical nodal spread was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (n = 15), computed tomography scan (n = 16), fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (n = 7), and cytological/histological analysis (n = 2). N1 stage was confirmed by imaging in two of 18 cases and one of two cases had cervical node dissection with neck irradiation (58 Gy). After a median follow‐up of survivors of 7.6 years (3.8‐17.9), 10 patients developed neuromeningeal progression, whereas no cervical nodal relapse occurred and only eight survived. Both 5‐year overall and event‐free survival rates were 44.4% (±11.7%).

Conclusions

The poor prognosis is mainly related to neuromeningeal dissemination that should be considered during treatment strategy. However, cervical lymph node relapse is rare.
Revisiting the genotype‐phenotype correlation in children with medullary thyroid carcinoma: A report from the GPOH‐MET registry
Authors: Kuhlen Michaela , Frühwald Michael C. , Dunstheimer Désirée P. A. , Vorwerk Peter , Redlich Antje
Published: January 2020

Background

Medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTC) account for 3% to 5% of all thyroid cancers. In most cases, MTC is hereditary and occurs as part of the multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 2A and 2B syndromes. There is a strong genotype‐phenotype correlation associated with the respective RET mutations, making risk‐adapted management possible.

Procedure

We report the prospectively collected data on children and adolescents of the multicenter nonrandomized German GPOH‐MET registry. Children and adolescents with MTC and C‐cell hyperplasia (CCH) were included.

Results

From 1997 to June 2019, a total of 57 patients with MTC and 17 with CCH were reported. In patients with MTC, median follow‐up was five years (range, 0‐19) and median age at diagnosis 10 years (range, 0‐17). Overall survival and event‐free survival (EFS) were 87% and 52%, respectively. In total 96.4% of patients were affected by MEN2 syndromes, which was in 37/42 MEN2A and 3/28 MEN2B (M918T mutation) inherited. EFS in MEN2A was 78%, and in MEN2B 38% (P < 0.001). In multivariate analyses, lymph node (LN) status and postoperatively elevated calcitonin were significant prognostic factors for EFS. Notably, modest‐risk mutation carriers presented with MTC at a rather young age, without raised calcitonin, and LN metastases.

Conclusions

Identification of children carrying de novo RET M918T mutations by means of the characteristic phenotype is crucial to detect MTC at an early stage, which will be associated with improved survival. As calcitonin levels may be false‐negative and modest‐risk mutation carriers present with a variable phenotype, particular attention should be paid to these children.
Management of childhood aplastic anemia following liver transplantation for nonviral hepatitis: A French survey
Authors: Delehaye Fanny , Habes Dalila , Dourthe Marie‐Emilie , Bertrand Yves , Michel Gerard , Gaudichon Jérémie , Debray Dominique , Nelken Brigitte , Pasquet Marlène , Blanche Stéphane , Leblanc Thierry
Published: January 2020

Background

Hepatitis‐associated aplastic anemia (AA) is a rare syndrome combining acute hepatitis of variable severity and AA. Hepatitis may be severe enough to require urgent liver transplantation (LT). Herein, we describe clinical presentation and management of a cohort of pediatric patients diagnosed with AA after undergoing LT for nonviral hepatitis.

Methods

To describe this rare clinical situation, we performed a national survey and identified nine children treated for AA following LT during the last 10 years in France.

Results

All patients were treated first for hepatic failure with urgent LT. AA was diagnosed with a median delay of 34 days [21‐200] from the diagnosis of hepatitis. Seven children were treated with antithymocyte globulin/cyclosporine, one with CSA alone and one received bone marrow transplantation. At the last visit (median follow‐up: 4 years), outcomes were excellent: all patients were alive and in hematological remission (complete remission: 7; partial remission: 2). Immunosuppressive therapy was pursued in all patients due to the liver transplant. No unusual toxicities were reported.

Conclusion

AA after LT is considered a therapeutic challenge. Nevertheless, hematological outcome is good using a standard immunosuppressive approach.
Experimental investigation into the fabrication of green body developed by micro‐extrusion‐based 3D printing process
Authors: Mishra Dipesh K. , Pandey Pulak M.
Published: January 2020

In the present work, a micro‐extrusion‐based three‐dimensional (3D) printing process has been used to fabricate a metal‐polymer‐based green body. The fabricated parts consisted of carbonyl iron particles with a binder (polylactic acid) and a solvent mixture. From the pilot experiments, it was found that the process parameters, namely, Fe loading, layer thickness,and infill density, affect the green density, shrinkage, and surface roughness of the fabricated part. Moreover, to develop a statistical model with significant factors, experiments were performed based on the design of the experiment using a central composite design method. The experimental results revealed that green density and surface roughness of 3D printed parts increased with the increase in Fe loading and infill density. On the contrary, the shrinkage in the fabricated part decreased with an increase in Fe loading and increased with the rise in infill density. Further, with an increase in layer thickness, the green density decreased while shrinkage and roughness were observed to increase. To verify the accuracy of the developed model, confirmation experiments were also performed at the optimum set of process parameters obtained by the genetic algorithm optimization technique.
Effects of the addition of ultrasound‐pulsed gelatin to chitosan on physicochemical and antioxidant properties of casting films
Authors: Cuevas‐Acuña Dulce Alondra , Ruiz‐Cruz Saul , Arias‐Moscoso Joe Luis , Lopez‐Mata Marco Antonio , Zamudio‐Flores Paul Baruk , Burruel‐Ibarra Silvia Elena , del Carmen Santacruz‐Ortega Hisila
Published: January 2020

This study investigated the performance of chitosan based films with added, high‐intensity ultrasound‐pulsed, gelatins (42, 52, 71 and 84 W cm−2). The mechanical, structural, chemical and antioxidant properties were investigated, to evaluate the potential of ultrasound as a technique to improve film properties. The tensile strength and elastic modulus of films containing ultrasound‐pulsed gelatins showed a significant increase, while the elongation parameter showed a significant decrease. Micrographs showed that all films presented agglomerations. The infrared spectra of the films displayed characteristic shifts in the chitosan and gelatin spectra, which may be the result of hydrogen bridge interactions and electrostatic interactions between the two polymers. The antioxidant capacity was analyzed through the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and the 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assay of films and showed that gelatins treated with higher acoustic intensity had improved antioxidant capacity. High‐intensity ultrasound‐treated gelatin enhanced the strength, elasticity and antioxidant properties of the chitosan based films. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Factorial design optimization of polystyrene microspheres obtained by aqueous dispersion polymerization in the presence of poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline) reactive stabilizer
Authors: Iordache Tanta‐Verona , Banu Nicoleta D , Giol Elena D , Vuluga Dumitru M , Jerca Florica A , Jerca Valentin V
Published: January 2020

The present study highlights the use of statistical design to establish an effective model for the synthesis of polystyrene microspheres by aqueous dispersion polymerization using poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline) reactive stabilizer. The significant parameters (e.g. solvent polarity, stabilizer and initiator concentration) influencing the characteristic responses of the process such as yield, particle size and size distribution, as well as the interactions between the variables, were identified. The macromonomer concentration and solvent polarity influence both particle size and size distribution, whereas initiator concentration influences the yield. Analysis of the variance of process variables indicates that the models can be successfully used to describe the dispersion polymerization process. Moreover, the factorial design allows the development of microspheres with optimal properties with respect to size and size distribution. The experimental data regarding yield, particle size and size distribution of the optimized dispersion polymerization shows less than 7% difference compared with the predicted responses. In view of these results, the implementation of statistical design models represents an efficient solution for optimizing microparticle synthesis while aiming for industrial applications. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessment in deaf education: Perspectives and experiences linking it all together
Authors: Neild Raschelle , Diane Clark M.
Published: January 2020

This article serves as an overview and introduction to the topics within the Special Issue: Deaf Education Assessment. This issue strives to establish the recognition of the importance of continued dialogue among stakeholders to support the diverse needs of Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students as it relates to assessments. The articles recognize that academic success in all areas and performance on assessments is related to many complex factors and variables. These are significant factors that influence the assessments of DHH and how those involved in the assessment process need to consider each of the factors. Deaf students are assessed for various reasons and numerous individuals look at the results to determine success, progress, additional disabilities, or interests.
Nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization of methacryloisobutyl POSS and its block copolymers with poly(n‐acryloylmorpholine)
Authors: Ullah Asad , Shah Syed M. , Hassan Abbas , Maric Milan , Hussain Hazrat
Published: January 2020

Nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization (NMP) of the bulky methacryloisobutyl‐polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS‐MA) is successfully achieved after optimizing reaction conditions such as selection of controlling comonomer, comonomer feed molar ratio, and temperature (10 mol % styrene (S) comonomer at 110 °C using the commercially available BlocBuilder as the NMP initiator). The P(POSS‐MA‐co‐S) with a molecular weight of ~8000 g/mol and dispersity Ð–1.2 is afforded under the optimized reaction conditions. The chain‐end fidelity is verified by chain extension experiments with N‐acryloyl morpholine (ACM) via NMP that produces well‐defined amphiphilic hybrid P(POSS‐MA‐co‐S)‐b‐P(ACM)x block copolymers, where the subscript “x” represents the degree of polymerization of (ACM) block (182 < x < 695). The size exclusion chromatography (SEC) of the as‐synthesized samples reveals the presence of some dead P(POSS‐MA‐co‐S) chains that could be removed by a simple purification step. Kinetic investigations reveal a first‐order kinetics for the polymerization of ACM using P(POSS‐MA‐co‐S) as the macroinitiator under NMP conditions. The kinetic and SEC data confirms the controlled nature of the NMP of ACM. Being amphiphilic, the formed P(POSS‐MA‐co‐S)‐b‐P(ACM)x block copolymers self‐assembled in aqueous solution as revealed by the fluorescence spectroscopy experiments with pyrene as the probe for determination of the critical micelle concentration and dynamic light scattering studies. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. 2020, 58, 428–437