bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental fusion of different versions of the total laboratory automation system and improvement of laboratory turnaround time
Authors: Chung Hee‐Jung , Song Yoon Kyung , Hwang Sang‐Hyun , Lee Do Hoon , Sugiura Tetsuro
Published: February 2018

Background

Use of total laboratory automation (TLA) system has expanded to microbiology and hemostasis and upgraded to second and third generations. We herein report the first successful upgrades and fusion of different versions of the TLA system, thus improving laboratory turnaround time (TAT).

Methods

A 21‐day schedule was planned from the time of pre‐meeting to installation and clinical sample application. We analyzed the monthly TAT in each menu, distribution of the “out of range for acceptable TAT” samples, and “prolonged time out of acceptable TAT,” before and after the upgrade and fusion.

Results

We installed and customized hardware, middleware, and software. The one‐way CliniLog 2.0 version track, 50.0‐m long, was changed to a 23.2‐m long one‐way 2.0 version and an 18.7‐m long two‐way 4.0 version. The monthly TAT in the outpatient samples, before and after upgrading the TLA system, were uniformly satisfactory in the chemistry and viral marker menus. However, in the tumor marker menu, the target TAT (98.0% of samples ≤60 minutes) was not satisfied during the familiarization period. There was no significant difference in the proportion of “out of acceptable TAT” samples, before and after the TLA system upgrades (7.4‰ and 8.5‰). However, the mean “prolonged time out of acceptable TAT” in the chemistry samples was significantly shortened to 17.4 (±24.0) minutes after the fusion, from 34.5 (±43.4) minutes.

Conclusions

Despite experimental challenges, a fusion of the TLA system shortened the “prolonged time out of acceptable TAT,” indicating a distribution change in overall TAT.
Relationship of hope, sense of community, and quality of life
Authors: Stevens Ed , Guerrero Mayra , Green Austin , Jason Leonard A.
Published: February 2018

This study examined the role of hope and community in achieving and/or maintaining a successful recovery, and their relationships to quality of life for individuals in recovery. The sample included 229 participants in 42 Oxford House sober living homes in 3 locations in the United States. In this cross‐sectional investigation, we assessed whether hope and sense of community were predictors of quality of life for individuals living in recovery homes. Findings indicated that both hope and sense of community were predictors supporting contextual as well as individual characteristics as possible influences on recovery trajectories. These findings have implications for both individual and systems‐level resource or competency‐based interventions, and they suggest one of the important functions of a recovery residence is in the creation of a sense of community.
Is Being Emotionally Inexpressive Cool?
Authors: Warren Caleb , Pezzuti Todd , Koley Shruti
Published: February 2018

Despite a recognition that consumers want to be cool and value cool brands, the literature has only just begun to delineate what makes things cool. Writing by scholars, quotes by celebrities, and norms in fashion advertising are consistent with the view that people become cool by being emotionally inexpressive. The relationship between emotional expression and coolness, however, has not been empirically tested. Our research uses an experimental approach to examine whether being emotionally inexpressive makes people seem more or less cool than smiling. In contrast to the belief that being inexpressive is cool, we find that in noncompetitive contexts—an endorser in a clothing advertisement and an athlete interacting with fans—being inexpressive makes people seem cold rather than cool. On the other hand, in competitive contexts—such as an athlete facing his opponent—being inexpressive makes people seem cool by making them appear dominant. Our results have important implications for marketers, advertisers, and consumers trying to cultivate a cool image.
Sarcopenia as a comorbidity‐independent predictor of survival following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer
Authors: Mayr Roman , Gierth Michael , Zeman Florian , Reiffen Marieke , Seeger Philipp , Wezel Felix , Pycha Armin , Comploj Evi , Bonatti Matteo , Ritter Manuel , van Rhijn Bas W.G. , Burger Maximilian , Bolenz Christian , Fritsche Hans‐Martin , Martini Thomas
Published: February 2018

Background

A multicentre study was conducted to investigate the impact of sarcopenia as an independent predictor of oncological outcome after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.

Methods

In total, 500 patients with available digital computed tomography scans of the abdomen obtained within 90 days before surgery were identified. The lumbar skeletal muscle index was measured using pre‐operative computed tomography. Cancer‐specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan–Meier curves. Predictors of CSS and OS were analysed by univariable and multivariable Cox regression models.

Results

Based on skeletal muscle index, 189 patients (37.8%) were classified as sarcopenic. Patients with sarcopenia were older compared with their counterparts (P = 0.002), but both groups were comparable regarding to gender, comorbidity, tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) stage, and type of urinary diversion (all P > 0.05). In total, 234 (46.8%) patients died, and of these, 145 (29.0%) died because of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. Sarcopenic patients had significantly worse 5 year OS (38.3% vs. 50.5%; P = 0.002) and 5 year CSS (49.5% vs. 62.3%; P = 0.016) rates compared with patients without sarcopenia. Moreover, sarcopenia was associated independently with both increased all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.43; 95% confidence interval 1.09–1.87; P = 0.01) and increased cancer‐specific mortality (hazard ratio, 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.00–2.02; P = 0.048). Our results are limited by the lack of prospective frailty assessment.

Conclusions

Sarcopenia has been shown to be an independent predictor for OS and CSS in a large multicentre study with patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.
How does the curvature of the upper beak bone reflect the overlying rhinotheca morphology?
Authors: Urano Yukine , Tanoue Kyo , Matsumoto Ryoko , Kawabe Soichiro , Ohashi Tomoyuki , Fujiwara Shin‐ichi
Published: February 2018

The beak has independently been evolved accompanied by the edentulism in many tetrapod linages, including extant Testudinata and Aves, and its form and function have been greatly diversified. The beak is formed by beak bones and the overlying keratinous cover, although their profiles are different from each other. Therefore, it is difficult to reliably reconstruct the entire profile of the beak in extinct taxa, whose keratinous tissues are rarely preserved. For elucidation of the morphological relationship between beak bone and overlying keratinous cover, we compared the curvature distribution of the culminal profiles of the upper beak bone and the overlying keratinous cover (rhinotheca) with each other using CT‐scan, in 66 extant testudinatan and avian specimens (Aves: 33 genera, 24 families; Testudinata: 12 genera seven families). In both, rhinotheca and beak bone, the curvature of the profile was nearly constant rostral to a certain point, which was defined as the transition point, and the transition points of the rhinotheca and beak bone were close to each other. The profiles of the rhinotheca and beak bone rostral to their transition point were different in curvature and length. However, the ratio between the curvatures of rhinotheca and the beak bone strongly correlated with the arc angle of the rostral culminal profiles of the beak bone. The upper beak profile in extinct taxa is expected to be reconstructed more reliably using the abovementioned relationship between the beak bone and the rhinotheca.
Dissipation behaviour and dietary risk assessment of boscalid, triflumizole and its metabolite (FM‐6‐1) in open‐field cucumber based on QuEChERS using HPLC–MS/MS technique
Authors: Niu Jinghua , Hu Jiye
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

To resist plant diseases, boscalid and triflumizole have been applied to cucumbers frequently. However, the residue and dietary risk assessment of these fungicides in cucumber should be given attention for food safety.

RESULTS

An effective and highly sensitive method based on the liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry technique for simultaneous multidetermination of boscalid, triflumizole and its metabolite (FM‐6‐1) in a cucumber ecosystem was established and validated. Field experiments were conducted in three different locations, where boscalid and triflumizole (35% suspension concentration) were applied at 253 g of active ingredient (a.i.) per hectare (the recommended high dosage) and 379.5 g a.i. ha–1 (1.5 times the recommended high dosage) in each location. The limits of quantification and the limits of detection of the proposed method ranged from 0.01 to 0.05 mg kg–1 and 3.9 × 10−5 to 7.5 × 10−4 mg L–1 respectively. The mean recoveries and relative standard deviations of these compounds were 80–105% and 1.0–6.1% respectively. The dissipation dynamics of compounds followed pseudo‐first‐order kinetic models remarkably, with a half‐value period of 2.3–40.8 days. The residues of boscalid and triflumizole in cucumber at harvest were below 0.66 mg kg–1 and 0.07 mg kg–1 respectively. The results of the dietary risk assessments have shown a low dietary risk of compounds in cucumber with hazard ratios <1 and hazard index <1.

CONCLUSION

These results from the experiments are the most important for putting a guide on reasonable usage of these fungicides under the open‐field conditions in China. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Injuries to the Collateral Ligaments of the Metacarpophalangeal and Interphalangeal Joints: Sonographic Appearance
Authors: Draghi Ferdinando , Gitto Salvatore , Bianchi Stefano
Published: February 2018

Injuries to the collateral ligaments of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and interphalangeal (IP) joints are commonly encountered in both athletes and nonathletes. They require prompt evaluation to ensure proper management and prevent loss of joint motion and permanent disability. Imaging is often required to confirm the diagnosis and assess injury severity. This review article aims to provide physicians with guidelines for sonographic assessment of the collateral ligaments of the MCP and IP and related injuries. Sonographic features of ligament injuries ranging from sprains and partial‐thickness tears to full‐thickness tears are described. Specific lesions of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb MCP joint, such as gamekeeper's thumb, skier's thumb, and Stener lesions, are also included. In conclusion, sonography is effective in evaluating the collateral ligaments of the MCP and IP joints and related injuries and represents a valuable tool for diagnosis.
Early Transient Prenatal Ultrasound Features of Choanal Atresia
Authors: Bronshtein Moshe , Leibovitz Zvi , Laham Gaby , Egenburg Sandro , Wolman Igal , Bardin Ron
Published: February 2018

We present a case series of early second‐trimester prenatal ultrasound (US) features in 4 fetuses with a confirmed diagnosis of choanal atresia. The clinical characteristics and outcomes evaluated included prenatal US findings, genetic analyses, postmortem autopsies (2 cases), and computed tomographic findings. A transient large nasal cavity was detected by US in all 4 fetuses. This finding disappeared a few weeks later. Three cases were unilateral choanal atresia, and 1 was bilateral. Transient enlargement of the nasal cavity in early pregnancy appears to be a US sign of choanal atresia.
Vegetation and predator interactions affect northern bobwhite behavior
Authors: McGrath Diana J. , Terhune Theron M. , Martin James A.
Published: February 2018

Anti‐predator behavior can be costly to prey species and the consequences of these decisions may affect survival. Interactions between humans and hunted species can lead to behavioral shifts in the animal that affect hunter satisfaction and possibly fitness of the animals. We assessed the influence of multiple factors that may affect anti‐predator behavior in a commonly harvested game bird, the northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), during October 2013–March 2015 on a private plantation in South Carolina, USA. We monitored bobwhite‐hunter interactions during hunting events (n = 40) using radio‐telemetry and behavioral observations. We investigated bobwhite anti‐predator behavior in 2 contexts, choice of evasive tactic and timing of tactic deployment (i.e., level of wariness), using a combination of linear regression and multinomial models in a Bayesian framework. Our results indicate the approach style of the hunter (i.e., pointing dog) and vegetation density affect the evasive tactic used. Dense vegetation at 0.6 m above ground height promoted hiding behavior of bobwhites, whereas approaching pointing dogs (i.e., not holding point) promoted flushing. Also, dense vegetation at 0.3 m above ground height and previous exposure to a discharged firearm elicited an earlier anti‐predator response. Our results imply that bobwhites make context‐specific decisions regarding hunter evasion, which may be a result of associative learning. Managers may be able to increase bobwhite‐hunter encounters and improve hunter satisfaction by maintaining vegetation structure between 0.6 and 1.3 m to promote hiding behavior throughout the hunting season. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Osseointegrated implants for auricular prostheses: An alternative to autologous repair
Authors: Ryan Marisa A. , Khoury Tawfiq , Kaylie David M. , Crowson Matthew G. , Brown C. Scott , McClennen Jay , Raynor Eileen M.
Published: February 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

This study compares the hospital cost of osseointegrated implants for retention of an auricular prosthesis to autologous ear reconstruction.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Methods

This study includes patients who underwent reconstruction for either congenital or acquired ear defects at Duke University Medical Center during 2009 to 2015.

Results

A total of nine patients had autologous repair representing nine operative ears, and 16 patients had an osseointegrated implant representing 18 operative ears (two bilateral). The average age for the autologous repair was 11.6 years with 56% male versus 40.7 years with 56% male for the osseointegrated implant patients. For autologous patients, indications for surgery were anotia/microtia in 8/9 (89%) and trauma in 1/9 (11%) versus 6/16 (387.5%) anotia/microtia, 8/16 (50%) cancer, and 2/16 (132.5%) trauma in the osseointegrated implant group. The mean number of surgeries was 3.1 for autologous repairs and 1.0 for osseointegrated repairs (mean difference confidence interval [CI]: −2.4 to −1.8,P < .001). The average cost to the hospital for an osseointegrated repair was $6,491.39 versus $10,047.93 for autologous repairs (CI: $6,496.38 to $−616.68,P = .02)

Conclusions

Osseointegrated implants for retaining an auricular prosthesis has a similar cost to autologous repair of ear defects, but patients underwent an average of two more surgeries with autologous repair. Patients should be able to choose the reconstruction option that best suits their condition and preferences.

Level of Evidence

4.Laryngoscope, 128:2153–2156, 2018
Long‐term variability of nutrient and dissolved organic matter concentrations in Tokyo Bay between 1989 and 2015
Authors: Kubo Atsushi , Hashihama Fuminori , Kanda Jota , Horimoto‐Miyazaki Naho , Ishimaru Takashi
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Tokyo Bay is surrounded by a growing urban metropolis and has experienced varying levels of water quality over time. Vertical profiles of nutrients and chlorophyll a (Chl a) were obtained monthly from 1989 to 2015 at two sampling stations located in the center of Tokyo Bay. From 2006 to 2015, profiles of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) and phosphorus were also obtained. Mann–Kendall trend analysis was used to establish the significance of the long‐term trends for all parameters. Water‐column integrated nutrient concentrations showed significant decreases at both stations, except for integrated phosphate concentration at one station. Water‐column integrated Chl a concentration also decreased, indicating that active nutrient consumption due to an increase in primary production was not responsible for the declining nutrient concentrations. Rather, the decreases reflect the reduced loading of nutrients into the bay due to the implementation of advanced wastewater treatment techniques. Phosphate concentrations in the surface waters of Tokyo Bay were frequently below detection limits during spring and summer after 2000. During the 10‐yr period following 2006, dissolved organic phosphorus concentrations decreased significantly at the surface at both stations, whereas DON concentrations did not change significantly. The ratios of total dissolved nitrogen to total dissolved phosphorus in the surface waters were much higher than the Redfield ratio for both stations, and these ratios increased significantly during the most recent decade. Continued declines in total dissolved phosphorus concentration could strengthen phosphorus limitation of primary production in Tokyo Bay.
Fibroblast growth factor 21 is an early predictor of acute‐on‐chronic liver failure in critically ill patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Ruiz‐Margáin Astrid , Pohlmann Alessandra , Ryan Patrick , Schierwagen Robert , Chi‐Cervera Luis A. , Jansen Christian , Mendez‐Guerrero Osvely , Flores‐García Nayelli C. , Lehmann Jennifer , Torre Aldo , Macías‐Rodríguez Ricardo Ulises , Trebicka Jonel
Published: February 2018

Acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) develops in acute decompensation (AD) of cirrhosis and shows high mortality. In critically ill patients, early diagnosis of ACLF could be important for therapeutic decisions (eg, renal replacement, artificial liver support, liver transplantation). This study evaluated fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) as a marker of mitochondrial dysfunction in the context of ACLF. The study included 154 individuals (112 critically patients and 42 healthy controls) divided into a training and a validation cohort. In the training cohort of 42 healthy controls and 34 critically ill patients (of whom 24 were patients with cirrhosis), levels of FGF21, interleukin (IL) 6, and IL8 were measured. In the validation cohort of 78 patients with cirrhosis, 17 patients were admitted with or developed ACLF during follow‐up and underwent daily clinical and nutritional assessment. Levels of FGF21 were higher in critically ill patients, especially in patients with cirrhosis admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Moreover, FGF21 as well as IL6 and IL8 levels were higher in patients with ACLF, but they did not increase with the severity of ACLF. Interestingly, in the validation cohort, FGF21 was also elevated in the patients who developed ACLF in the next 7 days. In these patients, FGF21 levels were an independent predictor of ACLF presence and development in multivariate analysis together with Child‐Pugh score. FGF21 levels had no impact on the survival of critically ill patients with cirrhosis. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that FGF21 levels are of specific diagnostic value regarding the presence and development of ACLF in patients admitted to ICU for AD of liver cirrhosis. Further studies are warranted to address pathophysiological and possible therapeutic implications. Liver Transplantation 24 595–605 2018 AASLD.
Targeted Gastrointestinal Delivery of Nutraceuticals with Polysaccharide‐Based Coatings
Authors: Sampathkumar Kaarunya , Loo Say Chye Joachim
Published: February 2018

Oral delivery is one of the facile methods for the administration of active ingredients (AIs) like nutraceuticals and drugs. However, its intrinsic disadvantages include poor absorption and bioavailability, degradation of the AI during transit through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and a lack of action specificity. Hence, a delivery system for targeted gastrointestinal delivery of AI using polysaccharide‐based polymers, that are generally recognized as safe and approved for use as a direct food additive, is proposed. In this regard, mucoadhesive chitosan nanoparticles that could adhere to the mucosa of the GIT are fabricated and encapsulated with AI. These particles are subsequently coated with polysaccharides that have different enzymatic susceptibilities, to allow for specific degradation in the small or large intestines. It is observed that the polysaccharide coating efficiently retarded the nonspecific release of the encapsulated agent until it is exposed to its intended environment of release. The cytotoxicity and uptake of chitosan nanoparticles is further evaluated on Caco2 cells. In conclusion, these polysaccharide‐coated nanoparticles can potentially be targeted to different organs in the GIT and to be taken up by the enterocytes for improved oral bioavailability.
Unexpected Rheology of Polydimethylsiloxane Liquid Blends
Authors: Villani Vincenzo , Lavallata Vito
Published: February 2018

The rheological behaviour of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) liquid blends has been investigated both in rotational and oscillating mode. Liquid silicone rubbers based on PDMS at low, medium, and high viscosity have been used for low/high or medium/high liquid blends. The flow, viscosity, creep, and stress‐relaxation curves, strain‐spectra of temperature‐ or frequency‐sweep have been determined and the behaviour at slow shear rate investigated in detail. The low/high homologous blend shows an unexpected behaviour: the zero‐shear viscosity η0 is higher, the compliance J
0 lower and viscoelastic moduli G
0, G(t), G′(ω) and G″(ω) higher, with respect to the components and medium/high blend. Moreover, the blend viscosity η(T), G′(T), and G″(T) exhibits an anomalous decreasing trend. The Entanglement Swelling Tube (EST) model is proposed. The nanosized chains swelled the entanglement of the long ones by means of dipolar interactions Si
δ

+–O
δ

− in the sites between the blobs of the tube chains, where the free‐volume is highest. The linked entanglements are stabilized and the lifetime lengthened; the entanglement density increases at long deformation times. As the temperature rises, the anomalous behaviour is reduced due to the Entanglement Deswelling‐Solvation mechanism of short chains up to the transition to ordinary behaviour for T = 65 °C.
Atypical Presentation of Rapid‐onset Dystonia‐parkinsonism (DYT12) Unresponsive to Deep Brain Stimulation of the Subthalamic Nucleus
Authors: Weber Juliane , Piroth Tobias , Rijntjes Michel , Jung Bernhard , Reinacher Peter C. , Weiller Cornelius , Coenen Volker A. , Klebe Stephan
Published: February 2018

View Supplementary Video 1
Quality assurance tool for organ at risk delineation in radiation therapy using a parametric statistical approach
Authors: Hui Cheukkai B. , Nourzadeh Hamidreza , Watkins William T. , Trifiletti Daniel M. , Alonso Clayton E. , Dutta Sunil W. , Siebers Jeffrey V.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

To develop a quality assurance (QA) tool that identifies inaccurate organ at risk (OAR) delineations.

Methods

The QA tool computed volumetric features from prior OAR delineation data from 73 thoracic patients to construct a reference database. All volumetric features of the OAR delineation are computed in three‐dimensional space. Volumetric features of a new OAR are compared with respect to those in the reference database to discern delineation outliers. A multicriteria outlier detection system warns users of specific delineation outliers based on combinations of deviant features. Fifteen independent experimental sets including automatic, propagated, and clinically approved manual delineation sets were used for verification. The verification OARs included manipulations to mimic common errors. Three experts reviewed the experimental sets to identify and classify errors, first without; and then 1 week after with the QA tool.

Results

In the cohort of manual delineations with manual manipulations, the QA tool detected 94% of the mimicked errors. Overall, it detected 37% of the minor and 85% of the major errors. The QA tool improved reviewer error detection sensitivity from 61% to 68% for minor errors (P = 0.17), and from 78% to 87% for major errors (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

The QA tool assists users to detect potential delineation errors. QA tool integration into clinical procedures may reduce the frequency of inaccurate OAR delineation, and potentially improve safety and quality of radiation treatment planning.
Accelerating 3D‐T1ρ mapping of cartilage using compressed sensing with different sparse and low rank models
Authors: Zibetti Marcelo V.W. , Sharafi Azadeh , Otazo Ricardo , Regatte Ravinder R.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility of using compressed sensing (CS) to accelerate 3D‐T1ρ mapping of cartilage and to reduce total scan times without degrading the estimation of T1ρ relaxation times.

Methods

Fully sampled 3D‐T1ρ datasets were retrospectively undersampled by factors 2‐10. CS reconstruction using 12 different sparsifying transforms were compared, including finite differences, temporal and spatial wavelets, learned transforms using principal component analysis (PCA) and K‐means singular value decomposition (K‐SVD), explicit exponential models, low rank and low rank plus sparse models. Spatial filtering prior to T1ρ parameter estimation was also tested. Synthetic phantom (n = 6) and in vivo human knee cartilage datasets (n = 7) were included.

Results

Most CS methods performed satisfactorily for an acceleration factor (AF) of 2, with relative T1ρ error lower than 4.5%. Some sparsifying transforms, such as spatiotemporal finite difference (STFD), exponential dictionaries (EXP) and low rank combined with spatial finite difference (L+S SFD) significantly improved this performance, reaching average relative T1ρ error below 6.5% on T1ρ relaxation times with AF up to 10, when spatial filtering was used before T1ρ fitting, at the expense of smoothing the T1ρ maps. The STFD achieved 5.1% error at AF = 10 with spatial filtering prior to T1ρ fitting.

Conclusion

Accelerating 3D‐T1ρ mapping of cartilage with CS is feasible up to AF of 10 when using STFD, EXP or L+S SFD regularizers. These three best CS methods performed satisfactorily on synthetic phantom and in vivo knee cartilage for AFs up to 10, with T1ρ error of 6.5%.
Surgery nurses' telephone communication: a mixed methods study with a special focus on newcomers' calls
Authors: González‐Martínez Esther , Piotrowska Katarzyna , Sterie Anca‐Cristina , Vaucher Carla
Published: February 2018

Aims

The aim of this study was (i) to document the main features of surgery nurses' telephone calls, with a special focus on newcomers' calls; and (ii) to identify the main activities accomplished during the newcomers' calls.

Design

Mixed methods study.

Methods

We audio recorded telephone calls internal to the hospital in two surgery nursing stations. We performed statistical descriptive analysis of the total collection of calls and of those specifically involving the newcomers and compared both sets. We also performed conversation analysis‐based coding of the main activities accomplished during newcomers' calls.

Results

Surgery nurses' telephone calls are extremely brief, predominantly nurse initiated and take place with a wide range of interlocutors who, for the most part, use mobile phones. The newcomers' calls are only slightly longer, take place with a more limited, but still wide, range of interlocutors and are even more often nurse initiated. The main activities of newcomers' calls are requests and activities related to connecting relevant interlocutors.
Patients’ complaints regarding healthcare encounters and communication
Authors: Skär Lisa , Söderberg Siv
Published: February 2018

Aim

To explore patient‐reported complaints regarding communication and healthcare encounters and how these were responded to by healthcare professionals.

Design

A retrospective and descriptive design was used in a County Council in northern part of Sweden. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used.

Methods

The content of 587 patient‐reported complaints was included in the study. Descriptive statistical analysis and a deductive content analysis were used to investigate the content in the patient‐reported complaints.

Results

The results show that patients’ dissatisfaction with encounters and communication concerned all departments in the healthcare organization. Patients were most dissatisfied when they were not met in a professional manner. There were differences between genders, where women reported more complaints regarding their dissatisfaction with encounters and communication compared with men. Many of the answers on the patient‐reported complaints lack a personal apology and some of the patients failed to receive an answer to their complaints.
Chemical characterisation of Piper amalago (Piperaceae) essential oil by comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography coupled with rapid‐scanning quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC×GC/qMS) and their antilithiasic activity and acute toxicity
Authors: dos Santos Anaí L. , Novaes Antônio da Silva , Polidoro Allan dos S. , de Barros Márcio Eduardo , Mota Jonas S. , Lima Daiane B.M. , Krause Laiza C. , Cardoso Cláudia A.L. , Jacques Rosângela A. , Caramão Elina B.
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Piper amalago has a distribution from Mexico to Brazil; their aerial parts have been used in folk medicine to treat diuretic and kidney diseases.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to obtain a deeper understanding of the chemical composition of essential oils (EOs) extracted from both the leaves and stems of P. amalago, compare them, and evaluate their antilithiasic activity and acute toxicity.

Methodology

Extraction was performed by hydrodistillation, whereas chemical characterisation by two‐dimensional gas chromatography coupled with rapid‐scanning quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC×GC/qMS). The antilithiasic activity was evaluated by the effect of the EOs on calcium oxalate crystallisation in vitro. The turbidity index and the number of crystals formed were determined and used as an estimative of the activity. In the acute toxicity assay, the effects of a single oral dose of the EOs in Wistar rats were determined. General behaviour, adverse effects, and mortality were determined.

Results

A total of 322 compounds were identified in the EOs. The sesquiterpenes displayed the highest contribution in leaves EOs among which included bicyclogermacrene and δ‐cadinene. Sesquiterpenes and oxygenated sesquiterpenes displayed the highest contribution in EOs from stems, among which included bicyclogermacrene and α‐cadinol. The EOs demonstrated an excellent action on the crystals growth inhibition, and the oral dose tested did not induce significant changes in the parameters for acute toxicity.

Conclusion

The oils have a high chemical complexity, and there are differences between their compositions, which could explain the observed differences in antilithiasic activity. The findings support the use of this plant in folk medicine to treat kidney diseases.
One‐pot regioselective and stereoselective terpolymerization of rac‐lactide, CO2 and rac‐propylene oxide with TPPMCl (M = Cr, Co, Al)/PPNCl binary catalyst
Authors: Xie Dong , Yang Zixuan , Wu Lili , Zhang Chaocan , Chisholm Malcolm H
Published: February 2018

Tetraphenyl porphyrin metal compound (TPPMCl) (where the TPPMCl was TPPCrCl, TPPCoCl, TPPAlCl), in combination with cocatalyst PPNCl (bis(triphenylphosphine)iminium chloride, the molar ratio of TPPMCl to PPNCl was 1:0.5), was used to catalyze the polymerization of racemic lactide (rac‐LA) in racemic propylene oxide (rac‐PO) medium and the terpolymerization of rac‐LA, CO2 and rac‐PO. It was found that these TPPMCl/PPNCl binary catalysts could initiate the stereoselective polymerization of rac‐LA in rac‐PO medium to form enriched isotactic polylactide (PLA) (Pi ≥ 68.0%) and terpolymerization of CO2, rac‐LA, rac‐PO to form PPC‐PLA‐PPO (PPC, poly(propylene carbonate); PPO, poly(propylene oxide)) multiblock copolymer. In particular the PPC‐PLA‐PPO multiblock copolymer thus formed displayed high regioregularity and stereoregularity, and has high head‐to‐tail structure content in the PPC block (H‐T% ≥ 63.6%) and high isotacticity in the PLA block (Pi ≥ 64.0%). The influence of catalyst formula, the monomer feeding ratio, reaction temperature, carbon dioxide pressure and reaction time on the terpolymerization was investigated by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, gel permeation chromatography, DSC and TGA. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Integrated Multi‐Omic Analyses Support Distinguishing Secretory Carcinoma of the Breast from Basal‐Like Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Jin Min‐Sun , Lee Hyebin , Woo Jongmin , Choi Seongmin , Do Mi Sol , Kim Kwangsoo , Song Min Ji , Kim Youngsoo , Park In Ae , Han Dohyun , Ryu Han Suk
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Secretory carcinoma (SC) of the breast is defined as an indolent tumor but is still categorized into a basal‐like triple‐negative breast cancer (BL‐TNBC) subgroup that generally shows aggressive behavior according to the current classification. Despite the unique clinical behavior of SC, molecular characteristics that reflect biological behaviors of SC remain largely unknown.

Experimental design

A combinatorial approach of whole‐exome sequencing and mass spectrometry–based in‐depth quantitative proteomics to determine the entire molecular landscape of SC using three SC formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissues is employed.

Results

Exome sequencing and proteomic analysis of SC identified 419 unique somatic mutations and 721 differentially expressed proteins as compared with triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC), respectively. Several pathways related to cancer metabolism were significantly upregulated in the SC group. Comparative analyses with multiple datasets revealed that SC shares genomic mutations and biological pathways more closely related to hormone receptor–positive breast cancer than BL‐TNBC.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

These multi‐omic analyses provide evidence that SC harbors substantially different molecular genomic and proteomic landscapes compared with BL‐TNBC. These results provide an entire spectrum of in‐depth molecular landscapes to support the hypothesis that SC is distinct from BL‐TNBC.
Mechanisms of glyphosate resistance and response to alternative herbicide‐based management in populations of the three Conyza species introduced in southern Spain
Authors: Amaro‐Blanco Ignacio , Fernández‐Moreno Pablo Tomás , Osuna‐Ruiz María Dolores , Bastida Fernando , De Prado Rafael
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

In perennial crops, the most common method of weed control is to spray herbicides, and glyphosate has long been the first choice of farmers. Three species of the genus Conyza are among the most problematic weeds for farmers, exhibiting resistance to glyphosate. The objectives of this study were to evaluate resistance levels and mechanisms, and to test chemical control alternatives in putative resistant (R) populations of Conyza bonariensis, Conyza canadensis and Conyza sumatrensis.

RESULTS

Plants from the three R populations of Conyza spp. survived high doses of glyphosate compared with plants from susceptible (S) populations. The rate of movement of 14C glyphosate out of treated leaves in plants from S populations was higher than in plants from R populations. Only plants from the R population of C. sumatrensis contained the known target site 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase mutation Pro106‐Thr. Field responses to the different alternative herbicide treatments tested indicated injury and high effectiveness in most cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that non‐target site resistant (NTSR) mechanisms explain resistance in C. bonariensis and C. canadensis, whereas both NTSR and target site resistant (TSR) mechanisms contribute to resistance in C. sumatrensis. The results obtained in the field trials suggest that the resistance problem can be solved through integrated weed management. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Cytotoxic activity of halogenated sesquiterpenes from Laurencia dendroidea
Authors: Barcellos Marini Maíra , Rodrigues de Freitas William , Lacerda da Silva Machado Fernanda , Correa Ramos Leal Ivana , Ribeiro Soares Angélica , Masahiko Kanashiro Milton , Frazão Muzitano Michelle
Published: February 2018

Red algae of the genus Laurencia J. V. Lamouroux are found in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world and are an extremely rich source of active secondary metabolites with diverse structural features. In the present study, 6 sesquiterpenes (obtusol, (−)‐elatol, dendoidiol, debrome‐elatol, triquinane, and obtusane) isolated from Laurencia dendroidea were investigated for their cytotoxicity, using 4 cancer cell lines (U937, Jurkat, B16F10, and Colo‐205). Among all sesquiterpenes tested, obtusol and (−)‐elatol showed a promising activity in the treatment of Colo‐205 strain, with IC50 of 1.2 ± 1.4 and 2.5 ± 1.3 μg/ml, respectively. In addition, fluorescence microscopy results indicated that, at 100 μg/ml, obtusol induced apoptosis at 79% and (−)‐elatol at 95%. Activation of Caspases 2, 4, 6, and 8 showed to be involved in (−)‐elatol activity and only Caspase 6 in obtusol activity. These data demonstrated the effective apoptosis‐inducing activity of the sesquiterpene (−)‐elatol and obtusol in the treatment of Colo‐205 strain. Therefore, more studies should be done so that the sesquiterpenes (−)‐elatol and obtusol might become promising chemotherapy.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its major constituent (curcumin) as nontoxic and safe substances: Review
Authors: Soleimani Vahid , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Hosseinzadeh Hossein
Published: February 2018

Curcumin is the major constituent of turmeric (Curcuma longa). Turmeric has been widely used as a spice in foods and for therapeutic applications such as anti‐inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic, and antimicrobial activities. Turmeric and curcumin are nonmutagenic and nongenotoxic. Oral use of turmeric and curcumin did not have reproductive toxicity in animals at certain doses. Studies on human did not show toxic effects, and curcumin was safe at the dose of 6 g/day orally for 4–7 weeks. However, some adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upsets may occur. Moreover, oral bioavailable formulations of curcumin were safe for human at the dose of 500 mg two times in a day for 30 days, but there are still few trials and more studies are needed specially on nanoformulations and it should be discussed in a separate article. In addition, curcumin is known as a generally recognized as safe substance. This review discusses the safety and toxicity of turmeric and curcumin in medicine. Turmeric and curcumin are nontoxic for human especially in oral administration. Turmeric and curcumin are also safe in animals. They are nonmutagenic and are safe in pregnancy in animals but more studies in human are needed.
Find out how to really listen to your stakeholders online
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: February 2018

What are people saying about your school? What questions about careers and education are people posing to the internet at large that you have answers to? You don't know unless you're listening.
Design and Synthesis of p‐n Conversion Indium‐Oxide‐Based Gas Sensor with High Sensitivity to NOx at Room‐Temperature
Authors: Xu Laidi , Zhang Xinci , Wang Cheng , Guo Dechao , Zhou Linan , Pang Qingjiang , Zhang Guo , Wang Shuhong
Published: February 2018

Indium oxide (In2O3) nanoparticles with internal porous structure were obtained through thermal treatment of the hydrothermally synthesized indium hydroxide (In(OH)3) nanocubes precursor. The structure and morphology of In2O3 were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM). The fresh In2O3 exhibits p‐type conductivity according to gas response testing. However, the fresh In2O3 allowed switchable p‐ to n‐ conductivity after it was induced by high concentration NOx and the induced In2O3 sensor (IIS) exhibited excellent sensing performances in terms of high response, enhanced selectivity and good stability to NOx at room temperature. From the characterization of XPS, it was found that a large amount of oxygen adsorbed on the surface of indium oxide, which led to the n‐p type surface conductivity conversion of In2O3. The formation of adsorbed species of high concentration NOx induced In2O3 transition from p‐ to n‐ type surface conduction was investigated by in situ Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFT). The present work not only offers a strategy to change the type of electrical conductivity of the material, but also offers an opportunity to deeply understand the mechanism of n‐p‐n type electrical surface conductivity conversion.
Influence of Crystal Growth Conditions on Formation of Macroscopic Inclusions inside Thiourea Crystals
Authors: Yan Shaofeng , Xie Chuang , Zhang Xia , Zhou Ling , Hou Baohong , Huang Jiting , Zhou Lina , Yin Qiuxiang
Published: February 2018

Macroscopic inclusion is an influential defect which affects purity of crystals during crystallization and remains not fully understood. In this work, we chose thiourea as the model material to investigate inclusion formation in detail. Recrystallization of thiourea were performed in deionized water, ethylene glycol, methanol, ethanol, n‐propanol, and n‐butanol under various temperature and supersaturation via cooling or evaporative modes. A series of plate‐like inclusions could form and be parallel to specific crystal faces. Polar solvent was found to be promotive to the inclusion formation due to the enhancing solute‐solvent interaction. The effect of supersaturation on inclusion formation was found to be complicated. A supersaturation window was found in which increasing supersaturation can stimulate forming inclusions. Under the lower threshold of the window, inclusion can seldom form due to low crystal growth. Beyond the upper threshold, however, inclusion formation also decreased. This supersaturation effect was explained using the “hunger center” mechanism in which the growth rate difference between the corners/edges and the center part of crystal face was considered. Moreover, a 4‐stage process during inclusion formation in batch crystallization was also discussed.
Ni(OH)2‐Fe2O3/CNOs Ternary Nanocomposite Designed as an Anode with Complementary Properties for High‐Performance Li–Ion Battery
Authors: Dwivedi Pravin Kumari , Muniraj Vedi Kuyil Azhagan , Devarapalli Rami Reddy , Shelke Manjusha V.
Published: February 2018

Synthesis of the new ternary hybrid composite with excellent electrochemical performances for Li‐ion battery is demonstrated. The ternary hybrid composite of Ni(OH)2‐Fe2O3/Carbon Nano Onions (NFOC) is synthesized by using two‐step solution phase method delivers a high reversible discharge capacity of 928 mAhg−1 at 50 mAg−1 and 673 mAhg−1 at a higher current density of 1000 mAg−1 with excellent rate performance. Additionally, it shows to have stable cycle life up to 1000 cycles with 96% capacity retention and more than 99% of coulombic efficiency. The synergetic effect between Ni(OH)2, Fe2O3 and carbon nano onions (CNOs) as well as the unique feature of heterostructures are responsible for the improved electrochemical performance of the battery. The reversible reaction of Fe2O3 and Ni(OH)2 with Li, maintains its long cycle life with higher reversible discharge capacity and CNOs improve the efficient electronic transfer, accommodate substantial volume expansion and maintain the structural integrity of the material during lithiation‐delithiation process.
Synthesis and Conformational Studies of Taa‐Containingo‐Nitrobenzenesulfonamide‐ (o‐Nosyl‐) Protected GS Analogs to Prove the Importance of 6RStereochemistry of Taa over 6S
Authors: Singh Gajendra , Azmi Sarfuddin , Ghosh Jimut Kanti , Ampapathi Ravi Sankar , Pal Sudip
Published: February 2018

Gramicidin S (GS) is long known broad range antibiotic but limited to only topical application clinically due to its adverse hemolytic activity. We are reporting here the synthesis of Gramicidin S analogs where the turn unit D‐Phe‐Pro was replaced by suitably designed C6 substituted Tetrahydrofuran amino acid (Taa) moiety and side chain amine was protected as o‐nitro benzene sulfonamide group (o‐Nosyl). The detailed conformational analyses were also carried out by evaluating the structure activity relationship. Variation in the side chain and modification in the stereocentres of Taa play an important role towards the structure activity relationship in this class of compounds.
Lithium Trapping in Microbatteries Based on Lithium‐ and Cu2O‐Coated Copper Nanorods
Authors: Rehnlund David , Pettersson Jean , Edström Kristina , Nyholm Leif
Published: February 2018

Microbatteries based on three‐dimensional (3D) electrodes composed of thin films of Li and Cu2O coated on Cu nanorod current collectors by electrodeposition and spontaneous oxidation, respectively, are described and characterised electrochemically. High‐resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR‐SEM) data indicate that the Li electrodeposition resulted in a homogenous coverage of the Cu nanorods and elemental analyses were also used to determine the amount of lithium in the Li‐coated electrodes. The results show that 3D Cu2O/Cu electrodes can be cycled versus 3D Li/Cu electrodes but that the capacity decreased during the cycling due to Li trapping in the Cu current collector of the 3D Li/Cu electrode. These findings highlight the problem of using copper current collectors together with metallic lithium as the formation of a solid solution yields considerable losses of electroactive lithium and hence capacity.
Bioresponsive Microneedles with a Sheath Structure for H2O2 and pH Cascade‐Triggered Insulin Delivery
Authors: Zhang Yuqi , Wang Jinqiang , Yu Jicheng , Wen Di , Kahkoska Anna R. , Lu Yue , Zhang Xudong , Buse John B. , Gu Zhen
Published: February 2018

Self‐regulating glucose‐responsive insulin delivery systems have great potential to improve clinical outcomes and quality of life among patients with diabetes. Herein, an H2O2‐labile and positively charged amphiphilic diblock copolymer is synthesized, which is subsequently used to form nano‐sized complex micelles (NCs) with insulin and glucose oxidase of pH‐tunable negative charges. Both NCs are loaded into the crosslinked core of a microneedle array patch for transcutaneous delivery. The microneedle core is additionally coated with a thin sheath structure embedding H2O2‐scavenging enzyme to mitigate the injury of H2O2 toward normal tissues. The resulting microneedle patch can release insulin with rapid responsiveness under hyperglycemic conditions owing to an oxidative and acidic environment because of glucose oxidation, and can therefore effectively regulate blood glucose levels within a normal range on a chemically induced type 1 diabetic mouse model with enhanced biocompatibility.