bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AgNP‐decorated SBA‐15 for MWCNT Paste Modified Electrode: A Sensor for Simultaneous Voltammetric Determination of Paracetamol and Sulfamethoxazole
Authors: Tkachenko Oleg S. , Souza Luana V. , Deon Monique , Becker Emilene M. , de Menezes Eliana W. , Arenas Leliz T. , Benvenutti Edilson V.
Published: July 2020

A new electrochemical sensor based on a carbon nanotube paste electrode modified with a Santa Barbara Amorphous material (SBA‐15) decorated with silver nanoparticles, namely CNT/SBA/Ag‐PE, was developed. It was successfully applied for individual and simultaneous determination of both paracetamol (PC) and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) medicines. The electrode exhibited a linear dynamic range of 0.12–110 μmol L−1 for paracetamol and 0.06–70 μmol L−1 for sulfamethoxazole, and detection limits of 38 and 19 nmol L−1, respectively. The proposed sensor offered high sensitivity, fast response time and the potential for detecting both drugs simultaneously. The CNT/SBA/Ag‐PE enabled the simultaneous determination of PC and SMZ in urine samples with high recovery rates.
Confinement Catalysis of Non‐covalently Functionalized Carbon Nanotube in Ascorbic Acid Sensing
Authors: Gurusamy Tamilselvi , Murugan Raja , Durairaj Akalyaa , Ramanujam Kothandaraman
Published: July 2020

Developing accurate analytical quantification of ascorbic acid (AA) is an important area of contemporary research. Glassy carbon electrode was modified using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) followed by adsorption of 1‐amino 2‐naphthol ( 1N2OH) in acetonitrile medium. Thus, obtained modified electrode was successfully used for sensing AA in real samples. The coulombic interaction between oxidized 1N2OH and AA channels the electron tunneling during AA oxidation, which mitigates the fouling of electrode by the products of AA oxidation. In comparison to MWCNT, the modified electrode senses AA at lower overpotential with good selectivity. The electrode senses AA at a distinct potential even in the mixture of AA, dopamine, and uric acid.
Proficiency‐based recruitment of muscle synergies in a highly perturbed walking task (slackline)
Authors: Singh Rajat Emanuel , Iqbal Kamran , White Gannon
Published: July 2020

In neurophysiology, a hypothesis under investigation relates to how neural modularity helps in learning of skills. Accordingly, we studied differences in muscle synergy (MS) organization at three different proficiency levels on a task more challenging than walking. Our study included slackline walking whereby the perturbations to evoke postural responses are generated by the participants rather than externally controlled. Furthermore, studying MS of individuals with different proficiency levels under such constraints will provide us an understanding of different strategies for dynamic postural stability. Hence, the main aim of our study is to identify MS associated with proficiency during slacklining. Muscle Synergies and their activation coefficients were extracted using factor analysis on electromyography that was recorded from lower limb muscles. The spatial and temporal profiles were analyzed to examine muscle co‐activation patterns for stability across three different groups of slackliners (high, moderate, and nonproficient). We found three robust MS structures across all skill levels associated with crouched gait while slacklining. Higher activation of quadriceps, gastrocnemius, and hamstrings with tibialis anterior was observed for synergy one, two, and three, respectively. An additional proficiency‐based synergy was recruited for highly proficient slackliners, and similarly for nonproficient ones. For highly proficient slackliners, the additional synergy was in relation to lowering of the center of mass for consistent stabilization. For nonproficient slackliners (PS), the recruitment of additional synergy was related to consistent knee flexion with the higher range of motion. Overall, our work showed alteration in the modular organization of MS at different proficiency levels that could be associated with differences in knee kinematics during slacklining. We think that the outcomes of our study regarding differences in the MS organization based on proficiency levels, and the underlying neuro‐physiological features, will facilitate rehabilitation of individuals with balance disorders.
Bond strength prediction of the composite rebars in concrete using innovative bio‐inspired models
Authors: Alizadeh Fatemeh , Naderpour Hosein , Mirrashid Masoomeh
Published: July 2020

The bond strength among the concrete and reinforced bars is one of the most important factors in designing the reinforced concrete structures. One of the serious problems encountered by utilization of steel‐reinforcement bars is corrosion when exposed to different environments. Glass fiber‐reinforced polymers (GFRPs) are known as a solution to prevent the destruction of the civil infrastructure. The present study attempts to predict the bond strength between the GFRP bars and concrete based on the neuro‐fuzzy inference system and artificial neural networks using 159 beam specimens including notched, splice, hinged, and inverted hinged. The neuro‐fuzzy inference system consists of five input series. The output, which is the bond strength, is compared with those presented in the various code relations such as ACI 440.1R‐15 and CSA S806‐12. It was concluded that the outputs are more compatible with the experimental results in comparison with the amounts obtained from the codes equations.
An Integrated Photocatalytic and Photothermal Process for Solar‐Driven Efficient Purification of Complex Contaminated Water
Authors: Shi Le , Shi Yusuf , Zhang Chenlin , Zhuo Sifei , Wang Wenbin , Li Renyuan , Wang Peng
Published: July 2020

With the water and energy crises becoming critical issues for an increasingly industrialized society, solar‐driven water purification technologies are highly desired for both potable water production and wastewater treatment. Herein, the performance of an integrated photocatalytic and photothermal composite, TiO2/Au‐carbon nanotube (TiO2/Au‐CNT)‐coated SiC ceramic plate, in complex contaminated water treatment driven by solar energy is investigated. The short‐wavelength part of the solar spectrum is used for simultaneous photo‐oxidation of rhodamine B (RhB) (oxidation efficiency of ≈98.5%) and photo‐reduction of Cr(VI) (reduction efficiency of ≈90.6%) in an integrated solar still device. A Z‐scheme charge transfer mechanism with CNTs as an electron mediator is proposed and discussed for TiO2/Au‐CNT‐coated SiC ceramic plate. Meanwhile, the design here allowed the long‐wavelength part of the solar spectrum to be utilized for high‐quality potable clean water production via solar distillation with a solar‐to‐water evaporation efficiency of ≈72%. Therefore, this integrated photocatalytic and photothermal system can be utilized for potable water production and wastewater treatment in the same device with high solar energy utilization efficiency.
Hierarchical Fe3O4@FeS2 Nanocomposite as High‐Specific‐Capacitance Electrode Material for Supercapacitors
Authors: Liu Xuexia , Liu Limin , Yan Weiwei , Wang Yinfeng , Huang Chunfang , Wang Zhijun
Published: July 2020

Iron‐based materials are ideal faradaic electrodes for supercapacitors. However, boosting the specific capacitance and preparation with the simple method of iron‐based materials remains a great challenge. Herein, hierarchical Fe3O4@FeS2 nanocomposites are constructed through an annealing strategy with monohydrate ferrous sulfate as the precursor. X‐ray diffractometry, high‐resolution transition electron, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results reveal that the hierarchical Fe3O4@FeS2 nanocomposite is successively fabricated. The as‐prepared materials exhibit a remarkable specific capacitance of 597.1 F g−1 at a current density of 3 A g−1 as electrode materials of supercapacitors. Inspiringly, specific capacitance is superior to most iron‐based electrodes in previous reports. This may be ascribed to the junction at the interface of the different components and the efficient electron transfer of FeS2. This work is meaningful for the design and preparation of electrode materials with specific capacitance.
Systematic significance of morphological and foliar epidermal characters in six species of Pancovia Willd (Family: Sapindaceae Juss)
Authors: Onuminya Temitope Olabisi , Sokunbi Morenikeji Ramat , Ogundipe Oluwatoyin Temitayo
Published: July 2020

The genus Pancovia comprises economically important plants native to Africa. Here, a systematic study was carried out on six species of Pancovia with a view to elucidate the significance of their characters for identification purposes. Morphological and leaf epidermis characters of the plants were assessed based on herbarium specimens. Useful diagnostic morphological features observed include leaf size, inflorescence length and fruit size. Variations also exist in the leaf epidermis characters examined. Polygonal cells and straight anticlinal wall were observed on the adaxial surface while the abaxial comprises irregular cells with undulate walls; exception is seen in P. atroviolaceus and P. harmsiana where the cells are irregular on both surfaces. The frequency of epidermal cells was higher on the adaxial compared to the abaxial surface and there is wide variation in the number of stomata recorded in each species. Stomata are anomocytic, sunken or raised with characteristic staining subsidiary cells and are restricted to the abaxial surface of the leaf. Based on the observed characters, a description of taxa studied and a dichotomous key is presented for their identification. This study can be seen as a contribution to the systematic literature available for the delimitation of Pancovia species in Africa.
Dynamic capability development in multinational enterprises: Reconciling routine reconfiguration between the headquarters and subsidiaries
Authors: Riviere Monica , Bass A. Erin , Andersson Ulf
Published: July 2020

Research Summary

Starting from the premise that firms need dynamic capabilities to adapt to changing environments, we discuss how multinational enterprises (MNEs) develop dynamic capabilities from internationalization. Unlike domestic firms that develop dynamic capabilities within one organizational system, MNEs are inherently multi‐level systems with the headquarters and subsidiaries. In this paper, we focus on how internationalization depth and breadth function as sources of learning and unlearning in the headquarters and subsidiaries, and how this serves as the antecedent for routine reconfiguration and dynamic capability development in the MNE. We theorize that the headquarters' and subsidiaries' brokering capabilities are critical for reconciling routine reconfiguration at the two levels so that dynamic capability development can occur, and the MNE can adapt to environmental changes.

Managerial Summary

Our model of dynamic capability development in multinational enterprises (MNEs) via internationalization makes dynamic capabilities actionable for managers in three main ways. First, we emphasize both learning and unlearning from internationalization as important for both the subsidiaries and headquarters to reconfigure routines to adapt to changing environments. Second, the routine reconfiguration that occurs from the subsidiaries or the headquarters serves as the impetus for dynamic capability development in the MNE. Third, for dynamic capability development to occur in the MNE, both the headquarters and the subsidiaries must be able to reconcile routine reconfigurations via the headquarters' and the subsidiaries' brokering capabilities.
Estimating unplanned and planned hospitalization incidents among older Australian women aged 75 years and over: The presence of death as a competing risk
Authors: Shebeshi Dinberu S. , Dolja‐Gore Xenia , Byles Julie
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To estimate the incidence of unplanned and planned hospitalization and identify associated factors among older women aged 75 years and over.

Methods

This study is a prospective longitudinal cohort study (over the period 2001‐2016). Women born between 1921 and 1926 were included from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH). ALSWH self‐reported data were linked with New South Wales's state Admitted Patient Data Collection. A competing risk analysis was performed using SAS v 9.4.

Results

Overall, during the 15‐year observation period, 86.7% of women experienced at least one unplanned admission and 60.3% experienced at least one planned admission. The complement of Kaplan‐Meier survival function overestimates hospitalization incidence compared to cumulative incidence function in the presence of a competing risk, that is, “death.” Predisposing factors (older age and not partnered) and need factors (hospital doctor visit, GP or family doctor visit, poor perceived general health, and having at least one chronic disease) were associated with increased unplanned admission. First language other than English and not having private health insurance showed a negative association with planned admission; specialist doctor visits had a positive association.

Conclusions

Hospital admission was influenced by predisposing and enabling factors, as well as need. Intervention aiming to support older people who do not have private health insurance may be required to improve the goal of equal access to healthcare through planned admissions people with equal need.
Silencing of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐alpha alleviates myocardial injury in diabetic cardiomyopathy by downregulating 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A synthase 2 expression
Authors: Wang Li , Bi Xintong , Han Jiarui
Published: July 2020

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a cardiac disorder, which affects around 12% diabetic patients, resulting in overt heart death. Our initial bioinformatic analysis identified the differentially expressed gene 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A synthase 2 (HMGCS2) in DCM, which may be activated by peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐alpha (PPARα) based on previous evidence. Therefore, the present study aims to explore the effect of PPARα on the development of DCM through regulating HMGCS2. The expression of PPARα and HMGCS2 was detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction in cardiomyocytes and high‐glucose‐cultured cardiomyocytes. The proliferation and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes were examined by 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine assay and flow cytometry, separately. Mitoehondrial membrane potential (MMP) and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were determined. Then, the protein levels of B‐cell lymphoma 2, Bcl‐2‐associated X protein, and cleaved Caspase‐3 were detected by Western blot analysis. The myocardial apoptosis index, heart weight, and serum lipids of rats were examined. At last, the expressions of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), peroxisome proliferator activator receptor gamma coactivator‐1 alpha (PGC1α), nuclear respiratory factor (NRF)‐1, NRF‐2, NAD(P)H oxidase 1, and superoxide dismutase‐1 were examined. HMGCS2 was the most differentially expressed gene in DCM. The levels of HMGCS2 and PPARα were upregulated in patients with DCM. HMGCS2 silencing was shown to inhibit HMGCS2 expression to suppress the apoptosis of high‐glucose‐induced cardiomyocytes and the loss of MMP, reduce the accumulation of ROS, and promote cardiomyocyte proliferation. Silencing of HMGCS2 and PPARα alleviated myocardial injury, decreased blood glucose, and lipid in DCM rats, downregulated the expression of ANP, BNP, and TGFβ1 to reduce myocardial injury, and elevated PGC1α, NRF‐1, and NRF‐2 levels to enhance oxidative stress levels. Our results demonstrated that silencing of PPARα could alleviate cardiomyocyte injury and oxidative stress via a mechanism related to the downregulation of HMGCS2, which could provide a novel target for DCM treatment.
Berberine: A novel therapeutic strategy for cancer
Authors: Samadi Parisa , Sarvarian Parisa , Gholipour Elham , Asenjan Karim Shams , Aghebati‐Maleki Leili , Motavalli Roza , Hojjat‐Farsangi Mohammad , Yousefi Mehdi
Published: July 2020

Cancer, even currently, is one of the main reasons for mortality and morbidity, worldwide. In recent years, a great deal of effort has been made to find efficient therapeutic strategies for cancer, however, particularly with regards to side effects and the possibility of complete remission. Berberine (BBR) is a nature‐driven phytochemical component originated from different plant groups such as Berberis vulgaris, Berberis aquifolium, and Berberis aristata. BBR is a well‐known nutraceutical because of its wide range of pharmacological activities including anti‐inflammatory, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antidiarrheal, antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, and fungicide. In addition, it exhibits inhibitory effects on multiple types of cancers. In this review, we have elaborated on the anticancer effects of BBR through the regulation of different molecular pathways such as: inducing apoptosis, autophagy, arresting cell cycle, and inhibiting metastasis and invasion.
The “Goldilocks Day” for Children's Skeletal Health: Compositional Data Analysis of 24-Hour Activity Behaviors
Authors: Dumuid Dorothea , Simm Peter , Wake Melissa , Burgner David , Juonala Markus , Wu Feitong , Magnussen Costan G , Olds Timothy
Published: July 2020

Optimization of children's activity behaviors for skeletal health is a key public health priority, yet it is unknown how many hours of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), sedentary behavior, or sleep constitute the best day—the “Goldilocks Day”—for children's bone structure and function. To describe the best day for children's skeletal health, we used data from the cross-sectional Child Health CheckPoint. Included participants (n = 804, aged 10.7 to 12.9 years, 50% male) underwent tibial peripheral quantitative CT to assesses cross-sectional area, trabecular and cortical density, periosteal and endosteal circumference, polar moment of inertia, and polar stress–strain index. Average daily time-use composition (MVPA, LPA, sedentary time, and sleep) was assessed through 8-day, 24-hour accelerometry. Skeletal outcomes were regressed against time-use compositions expressed as isometric log-ratios (with quadratic terms where indicated), adjusted for sex, age, pubertal status, and socioeconomic position. The models were used to estimate optimal time-use compositions (associated with best 5% of each skeletal outcome), which were plotted in three-dimensional quaternary figures. The center of the overlapping area was considered the Goldilocks Day for skeletal health. Children's time-use composition was associated with all skeletal measures (all p ≤ 0.001) except cross-sectional area (p = 0.72). Days with more sleep and MVPA, less sedentary time, and moderate LPA were beneficially associated with skeletal measures, except cortical density, which was adversely associated. The Goldilocks daily time-use composition for overall skeletal health was center (range): 10.9 (10.5 to 11.5) hours sleep; 8.2 (7.8 to 8.8) hours sedentary time; 3.4 (2.8 to 4.2) hours LPA, and 1.5 (1.3 to 1.5) hours MVPA. Estimated optimal sleep duration is consistent with current international guidelines (9 to 11 hours), while estimated optimal MVPA exceeds recommendations of at least 60 min/d. This first study to describe optimal durations of daily activities for children's skeletal health provides evidence to underpin guidelines. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Maslinic acid prevents IL‐1β‐induced inflammatory response in osteoarthritis via PI3K/AKT/NF‐κB pathways
Authors: Chen Yan‐Lin , Yan De‐Yi , Wu Chen‐Yu , Xuan Jiang‐Wei , Jin Chen‐Qiang , Hu Xin‐Li , Bao Guo‐Dong , Bian Yu‐Jie , Hu Zhi‐Chao , Shen Zhong‐Hai , Ni Wen‐Fei
Published: July 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by destruction of articular cartilage. The inflammatory response is the most important factor affecting the disease process. As interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) stimulates several key mediators in the inflammatory response, it plays a major role in the pathogenesis of OA. Maslinic acid (MA) is a natural compound distributed in olive fruit. Previous studies have found that maslinic acid has an inhibitory effect on inflammation, but its specific role in the progression of OA disease has not been studied so far. In this study, we aim to assess the protective effect of MA on OA progression by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Our results indicate that, in IL‐1β‐induced inflammatory response, MA is effective in attenuating some major inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2, and inhibits the expression of IL‐6, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase‐2, and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in a concentration‐dependent manner. Also, MA downregulated the expression levels of thrombospondin motif 5 (ADAMTS5) and matrix metalloproteinase 13 in chondrocytes, resulting in reduced degradation of its extracellular matrix. Mechanistically, MA exhibits an anti‐inflammatory effect by inactivating the PI3K/AKT/NF‐κB pathway. In vivo, the protective effect of MA on OA development can be detected in a surgically induced mouse OA model. In summary, these findings suggest that MA can be used as a safe and effective potential OA therapeutic strategy.
Neuroblastoma‐targeted nanoparticles and novel nanotechnology‐based treatment methods
Authors: Mobasheri Taranom , Rayzan Elham , Shabani Mahsima , Hosseini Mina , Mahmoodi Chalbatani Ghanbar , Rezaei Nima
Published: July 2020

Neuroblastoma is a complicated pediatric tumor, originating from the neural crest, which is the most prevalent in adrenal glands, but may rarely be seen in some other tissues as well. Studies are focused on developing new strategies through novel chemo‐ and immuno‐therapeutic drug targets. Different types of oncogenes such as MYCN, tumor suppressor genes such as p53, and some structural genes such as vascular endothelial growth factor are considered as targets for neuroblastoma therapy. The individual expression patterns in NB cells make them appropriate for this purpose. The combined effect of nano‐drug delivery systems and specific drug targets will result in lower systemic side effects, prolonged therapeutic effects, and improvements in the pharmacokinetic properties of the drugs. Some of these novel drug delivery systems with a focus on liposomes as carriers are also discussed. In this review, genes and protein products that are beneficial as drug targets in the treatment of neuroblastoma have been discussed.
The effects of 45S5 bioactive glass and Er:YAG Laser on the microtensile bond strength of fluorosed teeth
Authors: Huang Xiaoyu , Xie Jing , Lan Yuyan , Sun Zhengfan , Zhang Meifeng , Guo Ling
Published: July 2020

This vitro study aimed to evaluate the effects of 45S5 bioactive glass (BAG) and Er:YAG laser as desensitization treatments on the microtensile bond strength (MTBS) of fluorosed teeth. The 120 noncarious fluorosis were to obtain superficial dentin, being classified into four groups according to the Thylstrup and Fejerskov Index (TFI). Specimens from each group were randomly divided into five subgroups. After fluorosed teeth hypersensitivity models were established, the following pretreatments were applied on dentine surface: Subgroup 1: deionized water (Control); Subgroup 2: BAG; Subgroup 3: Er:YAG laser; Subgroup 4: BAG + Er:YAG laser, and Subgroup 5: Er:YAG laser + BAG. One sample was randomly selected from each subgroup for scanning electron microscope (SEM). The remaining samples were bonded with composite resin by Adper Single Bond 2 adhesive. Then water bath at 37°C for 24 hr. After 5,000 thermocycling, MTBS was tested and fracture mode was analyzed. The difference of MTBS between BAG group and Control group was found statistically significant (p < .05) in fluorosis. The Er:YAG laser + BAG group showed lowest MTBS values in fluorosis. In conclusion, the pretreatment of BAG might be beneficial to the adhesive of fluorosed teeth. Er:YAG laser desensitization alone or using BAG first and then Er:YAG laser desensitization might not affect the adhesive of fluorosed teeth, while Er:YAG laser desensitization followed by the pretreatment of BAG would be not conducive to the adhesive of fluorosed teeth.
Rapid defect characterization: The efficiency of diffraction contrast‐scanning transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Wang Lingling , Shi Ruikai , Lu Yuan , Yu Yi
Published: July 2020

Defect information is critical for both fundamental research and industrial analysis of metals and semiconductors. Diffraction contrast is the basis for defect imaging using either X‐ray or electron microscopy. Taking the advantage of high resolution in electron microscopy techniques, here we evaluate the efficiency for diffraction contrast imaging based on scanning transmission electron microscopy. The working principle and application are demonstrated using the typical semiconductor material silicon as an example. The efficiency is improved at least an order of magnitude compared with conventional electron microscopy method.
Proving a conjecture on chromatic polynomials by counting the number of acyclic orientations
Authors: Dong Fengming , Ge Jun , Gong Helin , Ning Bo , Ouyang Zhangdong , Tay Eng Guan
Published: July 2020

The chromatic polynomial of a graph of order can be expressed as , where is interpreted as the number of broken‐cycle‐free spanning subgraphs of with exactly components. The parameter is the mean size of a broken‐cycle‐free spanning subgraph of . In this article, we confirm and strengthen a conjecture proposed by Lundow and Markström in 2006 that holds for any connected graph of order which is neither the complete graph nor a tree of order . The most crucial step of our proof is to obtain the interpretation of all 's by the number of acyclic orientations of .
Synthesis of 1,2,4‐triazolopyridazines, isoxazolofuropyridazines, and tetrazolopyridazines as antimicrobial agents
Authors: Abu‐Hashem Ameen A. , Fathy Usama , Gouda Moustafa A.
Published: July 2020

Through current and previous researches, it was found that the derivatives of pyridazine, isoxazole, tetrazole, quinazoline, hydrazinyl, and 1,2,4‐triazole have many pharmacological activities. Thus, a series of novel furopyridazinones (7), isoxazolopyridazine (8), sub‐benzylidene‐furopyridazinones (9a‐c), isoxazolofuropyridazines (10a‐c), 3‐chloro‐(pyridin‐4‐ylmethylene)‐dihydropyridazines (11), tetrazolopyridazines (12), pyridazinoquinazolinones (13), piperazinyl/morpholino‐pyridazines (14a,b), hydrazinyl‐pyridazines (15), and 1,2,4‐triazolo‐pyridazines (16a,b) in good yields (72%‐90%) were synthesized from substituted ethyl 4‐oxo‐4‐phenylbutanoate (2), 6‐phenyl‐4,5‐dihydropyridazinone (3), and 6‐phenyl‐4‐(pyridin‐4‐ylmethylene)‐4,5‐dihydropyridazinone (4) as beginning materials. All the chemical structures of the new compounds have been demonstrated by different spectroscopy analyses such as infrared, NMR, mass spectrum, and elemental analysis. Also, the activities of the newly prepared compounds were tested against many types of bacteria and fungi in vitro. Hence, 1,2,4‐triazolopyridazines (16a,b), isoxazolofuropyridazines (10a‐c), tetrazolopyridazines (12), Piperazinyl/morpholinyl‐pyridazines (14a,b) displayed the most efficient antimicrobial activities compared with the cefotaxime sodium and nystatin as standard drugs.
Toward quantitative neuroimaging biomarkers for Friedreich's ataxia at 7 Tesla: Susceptibility mapping, diffusion imaging, R2 and R1 relaxometry
Authors: Straub Sina , Mangesius Stephanie , Emmerich Julian , Indelicato Elisabetta , Nachbauer Wolfgang , Degenhardt Katja S. , Ladd Mark E. , Boesch Sylvia , Gizewski Elke R.
Published: July 2020

Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is a rare genetic disorder leading to degenerative processes. So far, no effective treatment has been found. Therefore, it is important to assist the development of medication with imaging biomarkers reflecting disease status and progress. Ten FRDA patients (mean age 37 ± 14 years; four female) and 10 age‐ and sex‐matched controls were included. Acquisition of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data for quantitative susceptibility mapping, R1, R2 relaxometry and diffusion imaging was performed at 7 Tesla. Results of volume of interest (VOI)‐based analyses of the quantitative data were compared with a voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) evaluation. Differences between patients and controls were assessed using the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA; p < 0.01) with age and sex as covariates, effect size of group differences, and correlations with disease characteristics with Spearman correlation coefficient. For the VBM analysis, a statistical threshold of 0.001 for uncorrected and 0.05 for corrected p‐values was used. Statistically significant differences between FRDA patients and controls were found in five out of twelve investigated structures, and statistically significant correlations with disease characteristics were revealed. Moreover, VBM revealed significant white matter atrophy within regions of the brainstem, and the cerebellum. These regions overlapped partially with brain regions for which significant differences between healthy controls and patients were found in the VOI‐based quantitative MRI evaluation. It was shown that two independent analyses provided overlapping results. Moreover, positive results on correlations with disease characteristics were found, indicating that these quantitative MRI parameters could provide more detailed information and assist the search for effective treatments.
Exploring infant hip position and muscle activity in common baby gear and orthopedic devices
Authors: Siddicky Safeer F. , Wang Junsig , Rabenhorst Brien , Buchele Lauren , Mannen Erin M.
Published: July 2020

Infant positioning in daily life may affect hip development. While neonatal animal studies indicate detrimental relationships between inactive lower extremities and hip development and dysplasia, no research has explored infant hip biomechanics experimentally. This study evaluated hip joint position and lower‐extremity muscle activity of healthy infants in common body positions, baby gear, and orthopedic devices used to treat hip dysplasia (the Pavlik harness and the Rhino cruiser abduction brace). Surface electromyography (EMG) and marker‐based motion capture recorded lower‐extremity muscle activity and kinematics of 22 healthy full‐term infants (4.2 ± 1.6 months, 13 M/9 F) during five conditions: Pavlik harness, Rhino brace, inward‐facing soft‐structured baby carrier, held in arms facing inwards, and a standard car seat. Mean filtered EMG signal, time when muscles were active, and hip position (angles) were calculated. Compared to the Pavlik harness, infants exhibited similar adductor activity (but lower hamstring and gluteus maximus activity) in the Rhino abduction brace, similar adductor and gluteus maximus activity (but lower quadriceps and hamstring activity) in the baby carrier, similar but highly variable muscle activity in‐arms, and significantly lower muscle activity in the car seat. Hip position was similar between the baby carrier and the Pavlik harness. This novel infant biomechanics study illustrates the potential benefits of using inward‐facing soft‐structured baby carriers for healthy hip development and highlights the potential negative impact of using supine‐lying container‐type devices such as car seats for prolonged periods of time. Further study is needed to understand the full picture of how body position impacts infant musculoskeletal development.
Use of Nutrition Risk in Critically Ill (NUTRIC) Scoring System for Nutrition Risk Assessment and Prognosis Prediction in Critically Ill Neurological Patients: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Zhang Ping , Bian Yi , Tang Zhouping , Wang Furong
Published: July 2020

Background

Critically ill patients who are hospitalized in a neurological intensive care unit (NICU) are largely susceptible to nutrition risk. However, only a limited number of studies have investigated the applicable assessment tool in NICUs.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study conducted at a single‐center NICU. A total of 140 adult patients who were hospitalized for >24 hours were enrolled. The Nutritional Risk Screening 2002, Nutrition Risk in the Critically ill (NUTRIC), and modified NUTRIC (mNUTRIC) scores were applied for the assessment of nutrition risk. Analyses of multivariable logistic regression were performed by considering a 28‐day mortality as the outcome of interest.

Results

Nutrition risk was commonly identified in NICU patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that age ≥60 years, hospital infection, mechanical ventilation, and high nutrition risk (mNUTRIC score ≥ 5) independently increased 28‐day mortality in NICU patients. For subgroups of patients with a prolonged length of stay, high nutrition risk (mNUTRIC score ≥ 5) has always been an independent risk factor of 28‐day mortality. Both NUTRIC and mNUTRIC scores were able to predict 28‐day mortality, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.857 (95% CI, 0.786–0.928) and 0.856 (95% CI, 0.786–0.927), respectively.

Conclusion

The mNUTRIC scoring system is not only a useful tool for nutrition risk assessment but also, and more importantly, it is independently related to the risk of 28‐day mortality in NICU patients. Therefore, mNUTRIC scoring is an appropriate tool for nutrition risk assessment and prognosis prediction of NICU patients.
Prospective study assessing three‐dimensional changes of mucosal healing following soft tissue augmentation using free gingival grafts
Authors: Parvini Puria , Galarraga‐Vinueza Maria Elisa , Obreja Karina , Magini Ricardo de Sousa , Sader Robert , Schwarz Frank
Published: July 2020

Background

The present study aimed to assess the three‐dimensional changes following soft tissue augmentation using free gingival grafts (FGG) at implant sites over a 3‐month follow‐up period.

Methods

This study included 12 patients exhibiting deficient keratinized tissue (KT) width (i.e., <2 mm) at the vestibular aspect of 19 implants who underwent soft tissue augmentation using FGG at second stage surgery following implant placement. Twelve implants were considered for the statistical analysis (n = 12). The region of interest (ROI) was intraorally scanned before surgery (S0), immediately post‐surgery (S1), 30 (S2) and 90 (S3) days after augmentation. Digital scanned files were used for quantification of FGG surface area (SA) and converted to standard tessellation language (STL) format for superimposition and evaluation of thickness changes between the corresponding time points. FGG shrinkage (%) in terms of SA and thickness was calculated between the assessed time points.

Results

Mean FGG SA amounted to 91 (95% CI: 63 to 119), 76.2 (95% CI: 45 to 106), and 61.3 (95% CI: 41 to 81) mm2 at S1, S2, and S3, respectively. Mean FGG SA shrinkage rate was 16.3% (95% CI: 3 to 29) from S1 to S2 and 33% (95% CI: 19 to 46) from S1 to S3. Mean thickness gain from baseline (S0) to S1, S2, and S3 was 1.31 (95% CI: 1.2 to 1.4), 0.82 (95% CI: 0.5 to 1.12), and 0.37 (0.21 to 0.5) mm, respectively. FGG thickness shrinkage was of 38% (95% CI: 17.6 to 58) from S1 to S2 and 71.8% (95% CI: 60 to 84) from S1 to S3. Dimensional changes from S1 to S3 were statistically significant, P <0.017. Soft tissue healing was uneventful in all patients.

Conclusions

The present three‐dimensional assessment suggests that FGG undergo significant dimensional changes in SA and thickness over a 3‐month healing period.
Low‐cost, safe, and effective smoke evacuation device for surgical procedures in the COVID‐19 age
Authors: Andrade Wesley Pereira , Gonçalves Graziella Galvão , Medeiros Luciana Cortelazzi , Araujo Danielle Cristina Miyamoto , Pereira Gisele Tolaini Gomes , Moraes Daniela Martins Pereira , Spencer Ranyell M.S.S.B.
Published: July 2020

Background

Smoke is generated by energy‐based surgical instruments. The airborne by‐products may have potential health implications.

Methods

We developed a simple way to use de conventional surgical evacuator coupled with de electrosurgical pen attached to a 14G bladder catheter for open surgery. It was used in ten prospective patients with breast cancer.

Results

We notice a high reduction in surgical smoke during all breast surgery. A questionnaire was used for all participants of the surgery to answer the impression that they had about the device. The subjective impression was that the surgical smoke in contact whit the surgical team was reduced by more than 95%.

Conclusions

Surgical smoke is the gaseous by‐product produced by heat‐generating devices in various surgical procedures. Surgical smoke may contain chemicals particles, bacteria, and viruses that are harmful and increase the risk of infection for surgeons and all the team in the operation room due to long term exposure of smoke mainly in coronavirus disease 2019 age. The adapted device described is a very simple and cheaper way to use smoke evacuators attached with the monopolar electrosurgical pen to reduce smoke exposure to the surgical team worldwide.
Primitive neuroectodermal tumor incidence, treatment patterns, and outcome: An analysis of the National Cancer Database
Authors: Woeste Matthew R. , Bhutiani Neal , Hong Young K. , Shah Jasmit , Kim Woihwan , E. Egger Michael , Philips Prejesh , McMasters Kelly M. , Martin Robert C. G. , Scoggins Charles R.
Published: July 2020

Background

Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) comprise less than 1% of all sarcomas. The rarity of this disease has resulted in a paucity of information about disease process and management. This study sought to evaluate the incidence, treatment patterns, and outcomes among patients with PNET.

Methods

The National Cancer Database was queried for diagnoses of PNET between 2004 and 2014. Patients were dichotomized based on tumor type (central [cPNET] vs peripheral [pPNET]). Demographic, tumor, treatment, and outcome variables were analyzed for the entire patient cohort and by type of PNET.

Results

White (86.4%) males (56.6%) represented the majority of patients. The incidence of PNET remained stable over the study period (r2 = 0.0821). A total of 70.7% underwent surgical resection of the primary site, 50.3% received radiation, and 74.7% received systemic chemotherapy. Compared to those with pPNET, patients with cPNET more often received radiation treatment (P < .001), primary tumor resection (P < .001), and experienced increased 90‐day mortality (P < .014).

Conclusion

cPNET and pPNET are rare and aggressive malignancies that tend to arise in White males. Multimodal treatment including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation is conventional. Patients with cPNET more often receive radiation and primary tumor resection with increased 90‐day mortality.
Novel mechanical ventilator weaning predictive model
Authors: Chung Wei‐Chan , Sheu Chau‐Chyun , Hung Jen‐Yu , Hsu Tuan‐Jung , Yang Ssu‐Han , Tsai Jong‐Rung
Published: July 2020

Mechanical ventilation (MV) is a common life support system in intensive care units. Accurate identification of patients who are capable of being extubated can shorten the MV duration and potentially reduce MV‐related complications. Therefore, prediction of patients who can successfully be weaned from the mechanical ventilator is an important issue. The electronic medical record system (EMRs) has been applied and developed in respiratory therapy in recent years. It can increase the quality of critical care. However, there is no perfect index available that can be used to determine successful MV weaning. Our purpose was to establish a novel model that can predict successful weaning from MV. Patients' information was collected from the Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital respiratory therapy EMRs. In this retrospective study, we collected basic information, classic weaning index, and respiratory parameters during spontaneous breathing trials of patients eligible for extubation. According to the results of extubation, patients were divided into successful extubation and extubation failure groups. This retrospective cohort study included 169 patients. Statistical analysis revealed successful extubation predictors, including sex; height; oxygen saturation; Glasgow Coma Scale; Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score; pulmonary disease history; and the first, 30th, 60th, and 90th minute respiratory parameters. We built a predictive model based on these predictors. The area under the curve of this model was 0.889. We established a model for predicting the successful extubation. This model was novel to combine with serial weaning parameters and thus can help intensivists to make extubation decisions easily.
Double‐Blind Placebo‐Controlled Trial of Bepotastine Salicylate in Patients With Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Mo Ji‐Hun , Jeong Jin Hyeok , Kim Tae Hoon , Kim Seon‐Tae , Kim Soo Whan , Lee Kun Hee , Hong Seung‐No , Kim Hyo Yeol , Kim Dae Woo , Kim Dong‐Young , Kim Chang‐Hoon , Cho Seok Hyun , Rhee Chae‐Seo
Published: July 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a slow‐release form of bepotastine salicylate (HL151, Belion CR) in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR).

Study Design

Double‐blind, placebo‐controlled multicenter comparative study.

Methods

Two hundred seventy‐two PAR patients (aged 19–65 years) were studied to determine the efficacy and safety of HL151 (20 mg once daily administration) relative to those of a placebo in terms of improvements in total and nasal symptom scores. The subjects were randomized to the placebo (n = 138) or HL151 group (n = 134, 20 mg orally once daily for 4 weeks), and reflective and instantaneous total nasal symptom scores (TNSS) were measured daily in comparison with baseline. Among 272 subjects, 229 subjects (119 in the placebo group, 110 in the HL151 group) who completed the study were included for efficacy analysis.

Results

Instantaneous and reflective TNSS and nasal symptoms such as rhinorrhea, nasal itching, and sneezing at 2 and 4 weeks showed that HL151 was superior to the placebo (all P < .05). There were no significant differences in terms of adverse events and adverse drug reactions between the two groups. Regarding serious adverse events, there was only one case of acute hepatitis B, which was reported not to be associated with HL151.

Conclusions

This multicenter trial showed that once‐daily use of HL151 is efficacious and safe in adult patients with PAR and could improve compliance due to its convenience.

Level of Evidence

1b Laryngoscope, 131:E702–E709, 2021
Using Artificial Intelligence Techniques to Design Ethylene/1‐Olefin Copolymers
Authors: Charoenpanich Thanutchoke , Anantawaraskul Siripon , Soares João B. P.
Published: July 2020

Four global optimization techniques, genetic algorithm, particle swarm, improved ant colony, and modified artificial bee colony, are compared to find alternative polymerization conditions to make ethylene/1‐olefin copolymers with targeted microstructures and polymerization yields. The polymer microstructure targets are divided in three groups: 1) molecular weight distribution, chemical composition distribution, and polymer yield; 2) number and weight average molecular weights, average comonomer content, and polymer yield; and 3) molecular weight distribution, short chain branching distribution, and polymer yield. The modified artificial bee colony optimization generated the fewest number of incorrect solutions, while the polymer microstructure target group 1 generated the most successful solutions.
An eye on the dog as the scientist's best friend for translational research in ophthalmology: Focus on the ocular surface
Authors: Sebbag Lionel , Mochel Jonathan P.
Published: July 2020

Preclinical animal studies provide valuable opportunities to better understand human diseases and contribute to major advances in medicine. This review provides a comprehensive overview of ocular parameters in humans and selected animals, with a focus on the ocular surface, detailing species differences in ocular surface anatomy, physiology, tear film dynamics and tear film composition. We describe major pitfalls that tremendously limit the translational potential of traditional laboratory animals (i.e., rabbits, mice, and rats) in ophthalmic research, and highlight the benefits of integrating companion dogs with clinical analogues to human diseases into preclinical pharmacology studies. This One Health approach can help accelerate and improve the framework in which ophthalmic research is translated to the human clinic. Studies can be conducted in canine subjects with naturally occurring or noninvasively induced ocular surface disorders (e.g., dry eye disease, conjunctivitis), reviewed herein, and tear fluid can be easily retrieved from canine eyes for various bioanalytical purposes. In this review, we discuss common tear collection methods, including capillary tubes and Schirmer tear strips, and provide guidelines for tear sampling and extraction to improve the reliability of analyte quantification (drugs, proteins, others).
Stability of discrete‐time fractional‐order time‐delayed neural networks in complex field
Authors: Pratap Anbalagan , Raja Ramachandran , Cao Jinde , Huang Chuangxia , Niezabitowski Michal , Bagdasar Ovidiu
Published: July 2020

Dynamics of discrete‐time neural networks have not been well documented yet in fractional‐order cases, which is the first time documented in this manuscript. This manuscript is mainly considered on the stability criterion of discrete‐time fractional‐order complex‐valued neural networks with time delays. When the fractional‐order β holds 1 < β < 2, sufficient criteria based on a discrete version of generalized Gronwall inequality and rising function property are established for ensuring the finite stability of addressing fractional‐order discrete‐time‐delayed complex‐valued neural networks (FODCVNNs). In the meanwhile, when the fractional‐order β holds 0 < β < 1, a global Mittag–Leffler stability criterion of a class of FODCVNNs is demonstrated with two classes of neuron activation function by means of two different new inequalities, fractional‐order discrete‐time Lyapunov method, discrete version Laplace transforms as well as a discrete version of Mittag–Leffler function. Finally, computer simulations of two numerical examples are illustrated to the correctness and effectiveness of the presented stability results.
Methionine Restriction Regulates Cognitive Function in High‐Fat Diet‐Fed Mice: Roles of Diurnal Rhythms of SCFAs Producing‐ and Inflammation‐Related Microbes
Authors: Wang Luanfeng , Ren Bo , Hui Yan , Chu Chuanqi , Zhao Zhenting , Zhang Yuyu , Zhao Beita , Shi Renjie , Ren Junli , Dai Xiaoshuang , Liu Zhigang , Liu Xuebo
Published: July 2020

Scope

Methionine restriction (MR) is known to potently alleviate inflammation and improve gut microbiome in obese mice. The gut microbiome exhibits diurnal rhythmicity in composition and function, and this, in turn, drives oscillations in host metabolism. High‐fat diet (HFD) strongly altered microbiome diurnal rhythmicity, however, the role of microbiome diurnal rhythmicity in mediating the improvement effects of MR on obesity‐related metabolic disorders remains unclear.

Methods and results

10‐week‐old male C57BL/6J mice are fed a low‐fat diet or HFD for 4 weeks, followed with a full diet (0.86% methionine, w/w) or a methionine‐restricted diet (0.17% methionine, w/w) for 8 weeks. Analyzing microbiome diurnal rhythmicity at six time points, the results show that HFD disrupts the cyclical fluctuations of the gut microbiome in mice. MR partially restores these cyclical fluctuations, which lead to time‐specifically enhance the abundance of short‐chain fatty acids producing bacteria, increases the acetate and butyric, and dampens the oscillation of inflammation‐related Desulfovibrionales and Staphylococcaceae over the course of 1 day. Notably, MR, which protects against systemic inflammation, influences brain function and synaptic plasticity.

Conclusion

MR could serve as a potential nutritional intervention for attenuating obesity‐induced cognitive impairments by balancing the circadian rhythm in microbiome‐gut‐brain homeostasis.