bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potentially harmful drug prescription in elderly patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Alvarez Paulino A. , Gao Yubo , Girotra Saket , Mentias Amgad , Briasoulis Alexandros , Vaughan Sarrazin Mary S.
Published: May 2020

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the prescription frequency of potentially harmful prescription drugs as defined in current heart failure guidelines among elderly patients with a diagnosis of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and their association with clinical outcomes.

Methods and results

We used the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services data from a nationally representative 5% sample for the years 2014–2016 to identify patients admitted to acute care hospitals with a primary diagnosis of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. The primary exposure was filling a prescription for a potentially harmful drug. Potentially harmful drug fills were treated as a time‐dependent covariate to examine their association on readmission and mortality. A total of 8993 patients met study criteria. Potentially harmful drugs were prescribed in 1077 (11.9%) patients within 90 days of discharge from the heart failure hospitalization. Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory agents were the most frequently prescribed potentially harmful drug (6.7%) followed by calcium channel blockers (4.7%), thiazolidinedione (0.59%), and select antiarrhythmic (0.33%). Factors independently associated with potentially harmful drug prescription were female gender, Hispanic ethnicity, severe obesity, among others. In the multivariable Cox model, the prescription of a potentially harmful drug was associated with an increased risk of readmission (hazard ratio 1.14; 95% confidence interval 1.05–1.23, P < 0.001). Among drug subgroups, only calcium channel blockers were associated with an increased risk of readmission (hazard ratio 1.225; 95% confidence interval 1.085–1.382, P = 0.0011).

Conclusions

In elderly patients discharged with a primary diagnosis of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction on guideline‐directed medical therapy, prescription of a potentially harmful drug was frequent. Calcium channel blockers were associated with an increased risk of readmission.
Synthesis of Aryl(chalcogen‐heteroaryl)methyl Sulfones via Sulfuric Acid‐Promoted Three‐Component Reaction in Water
Authors: Kuchukulla Ratnakar Reddy , Tang Qinqin , Huang Youming , He Ze , Zhou Lihong , Zeng Qingle
Published: May 2020

A facile and efficient three‐component reaction in the presence of Brønsted acid in water was developed to synthesize aryl(chalcogen‐heteroaryl)methyl sulfones in good to very high yields with broad substrate scope. Our protocol is eco‐friendly, metal free, and atom economic. The sulfone products may be efficiently transformed into a bactericidal agent analogue and an aryl heteroaryl ketone.
Headache attributed to craniocervical dystonia: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Eugenio Ramalho Bezerra Marcos , Sampaio Rocha‐Filho Pedro A.
Published: May 2020

Background

Cervical dystonia is the most common form of focal idiopathic dystonia and is frequently associated with pain. Headaches are not considered to be more prevalent among patients presenting with cervical dystonia, and headaches attributed to craniocervical dystonia are considered to be a rare disorder, despite the lack of studies and clinical information regarding the subject.

Objectives

To investigate the prevalence, characteristics and impact of headaches attributed to craniocervical dystonia in cervical dystonia patients receiving treatment with botulinum toxin type‐A (BoT‐A).

Methods

Twenty‐four patients presenting with cervical dystonia were assessed before receiving their scheduled BoNT‐A injections and then again approximately 4 and 16 weeks after, regarding the clinical characteristics of their dystonia and headaches. Headaches were classified in accordance with the current International Classification of Headache Disorders. We used the Short Form‐36 Health Survey, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Headache Impact Test‐6, Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale and McGill Pain Questionnaire.

Results

Nineteen patients (79.1%) presented with cervical dystonia associated with pain and 18 (75.0%) with headaches. The prevalence of headaches attributed to craniocervical dystonia was 29.2%; HIT‐6: 60.1 ± 9.9. Patients with headaches presented significantly poorer TWSTRS pain scores, compared to patients with no headaches. Those with headaches attributed to craniocervical dystonia presented with more disability and demonstrated a significant improvement in the impact of headaches after BoNT‐A injections, together with an improvement in the dystonia.

Conclusions

Headaches are highly prevalent amongst cervical dystonia patients, have an impact on their quality of life and improves after BoNT‐A injections.

Significance

We found that headaches are more frequent among patients with cervical dystonia than previously thought, and that they contribute towards an overall increase in pain in these patients. Headaches attributed to craniocervical dystonia are associated with greater disability among patients with cervical dystonia. These headaches improve after botulinum toxin injections, in parallel with the improvement of cervical dystonia symptoms.
Is there a Future in the Sustainability Certification of Sardine and Anchovy Fisheries?
Authors: Izquierdo-Peña Vanessa , Lluch-Cota Salvador E , Chavez Francisco P , Lluch-Cota Daniel B , Morales-Bojórquez Enrique , Ponce-Díaz Germán
Published: May 2020

Small pelagic fisheries management is difficult because they exhibit large natural abundance fluctuations and are considered forage fish. We discuss the challenges faced by these fisheries within the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) sustainability certification framework, which evaluates the sustainability of fish stocks, the environmental impact, and effective fisheries management. Certification suspension is frequently linked to the sustainability of stocks. For MSC certification, scientific research will need to play a major role in filling key knowledge gaps, particularly on the nature and causes of ecosystem productivity changes (including climate change), and the role of small pelagics in the ecosystem. Different from other cases where MSC certification creates a direct market incentive through price premiums, in these fisheries, the incentive is related to fisher's public image and improves the bases for negotiation with authorities and the conservation sector. In this context, strategic cooperation between fisheries under the certification process may provide them more benefits than competition.
Potential of food‐to‐food fortification with cowpea leaves and orange‐fleshed sweet potato, in combination with conventional fortification, to improve the cellular uptake of iron and zinc from ready‐to‐eat maize porridges
Authors: Kruger Johanita
Published: May 2020

An emerging tool in the fight against the high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in sub‐Saharan Africa is the production of nutritionally enhanced staple food products, through food‐to‐food fortification with micronutrient‐dense fruits and vegetables. This study investigated food‐to‐food fortification with cowpea leaves (CL) and orange‐fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) in combination with conventional micronutrient fortification and fermentation on the mineral and antinutrient contents and Caco‐2 cellular uptake of iron and zinc from ready‐to‐eat maize porridges. The amount of iron and zinc taken up from maize porridges (0.05 and 0.06 mg/100 g, db, respectively) was increased more after fortification with CL, compared to OFSP (0.32 and 0.23 mg/100 g, db versus. 0.11 and 0.04 mg/100 g, db, respectively). Despite the moderate cellular uptakes of iron and zinc from the CL fortified porridges (2.71% and 3.10%, respectively) compared to the OFSP fortified porridges (6.51% and 5.22%, respectively), the CL fortified porridges had much higher high iron and zinc contents (12.2–14.1 and 7.6–8.9 mg/100 g, db versus. 2.1–3.7 and 1.5–2.7 mg/100 g, db, respectively). This highlights the importance of increasing both the mineral content and bioavailability when fortifying a product. Even when a food product contains substantial antinutrients such as CL, if the mineral content and contents of bioavailability enhancers are high enough, the amounts of bioavailable iron and zinc can still be improved.
Evaluation of image processing technique and discriminant analysis methods in postharvest processing of carrot fruit
Authors: Jahanbakhshi Ahmad , Kheiralipour Kamran
Published: May 2020

The most important process before packaging and preserving agricultural products is sorting operation. Sort of carrot by human labor is involved in many problems such as high cost and product waste. Image processing is a modern method, which has different applications in agriculture including classification and sorting. The aim of this study was to classify carrot based on shape using image processing technique. For this, 135 samples with different regular and irregular shapes were selected. After image acquisition and preprocessing, some features such as length, width, breadth, perimeter, elongation, compactness, roundness, area, eccentricity, centroid, centroid nonhomogeneity, and width nonhomogeneity were extracted. After feature selection, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA) methods were used to classify the features. The classification accuracies of the methods were 92.59 and 96.30, respectively. It can be stated that image processing is an effective way in improving the traditional carrot sorting techniques.
Solar Cell Based on Hybrid Structural SiNW/Poly(3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene): Poly(styrenesulfonate)/Graphene
Authors: Anh Nguyen Ngoc , Van Chuc Nguyen , Thang Bui Hung , Van Nhat Pham , Hao NguyenVan , Phuong Doan Dinh , Minh Phan Ngoc , Subramani Thiyagu , Fukata Naoki , Van Trinh Pham
Published: May 2020

Solar energy is considered as a potential alternative energy source. The solar cell is classified into three main types: i) solar cells based on bulk silicon materials (monocrystalline, polycrystalline), ii) thin‐film solar cells (CIGS, CdTe, DSSC, etc.), and iii) solar cells based on nanostructures and nanomaterials. Nowadays, commercial solar cells are usually made by bulk silicon material, which requires not only high fabrication costs but also limited performance. In this study, the fabrication of high‐performance solar cells based on hybrid structure of silicon nanowires/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate)/graphene (SiNW/PEDOT:PSS/Gr) is focused upon. SiNWs with different lengths of 125, 400, 800 nm, and 2 µm are fabricated by a metal‐assisted chemical etching method, and their influence on the performance of the hybrid solar cells is studied and investigated. The experimental results indicate that the suitable SiNW length for the fabrication of the hybrid solar cells is about 400 nm and the best power conversion efficiency obtained is about 9.05%, which is about 2.1 times higher than that of the planar Si solar cell.
Stokes flow and heat transfer past a circular cylinder in a square cavity with suction/injection on sidewalls
Authors: Muduganti Pavankumar Reddy , Josyula Ramana Murthy V.
Published: May 2020

The laminar viscous fluid flow past a circular cylinder placed in a square cavity of a uniform cross‐section is generated by applying injection/suction at the adjacent sidewalls. The temperature on the side walls without suction and on the boundary of the cylinder is kept constant, and constant heat flux is maintained on the walls with suction. The streamline flow pattern and isothermal lines are drawn. The flow is assumed to be Stokesian. Hence, the resulting biharmonic equation is solved for stream function by expressing it in two coupled equations, and a 5‐point formula is used to solve these equations. Fictitious nodes are introduced for derivative boundary conditions for stream function by using a central difference scheme, and a 3‐point backward difference formula is used for derivative boundary conditions on temperature.
Stable isotope fractionations in the evaporation of water: The wind effect
Authors: Gonfiantini Roberto , Wassenaar Leonard I. , Araguas‐Araguas Luis J.
Published: May 2020

We performed pan evaporation experiments with the objective of exploring the behaviour of the long‐standing Craig–Gordon (C–G) stable isotope model for evaporation under different conditions of air turbulence. The water lost through evaporation was automatically replenished so that a steady isotopic composition was reached, the value of which depended on the isotopic composition of the replenishment water and environmental parameters like temperature, relative humidity and isotopic composition of the atmospheric vapour, and the air turbulence index. The pans were exposed to artificial winds ranging from 0 to 2.5 m/s to change the air turbulence index, which governs the repartition between vapour transported by molecular diffusion and turbulent diffusion. Our data revealed that for wind speeds >0.5 m/s the isotopic composition of the evaporating water deviated from that predicted by the C–G model. This deviation was hypothetically attributed to microdroplets of liquid water removed by the wind without any isotopic fractionation. Isotope mass balance equations allowed us to quantify this water loss, which at wind speeds of ~2 m/s reached 10% of the total evaporation losses. An alternative kinetic evaporation model was proposed whereby the equilibrium layer and the atmospheric laminar layer above the evaporating water of the C–G model were destroyed by the wind and evaporated water molecules were directly injected into the atmosphere. In this model, the isotopic fractionations were due to the slower kinetics of hydrogen bond breakage between molecules in liquid water when heavy isotopes are involved. Accordingly, our data suggested that for isotope water balance studies where winds are frequently above 2 m/s, the C–G model may be inadequate without appropriate corrections for spray vaporization, or the introduction of appropriate kinetic isotope fractionation factors.
Rosacea is associated with conjoined interactions between physical barrier of the skin and microorganisms: A pilot study
Authors: Yuan Chao , Ma Yafeng , Wang Yinjuan , Wang Xiuli , Qian Chunyan , Hocquet Didier , Zheng Shuli , Mac‐Mary Sophie , Humbert Philippe
Published: May 2020

Background

Rosacea is a common condition characterized by transient or persistent central facial erythema, and often papules and pustules. Currently, the role of bacterium in the development and progression of rosacea remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the difference in the physiological conditions and microorganisms between the lesional and non‐lesional areas of papulopustular rosacea.

Methods

Twenty‐five French patients with papulopustular rosacea were enrolled in this pilot study. Each patient was subjected to clinical assessment, and the skin barrier function was tested in lesional and non‐lesional areas. In addition, samples from the lesional and non‐lesional areas were collected for bacterial culturing.

Results

Of all subjects included in the study, a lower skin conductivity was measured in lesional areas than in non‐lesional areas (43.5 ± 12.4 vs. 57.2 ± 11.6 U, P < .05), and a higher transepidermal water loss (TEWL) value was found in lesional areas than in non‐lesional areas (17.2 ± 5.9 vs. 14.2 ± 4.1 g/(m2 h), P < .05). We found a lower TEWL in lesions in rosacea patients with bacterial dysbiosis than in those with bacterial balance (P < .05). In addition, there were significant differences in the skin conductivity and TEWL between lesional and non‐lesional areas in patients with bacterial dysbiosis (P < .001), and no significant differences were seen in patients with bacterial balance (P < .05).

Conclusion

The results of the present study demonstrate that the physiological features of rosacea are closely associated with the interactions between the host and the microorganisms.
Advances and challenges in the treatment of primary central nervous system lymphoma
Authors: Yang Hua , Xun Yang , Yang Anping , Liu Fang , You Hua
Published: May 2020

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), a rare variant of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, is characterized by distinct biological characteristics and clinical behaviors, and patient prognosis is not satisfactory. The advent of high‐dose (HD) methotrexate (HD‐MTX) therapy has significantly improved PCNSL prognosis. Currently, HD‐MTX‐based chemotherapy regimens are recognized as first‐line treatment. PCNSL is sensitive to radiotherapy, and whole‐brain radiotherapy (WBRT) can consolidate response to chemotherapy; however, WBRT‐associated delayed neurotoxicity leads to neurocognitive impairment, especially in elderly patients. Other effective approaches include rituximab, temozolomide, and autologous stem‐cell transplantation (ASCT). In addition, new drugs against PCNSL such as those targeting the B‐cell receptor signaling pathway, are undergoing clinical trials. However, optimal therapeutic approaches in PCNSL remain undefined. This review provides an overview of advances in surgical approaches, induction chemotherapy, radiotherapy, ASCT, salvage treatments, and novel therapeutic approaches in immunocompetent patients with PCNSL in the past 5 years. Additionally, therapeutic progress in elderly patients and in those with relapsed/refractory PCNSL is also summarized based on the outcomes of recent clinical studies.
The role of extracellular vesicles from stored RBC units in B lymphocyte survival and plasma cell differentiation
Authors: Gao Yuhan , Jin Haiqiang , Tan Hui , Wang Yan , Wu Jia , Wang Yuqing , Zhang Jianhua , Yang Ying , Tian Wenqin , Hou Ruiqin
Published: May 2020

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small, double-membrane vesicles derived from erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, and cells of multiple tissues under physiologic or pathologic conditions. The role of EVs in stored RBC units is of great interest with respect to transfusion-related immunomodulation. The current study focuses on the quantity of EVs isolated from stored RBC units and their action on B cell-mediated immune responses. The in vitro experiment demonstrated that EVs exhibited a negative role in B cell survival, plasmacytic differentiation, and class switch recombination under LPS stimulation. Furthermore, LPS-induced antibody production was significantly decreased after EVs injection in vivo. Biochemical analysis revealed that EVs hampered the expression of Blimp-1 and IRF4 and the activation of NF-κB pathway in LPS-primed B cells. Overall, these data imply a vital role for EVs isolated from RBC units in B cell-mediated immune responses.
Prolonged neutrophil survival at necrotic sites is a fundamental feature for tissue recovery and resolution of hepatic inflammation
Authors: Mattos Matheus Silvério , Lopes Mateus Eustáquio , de Araujo Alan Moreira , Alvarenga Débora Moreira , Nakagaki Brenda Naemi , Mafra Kassiana , de Miranda Camila Dutra Moreira , Diniz Ariane Barros , Antunes Maísa Mota , Lopes Maria Alice Freitas , Rezende Rafael Machado , Menezes Gustavo Batista
Published: May 2020

Neutrophils were classically described as powerful effectors of acute inflammation, and their main purpose was assumed to be restricted to pathogen killing through production of oxidants. As consequence, neutrophils also may lead to significant collateral damage to the healthy tissues, and after performing these tasks, these leukocytes are supposed to die within tissues. However, there is a growing body of evidence showing that neutrophils also play a pivotal role in the resolution phases of inflammation, because they can modulate tissue environment due to secretion of different kind of cytokines. Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a worldwide concern being one of the most prevalent causes of liver transplantation, and is well established that there is an intense neutrophil recruitment into necrotic liver during DILI. However, information if such abundant granulocyte infiltration is also linked to the tissue repairing phase of hepatic injury is still largely elusive. Here, we investigated the dynamics of neutrophil trafficking within blood, bone marrow, and liver during hepatic inflammation, and how changes in their gene expression profile could drive the resolution events during acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury. We found that neutrophils remained viable during longer periods following liver damage, because they avidly patrolled necrotic areas and up-regulated pro-resolutive genes, including Tgfb, Il1r2, and Fpr2. Adoptive transference of “resolutive neutrophils” harvested from livers at 72 h after injury to mice at the initial phases of injury (6 h after APAP) significantly rescued organ injury. Thus, we provide novel insights on the role of neutrophils not only in the injury amplification, but also in the resolution phases of inflammation.
HLA-DR-expressing NK cells: Effective killers suspected for antigen presentation
Authors: Erokhina Sofya A , Streltsova Maria A , Kanevskiy Leonid M , Grechikhina Maria V , Sapozhnikov Alexander M , Kovalenko Elena I
Published: May 2020

HLA-DR-expressing cells comprise an intriguing group of NK cells, which combine phenotypic characteristics of both NK cells and dendritic cells. These cells can be found in humans and mice; they are present in blood and tissues in healthy conditions and can expand in a spectrum of pathologies. HLA-DR+ NK cells are functionally active: they produce proinflammatory cytokines, degranulate, and easily proliferate in response to stimuli. Additionally, HLA-DR+ NK cells seem able to take in and then present certain antigens to CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, inducing their activation and proliferation, which puts them closer to professional antigen-presenting cells. It appears that these NK cells should be considerable players of the innate immune system, both due to their functional activity and regulation of the innate and adaptive immune responses. In this review, for the first time, we provide a detailed description and analysis of the available data characterizing phenotypic, developmental, and functional features of the HLA-DR+ NK cells in a healthy condition and a disease.
Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA): Antigen interactions and downstream effects
Authors: Sundqvist Martina , Gibson Kristen M , Bowers Sarah M , Niemietz Iwona , Brown Kelly L
Published: May 2020

Neutrophils are the most abundant leukocytes in circulation and are key “first responders” in the immune response to infectious and non-infectious stimuli. Unlike other immune cells, neutrophils can mount a robust response (including a change in surface markers and the production of extracellular traps and reactive oxygen species) just minutes after sensing a disturbance. It has been speculated that, in some individuals, the activation of neutrophils inadvertently leads to the generation of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA) against particular neutrophil proteins (antigens) such as myeloperoxidase (MPO) and proteinase 3 (PR3). In these individuals, continuous ANCA-antigen interactions are thought to drive persistent activation of neutrophils, chronic immune activation, and disease, most notably, small vessel vasculitis. There are significant gaps however in our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and even the pathogenicity of ANCA given that vasculitis can develop in the absence of ANCA, and that ANCA have been found in circulation in other conditions with no apparent contribution to disease. These gaps are particularly evident in the context of human studies. Herein, we review knowledge on neutrophil-derived ANCA antigens PR3 and MPO, ANCA generation, and ANCA-antigen interaction(s) that may promote immune activation and disease.
Mammographic compression practices of force‐ and pressure‐standardisation protocol: A scoping review
Authors: Serwan Elizabeth , Matthews Donna , Davies Josephine , Chau Minh
Published: May 2020

Introduction

As an efficient, effective and moderately inexpensive modality, mammography has been implemented as a cancer screening tool and in diagnostic management. However, appropriate breast compression is necessary for optimal outcomes. Current key measures of compression force are subjective and variable, giving rise to the concept of a ‘personalised’ pressure‐standardisation protocol.

Methods

A scoping review of the literature was performed using the Arksey and O’Malley framework to explore the existing force‐ and pressure‐standardisation protocols in clinical application. A comprehensive search strategy and standardised study selection and evaluation were completed. This synthesis of existing knowledge can lead to the implementation of mechanically standardised mammographic compression pressure as a feasible tailored approach to clinical practice. Four databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and Scopus) were searched from the databases’ inception to 13 December 2019 for relevant information, and eighteen articles were selected for analysis.

Results

In addition to current protocol comparison, emerging key concepts include the reasoning behind standardisation, the benefits of improved diagnostic outcomes/decreased pain with negligible change in image quality and average glandular dose (AGD), and the recommendation of a 10kPa (approximate) pressure‐standardisation protocol. Research to date is largely based abroad (Netherlands), with a strong focus on screening practices. Consequently, several gaps in the current literature were identified as potential directions for future investigation.

Conclusions

As a suggested mammographic guideline, compression pressures of approximately 10kPa aid in image acquisition reproducibility both within and between women; pain levels decrease, with minimal variations to breast thickness, AGD and image quality.
Receptor‐centric solutions for the opioid epidemic: Making the opioid user impervious to overdose death
Authors: Stevens Craig W.
Published: May 2020

This mini‐review presents the view that contemporary approaches to stem the tide of opioid overdose deaths are insufficient to make a significant impact. Instead, a focus on the opioid receptor as the ultimate molecular target to directly abolish opioid overdose death is explored. After identifying the key brainstem neurons that control respiration which are inhibited by opioid drugs, genetic techniques targeting the mu opioid receptor are detailed which prevent opioid overdose. This receptor‐centric solution for the opioid overdose epidemic can be realized with existing technology and, with sufficient effort, could enter clinical trials within 5 to 10 years.
Combination of c oxidase subunit I based deoxyribonucleic acid barcoding and HPLC techniques for the identification and quality evaluation of Pheretima aspergillum
Authors: Liu Xiaomei , Liu Hongmei , Zhang Cunyan , Wei Ailing , Ao Hui , Liu Fang , Li Meifeng , Guo Li , Ye Qiang
Published: May 2020

This study aimed to identify Pheretima aspergillum (Guang‐Pheretima) and its adulterants using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I based deoxyribonucleic acid barcoding technology, and further to evaluate their quality using an optimized high‐performance liquid chromatography method. For deoxyribonucleic acid barcoding identification, the Kimura‐2‐Parameter model was used to analyze genetic distance, and phylogenetic neighbor‐joining tree was constructed for species identification of 20 labeled Guang‐Pheretima samples. A high‐performance liquid chromatography method was developed for the simultaneous determination of seven nucleoside components for quality evaluation. Compared with the GenBank database, 10 samples were identified as real Guang‐Pheretima (P. aspergillum), and the others as the adulterants‐Metaphire magna. The maximum intraspecific genetic distances of c oxidase subunit I sequence for P. aspergillum were smaller than the minimum interspecific genetic distances between P. aspergillum and M. magna. Ten P. aspergillum and 10 M. magna samples were clearly clustered in the neighbor‐joining tree. The contents of seven nucleosides components in P. aspergillum were significantly higher than that in its adulterant‐M. magna. The incidence of adulterants for Guang‐Pheretima was high (up to 50%) with an alarming quality. This study provided a powerful idea for the quality evaluation of other highly valuable plant‐ or animal‐derived products for safety concerns to avoid misidentification.
Comparison of the Prognostic Factors of Fetuses With Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformations According to Type
Authors: Jeong Ba‐Da , An Su‐ah , Lee Mi‐Young , Won Hye‐Sung , Han Minkyu , Yoon Heemang , Lee Ji‐Hoon , Cho Yoon‐Jung
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To compare the prognostic factors of fetuses with microcystic and macrocystic congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAMs).

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated fetuses with CPAMs at Asan Medical Center. The CPAM size, mass effect, and maximum cyst size in macrocystic CPAMs were evaluated prenatally. The adverse postnatal outcomes, including respiratory symptoms, mechanical ventilation, and surgery, were evaluated.

Results

In 118 cases, 2 fetal deaths and 1 neonatal death occurred. All cases of fetal hydrops and complete regression after birth were in the macrocystic and microcystic CPAM groups, respectively. Twenty‐four neonates (20.7%) had respiratory symptoms, and 18 (15.5%) required mechanical ventilation. Sixty‐three neonates (54.3%) underwent surgery, of whom 21 (33.3%) required surgery in the neonatal period. The maximum congenital pulmonary airway malformation volume ratio was significantly associated with all postnatal outcomes (P < .05), and the optimal cutoff values were lower for respiratory symptoms, mechanical ventilation, and neonatal surgery in the macrocystic CPAMs. The maximum cyst size was also associated with all postnatal outcomes in macrocystic CPAMs (P < .05).

Conclusions

Different cutoff values for the maximum congenital pulmonary airway malformation volume ratio should be applied according to the CPAM type for the prediction of postnatal outcomes. The maximum cyst size can also be a useful prognostic factor in macrocystic CPAMs.
Successes and Challenges of University First Hunt Programs
Authors: Ringelman Kevin M. , Collier Bret A. , Laborde Lucien P. , Rohwer Frank C. , Reynolds Larry A. , Messerli Jake , McLandress M. Robert , Oberstadt George , Eadie John M.
Published: May 2020

Wildlife professionals are tasked with sustainably managing habitats and wildlife for the benefit of a variety of stakeholders, and hunters are an important user group. But the number of hunters in North America has continued to decline, and as a result, new wildlife professionals entering the field are less likely to be hunters than their predecessors. We find this trend concerning because future wildlife professionals would be better equipped to manage wildlife resources and develop policies if they understand the motivations and culture of the hunter constituents supporting their work. To address this trend, we have developed collegiate hunting experience programs at the University of California Davis (UC Davis) and Louisiana State University (LSU), USA, wherein undergraduates in wildlife programs are provided with the education, training, equipment, and opportunity to hunt waterfowl and deer. The hunting experience is transformative for our students, resulting in a deeper connection to the wildlife resource, and a richer understanding of hunting culture and hunters’ stewardship of wildlife habitat. In the 2 programs, we have encountered challenges (e.g., timidity around firearms), and opportunities for expanding our reach to broader segments of society (e.g., leveraging social media). The relative success of our programs indicates that the possibility for implementation of similar opportunities elsewhere is high, and may provide new ways for private landowners, non‐governmental organizations, and corporate outfitters to engage in undergraduate education. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Synergistic Effect of Diacylglycerol and Vitamin D in Ameliorating Dextran Sodium Sulfate‐Induced Colitis in Rats
Authors: Liu Yanan , Wang Baowei , Xu Huixin , Ge Wenhua , Xie Yue , Zhang Mingai , Kong Min , Fan Wenlei
Published: May 2020

Vitamin D (VD) has the function of antibacteria and protect intestinal mucosa. Diacylglycerol has the property of dissolving VD, anti‐bacterial, and antioxidant effects. The purpose of this study was to explore the potentially synergistic effects of diacylglycerol and VD in ameliorating dextran sodium sulfate‐induced colitis in rats. A 2 × 3 factorial design was used in this experiment, consisting of two levels of VD (2.5 and 5 μg/day) crossed with three levels of duck oil diacylglycerol (0.5, 1, and 2 mL/day). The experiment lasted for 2 weeks. Compared with the colitis group, the physiological indexes were altered in colitis rats treated with diacylglycerol and VD, the concentrations of the pro‐inflammatory indices were significantly reduced, the antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly increased, the diversity of caecal microflora was significantly increased. Besides, the expression of PPARγ was up‐regulated while the expression of NF‐κBp65 was downregulated. The changes of all those measures were toward those in the Healthy Control, and the mostly appropriate combination was 1 mL/day of diacylglycerol plus 2.5 μg/day VD.
Discovery of Intake Biomarkers of Lentils, Chickpeas, and White Beans by Untargeted LC–MS Metabolomics in Serum and Urine
Authors: Garcia‐Aloy Mar , Ulaszewska Marynka , Franceschi Pietro , Estruel‐Amades Sheila , Weinert Christoph H. , Tor‐Roca Alba , Urpi‐Sarda Mireia , Mattivi Fulvio , Andres‐Lacueva Cristina
Published: May 2020

Scope

To identify reliable biomarkers of food intake (BFIs) of pulses.

Methods and results

A randomized crossover postprandial intervention study is conducted on 11 volunteers who consumed lentils, chickpeas, and white beans. Urine and serum samples are collected at distinct postprandial time points up to 48 h, and analyzed by LC‐HR‐MS untargeted metabolomics. Hypaphorine, trigonelline, several small peptides, and polyphenol‐derived metabolites prove to be the most discriminating urinary metabolites. Two arginine‐related compounds, dopamine sulfate and epicatechin metabolites, with their microbial derivatives, are identified only after intake of lentils, whereas protocatechuic acid is identified only after consumption of chickpeas. Urinary hydroxyjasmonic and hydroxydihydrojasmonic acids, as well as serum pipecolic acid and methylcysteine, are found after white bean consumption. Most of the metabolites identified in the postprandial study are replicated as discriminants in 24 h urine samples, demonstrating that in this case the use of a single, noninvasive sample is suitable for revealing the consumption of pulses.

Conclusions

The results of the present untargeted metabolomics work reveals a broad list of metabolites that are candidates for use as biomarkers of pulse intake. Further studies are needed to validate these BFIs and to find the best combinations of them to boost their specificity.
Predicting the Acute Liver Toxicity of Aflatoxin B1 in Rats and Humans by an In Vitro–In Silico Testing Strategy
Authors: Gilbert‐Sandoval Ixchel , Wesseling Sebastiaan , Rietjens Ivonne M. C. M.
Published: May 2020

Scope

High‐level exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is known to cause acute liver damage and fatality in animals and humans. The intakes actually causing this acute toxicity have so far been estimated based on AFB1 levels in contaminated foods or biomarkers in serum. The aim of the present study is to predict the doses causing acute liver toxicity of AFB1 in rats and humans by an in vitro–in silico testing strategy.

Methods and results

Physiologically based kinetic (PBK) models for AFB1 in rats and humans are developed. The models are used to translate in vitro concentration–response curves for cytotoxicity in primary rat and human hepatocytes to in vivo dose–response curves using reverse dosimetry. From these data, the dose levels at which toxicity would be expected are obtained and compared to toxic dose levels from available rat and human case studies on AFB1 toxicity. The results show that the in vitro–in silico testing strategy can predict dose levels causing acute toxicity of AFB1 in rats and human.

Conclusions

Quantitative in vitro in vivo extrapolation (QIVIVE) using PBK modeling‐based reverse dosimetry can predict AFB1 doses that cause acute liver toxicity in rats and human.
Fermentation of Chicory Fructo‐Oligosaccharides and Native Inulin by Infant Fecal Microbiota Attenuates Pro‐Inflammatory Responses in Immature Dendritic Cells in an Infant‐Age‐Dependent and Fructan‐Specific Way
Authors: Logtenberg Madelon J. , Akkerman Renate , An Ran , Hermes Gerben D. A. , de Haan Bart J. , Faas Marijke M. , Zoetendal Erwin G. , Schols Henk A. , de Vos Paul
Published: May 2020

Scope

Inulin‐type fructans are commonly applied in infant formula to support development of gut microbiota and immunity. These inulin‐type fructans are considered to be fermented by gut microbiota, but it is unknown how fermentation impacts immune modulating capacity and whether the process of fermentation is dependent on the infant's age.

Methods and results

The in vitro fermentation of chicory fructo‐oligosaccharides (FOS) and native inulin are investigated using pooled fecal inocula of two‐ and eight‐week‐old infants. Both inocula primarily utilize the trisaccharides in FOS, while they almost completely utilize native inulin with degree of polymerization (DP) 3–8. Fecal microbiota of eight‐week‐old infants degrades longer chains of native inulin up to DP 16. This correlates with a higher abundance of Bifidobacterium and higher production of acetate and lactate after 26 h of fermentation. Fermented FOS and native inulin attenuate pro‐inflammatory cytokines produced by immature dendritic cells (DCs), but profiles and magnitude of attenuation are stronger with native inulin than with FOS.

Conclusion

The findings demonstrate that fermentation of FOS and native inulin is dependent on the infant's age and fructan structure. Fermentation enhances attenuating effects of pro‐inflammatory responses in DCs, which depend mainly on microbial metabolites formed during fermentation.
Technical Note: GATE‐RTion: a GATE/Geant4 release for clinical applications in scanned ion beam therapy
Authors: Grevillot L. , Boersma D. J. , Fuchs H , Aitkenhead A. , Elia A. , Bolsa M. , Winterhalter C. , Vidal M. , Jan S. , Pietrzyk U. , Maigne L. , Sarrut D.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

GATE‐RTion is a validated version of GATE for clinical use in the field of light ion beam therapy. This paper describes the GATE‐RTion project and illustrates its potential through clinical applications developed in three European centers delivering scanned proton and carbon ion treatments.

Methods

GATE‐RTion is a collaborative framework provided by the OpenGATE collaboration. It contains a validated GATE release based on a specific Geant4 version, a set of tools to integrate GATE into a clinical environment and a network for clinical users.

Results

Three applications are presented: Proton radiography at the Centre Antoine Lacassagne (Nice, France); Independent dose calculation for proton therapy at the Christie NHS Foundation Trust (Manchester, UK); Independent dose calculation for protons and carbon ions at the MedAustron Ion Therapy center (Wiener Neustadt, Austria).

Conclusions

GATE‐RTion builds the bridge between researchers and clinical users from the OpenGATE collaboration in the field of Light Ion Beam Therapy. The applications presented in three European facilities using three completely different machines (three different vendors, cyclotron‐ and synchrotron‐based systems, protons, and carbon ions) demonstrate the relevance and versatility of this project.
One‐shot radical polymerization of vinyl monomers with different reactivity accompanying spontaneous delay of polymerization for the synthesis of double‐network hydrogels
Authors: Dohi Shunsuke , Suzuki Yasuhito , Matsumoto Akikazu
Published: May 2020

Double‐network hydrogels were conveniently synthesized by the one‐shot radical polymerization of an ionic monomer for the first network and a non‐ionic monomer for the second network in the presence of crosslinkers by simultaneous addition of the monomers, that is, one‐shot and spontaneous two‐step polymerization accompanying the delay of polymerization of a second network monomer. We analyzed the polymerization process based on the conversion of each monomer during the reaction in the absence of crosslinkers. Then we fabricated the double‐network hydrogels using several polymerization systems consisting of a conjugated monomer and a non‐conjugated monomer in the presence of the dual crosslinkers. We analyzed the swelling, mechanical and viscoelastic properties of hydrogels synthesized by one‐shot radical polymerization to confirm the production mechanism and the network structure of the hydrogels. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Engineering in the rugged permafrost terrain on the roof of the world under a warming climate
Authors: Wu Qingbai , Sheng Yu , Yu Qihao , Chen Ji , Ma Wei
Published: May 2020

Permafrost is sensitive to both climate warming and engineering disturbance on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP). These factors degrade the stability of infrastructure built on permafrost and reduce its service life. To counter these effects, cooling of the subgrade to lower permafrost temperature forms part of the engineering design on the QTP. Proactive cooling of the subgrade has been used in construction of the Qinghai–Tibet Railway (QTR), the Chaidaer–Muli Railway, the Qinghai–Tibet DC Power Transmission Line, and the Gonghe–Yushu Express Highway. As a consequence, there has been significant ground cooling and little permafrost thaw beneath these infrastructure projects. However, the QTR has experienced some problems, such as in the stability of transitions at bridge abutments, reductions to the convective capacity of crushed rock structures from infilling by eolian sand, and freeze–thaw damage. A monitoring network has been established to examine the influence of climate change for engineering stability on the QTP. Climate warming on the plateau will present significant challenges for engineering of proposed oil and gas pipelines, express highways and the high‐speed railway from Golmud to Lhasa.
Plasma pharmacokinetics of ceftolozane/tazobactam in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Arrieta Antonio C. , Ang Jocelyn Y. , Zhang Zufei , Larson Kajal B. , Yu Brian , Johnson Matthew G. , Rhee Elizabeth G. , Feng Ed H. , Rizk Matthew L.
Published: May 2020

Background

The antipseudomonal cephalosporin/β‐lactamase inhibitor combination ceftolozane/tazobactam could be a potential treatment option for cystic fibrosis (CF) pulmonary exacerbations. The pharmacokinetics (PK) of ceftolozane/tazobactam in children with CF merits further evaluation.

Methods

This is a retrospective subgroup analysis of a phase 1, noncomparative trial that characterized PK, safety, and tolerability of single intravenous doses of ceftolozane/tazobactam in pediatric patients. This analysis compares ceftolozane and tazobactam plasma PK parameters, estimated from a population PK model, between patients with and without CF enrolled in that trial. Individual attainment of PK/pharmacodynamic (PD) targets of ceftolozane and tazobactam (free ceftolozane concentration >4 µg/mL for >30% and free tazobactam concentration >1 µg/mL for 20% of the dosing interval) in patients with and without CF were evaluated.

Results

The study enrolled 18 patients aged greater than or equal to 2 to less than 18 years old, which included 9 with CF. Weight‐normalized ceftolozane PK parameters were similar between patients with CF (clearance: 0.16 L/h/kg, half‐life: 1.54 hours, volume of distribution: 0.26 L/kg) and without CF (clearance: 0.15 L/h/kg, half‐life: 1.62 hours, volume of distribution: 0.26 L/kg), as were most weight‐normalized tazobactam PK parameters. Weight‐normalized tazobactam clearance was higher in patients with CF (0.73 L/h/kg) than patients without CF (0.42 L/h/kg). All patients achieved the prespecified PK/PD targets for ceftolozane and tazobactam.

Conclusions

This retrospective analysis demonstrated generally similar weight‐normalized plasma PK parameters for ceftolozane and tazobactam among children with and without CF; thus, projected doses for treatment of pediatric hospital‐acquired/ventilator‐associated pneumonia, which are higher than the pediatric complicated urinary tract infection/intra‐abdominal infection doses, may be appropriate for treatment of CF pulmonary exacerbation.
Zinc binding promotes greater hydrophobicity inAlzheimer's Aβ42peptide than copper binding: Molecular dynamics and solvation thermodynamics studies
Authors: Boopathi Subramanian , Dinh Quoc Huy Pham , Gonzalez Wendy , Theodorakis Panagiotis E. , Li Mai Suan
Published: May 2020

The aggregation of Aβ42 peptides is considered as one of the main causes for the development of Alzheimer's disease. In this context, Zn2+and Cu2+play a significant role in regulating the aggregation mechanism, due to changes in the structural and the solvation free energy of Aβ42. In practice, experimental studies are not able to determine the latter properties, since the Aβ42–Zn2+and Aβ42–Cu2+peptide complexes are intrinsically disordered, exhibiting rapid conformational changes in the aqueous environment. Here, we investigate atomic structural variations and the solvation thermodynamics of Aβ42,Aβ42–Cu2+, and Aβ42–Zn2+systems in explicit solvent (water) by using quantum chemical structures as templates for a metal binding site and combining extensive all‐atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with a thorough solvation thermodynamic analysis. Our results show that the zinc and copper coordination results in a significant decrease of the solvation free energy in the C‐terminal region (Met35‐Val40), which in turn leads to a higher structural disorder. In contrast, the β‐sheet formation at the same C‐terminal region indicates a higher solvation free energy in the case of Aβ42.The solvation free energy of Aβ42 increases upon Zn2+binding, due to the higher tendency of forming the β‐sheet structure at the Leu17‐Ala42 residues, in contrast to the case of binding with Cu2+. Finally, we find the hydrophobicity of Aβ42–Zn2+in water is greater than in the case of Aβ42–Cu2+.