bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychological pain responses in athletes and non‐athletes with low back pain: Avoidance and endurance matter
Authors: Gajsar Hannah , Titze Christina , Levenig Claudia , Kellmann Michael , Heidari Jahan , Kleinert Jens , Rusu Adina Carmen , Hasenbring Monika Ilona
Published: June 2019

Background

Dysfunctional psychological pain responses, namely fear‐avoidance (FAR), including catastrophizing and helplessness, as well as endurance‐related responses (ER), including thought suppression and overactivity, have been shown to be risk factors for persistent low back pain (LBP). Literature suggests that athletes may differ from non‐athletes regarding psychological responses to pain.

Objectives

This study set out to compare FAR and ER between athletes and non‐athletes with LBP. It was hypothesized that athletes would report less frequent FAR and more frequent ER, and that both FAR and ER are associated with LBP intensity and disability.

Methods

The 173 athletes and 93 non‐athletes cross‐sectionally reported how frequently they employ FAR and ER on the Avoidance‐Endurance Questionnaire (AEQ), as well as LBP intensity and disability on the Chronic Pain Grade Questionnaire (CPGS). MANOVA was applied to compare FAR and ER between athletes and non‐athletes. Hierarchical multiple linear regression models were used to determine the unique associations between FAR and ER with LBP intensity and disability.

Results

Athletes reported lower frequencies of behavioural avoidance than non‐athletes, but no other FAR variables differed between the groups. Frequencies of ER did not differ between athletes and non‐athletes. Regression analysis indicated substantial associations of FAR with LBP intensity, as well as of FAR and ER with disability in athletes and non‐athletes.

Conclusions

The results of the present study suggest that athletes and non‐athletes with LBP differ regarding behavioural avoidance, but overall, differences regarding pain responses are marginal. FAR and ER are both reported in athletes and non‐athletes and contribute to disability in both groups.

Significance

Athletes train to endure pain in the course of athletic socialization, at least in the context of exercise. However, there is sparsity of knowledge about psychological pain responses in athletes with low back pain and whether they differ from those in non‐athletes. The results of this comparative study suggest that endurance responses are more frequent than avoidance responses among athletes and non‐athletes alike. However, both types of responses seem relevant to clinical pain management in athletes as well as non‐athletes.
A blockchain‐based framework to secure vehicular social networks
Authors: Yahiatene Youcef , Rachedi Abderrezak , Riahla Mohamed Amine , Menacer Djamel Eddine , Nait‐Abdesselam Farid
Published: June 2019

Vehicular social network is emerging as a new promising concept, combining two types of network paradigms, namely, vehicular networks and social networks. In order to manage efficiently the security and the control of the network, this paper proposes a new framework based on the emerging concepts of software‐defined vehicular network (SDVN) and blockchain. Using the SDVN makes the network more programmable, virtualized, and partitionable. However, on the other hand, it also creates a well‐known vulnerability of a single point of failure. Hence, we propose to introduce the blockchain paradigm that will enable the certification of transactions and ensure data anonymity in a fully distributed manner. To this end, three levels of controllers are needed: a principal controller (PC), roadside units (RSUs), and a local controller. In order to dynamically select miners, a distributed miners connected dominating set algorithm (DM‐CDS) has been proposed. The DM‐CDS is a single‐phase distributed algorithm that supports a dynamic topology based on a trust model and some other network parameters, such as the connectivity degree, the average link quality indicator, and the rank. The performance of the proposed DM‐CDS is evaluated throughout multiple scenarios using different parameters, such as trust metric, node density, node mobility, and radio range. The obtained results highlight the importance of such proposed architecture, especially in terms of number of required miners. For instance, when the density of nodes increases, the number of selected miners increases similarly to when the network length increases. The node mobility impacts also on the stability of the selected miners, in terms of withdrawing and joining, showing a variation between 0% and 10%. The trust metric has also an important impact on the selection of miners, as only nodes with a higher trust level are selected to endorse the roles of miners.
Thermomechanical surface instability at the origin of surface fissure patterns on heated circular MDF samples
Authors: Ferrantelli Andrea , Baroudi Djebar , Khakalo Sergei , Li Kai Yuan
Published: June 2019

When a flat sample of medium density fibreboard (MDF) is exposed to radiant heat in an inert atmosphere, primary crack patterns suddenly start to appear over the entire surface before pyrolysis and any charring occurs. Contrary to common belief that crack formation is due to drying and shrinkage, it was demonstrated for square samples that this results from thermomechanical instability. In the present paper, new experimental data are presented for circular samples of the same MDF material. The sample was exposed to radiant heating at 20 or 50 kW/m2, and completely different crack patterns with independent eigenmodes were observed at the two heat fluxes. We show that the two patterns can be reproduced with a full 3‐D thermomechanical surface instability model of a hot layer adhered to an elastic colder foundation in an axisymmetric domain. Analytical and numerical solutions of a simplified 2‐D formulation of the same problem provide excellent qualitative agreement between observed and calculated patterns. Previous data for square samples, together with the results reported in the present paper for circular samples, confirm the validity of the model for qualitative predictions and indicate that further refinements can be made to improve its quantitative predictive capability.
Effect of different Lactobacillus species on volatile and nonvolatile flavor compounds in juices fermentation
Authors: Cui Shumao , Zhao Nan , Lu Wenwei , Zhao Fang , Zheng Songyou , Wang Weijun , Chen Wei
Published: June 2019

Lactobacillus is the dominant genus during fruit and vegetable juices (FVFs) fermentation, which are the key factors for taste and flavor. This study was performed to investigate the effects of different Lactobacillus spp. on profile of volatile flavor compounds and nonvolatile taste compounds in FVFs fermentation. A total of 14 compounds were identified as discriminant flavor and taste markers for fermented FVFs via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS)‐based multimarker profiling. The PCA score plot and PLS‐DA showed that different FVFs were divided into three distinct types, suggesting that the different species significantly affect the volatile and nonvolatile compounds profiles of FVFs. Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (Type A FVFs) might make a greater contribution to the umami taste. Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus acidophilus (Type B FVFs) make a greater contribution to the sour taste. Lactobacillus fermentum may be an potential critical contributor to produce volatile compounds. We reveal that different Lactobacillus strains play different roles in modifying these compounds related to flavor and taste features.
Heritability analysis of nontraditional glycemic biomarkers in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Loomis Stephanie J. , Tin Adrienne , Coresh Josef , Boerwinkle Eric , Pankow James S. , Köttgen Anna , Selvin Elizabeth , Duggal Priya
Published: June 2019

Nontraditional glycemic biomarkers, including fructosamine, glycated albumin, and 1,5‐anhydroglucitol (1,5‐AG) are potential alternatives or complement to traditional measures of hyperglycemia. Genetic variants are associated with these biomarkers, but the heritability, or extent to which genetics control their variation, is not known. We estimated pedigree‐based, SNP‐based, and bivariate heritabilities for traditional glycemic biomarkers (fasting glucose, HbA1c), and nontraditional biomarkers (fructosamine, glycated albumin, 1,5‐AG) among white participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study (N = 400 first‐degree relatives from sibships, N = 5,575 unrelated individuals). Pedigree‐based heritabilities (representing heritability from the entire genome) for nontraditional biomarkers were substantial (0.44–0.55) and comparable to HbA1c (0.34); the fasting glucose estimate was nonsignificant. SNP‐based heritabilities (representing heritability from common variants) were lower than pedigree‐based heritabilities for all biomarkers. Bivariate heritabilities showed shared genetics between fructosamine and glycated albumin (0.46 pedigree‐based, 1.00 SNP‐based) and glycated albumin and 1,5‐AG (0.50 pedigree‐based, 0.47 SNP‐based). Genetic factors contribute to a considerable proportion of the variance of fructosamine, glycated albumin, and 1,5‐AG and a portion of this heritability likely comes from common variants.
Neuroinflammation in Murine Cirrhosis Is Dependent on the Gut Microbiome and Is Attenuated by Fecal Transplant
Authors: Liu Runping , Kang Jason D. , Sartor R. Balfour , Sikaroodi Masoumeh , Fagan Andrew , Gavis Edith A. , Zhou Huiping , Hylemon Phillip B. , Herzog Jeremy W. , Li Xiaojiaoyang , Lippman Robert H. , Gonzalez‐Maeso Javier , Wade James B. , Ghosh Siddhartha , Gurley Emily , Gillevet Patrick M. , Bajaj Jasmohan S.
Published: June 2019

Cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is associated with an altered gut–liver–brain axis. Fecal microbial transplant (FMT) after antibiotics improves outcomes in HE, but the impact on brain function is unclear. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of colonization using human donors in germ‐free (GF) mice on the gut–liver–brain axis. GF and conventional mice were made cirrhotic using carbon tetrachloride and compared with controls in GF and conventional state. Additional GF mice were colonized with stool from controls (Ctrl‐Hum) and patients with cirrhosis (Cirr‐Hum). Stools from patients with HE cirrhosis after antibiotics were pooled (pre‐FMT). Stools from the same patients 15 days after FMT from a healthy donor were also pooled (post‐FMT). Sterile supernatants were created from pre‐FMT and post‐FMT samples. GF mice were colonized using stools/sterile supernatants. For all mice, frontal cortex, liver, and small/large intestines were collected. Cortical inflammation, synaptic plasticity and gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling, and liver inflammation and intestinal 16s ribosomal RNA microbiota sequencing were performed. Conventional cirrhotic mice had higher degrees of neuroinflammation, microglial/glial activation, GABA signaling, and intestinal dysbiosis compared with other groups. Cirr‐Hum mice had greater neuroinflammation, microglial/glial activation, and GABA signaling and lower synaptic plasticity compared with Ctrl‐Hum mice. This was associated with greater dysbiosis but no change in liver histology. Pre‐FMT material colonization was associated with neuroinflammation and microglial activation and dysbiosis, which was reduced significantly with post‐FMT samples. Sterile pre‐FMT and post‐FMT supernatants did not affect brain parameters. Liver inflammation was unaffected. Conclusion: Fecal microbial colonization from patients with cirrhosis results in higher degrees of neuroinflammation and activation of GABAergic and neuronal activation in mice regardless of cirrhosis compared with those from healthy humans. Reduction in neuroinflammation by using samples from post‐FMT patients to colonize GF mice shows a direct effect of fecal microbiota independent of active liver inflammation or injury.
A North American Expert Opinion Statement on Sarcopenia in Liver Transplantation
Authors: Carey Elizabeth J. , Lai Jennifer C. , Sonnenday Christopher , Tapper Elliot B. , Tandon Puneeta , Duarte‐Rojo Andres , Dunn Michael A. , Tsien Cynthia , Kallwitz Eric R. , Ng Vicky , Dasarathy Srinivasan , Kappus Matthew , Bashir Mustafa R. , Montano‐Loza Aldo J.
Published: June 2019

Loss of muscle mass and function, or sarcopenia, is a common feature of cirrhosis and contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in this population. Sarcopenia is a main indicator of adverse outcomes in this population, including poor quality of life, hepatic decompensation, mortality in patients with cirrhosis evaluated for liver transplantation (LT), longer hospital and intensive care unit stay, higher incidence of infection following LT, and higher overall health care cost. Although it is clear that muscle mass is an important predictor of LT outcomes, many questions remain, including the best modality for assessing muscle mass, the optimal cut‐off values for sarcopenia, the ideal timing and frequency of muscle mass assessment, and how to best incorporate the concept of sarcopenia into clinical decision making. For these reasons, we assembled a group of experts to form the North American Working Group on Sarcopenia in Liver Transplantation to use evidence from the medical literature to address these outstanding questions regarding sarcopenia in LT. We believe sarcopenia assessment should be considered in all patients with cirrhosis evaluated for liver transplantation. Skeletal muscle index (SMI) assessed by computed tomography constitutes the best‐studied technique for assessing sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis. Cut‐off values for sarcopenia, defined as SMI < 50 cm2/m2 in male and < 39 cm2/m2 in female patients, constitute the validated definition for sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis. Conclusion: The management of sarcopenia requires a multipronged approach including nutrition, exercise, and additional pharmacological therapy as deemed necessary. Future studies should evaluate whether recovery of sarcopenia with nutritional management in combination with an exercise program is sustainable as well as how improvement in muscle mass might be associated with improvement in clinical outcomes.
A False Sense of Protection: Recreational Uses and Illegal Behavior in a Mediterranean Marine Protected Area and Implications for Management
Authors: Manna Gabriella La , Sarà Gianluca
Published: June 2019

Over the last 35 years, at both the European and the Italian level, great efforts have been made to increase the number of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): they are considered an effective tool for protecting oceans and biodiversity. In recent years, MPAs have become more than simply tools to improve marine conservation. In fact, their management agencies are actively involved in the sustainable development of nearby communities through the promotion of recreational activities (boating, snorkeling, diving). Even if the recreational uses of the marine environment are generally considered benign, they can potentially be highly detrimental for species and their habitats. As a result, these activities should be controlled through the spatial zoning and the regulation of the MPAs. Thus, the achievement of the conservation goals of the MPAs depends primarily on compliance with the regulations of recreational uses inside their boundaries. The objective of this study was to estimate boating usage and the related level of compliance inside the Capo Gallo and Isola delle Femmine (Italy) MPA. The spatial and temporal trend of boating and the behaviors of boaters were measured through direct observation over a period of 2 summer months. The study highlighted a weakness in the effectiveness of this MPA, linked to a social component and compliance with the regulation. Solutions for effective management plans are outlined thanks to an understanding of the limitations and potential of existing MPA policies. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;00:1–13. © 2019 SETAC
Cross‐sectional study of the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in rural and urban populations
Authors: Deswal Ritu , Nanda Smiti , Ghalaut Veena S. , Roy Prasanta S. , Dang Amita S.
Published: June 2019

Objective

To assess the prevalence and risk factor profile of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in Haryana, India.

Methods

A large‐scale cross‐sectional study was conducted among women of reproductive age in Haryana between December 2015 and May 2017. A random multi‐stage stratified sampling method was adopted. PCOS screening was based on questionnaires. Blood samples for hormonal analysis were collected from those with probable and definitive PCOS cases. Women with menstrual irregularities (MI), hyperandrogenism (HA), and polycystic ovaries (PCO) (Rotterdam criteria) were included. Females with thyroid disease, hyperprolactinemia, and adrenal hyperplasia were excluded.

Results

Among total 2400 women screened, 94 (4.21%) had PCOS. The PCOS phenotypes were 30% clinical HA (hirsutism, H), 64% biochemical HA, 35% PCO, 16% H+MI, 10% MI+PCO, 52% MI+HA, 14% PCO+H, and 19% PCO+H+HA. Overall, 67 (71%) of the women with PCOS resided in urban regions and 27 (29%) in rural regions.

Conclusion

Among the women with PCOS, a considerably higher proportion resided in urban regions of Haryana. The difference may be attributed to lifestyle and dietary factors. Ignoring PCOS may put women at risk of serious long‐term health consequences that are difficult to manage. Lifestyle changes and continuous surveys should be promoted for better management.
Candidates for neotypification of Blanco's names of Philippine plants: specimens in the U.S. National Herbarium
Authors: Nicolson Dan H. , Arculus Dawn
Published: June 2019

Nicolson, D. H. & Arculus, D.: Candidates for neotypification of Blanco's names of Philippine plants: specimens in the U.S. National Herbarium. ‐ Taxon 50: 947–954. 2001. ‐ISSN 0040‐0262.

Evidence suggests that of the widely distributed sets of E. D. Merrill's “illustrative specimens” for F. M. Blanco's names of Philippine plants, the first, most complete, and best labelled extant set is the one at the U.S. National Herbarium. Workers considering neotypification of Blanco's plant names should give special consideration to the materials at US.
Overexpression of long noncoding RNA Malat1 ameliorates traumatic brain injury induced brain edema by inhibiting AQP4 and the NF‐κB/IL‐6 pathway
Authors: Zhang Yamin , Wang Jianping , Zhang Yi , Wei Jia , Wu Ruipeng , Cai Hui
Published: June 2019

Brain edema is a major traumatic brain injury (TBI)‐related neurological complication. In the initiation stage of TBI, brain edema is characterized by astrocyte swelling (cytotoxic edema). We studied the impact of a long noncoding RNA, Malat1, on the TBI‐induced astrocyte swelling and brain edema. Our results showed that Malat1 was downregulated in both the TBI rat model and the astrocyte fluid percussion injury (FPI) model, which concurred with brain edema and astrocyte swelling. Overexpression of Malat1 significantly inhibited rat brain edema, meanwhile reducing interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), and aquaporin 4 (AQP4) expression after TBI. In addition, overexpression of Malat1 ameliorated FPI‐induced astrocyte swelling and reduced IL‐6 release. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis also corroborated the inhibitory effects of Malat1 on NF‐κB and AQP4 expression after FPI. Our results highlighted the protective effects of Malat1 on the TBI‐induced brain edema, which were mediated through regulating IL‐6, NF‐κB, and AQP4 expression. Our study could provide a novel approach for TBI treatment.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells regulate TGF‐β to adjust neuroinflammation in postoperative central inflammatory mice
Authors: Sun Zhen‐Zhen , Li Yun‐Feng , Xv Zhi‐Peng , Zhang You‐Zhi , Mi Wei‐Dong
Published: June 2019

Background

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is one of the common postoperative complications, which is more common in aged patients. POCD mainly manifests as cognitive function changes after surgery, such as memory decline and inattention. In some severe cases, patients may suffer from personality changes and (or) social behavior decline. The aim of the current study is to confirm the effect and elucidate the mechanism of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in postoperative central inflammatory mice.

Methods

Mice were randomly assigned to four groups: sham, sham+BMSCs, model, and BMSCs group. In the model group, mice were intraperitoneally injected 8 mg/kg per day lipopolysaccharide for 5 days. In sham+BMSCs and BMSCs group, BMSCs (1 × 10
7) in 100 µL saline were injected into sham mice and model mice, respectively.

Results

In the model group, transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) protein expression was significantly increased, compared with that in the sham group. BMSCs were treated into postoperative central inflammatory mice, which resulted in a decreased of TGF‐β protein expression. TGF‐β and smad2 protein expression were suppressed, and apoptosis rate and inflammation were inhibited in coculture with BMSCs. The suppression of TGF‐β inhibited the effects of BMSCs on apoptosis rate and inflammation in postoperative central inflammatory through a smad2 signaling pathway. The promotion of TGF‐β reduced the effects of BMSCs on apoptosis rate and inflammation in postoperative central inflammatory through a smad2 signaling pathway.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates that BMSCs regulates TGF‐β to adjust neuroinflammation in postoperative central inflammatory mice.
Clinical significance of serum IGFBP‐3 in colorectal cancer
Authors: Hou Yu‐Lei , Luo Peng , Ji Guang‐yan , Chen Hui
Published: June 2019

Background

IGF‐binding protein 3（IGFBP‐3）has previously been identified as tumor marker. The present study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of serum IGFBP‐3 in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

Serum was collected from 70 CRC patients and 50 healthy volunteer controls. Serum IGFBP‐3 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels were measured using electrogenerated chemiluminescence immunoassay and compared between groups. Relationships between serum IGFBP‐3 level and the clinical characteristics of CRC were also analyzed. A receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to investigate diagnostic efficacy of serum IGFBP‐3 and CEA, respectively, for CRC. Data were analyzed using SPSS 13.0.

Results

Serum IGFBP‐3 levels in CRC were lower than those of controls (4.68 [3.56, 5.77] vs 5.44 [4.77, 6.10] µg/mL, P < 0.05). Furthermore, serum IGFBP‐3 levels were higher in early cancer stages (I and II) than those of advanced stages (III and IV) (4.78 [3.92, 5.49] vs 3.77 [2.65, 4.59] µg/mL, P < 0.05). In addition, patients with lymph node metastasis absent had elevated serum IGFBP‐3 levels than those of patients with lymph node metastasis present (4.73 [3.92, 5.72] vs 4.11 [2.45, 4.83] µg/mL, P = 0.02). Finally, ROC curve indicated that serum IGFBP‐3 had a better diagnostic power for CRC than CEA. When serum IGFBP‐3 and carcinoembryonic antigen were used together to detect CRC, the AUC was 0.949, with a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 90%.

Conclusions

Serum IGFBP‐3 might be a potential biomarker for CRC.
Characterization of a sandwich ELISA for quantification of total human soluble neuropilin‐1
Authors: Gadermaier Elisabeth , Tesarz Manfred , Wallwitz Jacqueline , Berg Gabriela , Himmler Gottfried
Published: June 2019

Background

Neuropilin‐1 (NRP1) is a highly interactive molecule that exists as transmembrane and soluble isoforms. Measurement of circulating levels of soluble NRP1 (sNRP1) in human serum and plasma has proven to be difficult due to present matrix interferences and due to the lack of a reliable technique.

Methods

We developed a highly specific and sensitive sandwich ELISA assay for total sNRP1 quantification in peripheral blood, and we validated the test according to ICH guidelines. The linear epitopes of the employed polyclonal and monoclonal anti‐human NRP1 antibodies were mapped with microarray technology. We included a sample pre‐treatment step with guanidine hydrochloride (GuHCl) to release sNRP1 from existing interferants.

Results

The ELISA assay which is calibrated with sNRP1 isoform 2 and covers a calibration range from 0.375 to 12 nmol/L detects sNRP1 in human serum and plasma (heparin, EDTA, and citrate). Multiple linear epitopes recognized by the polyclonal coating antibody are distributed over the whole sNRP1 sequence. The monoclonal detection antibody binds to a linear epitope which is in the N‐terminal region of the a1 domain of human sNRP1. Assay parameters like precision (intra‐assay: 6%), dilution linearity (95%‐115%), specificity (98%), and spike recovery (81%‐109%) meet the international standards of acceptance.

Conclusion

Our novel sandwich ELISA provides a reliable tool for the quantitative determination of total human sNRP1. The assay detects free and previous ligand‐bound total NRP1.
An inappropriate shock after reprogramming tachycardia zones
Authors: Marinheiro Rita , Parreira Leonor , Amador Pedro , Mesquita Dinis , Almeida Lurdes , Lousinha Ana , Farinha José , Fonseca Marta , Esteves Ana Fátima , Caria Rui
Published: June 2019

A patient with an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) (Abbott®) had episodes of slow monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) and his ICD was programmed with three tachycardia zones. During the follow‐up, he received an inappropriate shock. Upon interrogation (of the device), trigeminal pattern binned as ventricular sensing (VS)—VS—ventricular fibrillation (VF) was detected. VF was assumed according to binning system. When VF is present, discrimination algorithms are not available and five consecutive sinus beats are necessary to reset binning system. Catheter ablation was performed to treat VT in order to reprogram tachycardia zones.
Flexible and smart fibers decorated with Ag nanoflowers for highly active surface‐enhanced Raman scattering detection
Authors: Tong Junhua , Xu Zhixing , Bian Yaoxing , Niu Yutao , Zhang Yongyi , Wang Zhaona
Published: June 2019

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a useful detection technique for molecule recognition. However, the relative difficulty in producing low‐cost highly active SERS substrates in large quantities hinders their practical implementation. Here, a fast and facile approach using a one‐step solution‐phase synthesis is proposed to directly achieve highly active fibrous SERS substrates by uniformly and densely growing silver nanoflowers on reduced graphene oxide fibers within several minutes. Attributed to the abundance of nanogaps throughout the silver nanoflower network, the fibrous substrate exhibits superior stability and high sensitivity in the SERS detection of Rhodamine 6G, with a detection limit of 10−12 M. Importantly, the proposed method is energy efficient and can work well at room temperature and manually stirring conditions based on naturally shed hair and plant fibers. Due to the advantages of high‐volume production, the processing cost is greatly reduced to approximately $0.008 for each substrate. This newly designed approach may greatly improve the practical application of SERS detection in environmental monitoring, medicine and food safety, especially in resource‐limited environments.
Fast reversed‐phase liquid chromatographic separation of proteins by flow‐through poly(styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene) microspheres
Authors: Li Qin‐ying , Ma Li‐yun , Xu Li
Published: June 2019

With the explosive growth of the bioscience and biopharmaceuticals, the demand for high efficient analysis and separation of proteins is urgent. High‐performance liquid chromatography is an appropriate technology for this purpose, and the stationary phase is the kernel to the separation efficiency. In this study, flow‐through poly(styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene) microspheres characteristic of the binary pores, i.e. flow‐through pores and mesopores, were synthesized; this special porous structure would benefit the convective mass transfer while guarantee the high specific surface area. Owing to the hydrophobic nature, poly(styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene) microspheres were suitable as the reversed‐phase stationary phase for separation of proteins. For the high permeability of the poly(styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene) microspheres packed column, fast separation of the studied six proteins in ∼2 min was achieved. The recoveries of studied proteins were acceptable in the range of 79.0–99.4%. The proposed column had good pH stability of 1–13 and repeatability. Moreover, the column was applied for egg white fast separation, further demonstrating its applicability for complex bio‐sample separation. The flow‐through poly(styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene) microspheres were promising for fast separation of large molecules.
Early Doppler Ultrasound in the Superior Mesenteric Artery and the Prediction of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Neonates
Authors: Guang Yue , Ying Deng , Sheng Yang , Yiyong Fu , Jun Wang , Shuqiang Gao , Rong Ju
Published: June 2019

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to reveal the correlation between superior mesenteric artery (SMA) blood flow in the first 12 hours of life and the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm neonates.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study. There were 104 preterm neonates included in our study. The SMA blood flow of each neonate was measured during the first 12 hours of life if the hemodynamic situation was stable. The results of Doppler ultrasound were confidential to the neonatologists and nurses. All of the demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes were recorded and analyzed.

Results

Among all of the demographics and comorbidities, the gestational age was related to the measurements of SMA blood flow. We conducted a single‐factor analysis of the occurrence of NEC, including the peak systolic velocity (PSV), end‐diastolic velocity, time‐averaged mean velocity, differential velocity (DV), resistive index, and pulsatility index. A higher PSV (median [interquartile range], 54.165 [42.423–68.463] versus 42.195 [34.278–48.553] cm/s; P = .027) and DV (median [interquartile range], 47.445 [35.010–60.043] versus 32.565 [27.545–39.073] cm/s; P = .020) were significantly related to the risk of NEC. In the logistic analysis including gestational age, PSV, and DV, NEC was significantly associated with gestational age (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.644 [0.456–0.908]; P = .012) and DV (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.144 [1.058–1.237]; P < .01). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the DV was 0.768, with sensitivity 0.875 and specificity 0.604. The cutoff value of the DV was 34.835 cm/s.

Conclusions

From this single‐center study, we can see the promising value of Doppler ultrasound for the prediction of NEC, but further research is needed.
Increased Stiffness of Rotator Cuff Tendons in Frozen Shoulder on Shear Wave Elastography
Authors: Wada Tomoki , Itoigawa Yoshiaki , Yoshida Keiichi , Kawasaki Takayuki , Maruyama Yuichiro , Kaneko Kazuo
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the stiffness and morphologic characteristics of the capsule, rotator cuff tendons and muscles, coracohumeral ligament (CHL), and long head of the biceps in patients with frozen shoulder using shear wave elastography (SWE) with B‐mode ultrasound.

Methods

Thirty‐two patients with frozen shoulder were divided into freezing and frozen phases. All patients had limitations of their range of motion without rotator cuff tears. Stiffness was measured by SWE in the supraspinatus (SSp) tendon, infraspinatus (ISp) tendon, SSp muscle, ISp muscle, teres minor muscle, upper and lower trapezius muscles, posterior capsule, CHL, and long head of the biceps. The posterior capsule and CHL thicknesses were also investigated with B‐mode ultrasound. All values were compared in the affected and unaffected shoulders in each phase.

Results

The SWE values for the SSp and ISp tendons in the freezing phase and the CHL in the frozen phase were significantly greater on the affected side than the unaffected side (mean ± SD, 280.4 ± 125.3 versus 178.1 ± 73.3, 318.4 ± 110.7 versus 240.8 ± 91.5, and 287.2 ± 135.3 versus 214.1 ± 91.1 kPa, respectively; P < .05). The posterior capsule in both the freezing and frozen phases and the CHL in the frozen phase were significantly thicker on the affected side than the unaffected side (1.3 ± 0.2 versus 0.9 ± 0.3, 1.2 ± 0.4 versus 0.9 ± 0.3, and 4.4 ± 1.4 versus 3.3 ± 1.1 mm; P < .01).

Conclusions

The SWE values of the both SSp and ISp tendons increased in the freezing phase, and that of the CHL also increased in the frozen phase. Not only the change in thickness of the capsule but also the change in stiffness of the rotator cuff may correlate with frozen shoulder.
Update on hypoglossal nerve stimulation in children with down syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Caloway Christen L. , Diercks Gillian R. , Keamy Donald , de Guzman Vanessa , Soose Ryan , Raol Nikhila , Shott Sally R. , Ishman Stacey L. , Hartnick Christopher J.
Published: June 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Hypoglossal nerve (HGN) stimulation is a novel therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults. Its efficacy and safety in children with Down syndrome (DS) was previously reported in a preliminary case series of six adolescents.

Study Design

Case series.

Methods

Twenty nonobese children and adolescents (aged 10–21 years) with DS and severe OSA (apnea‐hypopnea index [AHI] >10 and <50 events/hr) despite prior adenotonsillectomy were enrolled. Participants had failed a trial of continuous positive airway pressure therapy and underwent sleep endoscopy confirming surgical candidacy. The primary outcome was to assess safety and monitor for adverse events. Secondary outcomes included efficacy in reducing AHI (% reduction in AHI), adherence to therapy, and change in a validated quality‐of‐life instrument, the OSA‐18 survey.

Results

All 20 children (median age = 16.0 years [interquartile range = 13–17 years], 13 male) were implanted with no long‐term complications. We report two interval adverse events, both of which were corrected with revision surgery. Twenty participants completed the 2‐month polysomnogram, with median percent reduction in titration AHI of 85% (interquartile range = 75%–92%). The median nightly usage for these children was 9.21 hours/night. There was a median change in the OSA‐18 score of 1.15, indicating a moderate, yet significant, clinical change.

Conclusions

HGN stimulation was safe and effective in the study population. Two minor surgical complications were corrected surgically. Overall, these data suggest that pediatric HGN stimulation appears to be a safe and effective therapy for children with DS and refractory severe OSA.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:E263–E267, 2020
Knockdown of XB130 restrains cancer stem cell‐like phenotype through inhibition of Wnt/β‐Catenin signaling in breast cancer
Authors: Xie Tian , Jiang Chao , Dai Ting , Xu Rui , Zhou Xiang , Su Xiaobo , Zhao Xiaohui
Published: June 2019

The cancer stem cells (CSCs) is a subset of cancer cells that possess stem cell properties, which plays a crucial role in the occurrence, metastasis, and recurrence of the tumor. XB130 is a novel adapter protein potentially serves as a functional factor in CSCs. To determine the role of CSCs in breast cancer, we focused on the study of XB130. In our study, we found that XB130 expression was signiﬁcantly upregulated in breast cancer and was closely related to the clinicopathologic characteristics, overall survival and poor prognosis of breast cancer patients. Functionally, we found that knockdown of XB130 was not only played an important role in proliferation, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), and metastasis in breast cancer cells but also exhibited potent antitumor activity in animal tumor models. Moreover, we demonstrated that silencing endogenous XB130 regulated the cancer stem cell‐like properties of breast cancer, including the formation of self‐renewing spheres and the proportion of breast cancer SP+ cells. Mechanistically, our studies indicated that downregulation of XB130 restrained the EMT and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, so as to weaken the tumor‐initiating cell‐like phenotype of breast cancer cells. This study indicates that XB130 plays an important role in maintaining the EMT and stem cell‐like characteristics of breast cancer cells, supporting the significance of XB130 as a new potential therapeutic target for early diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer.
A monopole antenna with butterfly‐like coupling slot for multiple input multiple output applications
Authors: Zhou Jian‐Hua , He Xian‐Hui , Nie Jing , You Bai‐Qiang , Li Wei‐Wen , Zhang Kai‐Shuang
Published: June 2019

The work presented in this article is focused on the design of an omni‐directional and dual‐frequency antenna for multiple input multiple output (MIMO) applications. The proposed antenna consists of a monopole with a pair of L‐shaped strips and a butterfly‐like coupling slot, excited by a coplanar waveguide and a proximity coupling, respectively. Using two completely different elements and exciting multimode orthogonal characteristics current, high isolation for two ports is achieved. To improve the stability of input impedance, a gradient arc structure between the microstrip line and monopole element is adopted. The designed MIMO antenna provides port isolation of better than −20 dB and envelope correlation of lower than 0.02, at two resonant frequencies covering WLAN/WiMAX bands.
Relationships between NMR shifts and interaction energies in biphenyls, alkanes, aza‐alkanes, and oxa‐alkanes with X─H…H─Y and X─H…Z (X, Y = C or N; Z = N or O) hydrogen bonding
Authors: Lomas John S.
Published: June 2019

Hydrogen–hydrogen C─H…H─C bonding between the bay‐area hydrogens in biphenyls, and more generally in congested alkanes, very strained polycyclic alkanes, and cis‐2‐butene, has been investigated by calculation of proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) shifts and atom–atom interaction energies. Computed NMR shifts for all protons in the biphenyl derivatives correlate very well with experimental data, with zero intercept, unit slope, and a root mean square deviation of 0.06 ppm. For some congested alkanes, there is generally good agreement between computed values for a selected conformer and the experimental data, when it is available. In both cases, the shift of a given proton or pair of protons tends to increase with the corresponding interaction energy. Computed NMR shift differences for methylene protons in polycyclic alkanes, where one is involved in a very short contact (“in”) and the other is not (“out”), show a rough correlation with the corresponding C─H…H─C exchange energies. The “in” and “in,in” isomers of selected aza‐ and diaza‐cycloalkanes, respectively, are X─H…H─N hydrogen bonded, whereas the “out” and “in,out” isomers display X─H…N hydrogen bonds (X = C or N). Oxa‐alkanes and the “in” isomers of aza–oxa‐alkanes are X─H…O hydrogen bonded. There is a very good general correlation, including both N─H…H─Y (Y = C or N) and N─H…Z (Z = N or O) interactions, for NH proton shifts against the exchange energy. For “in” CH protons, the data for the different C─H…H─Y and C─H…Z interactions are much more dispersed and the overall shift/exchange energy correlation is less satisfactory.
Size-Dependent Retention of Pelagic-Oriented Kokanee in Multimesh Gill Nets
Authors: Hansen Adam G.
Published: June 2019

Recent studies evaluating the size selectivity of standard, horizontal, benthic gill nets for some common sport fish have demonstrated congruence across regions and gear configurations. Studies evaluating retention in gill nets designed to sample pelagic-oriented fish (e.g., vertical and curtain nets) are rare, which has limited corresponding assessments of generality. This study estimated the retention of kokanee Oncorhynchus nerka (lacustrine Sockeye Salmon) in multimesh vertical gill nets using catch data compiled over three decades from a large montane reservoir in Colorado. The corresponding best-fit retention model was compared with that developed for kokanee in Idaho using multimesh curtain nets. There was strong congruence (Pearson's r = 0.98) between the total retention values (integrated over all mesh sizes) estimated by the two models for kokanee 50–430 mm total length, and the values followed a 1:1 relationship. This result indicated that the retention of fish in pelagic gill nets may also be largely conserved across regions and gear configurations. Thus, the retention models for kokanee compared in this study should be flexible and broadly applicable. These properties enable practitioners to easily adjust length-frequency distributions for bias arising from size-dependent retention when minimally biased estimates of size structure are needed for addressing management or research questions.
Effective MDR reversers through phytochemical study of Euphorbia boetica
Authors: Neto Sara , Duarte Noélia , Pedro Cecília , Spengler Gabriella , Molnár Joséph , Ferreira Maria‐José U.
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Macrocyclic diterpenes from Euphorbia species were found to be promising modulators of multidrug resistance (MDR), a complex phenomenon that hampers the effectiveness of cancer therapy.

Objective

To find new effective MDR reversers through the phytochemical study of E. boetica, including isolation and molecular derivatisation.

Material and methods

The phytochemical study of E. boetica was performed through chromatographic techniques. Preliminary analysis of crude chromatographic fractions from the methanol extract was carried out by 1H‐NMR in order to prioritise the study of those having macrocyclic diterpenes. Polyamide resin was used to remove chlorophylls. Molecular derivatisation of isolated compounds comprised hydrolysis, reduction and acylation reactions. The structural identification of compounds was performed through analysis of spectroscopic data, mainly one‐dimensional‐ and two‐dimensional‐NMR. The MDR reversing activity was assessed using a combination of transport and chemosensitivity assays, in mouse lymphoma (L5178Y‐MDR) and Colo320 cell models.

Results

The 1H‐NMR study of crude fractions and application of a straightforward method to remove chlorophylls, allowed the effortless isolation of two lathyrane‐type diterpenes in large amounts, including the new polyester, euphoboetirane B (1). Taking advantage of the chemical functions of 1, 13 new derivatives were prepared. Several compounds showed to be promising modulators of P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp), in resistant cancer cells. Most of the compounds tested revealed to interact synergistically with doxorubicin.

Conclusion

These results corroborate the importance of macrocyclic lathyrane diterpenes as effective lead compounds for the reversal of MDR.
Fetal arthrogryposis multiplex congenita/fetal akinesia deformation sequence (FADS)—Aetiology, diagnosis, and management
Authors: Niles Kirsten M. , Blaser Susan , Shannon Patrick , Chitayat David
Published: June 2019

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) refers to an aetiologically heterogenous condition, which consists of joint contractures affecting two or more joints starting prenatally. The incidence is approximately one in 3000 live births; however, the prenatal incidence is higher, indicating a high intrauterine mortality. Over 320 genes have been implicated showing the genetic heterogeneity of the condition. AMC can be of extrinsic aetiology resulting from intrauterine crowding secondary to congenital structural uterine abnormalities (eg, bicornuate or septate uterus), uterine tumors (eg, fibroid), or multifetal pregnancy or intrinsic/primary/fetal aetiology, due to functional abnormalities in the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junction, muscles, bones, restrictive dermopathies, tendons and joints. Unlike many of the intrinsic/primary/fetal causes which are difficult to treat, secondary AMC can be treated by physiotherapy with good response. Primary cases may present prenatally with fetal akinesia associated with joint contractures and occasionally brain abnormalities, decreased muscle bulk, polyhydramnios, and nonvertex presentation while the secondary cases usually present with isolated contractures. Complete prenatal and postnatal investigations are needed to identify an underlying aetiology and provide information regarding its prognosis and inheritance, which is critical for the obstetrical care providers and families to optimize the pregnancy management and address future reproductive plans.
Using natural language processing of clinical text to enhance identification of opioid‐related overdoses in electronic health records data
Authors: Hazlehurst Brian , Green Carla A. , Perrin Nancy A. , Brandes John , Carrell David S. , Baer Andrew , DeVeaugh‐Geiss Angela , Coplan Paul M.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

To enhance automated methods for accurately identifying opioid‐related overdoses and classifying types of overdose using electronic health record (EHR) databases.

Methods

We developed a natural language processing (NLP) software application to code clinical text documentation of overdose, including identification of intention for self‐harm, substances involved, substance abuse, and error in medication usage. Using datasets balanced with cases of suspected overdose and records of individuals at elevated risk for overdose, we developed and validated the application using Kaiser Permanente Northwest data, then tested portability of the application using Kaiser Permanente Washington data. Datasets were chart‐reviewed to provide a gold standard for comparison and evaluation of the automated method.

Results

The method performed well in identifying overdose (sensitivity = 0.80, specificity = 0.93), intentional overdose (sensitivity = 0.81, specificity = 0.98), and involvement of opioids (excluding heroin, sensitivity = 0.72, specificity = 0.96) and heroin (sensitivity = 0.84, specificity = 1.0). The method performed poorly at identifying adverse drug reactions and overdose due to patient error and fairly at identifying substance abuse in opioid‐related unintentional overdose (sensitivity = 0.67, specificity = 0.96). Evaluation using validation datasets yielded significant reductions, in specificity and negative predictive values only, for many classifications mentioned above. However, these measures remained above 0.80, thus, performance observed during development was largely maintained during validation. Similar results were obtained when evaluating portability, although there was a significant reduction in sensitivity for unintentional overdose that was attributed to missing text clinical notes in the database.

Conclusions

Methods that process text clinical notes show promise for improving accuracy and fidelity at identifying and classifying overdoses according to type using EHR data.
Enhanced performance of GaInP/GaAs/Ge solar cells under high concentration through Pd/Ge/Ti/Pd/Al grid metallization
Authors: Huo Pengyun , Lombardero Iván , García Iván , Rey‐Stolle Ignacio
Published: June 2019

Series resistance is the key limiting factor that constrains the electrical performance of solar cells under ultra‐high concentration. Typically, the most critical component of the series resistance is that stemming from the front contact, and therefore, the formation of front metal grids with low metal–semiconductor specific contact resistance and low metal sheet resistance is vital for high concentrator solar cells. Consequently, in this study, a novel Pd/Ge/Ti/Pd/Al metal stack has been proposed and implemented on a GaInP/GaAs/Ge triple junction solar cell. This system exhibits low metal resistivity due to the middle Ti/Pd barrier layer hindering the diffusion and contamination between the GaAs semiconductor and top conductive metal layer, and very low specific contact resistance because of the Pd/Ge layer forming an interfacial layer with the GaAs cap which increases the electron tunneling probability. As a result, the fill factor of the solar cell remains almost constant and close to 90% in the 250× to 1500× range, while efficiency keeps on increasing even at the maximum concentration measured of 1500×. Its performance and cost‐effectiveness make this contact a compelling solution to extend solar cell operation in the ultra‐high concentration regime.