bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comatose within 6 weeks, but still alive after 3 years, Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease with unusual progression
Authors: Christopher Julia Kathleen , Khong Brian , Abolfazli Amin , Liu Antonio
Published: April 2020

Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (CJD) should still be considered in a patient presenting with rapidly progressive dementia and negative CSF 14‐3‐3 protein and RT‐QulC. Treatable causes of encephalopathy must be ruled out. Neurodegenerative diseases must also be considered.
Detection of the early stage of spontaneous hemopneumothorax by CT attenuation values
Authors: Koike Yukiko , Namkoong Ho , Otake Sotaro , Asamura Hisao
Published: April 2020

Spontaneous hemopneumothorax is potentially fatal and can mimic spontaneous pneumothorax when changes in vital signs and bloody discharge from the chest tube are absent. Attenuation values at computed tomography may help detect this condition.
Stabilisation of [WF5]+ and WF5 by Pyridine: Facile Access to [WF5(NC5H5)3]+ and WF5(NC5H5)2
Authors: Turnbull Douglas , Hazendonk Paul , Wetmore Stacey D. , Gerken Michael
Published: April 2020

The enhanced reactivity of [WF5]+ over WF6 has been exploited to access a neutral derivative of elusive WF5. The reaction of WF6(NC5H5)2 with [(CH3)3Si(NC5H5)][O3SCF3] in CH2Cl2 results in quantitative formation of trigonal‐dodecahedral [WF5(NC5H5)3]+, which has been characterised as its [O3SCF3]− salt by Raman spectroscopy in the solid state and variable‐temperature NMR spectroscopy in solution. The salt is susceptible to slow decomposition in solution at ambient temperature via dissociation of a pyridyl ligand, and the resultant [WF5(NC5H5)2]+ is reduced to WF5(NC5H5)2 in the presence of excess C5H5N, as determined by 19F NMR spectroscopy. Pentagonal‐bipyramidal WF5(NC5H5)2 was isolated and characterised by X‐ray crystallography and Raman spectroscopy in the solid state, representing the first unambiguously characterised WF5 adduct, as well as the first heptacoordinate adduct of a transition‐metal pentafluoride. DFT‐B3LYP methods have been used to investigate the reduction of [WF5(NC5H5)2]+ to WF5(NC5H5)2, supporting a two‐electron reduction of WVI to WIV by nucleophilic attack and diprotonation of a pyridyl ligand in the presence of free C5H5N, followed by comproportionation to WV.
Recent Advances and Optoelectronic Applications of Lead‐Free Halide Double Perovskites
Authors: Lu Lei , Pan Xiong , Luo Junhua , Sun Zhihua
Published: April 2020

Organic–inorganic metal halide perovskites (most notably CH3NH3PbI3) have demonstrated remarkable physical attributes for photovoltaic and diverse optoelectronic applications, whereas concerns about toxicity owing to the use of lead in the chemical composition still motivate further exploration of new, nontoxic candidates. Lead‐free halide double perovskites (HDPs), designed by the rational chemical substitution of Pb2+ with other nontoxic candidate elements, have recently attracted interest as a fascinating alternative to their Pb‐based counterparts. Herein, recent advances in crystal structures, physical properties, and versatile optoelectronic applications of lead‐free HDPs, such as solar cells, photodetectors, X‐ray detectors, and light‐emitting diodes, are reviewed. Perspectives to improve the physical and photoelectric properties of existing HDP materials are also discussed and will favor future development of new, lead‐free HDP candidates.
Der lange Pfad der Digitalisierung
Authors: Engelke Nils
Published: April 2020

Die HMI InGo ist ein digitales Assistenzsystem, das sowohl dem Bediener als auch dem Maschinenpark mehr Effizienz verleiht und den Fertigungsprozess optimiert.
Central afferents to the nucleus of the solitary tract in rats and mice
Authors: Gasparini Silvia , Howland Jacob M. , Thatcher Andrew J. , Geerling Joel C.
Published: April 2020

The nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) regulates life‐sustaining functions ranging from appetite and digestion to heart rate and breathing. It is also the brain's primary sensory nucleus for visceral sensations relevant to symptoms in medical and psychiatric disorders. To better understand which neurons may exert top‐down control over the NTS, here we provide a brain‐wide map of all neurons that project axons directly to the caudal, viscerosensory NTS, focusing on a medial subregion with aldosterone‐sensitive HSD2 neurons. Injecting an axonal tracer (cholera toxin b) into the NTS produces a similar pattern of retrograde labeling in rats and mice. The paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVH), lateral hypothalamic area, and central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) contain the densest concentrations of NTS‐projecting neurons. PVH afferents are glutamatergic (express Slc17a6/Vglut2) and are distinct from neuroendocrine PVH neurons. CeA afferents are GABAergic (express Slc32a1/Vgat) and are distributed largely in the medial CeA subdivision. Other retrogradely labeled neurons are located in a variety of brain regions, including the cerebral cortex (insular and infralimbic areas), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, periaqueductal gray, Barrington's nucleus, Kölliker‐Fuse nucleus, hindbrain reticular formation, and rostral NTS. Similar patterns of retrograde labeling result from tracer injections into different NTS subdivisions, with dual retrograde tracing revealing that many afferent neurons project axon collaterals to both the lateral and medial NTS subdivisions. This information provides a roadmap for studying descending axonal projections that may influence visceromotor systems and visceral “mind–body” symptoms.
A review of access to cancer facilities in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Khokhar Muhammad Abbas , Ali Muhammad Mohsin , Liaqat Samrin , Moin Arif , Sarwar Hafiz Abubakar , Sarwar Muhammad Zeeshan
Published: April 2020

Background

Punjab is the most populous province of Pakistan, with only 12 countries in the world succeeding it in terms of population.

Aims

This review article has the objective of providing novel statistics regarding available cancer therapeutics in Punjab across four different sectors—including government, semi‐private, trust and private sectors.

Methods and Results

Keywords such as “cancer treatment,” “facilities,” “Pakistan,” were used to search Pubmed Database. 36 results were generated: after sifting based on a personal reference list as well as for relevance, 16 articles were finally reviewed. Novel statistics regarding current state of access to cancer facilities were drawn from personal references as well as from studies conducted in other LMICs. There is a gross deficit of oncological services in Punjab, with the ratio of medical oncologists to population being 0.027 per 100, 000, and every oncologist checking 1300‐1500 patients annually. Only 21.4% of the population has access to radiotherapy facilities. Major problems include lack of healthcare professional awareness; poor infrastructure including drug access, radiotherapy, and cancer pain management facilities; lack of planning; and lack of educational and research programs.

Conclusions

Improving education & training, developing infrastructure based on public‐private‐partnership models, building cancer registries and organizing national cancer screening programs, as well as encouraging basic health education and research in oncology, are measures that can ensure Punjab's healthcare delivery system becomes capable of handling increasing incident burden of cancer.
Effect of Vemurafenib on the Pharmacokinetics of a Single Dose of Tizanidine (a CYP1A2 Substrate) in Patients With BRAFV600 Mutation–Positive Malignancies
Authors: Zhang Weijiang , McIntyre Christine , Riehl Todd , Forbes Harper , Bertran Enric , Choi Hye Jin , Lee Dae Ho , Lee Jeeyun
Published: April 2020

This phase 1 open‐label, multicenter, 3‐period, fixed‐sequence study evaluated the effect of multiple doses of vemurafenib on the pharmacokinetics of 1 dose of tizanidine, a probe CYP1A2 substrate, in patients with BRAFV600 mutation–positive metastatic malignancy. Patients received 1 dose of tizanidine 2 mg on day 1 (period A), vemurafenib 960 mg twice daily on days 2‐21 (period B), and 1 dose of tizanidine 2 mg and vemurafenib 960 mg twice daily on day 22 (period C). Log‐transformed area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC) and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) values for tizanidine in 16 patients were compared between periods A (tizanidine alone) and C (tizanidine plus vemurafenib) using an analysis of variance model. Multiple doses of vemurafenib increased plasma exposure of 1 dose of tizanidine, with geometric mean ratios (period C/period A) for Cmax, AUCinf, and AUClast of 2.15 (90%CI, 1.71‐2.71), 4.22 (90%CI, 3.37‐5.28), and 4.74 (90%CI, 3.55‐6.33), respectively; 90%CIs were all outside predefined limits for lack of drug‐drug interaction (0.82‐1.22). This study confirmed vemurafenib as a moderate inhibitor of CYP1A2 in vivo, with a statistically significant drug‐drug interaction with tizanidine. Caution should be exercised when dosing vemurafenib concurrently with CYP1A2 substrates.
Interactions and Transport in Highly Concentrated LiTFSI‐based Electrolytes
Authors: Nilsson Viktor , Bernin Diana , Brandell Daniel , Edström Kristina , Johansson Patrik
Published: April 2020

To elucidate what properties control and practically limit ion transport in highly concentrated electrolytes (HCEs), the viscosity, ionic conductivity, ionicity, and transport numbers were studied for nine model electrolytes and connected to the rate capability in Li‐ion battery (LIB) cells. The electrolytes employed the LiTFSI salt in three molar ratio concentrations; 1 : 2, 1 : 4, and 1 : 16 (LiTFSI:X) vs. solvents (X) with different permittivities; tert‐butyl methyl ether (MTBE), tetrahydrofuran (THF) and propylene carbonate (PC). While the low polarity MTBE creates liquid electrolytes, ion‐pairing limits the ionic conductivity despite extremely low viscosities. For the less concentrated 1 : 16 LiTFSI:MTBE and 1 : 16 LiTFSI:THF electrolytes the ionic diffusivities decrease with increased temperature, a sign of aggregation, but still their ionic conductivities and LIB performance increase. In general, the low ionic conductivity and high viscosity both limit the use of HCEs in LIBs, and no compensating mechanism seems to be present.
Synthesis of DNA and RNA Oligonucleotides Containing a Dual‐Purpose Selenium‐Modified Fluorescent Nucleoside Probe
Authors: Nuthanakanti Ashok , Srivatsan Seergazhi G.
Published: April 2020

Development of efficient tools that would enable direct correlation of nucleic acid structure and recognition in solution and in solid state at atomic resolution is highly desired. In this context, we recently developed dual‐purpose nucleoside probes made of a 5‐selenophene‐modified uracil core, which serves both as a conformation‐sensitive fluorophore and as an X‐ray crystallography phasing agent. In this article, we provide a detailed synthetic procedure to synthesize the phosphoramidites of 5‐selenophene‐modified 2′‐deoxyuridine and 5‐selenophene‐modified uridine analogs. We also describe their site‐specific incorporation into therapeutically relevant DNA and RNA oligonucleotide motifs by an automated solid support synthesis protocol. The dual‐purpose and minimally invasive nature of the probes enables efficient analysis of the conformation and ligand binding abilities of bacterial decoding site RNA (A‐site) and G‐quadruplex structures of the human telomeric overhang in real time by fluorescence and in 3D by X‐ray crystallography. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol 1: Synthesis of 5‐selenophene‐2′‐deoxyuridine 2 and its phosphoramidite 5

Support Protocol 1: Synthesis of 2‐(tri‐n‐butylstannyl) selenophene

Support Protocol 2: Synthesis of 5ʹ‐O‐DMT‐protected 5‐iodo‐2′‐deoxyuridine 3

Basic Protocol 2: Synthesis of 5‐selenophene‐modified uridine 7 and its phosphoramidite 11

Basic Protocol 3: Synthesis of DNA oligonucleotides containing 5‐selenophene‐modified 2′‐deoxyuridine 2

Basic Protocol 4: Synthesis of an RNA oligonucleotide containing 5‐selenophene‐modified uridine 7
Examining the relationship between object relations and interpersonal distress in a clinical sample
Authors: Cain Lylli , Hilsenroth Mark
Published: April 2020

The goal of the present study was to explore the relationship between patients' object relational functioning (Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale‐Global Ratings) as rated by clinicians during the course of outpatient psychodynamic psychotherapy in a university‐based clinic and patient self‐reported interpersonal vulnerabilities (Inventory of Interpersonal Problems‐64). Participants (n = 112) were outpatients entering treatment at a university‐based psychotherapy clinic and were diagnosed primarily with mood disorders as well as Axis II relational problems and features. Participants completed the IIP‐64 prior to receiving therapy, and SCORS‐G ratings were based on patients' level of relational functioning during the evaluation process (i.e., the semistructured interview, follow‐up and feedback) and across the first two psychotherapy sessions. Results showed a significant relationship between the IIP‐64 Total score with SCORS‐GSelf‐Esteem (r = −.21, p < .05) and Affective Quality of Representations (r = −.20, p < .05), wherein self‐reported interpersonal dysfunction was greater among patients who had lower self‐worth and perceived others as more malevolent. These findings suggest that patients who rated themselves as having more significant interpersonal difficulty reported more negative expectations and experiences of relationships in their psychotherapy narratives. The utility of the SCORS‐G and the IIP‐64 as two different avenues of assessing patient relational functioning is explored.
Managing cool‐season turfgrass without herbicides: Optimizing maintenance practices to control weeds
Authors: Hahn Daniel , Sallenave Rossana , Pornaro Cristina , Leinauer Bernd
Published: April 2020

Bans on the use of synthetic herbicides require innovative management approaches to maintain the attractiveness and usability of turfgrass swards. Such measures should include the use of locally adapted cultivars that germinate and establish quickly, resulting in the densest possible stands. Additionally, a number of turfgrasses have been reported to produce allelopathic substances that inhibit common turfgrass weeds. Mowing heights should be set to achieve maximum weed suppression while still providing acceptable quality for desired use. Sustainable turfgrass management programs have led to a reduction in fertilizer inputs; however, without the availability of herbicides, fertilization regimes need to be re‐examined. The literature suggests that broadleaf weeds are reduced but never fully controlled when more N is applied; therefore, finding a balance between what is needed and what is environmentally safe and sustainable is critical. Organic herbicides include plant pathogens from the fungus Phoma and strains of the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens. Both can be used to control several weeds common to turfgrasses. Acetic acid has also been shown to have herbicidal activity; however, it has limited residual activity, and its efficacy remains questionable on mature weeds. Thermal weed control can be used to sterilize a seedbank or spot treat existing weeds. Future turfgrass breeding programs could focus on understanding and enhancing the allelopathic potential of turfgrasses to outcompete weeds more effectively. Furthermore, more research should be directed at assessing the competitiveness of certain turfgrasses against weeds within the limitations of producing turfgrass areas of acceptable aesthetics and playing quality.
Potential for dehydration to impact the athlete biological passport
Authors: Coffman Kirsten E. , Mitchell Katherine M. , Salgado Roy M. , Miller Geoffrey D. , Kenefick Robert W. , Cheuvront Samuel N.
Published: April 2020

In order to inform the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP), this study determined whether the elevation in hemoglobin (Hb) following intracellular or extracellular dehydration would trigger an atypical passport finding (ATPF). Seven male and three female volunteers (age: 23 ± 4 y; height: 170 ± 8 cm; body mass: 78 ± 12 kg) were carefully euhydrated (EUH) to determine baseline Hb levels. Volunteers then completed both an exercise‐induced sweating dehydration (SW) protocol and a diuretic‐induced dehydration (DI) protocol. Dehydration was assessed via body mass changes and Hb was measured via a bench‐top automated hematology analyzer. Using the ABP module, the expected baseline range for each individual was determined using EUH trials, and the impact of each dehydration protocol was then assessed in comparison with these thresholds. Volunteers lost on average 3.1% and 3.7% body mass in the SW and DI trials, respectively. While only one subject exceeded the upper threshold following DI dehydration, six additional subjects demonstrated highly unusual ABP profiles; this was not the case for SW. Sweating is not a feasible explanation for elevated Hb during ABP testing; however, recent illness such as secretory diarrhea, which is mimicked by diuretic administration, may be capable of producing elevated Hb in athletes' biological passports.
The indirect paths to cascading effects of extinctions in mutualistic networks
Authors: Pires Mathias M. , O'Donnell James L. , Burkle Laura A. , Díaz‐Castelazo Cecilia , Hembry David H. , Yeakel Justin D. , Newman Erica A. , Medeiros Lucas P. , de Aguiar Marcus A. M. , Guimarães Paulo R.
Published: April 2020

Biodiversity loss is a hallmark of our times, but predicting its consequences is challenging. Ecological interactions form complex networks with multiple direct and indirect paths through which the impacts of an extinction may propagate. Here we show that accounting for these multiple paths connecting species is necessary to predict how extinctions affect the integrity of ecological networks. Using an approach initially developed for the study of information flow, we estimate indirect effects in plant–pollinator networks and find that even those species with several direct interactions may have much of their influence over others through long indirect paths. Next, we perform extinction simulations in those networks and show that although traditional connectivity metrics fail in the prediction of coextinction patterns, accounting for indirect interaction paths allows predicting species’ vulnerability to the cascading effects of an extinction event. Embracing the structural complexity of ecological systems contributes towards a more predictive ecology, which is of paramount importance amid the current biodiversity crisis.
Plus ça change: Renée Fox and the Sociology of Organ Replacement Therapy
Authors: Frader Joel E. , Bosk Charles L.
Published: April 2020

Rereading Renée C. Fox's “A Sociological Perspective on Organ Transplantation and Hemodialysis,” published in 1970, one is likely to be struck more by continuity than by change. The most pressing of the social, policy, and ethical concerns that Fox raised remain problematic fifty years later. We still struggle with scientific and clinical uncertainty, with the boundary between experimentation and therapy, and with the cost of organ replacement therapies and disparities in how they are allocated. We still have an imperfect understanding of transplant immune responses. We still debate when a potential donor “actually” dies, and we still seem to think better empirical criteria could harmonize the diverse religious, cultural, and socioeconomic values of patients, providers, third‐party payers, and policy‐makers. Organ transplantation was for Fox both a particular case unfolding in time and an entryway for discussing the difficult moral questions presented by many new medical technologies in a context of high demand and limited resources.
The New Wallet Biopsy and Involuntary Patient Transfers Abroad: How Physicians Can Help Protect Patients
Authors: Loue Sana
Published: April 2020

The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act in 1986 was intended to bring an end to incidents of “patient dumping.” However, due to the conflation of various federal legislative provisions, hospitals faced with the prospect of long‐term unreimbursed care of an immigrant patient, whether legally present in the United States or not, are in some cases having such patients transported to another country. These transfers are often being effectuated without patient consent. After an overview of the flaws in the legal system that have effectively encouraged such patient transfers, this essay uses a clinical case to demonstrate how physicians can collaborate with an interdisciplinary team and with family members to ensure that the best interests of immigrant patients are met. Finally, the essay calls on physicians to advocate for the development of hospital policies and practices that will protect patients from international patient dumping.
The role of the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex in dorsomedial prefrontal–amygdala neural circuitry during positive‐social emotion regulation
Authors: Scharnowski Frank , Nicholson Andrew A. , Pichon Swann , Rosa Maria J. , Rey Gwladys , Eickhoff Simon B. , Van De Ville Dimitri , Vuilleumier Patrik , Koush Yury
Published: April 2020

Positive‐social emotions mediate one's cognitive performance, mood, well‐being, and social bonds, and represent a critical variable within therapeutic settings. It has been shown that the upregulation of positive emotions in social situations is associated with increased top‐down signals that stem from the prefrontal cortices (PFC) which modulate bottom‐up emotional responses in the amygdala. However, it remains unclear if positive‐social emotion upregulation of the amygdala occurs directly through the dorsomedial PFC (dmPFC) or indirectly linking the bilateral amygdala with the dmPFC via the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC), an area which typically serves as a gatekeeper between cognitive and emotion networks. We performed functional MRI (fMRI) experiments with and without effortful positive‐social emotion upregulation to demonstrate the functional architecture of a network involving the amygdala, the dmPFC, and the sgACC. We found that effortful positive‐social emotion upregulation was associated with an increase in top‐down connectivity from the dmPFC on the amygdala via both direct and indirect connections with the sgACC. Conversely, we found that emotion processes without effortful regulation increased network modulation by the sgACC and amygdala. We also found that more anxious individuals with a greater tendency to suppress emotions and intrusive thoughts, were likely to display decreased amygdala, dmPFC, and sgACC activity and stronger connectivity strength from the sgACC onto the left amygdala during effortful emotion upregulation. Analyzed brain network suggests a more general role of the sgACC in cognitive control and sheds light on neurobiological informed treatment interventions.
Liposarcoma of oral cavity: Systematic review of cases reported to date and analysis of prognostic factors
Authors: Pontes Flávia S. C. , de Souza Lucas L. , Vulcão Élida N. C. , de Abreu Michelle C. , Menezes Sarah N. , Rezende Diogo , Pontes Hélder A. R.
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study was to integrate the available data published on Liposarcomas (LPSs) of the oral cavity into an analysis of its clinical features, treatment modalities, and prognostic factors. An electronic search was undertaken in January 2019. The eligibility criteria included publications that had enough clinical and histological information to confirm the diagnosis. Forty‐five publications (104 LPSs) were included. The lesion was more prevalent in males from the fifth to seventh decades of life. Treatment (P = .03) and distant metastasis (P = .0001) were independently associated with survival. A lower possibility of recurrence was statistically associated with age (younger patients) (P = .03), tumor size (smaller than 2.8 cm) (P = .001), and treatment (radical surgery) (P = .04). LPS presents a good survival for patients after 5 years of follow‐up (66.4%). Patients who were treated with conservative surgery and presented with distant metastasis showed poor prognosis.
Dry reforming of methane by La0.5Sr0.5NiO3 perovskite oxides: influence of preparation method on performance and structural features of the catalysts
Authors: Mousavi Maryam , Nakhaei Pour Ali , Gholizadeh Mostafa , Mohammadi Ali , Kamali Shahri Seyed Mehdi
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

The dry reforming of methane (DRM) process has received considerable attention for the production of syngas owing to its great environmental and economic benefits. LaNiO3 and La0.5Sr0.5NiO3 nanoparticles were synthesized with the co‐precipitation procedure using distilled and magnetic distilled water, and examined as catalysts in DRM.

RESULTS

The structure and morphology of the prepared nanoparticles were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and temperature‐programmed reduction, desorption and hydrogenation techniques. The experimental results proved that the treated La0.5Ni0.5SrO3 catalyst had better initial performance in DRM in comparison with the LaNiO3 catalyst, due to its greater surface basicity. The orientation for deposition of carbon over the surface of the consumed catalysts was as follows: La0.5Sr0.5NiO3 treated > La0.5Sr0.5NiO3 non‐treated > LaNiO3 non‐treated > LaNiO3 treated.

CONCLUSION

Among the synthesized catalysts, the treated La0.5Sr0.5NiO3 sample exhibited higher initial DRM activity, due to its greater surface basicity. Also, the higher surface basicity of the strontium‐substituted catalyst led to an increase in CO2 desorption and coke deposition according to the Boudouard reaction. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Nickel carbonyl formation in a fluidized bed reactor: experimental investigation and modeling
Authors: Aghamiri Śeyedfoad , Ghobeity Amin
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

The Mond process has been used in the industry for nickel purification over a century. However, theoretical studies on this process are few and primarily based on empirical models. In this article, experimental and theoretical modeling of nickel tetracarbonyl formation through the Mond process under different conditions in a fluidized bed reactor is presented. Nickel tetracarbonyl, known primarily as nickel carbonyl gas, is formed through the reaction between nickel powder and carbon monoxide. The apparent reaction rate is modeled as a function of reaction temperature, inlet gas pressure, and carbon monoxide flow rate. Experimental results were obtained using a fluidized bed reactor. A diffusion‐kinetics and a two‐phase bubbling bed model were developed to compare with experimental results. The reactor is considered as a differential flow reactor for the theoretical modeling.

RESULTS

Rate of reaction is measured in a fluidized bed and used for the verification of the studied models. The best performing model is a kinetic‐diffusion model with a rate of reaction that obeys rem = Kem([CO])n, in which Kem is a function of mass transfer as well as kinetic variables, but is primarily temperature dependent. Also, n for low‐pressure and high‐pressures regions is −1 and −3, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The reaction rate is strongly dependent on carbon monoxide gas pressure. The models developed are rather simple yet provide significant improvement in predictions of the reaction rate compared to the existing models in the literature. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Celastrol mitigates high glucose‐induced inflammation and apoptosis in rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes via miR‐345‐5p/growth arrest‐specific 6
Authors: Ma Liping , Cao Yanjing , Zhang Lin , Li Ketao , Yan Laixing , Pan Yizhan , Zhu Jianhua
Published: April 2020

Background

Celastrol (Cel) has been corroborated as an anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic agent in multiple cell damage models. However, the protective effect of Cel in high glucose (HG)‐induced cardiomyocyte injury is still unclear. The present study aimed to determine whether Cel can mitigate HG‐stimulated cardiomyocyte injury via regulating the miR‐345‐5p/growth arrest‐specific 6 (Gas6) signaling pathway.

Methods

Cardiomyocytes were exposed to normal glucose (NG; 5 mmol/l) or HG (30 mmol/l) and then administered with Cel. Cell counting kit‐8 and flow cytometry assays were used to detect cell proliferative activity and apoptosis. mRNA and protein expression were analyzed using a quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. A bioinformatics algorithm and a luciferase reporter gene assay were used to determine whether Gas6 is a direct target of miR‐345‐5p.

Results

The present study confirmed the inhibitory effects of Cel in HG‐induced inflammation in cardiomyocytes. Moreover, Cel exhibited the ability to antagonize HG‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and suppress the elevated Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio elicited by HG stimulation. Intriguingly, Cel treatment revoked the HG‐triggered repression of Gas6 protein expression, and Gas6 loss‐of‐function accelerated HG‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. HG‐triggered up‐regulation of miR‐345‐5p expression was depressed following Cel treatment. Importantly, we validated that Gas6 is a direct target of miR‐345‐5p. Transfection with miR‐345‐5p inhibitors restrained HG‐induced release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and cell apoptosis.

Conclusions

The findings of the present study demonstrate that Cel administration antagonized HG‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inflammation through up‐regulating Gas6 expression by restraining miR‐345‐5p.
Positive result of Sars‐Cov‐2 in faeces and sputum from discharged patients with COVID‐19 in Yiwu, China
Authors: Li Youjiang , Hu Yingying , Yu Yuanyuan , Zhang Xiaodong , Li Bin , Wu Jianguo , Li Junyu , Wu Yingping , Xia Xiaoping , Tang Huina , Xu Jian
Published: April 2020

Background

With the effective prevention and control of COVID‐19 in China, the number of cured cases has increased significantly. Further monitoring of the disease prognosis and effective control of the “relapse” of the epidemic has become the next focus of work. This study analysed the clinical prognosis of discharged COVID‐19 patients by monitoring their SAR‐CoV‐2 nucleic acid status, which provided a theoretical basis for medical institutions to formulate discharge standards and follow‐up management for COVID‐19 patients.

Methods

We included 13 discharged COVID‐19 patients who were quarantined for 4 weeks at home. The patient's daily clinical signs were recorded and sputum and faecal specimens were regularly sent for detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleic acid.

Results

The time between initial symptoms and meeting discharge criteria was 18 to 44 days with an average of 25 ± 6 days. The faecal samples of two patients still tested positive after meeting the discharge criteria and the sputum samples of four patients returned positive 5 to 14 days after discharge. The rate of the recurring positive test result in samples from the respiratory system was 31% (4/13).

Conclusion

Under the present discharge criteria, the high presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleic acid in faecal and respiratory samples of discharged COVID‐19 patients indicates potential infectivity. Therefore, we suggest that faecal virus nucleic acid should be tested as a routine monitoring index for COVID‐19 and a negative result be added to the criteria. Simultaneously, we should strengthen the regular follow‐up of discharged patients with continuous monitoring of the recurrence of viral nucleic acid.
Bioelectrochemical behaviour of a sequentially added biocatalytic coculture in a microbial fuel cell
Authors: Arkatkar Ambika , Mungray Arvind Kumar , Sharma Preeti
Published: April 2020

Bacterial isolates Pseudomonas aeruginosa BR, Alcaligenes faecalis SW and Escherichia coli EC from a microbial fuel cell (MFC) were cocultured with each other. The isolates were added in a specific sequence one after the other (two cultures in one reactor). The study helped us conceptualise the synergistic and antagonistic behaviour of bacterial isolates and also emphasised the sequence in which a culture can be introduced in an anode chamber. The coculture conditions were evaluated on the basis of redox activity, electron transfer rate, columbic efficiency, and internal resistances. A good syntropy in terms of power production was found between P. aeruginosa BR and E. coli EC that recorded a power generation of 207.593 ± 1.705 µW/m2. The addition of any culture in any sequence affected the performance of P. aeruginosa BR. This culture when added as a secondary culture in the reactor enhanced the performance of that reactor. The sequence of addition of a culture in a reactor affected the performance in the combinations of (a) P. aeruginosa BR and A. faecalis SW and (b) A. faecalis SW and E. coli EC.
Superb Microvascular Imaging Improves Detection of Vascularity in Indeterminate Renal Masses
Authors: Leong Joon Yau , Wessner Corinne E. , Kramer Michael R. , Forsberg Flemming , Halpern Ethan J. , Lyshchik Andrej , Torkzaban Mehnoosh , Morris Andrew , Byrne Kelly , VanMeter Maris , Trabulsi Edouard J. , Lallas Costas D. , Eisenbrey John R.
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Vascular assessment of indeterminate renal masses (iRMs) remains a crucial element of diagnostic imaging, as the presence of blood flow within renal lesions suggests malignancy. We compared the utility of Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI; Canon Medical Systems, Tustin, CA), a novel Doppler technique, to standard color Doppler imaging (CDI) and power Doppler imaging (PDI) for the detection of vascularity within iRMs.

Methods

Patients undergoing contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) evaluations for iRMs first underwent a renal ultrasound examination with the following modes: CDI, PDI, color Superb Microvascular Imaging (cSMI), and monochrome Superb Microvascular Imaging (mSMI), using an Aplio i800 scanner with an i8CX1 transducer (Canon Medical Systems). After image randomization, each mode was assessed for iRM vascularity by 4 blinded readers on a diagnostic confidence scale of 1 to 5 (5 = most confident). The results were compared to CEUS as the reference standard.

Results

Forty‐one patients with 50 lesions met inclusion criteria. Relative to the other 3 modalities, mSMI had the highest sensitivity (63.3%), whereas cSMI had the highest specificity (62.1%). Both cSMI and mSMI also had the highest diagnostic accuracy (0.678 and 0.680, respectively; both P < 0.001) compared to CDI (0.568) and PDI (0.555). Although the reader‐reported confidence interval of mSMI (mean ± SD, 3.6 ± 1.1) was significantly lower than CDI (4.1 ± 1.0) and PDI (4.0 ± 1.0; P < 0.001), the confidence level of cSMI (4.1 ± 0.9) was not (P > 0.173).

Conclusions

Preliminary data suggest that SMI is a potentially useful modality in detecting microvasculature in iRMs compared to standard Doppler techniques. Future studies should aim to compare the efficacy of both SMI and CEUS and to assess the ability of SMI to characterize malignancy in iRMs.
Facial Fractures and the National Basketball Association: Epidemiology and Outcomes
Authors: Salehi Parsa P. , Heiser Alyssa , Torabi Sina J. , Azizzadeh Babak , Lee Jonathan , Lee Yan H.
Published: April 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

To identify the epidemiology and impact of facial fractures on player performance and return to play (RTP) in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Study Design

Retrospective case–control series

Methods

Fifty‐three NBA players who sustained facial fractures between 1984 and 2018 were identified. Players with pre‐ and postinjury statistics were included in the performance analysis. A control group was matched by age, body mass index (BMI), position, NBA experience, and player efficiency rating. Fisher exact tests and Student t tests were performed to analyze player demographics and performance variables.

Results

At the time of injury, the average player's age was 26.17 years, BMI was 24.80 kg/m2, and NBA experience was 4.97 years. Players missed an average of 3.77 games and 18.21 days prior to RTP. Forty‐eight players (90.6%) did RTP the subsequent season, whereas 43 of those players (81.1%) met inclusion criteria for performance analysis. There was no significant change in performance between pre‐ and postinjury seasons. Players managed operatively missed significantly more games (8.15 vs. 1.85; P = .034) and days (51.08 vs. 5.53; P = .003) than players managed nonoperatively, whereas performance was not impacted. Average career length following facial fracture was significantly shorter compared to controls (5.14 vs. 6.42 years; P = .010) and a decrease in three‐pointer percentage (P = .004) was observed.

Conclusions

The majority of players who suffer facial fractures RTP in the NBA and do not experience significant decline in performance following injury. These results should aid physicians caring for basketball players at any level, and may help inform future guidelines for treatment and injury prevention.

Level of Evidence

3b Laryngoscope, 2020
Literature‐guided recommendations for otolaryngologists during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A contemporary review
Authors: Syamal Mausumi
Published: April 2020

Objective

The objective of this study was to review the current literature and guidelines on management of the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID‐19 or 2019nCoV) with respect to the field of Otolaryngology.

Design

Contemporary literature review.

Methods

Systematic literature review of global medical literature databases and communications were queried to find all available literature recommendations, research, and guidelines applicable to otolaryngologists in the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Results

Guidance on personal protective equipment, office visits, and surgical scheduling, as well as recommendations for safe airway management and tracheotomy performance during the COVID‐19 pandemic were compiled and interpreted.

Conclusions

Little guidance exists for otolaryngologists who are among the highest risk groups during the rapidly evolving COVID‐19 pandemic. This synthesis and compilation of global resources serve as a building block for further guidance during the epidemic.

Level of Evidence

NA.
Generalized Dystonia/Parkinsonism and Double‐Doughnut Sign in Dengue Encephalitis
Authors: Mishra Anumeha , Pandey Sanjay
Published: April 2020

View Supplementary Video
Management of Advanced Therapies in Parkinson's Disease Patients in Times of Humanitarian Crisis: The COVID‐19 Experience
Authors: Fasano Alfonso , Antonini Angelo , Katzenschlager Regina , Krack Paul , Odin Per , Evans Andrew H. , Foltynie Thomas , Volkmann Jens , Merello Marcelo
Published: April 2020

Background

Although the COVID‐19 pandemic is affecting a relatively small proportion of the global population, its effects have already reached everyone. The pandemic has the potential to differentially disadvantage chronically ill patients, including those with Parkinson's disease (PD). The first health care reaction has been to limit access to clinics and neurology wards to preserve fragile patients with PD from being infected. In some regions, the shortage of medical staff has also forced movement disorders neurologists to provide care for patients with COVID‐19.

Objective

To share the experience of various movement disorder neurologists operating in different world regions and provide a common approach to patients with PD, with a focus on those already on advanced therapies, which may serve as guidance in the current pandemic and for emergency situations that we may face in the future.

Conclusion

Most of us were unprepared to deal with this condition given that in many health care systems, telemedicine has been only marginally available or only limited to email or telephone contacts. In addition, to ensure sufficient access to intensive care unit beds, most elective procedures (including deep brain stimulation or the initiation of infusion therapies) have been postponed. We all hope there will soon be a time when we will return to more regular hospital schedules. However, we should consider this crisis as an opportunity to change our approach and encourage our hospitals and health care systems to facilitate the remote management of chronic neurological patients, including those with advanced PD.
Can we harness the placebo effect to improve care in lower urinary tract dysfunction? ICI‐RS 2019
Authors: Khullar Vik , Rahnama'i Mohammad S. , Veit‐Rubin Nikolaus , Cardozo Linda , Wein Alan J.
Published: April 2020

The proposal “Can we harness the placebo effect to improve care in lower urinary tract dysfunction?” was discussed at the International Consultation on Incontinence‐Research Society (ICI‐RS) 2019 meeting. The placebo effect can change the treatment outcome whether the treatment is an active treatment or placebo. The total active treatment outcome is a combination of the placebo and the active treatment effect which is seen in placebo‐controlled trials. The placebo effect plays an important role in the treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction in overactive bladder, bladder pain syndrome, and stress urinary incontinence. In clinical practice, a number of factors can be employed to use the placebo effect to maximize its effect on patients receiving an active treatment, such as having the same environment for review such as the same appointment time, same room, and same clinician. Clinicians should also be aware of the nocebo effect which is increased with an overemphasis on side effects or negative outcomes.
Intervention study of a foot‐care programme enhancing knowledge and practice among nurses and care workers at in‐home service providers
Authors: Fujii Kashiko , Stolt Minna
Published: April 2020

Aim

To evaluate the foot‐care educational programme for nurses and care workers at in‐home service providers.

Design

A non‐randomized controlled study with random cluster sampling method.

Methods

Study participants were nurses and care workers of 21 in‐home service providers, including home‐visit nursing and care providers, 1‐day care service centres or care centres with rehabilitation programme in Japan. Foot‐care programme with foot‐care tools as a package or standard care comprising 3–5 sessions over 2 months was provided to 110 participants (87 were on analysis). The outcomes were changes in foot‐care knowledge and scores in pre–post interventions. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics, t test, logistic regression analysis and ANCOVA.

Results

Before adjusting for background, total scores of knowledge and practice categories were higher than the baseline in the intervention group (43 participants) compared with the control group (44 participants). After background correction due to potential bias of non‐random cluster sampling, significant between group differences were observed in mean score changes in skin and consultation subscales of the practice category.
Influence of glass transition temperature of crosslinked unsaturated polyester resin/styrene formulations on the final conversion after an isothermal curing at 100°C
Authors: Delaite Christelle , Bistac Sophie , Dreyer Elodie , Schuller Anne‐Sophie
Published: April 2020

SMC (sheet molding compound) is a composite based on fibers‐reinforced unsaturated polyester (UP) resin molded usually at 140°C to 170°C under a pressure of 60 to 100 bars. In order to develop new SMC formulations that can be molded at lower temperature (100°C) for economic and environmental reasons, the formulation of the composite had to be completely modified, both to allow a rapid reaction at 100°C, but also to avoid a vitrification phenomenon due to the fact that the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the SMC parts becomes, during the molding process, higher than the mold temperature. In this paper, the relation between the molding temperature, the glass transition temperature, and the final conversion of UP resin/styrene formulations has been underlined. The Tg of the cured resin was decreased by two different ways. The first way involved the reduction of the crosslinking density of the UP resin by using a blend of two resins, a pure maleic and a more flexible one. This blend allows to adjust the Tg over a temperature range from 197°C (Tg of the pure UP resin) to 75°C (Tg of the pure flexible resin). The second way consisted in the addition of butyl methacrylate (BuMA), a reactive plasticizer, to the formulation, allowing a decrease of the final material's Tg from 197°C to 130°C by replacing 35 wt% of styrene by BuMA. These two methods allow to obtain a final conversion of 99% after 8 minutes of molding at 100°C.
Plasma‐activated medium as an innovative anticancer strategy: Insight into its cellular and molecular impact on in vitro leukemia cells
Authors: Turrini Eleonora , Laurita Romolo , Simoncelli Emanuele , Stancampiano Augusto , Catanzaro Elena , Calcabrini Cinzia , Carulli Giovanni , Rousseau Martina , Gherardi Matteo , Maffei Francesca , Cocchi Veronica , Lenzi Monia , Pellicioni Valentina , Hrelia Patrizia , Colombo Vittorio , Fimognari Carmela
Published: April 2020

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has received attention as a potential anticancer strategy. In this study, culture medium was exposed to a microsecond‐pulsed dielectric barrier discharge jet to produce plasma‐activated medium (PAM). On the T‐lymphoblastic cell line, PAM induced apoptosis through the activation of the intrinsic pathway and inhibited the cell‐cycle progression. The use of the scavengers N‐acetylcysteine or O‐phenantroline significantly decreased the PAM proapoptotic activity. The genetic impact of PAM on TK6 cells was assessed, resulting in an increased micronuclei frequency. PAM exhibited cytotoxic effects even on leukemia cells cultivated in hypoxia, which plays a critical role in promoting chemoresistance. PAM was also tested on normal lymphocytes, showing its partial selectivity. Taken together, these results contribute to understand the pharmacotoxicological profile of CAP.
Analysis of 25‐hydroxy cholecalciferol, immunoglobulin E, and vitamin D receptor single nucleotide polymorphisms (Apa1, Taq1, and Bsm1), among sample of Egyptian children with bronchial asthma: A case‐control study
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed El‐Abd , Hassan Mohammed H. , Toghan Rana , Rashwan Nagwan I.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The current study aimed to assess the serum levels of vitamin D and immunoglobulin E (IgE) among asthmatic Egyptian children and to find out the possible associations of vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms with bronchial asthma development.

Methods

The study included 100 Egyptian children, 50 asthmatic children who were comparable with 50 age, sex, and body mass index‐matched, unrelated healthy controls (HCs) clinical assessments of asthmatic children were done using global initiative of asthma. Pulmonary function tests (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1], forced vital capacity [FVC], FEV1/FVC ratio) were performed. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays of serum vitamin D3 and total IgE were done. VDR‐single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (ApaI, TaqI, and BsmI) detection has performed using polymerase chain reaction through restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0. The studied SNPs were followed the Hardy Weinberg equation.

Results

The mean serum level of 25(OH) D3 was significantly lower among asthmatic children (13.46 ng/mL ± 10.50 SD) in comparison to HCs (37.53 ng/mL ± 13. 0.40 SD), P < .05. Vitamin D deficiency was detected in 72% of cases with no significant difference in its level regarding asthma control. There was significantly higher IgE level among asthmatic children (99.83 ku/L ± 233.81 SD) versus HCs (7.52 ku/L ± 3.32 SD), P < .05. Asthmatic children were presented more commonly with TaqI t allele (odds ratio [OR], 2.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28‐3.96; P < .05) and BsmI b allele (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.05‐3.21; P < .05). ApaI a allele was not significantly different among patients versus controls (P > .05). TT + Tt and Bb + bb genotypes were significantly higher among cases versus the controls, P < .05 for all.

Conclusions

TaqI and BsmI were associated with risk of bronchial asthma development among Egyptian children. High IgE and Low vitamin D status were frequently occurring among asthmatic children.