bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and identification of alkaloids from Macleaya microcarpa by UHPLC–Q-TOF-MS and their cytotoxic activity in vitro, antiangiogenic activity in vivo
Authors: Sai Chunmei , Wang Jian’an , Li Binjie , Ding Lin , Wang Huiyun , Wang Qibao , Hua Huiming , Zhang Fangpeng , Ren Qiang
Published: January 2020

Background

Extensive bioactivities of alkaloids from the genus Macleaya (Macleaya cordata (Willd.) R. Br. and Macleaya microcarpa (Maxim.) Fedde) have been widely reported, as well as more and more concerned from the scientific communities. However, systematic research on the phytochemical information of M. microcarpa is incomplete. The aim of this study was to rapidly and conveniently qualitative analyze alkaloids from M. microcarpa by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-fight mass spectrometry (UHPLC–Q-TOF-MS) using accurate mass weight and characteristic fragment ions, furthermore separate and identify the main alkaloids, test antitumor activity in vitro and antiangiogenic activity in vivo.

Results

A total of 14 alkaloids from fruits of M. microcarpa were identified by UHPLC–Q-TOF-MS, including 5 protopines, 2 benzophenanthridines, 1 dimer, 1 dihydrobenzophenanthridines and 5 unknown structure compounds. Two major alkaloids were isolated by various column chromatographic methods. Their structures were determined by NMR data and related literatures. The two major alkaloids were evaluated for intro cytotoxic activities against HL-60, MCF-7, A-549, and in vivo antiangiogenic activity using transgenic zebrafish.

Conclusions

Current qualitative method based on UHPLC–Q-TOF-MS technique provided a scientific basis for isolation, structural identification, and in vitro or in vivo pharmacological further study of alkaloids from M. microcarpa in the future.
Development of Natural Compound Molecular Fingerprint (NC-MFP) with the Dictionary of Natural Products (DNP) for natural product-based drug development
Authors: Seo Myungwon , Shin Hyun Kil , Myung Yoochan , Hwang Sungbo , No Kyoung Tai
Published: January 2020

Computer-aided research on the relationship between molecular structures of natural compounds (NC) and their biological activities have been carried out extensively because the molecular structures of new drug candidates are usually analogous to or derived from the molecular structures of NC. In order to express the relationship physically realistically using a computer, it is essential to have a molecular descriptor set that can adequately represent the characteristics of the molecular structures belonging to the NC’s chemical space. Although several topological descriptors have been developed to describe the physical, chemical, and biological properties of organic molecules, especially synthetic compounds, and have been widely used for drug discovery researches, these descriptors have limitations in expressing NC-specific molecular structures. To overcome this, we developed a novel molecular fingerprint, called Natural Compound Molecular Fingerprints (NC-MFP), for explaining NC structures related to biological activities and for applying the same for the natural product (NP)-based drug development. NC-MFP was developed to reflect the structural characteristics of NCs and the commonly used NP classification system. NC-MFP is a scaffold-based molecular fingerprint method comprising scaffolds, scaffold-fragment connection points (SFCP), and fragments. The scaffolds of the NC-MFP have a hierarchical structure. In this study, we introduce 16 structural classes of NPs in the Dictionary of Natural Product database (DNP), and the hierarchical scaffolds of each class were calculated using the Bemis and Murko (BM) method. The scaffold library in NC-MFP comprises 676 scaffolds. To compare how well the NC-MFP represents the structural features of NCs compared to the molecular fingerprints that have been widely used for organic molecular representation, two kinds of binary classification tasks were performed. Task I is a binary classification of the NCs in commercially available library DB into a NC or synthetic compound. Task II is classifying whether NCs with inhibitory activity in seven biological target proteins are active or inactive. Two tasks were developed with some molecular fingerprints, including NC-MFP, using the 1-nearest neighbor (1-NN) method. The performance of task I showed that NC-MFP is a practical molecular fingerprint to classify NC structures from the data set compared with other molecular fingerprints. Performance of task II with NC-MFP outperformed compared with other molecular fingerprints, suggesting that the NC-MFP is useful to explain NC structures related to biological activities. In conclusion, NC-MFP is a robust molecular fingerprint in classifying NC structures and explaining the biological activities of NC structures. Therefore, we suggest NC-MFP as a potent molecular descriptor of the virtual screening of NC for natural product-based drug development.
Entamoeba histolytica and amoebic liver abscess in northern Sri Lanka: a public health problem
Authors: Tharmaratnam Tharmegan , Kumanan Thirunavukarasu , Iskandar Mina Amin , D’Urzo Katrina , Gopee-Ramanan Prasaanthan , Loganathan Mayura , Tabobondung Tyler , Tabobondung Taylor Anthony , Sivagurunathan Seyon , Patel Mitul , Tobbia Iqdam
Published: January 2020

Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) is a facultative protozoan parasite implicated in amoebic liver abscesses (ALA), the most common extraintestinal manifestation of this infection. E. histolytica is endemic to sub-tropical and tropical countries and has been a major public health concern in northern Sri Lanka (SLK) for the last three decades. This has been attributed to a multitude of factors such as poor sanitation, hygiene, male sex, middle age, overcrowding, unsanitary practices in the production of indigenous alcoholic beverages, and alcohol consumption. Additionally, while rates of E. histolytica have declined substantially throughout the rest of the island, largely due to better infrastructure, it remains pervasive in the northern peninsula, which is generally less developed. Infection arises primarily from fecal-oral transmission through the consumption of contaminated drinking water containing cysts. Upon ingestion, cysts multiply into trophozoites and colonize the host colonic mucosa using lectin and cysteine proteases as virulence factors, leading to host invasion. Symptoms occur along a spectrum, from asymptomatology, to pyrexia, abdominal cramping, and amoebic dysentery. Colonization of the colon results in the formation of distinct flask-shaped ulcers along the epithelium, and eventual penetration of the lamina propria via the production of matrix metalloproteinases. ALA then develops through trophozoite migration via the mesenteric hepatic portal circulation, where microabscesses coalesce to form a single, large right-lobe abscess, commonly on the posterior aspect. The progression of infection to invasive disease is contingent on the unique interplay between host and pathogen factors, such as the strength of host-immunity to overcome infection and inherent pathogenicity of the Entamoeba species. As a preventable illness, E. histolytica complications such as ALA impose a significant burden on the healthcare system. This mini-review highlights epidemiological trends, risk factors, diagnostic modalities, treatment approaches, and opportunities for prevention of E. histolytica-induced ALA, to help address this endemic problem on the island of SLK.
Role of deformation imaging in left ventricular non-compaction and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: an Indian perspective
Authors: Ashwal A. J. , Mugula Sudhakar Rao , Samanth Jyothi , Paramasivam Ganesh , Nayak Krishnananda , Padmakumar R.
Published: January 2020

Background

Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has emerged as a novel feasible tool for the assessment of left ventricular rotational parameters. Since hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM) shares morphologic features with left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC), we used this imaging modality to compare rotational mechanics between these two entities.

Results

We compared global and regional LV function and rotational mechanics between LVNC, HCM, and healthy subjects using STE. Longitudinal strain and torsion were obtained from echocardiographic images from parasternal short axis as well as standard LV apical views. Twelve patients with LVNC [mean age 46.12 ± 14.66 years; median 47.5 IQR (39.25–58.5) years] were compared with 18 HCM patients [mean age 49.48± 17.22 years; median 56 IQR (33–65) years] and 18 healthy subjects [mean age: 51.50± 12.51 years; median 51(45.75-58) years]. LVNC group showed a significantly reduced longitudinal strain at the apical region compared to HCM group (− 12.18 ± 6.25 vs − 18.37 ± 3.67; P < 0.05). Rigid body rotation(RBR) was found in 50% of patients whereas the other half had a normal rotation at the apex and the base. Among the patients with RBR, all patients had a uniform counterclockwise rotation.

Conclusion

Longitudinal strain was impaired in both the forms of cardiomyopathy; however, LVNC showed a more significant reduction in the apical region compared to patients with HCM suggesting a development abnormality in these regions. A reduction in left ventricular torsion was specifically noted among patients with LVNC with a uniform anticlockwise rotation of LV base and apex.
Implications of the Hemoglobin Glycation Index on the Diagnosis of Prediabetes and Diabetes
Authors: Hsia Daniel S , Rasouli Neda , Pittas Anastassios G , Lary Christine W , Peters Anne , Lewis Michael R , Kashyap Sangeeta R , Johnson Karen C , LeBlanc Erin S , Phillips Lawrence S , Hempe James M , Desouza Cyrus V ,   D2d Research Group, Pittas Anastassios G , Brodsky Irwin , Ceglia Lisa , Chadha Chhavi , Chatterjee Ranee , Dawson-Hughes Bess , Desouza Cyrus , Dolor Rowena , Foreyt John , Ghazi Adline , Hsia Daniel S , Johnson Karen C , Kashyap Sangeeta R , Kim Sun , LeBlanc Erin S , Lewis Michael R , Liao Emilia , Malozowski Saul , Neff Lisa M , O’Neil Patrick , Park Jean , Peters Anne , Phillips Lawrence S , Pratley Richard , Raskin Philip , Rasouli Neda , Robbins David , Rosen Clifford , Aroda Vanita R , Sheehan Patricia , Staten Myrlene A , Knowler William C
Published: January 2020

Objective

Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour plasma glucose (2hPG) from a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) can lead to different results when diagnosing prediabetes and diabetes. The Hemoglobin Glycation Index (HGI) quantifies the interindividual variation in glycation resulting in discrepancies between FPG and HbA1c. We used data from the Vitamin D and Type 2 Diabetes (D2d) study to calculate HGI, to identify HGI-associated variables, and to determine how HGI affects prediabetes and diabetes diagnosis.

Measurements

A linear regression equation [HbA1c (%) = 0.0164 × FPG (mg/dL) + 4.2] was derived using the screening cohort (n = 6829) and applied to calculate predicted HbA1c. This was subtracted from the observed HbA1c to determine HGI in the baseline cohort with 2hPG data (n = 3945). Baseline variables plus prediabetes and diabetes diagnosis by FPG, HbA1c, and 2hPG were compared among low, moderate, and high HGI subgroups.

Results

The proportion of women and Black/African American individuals increased from low to high HGI subgroups. Mean FPG decreased and mean HbA1c increased from low to high HGI subgroups, consistent with the HGI calculation; however, mean 2hPG was not significantly different among HGI subgroups.

Conclusions

High HGI was associated with Black race and female sex as reported previously. The observation that 2hPG was not different across HGI subgroups suggests that variation in postprandial glucose is not a significant source of population variation in HGI. Exclusive use of HbA1c for diagnosis will classify more Black individuals and women as having prediabetes compared with using FPG or 2hPG.
Molecular and cellular mechanisms of tooth development, homeostasis and repair
Authors: Yu Tingsheng , Klein Ophir D.
Published: January 2020

The tooth provides an excellent system for deciphering the molecular mechanisms of organogenesis, and has thus been of longstanding interest to developmental and stem cell biologists studying embryonic morphogenesis and adult tissue renewal. In recent years, analyses of molecular signaling networks, together with new insights into cellular heterogeneity, have greatly improved our knowledge of the dynamic epithelial-mesenchymal interactions that take place during tooth development and homeostasis. Here, we review recent progress in the field of mammalian tooth morphogenesis and also discuss the mechanisms regulating stem cell-based dental tissue homeostasis, regeneration and repair. These exciting findings help to lay a foundation that will ultimately enable the application of fundamental research discoveries toward therapies to improve oral health.
Cardiorespiratory Response during the 1-min Sit-to-Stand Test in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: GEPHINE SARAH , BERGERON SABRINA , TREMBLAY LABRECQUE PIERRE-FRANÇOIS , MUCCI PATRICK , SAEY DIDIER , MALTAIS FRANÇOIS
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the cardiorespiratory response during a 1-min sit-to-stand test (1STS) in comparison with cycling cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and in healthy subjects and to evaluate whether 1STS may induce leg fatigue in these individuals.

Methods

Fourteen people with severe COPD and 12 healthy subjects performed a 1STS and a CPET during which cardiorespiratory response, perception of dyspnea, and leg fatigue were assessed. Quadriceps strength was assessed before and after 1STS, and contractile fatigue was defined as a postexercise fall in quadriceps twitch force greater than 15% of resting values.

Results

In COPD, peak V˙O2, V˙E, and HR achieved during 1STS reached 113%, 103%, and 93% of the corresponding values during CPET, respectively. Decrease in SpO2 from preexercise to peak exercise and the magnitude of dynamic hyperinflation were similar between 1STS and CPET. Borg dyspnea and leg fatigue scores were higher for CPET than 1STS. In healthy subjects, peak cardiorespiratory demand and symptom scores were higher during CPET compared with 1STS. A V˙O2 overshoot during recovery was observed only in people with COPD. After 1STS, the V˙O2 half-time recovery of COPD was 152 ± 25 s compared with 74 ± 18 in healthy subjects (P < 0.01). Ten people with COPD and five healthy subjects were considered as fatiguers.

Conclusion

The 1STS induced a similar cardiorespiratory stress to that of CPET and was associated with contractile quadriceps fatigue in people with severe COPD. The V˙O2 overshoot and slower recovery time of cardiorespiratory variables seen in COPD demonstrate the clinical relevance of monitoring the recovery phase of exercise.
Timing of Vaccination after Training: Immune Response and Side Effects in Athletes
Authors: STENGER TANJA , LEDO ALEXANDRA , ZILLER CLEMENS , SCHUB DAVID , SCHMIDT TINA , ENDERS MARTIN , GÄRTNER BARBARA C. , SESTER MARTINA , MEYER TIM
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Influenza vaccination was used to assess whether induction of immunity or side effects are influenced by the timing of the last training session before vaccination.

Methods

Forty-five healthy athletes (36 male, 23 ± 8 yr, ≥5 training sessions per week, predominantly national competition level) were vaccinated with the tetravalent influenza vaccine; blood samples were collected immediately before and 1, 2, and 26 wk after vaccination. Athletes were randomly assigned to vaccination within 2 h after the last training session versus after 24–26 h. Influenza-specific T cells were quantified after stimulation with the vaccine based on intracellular cytokine staining. Antibodies (IgA, IgG, IgM) were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and neutralization assay. Participants documented resulting side effects and training restrictions using a standardized diary.

Results

Both groups showed an increase in influenza-reactive CD4 T-cell levels, which peaked 1 wk after vaccination (fold changes to baseline; median (interquartile range), 3.7 (3.0–5.4; P < 0.001) in the 2-h group; 4.6 (2.8–7.4; P < 0.001) in the 26-h group) with no difference between groups (P = 0.52). Influenza-specific antibodies showed a significant increase after vaccination in both groups (at least 1.4-fold, each P < 0.001, no group differences; P = 0.24–0.97 for different antibody types). Only antibodies toward the Brisbane strain showed a trend toward significant differences in neutralization titers between groups (4-fold (2–17.8) in the 2-h group, 16-fold (4–32.9) in the 26-h group; P = 0.06), whereas other specificities did not differ (P = 0.16–0.72). No intergroup differences were found for side effects; no athlete reported a loss of training time due to the vaccination or its side effects.

Conclusion

Infection prophylaxis in elite athletes by influenza vaccination seems to be effective and safe. Timing of vaccination after prior training does not seem to require specific constraints.
Nonexercise Equations for Determining Change in Cardiorespiratory Fitness
Authors: DE LANNOY LOUISE , ROSS ROBERT
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to determine whether change in estimated cardiorespiratory fitness (eCRF) is associated with change in measured cardiorespiratory fitness (mCRF) independent of exercise amount and intensity over 24 wk.

Methods

Participants were 163 sedentary adults with abdominal obesity (mean ± SD waist circumference, 109.9 ± 11.5 cm) randomly assigned to (i) no-exercise control (n = 42); (ii) low-amount, low-intensity exercise (LALI; n = 39); (iii) high-amount, low-intensity exercise (HALI; n = 51); and (iv) high-amount, high-intensity exercise (HAHI; n = 31). mCRF was measured using a maximal treadmill test at baseline, 8, 16, and 24 wk. eCRF was calculated using a published nonexercise equation with the following variables: sex, age, waist circumference, resting heart rate, and self-selected physical activity.

Results

Participants attended 115 of 120 exercise sessions prescribed (96.0% ± 4.0% adherence). eCRF change from baseline to 8, 16, and 24 wk was not different from mCRF change for control, LALI, or HALI (P = 0.03). In HAHI, eCRF change was significantly greater than mCRF change at all time points (P < 0.001). Further analysis revealed that change in eCRF systematically overestimated and underestimated small and large changes in mCRF, respectively, in all groups (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

eCRF change was associated with mCRF change at 24 wk independent of exercise amount but not intensity. Systematic variation between eCRF and mCRF highlights a possible limitation when using eCRF to follow change in mCRF, specifically that eCRF does not capture the individual variability of the mCRF response.
Efficiency of Natural Biological Adsorbents to Remove Pollutants from Textile, Dye and Printing Industry Effluent
Authors: Pillai Priyadarshini
Published: January 2020

Adsorption is considered to be one of the most promising techniques for wastewater treatment over the last decades. The economic crisis of the 2000s led researchers to turn their interest in adsorbent materials with lower cost. The study was conducted to treat the Textile, dye and printing industry effluent using naturally occurring biological adsorbents (Areaca catechu, Moringa pterygosperma, Quercus infectoria and Tamarindus indica). The treatment was carried out on various concentrations (25%, 50% 75% and 100%) of dye effluent. Highest removal of pollutant was observed at lower effluent concentrations (25% and 50%) as compared to higher effluent concentrations (75 % and 100%). The addition of biological adsorbents has brought a significant reduction in various parameters of Textile, dye and printing industry effluent. The reduction in pollution load may be due to the coagulative / chelative property of Areaca catechu, Moringa pterygosperma, Quercus infectoria and Tamarindus indica can be used as low cost and safest biological adsorbents for removing toxic substances in Textile, dye and printing industry effluent.
La internacionalização do Yacon: benefícios y oportunidades de melhoramento para o setor agrícola na Colômbia
Authors: López-Rodríguez Campo Elias , Castro Barón Laura Tatiana , Quito Pérez Karen Tatiana , Bocanegra Canacúe Luisa Fernanda
Published: January 2020

A manera reflexiva, se pretende reconocer las realidades de la internacionalización del yacón como alternativa innovadora del sector agrícola colombiano. En este análisis descriptivo de tipo documental, se revisaron, clasificaron y recopilaron textos académicos que visualizaron los referentes teóricos de mayor representatividad en cuanto a los pilares temáticos propuestos, que fueron la internacionalización de las empresas, el sector agrícola en Colombia y la caracterización del yacón. Dentro de los principales hallazgos, se identificaron los beneficios y oportunidades de mejoramiento de la internacionalización de las empresas del sector agrícola en Colombia y de la comercialización internacional de este tubérculo, elementos que contribuyen al fortalecimiento del sectorprimario de la economía del país desde la internacionalización de sus productos.
Evolución y perdurabilidad de empresas bursátiles de la bolsa mexicana de valores de 1895-2016
Authors: Galicia Anaya Salvador Arturo , Rivas Tovar Luis Arturo , Cardenas Tapia Magali
Published: January 2020

El objetivo de la investigación fue analizar la evolución y perdurabilidad de empresas bursátiles de la Bolsa Mexicana de Valores (bmv) de 1895 a 2016. El método de investigación fue un análisis histórico-descriptivo de 1663 empresas que cotizaron un año o más dentro de ese periodo. Se concluye que el 51.53 % de empresas dejan de ser bursátiles en los primeros cinco años. Utilizando la Teoría de Redes, y dos variables de centralidad estructural: grado nodal (nodal degree) y cercanía (closeness centrality), se evaluó la muestra de 91 empresas con 21 años o más de perdurabilidad en bmv; concluyendo que, 5.47 % perduró durante ese periodo.Los resultados del análisis muestran que los periodos presidenciales con mayor participación bursátil fueron: Porfiriato, Desarrollo estabilizador (López Mateos-Díaz Ordaz) y Neoliberalismo priista, (Salinas-Zedillo). Las variables de centralidad estructural demuestran que el sector industrial fue el de mayor perdurabilidad y el sector servicios el de mayor volatilidad en la bmv, existiendo correlación entre variables de grado nodal y cercanía: A mayor número años de empresas activas en la bmv, mayor cercanía empresarial existía con el presidente en turno. La elevancia de la investigación es ser el primer trabajo que analiza la perdurabilidad de empresas bursátiles en 121 años, mediante el análisis de redes.
Introduction: 2019 Franz Edelman Award for Achievement in Advanced Analytics, Operations Research, and Management Science
Authors: Dewan Pooja , Milne R. John
Published: January 2020

This special issue of the INFORMS Journal on Applied Analytics (formerly Interfaces) is devoted to the finalists of the 48th annual competition for the Franz Edelman Award for Achievement in Advanced Analytics, Operations Research, and Management Science, the profession’s most prestigious award for deployed work. As in previous years, the finalists this year cover a wide range of industries and functions.
Quitting Games and Linear Complementarity Problems
Authors: Solan Eilon , Solan Omri N.
Published: January 2020

We prove that every multiplayer quitting game admits a sunspot ε-equilibrium for every ε>0, that is, an ε-equilibrium in an extended game in which the players observe a public signal at every stage. We also prove that, if a certain matrix that is derived from the payoffs in the game is not a Q-matrix in the sense of linear complementarity problems, then the game admits a uniform ε-equilibrium for every ε>0.
Beliefs and Sexual Education Influence the Development of Female Sexual Dysfunctions? - A Literature Review
Authors: Rocha Lorena Calline Brito , Mendes Margarany Mascarenhas , Ribeiro Aline Moreira
Published: January 2020

Understanding women in their entirety, considering not only organic aspects but also psychological, sentimental, relational, and beliefs aspects is of paramount importance for the individualized approach to sexual dysfunction. The professional should seek to understand the factors that lead to the development of dysfunctions. Thus, understanding whether sexuality beliefs and education influence sexual dysfunctions may be a differential to treatment success, as well as in the management of attention directed toward women with dysfunction. To identify the influence of beliefs and sexual education for the development of female sexual dysfunctions. We searched publications in the databases SciELO, PubMed and Virtual Health Library covering the following key words: “female sexual dysfunctions”, “beliefs” and “sexual education”. A descriptive analysis of the results was performed in which data presentation followed exclusively the terminologies followed by the authors. Five hundred and fifty-two articles were found. Considering the exclusion criteria, only two articles were selected for review. The sample size was 337 women with a age range of 28.7 to 35 years. The studies were conducted in Portugal and Iran. According to the authors, sexual health education is effective in improving female sexual function, since the belief that sexual desire and pleasure are sinful seems to be related to hypoactive sexual desire. Beliefs about body image may be related to orgasmic disorders in women. The shortage of studies addressing the influence of education and beliefs on female sexual dysfunction demonstrates the importance and necessity of new research using specific markers in order to contribute to a broader and more effective discussion.
Self-Handicapping and its Relation to Self-Efficacy Among Yarmouk University Jordanian Students
Authors: Atoum Adnan Yousef
Published: January 2020

The significant of the current study is evident through limited research on the relationship between self-handicapping and self-efficacy. The study aimed at exploring self-handicapping and its relationship with self-efficacy and some demographic variables among a sample of Yarmouk University Jordanian students. The sample consisted of (793) male and female students at Yarmouk University that was selected randomly. To achieve the objectives of the study, two tools were used; the Rhodewalt (1990) Self-handicapping Scale and Almohsen (2006) Self-efficacy Scale. Reliability and validity indicators were obtained before using the scales. The results showed that self-handicapping among Yarmouk University students was average, and no statistically significant differences in self-handicapping due to gender, specialty and achievement. The results also showed a statistically negative correlation between the scores of self-handicapping as a whole and self-efficacy score and all of its dimensions except the behavioral efficacy dimension.
Utility of the DIVA score for experienced emergency department technicians
Authors: Shaukat Haroon , Neway Beemnet , Breslin Kristen , Watson Ar’Reon , Poe Kelly , Boniface Keith , Cohen Joanna S.
Published: January 2020

Background:

The DIVA score is validated for predicting success of the initial attempt at peripheral intravenous insertion by nurses and physicians. A score of 4 or greater is 50% to 60% likely to have a failed first attempt. The study objective was to assess the validity of this score for emergency department technicians.

Methods:

This study used a prospective convenience sample of 181 children presenting to the emergency department with intravenous access attempt by one of 29 emergency department technicians. DIVA score, total number of attempts, and median time to successful intravenous cannulation were obtained.

Results:

Comparing patients with a DIVA score <4 to ≥4, first-time IV placement failure rates were lower (9% [95% CI, 3–24] vs. 41% [95% CI, 33–49]) and median time to IV placement was shorter (75 [interquartile range (IQR) 42–157] vs. 254 [IQR 91–806]) seconds. In patients with scores ≥4, emergency department technicians with ≥5 years of experience were significantly more likely to be successful on the first attempt (OR 2.8; 95% CI, 1.03–7.63). For every year of technician experience, the time to catheter placement, adjusted for DIVA score, decreased by 25 minutes (P≤0.05, R2=0.05). Comparing our receiver operating curve to the derivation study, the areas were similar (0.67 vs. 0.65).

Conclusions:

This study provides preliminary evidence for the validity of the DIVA score when applied to IVs placed by emergency department technicians. For patients with high DIVA scores, ≥5 years of IV experience was associated with higher odds of successful first-time IV placement and shorter time to placement. HIGHLIGHTS The difficult intravenous access (DIVA) score may be generalizable to IVs placed by experienced emergency department technicians (EDTs) Higher odds of first-time success in difficult patients with ≥5 years EDT experience Early identification of difficult access may allow for aid of alternative technology Likely first study to evaluate EDTs IV skills in patients with varying DIVA scores
Cancer and canines
Authors: Houston Carole
Published: January 2020

Carole Houston reveals how breast cancer treatment affected her dental health
Denture Adhesives – Best Practice
Authors: Jagger Robert , King Elizabeth
Published: January 2020

Looseness of dentures is a common complaint and can cause patients embarrassment and distress. Looseness is often associated with ill-fitting dentures, but some patients with technically excellent dentures may complain of looseness as a result of, for example, severely resorbed alveolar ridges, lack of saliva or poor adaptive ability. Recommendations for effective use of denture adhesive that can be given to patients by the dental team are provided.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: The dental team needs to explain effective approaches to the use of denture adhesives to patients. Written information can help to reinforce best practice.
Glandular Odontogenic Cyst – a Case Report
Authors: Shaadi Manouchehri , Ali Amini
Published: January 2020

Abstract: A Glandular Odontogenic Cyst (GOC) is a rare developmental cyst of odontogenic origin. Occurrence rate is low, with less than 150 cases reported in the literature thus far. 1 GOCs can be misdiagnosed due to clinicopathological similarities to other odontogenic cysts, including those of a benign and malignant nature. A wide range of ages can be affected, with a mean age of 45.7. 2 The most commonly affected site appears to be the anterior mandible. An unusual presentation of a GOC affecting the right posterior mandible of a 42-year-old male is reported.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article highlights the importance of appropriate special investigations for a glandular odontogenic keratocyst and treatment modalities.
Dilemma in closing the bite: a case of orthognathic surgery
Authors: Mehta Siddharth , Kamath Abhay T , Kudva Adarsh , Srikanth G , Urala Arun
Published: January 2020

This case report demonstrates treatment of an open bite case with a history of trauma to the maxillary anterior region in childhood. A 20-year-old adult male presented with a convex profile and significant anterior bite and unilateral posterior crossbite. Surgical bite correction was planned but posed a dilemma in the choice of surgery.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: To demonstrate the outcome of a case of skeletal anterior open bite treated with orthognathic surgery.
Political Uncertainty and Mental Health
Authors: Gerard Barnes
Published: January 2020

Gerard Barnes, of mental health treatment specialists Smart TMS, provides expert insight on the implications of the election result for the NHS and mental healthcare
A recurrent case of pituicytoma 16 years later
Authors: McNamara KJ , Shaw S , Saravanappa N
Published: January 2020

Background

Pituicytoma is a rare; slow-growing primary tumour originating from the glial cells of the neurohypophysis. It was classed as a low-grade (grade I) central nervous system tumour by the World Health Organization in 2007. We present the case of a 71-year-old man with a previous history of sellar meningioma who underwent surgical resection of pituicytoma by transphenoidal hypophysectomy.

Method

We conducted a literature search using Medline EMBASE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews using the Ovid search engines. Key words searched were ‘pituitary gland’, ‘pituicytoma’, ‘neurohypophysis’. Patient records and imaging were obtained from the Royal Stoke University Hospital database.

Results

A 71-year-old man with a background of sellar meningioma 16 years previously was found to have a pituitary fossa tumour on surveillance magnetic resonance imaging. Differential diagnosis was pituitary adenoma. Endoscopic transphenoidal hypophysectomy was performed. Histology was consistent with pituicytoma. As a result of this histology from his initial tumour was re-examined and was amended to pituicytoma, indicating a recurrence.

Conclusion

Pituicytoma is a benign, slow growing lesion of the posterior pituitary. Brat et al diagnosed it as a distinct entity in 2000 and it was listed as a World Health Organization classification grade I tumour in 2007. It can be mistaken for pituitary adenoma owing to its similar clinical presentation. Complete excision of the tumour by transphenoidal hypophysectomy is an effective management for pituicytoma as demonstrated in this case.
Knowledge mobilisation in public service reform: integrating empirical, technical and practical wisdom
Authors: Bynner Claire , Terje Anna
Published: January 2020

Background

Public service practitioners on all levels aim to solve increasingly complex policy problems by making use of different forms of evidence. While there are many complex models of knowledge mobilisation, not enough attention is paid to the types of knowledge that are mobilised for public service reform. Ward (2017) has returned to Aristotle’s knowledge types; empirical, technical and practice wisdom, to address this gap.

Aims and objectives

This paper applies the theoretical work of Ward (2017) and Flyvbjerg (2001) to the everyday work and practice of frontline public service providers with the aim of identifying core elements of knowledge mobilisation in the practice of public service reform in the context of local governance.

Methods

The data is from a case study of a Scottish local authority conducted as part of the What Works Scotland research programme. The paper derives insights from 16 qualitative interviews with service providers in housing, waste management, policing and greenspace services, and 12 observations, analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

The findings suggest that empirical or technical knowledge is not sufficient on its own for sustainable solutions to localised policy problems. The practice wisdom of service providers, balancing ethical concerns with diverse perspectives, is a form of knowledge that is not fully valued or recognised in public service reform.

Discussion and conclusions

Future research should aim to understand how the integration of empirical, technical and practice knowledge might be achieved through more co-productive relationships between researchers, knowledge mobilisers and service providers.
Moral collectivism
Authors: Spicker Paul
Published: January 2020

Moral collectivism is the idea that social groups can be moral agents; that they have rights and responsibilities, that groups as well as individuals can take moral action, that the morality of their actions can sensibly be assessed in those terms, and that moral responsibility cannot simply be reduced to the actions of individuals within them. This position is not opposed to individualism; it is complementary.
Interaction of electromagnetic plane waves with an impedance half-plane in an anisotropic medium
Authors: Umul Yusuf Ziya
Published: January 2020

The diffraction process of electromagnetic plane waves by an impedance half-plane in anisotropic medium is investigated. In this case, the permittivity of the space is expressed in terms of a tensor. The incident wave is considered for magnetic polarization. The diffracted fields are obtained with the aid of the method of transition boundary. It is shown that the diffraction wave reduces to the correct field expressions for the limiting cases. The total field and its components are compared with the literature numerically.
Four-dimensional visualization of zebrafish cardiovascular and vessel dynamics by a structured illumination microscope with electrically tunable lens
Authors: Chong Chen , Simin Li , Gang Wen , Yong Liang , Linbo Wang , Guang Yang , Xin Jin , Hui Li
Published: January 2020

We established a four-dimensional (4D) microscopy method using structured illumination for optical axial imaging with an electrically tunable lens. With its fast imaging capability, the dynamics of the cardiovascular system of the zebrafish and cerebral vessels were imaged based on the coverage of two stacks (25 layers) per second with lateral /axial resolutions of 0.6 µm and 1.8 µm, respectively. Time lapse imaging clearly shows the contractile–relaxation response of the beating heart at different cardiac phases and with different mobilities of blood vessels in different regions. This new 4D technique will facilitate in vivo imaging of organ function, generation, as well as drug responses in small-sized animals.
Tomographic imaging with an ultrasound and LED-based photoacoustic system
Authors: Joseph Francis Kalloor , Boink Yoeri E. , Dantuma Maura , Ajith Singh Mithun Kuniyil , Manohar Srirang , Steenbergen Wiendelt
Published: January 2020

Pulsed lasers in photoacoustic tomography systems are expensive, which limit their use to a few clinics and small animal labs. We present a method to realize tomographic ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging using a commercial LED-based photoacoustic and ultrasound system. We present two illumination configurations using LED array units and an optimal number of angular views for tomographic reconstruction. The proposed method can be a cost-effective solution for applications demanding tomographic imaging and can be easily integrated into conventional linear array-based ultrasound systems. We present a potential application for finger joint imaging in vivo, which can be used for point-of-care rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and monitoring.
Spectral-slicing noise in polarization-modulated optical links
Authors: Feuer Mark D. , Bnyamin Mario V. , Jiang Xin
Published: January 2020

Polarization-shift keying offers multi-dimensional signaling for optical links to achieve high data rates using low-coherence sources. In binary systems with spectrally sliced broadband sources, on–off keying with a finite extinction ratio causes non-Gaussian noise distributions that lead to bit-error-rate floors. We show theoretically and experimentally that binary polarization-shift keying eliminates these error floors as well as improves sensitivity under all tested conditions.
Flexspander: augmenting expander networks in high-performance systems with optical bandwidth steering
Authors: Teh Min Yee , Wu Zhenguo , Bergman Keren
Published: January 2020

Communication efficiency is one of the deciding factors in determining
many of today’s high-performance computing (HPC) applications.
Traditionally, HPC systems have been on static network topologies,
making them inflexible to the variety of skewed traffic demands that
may arise due to the spatial locality inherent in many applications.
To handle traffic locality, researchers have proposed integrating
optical circuit switches (OCSs) into the network architecture, which
reconfigures the network topology to alter and dynamically adapt to
the predicted traffic. In this paper, we present a novel
reconfigurable network topology called Flexspander. Beyond offering a
flexible interconnect, Flexspander also offers full flexibility in
terms of construction and can be built with any arbitrary combination
of commercial electrical packet switches and OCSs. We evaluate
Flexspander performance through extensive simulations with multiple
network traces, and our results show improved performance for
Flexspander over currently proposed static and reconfigurable
topologies in terms of the flow completion time.
Spin cat-state family for Heisenberg-limit metrology
Authors: Maleki Yusef , Zheltikov Aleksei M.
Published: January 2020

We identify a class of superposition spin coherent states that enable
measurements with a Heisenberg-limit (HL) precision. We demonstrate
that a superposition of any two antipodal points on the Bloch sphere
(two antipodal spin coherent states) can provide the HL precision.
This finding suggests a universal strategy for the generation of
quantum states for HL metrology and offers a physically clear
perspective on the relation between the HL precision and two-mode cat
states. We show that antipodal cat states suitable for HL metrology
can be generated using cavity quantum electrodynamics structures.
Injected coherence in the tunneling of ultracold atoms through a two-photon mazer in the squeezed vacuum and coherent field distributions
Authors: Badshah Fazal , Alharbi Thamer , Apollaro Tony J. G. , He Qing , Guo-Qin Ge
Published: January 2020

We examine the traversal aspect of ultracold two-level atoms through a high-quality two-photon mazer with squeezed vacuum and coherent field distributions. Here the net cavity potential is constituted by the coherent addition of multiple barriers and well potentials, which is quite different from the potential offered by a cavity in the Fock or vacuum state. For squeezed vacuum and coherent field distributions, one gets different phase times (

t

p
h

) for different modes of the distribution, which are then averaged by taking the weighted mean on the

t

p
h

over the n-dependent transmission probability. It is found that the nature, intensity of the field, and injected coherence of the incident atoms have a decisive role in controlling peak values and sub- and superclassical traversals of the tunneling atoms. For two of the system’s dressed states (

|

Φ

b
0

⟩

,

|

Φ

b
1

⟩

), the cavity offers reflectionless transmission, as the atoms experience zero potential due to the dark state formation. Moreover, for a somewhat intense cavity field, mazer action (scattering-type behavior) may be obtained for an extended range of energies due to increased cavity potential in the course of atom–cavity interaction.
Fiber distributed acoustic sensing using convolutional long short-term memory network: a field test on high-speed railway intrusion detection
Authors: Li Zhongqi , Zhang Jianwei , Wang Maoning , Zhong Yuzhong , Peng Fei
Published: January 2020

This paper presents a novel and general distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) signal recognition framework aimed at real-time detection and classification of intrusion in the space-time domain. The framework is based on the combination of a convolution neural network (CNN) and a long short-term memory network (LSTM). The convolutional structure extracts the spatial features from multi-channel signals of the DAS system, while the LSTM network analyzes the temporal relationships over time. The framework can be deployed on high-speed railways for real-time intrusion threat detection, which is one of the most urgent and challenging problems that needs to be resolved as there is an increasing demand for high detection and low false alarm rates, and short response time. The alarm sensitivity and specificity of the framework are controlled by user-set parameters. A real field experiment is conducted in a strong background noise scenario and an intrusion threat detection rate of 85.6%, with only 8.0% false alarm rate is achieved. For threat classification, the average threat detection rate is 69.3%, and the average false alarm rate is 13.2%. Owing to the high detection accuracy of the framework, the average detection response time is shortened to 8.25 s.
Asymmetric dielectric grating on metallic film enabled dual- and narrow-band absorbers
Authors: He Xin , Jie Jinliang , Yang Junbo , Han Yunxin , Zhang Sen
Published: January 2020

We investigated a mid-infrared (mid-IR) dual-band absorber consisting of a continuous gold film coated with an asymmetric silicon grating. In each unit cell of the grating, there are three unequally spaced silicon strips. Numerical results reveal that the (+1, -1) planar surface plasmon polariton (SPP) waves excited by the transverse-magnetic (TM) incidence can be coupled with different Fabry-Pérot (FP) resonances and the resonant energy is dissipated to the ohmic loss. Under the normal incidence condition, the absorber provides two high-absorbance peaks at wavelengths of 3.856 µm and 4.29 µm, with the absorption bandwidths of ∼25.7 cm−1 and ∼21.5 cm−1. When changing the angle of the incidence, it is observed an interesting feature that either of the peaks does not split. The presented structure offers an approach to the design of optical components for multi-spectral control of mid-IR signals.
Investigation of the transit-time broadening in optical nanofiber based spectroscopy
Authors: Qi Yun , Jin Wei , Ho Hoi Lut
Published: January 2020

Optical nanofiber is a widely adopted platform for highly efficient light-matter interaction by virtue of its exposed evanescent field with high light intensity. However, the strongly constrained mode field with the wavelength-scale size makes the light-matter interaction time limited in consideration of the random thermal motion of warm molecules, which results in considerable transit-time dephasing and thus line broadening. Here we report a systematic study of the transit-time effect associated with the optical nanofibers. Both simulation and experiment for nanofibers exposed in acetylene demonstrate the considerable transit-time broadened linewidth in the low-pressure range.
Si3N4-chip-based versatile photonic RF waveform generator with a wide tuning range of repetition rate
Authors: Zhu Zihang , Liu Yang , Merklein Moritz , Zhang Ziqian , Marpaung David , Eggleton Benjamin J.
Published: January 2020

In this Letter, we demonstrate a

S
i

3

N

4

-chip-based photonic approach to generate versatile radio frequency (RF) waveforms with a large tuning range of repetition rates. The amplitude and phase of the RF-phase-modulated signal are spectrally manipulated to synthesize Fourier coefficients of the desired RF waveforms by controlling the resonance conditions and frequencies of

S
i

3

N

4

optical ring resonators. Full-duty-cycle triangular, square, and sawtooth waveforms with widely tunable repetition rates from 1 to 13 GHz were experimentally generated.
Impact of laser flicker noise and linewidth on 64 to 96  Gbaud/DP-nQAM metro coherent optical links
Authors: Zhang Rui , Kuzmin Konstantin , Jiang Wen-Jr , Giaretta Giorgio , Tomimoto Tadatoshi , Weng Yi , Chang Gee-Kung , Way Winston
Published: January 2020

We experimentally investigate the impact of laser flicker noise and linewidth on 64 Gbaud/DP-64QAM, 96 Gbaud/DP-32QAM and 64 or 96 Gbaud/DP-16QAM links. To give a more practical viewpoint, the examined flicker noise closely follows that of an industry forum (OIF 400ZR). We have found that higher modulation order (e.g., 64QAM) is sensitive to phase noise from the linewidth and flicker noise, even in the back to back case. Significant optical signal to noise ratio (OSNR) and cycle slip rate penalties can also be observed with a transmission distance

>

200

k
m

for both 64QAM and 32QAM signals, which mainly comes from equalization-enhanced phase noise. Moreover, with the increasing of transmission distances, the effective linewidth of a tunable laser with a higher flicker noise and higher linewidth (210 KHz) increases significantly, while it remains unchanged for an external cavity laser (ECL) with 47-kHz linewidth. The result indicates the importance of more stringent flicker noise and linewidth requirement for future ultrabaud rate transmissions.