bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medical diagnoses among infants at entry in out‐of‐home care: A Swedish population‐register study
Authors: Högberg Ulf , Sennerstam Roland , Wester Knut , Högberg Göran , Andersson Jacob , Thiblin Ingemar
Published: July 2019

Background and aims

Identification of child abuse involves a medical investigation and assessment of problems related to social environment and upbringing and might necessitate out‐of‐home care. The objective of this study was to analyse infants placed in out‐of‐home care in Sweden by incidence, medical diagnoses, and perinatal factors.

Methods

This was a population‐based register study of infants born in Sweden 1997 to 2014. Data were retrieved from registers at the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare and Statistics Sweden. Outcome measures were out‐of‐home care categories: (a) “Problems Related to Social Environment/Upbringing”, (b) “Abuse diagnoses without SDH (subdural haemorrhage), RH (retinal haemorrhage), rib fracture, or long bone fracture”, and (c) “SDH, RH, rib fracture, or long bone fracture.” As a reference population, we randomly selected infants without medical diagnoses born the same year.

Results

Overall incidence of out‐of‐home care was 402 per 100 000. For subcategories (a), (b), and (c), the incidences were 14.8 (n = 273), 3.77 (n = 70), and 9.83 (n = 182) per 100 000, respectively. During the study period, the first remained unchanged; the latter two have been increasing. Compared with other reasons for out‐of‐home care, children in category (c), “SDH, RH, rib fracture, or long bone fracture”, had increased odds of being boys (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08‐2.38) and decreased odds of having a mother being single (aOR 0.49; 95% CI, 0.32‐0.75) and a smoker (aOR 0.60; 95% CI, 0.37‐0.96). Compared with the reference population, children in this category were more often twin born (7.7% versus 2.8%), preterm (18.5% versus 5.5%), and small‐for‐gestational age (5.2% versus 2.1%).

Conclusion

SDH, RH, rib fracture, or long bone fracture constitute a minor part of medical diagnoses for infants entered in out‐of‐home care, but have been increasing, both in numbers and proportion. Overdiagnosis of abuse might be a possible reason but cannot be ascertained by this study design.
Oleanolic acid exerts inhibitory effects on the late stage of osteoclastogenesis and prevents bone loss in osteoprotegerin knockout mice
Authors: Zhao Dongfeng , Shu Bing , Wang Chenglong , Zhao Yongjian , Cheng Weidong , Sha Nannan , Li Chenguang , Wang Qiang , Lu Sheng , Wang Yongjun
Published: July 2019

Postmenopausal women undergo rapid bone loss, which caused by the accelerated osteoclastic bone resorption. Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand (RANKL) plays critical and essential roles on varied stages of osteoclastogenesis. Oleanolic acid (OA), a naturally derived small compound, has been found suppress osteoclastogenesis in early stage of bone marrow macrophages (BMMs). However, whether OA also regulates the late stage of osteoclastogenesis remains unclear. Here, the regulatory effect of OA on the late stage of osteoclastogenesis was investigated in vitro using RANKL‐pretreated BMMs and in vivo using osteoprotegerin (OPG) knockout mice. Our in vitro studies demonstrate that OA inhibits the late stage of osteoclastogenesis from RANKL‐pretreated BMMs. For in vivo animal investigation, OA attenuates the bone loss phenotypes in OPG‐knockout mice by decreasing the densities of osteoclast, which are in consistent with the finding with in vitro osteoclastogenesis. Mechanistic investigations found that OA largely inhibit the activity of c‐Fos and Nuclear factor of activated T‐cells c1 (NFATc1) with RANKL‐pretreated BMMs and OPG‐knockout mice. Furthermore, OA suppresses the activities of osteoclast genes, such as Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), CathepsinK (Ctsk), and Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9). Taken together these findings, they have not only defined an inhibitory effect of OA in the late stage of osteoclastogenesis but have also gained new molecular mechanisms underlying the process of osteoclast formation.
Declination of long noncoding RNA paternally expressed gene 10 inhibits A375 cells proliferation, migration, and invasion via mediating microRNA‐33a
Authors: Fu Yan , Bi Yiming , Wang Fang , Chen Xingxiu , Liu Huiling
Published: July 2019

The importance of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been certified in malignant melanoma. Nonetheless, the functions of lncRNA paternally expressed gene 10 (PEG10) in malignant melanoma remain uninvestigated. This research discloses the influence of PEG10 in the biological actions of malignant melanoma cells. The sh‐PEG10 plasmid was transfected into A375 cells; meanwhile, the effects of declined PEG10 on cell viability, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and the correlative protein levels were probed. The miR‐33a expression in sh‐PEG10‐transfected cells was examined, and the above biological processes were studied again in miR‐33a inhibitor‐transfected A375 cells. Phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways were delved via Western blot. We found that the enhancement of PEG10 was discovered in melanoma tissues compared to related nonmelanoma tissues. Declination of PEG10 frustrated cell viability, repressed cyclinD1 and CDK4 expression, and triggered apoptosis, as well as suppressed migration and invasion in A375 cells. A negative correction between PEG10 and miR‐33a was confirmed, and repressed miR‐33a inverted the functions of PEG10 repression in A375 cells. In addition, PEG10 repression discouraged the activation of PI3K/AKT and mTOR pathways via elevation of miR‐33a. These results indicated that declination of PEG10 restrained A375 cell growth, migration, and invasion via adjusting miR‐33a and PI3K/AKT and mTOR pathways.
Mechanism of synthesis of anatase TiO2 pigment from low concentration of titanyl sulfuric–chloric acid solution under hydrothermal hydrolysis
Authors: Tian Ming , Liu Yahui , Wang Weijing , Zhao Wei , Chen Desheng , Wang Lina , Zhao Hongxin , Meng Fancheng , Zhen Yulan , Hu Zongyuan , Qi Tao
Published: July 2019

In order to investigate the influence of Cl−/SO42− molar ratios and hydrolysis temperature on the hydrolysis process and TiO2 pigment, H2TiO3 was prepared with a low concentration of titanyl sulfuric–chloric acid solution by hydrothermal hydrolysis. Under the optimal hydrolysis conditions, 1.5–2.2 μm of H2TiO3 samples were achieved. After doping and calcination, anatase TiO2 pigments demonstrated excellent performance: the achromic ability of tinctorial strength (TCS) and blue phase index (SCX) were 1,429 and 4.07, respectively. As hydrolysis was a significant step in the process, the structure was simplified to a periodic structure of Ti[OH](H2O)3Cl(SO4) to simulate the cluster structures. Based on experimental results and density functional theory (DFT) calculation, the hydrolysis mechanism was presumed to be a process of anionic (OH−, Cl− and SO42−) competition reaction to explain the formation of anatase‐type H2TiO3, and the crystal growth direction of H2TiO3 was also confirmed to be a (OA) and b (OB).
Mutation of CarO participates in drug resistance in imipenem‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Zhu Li‐Jing , Chen Xiao‐Ying , Hou Pan‐Fei
Published: July 2019

Objective

Acinetobacter baumannii has become an important problem because of the high drug resistance rate. The aim of this study was to assess the antimicrobial resistance profile and explore the role of membrane porin in imipenem resistance of A baumannii.

Methods

A total of 63 isolates of imipenem‐resistant A baumannii (IRAB) and 21 of imipenem‐sensitive A baumannii (ISAB) were collected. Susceptibility testing to 16 kinds of antimicrobial agents was conducted by K‐B method. PCR technique was used to detect carO and oprD genes, and sequencing was performed to compare the sequence between IRAB and ISAB. Three‐dimensional structure model of CarO protein was established.

Results

While ISAB isolates presented sensitive to most classes of antibiotics, isolates of IRAB displayed much higher resistance rate except tigecycline (3.2%), cefoperazone/sulbactam (28.6%), and minocycline (30.2%). All 84 isolates were observed carrying both carO and oprD genes. Further sequencing revealed important mutations of carO gene existed in IRAB in comparison with ISAB. Meanwhile, significant differences in three‐dimensional structure of carO protein molecule were also found between IRAB and ISAB.

Conclusions

The drug resistance profile of IRAB is increasingly severe in clinical settings. Mutation of CarO was identified as one of the molecular mechanisms involved in imipenem resistance in A baumannii.
Cav‐1 participates in the development of diabetic neuropathy pain through the TLR4 signaling pathway
Authors: Jia Gai‐Li , Huang Qi , Cao Yan‐Nan , Xie Ci‐Shan , Shen Yu‐Jing , Chen Jia‐Li , Lu Jia‐Hui , Zhang Mao‐Biao , Li Jun , Tao Yuan‐Xiang , Cao Hong
Published: July 2019

This study aims to determine whether caveolin‐1 (Cav‐1) participates in the process of diabetic neuropathic pain by directly regulating the expression of toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and the subsequent phosphorylation of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor 2B subunit (NR2B) in the spinal cord. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats (120–150 g) were continuously fed with high‐fat and high‐sugar diet for 8 weeks, and received a single low‐dose of intraperitoneal streptozocin injection in preparation for the type‐II diabetes model. Then, these rats were divided into five groups according to the level of blood glucose, and the mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency values. The pain thresholds were measured at 3, 7, and 14 days after animal grouping. Then, eight rats were randomly chosen from each group and killed. Lumbar segments 4–6 of the spinal cord were removed for western blot analysis and immunofluorescence assay. Cav‐1 was persistently upregulated in the spinal cord after diabetic neuropathic pain in rats. The downregulation of Cav‐1 through the subcutaneous injection of Cav‐1 inhibitor daidzein ameliorated the pain hypersensitivity and TLR4 expression in the spinal cord in diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) rats. Furthermore, it was found that Cav‐1 directly bound with TLR4, and the subsequent phosphorylation of NR2B in the spinal cord contributed to the modulation of DNP. These findings suggest that Cav‐1 plays a vital role in DNP processing at least in part by directly regulating the expression of TLR4, and through the subsequent phosphorylation of NR2B in the spinal cord.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Milrinone in Infants, Children, and Adolescents
Authors: Hornik Christoph P. , Yogev Ram , Mourani Peter M. , Watt Kevin M. , Sullivan Janice E. , Atz Andrew M. , Speicher David , Al‐Uzri Amira , Adu‐Darko Michelle , Payne Elizabeth H. , Gelber Casey E. , Lin Susan , Harper Barrie , Melloni Chiara , Cohen‐Wolkowiez Michael , Gonzalez Daniel ,   Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act–Pediatric Trials Network Steering Committee
Published: July 2019

Milrinone is a type 3 phosphodiesterase inhibitor used to improve cardiac output in critically ill infants and children. Milrinone is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine, raising concerns for toxic accumulation in the setting of renal dysfunction of critical illness. We developed a population pharmacokinetic model of milrinone using nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling in NONMEM to perform dose‐exposure simulations in children with variable renal function. We included children aged <21 years who received intravenous milrinone per clinical care. Plasma milrinone concentrations were measured using a validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry assay (range 1‐5000 ng/mL). We performed dose‐exposure simulations targeting steady‐state therapeutic concentrations of 100‐300 ng/mL previously established in adults and children with cardiac dysfunction. We simulated concentrations over 48 hours in typical subjects with decreasing creatinine clearance (CrCl), estimated using the updated bedside Schwartz equation. Seventy‐four patients contributed 111 plasma samples (concentration range, 4‐634 ng/mL). The median (range) postmenstrual age (PMA) was 3.7 years (0‐18), and median weight (WT) was 13.1 kg (2.6‐157.7). The median serum creatinine and CrCl were 0.5 mg/dL (0.1‐3.1) and 117.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 (13.1‐261.3), respectively. A 1‐compartment model characterized the pharmacokinetic data well. The final model parameterization was: Clearance (L/h) = 15.9*(WT [kg] / 70)0.75* (PMA1.12 / (67.71.12+PMA1.12)*(CrCl / 117)0.522; and Volume of Distribution (L) = 32.2*(WT [kg] / 70). A loading dose of 50 µg/kg followed by a continuous infusion of 0.5 µg/kg/min resulted in therapeutic concentrations, except when CrCl was severely impaired at ≤30 mL/min/1.73 m2. In this setting, a 25 µg/kg loading dose and 0.25 µg/kg/min continuous infusion resulted in therapeutic exposures.
Automatic display of fetal brain planes and automatic measurements of fetal brain parameters by transabdominal three‐dimensional ultrasound
Authors: Meng Lu , Zhao Dan , Yang Zeyu , Wang Bing
Published: July 2019

Objective

The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a three‐dimensional (3D) software tool (smart planes) for displaying fetal brain planes, and the secondary purpose was to evaluate its accuracy in performing automatic measurements.

Material and methods

This prospective study included singleton fetuses with a gestational age (GA) greater than 18 weeks. Transabdominal two‐dimensional ultrasound (2DUS) and 3D smart planes images were respectively used to obtain the basic planes of the fetal brain, with five parameters measured. The images, by either two‐dimensional (2D) manual or 3D automatic operation, were reviewed by two experienced sonographers. The agreements between two measurements were analyzed.

Results

A total of 226 cases were included. The rates of successful detection by automatic display were as high as 80%. There was substantial agreement between the measurements of the biparietal diameter, head circumference and transcerebellar diameter, but poor agreement between the measurements of cisterna magna and lateral ventricle width.

Conclusions

Smart Planes might be valuable for the rapid evaluation of fetal brain, because it simplifies the evaluation process. However, the technology requires improvement. In addition, this technology cannot replace the conventional manual US scans; it can only be used as an additional approach.
Insurance coverage does not predict outcomes of genetic testing: The search for meaning in payer decisions for germline cancer tests
Authors: Amendola Laura M. , Hart M. Ragan , Bennett Robin L. , Horike‐Pyne Martha , Dorschner Michael , Shirts Brian , Jarvik Gail P.
Published: July 2019

In this work, we explore the results of germline cancer genetic tests in individuals whose insurance would not cover this testing. We enrolled 31 patients with a personal history of cancer whose health insurer denied coverage for a clinical germline cancer panel genetic test recommended by a medical genetics provider into a study providing exome sequencing and return of cancer‐related results. Five participants (16%) had a pathogenic variant identified related to increased cancer risk. Three participants (10%) had a variant of uncertain significance (VUS) in a gene related to their cancer history. These rates are not significantly different than the 12% rate of pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants and VUS in 1,462 patients approved by insurance to have a similar clinical germline cancer test (p = .59 for P/LP variants; p = .87 for VUS; Shirts et al., Genet Med, 18:974, 2016). Health insurance guidelines may not meaningfully differentiate between patients with cancer who are likely to benefit from germline cancer genetic testing and those who will not. Failure to identify pathogenic variants in this research cohort would have led to suboptimal care. Strategic evaluation of current germline cancer genetic testing coverage policies is needed to appropriately deliver precision medicine.
Epidemiology and outcomes of marked elevations of alanine aminotransferase >1000 IU/L in an Australian cohort
Authors: Con Danny , Buckle Andrew , Nicoll Amanda J , Lubel John S
Published: July 2019

Background and Aim

Marked elevations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are caused by a limited number of underlying pathologies, including hepatic ischemia, drugs/toxins, viral hepatitis, and—rarely—autoimmune hepatitis. The aim of this study was to determine the relative incidence of pathologies resulting in ALT greater than 1000 IU/L and factors predicting clinical outcomes in an Australian cohort.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of all adult patients with ALT levels greater than 1000 IU/L between January 2013 and December 2015 was conducted at a large teaching hospital network in Australia. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors of etiology and mortality.

Results

There were 287 patients identified with ALT levels greater than 1000 IU/L. The most common causes were ischemia (44%), drugs/toxins (19%), biliary obstruction (16%), and viral hepatitis (7%). Independent predictors of a diagnosis of ischemic hepatitis included (adjusted odds ratio; 95% confidence interval): hypotension (29.2; 8.2–104.7), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (20.2; 2.8–145.3), coronary artery disease (12.9; 1.7–98.9), congestive cardiac failure (7.8; 1.2–49.2), diabetes mellitus (7.4; 1.6–33.9), metabolic acidosis (6.2; 2.0–19.4), gamma‐glutamyltransferase < 135 IU/L (5.1; 1.5–17.6), and albumin <34 g/L (3.4; 1.1–11.0). Independent risk factors for all‐cause 28‐day mortality included: septic shock (14.7; 4.3–50.7), metabolic acidosis (7.3; 2.5–21.3), history of COPD (5.4; 1.6–17.8), cardiogenic shock (4.3; 1.6–11.7), prothrombin time ≥ 20 s (3.7; 1.5–9.2), and age ≥ 65 years (3.0; 1.3–7.2).

Conclusions

Ischemic hepatitis was the most common cause of ALT levels greater than 1000 IU/L and was associated with high mortality.
The adult musculature of two pseudostomid species reveals unique patterns for flatworms (Platyhelminthes, Prolecithophora)
Authors: Grosbusch Alexandra L. , Bertemes Philip , Egger Bernhard
Published: July 2019

We analyzed the adult musculature of two prolecithophoran species, Cylindrostoma monotrochum (von Graff, 1882) and Monoophorum striatum (von Graff, 1878) using a phalloidin‐rhodamine technique. As in all rhabdithophoran flatworms, the body‐wall musculature consisted of three muscle layers: on the outer side was a layer of circular muscle fibers and on the inner side was a layer of longitudinal muscle fibers; between them were two different types of diagonally orientated fibers, which is unusual for flatworms. The musculature of the pharynx consisted of a basket‐shaped grid of thin longitudinal and circular fibers. Thick anchoring muscle fibers forming a petal‐like shape connected the proximal parts of the pharynx with the body‐wall musculature. Male genital organs consisted of paired seminal vesicles, a granular vesicle, and an invaginated penis. Peculiar ring‐shaped muscles were only found in M. striatum, predominantly in the anterior body part. In the same species, seminal vesicles and penis only had circular musculature, while in C. monotrochum also longitudinal musculature was found in these organs. Female genital organs were only present in M. striatum, where we characterized a vagina interna, and a bursa seminalis. Transverse, crossover, and dorsoventral muscle fibers were lacking in the middle of the body and greatly varied in number and position in both species.
CD8+ lymphocytes but not B lymphocytes are required for protection against chronic hepatitis E virus infection in chickens
Authors: Rogers Eda , Todd Stephanie Michelle , Pierson Frank William , Kenney Scott P. , Heffron Connie Lynn , Yugo Danielle M. , Matzinger Shannon R. , Mircoff Elena , Ngo Irene , Kirby Charles , Jones Michaela , Siegel Paul , Jobst Peter , Hall Karen , Etches Robert J. , Meng Xiang‐Jin , LeRoith Tanya
Published: July 2019

Hepatitis E is an important global disease, causing outbreaks of acute hepatitis in many developing countries and sporadic cases in industrialized countries. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection typically causes self‐limiting acute hepatitis but can also progress to chronic disease in immunocompromised individuals. The immune response necessary for the prevention of chronic infection is T cell‐dependent; however, the arm of cellular immunity responsible for this protection is not currently known. To investigate the contribution of humoral immunity in control of HEV infection and prevention of chronicity, we experimentally infected 20 wild‐type (WT) and 18 immunoglobulin knockout (JH‐KO) chickens with a chicken strain of HEV (avian HEV). Four weeks postinfection (wpi) with avian HEV, JH‐KO chickens were unable to elicit anti‐HEV antibody but had statistically significantly lower liver lesion scores than the WT chickens. At 16 wpi, viral RNA in fecal material and liver, and severe liver lesions were undetectable in both groups. To determine the role of cytotoxic lymphocytes in the prevention of chronicity, we infected 20 WT and 20 cyclosporine and CD8+ antibody‐treated chickens with the same strain of avian HEV. The CD8
+ lymphocyte‐depleted, HEV‐infected chickens had higher incidences of prolonged fecal viral shedding and statistically significantly higher liver lesion scores than the untreated, HEV‐infected birds at 16 wpi. The results indicate that CD8
+ lymphocytes are required for viral clearance and reduction of liver lesions in HEV infection while antibodies are not necessary for viral clearance but may contribute to the development of liver lesions in acute HEV infection.
Reconnaissance of the candidate genes involved in the pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus and targeted by antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Mozhgani Sayed‐Hamidreza , Zarei Ghobadi Mohadeseh , Behnam Rad Mohammad , Farzanehpour Mahdieh , Behzadian Farida
Published: July 2019

The expression levels of many genes change after treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected subjects by antiretroviral drugs. High‐throughput analysis of tremendous datasets led to the discovery of genes that are implicated in the treatment pathways. In this study, we performed a gene‐enrichment analysis after determining the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between untreated HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative subjects and also between treated HIV‐positive subjects with antiretroviral therapy (ART; who receiving nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor–based ART) and untreated HIV‐positive cases in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), adipose, and muscle tissues. In sum, the genes that activate inflammatory, immune response, proliferation, metabolism, and viral involvement pathways have different expression patterns in the untreated HIV‐positive subjects and treated HIV‐positive cases. Moreover, the expression levels of the genes including ACLY, ALDH18A1, HADHA, and YARS in the PBMCs tissue and HBEGF, PKN3, DEGS2, and EDN3 in the fat tissue were found to be different in the HIV‐infected patients, which can be considered as new biomarkers for HIV infection.
Optimizing computing time in the wave iterative method by RLS and SFTF algorithms
Authors: Hafedh Hrizi , Hamdi Noureddine , Sboui Noureddine
Published: July 2019

In this research paper, adaptive filtering techniques are used to improve performance of the wave iterative method. This method is used for the modeling and the study of the planar microwave electronic circuits which are the most used today in the new technologies of radio frequency communication. In order to improve the convergence speed of the wave iterative method, we use the recursive least square algorithm and the stabilized fast transversal filter. A significant gain in computation time is obtained with these new techniques with a good accuracy in the found results.
Influence of December snow cover over North America on January surface air temperature over the midlatitude Asia
Authors: Li Jingyi , Li Fei , He Shengping , Wang Huijun , Orsolini Yvan J.
Published: July 2019

The impact of North American (NA) snow cover on the Northern Hemisphere climate has drawn increasing attention in recent years. This study reveals a negative relationship between NA snow cover in December and surface air temperature (SAT) over the midlatitude Asia in the following January. The results show that, in December, the extensive snow cover decreases SAT over NA via local diabatic cooling, which further intensifies the Atlantic jet stream by enlarging the meridional gradient of the 1,000‐ to 300‐hPa layer thickness, especially along 40°N. Meanwhile, we found negative sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies over the Western North Atlantic and enhanced transient eddy activity over the Eastern North Atlantic due to anomalous net energy conversion from the mean flow. In January, a zonally oriented dipole of transient eddy anomalies straddles the North Atlantic, with the negative–positive (west–east) anomaly centres attributing to local oceanic cooling and the persistence of the eddy–mean flow interaction, respectively. Such dipole of transient eddy activity in turn favours the downstream development of the Atlantic jet stream. Besides, the changes in surface turbulent heat flux over the North Atlantic trigger a Rossby wave train that propagates across Europe and towards the Far East. Coincident with the strengthened Siberian High and the accelerated East Asian jet stream in January, SAT decreases over the midlatitude Asia. Hence, our analysis indicates that December NA snow cover could potentially be exploited for subseasonal predictability over Asia.
Climatological features of blocking highs from the perspective of air mass and mass transport
Authors: Li Yafei , Ren Rongcai , Cai Ming , Yu Yueyue
Published: July 2019

We investigated the spatiotemporal features of the air mass and its transport during the lifetime of the four main blocking highs (the Greenland, Atlantic–Europe, Ural and North Pacific blocking highs) observed in the northern winter using the daily European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts Re‐Analysis Interim data set for the time period 1979–2016. The results showed that the positive mass anomalies corresponding to a blocking high only appear in the mid‐troposphere, while negative mass anomalies persist in the lower layer during blocking events. Budget analysis based on the mass continuity equation under isentropic coordinates indicated that adiabatic mass transport is the main contributor to the build‐up of blocking highs and is always convergent in the mid‐troposphere before the peak day of blocking. By contrast, diabatic mass transport always moves the air mass from the mid‐ to lower troposphere and acts to destroy the blocking high. The meridional flow makes the strongest contribution to mass convergence in the Greenland and North Pacific blocking highs in the mid‐troposphere, whereas zonal flow is the main contributor to mass convergence in the Atlantic–Europe blocking high. Both zonal and meridional flows contribute to mass convergence in the Ural blocking high, although meridional flow makes a greater contribution.
Inferior Outcomes of Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction and Comorbid Protein‐Energy Malnutrition
Authors: Adejumo Adeyinka Charles , Adejumo Kelechi Lauretta , Adegbala Oluwole Muyiwa , Enwerem Ngozi , Ofosu Andrew , Akanbi Olalekan , Fijabi Daniel Obadare , Ogundipe Olumuyiwa Akinbolaji , Pani Lydie , Adeboye Adedayo
Published: July 2019

Background

Protein‐energy malnutrition (PEM) diminishes amino acid and energy availability, impairing the body's healing capability after injury, such as in myocardial damage following acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Aims

We sought to investigate the influence of PEM on clinical outcomes of AMI.

Methods

We identified records with a primary discharge diagnosis of AMI from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2012–2014), stratified by concomitant PEM. We matched PEM to no‐PEM (1:1) using a greedy algorithm–based propensity methodology and estimated the impact of PEM on health outcomes (SAS 9.4).

Results

Of the 332,644 hospitalizations for AMI, 11,675 had concomitant PEM accounting for roughly $US 1.5 billion and over 119,792 hospital days. PEM was associated with older age (74.43‐ vs. 66.90‐years; P < 0.0001), female sex (49.19% vs. 38.44%; P < 0.0001), black race (12.78% vs. 10.46%; P < 0.0001), and higher comorbidity burden (Deyo > 3: 32.77% vs. 16.69%; P < 0.0001). After propensity matching, PEM was associated with higher mortality (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.59 [1.46–1.73]), cardiogenic shock (AOR: 2.26 [2.08–2.44]), discharge to secondary facilities (AOR: 2.21 [2.10–2.33]), charges ($135,500 [$131,956–139,139] vs. $81,084 [$79,241–82,970]), cardiac artery bypass surgery (AOR:1.81 [1.66–1.97]), intra‐aortic balloon pump placement (AOR: 1.83 [1.65–2.04]) and longer length of stay (10.15‐ vs. 5.52‐days).

Conclusions

PEM is a predisposing factor for devastating clinical outcomes among AMI hospitalizations. Higher prevention, identification and management of PEM among high‐risk individuals (older age, female sex, and black race) residing in the community are needed.
Understanding nationwide readmissions after parotidectomy
Authors: Mukdad Laith , Goel Alexander N. , Nasser Hassan B. , St. John Maie A.
Published: July 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the incidence, causes, risk factors, and costs associated with 30‐day readmissions in parotidectomy patients utilizing the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD).

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

We examined the NRD for patients who underwent parotidectomy between 2010 and 2014. Rates, causes, and costs of 30‐day readmissions were determined. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for readmission.

Results

Among 15,102 included patients, 594 (3.9%) were readmitted within 30 days. The average cost per readmission was $12,502. Infectious (22.7%) and wound (11.2%) complications were the two most common causes of readmission. After controlling for other covariates, significant predictors of readmission included advanced comorbidity (odds ratio [OR], 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09–2.37), a malignant parotid tumor (OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.63–3.43), length of stay ≥2 days (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.09–2.18), and nonroutine discharge destinations (home with care [OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.27–2.78] and nursing facility [OR, 2.69; 95% CI, 1.55–4.67]).

Conclusion

In this nationwide database analysis, we found that nearly 4% of all patients undergoing parotidectomy are readmitted within 30 days. Readmissions are commonly due to infections and wound complications. Quality improvement proposals targeting avoidable readmissions should focus on early recognition and prevention of infection and wound complications. Risk factors contributing to readmission include advanced comorbidity, malignant parotid tumor, prolonged index hospitalization, and nonroutine discharge destinations.

Level of Evidence

NA

Laryngoscope, 130:1212–1217, 2020
Core–Shell Polymer Adhesive for Aluminized Coatings: From Improved Barrier Properties to Commercial Formulation
Authors: Rezende Lara Barbara , Ouzineb Keltoum , McKenna Timothy F. L.
Published: July 2019

The development and formulation of core–shell latex‐based adhesives to improve the adhesion of aluminium to poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) films and enhance the permeability of the final laminate to oxygen and water is described. All particles have a soft acrylic component (the shell in core–shell particles) to improve adhesion, and occasionally a hydrophobic core to enhance the permeability. The performance of the different latexes is compared to that of a commercially available reference material. The coatings formed by core–shell nanoparticles present a lower permeability to water than the particles synthesized in the absence of the seed, while the permeability to oxygen is found to be mainly related to the correct deposition of the metallic layer. In terms of the industrial formulation, it is found that a limited amount of a wetting agent (WA) is needed to ensure the correct spreading of the latex onto the PET substrate because of the low levels of surfactant used for the latex production. This compound has a positive effect on the adhesive strength of the coating. A curing agent also improves barrier properties, but the optimal level of this compound is dependent on the degree of crosslinker used in the base latex.
Influence of the Salt Concentration on the Properties of Salt‐Free Polyelectrolyte Complex Membranes
Authors: Saikaew Rateeya , Meesorn Worarin , Zoppe Justin Orazio , Weder Christoph , Dubas Stephan Thierry
Published: July 2019

Polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) prepared by solution mixing of cationic poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) and anionic poly(sodium 4‐styrene sulfonate) with various NaCl content are processed into films. Salt‐free (SF‐PEC) membranes are produced by rinsing the PEC in water overnight. The main finding of this paper is that SF‐PEC films have different properties depending on the NaCl concentration used during the processing step. Dynamic mechanical analysis measurement confirms that hydrated SF‐PEC film processed from higher salt content has a higher modulus than when processed without salt and the glass transition temperature appears to shift to higher values. Processing the PECs films in the presence of salt also has an interesting effect on their shape memory characteristics. SF‐PEC films prepared with high‐salt concentration are shown to maintain a programmed temporary shape better than materials prepared with low salt, while recovery is possible within a short period of time when immersed in hot water.
Detection of a rare de novo 18p terminal deletion with inverted duplication in a Chinese pregnant woman
Authors: Zhu Jianjiang , Qi Hong , Cao Sha , Cai Lirong , Wen Xiaohui , Tang Guodong , Wan Qian , Chen Chen , Wang Juan , Zeng Wen , Luo Yao
Published: July 2019

Background

The 18p terminal deletion with inverted duplication is an extremely rare chromosome structure abnormality and the common clinical manifestations include intellectual disability and speech delay, etc. Up to now, only three confirmed cases were reported in Europe, and here, for the first time in the Asian population, we report a case of de novo 18p inv‐dup‐del in a Chinese pregnant woman. This structural variation was accidentally discovered by the noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) during her prenatal examination.

Methods

Next generation sequencing (NGS) based copy number variations (CNVs) screening and karyotype analysis were performed to verify the type and heredity of the rearrangement, and the fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis was also used to confirm the terminal deletion and inverted duplication.

Results

The patient has a de novo 18p11.31‐18p11.1 inverted duplication with a 6.2 Mb 18p terminal deletion. This rare chromosome imbalance, most likely caused by the U‐type exchange mechanism, resulted in the aberrant phenotype of mental disability, speech delay, seizure, and strabismus. However, the rearrangement was not inherited by her unborn child.

Conclusion

This report added a new type of variation to the spectrum of 18p terminal deletion with inverted duplication, and demonstrated that the maternal chromosome rearrangement discovered in NIPT should not just be consider as an interference factor but also a potential indicator of previously undiscovered pathogenic chromosome structure variations in pregnant women.
Glycerol‐Monolaurate‐Mediated Attenuation of Metabolic Syndrome is Associated with the Modulation of Gut Microbiota in High‐Fat‐Diet‐Fed Mice
Authors: Zhao Minjie , Cai Haiying , Jiang Zengliang , Li Yang , Zhong Hao , Zhang Hui , Feng Fengqin
Published: July 2019

Scope

The gut microbiota plays an important role in the development of diet‐induced obesity and metabolic syndrome. Glycerol monolaurate (GML), a widely consumed food emulsifier, is reported to promote metabolic disorder and gut microbiota dysbiosis in low‐dose supplementation upon low‐fat‐diet feeding. However, little is known about whether GML produce the same effects in mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD).

Methods and results

C57BL/6 mice are fed a HFD with or without GML supplementation (150, 300, and 450 mg kg−1) for 10 weeks. The results demonstrated that higher GML treatment (450 mg kg−1) ameliorates HFD‐induced metabolic disorders, supported by prevented visceral fat deposition, improved hyperlipidemia, modulated hepatic lipid metabolism, and reduced serum proinflammatory cytokine, TNF‐α. Additionally, all doses of GML attenuated circulating lipopolysaccharide load and insulin resistance. Notably, GML ameliorates HFD‐induced gut microbiota dysbiosis, with increases inBacteroides uniformis, Akkermansia,Bifidobacterium, andLactobacillusand decreases inEscherichia coli,Lactococcus,and Flexispira. Spearman's correlation analysis indicates that these enriched specific genera are significantly associated with the metabolic improvements of GML.

Conclusion

The findings identify the links between gut microbiota and GML‐induced metabolic improvements, suggesting that the attenuation of HFD‐induced metabolic disorders by higher GML supplementation may occur through targeting gut microbiota.
Functional role of GKAP1 in the regulation of male germ cell spontaneous apoptosis and sperm number
Authors: Wang Hanshu , Wang Guishuan , Dai Yubing , Li Zhenhua , Zhu Yu , Sun Fei
Published: July 2019

G kinase‐anchoring protein 1 (GKAP1) is a G kinase‐associated protein that is conserved in many eutherians and is mainly expressed in the testis, especially in spermatocytes and round spermatids. The function of GKAP1 in the testis is largely unknown. Here, we revealed that deletion of GKAP1 led to an increase in sperm production with swollen epididymis, and germ cell apoptosis was found to decrease in GKAP1 knock‐out mice. Further investigations showed that a deficiency of GKAP1 could partly change the cellular location of cGK‐Iα and increase the amount of active cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) in the nucleus. Therefore, the expression of a particular inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) was upregulated because of the activation of CREB, and this increase in IAPs was associated with a decrease in the level of activated caspase‐3. These results suggest that a deficiency of GKAP1 in mouse testis could increase sperm production through a reduction of the spontaneous apoptosis of germ cells in the testis, possibly because of a change in the activity of the cGK‐Iα pathway.
Scattering matrix imaging pulse design for real‐time respiration and cardiac motion monitoring
Authors: Jaeschke Sven H. F. , Robson Matthew D. , Hess Aaron T.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The scattering matrix (S‐matrix) of a parallel transmit (pTx) coil is sensitive to physiological motion but requires additional monitoring RF pulses to be measured. In this work, we present and evaluate pTx RF pulse designs that simultaneously excite for imaging and measure the S‐matrix to generate real‐time motion signals without prolonging the image sequence.

Theory and Methods

Three pTx waveforms for measuring the S‐matrix were identified and superimposed onto the imaging excitation RF pulses: (1) time division multiplexing, (2) frequency division multiplexing, and (3) code division multiplexing. These 3 methods were evaluated in healthy volunteers for scattering sensitivity and image artefacts. The S‐matrix and real‐time motion signals were calculated on the image calculation environment of the MR scanner. Prospective cardiac triggers were identified in early systole as a high rate of change of the cardiac motion signal. Monitoring accuracy was compared against electrocardiogram or the imaged diaphragm position.

Results

All 3 monitoring approaches measure the S‐matrix during image excitation with quality correlated to input power. No image artefacts were observed for frequency multiplexing, and low energy artefacts were observed in the other methods. The accuracy of the achieved prospective cardiac gating was 15 ± 16 ms for breath hold and 24 ± 17 ms during free breathing. The diaphragm position prediction accuracy was 1.3 ± 0.9 mm. In all volunteers, good quality cine images were acquired for breath hold scans and dual gated CINEs were demonstrated.

Conclusion

The S‐matrix can be measured during image excitation to generate real‐time cardiac and respiratory motion signals for prospective gating. No artefacts are introduced when frequency division multiplexing is used.
Characterizing complication risk from multisite, intermittent transfusions for the treatment of sickle cell disease
Authors: Tang Amy , Branscomb Jane , Zhou Mei , Snyder Angela , Eckman James
Published: July 2019

Blood transfusions are indicated for some acute complications of sickle cell disease (SCD). To characterize the SCD population at increased risk of transfusion‐associated complications, Georgia hospital discharge data were used to estimate the frequency of intermittent transfusions and the proportion of patients receiving them at multiple institutions. Ten years of data (2007‐2016) showed almost 19% of patients with SCD (1585/8529) received transfusions at more than one hospital. The likelihood of multisite transfusions increased from ages 18 through 40 and with the number of transfusions received. The results support the need to track and share transfusion histories in order to reduce complication risks.
Sorely visible: plants, roots, and national identity
Authors: Aloi Giovanni
Published: July 2019

Societal Impact Statement

Historical and visual culture research methods can be used to identify the complex symbolism assigned to plants in public urban spaces. This symbolism can divide opinion and generate heated debate on what is considered to be native, other, and culturally and aesthetically appropriate. This article is a contribution to the emerging field of critical plant studies, examining events in Italy when exotic plants were installed in a public square. The work encompasses elements of environmental, anthropological, architectural, and art historical studies, to reveal important aspects of our relationship with plants, other people, and our past and future histories.

Summary

The last few years have been characterized by dramatic sociocultural events: from Brexit to Trump's election in the USA; the unthinkable has manifested itself as the index of insidious and undervalued ideological networks. Despite the bleak outlook, the deep sense of moral loss, and ethical disorientation, these events could function as an opportunity to productively think beyond the fictitious righteousness of postmodern politics. In the middle of a cold night, in February 2017, Starbucks Coffee Co., in collaboration with Italian architect Marco Bay, installed a grove of palm and banana trees opposite Milan's much‐loved gothic cathedral. Public opinion instantly split. Milan's rude awakening revealed a tale of two cities: on one side were those who lauded the initiative and on the opposite were those who condemned the trees’ exotic origin as unrepresentative of true Italianicity. Against the backdrop of strained relationships between Italy and the European Union, due to the handling of North‐African and Middle‐Eastern diasporas, palms and bananas have found themselves at the center of an unexpectedly acrimonious public discussion. This article considers the role played by plant‐politics and architectural aesthetics in constructing national identity and otherness while tapping into all important and often concealed aspects of contemporary society's collective unconscious.
Dissipation of fomesafen in fumigated, anaerobic soil disinfestation‐treated, and organic‐amended soil in Florida tomato production systems
Authors: Li Zhuona , Di Gioia Francesco , Hwang Jeong‐In , Hong Jason , Ozores‐Hampton Monica , Zhao Xin , Pisani Cristina , Rosskopf Erin , Wilson Patrick Christopher
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Fumigated, anaerobic soil disinfestation‐treated (ASD), and organic‐amended soil management strategies have been investigated as potential methyl bromide (MBr) alternatives for controlling diseases, nematodes, and weeds in soil. Nutsedge and broadleaf weed control using fomesafen has been reported to be comparable to MBr in normal cropping systems. There is no information on the fate of fomesafen used in combination with alternative practices. In this study, the fate of fomesafen in these alternative systems was measured by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS–MS) following extraction using a modified Quick Easy Cheap Effective Safe (QuEChERS) method.

RESULTS

The reported half‐life (DT50) values for fomesafen in the top 15 cm of soil were from 62.9 to 107.3 days. The DT50 values in organic‐amended soil were higher than in ASD‐treated soil in the top 15 cm. For all treatments, reductions in concentrations were positively correlated with lower redox potentials and organic matter content. Some leaching of fomesafen into the 16–30 cm zone was observed in all treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

The DT50 values in this study were generally higher than those reported in previous studies performed at different locations. Due to increased losses of the herbicide and subsequent reduction in weed control, fomesafen is likely not to be suitable for effective weed control in systems using ASD techniques employing composted poultry litter and molasses. Integration of fomesafen using composted yard waste 1 (CYW1) and Soil Symphony Amendment (SSA) may result in acceptable weed control. Given that the soil was very sandy and the pH was higher than the pKa, fomesafen might leach deeper than 30 cm, particularly with the use of chemical soil fumigants (CSFs). © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Structural determinants conferring unusual long life in human serum to rattlesnake‐derived antimicrobial peptide Ctn[15‐34]
Authors: Pérez‐Peinado Clara , Dias Susana A. , Mendonça Diogo A. , Castanho Miguel A.R.B. , Veiga Ana S. , Andreu David
Published: July 2019

Ctn[15‐34], a downsized version of the snake venom cathelicidin‐like peptide crotalicidin (Ctn), shows an unusually high lifespan (t1/2, approximately 12 h) in human serum, which significantly adds to its promise as an antimicrobial and antitumor agent. Herein we investigate the role of Ctn[15‐34] structure on serum survival. Using a set of analogs, we show that C‐terminal amidation, as well as the specific layout of the Ctn[15‐34] sequence—a helical N‐terminal domain followed by a hydrophobic domain—is crucial for slow degradation, and any change in their arrangement results in significantly lower t1/2. Aside from the privileged primary structure, features such as self‐aggregation can be ruled out as causes for the long serum life. Instead, studies in other protease‐rich fluids suggest a key role for certain human serum components. Finally, we demonstrate that Ctn[15‐34] is able to induce bacterial death even after 12‐hour pre‐incubation in serum, in agreement with the proteolytic data. Altogether, the results shed light on the uncommon stability of Ctn[15‐34] in human serum and confirm its potential as an anti‐infective lead.