bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toxicological safety evaluation of a novel highly bioavailable turmeric extract formulation
Authors: Phipps Kirt R. , Quesnot Nicolas , Privat Killian , Baldwin Nigel J. , Ahlborn Eugene , Fança‐Berthon Pascale
Published: September 2019

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) extracts have a long history of use worldwide, but a major limitation of these extracts is their extremely low oral bioavailability, caused by low absorption, rapid metabolism and rapid excretion following ingestion. Thus, a new highly bioavailable turmeric extract formulation (comprising turmeric extract, acacia gum, sunflower oil and quillaia extract) has been developed and is intended for use as a food ingredient. Safety of this novel extract was evaluated using the standard Tier 1 battery of in vitro genotoxicity tests (bacterial reverse mutation test and an in vitro mammalian cell micronucleus test) followed by repeated‐dose 28‐ and 90‐day oral toxicity studies in rats. In the 90‐day study, male and female Sprague‐Dawley rats were dosed once daily, by oral gavage, either with the vehicle or the test item at 500, 1500 or 3000 mg/kg body weight/day. Clinical examinations were conducted regularly, and body weights and food consumption were recorded weekly throughout the study. At the end of the study, blood samples were analyzed for clinical pathology parameters, before a macroscopic necropsy was conducted and a full list of tissues were examined histopathologically. There was no evidence of genotoxicity in vitro. No test item‐related adverse effects were observed in the 28‐ or 90‐day studies; therefore, 3000 mg/kg body weight/day (the maximum feasible dose and highest dose tested in rats) was established as the no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level.
Cultural considerations for treating Hispanic patients with eating disorders: A case study illustrating the effectiveness of CBT in reducing bulimia nervosa symptoms in a Latina patient
Authors: Patmore Jacqueline , Meddaoui Brianna , Feldman Helen
Published: September 2019

Eating disorders (ED's) are the deadliest of all mental disorders, yet there is a paucity of research examining the clinical presentation of eating disorders in Hispanic populations and limited guidelines for culturally sensitive treatment. Given the rapid growth of Hispanic communities in the U.S., it is important to acknowledge the unique clinical profile of patients within this demographic and examine eating pathology within this socio‐cultural context. This case study aims to illustrate the utility, relevance, and effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on alleviating eating disorder symptoms in an adult Latina patient with bulimia nervosa to understand the broader implications of applying manualized treatments to diverse populations. We outline the strengths of CBT in quickly modifying problematic thought patterns and decreasing pathological behaviors while raising questions about cultural generalizability. In addition, we explore CBT's limitations in addressing certain underlying ED pathology‐driving and maintaining factors for minority individuals.
Campus diversity, Jewishness, and antisemitism
Authors: Farber Barry A. , Poleg Arielle
Published: September 2019

To explore current attitudes among Jewish students, faculty, and leaders of Jewish campus organizations regarding the putative exclusion of Jewish concerns from campus dialogs around diversity, we recruited 40 such individuals to engage in a semi‐structured interview. The consensus among our interviewees was that there is a significant, ongoing, and too‐often overlooked problem with virulent anti‐Israel activity on many campuses that often seeps into antisemitism; that many, though not all, Jewish students are disturbed by this phenomena; that the consequences of anti‐Israel hostility on some campuses are felt most significantly by self‐identified progressive Jewish students who feel emotionally attacked for pro‐Israel sentiments and ostracized in their attempts to join with seemingly progressive and/or intersectional campus movements; that college diversity officers and courses have, for the most part, failed to include issues of concern to Jewish students; and that psychotherapists, especially those on college campuses, maybe unprepared to deal with concerns specific to Jewish students. We believe that the failure to recognize and deal with campus antisemitism is both dangerous and morally disingenuous.
Special considerations when conducting forensic psychological evaluations for immigration court
Authors: Barber‐Rioja Virginia , Garcia‐Mansilla Alexandra
Published: September 2019

Immigrants are more likely to experience mental health symptoms due to the trauma and persecution they often experience before arrival, and the stress of migration. In addition, as immigration policies have become more restricted in the United States, larger numbers of immigrants are facing deportation, proceedings, and/or detention. This has increased the demand for psychologists who are needed to conduct forensic psychological evaluations in immigration courts. Psychologists can aid immigration courts in a number of ways, including by providing evidence of trauma in asylum seekers or in victims of human trafficking, or by assessing competency to participate in immigration proceedings, or risk for violence. Through a case sample, this paper highlights special considerations when conducting cross‐cultural forensic assessments in immigration court and illustrates some ways in which clinical psychologists can apply their knowledge to immigration proceedings by developing expertise in the areas of multicultural psychology and forensic assessment.
Signal regulatory protein alpha initiates cachexia through muscle to adipose tissue crosstalk
Authors: Wu Jiao , Dong Jiangling , Verzola Daniela , Hruska Keith , Garibotto Giacomo , Hu Zhaoyong , Mitch William E. , Thomas Sandhya S.
Published: September 2019

Background

Muscle wasting from chronic kidney disease (CKD) or from defective insulin signalling results in morbidity and, ultimately, mortality. We have identified an endogenous mediator of insulin resistance, signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα), which leads to cachexia in mice and is associated with cachexia in patients with CKD.

Methods

We assessed insulin signalling and mechanisms causing muscle atrophy plus white adipose tissue (WAT) metabolism in mouse models of CKD or acute diabetes (streptozotocin treatment). We then examined these factors in mice with global knockout (KO) of SIRPα and sought mediators of metabolic responses in muscle and adipose tissues of mice with either muscle‐specific or adipose tissue‐specific KO of SIRPα. Metabolic responses were confirmed in primary cultures of adipose cells.

Results

In mice with CKD, SIRPα expression was increased in WAT (three‐fold, P < 0.05), and this was associated with precursors of cachexia: ‘pathologic browning', thermogenesis, and a two‐fold activation of protein kinase A (P < 0.05 vs. control mice) plus loss of adipose tissue mass. In contrast, mice with SIRPα global KO and CKD or acute diabetes experienced improved insulin signalling and activation of pAkt plus ‘physiologic browning' of WAT. These mice avoided losses of muscle and adipose tissues and experienced a 31% improvement in survival (P < 0.05) than did wild‐type mice with CKD. In muscle‐specific SIRPα KO mice with CKD, we uncovered that serum SIRPα levels (P < 0.05) were suppressed and were associated with improved insulin signalling both in skeletal muscles and in WAT. These changes were accompanied by physiologic WAT browning. However, in adipose‐specific SIRPα KO mice with CKD, levels of serum SIRPα were increased over two‐fold (P < 0.05), while muscle losses were minimally inhibited. Clinical implications of SIRPα signalling are suggested by our findings that include increased SIRPα expression in muscle and adipose tissues (P < 0.05 vs. healthy controls) plus higher SIRPα levels in the serum of patients with CKD (2.4‐fold, P=0.000017 vs. healthy controls).

Conclusions

Our results show that SIRPα plays an important role as an anti‐insulin mediator regulating pathways to cachexia. In muscle‐specific SIRPα KO, changes in SIRPα serum levels seem to improve insulin signalling in muscle and WAT, suggesting crosstalk between muscle and adipose tissue. Therefore, targeting SIRPα may prevent cachexia in patients with CKD or acute diabetes.
Regulatory T cells in Crohn's disease following anti‐TNF‐α therapy
Authors: Chiba Toshimi , Endo Mikiya , Miura Shoko , Hayashi Yuko , Asakura Yoshiko , Oyama Kotaro , Matsumoto Takayuki
Published: September 2019

Background and Aim

Anti‐tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) therapy is an effective therapy for Crohn's disease (CD). We investigated FoxP3+ and CD127− regulatory T cells (Tregs) before and after administration of anti‐TNF‐α therapy in CD.

Methods

Eight patients with active CD who had received anti‐TNF‐α antibodies were enrolled. Treatment responses were followed by physical examination and Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) scoring before and 2 weeks after the initial administration of anti‐TNF‐α antibodies. Peripheral blood samples were collected before and 2 weeks after treatment. White blood cell count and serum levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP) and albumin were measured. FoxP3+ expression and CD127− Tregs were measured by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis of whole blood samples.

Results

Median values of CDAI decreased significantly after treatment. The proportion of FoxP3+ Tregs increased significantly after treatment. There was a significant negative correlation between ΔCD127− Tregs and Δlymphocyte.

Conclusions

Anti‐TNF‐α therapy would enhance Tregs, which may account for the mechanism underlying the positive effect of the anti‐TNF‐α treatment in CD patients.
Metal free synthesis of 1‐azaspiro[4.4]nonane‐3‐one system via reactions of nitrones with 1,1‐disubstituted allenes
Authors: Amrutha U. , P.Babu Beneesh , Prathapan Sreedharan
Published: September 2019

In the cycloaddition reaction between fluorenone N‐aryl nitrones and 1,1‐disubstituted allenes, the initially formed cycloadduct underwent facile [1,3] shift to give 1′‐phenylspiro[fluorene‐9,2′‐pyrrolidin]‐4′‐ones. Although 1′‐phenylspiro[fluorene‐9,2′‐pyrrolidin]‐4′‐ones are stable in solid state, a few of them underwent facile aerial oxidation in solution to give the corresponding 1′‐phenylspiro[fluorene‐9,2′‐pyrrolidine]‐4′,5′‐diones in excellent overall yields.
Normal myocardial native T1 values in children using single‐point saturation recovery and modified look–locker inversion recovery (MOLLI)
Authors: Burkhardt Barbara Elisabeth Ursula , Menghini Cristina , Rücker Beate , Kellenberger Christian Johannes , Valsangiacomo Buechel Emanuela Regina
Published: September 2019

Background

T1 mapping is useful to quantify diffuse myocardial processes such as fibrosis, edema, storage disorders, or hemochromatosis. Normal pediatric myocardial T1 values are scarce using modified Look–Locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) sequences and unavailable using Smart1Map, a single‐point saturation recovery sequence that measures true T1.

Purpose/Hypothesis

To establish normal pediatric myocardial T1 values by Smart1Map and to compare them with T1 by MOLLI.

Study Type

Prospective cohort study.

Subjects

Thirty‐four children and adolescents aged 8–18 years (14 males) without cardiovascular or inflammatory diseases.

Field Strength/Sequences

1.5T, MOLLI, Smart1Map.

Assessment

Mean T1 values of the left ventricular myocardium, the interventricular septum, and the blood pool were measured with MOLLI and Smart1Map in basal, mid‐ventricular, and apical short axis slices.

Statistical Tests

T1 values were compared between locations and methods by paired samples t‐tests, Wilcoxon signed ranks test, repeated‐measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), or Friedman's test. Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated. For interobserver variability, intraclass correlation coefficients and coefficients of variation were calculated, and Bland–Altman analyses were performed.

Results

T1 values were longer by Smart1Map than by MOLLI in all measured locations (myocardium: 1191–1221 vs. 990–1042 msec; all P < 0.001). T1 in basal vs. mid‐ventricular slices differed both by MOLLI and by Smart1Map for myocardium and for blood (all P < 0.001). Myocardial T1 did not correlate with age, heart rate, right or left ventricular ejection fraction (all P > 0.05) by either method. Septal vs. total myocardial T1 values in each slice did not differ by MOLLI (basal P = 0.371; mid‐ventricular P = 0.08; apical P = 0.378) nor by Smart1Map (basal P = 0.056; mid‐ventricular P = 0.918; apical P = 0. 392), after artifacts had been carefully excluded.

Data Conclusion

We established pediatric normal native T1 values using the Smart1Map sequence and compared the results with T1 mapping with MOLLI. Septal T1 values did not differ from total myocardial T1 values in each of the myocardial slices.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:897–903.
Risk scoring system with MRI for intraoperative massive hemorrhage in placenta previa and accreta
Authors: Chen Daijuan , Xu Jinfeng , Ye Pengfei , Li Mier , Duan Xia , Zhao Fumin , Liu Xinghui , Wang Xiaodong , Peng Bing
Published: September 2019

Background

Placenta previa and accreta are serious obstetric conditions that are associated with a high risk of intraoperative massive hemorrhage.

Purpose

To develop a scoring system for intraoperative massive hemorrhage combining MRI and clinical characteristics to predict the risk of massive hemorrhage in placenta previa and accreta

Study Type

Retrospective cohort study.

Subjects

In all, 374 patients consisting of 259 patients with placenta previa and accreta after previous cesarean section (CS) for the derivation cohort and 115 patients for the validation cohort.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T single‐shot fast spin‐echo sequence. [Correction added on October 23, 2019, after first online publication: The field strength in the preceding sentence was corrected.]

Assessment

Using the derivation cohort, clinical and MRI data were collected and multivariable logistic regressions analysis was conducted to develop a scoring system for prediction of intraoperative massive bleeding (blood loss volume > 2000 mL). Finally, the scoring system was validated on 115 patients.

Statistical Tests

Student's t‐test, Mann–Whitney U‐test, X
2 statistics, multivariable analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

Ten indicators, including clinically maternal age (1 point), preoperative hemoglobin level (1 point), gravidity number (1 point), number of CS (1 point), and MRI T2 dark intraplacental bands (4 points), cervical canal length (3 points), placenta thickness on the uterine scar area (4 points), empty vascular shadow of the uterus (1 point), low signal discontinuity in the muscular layer of the posterior wall of the bladder (6 points) and attachment position of the placenta (1 point) were imputed. From the ROC analysis, a total score of 7 points was identified as the optimal cutoff value, allowing good differentiation of intraoperative massive bleeding in the derivation cohort (AUC, 0.863; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.811–0.916) and in the validation cohort (AUC, 0.933; 95% CI: 0.885–0.980).

Data Conclusion

The scoring system for intraoperative massive hemorrhage consists of MRI and clinical indicators, and using a cutoff value of 7 points for a high risk of massive bleeding, the developed scoring system could accurately assess the risk of intraoperative massive hemorrhage in patients with placenta previa and accreta. This scoring system can potentially reduce the incidence of intraoperative massive bleeding by identifying patients at high risk.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 5

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:947–958.
re: Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) of the Cesarean‐Scarred Uterus in vivo at 3T: Comparison Study of DTI Parameters Between Nonpregnant and Pregnant Cases
Authors: Wnorowski Amelia M.
Published: September 2019

Level of Evidence: 5

Technical Efficacy Stage: 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:131–132.
A parallel FFT‐accelerated layered‐medium integral‐equation solver for electronic packages
Authors: Liu Chang , Aygün Kemal , Yılmaz Ali E.
Published: September 2019

A parallel iterative layered‐medium integral‐equation solver is presented for fast and scalable network parameter extraction of electronic packages. The solver, which relies on a 2‐D fast Fourier transform (FFT)‐based algorithm and a sparse preconditioner to reduce computational complexity, is parallelized using three workload decomposition strategies, including a pencil decomposition that increases the scalability of the computationally dominant FFT‐based multiplication stage. A set of increasingly difficult benchmark problems, which require network parameter computations forNtrace = 1to 257 package‐scale interconnects, are solved on a petaflop scale computer to quantify the solver's accuracy, efficiency, and scalability. The total serialized computation time is observed to scale asymptotically as. For the largest problem, using ~1.14 million unknowns and 1536 processes, the solver requires a wall‐clock time of ~0.05 s per iteration, ~1 minute per excitation, ~9 h per frequency, and ~424 hours to extract the 514‐port network parameters at 40 sample frequencies between 1 to 40 GHz.
Supersize me? Franchisee size and voluntary compliance with corporate brand‐building initiatives
Authors: Massimino Brett , Lawrence Benjamin
Published: September 2019

We examine the effects of a franchisee's size, distance from headquarters, and local competition on voluntary compliance with corporate brand‐building initiatives at the outlet level. Specifically, we consider compliance with a corporate social responsibility effort to solicit charitable donations at the time of retail checkout, measuring compliance performance as the amount of donations received at each outlet. Our analysis utilizes an objective, longitudinal sample of 777 franchised outlets in a national quick‐service restaurant chain. Surprisingly, we find that distance from headquarters is positively related to compliance; we relate this finding to recent, extant research on geographic distances and franchisee behaviors. We find the beneficial effects of larger, multiunit franchisees are mitigated as franchisees' geographic distances from headquarters increase; we relate these findings to horizontal agency within franchising systems. We further find that franchised outlets in more competitive markets comply less with brand‐building initiatives, even less so when part of a larger franchisee network. Our results underscore the important moderating role franchisee size plays in outlets' compliance, which we link back to extant perspectives on agency theory. Supplemental analyses consider tensions between compliance and operational efficiency, as well as effects of hypothesized factors on another mandatory form of compliance.
Murine Axial Compression Tibial Loading Model to Study Bone Mechanobiology: Implementing the Model and Reporting Results
Authors: Main Russell P. , Shefelbine Sandra J. , Meakin Lee B. , Silva Matthew J. , van der Meulen Marjolein C. H. , Willie Bettina M.
Published: September 2019

In vivo, tibial loading in mice is increasingly used to study bone adaptation and mechanotransduction. To achieve standardized and defined experimental conditions, loading parameters and animal‐related factors must be considered when performing in vivo loading studies. In this review, we discuss these loading and animal‐related experimental conditions, present methods to assess bone adaptation, and suggest reporting guidelines. This review originated from presentations by each of the authors at the workshop “Developing Best Practices for Mouse Models of In Vivo Loading” during the Preclinical Models Section at the Orthopaedic Research Society Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA, March 2017. Following the meeting, the authors engaged in detailed discussions with consideration of relevant literature. The guidelines and recommendations in this review are provided to help researchers perform in vivo loading experiments in mice, and thus further our knowledge of bone adaptation and the mechanisms involved in mechanotransduction. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:233‐252, 2020
Case series of immunosuppressant drug interactions with flucloxacillin in heart transplant recipients
Authors: Gellatly Rochelle M , Yoo Sookyung , Bergin Peter , Leet Angeline
Published: September 2019

Background

After heart transplantation, the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) recommends calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)‐based immunosuppressant therapy with mycophenolate or a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor. Both CNIs and mTOR inhibitors are extensively metabolised by the cytochrome P450 enzyme pathway and are substrates of P‐glycoprotein (PGP), making drug interactions with these therapies an important consideration. Herein we report four cases of probable drug interactions between tacrolimus and everolimus with flucloxacillin in orthotopic heart transplant recipients. The effects were subtherapeutic immunosuppressant concentrations and cellular rejection.

Clinical details

All four heart transplant recipients received intravenous (IV) flucloxacillin for methicillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus infections in conjunction with immunosuppression regimens containing everolimus and/or tacrolimus. Despite tacrolimus and everolimus dose adjustments, Grade 2R rejection was diagnosed in all four patients in association with subtherapeutic immunosuppressant concentrations.

Outcomes

A considerable increase in tacrolimus and everolimus trough concentrations was observed following cessation of IV flucloxacillin. The rise in concentrations occurred despite no change in or dose reductions of immunosuppressants. A possible mechanism for the interaction is via pregnane X receptor activation.

Conclusion

These cases provide support that flucloxacillin significantly reduces tacrolimus and everolimus trough concentrations in heart transplant recipients. Dosage adjustments and close monitoring of drug concentrations or consideration of alternative antimicrobial therapy is required to avoid episodes of rejection or adverse events upon commencing and ceasing flucloxacillin therapy.
Effect of Emulsification on Surfactant Partitioning in Surfactant‐Polymer Flooding
Authors: Li Jierui , Liu Weidong , Sun Linghui , Cong Sunan , Jia Ruixuan , Zhang Junjie , Yang Ye
Published: September 2019

A laboratory surfactant‐polymer flooding experiment was performed to study the effect of emulsification on surfactant partitioning. The partition coefficient of petroleum sulfonates (KPS) after emulsification was significantly higher than that under static conditions. The partition coefficient of KPS gradually decreases with the increase of polymer concentration from 1000–3000 mg L−1, indicating that the increase of polymer concentration could protect KPS from the partition loss of emulsification. The lower the oil–water ratio, the higher the partition coefficient. The partition coefficient of KPS of resin and asphaltene was higher than that of crude oil. Alkanes, aromatics, and other polar components in crude oil have a significant influence on the partition of KPS.
Study of the Antioxidative Properties of Several Amino Acid‐Type Surfactants and their Synergistic Effect in Mixed Micelle
Authors: Ohta Akio , Hossain Faisal , Asakawa Hitoshi , Asakawa Tsuyoshi
Published: September 2019

Cysteine and methionine, two sulfur‐containing amino acids (AA), were introduced in their surfactant forms as potential antioxidants. The antioxidative (AOX) properties of lauroyl methionine (C12‐Met) and lauroyl cysteine (C12‐Cys) was investigated by means of the oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay. Both the surfactants exhibited excellent AOX behavior at the premicellar state and micellar medium. The AOX behavior was found to be comparable for both the surfactants at their premicellar states. However, in micellar medium, C12‐Met showed better AOX property than C12‐Cys. The AOX power of the surfactants was compared with other previously developed AA‐type surfactants. The order of the AOX power was found to be: C12‐tryptophan > C12‐tyrosine ≈ C12‐methionine ≈ C12‐cysteine > C12‐histidine at the premicellar state and C12‐tryptophan > C12‐tyrosine > C12‐methionine > C12‐cysteine > C12‐histidine at the micellar state. C12‐Cys displayed lower AOX property in micellar medium due to its dimer formation tendency. Based on the HPLC and UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS analysis, the dimer formation of C12‐Cys was found to be accelerated due to the micellar environment and results into negative synergistic effect on other aromatic AA‐type surfactants. However, the presence of C12‐His in the micellar solution of C12‐Cys resulted no synergistic effect due to stronger H‐bonding between the surfactants and resulting less dimer formation.
Comprehensive stability‐indicating high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection method for simultaneous determination of amprolium hydrochloride and ethopabate in powder dosage form for veterinary use
Authors: Baker Mostafa M. , El‐Kafrawy Dina S. , Abdel‐Khalek Magdi M. , Belal Tarek S.
Published: September 2019

This research deals with the development of a stability‐indicating high‐performance liquid chromatography method for simultaneous determination of amprolium hydrochloride and ethopabate. To the best of our knowledge, no comprehensive stability‐indicating method has been reported for analysis of this mixture. Separation was achieved using Kromasil cyano column with gradient elution of the mobile phase composed of sodium hexane sulfonate solution and methanol. Quantification was based on measuring peak areas at 266 nm. Amprolium and ethopabate peaks eluted at retention times 10.42 and 18.53 min, respectively. The proposed procedure was validated with respect to system suitability, linearity, ranges, precision, accuracy, specificity, robustness, detection, and quantification limits. Linearity ranges for amprolium and ethopabate were 1.5–240 and 1–160 μg/mL, respectively. Analytes were subjected to stress conditions of hydrolysis, oxidation and thermal degradation. The proposed method enabled resolution of drugs from their forced‐degradation products and amprolium related substance (2‐picoline). Moreover, specificity was verified by resolution of the analytes from about 22 drugs used in antimicrobial veterinary products. The validated method was successfully applied to assay of the combined veterinary powder dosage form, additionally it was implemented in the accelerated stability study of the dosage form when stored for six months at 40°C and 75% relative humidity.
Analysis of dihydroindole‐type alkaloids in Strychnos nux‐vomica unprocessed and processed seeds by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and mass spectrometry
Authors: Jiang Xin , Tian Ji‐Xin , Wang Min , Tian Yuan , Zhang Zun‐Jian
Published: September 2019

The ripened seeds of Strychnos nux‐vomica L. have been extensively used as herbal medicines in Asian countries. Dihydroindole‐type alkaloids are not only the active constituents but also the toxicants in Strychnos. However, the simultaneous determination of these alkaloids in both crude and processed Semen Strychni is still lacking. The present study represents the first quantitation and relative quantitation assay of 12 dihydroindole‐type alkaloids in Strychnos nux‐vomica unprocessed and sand‐processed seeds using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and mass spectrometry. The relative concentration of ten alkaloids was calculated by semi‐quantification using the internal standard and their amounts in unprocessed and detoxified Semen Strychni were compared. We report here for the first time the significant increase of the two alkaloids, 19‐N‐methyl‐strychnine, and 2,3‐dimethoxy‐19‐N‐methyl‐strychnine, during the processing of Semen Strychni. Our study provides new insight into the true complexity of seed processing procedure and valuable information for assessing the efficacy and safety for clinical applications of Semen Strychni‐containing drugs.
A modernism‐based interpretation of sustainable tourism
Authors: Zhang Shiqin , Chan Eric S.W.
Published: September 2019

To promote knowledge creation and transfer, this study adopts a modernism‐based interpretation to reduce the conceptual vagueness and the terminological confusion of sustainable tourism. On the basis of the intensional definition techniques, namely, etymology and genus‐and‐differentia, the precising and theoretical definition of sustainable tourism was constructed. Specifically, sustainable tourism was identified as a resource‐concerned tourism development ethic with human needs for growth, ideology for continuity, and global context as main constructs. This conceptual framework levels up sustainable tourism as a tourism development concern rather than a specific tourism form, thereby contributing to consistent communication in both academia and practices.
Association of voice and mental health diagnoses with differences in voice‐related care utilization
Authors: Jordan Victoria A. , Lunos Scott , Sieger Gretchen , Horvath Keith J. , Cohen Seth , Misono Stephanie
Published: September 2019

Objective

To compare healthcare utilization in voice patients with versus without mental health (MH) diagnoses

Study Design

Retrospective study using electronic medical records from large regional healthcare system.

Methods

We examined data on sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, voice‐related diagnoses, and patterns of healthcare utilization (including medication use, tests and procedures, and outpatient visits). The study period spanned January 2005 through June 2017.

Results

A total of 24,672 patients had at least one voice‐related diagnosis. Of these, 11,483 (47%) also had at least one MH diagnosis compared to 14% in the overall repository (P < 0.0001). The most common voice‐related diagnoses were nonspecific dysphonia (80%), acute laryngitis (30%), and vocal fold paresis/paralysis (7%). The 11,483 patients with both voice‐related and MH diagnoses were more likely to have acute laryngitis and/or nonspecific dysphonia; less likely to have laryngeal cancer and/or paresis/paralysis; and more likely to have seen a primary care provider, to have received medications, and to have undergone radiology studies. In contrast, the 13,189 patients with only voice‐related diagnoses had more overall voice‐related visits, were more likely to have seen an otolaryngologist, and were more likely to have undergone a voice evaluation with a speech language pathologist.

Conclusion

Voice patients with MH diagnoses were less likely to see otolaryngology and more likely to have radiology studies than voice patients without MH diagnoses. Further study is warranted to characterize temporal sequences of care in this group of patients and determine whether these differences are attributable to referral patterns from primary care.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:1496–1502, 2020
Survival analysis and decannulation outcomes of infants with tracheotomies
Authors: Salley Jordan , Kou Yann‐Fuu , Shah Gopi B. , Mitchell Ron B. , Johnson Romaine F.
Published: September 2019

Objective

To evaluate for differences in time to decannulation and survival rates for pediatric tracheotomy patients based on ventilator status upon discharge.

Study Design

Retrospective longitudinal cohort study.

Methods

A single‐institution longitudinal study of pediatric tracheostomy patients was conducted. Patients were categorized based on mechanical ventilation status on discharge and principal reason for tracheostomy. Survival rates were determined using the Kaplan‐Meier method. The Wilcoxon's Rank Sum test and Cox regression analysis evaluated differences in survival times and time to decannulation based on primary indication for tracheotomy and ventilation status.

Results

Chart review identified 305 patients who required a tracheostomy under the age of 3. The median age at the time of tracheotomy was 5.2 months. The indications for tracheotomy in these patients were airway obstruction in 145 (48%), respiratory failure in 214 (70%), and pulmonary toilet in 10 (3.3%). Seventy‐nine percent of patients were ventilator dependent at discharge. At the conclusion of the study period, 55% of patients were alive with tracheostomy in place, 30% patients were decannulated, and 15% patients were deceased. Patients with ventilator dependence at initial discharge, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, or airway obstruction were more likely to be decannulated. Hispanic patients were less likely to be decannulated. Patients had an equal probability of death regardless of ventilator status at discharge.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that the time to decannulation and likelihood of decannulation varies based on the indication for the tracheostomy. The majority of patients with a tracheostomy were not decannulated at the conclusion of this study. Median time to decannulation was 2.5 years for patients with a median death time of 6 months.

Level of Evidence

2b Laryngoscope, 130:2319–2324, 2020
Short‐Term Administration of a High‐Fat Diet Impairs Wound Repair in Mice
Authors: Schanuel Fernanda S. , Romana‐Souza Bruna , Monte‐Alto‐Costa Andréa
Published: September 2019

High intake of dietary fat plays an important role in obesity development in animals and humans, and prolonged intake of high‐fat diet might lead to low‐grade chronic inflammation. Previous study showed that diet‐induced overweight delays cutaneous wound healing in both obesity‐prone and obesity‐resistant animals, highlighting the importance of diet composition in the wound healing process. This study evaluated the hypothesis that a short‐term administration of high‐fat diet could affect cutaneous wound healing. Male mice (C57/bl6) were randomly divided into standard (10% energy from fat) or high‐fat (60% energy from fat) chow groups. After 10 days of diet administration, an excisional lesion was performed and the animals were sacrificed 6 or 10 days later. There was no difference in the fasting blood glucose between groups. Ten days after wounding, high‐fat chow group presented increased inflammatory infiltrate, levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 proteins, and lipid peroxidation. The high‐fat chow group presented delayed wound closure, increased amount of myofibroblasts and vessels, and decreased deposition of type I collagen. These findings support the hypothesis that short‐term administration of high‐fat diet exerts negative effects on mice cutaneous wound healing, due to the interference in the inflammatory phase.
Organic Single‐Crystalline Semiconductors for Light‐Emitting Applications: Recent Advances and Developments
Authors: Ding Ran , An Ming‐Hui , Feng Jing , Sun Hong‐Bo
Published: September 2019

Organic single‐crystalline semiconductors (OSCSs), as a vital branch of organic semiconductors, have recently attracted intense interest due to their numerous advantages such as highly ordered structure, high carrier mobility, high thermal stability, and low impurity levels, and they have worldwide use in different kinds of applications. In particular, the nature of better luminescence properties and remarkable charge‐transport characteristics is a prerequisite for light‐emitting aspects. Here, a concise overview of the recent progress on OSCSs research is provided, highlighting the prominent properties of OSCSs which are pertinent to light‐emitting behavior. Various crystal‐growth strategies are surveyed for the preparation of high‐quality OSCSs via solution, melting, and vapor phases. Two typical electrical‐pumping light‐emitting devices, including organic light‐emitting transistors and organic light‐emitting diodes, are summarized with recent advances and developments exhibiting the latent potentialities of OSCSs in optoelectronics.
Impact of Rifaximin Therapy on Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Liver Transplantation: A Propensity Score–Matched Analysis
Authors: Ito Takahiro , Nakamura Kojiro , Kageyama Shoichi , Korayem Islam M. , Hirao Hirofumi , Kadono Kentaro , Aziz Justine , Younan Stephanie , DiNorcia Joseph , Agopian Vatche G. , Yersiz Hasan , Farmer Douglas G. , Busuttil Ronald W. , Kupiec‐Weglinski Jerzy W. , Kaldas Fady M.
Published: September 2019

Intestinal microbiota is thought to play an important role in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) after liver transplantation (LT). Rifaximin, a nonabsorbable antibiotic used to treat encephalopathy, exhibits antibacterial activity within the gut. We report the first study examining the impact of pre‐LT rifaximin use on reducing hepatic IRI and inflammatory cell infiltration after LT. This retrospective single‐center study included adult LT recipients from January 2013 through June 2016. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on duration of rifaximin use before LT: rifaximin group (≥28 days) and control group (none or <28 days). Patients receiving other antibiotics within 28 days of LT and re‐LTs were excluded. Outcomes and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in the graft were compared by 1:1 propensity score–matching and multivariate analyses. On 1:1 matching (n = 39/group), rifaximin patients had lower postoperative serum transaminase levels and lower early allograft dysfunction (EAD; 10.3% versus 33.3%; P = 0.014). Of the matched patients, 8 patients (n = 4/group) had postreperfusion liver biopsies (approximately 2 hours after reperfusion) available for mRNA analysis. Hepatic expression of CD86 (macrophage marker) and cathepsin G (neutrophil marker) was significantly lower in rifaximin patients than controls (P < 0.05). The multivariate analysis included 458 patients. Rifaximin treatment <28 days was identified as an independent risk factor EAD in all patients and those with high Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score (MELD ≥35; n = 230). In conclusion, the propensity score–matched and multivariate analyses suggest a therapeutic role of rifaximin in reducing EAD. Pre‐LT rifaximin administration exerted a protective function against early liver injury, potentially by suppressing inflammatory cell activation in the graft.
Generating Triple Crystalline Superstructures in Melt Miscible PEO‐b‐PCL‐b‐PLLA Triblock Terpolymers by Controlling Thermal History and Sequential Crystallization
Authors: Palacios Jordana K. , Liu Guoming , Wang Dujin , Hadjichristidis Nikos , Müller Alejandro J.
Published: September 2019

The morphology, crystallization behavior, and properties of multi‐crystalline polymer systems based on triple crystalline biodegradable PEO‐b‐PCL‐b‐PLLA triblock terpolymers are reviewed. The triblock terpolymers, with increasing poly(l‐lactide) (PLLA) content, exhibit a triple crystalline nature. Upon cooling from melt, the PLLA block crystallizes first and templates the spherulitic morphology of the terpolymer. Then, the poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) block crystalizes and, finally, the poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) block. These triblock terpolymers are melt miscible according to small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) results. Thus, the crystallization of PCL and PEO blocks takes place within the interlamellar zones of the PLLA spherulites that are formed previously. Therefore, the lamellae of PLLA, PCL, and PEO exist side‐by‐side within a unique spherulite, constituting a novel triple crystalline superstructure. The theoretical analysis of SAXS curves implies that only one lamella of either PCL or PEO can occupy the interlamellar space in between two contiguous lamellae of PLLA. Several complex competitive effects such as plasticizing, nucleation, anti‐plasticizing, and confinement take place during the isothermal crystallization of each block in the terpolymers. New results on how successive self‐nucleation and annealing thermal treatment can be used as an additional suitable technique to properly separate the three crystalline phases in these triple crystalline triblock terpolymers are also included.
Strontium Isopropoxide: A Highly Active Catalyst for the Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Lactide and Various Lactones
Authors: Bandelli Damiano , Weber Christine , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: September 2019

Commercially available strontium isopropoxide represents a suitable catalyst/initiator for the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of lactide (LA), ε−caprolactone, δ−valerolactone, δ−caprolactone, and δ−decalactone. Well‐defined polyesters are accessible via the solution polymerization of lactide in toluene with a [LA]:[Sr] ratio of 100:1 at room temperature with or without the addition of dodecanol as coinitiator. Kinetic studies and detailed analysis by means of matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry reveal pseudo‐first‐order kinetics of the ROP as well as excellent endgroup fidelity of the polylactide (PLA) with isopropyl and dodecyl α‐endgroups. Both isopropanolate moieties as well as the coinitiator each initiate PLA chains, enabling the synthesis of PLA with tailored molar mass. The polymerization of ε−caprolactone and δ−valerolactone confirms the high catalyst activity, which causes quantitative monomer conversion after 1 min polymerization time but broad molar mass distributions. In contrast, the catalyst is well suited for the ROP of the less reactive δ−caprolactone and δ−decalactone. Although kinetic studies reveal initially bimodal molar mass distributions, polyesters with dispersity values Ð < 1.2 and unimodal molar mass distributions can be obtained at moderate to high monomer conversions.
A method for real‐time temporal disaggregation of blended radar–rain gauge precipitation fields
Authors: Barton Yannick , Sideris Ioannis V. , Germann Urs , Martius Olivia
Published: September 2019

A fully automated quasi‐real‐time method is presented to disaggregate hourly to sub‐hourly precipitation information operationally in a blended radar–rain gauge product. The method proposes a fully automated solution to disaggregate precipitation in regions characterized by measurement errors or partial absence of auxiliary information on the temporal precipitation evolution. The solution relies on a combination of low‐pass filtered radar information and stochastically generated noise fields. A comprehensive validation of the new method is provided demonstrating higher skill compared to a uniform disaggregation in time. The method is now an integral part of CombiPrecip, the official operational code of MeteoSwiss for radar–rain gauge merging.
Glycogen storage diseases: Twenty‐seven new variants in a cohort of 125 patients
Authors: Sperb-Ludwig Fernanda , Pinheiro Franciele Cabral , Bettio Soares Malu , Nalin Tatiele , Ribeiro Erlane Marques , Steiner Carlos Eduardo , Ribeiro Valadares Eugênia , Porta Gilda , Fishinger Moura de Souza Carolina , Schwartz Ida Vanessa Doederlein
Published: September 2019

Background

Hepatic glycogen storage diseases (GSDs) are a group of rare genetic disorders in which glycogen cannot be metabolized to glucose in the liver because of enzyme deficiencies along the glycogenolytic pathway. GSDs are well‐recognized diseases that can occur without the full spectrum, and with overlapping in symptoms.

Methods

We analyzed a cohort of 125 patients with suspected hepatic GSD through a next‐generation sequencing (NGS) gene panel in Ion Torrent platform. New variants were analyzed by pathogenicity prediction tools.

Results

Twenty‐seven new variants predicted as pathogenic were found between 63 variants identified. The most frequent GSD was type Ia (n = 53), followed by Ib (n = 23). The most frequent variants were p.Arg83Cys (39 alleles) and p.Gln347* (14 alleles) in G6PC gene, and p.Leu348Valfs (21 alleles) in SLC37A4 gene.

Conclusions

The study presents the largest cohort ever analyzed in Brazilian patients with hepatic glycogenosis. We determined the clinical utility of NGS for diagnosis. The molecular diagnosis of hepatic GSDs enables the characterization of diseases with similar clinical symptoms, avoiding hepatic biopsy and having faster results.
The super thin external pudendal artery (STEPA) free flap for oropharyngeal reconstruction – A case report
Authors: Dupret‐Bories Agnès , Roumiguie Mathieu , De Bonnecaze Guillaume , Sarini Jérome , Vairel Benjamin , Vergez Sébastien , Benbassat Bastien
Published: September 2019

The radial forearm flap is one of the most used micro‐anastomotic flaps in cervicofacial reconstruction in a carcinological context. This flap is an ideal in terms of reliability and fineness; it has, however, some disadvantages in terms of the functional and aesthetic complications of its donor site. In alternative to a radial forearm free flap, we report the use of the free super thin external pudendal artery flap (STEPA flap) for an oropharyngeal reconstruction. The aim was to decrease the donor site morbidity. A 71‐years‐old man with a T2N0M0 oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma has undergone surgical treatment. A left STEPA free flap was performed to reconstruct a defect about 8 × 6 cm2. This flap was designed as a half‐scrotal free flap sized 9 × 7 cm2 and was inset after tunneling of the pedicle at the floor of the mouth. A surgical revision was needed on the 15th day postoperative for disunion. There was no skin flap failure. After 12 month of follow‐up, no complication was observed at the donor site and no erectile dysfunction was recorded. Its characteristics in terms of fineness, flexibility, ease of conformation, and pedicle length are similar to those of the radial forearm flap with less aesthetic and functional sequelae of the donor site. The STEPA flap may be a promising free flap in oropharyngeal or oral cavity reconstruction.
A novel miniaturized antipodal Vivaldi antenna with high gain
Authors: Yin Zhangfei , Yang Xue‐Xia , Yu Fan , Gao Steven
Published: September 2019

A novel antipodal Vivaldi antenna operating at an ultra‐wideband of 5.2 to 40 GHz with high gain and miniaturized size is presented in this article. By introducing a pair of radiation arms with maple‐leaf edge shape, the antenna gain is increased by 1 to 3 dB over the upper operation band (10‐40 GHz) compared to the normal antipodal Vivaldi antenna (AVA). To remain the beamwidth while increasing the gain, two rows of specialized symmetrical metallized vias are loaded on the two inside edges of the exponentially slot. By loading the resistors between the top and the bottom planes, the side lobe level at E‐plane is reduced by 3 dB. This proposed maple‐leaf antipodal Vivaldi antenna (MAVA) has the miniaturization size of 0.66λg × 0.68λg × 0.003λg. According to the simulated results, the relative bandwidth of the reflection coefficient less than −10 dB is 154%, and the gain is higher than 10 dBi over the 22 to 40 GHz band with the maximum value of 14.3 dBi. The antenna design is validated by the measurements.