bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health Sector Inadequacies in Attending to Child Survivors of Sexual Abuse in Kenya: An Operations Research
Authors: Ajema Carolyne , Undie Chi‐Chi , Mbugua Charity , Kyongo Jordan , Digolo Lina
Published: November 2018

In 2015, LVCT Health (a Kenyan non‐governmental organisation) conducted an exploratory study to assess the quality and comprehensiveness of services provided to child survivors of sexual violence at two public health facilities in Kenya. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods were used, including a retrospective review of 164 child survivor medical records, a health facility staff inventory, in‐depth interviews with 31 healthcare providers and 19 exit interviews with 14 child survivors and their caregivers. Ethical approval was obtained from two independent ethics committees. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 22, while qualitative data were analysed using NVivo 10 based on a thematic coding framework. The health facility staff inventory indicated that only two out of 581 providers had undergone previous training on the management of child survivors of sexual violence. Both health facilities lacked the appropriate equipment for the collection of forensic evidence from children and private rooms in which to conduct the clinical examination. Providers cited challenges in offering psychosocial support to children. Only 27 per cent of child survivors were documented to have received trauma counselling. There is a need for health facilities to enhance their human resource and infrastructural capacity to facilitate the delivery of comprehensive care to child survivors.

‘An exploratory study to assess the quality and comprehensiveness of services provided to child survivors of sexual violence… in Kenya’

Key Practitioner Messages

There is a need to develop child‐specific guidelines for healthcare providers in order to ensure that child survivors of sexual violence receive good‐quality services at the facility level.

Healthcare providers in public health facilities need competency‐based training to enable them to acquire knowledge and skills to identify and respond to child survivors of sexual violence, collect evidence, communicate with the children and offer counselling support to child survivors effectively.

Services for child survivors should be centralised in health facilities to minimise the number of different contact points.
Antibacterial Activity and Structure−Activity Relationship of a Series of Newly Synthesized Pleuromutilin Derivatives
Authors: Li Yun‐Ge , Wang Ju‐Xian , Zhang Guo‐Ning , Zhu Mei , You Xue‐Fu , Hu Xin‐Xin , Zhang Fan , Wang Yu‐Cheng
Published: November 2018

A series of novel thioether or sulfoxide‐type pleuromutilin derivatives containing heteroaromatic substituents at the end of C14 side chain were designed and synthesized. All of the derivatives were evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial activity. Some of them showed good to excellent antibacterial activity comparable to retapamulin and azamulin in most of the tested Gram‐positive pathogens. In this work, a five‐membered heterocyclic moiety, a pyrimidine‐heterocyclic moiety, or a benzoheterocyclic moiety was introduced in the C14 side chain to increase the structural diversity of the pleuromutilin derivatives. The antibacterial results reveal that the thioether‐containing pleuromutilin derivatives exert a more potency activity than the sulfoxide‐type derivatives against Gram‐positive pathogens. The structure−activity relationship summarized in this work may provide with some interesting clues as to which functionalities are beneficial for high antimicrobial activity of the pleuromutilin derivatives.
An overview of percutaneous coronary intervention in dialysis patients: Insights from a Japanese nationwide registry
Authors: Numasawa Yohei , Inohara Taku , Ishii Hideki , Yamaji Kyohei , Hirano Keita , Kohsaka Shun , Sawano Mitsuaki , Kuno Toshiki , Kodaira Masaki , Uemura Shiro , Kadota Kazushige , Amano Tetsuya , Nakamura Masato ,   on behalf of the J‐PCI Registry Investigators
Published: November 2018

Objectives

This study sought to provide an overview of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in dialysis patients from a Japanese nationwide registry.

Background

Little is known about dialysis patients undergoing PCI because few are enrolled in clinical trials.

Methods

We analyzed 624,900 PCI cases including 41,384 dialysis patients (6.6%) from 1,017 Japanese hospitals between 2014 and 2016. We investigated differences in characteristics and in‐hospital outcomes between dialysis and nondialysis patients, and assessed factors associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes.

Results

Dialysis patients had more comorbidities than nondialysis patients and higher rates of complications including in‐hospital mortality (3.3% vs. 1.5%, respectively, in the acute coronary syndrome [ACS] cohort, 0.2% vs. 0.1% in the non‐ACS cohort) and bleeding complications requiring blood transfusion (1.1% vs. 0.4% in ACS, 0.5% vs. 0.2% in non‐ACS). Dialysis was significantly associated with an increased risk of in‐hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24–1.62 in ACS, OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.66–3.05 in non‐ACS) and bleeding (OR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.30–1.96 in ACS, OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.27–1.88 in non‐ACS). For dialysis patients, age, acute heart failure, and cardiogenic shock were associated with an increased risk of in‐hospital mortality in the ACS cohort, whereas age, female gender, and history of heart failure were associated with higher in‐hospital mortality in the non‐ACS cohort.

Conclusions

PCI was widely performed for dialysis patients with either ACS or non‐ACS in Japan. Dialysis patients had a greater risk of adverse outcomes than nondialysis patients after PCI.
Equilibrium and Dynamic Adsorption of Bioethanol on Activated Carbon in the Liquid Phase
Authors: Hajilari Meysam , Shariati Ahmad , Khosravi-Nikou Mohammadreza
Published: November 2018

Equilibrium batch and dynamic column adsorption of bioethanol from the liquid phase on a commercial activated carbon was investigated. The effects of operational parameters, including flow rate, bed height, and initial solute concentration on the column breakthrough curve were studied. Axial dispersion was estimated by a tracer experimental breakthrough curve. Two mathematical models were developed to predict dynamic experimental results. The equilibrium results showed that the Toth isotherm could better predict the experimental adsorption data than the Langmuir model. The dynamic experimental results showed that increasing the flow rate decreases the column capacity. The macropore diffusion model and the linear driving force model were in good agreement with the experimental dynamic results.
Highly Sensitive and Selective Molecular Probes for Chromo‐Fluorogenic Sensing of Carbon Monoxide in Air, Aqueous Solution and Cells
Authors: Toscani Anita , Marín‐Hernández Cristina , Robson Jonathan A. , Chua Elvin , Dingwall Paul , White Andrew J. P. , Sancenón Félix , de la Torre Cristina , Martínez‐Máñez Ramón , Wilton‐Ely James D. E. T.
Published: November 2018

Optical sensing offers a low‐cost and effective means to sense carbon monoxide in air and in solution. This contribution reports the synthesis of a new series of vinyl complexes [Ru(CH=CHR)Cl(CO)(TBTD)(PPh3)2] (R=aryl, TBTD=5‐(3‐thienyl)‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole) and shows them to be highly sensitive and selective probes for carbon monoxide in both solution and air. Depending on the vinyl substituent, chromogenic and fluorogenic responses signalled the presence of this invisible, odourless, tasteless and toxic gas. Adsorbing the complexes on silica produced colorimetric probes for the ′naked eye′ detection of CO in the gas phase with a limit of detection as low as 8 ppm in some cases, while the release of the TBTD fluorophore allowed detection at much lower concentrations through the fluorescence response. Structural data were obtained by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction techniques, while the photophysical behaviour was explored computationally using TD‐DFT experiments. The systems were also shown to be selective for CO over all other gases tested, including water vapour and common organic solvents. By introducing a poly(ethylene)glycol chain to the vinyl functionality, water compatibility was achieved and these non‐cytotoxic complexes were employed in the sensing of CO in HeLa cells, offering a simple and rapid system for sensing this gasotransmitter in this challenging medium.
Enhanced spectrum aggregation based frequency‐band selection routing protocol for cognitive radio ad‐hoc networks
Authors: Deva priya S. , Kannan N.
Published: November 2018

Providing mobility along with maximum performance in shared spectrum environment is the main objective of Cognitive Radio Systems. Adopting substantial list of parameters to a spectrum aggregation based dynamic route frequency‐band switching is important in Cognitive Radio Mobile Ad‐Hoc Networks (CR‐MANET). Frequent frequency‐band switching affects the performance of the CR‐MANET. In this work geographical position (GPS) detail and spectrum source blind‐spot details are added to the band selection procedure of the Cognitive Radio system. In addition a dedicated Path Prediction Procedure is added with the band selection algorithm to avoid undesirable frequency‐band switching of a mobile CR device. Optimized frequency‐band switching reduces unwanted handovers, thus switching delay and End‐to‐End delay are reduced. Power used to switching between bands is kept in control by sustaining in stable frequency band for longer durations. The combination of GPS data and Path Prediction Procedure is designed to improve the Quality of Service (QoS) parameters like throughput, bandwidth utilization, and Energy efficiency.
Performance improvement in vertical heterogeneous handoff methodology using CANFIS classification approaches
Authors: Mohanapriya R. , Jayanthi K.B.
Published: November 2018

Detection of malicious Base Stations (BS) in heterogeneous wireless networks is significant for developing an efficient system in wireless networks. In this paper, the handoff is performed between two different networks such as Wi‐Fi and WiMax, which may be located in different locations in the same region. The trust features, Cumulative Binary Features and Cost Index Features of each BS in different wireless network environment, are derived individually, which differentiates the behavior of the normal BS and malicious BS in different networks using Co‐Active Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (CANFIS) classification approach. The proposed methodology is compared with other state‐of‐arts methods for evaluating the individuality and efficiency. The proposed heterogeneous handoff methodology achieves 96.02% of packet delivery ratio, 90% detection rate, 94.6% of precision, and 15.99 ms of latency.
Two‐dimensional magnetosonic shock wave propagation in dense electron–positron–ion plasmas
Authors: Hussain S. , Abdykian Alireza , Mahmood S.
Published: November 2018

Two‐dimensional (2D) magnetosonic wave propagation in magnetized quantum dissipative plasmas is studied. The plasma system is comprised of inertial ions, inertia‐less electrons, and positrons. The multi‐fluid quantum hydrodynamic model is used, in which quantum statistical and quantum tunnelling effects of electrons and positrons are included. Reductive perturbation analysis is performed to derive the Zabolotskaya–Khokhlov equation for the 2D propagation of a magnetosonic shock wave in a magnetized qauntum plasma. The effects of varying the different plasma parameters such as positron density and magnetic field intensity on the propagation characteristics of magnetosonic shock waves are discussed with non‐relativistic degenerate plasma parameters in astrophysical plasma situations.
Survey on IoV routing protocols: Security and network architecture
Authors: Alouache Lylia , Nguyen Nga , Aliouat Makhlouf , Chelouah Rachid
Published: November 2018

As today, vehicles are equipped with wireless sensors and on‐board computers capable of collecting and processing a large amount of data; they can communicate to each other via different communication types and through different relay nodes. Internet of Vehicles (IoV) routing protocols are deployed to monitor these communications with various strategies to achieve a high availability of communication. In this paper, we propose to extend an existing taxonomy representing the necessary criteria to build IoV routing algorithms, by adding two new important criteria: security aspect and network architecture. Enhanced vehicular routing protocols with different security mechanisms have been studied, compared, and classified with respect to the authentication, the integrity, the confidentiality, the nonrepudiation, and the availability of data and communications. Routing protocols using the software‐defined networking (SDN) paradigm have also been reviewed in order to compare with those with traditional network architectures. Three types of SDN routing protocols, namely, centralized, decentralized, and hybrid control planes, have been analyzed. This survey will be useful for the choice of IoV routing protocols that take into account the flexibility, the scalability, and the intelligence of vehicular networks, as well as the security mechanisms against cyberattacks while being cost aware.
An enhanced two‐phase SVM algorithm for cooperative spectrum sensing in cognitive radio networks
Authors: Ghazizadeh Elham , Abbasi‐moghadam Dariush , Nezamabadi‐pour Hossein
Published: November 2018

Cognitive radio (CR) networks have emerged recently to address the problem of spectrum scarcity. As reliable spectrum sensing (SS) is vital in low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) for CR networks, we propose a novel method of enhancing support vector machines (SVM) classifier named as 2‐Phase SVM for the task of SS in a cooperative sensing structure. In this study, the vectors containing energy levels of primary users (PU) are considered as feature vectors and are fed into the classifier during training and test phase. First, the classifier is trained; afterward, the test feature vectors are labeled as channel available class or channel unavailable class in an online fashion by using 2‐Phase SVM, which is applied during two phases compared with the conventional SVM algorithm. The performance of suggested cooperative SS method is evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the functionality of our proposed algorithm is qualified in terms of misclassification error rate in addition to misclassification risk. The results reveal that 2‐Phase SVM outperforms previous methods since it not only increases the classification accuracy and reduces the misclassification risk but also enhances the detection probability.
Touch imprint (TI) cytology of needle core biopsies (NCB) in pathology laboratories: A practice survey of participants in the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Non Gynecologic Cytopathology (NGC) Education Program
Authors: Padmanabhan Vijayalakshmi , Barkan Güliz A. , Tabatabai Laura , Souers Rhona , Nayar Ritu , Crothers Barbara A.
Published: November 2018

Background

Intra‐procedural assessment of touch imprint (TI) cytology from needle core biopsies (NCB) is used to ensure sample adequacy and to provide immediate diagnosis in various settings. We aimed to survey laboratories for current practices on the use of cytology with NCB.

Methods

A voluntary supplemental questionnaire including questions on demographics, personnel involved, sites, accessioning, and reporting was sent with the College of American Pathologists (CAP) 2015 Non gynecologic Cytopathology Education Program to survey practices of cytologic assessment of NCB.

Results

Among 844 respondents, 403 (48%) performed cytologic assessment of NCB. Common body sites included lung (94%; 368/392), liver (87%; 340/ 392), and lymph nodes/spleen (77%; 303/392). Most of the time, a pathologist was present on‐site 75% (295/393) for adequacy assessment which was usually verbally reported to the provider performing the procedure. Specimens were prepared by cytotechnologists (50%; 193 of 388) or pathologists (45%; 176 of 388) by touching the core to the slide (50%; 196 of 390) and rolling the core on the slide (45%; 177/390). Among the respondents, 19% said that cytotechnologists independently performed immediate assessment of TI of NCB. Most laboratories (69%; 264/384) evaluated air‐dried slides with a modified Giemsa stain and rendered one TI/NCB combined report (87%, 334/385).

Conclusions

This is the first survey performed specifically to determine the practice of adequacy assessment of TI of NCB. Cytotechnologists are generally not performing adequacy assessment of TI without pathologist oversight. A single report is usually issued which includes the adequacy assessment as a part of the final report.
Spindle cell lipoma mimicking pleomorphic adenoma: A diagnostic challenge on cytology
Authors: Kaur Manveen , Chatterjee Debajyoti , Kundu Reetu , Punia Rajpal S. , Saini Vaibhav
Published: November 2018

Spindle cell lipoma (SCL) is a benign neoplasm of mature adipose tissue mostly located in the neck, back, and shoulder region. It is composed of a variable admixture of adipocytes, benign spindle cells, and collagen fibres. While the histopathologic features of SCL are quite characteristic and well described, a cytologic diagnosis of SCL might be challenging. We present a case of a 36‐year‐old female with a swelling in the left preauricular region since last 6 mo. On fine needle aspiration, a diagnosis of lipomatous pleomorphic adenoma (PA) was rendered because of the presence of benign spindle‐shaped cells, adipocytes, and abundant myxoid material. However, on histopathologic examination, the diagnosis was SCL which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Preauricular region is a rare site of occurrence of SCL. An acquaintance with its varied cytomorphologic features and a knowledge of its unusual sites of occurrence is essential to prevent its misdiagnosis as other myxoid benign and malignant spindle cell lesions.
A 10 year retrospective review of fine needle aspiration cytology of cystic lesions of the breast with emphasis on papillary cystic lesions
Authors: He Xin , Wang Yihong , Nam Gahie , Lourenco Ana P , Pisharodi Latha
Published: November 2018

Background

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNA) is a simple, safe, cost effective, and accurate method for diagnosis of cystic lesions of the breast. Our study aims to correlate FNA cytology of cystic lesions of the breast with the histologic diagnosis.

Methods

During a period of 10 years (2007‐2017), 314 cases of breast cystic lesions were retrieved from a total 1073 cases of breast FNAs. Of these, 78 cases from 77 patients (mean age = 54.6, female: male = 76:1) with simultaneous FNA and core needle biopsy (CNB) and/or excision specimen were reviewed. The FNA cytology reports were correlated with the histology results of CNB (n = 72) and breast excision (n = 20).

Results

Overall, 73 of 78 (93.6%) FNA cases were concordant with CNB and/or excision results. Fifty‐five benign FNAs were all concordant with histology and reported as benign (negative predictive value = 100%). The positive predictive value of FNA with a malignant diagnosis was 100%, 71.4% for a suspicious diagnosis, and 33.3% for atypical cytologic diagnosis. Two of six papillary lesions were discordant with the concurrent CNB, but the FNA results were concordant with the final histology on excision.

Conclusions

FNA allows accurate diagnosis of benign cystic lesions. FNA also plays a prominent role in evaluating cystic papillary lesions of the breast and helps to prevent false negative results on the simultaneous CNB. It is essential that FNA and CNB diagnoses be used in combination to make the correct diagnosis and for clinical management.
Does the urinary concentration of an inhaled beta‐2 agonist always reflect the inhaled dose and method of administration?
Authors: Fitch Ken
Published: November 2018

The urinary threshold of 1000 ng/mL for salbutamol was established by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2001 following a study that was not undertaken for that purpose. At least 25 athletes have exceeded this concentration and some after inhaling no more than the permitted daily maximum dose of 1600 μg. However, there is concern that some providing expert evidence and tribunal members hearing such cases are unaware of the occasional unpredictability of the pharmacokinetics of beta‐2 agonists. The World Anti‐Doping Agency's (WADA's) change from 1 March 2018 to allow correction of urinary specific gravity (SG) down to 1.020 for prohibited substances with a urinary threshold is a major advance and will assist in some instances. However, future cases are anticipated to occur when athletes unexpectedly exceed the urinary threshold for salbutamol after inhaling no more than the allowable dose and within WADA's stated time frame. They will then be required to appear before doping tribunals. The rapidity by which salbutamol is inhaled can influence the resultant urinary concentration and is yet to be addressed adequately in WADA's 2019 Prohibited List. The list's recommended pharmacokinetic study fails to replicate the circumstances that prevailed when the athlete was competing and the adverse analytical finding (AAF) occurred. Tribunals, and experts who advise them, need to be cognizant that the urinary concentration of salbutamol does not invariably reflect the inhaled dose and that a high urinary salbutamol concentration is not always ipso facto evidence of super‐dosing with inhaled salbutamol.
Synthesis, Structure, and Conductivity of Alluaudite‐Related Phases in the Na2MoO4–Cs2MoO4–CoMoO4 System
Authors: Yudin Vasiliy N. , Zolotova Evgeniya S. , Solodovnikov Sergey F. , Solodovnikova Zoya A. , Korolkov Iliya V. , Stefanovich Sergey Yu. , Kuchumov Boris M.
Published: November 2018

Phase formation study of the Na2MoO4–Cs2MoO4–CoMoO4 system resulted in new cesium‐containing alluaudite‐related phases. The solid solution Na4–2x‐yCsyCo1+x(MoO4)3 (0 ≤ x, y ≤ 0.30), based on the alluaudite‐type Na4–2xCo1+x(MoO4)3, and triple molybdate Na10(Cs4‐xNax)Co5(MoO4)12 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.30) were found, and their structures were solved. In the structure of Na3.21Cs0.37Co1.21(MoO4)3 (a = 13.0917(8) Å, b = 13.5443(8) Å, c = 7.1217(4) Å, space group C2/c, β = 112.331(2), Z = 4), the cesium ions partially substitute the Na+ in the channels running along the c‐axis. The structure of Na10(Cs3.77Na0.23)Co5(MoO4)12 (a = 13.6572(3) Å, b = 11.5063(3) Å, c = 27.9898(5) Å, space group Pbca, Z = 4) was proved to be the aristotype for the pseudo orthorhombic Na25Cs8R5(MoO4)24 (R = Fe, Sc, In). The compounds contain alluaudite‐like layers of MoO4 tetrahedra and pairs of edge‐shared (Co, Na)O6 or (R, Na)O6 and NaO6 octahedra, which are connected by bridging MoO4 tetrahedra to form 3D frameworks differing from the alluaudite type. The frameworks contain channels along the c‐axis filled by Cs+ and Na+ ions. Bond valence sum (BVS) maps show that the alluaudite‐related molybdates can have a 2D sodium‐ion conductivity at elevated temperatures in contrast to the alluaudite‐type cathode material Na2+2xFe2‐x(SO4)3 with a 1D conductivity. The measured ionic conductivity of Na4–2xCo1+x(MoO4)3, Na4–2x‐yCsyCo1+x(MoO4)3, and Na10Cs4Co5(MoO4)12 reaches 10–3–10–2 S cm–1 at 500 °C.
Extraction of Oil from High‐Moisture Tuna Livers by Subcritical Dimethyl Ether: A Comparison with Different Extraction Methods
Authors: Fang Yizhou , Liu Shulai , Hu Wei , Zhang Jianyou , Ding Yuting , Liu Jianhua
Published: November 2018

Tuna livers, which are currently discarded in the fish industry, are a valuable source of marine oil rich in n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), vitamin A, and vitamin D. In this study, subcritical dimethyl ether extraction (SDEE) is applied in the extraction of oil from high‐moisture tuna livers. Furthermore, other different extraction methods including wet reduction (WR), enzymatic extraction (EE), and supercritical carbon dioxide fluid extraction (SFE‐CO2) are used for comparisons, to assess the effect of different extraction methods on yield, oil quality, flavor (volatile compounds and sensory assessing), vitamin contents, and fatty acids composition. Compared with traditional methods, the high‐quality liver oil can be obtained with excellent yields by SDEE and SFE‐CO2, because they can prevent the oxidation of lipids, and, reduce the damage of PUFAs and vitamins effectively. Furthermore, only minor differences in volatile compounds and vitamins contents are observed between SDEE‐oil and SFE‐CO2‐oil, which is attributed to the differences in solubility to the solvents used. The oil with higher contents of vitamin A and α‐vitamin E can be obtained by SDEE. The main limitations of SFE‐CO2 are energy‐consuming due to high pressure used and the necessary pre‐treatment of freeze‐drying. However, these drawbacks could be overcome in SDEE because the pressure employed in SDEE is quite low (0.8 MPa) and the freeze‐drying is unnecessary. Therefore, SDEE would be a simple, effective, and promising technique to obtain the high quality oil rich in n‐3 PUFAs and vitamins in the fish oil industry.

Practical Applications: Subcritical dimethyl ether extraction (SDEE) is a rising technology in oil extraction. It can extract oil from the high‐moisture materials without freeze‐drying under relatively low pressure. As is known, freeze‐drying is a necessary pre‐processing step in ordinary sub‐ and super‐critical fluid extraction. The high quality of oil can be obtained by SDEE, similar with the quality of the oil obtained by supercritical fluid extraction, with dramatically declined operational costs.

Subcritical dimethyl ether extraction (SDEE) can extract oil from the high moisture tuna livers without freeze‐drying under relatively low pressure. Furthermore, the quality of SDEE‐oil is similar to the quality of oil obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, but substantially better than the oil obtained by wet reduction and enzymatic extraction.
Development of Methods Used in the Extraction of Avocado Oil
Authors: Satriana Satriana , Supardan Muhammad Dani , Arpi Normalina , Wan Mustapha Wan Aida
Published: November 2018

Avocado oil contains high concentrations of unsaturated fatty acids and many health‐promoting beneficial compounds. The oil can be extracted by various methods. The interest in new technologies as well as the lack of efficiency of available techniques to extract avocado oil have led to continual research on developing new extraction techniques. Avocado oil can be extracted by physical, chemical, and biological methods. New techniques to extract avocado oil need to be developed to improve overall extraction yields and selectivity of bioactive components from avocado and to produce high‐quality avocado oil. This review presents up‐to‐date knowledge on the developments in extraction techniques as well as the refining, characterization, and utilization of avocado oil.

Practical Applications: Avocado oil has many nutritional values with potential applications in the food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industry. By considering the development of extraction process for avocado oil, as discussed in this review, many extraction techniques have been developed to gain an efficient process and produce high‐quality avocado oil.

A typical avocado oil has high levels of unsaturated fatty acids and large amounts of health‐promoting, beneﬁcial compounds. Avocado oil can be extracted by various methods. Many new extraction methods are developed to improve overall extraction yields and selectivity of bioactive components from avocado and to produce high‐quality avocado oil.
Amino‐TEMPO Grafted on Magnetic Multi‐Walled Nanotubes: An Efficient and Recyclable Heterogeneous Oxidation Catalyst
Authors: Gambarotti Cristian , Bjørsvik Hans‐René
Published: November 2018

An efficient and easy recyclable heterogeneous oxidation catalyst was prepared by grafting TEMPO–NH2 moieties on the surface of magnetic multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), first by a radical reaction introducing butyric acid moieties on carbon nanotube surface. Subsequently, carboxylic acid moieties were submitted for amidation using TEMPO–NH2. The functionalized nanotubes [MWCNT‐{(CH2)3‐CO‐NH‐TEMPO}n] were investigated as a (pre‐)catalyst for the oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols for the production of aldehydes and ketones in a Montanari‐type catalytic oxidation using the cheap and readily available 1,3‐dichloro‐5,5‐dimethylhydantoin as the terminal oxidant.
Fast screening of aflatoxins in dairy cattle feeds with CE‐LIF method combined with preconcentration technique of vortex assisted low density solvent–microextraction
Authors: Gao Jing , Wang Jing , Wu Chengxin , Hou Fujiang , Chang Shenghua , Wang Zhaofeng , Pu Qiaosheng , Guo Ding , Fu Hua
Published: November 2018

Aflatoxin contamination in agricultural products poses a great threat to humans and livestock. The aim of this study was to establish a simple, rapid, highly sensitive, and inexpensive method for the simultaneous detection of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, and G2 in agricultural products. We used a vortex assisted low density solvent–microextraction (VALDS‐ME) technique for sample preconcentration and sample detection was achieved with a CE‐LIF method. Aflatoxins were separated in an uncoated fused‐silica capillary with the MEKC mode and were excited by a 355 nm UV laser to produce native fluorescence for detection. The obtained LOD and LOQ for the four aflatoxins were in the range of 0.002–0.075 and 0.007–0.300 μg/L, respectively, and the analysis time was within 6.5 min. Using the established method, aflatoxins were screened in naturally contaminated dairy cattle feed samples including alfalfa, bran, and corn kernel. The result shows that the alfalfa and bran samples were contaminated with aflatoxins to varying degrees. Compared with other analytical techniques for aflatoxin screening in agricultural products, this CE‐LIF method combined with VALDS‐ME preconcentration technique is simple, rapid, highly efficient, and inexpensive.
Stillbirths and neonatal deaths surveillance during the 2014–2015 Ebola virus disease outbreak in Sierra Leone
Authors: Oduyebo Titilope , Bennett Sarah D. , Nallo Alhaji S. , Jamieson Denise J. , Ellington Sascha , Souza Kerry , Meaney‐Delman Dana , Redd John T.
Published: November 2018

Objective

To determine the rate of stillbirth and neonatal death reporting and testing for Ebola virus during the 2014–2015 Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in Sierra Leone.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed using information from the Sierra Leone National Ebola Laboratory database to identify stillbirths and neonatal deaths that had been tested for Ebola virus from July 2, 2014, to October 18, 2015. Outcomes included the percentage of all tested deaths attributable to stillbirths and neonatal deaths, the proportion of stillbirths and neonatal deaths attributable to Ebola virus, and the annualized rate of stillbirths and neonatal deaths.

Results

In total, 1726 stillbirths and 4708 neonatal deaths were tested for Ebola virus, representing 2.6% and 7.2% of the total deaths tested (n=65 585), respectively. Of these, 25 stillbirths and neonatal deaths tested positive, accounting for 0.3% of EVD cases. In 2015, the annualized total number of reported stillbirths was higher than expected (3079 vs 1634), whereas reported neonatal deaths were lower (6351 vs 7770).

Conclusions

Stillbirth and neonatal death reporting and testing improved over time. Systematic recording of these indicators might be used alongside retrospective surveillance to respond to the adverse effects of EVD on maternal and child health and guide response efforts for subsequent outbreaks.
Diagnostic and prognostic role of serum miR‐20b, miR‐17‐3p, HOTAIR, and MALAT1 in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Shaker Olfat G. , Abdelaleem Omayma O. , Mahmoud Rania H. , Abdelghaffar Noha K. , Ahmed Tarek I. , Said Omar M , Zaki Othman M.
Published: November 2018

Noncoding RNAs are emerging biomarkers for many diseases including diabetic retinopathy (DR). This study aimed to measure the expression levels of serum miR‐20b, miR‐17‐3p, HOTAIR, and MALAT1 in DR patients. A total of 80 patients diagnosed as type 2 diabetes (T2D) and 81 healthy subjects were recruited in this study. T2D patients were divided into three groups: nondiabetic retinopathy (NDR) group (30 patients), nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) group (30 patients), and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) group (20 patients). Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to assess the expression of serum miR‐20b, miR‐17‐3p, HOTAIR, and MALAT1. We found a significant decrease in serum miR‐20b and a significant increase in serum HOTAIR and MALAT1 in NDR patients compared to healthy subjects. Also, we revealed a significant decrease in serum miR‐20b and miR‐17‐3p and a significant increase in serum HOTAIR and MALAT1 in each of NPDR and PDR groups when compared with healthy subjects. Furthermore, we reported a significant decrease in miR‐20b and miR‐17‐3p and a significant increase in HOTAIR and MALAT1in DR as well as in PDR patients when compared with NDR patients. However, on comparing NPDR with NDR patients, no significant difference was observed regarding the expression levels of miR‐20b and miR‐17‐3p, in contrast, significant elevation of serum HOTAIR and MALAT1 was found in NPDR. Moreover, we observed a significant decrease in serum miR‐20b and miR‐17‐3p and a significant increase in serum HOTAIR and MALAT1 in PDR group relative to NPDR group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used for evaluating the diagnostic value of the examined serum noncoding RNAs as novel biochemical indicators detecting severity of DR. Our analyses suggested that the examined serum noncoding RNAs may discriminate DR (PDR and NPDR) from NDR. Furthermore, these noncoding RNAs (less importantly miR‐17) can be used as promising novel biomarkers for prediction DR severity, distinguishing PDR from NPDR patients. We can conclude that serum miR‐20b, miR‐17‐3p, HOTAIR, and MALAT1 may be used as noninvasive biomarkers for screening of DR and early diagnosis of PDR. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(3):310–320, 2019
Implementation of a hemophilia management program improves clinical outcomes
Authors: Slocum Giles W. , Peksa Gary D. , Webb Thomas A. , Lat Ishaq
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Hemophilia is a rare, inherited, coagulation disorder that impairs the body's ability to cease bleeding, making hemophiliacs susceptible to bleeding episodes. These patients often require multiple doses of clotting factor concentrates to help maintain hemostasis. In fiscal year (FY) 2016, Rush University Medical Center's drug expense for clotting factor concentrates totaled $4.6 million, which accounted for approximately 15% of the total drug budget. The Department of Pharmacy developed a Hemophilia Management Program (HMP) to improve care, reduce spending, and expand clinical pharmacy services. Prior to the HMP, the Department of Pharmacy completed drug acquisition and dispensing and no role existed for pharmacists as part of the comprehensive care team for the hemophilia population. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes after implementation of clinical pharmacy services into the management of hemophilia patients in an interdisciplinary HMP.

Methods

Several areas for improved care and efficiency were identified prior to the implementation of the HMP: interdisciplinary education, clinical management and continuity of care, and formulary management.

Results

In total, implementation of the HMP resulted in a net savings of $2.7 million for clotting factor expenses for FY 2017. The cost savings based on clotting factor expenses resulted in a return on investment (ROI) of 20:1, exceeding the initial projections of a modest ROI of 3:1. In addition, these costs savings were realized with the average length of stay per patient staying within the previous margins. Finally, the HMP effectively reduced the need for blood transfusions per patient.

Discussion

Design and implementation of the HMP resulted in significant cost savings, improved efficiency, and enhanced clinical services for patients with hemophilia. This expansion of pharmacy services has become the first pharmacy‐led program in the country to not only reduce costs, but also improve clinical outcomes.
Plate‐shape carbonated hydroxyapatite/collagen nanocomposite hydrogel via in situ mineralization of hydroxyapatite concurrent with gelation of collagen at pH = 7.4 and 37°C
Authors: Takallu Sara , Mirzaei Esmaeil , Azadi Amir , Karimizade Ayoob , Tavakol Shima
Published: November 2018

The objective of this study was to develop a collagen/hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocomposite scaffold for bone tissue engineering applications. For this purpose, in situ mineralization of HA was accompanied with formation of collagen hydrogel at condition similar to the physiological condition, pH = 7.4, and 37°C. The physicochemical and biological properties of the in situ scaffold were compared with nanocomposite fabricated by mixing HA powder and collagen hydrogel (powder‐mixed scaffold). The HA in this method was formed in the same condition as the in situ method. X‐ray diffraction and FTIR analysis of in situ scaffold showed the formation of carbonated HA, similar to bone, while the HA powder in powder‐mixed scaffold showed non‐carbonated structure. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the formation of fibrillated collagen in both composites. HA was observed in both scaffolds, but with different morphology. The in situ formed HA had a plate‐like morphology while the preformed HA showed spherical morphology in the powder‐mixed scaffold. The in‐vitro cytocompatibility and osteogenesis activity of scaffolds using osteoblast‐like cells (MG‐63) showed higher cytocompatibility and more osteogenesis capability of the in situ scaffold in comparison with the powder‐mixed scaffold. The results suggest the in situ method as a proper approach for fabrication of HA/collagen scaffolds with similar properties like bone. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1920–1929, 2019.
Attapulgite‐supported magnetic dual acid–base catalyst for the catalytic conversion of lignin to phenolic monomers
Authors: Wu Zhen , Zhang Jun , Zhao Xinxu , Li Xun , Zhang Yu , Wang Fei
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Research on the catalytic conversion of lignin into value‐added chemicals has grown rapidly on account of the importance of lignin in the biorefinery. There is thus a need to investigate novel technologies to depolymerize lignin in the absence of hydrogen gas and noble metal catalysts. This study developed a cheap and recyclable catalyst via a facile process involving impregnation and calcination for the conversion of lignin to value‐added phenolic monomers.

RESULTS

Acid sites, basic sites and magnetic components were successfully incorporated into attapulgite. The resulting catalyst displayed high catalytic activity for lignin conversion to phenolic monomers, which resulted in 10.9% total monomers yield at 250 °C for 3 h with a catalyst loading of 50% and a solvent–solid ratio of 20:1 in 50% C2H5OH. The total monomers yield decreased observably after eight successive reaction runs. After being calcined at 600 °C for 3 h, the recovered catalyst provided a total monomers yield of 6.74% in the ninth reaction run.

CONCLUSION

A novel catalyst was successfully prepared by incorporation of acid sites, basic sites and magnetic properties using natural attapulgite clay as a precursor via a simple and inexpensive process. The resulting catalyst could depolymerize lignin efficaciously. The reusability of the catalyst was barely satisfactory, however, the activity could be partly recovered by simple calcination. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Optimization and activation of renewable durian husk for biosorption of lead (II) from an aqueous medium
Authors: Ngabura Mohammed , Hussain Siti Aslina , Ghani Wan Azlina WAK , Jami Mohammed S , Tan Yen P
Published: November 2018

Background

Biosorption of lead Pb(II) by durian husk activated carbon (DHAC) was investigated. The main aim of this work is to explore the effect of operating variables such as pH, biosorbent dose, temperature, initial metal ion concentration and contact time on the removal of Pb(II) from synthesized aqueous medium using a response surface methodology (RSM) technique. The experimentation was performed in two sets, namely set 1 and set 2.

Results

For experimental set 1, pH was set to 7.0. The optimum conditions for the remaining parameters were determined to be 0.39 g DHAC dose, 60 min contact time and 100 mg L−1 of initial metal ion concentration, which yielded maximum biosorption capacity of 14.6 mg g−1. For experimental set 2, 41.27 °C, 8.95 and 99.96 mg L−1 were the optimum conditions determined for temperature, pH and initial Pb(II) concentration, respectively; which revealed a maximum adsorption capacity of 9.67 mg g−1. Characterization of the adsorbent revealed active functional groups such as hydroxyl, carboxylic, alcohol and hemicellulose. The equilibrium adsorption data obeyed the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic models with maximum Langmuir uptake of 36.1 mg g−1.

Conclusions

The biosorbent was capable of reuse, so that the abundant durian husk could be utilized effectively for the removal of Pb(II) from polluted water. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Machine learning algorithms applied to Raman spectra for the identification of variscite originating from the mining complex of Gavà
Authors: Díez‐Pastor José Francisco , Jorge‐Villar Susana Esther , Arnaiz‐González Álvar , García‐Osorio César Ignacio , Díaz‐Acha Yael , Campeny Marc , Bosch Josep , Melgarejo Joan Carles
Published: November 2018

Variscite is an aluminium phosphate mineral widely used as a gemstone in antiquity. Knowledge of the ancient trade in variscite has important implications on the historical appreciation of the commercial and migratory movements of human population. The mining complex of Gavà, which dates from the Neolithic, is one of the oldest underground mine sites in Europe, from where variscite was extracted from several mines and at different depths, providing minerals with different properties and a range of colours. In this work, machine learning algorithms have been used to classify variscite samples from Gavà with regard to the identification of their mine of origin and extraction depth. The final objective of the study was to see if the Raman spectroscopic signatures selected by these algorithms had a key spectral significance related to mineral structure and/or composition and validate the use of these computational procedures as a useful tool for detecting variances in the mineral Raman spectra that could facilitate the assignment of the specimens to each mine.
Analysis of patient factors associated with 30‐day mortality after tracheostomy
Authors: Kashlan Khaled N. , Williams Amy M. , Chang Steven S. , Yaremchuk Kathleen L. , Mayerhoff Ross
Published: November 2018

Objective

Mortality has been reported to be 22% to 45% in patients with a tracheostomy. To better counsel patients and families, we aimed to determine the effect of body mass index (BMI), socioeconomic status (SES), and the 17 conditions of the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) on 30‐day survival posttracheostomy.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study identified adult patients enrolled from our institution in the Global Tracheostomy Collaborative database from March 2014 to June 2015. Data collected included age, BMI, residential zip code, and comorbidities. Cox proportionate univariate and multivariate analyses were used to measure the impact of BMI, SES, and CCI variables with 30‐day posttracheostomy survival. We used geocoding as a surrogate for patients' SES. We used Deyo's modification of the CCI, which utilized International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, codes to identify comorbidities.

Results

Of 326 tracheostomies identified, the 30‐day mortality rate was 15.6%. No significant differences were noted in BMI or in any of the SES categories between survivors and nonsurvivors. CCI was significantly higher in the 30‐day mortality group. Congestive heart failure (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.39), severe liver disease (HR = 3.15), and peripheral vascular disease (HR = 2.62) were found to significantly impact 30‐day survival.

Conclusion

Higher CCI and specifically severe liver disease, congestive heart failure, and peripheral vascular disease were associated with increased 30‐day mortality posttracheostomy. No association was found between BMI or SES and 30‐day survival. This study identified three comorbidities that independently affect mortality in tracheostomy patients, which should be discussed with patients and families before tracheostomy.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 129:847–851, 2019
Physician impact on the patient and family experience in a pediatric otolaryngology practice
Authors: Camilon P. Ryan , Levi Jessica R. , Carrion Rose A. , Josephson Gary D.
Published: November 2018

Objective

On the Press Ganey (PG) survey, the item “likelihood of recommending practice” is a proxy for patient satisfaction because only the most satisfied patients will recommend a practice to friends and family. The objective of this study is to determine which other items on the PG survey best correlate with “likelihood of recommending practice” as a measure of patient satisfaction in pediatric otolaryngology.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis of a survey database.

Methods

The PG survey, consisting of 24 questions scaled from 1 to 5 representing (1) very poor, (2) poor, (3) fair, (4) good, and (5) very good, was sent to 28 different pediatric otolaryngology practices. Using the Pearson correlation coefficient, the statistical relationship of each PG survey question was analyzed in its association to the PG question “likelihood of recommending practice.” Factors with a correlation coefficient greater than 0.65 were considered significant.

Results

Ten of 24 questions on the PG survey correlated with a top “likelihood of recommending practice” score. Eight of these 10 items were from the Care Provider category and were related to the physician–patient/family interaction.

Conclusion

Patient satisfaction surveys are utilized as a quality metric of the patient and family experience. These scores serve as one of several measures that affect reimbursement. The results demonstrate that most of the factors correlated with “likelihood of recommending practice” are provider‐based. In conclusion, the physician–patient interaction strongly influences the potential for a practice to earn top box scores on the PG item “likelihood of recommending practice” and thereby achieve the highest patient satisfaction.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 129:2610–2613, 2019