bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple organ injury on admission predicts in‐hospital mortality in patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Yan He , Lu Shanshan , Chen Liangpei , Wang Yufang , Liu Qiaomei , Li Dongsheng , Yan Xisheng , Yan Jie
Published: September 2020

Multiorgan injury has been implicated in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). We aim to assess the impact of organ injury (OI) on prognosis according to the number of affected organs at admission. This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with confirmed COVID‐19 in Wuhan Third Hospital & Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University from February 17 to March 22, 2020. We classified the patients according to the presence and number of damaged organs (heart, liver, and kidney). The percentage of patients with no, one, two, or three organs affected was 59.75%, 30.46%, 8.07%, and 1.72%, respectively. With the increasing number of OI, there is a tendency of gradual increase regarding the white blood cell counts, neutrophil counts, levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase, D‐dimer, and fibrinogen as well as the incidence of most complications. In a Cox regression model, individuals with OI, old age, and an abnormal level of CRP were at a higher risk of death compared with those without. Patients with three organ injuries had the highest mortality rate (57.9%; hazard ratio [HR] with 95% confidence interval [CI] vs. patients without OI: 22.31 [10.42–47.77], those with two [23.6%; HR = 8.68, 95% CI = 4.58–16.48], one [8.6%; HR = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.7–5.7], or no OI [2.6%]; p < .001). The increasing number of OI was associated with a high risk of mortality in COVID‐19 infection.
Cloud cover changes driven by atmospheric circulation in Europe during the last decades
Authors: Sfîcă Lucian , Beck Christoph , Nita Andrei‐Ion , Voiculescu Mirela , Birsan Marius‐Victor , Philipp Andreas
Published: September 2020

Due to its complex role within the radiation budget of the Earth, cloud cover plays an important role in climate variability at local, regional or continental scale. Consequently, there is a need for better understanding the causes and feedbacks of changes in cloud cover. We aim at investigating the response of cloud cover to changes in atmospheric circulation for 1981–2014. This is done based on the application of automated weather type classification from COST733 synoptic classifications software, which helps in identifying a variety of atmospheric circulation types for selected domains. Two major spatial changes in cloud cover over Europe are identified, in connection with atmospheric circulation, associated with the latitudinal shift towards the north of the westerly circulation. The first one is related to a decrease of the cloud cover over the inner continent and especially in the East of Europe in connection with an increase of circulation types associated with high pressures centers development over the central and northern part of the continent. The second one, which is weaker in intensity, indicates an increase of cloud cover in the south‐western part of Europe as a result of a decrease in circulation types induced by the development of the Azores High and its northeastward ridges. The changes in cloud cover distribution and also in radiation fluxes, imposed by these shifts in atmospheric circulation over the continent, are higher in the Eastern and Central Europe.
Expression and clinical implications of leucine‐rich repeat containing 15 (LRRC15) in osteosarcoma
Authors: Cui Juncheng , Dean Dylan , Wei Ran , Hornicek Francis J. , Ulmert David , Duan Zhenfeng
Published: September 2020

Leucine‐rich repeat containing 15 (LRRC15) is a member of the leucine‐rich repeat superfamily that is overexpressed in various cancers and associated with higher tumor grade and aggression. Despite its known tumorigenicity, its roles within osteosarcoma are unknown, prompting us to evaluate its expression and clinical significance within this rare yet aggressive cancer. Western blots showed differential expression of LRRC15 in the osteosarcoma cell lines MNNG/HOS, KHOS, 143B, MG63, Saos‐2, and U2OS. We additionally validated this positive expression, as well as sublocalization to the cell membrane, with immunofluorescence. A tissue microarray constructed from 69 osteosarcoma patient tissues was immunohistochemically stained for LRRC15 expression, stratified, and used for clinicopathological analysis. Publicly available databases on LRRC15 expression, including RNA sequencing data from the Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments on Osteosarcoma (TARGET‐OS) and the Gene Expression database of Normal and Tumor tissues 2 (GENT2) were also analyzed. We found 63 of the 69 (91.3%) patient tissues exhibited some degree of LRRC15 immunostaining, including no staining (6 of 69, 8.7%), 1+ staining (12 of 69, 17.4%), 2+ staining (25 of 69, 36.2%), and 3+ staining (26 of 69, 37.7%). The patients with osteosarcomas having elevated LRRC15 expression demonstrated comparatively increased metastasis, chemoresistance, and shorter 5‐year survival rates. Our analysis of the TARGET‐OS and GENT2 databases also showed increased LRRC15 gene expression in osteosarcoma. Taken together, our study supports LRRC15 as a prognostic biomarker and emerging therapeutic target in osteosarcoma.
The Hidden Burden of Community Enteral Feeding on the Emergency Department
Authors: Barrett Diane , Li Vincent , Merrick Sue , Murugananthan Aravinth , Steed Helen
Published: September 2020

Background

Enteral feeding tubes are associated with their most serious complications in the days and weeks after insertion, but there are limited published data in the literature on late complications and the implications for the healthcare service.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study of attendances to a UK hospital emergency department (ED), with enteral tube complications as the primary reason for attendance.

Results

Over 24 months, 139 attendances were recorded. Dislodged tubes and blocked tubes accounted for the majority of complications and subsequent admissions, with a mixture of enteral tube types being associated with both. Thirty‐five percent of patients were admitted, and the average healthcare cost per attendance was $1071.

Conclusion

Enteral tube complications can place a hidden burden on the patient, the ED, and healthcare costs. More work on education and supporting caregivers to resolve problems themselves could reduce the burden on busy EDs.
Synthesis and Properties of Two Amino Carboxylic Acid Gemini Surfactants
Authors: Xu Libo , He Zhirong , Han Fu , Zhou Yawen , Xu Baocai
Published: September 2020

The number of hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups of a surfactant has a great influence on its property. Two Gemini surfactants, N,N″‘‐didodecyl‐N,N',N″,N″‘‐tetrapropionate triethylenetetramine and N,N'‐didodecyl‐N,N'‐dipropionate ethylenediamine (referred as DTPTT and DDPED), were prepared by Michael addition reaction of the didodecyl secondary amines with methyl acrylate. The didodecyl secondary amines were synthesized by nucleophilic substitution reaction of triethylenetetramine or ethylenediamine with bromododecane. The DTPTT and DDPED surfactants were characterized by mass spectrometry and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry. The surface activities of the DTPTT and DDPED aqueous solutions were studied by surface tension measurements. The surface tension and critical micelle concentration (cmc) of DDPED is smaller than that of DTPTT. The DDPED can reduce the surface tension of water to approximate 34 mN m−1 at concentration levels of 10−5 mol L−1. The aggregation behavior of the DTPTT and DDPED aqueous solution were studied by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Both surfactants can form spherical vesicles at a solution of about 3–5 times cmc of the Gemini surfactants. The foam property was determined by nitrogen blowing method. The DTPTT has relatively good foaming ability and DDPED has excellent foam stability. The foam volume of DDPED barely change within 1000s. The emulsion stability of the Gemini surfactants was determined by separation time of water from the emulsion. The emulsion stability of DDPED is equivalent to Tween 80. The DDPED Gemini surfactant with two hydrophilic carboxylic groups has better surface activity, foam stability, and can be used as an O/W emulsifier.
Study on degradation behaviour, residue distribution, and dietary risk assessment of propiconazole in celery and onion under field application
Authors: Bai Aijuan , Chen Ang , Chen Wuying , Luo Xiangwen , Liu Shaowen , Zhang Min , Liu Yong , Zhang Deyong
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Propiconazole is widely used to control fungal diseases in field crops, including celery and onion. The potential risk to the environment and human health has aroused much public concern. Therefore, it is significant to investigate the degradation behaviour, residue distribution, and dietary risk assessment of propiconazole in celery and onion.

RESULTS

A sensitive analytical method for determination of propiconazole residue in celery and onion was established and validated through high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The average recovery rate of propiconazole ranged from 85.7% to 101.8%, with a relative standard deviation of 2.1–6.3%. For the dissipation kinetics, the data showed that propiconazole in celery and onion was degraded, with half‐lives of 6.1–6.2 days and 8.7–8.8 days respectively. In the terminal residue experiments, the residues of propiconazole were below 4.66 mg kg−1 in celery after application two or three times and were below 0.029 mg kg−1 in onion after application of three or four times with an interval of 14 days under the designed dosages. The chronic and acute dietary exposure assessments for propiconazole were valued by risk quotient, with all values being lower than 100%.

CONCLUSION

Propiconazole in celery and onion was rapidly degraded following first‐order kinetics models. The dietary risk of propiconazole through celery or onion was negligible to consumers. The study not only offers a valuable reference for reasonable usage of propiconazole on celery and onion, but also facilitates the establishment of maximum residue limits in China. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a delivery system of Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil as a natural preservative for food applications
Authors: Nakhaee Moghadam Maryam , Jamshidi Abdollah , Fazly Bazzaz BiBi Sedigheh , Azizzadeh Mohammad , Movaffagh Jebrail
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

The following study is an evaluation of the encapsulation, stability and release profile of Iranian Zateria multiflora boiss essential oil (ZEO) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells. Encapsulation was performed with different essential oil / yeast weight ratios at different temperatures. The encapsulation efficiency and stability of the loaded yeasts and the release profiles of carvacrol and thymol (as the main active ingredients of ZEO) were also investigated.

RESULT

The encapsulation efficiencies of carvacrol and thymol at a ZEO / yeast weight ratio of 1.25 were 30.9% ± 0.01% and 44.5% ± 0.02%, respectively. Loaded yeast cells were stable during the 4‐week storage period. Both carvacrol and thymol showed substantial releases of around 60% during the first hour and around 70% during the second hour at two different water temperatures, followed by steady release.

CONCLUSION

Zateria multiflora boiss essential oil can be encapsulated effectively in S. cerevisiae yeast cells, refrigerated without degradation, and released efficiently. Zateria multiflora boiss essential oil encapsulated into S. cerevisiae yeast may be used as a potential preservative for the food and drug industry. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The immunomodulatory effects of Carapax Trionycis ultrafine powder on cyclophosphamide‐induced immunosuppression in Balb/c mice
Authors: Chen Xuhui , Wang Shasha , Chen Guangjing , Wang Zhirong , Kan Jianquan
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

There are abundant resources of Carapax Trionycis from soft‐shelled turtle processing wastes each year in China. Our preliminary work showed that Carapax Trionycis ultrafine powder (CTUP) obtained using ball‐milling with a particle size of 2.24 μm (D0.025) contained more active ingredients. The CTUP D0.025 has a good bioaccessibility, but there has been no report about the immunomodulatory function of CTUP. Therefore, using a cyclophosphamide‐induced immunosuppression mice model, we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of CTUP D0.025.

RESULTS

The results indicated that CTUP D0.025 administration significantly improved the immune organ (bone marrow, thymus and spleen) indices, ameliorated spleen tissue morphology and increased the capacity of splenocyte proliferation and the activity of macrophage phagocytosis. CTUP D0.025 also significantly promoted the secretion of cytokines (IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐10, IFN‐γ and TNF‐α), improved the related mRNA expression levels of IL2, IFN‐γ, T‐bet and GATA3 in immunosuppressed mice and increased the production of serum hemolysin and the levels of IgG, IgM as well as complement C3. Moreover, CTUP D0.025 administration enhanced the antioxidant capacity of mice, exhibited a moderating effect on the damage of bone and skeletal muscle and improved the recovery of bone mineral density and calcium metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrated that CTUP D0.025 had an effective immune‐enhancing function in immunosuppressive Balb/c mice and also exhibited anti‐osteoporosis properties. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Postharvest LED lighting: effect of red, blue and far red on quality of minimally processed broccoli sprouts
Authors: Castillejo Noelia , Martínez‐Zamora Lorena , Gómez Perla A , Pennisi Giuseppina , Crepaldi Andrea , Fernández Juan A , Orsini Francesco , Artés‐Hernández Francisco
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

The main objective of this study was to evaluate physiological and quality changes of minimally processed broccoli sprouts illuminated during postharvest storage under blue, red and far‐red LED lighting as compared to darkness or illumination with fluorescent light, as control treatments.

RESULTS

Morphological and microbiological changes were determined during 15 days at 5 °C. In addition, total antioxidant activity and bioactive compound changes throughout the shelf life were also monitored. Results showed that far‐red LED lighting increased hypocotyl and sprout length, decreased microbial growth and improved the total antioxidant and scavenging activities, compared to darkness and fluorescent lighting treatments. However, it did not stimulate the biosynthesis of phenolic acids. In contrast, blue LED light reduced by 50% the total antioxidant capacity of broccoli sprouts compared to far‐red treatment, as well as morphological development. In addition, total scavenging activity was increased under far‐red LED light compared with the other treatments by 12–10% (darkness and fluorescence) and 33–31% (blue and red LEDs).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that minimally processed sprouts may benefit from LED lighting during shelf life in terms of quality, although further experiments should be conducted to optimize a proper exposure cycle and intensity aiming for use in the distribution chain. The results also open the way for further development towards the integration of this technology in the food distribution chain.
The Influence of Premigration Trauma Exposure and Early Postmigration Stressors on Changes in Mental Health Over Time Among Refugees in Australia
Authors: Stuart Jaimee , Nowosad Jemima
Published: September 2020

As a result of the precarious conditions in which they migrate, refugees are likely to have experiences that increase their risk of mental health problems. Refugees tend to be predisposed to relatively high levels of distress upon resettlement, and a key predictor of these issues is traumatic experiences that occur before their arrival. Despite high initial levels of ill‐health, on average, refugees tend to experience mental health recovery over time. However, both levels of mental health upon settlement and recovery over time may be negatively influenced by stressors in the postsettlement period. The present study examined changes in psychological distress and posttraumatic stress symptoms over 5 years among 2,169 refugees from various backgrounds, predominately from Iraq and Afghanistan, who participated in the Building a New Life in Australia (BNLA) study. A multivariate latent growth curve model found mental ill‐health decreased on average, β = −.21 for distress and β = −.31 for PTSD, ps < .001, and premigration trauma exposure predicted more initial PTSD symptoms and reduced recovery over time, βIntercept = .21, βSlope = −.54, p < .001. Postmigration stressors, such as loneliness, financial concerns, and cultural integration, predicted higher levels of mental health problems as well as reduced recovery over time. These findings suggest that beyond trauma exposure, the mental health of refugees upon resettlement and their recovery over time is impacted by stressors in the early resettlement period, which has important implications for interventions and services to support and encourage well‐being in refugee populations.
Hey Siri: How Effective are Common Voice Recognition Systems at Recognizing Dysphonic Voices?
Authors: Rohlfing Matthew L. , Buckley Daniel P. , Piraquive Jacquelyn , Stepp Cara E. , Tracy Lauren F.
Published: September 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Interaction with voice recognition systems, such as Siri™ and Alexa™, is an increasingly important part of everyday life. Patients with voice disorders may have difficulty with this technology, leading to frustration and reduction in quality of life. This study evaluates the ability of common voice recognition systems to transcribe dysphonic voices.

Study Design

Retrospective evaluation of "Rainbow Passage" voice samples from patients with and without voice disorders.

Methods

Participants with (n = 30) and without (n = 23) voice disorders were recorded reading the “Rainbow Passage”. Recordings were played at standardized intensity and distance‐to‐dictation programs on Apple iPhone 6S™, Apple iPhone 11 Pro™, and Google Voice™. Word recognition scores were calculated as the proportion of correctly transcribed words. Word recognition scores were compared to auditory–perceptual and acoustic measures.

Results

Mean word recognition scores for participants with and without voice disorders were, respectively, 68.6% and 91.9% for Apple iPhone 6S™ (P < .001), 71.2% and 93.7% for Apple iPhone 11 Pro™ (P < .001), and 68.7% and 93.8% for Google Voice™ (P < .001). There were strong, approximately linear associations between CAPE‐V ratings of overall severity of dysphonia and word recognition score, with correlation coefficients (R2) of 0.609 (iPhone 6S™), 0.670 (iPhone 11 Pro™), and 0.619 (Google Voice™). These relationships persisted when controlling for diagnosis, age, gender, fundamental frequency, and speech rate (P < .001 for all systems).

Conclusion

Common voice recognition systems function well with nondysphonic voices but are poor at accurately transcribing dysphonic voices. There was a strong negative correlation with word recognition scores and perceptual voice evaluation. As our society increasingly interfaces with automated voice recognition technology, the needs of patients with voice disorders should be considered.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:1599–1607, 2021
Three decades of narrow globalization: Evaluating India's exports between 1991 and 2017
Authors: Gupta Shikha , Kumar Nand
Published: September 2020

Thirty years of globalization has bolstered India's exports. Although globalization has been a contributor to India's growth, experiments with globalization have been regional, not global. The study examines the impact of globalization on India's exports to 154 exporting destinations for 1991–2017. Poisson pseudo‐maximum likelihood estimator is used to estimate the gravity model of trade. The study shows evidence of slowbalization, defining narrow and broad globalization. The empirical evidence presented in the paper also validates Linder's hypothesis. The analysis of speed and rate of convergence points to a trade potential with 102 trading partners of India.
Expanding Data Collection for the MDSGene Database: X‐linked Dystonia‐Parkinsonism as Use Case Example
Authors: Pauly Martje G. , Ruiz López Marta , Westenberger Ana , Saranza Gerard , Brüggemann Norbert , Weissbach Anne , Rosales Raymond L. , Diesta Cid C. , Jamora Roland D.G. , Reyes Charles J. , Madoev Harutyun , Petkovic Sonja , Ozelius Laurie J. , Klein Christine , Domingo Aloysius
Published: September 2020

MDSGene is an online database on movement disorders that collates genetic and clinical knowledge using a standardized published literature abstraction strategy. This review is dedicated to X‐linked dystonia‐parkinsonism (XDP). We screened 233 citations and curated phenotypic and genotypic data for 414 cases. To reduce data missingness, we (1) contacted authors and engaged the research community to provide additional clinical and genetic information, and (2) revisited previously unpublished data from a cohort of XDP patients seen at our institution. Using these approaches, we expanded the cohort to 577 cases and increased information available for important clinical and genetic features such as age at onset, initial manifestation, predominant motor symptoms, functional impairments, and repeat size information. We established the use of mining unpublished data to expand the MDSGene workflow and present an up‐to‐date description of the phenomenology of XDP using an extensive collection of previously reported and unreported data. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Detection of prostate cancer DNA using tetrapods based disposable paper ecofriendly biosensor device
Authors: Gautam Aarti , Singhal Chaitali , Mishra Annu , John Alishba T. , Gautam Uttam K. , Abolhassani Reza , Adelung Rainer , Kumar Avasthi Devesh , Kumar Mishra Yogendra
Published: September 2020

The present work reports an enhancement in early diagnosis of DNA of prostate cancer by a rapid and sensitive biosensor. The genosensor platform was designed and fabricated using cost‐effective and disposable paper‐based electrodes. Herein, the bio‐nano‐interface was developed by immobilization of probe DNA of prostate cancer on the zinc oxide tetrapods modified paper electrode. The genosensor was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, synchrotron X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy. The nano‐engineered genosensor was tested and found to be selective to prostate cancer. The sensor could detect as low as 1 pM of prostate cancer DNA with the linear detection range from 50 µM to 1 pM. The paper‐based genosensor also proved to be advantageous in terms of easy preparation, low specimen volume, homogenous distribution of nanostructures onto the surface and cost‐effectiveness. The present work demonstrates the enormous potential of DNA biosensor as a rapid and specific diagnostic tool to be used for the detection of prostate cancer DNA.
SAMHSA NSDUH report finds increases in mental health, co‐occurring disorders
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2020

More than 9 million Americans met diagnostic criteria for both a mental illness and a substance use disorder, according to the latest results of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). The 2019 NSDUH report, released on Sept. 11, points to a close link between mental health and substance use disorders (SUDs), prompting the need for facilities to treat for all mental health conditions and SUDs, officials stated.
Field asks DOL to expand telehealth for commercial plans
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2020

Observing that telehealth has become a lifeline for millions of patients and their therapists, especially considering the dramatic increase in mental health needs fueled by the pandemic, a group of national mental health organizations are pushing for private health insurers to continue telehealth expansions post‐COVID‐19.
Technology more critical now than ever before
Authors: Noto June A. , Gordon Ron
Published: September 2020

During a time when a pandemic has affected the entire world, the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA) wants its members to know they are in good hands with the assistance of the NJAMHAA Information Technology (IT) Project. More than 40 years ago, NJAMHAA was awarded a grant from the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) to assist mental health providers with their technology purchases and to provide help‐desk services; little did we know that our services today would be more important than ever. This partnership continues to this day and may still be a unique model in this country whereby a behavioral health trade association helps support the technology infrastructure for its members.
Bone nonunion management in children with a vascularized tibial periosteal graft
Authors: Soldado Francisco , Barrera‐Ochoa Sergi , Bergua‐Domingo Josep Maria , Domenech Pedro , Corona Pablo Salvador , Knorr Jorge
Published: September 2020

Background

Vascularized periosteal graft have demonstrated a tremendous bone healing capacity in children. The objective is to report outcomes on the use of vascularized tibial periosteal graft (VTPG) during bone reconstruction in a series of children with complex bone healing problems.

Patients and methods

Cases were collected retrospectively since May 2013 to May 2019, excluding cases of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. Mean age at surgery was 12.8 (range 11–18) years. Indications included treatment of recalcitrant bone nonunion and the prevention of bone allograft‐host junction nonunion in seven and three patients, respectively. The periosteal flap, based on the anterior tibial vessels, was harvested as a free flap in six instances and as a pedicled flap in four.

Results

Mean follow‐up was 25.2 months (range 8–36). The flap showed a 13.6 cm (range 9–16) and mean width 3.4 cm (range 2.7–3.9). Early bone union was achieved, initially through periosteal callus, followed by cortical union at mean times of 2 and 4 months, respectively, in nine cases. The flap was not successful in a patient with severe comorbidities. No donor site complications were registered.

Conclusions

VTPG was fast and high effective for the treatment complex bone nonunion or the prevention of allograft nonunion in children.
A 35‐GHz high image rejection resistive mixer using a tunable resonator and a narrowband bandpass filter
Authors: Kim Jihoon
Published: September 2020

A 35‐GHz high image rejection resistive mixer (IRM) is implemented using a tunable resonator and a narrowband bandpass filter (BPF). To obtain a high image rejection ratio (IRR) of more than 40 dB, a tunable resonator, which consists of inductive lines and varactors, is integrated inside a mixer. It can not only mitigate the mismatch of the resonating frequency through process variation and the parasitic effect but also be used as a radio frequency input matching circuit. A narrowband BPF based on coupled slow‐wave resonators is inserted before a mixer. The proposed IRM is fabricated by a commercial 0.15 μm gallium arsenide (GaAs) pseudo high electron mobility transistor (pHEMT) monolithic microwave integrated circuit process. The proposed IRM represents 42.2 dB IRR, a conversion loss of 11.6 dB, an input 1‐dB compression point (P−1dB) of more than 8 dBm, and a 35 dB local oscillator‐radio frequency isolation at 35 GHz.
Wingless ligands and beta‐catenin expression in the rat endometrium: The role of Wnt3 and Wnt7a/beta‐catenin pathway at the embryo–uterine interface
Authors: Kaloğlu Celal , Bulut Hüseyin E. , Hamutoğlu Rasim , Korkmaz Ertan M. , Önder Ozan , Dağdeviren Tuğba , Aydemir Merve N.
Published: September 2020

Wnt/beta‐catenin signaling may play an essential role in endometrial decidualization, placentation, and the establishment of pregnancy. We investigate here the possible roles, immunolocalizations, and synthesis of the Wnt3, Wnt7a, and beta‐catenin proteins in the rat endometrium during the estrous cycle and early postimplantation period. Wnt3 and Wnt7a had a similar localization and dynamic expression relative to the endometrial stages. Wnt7a immunostaining was not limited only to the luminal epithelial cells, but also to strong stainings in the stromal and endothelial cells. Wnt3, Wnt7a, and beta‐catenin were highly synthesized and colocalized at the trophoblast‐decidual interface; and were more obvious in the primary decidual zone, the GTCs, and the ectoplacental cone. Beta‐catenin was strongly localized at the borders of the mature decidual cells; however, Wnt3 and Wnt7a immunolocalizations were decreased in those cells. As such, the immunolocalization of Wnt3, Wnt7a, and beta‐catenin shifted with decidualization and placentation. The expression level of Wnt3, Wnt7a, and beta‐catenin messenger RNAs increased in early pregnancy, and especially between Days 8.5 and 9.5. The dramatic changes in the expression of Wnt3, Wnt7a, and beta‐catenin observed during the early days of pregnancy and the estrous cycle may indicate their roles in decidualization, stromal cell proliferation, and trophoblast invasion.
A DISPLAY WEEK LIKE NO OTHER
Authors: Atwood Stephen P.
Published: September 2020

When I heard Display Week 2020 was being turned into an online event, I didn't know what to think. Of course, I had high expectations—anything put together by the Display Week Program Committee and supported by the team at PCM was going to be great. Still, I had never experienced a virtual conference before and had some concerns about how it would all come together. I'm sure I wasn't alone. Thankfully, when the first day came and we all signed in, the results were impressive. The format was intuitive, and the technical quality of the presentations was quite nice. There were some hiccups, as we've all come to expect from this new platform of video conferencing. But foremost, all the great content and events that were promised were there to enjoy.
Evaluating Display Color Capability
Authors: Smith Euan , Heckaman Rodney L. , Lang Karl , Penczek John , Bergquist Johan
Published: September 2020

Although the CIE recommends using the 3D CIELAB color space to assess displays, a 3D CIELAB gamut plot can be difficult to calculate, render, and interpret. Here, a team of experts demonstrates why the gamut rings plot may be a better alternative.
New Innovations in Coating Technologies for Display Glass
Authors: Galvez Miguel
Published: September 2020

Antiglare, antireflective, antifingerprint, and antimicrobial display coatings are constantly being improved. Here, we look at the approaches that are gaining traction amid the pandemic.
Creating A More Human‐Centric AR Experience with Volume Holography
Authors: Russo Juan
Published: September 2020

The director of research and development at Luminit offers a look at the company's advances in volume holographic optical element technology.
Where's the Display Market Headed?
Authors: Raikes Bob
Published: September 2020

Already the largest event of its kind, the Display Week Business Conference had loads to offer in 2020, with presentations from more than a dozen analysts. Veteran reporter Bob Raikes, who has covered the conference since 2003, examines its key moments.
Automotive Display Technologies Shine at Display Week 2020
Authors: Blankenbach Karlheinz
Published: September 2020

A deep roster of speakers and exhibitors showcased exciting innovations in automotive display technologies and highlighted pain points in the user experience that still need solutions. All told, it was a can't‐miss experience for the vehicle display world.
Comparative In Vitro and In Vivo Effects of Feed Additives on Rainbow Trout Response to Ichthyophthirius multifiliis
Authors: Mathiessen Heidi , Jaafar Rzgar Mohammad , Al-Jubury Azmi , Gersdorff Jørgensen Louise , Kania Per Walter , Buchmann Kurt
Published: September 2020

Control of the skin parasitic ciliate Ichthyophthirius multifiliis is currently based on laborious chemical and mechanical approaches, thus advocating for alternative control measures. Here, we show that the early development of trophonts (feeding stage residing in the epidermis) in the Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss epidermis was inhibited at 5 d postinfection after the administration of feed additives, including garlic Allium sativum, oregano Origanum onites, thyme Thymus vulgaris, coriander Coriandrum sativum, and astaxanthin (a carotenoid derived from the alga Haematococcus pluvialis). However, no inhibition was observed at 8 d postinfection. We investigated whether the early inhibition was caused by (1) the feed additives’ direct effect on the parasite and/or (2) stimulation of the Rainbow Trout immune responses. Garlic exhibited the highest in vitro killing capacity toward theronts (the infective stage of the parasite), followed by oregano, thyme, and astaxanthin, whereas coriander had no in vitro parasiticidal effect. Immune reactions were measured by plasma lysozyme activity in Rainbow Trout after feeding and by recording immune gene expression in trout leukocytes that were exposed to feed additives. Oregano-fed fish showed a significantly (P < 0.05) elevated plasma lysozyme activity. Oregano and thyme—and to a lesser extent, garlic, astaxanthin, and coriander—induced a significant regulation of innate and adaptive immune genes in vitro. The results suggest that the investigated additives inhibit early parasite development directly as well as indirectly (i.e., by elevating the host immune response).
Treatment of urethral stricture disease in women: A multi‐institutional collaborative project from the SUFU research network
Authors: Lane Giulia I. , Smith Ariana L. , Stambakio Hanna , Lin George , Al Hussein Alawamlh Omar , Anger Jennifer T. , Brandes Eileen R. , Carmel Maude E. , Chung Doreen E. , Cox Lindsey , DeLong Jessica , Elliott Christopher S. , Eltahawy Ehab , Aparecido França Wagner , Gousse Angelo , Gupta Priyanka , Hagedorn Judith C. , High Rachel A. , Khan Aqsa , Kowalik Casey , Lee Richard K. , Lee Una J. , Lucioni Alvaro , MacDonald Susan , Malaeb Bahaa , McKay Scotty , Padmanabhan Priya , Powell Charles R. , Sajadi Kamran P. , Sutherland Suzette E. , Theva Didi , Vollstedt Annah , Welk Blayne , Zheng Yu , Cameron Anne P. ,   for the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction Research Network (SURN)
Published: September 2020

Aim

Female urethral stricture disease is rare and has several surgical approaches including endoscopic dilations (ENDO), urethroplasty with local vaginal tissue flap (ULT) or urethroplasty with free graft (UFG). This study aims to describe the contemporary management of female urethral stricture disease and to evaluate the outcomes of these three surgical approaches.

Methods

This is a multi‐institutional, retrospective cohort study evaluating operative treatment for female urethral stricture. Surgeries were grouped into three categories: ENDO, ULT, and UFG. Time from surgery to stricture recurrence by surgery type was analyzed using a Kaplan–Meier time to event analysis. To adjust for confounders, a Cox proportional hazard model was fit for time to stricture recurrence.

Results

Two‐hundred and ten patients met the inclusion criteria across 23 sites. Overall, 64% (n = 115/180) of women remained recurrence free at median follow‐up of 14.6 months (IQR, 3–37). In unadjusted analysis, recurrence‐free rates differed between surgery categories with 68% ENDO, 77% UFG and 83% ULT patients being recurrence free at 12 months. In the Cox model, recurrence rates also differed between surgery categories; women undergoing ULT and UFG having had 66% and 49% less risk of recurrence, respectively, compared to those undergoing ENDO. When comparing ULT to UFG directly, there was no significant difference of recurrence.

Conclusion

This retrospective multi‐institutional study of female urethral stricture demonstrates that patients undergoing endoscopic management have a higher risk of recurrence compared to those undergoing either urethroplasty with local flap or free graft.
Qualitative research on end‐of‐life communication with family carers in nursing homes: A discussion of methodological issues and challenges
Authors: Gonella Silvia , Di Giulio Paola , Palese Alvisa , Dimonte Valerio , Campagna Sara
Published: September 2020

Aim

To identify and summarize the challenges of conducting qualitative research exploring end‐of‐life communication between healthcare providers and bereaved family carers in nursing homes.

Design

A descriptive qualitative study based on in‐the‐field‐notes and research diaries collected during a primary study involving 32 bereaved family carers and 14 nurses across 13 Italian nursing homes in 2018–2019.

Methods

Two trained female nurses conducted semi‐structured, in‐depth, open‐ended interviews and recorded “in action” (i.e. reflections reported as in‐the‐field‐notes) and “on action” (i.e. retrospective reflections within the team reported immediately in the research diaries) narratives, with the aim of identifying challenges encountered during the research process. A content analysis process was performed to analyse the narratives collected.

Results

We identified three major categories of challenges: (a) obtaining approval from the ethical committee; (b) approaching nursing homes and family carers; and (c) dealing with participant‐related impairments (i.e. memory, emotional, physical).
Fishbone artefacts from the Samrong Sen site, Cambodia, cast new light on Bronze Age networking between inland and coastal communities
Authors: Boulanger Clara , Puaud Simon , Ly Vanna , Glémarec Laurence , Heng Sophady , Forestier Hubert
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we examine previously unstudied archaeological fish remains recovered during Mansuy's first excavation in 1902 from the inland Samrong Sen midden site in Cambodia and which are currently stored at the Musée de l'Homme, Paris, France. The remains are dated by association to the Neolithic/Bronze Age between 2206 and 1892 cal. bc from a time when the development of metal age trade and exchange networks contributed substantially to the success of many cultures in this diverse region. We focus on the taxonomy of the fish captured and the implications for technology and regional networks. The identification of two perforated shark vertebrae beads indicates that, during the late Neolithic to Bronze Age period, trade and exchange between coastal and inland communities was prominent on mainland Southeast Asia.
Attrition of Patients on a Precision Oncology Trial: Analysis of the I-PREDICT Experience
Authors: Bohan Sandy S. , Sicklick Jason K. , Kato Shumei , Okamura Ryosuke , Miller Vincent A. , Leyland-Jones Brian , Lippman Scott M. , Kurzrock Razelle
Published: September 2020

Background

Precision oncology uses molecular profiling of tumors to identify biomarker-tailored therapies for patients in the hope of improving outcomes. Typically, only a minority of patients receives evaluable matched treatment. This study explored the reasons for attrition on a precision medicine trial.

Materials and Methods

Study participants were 190 adult patients who consented to the I-PREDICT (Investigation of molecular Profile-Related Evidence Determining Individualized Cancer Therapy) trial. Patients had metastatic and/or unresectable incurable malignancies. Patients who were not evaluable were analyzed.

Results

Of consented patients, 44% were not evaluable. Men were twice as likely to be not evaluable as women. Prominently, 45% of patients who were not evaluable dropped off because of death, hospice referral, or decline in organ function.

Conclusion

Health deterioration of consented patients is a significant barrier to being evaluable on the I-PREDICT trial. These data suggest that patients are enrolled on precision oncology trials too late in their disease course or with excessive disease burden.
Effects of toughened polyester on fatigue behavior of glass fiber reinforced polyester composite for wind turbine blade
Authors: Mousavi Khorasani Mohammad Amin , sahebian samaneh , Zabett Ahad
Published: September 2020

Cured unsaturated polyester resins are often highly brittle. In this paper, to improve fatigue life of the glass fiber‐reinforced polyester composite (GFRP) used in the wind turbine blade, the unsaturated polyester resin was toughened by 2 wt% liquid carboxyl‐terminated butadiene acrylonitrile (CTBN) copolymer. CTBN liquid rubber has acidic OH of the carboxylic group, which causes incompatibility and poor solubility of CTBN in unsaturated polyester resins. In this study, to increase compatibility and solubility of CTBN liquid rubber in unsaturated polyester resins, 1,4‐Butanediol diglycidyl ether (1,4‐BDGE) was selected to react with carboxylic group of the CTBN liquid rubber which converted to ester functional group. The reactions between epoxy groups of 1,4‐BDGE and carboxyl groups of CTBN were investigated by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Four polyester samples were prepared by mixing unsaturated polyester with 0 to 3 wt% of modified CTBN. Tensile tests of polymer samples have been performed to observe the effect of modified CTBN additive. According to the results of the tensile test, the highest tensile strength, elongation‐at‐break, and modulus of toughness were observed in polyester with 2 wt% rubber. Two polyester/glass fiber composite samples with and without 2 wt% rubber were prepared by the vacuum infusion process (VIP) and subjected to fatigue behavior analysis. According to the results of the static tension test, the same value of tensile strength was observed in both composites. The obtained tension‐tension fatigue results (R = 0.1) showed a reduction in maximum stress level enhanced the fatigue life improvement for the samples with 2 wt% rubber due to the increased toughness of the composite matrix. Examining the fracture surfaces of the specimens after fatigue tests, it was revealed that failure of the polyester containing 2 wt% rubber/glass fiber occurred at the interface, while the specimens without rubber showed that failure did not occur at the fiber/matrix interface.
Covalent Modification of Proteins by Plant‐Derived Natural Products: Proteomic Approaches and Biological Impacts
Authors: Tocmo Restituto , Veenstra Jacob P. , Huang Yunying , Johnson Jeremy James
Published: September 2020

Plant‐derived natural products (NPs) with electrophilic functional groups engage various subsets of the proteome via covalent modification of nucleophilic cysteine residues. This electrophile‐nucleophile interaction can change protein conformation, alter protein function, and modulate their biological action. The biological significance of these covalent protein modifications in health and disease is increasingly recognized. One way to understand covalent NP‐protein interactions is to utilize traditional proteomics and modern mass spectrometry (MS)‐based proteomic strategies. These strategies have proven effective in uncovering specific NP protein targets and are critical first steps that allow for a much deeper understanding of the ability of NPs to modulate cellular processes. Here, plant‐derived NPs that covalently modify proteins are reviewed, the biological significance of these covalent modifications, and the different proteomic strategies that have been employed to study these NP‐protein interactions.
Home nursing for children with home mechanical ventilation in the United States: Key informant perspectives
Authors: Sobotka Sarah A. , Dholakia Ayesha , Berry Jay G. , Brenner Maria , Graham Robert J. , Goodman Denise M. , Agrawal Rishi K.
Published: September 2020

Objectives & Hypothesis

Children with home mechanical ventilation (HMV) require skilled care by trained caregivers, and their families feel the impacts of ubiquitous home nursing shortages. It is unknown which factors determine allocation; no standards for private duty nursing intensity exist. We sought to characterize provider experiences with and opinions on home nursing for children with HMV, hypothesizing providers would describe frequent home nursing gaps across clinical scenarios.

Methods

Purposeful and snowball sampling identified key informant clinical providers. Survey topics included hours of home nursing received across clinical and family scenarios. Close‐ended responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and open‐ended questions coded with iterative modification for major theme agreement.

Results

A total of 59 respondents represented care of patients from 44 states; 49.2% physicians, 37.3% nurses, 10.2% respiratory therapists, and 3.4% case managers. Nearly all (97%) believed that families should receive more hours during initial home transition, yet less than half (47%) do. The majority (80.7%) thought the presence of other children in the home should influence nursing hours, yet only three (5.3%) reported other children have influence. Across hypothetical medical technology scenarios, providers consistently described children receiving fewer nursing hours than the providers' ideal practice. A third (31.7%) described discharging patients without any home nursing arranged.

Conclusions

This HMV provider sample highlights pervasive deficiency in home nursing provision with heterogenous interpretation of what constitutes ideal home care. Family and social contextual factors are infrequently considered in nursing allocations. Provider, community health, and family stakeholders must collaborate to generate national community practice standards for children with HMV.
An interactive teaching module for increasing undergraduate physiotherapy students' cultural competence: A quantitative survey
Authors: Fryer Caroline , Edney Sarah , van Kessel Gisela
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To provide safe and effective healthcare, physiotherapists must be aware of, and able to appropriately respond to, the individual needs of their clients. Cultural competence is an essential part of the curriculum to prepare physiotherapy students for their graduate practice. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a 4‐week educational intervention to increase the perceived cultural competence of undergraduate physiotherapy students and whether effectiveness changed as students progressed in their education. Secondary aims were to understand if a clinical placement prior to the course intervention, or the student's cultural background, influenced the effectiveness of the intervention.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted with 73 students in their second year of an Australian Bachelor of Physiotherapy programme who participated in a 4‐week tutorial module to develop their cultural competence. Perception of cultural competence was measured at three time points (pre, post, post 18 months) using the Cultural Intelligence Scale questionnaire which assesses metacognitive, cognitive, motivational and behavioural domains. Participant and their parents' country of birth data were collected.

Results

Cultural intelligence scores for the cohort significantly increased from pre‐ to post‐intervention (mean change 0.4, p < 0.001). A 3‐week clinical placement prior to the teaching intervention had no effect on the change in scores. Students who were not born in Australia, or who had a parent not born in Australia, demonstrated less change in overall cultural intelligence score than Australian‐born participants.

Conclusion

Undergraduate physiotherapy students at an Australian university can increase their perceived level of cultural competence by participating in a 4‐week classroom‐based tutorial module, and this effect can be sustained over an 18‐month period. Exposure to cultural diversity is not sufficient by itself for a change in perceived cultural competence. However, classroom‐based teaching needs to be responsive to the cultural characteristics of the students.