bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeted next generation sequencing of MLH1‐deficient, MLH1 promoter hypermethylated, and BRAF/RAS‐wild‐type colorectal adenocarcinomas is effective in detecting tumors with actionable oncogenic gene fusions
Authors: Vaňková Bohuslava , Vaněček Tomáš , Ptáková Nikola , Hájková Veronika , Dušek Martin , Michal Michael , Švajdler Peter , Daum Ondřej , Daumová Magdaléna , Michal Michal , Mezencev Roman , Švajdler Marián
Published: May 2020

Oncogenic gene fusions represent attractive targets for therapy of cancer. However, the frequency of actionable genomic rearrangements in colorectal cancer (CRC) is very low, and universal screening for these alterations seems to be impractical and costly. To address this problem, several large scale studies retrospectivelly showed that CRC with gene fusions are highly enriched in groups of tumors defined by MLH1 DNA mismatch repair protein deficiency (MLH1d), and hypermethylation of MLH1 promoter (MLH1ph), and/or the presence of microsatellite instability, and BRAF/KRAS wild‐type status (BRAFwt/KRASwt). In this study, we used targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) to explore the occurence of potentially therapeutically targetable gene fusions in an unselected series of BRAFwt/KRASwt CRC cases that displayed MLH1d/MLH1ph. From the initially identified group of 173 MLH1d CRC cases, 141 cases (81.5%) displayed MLH1ph. BRAFwt/RASwt genotype was confirmed in 23 of 141 (~16%) of MLH1d/MLH1ph cases. Targeted NGS of these 23 cases identified oncogenic gene fusions in nine patients (39.1%; CI95: 20.5%‐61.2%). Detected fusions involved NTRK (four cases), ALK (two cases), and BRAF genes (three cases). As a secondary outcome of NGS testing, we identified PIK3K‐AKT‐mTOR pathway alterations in two CRC cases, which displayed PIK3CA mutation. Altogether, 11 of 23 (~48%) MLH1d/MLH1ph/BRAFwt/RASwt tumors showed genetic alterations that could induce resistance to anti‐EGFR therapy. Our study confirms that targeted NGS of MLH1d/MLH1ph and BRAFwt/RASwt CRCs could be a cost‐effective strategy in detecting patients with potentially druggable oncogenic kinase fusions.
Severe COVID‐19 in a pregnant patient admitted to hospital in Wuhan
Authors: Yu Ying , Fan Cuifang , Bian Junmei , YinShen
Published: May 2020

A case report describing severe COVID‐19 and treatment strategy in a pregnant patient who delivered vaginally at 34 weeks.
Application of rotating packed bed for in‐line aroma stripping from cell slurry
Authors: Lukin Ilya , Wingartz Isabell , Schembecker Gerhard
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, biotechnological production receives increasing interest as an alternative source of natural aromas. Unfortunately, especially for hydrophobic and semi‐volatile aromas, the heterogeneous product partitioning between all phases present in fermentation makes recovery challenging. Additionally, when an aroma displays an inhibitory effect on the production microorganism, product removal during fermentation is recommendable. In‐line aroma stripping offers an elegant way to deal with such challenges. This study reports the use of rotating packed bed (RPB) technology for the intensification of stripping of α‐ionone, a key aroma of raspberry, from a model fermentation slurry containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells in a concentration of 250 g‐CWW L−1.

RESULTS

Throughout all experimental investigations, yeast cells were robust towards both the chemical stress from aroma exposure at a concentration of up to 400 mg L−1 and the mechanical stress from peripheral equipment and rotation of up to 2750 rpm, as a maximum of 11.3 ± 0.5% disrupted cells were measured during continuous processing in an RPB. An increase in the rotation speed led to an enhanced transfer of α‐ionone from the fermentation slurry to the gaseous phase.

CONCLUSIONS

RPB technology is found to be promising for the intensification of in‐line stripping of biotechnologically produced aromas from crude fermentation broth without cell separation. The use of subsequent RPBs equipped with custom packings and flexibly adjustable rotation speed displays a holistic aroma recovery process supporting the way to commercial competitiveness of biotechnological aromas. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Predicting total petroleum hydrocarbons in field soils with Vis–NIR models developed on laboratory‐constructed samples
Authors: Wijewardane Nuwan K. , Ge Yufeng , Sihota Natasha , Hoelen Thomas , Miao Toni , Weindorf David C.
Published: May 2020

Accurate quantification of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) is required for optimizing remedial efforts at oil spill sites. While evaluating total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in soils is often conducted using costly and time‐consuming laboratory methods, visible and near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy (Vis–NIR) has been proven to be a rapid and cost‐effective field‐based method for soil TPH quantification. This study investigated whether Vis–NIR models calibrated from laboratory‐constructed PHC soil samples could be used to accurately estimate TPH concentration of field samples. To evaluate this, a laboratory sample set was constructed by mixing crude oil with uncontaminated soil samples, and two field sample sets (F1 and F2) were collected from three PHC‐impacted sites. The Vis–NIR TPH models were calibrated with four different techniques (partial least squares regression, random forest, artificial neural network, and support vector regression), and two model improvement methods (spiking and spiking with extra weight) were compared. Results showed that laboratory‐based Vis–NIR models could predict TPH in field sample set F1 with moderate accuracy (R2 > .53) but failed to predict TPH in field sample set F2 (R2 < .13). Both spiking and spiking with extra weight improved the prediction of TPH in both field sample sets (R2 ranged from .63 to .88, respectively); the improvement was most pronounced for F2. This study suggests that Vis–NIR models developed from laboratory‐constructed PHC soil samples, spiked by a small number of field sample analyses, can be used to estimate TPH concentrations more efficiently and cost effectively compared with generating site‐specific calibrations.
Mu opioid receptor knockout mouse: Phenotypes with implications on restless legs syndrome
Authors: Lyu Shangru , DeAndrade Mark P. , Unger Erica L. , Mueller Stefan , Oksche Alexander , Walters Arthur S. , Li Yuqing
Published: May 2020

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is characterized by an irresistible need to move the legs while sitting or lying at night with insomnia as a frequent consequence. Human RLS has been associated with abnormalities in the endogenous opioid system, the dopaminergic system, the iron regulatory system, anemia, and inflammatory and auto‐immune disorders. Our previous work indicates that mice lacking all three subtypes of opioid receptors have a phenotype similar to that of human RLS. To study the roles of each opioid receptor subtype in RLS, we first used mu opioid receptor knockout (MOR KO) mice based on our earlier studies using postmortem brain and cell culture. The KO mice showed decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cells (RBCs), with an appearance of microcytic RBCs indicating anemia. Together with decreased serum iron and transferrin, but increased ferritin levels, the anemia is similar to that seen with chronic inflammation in humans. A decreased serum iron level was also observed in the wildtype mice treated with an MOR antagonist. Iron was increased in the liver and spleen of the KO mice. Normal circadian variations in the dopaminergic and serotoninergic systems were absent in the KO mice. The KO mice showed hyperactivity and increased thermal sensitivity in wakefulness primarily during what would normally be the sleep phase similar to that seen in human RLS. Deficits in endogenous opioid system transmission could predispose to anemia of inflammation and loss of circadian variations in dopaminergic or serotonergic systems, thereby contributing to an RLS‐like phenotype.
Burden of arrythmias in transgender patients hospitalized for gender‐affirming surgeries
Authors: Antwi‐Amoabeng Daniel , Doshi Rajkumar , Adalja Devina , Kumar Ashish , Desai Rupak , Islam Raheel , Gullapalli Nageshwara
Published: May 2020

Background

We sought to describe the burden of arrhythmias and their impact on in‐hospital outcomes in transgender patients who underwent gender re‐assignment surgery.

Methods

The study utilized data from the National Inpatient Sample from January 2012 to September 2015.

Results

16 555 adult transgender patients were included in this study. A total of 610 adults developed arrhythmia out of which atrial fibrillation (N = 475, 2.87%) was the most frequent arrhythmia. In‐hospital mortality increased substantially with arrhythmias.

Conclusions

New‐onset arrythmias, while infrequent in the inpatient setting is associated with significantly higher in‐hospital mortality and resource utilization.
Revisiting and expanding the meta‐analysis of variation: The log coefficient of variation ratio
Authors: Senior Alistair M. , Viechtbauer Wolfgang , Nakagawa Shinichi
Published: May 2020

Meta‐analyses are often used to estimate the relative average values of a quantitative outcome in two groups (eg, control and experimental groups). However, they may also examine the relative variability (variance) of those groups. For such comparisons, two relatively new effect size statistics, the log‐transformed “variability ratio” (the ratio of two standard deviations; lnVR) and the log‐transformed “coefficients of variation ratio” (the ratio of two coefficients of variation; lnCVR) are useful. In practice, lnCVR may be of most use because a treatment may affect the mean and the variance simultaneously. We propose new estimators for lnCVR and lnVR, including for when the two groups are dependent (eg, cross‐over and pre‐test‐post‐test designs). Through simulation, we evaluated the bias of these estimators and make recommendations accordingly. We use the methods to demonstrate that: (a) lifestyle interventions have a heterogenizing effect on gestational weight gain in obese women and (b) low‐glycemic index (GI) diets have a homogenizing effect on glycemic control in diabetics. We also find that the degree to which dependence among samples is accounted for can impact parameters such asτ2(ie, the between‐study variance) andI2(ie, the proportion of the total variability due to between‐study variance), and even the overall effect, and associated qualitative interpretations. Meta‐analytic comparison of the variability between two groups enables us to ask completely new questions and to gain fresh insights from existing datasets. We encourage researchers to take advantage of these convenient new effect size measures for the meta‐analysis of variation.
Development of a surgical oncology training curriculum for accreditation
Authors: Lee Ann Y. , Delman Keith A. , Berman Russell S.
Published: May 2020

In 2011, the American Board of Surgery announced a new specialty board certification for Complex General Surgical Oncology. The development of a 2‐year fellowship training curriculum was based on the core values of multidisciplinary care, surgical management of oncologic disease, education in basic research and clinical trial design, community outreach, patient counseling, and leadership in oncology. This article highlights the elements necessary for developing a fellowship training program in the context of these core values.
The Healing Effect of Amniotic Membrane in Laryngeal Defects in Rabbit Model
Authors: Iravani Kamyar , Mehravar Soheila , Bahador Mohsen , Azarpira Negar
Published: May 2020

Objective

Fibrosis and scar formation following laryngeal repairing is a major concern. This study evaluated the efficacy of applying amniotic membrane (AM) as a biologic dressing to reduce fibrosis and inflammation and promote cartilage repair.

Study design

Experimental animal study.

Methods

Nine male white Dutch rabbits were selected. A standard defect (5 mm) was created in right and left thyroid lamina. In the right side, two layers of AM were applied while the left side was kept intact for future comparison. Histologic examination with criteria of inflammation, fibrosis, and cartilage regeneration was performed 2, 4, and 6 weeks following AM application. All procedures were done according to animal ethics rules.

Results

Histologic and gross examination showed that AM application was able to reduce inflammation and fibrosis and improve cartilage regeneration significantly.

Conclusion

As a useful intervention, AM application can reduce inflammation and fibrosis and enhance cartilage regeneration, following laryngeal defect repair.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 131:E527–E533, 2021
Incidence of HCC recurrence after DAA treatment for HCV in a multicentre Italian cohort study
Authors: Guarino Maria , Di Costanzo Giovan Giuseppe , Bruzzese Dario , Sessa Anna , Guarracino Marco , Rinaldi Luca , Aglitti Andrea , Salomone Megna Angelo , Morando Federica , Coppola Nicola , Caporaso Nicola , Morisco Filomena
Published: May 2020

Background and aim

The present real‐life multicentre, prospective study aims to investigate the effects of direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) in HCV patients with a previous successfully treated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), in terms of neoplastic recurrence and sustained virological response (SVR) rates.

Methods

From March 2015 to March 2017, all consecutive HCV patients with a previous successfully treated HCC who underwent DAA therapy were enrolled. Neoplastic recurrence was used as the primary outcome, whereas the secondary outcomes were patient characteristics predicting HCC recurrence. Cumulative probabilities of recurrence were extracted from time‐to‐event curves based on the Kaplan‐Meier method. Hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals were estimated using univariate and multivariate Cox regressions.

Results

A total of 101 patients were enrolled: 83% of them were in Child‐Pugh class A, 88% had a history of HCC BCLC stage 0/A and 91.1% achieved SVR. The median time from the last successful HCC treatment to DAA start was 10.1 months [IQR: 5.6‐16.7]. Thirty‐one HCC recurrences were observed from DAA start (median follow‐up: 31.7 months). The incidence rate of recurrence was 20.5/100 person‐years. The 6‐, 12‐ and 24‐months HCC recurrence rates from the last HCC treatment were 1%, 8.9% and 25.6% respectively. DAA treatment failure, higher level of total bilirubin, higher BMI and higher level of AFP were significantly associated with higher risk of HCC recurrence in both univariate and Cox multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the achievement of SVR and the absence of well‐known HCC risk factors reduce  recurrence in patients who have taken DAAs.
Plasma Ceramides and Triglycerides Are Elevated during Pregnancy in Association with Markers of Insulin Resistance in Hutterite Women
Authors: Rico Jorge Eduardo , Specker Bonny , Perry Cydne A. , McFadden Joseph William
Published: May 2020

Changes in maternal insulin sensitivity and circulating lipids typically occur during the metabolic transitions of pregnancy and lactation. Although ceramides can cause insulin resistance in mammals, their potential roles during pregnancy and lactation are unknown. We hypothesized that changes in lipids like ceramide and triglycerides could occur across different reproductive states and relate to insulin resistance. Our objectives were to comprehensively characterize lipids in the plasma of pregnant, lactating, and nonpregnant and nonlactating (NPNL) women, and to evaluate the relationship between ceramides and the triglyceride index, a proxy of insulin resistance. Middle‐aged Hutterite women from the South Dakota Rural Bone Health Study were classified by reproductive status as nonpregnant and nonlactating (NPNL; 19 observations), pregnant (14 observations), or lactating (31 observations). Several plasma lipids were elevated in pregnancy such as ceramides, triglycerides, and total‐ and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. The triglyceride index was highest during pregnancy and was positively associated with long‐ and very long‐chain ceramides. Lipidomics revealed lipid signatures specific to reproductive state, including triglycerides, phosphatidylcholines, sphingomyelins, and cholesteryl esters, which were also related to the triglyceride index. Our data support the possibility that ceramides contribute to the development of insulin resistance during pregnancy, and reveal distinct lipid signatures associated with pregnancy and lactation.
Safety and Benefit of Transesophageal Echocardiography in Liver Transplant Surgery: A Position Paper From the Society for the Advancement of Transplant Anesthesia (SATA)
Authors: De Marchi Lorenzo , Wang Cindy J. , Skubas Nikolaos J. , Kothari Rishi , Zerillo Jeron , Subramaniam Kathirvel , Efune Guy E. , Braunfeld Michelle Y.C. , Mandel Susan
Published: May 2020

More anesthesiologists are routinely using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) during liver transplant surgery, but the effects on patient outcome are unknown. Transplant anesthesiologists are therefore uncertain if they should undergo additional training and adopt TEE. In response to these clinical questions, the Society for the Advancement of Transplant Anesthesia appointed experts in liver transplantation and who are certified in TEE to evaluate all available published evidence on the topic. The aim was to produce a summary with greater explanatory power than individual reports to guide transplant anesthesiologists in their decision to use TEE. An exhaustive search recovered 51 articles of uncontrolled clinical observations. Topics chosen for this study were effectiveness and safety because they were a major or minor topic in all articles. The pattern of clinical use was a common topic and was included to provide contextual information. Summarized observations showed effectiveness as the ability to make a new and unexpected diagnosis and to direct the choice of clinical management. These were reported in each stage of liver transplant surgery. There were observations that TEE facilitated rapid diagnosis of life‐threatening conditions difficult to identify with other types of monitoring commonly used in the operating room. Real‐time diagnosis by TEE images made anesthesiologists confident in their choice of interventions, especially those with a high risk of complications such as use of anticoagulants for intracardiac thrombosis. The summarized observations in this systematic review suggest that TEE is an effective form of monitoring with a safety profile similar to that in cardiac surgery patients.
A spatiotemporal model of meningococcal meningitis with direct and indirect transmission
Authors: Zorom Malicki , Andrianisa Harinaivo Anderson , Dorville René , Zongo Pascal
Published: May 2020

We extend an ordinary differential equation (ODE) model for the meningococcal meningitis disease to a partial differential equation (PDE). This extension istwofold: (i) consideration of two modes of contamination, namely through a direct transmission (human to human) and an indirect transmission (via free‐living bacteria). (ii) consideration of the human movement and the dispersal of bacteria in a heterogeneous environment. Furthermore we show the existence of the solutions and define the basic reproduction number
for the model. Additionally, the existence and the stability of both disease‐free and endemic equilibria were investigated. The sensitivity of
and the endemic state with respect of the model parameters were studied. Numerical computations of the spreading bacteria are carried out to illustrate our mathematical results.
Robust arterial transit time and cerebral blood flow estimation using combined acquisition of Hadamard‐encoded multi‐delay and long‐labeled long‐delay pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling: a simulation and in vivo study
Authors: Ishida Shota , Kimura Hirohiko , Isozaki Makoto , Takei Naoyuki , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Kanamoto Masayuki , Kosaka Nobuyuki , Matsuda Tsuyoshi , Kidoya Eiji
Published: May 2020

Arterial transit time (ATT) prolongation causes an error of cerebral blood flow (CBF) measurement during arterial spin labeling (ASL). To improve the accuracy of ATT and CBF in patients with prolonged ATT, we propose a robust ATT and CBF estimation method for clinical practice. The proposed method consists of a three‐delay Hadamard‐encoded pseudo‐continuous ASL (H‐pCASL) with an additional‐encoding and single‐delay with long‐labeled long‐delay (1dLLLD) acquisition. The additional‐encoding allows for the reconstruction of a single‐delay image with long‐labeled short‐delay (1dLLSD) in addition to the normal Hadamard sub‐bolus images. Five different images (normal Hadamard 3 delay, 1dLLSD, 1dLLLD) were reconstructed to calculate ATT and CBF. A Monte Carlo simulation and an in vivo study were performed to access the accuracy of the proposed method in comparison to normal 7‐delay (7d) H‐pCASL with equally divided sub‐bolus labeling duration (LD). The simulation showed that the accuracy of CBF is strongly affected by ATT. It was also demonstrated that underestimation of ATT and CBF by 7d H‐pCASL was higher with longer ATT than with the proposed method. Consistent with the simulation, the 7d H‐pCASL significantly underestimated the ATT compared to that of the proposed method. This underestimation was evident in the distal anterior cerebral artery (ACA; P = 0.0394) and the distal posterior cerebral artery (PCA; 2 P = 0.0255). Similar to the ATT, the CBF was underestimated with 7d H‐pCASL in the distal ACA (P = 0.0099), distal middle cerebral artery (P = 0.0109), and distal PCA (P = 0.0319) compared to the proposed method. Improving the SNR of each delay image (even though the number of delays is small) is crucial for ATT estimation. This is opposed to acquiring many delays with short LD. The proposed method confers accurate ATT and CBF estimation within a practical acquisition time in a clinical setting.
Impact of smartphone addiction on depression and self‐esteem among nursing students
Authors: Mohamed Sayeda Mohamed , Mostafa Mona Hamdy
Published: May 2020

Aim

To assess the impact of smartphone addiction on depression and self‐esteem among nursing students.

Setting

Faculty of Nursing.

Design

Cross‐sectional, survey‐based research design used in this study. Sample: Stratified random sample consists of 320 nursing students. Tools: Four tools used for data collection: personal data sheet, Hamilton rating scale of depression, smartphone addiction scale and Self‐esteem Inventory.

Results

About 95.8% of nursing students reported smartphone addiction, while 32.5% were pseudonormal of depression. Twenty‐eight percent of them had low self‐esteem. The study also revealed a statistically significant positive correlation between smartphone addiction and levels of depression. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between levels of depression and self‐esteem.
Increased apolipoprotein E and decreased TNF‐α in the cerebrospinal fluid of nondemented APOE‐ε4 carriers
Authors: Sasayama Daimei , Hattori Kotaro , Yokota Yuuki , Matsumura Ryo , Teraishi Toshiya , Yoshida Sumiko , Kunugi Hiroshi
Published: May 2020

Aim

The ε4 allele of apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) is a well‐known risk factor of late‐onset Alzheimer's disease. However, little is known why this variant confers a risk for Alzheimer's disease. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of the APOE genotype on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein levels.

Methods

The present study performed a secondary analysis on our previously generated database to compare the CSF levels of 1128 proteins between APOE‐ε4 carriers (28 subjects) and noncarriers (104 subjects). All subjects were physically healthy Japanese individuals without dementia.

Results

CSF levels of apoE2, apoE3, and apoE4 were significantly higher (all nominal P < 10 × 10−5, false discovery rate < 0.001) and those of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were significantly lower (nominal P = 1.39 × 10−6, false discovery rate < 0.001) in APOE‐ε4 carriers than in noncarriers. No significant correlation was observed between the CSF levels of TNF‐α and any of the apoE proteins.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate the possible roles of apoE and TNF‐α in the pathogenesis of APOE‐ε4‐associated Alzheimer's disease.
Porous Organic Polymers as Fire‐Resistant Additives and Precursors for Hyperporous Carbon towards Oxygen Reduction Reactions
Authors: Xue Qingxia , Li Wenjing , Dou Jinli , Song Weiiguo , Ming Jingjing , Bian Weiwei , Guo Yuejuan , Li Xinjian , Zhang Weifen , Zhou Baolong
Published: May 2020

Cyclotriphosphazene (CP) based porous organic polymers (POPs) have been designed and prepared. The introduction of CP into the porous skeleton endowed special thermal stability and outstanding flame retardancy to prepared polymers. The nonflammable level of PNK‐CMP fabricated via the condensation of 2,2′‐(1,4‐phenylene)diacetonitrile (DAN) and hexakis(4‐acetylphenoxy)cyclotriphosphazene (HACTP) through Knoevenagel reaction, in vertical burning tests reached V‐2 class (UL‐94) and the limiting oxygen index (LOI) reached 20.8 %. When used as additive, PNK‐CMP could suppress the dissolving out of PEPA effectively, reducing environment pollution and improving the flame retardant efficiency. The POP and PEPA co‐added PU (mPOP%: mPEPA%=5.0 %: 5.0 %) could not be ignited under simulated real‐scale fire conditions. The nonflammable level of POP/PEPA/PU in vertical burning tests (UL‐94) reached V‐0 class with a LOI as high as 23.2 %. The smoke emission could also be suppressed, thus reducing the potential for flame spread and fire hazards. Furthermore, carbonization of PNK‐CMP under the activation of KOH yield a hyperporous carbon (PNKA‐800) with ultrahigh BET surface area (3001 m2 g−1) and ultramicropore size showing excellent ORR activity in alkaline conditions.
Combined effect of chemically compound graphene oxide‐calcium pimelate on crystallization behavior, morphology and mechanical properties of isotactic polypropylene
Authors: Zhang Yue‐Fei , Lin Xiang‐Feng , Hu Hui
Published: May 2020

The combined nucleation effect of graphene oxide (GO) and calcium pimelate (CaPi) which are chemically compound together (expressed in GO − CaPi) in isotactic polypropylene (iPP) was investigated. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) verified that CaPi was chemically compound with GO by chelate bonds. The crystallization behavior and crystalline morphologies of iPP nucleated with different mass ratio of GO and CaPi were investigated. The crystallization peak temperature of iPP nucleated with 0.2 wt% GO − CaPi with the mass ratio of 1:5 (GO1 − C5) was increased by 8.3°C when compared with that of pure iPP, and the relative content of β‐crystal reached up to 0.7962. Whereas, the crystallization peak temperature of iPP nucleated with 0.2 wt% GO and CaPi which are blended together by mechanical force (expressed in GO + CaPi) with the mass ratio of 1:5 (GO1 + C5) was only increased by 5.0°C. It was attributed to that the aggregation of GO + CaPi caused the decrease of the crystallization peak temperature, while the GO1 − C5 uniformly dispersed in the iPP matrix. Unexpectedly, the relative content of β‐crystal of iPP nucleated with 0.02 wt% GO1 − C5 reached up to 0.8094, and the crystallization peak temperature was increased by 6.7°C compared with that of pure iPP. Meanwhile, the impact strength, tensile strength and heat deflection temperature of iPP nucleated with 0.02 wt% GO1 − C5 increased by almost 45.86%, 2.03% and 7.7°C, respectively. The iPP nucleated with GO1 − C5 obtained a balance between stiffness and toughness and the thermo‐mechanical property of nucleated iPP was improved.
Crotalaria spectabilis as a source of pyrrolizidine alkaloids and phenolic compounds: HPLC‐MS/MS dereplication and monocrotaline quantification of seed and leaf extracts
Authors: Scupinari Tamires , Mannochio Russo Helena , Sabino Ferrari Anna Beatriz , da Silva Bolzani Vanderlan , Dias Waldir Pereira , de Oliveira Nunes Estela , Hoffmann‐Campo Clara Beatriz , Zeraik Maria Luiza
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Crotalaria spectabilis is an important species used as a pre‐plant cover for soybean crops to control the proliferation of endoparasitic nematodes. Species from the Crotalaria genus are known for presenting pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in their composition, however, C. spectabilis is still considered chemically under‐explored.

Objective

The goal of this manuscript is the development and validation of a method for PAs and flavonoids identification and quantification of C. spectabilis seeds and leaves, a toxic plant used for nematode proliferation control in soil, especially in soybean crops.

Materials and methods

Seeds and leaves extracts were analysed by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS) for the identification of the compounds.

Results

PAs and phenolic compounds could be identified in both samples based on the MS/MS fragmentation pattern. Molecular formulas of the annotated compounds were confirmed by ultra‐high‐performace liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight (UHPLC‐QToF), and monocrotaline could also be confirmed by standard comparison. The quantification of monocrotaline was performed by HPLC‐MS/MS, resulting in 123 times higher monocrotaline content in seeds than in the leaves, which could explain its efficiency in combating nematode proliferation in soil.

Conclusion

This was the first report of phenolic compounds in C. spectabilis. The current study highlights the importance of C. spectabilis for nematode control due to the presence of toxic PAs, and the employment of analytical techniques for identification and quantification of compounds present in the extracts.
Impact of co‐morbid personality disorder on quality of inpatient mental health services for people with anxiety and depression
Authors: Williams Ryan , Farquharson Lorna , Rhodes Ellen , Dang Mary , Fitzpatrick Naomi , Quirk Alan , Baldwin David S. , Crawford Mike J.
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Concerns have been raised about the quality of inpatient care received by patients with a diagnosis of personality disorder.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine the quality of care received by inpatients with an anxiety or depressive disorder, comparing subgroups with or without a co‐morbid personality disorder.

Method

We used a retrospective case‐note review of 3 795 patients admitted to inpatient psychiatric wards in England, utilizing data from the National Clinical Audit of Anxiety and Depression. Data were gathered on all acute admissions with an anxiety or depressive disorder over a 6‐month period, for a number of measures reflecting quality of care derived from national standards. Association of coexisting personality disorder with quality of care was investigated using multivariable regression analyses.

Results

Four hundred sixteen (11.0%) of the patients had a co‐co‐morbid diagnosis of personality disorder. Patients with personality disorder were less likely to have been asked about prior responses to treatment in their initial assessment (odds ratio (OR) = 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50 to 0.89, p = 0.007). They were less likely to receive adequate notice in advance of their discharge (OR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.98, p = 0.046). They were more likely to be prescribed medication at the point of discharge (OR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.09, p = 0.012) and less likely to have been provided with information about the medicines they were taking (OR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.69 to 0.94, p = 0.048). In addition, the carers of patients with co‐morbid personality disorder were less likely to have been provided with information about available support services (OR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.93, p = 0.045).

Conclusion

We found evidence of poorer quality of care for patients with co‐morbid personality disorder who were admitted to psychiatric hospital for treatment of anxiety or depressive disorders, highlighting the need for improved clinical care in this patient group.
Maternal history of recurrent pregnancy loss increases the risk for long‐term pediatric respiratory morbidity of the offspring
Authors: Davidesko Sharon , Wainstock Tamar , Sheiner Eyal , Landau Daniella , Walfisch Asnat
Published: May 2020

Background

While the etiology in many cases of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is unclear, recent evidence suggests possible immunological dysfunction, which is also implicated in the pathophysiology of many pediatric respiratory diseases.

Objective

We sought to investigate whether maternal history of RPL is associated with long‐term respiratory morbidity of the offspring.

Study Design

A population based cohort analysis was performed comparing the risk of long‐term respiratory morbidity (up to the age of 18 years) of children born to mothers with and without a history of RPL (defined as two or more losses). Respiratory morbidity included hospitalizations involving a predefined set of ICD‐9 codes, as recorded in the hospital medical records. Deliveries occurred between the years 1991 and 2014 in a tertiary medical center. A Kaplan‐Meier survival curve was constructed to compare cumulative respiratory morbidity, and a Cox proportional hazards model was used to control for confounders.

Results

During the study period, 242 187 newborns met the inclusion criteria; 5% (n = 12 182) of which were offspring to mothers with a history of RPL. Respiratory morbidity was significantly more common in the exposed group (6.0% vs 4.8%, P < .001). Specifically, offspring to mothers with a history of RPL had higher rates of obstructive sleep apnea and asthma (P < .05). The Kaplan‐Meier survival curve exhibited a higher cumulative incidence of total respiratory morbidity in offspring of mothers with a history of RPL (Log rank P < .001). In the Cox regression, maternal history of RPL was independently associated with increased pediatric respiratory morbidity of the offspring with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.24 (95 % confidence interval [95%CI], 1.15‐1.34, P < .001).

Conclusion

Maternal history of RPL is associated with a higher risk of future pediatric respiratory morbidity of the offspring; possibly explained by a common immunological etiology.
Changes in mucociliary clearance over time in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Laube Beth L. , Carson Kathryn A. , Evans Christopher M. , Richardson Vanessa L. , Sharpless Gail , Zeitlin Pamela L. , Mogayzel Peter J.
Published: May 2020

Objectives

(a) To quantify changes in mucociliary clearance (MCC) over time in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and the relationship between MCC and rate of infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA); (b) to determine the impact of MCC on the evolution of CF lung disease; and (c) to explore the role of mucus composition as a determinant of MCC.

Methods

Children with CF, who had previously undergone an MCC measurement (visit 1), underwent the following tests 3 to 10 years later: (a) second MCC measurement (visit 2); (b) multiple breath washout to assess ventilation inhomogeneity, expressed as lung clearance index (LCI); (c) high resolution computed tomography lung scan (HRCT); and (d) induced sputum test. Number of PA + cultures/year between visits was documented and mucus dry weight was quantified in the children and adult controls.

Results

Nineteen children completed both visits. Median time between visits was 4.6 years. Clearance declined 30% between visits. Lower MCC on visit 2 was associated with more PA+ cultures/year between visits. Lower MCC values on visit 1 were associated with higher LCI values and higher HRCT scores on visit 2. Mucus dry weight was significantly higher in children with CF compared with controls. Higher dry weights were associated with lower MCC.

Conclusions

Mucociliary clearance declines significantly over time in children with CF. The decline is associated with PA infection rate and is affected by mucus composition. Children with early slowing of MCC appear to be at risk for developing ventilation inhomogeneity and parenchymal lung damage when they are older.
Bats actively prey on mosquitoes and other deleterious insects in rice paddies: Potential impact on human health and agriculture
Authors: Puig‐Montserrat Xavier , Flaquer Carles , Gómez‐Aguilera Noelia , Burgas Albert , Mas Maria , Tuneu Carme , Marquès Eduard , López‐Baucells Adrià
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

The fact that bats suppress agricultural pests has been measured for some particular dyads of predator and prey species in both economic and food security terms. The recent emergence of new molecular techniques allows for more precise screenings of bat's diet than the traditional visual identification systems and provides further evidence that bats consume an ample array of agricultural pest species. The main focus of the regulatory services that bats provide in agroecosystems has been on crop pests that cause yield losses. Rice paddies constitute a particular agronomic system with specific challenges, not only related to crop productivity but also to human health. Dipteran density in such ecosystems poses a serious threat to human wellbeing and hinders crop production. Mosquitoes cause direct harm to human populations, transmitting a number of infectious diseases. Non‐biting midges (Chironomidae) can consume and weaken rice seedlings and can cause major yield losses.

RESULTS

Mosquito populations and bat activity were assessed in rice paddies of Montgrí, Medes i Baix Ter Natural Park (NE Iberian Peninsula). Molecular analyses of bats faeces (6‐weekly samples of 15 faeces each between mid‐August and September) proved the presence of both mosquitoes and nonbiting midges in all diet samples. Furthermore, bat activity at the sampling locations was related to adult mosquito density.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that bats actively exploit the emergence of adult mosquitoes and further prove that they prey on mosquitoes, nonbiting midges and other deleterious insects. Promoting the presence of bats next to human settlements in such agroecosystems may constitute a biological control system with direct impact on both human health and crop yield. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The relationship between computed tomography‐derived body composition and survival in colorectal cancer: the effect of image software
Authors: Dolan Ross D. , Tien Yu‐Tzu , Horgan Paul G. , Edwards Christine A. , McMillan Donald C.
Published: May 2020

Background

In the literature, there is considerable variation of the proportion of patients reported as having a low skeletal muscle index (SMI) (sarcopenia) or skeletal muscle radiodensity (SMD) (myosteatosis). The aim of the present study was to compare two commonly used software packages, one manual and one semi‐automated to quantify body composition of patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods

The study included 341 patients with colorectal cancer. ImageJ and Slice‐O‐Matic were used to quantify the computed tomography images for total fat index, visceral obesity (visceral fat index, VFI), high subcutaneous fat index (SFI), sarcopenia (SMI), and myosteatosis (SMD). Bland–Altman analysis was conducted to test agreement of the two software programs for these indices. Survival analysis was carried out using previously defined thresholds and Cox regression.

Results

In Bland–Altman analysis, ImageJ gave consistently higher values for all body composition parameters (P < 0.001), resulting in more patients classified as high SFI (P < 0.001) and high VFI (P < 0.001) and fewer patients being classified as low SMI (P < 0.0001) and SMD (P < 0.001). The difference between SFI calculated using ImageJ and Slice‐O‐Matic was +7.9%. The difference between VFI, calculated using ImageJ and Slice‐O‐Matic, was +20.3%. The difference between low SMI and SMDs, estimated using ImageJ and Slice‐O‐Matic, was +2.9% and +1.2%, respectively. SFI, VFI, SMI (Dolan), SMD (Dolan), SMI (Martin), and SMD (Martin) were significantly associated with shorter overall survival using ImageJ (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

ImageJ when compared with Slice‐O‐Matic gave higher values of different body composition parameters, and this impacted on the number of patients classified according to defined thresholds and their relationship with survival.
Consumer green behaviour: An approach towards environmental sustainability
Authors: Khan Muhammad Shahid , Saengon Poramet , Alganad Amr Mohammed Nasser , Chongcharoen Duangkamol , Farrukh Muhammad
Published: May 2020

Latest report of NASA claims that planet average surface temperature has risen about 1.62°F since the late 19th century because of increased human‐made emissions into atmosphere. Due to recent COVID‐19 pandemic, this planet is getting relief from pollution, as Wright stated that the sudden fall in pollution is observed in India, a country having world's 30 most polluted cities, similarly Gohd stated that satellite track emissions drop over china during this coronavirus outbreak. These facts showing, human is responsible to increase the pollution in this planet, therefore current study aims to test a model which can help in changing consumer behavior into consumer green behavior. A significant trend has been observed towards the recognition of the strategic importance of protecting the environment by enforcing laws. These kind of efforts are in favor of reducing consumption of plastic bags, and the need for practical and rapid measures to reduce the amount of plastic waste has increased, especially nylon bags, has increased. However, plastic bags are still the most common and used by many individuals, who prefer them to others to put their needs and belongings and their various purchases, or to save their food and drink because of its ease. Data were collected from shoppers at Cyberjaya (Malaysia) and Bangkok (Thailand). Findings indicate that knowledge and attitude have a significant and positive impact on consumer green behavior; the study also identified that the ban on plastic bags also has a significant and positive influence on consumer green behavior. This more considerable influence shows the need for such governmental interventions to moderate consumers' environmentally unfriendly behavior, and we cannot merely rely on consumers' acknowledgement of understanding the danger.
In Situ Formation of Compact PbI2 Shell Boosts the Efficiency and Thermostability of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Tianyu , Ren Ming , Zhang Yuyan , Fang Lingyi , Zhang Jidong , Yuan Yi , Zhang Jing , Wang Peng
Published: May 2020

Judicious tailoring of a robust interlayer is central to maintain the durable operation of optoelectronic devices. In this paper, an ultrathin, compact, and uniform PbI2 shell on the surface of perovskite via the method of ZnI2 aided in situ transformation is produced. The resultant PbI2 interlayer can prolong the excited‐state lifetime of perovskite and attenuate the recombination kinetics of separated charges, leading to an improvement of power conversion efficiency up to 22.5% for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) at the AM 1.5G conditions. Moreover, the PSC with PbI2 interlayer exhibits an enhanced thermostability, retaining 87% of initial efficiency after aging at 60 °C for 1000 h.
Evolving Conceptual and Policy Challenges
Authors: Spencer Sarah , Triandafyllidou Anna
Published: May 2020

In this book we set out to explore the conceptual challenges posed by the presence of migrants with irregular immigration status in Europe and the evolving policy responses. In contrast to many earlier texts, our focus has been on irregular migrants living in Europe, not crossing its borders; and viewed not as a temporary crisis but as a continuing, structural feature of European societies. The drivers, forms, and consequences of irregular migration are nevertheless in transition and a key theme throughout has been that of change. Conceptual tools are needed to explain the complex social realities of this section of the migrant population; coupled with a need to unravel the legal and policy responses at the European, national and municipal levels: their drivers, multiple actors and potential future course.
The Human Rights of Migrants with Irregular Status: Giving Substance to Aspirations of Universalism
Authors: O’Cinneide Colm
Published: May 2020

Human rights law is supposed to provide comprehensive protection for the fundamental rights of all individuals. However, this universalist aspiration is heavily qualified when it comes to migrants with irregular status. Various factors play a role in limiting the reach of human rights law in this context, including (i) ‘external’ constraints such as states resisting giving effect to certain international human rights guarantees; (ii) ‘internal’ factors such as a dilution of the relevant standards when it comes to applying them to irregular migrants; and (iii) the underdevelopment of human rights law in certain key respects. However, despite these limitations, human rights standards can still provide an important platform for challenging exclusionary policies directed against irregular migrants. Irregular migrants may have fewer rights than others, but they are not ‘rightless’—and the universalist aspirations of human rights law can still be leveraged to challenge their treatment.
The Transnational Mobilization of ‘Irregular Migrants’
Authors: Chimienti Milena , Solomos John
Published: May 2020

This chapter explores the transnational movements of so called ‘irregular migrants’. We investigate why and how transnational collective action is taken by people in situations of vulnerability and ask how those with limited resources manage to mobilize at the transnational level. In order to frame that core arguments, we analyse one particular event which occurred in 2012, namely the European March of sans-papiers and migrants. We explore how the movement was triggered, how it was organized, what claims were made, and what impact it had. We argue that the movement was subversive in three different ways: irregular migrants sought to act like any other citizen; they questioned the boundaries of the nation state; and they refused to be defined and limited by the global social order. We show that the transnational character of the mobilization is closely related to the root of the problems it sought to address such as European migration policies. Finally, we illustrate how mobilization at a transnational level reinforces the social movements of ‘irregular migrants’.
Irregular Migration and Irregular Work: A Chicken and Egg Dilemma
Authors: Triandafyllidou Anna , Bartolini Laura
Published: May 2020

The connection between irregular or undeclared work and irregular migration often combines in an explosive mix that stirs anxieties about the state’s control over migration flows, labour market regulation, and unfair competition with native workers as well as lost revenue for the state. This chapter discusses the different types of irregular employment and irregular migration and the intersection between the two to construct a typology of irregular employment of irregular foreign residents. We then investigate the dynamics of specific labour market sectors where irregularities in employment thrive, notably in domestic and care work, agriculture and the construction sector. The chapter adopts a double comparative European perspective, surveying findings from different countries, notably the Nordic states, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy with a focus on the different sectors. We seek to explain the role of (irregular) migrant workers within each sector and analyse the related socio-economic and policy dynamics. The chapter concludes with a reflection on the role of enforcement and sanctions vs a variable geometry of regulation for specific labour market sectors.