bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of fish oil and microencapsulated fish oil additives on water binding and the rheological properties of poultry sausage batters
Authors: Kawecki Krzysztof , Rezler Ryszard , Baranowska Hanna M , Stangierski Jerzy 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe composition of meat batters can be modified by the addition of fish oil or microencapsulation of oil. Such modifications affect the water binding and the rheological properties of the resulting systems. There is little information available on the behaviour of water molecules in model meat batter systems with microcapsules. The main goal of the study was to assess the degree of water binding by the meat batter system and to carry out a rheological analysis during heating and cooling.RESULTSThe sample with the microcapsules was characterized by a slightly elevated level of total protein. The encapsulated oil additive reduced the pH and water activity value in the meat batter, compared with the control sample. There was one relaxation time T1 and two time components T2 in the control batter and the batter containing encapsulated oil. The sample with the oil additive was characterized by two components of relaxation time T1 and three components of relaxation time T2. There was an inverse correlation between the dynamic viscosity of the batters and the spin–spin relaxation times T21 and T22. The temperature courses of the modulus of elasticity in all the systems exhibited three areas of change (20–43 °C, 43–60 °C, and >60 °C). The highest dynamics of change in the modulus of elasticity was observed for the initial and final temperature range (60–85 °C).CONCLUSIONSThe samples with the oil and microcapsule additives exhibited higher elastic energy accumulation capacity and dynamic viscosity than the control batter within the whole heating range. The fish oil microcapsules improved the mechanical properties of poultry sausage batters and their water‐binding properties. This may increase the juiciness and microbiological stability of the finished products. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of an ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐charged aerosol detection/UV method for the quantitation of linear polyethylenimines in oligonucleotide polyplexes
Authors: Socia Adam , Liu Yong , Zhao Yuejie , Abend Andreas , Wuelfing W. Peter 
Published: August 2020

AbstractLinear polyethylenimines are polycationic excipients that have found many pharmaceutical applications, including as a delivery vehicle for gene therapy through formation of polyplexes with oligonucleotides. Accurate quantitation of linear polyethylenimines in both starting solution and formulation containing oligonucleotide/polyethylenimine polyplexes is critical. Existing methods using spectroscopy, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry time‐of‐flight, or nuclear magnetic resonance are either complex or suffer from low selectivity. Here, the development and performance of a simple analytical method is described whereby linear polyethylenimines are resolved by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography and quantified using either a charged aerosol detector or an ultraviolet detector. For formulated oligonucleotide/polyethylenimine polyplexes, sample preparation through decomplexation/digestion by trifluoroacetic acid was necessary to eliminate separation interference. The method can be used not only to support formulation development but also to monitor the synthesis/purification and characterization of linear polyethylenimines.
Prognostic and clinicopathological significance of the platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio in melanoma: A meta‐analysis involving 2099 patients
Authors: Han Sai‐Nan , Feng Shi‐Jun , Liu Yuan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTo investigate the prognostic role of the platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in melanoma through a meta‐analytical method. The literature was searched using the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus electronic platforms. Hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Begg's test and Egger's test were used to assess potential publication bias. A total of eight retrospective cohort studies involving 2099 patients were included in the meta‐analysis. No significant association between the PLR and OS was found (HR = 1.39; 95% CI = 0.97‐1.99;P= .075). There was also a nonsignificant correlation between the PLR and PFS (HR = 1.49; 95% CI = 0.98‐2.27;P= .065). In addition, there was no significant association between the PLR and sex (odds ratio [OR] = 1.14; 95% CI = 0.23‐5.66;P= .869) or age (OR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.41‐1.59;P= .539). No significant publication bias was found in this meta‐analysis. The pooled analysis suggests that the PLR may not be a significant prognostic marker in patients with melanoma.
Does Nasal Secretion Decrease in Sjögren Syndrome and Does This Affect Nasal Function?
Authors: Eren Erdem , Balcı Koray , Gerçik Önay , Kabadayı Gökhan , Akar Servet 
Published: August 2020

ObjectiveSjögren syndrome is a systemic inflammatory disease causing gland dysfunction. Few (and contradictory) reports on the mucosal effects of Sjögren syndrome have appeared. Here, we objectively demonstrate nasal dryness in Sjögren syndrome patients and explore the effect of such dryness on olfaction.MethodsThirty‐four consecutive patients with primary Sjögren syndrome were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. The control group consisted of 21 age‐ and sex‐matched volunteers. Medical histories and nasal findings were recorded. The Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center test was used to evaluate olfactory function. All subjects underwent mucucociliary clearance analysis (the saccharin test and peak nasal inspiratory flowmetry). The intranasal Schirmer test was used to evaluate the nasal cavity.ResultsThe nasal Schirmer test scores were 8.4 mm (right) and 8 mm (left) (P = .041, P = .016, respectively, compared to controls). The Chi‐squared test revealed significant differences (compared to controls) in nasal dryness (P = .001), postnasal drip (P = .04), and smell (a decrease) (P = .005). Neither olfactory function nor mucociliary clearance differed between the groups. We noted a trend toward a positive correlation between olfactory function and the nasal Schirmer score but statistical significance was not attained.ConclusionThe intranasal Schirmer test objectively showed that Sjögren syndrome patients exhibited nasal cavity dryness; this is useful in terms of follow‐up. This did not affect olfactory function.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:370–373, 2021
Monitoring desertification in semiarid Brazil: Using the Desertification Degree Index (DDI)
Authors: Vendruscolo Jhony , Perez Marin Aldrin M. , dos Santos Felix Evaldo , Ferreira Karoline R. , Cavalheiro Wanderson C. S. , Fernandes Izaias M. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDesertification is a phenomenon that takes place in the arid, semiarid and dry subhumid areas of the Planet. Although its causes and consequences are well known, data and robust information are often insufficient to provide indicators that allow desertification effects to be measured precisely and efficiently. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to introduce a methodology for the drafting of a monitoring index for desertification, with indicators of vegetal coverage, taking the semiarid area of Paraiba State, Brazil, as the test example. For this purpose, we analyzed conserved and desertified areas (22 pairs), in which we evaluated the following parameters: woody species richness, woody plant density, canopy height, mean basal circumference, mean circumference at breast height and total absolute dominance. First, we selected the indicators, calculated the areas of coverage and measured the reference values. Subsequently, we obtained masses for the indicators, and developed and tested the desertification degree index (DDI). The DDI showed 99% accuracy and 95% efficiency, respectively, and was able to select indicators and evaluate the level of desertification in the test areas. The methodology is simple, inexpensive and replicable in other regions of the world as a means of monitoring and planning strategies to counter desertification.
Utility of Mac‐2 Binding Protein Glycosylation Isomer to Evaluate Graft Status After Liver Transplantation
Authors: Kimura Yusuke , Taura Kojiro , Hai Nam Nguyen , Uemoto Yusuke , Yoshino Kenji , Ikeno Yoshinobu , Okuda Yukihiro , Nishio Takahiro , Yamamoto Gen , Tanabe Kazutaka , Koyama Yukinori , Anazawa Takayuki , Fukumitsu Ken , Ito Takashi , Yagi Shintaro , Kamo Naoko , Seo Satoru , Iwaisako Keiko , Hata Koichiro , Imai Takumi , Uemoto Shinji 
Published: August 2020

Mac‐2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) is a novel liver fibrosis biomarker, but there are few studies on M2BPGi in liver transplantation (LT) recipients. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of M2BPGi measurement in LT recipients. We collected the clinicopathological data of 233 patients who underwent a liver biopsy at Kyoto University Hospital after LT between August 2015 and June 2019. The median values of M2BPGi in patients with METAVIR fibrosis stages F0, F1, F2, and ≥F3 were 0.61, 0.76, 1.16, and 1.47, respectively, whereas those in patients with METAVIR necroinflammatory indexes A0, A1, and ≥A2 were 0.53, 1.145, and 2.24, respectively. Spearman rank correlation test suggested that the necroinflammatory index had a stronger correlation to the M2BPGi value than the fibrosis stage. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of M2BPGi to predict ≥A1 was 0.75, which was significantly higher than that of any other liver fibrosis and inflammation marker. Patients with a rejection activity index (RAI) of ≥3 had a higher M2BPGi value than those with RAI ≤ 2 (P = 0.001). Patients with hepatitis C virus viremia had a higher M2BPGi value than sustained virological responders or those with other etiologies. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that M2BPGi values are more strongly influenced by necroinflammatory activity and revealed M2BPGi, which has been thought to be a so‐called fibrosis marker, as a disease activity marker in transplant recipients. M2BPGi measurement may be useful to detect early stage liver inflammation that cannot be detected by routine blood examination of LT recipients.
Highly Flexible Superhydrophobic Poly(Urethane Acrylate) Film for Applications Requiring High Optical Transparency
Authors: Hou Tian‐Feng , Shanmugasundaram Arunkumar , Kim Dong‐Su , Lee Dong‐Weon 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe present work elucidates the successful attempts toward the development of a highly transparent, flexible, and superhydrophobic (HTFS) film. The HTFS film is obtained by introducing graphene oxide (GO) into micropillar‐patterned poly(urethane acrylate) (PUA), followed by siloxane functionalization via chemical vapor deposition. The fabricated SPG2 film (siloxane‐functionalized PUA incorporated with 0.1 wt% of GO) exhibits a water advancing contact angle, water receding contact angle, and sliding angle of 155.5 ± 0.3°, 143.4 ± 0.6°, and 9 ± 0.4°, respectively. The SPG2 film also exhibits an optical transmittance of ≈84% at 550 nm. Mechanical wearable tests demonstrate no significant degradation in the self‐cleaning properties and optical transparency. The fabricated HTFS film (SPG2) is used as a protective layer for a solar module. This solar module shows improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) compared to that of a bare solar module owing to the high optical transparency and light‐trapping effect of the fabricated film that reduce the light reflectance. Furthermore, the SPG2‐protected solar cell demonstrates superior PCE under different surface contamination conditions comparing to other cells. The fabricated micropatterned SPG2 film can be used for various outdoor applications that require high optical transparency, flexibility, and superior self‐cleaning performance.
Pentaplex real‐time PCR for differential detection of Yersinia pestis and Y. pseudotuberculosis and application for testing fleas collected during plague epizootics
Authors: Bai Ying , Motin Vladimir , Enscore Russell E. , Osikowicz Lynn , Rosales Rizzo Maria , Hojgaard Andrias , Kosoy Michael , Eisen Rebecca J. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractUpon acquiring two unique plasmids (pMT1 and pPCP1) and genome rearrangement during the evolution from Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, the plague causative agent Y. pestis is closely related to Y. pseudotuberculosis genetically but became highly virulent. We developed a pentaplex real‐time PCR assay that not only detects both Yersinia species but also differentiates Y. pestis strains regarding their plasmid profiles. The five targets used were Y. pestis‐specific ypo2088, caf1, and pst located on the chromosome, plasmids pMT1 and pPCP1, respectively; Y. pseudotuberculosis‐specific chromosomal gene opgG; and 18S ribosomal RNA gene as an internal control for flea DNA. All targets showed 100% specificity and high sensitivity with limits of detection ranging from 1 fg to 100 fg, with Y. pestis‐specific pst as the most sensitive target. Using the assay, Y. pestis strains were differentiated 100% by their known plasmid profiles. Testing Y. pestis and Y. pseudotuberculosis‐spiked flea DNA showed there is no interference from flea DNA on the amplification of targeted genes. Finally, we applied the assay for testing 102 fleas collected from prairie dog burrows where prairie dog die‐off was reported months before flea collection. All flea DNA was amplified by 18S rRNA; no Y. pseudotuberculosis was detected; one flea was positive for all Y. pestis‐specific targets, confirming local Y. pestis transmission. Our results indicated the assay is sensitive and specific for the detection and differentiation of Y. pestis and Y. pseudotuberculosis. The assay can be used in field investigations for the rapid identification of the plague causative agent.
Characterization of tissue‐specific pre‐log Bayesian CT reconstruction by texture–dose relationship
Authors: Gao Yongfeng , Liang Zhengrong , Xing Yuxiang , Zhang Hao , Pomeroy Marc , Lu Siming , Ma Jianhua , Lu Hongbing , Moore William 
Published: August 2020

PurposeTissue textures have been recognized as biomarkers for various clinical tasks. In computed tomography (CT) image reconstruction, it is important but challenging to preserve the texture when lowering x‐ray exposure from full‐ toward low‐/ultra‐low dose level. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the texture–dose relationship within one tissue‐specific pre‐log Bayesian CT reconstruction algorithm.MethodsTo enhance the texture in ultra‐low dose CT (ULdCT) reconstruction, this paper presents a Bayesian type algorithm. A shifted Poisson model is adapted to describe the statistical properties of pre‐log data, and a tissue‐specific Markov random field prior (MRFt) is used to incorporate tissue texture from previous full‐dose CT, thus called SP‐MRFt algorithm. Utilizing the SP‐MRFt algorithm, we investigated tissue texture degradation as a function of x‐ray dose levels from full dose (100 mAs/120 kVp) to ultralow dose (1 mAs/120 kVp) by using quantitative texture‐based evaluation metrics.ResultsExperimental results show the SP‐MRFt algorithm outperforms conventional filtered back projection (FBP) and post‐log domain penalized weighted least square MRFt (PWLS‐MRFt) in terms of noise suppression and texture preservation. Comparable results are also obtained with shifted Poisson model with 7 × 7 Huber MRF weights (SP‐Huber7). The investigation on texture–dose relationship shows that the quantified texture measures drop monotonically as dose level decreases, and interestingly a turning point is observed on the texture–dose response curve.ConclusionsThis important observation implies that there exists a minimum dose level, at which a given CT scanner (hardware configuration and image reconstruction software) can achieve without compromising clinical tasks. Moreover, the experiment results show that the variance of electronic noise has higher impact than the mean to the texture–dose relationship.
Cerebral oxygen extraction fraction: Comparison of dual‐gas challenge calibrated BOLD with CBF and challenge‐free gradient echo QSM+qBOLD
Authors: Cho Junghun , Ma Yuhan , Spincemaille Pascal , Pike Gilbert Bruce , Wang Yi 
Published: August 2020

PurposeTo compare cortical gray matter oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) estimated from 2 MRI methods: (1) the quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) plus quantitative blood oxygen level dependent imaging (qBOLD) (QSM+qBOLD or QQ), and (2) the dual‐gas calibrated‐BOLD (DGCB) in healthy subjects; and to investigate the validity of iso‐cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen consumption assumption during hypercapnia using QQ.MethodsIn 10 healthy subjects, 3 tesla MRI including a multi‐echo gradient echo sequence at baseline and hypercapnia for QQ, as well as an EPI dual‐echo pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling for DGCB, were performed under a hypercapnic and a hyperoxic condition. OEFs from QQ and DGCB were compared using region of interest analysis and paired t test. For QQ, cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen consumption = cerebral blood flow*OEF*arterial oxygen content was generated for both baseline and hypercapnia, which were compared.ResultsAverage OEF in cortical gray matter across 10 subjects from QQ versus DGCB was 35.5 ± 6.7% versus 38.0 ± 9.1% (P = .49) at baseline and 20.7 ± 4.4% versus 28.4 ± 7.6% (P = .02) in hypercapnia: OEF in cortical gray matter was significantly reduced as measured in QQ (P < .01) and in DGCB (P < .01). Cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen consumption (in μmol O2/min/100 g) was 168.2 ± 54.1 at baseline from DGCB and was 153.1 ± 33.8 at baseline and 126.4 ± 34.2 (P < .01) in hypercapnia from QQ.ConclusionThe differences in OEF obtained from QQ and DGCB are small and nonsignificant at baseline but are statistically significant during hypercapnia. In addition, QQ shows a cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen consumption decrease (17.4%) during hypercapnia.
MR electrical properties imaging using a generalized image‐based method
Authors: Soullié Paul , Missoffe Alexia , Ambarki Khalid , Felblinger Jacques , Odille Freddy 
Published: August 2020

PurposeTo develop a fast and easy‐to‐use electrical properties tomography (EPT) method based on a single MR scan, avoiding both the need of a B1‐map and transceive phase assumption, and that is robust against noise.TheoryDerived from Maxwell’s equations, conductivity, and permittivity are reconstructed from a new partial differential equation involving the product of the RF fields and its derivatives. This also allows us to clarify and revisit the relevance of common assumptions of MREPT.MethodsOur new governing equation is solved using a 3D finite‐difference scheme and compared to previous frameworks. The benefits of our method over selected existing MREPT methods are demonstrated for different simulation models, as well as for both an inhomogeneous agar phantom gel and in vivo brain data at 3T.ResultsSimulation and experimental results are illustrated to highlight the merits of the proposed method over existing methods. We show the validity of our algorithm in versatile configurations, with many transition regions notably. Complex admittivity maps are also provided as a complementary MR contrast.ConclusionBecause it avoids time‐consuming RF field mapping and generalizes the use of standard MR image for electrical properties reconstruction, this contribution is promising as a new step forward for clinical applications.
Attributes associated with person‐centered care competence among undergraduate nursing students
Authors: Park Eunhye , Choi JiSun 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPerson‐centered care is widely recognized as a promising practice to improve patient care quality. However, little is known about the competencies of nursing students who are essential to providing high‐quality person‐centered care. In this study, relevant attributes, including professional nursing competence, empathy, and self‐awareness, were examined in relation to person‐centered care competence among South Korean nursing students while controlling for individual characteristics, including age, gender, religion, and academic performance. Data were collected from 213 senior students enrolled in four nursing schools in South Korea from November 15 to 30, 2017. The mean age of the nursing students in the sample was 23 years. Data were analyzed using multiple regression analyses while accounting for the students nested in their schools. Professional nursing competence and empathy were strongly associated with person‐centered care competence among nursing students. Of the five aspects of professional nursing competence, human understanding and communication skills were the most likely to be associated with person‐centered care competence. Moreover, there were few variations across nursing schools in the levels of professional nursing competence. Our findings corroborate the importance of developing better communication skills and empathy to improve and maintain person‐centered care competence among nursing students who belong to a new generation.
Optimizing the performance of the feedback controller for state‐based switching bilinear systems
Authors: Lin Shu , Li Dewei , Schutter Bart 
Published: August 2020

SummaryThis article is concerned with the design and performance optimization of feedback controllers for state‐based switching bilinear systems (SBLSs), where subsystems take the form of bilinear systems in different state space polyhedra. First, by further dividing the subregions into smaller regions and designing region‐dependent feedback controllers in the resulting regions, the SBLSs can be transformed into corresponding switching linear systems (SLSs). Then, for these SLSs, by imposing contractility conditions on the Lyapunov functions, an upper bound on the infinite horizon quadratic cost can be obtained. Optimizing this upper bound yields the controller design. The optimization problem is formulated as a linear matrix inequalities optimization problem, which can be solved efficiently. Finally, the stability of the close‐loop system under the proposed controller is established step by step through a decreasing overall Lyapunov function.
Osteosarcoma
Authors: Eaton Bree R. , Schwarz Rudolf , Vatner Ralph , Yeh Brian , Claude Line , Indelicato Daniel J. , Laack Nadia 
Published: August 2020

AbstractOsteosarcoma is a rare tumor that requires complex multidisciplinary management. This paper reviews the general management and standard radiotherapy guidelines for osteosarcoma in both North America and Europe in a joined effort between the Children's Oncology Group and International Society of Pediatric Oncology. Standard treatment involves multiagent induction chemotherapy followed by surgical resection for local tumor control and consolidation local control to metastatic sites. Radiotherapy is reserved for cases with a marginal or incomplete resection or for definitive treatment in the case of unresectable disease. We present supporting data for the role of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy.