bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Model‐Based Approach to Improve Clinical Outcomes in Neonates With Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome Using Real‐World Data
Authors: Wijekoon Nadeesri , Aduroja Oluwatobi , Biggs Jessica M. , El‐Metwally Dina , Gopalakrishnan Mathangi 
Published: October 2020

At least 60% of the neonates with opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) require morphine to control withdrawal symptoms. Currently, the morphine dosing strategies are empiric, not optimal and associated with longer hospital stay. The aim of the study was to develop a quantitative, model‐based, real‐world data‐driven approach to morphine dosing to improve clinical outcomes, such as reducing time on treatment. Longitudinal morphine dose, clinical response (Modified Finnegan Score (MFS)), and baseline risk factors were collected using a retrospective cohort design from the electronic medical records of neonates with NOWS (N = 177) admitted to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A dynamic linear mixed effects model was developed to describe the relationship between MFS and morphine dose adjusting for baseline risk factors using a split‐sample data approach (70% training: 30% test). The training model was evaluated in the test dataset using a simulation based approach. Maternal methadone and benzodiazepine use, and race were significant predictors of the MFS response. Positive autocorrelations of 0.56 and 0.12 were estimated between consecutive MFS responses. On an average, for a 1,000 μg increase in the morphine dose, the MFS decreased by 0.3 units. The model evaluation showed that observed and predicted median time on treatment were similar (13.0 vs. 13.8 days). A model‐based framework was developed to describe the MFS–morphine dose relationship using real‐world data that could potentially be used to develop an adaptive, individualized morphine dosing strategy to improve clinical outcomes in infants with NOWS.
Adapting to the Coronavirus Pandemic: Building and Incorporating a Diagnostic Pipeline in a Shared Resource Laboratory
Authors: Russell Emma , Agua‐Doce Ana , Carr Lotte , Malla Asha , Bartolovic Kerol , Levi Dina , Henderson Carl , Das Debipriya , Rhys Hefin , Hobson Philip , Purewal Sukhveer , Riddell Andrew 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn March 2020, with lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic underway, the Francis Crick Institute (the Crick) regeared its research laboratories into clinical testing facilities. Two pipelines were established, one for polymerase chain reaction and the other for Serology. This article discusses the Cricks Flow Cytometry Science Technology Platform (Flow STP) role in setting up the Serology pipeline. Pipeline here referring to the overarching processes in place to facilitate the receipt of human sera through to a SARs‐CoV‐2 enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay result. We examine the challenges that had to be overcome by a research laboratory to incorporate clinical diagnostics and the processes by which this was achieved. It describes the governance required to run the service, the design of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and pipeline, the setting up of the assay, the validation required to show the robustness of the pipeline and reporting the results of the assay. Finally, as the lockdown started to ease in June 2020, it examines how this new service affects the daily running of the Flow STP. © 2020 The Authors. Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
Non‐human papilloma virus associated adenocarcinomas of the cervix uteri. Cytologic features and diagnostic agreement using whole slide digital cytology imaging
Authors: Negri Giovanni , Macciocu Elena , Cepurnaite Rima , Kasal Armin , Troncone Giancarlo , Steinkasserer Martin , Vittadello Fabio 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundNon‐Human Papilloma Virus associated adenocarcinomas (NHPVAs) are uncommon tumors of the cervix uteri which often show a deceptive morphology. Therefore, their diagnostic assessment may be challenging. Slide digital cytology imaging may be an useful tool to improve cytological diagnostic accuracy. However, this novel technology has not been applied to NHPVAs associated cytologies yet.MethodsThe study included 31 whole slide digital cytology cases from 10 women with a proven histological diagnosis of NHPVA. As a control group, three further digital slides, from two women with a histological diagnosis of squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL), were included. The digitally scanned cytological slides were revised to assess the concordance rate among three observers and to find out the most relevant NHPVA cytological criteria.ResultsOverall diagnostic agreement between observers was 67.60% (K = 0.50; P < 0.0001). At the consensus diagnosis 34 cases were re‐classified as at least suspicious for glandular lesion (n = 24), SIL (n = 2) and negative (n = 8). The most relevant cytologic features for atypical glandular cells or adenocarcinoma at consensus were evident nucleoli, nuclear overlapping and atypical enlarged nuclei.ConclusionsThe diagnosis of NHPVA in digital cytology is feasible using criteria which are also used in conventional microscopy. Our study shows a moderate agreement for the cytological diagnosis of NHPVAs using whole slide digital cytology approach. These results are discussed taking into account the most relevant differential diagnostic issues.
Fully automated dried blood spot sample handling and extraction for serological testing of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies
Authors: Gaugler Stefan , Sottas Pierre‐Edouard , Blum Katharina , Luginbühl Marc 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAt the beginning of 2020, an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) reached pandemic dimensions. Throughout the event, diagnostic tests function as an essential tool for understanding, mitigating, and implement strategies to curb and reduce infections. Here, we present a novel method for the fully automated dried blood spot (DBS) sample handling and extraction for serological testing of human IgG antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2 using a commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing kit. This proof‐of‐principle pilot study successfully demonstrates the recovery of antibodies in their intact form from DBS using automated, direct sample elution within 100 μl of extraction buffer. The use of minimally invasive DBS sampling provides an alternative to existing analytical procedures such as sampling by venipuncture or nasal swabs. Due to the ease of DBS collection, no third party need be involved, making at‐home sampling possible (e.g., during quarantine).
Monitoring for freshwater mussel presence in rivers using environmental DNA
Authors: Preece Ellen P. , Bryan Michael , Mapes Samantha M. , Wademan Cara , Dorazio Robert 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn 2013, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) updated its national recommended water quality criteria for the protection of aquatic life from the toxic effects of ammonia in freshwaters. From its updated national dataset, USEPA determined freshwater mussels in the family Unionidae were the most sensitive taxa to ammonia. Thus, it has become necessary to determine whether freshwater mussels exist in waterbodies near discharge locations from Publically Owned Treatment Works (POTWs), to ensure that POTWs are regulated appropriately with regard to ammonia levels in their treated effluent. However, because mussels are notoriously difficult to detect using traditional survey methodologies, most POTWs have not determined whether freshwater mussels exist in their receiving waters. Environmental DNA (eDNA) presents a promising methodology to survey for freshwater mussels in POTW receiving waters. We developed and validated a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay for the three freshwater mussel taxa that are currently known to exist in California's Central Valley. We then placed a cage with 20 Gonidea angulata into a riverine environment and collected water samples at evenly spaced downstream intervals to determine how habitat type and distance from the caged mussels affected eDNA detection. Using two‐stage occupancy modeling, we determined higher detection probabilities occur in riffle habitats compared to pool or run habitats. We also found surface samples work well for collecting freshwater mussel eDNA in riffle habitats, but are less likely to capture mussel eDNA in pools or runs. The maximum downstream distance at which the eDNA from the 20 placed G. angulata mussels was detected was 8 km. Our study demonstrates that eDNA is a reliable tool for determining freshwater mussel presence in riverine systems, but that sampling should consider habitat type, distance between sampling locations, and time of year for the most effective results.
Genotypic and antimicrobial resistance characterizations of Cronobacter sakazakii isolated from powdered milk infant formula: A comparison between domestic and imported products
Authors: Pakbin Babak , Mahmoudi Razzagh , Mousavi Shaghayegh , Allahyari Samaneh , Amani Zahra , Peymani Amir , Qajarbeygi Peyman , Hoseinabadi Zahra 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCronobacter sakazakii, an opportunistic foodborne pathogen and a main cause of meningitis in neonates, is usually isolated from powdered milk infant formula (PMIF). At the present study, C. sakazakii were isolated from imported and domestically produced PMIF samples and identified by detection of ompA gene using real‐time PCR SYBR green melting curve following the evaluation of antimicrobial susceptibility and genotyping of the isolates employing BOX‐PCR and RAPD methods. We detected totally 5% contamination rate and a significantly higher prevalence of C. sakazakii in bulky imported domestically packaged PMIF samples. Also, our isolates were recognized as multidrug‐resistant pathogen completely resistant to ampicillin and amoxicillin; and intermediately resistant to ciprofloxacin and tetracycline antimicrobials. Genotype clustering patterns of bulky imported and imported product isolates were identical by both genotyping methods. Far genetic relatedness of domestic isolate to other isolates and the reference strain indicated higher genetic diversity of the domestic isolate genome. Multidrug resistance and diverse population genetic make complicated situation for determination of strategies for infectious disease prevention.
Prewash and postwash total progressively motile sperm counts have poor predictive value for clinical pregnancy after intrauterine insemination
Authors: Liu Shuai , Chen Zhiheng , Wang Hui , Yang Li , Ma Caiqi , Sun Ling 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the predictive value of the prewash and postwash total progressively motile sperm counts (TPMSC) on clinical pregnancy after intrauterine insemination (IUI) .MethodsA review of medical records of women undergoing 2064 IUI cycles in a university hospital between April 2010 and October 2018.ResultsNo pregnancies were seen when the prewash TPMSC was less than 9 million or the postwash TPMSC was less than 2 million. There was no correlation between TPMSC and clinical pregnancies. Further analysis was made in pregnancies after prewash TPMSC of 3–10 million and more than 10 million, and after postwash TPMSC of 10–100 million and more than 100 million. No correlation was found between TPMSC and clinical pregnancy in different strata of female age, infertility duration, type of infertility, type of IUI treatment, and the number of treatment cycles. A negative relationship was found for unstimulated IUI treatment and the number of treatment cycles. The prewash and postwash TPMSC showed no predictive value.ConclusionPrewash and postwash TPMSC have poor predictive value for clinical pregnancy in IUI. Cycles with a prewash TPMSC of 10–100 million or postwash TPMSC of 3–10 million could achieve acceptable pregnancy rates with IUI.
The effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on maternal health due to delay in seeking health care: Experience from a tertiary center
Authors: Goyal Manu , Singh Pratibha , Singh Kuldeep , Shekhar Shashank , Agrawal Neha , Misra Sanjeev 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on obstetric care and outcomes.MethodsA prospective observational single‐center study was performed, including all antenatal and parturient women admitted from April to August, 2020. Data were collected regarding number of admissions, deliveries, antenatal visits, reason for inaccessibility of health care, and complications during pregnancy, and compared with data from the pre‐COVID period of October 2019 to February 2020.ResultsThere was a reduction of 45.1% in institutional deliveries (P < 0.001), a percentage point increase of 7.2 in high‐risk pregnancy, and 2.5‐fold rise in admission to the intensive care unit of pregnant women during the pandemic. One‐third of women had inadequate antenatal visits. The main reason for delayed health‐seeking was lockdown and fear of contracting infection, resulting in 44.7% of pregnancies with complications. Thirty‐two symptomatic women who tested positive for COVID‐19 were managed at the center with good maternal and fetal outcomes.ConclusionAlthough COVID‐19 does not directly affect pregnancy outcomes, it has indirect adverse effects on maternal and child health. Emergency obstetric and antenatal care are essential services to be continued with awareness of people while maintaining social distancing and personal hygiene.
Dependence of the nonlinear behaviour stability of a ZnO nanoparticle‐Bi2O3‐Mn2O3‐based varistor system on cooling rates during ceramic processing
Authors: Sendi Rabab Khaled , Ali Afaf M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA conventional ceramic processing method was applied to manufacture high‐density 20‐nm ZnO‐Bi2O3‐Mn2O3 varistor ceramics. Different cooling rates in the range of 135–540°C/h led to a relatively slight influence on the microstructure, varistor voltage, and leakage current. In contrast, these rates strongly affected the nonlinear exponent. The specific surface area of the 20‐nm ZnO nanoparticle may have led to an intense solid‐state reaction even at a low cooling rate. Superior nonlinearity, with 59.7 μA nonlinear current leakage and 273.5 μA leakage current, was achieved at the 135°C/h cooling rate. The differences in the cooling rates led to a remarkable change in the material's stability under direct current (DC)‐accelerated aging stress in the following order: 135°C/hr ˃ 270°C/hr˃405°C/hr ˃ 540°C/hr.
Synthesis of bis(1,5‐disubstituted tetrazoles) via double four component Azido‐Ugi reaction
Authors: Dehghan Negin , Nasr‐Isfahani Hossein , Sarvary Afshin , Bakherad Mohammad 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA double four component Azido‐Ugi reaction of isocyanide, TMSN3, aldehyde, and 4,4′‐sulfonyldianiline with two amine functional groups in MeOH at 65°C has been described. The synthesis of pharmacologically and structurally interesting compounds with two 1,5‐disubstituted tetrazole rings via a reaction from available and inexpensive reagents under a convenient process and mild reaction conditions has been reported. Modifications in the structure of the reaction product could be followed by varying the aldehyde or isocyanide component. The products are new and were well described by Mass, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectral studies.
Crossed Cerebellar Diaschisis in Patients With Symptomatic Unilateral Anterior Circulation Stroke Is Associated With Hemodynamic Impairment in the IpsilateralMCATerritory
Authors: Sebök Martina , van Niftrik Christiaan Hendrik Bas , Piccirelli Marco , Muscas Giovanni , Pangalu Athina , Wegener Susanne , Stippich Christoph , Regli Luca , Fierstra Jorn 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundIn patients with steno‐occlusive disease, recent findings suggest that hemodynamic alterations may also be associated with crossed cerebellar diaschisis (CCD) rather than a functional disruption alone.PurposeTo use a quantitative multiparametric hemodynamic MRI to gain a better understanding of hemodynamic changes related to CCD in patients with unilateral anterior circulation stroke.Study TypeProspective cohort study.PopulationTwenty‐four patients (25 datasets) with symptomatic unilateral anterior circulation stroke.Field Strength/Sequence3T/two sequences: single‐shot (echo‐planar imaging) EPI sequence and T2*gradient echo perfusion‐weighted imaging study.AssessmentThe presence of CCD was inferred from the cerebellar asymmetry index (CAI) of the blood oxygenation‐level dependent cerebrovascular reactivity (BOLD‐CVR) exam, which was calculated from the mean BOLD‐CVR and standard deviation of the CAI of the healthy control group. For all perfusion‐weighted (PW)‐MRI parameters, the cerebellar and middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory asymmetry indices were calculated.Statistical TestsIndependent Student'st‐test to compare the variables from the CCD positive(+) and CCD negative(–) groups and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to statistically control the effect of covariates (infarct volume and time since ischemia onset).ResultsCCD was present in 33% of patients. In the MCA territory of the affected hemisphere, BOLD‐CVR was significantly more impaired in the CCD(+) group as compared to the CCD(–) group (mean BOLD‐CVR ± SD [%BOLD signal/ΔmmHgCO2]: –0.03 ± 0.12 vs. 0.11 ± 0.13,P < 0.05). Moreover, the mean transit time (MTT) (asymmetry index (%) CCD(+) vs. CCD(–): 28 ± 23 vs. 4 ± 11,P < 0.05) and time to peak (TTP) (10 ± 10 vs. 2 ± 5,P < 0.05) in the MCA territory of the affected hemisphere were significantly prolonged, while cerebral blood volume was, on average, increased in the CCD(+) group (25 ± 15 vs. 4 ± 19,P < 0.05).Data ConclusionOur findings show that, in patients with symptomatic unilateral anterior circulation stroke, CCD is associated with hemodynamic impairment in the ipsilateral MCA territory, which further supports the concept of a vascular component of CCD.Level of Evidence3Technical Efficacy Stage3
Extreme temperature and rainfall events in Bangladesh: A comparison between coastal and inland areas
Authors: Abdullah Abu Yousuf Md. , Bhuian Md. Hanif , Kiselev Grigory , Dewan Ashraf , Hassan Quazi K. , Rafiuddin M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAlthough coastal and inland areas of Bangladesh exhibit distinct physiographic and climatic characteristics, spatiotemporal variation of extreme climatic events is poorly understood in these two areas. This study was an attempt to understand the trends in extreme climatic events in coastal and inland areas over the period 1968–2018. The missing data in daily maximum and minimum temperature, and daily rainfall datasets were imputed using the multiple imputation by chained equations technique and implementing a predictive mean matching algorithm. The imputed datasets were then tested for inhomogeneity using the penalized maximal t and modified penalized maximal F tests. A quantile matching algorithm was then applied to homogenize the datasets, which were then used for generating 13 extreme temperature and 9 extreme rainfall indices. The trends were assessed using the Trend Free Pre‐whitened Mann–Kendall test and the magnitudes of the changes were determined using the Thiel–Sen slope estimator. Additionally, standardized anomalies were calculated to understand the seasonal variability of temperature and rainfall over the past five decades. Results suggested that both coastal and inland areas were warming significantly but coastal areas exhibited a higher rate of warming. Although most of the extreme rainfall indices showed statistically non‐significant changes for coastal and inland stations, there is evidence of localized dryness and increased rainfall at individual stations. In particular, the drought‐prone northwestern region of the country experienced decreased rainfall, which is discordant to the results of previous studies. Findings from this study highlighted important local and regional‐scale changes in extreme climate events that were previously overlooked. The findings of this study can help undertake targeted climate change adaptation strategies to save population and resources.
Risk of reinfection after two‐ or multiple‐stage knee revision surgery using superficial vancomycin coating and conventional spacers
Authors: Amerstorfer Florian , Schober Martina , Valentin Thomas , Klim Sebastian , Leithner Andreas , Fischerauer Stefan , Glehr Mathias 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis study investigates the effect of superficial vancomycin coating (SVC) in two‐ or more‐stage exchange procedures of prosthetic knee joint infections. We hypothesized that spacer treatment with SVC result in lower reinfection rates than conventional spacers after prosthetic reimplantation. Our secondary aim was to determine the demographic and treatment factors associated with reinfection rates. This retrospective cohort study compromised 96 cases with prosthetic knee infections. Twenty‐four cases were treated with a temporary SVC spacer and 72 cases with conventional spacers. Prosthetic reinfection occurred after a median observation period of 1.7 ± 4.0 years in 24 cases (25%). The prevalence of having a reinfection was not significantly different between the two treatment groups (13% [3 cases] in the SVC group vs. 29% [21 cases] in the conventional spacer group [p = .104]). In seven cases (7.3%), two in the SVC group (8.3%) and five (6.9%) in the conventional spacer group (p ≥ .999), histological, respectively microbiological evaluations from the intraoperative specimens revealed persistent infection at the second stage. Nevertheless, in all seven cases no significant higher risk of periprosthetic reinfection was observed during follow‐up (p = .750). Our secondary investigation of cofactors revealed that spacers additionally stabilized by nails were significantly associated with a 3.9‐fold higher hazard ratio of sustaining a reinfection of revision prosthesis (p = .005).
Skimmin protects diabetic cardiomyopathy in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Liang Rui‐Kai , Zhao Yun‐Yun , Shi Mei‐Li , Zhang Gang , Zhao Yong‐Jun , Zhang Bing‐Gui , Liang Rui‐Jing 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSkimmin, a natural coumarin derivate, has been showed to be protective against experimental diabetic nephropathy; however, its protective effect on diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is not clarified. By using in vitro and in vivo models, we investigated skimmin's protective effect on impaired heart tissues in DCM. DCM was induced by streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg) using Sprague Dawley rats, and diabetic rats were treated with either skimmin (15 or 30 mg/kg) or the vehicle for 16 weeks, and normal rats were used as a control. Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining were performed to evaluate the cardiac histopathology, and the oxidative stress and proinflammation cytokines in heart tissues were measured. The protein levels of key mediators in fibrosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy in heart tissues were investigated using western blotting. In vitro, primary neonatal cardiomyocytes were treated with skimmin (2 and 10 μM) under stimulation by high glucose (30 mM) and low glucose (5 mM) respectively, and the molecular mechanisms on pyroptosis and autophagy were studied. Compared to the vehicle‐treated DCM group, skimmin treatment significantly improved the ejection fraction and fractional shortening of the left ventricle and reduced the oxidative stress by increasing the glutathione level and activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Skimmin also reduced cardiac fibrosis, and decreased proinflammation cytokines in cardiac tissues. Mechanism studies showed skimmin may enhance the autophagy and ameliorate NLRP3 inflammasome activation to play a protective role in DCM. This study, for the first time, indicates that skimmin might be a promising lead compound for DCM.