bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Impact of Restrictive Lung Disease in Liver Transplant Candidates
Authors: DuBrock Hilary M. , Krowka Michael J. , Krok Karen , Forde Kimberly , Mottram Carl , Scanlon Paul , Al‐Naamani Nadine , Patel Mamta , McCormick Amber , Fallon Michael B. , Kawut Steven M. 
Published: May 2020

We investigated the prevalence of spirometric restriction in liver transplantation (LT) candidates and the clinical impacts of restriction. We performed a cross‐sectional study within the Pulmonary Vascular Complications of Liver Disease 2 (PVCLD2) study, a multicenter prospective cohort study of patients being evaluated for LT. Patients with obstructive lung disease or missing spirometry or chest imaging were excluded. Patients with and without restriction, defined as a forced vital capacity (FVC) <70% predicted, were compared. Restriction prevalence was 18.4% (63/343). Higher Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease–sodium score (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02‐1.11; P = 0.007), the presence of pleural effusions (OR, 3.59; 95% CI, 1.96‐6.58; P < 0.001), and a history of ascites (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.26‐5.33; P = 0.01) were associated with the presence of restriction, though one‐third with restriction had neither pleural effusions nor ascites. In multivariate analysis, restriction was significantly and independently associated with lower 6‐minute walk distances (least squares mean, 342.0 [95% CI, 316.6‐367.4] m versus 395.7 [95% CI, 381.2‐410.2] m; P < 0.001), dyspnea (OR, 2.69; 95% CI, 1.46‐4.95; P = 0.002), and lower physical component summary Short Form 36 scores indicating worse quality of life (least squares mean, 34.1 [95% CI, 31.5‐36.7] versus 38.2 [95% CI, 36.6‐39.7]; P = 0.004). Lower FVC percent predicted was associated with an increased risk of death (hazard ratio, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.04‐1.27 per 10‐point decrease in FVC percent predicted; P = 0.01). Restriction and abnormal lung function are common in LT candidates; can be present in the absence of an obvious cause, such as pleural effusions or ascites; and is associated with worse exercise capacity, quality of life, and survival.
Nutrient availability in tropical caves influences the dynamics of microbial biomass
Authors: Paula Caio César Pires de , Bichuette Maria Elina , Seleghim Mirna Helena Regali 
Published: May 2020

AbstractFew studies have evaluated the trophic level in tropical caves, and none related the microbial biomass dynamics in the immobilization of carbon and nitrogen. Here, four tropical caves of Terra Ronca State Park, Brazil, were studied: Angélica, São Bernardo, Terra Ronca I, and Terra Ronca II caves. Physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters (microbial biomass and respiration) were estimated in the dry and wet seasons. São Bernardo, Terra Ronca I, and Terra Ronca II caves presented higher nitrogen and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) values in the wet season than in the dry season. On the other hand, the Angélica cave showed larger amounts of nitrogen and lower MBN values in the dry season. These results indicate that caves can be adjusted in two ecological theories known as “stoichiometric decomposition” and “microbial nitrogen mining”—to the effects of nutrient availability on organic matter decomposition. The caves studied showed different environmental dynamics in relation to organic matter decomposition, which allows them to be considered unique and possess specific characteristics. Microbial biomass dynamics can be an important parameter to evaluate the availability of nutrients and ecological dynamics of the trophic network in subterranean environments.
Ropinirole Patch Versus Placebo, Ropinirole Extended‐Release Tablet in Advanced Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Hattori Nobutaka , Mochizuki Hideki , Hasegawa Kazuko , Nomoto Masahiro , Uchida Eiji , Terahara Takaaki , Okawa Koji , Fukuta Hiroyuki 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundA dopamine agonist patch is an important treatment option for PD.ObjectivesA randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted to evaluate superiority of ropinirole hydrochloride patch over placebo and noninferiority to ropinirole hydrochloride extended‐release tablet.MethodsPD patients using levodopa received ropinirole patch (up to 64 mg/d), ropinirole tablets (up to 16 mg/d), or placebo once‐daily (double‐dummy technique). The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in the total score for the UPDRS Part III (on state) at week 16.ResultsThe change of the least squares mean (95% confidence interval) in the UPDRS Part III total score was –9.8 (–10.8 to –8.7) with ropinirole patch, –4.3 (–5.8 to –2.8) with placebo, and –10.1 (–11.2 to –9.1) with ropinirole tablet. The difference between the ropinirole patch and placebo groups was –5.4 (–7.3 to –3.6), demonstrating superiority of the patch over placebo. The difference between the ropinirole patch and tablet groups was 0.3 (–1.2 to 1.8). The upper limit of the 95% confidence interval was smaller than the noninferiority limit of 2.5, demonstrating noninferiority of ropinirole patch to ropinirole tablet. In all three groups, most adverse events were mild or moderate and there were no serious safety concerns.ConclusionsOnce‐daily ropinirole patch was effective in advanced PD patients, having demonstrated superiority over placebo and noninferiority to ropinirole tablet, without causing serious safety problems. Ropinirole patch can be an alternative option for PD patients. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
In situ electrical stimulation for enhanced bone growth: A mini‐review
Authors: Khatua Chandra , Bhattacharya Dipten , Balla Vamsi Krishna 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe role of electrical stimuli in directing cellular activities during natural tissue healing and regeneration process has been well recognized. This observation has prompted the development and use of exogenous electrical stimulations in the treatment of delayed unions and non‐unions of bone fracture in different parts of the human skeletal system. Considerable amount of clinical evidences has also been generated on the benefits of exogenous bone growth stimulators. However, the clinical efficacy and safety of these exogenous electrical stimulating methods are being argued to be inconsistent and inconclusive, due to lack of sufficient number of well‐controlled, randomized clinical studies. As a result, there has been significant interest in the development of smart biomaterials, which can generate in situ electrical stimuli, for accelerated bone repair, healing and regeneration. These smart biomaterials are essentially either composite biomaterials containing electrically active materials or biomaterials that can be polarized. The primary objective of this mini review was to provide an overview of different exogenous electrical stimulation methods and biocomposites for in situ stimulation, which can be used for bone growth and healing. The first part is focused on exogenous stimulation methods, and the second part discusses the use of biocomposites containing electrically active materials such as piezoelectric materials and multiferroic materials for accelerated repair and regeneration of bone.
Protein Assays on Organic Electronics: Rational Device and Material Designs for Organic Transistor‐Based Sensors
Authors: Minamiki Tsukuru , Kubota Riku , Sasaki Yui , Asano Koichiro , Minami Tsuyoshi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractArtificial receptor‐based protein assays have various attractive features such as a long‐term stability, a low‐cost production process, and the ease of tuning the target specificity. However, such protein sensors are still immature compared with conventional immunoassays. To enhance the application potential of synthetic sensing materials, organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) are some of the suitable platforms for protein assays because of their solution processability, durability, and compact integration. Importantly, OFETs enable the electrical readout of the protein recognition phenomena of artificial receptors on sensing electrodes. Thus, we believe that OFETs functionalized with artificial protein receptors will be a powerful tool for the on‐site analyses of target proteins. In this Minireview, we summarize the recent progress of the OFET‐based protein assays including the rational design strategies for devices and sensing materials.
Management of monochorionic twins discordant for structural fetal anomalies
Authors: Corroenne Romain , Al Ibrahim Abdullah , Stirnemann Julien , Zayed Louay Hassan , Essaoui Mohamed , Russell Noirin E. , Chalouhi Gihad E. , Salomon Laurent J. , Ville Yves 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo review the perinatal management and outcomes of monochorionic twin pregnancies (MC) discordant for congenital anomalies (DCA).MethodsRetrospective, study of all MC DCA cases referred to our tertiary referral center from 1997 to 2018. We excluded cases complicated with twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome, twin anemia‐polycythemia sequence, twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence or selective intra‐uterine growth restriction. Patients were counseled about the possibility of expectant (EM) or interventional management (selective feticide [SF] or termination of the entire pregnancy [TOP]).ResultsOne hundred eight of 4157 (2.6%) MC pregnancies were discordant for anomaly. Fifty two of 108 n(48.1%) underwent SF at a mean gestational age of 31.4 ± 5.9 weeks while 52/108(48.1%) opted for EM. Livebirth rate of the healthy co‐twin was similar between the two groups (SF: 88.5% vs EM: 82.7%, P = .87). In the SF group, six healthy co‐twins (6/52, 11.5%) died 5.3 ± 3.1 days after SF of the abnormal co‐twin. In the EM group, in‐utero demise of the abnormal twin occurred in 9 of 52 (17.3%) of the cases and was followed by the spontaneous demise of the healthy co‐twin in 4 of 9 (44.4%) of these cases.ConclusionSelective feticide does not seem to significantly alter survival of the healthy co‐twin compared to EM.
Quality of reporting of drug exposure in pharmacoepidemiological studies
Authors: Hempenius Mirjam , Luijken Kim , de Boer Anthonius , Klungel Olaf , Groenwold Rolf , Gardarsdottir Helga 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPurposeExposure definitions vary across pharmacoepidemiological studies. Therefore, transparent reporting of exposure definitions is important for interpretation of published study results. We aimed to assess the quality of reporting of exposure to identify where improvement may be needed.MethodWe systematically reviewed observational pharmacoepidemiological studies that used routinely collected health data, published in 2017 in six pharmacoepidemiological journals. Reporting of exposure was scored using 11 items of the ISPE‐ISPOR guideline on reporting of pharmacoepidemiological studies.ResultsOf the 91 studies included, all studies reported the type of exposure (100%), while most reported the exposure risk window (85%) and the exposure assessment window (98%). Operationalization of the exposure window was described infrequently: 16% (14/90) of the studies explicitly reported the presence or absence of an induction period if applicable, 11% (5/47), and 35% (17/49) reported how stockpiling and gaps between exposure episodes were handled, respectively, and 35% (17/49) explicitly mentioned the exposure extension. Switching/add‐on was reported in 62% (50/81). How switching between drugs was dealt with and specific drug codes were reported in 52 (57%) and 24 (26%) studies, respectively.ConclusionPublications of pharmacoepidemiological studies frequently reported the type of exposure, the exposure risk window, and the exposure assessment window. However, more details on exposure assessment are needed, especially when it concerns the operationalization of the exposure risk window (eg, the presence or absence of an induction period or exposure extension, handling of stockpiling and gaps, and specific codes), to allow for correct interpretation, reproducibility, and assessment of validity.
The prevalence of hypercapnia during acute infection in children on chronic noninvasive ventilation: A retrospective study
Authors: Beyltjens Tessi , de Leede Sophie R. , van Eekelen Ine , van Ginneken Fleur F. W. , Wyckmans Evelyn , Installe Sophie , Van Hoorenbeeck Kim , Verhulst Stijn 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackground/AimChildren on chronic noninvasive ventilation are at risk for nonelective hospitalizations, mainly for acute infections. This study examined the prevalence of hypercapnia in children on chronic ventilatory support during an acute admission.MethodsThis retrospective study included children aged 0 to 18 years who regularly used bilevel positive airway pressure or continuous positive airway pressure at home, and who were diagnosed with an acute infection, and were hospitalized at the pediatrics department or pediatric intensive care unit. Capillary blood gas analysis and parameters of the built‐in software of the home ventilator were recorded.ResultsAmong the 43 cases included, hypercapnia was prevalent in 23% with a mean partial pressure of carbon dioxide of 51.7 ± 6.4 mm  Hg. These children also had lower oxygen saturation levels. The respiratory rate 48 hours before admission was significantly higher in the hypercapnic group and the volume guarantee mode was less frequently used in the hypercapnic group.ConclusionApproximately, a quarter of the cases of chronic home ventilation experience hypercapnia during an acute infection. Our data warrant a prospective study on the monitoring of respiratory rate in patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency as an indicator for hospitalizations with hypercapnia; we also recommend the use of volume guarantee mode of ventilation to prevent hypercapnia.
Generation of sodium halide endohedral metallofullerenes in the gas phase
Authors: Fan Xingting , Wang Yiyun , Kong Xianglei 
Published: May 2020

RationaleRecent theoretical calculations show that ionic bond encapsulated endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs) have great potential in the application of molecular electronic components. However, experimental study of these species is very limited, due to the difficulty in their generation. Thus, it is important to study the possibility and optimized conditions of these species generated in the gas phase.MethodsMixtures of graphene and metal halides (MX), where M = Na, K; and X = Cl, Br, I, were used as the precursors for the experiments. Mass spectra were obtained in positive ion mode by laser irradiation of these mixtures of graphene and metal halides using a 7.0 T Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometer equipped with a 355 nm YAG laser.ResultsEMF ions of NaCl@C+ 2n (2n = 120–244), NaBr@C+ 2n (2n = 110–240), and NaI@C+ 2n (2n = 116–198) were observed in the laser ablation mass spectra. However, the encapsulated ion could not be replaced by Li or K in these experiments, indicating that the effects of the metal cation on the EMFs are larger than those of halide anions.ConclusionsIonic bond encapsulated EMF ions of NaX@C+ 2n (X = Cl, Br and I, 110 ≤ 2n ≤ 244) were generated by laser ablation of the mixture of graphene and sodium halides, but no species containing lithium or potassium were observed. This work opens the possibilities of using laser ablation for the synthesis of large‐sized salt‐encaged EMFs. Further study of the mechanism for these processes is important for the generation of the missing species.
Epoxy Resin Enables Facile Scalable Synthesis of CuO/C Nanohybrid Lithium‐Ion Battery Anode with Enhanced Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Ma Liujia , Meng Jian‐Qiang , Cheng Ya‐Jun , Gao Jie , Wang Xiaoyan , Ji Qing , Wang Meimei , Zuo Xiuxia , Zhu Jin , Xia Yonggao 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCuO based anodes hold a promise alternative to the commercial graphite due to their high reversible capacities, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, drastic volume change, partial irreversibility, and poor electron conductivity yields compromised the electrochemical performance including reversible capacities, cyclic stability and rate performance. A facile scalable method is developed to synthesize CuO/C nanohybrid lithium‐ion battery anode. Copper nanoparticles are synthesized in situ using the amine based curing agent as both coordination ligand and reducing agent. The copper nanoparticles/amine based curing agent further reacts with the epoxy resin monomers, where the copper nanoparticles are incorporated into the thermosetting polymer network. Due to thermosetting nature of the epoxy polymer, agglomeration of the copper nanoparticles is effectively suppressed during the carbonization process, which are further converted to the CuO nanoparticles within the carbon matrix through heat treatment in air. Systematic structure and electrochemical performance characterizations are carefully studied. The results show that both the reversible capacities are effectively improved in comparision with the bare carbon sample. Moreover, excellent cyclic stability and high rate capability are also demonstrated by the CuO/C nanohybrid.
Tetrazole and Azido Derivatives of Pyrimidine: Synthesis, Mechanism, Thermal Behaviour & Steering of Azido–Tetrazole Equilibrium
Authors: Manzoor Saira , Yang Jun‐Qing , Tariq Qamar‐un‐nisa , Mei Hao‐Zheng , Yang Zhen‐Li , Hu Yong , Cao Wen‐Li , Sinditskii Valery P. , Zhang Jian‐Guo 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA new family of pyrimidine modified tetrazole & azido derivatives (1‐16) was developed using the conventional and nucleophilic substitution methods. The 1H‐tetrazol‐1‐yl)pyrimidine (1‐10) compounds were prepared via traditional cycloaddition and condensation method. The compounds tetrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine (11 a,12 a, and 13 a), azido‐(1H‐tetrazol‐1‐yl)pyrimidine (14 a and 15 a) and tetrazolo[1,5‐c]pyrimidine (16 a) were synthesized by simultaneously introducing conventional and nucleophilic substitution approaches. The latter technique was easy to process and reduce the synthesis time. The factors (solvent, temperature, steric effect, electron‐donating groups, and electron‐withdrawing groups) were found responsible for steering the azido‐tetrazole equilibrium in the compounds 11 a, 12 a, 13 a, and 16 a. All the prepared compounds were well characterized including single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction structures of 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11 a, 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, and 16 a. Thermal behaviour was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The current work is significant to the development of a new class of pyrimidine modified tetrazole and azido derivatives in sense of easy reaction approach, good to excellent yields, safe process, and simple work‐ups.
The incidence of Australian private practice sonographers moving patients unassisted and their level of training: A pilot study
Authors: Newton Kate , Quinton Ann , Childs Jessie 
Published: May 2020

AbstractStudies to date do not ascertain the incidence of sonographers moving patients unassisted. There is further conflicting research as to what level of manual assistance of patients is within a sonographer's scope of practice and what training they have or require in order to do so. The aim of this study was to ascertain the incidence of Australian private practice sonographers moving patients unassisted and determine what training these sonographers have in order to appropriately perform these procedures. This research is a pilot study with the results obtained through an online questionnaire. The survey results returned a sample size of n = 35, showing that 94.29% (n = 33) of Australian sonographers are moving patients unassisted for ultrasound examinations. It further portrays the need for change through education as 71.43% (n = 25) of sonographers state to have received no manual handling training throughout their career. There is also a lack of clear guidelines for sonographers regarding patient moves. This research exposes the need for guidelines similar to other health professionals, particularly nurses, who have such guidelines in place to avoid injury and work‐related musculoskeletal disorders.
Nutzung erneuerbarer Energien durch thermische Aktivierung von Komponenten aus Stahl
Authors: Reger Vitali , Kuhnhenne Markus , Ebbert Thiemo , Hachul Helmut , Blanke Tobias , Döring Bernd 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDie Versorgung von Neubauten soll möglichst weitgehend unabhängig von fossilen Energieträgern erfolgen. Erneuerbare Energien spielen dafür eine gewichtige Rolle. Eine gute Möglichkeit, erneuerbare Energien ohne viel zusätzlichen Aufwand nutzbar zu machen, ist, bereits vorhandenen Komponenten im Gebäude zusätzliche Funktionen zu geben. Hier kann bspw. die Fassade oder das Dach solarthermisch aktiviert oder durch Fotovoltaikmodule ergänzt werden. Auch Tiefgründungen können neben der statischen Funktion noch eine geothermische Funktion zur Aufnahme oder Abgabe von Wärme erhalten. Neben der Erzeugung bietet sich auch für die Verteilung der Wärme oder Kälte im Gebäude die Integration in Bauteile an. Hier kann bspw. der Boden durch eine Fußbodenheizung oder die Decke durch Deckenstrahlplatten aktiviert werden.Im Rahmen der Veröffentlichung wird auf die thermische Aktivierung von Stahlkomponenten eingegangen. Es wird eine Lösung vorgestellt, die vorgehängte hinterlüftete Stahlfassade (VHF) solarthermisch zu aktivieren. Außerdem werden zwei Möglichkeiten zur geothermischen Aktivierung von Tiefgründungen mittels Stahlpfählen gezeigt. Zuletzt wird ein System zur thermischen Aktivierung von Stahltrapezprofilen an der Decke erläutert, welches Wärme zuführen oder bei Bedarf abführen kann.
Communities of practice at the center of circular water solutions
Authors: Fulgenzi Andrea , Brouwer Stijn , Baker Kate , Frijns Jos 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe circular economy (CE) is an emerging system that moves away from the traditional linear view of “make, use, and dispose” to one that is restorative and regenerative to keep resources, such as water, at its highest value and utility at all times. Water is essential to the CE due to its importance for human life and because of the energy and material it contains. However, the move toward more circular water solutions is accompanied by both technological and social challenges for which, this article argues, stakeholder participation and social learning are essential. Enabling diverse stakeholders to engage and share different perspectives, interests, and needs, and ultimately to co‐produce knowledge, communities of practice (CoPs) are seen as a suitable approach to discuss CE water technologies in their institutional context. Although CoPs are being used widely in many sectors and disciplines, there is insufficient focus and a lack of consensus on how to evaluate the CoPs to understand whether and how the co‐production of knowledge is effective and efficient. This article gives an overview of the importance of water in the CE, explores the rationale for knowledge co‐production and CoPs, and proposes a CoP evaluation framework to draw together a consensus on the methods used for evaluating water knowledge co‐production and social learning processes in the transition toward the CE.This article is categorized under:
Human Water > Water as Imagined and Represented
Engineering Water > Planning Water
Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness