bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Suspected‐target and non‐targeted screenings of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors in herbal remedies using liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight–mass spectrometry
Authors: Mohd Yusop Ahmad Yusri , Xiao Linda , Fu Shanlin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe lucrative market of herbal remedies spurs rampant adulteration, particularly with pharmaceutical drugs and their unapproved analogues. A comprehensive screening strategy is, therefore, warranted to detect these adulterants and, accordingly, to safeguard public health. This study uses the data‐dependent acquisition of liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight–mass spectrometry (LC–QTOF–MS) to screen phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors in herbal remedies using suspected‐target and non‐targeted strategies. For the suspected‐target screening, we used a library comprising 95 PDE5 inhibitors. For the non‐targeted screening, we adopted top‐down and bottom‐up approaches to flag novel PDE5 inhibitor analogues based on common fragmentation patterns. LC–QTOF–MS was optimised and validated for capsule and tablet dosage forms using 23 target analytes, selected to represent different groups of PDE5 inhibitors. The method exhibited excellent specificity and linearity with limit of detection and limit of quantification of <40 and 80 ng/mL, respectively. The accuracy ranged from 79.0% to 124.7% with a precision of <14.9% relative standard deviation. The modified, quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe extraction provided insignificant matrix effect within −9.1%–8.0% and satisfactory extraction recovery of 71.5%–105.8%. These strategies were used to screen 52 herbal remedy samples that claimed to enhance male sexual performance. The suspected‐target screening resulted in 33 positive samples, revealing 10 target analytes and 2 suspected analytes. Systematic MS and tandem MS interrogations using the non‐targeted screening returned insignificant signals, indicating the absence of potentially novel analogues. The target analytes were quantified from 0.03 to 121.31 mg per dose of each sample. The proposed strategies ensure that all PDE5 inhibitors are comprehensively screened, providing a useful tool to curb the widespread adulteration of herbal remedies.
Stochasticity‐induced stabilization in ecology and evolution: a new synthesis
Authors: Dean Antony M. , Shnerb Nadav M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe ability of random environmental variation to stabilize competitor coexistence was pointed out long ago and, in recent years, has received considerable attention. Analyses have focused on variations in the log abundances of species, with mean logarithmic growth rates when rare,

, used as metrics for persistence. However, invasion probabilities and the times to extinction are not single‐valued functions of

and, in some cases, decrease as

increases. Here, we present a synthesis of stochasticity‐induced stabilization (SIS) phenomena based on the ratio between the expected arithmetic growth

and its variance

. When the diffusion approximation holds, explicit formulas for invasion probabilities and persistence times are single‐valued, monotonic functions of

. The storage effect in the lottery model, together with other well‐known examples drawn from population genetics, microbiology, and ecology (including discrete and continuous dynamics, with overlapping and non‐overlapping generations), are placed together, reviewed, and explained within this new, transparent theoretical framework. We also clarify the relationships between life‐history strategies and SIS, and study the dynamics of extinction when SIS fails.
Development of inverter structure for reducing switching loss imbalance among parallel connection and among three phases
Authors: Ando Masato , Kogure Hiroshi , Ogawa Kazutoshi , Kohno Yasuhiko , Ishikawa Katsumi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractRecently, SiC power devices were developed to reduce the size and weight of the power converter circuit. This paper presents a three‐phase inverter structure for reducing imbalances in the switching loss among power modules connected parallel to one another and among the three phases. A proposed double‐sided structure achieved an imbalance of less than 2% in the experimental switching loss using SiC power modules. In addition, it is shown that the double‐sided structure realized stable switching behavior under four SiC power modules connected in parallel.
Impact of recent heart failure hospitalization on clinical outcomes in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement: an analysis from the PARTNER 2 trial and registries
Authors: Chen Shmuel , Redfors Bjorn , Crowley Aaron , Ben‐Yehuda Ori , Summers Matthew , Hahn Rebecca T. , Jaber Wael A. , Pibarot Philippe , Alu Maria C. , Chau Katherine H. , Kapadia Samir , Nazif Tamim , Vahl Torsten P. , Thourani Vinod , Kodali Susheel , Leon Martin 
Published: May 2020

AimsHeart failure (HF) hospitalization prior to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is associated with increased post‐procedural mortality. We sought to assess the association between recent (≤6 months) HF hospitalization and long‐term adverse outcomes in patients with symptomatic, severe aortic stenosis, undergoing TAVR in the PARTNER 2 trial and registries.Methods and resultsIntermediate to high or even prohibitive risk patients who underwent TAVR in the PARTNER 2 trial and registries were included in the analysis. Clinical outcomes at 30 days and 2 years were compared between patients according to whether they were recently hospitalized for HF, using Kaplan–Meier event rates and study‐stratified multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models. A sensitivity analysis was conducted using propensity score matching. Of 3988 patients (99.8%) with available information on recent HF hospitalization, 1622 patients (40.7%) were hospitalized for HF symptoms during the 6 months prior to TAVR. After multivariable adjustments, recent HF hospitalization was associated with increased all‐cause mortality at 30 days [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–2.48, P = 0.02] and 2 years (adjusted HR 1.30, 95% CI 1.13–1.49, P = 0.0003), which was driven by increased cardiovascular mortality. Infective endocarditis rate at 2 years was also higher in patients with recent HF hospitalization (adjusted HR 2.35, 95% CI 1.38–4.01, P = 0.002). These results remained consistent when propensity score matching was
used.ConclusionIn a large cohort of patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis from the PARTNER 2 trial and registries, all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality as well as infective endocarditis rates at 2 years were higher in patients with recent HF hospitalization.
Prevalence, phylogenomic insights, and phenotypic characterization of Salmonella enterica isolated from meats in the Tamale metropolis of Ghana
Authors: Adzitey Frederick , Teye Gabriel Ayum , Amoako Daniel Gyamfi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCharacterization of foodborne pathogens including Salmonella species allows for the determination of their relationship and/or relatedness with others. This study characterized Salmonella enterica (S. enterica) isolated from five meat types (mutton, beef, chevon, guinea fowl, and local chicken) obtained from Tamale metropolis, Ghana. The S. enterica were characterized phenotypically (n = 44) based on their antibiotic resistance pattern with the disc diffusion method and genetically (n = 16) using whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) as well as with bioinformatic analysis for the prediction of their clonal and phylogenomic relationship. Of the 225 meat samples examined, 107 (47.56%) were positive for S. enterica. Mutton was the most contaminated meat type and the least was local chicken. The 44 S. enterica isolates exhibited five different antibiotic patterns with multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index ranging from 0.13 to 0.63. Resistant to only erythromycin was most common and was exhibited by 34 isolates (77.27%). Four isolates were resistant to four different antibiotics (TeAmpSxtECro) with a percentage of 9.09%, while two isolates (4.55%) were resistant to none of the antibiotics. The sequenced S. enterica isolates consisted of 7 serovars and 8 clonal lineages with the S. enterica subsp. enterica serovar Hato (ST5308) being the predominate strain. Phylogenomic analysis showed that the isolates clustered according to their serovars and sequence types (clonal lineages). However, further metadata insights coupled with the phylogenomics revealed a complex intraspread of multiple S. enterica subsp. enterica serovars in diverse meat sources in areas in Tamale which is very worrying for infection management. In summary, our study provides useful insights into S. enterica in meat reservoirs obtained from Tamale metropolis, Ghana.
Tracheotomy in COVID‐19 patients: Optimizing patient selection and identifying prognostic indicators
Authors: Stubington Thomas J. , Mallick Ali S. , Garas Georgios , Stubington Emma , Reddy Chetan , Mansuri Mohammed S. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundTracheotomy, through its ability to wean patients off ventilation, can shorten ICU length of stay and in doing so increase ICU bed capacity, crucial for saving lives during the COVID‐19 pandemic. To date, there is a paucity of patient selection criteria and prognosticators to facilitate decision making and enhance precious ICU capacity.MethodsProspective study of COVID‐19 patients undergoing tracheotomy (n = 12) over a 4‐week period (March‐April 2020). Association between preoperative and postoperative ventilation requirements and outcomes (ICU stay, time to decannulation, and death) were examined.ResultsPatients who sustained FiO2 ≤ 50% and PEEP ≤ 8 cm H2O in the 24 hours pretracheotomy exhibited a favorable outcome. Those whose requirements remained below these thresholds post‐tracheotomy could be safely stepped down after 48 hours.ConclusionSustained FiO2 ≤ 50% and PEEP ≤ 8 cm H2O in the 48 hours post‐tracheotomy are strong predictive factors for a good outcome, raising the potential for these patients to be stepped down early, thus increasing ICU capacity.
Effects of rainfall on thermal stratification and dissolved oxygen in a deep drinking water reservoir
Authors: Liu Miao , Zhang Yunlin , Shi Kun , Zhang Yibo , Zhou Yongqiang , Zhu Mengyuan , Zhu Guangwei , Wu Zhixu , Liu Mingliang 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThermal stratification is crucial for water quality and ecological processes in deep lakes and reservoirs and can be substantially affected by meteorological and hydrological processes in the catchment. However, how thermal stratification responds to rainfalls of different intensities and changing hydrological processes has not been documented very well. Here, high frequency water column profiles at three stations in a large subtropical deep reservoir (Lake Qiandaohu, China) in 2017 were used to elucidate the impacts of rainfall on lake physical process and chemical environment. The impact of rainfalls on the thermal stratification and dissolved oxygen in riverine zone was more impressive than that in transitional and lacustrine zones. The effect on thermal stratification by rainfall was largely affected by the magnitude of rainfall. Moderate and heavy rainfall events could reduce the thermal stability of water column, deepen the mixing layer depth, and shape the thermocline, resulting from decrease of surface water temperature and increased inflows. While rainstorms could totally break up thermoclines in the riverine zone by high volume inflow flushing. In addition, we found that the hypoxia and anoxia initial depths increased during rainfall events in this reservoir, which were well related to the changes of mixing layer depths. This research highlights that quantifying the effects of rainfalls on thermal stratification and dissolved oxygen will be beneficial for optimizing reservoir management.
The exosome encapsulated microRNAs as circulating diagnostic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma with low alpha‐fetoprotein
Authors: Ghosh Suchandrima , Bhowmik Sayantani , Majumdar Swagata , Goswami Avijit , Chakraborty Joyeeta , Gupta Subash , Aggarwal Shaleen , Ray Sukanta , Chatterjee Raghunath , Bhattacharyya Suvendranath , Dutta Moumita , Datta Simanti , Chowdhury Abhijit , Dhali Gopal Krishna , Banerjee Soma 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDiagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains challenging to clinicians, particularly in a patient with low alpha‐fetoprotein. Here, in silico, ex vivo and in vitro data were combined to identify liver‐specific exosomal miRNAs as an early diagnostic marker for HCC. Transcriptome profiling for mRNA and small RNA in same HCV‐HCC and normal liver tissues followed by cross‐validation of 41 deregulated miRNAs (log2FoldChange > 1.5, Padj < .1) with GEO/TCGA datasets of HCV/HBV related HCC vs normal/adjacent tissue revealed three miRNAs were commonly deregulated (miR‐10b/miR‐21/miR‐182) among all HCC irrespective of viral etiology. Targets of top deregulated miRNAs were identified by TargetScan/miRwalk and validated in mRNA transcriptome data followed by Panther/Gene Ontology enrichment/Cytoscape analysis suggested that targets were mostly from carcinogenesis pathways. Hence, those miRNAs were validated in normal and HCV‐HCC tissues by qRT‐PCR and subsequently in plasma‐derived‐exosomes of both HBV/HCV infected non‐HCC (chronic hepatitis [CH]/liver cirrhosis [LC]) and HCC samples, and in liver‐specific Anti‐Asgr2 immuno‐enriched exosomes. Exosomes were verified using Nanosight/TEM/immune‐blotting with anti‐Alix/anti‐GRP78/anti‐Asgr2. Along with miR‐21‐5p, miR‐10b‐5p/miR‐221‐3p/miR‐223‐3p was found significantly upregulated in the exosome of HCC patients than CH/non‐HCC. The comparable expression pattern was seen in anti‐Asgr2 immuno‐precipitated exosomes. Interestingly, the AFP level was found below 250 ng/mL in about 94% of HCV‐HCC and 62% of HBV‐HCC patients. ROC analysis showed that miR‐10b‐5p + miR‐221‐3p + miR‐223‐3p + miR‐21‐5p could differentiate CH/non‐HCC(CH + LC) from HCC with AUROC: 0.86 (97.5% CI: 0.77‐0.94)/0.80 (97.5% CI: 0.70‐0.89), sensitivity: 74%/58% and specificity: 86%/95% while miR‐10b‐5p + miR‐221‐3p + miR‐223‐3p showed AUROC: 0.84 (97.5% CI: 0.74‐0.94)/0.74 (97.5% CI: 0.63‐0.84), sensitivity: 86%/86% and specificity:66%/53% for low AFP‐HCC vs CH/non‐HCC, respectively, having better sensitivity than the combination of four miRNAs. Multivariate analysis further revealed low Albumin and high miR‐21‐5p as probable independent risk factor for HCC.
Trends and best practices in health care cybersecurity insurance policy
Authors: Kabir Umar Yusuf , Ezekekwu Emmanuel , Bhuyan Soumitra S. , Mahmood Asos , Dobalian Aram 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHealth care organizations are a major target for cyberattacks. This is primarily due to their peculiar vulnerabilities and attractiveness to nefarious cyber actors. Data breaches from these attacks present a significant threat to the viability of health care organizations, ranging from financial losses to compromised patient safety. Cybersecurity insurance has become an essential tool for mitigating financial liabilities that may arise from breaches for many organizations. This paper reviews the current state of cybersecurity insurance adoption in the health care sector. It highlights best practices in cybersecurity insurance policy for health care organizations and recommends future directions to strengthen cybersecurity and improve cybersecurity insurance.
Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedling Combined With Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Treatment for Striae Distensae
Authors: Seong Gi H. , Jin Eun M. , Ryu Tae U. , Kim Myung H. , Park Byung C. , Hong Seung P. 
Published: May 2020

Background and ObjectivesTo evaluate the safety and effectiveness of combined fractional radiofrequency microneedling (FRM) and fractional carbon dioxide (FCO2) laser treatment for striae distensae and to compare the results to those of FRM alone and those of FCO2 alone.Study Design/Materials and MethodsAdult women (Fitzpatrick skin types III–IV) with striae distensae on the abdomen or calf were enrolled in this study. Each lesion was divided into three regions, with each region assigned to one of the three treatments (FCO2, FRM, or combined FCO2 and FRM). Global photographic assessments were performed by three dermatologists and by patients using a scored visual analog scale (VAS). Additionally, each lesion was evaluated using a skin imaging analyzer and a diagnostic ultrasound system.ResultsAll 19 female subjects had an average body mass index of 23.85 kg/m2. The global assessment by dermatologists indicated a significant improvement in the combined treatment group (6.1) compared with the other groups (4.3 and 5.1 in the FRM and FCO2 groups, respectively; P < 0.05), and that by the patients indicated a significant improvement in the combined treatment group (6.3) compared with the FRM group (5.1; P = 0.02). Ultrasound results showed significantly increased skin thickness and dermal density (204.9 μm and 8.8%; both P < 0.05) in the combined treatment group. However, results of the skin imaging analysis showed a higher average level of melanin and redness indices in the combined treatment group than in the FRM group (P < 0.001, P < 0.01, respectively), but not in the FCO2 group (P = 0.15, P = 0.11, respectively).ConclusionCombined FRM and FCO2 treatments resulted in slightly better clinical outcomes than single treatments, and the side effects of the treatment, such as pigmentation and persistent erythema, did not result in more serious events to a level similar to that of FCO2 alone. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Minimal Clinically Important Differences for Burke‐Fahn‐Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale and 36‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey
Authors: Pintér Dávid , Janszky József , Kovács Norbert 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundAlthough an increasing number of trials are reported on the treatment of generalized or segmental isolated dystonia, the minimal clinically important difference thresholds for the most frequently reported outcome measures are still undetermined.ObjectivesTo estimate the minimal clinically important difference for the Burke‐Fahn‐Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale and the 36‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey in generalized or segmental dystonia.MethodsA total of 898 paired examinations of 198 consecutive patients, aged >18 years, with idiopathic and inherited (torsin family 1 member A positive) segmental and generalized isolated dystonia were analyzed. To calculate the minimal clinically important difference thresholds, both anchor‐ and distribution‐based methods were used simultaneously.ResultsAny improvement >16.6% or worsening larger than 21.5% on the Burke‐Fahn‐Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale indicates a minimal, yet clinically relevant, change. Threshold values for the Burke‐Fahn‐Marsden Dystonia Disability Scale were 0.5 points for both decline and improvement. Cut‐off scores for the Physical Component Summary, the Mental Component Summary, and the Global (Total or Overall) Score of the 36‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey were 5.5 and 5.5, 6.5 and 7.5, and 7.5 and 8.5 points for clinically meaningful improvement and deterioration, respectively.ConclusionsThe minimal clinically important difference represents the smallest change in an outcome measure that is meaningful to patients. Our estimates for the Burke‐Fahn‐Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale and the 36‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey may allow more reliable judgment of the clinical relevance of different treatments for segmental and generalized isolated dystonia. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Effect of pigment concentration on NMR relaxometry in acrylic paints
Authors: Rooney Mary , Meldrum Tyler 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAcrylic emulsion paint is among the most common media employed by 20th century artists. Since early acrylic paintings have begun to require the attention of conservators, scientists are working to characterize the properties of these paints to facilitate conservation efforts. In this study, we report an investigation of the physical and chemical properties of acrylic emulsion paints using single‐sided NMR in conjunction with gloss measurements and scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive spectrometry. Combining the data from these techniques gives insight into pigment‐base interactions and the acrylic curing process, showing that as pigment concentration is increased in paints, the amount of acrylic base adsorbed to pigment particles increases, resulting in films with differing relaxation times. This research both emphasizes and contextualizes the utility of NMR relaxometry in studying cultural heritage objects and prompts further study into the effects of pigment concentration on the curing and conservation of paint films.
DIA WINNERS HAVE LASTING IMPACT ON THE INDUSTRY
Authors: Dickson Glen 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSince 1995, SID's Display Industry Awards (DIAs) have recognized some of the field's most important technical breakthroughs. In fact, the list of winners is essentially a repository of display history, chronicling the major leaps and key refinements that led us to today. We spoke with members of SID's DIA Committee about past winners whose innovations made an outsized impact.
Early 3‐month treatment with comprehensive physical therapy program restores continence in urinary incontinence patients after radical prostatectomy: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Soto González Mercedes , Da Cuña Carrera Iria , Gutiérrez Nieto Manuel , López García Sabela , Ojea Calvo Antonio , Lantarón Caeiro Eva M 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimsThe objective of this study is to ascertain whether an early three‐month treatment with electrotherapy and biofeedback restores continence in urinary incontinence patients after radical prostatectomy (RP).MethodsDesign: The study performed a randomized, controlled trial of parallel and open groups.Configuration: Secondary care, urology department of a university hospital complex.Participants: Patients sent for RP due to prostate cancer (n = 60), 47 patients finally completed the study.Interventions: The treatment group (TG) received physiotherapy consisting of electrotherapy and biofeedback, 3 days a week for 3 months, while the control group (CG) received no specific treatment. Both groups received a guide to perform pelvic floor exercises at home. The measurement instruments used were the 1‐ and 24‐hour pad tests and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short‐Form. The recording method used was a micturition (urinary) diary.ResultsThe results of the 1‐hour pad test (PT) show statistically significant differences between groups at 3 months (P = .001) and 6 months (P = .001), in favor of those in the TG. Sixty‐four percent of patients in the TG recovered continence as against 9.1% in the CG after 3 months in the 1‐hour PT, in line with the objective of this study.ConclusionsAn early physiotherapy program helps RP patients with urinary incontinence recover continence after 3 months. Moreover, they lead a better quality life.