bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Prognostic Nutritional Index is associated with mortality of COVID‐19 patients in Wuhan, China
Authors: Wang Ruoran , He Min , Yin Wanhong , Liao Xuelian , Wang Bo , Jin Xiaodong , Ma Yao , Yue Jirong , Bai Lang , Liu Dan , Zhu Ting , Huang Zhixin , Kang Yan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundDeclared as pandemic by WHO, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pneumonia has brought great damage to human health. The uncontrollable spread and poor progression of COVID‐19 have attracted much attention from all over the world. We designed this study to develop a prognostic nomogram incorporating Prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in COVID‐19 patients.MethodsPatients confirmed with COVID‐19 and treated in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from January to February 2020 were included in this study. We used logistic regression analysis to find risk factors of mortality in these patients. A prognostic nomogram was constructed and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was drawn to evaluate the predictive value of PNI and this prognostic model.ResultsComparison of baseline characteristics showed non‐survivors had higher age (P < .001), male ratio (P = .038), neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (P < .001), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) (P < .001), and PNI (P < .001) than survivors. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, independent risk factors of mortality in COVID‐19 patients included white blood cell (WBC) (OR 1.285, P = .039), PNI (OR 0.790, P = .029), LDH (OR 1.011, P < .015). These three factors were combined to build the prognostic model. Area under the ROC curve (AUC) of only PNI and the prognostic model was 0.849 (95%Cl 0.811‐0.888) and 0.950 (95%Cl 0.922‐0.978), respectively. And calibration plot showed good stability of the prognostic model.ConclusionThis research indicates PNI is independently associated with the mortality of COVID‐19 patients. Prognostic model incorporating PNI is beneficial for clinicians to evaluate progression and strengthen monitoring for COVID‐19 patients.
Differential effects of right and left heart failure on skeletal muscle in rats
Authors: Knapp Fabienne , Niemann Bernd , Li Ling , Molenda Nicole , Kracht Michael , Schulz Rainer , Rohrbach Susanne 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundExercise intolerance is a cardinal symptom in right (RV) and left ventricular (LV) failure. The underlying skeletal muscle contributes to increased morbidity in patients. Here, we compared skeletal muscle sarcopenia in a novel two‐stage model of RV failure to an established model of LV failure.MethodsPulmonary artery banding (PAB) or aortic banding (AOB) was performed in weanling rats, inducing a transition from compensated cardiac hypertrophy (after 7 weeks) to heart failure (after 22–26 weeks). Cardiac function was characterized by echocardiography. Skeletal muscle catabolic/anabolic balance and energy metabolism were analysed by histological and biochemical methods, real‐time PCR, and western blot.ResultsTwo clearly distinguishable stages of left or right heart disease with a comparable severity were reached. However, skeletal muscle impairment was significantly more pronounced in LV failure. While the compensatory stage resulted only in minor changes, soleus and gastrocnemius muscle of AOB rats at the decompensated stage demonstrated reduced weight and fibre diameter, higher proteasome activity and expression of the muscle‐specific ubiquitin E3 ligases muscle‐specific RING finger 1 and atrogin‐1, increased expression of the atrophy marker myostatin, increased autophagy activation, and impaired mitochondrial function and respiratory chain gene expression. Soleus and gastrocnemius muscle of PAB rats did not show significant changes in muscle weight and proteasome or autophagy activation, but mitochondrial function was mildly impaired as well. The diaphragm did not demonstrate differences in any model or disease stage except for myostatin expression, which was altered at the decompensated stage in both models. Plasma interleukin (IL)‐6 and angiotensin II were strongly increased at the decompensated stage (AOB > > PAB). Soleus and gastrocnemius muscle itself demonstrated an increase in IL‐6 expression independent from blood‐derived cytokines only in AOB animals. In vitro experiments in rat skeletal muscle cells suggested a direct impact of IL‐6 and angiotensin II on distinctive atrophic changes.ConclusionsManifold skeletal muscle alterations are more pronounced in LV failure compared with RV failure despite a similar ventricular impairment. Most of the catabolic changes were observed in soleus or gastrocnemius muscle rather than in the constantly active diaphragm. Mitochondrial dysfunction and up‐regulation of myostatin were identified as the earliest signs of skeletal muscle impairment.
The impact of the use of magnifying dental loupes on the performance of undergraduate dental students undertaking simulated dental procedures
Authors: Braga Tiago , Robb Nigel , Love Robert Matthew , Amaral Rodrigo Rodrigues , Rodrigues Vandilson Pinheiro , de Camargo Jose Mauricio Paradella , Duarte Marco Antonio Hungaro 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the impact of the use of magnification (2.5x dental loupes) for third‐year dental students in simulated endodontics and fixed prosthodontics assessments compared to those using no magnification.MethodsUpon institutional review board exemption, third‐year dental students were assessed during endodontics and fixed prosthodontics exams in the simulation laboratory. The endodontic group (n = 93) consisted of students who made an endodontic access preparation on a plastic lower left first molar (Nissan). The prosthodontic group (n = 86) consisted of students who made porcelain fused to metal preparation (PFM) on a plastic lower right first molar mounted on an acrylic lower jaw model (Columbia Dentoform). The impact of the use of dental loupes was evaluated. Assessment of the tasks was undertaken by experts—calibrated, blinded examiners—using a standardized marking rubric for each task. The statistical analysis included Chi‐square test, one‐way ANOVA, and Logistic regression. The level of significance adopted was 5%.ResultsStudents’ preparations using magnification were better compared with those without magnification. Students using magnification had a significantly higher pass rate than those not using magnification in both endodontic and prosthodontic groups (P < 0.05).ConclusionsIn conclusion, third‐year dental students who used loupes in the endodontics and prosthodontics simulation laboratory had significantly higher scores at the assessments.
Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy of bacterial colonies isolated from ras malai samples from different markets of Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Shaheen Shabnum , Khan Palwasha , Sadia Sehrish , Jaffer Mehwish , Khalid Sana , Siddique Riffat , Mukhtar Hanan , Iftikhar Tehreema , Sarwar Samina , Ilyas Sobia , Khan Farah 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe current study investigates the total bacterial contamination in various packed and unpacked ras malai samples of 14 different localities of Lahore, Pakistan. The bacterial colonies such as Bacillus sp. and Gamella sp. were isolated from ras malai samples and grown on agar‐broth media under sterile environmental conditions. Serial dilution technique was used to compose the replicates to get a viable count of bacteria in the samples. Results indicated that in case of packed ras malai samples, maximum bacterial count was observed in Sample 1 (422 × 10−2 to 402 × 10−6) and minimum bacterial count was in Sample 4 (21 × 10−2 to 9.3 × 10−6). For unpacked ras malai samples, maximum bacterial count was in Sample 3 (200.3 × 10−2 to 181.3 × 10−6) and minimum bacterial count was observed in Sample 1 (110 × 10−2 to 90.4 × 10−6). It was concluded that the marketed samples contain more bacterial count as compared to the standard sterilization values. Such products could possibly become the cause of many health problems in children.
Palynological investigation of selected species of family asteraceae using light and scanning electron microscopic techniques
Authors: Ali Nadia , Akhtar Naveed , Khan Shafqat Ali , Ul Uza Noor 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPalynological study on 11 species of family asteraceae, that is,Sonchus asperL.,Gazania rigensL.,Helianthus annusL.,Dahlia pinnataCav.,Zinnia peruvianaL.,Tagetes erectusL.,Glebionis coronariaL.,Calendula officinaleL.,Osteospermum ecklonisL.,Centaurea cyanusL. andCosmos sulphureusCav. was carried out in Islamia College University Campus. The light microscopy showed that pollens were oblate‐sheroidal (C. cyanus), oblate (Z. peruviana), prolate‐spheroidal (H. annuus,T. erectus,G. coronaria,C. officinale,O. ecklonis,C. sulphureus) and spheroidal (S. asper,G. rigens,D. pinnata) in shape. The pollen was trizonocolporate, tricolporate and echinolophate type, all pollens had echinate ornamentation exceptG. reginswhich had reticulate ornamentation under SEM. Maximum Pollens were isopolar and asymmetrical while some were apolar and radially symmetric. The P/E ratio was larger inG. rigens(45/47 μm),T. erectus(45/40 μm) andC. officinale(40/45 μm) while others had smaller P/E diameter.C. sulphureushad 6 μm thick exine when compared to other taxa. The larger number of spines/echini were found on the exine surface ofH. annuusandS. asperand the distance between adjacent echini were 4–5 μm inC. cyanusandG. rigensthan others which had distance equal to 1–3 μm, while pores were visible on pollen surface ofC. cyanus,O. ecklonis,Z. peruviana,H. annuusandG. rigensunder light microscope and were invisible on other pollen surfaces. The pollen of family asteraceae members was of stenopalynous type.
On‐farm screw press and rotary drum treatment of dairy manure‐associated antibiotic residues and resistance
Authors: Oliver Jason P. , Hurst Jerod J. , Gooch Curt A. , Stappenbeck Ashley , Sassoubre Lauren , Aga Diana S. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAn on‐farm solid–liquid separator (SLS) and rotary drum composter (RD) manure treatment system was monitored for its impact on antibiotic residues and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Administered antibiotics were tracked, and treatment system mass flows were quantified. Total amounts of antibiotic residues and ARGs were calculated from measured concentrations and mass flows. Only oxytetracycline (OTC) and sulfadimethoxine (SDM) were detected in the manure treatment system influent. No β‐lactams were measured despite comprising ∼25% of the antibiotics administered. Nearly 80% of OTC and >90% of SDM partitioned into SLS liquid effluent (SL). The RD reduced the mass of OTC remaining in the SLS solid effluent (SS) significantly by 50%, whereas the mass of SDM appeared to increase after RD treatment. All four ARGs tested were detected in influent, with >70% of the sul1, blaOXA‐1, and intI1 genes (normalized by the 16S ribosomal RNA gene) partitioning into the SL. In contrast, about eight times more normalized tetO gene copies partitioned into the SS than in the SL. All ARGs remaining in the SS were significantly reduced by the RD treatment, with a noteworthy 98% reduction in normalized tetO gene copies. This study provides insight into on‐farm levels of antibiotic residues and ARGs in dairy manure, their partitioning during SLS treatment, and their fate after a high‐temperature RD treatment reaching 72.2 ± 0.18 °C near the outlet. It also notes the importance of mass‐flow standardization of data, and the need to work towards standardization of manure system sampling protocols for antibiotic residues and ARGs.
Kinetics of nitrous oxide mass transfer from porewater into root aerenchyma of wetland plants
Authors: Wang Simiao , Reid Matthew C. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe creation and/or restoration of wetlands is an important strategy for controlling the release of reactive nitrogen (N) via denitrification, but there can be tradeoffs between enhanced denitrification and the production of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas. A knowledge gap in current understanding of belowground wetland N dynamics is the role of gas transfer through the root aerenchyma system of wetland plants as a shortcut emission pathway for N2O in denitrifying wetland soils. This investigation evaluates the significance of mass transfer into gas‐filled root aerenchyma for the N2O budget in wetland mesocosms planted with Sagittaria latifolia Willd. and Schoenoplectus acutus (Muhl. ex Bigelow) Á. Löve & D. Löve. Dissolved gas tracer push–pull tests with N2O and the nonreactive gas tracers helium, sulfur hexafluoride, and ethane were used to estimate first‐order rate constants for gas transfer into roots and microbial N2O reduction and thereby disentangle the effects of root‐mediated gas transport from microbial metabolism on N2O balances in saturated soils. Root‐mediated gas transport was estimated to account for up to 37% of overall N2O removal from the wetland soils. Rates of microbial N2O reduction varied widely based on the organic matter content of the soil media and served as a key control on the fraction of N2O that transferred into roots. This research identifies transport through root aerenchyma as a potential shortcut pathway for N2O emission from wetland soils and sediments and indicates that this process should be considered in both measurements and mechanistic modeling of belowground wetland N dynamics.
Safety of palbociclib concurrent with palliative pelvic radiotherapy: discussion of a case of increased toxicity and brief review of literature
Authors: Dasgupta Archya , Sahgal Arjun , Warner Ellen , Czarnota Gregory J. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSeveral cyclin‐dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors are indicated in the treatment of metastatic hormone receptor‐positive (HR)/ human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative breast cancer which includes palbociclib, ribociclib and abemaciclib. Pelvic radiation therapy (RT) is often indicated for symptomatic or progressive bone metastasis. There are limited data on concurrent use of CDK4/6 inhibitors with pelvic RT with few retrospective studies in the literature involving a small number of patients. The major side effects of these agents include haematological toxicities, while non‐haematological toxicities are less severe. There are concerns for an increased possibility of synergistic toxicity with concurrent use of CDK4/6 inhibitors with pelvic RT. Here we describe an instance of acute grade 3 gastrointestinal toxicity and discuss the relevant literature. A 77‐year‐old lady treated with palliative conventional RT 30 Gy/ 10 fractions concurrently with palbociclib to left hemipelvis and proximal femur, developed severe pancolitis starting 5 days from last RT. She needed inpatient care for 3 weeks and recovered with mesalamine and supportive care. We also postulate a few strategies that can be adopted in patients receiving palliative RT in such a scenario. The agents should be stopped 1 week before, during and for a time (1 week minimally) after RT. A shorter course of 5 fractions (and ablative RT as indicated) can be considered to minimise treatment gaps. Highly conformal techniques (intensity‐modulated radiotherapy/ volumetric‐modulated arc therapy) can significantly reduce bowel dose and should be considered in patients with pre‐existing GI comorbidities or prior GI toxicity with these agents.
Low serum calcium and phosphorus and their clinical performance in detecting COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Yang Caiting , Ma Xiaoxia , Wu Jili , Han Jie , Zheng Zhe , Duan Huiping , Liu Qun , Wu Changxin , Dong Yongkang , Dong Li 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the clinical performance of low serum calcium and phosphorus in discriminative diagnosis of the severity of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). We conducted a single‐center hospital‐based study and consecutively recruited 122 suspected and 104 confirmed patients with COVID‐19 during January 24 to April 25, 2020. Clinical risk factors of COVID‐19 were identified. The discriminative power of low calcium and phosphorus regarding the disease severity was evaluated. Low calcium and low phosphorus are more prevalent in severe or critical COVID‐19 patients than moderate COVID‐19 patients (odds ratio [OR], 15.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.59–143.18 for calcium; OR, 6.90; 95% CI, 2.43–19.64 for phosphorus). The specificity in detecting the severe or critical patients among COVID‐19 patients reached 98.5% (95% CI, 92.0%–99.7%) and 84.8% (95% CI, 74.3%–91.6%) by low calcium and low phosphorus, respectively, albeit with suboptimal sensitivity. Calcium and phosphorus combined with lymphocyte count could obtain the best discriminative performance for the severe COVID‐19 patients (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.80), and combined with oxygenation index was promising (AUC = 0.71). Similar discriminative performances of low calcium and low phosphorus were found between suspected and confirmed COVID‐19 patient. Low calcium and low phosphorus could indicate the severity of COVID‐19 patients, and may be utilized as promising clinical biomarkers for discriminative diagnosis.
Prevalence of mycotoxigenic fungi and assessment of aflatoxin contamination: a multiple case study along the integrated corn‐based poultry feed supply chain in Malaysia
Authors: Nasaruddin Norafidah , Jinap Selamat , Samsudin Nik IP , Kamarulzaman Nitty H , Sanny Maimunah 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDCorn, a main feed ingredient in the livestock industry, is one of the most susceptible crops to fungal infection and aflatoxin contamination. Livestock feeding on aflatoxin (AF)‐contaminated feed have been shown to experience feed refusal, and decreased growth rate, milk production, and feed efficiency. In poultry, AF poisoning causes weight loss, poor feed efficiency, and reduced egg production and egg weight. The present work therefore aimed to determine the prevalence of mycotoxigenic fungi and the occurrence of AF contamination along the integrated corn‐based poultry feed supply chain in Malaysia. A total of 51 samples were collected from different points along the feed supply chain from integrated poultry feed companies. The samples were subjected to mycological analyses (fungal isolation, enumeration, identification), and AFs were quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography equipped with a fluorescence detector (HPLC‐FLD).RESULTSSamples collected from sampling point 1 (company A) and sampling point 9 (company B) yielded the highest total fungal load (>log 4 CFU g−1). The prevalent fungal genera isolated were Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium spp. Aflatoxin B1 was detected in 8.3% of corn samples, and 7.4% of corn‐based poultry feed samples along the feed supply chain, whereas AFs B2, G1, and G2 were not detected.CONCLUSIONThe incidence of mycotoxigenic fungi along the integrated poultry feed supply chain warrant continuous monitoring of mycotoxin contamination to reduce the exposure risk of mycotoxin intake in poultry. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
High‐resolution and high‐brightness full‐colour “Silicon Display” for augmented and mixed reality
Authors: Kawanishi Hidenori , Onuma Hiroaki , Maegawa Masumi , Kurisu Takashi , Ono Takashi , Akase Shigeyuki , Yamaguchi Shinji , Momotani Naoto , Fujita Yusuke , Kondo Yuhei , Kubota Kentaro , Yoshida Toshimi , Ikawa Yuta , Ono Tsuyoshi , Higashisaka Hiroyoshi , Hirano Yasuaki , Anzai Shinsuke 
Published: September 2020

AbstractHigh‐brightness micro‐LED display bonded onto silicon backplane has been successfully demonstrated. The 0.38‐inch full‐colour active matrix LED microdisplay system consists of 352 × 198 pixels. Each pixel is 24 μm square composed of red, green, and blue (RGB) subpixels corresponding to a pixel resolution of 1053 ppi. Quantum‐dot materials are formed on III‐nitride blue micro‐LED array to convert blue light into red and green for full‐colour operation. We have confirmed that this microdisplay, which we call “Silicon Display” has wide colour gamut exceeding 120% of sRGB. We describe the advantage of this colour‐converting approach for the full‐colour micro‐LEDs. Progress toward higher resolution is also described. Brightness of more than 30 000 cd/m2 has been confirmed at a driving current density of 4 A/cm2 for 3000 ppi blue monochrome micro‐LED prepared for full‐colour Silicon Display. We believe our “Silicon Display” is ideally suited for near‐to‐eye displays for augmented and mixed reality.
Vascularization of the human intervertebral disc: A scoping review
Authors: Fournier Dale E. , Kiser Patti K. , Shoemaker J. Kevin , Battié Michele C. , Séguin Cheryle A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntervertebral discs (IVDs) are often referred to as the largest avascular structures of the human body, yet a collective resource characterizing the vascularization of the IVD does not exist. To address this gap, the objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive search of the literature to review and summarize current knowledge of the prevalence and localization of blood supply in human IVDs, with a scoping review. A comprehensive search of peer‐reviewed publications on the topic of IVD vascularization in humans was conducted across six electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and BIOSIS Previews. Studies of humans were included regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, and health status, with the exception of IVD herniation. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts and full‐texts according to eligibility criteria. The review was conducted and reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Our search yielded 3122 articles, with 22 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. The study samples ranged in age from fetal to >90 years and included both sexes, various health statuses, and used different methodologies (eg, histology, medical imaging, and gross dissection) to assess vasculature. Overall, consistent observations were that (a) the nucleus pulposus of the IVD is avascular throughout life, (b) both the cartilage endplates and annulus fibrosus receive considerable blood supply early in life that diminishes over the lifespan, and (c) vascular ingrowth into the cartilage endplates and inner layers of the annulus fibrosus is commonly associated with damaged or disrupted tissue, irrespective of age. Histology and immunohistochemistry are often used to report vascularization of the IVD. The body of the current literature suggests that the IVD should not be generalized as an avascular tissue. Instead, vascularization of the IVD differs based on the constituent tissues, their age, and state of degeneration or damage.