bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiac troponin I predicts clinical outcome of patients with cancer at emergency department
Authors: Park Soo Hyun , Kim Taerim , Cha Won Cul , Yoon Hee , Hwang Sung Yeon , Shin Tae Gun , Sim Min Seob , Jo IkJoon , Lee Seung‐Hwa , Park Hyung‐Doo , Choi Jin‐Ho 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe prognostic ability of cardiac troponin I (TnI) has been demonstrated in general populations and among cardiovascular disease patients, but it has not been evaluated in cancer patients.HypothesisThis study assumes to have the prognostic ability of cardiac troponin in cancer patients visiting the emergency department.MethodsCancer patients visiting the emergency department were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Patients with previously known coronary artery disease or clinically indicated coronary angiography were not included. The maximal value from Siemens ADVIA Centaur troponin I Ultra assay within 24 hours was assessed. The primary endpoint was 180‐day all‐cause death, including cardiovascular and noncardiovascular death.ResultsA total of 9135 cancer patients (mean age: 63 years, male gender: 60%) were enrolled. Lowest (0.006 ng/mL), assay‐specific <99th % (0.007‐0.039 ng/mL), below median ≥ 99th % (0.040‐0.129 ng/mL), and above median ≥ 99th % (≥0.130 ng/mL) TnI were found in 4487 (49.1%), 3158 (34.6%), 852 (9.3%), and 638 (7.0%) patients, respectively. There was 3192 (34.9%) all‐cause deaths including 137 (1.5%) cardiovascular and 3047 (33.4%) noncardiovascular deaths in the 180‐day follow‐up period. The risks of all‐cause, cardiovascular, and noncardiovascular death increased across higher TnI strata (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.3‐2.9; 2.1‐9.3; 1.3‐1.8; P < .001, all). These findings were consistent within clinical subgroups including solid and hematologic cancers.ConclusionsCancer patients visiting the emergency department with elevated troponin I were at increased risk of 180‐day death. Cancer patients with elevated TnI may need additional evaluation or careful follow‐up even without cardiovascular disease diagnosis.
Selective Hydrogenolysis of Erythritol over Ir−ReOx/Rutile‐TiO2 Catalyst
Authors: Gu Minyan , Liu Lujie , Nakagawa Yoshinao , Li Congcong , Tamura Masazumi , Shen Zheng , Zhou Xuefei , Zhang Yalei , Tomishige Keiichi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPartial hydrogenolysis of erythritol, which can be produced at large scale by fermentation, to 1,4‐butanediol (1,4‐BuD) is investigated with Ir−ReOx/SiO2 and Ir−ReOx/rutile‐TiO2 catalysts. In addition to the higher conversion rate over Ir−ReOx/TiO2 than over Ir−ReOx/SiO2, which has been also reported for glycerol hydrogenolysis, Ir−ReOx/TiO2 showed higher selectivity to 1,4‐BuD than Ir−ReOx/SiO2, especially at low conversion levels, leading to high 1,4‐BuD productivity of 20 mmol1,4‐BuD gIr−1 h−1 at 373 K (36 % conversion, 33 % selectivity). The productivity based on the noble metal amount is higher than those reported previously, although the maximum yield of 1,4‐BuD (23 %) is not higher than the highest reported values. The reactions of various triols, diols and mono‐ols are tested and the selectivity and the reaction rates are compared between catalysts and between substrates. The Ir−ReOx/TiO2 catalyst showed about twofold higher activity than Ir−ReOx/SiO2 in hydrogenolysis of the C−OH bond at the 2‐ or 3‐positions in 1,2‐ and 1,3‐diols, respectively, whereas the hydrogenolysis of C−OH at the 1‐position is less promoted by the TiO2 support. Lowering the loading amount of Ir on TiO2 (from 4 wt % to 2 or 1 wt %) decreases the Ir‐based activity and 1,4‐BuD selectivity. Similarly, increasing the loading amount on SiO2 from 4 wt % to 20 wt % increases the Ir‐based activity and 1,4‐BuD selectivity, although they remain lower than those for TiO2‐supported catalyst with 4 wt % Ir. High metal loadings on the support seem to be important.
The use of hydraulic ram pump for increasing pump head‐technical feasibility
Authors: Asvapoositkul Wanchai , Nimitpaitoon T. , Rattanasuwan S. , Manakitsirisuthi P. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe combined pump and hydraulic ram pump (HRP) was presented to evaluate the technical feasibility for increasing pump head. This method was used to demonstrate a possible low‐cost alternative solution to supply water in remote areas. It illustrated the case where energy in rivers was not enough to drive HRP and a pump alone could not lift water to the required head. The HRP was connected in series with the pump. The experiment on the combined system operation was investigated. The system was working only at a certain range of flow rates for a power supply by the pump. Therefore, HRP was adjusted to pump water in the range that the waste valve was functioning. The combined system can operate at a low flow rate with a high head without extra energy and no overloading. It reveals that the more discharge head is required, the less flow can be lifted which results in a high number of valve beats per minute of the waste valve. Experimental determination of the optimal values for these parameters will make it possible to provide for a feasible design of HRP in the given pump. The optimal HRP will make it possible to ensure the required performance (delivery, head, efficiency) of the combined system.
New multilayered microencapsulated phase change material with CaCO3 and Ag shells
Authors: Emir Sedat , Paksoy Halime 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPhase change materials (PCM) are microencapsulated to make them easier to handle and compatible with environments they are used in. Thermal conductivity of PCMs, which is already low for organics, decreases further due to the polymer based shells used in the process. In this study, n‐heptadecane as PCM was coated with natural based material CaCO3 and Ag in order to improve thermal conductivity. Low‐cost and facile self‐assembly method was preferred in synthesis of microencapsulated PCMs (mPCM). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis of the synthesized microcapsules shows that n‐heptadecan@CaCO3 microcapsule, melting‐freezing enthalpies and temperatures were 59.82 J/g and 66.04 J/g, 26.63°C and 18.68°C, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT‐IR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results of n‐heptadecane@CaCO3 and n‐heptadecane@CaCO3@Ag microcapsules confirmed the accomplished encapsulation of n‐heptadecane with CaCO3 and Ag. These microcapsules presented a good spherical morphology with a well‐defined core‐shell microstructure. Thermal conductivity of n‐heptadecane was increased from 0.178 to 0.706 W/mK for n‐heptadecane@CaCO3 and further increased to 1.092 W/mK for n‐heptadecane@CaCO3@Ag.
Secure beamforming and power‐efficient artificial‐noise optimization for multibeam directional modulation
Authors: Zhou Xuetao , Wang Hao , Cheng Qian , Wang Shilian , Zheng Linhua 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this article, an anti‐eavesdropping zero‐forcing plus power‐efficient artificial‐noise optimization method for multibeam directional modulation (DM) synthesis is proposed. It aims to prevent known and unknown eavesdroppers intercepting useful signals as far as possible and achieve a narrower bit error rate (BER) main beamwidth under the premise of limited artificial‐noise (AN) power consumption. Beam pattern nulls are generated in known eavesdroppers directions by utilizing the orthogonality of zero‐forcing beamforming. Low‐sidelobe beamforming is also introduced to DM for the first time to suppress unknown eavesdroppers outside main lobes. The distribution of AN power in all directions is optimized by minimizing the AN transmit power subject to a series of secrecy rate (SR) constraints. Simulation results show that the proposed method outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art DM synthesis methods with regard to power efficiency, SR and BER performance.
Pulp and paper mill sludges decrease soil erodibility
Authors: Rasa Kimmo , Pennanen Taina , Peltoniemi Krista , Velmala Sannakajsa , Fritze Hannu , Kaseva Janne , Joona Juuso , Uusitalo Risto 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDeclining carbon (C) content in agricultural soils threatens soil fertility and makes soil prone to erosion, which could be rectified with organic soil amendments. In a 4‐yr field trial, we made a single application of three different organic sludges from the pulp and paper industry and studied their effects on cereal yield, soil C content, and fungal and bacterial composition. In laboratory rainfall simulations, we also studied the effects of the soil amendments on susceptibility to erosion and nutrient mobilization of a clay‐textured soil by measuring the quality of percolation water passing through 40‐cm intact soil monoliths during 2‐d rainfall simulations over four consecutive years after application. A nutrient‐poor fiber sludge reduced wheat yield in the first growing season, but there were no other significant effects on cereal yield or grain quality. An input of ∼8 Mg ha−1 C with the soil amendments had only minor effects on soil C content after 4 yr, likely because of fast microbe‐mediated turnover. The amendments clearly changed the fungal and bacterial community composition. All amendments significantly reduced suspended solids (SS) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations in percolation water. The effect declined with time, but the reduction in SS and TP was still >25% 4 yr after application. We attributed the lower tendency for particle detachment in rain simulations to direct interactions of soil minerals with the added particulate organic matter and microbe‐derived compounds that stabilize soil aggregates. In soils with low organic matter content, pulp and paper industry by‐products can be a viable measure for erosion mitigation.
Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring to Assess Parenteral Nutrition–Induced Hyperglycemia in an Adult Patient With Severe COVID‐19
Authors: Chow Kenneth W. , Kelly Danielle J. , Gupta Rajarsi , Miller Joshua D. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMany patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) are acutely malnourished and often require aggressive and early nutrition support with parenteral nutrition (PN). However, PN‐induced hyperglycemia is a predictor of hospital mortality and is associated with increased length of stay. Elevated blood glucose in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is also associated with increased mortality. Real‐time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) is primarily used in the outpatient setting, but there is rapidly growing interest in its applicability to help treat dysglycemia in critically ill patients, especially during the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic. We assessed the use of rtCGM data (Dexcom G6) in a 58‐year‐old male admitted to the ICU for severe COVID‐19 infection, who developed PN‐induced hyperglycemia with markedly elevated total daily insulin requirements as high as 128 units. rtCGM was used to safely titrate insulin infusion and monitor glucose levels. No episodes of hypoglycemia were observed, despite an extremely aggressive insulin regimen. This case demonstrates the potential utility of rtCGM in the critical care setting and highlights its potential to help conserve personal protective equipment and minimize unnecessary staff exposure in the setting of COVID‐19.
Tutorial: Triheptanoin and Nutrition Management for Treatment of Long‐Chain Fatty Acid Oxidation Disorders
Authors: Norris Marie K. , Scott Anna I. , Sullivan Sarah , Chang Irene J. , Lam Christina , Sun Angela , Hahn Sihoun , Thies Jenny M. , Gunnarson Melissa , McKean Kelly N. , Merritt J. Lawrence 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundPatients with severe long‐chain fatty acid oxidation disorders (LC‐FAODs) experience serious morbidity and mortality despite traditional dietary management including medium‐chain triglyceride (MCT)–supplemented, low‐fat diets. Triheptanoin is a triglyceride oil that is broken down to acetyl–coenzyme A (CoA) and propionyl‐CoA, which replenishes deficient tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates. We report the complex medical and nutrition management of triheptanoin therapy initiated emergently for 3 patients with LC‐FAOD.MethodsTriheptanoin (Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc, Novato, CA, USA) was administered to 3 patients with LC‐FAOD on a compassionate‐use basis. Triheptanoin was mixed with non–MCT‐containing low‐fat formula. Patients were closely followed with regular cardiac and laboratory monitoring.ResultsCardiac ejection fraction normalized after triheptanoin initiation. Patients experienced fewer hospitalizations related to metabolic crises while on triheptanoin. Patient 1 has tolerated oral administration without difficulty since birth. Patients 2 and 3 experienced increased diarrhea. Recurrent breakdown of the silicone gastrostomy tube occurred in patient 3, whereas the polyurethane nasogastric tube for patient 2 remained intact. Patient 3 experiences recurrent episodes of elevated creatine kinase levels and muscle weakness associated with illness. Patient 3 had chronically elevated C10‐acylcarnitines while on MCT supplementation, which normalized after initiation of triheptanoin and discontinuation of MCT oil.ConclusionsTriheptanoin can ameliorate acute cardiomyopathy and increase survival in patients with severe LC‐FAOD. Substituting triheptanoin for traditional MCT‐based treatment improves clinical outcomes. MCT oil might be less effective in carnitine‐acylcarnitine translocase deficiency patients compared with other FAODs and needs further investigation.
Indirect Calorimetry Measurements Compared With Guideline Weight‐Based Energy Calculations in Critically Ill Stroke Patients
Authors: Smetana Keaton S. , Hannawi Yousef , May Casey C. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundPerturbations in resting energy expenditure (REE) among critically ill stroke patients are ill defined, and guidelines recommend weight‐based dosing when indirect calorimetry (IC) is not feasible to estimate daily energy requirements. We aimed to determine whether guideline‐recommended weight‐based dosing provides adequate energy requirements compared with guidelines recommended IC target.MethodsIC data was collected on stroke patients admitted to a neurocritical care unit. We compared low‐weight‐based dosing (25 kcal/kg) and high (30 kcal/kg) with the IC REE target. Subsequently, we analyzed the effect of stroke subtype on the differences among these measurements.ResultsSeventy‐two metabolic studies were performed (45.1% intracerebral hemorrhage [ICH], 18.3% aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage [aSAH], and 36.6% acute ischemic stroke [AIS]). Energy needs, estimated using low‐weight‐based group, were significantly lower than IC REE target (1496 kcal/day [IQR, 1224–1850] vs 1770 kcal/day [IQR, 1400–2150]; P = .003). High weight‐based group energy measurements were similar to IC REE target (1806 kcal/day [IQR, 1530–2236] vs 1770 kcal/day; P = .343). Subgroup analysis showed that low‐weight‐based calculations were significantly lower than those of IC in ICH and aSAH, but they were similar in AIS (P ≤ .001, .016, and .078, respectively). Linear regression analysis showed that weight, height, and hemorrhagic stroke subtype were associated with IC (P ≤ .001, .024, and .051, respectively).ConclusionImportant differences between weight‐based estimation of energy needs and guideline‐recommended IC estimation exist for critically ill stroke patients. Low‐weight‐based calculations of REE underestimate energy needs in ICH and aSAH patients.
Characterising the immune microenvironment in liposarcoma, its impact on prognosis and the impact of radiotherapy
Authors: Snow Hayden , Mitchell Catherine , Hendry Shona , McKinley Madeleine , Byrne David , Ngan Sam , Chander Sarat , Chu Julie , Desai Jayesh , Bae Susie , Henderson Michael , Choong Peter , Gyorki David 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesLimited literature exists examining the immune microenvironment in liposarcoma, particularly with regard to the impact of radiotherapy. A major problem is the lack of scoring system for the tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in sarcoma. This study aims to describe the immune environment pre‐ and postradiotherapy and identify the optimal immune infiltrate scoring system for sarcoma.MethodsThirty‐nine paired tissue samples (pre‐ and postradiotherapy) from patients with liposarcoma were scored by two pathologists for TILs using pre‐existing systems (for breast cancer and melanoma) and compared for interobserver reliability. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for various immune markers.ResultsThe TIL scoring system for breast cancer yielded perfect agreement (κ = 1.000). 21% of patients had increased TILs after radiotherapy, 87.5% of whom had dedifferentiated liposarcoma. Immune suppressor expression was increased frequently after radiotherapy (CD68 increased in 59.4%, PD‐L1 increased in 25%). Immune effector expression (CD8) was unchanged in 84.4%.ConclusionsBreast cancer TIL scoring is reproducible in liposarcoma and has high interobserver reliability. Radiotherapy was observed to have a limited impact on immune effectors but seemed to have more impact in upregulating immune suppressors, suggesting radiotherapy may contribute to disease control through immunomodulatory effects. Dedifferentiated liposarcoma represents a uniquely responsive subtype.
Associations Between Doppler Internal Jugular Vein Blood Flow and Transverse Sinus Stasis Detected by Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: İlhan Zeki , Açıkgözoğlu Saim , Demir Orhan 
Published: October 2020

ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare the estimated internal jugular vein (IJV) volume flow with Doppler ultrasound in patients with slow flow in the transverse sinuses and normal transverse sinuses on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodsEighty patients between the ages of 18 and 80 years who did not have any signs of sinus vein thrombosis on brain MRI were included. On MRI, cases with hyperintensity due to a signal void loss in the transverse sinuses in coronal fluid attenuation inversion recovery sequences were included in the slow‐flow group. The presence of sinus thrombosis was excluded with other MRI pulse sequences and clinical findings. The participants were divided into 2 groups as having normal and slow flow according to MRI findings. Then bilateral IJV volume flow measurements were made by Doppler ultrasound. Bilateral volume flow was estimated by time‐averaged blood flow velocities sampled in the center of the IJV, and IJV cross‐sectional areas were measured. We defined the dominant IJV as the one having the higher estimated volume flow of the 2 sides.ResultsTotal estimated IJV blood flow was lower (P < .001) in patients with slow flow on MRI (546 mL/min) compared to those without (768 mL/min). A similar finding was seen for the nondominant IJV. In a receiver operating characteristic analysis, the cutoff value for the total estimated IJV volume flow was determined to be 590 mL/min, and the cutoff value for nondominant estimated IJV volume flow was determined to be 202 mL/min to distinguish between the groups.ConclusionsLow estimated volume blood flow in the IJV is associated with MRI evidence of stasis in the ipsilateral transverse sinus.
Studies on waterline corrosion processes and corrosion product characteristics of carbon steel in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution
Authors: Li Chuanpeng , Zhang Lunwu , Lu Zhonghai , Ding Rui , Zhao Xiaodong , Wang Bin , Cui Hongtao , Liu Jie 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe waterline corrosion behaviors of carbon steel partially immersed in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution were investigated using the wire beam electrode technique, and the effects of corrosion products on the processes of waterline corrosion were analyzed. The results demonstrated that the initial stage and development stage of waterline corrosion were mainly controlled by the concentration and diffusion of dissolved oxygen, respectively, and the deceleration stage of waterline corrosion was mainly affected by corrosion products. The main component of the yellow corrosion products was γ‐FeOOH, and γ‐FeOOH that exhibited a high reduction reactivity could be involved in the cathodic reaction. The black corrosion products were mainly composed of Fe3O4 with strong thermodynamic stability and the processes of dissolved oxygen diffusion and ion transports were obviously affected due to the continuous accumulation of Fe3O4 on the surface of the electrodes. Polarity reversals were observed on the single electrodes below the waterline, but the reasons for the phenomena were different from each other.
The development of the PlexiQoL: A patient‐reported outcome measure for adults with neurofibromatosis type 1‐associated plexiform neurofibromas
Authors: Heaney Alice , Wilburn Jeanette , Rouse Matthew , Langmead Shannon , Blakeley Jaishri O. , Huson Susan , McKenna Stephen P. 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundTo develop and validate a patient‐reported outcome (PRO) measure of quality of life (QoL), specific to patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1)‐associated plexiform neurofibromas (pNFs), suitable for use in clinical efficacy trials. The study was conducted in parallel in the UK and US.MethodsQualitative interviews were conducted with patients to generate questionnaire content. Face and content validity of the draft scale was assessed by cognitive debriefing interviews (CDIs). A postal validation survey was conducted to identify the final version of the questionnaire (the PlexiQoL), establish its unidimensionality, and assess its psychometric properties.ResultsThematic analysis was performed on 42 interview transcripts. Thirty‐one CDIs revealed that patients found the draft scale to be comprehensible, relevant, and easy to complete. The postal validation survey was completed by 273 patients. Rasch analysis identified an 18‐item unidimensional scale that showed excellent internal consistency, reproducibility, and sensitivity to differences in patient‐perceived pNF severity, general health, and the use of pain medication.ConclusionsThe PlexiQoL is the first disease‐specific PRO assessing the ability of adults with NF‐1 associated pNFs to meet their basic human needs. Clinical trials are planned to assess the sensitivity to change of the PlexiQoL in people undergoing treatment for pNFs.
Rehabilitation following proximal humeral fracture in the UK National Health Service: A survey of publicly facing information
Authors: Rohun Jason , May Pauline , Littlewood Chris 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroductionProximal humeral fractures (PHF) are a common injury in the older population but there is limited research evaluating rehabilitation following PHF. The aim of this study was to understand current National Health Service (NHS) practice for rehabilitation following PHF as a platform for conducting future research.MethodsTwo reviewers independently undertook electronic searches for publicly available information sheets (PIS) from websites of NHS Trusts that included detail about rehabilitation following PHF, for example, duration of immobilisation. One reviewer extracted data and a second reviewer verified this.ResultsSeventeen PIS from 17 different NHS trusts were identified. All provided some information on the method of immobilisation but only six provided guidance on duration of immobilisation with the median time being 2 weeks (range 0–6). The median time to commencement of passive exercise was 2 weeks (range 0–4) and 9 weeks (range 6–12) for active exercise. Only one PIS reported on the time for commencement of resisted exercises and this was reported as 6 weeks. The median time recommended return to work was 7.5 weeks (range 6–12).ConclusionThis study found limited publicly available information for rehabilitation following PHF in the NHS but offers some insight into current approaches. Our results will facilitate development of relevant information for patients and evaluation of rehabilitation strategies in future research.