bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Removal of lead ions from aqueous solution using phosphate‐based geopolymer cement composite
Authors: Njimou Jacques R , Pengou Martin , Tchakoute Hervé K , Sieugaing Tamwa Mary , Tizaoui Chedly , Fannang Ulrich , Lemougna Patrick N , Nanseu‐Njiki Charles P , Ngameni Emmanuel 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDWater contaminated by heavy metals has many negative impacts on human health and the environment. According to the UN's sustainable development goals, preserving natural resources will have positive impacts on living conditions by reducing diseases. In this study, a novel adsorbent synthesized from phosphate‐based geopolymer cement composite material was developed and evaluated for lead removal from aqueous solutions. The developed adsorbent is made from natural resources using a facile protocol, and thus it is suitable for both developed and developing countries.RESULTSAnalyses of mineralogical composition, pore‐size distribution and surface of the synthesized phosphate‐based geopolymer cement composite were performed. A microporous structure was observed from the microstructural characterization. Geopolymer cement was immobilized with sodium alginate to fabricate alginate–geopolymer cement beads (Alg/GES). The parameters influencing the adsorption process were investigated in batch mode. The obtained results showed that the adsorption capacity of Pb(II) ions increased with time and equilibrium was reached in 90 min. The optimum adsorption pH was 4.17. The experimental results showed that the adsorption equilibrium of Pb(II) on Alg/GES was well described by the Freundlich and Langmuir models whereas the adsorption rate was well fitted by the pseudo‐second‐order kinetics model. The maximum adsorption capacity obtained from the Langmuir isotherm was qmax = 0.38 mmol g−1. From the Dubinin–Radushkevitch isotherm model, the value of the free adsorption energy was 41 kJ mol−1.CONCLUSIONSCompared with other adsorbents, Alg/GES exhibited a greater adsorption capacity confirming that the phosphate‐based geopolymer cement can be suitable for removal of heavy metals from wastewaters. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
A smartphone‐based petrographic microscope
Authors: Di Febo Roberta , Casas Lluís , Antonini Andrea 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPhotomicrographs of thin sections provide a swift and efficient means of sharing information for consultation, education, documentation and publication within the Geosciences and related areas. In general terms, the main way to capture digital microscopic images involves the use of a mounted camera unit on a high‐end costly benchtop microscope. However, freehand methods to capture microscope‐scale images using a smartphone, as well as smartphone adapters that can be attached to a microscope have emerged during recent years. This paper presents the design features of a costless system able to obtain photomicrographs without requiring a conventional microscope. The imaging device is comprised of a mini‐objective lens attached to a smartphone and a structure that allows it to focus as well as to rotate the stage and to insert/remove a polarized sheet. The quality and magnification of the images attainable from the new design is comparable to the images normally obtained by a conventional petrographic microscope using a ×4 objective and a ×10 ocular (total magnification ×40).
Acquired platelet dysfunction in newly diagnosed myeloma
Authors: Mortimer Joshua , Gray Nicola , Desborough Michael , Baker Peter , Kothari Jaimal , Eyre Toby 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis is a case of an unexpected and dramatic bleeding complication in a patient post‐bone marrow biopsy performed for investigation of an IgA paraprotein with the results confirming multiple myeloma. Subsequent investigations were suggestive of an acquired platelet disorder indicated by abnormal platelet light aggregometry readings. It was observed that the impaired platelet aggregation corrected on reduction of the paraprotein load following commencement of antimyeloma treatment and plasma exchange. This case is of significant clinical relevance as it highlights a risk factor for serious complication in patients undergoing procedures in those with untreated plasma cell dyscrasias.
Do my feelings fit the diagnosis? Avoiding misdiagnoses in psychosomatic consultation services
Authors: Seidl Elias , Seidl Otmar 
Published: January 2021

ObjectiveMisdiagnoses are a major concern with far‐reaching consequences, which have rarely been studied systematically. Therefore, the present study evaluated factors causing misdiagnoses identified by psychosomatic consultation services.MethodsOver a period of 5 years, all patients referred to the psychosomatic consultation services of a large university hospital were analyzed consecutively for misdiagnoses. We analyzed the reasons for suspecting a misdiagnosis through systematic introspection during peer supervision and evaluated the causes during semistructured interviews with the referring physician.ResultsIn 165 psychosomatic consultations, 24 disorders were misdiagnosed (15%). The reasons for questioning the initial diagnoses were the consulting physician's feelings and thoughts resulting from the patients’ inappropriate behavior during the consultation and unusual clinical features. In eight cases, the misdiagnosis resulted from availability bias, and in three cases each it resulted from confirmation bias, search satisfaction bias, and framing effect and attribution bias. However, lack of medical knowledge played only a minor role.ConclusionThis study highlights the nonrational elements of the diagnostic process. In the context of psychosomatic consultation services, introspection and intuitive thought processes are helpful in identifying misdiagnoses. Self‐satisfaction (availability bias) and overconfidence (confirmation bias) are most likely to result in misdiagnoses.
Mutations in SARS‐CoV‐2 nsp7 and nsp8 proteins and their predicted impact on replication/transcription complex structure
Authors: Reshamwala Shamlan M. S. , Likhite Vishakha , Degani Mariam S. , Deb Shalini S. , Noronha Santosh B. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) has been identified to be a mutation hot spot, with the P323L mutation being commonly observed in viral genomes isolated from North America. RdRp forms a complex with nonstructural proteins nsp7 and nsp8 to form the minimal replication/transcription machinery required for genome replication. As mutations in RdRp may affect formation of the RdRp–nsp7–nsp8 supercomplex, we analyzed viral genomes to identify mutations in nsp7 and nsp8 protein sequences. Based on in silico analysis of predicted structures of the supercomplex comprising of native and mutated proteins, we demonstrate that specific mutations in nsp7 and nsp8 proteins may have a role in stabilization of the replication/transcription complex.
A snapshot of the prescribing patterns and off‐label use of gabapentinoid agents in tertiary care: a retrospective, cross‐sectional, descriptive study
Authors: Prior Felicity H. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundPrescribing of gabapentinoids has increased worldwide and off‐label use is well‐described. Patients may be at risk of harm from inappropriate use. Prescribing patterns in tertiary care have not been described in the Australian setting.AimThe aim of this study was to assess the prescribing patterns of gabapentinoids across a Local Health District in New South Wales, Australia.MethodClinical and prescribing records over a 48‐h period were reviewed. Patient demographics, renal function and concurrent opioid use were recorded. Dosing details and the indications for treatment were analysed.ResultsAlmost 40% of patients were prescribed concomitant opioid therapy, half of which were in the postoperative setting, an indication for which there is little evidence. Appropriate dose reductions were made in the majority of patients with renal impairment. Methods used for ceasing therapy were not in accordance with best practice. Indications for use were difficult to ascertain from medical records. However, only approximately half of usage of both agents appeared to be for approved indications.ConclusionPrescribing of gabapentinoids could be improved. Although dosages are largely in accordance with recommended dosages for renal impairment, there is significant concern with concurrent use of opioids and use for non‐approved indications, many of which lack clinical evidence. Further investigation into prescribing habits in the postoperative setting is warranted. There is a potential role for increased education and intervention to optimise use.
MARSFT: Efficient fitting of CARS spectra using a library‐based genetic algorithm
Authors: Greifenstein M. , Dreizler A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA loss‐less compressed library scheme is presented in this publication that allows for computationally efficient fitting of coherent anti‐Stokes Raman spectra with no restriction to the number of degrees of freedom for the spectral fit. The compression is achieved by convolving the squared modulus and the real part of the complex susceptibility with a Gaussian kernel narrower than the experimental apparatus function. This effectively reduces library size while allowing to convolve to the final experimental linewidth during the fit. For the optimization procedure, a gradient‐free mixed‐integer genetic algorithm was implemented due to its ability to extract library spectra without interpolation. We demonstrate the ability of the code by comparing it to CARSFT in terms of dependency on starting solution, computational cost and accuracy using simulated spectra with varying noise contribution.
Fabrication of fish gelatin / sodium alginate double network gels for encapsulation of probiotics
Authors: Liu Jialin , Liu Fenghua , Ren Teng , Wang Jiong , Yang Mengxuan , Yao Yao , Chen Hao 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDTo improve the environmental resistance of probiotics, and particularly their survival in the gastrointestinal environment, a fish gelatin (FG) / sodium alginate (SA) double network gelation (FSDN) was developed to encapsulate them. Thermal treatment and calcium ion inducement were adopted to fabricate fish gelatin and sodium alginate gels. It was feasible to scale up this process. The effects of FG concentration (0–60 g/L) on FSDN properties, including morphology, water‐holding capacity, and encapsulation efficiency were evaluated.RESULTSThe results indicated that the addition of FG could improve the transparency, rehydration, and water‐holding capacity of FSDN. Scanning electronic microscope (SEM) images revealed that FSDN had a denser and more complete structure than SA. Encapsulation efficiency improved from 15.85% to 91.91% as the FG concentration ranged from 0 to 50 g/L. Bifidobacterium longum embedded by FSDN showed better thermal stability than when it was free. Compared with bare probiotics (1.7%), the encapsulated ones exhibited higher viability (above 15%) in simulated gastric fluid.CONCLUSIONIn conclusion, interpenetrating FSDN is an effective barrier constituent and could achieve the targeted delivery of probiotics. It is a potential new delivery carrier for the oral administration of probiotics. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
The prognostic value of tumor deposits and the impact on the TNM classification system in esophageal cancer patients
Authors: Zhang Guochao , Zhang Chaoqi , Wang Lide , Xue Liyan , Jia Jia , Zuo Zhichao , Sun Nan , Gao Shugeng , Xue Qi , He Jie 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the prognostic significance of tumor deposits (TDs), isolated tumor foci lacking residual lymph nodes, in esophageal cancer (EC).MethodsA retrospective review of patients with EC undergoing esophagectomy between 2005 and 2017 was conducted. The prognostic value of TD was evaluated using a Cox regression model. Patients from different sources and periods were split into discovery and validation sets. A propensity score matching model was used in the validation set to reduce the confounding bias. The impact of TD on the TNM classification system was evaluated.ResultsThe discovery and validation sets included 179 and 2875 patients, respectively. Propensity‐matched patients with and without TDs were constructed in the validation set with 132 patients in each group. Overall survival (p < .001 and p = .004, respectively) and disease‐free survival (p < .001 and p = .019, respectively) were both decreased in TD positive patients in the discovery set and propensity‐matched groups of validation set. Classifying patients with TDs into pN3 stage improved the discriminative power of the current TNM staging system.ConclusionsTD is an independent prognostic factor for EC. The inclusion of TD in the TNM staging system may upstage appropriate patients to help guide therapy, and future studies are warranted.
Screening and isolation of potential lipoxidase and superoxide dismutase inhibitors from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi using high‐speed countercurrent chromatography target‐guided by ultrafiltration‐liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Xia Jianli , Liu Chunming , Niu Huazhou , Hou Wanchao , Li Sainan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe present a simple and efficient method based on ultrafiltration high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode array detector and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for the rapid screening and identification of ligands obtainable from the extract of Scutellaria baicalensis. Five major compounds (chrysin‐6‐C‐arabinosyl‐8‐C‐glucoside, chrysin‐6‐C‐glucosyl‐8‐C‐arabinoside, baicalin, oroxylin A‐7‐O‐glucuronide, and wogonoside) were identified as potentially effective inhibitors of lipoxidase and superoxide dismutase. Subsequently, specific binding ligands were separated by high‐speed countercurrent chromatography, using ethyl acetate/ethyl alcohol/water acetate (0.1%) (1.0:0.1:1.0, v/v/v) as the solvent system. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of S. baicalensis extracts containing potent lipoxidase and superoxide dismutase inhibitors. Our results demonstrate that the systematic isolation of bioactive components from the n‐butyl alcohol layer of S. baicalensis guided by ultrafiltration high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry represents a feasible and efficient technique that could also be employed for the identification and isolation of other enzyme inhibitors.
Fetal Outcomes Associated with the Sequence of Doppler Deterioration in Severely Growth‐Restricted Fetuses
Authors: Kanagawa Takeshi , Ishii Keisuke , Yamamoto Ryo , Sasahara Jun , Mitsuda Nobuaki 
Published: January 2021

ObjectivesVarious patterns of Doppler deterioration exist in fetal growth restriction (FGR). However, the factors that differentiate these patterns are still unknown. The purpose of this study was to clarify the perinatal outcomes and factors to determine the pattern of Doppler deterioration in severe FGR.Materials and MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of preterm severe FGR with Doppler abnormality, wherein the clinical features, including maternal characteristics, medical history, and sonographic findings, were compared between the patterns of Doppler deterioration. We used the multivariable logistic regression analyses to identify the factors associated with the pattern of Doppler deterioration.ResultsOf 322 eligible fetuses, 143 had Doppler abnormalities. Fetuses with Doppler deterioration from ductus venosus uniquely featured fetal and placental‐umbilical abnormalities detected after birth. Gestational age (GA) at diagnosis of FGR and at the first diagnosis of Doppler abnormality in fetuses with Doppler deterioration from middle cerebral artery (MCA) were later than those from umbilical artery. In addition, the factor associated with Doppler deterioration from MCA was 31‐week GA at the first diagnosis of Doppler abnormality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 26.7; 95% CI: 8.35–103), not GA at diagnosis of FGR (aOR: 1.82; 95% CI: 0.50–5.96).ConclusionsCharacteristics of each Doppler deterioration pattern might reflect FGR etiology. Undetectable anomalies and umbilical‐placental abnormalities were found in fetuses with Doppler deterioration from the ductus venosus. Doppler deterioration from the MCA was observed after 31 weeks of gestation not only in the late‐onset FGR but also in the early‐onset FGR with normal umbilical artery Doppler findings.
Kinetic analysis of the degradation of HDPE+PP polymer mixtures
Authors: Briceno Jhon , Lemos Maria Amélia , Lemos Francisco 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAn in depth understanding of the kinetics of the decomposition of plastic mixtures is necessary to enhance chemical recycling approaches, in particular by pyrolysis. The fact that plastic waste is usually composed of mixtures of plastics constitutes a hindrance for secondary recycling but may not be a particular difficulty for tertiary recycling. In this study, an analysis of the thermal degradation of mixtures of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP), in different proportions, was carried‐out under pyrolysis conditions using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) under nonisothermal conditions, at different heating rates. Both isoconversional and model‐fitting approaches were used to estimate kinetic parameters from the experimental information. It was found that both the degradation of HDPE and PP, as well as their mixtures, can be described by a single‐step degradation process but that the degradation process is influenced by the proportion between the two plastics. The HDPE/PP mixtures in which PP has a higher ratio than HDPE cause the degradation onset temperature for the mixture to be lower than either pure PP or pure HDPE. Also, it was found that the apparent activation energy estimated was lower for these mixtures in comparison with the pure polymers. This implies that there are extensive interactions between the plastics during the degradation procedure and, from an operational point of view, it may be actually easier to degrade plastic mixtures than the corresponding pure streams, a conclusion that is important in the context of tertiary recycling of plastic mixtures. Furthermore, it was observed that a compensation effect exists that encompasses all the kinetic data for the mixtures, regardless of the composition, indicating that, although significant changes occur in relation to the activation energy, the underlying degradation mechanism remains the same.
Prognostic Value of Third Cervical Vertebra Skeletal Muscle Index in Oral Cavity Cancer: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Chang Sheng‐Wei , Hsu Cheng‐Ming , Tsai Yuan‐Hsiung , Chang Geng‐He , Tsai Ming‐Shao , Huang Ethan I. , Tsai Yao‐Te 
Published: January 2021

Objectives/HypothesisTo assess the prognostic utility of third cervical vertebra skeletal muscle index (C3 SMI) measured from preoperative head and neck computed tomography (CT) in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).Study DesignRetrospective study.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 125 patients who underwent primary curative surgery for OSCC between 2009 and 2017. Their preoperative C3 SMI was calculated by adjusting the C3 cross‐sectional area delineated on head and neck CT by body height squared. A Cox proportional hazard model was employed to identify prognostic factors, and a novel nomogram based on C3 SMI was built for individualized survival prediction.ResultsIn Kaplan–Meier analysis, high C3 SMI was significantly associated with higher 5‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) than low C3 SMI. In multivariate analysis, low C3 SMI was an independent risk factor for poor DFS and OS (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.197; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.170–4.512, P = .032 and HR: 2.143; 95% CI, 1.232–3.728, P = .007, respectively). The concordance‐index (C‐index) of the nomogram based on C3 SMI was 0.814 for OS, higher than that of the nomogram based on tumor–node–metastasis staging alone (C‐index = 0.731).ConclusionsC3 SMI might serve as a novel prognosticator in OSCC patients undergoing curative surgery, and the nomogram based on C3 SMI might provide good prognostic discrimination ability for individualized survival prediction.Level of EvidenceIV Laryngoscope, 131:E2257–E2265, 2021
The divergent impact of phenology change on the productivity of alpine grassland due to different timing of drought on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Hu Guozheng , Gao Qingzhu , Ganjurjav Hasbagan , Wang Zixin , Luo Wenrong , Wu Hongbao , Li Yu , Yan Yulong , Gornish Elise S. , Schwartz Mark W. , Wan Yunfan , Li Yue 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDroughts are predicted to become more frequent and persist for longer periods in the future, especially in alpine regions due to climate change. However, the association mechanism between plant productivity response to drought timing and phenology in the alpine grassland of the Tibetan Plateau is unclear. We conducted manipulative drought experiments on early growing season drought (ED) and middle growing season drought (MD) to determine the impacts of drought timing on the alpine grassland. The results showed ED significantly delayed the green‐up of the community vegetation (8.20%, p < .05). However, MD advanced the withered date of the community vegetation (−2.98%, p < .05). ED and MD depressed the growing season duration, cover, height, and the aboveground biomass of the community vegetation. However, the structural equation model revealed that the effect of phenology changes on the aboveground net primary production shifts was divergent among graminoid, weeds, and community. Our results shed light on the drought tolerance mechanisms of diverse vegetation groups at different drought timings. Thus, the drought timing should not be neglected in climate change studies, especially in research related to climate extremes.
Prolonged inpatient stay after upfront total laryngectomy is associated with overall survival
Authors: Jacobs Daniel , Kafle Samipya , Earles Joseph , Rahmati Rahmatullah , Mehra Saral , Judson Benjamin L. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate factors and complications associated with prolonged inpatient length of stay (LOS) in patients who receive total laryngectomy (TL), and to analyze its effect on short‐term and long‐term overall survival (OS).MethodsThe National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried from 2004 to 2016 for patients with laryngeal cancer, who received TL within 60 days of diagnosis, and who had an inpatient LOS ≥1 night. Multivariable binary logistic regression and survival analyses on propensity score matched cohorts with Kaplan‐Meier analysis and extended Cox regression were utilized.ResultsEight thousand two hundred and ninety‐eight patients from the NCDB were included. Median inpatient LOS was 8 days after TL (IQR: 7, 12). Prolonged LOS was defined as above the 75th percentile or 13 days or greater. On multivariable analysis, increasing patient age (OR 1.14 per 10 years, P = .003), female sex (OR 1.35, P < .001), and Charlson‐Deyo comorbidity score of ≥2 compared to a score of 0 (OR 1.43, P < .001) were associated with prolonged LOS. Patients treated at high surgical case volume centers had a decreased likelihood for prolonged LOS (OR 0.67, P < .001). Ninety‐day mortality increased over time in patients who stayed ≥13 days. Prolonged LOS was independently associated with worse OS on multivariable analysis (HR 1.40, 95% CI: 1.22, 1.61) in a matched cohort.ConclusionsProlonged LOS after TL serves as a strong indicator for postoperative long‐term mortality and may help identify patients who warrant closer surveillance.Level of Evidence3.