bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Time Above All Else: Pharmacodynamic Analysis of β‐Lactams in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Landmesser Katie B. , Clark Justin A. , Burgess David S. 
Published: October 2021

Abstractβ‐Lactams are the most commonly used antibiotics in intensive care units (ICUs). As critically ill patients often experience pharmacokinetic aberrations, and rates of antimicrobial resistance vary between hospital settings, reliance on tertiary sources or package labeling to guide empiric dosing often results in suboptimal β‐lactam exposure. The primary objective was to identify β‐lactam regimens capable of achieving ≥90% cumulative fraction of response (CFR) against 7 Gram‐negative pathogens within 4 ICUs at our institution. Unit‐specific minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) distribution data was used in combination with published pharmacokinetic parameters in critically ill patients to perform Monte Carlo simulations. The percentage of time for which the unbound concentration of antibiotic remained above the MIC (%ƒT > MIC) was used as the pharmacodynamic target: 70%ƒT >MIC for cefepime, 40%ƒT > MIC for meropenem, and 50%ƒT > MIC for piperacillin/tazobactam. Regimens were modeled to determine the likelihood of achieving ≥90% CFR. Overall, intermittently dosed cefepime, meropenem, and piperacillin/tazobactam failed to achieve ≥90% CFR for every organism. Cefepime 2 g intermittent bolus every 8 hours failed to achieve ≥90% CFR for Klebsiella pneumoniae or Enterobacter cloacae despite susceptibility rates exceeding 90%. Piperacillin/tazobactam 4.5 g prolonged infusion (PI) every 6 hours achieved <85% CFR for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and <50% CFR for Acinetobacter baumannii in every ICU. Meropenem 2 g PI every 8 hours and meropenem 2 g PI every 6 hours were the only regimens capable of achieving ≥90% CFR for P aeruginosa in all units. Use of Monte Carlo simulations, with incorporation of local MIC distribution data, provides a mechanism to effectively predict optimal agent and dose selection within specific hospital systems, thereby enhancing pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic optimization and improving clinical efficacy.
Intensification of potash ore flotation by the introduction of industrial oils
Authors: Osipova Elena , Shevchuk Vyacheslav , Stromski Anatoly , Romanovski Valentin 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe paper comprises the study of the enrichment process of potash ore with the addition of industrial oils I‐8A, I‐12A, I‐30A to the base complex collector as an additional hydrophobizator.RESULTSComparative studies of flotation using liquid paraffins and industrial oils have shown the effectiveness of the latter. Physical research methods showed the effect of hydrophobizing additives on the adsorption of amine on potassium chloride crystals.CONCLUSIONThe research found that introducing industrial oils into the flotation system ensures potassium chloride extraction at the same level 93.25–94.86% as when using a collective mixture with liquid paraffins. It was 10.2–11.5% higher than when using a collective mixture without apolar reagents. Thus, the best flotation performance using industrial oils was possible due to increased apolar reagent consumption. The optimal consumption of industrial oil under laboratory conditions was 20–25 g t–1 ore. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Efficient synthesis of 4‐phenacylideneflavenes using recyclable gelified Brønsted acidic ionic liquid under solvent‐free and column chromatography‐free conditions: a green method and mechanistic insight
Authors: Nguyen Xuan‐Trang T , Nguyen The T , Nguyen Long H , Nguyen Hai T , Tran Phuong H 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDSynthetic routes involving recyclable catalysts, solvent‐free conditions and chromatography‐free purification are becoming more popular as favorable substitutes for conventional ones. We report here the exciting possibility of producing selective functionalization of 4‐phenacylideneflavenes using an efficient gelified Brønsted acidic ionic liquid (BAIL) as a recyclable catalyst from available and cheap starting materials.RESULTSThis one‐pot cascade approach allowed the synthesis of various 4‐phenacylideneflavenes in good yields with operational simplicity and easy workup. Moreover, the condensation of salicylaldehyde and acetophenone on a gram scale gave the desired product in 78% yield using our optimized conditions. In addition, the reaction mechanism in which two crucial intermediates were identified using high‐resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry was also proposed in the present work.CONCLUSIONThis method represents the first example of using BAIL gel recyclable catalyst in a straight and clean synthesis of various 4‐phenacylideneflavenes from cheap and available starting materials, namely acetophenones and salicylaldehyde. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Telehealth genetic services during the COVID‐19 Pandemic: Implementation and patient experiences across multiple specialties in Nebraska
Authors: Rezich Brianna M.Z. , Malone Jaime A. , Reiser Gwen , Zimmerman Holly H. , Blase Terri L. , Fishler Kristen P. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic has altered the delivery of genetics services. In response to the pandemic, our genetics department offered telehealth visits to all outpatients, regardless of their physical proximity to Omaha, Nebraska. Traditionally, our department did not offer telehealth visits to patient's homes or to patients who lived in close proximity to a genetics clinic. Therefore, we designed a survey to gain insight into the patient experience with remote genetic counseling appointments during the pandemic. Any patient referred to see a genetics provider in pediatrics, prenatal, adult, or cancer between March 16, 2020 and October 28, 2020 was eligible for the study. The survey included both quantitative and qualitative measures to assess patient demographics, patient experience, stressors during the COVID‐19 pandemic, and anxiety and depression. We hypothesized that patients would report they received quality care by telehealth despite the presence of COVID‐19‐related stressors or anxiety/depression. From the 143 survey participants, 80% had their first telehealth appointment during the pandemic. The vast majority (96%) reported that they felt like they received quality care by telehealth. Additionally, more than 93% of participants strongly or somewhat agreed that their genetic providers were attentive to their emotional needs, medical needs, and privacy. Since March 2020, participants reported experiencing several COVID‐19‐related stressors including fear of illness (86%), feelings of isolation (45%), and safety concerns (33%). Relatively low levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms were recorded using the HADS questionnaire. Despite the prevalence of COVID‐19 stressors, depression, and/or anxiety, our participants felt they received quality care via telehealth. In fact, 51% agree that they prefer to receive future genetics services virtually. These results suggest the value of telehealth as an alternative service delivery model, even for local patients, and should be offered for future appointments, beyond the COVID‐19 pandemic.
A forbidden pair for connected graphs to have spanning k‐trees
Authors: Maezawa Shun‐ichi , Ozeki Kenta 
Published: October 2021

AbstractFor an integer , a ‐tree is a tree with maximum degree at most . A ‐tree containing all vertices of a graph is called a spanning ‐tree of . In 2010, Ota and Sugiyama gave a forbidden induced subgraph condition for a graph to have a spanning ‐tree and they posed a conjecture that is stronger than their result. In this paper, we solve their conjecture.
β‐Galactosidase therapy can mitigate blood galactose elevation after an oral lactose load in galactose mutarotase deficiency
Authors: Wada Yoichi , Arai‐Ichinoi Natsuko , Kikuchi Atsuo , Kure Shigeo 
Published: October 2021

AbstractGalactose mutarotase (GALM) deficiency (MIM# 618881), also known as type IV galactosemia, is caused by biallelic pathogenic variants of GALM. Cataracts are observed in patients with GALM deficiency as well as in other conditions associated with high levels of blood galactose and can be prevented by consuming a galactose‐restricted diet or formula. Galactose restriction is the only known treatment for GALM deficiency and other types of galactosemia. We incidentally found that β‐galactosidase might reduce blood galactose levels caused by lactose loading in GALM deficiency. Consequently, we investigated the effectiveness of β‐galactosidase in decreasing the level of blood galactose in three patients with GALM deficiency. We performed two lactose loading tests per case: one with and one without β‐galactosidase. The add‐on administration of β‐galactosidase significantly mitigated blood galactose elevations after lactose loading. Although urine galactitol was mildly elevated in all patients with GALM deficiency, β‐galactosidase did not prevent increased levels of urine galactitol during the loading tests. No adverse events, including cataracts, were observed during or after the tests. Therefore, β‐galactosidase could be a potential novel treatment agent for blood galactose elevation caused by lactose in patients with GALM deficiency. The effectiveness of β‐galactosidase could possibly result in loosening of the galactose dietary restrictions or treatment for patients with GALM deficiency.
Acute SARS‐CoV‐2 alpha variant infection leading to placental insufficiency and fetal distress
Authors: Dumont Sander , Balduyck Jonas , Reynders Marijke , Vanwalleghem Lieve , Lebbe Barbara 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe effect of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) Alpha variant (also known as B.1.1.7 lineage, 20I/501Y.V1, the UK variant or VOC 202012/01) infection on pregnancy is currently unknown.We present a case of a 37‐year‐old woman admitted to our tertiary hospital at a gestational age of 29 weeks and 1 day because of oligohydramnios with reduced fetal movements for 10 days. About 20 days before admission, she tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 Alpha variant. The following day, due to abnormal cardiotocography, increased brain sparing, and absent end‐diastolic flow in the umbilical artery, an urgent cesarean section was performed. The neonate had an uneventful admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. All neonatal samples proved negative for SARS‐CoV‐2.Pathological examination of the placenta revealed intervillous fibrin deposition, ischemic necrosis of villi and histiocytic intervillositis, corresponding with the SARS‐CoV‐2 placentitis triad. The placental tissue demonstrated a high viral load, possibly explaining the acute onset of placental insufficiently and subsequent fetal distress.This case demonstrates the importance of seeking medical care when experiencing reduced fetal movement in SARS‐CoV‐2 infected patients since acute infection can induce significant placental and subsequent fetal pathology.
Seroepidemiology of enterovirus D68 infection in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia between 2013 and 2015
Authors: Chan Yoke Fun , Sam I‐Ching , Nayan Elena , Tan Xiu Hui , Yogarajah Thinesshwary 
Published: October 2021

AbstractEnterovirus D68 (EV‐D68) is an emerging respiratory pathogen since the 2014 outbreak in the United States. A low level of virus circulation has been reported in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in the past. However, the extent of the infection in Malaysia is not known. In the present study, we determine the seroepidemiology of EV‐D68 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, before and after the United States outbreak in August 2014. A luciferase‐based seroneutralization test was developed using a clone‐derived prototype Fermon strain carrying a nanoluciferase marker. We screened the neutralization capacity of 450 serum samples from children and adults (1–89 years old) collected between 2013 and 2015. EV‐D68 seropositivity increased with age, with children aged 1–3 showing significantly lower seroprevalence compared to adults. Multivariate analysis showed that older age groups 13–49 years (odds ratio [OR] = 4.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.69–8.49; p < 0.0001) and ≥50 years (OR = 3.83; 95% CI = 2.19–6.68; p < 0.0001) were more likely to be EV‐D68 seropositive than children <13 years. Sampling post‐September 2014 compared to pre‐Sept 2014 also predicted seropositivity (OR = 1.66; 95% CI = 1.04–2.65). The presence of neutralizing antibodies against EV‐D68 in the study population suggests that EV‐D68 was circulating before 2014. A higher seropositivity post‐September 2014 suggests that Malaysia also experienced an upsurge in EV‐D68 infections after the United States outbreaks in August 2014. A low seropositivity rate observed in children, especially those aged 1–3 years old, suggests that they are at risk and should be prioritized for future vaccination.
Mortality risk and temporal patterns of atrial fibrillation in the nationwide registry
Authors: Apiyasawat Sirin , Kornbongkotmas Sakaorat , Chichareon Ply , Krittayaphong Rungroj ,   for the COOL‐AF Investigators
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimsPersistent and permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) often occurs in the presence of multiple comorbidities and is linked to adverse outcomes. It is unclear whether the sustained pattern of AF itself is prognostic or if it is confounded by underlying comorbidities. Here, we tested the association between the temporal patterns of AF and the risks of ischemic stroke and all‐cause mortality.Methods and ResultsIn a prospective multicenter cohort, 3046 non‐valvular AF patients were consecutively enrolled and followed for adverse outcomes of all‐cause mortality and ischemic stroke. The risks of both outcomes were adjusted for underlying comorbidities, and compared between the patterns of AF. At baseline, the patients were classified as paroxysmal (N = 963, 31.6%), persistent (N = 604, 19.8%), and permanent AF (N = 1479, 45.6%) according to the standard definition. Anticoagulants were administered in 75% of all patients and 83% of those with CHA2DS2‐VASc score ≥2 in males or ≥3 in females. During a mean follow up of 26 (SD 10.5) months, all‐cause mortality occurred less in paroxysmal AF (2.5 per 100 patient‐years) than in persistent AF (4.4 per 100 patient‐years; adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.66, 95% CI, 0.46‐0.96; P = .029) and permanent AF (4.1 per 100 patient‐years; adjusted HR 0.71, 95% CI, 0.52‐0.98; P = .036). The risk of ischemic stroke was similar across all patterns of AF.ConclusionsIn this multicenter cohort of AF patients, persistent and permanent AF was associated with higher all‐cause mortality than paroxysmal AF, independent of baseline comorbidities.Clinical Trial RegistrationThai Clinical Trial Registration; Study ID: TCTR20160113002 (http://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20160113002).
Comparison of soil organic carbon and nitrogen dynamics between urban impervious surfaces and vegetation
Authors: Dou Xiaolin , Lu Meng , Chen Liding 
Published: October 2021

AbstractImpervious surfaces (IS) are widespread globally due to increasing urbanization, and relatively static carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) processes are usually expected in these soils. However, an understanding of how soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil organic nitrogen (SON) dynamics under IS in comparison with urban vegetation is still lacking. Here we used soil fractionation and stable isotopic analysis to examine C and N dynamics in IS soils and soils that were vegetated for 20–30 years in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, China. Soil samples from bare land (CK) and other land uses (grass, forest, and IS) were split into different chemical fractions. The C and N content, C:N ratio, δ13C, δ15N, C and N recalcitrant indices (RIC, RIN), and mean residence time (MRT) were analyzed. The results showed that soil C and N stocks increased in the first (20 years) as reflected in the enhanced labile (LP) and recalcitrant C pools (RP), but then stabilized or decreased after 30 years with the IS ages in both cities. IS had a lower SOC decomposition rate and thus resulted in 5–10‐times longer MRT (259–465 years) than that in vegetated soils (39–55 years). The study showed that IS caused remarkable changes in soil C and N pools and turnover rates compared with vegetated lands. Our results are potentially useful for better understanding, predicting, and managing soil C dynamics under urbanization.
Hydrothermal treatments affect the development of the hard‐to‐cook defect in cowpeas
Authors: Affrifah Nicole S. , Chinnan Manjeet S. , Saalia Firibu K. , Phillips R. Dixon 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe hard‐to‐cook defect is a well‐known problem in stored legumes, including cowpeas, which reduces the consumption and utilization of these nutritious foods. It is a generally held view that the enzyme, phytase is involved in the development of the defect. The effectiveness of steam treatments in preventing the characteristic hardening of cowpeas stored under unfavorable conditions was investigated. The factors considered were steaming temperature (100°C, 121°C), steaming time (2, 4, and 6 min) and initial seed moisture content (13%, 20%). The treated cowpeas were stored at either 4°C (no relative humidity [RH] control) or 42°C/80%RH. The texture of cooked treated cowpeas was comparable with the control; the peak forces were 504–639 N and 616 N, respectively, for treated and control cowpeas before storage. Although the treatments reduced the texture of cooked cowpeas prior to storage, only steaming at 121°C for 4 or 6 min prevented hardening during storage. Steaming reduced the phytase activity of cowpeas to 53%–64% of original activity; however, a significant increase occurred with storage. Steaming and storage significantly decreased water absorption from 91.28 g/100 g to 75.68–88.02 g/100 g after 24 h soaking. A decrease in phytate content and increases in electrolyte leakage and pectin loss were also recorded. A lack of significant correlation between cooked bean hardness and the physicochemical indices implies that the improved texture of cooked treated cowpeas occurred through a pathway not typically associated with the development of the hard‐to‐cook defect in cowpeas.
Prospective Cancer Therapies Using Stimuli‐Responsive DNA Nanostructures
Authors: Seitz Iris , Shaukat Ahmed , Nurmi Kurt , Ijäs Heini , Hirvonen Jouni , Santos Hélder A. , Kostiainen Mauri A. , Linko Veikko 
Published: October 2021

AbstractNanostructures based on DNA self‐assembly present an innovative way to address the increasing need for target‐specific delivery of therapeutic molecules. Currently, most of the chemotherapeutics being used in clinical practice have undesired and exceedingly high off‐target toxicity. This is a challenge in particular for small molecules, and hence, developing robust and effective methods to lower these side effects and enhance the antitumor activity is of paramount importance. Prospectively, these issues could be tackled with the help of DNA nanotechnology, which provides a route for the fabrication of custom, biocompatible, and multimodal structures, which can, to some extent, resist nuclease degradation and survive in the cellular environment. Similar to widely employed liposomal products, the DNA nanostructures (DNs) are loaded with selected drugs, and then by employing a specific stimulus, the payload can be released at its target region. This review explores several strategies and triggers to achieve targeted delivery of DNs. Notably, different modalities are explained through which DNs can interact with their respective targets as well as how structural changes triggered by external stimuli can be used to achieve the display or release of the cargo. Furthermore, the prospects and challenges of this technology are highlighted.
Scale‐Up Synthesis of High Purity Calcium Terephthalate from Polyethylene Terephthalate Waste: Purification, Characterization, and Quantification
Authors: Li Yanyan , Yi Hongling , Ge Mingqiao , Yao Donggang 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe large‐scale synthesis of calcium terephthalate (CaTP) and upcycling of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) are performed simultaneously by reactive processing. In the one‐pot synthesis, a spindle‐like calcium trihydrate CaTP‐80 with good crystallinity is derived and separated from PET waste by calcium hydroxide and water. Characterization techniques including Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), NMR, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) reveal that the produced CaTP‐80 with an average size of 18.8 µm is tunable in the structure after calcination. The resulting anhydrous CaTP‐350 with different bonding modes between Ca2+ and COO− exhibits high purity and thermal stability. Furthermore, an accurate quantification method operated by UV–vis is applied to define the selectivity and yield of CaTP powder from the complex intermediates. The effects of temperature, time, and concentration parameters on the yield of CaTP in the purification process are investigated. Results reveal that the optimum conditions are achieved with 88.2% conversion of PET to CaTP, 95.9% selectivity, and 84.6% yield of the synthesized CaTP‐350. The study complements the purification, characterization, and quantification of PET‐derived CaTP powder, which exhibits a model for effective and sustainable upcycling of PET waste.
Glassy Cholesteric Liquid Crystals Containing Menthyl Groups Demonstrating Tunable Visible Reflection with Temperature and Reflection Angle Dual‐Mode
Authors: Luo Congcong , Yao Bing , Lu You , Huang Chengchen , Wang Zhongfeng , Du Xihua , Zhou Jun , Reheman Aikebaier , Wang Jiwei 
Published: October 2021

AbstractResponsive dual‐modal cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) optical materials demonstrating tunable optical behaviors possess significant application in optical devices. Introducing chiral groups into liquid crystal structures is a common strategy. The design of CLC optical structure by two identical menthyl elements is seldom reported. Herein, novel CLC oligomers (Gn) combining 4‐(4‐(4‐menthyloxy‐4‐oxobutanoyloxy)benzoyloxy)phenyl 4‐allyloxybenzoate (M1) and 4′‐(4‐menthyloxy‐4‐oxobutanoyloxy)biphenyl‐4‐yl 4‐allyloxybenzoate (M2) on organosilicon oligomers by molecular grafting are proposed. The as‐prepared oligomers Gn display brilliant visible light reflection in the chiral nematic (N*) phase. And when the oligomers Gn are rapidly cooled from the N* temperature to below 0 °C, the reflection color on the glassy CLC oligomers can be preserved at room temperature over 1 year. Furthermore, the glassy Gn present dual‐mode thermochromic performances, the blue (or red)‐shift reflection with the increase of temperature, and the blue‐shift reflection with the increase of reflection angle.
Highly Thermally Conductive Yet Electrically Insulative Polycarbonate Composites with Oriented Hybrid Networks Assisted by High Shear Injection Molding
Authors: Bai Yang , Shi You , Zhou Shengtai , Zou Huawei , Liang Mei 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn this work, a facile strategy is proposed to construct thermal conductive network in polycarbonate (PC)/boron nitride (BN) composites via incorporating a small amount of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) assisted by high shear injection molding process. A synergy is achieved between BN and CNTs in building thermal conductive pathways within PC, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy observations and rheological analysis. The obtained thermal conductivities are well fitted with the Agari model, which further confirms the efficacy of constructing thermal conductive pathways within PC/BN/CNT composites. The thermal conductivity of PC/BN 30 wt%/CNT 2 wt% composite reaches as high as 2.05 W mK−1, which is ≈832% and 45.4% higher than that of pure PC and PC/BN 30 wt% composite, respectively. In addition, PC/BN/CNT composites exhibit excellent electrical insulation, low dielectric properties as well as reasonable mechanical performance, which show potential applications in advanced engineering fields.