bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A promising, novel index in the diagnosis and follow‐up of patent ductus arteriosus: Red cell distribution width‐to‐platelet ratio
Authors: Özer Bekmez Buse , Tayman Cüneyt , Büyüktiryaki Mehmet , Çetinkaya Aslıhan Köse , Çakır Ufuk , Derme Turan 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundThe role of red cell distribution width‐to‐platelet ratio (RPR) has not previously been mentioned in reports on patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Our objective was to evaluate whether RPR would have a role in the diagnosis and/or prediction of pharmacological closure of PDA.MethodsPreterm infants’ gestational age ≤30 weeks and ≤1500 g who were given first ibuprofen treatment in the first week of life for hemodynamically significant PDA (hsPDA) were included in the study. The patients were matched for gestational age, birthweight, and sex. Patients were subdivided into two groups based on the response to medical treatment (open and closed PDA). Hemogram parameters were recorded before and after medical therapy. Groups were compared with regard to demographic and clinical characteristics and for three sequential hematological parameters. RPR was calculated. Patients with sepsis, anemia, perinatal asphyxia, and congenital/chromosomal anomaly were not included in the study.ResultsA total of 112 infants had medically treated hsPDA. Of those, ductus closed in 70 neonates (closed PDA). A total of 96 infants constituted the control group. Mean gestational age and birthweight of the patients were 28.9 ± 2.4 weeks and 1207 ± 372 g. While RPR was significantly increased, PCT was lower in both hsPDA and open PDA groups (P < 0.05 and P < 0.05, respectively). In multivariate analysis, high RPR (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.438‐5.872, P < 0.05) and RDS (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.903‐4.811, P < 0.01) were detected as independent risk factors for hsPDA.ConclusionRed cell distribution width‐to‐platelet ratio and PCT may be promising supportive tools for the diagnosis and prediction of pharmacotherapy success.
Recent research progress on bio‐oil conversion into bio‐fuels and raw chemicals: a review
Authors: Valle Beatriz , Remiro Aingeru , García‐Gómez Naiara , Gayubo Ana G , Bilbao Javier 
Published: July 2018

AbstractRecent advances in lignocellulosic biomass valorization for producing fuels and commodities (olefins and BTX aromatics) are gathered in this paper, with a focus on the conversion of bio‐oil (produced by fast pyrolysis of biomass). The main valorization routes are: (i) conditioning of bio‐oil (by esterification, aldol condensation, ketonization, in situ cracking, and mild hydrodeoxygenation) for its use as a fuel or stable raw material for further catalytic processing; (ii) production of fuels by deep hydrodeoxygenation; (iii) ex situ catalytic cracking (in line) of the volatiles produced in biomass pyrolysis, aimed at the selective production of olefins and aromatics; (iv) cracking of raw bio‐oil in units designed with specific objectives concerning selectivity; and (v) processing in fluidized bed catalytic cracking (FCC) units. This review deals with the technological evolution of these routes, in terms of catalysts, reaction conditions, reactors, and product yields. A study has been carried out on the current state‐of‐knowledge of the technological capacity, advantages and disadvantages of the different routes, as well as on the prospects for the implementation of each route within the scope of the Sustainable Refinery. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Early experience with a low FODMAP diet in Asian patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Wong Zhiqin , Mok Chu‐Zhen , Majid Hazreen Abdul , Mahadeva Sanjiv 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundThe efficacy and acceptance of a low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diet in Asian adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remain uncertain. We aimed to describe our early experience in a single center with a dedicated gastroenterology dietetic service.MethodsConsecutive patients with IBS referred to our dedicated Dietetic Gastroenterology Clinic between February 2016 and May 2016 were screened. A low FODMAP diet was instituted as per standard protocol. Data on demographic and clinical variables were obtained from patients’ records and prospective telephone interviews.ResultsA total of 16 patients, with a median age of 67 ± 13.57 years; female gender n = 10 (62.5%); ethnicity: Chinese n = 8 (50%), Indian n = 5 (31.25%), and Malay n = 3 (18.75%) with IBS, were included in the study. Compliance with the low FODMAP diet was complete in 8 of 16 (50%) patients, partial in 4 of 16 (25%), and 4 of 16 (25%) could not comply with the diet at all. Improvement in symptoms were reported in 11 of 16 (68.8%) patients. Among patients who complied (complete/partial) with the low FODMAP diet, predominant symptom improvement was reported as follows: abdominal pain 3 of 5 (60%), abdominal bloating/distension 7 of 10 (70%), and flatulence 7 of 8 (87.5%). Patients with the IBS‐D subtype appeared to have the greatest improvement in stool consistency (87.5% IBS‐D vs 12.5% non‐IBS‐D, P = 0.009).ConclusionBased on our pilot observational study of a relatively small sample of Asian IBS patients, compliance with a low FODMAP diet appears to be low. Further larger studies are required to verify our observation.
Time‐resolved Raman spectroscopy for shock‐driven intramolecular electron redistribution of cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX)
Authors: Yu Guoyang , Zheng Zhaoyang , Wu Honglin , Zeng Yangyang , Wu Qiang , Tan Duowang , Zheng Xianxu , Song Yunfei , Yang Yanqiang 
Published: July 2018

AbstractShock‐driven intramolecular electron redistribution (IER) of cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX) is proposed, which will be helpful for understanding the initiation and safety mechanisms of RDX materials under shock compressions. Laser‐driven shock wave was performed to generate a dynamic pressure, and time‐resolved Raman spectroscopy was used to probe the shock wave response of RDX. First‐principle calculations were utilized to identify Raman modes and determine a pressure‐dependent electron density distribution in RDX molecules. Raman peaks of RDX have blue shifts under shock loadings, which are caused by IER. According to calculations, it can be confirmed that electrons transfer from C–H and N–O bonds to N–N bonds under shock loadings in IER. We suggest that shock‐driven IER will make some chemical bonds be broken more easily under shock conditions.
Preparation of highly cross‐linked hydrophilic porous microspheres poly(N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide) and poly(N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) with an application on the removal of cadmium
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhu Xiaolian , Yang Xinlin , Li Ke , Yang Zupeng 
Published: July 2018

An effective polymerization system was developed for the synthesis of highly cross‐linked hydrophilic monodispersed microspheres with both the micropores and mesopores inside. A series of poly(N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide) (PMBA) microspheres with the diameters ranging from 100 to 300 nm were synthesized by distillation precipitation polymerization with N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMAC) as the porogen, acetonitrile as the solvent, and MBA as the cross‐linker and monomer. The particle size, morphology, and porosity varied according to the variation of the DMAC content. The porosity was determined by physical adsorption of nitrogen, and reached the maximum at 7.5 vol% of DMAC with the specific surface area at 135.8 m2 g−1 and the total pore volume at 0.43 cm3 g−1. The porous and hydrophilic microspheres showed excellent swelling property in water and adsorption property for the Cd(II) in aqueous solution. Meanwhile, carboxylic groups were incorporated into the porous microspheres to achieve porous poly(N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) (P (MBA‐co‐AA)‐P), which exhibited obvious synergies of the pores and functional groups on the adsorption and provided a perspective application of the Cd(II) removal.
Relationship between clinical severity of “new” bronchopulmonary dysplasia and HRCT abnormalities in VLBW infants
Authors: Sung Tae‐Jung , Hwang Sook M. , Kim Min Y. , Park Shin G. , Choi Ka Y. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundTo assess the relationship between HRCT abnormalities and the clinical severity of “new” bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and respiratory assistance in <1500 g preterm infants.MethodsHRCT was performed at the time of discharge in 109 preterm infants with BPD who were born between 2008 and 2014. BPD severity was defined as mild, moderate, or severe according to the NIH diagnostic criteria. Total HRCT scores for each infant were obtained from the sum of the number of BPD lobes assessed by two radiologists: a hyperaeration score (Hs) composed of decreased attenuation, mosaic attenuation, and bulla/bleb, and a parenchyma score (Ps) composed of linear lesions, consolidation, bronchial wall thickening, and bronchiectasis. We compared HRCT scores based on BPD severity and respiratory modes, such as invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), non‐invasive MV (NIMV), and oxygen therapy.ResultsAmong the group of included infants (n = 101), mild BPD was found in 46.5%, moderate BPD in 45.5%, and severe BPD in 7.9%. When partial correlation was adjusted by gestational age (GA) and birth weight, the duration of NIMV was correlated with Ps (r = 0.382, P < 0.001), Hs (r = 0.223, P = 0.027), and total score (r = 0.384, P < 0.001). The duration of oxygen therapy was correlated with Ps (r = 0.374, P < 0.001) and Hs (r = 0.227, P = 0.023). Ps showed a correlation with BPD severity (r = 0.381, P = 0.007) in infants born at ≤26 weeks (GA) and those born at >27 weeks GA (r = 0.298, P = 0.042).ConclusionsParenchymal changes showed a greater correlation with the clinical severity of “new” BPD cases, especially in infants born at ≤26 weeks GA. The use of NIMV showed a greater correlation with Ps than Hs.
Overcoming psychosocial challenges in cystic fibrosis: Promoting resilience
Authors: Muther Emily F. , Polineni Deepika , Sawicki Greg S. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIndividuals living with cystic fibrosis (CF), and their families, have experienced significant improvements in treatment and related research that have enhanced outcomes and survival. Despite such advancement, the burden of living with CF still exists. Many psychosocial stressors and risk factors are associated with the impact of CF. The identification and treatment of such risk factors are discussed throughout this review, with an emphasis on strategies to address psychosocial risk and the importance of promoting resiliency in those touched by CF.
Ga‐68‐PSMA PET/CT in treatment‐naïve patients with prostate cancer: Which clinical parameters and risk stratification systems best predict PSMA‐positive metastases?
Authors: Rogasch Julian M. , Cash Hannes , Zschaeck Sebastian , Elezkurtaj Sefer , Brenner Winfried , Hamm Bernd , Makowski Marcus , Amthauer Holger , Furth Christian , Baur Alexander D. J. 
Published: July 2018

PurposeTo evaluate the accuracy of clinical parameters and established pre‐treatment risk stratification systems for prostate cancer (PCa) in predicting PSMA‐positive metastases in men undergoing Ga‐68‐PSMA PET/CT as initial staging examination.Materials and MethodsA retrospective analysis in 108 consecutive treatment‐naïve patients with biopsy‐proven PCa undergoing Ga‐68‐PSMA PET/CT (median age, 72 years [range, 49‐82 years]) was performed. Prediction of PSMA‐positive metastases by serum PSA, clinical T stage (cT), ISUP group, percentage of positive biopsy cores, and derived risk scores (D'Amico risk classification system, Roach [RF], Yale formula [YF], and Briganti nomogram [BN]) was examined with ROC analysis.ResultsAny PSMA‐positive metastases were found in 36 of 108 patients, including LN metastases in 28 patients, extrapelvic LN metastases in 15 patients, and organ metastases in 19 patients (bone, 19; lung, 1). AUCs for PSA, cT, ISUP, and percentage of positive biopsy cores regarding PSMA‐positive metastases did not differ significantly (range, 0.6‐0.8; each P > 0.05). D'Amico (AUC, 0.61‐0.64) was inferior to RF (0.76‐0.83), YF (0.81‐0.86), and BN (0.73 to 0.88; each P < 0.05). Among the 89 high‐risk patients (D'Amico), decision for or against PET imaging based on RF (cut‐off, >18.0), YF (>10.8), or BN (>8.0) would have prevented PSMA PET/CT in 4 (5%), 15 (17%), or 18 patients (20%), respectively, while preserving a sensitivity ≥95% for PSMA‐positive metastases.ConclusionsClinical parameters and established risk stratification systems for PCa can predict Ga‐68‐PSMA PET‐positive metastases in treatment‐naïve patients. Especially YF and BN may improve identification of patients with the highest probability of metastatic disease detected by Ga‐68‐PSMA PET/CT.
Synthesis, Characterization, Analytical and Cytotoxic Studies of N,N′‐Bis(2‐Hydroxynaphthylidene)‐4‐chlorophenyl Methanediamine and Its Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) Complexes
Authors: Amala Subbiah , Santhi Sambamoorthy , Subashini Sungapillai 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe present study involves one pot synthesis of a novel Schiff base derived from 2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthaldehyde. Further the Schiff base is used for metal complex preparation. All synthesized compounds are characterized by various spectral and analytical studies. Stoichiometry of the complexes is confirmed by Job's plot method. Of the three complexes, Co(II) complex is found to be the most stable one through UV/Vis titrations and Benesi‐Hildebrand equation. Redox property of the complexes ascertained from CV(Cyclic Voltammetry) confirms catalytic application of the complexes; while fluorescence property of the complexes and the Schiff base indicates chemosensor application of the Schiff base. Both the Schiff base and the complexes are screened against bacterial and fungal pathogens. MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) studies of the Schiff base and the cobalt complex over Staphylococcus aureus disclose the MIC value as 25 ppm. Cu(II) complex is found to have cytotoxicity against breast cancer cell lines (MCF‐7).
Complexity and stability of ecological networks: a review of the theory
Authors: Landi Pietro , Minoarivelo Henintsoa O. , Brännström Åke , Hui Cang , Dieckmann Ulf 
Published: July 2018

AbstractOur planet is changing at paces never observed before. Species extinction is happening at faster rates than ever, greatly exceeding the five mass extinctions in the fossil record. Nevertheless, our lives are strongly based on services provided by ecosystems, thus the responses to global change of our natural heritage are of immediate concern. Understanding the relationship between complexity and stability of ecosystems is of key importance for the maintenance of the balance of human growth and the conservation of all the natural services that ecosystems provide. Mathematical network models can be used to simplify the vast complexity of the real world, to formally describe and investigate ecological phenomena, and to understand ecosystems propensity of returning to its functioning regime after a stress or a perturbation. The use of ecological‐network models to study the relationship between complexity and stability of natural ecosystems is the focus of this review. The concept of ecological networks and their characteristics are first introduced, followed by central and occasionally contrasting definitions of complexity and stability. The literature on the relationship between complexity and stability in different types of models and in real ecosystems is then reviewed, highlighting the theoretical debate and the lack of consensual agreement. The summary of the importance of this line of research for the successful management and conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services concludes the review.
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as model to study inherited defects of neurotransmission in inborn errors of metabolism
Authors: Jung‐Klawitter Sabine , Opladen Thomas 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe ability to reprogram somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has revolutionized the way of modeling human disease. Especially for the modeling of rare human monogenetic diseases with limited numbers of patients available worldwide and limited access to the mostly affected tissues, iPSCs have become an invaluable tool. To study rare diseases affecting neurotransmitter biosynthesis and neurotransmission, stem cell models carrying patient‐specific mutations have become highly important as most of the cell types present in the human brain and the central nervous system (CNS), including motoneurons, neurons, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and microglia, can be differentiated from iPSCs following distinct developmental programs. Differentiation can be performed using classical 2D differentiation protocols, thereby generating specific subtypes of neurons or glial cells in a dish. On the other side, 3D differentiation into “organoids” opened new ways to study misregulated developmental processes associated with rare neurological and neurometabolic diseases. For the analysis of defects in neurotransmission associated with rare neurometabolic diseases, different types of brain organoids have been made available during the last years including forebrain, midbrain and cerebral organoids. In this review, we illustrate reprogramming of somatic cells to iPSCs, differentiation in 2D and 3D, as well as already available disease‐specific iPSC models, and discuss current and future applications of these techniques.
Early affective changes and increased connectivity in preclinical Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Fredericks Carolyn A. , Sturm Virginia E. , Brown Jesse A. , Hua Alice Y. , Bilgel Murat , Wong Dean F. , Resnick Susan M. , Seeley William W. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIntroductionAffective changes precede cognitive decline in mild Alzheimer's disease and may relate to increased connectivity in a “salience network” attuned to emotionally significant stimuli. The trajectory of affective changes in preclinical Alzheimer's disease, and its relationship to this network, is unknown.MethodsOne hundred one cognitively normal older adults received longitudinal assessments of affective symptoms, then amyloid‐PET. We hypothesized amyloid‐positive individuals would show enhanced emotional reactivity associated with salience network connectivity. We tested whether increased global connectivity in key regions significantly related to affective changes.ResultsIn participants later found to be amyloid positive, emotional reactivity increased with age, and interpersonal warmth declined in women. These individuals showed higher global connectivity within the right insula and superior temporal sulcus; higher superior temporal sulcus connectivity predicted increasing emotional reactivity and decreasing interpersonal warmth.ConclusionsAffective changes should be considered an early preclinical feature of Alzheimer's disease. These changes may relate to higher functional connectivity in regions critical for social‐emotional processing.
Quality of life of persons with permanent colostomy: a phenomenological study
Authors: Alwi Fahrizal ,   Setiawan,   Asrizal
Published: July 2018

Abstract
Objectives To describe the experiences of persons with permanent colostomy regarding their quality of life.
Methods The study design used descriptive phenomenology following the approach of Collaizzi. There were 12 participants who qualified using purposive sampling based on the inclusion criteria.The data generated were in-depth interviews. Analysis and interpretation used verbatim descriptions.
Results The research data revealed seven themes, namely: limitation in daily living activities, limitations in marital relations and social relationship with others, negative feelings about having the colostomy, financial difficulties, increasing demands of living with colostomy, changes in the needs of rest, physical and expectation of complications, and hoping to live a normal life after colostomy.
Conclusion This study revealed that persons with permanent colostomy experience difficulties and limitations pertaining to daily living activities, including marital and social relations. Importantly, they experience psychological concerns, e.g. having negative feelings about ways of living their lives, including financial difficulties and adjusting to new ways of living. However, there is always the hope to live a normal life. This study provides an understanding of the quality of life of persons with permanent colostomy, allowing nurses to provide appropriate nursing care.
Large-scale structures in a turbulent channel flow with a minimal streamwise flow unit
Authors: Abe Hiroyuki , Antonia Robert Anthony , Toh Sadayoshi 
Published: July 2018

Direct numerical simulations are used to examine large-scale motions with a streamwise length$2\sim 4h$($h$denotes the channel half-width) in the logarithmic and outer regions of a turbulent channel flow. We test a minimal ‘streamwise’ flow unit (Toh & Itano,J. Fluid Mech., vol. 524, 2005, pp. 249–262) (or MSU) for larger Kármán numbers ($h^{+}=395$and 1020) than in the original work. This flow unit consists of a sufficiently long (${L_{x}}^{+}\approx 400$) streamwise domain to maintain near-wall turbulence (Jiménez & Moin,J. Fluid Mech., vol. 225, 1991, pp. 213–240) and a spanwise domain which is large enough to represent the spanwise behaviour of inner and outer structures correctly; as$h^{+}$increases, the streamwise extent of the MSU domain decreases with respect to$h$. Particular attention is given to whether the spanwise organization of the large-scale structures may be represented properly in this simplified system at sufficiently large$h^{+}$and how these structures are associated with the mean streamwise velocity$\overline{U}$. It is shown that, in the MSU, the large-scale structures become approximately two-dimensional at$h^{+}=1020$. In this case, the streamwise velocity fluctuation$u$is energized, whereas the spanwise velocity fluctuation$w$is weakened significantly. Indeed, there is a reduced energy redistribution arising from the impaired global nature of the pressure, which is linked to the reduced linear–nonlinear interaction in the Poisson equation (i.e. the rapid pressure). The logarithmic dependence of$\overline{ww}$is also more evident due to the reduced large-scale spanwise meandering. On the other hand, the spanwise organization of the large-scale$u$structures is essentially identical for the MSU and large streamwise domain (LSD). One discernible difference, relative to the LSD, is that the large-scale structures in the MSU are more energized in the outer region due to a reduced turbulent diffusion. In this region, there is a tight coupling between neighbouring structures, which yields antisymmetric pairs (with respect to centreline) of large-scale structures with a spanwise spacing of approximately$3h$; this is intrinsically identical with the outer energetic mode in the optimal transient growth of perturbations (del Álamo & Jiménez,J. Fluid Mech., vol. 561, 2006, pp. 329–358).
‘Material contribution’ after Williams v The Bermuda Hospitals Board
Authors: Bailey SH 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis paper reviews the status of the principle that a claimant can demonstrate a causal link between the defendant's wrongful act or omission and his or her damage by establishing that the act/omission made a ‘material contribution’ to the damage. This principle has been reviewed, in the context of cumulative causes that cannot be ‘compartmentalised’, by the Privy Council in Williams v The Bermuda Hospitals Board. There, the Privy Council regarded the cases of Bonnington Castings v Wardlaw (leaving aside the point as to the divisibility of the disease pneumoconiosis), Bailey v Ministry of Defence and Williams itself as essentially similar to each other. They were to be regarded as cases where the court was entitled to conclude that it was the totality of the exposures/delay in question that caused the ultimate harm. As regards Bailey, this was said in terms not to involve any modification of the but-for test; presumably the same holds good for Bonnington Castings and Williams itself. So orthodoxy appears to be preserved/restored. But is that so?