bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stillbirths and neonatal deaths surveillance during the 2014–2015 Ebola virus disease outbreak in Sierra Leone
Authors: Oduyebo Titilope , Bennett Sarah D. , Nallo Alhaji S. , Jamieson Denise J. , Ellington Sascha , Souza Kerry , Meaney‐Delman Dana , Redd John T. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the rate of stillbirth and neonatal death reporting and testing for Ebola virus during the 2014–2015 Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in Sierra Leone.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was performed using information from the Sierra Leone National Ebola Laboratory database to identify stillbirths and neonatal deaths that had been tested for Ebola virus from July 2, 2014, to October 18, 2015. Outcomes included the percentage of all tested deaths attributable to stillbirths and neonatal deaths, the proportion of stillbirths and neonatal deaths attributable to Ebola virus, and the annualized rate of stillbirths and neonatal deaths.ResultsIn total, 1726 stillbirths and 4708 neonatal deaths were tested for Ebola virus, representing 2.6% and 7.2% of the total deaths tested (n=65 585), respectively. Of these, 25 stillbirths and neonatal deaths tested positive, accounting for 0.3% of EVD cases. In 2015, the annualized total number of reported stillbirths was higher than expected (3079 vs 1634), whereas reported neonatal deaths were lower (6351 vs 7770).ConclusionsStillbirth and neonatal death reporting and testing improved over time. Systematic recording of these indicators might be used alongside retrospective surveillance to respond to the adverse effects of EVD on maternal and child health and guide response efforts for subsequent outbreaks.
Diagnostic and prognostic role of serum miR‐20b, miR‐17‐3p, HOTAIR, and MALAT1 in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Shaker Olfat G. , Abdelaleem Omayma O. , Mahmoud Rania H. , Abdelghaffar Noha K. , Ahmed Tarek I. , Said Omar M , Zaki Othman M. 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTNoncoding RNAs are emerging biomarkers for many diseases including diabetic retinopathy (DR). This study aimed to measure the expression levels of serum miR‐20b, miR‐17‐3p, HOTAIR, and MALAT1 in DR patients. A total of 80 patients diagnosed as type 2 diabetes (T2D) and 81 healthy subjects were recruited in this study. T2D patients were divided into three groups: nondiabetic retinopathy (NDR) group (30 patients), nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) group (30 patients), and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) group (20 patients). Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to assess the expression of serum miR‐20b, miR‐17‐3p, HOTAIR, and MALAT1. We found a significant decrease in serum miR‐20b and a significant increase in serum HOTAIR and MALAT1 in NDR patients compared to healthy subjects. Also, we revealed a significant decrease in serum miR‐20b and miR‐17‐3p and a significant increase in serum HOTAIR and MALAT1 in each of NPDR and PDR groups when compared with healthy subjects. Furthermore, we reported a significant decrease in miR‐20b and miR‐17‐3p and a significant increase in HOTAIR and MALAT1in DR as well as in PDR patients when compared with NDR patients. However, on comparing NPDR with NDR patients, no significant difference was observed regarding the expression levels of miR‐20b and miR‐17‐3p, in contrast, significant elevation of serum HOTAIR and MALAT1 was found in NPDR. Moreover, we observed a significant decrease in serum miR‐20b and miR‐17‐3p and a significant increase in serum HOTAIR and MALAT1 in PDR group relative to NPDR group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used for evaluating the diagnostic value of the examined serum noncoding RNAs as novel biochemical indicators detecting severity of DR. Our analyses suggested that the examined serum noncoding RNAs may discriminate DR (PDR and NPDR) from NDR. Furthermore, these noncoding RNAs (less importantly miR‐17) can be used as promising novel biomarkers for prediction DR severity, distinguishing PDR from NPDR patients. We can conclude that serum miR‐20b, miR‐17‐3p, HOTAIR, and MALAT1 may be used as noninvasive biomarkers for screening of DR and early diagnosis of PDR. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(3):310–320, 2019
Implementation of a hemophilia management program improves clinical outcomes
Authors: Slocum Giles W. , Peksa Gary D. , Webb Thomas A. , Lat Ishaq 
Published: November 2018

IntroductionHemophilia is a rare, inherited, coagulation disorder that impairs the body's ability to cease bleeding, making hemophiliacs susceptible to bleeding episodes. These patients often require multiple doses of clotting factor concentrates to help maintain hemostasis. In fiscal year (FY) 2016, Rush University Medical Center's drug expense for clotting factor concentrates totaled $4.6 million, which accounted for approximately 15% of the total drug budget. The Department of Pharmacy developed a Hemophilia Management Program (HMP) to improve care, reduce spending, and expand clinical pharmacy services. Prior to the HMP, the Department of Pharmacy completed drug acquisition and dispensing and no role existed for pharmacists as part of the comprehensive care team for the hemophilia population. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes after implementation of clinical pharmacy services into the management of hemophilia patients in an interdisciplinary HMP.MethodsSeveral areas for improved care and efficiency were identified prior to the implementation of the HMP: interdisciplinary education, clinical management and continuity of care, and formulary management.ResultsIn total, implementation of the HMP resulted in a net savings of $2.7 million for clotting factor expenses for FY 2017. The cost savings based on clotting factor expenses resulted in a return on investment (ROI) of 20:1, exceeding the initial projections of a modest ROI of 3:1. In addition, these costs savings were realized with the average length of stay per patient staying within the previous margins. Finally, the HMP effectively reduced the need for blood transfusions per patient.DiscussionDesign and implementation of the HMP resulted in significant cost savings, improved efficiency, and enhanced clinical services for patients with hemophilia. This expansion of pharmacy services has become the first pharmacy‐led program in the country to not only reduce costs, but also improve clinical outcomes.
Plate‐shape carbonated hydroxyapatite/collagen nanocomposite hydrogel via in situ mineralization of hydroxyapatite concurrent with gelation of collagen at pH = 7.4 and 37°C
Authors: Takallu Sara , Mirzaei Esmaeil , Azadi Amir , Karimizade Ayoob , Tavakol Shima 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to develop a collagen/hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocomposite scaffold for bone tissue engineering applications. For this purpose, in situ mineralization of HA was accompanied with formation of collagen hydrogel at condition similar to the physiological condition, pH = 7.4, and 37°C. The physicochemical and biological properties of the in situ scaffold were compared with nanocomposite fabricated by mixing HA powder and collagen hydrogel (powder‐mixed scaffold). The HA in this method was formed in the same condition as the in situ method. X‐ray diffraction and FTIR analysis of in situ scaffold showed the formation of carbonated HA, similar to bone, while the HA powder in powder‐mixed scaffold showed non‐carbonated structure. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the formation of fibrillated collagen in both composites. HA was observed in both scaffolds, but with different morphology. The in situ formed HA had a plate‐like morphology while the preformed HA showed spherical morphology in the powder‐mixed scaffold. The in‐vitro cytocompatibility and osteogenesis activity of scaffolds using osteoblast‐like cells (MG‐63) showed higher cytocompatibility and more osteogenesis capability of the in situ scaffold in comparison with the powder‐mixed scaffold. The results suggest the in situ method as a proper approach for fabrication of HA/collagen scaffolds with similar properties like bone. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1920–1929, 2019.
Attapulgite‐supported magnetic dual acid–base catalyst for the catalytic conversion of lignin to phenolic monomers
Authors: Wu Zhen , Zhang Jun , Zhao Xinxu , Li Xun , Zhang Yu , Wang Fei 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDResearch on the catalytic conversion of lignin into value‐added chemicals has grown rapidly on account of the importance of lignin in the biorefinery. There is thus a need to investigate novel technologies to depolymerize lignin in the absence of hydrogen gas and noble metal catalysts. This study developed a cheap and recyclable catalyst via a facile process involving impregnation and calcination for the conversion of lignin to value‐added phenolic monomers.RESULTSAcid sites, basic sites and magnetic components were successfully incorporated into attapulgite. The resulting catalyst displayed high catalytic activity for lignin conversion to phenolic monomers, which resulted in 10.9% total monomers yield at 250 °C for 3 h with a catalyst loading of 50% and a solvent–solid ratio of 20:1 in 50% C2H5OH. The total monomers yield decreased observably after eight successive reaction runs. After being calcined at 600 °C for 3 h, the recovered catalyst provided a total monomers yield of 6.74% in the ninth reaction run.CONCLUSIONA novel catalyst was successfully prepared by incorporation of acid sites, basic sites and magnetic properties using natural attapulgite clay as a precursor via a simple and inexpensive process. The resulting catalyst could depolymerize lignin efficaciously. The reusability of the catalyst was barely satisfactory, however, the activity could be partly recovered by simple calcination. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Optimization and activation of renewable durian husk for biosorption of lead (II) from an aqueous medium
Authors: Ngabura Mohammed , Hussain Siti Aslina , Ghani Wan Azlina WAK , Jami Mohammed S , Tan Yen P 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTBackgroundBiosorption of lead Pb(II) by durian husk activated carbon (DHAC) was investigated. The main aim of this work is to explore the effect of operating variables such as pH, biosorbent dose, temperature, initial metal ion concentration and contact time on the removal of Pb(II) from synthesized aqueous medium using a response surface methodology (RSM) technique. The experimentation was performed in two sets, namely set 1 and set 2.ResultsFor experimental set 1, pH was set to 7.0. The optimum conditions for the remaining parameters were determined to be 0.39 g DHAC dose, 60 min contact time and 100 mg L−1 of initial metal ion concentration, which yielded maximum biosorption capacity of 14.6 mg g−1. For experimental set 2, 41.27 °C, 8.95 and 99.96 mg L−1 were the optimum conditions determined for temperature, pH and initial Pb(II) concentration, respectively; which revealed a maximum adsorption capacity of 9.67 mg g−1. Characterization of the adsorbent revealed active functional groups such as hydroxyl, carboxylic, alcohol and hemicellulose. The equilibrium adsorption data obeyed the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic models with maximum Langmuir uptake of 36.1 mg g−1.ConclusionsThe biosorbent was capable of reuse, so that the abundant durian husk could be utilized effectively for the removal of Pb(II) from polluted water. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Machine learning algorithms applied to Raman spectra for the identification of variscite originating from the mining complex of Gavà
Authors: Díez‐Pastor José Francisco , Jorge‐Villar Susana Esther , Arnaiz‐González Álvar , García‐Osorio César Ignacio , Díaz‐Acha Yael , Campeny Marc , Bosch Josep , Melgarejo Joan Carles 
Published: November 2018

AbstractVariscite is an aluminium phosphate mineral widely used as a gemstone in antiquity. Knowledge of the ancient trade in variscite has important implications on the historical appreciation of the commercial and migratory movements of human population. The mining complex of Gavà, which dates from the Neolithic, is one of the oldest underground mine sites in Europe, from where variscite was extracted from several mines and at different depths, providing minerals with different properties and a range of colours. In this work, machine learning algorithms have been used to classify variscite samples from Gavà with regard to the identification of their mine of origin and extraction depth. The final objective of the study was to see if the Raman spectroscopic signatures selected by these algorithms had a key spectral significance related to mineral structure and/or composition and validate the use of these computational procedures as a useful tool for detecting variances in the mineral Raman spectra that could facilitate the assignment of the specimens to each mine.
Analysis of patient factors associated with 30‐day mortality after tracheostomy
Authors: Kashlan Khaled N. , Williams Amy M. , Chang Steven S. , Yaremchuk Kathleen L. , Mayerhoff Ross 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveMortality has been reported to be 22% to 45% in patients with a tracheostomy. To better counsel patients and families, we aimed to determine the effect of body mass index (BMI), socioeconomic status (SES), and the 17 conditions of the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) on 30‐day survival posttracheostomy.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study identified adult patients enrolled from our institution in the Global Tracheostomy Collaborative database from March 2014 to June 2015. Data collected included age, BMI, residential zip code, and comorbidities. Cox proportionate univariate and multivariate analyses were used to measure the impact of BMI, SES, and CCI variables with 30‐day posttracheostomy survival. We used geocoding as a surrogate for patients' SES. We used Deyo's modification of the CCI, which utilized International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, codes to identify comorbidities.ResultsOf 326 tracheostomies identified, the 30‐day mortality rate was 15.6%. No significant differences were noted in BMI or in any of the SES categories between survivors and nonsurvivors. CCI was significantly higher in the 30‐day mortality group. Congestive heart failure (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.39), severe liver disease (HR = 3.15), and peripheral vascular disease (HR = 2.62) were found to significantly impact 30‐day survival.ConclusionHigher CCI and specifically severe liver disease, congestive heart failure, and peripheral vascular disease were associated with increased 30‐day mortality posttracheostomy. No association was found between BMI or SES and 30‐day survival. This study identified three comorbidities that independently affect mortality in tracheostomy patients, which should be discussed with patients and families before tracheostomy.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 129:847–851, 2019
Physician impact on the patient and family experience in a pediatric otolaryngology practice
Authors: Camilon P. Ryan , Levi Jessica R. , Carrion Rose A. , Josephson Gary D. 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveOn the Press Ganey (PG) survey, the item “likelihood of recommending practice” is a proxy for patient satisfaction because only the most satisfied patients will recommend a practice to friends and family. The objective of this study is to determine which other items on the PG survey best correlate with “likelihood of recommending practice” as a measure of patient satisfaction in pediatric otolaryngology.Study DesignRetrospective analysis of a survey database.MethodsThe PG survey, consisting of 24 questions scaled from 1 to 5 representing (1) very poor, (2) poor, (3) fair, (4) good, and (5) very good, was sent to 28 different pediatric otolaryngology practices. Using the Pearson correlation coefficient, the statistical relationship of each PG survey question was analyzed in its association to the PG question “likelihood of recommending practice.” Factors with a correlation coefficient greater than 0.65 were considered significant.ResultsTen of 24 questions on the PG survey correlated with a top “likelihood of recommending practice” score. Eight of these 10 items were from the Care Provider category and were related to the physician–patient/family interaction.ConclusionPatient satisfaction surveys are utilized as a quality metric of the patient and family experience. These scores serve as one of several measures that affect reimbursement. The results demonstrate that most of the factors correlated with “likelihood of recommending practice” are provider‐based. In conclusion, the physician–patient interaction strongly influences the potential for a practice to earn top box scores on the PG item “likelihood of recommending practice” and thereby achieve the highest patient satisfaction.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, 129:2610–2613, 2019
N‐ϒ‐(l‐Glutamyl)‐l‐Selenomethionine Inhibits Fat Storage via the Stearoyl‐CoA Desaturases FAT‐6 and FAT‐7 and the Selenoprotein TRXR‐1 in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Chang Chun‐Han , Liao Harrison Xian‐Qi , Hsu Fu‐Lan , Ho Chi‐Tang , Liao Vivian Hsiu‐Chuan 
Published: November 2018

ScopeSelenium is an important nutrient for human health. The influence of dietary selenium on lipid metabolism remains largely unknown. N‐γ‐(l‐glutamyl)‐l‐selenomethionine (Glu‐SeMet) on inhibition of fat accumulation and its underlying mechanisms in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans are investigated.Methods and resultsTriacylglyceride quantification and post‐fixed Nile red staining methods are conducted to evaluate fat accumulation in wild‐type N2 worms in normal or high‐glucose diet. Glu‐SeMet (0.01 µm) treatment effectively reduces fat storage in wild‐type N2 C. elegans in both a normal and high‐glucose diet. Further evidence shows that Glu‐SeMet (0.01 µm) decreases the ratio of oleic acid/stearic acid (C18:1Δ9/C18:0) using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. The mRNA levels of fatty acid stearoyl‐CoA desaturases, FAT‐6 and FAT‐7, and the mediator‐15 (MDT‐15) are downregulated while the wild‐type N2 worms are co‐treated with high glucose and Glu‐SeMet (0.01 µm). The effect of reduced fat accumulation is absent in fat‐6, fat‐7, and trxr‐1 mutant worms under high glucose and Glu‐SeMet (0.01 µm) co‐treatment.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that Glu‐SeMet inhibiting fat accumulation may be associated with FAT‐6 and FAT‐7 and the selenoprotein TRXR‐1 in C. elegans. This study implies a potential for Glu‐SeMet as a new treatment for obesity or its complications.
Condition monitoring of cooling tower fan using K‐band Doppler radar
Authors: Im Yun‐Taek , Doo Seung‐Gyu , Hwang Jeong‐Sik 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA contactless condition monitoring technique for cooling tower fans is proposed using K‐band Doppler radar. The system is realized using a commercial K‐band Doppler radar module, the Hilbert transform is adopted to minimize the hardware complexity, and the Fourier transform is used to analyze the received signal. The proposed system has several advantages. First, Doppler radar is less vulnerable to the adverse effects of scattering from mist or dust, since the wavelength of a microwave is longer than that of a laser. Second, the proposed radar system can be applied to any sized fans, although it is suitable for cooling tower fans. Third, it can be easily implemented in a low‐cost manner. The test results show that the RPM of the HANARO cooling tower fan agree with that of the motor in both low‐speed and high‐speed modes. The proposed system can be applied to the condition monitoring of cooling tower fans in thermal control systems.
Graphene‐based directive optical leaky wave antenna
Authors: Patel Shobhit K. , Sorathiya Vishal , Guo Tianjing , Argyropoulos Christos 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWe realized graphene‐based optical leaky wave antenna as an alternative to simple optical leaky wave antenna. The use of graphene in designing optical leaky wave antenna provides improved directivity. Tuning of this sharp directive pattern can be used for beam shaping of an optical antenna. The graphene layers are loaded in Si3N4 waveguide. The graphene layers are excited by a fixed voltage. Our results lead to graphene‐based design in the third window of optical communication. In addition, graphene‐based leaky wave design gives enhancement in different antenna parameters like reflection coefficient, transmission coefficient, and gain. The proposed graphene designs have directive response with high efficiency and are envisioned to become building blocks of several infrared systems which is going to be applicable in medical sensing systems.
Design of a compact low‐cost GPS antenna for high‐overload applications
Authors: Sun Siyang , Chen Xiaochen , Xiao Li , Liu Zheng , An Xudong , Wang Ruixin , Zhu Siting 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA novel compact global positioning system antenna design of helical antenna operated at its normal mode is presented for high‐overload applications. A grounded matching stub is introduced for good impedance matching and a LNA module is implemented on ground board. The prototype of extremely compact size (22 × 19 mm2) is fabricated and experimentally investigated. The measured 10‐dB impedance bandwidth is almost 14 MHz around the center frequency 1575 MHz. An omnidirectional pattern in broadside of the antenna is achieved and the capability of stable signal reception under various motion attitude is verified by experiments. The proposed antenna is suitable for applications in systems where compact operation and high overload are the major concerns, especially for installation in an artillery fuze.
High gain dual band slot antenna loaded with frequency selective surface for WLAN/fixed wireless communication
Authors: Sah Shalini , Mittal Ashok , Tripathy Malay R 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis study shows the gain enhancement achieved through dual band slot antenna incorporated with dual band frequency selective surface. In order to do this, at first, a dual band novel 7 × 7 spanner shape FSS is designed, and its operations is analyzed by using the ray tracing method. The second step involves designing the dual band slot antenna resonating at 3.53 and 6.2 GHz, respectively. The designed FSS is then used as superstrate on the slot antenna in which cavity resonance occurs due to multiple reflections and leaked out waves, thereby enhancing antenna's gain significantly on both the bands. Further, the overall gain of slot antenna with the superstrate is achieved as 13.00 and 13.92 dBi on the 2 respective resonant frequencies; this in turn results in a gain enhancement of 8.0 and 6.82 dB at 3.53 and 6.2 GHz, respectively. The measured results coincide verifying the results of the simulated structure. This is followed by a parametric analysis for air gap between FSS and the radiating antennas, which in turn have been designed for wireless and satellite communications.