bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T upper reference limits under the improved selection criteria in a Chinese population
Authors: Zhang Xin , Han Xiaoxu , Zhao Min , Mu Runqing , Wang Shuo , Yun Ke , Shang Hong 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundThere is no common consensus on how to define the reference population for determination of high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs‐cTn) upper reference limit (URL). This study aimed to establish 99th percentile URLs of hs‐cTnT under both 2018 AACC/IFCC criteria and improved selection criteria for further judging whether two URLs are different.MethodsApplying the stratified cluster sampling protocol, this study took 1848 apparently healthy subjects in communities of Shenyang China as the screening objects. We first followed 2018 AACC/IFCC criteria using surrogate biomarker for diabetes, myocardial dysfunction, renal dysfunction, and electrocardiogram. Then, we followed improved selection criteria to exclude hypertension, overweight and obesity, and dyslipidemia by physical examination and laboratory screening. Accordingly, 99th percentile URLs of hs‐cTnT were established.ResultsIf the 2018 AACC/IFCC criteria were applied, 99th percentile URLs (90% confidence interval) of hs‐cTnT male, female, and total were 19 (17‐20) ng/L, 16 (15‐17) ng/L, and 18 (16‐19) ng/L, respectively. If added a single supplementary selection criteria, 99th percentile URLs of hs‐cTnT total reduced to 16 ng/L, 17 ng/L, and 16 ng/L, respectively. If the improved selection criteria were applied, 99th percentile URLs (90% confidence interval) of hs‐cTnT male, female, and total were 18 (14‐24) ng/L, 13 (11‐16) ng/L, and 16 (13‐17) ng/L, respectively. The 99th percentile URLs of hs‐cTnT male were higher than those of female in every age group.ConclusionsImproved selection criteria through questionnaire survey, physical examination, and laboratory screening to further exclude hypertension, overweight and obesity, and dyslipidemia can avoid overestimation of the 99th percentile URL of hs‐cTnT.
Naked Eye Detection of Carbonate, Hydroxide, and Cyanide Ions with 1,4′‐Diazaflavonium Bromides: A Simple Spectrophotometric Method for Cyanide Determination
Authors: Kahriman Nuran , Gün Serhat , Gümrükçüoğlu Abidin , Yaylı Nurettin , Ocak Ümmühan , Ocak Miraç 
Published: August 2019

Anion sensor properties of N‐alkyl‐substituted 1,4′‐diazaflavonium bromides in methanol–water were evaluated by UV–vis spectrometry. Pronounced changes were observed in the absorption spectra of all compounds for only OH−, CO32−, and CN− among F−, Cl−, Br−, I−, OH−, CO32−, NO3−, PO43−, CN−, SO42−, HSO4−, HCO3−, SCN−, NO2−, and P2O72− ions. Two new absorption bands at 385 and 685 nm accompanying the distinct color change for OH−, CO32−, and CN− ions were observed in case of all compounds. The color changes were from pink to blue for CO32− and OH− ions and from pink to purple for CN− ion. Thanks to the distinct color change, the compounds can be used as selective colorimetric anion sensors. Linear changes of absorbance of N‐heptyl‐substituted compound at 385 nm as a function of the ion concentration were used to determine CN− ion in water samples. Detection and quantification limits of the proposed method were 0.94 and 2.82 mg/L, respectively.
Estimates of the HIV undiagnosed population in Belgium reveals higher prevalence for MSM with foreign nationality and for geographic areas hosting big cities
Authors: Marty Lise , Van Beckhoven Dominique , Ost Cloë , Deblonde Jessika , Costagliola Dominique , Sasse André , Supervie Virginie ,   the HERMETIC Study Group
Published: August 2019

AbstractIntroductionIncreasing our knowledge on geographic areas and key populations most affected by HIV is essential to improve prevention and care and to ensure a more focused HIV response. Here, we estimated the prevalence of undiagnosed HIV infections in Belgium and its distribution across geographic areas and exposure groups.MethodsWe used surveillance data on newly diagnosed HIV cases and a previously developed back‐calculation model to estimate number and prevalence rates (per 10000) of undiagnosed HIV infections by exposure group at national and subnational levels. Belgium consists of three regions: Flanders, Brussels‐Capital Region and Wallonia. We produced estimates for Brussels‐Capital Region and Wallonia. For Flanders, we produced estimates for two sub‐regional areas: the province of Antwerp and the other provinces, because Antwerp is the second largest city after Brussels. Population sizes were determined using data from the Belgian Statistical Office and surveys on sexual behaviour and drug use.ResultsIn Belgium, in 2015, an estimated 2818 (95% confidence interval: 2494 to 3208) individuals were living with undiagnosed HIV, that is, 15% of individuals living with HIV. The Brussels‐Capital Region and the province of Antwerp, which host the two biggest cities, accounted for ~60% of the undiagnosed infections, and had the highest undiagnosed prevalence rates per 10000: 12.0 (9.4 to 15.3) and 7.4 (5.6 to 9.8) respectively. Individuals with foreign nationality accounted for 56% of the total number of undiagnosed infections, and were the most affected populations in all areas in terms of undiagnosed prevalence rates. Specifically, men who have sex with men (MSM) with non‐European nationality were the most affected population in the province of Antwerp (853.4 (408.2 to 1641.9) undiagnosed infections per 10000), the Brussels‐Capital Region (543.9 (289.1 to 1019.1)), and the other provinces of Flanders (691.7 (235.5 to 1442.2)), while in Wallonia, it was heterosexual women with Sub‐Saharan African nationality (132.2 (90.6 to 178.5)).ConclusionsGeographic areas hosting the biggest cities in Belgium accounted for the vast majority of undiagnosed HIV infections and individuals with foreign nationality were the most affected, especially MSM with non‐European nationality. This should be accounted for when tailoring prevention and testing programs. Furthermore, MSM with foreign nationality require more attention in Belgium, and certainly more generally in Europe.
Effects of Head Groups on the Aggregation Behavior of Lauryl Monoglucoside Sulfosuccinates in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Yang Xiuquan , Zhang Jun 
Published: August 2019

AbstractLauryl monoglucoside sulfosuccinates (LG‐SS) with four different numbers of hydrophilic groups were synthesized by two steps. The surface activity of these surfactants was determined by surface tension measurements. The aggregation behaviors of these surfactants in aqueous solutions were also studied. The results suggested that the micellization process of these surfactants in aqueous solution is spontaneous. The micellar morphology of LG‐SS is spherical. Some parameters such as surface tension, the adsorption efficiency, efficiency of forming micelles, aggregation number, and micelle size increase with the number of hydrophilic groups. However, these parameters decrease when the number of hydrophilic groups and the number of hydrophilic base charges are increased.
Novel sample preparation approaches in gas chromatographic analysis: Promising ideas
Authors: Vyviurska Olga , Špánik Ivan 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe development of sample preparation procedures is still a dynamic process despite a number of already proposed techniques. The main challenge in this research field is to fully replace classical procedures like liquid‐liquid extraction and solid‐phase extraction in gas chromatographic analysis. Some progress has been already achieved for the last 20 years when miniaturized techniques were incorporated in ISO standards. The current review is focused on novel approaches in sample treatment that appeared since 2010. It includes research studies describing non‐conventional instrumental design available to inspire future progress in the field. A combination of a few extraction principles and supporting with additional treatment are the main core suggested for improvement of sample preparation efficiency. This requires good compatibility of extraction media, assessment of multiple experimental parameters, and potential automatization possibilities.
Is a voice‐specific instrument more indicative of stroboscopy results than common clinical queries?
Authors: DeVore Elliana Kirsh , Carroll Thomas L. , Shin Jennifer J. 
Published: August 2019

ObjectivesTo determine whether the Voice Handicap Index‐10 (VHI‐10) predicts diagnoses made via laryngoscopy/stroboscopy, as compared to common clinical inquiries about vocal characteristics.MethodsWe prospectively collected data from a cohort of 204 consecutive patients newly presenting for ambulatory laryngology evaluation. Each patient completed the VHI‐10 and 16 concurrent mainstream queries about vocal characteristics such as weakness, breathiness, fatiguability, or inability to shout. Using the objective diagnoses made by laryngoscopy/stroboscopy as a gold standard, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity were determined.ResultsFor unilateral vocal fold paralysis, VHI‐10 scores had an AUC of 0.78 (95% CI, 0.68–0.88) and had better discrimination than 12 common clinical queries. At a threshold score of ≥11, VHI‐10 sensitivity was 0.94; at a threshold of ≥31, specificity was 0.91. For laryngeal stenosis, the VHI‐10 score demonstrated moderate discrimination, with an AUC of 0.79 (95% CI, 0.56–1.00) and higher discrimination than three common clinical queries. At a threshold score of ≥11, VHI‐10 sensitivity was 1.00; at a threshold of ≥31, specificity was 0.89. Both VHI‐10 scores and common clinical queries had low diagnostic ability for vocal fold paresis, laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), paradoxical vocal fold motion, and vocal fold scar or atrophy.ConclusionsThe VHI‐10 score is an effective diagnostic indicator of laryngoscopy/stroboscopy findings of vocal fold paralysis and laryngeal stenosis, performing better than multiple mainstream queries about vocal characteristics. VHI‐10 scores and common clinical queries are limited in their ability to indicate paresis, reflux, paradoxical motion, and vocal fold scar or atrophy.Level of Evidence2c Laryngoscope, 130:992–999, 2020
Infection Rates After Microlaryngeal and Open Phonosurgery: The Role of Postoperative Antibiotics
Authors: Roof Scott A. , Ferrandino Rocco M. , Villavisanis Dillan F. , Amato Michael V. , Rubinstein Benjamin J. , Courey Mark S. , Woo Peak 
Published: August 2019

ObjectiveAlthough it is known that the airway has bacterial contamination that seeds the surgical site during microlaryngeal surgery, literature on the use of postoperative antibiotics is lacking. We performed a retrospective analysis of open phonosurgical and phonomicrosurgical cases at a single institution to assess whether use of postoperative antibiotics impacts the incidence of surgical site infections (SSI).MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed 228 phonomicrosurgery and 53 open phonosurgery cases performed for benign diseases. Surgeries were performed by two laryngologists between February 2016 and August 2018. The surgeons differ in their postoperative antibiotic regimens: no antibiotics versus a 5‐ to 7‐day postoperative course.Data collected include demographics, medical comorbidities, type of benign laryngeal disease, and surgical procedure. The primary outcome measure was postoperative infection, defined as the patient requiring a new prescription for antibiotics, an extended course of antibiotics, or any mention of infection at follow‐up/emergency visits within the first month postoperatively.ResultsThe overall rate of SSI was 3.1% and 0% for phonomicrosurgery and open phonosurgery cases, respectively. For phonomicrosurgery, there was no difference in the rate of SSI for patients who received or did not receive antibiotics perioperatively: 2.9% versus 3.2% (P = 0.99). Similarly, there was no difference in the infection rate for open phonosurgical cases.ConclusionInfection rates after endoscopic and open phonosurgery are low. In this study, we found no evidence to suggest a protective effect associated with postoperative use of antibiotics.Level of Evidence4Laryngoscope, 130:1128–1131, 2020
Molecular and biochemical basis for the loss of bioluminescence in the dinoflagellateNoctiluca scintillansalong the west coast of the U.S.A.
Authors: Valiadi Martha , de Rond Tristan , Amorim Ana , Gittins John R. , Gubili Chrysoula , Moore Bradley S. , Iglesias‐Rodriguez Maria Debora , Latz Michael I. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe globally distributed heterotrophic dinoflagellateNoctiluca scintillans(Macartney) Kofoid & Swezy is well known for its dense blooms and prominent displays of bioluminescence. Intriguingly, along the west coast of the U.S.A., its blooms are not bioluminescent. We investigated the basis for this regional loss of bioluminescence using molecular, cellular, and biochemical analyses of isolates from different geographic regions. Several prominent differences were identified in the nonbioluminescent strains: (1) the fused luciferase and luciferin binding protein gene (lcf/lbp) was present but its transcripts were undetectable; (2)lcf/lbpcontained multiple potentially deleterious mutations; (3) the substrate luciferin was absent, based on the lack of luciferin blue autofluorescence and the absence of luciferin‐derived metabolites; (4) although the cells possessed scintillons, the organelles that contain the luminescent chemistry, electron microscopy revealed additional scintillon‐like organelles with an atypical internal structure; and (5) cells isolated from the California coast were 43% smaller than bioluminescent cells from the Gulf of Mexico. Phylogenetic analyses based on large subunit rDNA did not show divergence of the nonbioluminescent population in relation to bioluminescentN. scintillansfrom the Pacific Ocean and Arabian Sea. This study demonstrates that gene silencing and the lack of the luciferin substrate have resulted in the loss of an important dinoflagellate functional trait over large spatial scales in the ocean. As the bioluminescence system of dinoflagellates is well characterized, nonbioluminescentN. scintillansprovide an ideal model to explore the evolutionary and ecological mechanisms that lead to intraspecific functional divergence in natural dinoflagellate populations.
Graphene‐dispersed silane compound used as a coating to sense immunity from biofilm formation
Authors: Kanematsu Hideyuki , Nakagawa Ryoichi , Sano Katsuhiko , Barry Dana M. , Ogawa Akiko , Hirai Nobumitsu , Kogo Takeshi , Kuroda Daisuke , Wada Noriyuki , Lee Seung‐Hyo , Mizunoe Yoshimitsu 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBiofilm is a substance that contains organic polymers. It is derived from bacteria, produces slime and forms on material's surfaces. Therefore, it is important to properly evaluate biofilm formation using several types of sensors. Since biofilm forms easily on graphene, it is possible for graphene to serve as a sensor for biofilm formation. In the past, graphene's sensitivity to biofilm formation was confirmed by using CVD (chemical vapour deposition) graphene and by using the tape‐exfoliation method. However, the CVD method was expensive and required special equipment. On the other hand, the exfoliation method was not so expensive, but the precision and reproducibility for graphene formation were problematic. In this experiment, silane‐based resin, with dispersed graphene, was coated on a substrate. This coated substrate can easily be used as a sensor and is an inexpensive way to promote biofilm formation. Glass was used as the substrate, for which various samples were prepared using different concentrations of dispersed graphene. Biofilms formed on the specimens’ surfaces were analysed by using Raman spectroscopy and the crystal violet staining method. The results showed that biofilm formation capability increased with the concentration of dispersed graphene. We confirmed that the sensitivity was evaluated by the colour value for stained surfaces by crystal violet.
Sensitivity of quantitative relaxometry and susceptibility mapping to microscopic iron distribution
Authors: Colgan Timothy J. , Knobloch Gesine , Reeder Scott B. , Hernando Diego 
Published: August 2019

PurposeDetermine the impact of the microscopic spatial distribution of iron on relaxometry and susceptibility‐based estimates of iron concentration.MethodsMonte Carlo simulations and in vitro experiments of erythrocytes were used to create different microscopic distributions of iron. Measuring iron with intact erythrocyte cells created a heterogeneous distribution of iron, whereas lysing erythrocytes was used to create a homogeneous distribution of iron. Multi‐echo spin echo and spoiled gradient echo acquisitions were then used to estimate relaxation parameters ( and ) and susceptibility.ResultsSimulations demonstrate that and measurements depend on the spatial distribution of iron even for the same iron concentration and volume susceptibility. Similarly, in vitro experiments demonstrate that and measurements depend on the microscopic spatial distribution of iron whereas the quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) susceptibility estimates reflect iron concentration without sensitivity to spatial distribution.Conclusions and for iron quantification depend on the spatial distribution or iron. QSM‐based estimation of iron concentration is insensitive to the microscopic spatial distribution of iron, potentially providing a distribution independent measure of iron concentration.
Characteristics and outcomes of children with acute myeloid leukemia and Down syndrome who are ineligible for clinical trials due to severe comorbidities
Authors: Nakashima Kentaro , Hasegawa Daisuke , Tomizawa Daisuke , Miyamura Takako , Hama Asahito , Iwamoto Shotaro , Terui Kiminori , Adachi Souichi , Taga Takashi 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundHigh survival rates of 80‐90% have been reported in recent clinical trials of reduced‐intensity chemotherapies for children with acute myeloid leukemia and Down syndrome (AML‐DS). However, a certain number of children with AML‐DS have complicating comorbidities, including congenital heart disease (CHD), and are therefore ineligible for enrolment in clinical trials.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics and outcomes of children with AML‐DS who were excluded from Japanese clinical trials conducted between 2000 and 2015.ResultsTwelve children (six males and six females) were identified and were ineligible for CHD (n = 8) and other comorbidities, including hyperleukocytosis complicated with coagulopathy, severe hemophagocytosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy (n = 1 each). The median age at the diagnosis was 14 months (range, 5 months to 11.5 years). Among all cases, 11 patients were treated with curative intent. Four patients were considered intolerant to intensive chemotherapy and received only low‐dose cytarabine‐based chemotherapy: three failed to achieve remission and died of disease, while one successfully achieved remission but eventually died of infection. Seven cases underwent regular‐intensive chemotherapy for AML‐DS: six were alive and in remission; one had relapsed disease. One patient who received the best supportive care died of disease. Finally, six patients remained in continuous complete remission, while six died. The 5‐year overall survival rate was 51%.ConclusionsThe prognosis of AML‐DS patients who received insufficient treatment due to severe complication was poor. The optimal dose intensity of curative chemotherapy for such cases should be explored.
Eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine versus 1% lidocaine injection for lumbar punctures in pediatric oncology patients
Authors: Cruickshank Amy , Qeadan Fares , Kuttesch John F. , Agarwal Hemant S. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe role of local analgesics for lumbar punctures (LPs) in pediatric oncology patients has not been specifically studied.AimTo compare the efficacy of eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA) cream to 1% lidocaine injection for LPs.MethodThis was a retrospective observational study of all patients receiving either EMLA cream (EMLA group) or 1% lidocaine subcutaneous injection (lidocaine group) in addition to fentanyl and propofol for LPs over 18 months. Demographics, vital parameters, procedural and recovery times, propofol and fentanyl doses, and adverse events were studied.ResultsTwo hundred ninety LPs in 49 children were studied: 148 in the EMLA group and 142 in the lidocaine group. There was no difference in demographics or preprocedural parameters between the two groups. LPs in the EMLA group were completed in a shorter time (7.5 minutes [CI 7.0–8.1] vs 9.4 minutes [CI 8.9–9.9]) with a faster recovery time (38.7 minutes [CI 36.9–40.9] vs 43.9 minutes. [CI 41.9–45.9]) as compared with the lidocaine group (P < 0.001). The EMLA group required less maintenance doses (0.54 mg/kg [CI 0.47–0.62] vs 1.14 mg/kg [CI 1.06–1.21]) and total doses (2.58 mg/kg [CI 2.42–2.75] vs 3.12 mg/kg [CI 2.95–3.29]) of propofol as compared with the lidocaine group (P < 0.0001). Adverse events in the EMLA group were less (19% vs 41%) as compared with the lidocaine group (P < 0.0001).ConclusionThe addition of EMLA cream for procedural sedation for LPs in pediatric oncology patients significantly improves pain management in comparison with 1% lidocaine injection.
Upper Critical Solution Temperature‐Type Thermal Response of Soluble Multi‐l‐Arginyl‐Poly‐l‐Aspartic Acid (cyanophycin) Conjugated with Maltodextrin
Authors: Tseng Wen‐Chi , Fang Tsuei‐Yun , Chen Chien‐Yu , Hsieh Yuan‐Chieh , Lai Wen‐Ling 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACTMulti‐l‐arginyl‐poly‐l‐aspartic acid (MAPA), also known as cyanophycin, can incorporate lysine into the side‐chain position of arginine when being prepared with recombinant Escherichia coli. The soluble fraction (sMAPA) is known to display both lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and upper critical solution temperature (UCST) responses at the physiological condition. In an attempt to alter the UCST thermal response, maltodextrin was employed to conjugate onto the amine group of lysine of sMAPA via the formation of Schiff base. In phosphate buffered saline, the UCST of the conjugates appeared around 50–62°C, depending on the extent of conjugation. In contrast to the unmodified sMAPA, the UCST of the conjugate became independent of pH ranging from 1 to 11. Heating the conjugate solution to complete transparent caused a delayed and partial recovery of the original turbidity during subsequent cooling. However, the turbidity can be restored by further precipitation with ethanol or isopropanol followed lyophilization and re‐dissolution. At room temperature, below UCST, the agglomerates exhibited a size of around 200–400 nm under TEM and DLS. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 2048–2055