bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of time to cough resolution in children with chronic wet cough treated with antibiotics after bronchoscopy
Authors: Wong Oi Yin , Marchant Julie M. , Yerkovich Stephanie T. , Chang Anne B. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundChronic wet cough is common in pediatric pulmonology practice and is clinically important. Guidelines recommend treatment with antibiotics as their effectiveness has been proven. However, factors associated with duration of cough in response to antibiotics in children with chronic wet cough have not been prospectively examined.ObjectiveTo determine if demographic, clinical and/or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) factors are associated with “time to cough resolution” in children with chronic wet cough treated with antibiotics after bronchoscopy.MethodsData from children with chronic wet cough treated with antibiotics after bronchoscopy were extracted from a prospective cohort study database. Cough dairies were used to determine when the cough resolved. Associations between various factors with “time to cough resolution” were examined using regression.ResultsThe median age of the 133 children was 2.4 years (interquartile range, 1.4‐4.9). Duration of prior cough at bronchoscopy was significantly positively related with “time to cough resolution” (β = .010; 95% confidence interval, 0.004‐0.017; P = .002). This translated to; for each month of prior cough, it took an extra 1.02 days to achieve cough resolution while on antibiotic treatment. Gender, age, diagnosis, tobacco smoke exposure, pneumonia history, blood cellularity, and BAL cellular and microbiology profiles were not significantly associated with time to cough resolution.ConclusionIn children with chronic wet cough, duration of cough before antibiotic treatment is a small but significant determinant of “time to cough resolution.” Research using standardized antibiotic regimes is required to provide clinical and/or biomarkers that can further identify factors associated with the response of chronic cough to antibiotic treatment.
Differentiation of isomeric cresols by silylation in combination with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis
Authors: Xu Jiaxiang , Zhu Guohua , Zhang Huarong , Liu Jinsong , Jiang Kezhi 
Published: September 2019

Rationalem‐Cresol is listed as a priority controlled contaminant in many countries, but it is very difficult to accurately determine isomeric cresols due to their incomplete chromatographic separation on commercially available chromatographic columns and their nearly identical mass spectra.MethodsSilylation of isomeric cresols was carried out by treatment with N‐methyl‐N‐(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide. The formed trimethyl(tolyloxy)silanes were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Theoretical calculations were carried out with the Gaussian 03 program using the density functional theory (DFT) method at the B3LYP/6‐311 + G(2d,p) level.ResultsThe derivatives of three isomeric cresols and six isomeric xylenols have been completely separated on an HP‐5MS capillary column within a GC run of only 10 minutes. In addition, the derivative o‐cresol can be very easily differentiated from its isomers due to its characteristic base peak ion at m/z 91 in electron ionization (EI)‐MS. DFT calculation results indicated that the formation of the abundant fragment ion at m/z 91 is attributed to a facile dissociation pathway involving the shift of a neighboring phenylmethyl hydrogen atom in EI‐MS of trimethyl(o‐tolyloxy)silane.ConclusionsSilylation provides a promising solution for simultaneous determination of isomeric cresols and isomeric xylenols.
Quantifying the impact of recovery during chromatographic purification on the accuracy of lithium isotopic determination by multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Gou Long‐Fei , Liu Chun‐Yao , Deng Li , Jin Zhangdong 
Published: September 2019

RationaleLithium (Li) isotopes have increasingly been applied as tracers in Earth and planetary sciences and their effectiveness relies upon accurate and precise Li isotopic data. Nowadays, multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC‐ICP‐MS) combined with chromatographic purification is the most common strategy for obtaining Li isotopic ratios in natural samples, with a long‐term internal precision better than 0.3‰ in most laboratories. However, there is a large discrepancy in the Li isotopic compositions of the same reference materials determined by MC‐ICP‐MS among international laboratories (e.g. ca 3.5‰ difference for measurements of homogeneous seawater), which has been attributed to insufficient recovery of Li during chromatographic purification. Despite this recognition, the exact impact of Li recovery during purification on Li isotopic determinations by MC‐ICP‐MS has never been quantified.MethodsWe employed a normal distribution function to model Li elution curves and quantified the Li isotopic fractionation resulting from Li recovery during chromatographic purification. Furthermore, we compared the calculated and measured relative recovery (R) with the Li isotopic ratios determined by ICP‐MS to validate our theoretical calculation.ResultsThe theoretical calculations showed that R should be higher than 99.8% in order to avoid observable Li isotopic fractionation during chromatographic purification at IEECAS. This idea is further supported by the better long‐term external precisions for data with R ≥ 99.8% compared with previous values of 99.5% ≤ R < 99.8%. Our results indicated that the large differences in the reported Li isotopic ratios for homogeneous seawater among international laboratories are probably attributable to Li isotopic fractionation occurring during ion exchange chromatography.ConclusionsOur theoretical calculation via R is the first quantitative and convenient approach for monitoring Li isotopic fractionation during sample purification, ensuring that R ≥ 99.8% can avoid observable Li isotopic fractionation during purification, which will improve the accuracy of Li isotopic measurements by MC‐ICP‐MS and the comparability among laboratories.
Identification of significant protein markers by mass spectrometry after co‐treatment of cells with different drugs: An in vitro survey platform
Authors: Wu Ying‐Jung , Huang Ching‐Hui , Hsieh Tusty‐Jiuan , Tseng Wei‐Lung , Lu Chi‐Yu 
Published: September 2019

RationaleUnderstanding drug–drug interactions and predicting the side effects induced by polypharmacy are difficult because there are few suitable platforms that can predict drug–drug interactions and possible side effects. Hence, developing a platform to identify significant protein markers of drug–drug interactions and their associated side effects is necessary to avoid adverse effects.MethodsHuman liver cells were treated with ethosuximide in combination with cimetidine, ketotifen, metformin, metronidazole, or phenytoin. After sample preparation and extraction, mitochondrial proteins from liver cells were isolated and digested with trypsin. Then, peptide solutions were detected using a nano ultra‐performance liquid chromatographic system combined with tandem mass spectrometry. The Ingenuity Pathway Analysis tool was used to simulate drug–drug interactions and identify protein markers associated with drug‐induced adverse effects.ResultsSeveral protein markers were identified by the proposed method after liver cells were co‐treated with ethosuximide and other drugs. Several of these protein markers have previously been reported in the literature, indicating that the proposed platform is workable.ConclusionsUsing the proposed in vitro platform, significant protein markers of drug–drug interactions could be identified by mass spectrometry. This workflow can then help predict indicators of drug–drug interactions and associated adverse effects for increased safety in clinical prescriptions.
Reasoning about genetic mechanisms: Affordances and constraints for learning
Authors: Haskel‐Ittah Michal , Duncan Ravit Golan , Vázquez‐Ben Lucia , Yarden Anat 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMechanisms are central in scientific explanations. However, developing mechanistic explanations is difficult for students especially in domains in which mechanisms involve abstract components and functions, such as genetics. One of the core components of genetic mechanisms are proteins and their functions. Students struggle to reason about the role of proteins while learning genetics and show limited ability to provide mechanistic explanations of genetic phenomena. In genetics education there are currently two competing theoretical frameworks regarding what domain‐specific knowledge about proteins is important for reasoning about genetic mechanisms. One framework assumes knowledge about specific protein functions in the body, a tool kit of functions; the other framework assumes more abstracted knowledge about protein interactions that are common to all protein functions. These frameworks implicate different instructional frameworks: One offers to provide concrete examples of protein functions while the other offers a more general description of protein activity. Our aim in this study was to ascertain the ways in which students' reasoning about proteins' role in genetic phenomena (both familiar and novel) relates to the two theoretical frameworks. Toward this end we engaged 7th grade students in learning about proteins functions in the mechanisms underlying genetic traits using an online simulation environment that embodied key aspects of both frameworks. We analyzed students' responses to the final test questions in which they were asked to generatively reason about the underlying mechanisms of two novel genetic traits. Our findings suggest that students use proteins in their explanations mainly when they can explain the protein function and that knowledge about a few specific functions is insufficient to support conceptualization of new functions. Moreover, knowledge of general protein activities common to most functions is also insufficient. We suggest a new combined approach to supporting students' understanding of proteins' role in genetic mechanisms.
The efficacy of app‐supported smartphone interventions for mental health problems: a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Linardon Jake , Cuijpers Pim , Carlbring Per , Messer Mariel , Fuller‐Tyszkiewicz Matthew 
Published: September 2019

Although impressive progress has been made toward developing empirically‐supported psychological treatments, the reality remains that a significant proportion of people with mental health problems do not receive these treatments. Finding ways to reduce this treatment gap is crucial. Since app‐supported smartphone interventions are touted as a possible solution, access to up‐to‐date guidance around the evidence base and clinical utility of these interventions is needed. We conducted a meta‐analysis of 66 randomized controlled trials of app‐supported smartphone interventions for mental health problems. Smartphone interventions significantly outperformed control conditions in improving depressive (g=0.28, n=54) and generalized anxiety (g=0.30, n=39) symptoms, stress levels (g=0.35, n=27), quality of life (g=0.35, n=43), general psychiatric distress (g=0.40, n=12), social anxiety symptoms (g=0.58, n=6), and positive affect (g=0.44, n=6), with most effects being robust even after adjusting for various possible biasing factors (type of control condition, risk of bias rating). Smartphone interventions conferred no significant benefit over control conditions on panic symptoms (g=–0.05, n=3), post‐traumatic stress symptoms (g=0.18, n=4), and negative affect (g=–0.08, n=5). Studies that delivered a cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)‐based app and offered professional guidance and reminders to engage produced larger effects on multiple outcomes. Smartphone interventions did not differ significantly from active interventions (face‐to‐face, computerized treatment), although the number of studies was low (n≤13). The efficacy of app‐supported smartphone interventions for common mental health problems was thus confirmed. Although mental health apps are not intended to replace professional clinical services, the present findings highlight the potential of apps to serve as a cost‐effective, easily accessible, and low intensity intervention for those who cannot receive standard psychological treatment.
Kinetic Energy Represented in Terms of Moments of Vorticity and Applications
Authors: Cieślak Tomasz , Oleszkiewicz Krzysztof , Preisner Marcin , Szumańska Marta 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
We study 2d vortex sheets with unbounded support. First we show a version of the Biot–Savart law related to a class of objects including such vortex sheets. Next, we give a formula associating the kinetic energy of a very general class of flows with certain moments of their vorticities. It allows us to identify a class of vortex sheets of unbounded support being only $$\sigma $$σ-finite measures (in particular including measures $$\omega $$ω such that $$\omega (\mathbb {R}^2)=\infty $$ω(R2)=∞), but with locally finite kinetic energy. One of such examples are celebrated Kaden approximations. We study them in details. In particular our estimates allow us to show that the kinetic energy of Kaden approximations in the neighbourhood of an origin is dissipated, actually we show that the energy is pushed out of any ball centered in the origin of the Kaden spiral. The latter result can be interpreted as an artificial viscosity in the center of a spiral.
Daytime Versus Night‐Time Emergency Abdominal Operations: Perspective from a Low–Middle‐Income Country
Authors: Ndegbu C. U. , Olasehinde O. , Sharma A. , Arowolo O. A. , Adisa A. O. , Alatise O. I. , Adesunkanmi A. R. K. , Lawal O. O. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundEmergency abdominal operations carry significant risk of mortality and morbidity. The time of the day when such operations are performed has been suggested as a predictor of outcome. A retrospective comparison of outcomes of daytime and night‐time emergency abdominal operations was conducted.MethodsClinical data of patients who had abdominal operations over a five‐year period were obtained. Operations were classified as ‘daytime’ (group A) if performed between 8.00 am and 7.59 pm or ‘night time’ if performed between 8.00 pm and 7.59 am (group B). Post‐operative outcomes were compared.ResultsA total of 267 emergency abdominal operations were analysed: 161 (60.3%) were performed in the daytime while 106 (39.7%) were performed at night. The case mix in both groups was similar with appendectomies, bowel resections and closure of bowel perforations accounting for the majority. Baseline characteristics and intra‐operative parameters were similar except that ‘daytime’ operations had more consultant participation (p = 0.01). Mortality rates (13.7% in group A and 12.3% in group B, p = 0.2), re‐operation rates (9.3% in group A and 10.4% in group B, p = 0.7) and duration of hospital stay (group A—11.1 days, group B—12.4 days p = 0.4) were similar. ASA status, re‐operation and admission into the intensive care unit were identified as predictors of mortality.ConclusionTiming of emergency abdominal operations did not influence outcomes. In resource‐limited settings where access to the operating room is competitive, delaying operations till daytime may be counterproductive. Patients’ clinical condition still remains the most important parameter guiding time of operation.
Acquisition of Surgical Skills by Final‐Year Medical Students in State‐Owned Medical Schools of Cameroon: Are We Doing Any Good?
Authors: Chichom‐Mefire Alain , Keith Njel Gaby , Abongwa Acho , Nsagha Dickson Shey , Ngowe‐Ngowe Marcelin 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIntroductionWorld Health Organization recommends that basic surgical care be administered at the district level. In the absence of qualified surgeons, general practitioners are sometimes proposed to bridge the gap. Medical curricula in low‐ and middle‐income countries must be designed accordingly. The aim of this study was to assess the achievements of training of undergraduate medical students in Cameroon towards meeting this objective.MethodsA descriptive cross‐sectional study was carried out in the four state‐owned medical schools in Cameroon. All students who had completed all clinical rotations were assessed with a self‐administered questionnaire for their exposure and self‐perceived comfort in conducting some selected basic surgical skills and procedures.ResultsA total of 304 (87.6%) students returned filled questionnaires. Their self‐perceived comfort in surgical skills ranged from 25% (manual node tying) to 86% (surgical scrubbing). Adequate exposure to selected surgical procedures was 87% for repair of perineal tear complicating vaginal delivery, above 80% for caesarean section and incision and drainage of abscess, 73% for cast immobilization of extremity fracture and just above 50% for hernia repair and appendectomy. It was as low as 3% for bowel resection and anastomosis. The choice to perform extra‐curricular activity for skills improvement was significantly associated with adequate exposure (p < 0.05).ConclusionOverall, the mastery of practical surgical skills and basic surgical interventions by final‐year medical students in Cameroon is insufficient. There is need to reinforce the training and assessment by creating the conditions for an appropriate exposure of medical students during surgical rotations.
Historical anthropogenic heavy metal input to the south-eastern North Sea
Authors: Boxberg Florian , Asendorf Sanja , Bartholomä Alexander , Schnetger Bernhard , de Lange Willem P. , Hebbeln Dierk 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The Helgoland Mud Area (HMA) in the German Bight, covering an area of approximately 500 km2, is one of a few depocentres for finer sediments in the North Sea. Radiocarbon and 210Pb analyses revealed continuous sedimentation over the last several centuries. Zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) contents in the sediments show a distinct increase towards the youngest most sediments with the thickness of the heavy metal enriched sediments ranging from 15 to 103 cm. Stratigraphic data indicate that the onset of heavy metal enrichment is diachronous progressing north-westward over the depocentre, paralleled by a decrease in the thickness of the enriched layer. Beginning already during medieval times, the enhanced input of Zn and Pb seemingly is related to silver and zinc mining in the Harz Mountains and the Erzgebirge, well-known mining areas since the Bronze Age. Both regions are directly connected to the HMA by the Elbe and Weser rivers. Zn and Pb enrichment began in the south-eastern HMA and progressed subsequently with an average of 10 m per year north-westward, most likely triggered by variations in river discharge and by the hydrodynamic setting. Quantitative assessments of the Zn and Pb content in the sediments suggest that since the onset of enhanced Zn and Pb deposition, the anthropic Zn and Pb input in the HMA amounts to ~ 12,000 t and ~ 4000 t, respectively.
Whole spine MRI is not required in investigating uncomplicated paediatric lumbosacral lipoma. A retrospective single-institution review
Authors: Layard Horsfall Hugo , Chari Aswin , Huttunen Terhi , Simcock Clare , D’Arco Felice , Thompson Dominic 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Purpose
Lumbosacral lipoma (LSL) is a severe occult spinal dysraphism, frequently associated with neurological, urological and orthopaedic complications. Whole spine imaging is typically performed to identify concomitant, but spatially separate, congenital anomalies. Our hypothesis: the incidence of additional, clinically significant abnormalities of the neuraxis is low; thus, imaging should be optimised at the lumbosacral region. We aim to assess the prevalence and relevance of LSL-associated lesions.

Method
A single-centre, retrospective, radiological review using a prospectively maintained operative database. Inclusion criteria: children (< 16 years) with confirmed diagnosis of LSL and received whole spine MRI. Fatty filum, syndromic cases and cutaneous stigmata above lesion level were excluded. Data was extracted from radiological imaging, reports and clinical correspondence.

Results
One hundred twelve patients (40:72, M:F) aged 0.5 years (0.2–2.7) (median ± IQR) with LSL had whole spine MRI between 2001 and 2017. Classification of LSL: transitional 48 (43%); dorsal 30 (27%); caudal 28 (25%) and chaotic 6 (5%). Additional anomalies included syringohydromyelia 44 (39%), subcutaneous tract 19 (17%), abnormal vertebral segmentation 18 (16%), dermoid cyst 1 and 1 Chiari I deformity. There were no Chiari II malformations. No child required surgery for an associated lesion. Binary logistic regression revealed no factors associated with predicting secondary lesions.

Conclusions
In congenital LSL, additional anomalies of the neuraxis are typically loco-regional rather than pan-CNS and additional lesions are rarely clinically significant. The loco-regional distribution of anomalies suggests that only lumbosacral spinal imaging is required in the initial evaluation of LSL. Such a policy would lessen the anaesthetic/sedation time for children and reduce imaging cost per patient. MRI protocols could be refined to optimise imaging quality at the region of interest.
New measures against chronic kidney diseases in Japan since 2018
Authors: Fukui Akira , Yokoo Takashi , Nangaku Masaomi , Kashihara Naoki 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Since 2008, the Japanese government has started measures against chronic kidney disease (CKD), and steady changes have been achieved, including a decrease in the age-adjusted rate of new dialysis introduction. However, the total number of dialysis patients has not declined because of the progression of aging. Therefore, the Japanese government has started more concrete measures since 2018. It aims to prevent CKD exacerbation mainly by early referrals to nephrologists using “criteria for referral from a primary care physician to a kidney specialist/specialized medical institution”. In addition, key performance indicators are set to reduce the number of new dialysis patients from 39,000 in 2016 to ≤ 35,000 by 2028. We hope that you can refer to this measure all over the world and proceed with CKD measures. This report has been originally notified from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in Japanese. This is the English version of it.
Well logging interpretation methodology for carbonate formation fracture system properties determination
Authors: Stadtműller Marek 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The article presents the methodology for the qualitative determination of fracture zones in the profiles of carbonate formations, based on the complex fracture analysis (CFA) method. Three additive fracture ranges were distinguished, characterized by successively increasing aperture and fracture length values, operatively named micro, meso and macro. Furthermore, the quantitative characterization of fractures with different apertures was done. The methodology of laboratory data integration, fracture porosity and fracture permeability measurements performed on thin section and polished section was described as part of the quantitative well logging data interpretation procedure which uses the FPI (fracture porosity index) parameter. The research was performed in the Lower Carboniferous limestone formation that builds the Paleozoic basement of the Carpathian orogeny. An original software dedicated to the analysis of the wellbore images, obtained with the XRMI Halliburton scanner, was used to identify the presence of macro-fractures, determine their aperture and estimate fractures porosity and permeability in the profile of the analyzed rock formation. As a result of the work, postulates regarding the methodology for collecting research material were formulated, in particular: the scope of different laboratory core samples measurements and well log types. The principles of the optimal methodology for identifying fractured zones and quantitative evaluation of petrophysical parameters of recognized fracture systems were defined.