bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis in Children in Port Harcourt – A Worrisome Trend
Authors: Ide Lucy Eberechukwu Yaguo , Paul Nsirimobu Ichendu , Ugwu Rosemary Ogochukwu 
Published: July 2019

Background: Drug-resistant tuberculosis and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in particular represent a major threat to the fight against tuberculosis globally. MDR-TB presents with similar features and is transmitted in the same way as drug sensitive TB but its progression is rapid and its treatment, associated drug toxicity and monitoring constitute a heavy burden to the patients and the health system. MDR-TB affect people of all age groups but very little is known about the magnitude of this problem in children.
Aims/Objectives: To determine the prevalence of multidrug resistant tuberculosis among children in Port Harcourt.
Materials and Methods: Information on Paediatric tuberculosis was retrieved from the patients’ case notes, TB registers at the directly observed treatment short course (DOTs) clinic and the Multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment center of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital from January 2018 to June 2019. Obtained data was analysed and presented in prose and tables.
Results: There was a total of 1,860 patients records of which 37 were Paediatrics cases giving a prevalence of Paediatric tuberculosis cases of 2.0% Out of these 37cases, four were multidrug resistant tuberculosis cases giving a prevalence of MDR-TB cases of 10.8%. There were three males and one female giving a male female ratio of 3: 1. and their ages ranged from 3months to 24months. All belonged to social class 5. Common presentation was chronic cough, prolonged fever, weight loss and lymph node swellings. Three (75%) had no prior treatment for tuberculosis while one (25%) completed 6months of anti TB drugs. All had BCG immunization within one week of delivery. One (25%) child had extra-pulmonary TB while 3(75%) children had pulmonary tuberculosis. Xpert MTB/RIF assay for all (100%) showed MTB detected, RIF resistant detected. Three (75%) of the mothers had MDRTB and the medications for their children was based on the drug sensitivity testing (DST) of their mothers. One (25%) of the children and his mother were HIV positive and the mother had died while still on the intensive phase of second line antiTB drugs. Three (75%) had completed the intensive phase of the conventional therapy with second line antiTB drugs and are closely followed up weekly on the continuation phase while one child is still on admission.
Conclusions: The prevalence of MDR-TB in children in PH is high. All childhood TB (whether drug susceptible or drug resistant) is usually traced to an adult, thus effectively diagnosing and treating all adults as well as a high index of suspicion in presumptive cases is required to curb MDR-TB.
Recommendations: We recommend strict use of the DOTs strategy in TB management to ensure drug adherence. Also, proper contact tracing, investigation and treatment of children of infected parents to reduce cases of MDR-TB is advocated.
Calculation of Relative Uncertainty When Measuring Physical Constants: CODATA Technique Vs Information Method
Authors: Menin Boris 
Published: July 2019

Aims: To analyze the results of measurements of the Boltzmann, gravitational and Planck constants using a theoretically sound information approach in comparison with the CODATA technique.
Place and Duration of Study: Beer-Sheba, between January 2019 and May 2019.
Methodology: Using the concepts of information theory, the amount of information contained in the measurement model of a physical constant is calculated. This allows us to find the value of the comparative uncertainty proposed by Brillouin, and the achievable value of the relative uncertainty, taking into account the basic SI values used on each test bench when measuring physical constants.
Results: An unsolved question was to find the amount of information contained in the model of the measurement of a physical constant, which can be converted to the value of the achievable absolute uncertainty. This value now has an exact analytical formula. It is notoriously difficult to study the consistency of the measurement results of physical constants, but the proposed mathematical tool, developed using the concepts of information theory, allow us to simplify the analysis completely.
Conclusion: The information method leads to an intuitive and logically justified calculation of the relative uncertainty, which is compatible with the current practice of CODATA. This allows you to identify the threshold discrepancy between the model and the object under study. Proof of this is the calculation of the achievable value of the relative uncertainty when measuring the Boltzmann, gravitational and Planck constants. The proposed information-oriented method for calculating the relative uncertainty in measuring physical constants represents a new tool when formulating a modernized SI.
Modeling AeroForm tissue expander for postmastectomy radiation therapy
Authors: Dziemianowicz Elaine , Gardner Stephen J. , Chin Snyder Karen , Wen Ning , Walker Eleanor M. , Fraser Correen , Reding Anne , Chetty Indrin J. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe AeroForm chest wall tissue expander (TE) is a silicon shell containing a metallic CO2 reservoir, placed surgically after mastectomy. The patient uses a remote control to release compressed CO2 from the reservoir to inflate the expander. AeroForm poses challenges in a radiation therapy setting: The high density of the metallic reservoir causes imaging artifacts on the planning CT, which encumber structure definition and cause misrepresentation of density information, in turn affecting dose calculation. Additionally, convolution‐based dose calculation algorithms may not be well‐suited to calculate dose in and around high‐density materials. In this study, a model of the AeroForm TE was created in Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS). The TPS model was validated by comparing measured to calculated transmission through the AeroForm. Transmission was measured with various geometries using radiochromic film. Dose was calculated with both Varian’s Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm (AAA) and Acuros External Beam (AXB) algorithms. AAA and AXB were compared using dose profile and gamma analyses. While both algorithms modeled direct transmission well, AXB better modeled lateral scatter from the AeroForm TE. Clinical significance was evaluated using clinical data from four patients with AeroForm TEs. The AeroForm TPS model was applied, and RT plans were optimized using AAA, then re‐calculated with AXB. Structures of clinical significance were defined and dose volume histogram analysis was performed. Compared to AXB, AAA overestimates dose in the AeroForm device. Changes in clinically significant regions were patient‐ and plan‐specific. This study proposes a clinical procedure for modeling the AeroForm in a commercial TPS, and discusses the limitations of dose calculation in and around the device. An understanding of dose calculation accuracy in the vicinity of the AeroForm is critical for assessing individual plan quality, appropriateness of different planning techniques and dose calculation algorithms, and even the decision to use the AeroForm in a postmastectomy radiation therapy setting.
Donepezil increases resistance to induced seizures in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome
Authors: Wong Jennifer C. , Thelin Jacquelyn T. , Escayg Andrew 
Published: July 2019

AbstractDe novo loss‐of‐function mutations in SCN1A are the main cause of Dravet syndrome, a catastrophic encephalopathy characterized by recurrent early‐life febrile seizures, a number of other afebrile seizure types that are often refractory to treatment, and behavioral abnormalities including social deficits, motor dysfunction, and cognitive impairment. We previously demonstrated that the reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, Huperzine A, increases seizure resistance in Scn1a mutants. In the present study, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of donepezil, a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor approved by the Food and Drug Administration, in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome (Scn1a+/−). We found that donepezil conferred robust protection against induced seizures in Scn1a+/− mutants.
Genomic analysis of antibiotic resistance for Acinetobacter baumannii in a critical care center
Authors: Murata Kensuke , Inoue Yoshiaki , Kaiho Mayuko , Nakazawa Takeshi , Sasaki Shin‐ichi , Miyake Kazunori , Matsuda Shigeru , Tanaka Hiroshi 
Published: July 2019

AimAcinetobacter baumannii is commonly associated with outbreaks and antibiotic‐resistant nosocomial infection. This study aimed to determine the relationship between antibiotic resistance and genotypes of A. baumannii.MethodsA study was undertaken in the critical care center (CCC) of Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital (Urayasu, Japan) between January 2012 and September 2015. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were carried out according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. All A. baumannii isolates were verified to carry carbapenemase genes and the ISAba1 element using polymerase chain reaction. The genetic relationship of all A. baumannii isolates was determined by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis and multilocus sequence typing.ResultsDuring the study period, 1634 patients were admitted to the CCC. Acinetobacter baumannii was detected in 43 patients (average age, 58 ± 19 years; 67.4% men). Six patients were determined to be extensively drug‐resistant A. baumannii and 21 patients determined to be multidrug‐resistant A. baumannii. Antimicrobial susceptibility linked genotypes of A. baumannii. Molecular characterization by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis and multilocus sequence typing showed that closely related clones of A. baumannii had spread in the CCC.ConclusionResistance to antimicrobial drugs was significantly associated with certain A. baumannii genotypic types and molecular types. Thus, we might be able to predict whether the genotype has spread in the CCC or not when the susceptibility is examined, facilitating the appropriate isolation of patients.
Bioactive Heteroleptic Bismuth(V) Complexes: Synthesis, Structural Analysis and Binding Pattern Validation
Authors: Andleeb Sohaila , Imtiaz‐ud‐Din  , Rauf Muhammad Khawar , Azam Syed Sikander , Haq Ihsan‐ul , Tahir Muhammad Nawaz , Ahmad Sajjad 
Published: July 2019

Heteroleptic triorganobismuth (V) complexes of general formula, R3Bi(OOCR')2 (1–7), where R = C6H5 (1–3), p‐CH3C6H4 (4–7) and R' = 3,5‐Cl2C6H3 (1, 5); 3,4,5‐(OCH3)3C6H2 (2, 6); 3‐CH3C6H4 (3,7); 2‐OH‐3‐OCH3C6H3 (4) have been synthesized and fully characterized by FT‐IR, 1H &13C NMR spectroscopy, single crystal X‐ray crystallography and elemental analysis. The molecular geometry observed for the compounds is predominantly distorted trigonal bipyramidal, the fact which was subsequently authenticated through X‐ray analyses for (1–4). All the synthesized compounds have been bio‐assayed for antileishmanial (Leishmania tropica KWH23) and Jack beans urease inhibitory activity, and human Lymphocytes were used to measure the general toxicity. Of these, (4) proved to be highly effective against the target species (Leishmania tropica KWH23), while being non‐toxic towards the mammalian cells at levels below 0.74 μgmL−1, making it highly promising drug candidate. The high activities for (2, 4, and 6) against Jack beans Urease as compared to the reference standard demonstrate their significance in searching of therapeutic agents in future programs. The significant binding score of (2&4) against H. pylori in molecular docking studies further revealed their importance in future drug discovery processes.
Mercury occurrence modes in coal and the sulfur–mercury removal performance during coal pyrolysis
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyang , Fu Jiapeng , Dong Yong , An Donghai , Cui Lin 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe mild pyrolysis of coal provided a promising alternative method for mercury and sulfur emission control before coal combustion. In the work, the occurrence modes of mercury in one lignite and two bituminous coals were characterized by temperature‐programmed decomposition with acid leaching. The removal performance of sulfur–mercury was also investigated by mild pyrolysis under weak oxidizing atmosphere. The results showed that the contents of organic‐bound mercury, pyrite‐bound mercury, and ash‐bound mercury were in the range of 35–55%, 15–45%, and 10–45%, with their release temperature in the range of 250–650, 500–700, and >700 °C, respectively. Sulfur and mercury were removed by fast pyrolysis at 500 °C under 2%O2 − N2 atmosphere, and the proportion of Hg2+ in gas phase increased. The results indicated that the oxygen had participated in the decomposition of the mercury‐containing and sulfur‐containing compounds, and some stable mercury‐containing and sulfur‐containing compounds were easier for decomposition under weak oxidizing atmosphere at low temperature. The removal efficiency of sulfur and mercury significantly increased under weak oxidizing atmosphere by fast pyrolysis. It was because fast pyrolysis could accelerate the breakup of molecular bonds associated with sulfur–mercury at a low temperature. The pore structure of char produced by fast pyrolysis was improved, which was favorable for sulfur containing gas and mercury release.
Iron oxide nanoparticles improved biocompatibility and removal of middle molecule uremic toxin of polysulfone hollow fiber membranes
Authors: Said Noresah , Abidin Muhammad Nidzhom Zainol , Hasbullah Hasrinah , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Goh Pei Sean , Othman Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan , Abdullah Mohd Sohaimi , Ng Be Cheer , Kadir Siti Hamimah Sheikh Abdul , Kamal Fatmawati 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTMiddle molecule uremic toxins constitute to a quarter of uremic toxins present in human blood. In a condition where these uremic toxins accumulate in bloodstream due to renal failure, blood purification process using a high performance membrane is required. Here, we develop biocompatible mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) made up of polysulfone (PSf) and iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3 NPs) with the focus to remove middle molecule uremic toxin effectively. The MMMs were evaluated in terms of their biocompatibility and separation performance. At higher Fe2O3 NPs loading, the MMM displayed a huge reduction of protein adsorption and platelet adhesion while maintaining normal blood coagulation time and acceptable complement activation. The optimized MMM exhibited high permeability (110.47 L m−2 h−1 bar−1), protein retention (99.9%) and demonstrated excellent clearance of urea (82%) and lysozyme (46.7%). The PSf/Fe2O3 MMM is proven to have promising attributes for hemodialysis application. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48234.
Infant with protein C deficiency and stroke in the setting of iron deficiency anemia
Authors: Karim Tahseen Jalal , Paul Dustin J. , Troxell Regina M. , Patel Rajan , Butler Ian J. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWe report an 18‐month‐old infant with ischemic stroke, neurocognitive impairment, and psychomotor retardation in the setting of severe iron deficiency anemia. Although an uncommon outcome in anemic children, stroke is important to consider as a cause for developmental delay in children with iron deficiency anemia.
Orchestration Requirements for Modular Process Plants in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industries
Authors: Klose Anselm , Merkelbach Silke , Menschner Anna , Hensel Stephan , Heinze Sebastian , Bittorf Lukas , Kockmann Norbert , Schäfer Christian , Szmais Stefanie , Eckert Manfred , Rüde Timo , Scherwietes Thomas , da Silva Santos Polyana , Stenger Frank , Holm Thomas , Welscher Wolfgang , Krink Niclas , Schenk Tim , Stutz Andreas , Maurmaier Mathias , Stark Katharina , Hoernicke Mario , Unland Stefan , Erben Stefan , Kessler Franziska , Apitz Frank , Urbas Leon 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe increased flexibility resulting from the modularization of process plants requires an advanced strategy to supervise the distributed control systems (DCSs). The connection and coordination of multiple process equipment assemblies (PEAs) into a modular plant (MP) is called orchestration and conducted in a so‐called process orchestration layer (POL). Standardized interfaces enable a seamless integration of PEAs into an MP. Current process control systems do not yet meet all required features regarding to interfaces and possibility of import/export of different data structures. Several aspects are presented which shall be taken into account when designing a POL. The POL's several layers are described in detail, resulting especially in flexibility and reusability of modular plants.
Rigorous correlations for predicting the solubility of H2S in methylimidazolium‐based ionic liquids
Authors: Mesbah Mohammad , Soroush Ebrahim , Momeni Masumeh , Shahsavari Shohreh , Mofidi Mehdi , Soltanali Saeed 
Published: July 2019

AbstractTwo general and simple models, a group contribution correlation (model I) and an empirical relation (model II), were proposed to predict the solubility of H2S in methylimidazolium based ionic liquids (ILs) over wide range of temperatures (303.15‐363.15 K) and pressures (60.8‐2016.8 kPa). The constants of the suggested functionality relations were found via the Nelder‐Mead simplex algorithm. Both correlations were trained with 407 data points of H2S solubility in 9 methylimidazolium based ILs and tested through 121 H2S solubility data points of 3 different methylimidazolium based ILs to ensure generality. A comprehensive statistical evaluation showed that both suggested correlations are vigorous and have satisfactory error trends. The dataset was subjected to a statistical outlier diagnostic test and the validity of the database was confirmed. In addition, the sensitivity analysis revealed that the experimental data and both models have the same responses toward pressure and temperature, which indicates the reliability of the proposed correlations.
Explanation of the alexandrite effect of zultanite: From the view of colorimetry and chemical analysis
Authors: Zhou Danyi , Lu Taijin , Sun Ruoduan , Shi Guanghai , Chen Hua , Ke Jie 
Published: July 2019

AbstractZultanite is the commercial name of a gem‐quality transparent diaspore that exhibits an obvious color change when exposed to different light sources. It usually appears green under daylight and red under incandescent light. This optical feature makes zultanite valuable, and the study of the spectral characteristics, as well as chemical composition, of zultanite can increase our understanding of the associated color change mechanism. Spectral transmittance curves for zultanite exposed to nonpolarized light emitted by CIE standard illuminants D65 and A show that the color change phenomenon is related to the optical characteristics of light sources. The colorimetric parameters in the CIE 1976 L*a*b* uniform color space system illustrate that the color change exhibited by zultanite is an example of the alexandrite effect, which can be quantitatively described by the significant change of a* and h° parameters. These findings and the results of chemical element analysis by X‐ray fluorescence and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy imply that electron transitions between different energy levels involving the 3d orbitals of the trace elements Fe3+ and Cr3+ in zultanite give rise to the relatively high transmittance observed in the green region (around 500 nm) and the orange‐red region (600‐780 nm) of visible light. Thus, the difference in the spectral power distributions of different ambient light sources greatly influence the color of zultanite, making zultanite show green under daylight which is richer in the green light and turns red under incandescent light in which the orange‐red light dominates.SummaryThe main contributions of this article can be summarized as follows:

The colorimetric parameters of zultanite illustrate that its color change phenomenon is an example of the alexandrite effect.
The trace elements Fe3+ and Cr3+ are the essential factors that cause the alexandrite effect, which give rise to the relatively high transmittance observed in the green and orange‐red regions of visible light.
This article will inspire deeper research on the optical properties and application of hydroxides.
Incorporating p‐Phenylene as an Electron‐Donating Group into Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Efficient Charge Separation
Authors: Gao Honglin , Guo Yong , Yu Zhiwu , Zhao Meiming , Hou Yang , Zhu Zhongqi , Yan Shicheng , Liu Qingju , Zou Zhigang 
Published: July 2019

AbstractLow charge‐separation transport efficiency resulting from structural defects largely limits photocatalytic hydrogen production over polymeric graphitic carbon nitride (PCN) photocatalyst. Herein, an electron‐donating group, namely p‐phenylene, is incorporated into PCN by a polycondensation reaction between carbon nitride and p‐phenylenediamine (or p‐benzoquinone) to repair the structural defects. The p‐phenylene‐modified PCN exhibits an almost fivefold increase in H2 evolution, a threefold increase in photocurrent density, and higher nonradiative rate (0.285 ns−1). Spectroscopic studies confirm that p‐phenylene tends to bridge the heptazine‐based oligomers through a polycondensation reaction. Theoretical calculations reveal that anchoring of the heptazine units by p‐phenylene induces localization of h+ and e− on the phenylene and melem moieties, respectively, which effectively separates the charge carriers. This strategy provides an opportunity to overcome structural defects in carbon nitride for efficient photocatalytic solar energy conversion.
Photothermal Conversion Material Derived from Used Cigarette Filters for Solar Steam Generation
Authors: Sun Hanxue , Li Yuanzhen , Zhu Zhaoqi , Mu Peng , Wang Fei , Liang Weidong , Ma Chonghua , Li An 
Published: July 2019

AbstractSolar steam generation by photothermal materials has recently emerged as a new and feasible approach to effectively harvest solar energy in a variety of applications. This work reports an efficient heat localization material based on the renewable cellulose acetate cigarette filters and a reduced graphene oxide coating (RGO‐CF) as the light‐to‐heat conversion layer for solar steam generation. RGO‐CF possessed an aligned structure with superhydrophilic nature, lower thermal conductivity (0.0733 Wm−1 K−1), and broad light adsorption (≈100 %). These characteristics enable rapid water transportation and excellent light‐to‐heat conversion by the resulting RGO‐CF with an energy conversion efficiency of 94 % under stimulated solar illumination (1 kW m−2), which demonstrates that RGO‐CF is a promising photothermal conversion material for solar steam generation. Such strategy for preparation of photothermal materials not only reduces the fabrication cost but also provides a fundamental guidance for the practical application of renewable polymer resources from used cigarette filters.
Ethical Tensions Resulting from Interpreter Involvement in the Consent Process
Authors: Barwise Amelia , Sharp Richard , Hirsch Jessica 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTWe describe how our institution responded when an interpreter who participated in the consent process involving an individual with limited English proficiency refused to cosign consent documents attesting that the individual enrolling in the study understood the consent information and that her consent to enroll was voluntary. In developing our approach, our institution took into account ethical tensions between the Belmont principles of respect for persons, beneficence, and justice that apply to the protection of research participants and the professional principles of beneficence, fidelity, and respect for the importance of culture that are outlined in ethical guidelines for medical interpreters.