bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eco-friendly nanocomposites derived from geranium oil and zinc oxide in one step approach
Authors: Al-Jumaili Ahmed , Mulvey Peter , Kumar Avishek , Prasad Karthika , Bazaka Kateryna , Warner Jeffrey , Jacob Mohan V. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractNanocomposites offer attractive and cost-effective thin layers with superior properties for antimicrobial, drug delivery and microelectronic applications. This work reports single-step plasma-enabled synthesis of polymer/zinc nanocomposite thin films via co-deposition of renewable geranium essential oil-derived polymer and zinc nanoparticles produced by thermal decomposition of zinc acetylacetonate. The chemical composition, surfaces characteristics and antimicrobial performance of the designed nanocomposite were systematically investigated. XPS survey proved the presence of ZnO in the matrix of formed polymers at 10 W and 50 W. SEM images verified that the average size of a ZnO nanoparticle slightly increased with an increase in the power of deposition, from approximately 60 nm at 10 W to approximately 80 nm at 50 W. Confocal scanning laser microscopy images showed that viability of S. aureus and E.coli cells significantly reduced on surfaces of ZnO/polymer composites compared to pristine polymers. SEM observations further demonstrated that bacterial cells incubated on Zn/Ge 10 W and Zn/Ge 50 W had deteriorated cell walls, compared to pristine polymers and glass control. The release of ZnO nanoparticles from the composite thin films was confirmed using ICP measurements, and can be further controlled by coating the film with a thin polymeric layer. These eco-friendly nanocomposite films could be employed as encapsulation coatings to protect relevant surfaces of medical devices from microbial adhesion and colonization.
Designing a highly efficient graphene quantum spin heat engine
Authors: Mani Arjun , Pal Subhajit , Benjamin Colin 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe design a quantum spin heat engine using spin polarized ballistic modes generated in a strained graphene monolayer doped with a magnetic impurity. We observe remarkably large efficiency and large thermoelectric figure of merit both for the charge as well as spin variants of the quantum heat engine. This suggests the use of this device as a highly efficient quantum heat engine for charge as well as spin based transport. Further, a comparison is drawn between the device characteristics of a graphene spin heat engine against a quantum spin Hall heat engine. The reason being edge modes because of their origin should give much better performance. In this respect we observe our graphene based spin heat engine can almost match the performance characteristics of a quantum spin Hall heat engine. Finally, we show that a pure spin current can be transported in our device in absence of any charge current.
Effect of attention on chewing and swallowing behaviors in healthy humans
Authors: Ashiga Hirokazu , Takei Eri , Magara Jin , Takeishi Ryosuke , Tsujimura Takanori , Nagoya Kouta , Inoue Makoto 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe examined how attention alters chewing and swallowing behaviors. Twenty-one healthy volunteers were asked to freely eat 8 g of steamed rice in three separate trials, and we obtained the average number of chewing cycles (N) and chewing duration (T) prior to the first swallow in each trial. We also conducted an N-limited test, in which participants chewed the food while independently counting the number of chewing cycles and swallowed the food when they reached N, and a T-limited test, in which they chewed the food for T sec and then swallowed. We recorded electromyograms (EMGs) from masseter and suprahyoid muscles and collected videoendoscopic images. In the N-limited test, chewing speed decreased, masseter muscle activity (area under the curve of the rectified EMG burst) per cycle increased, and suprahyoid muscle activity per cycle decreased. In the T-limited test, the chewing speed increased, muscle activities per cycle decreased, and the number of cycles increased. The occurrence frequency of bolus propulsion into the pharynx before swallowing was smaller in the N- and T-limited tests than in the free chewing test. Further, the whiteout time was longer in the T-limited test than in the free chewing test. Attentional chewing changes not only chewing but also swallowing behavior.
The development of a high-density genetic map significantly improves the quality of reference genome assemblies for rose
Authors: Li Shubin , Yang Guoqian , Yang Shuhua , Just Jeremy , Yan Huijun , Zhou Ningning , Jian Hongying , Wang Qigang , Chen Min , Qiu Xianqin , Zhang Hao , Dong Xue , Jiang Xiaodong , Sun Yibo , Zhong Micai , Bendahmane Mohammed , Ning Guogui , Ge Hong , Hu Jin-Yong , Tang Kaixue 
Published: April 2019

AbstractRoses are important woody plants featuring a set of important traits that cannot be investigated in traditional model plants. Here, we used the restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) technology to develop a high-density linkage map of the backcross progeny (BC1F1) between Rosa chinensis ‘Old Blush’ (OB) and R. wichuraiana ‘Basyes’ Thornless’ (BT). We obtained 643.63 million pair-end reads and identified 139,834 polymorphic tags that were distributed uniformly in the rose genome. 2,213 reliable markers were assigned to seven linkage groups (LGs). The length of the genetic map was 1,027.425 cM in total with a mean distance of 0.96 cM per marker locus. This new linkage map allowed anchoring an extra of 1.21/23.14 Mb (12.18/44.52%) of the unassembled OB scaffolds to the seven reference pseudo-chromosomes, thus significantly improved the quality of assembly of OB reference genome. We demonstrate that, while this new linkage map shares high collinearity level with strawberry genome, it also features two chromosomal rearrangements, indicating its usefulness as a resource for understanding the evolutionary scenario among Rosaceae genomes. Together with the newly released genome sequences for OB, this linkage map will facilitate the identification of genetic components underpinning key agricultural and biological traits, hence should greatly advance the studies and breeding efforts of rose.
Biomarkers of post-discharge mortality among children with complicated severe acute malnutrition
Authors: Njunge James M. , Gwela Agnes , Kibinge Nelson K. , Ngari Moses , Nyamako Lydia , Nyatichi Emily , Thitiri Johnstone , Gonzales Gerard Bryan , Bandsma Robert H. J. , Walson Judd L. , Gitau Evelyn N. , Berkley James A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractHigh mortality after discharge from hospital following acute illness has been observed among children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). However, mechanisms that may be amenable to intervention to reduce risk are unknown. We performed a nested case-control study among HIV-uninfected children aged 2–59 months treated for complicated SAM according to WHO recommendations at four Kenyan hospitals. Blood was drawn from 1778 children when clinically judged stable before discharge from hospital. Cases were children who died within 60 days. Controls were randomly selected children who survived for one year without readmission to hospital. Untargeted proteomics, total protein, cytokines and chemokines, and leptin were assayed in plasma and corresponding biological processes determined. Among 121 cases and 120 controls, increased levels of calprotectin, von Willebrand factor, angiotensinogen, IL8, IL15, IP10, TNFα, and decreased levels of leptin, heparin cofactor 2, and serum paraoxonase were associated with mortality after adjusting for possible confounders. Acute phase responses, cellular responses to lipopolysaccharide, neutrophil responses to bacteria, and endothelial responses were enriched among cases. Among apparently clinically stable children with SAM, a sepsis-like profile is associated with subsequent death. This may be due to ongoing bacterial infection, translocated bacterial products or deranged immune response during nutritional recovery.
Predicting scheduled hospital attendance with artificial intelligence
Authors: Nelson Amy , Herron Daniel , Rees Geraint , Nachev Parashkev 
Published: April 2019

AbstractFailure to attend scheduled hospital appointments disrupts clinical management and consumes resource estimated at £1 billion annually in the United Kingdom National Health Service alone. Accurate stratification of absence risk can maximize the yield of preventative interventions. The wide multiplicity of potential causes, and the poor performance of systems based on simple, linear, low-dimensional models, suggests complex predictive models of attendance are needed. Here, we quantify the effect of using complex, non-linear, high-dimensional models enabled by machine learning. Models systematically varying in complexity based on logistic regression, support vector machines, random forests, AdaBoost, or gradient boosting machines were trained and evaluated on an unselected set of 22,318 consecutive scheduled magnetic resonance imaging appointments at two UCL hospitals. High-dimensional Gradient Boosting Machine-based models achieved the best performance reported in the literature, exhibiting an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.852 and average precision of 0.511. Optimal predictive performance required 81 variables. Simulations showed net potential benefit across a wide range of attendance characteristics, peaking at £3.15 per appointment at current prevalence and call efficiency. Optimal attendance prediction requires more complex models than have hitherto been applied in the field, reflecting the complex interplay of patient, environmental, and operational causal factors. Far from an exotic luxury, high-dimensional models based on machine learning are likely essential to optimal scheduling amongst other operational aspects of hospital care. High predictive performance is achievable with data from a single institution, obviating the need for aggregating large-scale sensitive data across governance boundaries.
Association between epicardial adipose tissue and adverse outcomes in coronary heart disease patients with percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Lu Changqing , Jia Helei , Wang Zhentao 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
We assessed the relationship between the volume of epicardial adipose tissue and long-term outcomes in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The patients with CHD were followed for at least 2 years after PCI. The epicardial adipose tissue volume (EATV) was measured using multi-slice computed tomography. Cox regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between EATV and clinical outcome. In this study, 500 patients were enrolled and followed up for a median of 25.2 months. The incidence of adverse cardiovascular events was 12.4%. No significant differences were observed in age, sex, proportion of patients with hypertension or diabetes, smoking, drinking, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, or unstable angina pectoris among different EATV quartiles (P&gt;0.05). The EATV was associated with body mass index (P&lt;0.0001), low-density lipoprotein level (P=0.039), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level (P&lt;0.001), uric acid level (P=0.004), adiponectin level (P&lt;0.001), and left ventricular ejection fraction (P&lt;0.001). Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated a significant difference in survival rate of patients in EATV quartile 1 versus 4 (P=0.019). After adjusting for confounding factors, EATV quartile 4 (&gt;216.15 cm3) was still associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes (HR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.15–4.47, P=0.023) compared with quartile 1 (&lt;101.58 cm3). Our data suggest that EATV is an independent predictor of long-term major adverse cardiovascular events in CHD patients after PCI. Therefore, assessment of EATV using multi-slice computed tomography may contribute to risk stratification in these patients.
Medical and Surgical Advances in the Treatment of Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis
Authors: Nelson Rebecca Chota , Bryson Paul C. , Reghunathan Saranya , Benninger Michael S. 
Published: April 2019

Purpose
In this chapter, unilateral vocal fold paralysis is described, and treatment options are discussed with emphasis on recent developments in treatment.

Conclusion
Unilateral vocal fold paralysis is a disorder commonly encountered by otolaryngologists and speech-language pathologists alike and is caused by dysfunction of one of the recurrent laryngeal nerves leading to dysphonia and dysphagia. The etiology of this disorder can include malignancy, iatrogenic injury, or traumatic injury or may be due to idiopathic causes, and evidence has suggested that the rates of different etiologies have changed over time. Treatment options include a variety of approaches and range from expectant management, voice therapy, as well as surgical and procedural approaches. Surgical approaches generally aim to augment the affected vocal fold to medialize its position, thereby reducing glottic insufficiency, and can include injection laryngoplasty and laryngeal framework surgery. Recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation is also an option for certain patients and can improve vocal fold bulk by restoring basal neurologic stimulation. Though it is a well-described phenomenon, with new developments in procedural interventions, unilateral vocal fold paralysis remains a dynamic entity in the field.
Intensivtherapie bei Adipositas: Too Big to Fail?
Authors: Lewandowski Klaus 
Published: April 2019

ZusammenfassungPathophysiologische Besonderheiten und typische Begleiterkrankungen adipöser Patienten stellen Ärzte und Pflegepersonal auf Intensivtherapiestationen vor große Herausforderungen – und die Prävalenz dieser Patienten steigt. Dieser Beitrag vermittelt pathophysiologische Hintergründe sowie notwendiges Wissen über endotracheale Intubation, Anpassung der maschinellen Ventilation und die Lagerungsbehandlung bei kritisch kranken Adipösen.
Erregerabwehr aus dem Bienenstock
Authors: März Henrike 
Published: April 2019

SummaryPropolis, das Kittharz der Bienen, wehrt im Bienenstock als auch in der therapeutischen Verwendung Krankheitserreger ab. Sie ist eine bewährte Therapieoption bei Haut- und Schleimhautentzündungen und ist zum Beispiel bei Husten und Schnupfen ein natürliches Antiphlogistikum.
When high viscosity of pancreatic cysts precludes effective EUS-FNA: a benchtop comparison of negative pressure devices
Authors: Walsh Leonard , Mitchell Lindsay , Johri Ansh , Matone Nicholas , Frecker Mary , Moyer Matthew 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Background and study aims Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) is an important diagnostic tool; however, it is often unsuccessful due to high viscosity of cystic fluid. In an effort to improve FNA, we objectively compared eight vacuum device configurations to determine the most effective method for aspirating viscous fluid collections. We also tested a high-frequency oscillation (HFO) technique that could be employed in FNA.
Materials and methods Maximum gauge pressures of four vacuum devices were measured: two standard EUS-FNA syringes, a 50-cc Alliance II device, and a nonmedical hand vacuum pump. To aspirate a viscous stock solution, 19-gauge and 22-gauge needles were used and flow rates were calculated. HFO was also applied to the needle during aspiration to determine effect on aspiration rate.
Results Aspiration devices generated maximum gauge pressures ranging from –21.5 to –27.5 inHg. The 19-gauge FNA needle aspirated viscous fluid 11.3 × faster on average than a 22-gauge needle. HFO increased average flow rates by 29.7 % in 19G and 124.6 % in 22G configurations.
Conclusion EUS-FNA of viscous fluid can be optimized by using the lowest possible gauge needle and connecting a vacuum device capable of generating and sustaining near perfect vacuum. This can be accomplished by maximizing syringe volume. In addition, connector-tubing length between the syringe and needle should be minimized, and tubing wall should be sufficiently strong to resist collapse under vacuum. Other novel techniques to increase fluid yield include a hand vacuum pump and application of HFO to FNA.
Tierhalter im Dilemma
Authors: Waschke Susanne C. 
Published: April 2019

SummaryTierallergien zählen zu den Typ-I-Reaktionen und werden vor allem durch Katzen, Hunde, Pferde, Nager und Vögel ausgelöst, insbesondere durch deren Sekrete oder Ausscheidungen. Eine häufig übersehene Sonderform und Typ-III oder -IV-Reaktion ist die Vogelhalterlunge, die sich als Alveolitis mit unklaren Atemwegsbeschwerden äußert. Wie sich im Fallbeispiel zeigt, kann eine orthomolekulare, probiotische und homöopathische Therapie in Verbindung mit Ohrakupunktur unter günstigen Voraussetzungen ein weiteres Zusammenleben mit Tieren ermöglichen.
Von Gift bis Tinte
Authors: Blume Ralf 
Published: April 2019

SummaryIn der Homöopathie gibt es zahlreiche Mittel tierischer Herkunft. Dabei wird entweder das Gift, eine Absonderung des Tieres wie Milch oder das ganze Tier verwendet. Bei potenzierten Schlangengiften spielen häufig Hämorrhagien eine Rolle, wohingegen Spinnengifte eher bei Beschwerden des Nervensystems angezeigt sind. Sepia und Asteria rubens haben einen großen hormonellen Einfluss und sind mit ihren jeweiligen Leitsymptomen in Phasen hormoneller Umstellung angezeigt.
Cytomegalovirus infection in a T-cell lymphoma patient presenting with multiple gastrointestinal ulcers: a case report
Authors: Tao Jin , Lin Xian , Tsia Hin Fong Christ-Jonathan , Wen Zhuo , Chen Jian , Liang Qiong , Lin Qu , Wu Bin 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Background and study aims Gastrointestinal ulcers are responsible for a wide spectrum of diseases. Infection, drug-induced enteritis, malignancy, vasculitis and Inflammatory bowel disease are the most common causes; their clinical expression often varies according to the site and severity of intestinal involvement. We report on a 68-year-old male presenting with dyspepsia and melena and multiple gastrointestinal ulcers on endoscopy. We could not establish diagnosis of peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) despite multiple biopsies taken on several endoscopic sessions, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection was documented by presence of inclusion bodies on pathology. The immunohistochemical study showed a mixture of B lymphocytes and predominantly T lymphocytes, negative for cluster of differentiation (CD)7. Southern blot gene rearrangement was positive for T-cell receptor beta. Our patient eventually expired from a massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage following four cycles of chemotherapy. We wish to emphasize that a CMV infection, as a comorbidity, can potentially mask and delay diagnosis of PTCL-NOS, especially in cases with aberrant immunophenotype presentation.
The Case for an Estrogen-iron Axis in Health and
Disease
Authors: Hamad Mawieh , Bajbouj Khuloud , Taneera Jalal 
Published: April 2019

AbstractClinical and experimental evidence suggest that estrogen manipulates
intracellular iron metabolism and that elevated levels of estrogen associate
with increased systemic iron availability. This has been attributed to the
ability of estrogen to suppress hepcidin synthesis, maintain ferroportin
integrity and enhance iron release from iron-absorbing duodenal enterocytes
and iron-storing macrophages and hepatocytes. These observations speak of a
potential “estrogen-iron” axis that manipulates iron
metabolism in response to hematologic (erythropoiesis) and non-hematologic
(uterine growth, pregnancy, lactation) needs for iron. Such an axis could
contribute to minimizing iron deficiency in premenopausal women and iron
overload in postmenopausal women. It could also exacerbate iron overload and
related clinical consequences including cancer, osteoporosis, cardiovascular
complications and neurodegenerative symptoms, especially in postmenopausal
women on hormonal replacement therapy. Understanding the role of estrogen in
iron metabolism may shed some light on the pleotropic, but often
paradoxical, roles of estrogen in human health and disease.
Direct-Acting Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) in Cirrhosis and Cirrhosis-Associated Portal Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Weinberg Ethan , Palecki Julia , Reddy K. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDirect-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have provided benefit in patients requiring anticoagulation for certain diseases by decreasing the burden of subcutaneous injections and the requirement for frequent monitoring through regular blood tests, to ensure adequacy of the therapeutic doses. Studies have demonstrated DOACs to be as safe, and in some instance safer, compared with traditional anticoagulants in the general population. However, the studies evaluating DOACs excluded patients with cirrhosis, a condition associated with an increased risk of developing portal vein thrombosis (PVT). Warfarin or low-molecular weight heparin are the standard-of-care treatment for acute PVT in cirrhosis, although there is enthusiasm in a paradigm shift switching to DOACs for the treatment of acute PVT in cirrhosis, particularly since the release of DOAC antidotes. This article reviews the current Food and Drug Administration-approved DOACs, hepatic metabolism of DOACs, pharmacokinetics of DOACs in patients with cirrhosis, safety of DOACs (including bleeding, hepatotoxicity, and pregnancy), current treatment guidelines for PVT in cirrhosis, and studies evaluating the use of DOACs in cirrhosis and for the treatment of PVT in cirrhosis. The potential use of DOACs for PVT primary prophylaxis in at-risk patients with cirrhosis and the possible antifibrotic effects of DOACs are also discussed.
Hallazgo de Tumor Maligno/Premaligno Insospechado en Estudios 18 F-FDG PET/TC en Pacientes Oncológicos
Authors: Servente Liliana , Bianco Corina , Bentancourt Cecilia , Alonso Omar 
Published: April 2019

Objetivo Determinar la frecuencia y el tipo de tumor maligno/premaligno insospechado como hallazgo en estudios 18 F-FDG PET/TC en pacientes oncológicos.
Material y Métodos Se revisaron retrospectivamente (de enero de 2014 a marzo de 2017), informes de estudios 18 F-FDG PET/TC de pacientes oncológicos, identificando aquellos pacientes con hallazgo de lesión sospechosa de otro tumor maligno como hallazgo incidental. La información fue obtenida a partir de determinadas “palabras clave” en la base de datos del Centro. Los hallazgos se confirmaron mediante histopatología y/o seguimiento clínico y paraclínico de como mínimo seis meses.
Resultados De 4.086 pacientes oncológicos estudiados con 18 F-FDG PET/TC, se encontró lesión sospechosa de otro tumor maligno en 130 (3,2%), de los cuales 72 eran mujeres y 58 hombres, con edad media de 61 años. Los tumores primarios más frecuentes (aquellos que motivaron el pedido del examen PET/CT inicialmente), fueron de mama (n = 27), pulmón (n = 27) y colo-recto (n = 20). Se confirmaron por histopatología 49 (1,2%) nuevos tumores malignos/premalignos y dos lesiones metastásicas. La localización del segundo tumor primario correspondió a: colon (n = 18), pulmón (n = 6), mama (n = 6), linfoma (n = 3), ovario (n = 2), endometrio/cuello uterino (n = 2), tiroides (n = 2) y otros (n = 10). Resultaron 28 hallazgos falsos positivos, 31 pacientes no se estudiaron por progresión lesional y 20 pacientes se perdieron de seguimiento.
Discusión La prevalencia de neoplasia primaria maligna múltiple (NPMM) es variable entre 0,7 y 11,7%. En nuestra serie, se encontró lesión sospechosa de segundo tumor en 130 casos (3,2%), de los cuales se confirmaron 49 segundos tumores (1,2%), similar a lo reportado por otros autores.
Conclusiones La tasa de detección de tumor maligno insospechado confirmado histológicamente fue de 1,2%. Todo hallazgo incidental sospechoso de malignidad en 18 F-FDG PET/TC debe ser estudiado, ya que puede corresponder a un segundo tumor maligno no sospechado con posibilidad de tratamiento curativo.