bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid separation of post‐blast explosive residues on glass electrophoresis microchips
Authors: Pinheiro Kemilly M. P. , Moreira Roger C. , Rezende Kariolanda C. A. , Talhavini Márcio , Logrado Lucio P. L. , Baio José A. F. , Lanza Marcos R. V. , Coltro Wendell K. T. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis study describes the development of an analytical methodology based on the use of microchip electrophoresis (ME) devices integrated with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (C4D) for the separation and detection of inorganic anions in post‐blast explosive residues. The best separation condition was achieved using a running buffer composed of 35 mmol/L lactic acid, 10 mmol/L histidine and 0.070 mmol/L cetyl(trimethyl ammonium) bromide. For C4D measurements, the highest sensitivity was obtained applying a 700 kHz sinusoidal wave with excitation voltage of 20 Vpp. The separation of Cl−, NO3−, NO2−, SO42−, ClO4− and ClO3− was performed within ca. 150 s with baseline resolution and efficiencies between 4.4 × 104 and 1.7 × 105 plates/m. The found limits of detection ranged between 2.5 and 9.5 μmol/L. Last, real samples of post‐blast explosive residues were analyzed on the ME‐C4D devices obtaining successfully the determination of Cl−, NO3− and SO42−. The achieved concentration values varied between 12.8–72.5 mg/L for Cl−, 1.7–293.1 mg/L for NO3− and 1.3–201.3 mg/L for SO42−. The data obtained using ME‐C4D devices were in good agreement with the concentrations found by ion chromatography. The approach reported herein has provided short analysis time, instrumental simplicity, good analytical performance and low cost. Furthermore, the ME‐C4D devices emerge as a powerful and portable analytical platform for on‐site analysis demonstrating to be a promising tool for the crime scene investigation.
Probabilistic models for structures with bilinear demand‐intensity relationships
Authors: O'Reilly Gerard J. , Monteiro Ricardo 
Published: November 2018

SummaryAn extension to the existing SAC/FEMA expressions to estimate mean annual frequency of exceedance (MAFE) for a given limit state is described. In specific, this study pertains to structural systems whose demand versus seismic intensity relationship cannot be reasonably represented by a linear fit in logspace, but rather a bilinear fit over the entire range of structural response. Using a predefined limiting intensity, the median demand is separated into two distinct zones of response. These expressions are derived using a second‐order polynomial hazard model fit and can be considered a further extension of the closed‐form expressions available in the literature. The steps in the derivation are described along with an example application of the proposed expressions. Comparing different models shows that the MAFE can be significantly misrepresented when using a linear demand‐intensity model for systems whose behaviour deviates from this assumption in logspace. Similarly, a logarithmic function demand‐intensity fit is examined and seen not to be suitable in the specific situations focused on here. Furthermore, significant underestimation or overestimation is observed when using local fits in the vicinity of the behaviour transition point, which highlights the need for such a bilinear model when assessing the structural performance at the transition point's vicinity. Adopting a bilinear model is shown to better represent structural systems with complex response characteristics, also allowing the use of a single demand model for the entire range of response. This is at the same time still compatible with the existing framework for performance‐based seismic design and assessment.
Assisted reproductive outcomes in women with different polycystic ovary syndrome phenotypes
Authors: Eftekhar Maryam , Mirhashemi Elham S. , Tabibnejad Nasim 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo explore assisted reproductive outcomes among women with different polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) phenotypes.MethodsA retrospective cohort study included women with PCOS who were treated at Yazd Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd, Iran, using the GnRH antagonist protocol between April 1, 2015, and August 31, 2017. Clinical pregnancy was the primary outcome, and chemical pregnancy, implantation rate, fertilization rate, and spontaneous abortion rate, were the secondary outcomes that were evaluated among four defined phenotypes of women with PCOS.ResultsSignificant differences were observed between the phenotypes for the levels of luteinizing hormone, anti‐Müllerian hormone, fasting blood sugar, and total testosterone concentration; similarly, the percentage of women with luteinizing hormone/follicle stimulating hormone ratio of at least 2.5 differed between PCOS phenotypes (all P<0.001). There were also significant differences in estradiol level (P<0.001) and the number of matured follicles (P=0.002) between different phenotypes. No significant differences were observed in the fertilization and implantation rates, as well as chemical and clinical pregnancy rates (all P>0.05).ConclusionNo significant differences were observed in assisted reproductive technique outcome among women with different phenotypes of PCOS undergoing frozen‐thawed embryo transfer.
Effect of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention opioid prescribing guidelines on postsurgical prescribing among veterans
Authors: Karst Allison C. , Hayes Brittany F. , Burka Abigail T. , Bean Jennifer R. , Wallace Jessica L. 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundIn 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published opioid prescribing guidelines. The literature review identified an association between opioids prescribed for acute pain and an increased risk for long‐term use. Guidelines recommend 3 days or less of therapy in most cases of acute pain. Prescriber education may be necessary.ObjectiveTo assess the impact of the CDC opioid prescribing guidelines and targeted prescriber education on postsurgical prescribing.MethodsThis study was a single‐center, retrospective, observational analysis of adult Veterans admitted for carotid endarterectomy or endovascular aneurysm repair during preguideline, postguideline, and posteducational intervention time frames. Exclusion criteria included chronic opioid use/abuse, hospitalization over 72 hours, and repeat operation. Pharmacists provided education on opioid prescribing during monthly surgery orientation. The primary end point was mean morphine equivalents (MMEs) prescribed at discharge. Secondary end points included distribution across morphine equivalents ranges, the days' supply of opioids prescribed, and percentage prescribed nonopioid therapy.ResultsMMEs decreased following guideline publication (295.82 MMEs preguidelines vs 160.68 MMEs postguidelines; P = 0.003). After prescriber education, a further absolute reduction in MMEs was seen, although not statistically significant (160.68 vs 139.29; P = 0.810). Days' supply prescribed decreased following guideline publication (8.17 days preguidelines vs 4.71 days postguidelines; P = 0.009); however, no statistical difference was observed posteducation (4.71 vs 3.29 days; P = 0.294). In addition, no difference was found in the percentage of nonopioid therapy prescribed postguidelines (70.83% vs 68.18%; P = 0.988) or posteducation (68.18% vs 64.29%; P = 1.00).ConclusionsThe 2016 CDC opioid prescribing guidelines likely had an impact on postsurgical opioid prescribing, evident by decreased MMEs and opioid days' supply following guideline publication. Although these end points did not reach statistical significance following prescriber education, the trends suggest clinical significance.
Pharmacist authorship on clinical practice guidelines
Authors: Thompkins April W. , Norman Brian F. , Hill Brandon K. , Antosz Kayla S. , Bookstaver P. Brandon 
Published: November 2018

IntroductionThe National Academy of Medicine (NAM; formerly the Institute of Medicine) recommends multidisciplinary authorship as a standard for developing trustworthy guideline panels. The purpose of this study is to describe pharmacist authorship on clinical practice guideline (CPG) expert panels.MethodsGuidelines published between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2016 and were available in the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality National Guideline Clearinghouse database were eligible for study inclusion. Only guidelines with pharmacotherapeutic recommendations were included. The primary end point was the proportion of pharmacist authorship on national CPGs. Pharmacist authorship by specialty area and characteristics of pharmacist authors were described.ResultsOf the 143 guidelines included, 58 (40.6%) had at least one pharmacist author. Guidelines developed by the Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense (VA/DoD; n = 7) and the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC; n = 13) always included at least one pharmacist. Excluding VA/DoD and CPIC guidelines, the proportion of pharmacist authorship was 30.9% (38/123). A pharmacist served as the first, senior, and/or corresponding author on 19% (27/143) of CPGs. There were 1919 total authors with an average of 13.4 (+7.4) authors per guideline. Pharmacists represented 6.8% (130/1919) of all authors, and 83 were unique pharmacist authors. Critical care, emergency medicine, and adult internal medicine guidelines had the largest proportion of pharmacist authorship, while oncology and pediatric guidelines had the smallest. Pharmacy organizations sponsored or endorsed 5.2% (3/58) of CPGs with a pharmacist author.ConclusionThe majority of CPGs in this cohort did not include a pharmacist in the authorship and when included, was often limited to a single pharmacist. It is imperative for pharmacy organizations to collaborate with sponsoring medical organizations and position clinical pharmacists to serve as expert members on CPGs consistent with NAM recommendations.
Serine hydroxymethyltransferase 1 promoter hypermethylation increases the risk of essential hypertension
Authors: Xu Guodong , Wang Changyi , Ying Xiuru , Kong Fanqian , Ji Huihui , Zhao Jinshun , Zhang Xiaohong , Duan Shiwei , Han Liyuan , Li Li 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundSerine hydroxymethyltransferase 1 (SHMT1) is an enzyme involved in folic acid metabolism and is known to contribute to the development of hypertension. We evaluated the relationship between SHMT1 promoter methylation and essential hypertension (EH).MethodsQuantitative methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the SHMT1 promoter methylation level in 241 EH patients and 288 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy individuals. The diagnostic value of SHMT1 promoter hypermethylation was analyzed using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and dual‐luciferase reporter assay were used to validate our findings.ResultsCompared with the control group, significant differences in SHMT1 promoter methylation were found in both EH and hyperhomocysteinemia groups (P < 0.001 and P = 0.029, respectively). The area under the curve of the diagnosis of SHMT1 promoter hypermethylation for EH was 0.808, with a sensitivity and specificity of 73.9% and 77.8%, respectively. The risk of SHMT1 promoter hypermethylation was significantly higher in the >65‐year group than in the ≤65‐year group (odds ratio = 3.925; 95% confidence interval = 2.141‐7.196). In addition, GEO database analysis showed that 5‐aza‐deoxycytidine increased gene expression in several carotid endothelial cell lines. A dual‐luciferase reporter assay revealed that the target sequence in the SHMT1 promoter upregulated gene expression.ConclusionOur findings indicate that SHMT1 promoter hypermethylation increases the risk of EH and may be a promising biomarker for EH.
Serum pentraxin‐3 levels and flow‐mediated dilation in dipper and non‐dipper hypertension
Authors: Alp Çağlar , Dogru Mehmet Tolga , Karadeniz Muhammed , Sarak Taner , Demir Vahit , Çelik Yunus , Kandemir Hüseyin , Kısa Üçler 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundEndothelial dysfunction is one of the main pathological processes of hypertension. The association of serum pentraxin‐3 (PTX3) levels and endothelial dysfunction becomes a more interesting scientific research issue due to high potential of PTX3 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker. We aimed to investigate the relationship between serum PTX3 levels and flow‐mediated dilation results in patients with dipper and non‐dipper hypertension.MethodsThis study included 90 hypertensive patients were divided into two groups based on 24 hours ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM): 38 patients with a dipper pattern and 52 patients with non‐dipper pattern. Noninvasive evaluation of the endothelial functions was performed using flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) method.ResultsSerum pentraxin‐3 levels were higher in patients with non‐dipper HT compared to dipper hypertension (P = 0.028). In addition, we found negative correlation between serum PTX3 and FMD basal/FMD hyperemia ratio (r = −0.297, P = 0.05 for FMD basal/FMD hyperemia ratio, respectively).ConclusionsSerum PTX3 levels are closely related with the measures of indirect noninvasive evaluation methods (FMD) in both DH and NDH patients.
Simulations of Valproate Doses Based on an External Evaluation of Pediatric Population Pharmacokinetic Models
Authors: Tauzin Manon , Tréluyer Jean‐Marc , Nabbout Rima , Billette de Villemeur Thierry , Desguerre Isabelle , Aboura Radia , Gana Ines , Zheng Yi , Benaboud Sihem , Bouazza Naim , Chenevier‐Gobeaux Camille , Freihuber Cécile , Hirt Déborah 
Published: November 2018

AbstractValproate is an old‐generation antiepileptic drug often used in children. The pharmacokinetics of valproate are noteworthy for a large and difficult to predict interindividual variability in measured serum concentrations and for saturable protein binding. A model‐based approach to personalize valproate treatment could be relevant in pediatric patients. The aims of this study were to review all published valproate population pharmacokinetic models in children and assess them by external validation to determine their predictive performance. Through simulations with the best model, we evaluated dosing regimen. A validation data set included valproate serum concentrations assayed during routine therapeutic drug monitoring of epileptic children. We applied to our population 11 published pediatric population pharmacokinetic models. For each model, predictive performance was assessed by external validation, using bias and precision calculations as well as goodness‐of‐fit plots. Dose simulations were conducted with the best predictive model to evaluate dosing regimen. The validation data set contained 178 valproate concentrations ranging from 13.4 to 128 mg/L from 114 patients. The best model exhibited a mean prediction error of 6.6 mg/L and a root mean squared error of 25.1 mg/L, with no model misspecification evidenced by visual predictive check. In our cohort, half the patients had a trough concentration <50 mg/L. Simulations suggested increasing doses, especially for children ≤40 kg. External evaluation of published valproate pharmacokinetic models enabled us to identify a suitable model for simulations and Bayesian forecasting. Dosing regimen should be adjusted to weight, with decreasing doses with increasing weight.
Complementary Pharmacokinetic Profiles of Netupitant and Palonosetron Support the Rationale for Their Oral Fixed Combination for the Prevention of Chemotherapy‐Induced Nausea and Vomiting
Authors: Gilmore James , Bernareggi Alberto 
Published: November 2018

AbstractNEPA is the first fixed‐combination antiemetic composed of the neurokinin‐1 receptor antagonist netupitant (netupitant; 300 mg) and the 5‐hydroxytryptamine‐3 receptor antagonist palonosetron (palonosetron; 0.50 mg). This study evaluated the pharmacokinetic profiles of netupitant and palonosetron. The pharmacokinetic profiles of both drugs were summarized using data from phase 1‐3 clinical trials. netupitant and palonosetron have high absolute bioavailability (63%‐87% and 97%, respectively). Their overall systemic exposures and maximum plasma concentrations are similar under fed and fasting conditions. netupitant binds to plasma proteins in a high degree (>99%), whereas palonosetron binds to a low extent (62%). Both drugs have large volumes of distribution (cancer patients: 1656‐2257 L and 483‐679 L, respectively). netupitant is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 to 3 major pharmacologically active metabolites (M1, M2, and M3). palonosetron is metabolized by cytochrome P450 2D6 to 2 major substantially inactive metabolites (M4 and M9). Both drugs have similar intermediate‐to‐low systemic clearances and long half‐lives (cancer patients: netupitant, 19.5‐20.8 L/h and 56.0‐93.8 hours; palonosetron: 7.0‐11.3 L/h and 43.8‐65.7 hours, respectively). netupitant and its metabolites are eliminated via the hepatic/biliary route (87% of the administered dose), whereas palonosetron and its metabolites are mainly eliminated via the kidneys (85%‐93%). Altogether, these data explain the lack of pharmacokinetic interactions between netupitant and palonosetron at absorption, binding, metabolic, or excretory level, thus highlighting their compatibility as the oral fixed combination NEPA, with administration convenience that may reduce dosing mistakes and increase treatment compliance.
Identification of dye content in colored BIC ballpoint pen inks by Raman spectroscopy and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Alyami Abeer , Barton Killian , Lewis Liam , Mirabile Antonio , Iacopino Daniela 
Published: November 2018

AbstractRaman spectroscopy and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) were used for the elucidation of dye content in commercial BIC ballpoint pens. In contrast to the majority of studies in this field on black and blue inks of forensic interest, this paper targeted characterization of colored (red, pink, purple, and green) pen inks, increasingly used for artistic purposes. Because of its not invasive nature, the capabilities of Raman spectroscopy were initially tested. However, overall SERS provided enhanced spectral features and quenching of fluorescence necessary for the unequivocal identification of dye mixtures in all analyzed pens. SERS analysis was carried out in situ, by deposition of Ag nanopastes directly on pen colored paper surfaces. Rhodamine B was identified as the main dye component in red, pink, and purple inks, whereas phthalocyanine dye Blue 38 was identified in all green inks; excitation at different wavelengths revealed that the darker hue of purple ink was achieved by addition of crystal violet to red Rhodamine B and that green hues were achieved by addition of yellow dyes to Blue 38. UV–vis spectroscopy and thin‐layer chromatography analyses complemented Raman/SERS measurements by revealing the presence of additional yellow/orange and blue components in red and green inks, respectively. The relevance of this analysis for art diagnostics was demonstrated through the real noninvasive analysis of BIC pens drawings, which led to successful identification of chemical ink composition and identification of production medium.
Effect of sequential twin screw extrusion and fungal pretreatment to release soluble nutrients from soybean residue for carotenoid production
Authors: Lee Jaslyn JL , Cooray Sachindra T , Mark Rita , Chen Wei N 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDSoybean residue (okara) is an agricultural by‐product, which is rich in protein and fiber. This study evaluated a novel sequential process which combined fungal pretreatment (F) and twin screw extruder (E), to hydrolyze okara. The sequence of the pretreatment steps, and extruder at screw speeds 200 rpm (200) or 600 rpm (600), were tested. Next, soluble nutrients were extracted to create Fokara, EFokara200, EFokara600, FEokara200 and FEokara600 okara media.RESULTSAll the prepared okara media could support the growth and carotenoid production by the yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides. This suggested that okara proteins and polysaccharides were successfully hydrolyzed by extrusion and fungal pretreatment, into soluble nutrients. Rhodosporidium toruloides accumulated the highest biomass of 23.7 mg mL−1 dry cell weight (DCW), when grown on FEokara600 media. This was higher as compared to commercial YPG (yeast extract–peptone–glycerol) media (18.7 mg mL−1 DCW). However, R. toruloides accumulated the highest carotenoid production of 13.2 µg mL−1 when grown on EFokara200 media as the nutrient source. This was comparable to carotenoid production of 13.1 µg mL−1 when R. toruloides was grown on YPG media.CONCLUSIONExtrusion in combination with fungal pretreatment, is a low cost process, to hydrolyze and re‐use okara, for carotenoid production. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
An agent‐based model of tourism destinations choice
Authors: Alvarez Emiliano , Brida Juan Gabriel 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis study introduces a dynamic agent‐based model to represent the evolution of the choice of destinations by tourists. The model assumes that this choice depends on their personal tastes (characterized by their preferences for goods and services) and certain characteristics of other tourists (called crowding types), on the degree of inertia of the individuals and relevant information about the characteristics of visitors to other destinations. The model shows that the individual choices and the characterization of destinations are emergent properties of the system. The simulations show the formation of stable groups of individuals sharing destination, an endogenously increasing level of specialization of destinations, as well as an increasing market concentration, and that individuals of different characteristics can share destinations.
Magnetic resonance imaging with cochlear implants and auditory brainstem implants: Are we truly practicing MRI safety?
Authors: Shew Matthew , Wichova Helena , Lin James , Ledbetter Luke N. , Staecker Hinrich 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveOur objective is to evaluate the safety in patients with cochlear implants (CIs) and auditory brainstem implants (ABI) undergoing 1.5 Tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Secondly, we want to raise awareness on CI and MRI safety, and advocate for continued improvement and advancement to minimize morbidity for our CI patients.MethodsRetrospective case series from 2006 to 2018 at a single tertiary academic center. Data was collected on patients with CI or auditory brainstem implants undergoing MRI. Outcomes collected include demographic data, age at time of MRI, MRI characteristics, complications, CI manufacturer, and image quality.ResultsEighteen patients with CI or ABI collectively underwent a total of 62 MRI scans. Five of 15 (33%) CI patients with magnet had complications: five total of 24 MRI scans (21%). Two patients had magnet removal prior to 29 MRI scans without complications. Four of five MRI‐related complications were equipped with a U.S. Food and Drug Administration‐approved head wrap. Three of five required a trip to the operating room to explore and reposition the CI magnet; two could not complete MRI secondary to pain. Of the complications, two were Cochlear (Sydney, Australia), two Advanced Bionics (Valencia, CA), and one MED‐EL (Innsbruck, Austria). Synchrony model (MED‐EL) had 0 of seven complications, with a total of 19 MRI scans, which features a freely rotating and self‐aligning magnet.ConclusionOur series offers a diverse number of CI manufacturers and is in accordance with other literature that CI MRI‐related adverse events are occurring at an unacceptable frequency. We can promote CI MRI safety through our institutions' MRI CI patient protocols, raise awareness that diagnostic MRI benefits must outweigh CI‐related complications, and advocate for continued industry technological innovation.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 129:482–489, 2019