bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous detection of E. coli K12 and S. aureus Using a Continuous Flow Multijunction Biosensor
Authors: Lee Inae , Jun Soojin 
Published: April 2016

AbstractRapid detection and identification of potentially harmful bacteria is ideal for food manufacturers to prevent foodborne illness outbreaks. Continuous monitoring method of foodborne pathogens levels and trends in food gives real‐time results. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to fabricate and characterize the continuous flow multijunction biosensor for simultaneous detection of Escherichia coli K12 and Staphylococcus aureus. Junction biosensors were fabricated using gold plated tungsten wires coated with polyethylenimine and single walled carbon nanotubes. Each junction was functionalized with streptavidin and biotinylated antibodies specific to E. coli K12 and S. aureus. Then, single or 2 biosensors for each targeted analyte were connected to tubing, perpendicular to the flow direction. Pure serial diluted samples of E. coli K12 and S. aureus and microbial cocktail samples were continuously pumped at a 0.0167 mL/s into the detection zone. Changes in the electric current by biorecognition reactions between antibody and antigens were calculated. The developed junction sensor coupled with the fluidic channel showed the enhancement of the electric signal responses for detection of E. coli K12, compared to the stationary sensor. A linear regression was observed for both the E. coli and S. aureus functionalized array sensors in the detection range of 102 to 105 CFU/mL. Multiplexed detection of bacteria at the sensing levels as low as 102 CFU/mL for E. coli K12 and S. aureus was achieved within 2 min. Therefore, the continuous flow multijunction biosensor shows potential for rapid and continuous multiplexed detection of foodborne pathogens.
A Controlled Agitation Process for Improving Quality of Canned Green Beans during Agitation Thermal Processing
Authors: Singh Anika , Pratap Singh Anubhav , Ramaswamy Hosahalli S. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis work introduces the concept of a controlled agitation thermal process to reduce quality damage in liquid‐particulate products during agitation thermal processing. Reciprocating agitation thermal processing (RA‐TP) was used as the agitation thermal process. In order to reduce the impact of agitation, a new concept of “stopping agitations after sufficient development of cold‐spot temperature” was proposed. Green beans were processed in No. 2 (307×409) cans filled with liquids of various consistency (0% to 2% CMC) at various frequencies (1 to 3 Hz) of RA‐TP using a full‐factorial design and heat penetration results were collected. Corresponding operator's process time to impart a 10‐min process lethality (Fo) and agitation time (AT) were calculated using heat penetration results. Accordingly, products were processed again by stopping agitations as per 3 agitation regimes, namely; full time agitation, equilibration time agitation, and partial time agitation. Processed products were photographed and tested for visual quality, color, texture, breakage of green beans, turbidity, and percentage of insoluble solids in can liquid. Results showed that stopping agitations after sufficient development of cold‐spot temperatures is an effective way of reducing product damages caused by agitation (for example, breakage of beans and its leaching into liquid). Agitations till one‐log temperature difference gave best color, texture and visual product quality for low‐viscosity liquid‐particulate mixture and extended agitations till equilibration time was best for high‐viscosity products. Thus, it was shown that a controlled agitation thermal process is more effective in obtaining high product quality as compared to a regular agitation thermal process.
Geochemistry of the Batang Group in the Zhaokalong Area, Yushu, Qinghai: Implications for the Late Triassic Tectonism in the Northern Sanjiang Region, China
Authors: Huan LI , Xiaoshuang XI , Huashan SUN , Hua KONG , Qianhong WU , Chengming WU , Jillian Aira S. GABO‐RATIO 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe Batang Group in the Zhaokalong area not only hosts an important Fe‐Cu polymetallic deposit but also reveal important insights for the Late Triassic tectonism in the northern Sanjiang region. In order to delineate the tectonic setting and evolutionary process of the paleo arc‐basin system, geochemical studies on the Batang Group strata have been carried out. The results suggest that andesite in the Zhaokalong area mainly belongs to the tholeiite series and is characterized by obvious fractionation of LREE and HREE, enrichment in LILE and depletion in HFSE, and a distinctly elevated δ34SCDT average of 10.5‰. The sandstone is classified as lithic sandstone, which is also characterized by obvious fractionation of LREE and HREE, as well as weak negative Ce and Eu anomalies. The limestone displays positive Eu anomalies, with δ13CPDB ranging from –1.3‰ to 4.4‰ and δ18OSMOW ranging from 14.6%‰ to 22.5‰. These results indicate that the andesite has a dual signature of both arc andesite and rift volcanic rocks, whereas the sandstone may be formed in an active continental margin, and the limestone could be deposited in a weak oxidizing shallow sea. The sandstone in the Zhaokalong area represents sedimentation in a platform slope facies, corresponding to the main stage of the Jinshajing oceanic basin subduction during the middle period of Late Triassic. The continental arc volcanic activity resulted from subsequent strengthened subduction, forming the andesite in the North Qiangtang back‐arc basin. Afterwards, the limestone was formed after the cessation of magmatic activity. The information gleaned from the Batang Group strata helped constrain the evolution of the paleo‐Jomda island arc and Jinshajiang oceanic subduction in the Late Triassic.
Conditional Conservatism and Debt versus Equity Financing
Authors: Goh Beng Wee , Lim Chee Yeow , Lobo Gerald J. , Tong Yen H. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractExtant research suggests that conditional conservatism reduces information asymmetry between a firm and its shareholders as well as its debtholders. However, there is little evidence on whether conditional conservatism reduces information asymmetry differentially for shareholders and debtholders. We use the setting of a firm's choice between equity versus debt when it seeks a significant amount of external financing to examine this research question. We find that when firms raise a significant amount of external financing, the use of equity (versus debt) increases with the level of conservatism. We also find that the reduction in cost of equity associated with conservatism is greater for equity issuers than for debt issuers, but find no such difference when we examine cost of debt. In addition, we find that the positive effect of conservatism on the choice of equity issuance (versus debt issuance) is accentuated when the information asymmetry between the firm and its shareholders is more severe. Overall, our results suggest that conservatism reduces information asymmetry more between firms and shareholders than between firms and debtholders.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Efficacy of Oral Sucrose in Infants 1 to 3 Months Old Needing Intravenous Cannulation
Authors: Desjardins Marie Pier , Gaucher Nathalie , Curtis Sarah , LeMay Sylvie , Lebel Denis , Gouin Serge 
Published: April 2016

AbstractObjectivesThe objective was to compare the efficacy of an oral sucrose versus placebo in reducing pain in infants 1 to 3 months of age during intravenous (IV) cannulation in the emergency department.MethodsA randomized, double‐blind, placebo clinical trial was conducted. Participants were randomly allocated to receive 2 mL of an oral 88% sucrose solution or 2 mL of a placebo solution orally. The outcome measure were mean difference in pain score at 1 minute post–IV cannulation assessed by the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability Pain Scale (FLACC) and the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS), crying time, and variations in heart rate.ResultsEighty‐seven participants completed the study, 45 in the sucrose group and 42 in the placebo group. There was no statistical difference in variations in both the FLACC score (p = 0.49) and the NIPS score (p = 0.36) between the two groups as per the Mann‐Whitney U‐test. With the same test, median crying times following IV cannulation were statistically significantly different between both groups (17 seconds in the sucrose group vs. 41 seconds in the placebo group, p = 0.04). Mean changes in heart rate 1 minute after IV cannulation were similar in both groups (16 ± 4 beats/min for sucrose vs. 18 ± 4 beats/min for placebo, p = 0.74). Side effects were similar for both groups and no adverse events were reported.ConclusionsAdministration of an oral sucrose solution in infants 1 to 3 months of age during IV cannulation did not lead to statistically significant changes in pain scores. However, the cry time was significantly reduced.
Areas of controversy in neuroprogression in bipolar disorder
Authors: Passos I. C. , Mwangi B. , Vieta E. , Berk M. , Kapczinski F. 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveWe aimed to review clinical features and biological underpinnings related to neuroprogression in bipolar disorder (BD). Also, we discussed areas of controversy and future research in the field.MethodWe systematically reviewed the extant literature pertaining to neuroprogression and BD by searching PubMed and EMBASE for articles published up to March 2016.ResultsA total of 114 studies were included. Neuroimaging and clinical evidence from cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies show that a subset of patients with BD presents a neuroprogressive course with brain changes and unfavorable outcomes. Risk factors associated with these unfavorable outcomes are number of mood episodes, early trauma, and psychiatric and clinical comorbidity.ConclusionIllness trajectories are largely variable, and illness progression is not a general rule in BD. The number of manic episodes seems to be the clinical marker more robustly associated with neuroprogression in BD. However, the majority of the evidence came from cross‐sectional studies that are prone to bias. Longitudinal studies may help to identify signatures of neuroprogression and integrate findings from the field of neuroimaging, neurocognition, and biomarkers.
Laparoscopic surgery for early endometrial cancer
Authors: Bennich Gitte , Rudnicki Martin , Lassen Pernille D. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIntroductionThe purpose of the present study was to evaluate learning curves and short‐term outcomes following laparoscopic surgery for early endometrial cancer in women of different body mass index (BMI) classes.Material and methodsData from 227 women planned for laparoscopic surgery for presumed stage I endometrial cancer were collected retrospectively from a Danish gynecologic oncology unit. Surgery included laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy with or without pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLA).ResultsMedian length of operations was 60 min (range, 30–197) and 120 min (range, 60–230), depending on whether PLA was included. The median pelvic lymph node yield was 18 (range, 7–42). For staging with PLA there was a learning curve when measured as operative time as well as lymph node yield, and a level of proficiency was not reached after 40 operations. The women had a perioperative complication rate of 4.5% and a median hospital stay of one night. Postoperative complication rate was 12%, comprising vaginal cuff hematoma (3.1%), vaginal cuff rupture (0.9%), trocar hernia (1.3%), ureter lesion (0.4%), bowel lesion (0.4%), reoperation (0.9%) and other complications (4.5%). All peri‐ and postoperative outcomes were independent of BMI classes.ConclusionsOur data suggest that laparoscopic surgery for early endometrial cancer is feasible and safe. With increasing surgeon's experience there is a significant decrease in operative time and increase in the number of lymph nodes harvested. In experienced hands, either operative time, complications or length of stay are not affected by increasing BMI, even when women are morbidly obese.
Skin‐to‐skin contact is associated with earlier breastfeeding attainment in preterm infants
Authors: Oras Paola , Thernström Blomqvist Ylva , Hedberg Nyqvist Kerstin , Gradin Maria , Rubertsson Christine , Hellström‐Westas Lena , Funkquist Eva‐Lotta 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimThis study investigated the effects of skin‐to‐skin contact on breastfeeding attainment, duration and infant growth in preterm infants, as this has not been sufficiently explored.MethodsA prospective longitudinal study on Kangaroo mother care was carried out, comprising 104 infants with a gestational age of 28 + 0 to 33 + 6 and followed up to one year of corrected age. Parents and staff recorded the duration of skin‐to skin contact during the stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Medical data were collected through patient records, and follow‐up questionnaires were filled in by parents.ResultsThe 53 infants who attained full breastfeeding in the NICU did so at a median (range) of 35 + 0 (32 + 1 to 37 + 5) weeks of postmenstrual age, and skin‐to‐skin contact was the only factor that influenced earlier attainment in the regression analysis (R2 0.215 p < 0.001). The daily duration of skin‐to‐skin contact during the stay in the NICU did not affect the duration of breastfeeding or infant growth after discharge. Furthermore, infant growth was not affected by the feeding strategy of exclusive, partial breastfeeding or no breastfeeding.ConclusionA longer daily duration of skin‐to‐skin contact in the NICU was associated with earlier attainment of exclusive breastfeeding.
Validity of the Prescriber Information in the Danish National Prescription Registry
Authors: Rasmussen Lotte , Valentin Julie , Gesser Katarina Margareta , Hallas Jesper , Pottegård Anton 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe aim of this study was to measure the validity of the prescriber information recorded in the Danish National Prescription Registry (DNPR). The prescriber information recorded in the pharmacies’ electronic dispensing system was considered to represent the prescriber information recorded in the DNPR. Further, the problem of validity of the prescriber information pertains only to non‐electronic prescriptions, as these are manually entered into the dispensing system. The recorded prescriber information was thus validated against information from a total of 2000 non‐electronic prescriptions at five Danish community pharmacies. The validity of the recorded prescriber information was measured at the level of the individual prescriber and the prescriber type, respectively. The proportion of non‐electronic prescriptions with incorrect registrations was 22.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 20.6–24.3) when considering individual prescriber identifiers and 17.8% (95% CI: 16.1–19.5) when considering prescriber type. When excluding prescriptions specifically registered as ‘missing prescriber identifier’, the proportions decreased to 9.5% (95% CI: 8.2–11.0) and 4.1% (95% CI: 3.2–5.1), respectively. The positive predictive values for the classification of prescriber types were in the range of 94.0–99.2%, while the sensitivity ranged between 64.6% and 91.8%. With a maximum of 14% non‐electronic prescriptions of all prescriptions in the DNPR in 2015, this corresponds to correct classification of prescriber types in the DNPR of at least 97.5%. In conclusion, the prescriber information in the DNPR was found to be valid, especially in recent years. Researchers should be aware of the low sensitivity towards prescriptions from private practicing specialists.
Paediatric non‐Hodgkin lymphoma in low and middle income countries
Authors: Gross Thomas G. , Biondi Andrea 
Published: April 2016

SummaryGreat advances have been made in the treatment of paediatric non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). In high‐income countries (HIC), cure rates now exceed 85%. However, in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC), cure rates remain less than 50%. It is estimated that over 90% of paediatric NHL worldwide occur in LMIC; therefore, even modest improvements in outcome would have significant impact in reducing the burden of paediatric NHL globally. This article will discuss some of the issues required to improve the outcome of paediatric NHL in LMIC using data presented at the Fifth International Symposium on Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Non‐Hodgkin Lymphoma held in Varese, Italy, 2015 to illustrate these issues. Additionally, potential bi‐directional benefits for patients in both LMIC and HIC from future collaborations will be discussed.
A novel alkylating agent Melflufen induces irreversible DNA damage and cytotoxicity in multiple myeloma cells
Authors: Ray Arghya , Ravillah Durgadevi , Das Deepika S. , Song Yan , Nordström Eva , Gullbo Joachim , Richardson Paul G. , Chauhan Dharminder , Anderson Kenneth C. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryOur prior study utilized both in vitro and in vivo multiple myeloma (MM) xenograft models to show that a novel alkylator melphalan‐flufenamide (Melflufen) is a more potent anti‐MM agent than melphalan and overcomes conventional drug resistance. Here we examined whether this potent anti‐MM activity of melflufen versus melphalan is due to their differential effect on DNA damage and repair signalling pathways via γ‐H2AX/ATR/CHK1/Ku80. Melflufen‐induced apoptosis was associated with dose‐ and time‐dependent rapid phosphorylation of γ‐H2AX. Melflufen induces γ‐H2AX, ATR, and CHK1 as early as after 2 h exposure in both melphalan‐sensitive and –resistant cells. However, melphalan induces γ‐H2AX in melphalan‐sensitive cells at 6 h and 24 h; no γ‐H2AX induction was observed in melphalan‐resistant cells even after 24 h exposure. Similar kinetics was observed for ATR and CHK1 in meflufen‐ versus melphalan‐treated cells. DNA repair is linked to melphalan‐resistance; and importantly, we found that melphalan, but not melflufen, upregulates Ku80 that repairs DNA double‐strand breaks. Washout experiments showed that a brief (2 h) exposure of MM cells to melflufen is sufficient to initiate an irreversible DNA damage and cytotoxicity. Our data therefore suggest that melflufen triggers a rapid, robust, and an irreversible DNA damage which may account for its ability to overcome melphalan‐resistance in MM cells.
Parental educational level and psychological positive health and health complaints in Spanish children and adolescents
Authors: Padilla‐Moledo C. , Ruiz J. R. , Castro‐Piñero J. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundInterest on the impact of socioeconomic differences on youth's health is growing. The aim of the present study was to examine the association of parental educational level with psychological positive health and health complaints in Spanish children and adolescents.MethodsParental educational level, psychological positive health indicators (perceived health status, life satisfaction, quality of family relationships, quality of peer relationships and academic performance) and health complaint index (headache, stomach ache, backache, feeling low, irritability or bad temper, feeling nervous, difficulties getting to sleep, feeling dizzy) were self‐reported using the Health Behavior in School‐aged Children questionnaire in 685 (366 boys and 319 girls) children and adolescents.ResultsChildren reporting parents with non‐university studies (father, mother or both) had significantly higher odd ratio of having lower academic performance, lower life satisfaction, perceiving their health status as otherwise (vs. excellent) and having health complaints sometime than their counterparts reporting parents with university studies (father, mother or both).ConclusionCurrent results provide evidence that children having parents with a university degree (father, mother or both) are more likely to have higher psychological positive health and lower health complaints than children reporting parents with non‐university studies. This is particularly important for the welfare policy that must pay attention for implementing programs for helping population to access to university studies by their impact on youth health.
Are healthcare costs from obesity associated with body mass index, comorbidity or depression? Cohort study using electronic health records
Authors: Rudisill C. , Charlton J. , Booth H. P. , Gulliford M. C. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryThe objective of this study was to evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and healthcare costs in relation to obesity‐related comorbidity and depression. A population‐based cohort study was undertaken in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). A stratified random sample was taken of participants registered with general practices in England in 2008 and 2013. Person time was classified by BMI category and morbidity status using first diagnosis of diabetes (T2DM), coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke or malignant neoplasms. Participants were classified annually as depressed or not depressed. Costs of healthcare utilization were calculated from primary care records with linked hospital episode statistics. A two‐part model estimated predicted mean annual costs by age, gender and morbidity status. Linear regression was used to estimate the effects of BMI category, comorbidity and depression on healthcare costs. The analysis included 873 809 person‐years (62% female) from 250 046 participants. Annual healthcare costs increased with BMI, to a mean of £456 (95% CI 344–568) higher for BMI ≥40 kg m−2 than for normal weight based on a general linear model. After adjusting for BMI, the additional cost of comorbidity was £1366 (£1269–£1463) and depression £1044 (£973–£1115). There was evidence of interaction so that as the BMI category increased, additional costs of comorbidity (£199, £74–£325) or depression (£116, £16–£216) were greater. High healthcare costs in obesity may be driven by the presence of comorbidity and depression. Prioritizing primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in the obese population may contribute to reducing obesity‐related healthcare costs.
Pregnancy in sensitized kidney transplant recipients: a single‐center experience
Authors: Ajaimy Maria , Lubetzky Michelle , Jones Timothy , Kamal Layla , Colovai Adriana , de Boccardo Graciela , Akalin Enver 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to examine the clinical outcomes of sensitized pregnant kidney transplant recipients.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of female patients who received kidney transplant at Montefiore transplant center between June 1, 2009 through December 31, 2014 and had a documented pregnancy in our system.ResultsWe found that 11 women had pregnancies during this period with a median age of 36 yr (range 22, 39). Pregnancies occurred at a median of 3.1 yr (1.1, 8.7) after transplantation. Pre‐pregnancy patients’ median serum creatinine levels and spot urine protein/creatinine ratio were 1.1 mg/dL (1.1, 2.1) and 0.55 g/d (0, 1.2), respectively. Eight patients were sensitized with panel reactive antibody (PRA) levels > 0% and three had PRA of 0%. The sensitized group had a higher incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes; one stillbirth and two second trimester miscarriage. During a median follow‐up of 2.3 yr (1.2, 4) after delivery, three high PRA patients (37%) developed antibody‐mediated rejection that led to graft loss.ConclusionsWe observed an increased risk of rejection, graft loss, and adverse pregnancy outcomes in sensitized kidney recipients.