bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superb Microvascular Imaging of the Median Nerve in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: An Electrodiagnostic and Ultrasonographic Study
Authors: Karahan Ali Yavuz , Arslan Serdar , Ordahan Banu , Bakdik Suleyman , Ekiz Timur
Published: April 2018

Objective

To evaluate intraneural blood flow of the median nerve using superb microvascular imaging (SMI) and power Doppler ultrasonography (PDUS), and to examine their correlation with electroneuromyography in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was used, and the study was conducted in the research unit of a training and research hospital. Patients diagnosed with CTS according to electroneuromyography studies were included in the study. Ultrasound measurements were taken using an Aplio‐500 (Toshiba Medical System Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) device and a linear multifrequency 14‐MHz probe. The cross‐sectional area of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel level was measured by the direct tracing method using electronic calipers. The power Doppler ultrasonography and superb microvascular imaging scores were recorded by grading the vascularity between 0 and 3.

Results

Evaluation was made of a total of 113 hands of 80 patients (18 men, 62 women) with a mean age of 34.67 ± 12.82 years. The mean duration of symptoms was 12.34 ± 6.66 months. When the patients were grouped as mild, moderate, and severe CTS, there was a statistically significant difference between the SMI and PDUS grades (P < .05). As the severity of CTS increased, an increase in SMI and PDUS scores was observed. There was a strong correlation between SMI scores and motor distal latency (r = .71/P = .026), amplitude of sensory action potential (r = −.77/P = .029), and sensory neurotransmission rate (r = .77/P = .029).

Conclusion

SMI seems to be more sensitive than PDUS for evaluating the vascularity of the median nerve in patients with CTS, and SMI grading is correlated with the ENMG results.
Acute sialadenitis associated with 2017–2018 influenza A infection: A case series
Authors: Stafford John A. , Moore Charles A. , Mark Jonathan R.
Published: April 2018

The influenza A virus has accounted for the majority of influenza infections in the 2017 to 2018 flu season, with the typical clinical presentation including fever, myalgias, malaise, and nonproductive cough. Notably this season, we have recognized a cluster of influenza A cases presenting as severe neck and facial swelling, with the subsequent diagnosis of sialadenitis. Whereas previous authors have demonstrated isolated case reports of sialadenitis associated with influenza A infection, herein we describe the clinical history, laboratory values, and radiographic findings of four patients presenting to our institution in January 2018 with acute sialadenitis and influenza A infection. Laryngoscope, 2500–2502, 2018
The influential factors on the morphological changes of upper airway associated with mouth opening
Authors: Hu Bin , Ye Jingying , Yin Guoping , Zhang Yuhuan
Published: April 2018

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the influential factors on the morphological changes of upper airway caused by mouth opening (MO).

Methods

One hundred and thirty‐eight obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patients were enrolled. Anthropometric and demographic data, Friedman tongue position (FTP), and tonsil scores were recorded. Overnight polysomnography and upper airway computed tomography scans under two conditions (mouth closed [MC] and MO) were acquired. Morphological parameters of upper airway were compared between MC and MO. Stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were performed with the variation ratio of upper airway parameters (Para‐VRs) from MC to MO as the dependent variable, with age, gender, body mass index, neck circumference, waist circumference, four mandibular indexes, net angle or amount of MO, FTP, and tonsil scores as the independent variables.

Results

Overall analysis and subgroup analyses based on OSAHS severity revealed that the minimal cross‐sectional area of oropharyngeal lumen (OXmin) significantly decreased (P < 0.05) with MO, whereas the minimal cross‐sectional area of velopharyngeal lumen (VXmin) did not significantly change with MO (P > 0.05). The net angle of MO or amount of MO combined with tonsil scores were identified to have significant positive correlation with EXP (OXmin‐VR), [OXmin‐VR was logarithmically transformed with an exponential function, EXP(n) = en]; FTP appeared to be more related to EXP (VXmin‐VR). Mouth opening induced a significant increase VXmin for patient subgroup with FTP grading I and a significant decrease VXmin for patient subgroup with FTP grading IV (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Wider MO combined with larger tonsils lead to narrower oropharyngeal airway. The relative position of tongue to soft palate is the main factor influencing the changes of velopharyngeal lumen with MO.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 128:2902–2909, 2018
Decreased Serum Levels of Sphingomyelins and Ceramides in Sickle Cell Disease Patients
Authors: Aslan Mutay , Kıraç Ebru , Kaya Sabriye , Özcan Filiz , Salim Ozan , Küpesiz Osman Alphan
Published: April 2018

Limited data are available on the serum levels of different sphingomyelin (CerPCho) and ceramide (CER) species in sickle‐cell disease (SCD). This study was aimed at identifying the levels of C16–C24 CerPCho and C16–C24 CER in serum obtained from SCD patients and controls. Circulating levels of neutral sphingomyelinase (N‐SMase) activity, ceramide‐1‐phosphate (C1P), and sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) were also determined. Blood was collected from 35 hemoglobin (Hb)A volunteers and 45 homozygous HbSS patients. Serum levels of C16–C24 CerPCho and C16–C24 CER were determined by an optimized multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) method using ultrafast liquid chromatography (UFLC) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Serum activity of N‐SMase was assayed by standard kit methods, and C1P and S1P levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. A significant decrease was observed in the serum levels of C18–C24 CerPCho in patients with SCD compared to controls. No significant difference was found in C16 CerPCho levels between the two groups. Very‐long‐chain C22–C24 CER were significantly decreased in SCD, while long‐chain C16–C20 CER levels showed no significant difference between SCD patients and controls. Significant positive correlation was found between the serum total cholesterol levels and C18–C24 CerPCho and C22–C24 CER in SCD patients. Patients with SCD had significantly elevated serum activity of N‐SMase as well as increased circulating levels of C1P and S1P compared to controls. The decrease in serum levels of C18–C24 CerPCho in patients with SCD was accompanied by decreased levels of C22–C24 CER. Future studies are needed to understand the role of decreased CerPCho and CER in the pathophysiology of SCD.
Noncholesterol Sterols as Surrogate Markers in Patients with Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis
Authors: Sahlman Perttu , Nissinen Markku , Simonen Piia , Färkkilä Martti
Published: April 2018

Severe alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is a life‐threatening condition lacking good serologic markers to tailor treatment and predict recovery. We examined the cholesterol metabolism in severe AH to explore prognostic markers and evaluate the profile of cholesterol precursors, cholestanol and phytosterols, in this context. We assessed serum cholesterol, cholesterol precursors, cholestanol, phytosterols, and biochemical markers in 24 patients with severe AH treated with prednisolone and randomized to ciprofloxacin in the ratio 1:1. Response to prednisolone was assessed with the Lille model. Evaluations were made between responders and nonresponders to corticosteroid treatment and during follow‐up for 180 days. The findings were compared with those from patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) (n = 156) and healthy individuals (n = 124). Responders to prednisolone had ~56–60% higher (p‐value 0.032–0.044) serum ratios to cholesterol of phytosterols, while the lathosterol/campesterol ratio was ~76% (p = 0.031) lower compared to nonresponders. Stigmasterol/cholesterol predicted response to corticosteroid therapy. Surrogate markers of cholesterol synthesis (lathosterol and desmosterol) inversely reflected those of absorption (cholestanol and phytosterols) in PSC and controls (r‐range −0.247 to −0.559, p < 0.01 for all), contrary to AH patients, among whom this reciprocal regulation was partially recovered on day 90 (lathosterol: r‐range −0.733 to −0.952, p < 0.05 for all). AH patients had ~26% lower lathosterol/cholesterol, but 1.13–3.87‐fold higher cholestanol/cholesterol and sitosterol/cholesterol compared to control groups (p < 0.05 for all). Median ferritin concentration at baseline was ~37% lower (p = 0.011) among the responders. Cholesterol precursors and phytosterols have a disease‐specific profile in AH. Phytosterols and ferritin may serve as surrogate markers for short‐term response.
Treatment of atrophic acne scarring with fractional micro‐plasma radio‐frequency in Chinese patients: A prospective study
Authors: Lan Ting , Xiao Yan , Tang Li , Hamblin Michael R. , Yin Rui
Published: April 2018

Background

Acne scarring is a common disfiguring sequela of acne vulgaris which can lead to serious psychosocial problems and have a negative effect on patients’ quality of life. Although a variety of approaches can be used to treat atrophic acne scars, disadvantages such as long‐healing time, dyspigmentation, infections, and prolonged erythema make these treatments unsatisfactory especially for Asians. Fractional micro‐plasma radio‐frequency is a novel technology that produces minor ablation to the epidermis to promote rapid re‐epithelialization, while the radio‐frequency evoked thermal effect can stimulate regeneration and remodeling of dermal fibroblasts.

Objective

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of micro‐plasma radio‐frequency for the treatment of facial acne scars in Chinese patients.

Materials and Methods

A total of 95 patients with facial atrophic acne scars were treated by micro‐plasma radio‐frequency using three sessions at 2‐month intervals. Patients were seen 1 week after each treatment and 1, 3, 6 months after the final treatment. Improvement was assessed by three independent dermatologists who compared photographs taken before the first treatment and 6 months after the last treatment. Adverse effects were evaluated by a dermatologist who did not participated in the study. Patients also provided self‐evaluation of satisfaction levels at the last follow‐up visit.

Results

A total of 86 patients with atrophic acne scars completed the entire study. There was a significant improvement in acne scars after three treatments. The mean score of ECCA grading scale (Echelle d'Evaluation Clinique des Cicatrices d'Acné) was reduced from 107.21 to 42.27 (P < 0.05). A total of 15 of 86 patients showed more than 75% improvement, 57 patients showed 50–75% improvement, and 14 patients showed 25–50%. After three treatments, all subjects showed improvements in spots, large pores, texture, UV damage, red areas, and porphyrin fluorescence. Pain, erythema, edema, effusion, and scab formation were observed in all patients. The average pain score on a visual analog scale was 6.14 ± 1.12 and all patients tolerated the treatments. The average duration of erythema was 6.26 ± 0.92 days. Hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, infections, and worsening of scarring were not seen. All patients were either “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the treatment outcomes.

Conclusions

Fractional micro‐plasma radio‐frequency is an effective and safe treatment for acne scars, and might be a good choice for patients with darker skin. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:844–850, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Strategy for Rapid Construction of Blood Vessel‐Like Structures with Complex Cell Alignments
Authors: Wang Nuoxin , Peng Yunhu , Zheng Wenfu , Tang Lixue , Cheng Shiyu , Yang Junchuan , Liu Shaoqin , Zhang Wei , Jiang Xingyu
Published: April 2018

A method is developed that can rapidly produce blood vessel‐like structures by bonding cell‐laden electrospinning (ES) films layer by layer using fibrin glue within 90 min. This strategy allows control of cell type, cell orientation, and material composition in separate layers. Furthermore, ES films with thicker fibers (polylactic‐co‐glycolic acid, fiber diameter: ≈3.7 µm) are used as cell‐seeding layers to facilitate the cell in‐growth; those with thinner fibers (polylactic acid, fiber diameter: ≈1.8 µm) are used as outer reinforcing layers to improve the mechanical strength and reduce the liquid leakage of the scaffold. Cells grow, proliferate, and migrate well in the multilayered structure. This design aims at a new type of blood vessel substitute with flexible control of parameters and implementation of functions.
Synthesis of Manganese Oxide Embedded Carbon Nanofibers as Effective Biomimetic Enzymes for Sensitive Detection of Superoxide Anions Released from Living Cells
Authors: Ding Ailing , Liu Feng , Zheng Jiushang , Chen Jiucun , Li Changming , Wang Bin
Published: April 2018

Carbon nanofiber/manganese oxide (CNF‐MnO) hybrid nanofibers are synthesized by calcination of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) loaded bacterial cellulose (BC) hydrogels. The chemical structure, morphology, performance, and application of CNF‐MnO aerogels are characterized and studied. The results revealed that MnO nanoparticles are uniformly deposited on the surface of CNF which derived from BC hydrogels. An amperometric superoxide anions (O2•−) sensor is fabricated by the immobilization of the CNF‐MnO aerogels on a glassy carbon electrode, which displays a linear amperometric response with a high sensitivity of 76.2 µA cm−2 × 10−3m−1 and a low detection limit of 1.2 × 10−9m in the concentration range of 5.0 × 10−9m – 2.5 × 10−6m. The successful detection of O2•− released from cancer cells verifies the potential application in biomedical field.
Does What Goes up Also Come Down? Using a Recruitment Model to Balance Alewife Nutrient Import and Export
Authors: Barber Betsy L. , Gibson A. Jamie , O'Malley Andrew J. , Zydlewski Joseph
Published: April 2018

Migrating adult Alewives Alosa pseudoharengus are a source of marine-derived nutrients on the East Coast of North America, importing nitrogen and phosphorus into freshwater habitats. Juvenile migrants subsequently transport freshwater-derived nutrients into the ocean. We developed a deterministic model to explore the theoretical nutrient dynamics of Alewife migrations at differing spawner abundances. Net nutrient balance was calculated relative to these abundances along the spawner–recruit curve. The ecological consequences of these subsidies in a particular watershed depend on the magnitude of adult escapement relative to the habitat's carrying capacity for juveniles. At low escapement levels and assuming complete habitat access, the number of recruits produced per spawner was high and juvenile nutrient export dominated. At high escapement levels, fewer recruits were produced per spawner because recruitment is density dependent. As a result, adult nutrient import dominated. At varying levels of freshwater productivity and fisheries mortality for upstream spawners, this trend remained the same while the magnitude of the endpoints changed. Productivity level was the major determinant of export, while fisheries mortality had the strongest effect on adult import. The dynamics of this nutrient trade-off are important for managers to consider as a recovering population will likely shift from net export to net import as escapement increases. This transition will be sensitive to both harvest rates and to fish passage efficacy at dams and other barriers.
Energy decay result in a Timoshenko‐type system of thermoelasticity of type III with weak damping
Authors: Ghennam Karima , Djebabla Abdelhak
Published: April 2018

We investigate in this paper a thermoelastic system where the oscillations are defined by the Timoshenko model and the heat conduction is given by Green and Naghdi theories. We introduce 2 new stability numbers κ1 , κ2, and we prove a general decay result, from which the exponential and polynomial decays are only special cases.
Coordinated search for a lost target on one of 2 intersecting lines
Authors: Abou‐Gabal Hamdy M.
Published: April 2018

This paper addresses the coordinated search problem, where a hidden target is randomly located and static on one of 2 intersecting lines. Two searchers start the search for the lost target from the intersection point of the 2 lines, and each searcher aims to detect the target on his line. We study the problem of minimizing the expected time for the return of one of the searchers to the intersection point after the other searcher meets the target. We find the necessary conditions for the optimal search strategy.
Personalized Cardio‐Metabolic Responses to an Anti‐Inflammatory Nutrition Intervention in Obese Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial
Authors: McMorrow Aoibheann M. , Connaughton Ruth M. , Magalhães Tiago R. , McGillicuddy Fiona C. , Hughes Maria F. , Cheishvili David , Morine Melissa J. , Ennis Sean , Healy Marie‐Louise , Roche Edna F. , Tremblay Richard E. , Szyf Moshe , Lithander Fiona E. , Roche Helen M.
Published: April 2018

Scope

Chronic inflammation and hypoadiponectinemia are characteristics of obesity‐induced insulin resistance (IR). The effect of an anti‐inflammatory nutrition supplement (AINS) on IR and adiponectin biology in overweight adolescents was investigated. The secondary objective was to examine the extent to which individuals’ biomarker profiles, derived from baseline phenotypes, predicted response or not to the AINS. Additionally, the impact of DNA methylation on intervention efficacy was assessed.

Methods and results

Seventy overweight adolescents (13–18 years) were recruited to this randomized controlled crossover trial. Participants received an AINS (long chain n‐3 PUFA, vitamin C, α‐tocopherol, green tea extract, and lycopene) and placebo for 8 weeks each. Homeostatic model assessment (HOMA)‐IR, adiponectin, inflammatory profiles, and DNA methylation were assessed. HOMA‐IR was unchanged in the total cohort. High‐molecular‐weight (HMW) adiponectin was maintained following the AINS while it decreased over time following the placebo intervention. HOMA‐IR decreased in 40% of subjects (responders) following the AINS. Responders’ pretreatment phenotype was characterized by higher HOMA‐IR, total and LDL cholesterol, but similar BMI in comparison to nonresponders. HMW adiponectin response to the AINS was associated with bidirectional modulation of adipogenic gene methylation.

Conclusion

The AINS modulated adiponectin biology, an early predictor of type 2 diabetes risk, was associated with bidirectional modulation of adipogenic gene methylation in weight‐stable overweight adolescents. HOMA‐IR decreased in a sub‐cohort of adolescents with an adverse metabolic phenotype. Thus, suggesting that more stratified or personalized nutrition approaches may enhance efficacy of dietary interventions.
Technical Note: A deep learning‐based autosegmentation of rectal tumors in MR images
Authors: Wang Jiazhou , Lu Jiayu , Qin Gan , Shen Lijun , Sun Yiqun , Ying Hongmei , Zhang Zhen , Hu Weigang
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Manual contouring of gross tumor volumes (GTV) is a crucial and time‐consuming process in rectum cancer radiotherapy. This study aims to develop a simple deep learning‐based autosegmentation algorithm to segment rectal tumors on T2‐weighted MR images.

Material and methods

MRI scans (3T, T2‐weighted) of 93 patients with locally advanced (cT3‐4 and/or cN1‐2) rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery were enrolled in this study. A 2D U‐net similar network was established as a training model. The model was trained in two phases to increase efficiency. These phases were tumor recognition and tumor segmentation. An opening (erosion and dilation) process was implemented to smooth contours after segmentation. Data were randomly separated into training (90%) and validation (10%) datasets for a 10‐folder cross‐validation. Additionally, 20 patients were double contoured for performance evaluation. Four indices were calculated to evaluate the similarity of automated and manual segmentation, including Hausdorff distance (HD), average surface distance (ASD), Dice index (DSC), and Jaccard index (JSC).

Results

The DSC, JSC, HD, and ASD (mean ± SD) were 0.74 ± 0.14, 0.60 ± 0.16, 20.44 ± 13.35, and 3.25 ± 1.69 mm for validation dataset; and these indices were 0.71 ± 0.13, 0.57 ± 0.15, 14.91 ± 7.62, and 2.67 ± 1.46 mm between two human radiation oncologists, respectively. No significant difference has been observed between automated segmentation and manual segmentation considering DSC (P = 0.42), JSC (P = 0.35), HD (P = 0.079), and ASD (P = 0.16). However, significant difference was found for HD (P = 0.0027) without opening process.

Conclusion

This study showed that a simple deep learning neural network can perform segmentation for rectum cancer based on MRI T2 images with results comparable to a human.
Performance of new 400‐MHz HTS power‐driven magnet NMR technology on typical pharmaceutical API, cinacalcet HCl
Authors: Silva Elipe Maria Victoria , Donovan Neil , Krull Robert , Pooke Donald , Colson Kimberly L.
Published: April 2018

After years towards higher field strength magnets, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology in commercial instruments in the past decade has expanded at low and high magnetic fields to take advantage of new opportunities. At lower field strengths, permanent magnets are well established, whereas for midrange and high field, developments utilize superconducting magnets cooled with cryogenic liquids. Recently, the desire to locate NMR spectrometers in nontypical NMR laboratories has created interest in the development of cryogen‐free magnets. These magnets require no cryogenic maintenance, eliminating routine filling and large cryogen dewars in the facility. Risks of spontaneous quenches and safety concerns when working with cryogenic liquids are eliminated. The highest field commercially available cryogen‐free NMR magnet previously reported was at 4.7 T in 2013. Here we tested a prototype cryogen‐free 9.4‐T power‐driven high‐temperature‐superconducting (HTS) magnet mated to commercial NMR spectrometer electronics. We chose cinacalcet HCl, a typical active pharmaceutical ingredient, to evaluate its performance towards structure elucidation. Satisfactory standard 1D and 2D homonuclear and heteronuclear NMR results were obtained and compared with those from a standard 9.4‐T cryogenically cooled superconducting NMR instrument. The results were similar between both systems with minor differences. Further comparison with different shims and probes in the HTS magnet system confirmed that the magnet homogeneity profile could be matched with commercially available NMR equipment for optimal results. We conclude that HTS magnet technology works well providing results comparable with those of standard instruments, leading us to investigate additional applications for this magnet technology outside a traditional NMR facility.
The effects of mitochondrial DNA supplementation at the time of fertilization on the gene expression profiles of porcine preimplantation embryos
Authors: Tsai Te‐Sha , St. John Justin C.
Published: April 2018

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deficient metaphase II porcine oocytes are less likely to fertilize and more likely to arrest during preimplantation development. However, they can be supplemented with autologous populations of mitochondria at the time of fertilization, which significantly increases mtDNA copy number by the 2‐cell stage due to the modulation of DNA methylation at a CpG island of the gene encoding the mtDNA‐specific polymerase, POLG, and promotes preimplantation development. Although mitochondrial supplementation does not increase development rates or mtDNA copy number in oocytes with normal levels of mtDNA copy number, we tested whether this approach would also impact on chromosomal gene expression patterns in these oocytes at each stage of preimplantation development. Here, we have compared the gene expression profiles of embryos produced by mitochondrial supplementation at the time of fertilization with embryos produced by in vitro fertilization (IVF) using a panel of genes associated with different stages of preimplantation development. When compared to IVF‐derived embryos, 27 (34%) genes were differentially expressed in supplemented embryos but this was restricted to one or two developmental stages. However, 53 (66%) genes were comparably expressed across all six stages and by the blastocyst stage 4 (5%) genes were differentially expressed. We conclude that additional copies of mtDNA can induce changes in gene expression at various stages of preimplantation development with the first changes occurring prior to maternal‐to‐zygotic transition (MZT). However, these changes appear to be transitory suggesting that some genomic resetting is taking place.
Monitoring Microgel Synthesis by Copolymerization of N‐isopropylacrylamide and N‐vinylcaprolactam via In‐Line Raman Spectroscopy and Indirect Hard Modeling
Authors: Meyer‐Kirschner Julian , Kather Michael , Ksiazkiewicz Agnieszka , Pich Andrij , Mitsos Alexander , Viell Joern
Published: April 2018

Functionalized microgels are typically based on structured copolymers, whose synthesis necessitates knowledge of interactions between different monomer units. This contribution presents in‐line Raman and turbidity monitoring of copolymer microgels based on monomers N‐vinylcaprolactam (VCL) and N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM). During reaction, in‐line Raman spectra are evaluated via multivariate indirect hard modeling (IHM) regression, utilizing pure component models based on parameterized peak functions. To account for variation in Raman baseline intensity, the linear IHM baseline is replaced by a curved baseline, resulting in calibration R² above 0.98 and root‐mean‐squared errors of cross‐validation below 0.12 wt%. Spectra taken in‐line during microgel syntheses reveal NIPAM to react slower than VCL in homopolymerization, but faster than VCL in copolymerization. This effect can be used for synthesis of functional microgels, that is, with tunable volume phase transition temperature. This effect is not visible from turbidity measurements, demonstrating the advantage of in‐line Raman monitoring of chemical components in polymerization processes.
Evaluating Changes in Handgrip Strength in Children With Cystic Fibrosis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Gibson Hannah T. , McDonald Catherine M. , Derrick Jennifer Willahan , Eggett Dennis L. , Bellini Sarah Gunnell
Published: April 2018

Background

Body mass index (BMI) is used to determine nutrition status in children with cystic fibrosis (CF); however, lean body mass (LBM) is more strongly associated with pulmonary function. Handgrip strength (HGS) measures muscle function and is reflective of LBM. The aims of this study were to assess relationships among HGS, nutrition status, and pulmonary function; changes in HGS posthospitalization; and any relationship between HGS and nutrient intake.

Methods

Twenty‐three children with CF aged 6–18 years participated. BMI z scores, nutrition risk scores, and pulmonary function were assessed about 5 months before, days 5–7 of hospitalization, and about 6 weeks posthospitalization. HGS z scores and arm anthropometrics were measured during and after hospitalization. Nutrient intakes were assessed during hospitalization.

Results

Mean HGS z score at hospitalization was −1.95 ± 0.92 and posthospitalization was −1.59 ± 1.06 (P = .007). Mean BMI z score prehospitalization was −0.17 ± 0.63, at hospitalization was −0.09 ± 0.64, and posthospitalization was 0.06 ± 0.54 (P = .065). Mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) prehospitalization was 93.52 ± 17.35, at hospitalization was 85.65 ± 21.57, and posthospitalization was 95.63 ± 18.18 (P = .001). No significant relationship was found between HGS z scores and BMI z scores (P = .892) or HGS z scores and FEV1 (P = .340).

Conclusions

HGS z scores and FEV1 significantly increased at follow‐up. HGS z scores were lower than the standard even though mean BMI z scores classified participants as normal nutrition status.
First evidence of elongated styloid process in two female archaeological individuals from Córdoba hills, Argentina (late Holocene)
Authors: Salega Soledad , Fabra Mariana
Published: April 2018

The elongation of the styloid process is rarely reported in archaeological contexts. Thus, the aim of this work is to present 2 individuals dated by AMS in late Holocene from the hills region of Córdoba province (Argentina). Two female adults from Loteo 5 and Loma Bola sites presented elongated styloid processes, as well as a lack of development of one of them. This is the first time the condition is detected in archaeological individuals in Argentina.
Congressional certification: How firms use former Congress members to lobby on their behalf
Authors: Brown Richard S.
Published: April 2018

This paper models the effect of firm‐level profitability (earnings before interest and taxes and return on sales) against certification by former members of the U.S. Congress. Although some scholars have studied certification, none have studied certification in the public policy market as is done in the current work. Likewise, although scholars have studied the effects of lobbying and political connections on firms' outcomes, none have studied lobbying through former Congress members specifically. The findings confirm that, after controlling for numerous factors, firms can use former Congress members to effectively lobby and certify their intentions. Both firm‐level earnings before interest and taxes and return on sales were significantly associated with prior lobbying efforts by these former elected federal officials in several different estimation techniques employed in the study.
Degradation performance of polyglutamic acid and its application of calcium supplement
Authors: Xu Tingting , Zhan Shuyue , Yi Meihui , Chi Bo , Xu Hong , Mao Chun
Published: April 2018

Degradable biopolymers with functional groups play a crucial role in the biomedical field. In this case, the influences of temperature and pH values on the degradation performance of poly (γ‐glutamic acid) (γ‐PGA) were fully explored by gel permeation chromatography. Further, γ‐PGA‐Ca was prepared by using calcium chloride to react with the low molecular weight γ‐PGA and characterized by Fourier transform infrared, differential scanning calorimetry test, gel permeation chromatography, atomic absorption spectrophotometric, Ca2+ release in vivo, and cytotoxicity experiments. Furthermore, Caco‐2 cell model was constructed to study the mechanism of γ‐PGA‐Ca intestinal absorption. Results indicated that low pH value and high temperature are the suitable conditions for the degradation of γ‐PGA. It also suggested that γ‐PGA‐Ca can be used as calcium supplements due to its high rate of absorption.
A pH‐responsive self‐fluorescent polymeric micelle as a potential optical imaging probe
Authors: Xi Man , Jiang Yang
Published: April 2018

A series of methoxypolyethylene glycol‐terminated self‐fluorescent polyurethane multi‐block copolymers with excellent pH‐responsivity, self‐fluorescence, and biocompatibility are designed and synthesized. In our design, 1, 4‐bis (hydroxyethyl) piperazine is chosen as a pH‐responsive segment which can donate or accept protons in response to the change of environmental pH, and fluorescein isothiocyanate is used as a fluorescent dye conjugated into the micelles to offer self‐fluorescence. The chemical structure of the polyurethane multi‐block copolymers is characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results of the acid‐based titration, the fluorescence spectrometry, and the ultraviolet visible spectroscopy indicate that the polyurethane multi‐block copolymers own an excellent pH‐buffering capacity responded to the change of pH values and the favorable self‐fluorescence property in an aqueous solution. And the ultraviolet absorption peaks of samples are strengthened with increasing of pH values, indicating that methoxypolyethylene glycol‐terminated self‐fluorescent polyurethane multi‐block copolymer can be a pH‐dependent fluorescent probe in a broad pH range. In addition, the in vitro cytotoxicity test showed that the polyurethane multi‐block copolymer has low cytotoxicity and good biocompatibility, which make it a promising nanoplatform for molecular imaging, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.
Low temperature splinting activity and catalytic behavior of nano Ag doped sulphamicacid bridged diblock copolymer
Authors: Anbarasan R. , Jeyapriya M. , Meenarathi B. , Tung Kuo‐Lun
Published: April 2018

A novel silver nanoparticle doped diblock copolymer was synthesized by a 3‐step process via bulk polymerization process under nitrogen atmosphere. The above prepared polymer is characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, fluorescence emission spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD), HRTEM, and FESEM. The sulphamicacid end capped poly(ε‐caprolactone) (P1) system exhibited higher tensile strength than the sulphamicacid bridged diblock copolymer (P2) and nano Ag doped sulphamicacid bridged diblock copolymer (P3) systems. The splinting activity of the diblock copolymers was tested and confirmed the low temperature splinting activity of the diblock copolymer. The Ag nanoparticle catalyzed catalytic reduction of p‐nitrophenol (NiP) was tested, and the apparent rate constant (kapp) was determined as 7.36 × 10−3 sec−1. The thermal studies were carried out by DSC and TGA methods. The TGA study declared that the P1 system has higher degradation temperature than the P2 and P3 systems. The P1 system has higher melting temperature (Tm) (75.5°C) than the P2 and P3 systems. The CD study indicated that the conformation of sulphamicacid was not changed even after the formation of nano Ag doped sulphamicacid bridged diblock copolymer.
PLA composites formulated recycling residuals of the winery industry
Authors: Saccani Andrea , Sisti Laura , Manzi Stefania , Fiorini Maurizio
Published: April 2018

Particulate composites with polylactide (PLA) as a matrix and wastes deriving from the wine production have been formulated at different compositions. The microstructure and the mechanical properties of the composites, as well as the thermal stability and water uptake have been evaluated. The results showed that the wine waste residue does not compromise the thermal stability of the matrix while improves the impact strength and influences tensile properties. Specifically, tensile strength progressively decreases on addition of the winery waste, while the elastic modulus slightly increases. This behavior was attributed to the inhomogeneity of the filler particle size and morphology, which can partially induce a discontinuous interface at high filler loading and affect the water uptake. An increase in the value of the water contact angle is obtained below a 10% wt content and the mechanism of water uptake is not modified below the 20 wt% of filler. In any case, up to a content of 15 weight percent, winery wastes can be used in the plain matrix as an extender. Since simple and low cost operations are requested to obtain suitable fillers, an overall decrease in the material cost can be envisaged thus partially solving the drawbacks of PLA exploitation in the packaging industry, and leading to cost‐effective application. Moreover, the conversion of lignocellulosic wastes as filler in biocomposites would be in favor of waste reduction while adding value to the agro‐food chain. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1378–1383, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Positive predictive value of a register‐based algorithm using the Danish National Registries to identify suicidal events
Authors: Gasse Christiane , Danielsen Andreas Aalkjær , Pedersen Marianne Giørtz , Pedersen Carsten Bøcker , Mors Ole , Christensen Jakob
Published: April 2018

Purpose

It is not possible to fully assess intention of self‐harm and suicidal events using information from administrative databases. We conducted a validation study of intention of suicide attempts/self‐harm contacts identified by a commonly applied Danish register‐based algorithm (DK‐algorithm) based on hospital discharge diagnosis and emergency room contacts.

Methods

Of all 101 530 people identified with an incident suicide attempt/self‐harm contact at Danish hospitals between 1995 and 2012 using the DK‐algorithm, we selected a random sample of 475 people. We validated the DK‐algorithm against medical records applying the definitions and terminology of the Columbia Classification Algorithm of Suicide Assessment of suicidal events, nonsuicidal events, and indeterminate or potentially suicidal events. We calculated positive predictive values (PPVs) of the DK‐algorithm to identify suicidal events overall, by gender, age groups, and calendar time.

Results

We retrieved medical records for 357 (75%) people. The PPV of the DK‐algorithm to identify suicidal events was 51.5% (95% CI: 46.4‐56.7) overall, 42.7% (95% CI: 35.2‐50.5) in males, and 58.5% (95% CI: 51.6‐65.1) in females. The PPV varied further across age groups and calendar time. After excluding cases identified via the DK‐algorithm by unspecific codes of intoxications and injury, the PPV improved slightly (56.8% [95% CI: 50.0‐63.4]).

Conclusions

The DK‐algorithm can reliably identify self‐harm with suicidal intention in 52% of the identified cases of suicide attempts/self‐harm. The PPVs could be used for quantitative bias analysis and implemented as weights in future studies to estimate the proportion of suicidal events among cases identified via the DK‐algorithm.
A review of studies evaluating the effectiveness of risk minimisation measures in Europe using the European Union electronic Register of Post‐Authorization Studies
Authors: Vora Pareen , Artime Esther , Soriano‐Gabarró Montse , Qizilbash Nawab , Singh Vineet , Asiimwe Alex
Published: April 2018

Purpose

An important element of risk management is the planning and implementation of risk minimisation measures (RMMs) and the evaluation of their effectiveness by process or outcome indicators. The aim of this review is to summarize the characteristics of risk minimisation (RM) effectiveness studies in Europe and provide an overview of RMMs and their effectiveness.

Methods

This was a qualitative review of RM effectiveness studies in the European Union electronic Register of Post‐Authorization Studies (EU PAS Register); data extracted included study design, population, sample size, data sources, drug information, RMMs, study period, indicators, and their reported effectiveness.

Results

Of the 872 records in the EU PAS Register, 19 studies evaluating the effectiveness of RMMs were included. Eleven were cross‐sectional surveys and 8 used secondary data sources. Eighty‐nine percent (17/19) evaluated additional RMMs (used when routine RMMs are considered insufficient), and 36% (7/19) evaluated changes in routine RMMs (applicable to all medicinal products). A total of 42 effectiveness indicators were identified: 18 process and 24 outcomes. Half of the indicators (21/42) were successful; 2% (1/42) indicators were partially successful; 17% (7/42) indicators were inconclusive. Effectiveness of the remaining 31% (13/42) indicators could not be determined owing to limited information. The United Kingdom was the most frequent country for the conduct of RM effectiveness studies.

Conclusions

Most of the included studies evaluated additional RMMs. Half of the effectiveness indicators (process and/or outcome) were reported as successful. This review provides evidence to support the development of future guidance on the effectiveness of RM in Europe.
Safety and Feasibility of Outpatient Rabbit Antithymocyte Globulin Induction Therapy Administration in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Varga Alexandra N. , Johnson David , Sawinski Deirdre L. , Lim Mary Ann , Bloom Roy D. , Abt Peter L. , Goral Simin , Bleicher Melissa , Levine Matthew H. , Naji Ali , Nazarian Susanna , Porrett Paige , Trofe‐Clark Jennifer
Published: April 2018

Background

Kidney transplant induction therapy often includes inpatient administration of rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG) over multiple days. To reduce hospital length of stay (LOS) and drug expenditures, the rATG induction course was completed in the outpatient setting via peripheral intravenous administration. The present study assesses early readmission trends ascribable to an outpatient rATG administration protocol to ensure initial reduction in hospital LOS is sustained early after discharge.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of kidney recipient outcomes for patients transplanted between January 1, 2008, and February 29, 2016, immediately following implementation of an outpatient rATG protocol. Readmission data within 7 days of outpatient rATG administration were collected. The relatedness of rATG administration to an adverse drug reaction resulting in readmission was determined by the World Health Organization‐Uppsala Monitoring Centre Causality Assessment Scale and the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale.

Results

A total of 1104 patients received outpatient doses of rATG and were included. An upward trend in kidney transplant volume and outpatient rATG administrations per year was found from 2008–2015. Following protocol implementation, the percentage of overall readmissions ranged from 9% to just over 12% from 2008–2014 and remained less than 10% for 2014 through 2016. The percentage of outpatient rATG infusions that potentially led to rATG‐related readmissions was less than 4% per year over the study period. A total of 1124 hospital days were saved, 125 days per year on average.

Conclusions

Outpatient administration of rATG is feasible, safe, and did not increase readmissions in the period directly following administration. The findings of this analysis support our continued use of the outpatient rATG protocol at our institution.
Synthesis and photovoltaic properties of new D‐A copolymers based on 5,6‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)naphtha[2,1‐b:3,4‐b′]dithiophene‐2,9‐diyl] donor and fluorine substituted 6,7‐bis(9,9‐didodecyl‐9h‐fluoren‐2‐yl)[1,2,5] thiadiazolo[3,4‐g]quinoxaline acceptor units
Authors: Keshtov Mukhamed L. , Konstantinov Igor O. , Kuklin Sergei A. , Khokhlov Alexei R. , Nekrasova Natalia V. , Xie Zhi‐Yuan , Koukaras Emmanuel N. , Sharma Ganesh D.
Published: April 2018

Two low band gap D‐A copolymers 5,6‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)naphtha[2,1‐b:3,4‐b′]dithiophene‐2,9‐diyl] donor and without (P1) and with (P2) fluorine substituted 6,7‐bis(9,9‐didodecyl‐9H‐fluoren‐2‐yl)[1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4‐g]quinoxaline were synthesized and their optical and electrochemical properties were investigated. These copolymers were employed as donor along with PC71BM as acceptor for the fabrication of solution processed bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells. After the optimization of the active layer, that is, different donor‐to‐acceptor weight ratios and concentration of DIO solvent additive, the resultant polymer solar cells showed overall PCE of 5.44% and 8.14% for P1 and P2, respectively, with low voltage loss of 0.40 eV. The higher value of power conversion efficiency of P2 based polymer solar cells as compared to P1 counterparts, my be related to the deeper highest occupied molecular orbital energy level of P2, higher hole mobility, balanced charge transport, suppressed bimolecular recombination and small π‐π stacking distance and higher crystallinity of P2:PC71BM active layer. Although the dipole moment of P2 is slightly lower than P1, the enhanced values of power conversion efficiency of P2 may be related to improve stacking. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1297–1307
Anion conducting multiblock copolymers with different tethered cations
Authors: Liu Lisha , Kohl Paul A.
Published: April 2018

A multiblock copoly(arylene ether) polymer was used to quantitatively compare the ion conducting channels formed by three different, tethered cation head‐groups. The synthesis allowed for the formation of an exact number of tethers on each repeat unit. Three head‐groups, quaternary trimethylammonium (TMA), quinuclidium (ABCO), and tris(2,4,6‐trimethoxyphenyl)phosphonium (TTMPP) cation head‐groups were compared in terms of size of the conducting channels, ionic conductivity of the mobile hydroxide ion, mechanical properties, quantity of productive and unproductive water, and chemical stability of the membrane in base. The interdomain spacing showed that multiblock copolymers with larger cations formed larger ion conduction channels in the membrane. Larger cations resulted lower ion exchange capacity (IEC) even though the polymer backbone and tether arrangements were identical. TMA was the most stable cation after exposure to 1 M NaOH at 60 °C for 20 days. ABCO had a lower number of bound water molecules and a 22% loss in ion conductivity after treatment in 1 M NaOH at 60 °C for 20 days due to the higher hydroxide ion concentration in the ion conductive blocks. Membranes with TMA head‐groups also had the best mechanical properties. Two membrane preparation methods were compared. The presence of the cation head‐groups assists in phase segregation. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1395–1403
Dynamic postpolymerization of 3D‐printed photopolymer nanocomposites: Effect of cellulose nanocrystal and postcure temperature
Authors: Yang Zhaozhe , Wu Guomin , Wang Siqun , Xu Min , Feng Xinhao
Published: April 2018

Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) reinforced methacrylate (MA) resin nanocomposite was prepared by 3D stereolithography printing. A postcure process, where the printed nanocomposite was heat‐treated under different temperatures, was applied to improve the property of the printed nanocomposites. To investigate the effect of CNC and postcure temperature on the kinetic behavior of the postpolymerization of printed nanocomposites, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry measurement of the printed nanocomposites before and after postcure were analyzed. The postpolymerization of MA nanocomposites was promoted at a postcure temperature of 140 °C for the printed 0.5% CNC/MA nanocomposites compared to the printed MA resin. The addition of CNC retarded the polymerization of MA resin during 3D printing, resulting in poorer mechanical properties of the printed nanocomposites compared to the printed MA resin. However, after postcure, the mechanical properties of the printed nanocomposites were improved by the postpolymerization of the MA nanocomposites. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 935–946
Multipurpose nonwoven viscose/polypropylene fabrics: Effect of fabric characteristics on sorption and dielectric properties
Authors: Asanovic Koviljka A. , Cerovic Dragana D. , Kostic Mirjana M. , Maletic Slavica B. , Kramar Ana D.
Published: April 2018

In this work, sorption and dielectric properties of viscose/polypropylene multipurpose nonwoven fabrics were examined. The analysis of sorption behavior showed that the changes of the water absorptive capacity, the height of capillary rise and water retention value are in a function of viscose fiber content, total porosity, the pore size and used web bonding process. It is observed that dielectric properties at frequencies from 30 Hz to 140 kHz, for samples exposed to different relative air humidity and wet samples, are dependent on viscose fiber content, web bonding process, frequency of electric field and bulk free water content. The effective dielectric permeability of wet samples rapidly decreases with an increase in frequency up to 3 kHz while spectra of the AC specific electrical conductivity showed a plateau above 13 kHz. It is also observed that the dielectric properties of wet samples increase by several orders of magnitude compared to dry samples. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 947–957