bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uptake and remobilization of selenium in Brassica napus L. plants supplied with selenate or selenium‐enriched plant residues
Authors: Ebrahimi Nashmin , Hartikainen Helinä , Hajiboland Roghieh , Seppänen Mervi M.
Published: December 2018

Selenium (Se) biofortification via crops is one of the best strategies to elevate the daily Se intake in areas where soil Se levels are low. However, Se fertilizer recovery (SeFR) is low and most of the Se taken up accumulates in non‐harvested plant parts and returns to the soil with plant residues. A pot experiment with soil was undertaken to study the efficiency of inorganic Se (Na2SeO4) and Se‐enriched plant residues for biofortification, as well as to identify the bottlenecks in Se utilization by Brassica napus L. The soil was fertilized with Na2SeO4 (0 and 7 µg Se kg−1) or with Se in stem or leaf residues (0 and 7 µg Se kg−1). A treatment with autoclaved soil was included (0 and 7 µg kg−1 as Na2SeO4) to unravel the impact of microbial activity on Se uptake. The Se‐enriched plant residues produced a lower Se uptake efficiency (SeUPE) and SeFR than did inorganic Se, and soil autoclaving enhanced Se accumulation in the plants. The time required for decomposition seems to preclude crop residues as an alternative source of Se. Furthermore, B. napus had a limited capacity to accumulate Se in seeds. The study shows that the bottlenecks in Se biofortification appear to be its low bioavailability in soil and poor loading from the silique walls to seeds. Thus, improved Se translocation to seeds would be a useful breeding goal in B. napus to increase SeFR.
Recovery of nutrients from the liquid fraction of digestate: Use of enriched zeolite and biochar as nitrogen fertilizers
Authors: Kocatürk-Schumacher Nazlı Pelin , Zwart Kor , Bruun Sander , Stoumann Jensen Lars , Sørensen Helle , Brussaard Lijbert
Published: December 2018

The liquid fraction after liquid/solid separation of biogas digestate has a high potential as a fertilizer due to its high nutrient concentration. However, the direct application of digestate in agricultural fields results in practical problems due to its voluminous nature. One solution to this could be to concentrate nutrients onto sorbents such as biochar or zeolites, which can subsequently be used as a fertilizer. This study investigated the ability of biochar and zeolite ‘clinoptilolite' enriched with digestate nutrients to supply nitrogen (N) when used as a fertilizer. A pot experiment with ryegrass was conducted to test the effect of a nutrient‐enriched biochar and clinoptilolite by determining plant biomass growth and N uptake. This included untreated biochar and clinoptilolite as controls and two levels of N application (15 and 45 mg N per pot) each at two initial loading ratios (low and high). Nutrient‐enriched biochar and clinoptilolite increased plant biomass yield (up to 1.02 and 2.39 g per pot) and N uptake (up to 11.23 and 39.94 mg N per pot) compared to the untreated sorbents treatments. Initial loading ratio had a significant effect on plant biomass response and apparent N recovery (ANR) for enriched clinoptilolite, and lower initial loading ratio improved plant growth. In contrast to clinoptilolite, higher initial loading ratio resulted in higher ANR. In conclusion, our results reveal that N released from enriched clinoptilolite and biochar could be taken up by the plants, clinoptilolite performed more effectively than biochar, and initial loading ratio affected the performance of the sorbents when used as a fertilizer.
Reflection and redesign of a residency program for the hospital pharmacist
Authors: Lui Viki H. , Toner Paul , Matthews Helen
Published: December 2018

Prior to the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) National Residency Program, residency training for pharmacists in Australia was not common practice. The Pharmacy Department at the Royal Melbourne Hospital has had a formalised residency program since 2004. More recently, a sustainability strategy was implemented to promote pharmacists who completed the residency program, which prompted a review of the existing program. A SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis was undertaken, and a subsequent program was codeveloped with stakeholders and launched. The new residency program capitalised on the existing strengths and incorporated new elements from established US and UK residency standards, was implemented in May 2016, and was later awarded provisional accreditation by SHPA. The program has been shared with other organisations and was adopted by an interstate health network as a basis for their SHPA National Residency Program. The next phase of development will include an interim evaluation and initiatives to enhance the skill set of the team to deliver this program.
Overview of idelalisib for pharmacists
Authors: Rowan Gail D. , Carrington Christine V. , Siderov Jim
Published: December 2018

Idelalisib is a potent oral selective inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase p110δ. It is approved in Australia for the treatment of relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and small cell lymphocytic lymphoma in combination with rituximab or ofatumumab in patients for whom chemoimmunotherapy is not considered suitable. Idelalisib is reimbursed by the Australian Government for use in combination with rituximab. It is also approved and reimbursed for use as monotherapy in patients with follicular lymphoma refractory to at least two prior systemic therapies including rituximab and an alkylating agent. Idelalisib has demonstrated significant benefits in progression‐free survival and overall survival in these patient populations; however, patients receiving idelalisib require monitoring and education due to significant toxicities, particularly diarrhoea, infections and hepatotoxicity. There is also the potential for drug interactions resulting in toxicity or subtherapeutic treatment levels.
Deficits in Inhibitory Control May Place Service Members at Risk for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Negative Parenting Behavior Following Deployment‐Related Trauma
Authors: Monn Amy R. , Zhang Na , Gewirtz Abigail H.
Published: December 2018

This study examined the mediating role of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in the association between deployment‐related trauma exposure and parenting behaviors in reserve‐component military service members and whether this association was contingent upon parent inhibitory control (IC). Participants were 181 postdeployed fathers and their children. Fathers completed a neurospychological test of IC and self‐report measures of trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms. Measures of parenting behaviors (positive engagement and reactivity coercion) were obtained from direct observation of father–child interaction. Results demonstrated that (a) fathers’ PTSD symptoms indirectly mediated the effect of trauma exposure on both measures of parenting (i.e., negative indirect effect for positive engagement, point estimate = −.0045, 95% CI [−.0107, −.0003], and positive indirect effect for reactivity coercion, point estimate = .0061, 95% CI [.0007, .0146]); (b) fathers’ IC skills moderated the association between trauma exposure and PTSD, β = .14, p = .043, such that the association was positive and significant for fathers with high and medium IC but nonsignificant for fathers with low IC; and (c) the indirect effect of trauma exposure on both parenting measures through PTSD was dependent upon IC, point estimate = .0341, 95% CI [.0005, .0687]. These findings indicate that fathers with low IC skills tended to have higher rates of PTSD symptoms and related negative parenting behaviors, even for individuals with relatively low degrees of deployment‐related trauma exposure. Results highlight the importance of IC as a potential moderating factor in the association between trauma exposure, PTSD, and parenting.
Endoscope‐assisted resection of intravestibular Schwannoma: A video case report
Authors: Pan Cassie , Sewell Andrew , Michaelides Elias
Published: December 2018

Intravestibular schwannomas are a rare cause of unilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Management of these tumors involves translabyrinthine resection, for which complete visualization around the angles of the vestibule may be limited under an operating microscope. We present the first reported case of an endoscope‐assisted resection of an intravestibular schwannoma, along with the operative video recording. Using additional information gained from endoscopic examination of the tumor and its resection site, we also propose a mechanism by which this patient's intravestibular schwannoma caused hearing loss. Use of the endoscope in resection of intravestibular schwannomas may have advantages over the traditional operating microscope in improving visualization of the narrow and angled vestibule, confirming the integrity of surrounding structures, and ensuring complete tumor removal. Laryngoscope, 129:986–988, 2019
Oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma survival as stratified by age and sex: A surveillance, epidemiology, and end results analysis
Authors: Mukdad Laith , Heineman Thomas E. , Alonso Jose , Badran Karam W. , Kuan Edward C. , St. John Maie A.
Published: December 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

To utilize the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to elucidate differences in predictors of survival in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) as stratified by age and sex.

Study Design

Retrospective, population‐based database analysis.

Methods

The SEER registry was utilized to calculate survival trends for patients with OTSCC between 1973 and 2012. Patient data were then stratified by age (≤40 years vs. >40 years) and sex, then analyzed with respect to race, stage, grade, and treatment modalities. Overall survival (OS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) were calculated and compared.

Results

There were 16,423 cases of OTSCC identified, with 526 and 706 young female and male patients, respectively. Young female patients had improved OS and DSS as compared to young male patients (75% vs. 67% at 5 years), which is better than older patients (P < .001). Younger patients were more likely to receive surgery (P < .001) and combination surgery and radiation (P < .001) as compared to older patients. On multivariate analysis, tumor stage was uniformly associated with worse OS and DSS (P < .05), with surgery predicting improved OS and DSS in all groups except young females (P < .05). Higher tumor grade predicted worse OS and DSS in older patients, but not younger patients (P < .05).

Conclusions

OTSCC appears to present with relatively heterogeneous characteristics across different age groups and sexes. Despite the rising incidence of OTSCC in young individuals, our study demonstrates that young patients have improved survival rates compared to older patients.

Level of Evidence

NA

Laryngoscope, 129:2076–2081, 2019
LipidomeDB Data Calculation Environment Has Been Updated to Process Direct‐Infusion Multiple Reaction Monitoring Data
Authors: Fruehan Carl , Johnson David , Welti Ruth
Published: December 2018

LipidomeDB Data Calculation Environment (DCE), a web application for processing data from direct‐infusion tandem mass spectrometer data on lipids, was described by Zhou et al. (, Lipids, 46, 879‐884). The original version processed multiple precursor and/or neutral loss scans on multiple samples. A recent update to LipidomeDB DCE, http://lipidome.bcf.ku.edu:8080/Lipidomics/, extends LipidomeDB DCE's functionality to process data acquired in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode by direct‐infusion mass spectrometry. Both the precursor‐neutral loss workflow and the MRM workflow remove signals due to isotopic overlap of lipid analytes and calculation of the amount of each target lipid in comparison with internal standards.
Impact of photodynamic therapy versus ultrasonic scaler on gingival health during treatment with orthodontic fixed appliances
Authors: Abellán Rosa , Gómez Clara , Iglesias‐Linares Alejandro , Palma Juan Carlos
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Poor oral hygiene during treatment with fixed appliances results in plaque accumulation. The presence of bacteria in the gingival crevice triggers an inflammatory reaction in the gingival tissues. The aim of this study was to compare the impact of two preventive treatments, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and ultrasonic scaler (US), on gingival health in patients under fixed orthodontic treatment.

Methods

Twenty orthodontic patients were randomly allocated to two groups: PDT or US. Each group received seven sessions [days 0, 15, 30, 45, 90 (3‐months follow‐up), 180 (6‐months follow‐up), 270 (9‐months follow‐up)] of experimental interventions, and clinical parameters [Plaque index(PI); gingival index(GI); probing depth(PD)], periodontopathogens [Agreggatibacter actinomycetemcomitans; Porphyromonas gingivalis; Prevotella intermedia; Micromonas micros; Fusobacterium nucleatum; Tannerella forsythia; Campylobacter rectus; Eikenella corrodens; Capnocytopaga sp.] and protein markers [IL‐1β;IL‐1ra;IL‐6;IL‐10;TNF‐α;FGF‐2/FGF basic] were monitored at baseline and at 3, 6, and 9 months. ANOVA, Student's t‐test with Bonferroni correction and ANOVA with multiple rank test were used to identify differences between groups (P < 0.05).

Results

Clinical assessments [PI, GI, and PD] yielded no differences (P > 0.05) between groups, which showed a major decrease at the start of the trial. Reductions in total colony forming units (log CFU reduction) were observed with both treatments, although to a greater extent in the PDT group, but with no differences between groups (P > 0.05). Similar reductions in log CFU counts of P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, and F. nucleatum were observed in both groups (P > 0.05). The two groups also showed similar trends for inflammatory mediators with decreased levels of IL‐1β, IL‐10, and TNF‐α, whereas IL‐6 and IL‐1ra levels remained stable and those of FGF‐2 were increased after both interventions, with no differences (P > 0.05) between groups.

Conclusion

Both PDT and US methods proved similar effectiveness for the treatment of gingival inflammation induced by fixed orthodontic appliances. Lasers Surg. Med. 51:256–267, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of potentiostatic pulse technique and statistical analysis in evaluating pitting resistance of aged 317L stainless steel
Authors: Sun Yangting , Sun Li , Dai Nianwei , Liu Yuanyuan , Wu Jun , Li Jin , Jiang Yiming
Published: December 2018

Pitting potential (Ep) and potentiostatic critical pitting temperature (CPT) are two mainly applied electrochemical methods in pitting evaluation. However, the dispersive results make them difficult to distinguish specimens with similar pitting resistance. potentiostatic pulse technique (PPT) combined with statistical analysis can be a solution to this problem. In this work, potentiodynamic polarization curves of 317L stainless steel at different temperatures were measured to obtain the precise critical pitting condition, based on which the parameters of PPT tests were determined. Subsequently, statistical analysis and microstructure observation were carried out after PPT tests to compare the pitting resistance of 317L aged for different time. It was well revealed by PPT measurement that the specimens saw a degradation with the increase of aging time and this degradation was related to σ precipitation. On the other hand, Ep and CPT of the same specimens were also measured. The results showed high dispersion, which was even larger than the difference among specimens.
Intermittent hypoxia promotes carcinogenesis in azoxymethane and dextran sodium sulfate‐induced colon cancer model
Authors: Yoon Dae Wui , Kim Yi‐Sook , Hwang Soyoung , Khalmuratova Roza , Lee Mingyu , Kim Jee Hyun , Lee Gah Young , Koh Seong‐Joon , Park Jong‐Wan , Shin Hyun‐Woo
Published: December 2018

Intermittent hypoxia (IH), a characteristic of obstructive sleep apnea, is known to promote cancer progression and aggressiveness in mouse models. However, little is known regarding the effect of IH on cancer initiation. Here, the effect of IH on carcinogenesis was explored in azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced colon cancer models with three different protocols. In the first protocol, two other application time points (early or late initiation of IH) were applied. In the second protocol, mice were divided into only two groups, and then exposed to either N or IH conditions for 14 days. In the third protocol, a pharmacological inhibition study for anti‐inflammation (5‐aminosalicylate) or anti‐oxidative stress (N‐acetylcysteine [NAC]) was performed. The number of tumors was significantly higher in the IH‐1 than in the N or IH‐2 groups. 8‐oxo‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) levels were higher in tumors of the IH‐1 group than in that of the N and IH‐2 groups. Gene expression related to reactive oxygen species production was higher in the IH‐1 group than in the N and IH‐2 groups, and it showed a positive correlation with 8‐OHdG levels. Prior to cancer development 8‐OHdG levels were already elevated in colonic epithelial regions in the IH group, possibly due to an imbalance between oxidative stress and antioxidant systems. NAC treatment resulted in a significant reduction in the number of tumors in mice exposed to IH. In conclusion, IH promotes carcinogenesis in a chemically‐induced colon cancer model where elevated 8‐OHdG may contribute to the increased tumor induction.
Unraveling gut microbiota in Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonism
Authors: Barichella Michela , Severgnini Marco , Cilia Roberto , Cassani Erica , Bolliri Carlotta , Caronni Serena , Ferri Valentina , Cancello Raffaella , Ceccarani Camilla , Faierman Samanta , Pinelli Giovanna , De Bellis Gianluca , Zecca Luigi , Cereda Emanuele , Consolandi Clarissa , Pezzoli Gianni
Published: December 2018

Background

Although several studies have suggested that abnormalities in gut microbiota may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of PD, data are still extremely heterogeneous.

Methods

16S gene ribosomal RNA sequencing was performed on fecal samples of 350 individuals, subdivided into idiopathic PD (n = 193, of whom 39 were drug naïve) stratified by disease duration, PSP (n = 22), MSA (n = 22), and healthy controls (HC; n = 113). Several confounders were taken into account, including dietary habits.

Results

Despite the fact that unadjusted comparison of PD and HC showed several differences in relative taxa abundances, the significant results were greatly reduced after adjusting for confounders. Although most of these differences were associated with disease duration, lower abundance in Lachnospiraceae was the only difference between de novo PD and HC (remaining lower across almost all PD duration strata). Decreased Lachnospiraceae and increased Lactobacillaceae and Christensenellaceae were associated with a worse clinical profile, including higher frequencies of cognitive impairment, gait disturbances, and postural instability. When compared with HC, MSA and PSP patients shared the changes in PD, with a few exceptions: in MSA, Lachnospiraceae were not lower, and Prevotellaceae were reduced; in PSP, Lactobacillaceae were similar, and Streptococcaceae were reduced.

Conclusions

Gut microbiota may be an environmental modulator of the pathogenesis of PD and contribute to the interindividual variability of clinical features. Data are influenced by PD duration and several confounders that need to be taken into account in future studies. Prospective studies in de novo PD patients are needed to elucidate the net effect of dysbiosis on the progression of the disease. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
MicroRNA‐186 is associated with hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α expression in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Lin Li , Sun Juan , Wu Duoyi , Lin Daobo , Sun Dingwei , Li Quanni , Chen Jiannan , Niu Huan , He Ping , Ding Yipeng
Published: December 2018

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a family of small noncoding RNAs and are essential in the regulation of gene expression. Their impacts on gene expression have been reported in various diseases. The role of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF‐1α) in the development and progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has also been demonstrated. However, the role of microRNA‐186 (miR‐186) in relation to HIF in COPD is unknown.

Methods

Cell culture experiments were performed using human lung fibroblast cells (MRC‐5). Cell viability was determined by MTT and flow cytometry assays. Reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Western blot analysis were used to assess the expression levels of HIF‐1α and inflammatory cytokines. Dual‐luciferase reporter assays were used to reveal the correlation between miR‐186 and HIF‐1α.

Results

After miR‐186 transfection, the cell lines showed reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis. After overexpression of miR‐186, we found that the HIF‐1α expression level was reduced in MRC‐5 cells. We found that miR‐186 can affect apoptosis of inflammatory fibroblasts through the regulation of HIF‐1α and affect the downstream signaling pathways.

Conclusions

These data suggested that miR‐186 contributes to the pathogenesis of COPD and that miRNA‐186 may also affect the HIF‐1α‐dependent lung structure maintenance program.
Miniaturized quadrature hybrid couplers based on novel U‐shaped transmission lines
Authors: Olukoya Oludotun , Ilic Andjelija , Basu Ananjan , Budimir Djuradj
Published: December 2018

In this paper, a miniaturized microstrip quadrature hybrid coupler (QHC) using U‐shaped transmission lines (USTLs) is presented. The proposed approach replaces all arms of the conventional QHC with its equivalent USTL to achieve compactness. The proposed coupler structure is designed to operate in the 1.5 GHz (1427‐1518 [MHz]) band which is one of the 5G bands of interest. At such low RF/microwave bands below 3‐4 GHz, the size of the conventional coupler is considerably very large which raises a concern for the next generation networks. The proposed coupler is designed, simulated and fabricated using Rogers 5880 with thickness of 0.79 mm, dielectric constant (εr) of 2.2 and loss tangent of 0.0021. The proposed QHC size is 70% smaller in circuit area (30% relative area) than the conventional equivalent. Simulation and measured results are presented and good matching between the results is observed, confirming the outstanding coupler performance properties. The proposed miniaturized QHC structure will play a vital role for next generation 4G and 5G wireless communication systems operating below 6 GHz.
Pulmonary nodule segmentation with CT sample synthesis using adversarial networks
Authors: Qin Yulei , Zheng Hao , Huang Xiaolin , Yang Jie , Zhu Yue‐Min
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Segmentation of pulmonary nodules is critical for the analysis of nodules and lung cancer diagnosis. We present a novel framework of segmentation for various types of nodules using convolutional neural networks (CNNs).

Methods

The proposed framework is composed of two major parts. The first part is to increase the variety of samples and build a more balanced dataset. A conditional generative adversarial network (cGAN) is employed to produce synthetic CT images. Semantic labels are generated to impart spatial contextual knowledge to the network. Nine attribute scoring labels are combined as well to preserve nodule features. To refine the realism of synthesized samples, reconstruction error loss is introduced into cGAN. The second part is to train a nodule segmentation network on the extended dataset. We build a three‐dimensional (3D) CNN model that exploits heterogeneous maps including edge maps and local binary pattern maps. The incorporation of these maps informs the model of texture patterns and boundary information of nodules, which assists high‐level feature learning for segmentation. Residual unit, which learns to reduce residual error, is adopted to accelerate training and improve accuracy.

Results

Validation on LIDC‐IDRI dataset demonstrates that the generated samples are realistic. The mean squared error and average cosine similarity between real and synthesized samples are and 0.9534, respectively. The Dice coefficient, positive predicted value, sensitivity, and accuracy are, respectively, 0.8483, 0.8895, 0.8511, and 0.9904 for the segmentation results.

Conclusions

The proposed 3D CNN segmentation framework, based on the use of synthesized samples and multiple maps with residual learning, achieves more accurate nodule segmentation compared to existing state‐of‐the‐art methods. The proposed CT image synthesis method can not only output samples close to real images but also allow for stochastic variation in image diversity.
Thymectomy may not be associated with clinical improvement in MuSK myasthenia gravis
Authors: Clifford Katherine M. , Hobson‐Webb Lisa D. , Benatar Michael , Burns Ted M. , Barnett Carolina , Silvestri Nicholas J. , Howard James F. , Visser Amy , Crum Brian A. , Nowak Richard , Beekman Rachel , Kumar Aditya , Ruzhansky Katherine , Chen I‐Hweii Amy , Pulley Michael T. , Laboy Shannon M. , Fellman Melissa A. , Howard Diantha B. , Kolb Noah A. , Greene Shane M. , Pasnoor Mamatha , Dimachkie Mazen M. , Barohn Richard J. , Hehir Michael K.
Published: December 2018

Introduction: A randomized trial demonstrated benefit from thymectomy in nonthymomatous acetylcholine receptor (AChR)‐antibody positive myasthenia gravis (MG). Uncontrolled observational and histologic studies suggest thymectomy may not be efficacious in anti–muscle‐specific kinase (MuSK)‐MG. Methods: The therapeutic impact of thymectomy was evaluated from data collected for a multicenter, retrospective blinded review of rituximab in MuSK‐MG. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between thymectomy (n = 26) and nonthymectomy (n = 29) groups, including treatment with rituximab (42% vs. 45%). At last visit, 35% of thymectomy subjects reached the primary endpoint, a Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) post‐intervention status (PIS) score of minimal manifestations (MM) or better, compared with 55% of controls (P = 0.17). After controlling for age at onset of MG, rituximab, prednisone, and intravenous immunoglobulin/plasma exchange treatment, thymectomy was not associated with greater likelihood of favorable clinical outcome (odds ratio = 0.43, 95% confidence interval 0.12–1.53, P = 0.19). Discussion: Thymectomy was not associated with additional clinical improvement in this multicenter cohort of MuSK‐MG patients. Muscle Nerve 59:404–410, 2019
Intravesical injections of platelet‐rich plasma is effective and safe in treatment of interstitial cystitis refractory to conventional treatment—A prospective clinical trial
Authors: Jhang Jia‐Fong , Lin Teng‐Yi , Kuo Hann‐Chorng
Published: December 2018

Aims

Current treatments for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) are usually unsuccessful in achieving long‐term bladder pain relief and irritable symptom improvement. This study investigated the clinical efficacy of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) intravesical injections on IC/BPS patients refractory to conventional therapies.

Methods

Forty patients received four monthly intravesical injections of 10 mL PRP extracted from 50 mL of whole blood. The primary end‐point was Global Response Assessment (GRA) at 3 months after the 4th PRP injection. Secondary endpoints included changes in O'Leary‐Sant symptom score (OSS), visual analog scale (VAS) of pain, daily frequency, nocturia, functional bladder capacity (FBC), maximum flow rate, voided volume, post‐void residual volume (PVR) from baseline to 3 months after the 4th PRP injection.

Results

All 40 patients (37 women and 3 men, aged 55.5 ± 11.1 years) completed the four injections and follow‐up visits. GRA improved after the 1st PRP injection and the satisfaction persists till the primary end‐point. The success rate was 45%, 52%, 70%, 70%, and 67.5% after the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 3 months after the 4th PRP injection, respectively. OSS and VAS also significantly decreased. The PVR did not change after repeated PRP injections, FBC increased, frequency, and nocturia were decreased after PRP injections. All patients were free of urinary tract infection or difficulty urinating.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that repeated intravesical injections of autologous PRP can increase bladder capacity and provide IC symptom improvement in patients with IC/BPS refractory to conventional therapy. Autologous PRP injection is safe and effective in selected patients.
Increasing knowledge of food deserts in Brazil: The contributions of an interactive and digital mosaic produced in the context of an integrated education for sustainability program
Authors: Santiago Isabella Cruvinel , Carreira Fernanda Cassab , Aguiar Ana Carolina Pires de , Monzoni Mario Prestes
Published: December 2018

As efforts to end hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition evolve within the context of United Nations' Global Compact and Sustainable Development Goals; such problems remain far from being solved due, in part, to their complex nature. Brazil exemplifies such multifaceted scenario as the country has left the “hunger map” in 2014 but now faces another issue: The quality of the food available to its population. Physical, social, economic, cultural, and political factors have impacted the Brazilian food environment, shaping new eating habits such as the replacement of traditional local food for processed foods. Within this context, educational institutions may play an important role in spreading knowledge about major social challenges such as this and their interdependent causes. This paper presents the case study of a project conducted by business and public administration students in a discipline called Integrated Education for Sustainability (FIS), offered to undergraduate students at one of Brazil's most important management schools. In 2017, the project worked on the topic of Food Deserts, challenging the students to develop a digital and interactive mosaic that uncovers the situation of the food deserts in São Paulo. Data were collected from participant observation, field trips, events, and interviews conducted in class with 18 professionals working on several areas related to the topic. The article provides insights into (a) the importance of education to tackle the sustainability challenges, (b) lessons learned from the 14th edition of FIS course, and (c) the several barriers to food access in the city of São Paulo.
Elevated ductility, optical, and air barrier properties of poly (butyleneadipate‐co‐terephthalate) bio‐based films via novel thermoplastic starch feature
Authors: Zhang Shuidong , Lin Zesheng , Li Jun , Jiang Guo , Hu Changying
Published: December 2018

It is important to develop high performances biodegradable polymers to eliminate the “white pollution” evoked by petroleum‐based polymer. Thermoplastic starch (TPS) with nano‐ellipse configuration was fabricated to reinforce the performances of poly (butylene adipate co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) biocomposites. Effects of tartaric acid (TA) (0.5% wt) on the structure of TPS and compatibility for PBAT were evaluated by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), viscosity and rheological measurement, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. They revealed that TA reduced the molecular weight of starch and shear viscosity of TPS were beneficial for TPS dispersing in PBAT matrix with 184‐nm averaged diameter. PBAT/TPS‐TA (70:30 wt%) biocomposite films were blew with different blow‐up ratio. The morphology of films presented that nano‐TPS‐TA wrapped in the PBAT matrix and deformed from ball to capsule feature without agglomeration. Compared with those of PBAT film, the increment in elongation at break of PBAT/TPS‐TA film was 100%. The air permeability and UV‐VIS transmittance of PBAT/TPS‐TA films decreased from 6.92 × 10−9 to 3.72 × 10−9 cm3·cm·cm−2 s−1 Pa−1 and 47.6% to 23.5%, respectively. This study proposed a facile approach to fabricate low‐cost PBAT films with significant improved mechanical, optical, and air barrier properties for commercial application. Mechanism for nanoparticles of TPS‐TA motivated the elevated performances was proposed, synchronously.
Inter‐ and intra‐tumoural heterogeneity in cancer‐associated fibroblasts of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Neuzillet Cindy , Tijeras‐Raballand Annemilaï , Ragulan Chanthirika , Cros Jérôme , Patil Yatish , Martinet Matthieu , Erkan Mert , Kleeff Jörg , Wilson Jeremy , Apte Minoti , Tosolini Marie , Wilson Abigail S , Delvecchio Francesca R , Bousquet Corinne , Paradis Valérie , Hammel Pascal , Sadanandam Anguraj , Kocher Hemant M
Published: December 2018

Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAF) are orchestrators of the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) microenvironment. Stromal heterogeneity may explain differential pathophysiological roles of the stroma (pro‐ versus anti‐tumoural) in PDAC. We hypothesised that multiple CAF functional subtypes exist in PDAC, that contribute to stromal heterogeneity through interactions with cancer cells. Using molecular and functional analysis of patient‐derived CAF primary cultures, we demonstrated that human PDAC‐derived CAFs display a high level of inter‐ and intra‐tumour heterogeneity. We identified at least four subtypes of CAFs based on transcriptomic analysis, and propose a classification for human PDAC‐derived CAFs (pCAFassigner). Multiple CAF subtypes co‐existed in individual patient samples. The presence of these CAF subtypes in bulk tumours was confirmed using publicly available gene expression profiles, and immunostainings of CAF subtype markers. Each subtype displayed specific phenotypic features (matrix‐ and immune‐related signatures, vimentin and α‐smooth muscle actin expression, proliferation rate), and was associated with an assessable prognostic impact. A prolonged exposure of non‐tumoural pancreatic stellate cells to conditioned media from cancer cell lines (cancer education experiment) induced a CAF‐like phenotype, including loss of capacity to revert to quiescence and an increase in the expression of genes related to CAF subtypes B and C. This classification demonstrates molecular and functional inter‐ and intra‐tumoural heterogeneity of CAFs in human PDAC. Our subtypes overlap with those identified from single‐cell analyses in other cancers, and pave the way for the development of therapies targeting specific CAF subpopulations in PDAC. © 2018 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
The role of respiratory viruses in children with humoral immunodeficiency on immunoglobulin replacement therapy
Authors: Benavides‐Nieto Marta , Méndez‐Echevarría Ana , del Rosal Teresa , García‐García María Luz , Casas Inmaculada , Pozo Francisco , de la Serna Olga , Lopez‐Granados Eduardo , Rodriguez‐Pena Rebeca , Calvo Cristina
Published: December 2018

Background

The role of viruses in children with respiratory tract infections and humoral immunodeficiencies has hardly been studied. We have evaluated these infections in children with humoral immunodeficiencies who required immunoglobulin replacement therapy, considering their relationship with symptoms, lung function, bacterial co‐infection, and outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a prospective case‐control study during a 1‐year period, including children with humoral immunodeficiencies receiving immunoglobulin replacement therapy. For each patient, at least one healthy family member was included. Respiratory samples for viral detection were taken every 1‐3 months, and in case of respiratory tract infections. Symptoms questionnaires were filled biweekly. Spirometry and sputum culture were performed in every episode.

Results

Sixty‐six episodes were analyzed in 14 patients (median age 12 years; IQR 7‐17), identifying 18 respiratory viruses (27.3%), being rhinovirus the most frequently isolated one (12/18; 66%). Positive viral episodes were associated with clinical symptoms (89% vs 43%), more frequent antibiotic treatment (44% vs 15%) or hospital admission (22% vs 0%) than negative ones. Patients with positive viral detection showed impaired lung function, with lower FEV1 and FVC values.

Conclusions

In our experience, viral respiratory tract infections can cause significant respiratory symptoms and impaired lung function, in children with HID, despite immunoglobulin replacement therapy. These patients could benefit from the monitoring of viral infections, as these may be a gateway for ongoing lung damage.
Serum neurotrophins at birth correlate with respiratory and neurodevelopmental outcomes of premature infants
Authors: Simpson Samantha L. , Grayson Stephanie , Peterson Jennifer H. , Moore John J. , Mhanna Maroun J. , Perez Miriam K. , Rezaee Fariba , Piedimonte Giovanni
Published: December 2018

Objective

Preterm birth is a significant cause of infant morbidity and mortality, which are primarily the result of respiratory and neurodevelopmental complications. However, no objective biomarker is currently available to predict at birth the risk and severity of such complications. Thus, we sought to determine whether serum neurotrophins concentrations measured at birth correlate with risk for later development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and long‐term neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Methods

This study prospectively included 223 newborns admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICU) and divided into three groups: (i) preterm infants who developed BPD; (ii) preterm infants who did not develop BPD; (iii) term infants. An exploratory cohort was enrolled in West Virginia, followed by a validation cohort recruited in four NICUs in Ohio. Specimens for serum and tracheal neurotrophins concentrations were collected within 48 h of admission. Infants requiring a fraction of inspired oxygen >0.21 for at least 28 days were diagnosed with BPD. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were extrapolated from Bayley Scales of Infant Development—Third Edition (BSID‐III) administered at the 24‐month follow‐up visit.

Results

Serum brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentration at birth had significant negative correlation with later diagnosis of BPD (P = 0.011) and with duration of invasive ventilation and oxygen supplementation (P = 0.009 and 0.015, respectively). Serum nerve growth factor (NGF) concentration at birth had significant positive correlation with BSID‐III cognitive and language composite scores at 24 months (P < 0.001 and 0.010, respectively).

Conclusions

These data suggest that serum neurotrophins concentrations measured at birth provide prognostic information on subsequent respiratory and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Magnetic Force Microscopy of in a Polymer Matrix Embedded Single Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Krivcov Alexander , Schneider Jennifer , Junkers Tanja , Möbius Hildegard
Published: December 2018

Embedding superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) in functional thin films is of high interest for nanocomposites as well as for biomedical applications. However, there is still the need for high‐resolution mapping of the hidden nanoparticles. Magnetic force microscopy (MFM) has proved to be a suitable technique to image SPIONs at ambient conditions and provide information about spatial distribution, size, and magnetic behavior in a single pass. This work reports on high‐resolution mapping of magnetite nanoparticles of various sizes embedded in polymer films of various thicknesses. A quantification of the magnetic signals is used to determine the size of the magnetic core of the embedded nanoparticles.
The asymmetric eddy–background flow interaction in the North Pacific storm track
Authors: Zhao Yuan‐Bing , Liang X. San , Guan Zhaoyong , Hodges Kevin I.
Published: December 2018

Using a recently developed methodology, namely the multiscale window transform (MWT) and the MWT‐based theory of canonical transfer and localized multiscale energetics analysis, we investigate in an eddy‐following way the nonlinear eddy–background flow interaction in the North Pacific storm track, based on the ERA‐40 reanalysis data from the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts. It is found that more than 50% of the storms occur on the northern flank of the jet stream, about 40% are around the jet centre, and very few (less than 5%) happen on the southern flank. For storms near or to the north of the jet centre, their interaction with the background flow is asymmetric in latitude. In higher latitudes, strong downscale canonical available potential energy transfer happens, especially in the mid‐troposphere, which reduces the background baroclinicity and decelerates the jet; in lower latitudes, upscale canonical kinetic energy transfer intensifies at the jet centre, accelerating the jet and enhancing the middle‐level baroclinicity. The resultant effect is that the jet strengthens but narrows, leading to an anomalous dipolar pattern in the fields of background wind and baroclinicity. For the storms on the southern side of the jet, the baroclinic canonical transfer is rather weak. On average, the local interaction begins about 3 days before a storm arrives at the site of observation, achieves its maximum as the storm arrives, and then weakens.
Parameter estimation for load‐sharing system subject to Wiener degradation process using the expectation‐maximization algorithm
Authors: Xu Jianyu , Liu Bin , Zhao Xiujie
Published: December 2018

In practice, many systems exhibit load‐sharing behavior, where the surviving components share the total load imposed on the system. Different from general systems, the components of load‐sharing systems are interdependent in nature, in such a way that when one component fails, the system load has to be shared by the remaining components, which increases the failure rate or degradation rate of the remaining components. Because of the load‐sharing mechanism among components, parameter estimation and reliability assessment are usually complicated for load‐sharing systems. Although load‐sharing systems with components subject to sudden failures have been intensely studied in literatures with detailed estimation and analysis approaches, those with components subject to degradation are rarely investigated. In this paper, we propose the parameter estimation method for load‐sharing systems subject to continuous degradation with a constant load. Likelihood function based on the degradation data of components is established as a first step. The maximum likelihood estimators for unknown parameters are deduced and obtained via expectation‐maximization (EM) algorithm considering the nonclosed form of the likelihood function. Numerical examples are used to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Effects of plasma treatment of carbon fibers on interfacial properties of BMI resin composites
Authors: Zhuoda Jiang
Published: December 2018

High performance continuous fiber surface modification by inductively coupled RF plasma (ICP) and dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) low temperature plasma were conducted. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and other analytical testing methods systematically studied plasma treatment time, discharge power, discharge pressure, etc, on fiber surface state, surface composition, and surface shape changes in the appearance and wetting properties. The results show that after plasma treatment the surface of the fiber is grafted with a large number of polar functional groups such as carboxyl groups and hydroxyl groups. The surface roughness increases, the surface free energy increases, and the fiber wetting property is significantly improved, resulting in improvement in interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) between the fiber and the resin matrix. Finally, the surfaces of the fibers and its relationship with interfacial properties of fiber reinforced bismaleimide composites are also discussed.
Cisplatin‐Loaded Polymeric Micelles with Aggregation‐Induced Emission Feature for Cellular Imaging and Chemotherapy
Authors: Li Li-Ping
Published: December 2018

Imaging‐guided disease theranostic nanoplatforms based on polymeric micelles have drawn a broad attention because of their clear visualization, reduced systemic toxicity, enhanced utilization of drugs, and suppressed chemoresistance of tumors, which makes them possess potential application for cancer therapy. Herein, we synthesized a polymeric nanoparticles (Poly(MAD‐alt‐OCE)‐PTZ‐PEG) with novel aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristic based on cheap commercial polymer by the simple and environmental method. These Poly(MAD‐alt‐OCE)‐PTZ‐PEG nanoparticles (NPs) show excellent biocompatibility and fluorescence property, which makes them huge application potential for cellular imaging. Furthermore, the antitumor drug cisplatin Pt(IV) can be loaded efficiently onto the surface of Poly(MAD‐alt‐OCE)‐PTZ‐PEG NPs due to the existence of abundant carboxyl groups on the NPs surface. The well‐controlled Pt(IV)‐loaded yield and great acid‐responsive drug release of these polymeriec micelles enhance cytotoxicity against cancer cells in vitro. Given the cheap raw materials, eco‐friendly method, excellent AIE property, efficient antitumor drug delivery and pH‐controlled drug release, these polymeric NPs would be a potential candidate for cancer diagnosis and therapy in the future.
Conductive 2D Metal‐Organic Frameworks Decorated on Layered Double Hydroxides Nanoflower Surface for High‐Performance Supercapacitor
Authors: Li Yanli , Li Qin , Zhao Shihang , Chen Chen , Zhou Jiaojiao , Tao Kai , Han Lei
Published: December 2018

The conductive two‐dimensional metal‐organic framework (Ni‐CAT) nanocones were decorated on the flower petals surface of layered double hydroxide (NiCo‐LDH) based nanoflowers, just like the surface microstructure of lotus leaves. This interesting composite structure displays excellent specific capacitance of 882 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1, resulting from the synergistic between Ni‐CAT and NiCo‐LDH. An assembled asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) using NiCo‐LDH@Ni‐CAT as positive electrode, which also diaplays high energy density of 23.5 Wh kg−1 at power density of 394.6 W kg−1 and long‐term cycling stability up to 82% after 10,000 cycles. Therefore, this work demonstrates an excellent method of the designing and fabricating hybrid electrode materials based on conductive two‐dimensional metal‐organic frameworks and layered double hydroxides to apply in supercapacitors.
Ricinoleic Acid as a Green Alternative to Oleic Acid in the Synthesis of Doped Nanocrystals
Authors: Mensah Michael B. , McNaughter Paul D. , McAdams Simon G. , Tuna Floriana , Lewis David J. , Awudza Johannes A. M. , Revaprasadu Neerish , O'Brien Paul
Published: December 2018

Ricinoleic acid, extracted from the castor bean, is a cheap, abundant and naturally sourced capping agent for nanocrystals that offers the ability to functionalise the as‐synthesized nanocrystals through the use of the hydroxyl group, an advantage over oleic acid obtained from olives. In this work, we demonstrate the use of zinc and manganese ricinoleate complexes as green precursors for the synthesis of manganese‐doped zinc sulphide, MnxZn1‐xS. The metal ricinoleate complexes perform well as precursors for MnxZn1‐xS making the parent binary materials and alloys up to approx.x=0.07. The MnxZn1‐xS nanocrystals behave in the same manner as demonstrated previously in the literature with the photoluminescent performance decreasing and the EPR signals undergoing spectral line broadening with increased Mn doping beyond the dilute limit,i. e. x> 0.02.