bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flare of Autoimmune Hepatitis Causing Acute on Chronic Liver Failure: Diagnosis and Response to Corticosteroid Therapy
Authors: Anand Lovkesh , Choudhury Ashok , Bihari Chhagan , Sharma Barjesh C. , Kumar Manoj , Maiwall Rakhi , Siam Tan Soek , Shah Samir R. , Hamid Saeed , Butt Amna S. , Jafri Wasim , Chawla Yogesh K. , Taneja Sunil , Duseja Ajay , Dhiman Radha K. , Mahtab Mamun Al , Ghazinyan Hasmik , Duan Zhongping , Chen Yu , Shukla Akash , Hu Jinhua , Abbas Zaigham , Treeprasertsuk Sombat , Lesmana Laurentius A. , Lesmana Cosmas R , Sollano Jose D. , Carpio Gian , Sahu Manoj K. , Kumar Guresh , Sarin Shiv K. ,   APASL ACLF (APASL ACLF Research Consortium) Working Party
Published: August 2018

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is considered less common in the Asia Pacific region. Due to this, AIH flare as a cause of acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) is often overlooked and treatment delayed. We aimed at the defining clinical and histopathological spectrum and role of steroid therapy in AIH‐ACLF. Patients with AIH‐ACLF, prospectively recruited and followed between 2012 and 2017, were analyzed from the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver ACLF Research Consortium (AARC) data base. Diagnosis of AIH was confirmed using International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group score or simplified AIH score with histopathological evidence. Of 2,825 ACLF patients, 82 (2.9%) fulfilled criteria of AIH (age 42.1 ± 18.1 years, 70% female). At baseline, mean bilirubin was 18.6 ± 8.2 mg/dL, Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh score was 11.7 ± 1.4, and Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was 27.6 ± 6.5. Mean immunoglobulin G was 21.61 ± 7.32 g/dL, and this was elevated ≥1.1 times in 97% of cases; 49% were seronegative. Liver histology was available in 90%, with median histological activity index of 10 (interquartile range, 7‐12); 90% with moderate to severe interface activity; 56% showing significant parenchymal necrosis (bridging and confluent necrosis); and cirrhosis in 42%. Twenty‐eight (34%) patients received steroid therapy and showed shorter intensive care unit (ICU) stay (median 1.5 versus 4 days, P < 0.001) and improved 90‐day survival (75% versus 48.1%, P = 0.02) with comparable incidence of sepsis (P = 0.32) compared to those who did not. Patients of advanced age, more severe liver disease (MELD >27; 83.3% sensitivity, 78.9% specificity, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.86), presence of hepatic encephalopathy, and fibrosis grade ≥F3 had an unfavorable response to corticosteroid therapy. Conclusion: AIH presenting as ACLF is not uncommon in Asian patients; a low threshold for liver biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis as nearly half the patients are seronegative; early stratification to steroid therapy or liver transplantation (MELD >27, hepatic encephalopathy in ≥F3) would reduce ICU stay and improve outcomes.
Administrative databases and clinical governance: The case of COPD
Authors: Pacileo Guglielmo , Tozzi Valeria D. , Sotgiu Giovanni , Aliberti Stefano , Morando Verdiana , Blasi Francesco
Published: August 2018

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, COPD is still underdiagnosed, undertreated, and not sufficiently prevented. Health administrative databases provide a powerful way of studying COPD in the population.

Methods

This retrospective study used administrative data, collected during 2011 and 2012, retrieved from 3 Italian local health authorities (LHAs).

Results

The analysis through administrative databases allowed firstly to identify patients with COPD receiving services by the 3 LHAs: The estimated average is ~3% of the population aged ≥40 years. Furthermore, it was also possible to stratify patients by investigating the health consumption in hospitalization for COPD and use of respiratory drugs. In all 3 LHA patients with moderate COPD were the majority of the population with COPD. Finally, it was possible to distinguish patients who made an appropriate use of SABA (76% of the total), patients who had a potentially inappropriate use (20%), and those with an overuse of SABA (4%).

Conclusion

The use of SABA consumption patterns can be a reliable proxy variable to detect subgroups who may necessitate therapy revision. Health administrative databases seem beneficial for planning health care interventions, including the COPD field. They are robust information systems subjected to regular data quality controls remaining the prevalent data source, reliable because of the amount of data and the population coverage, especially in countries with a National Health Service System.
The positive predictive value of low‐density lipoprotein for recurrence‐free survival in ovarian cancer
Authors: Zhu Fangfang , Xu Xinxin , Shi Beibei , Zeng Linchai , Wang Luhui , Wu Xueqing , Zhu Haiyan
Published: August 2018

Objective

To evaluate the prognostic impact of preoperative plasma lipid profile, glucose, and body mass index in patients with ovarian cancer.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed among women with ovarian cancer who underwent surgical resection between January 1, 2001, and December 1, 2015, at the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, China. Data were evaluated using Cox regression analyses, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and landmark survival analysis.

Results

There were 267 women included in the study. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that increased levels of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) were associated with a favorable recurrence‐free survival (RFS) of ovarian cancer (hazard ratio [HR] 0.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.07–0.51). Further Kaplan–Meier survival analysis demonstrated that the patients with high levels of LDL (≥3.07 mmol/L) had better RFS compared with the patients with low levels of LDL. Moreover, landmark survival analysis indicated that a higher LDL level predicted improved 5‐year RFS (P=0.026) but not 0.5‐year RFS (P=0.913) of ovarian cancer.

Conclusion

Elevated preoperative LDL was independently associated with an improved 5‐year RFS in women with ovarian cancer, thus the utility of LDL could help to predict the recurrence risk for patients with ovarian cancer.
A noninvasive imaging and measurement using optical coherence tomography angiography for the assessment of gingiva: An in vivo study
Authors: Le Nhan M. , Song Shaozhen , Zhou Hao , Xu Jingjiang , Li Yuandong , Sung Cheng‐En , Sadr Alireza , Chung Kwok‐Hung , Subhash Hrebesh M. , Kilpatrick Latonya , Wang Ruikang K.
Published: August 2018

Gingiva is the soft tissue that surrounds and protects the teeth. Healthy gingiva provides an effective barrier to periodontal insults to deeper tissue, thus is an important indicator to a patient's periodontal health. Current methods in assessing gingival tissue health, including visual observation and physical examination with probing on the gingiva, are qualitative and subjective. They may become cumbersome when more complex cases are involved, such as variations in gingival biotypes where feature and thickness of the gingiva are considered. A noninvasive imaging technique providing depth‐resolved structural and vascular information is necessary for an improved assessment of gingival tissue and more accurate diagnosis of periodontal status. We propose a three‐dimensional (3D) imaging technique, optical coherence tomography (OCT), to perform in situ imaging on human gingiva. Ten volunteers (five male, five female, age 25‐35) were recruited; and the labial gingival tissues of upper incisors were scanned using the combined use of state‐of‐the‐art swept‐source OCT and OCT angiography (OCTA). Information was collected describing the 3D tissue microstructure and capillary vasculature of the gingiva within a penetration depth of up to 2 mm. Results indicate significant structural and vascular differences between the two extreme gingival biotypes (ie, thick and thin gingiva), and demonstrate special features of vascular arrangement and characteristics in gingival inflammation. Within the limit of this study, the OCT/OCTA technique is feasible in quantifying different attributes of gingival biotypes and the severity of gingival inflammation.
Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of Multiple Rising Doses of BI 655064, an Antagonistic Anti‐CD40 Antibody, in Healthy Subjects: A Potential Novel Treatment for Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Schwabe Christian , Rosenstock Bernd , Doan Thi , Hamilton Paul , Dunbar P. Rod , Eleftheraki Anastasia G. , Joseph David , Hilbert James , Schoelch Corinna , Padula Steven J. , Steffgen Jürgen
Published: August 2018

BI 655064 is a humanized antagonistic anti‐cluster of differentiation (CD) 40 monoclonal antibody that selectively blocks the CD40‐CD40L interaction. The CD40‐CD40L pathway is a promising treatment target for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and lupus nephritis. The safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of repeated once‐weekly BI 655064 subcutaneous dosing over 4 weeks were evaluated in a multiple‐dose study in healthy subjects. Subjects (N = 40) were randomized 4:1 to four sequential BI 655064 dose groups (80, 120, 180, 240 mg) or to placebo. Safety and tolerability, plasma exposure, CD40 receptor occupancy, and CD40L‐induced CD54 upregulation were assessed over 64 and 78 days for the 80‐ to 180‐mg and 240‐mg dose groups, respectively. BI 655064 exposure increased in a supraproportional manner, due to target‐mediated drug clearance, for doses between 80 mg and 120 mg, but was near proportional for doses greater than 120 mg. Terminal half‐life ranged between 6 and 8 days. Dose‐dependent accumulation of BI 655064 supports the use of a loading dose in future clinical studies. Following 4 weeks of dosing, >90% CD40 receptor occupancy and inhibition of CD54 upregulation were observed at all dose levels, lasting for 17 days after the last dose. BI 655064 was generally well tolerated. There were no serious adverse events and the frequency and intensity of adverse events were similar for BI 655064 and placebo; no dose relationship or relevant signs of an acute immune reaction were observed. These findings support further investigation of BI 655064 as a potential treatment for autoimmune diseases.
Risk of endometrial cancer and endometrial hyperplasia with atypia in asymptomatic postmenopausal women with endometrial thickness ≥11 mm: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Alcázar Juan Luis , Bonilla Laura , Marucco Julia , Padilla Ana Isabel , Chacón Enrique , Manzour Nabil , Salas Aina
Published: August 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the risk of endometrial cancer and/or endometrial hyperplasia with atypia in asymptomatic postmenopausal women with endometrial thickness ≥ 11 mm.

Methods

Systematic review of literature using database search (PubMed and Web of Science) of articles published between January 1990 and December 2016 evaluating the correlation between endometrial thickness as measured by transvaginal ultrasound (double layer) and histopathological findings in asymptomatic postmenopausal women, using the following terms: “endometrial thickness,” “postmenopausal,” “postmenopause,” and “asymptomatic.” Inclusion criteria were prospective or retrospective studies of more than 150 cases that provided information on endometrial thickness and its correlation with histopathological data. Studies that included patients with hormone replacement therapy, tamoxifen, or aromatase inhibitors were excluded. The overall relative risk (RR) for EC/EHA was calculated, stratifying the patients into two groups according to endometrial thickness (<11 mm and ≥11 mm). Heterogeneity was assessed by calculating I2.

Results

The search identified 289 studies. After exclusions, nine articles that met all the inclusion criteria were included, comprising data from 4751 women. The prevalence of endometrial cancer and/or endometrial hyperplasia with atypia was 2.4%. The relative risk of endometrial cancer and/or endometrial hyperplasia with atypia in the ≥11 mm group was 2.59 (95% CI: 1.66‐4.05). High heterogeneity was observed between studies (I2: 57.3%, P = .016).

Conclusions

Overall the risk for EC/EHA was 2.6 times greater in women with ET ≥11 mm vs women with ET 5‐10 mm, although there was significant heterogeneity in estimates across studies.
Boundary Spanning and Engineering: A Qualitative Systematic Review
Authors: Jesiek Brent K. , Mazzurco Andrea , Buswell Natascha T. , Thompson Julia D.
Published: August 2018

Background

Engineers are often expected to span organizational, cultural, stakeholder, geographic, temporal, and other boundaries. Yet, few studies on boundary spanning have appeared in the engineering education literature, suggesting the need for improved theoretical and conceptual foundations to guide empirical studies of boundary spanning in engineering.

Purpose

To develop a more comprehensive understanding of boundary spanning, this study addresses five research questions: (a) What types of boundaries have been identified as topics of interest? (b) How are boundary spanners and boundary spanning defined? (c) What types of activities and behaviors comprise or have been linked to boundary spanning? (d) What individual competencies and characteristics have been proposed or studied as important for boundary spanning? and (e) What boundary spanning themes are most prominent in studies of engineers and other technical professionals?

Scope/Method

Using a qualitative systematic review process, we identified and analyzed 72 scholarly papers from multiple disciplines. Multiple reviewers coded each paper using a hybrid deductive‐inductive content analysis process to identify key themes related to boundary spanning.

Conclusions

The analysis resulted in a framework consisting of six boundary types, three types of roles and definitions, and five types of activities. Discussion of boundary spanning competencies was limited in the collected works, and only seven papers exclusively focused on engineers. We conclude by proposing boundary spanning as an important meta‐attribute for engineers and a promising lens for investigating engineering practice. We also relate our findings to the engineering education literature and suggest directions for future research.
Quality of life and sexual well‐being after nipple sparing mastectomy: A matched comparison of patients using the breast Q
Authors: Yoon‐Flannery Kahyun , DeStefano Lauren M. , De La Cruz Lucy M. , Fisher Carla S. , Lin Lisa Y. , Coffua Lauren S. , Mustafa Rose E. , Sataloff Dahlia M. , Tchou Julia C. , Brooks Ari D.
Published: August 2018

Background

Nipple sparing mastectomy (NSM) is considered safe for select patients. Our objective was to examine quality of life (QOL) and satisfaction for NSM compared with skin sparing mastectomy (SSM). We aimed to evaluate these using the BREAST‐Q.

Methods

After IRB approval, we analyzed patients who underwent NSM and reconstruction between July 2010‐June 2015. NSM patients were matched with those after SSM based on age, race, and body mass index. Telephone interviews were prospectively conducted using the BREAST‐Q Mastectomy Postoperative Module. Bivariate analysis and a paired samples t‐test were performed.

Results

We identified 43 patients meeting our inclusion criteria with a response rate 60% (N = 26). NSM and SSM patients were matched well in age (P = 1.00), race (P = 1.00), and Body Mass Index (P = 0.99). There were no significant differences in stage, estrogen and progesterone status, HER2 expression, reconstruction type and radiation. Mean BREAST‐Q scores did not vary between NSM and SSM in regards to satisfaction with breasts (P = 0.604), psychosocial well‐being (P = 0.146), physical well‐being (P = 0.121), and satisfaction with surgeon (P = 0.170). Sexual well‐being was significantly higher in NSM patients (P = 0.011).

Conclusion

NSM provides patients with favorable results in psychosocial, sexual, and physical well‐being and overall satisfaction. Sexual well‐being showed significant improvement for NSM.
Measurement of circulating transcript levels (NETest) to detect disease recurrence and improve follow‐up after curative surgical resection of well‐differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Genç Cansu G. , Jilesen Anneke P.J. , Nieveen van Dijkum Els J.M. , Klümpen Heinz‐Josef , van Eijck Casper H.J. , Drozdov Ignat , Malczewska Anna , Kidd Mark , Modlin Irvin
Published: August 2018

Background

Recurrence of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) after surgery is common. Strategies to detect recurrence have limitations. We investigated the role of clinical criteria and the multigene polymerase chain reaction–based NETest during post‐operative follow‐up of pNET.

Methods

We studied 3 groups of resections: R0 with no recurrence (n = 11), R0 with recurrence (n = 12), and R1 with no recurrence (n = 12). NETest levels (>40%) were compared with chromogranin A (CgA) and clinicopathological criteria (CC; grade, lymph node metastases, size). Nonparametric, receiver operating characteristics, logistic regression, and predictive feature importance analyses were performed.

Results

NETest was higher in R0 with recurrence (56 ± 8%) compared with R1 with no recurrence (39 ± 6%) and R0 with no recurrence (28 ± 6%, P < .005). NETest positively correlated with recurrence (area under the curve: 0.82), CgA was not (area under the curve: 0.51 ± 0.09). Multiple regression analysis defined factor impact as highest for NETest (P < .005) versus CC (P < .03) and CgA (P = .23). NETest gave false positive or negative recurrence in 18% using a 40% cutoff. Logistic regression modeling of CC was 83% accurate; it was 91% when the NETest was included. Combining CC and NETest was approximately 2× more effective than individual CC alone (increase in R
2 value from 43% to 80%).

Conclusions

A multigene blood test facilitates effective identification of pNET recurrence, prediction of disease relapse, and outperforms CgA.
PROMIS® scores in operative metastatic bone disease patients: A multicenter, prospective study
Authors: Blank Alan T. , Lerman Daniel M. , Shaw Sara , Dadrass Farnaz , Zhang Yue , Liu Wei , Hung Man , Jones Kevin B. , Randall R. Lor
Published: August 2018

Background

The prevalence of metastatic bone disease (MBD) grows each year as treatments improve. Little has been published about functional and pain outcomes in this group after surgery. Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) can collect information, in just minutes, about patient's physical, mental, and social health. This study evaluated PROMIS® pain and functional scores in surgically treated patients with MBD.

Methods

Basic demographics and PROMIS® scores were recorded from a total of 13 patients at 9 periods of time over 6 months.

Results

The average change in physical function at week 1 was −2.5 (standard deviation [SD] = 5.4), at 2 weeks 1.7 (SD = 7.6), after 4 weeks 6.9 (SD = 10), after 6 weeks 6.4 (SD = 10.9), after 10 weeks 15.3 (SD = 3.1), and after 3 months 8.6 (SD = 7.6). The average change in pain inference at week 1 was −1.2 (SD = 7.3), at 2 weeks −2.1 (SD = 9.5), after 4 weeks −12.6 (SD = 4.5), after 6 weeks −8.3 (SD = 10.2), after 10 weeks −16.6 (SD = 4.3), and after 3 months −11.4 (SD = 8.2).

Conclusions

PROMIS® provides a feasible means to collect data in this population. Trends of improved function and decreased pain were seen after surgery. Continuing this study will hopefully elucidate more insight into the surgical treatment of MBD.
Ergonomics in microsurgery
Authors: Lakhiani Chrisovalantis , Fisher Sean M. , Janhofer David E. , Song David H.
Published: August 2018

There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that surgeon posture while operating contributes to cervical musculoskeletal strain, discomfort, and chronic pain. Microsurgeons may be particularly susceptible to this risk due to persistent neck flexion, long periods of static posture, and the use of heavy, high‐power loupe magnification. Several techniques are thus presented that may help in obviating the cervicospinal repercussions of performing microsurgery.
Periphyton‐induced changes in the phosphorus sorption characteristics of a paddy soil from coastal mudflat reclamation
Authors: Haiying Lu , Yanfang Feng , Hongbo Shao , Jia Liu , Gaoling Shi , Linzhang Yang , Boping Tang
Published: August 2018

Soil phosphorus (P) sorption characteristics critically influence P availability to plants; however, the influence of periphyton on P sorption remains unclear. In this study, the P adsorption and desorption characteristics of soil in a reclaimed paddy field were evaluated after periphyton colonization of different substrates, that is, periphyton only (PO), periphyton with straw addition (PS), and periphyton with biochar addition (PB). The results indicate that the addition of straw to paddy soil increased the periphyton biomass, whereas the addition of biochar decreased the biomass. The P availability in the paddy soil significantly increased in all periphyton treatments. Specifically, the content of NaHCO3‐extractable P and readily available P in the paddy soil increased by 5‐, 6‐, and 7.5‐fold and 3‐, 1.5‐, and 7‐fold, respectively, in the PO, PS, and PB treatments. Compared with the control (no periphyton), the maximal P sorption capacity (qm) and equilibrium P concentration at zero sorption (EPC0) of the paddy soil were enhanced in the PO and PB treatments but reduced in the PS treatment. In contrast, the adsorption constant (KL) and maximum buffer capacity declined in the PO and PB treatments but increased in the PS treatment. In addition, the amount of P desorbed from the soil was higher in all periphyton treatments compared with the control. The P content in the periphyton differed among treatments and ranged from 0.6 to 1.6 mg g−1. These findings demonstrate that paddy periphyton has a great impact on the P sorption characteristics of the paddy topsoil. This study contributes not only to a deep comprehension of P cycling in paddy soil containing periphyton or similar aggregates but also to the regulation of soil P availability by periphyton.
Motivations for posting online reviews in the hotel industry
Authors: Gonçalves Helena Martins , Silva Graça Miranda , Martins Telma Gomes
Published: August 2018

Some travelers may rely on online reviews (electronic word of mouth [eWOM]) from users who have already experienced a particular hotel before making a hotel reservation. However, only a small percentage of users of eWOM contribute actively with new reviews and evaluations. The understanding of what motivates consumers to write eWOM is very important, in order that hotels can achieve more and better eWOM and, consequently, more reservations. Based on an online survey and using fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis, this study identifies different causal combinations of motivations (personal, social benefit, social concern, and consumer empowerment) and demographic characteristics (gender and age) that lead to hotel eWOM. Three configurations exist: being a female older than 35 years old, combined with high social concern and high consumer empowerment; being a female older than 35 years old, combined with high social concern and high personal motivations; and being a male, combined with high social concern, high personal motivations, and high consumer empowerment.
Done Right, Employee Committees Improve Organizations' Efficiency and Effectiveness
Authors: DeMaria Alfred T.
Published: August 2018

Note: This is the final article in a series about employee participation committees.
Effect of Natural Macromolecule Filler on the Properties of High‐Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Authors: Siddiqui Mohammad Nahid , Redhwi Halim Hamid , Younas Muhammad , Alghizzi Ahmed G. , Suliman Munzir H. , Achilias Dimitrios S.
Published: August 2018

This study investigates the thermal and viscoelastic properties of High‐Density Polyethylene (HDPE) filled with the natural macromolecule, asphaltene, with different loading ratios. The thermal and viscoelastic properties of the composites are studied using DSC, WAXD and other mechanical techniques. The addition of 2.5 wt% asphaltenes presents a slightly higher degree of crystallinity compared to pristine HDPE. The addition of asphaltenes does not seem to alter significantly the mechanical tensile properties of the material, while only the composite with 2.5 wt% found to have improved tensile and yield strength. Specifically, the initial thermal degradation temperature increases by almost 40 °C as it came from TGA measurements where degradation of the composites shifted to higher values. In addition, the thermal degradation activation energy of HDPE and the composites is estimated assuming a first order kinetic model. The activation energy of neat HDPE is estimated to be 287 kJ mol−1, whereas that of the above‐mentioned composites significantly increases. This is another indication that the addition of asphaltenes into HDPE serve as a thermal barrier delaying the kinetics of the thermal degradation of the material. Inclusion of large amount of asphaltenes (i.e., 15%) results in a material presenting thermal degradation similar to pristine HDPE, with lower activation energy. Overall, from this study it comes that the optimum amount of asphaltenes that could be added to HDPE is around 2.5 wt% resulting in the best dispersion in the polymeric matrix, larger crystallite size, higher relative degree of crystallinity, somehow improves mechanical tensile properties and significantly enhances thermal stability.
Glycerin‐Based Polyurethane Obtained by Inverse Emulsion: Comparison Between Magnetic Induction and Conventional Heating
Authors: Santiago Jéssica P. , de Campos Silva Poliana , Marques Fernanda D. , Gomes de Souza Fernando
Published: August 2018

This work studies the comparison of polyurethane particles obtained by heating through magnetic induction and conventional heating. The collected materials are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Low‐Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Particle Size Distribution, and Gel Fraction. Besides that, the magnetic force of the magnetite in glycerin suspension is performed. The obtained results allow inferring that the polyurethane particles obtained by magnetic induction exhibit properties close to the particles obtained by conventional heating. However, composite particles present a longer relaxation time than the one of the polyurethane, providing the highest toughness to the material. As the principal advantage, materials obtained by magnetic induction heating can be produced in a fraction of the time requested for the preparation of the similar materials obtained by conventional heating.
Oil Spill Clean‐Up Tool Based on Castor Oil and Coffee Grounds Magnetic Resins
Authors: Silva Johny C. , Oliveira Geisa E. , Toledo Filho Romildo D. , Souza Fernando G.
Published: August 2018

Aiming to reduce the anthropogenic environmental impact some wastes can be used as raw material in other process. Considering that, coffee grounds powder before and after acetylation process were used as a filler in a new composite material that is able to clean up spilled oil from the surface of water. The polymeric matrix was a polyurethane and maghemite nanoparticles was used as filler to provide magnetic properties to the material. In this study, four different materials were prepared: the first was the resin matrix; the second was the composite containing only 5% w/w of magnetizable nanoparticles; the third was the composite containing 5% w/w of the magnetizable nanoparticles and 10% w/w of coffee grounds; and the last was similar the former but containing acetylated coffee grounds powder. All of the obtained materials were characterized by FTIR, XRD, TGA, magnetic force and susceptibility, density, water absorption amount and oil removal capability. The results showed that each gram of composite material containing 10% of coffee grounds powder was able to sorb (9.6 ± 0.5) grams of crude oil, while the composite containing the same amount of acetylated coffee grounds was able to remove (9.4 ± 0.6) grams of crude oil. The significant advantage of the acetylation process is the lower absorption of water in comparison to the non‐acetylated analogous material. The results demonstrated that the hydrophilic tendency decreases significantly. The water/oil ratio absorbed by the materials decreased from 1.07 when using composite containing coffee grounds, to 0.41 when composite containing acetylated coffee grounds was used.
Cellulose Nanofiber vs Nanocrystals From Pineapple Leaf Fiber: A Comparative Studies on Reinforcing Efficiency on Starch Nanocomposites
Authors: Balakrishnan Preetha , Gopi Sreerag , Geethamma V. G. , Kalarikkal Nandakumar , Thomas Sabu
Published: August 2018

Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) and nanocrystals (CNCs) are nanoscale materials obtained from nature by various physical and chemical treatments that has a strong reinforcing ability. CNFs and CNCs have different size, shape, viscosity, and other properties. This study focusses on comparative studies on reinforcing effect of CNFs and CNCs on thermoplastic starch (TPS). The nanocomposites with different weight percentage of reinforcing fillers are fabricated via solvent casting. The transparent TPS/CNF and TPS/CNC films are well characterized using dynamic mechanical analysis to study the effect of filler loading on viscoelastic behavior. All the nanocomposite films has better properties compared to neat TPS. But comparing the properties of CNFs and CNCs on the starch matrix, at some point of time, TPS/CNC composites are more transparent. But due to higher degree of entanglement, strong intermolecular attraction between starch and nanofibers, TPS/CNF composites are better, and the authors modeled the data with DMA and found that the nanofibers have better reinforcing ability and stress transfer character than CNCs. This type of comparative studies helps to find out the proper criteria to reinforce bio‐based material like starch for various applications.
Poly (Butylene Succinate)‐g‐Poly(Hydroxypropyl Methacrylate) as a New Meloxican Delivery System
Authors: da Costa Vítor C. , de Souza Pinto Gabriel L. , Nascimento Maria V. F. , de Campos Vânia E. B. , de Souza Junior Fernando G.
Published: August 2018

The use of biopolymer‐based drug delivery systems is increasing in the pharmaceutical area due to them biodegradable and biocompatible properties. In this work, a poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) grafted with poly (hydroxypropyl methacrylate) (PHPMA), PBSgPHPMA, is prepared using maleic unsaturations inserted in the PBS chain during its synthesis. Several characterization techniques are used to study the homopolymers and the grafted material. Among them, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) allowed inferring the obtaining of the aimed materials. Also, the copolymer is used to prepare microparticles containing Meloxicam by emulsification and solvent evaporation method. These microparticles are tested as drug delivery systems under pH 8.5 (gastrointestinal) and pH 5.5 (skin). The primary results allowed inferring that the grafted material can be used as a drug delivery system, showing that the release rate at pH 5.5 allowed the slower delivery rate among tested materials.
Biopolymers and Their Composites for Drug Delivery: A Brief Review
Authors: Gopi Sreeraj , Amalraj Augustine , Sukumaran Nimisha P. , Haponiuk Józef T. , Thomas Sabu
Published: August 2018

In recent years, excipient development has become a core area of research in pharmaceutical drug delivery because it influences the formulation development and drug delivery process in various ways. Polymeric drug delivery systems have been of great interest for controlled delivery as they show the great advantage in drug delivery systems because of optimized drug loading and releasing property. Then, the side effects of synthetic polymers far exceed that it leads to some difficulties like they impose dose reduction, treatment delay, or the given therapy is not continuous. With this in mind and together with the need for a protective delivery system for drugs, natural polymeric substances such as biopolymers and their composites are the choice of research as excipient because of their low toxicity, biodegradability, stability, and renewable nature. Furthermore, they have a wide variety of structures, different physiological functions and may provide a variety of biomedical applications, owing to their distinctive properties. The present brief review explores the concept of excipient delivery and the recent advances in both the biopolymers and the methods in the pharmaceutical drug delivery systems.
Cellulose Nanomaterials in Biomedical, Food, and Nutraceutical Applications: A Review
Authors: Amalraj Augustine , Gopi Sreeraj , Thomas Sabu , Haponiuk Józef T.
Published: August 2018

Nanotechnology with bionanomaterials have tremendous potential to enhance and utilize for nutrient and bioactive absorption, drug delivery systems, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical field through various applications. Cellulose nanomaterials are green materials that are obtained from renewable sources and possess exceptional mechanical strength and biocompatibility. The associated unique physical and chemical properties have made various nanocomposite materials an intriguing prospect for different application in the biomedical, food, and nutraceutical industries. In this review, we have discussed and provided a summary of the recent researches in the utilization of cellulosic nanomaterials in applications related to food packaging, bone tissue engineering, wound dressing, drug delivery, and nutraceutical research area and industries.
Evaluation of Process Variables on the Suspension Polymerization of Vinyl Pivalate
Authors: Primo Amanda R. , Paiva Victor U.E. , Medeiros Anderson M.M.S. , Machado Fabricio
Published: August 2018

Poly(vinyl pivalate) − PVPi is a poly(vinyl ester) that presents interesting characteristics that lead to the production of embolic agents, such as poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), with high level of sindiotacticity in contrast to the one synthesized from poly(vinyl acetate), for example. This work aims the study of the influence of process variables, such as stirring speed, amount of initiator, and suspending agent concentration on the suspension polymerization reaction of vinyl pivalate. Also, it has the objective of studying the way these parameters can influence the properties of the polymeric particles formation. For this purpose, the reaction system was evaluated using 550, 750, 950, and 1150 rpm as stirring speed, fraction of initiator in the range from 0.3 to 0.5 wt.%, and 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 g L−1 of suspending agent. All samples were characterized by classical gravimetric measurements, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). 1H‐NMR measurements confirmed the synthesis of poly(vinyl pivalate). SEM images have suggested the formation of particles with spherical morphology, exhibiting average diameters of 200, 122, 86, and 79 µm related to the stirring speed of 550, 750, 950 e 1150 rpm, respectively. It was also observed that the polymers had average molar mass of 6.7 · 105, 4.8 · 105, and 4.4 · 105 g mol−1 when 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 wt.% of benzoyl peroxide (BPO) was employed, respectively. The global conversion achieved was ca. 90% in all conditions.
Methanogenic community during the anaerobic digestion of different substrates and organic loading rates
Authors: Kong Dewang , Zhang Keqiang , Liang Junfeng , Gao Wenxuan , Du Lianzhu
Published: August 2018

Three anaerobic reactors using pig manure (PM), maize straw (MS), and a mixture of the two as substrates were compared for archaeal community structure and diversity, and for methanogens response to increased organic loading rate (OLR, expressed in the mass of volatile solid (VS)). Methanogenic archaeal richness during codigestion of pig manure with maize straw (ACE: 2412) was greater than that during the others (ACE: 1225, 1467) at an OLR of 4 g L−1 day−1, accompanied by high specific methane yield. Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota predominated during overall digestion of different substrates; with relative abundances of 63.5%–99.0% and 1.0%–36.3%, respectively. Methanosarcina was the predominant genus that accounted for 33.7%–79.8% of the archaeal community. The diversity in the PM digester decreased with increase in OLR, but increased in the MS digester. The diversity was stable during the codigestion with increased OLR. The relative abundances of hydrogenotrophic methanogens increased by 2.6 and 2.1 folds; the methanogenic community shifted from acetoclastic to hydrogenotrophic methanogens during digestion of MS, and of the mixture of MS and PM. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed a strong relationship between reactor parameters and methanogenic community.
Incorporating a “no claim bonus” in insurance agency contract
Authors: Sarkar Sumit , Bharathkumar Sai Ranjani
Published: August 2018

A bonus received by an agent from an insurer when the insured does not make a claim is called a “no claim bonus” (NCB). An NCB rewards the agent's risk‐management (RM) effort that reduces the probability that the insured suffers a loss. This paper designs an incentive compatible contract that induces the agent to choose an RM effort. If the agent's RM effort cost is lower than a threshold, feasible ranges of NCB and premium values exist such that the insurer can offer an incentive compatible agency contract with an NCB that is acceptable to the agent.
Loss reserving behaviour in insurance markets: Evidence from Mauritius
Authors: Alhassan Abdul Latif
Published: August 2018

This study examines determinants of loss reserves among a sample of 14 general insurance companies in Mauritius from 2008 to 2015. The paper documents evidence that on average, technical reserves account for 45.41% of total assets, made of 19.79% in unearned premiums and 25.62% in outstanding claims. Using panel regression techniques, the findings suggest that general insurers manipulate their earnings through reserve provisions to smooth income and tax considerations. In addition, underwriting risk and reinsurance increases technical reserves, whereas market concentration induces high provisioning for outstanding claims. Policy recommendations for industry regulations are discussed.
The use of variable temperature 13C solid‐state MAS NMR and GIPAW DFT calculations to explore the dynamics of diethylcarbamazine citrate
Authors: Venâncio Tiago , Oliveira Lyege Magalhaes , Pawlak Tomasz , Ellena Javier , Boechat Nubia , Brown Steven P.
Published: August 2018

Experimental 13C solid‐state magic‐angle spinning (MAS) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) as well as Density‐Functional Theory (DFT) gauge‐including projector augmented wave (GIPAW) calculations were used to probe disorder and local mobility in diethylcarbamazine citrate, (DEC)+(citrate)−. This compound has been used as the first option drug for the treatment of filariasis, a disease endemic in tropical countries and caused by adult worms of Wuchereria bancrofti, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. We firstly present 2D 13C─1H dipolar‐coupling‐mediated heteronuclear correlation spectra recorded at moderate spinning frequency, to explore the intermolecular interaction between DEC and citrate molecules. Secondly, we investigate the dynamic behavior of (DEC)+(citrate)− by varying the temperature and correlating the experimental MAS NMR results with DFT GIPAW calculations that consider two (DEC)+ conformers (in a 70:30 ratio) for crystal structures determined at 293 and 235 K. Solid‐state NMR provides insights on slow exchange dynamics revealing conformational changes involving particularly the DEC ethyl groups.
Advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapy: Barriers and enablers to multi‐site implementation
Authors: Shaw Bridget R. , Heywood Sophie E. , Page Carolyn J. , Phan Uyen M. , Harding Paula A. , Walter Kerrie , Terrill Desiree L. , Granger Catherine L.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapy (AMP) services are a safe, effective model of care, but without broad‐scale healthcare implementation to date. The aim of the present study was to identify the barriers and enablers to implementation of 12 AMP services from the perspective of clinical staff.

Methods

In a qualitative study, 12 participants (physiotherapists), from 12 different healthcare networks (seven metropolitan, three regional, two rural), were included. Their departments implemented AMP services (orthopaedic postoperative joint replacement review, n = 10; general orthopaedic, n = 1; emergency, n = 1; and neurosurgery n = 1) over a 12‐month period. Participants completed a structured survey specifically designed for the study. Thematic analysis was used, with themes mapped to the validated Theoretical Domains Framework.

Results

Nine major themes emerged from the data regarding barriers and enablers to the implementation of the AMP services from the perspective of clinical staff. These were: demand/capacity; model of care; the organization; stakeholders; communication; planning and processes; evaluation; workforce; and learning and assessment framework. Important enablers included engagement and buy‐in from key stakeholders and medical staff, and well‐established AMP learning frameworks for training and operational frameworks. Barriers included competitive funding environment, and issues that hindered effective communication. The knowledge, skills, availability, motivation and experience of the advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapists had a large impact on the implementation.

Conclusions

The study identified a number of factors that should be considered for successful implementation of AMP services across healthcare services or wider healthcare networks.
Influence of Kaolin Clay on Aeromonas hydrophila Growth, Chemotaxis, and Virulence to Channel Catfish
Authors: Yildirim-Aksoy Mediha , Mohammed Haitham , Peatman E , Fuller S Adam , Beck Benjamin H
Published: August 2018

Aeromonas hydrophila is one of the most widespread bacterial pathogens affecting freshwater fish, and an emerging pathotype of A. hydrophila has severely impacted the catfish industry over the last decade. In this study, we evaluated the effect of treatment with kaolin (Al2Si2O5[OH]4), an inert clay, on A. hydrophila chemotaxis and adhesion (two important steps of the infective process) to catfish mucus and the potential use of kaolin for controlling A. hydrophila outbreaks. Chemotaxis assays revealed that kaolin clay significantly blocked the chemotaxis and adherence of A. hydrophila to catfish mucus. Kaolin treatment at a level of 0.1% led to a significant improvement in survival (66.7%) of experimentally challenged Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus as compared to untreated fish (28.9%). Kaolin treatment did not alter the growth of A. hydrophila, but bacterial concentrations in the upper phase of treated cultures were significantly reduced by kaolin treatment within 15 min and were significantly increased in the pellet by 45 min of treatment, indicating the rapid formation of physical complexes through adsorption followed by gravitational settling.
Effects of Aquaculture on Lakes in the Central Yangtze River Basin, China, III: Heavy Metals
Authors: Xia Wentong , Qu Xiao , Zhang Yingxue , Wang Rui , Xin Wei , Guo Chuanbo , Bowker Jim , Chen Yushun
Published: August 2018

Fish culture in lakes is an important component of aquaculture in some countries, but little is known about its impact on the ecosystem of the impacted lake. In summer 2015, we measured concentrations of 11 heavy metals, including copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and manganese (Mn), in water and sediment from 23 lakes of different aquaculture classifications in the middle reach of the Yangtze River basin, China. These lakes represented the following four lake aquaculture management strategies: fish ranching in lakes classified as receiving low (LOW; used for backup drinking water and irrigation), medium (MEDIUM), or high (HIGH; fish fed commercial feed) stocking rates or as fallow (FALLOW), in which previously ranched HIGH lakes had not been stocked for 2 years. Results showed a positive relationship between most heavy metal concentrations and fish culture intensity. Concentrations of Cu, Zn, and aluminum (Al) in the water column were significantly greater in the HIGH lakes than in the LOW lakes. Heavy metals in the FALLOW lakes did not appear to fully recover from past aquaculture activities. In sediment, the concentration of As in LOW lakes was significantly lower than those in MEDIUM and HIGH lakes, whereas no among-group significant differences in the other heavy metal concentrations were detected. Metals in sediments of all four lake types were at the low ecological risk level. We speculate that these results may be applied to lakes in other regions globally with similar fish stocking and management strategies.
Control of Globally Invasive Common Carp: An 11-Year Commercial Trial of the Williams’ Cage
Authors: Stuart Ivor G. , Conallin Anthony J.
Published: August 2018

The Common Carp Cyprinus carpio is a major pest fish in Australia, North America, New Zealand, and parts of Europe. The Williams’ carp separation cage was developed to separate Common Carp from native fish as they pass through fishways by exploiting their strong migratory and unique jumping behaviors. We report on an 11-year commercial application of the Williams’ cage at Lock 1 on the lower Murray River (southeast Australia), where a high biomass of Common Carp resides. Between November 2007 and January 2018, the cage was operated by a collaborative team of river managers, weir keepers, commercial fishers, and researchers. To date, approximately 723 metric tons of adult Common Carp (~289,431 fish) have been captured at a maximum rate of 5 metric tons/d. These fish were marketed for a total return of over AU$0.90 million, far exceeding setup costs. Catches and separation efficiencies were highest in austral spring, when fish were migrating to spawn, and bycatch of nontarget native fish was practically zero (0.03%). Population modeling indicated that a combination of commercial carp fishing, low inflows, and the Williams’ cage has caused a significant reduction in Common Carp numbers in the lower Murray River. The Williams’ cage has now successfully moved from an experimental idea to full commercial viability, and at Lock 1 it is playing a valuable role in controlling the dispersal and abundance of globally invasive Common Carp.