bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Common dietary patterns and risk of cancers of the colon and rectum: Analysis from the United Kingdom Women's Cohort Study (UKWCS)
Authors: Rada‐Fernandez de Jauregui Diego , Evans Charlotte E.L. , Jones Petra , Greenwood Darren C. , Hancock Neil , Cade Janet E.
Published: March 2018

Few prospective cohort studies in the UK have specifically focused on the associations between commonly consumed dietary patterns and colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of our study was to assess whether red meat, poultry, fish and vegetarian dietary patterns are associated with differences in the incidence of cancers of colon and rectum in the UKWCS. Four common dietary patterns were defined based on a hierarchy of consumption of red meat, poultry and fish for each cohort participant, using a 217‐item food frequency questionnaire. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to provide adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for CRC. A total of 32,147 women recruited and surveyed between 1995 and 1998 were followed up for a mean of 17.2 years (426,798 person‐years). A total of 462 incident CRC cases were documented; 335 colon cancers (172 proximal and 119 distal) and 152 in the rectum. In multivariable‐adjusted models, there was no evidence of a reduction in risk of overall CRC (HR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.66–1.12), colon cancer (HR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.56–1.05) or rectal cancer (HR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.66–1.63) when comparing grouped red meat free diets with diets containing red meat. Exploratory analysis suggested a reduced risk of distal colon cancer in grouped red meat free diets (HR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.34–0.95), though numbers with this outcome were small. These results indicate that a protective association of red meat free diets specifically on distal colon cancer merits confirmation in a larger study.
Diabetes in midlife and risk of cancer in late life: A nationwide Swedish twin study
Authors: Bao Cuiping , Pedersen Nancy L , Yang Rongrong , Marseglia Anna , Xu Weige , Wang Yaogang , Qi Xiuying , Xu Weili
Published: March 2018

The association between diabetes and cancer risk remains controversial. Hence, we examined whether midlife diabetes is related to the risk of cancer in late‐life, and whether genetic and early‐life environmental factors play a role in this association. This study included 25,154 twin individuals born in 1958 or earlier from the Swedish Twin Registry. Information on cancer diagnosis in late life (aged ≥ 65) during 1998–2014, was derived from the National Patient and Cancer Registries. Diabetes was ascertained based on self‐ or informant‐reported history, patient registry and antidiabetic medication use. Midlife diabetes was defined when diabetes was diagnosed before 65 years. Data were analyzed following two strategies: (i) unmatched case‐control analysis for all participants using generalized estimating equation (GEE) models, and (ii) co‐twin control analysis for cancer‐discordant twin pairs using conditional logistic regression. Overall, 1,766 (7.0%) had midlife diabetes and 5,293 (21.0%) had cancer in late‐life. In multiadjusted GEE models, the odds ratios (95% CIs) of diabetes were 10.55 (2.95–37.67) for pharynx cancer, 5.78 (1.72–19.40) for small intestine cancer, 2.37 (1.14–4.91) for liver cancer and 0.48 (0.35–0.67) for prostate cancer. In people with diabetes, diabetes duration was dose‐dependently associated with cancer risk. In conditional logistic regression analysis of 176 prostate cancer‐discordant twin pairs, the association between midlife diabetes and prostate cancer in later life became stronger. Midlife diabetes increases the risk of pharynx, small intestine and liver cancers, but reduces prostate cancer risk in late life. Genetic and early‐life environmental factors may partially contribute to the diabetes–prostate cancer association.
Xanthohumol ameliorates 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin–induced cellular toxicity in cultured MC3T3‐E1 osteoblastic cells
Authors: Suh Kwang Sik , Choi Eun Mi , Kim Hyun‐Sook , Park So Young , Chin Sang Ouk , Rhee Sang Youl , Pak Youngmi Kim , Choe Wonchae , Ha Joohun , Chon Suk
Published: March 2018

2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) is an environmental contaminant. Xanthohumol is a prenylated flavonoid found in hops (Humulus lupulus) and beer. The aim of the current study was to explore the role of xanthohumol in modulating the toxicity of TCDD in MC3T3‐E1 osteoblastic cells. In cells treated with TCDD alone, intracellular Ca2+ concentrations, mitochondrial membrane potential disruption, reactive oxygen species production, cardiolipin peroxidation, nitric oxide release and cytochrome P450 1A1 expression were significantly increased. TCDD treatment increased the mRNA levels of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1 and nuclear factor kappa B, and significantly decreased the level of protein kinase B (AKT) in MC3T3‐E1 osteoblastic cells. However, the presence of xanthohumol alleviated the pathological effects of TCDD. In addition, xanthohumol treatment significantly increased the expression of genes associated with osteoblast differentiation (alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin and osterix). We conclude that xanthohumol has a beneficial influence and may antagonize TCDD toxicity in osteoblastic cells.
Sarcopenia and Its Clinical Correlates in the General Population: The Rotterdam Study
Authors: Trajanoska Katerina , Schoufour Josje D , Darweesh Sirwan KL , Benz Elizabeth , Medina-Gomez Carolina , Alferink Louise JM , Lahousse Lies , Brusselle Guy , Stricker Bruno , Darwish Murad Sarwa , Zillikens M Carola , Uitterlinden Andre G , Ikram M Arfan , Franco Oscar H , Rivadeneira Fernando
Published: March 2018

Sarcopenia, a complex multifactorial condition, is characterized by loss of muscle mass and function, which increases progressively with age. The existence of different definitions has contributed to the large variation in the prevalence estimates of sarcopenia. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of sarcopenia in the general population using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) proposed definition and compared baseline demographic and clinical characteristics between the nonsarcopenia, presarcopenia, and sarcopenia individuals, with particular emphasis on the overlap with osteoporosis and fracture risk. We studied 5911 subjects at a mean age of 69.2 years (55.8% female) with data on sarcopenia participating in the Rotterdam Study, a prospective population-based cohort study in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Presarcopenia was defined as having only low muscle mass, whereas sarcopenia was defined based on the presence of low muscle mass, plus either low muscle strength or low physical performance. The prevalence of presarcopenia and sarcopenia was 5.9% and 4.4%, respectively. Individuals with sarcopenia were older, more often males, smokers, with less optimal dietary intake, and more often disabled with lower physical activity. Although the prevalence of fractures was higher in individuals with low lean mass (presarcopenic [16.6%] and sarcopenic [23.5%]) compared with the no sarcopenic group (15.5%), the differences were not present after correcting for age and sex. There were no statistical differences in the prevalence of chronic diseases, with the exception of a higher prevalence of COPD in presarcopenic (29.1%) and sarcopenic (26.9%) individuals compared with nonsarcopenic (13.4%) individuals. Osteoporotic individuals with (odds ratio [OR] = 2.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41–4.45) and without sarcopenia (OR = 2.75, 95% CI 2.01–3.75) had similar elevated risk of nonvertebral fractures. The presence of sarcopenia appears to be independent of chronic diseases with the exception of COPD and more related to lifestyle factors and disabilities. Sarcopenic individuals in the general population are at no greater risk of fracture than what is determined by their low bone mineral density. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
FGF23 Neutralizing Antibody Partially Improves Bone Mineralization Defect of HMWFGF2 Isoforms in Transgenic Female Mice
Authors: Xiao Liping , Homer-Bouthiette Collin , Hurley Marja M
Published: March 2018

Mice overexpressing high molecular weight FGF2 isoforms (HMWTg) in osteoblast lineage phenocopy human X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH) and a Hyp murine model of XLH demonstrating increased FGF23/FGF receptor signaling and hypophosphatemic rickets/osteomalacia. Because HMWFGF2 was upregulated in bones of Hyp mice and abnormal FGF23 signaling is important in XLH, HMWTg mice were used to examine the effect of the FGF23 neutralizing antibody (FGF23Ab). Eight-week-old female Vector control mice and HMWTg mice were treated with FGF23Ab or control IgG. A single injection of FGF23Ab rescued abnormal hypophosphatemia in HMWTg. The decreased type II sodium-dependent phosphate co-transporter (Npt2a) was rescued by FGF23Ab treatment. Inappropriately low serum 1,25(OH)2D in HMWTg mice was normalized by FGF23Ab treatment, which is accompanied by increased anabolic vitamin D hydroxylase Cyp27b1 and decreased catabolic vitamin D hydroxylase Cyp24 mRNA in kidney. Long-term treatment with FGF23Ab normalized femur length and significantly increased vertebrae BMD and BMC, and femur BMC in HMWTg mice compared to IgG-treated HMWTg mice. Micro–computed tomography (μCT) revealed increased cortical porosity and decreased cortical apparent density in the HMWTg-IgG group compared with the Vector-IgG group; however, FGF23Ab treatment rescued defective cortical mineralization, decreased porosity, and increased apparent density in HMWTg mice. Bone histomorphometry analysis showed FGF23Ab treatment decreased osteoid volume, increased intra-label thickness, mineralization apposition rate, and bone formation rate in HMWTg mice. FGF23Ab improved disorganized double labeling in femurs from HMWTg mice. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis of tibia shafts showed FGF23Ab treatment normalized the osteocalcin (Ocn) mRNA expression in HMWTg mice, but further increased expression of SIBLING protein–related and pyrophosphate-related genes that are important in matrix mineralization, suggesting that HMWFGF2 modulates these genes independent of FGF23. We conclude that FGF23Ab partially rescued hypophosphatemic osteomalacia in HMWTg. However, long-term treatment with FGF23Ab further increased SIBLING protein–related genes and pyrophosphate-related genes in bone that could contribute to incomplete rescue of the mineralization defect. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
4,5‐Imidazoledicarboxylic acid immobilized on Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles: Preparation, characterization, and application as a recyclable and efficient nanocatalyst in the sonochemical condensation reaction
Authors: Shah Hosseini Mohadesseh , Ghafuri Hossein , Esmaili Zand Hamid Reza
Published: March 2018

A green synthesis of benzimidazole derivatives using recyclable magnetic 4,5‐imidazoledicarboxylic is described. The magnetic 4,5‐imidazoledicarboxylic (Fe3O4@ImDCA) nanocatalyst was characterized completely by infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and benzimidazoles were characterized by their melting points, FT‐IR, and 1H NMR. The current approach provides a number of advantages in terms of high yields, low reaction times, the use of green media, and easy work‐up.
BD PhaSeal™ and particulate contamination
Authors: Smith Evonne Katherine , Sharma Rajinder , Stacey Sonya
Published: March 2018

Background

The closed system transfer device, BD PhaSeal™, is used to compound individual doses of cytotoxic medication in the Aseptic Production Unit (APU) of the Lady Cilento Children's Hospital (LCCH) Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The APU noted a large number of cytotoxic medications compounded using BD PhaSeal™ required remaking of the product due to visible particulate contamination. The small gray particulate contaminate was assumed to be rubber bung produced by ‘coring’ the rubber stopper of the drug vial when using the BD PhaSeal™ Protector P50 as part of the compounding process.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine if substituting the BD PhaSeal™ Protector P50 with the BD PhaSeal™ Protector P55 reduced the level of particulate contamination in cytotoxic compounded products.

Method

Phase 1 – baseline collection of contamination over 4 months. Phase 2 – substitute the Protector P50 with the P55 into the compounding process to compound a single medicine product, vincristine in sodium chloride 0.9% 50 mL bags for 2 weeks. Phase 3 – substitute the Protector P50 with the P55 into the compounding process of all cytotoxic medicines for 4 months.

Results

Phase 1 – 134 products were contaminated out of 2501 compounded products (5.3%). Phase 2 – one out of 75 vincristine products had particulate contamination (1.3%) using P55. Phase 3 – 28 contaminated products out of 3877 (0.72%) using P55.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that substituting BD PhaSeal™ Protector P50 with the Protector P55 reduced the incidence of particulate contamination of cytotoxic medicines from 5.3–0.72% of products. This provides significant resource and financial benefits.
Pregabalin‐induced parkinsonism 72 hours after iodinated contrast administration
Authors: Prado‐Mel Elena , Gil‐López Marìa , Navarro‐Corrales Maria del Carmen
Published: March 2018

Background

Pregabalin is a drug which requires dose adjustment when renal clearance decreases below 60 mL/min.

Aim

We describe a case in which a 58‐year‐old woman, taking pregabalin for 3 years, developed symptoms of parkinsonism due to worsening of her kidney failure.

Clinical details

A 58‐year‐old woman developed symptoms of parkinsonism characterised by bradypsychia and drowsiness, inability to ambulate, stiffness in the extremities and loss of facial expression. Four days earlier the patient had undergone an abdominal computed axial tomography scan with iodinated contrast medium and her renal function had failed. Neurological exploration and image testing were performed with inconclusive results. Her treatment was revised and pregabalin was discontinued.

Outcomes

Parkinsonian symptoms disappeared 10 days after the discontinuation of pregabalin.

Conclusions

This is the first reported case of pregabalin‐induced parkinsonism associated with acute renal failure or exacerbation of chronic renal failure. The monitoring of renal function in patients taking pregabalin is essential to prevent future similar adverse events.
Impact of pharmacist‐led education sessions on the knowledge and practice of calcium carbonate administration among Malaysian chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Rajah Retha , Eng May Fern , Tan Siao Yin
Published: March 2018

Background

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is the most used phosphate binder among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients in Malaysian hospitals. Hence, it is crucial for patients to have adequate knowledge and practice of CaCO3 administration for effective phosphate‐lowering therapy. Patient education serves as a keystone in inducing positive changes in patients’ knowledge and practices.

Aim

To evaluate the impact of pharmacist‐led education sessions (PLES), an educational approach in improving patients’ knowledge and practices regarding CaCO3 administration.

Method

A total of 57 CKD patients prescribed CaCO3 were enrolled in a prospective, cross‐sectional study at the nephrology unit of a public‐funded hospital in Penang, Malaysia. Their baseline knowledge and practices of CaCO3 administration were assessed using a validated questionnaire consisting of five questions in the knowledge and practice sections, respectively. A patient's total score of less than seven was considered unsatisfactory, and these patients were provided PLES by pharmacists experienced in kidney health. After an interval of 4 weeks, patients were reassessed with the same set of questions.

Results

The median (interquartile range) knowledge and practice scores before PLES were 0 (0, 1) and 3 (3, 5), respectively, while the overall score was 4 (3, 5). A significant improvement was demonstrated after PLES in the knowledge score (3 (2, 4) (p < 0.001)), practice score (5 (5, 5) (p < 0.001)) and overall score (7 (6, 9) (p < 0.001)). All the questions assessing CKD patients’ knowledge and practices showed significant improvement after PLES.

Conclusion

Pharmacist‐led education sessions have an impact on improving CKD patient's knowledge and practices regarding CaCO3 administration.
The Rametrix™ LITE Toolbox v1.0 for MATLAB®
Authors: Fisher Amanda K. , Carswell William F. , Athamneh Ahmad I.M. , Sullivan Meaghan C. , Robertson John L. , Bevan David R. , Senger Ryan S.
Published: March 2018

To contribute to the growing interest in using Raman spectroscopy to analyze biological samples and provide chemometric analysis, we have developed a Raman Chemometrics (Rametrix™) Toolbox for use with MATLAB®. The LITE version of the Rametrix™ Toolbox is free to academic users through GitHub (https://github.com/SengerLab/RametrixLITEToolbox) and provides a graphical user interface for application of the following to Raman spectra: baseline correction with the Goldindec algorithm, vector or specific band normalization, principal component analysis (PCA), discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC), identification of wavenumber loadings for PCA and DAPC, and calculation of total canonical distance. Raman spectroscopy and analysis with the Rametrix™ LITE Toolbox were applied to generate calibration curves, monitor enzymatic reactions, and track Escherichia coli culture growth. Results were quantitatively consistent with traditional methods of analysis. Additionally, the ability to distinguish urine specimens from healthy individuals and from patients receiving treatment for chronic kidney disease through peritoneal dialysis was demonstrated using PCA and DAPC of Raman spectra, suggesting future applications to detect or monitor progression of the disease. Overall, the Rametrix™ LITE Toolbox provides a streamlined application of PCA and DAPC chemometric techniques, and total canonical distance offers an additional quantitative measure to interpret Raman spectra of biological samples.
Comparison of tissue deterioration of ripening banana fruit (Musa spp., AAA group, Cavendish subgroup) under chilling and non‐chilling temperatures
Authors: Ramírez‐Sánchez Maricruz , Huber Donald J , Vallejos Carlos E
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

In fleshy fruits, induced programmed cell death (PCD) has been observed in heat‐treated tomato, and in ethylene‐treated and low‐temperature exposure in immature cucumber. No other fleshy fruit has been evaluated for chilling‐injury‐induced PCD, especially mature fruit with full ripening capacity. The purpose of this research was to identify and evaluate the presence of PCD processes during the development of low‐temperature‐induced physiopathy of banana fruit.

RESULTS

Exposure of fruit to 5 °C for 4 days induced degradative processes similar to those occurring during ripening and overripening of non‐chilled fruit. Nuclease from banana peel showed activity in both DNA substrates and RNA substrates. No exclusive low‐temperature‐induced proteases and nucleases were observed. DNA of chilled peel showed earlier signs of degradation and higher levels of DNA tailing during overripening.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that exposure to low temperatures did not induce a pattern of degradative processes that differed from that occurring during ripening and overripening of non‐chilled fruit. DNA showed earlier signs of degradation and higher levels of DNA tailing. Nuclease activity analysis showed bifunctionality in both chilled and non‐chilled tissue and no chilling‐exclusive protease and nuclease. Fleshy fruit might use their available resources on degradative processes and adjust them depending on environmental conditions. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Predictors of complications in heat‐treated autograft reconstruction after intercalary resection for malignant musculoskeletal tumors of the extremity
Authors: Ikuta Kunihiro , Nishida Yoshihiro , Sugiura Hideshi , Tsukushi Satoshi , Yamada Kenji , Urakawa Hiroshi , Arai Eisuke , Hamada Shunsuke , Ishiguro Naoki
Published: March 2018

Background

Biological reconstruction with recycled heat‐treated autografts has been an option for a segmental skeletal defect after intercalary resection for malignant musculoskeletal tumors in the extremity. This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical outcomes in patients treated with this procedure and identify factors affecting the incidence of complications.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 24 patients treated with heat‐treated autografts after intercalary resection at our institution between 1992 and 2015.

Results

The survival rate of the heat‐treated autografts was 70.1% at 10 years. Of the 48 host‐graft junctions in the 24 patients, nonunion occurred in 18 junctions (38%). In the univariate analysis, location in the upper extremity, intercalary grafts without vascularized fibula autografts (VFG), and junction at the diaphysis significantly increased the rate of nonunion (P = 0.003, P = 0.003, and P = 0.031, respectively). Location in the upper extremity was an independent factor associated with nonunion in the multivariate analysis (P = 0.006). Upper extremity location and intercalary grafts without VFG were also significant factors for bone absorption (P = 0.042 and P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Our results can provide useful information to devise possibly novel clinical approaches to patients requiring intercalary reconstruction of the extremity.
Double vascularized omentum lymphatic transplant (VOLT) for the treatment of lymphedema
Authors: Kenworthy Elizabeth O. , Nelson Jonas A. , Verma Richa , Mbabuike JeanJacques , Mehrara Babak J. , Dayan Joseph H.
Published: March 2018

Background and Objectives

Orthotopic vascularized lymph node transplant has been successfully used to treat lymphedema. A second, heterotopic lymph node transplant in the distal extremity may provide further improvement. The vascularized omentum lymphatic transplant (VOLT) provides adequate tissue for two simultaneous flap transfers to one limb. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with this technique.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of patients who underwent VOLT, with a subgroup analysis of patients who underwent double VOLT. Technical aspects of the procedure, complications, and early outcomes were reviewed.

Results

From May 2015 to August 2017, 54 VOLTs were performed in 38 patients, of whom 16 received double VOLT. Among patients in the double VOLT group with postoperative imaging at 1 year, uptake into the transplanted omentum was seen in three of six (50%) patients on lymphoscintigraphy and in one of five (20%) patients on indocyanine green lymphangiography. One patient (3.1%) in the double VOLT group required a return to the operating room. There were no donor site complications in the double VOLT group. The overall complication rate was 15.8%.

Conclusions

Double VOLT to the mid‐level and proximal extremity is a safe and viable option.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder 23 Years After the 1988 Spitak Earthquake in Armenia
Authors: Goenjian Armen K. , Khachadourian Vahe , Armenian Haroutune , Demirchyan Anahit , Steinberg Alan M.
Published: March 2018

This population‐based longitudinal study examined the rates and predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among 725 differentially exposed survivors of the 1988 Spitak earthquake in Armenia, 23 years after the event. Participants had been previously evaluated in 1991. Evaluations included assessment of current PTSD (based on DSM‐5 criteria), and a variety of potential risk and protective factors. For the whole sample, the rate of PTSD attributed to the earthquake decreased from 48.7% in 1991 to 11.6% in 2012 (p < .001). A “dose of exposure” pattern persisted, and 15.7% of participants who were in Spitak (high exposure) and 6.6% of participants who were in Kirovagan (low exposure) during the earthquake met the criteria for PTSD (p = .003). Additionally, in 2012, another 9.9% of participants met PTSD criteria due to post‐earthquake traumas, which is a 5‐fold increase from pre‐ to postearthquake (p < . 001). Factors positively associated with PTSD included earthquake‐related job loss, exposure to post‐earthquake traumas, depression at baseline, and chronic illness since the earthquake. Factors inversely associated with PTSD included housing assistance within two years after the earthquake, support of family and/or friends, and to a lesser degree, higher education and high living standard. These variables accounted for 23.1% of the variance in current PTSD severity scores. These findings indicate that PTSD rates subside significantly after a catastrophic disaster, although earthquake‐related PTSD persists among a subgroup of exposed individuals. Predictors of PTSD identified in this study provide guidance for planning acute and longer‐term postdisaster public mental health recovery programs.
Telechelic, Antimicrobial Hydrophilic Polycations with Two Modes of Action
Authors: Richter Lena , Hijazi Montasser , Arfeen Fatima , Krumm Christian , Tiller Joerg C.
Published: March 2018

Telechelic antimicrobial poly(2‐oxazoline)s with quaternary ammonium (quat) end groups are shown to be potent antimicrobial polymers against Gram‐positive bacterial strains. In this study, the activity against the Gram‐negative bacterium Escherichia coli is additionally implemented by hydrolyzing the poly(2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline) with two quart end groups to poly(ethylene imine) (PEI). The resulting telechelic polycations are active against Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. The contribution of the PEI backbone is determined by measuring the antimicrobial activity in the presence of calcium ions. The influence of PEI on the overall activity strongly depends on the molecular weight and increases with higher mass. The PEI dominates the activity against E. coli at lower masses than against S. aureus. The quart end groups require an alkyl substituent of dodecyl or longer to dominate the antimicrobial activity. Additionally, PEI and quart end groups act synergistically.
Rapid One‐Step Synthesis of Complex‐Architecture Block Polymers Using Inductively “Armed–Disarmed” Monomer Pairs
Authors: Chang Boyce S. , Oyola‐Reynoso Stephanie , Cutinho Joel , Thuo Martin M.
Published: March 2018

A facile method is reported for rapid, room‐temperature synthesis of block copolymers (BCP) of complex morphology and hence nontraditional spherical assembly. The use of solvated electrons generates radical anions on olefinic monomers, and with a felicitous choice of monomer pairs, this species will propagate bimechanistically (via radical and the anion) to form BCPs. Molecular weight of the obtained BCP range from Mw = 97 000–404 000 g mol−1 (polydispersity index, PDI = 1.4–3.0) depending on monomer pairs. The composition of the blocks can be controlled by changing monomer ratio, with the caveat that yield is affected. Detailed characterization by 2D nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and analysis of the mechanisms involved indicate the structure of obtained block copolymers to be at least a triblock with a complex central unit. Evaluating trends in the Hammett parameter segregates monomer pairs into “armed and disarmed” groups with respect to radical or anionic polymerization akin to oligosaccharides synthesis.
Linear nonuniform antenna array of planar elements fed by a dielectric waveguide
Authors: Kong Linghui , Yan Sen , Volski Vladimir , Vandenbosch Guy A. E.
Published: March 2018

A nonuniform antenna array topology fed by a dielectric strip waveguide is proposed for in‐house X‐band radar and localization purposes. It can largely avoid the conductor losses from a traditional feeding network, and also provides a very simple topology that can be easily manufactured with cheap mass‐production Printed Circuit Board technology. The working mechanism is fully based on the electromagnetic coupling between the wave travelling in the dielectric waveguide and the nonuniform antenna elements positioned in series along the waveguide. The antenna elements are optimized in such a way that each element radiates the required power to provide a medium gain broadside beam. A bandwidth of about 160 MHz, a gain of 8.51 dB, and an efficiency of about 86% are obtained for the realized prototype.
A 2.1 GHz 30 dBm power amplifier in 0.18 μm SiGe BiCMOS process
Authors: Li Zhiqun , He Shidong , Zhu Bihui , Zhang Chi
Published: March 2018

A cascode power amplifier (PA) fabricated in 0.18 μm SiGe BiCMOS technology is presented. The cascode structure is used to provide high voltage gain and high output power. To prevent the negative impact of bond wire, the pseudo‐differential structure is used to provide a virtual ground for signal. Adaptive bias circuit provides stable voltage bias to the base of common‐emitter. With the combination of two completely symmetrical PA units, the whole PA achieves its saturated output power of 30.62 dBm and PAE of 31.75% at 2.1 GHz, and the small signal gain is 26.19 dB.
Compact high‐speed envelope detector architecture for ultra‐wideband communications
Authors: Blanco Granja Angel , Cimoli Bruno , Rodríguez Sebastián , Jakoby Rolf , Jensen Jesper Bevensee , Penirschke Andreas , Tafur Monroy Idelfonso , Johansen Tom Keinicke
Published: March 2018

This article describes a Schottky diode based envelope detector architecture able to demodulate single‐ended signals adopting a single balanced configuration without the use of an external balun. The proposed architecture combines the functionality of a balun and, simultaneously, the rectification of the input signal. The dual functionality of the Schottky diodes applied, leads to a compact configuration that, according to the authors’ knowledge, has not been shown before. The manufactured prototype is able to demodulate error free a 2.5 Gbps amplitude shift keying signal at 8 GHz carrier frequency, achieving a bitrate to frequency carrier ratio (Δb) of 31.25%.
A fiber optic sensor based on Mach‐Zehnder interferometer structure for food composition detection
Authors: Razak Hanim Abdul , Sulaiman Nur Hidayah , Haroon Hazura , Mohd Zain Anis Suhaila
Published: March 2018

In this article, fiber optic sensor (FOS) has been employed for food composition detection by using a Mach–Zehnder Interferometer (MZI) structure. The Single Mode–Multimode–Single Mode configuration with varied length of the sensing region with 4 cm and 8 cm were designed and analyzed. The FOS has been developed by using a fusion arc splicing technique. The sensor device has been tested with the major components of food compositions such as water, 1.0 mol sucrose solution and oil with the refractive index (RI) of 1.333, 1.384, and 1.464, respectively. The sensor device experienced a wavelength redshift as the RI increases. Meanwhile, it is also observed that the sensitivity of FOS is linearly proportional to the length of the sensor region. The best sensitivity achieved is 4.413 nm/RIU for 8 cm length of sensor region. The findings of this article can serve as a reference for improved sensitivity by manipulating the sensor's length.
Planar miniaturized CP antenna with coaxial feeding
Authors: Inserra Daniele , Guang Jun Wen
Published: March 2018

A planar and miniaturized circularly polarized antenna is presented in this article. The antenna configuration is a sequential rotated antenna array with four monopole antennas bended for miniaturization purpose. A meandered microstrip series power divider is used to feed the four antennas through a coaxial feeding. The antenna is fabricated on a single layer 0.4 mm thickness FR‐4 dielectric substrate to work in the ultrahigh frequency (UHF) bandwidth, and measurement results confirm the goodness of the proposed design method.
A new design of microstrip antenna array for microwave power transmission
Authors: Zhong Yong‐Wei , Yang Guo‐Min , Liu Yi , Zheng Li‐Rong
Published: March 2018

An improved method used to design high transmission efficiency microwave power transmission (MPT) antenna array is proposed in this article. In this method, the constraint of the transmitting element arrangement is removed by defining the power transmission efficiency different from previous works, and the coupling between transmitting elements is included completely. Two 4 × 4 antenna arrays working at 5.8 GHz are designed and fabricated to verify it. These two arrays are used in two MPT systems, in each system the transmitting array and receiving array have the same geometry. The measured transmission efficiencies of antenna array 1 and array 2 are 65% and 58% when the transmission distances are 10 cm and 20 cm, respectively.
Triple‐band planar dipole antenna for omnidirectional radiation
Authors: Alibakhshikenari Mohammad , Virdee Bal S. , Limiti Ernesto
Published: March 2018

This letter presents a compact triple‐band dipole antenna that radiates omnidirectionally. The antenna is a T‐shaped structure that is excited through a vertical feedline. Located under the horizontal rectangular patch are two λ/2 long meander‐line stubs symmetrically interfaced to the feedline. On the bottom side of the substrate is a trident shaped ground‐plane structure located under the T‐shaped radiator. The proposed configuration is essentially composed of three radiating elements, which has a small footprint of 19 × 16 mm2 on a 0.8 mm thick substrate. Regions of enhanced impedance matching are realized between 0.5 and 2.69 GHz, 3.2–4.44 GHz and 4.82–6.6 GHz covering major portions of L, S, and C‐bands. It is shown by reducing the gap between the meander lines stub and rectangular patch reduces results in increased gain performance. Measured results confirm the antenna exhibits omnidirectional radiation with enhanced impedance match at 1.5, 4, and 5.4 GHz with corresponding average gain of 1.6 dBi, 3.4 dBi, and 3 dBi, respectively.
An array antenna based on coplanar parasitic patch structure
Authors: Kan Guojin , Lin Wenbin , Liu Chang , Zou Deyou
Published: March 2018

This article presents a 5 × 5 array antenna with the coplanar parasitic patch structure. The array consists of 25 patches and 24 resonance branches. Two center patches, which are fed by two high frequency SMA probes, serves as the driving elements, while the surrounding 23 patches are the parasitic elements. The resonance branches of the array antenna are used as a feed network to transmit the coupling energy. As a result, 25 patches on the substrate can be stimulated simultaneously. The array antenna has a simple feed structure and compact size. Compared with a standalone antenna, the coplanar parasitic patch array antenna has the advantages of wide bandwidth and high gain. Experimental results show that the proposed antenna operating band is 17.2–21.3 GHz; the impedance bandwidth is 20.5%; and the peak gain is 14.2 dBi.
Room temperature densified ceramics for weight optimized circular polarized GPS antenna design
Authors: Ramachandran Prasadh , Kähäri Hanna , Juuti Jari , Jantunen Heli
Published: March 2018

This article presents the use of ceramic composite composed of Li2MoO4 and 9 vol% of BaTiO3 to realize compact weight optimized circular polarized GPS antenna. The ceramic substrate for the antenna was fabricated with a room‐temperature densification method based on the use of a small amount of an aqueous phase of Li2MoO4 and subsequent recrystallization. A square patch (FT‐FB) was used as a reference patch antenna. This was then compared with a double curved patch antenna (CT‐CB) and a curved patch with a flat bottom (CT‐FB). It was observed that the axial ratio and radiation patterns of the different patch antennas were very similar. In simulations, the FT‐FB patch had peak total efficiency of −2.2 dB, followed by the CT‐CB patch with total efficiency of −2.5 dB and the CT‐FB patch with total efficiency of −2.7 dB. The mass of the FT‐FB and CT‐CB antennas were 12.66 g, while the mass of the CT‐FB antenna was only 9.44 g. Thus, a weight reduction of 25.4% was obtained. Ease of fabrication using Li2MoO4‐based composite ceramic helps in creating an optimal antenna design for size and weight‐constrained mobile devices such as drones.
The effects of a heating pad on anxiety, pain, and distress during urodynamic study in the female patients with stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Kim Jong Wook , Kim Hyun Ju , Park Young Joo , Kang Sung G. , Park Jae Y. , Bae Jae Hyun , Kang Seok Ho , Park Hong Seok , Moon Du Geon , Cheon Jun , Lee Jeong Gu , Kim Je Jong , Oh Mi Mi
Published: March 2018

Aims

Although generally well tolerated, a urodynamic study is an unpleasant and stressful procedure for some patients. This study evaluated the effects of a heating pad on anxiety, pain, and distress during urodynamic studies in female patients with stress urinary incontinence.

Methods

A total of 74 female patients with stress urinary incontinence who underwent a urodynamic study between May 2015 and October 2015 were randomized to either the experimental group using a heating pad (n = 37) or control group (n = 37). In the experimental group, a heating pad was applied on the patient's sacrum during the urodynamic study. All patients completed the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (20‐80) before and after the procedure and assessed their degree of pain and distress after the procedure by the visual analog scale (0‐10). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate were also checked before and after the procedure.

Results

Demographic characteristics, mean age, procedure duration, pre and post‐procedural systolic, and diastolic blood pressures, and pulse rate were statistically similar between the experimental and control groups. The mean State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (30.9 ± 7.5 vs 42.5 ± 10.1, P < 0.001). The experimental group showed significantly lower pain and distress scores (Visual Analog Scale, 2.7 ± 1.5, 3.0 ± 1.5) compared with the control group (4.0 ± 1.6, 4.7 ± 2.0, both P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Using a heating pad for female patients with stress urinary incontinence during a urodynamic study is a simple, economical, and effective therapy that enhances patient comfort and decreases anxiety, pain, and distress.
CNS progression during vinblastine or targeted therapies for high‐risk relapsed ALK‐positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma: A case series
Authors: Ruf Stephanie , Hebart Holger , Hjalgrim Lisa Lyngsie , Kabickova Edita , Lang Peter , Steinbach Daniel , Schwabe Georg C. , Woessmann Wilhelm
Published: March 2018

Vinblastine and targeted therapies induce remissions in patients with relapsed or progressive anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)‐positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). Central nervous system (CNS) prophylaxis often is not included during re‐induction in CNS‐negative relapse patients. We report on five patients with progressive or early relapsed ALK‐positive ALCL who developed CNS progression during re‐induction with vinblastine, crizotinib, or brentuximab vedotin given for bridging to allogeneic blood stem cell transplantation. These observations suggest that CNS prophylaxis should be considered in ALCL patients suffering progression during initial therapy who receive re‐induction using agents with limited CNS penetration.
Hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide) genotoxicity in pediatric patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Rodriguez Anar , Duez Pierre , Dedeken Laurence , Cotton Frédéric , Ferster Alina
Published: March 2018

Background

Hydroxyurea (HU) reduces the severity of sickle cell disease (SCD) in children; nevertheless, its long‐term safety is an important concern. This paper evaluates HU genotoxicity at dose ≤ 30 mg/kg/day after over 2 years of treatment.

Procedure

The study included 76 children: 32 SCD patients treated with HU, 27 SCD patients not treated with HU, and 17 unaffected children. HU patients were classified as good or poor responders according to their clinical response. Comet assay allows the comparison of DNA damage between both groups of patients and unaffected children. Maximal concentration (Cmax) of HU in plasma was determined after drug administration.

Results

Mean values of DNA in the comet tail were 5.13 ± 6.84 for unaffected children, 5.80 ± 7.78 for patients with SCD treated with HU, and 5.61 ± 6.91 for patients with SCD not treated with HU. Significant differences were observed between unaffected children and children with SCD. No difference was evident between comets from SCD patients treated and not treated with HU. In the case of HU, mean DNA in the comet tail was significantly lower in good responders than in poor responders: 5.54 ± 7.77 and 6.69 ± 8.43, respectively. Mean Cmax value on plasma was 39.08 ± 15.65 mg/l; N = 31.

Conclusions

SCD increases, slightly but significantly, DNA damage in lymphocytes from patients with SCD. Patients with SCD treated with HU do not present more nucleoid damage than patients with SCD not treated with HU. Good responders to the HU treatment have significantly less nucleoid damage than poor responders. HU treatment at ≤30 mg/kg/day does not expose patients to a genotoxic plasma concentration.
Modified conditioning regimen improves outcomes of unrelated donor peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for β‐thalassaemia major patients
Authors: Huang Ke , Zhou Dun‐Hua , Li Yang , Xu Hong‐Gui , Que Li‐Ping , Chen Chun , Xue Hong‐Man , Guo Hai‐Xia , Weng Wen‐jun , Huang Shao‐Liang , Fang Jian‐Pei
Published: March 2018

Background

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a modified conditioning regimen for the treatment of patients with β‐thalassaemia major (TM), using unrelated donor peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (UD‐PBSCT).

Methods

A modified conditioning regimen based on intravenous busulfan, cyclophosphamide, fludarabine, and antithymocyte globulin was performed in 50 consecutive childhood patients with β‐TM and a median age of 4.6 years (range, 2–12 years). According to Pesaro's classification, three classes of risk are identified using the criteria of degree of hepatomegaly, portal fibrosis, and quality of the chelation treatment. Patients with three adverse criteria constituted class III, none of the adverse criteria constituted class I, and one or two of the adverse criteria formed class II. Ten patients were class I, 36 class II, and four class III. All patients were transplanted with UDs containing 37 of 10/10 human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐matched pairs, 11 of 9/10 matched pairs, and two of 8/10 matched pairs. The median follow‐up was 36 months (range, 9–96 months).

Results

All patients successfully achieved engraftment, two of whom developed persistent thrombocytopaenia. The incidence of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD) grade III‐IV and chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (cGVHD) were 12% and 8%, respectively. However, 8.3% of HLA‐matched and 15.4% of HLA‐mismatched patients developed aGVHD. The incidence of severe bacterial infections and fungal pneumonia was 12% and 20%, respectively. The 3‐year overall survival, disease‐free survival, graft rejection, and transplant‐related mortality were 94%, 92%, 2%, and 6%, respectively.

Conclusion

This modified conditioning protocol effectively improved outcomes of UD‐PBSCT for patients with β‐TM.
Risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss in adults using phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors: Population‐based cohort study
Authors: Liu Wei , Antonelli Patrick J. , Dahm Philipp , Gerhard Tobias , Delaney Joseph A.C. , Segal Richard , Crystal Stephen , Winterstein Almut G.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The objective of the study was to determine the risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) associated with use of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study in the MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database including adult men who initiated a PDE5 inhibitor (n = 377,722) and 1,957,233 nonusers between 1998 and 2007. Periods of drug exposure were assessed on a weekly basis based on pharmacy billing records, assuming use of 1 dose per week (current use). Incident sudden SNHL was defined based on inpatient or outpatient visits with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes 389.1x, 389.2x, or 388.2 plus ≥2 procedure codes for audiometric hearing testing within ±30 days of sudden SNHL diagnosis. We used age‐ and propensity score‐adjusted Cox proportional hazards model to evaluate the risk of sudden SNHL during periods of current or recent use compared with that of nonuse. We conducted sensitivity analyses by varying the assumed drug utilization frequency and sudden SNHL case definition.

Results

We evaluated 1233 sudden SNHL cases, resulting in an incidence of 4.35, 5.58, and 2.38 per 10,000 person‐years for current, recent, and nonuse of PDE5 inhibitors, respectively. Compared with nonuse, the adjusted hazard ratio was 1.25 (1.01‐1.55) for current use with a risk difference of 1.97 (1.12‐2.82) per 10,000 person‐years. For recent use, the adjusted hazard ratio was 1.60 (1.33‐1.94) and risk difference was 3.19 (2.24‐4.14). Estimates were consistent across the sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Use of PDE5 inhibitors is associated with a small but significantly increased risk of sudden SNHL.
Surface protein components from entomopathogenic nematodes and their symbiotic bacteria: effects on immune responses of the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Brivio Maurizio Francesco , Toscano Andrea , De Pasquale Simone Maria , De Lerma Barbaro Andrea , Giovannardi Stefano , Finzi Giovanna , Mastore Maristella
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Steinernema carpocapsae is a nematocomplex widely used as an alternative to chemicals for the biological control of insect pests; this nematode is symbiotically associated with the bacterium Xenorhabdus nematophila and both contribute to host death. The architecture and functions of structures and molecular components of the surface of nematodes and their symbiont bacteria are integral to early interactions with their hosts; thus, we assessed the role of protein pools isolated from the surface of S. carpocapsae and from phase I X. nematophila against Galleria mellonella.

RESULTS

Using high‐salt treatments, we isolated the surface proteins and assayed them on G. mellonella haemocytes; haemocyte viability and phagocytic activity were investigated in the presence of surface proteins from nematodes or bacteria. Proteins from live S. carpocapsae possessed mild cytotoxicity on the haemocytes, whereas those from live X. nematophila markedly affected the host cells' viability. Bacterial proteins inhibited phagocytic activity, although they strongly triggered the host proPO (prophenoloxidase‐phenoloxidase) system.

CONCLUSION

Nematocomplex surface compounds play a key role in immunoevasion/depression of insect hosts, causing a severe physiological disorder. Natural compounds newly identified as active against pests could improve the pest management of species potentially harmful to plants in urban green spaces and agriculture. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Stress‐and‐Sense Investigation of Memory Effect in Si‐NCs MIS Structures
Authors: Mazurak Andrzej , Jasiński Jakub , Mroczyński Robert
Published: March 2018

Silicon nanocrystals have been recently investigated for potential applications in modern silicon optoelectronics and photonics. In this work, co‐doped silicon nanocrystals embedded in hafnium oxide thin films have been introduced to metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) structures. The fabricated test devices are investigated for the nanocrystals charging effect and the charge retention properties parametrized by flat‐band voltage shift. Electrical measurements including the stress‐and‐sense procedure are carried out. The effect of bias parameters on memory effect is discussed in terms of device capacitance, flat‐band voltage shift, and retention time. The reported retention of flat‐band voltage values extrapolated to 10 years seems to be promising for future applications in memory devices.